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Sirte from Uruguay installs PET Technologies blow molding machine

Sirte from Uruguay installs PET Technologies blow molding machine

The Sirte plant dedicated to the production and bottling of water and soft drinks is located in the Pajas Blancas resort, in the southwest of the department of Montevideo. There, 150 m deep, the natural mineral water is born. Then the stainless steel pipe brings the water to the plant, where it is filled into glass and PET containers.

The origins. The roots of the company go back to the beginning of the 20th century when the water spring was discovered in Pajas Blancas. It was baptized with the name “Sirte” which means “water under the sand”. In 1915 Sirte Mineral Water was founded. The company’s importance outside the resort was growing. The consumption of bottled water was also increasing. Home water distribution is one of the pillars that led to the expansion of the Sirte Company.

The technology. Bottled water is often perceived as safer; seems to be of better quality. This is where machinery comes into play, be it conveying, blowing, filling, or palletizing systems. Sirte’s priority is to have high technology.
Thus, the fruitful cooperation between PET Technologies and Sirte was born. The well-known bottling company from Uruguay contacted the European manufacturer of PET stretch blow molding machines to implement the project to manufacture its own PET bottles.

It was the APF-3002 model that perfectly met the needs of the Sirte Company. It has an output of 3000 bph and allows to produce up to 2.32 L. The equipment is integrated into the water and carbonated soft drink filling line.

What are the benefits of the machine?

  • Blow mold quick change allows producing several presentations in the same equipment without downtime;
  • The oriented bottle outfeed allows the equipment to be integrated into the filling line of any brand;
  • Simple logic, PLC, and manuals in Spanish make operation and maintenance easy;
  • Intense preform heating and its simultaneous cooling allow production bottles with sophisticated designs.

The presentations. Sirte sells water in glass and PET bottles from 600 ml to 7 L and in jars. The APF-3002 blowing machine helps to make the formats of 0.6 L, 1.65 L, 2.32 L. They are sold in bags of 6 units each. All the bottles have the same design that makes the product recognizable in the market. The containers are ergonomic and reflect the product inside. Water droplets decorate the narrowing line of the bottle. The cavities for the finger make it comfortable to handle, especially the familiar formats.

“When You Drink Water Remember the Source “, says a Chinese proverb. Enjoying the soft taste of Sirte water, let’s remember its origin – a resort with more than 100 years of history. Taking the bottle in your hands, you will remember the technology – PET blowing machine made by PET Technologies.

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All4Labels launches inspirational global showcase for wine & spirits

All4Labels launches inspirational global showcase for wine & spirits

All4Labels Global Packaging Group has announced the launch of its new global business strategy to sustainably develop the wine & spirits sector starting with a dedicated marketing campaign, which is designed to shape consumers’ experience through unique, precious, and sustainable labels and packaging. This will take form in an inspiration project of a global itinerant showcase — called ‘Motherland’ — which will display the unique essence of each product and its local heritage through eye-catching design.

In the coming months, All4Labels will be producing eight special label concepts on bottles of wine & spirits from Argentina, France, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, Russia, China, and Germany. These countries represent the locations of the group’s blue-chip sites that are specialized in the wine & spirits segment, and each will feature a product that is typical of the local market.

Created together with its newly launched packaging design division, All4Graphics, each label will seek to embody the natural beauty and traditions of the region of origin, while implicitly demonstrating All4Labels’ technical and innovational capabilities. The labeled bottles will be unveiled at dedicated local events starting with a kick-off in Cape Town, South Africa, on February 9, 2022.

The showcase is an opportunity to address the importance of building an open environment with meaningful relationships throughout the entire value chain, and All4Labels is working closely with a group of leading partner companies to share this ethos. Motherland will also highlight the value of All4Labels Smart + Secure GmbH that would embed smart features such as Brand Security with QR fingerprint, Gamification, and Traceability in order to support the customer experience through analytics.

“We are embarking on this campaign to highlight our presence as a main player in the wine & spirits market and to show our high premium solutions,” said CEO of All4Labels Adrian Tippenhauer.“Motherland will demonstrate in very real terms how All4Labels is pioneering innovation with bold creativity, high quality and sustainable packaging solutions for local and global wine & spirits brands.”

