Chemicals

STUTTGART, Germany, April 3, 2020 (Press Release) -Due to the increasing spread of Covid-19 in Europe and the uncertainty associated with this, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH and the association ZELLCHEMING e.V. have jointly decided to cancel the ZELLCHEMING-Expo in Frankfurt am Main. The event was originally scheduled for 24 – 25 June 2020 and will be held again next year.

In view of the uncertain prognosis for the coming months with regard to the further development of the Corona pandemic, the organizer and the patron of the event, in close cooperation with various industry representatives, have decided to cancel the trade fair for the pulp, paper and supply industry.

"We are very sorry to have to cancel this year's ZELLCHEMING-Expo, but the health of our exhibitors, visitors, speakers, partners and employees is our top priority", explains Martin Roschkowski, President at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. "The decision was not an easy one for us, nor is it for other trade fair organizers worldwide, who are facing similar challenges due to the current situation".

"As much as we regret the cancellation of this year's exhibition, we look to the future with confidence - better times will come again", commented Gerrit Lund, Chairman of the Board of ZELLCHEMING e. V. "Within the Association, we would like to use the time ahead to develop ideas and work intensively on new concepts for the association and the event. We are already looking forward to seeing you all again at the ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2021.”

Place and date of the 2021 event will be announced in due course. Current information is always available at zellcheming-expo.com.

About Mesago Messe Frankfurt

Mesago, founded in 1982 and located in Stuttgart, specializes in exhibitions and conferences on various topics of technology. The company belongs to the Messe Frankfurt Group. Mesago operates internationally and is not tied to a specific venue. With 160 members of staff Mesago organizes events for the benefit of more than 3,300 exhibitors and over 110,000 trade visitors, conference delegates and speakers from all over the world. Numerous trade associations, publishing houses, scientific institutes and universities work with Mesago closely as advisers, co-organizers and partners. (mesago.com)

About ZELLCHEMING e. V.

The Association of Chemical Pulp and Paper Chemists and Engineers is an association which has dedicated itself fully to the various issues and topics surrounding chemical pulp production and paper making. We see ourselves as a technical-scientific professional association for the chemical pulp paper industry as well as the supplier industry. Anybody who is involved with chemical pulp production and paper making in Europe will find that we offer a comprehensive range of information as well as strong representation of interests for the concerns and issues affecting our high-tech sector. We provide our members with an international network for the exchange of information and technical contacts in which topics discussed range from research and development concerning paper making through to ecology and the future of the chemical pulp industry and paper industry. (zellcheming.com)

Background information on Messe Frankfurt

Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With more than 2,500 employees at 30 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €718 million. We have close ties with our industry sectors and serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of the Group’s key USPs is its closely knit global sales network, which extends throughout the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).

Mesago Messe Frankfurt and ZELLCHEMING cancel ZELLCHEMING-Expo in Frankfurt, Germany due to increasing spread of Covid-19 in Europe

Posted in: Chemicals 04/03/2020 - 11:03

STUTTGART, Germany, April 3, 2020 (Press Release) -Due to the increasing spread of Covid-19 in Europe and the uncertainty associated with this, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH and the association ZELLCHEMING e.V. have jointly decided to cancel the ZELLCHEMING-Expo in Frankfurt am Main. The event was originally scheduled for 24 – 25 June 2020 and will be held again next year.

In view of the uncertain prognosis for the coming months with regard to the further development of the Corona pandemic, the organizer and the patron of the event, in close cooperation with various industry representatives, have decided to cancel the trade fair for the pulp, paper and supply industry.

"We are very sorry to have to cancel this year's ZELLCHEMING-Expo, but the health of our exhibitors, visitors, speakers, partners and employees is our top priority", explains Martin Roschkowski, President at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. "The decision was not an easy one for us, nor is it for other trade fair organizers worldwide, who are facing similar challenges due to the current situation".

"As much as we regret the cancellation of this year's exhibition, we look to the future with confidence - better times will come again", commented Gerrit Lund, Chairman of the Board of ZELLCHEMING e. V. "Within the Association, we would like to use the time ahead to develop ideas and work intensively on new concepts for the association and the event. We are already looking forward to seeing you all again at the ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2021.”

Place and date of the 2021 event will be announced in due course. Current information is always available at zellcheming-expo.com.

About Mesago Messe Frankfurt

Mesago, founded in 1982 and located in Stuttgart, specializes in exhibitions and conferences on various topics of technology. The company belongs to the Messe Frankfurt Group. Mesago operates internationally and is not tied to a specific venue. With 160 members of staff Mesago organizes events for the benefit of more than 3,300 exhibitors and over 110,000 trade visitors, conference delegates and speakers from all over the world. Numerous trade associations, publishing houses, scientific institutes and universities work with Mesago closely as advisers, co-organizers and partners. (mesago.com)

About ZELLCHEMING e. V.

The Association of Chemical Pulp and Paper Chemists and Engineers is an association which has dedicated itself fully to the various issues and topics surrounding chemical pulp production and paper making. We see ourselves as a technical-scientific professional association for the chemical pulp paper industry as well as the supplier industry. Anybody who is involved with chemical pulp production and paper making in Europe will find that we offer a comprehensive range of information as well as strong representation of interests for the concerns and issues affecting our high-tech sector. We provide our members with an international network for the exchange of information and technical contacts in which topics discussed range from research and development concerning paper making through to ecology and the future of the chemical pulp industry and paper industry. (zellcheming.com)

Background information on Messe Frankfurt

Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With more than 2,500 employees at 30 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €718 million. We have close ties with our industry sectors and serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of the Group’s key USPs is its closely knit global sales network, which extends throughout the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).

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LONDON, March 30, 2020 (Press Release) -Flint Group Packaging Inks Europe today confirms the implementation of a solvent surcharge for its solvent-based inks and coatings in Europe, effective 1st April 2020. The surcharge will be implemented as promptly as possible and will vary depending upon the specific product portfolio and commercial terms each customer has in place. The surcharge will remain active until the current raw material volatility subsides. Orders received up until 31st March 2020 will not be affected.

The progressively worsening global economic situation caused by the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is placing untenable pressure on the supply chain for packaging inks and coatings. Supply across a number of raw material categories, notably solvents, is tightening and costs are rising quickly as the market becomes more constrained. Additionally, freight constraints are resulting in higher costs across all transportation modes.

