Day: 15 November 2019

A more circular approach to plastic packaging will be key to hitting ambitious international plastic recycling targets, says a prominent packaging machinery supplier.

With experts calculating that demand for plastic packaging will double in the next 20 years, the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy has set a target of 55% of plastics being recycled by 2030.

In response to this ambitious challenge, ULMA Packaging UK is advocating the need to step up with bold environmental initiatives, such as the #ULMAweCare project. The sustainability plan aims to increase awareness in both the packaging industry and the supply chain through environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

One such example is LeafSkinTM packaging, which reduces plastic usage by up to 80% and is based on a 100% recyclable flat cardboard tray. It also incorporates an ‘easy open’ corner to remove the lid and a ‘recycling’ corner to separate the material from the tray and make the recycling process easier. With a view to encouraging a more circular solution, ULMA’s machines are also compatible with recyclable materials and a ReducedScrapTM solution for Darfresh packing. By creating a vacuum through specially designed air holes in the bottom film, ReducedScrapTM can achieve film scrap reductions of up to 40 per cent.

“The introduction of these European targets is a welcome move but it is only the first step,” says Dave Berriman, Technical Manager at ULMA Packaging UK. “Doing more with less is an essential component in a circular business model, and reductions in product packaging are an integral part of this. However, in order to spark wide-ranging change on this issue, there needs to be solutions on both local and national level.”

Dave continued: “By working to eliminate unnecessary plastics and innovating so that more plastics used in our solutions can be safely reused, recycled, or composted, we hope to act as an example to those in the broader circular economy and help facilitate change.”

DKV Euro Service customers can now also fill up with liquefied natural gas (LNG) cash free at LIQVIS LNG filling stations. The company has already opened its first LNG station near Berlin, and more stations are to follow at the beginning of 2020 in various regions, including Bönen, Hamburg and Hanover. DKV is currently partnered with over 60 LNG stations across Europe.

“LNG is becoming increasingly important. In addition to the rising demand in Germany, we also receive requests from foreign transporters who use Germany as a transit country and who are interested in LNG because of the toll exemption for LNG trucks,” says Sven Mehringer, Managing Director Fuel & Energy at DKV. “We are therefore delighted to have found a strong partner in LIQVIS to further expand our supply network.”

Silvano Calcagno, Managing Director of LIQVIS GmbH: “LIQVIS plans to gradually expand its network of LNG stations to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly LNG fuel. Now that DKV cards are accepted at LIQVIS LNG stations, we are hoping that this will convince other transport companies to switch to LNG as well. LIQVIS also offers support for those switching to LNG, such as providing trainings on how to use our filling stations.”

A key advantage of LNG is low emissions, primarily particulates, nitrogen oxides, CO2 and even noise. The particulate and NOx values remain well below the Euro VI standard. The “quiet” LNG engine technology lowers noise levels for deliveries outside normal traffic times. In addition, by switching to LNG, operators can refuel their vehicles with a large amount of natural gas, meaning that their fleets can travel long distances.

See an overview of all the stations in the DKV network here.

Kite Packaging has launched a range of new products to support busy warehouse operations. Details below:

Coreless pallet wrap dispenser
Kite’s Coreless hand pallet wrap dispenser is a must for those that wrap pallets by hand. Often a time consuming and uncomfortable process, this product will assist in the effective and efficient wrapping of pallets, whilst reducing some of the risks often associated with wrapping by hand. The unique design ensures users have something to grip onto enabling them to not only save time but more importantly reduce health and safety concerns.

Red stretch film
Perfect for identification, Kite’s red 20-micron blown stretch film with an extended core is opaque making it the perfect addition when security is key along with its high puncture resistance, unlike many of the red tint pallet wraps currently on the market. Commonly used in a range of industries it is also used for coding and offers great cling strength and pallet load stability.

Friction weld tool
Used to wrap and seal high-strength polyester and polypropylene strapping around a product and/or container to seal, reinforce and/or fasten for increased stability and protection whilst in transit. Kite’s range of friction weld tools are suitable for most general-purpose strapping tasks and are sure to increase efficiency within operations with the convenience of being able to increase or lessen the tension of a strap and seal and cut it quickly with just one hand.

Carton stapler
Kite’s heavy-duty carton/box staplers are designed to handle the tough application of sealing the tops and/or bottoms of boxes, particularly layers of thick cardboard. Using wide crown staples to secure, users can reduce the amount of acrylic tape used within their operation. Perfect for operations where speed is important.