FPT 1:2023

Improvement in Daily Environmental Footprint for Flexo Platemaking Available to Anyone Current European regulatory trends and food contact testing requirements

ICE Europe 2023: Exhibition’s success with record numbers of prepandemic times

Digital color communication in printing processes

Dörken has started to produce technical building membranes on SML lamination lines

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“No Greenwashing” and “Environmental Sustainability” are the most echoed buzzwords reflecting brand owners’ key challenges in the packaging industry according to Gabriela Bertoni dos Santos, Henkel, 7th Packaging and Converting Innovation Forum, Munich, September 1st, 2022.

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In the last 20 years, the EU regulator has made significant changes to European food contact requirements. This has been in-part driven by public perception as well as by technical developments from research laboratories.

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Last week, the 13th International Converting Exhibition ended after three days of flourishing business. From 14 - 16 March, a total of 4,850 trade visitors from 64 countries came to Munich to discover the latest machinery, systems, materials, and accessories, which is a more than 30 % increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous event.

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As a result of advances in digitalization, a lot has changed in the packaging and printing industry in recent years. How digital color communication in printing processes compares to the conventional process of ink formulation was tested by SAUERESSIG

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In the past few months, the German company, Dörken, has put two new production lines from SML into operation. Highly permeable roof and facade membranes are manufactured as part of the company’s product portfolio. In addition to innovative properties, a large number of the new composite films are making a statement due to their particularly resource-saving and efficient manufacturing processes.

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Improvement in Daily Environmental Footprint for Flexo Platemaking Available to Anyone “No Greenwashing” and “Environmental Sustainability” are the most echoed buzzwords reflecting brand owners’ key challenges in the packaging industry according to Gabriela Bertoni dos Santos, Henkel, 7th Packaging and Converting Innovation Forum, Munich, September 1st, 2022.

By Dieter Niederstadt, Technical Marketing Manager, Asahi Photoproducts Over the last three to Although flexographic mental improvements four years, the world’s plates only represent a to the manufacturing environmental con- tiny fraction of the process. sciousness was raised overall package enviIn flexo platemaking toby young activists ronmental footprint imday, we find a variety of marching on Fridays to pact, it should neverdifferent platemaking draw attention to the theless be the goal of technologies used in need for reduction of everyone using these various markets. Some greenhouse gases in all plates not to simply acare less hazardous, sectors of life. The task cept the current status such as Water-Wash or to improve, however, is quo, but to constantly Thermal plate making, not for one person or strive to push boundabut the vast majority, company alone, but for ries higher and higher, representing approximany to think within leveraging philosophies mately 70% of all flexotheir areas of influence such as KAIZEN, a Japgraphic operations, use and expertise whether anese strategy where hydrocarbon-based solthey can contribute employees at all levels vents to wash out their positively towards this of a company work toflexo plates. This not goal, and then take gether proactively to only requires a specialsteps to do so. achieve regular, incre-

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ized production room gion. Whereas Europe set up to confirm the environment, but it may was more conservative limits and highlight poalso contribute to a haz- in allowing a large mar- tential improvements. ardous ambient working gin of tolerance beA full platemaking and environment in the tween the printing eleprinting trial was arplatemaking room if not ment and the base floor, ranged using different handled well. on the South American plate relief depths startcontinent printers have Based on that data, we ing at 0,6 mm and golong used a plate relief have looked at a large ing down to 0,1 mm for depth of 1/3 of that segment of solvent a 1,14 mm (45 thou) standard plate thickwash platemaking users plate. ness, with a plate relief in our industry to find depth of about 0,35 mm Plate back exposure: ways to suggest how being more commonly these operations can used in that hemi- The plate back exposure modify their platemaktime needs to be elonsphere. ing process, helping gated to polymerize them to take action to What are the ad- more plate material. For reduce their environ- vantages of reducing a relief depth of 0,6 mm mental footprint. the plate relief depth a UVA energy of apand what are the limits prox.. 330 mJ is needed The magic trick and anof technical tolerance and for 0,3 mm an enswer to improve the enbefore the floor of the ergy of 1000 mJ. vironmental footprint is: plate hits the substrate?

“Plate relief depth reA printing project was duction.”

