Sustainable innovation

TricorBraun said the acquisition would allow it to strengthen its European presence

In September, snacks and beverage giant PepsiCo announced its latest sustainability programme, PepsiCo Positive (Pep+

Companies operating in emerging markets, low volume producers and pilot plants need such a system offering a compact

Crystal Lake, Illinois and Cardiff, United Kingdom, October 21, 2021 - Aptar Pharma, a global leader in drug delivery systems, services and active material science solutions, and i2c Pharmaceutical Services, a leading service provider for the development of pharmaceutical formulations, today announced an exclusive partnership to co-develop and promote i2c’s patented pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) technology, Respitab.

As part of the agreement, Aptar Pharma, who is the market leader in pulmonary drug delivery device solutions for the management and treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), will evaluate the commercial applications for Respitab, in particular for new, lower global warming potential (GWP) propellants.

Respitab is a propellant dispersible tablet that eliminates the need for a complex mixing process used in standard pMDI manufacturing. A patented, innovative platform which enables the transition to the next generation of pMDIs for a range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and combination products, Respitab is also a cost-effective approach for new chemical entity (NCE) and generic pMDI products, simplifying the manufacturing process for HFC 152a and other propellants.

Suitable for APIs with different physicochemical properties, Respitab has highly efficient aerosol properties and dose uniformity characteristics. Respitab’s other advantages include reduced waste and API losses, as well as ease of scalability.

Howard Burnett, Vice President Global Pulmonary Category, Aptar Pharma commented, “We are pleased to partner with i2c on this novel technology which brings many benefits to the filling of metered dose inhalers. This development further enhances Aptar Pharma’s industry- leading portfolio of devices, which, combined with our broad spectrum of Aptar Pharma Services, allows us to offer end-to-end support to our clients and partners.

We are excited by this partnership with Aptar Pharma which brings together substantial synergies to provide a lower GWP product range to patients in the pMDI format, the most popular inhaler type across the globe,” added Glyn Taylor, CSO of i2c Pharmaceutical Services.

About Aptar Pharma

Aptar Pharma 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. Aptar’s innovative solutions and services serve a variety of end markets including pharmaceutical, beauty, personal care, home, food and beverage. Using insights, proprietary design, engineering and science to create dispensing, dosing and protective technologies for many of the world’s leading brands, Aptar in turn makes a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of patients and consumers around the world. Aptar is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois and has 13,000 dedicated employees in 20 countries. For more information, visit www.aptar.com.

About i2c

i2c Pharmaceutical Services, as a part of Cardiff Scintigraphics Limited, is a leading independent service provider to the global pharma, medical technology companies and emerging clients for the development of pharmaceutical formulations and inhaler devices from its facilities in Cardiff, Wales. Established almost 30 years ago, i2c have built a wealth of experience and knowledge in the area of respiratory pharmaceutical formulation, device development and research. i2c have fulfilled studies for more than 50 different pharma companies. For more information, visit www.i2cpharm.co.uk.

Leading European thermoforming packaging specialist Waddington® Europe, a division of Novolex®, has launched a new 10

Company’s $4M investment expected to generate 60 percent of the facility’s electricity needs.

Rondo-Pak, a leading provider of quality folding cartons and printed components for the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer industries, has announced its investment of over $4 million in a major solar energy project at its primary manufacturing facility in Camden, New Jersey. Once installed, the project will provide 2.2 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy per year.

The new solar panels will cover the entire facility and will include newly-constructed canopies over 90% of the parking lots. Over 25 years, the system will generate approximately 52.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and is expected to provide at least 60% of the electricity needs at the facility. Dynamic Energy Solutions, LLC, an independent solar energy provider with headquarters in Wayne, Pennsylvania, will provide engineering, procurement and construction services, which commenced in October.

“This solar energy project is an exciting one for Rondo-Pak as it represents a major milestone in our continuous pursuit to reduce our carbon footprint and make positive contributions to the environment,” said Tim Moreton, Chief Executive Officer of Rondo-Pak. “While we expect to maximize our electricity savings, our driving force in this initiative is to do our part in creating a more sustainable future for our community.”

Rondo-Pak has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and has made many investments over the years demonstrating this commitment. In 2015, the company purchased its current Camden facility and completed a major renovation which was designed following the New Jersey Green Building Standards and ASHRAE requirements. All recent equipment investments are made with sustainability being a primary factor in the equipment selection. Additionally, Rondo-Pak is a FSC Certified Supplier, uses vegetable-based inks and has aggressive recycling and water usage reduction programs in place.

