K 2022 from 19 to 26 October 2022 in Düsseldorf: Global plastics and rubber industry jointly active for climate protection, the circular economy and digitalisation

Exhibitor database now online +++ High internationality +++K-Talk, K-MAG and K-monthly now already provide pooled know-how

At the start of the K year it becomes evident once again that the plastics and rubber experts all agree: K in Düsseldorf is the most relevant meeting point for the entire industry worldwide. Exhibitors from throughout the world come to Düsseldorf to demonstrate the operational excellence of the industry and actively chart the course for the future together with visitors. And this course clearly leads to climate protection, circular economy and digitalisation – and these are also the three declared guiding themes of K 2022.

The open exchange and dialogue on solutions-oriented innovations and sustainable developments across national borders and continents will also be in focus at this year’s K in Düsseldorf. It fulfils the ideal prerequisites for engaging in intense global networking and for jointly advancing projects. Because nowhere else is the plastics and rubber industry gathered in one place with such a high degree of internationality.

Suppliers from Europe, especially from Germany, Italy, Austria, Turkey, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France will be particularly well represented again this year, but also from the USA. At the same time, K clearly reflects the changes affecting the global market: the number and presentation areas of companies from Asia have remained at a constant high for several years now. We can expect impressive appearances, especially from China, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Japan.

The approximately 3,000 exhibitors from 61 countries will occupy Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre in its entirety. The exhibitor database of K 2022 is accessible at www.k-online.com/2410

K 2022 is already now providing pooled expert know-how with its K-Talk. Once a month this digital live talk in English features exciting panel discussions with a changing line-up of international participants dealing with different focal themes but always with a focus on the three guiding themes of K 2022. The first K-Talk, already held on 20 January under the heading “Climate Protection and Plastics – Do they Go Together?” – like all following K-Talks – is still available on-demand. The K-Talk in February will be all about plastics in medicine while the discussion in March is dedicated to mechanical engineering.

Launched last April, the online magazine K-MAG targets all industries related to K and delivers facts, news, stories and trends from the international plastics and rubber industry in German and English all year round.

K-monthly is the name of the new Newsletter of K in Düsseldorf. Subscribers not only receive the most interesting news and stories from the K-MAG via e-mail on a monthly basis but also current information revolving around K in Düsseldorf and the international trade fairs of the K-Global Gate family of products. Subscription is possible on the K website or the K-MAG.

INEOS O&P Europe announces exciting new applications for its Recycl-IN polymer grade range.

INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe are today announcing an exciting new application of a new polymer grade to its portfolio of products that comprise post-consumer recyclates (PCR). The range of recycled polymer grades (Recycl-IN) is growing as INEOS and its partners develop and explore the displacement of virgin polymers with PCR materials.

 In this latest development, and working closely with the technical team at COVERIS in Winsford, Cheshire, a new stretch-hood packaging film, containing a minimum of 30% recycled material, has undergone a series of rigorous testing and trials at INEOS’ manufacturing facility in Grangemouth, Scotland intended for distribution of INEOS’ palletized polymer resin.

 These trials have demonstrated that the product integrity and quality is maintained and that the new recycled stretch-hood covering for pallets performs to the same standards as a previous solution made from 100% virgin material. It has been introduced ahead of UK legislation for packaging materials that will require a minimum content of recycled polymers.

 “This is a significant breakthrough,” says INEOS Polymer Business Manager, Graham MacLennan. “Palletised distribution of goods is increasing and a stretch-hood covering helps prevent waste, damage, and loss to products transported in this way. By substituting virgin polymer content with recycled polymers, we are actively working towards our targets to adopt a more circular approach, signaling our clear commitment to using more recycled plastic as a raw material. Our new product, developed in close partnership with COVERIS, is a clear demonstration of this. Within INEOS we remain committed to Sustainability, to achieving Net Zero in our operations and bringing solutions to the market that enable others in the supply chain to lower their carbon footprints too.”

