Kiefel launches Kiefel NOW: Immediate availability of polymer packaging machines to maximise customers’ production
Fast availability of cutting-edge polymer packaging machines to instantly grow production capacity.
Freilassing. KIEFEL GmbH, a market leader in the design and manufacture of polymer and natural fiber processing machines, automation and tools, has revised its production philosophy to launch its new long-term program “Kiefel NOW”. Customers can now benefit from a selection of the most popular thermoforming machines at their immediate disposal to instantly grow their production capacity and, consequently, increase their profits.
“With Kiefel NOW, we are keeping our promise to our customers: We ́re driving their performance. That is why we have practically eliminated the usual delivery times for certain machines. Therefore our customers can realize their orders in the shortest possible time and be even more successful”, emphasizes Thomas Halletz, CEO at Kiefel.
The cup-forming KTR 5.2 SPEED machine offers increased production and maximum efficiency.
The Kiefel NOW range includes both steel rule machines as well as tilting machines, which are available immediately or within a few weeks. Kiefel’s steel rule cutting machines such as the KMD 78.2 Speed and KMD 90 Premium for food tray production, and tilting machines like the KTR 5.2 Speed for lid, cup or coffee capsule production, are among the many models that are ready to be shipped worldwide. The company website offers an up-to-date overview of immediately available machines with shipping from Germany or the USA.
Time is of the essence in the packaging industry when it comes to achieving maximum production. Therefore, instant access to machinery and rapid adaptation to market changes and customer demands ensures business stays productive and ahead of the competition.
“The positive feedback from our customers who have already purchased several of these machines shows us that we made the right decision”, adds Armin Dietrich, Global Director of Polymer Packaging at Kiefel. “Kiefel is proud to offer a solution that not only saves our customers’ valuable time as they but also increases their profits.”
High-quality plastic packaging can be efficiently produced on Kiefel machines.
Kraiburg TPE Webinar: Advance Automotive TPEs for Interior Applications
We are thrilled to invite you to our game-changing Webinar as we unveil our new, innovative Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) designed specifically for automotive interior applications.
Join our New KRAIBURG TPE Advance Automotive TPEs for Interior Applications Webinar
We are thrilled to invite you to our game-changing Webinar as we unveil our new, innovative Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) designed specifically for automotive interior applications.
Date: 29th August 2023
Mandarin session: 11.00a.m – 11.30a.m (GMT+8)
Speakers: Mr. Marcus Cheah (Product Development Manager – Automotive)
English session: 2.30p.m – 3.00p.m (GMT+8)
Speakers: Mr. Marcus Cheah (Product Development Manager – Automotive)
Session Highlights
KRAIBURG TPE Overview
TPE properties and performance
TPE Material advantages
Application possibilities
OEM Approval
Q&A
Key insights
Explore the latest industry trends and discover how our TPE can propel your designs, functionality and customer experience to the next level.
Experience the unparalleled flexibility, durability, and versatility of our TPE.
Unlock unlimited potential for creating unique and aesthetic automotive interior components that amplify your brand and set your product apart.
Gain enhanced comfort, noise reduction, and a superior tactile feel for your applications.
Contribute towards your journey to sustainability via socially and responsible production of TPE solutions.
Archroma Announces Certification of Compostability for Range of Paper Dyes
Archroma, a leading global provider of specialty chemicals and sustainable solutions, announces the certification of a color range of dyes for compostable paper. Colorants from our Carta, Cartasol F and Cartafix range have been meticulously selected to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendlier coloration in the paper industry.
As the paper industry strives to adopt more sustainable practices and minimize its environmental impact, compostable materials have gained considerable attention. Compostability plays a crucial role in the circular economy, enabling waste reduction and the generation of valuable organic matter.
To ensure the safe and efficient composting of paper products, stringent evaluation criteria have been established, encompassing heavy metals and fluorine content, biodegradation, ecotoxicity and plant growth test assessments. Recognizing the importance of meeting these criteria, Archroma has introduced a range of compostable dyes and fixatives for paper applications that fully satisfy these standards set forth.
Archroma’s compostable dyes and fixatives for colored paper not only provide exceptional color performance but also meet the most rigorous compostability standards. When applied to compostable materials in a specified concentration of dry weight, our dyes fulfill the evaluation criteria for heavy metals and fluorine, biodegradation, ecotoxicity and plant growth test, as outlined in EN 13432 (2000), NF-T51-800 (2015), ASTM D6400 (2012, 2021), and ISO 17088 (2012).
