Print

 

The new supply centre of the agricultural chemical and pharmaceutical company Bayer in Hangzhou integrates weighing technology of Minebea Intec for precise mixing and homogenisation in Zone 2 hazardous areas. Features like smart calibration save time and labor, while seamless system integration ensures scalability.

As a division of the Bayer Group, Bayer Crop Science holds a leading position in the global agricultural technology sector. Recently,
Bayer Crop Science established a new supply center in Hangzhou, aimed at expanding the production of products such as fungicides, insecticides, herbicides.

The solution consists of load cells MP 79T, mounting kits, junction box, and weighing indicator, enabling precise execution such as solid-liquid mixing, high-speed agitation and homogenization in Zone 2 hazardous area. Notably, the mounting kit with a built-in horizontal rod to effectively reduce the impact of lateral forces caused by stirring. And the junction box employs a one-way breathable membrane technology, ensuring no condensation inside the box. These designs have enhanced the reliability under challenging environmental.

Certified components for smooth system integration

The load cells and junction boxes included in Minebea Intec solution are certified with international regulations such as ATEX and OIML, and the weight indicator X2 also hold domestic certifications in China, including the PCEC Explosion-Proof Certificate and the CENX National Explosion-Proof Certificate. It proves that Minebea Intec’s solutions can comply with regulations worldwide, providing customers with the highest level of safety assurance.

Bayer’s new supply center aims to implement an integrated management system by utilizing advanced digital technologies while
aligning with German standards. As a leading innovator in the field of weighing, Minebea Intec’s solutions cater to Bayer’s requirements. For instance, the indicator X2, which features both Profibus-DP bus communication and 4-20 mA analog output, integrates easily into original systems and provides room for future upgrades and expansions at the same time.

Efficient calibration and comprehensive service from a single source

Among Bayer’s 11 sets of tanks, the measurement range varies from a maximum of 9 tons to a minimum of 4 tons. If traditional calibration methods were used, each tank would need to be loaded to 80% –100% of its capacity—a process that is time consuming, labor-intensive, and often hindered by the structural limitations. By contrast, the smart calibration allows for weightless calibration. Once the operator enters each load cell’s unique sensitivity coefficient (Cn), indicator will automatically calculate the loading data required for calibration. This feature alone can save at least 3 days during the installation and commissioning phase. During subsequent periodic calibrations, the smart calibration function continues to simplify operations and minimize downtime.

Minebea Intec offers more than just solutions. The professional team has more than 150 years of experience and expertise. From planning to commissioning and maintenance, Minebea Intec offers its customers support every step of the way to ensure a smooth process.

INFOXBOX

Key facts
A customized tank weighing solution supports Bayer’s Hangzhou supply center, enabling mixing, stirring, and homogenization in Zone 2 hazardous areas. It ensures compliance, integrates with control systems, and enhances automation. Advancing Bayer’s automation.

Application and products
The weight indicator X2 transmits load cell signals for centralized control and features smart calibration to reduce downtime time, and labor costs during setup and calibration.

  • Load cell MP 79T
  • Mounting Kit PR 95T
  • Junction Box PR 6130
  • Weighing Indicator X2

Customer benefits

  • Smart calibration reduces manpower and downtime.
  • Seamless integration into automated systems.
  • Mounting kit ensures stable weighing by minimizing lateral forces.
  • Complies with international and national standards.

The customer
Bayer, with over 150 years of innovation in health care and nutrition, focuses on shaping agriculture’s future through its Crop Science division. It develops solutions for producing quality food, feed, and raw materials despite limited arable land. Bayer’s Hangzhou site supplies products domestically and for farmers across Asia, North, and Latin America.

 
Print

 

Since the start of 2025, PulPac’s patent portfolio has expanded significantly and now includes 67 patent families with nearly +400 granted patents across 58 countries, covering various aspects of the Dry Molded Fiber technology. With many patent families still in early stages, the full potential of the portfolio is projected to reach between 1,000 and 1,500 granted patents in the coming years.

