ONE, the company’s latest packaging innovation, merges innovative design with a focus on sustainability.

Amsterdam, Netherlands – FASTEN Packaging, an IBG (Innovative Beauty Group) company and leading global beauty solutions provider, won a prestigious Gold Pentaward for its packaging concept, ONE, which seamlessly integrates design and sustainability. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of beauty packaging design. The winners were announced at a Gala Ceremony in London on October 25.
Founded in 2007, the Pentawards is a leading global platform for packaging design, recognizing excellence in innovation and providing inspiration to the global packaging community. This year’s 18th annual Pentawards competition received more than 2,000 entries from 62 countries worldwide.
ONE’s design embodies a seamless fusion of sustainability and innovation. In an era where eco-consciousness is paramount, ONE eliminates the need for separate parts, like caps, and reduces material waste by utilizing a single mono-material—polypropylene (PP)—that ensures easy recycling. The option to use post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials further reinforces ONE’s commitment to sustainability. Its design aligns with the European packaging directives, ensuring compliance with current environmental regulations. Additionally, ONE features a neck specifically designed to prevent residue buildup, enhancing both functionality and the user experience.

In terms of branding and aesthetics, ONE provides an array of unique opportunities. The light-colored design ensures easier detection during recycling, while the in-mold embossed logo reduces ink usage, adding a layer of sustainability without compromising brand visibility. Its sleek, modern appearance appeals to both eco-conscious consumers and those drawn to minimalist design. With the option for direct printing and a universal shape that’s ready for market, ONE offers brands the flexibility to showcase their identity while emphasizing their environmental commitment. 

"Winning this award is a testament to our team's dedication to creating packaging solutions that keep pushing the limits of what is possible in beauty, both aesthetically and environmentally,” said Ilja Zutt, Managing Director of FASTEN Packaging. “ONE is a perfect example of how innovation can simplify processes, reduce environmental impact, and still deliver an aesthetically pleasing design that meets the needs of today’s customers."
 

About IBG 

IBG (Innovative Beauty Group), comprised of Orchard Custom Beauty, FASTEN Packaging and Roberts Beauty, is a leading global beauty solutions provider proudly serving some of the world’s most dynamic mass and prestige beauty brands. IBG supports its customers with agile project management expertise combined with innovative design, sourcing, formula development, bespoke packaging, and accessories for all product categories.
With a global team of beauty experts and a distinctly personal approach, IBG empowers all its clients – from established beauty brands to first-time private label retailers – with strategic partnerships that bring visions to life, and products seamlessly to market. The company has offices in Shanghai, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, the Netherlands, and Paris.
 

Frankfurt, May 28, 2024 – drupa 2024 takes place from May 28 to June 07 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Dr. Klaus Hecker, Managing Director
of OE-A, a Working Group within VDMA, speaks about the drupa show and its significance for the printed electronics industry:
 
“drupa is a great opportunity for the printed electronics industry to come together with the graphic printing industry on one platform.
We expect drupa to highlight a range of innovative solutions and the latest sustainable printing methods and practices. Sustainability is
a driving force in many industries, including printing and packaging. We believe that printed electronics plays a crucial role,
when it comes to more sustainable packaging solutions.” 
“The global packaging market is expected to grow in the coming years, also driven by the continued growth of e-commerce.
The integration of printed electronics will enable smart packaging. Smart packaging supports logistic processes, protects against
counterfeiting, and can monitor temperature, humidity, or mechanical stress. It enables active wireless communication and IoT
applications by printed NFC and RFID tags.”
“Printed electronics provides the toolbox for a wide range of applications including smart packaging: sensors, batteries, lighting,
energy harvesting – produced with environmentally friendly and resource-saving processes using sustainable materials and substrates.”
 

 OE-A exhibits in hall 14, right next to the VDMA – drupa Touchpoint Sustainability.

OE-A Seminars – Printed Electronics presented at the drupa cube – Hall 6, D03:

May 29, 03-05 pm: Printed Electronics Solutions for Sustainable Smart Packaging
June 04, 03-05 pm: Printed Electronics Technologies and Applications

Organic and Printed Electronics Association

The OE-A (Organic and Printed Electronics Association) is the leading international industry association for 
flexible, organic, and printed electronics. The OE-A represents the entire value chain of this emerging industry. 
Our members are world-class global companies and institutions, ranging from R&D institutes, mechanical 
engineering companies and material suppliers to producers and end-users.

Well over 200 companies from Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa are working together to promote the establishment of a competitive production infrastructure for organic and printed electronics. The vision of the OE-A is to build a bridge between science, technology, and application. The OE-A is a working group within VDMA. More than 3,600 member companies from the engineering industry make VDMA the largest industry association in Europe.

