Pharmapack 2024 has wrapped up, and we're filled with gratitude for the incredible engagement and discussions that to

🌍🤝The global market of overseals for Pharma and Life Sciences applications sees 2 European challengers joining their

We've returned from SAFEX  Algiers, bringing back not just unforgettable memories but also hearts full of gratitude.

On the occasion of International Women's Rights Day, we at EMA Pharmaceuticals would like to express our admiration a

Let's celebrate Easter at EMA Pharma with a gourmet nod to our products: for today, our capsules take on a chocolate

The EMA team had the delightful opportunity to welcome Sandeep Kumar Goyal to our facility recently.

• Fully recyclable mono-material structures significantly more economical

• No compromises when it comes to optical and mechanical properties

• Excellent performance in the converting and printing process

• Printing specialist BOBST displays 18-micron film at drupa 2024

Reifenhäuser Blown Film has produced the world's first MDO-PE film just 18 micrometers thick which meets or exceeds all previous market standards in terms of mechanical properties, appearance, and further processing. The film has been produced on Reifenhäuser EVO blown film lines using the patented EVO Ultra Stretch MDO technology and has been developed and tested for practical suitability in collaboration with raw material manufacturer LG Chem and printing specialist BOBST. The new 18-micron film reduces the amount of material used by around 25 percent compared to previous film thicknesses of 25 microns. This makes the production of fully recyclable mono-material structures significantly more economical.

Christoph Lettowsky, Senior Product Manager at Reifenhäuser Blown Film, explains: "Machine builders and manufacturers have been pursuing the same goal for some time: not to use more material in fully recyclable All-PE solutions than in conventional PET-PE laminates. Technically, this is achieved due to the different densities of PET film and MDO-PE film by replacing the 12 µm PET film with a 16 to 17 µm MDO-PE film. With the reduction to 18 µm, we have taken a significant step in this direction - with further downgauging potential for the future."

High process stability thanks to EVO Ultra Stretch

This leap in development was made possible by the combination of MDO Ultra Stretch technology with suitable raw materials. Thanks to the patented position of the Ultra Stretch unit directly in the system's haul-off, the film is stretched from the first heat. This makes the process particularly reliable: Reifenhäuser has produced the 18-micron MDO-PE film stably and reproducibly over many hours in the test runs.

Mechanical and optical properties reach or exceed market standard

Despite the low film thickness, producers do not have to make any compromises when it comes to optical and mechanical properties. With a modulus of elasticity MD exceeding 1,400 MPa and a modulus of elasticity TD exceeding 1,100 MPa, the 18-micron MDO-PE film achieves the current market standard for stretched PE films. With a haze of less than 5 percent, the 18-micron MDO-PE film performs even better in terms of optical properties than the market standard, which is 6 to 7 percent.

Print results impress BOBST

The 18-micron MDO-PE film also performed excellently in the converting process and exceeded all expectations of printing specialist BOBST. Davide Rossello, Head of Competence Center and Process Manager Gravure at BOBST says: "The way this extra-thin 18-micron MDO-PE blown film behaves on our printing machines is unique on the market. We have printed the film at high speeds of up to 500 m/min with excellent results in terms of printing quality and register performances. But even more impressively, we were able to demonstrate the quality of our machine when printing in the BOBST oneECG process, achieving excellent print results at 300 m/min (and above)."

Samples will be exhibited at drupa 2024 in Dusseldorf (Germany)

Printed samples of the new 18-micron MDO-PE film will be on display at drupa 2024 from May 28 to June 7 at the BOBST stand B30-1 in hall 10. Mohamed Timol, expert for MDO processes and applications, will be present at the stand as Reifenhäuser's contact person. Interested parties are cordially invited to see the quality of the film for themselves

The development project from the partners LG Chem, BOBST and Reifenhäuser shows what is possible when outstanding machines, processes and materials come together. The result is an MDO-PE film which, thanks to downgauging, lowers the manufacturing costs of fully recyclable packaging, reduces its product carbon footprint, and enables more sustainable further processing thanks to its outstanding product properties.

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. 

KAMA GmbH and TRESU, the well-known, highly specialized manufacturer of flexible and customized flexo printing machines, announce their entering a partnership to establish together a game-changing solution to bring digital embellishment to the next level of efficiency. TRESU will integrate its coating unit into the new, revolutionary KAMA Hammerhead 76/106 to add conventional coating options to all the other applications the KAMA Hammerhead offers, such as UV digital spot varnish and digital foiling. With this combined solution KAMA and TRESU are breaking the limits by greatly widening the range of materials/substrates to be embellished and by raising the bar of efficiency to a high level never seen before.
Beyond the co-development of further options for the KAMA Hammerhead, KAMA and TRESU are setting up the basis for future collaboration in many more fields, by combining the knowledge and the excellence each company brings from their own field of expertise.