Among the most recent developments, two European patents set to be granted by the EPO are particularly notable. One broadly covers PulPac’s SCALA machine platform, while the other relates to the use of a steel line cutting tool—both reflecting core innovations within PulPac’s proprietary method.

“By strategically expanding IP derived from both our internal R&D and from our key partners, we continuously broaden solution options, unlock new markets, and foster a knowledge-based ecosystem dedicated to replacing single-use plastics with more responsible, fiber-based alternatives,” says Peter Ekwall, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at PulPac. “One example is PA Consulting, whose innovations have contributed to nine of the patent families within the portfolio”, he adds.    

PulPac’s patent portfolio spans multiple areas of fiber application manufacturing. At its core is a novel method for creating three-dimensional cellulose products from an air formed web or air formed blanks-using heat and pressure. This foundational IP supports a continuously evolving technology platform—enhanced by new patents, partner innovations, and trade secrets—all shared with licensees. The technology enables the production of fiber-based packaging that is low-carbon, resource-efficient, energy-efficient, and cost-effective.

“We see collaboration as the preferred path forward. Licensees benefit not only from access to our technology but also from the protection and support that comes with being part of the Dry Molded Fiber community. While we always aim to resolve potential external conflicts—such as unauthorized use or infringement—through dialogue, we remain fully prepared to defend the technology and safeguard the investments made by our licensees when necessary,” Ekwall continues.

in two patent cases regarding its originally filed method for Dry Molded Fiber. One case was before the European Patent Office (EPO) and the other before the Swedish Patent Office (PRV). Both confirmed that the claimed inventions are novel and involve an inventive step.

 
Print

 

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Sugar Inc. (the “Company”, “Rogers”, “RSI” or “our,” “we”, “us”) (TSX: RSI) today reported results for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2025. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for the quarter amounted to $34.7 million, driven by strong performance in the Company’s Maple and Sugar segments.

“We are pleased to share the strong and consistent results delivered by both our Sugar and Maple segments this quarter, driven by steady underlying demand for our sweeteners,” said Mike Walton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers and Lantic Inc. “While we continue to focus on meeting the needs of our customers, we are closely monitoring the current uncertainty related to the trade situation between Canada and the United States, and we are engaging with the different stakeholders involved to mitigate the potential impacts on our business in the future.”

The full press release attached below

 
Print

 

Thorsten Seehars has been appointed as the new CEO of SÜDPACK. He succeeds Erik Bouts, who successfully led the company over the past six years and is stepping down to begin his well-deserved retirement.

With this change of leadership, the film manufacturer is gaining an experienced executive with a proven track record in managing and developing global business segments for various technology leaders. Thorsten Seehars is no stranger to Ochsenhausen, having served the company in an advisory role before. “I’m truly excited to take on the overall responsibility at such a well-established and highly innovative company as SÜDPACK,” he said. “It’s a privilege to continue the work of my predecessor, who strengthened our market position through strategic foresight and with a consistent focus on facts, figures, and results.”

One of Erik Bouts’ most significant achievements was the successful restructuring of the company through the introduction of business units – enabling SÜDPACK to respond to customer needs with greater speed and agility. Another focus area during his tenure as CEO of the family-owned company was a consistent emphasis on sustainability as well as research and development. Today, SÜDPACK is not only a technology leader in its industry but also one of the most innovative and sustainable mid-sized enterprises in Germany. During a farewell event at its Ochsenhausen headquarters, the company’s shareholders and advisory board paid tribute to Erik Bouts for his exemplary service and lasting contributions. He will continue to support SÜDPACK in an advisory capacity until the beginning of 2026.

“We are very pleased to gain a strong leader and seasoned strategist with Thorsten Seehars – someone who will shape the long-term direction of the SÜDPACK Group together with the entire team and drive it forward with fresh momentum,” said Carolin Grimbacher, Managing Partner at SÜDPACK.