Flint Group is witnessing increasing rates of absenteeism and sickness at all sites and disruptions throughout supply chains have meant that the standardisation of production lines has become necessary; in some cases, customers may need to accept alternative products to ensure the continuity of supply.

Mr Kim Melander, VP & GM Packaging Inks Europe said, “The worsening global situation caused by COVID-19 is having a significant impact on our business, yet our facilities continue to deliver consistent output despite major supply chain disruptions. However, this output comes at a significant cost which to date we have borne alone. We remain optimistic that this surcharge is a temporary measure – we continue to monitor the situation closely and will stay in regular contact with our customers to discuss any further developments.”

All other raw material categories, such as pigments, are being closely monitored as the pressure in the market builds. Flint Group is constantly reviewing the commercial viability of their raw material catalogues to assess whether further increases will be required.

Flint Group local sales representatives will be in contact with all customers to discuss how this surcharge will impact each business.

Flint Group remains resolutely committed to the packaging markets throughout this crisis.

For more information on this press release, contact Deanna Klemesrud – Deanna.klemesrud@flintgrp.com

Flint Group Packaging Inks Europe announces a solvent surcharge across all solvent-based inks and coatings.

Posted in: Chemicals 03/30/2020 - 17:23

LONDON, March 30, 2020 (Press Release) -Flint Group Packaging Inks Europe today confirms the implementation of a solvent surcharge for its solvent-based inks and coatings in Europe, effective 1st April 2020. The surcharge will be implemented as promptly as possible and will vary depending upon the specific product portfolio and commercial terms each customer has in place. The surcharge will remain active until the current raw material volatility subsides. Orders received up until 31st March 2020 will not be affected.

The progressively worsening global economic situation caused by the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is placing untenable pressure on the supply chain for packaging inks and coatings. Supply across a number of raw material categories, notably solvents, is tightening and costs are rising quickly as the market becomes more constrained. Additionally, freight constraints are resulting in higher costs across all transportation modes.

Flint Group is witnessing increasing rates of absenteeism and sickness at all sites and disruptions throughout supply chains have meant that the standardisation of production lines has become necessary; in some cases, customers may need to accept alternative products to ensure the continuity of supply.

Mr Kim Melander, VP & GM Packaging Inks Europe said, “The worsening global situation caused by COVID-19 is having a significant impact on our business, yet our facilities continue to deliver consistent output despite major supply chain disruptions. However, this output comes at a significant cost which to date we have borne alone. We remain optimistic that this surcharge is a temporary measure – we continue to monitor the situation closely and will stay in regular contact with our customers to discuss any further developments.”

All other raw material categories, such as pigments, are being closely monitored as the pressure in the market builds. Flint Group is constantly reviewing the commercial viability of their raw material catalogues to assess whether further increases will be required.

Flint Group local sales representatives will be in contact with all customers to discuss how this surcharge will impact each business.

Flint Group remains resolutely committed to the packaging markets throughout this crisis.

For more information on this press release, contact Deanna Klemesrud – Deanna.klemesrud@flintgrp.com

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WAALWIJK, The Netherlands, March 26, 2020 (Press Release) -Royal DSM, a global science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living, today announced the release of Skins Sandy, the newest addition to its Skins range of haptic coating resins. Like the other Skins resins, Sandy will enable brand owners and convertors to differentiate their products by adding an extra layer of sensory experience. Specifically, the new resin will enable print and packaging manufacturers to add sand-like textures to a wide range of materials, including food packaging.

Tactile elements in print and packaging are increasingly used to differentiate brands, by providing a sensory experience that reflects their products. DSM’s Skins coating resins range aims to meet this need by enabling different textures in a range of print and packaging materials. Skins Sandy will offer sandy-feel textures ranging from fine to coarse and is particularly suitable for overprint varnishes, paper & board, and flexible packaging. In particular, its broad food contact compliance will open new possibilities for textured food packaging. It will be compatible with a wide range of printing processes, including flexographic and gravure.

Skins Sandy will make it easier for coating formulators and converters to deliver sandy textures. Unlike many sandy-feel coating resins on the market, Skins Sandy delivers the desired sandpaper texture in a single coating without fillers or additives, making application easier and reducing formulators’ contact with harmful chemicals. The new resin also offers high shelf stability and production yield, delivering competitive cost-in-use. In this way, the new resin offers a level of functional performance beyond other commercially available sandy-feel resins.

DSM’s new resin will also offer high levels of sustainability. Its compatibility with one-component waterborne systems avoids the need for potentially harmful solvents, and its ability to add texture in a single coating will also facilitate mono-material packaging that can be easily recycled. The resin is lightweight compared to other laminates, allowing manufacturers to reduce energy and material usage.

Adri van der Waals, Product Launch Director, DSM Coating Resins: “With Skins Sandy, we’re continuing to meet the print and packaging industry’s need for more brand differentiation options. In particular, Skins Sandy addresses the growing demand for sandy-feel coatings that are sustainable and easier to apply at industrial scale. We’ll continue to expand the Skins family to offer more options for haptic differentiation. And above all, we’ll show that these options can be delivered sustainably, creating a brighter, more textured world for all.”

DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living. Royal DSM is a global purpose-led, science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living. DSM’s purpose is to create brighter lives for all. DSM addresses with its products and solutions some of the world’s biggest challenges whilst creating simultaneously economic-, environmental- and societal value for all its stakeholders; customers, employees, shareholders, and society-at-large. DSM delivers innovative solutions for human nutrition, animal nutrition, personal care and aroma, medical devices, green products and applications, and new mobility and connectivity. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 23,000 employees. The company was founded in 1902 and is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

Royal DSM expands its skins range of haptic coating resins with highly functional sandy-feel resin

Posted in: Chemicals 03/26/2020 - 06:31

WAALWIJK, The Netherlands, March 26, 2020 (Press Release) -Royal DSM, a global science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living, today announced the release of Skins Sandy, the newest addition to its Skins range of haptic coating resins. Like the other Skins resins, Sandy will enable brand owners and convertors to differentiate their products by adding an extra layer of sensory experience. Specifically, the new resin will enable print and packaging manufacturers to add sand-like textures to a wide range of materials, including food packaging.

