Extrusion International 6-2022

26 Extrusion International 6/2022 INDUSTRY NEWS More Sustainable Flexible Packaging Formats Containing 50% Post-Consumer Recyclate  Borealis announces that two separate collabora- tions with long-standing value chain partners have resulted in new, fully recyclable flexible packaging formats, which incorporate 50% post-consumer re- cyclate (PCR). The use of new low density polyethyl- ene (LDPE) PCR grades developed and produced by mechanical recycling expert Ecoplast, a member of the Borealis Group, have made it possible to achieve a 35% carbon footprint reduction in raw material production when compared to virgin polyolefins, whilst maintaining the same film thickness as with virgin materials. Co-operation in the spirit of Ever- Minds™ is accelerating plastics circularity by fulfilling in - dustry demand for sustainable flexible packaging solutions with lower environmental impact. Plastotecnica, a major European producer of polyethyl- ene (PE) packaging; and ACMI SpA, a leading Italian manu- facturer of high-tech and flexible bottling and packaging lines andmachines, worked together with Borealis to incor- porate more PCR material into the multilayer shrink wrap of a beverage multipack. In developing the application, the partners were able to identify the ideal material solution to achieve optimal mechanical and packaging performance (particularly pack stability) whilst obtaining outstanding film optics and printability: the soon-to-be-launched LDPE PCR grade Ecoplast CWT 100VL with very low gel content; BorShape™ FX1003, a mechanical booster based on the proprietary Borstar® technology; and Anteo™ FK2715, a key ingredient for ensuring higher performance and more sustainable multilayer applications. The result is a fully recyclable film containing 50% PCR and a 35% lower car - bon footprint in the raw material production process. The shrink film packaging trials were conducted by ACMI. As a member of the Rani Group, a leading Nordic pro- ducer of smart packaging solutions, Rani Plast used its film and production expertise to work together with polymers experts at Borealis to develop a film structure for more sus - tainable flexible packaging used for tissue paper products such as kitchen roll (paper towels) and toilet paper. As an improved version of its predecessor NAV 101, the soon- to-be-launched Borealis LDPE PCR grade NAV 101L is best in class when it comes to balancing gel performance and circularity. Manufactured using household post-consumer and commercial waste, its gel content is significantly lower in order to provide excellent processability. It also offers ex- cellent printability and optics. Combined with the Borstar ® technology-based mechanical booster BorShape™ FX1003, the grade delivers optimal mechanical performance, thus enabling the incorporation of more than 50% PCR content without increasing film thickness. Finally, Anteo FK2715 provides enhanced sealing, good optics and reinforced stiffness performance. Borealis AG www.borealisgroup.com Application development with partners Plastotecnica and ACMI results in fully recyclable multilayer collation shrink film with appealing optics and pack stability (Photo: © Borealis) Acquisition  Walki Group has signed a de- finitive agreement to acquire 100 % of the shares in folian GmbH. Since 1999, the family-owned company has been providing forward-looking flexible packaging solutions for blue chip brands in the food industry. The company specializes in the production of high quality converted flexibles us - ing flexographic printing and other downstream finishing services. “With this acquisition we continue to implement our value chain expan- sion strategy and to strengthen our presence in the prominent Central European market. With unique capa- bilities such as the use of water-based printing inks, folian compliments Walki´s extensive portfolio by offer- ing lower CO2 footprint solutions in comparison with more conventional alternatives” says Leif Frilund, Presi - dent and CEO of Walki Group. “We are very pleased to join forces with the Walki team, with which we share the same vision about more sustainable packaging solutions and which is committed to our compa- nies’ long-term growth. We believe that by combining our market knowl- edge and strong customer focus with Walki’s deep material know-how and R&D capabilities, we can provide even stronger benefits to our customers and a successful future for our em- ployees,” say Stefan and Manuela Muschter. folian will support the continued growth of Walki’s flexible packag - ing business and will become part of the global Business Area Consumer Packaging. Walki walki.com