POLYOLEFINS | MATERIALS
Going again: breathing new life into polyolefins
Recent developments in polyolefin materials include applications in stretch and shrink film, vacuum packaging and freezer film – many of them based at least partially on recyclate
Polyolefins are the most versatile and widely used of all polymers – and are increasingly being supplied in the form of recyclate. Packaging manufacturer Winpak has signed a long-term agreement with Nova Chemicals for the supply of its Syndigo post-consumer recycled polyethylene (PE).
Winpak will use the material in packaging
materials to protect perishable foods, beverages and personal care products. “This is a significant step forward in delivering
innovative, sustainable solutions to the flexible packaging industry,” said Greg DeKunder, vice president of Nova Circular Solutions. Nova’s recycling facility in Connersville, Indiana – scheduled to begin operations early this year – will produce more than 110 million pounds (50,000 tonnes) of Syndigo annually. The facility will supply post-consumer recycled LLDPE for a range of applications, including flexible food packaging. Mustafa Bilgen, vice president of technology and innovations at Winpak, added: “This collaboration will allow us to expand our sustainable product offerings and meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Stretch film line Rani Plast has also installed a new cast line at its Bjölas factory, to make industrial stretch film.
www.filmandsheet.com “Right now, there is great demand for thinner,
more durable films,” said Magnus Lundén, sales manager at Rani Plast. “With our new line we will be able to meet our customers’ needs and attract new customers too.” The new line, from German manufacturer Windmöller & Hölscher, has more features than an existing cast film line at Rani Plast – such as the ability to produce thinner films with up to nine layers. It is also equipped with larger, more advanced filters – to make films from recycled materials – as well as a high degree of automation and additional test equipment, allowing better monitoring and maintenance. In addition, it can manufacture both machine
stretch film and hand stretch film. “Hand stretch film accounts for a large share of
the market,” said Lundén. “With this investment, we can compete with others in this segment and enter new markets, such as the logistics industry.” Traditional industrial customers using machine
stretch film will also have a broader range to choose from, he added. In addition, Rani Plast has acquired Lithuanian
flexpack manufacturer UAB Umaras. It says this will allow the two companies to offer their customers a wider product range. Umaras, located in Utena, Lithuania, produces industrial packaging film, has 215 employees, and
January/February 2025 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 25
Main image: Nova’s new recycling plant will produce around 50,000 tonnes/year of recyclate
IMAGE: NOVA
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