Plastics
a versatile and indispensable material
Plastics have become an integral part of our society. Thanks to their unique properties, they are increasingly replacing traditional materials such as metal, stone, wood, or glass. Moreover, they play a key role in numerous industrial and scientific innovations.
Unlike natural materials, plastics are chemical compounds derived from advanced processes. They are produced by refining crude oil, rearranging molecules to create synthetic polymers with specific properties.
Although plastics are now widespread, they are relatively recent. The first fully synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was developed in 1909 by Leo Baekeland, a Belgian inventor based in the United States. Since then, the plastics industry has experienced tremendous growth, leading to hundreds of variations tailored to specific applications.
Plastics are broadly divided into three families:
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics become malleable when heated, allowing them to be molded into various shapes. Once cooled, they retain their structure but can be reworked or recycled. Resistant to wear and chemicals, they are widely used in the chemical industry. These thermoplastics are the primary materials we process in our workshop.
Thermosets
Thermosets are molded once into a permanent shape and cannot be altered after hardening. Unlike thermoplastics, they do not soften with heat, making them ideal for applications requiring durability and structural stability
Elastomers
Elastomers have rubber-like properties. They are flexible and return to their original shape after deformation, making them perfect for seals, shock absorption, and other applications where high elasticity is required.
Applications of plastics
Plastics are used in virtually every sector:
Packaging: Plastic bottles, films, and containers extend food shelf life and protect products during transport.
Electronics: Plastic is found in the casings, insulation, and screens of smartphones, laptops, and televisions.
Automotive industry: Plastics lighten vehicles, improving energy efficiency. They are used for dashboards, bumpers, and interior components.
Medical sector: From disposable syringes to prosthetics, plastics play an essential role in healthcare.
Textiles and fashion: Polyester and nylon are widely used in clothing and accessories.
Construction and infrastructure: Plastics are found in piping, insulation, windows, doors, and protective coatings.
Toys: Iconic brands like LEGO and Playmobil rely on durable plastics.
Applications of plastic
Plastics are used in virtually every sector:
Packaging: Plastic bottles, films, and containers extend food shelf life and protect products during transport.
Electronics: Plastic is found in the casings, insulation, and screens of smartphones, laptops, and televisions.
Automotive industry: Plastics lighten vehicles, improving energy efficiency. They are used for dashboards, bumpers, and interior components.
Medical sector: From disposable syringes to prosthetics, plastics play an essential role in healthcare.
Textiles and fashion: Polyester and nylon are widely used in clothing and accessories.
Construction and infrastructure: Plastics are found in piping, insulation, windows, doors, and protective coatings.
Toys: Iconic brands like LEGO and Playmobil rely on durable plastics.
Plastic processing, plastic construction, and plastic solutions
Plastic processing
Turning, milling, welding, bending, and bonding plastic sheets, rods, and blocks into custom-made products.
Plastic construction
Design, production, and installation of storage tanks, gas scrubbers, dosing cabinets, spray booths, and more.
Plastic solutions
Linings, concrete protection, piping… Our plastic solutions play a crucial role in environmental protection and infrastructure projects.
Curious about how we can support your project?
Contact us and discover the possibilities!
Call us at +32 11 450 750