UFlex Limited, India’s largest multinational flexible packaging and solutions company, is participating in DRUPA 2024, the premier global trade fair for print and packaging innovations, scheduled to take place in Dusseldorf, Germany from March 28 to June 7, 2024. UFlex will unveil its latest advancements and pioneering solutions spanning its engineering, packaging films, flexible packaging, chemicals, printing cylinders, and holography businesses, aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability in the printing and packaging sector.
Highlighting UFlex's commitment to innovation and sustainability, the engineering business will feature its high-end CI Flexo Printing Machine Model ELISA-1308 and Combi Lamination Machine – Model CAMCO Excel 1300, and an advanced ReLAM recycling machine. Visitors can witness live demonstrations of all three machines at the show that underscore UFlex's dedication to delivering top-quality engineering innovations to drive efficiency and sustainability in the printing and packaging industry.
UFlex's chemical business will showcase its latest water-based inks and adhesives designed to elevate sustainability in printing and associated processes. The holography business will showcase the company's industry-leading brand protection and anti-counterfeit solutions, demonstrating UFlex's ongoing commitment to innovative measures that safeguard and enhance brand equity.  
UFlex's printing cylinders business will present technologically advanced printing cylinders at DRUPA 2024. These cylinders offer customized printing solutions for a wide range of materials, including various types of fabric and hard materials like PVC.
UFlex's ingenious solutions will be showcased at Hall 9/C 30 at DRUPA 2024, providing visitors and industry partners with the opportunity to experience their capabilities first-hand and explore their features and benefits.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr Anantshree Chaturvedi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Flex Films International said “We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation and customer-centricity in the global printing and packaging industry. Our innovative solutions reflect our commitment to sustainability and enhancing efficiency for customers. We are excited to be at Drupa and look forward to fostering collaboration and driving innovation and sustainability.” 
UFlex's business ethos revolves around innovation with a clear focus on sustainability. With its advanced solutions, the company aims to spearhead industry-wide reductions in waste and production costs while advancing toward a circular economy. The company’s commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with its intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, contributing to a greener future.
For queries: corpcomm@uflexltd.com

About UFlex Limited: 
UFlex is India’s largest multinational flexible packaging and solutions company. Since its inception in 1985, UFlex has grown from strength to strength and has built a strong presence across all verticals of the packaging value chain — packaging films, chemicals, aseptic packaging, flexible packaging, holography, engineering, and printing cylinders. 
With a 10,000+ strong multicultural workforce across global regions that works toward developing innovative, value-added, and sustainable packaging solutions, the company has earned an irreproachable reputation for defining the contours of the ‘Packaging Industry in India and overseas. It provides end-to-end solutions to numerous Fortune 500 clients across various sectors such as FMCG, consumer product goods, pharmaceuticals, building materials, automobiles, and more, in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Noida, the National Capital Region, India, UFlex enjoys a global reach with advanced manufacturing facilities in India, the UAE, Mexico, Egypt, the USA, Poland, Russia, Nigeria, and Hungary.
A winner of various marquee global awards for product excellence, innovation, and sustainability, UFlex is the first company in the world to earn recognition at the Davos Recycle Forum in 1995 for conceptualizing the recycling of mixed plastic waste. For more details, please visit: www.uflexltd.com
 

New multilayer films manufacturing line joins several existing cleanroom monolayer lines at company’s facility in Puurs, Belgium.

Wayne, PA – TekniPlex Healthcare, which utilizes advanced materials science expertise to help deliver better patient outcomes, is expanding its capabilities portfolio by commencing multilayer blown film manufacturing in a cleanroom environment. Located at TekniPlex Healthcare’s production facility in Puurs, Belgium, the new multilayer blown film line exemplifies the company’s strategy to develop higher-order barrier solutions per increased industry demand.

For TekniPlex Healthcare, the new multilayer line joins a number of existing monolayer lines all inside ISO Class 7 cleanrooms at the Puurs facility, for use in the production of cleanroom bags. The addition comes as some healthcare market players are shifting from food-grade resin-based bags to those comprised of pharma-grade resins produced in GMP cleanroom conditions. In addition, TekniPlex’ customers have expressed a need for higher barrier solutions requiring multilayer film/bag capabilities. 

Some segments of the pharmaceutical and medical device markets demand high levels of cleanliness, either in their packaging or processing, to produce or protect highly sensitive products. To meet these needs, TekniPlex Healthcare has a longstanding history of producing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags that meet strict cleanliness requirements, with both film extrusion and bag sealing conducted in cleanroom environments at the Puurs facility.

