Extrusion International 6-2023-USA

28 Extrusion International 6/2023 28 INDUSTRY NEWS Screw Design Conference-Topcon The Society Plastics Engineers (SPE) Extrusion Division and the SPE Eastern New England Section will co-host the “Screw Design Confer- ence-Topcon” on June 19-20, 2024 at UMass Lowell in Lowell, MA. This highly technical program will focus upon screw design principles for single and twin screw extruders with wide ranging topics relating to screw designs for feeding, melt- ing, mixing, venting and pumping plastics products and parts. Areas of focus will include screw designs for melt temperature and gel manage- ment, gel minimization, bioplastics, recycled materials and foaming. In addition to the technical ses- sions, a tour of the UMass Lowel Plastics Processing Laboratories will be integrated into Day 2 of the event. This program is not just for screw designers, but to help anyone re- sponsible for any type of extrusion operation to evaluate existing ex- trusion equipment; and also to pre- pare for future projects. A reception on Day 1 and a table- top display area will allow the at- tendees to meet and discuss state- of-the-art screw technologies with industry experts. The SPE Extrusion Division will issue a “Screw Design Certificate” to all participants who have attended the program. Stu- dents are encouraged to attend and will receive a discounted rate. For additional information con- tact: Macro Engineering Karen Xiao, KXiao@macroeng.com Certification Attained Davis-Standard announced that its Pawcatuck, CT headquarters and largest manufacturing facility has achieved ISO 14001 certification. This milestone under - scores the company's ongoing dedication to environ- mental responsibility and sustainability in its operations as part of defined 2025 ESG commitments. The compa - ny's Pawcatuck facility joins its locations in Fulton/N.Y., Vantaa/Finland, Dusseldorf/Germany, and Ecublens/ Switzerland, which are already ISO 14001 certified. All of Davis-Standard’s global manufacturing sites are slat- ed to become ISO 14001 certified by 2025. ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems, emphasizing a systematic approach to managing environmental im- pact. The certification acknowledges Davis-Standard's commitment to environmentally friendly practices, com- pliance with applicable legal requirements, and contin- ual improvement in environmental performance. "At Davis-Standard, we believe in taking proactive measures to minimize our environmental impact and contribute to the plastics circular economy," said CEO Giovanni Spitale. "The ISO 14001 certification for our Pawcatuck facility is a testament to our ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our busi- ness, be it in new machines or retrofit upgrades to pro - cess biopolymers or circular economy structures to en- ergy-efficient and waste-reducing equipment designs." In addition to achieving ISO 14001 certification, Davis- Standard is actively pursuing initiatives to reduce its car- bon footprint as it relates to the use of carbon pollution- free electricity at our facilities. The company recognizes its critical role in the plastics industry and is committed to advancing sustainable practices. This commitment is evident not only in certifications but also in the design and manufacturing of equipment that addresses envi- ronmental concerns. "We understand the importance of innovation in promoting sustainability in our industry," added Spit- ale. "Our team is dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology that not only meets our customers' needs but also aligns with their and our environmental goals. We are continuously working on designing equipment that enhances efficiency and reduces environmental impact." Davis-Standard's focus on sustainability goes beyond regulatory compliance, reflecting a corporate culture prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Davis-Standard reflects this value in the organization of Davis-Standard Community Days, events where employees help local communities with activities like trash cleanup projects and tree planting. The company continues to invest in research and de- velopment to stay at the forefront of environmentally conscious solutions, ensuring its products contribute positively to the circular economy. This achievement is a significant milestone for Davis- Standard, highlighting its commitment to environmen- tal stewardship and setting a standard for responsible business practices in the plastics industry. Davis-Standard https://davis-standard.com/sustainability/