www.plastribution.co.uk
Issue 03 October 2012
the magazine
More efficient LEDs
0845 34 54 560
In this issue
Don’t be left in the dark, turn to page 24 and find out more.
The Olympic torch – Momentum
13
Joining the App revolution
14
Recycle with industry know-how
16
Nylon replaces metal in cars
32
Mike Boswell
Plastribution Limited
Managing Director
PO Box 7743 5 Ashby Park CEVA House Ashby-de-la-Zouch Leicestershire LE65 1XY Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560 Fax: +44 (0) 1530 560303 Email: sales@plastribution.co.uk www.plastribution.co.uk
In Momentum
In this issue
A moving brand
02
A new line-up for PLEXIGLAS® 04
An honour… and an opportunity
04
Technical support is key
06
Ashby office refurbishment
06
Did you know?
08
Addition to the Operations Team
08
Training know-how
10
The value of service
10
Plastribution hits the road in 2012
11
20 years with Itochu
12
Technical capabilities
12
Carrying the Olympic torch
13
Joining the App revolution
14
All the best for Roger
14
Recycle with industry know-how
16
The apprentice – fast-learning and hard-working
18
The art of partnership
20
Meet your Operations Team
22
More efficient LEDs
24
More efficient thermoformed packaging
26
Collaboration is key
28
Step-out performance for highly demanding applications
30
Nylon replaces metal in cars
32
New Enzymoplast™ masterbatch of biodegradable plastics
34
SPC and Plastribution – a win-win partnership
36
New Granic grade for blow moulding and film applications
37
Price know-how – 2012 review & 2013 Outlook
38
Intelligent online process control
40
Product List
42
®
This magazine is printed using vegetable oil based inks on paper that contains fibre from sustainably managed forests. Design: voice www.voicebranddesign.com
Issue 03 – October 2012
Welcome to know-how It is now 12 months since we
strong resource of technical support
Young Enterprise, where a number
re-launched the Plastribution brand
is available, and we will shortly be
of employees supported a project
under the strap line “we are no
launching “Processing know-how” in
at our local school, raising funds
longer blue and grey but we are
which we will aim to provide some
for various charities such as Water
still Plastribution”. Whilst superficially
of the very best advice for injection
Aid, and even being honoured to
the only visible change is our new
moulding processing parameters
carry the Olympic torch. For my
logo with the new motto “Let’s make
across a comprehensive range
own part, I was again involved in
it work”, internally our business
of standard thermoplastics.
Young Enterprise as the Chair of
has evolved to become more
Judges at the Leicestershire County
efficient and effective and so better
There is no doubt that the economic
Final, and in May I was particularly
meeting the needs of our market.
environment over the last 12 months
pleased to be elected as Vice
has been challenging, with extremely
President of the BPF, where I will be
An important catalyst for this
high levels of volatility both in terms of
aiming to further serve the needs of
evolution has been the Supply
price and availability. Whilst this has
the UK plastics sector and ensuring
Chain Management Knowledge
presented some tough challenges
its recognition as an important
Transfer Partnership that we have
to processors, distributors, and
component of the UK economy.
been running in conjunction with the
producers of plastics, overall the
Institute of Logistics at the University of
UK plastics industry has coped well,
We hope that you will enjoy this
Hull for the past two years. Whilst the
and Plastribution has enjoyed further
edition of know-how and through
formal project finished at the end of
success. In particular, we have seen
its content learn more about
August, we are left with a tremendous
strong growth in our automotive
how the products and services
legacy, which in particular leaves
business, and the new products
Plastribution can offer to benefit your
us fully equipped to deal with the
introduced to the portfolio are
business. Please do not hesitate to
complexities of sourcing polymer
performing well. We are also pleased
contact me or any member of my
raw materials on a global basis to
to have the opportunity to further
team for further assistance.
meet the specific requirements of
develop our partnership with Sumika
our UK customers. As you will read
Polymer Compounds and improve
Regards,
in the following pages, some of the
the service offered to customers.