Looking at flexible packaging, one of the largest segments of flexographic printing representing a global market share of approximately 25 to 30%, a standard plate relief depth of 0,6 mm with a 1,14 mm (45 thou) plate gauge is being used. The relief depth, however, is changing region by re-

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This back exposure time and solvent specifica- included. In that case, can be partially com- tions. the washout time would pensated by a reduction be approximately 165 For a good plate washof the main exposure mm/min for a relief out time, we always caltime as the plate is depth of 0,3 mm vs. 90 culate a safety margin largely polymerized. mm/min for a relief of 0,2 mm and add that depth of 0,6 mm. The As an example, for a re- to the plate relief depth. washout speed imlief depth of 0,3 mm, This safety margin takes provement would be apthe back exposure time account of the fluctuaproximately 80% if we is elongated by approxi- tion of washout solvent target a relief depth of mately a factor of three. quality and should be 0,3 mm. added. So, in our examPlate washout time: ple of a relief depth tar- In the above illustraIn our Graphic Arts Cenget of 0,3 mm, we tion, it is easy to see ter, we use Ecowash would look at a 0,5 mm that a flexo plate with a 320 at 28°C and 3,3% washout relief depth relief depth of, for expolymer saturation. with the safety margin ample, 0,3 mm is Ecowash 320 is a lowVOC version of Ecowash and generally results in a slower washout speed compared to more aggressive washout solvents on the market.

The industry uses a large variety of washout solvents, and it is therefore recommended that flexo platemaking operations check their individual conditions using their equipment, plate

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washed out with 50% plate is submerged into mate reduction in enerless polymer waste in solvent at a much faster gy use by the dryer the washout solvent processing speed, the from 4,8 KW down to 3 compared to a flexo recovery time to nomi- KW per m² of plate maplate with a relief depth nal plate thickness in terial used. of 0,6 mm. The stand- the dryer is much quickPrinting Test: ard solvent processor er than for a plate that today replenishes sol- spends a longer time in Despite all the solvent, vent on the basis of pol- the washout equipment. time and energy savymer content or viscosiings, the biggest conIn the example of a rety of the washout solcern, of course, is lief depth of 0,6 mm, vent. Hence, a company whether the plate floor the plate washout speed which reduces the plate would print using a was adjusted to 90 mm/ relief depth from 0,6 shallow plate relief min, giving a plate drymm to 0,3 mm can depth. ing time of approxiwash two plates instead mately 120 min. The In the example below, of one before solvent washout speed of a we worked at the DFTAreplenishing in the tank plate washed with a re- TZ facility of the is required. This is a lief depth of 0,3 was Stuttgart University and massive saving of 50% 165 mm/min, resulting printed the different reof solvent in your operin a plate drying time of lief depth plates with a ations just by lowering approximately 75 min setting of 70 microns the plate relief depth, to recover back to nom- extra pressure over Kiss and it is a big step toinal thickness. This also Print. Anilox pressure wards operating with a equates to an approxibetter carbon footprint.

The plate drying time depends on the length of time the plate has been in contact with the solvent. Hence, with a washout speed of 90 mm/min, a plate will be more swollen with solvents than a plate which was washed out at much faster speed.

Subsequently, if the

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was 60 microns of extra which is particularly next higher relief of 0,2 pressure. useful for long runs. mm, it was confirmed Hence, the plate quality that this relief depth The numbers on the top is increased as well. poses no problem when of the print sample indiprinting, nether in terms cate the different relief To the surprise of the of dot gain curve nor in depths of 0,6 mm on participants, while we terms of plate cleanlithe left and 0,5 mm on thought that the 0,1 ness. For customers the right. mm relief depth would who want to push flexo be impossible to print, printing to the limit with We compared the dot that was not the case. modern machinery and gain curves between the As can be seen in the high printing quality, different plate relief red colour circle in the this is certainly a relief depths and concluded print sample above, depth to consider. For that all curves are very there was a small area all other users, we similar and can be used at the tail edge of the would recommend the without the need to plate which actually safer plate relief depth make adjustments to printed from the plate of 0,3 mm – 0,4 mm. printing curves. Howevfloor, but the rest was This maintains enough er, a small adjustment fine. For that reason, we tolerance to avoid any might be considered by do not recommend uspossible printing trouthe local repro on a ing a plate relief depth ble, it considerably imcase by case as we of 0,1 mm. Going to the could not confirm the dot gain for longer run production jobs.

