Plastic at the core of a new circular economy

Shelton, Conn.-based Modern began making the shields recently and already is scaling up to production of more than 1

Cologne, January 2020 – Vacuum technology specialist, Leybold, has developed two new online tools to assist customer’s pump choice and layout of complete vacuum systems: The Pump Finder and the calculation tool LEYCALC. With these new web-based tools, users can select and build their vacuum solutions online. They are designed to be used for two different use cases: The homepage https://calc.leybold.com/en/lp leads to both the Pump Finder and LEYCALC, the vacuum system calculation tool. Users with vacuum know-how can use LEYCALC to calculate the behavior and performance of vacuum systems in detail. The Pump Finder guides even beginners to suitable products by a questionnaire.

Step by step to the right offer

The Pump Finder is designed to navigate vacuum users step-by-step to find the ideal pump for their application. Throughout the selection tool, pumps can be refined by entering values for chamber size, target pressure and pipe dimensions. There are two calculation options for modelling different vacuum applications: process flow and vacuum chamber pump down. A process gas flow is a continuous gas flow where the constant pressure is conveyed. A vacuum chamber pump down is an application where the chamber is pumped/evacuated to a specific target pressure. The result is a selection of vacuum pumps that meet the customer's requirements.

Targeted product selection

LEYCALC can be used for detailed engineering of vacuum systems using the same powerful algorithms as Leybold’s application experts. The tool allows customers to calculate their vacuum systems fully independently and for complex scenarios, the experts offer their full support. "Previously, we had to adjust parameters such as chamber size, process gases, cycle times, pipe length and pressure values during the initial contact with the customer. With the help of the simulation software, the user can independently calculate configurations and get an initial idea of the vacuum performance," explains Dr. Tom Kammermeier, Global Application Manager, Industrial Vacuum. "In the past, there were often lengthy dialogues about such details," says Kammermeier. Now users can perform their calculations independently – with the result that the entire process leads to a more targeted and faster selection of the right solutions for the application. "We expect LEYCALC to improve the contact quality with our customers," summarizes Kammermeier.

Efficient communication and fast solutions

Once the user of the online tool has defined the pump’s chamber and the target pressure, LEYCALC performs the calculation of a pump down curve: The result is immediately displayed in a diagram. This shows exactly how long it takes to pump the air out of the chamber to a defined pressure and how the pressure develops over time. Alternatively, the user can calculate the pumping speed curve of a pump system. This shows which pumping speed is provided at a certain pressure. All calculation data is stored centrally and can be called up at any time and from any device by customers who have registered. Calculation results can also be shared with specialists at Leybold. This allows a detailed discussion about the respective vacuum application. Overall, the platform leads to considerably more efficient customer communication and faster solutions in complex projects. Leybold’s vacuum experts will be happy to answer any questions regarding specific calculations in a timely fashion.

Conductivity losses immediately apparent

"In addition to the chambers and pumps of a vacuum system, the different influences of pipelines are also taken into account. These include the conductance effects in all pressure ranges and flow regimes, blocking and, of course, the volume of the lines," explains Hannes Kamecke, the IT manager responsible for the online configurator. In some cases, it then becomes apparent that a pump with higher individual performance would not improve the overall vacuum performance because the reductions are caused by an incorrectly dimensioned pipeline. "However, the diagram immediately shows that the pipe diameter needs to be increased," explains Hannes Kamecke.

Further development planned

Navigation through the web-based software solution is conveniently possible on all kind of devices like tablets, smartphones. Sections in need of explanation are linked to more detailed background information on vacuum technique. In future, LEYCALC will comprise the whole Leybold product portfolio, covering also high vacuum applications. "With the publication of the new calculation tools, Leybold makes its vacuum know-how collected over decades available to its customers and thus lays the foundation for modern digital customer communication. The offer thus represents an important building block in the digital customer experience strategy of the vacuum specialist," concludes Hannes Kameck

ACG Group, the only supplier in the world offering end-to-end manufacturing solutions for the pharmaceutical industry – is showcasing a comprehensive portfolio of next-generation production, packaging and inspection machinery. Comprising equipment solutions from two of its four business units, ACG Engineering and ACG Inspection, the NXT Series are future ready machines which will provide smart USER experience to our customers. Under the NXT series, the machines included are Protab 300 NXT, Protab 700 NXT, BMax NXT, KartonX NXT, Verishield CS18 NXT.