The goal for All4Labels is to enlarge its presence in this developing market. Guido Iannone, All4Labels CSO said, “Wine & spirits have been a core focus for the All4Labels sales strategy for a long time, and we have developed an extremely high level of technical expertise in label production with exceptional finishes and embellishments for premium brands. We are now using this expertise to drive new growth opportunities for us, for our partners, and our customers.”

All4Labels is committed to producing labels and packaging in the most efficient and responsible way. Massimiliano Martino All4Labels CTO said, “Motherland was produced using innovative materials and technologies to reduce the carbon footprint by 80% compared to the conventional way of producing premium labels. We have developed and deployed an embellishment process that avoids waste while ensuring an exclusive tactile and visual effect.”

“Conscious of the new digital era where metaverse is evolving into a new reality we will explore how a virtual world can impact on people’s behaviors. With some real applications All4Labels can link bottles to an NFT marketplace, to show how advanced avatars could revolutionize virtual engagement,” added Paola Iannone, VPMarketing and Communication at All4Labels.

The Motherland campaign will continue over the coming months demonstrating the global footprint and local knowledge of All4Labels along the way. Supplier partners in the project include Avery Dennison, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesive, Leonhard Kurz, H+M, Estal, Actega, Nilpeter, Omet, HP Indigo, and Luxoro.

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An Phat Holdings officially organized Ground Breaking Ceremony for the largest green materials factory in Southeast Asia

An Phat Holdings officially organized Ground Breaking Ceremony for the largest green materials factory in Southeast Asia

An Phat Holdings officially organized Ground Breaking Ceremony for PBAT Compostable Resin Plant. The Ceremony was attended by Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue –  Chairman of National, Head of the delegation; Mr. Bui Van Cuong – Secretary-General of National Assembly, Chairman of National Assembly’s Office; Mr. Vu Hong Thanh – Chairman of National Assembly Committee on Economy;  Mr. Nguyen Phu Cuong – Chairman of National Assembly Committee on Finance and Budget; Mr. Le Quang Huy – Chairman of National Assembly Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment;

Mr. Vu Hai Ha – Chairman of National Assembly Committee on Foreign Affairs; Mr. Nguyen Chi Dung – Minister of Ministry of Planning and Investment;  Mr. Tran Hong Ha – Minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Mr. Nguyen Hong Dien – Minister of Ministry of Industry and Trade; Mr. Huynh Thanh Dat – Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology; Mr. Vo Thanh Hung – Deputy Minister of Ministry of Finance; Mr. Truong Hai Long – Deputy Minister of Ministry of Home Affairs; With assistants and secretaries of the Chairman of the National Assembly; the leaders of the Offices of the National Assembly.

On the local side, there was the attendance of Mr. Tran Luu Quang – Secretary of the City Party Committee -Head of the Hai Phong City National Assembly Delegation; Mr. Pham Xuan Thang – Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People’s Council of Hai Duong province; Mr. Ngo Hanh Phuc – Vice Chairman of Yen Bai Provincial People’s Committee; and Vice Chairman of People’s Council, City People’s Committee and relevant departments, branches in Hai Phong city with the participation of more than 100 partners, customers of An Phat Holdings as well as central and local press agencies.

PBAT Compostable Resin Plant is the first green material factory in Southeast Asia, at the list of high-tech investment priority projects, located in Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park (Hai Phong) with a capacity of 30,000 tons per annum, will be completed after 24 months. The total investment is 120 million USD, the factory will respond 100% to An Phat Holdings material needs, beyond the goal of international export when operating.

With the modern investment in technology and machinery, PBAT’s operating efficiency is highly optimized with an average operating time of 8,400 hours, equivalent to 350 days/year. The factory also achieves high automation, which is expected to create jobs for about 200 high-quality workers.

At the ceremony, Mr. Pham Anh Duong – Chairman of An Phat Holdings said, the project is the best and most reasonable solution to An Phat Holdings’ material source: being independent in terms of raw materials supply, reducing the price to get closer to consumers and moving towards to replacing traditional plastic products.

“A Phat Holdings will represent Vietnam in putting its name on the global map of green materials and become a pioneer in implementing Vietnam’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050”, Mr. Duong said.

Currently, An Phat Holdings has received the transfer design of factory process and technology from Technip Zimmer – the world’s leading supplier of technology design and solutions for large-scale industrial plants and complicated. Therefore, PBAT Compostable Resin Plant has outstanding quality, self–contained standards, and the most modern production line.

