PLASTICS Promotes Patrick Krieger to Vice President for Sustainability

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has promoted Patrick Krieger, Senior Director for Materials & Sustainability, to the newly created role of Vice President for Sustainability. 

“As an industry, we intend to be all-in on sustainability, helping to lead the way toward a truly circular economy. Patrick will play an essential role on that journey,” said Tony Radoszewski, President and CEO of PLASTICS. “Patrick’s stellar performance as Senior Director for Materials and Sustainability, which included important work with our Recycling and other Material Supplier committees, made him the obvious choice to lead our sustainability efforts.”  

Krieger’s accomplishments to date include significant roles in guiding New End Market Opportunities (NEMO) projects for PLASTICS, as well as contributing to the growth of Operation Clean Sweep, a program in which companies dedicate themselves to measures aimed at preventing the release of resin into the marine environment. He is also responsible for the creation of Bioplastics Week, a successful online event geared toward educating both industry and consumer audiences about biobased plastic materials. Bioplastics Week gave rise to Plastics Recycling Week in 2021, another popular event that PLASTICS intends to grow this year. 

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity of working with our members to promote and improve the sustainability of the plastics industry,” said Krieger.“Improving recycling and recycling infrastructure, renewable feedstocks, or addressing the problem of marine debris – we are just getting started.” 

Krieger also organizes PLASTICS’ Re|Focus Recycling and Sustainability Summit, a multi-day conference during which industry professionals hear from expert speakers and their peers on solutions that will improve their sustainability efforts. A key feature of the Summit is the annual Sustainability Innovation Award competition, in which companies from both inside and outside the organization can showcase their efforts to contribute in the areas of recycling and sustainability. 

Beginning his career at PLASTICS in 2015 as Assistant Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Krieger became Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs in 2018, and then Senior Director for Materials and Sustainability in 2020. Before joining PLASTICS, Krieger served as Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Animal Health Institute. He is a 2007 graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development.

click here

Absolutely clean 3D printed components for recreational vehicles with a fully automatic operation

significant quality improvement of the de-powdering and cleaning operation for 3D printed components at lower costs and shorter cycle times! A leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles is fulfilling this goal with the purchase of the automated post-processing system S1 from AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology.

With their innovative designs and powerful drive systems the motor homes, caravans and panel trucks of the Knaus Tabbert AG allow safe, comfortable, and sustainable traveling. At its German headquarters in Jandelsbrunn, Bavaria, the company is utilizing its comprehensive experience and know-how to continuously improve the materials and designs of its vehicles.

Naturally, this also includes the employment of new manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing (AM). Mario Meszaros, development engineer at Knaus Tabbert explains: „On the one hand we are using the 3D printing technology for creating prototypes. On the other hand, we are also utilizing additive manufacturing for
producing standard components in volume such as the bracket for an alarm system or the hinge mechanism for the swing-out shower stall”.

A challenging post-processing task

To date, the de-powdering and cleaning of PA 12 components, produced by a powder-bed printing system, was done manually in a blast cabinet. Since this post-processing operation required not only a lot of labor and time but also produced highly erratic and inconsistent results, the company was looking for an automated alternative.

Therefore, comprehensive processing trials were run with different components in the Customer Experience Center of AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology. This division of the Rösler group specializes in post-processing solutions for 3D printed components. After the conclusion of the highly successful processing trials, the customer chose the S1 shot blasting system.

This shot blast machine was specifically developed for the post-processing of plastic components produced with the powder bed printing method. The plug-and-play S1 is the only machine on the market that allows the time-saving and cost-efficient de-powdering as well as surface smoothing and homogenization of 3D printed components in one single machine. All that is required, is a simple change of the blast media, for example, from glass beads to plastic spheres.

The S1, equipped with a basket that rotates during the finishing operation and allows easy, ergonomic loading and unloading of the workpieces, allows fully automatic batch processing. Throughout the entire process, the basket remains in the machine housing. This, combined with a special door sealing system, prevents any powder spillage into the immediate surroundings.