Mike Boswell
changes are obvious, such as the strengthening of our Operations
It is great to see that we have again
Team, but other enhancements,
been successful in our attempts for
such as employee engagement
recognition at the Plastics Industry
and internal collaboration, are
Awards, with Sarah Watson achieving
equally important in terms of
a finalist spot in the Apprentice of
developing “best in class” service.
the Year category and Plastribution again achieving a much coveted
A particular success of the rebranding
qualification in the “Supplier Partnership
exercise has been the “know-how”
– Polymer Distributor” final. Again,
concept within which we aim to share
we eagerly await the big night. It is
useful commercial and technical
also pleasing to see members of
knowledge, helping customers to
our team achieve recognition for
have further success. As well as topical
their contributions to the broader
information on market activity, a
society through initiatives such as
A particular success of the rebranding exercise has been the “know-how” concept within which we aim to share useful commercial and technical knowledge helping customers to have further success. 3
Issue 03 – October 2012
A new line-up for PLEXIGLAS® moulding compounds
The family of PLEXIGLAS® moulding compounds from Evonik Industries AG is now available in a new line-up. Plastribution is using these pages of know-how magazine to introduce some of its key members, whilst inviting its customers to contact the sales team to find out more.
4
PLEXIGLAS® moulding compounds
providing the best scratch resistance
are thermoplastics based on
of all thermoplastics, and - in the
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
case of certain moulding compounds
They are characterised by a number
- approval for food contact.
of chemical, physical and technical properties that are indispensable for manufacturing high-quality parts. These include: absolute clarity, enabling pure colours with an outstanding degree of precision, convincing longevity, offering unsurpassed resistance to weathering and aging, resectability, both in terms of chemical recycling and material recovery, surface toughness,
Issue 03 – October 2012
PLEXIGLAS® LED*
PLEXIGLAS® Solar
The new dimension of light: speciality
These ultra-pure moulding compounds,
PMMA sheets and moulding
sheets and Fresnel lenses have specific
compounds for efficient lighting
light transmission properties and high
applications combined with LEDs.
resistance to UV light and weathering,
Depending on the grade, the
Speciality products for edge lighting
which makes them suitable for
PLEXIGLAS® standard moulding
and backlighting offer maximum
high-efficiency solar modules.
compounds differ in their physical
light transmission without disturbing
properties such as flow and heat
hot spots, as well as attractive
deflection temperature under
and playful colour effects.
Product overview PLEXIGLAS standard moulding compounds ®
load. They can be processed
Further information: www.plexiglas.net The Performance Polymers Business
by means of all conventional
PLEXIGLAS Optical
thermoplastic processing methods.
PMMA moulding compounds and
manufacturer of PMMA products sold
sheets with optical functionalities,
under the PLEXIGLAS® trademarks
high light guidance and distribution
on the European, Asian, African and
A higher heat deflection
provide a uniformly bright and
Australian continents and under the
temperature is the distinguishing
perfectly sharp picture, especially
trademark ACRYLITE® in the Americas.
feature of these speciality PMMA
in display applications and when
moulding compounds.
used for rear projection.
PLEXIGLAS® Heatstop (formerly CoolTouch)
PLEXIGLAS® Resist These impact-modified
These heat-reflecting PMMA moulding
moulding compounds, multi-skin,
compounds, solid and multi-skin
corrugated and solid sheets and
sheets offer greater energy efficiency
tubes combine toughness with
by cutting air conditioning costs.
excellent weather resistance.
PLEXIGLAS Heatresist ®
A multi-skin sheet variant filled with aerogel offers high heat insulation.
PLEXIGLAS Hi-Gloss ®
®
Unit of Evonik Industries is a worldwide
* See separate article in this issue of know-how magazine.
PLEXIGLAS® Satinice This material’s velvet surfaces are robust, pleasant to the touch and
A noble appearance and
discretely light-diffusing. Sheets
special deep-view effect are the
and tubes are available with a
characteristics of these high-gloss
matte satin surface on one or both
solid sheets, which are available
sides, or with diffuser beads evenly
in various colours and with up-
distributed throughout the material, in
to-the-minute décors. Speciality
various colours. Available as diffuser
moulding compounds provide
moulding compounds for components
injection-moulded components
with a light-diffusing effect.
with a high-gloss Class A surface and remarkable depth of colour.
5
Issue 03 – October 2012
Technical support is key Dan Jarvis is the newly-appointed Technical Manager at Plastribution, a new position within the company that will serve to consolidate the technical support it provides to both its customers and suppliers. Know-how magazine spoke to Dan about his promotion and found out more about how he intends to lead its technical resource.
KH: Congratulations on your
want to add additional value to our
appointment Dan, what will your
customer relationships and help to
first duties be in your new role?
cement the relationship between customer, distributor and supplier.
