Prolight + Sound, Heimtextil, Techtextil And Texprocess Postponed Until 2022; International Consumer Goods Show Cancelled

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — January 18, 2021 — Back in September 2020, a decision was reached by Messe Frankfurt and the industries involved to forgo any physical events at our home base in the first quarter of 2021. Now, following close consultation with customers, it has become necessary to postpone the international physical trade fairs planned for April and May — Prolight + Sound, the International Consumer Goods Show, Heimtextil, Techtextil and Texprocess — as a result of the regulations and travel restrictions that have been imposed.

There is currently no end to the pandemic in sight. Events are effectively banned in Germany, and ongoing international travel restrictions mean that it is impossible to make any trade fair plans for April or May 2021. “The coronavirus pandemic has taken centre-stage, and our plans have not escaped its impact. In light of the current situation, it would not be possible for us to satisfy our customers’ requirements for international trade fairs in April or May,” said Detlef Braun, member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt.

That is why Messe Frankfurt has decided, following close consultation with its customers and partners, to postpone the hybrid Prolight + Sound event planned for April and the three textile fairs Heimtextil, Techtextil and Texprocess scheduled for May, and to cancel the International Consumer Goods Show scheduled for April. An annual spring event is essential for the trend-based order cycles in the entertainment, technology, consumer goods and textile industries, which means that postponing these events until the second half of the year would not serve the interests of exhibitors. In addition, this is the time when industry participants normally shift their preparations into high gear — logistics lead time that is particularly essential for exhibitors at Techtextil and Texprocess, some of whom need to bring machinery to Frankfurt for their presentations. As a result of the current situation and ongoing travel restrictions, exhibitors are faced with huge uncertainties regarding who will be allowed to be present and their customer contacts, making it extremely difficult to commit to trade fair participation. It simply is not possible at present to offer any planning certainty for investments in trade fair presentations for April or May.

Focus on digital formats

Due to the fact that physical events are not possible, Messe Frankfurt has created numerous digital offerings for its customers. Consumer Goods Digital Day on April 20, 2021, for example, offer customers the opportunity to get together at a digital location where they can engage in dialogue and obtain information. The content of the Digital Day will be focused on ways in which retailers can help their businesses, particularly since it has not been possible to hold any international flagship fairs in Frankfurt featuring the relevant presentation possibilities and supporting programs since Ambiente 2020. This content will be supplemented by the opportunities presented by Nextrade, the first order and data management portal for the home and living sector. Nextrade also offers attractive possibilities for manufacturers of finished home and household textiles to present their products, as well as a frequently used channel through which they can promote business with retailers and traders. Additional digital information and content offerings are already being planned for Heimtextil, Techtextil, Texprocess and Prolight + Sound.

“The ongoing shutdown of retailers in our visitor countries has made relevant up-to-date information and solutions essential, and we are satisfying this demand with our digital offerings during this volatile time,” Braun. “As you know, we are also continuing to do everything in our power to make safe and successful trade fairs possible, because nothing can take the place of face-to-face encounters.”

As a result, Heimtextil will now take place from January 11-14, 2022, followed by Christmasworld from January 28 to February 1, 2022, and Paperworld and Creativeworld from January 29 to February 1, 2022. Ambiente will be opening its doors from February 11-15, 2022, in its customary slot, followed by Prolight + Sound from April 26-29, 2022. Techtextil and Texprocess will then take place in the second quarter of 2022.

Posted January 18, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt

Correct Craft To Open Supreme Boats Manufacturing Facility In Valdosta, Create 90 Jobs

ATLANTA — January 13, 2021 — Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Correct Craft, a leader in building tournament inboard, freshwater fishing, utility and recreational boats, will invest more than $1.7 million in opening a manufacturing facility in Valdosta, delivering 90 jobs to Lowndes County. Correct Craft’s Valdosta facility will produce wakeboarding and wake surfing boats under its Supreme Boats brand.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Correct Craft and Supreme Boats to the family of outstanding manufacturers that call Georgia home. Boating and water sports play a vital role in our tourism industry in Georgia and, along with other important industry sectors, help create opportunity in our communities,” said Governor Kemp. “As the No. 1 State for Business, our strong workforce training and education programs continue to help us attract solid manufacturing jobs for hardworking Georgians. We are excited to see this project take root in Valdosta and the surrounding region, as we continue our mission to stimulate economic growth in rural Georgia.”

