The initiative aims to improve the benefits of flexible packaging in the circular economy through innovative design solutions
Comexi, a specialist in solutions for the printing and converting industry of flexible packaging, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and the circular economy by joining CEFLEX (Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging). This initiative is a collaboration of over 160 European companies, associations and organizations which represent the entire flexible packaging value chain. As an objective, the consortium will towards ensuring that all flexible packaging in Europe is based on a circular economy before 2025. This will improve, through innovative design solutions, benefits which are identified by the collaboration of participating companies.
The circular economy is based on the use of resources and the reduction of raw materials, the optimization of materials and waste, and the use extension of material life. This model is committed to an environmentally friendly system that is based on prevention, reuse, repair and recycling, and extending the useful life of products, thus giving them a second life. “We fully identify with the principles that CEFLEX defends,” says Diego Hervás, CEO of Comexi, who stresses that the company has unfailingly been committed to seeking solutions which respond to more sustainable solutions in the flexible packaging market.
Comexi is aware that sustainability and recycling are gaining more and more interest and becoming more influential. The objective of a circular economy is no longer a mirage, but a perfectly distinguishable reality. In reference to tendency, end users want environmentally friendly solutions which include easily disposable materials. In respect to this, Comexi is committed to sustainable printing with the use of curable and water-based inks, thus improving the recyclability of packaging.
Furthermore, Comexi has designed two new and specific technical lamination solutions which offer sustainable solutions without sacrificing any properties of existing materials and maintaining client demands. These solutions were created as a response to the two principal trends of sustainability: the use of mono-materials and the use of paper for low barrier applications.
Regarding mono-materials, successful efforts have been made to improve state-of-the-art solvent-free adhesive applications and optimize stress management. In reference to paper, the application of barrier coatings has been one of the primary focuses through the gravure carriage with a pressurized feeding system, being that it is especially designed for this type of application.
Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging
CEFLEX was launched in 2017 within the framework of the Interpack show. Since this time, it has continued to grow and presently has brought together over 160 companies and organizations that represent the flexible packaging value chain: material producers; ink, coating and adhesive suppliers; film producers; flexible packaging converters; brand owners,, waste management companies; recyclers; extended producers responsibility organizations; and technology providers.
Before the end of 2020, regarding vision, CEFLEX aspires to develop and implement a roadmap for flexible packaging based on sustainability and the circular economy, including design guidelines, added value, and resource efficiency, among others. This roadmap will be accessible to the members of the consortium, as well as anyone who is interested in having this information.
www.comexi.com
A Flexible Packaging Industry Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainability
Specialties business on track to establish stand-alone operations
SABIC confirms that the establishment of its Specialties strategic business unit (SBU), as a separate, stand-alone business, which will remain owned by it, is on track. While it continues to monitor the business impacts of COVID-19, at this time, it anticipates that the timing of the “go-live” for the stand-alone operations of the group of companies embedding its SBU will be November 1, 2020.
The establishment of the stand-alone model for the Specialties SBU will bring additional value to its customers who depend on the Specialties business for its innovation expertise and highly differentiated ULTEM and NORYL resins, LNP compounds and copolymers.
The process of establishing the corporate, financial, commercial and business structure of the stand-alone organization has progressed successfully. The Specialties business has been working closely with its customers, distributors and suppliers with the strong commitment to ensure business continuity for all parties during the transition.
Ernesto Occhiello, Executive Vice President Specialties, said: “We are pleased the establishment of the Specialties business unit, as a stand-alone corporate group of companies within SABIC, is progressing as planned. The task we have as a business is to continue to strengthen our market position and bring added value to our customers. We will continue to work closely with them to address their most – and often one-of-a-kind – challenges by offering a unique portfolio of high-end products, technologies and solutions.“
Moreover, in advance of the go-live, the Specialties business has undertaken a global reorganization to align required staffing with the strategic focus of the transformed business. This endeavour has been effective in bringing no impact to customers, while successfully retaining company’s talent within SABIC and limiting the instances of redundancies.
SABIC’s Specialties business has deployed new fulfilment strategies to ensure the best support of its broad customer base. The business is focusing its resources and efforts on specification and is working closely with its customers and distribution partners. The anticipated capacity expansions for the NORYL and ULTEM products are progressing while the company is adhering to strict safety precautions for its employees in light of the global pandemic. The expansions are expected to be operational in 2021 in the Netherlands and 2022 in Singapore, benefiting a growing customer demand with strategically positioned supply and shorter lead times.
