Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Development of a Bio-based Products and Renewable Energy Business in Thailand

Marubeni Thailand Co., Ltd (hereinafter, “Marubeni Thailand”) which is a wholly-owned corporate subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation (hereinafter, “Marubeni”) and Mitr Phol Sugar Corp., Ltd. (hereinafter, “Mitr Phol”), which is World Class Sugar Producer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter, “MOU”) regarding the related businesses of bio-based products(*1) and renewable energy in the Kingdom of Thailand (hereinafter, “Thailand”).

The purpose of this MOU is to develop raw materials for the manufacture and sales of bio-based wrapping, packaging and food container products by utilizing all the agricultural-derived resources, including agricultural residues, owned by Mitr Phol, which is the largest sugar manufacturing company in Thailand, and also to develop and introduce renewable energy.

Based on this MOU, Marubeni Thailand and Mitr Phol will consider the realization of such various decarbonized businesses as fossil fuel-based plastics reduction through bio-based product development and the introduction of renewable energy by utilizing Marubeni Group’s knowledge, technology, and sales network, together with Mitr Phol’s economic advantages on fully integrated agribusiness model and innovative technology. Furthermore, Marubeni Thailand and Mitr Phol will also contribute to the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy (*2) which is an important policy of the Thai government.

https://www.marubeni.com

Hubergroup launches sheet-fed offset ink series for direct food contact

Even more creative packaging and more space for information – hubergroup Print Solutions makes this possible with MGA CONTACT, its new sheet-fed offset ink. Thanks to raw materials which have been carefully selected, the ink series is suitable for safe printing on the inside of paper and cardboard food packaging. Together with the right hubergroup dispersion varnish, MGA CONTACT is approved for direct contact with food, meaning that no functional barriers are required. The color gamut and lightfastness of this ink series, which is now available across the globe, are comparable with those of conventional offset inks.

“With MGA CONTACT, brand owners and packaging designers now have twice as much space to display their messages and information. This way, packaging for fruit, vegetables, or chocolates can feature a more attractive design,” explains Josef Sutter, Product Manager for Sheet-fed/UV Europe at hubergroup.

This is possible as the ink specialist only uses ingredients that have been authorized for direct contact with food in accordance with EU guidelines and FDA criteria. Moreover, the ink series is produced in a separate production facility at hubergroup’s plant in Celle, Germany. 

MGA CONTACT achieves the same process stability in printing as other MGA ink series, so printers do not need to make any adjustments. The ink series only needs to be coated with a dispersion varnish, which is also suitable for direct contact with food. For this, hubergroup recommends products of its ACRYLAC DFC (Direct Food Contact) range. 

Manufacturers can give their creativity free rein when designing their packaging as MGA CONTACT has excellent lightfastness and, like an ECG (Extended Colour Gamut) series, also covers a large color gamut. Thanks to its sustainable formulation, the ink series is also well recyclable.

follow  here for more information 

click here

Clariant Oil Services brings chemical expertise and global manufacturing resources to Angolav

“Over the last few years, we’ve significantly grown our operational footprint and capabilities in Angola,” commented Mark Swift, Head of Oil Services Africa. “This base is of strategic importance to Clariant in Angola and makes a statement that we are ambitious and determined to grow the business in this area.”

The new facility in the Kwanda Base, near Soyo, is located at the mouth of the Congo River on Kwanda Island, a site designed to provide logistical support for oil and gas operations. To fulfill the QC requirements for chemical supply, the laboratory is fully equipped with all conventional methodologies, as well as state-of-the-art infrared spectroscopy.

These resources will assist the efficient supply of chemicals for subsea applications and make it possible to meet all testing requirements. The 3400m² complex also comprises offices and a covered warehouse with decanting and filtering equipment, and the processing capacity is expected to reach up to 1000 tonnes per month.

The Soyo facility was preceded by a warehouse and laboratory complex in Viana, near Luanda, which was commissioned and designed to support business expansion in the oil and gas industry in Angola. After several years of development, the site opened earlier this year. The technical capabilities onsite include equipment to test demulsifiers, deoilers, oil, and other oil-related products. For QC, the laboratory can assess the appearance, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, FT-IR fingerprinting, particle counts, and non-volatile residuals, among other analyses.

Clariant considers safety and sustainability to be of the utmost importance and both sites have been designed in line with the stringent corporate standards expected on all Clariant sites. Materials have been sourced locally where possible, which is also a Clariant prerequisite for now and the future. In addition, the laboratories are designed to ensure the careful segregation of oil waste for recycling or appropriate disposal.

“We now have people on the ground and facilities in place to meet our customers’ needs,” commented Mark Swift. “In combination with our expertise and production capabilities, this infrastructure will pave the way for further investments in the future.” 

