ECONOMY AND MARKET
to strengthening of the green economy . The rest was allocated to the new production site in the United States , forming the final tranche of a 30 million investment started in 2020 . 100 new hires were also made in 2021 , bringing the worldwide employee total from 700 to 800 . “ 2021 was a year that exceeded all expectations ,” says President and CEO Massimo Pavin . “ Our investments , as well as favoring regionalized and loyal supply chains , have gained us market share . We have been close to our clients through supplies , ad hoc products and technologically advanced services , always looking at the medium-long term and building everything with prudence and rationality . Fears for the future remain : the geopolitical situation and the cost of energy and raw materials could drive down demand . There is no concern about the direct impact on Sirmax , as our supply chains are diversified and allow us to stock up . We are concerned , however , about the indirect effects on our end clients , particularly in the automotive sector , which is especially vulnerable and already suffering from microchip shortages .” www . plastmagazine . it
Massimo Pavin , President and CEO of Sirmax
growing by 40 %. As far as geographical areas are concerned , the performance of the United States stands out , with the region recording a 30 % increase in sales in 2021 . The most recent investments have been concentrated in the United States : SER North America ( the Group ’ s second US plant built in Anderson , Indiana , next to Sirmax North America ) became operational a few weeks ago . SER North America is the Group ’ s thirteenth plant . It is entirely dedicated to the production of recycled polypropylene from post-industrial waste , which is carefully selected , ground , and regenerated . SER North America ’ s recycled polypropylene is destined both for industrial applications and to be processed by Sirmax North America as a secondary raw material for the production of refined compounds . These materials are enriched with mineral fillers or reinforced with glass fibers , intended , and are for the production of durable goods for the household appliance and automotive sectors . Their performance is similar to that of high-grade compounds , though they have a variable percentage of green content based on client specifications . This gives them a lower environmental impact .
THE INVESTMENTS On the whole , the investments made by Sirmax Group in 2021 amounted to around 24 million euros , of which 12 million was dedicated
CIRCULAR ECONOMY The green and circular economy sectors remain strategic in 2022 . Sirmax ’ s research is focusing on new products , specifically flame retardant technopolymers for the electrical sector and antibacterial ones for the automotive sector , and on biopolymers for the packaging and agricultural sectors ( mulching cloths ). Thermoplastic elastomers have grown considerably in recent months , and the aim is to triple sales volumes , particularly in the automotive market where they are used for ‘ soft ’ parts ( such as bellows or gaskets ). Also continuing this year is the collaboration between Sirmax and UMass Lowell and MIT , two Massachusetts universities , on a research project funded by the ReMade Institute – part of the DOE ( Department of Energy ) – titled “ Chemical Conversion and Process Control for Increased used of Polyethylene and Polypropylene Secondary Feedstocks ”. UMass Lowell , the first university in the US for injection molding , is studying a model for recycling polyethylene and polypropylene industrial waste for proper reuse in the packaging industry . With an annual investment of $ 100,000 Sirmax Group is the only non-US company partnering on the project . Among the other participants are giants such as Procter & Gamble . In light of the USA ’ s increased focus on pursuing green policies , the purpose of the plan is to provide know-how and technology to accelerate the process of good recycling practices and the culture of urban waste sorting . In addition to the financial commitment , Sirmax will make its contribution by providing laboratories and facilities where recycling tests can be carried out .
Italian technology plast / April 2022
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