Page 62 - Plastics News July 2019

produCt News

Coperion, introduces improved Hansen launches compostable

dual bearing strand pelletizers jars in bid to cut plastic packaging

operion Pelletizing Technology GmbH has introduced ansen Packaging has created a range of lightweight
Cimproved dual bearing strand pelletizers which have Hjars made from renewable sources such as hemp
been re-engineered based on field experience and current for the cannabis industry as part of plans to restrict
market demands. The SP140, SP240 and SP340 models in the the use of plastics.The Canada-based manufacturer
SP series have been equipped with a variety of enhanced has developed a jar that is designed to hold 3.5g of
features for easy, rapid handling and optimized pellet cannabis flower. The container itself weighs 12g, while
quality. Moreover, the lid’s mass is only 6g. According to the company, the
Co perio n has jars will save more than 1.2 million pounds of plastic
de ve lope d a for every ten million jars that are made. The black
new proprietary colour used for the packaging is the US Department
technology for cutting of Agriculture-certified 99% new carbon, which uses
gap adjustment which waste streams from the hemp plant in an industry-first
impresses users with innovation. Hansen used bio-composite resin made from
increased comfort renewable resources, allowing it to mould the jars so
and speed compared that their carbon footprint could be brought down to
to tried and true zero. The resin has been approved by the Biodegradable
classic systems. This Products Institute (BPI) and is considered safe for food
new cutting gap contact. All the resins and jars are named ‘Made in
adjustment (patent Canada, Naturally’. Competitive Green Technologies
pending) constitutes the heart of the re-engineered strand (CGTech) provided the BPI-certified resins, which are
pelletizers. Conventional solutions like eccentric screws or compostable in industrial composting facilities when
compression-tensioning screws present disadvantages such used as components in a product. In a statement,
as non-linear movements, potential dirt pockets on the Hansen Packaging said: “These bio-composite resins are
product, several setting steps or subsequent shifting from made from renewable resources, including hemp. The
additional locking mechanisms. The unique new technical guiding philosophy of the company is to use, as much
solution from Coperion Pelletizing Technology offers faster as possible, agricultural residues that are non-food
and more comfortable adjustment. Fine adjustment and non-forest based renewable natural resources.
is also simpler and more precise, as it can be done by
hand without tools. Likewise, the integrated spring pre-
tensioning eliminates the screws’ free clearance, markedly
reducing machine setup times. Along with the more
compact design and integration of the operation panel into
the machine, the reworking of the interior space counts
first and foremost among further new developments. The
robust cutting tools have been installed closer to one
another, thus enabling a shorter, unguided strand length
in the pelletizer and the best possible cutting results,
especially with soft materials. This new construction
results in less dead space in the interior which, together “This facilitates the circular economy to becoming
with optimized edges and fewer free surfaces, provides a real, sustainable alternative, from land to a brand
improved cleanability. Furthermore, the new quick change and then back again to land. “The continuing research
cutting chamber system really impresses users. The and commercialisation at CGTech will ensure that
complete cutting area is accessible without tools and the improvements in performance continue to be made
cutting unit can be exchanged quickly and easily. for the cannabis jars.”

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