Page 30 - Plastics News May 2020

Makoter acquires Comexi S1 DS slitter with Siegwerk and APK AG complete de-inking
laser technology trials of LDPE-films

olyethylene foils and bags provider Makoter has
Pacquired Comexi S1 DS slitter with laser technology
to create and introduce new products. The acquisition
is the result of a strategic business partnership reached
between both the parties and will enable Makoter to
increase its capacity. Makoter owner Saša Makoter rinting inks provider Siegwerk and plastic recyclate
said: “In regard to perforation, the quality and precise Pproducer APK AG have completed de-inking trials of
position, the possibility to define the strength of twofold printed LDPE-films. The Research and
opening, and the ability to choose the model based on Development unit of APK AG recently tested a number
of LDPE-film samples, which are printed twofold using
the needs of our customers, are the main primary
Siegwerk's yellow, red, black and blue inks. These tests
arguments that have influenced us to purchase the
are conducted to see if APK AG's Newcycling solvent-
Comexi S1 DS with laser technology.”Comexi slitter is
based recycling technology could fully remove
used for the manufacture of flexible packaging for Siegwerk's inks from the polymer matrix. The samples
toilet paper rolls, tissue towels, napkins, and were treated with the Newcycling solvent and
handkerchiefs and more. The introduction of Comexi dissolved. APK AG Plastics Recycling Innovation Centre
S1 DS with laser technology will enable the company to head Hagen Hanel said: “In line with the principles of
the EU Green Deal and the new Circular Economy
perform tasks with large-diameter rolls,
Action Plan our Newcycling-technology aims at closing
customisation, differentiation and applications such as
cycles for flexible packaging solutions that are deemed
micro and macro perforations, pre-cut adhesive labels,
'un-recyclable' up to now. “We aspire to combine
and security systems among others. Comexi Balkan environmental benefits of recycling with high-quality
countries area manager Alessandro D'Agostino said: performance of the recyclate.” Newcycling involves a
“This is a very important partnership for us. Makoter, a physical pre-treatment of plastic waste, which is
leading company in its sector, has invested in a carried out in conventional mechanical recycling
processes. APK AG then adds the solvent-based process
machine with a high level of technology and a total
step, which purifies the polymer from additives such as
laser capacity of 1,200W“. The high level of
printing inks from Siegwerk. The result is a virgin-like
automation and technological innovation of the S1 DS recyclate. Siegwerk Circular Economy Hub head Alina
allows Makoter to have a machine with distinctive Marm said: “Design for recycling ideally enabling
productivity and efficiency.” The main products of the product-to-product recycling – is crucial to closing the
company are polyethylene foil and bags - Packing loop for flexible packaging.“For Siegwerk this means
material for products made of paper, Packing material providing innovative printing inks and lacquers, which
facilitate high-quality recycling – for example by
for food (e.g. for frozen foods, milk, coffee). Technical
allowing easy de-inking while keeping full performance
foil, as packing material for washing machines,
during the use phase.”The two companies started their
refrigerators, building material, washing powder etc) strategic partnership in October last year. Siegwerk
Carrier bags. provides printing inks for packaging applications and
labels.

MAY 2020 30 Plastics News