Today, DSM Engineering Materials announces the launch of Lucidiris ™. Lucidiris ™ helps customers reduce time to market when developing colors of high-performance materials for a variety of applications. Besides predicting color and mechanical properties, it can predict the envelope of potential color space within critical mechanical properties and prescribe recipes for targeted color properties. Lucidiris™ has been developed for several high-performance material grades and will be extended, including recycled-based and repurposed materials. It is a next step in DSM Engineering Materials’ journey to make product development for their customers quicker and easier via advanced digital solutions.

This state-of-the-art patent protected Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology facilitates the development of material recipes with targeted optical properties while assuring mechanical properties.

With Lucidiris ™ customers will be supported by its ability to:

• Predict color and mechanical properties of polymer compounds upon addition of color ingredients.

• Predict envelope of potential color space that can be produced within critical mechanical properties.

• Prescribe color ingredients to add to a polymer compound to meet targeted properties.

“Lucidiris™ changes our design-build-test-learn development cycle for the customer applications of our materials fundamentally,” said Erwin Houben, R&T Manager Digitization DSM Engineering Materials. “This state-of-the-art AI based digital tool reinforces our strengths in colored materials development and enables to take on some tough challenges for reusing circular materials.”

“And there is more to come,” said Angelika Schmidt, Global R&T Manager of Performance Polymers, DSM Engineering Materials. “Lucidiris™ is our next step into digitization of product development. What we can do for color development already today, will be possible for product development in the future. Combining human intelligence with machine learning will enable us to get to the successful recipes with much less iterations and therefore much shorter development times for our customers.”

To find out more visit: dsm.com/color-development

DSM

DSM Engineering Materials is a business group of Royal DSM, a global, purpose-led company in Health, Nutrition & Bioscience, applying science to improve the health of people, animals, and the planet. DSM’s purpose is to create brighter lives for all. DSM’s products and solutions address some of the world’s biggest challenges while simultaneously creating economic, environmental, and societal value for all its stakeholders – customers, employees, shareholders, and society at large. The company was founded in 1902 and is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

• Indian sub-continent is one of the fastest growing regions for polymer demand

• Oman’s total trade with India nearly doubled last year to USD$9.9bn

• OQ to create new, and strengthen existing Oman-India business partnerships at PlastIndia on the ground floor, hall 2 – C4

OQ, the Oman-based energy transition enabler that specializes in PP and PE grades for flexible and rigid packaging solutions, continues building on a long-lived trading partnership between its home country and India as the company greets familiar faces at the PlastIndia event in New Delhi this week.

Oman’s total trade with India almost doubled last year and was estimated at USD$9.9bn in 2021- 2022 compared to USD$5.4bn in 2020-2021. OQ believes the trade opportunities will only further prosper as India's population, its demand for plastic products and countries’ collaborations continue to grow momentum. An advantageous prospect of a free trade agreement between the two countries is in the works, with discussions at an advanced stage.

The Indian sub-continent is one of the fastest-growing regions for polymer demand with a CAGR of 6 per cent projected for the 2022-2030 period. In addition, by mid-2023, India is expected to become the most populous country in the world – and with rising income levels being seen across the region, demand for plastic products is set to increase exponentially. Harnessing years of success and confidence in the face of challenges, OQ is primed for demand and ready to take action in support of their close partnership with India.

Speaking from OQ’s stand at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, Dr Ali Al Lawati, VP for Global Sales at OQ.

“With unique products manufactured at a world-class plant in Oman, OQ provides multiple industry solutions across several key market segments in India. From flexible and rigid packaging and infrastructure to agriculture and automotive industries, we are excited to empower our business relationship with India and add to what is already a unified and thriving imports partnership between our two nations.”

According to Oman’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Indian enterprises and establishments in the country account for an estimated investment of USD$7.5 billion across several key industries covering finance, aviation, iron/steel, cement, chemicals, automotive, fertilizers and more.

India and Oman share a collective vision to promote economic well-being across their countries, building a collaborative network to transport goods throughout a global supply chain, and attracting highly skilled talent to join their journey towards greater domestic innovation in the polymer market.

Landmark examples of Indian business activity in Oman include:

• Port of Duqm special economic zone: Around USD$1.8 billion contribution to significant investments made by Indian companies and Duqm port authorities.

• SOHAR Port and Free Zone: Several Indian firms have emerged as leading investors, further supporting global trade routes between Europe and Asia.

India and Oman are connected by geography, history and culture, enjoying warm and advantageous relations. Much of this can be attributed to historical maritime trade linkages and the continuing role played by the Indian community in contributing to the progress of Oman.

Contact between Indian and Omani civilizations can be traced back 5,000 years. In 1955, diplomatic relations were established, with the relationship being upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008.

Since then, investment flows have been consistent and further gathering momentum. Today, India is among Oman’s top three trading partners along with the UAE and China and is the country’s third-largest non-oil export market.

Further investment opportunities, including OQ's groundbreaking Ladayn Park initiative, will be showcased at the PlastIndia event on February 1-5 in New Delhi on the ground floor, hall 2 - C4.

