Extrusion International 2-2023-USA

53 Extrusion International 2/2023 CIRCULAR ECONOMY The thickness of the TPU membranes can be consider- ably reduced, compared to conventional products avail- able on the market. Thanks to the innovative system technology, significantly improved water vapor perme- ability values can be achieved, with, at the same time, excellent product properties with regard to longevity. “Our new underlay membranes are impressive with their proven durability and thus long-term protection. Extreme quality and long-term tests as well as special test procedures confirm their extraordinary resilience. With a high elasticity and integrated self-adhesive edges, this new generation of products is the perfect solution for a wide variety of applications. It enables a higher energy efficiency and a raised living comfort,” Dörken-CTO, Christian Harste, states. Intuitive operation – integrated inspection systems A central element in both production lines is the SMILE control system developed by SML software application engineers. This enables the highly intuitive operation of the lines, tailored to the respective production process and the associated functionalities. "Integrated inspec- tion systems and our data management tool, BitWise, ensure the comprehensive monitoring of the entire pro- cess chain at both plants. The production parameters of each product can be completely traced," SML product manager, Johannes Danter, points out. This is an enor- mous help to Dörken when complying with the strictest quality standards, especially regarding the long-term product guarantees the market demands. Modernisation with a significant increase in efficiency The two production lines from SML allow a massive increase in efficiency because of their lower raw mate- rial consumption. Compared to the plant and process technology previously available, the production of the new generation of highly breathable roofing and fa- cade membranes takes place in just a single production step. In addition, the lines operate at a comparatively high production speed of up to 120 m/min. Along with considerable time savings, the waste generated during production is reduced to a minimum. The two new lines from SML replace several existing plants and give Dörken the opportunity to produce in- novative membranes. They emphasize Dörken’s claim to manufacture as economically and resource-efficient- ly as possible – with greatly improved product proper- ties achieved through further development work. SML Maschinengesellschaft mbH Gewerbepark Ost 32, 4846 Redlham, Austria www.sml.at Project STOP – Pioneering Concept to Expand Affordable Waste Management and Recycling Solutions Project STOP and its partners reached significant milestones and successes in demonstrating a model for expanding affordable waste management and recycling solutions to help address the plastic waste challenge in Indonesia. By the end of 2022, the programme has provided access to waste management services to over 300,000 people across three cities in Indonesia — to most for the first time — built five waste processing facilities and enabled the collection of more than 40,000 tons of waste (including more than 5,000 tons of plastics). P roject STOP is co-funded by Borealis and System- iq, who share the same vision: to permanently stop waste leaking into the environment by support- ing the establishment of low-cost waste manage- ment solutions, creating real impact through action on the ground. The key objectives of the programme include: • Reducing waste leakage into the environment by providing affordable, reliable and formal waste collec- tion to all citizens;