Plastics News

CalciTech Launches Sustainable Product for Plastics Industry

IDES - The Plastics Web® — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:26:58 -0700

November 11, 2009 - Geneva, Switzerland - CalciTech announces today the launch of a new product, CalciRC100S(TM) , for use as a high performance filler in plastics. This new product brings additional benefits over conventional calcium carbonates. For example in PVC profiles, trials with major producers have shown the following benefits:

Improved profile whiteness and thermal stability due to CalciRC100S(TM)'s high purity
Higher gloss and toughness due to CalciRC100S(TM)'s narrow particle size distribution
Lower costs due to higher loading factor, lower density and less thermal energy required in extrusion
Consistent high quality due to CalciTech's unique process which is independent of the raw material

In addition to these benefits, CalciRC100S(TM) offers a new way for plastic producers to improve the sustainability of their products.

CalciTech's novel process utilizes waste lime and effluent carbon dioxide to manufacture its Synthetic Calcium Carbonate (SCC). This means that SCC production captures CO2 and does not rely on unsustainable freshly mined materials.
Since CalciRC100S(TM) can be used with higher loading levels, less polymer resin is used.

The directors of the company take responsibility for this announcement.

This press release contains "forward looking statements" including forward looking statements as that term is defined in section 27a of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and section 21e of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release, which are not purely historical are forward looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, expectation or intentions concerning the future. Forward looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to statements which are subject to a number of contingencies and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, market acceptance for CalciTech's products, manufacturing of CalciTech's products in a commercial setting, obtaining adequate financing and construction management for products and obtaining appropriate permits.

It is important to note that the corporation's actual outcomes may differ materially from those in forward looking statements contained in this press release. Although the company believes that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions will prove to be accurate. Readers should refer to the risks disclosures in the company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ford Teams Up to Develop Wheat Straw-Reinforced Plastic; New Biomaterial Debuts in 2010 Ford Flex

IDES - The Plastics Web® — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:21:03 -0700

November 11, 2009 - Dearborn, Mich. - Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) , working with academic researchers and one of its suppliers, is the first automaker to develop and use environmentally friendly wheat straw-reinforced plastic in a vehicle.

The first application of the natural fiber-based plastic that contains 20 percent wheat straw bio-filler is on the 2010 Ford Flex's third-row interior storage bins. This application alone reduces petroleum usage by some 20,000 pounds per year, reduces CO2 emissions by 30,000 pounds per year, and represents a smart, sustainable usage for wheat straw, the waste byproduct of wheat.

"Ford continues to explore and open doors for greener materials that positively impact the environment and work well for customers," said Patrick Berryman, a Ford engineering manager who develops interior trim. "We seized the opportunity to add wheat straw-reinforced plastic as our next sustainable material on the production line, and the storage bin for the Flex was the ideal first application."

Ford researchers were approached with the wheat straw-based plastics formulation by the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, as part of the Ontario BioCar Initiative - a multi-university effort between Waterloo, the University of Guelph, University of Toronto and University of Windsor. Ford works closely with the Ontario government-funded project, which is seeking to advance the use of more plant-based materials in the auto and agricultural industries.

The University of Waterloo already had been working with plastics supplier A. Schulman of Akron, Ohio, to perfect the lab formula for use in auto parts, ensuring the material is not only odorless, but also meets industry standards for thermal expansion and degradation, rigidity, moisture absorption and fogging. Less than 18 months after the initial presentation was made to Ford's Biomaterials Group, the wheat straw-reinforced plastic was refined and approved for Flex, which is produced at Ford's Oakville (Ontario) Assembly Complex.

The wheat straw-reinforced resin is the BioCar Initiative's first production-ready application. It demonstrates better dimensional integrity than a non-reinforced plastic and weighs up to 10 percent less than a plastic reinforced with talc or glass. "Without Ford's driving force and contribution, we would have never been able to move from academia to industry in such lightning speed," said Leonardo Simon, associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Waterloo. "Seeing this go into production on the Ford Flex is a major accomplishment for the University of Waterloo and the BioCar Initiative."