About Rondo-Pak

Rondo-Pak/Contemporary Graphic Solutions is a global print and packaging specialist whose unique blend of capabilities and forward thinking yields present-day solutions for tomorrow’s challenges. Strategically aligned with Körber Pharma to link packaging equipment, materials, and software, Rondo-Pak provides a comprehensive assortment of marketing and packaging solutions to address challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry, including global brand management, packaging efficiency, and supply chain optimization.

In combination with a wide range of printed materials such as cartons, inserts, leaflets, medication guides and regulated marketing materials, Rondo-Pak’s packaging innovations address precise requirements for compliance, child resistance, anti-counterfeiting, e-pedigree and more. For more information, visit www.rondopak.com

After strengthening its presence with 15 acquisitions in Europe, the leading packaging supplier and services provider is now launching a rebranding process. The aim is to be a global player rooted in local territories.

– Berlin Packaging, a leading supplier of glass, plastic and metal packaging and closures, has today announced that companies acquired in the EMEA region, which until now have retained their own brand accompanied by the wording “a Berlin Packaging company”, will take the name of Berlin Packaging along with that of their geographical region.

Bruni Glass | Berlin Packaging will continue to exist as a commercial brand to emphasise the reputation and historical importance that lives on in the new entity's most prestigious glass packaging collections.

“The rebranding operation is part and parcel of our “glocal” expansion plan, which strives for new European acquisitions and investments, while building the brand awareness of our company as a Hybrid Packaging Supplier”, says Paolo Recrosio, CEO of Berlin Packaging EMEA. In 2021, Berlin Packaging concluded almost one acquisition per month in EMEA, and we expect to continue with the same intensity in the next 12-18 months, adding operations that increase the company’s EMEA revenue which is now approaching $1billion. New offices will be opened in EMEA, from France to Holland and the new headquarters for the entire EMEA area will be located in Milan

Berlin Packaging views each acquisition with an eye towards organic growth. Our approach involves retaining the acquired company’s employees, leadership teams, and physical locations, making them strategic partners of our team under the same banner. Our size and global scale brings unique capabilities and new value-added services to our newly-acquired companies – including innovation and design, financial backing and resources, 1700 global suppliers, local warehousing/fulfillment, and consulting services in critical areas such as sustainability and branding,” explains Bill Hayes, CEO and President of Berlin Packaging

Berlin Packaging currently invests from 3% to 5% of its revenue in Europe in research and development, focusing on intellectual property, models and patents.

Over the past 18 months the workforce in EMEA grew by over 170 people, approaching 1000 employees.

Berlin Packaging Berlin Packaging is the World’s Largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier® specialised in the supply of glass, plastic and metal containers and closures. Each year, the company provides millions of articles to customers in all sectors, together with packaging design services, financing, consultancy, storage and logistics.

Roboze has equipped its flagship 3D printer – the ARGO 500 – with an advanced B&R automation solution. The printer integrates additive manufacturing into the industrial production workflow with repeatable high precision and full process control. It reduces lead times and lowers the cost of creating custom metal-replacement components used under extreme conditions in industries such as aerospace, energy and motorsport.
Additive technology shows great promise for helping manufacturers meet changing market demands. Until now, however, inconsistent results and lack of industrial integration have prevented 3D printers from assuming a position alongside traditional machine tools on the plant floor. "Our collaboration with B&R has proven that, if designed from the beginning as fully connected industrial machines, 3D printers can do far more than just prototyping," says Roboze's founder and CEO, Alessio Lorusso. "Thanks to the advanced automation solution we developed with B&R, Roboze's additive technology will lead the way into the future of adaptive manufacturing."
Comprehensive control and connectivity
The ARGO 500 offers fully automated control of every step in the high-temperature printing process. Following each print cycle, it generates a comprehensive process data log to create a digital model and allow automatic certification of every part produced. Remote connectivity enables predictive diagnostics to maximize availability and productivity, while also allowing the ARGO 500 to evolve over time with easily updated features, parameters and intelligence. 
Mechatronic precision
The advanced control system and Roboze's patented beltless technology increase printing speed and deliver repeatable precision six times higher than can be achieved with belt-driven printers. That precision is critical, because the ARGO 500 prints super polymers and composite materials that replace metal alloys in applications where they are subjected to high temperatures, abrasive chemicals and extreme mechanical stress. The parts must meet exacting demands on material properties and dimensional tolerances that have previously only been achieved using traditional processes like injection molding or CNC machining. 
"Thanks to our shared vision for the future of manufacturing and B&R's great experience in industrial control and automation, we are proud to say the ARGO 500 represents the state of the art of industrial 3D printing technology for super polymers and composite materials," says Lorusso. "Together, we are well on our way to achieving our goal of changing the way objects are produced."
 

