Page 34 - Plastics News February 2021

FeAtures

type in Western Europe’s spirit segment.” After a long potential to alter current consumer perceptions of this
testing period, the launch of the prototype Absolut Paper packaging material.” However positive that sounds, the
is set to revise “traditional perceptions around paper idea of a “plastic free” bottle still manages to elude
and board packaging for spirits in the UK,” according to even the most hopeful brand owners. “Absolut Paper
GlobalData, a data and analytics company. comprises 57% paper and 43% recycled plastic . . .
however, production process transparency will need to be
GlobalData’s release went on to praise “environmentally
conscious consumers” and how successful the launch is addressed. Currently, paper packaging requires a higher
likely to be due to “the alignment with green trends.” volume mass than glass or plastic alternatives to ensure
GlobalData did acknowledge that the use of P&B for the beverage is effectively preserved,” noted GlobalData,
spirits “declined in Western Europe by 9.1% between adding that “this potentially equates to higher energy
2019 and 2020 to one million units. However, “sustainable use even though the material is more environmentally
production and eco-conscious consumption remain highly friendly.”
sought-after concepts to the modern-day consumer." Really? How many trees were cut down in the making of
Volume declines were attributed to consumers’ preference these bottles? I guess nobody is counting.
for glass packaging in spirits, “but this launch has the
(Courtesy: Plastics Today)

PPEs Are Here to Stay

Steven DeAngelis

PPE’s have proven their worth in many other environments during the pandemic and there are some consid-
erations for the primary components of a sheet extrusion line to produce PPE sheet.

he COVID-19 pandemic has placed personal protective Extruder Requirements
Tequipment (PPE) front and center. PPE devices such Whether using existing equipment or buying new, the
as face shields are critical in protecting healthcare and extruder must have sufficient torque to process the
other essential workers from viral airborne particulates. selected resin or possibly a speed increase for improved
These shields, made from FDA-approved clear sheet, are rate.
used in several industrial and laboratory environments
but have also For existing extruders:

What extrusion equipment is needed to make clear PPE • Evaluate motor horsepower and base gear in speed.
sheet? A typical PPE sheet line includes an extruder • Understand available extruder torque versus required
or extruders, adapter network, roll stand and winding torque for resins to be processed.
system. Typical resins include PET, PETG, PMMA, PC,
crystal (general-purpose) PS and PP, or a combination • Know the rated torque limit of the existing extruder
thereof. If you already have a sheet line or are looking gearbox; do not exceed the rating.
to add a new one for PPE production, it’s important to • Belt-drive extruder gearboxes can be modified by
evaluate each component to ensure effectiveness, cost- changing the sheave ratio to meet the desired torque
efficiency, and the value proposition for your business. and/or gear in speed increase.
Here are some considerations for the primary components • A direct-coupled motor gearbox may require a gear-
of a sheet extrusion line to produce PPE sheet.
ratio change.

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