Faster mould set-up – more efficient production
01.06.2023
ENGEL helps injection moulding processors optimize product changeover times through customized training and technologies such as the Setup wizard to achieve higher productivity, lower unit costs and more profit.
Borealis launches portfolio of circular plastomers and elastomers based on renewable feedstock
01.06.2023
Borealis introduces the Bornewables™ line of Queo™, a range of plastomers and elastomers based on renewable feedstock. The introduction follows the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS) of Borealis' production site for the Queo™ portfolio, in Geleen, the Netherlands.
LAPP uses new bio-based plastic from BASF – Organic ETHERLINE® now available too
18.05.2023
The company LAPP is using a new bio-based plastic from BASF for the sustainable version of its ETHERLINE® FD P Cat.5e for Industrial Ethernet. The bio-based plastic is Elastollan® N, the thermoplastic polyurethane from BASF, which is part of its circular economy strategy.
Logistics: eco-friendly and economical transport with plastic pallets
16.05.2023
Eight to ten times on average a wooden pallet is used in the handling area of logistics before it shows a defect and has to be sorted out. This is neither particularly economical nor good for the environment. Pallets made of plastic offer a more sustainable solution.
Covestro expands its range of more sustainable polycarbonates
11.05.2023
Covestro AG offers a polycarbonate with a 90 percent recycled content of plastic from post-consumer waste (PCR) that can be used in consumer electronics, among other applications. The company is collaborating with Jabra on the Evolve2 headset and making progress on climate-neutral solutions through mass balancing.
High-performance additives for sustainable plastics: Evonik invests in Interface Polymers
04.05.2023
Evonik Industries AG has invested in the British company Interface Polymers Ltd. This investment from the Sustainability Tech Fund strengthens Evonik's position in sustainable products and recycling processes. Interface Polymers' technology enables easier processing and recycling of plastics.
BluCon Biotech welcomes strategic investment by major chemical group LG Chem
27.04.2023
The two companies BluCon Biotech GmbH and LG Chem Ltd entered into an investment agreement. Together, they plan to work on a novel process to convert lignocellulosic non-food raw materials into high-purity lactic acid.
Central Asia Plast World in Kazakhstan from 28 to 30 September 2023
24.04.2023
Kazakhstan is the most economically advanced country in Central Asia and plans to increase industrialization, which will increase plastics consumption. Central Asia Plast World is the most important business platform for plastics and rubber in Central Asia and will be held in Almaty in September 2023.
A status check on the UN's plastic waste agreement
24.04.2023
Plastic pollution is a serious threat to human health and the environment. After years of awareness-raising, there is strong and widespread alignment on the need to act. This was the unmistakable and welcome message from the U.N.'s first negotiating session on a global agreement to end plastic waste in December.
Project STOP marks major milestones and expands waste collection services to over 300,000 people
20.04.2023
Project STOP, co-funded by Borealis and Systemiq, has created positive social and environmental impact in three cities in Indonesia, including the launch of the scale-up programme Project STOP Banyuwangi Hijau from Muncar into the Banyuwangi Region.
Covestro expands production capacity for polycarbonate films in Thailand
20.04.2023
The company Covestro plans to further increase its global production capacity for polycarbonate (PC) specialty films by starting to build new extrusion lines at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Park in Thailand. The completion is planned by 2025 and the investment is in the higher double-digit million euro range.
A wholly sustainable plastics economy is feasible
13.04.2023
In a study under the leadership of the ETH Zurich, the scientists point out that plastic products must be better aligned with the circular economy in future. The study finds that circular plastics are feasible within planetary boundaries. This would require at least 74 percent of the plastic to be recycled.
First PET Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling Line in Kenya
12.04.2023
Megh Group company T3 (EPZ) Limited is going to install the first PET recycling system for bottle-grade rPET and resin in Kenya and Eastern Africa, a Starlinger recoSTAR PET 165 HC iV+ recycling line, in Athi River just outside Nairobi.
