Ranpak Expands Cold Chain Offering with Global Launch of RecyCold Climaliner Solution
100% sustainable and paper based thermal protection liner keeps products cold up to 48 hours
Ranpak Holdings Corp. (“Ranpak”) (NYSE: PACK), a global leader of environmentally sustainable, paper-based packaging solutions for e-commerce and industrial supply chains, announced the global launch of the RecyCold climalinerTM solution, a highly efficient sustainable thermal liner designed to support Cold Chain shipping needs across a variety of end markets.
A breakthrough technology in the sustainable shipping space for one-way transport, RecyCold climalinerTM is a paper-based thermal liner that ensures products stay within their ideal temperature range for up to 48 hours while simultaneously ensuring recyclability and sustainability. ClimalinerTM’s thermal liner paper is thinner and far more flexible than existing technologies with equal thermal performance, resulting in a solution that enables multiple configurations and box size flexibility while maintaining cold temperatures, dramatically reducing food waste and improving cost and sustainability. In addition, the liner offers an aesthetically attractive, paper-based solution providing positive branding attributes for customers.
The RecyCold climalinerTM thermal liner is part of Ranpak’s continued innovation to solve for customer needs, and can work alone or as a key component in a comprehensive Cold Chain solution along with RecyCold cool packs, a technology acquired by Ranpak currently available in Europe and North America. The climalinerTM technology can support three distinct temperature ranges, spanning ambient products kept near room temperature, chilled products typically stored in a refrigerator, or frozen products below 0°C/32°F, representing critical shipping requirements across the fast-growing mealkit, ready-to-use meals, online grocery, and specialty foods segments. With an estimated 30% of all food wasted annually around the world, RecyCold climalinerTM solution can help tackle the problem of food waste by providing effective cold chain packaging without contributing to plastic pollution.
“The global launch of RecyCold climalinerTM represents our latest innovation in the sustainable shipping space, highlighting the efforts Ranpak has made to deliver cost savings, efficiency gains, and an aesthetically attractive total Cold Chain solution,” said Omar Asali, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Ranpak. “The increase in shipping of temperature-controlled items increases the need for scalable and sustainable technologies. We are pleased to include climalinerTM among our growing portfolio of sustainable solutions to help our customers improve their supply chain performance, lower their labor costs, reduce food waste and meet their sustainability goals.”
PR and Communication: The Ingredients to a Successful Trade Show
Trade shows, the bustling hubs of industry networking and innovation, are a golden opportunity for businesses to showcase their portfolio to a targeted audience. In a sea of exhibitors, effective PR and communication can truly make a difference. After an engaging experience at a show in Brussels (www.labelexpo-europe.com), I sat down with a client to review the communication campaign we had executed together for the event. The feedback received was extraordinary and highlighted how the campaign helped them to connect with key clients and prospects at the show. In this blog, we will explore the crucial role of PR and communication in trade show success, and how these efforts can lead to improved brand recognition, higher-quality leads, and increased sales efficiency.
The Mystery Booth
Before partnering with duomedia for their communication and PR, the client faced a common situation at trade shows – attendees approaching their stand with the age-old question, “What is it exactly that you do?”. They started to look for a better way to inform visitors, to make meaningful connections with them and to showcase their offerings more effectively. At that point they turned to duomedia for support with their communication.
The Shift: Arousing Curiosity
With targeted PR and communication strategies in place, the client’s trade show experience underwent a deep transformation. Visitors no longer came to their stand with vague questions, instead, they now came with specific inquiries relating to particular applications. The contrast was remarkable – from uncertainty to curiosity, all thanks to the power of effective communication. Here are some tips we would like to share.
The Key Ingredients for a Successful Campaign
PR – Media Attention : Securing media attention is a game-changer in the world of trade shows. Writing a press release is still the best way to inform the relevant contact about your presence at the show and reach potential clients, and a well-crafted media campaign can create a buzz around your brand, generating anticipation for your participation and attracting the right audience. Media coverage strengthens your company’s credibility and expands its reach, setting the stage for a successful event.
Social Media Presence : In the digital age, a robust social media presence is indispensable. Use platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to create a sense of excitement in the lead-up to the show. To extend the reach of your posts, make sure to use the official show hashtag. Share teasers, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and informative updates to engage your audience and drive traffic to your booth.
Targeted Social Media Advertising : Paid social media advertising can be a powerful tool to reach a specific audience segment. Fine-tune your advertising to target key demographics, industries and interests, ensuring your brand message reaches those most likely to engage with your products or services.
