STADLER announced today the opening of its new Test
and Innovation Center at its production site in Krsko, Slovenia. The new facility will play a
dual role as a test center for customer demonstrations and training, and as an innovation
center housing STADLER’s Research and Development activities focused on the plastic
sorting process. Ideally located within easy reach of two major airports – 60 km from Zagreb
125 km from Ljiubljana – and close to the A2 motorway, it is very accessible to visitors from
across the world.
At the new Test and Innovation Center, STADLER will offer demonstrations of the sorting
process – feeding, label removal, ballistic separation, metal separation, non-ferrous metal
separation, near-infrared separation with the latest generation NIR technology, and transport
with conveyors and screw conveyors. This will help customers make an informed purchase
decision, as they will be able to see first-hand the sorting process in the plant designed for
them by STADLER. The center will also provide training for customers, as well as its internal
staff.
The new facility is also home to STADLER’s Testing activities for plastic recycling
applications, with input material being sorted into polymer products such as PET, HDPE and
PP bottles, or LDPE films, and recycled. “This activity is very important for us at STADLER,”
explains Tom Schmitt, Sales Manager at STADLER. “We are constantly striving to offer
increasingly efficient processes in the recycling of polymers.”
The new Center is also an important research and innovation hub for STADLER: “Here, in
Slovenia, we will develop the plastic recycling plant of the next generation,” states Willi
Stadler, CEO of Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH. “We have highly skilled people, with advanced
knowledge of the entire process and specialized expertise. The majority of the engineers
who assemble our systems around the world are based here.”
In this first phase, the Test and Innovation Center is housed in an existing hall on
STADLER’s Krsko site, which has been extended with a temporary structure, providing a
total covered area of 1.200 m 2 to accommodate the equipment for demonstrating the sorting
process. The facility will be further developed in a modular way, to extend its testing and
demonstration capabilities. It is staffed with a team of 5 people and supported by the
STADLER engineers based on site.
The Krsko site is a manufacturing and engineering hub that plays a key role in STADLER’s
operation. It houses the production of the company’s steel structures, screening drums,
heavy chain conveyor belts and label removers, as well as its sheet metal processing plant.
In addition, it is the home of STADLER’s Electrical Engineering Department, which
implements the electric installation and operating software in the company’s projects across
the world.
About STADLER
STADLER is dedicated to the planning, production and assembly of sorting systems and
components for the waste disposal and recycling industry world-wide. Its team of over 450
qualified employees offers a tailor-made full service, from conceptual design to planning,
production, modernisation, optimisation, assembly, start-up, conversions, disassembly,
maintenance and servicing of components to complete recycling and sorting systems. Its
product range includes ballistic separators, transport conveyor belts, screening drums and
label removers. The company is also able to provide steel structures and electrical switch
cabinets for the plants it installs. Founded in 1791, this family-run company’s operation and
strategy is underpinned by its ethos of delivering quality, reliability and customer satisfaction,
being a good employer and providing strong social support.
For more information,
visit www.w-stadler.de
STADLER opens new Test and Innovation Center in Slovenia focused on plastic sorting and recycling
Oman Refreshment Company and Sidel join forces to successfully launch three new formats
Oman Refreshment Company (ORC) has launched three new formats for PET bottles in
order to meet changes in consumer demand. Thanks to outstanding teamwork and
flexibility, Sidel, its trusted OEM, completed the line conversion within a reduced lead
time. These formats are now operating with improved rated speed to satisfy consumer
demand in Oman.
Established in 1974 and currently employing more than 900 people, ORC is one of the pioneers
and market leaders in the Omani manufacturing sector. As a franchisee of PepsiCo
International, the company’s headquarter is located in Al Ghubra and it operates in different
food (Lays, Cheetos and Quaker Oats, etc.) and beverage (Pepsi, Topfruit and Aquafina Water,
etc) sectors. It has an overall annual beverage production capacity of around 500 million litres.
The company is expanding its manufacturing and distribution capabilities to meet growing
demand for its products and also to respond to diverse consumer preferences.
