Traffic signals do more than we realize to keep life sane in a fast-paced world. At the same time, they take the brunt of bad weather—temperature swings, wind, rain, and (in winter) piles of salt-laden snow banked up around traffic light bases and control boxes. In such harsh environments, traffic controls are likely to fail more quickly than their electrical/electronic counterparts in sheltered atmospheres. Therefore, Cortec® suggests two simple tools to lengthen the intervals between repairs and replacements and send a signal to corrosion.

Safeguard Traffic Signal Poles with an Extra Shield!
Traffic signal poles and bases are often coated with paints for outdoor protection. Although heavy duty, these coatings may be damaged during transportation. While a small dent or scratch may not harm appearance, it opens the way for water and salt to attack the metal. Once started, corrosion can easily creep to other areas beneath the coating, eventually leading to unsightly holes and structural damage if unaddressed for too long.

Rather than wait until the damage is done, preventative measures are a smart way to save time, money, and sanity in the long run. Something as simple as applying a clear protective coating over the original paint can shield it against further damage and protect exposed areas that may have been scratched in transit. EcoShield® VpCI®-386 is one coating that offers exceptional protection.  It is water-based and easy to work with. Actual length of protection will vary from one site to another, so maintenance crews should periodically inspect traffic light bases to see when flaking, delamination, or simply a shift in gloss indicates that it is time to replenish the protective shield.

“Power Up” Protection in Traffic Signal Cabinets
Near the intersection, large silver boxes house the wires, controls, and battery backups that run traffic lights. Wires inside these traffic signal cabinets are typically protected by heavy sheathing, but electrical contact points and other bare metal surfaces can still be at risk for corrosion from dampness and deicing salts seeping in through cracks, or temperature swings triggering condensation on metal contacts.

The simplest way to protect even the smallest exposed metal surface is to introduce Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors. This is as easy as placing a self-stick VpCI®-105 or VpCI®-111 Emitter inside the cabinet based on enclosure volume (e.g., VpCI®-105 protects 5 ft³ [0.14 m³] and VpCI®-111 protects 11 ft³ [0.31 m³]). Emitters release corrosion inhibiting vapors through a breathable membrane. These vapors fill the enclosure and are attracted to metal, forming a protective molecular “barrier” on any exposed metal surfaces. Emitters only need to be replaced every one to two years, depending on how much ventilation allows the corrosion inhibiting vapors to escape from the cabinet.

Signal an End to Corrosion
Rather than allowing accelerated weathering to induce early deterioration on traffic signal poles and inside control cabinets, maintenance crews can make their job easier by taking advantage of Cortec® Coatings and Emitters for extra protection, a small investment of time and money that can pay important dividends in the long run. Contact Cortec® for specific corrosion preventative maintenance advice based on your traffic signal environment.

Keywords: traffic light maintenance, corrosion, traffic light corrosion, Cortec, protective coating for traffic signals, corrosion on traffic signals, corrosion inhibitors, VpCI Emitters, Cortec Coatings, how to prevent rust
Need a High-Resolution Photo? Visit: www.cortecadvertising.com.
Cortec® Corporation is the global leader in innovative, environmentally responsible VpCI® and MCI® corrosion control technologies for packaging, metalworking, construction, electronics, water treatment, oil & gas, and other industries. Our relentless dedication to sustainability, quality, service, and support is unmatched in the industry. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, Cortec® manufactures over 400 products distributed worldwide. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, & ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified. Cortec® website: http://www.cortecvci.com. Phone: 1-800-426-7832. FAX: (651) 429-1122.
 

The German manufacturer WELTEC BIOPOWER has been commissioned by the English recycling company Eco Sustainable Solutions Ltd. to build a biomethane plant. The plant is located near Bournemouth Airport in the south of England. Eco Sustainable will operate the plant itself and fill the stainless steel tanks with household waste and agricultural residues from nearby businesses and its own farms. A de-packaging plant for food is already in place at another nearby location. From the end of 2025, the plant will produce processed biogas, which will be fed into the national gas grid as a natural gas equivalent

Uniform mix, high system availability WELTEC‘s modular plant design enables the project to be completed within 18 months. Proven pump and agitator technologies are used for sustainable digestion of the previously homogenized organic materials – such as submersible motor and long-axis agitators with high performance, which prevent substrates from settling at the bottom of the tanks and ensure optimal mixing of the input materials. No interruption to biomethane production is necessary during system maintenance, which contributes to high plant availability. WELTEC BIOPOWER also supplies pump containers, dosing units, desulphurization, heating and three downstream hygienization systems. The biogas produced is processed into biomethane using an upgrading system with membrane technology.

WELTEC CONTROL ensures simple operation of the plant

The components can be monitored and regulated by Eco Sustainable Solutions at any time via the web-based control system. “ The innovative tool guarantees complete and rapid access to all plant parameters,” explains Stephan Stärk, responsible for automation technology at WELTEC BIOPOWER. WELTEC uses high-quality stainless steel for the construction of the two 5579 cubic meter digesters, the storage tank and the 2 pre-storage tanks.

Organics Recycling Award‘ for WELTEC plant

WELTEC BIOPOWER has already implemented biogas projects for Eco Sustainable Solutions in the past: In Piddlehinton, west of Dorset, there is already a 1.6 megawatt biogas plant made by WELTEC. It was commissioned in 2009 and expanded two years later. A hygienization stage for the fermentation of food and agricultural waste has also been implemented there. “ The current order is therefore based not least on very good experience with the existing WELTEC plant: “ The 1.6 MW biogas plant received the renowned British ‘Organics Recycling Award’ in 2013 for its efficient use of energy,” reports the responsible Sales Manager Carsten Hesselfeld. According to Hesselfeld, an important criterion for the award was not only the modern technology but also the sustainable overall concept. This includes, for example, the high-quality fertilizer output in accordance with the strict British PAS110 standards and the decoupled system waste heat for a neighbouring feed mill.

Contributing to the decarbonization of the heating sector

The study, published under the title “ The Bioenergy Review” (2023), comes to the conclusion that up to 183 terawatt hours of biomethane could be produced annually in the UK using biogas and biomethane from waste materials such as those supplied by Eco Sustainable. This amount could meet the annual gas demand of households across South East England, London and East Anglia.

The review also concludes that bioenergy and renewable gas in particular can have an important impact on achieving the 2050 climate targets, especially if they contribute to the decarbonization of the heating sector. With an expertise of 20 biogas and biomethane plants realized so far in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, WELTEC BIOPOWER can therefore play its part in reaching this goal in the future

Recognition highlights Bouman’s impactful progress in the beauty packaging industry.

