The Dominican company, which presently has three machines, has purchased a Comexi SL2 laminator and a Comexi S2 DT slitter
Comexi, a global supplier of solutions for the flexible packaging
printing and converting sector, and Insight Pack International Corporation, a company based in
the Dominican Republic that specializes in the production of flexible packaging, have
strengthened their strategic alliance with the acquisition by the Dominican company of a Comexi
SL2 laminator and a Comexi S2 DT slitter. The purchase of these two machines expands Insight
Pack’s fleet of Comexi machines. The company already owns a flexographic press, a Comexi
laminator, and a Comexi slitter, which were acquired after its founding in 2016.
“When Insight Pack International Corporation began, it did not have sufficient equipment or
manpower. With the initial purchase of three Comexi machines, Insight Pack International
Corporation trusted us, and from our side, we developed a global project for them,” explains José
Santiago, Comexi Area Manager for this region. Since its founding, Insight Pack International
Corporation has received the advice of Comexi. “We guide Insight Pack International Corporation
in fulfilling its daily after-sales service needs, improving its equipment, and training its personnel,”
says Santiago, who values “the confidence Insight Pack International Corporation has in our
equipment and the training services of the Manel Technological Center Xifra Boada, Comexi
CTec.” For José Santiago, the satisfactory results achieved by the Dominican company
demonstrate Comexi’s ability to “support clients with little experience until they are able to
succeed.”
Insight Pack International Corporation, based in Santiago de los Caballeros (Dominican
Republic), has specialized flexographic printing equipment for the packaging of various food and
beverage products, such as single wrap and pouches for coffee, cookies, and pasta. The
company also produces packaging for products in the tobacco sector, which includes pouches for
cigar leaves, as well as shrink-wrap coil, among others.
“Despite acknowledging that our staff embraces each challenge and is committed to satisfactorily
producing the required results, having Comexi’s service during our initial stage of development
and its support heretofore, has been undoubtedly a great consolation for us,” explains Augusto
Reyes, president of Insight Pack International Corporation “During our three years in the market,
we have become a company on which our clients can depend, and have gradually solely assumed
all the challenges and training to provide a high quality service,” Reyes comments, adding “for
this reason, we have incorporated a Comexi S2 DT slitter, a machine of high quality, precision
and productivity”.
The Comexi S2 DT: a cutting-edge slitter
Federico Gálvez, Technical Director of Insight Pack International Corporation, values that the
Comexi S2 DT is “a cutting-edge slitter which has a rotating turret on the winder, allowing for reel
removal and replacement without the need cease the process. Furthermore, it allows speeds of
500 m/min to be reached, thus feeding our increasingly productive line of pouches, and
accelerating the completion of products, which require reel delivery from our customers.”
The Comexi S2 DT is a machine created to simultaneously provide high productivity and high
flexibility. Presently, there are more than 100 Comexi S2 DT slitters in the market, offering high
versatility in reference to the range of materials. Regarding this slitter, quality and quantity are not
incompatible. As a result of acceleration ratios, high productivity is achieved through obtaining
high speeds at a rapid rate. Operating the Comexi S2 DT is extremely easy and intuitive, due to
the enormous work that has been done to offer a pleasant, comfortable, and agile interface.
The Comexi SL2: the perfect solution for solvent-free lamination
Federico Gálvez highlights that the bilaminate and trilaminate structures “are increasingly in
demand by the market, which forces us to maximize our lamination capacity, hence allowing us
to meet the high number of purchase orders we receive.” To meet this objective, Insight Pack
International Corporation has incorporated a Comexi SL2 laminator “with excellent performance,
as well as easy operation and maintenance for solvent-free laminations, for both short and
medium runs”. This machine has been designed to comply with productivity concepts and
operates with simplicity. The Comexi SL2 has an extremely intuitive environmental nuance and
an exclusive applicator head design, which consists of complete motorization, the use of metering
sleeves, and the option of incorporating automatic change turrets.
www.comexi.com
Insight Pack Renews Its Confidence in Comexi with Two New Acquisitions
The World’s first audible news portal for the Plastics Industry by Modern Plastics India
Your Modern Plastics India is now not only readable but also audible. The re-launch of our current portal comes with daily updates and you can read the articles and also listen. Our new audible feature will enable you to simply listen to the posted articles being read aloud even during transit or travelling on www.modernplalsticsindia.com
In the 21st century, each day we are introduced to new technologies or witness an upgrade to the older one. We adapt to these technologies as they make our living easier. Similarly, to make your experience on our website hassle-free, we have re-launched our portal with the trending audible feature. The current and ongoing Covid-19 crisis has had an effect on our reading habits and reading lifestyle that may impact our future. And so, in order to make your reading experience easier, our revised website will be allowing its users to listen to the articles instead of reading them. After the unlocking phase, we too are unlocking this very special feature on Modern Plastics India website. Listening has proved beneficial to people’s lives and therefore listening to the articles will help you to make your business better by adding a vast amount of information on products and services, plastics industries, plastics news or plastics in general, the market trend, global affairs as well as technologies in the current scenario. All the information of the global and Indian Plastics Industries will be available on our site.