An interior storage bin may seem like a small start, but it opens the door for more applications, said Dr. Ellen Lee, technical expert, Ford's Plastics Research. "We see a great deal of potential for other applications since wheat straw has good mechanical properties, can meet our performance and durability specifications, and can further reduce our carbon footprint - all without compromise to the customer."

Already under consideration by the Ford team: center console bins and trays, interior air register and door trim panel components, and armrest liners.

Abundant waste material put to good use
The case for using wheat straw to reinforce plastics in higher-volume, higher-content applications is strong across many industries. In Ontario alone, where Flex is built, more than 28,000 farmers grow wheat, along with corn and soybeans. Typically, wheat straw, the byproduct of growing and processing wheat, is discarded. Ontario, for example, has some 30 million metric tons of available wheat straw waste at any given time.

"Wheat is everywhere and the straw is in excess," said Lee. "We have found a practical automotive usage for a renewable resource that helps reduce our dependence on petroleum, uses less energy to manufacture, and reduces our carbon footprint. More importantly, it doesn't jeopardize an essential food source."

To date, Ford and its suppliers are working with four southern Ontario farmers for the wheat straw needed to mold the Flex's two interior storage bins.

History in the making
Ford's interest in wheat dates back to the 1920s, when company founder Henry Ford developed a product called Fordite - a mixture of wheat straw, rubber, sulphur, silica and other ingredients - that was used to make steering wheels for Ford cars and trucks. Much of the straw used to produce Fordite came from Henry Ford's Dearborn-area farm.

The company's new-age application for wheat straw joins other bio-based, reclaimed and recycled materials that are in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles today, including:

Soy-based polyurethane foams on the seat cushions and seatbacks, now in production on the Ford Mustang, Expedition, F-150, Focus, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner and Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln MKS. More than 1.5 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles on the road today have soy-foam seats, which equates to a reduction in petroleum oil usage of approximately 1.5 million pounds. This year, Ford has expanded its soy-foam portfolio to include the industry's first application of a soy-foam headliner on the 2010 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner for a 25 percent weight savings over a traditional glass-mat headliner.
Underbody systems, such as aerodynamic shields, splash shields and radiator air deflector shields, made from post-consumer recycled resins such as detergent bottles, tires and battery casings, diverting between 25 and 30 million pounds of plastic from landfills. The newest addition is the engine cam cover on the 3.0-liter V-6 2010 Ford Escape.
100 percent post-industrial recycled yarns in seat fabrics on vehicles such as the Ford Escape. The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids feature 85 percent post-industrial yarns and 15 percent solution-dyed yarns. The 100 percent usage represents a 64 percent reduction in energy consumption and a 60 percent reduction in CO2 emissions.
Repurposed nylon carpeting made into nylon resin and molded into cylinder head covers for Ford's 3.0L Duratec engine. The industry's first eco-friendly cylinder head cover is currently found in the 2010 Ford Fusion and Escape vehicles.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About the Ontario BioCar Initiative
The Ontario BioCar Initiative represents a partnership between the automotive industry and the public sector, aimed at accelerating the use of biomass in automotive materials. For additional information, please visit www.bioproductsatguelph.ca/biocar.

LyondellBasell’s New Purell Resin Expands the Boundaries of LDPE Properties

IDES - The Plastics Web® — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:29:36 -0700

November 6, 2009 - Rotterdam, Netherlands – LyondellBasell Industries has launched Purell PE 3420F, a new low density polyethylene (LDPE) grade for use in pharmaceutical packaging. With a density of 0.933 g/cm3, this product sets a new performance benchmark for commercial LDPE production. Purell PE 3420F resins process easily and have a wide range of best-in-class mechanical properties. Compared to standard LDPE, the grade has higher sterilization temperature resistance and provides significant wall-thickness reduction potential, which offers various cost-saving capabilities for customers using blow-fill-seal (BFS) technology to produce applications such as infusion bottles.