The decision to establish the Specialties business as a stand-alone group of companies precedes the acquisition of a 70% stake in SABIC from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) by Saudi Aramco and it is unrelated to it. SABIC remains a listed company on the Saudi Stock Exchange, with its board of directors representing the interests of all shareholders and continuing to exercise its own robust governance practices.
www.sabic.com
Recyclingtech Strengthens International Service and Distribution Network with New Location in Singapore
Lindner has been doing business in Asia for over 20 years now. In recent years in particular, a greater awareness of the need to manage resources responsibly and, above all, to recover waste materials, has grown in the world’s most densely populated region. The Asia-Pacific region has become one of the largest growth markets in the waste management sector. Lindner Recyclingtech, one of the world’s leading suppliers of shredding technology and system solutions for recycling, is now strengthening its presence in the region with its new subsidiary in Singapore, thereby expanding its international service and distribution network.
‘We already have
very strong partners with whom we successfully implemented numerous projects in countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and also Australia. With the new service and sales hub in Singapore, we’ve created a point of contact for partners and clients to better respond to individual local needs and also react quickly across time zones,’ explains Gerhard Gamper, Sales Director. Besides sales and logistics staff, and contacts to help with the supply of wear parts, the site will also be home to highly qualified service technicians trained directly at Lindner’s headquarters. These regional advantages, combined with the new hub, the subsidiary in the US and the European headquarters, mean our support team is now readily available to a much larger international customer base. ‘We set very high standards for our machines and in particular for our services worldwide. I am therefore delighted that we are now closing the loop with Lindner Asia-Pacific and will be even closer to our clients in future. That’s exactly what our service strategy is about,’ summarises Gamper.
www.lindner.com
Specialty chemicals company funds pensions with EUR 100 million
- Group-wide pension funding status improves to around 60 percent
- Safeguarding company pension scheme
Specialty chemicals company LANXESS is increasing its German pension plan assets by EUR 100 million. The pension provisions, which amounted to EUR 1.135 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2020, are reduced accordingly. The Group-wide funding status of pension obligations improves from around 56 percent to around 60 percent with this transaction.
“We are again adding to our pension assets in order to further safeguard our company pension scheme. Future-proof pensions for our employees are of great importance to us,” said Michael Pontzen, Chief Financial Officer.
www.lanxess.in
Birth of new production line in Thailand
First Step In Global Capacity expansion for films
Covestro has launched a new production line for polycarbonate films in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Thailand. With the new capacity, the company aims to meet the rapidly growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region and to strengthen its own position as a market leader in this field. The films are mainly used in the automotive, telecommunications, medical technology and ID document sectors. The project is the first step in a global expansion of its plastic film production. The total investment of more than 100 million euros also includes an expansion of the associated infrastructure and logistics to shorten delivery times. More than 100 new jobs will be created worldwide.
“With this additional production line using state-of-the-art technology, we are investing in future growth in the Asia-Pacific markets, which are very important to us,” says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). “At the same time, we are responding to the rapidly growing demand for specialty films in this region and are supporting the expansion of promising technologies and industries.”
More intensive customer service
Dr. Thorsten Dreier, Global Head of Specialty Films, sees advantages in customer service: “The new production line is important to us because it enables faster market launches and at the same time expands our market access in Asia-Pacific. Our most important goal is to intensify our cooperation with customers in the region and to increase our efficiency. We intend to drive growth in the plastic film business with innovations and a stronger customer focus.”
Covestro has been operating a production facility for specialty films in Thailand since 2007. The range comprises polycarbonate films from the Makrofol range and Bayfol products made from polycarbonate blends. The new line is equipped with the latest technology and operates very efficiently.
As a further measure in the investment program to expand film production, Covestro has already converted a coextrusion film plant in Guangzhou, China, for the future. At the South Deerfield site in the USA, the efficiency and quality of film production was also improved. The next milestone will be the expansion of films production in Dormagen, where the company is currently building up new coextrusion capacities. This project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2020.
covestro.com
Technological Center in Brazil Expands Its Services
Comexi CTec offers new consulting products such as ServiFlex and Remote ServiFlex, and will perform online, in person, and client in-home training
Comexi, a global supplier of solutions for the flexible packaging printing and converting sector, will end 2020 with three technological centers in various countries: the Manel Xifra Boada Technology Center (Comexi CTec), located at the company’s facilities in Riudellots de la Selva (Girona); CTec USA, located at the new headquarters in Miami (Florida), which will be completed next month; and CTec Brasil, which has been in operation for 3 years at the headquarters in Montenegro.
