Articles

sustainability 4 Dec 2012

Meredian Starts Up World’s Largest PHA Biopolymer Plant

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Biopolymer manufacturer Meredian, Inc., Bainbridge, Ga., recently started up what is believed to the world’s largest production facility for PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate). At full production, the plant is capable of annual output of about 600 million lb.

3 Dec 2012

President Pushes Tax Plan at Molder Rodon

It isn’t often that a trade press editorial type like yours truly get to see the president up close.

Sheet Extrusion 29 Nov 2012

Extrusion Process Produces Lens Array

Process promises opportunities for extruders to make lens arrays for smartphone and other electronic displays, solar concentrators, optical diffusers, security products, etc.

Biopolymers 29 Nov 2012

Flexible Package Takes Aim at Rigid Containers

Leading sheet processor Clear Lam Packaging, Inc., Elk Grove Village, Ill., made three announcements during October’s Pack Expo International show in Chicago.

Packaging 29 Nov 2012

Modified MDO Gives Higher Film Yields

Hosokawa Alpine American, Natick, Mass., is offering new machine-direction orientation (MDO) technology that is said to dramatically reduce the amount of film to be edge-trimmed compared with other MDO designs.

Thermoforming 29 Nov 2012

PolyOne to Buy Spartech

Major compounder PolyOne Corp.has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Spartech Corp.

Commodity Resins 29 Nov 2012

VW Adopts PP Intake Manifolds in Two Car Engines

Glass-reinforced PP with proprietary heat-stabilization enhancement has emerged as a competitor for nylon in air-intake manifolds of two Volkswagen car engines: a three-cylinder gasoline engine in Brazil and Europe and a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine produced in China.

Injection Molding 29 Nov 2012

Injection Press Converts to Injection-Blow

A simple way for injection molders to get into blow molding of small containers for food, beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications has been introduced through a collaboration of Engel Austria, the injection machine supplier (U.S. office in York, Pa.,) and Italian injection moldmaker Cantoni S.r.l.

Gas & Water Assist 29 Nov 2012

Enhanced Gas-Assist Molding Shortens Cycles, Cuts Downtime

A pair of new technologies, one proven at several molders in Europe and a second just now ready for commercialization, is said to improve on current gas-assist injection molding techniques with up to 30% faster cycles and up to 90% reduced downtime for maintenance of molds and gas injectors.