LyondellBasell Invests in Advanced Technology for Masterbatch Solutions

LyondellBasell (LYB) has invested in bringing advanced technology for the development of the latest advancements in masterbatch solutions to the Americas, complementing the company’s testing assets in Europe. The  state-of-the-art KARO 5.0 laboratory stretching machine from Brückner Maschinenbau is the latest addition to the research and development capabilities offered at the LYB’s technical center in Akron, Ohio. It is expected to greatly enhance the company's ability to develop and test masterbatch solutions for various oriented film applications. KARO 5.0 will enable LYB to:

•  Troubleshoot and test masterbatch solutions for diverse oriented film applications with greater accuracy and efficiency.
• Create a closer match to masterbatch materials in real-world production processes, significantly reducing the time it takes to bring new products to market.
• Improve the speed-to-market process by enabling customers to quickly identify and select the optimal masterbatch for their specific needs.
• The new equipment supports the company’s Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) and Olefins and Polyolefins (O&P) business segments in the Americas. Testing is already underway for a variety of applications including protective films, food packaging and more. Its key features include:
  •  Multicast film capabilities that enable the testing of a wider range of masterbatch materials.
  • Stretch capabilities in both the machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) to accurately simulate real-world production conditions.
  •  Monitoring of various material characteristics like tension, elongation, torque, temperature, and thickness to ensure optimal performance and quality control.