Comexi CTec, which specializes in training, advice, and technical process support for the printing and converting sectors of the flexible packaging industry, has been supporting Brazilian clients since its inception, giving knowledge to the local market. Currently, in order to offer comprehensive support and added value, CTec Brasil is expanding its services through the launch of consulting products such as ServiFlex and Remote ServiFlex, which allow customers to optimize production. “Productivity is a very important aspect of the difference between converters, due to the impact on competitiveness. Key elements include knowledge and the effective implementation of production strategies,” explains Albert López, the director.
Additionally, the Brazilian technological center has decided to expand its training services, and in sync with training lines offered by Girona CTec, it will launch advanced sessions, training webinars, and personalized machine operating courses. The topic of the first training workshop will be solutions for lamination defects. Glòria Deulofeu, the Comexi CTec academic coordinator, acknowledges that “we are happy to offer knowledge and have closer proximity to clients in Brazil”. As a result, customer in-home operational training will be promoted. The objective will be to improve their machine operation.
During this new phase, CTec Brasil aims to be closer to customers through the expansion of its product range, hence increasing added value. Ariston Galli, head of the Montenegro Technology Center, affirms that “we are excited about the possibility of offering new products. This will not only allow us to be near our customers, but will enable us to assist them in increasing productivity and overcoming their challenges.”
www.comexi.com
POLYMER COMPANY RECIEVES FIRST SUPPLY OF CERTIFIED RENEWABLE PHENOL
| Next milestone in the strategic cooperation of Borealis, Covestro and Neste for the use of alternative raw materials |
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| · Neste produces ISCC Plus certified hydrocarbons from 100 percent renewable raw materials · Borealis uses hydrocarbons from Neste for manufacture of ISCC Plus certified phenol · Covestro receives supply of 1,000 tons of renewable phenol from Borealis As part of a strategic collaboration, Covestro received a first delivery of 1,000 tons of renewable phenol from Borealis, produced with renewable hydrocarbons from Neste. Neste produces these ISCC Plus certified hydrocarbons (ISCC: International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) entirely from renewable raw materials. The hydrocarbons are then converted into ISCC Plus certified phenol by Borealis and finally used by Covestro to produce the high-performance plastic polycarbonate – as a replacement for part of the phenol previously manufactured from purely fossil resources. Polycarbonate is used in car headlights, automotive glazing, LED lights, electronic devices as well as other applications. “With this first supply, we are once again underlining our commitment to the increased use of alternative raw materials. In this way, we are leading carbon in a circle and are driving the circularity forward, which must become the new global guiding principle,” says Covestro´s CEO Dr. Markus Steilemann. “By cooperating with upstream partners such as Neste and Borealis, we are showing how a sustainable value chain can work.” “We are delighted to see our product helping Covestro to achieve this new milestone. It highlights the drop-in nature of our product and its fit for a continuously increasing number of demanding applications,” says Peter Vanacker, CEO of Neste. “Furthermore, it is showcasing how sustainability-focused collaboration among frontrunner companies – Neste, Borealis and Covestro – can make a positive impact even within a complex value chain.” ”Life demands progress. We are proud to be pioneers to deliver renewable phenol to our strategic customer Covestro. Together with our innovative value chain partner Neste we are at the forefront of driving the circular economy,” says Alfred Stern, CEO of Borealis. “This is how we re-invent for more sustainable living.” Neste produces its renewable hydrocarbons entirely from renewable raw materials, such as waste and residual oils and fats. These hydrocarbons can be used in existing production infrastructures and help replace fossil feedstocks that are used in the polymers and chemicals production. This makes it possible for companies such as Borealis and Covestro to produce more sustainable products with consistently high quality on the basis of their existing processes. With the planned transformation of raw materials used in the company’s production, Covestro aims at helping key industries such as the automotive and electronics industries to achieve greater sustainability and reduce their dependence on materials from fossil resources. The project is part of a comprehensive program with which Covestro, together with its partners, is seeking to propel the transformation to a circular economy and become fully circular itself. www.borealisgroup.com / www.borealiseverminds.com / www.covestro.com / neste.com |
LNG trucks with lower CO2 emissions for long-distance transport deployed
The first LNG truck, powered solely by liquefied natural gas, left Kaneka Belgium in Westerlo-Oevel on its way to Germany. The brand-new LNG trucks of transport company DE DECKER – VAN RIET will be used exclusively for the international transport of Kaneka MS Polymer. This partnership enables both companies to combine their policy on innovation and sustainability to contribute towards a better climate and innovation and embed sustainability into their strategy more deeply.