The control panel allows an easy and quick switch to manual operation without any retooling. „More and more companies from different industries are choosing the S1 for post-processing of their 3D printed components. This is a confirmation of our product strategy. It shows that our 3D post-processing products are in full compliance
with the requirements of the market”, adds Manuel Laux, Head of AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology.

Perfect cleaning results and quick amortization

Mario Meszaros comments: „The fact that after surprisingly short cycle times the components came out of the machine perfectly clean and without any powder residues was very impressive”. He continues: „With the underlying operating data I prepared an ROI calculation. The results quickly convinced our management: Even with only three print jobs per week in the S1, we already achieve a return on investment after roughly two years.
However, it is safe to assume that the quantity of 3D-printed components will increase significantly. This will drastically reduce the amortization period.”

High process stability and operational safety

The benefits of the S1 are not only limited to the excellent processing results and the quick amortization. In its standard version, it also features a system that automatically monitors and records all relevant process parameters. The integrated blast media cleaning and recycling system represent another reason for the high process stability. It ensures that irrespective of the media type the media is always available in perfect condition.

Another plus is the explosion-protected design of the shot blast machine with ATEX compliant motors and valves. Mario Meszaros concludes: „I am absolutely convinced that the simple, effective and efficient post-processing possibilities of the S1 will further promote the use of additive manufacturing in our company”.

click here

SABIC’s new ISCC+ certified bio-based LNP ELCRIN  copolymer resin helps the consumer electronics industry achieve net-zero carbon emission goals

The prestigious Chinese brand realme chose LNP ELCRIN EXL7414B copolymer resin for the battery cover of its brand-new GT 2 Pro smartphone that launched on Jan. 4, 2022, in China. “Our collaboration with SABIC to successfully incorporate this new bio-based copolymer in our GT 2 series smartphone has helped us achieve competitive differentiation and a stronger sustainability posture,” said Chase Xu, Global Vice President, and Chief Marketing Officer, realme.

“The use of bio-based materials is an important selling point for consumers, who increasingly seek out sustainable products. Further, the adoption of LNP ELCRIN EXL copolymer resin has enabled our company to advance its environmental goals without any compromise in product performance. This application is the latest result of our productive, ongoing relationship with SABIC.”

Realme was the first consumer electronics brand to adopt the incumbent version of this material, LNP ELCRIN EXL7414 resin, which was used to mold the battery cover of its C25 smartphone. Demonstrating its continuing innovation, realme is now one of the first electronics companies to use a bio-based copolymer. The new SABIC copolymer provides the same outstanding properties and processing as its predecessor, enabling a seamless transition for realme.

“The development of bio-based thermoplastics is an important part of SABIC’s overall sustainability strategy, which also encompasses chemical upcycling and mechanical recycling,” said Maureen MacDonald-Stein, Director, Growth OEM, Specialties, SABIC. “We are applying the full scientific and technical resources of the company to create and deliver new materials that can help customers like realme achieve goals such as emissions and energy reductions, plastic waste avoidance, and regulatory compliance.”

Sustainability + High Performance

In addition to lowering carbon footprint by reducing the use of fossil-based feedstocks, SABIC’s LNP ELCRIN EXL7414B copolymer resin delivers exceptional performance for demanding electronics applications. It uses a non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardant formulation that meets the UL 94 V0 standard at 0.6 mm.

Both LNP ELCRIN EXL7414 and new LNP ELCRIN EXL7414B copolymer resins help address the harmonized International Electrotechnical Commission’s new IEC 62368-1 standard, which replaced the previous IEC 60065 Audio Video and IEC 60950 IT Equipment standards with stronger safety requirements. For example, this new standard, which took effect in December 2020, requires hazardous energy sources such as lithium-ion batteries to be contained via built-in safeguards to help prevent the energy from transferring to device users.

The excellent processability of the bio-based LNP ELCRIN EXL7414B copolymer resin enables ultra-thin part designs that save weight and space and offers opportunities for shorter cycle times and higher throughput vs. standard PC. The new material also provides excellent low-temperature ductility (-40℃) for impact strength when a device is dropped, and good chemical resistance to withstand ultraviolet (UV)-cured paint.

