Indorama Ventures opens new IOD business and R&D center in Mumbai to serve customers in India and Asia-Pacific

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical company, opened its new 10,000-square-foot office and technology center at Marwah Centre in the prime area of Mumbai, India. The new facility is part of the company’s high-growth Integrated Oxides & Derivatives (IOD) business segment, serving global customers in India and the Asia-Pacific.

Alastair Port, Chief Operating Officer of IOD business at Indorama Ventures, said, “IVL is committed to growing our IOD business sustainably in India and Asia-Pacific and this new business and technology center in Mumbai is a key driver.

Having support functions as well as an R&D center under one roof in the heart of Mumbai is convenient for customers to collaborate with us to create better solutions.”

The new R&D center is the company’s hub for the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia to develop products supporting downstream markets, such as home, personal and industrial care and cleaning, agrochemicals, energy, lubricants, mining, and coatings.  The center will also work closely with IVL’s global R&D team to exchange information and accelerate product development cycles.

Samir Rawal, Regional Business Director of IOD – ISC, China, ASEAN, said, “The new state of the art Innovation Center and office facility reflects our commitment to a fast-growing Indian Subcontinent and wider APAC market . This will provide a strong platform for our rapid growth in years to come.”

The new facility provides a higher quality environment for employees with convenient transport options and modern facilities. The business’s commercial and technical functions, including supply chain, finance, sales, and R&D are integrated at the new facility. The integration enables closer collaboration across functions and faster improvements to address changing customer needs.

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Keep food fresh with this bacteria-killing packaging

A team of scientists from NTU Singapore and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, US, has developed a ‘smart’ food packaging material that is biodegradable, sustainable and kills microbes that are harmful to humans. It could also extend the shelf-life of fresh fruit by two to three days.

The natural food packaging is made from a type of corn protein called zein, starch and other naturally derived biopolymers, infused with a cocktail of natural antimicrobial compounds (see video). These include oil from thyme, a common herb used in cooking, and citric acid, which is commonly found in citrus fruits.

In lab experiments, when exposed to an increase in humidity or enzymes from harmful bacteria, the fibres in the packaging have been shown to release the natural antimicrobial compounds, killing common dangerous bacteria that contaminate food, such as E. coli and Listeria, as well as fungi.

The packaging is designed to release the necessary miniscule amounts of antimicrobial compounds only in response to the presence of additional humidity or bacteria. This ensures that the packaging can endure several exposures, and last for months.

As the compounds combat any bacteria that grow on the surface of the packaging as well as on the food product itself, it has the potential to be used for a large variety of products, including ready-to-eat foods, raw meat, fruits, and vegetables.

In an experiment, strawberries that were wrapped in the packaging stayed fresh for seven days before developing mould, compared to counterparts that were kept in mainstream fruit plastic boxes, which only stayed fresh for four days.

The invention is the result of the collaboration by scientists from the NTU-Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Initiative for Sustainable Nanotechnology (NTU-Harvard SusNano), which brings together NTU and Harvard Chan School researchers to work on cutting edge applications in agriculture and food, with an emphasis on developing non-toxic and environmentally safe nanomaterials.

The development of this advanced food packaging material is part of the University’s efforts to promote sustainable food tech solutions, that is aligned with the NTU 2025 strategic plan, which aims to develop sustainable solutions to address some of humanity’s pressing grand challenges.

https://www.ntu.edu.sg/

WL Plastics Completes Acquisition of Charter Plastics’ Titusville, Pennsylvania Site

WL Plastics Corporation has announced it has completed the acquisition of the polyethylene pipe
extrusion assets of Charter Plastics, Inc. located in Titusville, Pennsylvania. This strategic acquisition provides the opportunity for WL Plastics to further diversify its product offerings, expand its customer base, and enter new regional markets.

The Titusville site and associated assets have the capability of producing a broad range of
polyethylene pipe for numerous end-uses including potable water, reclaimed water, sewer,
geothermal, gas, irrigation, and industrial applications.

“We are delighted to bring such an established and well-positioned asset kit into the broader manufacturing base of WL Plastics,” said Mark Wason, CEO of WL Plastics. “We are excited to be a part of the Titusville community.”

WL Plastics is a wholly owned subsidiary of INEOS USA LLC d/b/a INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA,
which is part of the INEOS Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of petrochemicals,
specialty chemicals, and oil products.

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Guill Introduces Reciprocating Head

The automated extrusion process drastically changes the extruded

Guill Tool, a global manufacturer of extrusion tooling, has released its new reciprocating head. The traditional tip and die assembly is replaced with a linear reciprocating assembly that changes the tube’s profile within a given length.This process is repeated throughout a single extrusion run without interruptions. Cutting capability, in association with the extrusion speed, cuts the finished product to length.