This, and other Recycl-IN polymers, are proving that plastics remain a valuable resource, even after initial use. INEOS O&P continues to pursue technological and engineering solutions to increase the recycled content of the materials they produce, and to demonstrate to customers, supply chain partners, and the wider world that their new range of Recycl-INpolymers perform to the high standards that they expect. 

 Mike Richardson, Technical Director, Coveris Winsford said, “Coveris has extensive experience of producing high-performance films with significant recycled content. Our collaboration with INEOS has enabled us to develop a new stretch hooding product with 30% PCR content, without increasing gauge or compromising on performance. Supporting our vision of NO WASTE and the wider industry sustainability goals, the new solution offsets the need for virgin plastics whilst maintaining full recyclability, as well as being fully compliant with UK plastics packaging tax. This will allow our customers the benefits of palletised transportation using plastic tertiary packaging without compromising their sustainability and circular economy goals.” 

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Hubergroup extends its colour management system HDCC with digital print folders

In commercial and packaging printing, colour accuracy, speed, and cost-effective production are decisive. To enable customers an even more efficient production with 100% colour accuracy, hubergroup Print Solutions is now launching digital print folders based on the technology of GMG ColorCard. Thanks to the complete integration into the company’s colour management system HDCC, hubergroup offers a fully automated digital print folder communication. At the same time, the printing ink specialist remains true to its proven benchmarks such as the reliable quality verification process and the print folder layout, which is characterized by its detailed information.

Efficient colour management

The already established system HDCC (“hubergroup Digital Colour Communication”) serves as the basis for hubergroup’s digital colour communication. The patented system does not only store colour and recipe data, but also takes existing data into account and prevents duplications. This avoids multiple elaborations of the same color. Additionally, HDCC features a quality control process relying on digitally stored master colour data as well as highly stable standard paper. Patrick Hübel, Head of Colour Service Europe at hubergroup, explains: “HDCC is a standardization programme with which we ensure that our customers receive exactly the colour they want – all over the world. This is possible because all locations have access to the same, verified information.”

Reliable, fast, detailed 

As an extension to HDCC, hubergroup now integrates digital print folders which allow faster, location-independent, and therefore cost-effective processing. “Our tests showed that our digital print folders are very convincing in terms of colour accuracy, reproducibility, and lightfastness – and we can process them more efficiently than their analogue predecessor. This allows a faster production and more flexibility for our customers,” reports Heinz Aumüller, responsible for Prepress and Process Standardisation at hubergroup. “The digital print folder is fully integrated into our in-house developed colour management system HDCC. Therefore, it is verified based on the final physical match and follows the same verification rules as the analogue print folder to guarantee the high-quality criteria our customers expect from us.”

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CONFERENCE PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED FOR DETROIT MOLDING EXPO

Plastics News and AMI have published the programs for the two free-to-attend conference theaters at the Injection Molding and Design Expo, which takes place in Detroit, MI, the USA on May 25-26, 2022.

The speaker line-up boasts senior representatives from OEMs, tier-one suppliers, packaging producers, and leading molders. These include Ford Motor Company, Berry Global, Faurecia, Amcor, Westfall Technik, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, Teel Plastics, Cascade Engineering, and many more.

Located alongside the exhibition, the two conference theaters are focused on “Molding The Future” and “Designing The Future”.  They each feature busy two-day programs of keynote talks, panel discussions, and technology presentations. Admission to the conference theaters and the expo are free of charge.

“We have worked with the industry to compile programs that cover a wide range of important issues for the designers and manufacturers of injection-molded plastic parts and products,” explained Joe Pryweller, director of conference and event content at Crain Global Polymer Group.

Sean Manson, the senior conference producer at AMI, added: “Our selected speakers are covering a variety of critical themes and hot topics, such as digital manufacturing, tackling the skills shortage, strategies for business growth, factory automation, supply chain concerns, improving sustainability, design trends, cybersecurity, 3D printing and much more”.