An acronym, USER stands for UltraHMI, StealthDesign, ExploreAR (Augmented Reality) and RevealiOT. Combined, the elevated elements, bring sweeping changes to a significant portfolio of ACG machinery including tablet presses, blister and cartoning packing equipment and serialization units for Track and Trace applications. The result is a sizable step forward in all facets of the production experience:

• UltraHMI: Aligning with the continued push for increasingly automated manufacturing solutions, ACG’s newly imagined HMI system provides seamless control of high-precision, contamination-free machines requiring minimal humanmachine interaction. Highlights include a simplified operator experience, better data visualization, decision dashboard and of course, IIoT enabled.

• StealthDesign: With a smooth, flowing style, the sleek new machine look exemplifies ACG’s commitment to versatility, maneuverability, and maximized output at a minimized footprint.

• ExploreAR: Smarter, secure, and faster, ACG’s unsurpassed Augmented Reality solutions raise the bar of process efficiency. Harnessing the potential of AR technology, ExploreAR reduces production downtime, identifies and resolves maintenance issues more quickly, and keeps manufacturing moving at a more optimized pace. Highlights include real-time monitoring, remote diagnosis and proactive service support, proactive maintenance and more realistic operator training.

• RevealiOT: ACG’s IIoT platform enables intermachine connectivity and smart manufacturing processes via easy-to-read dashboards detailing heretofore difficultto-measure KPIs. Digestible data provides actionable metrics, a quantum leap in transparency leading to predictive maintenance, improved product quality and maximized overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The treasure trove of new information also allows for “Golden Batch” repeatability and optimized production schedules, significantly improving machine efficiency while reducing line downtime.

 About ACG

ACG group is the world’s only integrated pharma manufacturing solutions company absolutely committed to delivering exceptional solutions to the global pharmaceutical industry. The company’s diverse product range of Capsules, Films & Foils, Engineering, and Inspection systems meets international regulatory requirements. ACG is committed to just one goal: to offer everything needed for efficient capsule and tablet manufacturing.

ACG has over 5 decades of experience and is present in over 100 countries, with more than 4,500 associates around the world. Our customer-centric approach has won us many loyal, satisfied customers and partners by nurturing relationships.

The Swiss family business Hoffmann Neopac expands its metal business and takes over its longstanding partner CM Packaging in the Netherlands. The company invests in a 3- piece can making line at its new location and thus strengthens its market position.

Thun, Switzerland - Hoffmann Neopac, a global provider of high-quality plastic and metal packaging for a broad array of industries and applications, has acquired a longstanding metal packaging partner, Netherlands-based CM Packaging. As of January 1, 2020, the company intends to operate as a single entity. The parties have agreed not to disclose the acquisition price.

Hoffmann Neopac is also investing in a three-piece canmaking line at CM Packaging’s facility in Dronten, The Netherlands. Among other benefits, the infrastructure investment provides expanded capacity and flexibility for the growing infant food sector.

Andreas Geiger, former CTO of Hoffmann Neopac, will assume leadership of the Metal Packaging division as Managing Director. The overall sales team will be led by Tomas Pivko, currently Head of Sales, Tins at Hoffmann Neopac. The three owners of CM Packaging will remain with the company.

According to Mark Aegler, CEO of Hoffmann Neopac: "The team at CM Packaging has been a tremendous partner through the years, and with them joining the Hoffmann Neopac family we now have a production site in the EU in the metal sector and can also successfully implement our internationalization in this area. In the tube business, we have been doing this for several years, and now produce high-quality tubes in Switzerland, Hungary, India and the USA.

” CM Packaging Sales & Marketing Director Herbert van de Beek comments: “The acquisition of CM Packaging by Hoffmann Neopac will combine the clear strengths of both companies and improve our position in an increasingly challenging market. It will also further strengthen our service and development power, which is a benefit to our customers.”

CHINA BRAND @ PAPEREX formally opened in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India from 3rd to 6th December, 2019. The exposition is sponsored by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), and organized by HYVE Group and China International Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC Group).

