Extrusion International 3-2019

20 Extrusion International 3/2019 INDUSTRY NEWS Biopolymers Applications Bioplastics is certainly themain topic discussed by plastics play- ers nowadays. The targets globally pursued include to eliminate unnecessary packaging, move from single use to re-use attitude and promote the utilisation of materials made from renewable resources to be applied in different sectors. Since many govern- ments have expressed the commitment towards an eco-friendly policy to free nature from plastic waste, companies involved in the plastic packaging field have to seek for newmaterials. They are therefore eager to receive a competent guidance and sup- port by both machinery manufacturers and raw material sup- pliers on the choice of the material and on the technology to process it. AMUT GROUP is ready for this duty and has already embraced the “GO GREEN” way-to-produce since many years. AMUT is used to help customers in finding eco solutions in partnership with rawmaterials suppliers. AMUT has started a collaboration with the company Nature- Works for extrusion and thermoforming food contact approved processes. NatureWorks is aworld-leading biopolymers supplier which turns greenhouse gases into a portfolio of polylactic acid (PLA) performancematerials called Ingeo™. Since 2015, Nature- Works has partnered with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to support the foundation’s NewPlastics Economy initiative, which is a comprehensive strategy for creating a global plastics system based on circular economy principles. AMUT-COMI tested Ingeo™ PLA on its thermoforming ma- chines using rolls provided by Coexpan company. COEXPAN is the Grupo Lantero division specialized in the manufacture of rigid plastic foils and thermoformed products providing packag- ing solutions at a global scale. AMUT GROUP www.amutgroup.com The results were good: serviceware made with Ingeo™ well performs in hot and cold applications. Other tests scheduled will involve AMUT/EREMA extrusion line now proposed for r- PET foil food contact approved production. AMUT and EREMA are working together to offer a similar technology also for PLA treatment through a direct extrusion process. Ingeo™ PLA is a thermoplastic material that shows high trans- parency, glossy and tear strength comparable with other ther- moplastic materials such as PS or PP. It is easy to shape and has multiple end-of-life options including composting and recycling. The foils in made PLA assure a high food flavour and aroma preservation, making them ideal for items that require a higher product protection. Therefore, using the PLA material for packaging applications not only boost environment preservation but also ensures the maximumquality and efficiency of the products. ACF820 thermoforming machine New Plant LogoplasteandTomlinsons announceda long termcollabora- tion inWrexham, UK. Tomlinsons, one of the UK’s largest family owned dairies, has completed a sale of its bottle blowmoulding production facility to Logoplaste, a leading global designer and manufacturer of value-added rigid plastic packaging solutions to a wide range of blue-chip clients. The sale plays to the strengths of both businesses, with Tomlin- sons being able to focus on growing its dairy operations, and Logoplaste bringing its expertise in rigid plastic packaging to the Wrexham bottling plant. The sale will involve the transfer of 30 bottling plant employees from Tomlinsons to Logoplaste. Philip Tomlinson and John Tomlinson, Shareholders and Direc- tors, commented: “We have been looking for a partner to help us consolidate the doubling of our business over the past 2 years. By selling our bottling plant we have created the opera- tional and financial capacity to now focus on our next phase of growth and an exciting new chapter for Tomlinsons.” Gerardo Chiaia, Logoplaste’s CEO, is thrilled towork side by side with Tomlinsons: “This new business is a great opportunity for both Logoplaste and our new client, where both companies will benefit. We will be inputting all our rigid plastic packaging ex- pertise and innovative ideas to produce best in class sustainable bottles. On the other hand, Tomlinsons can focus on what they excel at, producing high quality segregated traceable Welsh, British and Organic milk as well as dairy products. It is a win-win situation.” Logoplaste www.logoplaste.com