To learn more about how OQ can further support India-Oman trading relations, visit the company’s representatives at the PlastIndia exhibition. OQ's booth will be located on the ground floor in Hall 2 - C4

About us

OQ is a global integrated energy company with roots in Oman. It emerged in late 2019 upon the successful integration of nine legacy companies, united to form a stronger, more efficient and consolidated entity. We operate in 17 countries and cover the entire value chain in the energy sector from exploration and production, to marketing and distribution of end-user products. Our fuels and chemicals are sold in over 80 countries worldwide. We also partner with local and international companies in the hydrocarbon sector to increase value for the shareholders and reap greater benefits for the communities.

AlphaMAC’s fully electric equipment portfolio uses 50% less energy than most legacy machinery.

Leominster, Massachusetts – IMA DAIRY & FOOD USA – whose equipment solutions comprises the long-established brands Gasti, Hamba, Hassia, Fillshape, Corazza, Erca and Intecma – has assumed sales, marketing and service responsibilities for extrusion blow mold machinery supplier AlphaMAC. The Italy-based equipment provider specializes in solutions for the packaging of liquid products, and is also part of the IMA Group.

In North America, AlphaMAC equipment will meet an emerging need for modern, reliable equipment that is energy efficient. For example, currently one company has 80% of the US market share for extrusion blow molding (EBM) machines producing HDPE bottles for refrigerated and aseptic milk-based products. These machines are, on average, about 25 years old, and require energy consumption some 50% higher than AlphaMAC’s fully electric equipment, which do not operate via hydraulic fluid and therefore do not consume energy when idling.

In addition, the age of most EBM machines in the North American market means they lack remote assistance capabilities, leading to higher-than-necessary maintenance costs and a sizable workforce. With the support of   IMA Dairy & Food USA, AlphaMAC’s line will have the technology and personnel support to close these longstanding gaps.

AlphaMAC’s portfolio includes comprehensive, custom-engineered lines for plastic containers production, secondary packaging and quality assurance. Solutions include:

• Extrusion blow molding machines
• Extrusion blow molding molds
• Bottle design development and production optimization tools
• Total quality control systems for bottles
• Secondary packaging solutions robotics systems

“As the industry-wide push for more sustainable food & beverage packaging solutions continues, the North American liquid dairy sector is one where eco-conscious upgrades are overdue,” said Patrick Carroll, President of IMA Dairy & Food USA. “Adding AlphaMAC to the IMA Dairy & Food USA portfolio provides our customers with more sustainable options while significantly expanding our market share potential.”

AlphaMAC’s’s management and technical teams have over 30 years of experience in extrusion blow molding equipment and production lines design and manufacturing, with over 2,000 machines sold in 61 countries. AlphaMACc EBM machines are well regarded for efficiency and favorable total cost of ownership.

# # #

About IMA DAIRY & FOOD

IMA Dairy & Food USA serves the dairy and food industries with several brands of the IMA group (Corazza, Erca, Fillshape, Gasti, Hamba, Hassia and Intecma) and offers a portfolio covering nearly all areas of packaging machine application, including:

• Filling and sealing machines (FS) for preformed cups and bottles
• Forming, filling and sealing machines (FFS) for packaging products in the food, dairy, and beverage segments (filled up to the aseptic level)
• Filling systems for flexible stand-up pouches with and without spout for dairy, food, beverage and personal care sectors
• Wrapping machines for packaging butter, fresh cheese, soup cubes, yeast, margarine, etc.
• Aseptic vertical and horizontal form, fill and seal machines for stick packs / pouches (with corresponding dosing systems)
• FFS machines for packaging single portions of coffee, honey, jam, sauces, etc.

For more information, visit www.imadairyfood.com.

Industry leader replaces Maurice Barakat who will remain

as CEO and Executive Chairman

(Short Hills, NJ) - Integreon Global, a family of companies that ensures product integrity and protection through innovative materials, testing services, packaging and monitoring solutions, and contract manufacturing, announced today that Michael Hays has been named President, replacing Maurice Barakat, effective December 5, 2022.  Mr. Barakat will assume the role of Executive Chairman and CEO. 

Mr. Hays’ new position is the culmination of several decades of leadership in the expandable polystyrene (EPS) industry, most recently as Vice President of Altor Solutions.  His career path included management roles in business development, finance, and overall enterprise strategy and board level involvement. 

As a long-term employee and eventual Division General Manager, he was integral in the growth of his original company, Premier Industries, which was later consolidated with Foam Fabricators and eventually transformed into Altor Solutions.  Through each of these strategic phases, Mr. Hays’ expertise contributed to his teams winning numerous industry awards for clients in the technology, automotive, appliance, construction, and health care sectors.  These accolades culminated with Michael receiving the EPS industry’s prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2022.

“Michael is a people-first leader who comes to Integreon Global with a strong track record of expansion, coupled with a reputation for building a world-class packaging manufacturing group.  Michael’s extensive management experience will help our business units accelerate their continuing development as a trusted partner of global manufacturers,” said Maurice Barakat.

“I am proud and honored to become a part of the highly successful Integreon Global family,” said Michael Hays. “This is a wonderful opportunity to both lead and to provide outstanding service to our clients. Integreon has a strong, growing, and diversified suite of business units whose purpose is to protect people and products. The company’s unique blend of skilled experts, advanced materials, and innovative technologies across the entire enterprise positions us perfectly to rise to the challenges of a global marketplace.”

