| 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 |
POLYMER COMPANY RECIEVES FIRST SUPPLY OF CERTIFIED RENEWABLE PHENOL
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
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
Spectrum Plastics Group increases Sterile Medical Flexible Packaging capabilities with its acquisition of PeelMaster Medical Packaging
Spectrum Plastics Group –the market leading specialty medical packaging, component and contract manufacturer, has closed on the acquisition of PeelMaster Medical Packaging Corporation (“PeelMaster”).
Based in Niles, Illinois, PeelMaster is a full-service converter of sterile flexible packaging to the medical device market. Founded in 1989, PeelMaster produces pouches, header bags and die cut lids for medical applications.
PeelMaster has been an Authorized Converter of DuPont™ Tyvek® since its inception and, with the acquisition, Spectrum Plastics Group has also been granted Authorized Converter status from DuPont.
“The addition of PeelMaster advances our position as a custom, scalable flexible packaging supplier for the medical device sector. Their focus on quality and customer service fit squarely with Spectrum Plastics Group’s commitment to providing our customers with a first-rate experience,” says John Wolf, President, Films Division. “Additionally, we are very pleased to partner with DuPont as an Authorized Converter of Tyvek® to continue providing superior sterile packaging to the healthcare industry.”
Bill Sieck, President of PeelMaster, remarks, “This is a great day for PeelMaster Medical Packaging and we are pleased to join Spectrum Plastics Group. The two companies complement one another very well, and we are thrilled to have found such a partner to carry PeelMaster forward in the years to come.”
https://www.spectrumplastics.com
The first flexible acrylic sheet ShieldUp Flex
The flexible acrylic sheet, ShieldUp Flex, gives designers greater freedom to shape their 2D pieces and simplifies the manufacturing processes. Lalou Roucayrol attests to this with his new trimaran, Arkema 4, the glazings use ShieldUp Flex acrylic glass. A wonderful example for this world premiere, paving the way into many other markets.
A major innovation in the world of transparent flexible plastic, ShieldUp Flex acrylic sheet can be bent manually, without any thermoforming. This technical revolution saves time and money in the design of 2D curved pieces or other that demand flexible material. The Altuglas International research team, based at the Lacq Research Center (France), has managed to overcome a key technological hurdle of PMMA, previously known for its rigidity. The sheet has been made flexible, without adding any plasticizers and without altering its properties. Additionally,its material is extremely chemical and impact resistant, making this patented innovation the ideal solution for projects that require transparency, durability, lightweight, shock resistance and flexibility.
Lalou Roucayrol, the shipbuilder of the Arkema 4, the group’s new Multi50-class trimaran, was specifically looking for this unprecedented combination of benefits for the boat’s glazings (roof and cockpit):
- perfect visibility and very strong shock resistance under extreme weather conditions, to enhance skipper safety
- a significant weight reduction, to further the constant pursuit of improved boat performance levels, thanks to the use of a thinner sheet
- easy window installation.
ShieldUp Flex sheet satisfied all of those expectations, in particular its implementation: simplified processing through the complete elimination of the thermoforming step. This allowed the designers to manually bend the cut sheet to the desired dimensions and glue it directly to the boat. As Lalou puts it, “ShieldUp Flex was THE product we’d been waiting for: reduced weight, better resistance and, above all, flexible implementation without the need for a long and painstaking thermoforming phase. Thank you Flex!”
No possibility of mistakes and precious time saved on projects! This is a terrific example of one application of this world premiere, on board of the Arkema 4 trimaran, to whose crew we wish fair winds!
Over and above its easy implementation, the new flexible acrylic sheet, ShieldUp Flex, also opens up new design possibilities for 2D curved pieces. We will find it used in traditional PMMA applications like vehicle glazings (RVs, boats, cars, motorcycles, etc.), but also in industrial glazings, signage, lighting, interior architecture and design, as well as COVID-secure protective screens. There is no doubt that this kind of innovation will pave the way for new applications, be they in electronics (smart object screens) or personal protective equipment, a field that is more relevant today than ever.
https://www.altuglas.com
Recyclingtech Doubles its Capacity with New Headquarters
The specialist in waste processing and shredding technology, founded in Austria in 1948, celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for its new factory premises on 18 September 2020. Strengthened by the successes of recent years and its solid corporate management, the company is investing in a new site covering over 45,000 square metres. In addition to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, the new headquarters will become an international Centre of Excellence for waste recovery and recycling – in keeping with the circular economy concept.
