Sabic Introduces Valox Hx325hp Resin for High-Precision Diabetes Management Devices, Offering Excellent Processability & Chemical Resistance
HIGH-FLOW, BIOCOMPATIBLE PBT GRADE TO BE SHOWN AT npe2024
New VALOX HX325HP resin meets international standards of biocompatibility and change management.
This unreinforced polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin has predictable processing and performance properties, including excellent mold release, flexible sterilization options and high environmental stress cracking (ESC) resistance.
It addresses a growing need for medical devices that enable more-convenient and personalized insulin administration and glucose monitoring by patients.
SABIC, a global leader in the chemicals industry, today announced the availability of VALOX HX325HP resin, a new high-performance, medical-grade, injection molding polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin. Developed especially for high-precision parts, such as components of insulin delivery pens, insulin pumps, auto-injectors and continuous glucose monitors, this new resin combines outstanding processability with high chemical resistance and validated biocompatibility. SABIC will be featuring VALOX HX325HP resin at NPE2024 and will display auto injectors as candidate applications for this material at its booth .
“Global diabetes cases are expected to soar from 529 million to 1.3 billion by 2050, leading manufacturers in the medical and pharmaceutical markets to invest in easy-to-use, consistent and accurate devices that put diabetes treatment in patients’ hands,” Roble Amanda, Director, Advanced Consumer Solutions, SABIC, said “This trend requires materials capable of providing high levels of safety, reliability and durability without compromising productivity or precision in high-volume applications. We are pleased to introduce our new VALOX HX325HP grade as a thermoplastic polyester solution that is engineered to exceed the high expectations and strict specifications of manufacturers in these demanding industry segments.”
The new medical-grade PBT resin has passed stringent injection molding trials, where it demonstrated high flow even in complex designs, as well as excellent mold release properties with lower shrinkage variation compared with competitive engineering plastics.
In service, VALOX HX325HP resin delivers high resistance to a wide range of chemicals for the mitigation of environmental stress cracking (ESC), as well as compatibility with ethylene oxide (EtO), gamma irradiation and steam sterilization.
The new material has been successfully tested to international biocompatibility standards. Preliminary assessments according to ISO 10993 or USP Class VI are available upon request. In addition, the grade is subject to SABIC’s Healthcare Policy, providing reliable formulation lock and change control management in line with FDA and EU guidelines for medical-grade plastics.
VALOX HX325HP resin also serves as a formaldehyde-free alternative to polyoxymethylene (POM) materials.
The resin is supplied as an unreinforced, neat material, as well as in a limited range of standard colors.
NPE 2024 Machinery Manufacturers Present OPC UA as the Successful World Production Language
After a six-year break, the NPE, the most important plastics trade fair for the American market, takes place again. Mechanical engineering companies from Europe, the USA and Asia will present OPC UA as the global production language with their digital solutions for greater efficiency in production lines.
Together with the VDMA, the companies Arburg, Billion, Conair, Haitian, Plasmatreat, Shibaura, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and Wittmann Battenfeld are presenting the benefits of OPC UA, for example in the connection of peripheral devices, in the interaction of machines from different manufacturers or in communication and data transfer via the cloud. The benefit is clear to see from the practical examples: it is about greater efficiency in increasingly complex systems, cost reduction and quality assurance.
NPE 2024
The internationality of the participating companies clearly shows that OPC UA lives up to its reputation as the global machine language of production. The further spread of OPC UA will bring enormous benefits to all end customers, as it will enable them to strengthen their competitiveness on the global markets.
Thorsten Kühmann, Managing Director of the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association, is convinced: “All of us, machine manufacturers and processors, can only win if we decide in favour of OPC UA as the basis for data exchange in production on a global level. Together with our members and partners worldwide, we are committed to further developing the specifications for plastics machinery manufacturing and we invite all interested parties to get involved.”
Managing the Risk of Exceeding Tolerance Margins in Micro Molding
Paul Runyan, VP Sales & Marketing, Accumold
The production of tiny plastic components is a multifaceted task that relies on the professional collaboration of specialists in areas such as design, material science, tool creation, micro-molding processes, quality checks, and the final assembly to achieve high-volume production for clients.
Precision is paramount in a micro manufacturing context, where the margin for error is limited to mere microns. This necessitates a laser-sharp dedication from everyone participating in the development of the product to proactively prevent any deviation from these stringent tolerances. This article explores the rigorous standards and practices that must be upheld to guarantee the desired outcomes.