 Innovative Beauty Group (IBG), a leading global beauty solutions provider, announces that Robbert Anthony Bouman, Design Director Europe, has been named a Future Leader of Paris Packaging Week 2025, January 28-29. The prestigious recognition celebrates Bouman’s outstanding contributions to beauty packaging, and highlights his growing influence as a visionary leader in design and innovation.

Paris Packaging Week is a premier event for the global packaging industry, bringing together professionals from the beauty, luxury, drinks, and aerosol markets to showcase the latest innovations, trends, and sustainable solutions. The event provides a platform for over 650 exhibitors and attracts more than 12,000 attendees from around the world. Each year, the Future Leaders program recognizes top emerging talents under the age of 30 who are shaping the future of packaging.

With nearly a decade of experience in the cosmetic industry, Bouman has distinguished himself as a pioneer and visionary. His journey began at FASTEN Packaging, where he joined as an intern at the age of 19. Demonstrating exceptional creativity and innovation, he quickly rose through the ranks to become Creative Director and later Design Director for Europe. Now, at just 27, Bouman oversees all branding, design, and marketing activities for the European market within IBG, which includes Orchard Custom Beauty and FASTEN Packaging.

Bouman’s success stems from his impressive ability to blend luxury, quality, and accessibility in his designs. To further the burgeoning affordable luxury segment, he has consistently created high-quality beauty packaging solutions tailored to the discount retailer market. His forward-thinking approach has allowed him to thrive in an ever-evolving industry, continually delivering beauty products that resonate with consumers while pushing the boundaries of design.

"I'm honored to be named a Future Leader at such a globally renowned event," said Bouman. "IBG has always been committed to pushing the boundaries of packaging innovation, and I'm excited to continue leading projects that reflect our values of sustainability and creativity."

IBG will be exhibiting at Paris Packaging Week 2025 at Booth K100, showcasing its latest beauty packaging innovations. During the event, Bouman will also participate in a panel discussion on future innovation, further underscoring his thought leadership in the industry.

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.
 

Company recognized in ‘Structural Innovation & Graphic Design’ category for a tube housing lotion for Kheoni.

Neopac India, a global provider of tube packaging for cosmetics and health care, and part of the Hoffmann Neopac Group in Switzerland, has received a prestigious Star Award from the Indian Flexible Packaging & Folding Carton Manufacturers Association (IFCA). For the 2024 competition, which recognizes excellence in creativity, design, and innovation in flexible packaging solutions, Neopac India was recognized in the “Structural Innovation & Graphic Design” category for a personal care tube developed for Kheoni Forest Bathing Natural Skin Lotion.

The award-winning tube exemplifies eco-friendly packaging innovation, featuring Neopac’s PaperX laminate, a specialized material that contains 80% fibre in the tube sleeve and reduces overall plastic content by 32% as well as lowers the product carbon footprint. Enhanced by an EVOH-infused thin plastic layer, the tube ensures exceptional barrier protection. This achievement underscores Kheoni’s dedication to blending sustainability with high functionality and premium visual appeal. 

At the core of the tube’s innovation is its advanced structural design. The PaperX laminate not only reduces plastic usage but also makes the tube 11% lighter than traditional 5-layer co-ex tubes with 500 microns. This lightweight construction minimizes material consumption, further amplifying its positive environmental impact while maintaining functionality.

Aligned with Kheoni’s wellness philosophy, the tube’s design seamlessly combines sophisticated branding elements with a premium, eco-conscious aesthetic. Leveraging Neopac’s PaperX laminate, the packaging not only enhances Kheoni’s market presence by appealing to environmentally aware consumers, but also supports the brand’s broader sustainability goals. The lightweight structure and significant plastic reduction work together to minimize the carbon footprint without compromising aesthetics or functionality.

“We are thrilled to have won an IFCA Star Award for our PaperX tube,” said Vishal Gupta, Marketing Manager at Neopac India “This recognition underscores our dedication to creating innovative, sustainable, and visually compelling packaging solutions that deliver exceptional value to both our brand partners and the environment.”

About Neopac India
Neopac India is a subsidiary of Hoffmann Neopac, a privately-owned company, headquartered in Thun, Switzerland. The group produces high-quality metal and plastic packaging in six locations: HOFFMANN tins in Thun and in the Netherlands; Polyfoil® and plastic tubes with NEOPAC in Switzerland, Hungary and the US; plastic tubes and SpringTubes with Neopac India in India. Its longstanding customers include internationally active pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer goods manufacturers in the European, North American and Asian markets. 

Including its new production facility in the United States, the group employs around 1,250 employees and has a capacity of 1.3 billion tubes. The company is dedicated to sustainability in both its manufacturing processes and corporate culture, including a dedicated eco-conscious packaging portfolio.
 

Liveo Research AG’s One-Material Blister (OMB) made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has been officially certified as recyclable by the Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) of Petcore Europe. This certification is recognized as the strictest and most challenging practical test for assessing the recyclability of innovative PET packaging solutions. It confirms that these blisters can be efficiently recycled within the existing European PET waste management infrastructure. In addition, extensive testing has shown that the recovered material can be reused to produce high-quality products with mechanical and optical properties that are comparable to virgin PET material.

The OMB in PET is a pioneering solution in tablet blister packaging, as both the base film and lidding film are made from PET. The complexity of the packaging is reduced to a minimum, as it has been developed with recycling in mind. There is no need to separate the lidding from the base before recycling, which significantly increases its recyclability.

Dr. Carsten Heldmann, CEO of Liveo Research AG, comments: “We are very pleased with this result for our successful OMB in PET. The certification was determined by a renowned independent body in a series of demanding tests under real-life conditions. This is a decisive milestone for Liveo Research AG, providing clear evidence that this innovative product supports circular economic principles and advances sustainable practices”.

PETCORE EUROPE is an association based in Brussels representing Europe’s complete PET value chain, from PET manufacture to conversion into packaging and recycling, as well as other related activities. The association is working at the forefront with all stakeholders to ensure the sustainable growth of PET as a packaging material of choice and also to further increase post-consumer PET collection and recycling. They are communicating with European institutions about the importance of the PET value chain, especially as PET is significantly contributing to the Circular Economy.

TCEP – An Overview

The Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP), created by PETCORE EUROPE, is supported by tray manufacturers, the European Association of Plastic Recycling and Recovery Organizations (EPRO) and Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE). The mission of TCEP is to support the value chain of thermoformed PET trays in order to improve recyclability of thermoforms and strive for circularity. TCEP consists of technical experts in the field of PET thermoforming design, production, and recycling, and their only objective is the evaluation of existing technologies and innovation while providing an independent and confidential assessment of their impact on the PET recycling processes across Europe.