The Integreon group of companies designs and manufactures polymeric foam beads, thermal packaging and monitoring solutions, and provides testing, contract development and manufacturing services.  Integreon operates in four end markets: Pharmaceuticals, life sciences, perishable foods, and foam processors. Each of Integreon’s companies offers custom-engineered solutions and testing services critical to the end-to-end protection and efficient manufacturing of customers’ products.

For more information, visit www.integreonglobal.com.

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Made with sugarcane pulp, packaging designed to be chic, sustainable and 98-percent plastic-free.

Toronto, Canada – IBG (Innovative Beauty Group), a leading global beauty solutions provider, has partnered with Loveseen, a brand of cruelty-free, natural-looking false eyelashes, to develop stylish yet sustainable packaging for its line of more than a dozen lash varieties. Launched in 2020 by Jenna Lyons, former creative president of J.Crew, and makeup artist Troi Ollivierre, the brand leaned on IBG to develop its packaging.

“Upon our first meeting with the IBG team and touring the facility, we decided it was imperative we create something different,” said Jenna Lyons, Co-Founder of Loveseen. “From that moment, we set out to create our own custom lash tray – one that would stand out on shelves yet was a kinder solution to the environment.”

Through the collaboration with IBG, the eco-friendly packaging developed features an inner tray made of 100% molded sugarcane pulp, also known as “bagasse.” The tray slides into an outer pack comprised of post-consumer recycled paperboard. A cotton cord elevates the look, while also making it easier to slide the tray out.

“Through our initial meetings with the Loveseen team, it was evident they had a very specific vision for their lash packaging, with sustainability a top priority,” states Jennifer Raphael, CEO of IBG North America. “The development process required several months of strategic innovation, sampling, and redesigns to get the brand’s debut packaging just right. The final design is not only elegantly crafted, but 98% plastic-free – with the goal to achieve 100% in the near future.”

The clear PET window at the top of the lash packaging is the final piece of plastic the brand plans to eliminate in future designs. In addition, the package avoids the use of any glossy or metallic ink decorations, which commonly interfere with recycling. As is, it the package can be easily recycled upon removal of the PET.

###

About IBG

IBG (Innovative Beauty Group), a division of the Albea Group, is a leading global beauty solutions provider proudly serving some of the world’s most dynamic mass and prestige beauty brands. Comprised of Orchard Custom Beauty and FASTEN Packaging, IBG applies its industry expertise to support its customers with innovative and responsible custom and turnkey solutions that include design, sourcing, formula development, bespoke packaging and accessories for color cosmetics, skin care, personal care, home care, hair care, and gifts with purchase.

With a global team of beauty experts and a distinctly personal approach, IBG empowers all of 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.

For more information, visit https://innovativebeautygroup.com/.  

UK, October 2022 - Vacuum equipment specialist Leybold UK, based in Chessington, Surrey, has won the Composites UK 2022 Industry Awards in the Social Impact category. The award was announced and presented to Leybold on the evening of 2 November at the Composites UK Awards Dinner at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. The Composites UK Social Impact Award 2022 specifically recognises those companies whose business activities make a tangible difference to people's lives and support the communities around them.

Open to all companies in the Composites industry
This award category is open to all companies active in the Composites industry in the UK. Areas where companies can apply for an award include support programmes that promote diversity and inclusion, support and improve mental health and wellbeing, and introduce sustainable working practices for employees such as waste management and upcycling.

Safe place for employees
Ian Dorman, General Manager Leybold UK, says: "The fact that we have received the award in this category in particular is a special recognition of our efforts in these areas and means a lot to the entire team." Leybold UK promotes a safe place for employees to learn and develop to their full potential. The vacuum specialist strives to ensure that employees can fully engage at work and are free from judgement or prejudice. "Over the past year, we have put a lot of effort into making our company a 'Great Place to Work' to achieve this", adds HR Manager Sarah Cogswell.

Fully equipped Service workshop
In Chessington, Leybold has a fully equipped Service workshop with engineers who maintain and repair a wide range of vacuum pumps and equipment. The site is also home to the customer care team, technical support, marketing, human resources and finance departments, supported by the field sales force. In its day-to-day operations, Leybold focuses on creating an open, caring and inclusive environment.

Vacuum systems are used in a wide range of processes
Leybold designs and manufactures vacuum pumps, components and systems that create the necessary production conditions for the industrial manufacture of semiconductors, data carriers, displays, coated architectural glass and solar cells. Vacuum systems are used among in the refinement of steel and the processing and packaging of food. Vacuum is also indispensable for the operation of mass spectrometers and electron microscopes as well as in almost all areas of modern research and development.

For further information, please contact:
Debbie Thompson

Marketing & Communications Manager
Leybold UK Ltd
Unit 9 Silverglade Business Park
Leatherhead Road, Chessington, KT9 2QL, UK

Debbie.Thompson@Leybold.com

http://www.leybold.com

T: +44(0) 1372 737 329
M: +44(0) 7810 155 939

With non-chemical, multi-layer delamination recycling plant set to open in 2023, company will discuss promising new process and exhibit prototypes.

Saperatec GmbH, a developer of recycling processes for composite packaging comprised of various materials, will highlight a groundbreaking multi-layer delamination approach at the K Fair Trade Show, October 19-26 in Düsseldorf. Saperatec engineers will discuss the promising new technology’s virgin-similar recyclate results – and showcase prototypes – at Hall 9, Stand D17, a booth shared with prominent machinery manufacturer Pla.to GmbH.

