Model for the future: First ALPLA Learning & Development Hub in Iowa City

 Packaging specialist invests 15 million euros and brings dual training to the USA

ALPLA strengthens the training of skilled workers in the USA. The international packaging and recycling specialist is investing around 15 million euros in the construction of a state-of-the-art Learning & Development Hub in Iowa City. The building offers space for workshops, offices and training rooms. Completion is planned for mid-2025. Together with Kirkwood Community College and the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT), ALPLA is also introducing its apprenticeship programme in the USA.

With the first Learning & Development Hub in Iowa City, ALPLA is combining apprenticeship programmes, technical training and personnel development in one place. The international packaging and recycling specialist is investing around 15 million euros in this endeavour where the ultra-modern building offers space for workshops, offices and training rooms. Construction has just started, and completion of the building is planned for mid-2025.

‘Highly trained and motivated specialists are key to our success. With this all-in-one concept, we are creating attractive apprenticeships for young people from the region and training facilities for our existing staff,’ explains Tasos Pourloukakis, Regional Managing Director North America at ALPLA.

Successful dual apprenticeship model

With the Learning & Development Hub, ALPLA is also introducing the apprenticeship model established in Austria and Germany to the USA. The dual system of practical and theoretical training to become skilled workers has already been successfully exported to China, Mexico, India, Poland and South Africa. In summer 2024, the first 12 mechatronics apprentices started their three-year training programme in Iowa City. The plastics technology apprenticeship is set to follow in 2026. Kirkwood Community College in nearby Cedar Rapids and the Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (ICATT) act as educational partners.

www.education.alpla.com

#education.alpla#modernplasticsindia #modernplasticsasia #modernplastics#plasticsnews#plasticsplanet #modernrecyclingindia#modernplasticsglobal#modernplasticsworld#plasticstalk#modernplasticsgermany #modernplasticsnetwork #plasticdevelopment

An Exclusive Interview with Ajay Zod, Chairman, PLASTO 2025 with Modern Plastics India (MPI) Magazine a Part of Modern Plastics Global Network

What innovative products or technologies are you showcasing at PLASTO 2025, and how do they address current industry challenges?

At PLASTO 2025, we are thrilled to showcase our latest innovations that are redefining the polymer industry. Our flagship product this year is a new range of bio-based polymers that combine exceptional performance with sustainability. These materials are derived from renewable sources  and are designed to meet stringent industry standards while reducing environmental impact. They cater to diverse sectors such as packaging, automotive, and consumer goods. In addition, we are unveiling a Next generation high-performance polymer composite that offers superior strength-to weight ratios, making it ideal for applications in aerospace and electric vehicles. This material not only enhances efficiency but also supports the industry’s push toward light weighting and energy savings.

Pune is known as Maharashtra’s industrial powerhouse. How do you see the local industries contributing to the success of PLASTO 2025?

Pune, recognized as Maharashtra’s industrial powerhouse, is perfectly positioned to contribute significantly to the success of PLASTO 2025. The city is home to a thriving ecosystem of industries, including automotive, manufacturing, IT, and engineering, all of which have a strong synergy with the plastics sector. Pune’s industrial hubs, such as Pimpri-Chinchwad and Chakan, house numerous companies that heavily rely on advanced plastics for components, packaging, and innovations. Local industries are likely to leverage PLASTO 2025 to explore new polymer technologies, network with global players, and collaborate on sustainable solutions. The event also provides a platform for Pune-based SMEs to showcase their capabilities, particularly in developing cost-effective and innovative solutions. Pune’s well-established academic and research institutions, such as the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), contribute to advancements in material science and sustainable practices, further enriching the e x h i b i t i o n ’s k n o w l e d g e – s h a r i n g opportunities. The city’s strategic location, excellent connectivity, and supportive government policies make it an ideal hub for fostering partnerships and innovation. By hosting PLASTO 2025, Pune will not only elevate its role in the plastics industry but also inspire other industrial regions to adopt sustainable and cutting-edge practices, ensuring a transformative impact on the sector.