Established in 1925, Correct Craft has emerged as an international leader in the marine industry and owns several watercraft and recreational sports brands, including Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Bryant boat companies, Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Group, Watershed Innovation, and watersports park operation Aktion Parks.

“We are very excited about the growth opportunity this new Supreme Boats factory in Georgia brings to both of our brands. It will give the Supreme brand a phenomenal opportunity for accelerated growth with its own production facility,” said Paul Singer, president of Centurion & Supreme Boats. “Thank you to the State of Georgia for their support in this expansion project. We are very excited about the growth opportunities it presents to our valued dealer partners.”

Correct Craft’s Supreme Boats advanced manufacturing facility will open in an existing 165,000-square-foot space located at 601 Gil Harbin Industrial Boulevard in Valdosta. The company’s expansion to Georgia will bring 90 jobs to the southern region of the state, including careers in production, management, administration, and maintenance. Individuals interested in opportunities with Correct Craft are encouraged to visit careers.smartrecruiters.com/CorrectCraft/centurion-and-supreme for additional information.

“We are excited to welcome Correct Craft to our community,” said Valdosta Mayor Scott Matheson. “I appreciate the efforts and collaboration by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority and the State of Georgia’s Department of Economic Development to bring this new industry into our community while using an existing facility in the Azalea City Industrial Park. We are confident that our community’s infrastructure and dedicated workforce will contribute to the success and future longevity of Correct Craft.”

Project Manager Jamon Williams represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce division on this competitive project in partnership with the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority, Georgia EMC, and Georgia Quick Start.

“Correct Craft has been building high quality watercraft for nearly 100 years, and it is particularly gratifying to welcome them to our family of Georgia companies. We have worked with our partners at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority to find the right occupant for this building, and a company with the culture, quality, and reputation of Correct Craft will make a great community partner,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Outdoor recreational and leisure activities have only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is exciting to see these industries continue to grow and provide jobs to Georgians during this crisis. I’m grateful to our local partners in Valdosta and across South Georgia for their partnership, and I look forward to fostering a long-term relationship with Correct Craft and Supreme Boats.”

Posted January 15, 2021

Source: Georgia Office of the Governor

Governor Northam Announces Flooring Manufacturer Mohawk Industries To Expand Operation In Carroll County, Virginia

RICHMOND Va. — January 14, 2021 — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Mohawk Industries Inc., a global manufacturer of residential and commercial flooring products, will invest $22.5 million to expand its operation in Carroll County. The company will add 19,000 square feet to its facility at 351 Floyd Pike in Hillsville and install new extrusion and loom equipment to increase production speed. Virginia successfully competed with other states for the project, which will retain 75 existing jobs and create 35 new jobs.

“We are proud that a global industry leader like Mohawk continues to expand its footprint in Virginia,” said Governor Northam. “The advanced manufacturing industry remains the backbone of the economy in many regions across the Commonwealth, and we thank Mohawk for contributing to this important sector and creating high-quality jobs in Carroll County, especially at such a critical time in our economic recovery.”

Mohawk Industries is a global flooring manufacturer that creates products for residential and commercial spaces. The company’s vertically integrated manufacturing and distribution processes provide competitive advantages in the production of carpet, rugs, ceramic tile, laminate, wood, stone, and vinyl flooring. Mohawk’s brands include American Olean, Daltile, Durkan, Karastan, IVC, Marazzi, Mohawk, Pergo, Quick-Step, and Unilin. Over the past two decades, Mohawk has transformed its business from an American carpet manufacturer into the world’s largest flooring company with operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States.

Mohawk employs more than 900 Virginians. The company’s Hillsville facility manufactures carpet-backing from 100 percent recycled post-consumer materials, which is then used to manufacture commercial carpet at its Rockbridge County facility as well as other Mohawk carpet manufacturing locations across the Southeast.