Jordi Giralt, Chief Business Officer at KAMA, says: “TRESU is the right partner to achieve the levels of excellence we aim for, and partnering with them will support us to bring digital embellishment to the position we consider it must be: equal to offset or flexo production in terms of efficiency and utilization, and of course rationalizing the cost of production.” 

Stephan Plenz, Chief Executive Officer at TRESU, says: “KAMA is in the right track to bring a disruptive solution to the increasing field of digital embellishment, which could benefit from the knowledge we can add. We want to walk this journey with our new partner, and we expect this is just the first step of a very productive association.”

Jordi Giralt concludes: “Drupa 2024 is the right moment and location to present to the world this new partnership, and show the first concepts of the ground-breaking KAMA Hammerhead 76/106 equipped with a TRESU Coater.”
 

Sophisticated system from ACSIS, an Antares Vision Group business unit, 
provides enhanced supply chain visibility while deterring gray market diversion.

Travagliato, Italy – Antares Vision Group – a technological partner in the digitalization of products and supply chains for companies and institutions, and leader in traceability and inspection for quality control – has implemented the initial phase of a robust traceability solution for cosmeceutical skin care solutions provider Episciences, Inc. Addressing needs for enhanced supply chain visibility amid substantial gray market diversion challenges, the sophisticated track & trace system was developed by ACSIS, a business unit of Antares Vision Group providing seamless serialization solutions. 

Based in Boise, ID, Episciences, Inc. is the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of the Epionce skin care line. Sold through the medical channel, clinically proven Epionce products are produced in an FDA-inspected drug manufacturing facility. Notably, Epionce skin care was the first skin care line on the market to be focused on the health of the skin barrier. Its products are sold throughout the United States, as well as internationally. 

Given the high value, high-leverage nature of its products, Episciences found itself particularly susceptible to gray market diversion. In part due to its sheer product breadth – the company manufactures more than several dozen unique offerings – conventional serialization solutions struggled to provide an adequate end-to-end solution. Printability, coding recognition, and false rejects were particularly vexing issues. 

The ACSIS Serialization Management solution manages, applies and captures serialization data at the unit, bundle, carton and pallet level, providing manufacturers with the data needed to achieve compliance with evolving government mandates and regulations around product traceability. In doing so, the solution provides seamless integration with enterprise systems such as ERP, MES and serialization repositories, as well as line-level equipment like vision technologies, printing components and packaging automation modules. 

Along with robust serialization functionality, the Serialization Management solution can also capture user-defined product attributes at the point of serialization, yielding useful insights to help optimize various points along the value chain. Notably, ACSIS’ user-friendly architecture makes defining and changing data collection parameters efficient and intuitive. 

At Episciences’ plant, ACSIS’ Serialization Management system operates on two packaging lines. Its software manages the vision systems, printers, and barcode readers necessary to verify and capture product serial numbers. The system is also the primary user interface for product selection and serialization verification data entry. 

Especially important given its broad range of Epionce products, Episciences was able to integrate ACSIS’ Serialization Management system without the hassle and cost of modifying existing secondary packaging artwork or labeling procedures to prioritize barcode placement. This ability to retain its existing carton surface composition exemplifies the disruption-free nature of the overall system. 

“The system ACSIS employed for our Epionce products is both highly customized and essentially turnkey, with bare minimum ramp-up and training required,” said Ron Hope, General Manager of Manufacturing & Distribution for Episciences, Inc. “Critically for a manufacturer with a diverse array of products, initiating new SKUs is a smooth process that doesn’t delay the inception of commercial-scale production.” 

“The ACSIS solution is the foundation that Episcinces is using to build a full end to end supply chain tracability platform,” said John DiPalo, Chief Strategy Officer at ACSIS. “By leverging the complete ACSIS solution, Episciences can track product from packaging through distribution and across the extended supply chain.”

For over 25 years, ACSIS has delivered innovative supply chain execution solutions with actionable results to valued customers such as The Coca-Cola Company, DuPont, The Hershey Company, AmerisourceBergen, Cintas, Ashland, and more. ACSIS traceability solutions for the extended supply chain provide a real-time view of supply chain execution – connecting legacy systems, partner networks, and assets for better insight and smarter forecasting. For more info, visit . 

