Orbia Alphagary Expands Manufacturing Capacity In Altamira Mexico To Meet Growing Customer Demand

Orbia Advance Corporation S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ORBIA) Polymer Solutions’ business group Alphagary, a leading global supplier of compounds and additives, announced today a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility in Altamira, Mexico. The company is installing a new production line designed to process materials with FDA-sanctioned ingredients, catering to applications in healthcare, food contact and skin contact industries. This expansion will add 15,000 tons per year to the facility’s production capacity.

The decision to expand comes in response to heightened market and customer demand, according to Santiago Urbina, Vice President Commercial at Orbia Alphagary. He said, “Our goal is to better serve our customers and respond effectively to growing market needs. Over the past several years, we’ve seen increased demand for specialized materials, particularly in sectors like healthcare and food safety, where the quality and safety of materials are paramount. By adding this new production line, we will be able to meet these demands more efficiently, while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that our customers have come to expect from Orbia Alphagary. This expansion is a direct reflection of our commitment to staying ahead of market trends and continuously enhancing our capabilities.

The expansion project began in July, with the new assets expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2024. The new production line will feature state-of-the-art equipment with advanced safety features. Rick Correia, Operations Director at Orbia Alphagary stated, “We are committed to incorporating the latest safety technologies in our operations that will significantly enhance the working environment for our employees, reduce potential risks and improve overall efficiency. This investment in safety is just as important as the increased production capacity, because we believe that operational excellence starts with the well-being of our people and the reliability of our processes.”

A comprehensive analysis was conducted to select the most suitable equipment for the expansion. The chosen equipment is designed to use less energy and reduce waste, contributing to a more environmentally friendly production process. This commitment aligns with Orbia Alphagary’s ongoing efforts to minimize its environmental impact and conserve natural resources.

This expansion underscores Orbia Alphagary’s dedication to innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction. The new production capabilities will strengthen the company’s position in the market and enhance its ability to provide high-quality materials for critical applications.

www.orbia.com

www.alphagary.com

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ORAC Selects Styrolution PS ECO Grades For Its 3D Duropolymer Wall Panels

Belgian company Orac, a leading innovator in decorative interior design, has selected INEOS Styrolution’s sustainable bio-attributed materials for its new line of 3D Duropolymer wall panels, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The new panels will be produced using Styrolution PS ECO 485N BC90, which contains 90% bio-attributed feedstock, and Styrolution PS ECO 158N BC100, made from 100% bio-attributed feedstock. Both polystyrene grades are made using renewable feedstock, based on a mass balance process certified under ISCC PLUS by a third party.

This collaboration highlights Orac’s commitment to sustainability with the 2024 launch of its 100% bio-circular Duropolymer panels. While Duropolymer has long been part of Orac’s product range, the company’s innovative approach now redefines its lifecycle. By combining bio-attributed feedstocks with recycled post- consumer and post-industrial waste, Orac achieves a fully bio-circular product. The ISCC PLUS certification for Orac’s bio-circular panels further underscores the integrity of its environmental efforts, setting a new benchmark for responsible decorative solutions.

“We are fully committed to leveraging our resources as a company to address climate change. Our goals of achieving carbon positivity by 2050 and bio-circularity by 2045 are both ambitious and essential. These targets demand large-scale innovation, and our partnership with INEOS Styrolution is a major step in driving us toward these objectives,” says Miguel Knockaert, R&D Director at Orac.

With INEOS Styrolution’s high-performance sustainable materials, Orac is able to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products while maintaining the design flexibility and quality for which they are known. This collaboration not only emphasises the environmental benefits of mass-balanced, bio-attributed materials but also reflects both companies’ commitment to driving innovation in sustainable interior design.

