Adaptive Automation for a More Competitive Plastics Industry
As materials, regulations and production requirements become more complex, plastics machinery must become more intelligent. Machine builders need solutions that simplify engineering, optimize machine performance and seamlessly connect machines, robotics and factory systems. From injection molding and extrusion to blow molding, thermoforming, recycling and robotic handling, success depends on equipment that can adapt to changing demands while consistently delivering productivity, quality and sustainability.
B&R helps plastics machinery manufacturers build smarter, high-performance machines with integrated automation, motion control, robotics, AI-powered software and open connectivity. Our scalable automation platform reduces engineering effort, accelerates innovation and enables seamless integration from machine to production cell and factory environments.
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Sustainability and recycling
Sustainability is an increasingly important topic in the plastics industry. A key concern is the improvement of recycling technologies, both mechanical and chemical, to make plastics recyclable and minimize waste. At the same time, bio-based plastics are gaining in importance as they are made from renewable raw materials, reducing dependence on fossil resources.
Materials and technologies
The plastics industry is constantly researching and developing innovative materials and technologies to meet increasing demands. Lightweight plastics are becoming increasingly important, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries, as they help to reduce the weight of vehicles and aircraft, thereby increasing energy efficiency. In addition, "smart materials" are becoming increasingly important, opening up new applications through integrated sensors or other functional properties.
Globalization and localization
Globalization and localization are having a significant impact on the plastics industry since there is an increasing shift to emerging markets where demand for plastics is growing rapidly. At the same time, companies are optimizing their global production and supply chains to become more efficient and responsive to regional needs. These developments are also influenced by geopolitical tensions and changing trade policies that affect raw material prices and availability.
Regulatory developments
Regulatory developments are increasing as governments around the world tighten regulations on the production, use and disposal of plastics. The goal is to reduce pollution and waste. In addition, many regions are banning or restricting the use of single-use plastics, forcing the industry to find new possibilities. These changes are driving innovation in reusable and alternative materials and challenging companies to adapt to an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace.
Adaptive Automation Solutions for the Plastics Industry
Seamless machine and line integration
A plastics machine rarely works alone. B&R brings control, motion, safety, visualization and connectivity together, making it easier to integrate machines, peripherals and complete production lines within one automation environment.
EUROMAP communication standard
Connecting a machine to peripherals, production lines and factory systems should not require a new solution every time. B&R supports EUROMAP based on OPC UA, making standardized communication easier across plastics production.
Solution expertise and co-creation
Every plastics machine comes with its own process requirements and engineering challenges. B&R combines plastics application know-how with automation expertise and works closely with machine builders to develop the right solution for their application.
Engineering meets AI
What if AI could do more than help write code? Automation Studio Agentic Bridge brings intelligent agents into engineering workflows, helping machine builders move from an idea to working machine logic faster.
ACOPOS P3 - More power, less cabinet space
High-power plastics applications put demanding requirements on both performance and available installation space. ACOPOS P3 delivers the power needed for demanding processes such as plastics processing while keeping the drive system compact.
ACOPOS M4 - ready for what comes next
Precision and performance are essential in plastics processing, but modern motion systems need to offer more. ACOPOS M4 combines high-performance motion with a compact, scalable architecture and built-in intelligence for the next generation of plastics machinery.
Energy efficient solutions
Our systems are designed to optimize energy consumption and promote sustainability in manufacturing. With advanced technologies and energy-efficient components, we help companies meet their environmental goals while reducing operating costs. Find out how ACOPOS drives and motors can help your business.
Plastics expertise built into the software
With mapp Plastics, proven know-how from plastics applications is available in ready-to-use software components. This helps machine builders develop applications faster and build on B&R’s experience across injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, film production and recycling.
References & Success Stories
Meccanoplastica’s full-electric HE480D shows how modern blow molding can combine high performance with easy operation and greater energy efficiency. It brings precise motion control, intuitive web-based visualization and integrated safety into one automation solution.
The Tecnomatic extruder has a new screw design for optimized production values, even with different pellet structures. The touch screen panel allows intuitive access to the machine.
At Plasmac, the film is processed directly into new material for the extrusion line without prior shredding. Integrated HMI panels allow easy and intuitive operation of the Omega machine.
The SML stretch film line achieves 3500 kg of film per hour and a production speed of 750 m per minute. At such high speeds, microsecond synchronization is essential.
Fong Kee International's extrusion blow molding machine uses 35% less energy than comparable hydraulic machines. Components such as the servo motor, drive and control system ensure higher product quality.
With the control system based on MAPP technology, LWB Steinl's machines achieve greater precision and faster movements. In addition, OPC UA provides an open communication platform to various systems.
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Take advantage of our global network for end customers.
In addition to more than 200 B&R offices in over 70 countries around the world, we have a global network of value-added partners. B&R Value Providers work seamlessly with B&R to bring our products and services to your door. They combine in-depth knowledge of B&R technology with a deep understanding of your local market.