NEWS
German packaging firms report varied Covid-19 impacts
A survey of members of Germany’s plastic packaging industry association, the Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen (IK), has shown that the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic on the companies varied considerably in April. This was largely a function of the industries they serve. In all, 120 mostly medium-sized companies responded and 37% of them had fewer orders compared to March, with 25% of them reporting declines of over 20%. This was most marked in companies serving the automotive industry, where demand has slumped. The industrial sector also saw falls. By contrast, slightly over half
reported an increase in orders in April, mostly of around 10-20%. “Manufacturers of system-relevant packaging for food, pharmaceutical and medical products are in some cases reaching the limits of their capacity,” the IK noted. Martin Engelmann, Director General
added, however, that this positive picture is “only a snapshot” and that 56% expected a decline to follow.
HOW DOES THE CORONA-PANDEMIC AFFECT THE ORDER SITUATION IN THE PLASTICS PACKAGING INDUSTRY?
Source: IK
“After frequent panic buying in many places in mid-March, less food and daily necessities are now being stockpiled again. However, the demand for hygiene and cleaning products remains high,” he said. Just under 80% of the companies have managed to fulfil all orders received, but around half reported corona-related restrictions. Shortage of personnel is the key issue, albeit less markedly than in other sectors of the plastics processing industry. Almost 40% of respondents were short of personnel, while almost 25% had to
introduce reduced hours. Engelmann said there is a high level of commitment and team spirit in the workforces. One positive knock-on effect is that public perception of plastic packaging has changed, thanks to the industry’s contribution to fighting Covid-19. “The function of the packaging – the hygiene and protection of the product – is being perceived more strongly again. We hope that this will contribute to a more objective discussion about plastic packaging in the future,” Engelmann said. �
www.kunststoffverpackungen.de
Arburg makes Covid-19 face masks
Arburg has started injection moulding face masks from LSR and PP at its plant in Lossburg, Germany. The masks are designed for multiple use and can be easily sterilised. About 3,500 masks per day are expected to be produced.
The masks will initially be used to protect Arburg’s employees worldwide from Covid-19 and will then be distributed via the district of Freudenstadt, Germany, to hospitals and care facilities. Arburg designed the mask in-house and additively manufactured the first prototypes with its Freeformer machine. The project involved various technology partners: Polar-Form, Foboha, Ewikon, Männer, Barth Mechanik and Packmat. In the next stage, a filter housing will be produced.
A filter housing will be added to the mask in the next stage 4 INJECTION WORLD | May 2020
Arburg intends to make this component in cooperation with partners including Weber, Günther, Küfner, Herrmann Ultraschall and Packmat. �
www.arburg.com
www.injectionworld.com
IMAGE: ARBURG
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