Archroma introduces new eco-advanced wood protection technology Siligen® MIH liq developed with University of Goettingen

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, introduces a Siligen® MIH liq, a new eco-advanced wood protection technology developed together with the University of Goettingen, Germany.

Being a natural raw material, wood evolves over time, and that’s what makes it so unique and beautiful. At the same time, it is a precious, sustainable and carbon-storing resource that should not be wasted. Wood is especially sensitive to climate conditions, in particular moisture, as well as fungi, termites and marine organisms. Over time, these can alter the wood strength, stability and durability. Most treatments used to protect wood are based on biocides and can contain potentially toxic substances such as heavy metals.

Archroma and the University of Goettingen, Germany therefore decided to explore a solution to extend the life duration of outdoor wood materials, but also their appearance.

The result: Siligen® MIH liq, an eco-advanced wood modification treatment to create more stable and durable solid woods, veneers and wood-based composites for applications such as windows, facade claddings, outdoor furniture, terrace decking, in-ground platforms, parquet flooring and marine applications.

It is applied by impregnation and subsequent drying. Siligen® MIH liq impregnated wood can be dried and the molecules fixated at < 80 °C with an equipment already available at most production facilities applying conventional biocides. The energy consumption is thus similar to most aqueous biocidal wood preservative treatments.

Wood treated with Siligen® MIH liq shows excellent protection against decay fungi. Treated wood displays improved weathering performance and keeps its natural appearance with less discolorations and change in feel.

Siligen® MIH liq will be introduced at the Annual Conference of the International Research Group on Wood Protection (IRG WP) IRG53 conference in Slovenia taking place on 29 May to 2 June, 2022 in Bled, Slovenia.

Prof. Holger Militz, Head of the Department of Wood Biology and Wood Products at the University of Göttingen, Germany, adds: “Our research has been focusing for many years on the development of new wood protection systems. With Siligen® MIH we explored a system where the wood is protected against fungi and termites without the need of complicated treatment technology. Existing vacuum and pressure plants and normal wood dryers are sufficient to use this new technology.”

Miquel Vila, Global Head of New Markets at Archroma, comments: “We are very excited to collaborate with like-minded partners such as the University of Goettingen. The new eco-advanced wood protection technology Siligen® MIH liq is a great illustration of “The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature.”

Belden’s Q2 2022 Product Launches Include High-Performance Solutions

Belden, a leading global supplier of specialty networking solutions, announces six Q2 2022 product launches that give customers new integration capabilities, new ways to safely carry power over long distances and products with fast lead times.

Networking and Software:

• Hirschmann BXS Gigabit Switches provide a reliable, cost-effective solution for industrial engineers and train builders who need to ensure fast, powerful connectivity to end devices and passenger infotainment systems without using additional cabling.
• Hirschmann GREYHOUND 105/106 Ethernet Switches combine hardened industrial hardware with high-performance switching capabilities to deliver fast, secure, cost-effective and futureproof connectivity.

Connectivity:

• Lumberg Automation LioN-X® IO-Link Masters now offer integration possibilities into PLC environments from Mitsubishi with CC-Link IE Field Basic to leverage networking on production floors. An IODD interpreter enables uploads of IODD files on webservers to easily parametrize any connected IO-Link sensor or actuator.

Cable:

• Belden’s Digital Electricity™ (DE) Class 4 Cables recently received the industry’s first Class 4 certification from UL. As buildings become more intelligent, Digital Electricity Cables can support safe and efficient emerging digital power technologies by carrying close to 20 times the power that Power over Ethernet delivers, over hundreds of meters, offering a safe alternative to AC power.
• Belden OSP Dry Loose Tube Cables are designed with gel-free technology. To prevent water migration, the sub-units contain superabsorbent materials (SAP) instead of gel. With a current lead time of eight weeks—28 weeks faster than the competition—these cables can be on the jobsite fast to help customers finish jobs on time.
• Belden RS-485 Cables ensure safety, reliable connectivity and performance—even across long distances. Flame-retardant B2ca and Cca cables reduce the risk of harm to people and equipment in the event of fire.
  To learn more about these solutions, as well as the types of technology and applications they support, visit www.belden.com/new-products.