While cost and value stream activities are reduced, quality is improved. Only one extrusion run is needed to produce a finished product, as opposed to multiple extrusion runs with tooling changes along with a manual assembly operation to connect different tubing shapes. Guill’s new reciprocating head eliminates an assembly operation. It also eliminates in-process inventory. Thus, there is no need for storage of various tubing shapes and connectors needed for assembly, fulfillment of orders and replenishment of finished goods.

Furthermore, the reciprocating head eliminates a connecting piece, allows JIT production and products made-to-order. Lastly, it reduces total run time from receiving the order to shipping.

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New Hot Glow Collection from Ampacet: Vibrant Translucency for Products and Packaging

Global masterbatch leader Ampacet has introduced the Hot Glow Collection, four vibrant, translucent colors for products and packaging that command visual attention.

“The fiery energy and movement of the Hot Glow Collection bringn arresting dynamism to consumer packaging and products,” says Linda Carroll, Ampacet Director of Global Insight and Innovation.

This collection of visual energy supports the messaging for products with high-alcohol-content applications such as sanitizers, alcohol-infused energy drinks and spirits. Both FDA-approved and non-FDA versions are available in four exciting colors: Fueled Yellow, Orange Oxygen, Green Energy and Red Glow.

https://www.ampacet.com/

THERMOLAST® H TPE for catheter connector applications

As the number of emergency hospital visits and surgical procedures has increased, so has the demand for catheter connectors. Furthermore, technological progress has resulted in these connectors being used for a number of applications. Catheter connectors are available in a variety of types, including needleless IV catheter connectors, suction catheter connectors, and more.

Compounds for functional performance

Catheter connectors are used to provide access to infusion and aspiration. They are important device auxiliary components for intravenous access and drug administration in order to reduce the risk of most serious consequences and improve patient compliance.

Medical devices like catheter connectors benefit from high-performance materials such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), which guarantee user safety and efficiency.

TPEs are ideal material solutions for the medical industry, mainly because TPEs are halogen and latex-free and are easier to process, in comparison to other materials.

KRAIBURG TPE, a global TPE manufacturer of a wide range of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom solutions for multiple industries, has developed a new line of THERMOLAST® H compounds to meet these requirements.

Bespoke color options and material safety

KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST® H HC/AP series offers a high degree of flexibility and a strong grip, making it ideal for catheter connector applications. Additionally, THERMOLAST® H features wide hardness ranges from 30-90 Shore A and optimizable processability. The TPE compounds are translucent and can be colored in a variety of hues to meet customers’ specifications.

The TPE compounds are also biocompatible and free of animal components and other potentially dangerous substances. The materials have also been tested for cytotoxicity in compliance with ISO 10993-5 and GB/T 16886.5, as well as other approvals and standards such as China GB 4806 – 2016, US FDA CFR 21, Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, REACH, and RoHS.

About KRAIBURG TPE

KRAIBURG TPE (www.kraiburg-tpe.com) is a global manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomers. From its beginning in 2001 as a subsidiary of the historical KRAIBURG Group founded in 1947, KRAIBURG TPE has pioneered in TPE compounds, today being the competence leader in this industry. With production sites in Germany, the U.S., and Malaysia, the company offers a broad range of compounds for applications in the automotive, industrial, consumer, and strictly regulated medical sectors. The established THERMOLAST ® , COPEC ® , HIPEX ® , and For Tec E ® product lines are processed by injection molding or extrusion and provide numerous processing and product design advantages to manufacturers. KRAIBURG TPE features innovative capabilities as well as true global customer orientation, customized product solutions and reliable service. The company is certified to ISO 50001 at its headquarters in Germany and holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications at all global sites. In 2019, KRAIBURG TPE, with 645 employees worldwide, generated sales of 190 million euro.

Cosmo Speciality Chemicals– Textile division, develop 5th generation Silicone softener “LOTOSIL BHB” range

A hydrophobic softener based on block silicon chemistry can be applied to any substrate like Cotton, Polyester and blends, etc.

New Delhi, 25th October 2021: Cosmo Speciality Chemicals has developed a 5th generation Silicone
softener” LOTOSIL BHB” range which can be applied to any substrate like Cotton, Polyester and
blends, etc. These are hydrophobic and based on block silicone chemistry.

Speaking on this initiative, Mr. Anil Gaikwad, Business Head, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals said, "We
thrive on creating unique goods, and to promote meaningful innovation for the textile industry,
allowing us to bring new solutions to a wider audience at a faster speed.

“We have also developed Silicone softeners for a set of four products in LOTOSIL BHB” range which
gives excellent inner softness with soft bouncy feel stable to shear force, high liquor TDS temperature
and variation in pH. It is a hydrophobic softener based on block silicon chemistry,” he added.