Liveo Research - An Overview

Founded in 1962, Liveo Research is a top global producer of materials for primary packaging in the pharmaceutical and medical industry, as well as special applications such as shrink sleeve labels. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, it has production sites in Boetzingen (Germany), Staufen (Germany), Delaware (USA), Singapore, and Taicang (China). Liveo Research currently has approximately 1,000 employees worldwide. In addition to a broad product portfolio of packaging materials, the company also offers its customers several value-added services like “LiveoOptima” that provide support to find the best, sustainable packaging solutions for their products

Company also will showcase sustainability-minded blister packaging, as well as coated PVC structures offering exemplary barrier against oxygen and moisture.
 
Wayne, PA – TekniPlex Healthcare, which utilizes advanced materials science expertise to help deliver better patient outcomes, will emphasize two recent EU-based capacity and capabilities expansions at Pharmapack Europe, January 22-23 in Paris. At Stand E97, the company will highlight its efforts to meet growing demand for sophisticated vials, bellow bottles and cleanroom-produced multilayer blown films, and also showcase products from its existing portfolio of healthcare packaging solutions. 

At its facility in Modena, Italy, TekniPlex Healthcare has added substantial injection blow molding capacity for multidose vial packaging, which support a variety of pharmaceutical liquid applications – including the growing ophthalmic market. Standard bottles range from 5-30 ml, including a 10 ml squeezable container designed specifically for Aptar Pharma‘s Ophthalmic Squeeze Dispenser (OSD) technology platform, which serves preservative-free multidose formulations in eyecare. The bottles are manufactured in ISO 8 cleanrooms. 

Meanwhile, TekniPlex Healthcare’s vertical bellow bottles are utilized for surgical powders and other applications, often in wound management. The bottles are available in 3ml or 9ml volumes, and their injection molded cannulas ensure no burrs, flashes or sharp edges for safer dispensing. Tamper-evident cannula caps further enhance safety while eliminating the need for secondary packaging, and customization options include silk screening and color variations. 

Elsewhere in Europe, TekniPlex Healthcare is further expanding its cleanroom environment production of multilayer blown film and cleanroom bags at its Puurs, Belgium facility. Building upon a services introduction launched in early 2024, TekniPlex Healthcare is now offering co-extruded blown films and bags with up to five layers, with a particular focus on PE-EVOH-PE constructions providing exemplary oxygen barrier properties. 

For TekniPlex Healthcare, the blown film capabilities upgrade reflects a market shift away from conventional food-grade materials towards higher-quality grade pharmaceutical resins. These high-leverage materials are then used for cleanroom-produced films and bags manufactured in accordance with GMP guidelines. Notably, the company’s existing customer set is helping drive demand in this niche, specifically through requests for higher barrier solutions requiring multi-layer protective properties. 

Also at Pharmapack Europe, TekniPlex Healthcare will showcase its range of more sustainable blister packaging solutions, all suitable for running on standard blister packaging machines. Most recently, the company introduced a pharma-grade blister film with 30% post-consumer recycled content (PCR) on a mass balance basis. The solution incorporates partner company Alpek Polyester’s Octal rDPET™ Sheet technology and, when combined with TekniPlex’s Teknilid® Push polyester lidding, yields a blister package recyclable wherever the polyester stream exists.

TekniPlex Healthcare also will exhibit the world’s first fully transparent recyclable mid-barrier blister package. Recyclable in geographies where the #5 (polypropylene) recycling stream is available, the mid-barrier blisters feature a polyolefin blister film paired with a barrier PP lidding film. When introduced last year, the solution marked the first time a formed blister + lidding combination with moisture barrier was certified as recyclable – a significant milestone. TekniPlex Healthcare also will exhibit a recyclable polyester mono-material blister + lidding combination, suitable for products that do not require barrier protection. 

TekniPlex Healthcare also will exhibit examples of its pharma rubber compounding and manufacturing solutions for healthcare applications, including gaskets and closures. Manufactured to precise dimensional tolerances to ensure proper fit and function within packaging or medical devices, the company’s pharma-grade rubber substantially minimizes the risk of migration-associated impurities like extractables and leachables. In addition, TekniPlex’s modern laboratories enable development and testing of unique rubber solutions for customer-specific applications. 

Finally, TekniPlex Healthcare also will showcase its Flexapharm® SBC series of PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) coated PVC structures, which offer exemplary barrier against oxygen and moisture. Also on display will be an array of Aclar® laminates designed to preserve the efficacy and shelf life of drugs with demanding environmental protection requirements. 
 

Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe (AGP-Europe), an operating business of Ardagh Group, has worked with Hernö Gin to produce their new lightweighted 500ml glass bottle.

The new Hernö Gin bottle, and the brand’s first bespoke bottle, has launched with an upgraded graphic profile, and is produced and decorated at AGP-Europe’s Limmared facility in Sweden. The new bottle design features the Hernö copper still, with the wording ‘Hernö Gin Distillery Home of Swedish Gin’ embossed on the shoulder of the bottle. 

The new bottle weighs 480g: a reduction of 100g on the previous bottle design, with a significantly increased recycled cullet content, which together have reduced carbon emissions in each bottle by 31%* currently.

Emma Edfors, CEO of Hernö Gin comments on the new bottle design: “Following in-depth design and development work, we are proud to present a visual upgrade to the Hernö bottle that is also a major sustainability investment. 

"We are so proud of our new bottle. For us, glass is the obvious choice. By moving production to Ardagh in Sweden, we are minimising our transport, and thereby significantly lowering our climate footprint. We think this is an important and sustainable choice."
Magnus Ridefjord, Sales Manager, AGP-Sweden, added: “The new bottles have been produced on the multi-production line at AGP-Limmared in Sweden, which offers the flexibility of producing different bottle shapes and sizes together. The technology developed by our sister company, Heye International, is ideal for customers that want to produce specialist bottles for the premium drinks sector.” 
The first of the new bottle designs to be launched, are the bestsellers: Hernö Dry Gin, Hernö Old Tom Gin and Hernö Botanical Gin.
 

Company also will showcase solutions from its ProTecSeals®  Recyclable Liners portfolio, including a PE Foam liner recently  approved by RecyClass for HDPE recycling streams.

TekniPlex Consumer Products, a globally integrated provider of innovative solutions through materials science and manufacturing technologies, will introduce a range of PFAS-free, food-grade clear dip tubes designed for mid- to high-end fragrance packaging at Paris Packaging Week, January 28-29. At Stand S50, the company will showcase its new CRYSTELLE dip tubes, which provide the refined appearance of glass with the durability and convenience of plastic – optimizing both aesthetics and functionality. 

TekniPlex Consumer Products’ CRYSTELLE dip tubes offer several advantages. By mimicking the sleek, luxurious look of glass, the dip tubes elevate design concepts and shelf impact, while their PFAS-free, food-grade material comprises a safer, more sustainable option for brands aiming to espouse consumer health and environmental stewardship. The durable dip tubes also are composed of shatterproof materials, eliminating the risk of breakage during transport or post-purchase. 