Through this project, An Phat Holdings Group will complete the green circular ecosystem, become the first Vietnamese enterprise to produce bio-degradable plastic materials/products, officially participate in the world green material network. The price of green products will decrease by 20%~30% when the PBAT factory operates.

At the ceremony, Mr. Le Anh Quan – Permanent Vice Chairman of Hai Phong city People’s Committee shared the success in socio-economic development in Hai Phong city. At the same time, Mr. Quan also highly appreciated the role of the PBAT plant in the process of contributing to the economic development of the city, especially to promoting the production of zero emissions, no greenhouse effect.

Also at the ceremony, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr. Vuong Dinh Hue with Ministers of Ministries and leaders of Hai Phong city, Hai Duong province and Yen Bai province and An Phat Holdings’ BODs pressed the ground-breaking button, officially open the construction phase of the factory. This moment is also the foundation for An Phat Holdings to expand more projects to global green products and materials.

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Synthos launches new BIO-based acrylic dispersion for transparent and pigmented wood coatings

Synthos launches new BIO-based acrylic dispersion for transparent and pigmented wood coatings

The Sustainable Development Strategy that Synthos is pursuing until 2030 includes the production of 100% sustainable products. The company aims to achieve this goal by adding innovative solutions with a smaller environmental footprint to its portfolio and by introducing bio-based raw materials into its production.

In line with this strategy, the company is launching its first bio-based SYNEXIL AW90CX acrylic dispersion, specifically developed for transparent and pigmented wood coatings.

SYNEXIL AW90CX is manufactured using a key raw material, approximately 45% of which is derived from renewable sources, i.e. no raw materials are used that are directly or indirectly derived from petroleum. The content of BIO raw materials in the newly developed dispersion is determined in accordance with the ASTM D6866-20 standard, which specifies the vegetable carbon content in the product.

The new dispersion is characterized by a rapid hardness increase and high adhesion to substrates as well as high anti-blocking, i.e. it has excellent properties of the coatings’ ability to resist adhesion to itself. With this product, Synthos adds another product to its portfolio with a very low film-forming temperature (making it particularly suitable for the production of solvent-free products) and a low formaldehyde content and low volatile organic compounds (VOC), thus reducing environmental impact.

„The world around us needs positive change,” said Barbara Chodacka, Business Unit Director,  Adhesives and Dispersions, Synthos Group. „That is why Synthos, in its philosophy, strives to improve the solutions it offers. Any action, no matter how small, aimed at adapting a particular product to the needs of our planet and its people is extremely important.

The 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy adopted by Synthos serves as a strong guideline that clearly defines the direction we want to take. Synthos’ new bio-based acrylic dispersion is another important step in the green direction we are actively pursuing.”  

Synthos intends to accelerate the introduction of more environmentally friendly products in its portfolio, including products for dispersions and wood adhesives. Furthermore, Synthos is committed to increasing the overall share of sustainable products across its product portfolio. These activities will be strengthened by the utilization of new production capacities as part of the construction of a new facility for the production of dispersions and adhesives.

By changing Synthos, we change the world.

https://www.synthosgroup.com/

PET Technologies contributes to Suntory Technological Development Center in Tordera

PET Technologies contributes to Suntory Technological Development Center in Tordera

“With customer satisfaction first, and safety a must, we maintain our thorough commitment to product quality in the customer experience, from the taste of our products to the ease of use of our product containers”, said Japan-based  Suntory Holdings Limited  CEO Takeshi Niinami. Austria-based PET Technologies contributed to container testing.

Natural & healthy. Suntory Holdings Limited with over 300 group companies in Japan, Europe, Asia, Oceania, North, and Latin America, has a mission is to create harmony with people and nature. It reflects in the whole product range: non-alcoholic beverages and spirits, wine and beer. Not to mention their customization depending on the region!

Have you ever tasted MayTea? This low-sugar ice tea has high demand in Spain, France, and Belgium. It is an alternative to traditional soft drinks that meet the “natural and healthy” trend. It is low in calories and does not contain sweeteners, colorants, preservatives. The leaves that decorate the PET bottle echo the product inside.
Green tea with acid notes of lemon. Green tea with a delicate mint aroma. Black tea with sunny peach flavor. These delicious tastes are a mixture of strict preparation technology, with origin at tea extraction place, and natural flavor obtained from fruits and herbs.

  Which one would you prefer to try first?

