News & Events

A new consortium has been formed by groups in the Netherlands to promote the use of composites in the automotive sector.

The European Thermoplastic Automotive Composites (eTAC) consortium comprises TenCate Advanced Composites, DTC Dutch Thermoplastic Components, Kok & Van Engelen, NLR National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands and VIRO.

In a release issued by TenCate, the partners said they have built up a track record of applying composites in the aviation industry in the past few decades, in particular working with Airbus Industries. The consortium intends to use this expertise in the automotive sector where there is a growing trend for using composites to produce light-weight and energy-efficient components. Read more.

Klöckner Pentaplast recently conducted eyetracking research through Clemson University’s CUShop™ to evaluate how different styles of packaging influence a customer’s point-of-sale behavior. Different packaging options can make an enormous difference to the bottom line. Backed by statistical evidence, results indicated a strong purchase preference for clear plastic clamshells over printed paperboard boxes, with 402 per cent more purchases being received for clear plastic clamshells.

Read more.

SIMONA AG became one of the first plastics processing companies to introduce an Energy Management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001. The goals of the program are sustainable energy supply at affordable prices and an increase in energy efficiency. The Energy Management system they delivered works to reduce production costs, encourages in-house innovation and extends the service life of operating systems. Read more.

At the recent EPDA Annual Conference, an issue was raised regarding a Hungarian regulation on an environmental fee imposed on plastic sheets (see http://en.apeh.hu/tax_laws). EPDA member János Bendl, Umundum Kft., has further investigated this issue on behalf of EPDA members. The following is a letter that Mr. Bendl has drafted on behalf of EPDA. EPDA will send this to letter to the Hungarian government.

In accordance with Act LXXXV on Environmental Product Charges and Government Decree 343/2011.(XII. 29.), on the execution thereof, in Hungary as of 1 January 2012, an environmental product charge is payable, among others, on products that fall under the Tariff Codes 3919 and 3920. A significant share of the plastic products belonging to the mentioned two tariff codes are neither suitable for packaging purposes, nor for the production of packaging materials.

The mentioned regulations leave two alternatives for the law-abiding producers and distributors of the plastic sheets not suitable for packaging purposes:

1. They pay the environmental product charges, putting their competitiveness at risk;
2. In accordance with the regulations they prove by significant input that the products are not used for packaging purposes; the burden imposed on the companies threatens again their competitiveness.

In the case of sales to local distributors, the payment of the environmental product charges is unavoidable, although the product is not suitable for packaging purposes.

 Based on the above, we propose to amend the mentioned regulations in a way which does not disadvantage the producers and distributors of modern plastic sheets used in many fields of the economy, whereby maintaining the focus on the high significance of environment protection.

Klöckner Pentaplast (the “Company”) announce the successful recapitalization and strengthening of its capital structure with the support of its lenders.

Following a cash equity injection of €190 million by a group of new investors led by Strategic Value Partners LLC (“SVP Investor Group”) and new debt facilities underwritten and funded by Jefferies & Company, Inc. and its affiliates (“Jefferies”), Klöckner Pentaplast has repaid, in full, the principal amount of €800 million of first lien senior secured credit facilities at par plus accrued interest.

Following the equity injection, the SVP Investor Group has assumed ownership of the Company. As part of the transaction, Klöckner Pentaplast’s capital structure has been substantially strengthened as total debt has been reduced by approximately 50 percent to €630 million from €1.26 billion. The debt reduction results from the cash equity injection by the SVP Investor Group and the effective equitisation of second lien and mezzanine debt.

The new shareholders are fully supportive of the existing management team as they continue to develop and strengthen the Company by building on its leading global market positions. Christian Holtmann, Chief Executive Officer of Klöckner Pentaplast, commented, “The committed efforts of various parties to invest in our business have proven that this is a well-managed, operationally strong business with a financially resilient business model. Klöckner Pentaplast is well positioned with a broad product and market portfolio within its key international markets.” Added Holtmann, “We thank all the parties for their constructive and supportive efforts throughout this process. We will remain focused on our key strengths and deliver the high-quality films and superior technical support for which we are known to all our customers. We are eager to work with our new shareholders to move Klöckner Pentaplast forward to drive our strategy and to achieve our goals.”

Victor Khosla, Chief Investment Officer of SVP, said “We are delighted to have invested in a business of such quality and resilience, and look forward to working with Christian and his team to fully realize Klöckner Pentaplast’s potential.”

About Klöckner Pentaplast

Klöckner Pentaplast produces films for pharmaceutical, medical device, food, electronics, and general-purpose thermoform packaging, as well as printing and specialty applications. Founded in 1965 in Montabaur, Germany, Klöckner Pentaplast has grown from its initial facility to 17 current global production facilities in 11 countries. The Company has sales of over €1 billion ($1.4 billion) and employs more than 3,000 people committed to serving customers worldwide. For more information, visit our web site at www.kpfilms.com.

Nylacast announce the recent accreditation of another industry recognized high quality standard, ISO 14001:2008, an internationally accepted standard that sets out a framework of essential elements for putting an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) in place.

The UK-based engineering polymer solution provider has recently gained accreditation by BSI to the high quality standards of ISO14001:2008 (Environmental Management Systems). In addition to the standards of TS 16949:2009, ISO 9001:2008, ISO/TS 29001:2011, ISO 14001 is now the fourth high quality standard to be held by Nylacast.

We all have an impact on the environment, whether it’s from releasing gases into the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels to heat offices or fuel cars, to the depletion of natural resources such as extensive water use and paper consumption.

Achieving this ISO 14001 certification means Nylacast continue to work to high industry recognized standards without sacrificing the state of the environment.

Nylacast group HR manager and HSE, Ian Mallabone commented, “as a business this is yet another prestigious award to have been achieved, and it’s great to know Nylacast are looking out for the wellbeing of the environment whilst continuing to produce high quality components and solutions to our clients and partners across a number of industries worldwide.”

About Nylacast Ltd.

Operating within the engineering plastics sector, UK based Nylacast are a company that pride themselves on being able to provide the customer with a complete Engineering Plastic Solution. Nylacast have world class Engineering expertise and state of the art manufacturing facilities allowing their components and materials to be used in many diverse applications within industries such as Construction, Oil & Gas and Automotive.

Nylacast Ltd employs over 400 people, headquartered in Leicester, UK, with additional offices and facilities in strategic worldwide locations of South Africa, USA and UAE.

Nylacast currently work to the high quality standards of:

TS 16949:2009

ISO 9001:2008

ISO/TS 29001:2011

ISO 14001:2009

For further information on Nylacast please visit www.nylacast.com.