How can exhibiting at PLASTO 2025 help companies showcase their latest technologies and position themselves as leaders in innovation within the global plastics market?

GREAT PLATFORM : A Global Stage

• Broad Exposure : PLASTO 2025 attracts a diverse audience, including industry professionals, buyers, and potential partners from both domestic and international markets.
• High Visibility : By exhibiting, companies can gain significant visibility and brand recognition within the plastics industry.
• Direct Interaction : Face-to-face interactions with key decision-makers and industry influencers can foster valuable relationships and generate new business opportunities.

GROWTH ADVANTAGE : Fueling Business Growth

• Market Penetration: PLASTO 2025 provides a platform to penetrate new markets, connect with potential customers, and expand your business reach.
• Product Launches: Unveil new products and technologies to a captive audience, generating buzz and driving sales.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with other industry players to form strategic alliances and joint ventures.

NEW AVENUES : Exploring Future Opportunities

• Industry Trends : Stay updated on the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Innovation Showcase : Demonstrate your commitment to innovation by showcasing cutting-edge products and solutions.
• Future Collaborations : Identify potential partners for research and development, joint ventures, or technology licensing.

VOCAL FOR LOCAL : Supporting the Indian Plastics Industry

• Local Manufacturing: Highlight the benefits of local manufacturing and contribute to the growth of the Indian plastics industry.
• Skill Development: Support initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of the local workforce.
• Sustainability: Showcase your commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.

India Ahead at PLASTO 2025 highlights India’s growing leadership role in the global plastics and polymer industries. As one of the fastest-growing economies with a strong industrial base, India is poised to take a prominent position on the world stage in the coming years. Exhibiting at PLASTO 2025 allows companies to showcase India’s technological prowess, innovation, and manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing the country’s position as a global hub for industrial growth.

Can you share insights into how different exhibitor categories contribute to the overall experience of PLASTO 2025 and provide value to both participants and visitors?

At PLASTO 2025, the diverse exhibitor categories play a crucial role in shaping the overall experience and value of the event for both participants and visitors. These categories ensure that the exhibition caters to various facets of the plastics and polymer industries, offering a comprehensive view of the latest innovations, trends, and technologies.

Given Pune’s industrial importance, how does hosting PLASTO 2025 at PIECC help attract a diverse audience from both local and international markets?

Hosting PLASTO 2025 at PIECC in Moshi, Pune, leverages the city’s strategic position as an industrial hub to attract a diverse audience. Pune’s strong presence in sectors like automotive, manufacturing, and technology makes it an ideal location for this exhibition. The venue’s modern infrastructure and accessibility from key industrial regions and global markets ensure smooth participation for both local businesses and international visitors. As a growing center for innovation and sustainability, Pune offers a unique opportunity for exhibitors to connect with decision-makers, suppliers, and customers from across the globe, making PLASTO 2025 a key platform for business expansion and networking.

www.plastoapp.com

#plastoapp #modernplasticsindia #modernplasticsasia #plasticsislife #plasticstalk #modernplastics #modernplasticsworld #pasticsnews #plasticsisgood #plasticsplanet#plasticsrecycling

#plasticmagazine #PlasticIndustry#modernplasticsmiddleeast #indianmagazine #innovations #modernplasticsamerica #modernplasticsbangladesh #modernplasticsasia #modernplasticsitaly

Mipelon UHMW-PE Fine Powder Substitutes PTFE in Plastics, Rubbers, Paints and coatings

Improved Sliding Properties And Less Abrasion Without PFAS:

Spherical Mipelon UHMW-PE fine powder from Mitsui Chemicals can substitute PTFE as a modifier for the sliding properties of thermoplastics, rubbers, paints and coatings as well as oils and greases.Mitsui Chemicals

The spherical UHMW-PE fine powder Mipelon from Mitsui Chemicals Europe offers a high-performance alternative to PTFE in terms of sliding properties, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance in plastics, rubbers, paints and coatings. The limiting factor in the substitution of PTFE is the lower melting temperature of UHMW-PE, which is around 135 °C. While Mipelon can generally be used at temperatures of up to 120 °C, the speciality grade PM200C is suitable as an additive in hydrocarbon oil for temperatures of up to 200 °C. Unlike PE powder, it does not tend to swell even at higher temperatures and retains its shape and function. It is also characterised by improved dispersing behaviour in plastic masterbatches.