You can access the digital version of Modern Plastics India from 2011 at no cost at digital.emeraldgroupe.com. Our customers are our top priority and we strive to enhance and better your plastics knowledge. Our goal to guide your path by providing you access to our wide informative platform now comes with an audibility that allows you to hear the articles posted while also keeping you updated daily on present affairs in the plastics world. The access to our portal will be the same as before with availability to the most recent information along with the new feature that will read or describe out loud the articles that you wish to read while you just listen to them. Hope this will help all of you to achieve your goals.
Majority of Consumers Receptive to Products and Packaging Made from Plants
In addition to being receptive, more than half (54 percent) of U.S. consumers are likely to purchase plant-based products in the next three months, with just less than half (49 percent) also self-reporting as likely to recommend these products to others.
The data showed significant untapped market potential with only 1 in 5 (22 percent) reporting strong familiarity with plant-based products and packaging. Additionally, when consumers see plant-based products and packaging, the first things that come to mind for them are paper and food, followed less commonly by clothing, bags, boxes, and containers. This awareness gap signifies an opportunity for consumer education not only to grow familiarity, but to increase awareness of the positive impact plant-based products and materials have on the environment.
“PBPC works every day to educate key stakeholders and advocate for policies that encourage growth and innovation in the plant-based industry,” added Jessica Bowman.
Methodology:
The 2020 PBPC Consumer Research study was conducted by Heart+Mind Strategies and included both a quantitative and qualitative component. A nationally representative sample of 1,000 U.S. consumers responded to an online survey fielded from June 12-17, 2020. Additionally, a nationally representative sample of 20 U.S. consumers participated in 90-minute online focus groups in August 2020.
THE OCEAN CLEANUP PREPARES FOR SERIES PRODUCTION OF INTERCEPTOR
Deploying Interceptors on a large scale is necessary to rapidly address the urgent problem of ocean plastic pollution. The Ocean Cleanup is partnering with Konecranes because of their expertise and worldwide footprint. Laying the groundwork for global scaleup, Interceptors 005 and 006 are currently being manufactured simultaneously at Konecranes’ MHE-Demag facility in Klang, Malaysia and are expected to be completed in May 2021. Moving forward, Konecranes will handle Interceptor manufacturing, installation, and maintenance; local partners will oversee operations, and The Ocean Cleanup will continue to act as the technology and best practices provider as well as lead business development for upcoming Interceptor projects.
Founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, Boyan Slat remarked on this new partnership by saying, “At the end of a very challenging year, I am happy to see series production begin for the Interceptor. It is a necessary step for us to tackle the global flow of plastic pollution to our oceans at scale. I believe Konecranes is well-suited for the job and we look forward to seeing them build many more Interceptors in the coming years. I am thankful for their commitment to clean oceans.”
“We’re proud to partner with The Ocean Cleanup and harness our global engineering, manufacturing and service capabilities to clean our world’s rivers and oceans,” said Konecranes President and CEO, Rob Smith. “This exciting partnership underscores our commitment to sustainability and a sustainable future.”
Konecranes is renowned for its market-leading technology and service in material handling and lifting products. Its engineering and design expertise, along with its global service network, will enable the company to assemble and install Interceptors around the world. Through this global footprint, helped especially by the design and manufacturing strengths of MHE-Demag, Konecranes can service and maintain Interceptors throughout their lifetime.
