Sustainability concerns play a significant role in shaping machine purchase choices

In 2021, MalStra LLC, a Florida-based company owned by Mark Strachan and Brooke Maltun acquired the Verona, Italy-based thermoforming and extrusion machinery firm OMV Machinery Srl, from Wifag/Polytype Holding. Both owners, experienced players in the plastics packaging industry, are active in the new company, which operates as OMV Technologies Inc. and is headquartered in Florida.

For both Mark Strachan, currently CTO, and Brooke Maltun, who is president of OMV Technologies, sustainability is an ongoing theme at the company. In the interview below, conducted by email, they explain what this means and how it impacts the company’s strategies and decisions.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for plastics processors. Is this something you’ve noticed among your customers?
Yes, sustainability has absolutely become a significantly more important consideration among our customers, especially over the past few years. In fact, we've observed a growing emphasis on sustainability across the board, in both vertical and horizontal markets within the plastics industry. This heightened focus on sustainability is not only a priority for our customers' business values, but it has also become critical from an environmental and compliance standpoint.
In response to evolving customer demands and regulatory requirements, our clients are increasingly looking for ways to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. This includes aspects like reducing waste, minimising energy consumption, and adopting more environmentally friendly materials and processes. Many of our customers are not only striving to meet their own sustainability targets but are also seeking to align with broader industry trends that emphasise responsible resource usage, recyclable materials, and waste reduction.

Are there differences in this respect between Europe and the US?
From the perspective of OMV Technologies, a company with manufacturing operations in Verona, Italy, and offices in the United States, the primary concerns regarding sustainability are influenced by both regions.
It's worth noting that the importance of sustainability has been further stressed by new legislation, especially in the European markets. This legislation is introducing stricter standards and guidelines related to environmental practices, sustainable manufacturing, and  a higher content of PCR for single-use plastics. As a result, our customers are not only motivated by their own commitment to sustainability, but also by the need to adhere to these evolving regulations.  And while Europe has been implementing stricter regulations sooner than North America, we see the movement picking up momentum there as well.

What are the primary concerns regarding sustainability and plastics do you think?
One of the significant concerns we've observed is the presence of misinformation surrounding the environmental impact of plastics. It's important to clarify that plastics are, in fact, a highly recyclable material that, when managed properly, can have a smaller ecological footprint compared to many alternative materials that are far more harmful to critical natural resources such as energy, water, and trees. Because of this, the carbon footprint associated with plastics often proves to be significantly lower than that of other materials.
Additional concerns lie in overly hasty decisions to ban plastics without fully considering the broader implications and potentially negative consequences. These actions are leading to unintended adverse effects on economies, industries, and job markets. It's crucial to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the trade-offs and potential outcomes.
It is important to recognise there’s a tremendous need to address waste management more effectively. While plastics are beneficial in many applications, their improper disposal and lack of efficient recycling mechanisms have led to environmental challenges. This is an aspect where both Europe and the US share common concerns – finding effective ways to reduce plastic waste and enhance recycling processes. Having said that, it’s worth noting that OMV is at the forefront of circular recycling, a process that ensures products are designed for ease of recycling wherever possible - single source materials - and manufacturing our sheet extrusion lines to be able to allows extruders and manufacturers to utilise higher percentages of recycled materials - thus significantly reducing waste.
OMV Technologies recognises that misinformation and waste management are common concerns regarding sustainability. We firmly believe in the value of plastics as a recyclable and comparatively eco-friendly material. While both Europe and the US share the desire to enhance sustainability practices, it's essential to approach plastic-related policies thoughtfully, considering all aspects to avoid potentially harmful repercussion. Responsible, informed research, development, and actions that promote a balance between environmental protection, economic stability, and progress are critical.