Parts created through micro molding often weigh under a gram, sometimes tipping the scales at a mere 0.001 grams, with tolerances that can be as narrow as 2 microns. For producers accustomed to larger-scale injection molding, the notion of consistently fabricating such minuscule components with extreme precision might appear daunting. However, for experts in micro molding, producing these components — often for parts that are crucial for safety and demand zero defects — with virtually no margin for error is part of their everyday operations.
Additionally, it’s essential to execute these tasks not only accurately but also economically and efficiently. The key principle is to pre-empt the necessity for any redesigns, process overhauls, or the remaking of the already costly and intricate micro tools. The overarching mantra for every step is to ensure accuracy from the outset, and to get it right first time.
The cornerstone of precision in micro molding lies in the vigilant management of stages where discrepancies in exactness are most likely to arise. While opinions may differ on which parts of the product development sequence hold paramount importance in this regard, there is a strongly shared understanding that the aspect of tooling — encompassing both its design and manufacture — is essential to achieving success in micro molding projects.
Accumold Engineering
MICRO TOOLING
In the area of micro tooling, experience is the foundation for achieving the minute tolerances required for success. Having a tightly integrated development cycle, where every critical stage, including design, tooling, molding, metrology, and assembly, is managed under one roof, is indispensable. The mastery over the micro molding process necessitates this vertical integration as outsourcing any segment of the design-manufacture cycle could lead to inefficiencies in time, cost, and quality control.
The key component when producing millions of products with micro-scale features is a high-quality micro tool. A subpar tool can consume your margin for error in a single stroke, jeopardizing the entire project. Therefore, it’s crucial that the tooling department possesses advanced fabrication technologies that ensure the project stays comfortably within the overall tolerance threshold, leaving room for adjustments as the product development advances.
Access to a suite of precision-enhancing technologies is essential for micro molders. The use of wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) and highly precise milling equipment is often necessary. Yet, the pursuit of ultra-precision begins well before the physical creation of the tool — it starts with the synergy between tool design and fabrication experts. By collaborating closely from the outset, micro molders can secure successful results, adhering to the ethos of ultra-precision and the ethos of getting it right the very first time.
MICRO MOLDING
Upon completion of a precision-crafted and resilient micro tool, attention naturally shifts to the molding process itself. A proficient micro molder would have already played an instrumental role in shaping the design of the micro part or component to ensure it can be manufactured effectively and would have selected the most appropriate material for the job. However, when it comes to realizing the required tolerances, the molding phase is yet another stage that can trip up those without the requisite experience.
It is often said that while macro-level molding is scientific, micro-level molding combines both the science and the “art” of the craft. This notion underscores the reality that true success in micro molding hinges on the molder’s ability to innovate and apply creative problem-solving to each unique challenge.
But what does this mean in practice? The complexities of micro molding transcend the simplicity of executing pre-set instructions. It’s not a matter of scaling down macro processes; it’s about adapting and improvising with the equipment and technology available, sometimes even customizing solutions. It involves an element of nuanced, insightful experimentation to fine-tune the many variables in play.
These variables, including factors like the time the plastic spends inside the machine (residence time), the force used to inject the plastic into the mold (injection pressure), and the temperature of the mold itself, are all meticulously adjusted by the experienced micro
molder to tailor the process to the material’s characteristics and the intricacies of the component’s design, thus maintaining control over the precision of the final product.
This intricate balancing act again highlights the significance of micro tooling in maintaining tolerances. No matter how many adjustments and calibrations a micro molder makes during the molding process, the outcome relies on the injection of high-pressure molten plastic into an exceedingly small and sometimes delicate cavity, which is dependent on the quality of the micro tool. If the tool can’t withstand the process — if it deflects or fractures — then all the molder’s skill and knowledge go to waste.
METROLOGY & VALIDATION
Next, we address what some may term a “necessary evil,” which, in the context of micro molding, is actually a critical component, the metrology phase. In such precise manufacturing processes, metrology becomes not just significant, but a critical enabling technology.
The role of metrology in the development of micro molded products cannot be overstated. Utilizing advanced measurement technologies capable of validating the often tiny features on end products is essential. Without such capabilities, it’s impossible to guarantee that a product matches the original design intent and is suitable for its intended use.
