TÜV Austria certifies Constantia Flexibles’ EcoPressoLid

EcoPressoLid, a lidding material for coffee capsules, has been awarded “OK Compost Industrial” by TÜV Austria CERT GmbH. Thus, it is Constantia Flexibles’ first certified compostable product. A milestone for the flexible packaging producer and a game-changer for coffee suppliers who focus on more sustainable and convenient products.

High barrier to oxygen, high sealability for a compostable coffee capsule, suitable for conventional capsule-closing machines, and remarkable coffee brewing performance – these are the main characteristics of Constantia Flexibles’ new capsule lidding. The specific structure of EcoPressoLid is paper-based and provides an outstanding oxygen barrier. The material can be used to close both – the top and the bottom of the capsules.

Compost quality

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 30 percent of plastic packaging (by weight) needs a fundamental redesign before reusing or recycling. In 2018 Constantia Flexibles launched the more sustainable product range Ecolutions. The company’s approach is to provide solutions that are recyclable or compostable. EcoPressoLid belongs to the Ecolutions product range and is compostable.

Naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, fully biodegrade the lid under industrial composting conditions in less than six months. It disintegrates into small pieces in less than three months. The result does not deteriorate the compost quality. Tests have also shown that there is no interference with the growth of plants. This was the basis and prerequisite for the certification “OK Compost Industrial” by TÜV Austria (Technical Inspection Agency), which is an association that carries out technical safety inspections.

“The certification underlines the high-quality standards of our products, but more importantly, their return to the cycle by means of organic recovery,” says Gerwin Schalk, Head of Business Development Ecolutions at Constantia Flexibles.

High demand for sustainable solutions

With an annual growth rate* of 7.07 percent, the market for coffee capsules has high potential. Therefore, the demand and urgency to offer more sustainable solutions are also increasing. Constantia Flexibles developed EcoPressoLid in collaboration with selected capsule producers and machine manufacturers. Now the next generation of lids has arrived. “With EcoPressoLid, we meet customer expectations by offering a compostable, convenient solution with high barrier properties and therefore a high quality,” explains Paolo Battiston, Product Manager Coffee Capsule Solutions at Constantia Flexibles. “The strong interest of brands all over the world shows us that we are on the right track,” Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles on the business development.

EcoPressoLid, a lidding material for coffee capsules, has been awarded “OK Compost Industrial” by TÜV Austria CERT GmbH. Thus, it is Constantia Flexibles’ first certified compostable product. A milestone for the flexible packaging producer and a game-changer for coffee suppliers who focus on more sustainable and convenient products.

High barrier to oxygen, high sealability for a compostable coffee capsule, suitable for conventional capsule-closing machines, and remarkable coffee brewing performance – these are the main characteristics of Constantia Flexibles’ new capsule lidding. The specific structure of EcoPressoLid is paper-based and provides an outstanding oxygen barrier. The material can be used to close both – the top and the bottom of the capsules.

Compost quality

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 30 percent of plastic packaging (by weight) needs a fundamental redesign before reusing or recycling. In 2018 Constantia Flexibles launched the more sustainable product range Ecolutions. The company’s approach is to provide solutions that are recyclable or compostable. EcoPressoLid belongs to the Ecolutions product range and is compostable. Naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, fully biodegrade the lid under industrial composting conditions in less than six months.

It disintegrates into small pieces in less than three months. The result does not deteriorate the compost quality. Tests have also shown that there is no interference with the growth of plants. This was the basis and prerequisite for the certification “OK Compost Industrial” by TÜV Austria (Technical Inspection Agency), which is an association that carries out technical safety inspections. “The certification underlines the high-quality standards of our products, but more importantly, their return to the cycle by means of organic recovery,” says Gerwin Schalk, Head of Business Development Ecolutions at Constantia Flexibles.

High demand for sustainable solutions

With an annual growth rate* of 7.07 percent, the market for coffee capsules has high potential. Therefore, the demand and urgency to offer more sustainable solutions are also increasing. Constantia Flexibles developed EcoPressoLid in collaboration with selected capsule producers and machine manufacturers. Now the next generation of lids has arrived.

“With EcoPressoLid, we meet customer expectations by offering a compostable, convenient solution with high barrier properties and therefore a high quality,” explains Paolo Battiston, Product Manager Coffee Capsule Solutions at Constantia Flexibles. “The strong interest of brands all over the world shows us that we are on the right track,” Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles on the business development.

