Sistema Adds Final Touch to Consumer Appeal of PP Storage Containers with Crystal Clarity of Milliken Millad® NX(TM) 8000 Clarifier
Share:
CHICAGO - At the 2011 International Home & Housewares Show, New Zealand's Sistema Plastics Limited showcased its upgraded line of polypropylene (PP) food storage containers that feature brilliant, glass-like clarity provided by Millad® NX(TM) 8000 advanced clarifier from Milliken & Company. Exceptional clarity is the newest aspect of Sistema's unique quality story: to meet consumer demands and global regulatory requirements for high purity and safety, the company uses only lead free, bisphenol A (BPA) free, virgin resin from LyondellBasell Australia. Sistema displayed its ultra-clear KLIP IT® stackable food storage containers in booth #640 in the South Hall.
"Sistema has always led the industry by understanding and delivering what consumers want, and today, they are looking for attractive, high-quality and safe products for the home," said Allin Russell, marketing director, Sistema. "When Milliken showed us what their Millad NX 8000 clarifier could do for polypropylene, we knew that we had found the final piece of our value proposition. Polypropylene clarified with Millad NX 8000 is dramatically clearer, brighter and glossier than our previous material. When you put them side by side, the difference is astounding."
In addition to its aesthetic benefits, Millad NX 8000 clarifier provides processing advantages to Sistema. Because the clarified PP can be processed at a lower temperature (210C vs. 245C), it cuts cycle time by up to 10 percent. Higher productivity and lower energy usage means lower system costs, enabling Sistema to deliver higher quality to consumers at the same price point.
Sistema, which markets its products through upscale retailers around the world, has received positive feedback from buyers. "The best way to describe their reaction is 'stunned'," said Russell. "They had no idea that polypropylene could be so clear and beautiful." The company is experiencing double-digit growth in its home markets of New Zealand and Australia, where the products are already on store shelves, and there is strong interest from U.S. retailers.
"Our collaboration with Sistema and LyondellBasell Australia on this project has resulted in a great success," noted Brian Burkhart, global marketing director, PP Clarifiers, Milliken Chemical. "In addition to our industry-leading Millad clarifier technology, Milliken provided a full range of support services to ensure outstanding results. We are continuing our work with Sistema as the company converts its colored products to Millad-clarified polypropylene. This project is a perfect example of the significant value Millad NX 8000 can deliver to all stakeholders - resin manufacturers, molders, retailers and consumers."
About Sistema Plastics Limited
Founded in 1990 in Auckland, New Zealand, Sistema Plastics Limited began as a company focused on recycling and manufacturing plastic coat hangers. Responding to customer demands and market opportunities, Sistema developed and began manufacturing plastic drink bottles, lunch products and food storage containers for the consumer market. Sistema's focus is on maximizing quality at a competitive price with a unique twist to design & development. All Sistema's manufacturing is done at its state of the art, 270,000 sq. ft. unit, using the latest robotic technology. There are more than 300 people responsible for design concepts, production, quality control, packaging and shipping.
About Milliken & Company
A leading international corporation, Milliken is a privately-held, technology-based company serving textile, chemical, and floor covering markets, and is dedicated to building a strong culture of integrity, innovation, and excellence.
Milliken Chemical, a division of Milliken & Company, specializes in developing and producing additives and colorants for the global plastics and household care industries. Milliken Chemical has application and development centers around the world dedicated to customer support.
For more information about Milliken Chemical, please visit www.millikenchemical.com and www.clearpp.com.
Brian Burkhart
Milliken & Company
Tel: +1 864.503.1928
brian.burkhart@milliken.com
Amy Godfrey
AH&M Marketing Communications
Tel: +1 413.448.2260, x370
agodfrey@ahminc.com