Tactile elements in print and packaging are increasingly used to differentiate brands, by providing a sensory experience that reflects their products. DSM’s Skins coating resins range aims to meet this need by enabling different textures in a range of print and packaging materials. Skins Sandy will offer sandy-feel textures ranging from fine to coarse and is particularly suitable for overprint varnishes, paper & board, and flexible packaging. In particular, its broad food contact compliance will open new possibilities for textured food packaging. It will be compatible with a wide range of printing processes, including flexographic and gravure.

Skins Sandy will make it easier for coating formulators and converters to deliver sandy textures. Unlike many sandy-feel coating resins on the market, Skins Sandy delivers the desired sandpaper texture in a single coating without fillers or additives, making application easier and reducing formulators’ contact with harmful chemicals. The new resin also offers high shelf stability and production yield, delivering competitive cost-in-use. In this way, the new resin offers a level of functional performance beyond other commercially available sandy-feel resins.

DSM’s new resin will also offer high levels of sustainability. Its compatibility with one-component waterborne systems avoids the need for potentially harmful solvents, and its ability to add texture in a single coating will also facilitate mono-material packaging that can be easily recycled. The resin is lightweight compared to other laminates, allowing manufacturers to reduce energy and material usage.

Adri van der Waals, Product Launch Director, DSM Coating Resins: “With Skins Sandy, we’re continuing to meet the print and packaging industry’s need for more brand differentiation options. In particular, Skins Sandy addresses the growing demand for sandy-feel coatings that are sustainable and easier to apply at industrial scale. We’ll continue to expand the Skins family to offer more options for haptic differentiation. And above all, we’ll show that these options can be delivered sustainably, creating a brighter, more textured world for all.”

DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living. Royal DSM is a global purpose-led, science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living. DSM’s purpose is to create brighter lives for all. DSM addresses with its products and solutions some of the world’s biggest challenges whilst creating simultaneously economic-, environmental- and societal value for all its stakeholders; customers, employees, shareholders, and society-at-large. DSM delivers innovative solutions for human nutrition, animal nutrition, personal care and aroma, medical devices, green products and applications, and new mobility and connectivity. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 23,000 employees. The company was founded in 1902 and is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

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WEXHAM SPRINGS, UK, March 25, 2020 (Press Release) -Sun Chemical will implement surcharges affecting its solvent liquid inks in Europe, effective 1 April 2020.

The current situation is causing considerable pressure on the supply chain of alcohols – in particular, ethanol. With supply already limited in the second half of 2019 due to a bad crop of raw materials increasing the demand for fuel ethanol, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused further increased demand for pharmaceutical and sanitized products, with governments considering allocation measures. While availability is reducing globally, prices are increasing quickly.

In order to secure its supplies for the coming months, Sun Chemical has accepted higher prices to comply with current market conditions. The risk always exists that governments may seize the products for health emergency reasons – a situation that is beyond Sun Chemical’s control.

As from 1 April 2020, a solvent surcharge will be applied to Sun Chemical’s ink and varnish prices. Surcharges will vary depending on product types. Sun Chemical will communicate specific increases directly with its customers.

As a leading ink supplier, Sun Chemical is working hard to mitigate rising costs by implementing internal improvement programs and by maintaining very close communication with its suppliers and industry associations to ensure it is fully aligned to the latest procurement situation. The surcharges will last until the situation normalises.

“The pressure on the alcohol supply chain is causing an abrupt rise in raw material costs and unfortunately requires us to increase customer prices,” said Nicolas Bétin, Director Product Strategy EMEA, Sun Chemical. “We will continue to work with our supply chain partners to manage and minimize the impact on our customers.”

About Sun Chemical

Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC group, is a leading producer of printing inks, coatings and supplies, pigments, polymers, liquid compounds, solid compounds, and application materials. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical has annual sales of more than $7.5 billion and over 20,000 employees supporting customers around the world.

Sun Chemical Corporation is a subsidiary of Sun Chemical Group Coöperatief U.A., the Netherlands, and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.A.

Sun Chemical to implement surcharges on prices of solvent liquid inks in Europe

Posted in: Chemicals 03/25/2020 - 10:23

WEXHAM SPRINGS, UK, March 25, 2020 (Press Release) -Sun Chemical will implement surcharges affecting its solvent liquid inks in Europe, effective 1 April 2020.

The current situation is causing considerable pressure on the supply chain of alcohols – in particular, ethanol. With supply already limited in the second half of 2019 due to a bad crop of raw materials increasing the demand for fuel ethanol, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused further increased demand for pharmaceutical and sanitized products, with governments considering allocation measures. While availability is reducing globally, prices are increasing quickly.

In order to secure its supplies for the coming months, Sun Chemical has accepted higher prices to comply with current market conditions. The risk always exists that governments may seize the products for health emergency reasons – a situation that is beyond Sun Chemical’s control.

As from 1 April 2020, a solvent surcharge will be applied to Sun Chemical’s ink and varnish prices. Surcharges will vary depending on product types. Sun Chemical will communicate specific increases directly with its customers.

As a leading ink supplier, Sun Chemical is working hard to mitigate rising costs by implementing internal improvement programs and by maintaining very close communication with its suppliers and industry associations to ensure it is fully aligned to the latest procurement situation. The surcharges will last until the situation normalises.

“The pressure on the alcohol supply chain is causing an abrupt rise in raw material costs and unfortunately requires us to increase customer prices,” said Nicolas Bétin, Director Product Strategy EMEA, Sun Chemical. “We will continue to work with our supply chain partners to manage and minimize the impact on our customers.”

About Sun Chemical

Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC group, is a leading producer of printing inks, coatings and supplies, pigments, polymers, liquid compounds, solid compounds, and application materials. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical has annual sales of more than $7.5 billion and over 20,000 employees supporting customers around the world.

Sun Chemical Corporation is a subsidiary of Sun Chemical Group Coöperatief U.A., the Netherlands, and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.A.

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GRAZ, Austria, March 23, 2020 (Press Release) -International technology group ANDRITZ has recently started up the world’s first biomethanol plant using ANDRITZ’s self-developed A-Recovery+ concept at the Södra Cell Mönsterås pulp mill in southeastern Sweden. The plant has an annual production capacity of 6.3 million liters of biomethanol from forest biomass. The fossil-free biomethanol can be used for applications in the pulp mill itself, or as a substitute for fossil-based methanol in the transport sector (biodiesel) and as a chemical base substance. The ANDRITZ delivery to Södra included proprietary process design and full EPC delivery, excluding automation, instrumentation, electrification and civil works.