All TekniPlex Healthcare cleanroom-manufactured bags are double or triple packed for use in customers’ cleanrooms, and can be individually labeled for comprehensive supply chain traceability. Custom resins or resin blends, including custom additives, are available, as are certified sterilized products with Gamma irradiation. 

The new cleanroom-housed blown film line is expected to begin operation in Q2 of 2024, with full-scale commercial production following shortly thereafter. 

“There is a growing demand for films extruded and bags sealed in cleanroom environments across various healthcare categories,” said Bryan Wesselmann, VP of Sales and Marketing for TekniPlex Healthcare. “The introduction of cleanroom production for multilayer blown films and bags at our Puurs, Belgium facility demonstrates our dedication to acquiring more extensive, market-responsive capabilities. This expansion aligns with our goal of increasing capacities and market share for our existing solutions portfolio.” 

Now a full-fledged CDMO, TekniPlex Healthcare to emphasize
concept-to-completion portfolio at two booths.

Wayne, PA – TekniPlex Healthcare, which utilizes advanced materials science expertise to help deliver better patient outcomes, will display its enhanced and expanded set of interventional capabilities with a two-booth presence at Medical Design & Manufacturing West, February 6-8 in Anaheim, CA. Following its December acquisition of Seisa Medical, the TekniPlex Healthcare’s MD&M footprint comprises both its own branded Booth #3227, as well as Seisa’s Booth #2266. 

The acquisition makes TekniPlex Healthcare a fully capable CDMO, broadening and bolstering its materials science and process technologies for minimally invasive and interventional therapy devices. Combined with its diverse legacy portfolio, TekniPlex Healthcare can now co-develop critical components and sub-assemblies, and provide engineering services for comprehensive device design. This translates to end-to-end capabilities for Class II & Class III medical devices, with an emphasis on catheter-based and single-use sterile devices. 

“TekniPlex now stands as a truly concept-to-completion partner for minimally invasive delivery systems and implantable devices – a full-fledged CDMO,” said Chris Qualters, CEO of TekniPlex Healthcare. “Our interventional products capabilities span everything from design, material selection, molding and extrusions, stents and balloons to full contract assembly and healthcare packaging services for medical devices.”

TekniPlex Healthcare also will be highlighting its antimicrobial medical compounds, which can be utilized to produce patient-contact products including catheters, connectors, gas hoses, components of injection systems such as syringes, and pens. The products can incorporate silver ion technology proven to drastically reduce contamination risk from bacteria buildup; unlike disinfectants that last just a few hours, formulating a medical product with antimicrobial compounds provides protection throughout the product's lifespan. Currently, TekniPlex Healthcare integrates the silver ion additives – which have natural antimicrobial properties – with its broad array of current medical grade flexible and rigid PVC compounds, or its medical grade CELLENE® TPE compounds. 

Another offering will be the company’s range of solvent-bondable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) tubing produced with TekniPlex Healthcare’s proprietary compound formulations. An alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the product offering is designed to bridge the PVC-alternative tubing ease-of -bonding technology gap.  Free of silicone, latex, phthalate and halogen, they are suitable for a wide variety of medical device tubing applications. 

The company also will be highlighting its medical device packaging offerings, including a variety of grid lacquer coated paper specifications and coated Tyvek® options. Later this year, TekniPlex Healthcare will be opening a new facility in Madison, WI, significantly boosting its lamination capacity for a broad range of materials including PET, nylon, paper, foil, PE, EAA and ionomer, in both peelable and non-peelable structures. The plant’s new coating and lamination assets will increase capacity for an array of products such as coated Tyvek® and reinforced papers.
 

•    On 16 November 2023, a group of industry leaders came together to a round table in Spain to talk about how to boost the circularity of paper bags in the construction industry.
•    The project aimed at finding solutions how to scale up the collection, sorting and recycling of used paper bags, and reduce waste. 
•    The round table followed a pilot project in which Mondi has already been collaborating with partners in the construction industry in Spain to increase the circularity of used paper bags.
•    New circularity approach provides template for more collaborators and industry leaders to join or replicate across Europe.

16 January 2024 – Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has brought together industry leaders in an expert round table to discuss how to improve the circularity of used paper bags in the construction industry.

The event, which was held on 16 November 2023 in Madrid, looked at how to build systems that will prevent the disposal of used paper bags, working towards implementing a process of efficient collection, sorting, and recycling that can be managed on an industrial scale.

The partners attending were representatives from different parts of the value chain, namely Mondi, Envalora, Neinor Homes, OHLA, Arpada, Macotran, RCD Asociacion, S. Solís, Uder, Alier, Saint-Gobain and CoCircular. These like-minded industry leaders share a vision of boosting the circularity of paper bags used in the construction industry and see collaboration and stakeholder dialogue as a critical activity to achieve this. 