Key features and benefits of Archroma’s compostable dyes of the Carta, Cartasol F and Cartafix range for paper include:
Uncompromised color brilliance: Our dyes deliver vibrant, eye-catching colors that meet the demands of the most discerning brands and consumers, ensuring that sustainable papers and products are visually appealing. A complete shade gamut is achievable including deep shades using liquid and powder dyes with fixatives ensuring clear backwater and excellent bleed-fastness.
Compliance with international standards: Archroma’s dyes are in accordance with globally recognized compostability standards, enabling their adherence to strict requirements regarding heavy metal and fluorine content, biodegradation, and ecotoxicity. The product range is compostability compliant and adheres to food contact regulations specified in BfRXXXVI, ensuring its suitability for food contact paper applications.
More sustainable coloration: By utilizing Archroma’s range of compostable dyes, manufacturers can significantly enhance the sustainability profile of their products, contributing to a circular economy and reducing the environmental footprint.
Reliable performance: These dyes are carefully formulated to offer excellent color-fastness, durability, and stability, ensuring that the colors remain vibrant and consistent throughout the product’s lifecycle. The fixatives ensure excellent bleed-fastness and clear backwater
To enable customers to unlock the full performance and sustainable potential of our range for compostable colored paper, Archroma has developed a dedicated system that supports industrial compostability for all types of paper, tissues, and packaging applications.
Our system, named DOWN TO EARTH, can be accessed through the online Archroma System Selector: https://www.archroma.com/systems.
“At Archroma, we are committed to driving sustainable innovation across industries, and the certification of our compostable dyes represents a significant leap forward in the pursuit of eco-friendly coloration solutions,” said Gilles Le Moigne, Packaging & Coating Marketing Manager at Archroma. “By providing paper manufacturers with a range of dyes that meet the strict compostability standards, we empower them to create beautiful, more sustainable products that resonate with today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”
Krones Nominated for the German Sustainability Award
Krones AG received surprising but all the more pleasing news: The technology supplier for the beverage and food industry is one of the nominees for this year’s German Sustainability Award. “At first, we were a little overwhelmed by the e-mail,” laughs Martina Birk, who is responsible for sustainability within the group.
This year, the nomination was made for the first time by a jury of experts, who identified Krones as a “pioneer of transformation” in the mechanical engineering sector. The publicly available sustainability information of the group served as the basis for this. “For us, this is an incredible honour and, above all, confirmation that we have taken the right path with ‘Solutions beyond tomorrow’ and our sustainable corporate strategy,” says a delighted Birk. “No matter what the outcome of the competition will be: This will give us additional strength and motivation for the mountain of work that still lies ahead of us.”
Who will ultimately win the race will be decided in the autumn: the finalists will be selected in September, and the award ceremony itself will take place on 23 November 2023 in Düsseldorf. This year’s German Sustainability Award is presented together with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the DIHK and the WWF. The jurors are independent, not bound to any particular interests and participate according to clear compliance rules.
Wendel Signs an Agreement for the Sale of Constantia Flexibles to One Rock Capital Partners
Wendel signed an agreement to sell Constantia Flexibles (“The Company”), a global leader in the flexible packaging market, to an affiliate of One Rock Capital Partners, LLC (“One Rock”). The Group produces flexible packaging solutions for a diversified portfolio of blue-chip customers and local champions in the consumer and pharmaceutical industries.
The Company would be sold for a price that yields net proceeds1 for Wendel of c.€1,097M, reflecting a multiple of 1.94 times Wendel’s total investment in Constantia Flexibles since 2015.
The transaction net proceeds are €84 million above Constantia Flexibles’ valuation in Wendel’s net asset value (“NAV”) published before the transaction announcement, i.e., as of March 31, 2023. Furthermore, additional proceeds generated by the Company’s ongoing assets disposals, could bring the proceeds up to €1,124 million, i.e., a valuation 11.0% higher than the NAV at March 31, 2023, and 6.8% higher than the NAV at June 30, 2023.
The closing of the transaction should take place during the second half of 2023, subject to the satisfaction of the contractual conditions precedents, including the clearance by regulatory authorities.
David Darmon, Wendel Group’s Deputy CEO, said: “The history of Constantia Flexibles within Wendel’s portfolio highlights the validity of our long-term investor model, which has enabled us to support the Company in its development. Constantia Flexibles has thus placed innovation at the heart of its growth model, enabling it to rise to the challenge of the circular economy without compromising on the functional requirements of its products. Under Pim Vervaat’s leadership, all Constantia Flexibles teams demonstrated their commitment and resilience during the Covid-19 crisis, and coped brilliantly with the recent disruptions in the energy and commodities markets. They enabled the Company to deliver outstanding operational, financial and extra-financial performance.”
Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles.
Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles, affirms: “Our current position and success would not have been possible without Wendel’s dedication and commitment. We are grateful for their supportive partnership over the years, which has enabled our growth and investments in our workforce, innovations, and sustainable offerings for the Consumer and Pharma markets. Working alongside Wendel has been a pleasure.”
History of Wendel’s Investment in Constantia Flexibles
On March 27, 2015, Wendel finalized the acquisition of Constantia Flexibles for an enterprise value of €2.3 billion and invested €640 million in equity for a 73% stake in the Company, alongside the AREPO Foundation’s €240 million, or 27% investment. Subsequently, on September 22, 2015, Wendel signed an agreement with Maxburg Capital Partners (“MCP”), an investment company backed by the RAG Foundation, to syndicate a minority share of its investment in Constantia Flexibles. Accordingly, in November 2015, MCP acquired approximately 11% of the capital of Constantia Flexibles from Wendel for €101 million. Following this transaction, Wendel, the AREPO Foundation and MCP subsequently participated in a €50 million capital increase for Constantia Flexibles, each subscribing to a pro-rata stake, to finance the acquisitions of Afripack and Pemara. Following the capital increase and MCP’s investment in Constantia Flexibles, Wendel’s equity investment in Constantia Flexibles totaled €565 million. Wendel is the Company’s controlling shareholder, with 60.8% of the share capital.
In 2017, Constantia Flexibles sold its Labels business to Multi-Color Corporation. This value-creating transaction gave the Company additional resources to bolster its growth strategy in the flexible packaging market, where it is a leader in segments such as confectionery foils, die-cut lidding, alu-container systems and pharma foil.
Under its ownership, Wendel supported Constantia Flexibles in its external growth strategy, with 11 acquisitions in 10 countries.
ESG achievements since 2015
For more than 8 years, Wendel has supported Constantia Flexibles in its ESG challenges, and more specifically in the issues of the circular economy and the fight against climate change. As a result, since 2018 the Austrian group has had a greenhouse gas emissions reduction trajectory approved by the SBTi. 85% of its products are designed for recycling or have a recyclable alternative. Occupational safety has always been an absolute priority for Wendel, and special attention has been paid to this issue, resulting in continuous improvement, with the accident frequency rate falling from 13.4 in 2014 to 2.2 in 2022.
The relevance of the in-depth work carried out by Wendel and Constantia is reflected in the Group’s excellent extra-financial ratings, with an A- rating from the CDP and the Ecovadis Gold medal, ranking Constantia among the top 2% of companies in its sector.
By Sander Sondaal, Director Commercial Print Sales, Ricoh Graphic Communications, Ricoh Europe
When considering where your operational profits are being generated what is your main focus? Margins on jobs? Order volumes? Application diversity?
Increasingly ink and toner choice is being explored by Print Service Providers (PSPs) for its ability to enhance profitability. That is the finding of the global Taktiful/WhatTheyThink 2023 Specialty Digital Ink and Toner Embellishment Study.
It reported that 41% of survey respondents who own digital ink and toner embellishment technologies said that the main reason they added specialty ink and toner capabilities was to generate more profit.
It also found 27% said that specialty ink and toner jobs were ‘always’ more profitable than regular CMYK jobs, and 36% said they ‘usually’ are.
A further 55% were satisfied with the profits they made from these jobs, while 40% were satisfied with the sales of these jobs.
With 75% of respondents stating clients are interested in specialty ink and toner capabilities there is a lot of opportunity to capitalise on.
NAPCO Research’s study, Adding Value to Digital Print, found print providers are levering Digital Print Enhancement to improve profitability. The survey of both print providers and marketers/brand owners found many printers are looking for new value added print applications to help boost their profit margins and differentiate their offerings.
At the same time marketers value providers that offer ways to enhance print. Of the 600 brand owners/marketer respondents that influence commercial printing taking the survey, 52% said it was highly important that their print providers offer unique ideas to enhance the print they purchase.
The right technology innovation can transform printed materials from commodity, price sensitive offerings to higher value products that command a premium.
Brands are prepared to pay premiums. Up to 33% for speciality colours such as white, metallic and fluorescent and 31% for security ink.
Digital printing simplifies processes and reduces production costs for special effects while offering a wide array of value added options.