The saying “what can’t be measured, can’t be made” holds a dual meaning. Possessing advanced metrology tools that can measure features previously unquantifiable not only enables validation but also expands the possibilities of what can be manufactured. As such, it’s imperative for micro molders to have access to the latest metrology equipment and to follow meticulous measurement practices.
Even with state-of-the-art tools, inherent variations within any measurement system must be recognized and managed. In micro molding, establishing trust in the precision and dependability of the measurement system is crucial. Equipment variation (repeatability) and observer variation (reproducibility) are the primary concerns. Minimizing these variations provides greater confidence in the ability to detect deviations in the product’s fabrication.
Regular assessment of the measurement system, particularly Gage R&R (Repeatability and Reproducibility), should be a core aspect of ongoing refinement processes, more so in micro molding where the smallest variation can significantly impact the tight tolerance thresholds. Such evaluations fortify confidence in the instruments, operators, and methodologies. Understanding the nuances of measurement variation is essential to grasp the full scope of the manufacturing process, to better predict its capabilities, and to consistently deliver a product that meets customer expectations.
In summary, successful micro molding entities invest in superior metrology equipment and are relentlessly dedicated to enhancing their R&R metrics.
CONCLUSION
A successful micro molding project requires meticulous oversight across all phases of product development. While the focal points of this discussion have been on the crucial areas where tolerances are most stringent — such as tooling precision, molding finesse, and rigorous metrology — there are numerous other elements that demand vigilant management. Variations in the materials chosen for the micro parts can significantly influence the outcome, with even different batches potentially leading to inconsistencies in the molding process. Additionally, environmental factors, including humidity and temperature, play a subtle yet impactful role in the dimensional stability of the final products. These factors may not always take center stage, but they are influential when micro molding, each capable of reshaping the outcome if not considered.
Everything circles back to a singular, inescapable truth — the experience and integrated operations of a micro molder are not merely beneficial but essential for success. An experienced micro molder possesses the nuanced understanding necessary to navigate multifaceted challenges, leveraging a comprehensive, coordinated “under-one-roof” in- approach to ensure every step is optimized to achieve the end goal. This vertical integration isn’t just about having all the tools and processes under one roof, it’s about creating a cohesive and synergistic workflow where expertise, precision, and adaptability coalesce. When micro molding, where every micron counts, this harmonized pulling together of skills and resources is the key to unlocking consistent, high-quality production that stands the test of market demands and customer expectations.
Pulpac and Two Sides Have Created A Partnership to Create and Promote Sustainable Fibre Molded Packaging
An excellent collaboration has recently begun between PulPac and Two Sides, which involves PulPac joining Two Sides as a new member. PulPac is a company well-known for the invention of Dry Molded Fibre and Two Sides is a print and paper advocacy group.
The purpose behind PulPac’s innovative business, is to provide packaging producers with manufacturing technology that is suitable for creating sustainable packaging. The packaging that is produced from their machines, needs to meet scalability requirements, as well as production rates and finally, cost efficiency. Through dedication to the development of this technology over a few years, PulPac achieved a significant breakthrough with the creation of fibre molding.
Now that the company has achieved this breakthrough, their decision to join Two Sides, means that PulPac will now be granted access to a wide variety of co-brandable communications tools, as well as, consumer research, sustainability advice, industry leading information and finally, events. All of these benefits that will occur through the partnership, means that PulPac will be able to grow and expand their market, whilst also growing and expanding the consumer market around fiber molded packaging.
On another note, PulPac’s most recent development, the Dry Molded Fibre Hot Lid, showcases that PulPac’s work is capable of producing a fully sustainable fibre-based commodity item. This item is responsibly produced, it is also entirely free from PFAS or plastic, plus, it is industrially compostable and is also fully biodegradable. All of these features and benefits, result in the item being suitable and compatible with the paper recycling stream.
Market Developer at PulPac, Sara Fransson, commented, “Our groundbreaking technology helps producers within the packaging industry to swiftly transition toward circularity. With our cost-competitive, fiber-based alternative, they can meet the market and planet’s needs for responsibly produced packaging but also gain leverage by spearheading the industry. With a global partner network, we build a community to support the shift and make Dry Molded Fiber the global standard for fiber-based packaging. We’re really pleased to become partners of Two Sides and are confident that it will help us drive sustainability in our industry.”
