SK Chemicals unveils plans for new Recycle Innovation Center at its Ulsan plant

Korea-based SK chemicals has announced plans to build a new recycling centre at its Ulsan plant. The project marks the establishment of the company’s first depolymerisation technology-based recycling centre in the country.

Using sophisticated chemical decomposition technology, the new Recycling Innovation Center (RIC) will produce recyclable plastic raw materials (r-BHET) from waste plastics. Set to open in 2026, the pilot facility will produce 50 tons of r-BHET each year from various types of low-quality waste plastics such as fibres, films, and automotive parts that were previously difficult to recycle using conventional methods. Textiles are known to be especially challenging due to the mix of materials commonly encountered in clothing - from polyester yarn to other fibres such as cotton, and various accessories like buttons.

At the Ulsan plant, SK chemicals’ RIC will integrate research and production, covering everything from circular recycled raw materials (r-BHET) to circular recycled materials, supported by a polymerisation pilot that produces a circular recycled PET and a commercial production facility capable of mass-producing circular recycled copolyester.

In creating the RIC, SK chemicals aims to provide flexible solutions to meet the diverse recycling requirements of such sectors as the automotive, electronics, and fashion industry. The goal is to accelerate the implementation of a Closed Loop system, keeping plastics in circulation in the production cycle.This pioneering effort is set to redefine the future of resource circulation for plastic materials.

As Ahn Jae-hyun, CEO of SK chemicals, explained: "Establishing an integrated research and production system from recycled raw materials to recycled plastics will be a crucial turning point in accelerating innovation in the plastic ecosystem's circular recycling. Through close cooperation with companies in food and beverage, automotive, electronics, and fashion sectors, we will develop comprehensive resource circulation systems for each industry.

#SKchemicals has a strong track record of innovation in recycling: In 2021, it was the first globally to commercialise circular recycled copolyester using chemically recycled raw materials and the first in Korea to supply circular recycled PET (2022). The company has also established a solid production base for recycled waste plastic business by acquiring a stake in the Chinese company Shuye Environmental Technology and establishing SK chemicals Shantou.

source:SK Chemicals/sustainableplastics.com

 

New GRECO project on greener and safer bioplastics for food packaging

The new Horizon Europe-funded GRECO project provides innovative biobased, biodegradable and recyclable food packaging based on novel PLA copolymers, functional coatings, additives and green catalysts. GRECO aims to demonstrate the life cycle and techno-economic feasibility of greener and safer bioplastics value chains for the food packaging sector, based on a safe and sustainable-by-design strategy.

The GRECO project kick-off will take place in Valencia, at AIMPLAS on 16-17 June 2025. European Bioplastics and its members, including TotalEnergies Corbion, AIMPLAS, and INNOTECH COEXPAN-EMSUR, are among the 22 partners that have joined forces to develop and implement “Innovative biobased, biodegradable, recyclable, safe, and circular food packaging” under the lead of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH).

Dimitrios Bikiaris (AUTH), GRECO coordinator, indicates that “The GRECO project aligns with the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation by developing biobased, biodegradable, and recyclable PLA copolymers for food packaging. Our goal is to create sustainable and circular solutions that reduce waste and environmental impact.

At a demonstrative scale and in the real operational environment, GRECO will design, demonstrate and scale up food packaging materials (e.g., flexible and rigid applications for cheese, processed meat, fresh meat, berries, and nuts) that can meet diverse application needs, preventing moisture and aroma loss and increasing shelf life.

AIMPLAS is contributing to several tasks in GRECO. “We are particularly excited to implement reactive extrusion (REX) as a green chemistry technology for developing tailor-made and safe-and-sustainable-by design PLA-based copolymers for the food packaging sector, scaling them up to TRL 7”, said Belén Monje, leading researcher on Sustainable Chemistry. “Specifically, the contribution on the development of PLA- copolymers by reactive extrusion and on the production of additives by mechanochemistry is novel and groundbreaking and will make it possible to achieve more sustainable, biobased, recyclable and biodegradable PLA-compounds and coatings.

Novel PLA copolymers will be developed and optimised with the modelling tools to drive the design of the polymers to improve the biodegradability, performance, production rates, yield, and quality in an iterative strategy.

