MacPlas International - May 2025

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

May 2025 www.macplas.it

Published by Promaplast Srl - Centro Direzionale Milanofiori - Palazzo F/3 - 20057 Assago (Milano, Italia) - ISSN 0394-3453 - Poste Italiane S.p.A. - Spedizione in abbonamento postale-aut. n°cn-ne/00788/02.2022 stampe in regime libero

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE PLASTICS AND RUBBER INDUSTRY

PERFORMANCE BEYOND LIMITS Masterbatches, Additives and BIOcompound

DISCOVER MORE

mdplast.it

Moderate slowdown, structural solidity and exports hold firm EU PPWR will reshape packaging, plastics and recycling value chains Screws for over thirty years Cutting-edge green polyamides for a range of sectors Yes, we are still here...

S T O R Y

May 2025 www.macplas.it

CONTENTS

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE PLASTICS AND RUBBER INDUSTRY Published by Promaplast Srl - Centro Direzionale Milanofiori - Palazzo F/3 - 20057 Assago (Milano, Italia) - ISSN 0394-3453 - Poste Italiane S.p.A. - Spedizione in abbonamento postale-aut. n°cn-ne/00788/02.2022 stampe in regime libero

C O V E R

MAY 2025

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

PERFORMANCE BEYOND LIMITS Masterbatches, Additives and BIOcompound

EDITOR’S LETTER

DISCOVER MORE

10 Mala tempora currunt!

mdplast.it

Moderate slowdown, structural solidity and exports hold firm EU PPWR will reshape packaging, plastics and recycling value chains Screws for over thirty years Cutting-edge green polyamides for a range of sectors Yes, we are still here...

Innovation, customization, and efficient logistics Founded in 2000 in Salerno, MD Plast has undergone a constant evolution, growing from a family-run business into a benchmark in the production of masterbatches, additives, and biocompounds for the plastics industry. With more than twenty years of experience, the company has successfully combined research, technology, and production flexibility to offer innovative, tailor-made solutions that meet the demands of an ever-evolving market.

MD Plast has heavily invested in the development of highperformance additives designed to optimize the mechanical, thermal, and functional properties of plastics. Each formulation is the result of a rigorous research and testing process, ensuring high-quality standards and reliable performance in every application. The company’s facilities are equipped with in-house laboratories featuring advanced analysis and control technologies, allowing precise monitoring of every stage of production.

Rather than offering a standardized catalog, the company focuses on customization as a key value. Thanks to a specialized team of engineers and technicians, MD Plast can develop bespoke formulations, replicate existing products on request, and optimize performance based on specific applications. This adaptability also extends to resin selection and masterbatch granulation, with solutions compatible with materials such as PE, PP, PS, ABS, EVA, and SAN, as well as biodegradable alternatives for companies committed to sustainability. Moreover, MD Plast ensures compliance with the strictest regulations in highly regulated sectors like food packaging and toy manufacturing.

One of MD Plast’s strengths is its ability to ensure fast and punctual deliveries thanks to a well-structured logistics network.

With production plants strategically located in both Northern and Southern Italy, the company manages orders efficiently and reduces shipping times. Flexible transport solutions, including land and sea shipments, guarantee extensive coverage both nationally and internationally. This strong logistics presence enables the company to respond quickly to the needs of clients operating in high-volume and time-sensitive industries.

Thanks to a winning combination of innovation, customization, and efficient logistics, MD Plast continues to stand out as a reliable and cutting-edge partner for the plastics industry.

The company looks to the future with a firm commitment to quality, sustainability, and tailor-made solutions for every production need. www.mdplast.it

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MARKETING

12 Moderate slowdown, structural solidity and exports hold firm 16 All challenges to remain the centre of the plastics world 20 Revenues stable, growth in Asia and Americas 21 Growing and investing, particularly in India 22 Difficult market environment, but transformation continues 24 For 20 years in the USA 24 Matteo Spinola named Sales Director 25 Succession in Husky 25 Illig has a new CSO/CTO 26 Christoph Wöss named new Global Sales Manager 26 Bain Capital completes majority investment in Milacron 27 Spin-offs with plants in Piedmont and Lombardy 27 A 60-billion-dollar colossus is born in the polyolefins sector 28 Agreement for distributing engineered polymers in Europe 28 European chemical industry at risk of “extinction” 29 US plastics worried about Trump’s tariffs 29 EU tariffs threaten plastics processing

PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT

30 EU PPWR will reshape packaging, plastics and recycling value chains 34 Pilot project for closed-loop recycling of plastics from End-of-Life Vehicles 36 The separate collection of polyethylene goods 37 Cefic proposes ten actions to be taken now 38 A European alliance for circularity of composites 40 Recovery and recycling of luxury goods 40 Advanced recycling with Italian technology 41 Pyrolysis oil from the chemical recycling of plastics waste 41 New guidelines expand tray circularity evaluation platform

42 46 48 50

MACHINERY AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT

Screws for over thirty years Innovation, multi-presence, and green commitment Turning waste into opportunity Sixty years with an eye on the future of mixing MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

The future is a place we have been exploring since 1962.

Find out more:

HAUL-OFFS

Lifetime value for pipes

The human factor and technological knowledge are the sparks that ignite our perspective on innovation. Environmentally sustainable and valuable over time, machines are crafted by skilled hands to meet the needs of every pipe manufacturer in the world. This is how we reshape tomorrow every day.

SAWS

BELLING MACHINES

PACKAGING MACHINES

PIPE COILERS

AUXILIARY MACHINES

MAY 2025

CONTENTS

12 30 42 62

52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 59 60 60 61

Line for large-diameter PE pipes Three days of technology for pipes More services and internationalisation Industrial silos for thirty years Between global challenges and sustainable innovation Test and trial centre in Niederlenz expanded Together in polyurethane processing New single-screw extruders for polyolefin recycling Stronger together A new generation of compression moulding machines for caps More configurations for ALLrollEX 1500 High-capacity granulators

MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS

62 Cutting-edge green polyamides for a range of sectors 66 Giving plastic waste a second life 68 An innovative service partner 70 Chemical separation of elastic fibres from polyamide 71 More multifunctional additives 72 Lighter colour for easier material staining 73 Supply of pyrolysis oil for recycled materials 74 Recovery and recycling of perfume caps

76 79 80 80

TRADE FAIRS AND CONFERENCES

Yes, we are still here…

Registrations open, facilities until July A record-breaking edition Fakuma 2026 brought forward by one day, will take place from Monday to Friday 81 The winners announced at Plastics Recycling Show Europe

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

ADVERTISERS’ LIST

May 2025 Managing director Mario Maggiani Editor in chief Luca Mei Editor Giampiero Zazzaro Editorial assistant Alice Polimeno Sales manager Roberta Pagan (Italy) Martina Lerner (Europe) Administration Elisa Belloni Editorial committee Massimo Margaglione, Gabriele Caccia, Barbara Ulcelli Contributors to this issue Stefania Arioli, Mark Victory Published by Centro Direzionale Milanofiori - Palazzo F/3 20057 Assago (Milano, Italy) Tel.: +39 02 82283735 Fax: +39 02 57512490 e-mail: macplas@macplas.it www.macplas.it Registration at the Court of Milan n. 68, 13/02/1976 Registration at the National Press Office n. 4620, 24/05/1994

45 AMAPLAST

www.amaplast.org

19 AMI

www.amiplastics.com

74 BIO!PAC

www.bioplasticsmagazine.com

57 CALDARA PLAST

www.caldara.it

78 CHINAPLAS 2026

www.chinaplasonline.com

11 EUROVITI

www.euroviti.com

39 GAMMA MECCANICA

www.gamma-meccanica.it

73 GRAFE

www.grafe.com

9 GREENPLAST

www.greenplast.org

75 HS-UMFORMTECHNIK

www.hs-umformtechnik.de

83 IMG

www.imgmacchine.it

81 KUNSTSTOFF- UND

www.kfg-biebesheim.de

FARBEN-GESELLSCHAFT I Cop. MD PLAST

www.mdplast.it

72 ME.RO

www.mero.it

7 MIXACO

www.mixaco.com

82 PACKAGING SPEAKS GREEN www.packagingspeaksgreen.com 23 PLAST 2026

www.plastonline.org

3 PLASTIC SYSTEMS

www.plasticsystems.it

II Cop. PRESMA

www.presma.it

39 PROFILE DIES

www.profiledies.it

5 SICA

www.sica-italy.com

61 TECHNO BINS

www.technobins.it

84 ZAMBELLO

www.zambello.it

Layout and prepress Faenza Printing SpA Printed by Faenza Printing SpA Postal delivery: IFS Italy ISSUE PRICE: 8 euro if not sent with mother magazine The managing direction of the magazine declines any responsibility for possible unreliability of editorial articles and notes coming from various sources

ASSOCIATED TO:

ASSOCIAZIONE NAZIONALE EDITORIA DI SETTORE

INSTITUTIONAL SPONSORS AMAPLAST ITA LI A N PL A S TI C S A N D RU B B ER PR O CE S S I N G M ACH I N ER Y A N D M O U LDS M A N U FAC T U R ER S’ A S S O CI ATI O N

ASSORIMAP A S S O CI ATI O N O F ITA LI A N PL A S TI C S R EC YCLI N G A N D R ECL A I M I N G CO M PA N I E S

SPE ITALIA S O CI E T Y O F PL A S TI C S EN G I N EER S

AIPE ITA LI A N A S S O C I AT I O N O F E X PA N D ED P O LYS T Y R EN E

CIPAD CO U N CI L O F I NTER N ATI O N A L PL A S TI C S A S S O CI ATI O NS D I R EC TO R S

UNIONPLAST A S S O CI ATI O N O F ITA LI A N PL A S TI C S PR O CE S S I N G CO M PA N I E S

IIP ITA LI A N PL A S TI C S I NS TIT U TE

UNIPLAST ITA LI A N S TA N DA R D IS ATI O N B O DY FO R PL A S TI C S

ASSOGOMMA ITA LI A N RU B B ER , C A B LE S , WIRES AND SIMIL AR M A N U FAC T U R ER S’ A S S O CI ATI O N

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

In cooperation with

#newlifetoplastic 27-30 MAY 2025 MILANO

EDITOR’S LETTER

MARIO MAGGIANI

Mala tempora currunt!

When my colleagues and friends from MacPlas asked me to write the editorial for this issue, I immediately accepted with pleasure, I would almost say with enthusiasm. However, when I was informed of the topic - the tariffs imposed by the United States — I must admit I was a bit puzzled about what to write. And, if I may make a joke, fear — not to say terror — began to creep in. Speaking about tariffs in these times entails two risks: on the one hand, falling into clichés; on the other, tackling a constantly evolving topic, where certainties are few and variables are many.

We have seen it: in a matter of days, we moved from tariffs of 20% to tariffs of 10%, valid moreover only for a period of three months, at the end of which it will be necessary to see which direction the situation will take. It is precisely this climate of uncertainty that is today affecting more than anything else the choices of entrepreneurs and, with them, trade relations with the United States — but not only. The repercussions go well beyond the Atlantic. The hope, naturally, is that we may reach a shared solution as soon as possible and that the tariffs may be eliminated or at least reduced to a limited percentage.

However, in the meantime, this uncertainty has already had concrete effects: commercial negotiations interrupted, orders suspended and, in some cases, even contracts already signed blocked, with machinery in the — albeit initial — construction phase temporarily put on stand-by. We have come to know the President of the United States as an unpredictable figure, capable of sudden changes in direction.

But beyond the specific topic of tariffs with Europe, it is clear that this situation also impacts many other countries, starting of course with China. Indeed, if Europe were to see its tariffs cancelled, but those against China remained in force, the concrete risk would be a massive influx of Chinese products into the European market, the American one being closed to them.

In recent years, we have grown used — against our will — to living with highly unstable economic contexts, between health crises, geopolitical conflicts and trade tensions. This new unknown only further complicates an already difficult scenario. And yet, if there is a quality that has always distinguished us Italians, it is precisely the ability to adapt, to reinvent ourselves, to find new paths even in the midst of difficulties.

As the saying goes: “When one door closes, another opens.” Let us truly hope this is the case. And as good Italians, we continue to rely on what is perhaps our greatest resource: flexibility. Today, in Europe, we are among the countries managing the economic crisis the best and, in part, also the political one. We are fortunate to have a government which, at least in the short to medium term, can guarantee a certain stability. So yes, mala tempora currunt, but after all… we are Italians. And in the end, we always manage to get by!

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

| MARKETING

2024 year-end report for Amaplast member companies

Moderate slowdown, structural solidity and exports hold firm Faced with a contrasting 2024, Italian manufacturers are already looking ahead to the encouraging signs coming from the domestic market in the first weeks of 2025.

Expectations are high for a sector that is, on the whole, resilient and ready to tackle the critical issues that arise at various levels, supported by the discrete performance of exports.

Picture Valtorta

By Stefania Arioli

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Picture Meccanoplastica

T

he Italian plastics and rubber machinery industry experienced a mix of highs and lows in 2024, as shown in the year-end report prepared by the Mecs Study Centre based on foreign trade data gathered by Istat.

According to direct surveys conducted by the secretariat of Amaplast, the roughly 160 member companies closed 2024 with a turnover drop of just less than two percentage points compared to 2023. These results follow a vigorous post-pandemic rebound, where steady growth marked the 2021-2023 period after a relatively mild contraction (-3%) recorded in the difficult year of 2020.

On a more positive note, by the end of 2024, there was a slight yet steady increase (+1%) in the number of employees in Amaplast member companies, reaffirming the industry’s ongoing commitment to renewing and strengthening its structure to cope with the increasingly complex challenges in a rapidly evolving global context. This includes the development of cutting-edge technologies using Artificial Intelligence and the implementation of servitisation-based systems.

The performance of Amaplast members once again shows that the Italian plastics and rubber machinery industry is resilient and able to overcome challenges arising at various levels.

Based on these results, Amaplast forecasts an overall threepoint contraction in turnover for the whole sector, compared to 2023. More detailed findings – broken down by geographic position, company size, machinery type, and application sectors – will be presented in the National Statistical Survey, which will be published at the end of June following the members’ assembly.

Despite the well-known and increasingly numerous geopolitical factors threatening global economic stability, this key segment of Italian industrial machinery has once again managed to limit losses, thanks to the quality of its exports. As a matter of fact, exports increased for the fourth consecutive year, posting +1.5%, reaching a total value of 3.62 billion euros.

Moreover, a surge in foreign sales registered during the final quarter of the year, particularly in December, prompted an upward revision of previous estimates, which had been based on trends observed up until September.

Blow moulding machines performed very well (+34%), mainly due to increased deliveries to the USA, Brazil, UK, France, Turkey and Poland.

though this situation is exacerbated by the delays in the implementation of Industria 5.0 decrees, the recently announced simplification measures are expected to ease access to funding and facilitate the application of new policies.

Geographical destinations At a macro level, exports appeared weaker in the European quadrant, especially within the EU, and revealed stagnation across the Americas. More positive results were observed in Asia.

Focusing on the most important individual markets, supplies to Germany declined by around 2% – a relatively modest drop considering the severe economic and industrial crisis the country has been facing. Nonetheless, Germany remains the DESTINATION AREAS OF THE ITALIAN PLASTICS AND RUBBER MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT AND MOULDS EXPORTS (%) 2023 2024 Europe (UE) 54,8 (44,1) 52,2 (40,9) Asia/Oceania 15,6 17,2 North America/USMCA 17,5 17,1 Central/South America 6,6 6,9 Africa 5,5 6,6

Exports The solid performance of exports, which account for approximately three-quarters of total production, helps to offset a domestic market that is clearly struggling. This is further confirmed by a nearly seven-point decline in imports, which barely exceeded one billion euros – a sharper drop than that recorded the previous year. Italian companies are facing difficulties in planning and implementing the structural investments necessary to acquire the technological innovations needed to improve the competitiveness of their production system. AlMAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

Top ten destination countries of the Italian plastics and rubber machinery, equipment and moulds exports (January-December 2024; million euros – Δ% 2024/2023).

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Picture Gefit

| MARKETING

Picture BFM

In terms of exports, the outstanding performance towards Brazil stands out: +86% compared to 2023, up to a value of over 120 million euros.

top destination for Italian exports in this sector. This trend appears even more encouraging when compared to the results of German manufacturers, who suffered a dramatic 30% collapse in domestic sales and order intake in 2024.

Other major European markets that had performed well in recent years, such as Spain and Romania, experienced a slowdown (‑6% and ‑20%, respectively), while Poland registered a further decline (‑19%). Conversely, demand from Turkey continued to grow (+15%), despite the ongoing expansion of its domestic manufacturing industry.

Mixed signals were observed in overseas markets, compounded by the recent turmoil caused by tariffs and other protectionist measures threatened, implemented, suspended, and reinstated by the Trump Administration. Compared to 2023, Italian exports of plastics and rubber machinery to the United Stated, the sector’s second-largest destination, fell by 4%; however, it will take several more months to fully assess the impact any potential new tariff measures may have. On the other hand, further growth was recorded in Mexico, adding to the far more significant expansion seen in previous years. Even so, Mexico remains closely tied to its overbearing northern neighbour, whose policies directly affect Mexican investment plans.

In Asia, Italy’s two main markets delivered highly satisfactory results, as exports to both China and India increased by 15% compared to 2023.

Flexo printers also performed well (5% of the total and +5%).

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Picture Bandera

At the end of 2024, the number of employees of the association’s member companies was still growing, albeit slightly (+1%), confirming the companies’ commitment to renewing their structure in order to meet the increasingly complex challenges of the global context.

rise. On the contrary, moulds, which represent a fifth of total export value, ended the year with a less than satisfactory ‑5%.

Forecasts In anticipation of 2025, Italian manufacturers have already noted some encouraging signs, even from the domestic market, in the early weeks of the year, despite rising global tensions. However, a real turnaround – or a more pronounced stabilisation of indicators at least – may not be possible until the second half of the year.

Picture Viara

Types of machines As for the types of primary processing machinery that contribute most to Italian exports, there was a 7% decline in injection and extrusion machines, counterbalanced by the remarkable performance of blow moulding machines, increasingly demanded by and delivered to the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, and Poland. Positive trends were also observed for flexographic printing machines, which grew by 5% and account for 5% of total exports, and presses, which also hold a 5% market share and recorded an impressive 59%

A reversal of the trend - or at least a sharper stabilisation of the indicators - is expected to materialise in the second half of 2025.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

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Picture Messe Düsseldorf/tillmann

| MARKETING

Way to K 2025

All challenges to remain the centre of the plastics world Interview on the road to K 2025 with Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the K Exhibitor Advisory Board, and Thorsten Kühmann, Managing Director of the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association.

K

2025 is just around the corner, taking place from 8 to 15 October at the historic Messe Düsseldorf exhibition centre. And, as with every edition, the approaching start of the German trade fair heightens the anticipation for the world’s most important trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, which has always been a key moment for taking the pulse of the sector and predicting current and future trends. This is what Ulrich Reifenhäuser, Chairman of the K Exhibitors’ Committee, and Thorsten Kühmann, Managing Director of the German Plastics and Rubber Machinery Manufacturers’ Association within the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), say in their answers to the following questions.

this does not change the need for plastic solutions. We want to display and see them. That’s why the K defies all challenges and remains the centre of the plastics world.

Thorsten Kühmann: We are going through a time of great uncertainty. However, there are some fixed stars of considerable radiant power, of which the K is one such star. Everyone knows that the K is taking place, and the world is heading there. It provides the orientation that is especially needed in difficult times.

This is also reflected in the motto of K 2025: “The Power of Plastics - Green, Smart, Responsible.

Large areas of the global economy are currently experiencing economic headwinds. So, what sort of signal does an already fully booked K 2025 send?

Kühmann: We believe that plastic as a material offers the solution to the major issues facing our civilisation. For example, plastic helps to improve the global climate. This is because CO2 emissions are decreasing as vehicles are becoming lighter due to the higher use of plastic, thereby consuming less energy. Energy consumption is also greatly reduced in the construction industry because buildings are better insulated with plastic. The CO2 footprint is reduced because plastic packaging means less food spoilage. These are all major contributions from the plastics industry. Another point is the circular economy: resources are not

Ulrich Reifenhäuser: It shows that the global assessment of the industry remains positive. In the past, the plastics industry has developed outstanding products and valuable solutions, and this will continue in the future. Plastic is a relatively young material, which still has enormous potential. Yes, we are going through difficult economic times, but they will pass. In principle,

16

That motto exudes great self-confidence.

What is it based on?

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

only used once, but again and again. We are creating recyclability. A great deal is already possible, hence the motto “The Power of Plastics”. We just need to do it.

Reifenhäuser: It is a fact that we have a huge climate problem in this world. It is also true that plastic is the most climate-friendly material. Its production consumes significantly less CO2 than that of other materials. This climate advantage would be immediately visible if, for example, the CO2 footprint was labelled on packaging. It is therefore not presumptuous to be very self-confident.