And to what extent do sustainability concerns determine machine purchase choices (compared to, e.g., price)?
Sustainability concerns play a significant role in shaping machine purchase choices, often on par with, or even surpassing, factors like price. There are several compelling reasons for this shift in priorities within the manufacturing industry.
One primary consideration is the growing desire for machines that offer greater versatility. Manufacturers now seek equipment that can handle multiple types of materials and processes. For instance, an extruder that has the capability to efficiently produce a wide range of plastics, from PP to PET, offers both operational flexibility and a more sustainable approach by reducing the need for separate machines dedicated to each material.
In addition, the selection of machinery has expanded to encompass environmental efficiency. Manufacturers understand the importance of choosing equipment that can optimise production capabilities while minimizing resource consumption. This includes factors like energy, water, heat, and gas usage. Machines that are designed to operate efficiently and conserve resources align with sustainability goals by reducing operational waste and environmental impact.
Sustainability considerations have become a key contributor in the decision-making process for machine purchases. At OMV - one of the few companies in the industry that manufactures both extruders and thermoformers - we see first-hand how the demand for versatile machines that support diverse materials and processes, coupled with the desire for efficient resource utilisation, underscores the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility. As a result, sustainability concerns have become a pivotal factor, often equally important as price, in determining the most appropriate machinery for manufacturing operations.

What role can machinery play in promoting sustainability in the plastics processing industry? As a manufacturer of plastics processing machinery, how are you supporting the sustainability aims of your customers?
Machinery has emerged as a vital contributor to meeting sustainability initiatives across various aspects of plastic processing.  The scope of materials that can be produced and formed using advanced machinery and processes available through OMV, for example, has broadened significantly. This capability not only encourages the utilisation of more eco-friendly and recyclable materials but also enables the repurposing of waste materials into valuable products, contributing to the circular economy.
Resource efficiency is another critical aspect.  OMV Technologies’ machines are engineered to optimise resource consumption. This spans across energy, water, and other raw materials. The reduction of these not only lowers operational costs but also lessens the overall environmental impact associated with plastic processing.

What about tooling?
The evolution of engineering and tooling is a notable advancement, and one of OMV’s greatest strengths. Our tooling is designed to incorporate our precision engineering methods to maximise the utilisation of the machine's press, minimising waste and ensuring efficient use of materials, further enhancing the sustainability profile of our plastic processing operations.

As a manufacturer of plastics processing machinery, how are you supporting the sustainability aims of your customers
In terms of the overall carbon footprint, machinery has played a pivotal role in driving reductions.  OMV machines are engineered to be more energy-efficient, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions during the production process. Additionally, our advancements in technology have led to streamlined operations, reduced downtime, and improved overall production efficiency, all of which contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.
Over the past 60 years, OMV Technologies has evolved to be recognised as a pioneer for sustainability in the plastics industry. With the capacity to process diverse materials, optimise resource consumption, enhance design layouts, and reduce carbon emissions, OMV’s machinery serves as a powerful instrument for advancing sustainability objectives. As the industry continues to place greater importance on environmental responsibility, OMV Technologies remains committed to revolutionary innovations that further promote sustainable practices within the realm of plastic processing machinery.

Can you tell me a little bit about OMV Technologies: why the decision to acquire an Italian company, what is the plan for the company, where do you hope to be in 5 years?
We made the strategic decision to acquire OMV Machinery due to  our collective longstanding admiration for OMV's high-performance, high-quality, durable machinery. The opportunity to acquire OMV presented itself, and it was seen as a chance to guide this incredibly reputable company into its next phase of growth. OMV's strong track record of innovation was particularly appealing in an industry that had previously been seen as stagnant.
The acquisition was motivated by the desire to leverage OMV's established reputation and foundation, especially taking into account the tremendous brilliance and dedication from the team in Verona, with an average tenure of 23 years.  The aim was to build upon this solid groundwork and expand its reach on a more global scale.
Looking ahead to the next five years, OMV Technologies is looking forward to a further growing our presence in current and emerging markets.  Our focus remains on delivering innovative, sustainable, durable, and high-performance machinery to the market. This goal aligns with OMV's history of innovation and quality.
Additionally, OMV Technologies has plans to establish a “Centre of Excellence” dedicated to training and R&D within the next couple of years. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to fostering innovation, outreach, education, and expertise within the organisation as well as the industry as a whole.