CRYSTELLE dip tubes are both adoptable and adaptable. The tubes are designed for seamless integration into automated assembly processes, while tight-tolerance production yields reliable dimensional stability and – just as importantly – make the dip tubes broadly customizable to best ensure perfect fits. Global availability is another perk, given TekniPlex Consumer Products’ worldwide presence. 

Also at Paris Packaging Week, TekniPlex Consumer Products will exhibit a variety of solutions from its ProTecSeals® Recyclable Liners portfolio, including a PE Foam version now approved by RecyClass for recycling in the HDPE stream. The distinction is the latest milestone for the company’s ProTecSeals® portfolio. Suitable for a wide range of bottles and jars, the liners are ideal for packaging products such as face and body creams, vitamins, supplements, protein powders, peanut butter and other products. 

Other notable solutions from TekniPlex Consumer Products’ ProTecSeals® Recyclable Liners portfolio include the recently introduced ePress Seal, the first and only pressure-sensitive seal utilizing expanded polyethylene (EPE). ePress Seal is more flexible and resilient than polystyrene (PS) foam, offering greater resistance to compression and better maintaining its shape to provide longer lasting gasketing properties. Lightweight and easy to remove, the liners are suitable for dry foods, herbs and spices, and nutritional supplements. 

TekniPlex Consumer Products’ PE-based liners are far more widely recyclable than conventional PS solutions. The company also offers ProTecSeals® Recyclable Liners in polypropylene (PP) formats, recyclable in the PP stream. 

“Paris Packaging Week is the ideal event to debut our latest sophisticated fragrance packaging solutions – especially one as elegant and market-conscious as the new CRYSTELLE dip tubes,” said Aurélie Emond, Vice President of Sales, Integrated Performance Solutions for TekniPlex Consumer Products. “We’re also excited to highlight the most recent RecyClass approval for our growing ProTecSeals® Recyclable Liners portfolio. Both solutions exemplify our dedication to developing new packaging solutions that help our customers not only stand out but set new benchmarks in their markets, setting them apart through innovative features that appeal to consumers across key decision-making elements like sustainability, aesthetics and uncompromising performance.”
 

About TekniPlex Consumer Products
TekniPlex Consumer Products specializes in advanced materials science solutions for companies in the food & beverage and CPG industries with a focus on protecting products, strengthening brands, and innovating sustainably. TekniPlex Consumer Products serves companies around the world in sectors including beauty and personal care, household items, and food & beverage.

With an expanding selection of material-diverse solutions – bolstered in recent years, by a series of strategic acquisitions – TekniPlex Consumer Products is leading the way creating next-generation packaging designs that address real-world challenges in the markets it serves. Most notably, the company is focused on developing more sustainable solutions that continue to provide product safety and consumer satisfaction.

Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, today announces the release of its latest Sustainability Report. This update highlights significant advancements in the company's commitment to sustainability, focusing on areas such as Human Rights, Supplier Code of Conduct, Carbon Emissions, PCF and CCF Third Party Certification, CIRKIT Products, and the new Circular Economy (CE) Coatings Business Unit.

Key Highlights from the Report:

Human Rights and Supplier Code of Conduct
Siegwerk has taken a proactive stance on human rights by appointing a dedicated Human Rights Officer and building a comprehensive Supplier Sustainability Program. This program emphasizes the importance of human rights and sustainable procurement practices throughout Siegwerk’s supply chain. Its newly introduced Business Partner Code of Conduct outlines the company’s expectations for business partners. This initiative aims to foster transparency and collaboration, driving continuous improvement in human rights and environmental standards.

Carbon Emissions Update
In Siegwerk’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change, the company has achieved significant milestones in reducing carbon emissions. Siegwerk has successfully completed a comprehensive carbon audit with TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH, which included the validation of its Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). This third-party certification ensures full transparency and reliability of its carbon data. Siegwerk’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality for scope 1 and scope 2 by 2025 remains steadfast, with ambitious targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). A big milestone: sourcing 100% renewable electricity in 2023.

CIRKIT Products and New CE Coatings Business Unit
Siegwerk is excited to expand the CIRKIT product range, a broad array of functional coatings designed to enhance the recyclability and reusability of packaging. These innovative coatings provide essential functionalities such as barriers and sealability while ensuring compatibility with circular economy principles. Additionally, the company has established a new global business unit dedicated to Circular Economy Coatings, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable packaging solutions.

"Our commitment to sustainability is at the core of everything we do. In this report we are happy to share the progress we made and give concrete examples on how we are living up to our commitment”, states Alina Marm, Head of Global Sustainability and Circular Economy at Siegwerk.

Siegwerk's Sustainability Update for 2024 underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable future. By addressing critical areas such as human rights, carbon emissions, and circular economy innovations, Siegwerk continues to lead the industry in sustainable practices.

About Siegwerk
Siegwerk is one of the leading global manufacturers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels. Based on 200 years of expertise, we provide customized solutions for all types of packaging needs - from functional and eye-catching to safe and sustainable. As a seventh-generation family business, we have long been aware of our responsibility for future generations. Under the motto “rethINK packaging”, we are therefore actively driving the transformation to a circular economy by developing eco-friendly solutions that enable packaging circularity. Here, 30+ country organizations and ~5,000 employees worldwide ensure consistent high-quality products and customized support around the world.

Xaar, a global leader in industrial inkjet technology, is highlighting the recent publication of groundbreaking research into the use of Nazdar’s high-viscosity water-based inks in corrugated printing, and the role played by its Aquinox printhead and Ultra High Viscosity Technology. The peer reviewed study, published in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, was conducted by the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating at Swansea University, proving the transformative benefits of high-viscosity inks for printing, including increased colour density and reduced ink usage.
The independent study, led by Dr Chris Phillips and Professor Davide Deganello, evaluated the performance of high-viscosity aqueous inks manufactured by Nazdar, compared with conventional ink formulations using Xaar’s Aquinox printheads. Key findings included enhanced colour impact, improved efficiencies, and a reduction of drying energy when printing onto a variety of corrugated boards.   
Colour density increased by up to 13% on uncoated and 67% on coated white corrugated substrates, delivering richer, more vibrant print outcomes. The high-viscosity fluids used required less ink to achieve the same colour intensity as conventional inks, translating to lower energy usage and faster drying times. In addition, the increased viscosity of the fluids minimised absorption into substrates, enabling greater colour impact without additional pigment or energy-intensive processes.  
The research also demonstrated significant gains on uncoated substrates, with Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology enabling higher pigment loads to achieve remarkable print results even without primers, simplifying production and reducing environmental impact.  
The findings were shared with the industry during a presentation by Xaar’s Group R&D Director, Karl Forbes, and Business Development Manager – Inks, Neil Cook, at the FuturePrint Tech Conference in November. Their presentation outlined how Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology is reshaping the possibilities of digital printing with significant progress in more sustainable corrugate, textile and advanced manufacturing applications.
Speaking at the event, Karl Forbes said, “The publication of this research validates the incredible opportunities high-viscosity inks and Xaar’s printheads and technologies bring to industrial printing. With improved print quality, sustainability, and productivity, this breakthrough represents a step change in how inkjet printing can compete and excel in a diverse range of applications.”  
The full results of Swansea University’s research can be downloaded here and, since the groundbreaking findings of this work, Nazdar and Xaar have further developed the High Viscosity concept into multiple sets of commercially available inks, suitable for markets such as textile and corrugate printing.
 