Messe Frankfurt India’s spectacular run of back to back trade shows and conferences this May brings back business vigour.

Supporting the resurgence of a covid-dented economy, Messe Frankfurt India hosted a series of live exhibitions in the financial capital across diverse industry verticals; introducing market-leading innovations by over 600 companies and attracting over 50,000 visitors across 28 Indian states and union territories locally and 57 countries and 6 continents internationally.

Making a grand comeback in the financial capital – the Indian subsidiary of the world’s leading German exhibition organiser – Messe Frankfurt hosted nine back-to-back physical exhibitions and conference, this May. This includes the Mumbai debut of Gartex Texprocess India, Denim Show alongside Screen Print India, the successful trade fair trio of Paperworld India, Corporate Gifts Show, Interior Lifestyle India presented by Ambiente India, its flagship Media Expo and LED Expo fairs and the renowned NGV India Summit.

Targeting diverse industry verticals such as textiles, printing, signage, advertising, stationery, corporate gifting, homeware among others, the b2b platforms organised by Messe Frankfurt India facilitated the exchange of the latest sector developments, business, technological breakthroughs, and industry collaborations. “The energy and business enthusiasm among attendees was contagious. The industries are back in action, there is a high-level of commitment to strengthen domestic collaborations and bolster supply chains and exhibition platforms create the perfect business encounters to meet these objectives,” said Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of Management, Messe Frankfurt Group.

Making its Mumbai debut, Gartex Texprocess India was inaugurated by Smt Darshana Jardosh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, Government of India, and succeeded in drawing 9,328 visitors. With Denim Show, Screen Print India, Fabrics and Trims Show held under its umbrella, the Mumbai launch of Gartex Texprocess India 2022 displayed the right mix of manufacturing tools and textile products by 120 exhibitors, attracting footfalls from and 253 cities across 28 Indian states and 27 countries. Additionally, the trade fair hosted insightful knowledge sessions on the most unique and intriguing topics for the denim industry.
Alongside the launch, the trade fair trio of Paperworld India, Corporate Gifts Show, Interior Lifestyle India presented by Ambiente India was inaugurated by Shri Aslam Shaikh, Hon’ble Minister of Textile, Fisheries and Port Development, Government of Maharashtra bringing together 215 exhibitors and proved to be a massive success drawing in 14,615 trade visitors from 230 cities across 27 Indian states and 38 countries over its three days.

Held in the same week at Bombay Exhibition Centre, the 48th edition of Media Expo concluded on an equally high note highlighting the transition towards innovative, sustainable and eco-friendly advertising solutions. Bringing the printing, signage and advertising industries under one roof, the event garnered a record-breaking footfall of 13,199 visitors and buyers from 15 countries, and 306 cities across 27 Indian states who were treated to top innovations and technologies from 127 exhibitors, including 17% new participants on its show floors.

Following the successful run of seven trade fairs, India’s premier business event for LED and lighting technologies – LED Expo Mumbai made its grand comeback in the financial capital bringing together 179 exhibitors with over 1,000 products on display. The key business event for the lighting industry attracted 12,934 from 316 cities across 29 states and 21 countries.

Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd shared: “Exhibitions have proven to be a highly effective marketing tool and bring sustainable growth. Product presentations, brand awareness, market research, industry collaborations – the commercial benefits of an exhibition are endless. But the highlight will always be ‘connecting people’. The persuasive power of face-to-face marketing builds trust that can create lasting personal relationships.”

As the final business event of the month, the Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) India Summit garnered an enriching response from 230 industry experts and concluded on a high note with key takeaways for Indian fuel and gas industry. Amid soaring petrol and diesel prices concerning the citizens of India, the NGV India Summit was scheduled at an ideal time, highlighting the importance of natural gas and the way forward in terms of challenges, opportunities and overall acceptance of the clean fuel.
“Messe Frankfurt platforms are known for its international standards, professionalism and are built on trust that has been cultivated over the years of us providing quality services in every aspect of the show. Our exhibitors’ conviction and business confidence in our platforms, the pro-activeness and quality of visitors, the growing confidence of industry associations and government bodies in our vision for industry growth are what keeps us going.” concluded Manek.

