TecnA Plastics & Rubber - April 2021 by TecnAlimentaria Magazines

Plastics & Rubber

International Magazine for the global Plastics & Rubber Industry TecnA Plastics & Rubber - April 2021 - ISSN 2723-9187

www.tecnaplastics.com

contents

Plastics & Rubber

Unlocking full potential

The result of the technological innovation

Elvem cutting-edge technology for the contemporary global market

Fakuma 2021: Future Issues

When the container becomes competition

34 30

A strong commitment to sustainability Binova compounding and recycling 2006 – 2021: 15 years of achievements and approvals

75 years of innovation

TecnA Plastics & Rubber April 2021 Issue 4 - Year III

Plastics & Rubber

Publisher Fabiana Da Cortà Fumei Editorial Staff Sabrina Fattoretto Design Claudia Bosco Elena Abbondanza Collaborators Anita Pozzi Franco Giordano International Magazine for the global Plastics & Rubber Industry

Printing L’Artegrafica Srl

50 Direzione e Redazione Editrice EDF Trend srl Corso del Popolo, 42 31100 Treviso – Italy Tel. +39 0422 549305 Fax +39 0422 591736 redazione@tecnaplastics.com www.tecnaplastics.com N° iscrizione ROC (Registro degli Operatori di Comunicazione): 22054 ISSN 2723-9187 In questo numero la pubblicità non supera il 45% Poste Italiane SpA - Spedizione in Abbonamento Postale - D.L. 353/2003 (conv. in L. 27/02/2004 n. 46) art. 1 comma 1 NE/TV

FAP, Italian excellence for world foam industry

Publisher Editrice EDF Trend srl Corso del Popolo, 42 31100 Treviso – Italy All right reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The Publisher is not responsible for any materials, nor for writers’ nor contributors’ expressed or implied opinions.

Responsabile del trattamento dati è il direttore responsabile a cui ci si può rivolgere presso la sede di Treviso - Corso del Popolo, 42 per i diritti previsti dalla legge 675/1996.

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I formativa ex D.lgs 196/03 Ai sensi dell’art.2 comma 2° del Codice Deontologico dei giornalisti si rende nota l’esistenza di una banca dati di uso redazionale presso la sede di Corso del Popolo, 42 - Treviso.

TecnA Plastics & Rubber - April 2021 - ISSN 2723-9187

TecnA Plastics & Rubber is a magazine by

EDF TREND SRL

INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINES - year XXVI

Plastics & Rubber

FOOD &

ANIMAL FEED TECHNOLOGY

to Postale D.L. 353/2003 (conv. in L. 27/02/2004 n. 46) art. 1 comma 1 NE/TV - Anno 24 N° 4/2019 - ISSN 2498-9541

EDITRICE

INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINES TECNOLOGIE PER L’INDUSTRIA DEGLI ALIMENTI E MANGIMI PER ANIMALI

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EXHIBITIONS

Unlocking full potential Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2021 will be co-located with Plaspak Indonesia 2021 and Mould & Die Indonesia 2021, and plans are underway to evolve it into a primary manufacturing event hub for South East Asia with Manufacturing Indonesia and Machine Tool Indonesia

he manufacturing industry in Indonesia is starting to show positive signs. This is evidenced by the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) in December 2020, which was recorded at 51.3, 0.7 points higher than the previous month’s achievement of 50.6. In addition, three subsectors are projected to record accelerated growth in 2021: food, beverage, and paper and made-of-paper items industries. The beverage industry, for example, could grow by 4.39 percent on an annual basis by 2021. To support the industry and boost economic recovery in related sectors, the 33rd International Plastics & Rubber Machinery, Processing & Materials Exhibition Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2021 known as Plastics & Rubber Indonesia, will be scheduled for 1 – 4 December 2021, at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, Indonesia in a hybrid exhibition format combining the physical exhibition with various activities running on digital platforms. Given the unpredictability of the pandemic situation, PT Pamerindo Indonesia has also developed

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a Plan B: they are preparing the Plastics & Rubber Industry Digital Series for everyone who cannot attend in person. In this, they are working from experience: In 2020, PT Pamerindo Indonesia successfully held 2 main digital activities to support this industry’s needs – and provided everything from business meetings to webinars. In its new digital series, PT Pamerindo Indonesia intends to unlock your digital potential and build your product’s digital DNA, ahead of your competitors by getting connected to worldwide networks with its new selection of digital products. PT Pamerindo Indonesia’s 360-degree online marketing solutions offer exhibitors maximum exposure for their products and services, making sure your target audiences’ eyeballs stay on your products and services even before the show. Organised by PT Pamerindo Indonesia as a leading trade fair organiser in Indonesia, Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2021 is now the only dedicated plastics and rubber event in Indonesia with the sole focus of serving the needs of those industries by bringing together the key players and leaders in the plastics industry. PT Pamerindo Indonesia is very excited to hold this event, especially when considering that some plastic products actually experience an increase in demand. This can be seen quite clearly in several sectors, but nowhere more so than in the field of medical equipment. Products such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer bottles, and test kits are currently indispensable, and they are all in part, if not totally

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made from plastics. Other sectors are also showing an increasing demand for plastic products such as the packaging delivery sector, and household appliances, and many many more. This year, Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2021 becomes bigger and bolder. The show will be co-located with other established events: Plaspak Indonesia 2021, Mould & Die Indonesia 2021, and plans are underway to evolve it into a primary manufacturing event hub for South East Asia with Manufacturing Indonesia and Machine Tool Indonesia to cater for the diversity of industry needs. PlasPak Indonesia provides a dedicated specialist platform for packaging technology and solution suppliers targeting the largest sector within Indonesia’s plastics industry, while Mould and Die Indonesia will bring a dedicated high focus platform for the latest products and technology in and for this high value niche sector within Indonesia’s marketplace. PT Pamerindo Indonesia’s success stories of Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2019 edition, which took the theme “The Future of Plastic”, had it present more than 500 exhibiting companies from 22 countries with 6 international group pavilions. PT Pamerindo Indonesia

provided a variety of onsite activities: business match making, Tech-Talk Corner, live demo, and seminar; the exhibition has successfully attracted over 11,000 trade attendees in just 4 days! Here are the reasons why you must participate: 1. Comprehensive showcasing Plastics & Rubber Indonesia 2021 is a comprehensive showcase for the plastics and rubber technology and services industry. 2. Platform to success The show provides access to a broad range of innovation and development in South East Asia’s biggest plastics, rubber, mould, and die market. 3. High quality attendees The show will be attended by decision-makers, major equipment importers, distributors, and agents with the show delivering a one-stop shop to thousands of business visitors from the industry. 4. Opportunity hotspot Visitors attending the event will be presented with the whole spectrum of technology in the plastics and rubber industry from the leading global suppliers. For further information contact pri@pamerindo.com or visit www.plasticsandrubberindonesia.com

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

bfm delivers innovation Bfm srl consolidates its presence in the Middle East with the delivery of two flexographic printing machines Stack type Model “Sirio S PLUS”

fter the successful installation of a flexo Stack type 8 colours printer, carried out at a customer in Southern Italy, bfm srl delivers two more flexographic Printing machines Model Sirio S Plus in Saudi Arabia, one with 6 and one with 8 colours, consolidating its presence in the Middle East.

Plastics

bfm Sirio Model S Plus are 6/8 colour Stack type machines, designed for printing on different plastic materials for the packaging market but also suitable for paper materials, in line with the extruder or from reel to reel. The printing repeat length is from of 350 mm up to a maximum of 1200mm, with printing widths up to 1600 mm. The line is composed of an unwinder with different solutions: fixed, shaftless or revolver, 6/8 colours printing group with motorized counter-

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printing axis, electric grinding, and pneumatic inking. The drying group is composed of an intercolour system and a drying box with electric or by gas heating and a winder with different winding possibilities. The automation platform of this machine has been designed using the proven application experience of Bosch Rexoth, the industry leader in the automation of printing and converting machines. This printer is the “right compromise” between costs and performance: in this case the use of IndraDyn MBT torque motors, which move the colour group composed of counterroller-cliché-anilox, guarantees great dimensional compactness and the right printing precision. The use of the IndraDrive M digital series guarantees constant position synchronism between the different printing elements, with consequent register maintenance both at high speeds and during acceleration and deceleration. Initial registration is very quick and can also be done when the machine is stopped, significantly reducing energy waste and material waste. The employed technical construction solutions, and the “cantilever system” for the change of “sleeves” for both anilox and cliché, have allowed to reduce the downtime work-changes. Among the novelties of S-Plus the new graphic interface, designed on 21”, simple and intuitive but at the same time complete for the management of all machine functions.

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The result of the technological innovation Amut’s single calender extrusion expertise for the production of waterproofing membranes

ince its establishment in 1958, AMUT has developed a strict cooperation with clients, focusing on their needs and developing customengineered solution, to respond adequately to each specific project requirement. A “customer centric” philosophy which has been applied to all its business units with no exception. In the extrusion domain dedicated to thermoplastic PVC and TPO, single or multilayer waterproofing membranes, this proactive approach coupled with Amut’s advanced technical know-how has allowed to design different tailor-made turn-key plants with either Double or Single

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Calender. Such diversified systems may reach an overall production up to 15 million sq. m. and 8 million sq.m. of high-quality membrane per year, respectively. The Single

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Calender system is the result of the technological innovation conducted in over 40 years of experience, which led Amut group to be the only provider in the world. This configuration allows to produce in one single step a co-extruded 3-layers membrane, adding the inner reinforcement (polyester, polypropylene, fiberglass) and the fleeceback scrim bonding for support. The end product is a finished membrane composed of up to five materials/layers coupled in a single step, offering to end-users a completely different proposal from those currently available on the market. The Single Calender achievement was obtained thanks to constant studies and research in the extrusion process applied to sheets and rolls in thermoplastic material. Our stateof the-art Single Calender Line combined with a reliable extrusion and laminating technology, allows AMUT to offer a diversified membranes

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production, minimizing the costs associated with two or three steps processing, material change and machine purging. AMUT high efficiency extrusion lines are fully automatic, to optimize the production cycle. In particular, a well proven control software, designed and developed in-house, thanks to the long-term experience and coordination between AMUT technological department and electronic specialists, gives several supports to customer’s operators. A typical example is the automatic ramp procedure where the line is started at low speed to reduce the waste production during the machine setup and then, by a simple input of ramp parameters, the line is automatically speeded-up at the targeted production. The whole management of all operation and control parameters makes the line ready for Industry 4.0 with relevant benefits in terms of quality control and global integration with the customers’ production data base. Moreover, the lines are equipped with automatic packing system for the rolls produced and features technology for dimensional control of the product and visual surface inspection, with detection of any aesthetic effects. An automatic process for direct in-line dosing of raw materials and flame retardant additives that will be directly processed and extruded by the AMUT line, is also included in the plant.

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EXHIBITIONS

virtual.drupa: Product innovations and exciting insights in the exhibition space The exhibition space reflects the diverse technologies and applications along the entire value chain of the print & packaging industry and gives visitors a comprehensive overview of the product portfolios and innovations of the exhibiting companies

rom 20 to 23 April 2021, the global print & packaging community will meet at virtual.drupa, which features the three pillars “Conference Area”, “Networking Plaza” and “Exhibition Space” to promote knowledge transfer and networking and to activate business. The Exhibition Space reflects the diverse technologies and applications along the entire value chain of the print & packaging industry and gives visitors a comprehensive overview of the product portfolios and innovations of the exhibiting companies. In addition, explanatory videos and Live Web Sessions provide additional details and information about the exhibited products and services. Find relevant exhibitors and products Visitors can use the navigation in the Exhibition Space to quickly find the exhibitors they are interested in. In addition to direct entry of the company name, the search can be filtered by product category or country, for example, to obtain an accurate and relevant selection of exhibitors. The individual exhibitor profile provides information on the company, contact persons, products, services, innovations and presentation formats. At this point, direct contact can be made with the exhibitor via a digital business card or via matchmaking.