When the Lindner machine factory opened its doors in the 1940s, the company manufactured sawmill equipment. The big transformation happened in the late 80s and the company was one of the first started to delve into shredding and waste processing – Lindner Recyclingtech was born. Today, 72 years later, recycling and the sustainable use of resources are among the pressing issues of our time and the Spittal-based family business is one of the world’s leading companies when it comes to turning waste into a valuable resource.
‘At the moment, the industry is undergoing a major change. Recycling rates and quality requirements for end materials are constantly rising and so we are continuing to develop new systems. Systems that enable our clients to meet these requirements,’ explains CEO and owner Manuel Lindner during the ground-breaking ceremony at the future Spittal-Ost headquarters. ‘To ensure that we can continue to do this efficiently, we are doubling our capacity and relying on the latest production technologies that meet industry 4.0 standards.’
Besides a robot-assisted manufacturing facility and a modern logistics centre, an academy focusing on recycling technology will be built on the 45,000 square metre site. As Michael Lackner, Managing Director, states: ‘We were one of the industry’s pioneers and accumulated an enormous amount of application expertise. Today, we see ourselves not only as a machine manufacturer and technology partner, but also as a source of knowledge for our clients. That’s why it is so important to us to constantly expand this know-how, develop new solutions and systematically prepare and pass on the knowledge gained. We are looking forward to welcoming you soon to the new home of recycling.’
www.lindner.com
ProAmpac Acquires Rosenbloom Groupe Inc., Hymopack Ltd. and Dyne-A-Pak
Enhances Manufacturing Capabilities and Broadens Packaging Product Offerings for Grocery, Retail and Quick Service Restaurant Customers
ProAmpac, a leader in flexible packaging, today announced that it has acquired Rosenbloom Groupe Inc., Hymopack Ltd. and Dyne-A-Pak, private businesses based in Canada that manufacture packaging products. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Rosenbloom Groupe, Hymopack Ltd. and Dyne-A-Pak are leading suppliers to North American retailers, grocery chains and quick service restaurants (QSR), as well as wholesale distribution companies, specializing in the manufacturing of paper bags, plastic bags and can liners, and foam packaging trays. With this acquisition, ProAmpac expands its manufacturing capabilities and broadens the product offering it provides to retail, grocery and QSR customers.
Greg Tucker, CEO of ProAmpac, said, “All of us at ProAmpac have deep respect for the legacy and long history of excellence of the Rosenbloom Group of companies. We are pleased to add this strong business to our platforms, which enhances our presence in Canada and allows us to broaden our product offering in the United States. With the Rosenbloom, Dyne-A-Pak and Hymopack brands as part of the ProAmpac family, we will deliver even greater value and services to our customers.”
Richard Rosenbloom of Rosenbloom Groupe said, “As a third-generation family business, it was important for us to partner with an organization that understands our values and respects our culture. The ProAmpac team has demonstrated an appreciation for our history and I look forward to working collaboratively with Greg as we seamlessly bring our organizations together. Our capabilities are highly complementary with ProAmpac’s operations, and I am confident this combination will deliver compelling value to our customers and exciting opportunities for our team.”
Gerry Maldoff, President of Hymopack, added, “With the expanded resources, scale and combination with ProAmpac, our business will be well-positioned for growth. I am excited to work with ProAmpac to enhance our plastic packaging and manufacturing capabilities and provide a broader product offering to a growing base of grocery, retail, distribution and QSR customers.”
Cincinnati-based ProAmpac is owned by Pritzker Private Capital along with management and other co-investors. With the addition of the Rosenbloom Groupe, ProAmpac has 35 sites globally, with nearly 4,600 employees supplying more than 5,000 customers in 90 countries. ProAmpac manufactures flexible packaging for various consumer, healthcare, e-commerce, retail and industrial goods markets. Rosenbloom Groupe’s brands will continue in Canada and will maintain operations at its manufacturing facilities.
Chris Trick, Investment Partner at Pritzker Private Capital, said, “We are excited to welcome Rosenbloom Groupe to the ProAmpac and Pritzker Private Capital families. We look forward to our continued partnership with Greg and the entire ProAmpac team as the company continues to deliver the best possible products and services to its customers.”
https://www.proampac.com/
Webinar organises for Wilson Hardness Days 2020
Webinar on 4 and 5 November 2020
Buehler, an ITW company, is offering a two-day basic webinar on hardness testing on 4 and 5 November 2020. The webinar is being held to mark the 100th anniversary of the Wilson brand. It will start at 16 o’clock (4 p.m. CET) on both days and is aimed at both beginners and experienced technicians.
