Starlinger: The Fine Art of Pet Bottle-to-bottle Recycling at K 2022
Music, culture, and art of the highest level: That’s what Austria is all about. Austrian machine manufacturer Starlinger is per Petuating this tradition with its division recycling technology, using its decades of accumulated knowledge of plastics technology and mechanical engineering to create cutting-edge technology.
At K 2022, Starlinger recycling technology will showcase the reco Star Pet art, the company’s latest plant model in the field of Pet recycling. In addition to Starlinger’s established technology solutions such as excellent decontamination performance for food contact applications and impeccable rPet pellet quality, the new plant is characterized by particularly low energy consumption and considerably simplified maintenance processes.
For 35 years now, Starlinger recycling technology has been involved in processing plastic waste so that it can be used as an alternative resource to virgin materials. Starlinger recycling plants are used the world over to recycle used plastics from a wide variety of sectors, thus counteracting the problem of waste and scarcity of resources. Ideally, closed packaging cycles are created – as is the case with Pet beverage bottles.
“What happens in the Pet bottle-to-bottle recycling process to turn a used mineral water bottle back into a new mineral water bottle can be called high art,” says Paul Niedl, Commercial Director at Starlinger recycling technology. “It is a composition, a synthesis of experience combined with the latest scientific knowledge and high technological standards. Our new reco Star Pet art embodies 20 years of experience in the field of Pet food contact recycling. In addition, technical improvements have been made to make the plant easier to maintain and even more energy-efficient – in times like these, this is an important issue, especially in Europe. But we don’t want to give too much away in advance – at K 2022 and our Dynamic Days in Schwerin, interested parties can learn about the reco Star Pet art and all its technological innovations in great detail.”
The pre-drying unit and the extruder of the new reco Star Pet art will be on display at the Starlinger recycling technology stand in Hall 9, and the SSP reactor at the Starlinger stand in Hall 16. The company will also be showcasing machine solutions from the fields of polyester fibre/filament recycling and recycling of post-consumer polyolefins, including odour reduction technology.
Starlinger Dynamic Days in Schwerin – spotlight on Pet and post-consumer plastics recycling
On 26 and 27 October 2022, while the K trade fair is taking place, Starlinger recycling technology will also be holding its “Dynamic Days” in-house exhibition at its Schwerin site in Germany, where the new reco Star Pet art and a reco Star dynamic recycling plant will be in operation. Interested customers will have the option of travelling from Düsseldorf to Schwerin via Rostock and back again on their chosen day by means of a charter flight and bus transfers.
Starlinger recycling technology at K 2022: Hall 9, D07
Sustainable Flexible Packaging Opportunities in Focus at Flexo Webinar
XSYS will take part in innovative print trial and live webinar to demonstrate greener solutions in central impression (CI) flexo enabled by next-generation technologies.
XSYS has announced its participation in a project designed to address key sustainability challenges in flexible packaging printing while providing significant competitive advantages. The company is joining Flint Group Flexible Packaging and Windmöller & Hölscher during a live webinar on 1 December 2022 to present the results of a new print trial. The trial brings together best-in-class flexo solutions that will allow converters and printers to meet demands from brand owners for more environmentally friendly products and comply with increasingly restrictive legislation.
Setting a new standard for sustainable packaging, the sample presented will be a stand-up pouch printed on an MDO PE substrate with XSYS nyloflex NEF flexo plates which have been especially designed for LED exposure. Imaged and processed on a ThermoFlexX Catena system also from XSYS, the plates will utilize ThermoFlexX Woodpecker surface screening technology and be mounted on a Windmöller & Hölscher Novoflex II CI flexo press with rotec Smart Premium Sleeves and rotec Atlas Adapters. Flint Group will supply Cradle-to-Cradle certified ZenCode inks, including a white ink running at full press speed of 600 m/min with excellent coverage using just one ink station. All prepress work is handled by repro house FlexPunkt Druckformen GmbH.
During the free-to-attend event, a panel of experts from the three manufacturers will address how to achieve circularity in CI flexo printing with sustainable technologies that can make a real difference for printers, converters, and their brand owner customers. Simon Top, Product Manager for the nyloflex printing plate portfolio at XSYS, and Gina Wienbracke, Product Manager for rotec sleeves & adapters, will join the panel to discuss how leveraging the latest innovative plate technology, prepress equipment, and sleeves and adapters, together with new inks and printing press technology, can help prepare businesses for a more sustainable future.
“As we continue on the journey towards a circular economy in CI flexo, XSYS is uniquely positioned to supply the widest range of components, from printing plates, screening and platemaking equipment to sleeves and adapters for high quality, cost-effective and sustainable flexible packaging production,” commented[Stephan Reis, Global Strategic Marketing Director. “However, the best results are always achieved through partnerships and we look forward to welcoming participants to this not-to-be-missed event, where we will present our joint solutions and discuss the future of green, profitable flexo printing.”