Registration Page : Don’t overlook the significance of a well-designed registration page. Will you hold a press conference, run a specific demo, or do you want to schedule one-to-one conversations? Create a user-friendly and informative registration page, detailing what benefits can be expected from attending the conference or visiting your booth. Encourage early registration with incentives, such as exclusive demos or giveaways to pique interest.
Direct Mailers : Amid the large amount of digital information we receive, a physical direct mailer can make a lasting impression. Send personalized invitations or promotional materials to potential attendees, emphasizing the value of visiting your booth and highlighting the unique offerings you will showcase.
Press Kit : Editors and journalists have very busy schedules at the show, especially when they’re networking and covering stories for their media outlet. By compiling all your relevant information, such as press releases, company profile, brochures and fact sheets, into a press kit, you can create a handy information source for your contacts. For easy access consider providing the press kit digitally through an online platform, and distribute it onsite on a memory stick.
Planting the Seeds of Future Growth
When it comes to trade shows, the results of a strong PR and communication strategy cannot be underestimated. With an informed market, a business will not only get higher-quality leads but also faster conversions and more efficient sales. A successful campaign aligned with broader marketing objectives helps to capitalise on the full value of a trade show and set the foundation for long-term growth and customer relationships. Curiosity turns into genuine interest with the potential to bloom into fruitful partnerships and conversions.
An Invitation to Success
As we conclude this exploration into the impact of PR and communication on trade show success, I would like to extend a warm invitation to you, dear reader. If you’re looking to strengthen your trade show presence and make a lasting impact on your audience, I’m here to guide you. Reach out to me, and together, we can analyse your unique needs and tailor the best approach for your brand.
As trade shows continue to evolve, let us embrace the transformative power of effective communication and watch our ventures flourish on the global stage.
New RICOH Pro C9500 to Unlock Expanded Revenue Streams and Operational Efficiency for Commercial Printers
Workflow efficiency and cost optimisation will help simplify operations, automate tasks, maximise productivity and free up time for other tasks
Ricoh Europe is empowering commercial printers to expand revenue streams and enhance operational efficiency with the next generation RICOH Pro C9500 digital colour sheetfed press.
The evolution of the highly popular RICOH Pro C9200 has been enhanced with performance improving technologies designed to elevate productivity and quality, while simplifying operations and expanding application opportunities. It has improved efficiency and automation while developing greater labour savings throughout the entire workflow. Collectively they support cost control, business expansion, and free up time for other tasks.
The flagship toner-based press has also been developed to enable commercial specialists to further accelerate their analogue to digital transition or confidently upgrade their Print on Demand-oriented digital capabilities.
The newly developed RICOH GC OS (Graphic Communications Operating System) engine controller has introduced operational and maintenance management improvements. It includes a larger screen with an intuitive and easy to use user interface and is compatible with external diagnostic systems and maintenance programmes. Users can access the printer from a PC or tablet, and settings can be remotely managed, saving time, even in a multi-skilled environment where printing operators perform numerous tasks.
Greater automation and operational efficiency are powered by the new Auto Color Diagnosis Unit that automates the three critical inspections in commercial printing: quality, registration, and colour fluctuation. It delivers improved inspection accuracy; while there is now greater efficiency post inspection with automatic reprinting and purging functions, and the setting procedure is now easier to operate with seven detection levels to choose from.
Other features and enhancements include:
Improved media handling of paper between 40gsm and 470gsm with extended input and output options for media up to 1260mm.
A newly developed fusing system that allows media to pass smoothly through the fusing process whilst applying heat and pressure evenly to achieve high image quality on a wide range of substrates.
New paper transfer unit to enable improved front to back registration.
Improved 21.5 inch operator panel enabling the operation of applications in one place.
New powerful DFE (Digital Front End) options developed in collaboration with Fiery to support operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Speed upgrade up to 135ppm via a productivity module that can be fitted post installation.
Improved productivity with fast setup times delivering maximum uptime.
New finishing options with the GBC StreamPunch Plus for inline creasing and perforating and the Plockmatic Crease Trimmer unit for top and bottom trimming and creasing.