The circular economy is still in its early stages. Where do we stand today?

Reifenhäuser: We are further than we were three years ago. Mechanical engineering has now reached an astonishingly high level. The technical solutions for recycling are largely available.

However, we could actually be three times better off than we actually are; in other words, we could recycle much more. Why aren’t we doing that? Because recycling is technically demanding, and therefore more expensive than virgin plastic. Noone is prepared to pay the higher costs. Consumers are extremely cost-conscious, plus brand manufacturers are under enormous competitive pressure. Plastic has been a success because it is far better than other materials. However, the step towards a circular economy is costly. It will not be possible to get to grips with this cost problem without regulatory requirements.

Kühmann: That’s true, but there is light on the horizon. One key to reducing costs would be a vastly increased penetration of digitalisation. On the one hand, this concerns the digitalisation of machine and plant systems, allowing processes to be better controlled. It also makes it easier to handle difficult materials – and recyclates are more difficult to handle. On the other hand, material flows also need to be digitalised. This is where the digital product passport comes in for example, which digitally tracks a product over its entire life cycle. Machines and products are two levers that can be used to bring costs down. It will still take time, but we are well on the way.

Ulrich Reifenhäuser.

Thorsten Kühmann.

Reifenhäuser: Automation has been used in plastics machinery manufacturing for over 40 years. Now almost everyone is going one step further and focusing on digitalisation. In essence, this means that much larger amounts of data and therefore more information are being registered due to faster processors. This allows processes to be noticeably improved once again. The next step is the intelligent processing of the different types of information. This brings us to AI, which generates enormous added value – in design, production and service. The potential is enormous.

Where do employees stand in the future of plastics engineering?

Kühmann: Our employees are one of the most important assets we have - all the more so because demographic trends show the difficulty in recruiting enough young people with certain qualifications. On the one hand, we must therefore try to make mechanical engineering attractive to more people, especially

Kühmann: Virtually every company in the plastics machinery industry is now focusing on digitalisation. This topic is now current all across the globe, with many companies even already focusing on digital sales. Recently, artificial intelligence has also been finding its way into the industry. In the process of digitalising their operations, companies have so much data available, that they can simply solve certain requirements much better with intelligent algorithms. Three years ago, nobody was talking about artificial intelligence, now it’s on everyone’s lips - and there are also the first practical examples.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

Picture Messe Düsseldorf/tillmann

How far have companies actually progressed with digitalisation? Is AI already being utilised?

The appointment with K 2025 is as always in Düsseldorf, from 8 to 15 October.

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Picture Messe Düsseldorf/tillmann

| MARKETING

The next edition of the K show will take place with the motto “The Power of Plastics! Green Smart - Responsible”.

women. On the other hand, we need to push ahead with digitalisation, including AI. This will streamline processes and ultimately allow us to manage with fewer but qualified staff.

How will the VDMA address these specific issues at K?

Picture Messe Düsseldorf/tillmann

Kühmann: At the trade fair, we will bring to life the motto we have developed together with our members and partners: “The Power of Plastics - Green, Smart, Responsible”. We will make all facets of this motto visible to visitors. In the outdoor area of K, companies will present concrete solutions and thereby show where we currently stand as an industry: in recycling, in plastics processing, and in digitalisation. To this end, we will be providing

an overview of all these machine applications and digitalisation solutions in the VDMA Dome. There, we will also be discussing topics relating to talented young prospects.

Reifenhäuser: This exhibition in the outdoor area will of course be flanked by the innovations and special developments that will be on show at the individual companies’ stands. So, you can experience both: the strength of plastics as a whole on the VDMA site, and the technical finesse at the company stands. There will once again be plenty to see. In plastics machinery manufacturing, the development cycles in the companies are closely aligned with the three-year cycle of the K trade fair. This also explains why suppliers are always so keen to present their products, and why the trade visitors remain so interested.

As always, plastics and rubber processing technology from around the world will be one of the big stars in the spotlight at Messe Düsseldorf.

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

THE GREENPLAST CONFERENCE IN COLLABORATION WITH AMI:

SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR PLASTICS 27-30 MAY 2025 Fiera Milano, Rho (MI)

FOCUS ON:

RECOVERY AND REUSE OF PLASTIC MATERIALS

#newlifetoplastic

DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES

RESEARCH ON SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

MARKETING NEWS Gefran approves consolidated financial statements at 31 December 2024

Revenues stable, growth in Asia and Americas

the automation components segment, revenues increased compared to the same previous period (+18.5% compared to the figure of 2023). In 2024, order intake was overall higher than in 2023 (+8.5%), as a result of an increase in order intake for the sensors business (+10.8%), while it was lower, albeit largely positive, for the automation components business (+4.5%).

Ebitda was positive by 23.1 million euros (24.1 million euros at 31 December 2023), corresponding to 17.4% of revenues (18.2% of revenues at 31 December 2023), down 1.1 million euros over the previous year. Higher added value and other operating costs, essentially unchanged from 31 December 2023, did not completely make up for higher personnel costs, characterised by the increased workforce and generally higher salaries as a natural effect of inflation. These combined factors resulted overall in a lower Ebitda compared to the previous period. Ebit was positive and amounted to 15.1 million euros (11,4% of revenues), as compared with an Ebit of 16.6 million euros in 2023 (12.5% of revenues), a decrease of 1.4 million euros. As with Ebitda, the change is mainly due to the higher personnel costs recorded, which were further impaired by the higher depreciation/amortisation charges recorded compared with the previous period. The net financial position as at 31 December 2024 was positive and amounted to 34.2 million euros, while the figure at the end of 2023 was positive by 22.7 million euros.

“We are satisfied with the results achieved in the last year, which are regarded as very positive, especially considering the challenging context in which they were obtained. These achievements confirm the Group’s strength and our ability to successfully adapt to an ever-changing scenario”, Marcello Perini (in the box), CEO of Gefran, said.

Picture Gefran

The Gefran Board of Directors approved the company’s draft annual financial statements, consolidated financial statements and sustainability report at 31 December 2024.

Revenues in 2024 amounted to 132.6 million euro, essentially in line with 2023 (132.8 million euro), down by 0.1% (-4.2% in the first half of the year). Excluding the negative effect caused by the change in exchange rates, progressive revenues for the year appear to be 0.4% higher than the previous year’s figure.

The breakdown of revenues by geographical region shows a widespread decrease across many of the areas served by the group, and in particular Italy (-6.6%) and Europe (overall -7.8%).

A geographical region which posted, instead, revenue growth is Asia (+20.9%), which was influenced by the negative effect of foreign currencies developments (in particular the renminbi and the rupee), net of which the recorded increase would be even higher (+22.3%). Sales in America went also up (overall +2.2% which, excluding the negative effect of exchange rate fluctuations determined in particular by the Brazilian Real, would reach +4.5%). In terms of business areas, compared to 2023, we should underline increasing revenues in the automation components segment, which posted 1.1% growth driven by the increase in sales of the product families of power controllers (+8.9% compared to 2023) and solutions (+11.4% compared to the same previous period), and in particular in the Asia and America markets (+42% and +16%, respectively, compared to 2023). On the other hand, revenues generated by the sensors segment went down compared to the figure at 31 December 2023, specifically by 1.6% (net of the negative effect contributed by currencies, the percentage decrease would be more limited, i.e. 1%) throughout the main geographical regions served, excluding the Asia market where, just like for

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Sirmax in 2024

Picture AutotechSirmax

Growing and investing, particularly in India

“The completion of the expansion of the Palwal plant reflects our commitment to providing world-class materials and solutions to our customers. This investment allows us to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-performance compounds in India and international markets, while also strengthening our ability to drive sustainable innovation. It marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for AutotechSirmax India,” Achal Thakkar, CEO of AutotechSirmax India, added.

Sirmax closed 2024 with a turnover of 420 million euros, up from 410 million euros in 2023, thanks to a 10% increase in global production volumes. Driving last year’s good performance were India, Brazil, and the United States. A slight recovery was also recorded in Europe, which accounts for 65% of the company’s total turnover, despite strong inflationary pressures, rising living costs, declining demand for durable goods, and weaker consumer purchasing power.

Two factors rewarded Sirmax above all: the new business model launched in 2019, focused on sustainability, which has enabled the development of highly performing green products, now included in 90% of Sirmax’s projects; and the multi-country and multi-product strategy, meaning internationalisation with short supply chains to cover all areas of the world.

“Sirmax is pushing strongly into countries that are experiencing growth,” commented Massimo Pavin, President and CEO of Sirmax Group. “It is necessary to establish operations where demand is emerging; the winning strategy remains to produce in a market for that market, especially in a historical period like the one we are living in, where economies are closing and the need for local supplies will increase.”

On the product front, Sirmax is growing significantly in the electrical and electronic sectors, in both civil and industrial applications. In particular, it is focusing on flame-retardant (self-extinguishing) products and those containing recycled material, specifically designed and formulated for the needs of this market.

In India, Sirmax has strengthened its presence in India with two investments: the revamping of the Palwal plant; the start of preparatory operations for the construction of a new greenfield production facility in Hosur, set to become operational in 2027.

The Italian group is already present in India with two plants

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

(in Palwal and Valsad), managed through the joint venture AutotechSirmax. The new Hosur facility will be the third plant in the Indian subcontinent and the fourteenth worldwide. The investments in Palwal and Hosur amount to approximately 10 million dollars, made in response to the strong recovery in demand in the country and supported by Sirmax’s solid performance in 2024.

In India, Sirmax grows by 15% annually, solely thanks to the local market. The revamping has transformed the Palwal production site into a modern, technologically advanced facility, with four new extrusion lines, state-of-the-art laboratories, and new automated warehouses. Production capacity has doubled - from 15,000 to 30,000 tons per year - to meet growing demand, particularly in the automotive sector (electric vehicles), household appliances, and electrical and electronic products.

The expansion of Palwal, as part of a broader growth strategy, will position the group as one of the leading manufacturers of technical thermoplastic materials and compounds based on polypropylene and technopolymers across India. Alongside this, the greenfield construction of the third Indian plant in Bangalore-Hosur - covering approximately 20,000 square metres - has begun with land containment works. The new facility will be ready by 2027, enabling AutotechSirmax to operate as a glocal supplier, expanding not only within the domestic market but across all of Asia.

“By the end of our investment, India will be a modern hub where customers can find the same know-how present in all other regions of the world,” explained Massimo Pavin.

“Currently, India accounts for around 10% of Sirmax’s total business, but the growth expectations are high, considering that the country has 1.4 billion inhabitants and an economy growing at 6.5% per year.”

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MARKETING NEWS 2024 of Covestro

Difficult market environment, but transformation continues

Covestro expects the economic environment to remain difficult in 2025 and, in this context, expects to achieve an Ebitda of between 1 and 1.6 billion euros for the full fiscal year.

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& Specialties segment. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with operations starting by the end of 2026.

Alongside that, Covestro is continuing to transition to a circular economy in a targeted manner. As part of its “Strong” transformation program, Covestro aims to save 400 million euros worldwide each year by 2028 by means of digitalization and structural adjustments. “We cannot influence external market conditions – but we can control how we respond to them,” said Christian Baier, CFO of Covestro. “That is why we used 2024 to make our processes more efficient and to enhance our resilience. Digitalization and artificial intelligence play a key role in that. We will continue to optimize our structures in 2025 to make Covestro fit for the future.”

Covestro signed an investment agreement on October 1, 2024, with companies of the Adnoc Group. On 25October 2024 Adnoc International Germany Holding made a voluntary public takeover offer of 62 euros per Covestro share to all shareholders of Covestro. Following the additional acceptance period, the stake of the buyer in Covestro’s capital stock at the end of 2024 is 91.58%. Adnoc sees Covestro as critical to its performance materials and specialty chemicals business. The acquisition is seen by Adnoc as a key step in its strategy to become one of the world’s top five chemical companies.

Sales in the Performance Materials segment rose to 7 billion euros. While a successful pickup in volumes of 12% drove up sales, a weak market situation with excess supply weighed on selling prices and margins. The Solutions & Specialties segment posted a 3.6% fall in sales to 7 billion euros due to lower average selling prices coupled with lower raw material prices.

Picture Covestro

Despite a persistently difficult market environment, Covestro rigorously continued its transformation in fiscal 2024. The company sold greater volumes worldwide thanks to targeted measures to increase plant availability. Sales fell by 1.4% to 14.2 billion euros, mainly due to low selling prices. Ebitda remained stable, falling by 0.8% to 1.1 billion euros, and was thus within the expected range, and the net income amounted to -266 million euros. Greenhouse gas emissions fell to 4.7 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents. The main reasons for this were lower emission factors at the production sites in Leverkusen, Dormagen, Uerdingen and Brunsbüttel (Germany) and Baytown, Texas (United States).

“We steadfastly adhered to our strategy in 2024 and forged full speed ahead with our transformation – despite the challenges the entire chemical industry once again faced,” said Markus Steilemann, CEO of Covestro. “In particular, the improvement in our plant availability enabled us to significantly increase our volumes sold. We are continuing resolutely along this path creating the basis for long-term growth with targeted investments in our competitiveness and sustainable future technologies.”

A key component of Covestro’s transformation is to strengthen production capacities. In 2024, the company optimized existing plans in Baytown (United States), Shanghai (China) and Tarragona (Spain), among others. Further investments to increase energy efficiency and thus competitiveness in production were also made at the TDI plant in Dormagen (Germany). Covestro also recently announced to expand its site in Hebron, Ohio (USA) with a low triple-digit million-euro investment. The company aims to increase the production capacities of differentiated polycarbonates in the Solutions

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

PLAST 2026

WHERE IDEAS TAKE SHAPE I n t e r n at i o n a l e x h i b i t i o n f o r p last i cs a n d ru b b e r i n d u st r i es 09 - 12 june 2026

plastonline.org

MARKETING NEWS Anniversary for Omso

For 20 years in the USA

Omso North America has been established in 2005 in Erlanger, Kentucky, USA.

installed in 38 US States, testifying to a widespread presence and a consolidated relationship with the market.

“Having a direct presence in the United States has allowed us to grow with our customers, guaranteeing support, advice and continuous innovation.

This anniversary is a milestone that we celebrate by looking to the future with targeted investments in the service network and the expansion of the spare parts inventory,” said Scott Frey, Managing Partner, OMSO North America.

On 10 April, Omso North America, the US headquarters of Omso, celebrated its 20th anniversary in the USA, where it is today the benchmark for direct decoration on plastic (together with glass and aluminium) in North America.

Established in 2005 in Erlanger, Kentucky, the US office was set up to provide full local support in terms of sales, technical assistance and spare parts. A strategic intuition that has paid off: today Omso North America has more than 500 machines

The milestones of growth in these twenty years have been the opening of the headquarters in Erlanger (2005), the expansion of the technical team and the dedicated spare parts warehouse (2010), the launch of servo machines on the US market (2017), the reorganisation and strengthening of the after-sales service (2024) and the installation of 500 machines and further strengthening of the service network.

Among the most popular machines with North American operators are the Servobottle and Servotube models, designed for direct printing on rigid containers and tubes, which have become popular for their versatility, quick changeover, and consistent print quality even on complex productions. Recently, the introduction of integrated hot stamping on Servobottle has further expanded the potential for customization, offering new opportunities for brands in the cosmetics and high-end packaging industries.

New entry in Syncro Group

Matteo Spinola named Sales Director

Picture Syncro Group

After an important career in the industry, culminating with management experience in international companies in the plastics and extrusion industry,

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Matteo Spinola joins Syncro Group in the role of Sales Director, bringing with him a vision oriented to result, sustainable growth and synergic coordination of the six companies belonging to the Group.

Matteo Spinola has gained a solid technical and commercial background in more than 20 years of experience, holding positions of increasing responsibility in leading companies of the sector. His profile stands out for his ability to build and consolidate international sales networks, manage complex markets and create value through clear and shared leadership.

“I am excited to join Syncro Group at this very important time in its development.

I strongly believe in Zero Waste Myssion and in the virtuous integration among

the companies of the Group. My goal will be to strengthen the commercial presence globally, supporting each individual company in its own growth and to offer our customers more and more complete, efficient and sustainable solutions”, Matteo Spinola commented.

“Matteo is an industry professional who combines competence, concreteness and strategic vision. His entry represents a fundamental step to face with determination the new global challenges and consolidate Syncro Group’s positioning as a point of reference in the extrusion and recycling industry. I am sure that his leadership will bring energy, method and tangible results”, Gabriele Caccia, CEO of Syncro Group, stated.

The CEO of Syncro Group, Gabriele Caccia, on the left, with the new Sales Director, Matteo Spinola.

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Balaji Suresh appointed as COO

Succession in Husky Husky Technologies announced the appointment of Balaji Suresh to Chief Operations Officer (COO). With over two decades of experience in global manufacturing, supply chain, and operational leadership, Balaji Suresh brings a wealth of expertise to Husky at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth journey. Balaji Suresh joins Husky from L3Harris Technologies, where he served as Vice President of Global Supply Chain, leading enterprisewide operations and supply chain initiatives. His career is marked by a strong commitment to operational excellence, digital transformation, and strategic growth. He has successfully implemented lean transformations, optimized complex supply chains, and driven customer-focused solutions in dynamic industrial environments.

“Balaji Suresh embodies the core values that define Husky’s relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Bradley Selleck, Husky’s CEO. “His deep expertise in digital manufacturing innovation, coupled

with his ability to build and inspire highperformance teams, makes him the ideal leader to elevate our operations and accelerate our ambitious growth trajectory. His passion for technologydriven transformation and commitment to delivering superior customer value align seamlessly with Husky’s strategic vision.”

As COO, Balaji Suresh will oversee Husky’s global manufacturing and supply chain operations, ensuring seamless integration of cutting-edge digital solutions and lean manufacturing principles to enhance efficiency and customer experience. His leadership will play a crucial role in strengthening Husky’s operational resilience and reinforcing its industry leadership in precision engineering and sustainable manufacturing solutions.

“I am thrilled and honoured to join Husky at such an exciting time,” said Balaji Suresh. “Husky’s reputation for excellence, innovation, and customercentricity is unparalleled, and I look

New COO Balaji Suresh comes to Husky from L3Harris Technologies.

forward to working with this incredible team to deliver on our commitments through operational excellence, technology, and innovation.”

Husky remains committed to advancing the industry with innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and precision. The addition of Balaji to the leadership team underscores the company’s ongoing investment in toptier talent and its mission to shape the future of manufacturing.

Matthias Holder takes over from Jürgen Lochner

Illig has a new CSO/CTO Illig packaging solutions has made a change in management with effect from 15 January 2025. Matthias Holder has taken over the dual position of Chief Sales Officer/Chief Technology Officer from Jürgen Lochner, who is leaving the Heilbronn-based company after several years to pursue new career opportunities.

Matthias Holder, 55 years old, will head the Sales, Technology and Service divisions at Illig. His initial focus will be on the strategic realignment of the global sales and service business in a challenging market environment. The successful market launch of the Illig Dry Fiber Systems for the production of sustainable packaging solutions made from dry natural fibre will be one of his key priorities. At the same time, business with the well-known portfolio of thermoforming and packaging systems has to be strengthened.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

Matthias Holder has extensive experience in the printing and packaging industry as well as in mechanical engineering. He successfully led transformation processes in corporate groups and medium-sized companies. In his thirty-year career experience, he has worked for MAN Roland, Robert Bosch, Herma and the Loparex Group.

“Realigning Illig, technology leader and a well-known traditional brand is a challenging task. The international sales meeting held at our headquarters at the end of January was an ideal start to accelerate market development, in which we will respond flexibly and strategically to the requirements of customers and markets worldwide. I am particularly looking forward to launch our modular systems for the production of sustainable natural fibre packaging in the market”, said Matthias Holder.

“We would like to thank Jürgen Lochner

for his commitment and personal dedication over the past four years, especially in the process of the company transition last year. We wish him continued success and all the best in his future career”, added Illig CEO Carsten Strenger.

Matthias Holder, CSO/CTO (LEFT), Carsten Strenger, CEO (centre), and Thomas Schmidt, Chief Transformation Officer (right).

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MARKETING NEWS Appointment in Erema

Christoph Wöss named new Global Sales Manager The Austrian specialist in plastics recycling systems and components, Erema, has appointed a long-time employee as Global Sales Director: Christoph Wöss, previously Business Development Manager for the Bottle division, will take over the newly created position within the Erema management team on 1 April 2025.

“With Christoph Wöss, we have gained a highly competent and experienced expert from within our own ranks, who has made a significant contribution to the successful development of Erema in recent years. I am pleased that in his new role he will further professionalise our global sales allowing us to respond even more effectively to the needs of our customers in the various markets,” said Manfred Hackl, Managing Director of

Erema and CEO of the Erema Group.

Christoph Wöss has been part of the Erema Group for 24 years and possesses in-depth market knowledge. With his extensive experience, he is well-versed in the international markets and the specific requirements of the plastic recycling industry. In his new role, he will manage Erema’s global sales activities and drive the company’s strategic development in the global market. In this context, Christoph Wöss will lead the international sales team and work closely with Erema’s global subsidiaries to strengthen the company’s market presence.

