NEWS


Belmark plans $100m Kentucky plant in 2026


US-based label and flexpack manufacturer Belmark is to build a new plant in Kentucky. The company says that the 156,000 sq ft facility – which will cost nearly US$100 million – will allow to to increase manufactur- ing capacity and capabili- ties. Construction is sched- uled for begin in June 2025, for completion in 2026. It is expected to create more than 150 jobs.


Belmark makes pressure sensitive labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons for customers in a range of markets. Founded in 1977, the Wisconsin-based company employs more than 1,300 people across seven facilities in De Pere and Shawano, Wisconsin, as well as in Phoenix, Arizona. “We are excited to


expand with a new location and continue our growth in


Allen County,” said Karl Schmidt, president and CEO of Belmark. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) has approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the com- pany – worth up to US$2m in tax incentives based on the company’s investment, ongoing performance and job creation. � www.belmark.com


Steer mobile film recycling system can operate using solar power


Indian compounding machinery maker Steer previewed its GeoMater SAFEReCYCLE mobile plastics recycling system at the Plastivision 2023 exhibition in Mumbai in December. The self-contained system has been developed for recycling of usually difficult-


to-recycle flexible plastic waste. It can operate from a single-phase supply or using solar power and is designed for use at the point of waste collection to reduce the cost and environmental impact of transportation. The technology is designed to add value to mixed flexible waste by


converting it to densified and sterilised agglomerates that can be used to produce plastic lumber. The BK10 model pre- viewed in Mumbai incorpo- rates a twin-screw extruder that heats and maintains the plastic molten plastic at 220°C for around 5 minutes. � www.steerworld.com


Investing in service


capability Davis-Standard has invested in its service and support capabilities to raise customer service and support. These capabilities also


extend to all Davis-Stand- ard subsidiaries. The investment spans


four core areas: • an expanded network of technicians • stocking more than 1000 critical spare parts to improve availability; • the availability of flexible preventative maintenance, including rebuild and repair programmes; and, • investment in a Service Cloud, advanced data analytics, and remote monitoring. “We’ve expanded our service offerings to ensure operational excellence for customers,” said Zachery Ament, global service president at Davis-Standard. � www.davis-standard.com


Compostable beer cups used at Grand Prix


Last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw the use of 150,000 beer cups made from a bioplastic called Biodolomer. It is the first time that the cups, made by UK-based Happy Dolphin, have been used on such a large scale. “The cups are very durable and stable and are suitable for printing,” said David Hughes of Happy Dolphin. “They can be collected along with food waste and put straight in an industrial compost.” Biodolomer, from Swedish com- pany Gaia Biomaterials, is made


4 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | January/February 2024


primarily from natural minerals and vegetable oils. It is supplied in granules and can be processed using most plastic production methods. It has the same characteristics as plastic – but is compostable, durable and does not generate microplastics, says the company. The material is used for everything from grocery bags to cover film for agriculture.


“It was a fantastic opportunity for us to show what our material can do,” said Peter Stenström, CEO of Gaia. � www.gaiabiomaterials.com


www.filmandsheet.com


IMAGE: GAIA BIOMATERIALS


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