The carbonated soft drinks (CSD) market in Oman is highly consolidated by international
companies and it is dominated by PepsiCo whose sales volume and value in 2018 reached
84.7% and 84% respectively. Although Oman is known for its high CSD consumption, changing
life styles and the introduction of an “excise tax” (50% tax on CSD) have slowed demand. To
maintain market share and adapt to healthier consumer habits, ORC approached Sidel to
launch three new PET bottle formats (0.25 L, 1 L and 1.5 L).
Meeting a tight deadline through seamless planning and collaboration
ORC has operated a Sidel Matrix TM Combi12 line since 2015 and Sidel’s project was to adapt established to meet the market launch date. However, it was initially assumed that the parts
could be delayed because of the August summer break. The key to success was therefore
seamless planning and execution.
As a complete solution provider, Sidel achieved its goal by leveraging its expertise in production
and closely cooperating with suppliers. From shipping to execution, approximately 15 experts
from Sidel participated in the project. To ensure smooth operation, the original line efficiency
was inspected by Sidel’s team before site execution. With consultancy from Sidel, some
adjustments were made and Sidel was supported by optimal logistics and 3 rd party equipment
suppliers to accelerate progress. ORC also played a crucial role by providing full in-house
support from the maintenance and warehousing teams to ensure that all activities went to plan.
In spite of tight time constraints, Sidel displayed close teamwork, liaising with both the partners
and the customer.
“Sidel’s challenge was to finish the project within a very tight schedule. Sidel took swift action in
manufacturing the required adaptation kits then shipping them in the fastest lead time possible.
Installation, testing, and commissioning are the most challenging activities of the project
wherein Sidel was able to excel by sending the best team,” says Youssef Ezzikhe, CEO at
ORC.
Flexibility and great service exceed expectations and result in a strong customer
relationship
A flexible approach to project execution, together with on-going support from the product
division to reduce the equipment lead time were the key factors contributing to an overall well
planned and executed service project. Sidel finished the line conversion project at the end of
August 2019, allowing ORC to fulfill their market commitment. Moreover, the rated speed of the
filler on each format was increased: 0.25 L – 24,000 bottles per hour (bph), 1L – 22,500 bph
and 1.5 L – 22,000 bph. The project was completed in record time and new package sizes were
launched onto the market with the production line proving to be highly efficient. “I appreciate
Sidel’s flexibility and proactiveness,” says Youssef Ezzikhe, CEO at ORC.
“With Sidel’s excellent history of service support, we are proud that ORC selected Sidel for line
conversion service. This proves that we are fully trusted by customers and our outstanding
service is key to their loyalty,” says Samuel Gobbe, Vice President of Services for the Middle
East and Africa region at Sidel.
www.fundh.de
INDAVER AND INEOS STYROLUTION: PROJECT TO DEMONSTRATE PRODUCTION OF ABS PLASTIC FROM RECYCLED FEEDSTOCK RECEIVES FUNDING BY THE EUROPEAN UNION
· Scope includes first lab scale solution as well as plans to upscale to commercial solution
· Project is supported by EU LIFE programme
Indaver, a leader in sustainable waste management, and INEOS Styrolution, global leader in styrenics, are set to team up as technology partners in a project funded by the EU LIFE programme, the European Union’s funding instrument for the environment and resource efficiency. The project, which is planned for a duration of four years, will demonstrate the production of ABS[1] based on recycled feedstock.
The project, called “LIFE ABSolutely Circular” aims at demonstrating the environmental and economic benefits of using advanced recycling technologies to close the loop of plastic recycling.
An initial key objective of the project is to demonstrate for the first time the production of ABS based on recycled feedstock taking advantage of advanced recycling technologies. The project is also planned to demonstrate scaling of the solution from lab scale to demo plant and ultimately to commercialisation.
The ABS copolymer is used in a broad range of applications in many industries including automotive, healthcare, electronics, household, and toys/ sports/ leisure. The material significantly contributes to societal well-being with a well-balanced mix of properties. It is robust, dimensional stable, leightweight and has an aesthetic surface appearance. It is also compliant with food contact regulations and is easy to process.