Comexi Genius Board: A Straightforward Approach to Saving Time on Each Changeover
This new tool guides for the most efficient way to execute a job changeover, beginning with its preparation while the previous job is being executed
Comexi, a global supplier of solutions for the flexible packaging printing and converting sector, is aware of the importance of exceptional forethought and execution in reference to printing a job. “One hour of planning can save you ten hours of execution, but good planning without a good job is useless,” explains Jordi Puig, Technical Sales Manager of Comexi’s Flexo Printing Business Unit, who adds “to maximize your machine’s usage, and to avoid wasting time during job changes, wise preparation is the best.” In response, Comexi will present, at the K Trade Fair, a new tool that guides step by step, the manner by which to manage each changeover and machine set up during the entire impression process. Genius Board is Comexi’s new solution that addresses the lack of skilled operators.
Genius Board is able to calculate the most efficient procedure to perform a job once the plant manager has uploaded the production order to the system. While the current work is in operation, this efficient tool guides the operators on the best changeover material preparation for the next job. The various components are uploaded onto the system, and the operator is able to inspect anything that is necessary, such as inks, anilox and doctor blades. Additionally, Genius Board
marks the type of washing, dependent on which ink tones need to be changed.
Once the operator has verified all the components, this new tool is a guide by which the preparation of materials and components are measured in order to save time during the changeover process. Completing the preparation tasks during previous job conserves a great amount of time. Confirming everything assures that the components will be available when needed; Genius Board has a user-friendly interface that makes its use extremely trouble-free.
When the current job is in the process of completion, the operator stops the printing and initiates the changeover. They only need to read the indicated operations for each person on the screen. Genius Board provides the most efficient method to make changes for each type of work: orderof the changes and tasks are assigned to each operator, from loading the job recipe to changing of the doctor blades. Each step has instructions with the objective to remember all the elements and avoid human errors. Once everything is changed according to the job, the operator can begin with the printing. This is an easy and effective approach to save time at every changeover with Genius Board.
Lindner at K 2022: Innovative All-In-One Recycling Solutions for More Throughput, Efficiency and Superior Recyclate Quality
Recycling specialist Lindner showed all-in-one solutions for efficient plastics recycling at K 2022 in Dusseldorf in Hall 9, booths B17/B19 and in the outside area CE02 as part of the VDMA Circular Economy Forum. In three daily demonstrations, different post-consumer rigid plastics were shredded live – and for the first time also wet washed. Working together with Engel there was yet another first: shredded rigid plastics were injection moulded and turned directly into new pallets on site.
As a pioneer in plastics recycling, Lindner knows what the recycling and circular economy wants: higher throughputs, short downtimes and maximum energy efficiency. The increased demand for quality recyclates also requires first-class washing components that can be added as modules depending on the degree of contamination. This can be achieved thanks to product innovations and the perfectly coordinated upstream processes of shredding – washing – sorting. As one of the few recycling specialists, Lindner offers all-in-one solutions to efficiently optimise these steps to process rigid plastics, films and Pet.
Film recycling – optimised quality from the first process step
Whether post-commercial or post-consumer, films make up a lot of the world’s waste. Different degreesof contamination require adapted washing and drying processes. This is the only way to produce high-quality recyclates. The specific features of Lindner’s new Jupiter BW series ensure an increase in efficiency and quality. The new shredder setup is specially designed for film recycling. ‘Thanks to the Jupiter BW, we have succeeded in reducing the percentage of fines produced during shredding by 44% – as comparisons with other shredders have shown. The bad fraction to be disposed of by the recycler is thereby greatly reduced and more material is retained in the recycling stream,’ explains Stefan Scheiflinger-Ehrenwerth, Head of Product Management at Lindner Recyclingtech. ‘The precise cut shreds films to an optimal size of A4/A3 for downstream NIR systems. This makes the downstream sorting processes so much more productive and efficient.’
The new Micromat HP – the benchmark in plastics recycling
The novelty at K 2022: Lindner’s Micromat HP series. Micromat series shredders have been used successfully in plastics recycling for many years. The new series impresses with its powerful, gearless direct belt drive, the adjustable safety clutch that protects against non-shreddables and the unique adjustable knife system. The new model makes it possible to increase the throughput, leading to the improved productivity demanded by the market – the throughput for processing recyclable bales, for example, was raised from 3 t/h to 5 t/h. Another new feature is the automatic belt tensioning system, or ATB, which guarantees an optimal operating point, making the process more energy efficient and almost eliminating the need for maintenance – both welcome developments considering energy costs and the shortage of skilled labour that also affect the recycling industry.
The new Lindner Micromat HP-Series.
A clean and energy-saving solution
The demands placed on recyclate quality and throughput are increasing. Energy costs are to be reduced. Overall, these are no easy tasks considering the rising energy costs and the fact that plastics are increasingly extracted from waste streams, meaning that heavily contaminated input materials are finding their way into plastics recycling more and more. Lindner provides the solution to these challenges with no less than two new products: the patented Rafter-type pre-washing system and the new EcoDry thermal dryer. ‘Purity, throughput performance and energy savings – these are the topics currently occupying our clients and that’s why we are displaying two product innovations at K 2022. The new Eco Dry thermal dryer achieves energy savings of up to 30% thanks to cleverly used heat exchangers and sustainably insulated material handling components. Having a residual moisture of <1%, the materials achieve a particularly high degree of drying, which means that the flakes are better prepared for the subsequent process,’ explains Harald Hoffmann, Managing Director of Lindner Washtech, Lindner’s subsidiary specialising in plastics recycling. ‘We are also presenting another production innovation: our patented Rafter-type pre-washing system. By using a larger rotor, the dwell times can be increased, cleaning the material to a higher standard. Additionally we were able to sustainably increase the throughput – 3 t/h for films,’ says Hoffmann, pleased.