About B&R

B&R is an innovative automation company with headquarters in Austria and offices all around the world. On July 6, 2017, B&R became a business unit of the ABB Group. As a global leader in industrial automation, B&R combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and factory automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. With Industrial IoT communication standards like OPC UA, POWERLINK and openSAFETY as well as the powerful Automation Studio software development environment, B&R is constantly redefining the future of automation engineering. The innovative spirit that keeps B&R at the forefront of industrial automation is driven by a commitment to simplifying processes and exceeding customer expectations

Mondi’s new paper packaging for French Group LSDH’s Les Crudettes salads can be recycled in France
This is the first commercial food product that uses Mondi’s functional barrier paper 95/5 to replace plastic bags
The new sustainable packaging saves 137 tonnes of plastic per year, the equivalent weight of one blue whale

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has introduced its first recyclable functional barrier paper bag for salads in the Group LSDH’s Les Crudettes range. The sustainable packaging is a fully integrated solution – Mondi operates across the value chain from sustainably managed forests, to producing pulp and kraft paper, applying the coating and printing the final material.

 
The French salad brand has replaced its transparent glossy polypropylene (PP) packaging with Mondi’s recyclable functional barrier paper for a selection of its pre-washed, ready-to-eat salads. The new packaging is 95% paper with a functional barrier layer, meaning the salad remains fresh for up to 10 days - the same amount of time as with the previous plastic packaging. It is verified as recyclable in the waste paper stream in France by the Recycling Authority (Cerec).

The bags are flexoprinted, with lifelike depictions of the salad contents on the front, along with a QR Code, which informs consumers about the contents, quality, recycling and even refund policy, if they happen to purchase a bag where the contents are not as fresh as expected. 

Using its unique EcoSolutions approach, Mondi worked closely with LSDH, and its machine supplier Ilapak, to ensure that the new packaging is fit-for-purpose and can run on existing machines. The new solution is sustainable by design, and will support LSDH Group in meeting its sustainability goal of reducing the amount of plastic in its packaging.

We evaluated everything, from sourcing, to machinery, and the recycling process – all while collaborating closely with LSDH to deliver a sustainable solution without compromising on packaging performance. A key focus of our Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030) is to develop innovative packaging that keeps materials in circulation and prevents waste. We are proud to see our new circular-driven functional barrier paper being part of the solution. In particular as all converting steps are fully integrated across our value chain - from paper production to barrier application and printing.

Géraldine Collet, Marketing and Innovation Director, Les Crudettes / Groupe LSDH adds: “This is just the first step in the sustainability journey of our ready-to-eat salad range. The results are exciting - the packaging is created on existing machines, it looks great on-shelf, is resistant to humidity and supports our sustainability goals. These salad bags could revolutionise the ready-to-eat salad market, hugely reducing the amount of plastic needed, all while keeping the food fresh.

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 2020, Mondi had revenues of €6.66 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.35 billion.

Reduced, smart, and high-quality – the packaging and design market is changing. Materials solutions that accompany manufacturers on this journey are in demand. KRAIBURG TPE meets this demand with a new materials series: The TPEs were developed in relation to the market demands for valuable solutions. The result is a product series designed especially for applications that want to put emphasis on outstanding touch quality – combined with an attractive price.

There is a worldwide change in the way of thinking – the “less is more” mindset is driven particularly by more conscious and longer-term purchase decisions. This means that customers are targeting development and design departments and bind them to break new ground. Whether plastics are used as (a part of) packaging or individual design element or component – the requirements for them are increasing and solutions are in demand that save resources and provide additional added value such as outstanding touch quality. For this reason, KRAIBURG TPE is now offering thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) particularly suited for applications that benefit from a surface with optimized gliding properties. The focus is clearly on packaging for high-quality cosmetic products but also on direct additions for consumer products from the electronics or household sectors. Launching products is made easier, as Smooth Touch TPEs also meet standard regulations for the food sector

With the new series, KRAIBURG TPE takes a decisive step: it was developed based on formulations and experiences from the medical sector to meet the requirements for excellent frictional behavior. This is the reason why the new products are also an ideal materials solution for diverse market industries that require a surface with optimized gliding properties and want the end user to benefit from a unique touch quality. The series also provides adhesion to polyolefins such as polypropylene and can easily be ejected. In addition, the compounds comply with REACH and RoHS requirements. The compounds can be produced in any color the customer desires.

An overview of other advantages Smooth Touch TPEs provide:

• Good mechanical properties

• Excellent compression set

• Chemical resistance

• Suitable for multi-component injection molding

• Conformity with Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011

• Conformity with Mercosur No 39/19

• Conformity with GB 4806-2016

• Conformity with US FDA CFR 21

• Conformity with DIN EN 71-3

“Motivated by the requirements for design and packaging, we are very well prepared for current and future projects with these new, advanced compounds. We are looking forward to many exciting projects with this new Smooth Touch series, which is also particularly convincing in cases where low surface friction is required,” summarizes B. Eng. Eugen Andert at KRAIBURG TPE.