“Our new bio-based copolymers can be particularly beneficial to the consumer electronics market,” said Joshua Chiaw, Director, Business Management, LNP & NORYL, SABIC. “They combine sustainability with exceptional performance to address key trends for electronic devices, including smaller, thinner designs, increasingly stringent safety regulations, and strong consumer preferences for environmentally responsible products. To further support this important sector and the electrical/electronics industry as a whole, SABIC plans to add new grades to our bio-based LNP ELCRIN EXL family.”

Click here

JURGEN ARTNER APPOINTED AS BOREALIS OPERATIONS MANAGER POLYOLEFINS & LOCATION LEADER SCHWECHAT, MONZA, AND WILDON

Borealis announces the appointment of Jürgen Artner (51) as Operations Manager Polyolefins and Location Leader for Borealis in Schwechat (Austria), Monza (Italy), and Wildon (Austria), effective 1 February 2022. He succeeds Rudolf Sukal, who will retire mid-year.

Jurgen Artner joined Borealis in 2000 and has held various positions since then, including Maintenance Engineer, Head of the Engineering Department, and Production Manager of the Borstar plant in Schwechat. Most recently, he has held the position of Performance Manager responsible for Borealis’ polyethylene plants across Europe.

Jurgen Artner holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical/Process Engineering from the Technical University in Vienna. He is an Austrian citizen, married, and the father of two children.

“I am delighted that Jürgen Artner, who is engaged and experienced in the areas of production, maintenance, and technology, will take responsibility for our Polyolefin Operations in these three locations, as well as the Location Leader’s role,” comments Borealis Vice President Operations Polyolefins, Bob Wullaert.

“At the same time, I would like to thank Rudolf Sukal for his outstanding contribution and commitment to Borealis. He has brought our production facilities to a high level of performance and, more importantly, achieved excellence in safety over the years in Schwechat, Monza, and Wildon.”

click here

Polymers colour laboratory receives certification from Renault design department

Pre-coloured materials have many advantages in contrast to masterbatch solutions for self-coloring, such as colour stability, colour differences between batches, and risk reduction. ELIX has extensive expertise in developing colours based on OEM requirements, including colours and gloss targets using different surface textures. The ELIX laboratory has several tools, for instance, twin-screw extruders, molds with automotive OEM textures, colorimeters, light cabins, and a Xenotest weathering chamber.

Recently, the ELIX colour laboratory in Tarragona was certified by the Renault design department, which means that ELIX can self-validate new or existing colours with new materials according to Renault specifications and colour approval procedures, instead of requiring an accredited third-party laboratory.

Renault and ELIX have been working together for many years and several products from ELIX were approved in the latest Thermoplastics Renault Materials Panel (PMR). ELIX Polymers also offers Renault technical support at their Tiers where ABS is used for different applications, such as interior trim parts or chrome-plated exterior front grills.

click here

Omnix ReCycle HPPA demonstrates lower water absorption, improved flowability, and best-in-class surface aspect vs. virgin high-performance polyamides

“As Solvay’s first-ever recycled-based HPPA with 50% glass fiber reinforcement, Omnix  ReCycle is a real
breakthrough in the market of polyamides for household appliances,” says Claire Guerrero, Global Marketing
Manager for Packaging Segment and Sustainability at Solvay. “It combines the outstanding mechanical
properties of virgin semi-aromatic HPPA with better flow, lower water pickup, and best-in-class surface aspect.

In addition, its unique performance and sustainability profile offers an attractive material solution for brand
owners and manufacturers who seek to increase the recycled content in their products without compromising
dimensional stability, high stiffness, impact resistance, and processability.”

The recycled content of Omnix  ReCycle saves resources and results in a significantly lower carbon footprint
compared to virgin HPPA, thus showing a 30% lower global warming potential (GWP). At the same time, it has
an ideal fit for replacing lower-performing polyamides (PA) as well as metals.

In household appliances, for instance, it delivers higher durability than provided by standard PA6 or PA66
polymers. This helps OEMs reduce breakage and damage returns while meeting the growing awareness of
consumers for longevity and lower environmental impact in their product choices.

