{"id":16309,"date":"2024-08-12T10:45:13","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T08:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/?p=16309"},"modified":"2026-04-01T08:18:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T06:18:43","slug":"plastic-manufacturing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/","title":{"rendered":"Plastic Manufacturing: Processes and Types of Plastics"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#Basics_What_Are_Plastics\" title=\"Basics: What Are Plastics?\">Basics: What Are Plastics?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#Functional_Groups_and_Additives_in_Plastics\" title=\"Functional Groups and Additives in Plastics\">Functional Groups and Additives in Plastics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#Raw_Materials_Fossil_Fuels_and_Bio-Based_Plastics\" title=\"Raw Materials: Fossil Fuels and Bio-Based Plastics\">Raw Materials: Fossil Fuels and Bio-Based Plastics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#Manufacturing_Polymerization_of_Plastics\" title=\"Manufacturing: Polymerization of Plastics\">Manufacturing: Polymerization of Plastics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#Spatial_Cross-Linking_of_Polymer_Chains\" title=\"Spatial Cross-Linking of Polymer Chains\">Spatial Cross-Linking of Polymer Chains<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#Further_Processing_in_Plastic_Manufacturing\" title=\"Further Processing in Plastic Manufacturing\">Further Processing in Plastic Manufacturing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#What_Types_of_Plastics_Are_There\" title=\"What Types of Plastics Are There?\">What Types of Plastics Are There?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#Thermoplastics\" title=\"Thermoplastics\">Thermoplastics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#Elastomers\" title=\"Elastomers\">Elastomers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#Thermosets\" title=\"Thermosets\">Thermosets<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/#Sustainability_of_Plastics_and_Disposal\" title=\"Sustainability of Plastics and Disposal\">Sustainability of Plastics and Disposal<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Plastics are ubiquitous, and their diversity is almost impossible to fully capture. Due to their versatility, this indispensable material is used across nearly all industries and sectors: from packaging and construction to transportation, electrical and electronics industries, agriculture, medicine and sports, as well as in households and clothing, <\/strong><strong>adhesives,<\/strong><strong> and paints. But how are plastics made \u2013 and what does the plastic manufacturing process actually involve?<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Basics_What_Are_Plastics\"><\/span>Basics: What Are Plastics?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">&#8220;Plastic&#8221; is a widely used umbrella term for an entire class of materials. It refers to synthetic or semi-synthetic materials composed of macromolecules. In technical terminology, these are called polymer molecules or simply polymers. However, products made from them \u2013 such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\">hoses<\/a>, seals, or drive components \u2013 can differ significantly in their properties, because not all plastics are the same.<\/p>\n<div class=\"box info  \"><div class=\"box-inner-block\"><i class=\"fa tie-shortcode-boxicon\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t<strong>Polymers<\/strong> are chemical compounds made up of repeating units called <strong>monomers<\/strong>. Monomers are small molecules that serve as the fundamental building blocks that form the long chains or branched structures of polymers.\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">They can consist of different chemical compounds and are derived from various sources. Some monomers are produced naturally, others synthetically. The simplest type of monomer is alkenes \u2013 compounds from the group of aliphatic hydrocarbons containing a -C=C- double bond at any position in the molecule. Examples include ethylene (C<sub>2<\/sub>H<sub>4<\/sub>), propylene (C<sub>3<\/sub>H<sub>6<\/sub>), and butene (C<sub>4<\/sub>H<sub>8<\/sub>).<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Functional_Groups_and_Additives_in_Plastics\"><\/span>Functional Groups and Additives in Plastics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Monomers may contain <strong>functional groups<\/strong>, meaning chemical groups attached to a molecule that impart specific properties. Examples include styrene (C<sub>8<\/sub>H<sub>8<\/sub>), which contains a vinyl group (-CH=CH<sub>2<\/sub>), and phenol (C<sub>6<\/sub>H<sub>5<\/sub>OH), which carries a hydroxyl group (-OH).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10200\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10200\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10200 size-full\" title=\"Structural formula of styrene (left) and phenol (right)\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Strukturformel-von-Styrol-links-und-Phenol-rechts.bmp\" alt=\"Structural formula of styrene (left) and phenol (right) - Plastic manfacturing\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10200\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><center>Structural formula of styrene (left) and phenol (right)<\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, the final properties of a plastic product are not determined solely by the polymers themselves but also by <strong>additives<\/strong>. These are auxiliary substances such as plasticizers, colorants (pigments), fillers, reinforcing agents, or stabilizers. They can be added before, during, or after polymerization and allow targeted modification of the plastic&#8217;s properties.