Padua, Italy-based compounder Sirmax is expanding its commitment to sustainable plastics. The company recently acquired a 70% stake in Microtec Srl - also based in Padua - a company that manufactures and sells biopolymer compounds under the brand name BioComp.

With two new ZSK extruders from Coperion, Sirmax Microtec expects to double its output of biocompounds beginning in early 2020. Coperion designed both ZSK 70 Mc18 twin screw extruders especially for the production of bioplastics. These 70 mm screw diameter extruders are equipped with ZS-B side feeders and ZS-EG side devolatilization units.

Officials from both Sirmax and Coperion met at Sirmax’s booth F63 in Hall 8B at the K show.
“With Microtec’s capabilities and Coperion's technology expertise, it’s possible to develop biobased materials for traditional areas of application such as automobiles and household devices. Even the application spectrum for non-durable products, such as single-use flatware, trash bags, and food packaging can be expanded in this way. Long term, we’re planning to expand our bioplastics production to 16,000 tons per year. In Coperion, we see the right partner to travel this road with us”, said Massimo Pavin, CEO of Sirmax. “Investments will support the production of a wide range of sustainable compound which will increase the actual Sirmax product portfolio, in line with the multi-product strategy of the company. The additional capacity will be used to produce compounds based on starch biopolymers, co-polyesters (PBAT), polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)”

Peter von Hoffmann, General Manager Business Unit Engineering Plastics & Special Applications at Coperion, added: “We’re very proud to be able to support Sirmax in markedly expanding production of sustainable plastics. In materials made partially or completely from sustainable materials, we see an important ray of hope on the long road to bringing about a circular economy in the plastics industry. That’s why it’s especially important to us to support innovative companies like Sirmax on their way to the future with our comprehensive, process expertise and our technologies.”

http://www.coperion.com