Sustainable plastic injection moulded parts
18 December 2023
TEX Plastics injection moulding processes are designed to be more environmentally friendly, by contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices and reducing the overall environmental impact of plastic production.
Plastic Injection Moulding to the Environmental Standard ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is the world's most recognised environmental management system standard. It provides a roadmap for improving TEX Plastics environmental performance. Having ISO:14001:2015 helps us as a business achieve more sustainable production of plastic injection moulded parts.
Plastic injection moulding offers several benefits that align with sustainability goals
Plastic injection moulding supports sustainability through resource efficiency, lightweight design, product durability, and recyclability. When used responsibly and in conjunction with effective waste management practices, plastic injection moulding emerges as a sustainable manufacturing solution with a reduced environmental footprint. Making injection moulding more environmentally friendly involves adopting practices and technologies that minimise environmental impact throughout the product life cycle.
Injection moulding is an inherently material-saving efficient process
Working with our customers we always seek to create sustainable injection moulded parts to help them reduce the environmental footprint of their specific application. We also have multiple strategies to enhance the environmental sustainability of our injection moulding of plastic parts. As a result, TEX Plastics has significantly reduced the carbon footprint per plastic injection moulded component produced year on year.
Environmentally Sensitive Plastic Injection Moulding
This has been achieved through applying our ‘3 Pillars of Eco Efficiency’ process consistency to continuously innovate how we do things to reduce our overall carbon footprint. Whether it’s been achieved by removing miles, reducing energy consumption or recycling more, the end goal helps our customers reduce ‘their products’ carbon footprint.
Material Selection
Our team always seek to choose environmentally friendly materials with a focus on recyclability and biodegradability. Where relevant, we explore bio-based plastics or recycled materials to reduce reliance on virgin resources.
Optimised Material Usage
We implement precise material measurement and control to minimise waste during production. Our manufacturing processes utilise technologies like robotic systems to reduce scrap and enhance material efficiency.
Energy Efficiency
TEX Plastics have undergone a huge investment in energy-efficient equipment and technologies. We are currently halfway through a programme which will see all our moulding machines replaced by more energy-efficient injection moulding machines.
Closed-Loop Systems
We implement closed-loop systems for material recovery and recycling within the manufacturing process. This can reduce the need for new raw materials and contribute to a more circular economy.
Lean Manufacturing Practices
TEX Plastics have adopted lean manufacturing principles to minimise waste, reduce excess inventory, and streamline production processes. This has lead to more efficient resource utilisation and a smaller environmental footprint.
Mould Design Optimisation
Our technical team systematically optimise mould design to minimise material usage, reduce cycle times and enhance overall production efficiency. Efficient moulds contribute to lower energy consumption and waste generation.
Recycling Programs
Wherever possible we establish recycling programs within the manufacturing facility to collect and reuse scrap and waste materials. This involves both on-site recycling and collaboration with external recycling facilities.
Water Conservation
We implement water conservation measures in cooling systems and utilise water-efficient cooling technologies to reduce water consumption during the injection moulding process.
Green Certifications
TEX Plastics has been accredited with ISO 14001 for our environmental management systems. This certification demonstrates environmentally friendly manufacturing practices and our commitment to sustainability and compliance to industry recognised standards.
Supplier Collaboration
We work closely with material suppliers to source eco-friendly materials and explore sustainable packaging options. This collaboration with our suppliers helps contribute to a more sustainable supply chain.
Post-Consumer Recycling
Our DFM team seek to design products with post-consumer recycling in mind. This means we consider the ease of disassembly and the recyclability of different components to facilitate end-of-life recycling.
Lifecycle Assessment
We conduct a comprehensive lifecycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of products from raw material extraction to disposal. We use these findings to identify areas for improvement in sustainability.
By combining these strategies, TEX Plastics injection moulding processes can be continually improved and adapted to be more environmentally friendly. Contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices and reducing the overall environmental impact of plastic production.