Baerlocher Showcases at K 2022 Multiple Sustainability Initiatives Centered on Collaboration, Education and Technical Innovation

Düsseldorf, Germany – October 19, 2022 – Here at K 2022 (Booth A21, Hall 5), Baerlocher, a leading global supplier of plastics additives, is highlighting its proactive, multi-pronged approach to advancing the circular economy. The company is taking a leadership role in sustainability through industry collaborations, supply chain engagement and education, and innovative solutions for enhancing the stability, performance and value of recycled plastics.

“Optimizing plastics recycling depends on awareness, knowledge sharing and practical collaborations,” said Ed Hall, chief executive officer (CEO) of Baerlocher USA. “As a trusted adviser to the industry, Baerlocher has implemented initiatives that promote communication and problem solving. For example, our inaugural Recycling Summit in August brought together more than 100 representatives from across the supply chain to learn from each other and tackle problems as a group. We believe this type of collaborative, educational event can clear up misconceptions about recycling, highlight successes and help chart a unified course to greater circularity.”

The Baerlocher Recycling Summit was a successful two-day technical event that attracted attendees from technology companies, resin producers, converters, compounders, machinery manufacturers, brands and some recyclers members of Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). The agenda emphasized problem solving via case studies, panel discussions and networking. Baerlocher plans to expand the summit’s scope and attendance in 2023.

Supply Chain Collaborations

At its booth, Baerlocher is focusing on industry collaborations aimed at developing and implementing recycling-friendly solutions, including new grades of recycled resin with enhanced performance and consistency, and virgin resins that are easier to recycle. The company is working with Envision Plastics, Bekum America, W. MÜLLER and ExxonMobil Chemical on various initiatives involving polyethylene (PE).

Baerlocher is also working with APR recycler members to improve the quality of recycled content used in PE film and promote compliance with regulatory requirements for higher post-consumer and post-industrial recycled (PCR/PIR) content loadings in flexible packaging. For example, Baerlocher is collaborating with Revolution, an Arkansas-based recycler, to provide expertise and resin stabilization solutions during development of new, higher-performing PCR resins for film applications. 

During K 2022, Baerlocher is participating in live demonstrations at Erema’s Circonomic Centre that show the advantages of adding Baeropol T-Blend stabilizers to recycled high-density PE (HDPE) for extrusion blow-molded (EBM) bottles. The collaboration brings together a plastics recycling machine manufacturer (Erema), an additive supplier (Baerlocher), a recycler (PreZero) and a manufacturer of extrusion die heads (W Müller). Each plays a critical role in enabling lower-value waste plastic to be treated, re-pelletized and enhanced with stabilizing additives and deodorizing to produce high-quality packaging. 

Following is the schedule for the demonstrations taking place at Erema’s Circonomic Centre: 

• Wednesday, October 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CEST
• Monday, October 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CEST

Stabilization Adds Value to Recycling 

Baeropol T-Blend stabilization additives can add value across the recycling supply chain by improving the quality, performance and consistency of both recycled content and end applications. For example, recyclers that adopt T-Blend stabilizers can use lower-quality feedstock to produce high-quality recyclate and process it without losing productivity. Additionally, improving the consistency, melt stability, color retention and yellowing resistance of recycled content with these additives can permit molders to increase the percentage of PCR/PIR content in packaging and other applications without sacrificing quality or performance. Furthermore, the stabilization of recycled content benefits brands by supporting their sustainability goals and compliance with regulations calling for greater percentages of PCR in end applications. 

“Recycling is an important piece of the plastic industry’s overall efforts to lower carbon emissions and advance circularity,” said Andreas Holzner, global business leader for Baerlocher’s Special Additives business unit. “Baerlocher additives, based on our proven Resin Stabilization Technology, are engineered to enhance recycled content more effectively than traditional antacids. By combining our technical innovation with wide-ranging collaborative and educational outreach, we are helping to advance the state of the art in plastic recycling and driving increased use of recycled materials in end applications.”

Throughout the show, visitors to Baerlocher’s booth can discuss current and future projects and specific sustainability challenges with the company’s technical experts. 

About Baerlocher:

The Baerlocher Group is a leading manufacturer of additives for the plastics industry. Its portfolio includes a broad range of stabilizers and other additives suitable for a variety of polymer and non-polymer applications.

Baerlocher USA delivers tailored solutions in a reliable, supportive, and ethical manner by investing in our people, customers, and markets while adapting to changing needs.

Baerlocher embraces the principles of responsible care. It operates an ISO 9001 certified quality management system and an environmental management system compliant with ISO 14001. Baerlocher plays a positive role in both the business community and society as a whole. This includes work within industry associations, and the provision of training opportunities in a variety of disciplines.

The Baerlocher Group has production plants around the globe and operates a sales network serving all major countries. 

Baeropan, Baerostab and Baerolub are registered trademarks of Baerlocher.

For more information, please visit www.baerlocher.com.

Press Contact:

The Americas
Roberto Nunez
Tel:  +1-513-808-0342
E-mail:  nunez.roberto@baerlocher.com

The Americas
Agency: AH&M, Inc. 
Joe Bennett
Tel:  +1-413-448-2260, Ext. 470
E-mail:  jbennett@ahminc.com

Europe & Asia 
Agency: ROICOM 
Stefan Horst 
Tel: +49-151-12 72 63 62 
E-mail: s.horst@roicom.biz