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PLASTICS Chief Economist Featured Speaker at 19th Annual Carpet Recycling Conference

PLASTICS Chief Economist Featured Speaker at 19th Annual Carpet Recycling Conference

The Plastics Industry Association’s (PLASTICS) Chief Economist, Perc Pineda, Ph.D. kicked off this year’s Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) at WASHINGTON. Annual meeting sharing wide-ranging economic analysis spanning global growth plans to data specific to the carpet sector. CARE’s mission is to develop market-based solutions that increase landfill alternatives and recycling of post-consumer carpets, encourage design for recyclability.

 

“It’s a pleasure to be part of CARE’s annual meeting once again,” Pineda quoted. Sharing his economic outlook to the attendees, his reassuring message that the economy is expected to remain on a growth path this year despite supply chain issues, inflationary pressures, and labor supply shortages lingering as the U.S. continues to recover during the pandemic.

 

With the observation, Pineda noted the rising US interest in carpets and floor coverings, the retail sale of building materials and supplies, with an average 17.2% month year- over year from May to December is 2020. Beginning of this year, the increase of 19.2% was visible. With the current demand for carpet and rugs, carpet recovery efforts are expecting to continue.

 

Praising CARE for the work they do, his closing statement to the attendees was, “Assuming no policy missteps and the risks of the coronavirus continue to diminish, and the economy is expected to remain on a growth path next year.”

 

Pineda’s words ensure that the carpet market is promising; Engaged stakeholders in the industry are continuously making strides for the production of economical, high-quality recyclable carpets.

 

For more details: www.plasticsindustry.org

New recyclable PET blister film by Klockner Pentaplast

New recyclable PET blister film by Klockner Pentaplast

A global manufacturer of high barrier protective packaging results with industry-leading use of recyclable content material has launched KpNext, its first-to-market innovation in recyclable PET blister films. KpNext is the single PET receivable blister that is compatible with pharmaceutical manufacturing form, fill and seal equipment. This is the next step towards evolution for innovative pharmaceutical blister packaging solution, not only kp next is designed to be recyclable a blister packaging, but also pocket-friendly. Pharmaceutical companies and converters can now utilize kpNext on their existing form, fill and seal lines with no waste of line speed or a need to retool. It truly is the best of both worlds, a sustainable yet functional solution.

“For over 55 years, KP has been at the forefront of sustainable packaging designs, championing the circular economy and closed-loop recycling while leading in innovative, recycled-content products,” said Scott Tracey, CEO of Klöckner Pentaplast.

At launch, Dr. Jorg Schneewind, President of KP’s Ph.D. The division said: “kpNext is an example of excellence in product innovation because it has been designed to be recyclable and is a seamless transition, taking the burden off our customers to adapt to the sustainable film. Instead, the film adapted to the equipment. It’s a true milestone for the industry and for KP – in our ability to support our customers in meeting their sustainability commitments.”

As a firm, they committed to taking every opportunity to make packaging recyclable. A win-win for their long-term partners.

For more details: www.kpfilms

21st Century Recycling Technology

21st Century Recycling Technology

The Doconomy, providing banks with carbon and water footprint calculations for every transaction, and Parley for the Oceans, a global environmental organization with a modernistic approach to environmentalism, today announce they are entering into a long-term partnership to boost solutions to the interconnected climate and plastic crises. The partners will work together to quantify the unseen environmental costs of consumption decisions in ways that empower individuals, businesses, and governments to align spending with climate action and solutions, focusing initially on carbon, water, and plastic.

 

With a project that includes more than 30 countries up till now, Parley programs emphasis on cleanups and plastic interception, education and communication, material science, and eco-innovation to end the fast-growing crisis of marine plastic pollution alongside the intertwined threats of climate change and overfishing. The organization’s approach is leading by the three pillars of its Parley AIR Strategy: Avoid, Intercept, and Redesign. Together, Doconomy and Parley will integrate this tactic into Doconomy’s product portfolio and empower individuals and corporations to take responsibility for their impact.

 

The demands of a new generation of consumers driven by authentic, impactful commitments to environmental responsibility, Doconomy and Parley will provide products and technologies from the Doconomy business portfolio that empower individuals to understand and track their carbon, water, and now plastic footprints, developing a new plastic index tool that illustrates the connections between products and marine plastic pollution, and provides an everyday way to support direct impact through Parley initiatives.