Unique & premium. Technology applied is an element of success.  Suntory Technological Development Center in Tordera (near Barcelona, Spain) contribution is difficult to overestimate. It is involved in the development of all new products for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. It includes sensorial analysis, a pilot plant for new beverages, and technical validation of packaging. PET Technologies has become part of this unit! Not long ago Suntory Technological Development Center, in Tordera, where the company invested several million euros, has installed a universal UPF-5M blow molder with high pressure up to 40 bar.

What is its application?

  • To test new PET bottles design
  •  To test different types of rotary blow molds                                                                                    

What are the advantages of these unique UPF-5M blow molders?

  • The machine is adapted for  rotary blow molds  of all European brands;
  • Blow molding conditions are close to the real when a bottle is produced at high- speed rotary blow molder with high pressure up to 40 bar;
  • Opportunity to test packaging at the market before investing at, let´s say, a 20-cavity set of molds.

Prevention is better than cure.  This saying stands for Suntory Technological Development Center and for UPF-5M blow molder. They test before the final product launch to the market.UPF-5M blow molder, developed by PET Technologies, helps Suntory Holdings Limited to follow the vision provided by its CEO Takeshi Niinami: “With customer satisfaction first, and safety a must, we maintain our thorough commitment to product quality in the customer experience, from the taste of our products to the ease of use of our product containers”.

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Ensuring scrap recycling in the Indian Himalayan Region

Ensuring scrap recycling in the Indian Himalayan Region

The great Indian Himalayas are facing a huge problem of managing their solid waste. For the Himalayan
community, plastic waste is a relatively new issue, traditionally, these Himalayan communities were self-
reliant and consumed only naturally sourced materials. Today, most of the hilly tourist regions are riddled with plastic litter in every corner and gorge. Lack of know-how coupled with a large geographical area possesses a nightmare for local administration and residents.

The issue of plastic waste in the Indian Himalayas have been, in recent times, highlighted by many social media forum and activist. The traveling community in India has also taken active measures to educate and aware travelers of the issue of waste mismanagement in the mountains. The issue remains to be persistent because the consumption pattern of the mountain dwellers has also evolved over time and now, food packed in plastic containers has become part of their lives.

The Indian Himalayan region is the section of the Himalayas within India, spanning 13 Indian States and
Union territories. The region is in need of Himalayan Centric solutions to manage its solid waste, we are in conversation with one such person, who has dedicated his life to providing optimal solutions to the issue of waste management in the Indian Himalayan Region.

What motivated you to leave city life and work in this sector?

The main motivation to deliver waste management infrastructure came through the observations of my ever-changing native place. The annual trips to my village in Uttarakhand made me realize how it was evolving, with better roads and health infrastructure but also with an increased number of open dumping and burning pits with each consecutive visit. It bothered me because unlike cities my village had no dustbins or waste recovery vehicles assigned for the collection of waste.

These observations stuck with me and I decided to work on providing the required waste collection mechanism to the rural communities of the Indian Himalayan Region. I took on the challenge of building a proof of concept in the most remote and inaccessible Himalayan Union-Territory, Ladakh. I moved to Ladakh U.T in the year 2018
and haven’t looked back since then.

How do you propose to challenge the current waste management practices?
To establish a sound waste recovery mechanism, we need to first make the community acknowledge the
fact that waste mismanagement possesses a great threat to them and to the natural flora and fauna. With
this acknowledgment comes the awareness of the safe disposal methods and segregation of a variety of solid household waste.

With our interventions in Ladakh, we have been able to work alongside the Rural Development Department of the U.T of Ladakh Administration in devising the waste collection mechanism in remote yet touristy sites of Ladakh. Currently, the department is running 14 Solid Resource Management Centres across both the districts in U.T of Ladakh and ‘PlanetFirst Recycling Pvt. Ltd’ Act as a Waste recycling partner responsible for Awareness, operation optimization, and recycling of the materials collected by these centers. Our model has been proven to be successful as the centers are now self-sustaining due to the user fees collected and monetary value provided to them for all recyclables by ‘PlanetFirst Recycling’.

What is the role of PlanetFirst Recycling, a subsidiary of GDB International Inc. in developing Waste
management infrastructure in the Indian Himalayan region?