Eef de Ridder, Vice President, Graphic Communications Group, Ricoh Europe, says: “The new Pro C9500 represents a leap forward in the evolution of production technology designed to enable commercial printers to expand their production reach. Its capabilities are further supported by a range of value added software options including RICOH TotalFlow Supervisor™, RICOH TotalFlow Production Manager and RICOH FusionPro that enable clients to maximise their product’s effectiveness and return on their Ricoh investment.”
The Pro C9500 also incorporates proven technologies introduced on the RICOH Pro C9200. They include VCSEL technology (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser), DEMS (Development Electric-field Modulation System), fusing belt smoothing roller, DSC (Dynamic Shading Correction), registration adjustment, and inline sensor system.
The RICOH Pro C9500 digital colour sheetfed press is available in Europe, Middle East and Africa from September.
A locating ring facilitates the accurate installation of injection moulds in the machine. With the latest extension to the range, HASCO offers its customers even more flexibility in production planning by adding four more adaption sizes to the product portfolio.
Rapid tool-free adaption
HASCO locating ring adapters Z7500/… allow, through an integrated frictional spring tensioning system, a flexible, tool-free adaption of injection moulding tools on injection moulding machines with larger apertures. Machining adjustments are not necessary.
Improved machine utilisation
The use of locating ring adapters guarantees improved machine utilisation because they enable rapid production changeovers even if the tool and machine do not initially fit one another as regards the diameter of the locating ring. As a result, flexibility in production planning is significantly increased.
Large lead-in chamfer for the injection moulding machine
A large lead-in chamfer allows easy installation in the injection moulding machine via an 8 mm guide. Lever slots are provided as a dismantling aid. For secure fixing, appropriate circular wire circlips Z 692 /… are available as spare parts.
All the locating ring adapters have an unambiguous laser inscription to ensure rapid and error-free deployment of the correct adapter in production. The stainless steel locating ring adapters are suitable for clean rooms and come in inch and metric versions ex stock.
How Production Printers Are Enabling Marketers to Respond to Today’s Market Defining Pressures
By Sander Sondaal, Director Commercial Print Sales, Ricoh Graphic Communications, Ricoh Europe
Escalating costs, greater development of sustainable practices, and enhancing customer engagement are among the market pressures shaping strategy for today’s marketers, print buyers, and brands.
These pressures are defining their relationship with the communications channels that can be used and the technologies that can be adopted in these ways:
1 Escalating costs
The European Parliament reported that the rising cost of living is the most pressing worry for 93% of Europeans. Almost half of the EU population (46%) say that their standard of living had been reduced due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the cost of living crisis. A further 39% expect to see their standard of living fall in during 2023.
Great Britain’s Office for National Statistics reported that 71% of British adults were cutting back on non-essentials, 54% were shopping around more and 52% were spending less on food shopping and essentials. Europeans are also cutting back on subscriptions such as those for streaming services, fitness apps or other non-essential things.
This places greater pressure onmarketers, print buyers, and brands to deliver improved affordability or to communicate why their offering is valuable. It is also why they should choose the most appropriate message and avoid a spray and pray approach. This is where highly crafted, personalised but affordable campaigns, produced on the just-announced Ricoh Pro™ 9500, the latest evolution in colour sheetfed digital printing technology, can be developed to detail relevant USPs.
2 Sustainability
According to Deloitte’s Global Marketing Trends 2023 brands reported their top three priorities for sustainability efforts were improving sustainability of internal marketing practices, promoting more sustainable product and service offerings, and establishing long term sustainability commitments.
Digital production printers have been developed to produce tailored campaigns on demand, ensuring the most efficient use of resources. They have also been designed to be more sustainable in terms of their manufacture by reducing energy consumption while maximising production uptime and efficiency. Ricoh’s software, some of which is cloud-based, aids efficiency, productivity and trims waste, particularly with substrates.
Ricoh also identifies practical solutions to help print businesses drive down costs, transform operations and support growth with its Lean Print Services while its Carbon Balanced Printing Programme enables operations to analyse, optimise and neutralise their carbon emissions. Ricoh operates a zero waste to landfill strategy at its manufacturing facility too, and its Comet Circle model for reusing parts and recycling materials lessens environmental impact and promotes a multi-tiered recycling system.. All these benefits can be passed on to marketers, print buyers, and brands.
These are just a few of the initiatives that have resulted in Ricoh being rated as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the world for the eleventh time and selected as a member of the Sustainability Yearbook 2023 by S&P Global.
3 Personalisation
Customers have growing expectations around personalisation with an Insider Intelligence survey reporting 73% of shoppers imagine brands will understand their unique needs. 56% expect offers to always be personalised.
