PETpla.net Insider 01+02 / 2012

NEWS 8 PET planet insider Vol. 13 No. 01+02/12 www.petpla.net New KHS label lab KHS recently opened an in-house label lab at its plant in Dortmund, Germany, which analyses various properties of labels using state-of-the-art measurement devices. The lab is equipped for the study of all kinds of label, from conven- tional cold glue paper through self-adhesive to film and roll- fed. All labels are tested in full detail under ideal test condi- tions, i.e. at a temperature of 23°C (+/- 1°C) and at 50% humidity (+/- 2%). The lab also checks whether newly-pur- chased machines and the ordered labelling technology are fully compatible with one another, and will provide advice on storage and processing conditions for the specified labels, including optimum humidity and air temperature in the plant. If the labels are changed during the service life of a KHS labeller, customers can refer their new label designs to the label lab at any time, for advice. Customers can also have access to a database, which is based on statistics collected from real-world experience and provides a resource for prog- noses to be made as to the effect of certain label properties on quality. KHS says that it also maintains contact with vari- ous research institutes and label manufacturers with whom it constantly exchanges information and experience. www.khs.com Uhde Inventa-Fischer proves PLA process Uhde Inventa-Fischer has announced that it has proven the potential of PLAneo, its patented PLA (polylactic acid) technology, after an operating phase lasting several months. Its PLA pilot plant in Guben, Germany, has a production capacity of 500t/a of polymer granules. The company reports that testing covered the full functionality of the PLAneo pro- cess and that all achieved performance parameters were achieved. The process is claimed to produce PLA that is suitable for a range of applications including film and fibre, masterbatch base polymers, and various specialities such as PLA copolymers and stereocomplex PLA with increased heat resistance. Uhde Inventa-Fischer asserts that the continu- ous process is suitable for large-capacity industrial produc- tion plants. PLAneo uses commercially available lactic acid, which is converted to granules with a yield in excess of 95%. The company is part of Thyssen Krupp Uhde GmbH, which it says enables it to cover the entire process, from agricultural feedstock and lactic acid to the saleable granules. Thyssen- Krupp Uhde is currently building a pilot plant in Leuna, Ger- many, for the production of lactic acid from glucose or sac- charose. The plant is due to come onstream in the second quarter of 2012. www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com Fondo Italiano di Investimento buys into Amut SpA Fondo Italiano di Investimento (Italian Investment Fund) has contracted to buy shares in Amut SpA, head- quartered in Novara, Italy. The transaction involves an overall investment in company equity of €10 million, giving Fondo Italiano di Investimento a minority share. Amut employs some 165 people and generates yearly revenues of approximately €47 million, 84% from sales outside Italy. Amut produces extruded profiles, pipes, sheets, and films that are used in a broad range of industrial applications. It also builds in-line and off-line thermoforming systems for the production of packaging materials (trays and tubs), and single-use articles such as plates and glasses. It began producing recycling plants for industrial and post- consumer plastics in the 1980s. Fondo Italiano di Investi- mento’s investment will support Amut’s future growth plans in all three of its business areas. CEO Mauro Drappo said that the investment will enable Amut to strengthen its posi- tion in foreign markets and provide resources to step up its research and development efforts in an increasingly complex and selective industry. www.fondoitaliano.it Appe awarded ‘Processor of the Year’ Nearly 800 plastic professionals and their guests at the 2011 Plastics Industry Awards ceremony saw convertor and PET preform manufacturer Appe named Processor of the Year in 2011. The company believes that becoming the first major PET producer to gain the BRC/IOP Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials across all of its Euro- pean plants was an important factor in winning the award. It was also shortlisted in two other categories: Best Business Initiative and Best Training and Development Programme. www.appepackaging.com Indian beverage industry discusses PET A pan-India seminar entitled “Unlocking the Value of Packaging for Liquor Business”, organised by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and other industry members, was held at the Hotel Westin in Pune, India, November 18 2011. Aimed at both domestic (‘country’) liquor manufac- turers and imported beverage businesses, the half-day programme explored advantages of PET packaging, labelling, filling and shrink-wrapping systems, discussed emerging global trends in packaging, and addressed vari- ous technical and commercial issues. The Indian PET industry has identified alcoholic beverages as one of the key focus areas for development and promotion. PET bottles usage for alcoholic beverages in India is primar- ily in sizes up to 750ml, with larger pack sizes (2l and above) more popular in southern states. The use of PET for both imported beverages and country liquor is grow- ing and gaining approval in progressively more states. Total usage in the sector has grown from 55kt in 2009-10 to 65kt in 2010-11. It is projected to reach 80kt in 2011- 12 to grow at 20%/a in the next three to four years. The seminar followed similar exercises presented by RIL and partners for the pharma and edible oil sectors. It brought industry members together on one platform to “…network, brainstorm and establish PET as a solution provider” for emerging packaging opportunities, and to help manu- facturers re-position their products by improving brand appeal and to become more competitive in costs. Presen- tations were made by RIL PET Division; Sunrise Contain- ers Ltd; S S Packaging Industries; Swiss label print- ing machinery company Gallus; Avery Dennison; Maks Automation; Allied Blenders and Distillers; and Krishna Sahakari.