Extrusion Blow-Moulding -The Sustainable Technology

The 1950s saw the widespread introduction of plastic, which has continued to expand ever since. A whopping 300 million tonnes of plastic are generated each year today. The use of plastic is a result of both its low cost of production and several useful properties, such as light weight, acid resistance, and flexibility. Additionally, the flexibility of sustainable plastic encourages technological advancements and, particularly in the domains of healthcare, construction, and the manufacture of aircraft and automobiles, results in innovations, approaches and convenience.

Plastic is a material that is more affordable, lighter, and adaptable than the majority of substitutes. “Plastic is an irreplaceable part of our nation’s economy, contributing to nearly every vital segment of our manufacturing sector… and our lives. It’s essential to creating medical supplies, comfortable housing, personal safety equipment, a safer food supply, clean energy, and our family cars,” quoted by the American Chemistry Council.

The working process of Extrusion blow moulding

Extrusion blow moulding is a manufacturing process used to produce plastic elements, such as bottles, containers, and other similar items. The process involves melting plastic material (usually in the form of pellets) and extruding it through a die, known as a parison. The parison is then clamped into a mold cavity and air is blown into the parison, forcing it to expand and take the shape of the mold.

Extrusion blow moulding is a popular method for manufacturing plastic storage products because it is fast, efficient, and can produce large quantities of identical parts. It is also a cost-effective method, as it requires less material than other moulding processes and can produce parts with thinner walls. Additionally, extrusion blow moulding allows for a wide range of shapes and sizes, making it a versatile option for manufacturers.

Extrusion blow moulding considered sustainable for several reasons

Firstly, it is used to produce lightweight plastic containers that require less material, resulting in lower material usage and reduced environmental impact. Secondly, many plastic materials used in extrusion blow moulding are recyclable, which can reduce waste and conserve resources. When converted into new product reduces the need for virgin plastic.

Also, advancements in technology have led to the development of biodegradable and compostable materials that can be used in extrusion blow moulding. These materials are designed to break down in the environment over time, reducing their impact on the environment.

Finally, the efficiency of the extrusion blow moulding process can reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions compared to other manufacturing methods. By producing high volumes of identical parts in a single step, extrusion blow moulding can be an efficient and sustainable option for plastic container manufacturing.

Here are some examples of industries that use this machinery for various applications:

• Packaging industry: Includes extrusion blow-moulding machinery to produce a wide range of plastic bottles, containers, and jars for different products such as beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
• Automotive industry: Operates the machinery to produce plastic components such as fuel tanks, air ducts, and windshield washer reservoirs.
• Consumer goods industry: Uses extrusion blow-moulding machinery to produce various plastic products such as toys, household items, and gardening tools.
• Medical industry: The machinery is applicable to produce medical devices such as IV bottles, medicine containers, and diagnostic equipment.
• Construction industry: To produce plastic pipes, gutters, and other building materials.
• Agriculture industry: Implementing the machinery to produce irrigation tubes, pesticide containers, and animal feeders.
• Electrical industry: The electrical industry uses this machinery to produce plastic components such as cable ducts, switch boxes, and light fixtures.