Ampacet, a global provider of masterbatch and additive materials, has added two new color production lines and expanded its research and development and color labs in Dudelange, Luxembourg.

 

The new production lines, slated for startup in the second quarter of 2019, are part of Ampacet’s long-term expansion plan. Both lines were engineered with a focus on safety and ergonomics. Energy and water systems have been designed to produce minimal environmental impact. 

 

One of the two lines will be dedicated to production of engineering polymers to better respond to market trends and customer needs. Both lines will further reduce lead times and increase flexibility for delivery of polyolefin-based color masterbatches. 

 

“Our focus is to provide high quality services and innovative solutions to our customers while reducing our impact on the environment,” says Marcello Bergamo, managing director, Ampacet Europe. “The new lines are designed to support this goal.”

 

The company also has expanded its European research and development center in Dudelange, nearly doubling the size of the lab. Investments include a new injection molding machine and a blow molding machine that will speed color matching services.

 

Ampacet has installed the latest generation, single-stage full electric PET machine (ISBM machine). It produces a preform and a bottle in a single step, for significant time savings, increased color service speed and improved onsite color matching services. It also enables precise carriage movements for an excellent product finish, as well as mold interchangeability, for increased flexibility and nearly unlimited possibilities.

 

Ampacet also has acquired the newest xenon arc-based weathering device which closely reproduces actual solar radiation. This machine, used to accelerate the aging process of masterbatches, represents an indispensable tool in new product development and quality control. This innovative new machine is equipped with a water recycling system that will save more than 800 liters of water (used to reproduce the effects of rainfall) per day. 

 

“We are committed to sustainability innovations that will provide solutions to our customers and will also help to improve our world,” Bergamo said.