Solenis has opened a new customer application R&D laboratory and packaging centre of excellence in Monchengladbach, Germany.
Solenis, formerly Ashland Water Technologies, is a US-based manufacturer of speciality chemicals for pulp, paper, oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power and municipal markets.
The new facility will provide Solenis with state-of-the-art, instrument-based capabilities for water analysis, microbiology, wastewater treatment, compound analysis, deposit identification, product determination and more.
Packaging area allows for the optimisation of efficiency and sustainability
The packaging area will allow Solenis experts to simulate and test paper packaging manufacturing processes, treatment programs and paper/paperboard properties while providing customers with the ability to optimise efficiency, performance, and costs, all while improving the sustainability of their packaging.
With tests available for more than 70 paper packaging and food and beverage packaging characteristics, the facility can evaluate across a range of categories, including strength, sizing, transport phenomena, sustainability and barrier coating performance.
Custom testing capabilities are also available.
Monchengladbach technical centre includes application and testing equipment
The 3,100-square-meter Monchengladbach technical centre includes application and testing equipment such as Rapid-Köthen and dynamic sheet formers, a lotion paper coater, different types of refiners and more.
In addition, the facility offers repulping and recycling capabilities, as well as contaminant control assessments. Solenis also plans to add a hot air sealing device.
The facility will host events, including training, presentations and lab tours for customers from around the globe.
Commitment to sustainability drives investment in the new facility, the company says
Senior group leader of customer applications laboratories EMEA Christian Flocken said: “Our investment in this new centre of excellence is a testament to our ongoing commitment to technology, innovation, and sustainability.
“Customers now have easier, more direct access to our complete range of industry-leading expertise and a full range of chemistry solutions. This collaborative problem-solving approach creates a true partnership, allowing us to more quickly develop eco-friendly solutions that help customers meet their sustainability targets and build a better future for us all.”
The new centre joins the existing Solenis R&D facility in Wilmington, Delaware, and other R&D facilities in Brazil and China.
The company is preparing a $40m expansion and relocation of the Wilmington site. In addition, Solenis opened a virtual centre of excellence last year, allowing customers to interact and collaborate with applications experts remotely and in real time.