DJ: My first priority will be to get up-to-speed with several
KH: Do you work with partners to
aspects of the business, including
provide this support? If so, which are
compliance issues relating to both
they, and how will you work with them?
the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals)
DJ: We already have great working
and WEEE (Waste Electrical and
relationships with companies
Electronic Equipment) directives,
such as Engel and G&A Moulding
new product innovations from our
Technology, but, as part of my new
suppliers and the technical document
role, I will be looking to extend our
management systems we have
partner network in areas such as
established within the company.
product design, tooling, polymer testing, machinery and ancillaries and
I will also be making sure that the
process capability. I envisage working
technical data available on our new
with such companies to provide
website is properly maintained and
our customers with a great range of
up-to-date. To date my principal
services tailored to their needs and
focus has been on our engineering
from established and trusted suppliers.
polymers business, so, with my new role encompassing our full product
KH: What form of assistance can
range, I certainly have a lot of new
you provide to customers?
suppliers to get to grips with, and I look forward to working with them all.
DJ: In terms of what we can offer customers, Plastribution is ready for
KH: How important is technical
the challenge! The list of services
support to the success of a distributor?
Plastribution can offer is extensive, but key areas include product
DJ: These days technical support is
design, material selection, product
one of the most important areas of
comparison, tool design, machine
a distributor’s business. Plastribution
specification, tool trials, regulatory
does not want to be seen as just
compliance – the list goes on.
a supplier of raw materials. KH: How do you liaise with suppliers? My aspirations as Technical Manager
6
are that we will be in a position to
DJ: Our suppliers are key to the
offer customers a “one-stop-shop”
continued success of Plastribution,
– everything from helping with
so we want to ensure that
product design right through to tool
suppliers are as involved as
trials and material qualification. I
possible with our business.
Issue 03 – October 2012
“In terms of what we can offer customers, Plastribution is ready for the challenge! The list of services Plastribution can offer is extensive but key areas include product design, material selection, product comparison, tool design, machine specification, tool trials, regulatory compliance – the list goes on.” – Dan Jarvis
Dan Jarvis
Technical Manager KH: You mentioned technical
date at all times and providing our
compliance as one of your priorities,
customers with the most accurate
which areas will you be looking
and current information.
at and why is it important? KH: Finally, will you remain
All of our suppliers have extensive expertise and facilities, and we
DJ: The main areas of compliance
aim to tap into that. We will also be
that we all need to be looking at
instrumental in bringing new products
are REACH, WEEE, ROHS (Restriction
DJ: I will still be heavily involved in the
to market and connecting the right
of the Use of Certain Hazardous
provision of training, both for our own
customers with the right suppliers.
Substances in Electrical and Electronic
people and our external courses. We
Equipment), water and food contact
have some interesting ideas for new
approval and safety data in general.
courses covering some different areas
My role will hopefully be to act as a focal point for any related technical
involved in training courses?
than those that we have previously
activities. As the UK’s No.1 distributor,
Compliance is an important part
tackled, as well as on more bespoke
we are ideally placed to cover the
of the plastics industry, so we
training for specific customers.
ground that our suppliers want us to.
need to ensure we are up-to7
Issue 03 – October 2012
Did you know?
The plastics industry makes a significant contribution to the UK economy, with many of its products feeding into markets where they assist in terms of innovation and profitability.
Courtesy of the British Plastics Federation (BPF), we have compiled a few facts and figures for know-how readers that can help spread the word on the beneficial impact that plastics make. Plastics usage: Plastics consume only 4% of all crude oil and gas in their manufacture.
In packaging Without plastics packaging the weight of packaging would increase by 398%, energy consumption would rise by 208% and the volume of waste go up by 258%. Plastics packaging is 80% lighter than it was 20 years ago. Using plastic bottles over traditional alternatives saves up to 40% on distribution fuel costs. You only need 2 grams of plastics to pack 200 grams of cheese, 38 grams to pack 1.5 litres of water and 4.5 grams to pack 125 grams of yoghurt.
The UK plastics industry 180,000 employees equivalent to the population of a medium sized city such as Oxford £19 billion turnover equivalent to the annual cost of running 63 medium sized hospitals £5 billion exports: equivalent to the recently voted budget increase for the EU in 2012 5 million tonnes of plastics raw materials consumed, roughly half of the UK steel output.
8
Plastics packaging has helped considerably reduce wastage of food from 50% in the developing countries to 3% in the developed nations. Wrapping a cucumber with plastics film keeps it fresh for 14 days compared to 3 days without packaging.