“Mohawk Industries is an important employer in Virginia, and the company’s decision to reinvest in its Carroll County operation demonstrates confidence in our business climate and workforce,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Manufacturers benefit from our competitive operating costs, strategic location, and our skilled talent pool and we appreciate the company’s decision to expand its operations in the Commonwealth. We congratulate Mohawk Industries on its success in Carroll County, and look forward to our continued partnership.”

“Mohawk operates manufacturing facilities in more than a dozen states, and we are grateful to the government teams that work with us to create good jobs and provide opportunities for our people,” said Todd Shail, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Mohawk Industries. “Virginia’s state and local governments are committed to a climate where businesses can thrive, and the quality of Virginia’s workforce is a tremendous advantage to any employer.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Carroll County and Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance (VIAA) to secure the project for the Commonwealth. Governor Northam approved an $80,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Carroll County with the project. Mohawk Industries is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Mohawk Industries is an integral part of the Carroll County community,” said Carroll County Economic Development Authority and Board of Supervisors Chairs Larry Edwards and Dr. Tom Littrell. “We are pleased that Mohawk Industries chose Carroll County over several other locations for its expansion. This expansion provides 35 new high-paying jobs and over $20 million in new investment into our local economy. We are proud to be part of Mohawk Industries’ future.”

“I want to congratulate Mohawk Industries for its continued growth and success and am very pleased for the opportunity they will bring to Carroll County,” said Delegate Jeffrey Campbell. “This expansion will provide a much-needed economic boost to our citizens by bringing new job opportunities and capital investment during what otherwise has proven to be one of the most challenging economic periods in modern U.S. history. I am additionally grateful to VEDP, VIAA, and Carroll County’s economic development officials for their vital assistance in bringing this to a reality.”

Posted January 15, 2021

Source: Virginia Office of the Governor

Groundbreaking COVID-19 Air Disinfection Is Here As APJeT Achieves Complete ‘Kill’ Of Surrogate Human Coronavirus With Its Patent Pending Air Plasma Technology

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — January 12, 2021 — As the pandemic surges, APJeT® Inc., an advanced technology company located in Research Triangle Park/Morrisville, N.C., today announced that its atmospheric plasma technology is now a reality for disinfecting circulated air and surfaces against COVID-19. Having achieved 100-percent “kill” rates on a human coronavirus surrogate, APJeT, has developed four systems for the application of its technology: an air disinfection device (the COVIDINATOR™) for integration into existing and new HVAC systems, a stand-alone air disinfection system, a “wand” for treating surfaces and a “kill box” for article disinfection. The company will introduce its new-tech air plasma disinfection systems to the market this quarter.

“Achieving a complete ‘kill’, the 100-percent elimination of the coronavirus, in enclosed spaces is a big step forward for human safety and returning life to normal for travelers, office-workers, and movie-goers,” said APJeT CEO Bentley Park.

APJeT’s patented air disinfection system can be easily incorporated into existing and new HVAC systems in community spaces, large and small, effectively disinfecting the air.

APJeT expects that its air and surface disinfection technology will be widely used in hospitals, offices, schools and in the airline, cruise, and hotel industries, which have been among the hardest hit by the current pandemic.

Independent testing at ResInnova Laboratories, proved APJeT’s plasma surface disinfection “wand” to achieve a complete “kill” on a human coronavirus (a COVID-19 surrogate) when applied for only 90 seconds. In comparison, other widely used methods such as UV-c light or bipolar ionization only achieve 99.9 percent (3-log) kill rate.

APJeT systems not only achieve higher kill rates, but also work much faster, are safer, use less energy and produce less ozone.

“The incremental difference in APJeT achieving a 100 percent ‘kill’ rate means that people are 1,000 times less likely to become infected when air plasma technology is applied versus the most advanced technology that’s currently available. It’s game-changing.” added Park.

APJeT’s plasma air disinfection device, the ‘COVIDINATOR™, was tested and certified results confirm a complete elimination, or “total kill”, in one pass of room-circulated air. The outside lab tested air disinfection rates using Staphylococcus Epidermidis as a surrogate bacteria for MRSA, which is listed on the EPA’s website as being more difficult to eliminate than coronaviruses.

APJeT’s plasma disinfection systems use a patent-pending cold plasma technology that breakdown the oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) molecules in air into individual atoms. When these atoms recombine with the moisture in air, they create what are known as ‘reactive species’, that destroy viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Posted January 15, 2021

Source: APJeT® Inc.