The event follows a successful pilot project driven by Mondi, which set up a collection and recycling system for used paper bags in Spain. The project was initiated because paper bags used in the construction industry are currently not recycled at scale, resulting in valuable fibres being lost. In this pilot, different construction companies and specialised collectors for construction and demolition waste teamed up to manage the collection of used paper bags at construction sites, transportation, and the reprocessing of the used paper bags. This pilot provides a proof of concept to increase the circularity of used paper bags.

Carlos Martinez Ezquerra, Circular Economy Manager Flexible Packaging at Mondi says: "Improving the circularity of used paper bags in this industry is vital and our successful Spanish pilot project shows that it can become reality - but Mondi cannot do it alone. We need committed partners at every stage of the value chain to collaborate closely and create a successful model that can close the loop.

“This initiative - the first of its kind in Spain - is clear illustration of our commitment to working with industry partners across the value chain to increase recycling rates for used paper bags – and helps us set up an approach that can be scaled throughout Europe and across other industries.”
 

Sustainability a key factor for luxury packaging brands
At Paris Packaging Week, Mondi will highlight its commitment to sustainable, premium packaging papers with PERGRAPHICA®, IQ BOARD and IQ GRASS + PACKAGING
Mondi’s team is open to discuss how packaging can support sustainability aspirations of a luxury brand from 17 to 18 January on stand U190

Set in the capital of beauty and luxury brands, Paris Packaging Week is well positioned to bring together brand owners, material, and service providers along the value chain. One industry driver gaining in importance is sustainability. On 17 and 18 January 2024, Mondi will be showing its portfolio of premium, sustainable design papers for luxury packaging at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

No compromise on sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, Mondi is determined to make a difference. MAP2030 (Mondi Action Plan 2030) sets out the actions the Group is taking to meet its ambitious 2030 sustainability goals. More specifically, Mondi’s uncoated fine paper brands for luxury packaging are produced at the Mondi Neusiedler mill in Austria. The pulp used to produce these papers – just like all uncoated fine papers produced at Mondi – is exclusively sourced from sustainably managed forests, which either are from Mondi-managed forests or bought from the world market. All Mondi paper brands produced in Austria and Slovakia are Cradle to Cradle Certified® at the bronze level. This certification covers all aspects from sourcing to production and certifies that products are produced and used in line with circular economy principles.

PERGRAPHICA® design papers provide an air of luxury

On stand U190, brand owners can explore the possibilities PERGRAPHICA® premium design papers offer to demonstrate a company’s brand identity using optics, haptics and colours. Premium products need to be presented in the best possible way – ideally reflected by packaging giving a first impression of luxurious content. Consumers expect that the higher the quality of the packaging, the more exquisite the content. “With our premium design paper brand PERGRAPHICA® we give brand owners and packaging creators a wide variety of options for packaging design,“ explains Bernhard Cantzler, Marketing and Sales Director at Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper. “PERGRAPHICA® doesn’t stand for creativity alone, it creates a long-lasting effect. This paper offers a sensuous experience at the very first touch and a visual impact that can be striking or elegant.” In addition, the extensive portfolio ensures consistently high print quality and outstanding finishing properties. PERGRAPHICA®-design papers are available in three shades of white with excellent colour reproduction, as well as a broad palette of 31 delicate, rich and dark colours in weights ranging from 90 to 400 g/m².

Premium quality for premium products with IQ BOARD

“IQ BOARD – our uncoated virgin fibre premium paper – is equally interesting for packaging applications,” explains Bernhard Cantzler. “It highlights the exquisite content of luxury items cosmetics and premium hygiene products,” he closes. IQ BOARD has been optimised for seamless processing in printing, finishing, and filling. The soft, natural haptics underline striking packaging designs. IQ BOARD is available in shades of high white and natural white in weights ranging from 250 g/m² up to 400 g/m².

Sustainability at first sight visualized by IQ GRASS + PACKAGING

In Paris, Mondi will be showing an exceptional packaging paper: IQ GRASS + PACKAGING. It is made up of up to 30% grass fibre combined with FSC™ and PEFC certified virgin fibre to create a paper that catches the eye. This combination of raw materials lends IQ GRASS + PACKAGING its individual texture and fibre optics. Every sheet is unique and looks slightly different, making each package matchless. IQ GRASS + PACKAGING is available in weights from 80 to 350 g/m² and can be embellished with hot foil stamping or embossing to foster a premium feel.