Complete supplier for efficient plastics recycling solutions.
From homogenous flakes to immediate injection moulding
As part of the VDMA Circular Economy Forum, Lindner once again showcased its products in the outside area at K 2022, this time with three live demonstrations daily. The new Micromat HP shredder, the Twister friction washer and the mechanical Loop dryer demonstrate the process stages of shredding, washing, drying with integrated water treatment processing post-consumer rigid plastics. As a special highlight, the shredding of post-consumer plastics, called dolly pallets, provided by Engel, took place daily. Together, Lindner and Engel showed how, with a residual moisture of <1% and a uniform particle size of 8 mm, homogenous and clean plastic flakes can be directly processed further in a two-stage injection moulding process. ‘This will open up many different possibilities for our clients,’ explains Michael Lackner, Managing Director at Lindner Recyclingtech. ‘Until now, injection moulders have bought granulate. Now they also have the option of purchasing and processing clean plastic flakes – as long as the parameters fit. Besides a specific particle size, a low residual moisture content is particularly crucial. These are exactly the requirements we meet with our recycling solutions,’ emphasises Lackner.
Innovative All-In-One Recycling Solutions for More Throughput, Efficiency and Superior Recyclate Quality.
New precious materials from ocean waste
In partnership with the other plastics recycling leaders Erema, Exxon Mobil and Engel, visitors could also learn more about the Atando Cabos project in Lindner’s outside area. The company Comberplast in Chile clears the coasts of broken fishing nets and ropes, turning them into new products such as crates for tulips or a well-known brewery. A demanding shredding task, considering that fishing nets and ropes are designed for robustness and durability and that the collected materials contain many abrasive substances such as stones and sand. Lindner’s Micromat was commissioned remotely in 2020 during the pandemic and has been supporting Comberplast in the daily production of new precious materials ever since.
Chemical Industry as a Key Factor Against Climate Change – With Strong Partners
K 2022 – Covestro Presents Solutions for More Sustainable Plastics
Covestro uses the world’s leading trade fair for dialogue with business and society
Focus on core areas of circular economy and resource conservation
Panel discussion on October 19th with new perspectives from industry and research
The world’s largest plastics trade show, K 2022, is all about new beginnings: The chemical industry can become a crucial factor in the fight against climate change – if it fundamentally reorganizes its processes and business models. As a study by the think tank Systemiq and the Center for Global Commons at the University of Tokyo shows, a consistent focus on the circular economy and the quick achievement of a net-zero carbon footprint are key factors. By contrast, if the chemical industry were to continue without transformation, it could contribute to a global warming of 4⁰C by 2050, the study found.
Therefore, Covestro is turning K 2022 in Düsseldorf from October 19th to 26th into a workshop. Under the motto Crafting Connections With You, Covestro is inviting partners, customers, and multipliers to work together on concepts: How can the principle of the circular economy be advanced as a shared, global vision? How can new resources, less energy-intensive processes and integrated supply chains be used?
“A truly sustainable future must not remain a utopia. Now is the time for all partners in the value chain to pull together. Solutions emerge through exchange. At K 2022, we want to showcase the huge potential of plastics. After all, climate neutrality targets and a circular economy cannot be achieved without plastics,” says Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro. “But the conditions for the entire industry have to change. Above all, we definitely need cheap green power in very large quantities. That’s why we’re coming together in Düsseldorf – to take a big step forward together.”
Panel discussion on October 19th with business and society
Covestro is underscoring this ambition with a panel discussion on “Pioneering a Fully Circular Future – with climate-neutral plastics” broadcast publicly on October 19th starting at 10:45 a.m. on the internet and social media channels. In addition to Markus Steilemann, Dr. Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE, Sophie Herrmann, partner at the Systemiq think tank, and Teresa Oberhauser, representing youth organizations in the United Nations Environment Programme, will take part in the panel. One thing the participants have in common is that they are demonstrating promising solutions in the fight against climate change and advancing them with partners – whether they are industry, think tanks, or leaders in social and political discourse.
Four core areas for a climate-neutral company
At K 2022, Covestro invites visitors to discover solutions on the path to a climate-neutral chemical industry committed to the circular economy.
“We are on the journey to becoming a fully circular company and rely on close interaction with our customers and partners. To enable our customers to achieve their climate neutrality and sustainability goals, we have set ourselves an ambitious target. We want to become climate neutral by 2035 from our operations and energy supply, ” says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer of Covestro. “At K 2022, we will be showcasing key highlights from this journey: innovative products and solutions developed with alternative raw materials, innovative recycling, and renewable energies. This allows customers to see for themselves how hydrogen, biomass, end-of-life products and waste can be used as promising alternatives to fossil raw materials. At Covestro, these solutions are already paving the way to a fully circular economy”.
The Covestro booth will focus on four topics of the future:
“Crafting Electrification” demonstrates how the company is working with partners to advance green energies – for example, with plastics solutions for wind turbines or electric cars.
“Crafting Sustainable Living” presents modern, climate-neutral plastics for buildings or refrigerators, for example, which help to reduce the CO2 and energy footprint.
“Crafting Smart Designs” provides an insight into how Covestro is using the opportunities offered by digitalization to work in a more connected and sustainable way along the entire value chain.