I believe it is the shared vision of Mr. Sunil Bagaria, President’ GDB International Inc’, his team, and I that
I was entrusted to be part of this journey. PlanetFirst Recycling Pvt. Ltd. is established to tackle the growing problem of solid waste in India by deploying best-in-class recycling machinery in strategic locations covering both rural and urban settlements. When I was introduced to the idea and to the team it was clear how crucial their role will be in developing self-sustaining waste collection models in the Indian Himalayan Region.

Waste management remains to be a conservative business in India with the majority of the market being handled by the unorganized sector, therefore it becomes important for ‘PlanetFirst Recycling’ to incorporate the unorganized sector. Our vision is to create micro-entrepreneurs from the scrap collected and establish a Waste-to-Wealth model where every household sees value in the recyclable scrap.

We at ‘PlanetFirst Recycling’ are now in process of establishing our first self-operated Solid Resource Collection Centre in Himachal Pradesh, where we will be setting up a network to collect waste from U.T of Ladakh as well. This will be a great development for the resident of Himachal Pradesh who is well aware of the menace of solid waste due to the heavy influx of tourists all around the year.

How do you envision the future of Waste Management in Rural India?

With the increasing narrative of cleaning up the Himalayas, FMCG brands, plastic manufacturers and the government has taken cognizance in the matter of setting up better waste recovery mechanisms in the Mountains. I am currently witnessing a push in CSR activities by big PIBOs in the Himalayan region, racing to set up waste recovery mechanisms. This is mainly due to proposed bans by the concerned state governments. I see positive change in the ecosystem and I believe the Himalayan region presents us with huge investments opportunities in Waste management and the recycling sector.

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New generation Xeikon Label Converting Units support scalability and flexibility

New generation Xeikon Label Converting Units support scalability and flexibility

Xeikon continues on its pathway to full digitalization with the launch of its new Xeikon LCU series (Label Converting Units), specifically developed and designed for the converting industries in high-end label production and manufacturing. Moving to the next technological generation, Xeikon’s Label Converting Units are designed with a modular and scalable architecture for added flexibility, cloud connection and full integration.

They come in two models, the Xeikon LCU350 with its new modular platform for added flexibility and scalability to support business growth – and the Xeikon LCU33, a basic version, and entry-level choice. The new LCU series is now available for demonstration at Xeikon’s Global Innovation Center.

Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management, states, “A key value of our new Xeikon LCU series is in the various different options and levels of investment available to suit the customer’s requirements. As with many of our digital solutions, the Xeikon LCU series is designed to adapt and grow with our customer’s business needs.

Through our Xeikon Solution Services (XSS), customized versions and different configurations are possible as the customer’s business grows, depending on the application and volumes required, e.g. from a basic varnish through to automatic laser die-cut capability and wider web versions up to 520mm. The integration of the units in the Xeikon LCU series along with cloud connection offers full automation possibilities for both process and information exchange across all equipment. The Xeikon LCU Series is designed to work inline and offline with both Xeikon’s Panther and Cheetah digital presses.”

With Xeikon’s LCU series, automation is available for (a) processes: such as optional automatic turret rewind or optional die plate change, and (b) job information: which allows data transfer to different units, giving transparency and insight to the operator of the various status and functionality of the converting steps. The Xeikon LCUs next-generation machine/machine and man/machine interfaces give the operator full insight into the progress of each converting step.

Operators can monitor every process from lamination, die-cutting, slitting, winding, hot foiling, and screen printing. The varnishing station comes with increased varnishing width and varnishing register, and an easy upgrade to spot varnishing. Xeikon’s new LCU series is highly accurate in terms of precision for cutting and precise registration.

The Xeikon LCU series has exceptional functionality and can be expanded with options that increase the overall OEE of an operation – such as additional flexo stations to avoid change-over between different varnishes, automated laser die-cutting to avoid die-plate change-over and increase turnaround, auto die-plate change to reduce setup time and hot foil, and screen-printing stations to expand application range. The die-cutting can happen semi-rotary at 80m/min to a maximum full rotary speed of 130m/min. Every facet and operational step of the LCU series has been carefully considered and geared for higher efficiency.

To contribute to the digitalization of print manufacturing, the Xeikon LCU series has 1) built-in cloud connectivity for data collection and remote service. The collected data is translated into key information that helps operators in their day-to-day decisions making. 2) Machine/machine interfaces on Xeikon’s Panther 2.0 UV inkjet presses and Xeikon’s Cheetah 2.0 dry toner presses and (3) Man-machine interfaces which give additional autonomy to the operator.