Issue 03 – October 2012
In construction PVC-U windows have a lifetime of at least 35 years.
In transportation 22% of the Airbus A380 is built with light-weight plastics
In sport It takes just 8 plastic bottles to make a football shirt.
composite, saving fuel and Over the lifetime of a building,
operating costs by 15%.
1kg of plastics can save up to 755 kgs of CO2 emissions.
During the 2010 World Cup, nine teams sported shirts made
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is 50%
from recycled PET bottles.
made from plastics composite, Expanded Polystyrene
giving a 20% saving in fuel.
thermal insulation reduces
A training shoe weighs just 100 grams. The weight was divided
the energy needs of buildings
The average vehicle now contains
and can make savings of up
some 1,400 plastics components,
to 50% in CO2 emissions.
reducing the car’s weight by 30%.
in two in 20 years through the use of plastics components. A polyurethane swimming suit
772 miles of cracked Victorian
105 kgs of plastics in a car
with ultrasonically welded panels
water mains are currently
weighing 1,000 kgs saves 750
provides swimmers with a 5%
being replaced by blue
litres of fuel over 90,000 miles.
better oxygen intake capability
plastic pipes, preventing
This reduces EU oil consumption
and a 4% increase in speed.
leakage rates of up to 30%.
by 12 million tonnes and CO2 emissions by 30 million tonnes.
With light-weight tennis racquets made from carbon fibre plastics composites it is possible to reach serves of 125 mph.
9
Issue 03 – October 2012
Customer training – from strength to strength Plastribution’s commitment to training – for both staff and for customers – continues to occupy an important part of the whole business offering.
Duncan Scott, Distribution Sales
She adds that “I found the course
Manager at Plastribution, is charged
very informative and interesting and
with leading the training initiative:
would not hesitate in recommending
He comments that “our training
it to any novice or anyone coming
courses are proving very popular
into the industry not possessing any
indeed. We are consequently
technical knowledge. It has certainly
committing resources to extend
given me plenty to think about.
and develop them further. More
The information gleaned from the
topics and more volume of training
course has helped me put together
dates are being planned over
this year’s procurement strategy.”
the next eighteen months.” Dan Jarvis, newly promoted Technical For more information or to register
Duncan believes that the popularity
Manager at the company, will be
your interest in attending a course
of these training courses is attributed
assisting Duncan in scoping out future
please contact Duncan Scott.
to the high level of confidence
courses. Since 2002 Dan has been
customers have in Plastribution’s ability
involved in internal and external
Tel: +44 (0)1530 560560 or
to provide effective technical support
training. His increasing involvement
Mob: +44 (0)776 8716227
through a partnership approach
in day-to-day technical content will
Email:duncan.scott@plastribution.co.uk
to achieve business success.
now help inform the “nitty gritty” of what to put before the company’s
Duncan also notes that “as with
customers in the form of training.
our mainstream business, we ensure that we work with the best suppliers:
“We may have our own views
In my view Peterborough–based
and prejudices,” he notes, “about
John Goff Associates are the best
what counts as training. The most
in the training business. We are
important question, however, is
delighted to be partnering with John’s
what do our customers need to
company on the training front.”
know – what do they need to learn and apply in their businesses?”
As ever, however, the proof of the pudding is in the eating:
New course modules are expected in the new year. “Process Optimisation”
Nicky Bullock, UK Furniture &
and “Injection Moulding for Non-
Accessories Procurement Category
Technical Staff” are styled as standard
Leader at bathroom solution provider
courses and are provided “on-
Ideal Standard International recently
demand” by Plastribution depending
attended the “non-technical”
on participant numbers.
course. Nicky says “I wanted to have a good grounding of the basics in plastic resins so I could apply my understanding to the procurement role I have within the organisation.”
10
Momentum – October 2012
View what we do; the Plastribution video Using the video and social media to communicate our expertise, company values and the company brand.
If a picture can paint a thousand
Where branding is weak
words, then a video has the power
throughout the world and
to deliver even more information
wherever copycat or counterfeit
in just a few short minutes.
activity is high, it is clear that buying decisions are frustrated,
Visitors to the Plastribution
irritated and slowed down.
website will have noticed the
The system itself slows down;
intense emphasis placed upon
buyer confidence is lost and
our positioning; an activity
both sellers and buyers suffer.
that Plastribution continues to give high priority.
It is clear that good brands are integral to an effective
“Brands and branding help
economy. Good brands are
sign-post markets and economies,”
great communicators – and are
says Mike Boswell, Managing
successful in boiling the brand
Director, “and they help the
quality down to simple essentials.
process of customer choice.”