Topics include hardness testing fundamentals, calibration and test blocks, machine calibration and maintenance, introduction of a new Rockwell tester, troubleshooting and best practice for hardness testing, supplemented by live demonstrations of the DiaMet software for e.g. hardness depth determination, coating and weld testing.
Participation is free of charge. For those interested who cannot use the date, Buehler will provide a recording shortly after the event.
https://www.buehler.com / https://www.buehler.co.uk/buehler-webinar-registration.php
Buehler Sponsors Wilson Hardness Days November 4-5, 2020
Two Days Jam-Packed with Online Topics Ranging from Hardness Testing
Fundamentals to Best Practices, Calibration and More
Lake Bluff, Illinois… Buehler, an ITW Company is hosting Wilson Hardness Days, November 4-5, 2020. This virtual educational program includes two half days of an immersion into Hardness Testing, Calibration, the Latest on Hardness Testers and DiaMet Software. Hardness Days is part of the centennial anniversary celebration of Buehler’s Wilson hardness tester product line and is offered complimentary to all.
Dr. Mike Keeble, US Labs and Technology Manager and Dr. Evans Mogire, EU Labs and Technology Manager have planned educational programs for both beginners and experienced lab technicians. Along with other Buehler experts they will share their knowledge on key hardness testing topics that will be of interest to Materials Labs at Universities, Research & Development Centers and Production Quality Control laboratories in many industries including automotive, aerospace, defense, and metals.
Dr. Keeble states, “As we celebrate Wilson, the hardness brand within Buehler, we want to mark this year with something special. Many customers can’t travel to trade shows or our Solutions Centers to see the machines in action, so along with many other activities we decided to bring the lab to them with technical and educational webinars and now the Hardness Days event.”
Dr. Mogire adds, “Since we wanted to make this available to as many customers as possible, we decided to offer the program during the morning hours in the United States, which will allow our European customers to join us as well. We are delighted to put this on and hope that this becomes a valuable resource for all industries that include hardness testing in their quality control programs.”
Attendees are invited to register once and obtain access to any or all of the online events. Both days open at 9am CST and end at approximately 12:30pm CST. The specific topic times are available on the web registration page; there will be 15 minute intermissions between topics for transition. So participants can jump on or jump off as they like during the program.
The Wilson Hardness Days virtual event includes:
- Welcome to Buehler and Wilson Hardness
- Wilson Hardness Equipment Overview
- New Products Introduction Rockwell RH2150 and Universal UH4000
- Plant Tours of Wilson Hardness Manufacturing in Illinois, USA and Shanghai, China
- Tour of the Hardness Test Block Calibration Laboratory in Binghamton, New York
- Fundamentals of Hardness Testing Webinar
This webinar will provide a background to hardness testing, including its development and common uses. It will outline the principles of hardness testing techniques, how they work and core requirements for using them.
- Troubleshooting & Best Practice for Hardness Testing Webinar
The commonly used hardness testing techniques will be discussed. Best practice guidelines for hardness testing will be provided, as well as an outline of common problems, how to recognize them and how to avoid them.
- Live Demonstrations of DiaMet Software Webinar
Automated Hardness Testing is driving a revolution in efficient quality control evaluation. This session will include the following demonstrations of how software allows us to improve speed and reproducibility, creating confidence in testing and efficiency in your hardness testing process. The demonstrations will cover:
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- Case Hardened Depth: Gear with Multi-locations and Multi-Sample Testing
- Hardness Mapping: Additive Manufactured (Medical) and Welds
- Coating Testing: All about the Indents
- Weld Testing: DiaMet Tools to Make It Easier
- Best Practices of Test Blocks with Daily & Indirect Verification
This session discusses the challenges related to the manufacturing and calibration of hardness test blocks and their use in daily verification. In particular, details concerning accreditation, metrological traceability, and hardness standards will be reviewed.
In addition to Dr. Keeble and Dr. Mogire, presenters include Julien Noel, Buehler General Manager and ITW Vice President; Benjamin Mangrich, Americas Commercial Director; Sarah Beranek, Global Director of Innovations; Doug Ngai, Hardness Applications Engineer; Matthias Pascher, Hardness Product Manager; Mike Connors, Senior Service Technician; Sandra Brosious, Metallurgic & Quality Control Supervisor for Test Block Lab; and Ryan Wise, Hardness Production Manager. If you cannot attend all the programs, simply register and you will receive access after the event. Questions and answers will be handled by our team at the end of each presentation and may be submitted in advance on the webinar registration page.
www.buehler.com/buehler-webinar-registration.php / https://www.hardnesstestingdays.com / www.buehler.com / https://www.buehler.com/newsletter-signup.php / www.itw.com