{"pages":{"page":[{"@ID":39
"PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 37 BOTTLES PETbottles Home + Personal Care Refill requires a rethink Sustainability also requires some manufacturers to adapt their existing guidelines with regard to product protection. For example, L’Oreal had to revise the bottles and caps of existing products when it introduced refill pouches. In order to make refilling possible in the first place, the bottle neck and the bruised hinged cap had to be adapted and redesigned. The cap must be designed to be removable and reattachable - previously this was almost impossible due to tampering. To refill, the closure is now turned sideways by approx. 45 degrees, which releases the latches. After opening the pouch with the filling aid in the centre and inserting the contents into the bottle, the cap can be replaced with light pressure. The pouch saves approx. 60% plastic. www.loreal-paris.de New bottle shape for Nivea Beiersdorf has revised the product formula and packaging for Nivea Men 3 in 1 shower gels and put them on the shelves. The bottle body is made of PET or PE and is made from 96 or 97% recycled material. The shape of the bottle has been changed and is now designed to improve handling - also as an upside-down bottle for faster application with reduced fill level. The product itself is claimed to be 99% biodegradable and to be free from microplastics. A two-colour hinged lid adapted to the shape enables easy dosing and tight resealing. www.nivea.de Summer feeling in the shower Just in time for the end of the cold season and the start of spring, the German company Vendoleo has brought a touch of summer feeling to the market under the ‘treaclemoon’ brand. Treaclemoon manufactures shower, bath, spa and skincare products with that certain something. Fans of that summer feeling can now buy a shower cream with the scent of strawberry ice cream that gives a foretaste of summer. The vegan product is free from microplastics and synthetic polymers. The transparent bottle is decorated with a transparent sleeeve label, contains 375 ml of shower cream and a hinged lid with a dispensing opening completes the summery, fragrant range. www.treaclemoon.de Colourful catches the eye In the mouthwash market, there are two marketing directions: transparent and coloured product or clinically clean, mostly pure, clean design in a white bottle. The American brand ‘The Breath Co.’, available from various international retailers, takes a different approach. The two mouthwashes are available in two shiny metallic signal colours - green for a mild and blue for an intense mint flavour. Both bottles, each containing 300ml, are decorated with a wrap-around belly label and are sealed with an orange-coloured screw cap, which also serves as a dosing aid. A sealing membrane must be removed from the opening of the container before first use. www.thebreathco.eu"},{"@ID":3
"No.05 2025 www.petpla.net D 51178; ISSN: 1438-9452 PETplanet is read in 159 countries Suppliers of preforms & preform inspection systems MARKETsurvey M A G A Z I N E F O R B O T T L E R S A N D B O T T L E - M A K E R S I N T H E A M E R I C A S , A S I A , E U R O P E A N D A L L A R O U N D T H E P L A N E T 19 . 05 . 25 Page 23 COMPRESSORS Page 27 EDITOUR Page 10 Page 16 AI"},{"@ID":25
"MARKET SURVEY 23 PETplanet Insider Vol. 25 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 05/2025 MARKETsurvey Suppliers of preforms & preform inspection systems In this issue, PETplanet’s focus is on new developments in preforms and preform inspection systems. We are very proud to present the brand-new data from the following preform producers and preform inspection system manufacturers: Intravis GmbH, IMD Ltd, Pressco Technology Inc, Sacmi Imola, SGT Group, Retal Industries Ltd, PDG Plastiques and Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG. Although the publishers have made every eff ort to ensure that the information in this survey is up to date, no claims are made regarding completeness or accuracy. Resins & additives Cap manufacturer & cap inspection Cap systems & cap moulds Preform production & inspection Preform systems & moulds Two stage SBM machinery Filling equipment Compressors Shrinkfilm & palletising machinery Recycling machinery Preforms Company name PDG Plastiques SGT Group Retal Industries LTD Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG Postal address Telephone number Web site address Contact name Function Direct telephone number E-mail ZI secteur 2, 45330 Malesherbes, France +33 238 3461 95 www.pdg-plastiques.com Mr Francois Desfretier General Manager +33 238 3461 95 [email protected] 3 Rue de l’Île Macé 44412 Rezé, France +33 2 40 05 09 37 www.sgt-pet.com Mr Pierre-Henri Jany Sales Manager +33 2 40 05 09 37 [email protected] Epimitheos St. 6, Ind. Area A, Limassol, 3056, Cyprus +357 25 270 500 www.retalgroup.com Mr Fuat Karaev Global Sales Director +357 25 270 500 [email protected] Mockenstraße 34 6971 Hard, Austria +43 5574 602 0 www.alpla.com Mr Daniel Lehner Global Sales Director Food & Beverage +43 5574 602 0 [email protected] Preforms Multilayer preforms (Yes/No) No Yes Yes Yes PEN prefoms (Yes/No) No No No No Preforms in alternative materials (PP/PLA/PEF) Which? BioPET and PP Yes, BioPET and PEF applicable Information available upon request Preforms incorporating rPET (rPET content in %) Yes up to 100% from 1%-100% (according to customer requests) SGT also proposes to incorporate its own made and food grade rPET: CIRPET Yes, rPET content 10 - 100% Yes, on request List of additives available Prelactia 100% light barrier for UHT sterilised long shelf-life milk, oxygen, UV, CO2 barriers Colours & barrier technologies: UV blocker, AA reducer, O2 scavenger, CO2 scavenger, reheat additive, white colour for UHT milk, slip agent O2 scavanger (example- Amosorb) AA reducers; slip agent; UV blockers; brighteners; nylon; Polyshield All customary additives Preform range Coloured preforms, 29/25 shorty: 8-29.5g; 30/25 high: 17.5-50g; 26/22 vs 30-40:12-35g, vs 30-37: 9.5-34g; 38mm 3 start: 14-65g; Prelactia 38mm 3 start: 17-38 g; 48/40: 47-62g; 21/29: 20-26.5g; 27/32: 6.5g dairy and smoothies; 25/20: 6.5-8g dairy; PCO 1810: 20-33.6g; PCO 1881: 18.5- 27 - 30-32-36.5-51g; 29/23: 24-33g chemical; BVS 30H60: 50g wine (high oxygen barrier); 22H30: 19g wine (high oxygen barrier); 87g Ø29 Crown - sparkling wine Ø63: 372-485g; ultra-lightweighting 2.4g preform; standard and specifi c preforms for mineral water, dairy, juice, CSD etc.; overmoulding technology for 2-layer preforms; Preblow and Mint-Tec technology for lightweigthing bottles. Selection from the SGT portfolio: 27/31: 36-66g; 27/32: 25,10- 50,10g; 55mm for 5 gallons (refi llable application):450 - 650g; 30/25 high neck & low neck:13-44g; 30/25 BB light: 22.50-28g; 29/25 (without step) 9.3-35.8g; 29/25: 9.5-36g; 28 PCO 1810:16-52.5g; PCO 1881:14.50-50g; PCO 1881M: 13-17.50g; 26/22:17-30g; 28 BPF:20.5-53g. Around 800 different preform designs with different weight (9.7 - 485g) and neck (PCO 1881, PCO1810, 26/21, 26/22GME30.37, 26/22GME30.40, BPF, 28/410, 29/21, 29/25, 30/25, 38mm etc.) Reusable preform solutions for various neck versions; softdrink preform: 0.25-2.5 l, various neck versions; water preform: 0.25-19 l, various neck versions; edible oil preform: 0.5-10 l; milk & juice preform: 2-start, 3-start, various neck versions; preforms for personal care, home care, lubricants with various neck versions."},{"@ID":26
"MARKET SURVEY 24 PETplanet Insider Vol. 25 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net Preform inspection Company name Intravis GmbH Postal address Telephone number Website address Contact name Function Direct telephone number E-Mail Rotter Bruch 26a, 52068 Aachen, Germany +49 241 9126 0 www.intravis.com Mr Denis Fette Product Manager Preforms +49 241 9126 0 [email protected] Preform inspection systems PreWatcher Offline PreWatcher Inline Sample-PreWatcher PreMon Inspection speed Up to 100,000 objects/hour with 18 cameras Up to 72,000 objects / hour with 8 cameras Up to 1,200 objects/hour with weight check Up to 128,000 objects/hour with 5 cameras Inspected parameters: Geometry / Body Contamination, short shots, length, diameter, shape, unmelted material, oil & water marks, burn spots, scratches, opacity, crystallisation, streaks, bubbles, colour and colour deviations, barrier, stress test with polarised light Contamination, short shots, length, diameter, shape, unmelted material, oil & water marks, burn spots, scratches, opacity, crystallisation, streaks, bubbles, colour and colour deviations Contamination, short shots, length, diameter, shape, unmelted material, oil & water marks, burn spots, wall thickness, inner wall damage, core shift, scratches, opacity, crystallisation, streaks, stress test with polarised light, bubbles, colour and colour deviations, barrier Colour and colour deviations, contamination, unmelted material, oil, burn spots, opacity, yellowness Thread area Contamination, thread dimensions, defects at the neck support ring, fl ash, pulled thread Contamination, thread dimensions, defects at the neck support ring, fl ash, pulled thread Contamination, thread dimensions, defects at the neck support ring, fl ash, pulled thread, tactile inspection of inner wall diameter Mouth / Sealing surface Diameter, ovality, short shots, fl ash, scratches and notches on the sealing surface, defects at the neck support ring, contamination Diameter, ovality, short shots, fl ash, scratches and notches on the sealing surface, contamination Diameter, ovality, short shots, fl ash, scratches and notches on the sealing surface, inner mouth wall inspection, contamination Short shots, scratches/notches, contamination Gate / Dome Contamination, grooves, holes, cracks, crystallisation, postitioning of injection point, unmelted material, gate length, gate deformation, stringing Contamination, grooves, holes, cracks, crystallisation, postitioning of injection point, unmelted material, gate length, gate deformation, stringing Contamination, grooves, holes, cracks, crystallisation, postitioning of injection point, unmelted material, gate length, gate deformation, stringing, wall thickness Length of injection point, contamination Colour Colour and intensity deviations (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*), presence of UV blocker, presence of barrier, presence of IR absorber (reheater) Colour and intensity deviations (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*), presence of UV blocker, presence of barrier, presence of IR absorber (reheater) Colour and intensity deviations (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*), presence of UV blocker, presence of barrier, presence of IR absorber (reheater) Colour and intensity deviations (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*), yellowness Cavity number Cavity number reading, cavity related statistics, preform sorting according to cavity number, powerful cavity reading without need for learning for most fonts, possibility to share information based on cavity number with IMM Cavity number reading, cavity related statistics, preform sorting according to cavity number, powerful cavity reading without need for learning for most fonts, possibility to share information based on cavity number with IMM Cavity number reading, cavity related statistics, preform sorting according to cavity number, enables collection of reference samples, powerful cavity reading without need for learning for most fonts, possibility to share information based on cavity number with IMM Further criteria Precise separation and positioning of preforms due to star wheel separation, second ejector for easy collection of sample preforms, space-saving design on less than 4m², 100%quality control without blind areas, for transparent, translucent and opaque preforms 3-in-1 solution: Combination of sorting, feeding and inspection unit, space-saving design on less than 8m², 100%quality control without blind areas, for transparent, translucent and opaque preforms Precise and extensive measurement of weight and dimension, cavity-correlated information about every detail of the preform, reference sample collection based on defect and/or cavity Comprehensive octabin or time related statistic dashboard, bad part ejection with ejection compensation, high precision through preform orientation, easy reference creation due to PreMon Wizard Measurement of absence or presence of barrier material Yes Yes Yes Layer thickness & position measurement at distinctive points Layer thickness & position measurement at the complete body by scanning Features: Installation: Stand-alone Yes Yes Yes Installation: Inline Yes, but optimised for offl ine Yes, optimised for inline after IMM and before blower and fi ller Yes, sampling Yes, optimised for inline after IMM · Side camera for cavity recognition Yes, 4 cameras Yes, 3 cameras Yes, rollout of the complete thread area · Method: destructive/non destructive Non-destructive Non-destructive Non-destructive Non-destructive · Data base connection Yes, all industry standards supported, ready for Industry 4.0 applications: XLS formats, SQL and several others, connectable to IntraVisualizer, ERP & QMS Yes, all industry standards supported, ready for Industry 4.0 applications: XLS formats, SQL and several others, connectable to IntraVisualizer, ERP & QMS Yes, all industry standards supported, ready for Industry 4.0 applications: XLS formats, SQL and several others, connectable to IntraVisualizer, ERP & QMS Yes, all industry standards supported, ready for Industry 4.0 applications: XLS formats, SQL and several others, connectable to IntraVisualizer, ERP & QMS"},{"@ID":35