In many cases, the same dosage results in a lower coefficient of sliding friction and improved abrasion resistance than with PTFE, which enables economical use. In addition, the density of 0.97 g/cm³, which is around half as high compared to PTFE, supports weight reduction. Mitsui Chemicals Europe sells Mipelon directly and via its distributor Dreyplas, which also supports customer-specific new and further developments.

Mipelon, whose molecular weight is around 2 million g/mol, is characterised by the very small size of the special spherical particles. The average particle size (D50) for the PM- 200 type is around 10 µm, which is currently the smallest size in the world for this product group. For the XM-220 type, the D50 value is around 30 µm and for XM-330 it is 65 µm. The coarse particle grades are used for the modification of rubbers and plastic compounds and as filters. In contrast, the finer powder grades are ideal for paints and coatings. Mitsui Chemicals in Japan is currently developing powder grades with a D50 value of less than 5 µm and around 6 µm. The latter is already available for sampling. Commercial availability is planned for the end of 2025.

In general, the spherical particles with their smooth surface and narrow particle size distribution support very good dispersion. The particle size distribution of Mipelon is significantly narrower than that of PTFE, and it also has a considerably lower proportion of  coarse particles. In addition, the material exhibits lower coefficient of friction (COF) and abrasion values under long-term stress not only compared to PTFE but also compared to PA11 and PA12 as well as PE waxes.

Mipelon is also characterised by its high chemical resistance to acids, alkalis and organic chemicals. In addition, it absorbs virtually no water or moisture. Most types are suitable for food contact applications in accordance with EU and US legislation.

Due to this broad spectrum of properties, typical applications range from coatings, including electrostatic powder coatings, water- or solvent-based spray coatings and dip coatings, to the modification of rubber and thermoplastics. Examples of applications include rubber-coated rollers, coatings of rubber profiles for the automotive industry, polymer compounds, anti-blocking for films instead of zeolites and silicon, oils and greases with emergency lubrication.

Together with customers, Dreyplas and Mitsui Chemicals Europe are developing solutions to replace PTFE with UHMW-PE and to optimise tribological properties. This also includes the use of Lubmer UHMW-PE, which is available in granulate form and has been developed by Mitsui Chemicals for extrusion and injection moulding applications.

eu.mitsuichemicals.com

https://www.konsens.de/dreyplas

#mitsuichemicals#konsens/dreyplas#indianplasticmagazine #modernplasticsaward #plasticnews #modernplasticsgermany #ginujoseph #modernplastic #plasticindia  #plasticrecycling #sustainability #modernplasticsglobalnetwork #modernglobalnetwork #modernplasticsaward2023 #plasticmagazine #PlasticIndustry

Easy Entry into Plastics Recycling with MAAG’s Complete Solutions

MAAG Group has introduced two new solutions in its portfolio, enhancing its role as a complete provider for continuous melt filtration and pelletizing systems. These innovations offer an efficient entry point for professional plastics recycling, addressing a diverse range of feedstocks and contamination levels.

Versatility in Plastics Recycling

Recycling input materials vary greatly, from high-quality PET feedstock to significantly contaminated plastics like LDPE packaging, agricultural films, and end-of-life automotive plastics. These materials often include impurities such as wood, paper, aluminum, glass, and sand. MAAG’s systems are capable for all polymers, covering the entire polymer process after extrusion with its downstream equipment from a single source.