Carbios Significantly Strengthened Its International Patent Portfolio

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France — January 13, 2021 — Carbios, a company pioneering new bio-industrial solutions to reinvent the lifecycle of plastic and textile polymers, significantly strengthened its international patent portfolio for the year 2020.

Since its creation, Carbios has secured and strengthened its Intellectual Property portfolio by protecting its key innovations in research and industrial development. At the end of 2020, Carbios held 38 patent families worldwide, 18 of which protect its recycling process as well as the associated proprietary PET-degrading enzymes.

In 2020, the company’s portfolio was enriched by four new patent families on new PET enzymes, significantly consolidating the company’s pioneering position in the identification, development and optimization of degrading enzymes. “2020 was a year of great news for Carbios! After the scientific recognition of our enzymatic PET recycling technology by the prestigious journal Nature, the issuance of these international patents validates the innovative and significant character of our technology and thus confirms our technological advance in the development of sustainable solutions for the management of plastics and textiles lifecycle.” said Lise Lucchesi, Intellectual Property director of Carbios.

Eleven patents were granted (including seven in the United States), on all of the Company’s projects in 2020, bringing the total number of granted patents in Carbios’ portfolio to 33. Two patents in particular have been granted in the United States on the PET enzymes described in the journal Nature. At the same time, Carbios completed the coverage of its historical family of patents on its enzymatic PET recycling process with new grants in Canada, China and India (in addition to the grants already obtained in the United States, Europe and Japan).

Carbios’ expansive portfolio is an indication of its role as a global leader in the field of PET recycling. By protecting the Company’s IP, Carbios is securing its current and future industrial partners a strategic, and competitive advantage in key markets.

Prof. Dr. Uwe T. Bornscheuer, who is a member of Carbios’ Scientific Committee, said: “I am delighted by the major breakthroughs achieved in the development of the first highly efficient enzymatic recycling process, which has been developed by Carbios and its partners. This innovation is now further underlined by the granted patents. I am convinced these achievements and inventions represent an excellent basis for the creation of a circular economy for the widely used polyester PET.”

Posted January 15, 2021

Source: Carbios

Healthcare Laundry Services Provider Linen King Appoints Chris Corcoran New Chief Operating Officer

TULSA, Okla. — January 14, 2021 — Linen King, a provider of healthcare laundry services in the south and central United States, recently announced a change to its senior leadership team.

Chris Corcoran has been brought on to serve as COO for the company. Corcoran has more than 30 years’ worth of operations and executive managerial experience in the healthcare laundry business. Corcoran comes to Linen King having most recently served as a division vice president for a large healthcare laundry group. Gary Hutchison, who has been with Linen King for almost ten years, will become the chief administration officer for the company.

“This move represents our continued progress in the industry. We are excited to add Chris to our outstanding leadership team and know that he will make an immediate positive impact on operational efficiency,” said Leonard McCullough, Linen King CEO. Gary Hutchison, Linen King CAO, said “I am eager to work with Chris on operations and am excited about my new role, which will allow me to focus more of my time on activities such as strategic acquisitions, account management, human resources, facility certification and other critical facets of Linen King’s business as we continue to grow.”

Posted January 15, 2021

Source: Linen King

Stoffus Increases Productivity 100-Percent By Implementing Gerber’s End-To-End Digitalized Hardware And Software Solutions

V.N. GAIA, Portugal — January 14, 2021 — Stoffus Lda developer and producer of leather and fabric sofas in the Portuguese market. In February 2020, the company opened a brand new facility and digitally transformed their processes with the objective of improving working conditions and growing their business. When the global pandemic caused many companies to shift their production to personal protective equipment (PPE), Stoffus leveraged Gerber Technology’s integrated solutions to not only run their normal business operations, but also keep up with growing demand for made-to-order furniture resulting in doubling its production capacity.

“Speed, quality, optimized and integrated processes, combined with excellent service were the decisive reasons for choosing Gerber as a partner over the competition,” said Luis Salgado, CEO and founder of Stoffus. “The trust factor in a technological partner that guarantees a stable presence and service of quality is essential for an increase in productivity and precision in delivery times.”