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Raw_Materials_Fossil_Fuels_and_Bio-Based_Plastics\"><\/span>Raw Materials: Fossil Fuels and Bio-Based Plastics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The raw materials used in plastic manufacturing are <strong>fossil fuels<\/strong>, most commonly crude oil. This complex mixture of hydrocarbons is separated into fractions in a refinery through distillation and subsequently undergoes cracking. In this process, larger hydrocarbon molecules are broken down into smaller molecules \u2013 monomers \u2013 by applying heat and pressure in the presence of a catalyst.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Bio-based plastic manufacturing<\/strong> relies on renewable plant-based resources such as corn, sugarcane, or soybeans, as well as plant residues or waste materials. The milky sap of the rubber tree, known as latex, is another example and forms the basis for many products made from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubing-made-of-elastomers-soft-rubber\/nr-tubing\">natural rubber<\/a>, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubing-made-of-elastomers-soft-rubber\">rubber hoses<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/seals-and-gaskets\">seals<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubing-made-of-elastomers-soft-rubber\/nr-tubing\/28570\/latex-tubing\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10214 size-full\" title=\"Latex tubing\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Latex-Schlauch.jpg\" alt=\"Latex tubing - Plastics\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Latex-Schlauch.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Latex-Schlauch-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/closure-elements\/plugs\/plugs-made-of-elastomers\/30004\/stopper-made-of-nr\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10216 size-full\" title=\"NR stoppers\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Stopfen-aus-NR.jpg\" alt=\"NR stoppers - Plastics\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Stopfen-aus-NR.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Stopfen-aus-NR-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Depending on the nature of the raw material and the desired properties of the bio-based material, the components are extracted. This can be achieved through fermentation, where microorganisms break down plant sugars or carbohydrates into simpler molecules such as ethanol or lactic acid. Another method involves chemical conversion using catalysts or other substances. In both cases, the resulting monomers are subsequently polymerized.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manufacturing_Polymerization_of_Plastics\"><\/span>Manufacturing: Polymerization of Plastics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"box success  \"><div class=\"box-inner-block\"><i class=\"fa tie-shortcode-boxicon\"><\/i>\n\t\t\tThe path from monomer to polymer leads through <strong>polymerization<\/strong> \u2013 the core reaction in plastic manufacturing. There are several types of processes, differing mainly in the type of reaction, the required conditions, the resulting steps in polymer formation, as well as the desired polymer properties and processing requirements.\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">One of the most common methods in plastic manufacturing is <strong>chain-growth polymerization<\/strong>, which enables the production of a wide range of materials with diverse properties. It proceeds in several stages: In the first step, initiation, free radicals are generated by light, heat, or chemical reactions \u2013 atoms with an unpaired valence electron. This creates a reactive site in the monomer for bonding with another monomer. In the second step, propagation, the monomer reacts with others to form a growing chain. This chain continues to grow by adding further monomers. In the subsequent chain transfer stage, the free radical may transfer to another molecule, initiating a new polymer chain. In the final step, termination, polymerization is stopped \u2013 either by collisions between polymer chains or by lowering the reaction temperature. This process is commonly used to produce thermoplastics such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubings-and-pipes-made-of-rigid-plastics\/pe-tubing\">polyethylene (PE)<\/a>, polystyrene (PS), or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubing-made-of-elastomers-soft-rubber\/pvc-tubing-tygon-tubing\">polyvinyl chloride (PVC)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In <strong>polycondensation<\/strong>, two or more monomers react while releasing by-products such as water or methanol. Similar to chain-growth polymerization, the process occurs in multiple stages. During initiation, a functional group of a monomer is activated \u2013 for example by adding a catalyst. In the propagation phase, it reacts with the functional group of another monomer, forming a polymer chain that continues to grow. In the final step, termination, polymerization is halted, for instance by chain collisions or inhibitors. Examples include polyesters (PES), polyamides (PA), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubing-made-of-elastomers-soft-rubber\/pur-tubing\">polyurethane (PUR)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubing-made-of-elastomers-soft-rubber\/pur-tubing\/28586\/pur-chemical-tubing-calibrated\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10219 size-full\" title=\"PUR chemical hose - calibrated\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PUR-Chemieschlauch-kalibriert.jpg\" alt=\"PUR chemical hose - calibrated\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PUR-Chemieschlauch-kalibriert.