Optimized Filtration and Pelletizing

MAAG focuses on creating high-quality pellets by removing contaminants effectively. Its continuous melt filters and pelletizing systems ensure consistent material properties, high-quality pellets, and maximum machine availability. The MAAG portfolio includes three continuous melt filters—the established ERF and ECO series, and the newly introduced BRF series upstream the strand, underwater and water ring pelletizing systems.

Advanced Filtration Technologies

MAAG’s filtration systems handle a wide range of polymers and applications:

• CSC Series: Ideal for clean post-industrial materials.
• ERF and ECO Series: Suitable for post-consumer materials with contamination levels up to 12%, offering filtration fineness down to 60 µm. Their dual drives maintain a steady process flow with minimal melt losses.
• Patented Large-Area Filters: Deliver ultra-fine filtration down to 3 µm with a backflush cleaning system, extending production time and efficiency.

The range of applications therefore starts at plastic application with clean virgin material, to slightly contaminated industrial waste and highly contaminated household waste. The use here is not limited to mechanical recycling. MAAG’s products are also used in chemical recycling.

Basic model for continuous melt filtration: BRF

The cost-effective BRF melt filters are the latest products in MAAGs portfolio and can be seen as an entry option into the field of continuous melt filtration technology. The BRF series – available in two sizes – covers around half of all applications in the recycling sector and can be used for a wide range of impurities in plastic melts like LDPE, HDPE, PP, and ABS with its optimized melt flow and discharge system to ensure high-quality results.

The BRF series features:

• Robust Round Screens: Fineness from 150 μm to 2000 μm, reducing operating costs.
• Continuous Pre-Filter Capabilities: For melts with mineral contaminants like sand and glass.
• User-Friendly Controls: An innovative system simplifies operation and monitoring.

Pelletizing Innovations

MAAG’s pelletizing solutions include underwater, strand, and water ring systems, each tailored to different customer needs. The new EPE water ring pelletizer bridges the gap between advanced underwater and cost-effective strand systems.

Key features of the EPE series:

• Compact design with low energy consumption.
• Robust knives that can be reground and reused.
• Throughput capacity up to 2000 kg/h.
• Optional sound-absorbing panels for quieter operation.
• Easy access for maintenance via two service doors.
• Intuitive Siemens control system for process optimization.

Comprehensive Recycling Solutions

The combination of MAAG’s filtration and pelletizing systems ensures tailored solutions for diverse customer applications. The new BRF melt filters and EPE pelletizers expand MAAG’s product range, ensuring efficient recycling operations.

With the Xantec control unit, MAAG guarantees seamless process monitoring, aligning system performance with customer requirements. The new components are also available for customer trials at MAAG’s technical center, ensuring optimal outcomes for every application.

MAAG continues to lead the industry, providing advanced, adaptable solutions to meet the challenges of modern plastics recycling.

www.MAAG.com

#MAAG #modernplasticsindia  #modernplasticsasia #plasticsislife  #plasticstalk#modernplastics #modernplasticsworld #pasticsnews #plasticsisgood #plasticsplanet#plasticsrecycling#plasticmagazine #PlasticIndustry#modernplasticsmiddleeast #indianmagazine #innovations #modernplasticsamerica #modernplasticsbangladesh #modernplasticsasia #modernplasticsitaly

Covestro unveils CERTEVO: An Innovative Polymeric Substrate to Revolutionize Security Printing

• Launch of official brand CERTEVO for security printing industry
• Applied in high-secure and durable official documents, certificates, and applications demanding for advanced anti-counterfeiting measures
• Combining advanced security features design with recyclability
• Covestro showcases its advanced polymer substrates at TRUSTECH 2024 in Paris

Covestro is excited to introduce CERTEVO, an innovative polymeric printing substrate. It is designed for advanced security printing applications like high-secure and durable official documents, certificates, and applications demanding for advanced anti-counterfeiting measures. The launch of CERTEVO marks a significant advancement in document security, sustainability, and printing technology, combining performance and environmental responsibility.