The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor was unveiled in late 2019 and there are currently three deployed in Klang, Malaysia; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. A fourth Interceptor, in Vietnam, has been delayed for deployment and is expected to be launched early in 2021. Over the last year and a half, The Ocean Cleanup has used the insights from these pilot systems to understand and further develop the technology for more efficient mass production. These upgrades include changes to the conveyor, shuttle, dumpsters, and barge. Working together with MHE-Demag, these changes have been incorporated into the 3rd generation design, which is the blueprint for the Interceptors being manufactured in 2020 and 2021.
https://theoceancleanup.com/
Amazon announces ban on toxic chemicals and plastics in food packaging
“Amazon’s new policy commitment signals a growing retail sustainability trend,” explains Mind the Store Campaign Director Mike Schade in response to today’s announcement. “In the past year alone, we’ve witnessed more than a half-dozen food retailers from across the country committing to safer alternatives when it comes to food packaging materials. It is clearly possible to do, and yet some major chains like McDonald’s, Kroger, and Costco have not stood up for the health of their customers or the environment.”
“No company should be using chemicals that can impair a person’s immune system, especially as we are battling a worldwide pandemic,” says Executive Director of Toxic-Free Future Laurie Valeriano in response to Amazon’s new RSL released today. “Amazon is wise to be getting in front of regulatory bans that are soon coming their way, like in their home state of Washington. As we continue to fight for critical government policies to protect us against toxic chemicals in food packaging, it’s welcome news to see how companies, like Amazon, are stepping up to do what’s right.”
“Market leaders like Amazon know that children thrive on healthy food that’s free from toxic chemicals that escape from packaging,” says Mike Belliveau, Executive Director of Defend Our Health. “Further reducing the use of chemicals like phthalates and PFAS that may harm brain development could help halt the epidemic of learning and developmental disabilities our children already suffer.”
Amazon’s new restricted substance list (RSL) applies to its Amazon Kitchen brand products sold in Amazon Go, Amazon Go Grocery, Amazon Fresh, and Fresh grocery delivery. It does not apply to other private-label or Amazon brand-name food contact materials. Today’s announcement comes five months after a class-action lawsuit was filed, alleging PFAS was present in Amazon private-label disposable plates, which are not included in this new restriction.
Amazon’s newly released list of restricted chemicals also includes perchlorate, benzophenone, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and the solvents NMP (N-Methylpyrrolidone), 2-Ethoxyethanol, 2-Methoxyethanol, and toluene. In addition to PVC, PS, and EPS, the company also announced it is prohibiting the following non-recyclable plastics in its food contact packaging: polycarbonates (PC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), rigid polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhyrdoxyalkanoates (PHAs).
Some state and local governments are moving to phase out classes of toxic chemicals in food packaging, such as PFAS and phthalates, in favor of safer alternatives. Over the past two years, Washington and Maine have enacted phase-outs of PFAS in food packaging that go into effect January 1, 2022 or as soon as safer alternatives are available. Maine’s new law also prohibits the use of phthalates in food packaging and food handling gloves effective January 1, 2022. And, most recently, New York’s Governor signed a bill banning the use of PFAS in food packaging which takes effect at the end of 2022. Federal legislation to ban PFAS in food packaging, the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act, has been introduced by U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell.
As part of Mind the Store’s research for its annual retailer report, it was found that top food retailers are increasingly adopting safer chemicals policies to reduce and eliminate harmful chemicals. Over the past two years, Ahold Delhaize, Albertsons, Cava, Chipotle, Freshii, Kroger, Panera Bread, Sweetgreen, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods Market announced steps to reduce or eliminate certain toxic chemicals in food packaging at over 17,000 stores. A recent report published by the Mind the Store campaign and Toxic-Free Future found major fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s still likely serve up toxic PFAS with some of their most popular takeout foods.
Amazon previously received a grade of C+ in the 2019 “Who’s Minding the Store?” Retailer Report Card.
https://saferchemicals.org/
STADLER opens new Test and Innovation Center in Slovenia focused on plastic sorting and recycling
STADLER announced today the opening of its new Test
and Innovation Center at its production site in Krsko, Slovenia. The new facility will play a
dual role as a test center for customer demonstrations and training, and as an innovation
center housing STADLER’s Research and Development activities focused on the plastic
sorting process. Ideally located within easy reach of two major airports – 60 km from Zagreb
125 km from Ljiubljana – and close to the A2 motorway, it is very accessible to visitors from
across the world.
At the new Test and Innovation Center, STADLER will offer demonstrations of the sorting
process – feeding, label removal, ballistic separation, metal separation, non-ferrous metal
separation, near-infrared separation with the latest generation NIR technology, and transport
with conveyors and screw conveyors. This will help customers make an informed purchase
decision, as they will be able to see first-hand the sorting process in the plant designed for
them by STADLER. The center will also provide training for customers, as well as its internal
staff.