About KRAIBURG TPE

KRAIBURG TPE (www.kraiburg-tpe.com) is a global manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomers. From its beginning in 2001 as subsidiary of the historical KRAIBURG Group founded in 1947, KRAIBURG TPE has pioneered in TPE compounds, today being the competence leader in this industry. With production sites in Germany, the US, and Malaysia the company offers a broad range of compounds for applications in the automotive, industrial, consumer, and for the strictly regulated medical sectors. The established THERMOLAST®, COPEC®, HIPEX®, and For Tec E® product lines are processed by injection molding or extrusion and provide numerous processing and product design advantages to manufacturers. KRAIBURG TPE features innovative capabilities as well as true global customer orientation, customized product solutions and reliable service. The company is certified to ISO 50001 at its headquarters in Germany and holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications at all global sites. In 2020, KRAIBURG TPE generated sales of 184 million euros with around 650 worldwide employees.

New “Refill Revolution” collection of refillable packaging solutions offers greater sustainable impact and a circular design system.

Los Angeles, CA – WWP Beauty, a world-class, full-service supplier to the global beauty industry, has launched its new, Refill Revolution collection featuring a series of refillable packaging solutions that reduce carbon emissions, promote a more circular design system and spark joy for environmentally-conscious brands and consumers through reduced waste and packaging. 
Each of the components in this collection features a refillable design with measured carbon emissions reduction targeting different categories of beauty. 
-    Refill Revolution Airless Pens: Features touchless, sensorial and integrated applicators that reduce carbon emissions by up to 60% after three refills. The applicator options include a cooling metal roller ball applicator for spot treatments and eye serums, a triple micro roller ball applicator for targeted eye and lip treatments, and an oval brush applicator for concealers and liquid complexion products. The smart, low-profile design of these pens make them an easy refill system to integrate into an existing cosmetic line. 
 
-    Refill Revolution Multi-Use Face Stick: A patented, award-winning design that produces 72% fewer GHG emissions after three refills when compared to a standard, non-refillable face stick of the same size and shape. Additionally, this component features a multi-purpose, direct-apply design that produces minimal refill waste and can be made with PCR content. A great option for color cosmetic and skincare formulations. 
-    Refill Revolution Multi-Use Body Stick: A patent-pending, award-winning design featuring an intuitive, easy-to-use refillable system with a mono-material refill cartridge and the option to add PCR content. This component reduces GHG emissions by up to 71% after three refills and is an ideal option for body care, personal care and hygiene products, and skincare.
-    Refill Revolution Powered Up Pump: A keepsake design that preserves formula integrity, is easy to refill and has the option to add PCR content for increased sustainability claims. Can be used for color cosmetics, skincare and haircare products. 
-    Refill Revolution Refill & Go Bottle: A portable, compact design that can be easily refilled and taken on the go. With this component, the options for refilling are endless, and it can be used for a wide range of cream or gel-based formulas in color cosmetics, skincare, body care, personal care and haircare. 
“This collection of intuitive refillable packaging was designed with components that could be used across all categories of beauty to show brands the possibilities of applying a refillable program to their existing line,” said Michael Tognetti, Global Sustainability Senior Director, WWP Beauty. “Using our Eco-Analyzer tool, we have generated validated sustainability claims and carbon emissions reduction percentages to show our customers the sustainable impact refillable packaging has.”  
The new Refill Revolution collection further demonstrates WWP Beauty’s commitment to producing new solutions for its customer, and working towards creating a more sustainable, clean and inclusive future. 
 

About WWP Beauty
WWP Beauty is committed to developing future-focused, sustainable solutions for the global beauty industry through close collaboration, exceptional agility, and unparalleled scale. The company’s full-service offering of formula, packaging and accessories, paired with their in-house manufacturing capabilities allow them to stand out as the source for everything beauty. Through a worldwide team of beauty experts that span across North America, EMEA and APAC, WWP Beauty offers their customers global support at the local level. 