This is where personalised print produced on systems such as the brand new Ricoh Pro C9500 can play a key role. Beyond using the recipient’s name and address marketers can develop tailored communications and content that respond to specific triggers or actions. These can be based on previous information shared such as key dates, interests or buying habits
.Deloitte’s research also highlighted interest in the implementation of systems or algorithms to enhance customer personalisation. Output from Ricoh’s class leading production printers is supported by software solutions such as /data.mill Data Cleansing Solution that automatically interrogates and corrects data inaccuracies quickly and simply, aiding a smooth and effective process and the easy to use FusionPro VDP Solutions suite of tools for simple design and production of personalised communications.
These are just some of the ways digital printing can help marketers, print buyers, and brands respond to the challenges they face today. Its versatility and content flexibility enables specific tailoring for messaging that resonates, is memorable, and drives results.
For further information, please visit www.ricoh-europe.com
As a full-service provider for mouldmaking, HASCO offers innovative and economical solutions for designers, mouldmakers and injection moulders. Under the motto “Digitalisation meets standardisation”, the company will present at FAKUMA and the subsequent trade shows a number of interesting new and further developments from the fields of Mould Base and Hot Runner.
HASCO Digital
User-friendly tools on the modern homepage, the new HASCO app, CAD updates and further digital services are available to simplify the day-to-day work.
Mould Track
The innovative Mould Track System from HASCO is an intelligent solution with precise indoor localisation technology for the injection moulding sector. The system enables the exact tracking and localisation of injection moulding tools in real time as well as the digital interlinking of processes. HASCO offers with the new Mould Track an intelligent and pioneering solution, and thus once again defines the standard with the increasing digitalisation in the world of mouldmaking.
Mould Base Technology
The further development of HASCO‘s plate range offers mouldmakers maximum flexibility in the production of injection moulding tools. The portfolio of undrilled and drilled plates has been extended with new mould sizes and thicknesses by well over 1,500 new dimensions.
In the field of demoulding, further sizes have been added to the extensive ejector portfolio. The focus is on the quality material HSS, which has a higher temperature resistance and strength. The service life can thus be extended and mould maintenance costs significantly reduced. New guide pillars with a snug fit for even easier installation and a firmer fit in the mould plates increase process reliability. The new chemical working substances with NSF certification can be used very sparingly because of their high level of effectiveness and are very environmentally friendly because of their all-synthetic content.
Hot Runner Technology
As the world’s first producer of additively manufactured hot runner technology, HASCO hot runner will again this year present a number of new 3D-printed hot runner components. The new Shadowfree technology eliminates the spider lines with needle valve systems and enables up to 40% faster colour changes in the hot runner. Additions have been made to the Single Shot portfolio with hardened nozzle tips and one-hole and Hot Tip torpedoes, which increase the application possibilities of the nozzle range several times. Innovative plug inserts allow fast and space-saving wiring of power/signal plugs to the mould, while state-of-the-art control technology simplifies the control of the hot runners.
With its extensive expertise in standard mould units and hot runners, HASCO provides its customers with individual solutions to all challenges that arise in the field of modern mouldmaking.
Half-Year Results: ALTANA Bolsters Business With Acquisitions And Innovation Investments, Sales Below Previous Year’s Level Due To General Economic Conditions
Sales decrease by 11 percent, amounting to 1,393 million euros
Half-year EBITDA margin at 14 percent
Research and development expenditure grows by 5 percent
Continued expansion through agreed acquisitions
Specialty chemicals group ALTANA reported an 11 percent decline in sales to 1,393 million euros in the first half of 2023 as a result of the general economic deceleration. This is predominantly attributable to a decrease in demand across diverse industrial sectors. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) reached 196 million euros, 27 percent below the previous year’s figure. In addition to lower sales volumes, this was ascribed to the persistent elevated material costs. The EBITDA margin stood at 14.1 percent (previous year: 17.0 percent).
In spite of the high level of uncertainty in the market, ALTANA again increased its research and development expenditure by 5 percent to 99 million euros in the first six months of the current year. The specialty chemicals group augmented its investments, particularly in site expansion and further digitization, by 52 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. ALTANA also fortified its market standing through strategic acquisitions. “Especially in times of economic fluctuations, the significance of continued targeted investments in the future is paramount,” remarked Martin Babilas, CEO of ALTANA AG. “We keep on pushing forward innovative solutions aimed at addressing the critical challenges of our time – drawing on our own resources and by acquiring promising ventures.”