“Crafting Circular Economy” illustrates how a systematic transition to a circular economy can be the key to climate neutrality and resource conservation.
K 2022 in Düsseldorf: Convincing Additional Online Offerings – Highly Satisfied Exhibitors in the Exhibition Halls
Lots of videos, interviews and highlight tours still available after the fair!
Last week (19 to 26 October), K 2022, The World’s No.1 Trade Fair for Plastics & Rubber, came to a close at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf. This year, for the first time, those who could not be on site every day were also taken live to the trade fair: Daily live highlight tours provided exciting insights into what was happening at the fair and also captured innovations, products and statements by exhibitors. These tours, interviews and impressions can still be experienced now:
Meanwhile, the exhibitors in the exhibition halls were highly satisfied with the international trade visitors, their willingness to invest and the great interest in the three hot topics of circular economy, climate protection and digitalisation.
Here are some of the exhibitors’ testimonials:
“For Asahi Kasei K 2022 was by far the biggest trade fair – measured by stand size, product range and visitor numbers. In addition to our AKXY2 concept car, our plastic solutions for automotive interiors as well as our particle foams for battery applications were clearly the focus of interest among visitors to our stand.” Martin Aeschlimann, General Manager Engineering Plastics Division, Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
“K is simply the most international, the most dynamic and the most forward looking not only trade fair, but actually platform in the industry. It is the beginning of a new era, it is really the beginning of the era of sustainability in the plastics industry. Everywhere you go here at K you can really sense and feel that.” Richard Amberger, Group Leader Communications Performance Materials Europe, BASF
“The K exhibitors from the plastics producing industry are very satisfied. Customers and partners from many sectors were especially interested in developments and projects related to the circular economy and climate neutrality since all industries are urgently looking for solutions to reduce emissions and save resources. Regardless of the current crises, plastics producers draw confidence from their world-leading trade fair. For us K 2022 was the perfect platform to accelerate the journey into a sustainable future with plastics. Over the whole duration of the trade fair we experienced strong international interest, enriching encounters and a noticeable sense of optimism. Add to this the in-depth dialogue with policy-makers and the media, which helped carry K’s messages and content beyond the exhibition halls. K demonstrated once again: we deliver the right answers to the pivotal questions of our time.” Ingemar Bühler, Managing Director Plastics Europe Germany.
“K 2022 also draws to a close with a clear commitment to sustainability and the circular economy for the rubber industry, too. Nearly all raw and auxiliary materials suppliers to the rubber industry represented at K are on the path to climate neutrality. The same applies to mechanical engineering. Since the last K (2019) a global supply chain platform for sustainable natural rubber has been established; this opens up new avenues for re-use of rubber products after their first use such as the ‘Allianz Zukunft Reifen’ (Alliance Future Tyres) (AZuR). The Rubber Street in Hall 6 of K 2022 and the positive feedback we received there confirm the interest of the elastomer industry in re-use and recycling options for rubber products as well as in living the circular economy. We can look forward to the concepts presented here being put into everyday practice by K 2025. Boris Engelhardt, Managing Director wdk e.V. (German Rubber Manufacturers’ Association)
“Jomar found K 2022 to be quite successful and although we had less overall visitors than in years past, the quality of the visitors was greatly increased.” Ron Gabriele, Global Sales and Marketing Manager, Jomar Corporation
“We are highly satisfied with the results of the trade fair. Recycling and the circular economy have been embraced 100% by the plastics industry. We notice this both in the high visitor footfall at our stand and in the Circonomic Centre, as well as in the very pleasing number of sales deals concluded overall.” Manfred Hackl, CEO EREMA Group GmbH
“Plastics and rubber machinery producers arrive at a very positive verdict: they have succeeded in presenting their technology innovations to a broad professional audience and in closing many good business deals. K 2022 has given the circular economy an enormous boost. The interest taken by national but above all also international trade visitors clearly exceeded machinery producers’ expectations; they showcased their innovations specifically geared to the circular economy at VDMA’s Circular Economy Forum in addition to their exhibition stands. With the Circular Economy Forum we have sent out a clear signal and made a clear commitment to the circular economy. This was received very well by visitors. The exhibitors themselves were a little surprised by the strong interest taken by the trade audience.” Thorsten Kühmann, General Manager Plastics and Rubber Machinery, VDMA
”K 2022 exhibition was extremely successful for Sikora. Contrary to the subdued expectations of Messe Düsseldorf, we were able to register a significant increase in visitors compared to 2019. As expected, most visitors came from Germany, but also international guests, for example from India, Italy, Poland and Turkey, were represented. The discussions at our booth were not only numerous, but also characterized by a high quality, which gives hope for a good follow-up business. The focus was clearly on quality and efficiency increase as well as circular economy and sustainability. We are already looking forward to the next K in 2025!” Holger Lieder, Director of Sales/Interim Director Marketing & Service, Sikora AG
“The plastic converting industry gives a positive verdict on K 2022. Once again, a high-calibre international trade fair audience with decision-making authority found its way to Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre to attend K 2022. The first major event in the plastics industry held since the beginning of the Covid pandemic had been eagerly anticipated by many exhibitors and trade fair visitors. K 2022 passed this acid test. It became evident again that K as the world’s No. 1 trade fair serves not only as a “projection screen” and showcase for the latest innovations in plastics technology but also as a unique worldwide forum for discussions and exchange for the entire plastics value chain. K 2022 has served both these purposes in an outstanding way.” Dr. Oliver Möllenstädt, General Manager German Plastics Converters Association (gkv e.V.)