 

The shared goal of driving a material revolution and creating an economy that works in harmony with ecological ecosystems, the collaboration will focus on harnessing financial formulas and tools that allow a better view into the unseen impacts of consumer spending, empowering individuals to use that knowledge to make more informed decisions and participating in creative solutions to environmental threats.

 

For more details: www.doconomy.com

The Oceans Partner To Accelerate Climate And Non-Biodegradable Waste Solutions

The Oceans Partner To Accelerate Climate And Non-Biodegradable Waste Solutions

The Doconomy, providing banks with carbon and water footprint calculations for every transaction, and Parley for the Oceans, a global environmental organization with a modernistic approach to environmentalism, today announce they are entering into a long-term partnership to boost solutions to the interconnected climate and plastic crises. The partners will work together to quantify the unseen environmental costs of consumption decisions in ways that empower individuals, businesses, and governments to align spending with climate action and solutions, focusing initially on carbon, water, and plastic.

 

With a project that includes more than 30 countries up till now, Parley programs emphasis on cleanups and plastic interception, education and communication, material science, and eco-innovation to end the fast-growing crisis of marine plastic pollution alongside the intertwined threats of climate change and overfishing. The organization’s approach is leading by the three pillars of its Parley AIR Strategy: Avoid, Intercept, and Redesign. Together, Doconomy and Parley will integrate this tactic into Doconomy’s product portfolio and empower individuals and corporations to take responsibility for their impact.

 

The demands of a new generation of consumers driven by authentic, impactful commitments to environmental responsibility, Doconomy and Parley will provide products and technologies from the Doconomy business portfolio that empower individuals to understand and track their carbon, water, and now plastic footprints, developing a new plastic index tool that illustrates the connections between products and marine plastic pollution, and provides an everyday way to support direct impact through Parley initiatives.

 

The shared goal of driving a material revolution and creating an economy that works in harmony with ecological ecosystems, the collaboration will focus on harnessing financial formulas and tools that allow a better view into the unseen impacts of consumer spending, empowering individuals to use that knowledge to make more informed decisions and participating in creative solutions to environmental threats.

 

For more details: www.doconomy.com

Uflex Launches Extrusion Lamination Machine EL-1300

Uflex Launches Extrusion Lamination Machine EL-1300

‘Need is the mother of creativity, goes the age-old adage. At India’s largest global flexible packaging solution company Uflex Limited, they every necessity is viewed as an opportunity and the most optimum solution are engineered to fulfill it.

How to design a zero-speed splicing system for continuous operation on woven polypropylene (WPP) as the base web was a daunting challenge that confronted the converters servicing the packaging requirements of building materials’ brands.

Converters and packaging companies have all too often faced difficulties while laminating a woven web owing to the troughs and valleys (also called warps and wefts) that are an inherent part of the texture.

 

This extrusion lamination machine is equally efficient to laminate very thin LDPE substrates to woven polypropylene and also to the paper/any packaging film. Except for some electrical and electronic parts, most of the mechanical parts have been fabricated and assembled in-house at the Uflex Engineering plant in Noida. The Extrusion Lamination Machine owing to its very many advantages is much in demand across the country particularly when no other company offers it in India. USP lies in the very facts that are a fully integrated flexible packaging solution company. On one hand, can offer laminates as rolls and pre-formed pouch, with equal ease on the other hand offer machines that can form packs out of those rolls, fill the product in them and seal it to your satisfaction too, also offer a wide array of printing and lamination machines that are capable of carrying out high-precision converting processes to make these laminates. Uflex Limited chairman and managing director Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi said: “From PET chips i.e. raw material for manufacturing polyester films to specialty packaging films to laminated Flexi-tubes and big bags we make them all.

 

From rotogravure printing cylinders, flexo-polymer plates, elastomers, and sleeves to inks, adhesives, coatings, and polyols used in the converting process they make them all. “If the threat of counterfeiting is what worries you, we offer the most contemporary and technologically superior brand protection and anti-counterfeiting solutions that will keep the fake and spurious at bay. “Thus at Uflex, ours is a 360° approach towards addressing varied flexible packaging needs of our clients across the globe.”

 

For more details:  www.uflexltd.