About Antares Vision Group 
Antares Vision Group is driving digitalization of products and supply chains by leading traceability, inspection, and integrated data management. AV Group helps companies and institutions to achieve safety, quality, efficiency, and sustainability, enabling Trustparency®. 
DIAMIND, AV Group’s integrated ecosystem of solutions, simplifies the technology environment and supports business growth by enabling a data-driven and tailored journey to digital innovation. Connecting physical products with digital identities, DIAMIND runs at the line, factory, warehouse, enterprise, and supply chain levels and guarantees product quality (inspection systems and equipment) and end-to-end traceability (from raw materials to production, from distribution to the consumer and back) through integrated data management, applying artificial intelligence and potentially blockchain. 
AV Group operates in the Life Science (pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and hospitals), Beverage, Food, Cosmetics, Chemicals, and Packaging industries and potentially many others. 
AV Group has been listed in STAR segment of Euronext since 14 May 2021. It has been included in the Euronext Tech Leaders index, dedicated to leading tech companies with high growth potential, since July 2022.
In 2022, Antares Vision Group recorded a turnover of €223 million. The Group operates in 60 countries, employs over 1,300 people, and has a consolidated network of over 40 international partners.
 

Hunter Luxury has partnered with disruptive skincare experts Joonbyrd in the development and launch of its debut range of opulent body care products.

Founded by Dr Alexis Granite, one of the world’s leading dermatologists with a glittering twenty-year international career, Joonbyrd’s arrival is set to make a splash in the skincare sector thanks to its uniquely joyful brand identity – an identity captured in the sensorially playful supportive primary packaging developed by primary supplier Hunter Luxury.

The core collection of intelligent and joyful luxury body care heroes, alongside refills, body tools and lifestyle accessories launching this summer, focuses on the sensorial aspects of body care through packaging design, product textures and fragrances. The products intend to deliver elevated self-care rituals and mind-body connection alongside clinically proven results.

“The Joonbyrd experience flies in the face of what you expect from a skincare brand,” said Pippa Bell, Head of Beauty at Hunter Luxury. “Capturing that meant really getting under the skin of our customer – no pun intended – and working hand-in-hand with them every step of the way, from concept to creation.

 “As this is the brand's launch, we had to go the extra mile to make a huge first impression. We aimed to perfectly crystallise what this brand is about, making it clear to consumers at first glance even if they aren’t familiar with the name Joonbyrd yet.”

 To replicate the combination of contrasting elements that make up the Joonbyrd brand, Hunter Luxury developed a range of soft-touch silicone sleeves, coloured in bright pastel hues and embossed with patterns based on the Joonbyrd logo. The sleeves were precisely crafted to contrast with the colours and complement the texture of the glass containers, resulting in a final product that feels as good as it looks.

 The brand-new range melds the contrasting textures of glass and silicone to create a unique tactile experience for its bottles and jars. Hunter Luxury also created an exquisite, zippered gift set and an extravagant chest containing PR kits sent to select media outlets to mark Joonbyrd’s arrival in the skincare market.

 “At the heart of Joonbyrd is joy, so we set out to create entirely unique and uplifting packaging that touches the senses through shape, colour and texture,” said Dr Alexis Granite. “We looked to a variety of industries for inspiration, from food to fragrance to fashion, for packs that would capture attention, bringing that hit of happiness on the shelf.

 “Equally, we sought to work with materials that were sturdy enough to be reused and refilled many times over. Joonbyrd was drawn to silicone and glass in particular as they offered an opportunity to create a highly sensorial soft touch finish, with soft bends and curves that are both visually pleasing and tactile. We loved the idea of creating a brand pattern that was instantly recognisable within the silicone, embedding each product with a "hidden" logo. Hunter Luxury truly helped Joonbyrd realise its joyful vision, bringing to life our candy-coloured silicone, and we are so excited for what's to come.”

 With a debut launch comprising its Daydreamer Body Serum, Violet Haze Body Scrub, Sunday Sofa Body Butter, Moon Swim Body Wash, and Little Love Body Lotion, Joonbyrd redefines everything that consumers have come to expect from dermatologist-led brands.

The installation of four Ishida RVE multihead weighers at a leading French olive and spreads manufacturer has enabled the company to increase productivity by 10 percent, reduce average giveaway from 7g to 2g, and cut the volume of non-compliant finished packs by 70 percent.

Located in the heart of Provence, Tropico Apéro balances tradition with novelty in the production of a wide range of products, supplied to large retail stores in both bulk and packaged format. However, with high customer demand, the company was suffering from the unreliability of its previous equipment across its four production lines. The weighers were constantly breaking down, and this equated to the equivalent of 10 days’ lost production per line per year. Maintenance and spare part costs were also excessive.