The A-Recovery+ concept from ANDRITZ delivers commercial grade biomethanol by using a patented extraction process. It offers next-generation solutions for the chemical recovery cycle of pulp mills, with the target of utilizing the pulp mill side streams to the maximum extent possible. In addition to biomethanol production, A-Recovery+ also produces sulfuric acid from odorous gases and recovers lignin for the production of high-quality lignin to be used in advanced bioproducts.

With this first ever fossil-free biomethanol plant worldwide, ANDRITZ is strongly supporting Södra’s ambitions to make its operations entirely fossil-free and be climate-positive by the end of this decade. To achieve this aim, Södra is aiming at eliminating fossil fuel use throughout its operations and producing innovative products that replace fossil-based raw materials.

ANDRITZ GROUP

International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems and services for the pulp and paper industry, the hydropower sector, the metals processing and forming industry, solid/liquid separation in the municipal and industrial sectors, as well as animal feed and biomass pelleting. The global product and service portfolio is rounded off with plants for power generation, recycling, the production of nonwovens and panelboard, as well as automation and digital solutions offered under the brand name of Metris. The publicly listed group today has around 29,500 employees and more than 280 locations in over 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER

ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides equipment, systems, complete plants and services for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on maximum utilization of raw materials, increased production efficiency and sustainability as well as lower overall operating costs. Boilers for power production, flue gas cleaning plants, plants for the production of nonwovens and panelboard (MDF), as well as recycling and shredding solutions for various waste materials also form a part of this business area.

 

ANDRITZ successfully starts up world’s first biomethanol plant using its A-Recovery+ concept at Södra Cell Mönsterås pulp mill in Sweden

Posted in: Chemicals 03/23/2020 - 02:56

GRAZ, Austria, March 23, 2020 (Press Release) -International technology group ANDRITZ has recently started up the world’s first biomethanol plant using ANDRITZ’s self-developed A-Recovery+ concept at the Södra Cell Mönsterås pulp mill in southeastern Sweden. The plant has an annual production capacity of 6.3 million liters of biomethanol from forest biomass. The fossil-free biomethanol can be used for applications in the pulp mill itself, or as a substitute for fossil-based methanol in the transport sector (biodiesel) and as a chemical base substance. The ANDRITZ delivery to Södra included proprietary process design and full EPC delivery, excluding automation, instrumentation, electrification and civil works.

The A-Recovery+ concept from ANDRITZ delivers commercial grade biomethanol by using a patented extraction process. It offers next-generation solutions for the chemical recovery cycle of pulp mills, with the target of utilizing the pulp mill side streams to the maximum extent possible. In addition to biomethanol production, A-Recovery+ also produces sulfuric acid from odorous gases and recovers lignin for the production of high-quality lignin to be used in advanced bioproducts.

With this first ever fossil-free biomethanol plant worldwide, ANDRITZ is strongly supporting Södra’s ambitions to make its operations entirely fossil-free and be climate-positive by the end of this decade. To achieve this aim, Södra is aiming at eliminating fossil fuel use throughout its operations and producing innovative products that replace fossil-based raw materials.

ANDRITZ GROUP

International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems and services for the pulp and paper industry, the hydropower sector, the metals processing and forming industry, solid/liquid separation in the municipal and industrial sectors, as well as animal feed and biomass pelleting. The global product and service portfolio is rounded off with plants for power generation, recycling, the production of nonwovens and panelboard, as well as automation and digital solutions offered under the brand name of Metris. The publicly listed group today has around 29,500 employees and more than 280 locations in over 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER

ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides equipment, systems, complete plants and services for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on maximum utilization of raw materials, increased production efficiency and sustainability as well as lower overall operating costs. Boilers for power production, flue gas cleaning plants, plants for the production of nonwovens and panelboard (MDF), as well as recycling and shredding solutions for various waste materials also form a part of this business area.

 
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ORNSKOLDSVIK, Sweden, March 9, 2020 (Press Release) -A new demo plant in Örnsköldsvik will be the first in the world to produce a 2G platform for sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials, coined GOLDILOCKS, from pulp and paper industry residues. The plant will be built by the Swedish chemical and clean tech company Sekab together with the Dutch oil company Vertoro.

“We need to break dependence on fossil oil and with our technology we can use renewable raw materials to replace crude oil based products. This European cooperation is an important step in the development of a fossil-free society,” says Tomas Nilsson, CEO of Sekab.

Sekab and Vertoro have begun the construction of a demonstration facility in Örnsköldsvik. In the plant, biomass, lignin or residues from the paper and pulp and forestry industry will be converted into Goldilocks, a proprietary blend of ethanol and soluble lignin oligomers, which is unique in the world. In existing plants, only one type of biofuel can be produced, while bio-based crude oil can be refined into a variety of biofuels, chemicals and materials in already existing oil refineries and petrochemical plants.

Production is expected to start in about a year and deliver biofuel to the shipping sector as a first off take for this lignin ethanol oil product.

“Shipping today consumes over 300 million tons of fossil fuels per annum, which produce large climate-impacting emissions. That’s why we are starting with shipping, but the same technology can be used to produce biofuels for both aviation and cars, as well as bio-based chemicals” says Adnan Cavka, Chief Technology and Business Development Officer at Sekab.

Shipping accounts for 2-3% of total greenhouse gas emissions globally. If left unchecked this number would grow to 15% of global emissions by 2050. Considered to be one of the UN’s ‘hard to abate’ sectors, transitioning away from fossil fuels will require scale, investment, and inexpensive low-carbon solutions. Today about 90 percent of Swedish imports and exports are currently transported via shipping.

“Global challenges require global solutions. In this collaboration, two European companies join forces to drive a green revolution in the world by developing a cost-effective platform to produce sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, chemicals and materials.”, says Michael Boot, CEO of Vertoro.