Second largest acquisition in the company’s history
Just a few weeks ago, ALTANA announced the acquisition of Von Roll Holding AG, based in Breitenbach, Switzerland. The transaction is the second largest acquisition in the company’s history. It encompasses the purchase of a majority stake from the previous owning family, alongside a public tender offer for the residual shares that are still traded on the Swiss stock exchange. In 2022, Von Roll generated net sales of 228 million Swiss francs with around 1,000 employees at 14 sites worldwide.
Von Roll is a leading specialist in electrical insulation systems. The company’s technologies and products are used in wind turbines, electric cars, and industrial plants, for example. The company’s novel insulation systems and special resins for the high-voltage sector are particularly future-oriented. Von Roll is to be integrated into the ELANTAS division. “We are combining the innovative strength of both companies to drive forward the expansion of electromobility and renewable energies,” says ALTANA CEO Martin Babilas.
ELANTAS’ products are already contributing to the ongoing energy transformation. The division’s wire enamel systems, for example, play a crucial role in enhancing the operational lifespan of wind turbine generators and expediting the recharging process for electric vehicles. Moreover, ELANTAS’ casting materials are presently integral to Europe’s first Hyperloop with passenger capsule, an innovative high-speed transportation solution.
ALTANA announced an additional acquisition at the beginning of August. The specialty chemicals group is acquiring the business of the U.S. company Imaginant Inc. to further strengthen its portfolio of testing and measuring instruments in the BYK division.
Economic weakness felt in all divisions
The prevailing economic fragility reverberated across all divisions. The largest division, BYK, recorded a 14 percent decrease in sales to 625 million euros.
Adjusted for acquisition and exchange rate effects, sales were 13 percent below the previous year’s level. The acquisition of the business of Imaginant Inc. will take effect in the second half of 2023. The effect pigments specialist ECKART achieved sales of 181 million euros, corresponding to a 15 percent decline in sales (both nominal and operating). ELANTAS, a supplier of electrical insulation materials, recorded sales of 324 million euros, down 8 percent (6 percent in operational terms) from the prior-year figure. ACTEGA’s sales fell by 8 percent (nominally and operationally), amounting to 262 million euros.
Europe remains strongest region in terms of sales
During the first half of 2023, all geographical regions were affected by the decreasing global demand as a consequence of the economic weakness. Europe, which remains the strongest region in terms of sales, garnered revenues of 543 million euros, marking an 8 percent decline (both nominally and operationally). Sales in Germany were down 12 percent (13 percent operationally). In the Americas, sales fell by 8 percent (10 percent operationally), aggregating to 403 million euros. The U.S. market decreased by 9 percent (10 percent operationally). Asia bore the most substantial impact, with sales declining by 19 percent (15 percent operationally), resulting in total sales of 419 million euros. This decline was predominantly driven by the Chinese market, which contracted by 22 percent (18 percent operationally) within the same timeframe.
The plastics industry in India is expanding quickly and has been instrumental in boosting the country’s economy. Manufacturers in the industry are increasingly focusing on making sure that operations are clean and efficient. What lubrication trends are currently dominating the Indian plastics industry?
The Indian plastics industry employs 4 million people and is a multi-billion-dollar industry that is greatly benefiting the country’s swiftly developing economy. Lubricants have a promising future in the plastic-processing market. Simultaneously, growing demand for plastics in various end-use markets such as construction, packaging, consumer goods, and automotive, as well as increased demand for lubricants to reduce frictional forces and improve processing and productivity of plastics manufacturing, are the major drivers for this market. Manufacturers in the sector are increasingly focusing on making their operations clean and efficient in order to maintain their growth trajectory while mitigating the negative environmental consequences of plastic waste. Mobil is driving change in this industry by focusing on making plastic manufacturing profitable and efficient.
ExxonMobil is well-known for its cutting-edge innovations. What are some of the smart product solutions that Mobil provides to help the plastics sector increase efficiency, optimize output, and pave the way for greater profitability?