The company’s Strategy 2030 is intended to lay the foundation for its next phase of growth. That said, the road ahead will not be without challenges, as Seehars acknowledges: “In the coming years, we will continue to face difficult geopolitical and economic conditions. By focusing on the advantages of a family-owned business, our innovative strength, and the dedication of our entire team, I am confident in our ability to succeed in this demanding market environment.”

 
Print

 

According to various forecasts, the global nutraceuticals market currently worth around USD 450 billion – is set to more than double by 2032. At this year’s Vitafoods trade show, taking place from May 20–22 in Barcelona, SÜDPACK Medica will unveil a new sustainable packaging concept at booth 4A16: NutriGuard®, a polypropylene-based blister solution classified as recyclable, is designed for dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and natural additives. It represents a much greener option compared to conventional primary packaging made of PVC/PVdC/aluminum – and strikes a chord with today’s health-conscious consumers who value anti-aging benefits and natural products.

According to a survey conducted by Statista Consumer Insights, 75% of respondents in Germany report using dietary supplements. This puts the country in a leading position in Europe, alongside the UK and France. Other strong markets include the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, China, Japan, India, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

In the nutraceuticals sector – as in pharmaceuticals – non-recyclable PVC-aluminum blisters still dominate. However, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is pushing dietary supplement manufacturers to consider recyclable alternatives. This is exactly where SÜDPACK, a sustainability-focused film manufacturer and one of the key drivers of a functioning circular economy in the film and packaging industry, comes into play. Just like PharmaGuard® – SÜDPACK’s award-winning blister concept developed for pharmaceutical applications – NutriGuard® is a fully viable alternative for many use cases. It offers excellent barrier properties, maximum aroma protection, equivalent push-through performance, high transparency, good printability, and efficient processing.

“Now is the right time to switch to a sustainable packaging solution”

SÜDPACK’s innovative blister concept for nutraceuticals is primarily based on polypropylene (PP) and, as a mono-material solution, it can be integrated into existing recycling streams. Another key sustainability benefit: By switching to recyclable packaging, manufacturers and packagers can take advantage of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees now being gradually introduced across the EU. These fees are based on environmental impact and recyclability – and will be lower for sustainable solutions.

With decades of experience in both food and pharmaceutical/medical packaging, SÜDPACK is the ideal partner for suppliers in this market. As Jürgen Bodenmüller, Business Development Director at SÜDPACK Medica, explains: “Nutraceuticals are essentially foods with medical or health benefits. We have in-depth knowledge of the regulations and requirements in this field.” Furthermore, thanks to SÜDPACK’s strong expertise in both mechanical and chemical recycling, the company can already offer its customers packaging materials with recycled content that meet the strict requirements for contact-sensitive products.

The standout feature of NutriGuard® ...

... is its excellent transparency, which provides a clear view of the packaged product. Another key challenge during product development – and one that SÜDPACK was able to overcome thanks to its extensive compounding expertise – was achieving the right push-through performance for the lidding film. “We produce the compounds in-house, which allows us to adapt the recipes as needed,” explains Jürgen Bodenmüller. “Soft capsules require a different mix than tablets or hard capsules. In addition, the barrier created by the lidding film must remain intact even after individual tablets are removed. The film should only break at the tablet’s position and not tear beyond that,” he adds.

Depending on the product, the films can be equipped not only with excellent water vapor barriers, but also with additional protective layers – for example, for probiotic dietary supplements. The films also offer excellent printability, including with recyclable, food-safe inks, and without requiring any surface treatment of the lidding film. A wide temperature window for thermoforming and sealing, along with low processing temperatures, are additional benefits that contribute to both easy handling and improved energy efficiency.

If you would like to learn more about these sustainable blister solutions, don’t miss SÜDPACK’s appearance at Vitafoods in Barcelona. Visitors can look forward to expert guidance and engaging insights on sustainable packaging solutions.

More information: SÜDPACK Medica: NutriGuard®

 

Page 10 of 48

<< Start < Prev 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next > End >>