Additive manufacturing is pioneering for Röchling Industrial
12.04.2023
Röchling Industrial integrated the Röchling Direct Manufacturing Center from Waldachtal into the Röchling Industrial Laupheim at the Burgrieden site. The international plastics processor takes an important step in the industrialization of its 3D printing competencies and continues to focus on additive manufacturing.
LANXESS software calculates carbon footprint for Group's own products
05.04.2023
With the "Product Carbon Footprint Engine" developed by LANXESS, the CO2 footprint can be calculated automatically for the Group's products. With this innovation, the speciality chemicals company aims to help its customers achieve their sustainability goals.
The first edition of K China Symposium was successfully held on 23rd March 2023. Expectations were achieved!
30.03.2023
The first edition of the K China Symposium was successfully held at the Shanghai International Convention Centre on 23 March 2023. Participants praised the opportunity for professional exchange, business expansion and inspiration offered by this new, international platform.
ArabPlast 2023 from 13 to 15 December 2023 in Dubai
22.03.2023
Covestro to build its largest TPU site in China
20.03.2023
The company Covestro will build its largest Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU) site in Zhuhai, China. The TPU site will be built in three phases. The first phase will be completed in late 2025 and the final phase in 2033.
LyondellBasell and KIRKBI invest in APK to develop recycling technology
20.03.2023
The two companies LyondellBasell and KIRKBI signed an agreement to make an investment in the company APK. APK has developed the unique solvent-based Newcycling® process, which separates the different polymers of multi-layer packaging materials and produces recycled materials with a high degree of purity suitable for new packaging materials.
Borealis Borcycle™ C chemical recycling provides circular solutions for crosslinked polyethylene for the Wire & Cable and Infrastructure sectors
13.03.2023
The company Borealis is using its Borcycle™ C chemical recycling process to recycle crosslinked polyethylene (PE) types into recycled polyethylene. The EverMinds™ approach provides innovative and viable solutions to recycling challenges in the Wire & Cable and Infrastructure industries.
Neste, Uponor, Wastewise Group and Borealis enable chemical recycling of hard-to-recycle plastic waste into new high-quality plastic pipes
06.03.2023
Neste, Uponor, Wastewise and Borealis have successfully produced pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) which was based on feedstock gained from chemically recycled post-industrial waste plastic from PEX pipe production, using an ISCC PLUS certified mass-balancing approach. The partner companies believe this project is among the first implementations of chemical recycling of PEX.
From the sea into the tunnel: KraussMaffei customer Oldroyd uses 100% sea plastics for its products
06.03.2023
What do a tunnel and hiking boot have in common? Both have a membrane that prevents the ingress of rain. In the case of the tunnel, the Norwegian company Oldroyd is an expert for the membrane and its injection-molded fixing product. It uses CX machines from KraussMaffei and 100% sea plastics.
LANXESS and TotalEnergies to cooperate on sustainable styrene
01.03.2023
Specialty chemicals company LANXESS and French energy group TotalEnergies have entered into a cooperation on the supply of biocircular styrene. Unlike conventional styrene, the raw material used by TotalEnergies is based on tall oil, which is derived from a tree resin and is a by-product of pulp production.
Covestro: New ultra-durable material solution for healthcare and life sciences
01.03.2023
Both healthcare and life sciences applications – ranging from drug delivery devices, wellness and wearable devices, to single-use containers for biopharmaceutical manufacturing – all have one thing in common. They must be tough and durable and able to withstand everyday use while maintaining their structural integrity.
Ice Ice Baby! Sustainably packaged with Styropor® Ccycled™ by BASF
21.02.2023
Imballaggi Alimentari, an Italian based company specialized in the production of ice cream packaging, has launched the Remaxigel boxes made of Styropor® Ccycled™. The boxes made of EPS (expandable polystyrene) boast excellent performance and were primarily designed for artisanal ice-cream shops.