EcoCortec®,a Leading Croatian Exporter Sharing Insights at CCE Internationalization Conference!
EcoCortec’s General Manager, Dijana Zrinski, gave a speech at the prestigious CCE Internationalization conference held at Zagreb’s Hilton Garden Inn hotel. EcoCortec®, a corrosion protection packaging producer located in Croatia, is a European subsidiary of Cortec Corporation, a global VCI/VpCI inhibitors manufacturer.
The conference gathered Croatia’s biggest exporting companies, sharing experiences with domestic and international experts from the economy, technology, and politics. The goal was also to discuss current business trends in a global environment, management challenges, risk management, and logistics processes. Particular focus was on financial support for internationalization. Mrs Zrinski attended the conference alongside a distinguished group of Croatian export companies and international experts from diverse fields. As a panelist in the panel entitled "Export Without Borders: Financing Strategies, Risk Management, and Logistics Challenges”, she shared EcoCortec's successful export strategy. The company's impressive track record, with 95% of its products reaching markets across three continents, positions it as a leading Croatian exporter. Mrs Zrinski elaborated on the company's commitment to efficiency and sustainability, discussing its advanced logistics operations and innovative circular production model. She also provided valuable insights into the financial strategies that fueled EcoCortec's growth, particularly in light of recent investments.
The audience was interested in learning more about the specific challenges EcoCortec® has faced in its international journey and its proactive approach to supply chain risk management. Dijana shared experiences of navigating through economic downturns, global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and inflationary pressures. She highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the company's team in overcoming these challenges and turbulent market periods. EcoCortec's participation in big international projects was also highlighted, along with the advantages gained from such partnerships.

The conference was co-sponsored by the Swedish Embassy in Zagreb, and Swedish Ambassador Anna Boda was very pleased to hear that EcoCortec® is one of the biggest export companies to Sweden, while a EcoCortec's Swedish distributor is one of the biggest buyers from Croatian plant.
Silva Kobali, Director of the Business Internationalization Centre within the Croatian Chamber of Economy, personally thanked Mrs Zrinski for speaking at the conference and acknowledged the value of her participation: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your participation in conference. We greatly appreciate the time you took to share the valuable experiences of EcoCortec® in business development and internationalization with the conference participants in such an engaging manner. Your participation made a significant contribution to the success of this conference. The Croatian Chamber of Economy and I personally are at your disposal for future cooperation, and I wish you continued success in your work.“ wrote Mrs Kobali. 
EcoCortec® demonstrated its commitment to the circular production of sustainable corrosion protection solutions in Croatia and placing its innovative products on the world's market. We are very pleased that our plant was recognized among the international audience at the conference and praised for its efforts and impressive results.
 

The Open Day held on Saturday 30 November was a huge success. Early in the morning, hundreds of citizens started arriving at the headquarters in via Selice Provinciale, Imola: a unique opportunity to bring the entire community into contact with SACMI’s production and innovation hubs, with tours and even special events for the younger visitor. SACMI President, Paolo Mongardi: “A wonderful way to bring as many people as possible into our world, to have them share in our celebrations and to strengthen the long-standing ties between SACMI and the local community". On Monday 2 December, in Auditorium 1919, the celebrations were brought to a close with a presentation of the book “SACMI, from workshop to worldwide success. Origins of an extraordinary cooperative experience”, by Valter Galavotti

On Saturday 30 November almost 5,000 people celebrated SACMI Imola's 105th ‘birthday’. Early in the morning, hundreds of citizens began gathering at the entrance in Via Selice Provinciale, eager to take part in an Open Day intended to give everyone a close look at the ‘SACMI world’: a world that spans from manufacturing to the cutting-edge research with which SACMI is building the factories of the future.
Guided tours of SACMI's production and innovation hubs
The main event of the day was a 13-stop tour of the factory to explore key areas of SACMI production and innovation: from the Rigid Packaging Lab (where new low-environmental-impact caps in cellulose fiber are being designed) to the department that assembles and tests the industrial presses used to make everyday ceramic and metal items.
It was also an opportunity to introduce visitors to some of the lesser-known parts of the factory, such as the machine tool department: 5,000 m2 of pure technology where metal parts (e.g. molds for cap presses) are made with micrometric precision.
Needless to say, the tour also covered AI and, more generally, advanced Quality Control systems that simplify workers’ tasks, taking process control into the realm of consistent, worry-free quality.
The Ceramic and Whiteware Labs also played key roles. The former showcased novel uses for ceramic, such as the large decorated slabs that can, with SACMI Continua+ technology, be transformed into valuable kitchen tops, tables, etc. or the latest super-thin, sustainable, easy-to-lay tiles that offer new opportunities in furnishing. The Whiteware Lab, instead, is where - with the aid of articulated robots - a wide range of sanitaryware articles are produced inside automatic, unmanned cells that perform automated finishing and achieve near-complete recovery of the water used in the process.
The factory through a child’s eyes
Many of the day’s activities were designed for families with children or youngsters. In an area set up in the canteen, children were able to dive into the clay-working process and conduct scientific experiments, giving them a fun, hands-on way of exploring the challenges of sustainability, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Older ones had the opportunity to add to the resulting knowledge by completing the tour and seeing the ‘real’ machines in action.
The SACMI family: out in force
Superb teamwork, with workers’ active involvement, contributed hugely to the event’s success. It was also a good opportunity for all SACMI people, their families, and the local citizens to get together, celebrate and exchange views. Over 100 volunteers ensured the smooth running of access points and guided tours, mingling with visitors and - once their work was done - later refreshing themselves at the numerous food and wine stands.
“It was a wonderful day of sharing and celebration on an occasion that’s extremely important to us. Teamwork saw us achieve the aim of the event: to bring in as many people as possible and show them our world and thus strengthen the bond between company and community", underlined Paolo Mongardi, President of SACMI.
«SACMI, from workshop to worldwide success
To bring these 105th celebrations to a close, Monday 2 December - the exact anniversary of the company’s founding - saw the presentation of the book “SACMI: from workshop to worldwide success Origins of an extraordinary cooperative experience”.
In a packed Auditorium 1919, people gathered to listen to the author of the book, Valter Galavotti, and two former and current SACMI employees, Leo Monduzzi and Cecilia Palmieri. The event was also attended by local institutions: acting president of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Irene Priolo, was there, together with the mayor of Imola, Marco Panieri, highlighting how the ‘SACMI model’ is a crucial part of Imola, the Region and, indeed, Italy’s industrial, economic and social heritage. The meeting ended with words from the President of Legacoop Nazionale, Simone Gamberini.
“We’re especially proud”, pointed out SACMI’s President Paolo Mongardi in his opening remarks, “to have turned the spotlight on, for this anniversary, a new interpretation of SACMI's origins and how it went from being a small workshop to a huge industrial concern while remaining rooted in the communities from which it sprang. We’re not just talking about the history of a company, our history, but about the always-relevant values and principles of being a cooperative, of looking to the future and the coming generations.”
 