With its excellent surface appearance, the new recycled-based HPPA can also eliminate the need for painting, which adds to its overall sustainable benefits and facilitates the end-of-life recyclability of applications in an increasingly circular plastics economy. Another target is wearing and tear resistance for lightweight interior components in transportation and automotive.

Solvay’s Omnix  ReCycle can be processed on standard injection molding equipment, including the use of
water-heated molds. Following the successful sampling and approval by selected customers, the new
sustainable HPPA material is commercially available, worldwide.

click here

GUALAPACK AND ELLA’S KITCHEN COLLABORATE TO LAUNCH BABY FOOD CAP MADE WITH ADVANCED RECYCLED PLASTICS

The recycled content for the cap is created using certified circular polymers from SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE 
portfolio and comes from recycled plastics from post-consumer waste that would otherwise typically be
destined for incineration or landfill.

SABIC’s resins are then used by Gualapack, the market leader of spouted pouches in the baby food segment and supplier to Ella’s Kitchen, to produce the cap. Ella’s Kitchen will become the first company in the baby food category to use certified circular polymers from SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE portfolio.

Abdullah Al-Otaibi, ETP; Market Solution General Manager at SABIC, said: “, we are committed to
creating sustainable, innovative solutions for our customers which have been produced in a way that optimize
our planet’s natural resources and create value out of post-consumer plastics. Using advanced recycling
technology we produce materials for high-quality, food-grade packaging which can be upcycled over and over
again. This new collaboration with Ella’s Kitchen is beneficial to the eco-system of food packaging, and is
another significant step towards a circular economy for used plastics.”

The new collaboration forms part of Ella’s Kitchen’s wider packaging commitments to lower the environmental
impact of its packaging and to make all of its packaging widely recyclable by 2024.
Chris Jenkins, Who Runs The Good Stuff We Do (Sustainability + Corporate Communications) at Ella’s Kitchen,
said: “Protecting the planet for future generations is a top priority for us at Ella’s Kitchen. That’s why we are
proud to partner with SABIC to work on innovative ways how we can lower the environmental footprint of
our packaging by introducing recycled content.

We understand that this will not solve the recyclability question of our packaging, but hope it will demonstrate our continued commitment to creating change and the opportunity chemical recycling can play to create food contact recycled content for packaging. We hope that industry continues to focus and invest in advanced recycling to increase the availability of the material which is what is really needed to unlock lasting change.”

Stefano Manfredi, Global Sales and Marketing Director at Gualapack, said: “We are delighted to be part of this
innovative journey together with our customer and supplier as we have the ambition to offer the largest
portfolio of sustainable solutions.”

click here

Cosmo Films continues its profit expansion journey with 65% PAT growth

 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 today declared its financial results for the quarter ended December 2021.

Q3FY22 EBITDA has increased by 44% (vs. corresponding quarter) on the back of higher speciality sales, better operating margins and improved performance by subsidiaries. Enhanced EBITDA together with lower finance cost and lower effective tax rate led to increase in PAT by 65%.

Increase in EPS was still higher at 75% due to impact of buyback of shares in December 2020. The Board of Directors has declared second interim dividend of Rs.10 per equity share for the FY22. Together with first interim dividend, total dividend for FY22 would add up to Rs.35 per equity share compared to Rs.25 for FY21.

During the quarter, the Company has received sanction under Production linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for production of speciality films for use in electronic products. The incentive under the scheme will be for five years on 100% production of the new plant.

Commenting on Company’s performance Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo Films Ltd. said “In coming years, the Company’s growth will be driven by Specialized Polyester line (commissioning in FY 23) and new BOPP line (commissioning in FY25), continuing focus onspecialty sales and diversification into specialty chemicals & Pet care business (under Zigly brand).

Zigly’s pilot launch has delivered better than the forecast and the Company looks forward to rolling out its digital first Omni channel business model. Textile Chemicals business which started commercial production in Q2 FY22 has taken off well.

Within the first three months the Company has commercialized 40+ products and has started supplies to 40+ customers. The Company continues to conduct extensive trials with the customers and expects to add newer products and customers in the coming months.