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PUR-Chemieschlauch-kalibriert-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubings-and-pipes-made-of-rigid-plastics\/pa-tubing\/28726\/pa-chemical-tubing-high-flexible\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10221 size-full\" title=\"PA chemical hose - high flexible\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PA-Chemieschlauch-High-Flexible.jpg\" alt=\"PA chemical hose - high flexible\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PA-Chemieschlauch-High-Flexible.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PA-Chemieschlauch-High-Flexible-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Polyaddition<\/strong> is a polymerization method in which no by-products are formed. It proceeds in two stages. First, a functional group of a monomer is activated, for example by a catalyst. The activated group then reacts with functional groups of other monomers. The resulting polymer chain continues to grow until no reactive groups remain and all monomers are bonded. This method is used to produce materials such as epoxy resins or polycarbonate (PC).<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spatial_Cross-Linking_of_Polymer_Chains\"><\/span>Spatial Cross-Linking of Polymer Chains<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">During polymerization, different structures can form. In linear polymerization, monomers are linked in a chain without cross-links between chains. This can occur through chain-growth polymerization or polycondensation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In cross-linked polymerization, chemical bonds form a three-dimensional network structure between polymer chains. This is achieved through reactions between reactive groups or by adding cross-linking agents, typically in polyaddition processes. In some cases, partial cross-linking occurs, resulting in a combination of linear and network structures.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The choice between linear and cross-linked polymerization depends on the desired properties and application requirements. Linear polymers may offer flexibility, elasticity, and recyclability, whereas cross-linked polymers provide higher mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to environmental influences.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Further_Processing_in_Plastic_Manufacturing\"><\/span>Further Processing in Plastic Manufacturing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">After polymerization and the addition of any additives, the next stage of plastic manufacturing involves shaping polymers into their final form using appropriate processes. Among the many available methods, the most important are outlined here: In extrusion, the heated polymer is forced through a die to form shapes such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubings-and-pipes-made-of-rigid-plastics\">plastic hoses<\/a> or profiles.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubings-and-pipes-made-of-rigid-plastics\/ptfe-tubing\/28770\/ptfe-chemical-tubing-standard\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10223 size-full\" title=\"PTFE chemical hose - standard\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PTFE-Chemieschlauch-standard.jpg\" alt=\"PTFE chemical hose - standard\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PTFE-Chemieschlauch-standard.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/PTFE-Chemieschlauch-standard-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/tubes-hoses\/tubings-and-pipes-made-of-rigid-plastics\/pe-tubing\/28739\/ldpe-chemical-tubing-standard\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10225 size-full\" title=\"LDPE chemical hose - standard\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LDPE-Chemieschlauch-Standard.jpg\" alt=\"LDPE chemical hose - standard\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LDPE-Chemieschlauch-Standard.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LDPE-Chemieschlauch-Standard-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Injection molding is frequently used for items such as toys, household goods, or technical components, where molten polymer is injected into a mold. Cold forming shapes polymers at room temperature into films or sheets. In blow molding, the polymer is melted and then inflated into a mold, producing items such as bottles.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Types_of_Plastics_Are_There\"><\/span>What Types of Plastics Are There?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Polymers can be classified according to various criteria. One key classification is based on physicochemical properties.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thermoplastics\"><\/span>Thermoplastics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thermoplastics consist of linear polymer chains that are not chemically cross-linked into a rigid three-dimensional network. Instead, they are held together by intermolecular forces such as van der Waals forces, which can be overcome with sufficient heat.