Production of the Whiteboard Marker   The barrel is made of aluminum by a process called  "backward can extrusion" which is a very fast and accurate method to produce hollow specimens of metal. In the process a flat aluminum piece is formed into a cylindrical part by means of high pressure. Logos and other markings are then printed on the aluminum barrel before assembly.

The cap and connector piece are made from polyethylene (PE) using injection molding machines that form the cap and connection parts. Polyethylene pellets are placed in a hopper and mixed with colored pellets. The pellet mixtures are fed into injection molding machines in which the two parts of the marker are formed, the cap, and connection piece.

The sponge and tip are made from Polyamide (PA) fiber which is fed into an injection machine that forms the  material. Next, the long cylindrical form is automatically cut into individual pieces. This non-woven fiber or sponge is inserted into the aluminum barrel.  

In another operation reservoirs store the ink for the markers. Ethanol solvent is mixed  with the appropriate dyes to make marker ink. Ink is then injected at the top of the barrel. During final assembly of markers, the reservoirs are inserted into the molded cases, the inks are needle-injected into the reservoirs, and the molded connection pieces are attached. The marker tip or nib (small pieces of PA non-woven that absorbs the ink from the reservoir) is inserted in the end of the marker body. 

Molded caps are snapped into place, labels are applied to the markers, and the finished products are packaged.

Life Cycle Diagram of a Whiteboard Marker

The Whiteboard marker utilizes materials, resources and energy in processes throughout its lifecycle and generates air emissions, water emissions and waste.

Click on the lifecycle diagram to view the processes from raw material extraction to disposal, from "cradle to grave."