Reduction of sterilization time through higher density
If sterilization is needed, certain regulations require infusion solutions to be sterilized at 121°C for 15 minutes, even when filled under aseptic BFS processing conditions. However, LDPE typically cannot be sterilized at this temperature due to its melting point which is lower than 121°C. Regulatory authorities accept lower sterilization temperatures, if the treatment time is increased in parallel (equivalence method). Sterilization time for a standard LDPE used in this process may range from 130-195 minutes, and by using Purell PE3420F resins this time can be reduced to approximately 30-50 minutes.

“If the sterilization process is a rate-limiting step in production, Purell PE 3420F resins can address this challenge for customers by providing shorter sterilization times and reduced associated costs through the use of higher temperatures,” says Dr. Patrik Schneider, LyondellBasell’s Manager for Technical Service and Application Development for healthcare applications. “This can lead to increased confidence levels for customers who decide to employ higher sterilization temperatures.”

Potential to save material through higher density
Additional benefits offered by Purell PE 3420F resin’s high density and excellent melt strength include the potential for wall thickness reduction while maintaining a high water vapor barrier. Shelf life can be extended while maintaining wall thickness at previous levels. The high melt flow leads to excellent processing and high design versatility. Converters report improved embossing with Purell PE3420F resins. The new grade has the potential to be well suited for intravenous bottle production due to its intrinsically high purity; it is produced without additives and thus has a very low leachables/extractables profile.

“With the Purell 3420F grade, we are truly expanding the operational envelope of our production facilities, as we are achieving densities not classically associated with LDPE,” said Thomas Maurer, Operations Manager of LyondellBasell’s Purell resins plant in Wesseling, Germany.

Brand New Polyethylene Bench Scale Reactors Up and Running in Linz

IDES - The Plastics Web® — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:14:32 -0700

November 5, 2009 - A year ago Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions, announced the successful completion of the laboratory reactors for Polypropylene (PP) polymerisation at the international Innovation Headquarters in Linz. A team of international experts worked on the second stage of a step-changing innovation project for polyethylene (PE)-reactors, which has now been completed.

Three additional laboratory reactors are now up and running. These new, one of a kind reactors are being used for PE polymerisation. During summer, the first test samples were produced.

The new reactors are being used for PE polymerisation. The first test samples were
produced. (Photo: Alexander Krajete, Michael Benisch)

“We managed to put four competence fields together, namely the mechanical, electrical, software and chemical engineering, and to get all reactors up and running as scheduled,” says Alexander Krajete, Borealis Polymerisation Expert and Project Manager for the new reactors. “With this additional investment, we are able to use smaller samples in a more efficient and flexible way, speeding up our product development process.”

The new laboratory reactors allow a hybrid operation mode for both PE and PP and they herald a new approach in the use of bench scale reactors to accurately mimic a continuous pilot or plant process. They enable Borealis to shorten turn-around time for sample evaluation and to create new product innovations together with the customers. Additionally, innovations will come to the advanced packaging, mobility and pipe markets faster and also in a more cost-efficient way.

“Even in the short time that the small reactors have been running, we have created some new inventions which are on their way to becoming patented and we are further strengthening the accelerated product development with corresponding processing equipment”, says Michael Benisch, R&D Service Manager Borealis. “The new laboratory reactors have a high degree of automation, safety and functionality, which allow maximum flexibility with respect to hydrogen and comonomer use.”

“After an initial period of general testing, the reactors will form an important part of the company's strategy to accelerate product innovation development”, says Alfred Stern, Borealis Senior Vice President of Innovation and Technology.” In only 15 months the team, consisting of over 20 highly motivated and experienced employees, was able to complete the entire bench-scale laboratory including state of the art gas purification, an external gas supply and 4 PP and 3 PE reactors.”