SABIC enables Scientex in developing worlds first PP flexible food packaging using PCR ocean bound plastic
21.02.2023
SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, collaborates with Scientex in the packaging value chain to enable the manufacturer to develop material for the world’s first flexible food packaging made based on advanced recycled OBP, using SABIC® certified circular polypropylene (PP). The material is being used in a premium brand noodles packaging sold in Malaysia.
Back to the cycle: #tide turns ocean plastic into high-quality recyclates
15.02.2023
Plastic is a resource without which our life today would not be possible - and thanks to recycling, we can even use it several times over. However, we know from reports what can happen if the recycling process does not run properly: the plastic sometimes ends up in the sea. Getting it back into circulation from there and turning it into a usable product is not easy.
Covestro and Lanxess cooperate to produce more sustainable raw materials with reduced CO₂ footprint
14.02.2023
Chemical companies Covestro and LANXESS are cooperating in the energy-intensive production of basic chemicals at their Lower Rhine sites in Germany and make them more climate friendly. LANXESS procures chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen from the ISCC PLUS-certified sites of Covestro in Leverkusen and Krefeld-Uerdingen.
Plastics industry meets Metaverse: igus presents products in virtual reality
31.01.2023
Studies show that we are up to nine times more likely to remember something we have experienced in virtual reality. This knowledge can also be interesting for the plastics industry. With the iguversum, igus has created a digital space in which the manufacturer's products can be discovered. In the future, engineering projects will also be carried out there.
From old to new: Evonik produces PEBA from used tires
03.01.2023
Many raw materials deserve a second life, and especially in view of resource conservation and the circular economy, the reuse of raw materials is particularly important. Evonik shows how it's done: The company produces PA-12 elastomers from old tires.
All tidied up: Customizable cleaning solution for light-based 3D printing
21.12.2022
As the saying goes, one cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs – in a metaphorical sense, this is also the case when it comes to the 3D printing process. In most cases, material residue must be removed manually and then discarded. Cubicure delivers a different way that's automated, customizable, and sustainable.
Building and construction sector: An industry relies on plastics
08.11.2022
Polymers are as diverse as their chemical composition. Plastics come in hard, soft, flexible, brittle, opaque, transparent - just as required. They impress with their durability, cost-effectiveness, impermeability to water, high formability, corrosion resistance and low weight. This makes them the ideal building material - and an environmentally friendly alternative to other materials.
Rebirth for shampoo bottles & co: launch of the first deposit system for plastic packaging from the bathroom
02.11.2022
The demand for high-quality recyclates has exceeded the supply on the market for years. So far, too much high-quality plastic is still being burned as waste instead of being recycled. The Berlin-based start-up Circleback wants to change that by setting up a deposit system for plastic packaging from the bathroom.
No longer gone with the wind: Fraunhofer Institute develops concepts for rotor blade recycling
28.10.2022
After about 25 years, the rotor blades of a wind turbine have usually had their day. But what happens to them then? Together with the Institute for Energy and Circular Economy (IEkrW), the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES) is developing concepts in a project that should enable rotor blades to be better recycled and reused.
Machine monitoring: performance data via app at any time
26.10.2022
Steinert.view® is a flexible and reliable monitoring solution for STEINERT sensor-based sorting machines. Performance data collected is visualized in a web app so that operators can see at a glance whether machines are currently producing, whether there are changes in production, or whether there is potential for optimization.
The countdown to K 2022 is on
13.10.2022
The set-up for K 2022 at the Düsseldorf Trade Fair is in full swing. The trade fair's logistics team is making sure that everything runs smoothly. Werner Arnold, Team Manager Logistics, explains in an interview all the things that need to be taken into account until all the halls at K are filled.
Full view: Transparent tool enables insight into filling processes of particle foams
11.10.2022
The filling of a mold determines the quality of the resulting molded part. But what if insight into the filling process of particle foams is not available and thus control is lacking at this crucial point in the production process? A new transparent experimental mold made of acrylic glass developed by Neue Materialien Bayreuth (NMB) has put an end to this dilemma.