For more information on our Oil Services business, please visit www.clariant.com/oil. 

click here

Digitization with a human touch: Eschbach strengthens Shiftconnector processing plant support in Europe

Demand for the interactive management platform has increased significantly since experience from handling the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the advantages of digital communication among manufacturing teams. In line with this, Eschbach is strengthening its regional application and technical teams to step up its local presence and software customization capabilities.

“24/7 plant operations rely on people, and digital support for teams has helped them to sustain manufacturing processes, manage issues and maintain quality in abnormal situations during the crisis. And it continues to provide valuable support as they move forward with in-person, remote, and hybrid working,” comments Andreas Eschbach, CEO.

Alongside the existing trend to increase digitization and automation in process manufacturing, the Plant Process Management software encourages human-centric, transparent communication involving everyone from the shop floor up. It is unique in capturing and sharing compliance and asset performance data between all levels of personnel, from equipment operators to shift managers and corporate functions. Reporting can be tailored to the needs of each plant and its work centers, giving a comprehensive, easy-to-review picture of routine actions, flagged events, and status.

Andreas Eschbach continues: “We’re very proud to hear from customers that our solution is engaging the essential, frontline plant workers in easily sharing their knowledge, as this is vital for ensuring a safer, more productive environment. No one wants information to be missed that could cause otherwise avoidable issues at a later stage. Our Shiftconnector connects every person of the shift crew and we’re very excited to be extending its availability and support with further implementation partners in Europe.”

Plants operated by major process manufacturers in 21 countries are already using Shiftconnector as a means of improving inter-team communication, creating a seamless handover process. Key clients report greater information transparency, insightful asset performance reports, and smoother handovers, all of which can contribute ultimately towards managing workplace safety and optimizing quality and performance.

The Plant Process Management platform can also be used in conjunction with Eschbach’s io. Performance solution which offers effective and transparent real-time Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) analysis, supporting continuous improvement in production processes.

Click here

Joint venture between ALPLA and Coca-Cola FEMSA to boost the circular economy

With the aim of boosting the circular economy in the states of southeast Mexico, a cornerstone ceremony was held to mark the start of construction of the new PLANETA recycling plant in the municipality of Cunduacán in the State of Tabasco. 

The project is the result of a joint venture between ALPLA, a global leader in the development and production of sustainable plastic packaging solutions and bottle-to-bottle recycling, and Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world.

With an investment of more than 60 million dollars, the recycling plant Planta Nueva Ecología de Tabasco – better known as PLANETA – will be equipped with the most modern technology available worldwide. It will have the capacity to process 50,000 tonnes of post-consumer PET bottles per year, which will result in 35,000 tonnes of recycled PET material ready for reuse.

The cornerstone ceremony was led by Guillermo Arturo del Rivero León, secretary of the government of Tabasco, and was attended by renowned figures such as Carlos Torres Ballesteros, ALPLA managing director for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; John Santa Maria, chief executive officer of Coca-Cola FEMSA; Abraham Cano, mayor of Cunduacán; and José Friedrich García Mallitz, secretary for the economic development and competitiveness of Tabasco.

Development node for south-east Mexico
The construction and operation of the PLANETA recycling plant are expected to generate more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs and will thus make a key contribution to the objectives of the Mexican government headed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to promote development and employment in south-east Mexico.

Its strategic location in the region with the greatest potential for solid waste recycling will also make it an important development node that will integrate 18 collection centers throughout south and southeast Mexico. In addition to offering an environmental service, it will boost the region’s economy.

Reduce, reuse, recycle
ALPLA and Coca-Cola FEMSA are embracing their position as leading companies to promote and implement effective measures to reduce pollution, reuse plastic waste and reinforce the collection and recycling chain.

ALPLA CEO Philipp Lehner says, ‘The big challenge today is the handling of the materials after the consumption phase. We are currently investing worldwide in systems to give plastic packaging a value – because then it is collected and recycled. With strong partners like Coca-Cola FEMSA at our side, we will be able to set up the necessary infrastructure and close the bottle cycle in as many regions as possible.’

John Santa Maria, CEO of Coca-Cola FEMSA, explains, ‘As an environmentally responsible Mexican company dedicated to creating economic, social and environmental value in the communities in which it operates, Coca-Cola FEMSA is permanently committed to caring for the planet. This is why we are implementing a series of measures to promote recycling with the goal of recovering 100% of post-consumer packaging.’

Global recycling initiatives
In collaboration with all of the companies that make up the Coca-Cola Mexican Industry (IMCC), Coca-Cola FEMSA is part of the global World Without Waste initiative launched by the Coca-Cola Company, which aims to make all packaging 100% recyclable by 2025, integrate 50% recycled PET resin into bottles and collect 100% of the packaging by 2030.

ALPLA managing director for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, Carlos Torres Ballesteros, stated, ‘This new recycling plant for food-grade PET will be ALPLA’s third recycling plant in Mexico, which makes us a spearhead at a national level and a recycling benchmark for the rest of the world. As part of our commitment to sustainability, ALPLA will invest more than 50 million euros every year between 2021 and 2025 to expand its global recycling capacity.’