“As part of our global sales strategy, I am committed to focus even more on regional specifics and dynamic market needs to ensure optimal customer

Christoph Wöss has been with Erema for 24 years and prior to this appointment was Business Development Manager.

support on a global level,” said Christoph Wöss.

Change of ownership

Bain Capital completes majority investment in Milacron “This is an exciting step in the next chapter for Milacron,” said Mac Jones, CEO of Milacron. “We have established a solid foundation of serving plastics processing customers around the globe for more than five decades through innovative technologies, solutions, and service. More focused resources will allow for the continued development of our offering and the ability to respond to our customers’ needs more readily, enhancing their missions and sustaining Picture Milacron

Bain Capital, a private investment firm, completed the majority investment in Milacron and will partner with Milacron’s current owner, Hillenbrand, which will remain a significant investor in the business to ensure the company’s continued growth. Milacron has built a legacy over the past nearly 60 years that is defined by innovation, expertise, and a deep commitment to serving its more than 27,000 customers as well as each of its nearly 2,000 associates worldwide.

Milacron’s headquarters in Ohio and, in the box, CEO Mac Jones.

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their continued success.”

The diverse range of industry endmarkets serviced by Milacron includes automotive, construction, consumer goods, electronics, medical, telecommunications, packaging, and much more. The original equipment provider of plastics manufacturing solutions is the largest US-owned and globally served of its kind, with regional offices in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

“This is a pivotal moment in Milacron’s 50-year history – an opportunity to build on its legacy of innovation and service to accelerate growth,” said Matt Evans, Partner at Bain Capital. “Together, we share a vision for long-term success, driven by strategic investments in technology, products, and services that enhance value for customers in the US and around the world. We are excited to partner with the Milacron team to strengthen its foundation and create lasting impact globally.”

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Spin-offs with plants in Piedmont and Lombardy Eigenmann & Veronelli has completed the spin-off of its manufacturing operations to EV Produzione. The newly incorporated company inherits a heritage of over 110 years of experience and marks a strategic turning point for the Group. Specializing in the manufacturing of chemical products for industry, with a consolidated turnover of over € 40 million in 2024, EV Produzione employs around 90 people dislocated in the industrial plants of San Martino di Trecate (Novara, Italy) and Tradate (Varese, Italy) and in the two research centers, located at the same sites. EV Produzione is now an independent unit with its own board of directors.

Covering a combined total area of 75,000 square meters, the manufacturing plants are a solid presence in the country producing mixtures, emulsions,

defoamers, esters, metal soaps and other chemical specialties used in the cosmetics, rubber and plastics, surface coatings, home care and institutional & industrial cleaning industries, and numerous other applications. The plants ensure operational versatility while maintaining the quality and innovation of the EV products brand, which are distributed in Italy and exported to over 45 countries. The significant investments outlined in the new industrial plan will secure the continuation of the winning combination of high product standards and versatility, thanks to which EV can supply the market with cuttingedge solutions that address current environmental challenges through innovation. EV Produzione is central to this transformation, which will generate

Picture Eigenmann & Veronelli

EV Produzione is born from Eigenmann & Veronelli

“The new business plan will allow us to face the crucial challenge of sustainability with a significant focus on investments in product and process innovation, which will improve our competitiveness.

The research centers, combined with the manufacturing plants, will enable us to assume a decisive and leading role in advanced technologies for specialty chemicals, both locally and globally”, commented Marco Tomei, CEO of EV Produzione.

new value and foster the long-term growth of the group.

“I am satisfied with the success of the spin-off, which is a strategic initiative that highlights our commitment to long-term value creation. In line with the vision, we will confidently guide the Group towards a more sustainable future, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish our colleagues at EV Produzione every success going forward,” said Gabriele Bonomi, CEO of the Eigenmann & Veronelli Group.

Agreement between Adnoc and OMV

A 60-billion-dollar colossus is born in the polyolefins sector

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

portfolio, direct access to growth markets, world-class technologies and circularity. With an expanded production facility, innovation centres and a global sales network, Borouge Group International will have a combined nominal polyolefin production capacity of approximately 13.6 million tonnes per year in Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Both Adnoc and OMV will hold equal stakes of 46.94% in Borouge Group International, which will be headquartered in Vienna with regional offices in Abu Dhabi and will have a

world-class product portfolio and global presence in both production and sales. The integration of Borealis and Borouge and the acquisition of Nova Chemicals Corporation are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, subject to conditions and regulatory approvals. The new company will also initially be listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), with a possible future listing on the Vienna Stock Exchange. Borouge Group International is expected to generate Ebitda in excess of 7 billion dollars per year.

Picture OMV

Picture Adnoc

Adnoc (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) and OMV have signed an agreement to combine their respective stakes in Borealis and Borouge to create a new company, Borouge Group International, which will acquire Nova Chemicals Corporation for 13.4 billion dollars. Borouge Group International will become the world’s fourth largest polyolefins producer.

The new company will combine the complementary strengths in polyolefins of the three companies involved in the transaction, such as competitive raw materials, a diversified premium product

Adnoc and OMV created the world’s fourth largest producer of polyolefins, an estimated 60 billion dollars giant.

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MARKETING NEWS LyondellBasell selects Nexeo Plastics

Agreement for distributing engineered polymers in Europe reach of our engineered polymer solutions, meeting the growing need for local support and ensuring that customers gain access to the products they need when they need them”.

“We’re excited about this partnership with LyondellBasell which strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality compounds and blends in 40 countries across Europe. This agreement will allow us to offer high quality solutions to customers in our core markets such as mobility, electrical and electronics, industrial and appliances”, commented

Joost d’Hooghe, Vice President EMEA of Nexeo Plastics.

The range of engineered polymers included in this agreement offers highperformance solutions for antistatic, heat stabilizers, flame retardants, UV Stabilizers, and other applications.

Schulamid, Schuladur, Schulablend, Ronfalin, Polyflam, Schulatec, Schulaketon, Schulaform and the Circulen portfolio of sustainable solutions, among others, are now available through Nexeo Plastics portfolio in Europe.

Picture LyondellBasell

By accelerating growth through meaningful partnerships, LyondellBasell can create innovative solutions that address its customers evolving needs while improving speed to market.

LyondellBasell signed an agreement with Nexeo Plastics, a global thermoplastics resin distributor, to distribute its engineered polymers portfolio, a part of the Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) business, starting 1 April 2025.

“Enlarging our partnership with Nexeo Plastics is an important step for LyondellBasell”, said Frank Noeltgen, vice president of Advanced Polymer Solutions Europe. “Their established distribution network and technical experience will help us expand the

Open letter from Sir Jimratcliffe

European chemical industry at risk of “extinction”

Picture Ineos

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, President and CEO of Ineos.

In an open letter sent to European politicians in recent days, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, President and CEO of Ineos, warned of the possible “extinction” of the chemical industry in the Old Continent. The chemical industry in Europe has been hugely important to the success of the European economy over the last century. With revenues of around one trillion euros, it is similar in size to the automotive sector. But

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government policies have resulted in enormously high energy prices and crippling carbon tax bills.

Ineos operates one of the largest and most advanced, integrated petrochemical facilities in Europe in Cologne (Germany). It produces many critical raw materials essential for modern living and employs 10,000 people, including the support services.

But costs are becoming unsustainable.

As Ratcliffe reported, the gas and the electricity bills are 100 million euros and 40 million euros higher than in the US respectively. The carbon tax bill is rising towards a shocking 100 million euros.

In these extremely adverse conditions, the Ineos President and CEO pointed out, the industry is in crisis, and instead of investing in growth for the future, it is fighting for survival. Government policies will shut all petrochemicals

in Europe. “All major competitors are planning for withdrawal from Europe as government has failed to act time after time”, Ratcliffe wrote.

The consequence of this policy is that Europe will import all its raw materials from the USA and China, who will benefit enormously. “Decarbonising Europe by deindustrialisation is idiotic.

We lose jobs and security, and the CO2 simply floats back over Europe anyway”, the President and CEO Of Ineos added.

According to whom, the solution is to ban carbon tax, provide competitive energy for industry and incentivise growth and clean technology. Measures that should be supported by the adoption of tariff barriers while the transition is taking place. This is the US approach, where – Sir Jim Ratcliffe concluded – they value industry and its high value employment and they are leaving Europe behind in their dust.

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

From Plastics Industry Association

The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on a range of products from Canada, Mexico, China and Europe are causing concern at the Plastics Industry Association in the US because of the potential impact in terms of higher prices for raw materials, as well as semi-finished products and components of various kinds, and possible trade retaliation.

In this regard, the president and CEO of the association, Matt Seaholm, stated that although “the plastics industry continues to recognize the importance of securing our borders and combating illegal drug trafficking to protect American communities and eradicate fentanyl from our society and that a strong and secure nation is fundamental to economic growth and industrial stability, Plastics Industry Association remains deeply concerned about the tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, and their impact on US

plastics manufacturing and jobs. While we understand President Trump’s rationale, a competitive industry depends on policies that protect American manufacturing while ensuring stable supply chains. These tariffs will disrupt the movement of essential machines, products, and materials that keep American manufacturers running across sectors like healthcare, consumer products, and automotive”.

“The plastics industry is a cornerstone of American manufacturing and daily life. We know that a strategic, measured approach to trade is critical to strengthening – not harming – the US economy. We urge policymakers to support balanced trade policies that enhance US competitiveness, reinforce supply chains, and drive continued innovation”, Seaholm concluded.

In 2023, US plastics exports totaled 74.2 billion dollars, exceeding imports of 73.3 billion dollars and resulting in

Picture Plastics Industry Association

US plastics worried about Trump’s tariffs

Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of Plastics Industry Association.

a 958 million dollars trade surplus.

This strength underscores the industry’s global leadership; however, new tariffs on key trading partners threaten supply chains, increase costs, and risk eroding this advantage. To sustain growth and innovation, trade policies must bolster – not hinder – US plastics manufacturing and economic leadership.

EuPC alert

EU tariffs threaten plastics processing The European Plastics Converters (EuPC) sounded the alarm over the European Commission’s proposed tariffs on plastic polymer imports from the US, calling them a direct threat to Europe’s plastics converting industry – and the 1.6 million jobs it supports.

“These tariffs risk triggering a chain reaction of price hikes, reduced competitiveness, and job losses across the EU,” said Paolo Bochicchio, EuPC Managing Director. “They could seriously undermine Europe’s industrial and environmental goals.”

What’s at stake? Raw material costs will skyrocket, hurting 95% of the industry made up of SMEs; imports of cheaper finished plastic goods will surge, further weakening EU manufacturers; thousands of jobs and critical supply chains – in food, medical, transport, and construction – are at risk; investments in recycling and circularity will stall, hitting Europe’s green ambitions.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

Tehrefore, EuPC’s message to Brussels was the following: scrap the tariffs, support SMEs with cost-offsets, secure stable raw material supply and level the playing field if tariffs move ahead – including for finished goods. “This is not the time to destabilise an industry that’s

key to Europe’s resilience, sustainability, and global competitiveness,” concluded Bochicchio.

For the association of the European plastics converters the tariffs on plastics polymers imports from the US proposed by the European Commission are a threat to plastics converting industry in Europe and its 1.6 million jobs.

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PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT

An in-depth examination

EU PPWR will reshape packaging, plastics and recycling value chains The PPWR is set to reshape the packaging and recycling industries. Key measures include mandatory recyclability, minimum recycled content targets, deposit return schemes, and restrictions on PFAS in food packaging. By 2030, all plastic packaging in the EU must meet minimum recycled content requirements, with stricter targets set for 2040. Imports of recycled materials will be allowed if they comply with EU standards.

The EU Commission will also review the role of bio-based plastics in packaging within three years of the PPWR’s implementation. All these topics are explained in the following pages.

By Mark Victory *

T

Picture European Council

he EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will shortly pass into law after the EU Council voted it through on 16 December, is one of the most significant pieces of legislation for the packaging and recycling value chains in decades and is set to fundamentally reshape both industries in the coming decades.

The wide-ranging text will introduce: - mandated packaging recyclability; - minimum recycled content and reuse targets across packaging – albeit with potential derogations based on availability of recycled material; - mandatory deposit return schemes (DRS) and separate packaging collection targets; - new reporting and labelling obligations; - the extension of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes; - a restriction on placing on the market of food contact packaging containing per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) above certain thresholds; - a restriction on plastic collation films except for transportation purposes; - the possibility of bio-based plastic contributing to recycling targets; - the allowance of imports to count towards recycling targets The PPWR was approved by the European Parliament on 24 April 2024 and adopted by the European Council on 16 December 2024.

Following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, it entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will apply from 12 August 2026.

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Picture Freepik

Minimum recycled content targets for the packaging chain From 1 January 2030 – three years after the introduction of the related implementing act (whichever is later) – all plastic packaging placed on the market in the EU must include a minimum percentage of recycled content from post-consumer waste – by weight – of: - 30% for contact sensitive packaging (this is generally packaging that comes into contact with food or medical supplies), excluding single-use bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the major component; - 10% for contact sensitive packaging made from plastic materials other than PET, except single use plastic beverage bottles; - 30% for single use plastic beverage bottle; - 35% for all other packaging.

By 2040, this will increase to: - 50% for contact sensitive plastic packaging made primarily from PET, except for single use plastic beverage bottles; - 25% for non-PET contact sensitive plastics, with the exception of single use beverage bottles; - 65% for single use beverage bottles and all other plastic packaging.

These recycled content targets are seen by many as ambitious given current recycling penetration rates for materials such as recycled polyolefins, and are likely to further boost demand for recycled material in the coming years. The targets have already had a material impact on recycled polyolefin demand – particularly for recycled high density polyethylene (R-HDPE) white blow-moulding pellets. Demand for R-HDPE blow-moulding white has been increasing throughout 2024 as packaging players seek to utilize wider forms of material than natural and increase their number of suppliers in order to better position themselves MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

ahead of the introduction of the PPWR. This has resulted in a narrow spread between blow-moulding white and blow-moulding natural pellet prices.

The spectre of the PPWR has also meant that demand for recycled polyolefin packaging grades in 2024 has proved more resilient than in previous downturns, highlighting the increased importance placed on sustainability in the wider marketplace.

The recycled content targets will allow the use of material from “third countries” – those outside of the EU provided it has been separately collected, and have equivalent specification to the requirements listed in the PPWR, the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), and the Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment ((EU) 2019/904).

Nevertheless, there remain question marks over what ‘equivalent specification’ will mean in practice and depending on implementation this could either encourage or deter imports of recycled material into Europe.

Additionally, the EU Commission will be required to review the state of technological development and environmental performance of bio-based plastic packaging within three years of the entrance into force of the PPWR (this is the date it is published in the Official Journal of the European Union.).

Following the review, the Commission will be required to bring forth legislative proposals for targets to increase the use of bio-based plastics in packaging. This will include the possibility of bio-based material contributing to recycling targets for food-contact material where recycled material is not available.

This is likely to impact most heavily on the polyolefins and polystyrene (PS) sectors. While market players have broadly welcomed clarity on the role of bio-based plastics, the majority of players have argued that any bio-based plastic targets should

Picture Profood Italia

provided they are of similar quality as domestic material and have been separately collected.

The wording in the adopted document is the same as that adopted by the EU Parliament in April.

The PPWR will introduce a restriction on sending packaging waste that can be recycled to landfill or incineration, which could result in higher sorting requirements and costs for waste managers.

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Picture PRE

PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT

From 1 January 2030 all plastic packaging placed on the market in the EU must include a minimum percentage of recycled content from post-consumer waste.

be separate from recycling targets to avoid impacting the development of mechanical recycling.

Member states will be required to implement a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) unless they can reach a separate collection target of 80% by weight of applicable packaging placed on the market for the first time in 2026. Under a DRS, the buyer typically pays a deposit at the point of sale as part of the cost of the item. When the buyer later drop off the packaging at a deposit return point they are then given their deposit back. This incentivizes customers to return packaging, provided the deposit level is set at a high enough level.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes will be widened under the legislation and must be set-up to ensure that fees to producers (or those with producer responsibility in the case of imports) are sufficient to cover the “full waste management” cost of packaging waste, but actual fees are not stipulated in the legislation.

The regulation states that players contributing to EPR schemes should be given priority access at market prices to recycled material corresponding to the amount of packaging placed in a Member State by each individual economic operator. How this will operate in practice and what ‘priority access’ means remains to be seen, but has the potential to reshape market dynamics by creating a hierarchy within the market and creating restrictions on sale.

Single-use plastics directive (SUPD)

Picture European Parliament

The PPWR amends the SUPD, by superseding that regulation’s 30% 2030 minimum recycled content target for plastic bottles.

While the PPWR target is identical to the SUPD, it specified that By 2030 all packaging must the calculation method for recycled content will be per manube recyclable or reusable. facturer, removing the uncertainty within the SUPD.

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Single-use plastics, packaging waste to landfill, PFAS bans There will be further bans on single-use plastics introduced by the PPWR. Significantly, for the recycled low-density polyethylene (R-LDPE) flexible market this includes a ban on plastic film wrap grouping bottles, cans, tins, pots, tubs, or packets together in multi-packs at point of sale but will not include wrap used for business-to-business distribution. This could also impact on pyrolysis-based chemical recyclers because post-consumer flexibles have been identified by the sector as a potential key feedstock source.

The agreement also includes a ban on food-contact packaging containing PFAS above certain thresholds. Further, there will be a restriction on sending packaging waste that can be recycled to landfill or incineration, which could result in a higher sorting requirements and costs for waste managers.

New re-use targets By 1 January 2030, 40% of most transport packaging used within the EU – including e-commerce – will need to be reusable and “within a system of reuse”. From 2040 this will increase to 70%. By 2030, 10% of grouped packaging boxes for stock keeping or distribution will need to be re-usable. By 2030, distributors of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage sales packaging will need to meet a 10% reuse target, which will increase to 40% by 2040. Some classes of alcoholic beverage, including highly perishable alcoholic beverages will be exempted.

The wording of Article 29, which sets out the re-use targets, has caused concern within the recycled low-density polyethylene (R-LDPE) flexibles market – particularly the wording of derogations contained in paragraphs two and three – with some players stating that the targets amount to a de facto ban on flexible plastic transport packaging because of the difficulty in reaching the reuse target. Earlier in December, the European Commission launched an assessment with a view to exempt pallet wrapping and straps from full re-usability obligations.

Controversially, though, cardboard boxes will be exempt from these reuse targets, which could see an increased shift to the material. In a statement published just prior to the EU Council’s vote, Virginia Janssens, managing director of trade group Plastics Europe said: “As things stand, there is a real risk that the proposed measures will fragment the internal market for plastic packaging and create an uneven playing field with other materials. Whilst politically attractive to some stakeholders, arbitrarily targeting plastics is not the answer. This will jeopMACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Picture Freepik

By 1 January 2030, 40% of most transport packaging used within the EU – including e-commerce – will need to be reusable and “within a system of reuse”. From 2040 this will increase to 70%.

Recyclability and reuse By 2030 all packaging must be recyclable or reusable. To be classed as recyclable, packaging must be: - designed for recycling; - separately collected; - sorted in to defined waste streams without affecting the recyclability of other waste streams; - possible to be recycled so that the resulting secondary raw materials are of sufficient quality to substitute the primary raw materials.

Packaging recyclability performance grades are to be established by packaging category and classified as grades A, B or C. After 1 January 2030 any packaging that falls below grade C will be restricted from sale in the market. After 1 January 2038 packaging classified below grade B will be banned from sale in the market.

Under the legislation, along with design for recycling assessments from 2035 an additional assessment will be added based on the weight of material effectively recycled from each packaging category – with the packaging categories under the design for recycling assessment established in Article 6 paragraph 6 of the provisional agreement.

The EU Commission will be given power to adopt delegated acts to establish detailed criteria for design for recycling under the packaging categories, which will be set out by 1 January 2028. Also from 2035, a requirement that material be “recycled at scale” will be added to the recyclability assessment, with the EU Commission able to amend the thresholds.

The definition of packaging waste recycled at scale requires separate collection, sorting and recycling of material across the EU as a whole (including of waste exports) in installed infrastructure for each of the packaging categories of at least 55% for all materials except for wood which requires at least 30%.

Assessments of recyclability will include the impact on recycling systems of the inclusion of things such as barriers, inks and labels. The short timeframe between setting out the assessment criteria and the initial 2030 targets is of concern to market players, given product and development cycles, and the seriousness of the penalties for non-compliance.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

Possibly most important legislation in decades Taken as a whole, the PPWR amounts to arguably the most significant piece of regulation to impact the packaging, plastic and recycling chains in decades. The penalties for non-compliance will make it unavoidable for market operators.

