![[PR] PR_Ascott and Vimut Hospital_2024](https://www.traveldailynews.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PR-PR_Ascott-and-Vimut-Hospital_2024-400x265.jpg)
…
deSter, a member of gategroup and the world’s leading supplier of onboard service equipment to airlines and railroads, announced that it will invest in state-of-the-art equipment capable of using recycled plastic to create food contact items to meet growing demand in its core business.
The investment in a new plastic extrusion machine at its Hoogstraten manufacturing facility will enhance deSter’s position as an innovator and one-stop-shop supplier committed to providing “green” solutions to its customers. Extrusion is the process used to form plastic sheets from small plastic granules. These various sheets are then formed into a wide assortment of lightweight onboard service products such as tray set-ups, hot meal service equipment and contemporary food boxes.
The decision to acquire the new machinery was taken after labor unions representing hourly and management employees reached a partnership agreement with the company to justify the long-term investment and keep the facility cost competitive.
“We are very excited and proud to be bringing this modern equipment to Hoogstraten, where deSter has built a global reputation for quality, cutting-edge products,” said Blaine Blanchard, deSter CEO.
“We salute our employee groups for their forward-thinking commitment to maintain deSter as the industry’s benchmark for creative and technical innovation, quality and reliability at a competitive total cost. This partnership agreement and the new extruder is a quadruple-win – for our employees, the company, our customers and the environment,” said gategroup CEO Guy Dubois.
The new machine will extend current capacity of CPET production allowing deSter to grow in its core segment of high heat casseroles. Additionally, it will allow the production of two product qualities currently not possible to produce at Hoogstraten. The first is thin-sheet APET, which is a very clear, impact resistant plastic with food protection barrier properties, making it ideal for lids and cold food application. It is 100% recyclable and upon incineration combusts completely. The second is rPET, with near equal properties. However, it is more environmentally friendly in that it uses recycled plastic as its feedstock.
“The rPET form is already partially replacing APET in the food service industry and we expect demand for it to increase among our transportation customers as they move to establish “green” credentials with their passengers,” said Blanchard.
deSter, which was founded in 1936, will continue its initiative around intelligent design and ability to provide lightweight products to create opportunities to lower CO2 emissions. Lighter weight onboard materials help reduce fuel burn, thereby lowering the carbon footprint for airlines as well as reducing costs.
While airlines and railroads form the largest customer group for deSter’s products, the equipment also will allow it further expansion into adjacent markets, such as packaging for retail and professional food service market.
Installation of the new machine is expected to begin December 2010 with production slated to start January 2011.
TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific editorial team has an experience of over 35 years in B2B travel journalism as well as in tourism & hospitality marketing and communications.
