Effervescent Plastics Promise More With Less

A new method of expanding plastic during molding looks to change the way plastic goods are manufactured in the future and may help ease our growing appetite for virgin plastic. By infusing microscopic bubbles into the interior of plastic, MicroGREEN, an Arlington Washington based firm, has developed a solid-state microcellular technology that increases strength and more importantly, vastly reduces the use of plastic source materials.

MicroGREEN’s patented technology, developed at the University of Washington, promises to increase output while lowering material costs by up 75% or more. The process can be tailored to each specific application and can be used with a variety of virgin and recycled plastics, such as PET and even bioplastics like PLA. The process does not chemically alter the plastic so the end product can be recycled over and over again. A common example on MicroGREEN’s website claims that the plastic found in a common 20oz soda bottle is enough to make seven 12 oz coffee cups using their patented technology.

The process creates a naturally smooth outer surface, is lighter weight, has excellent insulating qualities and requires less energy to manufacture. The new technology is FDA approved for use with food, and applications can range from use in electronics and appliances, to the aviation and automobile industry, and even in building supplies and lighting. With a long list of benefits, MicroGREEN’s process of doing more with less is a much-needed advance in our plastic dependent society.

To find out more visit MicroGREEN’s Website