Shortages of packaging-suitable mechanical recycling grades mean players will need to act quickly to ensure compliance, and market impacts are likely to begin to be felt in the shortterm. Nevertheless, there are a number of criteria around things such as the role of bio-based plastics and recyclability targets (along with wider debates over whether chemical recycling can count towards recycling targets), which remain unclear. These add uncertainty and if not quickly confirmed could delay market action or push players to alternative materials that may not have beneficial environmental outcomes.

“With multiple pieces of regulation at various stages of the regulatory process, including the SUPD, end of life vehicle directive and PPWR, there’s huge pressure across the value chain to comply with competing regulation. The lack of clarity on some aspects negatively affects investment conditions necessary to improve supply,” Helen McGeough, Global Analyst Team Lead, Plastics Recycling at ICIS said. * Senior Editor of Recycling at ICIS (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services).

Picture Corepla

ardize investments in sustainable plastic packaging solutions and encourage the substitution of plastics with other materials without any proven environmental advantages. It will not solve the issue of single-use packaging.”

PPWR, for the recycled low-density polyethylene (R-LDPE) flexible market includes a ban on plastic film wrap grouping bottles, cans, tins, pots, tubs, or packets together in multi-packs at point of sale but will not include wrap used for business-to-business distribution.

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Picture Freepik

PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT

Automotive Plastics Circularity

Pilot project for closed-loop recycling of plastics from End-of-Life Vehicles Seven leading multinational chemical companies have joined forces to transform plastic waste from End-of-Life Vehicles into an economic and practical resource that can be increasingly reused in closed-loop production. A pilot project that aims to be extended on an industrial scale in different geographical areas of the world, also with an environmental perspective.

A

CEO-led collaborative platform originally incubated at the World Economic Forum, The Global Impact Coalition (GIC) launched the world’s first Automotive Plastics Circularity pilot together with seven global leaders in the chemical and recycling industries – Basf, Covestro, LyondellBasell, Mitsubishi Chemical Group, Sabic, Suez, and Syensqo. This groundbreaking pilot will address the critical challenge of recycling plastics from End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs).

Each year, over 800 million metric tons of ELV plastics in the European Union alone are incinerated or landfilled, resulting in significant environmental and economic losses. This pilot is a key first step to transform this waste into valuable resources, enabling the automotive industry to significantly increase the rate of closed-loop recycled plastics.

“This collaboration represents a turning point for the industry,” said Charlie Tan, CEO of the Global Impact Coalition. “Recycling ELV plastics has long been a challenge, with less than 20% of these materials recycled today. By uniting players from across the automotive value chain – from auto makers to dismantlers, sorters, recyclers and the chemical industry – we are connecting the links to close the loop on plastics.”

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Operations in the Netherlands and Germany The pilot, taking place in the Netherlands and Germany, will dismantle, shred and sort plastic fractions, clustered into ten types of polymers and automotive parts from 100 End-of-Life Vehicles. These sorted plastic fractions will then be recycled by

1 MT ELV plastic recovered in Europe but >80% sent to landfill or incineration (2020) In kt

100%

19%

161

41%

413

1,009

40%

403 Collected ELV plastic

Amount reused & recycled

Amount incinerated

Amount landfilled

(Fonte Global Impact Coalition)

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Picture Global Impact Coalition

Optimising the recycling of plastics from End-ofLife Vehicles during the dismantling process.

Compliant with current regulations The Automotive Plastics Circularity project aligns with evolving regulatory frameworks, including the EU’s proposed ELV regulations, which currently mandate that by 2030, 25% of plastics in new cars must come from recycled materials, with 25% of those derived from closed-loop recycling (from end-of-life vehicles). This pilot aims to validate the scalability of solutions capable of achieving these targets, ensuring significant impact

Car collection

Dismantlin & Separation

and reducing the current reliance on landfilling and incineration.

By optimizing processes and achieving purer polymer fractions, the pilot will provide actionable insights into meeting regulatory requirements. Additionally, it will showcase the potential for a scalable, sustainable business model that can be applied globally.

“The goal of this pilot is to move beyond theoretical discussions and test real-world solutions for ELV plastics recycling.

By focusing on advanced sorting and recycling technologies, we aim to prove that high-quality, closed-loop systems are not only possible but scalable for global impact”, commented Lars Kissau, President, Net Zero Accelerator, Basf.

The pilot is expected to yield valuable data to guide broader industry adoption. Following its conclusion, the project will focus on scaling up efforts regionally in Europe and expanding to other key markets for ELV plastics recycling and production.

“This initiative demonstrates that innovation flourishes when industries collaborate toward a common goal. By combining expertise across the automotive and chemical value chains, we are developing solutions that create value for our stakeholders while contributing to a circular economy and making a positive impact on society and the environment,” added Fiona Van Den Brink, Senior Director Innovation Platforms and Net Zero Technologies at LyondellBasell.

And Thomas Canova, Head of Research and Innovation at Syensqo, concluded that “to make tangible progress, we must work collaboratively. Joining forces through the GIC allows us to pool resources, share knowledge and tackle common challenges more effectively, generating actionable insights that can redefine our industry.”

Shredding

Post-shredder-technologies (PST)

Polymer recycling

Recovers fractions incl. plastic

Separates plastic feedstocks

Recovers recyclates

Part Collection

Recovers parts for re-sale

Prepare chemical recycling at-scale

Picture Global Impact Coalition

the collaborating companies with each of their specific technologies. Focusing on bulk aggregation of ELV plastics, the pilot will serve to test and optimize a new approach to dismantling, sorting and recycling plastic fractions under real-world conditions.

To ensure success, the project partners have engaged dismantlers, shredding companies, and sorting facilities to create a robust and interconnected network. By pooling demand for a wide variety of ELV polymers, the initiative seeks to demonstrate the economic feasibility of large-scale closed-loop recycling systems. Project members collectively represent a significant portion of the global plastics industry, making this pilot extremely relevant for Europe and other key regions of the world.

“Automotive sustainability hinges on addressing materials that have long been overlooked”, said Yves Rannou, co-CEO of Suez and COO of Recycling & Recovery. “Recycling ELV plastics isn’t just a technical challenge, it’s a chance to redefine how we view waste as a resource and ensure we can make it economically sustainable for each party involved. This pilot is the beginning of a transformative journey for the entire automotive and plastics value chain”.

“GIC members collectively represent a significant portion of the global plastics industry,” continued Torsten Heinemann, Head of Group Innovation & Sustainability at Covestro. “Their expertise and commitment are crucial for unlocking the potential of recycled ELV plastics as feedstock for new materials.

This pilot project will help us overcome longstanding challenges such as high manual processing costs, inefficient sorting methods, and limited recovery expertise.”

Optimize disassembly to recover polymers

Circularity chain of End-of-Life Vehicles polymers.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

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PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT NEWS Ecopolietilene experimental project

The separate collection of polyethylene goods Out of over 4,600 tons of plastics waste collected, almost half was found to be polyethylene, approximately 2,300 tons, which represents a small “treasure” made up of a 100% recyclable material that, if properly sorted, can be turned into new products. This is the result of the experimental project carried out between 2022 and 2024 by Ecopolietilene, a consortium of the Ecolight System that supports producers, importers, distributors, and recyclers in the management of polyethylene waste, and STR, a Piedmont-based company that handles urban waste management and treatment in the province of Cuneo. This collaboration was established to monitor and improve the management of polyethylene goods waste in urban areas.

Following the pilot project launched in 2021, which revealed that just over a third of the plastics delivered to eco-centres was made up of polyethylene goods, the two entities decided to further strengthen their partnership to experiment with the separate collection of polyethylene items. The project involved specific training for staff at STR-managed eco-centres to correctly identify these wastes. Additionally, dedicated containers were placed to collect polyethylene waste separately.

During the three years of the experiment, not only did the ability to separate plastic items from bulky waste increase, but it was also established that nearly half of the plastic waste taken to eco-centres (around 2,300 tons out of a total of 4,600 tons) could be traced to the “family” of polyethylene goods.

Pipes, toys (non-electronic), household containers, gardening sheets, and bags were all selected for recycling to create

secondary raw materials for use in manufacturing processes.

This initiative is part of a growing awareness campaign around polyethylene goods, aimed at enhancing a plastics fraction with significant environmental value. Polyethylene items, which are widely found in homes in the form of objects with various functions and uses, represent a resource as they are 100% recyclable. Focusing on creating a high-quality separate collection is fundamental for ensuring a sustainable pathway.

“We are proud to be part of this collaborative project with Ecopolietilene, aware of our fundamental role in the recovery process of this valuable resource, and confident that it will lead to a virtuous path that can extend nationwide”, commented Piero Bertolusso, Director of STR. “The way forward is clear: identifying polyethylene goods is a concrete commitment to building a real circular economy.

Polyethylene items are fully recyclable and can be turned into new products, so it is important to begin reflecting on a specific coding for them to start sorting this material correctly and improve its collection”, said Giancarlo Dezio, General Manager of Ecopolietilene. “Our consortium’s commitment is to make our members key players in the ecological transition process and to create supply chains that enhance the collection of polyethylene goods”.

Ecopolietilene, through a proactive role, aims to increasingly involve companies in the process of ecological transition and the enhancement of circular waste management, as demonstrated by previous projects that have turned end-of-life greenhouses into films for use in construction and corrugated pipes into new tubes.

This initiative is part of a growing awareness campaign around polyethylene goods, aimed at enhancing a plastics fraction with significant environmental value.

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Saving the European chemical

Picture Cefic

Cefic proposes ten actions to be taken now

“For us, it is way past 12 o’clock.” This was the stark warning from Ilham Kadri, President of Cefic, at the recent high-level strategic dialogue on the Chemical Industry Package led

by Executive Vice President of the European Commission Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Jessika Roswall.

Addressing policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society, Ilham Kadri and her fellow CEOs made it clear: Europe’s chemical industry is in crisis. Without immediate, targeted action, more production sites will shut down, investments will move elsewhere, and Europe will fall further behind global competitors.

“Europe’s chemical industry is the foundation of its industrial ecosystem – every major value chain depends on us. Yet today, companies are halting investments in Europe while our global competitors race ahead. Without urgent action, we risk losing an entire industrial base. This is not just about chemicals; it’s about Europe’s economic and strategic future,” commented Ilham Kadri.

With the EU industry facing declining demand, soaring energy prices, and growing regulatory burdens – as raised in the broader Antwerp Declaration – Cefic has laid out 10 urgent actions that must be included in a comprehensive Chemical Industry Package. These actions must go beyond PFAS and Reach and ensure that Europe’s chemicals industry received the urgent and tailored support it needs to restore its base in Europe.

These 10 actions, summarised below, form a veritable decalogue: - A plan to secure EU value chains of chemicals used in the European Defence industries – Chemicals to be a full part of the Readiness 2030 ambition; - Direct measures to lower energy costs – Immediate relief, on top of the Affordable Energy Action Plan, reinstate organic

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

chemicals in the EU’s indirect cost compensation list and ensure hydrogen is a viable low-carbon energy fuel; - A clear policy of urgency on trade protection – Fast-tracking anti-dumping measures and securing a strong EU response to tariff disputes and Russian sanctions; - Keep the focus on simplification and burden reduction – An Omnibus package to ease administrative burdens on large and small companies; - Clarity on circularity – Mass balance accounting rules for chemical recycling to be clarified as soon as possible; - A dedicated policy for access to affordable feedstock – Secure bio-based and circular materials in order to meet climate targets, including leveraging Ukraine’s potential; - Measures to create demand – Lower VAT rates and marketpull measures in the main chemical outlet markets; - Recognise the critical roles for chemicals to reduce Europe’s dependency – Full support for securing EU production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in the Critical Medicines Act. Further analyse the French proposal for a Critical Chemicals Act; - Dedicated funding for the chemical industry in the EU Competitiveness Fund, Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act and Industrial Decarbonisation Bank, including a dedicated chemical industry Public Private Partnership or R&I fund for demonstration plants; - A true simplification of Reach – Building on Cefic’s 10-point plan, targeted measures are needed to ensure predictability for investment.

Cefic welcomes the commitment from EU leaders to engage, but stresses that this dialogue must deliver real outcomes. The industry cannot afford just another round of discussions – it needs a clear plan to restore competitiveness, secure industrial jobs, and drive sustainable innovation in Europe.

High-level strategic dialogue on the Chemical Industry Package.

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PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT NEWS EuCIA and JEC launched ECCA

A European alliance for circularity of composites The European composites industry association (EuCIA), in partnership with JEC, launched the European circular composites alliance (ECCA), a collaboration dedicated to establishing a circular economy for composites in Europe. The ECCA will set and achieve targets on the use of recovered and recycled composites, develop standards for circular product design, and provide a forum for industry voices.

The initiative was formally launched at JEC World on 4 March during a special session organised by EuCIA and JEC entitled “The Clean Industrial Deal: An Opportunity for our Composites Industry”. In a presentation at the event, guest speaker Laure Baillargeon, policy officer at the European Commission, DG Grow highlighted that circularity is a key element of the Deal, which outlines concrete actions to turn decarbonisation into a driver of growth for European industries. Circularity reduces waste, lowers production costs, lowers CO2 emissions, and creates a more sustainable industrial model.

EuCIA’s President, Roberto Frassine, went on to explain that the collaboration of Europe’s composites stakeholders is essential to achieve the full circularity of composite materials. ECCA members will commit to this goal, working together to fully establish the circular economy for composites by implementing strategies for greater reuse, repair, repurposing and recycling, and setting and delivering on targets for the recycling of existing products. Interested parties can sign the ECCA letter of intent to signal their interest in the ECCA and be informed on its development. The next step will be a declaration of the

Alliance, which will provide a framework for ECCA signatories to contribute towards the goal of composites circularity.

“The European circular composites alliance is an essential step towards a wider circular economy for the whole of Europe,” explained Frassine. “Combining the collective will and ambition of composites manufacturers, associations and end-users into one voice will accelerate our journey to net-zero. Composite materials play a huge role in shaping the 21st century and we are committed to building circular and competitive value chains in Europe.”

“The union of different countries and organisations under a common cause, working in partnership, is a major strength of the European community,” added Baillargeon. “Dialogue and information sharing with policymakers and among stakeholders, a shared vision, and setting targets and objectives are notable achievements of the Circular Plastics Alliance, which offers valuable insights for this new composite alliance.”

“As a partner of EuCIA, we are supporting this initiative as part of our activities to promote circular solutions in the composites industry,” concluded Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC. “At JEC, we are dedicated to fostering the development of the composites industry worldwide, as composite materials continue to open up exciting new opportunities for improving people’s lives and creating a better, more sustainable world. We look forward to partnering with EuCIA to support the ECCA and its members as they take composites circularity to the next level.”

A moment of the ECCA launch at the recent JEC World 2025.

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

adv_230_140_5 FLAT PLAST_OK.pdf

1

18/03/25

08:19

F L AT

Extrusion lines for the production of

- Special plants for the production of drop irrigation pipes

Co-extrusion line for PP foil, solid and foam, from 150 µm 2025 .l. via delle Industrie 2 - 21040 Gornate Olona (VA) ITALY +39 0331 855010 |

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

- Plants for hollow sheets

- Special plants on request

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PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT NEWS Maip Group joins ReGenesis

Recovery and recycling of luxury goods Maip Group has joined the ReGenesis protocol, designed by Studio Lisa Tavazzani, to manage production waste and surplus inventory in the luxury goods sector. Thanks to the

collaboration with Eastman and Studio Lisa Tavazzani, Gruppo Maip has introduced new compounds and sheets obtained from upgraded industrial waste and Acetate Renew, a sustainable acetate by Eastman with performance equal to that of traditional acetate. This approach allows raw materials to remain within a closed-loop system, promoting a circular economy model.

ReGenesis enables upcycling and the valorisation of waste, turning it into highquality resources for new production processes. It ensures traceability and transparency at every stage of the supply chain, which is monitored with the support of blockchain technology, guaranteeing reliability and compliance with the highest standards. It also develops bespoke solutions for high-

end brands, combining excellence with environmental responsibility.

“We are enthusiastic about this collaboration, which confirms our commitment to transforming waste into sustainable, high-performance materials”, declared Eligio Martini, CEO of Maip Group. “Working with Maip Group and Studio Lisa Tavazzani allows us to reduce waste and create high-quality products, demonstrating that sustainability and excellence can coexist”, added Rachel Oakley, Eyewear Segment Leader at Eastman. “With ReGenesis, we are redefining the concept of sustainability in luxury, offering brands innovative and traceable solutions without compromising on quality”, concluded Lisa Tavazzani, founder of Studio Lisa Tavazzani.

ReGenesis enables upcycling and the valorisation of waste, turning it into high-quality resources for new production processes.

NextChem brings innovation to the UAE

Advanced recycling with Italian technology NextChem, a company of the Maire Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding with industrial partner Yousif Mohamed Al Nowais to collaborate on enhancing chemical plastics recycling in the United Arab Emirates. The aim is to improve activities dedicated to waste sorting and classification, as

well as the compounding of end-ofwaste materials to be transformed into recycled polymers for both the local and international markets.

The agreement was signed during the official meeting in Rome between the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, confirming and strengthening a thirtyyear relationship that dates back to the 1990s, when Maire entered the UAE energy sector with several strategic projects.

This memorandum of understanding represents a further step forward in the collaboration towards the development of the circular economy in the UAE, following the initial phase launched in 2022 with the establishment of an advanced plastics recycling plant in the Kezad industrial area of Abu Dhabi.

This unit has the capability to treat up to 100,000 tonnes of polyolefin plastic pellets. The technology used is part of Nextchem’s wide portfolio of innovative and efficient solutions that support the energy transition by decarbonizing processes and products.

Fabrizio Di Amato, Founder and Chairman of MAIRE commented: “The United Arab Emirates and Maire Group have a long successful history together, which dates back almost 30 years. This agreement confirms our commitment to invest and develop sustainable solutions to advance circularity in the Country, leveraging the engineering Made in Italy. Through our wide portfolio of technologies, Nextchem is in a unique position to serve the market with best-in-class, innovative and efficient solutions to support the circular valorizations of waste materials”.

The agreement was signed during the official meeting in Rome between the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, confirming and strengthening a thirty-year relationship that dates back to the 1990s, when Maire entered the UAE energy sector with several strategic projects.

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

RES and Shell Chemicals Europe sign long-term agreement

Pyrolysis oil from the chemical recycling of plastics waste Under a multi-year agreement, RES will sell pyrolysis oil to Shell Chemicals Europe. The oil is produced at the chemical recycling plant for plastics waste that RES is currently building in Pettoranello del Molise (Isernia). The long-term agreement takes effect from June 2026 and is expected to generate over 20 million euros in additional annual revenue for RES. As part of the agreement, Shell Chemicals Europe commits to purchasing the entire pyrolysis oil output from the Pettoranello plant and, optionally, from a second facility that RES may construct in the future.

The chemical recycling plant currently under construction by RES is scheduled to be fully operational in the first half of 2026. Once at full capacity, it will employ around 20 people and will be capable of processing up to 20,000 tonnes of input material per year, with a projected output of 15,000 tonnes per year of pyrolysis oil. It will be the first plant of its kind in Italy in terms of size and production capacity. Through a thermochemical decomposition

process, it will recover plastics waste that cannot be mechanically recycledwaste that would otherwise be incinerated in waste-to-energy plants or cement factories, or sent to landfilltransforming it into pyrolysis oil for the production of new plastics materials.

“This off-take agreement confirms the soundness of the strategic choices we have made in recent years to invest in pyrolysis technology. The investments made to build the new plant are now bearing fruit with the signing of this important partnership with a global player such as Shell. It marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration for both parties and represents a crucial step forward in promoting sustainable and innovative solutions in chemical recycling. It strengthens RES’s mission, making us the first company in the waste management sector in Italy-and one of the first in Europe-to take this innovative path of transforming post-consumer plastics into valuable resources for industry through highly advanced processes, thereby contributing to the circular economy,” said Antonio Lucio

Valerio, CEO of RES. “Shell is very pleased with this longterm agreement with RES, a company with extensive expertise in the waste and recycling market. Shell looks forward to working with RES to provide our customers with more circular chemical products, while advancing our commitment to building a robust circular value chain for plastics,” added Thijs Arlman, Global Head of Plastic Circularity at Shell.

Antonio Lucio Valerio, CEO of RES, and Thijs Arlman, Global Head of Plastic Circularity at Shell, mark the signing of the agreement with a handshake.

Design for Recycling for PET

New guidelines expand tray circularity evaluation platform Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) enhances the Design for Recycling for PET monolayer trays with the addition of Design for Recycling for PET multilayer trays. This initiative is in line with the work the Thermoform team is carrying out in the CEN Standardization WG. These guidelines will provide further crucial support to the mechanical recycling of PET trays industry in Europe, providing the required quality and food safety of both the monolayer and multilayer tray recycling streams. This initiative further supports the circular economy by promoting the recycling of materials for the same application and adding value to each stream.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

By actively working towards increasing the use of recycled PET, the mechanical recycling industry for plastics is playing a vital role in reducing waste and enhancing the concept of plastics waste being an important feedstock material. By aligning with the targets set by the European Commission, and the structuring the industry for ‘circularity’, the PET value chain players are actively working towards a more sustainable future.

The Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) is a European industry initiative that provides PET thermoforms design guidelines for recycling, evaluates thermoform packaging solutions and technologies, and facilitates

understanding of the effects of new PET thermoforms innovations on recycling process. The TCEP initiative fully supports the economic and Environmental sustainability of the European PET value chain.

The Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) is a European industry initiative that provides PET thermoforms design guidelines for recycling.

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MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

Occhielloin the market since 1992 Euroviti

Screws for over Titolo titolo years thirty titolo

The Italian company is now a leading player in its field, offering state-of-the-art solutions for injection moulding and extrusion. A new structure and increased research and development are the latest investments to meet new challenges and further consolidate Sommario its position in the plastics industry. sommario somario

Di Matteo De Molli Morandi e Luca Mei

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

A

n established player in the Italian industrial landscape, Euroviti specialises in the supply of plasticising units for extrusion and injection moulding.

Whether faithfully reproducing original components or developing customised solutions to meet the specific needs of end users, the company combines expertise and innovation to deliver high performance solutions.

Founded in 1992 by Giuseppe “Pino” Barrale, Euroviti Srl has grown over the years to become a reference point in both national and international markets. The company has established a strong presence in the main European countries, Central and South America, as well as in selected African and Asian markets. An unwavering commitment to technological innovation in the plastics industry and to the quality of its products has enabled Euroviti to offer tailor-made solutions that meet the specific needs of its customers, ensuring excellent performance and long-term durability.

Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of the industry and its highly qualified team, Euroviti not only supplies but also designs barrels and screws for single-screw extruders. Its portfolio also includes components for co-rotating and counter-rotating twin-screw extruders and conical sets. In the field of injection moulding, the company excels in providing complete solutions that include barrels, screws, tips, end caps and nozzles.

The use of technologically advanced materials, combined with customised design, increases component longevity, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing energy costs. The high quality of the materials used minimises wear and maintenance requirements, ensuring greater continuity of production lines. In addition to standard steels, Euroviti offers a wide range of welded overlays and surface coatings to counteract wear, including chrome plating, PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) and HVOF (High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel) coatings.

One of the key pillars of Euroviti’s business is its ability to provide targeted solutions that minimise waste – an essential factor in both optimising production processes and promoting environmental sustainability. This approach not only improves the economic performance of its customers but also makes a tangible contribution to reducing raw material waste and CO2 emissions.

In an increasingly sustainability-conscious market, Euroviti is positioning itself as a strategic partner for companies seeking to innovate without compromising their commitment to environmental responsibility.

viti engineers and the customer’s technical team resulted in the design of an innovative screw profile. This solution resulted in increased productivity, reduced defects in the finished product and optimised peripheral speeds and process temperatures.

Another key aspect of Euroviti’s approach is its commitment to facilitating the use and direct reintegration of recycled materials into production processes. As more and more companies seek to reduce their dependence on virgin raw materials and lower their environmental impact, Euroviti offers advanced solutions that enable more efficient and stable extrusion of recycled materials, while maintaining high quality standards and reliable performance. This optimisation process is driven by in-depth studies of the properties of recycled materials, long-term performance analysis and the development of innovative formulations that improve the processability of recycled polymers.

Euroviti also has a success story in this field, which is related to the recycling of bioplastics. A leading company in the sector approached Euroviti to develop advanced extrusion technologies capable of processing heterogeneous materials while maintaining the mechanical properties of the recycled product. Euroviti’s highly customised approach led to the design of special screws and barrels that improved the quality of the extruded material and provided greater flexibility in the production process. The results achieved confirmed Euroviti’s commitment to sustainable solutions, supporting the circular economy and reducing environmental impact through innovative and efficient manufacturing technologies.

A counter-rotating twin-screw cylinder for extrusion.

Case studies A notable example of Euroviti’s expertise is a project developed in the injection blow moulding sector for preforms used in the cosmetics industry. A customer approached us with the need to increase the efficiency of their production process – improving energy efficiency and reducing waste – while increasing the quality of the final product. Close collaboration between EuroMAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

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MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

An injection moulding screw.

New operational headquarters In order to meet growing market demand and provide an increasingly efficient service, Euroviti has recently announced its move to a new operational headquarters. Strategically located, the new facility will allow for increased production space, improved logistical efficiency and a more modern and functional working environment. This investment marks another step forward for the company and reinforces its forward-looking vision. By continuing to focus on innovation and continuous improvement, Euroviti is strengthening its position in the global marketplace and ensuring ever higher standards of quality and efficiency for its customers.

In addition to its new headquarters, Euroviti has expanded its research and development team to accelerate the introduction of innovative solutions for the plastics industry. The company actively collaborates with research institutes to de-

velop new technologies and more efficient production processes. The aim is to anticipate market trends and meet the demands of a constantly evolving industry.

Euroviti confirms its position as a reliable partner for companies looking for advanced solutions in the field of plasticising for extrusion and injection moulding. Combining experience, expertise and technical research with a strong focus on customer needs, the company designs and manufactures customised screws and barrels that increase production efficiency and improve the quality of the final product. With the opening of its new facility, Euroviti is ready to take on new challenges and further strengthen its role in the plastics industry. With a firm commitment to innovation and sustainability, the company continues to put its customers - both longstanding and new - first, while shaping the future of the industry.

Rendering of the new Euroviti headquarters.

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

LISTENING TO USERS’ NEEDS

LOOKING FORWARD

DIALOGUE WITH CUSTOMERS

THE ITALIAN TECHNOLOGY www.amaplast.org

MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

IMG triples on several fronts

Innovation, multi-presence, and green commitment The Italian company, which specialises in the construction of presses for moulding rubber, silicone and thermoset articles, is committed to innovation, to being present at trade fairs, also as a way of expanding its presence on international markets, and to respecting the environment and sustainability. To improve their business, their machines and the products that processors obtain by using them.

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ased in Brescia (Italy), IMG is tripling its commitment on several fronts in the field of moulding presses for rubber, silicone and thermoset articles.

Innovation has always been a key focus for the company, and it has once again become a reality with the development of

software for real-time analysis and monitoring of press energy consumption. With the recent simplification of the bureaucratic procedures for obtaining financial incentives under the Transition 5.0 programme, IMG has once again decided to assist its customers in obtaining the necessary certifications for tax benefits. More importantly, it aims to provide accurate data on actual energy consumption - information that is highly valued by international customers.

For a few months now, every new IMG press can be equipped with both a hardware accessory - a small PLC embedded in the electrical panel - and a software component consisting of four new pages developed by IMG’s software engineers and added to the control panel. These tools give the customer full control of: total energy consumption over a user-defined period (e.g. since the first start-up or during the last hour of operation); weight in kilograms of compound used during a given period; a log of the last ten production cycles stored for reference.

This accurate monitoring and easy consultation of actual energy An example of a cobot demonstrating a pick-and-place operation; robotic or cobot solutions can be integrated with all IMG press models.

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consumption is greatly appreciated and frequently requested by IMG’s customers - especially in today’s unpredictable environment where energy and raw material costs are volatile, making production planning and budget forecasting difficult.

Multi-presence Multi-presence refers to IMG’s growing involvement in several international markets. The company has been pursuing an internationalisation strategy for several years and is now active in 12 countries, both in Europe and outside the EU. This has been made possible through partnerships with local agents and representatives, many of whom also provide after-sales support to reduce customer waiting times.

Recent partnerships include a collaboration in India with a company that has been selling plastic moulding presses in Asia for over ten years, and in Brazil with a partner that, in addition to selling rubber and silicone presses, offers a high level of after-sales support thanks to over a decade of experience in the rubber-plastic sector with Italian companies in South America.

India’s rubber market is huge and has been growing rapidly for years, which was a key driver for these new partnerships.

IMG is increasingly seeking international opportunities in the current uncertain global economic scenario. The introduction of trade tariffs by the Trump administration has focused attention on markets previously considered secondary, such as South America, India and Southeast Asia.

Despite this diversification, Europe remains IMG’s most important export market, with 90% of presses supplied abroad going to the continent. In particular, a growing proportion of this demand is now concentrated in Eastern Europe.

This positive trend was reinforced by IMG’s participation in Plastpol (Kielce, 20-23 May) - Poland’s leading event for the plastics and rubber industry. IMG was a co-exhibitor on the stand of its local representative, Subter Plus, which covers five Eastern European countries and has enjoyed a successful partnership with IMG for around two years. The show attracted a large number of industry professionals who were very interested in IMG’s solutions, particularly those aimed at increasing or fully automating production cycles.

In recent years, in addition to its 14 models of vertical and horizontal presses, IMG has established itself as a supplier of automated solutions using robots and cobots. The company now offers certified robotic cells that help customers significantly increase automation, reduce cycle times and cut costs. This is made possible through ongoing collaboration with national and international robotic solution providers and system integrators.

Due to the continuing difficulties in the automotive sector, IMG continues to explore new markets for its presses, including the pharmaceutical, medical and aerospace industries, particularly for the production of components and parts in solid or liquid silicone (LSR).

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One of the software pages developed by IMG engineers to monitor the energy consumption of the press in real time.

In order to continue on its path of internationalisation and to meet today’s market challenges, IMG will once again be attending the K trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, this October. The company will have its own stand at the world’s leading trade fair for rubber and plastics. In Düsseldorf, IMG will be exhibiting a vertical press integrated with a robotic cell, with a robot for part removal and placement on a conveyor belt - a solution that is increasingly in demand from both domestic and international customers in the rubber sector.

Commitment in sustainability For the second year running, IMG has published its Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s wide-ranging initiatives to develop increasingly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for its customers (such as new software to monitor energy consumption in real time).

Independent external companies carry out regular internal audits to verify and report on IMG’s compliance with the most stringent international regulations. Regarding greenhouse gases (GHG), IMG has for many years accounted for all emissions under its operational control, both direct and indirect. Each year IMG also certifies the carbon footprint of its most representative horizontal press model in order to explore options for even more sustainable production methods.

The company has officially certified the environmental impact of the production of its flagship model, a 300-tonne horizontal press.

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MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT Recycling for Plastic Systems

Turning waste into opportunity The Italian company Plastic Systems is now fully committed to the circular economy, which is the goal of all its technological products. But in a scenario where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity, the manufacturer is developing solutions to give value to waste, transforming it into opportunities by continuously regenerating it rather than discarding it, according to a vision that goes far beyond the purely technological aspects.

I

n a world where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity, recycling plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the plastics industry. The ability to recover, process and reintroduce polymers into production cycles significantly reduces environmental impact by limiting the use of virgin raw materials and reducing CO2 emissions.

Plastic Systems believes that recycling isn’t just about reusing materials - it’s about optimising processes to ensure efficiency and maintain the highest quality standards. Its technologies support companies in handling recycled plastics while preserving their mechanical and aesthetic properties, enabling truly sustainable production without compromise. The company develops state-of-the-art solutions for every stage of the treatment of recycled plastics, ensuring stable, repeatable and highly efficient processes.

Material handling and conveying For these purposes Plastics Systems proposes pneumatic and mechanical conveying systems, advanced storage solutions

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and GCS thrust loading group.

The first systems consist in customized solutions for transferring granules and flakes, with dense or dilute phase configurations to minimize material degradation and ensure a consistent flow.

The second solutions are stainless steel or aluminum silos, available in welded or bolted configurations, equipped with fluidization systems and level monitoring to preserve the integrity of recycled materials.

Finally, the third group is designed for efficient bulk material handling, optimizing material transfer and feeding into downstream processes.

Dosing and mixing These two operations are covered by the company’s DVM lossin-weight feeders and vertical mixers.

For the former, they consist of high-precision dosing systems with integrated load cells for accurate control of polymer, masterbatch and additive flow. They are fully compatible with inMACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

are equipped with self-cleaning screen filters to remove solid contaminants and ensure consistent secondary raw material quality.

Process monitoring and control

dustrial automation systems (Profibus, Profinet, OPC UA) for seamless integration.

Vertical mixers are designed for homogeneous blending of virgin and recycled polymers, with configurations optimised for glass-filled or mineral-reinforced materials.

Drying and crystallisation These systems include closed-loop dryers and CRN crystallizers.

Closed-loop dryers can be fixed or mobile bed systems for deep polymer drying and feature automatic dew point control to maintain optimum processing conditions.

Designed for PET and other semi-crystalline polymers, CRN crystallisers feature a low-speed agitation system to prevent dust formation and ensure uniform crystallisation.

Filtration and dedusting For filtration and dedusting, Plastic Systems offers cyclone and vibrating sieve dedusting systems that efficiently remove fines and dust from recycled granules, improving material quality and reducing the risk of defects in moulding and extrusion processes.

Advanced polymer filtration systems are also offered. These MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

The manufacturer offers real-time monitoring systems as well as automation and Industry 4.0 solutions.

Advanced supervisory software enables complete process control, with intuitive interfaces and remote access capabilities for centralised production management.

Fully networked solutions enable process data analysis, material tracking and predictive production optimisation.

Plastic Systems’ commitment to recycling goes far beyond technology, with a vision of a circular economy where plastics are continuously regenerated rather than discarded. Through research, innovation and strategic partnerships, the company helps companies turn recycling into a competitive advantage. Plastic Systems does not just talk about sustainability, it builds solutions that make it happen.

Crystalliser from Plastic Systems: crystallisation, material handling and transport, dosing and mixing, drying, filtration and dedusting, and process monitoring and control are the application areas addressed by the equipment developed by the Italian manufacturer.

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MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

Anniversary for Mixaco

Sixty years with an eye on the future of mixing Since 1965, the German manufacturer of industrial mixing solutions has based its technologies on precision, versatility and innovation - the cornerstones of a company philosophy that has never failed. Below is an overview of their flagship systems.

A view of the production department with the HMKM model.

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ounded in 1965 in Neuenrade, Germany, Mixaco has pioneered developments in mixing technology, delivering solutions that help industries improve efficiency, quality and sustainability. Over the years, the company has continued to evolve, introducing cutting-edge mixers that meet the demanding needs of industries such as plastics,

chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals and many more.

The main differences between mixer types lie in their mixing principles, throughputs and intended applications. Highshear and planetary mixers focus on specialised tasks requiring fine dispersion and gentle mixing, while twin-shaft and ploughshare mixers excel at handling heavy or dense materials. Whether you are looking for high flexibility, automation or low maintenance, Mixaco offers a tailor-made solution for every application, ensuring optimum performance and product quality in a wide range of industries. For this reason, the company offers a wide range of mixers in its catalogue.

Container mixers: the top system These mixers offer unparalleled flexibility for different batch sizes and materials. The range includes models such as the CM i4, a smart and efficient solution for fully automated mixing with digital integration for Industry 4.0 environments, and the CM Flex, designed for easy handling and fast batch changes, ensuring contamination-free mixing. In addition, the Vortex container mixer is designed for superior mixing performance and features an innovative mixing tool geometry that improves material flow and ensures a more homogeneous blend. This mixer is ideal for applications requiring high precision, such as masterbatch, chemical compounds and specialty powders.

Other mixer types include the high-performance Speedy Mixer, designed for fast, homogeneous mixing in a short time. Its in-

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novative design ensures effective dispersion of materials with optimised energy consumption. Then there are the mixers: - high intensity mixers designed for rapid mixing and homogenisation in demanding applications such as PVC compounding, masterbatch production and high-performance materials processing; - heating/cooling mixers combine precise temperature control with high-speed mixing to improve the quality and consistency of heat sensitive materials; - laboratory mixers designed for research and development delivering the same high-quality results as industrial systems; these in turn are divided into laboratory container mixer, ideal for small batch testing with easy handling and quick material changes, and laboratory heated mixer, designed for temperature sensitive formulations, allowing precise heating control to optimise material properties; - double cone mixers, perfect for gentle yet thorough mixing.

The three flagship products These include the CM MT, CM i4 and HMKM models, which represent the pinnacle of mixing technology in their respective categories that Mixaco can offer today.

The CM MT model represents the evolution of industrial mixing, combining performance, flexibility and low maintenance design. Designed for a wide range of applications, it excels in a variety of industries where precision, reliability and adaptability are paramount. Its main features include: - multi-functional mixing capabilities make it suitable for a range of processes, from gentle blending to intense dispersion, for powders, liquids or more complex materials; - modular design for customisation, allowing it to be adapted to specific requirements, making it a highly scalable solution; - energy efficiency and reduced downtime thanks to energy-saving technology solutions that reduce operating costs and a robust design that minimises downtime; - advanced safety features that integrate safety systems to protect personnel and equipment.

One of its preferred applications is in the plastics industry, where it ensures excellent homogeneity in mixtures, reducing material waste, and in the chemical industry, where it ensures precise control of mixing parameters for consistent quality MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

(in addition to the food and pharmaceutical industries).

The CM i4 is an intelligent mixer that incorporates cutting-edge technologies to enhance both performance and user experience. Its key features include: - intelligent control system that allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of mixing parameters; - advanced automation and connectivity, perfectly integrated into Industry 4.0 processes, with predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics; - improved productivity thanks to reduced cycle times and energy consumption, optimising the entire production process.

In the plastics and polymer industry, it is ideal for mixing additives, colours and resins with absolute precision. Precise and repeatable mixing also makes it suitable for use in specialised chemistry. In addition to these, it can be used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food industries.

The Mixaco range is completed by the HMKM model, a robust and reliable solution for mixing powders and granules in industrial environments.

As Mixaco celebrates its 60th anniversary, its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction remains stronger than ever. Its range of advanced mixers, including the aforesaid CM MT, CM i4, and HMKM models, are designed to meet the diverse needs of a modern industry. With a focus on efficiency, precision, and sustainability, the company continues to be a reliable partner for companies that want to perform at the highest level.

Mixer CM MT.

A laboratory model.

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MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT NEWS Tecnomatic supply to a European primary transformer

Line for large-diameter PE pipes with uniform wall thickness. The Venus 1600 is engineered specifically for pipes of this calibre and integrates innovative mechanical and thermal centring solutions, ensuring optimal thickness uniformity even with very high wall dimensions.

The double-spiral design of the Venus 1600 promotes even material flow, reducing the risk of thickness inconsistencies often associated with large pipe diameters. The centring system provides a two-fold approach: mechanical adjustments align the die-head for correct positioning, while thermal control ensures temperature stability within the die.

This combination allows for precise, on-the-fly adjustments to maintain pipe centring and thickness uniformity under varying production conditions.

Achieving high output for large-diameter pipes requires an exceptional cooling and vacuum system, which Tecnomatic has addressed with a vacuum length of over 20 metres. This extended vacuum zone provides rapid and effective cooling, essential for maintaining pipe shape and structural integrity during high-speed production. The optimized vacuum design helps the line achieve superior production rates without compromising on quality.

The line is complemented by premium downstream equipment. This includes a 12-caterpillar haul-off and a knife cutting unit that work in sync with the line’s output capacity, ensuring smooth and precise handling of pipes throughout the production process. This high-quality downstream setup minimizes the risk of deformation and maintains the pipe’s roundness and clean cutting finish, crucial for large-diameter applications where dimensional accuracy and surface quality are non-negotiable.

Picture Tecnomatic

A new high-capacity line for the extrusion of polyethylene pipes with a diameter of up to 1,600 mm has been supplied

by Tecnomatic to a major European pipe manufacturer. This state-of-the-art line brings together Tecnomatic’s cuttingedge Zeus EVO series gearless extruders and the innovative Venus 1600 die-head, designed to meet the demands of largediameter, thick-walled pipe production with unparalleled precision and output efficiency.

At the heart of this advanced line are two Zeus EVO series extruders, engineered to deliver outstanding power and efficiency. The updated screw design improves material flow plasticization and reduces energy consumption. The new optimized spiral feeding bush ensures a smooth and consistent material feed, minimizing fluctuations and enhancing homogeneity, a critical factor for producing largediameter pipes with uniform wall thickness. Together, the extruders deliver a cumulative output of almost 2,000 kg/h, which enables high-speed, essential for the increasingly demanding market requirements in large-diameter pipe production. Each extruder is equipped with a gravimetric dosing system featuring three separate components for ultra-precise dosing and weight control. This gravimetric system ensures that material feed and pipe weight are tightly regulated, allowing for exceptional meter weight accuracy across each run. The precision dosing plays a critical role in maintaining product consistency, particularly vital in producing large-diameter pipes, where wall uniformity is key to meeting quality and performance standards.

The line includes the redesigned Venus 1600 double-spiral die-head, which is central to producing large-diameter pipes

The line developed by Tecnomatic for the extrusion of large-diameter polyethylene pipes up to 1,600 mm is equipped with two Zeus EVO extruders and a Venus 1600 head (in the box in detail).

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Sica celebrated 63 years in business

Three days of technology for pipes

Machine on display and an attentive audience during one of the three days dedicated to pipe technology by Sica to celebrate its 63rd anniversary.

