PLASTICS
The plastics industry supports various industries like packaging, automotive, construction, electronics, and healthcare, manufacturing and distributing polymers like PVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene. However, it faces challenges like pollution and environmental issues.
Different types of plastic
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Polyethylene (PE) :
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Most widely used and versatile thermoplastics in the world.
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High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Linear with minimal branching, resulting in tightly packed chains. It's high strength-to-density ratio, rigid and strong and resistant to chemicals and moisture. Application are bottles and detergent containers.
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Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Branched chains, leading to loosely packed molecules. The properties are flexible and soft, transparent and lightweight, and excellent moisture barrier. It is used in plastic bags and cling films.
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Polypropylene (PP):
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It is produced by polymerizing propylene monomers and belongs to the polyolefin family.
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The properties are lightweight, high chemical resistance, heat resistance and good insulation.
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The application for PP are food containers, bumpers, and syringes.
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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET):
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It is a member of the polyester family, formed by polymerizing ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
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Properties of PET are high strength and durability, transparency, thermal stability and chemical resistance.
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The application for PET are clothing, beverage bottles, and electronics components.
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Formation of plastic
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RAW MATERIAL PREPARATION
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Plastic resins are provided inin pellet, powder, or granule form.
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To form color, stabilizers and fillers is by adding additives mixing.
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For PET, the moisture needs to be removed by drying.
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MELTING AND PLASTICIZING
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The resin is fed into a machine and heated to the appropriate melting point.
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PET: Melting point ~250°C
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PP: Melting point ~160°C
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PE: HDPE ~130°C, LDPE ~105°C
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In plasticizing, The melted plastic is mixed into a homogeneous molten state using rotating screws or pistons.
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SHAPING OR FORMING
The molten plastic is shaped using different methods depending on the product and application :
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Extrusion (continuous shapes)
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Plastic is forced through a die to form long shapes like pipes, films, or sheets.
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Cooling is done as the extruded material exits the die.
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Injection molding (complex solid parts)
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Molten plastic is injected into a mold cavity under high pressure.
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The mold is cooled, solidifying the plastic into the desired shape.
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Blow molding (hollow objects) :
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A parison (molten plastic tube) is inflated with air inside a mold.
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The plastic takes the shape of the mold and cools.
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Thermo forming (thin-walled products)
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A plastic sheet is heated until soft and then formed over a mold using vacuum or pressure.
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04
COOLING AND SOLIDIFICATION
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Cooling : The shaped plastic is cooled by air, water, or through the mold itself to solidify the product.
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Solidification (PET) : PET may undergo controlled cooling to achieve desired crystallinity for strength and clarity.
Challenges in the Industry
Regulatory pressure
Indonesia is under pressure to meet its commitment to reducing plastic waste by 70% by 2025. Policies such as bans on single-use plastics and increased taxes on plastic production add regulatory complexity for producers.
High Production Costs and Raw Material Dependence
Indonesia relies heavily on imported raw materials for plastic production, which makes the industry vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
Limited recycling infrastructure
The industry lacks a robust recycling infrastructure to support the transition to a circular economy. The inability to recycle post-consumer plastic efficiently increases the reliance on virgin plastic production, which is less sustainable and faces international criticism
Innovation challenges
There is a lack of advanced technology and innovation in the local plastic production industry. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to invest in modern equipment and processes needed for producing more sustainable plastic products
Companies in Indonesia
Panca Budi
Panca Budi Group, founded in 1979, is an integrated company that produces and distributes plastic packaging goods, earning ISO 9001 certification in 2003.
PT Sinar Joyo Boyo
Sinar Joyoboyo Plastik, established in 1996, is a leading Indonesian plastic packaging company with over 25 years of experience, serving various sectors and earning consumer trust.
PT Asia Cakra Ceria
PT. ASIA CAKRA CERIA PLASTIK, established in 1989, is a leading company in the plastic sheet and packaging industries. It is known for its 'Bambu' brand and has received ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 awards.