"EVENT REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 33 EVENT REVIEW 33 business entities, which will also be responsible for disseminating them and raising awareness among their members. The action seeks to prevent the development and production of poorly designed packaging, which is not used by waste pickers and recyclers and ends up becoming waste that is sent to ordinary landfills. ANCAT will collaborate by identifying, together with its member cooperatives, which are packaging that is less attractive for recycling - and their respective brands - so that solutions can be found to facilitate recycling. “We know that the recyclability of packaging starts with its design, since the characteristics of the body, label and cap directly influence postconsumer reuse. The launch of the new edition of the Guidelines aims to collaborate and alert professionals involved in this phase of the process to the consequences of their choices, even before the packaging reaches the market,” says ABIPET’s executive president, Auri Marçon. Scientific light in the sustainability debate The Census of PET Recycling in Brazil and the relaunch of the Guidelines for the Recyclability of PET Packaging are part of a wide-ranging effort by ABIPET to shed scientific light on the discussion of circularity, sustainability and the environmental impact of packaging. In this regard, the Association had already made available to the market the PET Life Cycle Assessment (PET LCA) study (see PETplanet 3/25), launched at the end of 2024, which shows the environmental advantage of PET over glass, aluminium and steel packaging. For the first time in Brazil, work like this was carried out based on a Life Cycle Inventory, taking into account primary data from the entire production chain in Brazil. It also relied on extensive external technical and scientific validation from the Packaging Technology Center of the Institute of Food Technology (ITAL/CETEA), linked to the São Paulo State Department of Agriculture and Supply, as well as the active participation of ABIR and ABIOVE, in addition to important contributions from companies in these sectors. The data was also subjected to critical review by experts from major Brazilian universities, to ensure that the results for the comparative statements comply with the quality requirements of the ABNT NBR ISSO 14040:2009 and ABNT NBR ISSO 14044:2006 standards. International conference in São Paulo The announcements made by ABIPET were made during the 2025 edition of PETtalk - International Conference of the PET Industry, which on March 24 brough together the most important companies in the PET packaging market, from Brazil and around the world, and some of their most important executives and specialists. The event features market information and lectures focused on innovation, sustainability, trends and news in the sector. PETtalk is internationally recognised as a space for the exchange of up-to-date information and the presentation of the most modern technologies applied by the sector. This edition also features the participation of international associations - the North American NAPCOR and the European Petcore - which provided an insight into the PET packaging market in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the European Community. PETtalk is sponsored by the largest global companies in the sector - Alpek, Amcor, Engepack, Indorama Ventures, Valgroup, Cirklo, Husky, Krones and Polymetrix - as well as by Coca-Cola, one of the largest users of PET packaging for its products, with important projects linked to recycling and ESG practices. The event also has the institutional support of the sector’s main representative bodies. www.abipet.org.br"},{"@ID":15
"EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 13 United Factory for Preforms and Packaging (UFPP) adjusts cost screw for preforms Mastering cost control in a competitive market by Alexander Büchler With a focus on lean management and strategic production planning, Ashok Arumugam, Factory Manager at UFPP ensures the factory’s efficiency, balancing demand fluctuations and optimising capacity to maintain a competitive edge while keeping prices low. Interview with United Factory For Preform And Packaging (UFPP) // September 22, 2024 We met: Ashok Arumugam, Factory Manager “Here in the region, sales are mainly based on price,” reports Mr Ashok Arumugam, Factory Manager. Consequently, he has to move heaven and earth to ensure that the costs do not get out of hand. From lean management to plant utilisation and weight reduction, he is working to keep costs low. The factory was opened in 2017 and went into full production in 2019. Ashok produces the classic water preforms for the region. The secret of his success is to keep costs low in order to offer customers a good price. This also includes lean management, for example. He manages the company with just four group leaders, each responsible for quality and production. Oman has a capacity of 10 million preforms/bottles per day. However, only a maximum of 5 million are needed. In addition, consumption drops significantly during the summer school holidays, as pupils drink from family bottles or dispensers at home rather than taking disposable bottles with them. Ramadan also has an impact on consumption, as devout Muslims do not eat or drink during the day at this time. So Ashok thinks about how he can utilise his production capacity. Due to its favourable pricing, the company exports to Tunisia, Jordan and Bahrain. Now he would also like to deliver to the Emirates. Ashok also restricts itself to longterm orders for cost reasons. Shortterm small batches do not fit into his thought process. He is also considering a product expansion in the form of CSD preforms, even if the market here only accounts for a fraction of still water sales. The CSD preforms are currently imported. To keep costs in check, it is also necessary to reduce the preform weight. He has therefore now developed new preforms that are thinnerwalled but longer. For example, the weight of the 200ml preform can be reduced from 8.22 g to 7.5 g; for the 300ml preform from 10.72 g to 9.98 g. The bottler needs less energy to heat up the new variants. He produces three shades of blue: dark blue for Oyses and two shades of sky blue. The bottles can easily be returned to the recycling cycle with the colours. What is important here in the Gulf States is a low acetaldehyde content, which he keeps in check with scavengers even at the 45 degrees that prevail here in summer. Despite all the discussions about costs, one thing is very important to Ashok. If the customer has problems with their preforms or systems, he is there for them. He goes over to see them and can usually solve the problem. All these products are manufactured on a top-entry Netstal 600 t with Otto Hofstetter 128-cavity mould. In another Netstal system, we find a Z-moulds mould for producing caps for 29/25 standard preforms. Ashok is convinced that these are the best solutions from a technological and economic point of view, even if the purchase costs are higher than those of comparable moulds from other manufacturers. www.ufpp-qatar.com EDITOUR Fl.t.r.: Alexander Büchler and Ashok Arumugam in front of the top-entry Netstal system with Otto Hofstetter moulds View into the Z-Moulds mould Long, thin, light - this is the new preform generation from Ashok"},{"@ID":5
"imprint EDITORIAL PUBLISHER Alexander Büchler, Managing Director HEAD OFFICE heidelberg business media GmbH Hubweg 15 74939 Zuzenhausen, Germany phone: +49 6221-65108-0 [email protected] EDITORIAL Kay Barton Heike Fischer Gabriele Kosmehl Michael Maruschke Ruari McCallion Anthony Withers Editorial & WikiPETia. info [email protected] MEDIA CONSULTANTS Martina Hirschmann [email protected] Johann Lange-Brock [email protected] phone: +49 6221-65108-0 LAYOUT AND PREPRESS EXPRIM Werbeagentur Matthias Gaumann www.exprim.de READER SERVICES [email protected] PRINT Chroma Druck Eine Unternehmung der Limberg-Druck GmbH Danziger Platz 6 67059 Ludwigshafen, Germany WWW www.hbmedia.net | www.petpla.net PETplanet Insider ISSN 1438-9459 is published 10 times a year. This publication is sent to qualified subscribers (1-year subscription 149 EUR, 2-year subscription 289 EUR, Young professionals’ subscription 99 EUR. Magazines will be dispatched to you by airmail). Not to be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher. Note: The fact that product names may not be identified as trademarks is not an indication that such names are not registered trademarks. 3 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net Our Gulf tour is coming to an end, and in this issue you can read our last on-site stories. It was a very interesting tour for me, as we visited an above-average number of processors. This is the only way to get a really good feel for the local market and a lot of background knowledge about the equipment and raw materials used. To summarise, the Gulf region is a very strong water market that has so far been supplied by many smaller local bottlers. However, we are finding more and more high volume bottlers in the region which are squeezing out the smaller ones. These large local bottlers boast the latest stretch blow moulding and filling technology. They have also brought some of the preform and cap production in-house. The markets are saturated, and no-one expects demand for bottled water to increase significantly. Nevertheless, the large local suppliers have excess capacity that cannot be accommodated in the local market. As a result, there is a fierce price war at the point of sale for the consumer’s favour. Another strategy to deal with overcapacity is for bottlers to export to neighbouring countries. Dubai and the African states are particularly popular export countries. However, the markets there are also reaching saturation point. There are no new drinks on the horizon that could boost consumption and thus reduce local overcapacity, and consumers are focussing on still water. And, according to the bottlers, the consumer dislikes bottles made with rPET - the grey shimmer of rPET bottles carries the aura of unclean packaging. Attempts to encourage bottleto-bottle recycling are therefore the exception rather than the rule. Things are different in Europe, where our sustainability tour has now started with many sustainability projects - and not just B-to-B. Enjoy the current issue and look forward to the next one. Yours, Alexander Büchler Dear readers,"},{"@ID":19
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 17 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 17 process control. Digital twins go even one step further: they depict real production lines virtually and deliver structured data on the complete machinery utilisation. Furthermore, they offer the possibility to save machine data and information in a structured and machinereadable format over the complete lifecycle. Digital twins are said to also comply with the requirements of the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which was introduced with the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) entering into force in July 2024. These virtual twins of real manufacturing plants accelerate development cycles and ease maintenance strategies. Optical quality control & AI-assisted sorting In the field of quality assurance camera systems and AI-based image processing support manufacturing processes. They detect shape deviations, surface defects or material impurities during production and ensure consistent quality levels. These technologies allow early defect detection thereby reducing rejects and ensuring a more efficient use of resources. In the wake of stricter environmental regulations and rising customer expectations the fitness of plastics for circularity is also moving centrestage. AI-assisted sorting systems with near-IR sensors (NIR) identify different plastic types, separate high-quality recyclates from impurities and improve the recycling quality. This increases reuse rates and contributes to compliance with regulatory requirements. What’s more, digital systems are closely linked with the DPP, which features comprehensive information about the used raw materials, production processes and recycling paths. These technologies support companies in establishing closed material cycles, reducing environmental burdens and complying with the ESPR. Challenges and skilled labour shortage Despite numerous flagship projects, progress is stalling in many companies, especially SMEs, due to a lack of investment. Another obstacle is the shortage of skilled staff. Those wanting to introduce automation, AI and IoT technologies require specialists for data analysis and IT security. This staff and skills shortage occasionally slows down implementation even though technical solutions already exist. AR (Augmented Reality) goggles can provide relief here by displaying maintenance instructions or training content right in the staff’s field of vision. This accelerates maintenance and onboarding processes without always having external experts on site. Summary & outlook Digitalisation proves to be a catalyst for a more sustainable and efficient plastics industry. Connected production systems make for real-time optimisation thereby reducing rejects rates and buffering market fluctuations more confidently. At the same time, new business models can be developed – in the form of digital platforms and maintenance services. www.k-online.com www.sacmi.com Product design Product development Product validation Industrial production plant Process & quality control On-site and start-up assistance After-sales and Customer service SACMI 4.0 THE COMPLETE CLOSURE, PREFORM AND CONTAINER SOLUTION FOR YOUR SMART FACTORY E N D L E S S I N N O V A T I O N S I N C E 1 9 1 9"},{"@ID":41
"PATENTS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 39 Base moulding European Patent No. EP 4464613 A1 Applicant: Sidel Participations, Octeville-sur-Mer (FR) Application date: 22 April 2014 The European patent application describes the circumferential base moulding of a plastic bottle. Recyclable miniature container Intern. Patent No. WO 2025 / 006486 A1 Applicant: Amcor Rigid Packaging USA LLC, Ann Arbor (US) Application date: 25 June 2024 A container made of PET with a volume of at most 50ml is designed to be processed / recognised in the recycling stream and not to be sorted out by any sieves (which are actually for glass fragments or the like). Stable base mould Intern. Patent No. WO 2023 / 143739 A1 Applicant: Sidel Participations, Octeville-Sur-Mer (FR) Application date: 28 January 2022 A plastic container is equipped with a specially moulded base to increase the stability of the base. Stable bottle Intern. Patent No. WO 2025 / 021969 A1 Applicant: Sidel Participations, Octeville-Sur-Mer (FR) Application date: 26 July 2024 Lightweight bottle with reinforcing grooves to better withstand vertical forces in particular. Container pack Intern. Patent No. WO 2025 / 008500 A1 Applicant: KHS GmbH, Dortmund (DE) Date of application: 5 July 2024 The connecting element (adhesive strip) of two bottles is designed in such a way that it remains reliably and securely on one of the two bottles and cannot escape into the environment. The adhesion has been defined accordingly. Bottom moulding Intern. Patent No. WO 2025 / 029292 A1 Applicant: Niagara Bottling LLC, Diamond Bar (US) Application date: 2 August 2023 Plastic bottle with special base moulding. The bottle, which is stable with a surrounding rim, is equipped with an inwardly extending base with hemispherical features. PETpatents www.verpackungspatente.de"},{"@ID":43
"EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 10 The waste converters by Ruari McCallion Establishing an organisation to promote a circular economy for plastics sounds simple but making it a reality in a country that has not given much thought to waste and sustainability is a major challenge. Interview with Omniya PET Recycling // October 27, 2024 We met: Mrs Sanaa Al Ghemlas, Founder & CEO Historically, there has been no recycling in the Gulf States, from Kuwait to the United Arab Emirates. Mrs Sanaa Al Ghemlas has a clear environmental vision: to build a circular economy for plastics in Kuwait. Omniya, the vehicle to realise her goal, is raising awareness of the impact of plastic packaging with a variety of initiatives, including the involvement of schoolchildren. “We started as an NGO (nongovernmental organisation) in 2015, initially with the intention of spreading awareness about plastics in Kuwait, going out with messages about the importance of segregating plastics and recycling,” said Mrs Sanaa Al Ghemlas, founder and CEO of Omniya Collection System. “We approached the Kuwait National Fund for SMEs and we were awarded funding to build the first PET recycling plant in the whole Gulf region.” Omniya started producing PET hot washed flakes in 2017. Its market was primarily Europe and its quality was high enough to be approved by Dow Chemical. The end of the beginning “Unfortunately, supply of post-consumer PET in Kuwait turned out to be minimal,” Mrs Al Ghemlas continued. “Along with the high cost of renting the premises, it became clear that the project was not viable and we had to close down, at the end of 2021.” Omniya had been the first to seek to recycle PET in the whole Gulf region, it had acquired unequalled expertise and insight into the needs and logistics of waste management, collection and recycling. When it reopened as a not-for-profit company, in March 2023, it was with a clear focus on collection and waste management. It has attracted sponsorship from the private sector and from the National Bank of Kuwait and Equate Petrochemical Company. “When we were operating previously we established a collection system, with containers across all the governorates (districts) of Kuwait. They aren’t like dumpsters; they are small rooms, 2m x 2m and 2.5m in height,” Mrs Al Ghemlas explained. Omniya redoubled its efforts in the country’s schools, both private and public sector. Changing culture with technology “The schoolkids had got to know Omniya and had started to collect for us. They wanted to continue what we had begun previously. While we were recycling, we collected over 2,000 t of postconsumer PET bottles and produced around 1,500 t of washed flakes. We managed that without any incentive at all. The people did it because they thought it was the right thing.” Omniya has now introduced competitions between schools to collect the most PET, and it is working. “Last year, we had about 48 schools involved and collected about 150 t. This year, we have over 100 schools,” Mrs Al Ghemlas said. The project has been embraced by youngsters of all ages, from the most junior grades to high schools. “We now have all our containers located on Google Maps, so people know where to put their waste once it has been collected and segregated, and have an app linked to it to record activity. We are working with private sector companies to encourage them to offer people the chance to earn discounts against services or on products.” The app has now been downloaded over 20,000 times and activity is running at around 1,000 interactions a day. The International Alliance to End Plastic Waste has approved a grant to enable Omniya to increase the number of collection points and to acquire two new compactors. It is supplying segregated waste to partners like Almannai, which manufactures preforms. Closing the loop “Manufacturers in Kuwait who produce PET preforms from 100% recycled PET, which we then put into schools to use as their water bottles, means that we are showing the schoolchildren what they have done and that we are achieving our objective of closing the loop,” she said. “I hope that, soon, plastic will be seen as valuable a resource in Kuwait as oil.” www.omniya-kw.com EDITOUR"},{"@ID":33
"COMPRESSORS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 31 interventions, thereby minimising the risk of production downtime. Additional energy-efficiency features include a leakage detection function. During scheduled downtimes, Ecoplant can measure discrepancies between the flow rate delivered by the compressor activated by the algorithm and the flow measured downstream of the air treatment components. Based on this information, users can take appropriate actions to identify and reduce leakages within the compressed air system. Versatility of use As already mentioned, Ecoplant is compatible with any brand and type of compressor, including centrifugal, screw, reciprocating, and other technologies. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Other components of the compressed air system, such as dryers, can also be integrated into the platform. This allows for comprehensive monitoring and supports predictive maintenance strategies. Beyond standard alerts and alarms, the system also offers the possibility to implement personalised alerts based on specific customer requirements. A case in point As an example, Compair considered a major customer in the industrial inks and dyes sector. Ecoplant was installed at their facility, which includes three compressor rooms housing a total of nine screw compressors from multiple manufacturers, seven of which are equipped with variable speed drives. Each compressor in the plant has a power rating of between 200 and 250 kW. The average compressed air demand ranges from 30 to 35Nm³/ min, within a maximum plant capacity of 135Nm³/min. Before installing Ecoplant, the measured average specific power was 8.94 kW/Nm³/min. Following the installation, the average specific power was reduced by 26% over the baseline period. In just one year, thanks to improved energy efficiency, 615,000 kWh were saved and carbon emissions were reduced by 431 t of CO2. In addition to the energy savings, Ecoplant issued 17 alerts, insights, and alarms during the reporting period. These included four system risk alerts (involving components such as compressors, dryers, or valves left open unintentionally), six predictive maintenance warnings, and seven energy-efficiency insights (including high pressure drops, excessive air leakage from filter and dryer drains, and discrepancies indicating potential component replacements within the network). The Ecoplant system can be integrated with Compair’s Care maintenance programme, allowing it to be customised for various operational needs. This bundled solution aims to reduce overall plant costs and to transfer a portion of the operational risk from the customer to the service provider. www.compair.com Various monitoring variables"},{"@ID":16
"EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 14 Malavilla with sophisticated water treatment Not all water is the same by Alexander Büchler At Malavilla Water in Doha, Plant Manager Ahmad Al Natour, a former PepsiCo executive, runs an impressively hygienic and efficient facility where every detail, from custom-coloured machinery housings to precise water treatment, reflects his passion for quality and control. Interview with Malavilla Water // September 19, 2024 We met: Eng. Ahmad Al Natour, Plant Manager We meet the Plant Manager Ahmad Al Natour. He used to work for PepsiCo. Today, he manages the production of Malavilla Water in Doha. The outstanding tidiness and high standard of hygiene are immediately noticeable during operation. For example, he enclosed the dispensing area around the octabins for his Krauss-Maffei preform system from 2017. As a perfectionist, he painted the housing in the colour of the machine. At least as careful is his water treatment from Grewa. The system achieves 40m³/h. The municipal water first passes through various filters, such as sand and carbon filters. He adds his own mineral formula to the demineralised water, supplements it with O3 for hygiene and fills it 27,000 times an hour into 225ml, 350ml, 500ml or 1.5 L bottles on a Krones line. 48 filling valves and 12 capping stations do the work. Several inspectors ensure that only flawless bottles go into the drying section. The efficiency in pure filling mode is 93%. The Krauss-Maffei system is even higher with its MHT 48-cavity mould. With the Krauss-Maffei system, he achieves an average efficiency of 97%. Although he uses scavengers, he stores the preforms for 24 hours at controlled ambient temperatures to minimise the acetaldehyde content. 80% of its bottling goes to its own brand, 20% of its production to private labels. He would like to have the systems running around the clock, but the overcrowded market in Qatar does not allow it. Ahmad does not see generating additional volumes through exports as a solution, as the costs would be so high that it would be a loss maker at best. Its bottle weights are 8.5 g for the 225ml. He has now reduced this to 7.8 g, as well as the weight of the 350ml from 11 g to 9.2 g. The compressed air is supplied by a threestage AF compressor. It works oil-free, just like the compressor for the working pressure of 10 bar. For Ahmad, oil-free compressed air is essential in beverage production, even at low pressures. And the outlook? The mother company Gulf Center Holding Company, which strives for the quality and innovation of its factories, looks forward to starting operations in Syria, as soon as sanctions are lifted. www.mvqatar.com EDITOUR Ahmad Al Natour in front of the labelling station at the Krones system The in-house enclosure for the octabins at the preform output blends seamlessly into the machine design of the Krauss-Maffei system. Water preparation is the core area for Ahmad. This is where the flavoursome water for Malavilla is created."},{"@ID":47
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 18 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net How digitisation is driving sustainable packaging innovation Measure the shift based on an article by Reece Armstrong, CAE Graduate Engineer and Ross Blair, Head of Simulation at BMT As global sustainability goals accelerate the shift from virgin PET to 100% recycled content (rPET), companies in the packaging sector face increasing pressure to adapt - or risk severe consequences, from supply chain vulnerabilities to regulatory penalties and market irrelevance. In response, Blow Moulding Technologies (BMT) is adopting science-based strategies to navigate these demands. By combining advanced material modelling, digital simulations, and physical testing, the company helps businesses create packaging that is high-performing and more sustainable. This data-driven approach aims to reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and minimise risk by empowering companies to make smart decisions before moving to production. BMT has implemented the ‘Measure, Digitise, Execute’ methodology. Where outdated trial-and-error methods once dominated, the company now integrates advanced finite element analysis (FEA) simulations with precise physical data to drive informed, confident decision-making. Rather than eliminating prototyping, BMT aims to enhance it by using smart, targeted validation to strengthen simulations. This is claimed to result in faster innovation cycles, reduced material waste, and designs that perform as intended the first time. The process begins with ‘Measure’, conducting rigorous physical testing to capture how processing history influences material behaviour. Next, BMT ‘Digitise’ this data, transforming physical test results into precise material models. The digitisation phase is where the gap between laboratory data and industrial application is bridged. Finally, ‘Execute’ - deploying these validated digital models to optimise designs through risk-free virtual prototyping before any physical production begins. This workflow delivers transformative results, says BMT. Development cycles are accelerated, material usage optimised to the gram, and waste reduction measured in tonnes. BMT begin by measuring what matters most - how materials behave under production-replicated conditions. Using advanced techniques like Digital Image Correlation (DIC) during Free Stretch Blow (FSB) testing and biaxial tensile methods, data is captured on how materials deform, how processing history impacts performance, and how variables such as temperature and strain rate influence behaviour. This extensive data set is then used to calibrate user-defined material models in the Abaqus simulation and analysis programme to bridge the gap between physical tests and virtual simulations. The result is a simulation that mirrors real-world material behaviour with up to 95% accuracy - a solid foundation for advanced forming and performance simulations that match reality. Simulation meets reality After gathering critical data to inform material models, the next step is validating that the simulations accurately predict the performance of the final product. This involves comparing the results of the forming and performance simulations against experimental data, ensuring that key attributes like mass distribution and structural integrity align with real-world conditions. For example, when evaluating a 500ml carbonated soft drinks (CSD) bottle (Figure 2), SBM simulations - based on the calibrated material models - have been compared with experimental data collected in BMT’s laboratory. Here, BMT performs bottle in-service test- (a) Strain evolution free stretch blow testing (FSB), obtained from digital image correlation (DIC) Figure 1: Calibration of a temperature and rate-dependent constitutive model for the stretch blow moulding (SBM) process AI (b) Calibration of a representative constituive model of rPET against FSB data"},{"@ID":24