“As part of GRECO, TotalEnergies Corbion is contributing to the development of new PLA copolymers that deliver improved packaging performance and functionality, while boosting recyclability and biodegradability”, said Jenifer Mitja from TotalEnergies Corbion. She added: Significantly reducing carbon footprints, PLA’s versatility, biobased origin, and wide industrial availability make it a key enabler in addressing the performance and sustainability requirements set by the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

source: AIMPLAS

Infusion: Testia automates the monitoring of manufacturing processes

Generated using linear sensors to detect process deviations at an early stage, In-line Infusion Monitoring’s real-time information can be used to guarantee high-quality parts, reduce process development time and automate controls.

Unlike its competitors, the solution developed by Testia does not use point sensors: it evaluates the progress of the flow using linear sensors that enable spatially resolved data to be interpreted.

The solution is available in 2 versions: a portable device for process development and an embedded system for integration within industrial processes. These different versions meet the needs of different customers, whether in research and development, process industrialisation or mass production.

‘Our sensors are designed to operate in combination with all standard fibre, resin and tooling materials, and to withstand temperatures of up to 200°C. They can therefore be used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, wind energy, marine, transport and automotive,’ says Christopher Buchmann, product manager for In-line Infusion Monitoring. He also points out that Testia offers ‘linear sensors from as little as 0.1mm, which reduces the effect on the infusion process to a minimum’.

A customisable solution that enables digitalisation in production

The In-line Infusion Monitoring technology package combines the monitoring device with a software framework to enable intuitive interpretation of the recorded data. This configuration provides the operator with real-time information on the position of the flow front, which is easy to interpret and enables the manufacturing process to be adapted according to the data measured.

Testia offers different sensor geometries depending on the application. Specially designed components will be available for different applications, such as vacuum-tight connectors for LRI processes and feedthroughs with increased pressure resistance for RTM processes. The focus is also on tooling for integrated sensors, which are particularly attractive for industrial applications because of their low recurring costs. Cables of various lengths will complete the product range, ensuring a highly versatile application.

‘We see our technology as a catalyst for the digitalisation of production, because the digital interfaces can also be customised,’ adds Christopher Buchmann. ‘This means that the system can be easily integrated into our customers’ production lines.

Among the early adopters, Axel Herrmann, CEO of CTC GmbH, said: ‘In RTM processes, small deviations can have a big impact. Thanks to the In-line Infusion Monitoring technology, we can monitor in real time whether the process is proceeding as planned and optimise the infusion strategy accordingly.’

source:jeccomposites.com

Cover photo: In-line infusion monitoring SF16 (source: Testia)

Engel expands market share amid global uncertainty

Despite a continued decline in market conditions, the injection moulding machine manufacturer held its ground against European competitors and continued to expand its market share – driven by innovation and targeted regional strategies.

Resilience in a challenging market:

Although revenue fell by nearly 10% compared to the previous year, Engel has demonstrated its resilience. The past financial year was marked by reduced investment activity and a significant drop in incoming orders across all areas of industry. Engel not only remained stable in this environment, but also systematically increased its market share in multiple sectors and regions. “We have learnt to remain capable of action during crises – and once again proven that Engel can act reliably and with foresight even under difficult conditions,” says Stefan Engleder, CEO of Engel Group.

Segment performance: strategic progress despite headwinds

To address the global decline in demand, Engel is pursuing a triad strategy focused on Europe, the Americas and Asia. This approach is supported by independent hubs with sales, sales support, production and after sales – strengthening local presence and technological innovation.

Particularly in the areas of automation and service, the company has launched key initiatives to enhance customer proximity, delivery reliability and solution orientation. “Especially in economically challenging times, the importance of a reliable service partner becomes clear. Our goal remains to ensure maximum system availability throughout the entire lifecycle,” says Engleder.

While the automotive sector continues to face structural uncertainties, interest is growing in solutions for lightweight construction and alternative materials. In technical injection moulding, Engel was able to strengthen its market position through expertise in applications technology, despite the overall market trend. The packaging division proved to be much more resilient, benefiting from an increase in demand. The medical division remained stable, with sustained interest in specific applications such as auto-injectors helping to offset a slight overall decline.

Investing in young talent for the long term

International apprentice training remains a cornerstone of Engel’s personnel development efforts. Worldwide, a total of 397 apprentices are currently completing their training at Engel, including 227 in Austria. In today’s competitive labour market, developing young talent remains a key pillar of the long-term personnel strategy.

