Industry sustainability leader: GF Piping Systems introduces bio-attributed PVC to its portfolio to reduce CO2 footprint

As a pioneer of pressure piping, GF Piping Systems (GF) announced today the introduction of bio- attributed materials to all of its market-leading polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) metric pressure pipes, fittings and valves produced in Europe. The sustainable PVC resin, made using tall oil, a waste product from paper production will see up to 90% reduction in the CO2 emission during production versus conventional PVC while still maintaining the highest quality, durability, and recyclability.

The PVC piping systems from GF, first produced in 1955, have been tried and tested for more than 65 years. Today, they include pipes, fittings, valves, actuators, and measurement and control technology used across industries in over 100 countries for the most demanding applications.

To achieve the biggest impact, the PVC resin used for pipes, fittings and valves is successively adjusted to use up to 20% bio-attributed PVC. The sustainable PVC resins meet the same stringent performance criteria as GF’s conventionally produced PVC grades. To verify the correct use, an independent certification body is appointed to audit the production plants and supply chain which processes the bio-attributed PVC-U.

“With the introduction of bio-attributed PVC into our material mix, we are transitioning toward more sustainably sourced products,” announces Jens Frisenborg, Head of Business Unit Industry/Utility at GF Piping Systems. “By adding renewable raw material, with identical chemical and mechanical properties, to our valves, fittings and pipes, we provide our customers with unrivaled quality, while also supporting them in achieving their own sustainability goals.”

Insensitive, flexible to plan, easy to install, and very reliable: these properties of piping systems are in demand in numerous industrial areas: in drinking water treatment, microelectronics production, in sewage treatment plants, in shipbuilding, and the food industry. PVC piping systems are suitable for use in almost every branch of industry. It is not only their durability that makes them so versatile but also their easy installation. Now with bio-attributed PVC, GF Piping Systems is ensuring they are more sustainably sourced.

NORMA Group starts production cooperation with Italian water management company 

Maintal, Germany/Sant’ Angelo in Vado, Italy, November 23, 2021 – NORMA Group has entered into a strategic partnership with SAB S.p.A (“SAB”), an Italian specialist in joining technology for drinking water, irrigation and drainage. From November 2021, SAB will produce high-quality NORMA PN 16 compression fittings certified for drinking water applications for NORMA Group. Further products are to follow. In addition, the agreement reached stipulates that NORMA Group and SAB will jointly develop new products. With this cooperation, NORMA Group is strengthening its water management business in Europe and, in particular, further expanding its position in the field of drinking water applications.

“SAB has a proven record of outstanding product expertise,” says Dr. Michael Schneider, CEO of NORMA Group. “With this cooperation, we gain additional production resources and can serve our customers in Europe better and faster with water management solutions. Efficient use of the scarce resource of water is becoming increasingly important, which is why we are consistently expanding our water management business in all regions.”

NORMA Group generated around 23 percent of group turnover in 2020 in the field of water management. Business is particularly strong in the USA, Malaysia and India, where NORMA Group each has its own plants for water management products. In Europe, the business is to be further expanded in the coming years. Thanks to the cooperation with SAB, NORMA Group will in future offer products in Europe that meet the high EU requirements for drinking water applications, thus opening up new market potential. NORMA Group’s European customers benefit from short transport routes and optimized delivery times, as the products are manufactured directly in Europe.

“The cooperation allows us to make optimal use of our know-how in the production of certified irrigation and drainage solutions for the advantage of both companies,” says Renato Mancini Cilla, General Manager of SAB. “We are looking forward to working with NORMA Group.”

SAB, based in Sant’ Angelo in Vado in Italy, specializes in the production of water management solutions by extrusion and thermoforming. The company’s product portfolio includes irrigation pipes, compression fittings, valves and drainage channels. SAB is part of the System Group, headquartered in Lunano (PU), Italy.

Additional information on the company is available at www.normagroup.com. More press photos are available from our platform on www.normagroup.com/images.

Okke Ottenlinger new General Manager of Evosys Suzhou Laser System in China

Since 1 November, Okke Ottenlinger has been the new Managing Director of the Chinese subsidiary Evosys Suzhou Laser System Co. Ltd. This is another planned step to serve customers in China even better.

Erlangen, November 2021: Okke Ottenlinger has been working in mechanical and plant engineering for almost a decade and brings with him a high level of technological competence and internationalism. Since 1 November, he has been responsible as Managing Director for the further development of the Chinese subsidiary, which is currently responsible for sales and service in the Asian region. In addition, a laser welding system is available for sampling in an in-house technical centre.