Sekab and Vertoro to build large-scale demo plant to produce first 2G platform for sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials in Sweden

Posted in: Chemicals 03/10/2020 - 04:55

ORNSKOLDSVIK, Sweden, March 9, 2020 (Press Release) -A new demo plant in Örnsköldsvik will be the first in the world to produce a 2G platform for sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials, coined GOLDILOCKS, from pulp and paper industry residues. The plant will be built by the Swedish chemical and clean tech company Sekab together with the Dutch oil company Vertoro.

“We need to break dependence on fossil oil and with our technology we can use renewable raw materials to replace crude oil based products. This European cooperation is an important step in the development of a fossil-free society,” says Tomas Nilsson, CEO of Sekab.

Sekab and Vertoro have begun the construction of a demonstration facility in Örnsköldsvik. In the plant, biomass, lignin or residues from the paper and pulp and forestry industry will be converted into Goldilocks, a proprietary blend of ethanol and soluble lignin oligomers, which is unique in the world. In existing plants, only one type of biofuel can be produced, while bio-based crude oil can be refined into a variety of biofuels, chemicals and materials in already existing oil refineries and petrochemical plants.

Production is expected to start in about a year and deliver biofuel to the shipping sector as a first off take for this lignin ethanol oil product.

“Shipping today consumes over 300 million tons of fossil fuels per annum, which produce large climate-impacting emissions. That’s why we are starting with shipping, but the same technology can be used to produce biofuels for both aviation and cars, as well as bio-based chemicals” says Adnan Cavka, Chief Technology and Business Development Officer at Sekab.

Shipping accounts for 2-3% of total greenhouse gas emissions globally. If left unchecked this number would grow to 15% of global emissions by 2050. Considered to be one of the UN’s ‘hard to abate’ sectors, transitioning away from fossil fuels will require scale, investment, and inexpensive low-carbon solutions. Today about 90 percent of Swedish imports and exports are currently transported via shipping.

“Global challenges require global solutions. In this collaboration, two European companies join forces to drive a green revolution in the world by developing a cost-effective platform to produce sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, chemicals and materials.”, says Michael Boot, CEO of Vertoro.

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WILMINGTON, DE, March 2, 2020 (Press Release) -Effective February 28, 2020, Solenis signed an agreement to acquire the paper business of ChemSystems, a division of AECI Ltd. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2020.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, ChemSystems produces and supplies specialized chemical solutions for water intensive industries, including the pulp, paper and tissue manufacturing industries in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Until this acquisition, the business was Solenis’ pulp and paper specialty chemical distributor in Africa.

“This is an excellent opportunity to continue to consolidate our channel to market after the recent successful merger of BASF’s Paper and Water Chemicals business with Solenis.” said John Panichella, president and CEO, Solenis. “We have had an exceptional working relationship with ChemSystems for many years and this acquisition will allow Solenis to directly provide value to pulp, paper and tissue markets in South Africa.”

Mark Dytor, Chief Executive, AECI added, “Through ChemSystems, we have partnered with South Africa’s pulp and paper customers for many years.  Excellent relationships have been developed and I am certain that these will be enhanced further by Solenis.”

 About Solenis:

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, paper, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of process, functional and water treatment chemistries as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets and minimize environmental impact. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 40 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of approximately 5,200 professionals in 120 countries across five continents.

 

Solenis signs agreement to acquire paper business of AECI'sChemSystems division

Posted in: Chemicals 03/02/2020 - 07:04

WILMINGTON, DE, March 2, 2020 (Press Release) -Effective February 28, 2020, Solenis signed an agreement to acquire the paper business of ChemSystems, a division of AECI Ltd. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2020.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, ChemSystems produces and supplies specialized chemical solutions for water intensive industries, including the pulp, paper and tissue manufacturing industries in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Until this acquisition, the business was Solenis’ pulp and paper specialty chemical distributor in Africa.

“This is an excellent opportunity to continue to consolidate our channel to market after the recent successful merger of BASF’s Paper and Water Chemicals business with Solenis.” said John Panichella, president and CEO, Solenis. “We have had an exceptional working relationship with ChemSystems for many years and this acquisition will allow Solenis to directly provide value to pulp, paper and tissue markets in South Africa.”

Mark Dytor, Chief Executive, AECI added, “Through ChemSystems, we have partnered with South Africa’s pulp and paper customers for many years.  Excellent relationships have been developed and I am certain that these will be enhanced further by Solenis.”

 About Solenis:

Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, paper, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of process, functional and water treatment chemistries as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets and minimize environmental impact. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 40 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of approximately 5,200 professionals in 120 countries across five continents.

 
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    LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany, March 2, 2020 (Press Release) -
  • Increasing resource efficiency and the use of alternative feedstocks in production
  • Providing additional benefits during the use phase
  • Enabling circularity at the end of service life

At interpack 2020, which is being held in Düsseldorf from May 7 to 13, BASF experts and specialists from BTC Europe, BASF’s European distribution organization, will present a wide range of plastics, dispersions for adhesives as well as resins and additives for printing inks and barrier coatings in hall 10, booth B43. Solutions focus on the entire life cycle of the packaging products, from production and use to recovery options at the end of their service life. They reduce the environmental footprint while remaining economically and socially viable.

Smart use of resources during production

In terms of production, the focus is on achieving process efficiency, product effectiveness and reduced emissions through the use of alternative feedstocks. BASF is planning to showcase products made from bio-based raw materials obtained from responsible sources as well as products made from recycled plastic waste. The use of alternative feedstock helps conserve fossil fuels, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and diversifies the product range. In addition, the mass balance approach ensures that more raw materials from organic waste and vegetable oils or plastic waste are used within BASF’s Verbund production system.

Alternative feedstock is added at the very beginning of the Verbund production system and then allocated to the respective sales products using an independently certified method. The products are of the same quality and properties. Another showcased solution to reduce emissions are BASF’s water-based technologies. As an alternative to solvent-based technologies they improve occupational health and safety while reducing the CO2 footprint.

Added benefits during the use phase

During their use phase, packaging solutions have to ensure safe handling and reliably preserve the quality of the packaged goods. BASF solutions provide added benefits such as lower packaging weight, which reduces the amount of resources used and packaging waste generated. In addition, BASF materials maintain the safety and extended shelf life of packaged goods, an important factor for sensitive applications such as the packaging of fresh foods. At the same time, this helps to reduce food waste.

