thermoform

[ thur-muh-fawrm ]

verb (used with object)

1. to shape (especially plastic) by the use of heat and pressure.

Other Words From

• thermo·forma·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of thermoform¹

First recorded in 1955–60; thermo- + form

Example Sentences

Once printed, we place the masters and the Brailon sheets on a thermoform Machine, which heats up the sheets and creates a vacuum that forms the final tactile graphics.

From Salon

Environmental groups have also raised concerns that PET thermoform recycling could divert millions of gallons of water from residential use in Mexicali, which was declared to be in a state of emergency drought last summer.

From Salon

Given such a bleak landscape, Ornela Garelli, an oceans and plastic campaigner for the nonprofit Greenpeace Mexico, said the promise of thermoform recycling is a "greenwashing strategy" from the plastics industry — a way to justify the continued production of plastics.

From Salon

But rather than building out PET thermoform recycling infrastructure stateside, The Recycling Partnership's grant is being used to help Direct Pack build a new PET recycling facility in Mexicali, set to begin operating this spring.

From Salon

The facility is great news for plastic companies based in the U.S., where industry publications say PET thermoform recycling has remained "a struggle."

From Salon