Polypropylene Woven – Lakhdatar International Boosts Packaging Capabilities with New Starlinger Equipment Lakhdatar International Pvt. Ltd., a leading name in India’s packaging industry, has announced a strategic investment in cutting-edge machinery from Starlinger 17-05-2025 - Archive
Polypropylene Woven
Sustainable Construction: From Niche to Norm
Building a Greener Future with Recycled Materials
Sustainable construction is no longer a fringe idea—it’s becoming the new industry standard. While traditional building practices have long ignored environmental concerns, today’s construction landscape is undergoing a transformation. Innovative use of recycled materials—especially plastics—is paving the way to a cleaner, greener future.
Recycled Resources: Changing the Game
The construction sector is increasingly integrating recycled materials into every stage of development. Polypropylene Woven
Crushed concrete is used for durable road bases and drainage, eliminating the need for freshly quarried stone and significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Reclaimed wood is finding new life in furniture, flooring, and structural supports, while untreated wood is repurposed into mulch or biomass fuel. Metals such as steel, aluminium, and copper are being recycled with no loss in quality, curbing the environmental toll of mining. Even bricks and masonry can be reused or ground down for landscaping, and old asphalt is reborn in new road surfaces.
Perhaps most impressively, plastic waste is being transformed into construction essentials like piping, insulation, and composite panels—redefining what it means to build sustainably. Polypropylene Woven
The Cost of Construction Waste
Environmental and Economic Consequences
The need for change is urgent. A study published in Sustainability (MDPI) reveals that the construction industry produces 30–40% of the world’s solid waste. In the EU alone, construction and demolition waste make up over one-third of total waste, according to the European Commission.
This waste overload is not just visual clutter—it’s a major ecological and financial liability. Landfills, particularly in countries like the UK, are overwhelmed with construction debris, accounting for nearly 60% of landfill waste. This accelerates resource depletion, habitat destruction, and pollution of both soil and water.
Moreover, waste disposal is costly. Recyclables like metal and concrete often end up discarded, while health hazards from dust and toxins increase public health risks. Companies that ignore proper waste management may face penalties and damage to their reputation. Polypropylene Woven
The Role of Recycled Plastic in Construction
A Vital Step Towards Sustainability
At the 2023 INC-2 summit in Paris, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasized that recycling alone won’t solve the plastic crisis. She called for the elimination of unnecessary plastics and a full market overhaul. Still, she acknowledged a critical truth: recycling remains essential.
Using recycled plastic in construction is one of the most promising ways to keep plastic waste out of landfills and in productive use. By incorporating it into construction materials, we extend its life cycle, reduce the demand for virgin resources, and bring us one step closer to sustainable building as the global norm. Polypropylene Woven
Lakhdatar International Boosts Packaging Capabilities with New Starlinger Equipment
Lakhdatar International Pvt. Ltd., a leading name in India’s packaging industry, has announced a strategic investment in cutting-edge machinery from Starlinger, a global leader in plastics processing and recycling technology.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Lakhdatar’s mission to innovate and scale its production of high-quality woven polypropylene (PP) bags—widely used in packaging for agricultural, industrial, and consumer goods.
Next-Generation Machinery for Enhanced Production
The latest order includes Starlinger’s advanced tape extrusion technology, tape winders, and high-speed circular looms. Polypropylene Woven
These systems are designed to support the production of OPP-laminated woven PP bags, combining durability, flexibility, and premium printability for modern packaging needs.
Notably, Lakhdatar already operates a Starlinger lamination line equipped with OPP capabilities. The newly purchased equipment will be delivered by mid-2025, further expanding the company’s production capabilities.
“We are proud to be the partner of a renowned family-owned company like Lakhdatar International, a pioneer on the Indian packaging market,” said Franz Steiner, Regional Sales Director at Starlinger. “We appreciate the trust Lakhdatar has placed in us and look forward to a long and fruitful cooperation.” Polypropylene Woven
Driving Innovation, Sustainability, and Efficiency
This investment underscores Lakhdatar’s commitment to sustainable and efficient manufacturing. With the new machinery, the company aims to deliver faster production speeds, improved product quality, and greater energy efficiency—meeting both customer demands and environmental goals.
