Author: Riya Kadam

XSYS Honored with FTA Excellence Award 2025 for Sustainable Nyloflex Eco Plates XSYS, worldwide supplier of flexo prepress solutions, has received the FTA’s Sustainability Excellence Award 2025 for the new nyloflex eco printing plates. Framed as a more sustainable option compared to standard plates, the nyloflex eco range solves urgent environmental issues while ensuring the high print quality and consistent reliability customers have grown to trust XSYS. The annual FTA Excellence in Flexography Awards is one the flexo industry’s longest running and most prestigious global print competitions. In addition to recognizing printers and converters, awards are also presented to suppliers…

Stora Enso Unveils Performa Nova: A High-Yield Packaging Board for Sustainable Solutions Stora Enso is strengthening its position as a global leader in fiber-based packaging with the introduction of Performa Nova, a next-generation folding boxboard (FBB) that delivers high yield alongside superior performance. This latest innovation is designed to meet the rising demand for renewable, recyclable, and resource-efficient packaging—especially within high-volume segments like dry, frozen, and chilled foods, as well as chocolate and confectionery. Performa Nova is now available for commercial orders following the successful launch of Stora Enso’s state-of-the-art consumer board production line in Oulu, Finland. This milestone marks…

IKK Strengthens Research Capabilities with Cutting-Edge FEDDEM Extruder Technology The mechanical engineering company FEDDEM GmbH is handing over a research extruder to the Institute of Plastics and Circular Economy at Leibniz Universität Hannover as part of a partnership. Close cooperation between industry and research proves especially valuable when both sides combine their expertise and resources. An example of this is the partnership between FEDDEM and the Institute for Plastics and Circular Economy (IKK) at Leibniz University Hannover. The FED 26 MTS extruder was officially handed over on permanent loan by Dieter Groß, Managing Director of FEDDEM, to Prof Dr Endres,…

Covestro Introduces Desmopan FLY TPU for Cutting-Edge SCF Foaming Technology Covestro has announced the launch of Desmopan FLY, an advanced Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) series specifically engineered for supercritical fluid (SCF) foaming technology. This high-performance material solution addresses the growing demand for lightweight, performance, and sustainable footwear design while expanding possibilities across sport gears, furniture and electronic products. Desmopan FLY features an advanced formulation that enables superior supercritical fluid dispersion during the molding process, resulting in uniform fine-cell structured foams with outstanding mechanical properties. For footwear applications, this translates into midsoles with superior cushioning and energy return properties, and long-lasting comfort…

BASF and Hagihara Partner to Develop Long-Lasting Artificial Turf Solutions BASF, a global leader in chemical innovation, and Hagihara Industries, Inc., a leading synthetic fiber producer in Japan, have joined forces to develop highly durable polyolefin yarns for artificial turf used in sports arenas, including football stadiums, baseball fields, and tennis courts. After three years of collaborative research and development, the two companies have created an advanced formulation with a series of Tinuvin grades that significantly enhances the durability of synthetic grass, making it less susceptible to damage from sun exposure and ensuring it retains its vibrant color. “One of the…

Chemco and Kandoi Launch ₹450 Crore Joint Venture to Manufacture rPET-Based FIBC Bags in Gujarat In a path-breaking partnership to redefine India’s sustainable packaging, Chemco Group, India’s largest PET converter, and Kandoi Group of Industries, a technology textile industry leader, announced a strategic joint venture for the construction of two integrated greenfield manufacturing units at Vapi and Dahej in the state of Gujarat. With an investment of ₹450 crore, the project will be dedicated to the manufacture of FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) bags completely made from recycled PET (rPET). The upcoming facilities will offer a closed-loop system from PET…

PRINT & DIGITAL CONVENTION 2025 Wraps Up with Fresh Insights and New Industry Opportunities During times of deep market change, the PRINT & DIGITAL CONVENTION again demonstrated its role as a nodal point of innovation, exchange, and future planning. A trade fair, conference, and practical applications combined, it again established Düsseldorf as an important meeting place for the DACH region’s print, media, and communications industry – and sent one loud message: the industry is evolving, well-connected, and forward-looking. From May 13 and 14, attendees at the PRINT & DIGITAL CONVENTION were able to experience the most up-to-date technologies, actual applications,…

Vianode and Fortum Form Strategic Alliance to Advance Circular Economy in EV Battery Sector Vianode, an advanced battery materials company, and Fortum Battery Recycling, a specialist in recycling valuable metals from electric vehicle (EV) batteries, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on developing a sustainable EV battery recycling value chain. Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to: Secure supplies of high-quality recycled graphite concentrate from Fortum’s hydrometallurgical plant in Harjavalta, Finland Develop and optimize recycled graphite materials for use in their commercial-scale anode production Evaluate and enhance the performance of recycled graphite in advanced battery components…

Kistler Academy Broadens Its Training Portfolio with New Specialized Courses Using your expertise to get the most out of sensor technology: The Kistler Academy, an ISO-certified training institution, organizes courses for users from the injection molding industry for plastics. Kistler experts provide the knowledge required for optimum sensor use, efficient process design, monitoring and control, as well as profitable data evaluation. The broadened range now includes courses on part and mold design and AI-based data analysis. A large number of cavity pressure sensors, the use of specific software and data management alone do not guarantee high efficiency in injection molding…

Polykemi Group Ushers in a New Era with Third-Generation Family Leadership The family-owned business organization Polykemi Group will experience a generational transition at the start of 2025–2026. The third generation will be ready to assume senior leadership positions. The founder Hugo Jönsson’s sons, Ola Hugoson, the current CEO, and Lars Hugosson, the deputy CEO, will continue to be involved in the organization but will transfer their titles and responsibilities to their offspring. This choice is founded on a common understanding of how Polykemi Group should carry on conducting business as a family enterprise with regard to its suppliers, customers, and…