Energy saving decreases pollution and fuel consumption, thus saving money and enhancing environment. Processing of industrial polymers consumes energy at each step as we can see on the following diagram 'Energy-Consumption':
1. Mixing of several solid polymers and additives generally absorbs a high energy all the more so as the viscosity is higher and dispersion is difficult
2. Moulding needs also a high energy for pressure increase, heating and cooling, and mechanical work. Energy consumption depends on rheology, temperatures of the injected polymer and the mould. Mould releasing isn't avid of energy but can generate wastes having consumed energy to no purpose
3. Curing is only necessary for elastomers, thermosets and some thermoplastics. It can consume a lot of energy for heating
4. Finishing isn't avid of energy but can generate wastes having consumed energy to no purpose
5. Control isn't avid of energy but can generate wastes having consumed all the processing energy to no purpose.