Partnership Director for Two Sides UK, Ian Bates, added, “Welcoming new members on board is always a pleasure. Our partnership with PulPac will help us communicate the great sustainable story that fiber molded packaging has to tell. We look forward to working with PulPac moving forward.
Siegwerk has Developed Inline Printable Barrier Coatings
Siegwerk recently developed a fully recyclable mono-PE bag which was created through the use of CIRKIT functional coatings and it is suitable for holding dry pet food. Siegwerk is a global leader when it comes to providing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels.
Through several partnerships with Windmöller & Hölscher who are printing machine manufacturers and also B&B who is a bag making and machine producer, the companies collaboration resulted in the production of the new high-barrier mono-material packaging solution. This product is brilliant as it offers much more than simply effective packaging, as it is also suitable for pet food and it is completely recyclable.
Due to the excellent quality of the material that was chosen for this project, the new mono-PE bag is able to offer the same amount of protection that a plastic, non-recyclable form of packaging would be able to, except it also provides the benefit of being recyclable. The whole product is created out of a combination of an inline printable grease barrier coating from Siegwerk’s CIRKIT GreaseBar, plus a coating from CIRKIT HeatGuard, which is ideal for high-end sealing process efficiency. Both of these coatings from CIRKIT are solvent-based, are deinkable after delamination and can also be printed inline, whilst always maintaining their full performance ability. Furthermore, all of these materials and any dyes that are used for printing, align with the rules and guidelines that have been set out for the packaging industry, this includes guidelines stated by German Minimum Standard and RecyClass.
Whilst a lot of packaging currently needs to be redesigned, pet food containers need to be food safe, whilst they also need specific barrier properties and also need to maintain their shape. Head of Brand Owner Collaboration at Siegwerk, Belal Habib, talks about the requirements for altering packages, “New approaches are needed to meet the upcoming regulatory requirements for circular packaging. The challenge is to find a recyclable design that also meets the respective performance requirements of the packaging.” Habib continues, “The problem: they are not recyclable. This is where innovative barrier coatings applied in thin layers and inline with regular printing inks can help to switch from an incompatible multi-material structure to a fully recyclable mono-material solution in the sense of a Circular Economy.”
Habib added, “This development success once again underlines the importance of collaborating along the packaging value chain, combining the specialized know-how of industry experts. Together, we have succeeded in developing an innovation that is circular, delivers on performance and maintains current process efficiencies due to inline and high-speed conversion. This shows that, by joining forces, we are in a position to make recyclable mono-plastic packaging a reality and thus counter the still wide presence of multi-material laminated structures with future-oriented flexible packaging solutions made for circularity.”
Efficient Processing of Solid Silicone (HCR) on an Electric Allrounder Injection Moulding Machine
Reliable: Silicone processing with an electric Allrounder 570 A
Continuous: Material feed via ACH Turnmix in the new M size
Soft, yet hardwearing: Bottle opener made of solid silicone (HCR)
Arburg will be presenting its extensive portfolio for elastomer processing at the German Rubber Conference DKT in Nuremberg, Germany. The exhibit at Arburg stand 327 in hall 9 will produce bottle openers made of solid silicone (HCR, high consistency rubber) for demonstration purposes. For this, the electric machine will be equipped with a material feed in the new M size from partner company ACH Solution.
With its presence at the DKT in Nuremberg, the international industry meeting place Arburg has its sights firmly set on manufacturers of elastomer components as well as processors of rubber, HCR and liquid silicone (LSR). It sees great potential in fields such as the automation of silicone processing and multi-component technology, as well as e-mobility, fuel cells and medical technology.
Energy and production efficiency on an Allrounder 570 A
The energy- and production-efficient injection moulding of solid silicone (HCR) will be demonstrated by an electric Allrounder 570 A with a clamping force of 2,000 kN and a size 400 injection unit. The material processed will be Elastosil R plus 4001/70 from Wacker Chemie. Dosing system ACH Turnmix, now available in M and L versions along with the proven S size, provides constant and bubble-free feed at continuous pressure. This enables this production of silicone parts ranging from small to large shot volumes. The exhibit will be equipped with the new M size, which is particularly suitable for medium-sized injection units and HCR with a wide range of Shore hardnesses. The cavities of the 4-cavity mould will be injected directly via a cold runner system. This prevents burr formation and avoids the need for finishing work on the injection moulded parts. Four bottle openers at a time will be produced in a cycle time of around 60 seconds. As part of the silicone equipment package, the injection unit features a special screw geometry, cylinder temperature control and nozzle technology. The equipment, which is precisely adapted to the processing of solid silicones, transforms the Allrounder in conjunction with the ACH Turnmis into a compact and cost-effective injection moulding solution.