Taking this positive momentum forward, Gartex Texprocess India together with Denim Show, Fabrics and Trims Show and Screen Print India will once again welcome businesses back at its base in New Delhi from 4 – 6 August 2022 at Pragati Maidan; Media Expo will introduce the industry to next phase of advertising, print media, and the signage innovations at India Expo Mart, New Delhi from 1 – 3 September 2022; and the 9th edition of the International Elevator and Escalator (IEE) Expo will welcome the industry from 6 – 8 September 2022 at JIO World Convention Centre (JWCC) becoming the first point of industry connect after two years.

For more information about the event, please visit :
www.in.messefrankfurt.com

Avery Dennison and Mactac present new sustainable graphics solutions portfolio at FESPA 2022

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions EMENA is continuing its increased focus on sustainability with the launch of new Sustainable Graphics Solutions product portfolios for both the Avery Dennison and the Mactac brands. The Sustainable Graphics Solutions product portfolios give installers even easier and wider access to more sustainable graphics materials, with a new generation of products.

Avery Dennison’s global focus on sustainability has evolved over many years, setting some of the boldest goals in the industry to advance environmental and social sustainability commitments. Alongside ambitious 2025 sustainability goals are recently introduced 2030 sustainability goals. These align with seven of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and they were developed based on careful analysis of what is most important for the business and stakeholders.

Elizabeth Park (director innovation and marketing excellence, Graphics EMENA) said that sustainability is now the starting point for many innovations: “When designing Avery Dennison or Mactac products, sourcing our raw materials, and setting up manufacturing, one of the first questions we ask as a corporation is simple: ‘is it sustainable?’ This is the foundation for how we meet our customer’s needs within our commercial teams.“

“Sustainability affects more than just the products we sell, of course – it requires social responsibility, diversity and inclusion both in our workplace and beyond our own ‘four walls’ to the wider external environment. This new sustainable portfolio demonstrates the benefits of education, transparency and collaboration with customers and other value chain partners – it’s how we address industry-wide challenges and the innovations we have achieved represent an invaluable opportunity to position our business for lasting success.”

Products in the portfolio meet one or more strictly defined sustainable criteria – part of the ongoing drive to make sure that our customers have more sustainable options. These latest innovations include Avery Dennison Organoid Natural Surfaces, made using renewable materials, along with the newly launched premium PVC-free digitally printable wrapping film, SP 1504 Easy Apply™. The Mactac portfolio offers PVC-free Squid® Window Textile films as well as paper based products within the WallWrap Series, such as WW Linen Paper, which are sourced from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified suppliers. These products are a key part of the transition to Sustainable Graphics Solutions.

Li Wen (senior director and general manager, Graphics EMENA): “As a major global business, we share a responsibility to contribute to a more sustainable future, also benefiting from the resulting opportunities. For us, the words ‘innovation’ and ‘sustainability’ go hand in hand. It is our responsibility to make the most of our knowledge as leaders in science and innovation, so that we design and market our products in a more sustainable way for the future. Among other things, we are sourcing responsibly, reducing our operational footprint, and incorporating an EcoDesign methodology for our product developments.”

For more information on our commitment to Sustainability, you can check the Avery Dennison website and Mactac website, and visit us at stand A50 during FESPA 2022.

Avery Dennison and Mactac will be at stand A50, Hall 3.2, Berlin Messe, from 31 May – 3 June 2022. You will also be able to hear Elizabeth Park giving a talk on the subject of Sustainability at 12:00pm on the 1st of June at the Press Conference Room at FESPA.

Register now for the show: FESPA 2022 – Free Registration Link.

Milliken & Company investment advances its coating additives lab in Ohio, USA

Milliken & Company (“Milliken”), a global material science expert, is excited to share that it has made a significant investment in the coating additives laboratory it acquired in 2020 as part of its purchase of Borchers Americas, Inc., in Westlake, Ohio.

Now known as “Borchers: A Milliken Brand,” the acquired business was founded in 1807 as a chemical company but has since grown into a global provider of performance additives for the coatings, inks, and adhesives markets.