Our booth entertained visitors from 82 countries who were keen to know about our expanded PP and PE solutions. Many also showed interest in exploring investment opportunities at our Ladayn Polymer Park in Oman. Congratulations and thank you Messe Dusseldorf for hosting such a marvelous and long-standing tradeshow.” Ron Reago, Marcom Head, OQ
“Our team is satisfied with the number of visitors and even more so with the quality of the interaction. We were especially happy to be able to meet them on site again and to have good conversations with them. By our assessment, German and European visitors were more dominant this time, but North and South Americans and various Asian countries were also strongly represented again. Customers and partners were particularly interested in our developments and projects related to the circular economy and climate neutrality; after all, all industries are urgently looking for solutions to cut emissions and save resources. Despite all other restrictions caused by the current crisis, we are confident that the plastics industry as a solutions provider will continue focusing on answers to the major global challenges for many consumer industries.” Dr. Frank Rothbarth, Corporate Trade Media Relations, Communications, Covestro
“We are very satisfied with K 2022. We recorded an enormous run on our trade fair stand and the arburg Green world pavilion in VDMA’s Circular Economy Forum throughout the course of the trade fair, including at the weekend. Under the current circumstances we had not expected such a strong response in terms of the quantity, quality and international origin of visitors. Our communications strapline “There is only a Plan A” obviously hit the bull’s eye: the interest in our focal themes sustainability, digitalisation and resilience was enormous. We presented great applications and innovative technology and demonstrated that our portfolio and services offer everything to strengthen our customers’ resilience, not only during these challenging times. We are also very proud of our trainees who “rocked” the arburg Green world Pavilion and with great commitment discussed sustainable and resource-conserving solutions and the future of plastics especially also with young visitors.” Dr. Schumacher, Head of Business Unit Global Marketing, Arburg
“Participating to K2022 was very special for Domo in many ways. After years inside Hall 5, we decided for an outdoor pavilion, co-hosted with our partner Circularise – and the decision paid off in full. We welcomed key decision-makers and partners to the booth and registered more interest overall across all regions and continents. As a supplier of technical polyamides, we offer high-performance solutions for a genuine and sustainable circular economy. It is great to see that this is a joint ambition of the entire chemical and plastics industry, already delivering concrete results for CO2 reduction. One thing became clear this year: K, at 70 years old, is younger and more innovative than ever!” Ludovic Tonnerre, Chief Commercial Officer, Domo Chemicals
“Nearly all nations without exceptions were represented, both on the sales side and on the customer side. Our European launches and the Medical Machine garnered particularly strong interest. A predominant topic in the discussions was the subject of energy.” Dominik Wiesner, Marketing & Communications Europe, Haitian International Germany GmbH
Kraiburg TPE, a global TPE manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom-engineered materials solutions, offer the Thermolast K FC/LF and FC/AD/PP series of compounds for lipstick and other cosmetic product packaging applications.
Packaging is the new expectation for consumers in terms of brand, product integrity, safety, and design. Cosmetic products, especially lipsticks, satisfy consumers’ preferences for goods that provide comfort and value. As a result of these factors, manufacturers are now turning to new materials such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for packaging to add marketing value, brand distinction, and user experience. TPEs allow cosmetic packaging designers to create a wide range of shapes and colors. The material also provides proper packaging for lipsticks, ensuring that the color does not degrade or fade over time.
Kraiburg TPE, a global TPE manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom-engineered materials solutions, offers TPE compounds that provide a variety of tactile finishes and surface texture, as well as good sealing properties.
FC/LF series – good sealing performance
Kraiburg TPE’s Thermolast K series of compounds are used in lipstick packaging applications such as lipstick sealing and closures, lip tint tips, lip gloss tubes, and more. Whether it is a matte or gloss-finish lipstick, a user’s preferences could be influenced by the quality and aesthetics of the packaging.
Unique properties and qualities
Thermolast K FC/LF series has an excellent compression set and provides good sealing performance through injection molding and extrusion processes. The sealing is applied to the lipstick’s closure and bottom to keep it moist, prevent drying, and extend its shelf life. The low friction and smooth touch properties of the compound give the packaging a silky, velvety feel, with additional benefits such as abrasion resistance.
FC/AD/PP series – colorability and soft-touch feel
Color matching packaging with lipstick colors is crucial for brand marketing. Kraiburg TPE’s Thermolast K FC/AD/PP series, which is available in both natural and translucent colors, facilitates color versatility. Additionally, the series adheres well to PP and enables a soft touch feel, making it ideal for applications such as functional design elements in lipstick and lip gloss packaging.
Safe, regulatory-compliant materials
The FC/LF and FC/AD/PP series of compounds both conform to global food contact regulations such as China GB4806-2016, Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, and US FDA CFR 21. The compounds contain no animal products or hazardous substances. They can be recycled in-process, exemplifying them as sustainable material for packaging applications.
Besides that, Kraiburg TPE has other TPE compounds for cosmetic & skincare packaging applications such as bottle surfaces, flip top caps, slit valves, bottle closures, roll-ons, ampoule heads, compact sealing, spoid of serum, etc.