In addition to the print dot gain curve, we also analyzed the highlight dot anchoring on the plate floor. As can easily be seen in the previous illustration repeated below, the dot anchoring is much more stable compared to the plate with higher relief depth, giving added rub resistance to the plate,

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proves plate quality and vantages explained. The point of view. This is es– most importantly – benefits of environmen- pecially true today that, improves the environ- tal improvements are as we consider the mental footprint of the primarily seen in the changing environmental platemaking production. hydrocarbon washout climate, we all examine solvent process, but this our platemaking proThe message of this process can likewise be cesses to make as much practical exercise is that used in water-wash or of a contribution as posanyone can make a sigother platemaking tech- sible to reduce our carnificant contribution to nologies too. Whether bon footprints. the environmental footto use 0,2 mm, 0,3 mm print of platemaking in Taking this approach or 0,4 mm, relief depth their company at a local over time, it dramaticalshould be decided by level by taking these ly adds up savings of each customer, but it is described actions while washout solvent and reno longer reasonable for improving the overall duction of drying energy a relief depth of 0,6 mm quality and environmencosts and plate producfor 1,14 mm plates to tal footprint of flexotion time. By extension, be classified as a standgraphic printing as a it reduces our industry ard from a technical whole. There is no need to wait; and flexographic printing will gain more recognition as the environmentally sustainable printing technology of choice.

The relief depth reduction may vary slightly depending on the washout solvent or plate material used, but it will always show a significant impact of the ad-

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carbon footprints, improving our climate impact and opening the chance for anyone to participate.

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Current European regulatory trends and food contact testing requirements In the last 20 years, the EU regulator has made significant changes to European food contact requirements. This has been in-part driven by public perception as well as by technical developments from research laboratories.

Recently we have seen processes.

Alongside – which means that a growing trend for tak- NIAS, there is an in- higher resolution equiping a non-targeted ap- crease in demand for ment and unique testproach to testing food the analysis of non- ing methods are recontact materials. This listed substances (NLS) quired to analyse this. is often referred to as such as inks, coatings Upcoming changes to non-intentionally added and adhesives. These EU legislation substance (NIAS) test- substances are not subing. NIAS are chemical ject to formal EU risk In 2018, the European compounds that are assessment, but may Commission launched a present in a material have regulation in place consultation process to but have not been add- at a national level. In re-evaluate their existed for a technical rea- order to sell products ing regulatory Frameson during the produc- across Europe, analysis work for food contact tion process. They arise of these substances safety detailed in EU from break-down prod- would need to be per- Regulation 1935/2004. ucts of food contact formed as part of a This drew on expertise materials, impurities of package of due dili- from national authoristarting materials, un- gence. Finally, we are ties in Europe, food wanted side-products seeing a shift in focus contact experts, indusand various contami- towards studying ultra- try leaders and nonnants from recycling low levels of migration

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governmental organiza- tics,where no harmo- The European Commistions (NGOs). nized standards have sion is considering: been implemented. Five There were three main • Shifting the emphasis material groups are root causes explaining onto the assessment seen as a priority for futhe perceived weakof the final materials tureregulation: nesses of the current rather than focusing regulatory Framework: • Printing inks on the raw materials used to make food • Insufficient resources • Paper and cardboard contact materials. We are available for risk believe this will re• Silicones assessment, risk quire wider adoption management and en- • Varnishes and coatof the protocols deforcement. ings veloped for Nonintentionally added • An absence of con- • Rubber substances (NIAS). sensus on the approach that should be Positive lists are already • Adoption of a priorifollowed to address in place within some EU tized approach to risk States for any implementation Member assessment of food materials and gaps in the legisla- these contact substances there is extensive tion. based around tiered knowledge on these risk classes: • A lack of a regulatory substances within the mechanism to priori- industry. However, the • Carcinogens, tize actions. report pointed out that mutagens, subthere are at least 3400 stances harmful The European Commissubstances used in to reproduction sion also identified that these material classes and endocrine gaps remained for other which may need overdisruptors would food contact materials arching formal risk asoutside of plassessment.

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More benign NIAS and NLS testing to show compliance substances would be able to forprinting inks Substances be self-assessed NIAS require cuttingwhich may justiby industry. edge analysis to identify fy close attention based on The European Commis- and measure their pression currently aim to lay ence. This is especially assessment from other pub- out more detailed pro- true when using new or during 2022, alternative packaging lic authority as- posals sessments (e.g. with a view to establish- materials where the poREACH and na- ing new legislation in tential for unknowns is 2023. noparticles), increased. As you can would also be see above, printing inks prioritized. in particular will likely require the closest attention.