Pioneer in silicone processing
Arburg is a pioneer in the processing of liquid and solid silicones as well as multi-component injection moulding, and boasts an extensive portfolio of injection moulding machines and automation through to complete turnkey systems. The large selection of machine sizes, drive versions, equipment options, automation and peripheral equipment provides the perfect starting point for perfectly tailored solutions. A special feature is the 3D printing of liquid silicone components. For this, Arburg’s range includes the LiQ from innovation and the matching LAM (liquid additive manufacturing) process. With its expertise, Arburg also meets the needs of highly industrialised markets for digitalisation opportunities as well as minimisation of the carbon footprint.
Customers from the elastomer processing sector also benefit from Arburg’s comprehensive consultation services, from procurement and technical equipment, process optimisation, mould tests and machine comparisons to training on cross-linkable moulding compounds in the Arburg Customer Center in Lossburg and in its subsidiaries worldwide.
Cannon Viking Introduces the Laydown Master to Complete its Offering for PU Slabstock Foam Producers Using Solid Fillers
Cannon Viking, a company of the Cannon Group and a market leader in technologies, processing and molds for polyurethanes and urethane elastomers, introduces the new LayDown Master at UTECH Europe to complete its offering for PU slabstock foam producers using Liquid Laydown technology.
Based on the experience gained over many years, Cannon Viking’s LayDown Master is a distribution device which has been inspired by the CarDio gatebar. It is aimed at slabstock producers using a conventional Liquid Laydown or Maxfoam Trough machines. The LayDown Master has been specifically developed and made available as a kit for evenly distributing the liquid PU across the width of the foaming conveyor before reaction, requiring less modifications to the existing hardware and suitable to be (retro)fitted to virtually all existing foam production lines.
“The advantages of the LayDown Master are numerous,” says Richard Doublet-Stewart, Regional Sales Manager at Cannon Viking. “The technology avoids the use of a traversing mixing head, whilst providing uniform foam laydown across the whole width of the conveyor, delivering a more regular cell structure across the block. The LayDown Master is especially suitable for highly reactive foam grades, such as MDI, Viscos and HR foams. It produces optimum quality foams due to liquid laydown by avoiding pinholes and build-up, typically seen with Maxfoam trough technology.”
As the Laydown Master is available as a kit, it requires a short installation time on existing production lines, ensuring only a minimal impact on the production and machinery. It is suitable for low-pressure, partial high-pressure and high-pressure technologies, and allows for a quick change of grade and colour, shortening the transition phase between foam grades, reducing the amount of scrap foam and thus saving valuable raw materials.
The LayDown Master features a slot that is wide enough to allow for the use of very viscous formulations and solid fillers, which are key to ensure consistent quality for the foam standards. The slot can be easily adjusted between different foam grades by inserting spacers, reducing downtime to the absolute minimum.
Cannon Viking offers several technologies aimed at foam producers with continuous and discontinuous block foaming methods. Under the CarDio brand this includes complete production lines as well as conversion kits for existing lines for using liquid CO2 expansion technology, while the new LayDown Master is aimed at new and existing lines with Liquid Laydown technology. Together with its foam block size and profile control technologies, Cannon Viking now has a full range of equipment available to cover all possible PU slabstock foam market needs.
PET Wine Bottle Made by ALPLA Cuts Carbon Emissions by Up to 50 Per Cent
Launch of a 0.75-litre bottle in Austria with white wine from Wegenstein
Safe, affordable, and sustainable: the plastic packaging specialist ALPLA is launching a recyclable wine bottle made of PET. The bottle weighs approximately only an eighth of a glass bottle, reduces the carbon footprint by up to 50 per cent and allows for price savings of up to 30 per cent. It can be made entirely of recycled PET (rPET). The packaging solution is available now in 0.75-litre and 1-litre bottle sizes and is already being used in Austria by the pilot customer and development partner Wegenstein.