For example the fifth colour station on the Ricoh Pro C7200X digital colour sheetfed press offers neon pink, neon yellow, white, clear, gold and silver toners as well as invisible red toners.
Neon pink and neon yellow toners enable colours to pop, gold and silver elevates any application from catalogues, posters and flyers to direct mail, brochures, and invitations, and invisible red supports security features. White can be used as a base layer for high quality graphics on coloured and transparent media and clear can be used to add patterns or enhance photos.
All of which enable PSPs to expand their creativity while also boosting their profitability.
For further information, please visit www.ricoh-europe.com
WIKA to Build Primary School in Kesnand Village, Pune
The School Will Be Functional Within Six Months
WIKA India, the global instrumentation major, as part of its long-standing commitment to CSR activities, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a school building on the premises of the Zilla Parishad Primary School, Kesnand village in Pune on July 19, 2023.
The foundation stone for the school building was laid by Mr. Alexander Wiegand, Chairman and CEO of WIKA Group of Companies, in the presence of Mr. Andreas Keiger, Executive Vice President – EMEA/India, WIKA Group and Mr. Gaurav Bawa, Senior Vice President – WIKA India Group.
Recognizing the challenges faced by the school due to lack of space, WIKA took the initiative to build five fully equipped classrooms to facilitate uninterrupted education for the students in the village. The initiative will increase the school’s seating capacity by 200 students, giving an opportunity to more students to avail education. This will particularly benefit students from lower financial backgrounds and promote primary education in the area.
During the ceremony, Mr. Alexander Wiegand expressed his gratitude for WIKA’s presence in Kesnand village over the past 25 years. “Education is the right of every child and quality education determines the future of not just the children but also the community and the country as a whole. We are glad that WIKA has played a small role in providing education to every child in this village,” he said.
Mr. Andreas Keiger during his interaction with the community, said, “It is a commendable example of how businesses can contribute to the well-being and development of the society through CSR activities. We hope that WIKA’s role in enabling education to children will build many lives.”
Mr. Gaurav Bawa shared his experiences and the unwavering support received from the village community over the years. “WIKA began its India journey in Kesnand and hence, this community and its people are very important to WIKA’s growth. The perpetual support of the community is integral to us and thus, we are glad to do our bit for the people. It is heartening to know that the Zilla Parishad Primary School has contributed to the success of Kesnand village by nurturing generations of well-rounded and civic-minded individuals, many of whom have become prominent leaders in the community. We hope that the school will be able to encompass each and every child in the village and nurture their future,” he said.
The construction of the school building is expected to be completed by February 2024. With this initiative, WIKA believes that the school will have a positive and lasting impact on the students, teachers, and the community as a whole.
Constantia Flexibles Excels in the First Half Year. Binding Acquisition Offers Received
Constantia Flexibles, a leading global packaging solutions provider, has delivered strong results in the first half of 2023. The company’s strong performance over the last years has garnered significant interest.
On July 25, 2023, Wendel, one of Europe’s leading listed investment firms, received several binding offers to acquire Constantia Flexibles. Constantia Flexibles will no longer be included in the consolidated sales of its controlling shareholder, Wendel.
The strong performance in the first half of 2023 and the interest from potential acquirers highlight the company’s competitive position and growth potential in the packaging industry.
Next Generation Group Invests in HydroDyn, Expanding Its Presence in the Plastic Recycling Market
Next Generation Group, a leading provider of unique plastic life solutions, acquires a majority share in HydroDyn, a renowned technology provider specializing in plastic waste cleaning and purifying. This strategic partnership solidifies the group´s commitment to offering comprehensive plastic recycling solutions, particularly in the field of post-consumer recycling.
Under the terms of the agreement, HydroDyn will retain its operational independence while working closely with Next Generation Group, by using a high synergy potential. This collaboration will allow both companies to leverage their expertise and resources to deliver comprehensive and efficient end-to-end plastic recycling solutions that address the evolving needs of customers in the recycling machinery market. The shared objective is to prioritize the attainment of specific polymer characteristics that are essential for a diverse array of commodity applications, in order to effectively substitute virgin plastics.
“By joining forces with HydroDyn, Next Generation Group is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for integrated plastic recycling solutions,” stated Josef Hochreiter, CEO of Next Generation Holding GmbH. “HydroDyn’s proven track record and innovative technology make them an ideal partner as we strive to lead the way in driving sustainable recycling practices.”