Sica has been at the forefront plastic pipes processing technology for over six decades. Since its foundation, Sica has continually expanded its presence and technological capabilities to better serve the global market. In 2008, the company established a joint venture in India, SPM, followed by the launch of Sica America Corp. in 2016 to strengthen its position in North America. Today, Sica remains dedicated to growth, currently expanding its Alfonsine production facility by 4,000 square meters, with construction work already underway to further enhance its manufacturing capabilities.

In its 63rd year, Sica remains committed to providing cuttingedge solutions for the pipe manufacturing industry. This commitment was on full display during a recent three-day technical meeting, held from February 19 to 21, where the customers had the exclusive opportunity to experience Sica latest advancements in downstream equipment.

During the event, visitors were able to witness live demonstrations of some of Sica most advanced machines.

Among them, P 2500/16 PLUS Haul-Off is engineered for pipes with diameters between 1,000 and 2,540 mm and features an impressive pulling force of 450,000 N for HDPE. The 16-caterpillar system ensures reliable control over the largest pipe diameters. The P 1600/12 PLUS Haul-Off machine is designed to handle polyethylene pipes with diameters ranging from 400 to 1,655 mm. It features six caterpillars for pipes up to 950 mm and twelve caterpillars for larger diameters. With a maximum pulling force of 200,000 N for HDPE, this haul-off

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

ensures strong and precise handling.

TRK/C 1600 Saw is a synchronized cutting system equipped with universal clamps to accommodate pipe diameters from 315 to 1,625 mm. With a carriage stroke of 1,500 mm and a maximum pipe wall thickness of up to 145 mm, this saw provides high-precision cutting using a combination of knife and circular blade. The Flash 450 and Flash 700R wrapping machines for flexible wrapping using film for transporting and storing pipes were also presented together with the Unibell2 200 JW Plus belling machine, featuring a mechanical mandrel with internal water cooling that ensures efficiency and precision.

The event also included a demonstration of the tests that Sica performs on all haul-offs before shipment using a testing tower or a measuring winch to verify traction force compliance.

Additionally, Sica haul-offs feature a new intuitive HMI (Human Machine Interface), streamlining operation. Operators simply input product dimensions, and the machine self-configures.

A wizard guides users through tool changes, minimizing errors and setup time. For troubleshooting, the HMI highlights affected machine parts and pinpoints the sensor triggering an alarm. A list of probable causes assists operators in quick issue resolution, and much more. Furthermore, Sica web spare parts portal is integrated into the HMI, allowing operators to instantly identify and order components. Software backups are also available upon request, ensuring smooth maintenance and continued operation.

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MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT NEWS New course for Gamma Meccanica

More services and internationalisation Specialized in smart solutions for the regeneration of plastic materials, Gamma Meccanica has always focused on technological innovation, the development of its recycling lines and energy saving. Its activities are focused on very different sectors: from the recycling of post-industrial materials to post-consumer thermoplastic waste, which have very different recovery and management characteristics. One of the sectors in which Gamma Meccanica has achieved very satisfactory results is the flexible film sector, which is different from agricultural film, industrial packaging, shoppers etc.

The company has recently installed the GM Tandem 180 line, specifically designed for the processing of agricultural film.

The line is equipped with a conveyor belt with metal detector, a cutter compactor with Ecotronic system, a TDA 6.0 water ring pelletiser with special water filtration system, a laser screen changer, a special vacuum degassing chamber and a classifier. All components of the line are controlled by a PLC with the possibility of real time energy consumption. During commissioning, the line achieved an hourly output of over 1,500 kg/h, which tests have shown to be up to 1,400 kg/h on both agricultural packaging film (linear stretch, EWOH) of hay bales with high humidity and agricultural mulch film with organic contamination, and up to 1,500 kg/h on multilayer polypropylene with high print levels. And even if these productions may seem low compared to the theoretical Tandem 180 data, it should be remembered that the material had two invalidating characteristics: the presence of organic substances that require good degassing and an incoming humidity of 12%. The main challenge is therefore not to achieve maximum output with average materials, but to obtain a satisfactory result with the most difficult materials, which are sometimes “snubbed” by other machine manufacturers.

“I believe that the main characteristic that distinguishes us from other manufacturers is the ability to adapt to the customer’s requirements, to listen to the customer, to become a partner who helps them to grow and therefore to understand their needs. The materials have changed over the years, the needs and the market have changed”, said company president Andrea Burini.

For this reason, and in order to be able to offer better assistance and service to its customers, Gamma Meccanica has restructured its staff, creating a technical department. In particular, the greatest effort has been made in the service sector, with a series of new services to be offered in the short term, in order to be closer to the customer.

Customers are asking for the processing of new materials – multilayer films rather than other combined materials – which are more difficult to process than single materials. In order to provide precise and complete answers, Gamma Meccanica has invested in an internal laboratory to test the customer’s materials and verify the quality of the recycling process.

Companies interested in this service can test different materials on pilot lines in order to obtain all possible data useful for the purchase of a line and to find out what hourly production is guaranteed on the recycled material. One of the current lines is Tandem itself. This allows the Gamma Meccanica team to provide qualified answers on the most complicated materials to be recycled.

Another aspect that Gamma Meccanica is focusing on is internationalisation. The company has recently opened a branch in the USA, where a laboratory line has been installed to test materials for American and Canadian customers. The aim is to achieve the same success in new markets that Gamma Meccanica has always had in the Old Continent.

A GM Tandem 180 line.

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Technobins since 1995

Industrial silos for thirty years 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Technobins’ establishment in Reggio Emilia (Italy). To celebrate this important milestone, the company has decided to invest in its growth by moving its headquarters to a larger area and strengthening its production facilities. Today, Technobins silos are the result of careful and personalised design, after thirty years of experience. This is possible thanks to the latest generation of automatic industrial machines capable of punching, bending and rolling sheet metal with speed, precision and efficiency.

Technobins manufactures all types of metal silos, tailored to the characteristics of the product to be stored (granulometry/flowability, etc.) and to the customer’s economic needs and available space, either indoor or outdoor. The company has a certified quality management system in accordance with the international ISO 9001 standard. It is also certified as a manufacturer of silos and steel structures in accordance with the EN 1090 standard.

Where required, the company operates in accordance with hygiene and safety standards as per HACCP and MOCA regulations. The silos can be made of painted, galvanised or stainless steel. They are suitable for the storage of plastic granules, milled flakes and powders.

Over the years, Technobins has developed several unconventional solutions according to the specific needs of its customers, such as: - round spiral silos, with hopper or flat bottom; - screwed round cells; - prismatic cells with smooth or corrugated walls, also in batteries with common walls; - cell batteries covered with external cladding panels to create industrial buildings that comply with the latest ATEX risk reduction systems; Technobins’ technology often allows significant savings in the number of auxiliary structures needed to fix the cladding; - all the necessary structural works in the sector, such as support structures, roof structures, ladders, walkways and working platforms, complete industrial buildings with cladding and roofing, including all the accessories (windows, life lines etc.).

Technobins can also supply extraction systems for products that are difficult to flow, ensuring safe and reliable operation, quick emptying silos for granules in tankers and receiving silos (usually with weighing cells) that are pneumatically loaded from equipment installed on tankers (typically for industries that process granules).

Equipping with Technobins silos allows achieving results in several areas: optimising warehouses and bulk storage areas, storing large quantities, improving contractual conditions with raw material suppliers, eliminating all risks and costs associated with the use and handling of bags, investing in a system that retains its value over time and is virtually non-perishable.

According to Technobins, prismatic cells are receiving great acclaim from the market. With a battery of square cells

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

with smooth walls – perfectly smooth inside, even on the edges, and possibly even on the outside – the investor who needs to store plastic polymers achieves greater efficiency due to the absence of residues, perfect cleanliness and the elimination of the risk of contamination and colour mixing.

Another solution offered by Technobins for external installations is insulation with a mineral wool sandwich panel, which, in addition to providing protection and a covered upper compartment, also provides a better aesthetic appearance, integrating the silos with the rest of the industrial complex.

There are many advantages to relying on a specialist who does not only work with standard products: for example, the design of round silos with a larger diameter than those in use allows the same storage capacity to be achieved, while at the same time avoiding problems related to internal height restrictions and permits for the construction of external solutions in industrial areas.

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MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT NEWS Arburg Technology Days 2025

Between global challenges and sustainable innovation The Technology Days, Arburg’s annual event dedicated to engaging with journalists and customers from around the world, are currently taking place in Lossburg (19-21 March).

As per tradition, 18 March was reserved exclusively for the international technical press. Since the first edition in 1999, Arburg has welcomed over 108,000 guests from more than 50 countries.

Michael Hehl, Managing Partner and spokesperson of the Board of Directors, welcomed journalists with an opening speech, highlighting the current challenges in the global landscape.

He pointed out how recent crises – including Covid-19, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions – have led to energy difficulties with repercussions on the global economy.

In this uncertain scenario, events such as the Technology Days and industry trade fairs like the K Show play a crucial role in fostering innovation and industrial dialogue.

The event spotlighted three main aspects: complex production processes with customised solutions tailored to industry needs; workforce qualification; and sustainability, a fundamental principle for the future of manufacturing.

Sustainability, in particular, emerged as a central theme, with a strong focus on bio-based materials and innovative recycled solutions and energy efficiency in production processes to enhance productivity.

Customers are increasingly demanding solutions that comply with tightening European regulations, making innovation and sustainability key factors for future success. These elements are crucial in overcoming today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

Especially in difficult times like these, the need and ability to

focus on strategic issues such as digitalisation are growing, alongside the implementation of new tools to sustainably increase production efficiency and profitability while effectively addressing the shortage of skilled labour.

In the realm of environmental protection, one particularly interesting project is Arburg’s collaboration with the startup Carbonauten, which is developing masterbatches and compounds for industrial applications with a low CO₂ footprint.

These materials are based on technical biochar derived from plant residues, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional polymers.

During the Technology Days, innovative applications were showcased, including paper injection moulding and the processing of alternative materials made from eggshells, sunflower seed husks, and corn starch, with potential applications in packaging and medical technology.

Arburg also emphasised how adopting sustainable practices provides a competitive advantage, helping customers achieve both environmental and economic goals.

Despite growing competition from China, the German multinational remains optimistic about the future, reaffirming Germany as its sole production site. The company is also strongly committed to the US market, although recent political uncertainties have led to some hesitations. The European market is facing significant challenges, but Arburg believes that investments, particularly in key international showcases like the K Show, can support a stable recovery. Additionally, Arburg has confirmed its participation in Chinaplas, further strengthening its presence in the Asian market.

Another great success for the public and technology for an event that has become iconic.

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Coperion’s investment in Swiss headquarters

Test and trial centre in Niederlenz expanded

Coperion in Niederlenz performs an average of 150 tests per year on a wide range of plastics in the form of granules, powders, flakes and liquids, as well as on finished products from various industries.

The Swiss global leader in feeding and pneumatic conveying technology solutions Coperion K-Tron announced the expansion of its state-of-the-art test centre at its headquarters in Niederlenz, Switzerland. This strategic move is designed to enhance the company’s capabilities, particularly for tests involving materials that require containment.

The expansion will allow Coperion to conduct more comprehensive and diverse testing, providing customers with a broader range of solutions for their specific material handling needs. The new facility will be equipped with the latest technology and equipment, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency. The addition to the Test Center will feature advanced containment systems for handling all types of materials, including an airlock system with filtration, ensuring the safety of both the testing process and the staff as well as the environment. This will allow the company to better serve industries such as battery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals etc., where containment and hygienic requirements can be a critical concern.

The purpose of customer tests is twofold: to confirm the handling of customer-specific bulk materials and to pinpoint and resolve any potential issues before the customer commits to a purchase. The goal of each test is to offer the customer the most suitable feeding and/or conveying equipment ensuring they feel confident in their decision for the most reliable technology available. In addition, the Test Center also provides opportunities to the research and development teams to test prototypes when developing new products or improving existing equipment and processes. Coperion performs an average of 150 tests per year in Niederlenz, testing a broad range of raw materials such as plastic pellets, granulates, powders, flakes or liquids as well as end products such as bottle caps from all industries (including plastics, battery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals etc.).

The Test Center expansion in Niederlenz represents a significant enhancement to the global network of world class Coperion Test Centers, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation and customer support. This state-of-the-art facility not only increases the capacity for testing and development but also incorporates advanced technologies that enable more efficient and precise material processing evaluations. By providing a dedicated space for customers to conduct trials and optimize their processes, the Niederlenz expansion reinforces Coperion’s role as a leader in the industry. It fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, ensuring that clients can leverage the latest advancements in equipment and technology to meet their specific needs. Test results are incorporated into a global database covering over 15,000 materials.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

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MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT NEWS Engel and Cannon

Together in polyurethane processing

Marco Volpato (left), President and Chairman of the Cannon Group, and Stefan Engleder (right), CEO of the Engel Group, in front of the world’s largest injection moulding cell with a PUR system in a technical centre.

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Engel and Cannon have entered a strategic partnership to further develop innovative technologies for PUR flooding and enable industrial applications with even higher quality and efficiency. The demand for high-quality PUR-coated components is steadily increasing. Engel refers to this technology as clearmelt and has decades of experience with it, as well as a multitude of customers and references.

With the clearmelt process, components are coated with PUR directly in the machine after the injection moulding process. Now, Engel is strengthening its position through the partnership with Cannon – a cooperation between two experienced, family-owned companies that continuously invest in sustainable innovations. This combines longstanding expertise and leverages synergies to continue offering customers forward-looking solutions.

The collaboration between Engel and Cannon is particularly distinguished by a shared mindset based on long-term vision, quality, enthusiasm for innovation, and sustainable progress.

Customers benefit from clearmelt with a coordinated technology that enables the efficient and economical integration of PUR into industrial manufacturing processes.

The partnership is based on combining the strengths of both companies: Engel contributes its extensive expertise in injection moulding technology, while Cannon, with its outstanding expertise in PUR processing, optimises process

reliability and efficiency. The clearmelt technology, which coats thermoplastic components with a durable PUR surface, is further developed and optimised through Cannon’s knowhow, built over two decades in this field.

A prime example of this collaboration is the world’s largest injection moulding cell with a PUR system for clearmelt, which has been commissioned at the Engel technical centre in St. Valentin (Austria). There, customers can conduct practical tests with various PUR colour variants. The combination of the world’s largest injection moulding machine in a technical centre, the Engel duo 5500 combi M, and the precise metering and mixing technology from Cannon ensures maximum process stability and flexibility. The PUR system from Cannon, which provides precise and efficient material supply, is seamlessly integrated into the CC300 machine control system from Engel to ensure ease of use and maximum automation of the process. This not only speeds up the production chain but also improves the overall quality of the final products.

In addition to technological capability, the collaboration places particular emphasis on customer service. The global presence of Engel and Cannon ensures comprehensive support in all key markets, globally. Customers benefit from strong after-sales and application support, which, with extensive know-how, also assists in integrating this technology into existing production processes.

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Bausano at GreenPlast 2025

New single-screw extruders for polyolefin recycling At the second edition of the GreenPlast fair, taking place at Fiera Milano in Rho (Milan) from 27 to 30 May, Bausano will showcase for the first time its new E-GO R single-screw extruders, designed to enhance the efficiency of polyolefin recycling processes. Available in sizes 44, 47, and 50 L/D, with a total of eight models, the E-GO R series combines the most advanced extrusion and regranulation technologies for the recycling of polyolefins such as HDPE, LDPE, and PP derived from industrial and post-consumer waste.

The new generation of E-GO R extruders, capable of handling higher throughputs in the range of 45/37 to 210/37 L/D, can process up to 1,500-1,800 kg per hour of non-flowing material and up to 1,7002,000 kg per hour of flowing material.

These new extruders are proposed as the ideal solution for recycling lightweight materials with a moisture content of 5-6%. Thanks to a dual high-

performance degassing system, residual moisture and volatile substances are removed during the process, thus preventing the formation of defects in the pellet, such as “air bubbles,” caused by gases present in the input blend or generated during the extrusion phases.

The E-GO R series stands out for the high quality of the extruded product, a result of Bausano’s expertise in screw design, the geometry of which is specifically engineered to prevent excessive mechanical stress on the material entering the extruder, which could lead to degradation of the molten mass.

The E-GO R extruders are equipped with a dosing system designed to suit the specific characteristics of the material. It consists of two hoppers, the first with a flat bottom and volumetric feeding, and the second with forced feeding to compact the material before it is extruded. Finally, the line is completed with a liquid ring or

immersion cutting system.

“To achieve the objectives of the latest PPWR Regulation, industry players are called upon to invest in efficient solutions capable of reintegrating highly contaminated plastics materials, often characterised by high levels of moisture and post-wash impurities, into the production cycle,” commented Marco Masiero, R&D and Test Extrusion Manager at Bausano. “In this context, Bausano positions itself as a strategic partner, able to guide companies through this transition. We are able to quickly respond to the new needs of the sector, thanks to an even richer portfolio today, which is a concrete expression of the added value that has always characterised Bausano’s offering”.

The new E-GO R single-screw extruders are designed to enhance the efficiency of polyolefin recycling process and are available in sizes 44, 47, and 50 L/D for a total of eight models.

Technological symposium at IPM

Stronger together The technological symposium entitled “Stronger Togetheer” took place at IPM’s headquarters in Lugo (Ravenna, Italy) recently bringing together 130 customers from across Italy and various international markets. The event attracted those in search of quality, technology, innovation, and customisation-key elements that set the company apart in the market, enhancing its competitiveness and keeping pace with industry advancements.

Throughout the day, area managers presented the company’s latest technological innovations in multiple languages, offering attendees the opportunity to witness the machinery in operation, ask questions, and engage in discussions.

In addition to the latest developments in haul-offs, cutting machines, cup-making machines, tube benders, threading

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

machines, and slotting machines, IPM introduced a groundbreaking innovation for the sector: a fully automated extrusion end-of-line system operating 24/7. This system, in terms of precision, speed, and durability, is capable of replicating and replacing human labour, addressing issues related to workforce shortages and skill gaps while relieving personnel of repetitive, heavy, and hazardous tasks.

Such large-scale systems are rarely exhibited at trade fairs. Comprising integrated machines and robots, they leverage artificial intelligence, advanced cameras, highly precise sensors, and powerful software to recognise, identify, and classify products. This enables the manufacturing, assembly, and packaging (with prior inspection of each component) of items across an everexpanding range of applications. These

remotely controlled systems ensure greater production efficiency, facilitate scheduled maintenance, and, thanks to machine learning, continuously improve their functions.

During the event, two large LED walls in the production department showcased additional cutting-edge IPM systems currently in operation worldwide, designed for the handling, sorting, boxing, and palletising of various types of tubes.

Satisfaction at IPM for an event that attracted 130 customers from all over Italy and several foreign countries.

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MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT NEWS Sacmi at Chinaplas

A new generation of compression moulding machines for caps

Picture Sacmi

The new machine offers a 50% increase in productivity, reaching up to 2,850 caps per minute, and reduces energy consumption by another 15%, combining high productivity with maximum competitiveness.

At the recent Chinaplas 2025, Sacmi presented various solutions including a major innovation: the CCM64MD compression moulding machine for caps. This machine offers a 50% increase in productivity, reaching up to 2,850 caps per minute, and reduces energy consumption by another 15%, making it the ideal machine to combine high productivity

with maximum competitiveness.

Alongside this new machine, Sacmi also showcased its complete offering for PET preform production, vision systems, and digital services for advanced machines and process control.

The Chinese market now demands top-level quality and productivity. To meet these needs, the Imola-based company has chosen Chinaplas to present the new CCM64MD cap press in a world premiere. This machine is the cornerstone of a new generation of compression presses capable of achieving speeds of up to 2,850 caps per minute with 64 cavities. With a 50% productivity increase compared to the current range, this machine also reduces operating costs and effectively addresses the specific requirements of the Chinese market. In this regard,

the CCM64MD is designed to support the very high production capacities of bottling lines, allowing a single machine (171,000 caps per hour) to meet the needs of two high-capacity bottling lines (80,000 bottles per hour).

Sustainability in packaging remains a key driver, both in China and globally.

Alongside the development of a new generation of lighter and higherperformance caps, Sacmi has invested in reducing the specific energy consumption of its machines, setting a new benchmark in technology. In this context, the new generation of CCM presses reduces energy consumption by 15% compared to the previous range, bringing it down to 0.43 Kwh/ kg. In terms of emissions, this equates to a reduction of 8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, for the same level of production.

Plant expansions

More configurations for ALLrollEX 1500 ALLrollEX 1500 turns 12 and after more than 250 installations worldwide,

making it one of the most popular solutions for 1.5 m wide stretch film extrusion, Colines expands the available configurations to increase ease of use, flexibility of application, production of specialty films and waste reduction. All this without compromising their high technological standards, production yields and quality.