LyondellBasell Launches New PP Compound Used in Pipe Coating for Flexible Off-shore Pipelines

IDES - The Plastics Web® — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:05:27 -0700

November 4, 2009 – Rotterdam, Netherlands - LyondellBasell Industries has launched a new polypropylene (PP) compound that addresses customer needs in the rapidly-expanding market for flexible pipeline systems used in off-shore, deep-sea oil exploration. The new Hifax EBS 153D NAT product was developed for use in multi-layer syntactic coating structures for flexible risers and flowlines in order to create high-impact strength, improved flexibility and good compression strength in semi-flexible pipeline coating applications.

Higher flexibility while maintaining PP compression strength
Compared to standard PP compounds used in syntactic pipe coating, Hifax EBS 153D NAT features unmatched softness, an essential advantage for flexible off-shore pipeline utilities. ”LyondellBasell’s new grade addresses growing market needs, as flexible pipes are becoming the preferred solution in oil exploration,” said Sean Comerford, LyondellBasell’s Technical Service Manager for Pipe Coating. “Today’s installation techniques require extensive bending of the pipes, and customers are requesting highly flexible coatings provided by products such as Hifax EBS 153D. The PP materials traditionally used for syntactic layers are more rigid; a semi-elastomeric coating layer based on Hifax resin enables customers to reduce the risk of stress and breakage in the coating during pipeline winding and installation. It also eases exploitation because the energy dissipation of the total pipeline system improves when exposed to seadrift.”

Thermal insulation with good softness
The new resin also meets the demanding requirements of new polypropylene coating structures designed to provide high thermal insulation and high heat resistance. Off-shore pipelines laid in deep water environments present new and more demanding operating requirements for pipe materials. For example, deep water lines are exposed to extreme cold water temperatures on the exterior of the pipeline, while oil temperatures inside the line exceed 130°C. Coating systems must therefore ensure not only anti-corrosion protection, but sufficient insulation properties to avoid increased viscosity of the crude oil during transport from the seabed to the oil platforms and floating vessels. Added Comerford, “The products being transported from the ground through these pipelines are very hot, typically 90°C or higher. Maintaining the temperature coming out of the ground is critical to preventing the product from solidifying.”

Coating pipelines at greater depths presents additional challenges. Coating layers must provide resistance to high compression as well as shear stresses that the pipe sections are subjected to during laying operations. According to Comerford, “The new Hifax EBS 153D NAT features typical PP properties such as high impact resistance, in combination with improved flexibility and softness.”

Cost-efficient material
Customers have reported that the new Hifax EBS 153D NAT compound is very cost-efficient. “By providing comparable properties, customers have discovered that a softer PP compound can be more cost-effective to use than other more costly flexible engineering materials that are combined at the application stage,” said Didier Nozahic, LyondellBasell’s Business Manager for Pipe Coating. “To achieve success in designs with stringent requirements, coating companies need simplified coating structures with reduced components.”

DuPont Presents Safety Award to Borealis

IDES - The Plastics Web® — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:02:57 -0700

November 4, 2009 - Borealis has won the 2009 DuPont Safety Award in the category "Sustainable Business Impact." The Austrian provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions received the award for the successful implementation of the group-wide safety standards during integration of former Agrolinz Melamine International. DuPont presented the 2009 Safety Awards today as part of the international A+A trade fair for safety, security and health at work held in Düsseldorf.

“With the DuPont Safety Awards we reward groundbreaking projects and initiatives both in the world of work and in the society”, states Koen van Neyghen, President DuPont Safety Resources, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “After taking over Agrolinz Melamine International, Borealis defined the implementation of its own safety philosophy as a core aspect of the integration process and has been able to achieve excellent results in less than two years. The concept therefore does not solely concentrate on increasing process safety, but above all on anchoring safety awareness in the consciousness of all employees”, van Neyghen comments as a reason for the decision.

