Extrusion International 6-2024-USA

31 Extrusion International 5/2022 Biomass Balanced LCP for ReduCO 2 Emissions and Improved Renewable Content Launched Polyplastics has announced the launch of LAPEROS ® bG-LCP, a sustainable solution based on biomass-de- rived materials (mass balance approach) which reduces CO 2 emissions and improves renewable content ratio. The introduction expands the company’s DURACIRCLE ® initiative which already includes DURACON ® bG-POM. LAPEROS ® bG-LCP, slated for commercialization in spring 2025, is manufactured like conventional prod- ucts and exhibits the same chemical and physical prop- erties. Polyplastics plans to expand this new solution to all grades of LAPEROS ® LCP. The mass balance approach combines rawmaterials derived frombiomass with those derived from fossil resources. By combining them into resin manufacturing processes a portion of the re- sulting product can be considered to be bio- mass-derived, according to the volume of biomass rawmaterial input. This sustainable option elimi- nates the need to produce biomass-derived and fossil resources-derived products separately. Users also have no need to re-evaluate per- formance and quality for each separate grade. Thus, the approach effectively helps to more quickly achieve carbon neutrality and a circular economy. LAPEROS ® LCP delivers thin-wall and high flowability characteristics along with superior heat resistance and strong mechanical performance. It also possesses high- er strength per unit area at reduced thicknesses, along with a low linear expansion coefficient close to that of metal. It is used in many ultra-small precision connec- tors and other parts of cutting-edge IT devices that are becoming increasingly compact, including tablets and smartphones. DURACIRCLE ® is an initiative that encompasses the use of renewable feedstocks, resin recycling and re- compounding operations aimed at generat- ing higher performance and value. This includes biomass balanced products such as LAPEROS ® bG-LCP and DU- RACON ® bG-POM, expanding the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) sources, chemical recy- cling, and the development of raw material technology that reuses CO 2 emissions. Polyplastics Co., Ltd. www.polyplastics.com New Vice President Sales Appointed Reifenhauser Incorporated, the U.S. subsidiary of the German ex- trusion machine manufacturer Rei- fenhäuser Group, has appointed Matthew Banach as the new Vice President Sales Cast Sheet Coating (CSC). Effective September 2, Banach has assumed responsibility for the further expansion of Reifenhäuser's North American flat film and sheet extrusion business. With decades of experience and a proven track record in the extrusion industry he will sup- port Reifenhäuser customers in set- ting up successful production lines. Steve DeSpain, Vice President Reifenhauser Inc., says: “We are pleased to have Matt on our team as it shows the continued commit- ment that Reifenhäuser has in the North American market. Matt is an industry veteran and has experience in leading positions both on the processing and machinery side.” Banach adds: “With a career dedi- cated to the plastics industry, I am thrilled to step into a leadership role at Reifenhäuser, a true global pioneer in extrusion technology. I look forward to contributing to Reifenhäuser’s renowned legacy of engineering, innovation, and manu- facturing excellence as we push the boundaries of technology and shape the future of the industry together.” In his new role as Vice President Sales CSC, Banach will focus fully on Reifenhäuser's Cast Sheet Coat- ing technologies and make their advantages visible in the market. Reifenhäuser CSC systems are con- sistently designed for maximum OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and enable the efficient processing of recycled material. A particularly unique selling point are the Value PET lines, for example, featuring a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and a high-performance vacuum system for the direct extrusion of recycled PCR-PET material. The FDA/EFSA cer- tified process allows the production of food-safe sheet without the need for an upstream cleaning and drying process. Reifenhauser Incorporated https://reifenhauser.com Matthew Banach, Vice President Sales CSC, Reifenhauser Inc. (Picture: Reifenhäuser) (Source: Polyplastics Co., Ltd.)