Furthermore, the newly developed VS/FC/CR is one of your material solutions for packaging applications. the material is resistant to common substances in cosmetic products, especially isododecane. These compounds are available in natural colors and can be colored in many different ways.
Sustainability successes of our TPE
In addition to materials for lipstick packaging application, Kraiburg TPE’s recent sustainability innovations include a specially developed material solution for automotive, consumer, and industry applications comprising post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) content.
Are you looking for a sustainable TPE solution? Talk to us!
Our experts are happy to answer any questions you have, as well as to offer the right solution for your application.
Comexi Will Focus on Sustainability, Automation, and Digital Printing During Next K 2022 Trade Fair
The company will unveil the new Digiflex, which currently offers the best digital variable data printing for flexible packaging
Digital printing, more sustainable processes, automation, and added value solutions will be the primary pillars on which Comexi activity is focused at the 2022 K trade fair; the event will be held from the 19th to 26th of October at the Messe in Düsseldorf (Germany).From Hall 4, Stand B31, Comexi will publicly present the new Digiflex. This machine allows the company to currently offer the best digital printing of variable data, such as Datamatrix variable codes, QR codes, barcodes, alphanumeric text, as well as other numbering and marking applications with high quality requirements.
Sustainability, at the Heart of All Innovations
Sustainability, defined as the management of resources to satisfy current needs without jeopardizing future needs, has become a primary global concern in recent years. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environment and do not hesitate to buy sustainable products.
Comexi has always distinguished itself by searching for more innovative sustainable solutions in flexible packaging with a lower carbon footprint: efficient energy management, less material loss, lower ink consumption, as well as reduction of plastic usage and solvents. “At Comexi we are leaders in offering sustainable solutions for printing and converting plastic, and paper packaging. Our goal is to provide products and services that help converters offer added value solutions to their customers. For this reason, in regard to equipment that adapts to the current market needs and requirements, we innovate with consistency,” explains Enric Carrera, the Chief Commercial Officer of Comexi.
As a participant in K, the world’s largest trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, Comexi will have the opportunity to introduce attendees to the manner by which it applies considerably sustainable processes with solvent-free inks in offset and flexo presses, including options such as WB (water-based) and EB printing.
Additionally, and answering the sustainability claim, water-based coatings are becoming extremely popular for the incoming packaging structures. “We are supplying unique solutions for water-based coatings applications onto paper and film, that are significantly reducing the environmental impact,” says Albert Chicote, the Lamination Business Unit Director of Comexi.
Moreover, Comexi has a strong focus on the automation during the laminating process, for this reason they will show what it has become the most awarded and advanced technology since years in the solventless machinery, the Closed-Loop system, that along with Synaptik Group, provides the highest reliability of the coating weight during a job run without any human intervention.
Automation and Added Value Solutions
Comexi provides “the most sophisticated slitting and rewinding machines, researching and innovating constantly until we satisfy the most demanding needs of our clients and end consumers. We offer various in-line value-added processes associated with these machines, such as in line laser and reel handling solutions”.
Comexi Laser is the revolution of the flexible packaging industry. A laser-in-line processing system can be integrated into Comexi slitting machines. It is the key differentiating technology that optimizes production and follows the most recent technology developments and market trends. Control, precision, and speed can best define this innovative tool, which permits customization, differentiation, and simultaneously, performs a wide range of applications and finishings.
The company Comexi offers the possibility of automating every operation that occurs after rewinding and slitting, such as transport, labelling, weighing, bagging, and palletizing. With the tailored solutions, Comexi sides with their customers to face the biggest challenge of this era in the flexible packaging industry: the lack of skilled operators and the difficulties for retaining talent.
Digiflex: The Solution to Make Each Pack a Unique Unit
Attendees of the K trade fair will have the opportunity to view, for the first time, the new Digiflex, Comexi’s digital printing solution for flexible packaging and labelling in an increasingly demanding market. It is a digital variable data print press that offers extremely high printing speeds, superb quality results, as well as the highest level of performance and production. Digiflex is an all-in-one solution that includes the integration of curing processes, tension control, printing registration, corona treatment, and a video inspection system.
Comexi Digiflex uses low-migration inks that are suitable for food packaging printing; it offers excellent results in regard to quality tests (tape, ethanol, and scratch). The machine allows for the possibility of double-sided printing without treatment, as well as printing on pre-printed material.The Digiflex, as it is a digital press, is an efficient solution due to its ability to reduce set-up times. It can reach a maximum speed of 220 m/min, reduce material waste, and improve lead time.
Furthermore, the machine offers high printing quality with a resolution of up to 1200×1200 dpi, a minimum code size of 8×8 mm, as well as printing and registration consistency.
SABIC Spotlights Advanced Material Solutions for an Expanding Global Hygiene and Healthcare Market at K 2022
SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry answers the needs of the hygiene and healthcare industry at K 2022 with a broad exhibit of differentiated material solutions, application samples targeting improved functionality, sustainability, safety, design, cost, patient and consumer convenience. A growing global population with an increasing female workforce and elderly people is creating a rising demand for healthcare and hygiene products that require innovative material solutions. This coincides with higher rates of obesity and other illnesses, and an increased awareness for healthcare associated infections (HCAI) and tighter governmental regulations for consumer protection.