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Insights and interaction in Live Web Sessions Exhibitors have the opportunity to interact with the community in Live Web Sessions and present their agenda on relevant content to a broad audience. Visitors can get an up-to-date overview of the various presentations in the event database, where they can filter by event slots or topics, for instance. Exciting content can be expected, such as the potential of digital printing applications and automated workflows, innovations in flexo and inkjet printing as well as sustainable packaging solutions. The virtual.drupa Event Partners will also make major contributions to this: Leonhard Kurz, DuPont de Nemours, efi, Kodak, Komori, BlueCrest, CloudLab, Fujifilm, Hybrid Software, Koenig & Bauer, Mimaki, OQChemicals and Xeikon. All Live Web Sessions will also be available later on demand in a video library to make the content accessible to visitors who cannot attend live due to time differences. Exhibitors provide outlooks on industry-relevant topics Visitors already have the opportunity to take a look at the current exhibitor profiles and orient themselves for virtual.drupa. Together, the companies represent the diversity of the industry in their online showrooms and web sessions. “DuPont will present the latest innovations for the Cyrel® Solutions flexographic systems and Artistri® Digital Inks for textile and industrial applications, in the online showroom and during interactive Live Web Sessions,” reports Sam Ponzo, Vice President, Industrial Solutions at DuPont de Nemours. “Fujifilm will present new innovative products in both conventional and digital processes,” reveals Hiroaki Shimosaka, General Manager Graphic Systems Business Div. at Fujifilm Corporation. “In addition, with our innovative products we demonstrate our commitment to the graphic arts industry and prove that we are a long-standing partner for our global customers.” And Filip Weymans, Vice President Marketing at Xeikon shares: “We will be demonstrating mainly applications that involve digital print manufacturing – not just solutions for digital printing but solutions that fit in a manufacturing process and can be connected in a lot of other steps in a manufacturing process. That is how you achieve flexibility. That is how you address the questions and challenges that lie ahead of you and your business.” Participants get a continuous overview of the development of the exhibitors and their presentation programmes. The event currently has 170 exhibitors from 30 countries and 13 virtual.drupa Event Partners in the Platinum, Gold and Silver categories. For all other virtual.drupa offers, free registration is required at https://virtual.drupa.com/en/Registration

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Elvem cutting-edge technology for the contemporary global market

Elvem is increasingly focused on offering high-performance low-energy consumption products that translate into savings for companies and lower environmental impact

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n the 1950s, Luciano Baron founded EBL – Elettromeccanica Baron Luciano – a company specialized in the design and manufacture of electric motors. After EBL had become a recognized company, in the late sixties, in Bassano del Grappa, 70 km from Venice (Italy), Luciano Baron gave life to Elvem Electric Motors. Elvem has established itself in the electric motor market in Italy and in more than 40 countries worldwide. The second generation leads the company with a particular focus on technological innovation and development. Thanks to the stock of almost 100,000 finished motors (including electric motors with IE4 energy efficiency, Permanent Magnets, NEMA and Medium Voltage), parts and semi-finished products, Elvem guarantees an excellent service to every industry in which electric motors are used. The plastics and rubber processing industry has always been an important market for Elvem, particularly for cast iron motors. These motors are used especially where there is a need to reach high powers. This results in high energy consumption and, consequently, an important cost for companies. In order to reduce energy consumption and to safeguard

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the environment, the regulation of the European Commission “EU 2019/1781” stipulates that as of July 1, 2021, all asynchronous threephase electric motors with power from 0.75kW to 1000kW (with 2, 4, 6 and 8 poles, except for “Ex eb” increased safety motors and single-phase motors), have a minimum level of energy efficiency IE3. Elvem has long been able to provide the full range provided by the IE3 energy efficiency regulation, and it is also ready to meet the needs of customers most sensitive to efficiency and energy saving issues, thanks to IE4 series motors whose installation will be compulsory from July 1, 2023, for three-phase motors with rated power from 75kW to 200kW, with 2, 4 or 6 poles. Due to the high performance and low energy consumption that characterize its products, Elvem noticed a considerable interest of the plastic industry in its line of PM Permanent Magnet motors. The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PM) is the result of an innovative development in electric motor technology that combines the high-precision speed regulation typical of synchronous motor with the simple and sturdy design of a squirrelcage asynchronous motor. From a mechanical viewpoint, the PM motor is similar to the traditional induction asynchronous motor. However, in terms of performance it outputs superior results. With the same sizes of that of a standard asynchronous motor, it can achieve greater

powers and high efficiency, resulting in a reduction in overall dimensions and weight, elements that are critical for some applications. The IE4+ efficiency of Elvem permanent magnet motors allows achieving considerable energy savings. PM motors are controlled by an inverter that constantly monitors the power. Elvem can supply turnkey packages: PM motor plus separate or built-in inverter. For asynchronous motors, Elvem also offers solutions with builtin inverter that allow you to remotely monitor and program the same, with the support of Elvem’s technical staff. Elvem is increasingly focused on offering high-performance lowenergy consumption products that translate into savings for companies and lower environmental impact. At the same time, the company has been very attentive to the design of the casings, with an aim to meet the most modern trends in terms of compactness, handling and heat dissipation. The motors are tested in cutting-edge test rooms, using specific certifications to ensure unique solutions, suitable for operation under extreme environmental conditions, in areas subject to high risks, and in special work situations. To offer clients an efficient, fast and personalized service has been Elvem’s driving philosophy since the beginning, combining every day the expertise typical of Italian manufacturing with a company able to provide a dynamic and flexible response to the contemporary global market.

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

SMI: When the container becomes competition The continuous investments in Research & Development have led to the production of even more compact, economic, and eco-friendly machines, such as the EBS 3 K ERGON for the stretch-blow moulding of 0,32 L, 0,41 L and 0,5 L PET containers installed at Tsumagoi Meisui Co. Ltd. in Japan

MI designs and manufactures bottling plants and packaging machines with an innovative design, equipped with IoT technology, providing to its customers, located all over the world, with smart solutions, able to meet their requirements in terms of competitiveness, production efficiency, operational flexibility, energy saving, easy management, and monitoring of the whole production process.

Plastics

The continuous investments in Research & Development have led to the production of even more compact, economic, and ecofriendly machines, such as the EBS 3 K ERGON for the stretch-blow moulding of 0,32 L, 0,41 L and 0,5 L PET containers installed at Tsumagoi Meisui Co. Ltd. in Japan. Invest to be more prompt The strong growth of the bottled water market in Japan, has made it necessary for Tsumagoi Meisui to expand. In July 2018, to be able to

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face an increase in production, the need to reduce delivery time for the water in PET bottles under the brand Tsumagoi and Ok-Karauizawa, the Japanese company invested in a new EBS K ERGON stretchblow moulder. This new installation, supplied by SMI, was installed in the existing factory in the town of Tsumagoi, District of Agatsuma (Prefecture of Gunma), and it was designated for the production of water and is equipped with the most modern technology within this sector. Invest to be more efficient Increasing storage capacity and reducing distribution costs, are the presuppositions for increasing production, efficiency within a bottling plant. The third plant belonging to the Japanese company, Tsumagoi Meisui, inaugurated in December 2018 and inside which the new EBS 3 K ERGON stretch-blow moulder supplied by SMI was installed, was built with the aim to store products coming from the other production lines in the other two plants. However, various reasons, such as the strong growth of the request from the Japanese market for bottled water and the necessity to upgrade the production structure, pushed the company into also investing in a new bottling line. The production volume of the

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER existing line was around 120,000 cases per month, and now thanks to the new SMI machinery, which was recently installed, they will be able to reach a capacity of 150,000 cases/month. The storage capacity of this third plant, will not only allow Tsumagoi Meisui to store up to 20 days of production, it will also reduce logistic costs by around 6%, by eliminating storage and transport costs between the five warehouses they had previously rented. SMI solutions for Tsumagoi Before being installed at the Tsumagoi plant, the new EBS 3 K ERGON stretch-blow moulder was presented to the Japanese “food & beverage” market during the important Drink Japan 2018 exhibition, held in Tokyo in June. Functions: stretch-blow moulding of 0,32 L and 0,5 L bottles in PET with a square base and 0.41 L and 0.5 L cylindrical bottles with a production capacity of up to 6,000 bottles/hour. Main advantages: • high efficiency rotary stretch-blow moulder equipped with motorised stretch rods (usually used for high speed production), which presents outstanding advantages compared to linear blowers and guarantees the precise management of the stretch rod cycle and accurate control of their position, as well as having significant energy saving • ultra-compact system: the preform heating section (oven) is integrated within the stretch-blow moulding section (carousel) in a single very compact module, which makes

this system suitable even for bottling lines with reduced space. • reduced blower energy consumption, thanks to the preform heating module, equipped with high efficiency IR lamps and the stretch blow-moulding module equipped with air dual recovery system that allows the reduction of energy costs tied to the production of high pressure compressed air

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• the structure, that surrounds the oven and the carousel is equipped with slightly rounded protection doors, which provide more space inside the machine so that cleaning and maintenance can be carried out easily and safely • the stretch-blow moulding system uses high performance low deadvolume valves, that reduce pre-blowing and blowing times, therefore improving efficiency and the quality of the bottles produced • the machinery is managed by the MotorNet System® for automation and control, which ensures constant maintenance of optimum processing parameters, throughout the entire production cycle and the direct modification of the machine settings, thereby simplifying format changeover operations. When the container becomes competition Over the last few years, the ruthless competition between companies in the mineral water sector has increasingly evolved around the price of the product, that needs to be low but high quality for consumers, therefore to be able to maintain or increase their share of the market, bottling companies need to develop innovative solutions that are able to reduce production, running and distribution costs. All this requires careful analysis of the characteristics and performance of the bottles in PET that are used,

Plastics

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

analysis that persuaded the Japanese company Tsumagoi Meisui to create new containers that optimise the combination between the volume of the bottle blown by the SMI rotary stretch-blow moulder EBS K ERGON and the number of bottles contained in the cardboard box. Among the best formats, to reduce storage and distribution costs, Tsumagoi Meisui chose 0.32 L and 0.5 L square based bottles in PET and 0.41 L. and 0.5 L. cylindrical bottles. SMI designs and manufactures bottling plants and packaging machines with an innovative design, equipped with IoT technology, providing thousands of customers from more than 130 countries with smart solutions, able to meet their requirements in terms of competitiveness, production efficiency, operational flexibility, energy saving, easy management and monitoring of the whole production process. The latest developments and the continuous investments in Research & Development have led to the production of even more compact, economic and eco-friendly machines, able to meet production requirements up to 36,800 bottles/hour.

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Enhancing progress & individual strength Tovo Gomma, a solid corporate structure that stands out in the world’s marketplace, from automotive and food, from petrochemicals to construction

ovo Gomma SpA, characterized by a solid and stable corporate structure with a family character, has been operating in the elastomers sector since 1973 and is specialized in the design and production of rubber compounds, vulcanized sheets and foam for the most varied industrial

Plastics

sectors, from automotive to food, from petrochemicals to construction, in Europe and in the world. The productions of Tovo Gomma are divided into three sectors: black and coloured compounds based on the following elastomers: NBR, SBR, EPM / EPDM, CR, NR, IR, IIR, B / CIIR, BR, CSM and HNBR; vulcanized sheets, black and coloured, produced not only with the here above mentioned elastomers but also with FKM and VMQ; foam products, based on EPDM, CR, PE and PVC, supplied in sheets, rolls and profiles (with or without self-adhesive). The mixing plants are completely controlled by PLC, the dosages take place automatically on dedicated plants and the materials are managed to guarantee their traceability. The mixing and dosing lines of the small ingredients are duplicated and redundant, in order

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to ensure production continuity in all circumstances. For the production of sheets, Tovo Gomma has systems for continuous vulcanization and machines for compression moulding. Tovo Gomma is able to supply filtered compounds in continuous strips. Each compound is checked according to a specific control plan, weighed and adequately stored in warehouse waiting to be shipped, when necessary also in a special airconditioned room. The strengths that characterize Tovo Gomma are the completeness of the range of solutions available, the ability to design and fine-tune products for specific applications, production flexibility and efficiency in all process phases. Tovo Gomma staff, led by a qualified and experienced managerial structure, has a technological laboratory with the most recent and complete equipment for the development and quality control of compounds and sheets according to the most varied customers’ requirements and for the study and introduction of new raw materials. Tovo Gomma bases its actions on the centrality of the human being, the enhancement of work in safety as a tool for personal growth and progress of the society, the development of the principles of individual responsibility and competence and sustainable development for the protection of the environment. The company is ISO 9001: 2015 certified and has adopted an Organizational Model in compliance with Legislative Decree D. Lgs. 231/01.