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AeroFlexx Awarded the “Made for Recycling” Seal From Interseroh

Aeroflexx announced  that it has been awarded the “Made for Recycling” seal from Interseroh for the AeroFlexx liquid package, a flexible construct which contains an air frame that provides rigid qualities throughout the entire package lifecycle. AeroFlexx is one of the first packages to receive the “Made for Recycling” designation for the multiple countries across Europe that offer recycling for rigid polyethylene packaging, meaning consumers have the convenience of recycling AeroFlexx packages just like other widely recycled polyethylene (PE) bottles.

As a recycling specialist, Interseroh , part of the Alba group, is involved in all stages of the packaging cycle, from licensing and collection to sorting and processing plastics. The “Made for Recycling” designation was established by Interseroh in partnership with the German bifa environmental institute, who came up with a set of criteria for recycling with a maximum of 20 possible points. Fraunhofer IVV affirmed the assessment method. Only products achieving 18 points or higher achieve the “Made for Recycling” title. AeroFlexx packaging received a 19 out of 20 rating from Interseroh.

Achieving recyclability recognition through Interseroh is just the first of many steps AeroFlexx is taking to ensure AeroFlexx packages are compatible with the recycling systems in both Europe and the Americas. And while recyclability is important to ensure customers and brands can achieve their circularity goals, that is not the only environmental attribute the AeroFlexx liquid package affords. The liquid package is significantly lighter than its competitors, reducing the amount of plastic used by at least 50% with the ability to incorporate recycled content for further reduction in virgin plastic use. These environmental benefits can afford brands the ability to not just close the loop and meet their circularity goals, but also accelerate progress toward greenhouse gas reduction and also reduce waste to landfills.

“AeroFlexx is honored to be recognized as ‘Made for Recycling,’” said Andrew Meyer, CEO of AeroFlexx. Our commitment to a cultural economy  is to proactively engage the industry to create an ecosystem whereby no AeroFlexx package ends up in the environment. This designation recognizes the collective commitment and effort across the entire AeroFlexx team as we believe we have an unwavering obligation to our customers, society and future generations to do our part to reduce environmental impacts without compromise on performance or the consumer experience.”

Interseroh notes that the term “recyclability” is understood to mean the extent to which the materials used to manufacture the product can be returned to the material loop at the end of the product’s useful life and therefore close the material loop. Interseroh utilizes a three-stage points system. In the first stage, it is determined whether the consumer can assign the packaging to the right collection system without any problems. In the second stage, how the packaging performs during the sorting process is assessed. In the third stage, an evaluation takes place as to how suitable the packaging is for recycling, and to determine if design features such as labels, colors or barriers make the recycling process more difficult.

https://aeroflexx.com/

Expansion of the charging infrastructure for electromobility

EVBox Group to use polycarbonate from Covestro from mass-balanced biowaste

Further reduction of the carbon footprint in sight

The expansion of electromobility is progressing, and the need for charging stations is growing accordingly. The European Green Deal fixes a target of one million public charging points to be available by 2025. They will be needed to power the 13 million electric cars then expected on European roads.

Covestro is driving the transition to electromobility with innovative material solutions and has been cooperating for more than ten years with EVBox Group, a leading Dutch full-service provider for electric car charging. By using Makrolon® RE, the ISCC PLUS-certified mass-balanced polycarbonate, both companies aim to achieve an even more sustainable solution.

The objective is to set a new standard for charging infrastructure: while electric vehicles no longer require fossil fuels for power, both partners are now looking to conserve resources for charging stations as well and equip them with more sustainable materials. Joint developments are just beginning, but ISCC PLUS-certified Makrolon® RE has already cleared one important hurdle: it meets the technical requirements of charging station manufacturers.

Keeping an eye on the life cycle

“It is important to us to think about the entire life cycle of charging stations right from their development and design,” explains Wijnand Diemer, Senior Director, Product Management at EVBox Group. “These include circular materials as source materials, a modular design that facilitates repairs, and last but not least, the remanufacturing of components and entire charging stations. We are pleased to have Covestro as a competent and trustworthy partner for this.”

A partner that will soon support EVBox with even more sustainable materials. Makrolon® RE series plastics come from recycled waste and residues. Like the standard products, they are recyclable, and also durable. Some products are even carbon-neutral from cradle to factory gate, thanks to the introduction of raw materials derived from mass-balanced biowaste and residues, and renewable energy into the production process. This should significantly reduce their carbon footprint compared with standard types.

Dr. Niklas Meine from Marketing Electrical & Electronics in the Engineering Plastics segment, EMEA, at Covestro, adds: “In order to meet the technical requirements, special material properties are essential. These include impact resistance, color fastness, and surface quality as characteristic features that polycarbonates have to meet in very different climatic regions, including outdoors. The key factor here is durability. Our Makrolon® RE series offers outstanding technical properties based on alternative raw materials, thus allowing for significant CO2 emission savings as early as in the production of charging stations.”