Paul De Bruycker, CEO at Indaver comments: “We are looking forward to develop a demo plant and an upscaling plan to achieve the objectives of this project. We are thrilled to work on a solution that allows us to take advantage of the amazing properties of styrenics while eliminating the impact on the environment and on future generations.”
Dr. Alexander Glück, President EMEA at INEOS Styrolution: “We are excited about this project as we believe there is intrinsic value in plastics products after usage. We share the vision with Indaver to turn plastic waste into valuable resources instead of letting it end up in landfills.”
More information: www.indaver.com or www.indaver.com/plasticstochemicals
Avient ColorForward Experts Predict Pandemic Likely to Influence Color Preferences, Even in 2022
MILAN – December 10, 2020 – Avient Corporation, a premier provider of specialized and
sustainable material solutions and services, today announced that Avient ColorWorks has
launched ColorForward 2022. This 16 th edition of the annual color forecasting guide for the
plastics industry marks its debut within Avient, which was formed this year from legacy
businesses PolyOne and Clariant Masterbatch.
As in years past, ColorForward 2022 presents stories associated with four societal trends that
are expected to influence consumers consciously or unconsciously over the next few years.
Each trend theme also includes a palette of five associated colors that are predicted to elicit a
response from consumers. Developed by a global team, many of whom work in the four Avient
ColorWorks design and technology centers around the world, this unique tool has become
invaluable to plastic product designers and marketing professionals seeking help in making
more informed color choices for new products and packaging.
This year, ColorForward 2022 trend watchers expect the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to
linger for some time, even if vaccines and treatments allow the world to return to some
semblance of ‘normal.’ Naturally, they contend this will drive societal trends and consumer
response to color in the near- and mid-term future.
Looking ahead to 2022, the ColorForward team sees a silver lining around the pandemic
cloud. They predict most of us will emerge from this period of lockdowns and isolation stronger
and more mature, potentially having discovered talents and interests we didn’t know we had
before. They also see a growing movement toward national self-sufficiency and self-interest,
as the coronavirus has exposed the fragility of relying solely on a global supply chain. New,
remote approaches to working will continue even after the pandemic is under control,
according to the expert team, making it increasingly difficult to find a reasonable work/life
balance. Yet, this trend will also provide new levels of flexibility and freedom. Finally, the team
notes how the current crisis has highlighted weaknesses in the existing healthcare system.
They foresee accelerated acceptance of tele-medicine and other new approaches to patient
care as a result.
“For 2022, the overall color palette is dominated by shades of yellow,” explains Judith van
Vliet, ColorWorks Senior Designer and leader of the ColorForward team,“ and many of the
other colors are joined to the yellow family. For instance, many of the greens, reds, oranges
and some of the blues, have a high yellow influence, creating a sense of the warmth of human
connections that are interrupted by the social isolation the pandemic forces on us. In addition,
the yellowish greens are indicative of our need to reconnect with nature and avoid the
synthetic, including all of the screens and digital connections we must now use excessively.”
Avient ColorWorks also offers seminars at its four design and technology centers around the
world, as well as at selected conferences and customer sites. These can be conducted
virtually and/or in-person when appropriate. To learn more about collaborating with
ColorWorks, please click here.
NOTE: On July 1, 2020, PolyOne and Clariant Masterbatches joined together as Avient, a new
kind of materials company focused on conquering customer challenges and unlocking the
potential for innovation and sustainability around the globe.
About Avient Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), with projected 2020 pro forma revenues of approximately
$3.7 billion, provides specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform customer
challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. Examples
include:
Barrier technologies that preserve the shelf-life and quality of food, beverages, medicine
and other perishable goods through high-performance materials that require less plastic
Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and
wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation
Breakthrough technologies that minimize wastewater and improve the recyclability of
materials and packaging across a spectrum of end uses
Avient employs approximately 9,100 associates and is certified ACC Responsible Care and a
founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste.
For more information, visit
www.avient.com.
