Two of the most important principles in plastics processing today are to use energy as efficiently as possible and to maximise productivity, i.e. to shorten cycle times. The aim is to increase energy efficiency by modifying machinery and optimising processing procedures. In order to increase productivity, products that were previously produced in several steps are produced in a single step, often combining different processing methods. This is mainly the case in injection moulding, but also affects thermoforming. Machine manufacturers are coming up with a number of ideas to meet the needs of processors.