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This allows thermoplastics to be melted and reshaped repeatedly without altering their chemical structure. The process is reversible and enables recycling. At the same time, thermoplastics can exhibit high strength and chemical resistance. Examples include polyethylene (PE), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/polypropylene-a-versatile-plastic\/\">polypropylene (PP)<\/a>, polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10203\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10203\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10203 size-full\" title=\"Thermoplastics consist of non-cross-linked polymers, often with semi-crystalline structure (red)\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Polymerstruktur-teilkristallin.jpg\" alt=\"Thermoplastics consist of non-cross-linked polymers - Plastics\" width=\"300\" height=\"256\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><center>Thermoplastics consist of non-cross-linked polymers, often with semi-crystalline structure (red)<\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thermoplastics are widely used in the manufacturing of packaging, household goods, and technical components. Common end products made from polyethylene include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/semi-finished-products\/foils\/plastic-foils\">plastic foils<\/a>, containers for liquids, as well as hoses and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/semi-finished-products\/adhesive-tapes-and-tapes\/adhesive-tapes-and-tapes-made-of-elastomers-or-plastics\">adhesive tapes<\/a>. The more rigid and thermally resistant polypropylene is often used for applications such as filter meshes or plastic screws. Lightweight polystyrene is commonly used for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/laboratory-equipment\/laboratory-containers\/test-tubes-centrifuge-tubes-and-cuvettes\">test tubes and cuvettes<\/a>, while PVC is frequently used for hoses and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/semi-finished-products\">semi-finished products<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Elastomers\"><\/span>Elastomers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Elastomers consist of loosely cross-linked, three-dimensional macromolecules. The cross-linking usually occurs through covalent bonds between polymer chains. These strong bonds prevent the chains from separating under normal temperature and pressure conditions, which is why elastomers are generally not meltable.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">When subjected to external force, the polymer chains can be stretched reversibly. Once the force is removed, they return to their original position, resulting in elastic behavior. Examples include natural rubber (latex) and synthetic elastomers such as polyisoprene or polychloroprene (neoprene). Elastomers are widely used in the manufacturing of tires, seals, hoses, sports shoes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/seals-and-gaskets\/o-rings\">O-rings<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10206\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10206\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10206 size-full\" title=\"Elastomers consist of loosely cross-linked polymers\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Polymerstruktur-weitmaschig-vernetzt.jpg\" alt=\"Elastomers polymer structure - Plastics\" width=\"300\" height=\"288\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10206\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><center>Elastomers consist of loosely cross-linked polymers<\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thermosets\"><\/span>Thermosets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thermosets are highly cross-linked materials that are rigid and non-elastic compared to elastomers. Their tightly cross-linked polymer chains form a stable, non-thermoplastic structure. The cross-linking occurs through strong covalent bonds, forming a highly cross-linked three-dimensional network.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Thermosets are also an important part of everyday life. Materials such as polyesters, epoxy resins, or formaldehyde resins are used in the manufacturing of furniture, doors, electronic components, housings, or gears. Epoxy resins, for example, offer excellent mechanical properties and resistance to temperature and chemicals. Their applications range from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/adhesives-and-lubricants\/adhesives\">structural adhesives<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/fasteners\/insulating-spacers-and-insulators\">medium-voltage insulators<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10208\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10208\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10208 size-full\" title=\"Thermosets consist of densely cross-linked polymers\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Polymerstruktur-engmaschig-vernetzt.jpg\" alt=\"Thermosets polymer structure - Plastics\" width=\"300\" height=\"296\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10208\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><center>Thermosets consist of densely cross-linked polymers<\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sustainability_of_Plastics_and_Disposal\"><\/span>Sustainability of Plastics and Disposal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to differences in raw materials and manufacturing processes, plastics vary significantly in terms of biodegradability and recyclability. Conventional fossil-based materials are difficult to biodegrade \u2013 if at all \u2013 and contribute to plastic waste and microplastic pollution. Recycling is complex due to their composition.