Tackling the end-of-life-challenges of packaging

At the end of its service life, the most appropriate recovery option should be chosen to manage packaging waste to keep it from being sent to landfills or incineration facilities. BASF will be exhibiting solutions for the chemical, mechanical and organic recycling of packaging products. BASF’s project ChemCycling focuses on chemical recycling to provide virgin-grade material based on recycled plastic waste, allowing the high-value recovery also for plastics for which there are currently no other recycling solutions or capacities are lacking. In terms of mechanical recycling solutions, BASF has developed special adhesives for flexible packaging that facilitate the separation of multi-layer structures. Furthermore, certified compostable materials make organic waste easier to collect and to recycle in large quantities. This counteracts the inefficiency and the greenhouse gases emitted by other disposal ways for organic waste. At the same time, high-quality compost or organic feedstock is produced that can be used for new products.

Read on for more information about specific products and innovations that BASF will present at interpack 2020.

New Ultradur grades for thermoforming and injection-molding applications with tailor-made property profiles

The world’s first thermoformable PBT Ultradur B6560 M2 FC TF combines all the characteristics of the Ultradur family while additionally providing excellent oxygen, water vapor and aroma barrier properties. Polymer chains are branched through the addition of special additives, creating a material with very high melt strength that can be processed by extrusion. The monomaterial product is thus the perfect choice for the extrusion of films, the thermoforming of packaging as well as for high temperature applications. Its excellent processability was confirmed by ILLIG Maschinenbau, a leading global supplier of thermoforming and mold systems for thermoplastics. Ultradur B6560 M2 FC TF offers good mechanical properties, is easy to color and can even be used for foaming. It allows the recirculation of the processing waste into the production chain, thereby minimizing the total amount of plastic waste generated during production.

Ultradur B1520 FC R1 is a high-flowability PBT that was specially developed for injection-molded packaging applications. The material has been certified for food- contact applications and can therefore be used for thin-walled packaging for cosmetics and food products. It is the product of choice for single-layer, aroma- sealed packaging. Secondary packaging is made redundant by Ultradur B1520 FC R1’s well-balanced barrier properties against moisture and oxygen. The packaging can also be very thin, which is a prerequisite for economic and ecological production. Therefore, Ultradur B1520 FC R1 means: less resources, less packaging waste.

Ultramid Flex F38L: A partly bio-based copolyamide with outstanding properties

Ultramid Flex F38L is a partly bio-based copolyamide with outstanding properties that cannot be achieved by conventional polyamides. Thanks to its softness and transparency even at lower temperatures, Ultramid Flex F38L is ideally suited for soft packaging, like soft vacuum and shrink bags. During production, Ultramid Flex F38L is soft without conditioning immediately after processing and absorbs 50% less water than polyamide 6. As its O2/CO2 transmission ratio differs from that of other polyamides, this grade is ideally suited for manufacturing cheese ripening bags. Ultramid Flex F38L is one of BASF´s contributions for the production of sustainable packaging. Locally grown rapeseed oil makes up about one-third of the raw materials used to produce the monomer.

Ultramid Ccycled preC 3: Introducing a family of polyamide 6 extrusion resins made from 100% recycled pre-consumer waste

In response to customer requests for a wider range of materials with recycled content, BASF is introducing polyamide 6 extrusion grades sourced from recycled pre-consumer waste. These materials are obtained from production and process waste generated during the polyamide production at BASF and are broken down in a separate process to the level of the monomers of polyamide 6. This monomer can replace virgin monomer, thereby saving primary fossil raw materials and reducing CO2 emissions to levels below those emitted during incineration or landfilling. The mass balance approach is applied in the production of Ultramid Ccycled preC 3. This approach ensures that the recycling grade is of the same quality as that of virgin materials. The recycling materials are certified by an independent third-party organization.

Styropor: Increasing recycled content with ChemCycling products

With its ChemCycling project, BASF is taking an important step towards achieving a circular economy. Plastic waste that is not recycled mechanically can be broken down into its molecules and used as raw materials for sophisticated applications. During the pilot phase, Styropor P Ccycled was even used for transport boxes for fresh fish, insulated packaging for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and protective packaging for electronic devices. “These prototypes show that chemical recycling is able to produce virgin-quality material and, at the same time, facilitates the recycling of such materials as mixed plastic waste or other contaminated plastics that cannot be recycled mechanically for technical or economic reasons. Together with mechanical recycling, chemical recycling can also help to close the materials cycle and can contribute to increasing the number of high-performance products based on recycled raw materials,” says Klaus Ries, Vice President Business Management Styrenics at BASF.

Certified compostable biopolymers for cling film and paper coatings

The certified compostable plastic ecovio can now also be used to manufacture cling films for the packaging of fresh foods. BASF will be presenting the first certified compostable cling film that combines optimal breathability, which extends the shelf life of fresh foods, with high transparency and excellent mechanical properties for automatic packaging. Meat, seafood as well as fruit and vegetables can be wrapped manually or using automatic packaging equipment. Industrial stretch packaging is also possible. After usage, the cling film can be composted together with any food waste either in home compost or industrial compost facilities according to national legislation. The cling film thus enables organic recycling and helps close the nutrient loop to achieve a circular economy.

The biopolymer ecovio can also be used for the coating of cups, plates and trays made of paper, cardboard or recycled paper. The grade ecovio PS 1606 is suited for applications in contact with hot, cold or fatty foods because of its excellent barrier properties. It is certified compostable in industrial composting facilities (EN 13432). Therefore, after consulting the local community waste management, the food service articles can be composted together with leftover food as organic waste. Thus, ecovio facilitates and increases the collection and recycling of food waste at public events.

Flexible packaging solutions with water-based Epotal adhesives

BASF’s water-based Epotal lamination adhesives are a sustainable alternative to solvent-based and solvent-less products. They represent a reliable option for manufacturers of flexible packaging on all performance levels. Their high initial bonding strength enables the immediate further processing of the laminates. Curing times are minimal, which means increased flexibility for the customer by significantly shortening lead times and enabling in-line printing and lamination. Due to their chemical composition, water-based adhesives are inherently safe systems and well suited for food packaging applications.