The opening keynote presenters on the first day include Troy Nix, executive director of the Manufacturers Association for Plastics Processors (MAPP), whose talk is on “Working together to build a stronger molding industry in the USA”. In the other theater, Alper Kiziltas, technical expert for sustainability and emerging materials at Ford Motor Company is giving the keynote presentation on “Selecting materials for more sustainable vehicles”.

On the second day of the expo, the keynote speakers include Mark Gomulka, CEO of Westfall Technik, one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing injection molding groups. He’s covering “Growth and expansion in opportunistic times”. The other opening presentation is on “Transforming product design with innovative design thinking”. It will be given by Grey Parker, principal, and CEO at Sundberg-Ferar, a leading industrial design consultancy working across a range of markets, including automotive, home appliances, consumer electronics, medical, and packaging.

Both of the conference theaters will host a series of panel discussions featuring industry leaders debating key issues facing the molding supply chain. For example, the discussion on “What makes a successful molding operation?” will feature Patricia Miller, CEO of Matrix 4; Gary Hulecki, executive VP of MTD Micro Molding; and Mike Ruggieri, president of Comar.

It will be followed by a separate discussion on the future of mold making that will include: Laurie Harbour, president, and CEO of Harbour Results; Camille Sackett, VP of sales and project management at Accede Mold & Tool; plus Brian Bendig, president of Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing. Other hot topics being debated in the “Molding The Future Theater” include how the industry can tackle skills shortages and how it can respond to supply chain issues.

The “Designing The Future Theater” will host separate debates focused on trends in automotive, rigid packaging, and medical applications, plus a discussion on designing for sustainability. Speakers on these topics will include: Katie Roco, customer engineering director at Faurecia; Jeff Stout, executive director at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors; and Carla Bailo, president and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research; David Clark, VP, sustainability at Amcor: Diane Market, sustainability manager for consumer packaging at Berry Global; Jeff Totten, chief engineer at Cascade Engineering; Thierry Fabozzi, president and CEO of Plastic Technologies Inc (PTI); Megan Tsanoukakis, VP supply chain at Sussex Injection Molding; and Christian Herrild, director of growth strategies at Teel Plastics.

In between the panel discussions, there will be a series of technology talks from leading suppliers. These will cover topics such as: specifying hot runners; harnessing factory data; microcellular foam molding; lights-out automation; Industry 4.0; advanced control systems; innovations in process simulation; and selecting materials to minimize a product’s carbon footprint.

There will also be talks of specific applications and new technologies. For example, Gene Altonen, chief technology officer at iMFLUX, will discuss his company’s innovations in adaptive processing. In addition, Steve Beasley, regional sales manager at KraussMaffei will discuss the injection molding of lightweight door modules incorporating natural fiber prepreg sheets.

The two conference theaters at the Injection Molding and Design Expo 2022 are sponsored by CAE Services and Bristlecone. The current programs and timings can be viewed here. There will be an additional Training Theater at the expo hosting a series of practical seminars from some of the industry’s leading trainers and educators. The program for this will be published next month.

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Kick-off for drupa 2024: Exhibitor registrations now possible

“drupa is the global meeting place for the industry and stands for innovations and trends,” emphasizes Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf. “Here we will see what impact the megatrends sustainability and digitalization will have on processes, products, business models, and the future of a constantly evolving industry.”

Focus on topics of the future
drupa will showcase cutting-edge technologies along the industry’s entire value chain with a special focus on future and cross-industry technologies. Against this background, topics such as circular economy, automation, print/finishing 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, the platform economy, and connectivity will play a central role in the conference agenda and at the special forums.

New key visual and new claim
drupa 2024 presents itself with a new, dynamic look and feel for the start of exhibitor applications. “The new motion design of our key visual combines classic graphic design with state-of-the-art digital technology and is synonymous with dynamism, motion, and especially with water as the most important resource on our planet,” explains Sabine Geldermann, Director Print Technologies Messe Düsseldorf. “It also visualizes the top themes digitalization and sustainability which drive the print & packaging industries, confront them with new challenges but also offer excellent opportunities.