2
Momentum – October 2012
Video is so adept at “showing
to its design. They come down
has become the defining guide
and telling”, and so the option
to three fundamental qualities.
to all company activities. And
of choice on the worldwide
Plastribution’s video expresses
web, is increasingly becoming
The first quality is called expertise.
the best way to communicate
It’s a blend of skill and experience
matters of branding.
that creates the best value for
“Business in the plastics world
these concepts clearly.
materials suppliers and customers
is ever changing,” notes Mike
The Plastribution home page
alike. It includes being the
Boswell, “and sometimes suppliers
video is therefore now the
best at sourcing, pricing and
and customers find it very difficult
natural reference point for
managing the whole procurement
to see the wood for the trees.”
the company’s core values
of polymer materials.
which are expressed through its brand imagery and story.
The second quality is innovation. It’s a “can do” attitude and
That brand story is the fruit of
a blend of open-mindedness,
much reflective and analytical
ideas and versatility in order to
work by Plastribution, both on the
get new things done and new
recent changes in the plastics
products manufactured.
industry and on its own core values and strengths. Supportive
The third brand quality is termed
and sustainable materials
process. It’s the “how” of the
distribution is the continuous goal
Plastribution service and it touches
of the Plastribution business. And
on market-beating metrics in
within that fast changing world
terms of response time; price,
there are some constant factors
availability, lead times; delivery
that have helped maintain
and many other factors.
Plastribution as the market leader. Thoroughgoing Plastribution’s These factors inform the thinking
all-encompassing customer-service
behind the brand and are integral
unites these three qualities and
Our new video is a great way of cutting through the issues to explain how we do things the way we do. It also presents our Plastribution brand in the fullest possible way. The video method of presentation will remain the best introduction to our business for some time to come.”– Mike Boswell
3
Momentum – October 2012
An honour… and an opportunity It gives me great pleasure to report to know-how magazine that I have been elected to the office of Vice President of the British Plastics Federation trade association.
Effective from last May 2012 I am
(SMEs) whose future is critical to
now active in supporting President
the future of our country. Sad
Philip Watkins in promoting
to say, our banks and finance
our industry to the world.
houses often appear to perform poorly in terms of lending.
At this time it seems to me that
Frankly our SMEs deserve much
our UK plastics sector has much
better and I shall be helping
to offer and much to do: My
the BPF battle to make it so.
sense is that a tide of public discrimination against many
Finally, I hope to be assisting
plastic products is now slowly
the British Plastics Federation to
turning. This is good news and
make a stronger case for further
must happen, since the world’s
development of our industry’s
plastics resources are essential to
skills. Although at Plastribution
humanity’s manufacturing needs.
we have taken the initiative to provide training to our customers,
Whole countries and populations,
more needs to be done to
for example, are already facing
ensure the necessary skills are
shortages and difficulties in
in place to ensure that plastics
food and water security and
remain a key sector within our
containment, in effective transport,
manufacturing industry.
housing and other essentials. Plastics technology has an essential
All in all I am very much looking
role to play in meeting and solving
forward to supporting Philip Watkins
these problems in a practical and
and helping the industry seize its
economic way. Working in the
future. I shall certainly report back
polymer distribution sector, I am
on the mission in the coming pages
keen to promote the concept
of know-how magazine.
of plastic being a precious resource that is a key factor in sustaining the global population. A second issue that needs some serious attention in our sector is the provision of adequate finance for companies. Here I am thinking of the small to medium sized manufacturing companies
4
Momentum – October 2012
“Although at Plastribution we have taken the initiative to provide training to our customers, more needs to be done to ensure the necessary skills are in place to ensure that plastics remain a key sector within our manufacturing industry.” – Mike Boswell
5
Momentum – October 2012
Ashby office refurbishment It is almost eight years since we moved our business from the rather quaint three storey Georgian–style building in the centre of Ashbyde-la-Zouch, to its current location within the Ashby Park development adjacent to the A42.
As a result of the move it became evident that the right environment, in terms of office layout, is a key factor in our business success and the open-plan offices here have supported very significant growth in sales volumes since 2004. As you will have seen in both this and earlier additions of knowhow magazine, we have been busy growing the team to support the increased level of business. Earlier this year we decided that it was necessary to create more capacity to ensure every member of the team based at Ashby has their own desk and that the teams are located together in order to optimise operational efficiency. In addition to increasing workstation capacity by over 20%, we were also able to incorporate some of our new brand image by painting parts of the office in our corporate colours. A well-managed project ensured there was no disruption to the service we provide to customers and suppliers, and we are now even better equipped to meet both existing and future demand.