“With this investment, we are gearing up to bring even more innovation, sustainability, and efficiency into our manufacturing process,” said Nitish Goel, CMD of Lakhdatar International Pvt. Ltd. “The new equipment from Starlinger enables us to stay ahead of the curve with high-speed tape extrusion and weaving, producing top-quality, sustainable packaging products.”
Meeting the Growing Demand for Premium Woven Packaging
As global demand for durable and eco-friendly packaging continues to rise, Lakhdatar’s expansion positions the company at the forefront of innovation. Starlinger’s high-precision equipment is known for consistent tape quality, low waste output, and user-friendly automation—making it the ideal choice for forward-thinking packaging manufacturers. Polypropylene Woven
This move is expected to further strengthen Lakhdatar’s role as a key supplier in both domestic and international markets, while reinforcing its vision for responsible and future-ready production.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between Lakhdatar International and Starlinger showcases the power of strategic investment in technology to drive progress in packaging.
By upgrading their production line with world-class machinery, Lakhdatar is setting a new benchmark in sustainable, high-performance packaging solutions in India and beyond. Polypropylene Woven
Alliance for Custom Thermoplastic Elastomers: Greenchemicals and Celloplast GD Join Forces
A New Partnership for Tailor-Made TPE Solutions
Two leading Italian companies—Greenchemicals and Celloplast GD—have entered into a strategic commercial alliance to deliver customized solutions in the field of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The collaboration brings together the strengths of both companies in additives and compounding, offering customers an enhanced range of innovative, sustainable materials.
This strategic decision was taken by Micaela Lorenzi, owner of Greenchemicals, and Giancarlo D’Ottavio, owner of Celloplast GD, marking a significant step forward in the Italian plastics industry. Polypropylene Woven
Combining Expertise to Meet Market Challenges
The new alliance aims to create a center of excellence where technology, sustainability, and performance converge. By pooling their respective know-how, Greenchemicals and Celloplast GD plan to tackle emerging industry challenges and meet growing customer demand for high-performance, eco-conscious materials.
“This partnership creates a synergy of innovation and production,” the companies announced. “It’s a commercial collaboration that allows us to respond proactively to the evolving needs of the market.”
About Greenchemicals: Specialists in Eco-Friendly Additives
Headquartered in Brianza, Greenchemicals specializes in the development of halogen-free self-extinguishing and stabilizing packages for a wide range of polymer applications. Polypropylene Woven
The company is well known for offering tailor-made solutions with low environmental impact, helping clients meet increasingly strict sustainability standards.
Recently, Greenchemicals took a major leap forward by acquiring Polichem, a move that significantly expanded its product portfolio. With the addition of a state-of-the-art research laboratory and production facility in Garlasco (PV), Greenchemicals has strengthened its ability to innovate in the field of plastic additives.
About Celloplast GD: Pioneers in Thermoplastic Compounding
Part of the D’Ottavio Group, Celloplast GD boasts over 50 years of experience in the compounding industry. The company operates seven production lines with a capacity exceeding 10,000 tons per year, manufacturing a wide range of thermoplastic elastomer compounds. Polypropylene Woven
Its portfolio includes TPE-S, TPO, and specialty compounds enriched with natural fillers such as cork, wood fibers, and powders. In addition, Celloplast GD formulates expanding masterbatches tailored for thermoplastic rubbers, offering unique solutions for lightweight and sustainable applications.
Innovation Rooted in Sustainability
A key strength of this alliance is the shared commitment to environmentally responsible development. Both companies prioritize low-impact, recyclable materials and sustainable production methods. The partnership allows them to integrate advanced additive systems with high-performance elastomer matrices, setting a new standard for eco-friendly TPEs. Polypropylene Woven
What This Means for Customers
For customers, this commercial alliance translates to:
- Broader material offerings tailored to specific application needs
- Faster innovation cycles through joint R&D initiatives
- Increased production flexibility and scalability
- Access to sustainable, high-performance compounds
- Personalized technical support and a stronger local supply chain
By leveraging their combined resources and expertise, Greenchemicals and Celloplast GD are well-positioned to deliver next-generation thermoplastic solutions that align with both technical and environmental goals. Polypropylene Woven
Conclusion: A Future-Forward Collaboration
This alliance is more than a simple partnership—it’s a strategic fusion of knowledge and capability. It signals a forward-thinking approach to material science where customization, performance, and sustainability go hand in hand. With this collaboration, Greenchemicals and Celloplast GD are ready to make a significant impact on the global TPE market.