Technologies, part of AptarGroup, Inc., and a leader in active material science solutions that ensure product protection, extend shelf life and improve user experience, was awarded a $19 million contract from the U.S. government. This award will support expanded domestic production capacity for the company’s proprietary Activ-Film™ technology, which is used to protect and ensure COVID-19 test kit integrity and accuracy. 
Aptar CSP’s Activ-Film technology is seamlessly integrated into diagnostic dipsticks and lateral flow cassettes to protect diagnostic tests from moisture or other environmental degradants that can impact test integrity and result accuracy. Activ-Film leverages Aptar’s proprietary 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ platform technology to provide broad spectrum, custom-engineered protection delivered in a variety of configurations. The technology is formulated to adsorb a specific amount of moisture and other compounds at a customized rate, creating a consistent microclimate throughout the supply chain.  
“We are honored to partner with the U.S. government to deliver a much needed capacity expansion of our technology to support COVID-19 antigen at-home self-tests,” said John Belfance, President of Aptar CSP Technologies. The contract, funded by the 2021 America Rescue Plan Act 3080, provides for procurement of equipment and machinery needed to increase production of Activ-Film material at Aptar CSP’s Auburn, Alabama plant. Completion of this effort is expected in early 2023.

Aptar CSP’s active material science platform technology is currently used to protect a range of electrochemical, lateral flow, and molecular diagnostic test kits on the market today. Additionally, the technology is utilized in a variety of configurations for a wide range of application fields such as oral solid dose drugs, transdermal drug delivery, medical devices, and probiotics. The technology can be engineered to adsorb moisture, scavenge odor, oxygen, or VOCs, emit aromas, or reduce pathogens. 

“The continued need for testing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 along with pandemic-driven supply chain challenges has led to increased demand for our active material science solutions in the diagnostics space,” said Badre Hammond, VP Commercial Operations, Aptar CSP Technologies. “Building on current capacity, this funding will enable current and future partners to expand access to reliable diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases.” 

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. Aptar CSP Technologies is the premier active material science expert that transforms ideas into market opportunities, accelerates and de-risks the product development process, and provides 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.
 

In the "Circular Competence" interview series, the VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association asks its member companies about their plans, solutions and challenges on the road to the circular economy. What can the industry do to minimise the environmental footprint of packaging and other printed products?

Frankfurt, October 19, 2021 -Dr. Markus von Beyer, Head of Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability-(EHS&S) Management at LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG in Fürth, Germany, explains the family-owned company's environmental and sustainability strategies in an interview.

Do you use recycling and waste avoidance concepts in your own production?
KURZ has long been concerned with waste reduction and recycling management. The less waste generated in production, the lower the use of resources, the less material we have to purchase and the lower the disposal costs. We also use solvents recovered in production for cleaning purposes and instead of natural gas for heat generation. And, of course, we implement the Commercial Waste Ordinance. It is in our own interest to collect waste by type: The worse the waste is sorted, the more expensive it is to dispose of.

What Circular Economy solutions do you offer your customers?
First of all, by way of background: KURZ is a system provider of decoration and functional solutions, which are applied to a wide variety of substrates by hot and cold transfer, among other methods. We are active along the entire value chain, 

from the development of the coatings, which we apply µm-thin to carrier films, to the construction of the application machines and the provision of services. 
Our key contribution to the Circular Economy is that our µm-thin decorative and functional layers achieve maximum effect with minimum material input. Studies with institutes and recycling organizations prove that papers and packaging finished with our solutions do not cause any problems in established recycling processes. The same applies to plastic parts decorated with our film transfer processes. In technical approvals, we have proven this for finishing processes such as our InLine-Foiling or cold transfer. In the case of trim strips and radiator grilles for modern vehicles, which are provided with decorative and functional layers using in-mould decoration (IMD), recycling is also guaranteed.

What effect will that have?
Visible surfaces of components made of recycled plastic can be decorated again to a high standard using the IMD process, without any visual or functional disadvantages. KURZ decorations thus serve to enhance the value of recycled materials. We are also pushing ahead with recycling solutions for our carrier films. They have them made from recycled PET bottles, which currently has a disadvantage as recycled material is more expensive than virgin material. However, as recycling rates for PET products increase and more and more countries introduce deposit systems for them, this could soon change. For solvents, binders and other raw materials, we are also looking for recycled or bio-based materials. Above all, however, we have been investing a lot of time and money for years in the development of our own recycling process for PET carrier films. Today, we can obtain fiber raw materials or chips for film production from it. We continue to research and develop intensively in order to establish a genuine material cycle for the films. At the same time, we are analyzing the ecological footprint. If recycling were ultimately more energy and raw material intensive than the process with virgin material, nothing would be gained. We are concerned with viable solutions for the future, not with green marketing. With regard to our production and recycling processes, this means, among other things, that they are carried out as decentrally as possible close to the customer in the interests of short distances.