Sustainable improvements by anchoring the safety philosophy
Following its takeover of Agrolinz Melamine International, Borealis applied an internal programme called “Step Change in Safety” in 2007 in order that improvements in safety performance be taken into consideration in the integration process. The significant measures in this programme included intensive training courses and increased commitment on the part of executives, the setting up of a new
organizational structure as well as the introduction of new key figures, measuring instruments and systems. As a result the company was able to achieve almost the same safety performance as the entire Borealis Group by the end of 2008. In addition, the Executive Board initiated a second project called the “Way Forward Programme” which was intended to anchor the safety philosophy in the consciousness of employees, thereby sustainably improving the safety level.

“We are very proud to receive this DuPont safety award”, says Ismo Pentti, Borealis Vice President Safety, Health and Environment. “It recognises that Borealis has successfully managed to transfer the principle ‘safety is our first priority’ to our new family member. I gladly accept this honour on behalf of all employees and contractors at Borealis, especially our colleagues in Linz and Piesteritz, who have achieved a true step-change in safety in a very short period of time and with great personal effort and involvement. We will carry on working according to the highest health, safety and environmental standards to further strengthen our position as industry leader.”

Sensor Housings Made of KetaSpire® PEEK Offer Excellent Heat and Chemical Resistance

IDES - The Plastics Web® — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:45:00 -0700

November 4, 2009 - Alpharetta, Ga. – New high-performance industrial sensors manufactured by Advanced Sensor Technologies Inc., Orange, Calif., feature a housing made of unreinforced KetaSpire® KT-880 NT polyetheretherketone (PEEK) from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC. The thermoplastic housing meets the harsh operating conditions found in process control measurement and monitoring applications in chemical manufacturing, environmental control, mining, pulp and paper, and wastewater, as well as food and dairy industries.

Many of these sensors, which measure pH, oxidation reduction potential (ORP), and ion concentration, must handle temperatures up to 135°C (275°F) and resist a range of chemical attack, according to Martin Patko, president of Advanced Sensor Technologies. KetaSpire PEEK fits the bill due to its high heat resistance, broad chemical resistance, ease of processing, and excellent ductility. Specifically, the material boasts a heat deflection temperature of 315°C (599°F), continuous-use temperature up to 240°C (464°F), high impact strength, excellent fatigue resistance, and outstanding chemical resistance to organics (particularly solvents), acids, and bases. It also has excellent mechanical properties, particularly in high-pressure environments.

The injection molded housing exhibits less visible strain, is easier to mold, and takes 40% of the time for annealing than other commercially available PEEK grades, thus providing increased productivity, according to Patko. The material can also handle a range of secondary operations including machining and offers improved surface finish and reduced tooling abrasion.

KetaSpire PEEK is available in unfilled, glass-reinforced, and carbon-reinforced grades and can be easily processed via standard injection molding, extrusion, and compression molding processes.

About Advanced Sensor Technologies Inc.
Located in Orange, Calif., Advanced Sensor Technologies Inc. is a leading manufacturer of durable and long-lasting industrial pH sensors, ORP sensors, ion selective sensors, and conductivity sensors for demanding inline process control measurement and monitoring uses in the chemical, mining, pulp and paper, wastewater, and food and dairy industries. More information is available at (714) 978-2837 or www.astisensor.com.

About Solvay Advanced Polymers
Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, produces more plastics with more performance than any other company in the world. This gives design engineers worldwide more ways to solve top design challenges in automotive, healthcare, electronics, aerospace, and other demanding industries. Learn more at www.solvayadvancedpolymers.com.

Solvay is an international chemical and pharmaceutical Group with headquarters in Brussels. Its companies employ more than 28,000 people in 50 countries. In 2008, its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 9.5 billion, generated by its three sectors of activity: Plastics, Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals. Solvay (NYSE Euronext: SOLB.BE - Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR) is listed on the NYSE Euronext stock exchange in Brussels. Details are available at www.solvay.com

A Sustainable Solution Thanks to Stanyl from DSM Engineering Plastics

IDES - The Plastics Web® — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:19:00 -0700

November 2, 2009 - Evansville, IN. - Thanks to its unique combination of properties, Stanyl® was selected by SKF Group for a new generation of deep groove ball bearings designed to cut energy consumption by at least 30%.