Fresh Method For Producing Functionally Highly Integrated And Nobly Decorated Plastic

DirectCoating (DC) with polyurethane (PU) coating systems is a new process for producing functionally highly integrated and nobly decorated plastic parts economically and sustainably. Rühl Puromer GmbH and Covestro have joined forces to expand the technology’s suitability for large-scale production. “We want to open up the process for broad use in electromobility and autonomous driving applications and use it, for example, to manufacture large area decorative parts with multifunctional, seamlessly integrated display, operating and ambient lighting elements for car interiors,” explains Dr. Olaf Zöllner, head of application development Europe in Covestro’s Engineering Plastics business entity. “We also see good opportunities in highly integrated passenger car exterior parts such as spoilers, radar covers, front fascias and pillar trim with touch panels for vehicle access. There is also great potential in medical, communications and IT technology,” adds Dr. Ingo Kleba, managing director at Rühl Puromer.

Almost unlimited design freedom The DC process combines two established technologies in one process: injection molding of thermoplastics and reaction injection molding (RIM) of PU systems. First, a thermoplastic carrier is produced in a mold cavity and then transferred to a second cavity, which is enlarged by the thickness of the coatin layer. There, the PU system is then injected onto the carrier.

The PU coatings offer unusually great freedom in design. The surface of the component can be made transparent, translucent, or colored through, and it can be made highly resistant to chemical media such as fatty skin creams or given leather-like soft-touch haptics. Filigree surface structures can be precisely molded. High-gloss areas can be directly adjacent to matte structures. In addition, there is no need to invest in separate painting systems. Compared with spray painting, there is no paint loss due to overspray, and there is less scrap due to painting errors. Scratches that disappear by themselves Covestro has built up special PC and PC blend compounds under the Makrolon, Bayblend and Makroblend brands for the DC process, as well as an extensive modular range of coating raw materials without solvent additives – such as special Desmodur isocyanate crosslinkers and Desmophen polyols – for PU coatings. For the DC process, Rühl offers, among others, the light- and color-stable 2K PU coating systems puroclear. Their RIM cycle times are usually at least equal to those of injection molding. The systems contain an “internal release function” that has been proven in series production many times. The mold, therefore, does not have to be sprayed with a release agent. This contributes to short cycle times and a simple process. In addition, self-healing variants have been added to the product range (reflow effect). Ingo Kleba: “Superficial scratches in the paint, which are quickly caused by vehicle keys or stone chips, for example, disappear by themselves over time.

The components retain their appearance, value and function for longer, which means maximum suitability for everyday use.” Strong bond even after hydrolytic aging Makrolon and transparent puroclear grades adhere firmly to each other in themselves. There was still room for improvement in terms of adhesion during aging. The development partners, therefore, optimized several material combinations and assessed their adhesive strengths in the POSI peel test (ISO 4624). “We can now offer material systems that meet OEM adhesion specifications even after prolonged aging in hot and humid environments,” says Zöllner.

Precise simulation of the PU filling process and warpage are essential for the optimal performance of a DC component. Covestro has developed suitable tools for this purpose. “With a new calculation method based on a two-phase CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulation, it is now possible to precisely determine where air bubbles form during filling and whether they remain in the component or reach the mold vent. This was not possible with previous methods,” explains Christoph Bontenackels, responsible for the calculation of DC components at Covestro. A new calculation tool is also available for simulating component distortion. It can be used to find the optimum layer thickness ratio for 3D structures with larger wall thickness jumps, at which warpage and cycle times are minimal. Outlook – integration of films the development partners want to expand the range of applications for the DC process even further. One approach is to integrate foils into the process in order to expand the possibilities for functional integration. For example, foils can be printed with conductive tracks and circuit diagrams on the reverse side, which is a prerequisite for equipping operating panels with backlit, inductive key functions.

For more details:  www.covestro

World’s first polypropylene from CO2

World’s first polypropylene from CO2

Twelve, a unique kind of chemical company built for the climate period. The invention technology eliminates emissions by turning CO2 into essential products, call it carbon transformation. Reinventing what it means to be a chemical company, on a mission to create a climate-positive world and a fossil-free future.

Carbon transformation company Twelve and biotechnology company LanzaTech  have partnered to convert CO2 emissions into polypropylene, a key polymer utilized for medical devices including syringes and IV bags, as well as for large-scale applications in automotive, furniture, textiles, and other everyday products.

