The two companies plans to introduce the ‘first significant innovation milestone’ resulting from the collaboration at DRUPA 2016, in Düsseldorf, Germany (May 31-June 10).
Pack Studios, Mozzate, Italy
Greg Bunker, global business director, Dow Adhesives for Packaging, Textiles and Hygiene, said it will be working on developments to bring to market at its Pack Studios in Mozzate, Italy.
“This formal development agreement reflects another milestone in Dow’s commitment to the adhesives industry, coupled with the strong participation in the flexible packaging market through our polyethylene and specialty resin offerings,” he said.
“It builds on Dow’s tradition of collaboration across the industry to accelerate innovation to market, taking advantage of Dow's back integration in polyurethane, acrylics and polyethylene.”
Dow’s Pack Studios is an innovation and technology training center which houses an industry-scale Nordmeccanica Super Combi 3000 laminator line.
The equipment allows international customers to test, prototype and bring forward innovation in packaging lamination without interrupting their own commercial production.
'Combined efforts of multiple players'
Both companies see enormous potential to advance technology for the flexible packaging industry by combining adhesive development with machines that pioneer new technologies for faster commercialization to market.
The collaboration agreement between Dow and Nordmeccanica will enable similar capabilities at additional Pack Studios across the globe. There are five Dow Pack Studios in total, in Brazil, Italy, China, Switzerland, and the US.
“Technology these days is so advanced that innovation is the result of the combined efforts of multiple players,” said Vincenzo Cerciello, technical manager, Nordmeccanica Group.
“With this strong collaboration we will continue to fuel the growth of the flexible packaging industry that touches almost everyone's life on the planet.
“This industry is also one of the most significant to drive sustainable packaging development, with the most efficient material usage, as well as reducing food waste along the global food supply chain.”
At Pack Studios, customers can test different properties for food and beverage packaging, including protective barrier films, sealants, adhesives, rigid plastic and flexible packaging for food.
Pack Studios works across both flexible and rigid packaging, from protective barrier films, sealants, and adhesives to rigid plastics like caps and closures.