6
Momentum – October 2012
7
Momentum – October 2012
A new face joins the Operations Team Craig Share joins Plastribution as its new Operations Manager to be based at its headquarters in Ashbyde-la Zouch. In his new role, Craig will assume direct responsibility for the Operations team at Plastribution and help ensure high levels of service and efficiency, particularly with regard to logistics and product delivery.
Craig has over a decade of experience in logistics and operations management, including positions at WPS International, Roca Limited and DHL. Before joining Plastribution he worked as Operations Director for Eliza Tinsley Limited in Wednesbury where he was a member of the senior management team and played a leading role in ensuring improvements in customer service and operational performance. Craig is a resident of Ashby-de-la-Zouch where he lives with his young family. “Craig will take on an essential role at Plastribution, working with both internal and external resources to maximise our delivery performance. A key aspect of this will be for him to conduct a regular analysis of third party logistics providers,” comments Plastribution Managing Director Mike Boswell. “We are delighted to secure Craig’s services for this role as he possesses a strong track record of service improvements, increased operational efficiencies and cost savings in this regard.”
8
Momentum – October 2012
Craig Share
Operations Manager
“Craig will take on an essential role at Plastribution, working with both internal and external resources to maximise our delivery performance. ” – Mike Boswell
9
Momentum – October 2012
The value of service
Hollie Durow
Customer Service Representative
“The most satisfying aspect of the work for me is knowing that you’ve done a good job and being rewarded with the fact that your customers are happy with the service you have provided. ” – Hollie Durow
Hollie Durow has been promoted to Internal Sales Representative at Plastribution. know-how magazine chats to her at her new desk.
KH: Congratulations Hollie on
don’t always buy on price.
your promotion at Plastribution
Most customers actually buy on service and in some cases
HD: Thank you!
reward service over price.
KH: If you could summarise some
This gives great scope for me
of the good things that you’ve
to develop the commercial
learned about customers and
relationship and to really help
customer service in your work
the customer: In other words, I
over the past four years with
know that by providing excellent
Plastribution, what’s the answer?
service I am in the right zone to help the customer’s business
HD: One key thing I have learnt
overall; and that business is based
about customers – and something
on values in addition to price.
that I like - is that the majority 10
Momentum – October 2012
KH: Could you describe
KH: Will you be putting your hand
the many applications that our
your forthcoming new role
up for training? What kinds of
customers are involved with.
in a little detail for us?
training will be available to you?
It never ceases to amaze me that the plastic materials that
HD: My new role will be Internal
HD: Yes definitely, I have already
we sell are used for so many
Sales Representative looking
had training from the Sales
weird and wonderful things!
after accounts in the West
Team Supervisor on some of the
part of the country all the
aspects of the day-to-day job,
KH: What’s the most difficult
way down to Cornwall and
particularly aspects that I wasn’t
aspect of the job?
including Wales. It will involve
overly sure about. With this new
maintaining existing business and
position I am definitely keen to
HD: At Plastribution we always try
obtaining new business working
undertake any other training
to minimise difficulties by always
closely with the Technical Sales
that is offered to me – in terms
having at least one plan-b to
Executive who is out on the
of sales, work organisation or
hand; especially in relation to
road. It will include speaking
management techniques. In any
months when there may be
with a variety of customers on
event, I know that Plastribution
unforeseen price increases or
a daily basis and maintaining
will be happy to provide training
when certain stocks of material are
relationships with them.
on aspects I think will benefit the
low or unavailable. My experience
job, and on any other aspects
is that as long as we keep working
that I feel need strengthening.
closely with our customers,
KH: How do you see the challenges of your new role -
together we always succeed in
what sort of new learning do
KH: What’s the most
you envisage taking place?
satisfying aspect of the job at Plastribution for you?
HD: Some challenges will involve
overcoming these difficulties. KH: Thank you Hollie and good luck!
facing new accounts and getting
HD: The most satisfying aspect
to know them. I will be new to
of the work for me is knowing
them and they will be new to
that you’ve done a good job
me. However, getting to know
and being rewarded with the
new customers is something I
fact that your customers are
really like doing and am really
happy with the service you have
looking forward to. In addition,
provided. Another satisfying
these new customers will not
aspect of the job is recognition
necessarily have the same outlooks
from other colleagues and from
or buying patterns as the ones I
my manager for a job well done.
look after now. The whole scope of the job will be somewhat
KH: Most unusual aspect
wider and I will also have more
of the work?
responsibility. This too is a challenge that I am looking forward to.