? HDPE, PP, and PET Prices Take a Dip This May
Recycling markets are cooling off this May, with several major plastic grades seeing significant price drops. After a strong surge earlier this year, prices for natural and colored HDPE, as well as PET and PP, have declined.
Natural HDPE Falls Below $1 Per Pound
The average national price of post-consumer natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has dropped sharply. This month, it’s averaging 88.56 cents per pound, down from 101.69 cents in April. That’s a noticeable shift compared to just 32.44 cents at this time last year.
This drop signals a reversal after months of rising prices, with market supply and buyer demand now finding a new balance. Polypropylene Woven
Colored HDPE Prices Plunge
The price of colored HDPE also saw a steep decline. It’s now trading at 4.31 cents per pound, down from 9.44 cents last month. One year ago, this material averaged 23.94 cents per pound, making this month’s price a dramatic downturn.
Processors and reclaimers are likely adjusting their strategies amid reduced profitability in this segment.
PET Bottles and Jars Edge Down
Post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars are also trending lower. The national average price is now 16.22 cents per pound, down slightly from 16.82 cents in April. Regional contracts vary, with prices ranging between 16 and 19 cents per pound.
Still, PET is slightly up year-over-year, with prices at 15.09 cents per pound in May 2024. Polypropylene Woven
Rejlers Secures Key Engineering Role in Borouge’s Polyethylene Expansion
Swedish firm Rejlers strengthens its presence in the UAE with a major engineering contract supporting Borouge’s production growth.
Rejlers Abu Dhabi to Deliver Detailed Engineering on PE4 and PE5 Expansion
Rejlers, a leading engineering consultancy headquartered in Sweden, has clinched a significant contract through its Abu Dhabi branch. The company will provide detailed engineering services for the expansion of Borouge’s polyethylene production units—PE4 and PE5. Polypropylene Woven
This major industrial upgrade aims to raise the nameplate capacity of both units from 540,000 tonnes per year (t/y) to 700,000 t/y each, helping Borouge meet the growing global demand for high-performance plastics.
Rejlers is subcontracted by Target Engineering Construction Company, the main EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractor on the project. The award of the EPC contract was officially announced by Borouge in late April.
Completion Expected by Early 2027
According to Borouge, the EPC works are expected to reach completion by the first quarter of 2027.
This expansion will contribute significantly to the company’s broader vision of scaling its total production capacity to 6.6 million t/y by 2028. Polypropylene Woven
A Strategic Step in Borouge’s Growth
The PE4 and PE5 expansion is one of several strategic projects underway. Borouge has also initiated a major upgrade of its second ethane cracker unit (EU2). This will add an additional 230,000 t/y, marking a 15% increase in EU2’s capacity.
Ethane feedstock for the upgrade will be supplied by Adnoc Gas and Adnoc Refining, both subsidiaries of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc Group). The EU2 upgrade is slated for completion by the end of 2028.
Linde Engineering Takes Lead on EU2 Design
To support the EU2 upgrade, Borouge has entrusted Germany-based Linde Engineering with the front-end engineering and design (FEED) responsibilities. These engineering expansions are expected to deliver $165 million to $200 million annually in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). Polypropylene Woven
Borouge’s Journey to Becoming a Global Polyolefins Leader
Founded in 2001, Borouge initially operated with a modest 450,000 t/y polyethylene capacity. The Borouge 2 (2010) and Borouge 3 (2014) projects propelled the company’s capacity to 2 million t/y and then 4.5 million t/y, covering both polyethylene and polypropylene.
Today, with multiple expansions and investments in the pipeline, Borouge is approaching a production capacity of 5 million t/y. But it doesn’t stop there.
Borouge 4: World’s Largest Single-Site Polyolefins Facility
When the under-construction Borouge 4 complex comes online, capacity will surge to 6.4 million t/y, establishing Borouge as the world’s largest single-site producer of polyolefins.