Longstanding industry executives Tomoki Kishi promoted to GM role; 
Joel Thielen joins MMS as Business Development Representative. 

Erie, CO – Maruho Machinery Solutions (MMS) – the U.S. subsidiary of Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo Co. Ltd, a Japanese company with subsidiaries in Asia and the U.S. – has promoted longtime sales manager Tomoki Kishi to the position of General Manager. Moving forward, Mr. Kishi will oversee all U.S. operations for the prominent blister packaging machinery supplier. MMS also has bolstered its market outreach initiatives by adding Joel Thielen as a Business Development Representative. Both executives will be based in MMS’s Erie, Colorado location.   

Mr. Kishi brings well over a decade of blister machinery sales experience to his new role. Most recently, he served as a sales manager at Maruho Machinery Solutions, a subsidiary of Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo, where he focused on expanding U.S. market share for the company’s portfolio of high-quality, cost-competitive blister packaging equipment. Earlier in his career, he worked for 13 years in blister packaging machinery sales, executing the successful sales of more than 50 units to various pharmaceutical companies and consumer product manufacturers. 

Mr. Thielen will be responsible for a wide range of day-to-day sales activities, including existing and potential customer engagement, market research, liaising with MMS’s dedicated equipment engineering team, and participating in trade shows and other industry events. 

“As our newest General Manager, Tomoki brings extensive experience with all stages of the blister packaging machinery sales process – from initial consultation and product recommendation to installation and post-sales support – and has a proven track record of establishing and maintaining long-term client relationships,” said Yuji Abe, CEO for Maruho Hatsujyo Group US. “Meanwhile, Joel will make a terrific addition to our growing sales force as we continue to gain market prominence in North America.”

Among the latest MMS machines that Mr. Tomoki and Mr. Thielen will promote is the Eagle-LP. Short “Lab Pack,” the unit joins the company’s extensive blister packaging equipment family as a reliable, cost-effective solution for various concepting and development stages and initial small-batch production. 

At a time when many pharma manufacturers have faced challenges finding blister units for stability testing, clinical trials and small batch runs that aren’t onerously expensive and unnecessarily lengthy or bulky, the modestly priced Eagle-LP measures just 1.8 meters in both length and height, and just .9 meters in width. Importantly, the module is designed to accommodate a newer generation of more sustainable blister film substrates – ones that are typically more difficult to form and seal. The unit can easily accommodate PVC, PVDC, PET, ACLAR, ALU and PP.
 

Nu-Maber, a leading flexographic plate producer in Italy, has significantly enhanced its production capabilities by installing two ThermoFlexX Catena-E 80 exposure units from XSYS. This investment underlines Nu-Maber’s dedication to precision, efficiency, and sustainable practices while reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation, certified under the rigorous Industry 4.0 guidelines by Polo Tecnologico Alto Adriatico Andrea Galvani.

Located in Treviso, Nu-Maber has a longstanding reputation for excellence in the flexographic printing industry. This latest step in their growth journey is centered around the ThermoFlexX Catena-E 80 exposure units, state-of-the-art technology that ensures consistent high-quality plate production. With a maximum plate size of 1270 x 2032 mm (50 x 80”) and advanced LED technology for both main and back exposures, these units provide precision imaging and robust performance, ensuring superior results for flexographic printing applications.

ProServX: Enabling Industry 4.0 Connectivity

Incorporating XSYS’s ProServX software, the new equipment ensures seamless integration with Nu-Maber’s digital infrastructure. ProServX supports Industry 4.0 compliance with features such as real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics. Importantly, customers like Nu-Maber can leverage the system's REST API to connect directly with their MIS (Management Information Systems) or ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems. This integration streamlines data flow, enhances productivity, and ensures that all operations are digitally interconnected.

The independent certification provided by Polo Tecnologico Alto Adriatico Andrea Galvani affirms that ProServX fully meets Industry 4.0 requirements. According to the certification report, the system ensures:

1.    Real-time Data Exchange: Through TCP/IP-based REST APIs, ProServX facilitates bidirectional communication with internal and external MIS and ERP systems..Furthermore, ProServX allows continuous monitoring of the equipment through machine dashboards and e-mail reporting. This includes production data, consumable usage and also machine internal parameters and measurements to make sure every plate is perfectly processed.

2.    Remote Maintenance and Diagnostics: Enabled via secure connections, the equipment can be  updated, performance monitored, and  potential issues can be addressed without interrupting operations.

3.    Automated Integration: The system supports seamless automation by connecting directly to factory logistics systems, creating a cohesive production environment.
4.    Simple & intuitive human-machine interfaces: Via the easy-to-use interface on the large touch-screen operators can effortlessly manipulate the equipment. Additionally, all the HMI look and operate the same over the whole TFxX/Catena range, making it easy for the operators to manage multiple machines.
5.    Compliance to the latest occupational safety, health and hygiene parameters: Because operators safety is a major design perspective at XSYS, all the equipment meets the requirements of the European Machinery Directive and have CE certificates. 

“The independent certification highlights the transformative power of ProServX in modern production settings,” said Roberto Malagu, Sales Manager XSYS Italy. “Nu-Maber’s implementation exemplifies how companies can optimize their processes while meeting the most stringent digital transformation standards.”

A Continued Partnership in Quality

Nu-Maber has been a dedicated user of XSYS’s nyloflex® ACT Digital and FAH Digital plates, renowned for their high durability and excellent ink transfer properties. These plates perfectly complement the advanced capabilities of the Catena-E 80 systems, empowering Nu-Maber to produce exceptional flexographic printing plates with unmatched precision, ensuring consistent, high-quality print results across every project.

