CCL Label, a global leader in specialty label and packaging solutions, announces the expansion of its operations in Tibi, Spain, enhancing local production of high-performance Shrink Sleeves and In-Mold Labels (IML) to serve brand-driven food & beverage markets with best-in-class printing, compliance and sustainability.

Locally produced in Spain and globally backed by CCL’s innovation network, the Tibi facility now offers offset and gravure printing technologies that deliver vibrant graphics, precise detail and outstanding consistency for demanding food & beverage packaging.

“We have significantly strengthened our production platform in Tibi with the addition of new high-performance printing presses and expanded die-cutting capabilities,” said Reinhard Streit, group vice president of Food & Beverage global at CCL Label. “In parallel, we are consolidating our entire In-Mold Label (IML) operation into the new facility, bringing it together with our shrink sleeve manufacturing. This integration enhances efficiency, accelerates lead times and creates a powerful center of excellence for decorative solutions serving the food and beverage market.”

The expanded operations are fully aligned with emerging European and Spanish packaging regulatory landscapes, particularly the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which becomes binding across member states and introduces harmonized design, recyclability and labeling requirements throughout the EU packaging life cycle.

CCL’s Tibi production lines support these regulatory frameworks by offering shrink sleeves and in-mold labels designed to be PPWR-compliant and aligned with Design for Recycling guidelines, enabling brands to achieve strong shelf impact without compromising end-of-life performance.

“Expanding our footprint in Tibi reinforces our commitment to both market excellence and responsible design,” said Streit. “We combine local agility with global expertise to help brands thrive in an evolving regulatory landscape — from labeling compliance to sustainable packaging outcomes.”

For more information, visit www.mailchi.mp/cclind/cclspain.

About CCL Label
CCL Label offers customized, high-performance and sustainable labeling solutions for various industries, including healthcare, food & beverage and automotive, with a global production network.

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On January 12, 2026, Dr Volker Nilles took up the position as Chief Executive Officer of Arburg, Lossburg, Germany. The appointment of the new CEO brings the top-level management team of the globally active machine manufacturer to six people. In addition to Nilles, the other members of the Arburg management team are Managing Partners Juliane Hehl (Global Marketing and Business Development) and Michael Hehl (Premises Development) as well as Managing Directors Tobias Baur (Sales, After Sales), Guido Frohnhaus (Technology & Engineering) and Steffen Kroner (Finance, Controlling, IT, Global HR).

Dr Volker Nilles brings with him more than 30 years of leadership experience in mechanical and automotive engineering. His career is characterized by international management positions with specific experience in the USA, China and India as well as generally a clear focus on transformation, growth and sustainable organizational development.

Extensive management and industry experience

After studying mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen University and completing a PhD in business administration at the Technical University of Munich, Nilles began his professional career in machine tool engineering at ThyssenKrupp, where he was responsible for purchasing, logistics and production for a total of eleven plants worldwide. This was followed by senior positions in plant management at Bosch Rexroth as well as a ten-year tenure as CEO of Kleemann GmbH, where he significantly advanced the international focus of the crushing and screening plant manufacturer.

Dr Nilles acquired extensive experience in plastics processing at KraussMaffei Kunststofftechnik, where he was ultimately responsible for global new machine business as Executive Vice President New Machines and a member of the extended board. Before taking up the position at Arburg, he was CEO of Humbaur GmbH, Europe’s largest manufacturer of car trailers.

Clear signals for growth and safeguarding the future

“We are pleased to welcome on board Dr Nilles, an internationally experienced expert with a broad portfolio”, reports Managing Partner Michael Hehl. His sister Juliane Hehl is confident that Dr Nilles’ appointment will bring further dynamism to the strengthening of Arburg as a world-renowned brand and the further expansion of Arburg’s global market presence.

For more information, visit www.arburg.com.

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“The European market is entering a new phase for waste management, where recyclability is no longer optional — it is mandatory,” said Paolo Glerean, RecyClass chairman. “The TechAp Tool will accelerate innovation in packaging design. It provides companies with a fast and trusted pathway to track the steps in obtaining approvals that demonstrate their innovative solutions are compatible with state-of-the-art recycling technologies available in Europe.”

Companies interested in evaluating the recyclability of their products can contact the RecyClass team to initiate their assessment via the TechAp Tool. The platform will allow users to follow every step of the evaluation online – from initial screening to laboratory testing and final approval – ensuring full transparency and faster decision cycles.