Key materials in focus at SABIC’s exhibit at Booth D42 in Hall 6 during the show from October 19 to 26 in Düsseldorf, Germany, include the company’s Purecares polypropylene (PP) solutions for hygiene and medical nonwoven applications, as well as different types of polyethylene (PE) resins for film and laminates in the hygiene market.
SABIC’s healthcare offering includes SABIC PCG – Pharmacopoeia grade poly-olefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene along with a broad portfolio of engineered thermoplastics such as Lexan HP PC,Cycoloy HC ABS/PC, Cycolac HM ABS, Valox HX PBT, Xenoy HX PC/PBT and Xylex HX PC/PET. This portfolio is offered with SABIC’s Health Care Product Policy that includes pre-assessment for biocompatibility (ISO 10993, USP Class VI, European Pharmacopoeia – EP), food contact compliance, formulation lock and stringent management of change process to help customers develop healthcare applications.
SABIC’s Trucircle portfolio includes certified circular and renewable polymers to help customers meet sustainability goals.
Solutions in the spotlight at SABIC’s booth are focused on five key application areas:
Patient care
In this segment, SABIC addresses the need for portable technologies, reduction of HCAI, and regulatory compliance. SABIC’s healthcare portfolio offers enhanced chemical resistance to variety of disinfectants, cleaners, lipids and IV solutions for reducing HCAI. Moreover, these materials offer capability to be sterilized by variety of sterilization processes including Gamma, E-Beam, Autoclave, EtO, etc. This capability can be instrumental to increase the effective time available for patient care. Examples on display:
Diagnostic device using Lexan,Cycoloyand Valox resins provide high stiffness and durable, aesthetic surfaces in addition to chemical resistance for reducing HCAI’s. We are happy to share a recent example where SABIC joined hands with Artcline, a pioneer in healthcare devices, to develop new to the world sepsis treatment device. To know more follow the link illustrating how SABIC’s healthcare portfolio enables development of techniques and technologies for devices that treat bacterial sepsis. Read more.
Further building on our foundation to collaborate, we will be sharing an example of a ventilator, illustrating the strength of our team of experts, and our application knowledge, highlighting SABIC Lexan, Cycoloy, Cycolac and Valox resins, which have been used by several renowned brands and new entrants across the globe for medical device housings that are used to save lives. VOCSN ventilator from Ventec Life Systems for Covid patient care is another example of an industry collaboration with automotive industry, supporting healthcare industry needs.
These examples highlight how we deliver Chemistry that Matters.
Diagnosis
SABIC’s material solutions for diagnosis of patient samples, as well as for pharmaceutical and Bio-pharmaceutical research, offer high clarity for visual inspection along with excellent durability, impact resistance, sterilizability, chemical resistance and biocompatibility. Applications range from disposable vials and containers for sample collection, to hand-held instruments, such as pipettors for sample preparation, to clinical diagnostic equipment for rapid processing/evaluation of multiple samples.
The portfolio also includes a comprehensive range of SABIC PCG PE and PP grades in full compliance with European Pharmacopeia monograph 3.1.4 and USP IV. Some most recent application examples are shatter-resistant test and blood collection tubes, measuring/dosage cups and syringe barrels.
SABIC Spotlights Advanced Material Solutions for an Expanding Global Hygiene and Healthcare Market at K 2022.
Prevention
Wearable products designed to prevent people from acquiring infections and taking care of their personal hygiene require safe and pure materials for nonwovens with advanced functionality and best comfort, while incorporating care for the environmental impact. Examples on display at K 2022:
Single-use facemasks: In a joint pilot project between Procter & Gamble, Fraunhofer and SABIC and to tackle the billions of facemasks discarded in public spaces during the ongoing pandemic, worldwide, the partners developed a sustainable closed-loop solution that helps reduce critical waste and mitigate resource depletion. Facemasks worn by employees and visitors at P&G sites in Germany are collected, automatically shredded and converted to pyrolysis oil. SABIC uses the oil as feedstock in the production of certified circular Purecares PP resin. Finally, to close the loop, recycled PP polymer was supplied to P&G, where it was processed into nonwoven fibers material. Read more.
Absorbent hygiene film for sanitary pads, panty liners, towels and diapers in feminine, baby and incontinence care as well as disposable medical applications. SABIC, Plastik Group & DryLock Technologies collaborated to develop high-performance, high-purity and sustainable material solutions for use in the production of absorbent hygiene products. Mass balance certified circular PP and PE polymers from SABIC’s Trucircle portfolio are used by Plastik Group to deliver specialty films designed for absorbent disposables offered by Drylock. The drop-in alternatives to virgin plastics are considered a disruptive circular innovation in this market segment with no compromise in processability or product performance. Read more.
Nonwovens: Consumer comfort is achieved by using SABIC PP polymers for bicomponent fiber to answer multiple needs for loft nonwovens, enabling easy lamination to other building blocks on medical nonwovens or absorbent hygiene applications.
Self-medication
An increasingly urban society of health conscious, knowledgeable and empowered consumers has created a growing market and demand for self-medication products and self-care devices. SABIC’s broad portfolio of health-grade and PCG polymer solutions enables manufacturers to implement miniature design concepts and optimize the user-friendliness of devices. These devices and equipment allow connectivity to enable remote patient monitoring. They are portable and durable enough to be worn on a patient’s body for continuous monitoring.