SABIC joins forces with KraussMaffei’s high-performance NETSTAL brand in strategic partnership for innovative thin-wall packaging applications
SITTARD, THE NETHERLANDS, December 14, 2020 – SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, today announced a strategic partnership with KraussMaffei HighPerformance AG, KraussMaffei’s Swiss subsidiary and manufacturer of high-performance injection molding systems known under the NETSTAL brand. Besides the exchange of mutual know-how in the fields of polymer technology and processing, the aim of the partnership is the joint use and further advancement of the existing application center for thin-wall packaging at the NETSTAL plant in Näfels, Switzerland..
The official launch of the cooperation, which will focus on application, material and processing innovations in the thin-wall packaging industry through collaboration across the segment’s entire value chain, is scheduled for the first quarter of 2021.
“This is a major investment in synergy for us,” states Sergi Monros, SABIC Vice President of Performance Polymers & Industry Solutions, Petrochemicals. “Together with NETSTAL, we will bundle our expertise in polymer science and processing to enable new material and injection molding solutions for the competitive edge of customers throughout the thin-wall packaging industry and beyond.”
SABIC will be using the Innovation Center to develop material solutions with potential for improving important properties of thin-wall packaging applications, such as balance of stiffness, impact strength, cycle time reduction and sustainability. The NETSTAL Product Packaging portfolio can be further optimized as a result of improved material and process insights.
The Innovation Center will be fully equipped and expanded with advanced new development, processing, material and application testing facilities tailored to the needs of the packaging industry, including a dedicated laboratory for state-of-the-art injection molding and part performance evaluation.
“We are pleased to welcome SABIC at our NETSTAL business headquarters here in Switzerland, which has a long history in innovative technologies for thin-wall injection molding,” says Renzo Davatz, CEO of KraussMaffei HighPerformance AG. “The collaboration with SABIC will add significant momentum to the further development and commercialization of our product portfolio for innovative new thin-wall packaging applications.”
“The joint application center will help us accelerate the pace of innovation and respond to our customers’ needs for changing market trends,” adds Waleed Al Shalfan, SABIC Vice President Technology & Innovation for Polymers. “It will be instrumental in looking at our business practices from a more collaborative angle to turn global challenges into opportunities that add lasting value to us, our customers and society. That’s how we create CHEMISTRY THAT MATTERS™.”
LARGE FORMAT MULTI-SENSOR VISION SYSTEM
The AVX550 features dual optical systems that work in tandem to measure a broad range of features. The primary zoom lens enables small intricate features to be inspected with high precision and resolution of up to 2 microns. A secondary large field-of-view camera is equipped with a telecentric lens that can simultaneously inspect large areas of a part, or an entire part itself. A broad range of zoom options also means that measurement configurations can be custom tailored to meet specific application requirements, and eliminates the need to change lenses or re-calibrate the system. Throughput is further enhanced with fast platform travel speeds and dual collimated profile lights which are essential to the effectiveness of the dual optical systems.
Equipped with the M3 software package from MetLogix, a traditional mouse as well as a touchscreen monitor makes user interaction easy and intuitive. Auto part recognition enables creating a part measurement program that comprises the desired features of a part for inspection, which can automatically be saved in the system or to a network. Programmable light output options can be built into the program as defined steps, including being called up as the part recognition program initiates. For fast, accurate and repeatable results, once the program is created, placing that part within the camera’s field-of-view allows for the saved program to initiate and run the inspection. Features such as a “Superimage” function allows piecing together multiple camera frames in order to view a large part as one single image. A Renishaw Touch Probe may also be utilized for quick acquisition of discreet points along a part’s profile and 3-D geometry mapping.
There are several options for lens configurations. For inspection of small, intricate areas, a powerful 12:1 zoom optics lens is equipped with a 26x to 310x magnification range for precise resolution. The fixed magnification telecentric lens comes with magnification options of 0.14x, 0.3x, 0.5x, 0.8x, 1.0x 2.0x and 4.0x. Systems can be configured in a larger measurement range on the X, Y, and Z axes, and can also be equipped with Q-axis rotary positioners for increased capability.
https://www.starrett.com/
TAC and Joby Avitation sign up for long term supply agreement
Toray Advanced Composites announces that it has completed a long-term supply agreement with Joby Aviation for the composite material used for its aircraft. The California-based aircraft company will use Toray’s carbon fiber composite materials to bring fast, affordable, and zero-emissions aerial ridesharing to global communities.
