Page 22 - Plastics News September 2021

FEATURE

result, there is a high risk of the profiles can be designed with about 30% lower on simulation tools that have proven
deforming or collapsing. Lanxess has weight than an all-steel structure while successful for years in conjunction with
optimized the process so that the profiles offering better mechanical performance the “traditional” hybrid technology. They
withstand the pressures that occur and in some respects. Typical load cases reportedly allow precise prediction of the
do not need to be supported from and component properties were production process and the quality of the
inside, according to Theunissen. For calculated, such as vibration behavior connection between the metal and plastic.
the hollow-profile hybrid technology, and the stiffness of the steering wheel For example, they can accurately predict
Lanxess offers highly reinforced nylon 6 in the direction of gravitational forces. the maximum stresses hollow-profile
types such as the easy-flowing Durethan “The component also underlines the hybrids will withstand and at what point
BKV60H2.0EF DUS060 with a 60% huge potential of the technology in they will fail. “We apply this expertise in
short glass fiber content. With their high implementing cost-saving functional working with our customers,” explained
strength and stiffness, these compounds integration. For example, connections Theunissen. A newly developed test
further enhance the performance of for the A-pillar as well as mountings for specimen was used to validate the
the corresponding components. In a the steering column, dashboard, climate simulation. Extensive component
simulation study, Lanxess examined how control units and airbags were directly testing for static and dynamic load cases
using the compounds pays off in the injected, said Theunissen. Lanxess has underpinning the simulation results was
design of an automotive cross car beam. developed new calculation models for the carried out on real components.
According to Theunissen, the component hollow-profile hybrid technology based

Packaging Redifined - How Sweets Offered In Hygienic Packs Are
Revolutionising The Packaged Food Industry

Manish Agarwal
With the Indian packaged food industry evolving and maturing in recent years, the popularity of
sweets offered in a hygienic pack is giving a fillip to the packaged food industry

ven before COVID-19 had ‘bared reported how the industry had recorded Motivating factor
Eits fangs,’ the Indian packaged food an impressive over 14 percent growth The sheer range of sweets available
sector had been on a positive trajectory. for April to August period. However, in the country itself provides a room
For instance, last year (2019-20), it was it is particularly noteworthy to see the for everyone and given the cultural
growth despite the wider consumption value system adds to the motivation.
slowdown. In more recent times, while Representing both traditional and
western snacks have been in a high modern, the Indian sweet market is
growth category, ready-to-eat foods have characterised by an extraordinary array
emerged as a high potential category. of offerings. The range of sweets
In terms of sales, Tier I and metro products available in India is simply
markets have been the best performers, mindboggling — from traditional milk-
with rural and the rest of urban areas based sweets and open mithais offered
contributing almost similarly. Therefore, by unorganised, traditional sweet shops,
with a permanently large middle-class, to sweets and confectionery products
and increasingly hectic schedules, and prepared by organised bakeries, to
busy lifestyles, the room for ready-to- specialised milk-based products by dairy
serve packaged food can never be enough establishments, to luxury mithai brands
for the Indian market, and there will promoted by new-age confectioners, to
always be room for growth. organic sweets by modern food brands.

22 PLASTICS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021 23 PLASTICS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2021