Packaging papers suited for food contact

At Paris Packaging Week, Mondi will present its selection of papers certified for food contact. The three white PERGRAPHICA® shades (High White, Classic and Natural) are suitable for food packaging, as is the impressive PERGRAPHICA® Infinite Black. To complete this offer for food contact, IQ GRASS + PACKAGING and IQ BOARD Ivory were certified hence giving customers a wide range to choose from. They ensure products are kept in perfect condition safeguarding brand identity and complying with food safety regulations.

The nEDC300 from EDWARDS VACUUM is the latest iteration of mono claw vacuum pumps which boasts a range of inventive attributes that not only boost performance but also minimize noise levels, improve reliability, and facilitate on-site maintenance. This means that it can be used in a wide range of applications, such as water and wastewater treatment, thermoforming, vacuum conveying, food processing or even in medical systems. In these processes, the dry claw pump guarantees its users a reliable, cost-effective operation with easy maintenance options.

Uncomplicated vacuum solution

"All in all, with the nEDC300 we have developed an uncomplicated vacuum solution that is closely oriented to the standards and quality requirements of the target markets," reports Megha Ajmal, Product Manager at EDWARDS VACUUM. "This claw pump features stainless steel rotors as well as a durable stator coating safeguarding its process wetted parts which ensures robustness in effective contaminant handling. The nEDC series of mono claw vacuum pumps stands out as the intelligent option in many rough applications.," adds Megha Ajmal.

Better serviceability

This has been achieved mainly through the modular design of the EDWARDS dry claw pumps. A separate, insulated pump element also makes the inside of the pump easily accessible to users for maintenance, repairs and cleaning. This means that the nEDC claw pump can be cleaned quickly and easily by the customer and then put back into operation meaning lower cost of ownership and less downtime for the customers.

Improved noise levels

Along with offering you higher pumping speed, the silencer has undergone a redesign to guarantee reduced noise levels, fostering a more comfortable workplace, all the while preserving optimal vacuum performance. The nEDC300 offers the best in class noise level compared to some of the other competitors in the market.

Peace of mind

The new silencer also helps in improved airflow thus helping in lowering the internal pump temperature. This extends service life of the lip seal and prevents any risks of oil leaks, giving customers a reliable long-term solution.

About Edwards

Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, exhaust management systems and related value-added services. These are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells; are used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications, steel and other metallurgy, pharmaceutical and chemical; and for both scientific instruments and a wide range of R&D applications.

Martin Automatic, the leading US manufacturer of unwind/splice a rewind technology for a range of web fed applications welcomed its international sales team to the company HQ in Rockford IL in July. 

The meeting proved an ideal opportunity to update members of staff with the latest and extensive range of Martin products and applications, as well as induct them into the traditional Martin culture.  “This is primarily the pursuit of excellence in caring for our customers’ needs and learning to be good stewards of the trust they place in us,” said VP Sales & Marketing Gavin Rittmeyer.

A tour of the production hall typified Martin’s business, with the variety of different OEM corporate colors on show for both narrow and wide web technology, and the vast difference in size between the popular splicers and rewinders for the label industry up to the giant machines manufactured for handling asphalt shingles in the building trade.

“We are honored that customers from a cross section of industries continue to favor Martin for its robust ‘keep it simple’ design philosophy from labels to paperboard and on to large format converting processes.  Our continuous pursuit of best practices attracts both new employees and new customers alike and is critical to us retaining business and securing repeat orders,” he added.

Seen as both a valuable bonding session for company personnel and an opportunity to freely discuss how global market changes and developments impinge on the company’s R&D of future technology, the Sales Meeting was hailed a success by all who attended. 

As Rittmeyer concluded: “We live in a time of continual change where it is even more important to work closely with our customers to understand and solve their problems.  Expanding a Sales Team is easy – it’s the technical training and understanding of the company culture that is the key to success here and is what sets Martin apart from its competitors.”

Are you looking for a responsible packaging solution? Then the folding boxes made of plywood and steel from NO-NAIL BOXES might be for you! From 25 to 27 April 2023, the company will be present at the LogiMat in Stuttgart!

100% recyclable packaging

All folding boxes manufactured by NO-NAIL BOXES are made of 100 % plywood and steel. Both materials are particularly easy to recycle once the customers do not want or cannot use them anymore.

In order to ensure that the boxes are properly recycled, NO-NAIL BOXES advises its customers to contact their local waste management facility to collect the boxes for recycling.
The latter will take them to a recycling plant where the boxes will be crushed before the plywood and the steel are automatically separated, the steel particles being easily recovered by magnetization. In this way, the wood will be used, for example, for the production of electricity and heat (cogeneration), while the steel will begin its second life.
 

Less transport and storage costs

Besides being easily recyclable, the NO-NAIL “BOXES” can be reused several times. This not only saves you money and energy, but also reduces your carbon footprint on the environment. Delivered and stored flat, they optimize empty returns and save up to 85% in storage space.