International faces represent the target group of drupa which is looking forward to networking in a fascinating atmosphere characterized by diversity. Organic structures stand for aesthetics, design, and the beauty of nature. The new claim ‘we create the future’ underscores the clear commitment of the community to jointly and proactively participate in the continuous development and design of the sector. And it represents thought leaders as well as high-quality knowledge transfer.”

New exhibitor brochure sustainably produced
drupa is equally committed to the topic of sustainability – which is also successfully reflected in the new exhibitor brochure. Using state-of-the-art technology as well as environment-friendly resources this brochure was produced in a sustainable and climate-neutral way. 

Forums for interaction and dialogue
At drupa 2024 there will once again be a high-calibre lecture program by top international speakers offering a piece of valuable knowledge to stay competitive. At the drupa cube and at various touchpoints focusing on the segments Packaging, Textile, and Sustainability participants will gain detailed insights into relevant topics and impulses for growth potential as well as the further development of their business models. Start-ups will be hosted at “dna – drupa next age” using this opportunity to showcase their innovative services and ideas to a highly international and interested audience.  

Polymer fibers with graphene nanotubes make it possible to heat hard-to-reach, complex-shaped items

•     Polymer fibers with graphene nanotubes combine the flexibility of synthetic fiber with very high electrical conductivity. The nanotubes can be added into melted polypropylene or polyamide to provide electrical conductivity.
• An ultrafine conductive fiber is used for fabric or mesh that can then be integrated into a polymer system.
• Such electrically conductive heating fibers are required in the medical, agricultural, construction, oil and gas, textile, automotive, and aerospace industries.

From the warming of seating to the heating of industrial and living areas, from the heating of cars’ interior parts to the de-icing of roofs—all these challenges require flexible heating elements that allow temperature control. AMPERETEX has developed an ultrafine polymer fiber with OCSiAl’s TUBALL graphene nanotubes, also known as single-wall carbon nanotubes.

“A current equivalent to an ordinary incandescent lamp with a power of 75 W is enough to heat polymer material with a mesh made from such a fiber with nanotubes. The solution is safe for people—the voltage of clothing made of fabric with nanotubes is only 5 V,” said Pavel Pogrebnyakov, Founder and CEO of AMPERETEX.

“Graphene nanotubes are one of the highest performing conductors on Earth. At the same time, unlike other carbon additives, they are very flexible. Their shape is similar to human hair, but 50,000 times thinner. Due to their unique properties, the dosage of graphene nanotubes required to modify polymer fibers can be so low that it doesn’t affect filament production or characteristics,” said Dr. Christian Maus, Development and Support Leader for Thermoplastics at OCSiAl Group. The graphene nanotubes are available as concentrates that can be added into melted polypropylene or polyamide, for example.

Heating mesh made of innovative fibers is integrated into flexible material or complex-shaped composite elements. Laboratory tests showed fiber durability of 30,000 cycles, which is compatible with 30-year service life. Electrically conductive heating meshes have successfully passed testing in various projects, among which are an anti-icing roof and a bus stop: an anti-slip coating with integrated AMPERETEX heating elements and embedded automatic heating sensors.

“The market for the application of such fibers is huge. This includes the medical, agricultural, construction, oil and gas, automotive, and aerospace industries. Currently, we have entered the production of synthetic heating fabrics at industrial-scale volumes. This year, we plan to release a line of products for heating in previously unavailable areas. We are trying to reduce energy consumption and create solutions for the B2B sector in response to a specific request. The next step is the usage of these elements for heating of hard-to-reach objects and products with complex geometric configurations,” noted Pavel Pogrebnyakov.

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Baking up a storm with KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS

Engineering materials such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are used to improve the properties of preparatory devices for baking. Some of these benefits include soft-touch feel and chemical resistance, as they come into
contact with food.

With a diverse range of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom solutions for a variety of industries, KRAIBURG TPE offers high-quality TPE compounds that meet the requirements of preparatory devices for baking.
These include spatulas, scoops and whisks handles, buttons and sealing for baking devices, and more.

