At NPE2024 machine engineering company Engel invites visitors to explore how their solutions can empower its customers' workforce, enhance production efficiency and drive forward sustainable initiatives.

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Food Engineering audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Food Engineering or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here.

Green Dot Bioplastics, a leading developer and supplier of bioplastic materials for innovative, sustainable end-uses, has expanded its Terratek BD line with nine new compostable grades that are targeted for single-use and packaging applications. The expanded offering for film extrusion, thermoforming, and injection molding is in line with Green Dot Bioplastics’ goal to achieve faster rates of biodegradability in ambient conditions, while meeting the growing sustainability demands of brand owners and consumers.

Imprint Cookie-Manager About Media Subscription cancellation Privacy General Terms and Conditions Help AI-Guidelines

I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.

Addressing critical challenges faced by plastic processors, the exhibits presented by Engel have been designed to elevate operations across automotive, teletronics, technical moulding, packaging and medical sectors. With a focus on sustainable practices, readily available stock machines, digitalisation for smart factories and comprehensive training programs, Engel aims to provide its customers with a competitive edge.

Many production companies face a shortage of experienced staff in operating plastics processing equipment. This often results in inefficiencies, errors, and increased waste. Engel provides certified training programs and advanced digital and automation solutions to overcome these challenges. Its comprehensive training courses cover all aspects of equipment operation, equipping molders with the necessary skills. In addition, their digital solutions are designed to support and alleviate the workforce's workload, assisting with part design, mould sampling, production, maintenance and service support. By leveraging these digital solutions, customers can optimise productivity and enhance quality while enabling machines to handle more tasks. Engel also designs and manufactures critical components for the automation of injection moulding cells. That includes linear and articulated robots, peripheral and conveyor technology as well as grippers and safety guards.

The five new film grades are compostable starch blends that require no tooling or process modifications when run on traditional blown or cast film equipment. Among them are Terratek® BD3003 which exhibits high puncture resistance and tear strength and is heat sealable like linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film. Meanwhile, Terratek BD3300 is a stiff, high-modulus material with high heat resistance and overall properties similar to HDPE film.

“This launch culminates our extensive development of a new category of compostable materials for single-use applications and packaging markets,” said Mark Remmert, Green Dot Bioplastics CEO. “We’ve successfully developed unique materials that have a faster rate of biodegradation in ambient composting conditions and the functional performance that the market demands.”

I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7/9, 97082 Würzburg, Germany, including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here

The film grades deliver faster rates of biodegradability for home composting, industrial composting, and soil biodegradability. They are targeted for a range of applications including produce bags, bubble wrap, agricultural films, and other lawn and garden packaging.

Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.

About Green Dot Bioplastics, Inc.  Green Dot Bioplastics, Inc. is a bioscience social enterprise headquartered in Emporia, Kan. Celebrating a decade of sustainability, Green Dot is a full-service bioplastics company dedicated to delivering the very best of sustainable materials to our customers. That’s the thinking behind the Terratek line of bioplastics, developed to meet the growing demand for biobased and compostable materials with fewer of the drawbacks associated with traditional plastics.

At the trade fair, Engel will highlight its extensive selection of standard machines in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The in-stock supply of UL certified machines means fast availability for the North American market and competitive pricing. Whether it's all-electric, servo-hydraulic, or two-platen machines, Engel has its customers covered. Exhibits include the E-mac slim edition, E-speed 610/90, Victory 330/85, E-motion 440H/160TWP combi M, E-motion 50/30 TL, Duo 5160/770 WP, T-win 750/7800 and Wintect-win.

Two injection molding grades round out the new compostable offering. They deliver higher heat performance and enhanced processability (lower cycle times) for caps/closures, food service ware, and takeout containers. In a breakthrough application development effort, Green Dot worked with a customer to commercialize a living hinge design for an injection molded package. Physical and mechanical properties of typical bioplastic resins have not previously allowed the molding of a living hinge capable of hundreds of flexural openings and closures while delivering mechanical properties necessary for a polypropylene-type enclosure.

This portal is a brand of Vogel Communications Group. You will find our complete range of products and services on www.vogel.com

Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.

Recycling is no longer an option but a necessity for plastics processors who want to thrive in the future. The plastics industry faces increasing pressure to provide sustainable solutions that are environmentally friendly and economically viable. There is a vast potential of Circular Economy opportunities for injection moulding production. For over 15 years, Engel has been developing solutions for sustainable plastics processing that not only reduce their customers' environmental footprint but also boost their bottom-line results.

During the six-year hiatus, Engel has fortified and expanded its operations, reinforcing its capacity to serve its customers better. For example, in June of 2023, Engel North America announced the opening of its new, expanded automation center, solidifying its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to the injection moulding industry. Additionally, the company has increased its workforce by more than 50 employees over the past year, leading to a record-breaking number of over 260 employees in the US and Canada. It has also added a vibrant apprenticeship program to solidify its expertise.

These new compostable materials are an integral part of the company’s extensive bioplastics portfolio which includes biocomposites, elastomers, and natural fiber-reinforced resins all produced at the company’s newly expanded manufacturing facility in Onaga, Kan.

Green Dot’s new compostable offering also includes three new thermoforming grades which provide a range of properties including clarity. Other grades provide higher heat performance and greater flexibility for applications such as food service packaging, takeout containers, deli packages, and straws.

By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.

Join the editorial staff of FE and Refrigerated & Frozen Foods as we share how business is doing, what’s affecting business, and where companies are spending money, if at all.