“The introduction of CERTEVO marks a pivotal advancement in security printing as an innovative, recyclable polymeric substrate that combines excellent printability, durability, and sustainability.”

Daniel Hentschel, Global Segment Manager, ID & Security Printing at Covestro

Covestro’s CERTEVO revolutionizes security printing with several key features: It supports excellent printability via intaglio and offset processes, enabling embossing structures—surpassing traditional paper and enhancing security elements. Its hotmelt nature eliminates the need for coatings and primers, ensuring superior ink adhesion that simplifies printing and boosts durability. Additionally, advanced laser engravability allows precise micro-engravings, making counterfeiting efforts more challenging.

As a single-polymer composition, CERTEVO is recyclable, meeting the demand for sustainable security printing materials. Its high tear resistance and ink adhesion extend the lifecycle of printed items while conserving resources. CERTEVO thereby addresses environmental concerns and meets evolving sustainability requirements in document production.

Furthermore, its durable composition lowers long-term costs by minimizing replacements, making it an ideal choice for governments and the public sector that prioritize security and environmental responsibility.

Meet Covestro at TRUSTECH 2024

Covestro’s team will be present at the TRUSTECH trade show, held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles – Pavilion 5.2, from December 3-5, 2024. We invite industry professionals and stakeholders to discuss with us at meeting room 8 and discover how CERTEVO and other advanced polymer materials can transform their security printing needs.

www.covestro.com

#covestro#modernplasticsindia #modernplasticsasia #plasticsislife

#plasticstalk #modernplastics #modernplasticsworld #plasticsnews

#plasticsisgood #plasticsplanet #plasticsrecycling

DFG to Fund New Collaborative Research Center (CRC) for the Intelligent Production of Lightweight Plastic Structures

With CRC/TRR 402, RWTH Aachen University, TU Chemnitz and TU Dresden are jointly laying the foundation for the sustainable further development of lightweight plastic construction

The German Research Foundation (DFG) approved funding for the new Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) ‘Intelligent production technologies for lightweight plastic structures with load-dedicated 3D grading of the reinforcement architecture’. RWTH Aachen University, TU Chemnitz and TU Dresden are thus jointly launching a pioneering research project that can secure up to twelve years of research at the highest level.

Three leading lightweight construction locations are pooling their expertise

With RWTH Aachen University, Chemnitz University of Technology and TU Dresden, three renowned universities and leading lightweight construction centres are working on this joint project. ‘This collaboration combines outstanding expertise in plastics technology, simulation and materials research,’ emphasises Prof. Hopmann. ‘Together, we have laid the foundations to revolutionise the production of lightweight structures in the coming years.’

The new CRC is being coordinated by Chemnitz University of Technology under the leadership of spokesperson Prof Dr Lothar Kroll. ‘’A CRC represents the Champions League of research, so to speak, and the funding approval is the result of an intensive and competitive application process, which we mastered together with our partners,‘’ explains Prof Kroll. Prof Christian Hopmann is also delighted with the decision: ‘The grant shows how relevant our research project is for science and industry, especially with regard to the urgently needed measures for more sustainability in mobility.

Pioneering research for sustainable mobility

The new CRC aims to develop resource-efficient lightweight plastic components that stand out thanks to load-appropriate reinforcement architectures.This offers enormous potential for the automotive and aviation industries in particular: the combination of innovative materials and processes should enable the development of components that are light, stable and recyclable.

In the first funding phase, the CRC will focus in particular on researching technologies and manufacturing processes that integrate both continuous and discontinuous fibre reinforcements. This combination enables a load-appropriate material design and makes the components suitable for mass production. At the same time, great importance is attached to sustainability: Research will consider recycling strategies during the development phase already to optimise the entire life cycle of the products.