With the Westlake lab investment, the company now has three state-of-the-art coating additives labs globally, with the others located in Langenfeld, Germany and Shanghai, China (which was also upgraded following the acquisition).

The newly transformed lab has an open concept with a vibrant, energizing workspace and upgraded equipment. Designed specifically for coating additives lab work, the space is organized to increase efficiency and collaboration while also providing a safe and comfortable working environment. “We are thrilled with the improvements made in the lab,” said Loulou Rozek, who leads the global technical service team at the facility. “It’s exciting to see that Milliken is investing in both the business and associates by improving the workspace.”

A priority of the remodel was creating an ergonomic work environment that provides a positive, safe atmosphere. “I’m proud to work for a safety-focused company that cares about the health of its people” said Ryan Outrich, technical service chemist.

Milliken took an associate-first approach to the lab update by asking the laboratory team to lead the remodel, allowing associates to design not only the layout but the aesthetic as well. The coating additives team is used to working with colorful paints and wanted a bright, energizing space, selecting vibrant purple, green and orange accent colors to promote creativity. “It’s gratifying to work for a company that asks its lab associates to help design their own workspace,” says Allison Abbey, technical service chemist and co-supplier manager. “I get excited to go to work every day.”

In addition to workspace redesign, Milliken invested heavily in lab and test equipment along with expanding the team. “The lab’s sophisticated new equipment can generate state-of-the-art data for our customers,” Rozek said. The addition of equipment, associates and an upgraded layout approximately doubles project capacity, enabling Milliken to further support customers.

The team began working in the upgraded lab in March and is now welcoming customers to schedule tours, demonstrations, and trainings.

In the future, Milliken plans to further expand their coating additives labs into other regions such as India and Brazil.

BENEO Acquires Meatless B.V. to Further Expand its Portfolio of Plant-based Solutions

BENEO, one of the leading manufacturers of functional ingredients, has today announced the acquisition of Dutch company, Meatless B.V., ensuring it becomes a major player in the field of plant-based texturising solutions for meat and fish alternatives.

The move comes amid a huge rise in demand for plant-based products, with figures showing that the market for fish and meat alternatives is expected to grow by more than 10% CAGR over the next five years. The acquisition of Meatless B.V. allows BENEO to broaden its portfolio and offer customers a versatile selection of plant-based solutions that serve as texturisers for meat and fish alternatives. BENEO sees great prospects for the new range of solutions in Europe as a focus market in the first instance, with plans to further expand globally.

Commenting on the announcement, Andreas Herber, Member of the Executive Board at BENEO states: “Following the recently announced investment into our new faba bean processing plant, the acquisition of Meatless B.V. is the next logical step to reaffirm BENEO’s commitment to strengthening its business with solutions for plant-based alternatives.”

Meatless B.V, founded in 2005 and located in Goes, The Netherlands, is a supplier of textured plant-based ingredients with a unique portfolio of solutions derived from different raw materials (i.e., rice, faba beans, wheat, pea, lupin and quinoa). This range fully complements BENEO’s ingredients portfolio and allows for exciting new combinations. As a result, BENEO’s customers will benefit from a much broader variety and greater flexibility that supports the development of meat and fish alternatives.

Meatless’ products are sustainable by design, with the production processes achieving a very low carbon footprint, further supporting BENEO’s aim to use state-of-the-art production facilities to reduce total CO2 emissions.

Andreas Herber, continues: “BENEO and Meatless are a natural fit. BENEO’s raw material expertise and ingredient knowledge, in combination with Meatless’ technology and product portfolio, will provide our customers with a versatile plant-based toolbox for meat and fish alternatives. The acquisition will allow for exciting new developments within BENEO’s portfolio, while also supporting the business’ sustainability ambitions.”

The current management of Meatless will stay on board following the acquisition. Jos Hugense, CEO Meatless comments: “We are glad that Meatless can make the next step in its corporate development with BENEO. BENEO as a strong and experienced global player for functional ingredients will enable Meatless to meet the growing demand and further accelerate expansion of the business in new markets.”