Collaboration between Borealis, Neste and MAM brings new soother to market made with renewably-sourced feedstock
11.10.2022
The MAM company is accelerating circular economy measures in partnership with Borealis through the launch of MAM Original Pure pacifiers and packaging enabled by Borealis Bornewables™ portfolio of recyclable polyolefins. Upstream value chain partner Neste is the supplier of renewable feedstock Neste RE™ based on waste and residue streams for the manufacture of Bornewables polypropylene.
Machine communication: OPC UA as the linguistic basis
04.10.2022
Communication is key, and this also applies to machines, since the ability of machines to communicate has economic advantages. However, this first requires a common linguistic basis, because then the machines can be used particularly efficiently.
BASF and ARCUS sign agreement on the production and procurement of pyrolysis oil from mixed plastic waste
03.10.2022
ARCUS plans to start up first commercial pyrolysis plant for mixed plastic waste in Germany and will supply the company BASF SE with pyrolysis oil. This will enable further expansion of BASF's ChemCyclingTM business. The Agreement foresees take-up of up to 100,000 tons of pyrolysis oil per year.
Innovative technology makes flexible packaging recyclable
03.10.2022
A new technology from Covestro weakens the bond strength of PU adhesives. Laminated films in multilayer packaging can be separated after use and the individual materials can be recycled later. At the K 2022 trade fair, the team will be presenting the technology to the plastics industry for the first time.
Covestro invests in the production of more sustainable polycarbonates in Asia Pacific
19.09.2022
Covestro plans to set up its first dedicated mechanical recycling (MCR) plant for polycarbonates at its integrated site in Shanghai. The company also plans to convert an existing compounding facility in Thailand into a mechanical recycling plant.
LANXESS: Entire value chain to become climate-neutral
12.09.2022
The chemicals company LANXESS aims to make its upstream and downstream supply chains climate-neutral by 2050. In order to achieve the so-called Scope 3 targets, LANXESS has launched the Net Zero Value Chain Program. The focus is on sustainable raw materials, green logistics and climate-neutral products.
Energy costs and climate protection in industry and commerce: decarbXpo launches
05.09.2022
A lot is happening in the field energy technology, not least as a result of rapidly rising energy prices. Spurred on by falling costs for renewable energy technologies, innovative storage solutions, intelligent energy management systems and new opportunities are also opening up for industrial and commercial companies.
"My ambition is to further expand the position of K as the most relevant meeting place for the industry worldwide."
02.09.2022
Thomas Franken talks about his expectations for K2022, the challenges the industry faces and what technology is likely to develop in the coming years.
BASF enters power agreements for clean energy supply of more than 20 BASF sites across the United States
01.09.2022
The BASF company is focusing on renewable energy in the field of electricity supply in the United States. BASF enables renewable energy projects by signing virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) totaling 250 MW. In addition, the amount of solar and wind energy in the grid offsets the energy supply of more than 20 production sites.
Climate-neutral with a plan – sustainability in the plastics industry
30.08.2022
Successful business means sustainable business. Because according to KraussMaffei, sustainability has both ecological and economic advantages. Recently, the company reaffirmed its goal of being climate-neutral by 2030. Its strategy includes recycling solutions, energy-efficient construction and heating, and sustainable product development.
Public obligations for recycling: Germany – a good role model?
16.08.2022
With the Packaging Act, Germany is taking a further step towards an all-encompassing raw material cycle for packaging. One of the requirements aims to significantly increase the amount of recyclable packaging. Packaging used in mail order or "dispensed" for to-go products has recently been required to be registered in the LUCID Packaging Register.
BASF and THOR GmbH fight fire together
03.08.2022
To improve plastic compounds and meet stringent fire safety requirements, BASF and THOR GmbH are using their joint expertise in flame retardants. The focus is on developing alternatives to halogen-containing additives.