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 26 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net AI-powered sorting system with deep learning technology Multiple material streams on a single sorting line Thanks to its integrated deep learning software, Tomra’s GAINnext reduces the need for manual sorting by identifying hard-to-classify and overlapping objects. It automates complex tasks beyond the capabilities of traditional optical waste sorting, using intelligent trajectory calculations for highprecision results.The solution recently has won ‘Recycling Machinery Innovation of the Year’ at the 2025 PRSE in Amsterdam. AI GAINnext makes it possible to process multiple material streams on a single sorting line. It maximises the recovery and purity levels of valuable materials for recycling. The intelligent sorting system is claimed to combine sensor-based material identification and AI-based object recognition. The AI-based visual classification identifies thousands of objects in milliseconds, offering throughput processing with up to 2,000 ejections per minute, depending on the application. This adaptive technology can be optimised with network connectivity to continually improve performance and reduce downtime. Cloud-based monitoring and digital application services are available. Tomra Recycling’s GAINnext has been awarded ‘Recycling Machinery Innovation of the Year’ in the 2025 Plastic Recycling Award Europe. This award was presented at the eighth annual awards ceremony which took place during PRSE 2025 in Amsterdam in early April. Sebastian Solbach, Team Leader Application Development - Deep Learning at Tomra Recycling, said, “This is an important milestone for everyone at Tomra, and it reflects the hard work and dedication of our team. GAINnext is an innovative recycling technology capable of solving complex sorting tasks in plastics, wood, paper, aluminium, and even food versus non-food plastic packaging. I am very grateful for the hard work and passion of our R&D and deep learning teams, as well as other colleagues at Tomra who put so much into the product.” AI sorting for food-grade plastics The system can achieve a purity level of around 95% in the recovery of food-grade plastic packaging by utilising AI-supported intelligence. With the deep learning technology, it is possible to achieve even higher purity rates of food-grade PET, HDPE and PP than with manual sorting, says Tomra. The high-accuracy, automated sorting system utilises object recognition to detect food vs non-food grade plastics and run multiple streams on one sorting line, creating new revenue opportunities. The solution enables operators to meet future EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) targets, in which food-grade recycled plastics require 95% purity or higher, depending on the polymer. PET packaging As the most recycled plastic packaging in Europe, post-consumer PET waste is a high-value commodity when optimally sorted and processed with automated technologies. With AI-powered sorting systems and deep learning technology, recyclers benefit from the high-accuracy removal of opaque white bottles, polyester textiles and foils from PET streams. In addition to creating highquality fractions for rPET that enable bottle-to-bottle recycling, operators can create new revenue streams by sorting opaque bottles for recycling. www.tomra.com Sebastian Solbach, Team Leader Application Development - Deep Learning at Tomra and Alberto Piovesan, Global Segment Director - Plastics at Tomra (2nd and 3rd f. l.) receive the award from Karen Laird, Editor Sustainable Plastics (left) and Emilia Tarlowska, Public Affairs & Communication Director at Plastics Recyclers Europe (on the right)"},{"@ID":38
"36 EVENT REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net Advancing sustainability in plastics applications Avient exhibited a range of new products and technologies for advancing sustainability in plastics applications. The Cesa Unify A4R Polyolefin Compatibiliser is an additive for the use of recycled polyolefins. This technology addresses the challenges associated with recycling incompatible polymers like PP and PE by forming a homogenous polymer mixture, increasing mechanical properties, and bridging the gap between virgin and recycled polymers. Asolution that enables industry players to incorporate higher quantities of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in polyolefin applications, promoting circularity and sustainability. In addition, the Cesa Nox A4R additive was presented. This solution is intended to improve the recycling process and increase the quality of the recycled materials. These additives are specifically formulated to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions during the recycling of polyolefins, thereby lowering the environmental impact of the recycling process. Cesa Nox A4R additives improve the colour and odour of recycled materials but also enhance their mechanical properties, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. By incorporating these additives, manufacturers can achieve higher levels of sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations, while maintaining the performance and quality of their products. Finally, Avient exhibited a new digital tool, the PCR Colour Prediction Service. This tool should help to illustrate the colour possibilities or limitations of certain types of PCR plastics to help manufacturers reduce waste, minimise production costs, and accelerate time-to-market. www.avient.com PAGEV, the Turkish implementer of the international Operation Clean Sweep The Turkish Plastics Industry Association (PAGEV) continues its sustainability efforts with Operation Clean Sweep (OCS). This program was developed to help prevent plastic resin loss to the environment and support industry in the responsible handling of plastic resin materials. Operation Clean Sweep is an international certification programme designed to reduce unintentional loss of plastic granules, powders, and flakes - materials classified as microplastics by the European Union and restricted under multiple regulations. The programme aims to prevent their release into the environment, raise awareness, and promote best practises across manufacturing facilities, storage sites, and logistics operation. In Turkey, PAGEV is the official representative and coordinator of this programme. OCS Turkey certification programme establishes a set of procedures that facilities can implement to minimise and prevent the loss of granules powders and flakes. Companies can apply for this certification and must sign the OCS pledge and undergo an external audit to verify the implementation of preventive procedures. The programme is applicable to all companies in Turkey that handle granules powders and flakes within the plastics value chain including rawmaterial producers (virgin plastic or compounds) and storage facilities, manufacturers, recyclers, warehouses and logistic companies. PAGEV provides comprehensive support to industry companies including training, documentation and guidance on best practise. The European Commission has identified OCS as an example of an acceptable certification programme. www.pagev.org"},{"@ID":42
"35 EVENT REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net Washing and delamination of mono-and multilayer food trays Mac Dermind Enthone presented its new additive TR 101. It is designed to operate at temperatures below 75 °C and strong cleaning and delaminating action, making it suitable for tray-to-tray cleaning and delamination. This water-based detergent additive is formulated specifically for use in thermoformed package recycling. It is claimed to meet the requirements of both mono- and multilayer thermoformed packaging. Mac Dermind stated that it delivers low crystallisation, complete removal of organic contamination and a very high degree of delamination, peeling off the LDPE from the PET. www.macdermidenthone.com Supply high quality recycled PET flakes Over the years, mechanical recycling has advanced significantly to meet the highest quality standards. Mumbai-based Neev Resources Pvt. Ltd. utilises state-of-the-art technology to produce premium PET flakes for downstream processes. This quality is recognised by leading companies striving to meet their rPET usage targets. With over 15 years of experience, Neev has developed robust systems and capabilities to consistently deliver high-quality output to its customers. Quality control is a top priority, with regular audits of production systems ensuring both efficiency and product excellence. Neev offers both white and green PET flakes. www.neevgroup.co.in"},{"@ID":17
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 20 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net Sipa’s AI systems for PET packaging machinery The digital twin: a virtual reality In the dynamic landscape of PET packaging solutions efficiency, speed and precision are paramount. Sipa integrates artificial intelligence into its machines to improve overall performance, as well as connectivity technologies to build a robust and secure communication infrastructure. The digital twin project Another distinctive factor is the adoption of innovative design systems, including the use of the digital twin. There lies an immense potential of digital replication. Sipa has been using the digital twin process since 2018. Initially implemented for the design of the new SFL series of linear blow moulding machines, this virtual counterpart has evolved into an indispensable asset. The core task of Sipa’s digital twin is the ability to design and debug machine software even before the physical machine takes shape. This technology is claimed to allow moving beyond traditional sequential development, enabling parallel workflows to reduce lead times and accelerate the innovation cycle. The digital twin acts as a virtual laboratory, accurately predicting the behaviour of all machine mechanisms during the project phase. Its special software synchronises every digital component, mirroring the intricate interactions of a real machine. Design of a machine with the digital twin The physical machine and the control software are developed simultaneously. The digital twin is connected to the project software via the PLC for early troubleshooting. The complete machine movements are simulated and checked. This allows potential design and software errors to be recognised and rectified before the first physical part is manufactured. The realistic simulation environment allows for comprehensive testing and validation of machine functionalities under various operating conditions. The Automation Division The driving force behind Sipa’s digital twin technology and automation advancements is Sipa’s Automation Division. The company says that this diverse and specialised team is implementing the digital twin and spearheading numerous other new AI related projects, many of which have resulted in patent applications. These AI projects enhance both internal operations and customer support. Sipa is actively integrating AI-driven solutions to streamline processes and provide support. One example is EVA, an intelligent chatbot which empowers Sipa personnel and customers to effortlessly access critical information, including details on clients, articles, orders, offers, contracts, machine specifications, mould information, related documentation, and easily navigate IoT data. In addition to EVA, there is MAIA, an AI assistant for maintenance. MAIA is designed to provide quick and intuitive access to the comprehensive information contained in the machines’ user and maintenance manuals, simplifying troubleshooting and maintenance procedures. As a supplement Sipa introduced ARES, an AI resolution expert system which assists in the analysis and resolution of technical issues, providing efficient and effective support. The company’s approach to security has been recognised by an independent external rating agency, awarding an optimal status that ensures the performance and security of its networked solutions. Shaping the future of PET packaging with digital solutions The new Sipa machine generation, designed and tested with the power of the digital twin, will be showcased at this year’s drinktec trade fair in Munich and at the K’ Show in Düsseldorf, Germany. www.sipasolutions.com Sipa is actively integrating AI-driven solutions to streamline processes and provide support. AI"},{"@ID":10
