NEWS KAP grows in flexible films


Germany-based engineering firm KAP increased its sales and profits in 2022, thanks in part to a strong performance in its flexible films division. Overall, KAP’s sales exceeded €433 million (US$476m), a year-on-year rise of 25%, while profitability (normalised EBITDA) reached nearly €36m (US$40m), a rise of nearly 3%. Flexible films grew by nearly 38% to exceed €177m (US$195m), due in


China to compound


Ecovio BASF is to establish compounding capacity for its compostable Ecovio polymer in Shanghai, China, with commercial quantities of material expected to be available from mid-2023. The first compound


products will include film grades for applications such as compostable shop- ping and organic waste bags, soil-biodegradable agricultural mulch films, and packaging.


Ecovio compostable polymers comprise a blend of BASF’s petro- chemical-based Ecoflex PBAT and renewable polymers such as PLA. They comply with all requirements of both EU and US food contact regulations. In addition, BASF has


extended its Ecovio portfo- lio for extrusion coating of paper and board with a grade for cold and hot food packaging. � www.basf.com


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part to the acquisition of Haogenplast. Normalised EBITDA rose 23% to more than €22m (US$24m). However, price increases could only be passed on to customers with a time lag, and some ended their previously significant business in Russia, it said. In addition, a decline in construction activity impacted earnings. Eckehard Forberich, a member of KAP’s management board, said: “Last


year was characterised by challenges such as price increases, macroeco- nomic headwinds and, in some cases, collapsing markets of our end customers. We are therefore proud that we achieved our 2022 guidance forecast.” For 2023, the company expects a


slight year-on-year increase in revenue and normalised EBITDA. � www.kap.de


Versalis acquires Novamont


Versalis, a division of Italy-based Eni, has taken full ownership of bioplastics supplier Novamont. The company, which had a 36% stake, has now bought the remaining 64% that was owned by Mater-Bi – which is controlled by Investitori Associati II and NB Renaissance. The next steps of the deal – and the timing of its closing – are subject to approval by the relevant authorities.


Novamont is a strong player in the develop- ment and production of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics – including its Mater-Bi material – while Versalis says it has a strategy that is focused on chemistry from renewables. � www.versalis.eni.com � www.novamont.com


Novamont’s Mater-Bi material is widely used to make products such as shopping bags


Plaskolite buys Trinseo’s Mexican acrylic sheet plant


US-based Plaskolite is to acquire an acrylic sheet- manufacturing facility in Mexico, from Trinseo. The plant, in Matamoros, specialises in the produc- tion of cell cast acrylic sheet, which is used in display, signage, construction, marine and sanitary prod- ucts, says Plaskolite. The facility is located on


an 11-acre site. Its location – on the border with the USA


FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | May 2023


– enables Plaskolite to serve the North American market with a full range of acrylic sheet technologies – includ- ing extruded, continuous cast and cell cast. Deliveries from the Matamoros plant are expected to begin in the second half of 2023. The facility complements


Plaskolite’s cell cast opera- tions in Gerona, Spain. “We look forward to expanding our North


American footprint with the acquisition of this highly strategic facility,” said Ryan Schroeder, president and CEO of Plaskolite. “It will strengthen our product offering for our customers, who value an extensive range of manufacturing methods.” The proposed transaction


is expected to close in the next few weeks. � www.plaskolite.com


www.filmandsheet.com


IMAGE: NOVAMONT


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