The improved energy performance has been achieved through a combination of enhancements involving the bearing, internal geometry, a new low friction grease, and a new polymer cage. The resulting reduced friction lowers operating temperatures, improves lubrication conditions, and allows the bearings to deliver a longer service life.

These technologically advanced ball bearings are produced by SKF Group, one of the leading global suppliers of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics, services and lubrication systems. They are designed for light to normal load applications. Typical examples include electric motors, pumps, conveyors and fans. They can also be used in other applications such as gearboxes and compressors.

Richard Damiens, Global Purchasing Manager for the SKF group, said: “Stanyl’s material performance contributes to achieving a range of end-user benefits. These include lower energy consumption, easier development of higher efficiency machinery, higher speed rating of the bearings and reduced operating temperature. As a consequence, bearing life can be extended. Thanks to this combination of properties, customers will benefit from a lower total cost of ownership.”

Andreas Weinmann, Account Manager at DSM Engineering Plastics, says: "The specific requirements for the deep-groove ball bearings cages include high stiffness under high temperatures, low creep, high fatigue resistance, chemical resistance to the applied lubricants, and low wear."

Stanyl TW200F6, a 30% glass fiber reinforced PA46 grade from DSM Engineering Plastics, was selected for this application. Key reasons are high wear resistance, stiffness, strength, and toughness. This combination allowed optimized internal geometry, low noise, low torque, long-lasting lubrication, and new polymer cage design. Stanyl also offered the best overall system cost.

Stanyl high performance polyamide is the material of choice for demanding applications such as these. Stanyl is able to deliver greater durability: extreme wear and abrasion resistance, as a result of its unmatched high fatigue, ductility and creep resistance thanks to its 70-80% crystallinity levels. Other key benefits include greater design freedom, as a result of the material’s 150% higher stiffness, strength and creep resistance at temperatures of 150-220°C when compared to other PAs and PPAs; lower system costs, lower weight, and less noise compared to metals.

DSM Engineering Plastics
DSM Engineering Plastics is one of the world's leading suppliers of quality engineering thermoplastics providing customer value through sustainable solutions that reflect the DSM People, Planet and Profit strategy. DSM Engineering Plastics delivers innovative opportunities for customers who design or produce electrical applications, electronic equipment, cars, barrier packaging films as well as many mechanical and extrusion applications. These markets are served with a broad portfolio of high performance materials including Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPC, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins, and Stanyl® high heat 46 polyamides. Most recently, DSM Engineering Plastics introduced the first new polymer of the 21st century: Stanyl® ForTiiTM. DSM Engineering Plastics had sales in 2008 of EUR 761 with 1500 employees employed worldwide. More on: www.dsmep.com.

DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual net sales of EUR 9.3 billion and employs some 23,500 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.

Amcor PET Packaging and Saxco International Deliver Distinctive 1.75L PET Bottle For M.S. Walker’s New Integre Premium Vodka

IDES - The Plastics Web® — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:48:00 -0700

November 2, 2009 - Manchester, Mich. – Amcor PET Packaging, the world’s largest PET container manufacturer, has designed and produced a proprietary 1.75L PET bottle for M.S. Walker Inc., a Somerville, Mass.-based manufacturer and distributor of premium spirits. The custom PET bottle gives M.S. Walker’s new vodka brand, Integre, an upscale look.

During product development for Integre Imported Vodka, M.S. Walker found that beyond the quality of taste, consumers ranked package design as a major factor when considering a brand of vodka. Since they already had a great tasting spirit, M.S. Walker focused its attention on bottle design.
They called on Saxco International, Horsham, Pa., an Amcor distributor who has worked closely with Amcor on numerous bottle design projects.