Van Bauwel concludes, “This is an exciting new development for the converting industries. From the converter’s point of view, not only will he now have the latest fully automated and high-quality finishing and embellishing capabilities, but he will also have the flexibility to customize his finishing department and combine a number of different processes to maximize his label applications and extend his label portfolio to grow his business. Xeikon is also addressing customers who are on a smaller budget.

The Xeikon LCU33 is an entry-level model designed for smaller business operations. It is an attractive investment, upgradeable, and market competitive. With our new LCU series all, processes are now connected in one smooth process from file to finish. With the cloud connection, the operators can now rely solely on the capabilities of the Xeikon machines. Converters today are constantly searching for new technologies and equipment to enable them to meet the high levels of demand from brand owners for the latest sophisticated and unique embellishments plus high-quality finish to attract consumers. With Xeikon’s new LCU series, they will have all they need to take the next step to full digitalization in label production and manufacturing.”

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Relaxed mouldmaking with stress-relieved HASCO steel

Relaxed mould making with stress-relieved HASCO steel

Developing and producing high-quality, high-performance moulds for plastic injection moulding is a complex process. With its products and services, HASCO, the Lüdenscheid-based standard mould component manufacturer, enables its customers to configure their processes in simple, flexible, and cost-optimized methods when possible. The company attaches particular importance to achieving consistently high and reliable quality in the standard components it produces. Alongside a large number of other criteria, reducing the inherent stress in the materials used is a key quality factor for all HASCO plate products.

Consistent stress reduction

When steel is produced and processed, stresses are automatically introduced into the material. This cannot be completely avoided. If these stresses are not consistently reduced through various methods and measures, they can lead to warpage after machining. Stressed processed plates are then of no use to the mould builder, and costs and delays will be incurred. HASCO minimizes this risk of warpage over the length of the entire value-added process – from the production of the steel at the supplier’s works to the processing of the plates at HASCO, then right through to the provision of support for its customers in achieving the optimum design of mould.

Stress-reduced right from the start

At the steelworks, the steel used by HASCO for manufacturing plates is first produced by uphill casting and then formed to the desired dimensions by open die forging or rolling. Stresses develop in the steel as a result of heating, cooling, and processing. To achieve a clear reduction in these stresses, HASCO has an agreement with the steel producers and suppliers that they should incorporate an additional production stage, namely stress relief annealing. The material is slowly heated to 550 to 650°C in an annealing furnace and kept at this temperature for up to two hours according to its size, which considerably reduces the stresses that have developed. Following this, the steel is cooled down gradually in order to prevent the build-up of new stresses.

Gentle separation and machining

The steel produced in line with HASCO’s requirements is delivered in big slabs, to begin with. These have to be divided into smaller-sized plates for further processing. HASCO employs a high-performance, automated sawing technology for this. The gentle separation process with a precision circular saw minimizes the amount of stress introduced into the material’s edge structure through continuous cooling of the saw blade and the material, among other measures.

During the subsequent milling operation too, the company not only ensures that convincing surface results are achieved in the typical HASCO quality but also pays further attention to keeping stress to a minimum. A completely homogeneous structure is achieved by removing the rolling or forging skin from the unfinished slabs absolutely uniformly on both sides, using consistently sharp milling and cutting tools to avoid surface heating. The careful clamping of the plates with a specially developed clamping fixture additionally contributes towards further minimizing the inherent stress in the material. At the end of the HASCO production process, low-stress standard components are obtained with a minimized risk of warpage for the customers.

Support for mould makers

HASCO has been dealing intensively with the subject of stress reduction for many years. The company has acquired comprehensive experience and built up the corresponding specialist knowledge, which it passes on to mould makers and designers. Klaus Zimmermann, a technical salesman at HASCO and an expert on stress reduction: “We do everything possible, over the full length of the value-added chain, to ensure that our standard components have only a low level of inherent stress, keeping the risk of warpage as low as possible for our customers. In addition to this, we support our customers in optimizing their processes in respect of warpage too. This starts with the design of the moulded parts. Over-sized slide tracks, for example, mean that too much material has to be removed through machining. The level of inherent stress in the material then increases, as does the risk of warpage. We are pleased to advise our customers in cases such as these and support them with our experience in finding optimum solutions.”

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“You can also recycle household waste”

“You can also recycle household waste”

Mr. Stegmeier, in the course of the circular economy, the use of recyclates in plastic products will increase. Has AZO already adapted its product range correspondingly?