The global packaging specialist ALPLA has added a PET wine bottle to its product range. The 0.75-litre bottle weighs just 50 grams – around eight times less than the alternative made of glass. The
ALPLA ein Wegenstein introduces PET wine bottle from ALPLA
first white wine bottles belonging to the Wegenstein winery recently went into circulation in the Austrian wine market, making them part of the Europe-wide bottle-to-bottle loop. The sustainable solution reduces carbon consumption by 38 per cent compared to the glass alternative – and that’s even without rPET content. The PET bottle is now also available in a 1-litre version. ALPLA plans to already be manufacturing several million units a year from 2025 and is planning solutions made entirely of rPET.
‘PET is light, unbreakable and recyclable, and can be moulded with little energy needed, making the plastic the ideal packaging solution. With it, winemakers can improve their environmental footprint and lower their costs,’ emphasises Daniel Lehner, Global Sales Director Food & Beverage at ALPLA. The plastic packaging meets all the quality requirements, is available as a transparent or a green bottle and is suitable for all types of wine.
PET-Weinflasche von ALPLA ALPLA’s PET wine bottle
Sustainable, inexpensive and compatible The lower material consumption and energy-saving manufacturing reduce carbon consumption. The use of rPET further increases the reduction. Even with 30 per cent rPET, 43 per cent is saved, while the ecological footprint of the solution made of 100 per cent rPET is even halved at minus 50 per cent. The high-quality recycled material is provided by ALPLA from its own ALPLArecycling recycling plants. The low weight of the packaging also has positive effects on shipment. And there is a cost advantage too. ALPLA’s PET wine bottles are up to 30 per cent less expensive than glass bottles, depending on the requirements.
The sustainable packaging solution works with conventional metal screw caps and is compatible with winemakers’ bottling lines, meaning it is flexible. Wegenstein fills the PET bottles on the same bottling lines as its glass bottles. ‘The bottle has been perfectly tailored to the bottling and shipment processes. The close cooperation with the Wegenstein team significantly sped up the market launch,’ reports Sebastian Rosenberger, project manager at ALPLA. ‘The PET bottle lives up to what it promises. It is visually appealing, ensures our quality and is practical. We are making an innovative offer to consumers who care about our environment and our climate,’ explains Herbert Toifl, managing director of the Wegenstein winery.
NORMA Group Achieves Solid Results and Improved Profitability in the First Quarter of 2024
Adjusted operating result (EBIT) increased by 13.9 percent to 25.7 million euros
Adjusted EBIT margin increased by 1.1 percentage points to 8.3 percent
Sales in Q1 2024 fell slightly by 2.0 percent compared to the same quarter of the previous year to 308.5 million euros
Step Up improvement program has a positive effect
NORMA Group started the 2024 financial year with improved profitability. The company was more profitable compared to both the previous quarter and the same period last year.
Group sales fell slightly by 2.0 percent to 308.5 million euros compared to the same quarter of the previous year . Organically, sales fell by 1.0 percent in the first three months of 2024. Negative currency effects reduced sales by an additional 1.1 percent compared to the previous year. The recently acquired water management company Teco made a positive contribution to sales growth of 0.1 percent.
Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (adjusted EBIT) rose significantly by 13.9 percent in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same quarter of the previous year to 25.7 million euros . The adjusted EBIT margin was 8.3 percent and also improved significantly. More efficient production and declining inflation in material costs had a positive impact on the margin. However, higher personnel costs as a result of inflation-related wage increases and the reduction of production backlogs as well as higher interest rates were challenging. The operating net cash flow was -2.3 million euros in the period January to March 2024, significantly above the value of the comparable quarter of 2023 .
CEO Guido Grandi: “We started the year successfully and have significantly improved our profitability. Our robust business model with three business areas offers us attractive opportunities even in a mixed economic environment. With the Step Up program launched a year ago, we have set the right course and become more efficient, especially in Europe. We will continue to build on this to ensure sustainable, profitable growth for NORMA Group.”