In 2018, ALPLA and Coca-Cola FEMSA joined the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment launched by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with the United National Environment Programme. Its goals are to make 100% of its products reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025 and to have 25% post-consumer recycled material in total material consumption by that year.

On this occasion, Guillermo Arturo del Rivero León, secretary of the government of Tabasco, highlighted that ‘PLANETA represents Coca-Cola FEMSA and ALPLA’s commitment to sustainability but, at the same time, it is one more step towards a circular economy, which is essential for achieving the Government of Tabasco’s international commitment in the 2030 Agenda under Carlos Merino’s leadership to build stronger and greener economies.’

Post-consumer PET pioneers
Since 2005, ALPLA Mexico, Coca-Cola Mexico, and Coca-Cola FEMSA have united forces to run Industria Mexicana de Reciclaje (IMER), the first food-grade PET recycling plant in Latin America.

Located in the State of Mexico, this facility has a production capacity of 15,000 tonnes of flakes from post-consumer PET per year. Since its foundation, it has processed more than 140,000 tonnes of this material, which has been returned to the production cycle of new bottles. This has saved the same volume of virgin resin, which in turn has reduced the carbon footprint.

click here for further details

EPBP and RecyClass sign off strategic collaboration

Following the numerous commitments of the industry players to increase uptake of recycled plastics, including the new mandatory target of 25% in PET bottles by 2025, the European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) and RecyClass decided to join efforts to further support the value chain actors in making the right design decisions in PET bottle production so that its recyclability, and therefore, circularity is guaranteed.

“If we are to make plastics circular the industry players need to speak with one voice”, said Paolo Glerean, RecyClass chairman, “we need also a clear and long-term objective which requires the collaboration, know-how, and endorsement of all the partners”, he added.

“Working together to safeguard food contact rPET with the highest quality in a bottle-to-bottle closed loop will be a key enabler for the industry towards its commitments”, says Philippe Diercxsens, EPBP Board Member representing Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE).

“We believe that this partnership will be very beneficial to support a sustainable PET business and to foster solutions that help create a truly circular economy,” says Antoon Spiessens, EPBP Board Member representing UNESDA Soft Drinks Europe.

Within this partnership, EPBP will be responsible for the governance development and update of the testing protocols while RecyClass will be responsible for the execution and validation of the analysis of the standard package based on EPBP guidelines and protocols. This will include among others, running standard testing, ensuring impartiality, and the highest quality of tests.

Both bodies have expertise in plastic recyclability-related topics.

EPBP has built a strong legacy supporting the industry by developing PET bottle design guidelines for recycling, evaluating beverage PET bottle packaging solutions and technologies, and facilitating the understanding of the effects of new PET bottle innovations on recycling processes and circular economy. The ultimate objective of this initiative is food safety and consumers’ related protection, while EPBP fully supports and is an ambassador towards circular economy working with all stakeholders across Europe.

RecyClass, on the other hand, works with all the actors from the value chain on the development of standard Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and other scientific testing methods for innovative polymer materials for a variety of applications. The test results are incorporated into the Design for Recycling Guidelines and the free RecyClass Online Tool, including the plastic packaging certification delivered by third-party auditors. It supports the industry in redesigning plastic packaging to improve recycled plastic quality, aiming to harmonize the existing methodologies.

EPBP and RecyClass are looking forward to giving a clear direction and one voice to the industry on topics surrounding the recyclability of PET with an overall goal of sustainably improving its production, collection and recycling in Europe.

https://www.epbp.org/

INEOS STYROLUTION RECEIVES ISCC PLUS CERTIFICATION IN EUROPE

The certification announced today paves the way for the audited production of recycling- and bio-attributed styrenics materials using a mass balance approach. The ISCC PLUS certificate for Antwerp addresses bio attributed and recycled-attributed ABS1, SBC2, and polystyrene.

The respective certificate for Ludwigshafen addresses bio-attributed and recycled-attributed SMMA3, SAN4, and ABS. This announcement follows a recent announcement for ISCC PLUS certification of several INEOS Styrolution sites in the Americas5. Further certifications for other European INEOS Styrolution production sites are expected soon.

Dr. Eike Jahnke, Vice President Specialties EMEA comments: “We are excited to receive the ISCC PLUS certifications since we will now be able to offer our customers sustainable styrenics solutions that meet all the stringent ISCC requirements. I am looking forward to having sustainable ECO solutions for our broad range of styrenics Specialty products.”

Sven Riechers, Vice President of Standard Products EMEA adds: “Complementing our existing sustainable solutions, I expect INEOS Styrolution’s family of sustainable ECO products to grow rapidly as a result of today’s announcement.”

ISCC is an independent multi-stakeholder organization providing a globally applicable certification system for the sustainability of raw materials and products. It has been developed to meet the high demands regarding the implementation of environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable production.

Click here

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