Saperatec strives to find solutions to a mounting problem: of the more than 140 million tons of plastics packaging waste incinerated, landfilled or even leaking into our environment each year globally, a significant portion comprises composite packaging – that is, packaging consisting of a combination of materials. Such packaging has posed sizable obstacles to recycling efforts, as separating composite packaging into its various origin materials has been technologically challenging and, even when successful, unsustainable due to the need for non-ecofriendly chemicals.

At K Fair, Saperatec will present a groundbreaking, extended mechanical recycling process for thin-layer composite materials made of plastic, metal, paper and glass. The company is currently building its first recycling plant for composite packaging in Dessau, Germany. In 2023, the facility will commence commercial operations with an initial goal of processing about 18,000 tons of packaging waste per year.

As evidenced by demonstrations, Saperatec’s novel approach results in recycled materials that can replace virgin raw materials in numerous applications, including film or foil-based packaging. Importantly, the process adds no contaminants to recycled polymers, and all chemicals used in the process comply with EU food contact regulations.

Saperatec’s composite packaging recycling capabilities bring the potential to separate and reintegrate a wide variety of substrates into the packaging stream. For starters, Saperatec will focus on composite flexible packaging materials and tube packaging with aluminium foil barriers, as well as plastics and aluminium from beverage cartons. Beyond that, Saperatec‘s technology opens the door for future recyclability solutions in a wide range of composite packaging, as well as other materials combining plastics with metal, glass and paper. Outside the packaging realm, possibilities include vastly improved recycling for glass-polymer composites such as car glass, and for metal-polymer items like certain pipes and panels.

Importantly, Saperatec’s recycling process is sustainability-minded. The hot-wash separation fluids utilized are water-based and solvent-free, and are reused more than 30 times in the process. Any and all materials employed during packaging recycling are listed for food contact materials without specific migration limit, per European regulations.

Saperatec’s delamination technology has been extensively tested in both materials science labs and near-industrial pilot environments. The highly encouraging results are the impetus for the plant’s construction, as well as for significant investments from several leading venture capital investors.

“After years of extensive research and thorough testing, we are thrilled to be constructing our first industrial-scale recycling plant, which will commence operations next year,” said Thorsten Hornung, CEO of Saperatec GmbH. “Our goal is to have a true, lasting impact on the circularity of composite packaging materials, which have proven notoriously challenging to separate and repurpose.”

The acquisition of the Vicenza-based company specialised in high-end closures has a strategic relevance for Guala Closures. For the Group, the deal represents an important step towards becoming a world leader also in the luxury segment

Milan, July 8, 2022 - Guala Closures – a global leading producer of closures for spirits, wines, beverages and oil bottles – announces that it has reached an agreement to acquire Labrenta. The acquisition will strengthen Guala Closure’s presence in the luxury segment.

Labrenta's current shareholders (Gianni and Amerigo Tagliapietra – CEO and VP Business Development, respectively) will reinvest in Guala Closures and will take on important managerial roles with regards to the group’s luxury closures segment.

Founded in 1971 by Enzo Tagliapietra in Breganze, Vicenza (Italy), Labrenta is a well-established manufacturer of high-end tailor-made closures for spirits, wine, oil, vinegar and beer. The company, initially founded as a producer of natural cork for the Italian wine market, has grown over the years under the direction of Gianni and Amerigo to establish itself as an international highly innovative firm and obtaining 30 patents. In 2022 Labrenta is expected to achieve more than €30 million in revenues across its 800 customers in 70 countries and has plants in Italy, Brazil and Mexico as well as a commercial branch in the United States. In 2022, the company acquired Anacorks, a Portuguese firm specialised in the production of luxury cork closures. Thanks to its focus on R&D activities, as well as to its attention to sustainability, Labrenta has launched product lines composed of natural and synthetic materials blends, therefore creating innovative and beautifully designed closures.

Innovation and growing attention to sustainability are also among the pillars of Guala Closures' business. The Group currently employs more than 4,850 people, operates in five continents through 30 production facilities with approximately €710 million LTM sales as of 31st of March, 2022.

The acquisition of Labrenta is expected to generate important synergies both at the industrial and commercial level, by offering a full range of products for the fast-growing luxury sector.

Gabriele Del Torchio, President and CEO of Guala Closures, commented: "Labrenta is an excellent and innovative company, with a strong local presence, an important know-how, a well-organised team and a management with a long-term strategic vision. The acquisition of Labrenta represents an important opportunity for our Group. The deal will contribute to the achievement of the goals set in our strategic plan as well as to further strengthen our already significant presence in the luxury segment. The entrepreneurial experiences of Gianni and Amerigo Tagliapietra will be crucial to support us throughout this new development path. The plant in Breganze will become an important centre for research, development and production of luxury closures."

Gianni Tagliapietra, CEO of Labrenta, stated: “Amerigo and I consider Labrenta and its team like a big family, which has grown with us year after year amid challenges and achievements. We wish that it will continue growing strong and succeed in achieving all its goals. Passion for design and technology, production quality, sustainability and a strong team are among Labrenta's core values. In the past years, we have realised how important is for entrepreneurs to be able to respond promptly and effectively to a fast-changing environment. We have found in Guala Closures a group of like-minded people that share our same values, as well as a global leader in the sector that will allow Labrenta to keep pursuing high growth in a well-structured manner."