The new facility is also home to STADLER’s Testing activities for plastic recycling
applications, with input material being sorted into polymer products such as PET, HDPE and
PP bottles, or LDPE films, and recycled. “This activity is very important for us at STADLER,”
explains Tom Schmitt, Sales Manager at STADLER. “We are constantly striving to offer
increasingly efficient processes in the recycling of polymers.”
The new Center is also an important research and innovation hub for STADLER: “Here, in
Slovenia, we will develop the plastic recycling plant of the next generation,” states Willi
Stadler, CEO of Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH. “We have highly skilled people, with advanced
knowledge of the entire process and specialized expertise. The majority of the engineers
who assemble our systems around the world are based here.”
In this first phase, the Test and Innovation Center is housed in an existing hall on
STADLER’s Krsko site, which has been extended with a temporary structure, providing a
total covered area of 1.200 m 2 to accommodate the equipment for demonstrating the sorting
process. The facility will be further developed in a modular way, to extend its testing and
demonstration capabilities. It is staffed with a team of 5 people and supported by the
STADLER engineers based on site.
The Krsko site is a manufacturing and engineering hub that plays a key role in STADLER’s
operation. It houses the production of the company’s steel structures, screening drums,
heavy chain conveyor belts and label removers, as well as its sheet metal processing plant.
In addition, it is the home of STADLER’s Electrical Engineering Department, which
implements the electric installation and operating software in the company’s projects across
the world.
About STADLER
STADLER is dedicated to the planning, production and assembly of sorting systems and
components for the waste disposal and recycling industry world-wide. Its team of over 450
qualified employees offers a tailor-made full service, from conceptual design to planning,
production, modernisation, optimisation, assembly, start-up, conversions, disassembly,
maintenance and servicing of components to complete recycling and sorting systems. Its
product range includes ballistic separators, transport conveyor belts, screening drums and
label removers. The company is also able to provide steel structures and electrical switch
cabinets for the plants it installs. Founded in 1791, this family-run company’s operation and
strategy is underpinned by its ethos of delivering quality, reliability and customer satisfaction,
being a good employer and providing strong social support.
For more information,
visit www.w-stadler.de
Oman Refreshment Company and Sidel join forces to successfully launch three new formats
Oman Refreshment Company (ORC) has launched three new formats for PET bottles in
order to meet changes in consumer demand. Thanks to outstanding teamwork and
flexibility, Sidel, its trusted OEM, completed the line conversion within a reduced lead
time. These formats are now operating with improved rated speed to satisfy consumer
demand in Oman.
Established in 1974 and currently employing more than 900 people, ORC is one of the pioneers
and market leaders in the Omani manufacturing sector. As a franchisee of PepsiCo
International, the company’s headquarter is located in Al Ghubra and it operates in different
food (Lays, Cheetos and Quaker Oats, etc.) and beverage (Pepsi, Topfruit and Aquafina Water,
etc) sectors. It has an overall annual beverage production capacity of around 500 million litres.
The company is expanding its manufacturing and distribution capabilities to meet growing
demand for its products and also to respond to diverse consumer preferences.
The carbonated soft drinks (CSD) market in Oman is highly consolidated by international
companies and it is dominated by PepsiCo whose sales volume and value in 2018 reached
84.7% and 84% respectively. Although Oman is known for its high CSD consumption, changing
life styles and the introduction of an “excise tax” (50% tax on CSD) have slowed demand. To
maintain market share and adapt to healthier consumer habits, ORC approached Sidel to
launch three new PET bottle formats (0.25 L, 1 L and 1.5 L).
Meeting a tight deadline through seamless planning and collaboration
ORC has operated a Sidel Matrix TM Combi12 line since 2015 and Sidel’s project was to adapt established to meet the market launch date. However, it was initially assumed that the parts
could be delayed because of the August summer break. The key to success was therefore
seamless planning and execution.
As a complete solution provider, Sidel achieved its goal by leveraging its expertise in production
and closely cooperating with suppliers. From shipping to execution, approximately 15 experts
from Sidel participated in the project. To ensure smooth operation, the original line efficiency
was inspected by Sidel’s team before site execution. With consultancy from Sidel, some
adjustments were made and Sidel was supported by optimal logistics and 3 rd party equipment
suppliers to accelerate progress. ORC also played a crucial role by providing full in-house
support from the maintenance and warehousing teams to ensure that all activities went to plan.
In spite of tight time constraints, Sidel displayed close teamwork, liaising with both the partners
and the customer.