How does the topic affect your research, development and cooperation with customers, brand owners and material suppliers?
Cooperation has been getting closer for years. Circular Economy requires that actors along the value chains and material cycles coordinate. Everyone must take into account the needs and requirements of all the others in their processes. And in order to form cycles from previously linear processes, it is necessary to redefine interfaces. We need to know what our material suppliers are doing, how our customers' processes are running and what needs to be taken into account with regard to functioning recycling processes. We are involved in associations, initiatives and platforms in order to exchange ideas and share knowledge with a wide range of players in the value chain and to create design guidelines for recyclable products and packaging. The transformation towards the Circular Economy is an elaborate process that requires a great deal of communication and consultation, in which we systematically reduce our ecological footprint along the entire supply chain. 

Is the demand for your Circular Competence growing more regionally - or worldwide? 
That depends: Globally active brand manufacturers today set the same requirements everywhere. They drive their sustainability strategies worldwide and make no local exceptions. But in some regions, there are local customers who are not yet ready and have not yet closed their material cycles. However, since the Corona crisis at the latest, we have felt a shift in awareness towards sustainable action that is driven by facts and figures rather than marketing platitudes. Customers demand proof, certificates and third party audited figures. This increases the expense - but in this case it is welcome, because serious efforts become more credible.

Environmental protection is often driven by regulation. Are the framework conditions for the entry into the Circular Economy set correctly?
The degree of regulation required also depends on society. In Switzerland, for example, recycling works without a deposit system, while awareness of waste as a recyclable material is quite different in Asia. There, waste ends up in landfills or in rivers and oceans. In order to achieve climate and environmental goals, both legal requirements and individual and corporate responsibility are required. Environmental protection often causes initial costs, but then reduces ongoing costs through saved energy and resources. Regulations often provide the necessary impetus to overcome the initial cost hurdles. Internationally harmonized regulations are needed to ensure fair competitive conditions. Here in particular, there is still much to be done on the way to the Circular Economy.
 

Aptar CSP Technologies, part of AptarGroup, Inc., and a leader in active material science solutions that ensure product protection, extend shelf life and improve user experience, was awarded a $19 million contract from the U.S. government. This award will support expanded domestic production capacity for the company’s proprietary Activ-Film™ technology, which is used to protect and ensure COVID-19 test kit integrity and accuracy. 
Aptar CSP’s Activ-Film technology is seamlessly integrated into diagnostic dipsticks and lateral flow cassettes to protect diagnostic tests from moisture or other environmental degradants that can impact test integrity and result accuracy. Activ-Film leverages Aptar’s proprietary 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ platform technology to provide broad spectrum, custom-engineered protection delivered in a variety of configurations. The technology is

formulated to adsorb a specific amount of moisture and other compounds at a customized rate, creating a consistent microclimate throughout the supply chain.  
“We are honored to partner with the U.S. government to deliver a much needed capacity expansion of our technology to support COVID-19 antigen at-home self-tests,” said John Belfance, President of Aptar CSP Technologies. The contract, funded by the 2021 America Rescue Plan Act 3080, provides for procurement of equipment and machinery needed to increase production of Activ-Film material at Aptar CSP’s Auburn, Alabama plant. Completion of this effort is expected in early 2023.

Aptar CSP’s active material science platform technology is currently used to protect a range of electrochemical, lateral flow, and molecular diagnostic test kits on the market today. Additionally, the technology is utilized in a variety of configurations for a wide range of application fields such as oral solid dose drugs, transdermal drug delivery, medical devices, and probiotics. The technology can be engineered to adsorb moisture, scavenge odor, oxygen, or VOCs, emit aromas, or reduce pathogens. 

Aptar CSP Technologies“The continued need for testing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 along with pandemic-driven supply chain challenges has led to increased demand for our active material science solutions in the diagnostics space,” said Badre Hammond, VP Commercial Operations, Aptar CSP Technologies. “Building on current capacity, this funding will enable current and future partners to expand access to reliable diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases.” 

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. Aptar CSP Technologies is the premier active material science expert that transforms ideas into market opportunities, accelerates and de-risks the product development process, and provides 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.
 

In addition to its recently released Polyfoil MMB®, company will announce plans for a dedicated tube production line for cosmetics and oral care sectors at its US manufacturing facility.

Oberdiessbach, Switzerland – Hoffmann Neopac, a global provider of high-quality packaging for the cosmetics, pharma and oral care sector, will showcase new EcoDesign packaging solutions at Luxe Pack NY, October 27-28. At Stand F20, the company will feature its recently introduced mono-materials barrier tubes; discuss near-future plans for a tube line at its US manufacturing facility dedicated to serving the cosmetics and oral care sectors; and provide samples of its groundbreaking EcoDesign portfolio to interested booth visitors. 