Product development in Alpla's One-Stop Shop
02.08.2022
Those who work meticulously to design a product can hardly await the day they can hold the finished item in their hands. Alpla is a company headquartered in Hard, Austria, that speeds up this process. Customers can convert their ideas into reality and ideally leave Alpla's STUDIOa with a prototype in hand.
The "new KraussMaffei" is to be climate-neutral by 2030
25.07.2022
The KraussMaffei company confirms a sustainable corporate strategy: Climate neutrality in eight years. The consistent focus is on Circular Economy. One of the largest roof-mounted photovoltaic systems in Europe is currently being built at the new main plant in Parsdorf.
Robot to go – igus develops innovative Cobot
12.07.2022
At the heart of any modern robot is a gearbox. Now imagine a robot with its "heart" made of plastic. It’s simply marvelous. But that’s not the only benefit users can expect from the new cobot (collaborative robot) by igus: the device is also lightweight, portable, and affordable.
Fresh impulses for wind energy
11.07.2022
Covestro is researching material solutions for sustainable energy generation at its new Wind Technology Center. They are focusing on the optimization and new development of PUR resins in collaboration with customers.
North American plastics sector holds steady, while riding a roller-coaster of uncertainty
08.07.2022
The pandemic. Supply chain ruptures. The Great Resignation. China trade tensions. Climate change and extreme weather events. Soaring inflation. Stock market volatility. The war in Ukraine. Seldom in our lifetimes have we experienced such an extended period of disruption and uncertainty.
Using different tools in one flexible thermoforming system
29.06.2022
Thermoforming is a process that requires various tool systems. Unfortunately, if the latter originate from different manufacturers, they often cannot be used together in one system. Illig took on the challenge and came up with a successful solution.
Solvay extends its sustainable polymer offering for smart devices and wearables
21.06.2022
Solvay launched the Kalix® 10000 series, a partially bio-based material made with renewable feedstock from non-food competing sources, is produced with 100% renewable electricity.
Create a quote for plastic testing services in just minutes
07.06.2022
Plastics are versatile and come in every conceivable shape, size, color, and function. Yet before plastic products can fulfill their desired function, they are subject to testing to confirm they comply with various standards. It takes testing labs hours, if not days, to create a quote for materials testing.
BASF and BMW Group rely on renewable raw materials for automotive coatings
06.06.2022
The BMW Group is the first automotive manufacturer to use OEM coatings from BASF that are certified according to the biomass balance process. By using new sustainable product variants, around 40% CO2 can be avoided for clear coat and dip coating.
Dow, LOVERE, YCJ, and P&G join hands in organizing "Design for Circularity" Art & Design Competition
01.06.2022
The companies Dow (NYSE: DOW), LOVERE, YCJ and Procter & Gamble (P&G) will organize the first "Design for Circularity" art and design competition in China.
New cutting-edge thermoplastic materials for the aerospace sector
23.05.2022
In the HITCOMP project (High Temperature Characterization and Modelling of Thermoplastic Composites), thermoplastic materials were investigated in the aerospace sector. The researchers concluded that thermoplastic-based components are more efficient than thermosetting plastic composites in terms of their thermal properties.
Welcome to the family: COLOMBIAPLAST joins the K Global Gate portfolio
12.05.2022
Borealis and Grabher partnership gives used FFP2 face masks another life
09.05.2022
High-quality face masks made in Austria by Grabher contain fully recyclable meltblown polypropylene supplied by Borealis and can be recycled in Austria. The new Partnership between the companies Borealis and Grabher is embodiment of the Borealis EverMinds™ spirit of taking action to accelerate the move towards plastics circularity.
Braskem and Sojitz Corporation join hands to bring renewable MEG technology to the market
09.05.2022
The two companies Brüskem and Sojitz cooperate within a partnership to produce and market the bioMEG (monoethylene glycol) and bioMPG (monopropylene glycol). This joint venture aims to promote sustainable development and combine the expertise of both companies.
