Links November 16th
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers the percentages of packaging materials that are recycled in the U.S., 3D printing in the classroom, Xjet’s new metal 3D printing technology, Constantia’s acquisition of Pemara, a forecast for the next-generation packaging market, Dow Chemical’s new line of precision packaging resins and Fraunhofer’s printed electronics applications.
A closer look at recycling
In the United States, 15th November was ‘America Recycles’ day, dedicated to the practice of preprocessing materials that would otherwise end up as waste. Packaging Digest has taken this day as an opportunity to track which packaging materials are recycled most frequently. After asking the organizations that track these numbers, they found that in 2014, Americans recycled nearly 32 % or more than 3 billion pounds of post-consumer plastic bottles and 34 % of all glass containers.
More at Packaging Digest
3D printing is already happening in the classroom
While manufacturers, hospitals, designers and research institutions are increasingly looking to 3D printing to improve their operations, classrooms are already embracing the practice. A number of initiatives, including the Edu-Tech 3D Challenge, are preparing the next generation of 3D printing experts.
More at Tech Crunch
Xjet’s metal printing technology promises lower costs
Xjet’s inkjet metal 3D printing nanotechnology promises to eliminate some of the biggest entry barriers to metal AM by lowering time and costs, without sacrificing accuracy and mechanical properties. The proprietary liquid metals Xjet is creating are based on nanoparticles of specific metals, stored in a special liquid solution that, encased in a tube, is inserted into its printers. The first liquid metal, stainless steel, and the corresponding printers will be available in 2016, according to the company.
More at 3D Printing Industry
Constantia acquires Australian label maker
Constantia has expanded its presence in the Asia-Pacific region by acquiring the Australian company Pemara Labels Group. Privately-owned Pemara achieved sales of approximately 32 million USD in the financial year that ended June 2015 and currently has more than 300 employees. It operates four plants in Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, along with sales offices in Sydney and Manila.
More at i-Grafix
Market for next-generation packaging expected to grow
A forecast says that the market for next-generation packaging will grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6 % between 2015 and 2025. Next generation packaging types such as active, intelligent and modified atmosphere packaging, can be used to enhance the packaging quality, which ultimately adds value to products.
More at PR Newswire
Dow Chemical launches new line of precision packaging resins
Dow Chemical has introduced their innate family of precision packaging resins. The LLDPE resins have been created from a patented molecular catalyst coupled with advanced process technology and will allow customers to explore new packaging opportunities through their stiffness-toughness balance, processing ease and improved sustainability profiles, the company said.
More at PlastEurope
Fraunhofer ISC presents textiles with printed sensors
The applied research institute Fraunhofer ISC is developing new printed electronics applications for use in health care. The institute will showcase textile-integrated sensors, printed electronics, 3D printing, thin film batteries, and multifunctional barrier coatings for flexible films.
More at Printed Electronics World