“Orac’s selection of our sustainable bio-attributed materials for their 3D Duropolymer wall panels showcases our commitment to eco-friendly solutions. Made from renewable feedstocks and recycled materials, our ISCC– certified polystyrene grades support Orac’s sustainability goals. We look forward to further collaboration on additional sustainable options,” comments Ute Braunewell, Account Manager North & East Europe.

www.ineos-styrolution.com

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UNION PARTNERS WITH ENVALIOR TO DELIVER SUSTAINABLE SNOWBOARD BINDING MADE OF DURETHAN  BLUE

• The asymmetric snowboard binding features Envalior’s Durethan Blue, an eco-friendly nylon, allowing Union Binding Company to create its most sustainable snowboard binding yet.
• Durethan Blue, made from 90% sustainable raw materials using a mass balance approach, includes bio-based, recycled content and provides high flow and heat stabilization.
• Durethan Blue has met all of Union Binding Company’s internal quality control standards for strength, cold temperature durability, and overall product lifecycle.

Envalior today announces it has partnered with Union Binding Company, a snowboard binding manufacturer based in Italy, to deliver redesigned Travis Rice Falcor Signature Snowboard Bindings. The asymmetric binding utilizes Envalior’s Durethan Blue, a nylon, which enables Union to make its most sustainable snowboard binding to date. The new material is a member of Envalior’s sustainable product family, attributed with 90% of sustainable raw materials, based on a mass balance approach via the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification program that ensures sustainability and traceability throughout the supply chain.

What makes the redesigned snowboard bindings unique is the all-new 2 Layer baseplate construction, which allows for two individual layers: the core and the frame. The two layers enable the use of unique engineering materials to achieve the desired ride and feel of the binding. Durethan BLUEBKV315ZH2.0 allows the core of the binding to be stiff and responsive, while the frame is softer and more flexible than traditional snowboard baseplates, allowing for a unique ride feel and increased side to side freestyle flex.

Performance meets sustainability

Union selected Durethan  Blue for its redesigned snowboard binding because the material is partially crystalline thermoplastics, offering high mechanical strength and stiffness, good dielectric properties, and good friction and wear properties. It serves as the ideal drop-in replacement for fossil-based products. Durethan is offered as bio-based, mass balanced, and recycled-based and leads to a product carbon footprint reduction of more than 60% CO2-eq in comparison to conventional, fossil based material.

Ninety percent of Durethan Blue’s raw materials are sustainable, based on a mass balance approach, which allows companies to track the flow of sustainable and non-sustainable materials within their supply chains.The ISCC PLUS certifications assure that the amount of bio-based or recycled material corresponds to the amount used in production processes. Manufacturers can gradually transition away from fossil resources to renewable alternatives while maintaining product quality and performance.

Durethan  Blue has passed all of Union’s in-house quality control tests for strength, durability in cold temperatures and product lifecycle. Every pair of Union bindings goes through rigorous testing during the R&D and design phase, initial production and the main production cycle.

”At Envalior, we are committed to sustainability, and this innovative solution demonstrates that sustainability and high performance can coexist, thanks to our ISCC-certified material and mass balance concept,” said Günter Margraf, Director of Sustainability for Envalior. “Our material meets the demands of winter sports without compromising performance, and we’ve integrated this solution into our existing production processes, making the shift to sustainable options easier. Sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s the path forward.”

“Union is committed to increasing the use of more environmentally friendly materials because it’s crucial to show that we can continue to use plastics in our lives—as long as we find sustainable options and use them responsibly. This approach ensures we’re not compromising the future of our planet,” said Pier Patriarca, Lead Product Engineer at Union Binding Company.

www.envalior.com

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HORIZON MICROTECHNOLOGIES RECEIVES ESA SPARK FUNDING TO ADVANCE 3D PRINTING AND METALLISATION TECHNOLOGY FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS

Horizon Microtechnologies can today announce that it has secured funding in the framework of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) SPARK programme administered by the Center for Satellite Navigation Hesse GmbH, CESAH. This funding marks a significant milestone in Horizon’s journey, fuelling the development of its advanced 3D printing and metallisation technology to meet the rigorous demands of space applications.

The Spark funding will enable Horizon to refine its technology and demonstrate that its 3D- printed, metallised components are capable of meeting the extreme requirements of the space environment. By developing components that can withstand the harsh, unserviceable conditions of space, Horizon is proving that its technology is not only innovative but mature enough to address the ultimate engineering challenge.