Electric aircraft require proven materials that have high-strength and are very lightweight. Carbon fiber composite materials provide the strength-to-weight ratio needed for electric aerospace applications in order to maximize the range and speed of the aircraft. Every aspect of Joby’s aircraft is being optimized for maximum utilization for urban transport and high-quality carbon fiber materials are a key component of achieving their goals. Joby selected Toray Advanced Composite materials due to their proven heritage of meeting mechanical and safety requirements in aerospace and high-performance automotive applications.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO, Joby Aviation, said: “Toray’s prepreg carbon fiber systems provide unparalleled specific strength and toughness, which have enabled Joby to develop aircraft with unprecedented capabilities. We are incredibly proud to be working with Toray as we certify this aircraft, and look forward to building a long-lasting partnership.”
Joby will operate an affordable, quiet, and clean transportation service, using the revolutionary all-electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft it has spent the last decade developing. With a range of up to 150 miles and a top speed of 200 mph, the vehicle and the service has the potential to make a significant difference to the lives of travelers. Carbon fiber materials are used throughout the vehicle structure, propulsion systems, and interior components.
“We are very pleased to have finalized this important supply agreement with Joby Aviation, a pioneer in the development of the eVTOL,” says Mr. Toshiyuki Kondo, CEO, Toray Advanced Composites. “As children, we dreamed of being able to fly to a destination in a fraction of the time it would take to drive. That is no longer a fantasy. The electric air taxi is becoming a reality and we at Toray are perfectly positioned to meet the industry’s needs today and in the future. It’s a very exciting time.”
Joby Aviation has spent more than a decade developing its aircraft and plans to bring it into commercial operation as early as 2023. By combining years of development with a world-class team and now a leading carbon fiber composite supplier, Joby is well-positioned to deliver on the promise of aerial ridesharing.
https://www.toraytac.com/
Mars Food & Amcor announce industry-first move to launch recyclable microwavable rice pouch
• Breakthrough packaging technology will make the pouches for Mars Food’s household brands such as Ben’s Original® and Seeds of Change® recyclable where infrastructure exists
• The companies are in the final stages of development of the new pouch and the first packs will launch in limited European markets by mid-year 2021
Mars Food today announced it will begin to use recyclable mono-polypropylene plastic (PP) for its microwavable rice pouches in 2021. The project will bring to market the industry’s first food-safe, mono-material microwavable rice pouch. Launching with an initial pilot in the first half of 2021, the business has ambitions to further scale the technology across its portfolio beginning at the back half of the year.
The use of high performing mono-PP material will allow Mars Food to retain the shape, shelf life, functionality and high safety standards needed for its brands’ packaging, while ensuring pouches can be mechanically and chemically recycled where infrastructure exists, and designed for future recycling where it doesn’t yet.
The breakthrough is a result of a three-year partnership between Mars Food and Amcor. The companies share a vision to support a circular economy where packaging doesn’t become waste. The progress is part of Mars’ Sustainable Packaging Plan, which outlines the business’ commitment and plans to achieve 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging by 2025. The project will also move Amcor closer to achieving its pledge to develop all its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025.
Fiona Dawson, Global President, Mars Food, Multisales and Global Customers: “We’re committed to finding more sustainable solutions for our packaging that are food safe without compromising quality. This is a huge step for us towards our 2025 commitment of 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging.
“We believe in tackling the world’s sustainability challenges together, and through this partnership with Amcor, we will pilot, learn and then scale the volume of recyclable mono-polypropylene pouches across our portfolio.”
Amcor have led the packaging development through their material science and packaging sustainability expertise. This upcoming launch builds on Amcor’s recent AmLite HeatFlex Recyclable breakthrough. This will be its first application for microwaveable food and the first in a stand-up pouch format.
“Our R&D team has invested their passion and expertise to develop a unique innovation roadmap of more sustainable solutions for plastic, paper and aluminium packaging. Thanks to that foresight and leadership in innovation, we are excited to announce yet another industry first in recycle-ready packaging,” said Michael Zacka, President Amcor Flexibles EMEA.
