“Ready2Go”: The New Allrounder In a Flash!

In order to offer customers quick and easy access to standard machines, Arburg has already been producing Allrounders from the Golden Edition and Golden Electric “ready to go” series since 2021. From Technology Days 2022 onwards, all European users of the arburgXworld customer portal will now have the opportunity to view the list of available warehouse and also showroom machines via the new “Ready2Go” app and to request corresponding offers. And thus to receive their new Allrounder within three to four weeks….

Teknor Apex Announces NEW Sarlink R2 3180B TPV with 25% recycled content – another product portfolio advancement in their sustainability journey

This multi-purpose TPV containing high-quality Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) content processes and performs like its virgin counterpart

thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are the premier choice for critical applications that require superior elasticity and long-term performance, like extruded seals and hoses or molded gaskets. Sarlink TPVs have steadily been replacing thermoset rubber, like EPDM, in sealing applications due to improvements in processing, design, and weight reduction. In addition, unlike EPDM rubber, Sarlink TPVs are recyclable, both in- process or at the end of the product’s life cycle. Teknor Apex is pleased to introduce the latest innovation in the Sarlink portfolio, which can further help brands achieve their sustainability goals, by incorporating recycled content into TPVs.

The new grade, Sarlink R2 3180B, is based on the existing Sarlink 3180B technology, but incorporates 25% Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) content. This is a pre-colored black, high-durometer multi-purpose TPV, that is essentially the functional equivalent of its virgin counterpart in terms of processing and performance. Sarlink TPVs in general have faster cycle times or throughput rates versus competitive TPV products on the market, and the addition of recycled content has proven to maintain this advantage during processing

The unique use of PIR content versus Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content provides for a cleaner,more consistent raw material stream that can be used for extrusion processes without issue. Teknor Apex treats recycled feedstocks like prime raw materials, and they are subject to the same quality assurance testing and must meet relevant specifications for use. The use of recycled content helps to promote a circular economy while decreasing reliance on virgin fossil-based resources and energy. This allows brands to meet consumer and regulatory demands for enhanced sustainability of their products and contributes toward a lower carbon footprint by avoiding the impacts of manufacturing virgin petroleum-based materials. The Sarlink R2 3180B is just first TPV with
sustainable content to launch, but softer grades and more specialty TPV formulations containing sustainable content are currently under development, to be released later this year.

A Sustainable Option for a Variety of Products
Automotive, Industrial and Building and ; Construction industries are ideal markets for this new Sarlink TPV – that can be overmolded or co-extruded with PP or other thermoplastic elastomers. Ideal applications include the backbone or carrier for seals and profile extrusions, gaskets, pipe hanger brackets, dunnage, grommets and automotive body plugs, that can all then be recycled at end of life like virgin TPVs. So not only does Sarlink R2 3180B reduce plastic waste by incorporating it into the compound, but products made from this grade are still fully recyclable at the end of the
product's life.

“At Teknor Apex, we recognize our responsibility as part of the value chain, to manufacture our products as sustainably as possible, while continuing to deliver more sustainable material solutions
to the market. We understand sustainability is complex and interconnected. There are many paths to sustainability, and our products play an integral role. Every day we are investigating new sustainable raw materials, processes, technologies, and partners to continue to deliver sustainable solutions to the market,” said Jonathan Plisco, New Business Development Manager. Sarlink TPVs are manufactured according to the standards

Sarlink TPVs are manufactured according to the standards of ISO-9001 in the USA, Singapore, and
Belgium with strict formulation control and traceability.

ECI Group Signs Two New License and Engineering Agreements for Confidential Client

• ECI Group will provide the technology, engineering design, and training for the facility, and support through commissioning, start-up, and production for two new high-pressure polyethylene
  plants.
• Repsol will offer its knowledge in the production and operation for the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer plant and ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA) copolymer plant, and know-how regarding the development of EVA and EBA differentiated applications.

ECI Group has signed two license agreements for Process Technology and Engineering Design with a confidential client in China. The two lines will be capable of producing 50,000 tonnes per year of Ethylene Butyl Acrylate (EBA) and 100,000 tonnes per year of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) respectively, with the ability to produce other associated high-pressure copolymers in the future.

The plants will be part of the client’s refining and petrochemical integrated project, a mega complex to be located in the Province of Jiangsu. ECI Group will provide the technology, design, and training for the two lines, as well as support through commissioning, start-up, and production.

Repsol, the multi-energy company, is the technology partner of ECI Group and will provide its extensive technical expertise on these kinds of plants and products. Repsol has several LDPE, EVA, and
EBA plants in its industrial complexes in Spain and Portugal and has over 40 years of experience producing polymers in high-pressure facilities.

The plants will use high-pressure autoclave technology that has its roots in the heritage ICI process to manufacture of Polyethylene. ICI first created LDPE in the 1930s, and ICI partnered with ECI Group’s subsidiary company Simon Carves over five decades to deliver over 67 operating reactor lines around the world. The ECI Group design offers significant improvements in the product range, reliability, and expandability to the original ICI technology, and is optimized to make use of modern materials, design techniques, standards, and industry best practices for construction, operation, and maintenance.

