Extrusion International 5-2025-USA

16 Extrusion International 5/2025 16 INDUSTRY NEWS PP Cap-to-Cap Recycling Process Cleared by FDA The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has new- ly released an NOL (No Objection Letter) for the poly- propylene cap-to-cap recycling process on the Starlinger recoSTAR dynamic recycling system. The NOL applies for the manufacture of bottle caps for beverages under Conditions of Use C to H. Bottle caps made of 100 % recycled post-consumer polypro - pylene produced on the Starlinger recycling system can thus also be used for hot ll applications. The machine con guration for the approved recycling process includes a recoSTAR dynamic recycling extruder equipped with a C-VAC degassing module for highly ef- cient degassing, as well as the PCUplus unit at the end of the recycling process. The latter ensures permanent odor reduction and completes the removal of VOCs, which are important steps in the production of food- grade recyclates from post-consumer plastics. “In the beverage industry, PP and HDPE are the ma- terials mostly used for plastic bottle caps,” said Paul Niedl, Commercial Head of Starlinger recycling technol- ogy. “Already in 2021 we got the FDA LNO for our HDPE bottle-to-bottle and cap-to-cap recycling processes. Nowwe can close the loop also for beverage bottle caps made of polypropylene so that they can be returned to the recycling stream and be reused without down- cycling.” Starlinger recycling technology www.recycling.starlinger.com The Starlinger recoSTAR super-cleaning technology turns PP beverage bottle caps into high-qulality rPP that can be used at levels up to 100 % in food-contact packaging (© Starlinger) Acquisition Teknor Apex has announced the acquisition of Danimer Scienti c, a leading bioplastics company fo- cused on the development and manufacture of biodegradable ma- terials. This strategic move brings to- gether two industry pioneers united by a shared vision for a more sus- tainable future. Headquartered in Bainbridge, Georgia, USA, Danimer operates two facilities totaling over 18,000 square meters with world- class laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and testing rooms. For more than a decade, Danimer's renewable and sustainable bio- polymers have been used in the manufacture of biodegradable and compostable plastic products. The biopolymers are used in additives, aqueous coatings, bers, lms, hot melt adhesives, and injection molded items for everyday dispos- able products such as straws, cutlery, and packaging. The company has more than 480 granted patents and pending patent applications in more than 20 countries for various manu- facturing processes and biopolymer formulations. This milestone marks the next chapter in a future built on stability, innovation, and a shared purpose. With Teknor Apex as the foundation for future growth, this strengthens con dence in the PHA market and in Danimer's valued partners and stakeholders. Danimer will continue to operate as a sepa- rate, dedicated entity with its own name, team, and vision. “Danimer's patented manufactur- ing process for fermentation-based biopolymers expands our product portfolio and enables us to capital- ize on opportunities in new mar- kets with new end uses,” said Don Wiseman, Chief Executive Of cer at Teknor Apex. “With its expertise in biopolymer resins such as poly- hydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and poly- lactic acid (PLA), as well as its know- how in custom formulation, the company is a valuable partner in our mission to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional polymers.” “This partnership opens exciting doors to accelerate our research and development, scale our activi- ties, and reach new customers and markets, while remaining true to our core mission: replacing conventional plastics with materials that are in harmony with our planet.” Phil Van Trump, Chief Science & Technology Of cer. “With Teknor Apex's sup - port, we gain new resources, stabil- ity, and strategic backing to continue to grow and succeed. This will allow us to continue our work to reduce plastic pollution, enable the circular economy, and advance the next gen- eration of sustainable products.” With this acquisition, Teknor Apex is accelerating its commitment to