Heterogeneous development in the business units
In the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa), sales fell slightly by 1.2 percent to 136.5 million euros in the first quarter of 2024 . The three customer industries developed differently. Sales in Industrial Applications fell due to the subdued economic situation in Europe. The business with water management solutions, however, grew significantly in the region. Among other things, the acquisition of the Italian water specialist Teco, completed in February 2024, ensured positive momentum. In the area of connection technology for vehicles (Mobility & New Energy), sales remained stable at the same level as in the same period last year. Profitability in the EMEA region continued to improve in the first quarter of 2024: Despite the slight decline in sales, adjusted EBIT rose to 10.6 million euros . The adjusted EBIT margin was 7.4 percent, significantly higher than the same quarter of the previous year . The higher profitability is based on the one hand on lower costs for energy and materials and on the other hand on internal improvement measures in production and logistics.
In the Americas region, sales revenue fell slightly by 1.6 percent to 135.4 million euros in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. The main reason for the decline is negative currency effects in connection with the US dollar (-1.1 percent). In the Industry Applications area, postponements in investment decisions due to an expected, but still pending, interest rate cut depressed demand. Business in the water management area, on the other hand, grew noticeably in the period January to March 2024. In the Mobility & New Energy division, the business volume was below the previous year’s figure. Adjusted EBIT in the Americas region was 15.2 million euros in the first quarter of 2024, slightly below the comparable value . The adjusted EBIT margin, however, showed a slightly positive development at 11.1 percent.
In the Asia-Pacific region, sales in the first quarter amounted to 36.6 million euros (Q1 2023: 39.1 million euros). Organic sales fell by 1.5 percent; Negative currency effects reduced sales growth by an additional 4.9 percent. In the Industry Applications area, the continued hesitant economic recovery in China in general and the tense situation in the construction sector in particular led to reduced demand. In Water Management, sales were also below the figure for the same quarter of the previous year. Business was stable in the Mobility & New Energy sector, which in the region is primarily driven by the Chinese automotive industry. Despite lower sales, the adjusted EBIT in the Asia-Pacific region was 2.7 million euros in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1 2023: 2.6 million euros). The adjusted EBIT margin improved to 6.9 percent (Q1 2023: 6.3 percent).
Efficiency measures are having an impact
NORMA Group launched the global growth and efficiency program Step Up in spring 2023. So far, over 1,300 individual measures have been identified, more than half of which are currently being implemented or have already been completed. The measures are divided into growth plans for the three strategic business units Industry Applications, Water Management and Mobility & New Energy and measures to increase operational efficiency. NORMA Group will identify and implement further measures in the coming years.
Annual General Meeting in attendance
The NORMA Group’s general meeting will take place on May 16, 2024 as a face-to-face event in Frankfurt am Main. Among other things, the re-election of Supervisory Board Chairman Mark Wilhelms is on the agenda. Mark Wilhelms has been a member of the committee since 2018 and has been chairman since May 2023.
NPE2024: SABIC Showcasing Progress in Plastic Innovation for a More Sustainable Future
Under the theme of “Collaborating to Create the Future,” SABIC’s presence at NPE2024 showcases plastic innovations and work across the value chain in multiple industries.
SABIC emphasizing value of its plastics as enablers for transformation – to a circular, electric and more sustainable future.
Booth reinforces company’s strong commitment to local supply and application development support to power innovation.
SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, is highlighting at NPE2024 (Booth #S19005; May 6-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida) a wide range of solutions that demonstrate the value of plastics for a more sustainable future. Under the theme “Collaborating to Create the Future,” the company is presenting innovative solutions that are available today and others that are on their way to broader adoption. This includes examples of the company’s work with manufacturers and others across the value chain on circular plastic solutions available under its TRUCIRCLE program and new approaches with plastics under its BLUEHERO initiative that can help in the shift to electrification.
“Since the last NPE in 2018, SABIC has taken giant strides forward in creating pathways for plastics to make valued contributions toward resolving critical global challenges and driving circularity,” Sami Al-Osaimi, executive vice president, Polymers, SABIC, said. “The progress that we have made is on display in our booth and it would not have been possible without the ingenuity of our people and teams and the focus we have had on collaborating with value chain partners who share our passion for creating a brighter future. We are so thrilled to be with everyone in Orlando and use this time to invite more purpose-driven, like-minded innovators to join forces with us to drive meaningful change and transformation.”
Examples of SABIC’s developments in plastics and its collaborations are evident across spaces in the booth covering the spectrum of the following industries: advanced packaging, automotive/transportation, building and construction, consumer goods, electrical and electronics, and hygiene and healthcare. Within each of those areas, visitors can see end-use applications produced with polymers from the company’s TRUCIRCLE and portfolio of solutions – certified circular, renewable and mechanically recycled content and closed-loop solutions.