“We consider ecology, sustainability, and safety in everything we do.”
Having obtained the ‘Lean & Green’ certificate, Kaneka aims to achieve a 22.1% reduction in CO2 emissions in its logistics processes. Numerous measures have since been implemented to help achieve this objective, such as the considerable reduction in road transport to the ports by the maximum deployment of inland shipping. In the meantime, a distribution centre was put into use at the company’s own premises, which has drastically reduced the number of shuttle loads to external warehouses. True to its ‘green procurement’ strategy, Kaneka entered into partnerships for multimodal freight transport within Europe.
“Obtaining the Lean & Green certificate challenged us to develop our supply chain even further. Our action plan has been ongoing for four years now and we have already achieved a CO2 reduction of over 20%. The deployment of LNG for international freight transport has officially started the sprint towards the ‘Green Star,” says Danny Beyltiens, Supply Chain Manager of Kaneka Belgium NV.
“Customers embrace the LNG initiative”
Making sustainable choices has a positive effect on the relationship with customers, authorities and society. By investing in modern infrastructure for storage and unloading raw materials from ships, 900 ADR trucks were removed from Belgian roads in 2019 alone. The use of LNG trucks for bulk deliveries of Kaneka MS Polymer (liquid polymers used as base materials for high-quality adhesives, sealants and coatings) to Germany will streamline the supply chain even further. Moreover, customers greatly appreciate being supplied by an LNG truck in a smart and sustainable way.
“DE DECKER – VAN RIET invests in three LNG trucks for Kaneka”
As a stepping stone to possible future applications, such as hydrogen and electricity, liquefied natural gas is a future-proof alternative that no longer imposes restrictions on long-distance transport. There already are enough LNG filling stations to enable smooth international transport. In addition to lower consumption, lower emissions and lower fuel costs, these trucks will also contribute towards the climate through their reduced CO2 emissions. As the purchase of an LNG truck requires a larger investment than a traditional truck, the contribution to the climate determines future policy.
“For the switch to LNG we have invested in three Scania R410 LNG trucks, exclusively for Kaneka. These will be used to supply the majority of Kaneka’s German MS Polymer customers from the Kaneka site in Westerlo. This partnership is the outcome of many years of strong collaboration with Kaneka and embeds innovation and sustainability even more deeply in our joint strategy,” adds Christophe Larock, Business Unit Manager Tank Transport at DE DECKER – VAN RIET.
www.kaneka.be
Parquet reinvented with new Ultimtec technology
- Parquet with a revolutionary varnish
- A collection dedicated to decision-makers and professionals
BerryAlloc is launching a completely new oak parquet collection. It is an eloquent illustration of the two principles that define its brand: very high quality coupled with state- of-the-art technology. This vision is acclaimed every day by clients, interior designers and fitters.
The collection has been entirely rethought, as the fruit of two years of research by the R&D department and various partners (colours and finishes co-created by a team of architects, colourists and designers). As such, it is a remarkable demonstration of this French manufacturer’s savoir faire.
Thanks to its exclusive Ultimtec technology, BerryAlloc’s new collection succeeds in bringing together:
- The delicate natural beauty of oiled parquet.
- The ease of maintenance of a varnished parquet that is easy to clean, robust and long-lasting.