To ensure consistently high output rates and eliminate machine breakdowns, Tropico Apéro invested in the 14-head 3 litre Ishida RVE multihead weighers. And thanks to the excellent results achieved from the first installed machine, the company quickly decided to buy a further three weighers to standardise equipment across its packing lines, as part of a €1.5 million investment programme over five years. 

“Everyone we spoke to in the agri-food industry raved about the quality of Ishida weighers,” explained Ludovic Champion, Tropic Apéro’s Director of Operations. “The tests we conducted on the initial Ishida weighing solution were so conclusive that we purchased three more to standardise our machinery. We have now significantly increased the efficiency of our production lines and drastically reduced our spare parts budget while reducing product loss.” 

The accuracy and consistency of the Ishida weighers have enabled Tropico Apéro to focus on minimising giveaway across the different types of packaging used for its products. The reduction in non-compliant packs has also greatly eased the workload for operators on each line.
 
The Ishida CCW-RVE multihead weigher has been designed for the rapid weighing of free-flowing or semi-sticky dry, chilled, fresh and frozen products. It features a high grade stainless-steel finish with an embossed surface and enhanced design to prevent the ingress of water, for long term reliable operation. 

The embossing of all contact parts reduces the contact surface area to prevent product sticking and to maximise throughput. For line personnel the weigher’s ease of use, set up and cleaning (all contact parts are easily removable without tools) simplify daily operations, minimise machine downtime and maximise productivity.

At Tropico Apéro, the weighers are in operation during the off season for one 8-hour shift, 5 days per week, and for two or three shifts, around five to six days a week, in peak season. Each machine is handling 40 packs per minute, enabling the company to produce around 700,000 250g packs per week.
 

Have you ever pondered about the packaging materials used in cosmetics, food and medical packaging in our daily lives? Among paper, plastic, glass, and metal, plastics are likely the most common. However, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials are gaining more prominence in the packaging industry.

Cosmetics and Food-Contact Packaging
KRAIBURG TPE’s materials are not only utilized in cosmetics packaging, https://www.kraiburg-tpe.com/en/cosmetic-packaging such as lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, perfume bottles, and hoses, but also in food packaging, including tableware, beverage bottles, food containers, and material dispensers.

THERMOLAST® K https://www.kraiburg-tpe.com/en/thermolast-k is your ideal solution for cosmetics and food-contact packaging with the following characteristics:
•    Compliance with a range of international standards, including EU Regulation 10/2011, US CFR 21 FDA, China GB4806-2016 for materials in contact with food. https://www.kraiburg-tpe.com/en/controlled-migration-tpe 
•    Offering a diverse range of hardness options.
•    Capability for pre-coloring and maintaining consistent color quality globally.
•    Chemical resistance.
•    Premium surface quality with elasticity and resilience.
•    Ability for multi-component injection molding.
•    Free from animal-derived and halogen materials.
•    Overmolding possible with PP, PE, PC, PET, PETG, PBT, POM, ABS, PS, ASA, SAN, PMMA, PA6, PA6.6, PA12.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Packaging
In addition, there’s also THERMOLAST® H for medical packaging materials, https://www.kraiburg-tpe.com/en/medical utilized in seals, valves, hoses, syringe protective caps, plugs and spacers. 

THERMOLAST® H https://www.kraiburg-tpe.com/en/thermolast-h-healthcare-tpe is your ideal solution for medical and pharmaceutical packaging with the following characteristics:
•    Compliance with a range of international standards, including (EU) No. 10/2011, GB 4806, FDA CFR 21 REACH SVHC and RoHS Directive.
•    Bio-compatibility testing according to ISO 10993-5 and GB/T 16886.5.
•    Free from heavy metals, latex, PVC, and silicon.
•    Adhesion to PP.
•    No animal-derived ingredients.
•    Excellent compression set properties.
•    Excellent sealing properties.
•    Good haptics.
•    Pre-coloration available in-house.

TPE materials with these characteristics offer cost-effective packaging solutions, especially in medical, cosmetic, and food packaging - where safe, non-toxic, and recyclable materials are essential.

In the future, TPE materials will continue to be explored as an alternative material to unlock innovative possibilities in the packaging industry - contributing to growing demand and use.
 

Mondi takes data-driven approach to analyse Hug&Hold's environmental impact.
Critically reviewed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) compares the product to conventional plastic shrink wrap for 6 1.5 l PET beverage bundles.
ISO-compliant approach shows the paper packaging performs better across several impact categories, including 43% less climate change impact than plastic.

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has commissioned and completed a life cycle assessment (LCA) for its ground-breaking paper-based Hug&Hold solution, to determine its environmental impact compared to that of conventional low-density polyethylene shrink wrap for six 1.5 litre PET beverage bottles.