"8 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net New study reveals progress and challenges in meeting recycled content goals for packaging A new report fromAmeripen, prepared by Circular Matters and funded by PLASTICS’ Recycling is Real initiative, highlights significant progress by consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies toward recycled content goals in packaging while also exploring critical gaps in infrastructure, collection systems, and supply to meet targets. Following a recent member exclusive release webinar, U.S. Packaging Recycled Content Goals Analysis is now freely available for individuals and organisations to use in sustainability efforts. Success in goals for post-consumer recycled (PCR) content will require coordination across this value chain; understanding where and why challenges may be occurring can provide further insight into effective interventions to ensure success. This new resource provides an update and expands onAmeripen’s 2021 report that explored the relationship between packaging recyclability and recycled content goals, domestic supply, and reprocessing capacity, and what, if any, additional policies or program supports could be supported to close potential gaps. A lot has happened in recycling and packaging since 2021, including new goals, new investment, and increased PCR usage – with this progress, Ameripen and Recycling Is Real felt quantifying impact again would provide value to many stakeholders. The updated U.S. Packaging Recycled Content Goals Analysis is the most comprehensive assessment to date of how voluntary corporate commitments, trade association targets, and state and federal laws align with the current and projected capacity of the U.S. recycling system. The study includes detailed data from 46 CPG companies, state legislation, and national trade associations covering paper, plastic, and aluminium packaging. Key findings include: Progress being made: The average post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in plastic packaging more than doubled (from 5.3% in 2019 to 10.7% in 2023) among companies with stated goals. Supply gaps remain: despite added reclamation capacity, the U.S. will still fall short in meeting 2025 plastics packaging goals, especially for PET, unless collection rates and advanced recycling capabilities increase significantly. State policies are gaining influence: since 2020, at least ten states have enacted laws mandating recycled content in packaging, adding new external pressures across the supply chain. Barriers persist which could benefit from intervention: companies continue to cite limited availability of food-grade PCR, inconsistent material quality, and higher costs compared to virgin resins as primary obstacles. Increased capacity: between the 2021 and 2025 reports, U.S. plastics reclaimers have more than doubled their capacity to supply PCR to the packaging market. The report also cautions against policies that give preferential access to recycled materials, advocating instead for open, competitive markets that balance all end-uses of recovered materials. As pressure mounts to increase the use of recycled content, it is critical to understand how voluntary corporate goals and state legislation align with the realities of U.S. material supply and recycling infrastructure. When informed by objective current data, goals for recycled content in packaging will be more effective and achievable. www.ameripen.org Chinaplas 2025 review Chinaplas 2025 successfully wrapped up on April 18 with 281,206 visitors, an increment of 13.29% compared to Chinaplas 2023 in Shenzhen. Chinaplas 2024 in Shanghai welcomed 321,879 visitors. Among them, visitors from overseas countries and Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan region of China rocketed to 68,542, accounting for over 24% of total visitors, a 141.1% increase compared to Chinaplas 2023 held in Shenzhen. This trade fair saw over 4,500 superior plastics and rubber suppliers from 39 countries and regions, more than 3,800 machine exhibits, and over 1,600 raw material suppliers. Numerous trade deals were concluded between distinguished exhibitors and global buyers, proving the trade fair’s 2025 edition an effective sourcing platform that cultivated new partnerships and paved the way for industry growth and success. Showcasing of full industry chain The exhibition released industry breakthroughs of more than 120 global/Asian debut technology projects and brought many new, effective landing solutions for plastics and rubber production. The industry chain in full scope was exhibited – from advanced material innovations, intelligent manufacturing solutions to tried-and-true products, covering automotive, electronics and electric, packaging, medical and healthcare, building materials, new energy, sports and leisure, as well as other downstream applications, catering to diverse needs from various industries and sectors. Concurrent events A series of concurrent events surrounding circular economy were organised and received participants’ support. Over 800 industry elites joined “Plastics Recycling & Circular Economy Conference and Showcase”, where over 60 international experts and leaders of renowned enterprises shared insights on plastics recycling market and technologies contributing to sustainable plastics development. In “Sustainable Plastic Packaging Forum”, experts from prominent packaging institutions and companies addressed the latest solutions and sustainability blueprint from an international perspective, while representatives from renowned brands shared difficulties they faced in daily operations of innovative packaging, realising efficient docking between upstream and downstream of the industry chain. PET food-grade and PE high-quality recycling production lines were demonstrated at “The Plastics Circularity Journey” Production Line Live Demo, showcasing high-value utilisation of plastics recycling. Chinaplas 2026 will be held at National Exhibition & Convention Center (NECC), Hongqiao, Shanghai, PR China on April 21-24, 2026. www.chinaplasonline.com"},{"@ID":40
"PETproducts 38 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net Smarter manufacturing In a landscape where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly common, Sacmi chose to follow its own path. The result is Classy-AI, an application developed entirely in-house, designed to tackle a fundamental question in manufacturing: “What are the defects in my production?” Unlike standard market solutions that rely on commercial AI libraries to solve isolated inspection tasks, Classy-AI was conceived to reflect Sacmi’s expertise in artificial intelligence. The goal of Classy-AI was to provide a smarter, holistic solution that delivers value beyond defect detection, explained Sacmi. When Classy-AI was launched four years ago, its primary users were quality control personnel, focused on removing non-conforming parts to ensure compliant batches. Today, the focus is on automated feedback in cap and preform production lines. Thanks to advanced sensors and intelligent systems, machines are no longer passive players, they learn, adjust, and optimise processes in real time. Classy-AI automatically names defect and identifies drifts, without the need for data scientists or technical interpretation. Actionable insights are immediately accessible, and results in no wasted time or complexity. This streamlined approach vision system powered by Classy-AI is installed on Sacmi’s CCM and IPS machines. After extensive internal validation of Classy-AI, the solution has been installed at customer sites in Europe, where it’s integrated with new anomaly detection algorithms for more easy defect identification and process drift monitoring. Following a one-year beta testing phase, customer feedback results in these key parameters: Significant reduction in false rejects; faster root-cause identification; improved machine setup time and production stability; reduced reliance on specialised personnel for data interpretation. www.sacmi.com AI"},{"@ID":46
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 16 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 16 How digitalisation and AI advance the plastics sector based on an article by Dr Cornelia Jokisch, K’ show PR The plastics industry faces major economic and regulatory disruptions worldwide. Rising competitive pressure, stricter environmental regulations and higher demands made on circularity increase the pressure to innovate. On-going digitalisation offers new opportunities for producing more efficiently and sustainably. Automated processes, data-based control systems and smart connectivity already ease adaptation to stricter requirements in many companies today. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is considered a key milestone in this. According to a Bitkom study, 78% of the industrial companies polled view AI as decisive for their competitiveness while more than half are waiting to see how others get on first. At the same time, 48% lack the necessary AI skills and 91% demand fewer regulatory obstacles so as not to hamper AI innovations. These figures underline that there is a broad consensus on the relevance of digitalisation but many firms are hesitant to implement it in practice. Digital key technologies: connectivity and IoT The digital control and connectivity of machines forms the basis for new technologies. Cyber-physical systems (CPS) and the Internet of Things (IoT) make it possible to capture and evaluate production data seamlessly in real time. Sensors monitor temperature, flow rate or inmould pressures, for example, and transmit the values to Cloud applications. An important communication standard for this is OPC UA, which makes for safe and cross-manufacturer data exchange. Rising data volumes lead to questions of data use. In the European Union, the so-called “EU Data Act” is one example of how this issue is being addressed. This new Data Act obliges machinery manufacturers to provide machine users with the data generated during operation in a simple and understandable, machine-readable way. At the same time, predictive maintenance moves into focus because real-time analyses can detect deviations early on and reduce unplanned downtimes. Artificial Intelligence and automation AI adds new dynamism to digital processes as self-learning algorithms analyse large data volumes and optimise processes flexibly. In addition, machine learning accelerates development cycles and improves [email protected] USA Toll Free +1 888 459 2412 l Canada +1 905 879 1100 Europe +44 1827 338 280 l Asia +65 6848 7117 l Taiwan +886 4 2658 1535 Maguire delivers real data, real savings, real results. See how ULTRA Dryers can: Slash energy consumption Boost production Reduce maintenance Shrink your carbon footprint ASK ABOUT OUR FREE TRIAL! 30 SECONDS OF YOUR TIME = Ɣ <56 ƕ PROVE IT GO TO ULTRA.MAGUIRE.COM AI"},{"@ID":13
"P E R M A N E N T M A G N E T M O T O R R E L I A B I L I T Y S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y I N D U S T R Y 4 . 0 V A R I A B L E S P E E D D R I V E V E R S AT I L E & A D A P TA B L E Check it more here! abc-compressors.com"},{"@ID":14
"EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 12 Almannai, driver for rPET bottles in Kuwait “We create solutions” by Alexander Büchler Almannai Plastics, a Kuwait-based manufacturer of PET preforms and closures, has partnered with PepsiCo to launch the MENA region’s first bottles made entirely from recycled PET (rPET). The initiative reflects growing interest in sustainable packaging solutions, even in regions where formal recycling regulations are still emerging. Interview with Almannai Plastics // September 23, 2024 We met: Yousef Al-Mannai, Founder at Almannai Plastics Actually, this could have been a completely normal story of a converter. Almannai has been producing water preforms on two Husky HyPET systems since 2015 and caps on Husky HyCAP systems since 2018, mainly for the local market. Normal, that is, if it weren’t for Yousef Almannai, who is always looking for new ideas. In his opinion, sustainability in the bottle sector is not just about optimising weight, but also about using rPET in preform production. He sees no other way of producing the PET bottle in an environmentally friendly way. He trialled the production of a 100% rPET bottle with the local Pepsi-Cola people in multiple formats (200ml, 330ml, 500ml, and 1.5 L). The result was good: no grey or yellow haze, a clear neck finish. He posted the bottle without a label on LinkedIn, with hashtags of all internationally known water brands. Hardly was it online when Pepsi got in touch. At first they were surprised that EDITOUR FEATURING REAL WORLD DATA BY Unparalleled accuracy from Industrial Physics Scan to access our exclusive guidebook he had publicised the small internal project so widely. The story reached senior management and they decided to give it a try after all. The Aquafina bottles went into production in 2022, and the fear that consumers would only drink water from virgin material bottles was groundless. The Husky lines for the bottles are now running at 5,000 t/a rPET. There is still no collection or even processing of PET bottles in Kuwait, so Almannai has to import the rPET from various countries. To ensure that the quality remains the same, the acetaldehyde content is low and transparency is guaranteed, all rPET batches at Almannai undergo extensive tests in their own laboratory. Only when all values are correct does the batch go into production. The next step will be to produce the CSD preforms for Pepsi also in rPET to other beverage and FMCG brands throughout the MENA region. “If it works with sensitive water, it should be even more possible with CSD products, which have a more stable flavour,” believes Almannai. However, with Pepsi in Kuwait, the production capacity of its Husky systems with 72-cavity moulds is not fully utilised. So he is looking around for other partners who need rPET bottles. He has set his sights on international airlines such as Kuwait Airways and Qatar Airways. If they serve Europe, they must use rPET bottles to meet EU directives with 25% rPET by 2025. And so he is pleased that he does not sell preforms, but solutions for companies. www.almannaiplastics.com"},{"@ID":27