Ultimtec varnish respects the wood and contains no solvents or chemical reagents. It is obtained by impregnating the wood with a primer with a basis rich in aluminium oxide, then applying a UV acrylic finish. Besides the elegant decorative result that preserves the depth and nuance of every tint in the wood, it offers:
- An exceptional matt finish that meets the high requirements of homeowners and decorators. The matt surface obtained with the innovative Ultimtec finish comes very close to that of natural wood;
- Exceptional resistance to wear and tear and scratching. In terms of abrasion resistance, Ultimtec’s performance is higher than 15,000 Taber CS10 cycles: in other words, it is far higher than the demands of the NF standard, which requires a minimum of 12,000 cycles;
- Simplified maintenance and cleaning. It is no longer necessary to oil the parquet to preserve its original beauty.
A new approach based on colour and design
The consumer’s natural reflex is to choose their parquet by colour, then texture. BerryAlloc bore this intuitive process in mind when compiling its new collection of parquets divided into two ranges: Les Essentiels, offering solid value in floor decoration, and Les Exclusifs, with a selection of deep colours and distinctive characters.
The colours of the 19 options have been completely redesigned and adapted to the different markets.
Les Essentiels is a palette of 10 colours offering solid value. Their names evoke the beauty of materials found in nature.
Les Exclusifs are a premium range that includes 10 meticulously designed colours with an enhanced sense of depth. Their names evoke wide, open landscapes.
Opt for sustainable and responsible development
Deciding on a BerryAlloc oak parquet is a responsible choice. The biggest French parquet manufacturer has always prioritised sustainable development by using naturally sourced materials and renewable resources.
BerryAlloc’s parquets have a positive carbon footprint, which means their environmental impact is low. What is more, they have PEFC, Parquets de France and A+ certification.
Technical specifications
- High-performance innovative varnish Ultimtec
- High-tech parquet structure
- 3 layers assembled at high pressure and a low temperature
- 5 or 3.3 mm fine wood veneer
- Body in high-density fibreboard (HDF)
- Resin stabiliser
- Advantages of HDF structure: density of 875kg/m³, shock resistant, less echo and increased efficiency when used with underfloor heating.
Grand Release of Award-Winning Ultra Helix 250 T2 Nozzle
Husky Injection Molding Systems, a leading industrial technology provider to the plastics processing community, is proud to announce the release of the newest addition to the Ultra Helix Valve Gate nozzle lineup, the Ultra Helix 250 T2. The advanced design of Ultra Helix nozzles minimizes wear, providing industry leading gate quality and longevity. The award-winning Ultra Helix 250 T2 was specifically developed to extend the benefits of the Ultra Helix technology for small part weights with difficult to access gate locations.
Direct gating for small parts
With a 12mm nozzle bore, the Ultra Helix 250 T2 allows for direct gating in locations not achievable with larger nozzles. The pitch spacing down to 15mm enables the highest cavitation density and smallest mold footprint.
Reduced maintenance
The Ultra Helix 250 T2’s extended maintenance interval PX actuation is designed for applications with leakage prone resins like TPE and PE. The addition of a stem seal paired with enhanced thermal management heater technology improves performance and significantly optimizes maintenance requirements. This results in lower risk and cost of ownership.
Three actuation options available
The Individual Pneumatic option offers pitch spacing down to 25.4mm, providing ease of access for maintenance with the ability to individually access valve stems without removing the backing plate. Both the plate actuated UltraSync-P or servo driven UltraSync-E options can achieve 15mm pitch spacing.
Producing part weights of less than 0.1g
Our global customers are already taking advantage of the Ultra Helix 250 T2’s performance to make high quality precision parts from medical barrier closures and flow regulation valves to personal care products, food and beverage packaging and flip top closures. The part weights being produced range from less than 0.1g to over 4g and are being made from resins that are prone to leakage like PP, HDPE, LDPE, TPE and TPV, in both single injection and multi-material applications. The Ultra Helix 250 T2 is already demonstrating its superior performance for small part weight with difficult to access gate location applications in both Individual Pneumatic and UltraSync actuations. The extended maintenance interval for leakage prone resins is providing additional value for the customer.
Award winning technology
The Ultra Helix 250 T2 received an award at the 2020 Plastics Industry – Ringier Technology Innovation Awards in the Mold and Component category. Contending products were evaluated based on their ability to improve product efficacy through technological innovation or provide new business opportunities for the market. Winners were selected by professionals from industry associations and scientific research institutions.
The features and benefits of the Ultra Helix 250 T2 make it the ideal solution for specialty and flip-top closures, small medical parts and multi-material parts with limited gate access.
https://www.husky.co/