“Polypropylene is a key material for essential medical supplies and for many products we rely on in our daily lives. Today, 100 percent of new polypropylene in use worldwide is made from petrochemicals. We now have a way to produce this critical material from CO2 and water instead of from fossil fuels, with no tradeoffs in quality, efficacy or performance. Replacing all of the world’s fossil polypropylene production with CO2 Made polypropylene would reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 700 million tons per year or more,” said Twelve Chief Science Officer, Dr. Etosha Cave.

“By harnessing biology, we can leverage the power of nature to solve a very modern problem. The overabundance of CO2 in our atmosphere has pushed our planet into a state of emergency. We need all carbon transformation solutions to turn this liability into an opportunity, keeping fossil resources in the ground, and our climate safe for everyone,” said LanzaTech CEO, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren.

Twelve’s carbon transformation technology converts CO2 into materials that are traditionally made from fossil fuels. The company helps brands exclude emissions by displacing the petrochemicals in their products and supply chains with CO2Made carbon-negative chemicals and materials, as well as carbon-neutral fuels.

For more details:  www.lanzatech.com

A New Joint Investment Into Bio Based Ethylene Production For Bio Based Polyethylene In Thailand

A New Joint Investment Into Bio Based Ethylene Production For Bio Based Polyethylene In Thailand

Chemicals Business, SCG, is one of the biggest integrated petrochemical companies in Thailand and a key industry leader all over Asia offers an extensive range of petrochemical products covering from upstream production of olefins to downstream production of 3 main plastics resins; polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride.

 

To better serve customers’ demands, SCG assigns prime importance to the development of new technology and innovation for the creation of high value-added products (HVA) and service commitments.

 

Braskem biopolymer producer around the globe has signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) with SCG Chemicals, one of the largest integrated petrochemical companies in Thailand and an industry leader in Asia, to perform studies to jointly invest in a new bio-ethanol dehydration plant in Thailand to produce bio-ethylene and bio-based polyethylene.

 

Tanawong Areeratchakul, President of SCG Chemicals adds: “We are committed to sustainability and advancing circular economy for a better society and environment. This MOU means we are examining potential opportunities for partnering and investing with Braskem to bring the production of bio-based polyethylene to Asia. This would help us to meet our pledge to become “Chemicals Business for Sustainability” and ensuring social and environmental stewardship following Esg standards (Environmental, Social, and Governance) while fostering United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) and fulfill the increasing market demand towards environmentally friendly products in accordance with the guidelines for the development of Bio-Circular-Green Economy: BCG Model of Thailand.”

 

If the feasibility studies are approved with mutual agreement between parties, the production facility would be located in Map Ta Phut, Rayong, Thailand. This Project would allow the combination of Braskem’s technology and bio-plastics know-how with SCG Chemicals’ knowledge of the Asian market and expertise in PE production.

 

For more details:  www.scgchemicals

Bio E Takes Barrier Coatings A Step Closer

Bio E Takes Barrier Coatings A Step Closer

Paperboard packaging alternatives have come as a welcome shift for various food and beverage brands eager to decrease their use of plastic and increase their carbon footprint. And while this has been a tremendous improvement in terms of sustainability, the wall coatings laminated on paperboard to protect food, proceed to be made largely from fossil fuel-based plastics.

 

A barrier coating that is made from 75 percent renewable raw materials, “The previous generation of bio-based barriers was made from about 30 percent renewable raw materials, so Bio E offers a big improvement. Additionally, Bio E has been approved for industrial composting,” says Per Berglund, Product Manager Value-added Products, Holmen Iggesund.

 

Bio E is an enormous move in the ongoing attempts to acquire entirely fossil-free barrier coatings that don’t compromise any of the robustness, safety, or functionality obtained with traditional plastic-based (PE) barrier coatings.

 

Liquid and grease resistant both these qualities in bio-based coating. It fulfills European and US FDA conditions for food contact, which makes it fit for all manners of food packaging. Bio E is also approved for use in microwave ovens.

 

Holmen Iggesund’s paperboards, “Now you don’t have to compromise on sustainability efforts with a PE-based coating when there’s a compostable alternative with Bio E.”