Silicone softeners increase the quality of textile materials, particularly their handling. The term
“handle” refers to the mechanical behavior of fabrics that have been subjected to low pressures
similar to those experienced during garment production and usage. It is critical in this day and age
for everyone, from youngsters to the elderly, regardless of gender, to have a soft feel and be
amazed by the lightness and bulkiness of materials. In this day and age, comfort is a requirement of
society.

There are four set of products in this range: 1.LOTOSIL BHB1; 2.LOTOSIL BHB;3.LOTOSIL BHB2L;
4.LOTOSIL BHB2P

Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO of Cosmo Films Ltdsaid “At Cosmo we pride ourselves on being
specialized and niche in its offerings. Thus, innovation is comes as part of our DNA, driven by the
consumer needs and backed by strong tech infrastructure”.

The basic feature of LOTOSIL BHB ranges include excellent inner softness coupled with surface
smoothness, exhibits soft and bouncy handle, exhibits stability to shear forces, high liquor TDS and
temperature, and variation in pH.

The substrate of this 5th generation Silicone softener can be overdyed without stripping after being
finished with LOTOSIL BHB ranges, is easily miscible with water in all proportions, and is very
effective on Knits and Woven. The product is also easily miscible with water in all proportions,
suitable by exhaust and Pad application techniques apart from beingcompliant to GOTS.

About Cosmo Speciality Chemicals

Cosmo Speciality Chemicals is a 100% subsidiary of Cosmo Films Ltd with strong research capabilities
to provide the best and the most competitive products through innovations based on sustainable
science to its customers. The Company is into specialty polymers & textile chemicals and has now
launched 'Fabritizer' to safeguard consumers from the various viruses, bacteria, and germs.

About Cosmo Films Limited

Established in 1981 and founded by Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Cosmo Films today is a global leader in
specialty films for packaging, lamination, labeling, and synthetic paper. Cosmo Films over the years
has been partnering with the worlds’ leading F&B and personal care brands and packaging & printing
converters to enhance the end consumer experience. Its customer base is spread in more than 100
countries with sales & manufacturing units in India and Korea and additionally sales & distribution
base in Japan, USA, Canada, and Europe.

Neste and Ravago plan to set up a joint venture to focus on chemical recycling of waste plastic

Neste and Ravago aim to establish a joint venture to build an industrial facility for chemical recycling in North Sea Port in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. The facility is intended to be the starting point of joint global chemical recycling (often also called “advanced recycling”) activities, built upon the advancement of the thermochemical liquefaction technology of US-based Alterra Energy, an innovative chemical recycling technology company. With this, Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and drop-in renewable feedstocks and solutions for the polymers & chemicals industry, and Ravago, the world’s leading distributor and recycler of polymers, plan to demonstrate and advance the commercialization of chemical recycling. The transaction is awaiting for and subject to regulatory approval. 

Combining expertise along the value chain

This strategic partnership combines Ravago’s expertise in the mechanical preparation of plastic waste, Alterra Energy’s proprietary liquefaction technology, and Neste’s expertise in the processing of hydrocarbons. Neste and Ravago are aiming for a first industrial chemical recycling site in North Sea Port in Vlissingen with an annual processing capacity of about 55,000 tons of mixed plastic waste, corresponding to the plastic packaging waste generated by some 1.7 million average EU citizens* per year. The long-term aspiration of the partners is to significantly increase the processing capacity on a global scale and continuously develop the joint venture into a global leader for chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste. 

“We are truly excited about the progress of our joint project work. By fixing the investment location and scope, we are again one step closer to turning our dream into reality,” says Theo Roussis, CEO at Ravago. “Together with Neste, we have the necessary ingredients for a successful recipe to create scalable solutions, converting non-recyclable waste streams into valuable end products.”

“Chemical recycling has been a promising technology to accelerate the creation of a circular economy for quite a while,” says Mercedes Alonso, Executive Vice President, Renewable Polymers and Chemicals at Neste. “Now, it is time to take it to the next level and turn the promise into an industrial solution. By combining the expertise of Ravago and Neste, we have the means to rapidly implement the technology to start production at commercial scale. With joint and dedicated efforts, we can bring together the know-how along the entire value chain to turn waste into valuable resources. Our ambition is clear: to be a global leader in renewable and circular solutions.” 

Logical next step in cooperation between Ravago and Neste

This targeted investment is the consistent continuation of the fast-paced progress in the cooperation between the partners. In 2019, Neste and Ravago set a joint target to reach the capacity to process over 200,000 tons of mixed waste plastic per year by 2030. Ever since, the companies have evaluated technologies, the raw material market, and built joint business cases to develop chemical recycling capacities. Already in 2020, Neste also successfully conducted the first of several industrial trial runs with liquefied waste plastic at its oil refinery in Finland. 

https://www.neste.com/