
Category
Plastics Processes

Researchers develop solvent-free technique for plastic production that could reduce manufacturing costs
A team at Purdue University has developed a new way for manufacturers to mix polymers and nanocellulose in order to save material and production steps when using plant-based materials in auto part and food packaging molding.
Aoki, R&D/Leverage form North American alliance
Missouri-based R&D/Leverage is now the North American designer and tool builder for Aoki in the injection stretch blow molding sector.
RJG adds Bole injection molding machine to North Carolina training centre
The Bole 100 EKS C340 is a servo driven hydraulic machine with 110 tons of clamping force.
Belplas now representing Stirling in Central and Eastern Canada
The Vaughan, Ont.-based company has been appointed as Stirling’s exclusive representative for its Sterling line of auxiliary equipment for the injection molding and blow molding industries.
Packaging supplier Comar to expand in New Jersey
The company has announced what it calls “a major capacity expansion” of its Buena, N.J. plant operations by building a new offsite location in nearby Vineland, N.J.
Maguire offering flexible PET shield for safe social distancing
The company’s Jordan Defense Shield can be installed and uninstalled quickly and is made to fit any space by simply unrolling the shield to the required length.
Coca-Cola Amatil, Dynapack sign agreement to build advanced PET recycling plant in Indonesia
Amatil and Dynapack will work together through a proof of concept phase to consider a potential plant’s economic feasibility, size, scale and location, end-to-end requirements, and potential integration into each company’s value chains.

Engel, Hack Formenbau partner on high-volume system that molds COVID-19 test swabs
The two longtime collaborators have developed an integrated system that allows plastics processors to produce two-component test swabs in high volumes and with short lead times.
Nordson expands medical tubing offerings with Fluortek acquisition
Easton, Pa.-based Fluortek will become part of the Nordson Medical product line within Nordson’s Advanced Technology Solutions segment.

Extraordinary times, extraordinary dryers
Even in the middle of a pandemic, the science behind molding plastic parts doesn’t change. Which means it’s just as critical now as ever to dry plastics in the processing phase. These new technologies really bring the heat.
Pandemic pauses North American plastics machinery shipments during first quarter
But a new report by the Plastics Industry Association does show increases in some areas.
Plastics Industry Association announces winners of the 2020 Re|focus Leadership and People’s Choice Awards
Recycler PureCycle Technologies accepts the Leadership in Innovation Award and sustainable packaging supplier Accredo Packaging wins the People’s Choice Award.
New Wittmann Battenfeld router offers safe remote access
The company says its latest generation of injection molding machines offer secure access to an entire production cell, for enhanced plant floor safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Novatec releases ScrubX sanitizing system for factories
The patent-pending technology is designed to remove and sanitize dust and plastic particulate that may have been exposed to harmful airborne pathogens, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Plastics Pipe Institute announces winners of annual project awards
PPI handed out awards to the winners of its annual Project of the Year competition in five categories during its annual meeting, and also named new Members of the Year.
New safety standard for plastic sheet and film machinery
The Machinery Safety Standards Committee of the U.S.-based Plastics Industry has released a new American National Standards Institute-accredited safety standard for plastic sheet and film machinery.
Nordson names Joseph Kelley as new CFO
Effective July 6, Kelley will succeed outgoing executive vice president and CFO Gregory Thaxton, who announced his plans to retire in December 2019.
Good Natured Products completes acquisition of Shepherd Thermoforming
The $9.5-million purchase was first announced in March 2020.
Milton, Ontario processor Keter developing face shields for war on COVID-19
Plastic goods maker Keter North America has begun production of high-quality, reusable face shields at its plants in Milton and also in Anderson, Indiana.
Italy postpones plastic tax as part of economic recovery plan
The plastic tax, originally included in Italy’s 2020 Budget Law and set to come into effect this year, is being pushed back until at least January 2021.