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Fakuma 2021: Future Issues As an industry and technology barometer, Fakuma is traditionally the world’s leading trade fair for injection moulding and the first port of call where innovations covering all aspects of materials, machines, peripherals, processes and simulation are concerned

n addition to the digital transformation, shifting from a linear to a circular economy is also a key issue for the plastics processing industry. And this is why the 27th Fakuma international trade fair for plastics processing, which will be held in Friedrichshafen from 12 to 16 October 2021, is generating special interest. Fakuma is widely recognised as the number one event for injection moulding, extrusion technology, thermoforming and 3D printing. German plastics processors are in pole position because they’re facing up to the challenges resulting from change at various levels. And thus Fakuma will be an exceptional trade fair experience with forward-looking issues and sustainable solutions. The digital transformation is pressing ahead at full bore – thanks to increasing digitalisation and automation, companies are optimising processes, increasing equipment availability and improving productivity, all of which ultimately secures future viability. The shift from a linear to a circular economy is also highly challenge and by no means trivial: plastics recycling is not just a buzzword – on the contrary, it’s generating opportunities and markets worldwide. Key issues for plastics processors include the recyclability of their own products on the one hand, as well as the use of recycled materials on the other. Performance, quality and hygiene requirements must be fulfilled in equal measure in this regard. At the same time, the industry

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is struggling in many areas with a lopsided, negative image. Julia Große-Wilde, Managing Director of the German Association of Plastics Converters (GKV) clarifies: “We can’t do without plastics if we want to achieve our climate goals – on the contrary, they’re important to this end!” Industry Issues: Carbon Footprint, Sustainability, Recycling The primary reason for the negative image is worldwide discharge of waste into the environment. As the voice of the industry and its intermediary, the GKV is thus increasingly engaging in dialogue and education, because as Julia Große-Wilde points out, there can be no doubt that plastics also have ecological advantages: “The companies themselves have a vested interest in making their products fit for the future. Minimising and recycling production waste don’t just make good ecological sense, they’re economically meaningful objectives as well. Furthermore, the end of the respective product’s service life is being taken into consideration to an ever greater extent during the product design phase,” explains the managing director of the GKV. She observes that the protective function of packaging is rarely perceived or appreciated. “Packaging contributes a great deal to making consumption more sustainable. Spoiled food which ends up in the bin instead of on our dinner plates

is more harmful to the climate than the production of the required packaging. In fact, however, we need to ensure that plastics play a more significant role within the flow of materials by means of design for recycling, consistent collection and sorting, as well as continuous further development where recycling and the use of recyclates are concerned. This is the great challenge for our industry, as well as for our society.” Plastics are Indispensable and Important Products of the Future Lightweight design would be inconceivable without modern plastics, and it goes hand-in-hand with the efficient use of natural resources at various levels – in the automotive industry as well as in general machinery manufacturing and systems engineering. And thus Fakuma 2021 from 12 to 16 October will once again be the platform for everybody who’s anybody in the field of industrial plastics processing. New products and technologies will be presented and trending issues will be addressed at the event. As an industry and technology barometer, Fakuma is traditionally the world’s leading trade fair for injection moulding and the first port of call where innovations covering all aspects of materials, machines, peripherals, processes and simulation are concerned. Up through opening day for the on-site event, Fakuma-Virtual can be taken advantage of as a useful tool for exchanging technical ideas and experience.

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

Tecno System: extrusion lines, dies and calibrators for PVC window profiles Tecno System is one of the most important Italian producers concerning complete extrusion lines that meet most of the needs such as lines with different capacity (5 – 350 kg/h) and for a vast range of purposes in the field of extrusion of profiles

ne of the Tecno System most important businesses is the construction of extrusion dies and calibrators. The experience in PVC profile extrusion is very solid as well as design and construction of highquality equipment for the extrusion of profiles for window frames, roller shutters, panels, cable management ducts, gutters and rainwater pipes, etc., under the well-known brand “B-TEC”. The recent merging with subsidiary “B-TEC”, an operation of significant impact in the industry of the extrusion molds, allowed Tecno System strengthening its own presence in the main market of PVC window profiles, proposing stateof-the art systems with the aim of consolidating the trust relationship with the final clients. Tecno System develops and manufactures extrusion dies and calibrators for PVC window profiles in single and multiple strand versions, and for profiles with integral seals and multiple co-extrusion, making use of some of the mainly modern CAD/CNC technologies and 3D modelling software.

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These pieces of equipment are characterized by very highcost efficiency, easy installation, operation and unique ease of servicing. The use of non-corroding, hard wearing steel (> HRC 34) throughout guarantees a very long service life with productions of more than 6.000.000 meters of profile before overhaul and long cleaning intervals during continuous production, as the same as the stainless-steel calibrator basis (no aluminum, no plastics). Vacuumcooling tanks, with independent adjustments for water level and vacuum, have a unique design of the vacuum slots that guarantee perfect shape, better gloss and low shrinkage and very low hauloff forces. Reliable adjustment system for profile straightness matches with long term stability of die gap dimensions for trouble free operation; sectioned band heaters permit effective control of the melt flow in daily production; central web lining in dies ensures a greatly improved profile quality and dimensional accuracy of the inner webs of the profile and integrated guide pins for secure mounting and

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servicing. Other qualities for Tecno System equipment are prolonged dry calibrators with optimized cooling efficiency for high-speed extrusion (production speed up to 5 m/min for main frame profiles), hinge system with security device for operators safety and integrated closure system and minimal energy and water consumption. In addition, these skills also give, as a result, a high level of customer satisfaction, quality achieved by the final product, together with the renowned strength and durability of the tooling. One of the rising businesses are coextrusion technologies. The aim for PVC window profiles is to reduce the cost of the final product to oppose the ever-increasing price of the raw materials, press the global market using co-extrusion with the addition of less expensive additives or recycled plastic compounds. That technology involves the use of qualitatively superior raw materials for the external part of the profile, while cheaper materials are used to make the heart of the profile. Tecno System develops turnkey systems with conical twin extruders and coextruders in order to obtain this result. Tecno System also produces extruders and extrusion lines for different kind of profiles as pipes, technical profiles, building profiles,

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thermal break profiles with glass fiber, etc., as well as tubes made of thermoplastic materials such as PVC (soft and rigid), PP, PE, TPE, EVA, PU, PA, PPR with Glass Fiber (GF). Nonetheless extrusion lines for medical tubing made in PVC, TPU, PEBAX, etc., used in clean room environments. Such systems, as complete lines for the extrusion of thermoplastic profiles, are marketed with the “TPV Divisione Meccanica” brand, which has been a symbol throughout more than sixty years of history in the extrusion industry. Recently, Tecno System has been getting stronger and becoming a leader in innovative spiral hoses extrusion lines - 4.0 ready (DIGITS Extrusion lines) - composed by two extruders, one for U-PVC and one

Plastics

for the soft grade PVC. This high advanced technology extrusion line includes different strong points such as continuous marking of the tubes before they become spirals, fully automated cutting system, automatic tube ejection system, other than the fact that no operator is needed on the line during the process. Other flagship products are, without any doubts, the multilayer pipe extrusion lines, 3 layers or 5 layers, complete with OD control, inkjet printer, and a final coiler. An example is the multilayer process with glass fiber that improves

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the material properties such as dimensional stability, traction, compression and bending. As well as constructing extrusion lines with tools, Tecno System has also the ability to provide in-the-house technologies for mechanical processing of profiles, customer tailored solutions which represent a huge advantage. Its great experience in the field of mechanical machining systems of profiles (punching, etc.) allows developing integrated on-line and off-line solutions for extrusion lines which are strategic in the company’s market policy. The main features of Tecno System are: the special attention paid to energy savings, through innovative solutions adopted - for instance on extruders and calibration tables; the ability to tailor the base units to the client’s requirements; quality and durability of the products throughout time (for instance, for molds its only use a top quality stainless steel produced in Europe); high performance. Last but not least, all Tecno System’s products are designed, manufactured and tested in the plant of Consandolo (Ferrara), in Italy, in full compliance with the European standards in force and applying strict process quality standards.

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

A strong commitment to sustainability Sirmax factory in Poland (Kutno 2) for Xelter production (TPE)

SIRMAX GROUP confirm investments in sustainability: new circular and bio compounds enters in the products portfolio

peed and flexibility in meeting customer needs as well as a strong commitment to sustainability are distinctive features of Sirmax, a company that is rapidly gaining market share thanks to investments in new products and processes. The company, headquartered in Cittadella (Padua), is a global leader in plastic compounding for applications in automotive, home appliances, power tools, electrical and electronics, building and construction, furniture. The group, with a turnover of 300 million euros, has 700 employees in 13 plants worldwide (Italy, Poland, Brazil, India and the United States). Among its customers, there are important brands such as Whirlpool, Bosch-Siemens, Electrolux, Kärcher,

Philips, De Longhi, Honeywell, ABB, Technogym, Stellantis, Volkswagen Group and Daimler. Despite the pandemic affected the industry as rarely seen before, the company has confirmed investments in the circular economy focusing on the increase of production capacity in EU and US, the development of new products such as new grades of biocompound / post-consumer polymers and new molding techniques. “The circular economy is growing fast – Sirmax Group’s president and

Inside Kutno 2 factory, with processing phases

CEO Massimo Pavin explains – and we think that being sustainable is no longer a choice, it is a duty. For this reason, combining our business objectives with a sustainable development model is a fundamental part of Sirmax group’s mission. Today, Sirmax applies sustainability principles throughout the value chain: in partnerships with suppliers, in the manufacturing of sustainable products, in the development of new moulding techniques and processing”. These investments have contributed to the results of Sirmax in 2020 marked by a robust volume growth compared to previous year (+5%). With regard to the green portfolio, the consolidation of Sirmax in the Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) business is also remarkable. TPE

Headquarters in Cittadella, Padua

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

CEO and President Massimo Pavin during the opening of the Kutno plant in Poland

in fact, naturally green because 100% recyclable, are a viable and sustainable alternative to the vulcanized rubber in the realization of flexible/elastic high-performing items for many applications. Following the opening of the polish Factory in Kutno in 2019, dedicated to the Xelter® (a wide range of thermoplastic elastomers) and Xelter green® from post-industrial waste, all product families are now perfectly industrialized.

Factory in Salsomaggiore Terme for the circular economy

Sirmax Group R&D workshops in Cittadella, Padua

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As regards of Xelter® Bio, a “hybrid” TPE TPZ-(SEBS+Bio-TPU) that offers some bio-based grades Xelter® TPE division’s commercial director Stefano Capurro states: “Xelter® Bio is an excellent product that could be used either as a component overmoulded on engineering plastics or where a resistance to scratches and usage superior to standards TPS-(SEBS) is required. The significant investment in production lines and laboratories’ tools allows us to develop specific high-performing grades and product families, to meet the increasingly stringent demands of a rapidly-evolving market”. The TPE business unit of Sirmax is also working on rubber replacement with more sustainable alternatives and the R&D is already developing highly customized solutions.