Mars Food accelerated the development of the new material through rigorous testing and conducted significant scale up tests in its production facilities in the UK, challenging what was previously considered possible throughout the production process. Working in collaboration with Amcor, it then ensured the material development met all its functional requirements while protecting product quality and safety.
“Launching our recyclable retort material in a stand-up pouch format that meets stringent food safety standards is a challenge, and Mars Food took this journey together with us. It will be a win when their brands deliver this innovation to consumers,” said Mr. Zacka.
https://www.amcor.com
Plant-based and recyclable plastic bottles now enabled with VTT’s new FDCA technology using citrus peel as raw material
The shift from fossil-based to renewable bio-plastics requires new efficient methods. New technology developed at VTT enables the use of pectin-containing agricultural waste, such as citrus peel and sugar beet pulp, as raw material for bio-based PEF-plastics for replacing fossil-based PET. The carbon footprint of plastic bottles can be lowered by 50% when replacing their raw material of PET with PEF polymers, which also provides a better shelf life for food.
“In the near future, you may buy orange juice in bottles that are made out of orange peel. VTT’s novel technology provides a circular approach to using food waste streams for high-performance food packaging material, and at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” shares Professor of Practice Holger Pöhler from VTT”.
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and other polyesters are being widely used in food packaging, plastic bottles and textiles. The annual production of PET products is estimated at 30 million tonnes. Replacing fossil-based PET with plant-based PEF (polyethylene furanoate) polymers can lower the carbon footprint of the products by 50%.
Moreover, the barrier properties of PEF plastics are better than PETs, meaning that the food products have a longer shelf life. PEF is a fully recyclable and renewable high-performance plastic. Therefore, it opens up possibilities for the industries to reduce waste and to have positive impact on the environment.
VTT’s technology has significant advantages for making bio-based PEF plastics. The technology uses a stable intermediate for the production of FDCA (2,5-furandicarboxylic acid), one of the monomers of PEF, which enables a highly efficient process. In addition, utilising pectin-containing waste streams opens up new possibilities for the circular economy of plastics.
VTT’s unique scale-up infrastructure from laboratory to pilot scale ensures that this new technology will be brought to a technology readiness level that will allow polymer manufacturers’ easy transition to full scale.
https://www.vttresearch.com/
Gemco Updates Semelex Safetimeter and Provides Enhanced Protection For Factory Personnel
A new case design provides increased protection for the proven Gemco 1999 Semelex Safetimeter. The portable, multi-purpose, diagnostic system for press room automation and operator safety device analysis is now even easier to handle and transfer between locations.
The new 1999SEMC Semelex II Safetimeter test set is field-proven to accurately measure press stop time and safety distance to verify the equipment is in compliance with U.S. federal and state requirements. The device is designed for harsh industrial environments. It is portable, lightweight, battery-operated, easy to use, and incorporates new and improved features.
Manufacturers that work with stamping presses or other machinery equipped with light curtains, palm-buttons, E-stop buttons, or safety mats need to know where to position their personnel, in order to keep them safe from potential accidents that may occur as a result of contact with the moving machinery. The versatile 1999SEMC Semelex II Safetimeter can quickly calculate stopping time on machines with reciprocating or rotary motion and determine the minimum safe distance. Gemco’s Semelex Safetimeter is capable of measuring elapsed time and stop time (Ts) from 1-9999 milliseconds. It also calculates the minimum safety distance (Ds) based on the formulas created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
For more than two decades, the Gemco 1999 Safetimeter series has been recognized by its yellow steel case. The new version has been updated with an even stronger case made from a highly visible yellow plastic resin. The case is lightweight, waterproof (IP67), crushproof, dustproof, and has a die-cut foam insert for the auto-hand and position/velocity transducer. These tough cases are designed with an automatic purge valve, that equalizes air pressure, a watertight silicone O-ring lid, over-molded rubber handles, and stainless-steel hardware.
The Gemco 1999 Safetimeter series is designed for harsh industrial environments and is portable, lightweight, and easy to use. The stability and trustworthiness of Gemco Semelex I