The Borouge 4 project will include two new polyethylene units—each with 700,000 t/y capacity—featuring the advanced third-generation Borstar technology developed by Borealis. These plants will be fed by an ethane cracker with a capacity of over 1.5 million t/y of ethylene and additional ethylene derivatives. Polypropylene Woven
This groundbreaking project follows the $6.2 billion final investment decision (FID) signed in November 2021 by Adnoc and Borealis, Borouge’s joint venture partners. The main EPC contracts for Borouge 4 were awarded shortly afterward in December 2021.
Final Thoughts
The involvement of Rejlers in Borouge’s polyethylene expansion underscores the UAE’s commitment to high-tech industrial growth and sustainable plastic production. With large-scale projects like Borouge 4 and the EU2 upgrade underway, Borouge is poised to strengthen its global footprint in the petrochemical sector.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow Borouge’s journey toward becoming a world leader in polyolefins innovation. Polypropylene Woven
Ascend Launches Production of High-Purity Acrylonitrile at Texas Facility
A Major Step Toward Advanced Material Innovation
Ascend Performance Materials has officially started production of high-purity acrylonitrile at its Chocolate Bayou facility in Alvin, Texas. This milestone follows the successful installation and commissioning of state-of-the-art purification equipment, marking a new chapter in the company’s push toward advanced material manufacturing.
According to Alex Mihut, Vice President of Performance Chemicals at Ascend, this development is more than just an operational upgrade—it’s a strategic move.
“We are thrilled to offer high-purity acrylonitrile to new markets, supporting innovations in sustainability and technology,” said Mihut. “This development not only expands our product range but also underscores our dedication to providing critical materials that meet the evolving demands of our customers and the industry.” Polypropylene Woven
What Is High-Purity Acrylonitrile and Why It Matters
Acrylonitrile is a vital raw material used in the production of polymers and synthetic rubbers. These polymers serve as building blocks for a wide range of industrial and consumer goods. However, high-purity acrylonitrile takes its importance a step further, offering enhanced performance for demanding applications in:
- Aerospace
- Renewable energy
- Healthcare technologies
Its superior quality ensures reliability in critical applications, making it indispensable in advanced manufacturing sectors.
Public-Private Collaboration for National Supply Resilience
The new purification equipment that enabled this production expansion was partially funded by the U.S. government. This partnership highlights the role of strategic domestic manufacturing in national security, particularly in securing a steady supply of materials needed for essential products like nitrile rubber gloves—a key component in medical and industrial personal protective equipment (PPE). Polypropylene Woven
By bolstering domestic production capabilities, Ascend not only strengthens its own supply chain but also supports broader national resilience efforts.
A Historic Moment at Chocolate Bayou
The Chocolate Bayou facility has been a cornerstone of Ascend’s operations for over six decades. Scott Van Wagener, Senior Site Director, emphasized the significance of this achievement:
“This is a major milestone in the 63-year history of our facility. We remain committed to investing in technologies that not only enhance our operations but also contribute to our customers’ growth.”
This investment is not just about current capabilities—it also paves the way for future growth. Ascend has plans to expand production at the site further, including the manufacture of acetonitrile, a critical compound in pharmaceutical production.
Ascend’s Global Vision and Impact
Ascend Performance Materials is a leading manufacturer of high-performance materials used in a wide array of everyday products and emerging technologies. With manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, and Asia, the company is globally positioned to meet diverse market needs.
The company’s mission is rooted in three core pillars:
- Quality of Life: Delivering materials that make products safer, stronger, and longer-lasting.
- Innovation: Supporting emerging technologies in mobility, healthcare, and energy.
- Sustainability: Committing to responsible manufacturing practices and environmental stewardship. Polypropylene Woven
From safer vehicles and cleaner energy to smarter appliances and better medical devices, Ascend’s materials are helping to shape a more efficient and sustainable world.
Final Thoughts
Ascend’s launch of high-purity acrylonitrile production is a clear signal of its forward-thinking approach. By investing in cutting-edge purification technologies and partnering with the government, the company reinforces its position as a reliable supplier of critical materials for today’s most innovative industries. Polypropylene Woven
As new markets open and production capabilities grow, Ascend is set to play a pivotal role in driving sustainable solutions and technological progress—one molecule at a time.