“Sidel’s challenge was to finish the project within a very tight schedule. Sidel took swift action in
manufacturing the required adaptation kits then shipping them in the fastest lead time possible.
Installation, testing, and commissioning are the most challenging activities of the project
wherein Sidel was able to excel by sending the best team,” says Youssef Ezzikhe, CEO at
ORC.
Flexibility and great service exceed expectations and result in a strong customer
relationship
A flexible approach to project execution, together with on-going support from the product
division to reduce the equipment lead time were the key factors contributing to an overall well
planned and executed service project. Sidel finished the line conversion project at the end of
August 2019, allowing ORC to fulfill their market commitment. Moreover, the rated speed of the
filler on each format was increased: 0.25 L – 24,000 bottles per hour (bph), 1L – 22,500 bph
and 1.5 L – 22,000 bph. The project was completed in record time and new package sizes were
launched onto the market with the production line proving to be highly efficient. “I appreciate
Sidel’s flexibility and proactiveness,” says Youssef Ezzikhe, CEO at ORC.
“With Sidel’s excellent history of service support, we are proud that ORC selected Sidel for line
conversion service. This proves that we are fully trusted by customers and our outstanding
service is key to their loyalty,” says Samuel Gobbe, Vice President of Services for the Middle
East and Africa region at Sidel.
www.fundh.de
INDAVER AND INEOS STYROLUTION: PROJECT TO DEMONSTRATE PRODUCTION OF ABS PLASTIC FROM RECYCLED FEEDSTOCK RECEIVES FUNDING BY THE EUROPEAN UNION
· Scope includes first lab scale solution as well as plans to upscale to commercial solution
· Project is supported by EU LIFE programme
Indaver, a leader in sustainable waste management, and INEOS Styrolution, global leader in styrenics, are set to team up as technology partners in a project funded by the EU LIFE programme, the European Union’s funding instrument for the environment and resource efficiency. The project, which is planned for a duration of four years, will demonstrate the production of ABS[1] based on recycled feedstock.
The project, called “LIFE ABSolutely Circular” aims at demonstrating the environmental and economic benefits of using advanced recycling technologies to close the loop of plastic recycling.
An initial key objective of the project is to demonstrate for the first time the production of ABS based on recycled feedstock taking advantage of advanced recycling technologies. The project is also planned to demonstrate scaling of the solution from lab scale to demo plant and ultimately to commercialisation.
The ABS copolymer is used in a broad range of applications in many industries including automotive, healthcare, electronics, household, and toys/ sports/ leisure. The material significantly contributes to societal well-being with a well-balanced mix of properties. It is robust, dimensional stable, leightweight and has an aesthetic surface appearance. It is also compliant with food contact regulations and is easy to process.
Paul De Bruycker, CEO at Indaver comments: “We are looking forward to develop a demo plant and an upscaling plan to achieve the objectives of this project. We are thrilled to work on a solution that allows us to take advantage of the amazing properties of styrenics while eliminating the impact on the environment and on future generations.”
Dr. Alexander Glück, President EMEA at INEOS Styrolution: “We are excited about this project as we believe there is intrinsic value in plastics products after usage. We share the vision with Indaver to turn plastic waste into valuable resources instead of letting it end up in landfills.”
More information: www.indaver.com or www.indaver.com/plasticstochemicals
Avient ColorForward Experts Predict Pandemic Likely to Influence Color Preferences, Even in 2022
MILAN – December 10, 2020 – Avient Corporation, a premier provider of specialized and
sustainable material solutions and services, today announced that Avient ColorWorks has
launched ColorForward 2022. This 16 th edition of the annual color forecasting guide for the
plastics industry marks its debut within Avient, which was formed this year from legacy
businesses PolyOne and Clariant Masterbatch.
As in years past, ColorForward 2022 presents stories associated with four societal trends that
are expected to influence consumers consciously or unconsciously over the next few years.
Each trend theme also includes a palette of five associated colors that are predicted to elicit a
response from consumers. Developed by a global team, many of whom work in the four Avient
ColorWorks design and technology centers around the world, this unique tool has become
invaluable to plastic product designers and marketing professionals seeking help in making
more informed color choices for new products and packaging.
This year, ColorForward 2022 trend watchers expect the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to
linger for some time, even if vaccines and treatments allow the world to return to some
semblance of ‘normal.’ Naturally, they contend this will drive societal trends and consumer
response to color in the near- and mid-term future.