Anticipating the need for more robust recyclability assessment processes under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and its recyclability targets, the TechAp Tool provides traceable decision-making grounded in science-based, standardised Recyclability Evaluation Protocols.

With more than 400 innovations tested since the launch of RecyClass Protocols, the platform reflects the growing demand from brands, converters, and technology providers for more streamlined processes in developing products compatible with real recycling at scale. By integrating innovation and regulatory readiness into a single robust tool, RecyClass enables the development of plastic products for a truly circular market.

_{About RecyClass
RecyClass is a non-profit, cross-industry initiative advancing recyclability, bringing transparency to the origin of plastic waste, and establishing a harmonised approach toward recycled plastic calculation & traceability in Europe. RecyClass develops Recyclability Evaluation Protocols and scientific testing methods for innovative plastic materials, which serve as the base for the Design for Recycling Guidelines and the RecyClass Online Tool. RecyClass established Recyclability Certifications for plastic packaging, Sorting Process, Recycling Process, and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certifications for plastic products.}

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Over the past six months, RecyClass has released several protocols to reflect evolving industry needs and ensure harmonised recyclability assessment procedures. This includes the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for labels applied on PS containers, the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for inks applied on PET bottle decorations and the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for EPS Fish Boxes and White Goods.

RecyClass Technical Committees are undertaking further work on the recyclability of labels and adhesives across other streams, which will result in the publication of new protocols during the year.

The RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines continue to evolve, offering updated criteria for specific packaging materials to improve recyclability across the value chain. For HDPE containers, closures made with up to 10 wt% of PP are now considered fully compatible thanks to the progress in flake sorting technology. For PE films, EVOH is now considered fully compatible up to 5 wt%, provided it meets a specific EVOH:tie layer ratio. When it comes to the full set of RecyClass Guidelines, non-bleeding inks have been renamed as retentive inks to reflect the most commonly used terminology.

Additionally, RecyClass has also published specific guidelines for white PET Opaque bottles used for food applications. The extensive support from the entire plastic value chain, including white opaque PET bottle recyclers, has been crucial in achieving this objective. To complement this development, a test campaign will be launched to evaluate the impact of multilayer bottle structures on the colour of the recyclate. Based on the findings, recyclability certification for these applications will be made available at the beginning of next year.

RecyClass will continue to advance plastics circularity by pursuing its investigations into the most common packaging features that affect plastics recycling. Current efforts are focused on several key topics, such as cold seals for PP films, nitrocellulose ink alternatives for PE films, direct printing for rigid packaging, rigid rolling packaging as well as the development of a colour sorting module for the sorting protocol.

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“In today’s dynamic business environment, consistency matters,” said Jenn Barlund, president of Falcon Plastics. “This acquisition reflects our commitment to growing thoughtfully, supporting our customers’ evolving needs, and investing in the future.”

The Monterrey facility offers advanced injection molding, deep technical expertise, engineering strength and
assembly capabilities that complement Falcon’s existing footprint across the U.S. and Asia. By adding this site,
Falcon will expand its capacity, reduce lead times and provide additional flexibility for customers with operations in Mexico and the surrounding region.

“Growing for us looks like staying true to our values while enhancing our technical capabilities and geographic
reach,” Barlund added. “We’re excited to welcome the talented Monterrey team into the Falcon family.”

Falcon will implement a phased integration plan that prioritizes stability, communication and continuity of service. Over time, the Monterrey site will transition to the Falcon Plastics brand, reinforcing our commitment to growing globally while staying grounded in the values that built our success.

About Falcon Plastics
With over 50 years of experience, Falcon Plastics is a family-owned mid-to-high volume custom molder specializing in the production of high-quality plastic components. Headquartered in Brookings, South Dakota, Falcon operates locations across North America and Asia. Falcon is recognized for technical excellence, long-term partnerships and a people first culture that drives innovation and quality.

For more information, visit www.falconplastics.com.

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In collaboration with Stork IMM, Hengelo, the Netherlands, BRINK Molds & Automation, Harskamp, the Netherlands, produced another impressive demonstration of its expertise in the field of high-performance tools and IML automation: In addition to an 8-cavity mold for the production of silicone cartridges, a production cell for 5-liter round buckets with integrated handle assembly was on display at K trade fair – an example of efficient large packaging solutions with added value.