The Epotal portfolio also tackles the end-of-life challenges for flexible packaging. Epotal adhesives facilitate the recycling of multi-layer packaging materials by making the single layers of a packaging film easy to separate from each other within the recycling process. To achieve fully compostable packaging, Epotal Eco adhesives can be combined with paper, BASF’s biopolymer ecovio or other compostable polymers. The Epotal BLX line provides the means to create barrier coatings or adhesives for highly functional mono-material packaging, thereby facilitating the recovery and reuse of materials from plastic waste.

Customers can test these new water-based systems at BASF’s Adhesive Coating Center in Ludwigshafen to find the perfect solution for their individual coating challenges.

Solutions for packaging inks and barrier coatings with water-based Joncryl resins

BASF’s comprehensive resins portfolio meets even the most stringent formulation requirements of ink, ink-receptive coating and overprint varnish manufacturers. The Joncryl FLX portfolio has become established as the reference standard for resins used in water-based film printing inks. Combining excellent resistance and lamination bond strength with high resolubility, the performance of these water- based resins is similar to that of their solvent-based counterparts for printers and converters of flexible packaging. BASF’s Joncryl HSL product line offers a range of options for heat seal lacquers for various applications, providing secure seal and smooth peeling behavior. The Joncryl MB portfolio was developed as part of BASF’s biomass balance approach for water-based binders and helps to achieve significant savings in CO2 emissions without having to compromise on quality or performance.

BASF’s Joncryl HPB technology provides formulators with water-based polymers that are used in coatings for recyclable functionalized paper and paper board packaging solutions. These solutions include the Joncryl HPB system for recyclable, repulpable coatings that not only offer the same level of water resistance and heat sealability properties as current polyethylene extrusion coating layers but have also been approved for food contact. In digital printing, the Joncryl DPS portfolio includes a range of high-quality raw materials for water-based inkjet ink.

About BTC Europe

BTC Europe belongs to the world’s leading chemical group, BASF – We create chemistry. BTC Europe GmbH is BASF’s European sales organization for specialty chemicals. Our strengths lie in our knowledge of the industry, based on many years of experience, and our proximity to our customers. With its 11 regional offices and more than 500 employees in Europe, BTC supplies small and medium-sized customers from a wide variety of industries with about 6,000 products. BTC is headquartered in Monheim am Rhein.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 117,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2019. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S.

 

BASF to showcase solutions for entire packaging lifecycle at interpack 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany from May 7-13

Posted in: Chemicals 03/02/2020 - 04:30
    LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany, March 2, 2020 (Press Release) -
  • Increasing resource efficiency and the use of alternative feedstocks in production
  • Providing additional benefits during the use phase
  • Enabling circularity at the end of service life

At interpack 2020, which is being held in Düsseldorf from May 7 to 13, BASF experts and specialists from BTC Europe, BASF’s European distribution organization, will present a wide range of plastics, dispersions for adhesives as well as resins and additives for printing inks and barrier coatings in hall 10, booth B43. Solutions focus on the entire life cycle of the packaging products, from production and use to recovery options at the end of their service life. They reduce the environmental footprint while remaining economically and socially viable.

Smart use of resources during production

In terms of production, the focus is on achieving process efficiency, product effectiveness and reduced emissions through the use of alternative feedstocks. BASF is planning to showcase products made from bio-based raw materials obtained from responsible sources as well as products made from recycled plastic waste. The use of alternative feedstock helps conserve fossil fuels, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and diversifies the product range. In addition, the mass balance approach ensures that more raw materials from organic waste and vegetable oils or plastic waste are used within BASF’s Verbund production system.

Alternative feedstock is added at the very beginning of the Verbund production system and then allocated to the respective sales products using an independently certified method. The products are of the same quality and properties. Another showcased solution to reduce emissions are BASF’s water-based technologies. As an alternative to solvent-based technologies they improve occupational health and safety while reducing the CO2 footprint.

Added benefits during the use phase

During their use phase, packaging solutions have to ensure safe handling and reliably preserve the quality of the packaged goods. BASF solutions provide added benefits such as lower packaging weight, which reduces the amount of resources used and packaging waste generated. In addition, BASF materials maintain the safety and extended shelf life of packaged goods, an important factor for sensitive applications such as the packaging of fresh foods. At the same time, this helps to reduce food waste.

Tackling the end-of-life-challenges of packaging

At the end of its service life, the most appropriate recovery option should be chosen to manage packaging waste to keep it from being sent to landfills or incineration facilities. BASF will be exhibiting solutions for the chemical, mechanical and organic recycling of packaging products. BASF’s project ChemCycling focuses on chemical recycling to provide virgin-grade material based on recycled plastic waste, allowing the high-value recovery also for plastics for which there are currently no other recycling solutions or capacities are lacking. In terms of mechanical recycling solutions, BASF has developed special adhesives for flexible packaging that facilitate the separation of multi-layer structures. Furthermore, certified compostable materials make organic waste easier to collect and to recycle in large quantities. This counteracts the inefficiency and the greenhouse gases emitted by other disposal ways for organic waste. At the same time, high-quality compost or organic feedstock is produced that can be used for new products.

Read on for more information about specific products and innovations that BASF will present at interpack 2020.

New Ultradur grades for thermoforming and injection-molding applications with tailor-made property profiles

The world’s first thermoformable PBT Ultradur B6560 M2 FC TF combines all the characteristics of the Ultradur family while additionally providing excellent oxygen, water vapor and aroma barrier properties. Polymer chains are branched through the addition of special additives, creating a material with very high melt strength that can be processed by extrusion. The monomaterial product is thus the perfect choice for the extrusion of films, the thermoforming of packaging as well as for high temperature applications. Its excellent processability was confirmed by ILLIG Maschinenbau, a leading global supplier of thermoforming and mold systems for thermoplastics. Ultradur B6560 M2 FC TF offers good mechanical properties, is easy to color and can even be used for foaming. It allows the recirculation of the processing waste into the production chain, thereby minimizing the total amount of plastic waste generated during production.

Ultradur B1520 FC R1 is a high-flowability PBT that was specially developed for injection-molded packaging applications. The material has been certified for food- contact applications and can therefore be used for thin-walled packaging for cosmetics and food products. It is the product of choice for single-layer, aroma- sealed packaging. Secondary packaging is made redundant by Ultradur B1520 FC R1’s well-balanced barrier properties against moisture and oxygen. The packaging can also be very thin, which is a prerequisite for economic and ecological production. Therefore, Ultradur B1520 FC R1 means: less resources, less packaging waste.

