Challenges to be more sustainable
IMCD highlighted solutions
Design reusable plastic products
It’s critical that the reusable plastic material selection is connected to and can withstand the environment it is intended to live in.
Environment: When considering how the end-product will be used, questions like where will it be used, in what environment, and for what purpose must also be addressed. For example, if this is a product that is going to spend most of its time outside, enduring the elements, like sun, rain, and wind. If you design a reusable plastic product without these factors in mind, it will not last the time it needs to be a durable product.
Material selection: Selecting the optimal material and additives for an application is a critical early part of the design process. Reusable product designs must be built to last. This is achieved with a range of polymers and additives, such as antioxidants, thermal stabilisers, UV absorbers, modifiers and resin selection that meets the life cycle demand, sterilisation and reusability.
Do product testing
Extensive product testing plays a critical role in ensuring any product design meets the demands of the end-use of the product, similar to traditional material design testing. Product testing can be time-consuming and costly, however, a necessity. Mechanical, chemical resistance, and outdoor and indoor resistance testing methods are critical to ensuring the quality, performance and durability of the end product.