Mobil is focused on innovating its products and services and enabling energy efficiency by assisting plastic manufacturers in strengthening their operations towards better productivity and profitability. A few key offerings for plastics manufacturers include the Mobil DTE 10 Excel Series anti-wear hydraulic oils which enable a quantifiable increase in hydraulic efficiency, reduce power consumption and increase machine output. These oils help keep modern hydraulic systems cleaner for longer and have been proven to boost hydraulic efficiency by up to 6 per cent*. Similarly, the Mobil DTE 20 Ultra Series oils are high-performance, anti-wear hydraulic oils with extended oil life capabilities that have demonstrated up to 2-times longer oil drain intervals versus similar competitive oils**. Mobil’s innovation in the hydraulic series includes the biodegradable, minimally toxic and non-bioaccumulative, which can be used in hydraulic systems where spills or leakage could result in an adverse environmental impact .
The significance of services integrate a company’s success has grown significantly. What are the primary services offered by Mobil to the plastics industry?
Mobil is developing key services that provide an extra edge while ensuring performance, profitability, and productivity. Our filtration service improves filter barrier performance and efficiency with its performance polymers. We are also driving technology to integrate the benefits of IIoT into mainstream operations. For instance, our Mobil Serv SM IIoT Insights is proving to be game-changing in integrating automation with manufacturing efficiency. For plastic manufacturers, it is a critical cloud-based solution that turns insights into action, taking businesses towards improved efficiency and overall productivity. This platform brings special benefits with AI/ML, automated monitoring and precise analysis that directly benefit machine performance and manufacturing efficiency.
What initiatives is Mobil taking to integrate sustainability and productivity in the plastics industry?
Mobil is helping create value by advancing customers’ mobility, productivity, and sustainability ambitions. We are a categorical leader in the diversion of waste in lubricant facilities. All Mobil products manufactured in the company’s global network of lubricant facilities carry the Underwriters Laboratories Zero Waste to Landfill, Silver Validation, first earned in 2018. Additionally, ExxonMobil continues to be the first and only finished lubricants marketer to carry the credential, and each year diverts more than 90% (over 50,000 tons) of lubricant operations waste from landfills into new productive uses.
We are also leveraging our scale and integration to increase production of certified circular plastics to meet growing demand. In Dec 2022, ExxonMobil announced successful startup of one of the largest advanced recycling facilities in North America. The facility at the company’s integrated manufacturing complex in Baytown, Texas, uses proprietary technology to break down hard-to-recycle plastics and transform them into raw materials for new products and is capable of processing more than 80 million pounds of plastic waste per year, supporting a circular economy for post-use plastics and helping divert plastic waste currently sent to landfills.
Further, we are taking steps to incorporate recycled plastics in finished lubricant product packaging, helping convert waste to value. For this, Mobil is driving an initiative to transition to 50% Post Consumer Recycled(PCR) plastic pails – helping customers reduce waste, convert waste to value and advance sustainability ambitions. The PCR drives use of recycled plastic, helping reduce plastic waste, and enabling sustainable progress.
Corporate Separateness Disclaimer
“(Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso, and Mobil. For convenience and simplicity, those terms, and references to “corporation,” “company,” “ExxonMobil,” “EM,” and other similar terms are used for convenience and may refer to one or more specific affiliates or affiliate groups.)”
*The energy efficiency of Mobil DTE 10 Excel relates solely to the fluid performance when compared to conventional Mobil-branded hydraulic fluids. The technology used allows up to 6% increase in hydraulic pump efficiency when tested in standard hydraulic applications under controlled conditions. The energy efficiency claim for this product is based on test results on the use of the fluid conducted in accordance with all applicable industry standards and protocol. Results may vary based on operating conditions and equipment.
**with a viscosity index around 100 and a zinc-based anti-wear system – meeting at least ISO 11158 (L-HM) and/or DIN 51524-2 (HLP type) requirements.
Must Leverage AI And Enzyme-Based Technology To Reduce The Environmental Footprint: Ashok Chaturvedi
At a keynote address at the 10th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit 2023, Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, UFlex Group, highlighted how technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and enzymatic processing can accelerate sustainable innovation in flexible packaging. The Elite Global Summit, being held at the prestigious Reliance Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, began today and features discussions on the Indian economic landscape, current trends in the FMCG sector, and the impact on packaging.
UFlex Group Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address at the inaugural session.
He reflected on the evolution of the plastics industry, stating, “Back in the 1960s, when chemical companies were developing large-scale plastic production facilities, they coined the slogan: If you want to save the planet, use plastic. We truly believe that today, if producers can reach consumers globally, it is possible only because of flexible packaging. Historically, when chemical companies were producing plastic in the 60s, they had to struggle with their selling proposition, and the production size used to be 1500 tons per year. Today, the production size has increased to a million tons per year. MLP (multi-layer plastic) as opposed to mono-material packaging, coupled with a robust recycling ecosystem and bio-enzyme technology will propel the industry to the next phase of growth”.