As soon as they moved into the new facility, Stoffus was able to move towards new goals with integrated digital processes that immediately enabled a simultaneous increase in profitability and productivity. Since the implementation of Gerber’s AccuMark® and AccuNest™ software, digitizer, plotter and GERBERcutter® Z1, Stoffus has seen a 50-reduction reduction in manpower, an improved material savings between 1 meter to 1.5 meters per sofa, and 100-percent increase in productivity. Stoffus is now able to produce 25 to 30 sofas daily compared to previously producing 15 sofas.

“For furniture manufacturers, the pandemic has caused a major increase in demand as people spend more time in their homes,” stated Francisco Aguiar of Gerber Technology. “Without technology, manufacturers will work more hours and shifts to keep up with the demand and end up reducing efficiency, increasing costs, and hurting their bottom line. However, companies like Stoffus, who have digitally adapted, are not only able to keep up with demand but will also shorten lead times, reduce errors and as a result improve margins.”

Today’s consumers want modular and customized products which is why Stoffus relies on a made-to-order model. Stoffus offers a customization service as well as a collection where it’s possible to customize colors, fabrics, ergonomics, functions, decorative details and desired measurements. Prior to implementing Gerber’s integrated solution, Stoffus relied on manual processes which resulted in longer than usual delivery times as the demand for furniture grew. In order to ensure greater agility and efficiency, Stoffus needed a reliable partner that would help them digitally transform their supply chain.

The investment also allows Stoffus to embrace technological innovation and better serve their customers. They’re also able to expand their business with the launch of their new brand, Andretti, which will help them enter the high decoration market in new GEOs like Canada, USA, UK, Japan and South Korea.

“Above all, I chose Gerber for their assistance and technical support and service, as well as the excellent quality of the equipment,” said Salgado. “We consider it essential to have a team to help us work better and more efficiently and Gerber managed to convey that confidence and stability.”

Posted January 15, 2021

Source: Gerber Technology

FK Group Italy To Offer Tukatech Line Of Automatic Cutters

LOS ANGELES — January 13, 2021 —  FK Group Italy is now offering a new premium line of “Tukatech Cutters” to the apparel industry. Tukatech Cutters will be available for purchase through both FK Group Italy and Tukatech directly.

Tukatech Cutters are high-performance automatic fabric cutting machines manufactured by FK Group with additional power and efficiency. They use Tukatech’s proprietary TUKAcut software module and high-speed processors unique to Tukatech Cutters for non-stop cutting. Both companies started their collaboration in 1995, but in 2017 Tukatech customized the FK hardware platform for developing their own premium level machines, which has been running with spectacular performances, says Sergio Gori, CEO of FK Group SPA.

According to Sergio Gori, “this allows the calculation of millions of instructions to analyze cut path and sequencing that produces an average of 16.8-percent higher productivity than most cutters. Additionally, Safe Start Point, a copyrighted feature, allows users to cut without any buffers between the pattern pieces, which saves material while maintaining excellent cut quality.”

“I am glad to announce the strengthening our 25-year relationship with Tukatech to provide powerful equipment to apparel manufacturers around the world. They can choose between an amazing line of exclusive FK Cutters, or upgrade to the high-performing Tukatech Cutter,” he added.

Unlike any other cutter suppliers, Tukatech offers the TUKA support package which includes their unique approach to implementation, process engineering, and training to produce measurable results for apparel manufacturers.

Los Angeles Apparel, with four cutters, was among the first to test the high-performance Tukatech Cutters. Dov Charney, Founder and CEO of Los Angeles Apparel, compares the difference to luxury cars. “There are Mercedes, and then there are AMG Mercedes. These cutters supersede Industry 4.0 standards with faster, more precise, and higher-quality cutting.”

“We are truly a solutions provider. We train the cutting machine operators to maintain their own machines, provide a package of all spare parts including all consumables so, the manufacturers can stay operational without expensive support agreements,” says Ram Sareen, founder and CEO of Tukatech.

