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Gabler & cobelPlast partnering with Milliken at K 2016 to showcase UltraClear PP transparent thermoformed packaging

11 Oct 2016

  • Gabler to unveil its all-new M100 model thermoforming machine for faster, more energy-efficient processing
  • cobelPlast offering mono and barrier layer UltraClear PP sheet
  • Milliken’s Millad® NX™ 8000 additive makes polypropylene UltraClear

Germany’s Gabler Thermoform GmbH & Co. KG will showcase its latest machine, the M100, at the K 2016 show by making clear cups using clarified polypropylene sheet provided by cobelPlast NV. The Lübeck-based Gabler will be running the equipment on Stand D35 in Hall 3 at the Oct. 19-26 trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Belgium-based rigid-sheet extrusion specialist cobelPlast is partnering closely with specialty chemicals supplier Milliken & Co. (Hall 6, Booth A27) to develop both mono and barrier PP sheets that use Milliken’s advanced clarifier technology. Such efforts tie in nicely to Milliken’s K show theme of “Making Polypropylene Clearer, Better, Faster. Together”.

Milliken says that with UltraClear PP resin based on Milliken’s clarifier series Millad® NX™ 8000, converters can create lightweight, microwaveable and recyclable polypropylene thermoformed and foldable packaging with the levels of clarity normally associated with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging.

NX UltraClear PP is a low-density, fully recyclable material that also supports sustainability due to its low carbon footprint throughout the entire supply chain -- from initial production of the granulate to the high energy recovery values for polypropylene at the end of its useful life. The material also delivers significant weight savings. For example, Milliken notes, UltraClear PP trays weigh between 10-15% less than comparable, PET-based food trays.

UltraClear PP with Millad NX 8000 is lighter weight compared to PET and offers glass-like clarity and transparency, according to cobelPlast R&D manager Marc Racquet, who also serves as the sheet maker’s Innovation Manager.

The partners see these clarified sheets as a potential replacement for products made from amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) resin in many applications, and as an upgrade option over standard PP in other types of packaging.
Gabler, meanwhile, will use the K Show to display the newest model of its well-known, tilt-bed thermoforming machine technology. The all-new M100 can help processors to reduce costs by increasing output by up to 40% when running most products, while using similar floor space and energy to smaller machines.
Gabler says its latest machine offers an innovative mechanical drive linkage system; a user-friendly touch screen; reverse stacker automation; a SpeedFlow form air system; enhanced production monitoring features; and dramatically increased forming area and tonnage.
For more information, visit Milliken and Gabler at the K fair, or learn more online at: www.millikenchemical.com, www.cobelplast.be and www.gabler-luebeck.de/en/thermoform.

About cobelPlast

cobelPlast is a Belgium based extrusion company specialized in the production of barrier sheets for the packaging industry. With a vast experience and background as a trusted supplier in the food packaging, diagnostics and household industries, we have a leading supply position in polystyrene and polypropylene based barrier sheets for FFS machines.
As a company, a diligent R&D spirit drives us. We are continuously improving our current product range and develop bespoke solutions for specific customer demands.
Strategically based at the heart of Europe, cobelPlast is serving customers worldwide. Our customer base varies between local packaging companies and multinationals with a strong presence in the food, diagnostics and household industries. Since October 2014 cobelPlast belongs to the Bavaria Industries Group AG. For more information, visit www.cobelplast.be.

About Gabler

GABLER Thermoform is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of thermoforming machines for the food and beverage packaging industry.
Our range of machineries allows the customer to process and manufacture every kind of product taking care of best quality, highest output and efficiency. These targets are achieved considering the need to save material and energy costs.
Our expertise varies from the integration of thermoforming machines with sheet extrusion lines on one side and all sort of automation and handling after the products are formed on the other side.
The GABLER portfolio includes the popular M-line machines, suitable for cup and bowls production, in various sizes and for different outputs.
These are rounded up by the FOCUS-line modular machine concept, very flexible in terms of tool-change time and product range. The portfolio is completed by the VARIUS suitable for high outputs in the tray and lid business and our flexible SWING for small outputs.


About Milliken

Milliken is an innovation company that has been exploring, discovering, and creating ways to enhance people’s lives since 1865. Working from our laboratories, application and development centers around the world, our scientists and engineers create coatings, specialty chemicals, and advanced additive and colorant technologies that transform the way we experience products from automotive plastics to children's art supplies. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines that also includes floor covering and performance materials, the people of Milliken work every day to add true value to people’s lives, improve health and safety, and make this world more sustainable. For more information, visit www.millikenchemical.com.