Didak-Injection-more-recyled-materials

The Future of Injection Moulding: More Recycled Materials

At Didak Injection, we place great importance on the sustainability of our products. Not only do we produce long-lasting and reusable products, but, wherever possible, we also use recycled materials in our production process. We believe that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand, and we strive to be pioneers in the transition towards a circular economy.

Many years of experience in using recycled materials

For years, we have gained extensive experience in using recycled materials. Thanks to our strong commitment to recycling, we are able to reduce our ecological footprint. Each year, we process 25,000 tonnes of raw materials, of which 7,000 tonnes are recycled. To ensure the quality and safety of our products, we have implemented rigorous controls and cutting-edge equipment. Our in-house facilities allow us to grind our own production waste into granules.

These granules are exclusively used for non-food-approved products.

This enables us to mould new products by injection. We also strive to minimise waste in our production. All our internal waste is recycled at 100%, and we are very proud of this! It contributes to sustainable business operations and an environmentally friendly approach.

 

testing of materials

Enhanced quality controls

The quality of recycled materials can vary significantly, which can affect the production process. That is why we have implemented thorough quality controls.

We rigorously test our raw materials, particularly their viscosity and melt flow index (MFI - Melt Flow Index and MFR - Melt Mass-flow Rate), which measure a polymer’s ability to flow under constant pressure and temperature over a period of 10 minutes. Different temperatures are used for different materials.

These indices can vary widely, ranging from 10 to 100, which influences the consistency of the production process and dimensions.

Each batch is analysed using samples before use, and in the case of significant deviations, it is sent back to the supplier. To minimise variations, at Didak Injection we have gravimetric mixing installations that allow us to mix different batches with precision. Unlike volumetric installations, these weigh the materials to ensure an accurate mixing ratio every time.

Innovative metal detection

Twenty years ago, Didak Injection introduced a metal detection and separation system on its lines, derived from the food industry, to remove conductive materials such as metals, copper, and aluminium from our raw materials. This system protects the machines, hot runners (part of the moulds), and the moulds themselves, thereby improving process continuity and product quality.

Mixing installations for additives

When necessary, we add additives to improve the processing of recycled materials, for example, to achieve an average viscosity in line with the desired mechanical properties.

Thanks to our gravimetric mixing installations, we can precisely measure and mix these additives, ensuring a consistent final product that meets the specific requirements of our clients.

At Didak Injection, we aim to contribute to more sustainable production through our continued investment in new technologies and our ongoing experimentation with new materials and techniques. Our sustainability strategy also includes the use of our own installations, such as a biomass power plant and solar panels. This allows us to adjust our processes quickly and efficiently when necessary. We are proud of our sustainable approach, where recycled materials are transformed into new products. All our production waste is 100% recycled.

Would you like to know more? Don’t hesitate to contact one of our specialists.