New features include: - extruders platform for 5-layer, 7layer and nanolayer film structures; - Mastermind virtual production assistant (Artificial Intelligence allowing touchless extrusion die adjustments, process stability control, rolls width change without halting the machine etc.); - processability of PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) materials;

- enhanced Big Mouth inline edge trim recovery system; - ALLspeedy IV winder able to run inline 2-, 3- and 4.5-inch cores (the last specifically designed for food wrap cling film) and reels of diameter up to 800 mm suitable for converting; - inline coreless reels and pre-stretch film production of improved quality even at high speeds by means of the patented NoEl system; - inline oscillating and folding system for reinforced edge rolls; - Live Control MES for manufacturing process optimization through advanced data analysis algorithm.

ALLrollEX plant keeps being available through the “Quick Delivery Program” which grants the shortest delivery time.

Through a continuous dialogue with customers, Colines, together with its sister company NoEl, understandings of additional requirements to stretch film production lines were evident.

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

New at CMG

High-capacity granulators For high-capacity applications, CMG Granulators introduces the new G55 granulator line, available in standard configurations that cover production rates from 700 to 1,300 kg per hour.

The new series includes the G55-90 and G55-120 models and features full sound insulation and an innovative feed hopper designed to accommodate parts of various shapes and sizes. Both models operate with high efficiency, are equipped with EISA premium-efficiency motors, and can be fitted with the AMP (Adaptive Motor Power) function, while energy consumption is 25 Wh/ kg, compared to over 50 Wh/kg for conventional solutions.

The cutting chamber is also one of the key features of the new granulator series.

Fully assembled with CNC-machined steel parts and tolerances of less than a hundredth of a millimetre, it ensures precise cutting, uniformity of the regrind particles, and the absence of dust, thanks to the high degree of precision

in the assembly. This precision also reduces friction and abrasion, while, regardless of the application, no cooling water is required. The innovative design facilitates accessibility, allowing all cleaning and maintenance tasks to be performed by accessing the machine from the front and rear without the need for tools.

The regrind is discharged through the so-called aspiration drawer, positioned beneath the cutting chamber, via an exclusive CMG Granulators vacuum transport system. The discharge of the regrind through a large-diameter steel tube ensures the absence of mechanical stress on the regrind and dust. The new line is equipped with integral controls that monitor all granulator and auxiliary functions, from the moment the item to be recycled is placed on the feeding belt until the regrind is conveyed to storage silos or big bags for potential handling.

Like all CMG Granulators solutions, these machines are certified in compliance

with Industry 4.0 standards and meet the necessary conditions to fulfil the requirements of Transition 5.0.

Industrial storage technologies

A detail of the G55-120 model.

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Anniversary 1995

2025

Design and construction of all types of metal silos Customized solutions based on the specific properties of the material to be stored and your logistical and budget needs

Come and discover our new PRISMATIC CELLS IN BATTERY completely smooth inside to ensure maximum smoothness and absence of residues

s.r.l.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

Via R. Cartesio, 2 - 42122 Reggio Emilia - Italy Phone +39 0522 943002 - info@technobins.it

www.technobins.it

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MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS

RadiciGroup and the chemistry of polymers

Cutting-edge green polyamides for a range of sectors Despite today’s complex geopolitical and economic scenario, RadiciGroup continues to invest strongly in research and development, looking to the future with confidence. Combining high technical performance with sustainability, polyamides remain a strategic material for key industries like the automotive, electrical and electronics sectors. Drawing on its solid experience both in Italy and abroad, this company based in Bergamo (Italy) meets the needs of an ever-changing market. We interviewed Erico Spini, Global Marketing Director of RadiciGroup, who filled us in on its latest developments.

By Giampiero Zazzaro

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R

adiciGroup is currently one of the most active Italian chemical companies internationally, with extensive know-how in polymers and specialty chemicals. The Group is able to control the entire production chain, from chemical intermediates such as adipic acid to polyamide 6 and 66, engineering polymers and synthetic yarns.

By constantly focusing on the quality of its products and production processes, the Group is also alive to the need for environmental protection, especially in the current historical context.

As an Italian excellence in the chemical sector, RadiciGroup will also be a key player at the next edition of the K exhibition in Düsseldorf. To learn more about the group’s prospects and innovations, MacPlas talked to Erico Spini, Global Marketing Director of RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers.

As a global leader in polyamide production, what are the main MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

application sectors driving demand in this period?

“Polyamide is a material that has long met with widespread use in the automotive sector, even on the latest hybrid or full electric vehicles. There is therefore still ample room for the use of polyamides in automotive applications, thanks to the ability of these polymers to satisfy technical and performance requirements, not least in response to the need to lighten vehicles in order to increase their performance also from an environmental point of view.

Another application sector for our engineering polymers is the electrical and electronic industry, thanks to polymers fitting different requirements, both in terms of performance and adaptability to injection moulding processes. There is still room for the replacement of thermosets and for this reason there is the need for solutions ensuring high technical performance levels.

In addition, we are have important developments underway in photovoltaics and other applications in the consumer goods

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MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS

In the picture, Erico Spini, Global Marketing Director of RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers.

sector. Of course, the automotive industry still represents the main outlet market for RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers, but we are also planning to enlarge our range into other market segments as well, especially the fastest growing ones”.

What latest innovations have you introduced in the development of new materials? What specific applications are they for?

“Our partners are asking for solutions with a low environmental impact across various markets. We offer a wide range of mechanically recycled engineering polymers (post-industrial and post-consumer) called Renycle and, considering the potential interest also in bio-based solutions, we launched the Bionside range at the last Fakuma fair. The latter includes grades already available on the market and used in numerous sectors under the name Radilon D (64% bio-based), as well as special grades with up to 100% renewable content.

Renycle is used in many applications, including as a replacement for traditional polyamides. Our primary goal is to minimise the environmental impact. Air intake manifolds, radiator pans, cable ducts for the automotive sector, parts of office chairs for the furniture sector are concrete examples of successful applications.

Bionside is used in the production of air ducts in the pneumatic industry, in fuel transport lines and other applications.

Sticking to Bionside, in addition to delivering a significant reduction of the environmental impact (measured through the LCA method), we also offer specific products ensuring superior

resistance to chemicals and hydrolysis as well as improved dimensional stability.

Our goal is to concretely support – as a partner – our customers’ ambitious sustainability goals.

As for other innovations developed recently, I can mention the materials for connectors used in photovoltaic installations (special materials based on PA66 which provide superior quality compared to standard materials, in addition to improved processability and technical properties), certified products specially developed for the replacement of metals in the plumbing and heating sector (primarily PA66-PA612-PPA grades for contact with drinking water) and the expansion of our range of products destined for electric cars. For example, we have introduced new orange coloured materials necessary for the production of high-voltage busbars and electrical connectors”.

What kind of impact have factors like the crisis of the European automobile industry, the current geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs had on your R&D activities for the development of new products for specific applications?

“For sure, we are experiencing a certain slowdown in the automotive industry, but this has not affected our R&D operations, quite the contrary! Many customers are looking for cutting-edge solutions with a lower environmental impact to catch new business opportunities. This means that RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers is working on new products with a strong involvement of our R&D team. I’d also like to point out the flexibility in the development of custom-made formulations that has always distinguished us.”

Today, RadiciGroup is one of the most active Italian chemical companies at an international level, boasting various chemical specialties in the field of polymers. RadiciGroup is in total control of the production chain, from chemical intermediates such as adipic acid to polyamide 6 and 66, engineering polymers and synthetic yarns.

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2024 marked twenty years of your Sustainability Report. For you, research and development into new products and applications and measuring the environmental impacts of each go hand in hand. What is your opinion on the way these factors interact with one another?

“We established this business unit in the early 1980’s with the aim of recycling polyamide textile waste generated by the other companies in the group and using it to create high-performance engineering polymers. At that time nobody was talking about circular economy, but in fact we did. Many years of experience – not only in Italy but also in various foreign countries – has made it possible for us to follow global trends and respond locally to the various market demands, especially in today’s scenario, with a view to reducing environmental impact.

We can rely on significant experience in this field and we are able to provide our customers with accurate and timely data, based on the LCA method and certified by independent bodies. We believe that it is possible to talk about sustainability only through numbers and we work every day to develop solutions for technical and environmental performance optimisation. Our Engineering Service team provide our partners with bespoke technical support for virtual simulations from the early stages of the project aimed at optimising the design, also with a view to eco-design and environmental performance.”

K is coming up in Düsseldorf. As always, expectations will be high for this global

exhibition of innovative solutions, but the event also takes the pulse of the plastics and rubber industry.

How are you preparing for K and what will be your line-up at the fair?

“As always, the K represents a major opportunity to strengthen the relationships with our customers and potential partners and unveil our latest innovations. I don’t want to anticipate too much, but our idea is to showcase concrete applications demonstrating the centrality of our materials and of our work on innovative projects in various application sectors”.

Another application sector for RadiciGroup engineering polymers is the electrical and electronic industry, thanks to polymers fitting different requirements, both in terms of performance and adaptability to injection moulding processes.

RadiciGroup High Performance Polymers is experiencing a certain slowdown in the automotive industry, but this has not affected its R&D operations.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

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Picture Caldara Plast

MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS

It’s time to recycle

Giving plastic waste a second life Caldara Plast is a company based in Erba and Alzate Brianza, and run by the three Caldara brothers, who firmly believe that recycling can no longer be considered a secondary option. With a portfolio of certified products and compounds, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for companies seeking innovative sustainability.

C

aldara Plast’s mission is to give plastic waste a second life, an approach that is no longer considered a secondary option, but the first choice for companies committed to environmental sustainability.

With its large production capacity, speed and flexibility, this Italian company is positioning itself as a leader in industrial recycling. Caldara Plast firmly believes that regenerated plastic materials should be the preferred option for companies wishing to reduce their environmental impact. The company operates in full compliance with all legal authorisations for the collec-

tion and storage of waste and complies with the most important European and international regulations such as RoHS and REACH. Caldara Plast has also obtained ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, confirming its commitment to quality and environmental management.

Caldara Plast actively works to raise awareness among stakeholders of the versatility of plastic, a material that can be recycled and reused many times in the production process, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. While the global production of plastic continues to grow, recycling helps to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to the production of virgin plastic. Today, giving plastic waste a second life is not just a sustainable option - it is an essential choice for businesses that prioritise a greener future.

The choices made by companies reflect their environmental values. Caldara Plast’s customers recognise that, for the same cost, choosing regenerated compounds is not only economically viable, but also a step towards greater sustainability.

From waste recovery to regenerated compounds Led by brothers Massimiliano, Attilio and Alessandro, Caldara Caldara Plast’s activities are divided into a Recovery Division, which operates in Erba (Como), and a Compounds Division, which operates in Alzate Brianza (Como).

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Plast is a full-service industrial recycling company. From the recovery of waste, scrap and offcuts to the supply of high-quality regenerated compounds – including the certified “Caldara 2nd Life” product line – the company adds value at every stage of the circular economy.

On the recovery side, Caldara Plast helps suppliers give new life to production waste. On the compounding side, it provides customers with regenerated materials such as industrial grade granules and modified raw materials tailored to specific production needs. Thanks to its team of specialised technicians, the company is a valuable partner for customers developing new formulations or requiring customised solutions.

The company produces thermoplastic granules for the automotive, furniture, household appliances and electrical sectors, among others. Approximately 70% of production is sold in Italy, while 30% is exported internationally. Despite the ongoing challenges in the global economy, it has seen an increase in international demand in recent months, particularly for recycled pellets, which continue to attract strong interest from a variety of industries.

The company’s main regenerated compounds include: greenLAC (ABS), greenBLEND (PC/ ABS), greenCARB (PC), greenSTYR (PS), greenMID (PA6 and PA66), greenTRON (PPS), greenPOM (POM), greenGLASS (PMMA), greenKRYL (SAN), greenTER (PBT) and greenPET (PET). Caldara Plast also produces first choice compounds and supplies regrind.

From the left: Attilio, Massimiliano and Alessandro Caldara.

Certified quality for a sustainable future The growing demand for recycled products and the need for greater market transparency led Caldara Plast to certify the quality of its materials. In 2020, the company obtained the Plastica Seconda Vita (PSV) and Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certifications for several product lines.

These certifications ensure full traceability of all components in the final product; a guaranteed minimum percentage of recycled content; and compliance with strict environmental and social standards throughout the production chain.

As industries increasingly embrace the principles of the circular economy, Caldara Plast continues to be a trusted partner for companies seeking to innovate sustainably. With a focus on quality, compliance and environmental responsibility, Caldara Plast is shaping a cleaner, more responsible future for plastics.

The growing demand for recycled products and the need for greater market transparency led Caldara Plast to certify the quality of its materials. The company holds the Plastica Seconda Vita (PSV) and Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certifications for several product lines.

Caldara since 1963

Its history in brief

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

It is a specialised partner for companies wishing to dispose of plastic production waste properly, in full respect of the environment and in accordance with current legislation.

The company is one of the leading producers of recycled plastic in Italy and is able to offer its customers a wide range of regenerated products and first choice

products, both in terms of industrial quality and technopolymers.

Picture Caldara

Caldara Plast is a family-run company that has been operating in the plastics recovery, regeneration and trade sector since 1963. A pioneer of the modern concept of circular economy, the company’s activities today range from the recycling of plastics to the production of secondary raw materials and compounds.

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MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS

Grafe today

An innovative service partner A company that has always focused on quality, innovation and customer-oriented solutions, Grafe today is much more than just a manufacturer of masterbatches and compounds. This is demonstrated by the various additional services offered through three divisions specialising in this. Which also enable itself and its partners to support the principles of the circular economy.

F

or decades, Grafe has stood for the highest quality, innovation and customer-orientated solutions in the plastics processing industry. But the company from Blankenhain, in the centre of Germany, is much more than just a manufacturer of masterbatches and compounds.

As a reliable service partner, it accompanies its customers from the initial idea to the finished product and offers a wide

range of services that you won’t find from any standard supplier. With its three specialised departments Design-Center, Material Science and Service-Center, it is ideally positioned to meet individual customer requirements.

Customised colouring from the smallest quantities: flexibility redefined Grafe offers the possibility of realising individual colour developments from a very small quantity of 25 kg - a service that many market competitors only offer for large quantities. Grafe’s aim is to offer not only an optimum colour solution, but also maximum flexibility and speed. In addition, it provides free sample quantities of up to one kilogramme of masterbatch so that ideas can be easily tested before they go into series production.

Grafe is one of the few companies to use customised carrier material on request - without any additional cost. “We provide masterbatches that are precisely matched to the base material to ensure optimum processability and performance. We can also add additives to masterbatch to create a “combibatch”, so that colour and function are combined in a single solution,” reports Development Manager Lars Schulze from the Grafe Design Center.

The Design Centre, which together with Material Science and Service Ceter makes up Grafe’s three divisions dedicated to its wide range of services and support.

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

plays the carbon footprint of ordered products at the touch of a button. This enables our customers to demonstrate sustainable and transparent production in line with the “cradle-to-gate” principle.”

A series of samples of Grafe’s products.

Sustainable innovations: more than just colours Fast development and production times Time is a decisive factor in product development. Thanks to agile structures, short decision-making processes and state-ofthe-art production facilities, GRAFE realises individual solutions in the shortest possible time. This allows customers to remain competitive and bring their products to market faster.

“Our quality assurance goes far beyond the usual industry standards. That’s why we are of course certified in accordance with the DIN ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards,” says Head of QA Nico Freitag, adding: “Our employees ensure that all products meet our own strict quality requirements day in, day out.

In doing so, we rely on state-of-the-art testing procedures in our ultra-modern analytical laboratory. We are proud to be able to say that our complaint rate is just 0.21%”.

Grafe picks up on the spirit of the times and offers Biocolen, a biodegradable masterbatch range that is “ready to certify”. The portfolio is complemented by Cycolen, which consists of PCR or PIR materials and thus contributes to the circular economy.

With these innovative products, Grafe is emphasising its commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness.

Grafe is a reliable partner that supports its customers from the initial idea through to series production. This unique 360° service with personalised advice and the technological possibilities at the main plant in Blankenhain clearly sets the company apart from its competitors.

In this way, Grafe is now able to offer processors added value, as Sebastian Grafe points out in conclusion: “Let’s realise your ideas together - with GRAFE, your strong partner for innovative masterbatch and compound solutions,” concludes Sebastian Grafe.

Europe-wide on-site service: presence where needed Grafee’s team of experts is not only there for you by phone or digitally - the Europe-wide technical field service visits customers directly on site.

“We offer technical support from our specialist staff, who help partners to optimise the use of our products. Whether injection moulding, films, profile extrusion, 3D printing or other processes - we always supply specific samples and test specimens in the customer-specific manufacturing process with individual requirements,” explains Head of Sales Export Sebastian Grafe.

Digital service: direct line with the company The innovative customer portal offers a simple and efficient way to request colour developments, order samples and retrieve data sheets. Manuel Klemm, Head of Internal Sales and the person responsible for the Grafe customer portal, adds: “One groundbreaking innovation is our CO2 calculator, which disMAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

Today, Grafe is a company that is attentive to the principles of the circular economy and its products also allow customers not only to support them but also to certify them.

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MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS NEWS Aquafil plant in Slovenia

Chemical separation of elastic fibres from polyamide

Aquafil (in the box the CEO Giulio Bonazzi) is one of the main producers of polyamide in Italy and worldwide and remains a leader in the research of new production systems for sustainable development.

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the most problematic wastes in the textile sector. Indeed, the coexistence of different fibers within the same fabric has long been a tremendous obstacle to recycling, condemning tons of potentially recoverable materials to becoming waste”, stated Giulio Bonazzi, Chief Executive Officer of Aquafil.

The polyamide recovered through this technology will be entirely destined for the Econyl regeneration plant, where it will be processed into new regenerated nylon, ready for new textile applications. This is another step toward reducing dependence on virgin resources and making a concrete contribution to reducing the industry’s environmental impact.

“With this project, Aquafil confirms its pioneering role and ability to translate vision into action, investing in cutting-edge solutions that combine research, technology and circularity. A tangible demonstration of how innovation can offer concrete answers to global environmental challenges, turning what is waste today into a valuable resource for tomorrow”, Bonazzi concluded.

Aquafil is a pioneer in the circular economy also thanks to the Econyl regeneration system, an innovative and sustainable process able to create new products from waste and give life to an endless cycle. The polyamide waste is collected in locations all over the world and includes industrial waste but also products – such as fishing nets and rugs – that have reached the end of their useful life. Such waste is processed to obtain a raw material – caprolactam – with the same chemical and performance characteristics as those from fossil sources. The polymers produced from Econyl caprolactam are distributed to the group’s production plants, where they are transformed into yarn for rugs carpet flooring and for clothing.

Picture Aquafil

Aquafil launched in Slovenia the first demonstration plant for the chemical separation of elastic fibre from polyamide, an innovative technology that opens new perspectives in the textile fibre sector, allowing the company to take a step forward in research and development, consolidating its commitment to sustainable innovation. The goal is to optimize the process at every stage to define the set-up of a future large-scale industrial plant. Aquafil has activated a network of strategic stakeholders to ensure a steady flow of waste materials and build a solid and efficient supply chain that can feed an increasingly virtuous recycling model.

“After more than a decade of research and development, Aquafil marks a turning point in the world of textile fibres with the launch of a revolutionary technology: the first demonstration plant for the chemical separation of elastic fibre from nylon. A challenge that the company has managed to meet with determination and vision, once again confirming its commitment to responsible innovation and circularity. The journey began in 2013, with a joint research project together with Georgia Tech University and the filing of an initial patent.

Although industrialization had not materialized, the work of Aquafil researchers never stopped. The perseverance and dedication of the R&D team led, in 2022, to the publication of a new patent, the result of improved technology that was finally ready to be tested on a semi-industrial scale. Today, thanks to this demo plant, the results of laboratory experiments are confirmed: for the first time, it is possible to effectively separate elastic fiber from nylon in blended fabrics – one of the most difficult challenges in recycling composite materials, particularly those from sportswear and swimwear, among

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Clariant in China

More multifunctional additives

Clariant recently started construction of its second high-performance additive production line in Cangzhou, China.

Clariant is expanding its Cangzhou production site for the manufacture of the multifunctional additive Nylostab S-EED. The new, second production line in the Hebei Province of China, will jointly be owned and operated by Clariant and its local partner Beijing Tiangang Auxiliary.

“We are excited to take our partnership with Beijing Tiangang to the next level by breaking ground on a second production line in Cangzhou today. The continued investment from Clariant demonstrates our commitment to the Chinese market and reaffirms our strong belief in the prospects of local industries such as textiles and fibres, automotive and packaging,” said Zhigang Miao, Clariant’s Global Head of Polymer Solutions, Additives Polymer Solutions.

The new production line beginning construction today will specialize in the manufacturing of Clariant’s unique multifunctional Nylostab S-EED additive that is highly compatible with polyamides by molecular recognition. Its excellent process stability at high temperatures results in less filament breakage during spinning processes and enhances productivity by reducing cycle time for injection moulding processes.

