2024 data reveals a deepening crisis of the European plastics recycling industry – PET amongst the most severely affected

The latest 2024 annual report published by Plastics Recyclers Europe reveals the largest capacity contraction ever recorded in the sector. Preliminary 2025 data indicate a 50% increase in recycling facility closures, resulting in the loss of nearly one million tonnes of European recycling capacity over just three years.  “Now is the

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When to use AI – and when not to

Intelligent inspection of recycled PET containers Bottles that use recycled PET have become a growing challenge for quality control: recycled material introduces greater optical and surface variability, making defects harder to detect with traditional vision systems. AND & OR tackles this problem with ACUITY, an intelligent inspection solution that combines classical

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Optimising the blowing process

Enhancing bottle manufacturing with advanced venting and stretching technologies Advances in blow moulding technology continue to focus on improving efficiency, product quality, and energy use. Recent developments by Italian machinery manufacturer SIAPI illustrate how refinements in air distribution, cooling, and heating systems can contribute to more consistent bottle production with lower

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