While the client declined to provide a comment citing project confidentiality, they noted that they had reviewed a number of technology options and made the decision to select ECI Group’s autoclave technology for a number of important reasons including the unmatched product range, lower operating costs and the design built for future expansion of capacity and product development capabilities. They also recognized Repsol’s reputation as a long-standing producer of high-quality products, and expressed their desire to work with both partners for a fruitful long-term cooperation.

“These agreements include the first EBA license and ECI’s fourth high-pressure copolymer license in 12 months,” said Joaquin Flores, President and CEO of ECI Group. “These achievements serve to establish ECI’s position as the technology of choice for producers of high-pressure polyethylene. ECI Group is already recognized globally as the world’s leading provider of engineering and technical services for high-pressure polyethylene facilities, having worked with every major current producer and licensor. Once again, we have been able to demonstrate the benefits Repsol’s in-depth product knowledge and market reputation to further enhance ECI Group’s established expertise. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with this well-established client who have made a great impression on us during our discussions with their level of integrity, vision and professionalism.”

Cosmo Films appoints Justin Glass as President for North America operations

Cosmo Films Limited, a Global Leader in Films for Packaging, Labelling, Lamination and Synthetic Paper and an emerging player in Specialty Chemicals, Polymers & Pet care, appointed Mr. Justin Glass as President for their business operations across North America. In his new role, Justin will be responsible for devising growth strategies and expanding business in the North American region for the organisation. In this new role, Justin will report to Mr. Kulbhushan Malik, Sr. Vice President and Head of International Operations, Cosmo Films Limited.

A seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience, Justin comes to Cosmo Films with diverse experience and expertise in plastics and packaging industry. Justin started his career in plastic industry as a Process Engineer for Bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) tape films in the extrusion & coating functions and moved on to various technical functions across several
primary polymer markets.

Justin holds 15 years of expertise in handling commercial & finance related business strategies and planned execution for large multinational packaging manufacturers serving the food,
consumer packaging, pharmaceutical & medical packaging verticals. In his past tenures, he has been associated with DS Smith as Director Commercial Operations; Klöckner Pentaplast as
Commercial Director Americas – Food & Consumer packaging; and other organizations.

Welcoming him, Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo Films Limited said, “With more than two decades long career in films and packaging industry, Justin holds proficiency in leading
teams across functions including engineering, sales, marketing, and operations. His expertise in leadership, strategy and business acumen will prove significant to Cosmo Films operations in
North America. I am delighted to have him onboard and look forward to his contributions in achieving our strategic goals in thoughtful and innovative ways.”

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Justin Glass, President, North America, Cosmo Films, “Cosmo’s market domination and growth in different film segments is testimony of the
dedication of Cosmo team, vision of its leadership, and Cosmo’s Product Quality and Customer service. I am thankful that the leadership has entrusted me with the responsibility of leading and growing their business in North America. I look forward to leveraging the innovative teams at Cosmo Films to help unlock new market opportunities with our partner brands.”
Justin is a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech University, and an MBA from Averett University.

PERPETUA ALTA: Constantia Flexibles introduces recycle-ready laminate with improved chemical resistance

The world’s third-largest flexible packaging manufacturer launches the first ready-to-be-recycled mono-material based on polypropylene (PP) with high chemical resistance for pharmaceutical products.

“We highlight the need for more sustainable packaging in the pharmaceutical packaging business with our innovation PERPETUA ALTA,” states Joerg Adrian, Vice President Technical Organization & Innovation Pharma of Constantia Flexibles. The newest addition to its product portfolio combines “Design for Recycling” guidelines with high chemical resistance against aggressive liquid or gel formulations. The mono-polymer solution replaces the multi-material packaging for chemically aggressive products such as pharmaceutical liquid and gel compositions. “It was our goal to achieve a high-performance ready-to-be-recycled solution. Although designed for highly aggressive pharma products, PERPETUA ALTA may also find applications in other market segments requiring high chemical resistance, e.g., food applications,” added Joerg Adrian. On top, third-party certification from the German Institute cyclos-HTP confirms the material recovery of up to 96%, depending on the final material configuration.

Performance: high chemical resistance

Traditional multilayer packaging for pharmaceutical products is not recyclable due to combination of different materials. Alternatives, such as recyclable mono-polyethylene or mono-polypropylene laminates, fulfill the recyclability factor but do not provide the required performance with respect to chemical resistance. “It was a challenge. Our R&D and product management team worked hard to get where we are today: a full polypropylene recyclable solution with high chemical resistance (HCR) towards aggressive filling goods,” explained Roberto Martin, Head of Innovation Laminates at Constantia Flexibles’ plant in Logroño, Spain. PERPETUA ALTA can withstand, e.g., hydro-alcoholic gel under accelerated aging conditions, similar to aluminum-containing multi-material laminates compliant with HCR requirements. Compared to a conventional laminate solution, this innovative laminate offers optimal product protection from oxygen, water vapor, and light at a reduced weight and increased yield. PERPETUA ALTA is a drop-in solution for existing packaging formats based on laminates like stick packs, sachets, and strip packs. Important for the production: The packaging machines do not have to be replaced, the existing equipment can be used.