To learn more about our company's injection molding experts, click here.
Scroll down for more Injection Molding content!
Scroll down for more Injection Molding content!
December 16, 2025
AIMPLAS says Goodbye to "New Car Smell" with H₂ODOR Project
AIMPLAS says Goodbye to "New Car Smell" with H₂ODOR Project
Concerns about the chemical emissions responsible for the familiar “new car smell” have prompted new research into cleaner material options for vehicle interiors. These odors come from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by plastics and other components. To address this issue, AIMPLAS has begun the H₂ODOR project, which examines how recycled plastics can be processed to reduce VOC emissions while still meeting automotive performance standards.
The project centers on post‑consumer polyolefins, a material stream with significant potential for circular use in the automotive sector. For these plastics to be viable inside vehicles, they must demonstrate stability under heat, resistance to UV exposure, and acceptable odor characteristics. H₂ODOR aims to refine pre‑treatment steps so that recycled materials can meet these requirements.
A key part of the work involves testing water‑based decontamination and deodorization technologies to limit the presence of volatile compounds. AIMPLAS is collaborating with Fych Technologies, which brings experience in recycling processes that use water vapor to remove odors, and Faperin, a manufacturer of injection‑molded automotive components.
The initiative aligns with broader policy developments in Europe, where new proposals call for increased use of recycled plastics in vehicles. The automotive industry is already one of the world’s largest consumers of plastic, and lightweight components play a role in reducing energy use and CO₂ emissions over a vehicle’s lifetime.
According to AIMPLAS researchers, the goal is to show that recycled materials can meet technical, environmental, and comfort expectations simultaneously. If successful, the project could support wider adoption of recycled plastics in interior applications and contribute to ongoing circular‑economy efforts within the automotive sector. Learn more about this topic here.
The project centers on post‑consumer polyolefins, a material stream with significant potential for circular use in the automotive sector. For these plastics to be viable inside vehicles, they must demonstrate stability under heat, resistance to UV exposure, and acceptable odor characteristics. H₂ODOR aims to refine pre‑treatment steps so that recycled materials can meet these requirements.
A key part of the work involves testing water‑based decontamination and deodorization technologies to limit the presence of volatile compounds. AIMPLAS is collaborating with Fych Technologies, which brings experience in recycling processes that use water vapor to remove odors, and Faperin, a manufacturer of injection‑molded automotive components.
The initiative aligns with broader policy developments in Europe, where new proposals call for increased use of recycled plastics in vehicles. The automotive industry is already one of the world’s largest consumers of plastic, and lightweight components play a role in reducing energy use and CO₂ emissions over a vehicle’s lifetime.
According to AIMPLAS researchers, the goal is to show that recycled materials can meet technical, environmental, and comfort expectations simultaneously. If successful, the project could support wider adoption of recycled plastics in interior applications and contribute to ongoing circular‑economy efforts within the automotive sector. Learn more about this topic here.
December 31, 2025
LS Mtron Broadens Its Chicago Technical Center to Strengthen U.S. Support Capabilities
LS Mtron Broadens Its Chicago Technical Center to Strengthen U.S. Support Capabilities
LS Mtron Injection Molding Machines has increased its operational footprint in the Chicago area, now occupying the full 25,000‑square‑foot facility it has used since 2018 in Wood Dale, Illinois. The expansion reflects the company’s effort to bring more engineering and service resources closer to its North American customer base.
With the additional space, the site now includes a 5,000‑square‑foot area dedicated to machine demonstrations. The showroom features five running injection molding machines representing a mix of all‑electric and servo‑hydraulic models in both horizontal and vertical configurations. LS Mtron notes that further upgrades to this space are planned.
The expanded facility also consolidates a wider range of technical and commercial roles. Engineers specializing in R&D, electronics, and software have relocated from the company’s South Korean headquarters to work directly with customers in the region. The office also houses regional sales personnel and support staff, along with a U.S. service manager and two service engineers. According to the company, this structure is intended to shorten response times for both sales and aftermarket needs.
In addition to the demonstration area, the Wood Dale location includes warehouse capacity for 10 to 20 stock machines, covering clamp forces from 50 to 600 tons. This inventory is intended to improve availability for customers seeking shorter lead times.
By fully occupying the building, LS Mtron aims to expand its technical capabilities and strengthen its presence in the U.S. injection molding market. Learn more about this topic here.
With the additional space, the site now includes a 5,000‑square‑foot area dedicated to machine demonstrations. The showroom features five running injection molding machines representing a mix of all‑electric and servo‑hydraulic models in both horizontal and vertical configurations. LS Mtron notes that further upgrades to this space are planned.
The expanded facility also consolidates a wider range of technical and commercial roles. Engineers specializing in R&D, electronics, and software have relocated from the company’s South Korean headquarters to work directly with customers in the region. The office also houses regional sales personnel and support staff, along with a U.S. service manager and two service engineers. According to the company, this structure is intended to shorten response times for both sales and aftermarket needs.
In addition to the demonstration area, the Wood Dale location includes warehouse capacity for 10 to 20 stock machines, covering clamp forces from 50 to 600 tons. This inventory is intended to improve availability for customers seeking shorter lead times.
By fully occupying the building, LS Mtron aims to expand its technical capabilities and strengthen its presence in the U.S. injection molding market. Learn more about this topic here.
© Copyright Bryan Hauger Consulting Inc. 2014-2025 All rights reserved.