SABIC's smart concept in multi-layer film packaging

(SABIC) -- SABIC, a leading player in the global plastics industry, unveiled a pioneering concept in low-density polyethylene and linear-low-density polyethylene (LD/LLDPE) films at the K2010 tradeshow in Dusseldorf, Germany.

This milestone innovation marks a new approach to leveraging SABIC's world-class polyolefin portfolio. Among numerous benefits, it produces smart resin combinations offering converters significant material and energy savings while optimizing manufacturing and packaging performance.

The concept supports film packaging applications that comprise up to five layers or more. These film combinations allow manufacturers to create unique property configurations that meet the specific needs of brand owners as well as the demands of the consumer.

Moreover, the SABIC LDPE-materials used in this concept are produced with SABIC's state-of-the-art PE tubular technology - the more sustainable alternative to the traditional autoclave technology. With the tubular technology SABIC is able to reduce air emissions significantly while minimizing energy consumption and waste during the production process.

SABIC will implement this innovation worldwide and continue to support the concept as part of its comprehensive polyolefin portfolio, which is available globally.

MRC

(Clariant) -- Clariant presents an innovation for automotive plastics with the launch of unique UV stabilizer Hostavin N845PP for polyolefin (PO) compounds for interior applications. In addition to UV protection, the new grade offers low fogging and low migration performance plus processing efficiency.

Migration is a significant concern for manufacturers of components such as dashboards, center consoles, and door cladding. Migration of a light stabilizer out of the PP part can cause undesired surface deposits or create a fogging effect on vehicle windscreens. Automotive manufacturers conduct rigorous testing at high temperatures to check for fogging potential.

MRC

(European Plastics News) -- Melbourne packaging technology company Cardia Bioplastics has developed a biodegradable plastic bag created from a blend of polymer produced from CO2 emissions and starch.

According to the company, CO2 emissions are captured prior to being released into the atmosphere, transformed into a polypropylene carbonate (PPC) polymer and blended with a renewable resource (starch) to produce the Cardia Bioplastics CO2S resin. This product is then used to produce a completely biodegradable carrier bag.

This development promises to offer packaging alternatives globally, with the company now in discussion with several parties interested in the technology.

MRC

(Plastics News) -- American polyethylene wine cork maker Nomacorc LLC has signed a technology development and supply agreement with the maker of one of China's leading wine brands, Great Wall.

Nomacorc, based in Zebulon, N.C., said it will work with Beijing-based COFCO Wine & Spirits Co. Ltd. in Nomacorc's global oxygen management research program. COFCO will perform studies on the role of oxygen in China's grape wine-making process.

Nomacorc also said it will be supplying COFCO wineries with its co-extruded synthetic closures.

Nomacorc makes about 2 billion synthetic corks a year and has factories in the United States, Belgium, Austria and China.

MRC

(European Plastics News) -- Engineered thermoplastics compounder RTP has opened a new manufacturing plant in Ladenburg, Germany, the company's second in Europe. Operating as RTP Deutschland, the operation will make products including very long fibre composites and conductive compounds.

⌠In addition to expanding manufacturing capacity, the Ladenburg plant also houses on-site product development engineers as well as a quality assurance laboratory, said John Van Wijk, the company's European director of sales, in a news release.

RTP now has 11 manufacturing sites. Other locations include Beaune, France; Suzhou, China; Singapore; Monterrey, Mexico, and six plants in the US.

MRC