Koketa begins sampling garments made with Acteev® antimicrobial technology

The prestigious Peruvian brand famous for its luxurious intimate wear is including US-made Acteev® in leggings and undergarments

HOUSTON – November 30, 2021 – Koketa, a brand of premium womenswear based in Peru, has begun sampling leggings, undergarments and workout wear featuring Acteev® Protect fabric. Produced by U.S. manufacturer Ascend Performance Materials, Acteev incorporates the odor-fighting and mildew-destroying antimicrobial benefits of zinc ions embedded into the matrix of superior nylon yarns and fabrics.

“When it comes to what’s closest to your most vulnerable skin, being safe and sanitary is a top priority,” said Juan Daniel Del Carpio, commercial director for Koketa. “The Koketa woman wants beauty, comfort and protection, and a partnership with Acteev makes it easier than ever for us to deliver all three.”

Koketa garments with Acteev feature Koketa’s signature innovative styles, including unique knit patterns, on-trend colors and flattering silhouettes. The Acteev fabric is buttery-soft and breathable yet long-lasting and resistant to pilling.

Additionally, clothing made with Acteev is resistant to unwanted odors, keeping garments as fresh after 100 washes as they are on day one. The active ingredient – labeled safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – targets the bacteria and microbes that can cause odor, mildew and discoloration.

“Zinc is nature’s safeguard,” said Juan Toro, global principal business development leader for Acteev in the Americas. “It is a mineral needed for human health, and we have harnessed its power to protect the garments in a natural, sustainable way.”

Retailers interested in carrying the Koketa line made with Acteev can find more information at koketa.com.

More information on Acteev can be found at acteev.com.

XSYS to implement price increase across nyloflex product range

 During 2021, the rise in costs has reached unprecedented levels, affecting all businesses and their suppliers throughout the printing industry. Until now, XSYS has been able to secure the supply of key raw materials and access to supply networks by absorbing this cost inflation through various cost-reduction initiatives and projects, as well as technology improvements and other efficiency gains.

As we enter 2022, cost inflation is continuing to be passed on by suppliers and the impact is coming from several directions:
Double-digit price increases are being levied by raw material and feedstock suppliers.
 Energy prices have soared resulting in a significant rise in XSYS production costs, as well as increased costs from suppliers.
 Transport and freight costs to customers have increased and continue to do so, which is also having an impact on the cost of supply for raw materials.

There are currently no signs that this inflation will start retracting soon. As a result, XSYS will be mitigating the impact by putting into effect a price increase of 6% across the nylon flex product range on 1 st February 2022.

“Our priority remains, as always, to offer a constant and reliable supply of products to our customers, irrespective of the current market conditions.

We will naturally maintain full support with technical service and quality products during this challenging period to ensure that our customers can continue to service their customers,” said Friedrich von Rechteren, Global Commercial VP at XSYS. “In addition, XSYS will invest in more projects and high-efficiency drives designed to counter the inflation where possible.”

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New SABIC study on rear quarter windows underscores LEXAN resin’s value for integration, styling and aerodynamics

SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, today announced the results of a recent design study on automotive rear quarter windows that explored the distinct advantages of LEXAN polycarbonate (PC) resins for creating differentiated styling, consolidating components, integrating functions and enhancing aerodynamics. These concepts reveal multiple new opportunities to significantly expand design freedom, control costs and reduce weight by replacing traditional glass with transparent, impact-resistant LEXAN resins. The detailed study, conducted by SABIC designers and engineers, builds on the company’s deep, decades-long history in automotive glazing technology. In addition to rear quarter windows, the SABIC team produced stylish design concepts for rear side windows. The data is available to support the feasibility of these designs, all of which can use well-established processing methods and secondary operations.

“As industry trends such as vehicle electrification continue to evolve, SABIC is seeing major new opportunities for our materials to radically change automotive styling, while simultaneously addressing the longstanding challenges of weight-out, cost-out and sustainability,” said Abdullah Al-Otaibi, general manager, ETP,
Market Solutions, SABIC. “The latest concepts from our study aim to inspire exciting new window designs that address these needs by combining beautiful aesthetics with practical performance and established processing methods. SABIC’s LEXAN resins have a proven track record in automotive glazing applications, and we continue to work with our customers to proactively deliver cutting-edge ideas and innovations that can benefit OEMs, tier suppliers and consumers alike.”