As a manufacturer of material handling systems, we know that raw materials can vary in terms of properties. This is true for virgin plastics, but even more so for grinding stock used in recycling applications. Not all grinding stock is the same, even if the starting product is identical. The flow properties of the grinding
stocks are also determined by the way they are processed, mainly by particle size and shape, but also by residual dust content. So, processes such as shredding and grinding, washing, and sorting exert an influence. We have
already developed special discharge systems here so that ground materials can be reliably discharged. In addition, special wear-resistant protection for the systems also plays a role in some applications.

How does it work?

In pneumatic conveying, for example, the conveying of the product causes both internal friction and friction with the stainless-steel pipe. If the material to be conveyed is impure because it contains fillers such as chalk or glass dust – this often happens with recycled window profiles, for instance – these substances wear down the surfaces of the system. Our wear-resistant protection means that the systems can operate for longer.

So AZO also benefits economically from the increased use of recycled materials?

Recycling is clearly a growth industry. Not least because of European legislation, all manufacturers are now required to switch to recyclates, at least to some extent. This comes in handy for us at AZO. Grinding stock and recyclates create new challenges in the area of material handling and we, as experts, have solutions at hand. And if we don’t know a product, we examine it in our laboratory and test center. This also applies to completely new processes.

Can you give us an example?

For example, we are involved in a project to recycle household waste. Without separating it first, mind you. This waste contains plastic residues, cardboard, and paper, but also organic components. There is a process on the market that brings all these materials together and creates a completely new product from them. This can then be used as filler in other applications. This has two advantages: One is the recycling of household waste that would otherwise be incinerated. Secondly, this whole process has a negative CO2 footprint. If you then incorporate this product into your own products, their CO2 footprint is reduced accordingly.

How does this come about?

Various factors are responsible for this. For example, storing organic waste produces methane, a greenhouse gas. Since it is no longer stored, this is no longer the case. Since the waste is no longer incinerated, no additional
emissions are produced either as a result. The whole thing is a very exciting process that is still in its infancy. But we will certainly hear about it in the future.

A lot is already happening in Europe in terms of recycling. What about elsewhere?

We note that the processing of grinding stock and recyclates still plays a minor role in some regions of the world. Post-industrial recycling, i.e. the return of production waste to the manufacturing process, is already practiced across the board, not least for economic reasons. The situation is somewhat different with post-consumer recycling.

On the one hand, this is due to non-existent or inefficient waste collection and separation systems in those countries, and on the other hand, there is a lack of political framework conditions that provide appropriate incentives; both are essential prerequisites for a functioning circular economy.

However, we also notice that other countries are already aware of the systems that users are setting up here in Germany. As machine and plant manufacturers, we are all globally positioned. We can help to spread this trend around the world.

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ALPLA Group continues international growth trajectory

ALPLA Group continues international growth trajectory

The ALPLA Group, the global packaging solutions, and recycling specialist increased its turnover in the 2021 financial year by 8.4 percent to four billion euros. The number of employees worldwide increased to 22,100. In addition to investments in recycling and in the development of bio-based and biodegradable plastics, the company expanded through acquisitions and participation.

 ‘We have put ourselves in a strong position internationally in recent years, invested in the recyclability of plastics and in new technologies and materials, and achieved a new sales record in 2021. We want to secure this positive development sustainably and in the long term,’ emphasizes ALPLA CEO, Philipp Lehner. With an increase in turnover of 8.4 percent to four billion euros, the previous year was significantly exceeded.

 

 

 Expansion and globalization of recycling

Since 2021, the ALPLA Group has invested an average of 50 million euros annually in the expansion of recycling activities. By 2025, the recycling loops are to be closed in as many regions as possible. ‘Our customers’ demand for high-quality recycled materials is also growing outside Europe. In the long term, we want to cover between 70 and 80 percent of demand with our own production,’ says Philipp Lehner.

Outlook 2022

Growth of three to five percent is the target for the 2022 financial year. ‘Numerous projects and acquisitions in the USA, Mexico, Asia-Pacific region and Western Europe enable us to strengthen existing and enter new product and market segments,’ Lehner emphasizes. With the new Asia-Pacific (APAC) region coming on stream in early 2022, ALPLA is also expanding the reach of its industry-leading mould technology in the growing Asian market and driving the expansion of the circular economy in the region.

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