Hug&Hold is an innovative, sustainable and fully recyclable solution to replace plastic shrink wrap on the PET bottle bundle packs. It comprises two elements - a kraft paper sleeve to provide secure and safe transportation and a corrugated carrying handle that firmly holds the bottles around the neck, featuring an integrated handle for convenience and strength.

Mondi commissions critically reviewed and ISO-compliant LCAs to assess the products’ life cycle impacts, using the Environmental Footprint (EF) method. A total of 16 indicators have been assessed, from raw material acquisition and production and end of life treatment (typical disposal in the EU27).

The assessment shows that Hug&Hold has lower impacts in the categories of climate change, fossil resource use, photochemical ozone formation, acidification, ionising radiation, water use and eutrophication of freshwater. The overall carbon footprint is 43% lower than average LDPE virgin plastic shrink wrap and 15% lower than LDPE shrink wrap with 100% recycled content, meaning it can be recommended to reduce the climate change impacts of packaging while providing a strong solution for the customer and end user.

Silvia Hanzelova, Sales Director Speciality Kraft Paper, Mondi says: “Mondi values independent critical reviews and a data-driven route to help customers assess the environmental impact of their products. This LCA on Hug&Hold delivers on that. The results play a vital role in our customers’ decision-making process, which ensures that we keep creating sustainable solutions in line with our MAP2030 (Mondi Action Plan 2030) commitments, providing effective and creative solutions – that are sustainable by design and successful in application.”

Company also will showcase AI-enhanced blister filling control, checkweighing equipment, and solutions for efficiency in track & trace compliance and line clearance procedures.

Travagliato, Antares Vision Group, a leading player for traceability and visual inspection solutions, will present its latest technological developments for the life science sector at  ACHEMA, June 10-14 in Frankfurt, Germany. Among other solutions, at Stand B4, Hall 3.0 the company will debut its first automatic inspection machine for blow-fill-seal (BFS) cards. Providing 100% inspection, the VRI for BFS Cards can provide seamless quality assurance at speeds of up to 100 pieces per minute.

BFS containers are among the most prominent packaging type for pharmaceuticals; however, their inspection presents a set of unique challenges due to characteristics such as surface uniformity, complexity of shape, variable transparency and opacity, and small dimensions. Antares Vision Group’s BFS card machine performs cosmetic inspection, particles detection (reflecting & non-reflecting), fill level check (short wave infra-red) and tab OCR/OCV verification. When necessary, the unit can employ advanced algorithms capable of effectively detecting foreign particles in containers at low fill levels, which pose additional challenges given their aversion to spin-centric detection techniques.  

Leak Detection Capabilities

Also at ACHEMA, Antares Vision Group will emphasize its prowess in leak detection. For example, the company’s container closure integrity testing (CCIT) plays a critical role in maintaining the sterility and stability of sterile products, and is essential for preserving critical headspace gas conditions – including those common to freeze-dried products. The company’s solutions set in this niche includes Head-Space Gas Analysis (HSGA), a rapid, reliable, and non-destructive analytical method suitable for monitoring gas concentration and pressure measures in sealed containers. HSGA can be used to detect primary container leaks, or as a process analytical technology (PAT) to control facets of the upstream process (e.g. humidity excess). 

Antares Vision Group provides visual inspection, CCIT and combined VI & CCIT machines that are specially designed for small- to large-volume BFS containers, as well as solutions for other container types.

AI-enabled Solutions for Blister Filling Control

At ACHEMA, Antares Vision Group also will showcase a completely redesigned solution for  inspecting pharmaceutical blisters. Equipped with artificial intelligence features, the Blister Filling Control (BFC) module can be easily integrated into common blister production and sealing lines. The system’s features provide enhanced inspection of various oral solid dose products housed in blisters – including scenarios where low contrasts (such as white pills in white packaging) present inherent challenges. The BFC unit also facilitates and expedites new product recipe setup.

Weight Control

At ACHEMA, Antares Vision Group also will display its new range of checkweighers designed for maximized efficiency and seamless line integration. The machines perform accurate weight control at speeds up to 350 ppm, and feature a top-bottom gripping system with stabilization conveyor. The solution is fully compliant with 21 CFR Part 11, and can be equipped with various ejection systems as determined by product weight. 

Other solutions presented by Antares Vision Group at ACHEMA include:

•    Serialization and aggregation technology: Antares Vision Group’s proven modular solutions for managing track & trace compliance with seamless integration on any third-party equipment, as well as standalone modules covering Levels 1-4 hardware and software for EU-FMD, DSCSA and other regulatory requirements. 