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be coming under closer owners will typically ap- advanced analytical scrutiny with updated proach these with cau- testing and training, our regulatory controls. tion. Similarly to NIAS team is here to give you NIAS testing will be a testing, analysis is per- confidence in your food crucial component for formed to low migration contact materials and this. For example, when levels to minimize risk assist with your next printing inks are manu- and have confidence in project. factured, there can be the materials used. Fredegradation or reaction quent examples of NLS by-products forming – in printing inks include this would be classed as solvents and defoamers. a NIAS. Because the How Smithers can substance is unknown support with NIAS at this point, a nontesting targeted approach with testing would be re- Smithers has over 30 quired to gain an under- years of experience standing of what it is helping clients comply and assess for any risk. with food contact legislation around the The same logic also apglobe.Smithers supports plies to high temperaclients looking to perture food packaging. form NIAS risk assessPrinting inks could leach ments on their packagand react with other ing materials by utilizing materials in the pack in high resolution testing a way that was not inequipment such as a GC tended when the ink -MS. This enables the was manufactured. This identification of unrequires NIAS testing, knowns in packaging as the final ‘substance’ materials and shows is not known until it is compliance with Regulain place with the rest of tion EU No. 10/2011. the pack and heat apThis will also help with plied. A similar apclients looking to meet proach is required for any updated regulations NLS. As these materials in the near future.From have not been formally regulatory guidance and risk-assessed, brand consultancy through to

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ICE Europe 2023: Exhibition’s success built on quality whilst heading for record numbers of pre-pandemic times Last week, the 13th International Converting Exhibition ended after three days of flourishing business. From 14 - 16 March, a total of 4,850 trade visitors from 64 countries came to Munich to discover the latest machinery, systems, materials, and accessories, which is a more than 30 % increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous event. Shaping the future of the converting industry, 338 exhibitors from 20 countries showcased their products and services on a net exhibition space of some 8,700 square metres at the world’s leading exhibition for the conversion of flexible, web-based materials, such as paper, film, foil and nonwovens. With the success of this year’s edition, the show organisers announced the next ICE Europe to take place from 12 - 14 March 2024.

In “We are delighted to for the ICE Europe land, United Kingdom, see such a positive brand and makes us Poland, Spain, Czech turnout and how this very proud to be able to Republic, France and year’s exhibition provide the converting Turkey. The first results matched the energy community with a regu- of the show analysis and enthusiasm of our lar key event – the only have also shown that shows before the pan- of its kind”, states Pat- the visitors mainly demic! Both exhibitors rick Herman, Event Di- came from the following and visitors were highly rector of the Convert- industry sectors: packsatisfied, whether ing, Paper and Print aging, engineering, meeting with existing Events, on behalf of RX. printing, plastics, paper, contacts or establishing chemical, automotive, The majority of visitors new business relations. textiles/ nonwovens, came from Germany, ItThis affirms our course electronics, pharma/ aly, Austria, Switzer-

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healthcare/ medical and United States, Switzer- The award ceremony others. They were pri- land, France and the was hosted by RX, and marily interested in Netherlands. In addition for the very first time, coating/ laminating, slit- to the strong line-up of in cooperation with C2 ting/ rewinding, print leading brands, the Magazines, where best technology, accessories prestigious ICE Awards practice, excellence, inand machine upgrades, took place on the first novation and outstandcontrol, test & measure- show day, honouring ing achievements of exment technology, finish- three exhibiting compa- hibitors were honoured with the ICE with the ICE Awards, in ing, drying/ curing, film nies extrusion, materials/ Awards for their out- the following catego(semi) finished products standing technological ries: ‘Digital Converting and (pre) treatment. achievements.

Solutions’, ‘Sustainable Products and Converting The top exhibitor coun- ICE Awards 2023: InProcesses’, and ‘Efficient tries included Germany, novative exhibitors Production Solutions’.

Italy, Turkey, China, honoured with presGreat Britain, Spain, the tigious awards

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Nicola Hamann, Manag- verting specialists sub- the recently launched ing Director of RX, in mitted their casting TEOC Service Packages cooperation with Martin vote to determine the include a modular archiHirschmann, Editor-in- winners of the individual tecture with hardware Chief of C2 Magazines, categories. and software features, presented the ICE which can be combined The company DIENES Awards 2023 to three in accordance to individWerke für Maschinenexhibiting companies on ual customers’ needs. teile GmbH & Co.KG. rethe first day of the ceived 34% of all votes In the category show. The winners had in the category ‘Digital ‘Sustainable Products previously been deterConverting Solutions’ and Converting Processmined via a verified and won an ICE Award es’, the company INonline voting. The comfor its TEOC (“The End OMETA GmbH received petition received more of Coincidences”), which 38% of all votes and than 30 entries from a combines DIENES’ digi- won the ICE Award for wide spectrum of starttalisation activities. its heating roller, which ups and leading brands, Within this framework, has been designed to where over 2,500 con-