With his high level of customer orientation, Ottenlinger fits perfectly into the corporate concept of the EVOSYS Group. Holger Aldebert, Managing Director of the parent company Evosys Laser GmbH is pleased: “We want our subsidiary to continue to be as successful as it has been in recent years. We see Mr. Ottenlinger as an experienced specialist in the market and, thanks to his strong commitment, as an ideal manager.”

Okke Ottenlinger succeeds Frank Sun, who had most recently managed and built up the subsidiary and is now moving to the joint venture partner as planned. In particular, Ottenlinger is to further expand the sales network in China and further increase the level of awareness of the EVOSYS Group in Asia.

About EVOSYS:
Evosys Laser GmbH develops and manufactures tailor-made systems for laser welding of plastics. With many years of market and process experience of its employees, the company offers creative and innovative solutions for integration into automation solutions worldwide. A service package ranging from design consulting and sample production in the company’s own Technical Center rounds off the product range.

The company has already received several awards: In 2018, EVOSYS won the IHK Gründerpreis Mittelfranken and was nominated for the Bavarian Gründerpreis in 2019. In June 2020, it was named TOP 100 Innovation Champion, and in December 2020 it was nominated for the Mittelstand Award. There are intensive contacts with the university location Erlangen-Nuremberg and the Bayerisches Laserzentrum.

The Evosys Group currently consists of four companies, the parent company Evosys Laser GmbH, the subsidiary Evosys Laser Services GmbH and the subsidiaries Evosys (Suzhou) Laser System Co., Ltd. in China and Evosys North America Corp. in USA.

ALS User Meeting 2021: Host computer experts exchange ideas in Lossburg

• Successful: In-person event with 60 participants
• Continuous: Arburg continues to develop its ALS host computer system with customers in mind
• Digital: “Paperless production” and numerous new features increase production efficiency

Lossburg, 11:56
On 18 November 2021, Arburg hosted an ALS User Meeting again. The in-person event met with a very positive response. A total of around 60 participants came to Lossburg to find out about new features and receive valuable tips and suggestions. One highlight was a presentation by medical technology company Röchling Medical, which was able to hugely increase production efficiency with the help of ALS.

“The overwhelming interest far exceeded our expectations and reflects the enormous innovation push that our industry is experiencing,” said Axel Kinting, ALS expert and Head of the new Digital Industrial Solutions division at Arburg. “At the User Meeting, our customers have the opportunity to exchange ideas and information intensively – and we get valuable suggestions that we can use to further develop ALS in a very targeted and needs-oriented manner.”

Productivity increase and current ALS version Peter Kowalewski, Team Manager Digital Industrial Solutions
Support, first presented numerous innovations of ALS up to the current version. Among these is the conversion of the server modules to 64 bit, meaning practically unlimited storage capacity. In addition to many detailed improvements, another important feature is the capacity to anonymise personal data and “digital fingerprints” of former employees in compliance with the GDPR.

Getting started with paperless production and Smart Factory ALS expert Patrick Wahl demonstrated the advantages of paperless production live on a cup-producing Allrounder 370 A and used a tablet to provide insights into the machine terminal with mobile ALS modules. These can be used to view the process status and production progress, for example, and to visualise current indicators regarding OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) and quality. Additional resources can be added easily, jobs can be loaded directly onto the machine without typing, maintenance can be carried out paperlessly and hidden capacities can be revealed. This saves an enormous amount of time, creates transparency, and reduces paper consumption by several thousand kilograms per year when extrapolated to the companies participating in the User Meeting.

ALS team colleague Markus Widmaier gave valuable tips and advice on all aspects of the Smart Factory and transparent production. These included the integration of non-injection moulding machines via the OPC UA communication protocol and new machine widgets for the ALS info terminal, which is now also available as a licence model on a coin basis.

User Röchling Medical reports from practice One user that is already putting many of the points mentioned into
practice is Röchling Medical from Waldachtal. Daniel Tobien, Head of Production, explained in his fascinating presentation how the medical technology company has hugely increased productivity and patient safety. Since 2018, a total of 14 assembly machines and lines and 1,400 active moulds have been connected to ALS, in addition to around 65 injection moulding machines, 43 of which are in the clean room. “As a result, we have increased
part quality, improved sequences, and can optimally document and analyse our processes,” stated Daniel Tobien. “OEE is now the indicator that shows us how well or badly production is running. After introducing ALS, we have already increased OEE from 40 to 67 per cent and want to improve even further.” Especially in the clean room, paperless production is a clear advantage. Röchling Medical says that it is also planning to integrate all peripheral devices into ALS in future and to additionally visualise the energy costs for the injection moulding machines.