CHINA BRAND @ PAPEREX is the first China – South Asia industrial capacity cooperation exposition, which aims to provide a platform for business and trade circles between China and South Asia countries in Paper, Printing and Packaging industries, to work hand in hand, promote trade and investment to achieve mutual benefits. CHINA BRAND @ PAPEREX this year expected presence of 70+ exhibitors, 2000+sqm show space from China.

India is among the fastest growing economies. With increasing prosperity, both the desire and the need for modern packaging solutions emerges. A study by trade and commerce trade association Assocham and global consulting firm EY revealed that the packaging industry in India is anticipated to reach $73.6bn by the 2020 financial year (FY2020), due to India’s growing population and income levels. The conclusions drawn are therefore supportive of a continued expansion of the paper packaging demand globally, especially in the high growth regions of the world.

The Expo showcases many products and economic development concepts in various ways, thus promoting china’s investment to India and cooperation between Chinese and India. The expo will also include China-India Industrial Capacity Cooperation Seminar, preventatives of Federation of India Chambers of Commerce and Industry, PWC India, Overseas Committee of the All-China Federation and some China brand companies will participate the meeting. Business matchmaking will also be held during show time.

CHINA BRAND @ PAPEREX aims to implement the achievements of China – South Asia industrial capacity cooperation, promote economic and trade investment between China and India as well as build a bridge of connectivity between China and South Asia. It is highly valued and widely welcomed by all parties.

Building on the success of Rippatape – the original market-leading tape-based opening device for board and paper-based packaging – Essentra Tear Tapes has launched Rippatape X. The new tape delivers improved cross-tear performance for the easy opening of paper sacks within the food and industrial sectors and mailers and large cartons used in e-commerce and retail packaging applications.

Manufactured using a specialised 75micron Monoaxially Orientated Polypropylene (MOPP) film, Rippatape X provides fast, safe and easy access to a pack’s contents. Importantly, its water-based adhesive solution does not impede the recycling of materials that it is applied to, ensuring both the tape and board can be processed through established recycling facilities.

Rippatape X removes the need for knives or any other sharp implements in the opening of packaging, reducing the risk of product damage or possible personal injury. Providing a clean and safe opening also ensures the product pack remains intact for any potential returns, avoiding the costs and impact on the environment from needing to supply extra packaging.

In addition, the tamper-evident nature of Rippatape X gives a clear indication if a package has been opened previously, providing brand and product protection for increased customer confidence.

Rippatape X has been designed to be easily applied to new and existing production lines at speeds of up to 450 metres a minute at the point of manufacture by using Essentra's custom build applicators.

“As the demand from consumers for easy opening increases, we wanted to create a product that had the same popular qualities of Rippatape, yet could also withstand the more durable retail and e-commerce packaging formats now available,” comments Ian Beresford, Head of Marketing and Development at Essentra Tear Tapes.

“The addition of Rippatape X delivers easy opening across the latest paper, corrugated and fibreboard packaging, protecting goods from damage while also providing evidence of tampering or packs being previously opened,” continues Ian. “This combination of consumer benefits, together with the ease of application for manufacturers, is ensuring Rippatape continues to deliver exceptional value to packaging.”

Constantia Flexibles – the world’s third largest producer of flexible packaging with headquarters in Vienna, Austria – opens the world’s first plant designed to produce more sustainable and recyclable flexible packaging only, in India. Production focus at the plant lies on the more environmentally friendly packaging family EcoLam. The official opening of the first of this kind site will take place on November 20, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in India.

The reduction of waste in general and plastic waste in particular is an important issue, also for the food processing and home and personal care industry in India. The Indian government is responding to the problem and therefore adopted ‘Plastic Waste Management Rules’ as early as in 2016. Among other things, the rules prescribe to scrap single-use plastic like pouches completely by the year 2022. Another part of the new regulations is the phasing out of multi-layered plastic, which is non-recyclable.

Alexander Baumgartner, CEO of Constantia Flexibles: “We know about our responsibilities towards the industry, the end consumers and – first and foremost – towards the environment. Thus, we are not only focusing on developing more environmentally friendly packaging, we also designed the first plant in the world dedicated to produce sustainable packaging only. The plant named Constantia Ecoflex Ahmedabad is located in Gujarat in India, which is the perfect market to implement such a forward-looking project.”

