Extrusion International USA 4-2020

33 Extrusion International 4/2020 New Packaging System for Dust-free, Sustainable Handling Orion Engineered Carbons, a worldwide supplier of specialty and high-performance Carbon Black, announced the introduction of a new packaging system with soluble and meltable Minibags for dust- free and sustainable han- dling Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. www.orioncarbons.com Orion has developed Minibags as a customized packaging solution for Carbon Black. Minibags are available for differ- ent material types, melting points and capacities. They have been designed to optimize the production process and serve small order quantities of between 100 g and 10 kg. Minibags are suitable for both powder and beaded Carbon Blacks. Carbon Black is a dusty and fluffy substance often present- ing handling and packaging challenges. Minibags mitigate these challenges by allowing for direct incorporation into the production process without the need for opening the bags. Depending on the material, Minibags can either be water- soluble or meltable in polymers thus reducing waste and en- abling the dust free processing of Carbon Black. All common polyethylene and other compatible elastomer bases as well as ethylene vinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol are offered as Minibag-material. The differing material characteristics and melting points enable the adaption of the bags to meet cus- tomers’ needs. The Minibags are produced in Germany and are available for purchase immediately. Commend for Action on Marine Debris Tony Radoszewski, President & CEO of the Plastics Indus- try Association (PLASTICS) commended the Senate Subcom- mittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs for holding an upcoming hearing on plastic waste, issuing a statement on the continued importance of plastic to the modern economy and industry efforts to protect the envi- ronment, including oceans. “Bills and initiatives our members support are all positive steps towards solving the problem of plastic and other waste in the environment,” said Radoszewski. “Hardworking men and women in our industry are making healthcare, nutrition, transportation and many more products people need, and like everyone else, we don’t like litter or pollution. We’re al- ways thinking of new ways to make our products more sus- tainable and to help Americans recycle more.” Radoszewski thanked Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for hosting Subcommittee hearing, as well as Senator Dan Sul- livan (R-AK), sponsor of the Save Our Seas Act 2.0 to study and prevent marine debris, who is scheduled to serve as a witness. The CEO listed a range of other federal legislation his orga- nization supports: the RECOVER Act to improve collection The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) plasticsindustry.org and sorting of recyclable materials; the RECYCLE Act to fund public awareness of recycling options; and the Plastic Waste Reduction and Recycling Act to develop new recycling tech- nologies. PLASTICS also leads marine debris initiatives such as Opera- tion Clean Sweep and the Global Plastics Alliance. In addi- tion, PLASTICS members are participants of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) which fights against plastic waste and develop solutions. “Our industry is taking the same innovative spirit we apply to developing new materials and products to our environmen- tal efforts,” said Radoszewski. “We’re eager to work with Congress to conserve resources and decrease waste, and also to increase jobs and economic growth.” The plastics industry supports nearly one million U.S. jobs, a half-trillion dollars in domestic economic value, and a posi- tive international trade balance.