Overview of new developments
Finally, Arburg experts Frank Hammann, Timo Weisser, Markus Friese and Christoph Klein provided an overview of the integration of ALS into the arburgXworld customer portal and new software developments. According to the experts, ALS version 7.5 with new features will be available in the first quarter of 2022. They also reported that work is being done on a new interface technology called “REST API”, which will enable other systems to communicate with ALS in future using a standardised protocol. The new “ALS Track & Trace” module for tracing parts in the production process and the expansion of the machine terminal with new functionalities were also presented.

arburgXvision: Ten episodes of exquisite infotainment! – Internet TV format to continue in 2022

• Tenth live broadcast: “Sustainable production – conserving resources in the plastics industry”
• Exciting mix: Informative specialist presentations, practical live links and valuable expert discussions
• Lighthouse project: Popular and informative “arburgXvision” series to be continued in 2022

Lossburg, 29 November 2021
The tenth live broadcast of “arburgXvision” was also incredibly gripping, with fantastic contributions from Bertram Stern and Dr Philipp Kloke that shed light on the complex topic of sustainability. The Arburg experts gave the audience of around 450 deep insights into the company’s strategic goals and practical activities involving “arburgGREENworld”, as well as valuable tips for the reliable and efficient processing of recyclates and bioplastics. In addition, there were two very practical links to the roof of the assembly hall in Lossburg and to the Training Center. Thanks to the great response, we can look forward to more “arburgXvision” episodes in the coming year.

“The ten ‘arburgXvision’ internet TV programmes this year were extremely well received by the community, in some cases even enthusiastically,” sums up Dr Christoph Schumacher, Head of Marketing at Arburg. “With our exciting mix of topics and entertaining combination of informative expert presentations, practical links to our company headquarters in Lossburg, and in-depth panel discussions, we have obviously struck a chord with the audience. We will therefore continue this lighthouse project in 2022”.

Wide range of topics: from 0-ppm production to photovoltaics The previous “arburgXvision” episodes gave viewers valuable insights and inspiration. At the premiere in January, Arburg Managing Directors, Gerhard Böhm and Guido Frohnhaus, spoke on the topic of 0-ppm production of plastic parts. The shows continued to cover a broad spectrum of topics, from additive manufacturing and the Gestica control system to Mould Strategy 2.0 and digitally networked injection moulding machines.

LyondellBasell and Sinopec Sign MoU to form joint venture to manufacture propylene glycol ether in China

Shanghai, Nov 30, 2021 — LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) today announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sinopec to expand on the existing 50:50 joint venture (JV) called Ningbo ZRCC LyondellBasell New Material Co., Ltd.. Under the non-binding MoU, the JV will construct a new propylene glycol ether (PGE) unit in Zhenhai, Ningbo, China to serve the growing Asian market. The new PGE unit will be built close to the existing propylene oxide / styrene monomer (PO/SM) plant, allowing for integration with PO, the key raw material for PGE. PGE is widely used in coating and electronics applications.

“Asia is a strategic region for our company, and we see increasing demand for our products with the growth of the economy. In particular, PGE is a key component in the supply chain for semiconductor manufacturing, and this world-scale facility will support the growth of semiconductor manufacturing in China and the rest of Asia, ” said Torkel Rhenman, Executive Vice President, Intermediates and Derivatives, and Refining, LyondellBasell. “We are very delighted to continue to expand our partnership with Sinopec through this joint venture and produce PGE locally to serve the market more efficiently.” The new facility is expected to produce 125 kilotons per annum (KTA) by using LyondellBasell’s leading PGE process technology, with start-up expected in the second half of 2023.

Airnov continues to expand and invest in productivity and product innovation to mitigate rising costs and support growth in existing, new and emerging markets

December 02, 2021 – Airnov Healthcare Packaging, a global leader in shelf-life preservation solutions to protect pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and diagnostic products from moisture and oxygen, reports that its site expansions in Changshu, China, and Cuddalore, India, are nearing completion, ready to serve a growing customer base in the region. In addition, the company’s manufacturing plant in Belen, New Mexico, USA, is being modernized with state-of-the-art equipment and a new production line expected to go on stream in 2022.

“The demand for safe pharma and healthcare packaging keeps rising,” says Dr. Matthias Brommer, President & Managing Director at Airnov. “In fact, the global desiccants and modified atmosphere packaging industry is expected to grow at annual rates of five percent. We are investing heavily to seize these opportunities, as we continue our four-pillar strategy designed to enhance productivity, drive product innovation, open attractive new and emerging market segments, and support further growth.”