Ultramid Flex F38L: A partly bio-based copolyamide with outstanding properties

Ultramid Flex F38L is a partly bio-based copolyamide with outstanding properties that cannot be achieved by conventional polyamides. Thanks to its softness and transparency even at lower temperatures, Ultramid Flex F38L is ideally suited for soft packaging, like soft vacuum and shrink bags. During production, Ultramid Flex F38L is soft without conditioning immediately after processing and absorbs 50% less water than polyamide 6. As its O2/CO2 transmission ratio differs from that of other polyamides, this grade is ideally suited for manufacturing cheese ripening bags. Ultramid Flex F38L is one of BASF´s contributions for the production of sustainable packaging. Locally grown rapeseed oil makes up about one-third of the raw materials used to produce the monomer.

Ultramid Ccycled preC 3: Introducing a family of polyamide 6 extrusion resins made from 100% recycled pre-consumer waste

In response to customer requests for a wider range of materials with recycled content, BASF is introducing polyamide 6 extrusion grades sourced from recycled pre-consumer waste. These materials are obtained from production and process waste generated during the polyamide production at BASF and are broken down in a separate process to the level of the monomers of polyamide 6. This monomer can replace virgin monomer, thereby saving primary fossil raw materials and reducing CO2 emissions to levels below those emitted during incineration or landfilling. The mass balance approach is applied in the production of Ultramid Ccycled preC 3. This approach ensures that the recycling grade is of the same quality as that of virgin materials. The recycling materials are certified by an independent third-party organization.

Styropor: Increasing recycled content with ChemCycling products

With its ChemCycling project, BASF is taking an important step towards achieving a circular economy. Plastic waste that is not recycled mechanically can be broken down into its molecules and used as raw materials for sophisticated applications. During the pilot phase, Styropor P Ccycled was even used for transport boxes for fresh fish, insulated packaging for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and protective packaging for electronic devices. “These prototypes show that chemical recycling is able to produce virgin-quality material and, at the same time, facilitates the recycling of such materials as mixed plastic waste or other contaminated plastics that cannot be recycled mechanically for technical or economic reasons. Together with mechanical recycling, chemical recycling can also help to close the materials cycle and can contribute to increasing the number of high-performance products based on recycled raw materials,” says Klaus Ries, Vice President Business Management Styrenics at BASF.

Certified compostable biopolymers for cling film and paper coatings

The certified compostable plastic ecovio can now also be used to manufacture cling films for the packaging of fresh foods. BASF will be presenting the first certified compostable cling film that combines optimal breathability, which extends the shelf life of fresh foods, with high transparency and excellent mechanical properties for automatic packaging. Meat, seafood as well as fruit and vegetables can be wrapped manually or using automatic packaging equipment. Industrial stretch packaging is also possible. After usage, the cling film can be composted together with any food waste either in home compost or industrial compost facilities according to national legislation. The cling film thus enables organic recycling and helps close the nutrient loop to achieve a circular economy.

The biopolymer ecovio can also be used for the coating of cups, plates and trays made of paper, cardboard or recycled paper. The grade ecovio PS 1606 is suited for applications in contact with hot, cold or fatty foods because of its excellent barrier properties. It is certified compostable in industrial composting facilities (EN 13432). Therefore, after consulting the local community waste management, the food service articles can be composted together with leftover food as organic waste. Thus, ecovio facilitates and increases the collection and recycling of food waste at public events.

Flexible packaging solutions with water-based Epotal adhesives

BASF’s water-based Epotal lamination adhesives are a sustainable alternative to solvent-based and solvent-less products. They represent a reliable option for manufacturers of flexible packaging on all performance levels. Their high initial bonding strength enables the immediate further processing of the laminates. Curing times are minimal, which means increased flexibility for the customer by significantly shortening lead times and enabling in-line printing and lamination. Due to their chemical composition, water-based adhesives are inherently safe systems and well suited for food packaging applications.

The Epotal portfolio also tackles the end-of-life challenges for flexible packaging. Epotal adhesives facilitate the recycling of multi-layer packaging materials by making the single layers of a packaging film easy to separate from each other within the recycling process. To achieve fully compostable packaging, Epotal Eco adhesives can be combined with paper, BASF’s biopolymer ecovio or other compostable polymers. The Epotal BLX line provides the means to create barrier coatings or adhesives for highly functional mono-material packaging, thereby facilitating the recovery and reuse of materials from plastic waste.

Customers can test these new water-based systems at BASF’s Adhesive Coating Center in Ludwigshafen to find the perfect solution for their individual coating challenges.

Solutions for packaging inks and barrier coatings with water-based Joncryl resins

BASF’s comprehensive resins portfolio meets even the most stringent formulation requirements of ink, ink-receptive coating and overprint varnish manufacturers. The Joncryl FLX portfolio has become established as the reference standard for resins used in water-based film printing inks. Combining excellent resistance and lamination bond strength with high resolubility, the performance of these water- based resins is similar to that of their solvent-based counterparts for printers and converters of flexible packaging. BASF’s Joncryl HSL product line offers a range of options for heat seal lacquers for various applications, providing secure seal and smooth peeling behavior. The Joncryl MB portfolio was developed as part of BASF’s biomass balance approach for water-based binders and helps to achieve significant savings in CO2 emissions without having to compromise on quality or performance.

BASF’s Joncryl HPB technology provides formulators with water-based polymers that are used in coatings for recyclable functionalized paper and paper board packaging solutions. These solutions include the Joncryl HPB system for recyclable, repulpable coatings that not only offer the same level of water resistance and heat sealability properties as current polyethylene extrusion coating layers but have also been approved for food contact. In digital printing, the Joncryl DPS portfolio includes a range of high-quality raw materials for water-based inkjet ink.

About BTC Europe

BTC Europe belongs to the world’s leading chemical group, BASF – We create chemistry. BTC Europe GmbH is BASF’s European sales organization for specialty chemicals. Our strengths lie in our knowledge of the industry, based on many years of experience, and our proximity to our customers. With its 11 regional offices and more than 500 employees in Europe, BTC supplies small and medium-sized customers from a wide variety of industries with about 6,000 products. BTC is headquartered in Monheim am Rhein.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 117,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2019. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S.

 
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