76 | New twist on plastic twine Extrutec is launching a new bio-degradable product, a binding twine specifically developed for the kiwifruit industry. MANUFACTURING Extrutec T T Hugh de Lacy In a remarkable breakthrough by a company with a history of producing them, Marsden Point-based extrusion company Extrutec is launching a new bio-degradable product, a binding twine specifically developed for the kiwifruit industry. Call Earthtwine Terra, it’s a soil-degradable twine for supporting kiwifruit vines, and at the end of the growing season it can be mulched and/or left to rot on the ground, where it will be broken down by soil microbes, just like green-waste. This process takes about two years, depending on the microbes in a particular patch of soil. For kiwifruit orchardists, Earthtwine Terra offers relief from having to either compost their twine – if it can be composted – or having it build up in the soil. Most of the twines used are still made of conventional plastics. “Earthtwine Terra took us two years to develop, and we’re unveiling it at this year’s New Zealand Fieldays in Hamilton,” Extrutec founder Joe Wiid says. It’s the first time Joe and his partner Theunie have exhibited at Fieldays. “We may be the only company in the world making a soil-degradable plastic twine. “There are a few other producers who have also developed compostable twines, but I am not aware of anyone else in the Southern hemisphere doing it,” Joe says. “The bio-degradable plastics industry is developing fast, and we aim to stay at the forefront of it, particularly in terms of products for the horticultural industry.” The release of Earthtwine Terra is not the only new development for Extrutec. Recently, the company formed a joint venture with an Australian distributor of horticultural products to form Earthtwine LP. The partnership creates a vehicle for the manufacture and distribution of existing Earthtwine products in New Zealand and Australia, though Joe stresses that all the manufacturing of these products will be done in New Zealand. In addition, Extrutec has been working on marine-degradable twines and ropes for aquaculture, particularly for mussel farmers in the Marlborough region. Trials have been underway for about five years, and the product is now being released on the local market. “We always work very closely with industry leaders to ensure that our products meet the requirements and expectations of the end-users,” Joe says. “To validate the results of end-of-life trials, we also work closely with scientists from a number of universities and Crown Research Institutes. “I’m always keen to collaborate with scientists, but we do most of the research on new products in-house, followed by systematically trialling various versions of a product until the best one is identified, and this pragmatic approach can mean testing hundreds of recipes.” Drawing on his knowledge of conventional plastics, Joe is now also venturing into developing products from re-cycled plastics. Joe established Extrutec in Auckland in 2005, before relocating to a larger factory space in Marsden Point in 2016 to facilitate the change of focus on to bio-plastics. He is soon to expand his 1200sqm factory to around 2000sqm, and his current staff of seven is expected to grow accordingly. Azelis New Zealand has established itself as a formidable force in the speciality chemicals and food ingredients industry, building enduring partnerships with over 500 customers through technical expertise and a continuous commitment to innovative. The company traces its roots in New Zealand back to 1989, following the acquisition of Chemcolour, and has since evolved from a speciality distributor into a fully integrated, innovation-led solutions provider. With facilities in Auckland and Christchurch, Azelis New Zealand serves seven distinct market segments: Chemicals, Home Care, CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers), Food and Nutrition, Personal Care, Agricultural and Environmental Solutions, and Pharmaceuticals. “Azelis does much more than move goods. We move markets forward. Breaking new ground in our technical laboratories by combining ingredients with ideas, and creating opportunities through innovation and lasting partnerships with our customers and principals.” says Clinton Barrow, Business Manager at Azelis New Zealand. The company’s approach centres on technical collaboration rather than simple product supply. This philosophy is exempli ied through its longstanding relationship with client Extrutec, where Azelis provides support on biopolymers and technical applications tailored to speci ic processing goals. Rather than merely supplying raw materials, the team works closely with Extrutec to enable targeted outcomes in product development. Azelis’ commitment to innovation is supported by extensive infrastructure, including warehouses and a dedicated textile application laboratory. These facilities hold Eco Warranty, ISO 9001:2015 and MAF certi ications, and are approved by the New Zealand EPA for the storage, use, transportation, disposal and emergency management of hazardous substances across classes 2, 3.1, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9. Clinton highlights that Azelis New Zealand’s team of over 60 employees includes some of the country’s leading industry professionals, providing locally based technical expertise and support services. This local presence enables the company to respond swiftly to market changes while maintaining close relationships with customers and strategic suppliers. Azelis Group has received signi icant recognition for its sustainability leadership, recently acknowledged with an improved Sustainalytics rating of 11.7. This re lects the company’s Action 2030 programme, which focuses on reducing emissions, promoting ethical business practices, and supporting inclusive growth through its Recent strategic growth has been bolstered by the 2022 acquisition of Chemiplas, strengthening Azelis’ position across both the Australian and New Zealand markets. This investment demonstrates Azelis’ global vision in action, growing through strong local companies and empowering locally based teams to serve their own markets with agility, technical depth and customer intimacy. 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