Myths about plastic: What is really true?

Plastic is indispensable in many areas - and yet it is often the target of sweeping criticism. Terms such as “plastic waste” or “environmental sin” shape public opinion. But if you take a closer look, you will see that plastic is not fundamentally bad - the decisive factor is how it is used, processed and recycled. The injection molding process in particular shows how efficient and resource-saving plastics processing can be today.

A common misconception is that injection molding is associated with high material loss and energy consumption. In fact, the process is one of the most precise and economical in the industry. Thanks to modern machines, digital control and the targeted use of recyclates, waste is reduced and material is optimally utilized. Sprues or missing parts can often be recycled directly - a real advantage in terms of sustainability.

The assumption that plastic products are generally short-lived is also untenable. On the contrary: many injection-molded components last for years - for example in mechanical engineering, medical technology or vehicle construction. The longer a product is used, the better its environmental balance. Longevity saves raw materials, energy and transportation costs. At the same time, the choice of materials is evolving - bio-based or recycled plastics are becoming increasingly important and enable more sustainable product solutions.

Modern injection molding processes also enable filigree, functionally integrated components that other materials often cannot achieve. This allows assembly steps to be saved, which also conserves resources. In combination with optimized wall thicknesses and sophisticated design, injection moulding makes a decisive contribution to efficiency in product development.

What's more, recyclable plastics and recycled materials are being used more and more frequently today - with increasing quality. Injection molding in particular shows that technical performance and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive. Those who dispel myths recognize the potential of modern plastics technology.