 

Their combination as blend or multilayer films could provide properties that are more adequate for packaging purposes on the basis of their complementary characteristics. The main characteristics of PLA and starch in terms of not only the barrier and mechanical properties of their films but also of their combinations, by using blending or multilayer strategies, have been analyzed, identifying components or processes that favor the polymer compatibility and the good performance of the combined materials. The properties of some blends/combinations have been discussed in comparison with those of pure polymer films.

 

For more details:  www.iggesund.com

Water Soluble PVA Bags And Products To Save India’s Oceans And Beaches

Water Soluble PVA Bags And Products To Save India’s Oceans And Beaches

Annually, India generates more than 3.3 million metric tonnes of plastic waste. And that resulted into one of the biggest obstacles of mankind.  Plastics often contain additives making them strong more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down. 

 

When plastic gets dumped into landfills and oceans, “Once in the ocean, it is difficult—if not impossible—to retrieve plastic waste” quoted Mr. Trash Wheel. Millions of animals are killed by it every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Approximately 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastics.

 

Plastics have been consumed by land-based animals, including elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, cattle, and other large mammals, in some cases causing death.

 

Marine Plastic Pollution

 

70% of the oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean.

13 million tons of plastic is dumped into the ocean every year.

The plastic garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean is larger than India.

Plastic kills more than one million marine creatures every year.

Thousands of sea turtles die each year, from eating plastic bags.

Thousands of camels die each year, from eating plastic bags.

Marine plastic enters our food chain in the form of micro plastics.

Our oceans contain more than 100 million tons of plastic.

By 2050, the weight of marine plastic will exceed the weight of all the fish in the ocean.

500 billion plastic bags are used annually throughout the world.

2 million plastic bags used every minute, this is insane!

The average lifespan of a plastic bag is 15 minutes, and for this, our planet is being destroyed.

 

Therefore plastic has become a challenging tool for habitual individuals, these users are unable to pay for use of the system because of an affordability gap. But many industries refused to see plastic as a problem and gave industries the opportunities to look for alternatives for plastic that can be affordable and environment friendly.

 

And with this consideration, Bioplastics International located in Arizona and Washington State is the company that offers a large assortment of bio-resins from corn, sugarcane, potatoes, sugar beets, and many other plant starches. Bioplastic resins are sustainable, renewable, and compostable. As a solutions provider, offer the largest selection of bioplastic resins in the world. No need to call a large number of companies to find the resins you need, Bioplastic is the one-stop-shop. The company specializes in the creation of custom bioplastic resins, for almost any product.

 

Bioplastics International decided not to sit on those plastic problems and came up with a new alternative for plastic-like PVA bags, films, fiber, and products, polyvinyl alcohol, made from refined biogas, renewable natural gas, and minerals. PVA bags are water-soluble; they will dissolve in water in minutes, to water and carbon dioxide. PVA bags contain no plastic, no toxins, and no bioplastic. Yet the product is stronger and more durable than petroleum plastic bags.

 

PVA bags Covers features

 

This product is approved for human consumption by the US FDA, and it is currently used as a food additive, in artificial tears, and for time-release pill capsules, as well as the medical industry.

PVA bags and products contain no toxins

Marine mammals, fish, and land animals can eat them, and they will safely pass through digestive systems.

This product will not accumulate in landfills; can be washed down the sink drain.

PVA bags will not contaminate the petroleum plastic recycle stream in any way.

PVA bags will dissolve in the oceans or any water within minutes, to months, and also we can control the temperature or the time to dissolve.

PVA can also be injection and extrusion molded.

PVA bags and products are a start to the solution to the plastic destruction of our oceans and planet.

 

PVA has surpassed the antiquated, confusing technologies of compostable, biodegradable, bio-based, and so on, which do nothing to reduce ocean plastic pollution. Water-soluble PVA is the way toward the future.

With water-soluble PVA bags and Bioplastics International’s other products, the plastic pollution of India’s oceans, beaches and rivets could promisingly stop. There is now an alternative, to the current confusing choices and greenwashing, with PVA bags the elimination of plastic pollution in our oceans can be a stepping stone. Bioplastics International’s mission is to save India’s oceans, deserts, and the planet, from plastic pollution. India is a beautiful country we can’t allow its distraction by plastic pollution.

For more details:  www.bioplasticsinternational