Working with Saxco and M.S. Walker, Amcor delivered a custom bottle with an iconic shape. The distinctive bottle is rigid and heavier than typical PET containers, providing a glass-like feel. The round container has a bulb shoulder and a tapered body. The decision to go without a pinch grip also helped to enhance aesthetics, according to Amcor.

Due to M.S. Walker’s production line requirements, Amcor faced some design constraints, for example, the height and diameter of the bottle were already pre-set. Still, the company was able to create a highly stylized container with a high-quality look. “For this project, an overall concept was presented to Amcor with production line requirements, and we trusted Amcor's technical expertise to get the job done,” said Lorri Eckman, Sales Representative for Saxco International. “This offered flexibility to Amcor to create a design that not only performs well on M.S. Walker's line, but maximizes Amcor's own production efficiencies. A win/win for both sides.That is the essence of a successful relationship.”

Saxco was a key partner and their involvement helped to facilitate the project, said Todd Mastic, Amcor project engineer. “With Saxco's assistance, we were able to meet the container design requirements and at the same time dramatically shorten the design time and manufacturing launch," he added.

The custom PET bottle, manufactured at Amcor’s state-of-the-art facility in Nicholasville, Ky., not only introduced the new brand but helped it succeed during the test run. “Our test markets have had great success selling Integre Vodka,” said Michael B. Brody, Vice President and Director of Sales for M.S. Walker Inc. “Repeat sales in the six test markets have been better than most new brand introductions, and our wholesalers have re-ordered within a few weeks.”

Brody noted that light weight and aesthetics give the PET bottle its distinct consumer appeal. “When the consumer picks up our new vodka in the store, the clean, clear look of the PET bottle, along with the difference in weight versus glass makes it the right choice,” said Brody. “Plus, there’s the sustainability benefit of a greener package in today’s marketplace.”

About Amcor PET Packaging
Amcor PET Packaging is the leading manufacturer of PET packaging for the global beverage, food, and non-food industries with 60 facilities in 12 countries. Its parent company, Amcor Limited, offers a range of packaging solutions and ranks as one of the top three packaging companies in the world. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Amcor’s extensive operations include 217 plants in 34 countries and, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, reported sales revenues of $8 billion (U.S.). For more information, visit www.amcor.com.

New ColorWeight Display Increases Efficiency of Molding Machine Operations

IDES - The Plastics Web® — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:41:00 -0700

November 2, 2009 - Mettler Toledo introduces the BBA449 counting scale that provides accurate counting and allows molding machine operators to more effectively supervise machines, resulting in process efficiency and productivity. The BBA449’s unique colorWeight® display alerts operators if boxes are full or almost full through a color-changing feature. These color changes are visible from a distance, especially useful for operators responsible for multiple machines.

The back-lit display of the BBA449 counting scale can change color from light blue to green, yellow or red. The color change parameters can be set with the numerical keyboard, allowing the operator to program the display to change to one of the three colors once the preset number of parts has been reached. Users can customize the system to specify which color they want to allocate to which status.

The BBA449 counting scale can also communicate with the molding machine via RS232 or digital I/O. This function can be used to slow down or stop the machine automatically if the box is full, allowing for greater efficiency and ease-of-use.

The colorWeight display also supports manual order filling of many identical portions in the shipping department. The graphical bar at the lower end of the display rapidly shows the filling status of the targeted portion, giving the operator updated information during the entire filling process. The bar graph in combination with the colorWeight display increases filling speed and reduces time-consuming manual corrections of over- or under-fill.

About Mettler Toledo
Mettler Toledo is a leading global supplier of precision instruments and services. The Company is the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial and food retailing applications. The Company also holds top-three market positions in several related analytical instruments and is a leading provider of automated chemistry systems used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development. In addition, the Company is the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of metal detection and other end-of-line inspection systems used in production and packaging and holds a leading position in certain process analytics applications. Additional information about Mettler Toledo can be found at www.mt.com.