"MARKET SURVEY 25 PETplanet Insider Vol. 25 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net IMD Ltd. Pressco Technology Inc Sacmi Imola Industriestrasse 37A 2555 Brügg BE, Switzerland +41 32 366 80 66 www.imdvista.ch Mr Martin Gerber Sales Director (CSO) +41 32 366 80 66 [email protected] 29200 Aurora Road, Cleveland, OH, USA +1 440 498 2600 www.pressco.com Mr Tom Murphy VP, Sales & Customer Service +1 440 498 2600 [email protected] Via Selice Provinciale 17/A, 40026 Imola, Italy +39 0542607 111 www.sacmi.com Mr Stefano Severi Sales Specialst Manager +39 3356594236 [email protected] IMDvista PECO V3 - 100% preform inspection system IMDvista PECO LUX - preform monitoring system Intellispec PVS10L PVS002C PVS156A PVS003 Up to 90,000 preform per hour According to injection moulding machine speed Up to 2,500/min up to 72,000 pph up to 1,100 pph up to 1,200 pph up to 72,000 pph Black spots, burn marks, contamination, deformation body, air bubbles, scratches, non-visible fl ow structures (low pressure while injection), total lenght, colour defects, too long injection points, unmelts Colour defects and deviation (L*A*B*) contamination, burn marks, air bubbles, scratches, too long injection points Unmelts, heat splay, burn marks, water spots, bent/warped preforms, contamination, carbon streaks, bubbles/blisters, colour, crystallinity & clarity/hazing, gate length Total length, bubbles, unmelts, inclusions, scratches, contaminations, black specks, crystallisation, colour consinstency, others Total length, bubbles, unmelts, inclusions, scratches, contaminations, black specks, crystallisation, colour consinstency, others. Measurement of the wall thickness in 3 or more points defi ned by the operator. DUS, TL, BD (1, 2, 3), OV, WT, PERP, GL, CONC Total length, bubbles, unmelts, inclusions, scratches, contaminations, black specks, crystallisation, colour consinstency, others Flashes on neck/thread, scratches on neck area, support ring deformation, missing material on support ring Contamination, fl ash, dimensions, pulled threads Contaminations, black specks, unmelts, bubbles, others Yes: Additionally to all the most common detected defects, the machine can: measure the thread in several points as defi ned by the operator with a precision down to 0.03mm and inspect fl ashes in the seaming line. Ø T (thread diameter); Ø E2 (lock ring diameter), Ø I (inner bore diameter); Ø E1 (diameter over pilfer proof); ØA (pilfer proof diameter); Ø Z (support ledge diameter); D (pilfer proof height); X (height under support ledge); B (diameter under pilfer proof) Contaminations, black specks, unmelts, bubbles, others Ovality, diameter, fl ashes, shorts shots, fl ash on parting line, deformation of sealing area, colour defects and colour deviation Short shots inspection with IMDvista Neuron (AI) Contamination, ovality and diameter, dirt & debris in the preform, nicks, gouges, short shots & dips Ovality, diameter measurements, notches, short shots, fl ashes (excess) of material, scratches Ovality, diameter measurements, notches, short shots, fl ashes (excess) of material, scratches Ovality, diameter measurements, notches, short shots, fl ashes (excess) of material, scratches Ovality, diameter measurements, notches, short shots, fl ashes (excess) of material, scratches Gate defects, gate lenght (long gates), holes in gate and gate area, gate deformation, cracks in gate area, injection point out of center, drip marks Too long inspection point Bent/warped preforms, dirt/debris, cracked gates Long gate, craters and holes, contaminations, black specks, unmelts, bubbles, haze, injection point out of centre, crystallisation, others Long gate, craters and holes, contaminations, black specks, unmelts, bubbles, haze, injection point out of centre, crystallisation, others Long gate, craters and holes, contaminations, black specks, unmelts, bubbles, haze, injection point out of centre, crystallisation, others Long gate, craters and holes, contaminations, black specks, unmelts, bubbles, haze, injection point out of centre, crystallisation, others Colour defects and deviation (L*A*B*) Colour defects and deviation (L*A*B*) Colour variations, incorrect colour On the whole body, using a calibrated colour camera (ΔE) On the whole body, using a calibrated colour camera (ΔE) On the whole body, using a calibrated colour camera (ΔE) On the whole body, using a calibrated colour camera (ΔE) Cavity recognition and reading, cavity related statistics and alarms, rejection of X cavity numbers No Yes, using proprietary AI algorithms, correlation of defect with cavity number, corting by black listed Yes, using proprietary AI algorithms, correlation of defect with cavity number, corting by black listed Yes, using proprietary AI algorithms, correlation of defect with cavity number, corting by black listed Yes, using proprietary AI algorithms, correlation of defect with cavity number, corting by black listed System on operator level - IMD offers compact solution together with its partner M. Tanner Ltd. Switzerland. No additional fl oor space required, simple and fast integration onto injection moulding machine Additional inspection modules include: neck support ring, inner barrel Patented grid inspection, patented polarised light inspection with AI algorithms In addition: weighing device to weigh all preforms In addition: Weighing device to weigh all the preforms and measurement of the temperature of the preform body Patented grid inspection, patented polarised light inspection with AI algorithms Yes No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Yes On customer-supplied starwheel Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Mounting and installation inside major OEM blowmoulding machines; options available for stand-alone and inline systems Yes Yes Yes Yes Included No Yes Yes Yes Patented TOP camera for cavity recognition Non-destructive Non-destructive Non-destructive Non destructive Non destructive Non destructive Non destructive Yes Yes, supported protocols: HTTP, OPC/ UA, Modbus Yes, supported protocols: HTTP, OPC/UA, Modbus Yes, supported protocols: HTTP, OPC/UA, Modbus Yes, supported protocols: HTTP, OPC/ UA, Modbus"},{"@ID":23
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 21 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net Boosting effi ciency in plastic recycling AI-powered material sorting Recycling plays a key role in creating a functioning circular economy for plastics. One of the biggest challenges lies in the accurate sorting of highly heterogeneous material streams – as only high-quality recyclates can be reused in new products. Modern technologies from Sesotec based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), are now opening up new dimensions in sorting performance. Intelligent sorting for complex requirements Conventional sensor technologies often reach their limits, especially when it comes to distinguishing between similar types of plastic or complex material combinations. AIpowered solutions of Sesotec, such as NIR-Ai and OBJECT-Ai enable significantly more precise classification, paving the way for higher-quality recyclates and more efficient processes, says the company. NIR-Ai analyses the near-infrared (NIR) spectra reflected by plastics and uses AI to accurately assign them to specific materials. This allows for reliable identification of monolayer vs. multilayer trays, detection of PA layers in bottles, and identification of specific additives. This distinction is essential for food-grade recycling and helps to prevent downcycling. In addition, NIR-Ai enables the reliable detection of PET full-sleeve bottles, which previously posed a significant challenge for automated sorting systems due to their visual similarity to other packaging types. OBJECT-Ai, on the other hand, is based on object recognition using Artificial Intelligence and enhances sorting based on shape, colour, and texture. This technology is claimed to detect the smallest differences, such as contaminants or misclassified items. A key development is the AI-based classification of PET articles into foodgrade and non-food-grade categories. OBJECT-Ai uses key visual features like dosing caps, spray heads, bottle shapes, or label design to differentiate product types. Visually similar objects, such as ketchup and dishwashing liquid bottles can automatically be assigned to the correct material class, ensuring compliance with regulatory thresholds for recycled food-grade PET. Added value for customers and the environment By integrating AI into the sorting process, recycling companies benefit from consistently high efficiency and improved material quality. At the same time, valuable resources are conserved – an important step toward a more sustainable circular economy. The application areas for AI-based sorting technologies are diverse, from polymer differentiation and food/nonfood recognition to the detection of colours, metals, and multilayer films. Looking ahead: more intelligence for sorting In the future, various sensor technologies could be interconnected via AI to further enhance sorting performance. One promising approach is instance segmentation, which enables individual objects in complex or overlapping scenes to be recognised and treated separately. More precise activation of sorting valves could significantly increase sorting accuracy and efficiency. “With AI-based systems such as NIR-Ai and OBJECT-Ai, we’re able to significantly increase the accuracy and efficiency of sorting processes,” explains Andreas Hanus, Head of Development AI at Sesotec. “By leveraging machine learning algorithms for spectral and object data analysis, we can reliably differentiate between complex material types and structures, enabling a higher quality recyclate output and optimising the overall process performance.” www.sesotec.com AI"},{"@ID":45
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 19 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 ing and rapid prototyping using 3D-printed moulds. Results show simulation results closely align with the experimental data, with deviations under 5%. This validation process also extends to key metrics like thickness distribution and top load performance, confirming that the simulations accurately represent the final product’s mass distribution and strength characteristics. A well-validated simulation boosts predictive accuracy, enabling lightweighting and optimised performance, says BMT. It reduces material waste, shortens development cycles, and delivers both environmental and commercial benefits, proving that sustainability and performance go hand in hand. Driving the future of sustainable packaging The adoption of digital simulations and data-driven methodologies is helping the packaging industry enhance efficiency and support sustainability goals. The shift from trial-and-error testing reduces material waste, streamlines production, and minimises carbon emissions, all while maintaining product performance. BMT’s ‘Measure, Digitise, Execute’ approach supports companies to make confident, data-backed transitions to rPET and other sustainable materials, reflecting a broader industry trend toward more environmentally conscious and technically robust packaging solutions. www.bmt-ni.com Experiment Simulation Top 7.3 g 7.2 g Panel 3.9 g 4.2 g Grip 5.1 g 5.1 g Base 4.4 g 4.3 g Total 20.7 g 20.8 g Top load 162 N 159 N Figure 2: Simulation vs. experimental data comparison"},{"@ID":31
"COMPRESSORS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 29 for energy savings. In the case of a completely new installation, optimised solutions are devised and suggested from the outset so that the operator can compare independently between different system variants and select the most cost-efficient choice. Where building management systems are used, it is recommended to conduct a thermal audit in conjunction with the compressed air audit so that the heat balance can be determined in parallel with the air consumption. This allows thermal data such as temperature flow and return to be investigated in addition to compressed air data such as volume, pressure and required air quality. Once these details are established, it can be determined what percentage of the compressor exhaust heat can be absorbed into the normal heat requirement of the project. This in turn allows the size of the storage vessel and the required temperature to be calculated. In the best-case scenario, 96% of the heat output can be used. A few points must be taken into account when planning or optimising a compressed air station. For example, compressors and heating systems should not be placed in the same room, since optimal use of these requires different room climate conditions and the compressor must not be permitted to draw in dangerous admixtures. The compressor room needs to be well ventilated; the room for the heating system does not. In an ideal world, the two rooms would be separate but situated near to one another, so that the ducting route between compressors and heating system can be as short as possible. Even when the two systems are positioned apart, the heat from the compressors can be used to heat the burner intake air for the heating system. Since the volume of accumulating heat and the heat requirement are rarely identical, it is important to ensure that there is sufficient thermal storage potential in the form of large vessels. This guarantees optimum supply when generation and consumption volumes differ, as happens in the case of a house equipped with solar heating, where it also necessary to install a means of thermal storage so that hot water is still available when the sun is not shining. Heated compressor cooling air can be used for simple and effective heating of neighbouring spaces via air ducting. Virtually the full amount of energy supplied for compressed air generation can be used for heat recovery. Air- or water-cooled compressors Once the design has been decided, it is vital to select the correct compressors. In general, two different cooling methods are available for compressors: air cooling and water cooling. As already mentioned, in the case of the former, air ducts with thermostatically controlled flaps convey the hot exhaust air directly from the compressors to the neighbouring operating spaces, in order to provide heating for example. To minimise heat losses, the distance the exhaust air needs to travel from the compressor to the point of use should not be too great. According to Kaeser, air-cooled rotary screw compressors, available with up to 315 kW of power, can offer significant heat recovery potential — an investment that typically pays off quickly, with costs often amortised within a year. Systems equipped with additional hot water heat recovery can supply water at temperatures up to 70 °C throughout the year, and even higher if needed. However, since these systems have an impact on compressor power consumption, it should be checked beforehand that their use is justifiable from a cost-efficiency point of view. In the case of water-cooled compressors, the user-end requirements and cooling water costs also play an important role; in principle, however, heat recovery as described above can also be achieved here by means of a second connected circuit. www.kaeser.com"},{"@ID":1