Baking made easy
KRAIBURG TPE& food-safe THERMOLAST  K TPE series of compounds are ideal for various food-contact applications because of their high-quality surface, low migration, and organoleptic properties. furthermore, the THERMOLAST  K TPE series offers good surface mapping and a wide range of hardness to allow for improved functional elements and designs of preparatory baking equipment.

Meanwhile, the soft-touch surface feel adds to the advantages of the compounds in the preparatory baking devices. KRAIBURG TPE’s TPE compounds can be pre-colored into a variety of desired hues for a better aesthetic appearance.

Some of the TPE compounds are food-safe and meet China& GB4806-2016 standard, EU Regulation No. 10/2011, and the US FDA &  Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 21 and DIN EN 71-3 requirements, meeting many
food-safe applications.

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Dr. Andreas Pleßke, CEO at Koenig & Bauer AG, confirmed as the new chairman of the drupa Committee

As part of the constitutive meeting of the drupa Committee on 8 February 2022, Dr. Andreas Pleßke, CEO at Koenig & Bauer AG, has been appointed Chairman of this body. Wolfgang Poppen, the Managing Partner at Freiburger Druck GmbH & Co. KG and President of the German Printing and Media Industries Federation (Bundesverband Druck und Medien e.V.), was again confirmed in office as his deputy. Both candidates were elected unanimously.

Dr. Andreas Pleßke succeeds Claus Bolza-Schünemann in office, the former CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG, who had chaired the drupa Committee from 2012 and retired at the designated age. “It is a special honor for me to also succeed Mr. Bolza-Schünemann in this circle and I would like to thank the Committee members for their trust,” stresses Dr. Pleßke and goes on to say: “I am delighted to pro-actively contribute to shaping the further development and global standing of drupa in my new position with a view to strengthening its unique selling proposal as the world’s leading trade fair.”  

Also delighted at his re-election as deputy, Wolfgang Poppen echoed this view: “drupa stands for innovations and technology premieres and will definitely again prove a key milestone in a constantly evolving industry.”

The next drupa will be held at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from 28 May to 7 June 2024 and will focus on the trends of digitalization and sustainability.

www.drupa.com .

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Informal Meeting of Agriculture Ministers

The European Union has set itself the ambitious target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The agriculture sector has a key role to play in meeting this target, involving low-carbon agriculture. While the agricultural transition must contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this sector also offers an excellent opportunity due to agricultural land’s capacity to store carbon.

Throughout the day on 7 February, the European ministers responsible for agriculture were able to see first-hand the practices used by farmers and the structures helping them implement low-carbon systems. For example, France’s proposed approach makes use of two tools: a carbon diagnosis scheme and the low-carbon label.

This helped paint a clear picture of the changes to agricultural models required at the farm level and the need to support farmers in these transitions. Developing markets based on carbon credits can offer the opportunity to reap the full economic benefits of these practices, which help combat climate change.

At the working meeting on 8 February, participants were able to achieve a political consensus at the European level concerning the role of farmers and forestry professionals in the fight against climate change.

The ministers shared their experience regarding climate-friendly agricultural practices, such as planting hedgerows and ground cover, diversifying and rotating crops while integrating pulses, and implementing agroforestry and sustainable grassland management, which are associated with many environmental benefits.

They also focused on specific systems such as wetlands and peatlands. They underscored the need to align these practices with agriculture’s primary goal of feeding the population. The participants also shared initiatives already in place in the certain Member States and identified the conditions needed to expand these efforts.

In addition to the mobilization of public funding and in particular, the CAP, a common certification framework at the European level emerged as a promising avenue, provided that it reconciles robust science, ease of implementation, and sufficient financial incentive. The ministers also highlighted the importance of research and experimentation and mobilizing agricultural training and advice networks to share knowledge and best practices.

For Julien Denormandie, “the goal is to create political momentum for a framework at European level that is conducive to the development and acceleration of soil carbon sequestration. I hope that the French Presidency can help provide the necessary impetus to reconcile environmental value and economic value.”

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