Michael Franzen, DACH Market Leader, and Joe Reiners, Technical Representative, will welcome you at LogiMat at booth 28, aisle A in hall 2. If you would like more information before your visit, please do not hesitate to contact NO-NAIL BOXES: info@nnb.lu / +352 81 92 81-1.
NO-NAIL BOXES is located in Wiltz and has been manufacturing folding boxes made of plywood and steel for the industry since 1961. Every year, some 450,000 boxes, 95% of which are custom-made, leave its production workshop. Certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, AEO, PEFC, CSR, SuperDrecksKëscht fir Betriber and Sécher a Gesond mat System, NO-NAIL BOXES is integrated in the packaging division of the ALIPA Group, a Luxembourg-based specialist in industrial packaging and lifting, which has a total of about 150 employees.

 

Source Wurx’s turnkey design and prepress services will sharply reduce graphics costs, ensure run-to-run color consistency and improve lead times.

Oconomowoc, WI – Source Wurx, a food & beverage sector printed packaging facilitator whose services range from design and prepress to print production and ongoing oversight, has been selected by a major private label food manufacturer to enhance packaging graphics and oversee color management.

Source Wurx manages over 8,000 SKUs for this manufacturer across various printed packaging substrates and categories, and now has been tasked with reducing graphics costs and improving lead times despite the current challenging materials and supply chain landscape. In addition to tightening production protocols, the move is expected to save the private label food manufacturer up to 50% in design and prepress costs compared to internal execution.

Source Wurx’s turnkey approach will help streamline several mission-critical processes for the private label manufacturer, including file control, flexibility, and version control. File ownership is vital in printed packaging; without it there are constraints that can impact the printed packaging supply chain.
 

“With so much outside of our control, in the past few years clients have experienced fires, security hacks, acquisitions that have caused negative consequences,” said Leslie Williams, Vice President of Business Development for Source Wurx. ”Managing digital assets with a third party partner enables Source Wurx to effectively and efficiently move business from one printer to another for contingency planning purposes.” Ms. Williams explains that, through Source Wurx, the manufacturer can archive and access each of its 8,000+ files in a central location.

File versions management also is crucial in the private label space, where shifting nutrition transparency rules, ingredient formulations and overarching redesigns all demand nimbleness. Due to printed packaging’s fluid nature, overseeing versions for individual SKUs can be challenging and overly complex. To minimize confusion and hassle, Source Wurx manages version control through the coding of files in the file naming convention and on printed packaging. This protocol best ensures that printers use the correct, most updated version of each file, and that the manufacturer receives correct versions of each file for application.

For the private label food manufacturer, Source Wurx also is managing printed packaging color via a sampling process consisting of approved proofs and samples from the first production run. In coordination with printers, Source Wurx analyzes samples from each run and compares them against the established color standard. This supports run-to-run color consistency, and serves as a safeguard against printers producing out-of-tolerance product. This protocol is being performed across multiple packaging formats and materials substrates.

SÜDPACK has voluntarily published its fourth Sustainability Report – corroborating the progress made in 2020 and 2021 with hard data. The fact that SÜDPACK was named Germany’s 36th most sustainable SME out of over 4,000 businesses in a cross-sector ranking as recently lends considerable impetus to the film producer’s ambitious sustainability strategy. Because the companies’ Sustainability Reports were an explicit criterion when selecting the front-runners, especially their ESG targets and the effectiveness thereof. All of the Top 50 firms have one thing in common: for years, they have been committed to the three categories of ecology, economy and social responsibility in equal measure.

On the second page of the 84-page Sustainability Report, important data immediately illustrates that sustainability is key in all areas and in all aspects at SÜDPACK – and is also a permanent call to action. For example, 63 MWh of energy has been generated using its own renewable sources. 57 percent of its total investments are in new technologies that help to improve sustainability. 30 percent of its turnover is already generated by sustainable products. Waste has been reduced by 15 percent. Social responsibility, diversity and compliance are prioritized.

In contrast to its previous report for 2020, however, areas of activity that are essential for SÜDPACK and its stakeholders have been redefined. The latest report, which represents a significant expansion of its previous sustainability strategy, is now divided into the following topics: corporate governance, sustainable efficiency, circular economy, climate protection and social responsibility. In addition to its new set of guiding values and revised code of conduct, corporate governance also includes the economic pillar of sustainability and sustainable efficiency.