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meet the needs and re- cone tape tesa Printer's 2024. ICE Europe will quirements for laminat- Friend 4863 with an take place from 12 - 14 ing foils and other sub- embossed surface. The March 2024 at the Mustrates. It ensures a re- product design ensures nich Trade Fair Centre. liably constant and ho- high resistance to wear In the ICE series of mogeneous surface and offers easy applicadedicated trade events temperature distribu- tion and removal, even for the converting intion, as this is the pre- after a prolonged time dustry, ICE China will be requisite for uniform period and exposure to held from web tempering. high temperatures.

11 - 13 October at the With 29% of all votes, Dates for the next Shenzhen World Conthe company tesa SE shows vention and Exhibition won the ICE Award in Centre. Early next year, Existing and new exhibithe category ‘Efficient RX will organise ICEC tors have already exProduction Solutions’ for USA, from 9 - 11 Janupressed their interest in its highly durable roller ary 2024, in Orlando, participating at the upwrapping tape: the siliFlorida. coming show edition in

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Digital color communication in printing processes As a result of advances in digitalization, a lot has changed in the packaging and printing industry in recent years. How digital color communication in printing processes compares to the conventional process of ink formulation was tested by SAUERESSIG in cooperation with the innovative packaging specialist ppg > flexofilm.

In The lasting impres- with an enormous ex- benefits as compared to sion of packaging, and, pense of resources such conventional methods? as a result, the out- as time, material, and In conducting the case standing placement of energy. To ensure color study in cooperation the product on the shelf fastness on packaging, with ppg > flexofilm, in conjunction with a physical mock-ups are the color technicians consistent brand identi- produced, long set-up from c.INKTEC have ty are top priority for times are required at tried out the benefits of retail brands and ex- the press, test prints the innovative process. perts from the packag- are run, and print apUnder production condiing industry. The re- provals are made in tions, they tested the quirements placed on a person on site. But how ink formulation and setbalanced color concept, could consequent savtings for the gravure the achievement of col- ings of resources in printing process of flexior targets and a con- printing processes and ble packaging on a Rosistently high print a continuous color comtomec RS 4004 press. quality are clearly de- munication based on The conventional profined. Until now, the digital processes look cess of ink setting using process of color control like? Which are the purely visual methods has been associated was compared with the

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new digital the ingenio laboratory any additional effortful SAUERESSIG c.INKTEC printing machines, the color control on site. workflow. Both process- c.INKTEC color techni- The cloud-based softes were qualitatively cians matched the ink ware solution c.CLOUD, compared and tested by to the required specifi- part of the SAUERESSIG spectrophotometric cations for gravure e.GEN portfolio, also measurements. printing and adapted it came into use. It cento the original sub- trally stores all the inIn order to enable a strate. By creating the formation on the colors smooth and continuous ink formulation in the that have been created digital color communilaboratory environment, as well as the respective cation in printing prothe printing inks could associated ink formulacesses from the beginbe tested and validated tion – so that it can be ning to the end of the in advance. The color reached anytime, anyprocess chain, the separations could be where in the world. Proc.INKTEC workflow alused to adjust the repro vided plug-ins allow the ready integrates within data, in order to subse- color specifications to the design to print proquently achieve the de- be integrated directly cess at an earlier stage. sired result on the pro- into the process.

Ahead of the printing duction machine without process, and by using

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The results of the study step into the future is are promising.

Ingo the development of virBüning, Senior Sales tual reality-supported Manager of the processes that will enaSAUERESSIG Group, is ble business partners to convinced that color de- move through the world viations of the produc- of color regardless of tion run to proof will time and place. “With soon be a thing of the these new possibilities, past and states: “The we will be able to enter analysis has shown that a whole new dimension good preparatory work in the world of color in in color communication the near future, experipays off. Costly and ence products virtually time-consuming correc- and interlock our protions on the press can cesses even more closedefinitely be avoided.“ ly,“ says Christian Groh, Savings of resources in Business Unit Director printing processes can e.GEN, of the therefore be considered SAUERESSIG Group. as one of the greatest On a sustainable path benefits of this proceedalong a globalized value ing. Thanks to the holischain, SAUERESSIG is tic approach, the promaking a positive concess optimizations can tribution to the transforalso add benefit in folmation to resourcelow-up projects. conserving cycles – not c.CLOUD conveniently only reshaping the way handles digital color we work, but also the communication between supply chain in the all stakeholders and packaging and printing provides complete industry. transparency along the entire supply chain.