“Receiving ESA Spark funding is a powerful step forward for Horizon,” says Andreas Frölich, Horizon’s CEO. “Space applications demand the highest standards of performance, longevity and reliability, and this support from ESA through CESAH is a testament to the potential we have to drive innovation in space technology.”

Horizon’s unique approach integrates the precision and design flexibility of 3D printing with advanced metallisation processes. For space applications, this means lighter, more compact components that maintain structural integrity and functionality, even in extreme conditions.

Weight reduction, or SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power), is a crucial factor in space missions, as every gram counts toward efficiency. With Horizon’s technology, components can be made lighter without sacrificing durability — a game-changer for space design and mission success.

Additionally, Horizon’s technology supports the creation of monolithic components with complex geometries that would be challenging to achieve with traditional manufacturing techniques. This opens the door to novel design options, enabling engineers to build components that are both functionally robust and optimised for space constraints.

Frölich continues, “This project does more than just position Horizon’s technology within the space sector, it also paves the way for broader industry adoption. Success in space — the most demanding of environments — provides a compelling proof-of-concept for sectors such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defence, where reliability and endurance are paramount. If Horizon’s components can thrive in space, they can certainly meet the high standards of terrestrial applications.”

Looking ahead, the ESA-supported project represents a vital step in Horizon’s mission to advance 3D printing and metallisation technology for high-performance applications. By participating in the ESA Spark program, Horizon is building a foundation of credibility and performance that will drive the company toward even greater achievements.

Frölich concludes, “Horizon Microtechnologies is thrilled to embark on this next phase of growth, backed by ESA Spark funding and inspired by the possibilities of space innovation.

As the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with 3D-printed, metallised components, we invite our partners, customers, and the wider technology community to join us on this exciting journey.”

www.3dmicrofabrication.com

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GreenPlast 2025: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Plastics

At the official streaming press conference on 26th November for GreenPlast 2025, the conference titled Shaping a Sustainable Future for Plastics was introduced. This event will take place on the same dates as the exhibition, which will be held in Milan from 27 to 30 May 2025.

With Europe at the forefront of adopting sustainable practices and a continuously evolving regulatory context, the conference will serve as a platform for international collaboration, enabling stakeholders to exchange ideas and drive meaningful change across borders. The conference coordinators, AMI (Applied Market Information), a recognised leader in consulting and organising conferences dedicated to the plastics industry, and Promaplast, have collaborated to curate a comprehensive programme, organised into thematic sessions, covering key aspects such as: plastics waste management, materials recycling, energy efficiency, plastics sustainability, and bioplastics.

We are pleased to announce the names of the first confirmed speakers, divided by day and the topics they will address.

Day 1 – Strategies for Sustainability

The conference will open with talks from experts and industry leaders from companies such as Lavazza, Gruppo Happy, and the European Plastics Converters association EuPC, who will discuss the legislative aspects of plastics waste. Following this, a leading international law firm, Keller and Heckman, will host a workshop delving into current European regulations.

Day 2 – Sourcing Plastic Waste

This day will focus on the procurement of sustainable materials, with an initial overview of the European markets by AMI and talks from experts in the waste management sector, followed by a presentation on automated plastic waste sorting. Speakers include Nextek, Nextloopp, and CotoClean. Later in the day, there will be a focus on the fundamental principles of eco-design, with a training seminar and a panel discussion involving all actors in the supply chain.

Day 3 – The Future of Mechanical Recycling

Day three will begin with an exploration of the future of plastics recycling, presented by AMI, followed by a session dedicated to closing the loop in plastic recovery processes, featuring experts such as Antonio Protopapa, COO of Corepla, and Bernardo Greenham, CEO of Basuracero Plastics Recycling. The day will conclude with a technological presentation on upcycling, with case studies from Sirmax.

Day 4 – Chemical Recycling and Polymer Innovation

The final day will focus on the role of chemical recycling in transforming plastic waste into valuable resources. Presentations will examine the most significant advances in recycling technologies and sustainability projects related to packaging reuse. Leading polymer producers, including LyondellBasell, and companies such as Trinseo, will discuss progress in research and development of sustainable materials. Their participation strengthens one of the conference’s goals: to bridge knowledge gaps and provide practical solutions for a circular plastic economy.