SABIC’s support of the mission to enable electrification is on display in two areas: a space within the Transportation section of the booth showcasing the company’s BLUEHERO initiative and an area for visitors to experience racecar simulators that help highlight SABIC’s role as Principal and Innovation Partner to the Formula E electric racing series.
The topic of sustainability is woven throughout SABIC’s booth, emphasizes SABIC’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050, including its goal of a 20% reduction in absolute greenhouse emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030. Outside of its booth, SABIC is participating in NPE’s new Sustainability Hub. Open to all registered attendees, this exhibit area shows the many steps the plastics industry is taking toward enhancing its sustainable footprint. SABIC will be part of the Materials section, providing an additional touch point for visitors to learn more about its offering of circular products and services.
SABIC’s primary booth space with its diversity of exhibited solutions speaks to the company’s broad plastics portfolio, from its highly engineered thermoplastics to its polyolefin-based materials, which includes polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) – and with the latter including grades from the company’s PE plant in San Patricio County, Texas, which began operating in early 2022 as part of Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, a joint venture of ExxonMobil and SABIC.
Advanced packaging: Various solutions developed in collaboration with manufacturers. This includes: frozen seafood packaging that uses certified circular SABIC PE resin, made with ocean-bound plastic (OBP) feedstock; and the winner of a Gold-level 2023 Edison Award in the Green Remediation category.
Automotive / Transportation: The Hyundai IONIQ 6 electric sedan, which features LEXAN resin used in the front and rear LED lighting and flame retardant PP compound in key battery module components. The latter material, developed under SABIC’s BLUEHERO initiative, enables compliance with relevant electric vehicle (EV) fire safety regulations. Improved flow properties of the material help double manufacturing productivity, while the reduced molding temperatures required support energy use and emission improvements.
Building & Construction: In addition to several examples of pipe made from high-density PE and PP well suited for transporting oil, natural gas and water, visitors can learn about SABIC’s new SABIC BiAx pipe technology. This solution offers up to 30% in material savings over incumbent polyolefin pipes and higher resistance to slow-crack growth, which facilitates cost-efficient trenchless installation across geographic landscapes.
Consumer Goods: Solutions with certified feedstock content from advanced recycling of post-consumer plastics or with certified renewable feedstock content, which are compliant with food or cosmetic industry safety standards. This includes Mattel’s new MEGA and Matchbox toy products using certified renewable PP polymers, in which MEGA BLOKS Green Town is the first-ever toy line available at mass retail to be certified carbon neutral.
Electrical & Electronics: The housing of the Charge Amps Dawn EV charger contains in the range of up to 50 percent certified renewable LEXAN polycarbonate resin from SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE portfolio, supporting the EV charger provider’s commitment to develop the circular bio-economy and help mitigate climate change issues. SABIC is also showing a full-scale demo model of an outdoor EV charger post with PP and engineering thermoplastic solutions well suited for the exterior housing, frame and internal components.
Hygiene & Healthcare: Among other solutions, SABIC materials that can help address the growing need for self-management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. This includes new medical-grade VALOX HX325HP resin, developed for potential use in high-precision parts used in insulin delivery pens, insulin pumps, auto-injectors and continuous glucose monitors. Also, visitors can see a sample prototype application made with SABIC’s Edison Award winning LNP ELCRES CRX copolymer, which has the exceptional chemical resistance capabilities needed to enhance the durability of medical devices and equipment housings.
Specialties: This space of SABIC’s booth is dedicated to its portfolio of high-performance specialty materials. Among the solutions featured is the Eos Z3 battery module from Eos Energy Enterprises, a leading provider of sustainable zinc-based energy storage systems. This specific module weighs up to 70% less than previous product generations and allows streamlined manufacturing, while achieving lower cost and higher performance. For this application, Eos Energy utilizes SABIC’s 2024 Edison Award winning LNP STAT-KON high electrically conductive compounds to replace traditional titanium in energy storage batteries. In addition to energy storage, visitors can see sample solutions with specialty materials in automotive, including EV batteries, healthcare and infrastructure.
Application Development: A display area educating visitors on the expertise that SABIC can provide to support customer product innovation in a range of ways along the entire application development cycle – from new materials development and predictive design and engineering to design for sustainability, prototyping, testing, validation and more.