Looking ahead to 2022, the ColorForward team sees a silver lining around the pandemic
cloud. They predict most of us will emerge from this period of lockdowns and isolation stronger
and more mature, potentially having discovered talents and interests we didn’t know we had
before. They also see a growing movement toward national self-sufficiency and self-interest,
as the coronavirus has exposed the fragility of relying solely on a global supply chain. New,
remote approaches to working will continue even after the pandemic is under control,
according to the expert team, making it increasingly difficult to find a reasonable work/life
balance. Yet, this trend will also provide new levels of flexibility and freedom. Finally, the team
notes how the current crisis has highlighted weaknesses in the existing healthcare system.
They foresee accelerated acceptance of tele-medicine and other new approaches to patient
care as a result.
“For 2022, the overall color palette is dominated by shades of yellow,” explains Judith van
Vliet, ColorWorks Senior Designer and leader of the ColorForward team,“ and many of the
other colors are joined to the yellow family. For instance, many of the greens, reds, oranges
and some of the blues, have a high yellow influence, creating a sense of the warmth of human
connections that are interrupted by the social isolation the pandemic forces on us. In addition,
the yellowish greens are indicative of our need to reconnect with nature and avoid the
synthetic, including all of the screens and digital connections we must now use excessively.”
Avient ColorWorks also offers seminars at its four design and technology centers around the
world, as well as at selected conferences and customer sites. These can be conducted
virtually and/or in-person when appropriate. To learn more about collaborating with
ColorWorks, please click here.
NOTE: On July 1, 2020, PolyOne and Clariant Masterbatches joined together as Avient, a new
kind of materials company focused on conquering customer challenges and unlocking the
potential for innovation and sustainability around the globe.
About Avient Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), with projected 2020 pro forma revenues of approximately
$3.7 billion, provides specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform customer
challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. Examples
include:
Barrier technologies that preserve the shelf-life and quality of food, beverages, medicine
and other perishable goods through high-performance materials that require less plastic
Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and
wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation
Breakthrough technologies that minimize wastewater and improve the recyclability of
materials and packaging across a spectrum of end uses
Avient employs approximately 9,100 associates and is certified ACC Responsible Care and a
founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste.
For more information, visit
www.avient.com.
SABIC joins forces with KraussMaffei’s high-performance NETSTAL brand in strategic partnership for innovative thin-wall packaging applications
SITTARD, THE NETHERLANDS, December 14, 2020 – SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, today announced a strategic partnership with KraussMaffei HighPerformance AG, KraussMaffei’s Swiss subsidiary and manufacturer of high-performance injection molding systems known under the NETSTAL brand. Besides the exchange of mutual know-how in the fields of polymer technology and processing, the aim of the partnership is the joint use and further advancement of the existing application center for thin-wall packaging at the NETSTAL plant in Näfels, Switzerland..
The official launch of the cooperation, which will focus on application, material and processing innovations in the thin-wall packaging industry through collaboration across the segment’s entire value chain, is scheduled for the first quarter of 2021.
“This is a major investment in synergy for us,” states Sergi Monros, SABIC Vice President of Performance Polymers & Industry Solutions, Petrochemicals. “Together with NETSTAL, we will bundle our expertise in polymer science and processing to enable new material and injection molding solutions for the competitive edge of customers throughout the thin-wall packaging industry and beyond.”
SABIC will be using the Innovation Center to develop material solutions with potential for improving important properties of thin-wall packaging applications, such as balance of stiffness, impact strength, cycle time reduction and sustainability. The NETSTAL Product Packaging portfolio can be further optimized as a result of improved material and process insights.
The Innovation Center will be fully equipped and expanded with advanced new development, processing, material and application testing facilities tailored to the needs of the packaging industry, including a dedicated laboratory for state-of-the-art injection molding and part performance evaluation.
“We are pleased to welcome SABIC at our NETSTAL business headquarters here in Switzerland, which has a long history in innovative technologies for thin-wall injection molding,” says Renzo Davatz, CEO of KraussMaffei HighPerformance AG. “The collaboration with SABIC will add significant momentum to the further development and commercialization of our product portfolio for innovative new thin-wall packaging applications.”
“The joint application center will help us accelerate the pace of innovation and respond to our customers’ needs for changing market trends,” adds Waleed Al Shalfan, SABIC Vice President Technology & Innovation for Polymers. “It will be instrumental in looking at our business practices from a more collaborative angle to turn global challenges into opportunities that add lasting value to us, our customers and society. That’s how we create CHEMISTRY THAT MATTERS™.”