While these investments will help the company offset some of the recent cost increases in energy and transportation, the global supply chains have come under significant pressure, resulting in steeply rising raw material prices. Another cost driver is seen in ever more severe safety and environmental regulations. At the same time, customers need to address the growing sustainability awareness of consumers, which permits no faltering in the development and implementation of innovative new product technology. “Despite all efforts to mitigate the cost increases a price adaptation by at least 5% and up to 11% if exposed to certain raw materials had therefore become inevitable to stay ahead and meet these challenges without compromising the competitive benefits of our superior products for customers,” explains Dr. Brommer.

Airnov Healthcare Packaging has established itself in the global market as a trusted supplier with key added value propositions across a diversified range of desiccant, oxygen barrier, equilibrium stabilizer and odor control products. Determined to maintain the highest standards of product quality, consistency and supply security, along with industry leading R&D and customer support, the company is extending its market reach and technology scope. In Asia, it has expanded its manufacturing sites in Changshu, China, with added capacity e.g. for bottles and vials, and in Cuddalore, India, with added capacity e.g. for canister products. At Belen in the United States, Airnov is in the process of modernizing its plant to boost productivity and develop new technologies in 2022, such as laser marking. Upcoming innovations will also include a new line of products for the diagnostics market.

Health Supply US Streamlines Customer Experience with Unique V-Shapes Single-Dose Sachet Manufacturing Process

Bologna, Italy. 29 November 2021. Health Supply US (HSUS) is dedicated to transforming the pipeline for America’s health care facilities, first responder networks, and Federal, State and Local Governments. The company identifies, sources and delivers safety and medical supplies to frontline workers and those who need them most. HSUS has invested millions of dollars into infrastructure, machinery, equipment, technology and people to meet these goals.

One of its most recent investments is the acquisition of two V-Shapes Alpha single- dose packaging machines and a V-Shapes VS dflex nearline digital printing solution. According to Managing Partner Cesar Garcia, “Our original plan was to contract out the manufacture of single-dose branded sachets of hand sanitizer we could hand out at events and for other uses. But it quickly became evident that it made more sense to actually install the equipment in our North Carolina plant. And once we installed our first Alpha and were on our way to our second, it also became clear that we could easily do on-site printing rather than outsourcing it with the VS
dflex printer.”

V-Shapes Alpha is a highly automated packaging machine for filling, sealing and die-cutting single-dose sachets in sizes ranging from 40 mm x 50 mm to 85 mm x 100 mm. Brands can choose to use a variety of printing options, from simple one-color coding to high-quality full-color printing on the top and/or bottom of the sachet to promote brand image. Almost any liquid or semi-solid product can be packaged in V-Shapes sachets which can be opened with a single gesture using one hand. This offers a more convenient and hygienic means of distributing products and samples across a wide range of industries, ranging from healthcare to cosmetics and foods in a highly automated fashion and with a compact footprint.

The V-Shapes VS dflex nearline reel-to-reel printer featuring Memjet DuraFlex inkjet printing technology makes it easy to print flexible packaging on site, eliminating the need to outsource printing or to tie up other printing equipment in the plant, especially for shorter runs of customized sachets.

For HSUS, these acquisitions dramatically transformed the design and approval process for single-dose products, making it easier to meet tight customer delivery deadlines and setting the company apart from the competition. Garcia explains, “I have a printing background, and I looked at all the possibilities of being able to show our clients right away what their packaging would look like instead of putting a file together, sending it to an outside printer, having them print a massive run and then coming back and putting it on our Alpha for filling. By using both the Alpha and VS dflex, I am able to do everything on site and on demand; and that saves me about 2.5 weeks at a minimum for each project, dramatically improving our cycle time. Now I can go see a client in the morning; and in the afternoon, I’m printing out sample sachets for them that I can show them the next day!”

Garcia notes that drying on the film is instantaneous; and the speed at which the VS dflex runs means it can be used for production runs, not just for samples. The flexibility offered by the combination of the V-Shapes Alpha and the VS dflex has also opened up new opportunities for HSUS. Garcia says, “While we were originally looking at packaging sanitizer, we are now also looking at producing various types of creams and lotions. In addition to the need for medical gels that can be conveniently and hygienically dispensed, we also see opportunities for packaging high-end sauces or sampling for cosmetics, as well as products for other industries. It enables us to deliver a complete, end-to-end solution to our clients that goes beyond simply filling the sachets. We can work with our clients on designing their sachets, as well as their secondary packaging. It gives us the ability to offer additional services, better turnaround time and better customization. If we look good, our partners look good. And the V-Shapes solution makes us all look good!”

Teknor Apex Acquires Lanier Color Company

From PET bottles straight to food contact grade r-PET packaging