•    Smart Clearance: A solution environment designed to automate the mandatory line clearance process through integrated cameras powered by artificial intelligence, toward the goal of improving plant efficiency and productivity.

•    Layout Inspection for stick packs: A system that verifies the correctness of printed information (including variable data or barcodes) designed for inline installation on stick pack filling machines. 

Antares Vision Group systems are part of DIAMIND, the integrated ecosystem of solutions connecting physical products with digital identities and operating at line, factory, warehouse, enterprise, and supply chain level to guarantee product quality and end-to-end traceability through integrated and cloud data management. 

Antares Vision Group

Antares Vision Group is an Italian multinational, listed on the STAR segment of Euronext and included in the Euronext Tech Leaders index, which is dedicated to leading tech companies with high growth potential. AV Group enables the digitalization of products and supply chains through traceability, inspection for quality control and integrated data management. It supports companies and institutions in ensuring. Through DIAMIND, the integrated ecosystem of solutions, the Group guarantees safety, quality, efficiency and sustainability of products (with inspection systems and 
machines) and end-to-end traceability across the supply chain (from raw materials to production, from distribution to the consumer, and vice versa), with integrated data management, boosted by artificial intelligence and able to be integrated with blockchains. AV Group operates in the Life Science sector (pharmaceutical products, biomedical devices and hospitals) and in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. It is the world leader in Track & Trace systems for 
pharmaceutical products, supplying major global manufacturers (over 50% of the top 20 multinationals) and numerous government authorities. AV Group recorded a turnover of Euro 223 million in 2022, operates in 60 countries, employs over 1,100 people, and boasts a network of over 40 international partners.

EcoCortec®, a subsidiary of Cortec® Corporation, is proud to announce the launch of its state-of-the-art compounding operations for VpCI® polymers and bio-resins. Utilizing modern, high-tech compounding lines in its polymer processing facility, the plant is now producing premium concentrated masterbatch. EcoCortec’s compounding line will ensure the highest film quality for the plant’s customers. Launching compounding

 
operations at the Croatian plant in Beli Manastir offers numerous benefits for both EcoCortec® and its European licensees and distributors. Conducting the entire process in-house from start to finish enhances the plant's self-sustainability and significantly shortens lead times for customers. Cortec® Corporation is a global manufacturer of “green” VCI/VpCI® corrosion protection solutions. Cortec’s VpCI® masterbatch is used in the production of patented, environmentally responsible films for corrosion protection. The VpCI® embedded in the film vaporizes and diffuses throughout an enclosed package, adsorbing onto metal surfaces inside. A thin, molecular, hydrophobic layer protects the metal against corrosive elements such as oxygen, moisture, and chlorides. EcoCortec® can now produce a variety of concentrated masterbatch products and integrate Cortec’s patented VpCI® Technology into biodegradable packaging solutions.
Vertical Integration at EcoCortec® 
While Cortec® has been a pioneer in the formulation and compounding of biobased and biodegradable resins for the last 20 years, the start of EcoCortec® compounding operations marks a significant step for its Croatian plant. “By completing the entire production process in-house, EcoCortec® is now less dependent on outside sources, enhancing its self-sufficiency. Our Croatian
plant can now fully implement a vertical integration philosophy. By overseeing operations from VpCI® masterbatch compounding all the way to extrusion, converting, and printing, we can achieve better quality control. Once we have the raw materials, production can proceed seamlessly from start to finish,” says EcoCortec’s General Manager, Dijana Zrinski. Additionally, EcoCortec’s efficient shipping system minimizes any supply chain disruptions, enabling the plant to offer significantly faster turnaround times compared to VCI film suppliers who contract their production to other facilities.
Cortec’s environmentally responsible VpCI® Films and Bags are used in countless industries and applications around the globe, giving users an easy and effective way to protect metal parts and equipment from rust and corrosion. This is critical for manufacturers who want their newly made metal goods to be protected in-process and stored
 