SABIC’s healthcare product portfolio offers improved impact resistance, broad colorability range, improved durability and design freedom for appropriate lightweight applications. These materials allow combination of components necessary to contain, preserve, protect and deliver a safe efficacy drug product: containers, bottles, caps & closures, films and bags for pharmaceutical packaging. Typical examples include blood pressure monitoring devices, continuous glucose monitors, administration dispensers, insulin pump housings and insulin pens, eye droplets, containers for parenteral solutions, syringes, cups and spoons.
Protection
Frontline workers in medical care require reliable protective personal equipment, and surfaces in healthcare facilities must be effectively protected against the hazards of infections as well as fires – all while at the same time ensuring high durability and ease of maintenance. Lexan Sheet and film products from SABIC’s Functional Forms business offer advanced materials to address these challenges.
SABIC Spotlights Advanced Material Solutions for an Expanding Global Hygiene and Healthcare Market at K 2022.
Lexan Cliniwall sheet: A range of impact, scratch and wear resistant sheet products for interior wall claddings in compliance with fire safety according to EN 135051-1. Excellent resistance to chemicals, including stains of blood and urine, as well as to common hospital cleaners and disinfectants makes these materials a perfect choice for demanding and durable applications in clinics, primary care centers, sterile rooms, medical laboratories and elderly homes. The portfolio also comprises specific pre-colored and anti-bacterial grades. Read more.
Lexan HP92AF anti-fog film: After identifying a gap in the market when it comes to protecting frontline workers against theCovid pathogen, SABIC developed a special Lexan anti-fog film for visors, safety goggles, medical instrument lenses and displays. The outstanding optical clarity and high impact strength of the polymer in combination with SABIC’s superior anti-fog coating technology has already proven its effective protection performance in several healthcare applications, where the time-to-fog can make a critical difference. The film product is available in a wide range of gauges, can easily be thermoformed and shows excellent die cutting and printability. Read more.
Visit SABIC during K 2022 from October 19 to 26 in Düsseldorf, Germany, at Booth D42 in Hall 6 to learn more about these and other advanced healthcare and hygiene solutions. The company’s experts will also be available at the booth to discuss how SABIC’s materials portfolio and design services can help you accelerate your journey towards profitable circularity and reduce the climate impact of your products as you address the growing demand for safe and functional applications in this market.
SABIC Spotlights Advanced Material Solutions for an Expanding Global Hygiene and Healthcare Market at K 2022
Sidel Launches Its 1Skin Bottle, the Future of Sustainable Packaging for Sensitive Drinks
Sidel has created 1Skin, a unique label-less recycled Pet bottle. Combining distinctive shelf-appeal with the highest eco credentials, it has been designed to help Sidel’s customers achieve their sustainability goals and drive sales of high-end products.
The one-litre bottle is destined for the booming market in sensitive juices, teas and flavoured drinks. The new 1Skin concept represents a breakthrough both in sustainability and in its streamlined design.
Designed for easy recycling
Made with readily available 100% recycled Pet (r-Pet), 1Skin has been designed by Sidel for easy recycling. The label-free bottle with its tethered cap can immediately enter the recycling stream with no need to separate additional raw materials such as ink, glue, labels or sleeves. Customers choosing 1Skin will stay ahead of the main worldwide regulations and market trends for sustainable packaging.
Launched at the international beverages trade fair, drinktec in Germany in September, the bottle has attracted interest from customers from all over the world seeking to make their packaging more sustainable. Many of the major brands are embracing higher sustainability standards, driven by consumer influence as well as growing legislation to encourage recycling.
“We are delighted with the positive response to 1Skin,” says Vincent Le Guen, Vice President – Packaging at Sidel. “We have demonstrated that it is possible to combine outstanding design and strong sustainability credentials in one affordable premium bottle.”
Appealing looks and drinking experience
1Skin is made to stand out on shelves in one of the fastest growing and most comPetitive beverage segments. The bottle is designed to deliver an appealing drinking experience, with an ergonomic grip for comfortable pouring. It has a wide neck and a cap lock feature to keep the open bottle top away from the consumer’s face. On the bottle’s label-free surface there are multiple options to use differing fonts and textures, with the transparency enabling great opportunities for natural light and shadow play. The ultra-precise graphic elements are created using Sidel’s most advanced mould technologies combined with its blow moulding expertise. QR or bar codes can be printed on the bottle closure to provide information to consumers or enable individual unit sales.
The bottle design guarantees safety and protects the integrity of products with a long shelf life. Sidel’s patented Starlite Sensitive base technology combines a premium glass-like design with optimised weight and performance on high-speed lines.
Immediate availability on new or existing lines
Sidel can include the 1Skin solution in new equipment, or add it to existing lines using its dedicated line conversion services. The line equipment is adapted accordingly, ensuring a quick and efficient start-up. The bottle’s optimised neck requires less raw materials and so can also reduce production costs.
Inspired by healthy living
Sidel describes 1Skin as being inspired by nature and the importance of healthy living, offering a bottle which protects its contents with a minimalist approach and premium shelf-appeal.
“It is an ideal design solution that makes the packaging industry more sustainable,” concludes Vincent Le Guen.