The 2-cavity mold on display produced the 5-liter bucket including in-mold labeling (IML) and direct handle assembly in a cycle time of just 5.9 seconds. Despite its large volume, the bucket weighs only 138 grams – further proof of BRINK’s expertise in combining lightweight construction, speed, and automation.

BRINK Molds & Automation is one of the leading suppliers of high-performance molds and automation solutions for the packaging industry. The company specializes in molds with extremely short cycle times, in-mold labeling (IML) systems and fully integrated production solutions – especially for thin-walled packaging, technical parts and large-volume applications.

With its solutions, BRINK responds specifically to current challenges facing the industry, including rising raw material prices, high energy costs and the growing demand for sustainable, lightweight packaging. The 5-liter application presented at the K trade fair demonstrated how efficiency, functionality and design can be intelligently combined.

For more information, visit www.brinkbv.com.

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BRINK Molds & Automation, Harskamp, The Netherlands, and its partner Arburg, Lossburg, Germany, presented a genuine innovation at the 2025 K trade fair: For the first time, a round bucket with a tamper-evident closure and sleeve was produced using the injection compression molding process – a forward-looking application that specifically addresses rising energy and material costs.

“Thanks to the injection compression molding (ICM) concept, we can significantly reduce energy consumption,” explains Matthias Arping, international sales manager at BRINK. “Compared to conventional injection molding, we need around 20% less clamping force and about 40% less injection pressure. This has a direct impact on overall energy efficiency.” Another advantage is that the process allows materials with a lower MFR (melt flow rate) to be processed, which opens up additional flexibility in the choice of materials.

The 4-cavity system shown ran with a total cycle time of just 4 seconds, including in-mold labeling (IML). The weight of the round bucket produced was only 11.9 grams – despite the integrated safety feature (temper evident) and decorative sleeve.

With this application, Arburg and BRINK are sending a strong signal in the direction of resource-saving and at the same time highly productive packaging technology – a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant in view of rising raw material and energy costs.

For more information, visit www.brinkbv.com.

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With several exhibits and running production lines, BRINK Molds & Automation impressively demonstrated its expertise in IML automation and extremely fast cycle times at this year’s K trade fair in Düsseldorf. The world’s largest plastics trade fair, which once again attracted a high level of international participation – with 76 percent of visitors coming from abroad – provided the company with an ideal stage for its technological highlights.

BRINK’s strong presence was particularly striking: in addition to its own booth, in collaboration with Stork IMM, the company was also represented with exhibits at the booths of machine manufacturers Arburg and Netstal. This strategic placement enabled broad visibility across the entire exhibition grounds.

“Our focus is on highly dynamic injection molding solutions and IML automation for thin-walled packaging – particularly with regard to cycle time reduction, material savings, and energy efficiency,” explained Matthias Arping, international sales manager at BRINK. “The increased demand for weight-optimized packaging solutions and reduced operating costs has clearly determined our development work.”

One highlight was the production cell for a classic 1-liter round bucket, presented jointly with Netstal. The 4-cavity mold achieved a total cycle time of only 3.8 seconds, including in-mold labeling (IML). The produced part weighed only 22.80 grams – another step towards resource efficiency.

In cooperation with Arburg, BRINK also presented innovative solutions for automation and efficiency improvement, with which the company intends to further expand its market leadership in the field of high-speed IML.

For more information, visit www.brinkbv.com.

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CCL Label, Toronto, Canada, a global leader in specialty label and packaging solutions, is proud to announce the
launch of its new sustainable product portfolio dedicated to the dairy market, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, recyclability and circular packaging in line with the ambitious goals of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

This tailor-made portfolio supports dairy brands in transitioning to packaging that is designed for recycling, reduces environmental impact and the carbon footprint, and helps achieve EPR compliance in the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

A Portfolio Designed for a Circular Economy
The newly launched solutions have been engineered to work seamlessly with current recycling streams, ensuring packaging components are not just recyclable in theory, but also in practice.

