Implementing hybrid aluminium forming to optimise circular economy in food industry

Project: Research - Studentship

Project Details

Description

Single-use plastic water bottles are mainly made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is also a popular choice for a great many other products, such as bottles for hygiene products and tennis ball canisters. Even though using recycled materials could lead to some energy savings, almost all plastic bottles for water are currently made from virgin PET. Researchers were found that just US consumers purchased more than 33 billion litters of bottled water, or 110 litters (30 gallons) per person in 2007. The total energy required to produce 33 billion litters is equivalent to 32-54 million barrels of oil. In the UK 7.7 billion plastic water bottles are used each year, with the average person in the UK now using 150 plastic water bottles every year. Many are discarded and end up polluting our rivers and seas. It is possible to implement an advanced hybrid gas -press forming method to leverages benefits of gas forming and conventional manufacturing methods in forming sheet to produce complex shape containers and bottles.

Key findings

Circular economy cost analysis for PET and aluminium use in 300ml beverage containers
Short titleOptimisation circular economy of food packaging
AcronymNMIS 2024 Interns
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date15/05/2426/08/24

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Keywords

  • polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
  • gas forming
  • aluminium
  • water bottle
  • beverage can
  • circular economy
  • hybrid gas -press forming

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