Extrusion International 1-2023

16 Extrusion International 1/2023 INDUSTRY NEWS New Record  Although travel became easier than in 2021, this year has brought other challenges for manufacturers in all sectors of the industry. So Veta - phone is delighted to report a record sales performance that saw its target for the year surpassed shortly into the final quarter, making a fitting tribute to its founding father Verner Eisby, whose centenary occurred earlier in the year. Speaking for the company, VP Sales & Marketing Kevin McKell explained: “Despite ongoing trading condi- tions that have been testing, to say the least, we are proud of the way we have coped with delays and com- ponent shortages and managed to maintain our customary high level of customer support. The inherent reli - ability of our technology is a result of our commitment to ongoing R&D and it’s at times like this that it stands us and our customers in good stead.” Supporting its bold decision in 2021 to forego trade shows as an exhibitor, the level of enquiries and sales this year has been at a record high across the company’s extensive portfolio of corona and plasma treaters. Veta - phone’s Showroom and unique Test Lab facilities at the company’s HQ in Denmark have allowed customers to have full demonstrations of the Veta- phone equipment, something that has been well received in 2022. Marketing Director Jeannette Woodman explained: “We have tak- en the demonstration of our products a step further by having powered-up equipment in the showroom. This has not been possible until now and it of- fers new and exciting ways to show- case our technology and, in many ways, – be it as one-to-one online customer meetings, Masterclasses, or in person demonstrations”. The Test Lab adds a new dimension by offering customers the chance to test the per- formance of substrates prior to a com- mitment to commercial production. By adopting a more focused ap- proach to the promotion of its tech- nology and reaching a larger cus- tomer base, Vetaphone says it has made better use of resources. Jean - nette Woodman added: “We have an extensive product portfolio that spans a wide range of applications, and our customers are located all over the world. By analysing the different requirements of each industry sector and geographical region we can be far more specific in our marketing – so it now has a greater relevance to the intended audience.” Vetaphone A/S www.vetaphone.com Despite component delays and shortages Vetaphone manufactured and sold a record number of corona and plasma treatment systems in 2022 New Head of EU Affairs in Brussels Appointed  European Bioplastics (EUBP), the association representing the bioplas- tics industry in Europe, announced the appointment of Roberto Ferrigno as Head of EU Affairs. He assumed his position on 1 January 2023 and will be based in Brussels. He is also head EUBP’s new Brussels office opened on 1 February 2023. European Bioplastics and its members are happy to welcome Ro- berto Ferrigno as part of the EUBP team. Bioplastics have become an increasingly important topic in the debate of the European Union’s efforts to achieve its ambitious cli- mate goals. “Roberto perfectly fits into the EUBP team, into this group of proven experts when it comes to biobased and compostable plastics,” says Ste- fan Barot, Chairman of EUBP. “He’s already been working within the bio- plastics industry for a long time and brings with him many years of experi- ence in Brussels. I have no doubt that he is the right person to represent our industry’s interests in the capital of Europe at this crucial time,” he adds. Since many years, Ferrigno has been working with a great number of different stakeholders from the bioeconomy. He is now looking for - ward to taking up new challenges by representing the bioplastics industry in Europe. “It’s the right time to join EUBP. The Green Deal and its related policy initiatives provide a unique op- portunity to achieve a comprehensive acknowledgement of bioplastics and their role in establishing a resource- efficient, climate-friendly biobased economy in Europe,” says Ferrigno. He will make sure that EUBP continues to play an active part in the discussions impacting the bioplastics sector by en- gaging with EU policy makers and the broader range of stakeholders. European Bioplastics (EUBP) www.european-bioplastics.org