In the first funding phase, the research team will develop two demonstrators – a profiled and a flat structural element – which will serve as a test environment for the new technologies. With each subsequent year of funding, the complexity of the components will increase in order to meet the requirements of industry in the long term.

https://www.ikv-aachen.de/

#www.ikvaachen.de##modernplasticsindia #modernplasticsasia #modernplastics

#plasticsnews#plasticsplanet #modernrecyclingindia#modernplasticsglobal

#modernplasticsworld#plasticstalk#modernplasticsgermany

#modernplasticsnetwork #plasticdevelopment

Clariant’s MegaMax catalysts will power China’s first biomass-to-green methanol project

• Clariant is collaborating in a China’s biomass gasification-to-green methanol project, scheduled to start up in the first half of 2025
• Project will rely on Clariant’s high-performance MegaMax methanol synthesis catalyst and will be China’s first commercialized biomass gasification-to-green methanol plant
• The catalyst is perfectly suited for green methanol production due to its high activity and enhanced stability

Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, today announced that its MegaMax catalyst was selected for a China’s biomass gasification-to-green methanol project. The plant will use a combination of farm waste and wind power to produce up to 250,000 tons per annum of green methanol in two phases by 2027. Construction of the first plant phase began in March 2024 and is expected to start producing green methanol in the first half

Clariant’s MegaMax is an excellent solution for China’s first biomass-to-methanol project, as it provides enhanced stability and tolerance to the fluctuation of the system required for green methanol production. It also offers outstanding activity – even at very low reactor temperatures and pressures. Thanks to the catalyst’s enhanced selectivity, production yield is low in by- of 2025 as China’s first commercialized biomass gasification-to-green methanol plant.

Georg Anfang, Vice President Syngas and Fuels at Clariant Catalysts, commented, “We are very pleased to be part of this groundbreaking project. With over 50 years of expertise in methanol synthesis and a clear commitment to developing innovative catalysts for the energy transition, we are an ideal partner for this prestigious sustainability project. Green methanol will play a crucial role as renewable fuel as well as feedstock for green chemical production.”

product formation, significantly improving the economics of green methanol synthesis.

Clariant will provide comprehensive technical service to ensure optimal catalyst performance through its Applied Catalyst Technology (ACT) team of highly qualified engineers and experts. Further support can be provided through the CLARITY digital service portal, which offers access to real-time plant data to enhance reliability, safety, and profitability.

www.clariant.com

#clariant#modernplasticsindia #modernplasticsasia #modernplastics #plasticsnews #plasticsplanet #modernrecyclingindia #modernplasticsglobal #modernplasticsworld #plasticstalk #modernplasticsgermany #modernplasticsnetwork #plasticdevelopment

Asahi Kasei Receives 2024 TSMC Excellent Performance Award In Recognition Of Its Pimel Photosensitive Dielectric For Advanced Semiconductor Packaging

Asahi Kasei received a 2024 TSMC Excellent Performance Award for its Pimel photosensitive Polyimide material, in recognition of its “Excellent Technology Collaboration and Production Support in Advanced Packaging” at the 2024 Supply Chain Management Forum held by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. on December 2, 2024.

TSMC presents the Excellent Performance Award to suppliers that have made remarkable contributions to its technology leadership and manufacturing with advanced semiconductor processes over the past year. At the award ceremony, TSMC Chairman & CEO Dr. C.C. Wei thanked suppliers for delivering timely and high-quality professional services to drive continuous improvement of the supply chain and related industries.

Pimel has been used for worldwide semiconductor applications such as buffer coatings, passivation layers for bumping, and dielectric layers for re-distribution bumping. As semiconductor technology continues to advance, the demand for materials like Pimel has grown, with these applications becoming increasingly vital in supporting the evolution of more complex and compact semiconductor devices.

Nobuko Uetake, Lead Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and Senior General Manager of its Digital Solutions Administration, commented, “It is a great honor for Asahi Kasei to receive this award. Pimel  photosensitive dielectric is a mainstay of our Digital Solutions, which is one of Asahi Kasei’s “10 Growth Gears” (GG10) businesses to drive our next phase of growth. We are proud to be able to develop Pimel  products that meet customer requirements by leveraging our technological capability and quality assurance system built up over many years. With a new plant for Pimel scheduled to start operation this fiscal year, we look forward to providing swift and reliable supply of products that support advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes.”

visit www.asahi-kasei.com.

