NEWS


SW nanotubes deliver for anti-static films


Single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) producer OCSiAl has revealed that one of its development customers – a European-based film producer – has success- fully produced a trans- parent and permanently anti-static PE blown film for electronics packaging using an addition of just 0.01wt% of SWCNTs. The company used


to 1011


effects for packaging, OCSiAl says. Conventional anti-


PHOTO: OCISAL


SWCNTs reduce static in the new PE film (left)


OCSiAl’s Tuball Matrix 810 SWCNT concen- trate, achieving a surface resistivity in the range 5×109


Ω/sq. This meets ANSI/


ESD S541-2003 and IEC 61340-5-1-2007 standards on protection against electrostatic


static additives such as carbon black can lead to compromised mechanical performance and a darkening of the film; light transmittance of the SWCNT anti-static PE film is 90% in comparison with the natural PE while stress at break in the cross- direction is increased by


around 60%, according to OCSiAl. Use of the SWCNT concentrate has also avoided dust problems associated with using carbon black, according to the company. � www.ocsial.com


Plaskolite expands in acrylic sheet


US-based acrylic sheet manufacturer Plaskolite is to acquire Lucite International’s continuous cast acrylic sheet business – including general-purpose, sanitary ware spa and bath sheet. The transaction includes


Lucite’s 93,000 sq ft sheet manufacturing facility in Memphis, Tennessee. Terms of the deal, which should be


completed by the end of the first quarter of 2018, have not been disclosed. The two companies have had an ongoing business relationship for 40 years, with Plaskolite buying acrylic monomers from Lucite – which is part of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. Plaskolite’s customised products are used in a


variety of applications including windows, doors, lighting, signs, point-of- purchase displays and bath products.


“Our goal is to be the industry leader while strengthening our market- place position,” said Mitchell Grindley, Plaskolite presi- dent and CEO. � www.plaskolite.com


Schur on verge of


UNI buy Schur Flexibles is negoti- ating to acquire UNI Packaging, a French company that is a special- ist in digital printing. The deal is expected to conclude in the next few weeks. UNI Packaging has


seven production sites and five logistics hubs located across European countries including France, the UK and Austria.


It is a major player in digital printing for flexible packaging in Europe, which is ideally used for ultra-short runs with no upfront costs. Schur plans to benefit from UNI’s know-how in this area and aims to access the digital printing technology.


Michael Schernthaner, managing director of Schur, said: “UNI is an established player which keeps breaking new ground. It would perfectly complement and enhance our business.” � www.schurflexibles.com


Pregis expands in foam with Rex acquisition


US-based packaging company Pregis has acquired foam specialist Rex Performance Products for an undisclosed sum. Pregis says the acquisition will help it build on its position as one of the largest foam producers in North America. “This strengthens our position as a


producer of engineered foam,” said Kevin Baudhuin, president and CEO of Pregis. “We will now have five engineered foam manu-


8 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | March 2018


facturing locations across the continent. The combined organisation will offer an expand- ed portfolio of protective packaging solutions.” RPP’s engineered foam products have been used for protective packaging for a wide variety of products and markets. Its product line includes polyethylene foam and laminated planks. � www.pregis.com


www.filmandsheet.com


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