"No.05 2025 www.petpla.net D 51178; ISSN: 1438-9452 PETplanet is read in 159 countries Suppliers of preforms & preform inspection systems MARKETsurvey M A G A Z I N E F O R B O T T L E R S A N D B O T T L E - M A K E R S I N T H E A M E R I C A S , A S I A , E U R O P E A N D A L L A R O U N D T H E P L A N E T 19 . 05 . 25 Page 23 COMPRESSORS Page 27 EDITOUR Page 10 Page 16 AI"},{"@ID":36
"34 EVENT REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net Plastics Recycling Show Europe The Plastics Recycling Show Europe, held inAmsterdam from April 1-2, shattered records with over 500 exhibitors, more than 75 expert speakers, and an all-time high of 13,325 attendees over the two days. The Plastics Recycling Show Europe brings together key players from the plastics and recycling sectors to showcase innovative technology, share best practices, network and do business. Every part of the circular plastics value chain is represented at the event, including plastics recycling machinery and equipment suppliers, AI-powered sorting technology, plastic material suppliers and compounders, pre-processors, mechanical and chemical plastics recyclers, waste management specialists and industry associations. Plastics Recycling Show Europe returns to Halls 1 and 5 at RAI Amsterdam from May 5-6, 2026. Plastics Recycling Shows are now being held in four global locations: Amsterdam, Dubai, Singapore and Mumbai. www.prseventeurope.com EVENTreview"},{"@ID":6
"PETcontents 4 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 05/2025 EDITOUR 10 The waste converters 12 “We create solutions” - Almannai, driver for rPET bottles in Kuwait 13 Mastering cost control in a competitive market - United Factory for Preforms and Packaging (UFPP) adjusts cost screw for preforms 14 Not all water is the same - Malavilla with sophisticated water treatment ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 16 How digitalisation and AI advance the plastics sector 18 Measure the shift - How digitisation is driving sustainable packaging innovation 20 The digital twin: a virtual reality - Sipa’s AI systems for PET packaging machinery 21 AI-powered material sorting - Boosting efficiency in plastic recycling 26 Multiple material streams on a single sorting line - AI-powered sorting system with deep learning technology MARKET SURVEY 23 Suppliers of preforms & preform inspection systems COMPRESSORS 27 “Plug-and-play design brings speed and simplicity to compressor installation 28 Sustainable savings - Heat recovery saves money and benefits the environment 30 Automatic learning and management - A compressed air system monitoring and control network EVENT REVIEW 32 Brazil recycled 410,000 t of PET packaging in 2024 - Unprecedented memorandum will encourage the recyclability of packaging based on the “design for environment” principles 34 PRSE 2025 review OUTER PLANET 46 From field to fibre to form - Papacks positions industrial hemp as the circular raw material of the future and delivers an answer to EU packaging regulations BUYER’S GUIDE 40 Get listed! INSIDE TRACK 3 Editorial 4 Contents 6 News 37 PET bottles for home + personal care 38 Products 39 Patents Page 13 Page 34 Page 21 EDITOUR COMPRESSORS AI"},{"@ID":4
""},{"@ID":29
"COMPRESSORS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 27 Plug-and-play design brings speed and simplicity to compressor installation ABC Compressors has launched X-PET, a new oil-free, high-pressure compressor specifically developed for PET bottling production. Designed as a fully integrated plug-and-play system, the X-PET is claimed to deliver high-performance compressed air while minimising installation complexity and floor space requirements. The X-PET system is a self-contained, air-cooled package mounted on a single frame, making it suitable for forklift handling and rapid deployment without the need for additional auxiliary equipment. It is capable of operating at pressures up to 40 bar (580 psig), and is available in two models: X-PET 200: 250m³/h (118 cfm) capacity, 45 kW (60HP) X-PET 400: 350m³/h (206 cfm) capacity, 75 kW (101HP) Both models are designed according to ISO 1217/50Hz standards and include a frequency converter to manage start-up peaks and improve energy efficiency by adapting to customer needs. X-PET incorporates PLC-HMI control architecture with cloud monitoring and remote access capabilities. LED lighting around the control panel has been designed to provide clear visual feedback for operators, aligning with Industry 4.0 standards for smart manufacturing environments. In terms of sustainability, the X-PET was developed under certified ISO 1400 eco-design principles. Its carbon footprint has been minimised through a combination of advanced engineering and materials optimisation. ABC claims that it is also the first PET air compressor on the market to integrate 3D-printed components, which enable the creation of complex geometries and reduce overall weight without compromising mechanical strength. The X-PET is targeted at PET blow moulding and bottling plants requiring reliable, clean, and energy-efficient high-pressure air. Its oil-free operation ensures that no contamination is introduced during the air compression process, making it particularly suitable for applications in the food and beverage sector where product purity and hygiene are critical. www.abc-compressors.com COMPRESSORS | www.agrintl.com | +1.724.482.2163 Agr’s Process Pilot+ system delivers a automated, predictive response tailored to your unique bottle design and blowmolder characteristics – ensuring optimization, consistency and repeatability. No need for big data, just reliable insights. Produce your best product today as, together, we change global packaging technology one solution at a time. Sustainability in every cycle using smart HɝFLHQW SURFHVV FRQWURO Process Pilot+®"},{"@ID":34
"EVENT REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 32 Unprecedented memorandum will encourage the recyclability of packaging based on the “design for environment” principles Brazil recycled 410,000 t of PET packaging in 2024 Brazil recycled 410,000 t of post-consumer PET packaging in 2024, a volume 14% higher than the 359,000 t recorded in 2021, according to the 13th edition of the PET Recycling Census in Brazil. The information was released by the Brazilian PET Industry Association (ABIPET). The Census also shows that the PET recycling industry has remained solid, with sales of around R$ 5,66 billion (US $996 million), or 32% of all sales in the sector, representing strong income generation for the base of the social pyramid: approximately 40% of this total remains with waste pickers, cooperatives and recyclables dealers. The volume of recycling and the turnover are the result of investments in installed capacity and the development of demand for recycled material, based on work carried out by industry for at least three decades. However, the sector is facing a challenge. The lack of a consistent public policy on selective collection is preventing packaging discarded by consumers from being properly disposed of. “Recycling companies are operating at an average idle capacity rate of 23%, with peaks of up to 40%,” says Auri Marçon, executive president of ABIPET. “As a result, the PET recycling industry is reaching its limits, as it doesn’t have the raw materials it needs for its production processes, while tons of packaging are destined for ordinary landfills or are incorrectly disposed of in the environment.” Circularity on the rise: from one bottle to another PET packaging also continues to intensify its image of great circularity. In 2024, the main destination for recycled resin – 37% of the total – was the manufacture of new packaging (preforms and bottles), used mainly by the water, soft drinks, energy drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages industry, within the food-grade bottle-tobottle system. In the last survey, this market segment had already taken the lead, with an index of 29%. “This growth is due to demand from large users of PET packaging, who trust in the qualities and characteristics of the material and have maintained their commitment to sustainability, even at a time when recycled resin is being sold at a higher price than virgin product,” says ABIPET’s executive president. The textile sector comes in second place among the biggest users, with a consumption of 24% of all recycled material, followed by the chemical industry (13%), sheets & plates (13%), arching tapes (10%) and other applications which account for 3% of the total. Distribution of rPET across sectors in Brazil 2024 Design for recycling and the environment An unprecedented memorandum signed will also seek to encourage the development of PET packaging with a high value for recycling, within the principle of “design for environment”, expanding the circularity of the product, generating income for the base of the social pyramid. ABIPET itself, the Brazilian Association of the Soft Drinks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Industry (ABIR), the Brazilian Association of the Vegetable Oil Industry (ABIOVE) and the National Association of Waste Pickers (ANCAT) are participating in this agreement. ABIPET updated the Guidelines for the Recyclability of PET Packaging, with the support of the other F.l.t.r.: Auri Marçon of ABIPET, Andre M. Nassar of ABIOVE, Roberto Rocha of ANCAT and Alexandre Horta of ABIR"},{"@ID":50
"PETnews 6 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net DePoly to launch 500 t/a showcase plant DePoly, a PET-to-raw-material recycling company, announced the upcoming launch of a 500 t/a showcase plant in Monthey, Switzerland this summer, representing a critical step in the company’s journey from laboratory breakthrough to industrial-scale implementation. The facility will demonstrate DePoly’s proprietary process that converts PET and polyester waste into virgin-quality raw materials without fossil fuels. The technology has already demonstrated its commercial impact through collaborations with some leading companies in fashion, cosmetics and the broader consumer goods industry, including innovators such as PTI, says DePoly. Through these partnerships, the company has validated the quality of its recycled monomers by transforming PET waste into new bottles, highperformance textile fibres, and cosmetic packaging. The company is planning to build a commercial plant in 2027 that will process significantly larger volumes of PET and polyester waste – a major leap in redefining recycling and advancing the circular economy, as DePoly strives to become the global leader in sustainable, circular plastics. www.depoly.co The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and RecyClass mark a second year of progress in driving global harmonisation of Plastic Recyclability The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and RecyClass published the second progress report of their collaboration, which aims to accelerate the global harmonisation of plastic recyclability. Key updates include streamlining the measurement of intrinsic viscosity variation for PET bottles and harmonising the filter pack used in extrusion during HDPE and PP rigid packaging recyclability tests to facilitate future common assessments. Over the past year, APR and RecyClass conducted extensive test campaigns. The main areas of investigation included inks and laminating adhesives for PE films, additives that cause yellowing in recycled PET for PET bottles, and metallised labels. Following the results, the two associations actively participated in the respective Technical Committees to align the benchmarks of the APR Critical Guidance Test Protocols and RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocols. Moving forward, APR and RecyClass are set to conduct further test campaigns to enhance the Design for Recycling Guidelines for various packaging solutions. These efforts will help ensure better alignment and effectiveness of recyclability standards worldwide. www.recyclass.eu www.plasticsrecycling.org Indorama Ventures divests indirect subsidiary in Portugal Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL) has announced the divestment of its indirect subsidiary, Indorama Ventures Portugal PTA - Unipessoal, LDA. (IVPPTA), which operates a PTA manufacturing facility in Sines, Portugal. According to a resolution passed on April 7, 2025, the Management Board of Indorama Netherlands B.V. (INBV), an indirect subsidiary of IVL, approved the sale of its entire 100% equity stake in IVPPTA to an unrelated third party. The transaction was completed on April 11, 2025. The company stated that the decision followed a review of market conditions and economic pressures, including high costs of raw materials and energy, inflation, and increased competition from low-cost PTA imports. The facility had ceased operations two years prior. IVL noted that the divestment aligns with its broader asset optimisation strategy. The sale, valued at EUR 100,000 (approximately THB 3.82 million), includes the transfer of all future obligations associated with IVPPTA to the purchaser. As IVPPTA’s assets had already been impaired in 2024, the company indicated that the transaction would not have a material impact on its operations or financial position. www.indoramaventures.com Maag Group to acquire Sikora AG Maag Group is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sikora AG, a recognised leader in measuring and control technologies. This acquisition accelerates Maag’s innovation capabilities in machine learning, industrial IoT, and AI-driven technologies. Headquartered in Bremen, Germany, Sikora is well-known in the market in measuring and control systems for various applications such as cables, tubes and plastics production. From non-contact measurement control to automatic sorting systems, the company is developing innovative and sustainable solutions, with considerable investment in research and development. With this acquisition, Maag aims to achieve a new milestone in its growth strategy. The company offers a wide range of equipment and integrated systems for the polymer and recycling industries, and is broadening its capabilities to address a wider set of applications and processes. The combination of Maag and Sikora is expected to support the development of smart, self-driven, and energy-efficient systems, in response to evolving market demands. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025. www.maag.com www.sikora.net"},{"@ID":2