For starters, Neopac’s Polyfoil® MMB mono-material barrier tube is a forward-thinking combination of practicality and eco-consciousness, the high-performance solution offers both superior product protection and significantly enhanced recyclability. The result is a carbon footprint reduction of up to 38% compared with traditional aluminum barrier tubes.

Owed to the company’s advancements in materials science, Polyfoil® MMB provides ideal product compatibility and packaging sustainability while keeping the attractive aesthetics for which its conventional Polyfoil® tubes are known. When combined with Neopac’s HDPE screw and hinge closures, Polyfoil® MMB tubes come fully ready for recycling in PE rigid streams; in fact, this tube-cap combination was the first of its kind to receive full technology & product approval from the EU’s discerning RecyClass sustainability verification organization. 

Also at Luxe Pack, Neopac will be discussing its plan for a production expansion at its manufacturing facility in Wilson, North Carolina. Initially opened in 2018 and focusing primarily on small tubes production, the plant currently has the capacity to make more than 80 million tubes per year. Soon, Neopac will be adding a new production line dedicated to tube solutions for the cosmetics and oral care sectors. 

Notably, the tube line will specialize in recycling-ready mono-material barrier tubes – the Polyfoil® MMB portfolio. As part of this effort, the technology has been submitted to the US Association of Plastic Recyclers for approval.

In addition, select visitors to Neopac’s Luxe Pack NY booth will receive an amenities giveaway exemplifying the company’s commitment to sustainability that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics. The gift includes samples of Neopac’s EcoDesign portfolio, which comprises Recycled Tube with 64% PCR content; Lightweight Polyfoil@ MMB tubes with 30% weight reduction in the tube body; Sugarcane Tube, made from renewable raw materials; and PICEA™ Tube, comprised of 95% renewable material in the tube body and shoulder – including 9% of spruce wood from wood waste in sawmills. 
 

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. 
 

Entry-level model completes proven TURBOLAB series

Cologne, October 2021 – With the TURBOLAB Core, vacuum specialist Leybold is launching a small plug-and-play high vacuum pumping system for research and laboratory and industrial applications. Within the TURBOLAB series, the compact tabletop unit fills the gap for entry-level vacuum needs that require a clean, dry, stable high and ultra-high vacuum. The TURBOLAB series is now available in a total of five variants featuring TURBOVAC 90 i and 250 i backed by DIVAC 1.4 and now covers the complete application spectrum for R&D and analytical applications.

Modular platform, easy service

The ergonomic, cost-effective system is made up of proven Leybold components: including the oil- and maintenance-free TURBOVAC i turbomolecular pump, the DIVAC 1.4 dry diaphragm backing pump and a simple controller. This provides users with the benefit of easy serviceability.

Foundation prevents vibrations

The equipment of the robust, low-noise high-vacuum system is geared to the specific ambient conditions of laboratories and research facilities: This is one of the reasons why the compact pumping station frame stands on rubber feet. "With this foundation, we prevent the transmission of vibrations, for example when the TURBOLAB Core is placed close to a microscope", explains the responsible Leybold product manager, Petr Lastovicka.

User friendly interface

Both the operation and the control of the TURBOLAB Core are intuitive and userfriendly - the controller also serves as a speed and pressure display. Optionally, the TURBOVAC i as well as the backing pump DIVAC can be started up with a time delay or pressure-dependent.

Coordinated model

"The bottom line is that with the compact TURBOLAB Core model we are rounding off our portfolio with a perfectly tuned model downwards," he says. "It will convince users with excellent pumping performance, a good price-performance ratio as well as simple operation and ease of maintenance," sums up product manager Petr Lastovicka.

About Leybold

Leybold is a part of the Atlas Copco’s Vacuum Technique business area and offers a broad range of advanced vacuum solutions for use in manufacturing and analytical processes, as well as for research purposes. The core capabilities centre on the development of application- and customer-specific systems for the creation of vacuums and extraction of processing gases. Fields of application are secondary metallurgy, heat treatment, automotive industry, coating technologies, solar and thin films such as displays, research & development, analytical instruments, food & packaging, as well as a multitude of other classic industrial processes.

About Atlas Copco Group

Our industrial ideas empower our customers to grow and drive society forward. This is how we create a better tomorrow. Atlas Copco is a global industrial group, founded in 1873 in Stockholm. In 2020, we had revenues of BSEK100 (BEUR 10) and at year end about 40 000 employees.

Gecko Green Line Premium: hubergroup continues to advance the sustainability of its portfolio
After the recent announcement of the Cradle to Cradle certification for its water-based HYDRO-X series, hubergrAbout hubergroupoup Print Solutions is now following up with solvent-based inks. The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute certified the flexographic and gravure ink series Gecko Green Line Premium with Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze. Thereby, hubergroup gives printers and packaging manufacturers the assurance that the composition and production of the ink series are designed sustainably.