or shipped in safety without fear of corrosion. It is also vital for facilities that need to keep critical spares and large or small assets corrosion-free during periods of layup or mothballing.
Sustainable Production Model and Green Initiatives
A key mission of EcoCortec® is to prioritize environmental responsibility. The plant is dedicated to implementing a high-level circular economy model through a multitude of initiatives and innovative approaches. One such initiative involves extending the life of materials. Within the "Plastic Recycling Project," EcoCortec’s customers can send their waste VpCI® material back to the Croatian plant for recycling and reuse in manufacturing new products. EcoCortec® reprocesses VpCI® Film scrap and incorporates the "repro" back into the virgin film. The company’s goal is reaching 30% recycled content in plastics packaging by 2030.
EcoCortec® demonstrates a successful model of environmental resource management. Boris Miksic, CEO of Cortec® Corporation, laid the foundations for an environmentally responsible business model that has become the company's trademark. As a visionary, he recognized the importance of sustainable development decades ago. "By reprocessing film scrap at EcoCortec®, we gain numerous benefits, such as significantly decreasing waste and avoiding potential  environmental  problems
associated with its disposal. Moreover, we achieve significant fuel savings and reduce our carbon footprint. I am very proud of our EcoCortec® plant as it stands as a true example of the circular economy in action," says Miksic. He adds, "With new compounding operations, we have completed the entire production process in-house. We are dedicated to developing safe and effective products for corrosion prevention within sustainable manufacturing processes. In addition to being passionate advocates for preserving natural resources, we recognize our responsibility to our customers, the environment, and our local community, and we take this responsibility very seriously."
 

Mondi is investing €200 million into a high-quality recycled containerboard machine with an annual capacity of around 420,000 tonnes at its Duino mill near Trieste, acquired in January 2023.
Investment is part of the company's €1.2 billion of approved investments in organic growth projects aimed at meeting the growing demand for sustainable packaging, enhancing its product offering, and reducing its environmental impact

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, held a groundbreaking ceremony in Duino, Italy, today laying the cornerstone on its €200 million investment in the mill acquired in January 2023. The facility’s existing paper machine is being converted into a high-quality recycled containerboard machine which will create job opportunities for current and potential employees, build and evolve partnerships with local stakeholders as well as contribute to the region’s overall economic development.

The start-up of the new machine is expected in 2025. Once fully operational, it will be capable of producing 420,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard for sustainable packaging solutions and will be Mondi’s widest recycled paper machine at 8.5 metres. Where possible, the mill will source materials locally in order to contribute to the local economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions through shorter transport distances and strengthen supply chain resilience.

“We are excited about the progress of the Duino investment project and the opportunity this provides our growing packaging business,” says Andrew King, CEO of Mondi Group. “This containerboard machine will strengthen our backward integration and provide us with security of supply to better serve our customers.”

“Our investment in Duino allows us to meet the increasing demand for sustainable solutions across Central Europe, the Mediterranean area, and the local Italian market. The project team is currently preparing for the upcoming construction works, with a new recycled fibre plant, wastewater treatment plant and the associated infrastructure and warehousing,” says Markus Gärtner, CEO Mondi Corrugated Packaging. 

The debut of 12 companies supported by the Brazil Machinery Solutions program at NPE generated $23.6 million in deals.
The sectoral export promotion project Brazil Machinery Solutions (BMS), the result of a partnership between ABIMAQ (The Brazilian Machinery Builders’ Association) and ApexBrasil (The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), supported the participation of 12 Brazilian companies at NPE 2024, the largest plastics sector fair in the United States, which was held on May 6-10, in Orlando, Florida.
This debut participation of the BMS program at the fair featured the companies A.Carnevalli, Brawel, Corona Brasil, Hece Máquinas, HGR Extrusoras, Mecalor, Mega Steel, MultiBlow, Multipet, Rulli Standard, Seibt, and and Vizuri. In total, 463 contacts were made with international buyers, generating $23.6 million in deals completed and estimated for the next 12 months.
The goal of the initiative was to highlight the importance of Brazil as a supplier of machinery, equipment and services to the plastics chain in the United States. In 2023, Brazilian exports of machinery and equipment to the North American country reached the mark of $4 billion, a 26% increase compared to 2022. Machinery and equipment used in the plastics sector totaled $16.3 million. Although they currently do not represent a significant percentage of the sector’s exports to the U.S. market, the volume of exports from this segment has reported a 188% increase over the last 5 years, showing continued growth throughout this period.
Paulo Guerra, Institutional Relations Manager of ABIMAQ, analyzes the strategic results of the BMS program’s debut participation in the fair. “Each interaction with international buyers marked a new stage in the journey of the first Brazilian participation of the BMS project at the fair, opening doors to unprecedented opportunities. The result was a whopping $23.6 million in completed and expected deals. Our goal is for the NPE to enter the BMS project calendar on a definite basis.”
A benchmark for the plastics sector
Held every three years since 1946 by the U.S. Plastics Industry Association, NPE is a fair that brings together decision makers, designers, academics in the plastics sector, and entrepreneurs from all areas of the plastics chain worldwide. For the 2024 edition, more than 2,000 exhibitors have been confirmed, with over 55,000 participants from 110 countries expected to attend the event. The exhibition was divided into seven Technology Zones that offered a first-hand look at technologies for raw materials, recycling and sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and packaging, which should help drive the plastics industry forward.