Plastics

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

Customized solutions for excellent performance

Experience and technological know-how enable Tecmes to propose state-ofthe-art solutions that always fully meet customers’ requirements

ssembly lines for plastic caps Tecmes team is dedicated to producing customized lines, based on customers’ needs and requirements. Why choose Tecmes assembly lines? First of all, they are reliable due to typical mechanical machines. Tecmes guarantees excellent after-sales service, remote assistance, and specific training for operators. All Tecmes lines are EC certified. Tecmes also builds lines with UL and CSA certifications for the American market. Because they are accessible and easy to use The linear arms mounted in the center of the rotative machine or linear conveyor belt, allow the operator a wide accessibility to the machine. Simplified machine interfaces, PLC software configuration and HMI, ensure an easy use. Why are they reliable and fast? Rigidity of the structure and know-how of construction materials allow Tecmes to have a centesimal error repeatability. Tecmes lines are characterized by operating speed of high standards which then translate into high productivity. How is born a Tecmes line? Based our 40 years’ experience the company has created the Tecmes Method: a clear and easy step by step process that will allow customers to have a customized solution

Palletizer Every company managing product handling by pallets is the candidate for automatic equipment. A reliable automation process with several benefits: • Fully automatic, no manual intervention by the operator • Easy to use, HMI with 3D graphics of the system • Continuous pallet loading by the operator in total safety • Configurable with semi-finished product depalletizing • Programmable speeds according to the process • Product expulsion on request at any time • Emptying function • Wide range of cartons and trays dimensions • Customized pallet and boxes autonomies • Possible integration with automatic taping machine • Cost and time reduction • No pallet composition errors

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Every company that manages product handling by pallets is the candidate for automatic equipment

WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

Binova compounding and recycling: 2006 – 2021

15 years of achievements and approvals Flexibility and willpower have allowed Binova to stand out in international markets, to compete with wellknown competitors and deliver breakthrough solutions

inova was founded in 2006 and springs up taking immediate advantage from the many years’ experience, developed in the field of the plastic materials extrusion, of its Chief Executive Luigi Maria Borzoni and the associated company Tecnova, who involve in their project a team of employees of great capacity and skills. For almost 5 years, Binova has gained a full strategic autonomy, financial and industrial, in order to face present and future challenges with a strong responsibility in the decision making and in full control of its development process. Main trait has always been the capability to develop plants studied on purpose to satisfy the customer’s exigencies. The flexibility and the persistent willpower of innovation allowed Binova to compete and counteract competitors famous all over the world with consolidated structures. The first big project that Binova faced is dated 2008, when an important French company purchased a 4,000 kg/h recycling and compounding

Plastics

plant for polypropylene. The same customer, during these last ten years, committed to Binova the revamping of an existing single screw plant and the manufacture of other two for 1,500 kg/h of production (the latest delivered end 2015). This is only one of the proofs that, once a customer meets Binova, does not find a simple plant manufacturer but even a partner always available to examine the most suitable solutions to improve and enhance his production potentiality and the quality of the material produced. Another strong point of the company is the efficient after sales service that gives the customer the possibility to benefit of a wide availability of spare parts in case of need and a focused technical assistance. In addition, all the plants manufactured in the last eight years are equipped with an Ethernet connection that enables the possibility to control, and eventually correct, remotely, the productive process of the plant. The most recent projects put in evidence once again, the willing of the company to effort the market and its trends, with more and more advanced solutions, such as: • A plant for an important French customer, for the recycling and compound of ABS and PS scraps with the use of a 92-48 L/D co-rotating twin-screw extruder, equipped with continuous double filtration, for the production of high-quality pellets. The plant can reach an hourly production of about 1200 kg, based on the characteristics of the processed material. • A plant for the compound of scraps of polypropylene, polyethylene

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and polystyrene, with a production capability of 1500 kg/h, equipped with co-rotating twin screw extruder EBB92/44LD and compactor, installed by an important Spanish company that, after having considered any possible alternative available on the market, chose Binova as partner for this investment. The company was supported by the consultancy of an important research and development foundation, qualified in the analysis of products and processes and their technical and economical feasibility. Binova will celebrate its fifteenths year of activity being proud of having acquired an important order backlog, and to have in deal at least three important and exclusive projects that will hopefully become concrete within the end of this year.

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Bruno Folcieri: 75 years of innovation Quality, construction sturdiness and reliability distinguish the production of the Italian company that exports its granulators all over the world

ounded in 1946, the Bruno Folcieri company today occupies an important position in the international panorama of manufacturers of plastic granulation machines. A 75-years long history that has seen the succession of three generations of the Folcieri family and which today commits Esmeralda together with her father Ezio Zoppi to lead the company.

Plastics

The company operates 65-70% outside national borders. In Europe it is present in a widespread manner and the overseas gaze is focused on America, where there is a strong interest because it is an emerging market in terms of recycling. South America is an equally interesting commercial outlet, where there are important realities. Bruno Folcieri also reaches Asia, a rapidly expanding market. The growth path is unstoppable and marked by important milestones that have seen the Italian company become one of the reference companies in the plastics sector, establishing itself as an important industrial reality in the development, design and construction of systems for the grinding of plastic waste deriving for post-industrial and postconsumer use. The Bruno Folcieri’s market offer consists of three main ranges: TOP, HF and EASY POWER, whose model 2.000, represents the flagship of Bruno Folcieri production. It is the largest machine in the range, weighing 32 tons, and offers important performance. The weight denotes its significant

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structural strength and the ability to withstand production efforts. While the internal casing coating in interchangeable manganese steel plates is effective in resisting the abrasiveness of certain materials and contaminants. TOP and TOP WET Granulators with a high production capacity suitable for particularly intensive applications, such as the grinding of heavy lumps, hard fibers, extremely thin films or simply large quantities of material. The great versatility in grinding operations allows for the management of a very wide range of plastic materials in terms of type and configuration. The machines in this series stand out due to their highly sturdy and heavy-duty construction, whose main feature is the rotor made from a solid forged monoblock without welding. Another unique feature is the interchangeability of many of the components which are subject to wear over time, such as the rotor blade holders and the cutting chamber protection plates. These machines are also available in the WET water version.

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EASY POWER and EASY POWER WET The EASY POWER is the largest capacity granulator built for the most rigorous conditions. It is suitable for tough, abrasive or contaminated materials that can cause high wear. The major feature is the heavy steel construction and the rotor, made from a solid block of hardened steel forged without any welding, as proof of extreme solidity, strength and resistance. Most machine components are interchangeable, such as the rotor blade holders, blade locking wedges and wear-resistant steel protection plates of the cutting chamber, which ensures maximum machine efficiency and duration over time. In addition, the complete opening of the feed hopper and special conformation of the cutting chamber allow for easy access to the heart of the machine, for maintenance purposes. Also available in the EASY POWER WET.

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HF One-step grinding system specific for pipes and profiles of large diameter and high thickness without the need for pre-shredding. It is possible to continuously grind smooth and corrugated pipes in HDPE, PP and RIGID PVC up to a maximum length of 6m. These are highly robust granulators with rotor diameter from 830 up to 1930mm. The system consists of a loading box with hydraulic closing for loading the tubes which automatically pours them directly into the loading hopper of the mill. In this, a material pusher acts by advancing the tube towards the grinding chamber. The advancement is controlled according to the load ensuring optimal use of the machine. The entire grinding process is extremely safe because it is completely automated and does not require operator intervention. All machines can be integrated into 4.0 industrial processes.

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Bruno Folcieri is actively involved in the scenario of industry 4.0 with systems that make machines “intelligent communicating entities” even remotely. In integration with the it and itc world. The remote assistance service allows interventions on the configuration of the control system, through a company tpc / ip network connection and an internet connection. The features common to the ranges • suitable for intensive and highcapacity operations • versatility of grinding • quality and reliability • high productivity • long-term durability • highly robust • oversized mechanics • constructed with top-quality materials and 100% made in italy • high safety standards • custom-made configuration • remarkably easy to maintain • wide range of models

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A small company for a big quality: Underwater and Water Ring pelletizers To actively promote the importance of plastics recycling, Filtec - and three Italian companies - has created the project “Are You R” (www.areyour.org/en), a programme that aims to increase public awareness of the environment and the knowledge of the benefits associated to plastic material recycling

ounded in 1993 Filtec is an Italian company specialized in the creation of customized polymers cutting systems. Filtec is widely known for the Water Ring and the Underwater pelletizers. With these systems it is possible to cut every kind of polymers, even the most critical ones. The Water Ring Pelletizer GRO type allows a safe and easy pelletizing

process for a wide range of polymers such as LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, EVA, PS, SAN, ABS, SB, PMMA, TPR, TPU, PC, TR, PVC and Polycarbonate from 20 to more than 3000 Kg/h. The best performances are there when these materials have low fluidity index or are filled with inert minerals, pigments, or others. The Underwater Pelletizer UW type is a versatile machine, good also for highfluidity polymers. This system is ideal also for micro-pellets production and it allows to obtain a homogeneous product without agglomerates. In addition to the above-mentioned materials pelletized by the Water Ring Pelletizer, the Underwater Pelletizers can easily pelletize compound based on PBT, PET, TPR, TPU, SBS, SEBS, PA6 and 6.6 from 30 to more than 5.000 kg/h.

Filtec products range also includes water filters, screen changers, vertical and horizontal centrifuges and vented vibrating screens. To learn more about products and services, visit the website www.filtec.it Filtec at the time of Coronavirus As others, over the last months Filtec has been facing great challenges: everywhere COVID-19 has had a big impact. Mindful of its abilities and responsibilities, this company has worked hard to provide an efficient and prompt service to its customers. During these months Filtec faced with the proof that a problem can be a good opportunity, opening new way to proceed. This company, even if of limited dimensions, never stopped working from home. Despite the situation Filtec has improved its internal procedures with new instruments and management software. Indeed, the company has adopted an integrated CRM, useful for a better organisation of both sales and purchasing. The technical department has acquired a new PDM, that connects the product code to the relevant experience in the creation of 3D design. The importance of recycling: Filtec plays an active role In this particular time of Coronavirus, Filtec has never forgotten the worldwide cause related to plastics

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recycling and circular economy. The current hygiene conditions show that more single-use plastics are required. As result, plastic waste is increasing as well as the necessity to reuse and recover it. A very common method used, is the mechanical recycling, that refers to those operations that aim to recover plastics waste via mechanical processes. Through mechanical recycling, it is possible to process the plastics waste into secondary raw materials or products without significantly changing the chemical structure of the material. Part of Filtec business is indeed represented by the creation and production of machines involved in recycling processes. The high demand for Filtec centrifuges, shows the increasing importance given to recycling. This product can be used both in washing and drying plants and it allows a fast cleaning and quality drying of pellets, flakes or chips. The centrifuge can also be supplied with different features, like for example the rotor lifting system: in that way the cleaning of the lower part inside the structure will be easier; or the washing system of the external part of the basket water-pellets separation: thanks to a system of pipes with nozzles the basket has kept clean and other utilities. Filtec can customize the machine in relation to the result that the customer is looking for. In order to actively promote the importance of plastics recycling, Filtec together with three Italian companies, has decided to create the project “Are You R” ( www.areyour. org/en ). The letter R stands for recycle, reuse, reduce and all those words related to the world of plastic recycling. Indeed, this programme aims to increase public awareness of the environment and the knowledge of the benefits associated to the recycling of plastic materials. By talking every day about the re-use of materials from multiple perspectives, Are You R has become a reference point for tens of thousands of people that every day exchange views with a common denominator: the willingness to play an active role in environmental sustainability. Filtec recycles and you? Make your right choice.