Overall, significant progress has been made in all areas during both financial years and documented accordingly in the report: SÜDPACK continues to work intensively on the development of extremely material-efficient, recyclable and therefore sustainable material structures. Its Pure-Line range featuring PP and PE-based high-performance films, its aluminum-free doypack and its film solution that is free of halogenic substances for the manufacture of blister packaging are great examples of this.

Circular economy

Huge investments are underway – in new business models, in new technologies and above all in an efficient circular economy. During the preparation and recovery of recyclable materials, the film producer simultaneously pursues two targeted solutions with its commitment to both mechanical and chemical recycling. Its internal material management using regranulation and compounding aims to return mechanically recycled plastic waste to film production – from both its own manufacturing and that of its customers. Thanks to its investment in pioneering CARBOLIQ technology, SÜDPACK also expects to be able to convert existing and hitherto non-recyclable packaging and plastic waste into valuable resources on an industrial scale in future. “As one of the leading film producers, our goal must be to continue to retain all the materials that enter our cycle within the cycle,“ says Carolin Grimbacher, Managing Partner of SÜDPACK.

Climate protection

Both these initiatives demonstrate SÜDPACK’s ZERO Waste claim. However, ZERO Waste is only part of its ambitious sustainability strategy. The central goal is NET ZERO. Consequently, the company group aims to avoid greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible and offset any unavoidable emissions. Its corporate carbon footprint provides an essential basis for this: by 2025, 95 percent of direct greenhouse gas emissions and those from energy needs (Scope 1 & 2) are to be reduced, as well as 15 percent of indirect greenhouse gas emissions along the value chain (Scope 3). Other measures include the increased use of renewable energy as well as additional investments in photovoltaic systems. As of 2022, for example, all its German sites use 100 percent renewable energy, along with carbon-neutral natural gas.

To ensure that all its climate protection efforts are actually in keeping with the highest standards of the Paris Climate Agreement, SÜDPACK joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2022.

Social responsibility

As a company that has been family-owned since it was founded in 1964 and is deeply rooted in the region, Südpack is particularly committed to people. In the latest edition of its Sustainability Report, the film producer also defines its operational framework and presents a number of projects that have been successfully implemented in recent months or have already been initiated: from individual employee development as well as occupational health and safety, through dealing with suppliers and business partners, to a sustainable supply chain.

Its new set of guiding values is a major cornerstone of cultural understanding. “In a dynamic market environment, how do we want to shape the future of SÜDPACK, how do we as a company want to be represented in public and finally how do we integrate new sites and employees into our organization? We are convinced that we can only continue to be among the best in our industry if everyone shares and embraces the same values,“ says Carolin Grimbacher.

Sustainability awards

The latest Sustainability Report is both an ‘explanation’ and a ‘call to action’. Because SÜDPACK not only consistently continues to develop its sustainability roadmap, but also constantly pursues its ambitious goals. Think and act holistically – that is its motto. In order to help other, hitherto less active companies also achieve a more sustainable future, WirtschaftsWoche has chosen “Germany’s most sustainable SMEs 2022“. Südpack is among the best – and it was also nominated in the ‘Industrial company with more than 250 employees’ category for the renowned 2022 Environment Award of the State of Baden-Württemberg.

The biennial report

… is based on the internationally recognized Sustainability Reporting Standards published by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI Standards). The content has been compiled in accordance with the “Core” option of the GRI Standards.

The Reifenhäuser Group will showcase its latest solutions for sustainable and efficient blown and flat film production at PLASTINDIA 2023 in New Delhi, India, from February 1 to 5. (Hall 4H-FP, Booth C D 20)

Highlights include the processing of low-quality recyclate into high-quality blown film, the PAM automation option for coextrusion adapters and flat dies, and the production of high-barrier tube film in just one process step. The machine manufacturer will be represented at India's leading plastics trade show by its Reifenhäuser Blown Film and Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating business units, each specializing in blown film and flat film technologies.

EVO Fusion: safe processing of low recyclate grades Reifenhäuser Blown Film presents the technical solution to one of the biggest challenges in processing recyclate - the often low and fluctuating quality of the input material. Producers have so far found it difficult to set up a stable production process for higher-quality end products made from recyclate. With EVO Fusion, blown film producers can now process previously unusable, low-cost recyclate into high-performance blown films for end-use applications such as trash bags or mailing bags.

The key lies in the twin-screw technology of the EVO Fusion extruder, which improves melt homogeneity and ensures a stable process. Processors can also degas the system very easily and effectively, removing unwanted. components in the recyclate. The EVO Fusion process also enables direct extrusion, which eliminates the need for energy- and cost-intensive regranulation of the material. This means that fluff (film shreds), all types of production waste, and PCR material can also be processed directly. To process better quality regranulate, Reifenhäuser recommends the EVO Ultra single-screw extruder. This machine processes recycled material as reliably as other raw materials, thanks to optimized barrier as well as shear and mixing parts.

