Business Development Director Polymers
Karsten Schulz
Business Development Director Polymers | Omya International AG
Presentation topic:
More sustainable white opaque PET bottles
Abstract
Abstract
Omya developed a solution, called Omya Smartfill, that can replace 50-70% of titanium dioxide in mono-layer PET milk bottles with high light barrier.
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Omya Smartfill has a significant lower carbon footprint than titanium dioxide and reduces energy consumption due to less UV-light reflection.
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Omya Smartfill provides the same mechanism as it is known from the production of white opaque BOPP labels since decades where minerals are causing in the stretched film micro-voids that make the film appear white. In PET it was so far not possible to use calcium carbonate as it causes polymer degradation. Omya`s innovation is a modification on the mineral surface, that improves the compatibility with PET.
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Bottles made with Omya Smartfill can be recycled in a closed loop, are NIR detectable and fulfil the requirements of EUBP.
Bio
Bio
Since joining Omya in 2003, Karsten Schulz has developed new applications for calcium carbonate in polyolefins and technical polymers, always focusing on improving the functionality, sustainability and profitability of plastic products. Karsten has launched solutions for polyethylene blown films, BOPP and BOPET film, thermoforming, blow molding, and technical polymers in general to the market.
Karsten began his career as a commissioning engineer for biaxial stretching machines at Brückner Maschinenbau.