By integrating the Catena-E 80 units and ProServX into their workflow, Nu-Maber demonstrates their commitment to innovation, ensuring precision in platemaking while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

Future-Proof Technology
The modular design of the ThermoFlexX Catena-E 80 offers scalability for future advancements, including full automation of the platemaking process. With this investment, Nu-Maber is not only addressing present needs but also positioning itself as a leader in the evolving flexographic printing landscape.
“We are proud to partner with Nu-Maber in their journey towards digital excellence,” stated Roberto.  “This project reflects our shared vision for combining quality, sustainability, and innovation to drive the industry forward.”

About XSYS
Headquartered in Willstaett, Germany, XSYS operates globally and remains one of the largest suppliers offering both flexographic and letterpress prepress solutions, including plates, sleeves, processors, workflow solutions, and expert professional services, designed to help these industries move forward with increasing innovation, improved productivity and profitability, and a reduced environmental footprint.

In recognizing our endeavor to bring more brilliance into the packaging industry – into the lives of our customers and colleagues – XSYS has achieved a Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis for its sustainability. This distinction goes beyond our commitment to protecting the environment by also evaluating our dedication to social responsibility, diversity, and human rights.

The broad XSYS portfolio comprises some of the industry’s best-known brands of consumables (nyloflex® and nyloprint® plates), plate processing equipment (Xpress, ThermoFlexX, and Catena), surface screening software (Woodpecker), plate mounting (rotec®), and washout solvents (nylosolv®). 

Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success.
 

Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe (AGP-Europe), an operating business of Ardagh Group, announced today that it is now producing green hydrogen for glass melting via a hydrogen electrolyser at its facility in Limmared, Sweden.  

The 5MW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen electrolyser uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, supplying hydrogen to the energy mix in the furnace. Since testing of the electrolyser began in October, the furnace has successfully combusted 109,000m3 of hydrogen produced onsite, saving 70 tonnes of CO2. 

Daniel Johansson, Project Manager, AGP-Europe explained: “The testing phase using the hydrogen energy mix is progressing well, with no impact on the quality of the glass or the furnace. Our target is to replace 20% of the natural gas in the furnace with green hydrogen, which will reduce carbon emissions from our glass packaging produced in Limmared.”

This partly hydrogen-fired glass furnace follows the launch of AGP’s flagship NextGen Furnace in Obernkirchen, Germany, where 60% electrical heating has already been achieved, delivering a 64%* reduction in carbon emissions.

AGP-Europe CEO Martin Petersson added: “Replacing a proportion of the natural gas with green hydrogen in the furnace represents a step change in the way we sustainably produce glass packaging. 

“The future combination of hydrogen and other sustainable technologies such as hybrid melting, will help Ardagh Group and our customers to achieve their emissions reduction targets, as well as advancing the decarbonisation of the glass industry.” 

 
* Based on LCA calculation: January to June 2024.
 

KRAIBURG TPE, a global thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) manufacturer, is proud to collaborate with Dranckrazy to improve fishing lure performance using cutting-edge thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). This sets a new standard in the industry with its exceptional functionality and design.

TPE Materials Enhance Fishing Lure Performance

KRAIBURG TPE’s materials significantly improve fishing lures by providing exceptional flexibility and durability, allowing lifelike movements that mimic real prey. The soft texture improves skipping ability, ensuring accurate and smooth casts. Additionally, the material’s strength guarantees precise motion with minimal wear. These lures also achieve optimal balance between neckswinging action and minimal movement distance, effectively attracting fish with realistic and responsive actions

Product Highlights and Advantages

The TPE Fishing Lure offers several key features and benefits:
• Superior Skipping Ability: The material allows the lure to push strongly against the water, providing powerful skipping action.

• Effective Water Resistance: Designed for use with both watered hooks and string weights, the lure performs efficiently around cover when submerged.

• Realistic Action: The soft and flexible TPE mimic the natural movement of prey to attract fish.

• Shimmy Fall Action: During descent, the lure’s tail exhibits a shimmy fall action, enhancing its appeal and increasing strike potential.

• Dry and Smooth Handling: The TPE material ensures the lure remains dry and smooth, eliminating any stickiness to provide a more comfortable and enhanced fishing experience

“The TPE’s flexibility and durability have enhanced the lure’s action and longevity. The team’s exceptional support has made a significant impact, and the results are impressive. Looking forward to future collaborations!” remarked Masamichi Nishii, Sales Manager at Dranckrazy.

About Dranckrazy

Dranckrazy, founded as a fishing tackle manufacturer in Japan in 2012 has consistently developed new lures and rods to provide anglers with the essential tools needed for exploring various fishing grounds. Each product is meticulously designed and developed in-house. Additionally, all products undergo extensive field testing with testers from around the globe before being launched into the market.

FlexiTubes, the packaging tube division of UFlex— India’s largest multinational flexible packaging and solutions company—will showcase its innovative and sustainable tube offerings tailored for the beauty industry at COSMOPROF INDIA 2024. This leading B2B event focused on the thriving beauty industry is scheduled to take place in Mumbai, India, from December 5-7, 2024.
Sustainable and customized tube packaging is rapidly gaining traction in the packaging industry. UFlex’s FlexiTubes has solidified its position as a leader in creating tailored solutions that elevate the consumer experience for the beauty industry. At COSMOPROF INDIA 2024, the company will present an array of sustainable tube options, featuring improved aesthetics, superior barrier properties, anti-counterfeit features, and eco-friendly innovations. 
 

FlexiTubes provides brands with the opportunity to showcase high-definition graphics through a rotogravure reverse printing process, offering a premium look with options of matte, gloss, dual matte-gloss, holographic metallic, and matte metallic finish. Emphasizing its commitment to sustainability, FlexiTubes are designed with a reduced plastic footprint, ensuring minimal environmental impact without compromising product integrity, offering MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate), and OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) properties. FlexiTubes offers a range of customized barrier solutions tailored to specific product needs. UFlex’s FlexiTubes will showcase eco-friendly options including paper-based tubes, fully recyclable tubes, biodegradable tubes, and tubes made from PCR (Post Consumer Recyclate). These innovations reinforce UFlex’s commitment to environmental preservation and promoting a circular economy.

Visit the FlexiTubes booth at T 16, Hall No. P1 at the Jio World Convention Centre, to discover sustainable tube options, including Earthika, Greenika, Kraftika, Remika, and other innovative packaging solutions that enhance sustainability and brand appeal.