Highlights of the portfolio include:

• EcoFloat WHITE: A low-density, floatable sleeve material that enables efficient separation during the PET recycling process, now also available in a white version with lightblocking capablities to meet branding needs while enabling brands to switch from a colored HDPE or PET botte to a transparent one.
• EcoFloat: The original floatable shrink sleeve material that detaches cleanly from PET bottles in the recycling sink-float process, supporting bottle-to-bottle recycling.
• EcoStream® HDPE: A pressure-sensitive label designed for HDPE containers (such as milk bottles), which detaches cleanly during the recycling process and meets the design-for-recycling guidelines.
• Polypropylene (PP) Lids: Recyclable lids made from mono-material PP that match the PP cup and sleeve to form a monomaterial packaging item offering an alternative to traditional aluminium lids.
• Monomaterial Pouches: Innovative flexible packaging made from recyclable polyethylene or polypropylene, suitable for liquid dairy products and yogurts, helping brands shift away from complex multi-material laminates.
• IML Labels (In-Mold Labels): High-quality labels made from PP that are molded directly into polypropylene containers, creating a mono-material solution that offers premium decoration and durability for dairy cups and tubs
• Stretch Sleeves: (made out of LDPE with up to 75% recycled content) A recyclable decoration technology that requires no adhesives or heat, ideal for PET and HDPE bottles & containers. These sleeves offer 360-degree branding while maintaining compatibility with existing recycling streams

Supporting Brands on Their Sustainability Journey
“As regulations tighten and consumer demand for sustainable packaging increases, we are proud to support the dairy industry with packaging solutions that not only meet functionality and branding needs but are also aligned with the future of circular packaging,” said Marika Knorr, head of Sustainability at CCL Label. “This new portfolio is a step forward in helping our customers reduce their environmental impact and meet the recyclability criteria outlined in the PPWR proposal.”

“Launching a portfolio designed for the specific needs of the dairy industry such as lightblocking and other barrier properties is a result of our ongoing Research and Development work and different business units within CCL collaborating to develop the best products for our dairy customers,“ says Reinhard Streit, group VP Food & Beverage Global. “The high protein trend has energized the dairy industry and we see a lot of innovation happening on the product side that we want to match with the right packaging.“

About PPWR
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a key part of the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, setting ambitious targets for packaging design, recyclability and reuse. CCL Label’s new product range directly contributes to these objectives by enabling high-quality recycling and reducing packaging waste across the dairy value chain.

About CCL Label
CCL Label is a world leader in specialty label, security and packaging solutions for global corporations in the consumer packaging, healthcare and industrial markets. As a trusted partner for innovation and sustainability, CCL Label works with brands across sectors to drive progress toward a circular packaging economy.

For more information, visit www.ccllabel.com.

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Turning Point for the Plastics Industry
K 2025 became a stage for something big: the premiere of the Plastic is Fantastic Association – the first global movement dedicated to reshaping how the world sees plastic. With a clear message to consumers: Facts, not prejudice. Its public debut in Düsseldorf sent a strong signal: Plastic isn’t the problem – it’s part of the solution.

The Plastic is Fantastic Association, initiated by the ALPLA Group, is both a voice and a network for the global plastics industry. It challenges clichés, dismantles myths and shows what plastic is truly capable of – and what it means for the world. The association’s mission is clear: no excuses, just relevance. No opinions, just facts. And clear answers to future-facing questions – from next-gen materials to waste management and sustainability.

Powerful Material. Powerful Voice.
The slogan says it all. International experts and producers have joined forces to highlight the benefits, perspectives and solutions that plastic offers in modern life. Grounded, objective, science-based.

From October 8–15, 2025, the association introduced itself to the public at K 2025 – inviting people to learn more, ask questions and join the conversation. The Plastic is Fantastic Association isn’t an ivory tower – it’s a hands-on, get-involved community.

Dominic Fiel, chairman and executive director of the Plastic is Fantastic Association, welcomed a top-tier lineup of guests to the stand – including Philipp Lehner, CEO of the ALPLA Group and one of the association’s earliest supporters. Another international guest was Joseph Tayefeh, secretary general of Plastalliance, who signed 100 free copies of his book “Plastic Bashing, Fake News.” And for a bit of fun, the association’s mascot, Captain Plasto made an appearance.

Plastic: Often the Best Choice
K 2025 also marked the launch of a global communications campaign. The goal: to spotlight the positive sides of plastic – because too often, its real advantages are lost in emotional debate. Plastic is safe, lightweight, hygienic, recyclable and often the most sustainable option. The knowledge exists – it simply needs to reach public awareness. That’s the task and the mission of the association.

For more information, visit www.plasticisfantastic.info/en.

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