Get to know some of the companies and highlights exhibited:
A.Carnevalli
A.Carnevalli develops, produces, and exports high technology extrusion and co-extrusion equipment for over 60 years. The brand’s booth presented models of Mono and Co-extrusion lines for plastic films up to 9 layers, Flexographic Printers of up to 12 colors, and Recycling Lines, Rewinders, and Cutters.
Brawel
Brawel Máquinas is specialized in the manufacture of Die Cutters, Vacuum Forming, Router CNC, Blister and Skin. During the NPE, the brand demonstrated the machines operation, in addition to bringing ideas and products that can be produced with them.
Corona Brasil
Corona Brasil, manufacturer of equipment for plastic surface treatment via corona effect, presented its Corona Treatment Equipment, used in narrow-web printers, which can be provided with aluminum electrodes or ceramic electrodes (destined to the treatment of conductive or metallic materials).
Hece Máquinas
Hece Máquinas, company that works with own technology, promoted the cutting and welding machine SC-700 III. The equipment counts on MMI-integrated CNC,   servomotor, welding heads, micro-processed temperature control, decoiler, conveyor with variable speed and photocell, among other accessories. 
HGR Extrusoras
Considered as one of the main manufacturers of extrusion machines in the market, HGR brought to NPE its HGR Air Cooling Ring and promoted its line of monolayer extrusion machines, multi-layer extrusion systems (3, 5 and 7 layers) for tubular films and parts for extrusion lines in general. 
Mecalor
Leader in industrial refrigeration solutions, Mecalor took its most advanced equipment to NPE, among them, the air condenser Chiller MSA 60, which doesn’t require the use of industrial water; the DryCooler AluDry Compact D170 that reduces water consumption and treatment; and its Pumping Station with customized solutions.
Mega Steel
With 20 years of operations in the plastic industry, the company, from Indaiatuba (SP), presented its Full Automatic 1400MM 4.0 Rewinder Machine, with modular design, suitable to the different lines of production, ensuring high productivity and robustness.
MultiBlow
Serving the whole Brazilian and Latin American market, MultiBlow in entering the North-American market and was present at NPE 2024 promoting its line of electric and hydraulic blowing machines for the manufacture of vials, from 100ml to 30 liters.
Multipet
For almost 30 years in the packaging manufacturing segment, the manufacturer, headquartered in Toledo (PR), promoted its PET bottle blowing machine, Multipet VBlow. The machine is driven by electric servomotor, remote monitoring and air recovery system, low energy consumption, and produces up to 18,000 bottles per hour.
Rulli Standard
Rulli Standard, reference in the extrusion machine market, presented at NPE components and peripheral items of its machinery and will demonstrate the machine management software Rulli 4.0, which integrates the whole fleet to a single dashboard that organizes, automates, and generates important data for the production management.
Seibt
For 50 years in the plastic market, the company, headquartered in Rio Grande do Sul, promoted its line of PET (polyethylene) Recycling System, PE/PP (polyethylene and propylene) Recycling System comprising mills, crushers, fine separators and dust separators.
Vizuri
Vizuri manufactures equipment for automation and control of plastic processing lines and is present across Brazil and Latin America. At NPE, the company promoted the Gravimetric Batch Blender, gravimetric mixer that offers maximum precision and flexibility, serving productions from 100 kg/h to 1500 kg/h.

About Brazil Machinery Solutions
The result of a partnership between the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) and the Brazilian Machinery Builders’ Association (ABIMAQ), the Brazil Machinery Solutions Program aims to promote Brazilian exports of machinery and equipment, as well as strengthening the image of Brazil as a manufacturer of mechanical capital goods with technology and competitiveness. The BMS Program is composed of companies that manufacture machines and equipment from different sectors, such as agriculture, textiles, mining, plastics, and packaging, among others. For more information, please visit: www.brazilmachinery.com 
About ABIMAQ
The Brazilian Machinery Builders’ Association (ABIMAQ) was founded in 1937, with the goal of acting in favor of strengthening the Brazilian industry, mobilizing the sector, carrying out actions alongside political and economic bodies, stimulating international trade and cooperation, and contributing to improving its performance in terms of technology, human resources training, and management modernization. For more information, please visit: www.abimaq.org.br 
About ApexBrasil 
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investments to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. 
In order to achieve its goals, ApexBrasil carries out several trade promotion initiatives aimed at promoting Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and trade missions, business rounds, support to the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, visits of foreign buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian productive structure, among other business platforms that also aim at strengthening the Brazil brand. 
The Agency also acts in a coordinated way with public and private players to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil with a focus on strategic sectors for the development of the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country. 

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