About Guala Closures Group

Guala Closures Group offers premium and innovative closure solutions that provide protection and convenience to consumers while enhancing customers' brands. A world leader in the production of closures for spirits, wines, beverages, oil and condiments, Guala Closures meets the needs of its customers and their consumers in the global marketplace with innovative and environmentally responsible products. Guala Closures now has more than 4,850 employees, 30 plants on five continents, and products marketed in more than 100 countries. More information is available at: www.gualaclosures.com 

About Labrenta

For more than 50 years, Labrenta has been tailoring closures for the beverage and food industries. We proudly design and manufacture our closures in Italy. Love for design and innovation, made in Italy production, sustainability and team are the core values of our reality. We are structured to work with every part of the world, thanks to our subsidiaries in North and South America and partnerships with our distributors and agents. More information is available at: www.labrenta.com.

Zheijiang Yongsheng Technology Co., LTD. is one of the leading companies in the Chinese market for the production and sale of BOPET film products. The cooperation with IMS TECHNOLOGIES’ brand GOEBEL IMS, a worldwide leader in building converting machinery, had its starting point at the end of 2018, with the order of two new primary slitter rewinders for BOPET converting.

The project included a MONOSLIT OPTICAL 6000 BOPET, which is a fully electrical high-end machine for converting technical films such as optical grade films. With the multi-functional slitting unit (including shear cutting) and optional by-pass spreader roller, the machine can convert thin as well as thick films. With special surface coatings for the guide rollers and the possibility to install web-cleaning devices and other special units, like an ultra-sonic knurling device, a big variety of applications can be covered.

The second machine for this project was a MONOSLIT 9000 BOPET which is designed for highspeed converting of mainly packaging grade films (the machine speed is 1200 m/min).

Both machines were delivered at the beginning of 2020 and successfully brought into production, despite the difficulties caused by Covid-19 pandemic. Tobias Lanksweirt, Managing Director of GOEBEL Schneid- und Wickelsysteme GmbH and Sales Director Film adds: “This was only possible thanks to the support of our Chinese Team as well as the great cooperation with the experienced operators of Yongsheng. It was a completely new situation for us and if for the first machine we still had some German colleagues at the customer’s site, we had to install and start-up the second machine completely with our local team. Therefore, it was a great success to deliver and start up the lines on time, to finally ensure a successful project for our partner. We are looking forward to continuing this great cooperation with Yongsheng.

As a matter of fact, a new agreement including two additional primary slitter rewinders - MONOSLIT 9000 BOPET and MONOSLIT GIANT 11000 BOPET – has been signed, thus confirming Yongsheng’s satisfaction with GOEBEL IMS technology and quality.

Mr. Xu Yongming (General Manager of Zheijiang Yongsheng) adds: “We are very happy with our decision and to have GOEBEL IMS as a reliable partner on our side. Even in these difficult times we always got the full support from GOEBEL IMS and managed a successful start-up of the first two projects. Therefore, we decided to continue our partnership and we ordered two additional GOEBEL IMS primary slitter rewinders, another MONOSLIT 9000 BOPET and a MONOSLIT GIANT 11000 BOPET for our first 10.6m BOPET production line. We are looking forward to continuing this fruitful partnership too.

” For further information on GOEBEL IMS machines for the film industry : https://goebelims.com/en/application/film/

About IMS TECHNOLOGIES

Born from the union of specialized, diversified companies, IMS TECHNOLOGIES is an international standard-setter in the engineering and manufacturing of high-tech customized machinery in multiple sectors such as Converting, Packaging, Automotive, and other industries. Thanks to its extensive know-how and expertise and its long history, stretching back to 1851, IMS TECHNOLOGIES is able to develop solutions complying with the highest standards in terms of productivity, quality and precision and to offer them to the market through its world-renowned brands.

New “direct weld” machinery at Gronau plant incorporates advanced technology, expanding company’s client servicing abilities in Europe and beyond.

TekniPlex Consumer Products has expanded its state-of-the-art vent manufacturing with newly added capacity at its Gronau plant. The addition of new machinery allows the company to directly weld venting capabilities into closures, servicing a global roster of customers as a full-service solutions provider while meeting closure application needs for the industrial and agro-chemical markets worldwide.

As TekniPlex continues to scale up capacity around the globe, the new machinery in Germany extends the company’s direct welding capabilities from the U.S. to Europe and builds on existing venting in lining capabilities in those locations.

“The addition of venting capabilities to our Gronau facility allows us to be a full-service solutions provider for our overseas customers, with the ability to respond faster and more comprehensively to global needs,” said Dirk De Mulder, sales director for the liners business in Europe and Asia. “We are committed to continue identifying new opportunities that serve our customers where they are, and where they need us most.”

Direct weld venting allows for the membrane to be welded directly to the closure, eliminating the need for a liner. The new machinery incorporates advanced technology, providing superior welds and faster throughput for liner-less closures such as totes, jerry cans, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and other industrial containers. Applications for direct welding closures include motor oil, janitorial products, industrial cleaning products, agro chemicals, and more.

Vented liners and closures allow for pressure equalization in a sealed container, preventing expansion, contraction, contamination, and leakage. Controlled airflow has always been critical for aggressive compounds that off-gas or scavenge oxygen; however, recently even containers with benign ingredients require venting due to sudden pressure and temperature changes that occur during e-commerce.