Wraparounds, Panel Swaps, Integrated Lighting and More
Many of the new SABIC concepts feature LEXAN resin used in curved wraparounds that seamlessly flow into other portions of the vehicle, while integrating rear lighting, door latches, D-pillar trim and even sunroofs. Integrations and complex curvatures like these typically cannot be achieved with glass. Part and function integrations can enhance aerodynamics to improve fuel economy and electric vehicle (EV) battery efficiency and range. They also create a highly streamlined look for the vehicle.

One rear quarter window concept (1A) integrates an airflow separator feature for increased aerodynamic efficiency and incorporates styling strokes to add visual appeal. Another concept (1D) integrates a backlit EV charge level indicator within the window. Alternatively, the rear quarter window could integrate a different or more distinctive type of indicator or an animated welcome light display.

In another case (1F), SABIC created a rear quarter window with an expressive 3D curvature that smoothly wraps around the D-pillar, into the sunroof and down the back side. This concept combines the window with the taillights. A variation (1H) on this rear quarter window design features a raised panel covering the D-pillar area. This window enhancement can be created in the same color as the body to establish a floating-pillar effect, and can even be swapped by the consumer for a different panel if a special color or effect is desired. The new SABIC study also includes innovative design concepts for the rear side window. For example, one unique design (2D) features a window and a door latch that are mated to a trim insert in the D-pillar. The result is a sleek, aerodynamic design.

Clear Advantages over Glass
Although glass has dominated the automotive glazing sector for years, due mainly to its low cost for simple curved components, disruptors such as EVs are prompting the industry to re-imagine vehicle design. In the process, traditional materials like glass have come under scrutiny and are increasingly being replaced by safer, lighter, higher performing engineered plastics. SABIC’s PC glazing offers exceptional advantages over glass, beginning with significantly lighter weight. With PC, designers gain the freedom to create curved forms, sharp angles and other configurations that cannot be achieved with glass. Proven technologies such as 2K and 3K injection molding can be used to produce these shapes. SABIC has invested in the development of a 3K injection molded sunroof to build competencies in molding large transparent and semi-transparent parts.

Polycarbonate is also much easier to recycle than glass, which faces roadblocks due to its high transportation costs, potential for contaminating single-stream recycled content with broken fragments, and shrinking end markets for the material, particularly automotive. SABIC is interested in pursuing supply chain collaboration with industry partners to explore the chemical upcycling of PC materials used in rear quarter windows and rear side windows.

Postponed: Technology Days 2022 will take place in June!

• New date: June 22th to 25th, 2022
• Increased safety: Event postponed from spring to summer
• Successful concept: practice, theory and personal contacts

Lossburg, 30/11/2021
Safety first: For this reason, Arburg has postponed the date for the Technology Days 2022 from March to June. The unique industry event for which thousands of visitors from all over the world normally come to Lossburg will take place from 22th to 25th June 2022 in the form of a presence event with the proven successful concept. This includes not only the unique mixture of practice and theory but, first of all, personal contacts.

“With regard to the currently unforeseeable further development of the pandemic, we consider it adviseable that the next year’s Technology Days will not take place as planned from 16th to 19th March. We will therefore postpone the event to 22th to 25th June 2022“, says Dr. Christoph Schumacher, Arburg’s Director Marketing. “This decision was made to provide the highest level of safety to our visitors and employees with regard to health protection and in order to facilitate the planning.”

A highlight in our industrial sector for more than two decades Since 1999, the Technology Days have been one of the largest and most important inhouse events in the world of plastics. They fulfil highest demands, have an excellent reputation and are characterized not only by the wide diversity of subjects and the depth of information but also by their physical event and live character.

Clariant completes sale of its Pigments business

Clariant, a focused, sustainable and innovative specialty chemical company, today completed the sale of its Pigments business to a consortium of Heubach Group (“Heubach”) and SK Capital Partners (“SK Capital”). As announced upon signing of the transaction, the base enterprise value of the sale amounts to CHF 805 million subject to closing accounts adjustments and before a potential earn-out payment of CHF 50 million which is subject to the business’ 2021 financial performance.

Clariant rolled over approximately CHF 115 million to retain a 20 % stake in the new holding company, alongside Heubach and SK Capital. This combined business is a global pigments player with approximately 3 000 employees generating approximately EUR 1 billion in annual sales with strong service and production capabilities across the globe.

This roll-over allows Clariant to further benefit from the improving profitability of the Pigments business, participate in future growth opportunities and realize synergies via the combination with Heubach’s Pigments business.