Back in 2018, Gecko Green Line Premium was the first flexographic and gravure ink series worldwide to receive the C2C Certified Material Health CertificateTM at the Silver level. Since then, the ink specialist has continued to push the issue of sustainability within the company and has now achieved full certification at Bronze level for the ink series. As part of this certification, the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute does not only evaluate environmental and human toxicity ("material health") but also the categories of recyclability/circularity, use of renewable energy and carbon management, responsible water management and compliance with social standards.

Dr Lars Hancke, Business Development Manager Flexible Packaging at hubergroup, explains: "We look at sustainability holistically. After receiving the C2C Certified Material Health certificate, the logical next step for us was to organise our actions and processes even more sustainably. The Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program was exactly the right approach for us, as it is very comprehensive and rigorous."

Dr Lutz Frischmann, Global Product Director Flexible Packaging, adds: "Printers and packaging manufacturers can use our Gecko inks as usual. The certification has no impact on the application – it just gives our customers the assurance that we use high-quality, sustainable, and forwardlooking products."

Whether for water-based or solvent-based flexo and gravure printing, or even for offset printing - hubergroup now offers printing inks with full Cradle to Cradle certification for all these printing processes, enabling an extremely wide range of applications. This makes the ink specialist one of the companies with the broadest portfolio of sustainable printing inks.

About hubergroup

hubergroup is a family business based in southern Germany with a 255 year history. The Print Solutions division produces and sells printing inks and printing aids for packaging printing and commercial printing. The security inks segment for international banknote and identity document producers is covered by the subsidiary Gleitsmann Security-Inks. The Chemicals Division markets raw materials such as pigments, resins and additives produced in India. The company has always been focused on customer success. That is why hubergroup works on innovative solutions, technologies and services every day in order to optimise the value creation in the printing and chemistry industry and to allow their customers to achieve first-class results. In 2020, hubergroup generated an annual turnover of about €644 million and currently employs approximately 3,500 employees worldwide in over 30 countries.

Spartanburg, S.C. – Milliken & Company (“Milliken”), a global diversified manufacturer with more than a century and a half of materials science expertise, has formally acquired Encapsys, LLC (“Encapsys”), a world leader in microencapsulation, from the Cypress Performance Group LLC (“Cypress”). The transaction officially closed October 18, 2021.
“Moving the needle on sustainability requires big thinking and powerful collaborations. We’re thrilled to welcome Encapsys to Milliken,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO for Milliken & Company. “Encapsys’s expertise coupled with our ability to scale will propel our efforts to deliver sustainable innovations for our customers."
“Encapsys brings a unique combination of innovation, science and technology to the Milliken team,” adds Cindy Boiter, executive vice president and president of Milliken’s Chemical Business. “Enhancing our portfolio of specialty chemicals with global reach, this acquisition will accelerate sustainable solutions for the markets and customers we serve.” 
As Encapsys integrates into Milliken, daily operations will continue without interruption, including relationships with existing suppliers and customers.
Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, Encapsys is a leader in microencapsulation technologies, which put a uniform polymeric shell around a core material at the micron level to create capsules. Microencapsulation has applications across industries and helps companies achieve more sustainable products by advancing responsible consumption and efficient delivery of active materials.
 
“Encapsys associates are excited to become a member of the Milliken team and welcome a world-class organization to Northeast Wisconsin,” stated Mary Goggans, president of Encapsys. “Our culture and values are a perfect fit, and we look forward to leveraging Milliken’s global capabilities to accelerate innovation and growth.”
Milliken was represented by legal advisor Jones Day and financial advisor J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. BofA Securities, Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC acted as financial advisors, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP acted as legal advisor to Encapsys.

About Milliken & Company
Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, specialty chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Encapsys
Headquartered in Appleton, WI, Encapsys is a worldwide recognized innovator in microencapsulation. Encapsys is the patented inventor of microencapsulation and has been providing innovative solutions to partners in home care, personal care, agriculture, textiles, bedding and carbonless paper for over 65 years. To learn more about Encapsys, please visit www.encapsys.com.
About The Cypress Performance Group LLC
Encapsys has been owned since 2015 by The Cypress Performance Group. Cypress is a holding company founded by George Sherman focused on value-added manufacturing or industrial service businesses. Cypress helps companies implement their strategic plan by using its business system to focus on growth and operational efficiency while developing industry leading practices to improve customer experience and delivering shareholder value.
Milliken, and the Milliken logo are registered trademarks of Milliken & Company in the US, E.U. and elsewhere.
 

On an ELION 2200-1000, 1.2 liter SPIES PC round pails with paper chassis are produced.