“We feel privileged to deepen our partnership with Clariant further through the expansion of this already very successful production site. Since the beginning of our joint venture we have enjoyed wonderful cooperation with Clariant and among our staff. We hope the new production line will offer

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

local industries and our customers in China even more advanced additives solutions,” said Gang Liu, Executive Director of Tiangang.

For three years, since the launch of the first joint-venture site in 2021, the production site has achieved full capacity, earning it an excellent reputation as a strong local facility with established international background and expertise.

With construction of the new production line now commencing, success is expected to reach new highs.

“The success of our first joint-venture production site in Cangzhou has undoubtedly paved the way for our new facility today. We’re confident that our new multifunctional additive Nylostab S-EED, produced at the new site, will have a good number of application areas across the core polyamide value chain, which is seeing a surge in capacity expansion and demand particularly from the textile and engineering plastics industry here in China,” commented Sandra Schneider, Clariant’s Head of Operations & Supply Chain Additives.

The upstream Chinese polyamide industry is expanding rapidly, driving an increase in demand for high-end additives such as Nylostab S-EED. This multifunctional additive is capable of upgrading the quality of polyamide products through enhanced colour stability, heat resistance and composite compatibility during the manufacturing process, resulting in overall higher productivity.

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MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS NEWS Reinforced with clearer carbon fibre

Lighter colour for easier material staining

The new Whitened Shade materials were presented

by Xenia at the recent JEC World exhibition.

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injection moulding or 3D printing processes. The company will launch the new shade at the JEC World fair, scheduled to take place in Paris from 4 to 6 March.

Carbon-fibre reinforced thermoplastic

Picture Xenia

The new Whitened Shade has been added by Xenia to its range of carbon fibre reinforced materials. It consists of a clearer colour base than the black version, making it easier to colour the material with masterbatch during

composites are known for their strength, lightness and durability, proving crucial in sectors such as consumer goods, industrial applications and mobility. However, the natural black colour of carbon fibre combined with thermoplastic matrixes has always been a limit for applications where design plays a key role.

Xenia aimed at overcoming this limit with a solution that would enable carbonfibre reinforced material formulations characterised by a lighter colour base.

The result is a thermoplastic composite that not only guarantees excellent mechanical properties, but thanks to the new colour shade allows for colour customisation through the addition of masterbatch during both injection moulding and additive manufacturing processes. Whitened technology makes it possible to combine performance and design in a single solution, offering new opportunities in terms of customisation and versatility.

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Agreement between Basf and Braven Environmental

Supply of pyrolysis oil for recycled materials

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

from fossil feedstock. Processors will be able to further process them in the same way as conventionally manufactured products and use them in demanding applications such as in the construction or automotive industries.

“Solving the challenge of plastic waste and creating a more circular economy requires innovation and collaboration across the value chain,” said Christoph Gahn, Vice President of Circularity & Sustainable Raw Materials Petrochemicals at Basf. “This offtake agreement with Braven is an important step toward the commercialization of our Ccycled portfolio in North America.

By using recycled feedstock in a mass balance approach, we can save fossil resources, and by using Ccycled products, Basf customers are enabling plastics circularity.”

“Partnering with Basf is an exciting step forward in our commitment to scaling advanced recycling solutions,” said Jim Simon, President and CEO of Braven

Environmental. “This collaboration will accelerate the deployment of our patented pyrolysis technology, helping to transform plastic waste into valuable resources. With Basf’s global expertise and dedication to sustainability, we are well-positioned to drive meaningful change in the circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.”

At the BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemical (BTP) production site in Port Arthur, Texas (USA), fossil-based raw materials will be partially replaced by pyrolysis oil from recycling.

Picture Basf

Basf Corporation and Braven Environmental, a company operating in the advanced recycling, have signed a supply agreement for Braven PyChem.

This advanced recycled feedstock, derived from mixed plastic waste, will partially replace fossil resources at the Basf TotalEnergies Petrochemical (BTP) facility in Port Arthur, Texas (USA).

Under the agreement, Braven will supply Basf from a multi-unit facility that Braven has announced it will build in Texarkana, Texas. Braven PyChem is ISCC PLUS certified and manufactured using Braven’s proprietary pyrolysis technology, produced from plastic waste streams diverted from landfills and incineration. Basf will use PyChem in its ChemCycling process where the share of recycled plastics is attributed to certain products manufactured in the value chain using a third-party audited mass balance approach. The products which carry the Ccycled designation, have the same properties as those manufactured

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MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS NEWS Virtuous luxury industry

Recovery and recycling of perfume caps Perfume caps made from Dow’s Surlyn resin, which do not meet the stringent production standards of manufacturer Brivaplast, are reprocessed by TecnoGi into components for footwear and high-end leather goods.

Dow announced a collaboration with the Italian companies Brivaplast and TecnoGi to advance circularity in the luxury goods industry by keeping high-quality materials in the loop for longer. This initiative reprocesses imperfect perfume caps for use in luxury footwear and leather goods, reducing manufacturing scrap and enhancing value across multiple sectors.

Dow currently supplies Surlyn resin – renowned for its aesthetic qualities and performance attributes – to Brivaplast, a top manufacturer of cosmetic packaging. This advanced material is used to craft flawless, gem-like perfume caps for prestigious fragrance brands.

The production of luxury perfume caps requires stringent quality standards, which occasionally results in the production of substandard pieces. To provide a new life to this post-industrial scrap, TecnoGi, an innovative leader in manufacturing components for the footwear and leather goods industry, reprocesses these imperfect perfume caps for use in high-end components for luxury footwear and leather goods.

“Our collaboration with Brivaplast and TecnoGi comes at a time when demand for sustainable materials and packaging solutions continues to grow. At Dow, we recognize our role in going faster and further to find solutions to accelerate the circular economy for plastics across

European industries and know our customers expect nothing less”, said Imran Munshi, Global Consumer Market Segment Leader at Dow. “We’re proud to show what can be achieved by working together across the value chain, and the benefits for all of keeping valuable materials in the loop for longer.”

“At Brivaplast, we maintain the highest standards for our products,” said Marco Roda, Head of Business Development at Brivaplast. “This collaboration allows us to uphold these standards while minimizing post-industrial scrap and contributing to a more sustainable future.”

“We are excited to be part of this initiative that not only supports our manufacturing processes but also aligns with our sustainability goals,” said Paola Zanetti, CFO at TecnoGi. “Transforming manufacturing scrap into valuable components for luxury footwear and leather goods is a win-win for all involved.”

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TRADE FAIRS AND CONFERENCES

GreenPlast 2025

Yes, we are still here...

We have reached the second edition of the GreenPlast exhibition-conference, which began in 2022 as a response to a challenging period when the pandemic had started to ease after a time of enforced isolation, and society as a whole felt the need to move forward. Despite the current global challenges, GreenPlast 2025 is consolidating its position as a reference point for the sustainable plastics industry. Registration numbers and exhibition space sold are on par with the 2022 edition, when the economic context was certainly more favourable and the desire to return to normality after COVID supported all trade fair events. The number of exhibitors has reached 200, with over 5,500 square metres of net exhibition area.

This confirms the ongoing interest and support from the sector. The event opens with official welcomes from Massimo Margaglione (President of Amaplast), Mario Maggiani (CEO of Promaplast, the organising company of GreenPlast), and Andy Beevers (Director of Events and Publishing at AMI), who is also responsible for coordinating the conference sessions.

A

s the name suggests, an exhibition-conference is a combination of a series of exhibition stands - pre-fitted and uniform in this case, a distinctive feature of this format - and an organised conference titled “Shaping a Sustainable Future for Plastics”, curated by AMI (Applied Market Information). The conference component, held entirely in English, features the key players in plastics sustainability. The focus is on technological innovation, regulatory developments and circular economy strategies, with particular attention to themes such as chemical and mechanical recycling, bioplastics and end-of-life plastics management. It is a major opportunity to explore new frontiers in plastics sustainability and to foster constructive dialogue among industry, institutions and academia.

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Responding to crisis with a sustainability-focused exhibitionconference Commenting on GreenPlast, Mario Maggiani stated: “The decision to combine GreenPlast with the Shaping a Sustainable Future for Plastics conference, in partnership with AMI, proved to be a winning choice and has taken us into a new chapter of our trade fair journey. GreenPlast aims to be a strategic appointment for the ecological transition, demonstrating how the Old Continent is capable of meeting current challenges.

Despite the complex geopolitical situation, there are modestly positive signals emerging from the domestic market. The hope is that the Transition 5.0 plan will finally take hold, strengthening growth in line with European directives on sustainability and MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

energy efficiency in production processes. In the meantime, exports are holding up, albeit with only slight improvement. Step by step, we move towards a more robust future for the plastics industry”.

Among the key companies taking part in the conference are leading names such as LyondellBasell, Montello, Sabic, Sirmax, Total Energies, Trinseo and Versalis (ENI), who are sharing their strategies and latest developments in the field of sustainability.

Of particular interest is the presence of prominent brand owners, including Lavazza Group, which is presenting its policies aimed at making the use of plastics in consumer products more sustainable.

The contribution of academia and associations The conference is not only a forum for businesses, but also a valuable occasion for the academic world to provide scientific input to the discussions. One of the standout speakers is Barbara Del Curto, Professor of Materials Science and Technology at the Design Faculty of Politecnico di Milano.

Her presentation explores the European regulatory framework and the guidelines for sustainable design, with examples of design products made from circular, recycled and biobased materials. She also analyses the EU regulation on packaging and guidelines for end-of-life plastic materials.

One of the most anticipated moments of the conference is the round table chaired by Professor Matteo Ingaramo, researcher at the Department of Design of Politecnico di Milano. The debate focuses on sustainable design, the role of design in the circular economy, and innovations such as Eco II Life, an expandable polystyrene derived from post-consumer waste. The session offers key insights for designers and companies seeking to integrate sustainability principles into their product development strategies.

Industry associations also play a prominent role in the conference. Organisations such as Amaplast, Assorimap, Biorepack, Corepla, EuPC, IPPR and Unionplast provide a comprehensive view of sector developments, highlighting opportunities and challenges brought about by new regulations and shifts in consumer preferences.

“We are proud to see GreenPlast 2025 establish itself as a benchmark event for the sustainable plastics industry. This achievement is the result of ongoing commitment and the ability to anticipate the needs of a constantly evolving market”, said Mario Maggiani, CEO of Promaplast, the organising company behind GreenPlast.

Emerging trends in plastics product design are also discussed, with a focus on reducing environmental impact through strategies such as lightweighting (reducing product weight to minimise raw material use), replacing traditional plastics with biobased materials, and adopting Design for Recycling principles.

An event with international appeal GreenPlast 2025 confirms its status as a key event on the European calendar for professionals in the plastics and rubber sectors. The event stands out for its international scope, with over 25% of exhibitors coming from abroad and delegations of buyers from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. It offers a unique opportunity for companies looking to expand their global network and stay updated on industry developments.

The Italian plastics and rubber supply chain employs over 130,000 people and generates an annual turnover exceeding 30 billion euros. This strategic sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the need to reduce environmental impact and comply with increasingly strict regulations on circular economy practices and CO2 emissions reduction. In this context, GreenPlast 2025 is a vital opportunity for the industry to discuss its future and identify the most effective solutions to combine economic growth with sustainability.

The event also includes a dedicated area for exhibitors called Tech Talk, where short, independent presentations of around 30 minutes take place. This 160 m² space features a 60-seat auditorium, a speaker’s table and a podium, offering an additional opportunity for visibility and a platform for technological innovation, a cornerstone of the sector.

The role of innovation and new technologies Plastics sustainability cannot be separated from technological innovation. During the conference, some of the most recent recycling and transformation technologies are presented. From new chemical recycling techniques that yield high-quality regenerated polymers, to innovations in mechanical recycling that improve the efficiency and purity of recycled materials, the programme offers a comprehensive overview of the most advanced technological solutions currently available on the market.

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

The conference, titled Shaping a Sustainable Future for Plastics, features the key players in plastics sustainability.

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TRADE FAIRS AND CONFERENCES NEWS Towards Plast 2026

Registrations open, facilities until July Following the great success of the 2023 edition, the Plast trade fair will return in 2026, taking place from 9 to 12 June at the Fiera Milano exhibition fairground in Rho (Milan). Companies interested in participating can register and take advantage of attractive financial incentives. In particular, those who confirm their participation by 15 June 2025 can benefit from a 20% discount on the registration fee, in addition to any further reductions provided for in the event’s general regulations.

Subsequently, registrations remain open until 31 July 2025, still allowing exhibitors to take advantage of a 10% discount on the applicable fees. After this date, no further reductions will be available, and registrations will only be accepted subject to exhibition space availability.

Plast 2026 confirms itself as a premier platform for showcasing innovations, cutting-edge machinery, and sustainable solutions that are redefining the future of the plastics and rubber industry. The exhibition will welcome exhibitors from every sector of the supply chain, from raw material producers to machinery and equipment manufacturers, as well as processors and recycling solution providers. The 2026 edition will place a strong focus on key topics such as ecological transition, material innovation, and industrial automation.

With a packed schedule of conferences, workshops, and live demonstrations, participants will have the opportunity to discover the latest trends and engage with leading industry experts.

Taking part in Plast 2026 means accessing a constantly evolving global market, with the chance to forge strategic partnerships and seize new growth opportunities. The event represents

MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

a unique occasion to enhance corporate visibility, connect with clients and suppliers, and explore the most innovative solutions to tackle future challenges. By registering as soon as possible, interested companies can secure the best financial conditions and guarantee their presence at an event that once again promises to be a major success for the entire plastics and rubber sector.

With a net exhibition area of 50,000 square metres and 38,000 visitors, the latest edition of Plast, held in 2023, reaffirmed its status as a highly successful event. The exhibition hosted its dedicated satellite shows: Rubber (rubber industry), 3D Plast (3D printing and related technologies), PlastMat (innovative materials), along with a wide array of cuttingedge technological solutions. The presence of 1,323 exhibitors, 47% of whom were from abroad, underscored the international scope of the trade fair. This figure is even more significant considering that many Italian subsidiaries of foreign manufacturers were registered as Italian companies.

The exhibition halls welcomed visitors from 109 countries, with international attendance accounting for 30% of the total. Europe represented the largest share (64%), followed by Asia (20%), Africa (7.58%), the Americas (7.56%), and Oceania (0.75%). A decisive contribution to the event’s international reach came from approximately 300 buyers coordinated

by ICE - the Italian Trade Agency for the promotion and internationalisation of Italian enterprises.

Until 15 June 2025 and until 31 July 2025 it is still possible to take advantage of two periods of “discounts” on registration fees for Plast 2026.

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TRADE FAIRS AND CONFERENCES NEWS JEC World 2025

The 60th JEC World held in Paris from 4 to 6 March attracted over 45,000 visitors from 94 countries, 29% coming from France, with 27 regional and national pavilions and hosting more than 1,350 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge innovations, and a very strong increase in business relationships as part of the JEC Business Meetings program.

During the three days of the show,

public authorities, industry leaders and visionaries contributed to make JEC World the composites industry “Think Tank”, where circular economy principles were raised by all participants, starting by the launch of the European Composites Circular Alliance on 4 March with the European Commission support.

With more than 600 new products and innovations launched during this year’s

show, JEC World remains the best place to introduce new developments to the global market. The JEC Composites Innovation Awards recognized 11 collaborative achievements, reflecting the industry’s dedication to providing new solutions for all application sectors of composites. For its 8th edition, the JEC Composites Startup Booster competition, rewarded three companies from Netherlands, Spain and the USA for their impressive market potential. The Live Demo Zone, highlighting automated and robotized processes, including large-scale additive manufacturing technologies, together with more than 100 machines available on exhibitors’ booths, was particularly visible on the show floor and well attended over the three days.

Picture JEC Worrld

A record-breaking edition

JEC World 2025 was the place where innovation was pervasive and the future of composites was being shaped; 59% of the exhibit space is already booked for the next edition, to be held 10-12 March 2026.

The Friedrichshafen event

Fakuma 2026 brought forward by one day, will take place from Monday to Friday Saturday, will move to Monday to Friday in two years’ time. However, the fiveday event and the leap in the year of the K in Düsseldorf have been confirmed: in fact, the Fakuma will not be taking place in 2025.

The decision to bring the dates forward

Picture Fakuma

The 30th edition of Fakuma, which had been announced for 13 to 17 October 2026, has been brought forward by one day and will therefore take place from 12 to 16 October 2026. This means that the Friedrichshafen trade fair, which traditionally runs from Tuesday to

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and the weekly days of the fair to the shores of Lake Constance was taken by the PE Schall organiser following a survey of exhibitors. In this regard, Bettina Schall, CEO of PE Schall, stated that the decision was agreed “upon together with the Fakuma exhibitor advisory board. All involved parties spoke out in favour of conducting an exhibitor survey regarding event scheduling at the last meeting with the exhibitor advisory board. The result was unequivocal: the majority voted in favour of revised scheduling for the trade fair”.

Bettina Schall, CEO of PE Schall, organiser of Fakuma: the last edition of the trade fair in Friedrichshafen, which took place from 15 to 19 October 2024, totalled 1,639 exhibitors, of which 142 from Italy, attracting 36,675 visitors.

MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2025

The winners announced at Plastics Recycling Show Europe The winners of the eighth annual Plastics Recycling Awards Europe were announced on the second day of the Plastics Recycling Show Europe, which took place in Amsterdam on 1 and 2 April. The 2025 winners exemplify the best advances in the use of recycled plastics in products, as well as the latest innovations in technology and machinery that facilitate plastics recycling.

“Many of this year’s shortlisted entries showcase innovations in plastics recycling that, just eight years ago, would have been considered unattainable,” said Ton Emans, Plastics Recyclers Europe’s President. “This demonstrates just how far the industry has progressed since the inception of these awards and underscores the critical value that plastic recycling plays for the future of European industry.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Karen Laird, jury chair of the Awards said that “we congratulate all finalists. We’ve seen the quality of the submissions rise significantly, which has not made the job of selecting a winner for each of the seven categories any easier.”

The winners and prizes awarded in each of the seven categories of the Plastics Recycling Awards 2025 are summarised below: - Automotive, Electrical & Electronic Product: Colored PP Recycled Material Interior Trim Parts for Ford Transit and Ford Truck Vehicles, Ford Otomotiv Sanayi; - Building & Construction Product: Pretty Plastic “Second High” panel by Pretty Plastic; - Household & Leisure Product: aquaplus re, by C. Josef Lamy ×

HolyPoly; - Plastic Packaging Product: kp 100% Tray2Tray by Klöckner Pentaplast (Linpac Packaging); - Product Technology Innovation: CleanStream by Berry Global; - Recycling Machinery Innovation: GAINnext by Tomra Recycling; - Plastics Recycling Ambassador: Olivier Vilcot, Former General Manager, SRP. All seven winners received a winner’s trophy, with a 3D-printed base made from 100% recycled ABS plastic car dashboards and multi-colour top, which is laser-cut from compressed HDPE beach clean-up bottle caps.

Now in their eighth year, the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe are organised

by Plastics Recyclers Europe and Crain Communications, the organisers of the Plastics Recycling Show Europe, the exhibition and conference at which the awards are presented.

We are one of the leading PMMA recycling companies in Europe, permanently interested

We are one of recycling companies in Europe, permanently interested in purchase of the the leading followingPMMA materials: We one ofofthe PMMA recycling companies in Europe, permanently interested in are purchase theleading following materials: in purchase of the following materials: Scraps from injection moulding

Scraps from injection moulding

Scraps from injection Off­cuts from sheets moulding Off­cuts from sheets Off­cuts from sheets Starting scraps (lumps or strands) Starting Startingscraps scraps(lumps (lumpsororstrands) strands) Off­grade pellets (resins)/ /beads beads / sheets resp.

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MAY 2025 | MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL

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COMPANY/ASSOCIATION/INSTITUTE ADNOC AMAPLAST AQUAFIL ARBURG AUTOMOTIVE PLASTICS CIRCULARITY BAIN CAPITAL BASF BAUSANO BRAVEN ENVIRONMENTAL BRIVAPLAST CALDARA PLAST CANNON CEFIC CLARIANT CMG GRANULATORS COLINES COPERION COVESTRO ECOPOLIETILENE EIGENMANN & VERONELLI ENGEL EREMA EUCIA EUPC EUROVITI FAKUMA 2026 GAMMA MECCANICA GEFRAN GRAFE GREENPLAST 2025 HUSKY ICIS ILLIG IMG INEOS IPM JEC K 2025 LYONDELLBASELL MAIP GROUP MIXACO NEXEO PLASTICS NEXTCHEM OMSO OMV PLAST 2026 PLASTIC SYSTEMS PLASTICS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PLASTICS RECYCLING SHOW EUROPE RADICIGROUP REGENESIS RES SACMI SHELL CHEMICALS EUROPE SICA SIRMAX SYNCRO TCEP - TRAY CIRCULARITY EVALUATION PLATFORM TECHNOBINS TECNOGI TECNOMATIC XENIA

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MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL | MAY 2025

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