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 liquid 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, UAE, Mexico, Egypt, USA, Poland, CIS country, 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

Reifenhäuser, leading global supplier of plastics extrusion technology, has opened its new Head Office Asia-Pacific in Bangkok (Thailand). In future, all sales, service and after-market activities for the Southeast Asian region will be managed centrally from Bangkok. This will give customers direct access to Reifenhäuser's technology portfolio, the best possible on-site service and a faster supply of spare parts via a local warehouse and logistics center. 

The Reifenhäuser Group has been active in South-East Asia for a long time -with several regional Sales & Service Units. The newly established Head Office expands and synchronizes the existing capacities.

Marcel Perrevort, CSO of the Reifenhäuser Group, explains: “With the new establishment, we are focusing on the rapid market growth in this region. We are now close to our customers with a powerful organization. There is no substitute for a close geographical proximity when it comes to building long-term partnerships.”

Reifenhäuser is thus following its global “Close to our customers” strategy in order to better understand and serve market requirements. The investment in local support structures enables faster responses and better accessibility along the entire customer journey - from the sale of a line to commissioning, service and after-sales support in day-to-day business

Customers from all over South-East Asia attended the opening of the new Head Office Asia-Pacific on November 29. In addition to the opening ceremony with more than 80 invited guests, Reifenhäuser presented its machine technologies, components, digitalization solutions and successful projects from its partner network in various specialist workshops.

About the Reifenhäuser Group The Reifenhäuser Group together with its highly specialized business units is the leading provider of innovative technologies and components for plastics extrusion. Founded in 1911, the company is a global supplier of high-tech solutions. 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.

SACMI Imola’s Auditorium 1919 will be the venue for a public presentation of Valter Galavotti’s book “SACMI: from workshop to worldwide success. The origins of an extraordinary cooperative experience”. A fascinating journey through SACMI’s history, from its founding to the 1950s, that illustrates the power and the principles of the Imola cooperative movement

At 6 pm on Monday 2nd December, Auditorium 1919 in SACMI Imola will host a public presentation of Valter Galavotti’s new book, “SACMI: from workshop to worldwide success. Origins of an extraordinary cooperative experience”.
The book narrates SACMI’s fast-paced development from its founding on 2nd December 1919 (exactly 105 years ago) to 1958, the year in which Aldo Villa - SACMI’s first true engineer and an influential promoter of entrepreneurship and cooperation - took the reins of the company.
Through meticulous research, the author delves into the historical roots of SACMI, founded in 1919 on the initiative of nine young mechanics and blacksmiths from Imola during the harsh post-WW1 years.
A documented analysis of the social, human and moral reasons behind the company’s founding illustrates SACMI's close ties with Imola and its flourishing cooperative movement. It’s a story of resilience and humanity, foresight and collective commitment, values that have allowed SACMI to persevere, grow and lay the foundations for what it is today: a world-leading industrial plant engineering company that remains strongly rooted in the community from which it sprung.
A work of outstanding historical and cultural significance, the book was born out of an idea by Aldo Villa himself who, back in the 1980s, asked Galavotti to tell the company’s story through the experiences of those who built it. Several decades later, this updated edition sheds light on figures such as Romeo Galli and Giulio Miceti, promoters of the Imola cooperative movement and originators of the values that guide SACMI to this day.
The presentation - which falls on the 105th anniversary of SACMI’s founding - will be attended by local authorities and leading exponents of the Italian and Imola-based cooperative movement. After an introduction by the mayor of Imola, Marco Panieri, the President of SACMI, Paolo Mongardi, will welcome participants and highlight the significance of this book in bearing witness to SACMI’s history and illustrating the still-topical values of cooperation. 
Then the author himself, Prof. Valter Galavotti, will illustrate the contents of the book and the historical backdrop. The presentation will also feature vivid personal testimonies. For example, Leo Monduzzi, a former employee and SACMI partner who witnessed some of the key moments described in the book, will recount his experiences while Cecilia Palmieri, a young engineer taken on by SACMI two years ago, will describe hers, illustrating how the company’s history and founding values merge into the present.
“The evening will offer an opportunity to reflect on the identity and relevance of cooperation and on the prospects of a business model that has continually renewed itself thanks to solid values and roots,” observes Paolo Mongardi, President of SACMI.
Moderated by Lara Alpi, chief editor of the Imola weekly Sabato Sera, the meeting will end with a speech by the national president of Legacoop, Simone Gamberini.
 

Berry Global is helping Schomburg, one of Germany’s leading construction chemicals manufacturers, meet its sustainable packaging goals by developing a high-performance ventilated PE bag solution that contains 50% post-consumer recycled plastic content (PCR).

Schomburg has moved its construction chemicals powder products from paper packaging sacks to a bespoke version of Berry’s ventilated NorDiVent® film bags as part of the company’s objectives to reduce product losses and lower its carbon footprint. The NorDiVent film meets Schomburg’s needs by offering water-resistance to protect the pack contents, pack recyclability, and the inclusion of recycled plastic resulting in a reduction in the use of virgin materials.

Since making the switch, Schomburg has seen a reduction in product losses compared to its previous packaging. At the same time Berry has downgauged the Schomburg NorDiVent bags by 7.14% while also incorporating 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, with no compromise on the bags’ performance. The result is a reduction of approximately 39%. Global Warming Potential (GWP).

“Sustainability is fundamental to all our operations, but this must be aligned with maintaining the excellent performance of our products as part of our commitment to sustainable added value,” explained Niels Theis of Schomburg.

“Our successful partnership with Berry has delivered extremely positive results and demonstrates what can be achieved when companies work together towards a series of common goals.”

NorDiVent features a durable and waterproof construction which ensures that air is let out in a dust-free manner. This provides effective moisture protection for products that need to be kept dry and enables sacks to be stored outdoors. The film’s high tear resistance offers further product protection and helps avoids spillages and product waste throughout the supply chain. The quality of the film also allows printing in up to eight colours to create impactful branding and maximise on-shelf presence.

As part of Berry’s B Circular initiative, PCR plastic can be incorporated into the NorDiVent film, currently achieving levels of up to 50% which Berry can adapt to meet specific customer and application requirements.

“The solution we have devised for Schomburg demonstrates our technical skills in the design and manufacture of products that support both our own and our customers’ sustainability objectives, while maintaining the highest levels of quality and reliability,” said Frank Heseding, Sales Director for Berry Global’s Flexible Films Division.

“It underlines our belief that we can achieve sustainability through innovation and when all areas of the supply chain are aligned.”
*The Global Warming Potential (GWP) savings presented are based on comparisons between the materials used in our NorDiVent FFS film with 50% recycled plastic content and NorDiVent films made from 100% prime resins. All data used in these calculations are sourced from recent, peer-reviewed publications, primarily from the UK and EU, with references available upon request. The calculations are conservative, utilising ceiling values for the various polymers in the product’s bill of materials.