Posted January 15, 2021

Source: Tukatech

Colorado’s Hospital Cooperative Laundry Achieves Renewal For Hygienically Clean Healthcare

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — January 15, 2021 — Hospital Cooperative Laundry (HCL), with locations in Pueblo and Denver, Colo., has recently qualified for renewal of the Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification. The recertification reflects its continued commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and its capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing. HCL provides laundry processing, pack room services and hospital linen distribution services to its owner member hospitals, serving more than 40 hospitals and clinics throughout the greater Denver and southern Colorado areas.

The Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification confirms the organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

  • Employees are properly trained and protected;
  • Managers understand regulatory requirements;
  • OSHA-compliant; and
  • Physical plant operates effectively.

To achieve certification initially, laundries pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and diminished presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. They also must pass a facility inspection. To maintain their certification, they must pass quarterly testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained. Re-inspection occurs every two to three years.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations by verifying quality control procedures in linen, uniform and facility services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles.

“Congratulations to Hospital Cooperative Laundry on their recertification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their commitment to infection prevention and that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted January 15, 2021

Source: TRSA

Borealis And TOMRA Open State-Of-The-Art Plant For Post-Consumer Plastic Waste Sorting And Advanced Mechanical Recycling

VIENNA, Austria— January 14, 2021 — Borealis and TOMRA have today announced the operational start of their advanced mechanical recycling demo plant in Lahnstein, Germany, the result of a partnership that marries chemistry with technology for unsurpassed results.

“This plant embodies the principles of the EverMinds™ platform founded by Borealis, which seeks to innovate plastics circularity through collaboration,” says Lucrèce Foufopoulos, Borealis Executive Vice President Polyolefins, Innovation & Technology and Circular Economy Solutions. “Offering brand owners and converters top quality recycled material, suitable for use in highly demanding applications is Borealis’ latest contribution to a more circular economy of plastics. Life demands progress, and through collaboration we re-invent for more sustainable living.”

The state-of-the-art plant processes both rigid and flexible plastic waste from households. And unlike many current recycling plants, it will produce the advanced solutions necessary for use in high-demanding plastic applications in various industries, including automotive and consumer products. With high purity, low odour, high product consistency and light colour fractions, these Borcycle™ M grade recycled polymers will meet customer quality requirements across the value chain.

The purpose of this demo plant is to generate material for brand owners and converters to qualify, validate and prove fit for use in their highly demanding applications. Technical success will set the groundwork for a commercial-scale advanced recycling plant.

“This plant is just the beginning of what’s possible when key players in the value chain come together to make a truly significant impact in the market,” says Volker Rehrmann, Executive Vice President and Head of Circular Economy at TOMRA. “Having just launched the new Circular Economy Division, it is clear what a large role waste management and pivotal projects like this have on moving towards a sustainable future. We are proud to have initiated one of the most advanced mechanical recycling plants when it comes to post-consumer polymer waste. This will become an important enabler as we accelerate the transformation to a circular economy in the years to come, and we are excited to be a part of this pioneering project.”

Operation of the plant is a joint enterprise between Borealis, TOMRA and Zimmerman. Borealis is responsible for the plant’s commercial success and contributes its expertise and knowledge in innovation, recycling and compounding. Likewise, TOMRA contributes as a provider of technology-led solutions and brings its proven expertise, established process and market knowledge, which, in turn, enable the circular economy through advanced collection and sorting systems. Zimmerman is a waste management company with experience in sorting multiple types of waste, including plastics, and is responsible for successful plant operations and product quality.

“At P&G we are making packaging with the ‘next life’ in mind to help drive a more robust circular economy.  We must increase the supply of high quality recycled plastic to enable the industry to deliver on this vision,” says Gian De Belder, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Technical Director, R&D Packaging Sustainability. “The innovative new approach that Borealis is taking shows potential to step-change both the quantity and quality of PCR available for our brands, and help us to achieve our 2030 goal to reduce our use of virgin plastic in packaging by 50%, or 300 kilotonnes annually. Early tests of the material looks very promising!”

“One major challenge towards more circular packaging is the availability of high-quality recycled plastics that can be used in the packaging of our brands,” comments Thorsten Leopold, Director International Packaging Technology Home Care at Henkel. “We are, therefore, very excited that this project brings together three proven experts along the value chain with the ambition to lift mechanical recycling to a new level.”

Posted January 15, 2021

Source: Borealis & TOMRA

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