It is important to be aware of how the end product can vary when we want to manufacture in bio- or recycled plastic. What is beautiful to the eye is not always achievable and possible in the manufacture of items in bio- or recycled plastic.

We have an obligation to state this so that there are no unattainable wishes as well as false expectations for the visual appearance of an end product when it has been chosen to be made of bio- or recycled plastic.

Designers and customers must be able to assess whether it is the look or whether it is the material that is most important.

If bio or recycled plastic is chosen, the marketing must also show that the type of plastic is a conscious choice, e.g. due to sustainability and green conversion. The finished products can vary when manufactured in bio- or recycled plastic.

Depending on the choice of bioplastic type, the bioplastic can present challenges with shadows and small scratches, as the material can be softer and more delicate.

Recycled plastic can present challenges with dots on the surface, so it is important to make the consumer / end user realize that dots and possibly shadows and small scratches are a chosen property because of the green choice and not a mistake.

Avoid mistakes

Unika will not compromise on our desire to deliver the desired quality and to be an innovative plastics and tools company. We fail if the choice of material is not carefully considered and any challenges are not disclosed before production begins.

Today It is our experience that sustainable material can’t always be used successfully if appearance is the most important thing. In the event of incorrect material selection without explanation, we risk dissatisfied customers, too much incorrect production with consequent higher energy consumption, too much waste and waste, too much grinder, wasted working hours, higher energy consumption both for production and for grinder.

Considerations

If bioplastic is the choise, a return system where it can be remelted should be considered. Bioplastics only degrade themselves in a short time in a controlled environment, ie. in industrial plants where humidity and temperatures are controlled and where the microorganisms are present. Under the right conditions, biodegradable plastics will be converted into water, CO₂ and biomass in about 2 months. If bioplastic is thrown away in nature, it will take many years before it decomposes.

Therefore, if the biodegradable property is to be utilized and create an environmental benefit, the plastic must be collected and sorted before treatment in an industrial plant.

It must not become an end in itself to develop products that, after use, can be thrown away in the name of the environment. The consequence may be that the plastic waste will lie and flow in nature instead of being collected and recycled as a resource. The goal should be to develop products that can be used again and again, for different purposes and make a plan for how the consumer can finally dispose of the product in the most environmentally friendly way.

Bio- and recycled plastic

When dots are a conscious choice

Avoid mistakes

Considerations