MADISON

US biotechnology company Virent (Madison, Wisconsin; www.virent.com) claims it has succeeded in making PX from 100% renewable plant sugars. Branded “BioFormPX99, the PX can be used to produce plant-based PET packaging and bottles. “Our plant-based PX paves the way for 100% sustainable, recyclable products and packaging with complete freedom from crude oil,” says CEO Lee Edwards. BioFormPX is made using a patented, catalytic process which converts plant-based sugars into PX molecules identical to those made from petroleum, Virent says. “Our PX can be blended at any ratio the customer desires, and made from a wide variety of feedstocks, including

MADISON, N..J—During tough economic times it is tempting to reduce quality control to cut costs. However Dolph Beyer, an engineer with Mohawk Fine Papers, asserts doing this is actually counterproductive.

MADISON, Wis.—Amcor Flexibles announces the installation of a new 10-color rotogravure printing press, new adhesive laminator, and a Clean Room finishing area in its Madison, Wis. facility. “These investments, totaling $13 million, demonstrate Amcor’s ongoing commitment to meeting our customers’ requirements for innovation, quality and clean manufacturing in the healthcare, personal care, food and beverage industries,” says Peter Brues, president of Amcor Flexibles’ healthcare sector. The versatile, 10-station Rotomec gravure printing press incorporates inline converting operations, including in-register solvent-based coating with adhesive laminating, and cold seal coating, for printing a wide range of flexible materials. With high speed and automation that allows for quick