Sustainable Converting
Axion Polymers enhances lab testing with new XRF analyser
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xion Polymers has invested in new laboratory test equipment at its Salford-based plastics recycling facility that will allow for more accurate and rigorous material testing of its recycled polymer infeed material and finished products. Designed for regulatory compliance screening, the XRF X-MET8000 Expert CG handheld analyser identifies regulated elements, usually metals, within the plastic infeed material. Crucially, the Hitachi High-Tech device identifies and measures substances of very high concern (SVCH) and restricted persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Axion’s Salford plant refines plastics extracted from waste electrical goods and end-of-life vehicles (auto shredder waste) at their nearby facility at Trafford Park, Manchester. The resulting high-quality recycled engineering polymers are REACH and RoHS-compliant and match virgin material quality for use in a wide range of new products.
us the ability to comply with any changes in the permitted levels of SVCHs and POPs in the future.”
“This state-of-the-art XRF analyser means Axion’s customers can have a very high level of confidence that the material they are buying complies with REACH and RoHS regulations,” says Axion business development manager Mark Keenan “Enhancing our lab capabilities enables us to deal with the ever-changing landscape of material testing requirements and gives
Mr Keenan believes having the on-site ability to test finished products also gives Axion an advantage over competitors. He says: “Having this technology on site will be a big plus and help set us apart from other recyclers.” He notes that demand for recycled polymers in all sectors is currently high, adding: “The automotive and electrical markets are realising that they are going to have to include recycled content in their goods. I am getting enquiries on a daily basis from manufacturers looking to replace virgin plastics.”
Axion Polymers is part of the Axion Group, which works with a wide range of clients within the recycling and process industries on the practical development of new processing and collection methods.
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axiongroup.co.uk
DS Smith offers brands circular design metrics to guide packaging decisions
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S Smith unveiled its Circular Design Metrics, an industry-first that allows customers to rate circularity of their packaging. The pioneering initiative provides a unique insight into how companies packaging choices can reduce their impact on the environment. Through the collaborative design process customers will be able compare the environmental performance of different solutions to create more circular packaging.
DS Smith packaging CEO Stefano Rossi comments: “It has never been more important for companies to manage their impact on the environment. We want to show brands the beauty of the circular economy and allow them to explicitly understand what their packaging choices mean for that model. Our new Circular Design Metrics is a game changer in driving environmental performance in packaging. We’re excited to use our expertise to help
companies, large and small, on their journey to become circular ready.”
The Circular Design Metrics is a new breakthrough tool that makes it possible to see and compare the performance of a packaging design across a range of indicators, such as recyclability, renewable content, supply chain optimisation. The metrics include eight different indicators that provide a clear indication of circularity performance and help identify areas with potential for improvement. The tool is a first of its kind for brands that want to drive sustainability performance through their packaging.
DS Smith launched its Circular Design Principles for packaging in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2020. The Principles was developed to help companies design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. Now, one year later, the company has trained its 700
packaging designers to apply the Circular Design Principles in the packaging design process. With the addition of the new Circular Design Metrics it will be possible to rate the impact of every design decision, and help customers create the most circular packaging solutions. DS Smith will embed the new metrics in the packaging design process with customers over the coming months.
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dssmith.com 34 May 2021
convertermag.com
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