Extrusion International 1-2016

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Extrusion International 1/2016 16
Royal DSM, a global science-based company active in health,
nutrition and materials, today announces that the company is
expanding production capacity for Akulon® XS at its facility in
Emmen, the Netherlands. The capacity increase is scheduled for
completion in the first quarter of 2016. It will meet the strong-
growing demand for Akulon XS, a new polyamide developed
specifically for blown films used in flexible food packaging. Fi-
nancial details will not be disclosed.
The barrier properties and mechanical strength of conventional
PA6 are ideal for flexible films used in food packaging. However,
its high crystallization speed can be restrictive. Processors have
to either compromise on productivity, or blend with special
amorphous polyamides or polyamide copolymers, reducing cost
efficiency and properties.
DSM to boost capacity of Akulon XS for flexible packaging films
Akulon XS from DSM resolves the issue as it crystallizes much
more slowly than conventional PA6 giving processors impro-
ved performance and productivity gains without the need for
expensive blending. This makes it easier and more cost effec-
tive for processors to make blown films for flexible food pak-
kaging while retaining the unique barrier and mechanical
properties of polyamide 6.
Key benefits include mechanical strength, puncture resistance
and excellent barrier performance. Akulon XS also enables
down auging to create thinner films further reducing weight,
cost and waste.
China’s leading chemicals group, China National Chemical
Corporation (“ChemChina”), has agreed to acquire KraussMaf-
fei Group from Onex Corporation (“Onex”) for a cash enterprise
value of €925million. The transaction is subject to closing con-
ditions including customary regulatory approvals. The Krauss-
Maffei Group is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality
machinery and systems for producing and processing plastics
and rubber. The transaction is expected to accelerate the growth
of the company considerably in light of potential business syn-
ergies. ChemChina together with GUOXIN International Invest-
ment Corporationand AGIC Capital will make this acquisition.
ChemChina to acquire KraussMaffei Group for €925million
ChemChina is a strategic
and long-term oriented investor
“With ChemChina, we have found a
strategic and long-term oriented inve-
stor who has been interested in our
Company for many years,” said Frank
Stieler, CEO of the KraussMaffei
Group. The KraussMaffei Group will
continue to operate in its current cor-
porate structure.
“We are strengthening our company
with one of the leading global engi-
neering groups, encompassing a 178-
year corporate history. In doing so, we
expect that KraussMaffei Group will
maintain its identity and indepen-
dence,” said Jianxin Ren, Chairman of
ChemChina. “We are investing in the
Company’s strong
management team and its technologi-
cal expertise, which we believe will benefit our Chinese subsi-
diaries and position the chemical machinery business of
ChemChina, which build and sell equipment for the rubber and
chemical industry, to become a pioneer in achieving the “Made
in China 2025” program which
aims to enhance Chinese industry. The growth potential of the
KraussMaffei Group is tremendous, especially through improved
access to the Chinese market, which we can make possible. We
expect trends in the automotive industry towards advanced ma-
nufacturing and lightweight components will provide a huge de-
velopment opportunity for the high-end plastic injection molding