PETpla.net Insider 10 / 2019

8 NEWS PET planet Insider Vol. 20 No. 10/19 www.petpla.net Circularity for Polymers: The ICIS Recycling Conference The polymer industry is facing an unprecedented moment brought on by a global shift towards circularity and sustain- ability. The European Commission’s Strategy for Plastics and increasing brand-owner commitments for recycled content in packaging puts pressure on an industry challenged already by supply constraints and market uncertainty. With the full value chain impacted by these challenges, the importance of industry collaboration is emphasised more than ever before. In response to this changing industry, Berlin will play host to the first ‘Circularity for Polymers: The ICIS Recycling Con- ference’ (5 November 2019, Radisson Blu Hotel), an event specifically designed to promote collaboration, solution finding and real change within the polymer industry. The launch of the event is being supported by key industry players, including: Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, The North Face, Electrolux, Borealis, Sabic, SUEZ and Lyondell- Basell. Isabelle Karpinski, Conference Producer, Circularity for Polymers: The ICIS Recycling Conference, said: “The polymer industry is experiencing a period of rapid change; this event was launched to provide a space for the value chain to interact and share knowledge.” “This industry has highlighted the importance of collabora- tion and full value chain engagement in solving the challenges present in this sector. Our conference serves as a platform for discussion, to enable those active in recycling and cir- cularity to find real solutions and achieve real change from within the industry.” The conference will include interactive roundtable sessions and Q&As with thought leaders in the space, offering a unique opportunity to stay on the cutting edge of recycling. www.icisevents.com Sumitomo (SHI) Demag announces new Managing Director in China Effective September 9, 2019, Mr. Stephan Greif was hand- ing over the leadership responsibilities of Demag Plastics Machinery Ningbo Co. Ltd to incoming Managing Director Mr. Pietro Scattarreggia. For close to two decades, Stephan Greif has led the Chinese subsidiary of the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery Group. The impact of Stephan Greif’s contribution, comprising the merger with Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. in March 2008 and the expansion of production capabilities in Ningbo in April 2015 have all been critical in cementing the company’s domestic market presence and global reputation as an machinery innovator, states the company. Reflecting on the importance of the Chinese market and the significance of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag being the first European injection moulding machine manufacturer to establish its presence there, CEO Gerd Liebig hailed Ste- phan Greif’s entrepreneurial spirit as being the pillar of the company’s deep rooted success. The team at Ningbo, China with their incoming and outgoing Managing Directors Mr. Stephan Greif (in the middle on the left) and Mr. Pietro Scattarreggia (in the middle on the right) At the start, the company’s production area in Ningbo measured 3,500 m². In 2015, driven by rapidly growing demand for technically advanced injection moulding machines, Ningbo’s production footprint increased more than fivefold. Having realised his ambition, creating a prospering enterprise and paving the way for future growth in China and South East Asia, Stephan hands over the reigns to successor Pietro Scattarreggia. Returning to Germany, Stephan Greif will continue to consult with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, sharing his extensive service and sales experiences. For more than 18 years, Pietro Scattarreggia has worked at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH in numerous sales and service management posts. As the former business development director for the company’s electronics and medical segment at the Group’s European headquarters, Mr. Scattarreggia is expected to bring a fresh service and consultancy perspective when he relocates to China, effective September 9, 2019. www.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu Milliken invests in Asia with new manufacturing facility in Singapore Expected to begin operations in Q1 2021, the facility expands Milliken’s chemical manufacturing footprint to support increasing demand across Asia, including rapidly growing markets in India and China. The company currently operates an applications lab and technical service and sales office in Singapore, and recently celebrated its 20-year presence in the region. “Milliken’s commitment to our growing markets in Asia is unwavering. With this investment, we hope to expand the positive impact innovative chemical manufacturing can contribute to the region and to the world,” said Allen Jacoby, senior vice president of the Plastics Additives business within Milliken’s Chemical division. The new plant will have the capability to manufacture several integral Milliken plastic additives that bring sustain- ability and production benefits to the global plastics industry. Primarily, the location will produce the company’s Hyperform family of nucleating agents for polypropylene (PP) and poly- ethylene (PE); as well as specialty colourants for a broad range of product applications, including home and laundry care, personal care, industrial and institutional cleaners, and polyurethane foams. www.milliken.com WikiPETia .info More than 300 companies at