Filtec will exhibit at:

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Plastics

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

PolyREC created to report on Europe’s Plastics Circularity PolyREC comes at a time where monitoring polymers circularity is paramount, especially in the context of the Circular Plastics Alliance

etcore Europe®, PlasticsEurope®, Plastics Recyclers Europe®, and VinylPlus® have mutually agreed to join forces to form the organisation PolyRECÔ. PolyREC will monitor, verify, and report their plastics recycling and uptake data in Europe. This will be achieved by using a common data collection system – RecoTraceÔ. PolyREC will ensure traceability, transparency, and trust in recycled materials along the entire plastics value chain. PolyREC will use VinylPlus’ 20 years’ experience and expertise that it has in becoming the industry standard for collecting credible and reliable recycling data via its data collection vehicle Recovinyl®. VinylPlus’ Managing Director Brigitte Dero says “circularity of plastics is a key opportunity to enhance plastics products sustainability. The European PVC industry, through VinylPlus, has learnt the importance of monitoring and progress reporting. We are therefore pleased to share this long-time experience and work collaboratively with all plastic industry sectors to raise traceability and transparency in recycled plastics along the entire plastics value chain.” PolyREC comes at a time where monitoring polymers circularity is paramount, especially in the context of the Circular Plastics Alliance (CPA). This system will be able to fulfil the CPA objectives, legislative traceability demands, and industry wide plastic recycling pledges. PRE’s President, Ton Emans, elaborated by saying that “setting up mechanisms that evidence progress in driving plastic circularity in a transparent manner is a must if we are to meet the EU targets”. Emans continued that “today’s announcement by the plastics value chain covering recyclers, raw material producers, and converters is a significant step towards a credible and systemic approach to genuinely improve plastic production, collection, and recycling. This mutual approach to data collection is indispensable to measure the industry’s advancement while using the same yardstick”. Petcore Europe’s Managing Director Christian Crépet announced that as “Petcore Europe has been pioneering the monitoring of PET recycling in Europe since the 1990’s, its participation into a joint monitoring recycled plastics scheme for the EU is both timely and logical”. “We are very pleased to join forces with key plastic value chain partners in setting up this unique cross-

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polymer monitoring system while benefiting from the longstanding and proven Recovinyl system. Capitalising on our solid experience in providing key figures of the European plastic industry, we see this as a key milestone in our journey towards circular plastics.”, added Virginia Janssens, PlasticsEurope Managing Director. Interested organisations are welcome to join this initiative. Petcore Europe® Petcore Europe is the PET Value Chain association that promotes PET circularity. With more than 100 members, Petcore Europe is active in bottles, thermoforms, monomer recycling, deposit, reuse etc. with its Working Groups, where members have a very active role. Petcore Europe has also a Tray Recycling Evaluation Platform and is one of the founding members of the European Pet Bottle Platform that both establish recycling guidelines and evaluate recyclability of thermoforms and bottles. www.petcore-europe.org PlasticsEurope® PlasticsEurope is the pan-European association of plastics manufacturers with offices across Europe. For over 100 years, science and innovation has been the DNA that cuts across our industry. With close to 100 members producing over 90% of all polymers across Europe, we are the catalyst for the industry with a responsibility to openly engage with stakeholders and deliver solutions which are safe, circular and sustainable. We are committed to implementing long-lasting positive change. www.plasticseurope.org Plastics Recyclers Europe® Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) is an organization representing the voice of the European plastics recyclers who reprocess plastic waste into high-quality material destined for the production of new articles. Recyclers are important facilitators of the circularity of plastics and the transition towards the circular economy. Plastics recycling in Europe is a rapidly growing sector representing over €3 billion in turnover, 8.5 million tonnes of installed recycling capacity, 600 companies and over 20.000 employees. www.plasticsrecyclers.eu VinylPlus® VinylPlus is the Voluntary Commitment to sustainable development of the European PVC industry. The VinylPlus programme was developed through open dialogue with stakeholders, including industry, NGOs, regulators, civil society representatives and PVC users. Its regional scope is the EU 27 plus Norway, Switzerland and the UK. VinylPlus is registered as a SMART partnership on the United Nations Partnerships for Sustainable Development Goals Platform. www.vinylplus.eu

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AIRFLASH® compressed air cannons Barra Project International produces and proposes AIRFLASH® the system for silos cleaning and contamination risk reduction

ilos and hoppers are typically used for the storage of different types of materials, from food to aggregates (feed, cereals, grains, industrial powders, gypsum, cement, fly ash, clinker, pharmaceutical products, wood chips, metal and plastic fibers, etc.). Cleaning the silos is essential to maximize storage efficiency and to avoid the aging of stored materials. By silo cleaning, we mean the containment of the risk of material compaction and encrustation and the regular emptying of the silo contents: the regular flow of material from the storage facilities is essential to guarantee the continuity of the production chain and the good quality and conservation of the product.

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The material is supplied from the top of the silo and extracted from its bottom according to a “first-in firstout” loading logic; this means that the “older” material must be the first to be extracted and this is essential to avoid contamination and/or deteriorations. This operating logic is feasible only if the regular product outflow and the periodic cleaning of the silo are guaranteed. This is possible by preventing phenomena of bridging (formation of bridges that block the escape of material from the silo) and of rat holing (compactions of material around the silo unloading mouth and along the walls). Rat holing in particular, in addition to reducing the storage capacity of the structures, compromises the quality of the material (in the dead zones the product stagnates and ages): the new material immediately comes into contact with the old, becoming contaminated and polluted. This irreparably compromises the quality of the entire contents of the silo. Operational management risks must also be taken into account: due to deterioration, some materials can in fact generate dangerous gases. The cleaning system produced and proposed by Barra Project International Srl are the AIRFLASH® compressed air cannons. Extensively tested and proven efficient system, the compressed air cannon is an energy accumulator consisting

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of a quick exhaust valve (firing head) and a tank for storing the compressed gas. The operation of the cannon is simple, but extremely effective: the cannon generates a shock wave that is instantly released inside the clogged storage structure: the impact breaks up bridges, compactions and encrustations. The cannon also performs a preventive action on the formation of clogging and promotes the natural flow of material: the periodic injections of compressed air keep the material constantly moved.

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The strength of AIRFLASH® cannons, unlike traditional vibrators, is that the cannon has a direct fluidifying action on the material; this means that AIRFLASH® avoids the fatigue stresses on the structures thus extending their useful life (vibrators, on the other hand, can cause structural damage and can contribute to the compaction of materials, especially if they are fine-grained, worsening the blocking conditions of the silo). AIRFLASH® cannons have a modular structure that allows a high degree of customization and optimization of spare parts warehouse management. Specific silencing measures make AIRFLASH® applicable also nearby residential areas. The AIRFLASH® range includes tanks from 0,5Lt up to 150Lt with a maximum operating pressure of 10bar; application temperatures from -10°C to +100°C. Main advantages of AIRFLASH®: a) continuous handling of the material and cleaning action of the structures: thus, avoiding the creation of dead zones where the material is at risk of deterioration for long parking periods and avoiding sudden landslides of product piles that can damage the internal structure of the silo b) optimization of the storage capacity of the structure c) reduction/cancellation of production slowdowns and plant shutdowns caused by the clogging of storage facilities d) avoids the need for cleaning and/or manual unlocking of the silo to protect the safety of area operators: the cannon has a preventive action on the formation

of clogging and thus eliminates the need for risky extraordinary maintenance operations for unlocking and emptying of silos. Manual cleaning is dangerous (as well as obsolete): the personnel, lowered from above inside the structures by rope, is subjected, in the presence of rat holing, to the risk deriving from the fall of material from above and the presence of gas, while in the presence of bridging phenomena, to the risk of dragging on the bottom once the bridge is broken. In case of bridging, also the manual release of the bottom of the silo from the outside is highly risky: the operator is in fact exposed to the sudden vertical fall of the material being unloaded from the structure.

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

When the leaders join, Automa by Magic comes to life Automa and Magic MP have joined forces to blend modernity and technology and create highly successful projects

veryone can recognise its name. The union of two historic names in the blow moulding world market, Automa and Magic MP, set up a new company almost three years ago. Automa by Magic was established in October 2018 and it is dedicated to the production of brand-new hydraulic extrusion blow-moulding machines either with continuous extrusion or accumulation technology. Over this period, the several customers’ requirements have led to a revenue that has considerably grown over these years followed by the doubling of company’s staff. Everything is evidently extraordinary for this new and young business venture. Automa by Magic is aimed at all those companies and operators faithful to tradition; therefore, its

Plastics

machines have been designed to be easy-to-use and their maintenance is within the reach of many. Automa by Magic products are made of high-quality materials and components, modern and reliable electronics combined with a simple and performing software. Its technology was born among a network of highly qualified and experienced manufacturers building modern systems that are 100% inhouse tested before proceeding with the delivery to the final customers

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and it lets this company always be ready to support them and to greatly contribute to the successful realisation of any kind of project. The new Automa by Magic machinery charismatically confirms the renowned solidity of the products that have always distinguished it in over forty years of activity. Automa by Magic means solidity combined with modernity and technology. More than 20 machines have already been produced. Case histories of this period include the manufacture of several different types of continuous extrusion machines, with single or double station, together with some accumulation head models with a clamping force up to 50 tons. The most specific productions record the use of resins as clarified PP, polycarbonate used for the production of 19 liters/5 gallons water containers and most common HDPE. Some systems have also been set up in COEX 3 version, to meet and comply with latest demands of sustainability and reduced environmental impact, by using recycled material (PCR) within layers of virgin. All this in multicavities, for high efficiency and productive capacity of very low weight containers. Automa by Magic keeps taking care also of all after-sales services such

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER as the supply of original spare parts, timely technical assistance to support end user’s maintenance team in any moment, EBM machines complete refurbishment and the installation of brandnew PLC systems designed by our skilled Engineers, complete with its own studied software, known as UNIKO 2.0®. UNIKO 2.0® is a functional solution, which can be customized and applied to any brand of extrusion blow moulding machine, either with continuous or alternate extrusion technology. Up today, more than 90 PLC retrofits have been carried out on several EBM machines worldwide. Experienced and skilled technicians also perform important revamping at Automa by Magic premises, enhancing old systems with more than adequate costs. This is how the old machines resume their productive life allowing the customer to obtain reliable productions and amortizing investments in a short time. If required, it is also possible to recertify systems that have been overhauled by Automa by Magic becoming EC marked again according to the Machinery Directive, since safety is the first component of in-house produced or overhauled machines. Automa by Magic takes advantage of a vast automatic warehouse in order to guarantee the availability of widely used spare parts. All mechanical parts are produced by various loyal local suppliers according to manufacturer’s original drawings and designs, to assure manufacturing and delivery times as quick and short as possible. In the course of last year, a historical period during which the entire world has been invaded by an unexpected pandemic emergency, there has been a sudden increase in requests for Automa by Magic brand-new machines, as well as machines refurbishing and new control systems updates to be carried out at customers’ premises, according to their requirements and specific needs. Automa by Magic has proactively and dynamically responded to this demands increase and successfully met all customer’s necessities and satisfaction in the short term.

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

FAP, Italian excellence for world foam industry “The best advertisement for FAP has always been the highquality innovative machinery, by means of which our customers can build the success of their own business” Luigi Poli, founder

nique solutions for top foam performances In the last 34 years, FAP has never stopped making a name for itself in high-technology solutions for the extrusion of non-cross-linked polyethylene and polypropylene foam materials, offering a complete “turnkey” project including custommade design, in-house assembly, training and production startup. A history of success Luigi Poli founded the company in 1987 and in a few years FAP has

Plastics

become one of the main European players in the production of complete twin-screw extrusion lines and converting machines for foam industry. Thanks to the concept of continuous improvement towards perfection FAP has reached high levels of performance, recognized by the market to be superior even to American and German technologies. Therefore, the leading producers of PE/PP foam materials have chosen solutions made in Italy. 2020 signaled a new era for FAP, Luigi’s sons Fabrizio and Francesco Poli have taken up the reins. Under their leadership, the company always continues to focus on synergy with its customers, with a view to innovation, providing the best technological custom-made solutions. Fabrizio Poli, the company’s CEO, announced some news: “2020 was a difficult year as I think for everyone, we have slowed down some projects. Despite everything that happened in the last period we are proud to share that we have foreseen important investments for the next three years in technological and innovative fields including the construction of own new production site. We want to give our clients and partners a fresh view and conception of energy and business growing. For this reason, we have recently restyled our logo and launched the updated website in a modern and elegant key, describing better who we are: a dynamic family-owned company with a long history of success.”

