Innovative adhesive packaging offers a green and economical alternative to rigid cartridges
Sulzer Mixpac Ltd., headquartered in Haag, Switzerland, has developed ecopaCC, a collapsible primary packaging for adhesives and sealants that can be used with existing dispensers. The revolutionary design slashes costs, resources and waste, with significant saving potential across the value chain from transportation to disposal.
Sustainability is a key concept for Sulzer Mixpac, the world’s leading manufacturer of packaging systems to mix and dispense single and multi-component materials. Hence it is of central importance to Sulzer’s next-generation of functional cartridges for two-component packaging and dispensing applications.
EcopaCC collapsible cartridges is a very compact solution. When filled with for example adhesives, ecopaCC is able to compress and reduce its size as the contents are dispensed. Once empty, the cartridges can be removed from the reusable support sleeve in order to be disposed of. For example, a 600mL collapsed cartridge occupies a weight up to 75% less than packaging waste from conventional, rigid products, which subsequently reduces disposal costs.
The foldable design of ecopaCC not only reduces waste, but also minimizes the space required for both empty and filled options. Therefore, industrial adhesives manufacturers as well as users can benefit from substantial reductions in shipping and storage costs.
EcopaCC also features improved shelf life and leakproof properties whilst increasing the system versatility by enabling a broad range of film cartridge materials suitable for different substances. In addition, Sulzer Mixpac collapsible cartridges and their support sleeves are fully compatible with current dispensers from the Mixpac, COX and MK range.
The cutting-edge technology is available in several sizes and ratios such as 600 mL 1:1, 600 mL 3:1 and 1500 mL 1:1. In all versions, Sulzer Mixpac can support both front and back-end filling options.
Marc Haller, Head Business Unit Mixpac, commented: “Reducing plastic waste is increasingly gaining attention. Less packaging material is a first but very important step towards sustainability in our industry. Sulzer’s focus goes beyond delivering high-quality products: our goal is to deliver sustainable solutions for both our customers and the environment.
"With ecopaCC collapsible cartridges, we are providing a packaging technology that is guiding the market in a more sustainable future. Our solution clearly demonstrates to adhesive manufacturers as well as the end-users that a reduced environmental footprint is highly beneficial for them since they can also significantly lower their costs.”
Sulzer Mixpac Ltd. is a worldwide leading manufacturer and supplier of products and services for liquid application and mixing technology.
As part of the Applicator Systems Division within the Sulzer Group, the Mixpac business unit can draw on a strong international network. The head office is located in Switzerland. For optimal service to its customers, subsidiaries are located in the USA, Germany, UK and China.
Sulzer's core strengths are flow control and applicators. We specialize in pumping solutions and services for rotating equipment, as well as separation, mixing and application technology. Our customers benefit from a network of over 180 production and service sites around the world. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834. In 2017, we achieved sales of roughly CHF 3 billion with around 14,700 employees.
Our shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN). www.sulzer.com