#asahikasei#orbia.#modernplasticsindia #modernplasticsasia #modernplastics#plasticsnews#plasticsplanet #modernrecyclingindia#modernplasticsglobal#modernplasticsworld#plasticstalk#modernplasticsgermany#modernplasticsnetwork #plasticdevelopment

LG Chem and Reifenhäuser Agree to Collaborate on Establishing Competitive MDO PE Films for Sustainable Packaging

• LG Chem and Reifenhäuser sign MOU to develop Machine Direction Oriented (MDO)-PE blown films and flat films for recyclable packaging
• Aiming to surpass the normal market by producing recyclable films at competitive cost in a stable process
• LG Chem and Reifenhäuser set new standards in downgauging for competitive production of MDO-PE films

South Korea’s leading global chemical company LG Chem and the extrusion machine manufacturer Reifenhäuser have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), confirming further extensive cooperation. The aim is to further develop and market competitive Machine Direction Oriented (MDO)-PE blown films and flat films for recyclable packaging. The partners are building on a successful track record: In May 2024, the companies had presented the world’s first MDO-PE film only 18 micrometers (μm), which had been produced on an EVO Ultra Stretch blown film line from Reifenhäuser with specially developed PE materials (Polyethylene).

Bernd Reifenhäuser, CEO of the Reifenhäuser Group, says: “The demand for flexible mono-material packaging is growing rapidly. But MDO-PE films must be stable and economical to produce in order to make the leap from a niche to a broad market. With LG Chem and Reifenhäuser, we have found the perfect match of raw material, extrusion technology and process know-how that will pave the way. For the first time, processors will be able to produce recyclable MDO-PE films at competitive production costs in a stable process that can be optimally further processed.”

Dr. Lee Choong Hoon, Vice President and Head of NCC/PO Business Unit at LG Chem, adds: “We are very pleased to have found an experienced technology partner in Reifenhäuser to successfully combine sustainability and profitability. Our combined technology has achieved unprecedented records in downgauging MDO-PE film – and that was just the beginning. We will continue this path together to accelerate the recyclability for flexible packaging.”

Further downgauging for competitiveness

With perfectly coordinated system technology and formulation, processors will in future receive a tried and tested, complete package for immediate market access in the field of flexible mono-PE packaging. LG Chem and Reifenhäuser are also working on further reducing material consumption by downgauging towards the level of conventional PET-PE laminates and thus making the production of MDO-PE films more profitable. Technically, this isachieved due to the different densities of PET film and MDO-PE film by replacing the standard 12 μm PET film with a 16 to 17 μm MDO-PE film. With the reduction to 18 μm, the partners are already very close to achieving this goal. However, the experts see further potential: “The downgauging limit has not yet been reached,” says Christoph Lettowsky, Technical Sales Manager at Reifenhäuser Blown Film. “Thanks to the patented position of our MDO Ultra Stretch unit directly in the line’s haul-off, the film is stretched from the first heat. This makes the process particularly stable, which is otherwise often the limiting factor for material reduction. We therefore see even more scope, which we will use in combination with further recipe developments for even thinner films in the future.”

The 18 μm MDO PE film without PFAS additives was produced stably and reproducibly over many hours in test runs at the Reifenhäuser technical center and then printed and processed into finished pouches. The demand for PFAS-free materials is growing mainly in Europe as PFAS does not decompose in nature and has negative impacts on the environment. International guests were able to see the reliability of the process and the performance of the film for themselves at an open house on November 7.

https://reifenhauser.com

#reifenhauser#modernplasticsindia #modernplasticsasia #plasticsislife #plasticstalk #modernplastics #modernplasticsworld #plasticsnews #plasticsisgood #plasticsplanet #plastics