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Innovative and groundbreaking technologies Thanks to many years of international experience and fruitful cooperation with customers around the globe, FAP’s lines have unparalleled performance characteristics in terms

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

of flexibility and stability in extrusion processes. Extruders are equipped with exclusive engineered double screws and extrusion heads for different production scales, extremely precise control systems for temperatures, pressures, material and gas consumption. All specially designed components mentioned above are essential to obtain a homogeneous mixing of the melt, minimizing costs of production and wastes dramatically. PE and PP foam materials with densities from 16 kg/m3 to 400 kg/m3 obtained with FAP’s system have a uniform structure with top technical characteristics, for such fact they cannot be compared with materials produced by other technologies. Thanks to advanced properties these materials are used extensively in various markets, such as construction and packaging, light industry, automotive, food and others. Protecting the environment has been always a priority for the company,

that is why all lines are manufactured using advanced technologies and production processes sensible to atmospheric pollution. FAP stand for innovations Foam manufacturers have to adapt to ever-changing market demands by offering next-generation solutions for new industries where other types of materials have been used previously. For this reason, FAP has decided to share its experience with the entire foam industry opening its own internal research center equipped with laboratory extrusion line where the highly qualified personnel develop products and raw materials, optimize mixing recipes and carry out tests with the goal of realizing customer ideas. Together with customers, raw material producers and research centers FAP looks toward the future creating advanced and technological extrusion solutions of foam applications. And the results will be not long in coming! Very soon FAP will propose news in the technological field for new market applications of high-density foam materials.

Fabrizio Poli, CEO of FAP

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Plastics

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EXHIBITIONS

The Print & Digital Convention to be moved to October The Print & Digital Convention focuses on the presentation of innovative technologies in projects that not only showcase individual machines or tools, but also demonstrate overall solutions oriented on practical requirements

ue to the ongoing pandemic as well as national and international lockdown measures and associated travel restrictions, the PRINT & DIGITAL CONVENTION congress and trade fair originally planned for June will be moved to 20-21 October 2021. The organisers, Fachverband Medienproduktion (f:mp.) and Messe Düsseldorf are thus counting on better general conditions in autumn and an extended planning horizon for participants. “We have a responsibility to the health of our visitors and exhibitors. Against the background of the current Corona pandemic and continuing restrictions, it is unfortunately not guaranteed that we will be able to hold the PRINT & DIGITAL CONVENTION at the Düsseldorf exhibition centre in June. Our exhibitors’ confidence in our decision is documented by the fact that 95% of the exhibitors who have already booked will also be present in October,” says Rüdiger Maaß, Managing Director of f:mp. “We see the congress as a platform for interaction focusing on selected highlight projects and knowledge transfer while placing a strong emphasis on interactive experiences. We therefore consider it important to hold it as a face-to-face event as soon as the framework conditions permit.” Sabine Geldermann, Director Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf adds: “Even if virtual formats are the measure of all things in these times, our customers recognise, based on the experience of the last twelve months, that face-to-face events are indispensable, especially when it comes to the haptic experience of technologies and their applications. That is why we are confidently looking ahead to October 2021.”

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The PRINT & DIGITAL CONVENTION focuses on the presentation of innovative technologies in projects that not only showcase individual machines or tools, but also demonstrate overall solutions oriented on practical requirements. In addition to exciting exhibits and intensive expert advice at the exhibitor stands, visitors to the event can expect an extensive and top-class programme of lectures on all relevant aspects of corporate communication and print and digital technologies. In this way, as an established annual event in the industry, the congress and trade fair – together with virtual offerings such as virtual. drupa and drupa’s global Print Technologies trade fair portfolio – bridges the time window until the next drupa in 2024 and offers an important platform for knowledge transfer, exchange and networking.

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

FIMIC grows, and the efficacy and quality of plastic recycling grow FIMIC is renowned as the specialist in the production of automatic selfcleaning melt filters for heavily contaminated plastic materials, and despite its consolidated reputation and position in the market, it continues to expand and improve its capabilities

Plastics

IMIC ended last year announcing big surprises for 2021, and as we enter the new year, the company is also starting a new chapter in its history, looking ahead and evaluating the current situation, has now set new challenges to create new opportunities not only for itself but also for the entire plastics recycling market. For more than 20 years, FIMIC has been known as the specialist in the production of automatic selfcleaning melt filters for heavily contaminated plastic materials, and despite this consolidated reputation and position in the market, the company continues to expand and improve its capabilities. FIMIC evolution did not stop there. With 95% of the products designed, manufactured, and assembled internally in its premises, the continuous research for innovation, the tests carried out

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in the company’s laboratory, and increasing market demand, the company constantly growing. FIMIC has grown from 5 members to a team of 30 professionals in different areas, as well as agents located world-wide. Almost a year ago the construction works for the new FIMIC headquarters and production halls were started. After months of constant works, and with the clear vision of designing and producing new products and developing new and increasingly innovative technologies that allow more effective and productive recycling of materials, FIMIC is preparing to inaugurate, in a couple of months, their new production halls. Buildings with a symbolic and technological impact, that signs an important moment for the company not only of internal growth but the crowning of FIMIC as the specialist in the plastics recycling industry. These will be not only offices and warehouses but also, and most

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

importantly, industrial and production halls designed specifically to suit the most modern production requirements, to optimize its internal production processes, targeting to improve its customer service. The new two-floor building with 500 square meters, which will hold offices, showrooms, and conference rooms, was projected under the “open space” concept and respecting the methodology of the “design thinking”, where technique, innovation, and creativity remain key words that distinguish FIMIC, together with the latest insulation & energy saving technologies to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. At the same time, with the renovated production hall, a 1,200 square meter facility equipped with a new production line, and cutting-edge technology, FIMIC engineers and technicians can devote themselves to the development of new technologies and go even a little further than the current annual production of 70 machines, significantly increasing its production capacity, accelerating manufacturing times to offer an even faster service to its customers. This is an important investment, achieved through efforts and hard work which makes the Paduan company proud and satisfied with the goals accomplished in recent years. But for FIMIC the sky is the limit, so the adventure continues.

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Plastics

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EXHIBITIONS

automatica sprint new exhibition format in Munich on June 22–24, 2021 Flexible trade fair concept with digital offers • Concept developed together with the robotics + automation industry • New robotics and AI platform munich_i at automatica sprint esse München is expanding the automatica portfolio in summer 2021 with a compact, new event format: While the regular automatica will only take place again in 2022, automatica sprint will celebrate its premiere at the Munich exhibition center from June 22 to 24, 2021. With a clear focus on customer dialog and machines you can touch, this innovative event is a contemporary response to the current situation. It is one of the first opportunities for the community to meet again in person. General conditions such as fixed stand sizes, uniform stand construction, central catering, simplified processes or new cancellation options considerably reduce the trade fair lead time for exhibitors. This ensures the necessary flexibility in the

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Covid-19 period for all parties involved. automatica sprint has been designed from the outset as both a presence and a digital event, so that the feasibility of the new format is already guaranteed. A well-thoughtout hygiene concept also ensures the best possible safety for the participants on site. Falk Senger, Managing Director Messe München and responsible for automatica sprint explained the background: “Robotics and automation will benefit in the long term from the Covid-19-related digitalization boost. This is why there is a great need for orientation and personal exchanges in the community right now. However, as long as the pandemic restricts business, a leading international trade fair such as automatica cannot take place to its full extent. Therefore, we have

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EXHIBITIONS

developed a new, compact format in collaboration with industry, adapted to the conditions of the Covid-19 era: automatica sprint.” New Concept with Maximum Flexibility and the Usual Quality automatica sprint is an independent “subsidiary” of automatica, which fulfills all known quality standards. The new format also focuses on robotics, assembly/ handling technology, industrial machine vision and digital solutions for the smart factory. The aim is to intensify dialog and network participants with solutions, knowledge and experiences. The key features of the new marketplace are flexibility, modularity and openness. This is ensured, among other things, by a central booth builder, central catering in each hall and uniform stand sizes (20-200 m2). Exhibitors can customize their space within the framework of fixed specifications. The predefined package versions also considerably simplify the scheduling process. There are also generous cancellation options tailored to the circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. automatica sprint will take place in any case Ideally, automatica sprint will be held as a presence event in Munich with additional digital offers. If it is not possible to carry out the presence part due to the pandemic, the event will take place as a purely digital event. Digital is not an emergency solution, but an integral part of the concept. The flexible form of the event ensures that exhibitors and visitors everywhere in the world can participate in the new trade fair regardless of possible travel restrictions. A Community Concept for the Community The new format was developed together with the automatica advisory board and the conceptual sponsor of automatica, VDMA Robotics + Automation. Patrick Schwarzkopf, Managing Director of VDMA Robotics + Automation: “Such an exceptional situation as the Covid-19 crisis requires new approaches. With automatica sprint, Messe München has succeeded in developing an innovative trade fair format together with industry in response to the current challenges. The new event is the optimal sales platform for the robotics + automation industry in the coming year.” New robotics and AI platform munich_i at automatica sprint Together with automatica sprint, munich_i will celebrate its premiere from June 22 to 24, 2021. The platform on robotics and artificial intelligence, newly launched by

automatica and the Munich School of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MSRM) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), is unique worldwide. Under the motto intelligence empowering tomorrow, the platform provides answers to economically and socially pressing questions such as: How can our work become easier, safer, and more productive with the help of artificial intelligence? How can AI be used today for the major challenges in the fields of health, mobility, and work? The key component of munich_i is a high-tech summit on June 22, 2021, which will take place at the ICM – Internationales Congress Center München. Other elements during the entire duration of the exhibition are the special show AI Society, the elite next-generation competition Robothon® and the “robot driver’s license” for communicating the general principles. The munich_i management team consists of Prof. Dr. Alena Buyx and Prof. Dr. Sami Haddadin. Prof. Dr. Buyx is Director of the Institute of History and Ethics of Medicine and holds the Chair of Ethics in Medicine and Health Technologies at TUM. Prof. Dr. Haddadin is Director of MSRM and Chair of Robotics and System Intelligence at TUM. In addition and parallel to automatica sprint, LASER World of Photonics, the world’s leading trade fair for components, systems and applications of photonics, will take place at the exhibition center in Munich from June 21 to 24. There are attractive synergy effects for the exhibiting companies and visitors to automatica sprint and LASER. While Halls B1-B3 and C1-C3 will be provided for LASER, Halls A1 to A3 are reserved for automatica sprint. The next regular automatica will take place from June 21 to 24, 2022.