GreenPlast 2025 is the exhibition-conference dedicated to materials and technologies for plastics and rubber processing, with a particular focus on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, scheduled in Milan from 27 to 30 May 2025. The event promises to be a unique opportunity to discover the latest innovations, engage with experts, and anticipate trends in an ever-evolving industry.Don’t miss out!

www.greenplast.org

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Arburg At Plastec West 2025

New in the USA: electric Allrounder processes solid silicone rubber

• Spotlight: reliable processing of solid silicone rubber (HCR) on electric Allrounder 470 A
• Focus: target groups are the medical, automotive and aerospace industries
• On trend: surging demand for digital products and services

At Plastec West in Anaheim, California/USA, taking place from 4 to 6 February 2025, Arburg as a solution and system partner will showcase exciting topics such as silicone injection moulding, digitalisation and automation. On stand 4229 in Hall B, the processing of solid silicone rubber (HCR) with continuous material feed by a Turnmix dosing system will be demonstrated live for the first time in the USA. The exhibit, an electric Allrounder 470 A, is automated with a linear robotic system Multilift Select 6.

Medical technology is one of the trade fair’s key areas. This sector relies on the use of silicones, particularly in applications involving HCR (High Consistency Rubber). Alongside NPE, held every three years, Martin Baumann, Managing Director of Arburg Inc. in the United States, sees Plastec West as one of the most significant trade fairs in the United States: “We are delighted to be  demonstrating the processing of solid silicone rubber with a continuous Turnmix dosing system for the first time in the North American market. We will also be showcasing numerous digital products and services. Our arburgXworld customer portal and the Arburg ALS host computer system give us an excellent position here.”

Automated processing of solid silicone rubber (HCR)

Arburg demonstrates the automated processing of solid silicone rubber on the stand. The electric Allrounder 470 A “Comfort” with a clamping force of 1,000 kN is equipped with an ACH Turnmix for a continuous material feed free of bubbles. The dosing system, available in three sizes (S, M and L), can be used to produce silicone parts with a wide range of Shore hardnesses based on small to large shot capacities. Consistently uniform, high-quality feeding conditions can be ensured by pressure measurement. In addition, a second flow volume can be used to add colour or other additives. The Turnmix offers optimal control of the gas release when mixing silicone and dyes. Other advantages are the easier application than liquid silicone (LSR), the processing of a pre-mixed compound that can be stored without a problem, as well as ongoing production even when material is being replenished. The energy- and production-efficient injection moulding of cable ties will be demonstrated at Plastec West.

The equipment, precisely matched to HCR processing, makes the electric Allrounder 470 A “Comfort” an economical injection moulding solution. The silicone equipment package includes an injection unit with adapted screw geometry, cylinder temperature control and nozzle technology. The material to be processed is Addisil from Momentive. A 2+2-cavity mould from company ACH

Solution will be used; the cycle time is around 30 seconds. A Multilift Select 6 linear robot system performs the handling tasks.

“Soft-touch” products and additive manufacturing

“We believe our target groups for HCR applications are increasingly in the medical, automotive and aerospace sectors,” says Martin Baumann. He has noticed an increasing demand in the US market for “soft-touch products” that can be used reliably even under extreme temperature conditions. HCR components are the ideal solution here, because silicone is a material with relatively good thermal and chemical resistance.

Besides visiting the Arburg stand, dropping by Samaplast stand will also prove worthwhile (Hall C, Stand 2861), where industrial additive manufacturing with the Freeformer will be presented with a focus on components for the medical technology sector.

Arburg – “more than a machine”

As a system and solution partner, Arburg well and truly supports its customers under the motto “More than a machine” – covering everything from procurement and technical equipment to process optimisation, tool testing, machine comparisons and training. It goes without saying that alongside a complete range of services provided by Arburg technicians throughout the United States, customers get comprehensive advice on application technology and digitalisation.

Digitalisation is playing an increasingly vital role in plastics processing, helping to significantly enhance the efficiency of machines and systems. The arburgXworld customer portal, for example, provides quick and easy access to service data, documentation, reports and more. Always  with the goal of maximising efficiency, sustainability and quality in production.

www.arburg.com