Eugen Friedel, Director Sales at Reifenhäuser Blown Film, explains: "Our technologies for recyclate processing offer the ideal prerequisite for participating on the growing market for products with high recyclate content. Moreover, India already has legal requirements governing the use of recyclate which our customers can easily meet thanks to EVO Fusion."

PAM option: automated adjustment of coextrusion adapter and die Precise, autonomous, mechatronic - with the PAM option, Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating will demonstrate at PLASTINDIA how flat film producers can fully automate the adjustment of coextrusion adapter and die. In the past, this was mostly done manually. This enables faster start-up of production, higher output, and improved overall equipment efficiency (OEE). Scrap and material usage are significantly reduced. Once recipes have been set, they can be stored and recalled at any time. They can therefore be reproduced exactly - even by inexperienced line operators.

At the heart of the PAM system are motorized screwdrivers which profile the film layers on the coextrusion adapter automatically with high precision and set and control the die flex lip. Depending on the die design, it is also possible to adjust the dust bar, width, and lip opening automatically by adjusting the lower die lip. The PAM option is exclusively available for the Reifenhäuser Coextrusion Adapter Pro, the only coextrusion system on the market that allows profiling of individual layers while the line is running. For flat dies, PAM is available as an optional feature for Reifenhäuser dies and also as a retrofit option for third-party systems.

Benjamin Pott, Sales Manager at Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating, explains, "The PAM option is a unique solution on the market to enable producers to achieve enormous increases in line efficiency. It can be selected independently for coextrusion adapters and dies - but in combination, the automated components develop their full potential." The Reifenhäuser Group, one of the few machine builders on the market, manufactures all hot parts in-house - extruder, coextrusion system, and die. With this hot part competence, Reifenhäuser can design all process-related interfaces to match each other perfectly - PAM takes the whole thing to a new level.

High-barrier film for tubes in only one process step At PLASTINDIA, the Cast Sheet Coating business unit will introduce a sustainable production process for PE-rich recyclable high-barrier film for tubes. These types of film are mainly used in oral or beauty care products. In the past this required several lamination and conversion steps upstream of the tube manufacturing process.

The new Reifenhäuser single step flat film coextrusion process simplifies production and increases productivity by outputs up to 80% higher than other technologies. The process also offers significant cost savings by reducing EVOH layer thickness by up to 30% while maintaining the necessary barrier properties. The properties of the film ensure seamless integration into established processing methods and thus a short time to market

About the Reifenhäuser Group

The Reifenhäuser Group is the leading provider of innovative technologies and components for plastics extrusion. Founded in 1911, the company supplies high-technology solutions all over the world. With its technologies and the know-how of its 1,750 employees, Reifenhäuser has the world's largest network of expertise in plastics extrusion technologies. The CEO of the Group is Bernd Reifenhäuser.

Canada-based expandable polystyrene manufacturer NexKemia has finalized the purchase of Eco-Captation, a prominent polystyrene waste collection and recycling company in Prévost, Quebec. NexKemia is a subsidiary of Integreon Global, a family of companies that ensures product integrity and protection through innovative materials, testing services, packaging and monitoring solutions, and contract manufacturing.

Eco-Captation is the leading recycler of polystyrene wastes in Quebec and has a special focus on post-consumer recycled materials. The company combines artificial intelligence-enhanced optical sorting technology with a seamless mechanical recycling process to convert plastic waste into high quality raw materials made with post-consumer recycled material.

Maurice Barakat, President & Chairman of Integreon Global, said: “We are proud to be welcoming Eco-Captation into the Integreon family, and look forward to growing as we learn from their substantial recycling expertise. We are excited to employ technology to reduce the carbon footprint of the packaging and insulation solutions developed for customers.

For NexKemia, Eco-Captation will become an integral part of developing an end-to-end circular model for EPS solutions.

“Scaling up Eco-Captation's technologies will allow NexKemia to rapidly grow our capacity for sustainable expandable polystyrene (EPS) solutions that incorporate a significant percentage of post-consumer recycled material,” said Pierre Beaudry, General Manager of NexKemia.

The agreement represents another step for NexKemia as a mechanical recycling hub. The products resulting from the Eco-Captation acquisition will be used by NexKemia and its parent company, Integreon Global, in day-to-day applications where sustainability and circularity elements are essential, including high-performance cold chain packaging solutions and construction material.

As part of TotaEnergies’ RE:clic portfolio, the RE:newable polymer will be sourced directly from the company’s bioref

According to government research, some 93% of all tea bags are now biodegradable and almost 97% of coffee pods.