HD: I guess that the most unusual aspect of the job is some of 11
Momentum – October 2012
20 Years with Itochu Is 20 years a long time in business?
Well that probably depends upon
emphasis on social responsibility,
the culture that you come from,
was a good fit with the family
but in Japan long established
atmosphere at Plastribution.
companies are held in the utmost esteem, and given that
Itochu has strongly supported the
Itochu Corporation was founded
business since day one. Whilst there
by Chubie Itoh back in 1858
is regular rotation of Japanese ex-
our 33 years in business and 20
patriot staff, this has paid benefits
years being part of Itochu looks
as stronger connections have
like a short period in history.
been forged throughout the Itochu Group as these staff have often
That said, for Itochu the last two
returned to positions where their
decades have been significant.
prior knowledge of Plastribution
As one of the world’s largest
has paid dividends to both
companies Itochu has thoroughly
shareholder and subsidiary alike.
embraced the reforms requested of Japanese business and has
For Plastribution the benefit of
emerged as an exceptionally
a consistent shareholder with a
strong player in the global
global reputation for conducting its
economy for the 21st Century.
business to the highest standards, has supported its development
For Plastribution the benefit of a consistent shareholder with a global reputation for conducting its business to the highest standards, has supported its development into being a leading UK distributor of plastic raw materials.
However, in Western terms 20
into being a leading UK distributor
years under the same ownership
of plastic raw materials.
is a considerable period of time, and is representative of
As to the future, Plastribution
the long-term vision that many
expects to remain a significant
Japanese companies adopt.
asset in the Itochu portfolio of companies, and continue to
Whilst back in 1992 there were
reward the long-term vision
some initial fears about becoming
which today results in over 50%
part of a largely Japanese
of group income coming from
conglomerate (morning exercise
activities outside of Japan.
regimes were not on the agenda, eating Sushi and singing Karaoke
More information on Itochu
are seldom events) , it soon
Corporation is available
became apparent that the
at www.itochu.co.jp
Itochu culture, which places great
12
Momentum – October 2012
Carrying the Olympic torch
– with Pete Tillin
By any standard, the recent London Olympics will linger long in the memory as a successful celebration for Britain, for London and for sport in general. For Plastribution’s Pete Tillin, however, the 2012 Olympics will represent something more: Pete was one of the 8000 people who were chosen to carry the torch throughout the
In the weeks leading up to the
Fortuitously, Pete’s torch carrying
UK in the weeks leading up
big day itself Pete recalls that the
route took him past schools where
to the games themselves.
business of protocols and security
children were lining the streets.
checks was understandably
“It was an amazing experience
lengthy and intensive.
with children and people
A total of 8000 torches were made for that purpose – each containing
cheering all the way although,
8000 miniature holes. The torch
When the day arrived in May “it
at about only 300 yards, the run
also travelled a total of 8000 miles
was very hot weather. We were
was over in next to no time.
and those carrying torches in 2012
required to get to the starting point
got the chance to keep them,
some three hours beforehand
In the heat of the moment my
and that special memento is now
and get briefed in detail. There
overriding sense was that it was a
set to last for a very long time.
were 16 torch bearers in the leg I
great honour and that there were
was part of and mine was the last
surely people more deserving
before the torch went on to Bath.
than me. In that sense the charity
Pete was nominated in his community to carry the torch for his
work previously done with our
recent bike-riding charity efforts for
At all times the torch bearer was
bike ride became a true joint
cancer support. Tuesday May 22nd
surrounded by six special forces
effort – and given from the whole
was the appointed date for his run
police officers, and by the time it
community.” In total, Pete, his two
in the town of Bradford-on-Avon
came to me I think the hot weather
brothers and close friend raised
on the Wiltshire leg of the 70 day
was taking its toll. Put it this way - I
over £10,000 for a local cancer
torch celebration through the UK.
wasn’t being encouraged by those
hospice, Dorothy House and
around me to put on any speed!”
Macmillan cancer support.