“Today, whatever we are producing needs to be recycled. At UFlex, we have made significant investments in industrial and MLP (multi-layer mixed plastic) waste recycling facilities across our global locations and very recently, in enzyme-based delamination and recycling technology for aseptic packaging. We should continue to focus on mechanical recycling. Chemical recycling may not be happening today but will happen in the future”, he added.
Mr. Chaturvedi reiterated the need to use machinery and AI to collect and sort waste rather than allowing waste workers to do that manually. “That is not the most effective or sustainable way of creating employment for the marginalized waste workers”, he emphasized. “Waste collection and adequate access to post-consumer waste is one of the biggest problems that we face in India. It is critical to recognize that it is not the process of recycling that presents the most significant hurdle in addressing plastic pollution. Rather, it is the efficient and holistic collection and management of plastic waste that emerges as the cornerstone of our battle”, he concluded.
The event features specialized sessions dedicated to sustainability with panel discussions on the critical issues facing the industry with eminent speakers from the Central Pollution Control Board of India (CPCB), the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of the Government of India.
The 10th Speciality Films & Flexible Packaging Global Summit 2023 included keynote addresses by Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, UFlex Group, Mr. Nilesh Shah, Group President & MD, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co. Ltd., Mr. Prabh Das, Managing Director & CEO, HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd., Ms. Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd., and Mr. Harsh Mariwala, Founder and Chairman, Marico Ltd. It also showcases more than 100 exhibitors and a strong presence of most brand owners.
New plant one of several similar investments into the Elastomers business across the globe
Products can be used in offshore wind turbines and to manufacture photovoltaic panels, among others
Covestro has started production in its new plant for polyurethane elastomers systems at its integrated site in Shanghai, China. Groundbreaking for it had been announced in summer 2022. The investment is in the double-digit million Euro range. It is part of a series of investments in the Elastomers raw materials business the company undertook in the past few years worldwide, e.g. in its sites in Thailand and Spain. The new plant in Shanghai shall help meet ever rising demand for the material in the Asia-Pacific region, for example in renewable energy applications such as offshore cable protection and silicon wafer cutting rollers of photovoltaic panels, among others.
“We provide materials that help to facilitate a more climate-neutral and circular world. The products to be manufactured at our new plant in Shanghai are an excellent illustration of this, as they will assist our customers in meeting the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions,” says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro. “In doing so, we are supporting the growth of an industry that is vital for preserving our climate. Furthermore, we are promoting sustainability in various industries by supplying materials containing renewable attributes.”
The polyurethane elastomers systems produced in the site can be used for a variety of end products. For offshore windpower, the protection of subsea cables is a core application area. The material is also used in the manufacturing process of photovoltaic panels or in screening medias in the mining industry. In all of the above, it is designed for purpose in close collaboration with customers to withstand even the harshest of conditions thanks to its excellent wear, tear and abrasion resistance.
“We want to support the growth of our customers and partake in the growth of key industries. As we expect the Elastomers market to grow above China’s gross domestic product, we want to enable our customers to capture it. That is what we do with our overall investments into our Elastomer business, and with this investment in our new plant in Shanghai right now,” said Dr. Thomas Braig, Head of the Business Entity Elastomers.
The new plant is the latest addition to the Covestro Integrated Site Shanghai (CISS), Covestro’s single largest production site worldwide. CISS is now home to twelve plants. Since 2001, the company has invested about 3.7 billion Euro into the site as of the end of 2022.
Holly Lei, President of Covestro in China, said, “Our company’s vision of becoming fully circular and our target of being operationally climate neutral by 2035 are perfectly aligned with China’s ambitions to be carbon neutral before 2060. The products we produce in CISS and this addition of polyurethane elastomers systems position us to make meaningful contributions to sustainability efforts in China and in the entire region, for example in the area of renewable energy generation.”
CISS is also among Covestro’s ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) certified sites. This means it is capable of supplying customers with drop-in, mass-balanced materials derived from renewable attributed products, thereby helping customers to reduce their carbon footprint. To make more sustainable products easier to distinguish, Covestro introduced the suffix “CQ”. CQ stands for “Circular Intelligence” and identifies products containing a minimum of 25 percent alternative raw materials.
