Import of Thermoformed Plastics

Import of Thermoformed Plastics

Thermoformed plastics are extremely important in our society.  Plastics that have been created through the thermoforming process are being assimilated into our homes and businesses.  Thousands of plastic products are aesthetically pleasing, have made life easier, and are more environmentally friendly.  The video that has been posted earlier, and that can be found on YouTube, shows many visually pleasing and practical items that have been designed.

Plastics are durable, light weight, and cost effective, and there continues to be new innovations that further our society, economy, and culture.  Plastic products have been and will continue to be part of our future.  They have made their mark, and are here to stay. 

When discussing plastics in general think of the futuristic advancements made by John Huntsman Sr.  He was “key in developing the first plastic egg carton.  In 1974, [the] Huntsman Container Corporation created the "clamshell" container for McDonald's Big Mac and developed other popular products, including the first plastic plates, bowls and fast-food containers.”[i]  His inventions as with the many others have made a huge impact on our society.   We have benefited greatly from these products and their demand is rapidly increasing.

Thermoformed plastics are also extremely sought after, having an astounding world market value.  Companies span across the globe with Beaverton, MI as the plastic thermoforming capital of the world.  The North American market alone encompasses over 10 billion dollars from the thin and heavy gauge plastics industries.[ii]  It has become a competitive and promising market with investors and entrepreneurs looking at the possibilities.  Markets are continually investing in the research and development of new products. 

One of the greatest examples of companies accessing this great technology is Lifetime Products.  “Lifetime Products Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of blow-molded polyethylene folding chairs and tables, picnic tables, and home basketball equipment. [Who] also manufacture other consumer products, including sheds, trailers, kayaks and paddleboards, and lawn and garden items...”.[iii]  My friend, Mike Todd, is currently working on a patent for a new Kayak design; his innovation and others like him will be able to enhance many existing products that are made of different material.  They can be made lighter, stronger, and cheaper.

These plastics are also beneficial because they are recyclable.  “Most thermoforming companies recycle their scrap and waste plastic, either by compressing in a baling machine or by feeding into a granulator (grinder) and producing ground flake, for sale to reprocessing companies or re-use in their own facility. Frequently, scrap and waste plastic from the thermoforming process is converted back into extruded sheet for forming again”.[iv]  This process lessens the cost of waste and decreases the price of the products that are being made.

Plastics are more environmentally friendly compared to other similar products such as styrofoam.  “The production of one ton of styrofoam requires 685 gallons of oil, and emits 94,119 tons of CO₂ and 2,055 tons of greenhouse gases.”[v]  We need to utilize plastic products and get rid of the old and obsolete.  Plastic products are the future and we need to see their importance.  These items, at times, have been taken for granted.  Many overlook the ease, environmental safety and aesthetics that they possess.  I am personally invested in the process and am hopeful to take part in this great market and benefit society.

           

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[i]   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Huntsman,_Sr.#Philanthropic_efforts

[ii] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoforming

[iii] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifetime_Products

[iv] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoforming

[v] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrofoam