PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 03/23 www.petpla.net 41 TRADE SHOW REVIEW tions in PET packaging technology’. He pointed at four main directions of innovation: process precision and flexibility, cost optimisation, time to market and environmental protection. As an example of innovation, he revealed a new series of PET containers provided with glued-in handles. Developed in 2021 by Nortal Consulting, V-Demos (Video Demonstrations) are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to ‘classic’ equipment demonstrations at trade fairs. The professionally-filmed videos enable the audience to view details and gain a better understanding of the technologies involved. One such V-Demo was presented by Krones and featured their Contiloop AI – a newly developed blow moulder process control system equipped with artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional control systems, Contiloop AI has ‘learning’ capabilities, enabling it to quickly adjust process parameters to compensate, for instance, for changes in raw material. This is particularly useful when rPET is used, as it enables the machine to manufacture on-spec, constant quality products based on raw materials with variable characteristics. Robert Aust, Head of Product Management Bloc and Plastics Krones, introduced this development and answered questions from the audience. Jorge Pucci, CSO of Moldintec, presented ‘PET label-less bottles’. This new technology replaces labels with information blown into the bottle itself, via etchings on the surface of the mould. The information is easy to read even on transparent bottles, thanks to light reflection and scattering effects. The environmental advantages are obvious. Innovation Leader Claudia Berardi presented Serioplast’s journey towards achieving circularity. Entitled ‘Recycling for good’, her presentation described in detail the various challenges posed by PCR (Post-Consumer Recycling), as well as the innovative ways used to overcome those difficulties. Achieving circularity was also the theme of the next presentation, delivered by Clemens Kitzberger, Business Development manager of Erema Group. Entitled ‘Another life for plastic’, his talk described a number of different technologies, which nevertheless have one goal in common: to deliver PCR material that is as similar as possible to virgin. In his presentation ‘Plastics – a battle of perception’, R&D/Leverage Global Marketing Director Robert Schiavone delivered a passionate appeal to the industry to organise and put together a better communications strategy, aimed at changing the negative perception of plastic packaging. The solution, he argued, is not to replace plastics, which – even where it is possible – would have deleterious results, both from a purely economic and from an environmental point of view. Rather, the solution to the issue of plastic pollution is better public policies and consumer education. (See also PETplanet 1+2/2023) The first day of conference ended with an interesting discussion, led by a panel of experts including Christian Müller (Managing Director, W.Müller EBM), Jochen Hirdina (Vice President Plastics Division, Krones) and Matteo Gaiardi (Global Sales Director, Serioplast). The theme was ‘What’s new? Learning points from the latest innovations unveiled at Drinktec and the K Fair’. The passionate discussion (with the participation of the panellists and the audience) revolved around two main innovation trends: digitalisation and sustainability. Among other things, the participants highlighted the essential role of brand owners, whose needs and expectations drive innovation along the entire supply chain. The proceedings opened again on December 1 with a joint presentation by Daniel Klein (simulation Modelling and Virtual Prototyping at Nestlé Waters) and Julius Petrausch (Lead Researcher, Leibnitz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden). Entitled ‘Novel methods and tools for predicting rPET processability’, their presentation revealed a methodology involving image processing and stress-strain calculations in order to build a ‘digital twin’. The latter can then be analysed in order to identify ideal materials and processes. Tom Palmer (Global Product Manager Plastics at Greif) presented ‘Latest Innovations in Blow-Moulded Industrial Packaging’. Using the 3R framework (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), he provided examples of innovations for each of those imperatives. Miriam López Fernández, Blow Moulding Specialist at Repsol, followed suit with a presentation entitled ‘Circularity in industrial and household chemicals packaging: current and future solutions’. She revealed the company’s achievements in terms of mechanical and chemical recycling, as well as a new range of bio-based grades. ‘Extrusion Blow Moulding is the future’ was the confident title of a presentation by Andreas Kandt (Group Director Business Development, W. Müller GmbH). A wellknown figure in this industry, Mr Kandt detailed in a persuasive manner the many advantages offered by Extrusion Blow Moulding. Hans Videler (Asset manager PE Blow Moulding at LyondellBasell) presented ‘Advancing circularity for Extrusion Blow Moulded products’.
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