Sabic and Netstal open thinwall packaging application centre in Switzerland

Chemical firm Sabic has launched its collaboration with German machinery firm KraussMaffei HighPerformance at the partner’s Thin-Wall Packaging Application Center in Näfels, Switzerland. The latter is also the site of KraussMaffei's Swiss subsidiary and manufacturer of injection moulding machines under the Netstal brand.

The application centre is expected to enable innovative application, material and processing solutions in the thin-wall packaging industry through closer collaboration across the segment’s entire value chain.

“This significant milestone underscores our continuous investment in innovation, collaboration and sustainability to help our customers achieve their goals and drive the industry forward,” said Abdullah Al-Otaibi, General Manager Engineering Thermoplastics Business & Market Solutions, Petrochemicals.

He added, “The Application Center will accelerate the pace at which we bring new material and processing technologies to our joint customers while we engage with them more closely to embrace global trends, turn challenges into opportunities and accelerate the development of both profitable and sustainable thin-wall packaging solutions.”

Sabic adds that it will be using the centre in collaboration with customers and third parties to develop material solutions that can add value in terms of enhanced mechanical performance, efficient processability and sustainability value.

Netstal’s injection moulding portfolio for packaging applications can also be further optimised as a result of improved material and process insights.

In addition to injection moulding, in-mould labelling and part handling capabilities, the tech centre provides advanced tooling and testing equipment. First new systems installed by Sabic include moulding equipment designed to investigate injection compression moulding options and test the mechanical properties of thin-wall packaging applications.

“We have a long history of innovation in thin-wall injection moulding and welcome the collaboration with Sabic, who share our values of ideation and commitment to the further development of new process and material solutions in this important market segment,” commented Renzo Davatz, CEO of KraussMaffei HighPerformance AG. “Together, we will leverage our synergies to stimulate value chain interaction, identify new leads and help our customers succeed.”

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