<\/p>\n<div class=\"box note  \"><div class=\"box-inner-block\"><i class=\"fa tie-shortcode-boxicon\"><\/i>\n\t\t\tDepending on their composition and processing, bio-based variants may be more or less biodegradable. However, recycling them can be more challenging due to contamination and differences in melting points. Under certain environmental conditions, bio-based materials can decompose, helping to reduce long-term plastic waste issues.\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">They can also be used for energy generation through incineration. However, this approach is not sustainable, as it releases pollutants and contributes to climate change.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Responsible use and proper handling of plastic materials crucial for sustainability and environmental protection. A key measure is reducing overall waste volumes \u2013 by avoiding single-use products and promoting reusable solutions.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/fasteners\/screws\/crossed-pan-head\/30498\/slotted-countersunk-head-screw-din-963-made-of-pa\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10227 size-full\" title=\"Countersunk screw (DIN 963) made of PA - slotted\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Senkkopfschraube-DIN-963-aus-PA-mit-Schlitz.jpg\" alt=\"Countersunk screw DIN 963 - Plastic manufacturing\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Senkkopfschraube-DIN-963-aus-PA-mit-Schlitz.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Senkkopfschraube-DIN-963-aus-PA-mit-Schlitz-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/en\/closure-elements\/plugs\/plugs-made-of-plastics\/30619\/cover-plug-made-of-ldpe-with-convexed-top\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10229 size-full\" title=\"Protective plug made of LDPE - domed head\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Schutzstopfen-aus-LDPE-mit-gewoelbtem-Kopf.jpg\" alt=\"LDPE protective plug - Plastic manufacturing\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Schutzstopfen-aus-LDPE-mit-gewoelbtem-Kopf.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Schutzstopfen-aus-LDPE-mit-gewoelbtem-Kopf-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, less than 20 % of plastic waste in Germany is actually recycled. For these materials to become valuable resources, they must be integrated into a circular economy. The transition requires significant changes in how products are designed, used, and recovered. The German plastics industry has committed to this transformation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Solutions must be found to reduce reliance on crude oil while making plastic manufacturing more sustainable. Governments, businesses, and consumers must collaborate to improve the sustainability of these materials and develop innovative methods for efficient recycling and waste management.<\/p>\n<pre><strong>Image sources:<\/strong>\r\nFeature image | \u00a9 molekuul.be - stock.adobe.com\r\nStructure of styrene: By NEUROtiker - Own work, public domain, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=3223780\r\nStructure of phenol: By NEUROtiker - Own work, public domain, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=3223795\r\nPolymer structure, semi-crystalline: By Roland.chem - Own work, CC0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=37866505\r\nLoosely cross-linked polymer: By Roland.chem - Own work, CC0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=37866466\r\nDensely cross-linked polymer: By Roland.chem - Own work, CC0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=37866493<\/pre>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Plastics are ubiquitous, and their diversity is almost impossible to fully capture. Due to their versatility, this indispensable material is used across nearly all industries and sectors: from packaging and construction to transportation, electrical and electronics industries, agriculture, medicine and sports, as well as in households and clothing, adhesives, and paints. But how are plastics &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":13575,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,2748],"tags":[3450,4044,4064,4042,4046,3659,3452,3449],"class_list":["post-16309","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-all-articles","category-materials-in-chemistry","tag-elastomers","tag-how-plastics-are-made","tag-manufacturing","tag-plastic-manufacturing","tag-polymer-chain","tag-polymerization","tag-thermoplastics","tag-thermosets"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Plastic Manufacturing: Processes and Types of Plastics - Reichelt Chemietechnik Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Plastic Manufacturing explained: raw materials, synthesis processes and types. \u2705 How plastics are made? \u2705 All you need to know. | RCT Magazine\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rct-online.de\/magazin\/en\/plastic-manufacturing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Plastic Manufacturing: Processes and Types of Plastics - Reichelt Chemietechnik Magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Plastic Manufacturing explained: raw materials, synthesis processes and types. \u2705 How plastics are made? 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