Final answer:
Plastico Inc. manufactures outdoor furniture with plastic/fiberglass pellets from two suppliers, with Fibertech pellets being less efficient than Rockingham Brothers. The manufacturing uses a composite material to offer durability and flexibility. Recycling and environmental management are significant considerations in the materials' life cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plastico Inc. is a company that manufactures deck furniture using a proprietary plastic/fiberglass blend. In its manufacturing process, the company relies on two suppliers for its main input, plastic/fiberglass pellets. These suppliers are Fibertech (FT) and Rockingham Brothers (RB). The pellets provided by these suppliers are interchangeable, yet they have different efficacy levels in production. Specifically, it requires 1.2 times the amount of Fibertech pellets to produce the same number of chairs as would be made with Rockingham Brothers pellets. Understanding the materials used in production is important, especially when considering the efficiency and cost involved. Plastic/fiberglass blends are a composite material in which glass fibers are embedded within a polymer matrix. Fiberglass itself is quite strong and stiff, though it can be brittle, while polymers are usually more ductile. This blend offers a balance between the rigidity needed for furniture and the flexibility that provides some resistance to impact and use. Environmental concerns are also at play in the manufacturing industry. The production and disposal of plastics and composites present challenges including the use of non-renewable resources, waste management, and pollution. Solutions like recycling can address some of these concerns. Recycling plastic materials not only reduces the waste sent to landfills but also conserves resources and can lead to more efficient industrial operations. Companies like Plastico Inc. must consider such factors when selecting suppliers and materials for their products.