“In addition to the new venting capabilities at the Gronau facility, our customers will have access to expertise by specialists who understand their unique needs,” said De Mulder. “On-site manufacturing also will mean shorter lead times, lower freight costs, and fewer duties and tariffs for our customers.”

TekniPlex Consumer Products will stock inventory at the Gronau facility in some of the most common liner/closure materials and sizes, and will soon be able to manufacture thousands of combinations to engineer solutions for an even wider variety of containers and closures.

Initially, TekniPlex will utilize the new venting capabilities at the Gronau facility to serve the European, Middle Eastern, Indian, and North African markets. The company has plans to further expand venting capabilities to the TekniPlex Consumer Products facility in India.

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 and 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. For more information, visit www.tekni-plex.com/consumer

Chuk, the flagship brand of Yash Pakka Limited, one of the pioneers in the sustainable packaging industry since the p

Mondi has teamed up with German bike manufacturer Diamant to wrap and protect its branded mountain and trekking bikes
Diamant is replacing its plastic bubble wrap around bike handlebars with Mondi’s pre-made paper Protector Bags
The new system will protect bikes during transportation and reduce Diamant’s plastic packaging by around 85% per year
Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has entered the bike packaging market with its Protector Bags, providing a new sustainable solution for Diamant to replace plastic wrapping used around the handlebars of its Trek and Diamant brands.

Germany’s oldest bike manufacturer will now use Mondi’s recyclable Protector Bags that are made from renewable materials. The change means that Diamant will reduce its plastic use by 16 tonnes every year – around 85% of its previous consumption – as well as saving costs in logistics and transportation.

The pre-made paper bags do not require additional wrapping or taping, as they are ready to use with a tailored closure strip developed specifically for the bicycle industry. Created from two plies of paper, Mondi’s Protector Bags are strong and flexible, making them highly puncture-proof – and they protect the bikes during storage and transport with a softer interior glaze that is friction-resistant. Due to the air permeability of paper, the bags are also breathable. Additionally, handlebar grips made of rubber can emit moisture or gas that can evaporate easily with this new packaging.  

Storage and transportation costs have been significantly reduced: the Protector Bags are delivered flat, meaning more can be carried on a pallet, providing a more cost-efficient stacking compared to plastic bubble wrap reels that transport excess air. In addition, Mondi produces the paper bags at its Trebsen plant in Germany, which is only an hour from Diamant’s factory, compared to the previous bubble wrap alternative, which was sourced abroad.

Geoffrey Ziegahn, Senior Engineer, Diamant, says: “Our development team worked very closely with Mondi to create these uniquely tailored bags, which will provide increased protection for the handlebars of all mountain and trekking bikes of our brands Trek and Diamant during transportation. This is a major step towards our sustainability goals: we aim to only use recyclable packaging by the end of this year and replace all plastic and bubble wrap with paper-based solutions. Mondi’s careful and thorough approach to the challenge has demonstrated how we can achieve this – we are saving transportation costs, storage space and are contributing to a better world by making this big change.”

This is a fantastic example of how our EcoSolutions approach can work for customers in a wide range of industries, and we are delighted to make our first foray into bike packaging with our Protector Bags. Diamant’s bikes need to be protected from scratches during transport. While the previous plastic bubble wrap protected the product, Diamant was looking for packaging made from paper. By going onto the factory floor and assessing all areas of manufacturing, storage and transportation, we were able to develop a bespoke version of our existing Protector Bags, which are easily sealed on site, provide all the protection needed, save the customer money and help them achieve their sustainability goals.

Nadja Nickel, Sales Manager Protector Bags, Mondi
 
Mondi’s Protector Bags are made from renewable resources, responsibly sourced and are created from two layers of durable kraft paper. They are flexible, cost-efficient and completely recyclable, and can be disposed of safely in existing waste streams throughout Europe.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films, to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer-centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2021, Mondi had revenues of €7.7 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.5 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP). Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

Capable of handling up to 400 pieces per minute, the HC-A-IS Checkweigher efficiently helps eliminate reputation-damaging underfills or costly overfills.

Lawrenceville, GA – WIPOTEC-OCS, a leading manufacturer and supplier of precision in-motion weighing, track and trace/anti-counterfeiting solutions and X-Ray scanning equipment, will offer live demonstrations of a novel revolving, in-motion weighing system at COSMOPROF North America, July 12-14 in Las Vegas. At Booth #54056, the company will showcase its HC-A-IS Checkweigher, designed for the precision weighing of often wobbly cylindrical products such as bottles, jars and vials common to the cosmetics sector.

The HC-A-IS Checkweigher utilizes WIPOTEC’s signature Electro-Magnetic Force Restoration (EMFR) weigh cells, a next-generation technique that guarantees optimal weighing results even at high line speeds. The machine features a revolving weighing system that segregates each product, weighs it independently, and returns it to the line, providing exemplary accuracy even at high speeds. The resulting precision helps eliminate reputation-damaging underfills or costly overfills.

The HC-A-IS Checkweigher has a maximum throughput of 400 pieces per minute, and easily fits into existing packaging lines. It is available in flexible rotating star wheel configurations that can weigh 1, 2, 3, or 4 products at a time. The machine features a unique ergonomic design that allows the HC-A-IS to be placed in virtually any position adjacent to a packaging line; disconnecting the production line is not necessary, further simplifying the checkweigher’s installation.