The Company has also published its first report on sustainability and ESG initiatives on its website. The Company continues to work on several sustainability projects which shall further create favourable environment impact besides cost optimization.”

click here for further details

Small and flexible: alpha plus extruders for roller blind producer

The French company SPPF based in Cholet Cedex produces 350,000 roller blind boxes and roller blinds per year and is thus known as a specialist in standard and customized PVC system solutions for windows. To extend its production capacity, battenfeld-cincinnati Austria GmbH from Vienna recently delivered a total of three alpha plus extruders with 60 mm diameter to the profile manufacturer. The customer is enthusiastic about this new version of the standard extruder model with BCtouch UX compact control.

20 years ago, battenfeld-cincinnati launched alpha, a product line with a completely new concept: a compact, standardized extruder series to make small technical profiles and pipes available at an attractive price without delivery times.

The sales success of this article has continued unabated ever since. The extruder specialist responded by adding the alpha plus to the range at the K 2019. Technically speaking, it is still the familiar high-tech plug & play extruder model, but this time plus the new BCtouch UX compact control system.

“With its easy, intuitive operation, this control system facilitates daily production work for our machine operators”, says Guillaume Le Roc’h, Production Manager at SPPF. Similar to its large sister, the BCtouch UX control system already long-established in the market, this new control system scores by its clear display of all required features on a 12” screen.

Pop-ups for settings and data input allow operation almost without any previous knowledge. A highly sensitive temperature monitoring facility is also integrated in this compact control system, which is of special advantage where thermally sensitive materials are processed.

Alpha extruders are available in sizes of 45, 60 and 75 mm as basic models, as well as with finely or coarsely grooved feed zones according to customers’ choice. They are equipped with a Knödler drive system as standard and come with an extremely compact design thanks to a highly sophisticated substructure.

SPPF chose the 60 mm version with a smooth feed zone and is very pleased with the new extruders. Guillaume Le Roc’h comments: “The extruders show high-quality workmanship and are consequently very reliable. Thanks to their compact footprint, they are also suitable for flexible use, which is very important in view of our extensive product portfolio.”

Of course, the sales price was also an important sales argument for the roller blind manufacturer. After all, the very combination of the extruders’ technical features with attractive pricing continues to win customers worldwide. More than 1,300 alpha extruders have been sold, 30 of which are plus models.

click here

MEDACCRED VIRTUAL AUDITOR TRAINING HELPS OVERCOME CHALLENGES TO GLOBAL COVID TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

MEDACCRED has adapted its approach to training its auditors in response to the global pandemic-related travel restrictions.

To address the physical restrictions imposed by limited-entry national borders due to COVID, MedAccred is training some of its new auditors virtually via livestream video while the lead auditor trainer conducts an in-person audit from the factory floor.

In their first training audit, auditor trainees virtually observe a lead auditor conduct an in-person audit at a manufacturing facility. The trainee then performs the next two in-person manufacturing process audits while
being observed virtually by a lead auditor.

The primary method for auditor training continues to be in-person training within manufacturing facilities, but this new virtual training enables MedAccred to develop a strong regional capability in areas that continue to have travel restrictions in place.

This innovative training approach ensures continuity of auditing procedures and uninterrupted critical oversight across supply chains in the medical device industry during a period of disruption for global manufacturing as a whole.

Trademark Plastics in Riverside, California, was the first MedAccred Plastics Injection Molding accredited company to volunteer to host the virtual auditor training for new MedAccred auditors located in China and India.

Bryan Barrera, Chief Operating Officer for Trademark Plastics, said:
“Trademark Plastics Inc. has been honored to assist with virtually training new auditors for the MedAccred program. We’re proud to contribute to the global standardization of medical device manufacturing which will result in overall enhanced quality and patient safety. It’s more important now, during this pandemic, to maintain our focus on high standards throughout the industry.”

Connie Conboy, Director for MedAccred, said:
“During this period of disruption, it’s critically important for the MedAccred program to provide continuity of supply-chain oversight to our OEMs all over the world This ensures they can maintain the highest quality standards throughout the duration of the pandemic and beyond. We have pivoted to provide that critical global oversight, in spite of travel restrictions and closed borders, which will ultimately result in enhanced safety for patients.”

click here