“We are making targeted investments in the next generation of skilled professionals – offering hands-on training and international development opportunities. This enables us to maintain our ability to innovate well into the future,” says Engleder.

source:jeccomposites.com /wwwlengelglobal.com

Cover photo: The headquarters of the Engel Group in Schwertberg, Austria

Wanhua Chemical Signs a Joint Venture Agreement with Petrochemical Industries Company

Wanhua Chemical formally signed a joint venture agreement with Petrochemical Industries Company ("PIC"). Under the terms of the agreement, PIC invested USD 638 million to acquire a 25% equity stake in Wanhua Petrochemical(Yantai) Co., Ltd.​​

 

The signing ceremony was witnessed by leaders from both parties, including Zengtai Liao, Chairman of Wanhua Chemical Group, and Shaikh Nawaf Al Sabah, Deputy Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). The agreement was formally executed by Guangwu Kou, President of Wanhua Chemical Group, and Nadia Al Hajji, CEO of Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC).

This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in the longstanding collaboration between Wanhua Chemical and PIC, ushering in a new chapter of mutual growth and innovation. The two companies will combine their industrial strengths and resource advantages, unlocking new avenues for cooperation across a wider range of sectors and deeper levels of synergy. This collaboration is expected to elevate global petrochemical industry development while driving economic growth and setting a new benchmark for international cooperation in the sector.

source:Wanhua Chemical

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share :Avoid branched polymers in Injection molding

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Why should we avoid branched polymers in Injection Molding and always keep thickness constant when possible ?

In a transition from thick to thin, the polymer undergoes substantial extensional flow. This aspect of flow is challenging to measure in a lab and difficult to implement correctly in Flow Analysis. When polymers are non-linear in their chain structure a strong "strain-hardening" will appear, resulting in unexpectedly high pressure drop at these thickness transitions. Runner to gate transitions may present significant pressure drop due to this elongational viscosity effect (possibly hundreds of bar, thousands of psi).

We have of course many other good reasons to keep thickness as uniform as possible, first of which, the attempt to have uniform freezing rates everywhere, get uniform packing and minimize differential shrinkage...

source:Vito leo

Henkel's New material properties for sealing car door modules

Nowadays, drivers no longer want to do without the technology and electronics installed in the car door in the areas of safety, infotainment, lighting and air conditioning technology. The carrier of these electronic and mechanical units is the so-called door module, made of galvanized stamped sheet metal or glass-fiber reinforced plastic. 

The door module is installed in the car doors and serves as a barrier that protects the interior of the car against external weather influences. For sealing, a polyurethane sealing foam is applied to the contour of the door module fully automatically via a CNC-controlled mixing head of the Sonderhoff dosing system. However, the units installed in the door module of a vehicle door, such as electronic window regulators, door locks or loudspeaker mounts, must also be sealed against water and dust and to prevent driving-related vibrations.

Henkel has developed a new foam gasket system for these applications – the 2-component polyurethane seal foam Sonderhoff Fermapor K31-A-5055-1-G / K31-B-4. It meets the mechanical property requirements demanded by OEMs and suppliers and is hydrolysis and temperature stable in accordance with delivery specification DBL 5452.

One of the outstanding material properties is the combination of a relatively long pot life with fast curing of the foam gasket, which is crucial for the fully automated production process of door modules. On the one hand, the foam gasket must remain workable after being dispensed onto the door module until the foaming time begins; on the other hand, the foam gasket must be cured quickly enough so that it can be installed at short notice.

This also saves costs, as there is no need for intermediate storage and only short curing bands are required for curing the foam seal. Another advantage is the approx. 5 % lower specific density with the same material properties, which results in lower material consumption and is therefore more economical compared to systems available on the market. 

The low installation forces of the foam gasket are an advantage when installing the door module in the body-in-white door and when installing the sealed components for additional units such as loudspeakers, window regulators and locking system in the door module. When installed, the foam seals of the door module and the components mounted on it are pressed evenly over their entire contour. In addition, the foam gasket compensates for any dimensional tolerances of the components. The sealed parts therefore achieve a consistently high level of tightness. 

As a result, the new sealing foam is groundbreaking for manufacturers of door modules and achieves a corresponding efficiency potential with short cycle times and large quantities in door module production thanks to lower material consumption and less weight.

 

source: Henkel