The checkweigher features a broad selection of sorting devices and product handling options to meet product-specific requirements. Should one be necessary, WIPOTEC also can custom engineer a made-to-order product handling mechanism. The machine features a 15” touchscreen display for easy, menu-driven operations.

“More and more, the cosmetics sector is demanding advanced quality control solutions that provide exemplary inspection without sacrificing rapid throughput,” said Lashon Jones, Senior North America Marketing Manager for WIPOTEC-OCS. “Sophisticated checkweighers like our HC-A-IS meet these evolving needs, and we look forward to showcasing the machine’s differentiating weighing technology at COSMOPROF North America.”

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About WIPOTEC-OCS, Inc.

WIPOTEC-OCS, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of precision in-motion product weighing, X-Ray scanning, product inspection, parcel dimensioning, package marking, and serialization and aggregation equipment. The company's weighing, inspection, and track and trace solutions serve applications in a broad array of industries, including pharmaceutical, food, chemical, cosmetics, healthcare, e-commerce and logistics.

Located in the Atlanta, GA suburb of Lawrenceville, WIPOTEC-OCS headquarters includes a demonstration showroom, customer application engineering labs, a spare parts warehouse, and state-of-the-art meeting and training rooms. The company is part of Germany-based WIPOTEC group, which employs more than 1,000 people worldwide and has been pioneering dynamic weighing solutions for more than three decades. For more information, call (678) 344-8300 or visit http://www.wipotec-ocs.com/us/.

Focusing on sustainability as well as functionality, Weener Plastics (WP) has developed a revolutionary spray system

Project will encompass more than 2,700 solar panels, generating some 15% of plant’s power.

Hoffmann Neopac, a global provider of high-quality packaging for pharma, beauty and oral care, is continuing its organization-wide sustainability initiative with a sizable solar power panel installation at its manufacturing facility in Debrecen, Hungary.

Spanning more than 10,000 square meters (over 100,000 square feet), the project includes the installation of more than 2,700 panels. Once up and running, the panels will produce about 1,500,000 kWh – approximately 15% of the plant’s electricity consumption. The clean energy initiative represents an investment of more than $500,000 USD.

Also in Debrecen, Neopac is undertaking a materials reuse program in which waste from its signature Polyfoil® tubes will be utilized by a local company to produce new solar panels for use throughout the city. The effort exemplifies Neopac’s commitment to moving toward comprehensive green manufacturing practices.

The solar panel installations in Debrecen come on the heels of a similar initiative at Neopac’s Switzerland facilities. Last year, the company installed one of Switzerland’s largest solar power systems. At a cost of over 2 million Swiss Francs ($2.2 million), the extensive green energy initiative is making Hoffmann Neopac fully electricity sustainable at each of its two manufacturing sites in its home country.

In addition, a wide variety of EcoDesign solutions support the company’s commitment to sustainability-minded production breakthroughs. These includes high-density polyethylene (HDPE) caps; Recycled tubes with 64% PCR content; Lightweight plastic tubes with 30% weight reduction in the tube body; and bio-based tubes such as the novel PICEA wood-based tube. In the tin sector, the company has achieved full packaging steel circularity in collaboration with its steel supplier. The result has been the recent launch of RecyCan®, which is comprised of 100% PCR steel from German households.

About Hoffmann Neopac

Hoffmann Neopac is 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 Holland; Polyfoil® and plastic tubes with NEOPAC in Switzerland, Hungary and the US; and 3D Neopac 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, Neopac 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 with renewable electricity and 
corporate culture, including a dedicated eco-conscious packaging portfolio. For more 
information, visit www.neopac.com.

Across two booths, TekniPlex Healthcare will exhibit materials science solutions for blisters, vials, bottles and droppers, among other applications.

Wayne, PA – TekniPlex Healthcare, which utilizes advanced materials science expertise to help deliver better patient outcomes, will highlight a broad range of products spanning multiple healthcare areas at Pharmapack Paris, May 18-19. The company will have an especially strong presence at the show, with two booths in Hall 7.2: TekniPlex Healthcare, Europe at Stand A96, and TekniPlex Healthcare Division business Lameplast at Stand E23.

Combined, TekniPlex Healthcare – one of TekniPlex’s two major divisions – will showcase a robust range of solutions for drug delivery, including plastic single- and multi-dose containers for pharmaceutical and healthcare applications, super barrier coated PVDC PVC and Aclar® laminates for pharmaceutical blister applications, COC (cyclic olefin copolymer) coextrusions for diagnostic and pharmaceutical applications, and LDPE cleanroom bags.

“Participating in this year’s Pharmapack Paris will be special for several reasons,” said Bryan Wesselman, VP of Sales & Marketing, TekniPlex Healthcare. “For starters, it’s exhilarating to return to in-person events and engage with our customers, partners and industry friends face to face. This is also a key opportunity to showcase the total solutions of the Healthcare division, and we look forward to sharing our strengthened brand presence along with our wide range of materials science solutions.”