But the possibilities of digitalization in printing processes are far from exhausted. The next big

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Dörken has started to produce innovative technical building membranes on SML lamination lines In the past few months, the German company, Dörken, has put two new production lines from SML into operation. Highly permeable roof and facade membranes are manufactured as part of the company’s product portfolio. In addition to innovative properties, a large number of the new composite films are making a statement due to their particularly resourcesaving and efficient manufacturing processes. To a large extent, the products and production processes were developed in SML’s Technology Center - even before the lines were planned or installed at Dörken.

In When it comes to of functionality, quality line located in our Techmembranes for the con- monitoring and the de- nology Center," Dirk struction industry, Dö- gree of automation in- Beckendorff, Area Sales rken is European mar- volved.

Manager at SML, exket leader. In autumn plains. The product dePrevious product de2022, the company velopment process at velopment at SML’s opened a new producSML took several years: Technology Center tion site in HagenAmong other things, it Vorhalle in North Rhine- "The remarkable thing included basic trials Westphalia, where the about this project is with the SML Doubletwo coextrusion coating that Dörken did not car- Coat process, test seand laminating lines ry out substantial parts ries with the most imfrom SML are now up of the product develop- portant products of Döand running. The tailor- ment process at its own rken’s portfolio and sevmade plants are setting plants, but on an indus- eral test runs for the new standards in terms trial scale FlexPack® development and sam-

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pling of new roofing Stage Gate process,” allows the manufacturmembranes. Since it Christian Harste, CTO at ing of a wide variety of was possible to certify a Dörken, clarifies. Imme- technical composites for number of products diately after the instal- the construction induseven before the lines lation of the two lines, try, such as vapor barriwere commissioned at Dörken was able to ers or waterproofing Dörken, the over-all start regular production. membranes. product development New standards for The second production process was accelerated products line is a combined line quite significantly. “It with two integrated adwas important for us to One of the two multihesive roll coaters for benefit from the oppor- purpose coating and the manufacturing of tunity offered us by laminating lines at Döhighly breathable roofSML. In addition to con- rken is equipped with ing and facade memfirming the known reci- SML's patented Doublebranes in one producpes and processes, we Coat technology. This tion step. were able to use SML’s technology enables a pilot plant for our inno- combined adhesive and The thickness of the vations at a very early extrusion coating pro- TPU membranes can be stage. In principle, we cess for the production considerably reduced, have actively integrated of ultra-thin and highly compared to convenSML’s plant into our breathable laminates. It tional products available

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on the market. Thanks gineers. This enables available, the producto the innovative sys- the highly intuitive op- tion of the new generatem technology, signifi- eration of the lines, tai- tion of highly breathable cantly improved water lored to the respective roofing and facade vapor permeability val- production process and membranes takes place ues can be achieved, the associated function- in just a single producwith, at the same time, alities. "Integrated in- tion step. In addition, excellent product prop- spection systems and the lines operate at a erties with regard to our data management comparatively high prolongevity. “Our new un- tool, BitWise, ensure duction speed of up to derlay membranes are the comprehensive 120 m/min. Along with impressive with their monitoring of the entire considerable time savproven durability and process chain at both ings, the waste generatthus long-term protec- plants. The production ed during production is tion. Extreme quality parameters of each reduced to a minimum. and long-term tests as product can be comThe two new lines from well as special test pro- pletely traced," SML SML replace several excedures confirm their product manager, Joisting plants and give extraordinary resilience. hannes Danter, points Dörken the opportunity With a high elasticity out. This is an enorto produce innovative and integrated self- mous help to Dörken membranes. They emadhesive edges, this when complying with phasize Dörken’s claim new generation of prod- the strictest quality to manufacture as ecoucts is the perfect solu- standards, especially renomically and resourcetion for a wide variety of garding the long-term efficiently as possible – applications. It enables product guarantees the with greatly improved a higher energy efficien- market demands. product properties cy and a raised living Modernisation with a achieved through furcomfort,” Dörken-CTO, significant increase in ther development work.

Christian Harste, states. efficiency Intuitive operation – The two production lines integrated inspection from SML allow a massystems sive increase in efficienA central element in cy because of their lowboth production lines is er raw material conthe SMILE control sys- sumption. Compared to tem developed by SML the plant and process software application en- technology previously

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