Sustainable packaging only at the new plant in Ahmedabad

The decision to open a plant in India was relatively straightforward. Amongst others, the new ‘Plastic Waste Management Rules’ show, that Indian government can exert pressure on the recycling economy and that it supports initiatives and companies which advocate for less waste.

The solutions produced at the new plant all belong to the innovative product family EcoLam, which is part of Constantia Flexibles’ innovative product line Ecolutions.

EcoLam is a lightweight Mono-PE laminate suitable for a great variety of packaging applications. Due to its mono-material structure it is fully recyclable, and its carbon footprint is approximately 32% lower than that of comparable products. The EcoLam family comes in different barrier grades (EcoLam, EcoLamPlus, EcoLamHighPlus) to deliver the barrier needs for a diverse range of products.

After a construction time of more than two years, Constantia Ecoflex Ahmedabad started test runs in September 2019. The plant has an area of 24,500 sqm, currently there are 50 people working at the plant, the number is expected to triple by the second quarter of 2020.

• Material Health Certificate GOLD certification awarded for selected rice bran wax-derived additives
•   Licocare RBW Vita’s benefits include higher throughput and a smoother surface finish for plastic parts used in automotive, electrical & electronics and consumer goods
• Supporting manufacturers’ sustainability targets & transformation to a circular economy

 Clariant is proud to announce that the California-based Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute has awarded the Material Health Certificate GOLD level certification to Licocare RBW 102 Vita, Licocare RBW 106 Vita and Licocare RBW 300 Vita , bio-based lubricating and dispersing aids. This award is a further confirmation of their excellent environmental profile and contribution to a circular economy for plastics.

The Material Health Certificate uses the rigorous, globally recognized material health assessment methodology of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard to verify a product’s support for safe and circular products. Cradle to Crade® is a design concept developed in the early 90’s by William McDonough and Michael Braungart that is inspired by nature and represents circular thinking and innovation.

To determine the suitability of Licocare RBW for the certification, Clariant worked closely with the Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency (EPEA) Switzerland GmbH, an accredited assessor for the Cradle to Cradle Certified and Material Health Certificate Certification. All ingredients present at > 100 ppm in a product are assessed with regard to material health to enable safe and circular products. As lubricants and dispersing agents are process chemicals which may be released into water, the safety of such an ingredient is one of the five criteria of the Cradle to Cradle Certified certification standard.

Licocare RBW bio-based additives are derived from rice bran wax, a non-food-competing by-product from the production of edible rice bran oil. Clariant upgrades this renewable raw material to facilitate its use as value-added, highly-effective processing aids for plastics compounders and masterbatch producers. Melt flow improvements, easier mold release and ensuring a more homogeneous distribution of pigments are features among their extensive benefits.

Given their extraordinary heat stability, typical application areas include engineering thermoplastics, biopolymers and epoxy resins, which benefits various polymer using industries such as automotive, electrical and electronical, as well as finding uses in coatings, agriculture and consumer applications.

Licocare RBW products typically carry also Clariant’s Vita designator that identifies solutions that are based on a renewable feedstock and have a renewable carbon index (RCI) higher than 98%. In addition, the majority of Licocare RBW solutions have been assigned Clariant’s highly demanding EcoTain® label for sustainability excellence products showing best-in-class performance.

Albin Kälin, CEO of EPEA Switzerland, commented: “With this Material Health Certificate at the GOLD level, Clariant is a lighthouse, offering chemical solutions which are derived from renewable resources and are safe in water and the environment.”

“This Cradle to Cradle recognition is a further acknowledgement of Clariant’s ongoing sustainability focus as demonstrated by its listing on the 2019 Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the seventh consecutive year. In fact, Clariant’s Licocare RBW Vita range fully supports the market requirement for additives that go beyond the current sustainability requirements, while at the same time, not compromising on the high performance requirements in customer applications. “We will continue to develop additives which can help plastic manufacturers to become part of the solution in the transformation to a circular economy,” added Manuel Mueller, Global Market Segment Leader, Clariant BU Additives.