LyondellBasell Advances Masterbatch Innovation with Tech Investment

LyondellBasell, a leading provider of chemical industry solutions, is thrilled to announce the integration of the cutting-edge KARO® 5.0 laboratory stretching machine from Brückner Maschinenbau into its arsenal. This latest addition to the research and development capabilities housed at the LyondellBasell (LYB) Technical Center in Akron, Ohio, heralds a new era of innovation in the realm of masterbatch solutions for various oriented film applications.

The incorporation of the advanced KARO® 5.0 technology promises to revolutionize LyondellBasell's approach to masterbatch development and testing, offering a host of benefits including:

•              Enhanced Troubleshooting and Testing: The KARO® 5.0 facilitates precise and efficient testing of masterbatch solutions tailored to diverse oriented film applications, empowering researchers to troubleshoot with greater accuracy.

•              Expedited Product Development: By closely replicating real-world production processes, the KARO® 5.0 significantly reduces the time required to match masterbatch materials, expediting the product development lifecycle and hastening time-to-market for new offerings.

•             Streamlined Selection Process: With its rapid testing capabilities, the KARO® 5.0 enables customers to swiftly identify and select the optimal masterbatch solution tailored to their specific needs, thereby enhancing the speed-to-market process.

Tiago Piccoli, LYB Director of APS PAD for Consumer & Industrial Markets in the Americas, lauded the investment in this advanced technology, stating, "The KARO® 5.0 represents a significant investment in our research and development capabilities. This state-of-the-art technology will enable us to expedite the creation of enhanced masterbatch solutions, ultimately aiding our customers in swiftly and confidently launching their products into the market.

The KARO® 5.0 boasts a plethora of cutting-edge features designed to elevate testing precision and efficiency, including:

•              Multi-Cast Film Capabilities: This feature enables the testing of a wider range of masterbatch materials, thereby enhancing the versatility of the machine.

•              Dual Stretch Capabilities: With stretch capabilities in both the machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD), the KARO® 5.0 effectively replicates real-world production conditions, guaranteeing the accuracy of test outcomes.

•              Comprehensive Monitoring: The machine monitors various material characteristics such as tension, elongation, torque, temperature, and thickness, facilitating optimal performance and stringent quality control.

Chuck Hampton, LYB Director of Masterbatch and Colors U.S. & Canada, underscored the significance of this technological advancement, stating, "The addition of the KARO® 5.0 reinforces our technical leadership and commitment to innovation in the masterbatch industry. Enhancing our testing resources in Europe, the introduction of this advanced technology to the Americas provides our global clientele with access to cutting-edge and innovative masterbatch solutions.

The integration of this new equipment bolsters LyondellBasell's Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) and Olefins and Polyolefins (O&P) business segments in the Americas. Testing is already underway for various applications, including protective films and food packaging, underscoring LYB's dedication to pioneering solutions that propel industries forward into a brighter future.