"COMPRESSORS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 30 A compressed air system monitoring and control network Automatic learning and management based on an article by Andrea Milia, Business Development Manager at Ecoplant Ecoplant is a stand-alone and plug-and-play solution that can be connected to all compressed air technologies. It offers a distinctive dynamic control system for managing any compressor room by analysing multiple variables. This data feeds into an algorithm that enables fast decision-making. The proper management of compressed air remains a significant challenge for industrial companies operating in markets characterised by high energy cost volatility and a need to minimise unpredictable events, such as equipment failures or system outages. Notably, the electricity required to power compressors can account for up to 30% of a facility’s total energy consumption. In addition to energy costs, expenses related to routine and extraordinary maintenance, as well as the risks posed by malfunctions and system interruptions, including potential plant downtime, represent a substantial portion of a company’s operating expenses. To address the demand for optimal compressed air management, Compair has developed Ecoplant, a monitoring and control system for the compressed air system based on Machine Learning models. Ecoplant is a machine agnostic solution: it can work with any brand and type of compressor. It features a distinctive “dynamic control” capability, which manages compressor rooms through the real-time analysis of multiple variables. These variables continuously feed into an algorithm that enables fast, reliable decisionmaking. Operation To better understand how Ecoplant works, it is helpful to introduce its physical components. Sensors monitor key variables required by the algorithm, such as pressure, flow, dew point, and others. These readings are then transmitted to the dynamic controller. The cloud-based algorithm receives, analyses, and processes the data from the plant’s sensors with the aim of optimising system efficiency. After a baseline period, Dynamic Control is activated. At this stage, artificial intelligence takes over system management to ensure the lowest possible specific energy consumption. This optimisation is made possible through the continuous adjustment of set-points and the selection of the optimal operating configuration for the compressors, based on real-time air demand and conditions. Energy savings are even greater in systems with centralised compressor rooms, equipped with variable speed or centrifugal compressors, and where the air demand fluctuates greatly over time. Compair aims to combine a strong commitment to customer support with a forward-thinking approach, seeking to enhance the value and performance of its equipment through flexible, future-ready solutions. Beyond energy efficiency The benefits of Ecoplant go beyond electricity savings, says Compair. Users have continuous access to a user-friendly monitoring platform that provides real-time insights into the performance of the entire compressed air system, including individual variables, compressors, and dryers of interest. The platform also allows for unlimited access to and download of plant data and data from all connected components. Through machine learning, Ecoplant not only issues timely warnings and alerts but also supports predictive maintenance. This helps reduce both routine and unplanned maintenance COMPRESSORS Display of saved energy"},{"@ID":48
"OUTER PLANET 46 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net OUTER PLANET Papacks positions industrial hemp as the circular raw material of the future and delivers an answer to EU packaging regulations From field to fibre to form Europe’s packaging industry is under growing pressure: avoid deforestation, replace fossil-based materials, and comply with new EU regulations. Papacks responds with a clear solution: a scalable supply chain for certified industrial hemp – as an alternative to wood-based pulp and plastic. Cologne-based Papacks’ goal is to reshape the global packaging and paper industry. In collaboration with strategic partner Ukrainian Hemp, the company has built its own certified supply chain for industrial hemp. This makes Papacks the first company worldwide to offer a scalable, certified, and sustainable alternative to wood pulp and plastic at an industrial level. Meeting PPWR requirements Industrial hemp enables the production of moulded fibre packaging and paper-based materials – without wood, high energy input, or excessive CO2 emissions. Unlike trees, hemp grows in just a few months, can be cultivated regionally, and requires no deforestation. Packaging made from hemp fibres meets the requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), is over 80% recyclable via the paper stream, and complies with international food and pharmaceutical safety standards (BfR, FDA, BRCGS). Papacks Founder and CEO Tahsin Dag states: “We’re not just replacing a raw material. We’re challenging an entire system. Industrial hemp allows us to decouple packaging from deforestation – while building truly circular material flows in Europe.” Scalable and future-ready Despite the challenges of the war in Ukraine, Papacks and Ukrainian Hemp have established an industrial infrastructure for processing hemp into moulded fibre, pulp, and packaging. This enables a regional, regenerative value chain – from field to fibre to form. The focus is on supplying at industrial scale and on quality: renewable, recyclable, and applicable across industries. The fibres are used throughout the circular system – from trays, containers, capsules, and moulded packaging parts to papers and composites. Hemp does not just replace plastic – it replaces the system. Tahsin Dag invites packaging manufacturers, brands, and converters to explore industrial hemp as a strategic raw material for the next generation of packaging. www.papacks.com"},{"@ID":11
"9 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 ICS Egypt joins Wisecap Group to lead the next phase of growth across Egypt and Africa ICS Egypt is a closure producer for carbonated soft drinks across Egypt and Africa. Wisecap Group is proud to announce the beginning of a new chapter as Integrated Cap Solutions Egypt (ICS Egypt). ICS Egypt is the result of a strategic partnership between CSS Group, the previous owner of CSI Egypt, and Wisecap Group. “By joining Wisecap Group, ICS Egypt gains access to a broader product portfolio, cutting-edge technologies, and extensive commercial know-how developed over more than four decades. This will allow ICS Egypt to better serve its existing customers while expanding into new product segments such as closures for water and noncarbonated beverages,” said Alessandro Delfanti, Chairman and CEO of Wisecap Group. “This powerful partnership unites CSS Group’s centurylong legacy in beverage closure excellence with Wisecap’s decades of industrial—leveraging ICS Egypt’s strong local footprint and reputation across Egypt and Af r ica, ” said by Miquel Batlle and Andre Bianchi, co-owners of CSS group. ICS Egypt sees itself now ideally positioned to accelerate i ts growth journey. The continuity of the local team and operations are claimed to ensure uninterrupted service for existing clients, while the integration into Wisecap Group unlocks new opportunities for innovation, performance, and regional expansion. www.wisecap.eu"},{"@ID":7
"7 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 Blow Moulding 2025: Conference on innovations and sustainability in plastic bottles and containers According to research by Nortal Consulting, circa 36 million tonnes of polymer (mostly PET and HDPE) have been processed by blow moulding around the world in 2024, mainly to make consumer and industrial packaging valued at c. 97 billion US dollars. Widely employed as a packaging solution, blow moulded plastic bottles and containers present very specific challenges and opportunities, both in terms of the supply chain and from a sustainability perspective. Fortunately, those can all be debated at this industry’s dedicated meeting place. Already in its 9th edition, the International Conference / Exhibition / Networking Event Blow Moulding 2025 which will take place from December 10-11 at Brussels, Belgium, is well-established as the annual forum for this industry. It brings together the entire supply chain: from producers of raw materials, additives, machinery and tooling to suppliers of packaging systems and components, as well as brand owners and retailers; not forgetting of course recyclers and sustainability experts. The two full days comprise absorbing presentation sessions and panel discussions, interspaced with exhibition visits and lots of networking opportunities. It will be an opportunity to get an update on the latest trends, developments and innovations, to promote products, services and capabilities, as well as to meet key experts and industry leaders. The event covers plastic bottles and containers viewed as complete packaging solutions – i.e. including Caps & Closures, Labels & Sleeves, Dispensing Systems, Seal Films, as well as secondary packaging. All aspects of the product cycle are within the scope – from choice of raw material and design to post-use stewardship. So are all the various blow moulding technologies and materials. www.blow-moulding.com CREATING FUTURE STANDARDS Japan’s leading Aseptic PET Filling System Provider. Our website Our solution high quality reliable technology safe & secure"},{"@ID":30
"COMPRESSORS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 05/25 www.petpla.net 28 Heat recovery saves money and benefi ts the environment Sustainable savings based on an article by Daniela Koehler, Press Officer at Kaeser Kompressoren Compressors and the compressed air they generate are used in a multitude of industrial applications. However, the fact that compressor exhaust heat can be harnessed often remains forgotten. Up to 96% of the drive energy supplied to a compressor is available for reuse. Heat recovery not only saves energy and costs, but also reduces the operator’s CO2 footprint. Fully 100% of the drive energy supplied to a compressor is converted into heat. Both air- and fluid-cooled rotary screw compressors are exceptionally well-suited to comprehensive recovery and reuse of this energy; around 76% of their energy input remains as heat in the cooling fluid and is removed in the fluid cooler. A further 15% can be recovered as heat via the compressed air aftercooler. Up to 5% of the heat produced is emitted by the electric motor – with targeted cooling, fully enclosed rotary screw compressors can even recover this energy as well. Only 2% of the total energy input is lost as heat radiation, whilst a further 2% remains as heat in the compressed air. Of course, this heat could simply be conveyed away. However, there are plenty of ways to make use of this readily available energy source that occurs as a by-product of the compression process. The simplest and most efficient method is to use the compressor exhaust heat directly, e.g. for heating adjoining rooms or spaces. Here, instead of discharging hot air from the compressed air station outside, an air ducting system directs it to neighbouring warehouses or workshops. When no hot air is required, the heated exhaust air is simply conveyed outdoors by means of a flap or louvre. A thermostatically controlled louvre enables hot air to be provided as and when required in order to maintain a constant temperature. In addition to providing full or supplementary heating for operating spaces, hot compressor exhaust air can be used to support applications such as drying processes, generating hot air curtains or preheating burner air for heating systems. The corresponding investment costs can often be amortised within a period of one year. Compressor exhaust heat can also be used to supply existing hot water heating and service water systems; depending on the available storage capacity, water temperatures of 70 °C and even higher can be generated. There are several ways to achieve this. The most cost-effective method is to use a plate-type heat exchanger integrated into the compressor, which is connected to the compressor cooling fluid circuit and transfers energy from the heated cooling fluid to the water that requires heating. Depending on whether the hot water is required for particularly sensitive production or cleaning processes, for showering and washing, or for general heating systems, special safety heat exchangers or conventional plate-type heat exchangers may be used. These enable 70-80% of the installed compressor output to be used for heating purposes without the need for any additional expenditure on energy. This variant of heat recovery is also possible with primary water-cooled rotary screw compressors. Heat recovery is principally worthwhile when the compressors in question feature a power output of at least 5.5 kW. Establishing actual requirement Since very few operators know their exact air demand, Kaeser recommends conducting a compressed air audit before installing a compressor system. Performed swiftly and seamlessly using state-of-theart analysis tools such as the ADA/ KESS (Air Demand Analysis/Kaeser Energy Saving System), this audit can determine the precise demand data for a project, says the company. The web-based system transmits measured data and system data for the audited station, and provides an initial report for the operator. These data can then be transferred to the KESS system and subsequently used to determine the planning steps for the air station operator, as well as the investment costs and potential COMPRESSORS Compressed air station with air ducts for heat recovery. The ducts convey hot air to neighbouring spaces."},{"@ID":49
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