Training in the plastics industry: technical college and companies get trainees fit for the job
06.05.2022
At 16, did you already know where you wanted to go on your professional journey? With the range of choices available to young people today, it can be difficult to make a decision at first glance. That's why it's beneficial to be taken by the hand and introduced to different professions. Wentus GmbH from Höxter sets a good example.
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Joint Mission: Circular Economy
04.05.2022
The mission of the new "We are plastics" alliance between the three major German Plastics Associations is to promote the circular economy. They focus on the dialog with consumers and NGOs, on the network between individual initiatives and on presenting facts and changes of the industry.
Solvay partners with Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to recycle end-of-life medical components
04.05.2022
Medical devices made from Solvay's high-performance thermoplastic Udel® are recycled thanks to a collaboration between Solvay and Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials. Solvay knows how to evaluate the chemistry of the end-of-life polymer, while MCAM has expertise in washing and mechanically cleaning the material.
School meets business: getting young people excited about the plastics industry
19.04.2022
At 16, did you already know where you wanted to go on your professional journey? With the range of choices available to young people today, it can be difficult to make a decision at first glance. That's why it's beneficial to be taken by the hand and introduced to different professions. Wentus GmbH from Höxter sets a good example.
SWISS equips entire Boeing long-haul fleet with AeroSHARK
11.04.2022
Twelve Boeing 777-300ERs will gradually be fitted by SWISS with the riblet films developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF. The reduced frictional resistance makes the sub-fleet more economical and lower in emissions, thus reducing the environmental footprint.
Change of brand strategy for the WITTMANN Group
04.04.2022
The WITTMANN Group has changed its brand strategy and is aiming for a one-brand strategy instead of the two-brand strategy.
From the idea to a (sustainable) company: Circular Valley promotes start-ups
11.03.2022
Mentoring in areas such as marketing and sales, direct contact with large companies, and support from industry experts – this is what every start-up dreams of. In the Circular Valley in Wuppertal, Germany, this is reality. Entrepreneurs from a wide variety of fields who want to contribute to the Circular Economy with their work are supported here.
Fish in packaging made from chemically recycled plastic
07.03.2022
Salmon fillets from Bömlo are supplied in the world's first EPS fish box. Ccycled is made from chemically recycled plastic and BASF, Vartdal Plast and Bremnes Seashore, the partners for this joint project, are contributing to making the circular economy a success.
PERC Solar Cells from 100 Percent Recycled Silicon
07.03.2022
In order to be able to reuse silicon, a working group from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and the largest German recycling company for PV modules, Reiling GmbH & Co. KG, have developed a solution, in which the silicon in the discarded modules was recycled on an industrial scale and reused to produce new PERC solar cells.
Plastic snowfall in the Alps
21.02.2022
To study how much plastic is trickling down on us from the atmosphere, Empa researcher Dominik Brunner, together with colleagues from Utrecht University and the Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology and Geophysics, have developed a chemical method that determines the contamination of the samples with a mass spectrometer.
Neste and Ravago plan to set up a joint venture to focus on chemical recycling of waste plastic
14.02.2022
Neste and Ravago intend to establish a joint venture to build an industrial chemical recycling facility in the North Sea port of Vlissingen, the Netherlands. From there, global chemical recycling activities will be managed, building on the further development of thermochemical liquefaction technology by U.S.-based Alterra Energy, an innovative chemical recycling technology company.
Recycled packaging foils with the "Blue Angel" label
07.02.2022
Profine GmbH is the first profile system provider to use polyethylene (PE) packaging foils that consist of 80 percent PCR standard and are interested in making supply chains more environmentally friendly.
Bence Körmendi
19.01.2022
Petchem Business Unit Director, MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Company Plc.
New market data on the bioplastics market 2021
14.01.2022
The Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites presents the new edition of its brochure with the title "Biopolmers - Facts and statistics" to show how the bioplastics market is developing.
Scientific Council of K 2022 convenes First Meeting
08.12.2021
Renewable energies, resource-saving processes, climate neutrality – rising to major challenges is key. These global tasks require creative minds, innovative technologies and high-performance materials.