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Plastics

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EXHIBITIONS

A grand kick-off ceremony for the new journey The world’s leading plastics and rubber exhibition CHINAPLAS debuts in Shenzhen HINAPLAS, Asia’s No. 1 plastics and rubber trade fair, will be held in Shenzhen for the first time and it becomes a breakthrough of Shenzhen’s exhibition and convention industry with an exhibition area of 350,000sqm. On March 24, 2021, the show’s organizer, Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., grandly held a “CHINAPLAS Shenzhen Kickoff Ceremony”. Mr. Stanley Chu, Chairman of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., and Mr. Marius Berlemann, General Manager of Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., co-organizer of the exhibition, took the lead to deliver welcome speeches, followed by heavyweight guests in the plastics and rubber industries to kick-off the ceremony. About 150 representatives from associations, exhibitors, buyers and media gathered together to witness this glorious moment of embarking on a new journey in Shenzhen. Stepping on the hot land of Shenzhen and channeling the potentials in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, CHINAPLAS dreams bigger with extraordinary missions - strive to expedite the demands for manufacturing upgrades in the Greater Bay Area and grasp the opportunities of economic recovery and smart environmental protection transformation to promote China’s plastics and

Plastics

rubber technological innovation and high-quality development. Set sail for the 14th Five-Year Plan, draw new blueprints 2021 is the commencement year of the “14th Five-Year Plan”. Elites in the plastics and rubber industries gathered together to explicit the current development status and forecasts of plastics industry in different dimensions at the event, staging a feast of thoughts. Mr. Wang Zhanjie, Vice President & Secretary General, China Plastics Processing Industry Association, delivered a speech on “China’s Plastics Processing Industry Basic Information and 14th Five-year Plan Development Proposal”. In the in-depth review, he mentioned that the speed of technological innovation in China’s plastics industry during the “13th FiveYear Plan” period has significantly accelerated, and made huge progress in functionalization, lightweight, ecologicalization, micro-forming and “+smart”. The new landscape, new challenges and new changes during the “14th Five-Year Plan”: Technological innovation will accelerate the

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transformation and development of the plastics processing industry; the plastics processing industry can take advantage of the huge domestic market to expand its applications; the quality of plastic products and services will be enhanced following to the upgrading of the consumer market; the industry will continue to strengthen ecological and green development. The plastics processing industry has made great progress, and the upstream machinery industry has also achieved good results. Ms. Su Dongping, Executive Deputy President of China Plastics Machinery Industry Association, in the “Development Status and Prospects of China Plastics Machinery Industry”, introduced that during the “13th Five-Year Plan” period, China’s plastics machinery industry’s business income reached RMB81 billion, with an average annual growth rate of 5.7%. The average annual growth of the export value, major business income, total profit, and research and development expenses of China’s superior plastics machinery companies reached 6.34%, 10.03%,

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EXHIBITIONS 11.33%, and 12.11% respectively. Her view on the industry development goals during the “14th Five-Year Plan” period -- the annual output value will exceed RMB100 billion; The average annual growth rate of business income and total profits is expected to grow over 6%; R&D investment will account for more than 6% of business income; Professional technical personnel will account for more than 25% of employees in the industry. Let’s take a look at the situation in Europe. How can plastics find its way out from the predicament? In the speech of “Europe’s Plastics Machinery Industry - Economic Situation and Sustainability Goals 2020/2021”, Mr. Thorsten Kuehmann, Secretary General of Europe’s Association for Plastics and Rubber Machinery Manufacturers (EUROMAP) mentioned: “Our industry is in good shape. Plastics and rubber machines grew by 7% in 2020; secondly, the image of the plastics industry is indeed under pressure; thirdly, we have to go for circular economy; fourthly, plastic is good for climate.” Focusing on the largest and most intensive area of China’s plastics industry - the Greater Bay Area, Mr.

Fu An, President of the Guangdong Plastics Industry Association, analyzed in the “The Development & Forecast of the Plastics Industry in the Greater Bay Area” that the country is strongly supporting the development of the Greater Bay Area and for this purpose, the “Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay” was issued and implemented in February 2019.; In the “Guangdong Provincial Key Construction Project Plan in 2020” issued by the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission, it is stated that there are more than 400 projects in the 9 cities of Greater Bay Area, with a total investment of more than RMB2.8 trillion. These projects involved automotive, smart manufacturing, new materials, home appliances, and commodities, providing a huge market for the application of the plastics industry and showing huge prospects for sustainable development. Seize the huge opportunity, light up the Greater Bay Area In addition to the representatives of industry associations, representatives of exhibitors and buyers participating in CHINAPLAS also discussed the

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business opportunities arisen from the high-quality development in the Greater Bay Area, as well as the new technology needs derived from the era at the ceremony. Mr. Li Jianjun, Director & CSO of Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd. delivered a speech on “The Sustainable and Innovative Development of China’s Plastics Industry”, in which he shared his views on the prevention and control of plastic waste pollution & sustainable development, as well as his experience in green and lowcarbon circular development from the aspects of degradation, reuse and recycling. Kingfa produced more than 1.2 million tons of environmentally friendly quality recycled plastics from 2004 to 2019. Mr. James Zhang, General Manager of YIZUMI IMM Division / Director & DGM of YIZUMI Group, Guangdong Yizumi Precision Machinery Co., Ltd., shared in the keynote speech “Application-driven, Smarter Future”, highlighted lightweight, personalized, multifunctional, recyclability, degradability, energy saving, emission reduction and other environmental protection trends which help to reduce cost and enhance efficiency, improve automation, smart machines,

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EXHIBITIONS industrial interconnection and other digital transformations, providing new functions and new needs for the industrial development. In order to respond quickly to the new needs of the industry, Yizumi will be bringing a wealth of new applications and new total technology solutions to CHINAPLAS 2021 such as ReactPro Polyurethane reaction injection molding integrated solution, MicroFoaming injection molding solution, electric injection molding solution and intelligent factory solutions to the exhibition. Arburg helps customers to upgrade their business, quickly establish digitalization and intelligentization, create a green world and circular economy through the combination of international advanced technology and localized solutions in the Greater Bay Area. Ms. Christine Li, Marketing Manager of Arburg (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., introduced in a speech titled “WIR SIND DA” that Arburg will showcase some

Plastics

innovative technologies such as pipette tip, LSR lens for car lights and lightweight-FDC, digital & intelligent PM at CHINAPLAS. The innovation of plastics and rubber materials and machinery has speeded up the arrival of intelligent era. The new intelligent era is coming, driving upstream demands for new materials and new equipment. As a representative of the downstream application industries of plastics and rubber, Mr. Gence Shi, the R&D Director of Lenovo Research Institute, mentioned in “Rubber and Plastics Technology Leads Intelligent Era”, that in response to the new intelligent era, the demand for special dielectric materials, high-strength and weightreducing materials, environmentally friendly, healthy, and degradable, recyclable/antiviral materials, etc. has soared significantly. From 4G to 5G, consumer electronics materials have changed: filter materials have changed from metal filters

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to microwave ceramic filters, PCB key materials have changed from copper foil substrates to highfrequency substrates, and antenna materials have changed from PI to LCP/MPI, etc., providing a vast space for the application of plastics. Be smart, and more environmentally friendly! Mr. Chen Shou, Chairman of Shenzhen Beauty Star Co., Ltd., discussed how to make efforts in the aspects such as recyclable design, multi-channel recycling, and classified and graded utilization of plastics packaging under the circular economy in his speech titled “A Discussion on Sustainable Development of Plastics Packaging at CHINAPLAS 2021”. He stated that CHINAPLAS, as an “accelerator” to promote innovation in the plastics packaging industry, is looking forward to seeing recycling equipment, post-consumer recycled materials, single structure recyclable materials, CMF surface treatment process, biodegradable materials

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EXHIBITIONS and smart and efficient equipment at CHINAPLAS 2021. Forge ahead in a new era, set sail for a new journey Mr. Stanley Chu, Chairman of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd. delivered a welcome speech at the ceremony. He emphasized that, nowadays, the production of plastics machinery in China has ranked first in the world for 15 consecutive years, which is the strong evidence that China is transforming from a large manufacturer to an influential one. In this development process, CHINAPLAS has made significant contributions in facilitating technical exchanges, trades, and even the collaborations and joint ventures between China and overseas countries. From 2021, CHINAPLAS will be held in Shenzhen every odd year, in response to the demand of high-end industry development as well as the thriving development of the Greater Bay Area. Let’s take advantage of the opportunities brought by the new national policies. Ms. Ada Leung, General Manager of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd. shared in the speech of “CHINAPLAS 2021 Show Highlights & Concurrent Events” that there will be 5 key technology areas, namely “5G x Plastics & Rubber” groundbreaking technology, circular economy & green technology, industry 4.0 intelligent technology, high performance materials, engineering plastics and reinforced carbon fiber composite materials, and flexible product design solutions. She also

mentioned that the organizer will take every possible step for epidemic prevention and control, to maintain safe and hygienic show environment for all participants. For overseas visitors who cannot visit the show in person, or visitors who may not able to join the show for 4 days, they can join online through the Official Live Streaming elaborately brought to them. The organizer of the exhibition is thankful to have unfailing support from different parties. Mr. Ma Jun, General Manager of Shenzhen Zhaohua Int’l Exhibition Operation Co., Ltd. gave a speech on “Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (SWECC) – an Ideal Stage for World Class Exhibitions” and indicated the location advantage of SWECC - the top of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the center of the Greater Bay Area. SWECC is a world-class mega exhibition & convention complex, with a total area of 500,000sqm. of indoor exhibition area upon completion, as well as peripheral supporting facilities that integrate multiple functions in a diversified complex format, standardization and normalization of epidemic prevention and control, etc. Mr. Zhang Yiqing, Office Manager, Shenzhen Airport Customs, introduced in his speech “”Onsite + Free of Guaranty” Service with Highest Level” that in order to support this mega exhibition, the Airport Customs directly dispatched personnel to the SWECC. Exhibits

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entering the country through various means of transportation, no matter by air, land or sea, can go through Customs clearance procedures at the SWECC directly. Moreover, exhibitors are exempted from paying tax deposits during the temporary entry and exit of overseas exhibits, providing the most convenient and efficient services for overseas exhibitors. Mr. Wang Wenguang, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of Shenzhen Polymer Industry Association, expressed his high expectations for the upcoming exhibition in April in “Going Forward Hand in Hand, Together We Create & Share”. Due to the postponement amid the epidemic in 2020, CHINAPLAS is being held again after 2 years. A huge industry demand is ready for take-off. He looked forward to CHINAPLAS collaborating with the plastics and rubber industries to grasp new demand and business opportunities in the strong economic recovery. Let’s compose a new chapter together! With “New Era • New Potential • Innovation for Sustainability” as the show theme, CHINAPLAS 2021 will take place from April 13-16, with 350,000sqm. of exhibition area, 3,600+ international renowned exhibitors, and a large amount of innovative materials and advance technologies to be showcased. It is expected to attract a lot of professional visitors from different plastics and rubber application industries.

Plastics

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

Unrivalled technology Multidrive: An exclusive patent from Bausano that makes twin-screw extruders highly performing

ade-in-Italy quality and ongoing technology innovation: this is the perfect mix behind the exclusive patent for MD Plus and MD Nextmover twin screw extruders from Bausano – a leading international player in the design and production of customised extrusion lines for the transformation of plastic materials. A perfect choice for several types of extrusion, pipes, granules, WPC, profiles and materials used in the medical industry, Bausano lines stand out for their unique transmission systems, a careful study of interpenetrating and counterrotating screw geometry, the latest motors generation and consumption analysis tools, thus guaranteeing top production efficiency, sturdiness, reliability and sustainability.

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Primarily, it is precisely the Multidrive technology that makes Bausano twin-screws unrivalled throughout the world. Evidence of years of research and experimentation, this transmission system undeniably reduces stress on motor shafts, gears and screws thanks to the tightening torque strain being distributed on two pairs of motors, resulting in higher power on screws, equal to

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the power delivered, with a positive impact in terms of both precision and energy savings. Compared to traditional systems, the distribution of motion also reduces the chance of faults due to excessive stress on mechanical components and ensures a longer average service life of the machine. Motors are managed by a single static frequency converter, an instrument capable of ensuring constant rotation and perfect synchronism, without using any additional devices. In addition, the special multi-stage thrust bearings, designed to triple the dynamic load, enable the extruders to handle high production volumes. For smaller lines, on the other hand, Bausano has developed Multidrive 2x2, characterised by a single pair of motors, thus reducing overall dimensions and optimising the gearbox operation.