The acquisition provides HydroDyn with access to Next Generation Group´s extensive global network, unlocking new opportunities for growth and expansion. Michael Hofmann, CEO of HydroDyn, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “Joining the group not only gives us access to a world-class network but also provides the financial backing and stability needed to realize our ambitious growth plans. Together, we can make a greater impact on plastic waste reduction.”
Next Generation Group is renowned for its cutting-edge plastic life solutions, and this acquisition further solidifies its position as a leader in the industry. With a strong focus on innovation, the group is committed to delivering sustainable and environmentally responsible recycling solutions that contribute to a circular economy.
The partnership between HydroDyn and the Next Generation Group reinforces their market position and benefits both companies. By leveraging their expertise and pooling resources, they are able to offer holistic solutions for post-consumer recycling. This collaboration enables them to address the entire lifecycle of plastic materials, from product design to the recycling process. By integrating their capabilities, HydroDyn and the Next Generation Group are at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices and closing the loop in the plastic value chain.
Next Generation Group – advancing circular plastic value chain with innovative technologies
Next Generation Group, an Austrian company founded in 2014 in Feldkirchen/Donau, is driving the circular plastic value chain forward with its innovative technologies.
The group brings together a wealth of knowledge and technologies that cover the entire product lifecycle under one roof. Comprising independent entities such as NGR, NGE, and shares in the NGA group including COLLIN Lab & Pilot Solutions, BritAS, and COMELT, the group offers innovative solutions ranging from product design to advanced recycling, aiming to close the loop and keep plastic in circulation.
By integrating sustainable solutions into the entire product lifecycle, the group strives to create a more sustainable future for plastic materials.
For more information about HydroDyn, please visit: www.hydrodyn.de
WIKA India Inaugurates New Force Measurement Production Unit in Pune
The unit aims to amplify the production capability of the company
WIKA India (WIKA Instruments India Pvt. Ltd)—a wholly-owned subsidiary of WIKA Global (WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG, Germany), has recently inaugurated its Force Measurement Production Unit in Pune. With this, the company has taken another major leap towards its successful future growth in the country.
The Force Measurement Production Unit will play a pivotal role in the future technological advancements in WIKA’s products. It is one of the major investments made by WIKA India in recent years to strengthen its position in the market and align itself with its aim to double the company’s turnover by 2025.
WIKA’s Force Measurement Production Unit brings together the company’s expertise to create customized force measurement solutions for the industry. The unit is a major step in the company’s mission to bring high-quality products to the market in the shortest possible time.
“Our key strength lies in our global presence. We continuously aim to strengthen our global operations to provide optimum local services to our customers and are proud to have the strength of a big company with the flexibility of a local business. Our product range caters to every industry need and India is an important center for our global operations and growth. Pune is where our India story began and it is a proud moment to see the successful expansion of the operations here,” said Mr. Alexander Wiegand, Chairman and CEO, WIKA Group.
“WIKA Group’s growth strategy places India at its core, driving our vision and expansion plans. In line with our unwavering commitment to advancing our operations and fostering excellence, we proudly unveil the advanced Force Measurement Production Unit in Pune, a symbol of our commitment to innovation, quality, and technology. With firm dedication, we empower growth and propel towards unparalleled achievements. Together, we look forward to embarking on an exciting journey of progress, innovation, and mutual prosperity.,” said Mr. Andreas Keiger, Executive Vice President – EMEA/India, WIKA Group.
Force measurement devices find critical applications in various industries including automotive, oil and gas and medical equipment, among others. WIKA India has a wide range of force measurement devices, which includes tension and compression force transducers, shear and bending beams, shackle load cells, ring force transducers, load pins, tension links, wire rope force transducers and strain transducers.
“Establishing a Force Measurement production unit has always been an integral part of our vision for the growth of WIKA in India. Round-the-clock dedication by the team towards the project has made it such a success. The Unit will play a vital role in catering to the robust demand for test and measurement equipment arising in India. The unit makes WIKA future-ready to meet the requirements of the market,” said Gaurav Bawa, Senior Vice President, WIKA India, who was recently awarded the Most Dynamic CEO’s to Watch in 2023 by CEO Review Magazine in recognition of his outstanding professional Achievement and Inspiring Social Contributions.
WIKA India has manufacturing plants in four states—Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The inception of WIKA India began in Pune in 1997 with the establishment of WIKA Instrument. Along with its first calibration facility, the Pune operation is also home to the company’s unit for level, calibration and SF6 gas. The addition of the Force Measurement Production Unit is a value addition to the entire operation.