TekniPlex Healthcare, Europe (Stand A96)

TekniPlex Healthcare, Europe will exhibit an array of ISO 8 cleanroom-manufactured COC products well suited to help bring multiple novel diagnostic assays, such as PCR and ELISA, to market. Its polypropylene-COC coextrusions are also ideal for pharmaceutical blisters and other moisture-sensitive applications. Both are halogen-free and recyclable in the PP stream, making them more sustainable packaging alternatives.

Lameplast, a TekniPlex Healthcare business (Stand E23)

The Lameplast single-dose packaging system features pre-made unit dose vials providing higher levels of precision, functionality and quality control compared to blow/fill/seal applications. Benefits include improved aesthetics (no burrs), uniform orifice/drug delivery, flexible closure design and printing, options for multilayer molding with barrier materials (as opposed to just one material), more uniform wall thickness, and reclosability. None of these are possible when unit-dose vials are blown, filled and sealed in one stage.

TekniPlex Healthcare also will feature its series of dropper bottles, which have capacities from 5 to 30 ml and are fitted with droppers of 0.03-0.04-0.05 ml and tamper evident or child-resistant caps. Other containers also are available for specific uses, such as a 10 ml bottle compatible with Aptar’s OSD (ophthalmic squeeze dispenser), or a dual-chamber bottle with reservoir.

Other bottle-applicator combinations from TekniPlex include solutions for rectal, vaginal and topical use. The product range includes bottles with pre-inserted or separately packaged cannulas, bottles for rectal use with cannulas, micro-enemas, applicators for vaginal cream and tubes with applicators.

About Tekni-Plex Healthcare

Tekni-Plex Healthcare utilizes advanced materials science expertise and technologies to develop and deliver critical solutions for medical and diagnostic devices, drug delivery systems and healthcare packaging applications. With a global reach, the division’s deep understanding of the greater pharmaceuticals and medical landscape helps it produce exemplary barrier properties for drugs and precision medical devices for interventional and therapeutic procedures. Tekni-Plex Healthcare’s ever-evolving portfolio helps meet demands for high-leverage medicines and mission-critical healthcare products that benefit care providers and patients.

About Tekni-Plex

Tekni-Plex is a globally integrated company that provides innovative solutions through material science and manufacturing technologies. A global leader in the Healthcare and Consumer Product markets, Tekni-Plex provides medical device components and a multitude of material science solutions that lead to a healthier and more sustainable world. Its solutions are found in some of the most well-known names in the Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Personal Care, Household and Food & Beverage markets. Headquartered in Wayne, Pa., Tekni-Plex employs 7,000 people throughout its operations in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Northern Ireland and the United States. For more information visit www.tekni-plex.com.

Activ-Blister™ active packaging solutions deliver enhanced product stability and expedited speed-to-market for oral solid dose drugs in the EU

Aptar CSP Technologies, part of AptarGroup, Inc. and a leader in active material science solutions to ensure product protection, extend shelf life and improve patient experience, announces a new manufacturing site able to produce its Activ-Blister™ Solutions for oral slide dose drugs in Europe. The move is part of a key strategic effort to expand production of Activ-Blister™ technology globally and is the result of a 3-way collaboration between Aptar CSP, Uhlmann (a leading pharmaceutical packaging equipment manufacturer), and Ivers-Lee, www.iverslee.com, (a local contract manufacturing organization).

This collaboration consists of a fully automated Uhlmann blister machine validated to package oral solid dose drug products with Activ-Blister™ Solutions heat-staked to the foil at a rate of up to 250 blisters per minute (Figure 1). The equipment is designed to integrate Activ-Blister™ technology into the blister cavity with precision placement (Figure 2). The equipment has been fully-validated and is in place at Ivers-Lee, a CMO capable of manufacturing Activ-Blister™ solutions from R&D to commercialization. A CMO in EMEA will support regional customers and ensure speed-to-market

“Expanding global manufacturing sites for Activ-Blister™ technology reflects our commitment to delivering global access to innovative active material science solutions for patients and consumers,” said Badre Hammond, VP Commercial Operations and GM APAC, Aptar CSP Technologies. “With manufacturing capabilities now available in in both the US and EMEA, we will turn our attention to bringing production of this technology to the Asia market.”

Activ-Blister™ Solutions integrates Aptar CSP’s proprietary 3-Phase Activ-Polymer^™ platform technology into individual blister cavities to provide precision microclimate protection for sensitive drug products. This technology can be customized specifically for the drug developer’s formulation to provide a broad spectrum of specific drug protection including moisture adsorption, and oxygen and odor scavenging. The technology can also scavenge volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and emit aromas.

Representatives from Aptar CSP Technologies will be available at Pharmapack on May 18-19 in Paris, France to provide more information on this collaboration and the opportunities it presents. Visit Aptar at booth E46 or contact Francois Bidet at +33 6 2078 8153 or Francois.Bidet@Aptar.com to schedule a meeting.

About Aptar CSP Technologies
Aptar CSP Technologies is part of AptarGroup, Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacturing of a broad range of drug delivery, consumer product dispensing and active material science solutions and services. Aptar CSP Technologies leverages its active material science expertise to transform ideas into market opportunities, accelerate and de-risks the product development process, and provide complete solutions that improve consumers’ and patients’ lives. The company offers a complete set of services from concept ideation, to design and engineering, to product development, global production, quality control, and regulatory support that results in expedited speed-to-market. For more information, please visit www.csptechnologies.com and www.aptar.com.