NEWS VDMA: 2024 was a “year to forget”


Orders and sales of German plastics machinery fell again last year, says the VDMA trade association. Order intake slumped by 21% while sales fell 19% compared with the previous year. “We have had three years in which


hardly any new orders were placed, and companies were pushed to their limits,” said Ulrich Reifenhäuser, chairman of VDMA’s plastics and rubber division.


Short-time work was used to cushion the effects of the lower demand, and layoffs were also commonplace in the industry. However, Reifenhäuser sees a


“glimmer of hope” – as the first quarter of 2025 saw a 5% increase in orders compared to Q1 2024, though sales are down by 17% in the same period. Thorsten Kühmann, managing


director of the association, added: “We assume that the bottom has been


reached in terms of order intake. The industry will work its way up from here in small steps over the next few months.” VDMA expects 2025 sales to


remain flat – if new orders can be generated in a short period of time – or decline by a further 5% if sales only take effect next year. The year 2025 will therefore be more of a transition year, but one with a positive outlook. � https://vdma.org


Increase in PCR polyethylene purchases by Coveris France


Packaging group Coveris Flexibles France has reported a significant increase in purchases of post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyethylene across its industrial, consumer (beverages) and transport film products. In 2024, Coveris in


France saw a 92% increase in PCR integration into new products compared to 2022. This regional progress reflects the company’s broader aspirations, which include increasing PCR and post-industrial recycled usage in global production from 20,000 to 50,000


manufacturing our products and PCR integration continues to grow across our product lines,” said François-Xavier Allilaire, commercial director of the films division at Coveris Flexibles France. Since 2021, Coveris Flexibles France has


DuraLiteR MAX shrink-wrap films have up to 85% recycled content


tonnes by 2026 and 70,000 tonnes by 2030. These targets are supported by ReCover, Coveris’ in-house recycling operation. “All the PCR material


purchased has been used in


incorporated over 7,400 tonnes of PCR material into its flexible film products, including collation films as well as shrink/stretch tubes for transport packaging. Its DuraLiteR Max shrink-wrap film contains up to 85% recycled content, and TubeLightR Stretch has 50%. � www.coveris.com


Rajoo lists on Indian exchange


Plastic extrusion machinery manufacturer Rajoo Engineers has listed on India’s National Stock Exchange (NSE). The company says this


marks a “significant step” that will “enhance its visibility among a wider capital markets base”. “The NSE listing is a testimony to the trust and confidence that our stakeholders have placed in us over the years,” according to Khushboo Chandrakant Doshi, managing director of Rajoo Engineers. � www.rajoo.com


Turkish film producer to open first US plant


Turkish film producer Pelsan Tekstil is to create its first US production facility. An investment of nearly US$83 million will see it create a plant in Goldsboro, North Carolina – creating more than 200 jobs. Pelsan, established in 2006, pro- duces breathable film for the hygiene


8 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | June 2025


and medical sectors. The facility will help it meet rising demand for its products across North America. “This expansion is a major mile-


stone,” said Ali Sisman, CEO of Pelsan Tekstil. “This facility represents a significant new chapter in our com- pany’s journey.”


Pelsan expects to start hiring staff by 2027 and complete its investment by the end of 2030. It will build and renovate around 80,000 sq ft of space at the plant, in Wayne County. Outside Turkey, Pelsan also has


operations in Switzerland and Russia. � www.pelsantekstil.com.tr


www.filmandsheet.com


IMAGE: COVERIS


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