Clariant’s net cash inflow after roll-over and initial debt adjustments, but before closing account adjustments, tax, transaction cost and a potential earn-out payment amounts to approximately CHF 615 million. Clariant intends to use the proceeds of the divestment to invest into growth projects within the core Business Areas, execute the strategy along sustainability and innovation, fund the performance improvement programs as well as strengthen Clariant’s balance sheet to reach and defend a solid investment rating.

“The Pigments divestment concludes Clariant’s transformation into a high-value specialty chemical company, allows us to invest in profitable growth in our most attractive segments and to address the increasing demand for more sustainable products,” said Conrad Keijzer, Chief Executive Officer of Clariant. “We are convinced that the Heubach and SK Capital consortium is the best owner of the Pigment activities and I wish our former colleagues all the best in their new environment. Clariant looks forward to participating in the group’s further development as a shareholder.”

https://www.clariant.com/

Suresh Kalra succeeds Ashwani Bhardwaj as Managing Director of hubergroup India & Head of RBU Asia

Dear ladies and genlemen,

hubergroup today announced that Ashwani Bhardwaj has decided to retire from the company effective January 30, 2022. Mr Bhardwaj had joined the company in 1995 as Regional Head of Sales and held various positions before becoming Managing Director in 2007. He was instrumental in the integration of the Indian company into hubergroup. Under his leadership, hubergroup India (formerly Hindustan Inks and Micro Inks) has developed to a key cornerstone of hubergroup.

hubergroup is delighted to appoint Suresh Kalra as Managing Director and Head of RBU (Regional Business Unit) Asia effective January 1, 2022. Suresh Kalra joined the company as Executive Director in September 2021 after a rigorous selection process with a defined succession plan and has been inducted into the Board of Directors already.

Suresh Kalra has 23 years of experience in chemicals and specialities and an impressive history of driving business growth across various regions globally. He has had a successful stint with the likes of Total, Chevron, Pidilite, Valvoline & WR Grace. His earlier role before joining hubergroup was Managing Director and Vice President SI group – India, where he also served on the board of Korea & Singapore.

The management board warmly welcomes Suresh Kalra to the role and is looking forward to seeing hubergroup Asia grow in this challenging yet exciting time under his leadership.

Heiner Klokkers, Chairman of the Management Board, said: “Suresh Kalra is an accomplished leader known for his strong personal leadership and track record of driving business growth and corporate transformation. His breadth of experience in leading businesses in diverse and dynamic markets is an ideal fit with hubergroup’s strategic priorities, and we look forward to him leading hubergroup Asia in its next phase of growth.”

“I am very excited to be a part of hubergroup and I am looking forward to accelerating the momentum in our chemicals business while continuing to strengthen our position in print solutions on the Asian markets,” Suresh Kalra said. “My focus in this new position will be to leverage the company’s unique product portfolio, the strong manufacturing base in India, and the exceptional talent in executing our growth strategy.”

Ascend to build HMD plant in China’s Jiangsu province

  Ascend Performance Materials announced today it signed an investment agreement to construct a new hexamethylene diamine and specialty chemicals plant in Lianyungang, China in the Xuwei New Area Park. The new plant will be Ascend’s first chemical production facility and the largest investment the company has made outside of the United States.

The plant will produce HMD and specialty chemicals to supply Ascend’s global polyamide production and serve its regional customers. “Our growth is driven by increasing market demand and growing collaboration with our customers globally,” said Phil McDivitt, Ascend’s president and CEO. “The materials we produce are helping drive technological transformations across markets, from e-mobility to automation. Our new HMD plant positions us to continue supporting these transformations well into the future.”

Ascend, a fully integrated producer of durable engineered materials, serves a variety of sectors including automotive, paints and coatings, electrical and electronics, consumer goods, and cable ties and fasteners.
“China and Asia remain high-growth markets for us,” said Dr. Kevin Wu, Ascend’s senior vice president and managing director for Asia. “This new plant is a symbol of our growth in the region and the partnerships we have developed. We thank the Xuwei New Area Park administrators and the officials in Lianyungang for their
partnership in this project.”

Ascend signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2020 during CIIE in Shanghai with Xuwei New Area Park, witnessed by the leaders of Jiangsu Province and Lianyungang. Ascend will begin construction later this year with a plant startup targeted for the second half of 2023.

The announcement of the new site construction follows a series of acquisitions and capacity expansions to enable regional growth and continued global supply security. In 2018, Ascend made its first acquisition in Tilburg, Netherlands, followed by acquisitions in Mozzate, Italy; Suzhou, China; and Fosses, France. Ascend will also
complete an acquisition in San Jose Iturbide, Mexico and the construction of Ascend Asia Innovation Center later this year.

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