Smart Molding International 1-2022

15 newsfeed www.smart-molding.com VistaTek LLC, a leading custom injec - tion molder based in Stillwater, Minn., has developed a plant-based garden pot that is one of the first plantable and compostable pots for the garden mar - ket, thus offering major sustainability benefits. Leading automation special - ist Muller Technology partnered with VistaTek, providing the latest in-mold labeling (IML) technology to facilitate efficient manufacturing and high-vol - ume production. The unique garden product is one of the first to contain plant nutrients which are compounded into the plas - tic resin formulation. VistaTek’s garden pot, which is based on polylactic acid (PLA), is being used by ProvenWinners, one of the largest national growers in North America and a supplier to Big Box retailers and regional nurseries. The four-inch round pot, launched un - der the PW EcoPlus Grande line, will be commercially available to growers and retailers in the spring of 2022. “To compete in the global market, you need world-class partners and we were fortunate to collaborate with Muller, whose manufacturing know- how and automation expertise gave us a major leg up,” said Danny Mishek, president of VistaTek. “They saw our vision and complemented and sup - ported our project, bringing us to the finish line.” The VistaTek garden pot is an en - vironmentally-friendly alternative to traditional plastics, fiber, and rice hull pots, delivering major sustainability ad - vantages to the garden industry. Gar - den enthusiasts can plant the pot in the ground and it will compost without having to be removed from the ground. The nutrients which are compounded into the plastic break down and feed the plant, thus enhancing the overall growth potential. Mishek added that the plant-based pot meets the needs of commercial growers who require a less brittle construction, pleasing aesthet - ics, and consumer functionality. “This is a significant development in the garden industry and we’re thrilled about our partnership and the ability of our innovative IML technology to help VistaTek meet their high-pro - ductivity needs,” said Taras Konowal, director of sales and marketing for Muller Technology. Muller Technology www.muller-technology.com date upcoming medical manufacturing projects that require larger parts and higher cavitation. “Partnering with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag was a natural fit considering the timing, and it’s a perfect alignment of each company’s needs.” Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, producer of precision plastic injection molding machines, was specifically looking for partners that could help them mar - ket the machine to a critical region in New England. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag North America Business Develop - ment Manager, Bob Brady, says, “With Westminster Tool’s reputation in the plastics industry and its reputation in the community here in Connecticut, our machines are getting the exact kind of exposure we need.” In addition to mold validation and internal research and development, the machine’s new home at the Ster - ling facility will also serve as a central - ized showcase for potential training, especially with prospective custom - ers. “Training is a major focal point for Westminster Tool, and that’s why this relationship is such a great fit,” Brady says. Several of the company's key medical customers are proud Sumitomo (SHI) Demag owners, which makes for a smoother transition from the mold build to qualification. And since the medical industry is all about consistency, this partnership lets us rely on Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s trust - ed reputation. For Westminster Tool, the new machines represent the latest com - mitment to merging people and tech - nology. “We spent years establishing our company culture to support our skilled talent,” Coombs says. “Now we need exposure to the technology that is going to give us the tools we need to step up our game.” Westminster Tool www.westminstertool.com Muller Technology partnered with VistaTek