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

Lawer, the industrial factor Qualified dosing system supplier Lawer has launched the second generation of its fully automated dosing systems for compound and masterbatch preparation

ounded in 1970, Lawer is an Italian company that specializes in industrial dispensing systems. It has developed advanced technologies and know-how in the automatic dispensing of powder products, including pigments, additives and chemicals, as well as single- or multiweighting systems, and equipment for the preparation of compounds, fillers, masterbatch, handling and packaging systems. Its products, solutions and services supply the textile, rubber, cosmetics and food industries to increase reliability, safety and efficiency. At the basis of all the production of the rubber industry are the recipes of the compounds. Complex formulations, expertly constructed with the contribution of many substances, whose quantities are rigorously predefined. The qualitative

Plastics

constancy of the final product therefore depends on the ability to feed the machinery of the mixing rooms with perfectly weighed doses and capable of perfectly respecting the proportions of all the required ingredients: raw materials, additives, dyes and much more. And this is where the competence and technological capacity of Lawer come into play. Observing an ongoing trend among manufacturers to automate mixing rooms to improve product quality, safety, and hygiene, Lawer launched the second generation of its fully automated dosing systems for compound and masterbatch preparation. The technology is a horizontal, automatic weighing system for chemicals used in the mixing room, and feedback from the rubber production industry since the release has been impressive, according to Luca Mariuzzo, product engineer in the rubber department. Lawer systems improved in productivity and accuracy: one bag can be now processed every 30 seconds. Flexibility is another benefit; two sizes of EVA bags can be handled, which are made automatically by a device that selects bag sizes proportional to the mixer size. The result is a possible cost saving of “thousands upon thousands of euros a year”. And for qualitative benefits, because it is important for the amount of EVA material to be minimized in the recipe, “Our automation is able to reduce the amount of EVA film in the mixer as much as possible.” Engineers at Lawer worked on a new system for modular delivery and distributing weighed bags. The market seeks to reduce the buffer in terms of production and

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work as much as possible ‘just in time’ to reduce costs, so we aim to connect our technology to the mixing line to be more ‘just in time’ in terms of production. This will make the company’s offering even more attractive, economically speaking, for the end customer. The challenge is to understand what the field needs to enable just-intime production, because every company has a different approach - though there are similarities - so we are trying to prepare a flexible project that is able to suit different customers, something that is both standard and flexible.’ Mariuzzo reveals that Lawer is embracing a consecutive growth period in the market segment shows a positive outlook for the years to come. “Our goal is to increase our presence as a qualified dosing system supplier, among tire and tech rubber manufacturers, bringing tailored solutions, not only for dosing equipment, but also for upstream and downstream appliances connected to our systems.”

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WORLD OF PLASTICS & RUBBER

NTE PROCESS: premium technologies for top performances NTE Process provides turnkey plants with process solutions that cover all the needs of companies in the rubber industry: from dense phase conveying to air mixing but also liquid injection, in-line formulation and packaging

TE Process is a Single Source Provider of turnkey plants with process solutions that cover all the needs of companies in the rubber industry: from dense phase conveying to air mixing but also liquid injection, in-line formulation and packaging. The NTE Process dense phase conveying system uses the Air Assists® M366 and the innovative Artificial Intelligence Air Assists® M533, patented compressed air or nitrogen injection systems that are strategically positioned along the pipeline allowing to limit demixing and deterioration phenomena,

Plastics

improving and optimizing the control and speed of the conveyed product. The experience of NTE Process’ customers in the rubber and tyre industry has shown to be the best for primary products for tyre production, as it guarantees the integrity of carbon black and silica pellets (fines < 1%) as well as reducing consumption by up to 70% with patented ECO Air-Tronic technology. NTE Process’ typical applications are: • rail cars and trucks unload • silos storage • conveying lines to hoppers • batching and preparation of the recipes • batching and weighing over blenders • Atex proof handling systems for very explosive products such as resins. NTE Process also offers patented pneumatic mixers “Blender M244 and Jetmixer® M531” without mechanical parts in contact with the product. Timed pulses of compressed air gently lift the materials upwards and outwards in a continuous circular motion. By combining the air mixers with NTE Process’ M535 Liquid Injection Skid, liquids are injected directly into the piston chamber. This patented technology improves liquid dispersion in powders (silica, carbon black, etc.) by using air as a distribution vehicle. The system can

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inject up to 6 liquids at the same time, avoiding the accumulation of powder on the nozzle and the droplet effect that generally characterises traditional injection systems. NTE Process Research and Innovation Centre is equipped with a full scale pilot plant - unique in Italy and one the most complete in Europe - where it is possible to test its technologies, perform both scientific tests and full scale tests with customers’ products (atomization, drying, solidliquid mixing, parallel processing, pneumatic conveying, etc.) to simulate at best the performance of the different technologies in real conditions and have a predictive analysis of performance, energy consumption and all the details necessary for the correct design of industrial plants. Follow NTE Process on Linkedin, contact its specialists at sales@nte-process. com or www.nte-process.com

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EXHIBITIONS

Ministry of Industry and Trade Russia supports Rosmould 2021 International exhibition Rosmould was included in the list of events supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia

he international exhibition for Mould and Tool Making, Product Development and Contract Manufacturing ROSMOULD was included in the consolidated plan for the participation of the

Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in exhibitions and congress events held on the territory Russian Federation and abroad in 2021. Thus, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia will provide information and organizational support to the ROSMOULD exhibition. As for the ROSPLAST exhibition, cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia is also in an active stage here. In particular, within the framework of the ROSPLAST exhibition, Joint Exposition supported by FSUE “STC “Chemvest” by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia will be presented.

Plastics

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Technology in technopolimeric material Mould and mould-flow design for thermoplastic articles Mould design for elastomeric articles Print of technical details in thermoplastic materials Print of elastomeric technical details Ultrasound soldering – high frequency – hot blade Quality service: analysis on technical articles produces and test of in/outcoming materials

FIELDS OF APPLICATION OF OUR PRODUCTS BOTTLING PACKAGING AUTOMATION LABELLING PAPER TRANSFORMATION PHARMACEUTICAL VALVES AND FITTINGS PNEUMATICS

EXHIBITIONS

The date for interpack 2023 is set! Messe Düsseldorf set this date in agreement with its partners and committees, components will be held alongside once more

he next interpack will take place from 4 to 10 May 2023 at the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Centre. Messe Düsseldorf set this date in agreement with its partners and committees. Interested companies from the packaging sector and the associated processing industry will be able to register online at www. interpack.com from the end of March/beginning of April provided all goes to plan. Exhibitors who were approved for interpack 2021, which was cancelled due to the pandemic, have already been able to reserve

their stand positions for 2023 and will now be able to rebook when they register. Components will take place in parallel with interpack. It is oriented towards the supplier sector for the packaging and processing industry. You can register for components in the same period as interpack by accessing www.packaging-components.com. www. interpack.com and www.packaging-components.com will regularly provide information on industry trends and innovations up until the next edition of both trade fairs. The online presence of the upcoming interpack and components 2023 is also being built up and expanded.

Exhibitor registration for interpack 2023 is open now The trade fair will take place from 4 to 10 May 2023 at the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Centre

nterested companies from the packaging industry and the associated processing industry can register for interpack 2023 online at www.interpack.com right now. The trade fair will take place from 04 to 10 May 2023 at the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Centre. interpack is a platform for complete value chains. This includes processes and machines for packaging and processing packaged goods, along with packaging materials, packaging containers and packaging manufacture, complete with services for the packaging industry. Exhibitors that gained approval for interpack 2021, which was cancelled due to the pandemic, can rebook.

Plastics

& Rubber

The supplier trade fair, components, will take place in parallel with interpack again. You can also register for this now, at www.packaging-components.com.

.................................................................APRIL 2021

exhibitions 2021 VIRTUAL.DRUPA (Düsseldorf, Germany) – April 2021– www.drupa.com CHINAPLAS (Shenzhen, China) – April 2021 – www.chinaplasonline.com ROSPLAST & ROSMOULD (Moscow, Russia) – June 2021– www.rosplast-expo.com PLASTIC EXPO (Osaka, Japan) – June 2021 – www.plas.jp/en-gb.html EXPOPLAST (S. Miguel, Peru) June 2021 – www.expoplastperu.com PLASTPOL (Targi Kielce, Poland) – September 2021 – www.targikielce.pl/en/plastpol EQUIPLAST (Barcelona, Spain) – September 2021 – www.equiplast.com RUBBER TEC CHINA (Shanghai, China) – September 2021 – en.rubbertech-expo.com INTERPLAS (Birmingham, UK) – September 2021 – www.interplasuk.com FAKUMA (Friedrichshafen, Germany) – October 2021 – www.fakuma-messe.de PRS EUROPE (Rai, Amsterdam, Denmark) – November 2021 – www.prseventeurope.com WARSAW PLAST EXPO (Warsaw, Poland) – November 2021 – www.warsawplastexpo.com ARAB PLAST (Dubai, UAE) – November 2021 – www.arabplast.info MECSPE ( Bologna, Italy) – November 2021 – www.mecspe.com PLASTIC & RUBBER INDONESIA (Jakarta, Indonesia) – November 2021 – www.plasticsandrubberindonesia.com PUTECH EURASIA (Istanbul, Turkey) – November 2021 – putecheurasia.com GULF PRINT & PACK (Dubai, UAE) – December 2021 – www.gulfprintpack.com

2022 INTERPLASTICA (Moscow, Russia) – January 2022 – www.interplastica.de/en PLASTEX (Cairo, Egypt) – January 2022 – www.plastex-online.com SAUDIPLAS (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) – February 2022 – www.recexpo.com/events/saudi-plastic-petrochem TIRE TECHNOLOGY EXPO (Hannover, Germany) – April 2022 – www.tiretechnology-expo.com INTERPLAST (Joinville, Brazil) – April 2022 – www.interplast.com.br CHINAPLAS (Shenzhen, China) – April 2022 – www.chinaplasonline.com ARGENPLAS (Buenos Aires, Argentina) – June 2022 – www.argenplas.com.ar PLASTEX (Brno, Czech Republic) – October 2022 – www.bvv.cz/en/plastex

index AMUT SPA www.amutgroup.com

11-13

ARABPLAST 2021 www.arabplast.info

AUTOMA by MAGIC SRL www.automabymagic.it

II^COVER, 46-48

AUTOMATICA 2021 www.automatica-munich.com

56-57

AZ GOMMA SRL www.azgomma.it

BARRA PROJECT INTERNATIONAL SRL www.barraproject.it

43-45

BAUSANO & FIGLI SPA www.bausano.com

66-67

BFM SRL www.bfm.it

8-9

BINOVA SRL www.binovapm.it

34-35

BREAK POLYMER SRL www.breakpolymer.com

BRUNO FOLCIERI SRL www.brunofolcieri.it

1, 36-38

CHINAPLAS 2021 www.chinaplasonline.com

60-63, 80

DRUPA 2021 www.drupa.com

14, 52

ELVEM SRL www.elvem.it

15-17

FAKUMA 2021 www.fakuma-messe.de/en/

24-25

FAP SRL www.fapitaly.com

49-51

FILTEC SRL www.filtec.it

39-41

FIMIC SRL www.fimic.it

53-55

GIMAT SRL www.gimat.bo.it

IMPACTIO www.impactio.it

INTERPACK 2023 www.interpack.com

LAWER SPA www.lawer.com

68-69

MONTELLO SPA www.montello-spa.it

III^COVER, 77

NOL-TEC EUROPE SRL www.nte-process.com

70-71

OR.P. STAMPI SRL www.orpstampi.com

PLAS MEC SRL www.plasmec.it

PLASTIC&RUBBER INDONESIA 2021 www.plasticsandrubberindonesia.com

6-7, 58

ROSMOULD - ROSPLAST 2021 www.rosmould.ru.messefrankfurt.com

RW ITALIA SRL www.rw-italia.it

SIRMAX SPA www.sirmax.com

29-31

SMI SPA www.smigroup.it

18-21

TECMES SRL www.tecmes-italia.com

32-33

TECNO SYSTEM SRL www.tecnosystemfe.it

3, 26-28

TOVO GOMMA SPA www.tovogomma.com

IV^COVER, 22-23

Plastics & Rubber