13
Momentum – October 2012
All the best for Roger by Mike Boswell
“I am now really looking forward to retirement, excited and a little scared, as we are moving to start a new adventure in Spain. I will miss working, especially the friendliness and kindness of the staff at Plastribution. I will hopefully be taking up golf; have already found a gym and am looking forward to relaxing in the sun.” – Roger Bradwell
14
Momentum – October 2012
The month of August saw us bid our fond farewells to Plastribution stalwart and team member Roger Bradwell.
Retirement is often a bitter sweet
industries from pottery, to Derby
occasion. There is clearly great
County Football Club, and then to
happiness in wishing someone a
the plastics industry. “Overall,” he
brand new chapter in life – even
says that “I have found the world
a little envy at all the rest and
of work is far more challenging
recreation to hopefully come!
now than when I started. Business was far more personal in those
But there is also some sadness; that
days and of course, technology
a skill set and a set of memories
has now come on leaps and
and experiences will be lost to
bounds. I was a wages clerk in
colleagues and to the business.
my second job, and calculated pay with a slide rule, much
Such was the mood on Thursday
different to today’s methods!
August 23rd when we gathered to celebrate Roger’s life and
My Plastribution days saw me
times with the company.
moving from Stanton, near Burton-
Roger of course was with
on-Trent, to Market Street in Ashby,
Plastribution right from its
an old building, with many offices
beginnings in 1987. He started
over several floors, much different
his career with Plaspitch, a
to where we are based now.
company within Plastribution, then
Plastribution has always been a
moved to work in the transport
friendly place to work, time for a
office at Stanton and then
laugh and joke, but work hard.
onto the sales team, including spells on the road as a sales
I am now really looking forward
representative. After a gap of
to retirement, excited and a little
some seven years Roger returned
scared, as we are moving to start
to the business in September
a new adventure in Spain. Luckily
2002, remaining here since.
we already have family over there. I will miss working, especially the
Roger recalls that “my first job,
friendliness and kindness of the
back in 1965, was working
staff at Plastribution. I will hopefully
in a pottery, doing time and
be taking up golf; have already
motion studies, not the most
found a gym and am looking
interesting job!! However, when
forward to relaxing in the sun.”
I left Grammar School there were far more opportunities
Roger is retired but not
in work, unlike today.”
forgotten. We wish him all the very best for the future.
Since then Roger’s work has embraced many different 15
Issue 03 – October 2012
Plastribution hits the road in 2012 Two UK shows during 2012, each with a focus on product design and engineering, provide a platform for Plastribution to present its growing portfolio of engineering plastics for improvements in performance and productivity.
Successful exhibit at PDM12
whilst the second day also featured
Once more Plastribution was a key
sessions from the British Plastics
participant at the Plastics Design
Federation’s rotomoulders as well as
and Moulding Exhibition and Summit
additives and masterbatch groups.
(PDM12) held at the ExCel Centre Plastribution stand were able to find
New Engineering Design show
out more about the broad range of
Plastribution was one of the first
engineering, styrenic and commodity
material companies to commit to the
thermoplastics carried by the UK’s
new Engineering Design show to be
leading distributor, as well as advice
held by Findlay Media Ltd. (publishers
on material selection and processing
of Eureka engineering design
for new and existing applications.
magazine) on 10th and 11th October
in London in May. Visitors to the
2012 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Plastribution also marked PDM12 by teaming up with injection moulding
The Engineering Design Show was
technology group Engel and design
established for design engineers in
company Agentdraw to offer free-
the mechanical, electromechanical
of-charge, individual consultations
and electronics disciplines across
relating to product design.
the full range of industry sectors and is therefore the only one of its kind
As with previous events, the goal
catering specifically for the needs
of the Plastics Design Workshop
of design engineers, regardless of
at PDM12 was to offer support to
the industry in which they work. The
companies who have any plastics
show will include a comprehensive
project or current issue relating to
conference, exhibition and practical
product design. Areas of discussion
workshop programme - Plastribution
included making aesthetic
is one of the workshop sponsors.
improvements to existing functional designs, the resolution of functional
“We are delighted to get involved
design problems and new ways of
with such a new and exciting
achieving cost-effective design.
event that specifically targets a key audience for us in terms of the
PDM12 proved itself again to be
continued , widespread adoption
the perfect place for plastics and
of high performance polymers
design professionals to network,
as an alternative to metal and
learn and do business. The PDM12
other materials,” comments Mike
Summit, running across both days
Boswell of Plastribution. “Design
of the show, tackled a host of in-
and innovation are critical to the
depth topics focusing on the core
future success of UK manufacturing
subject of Best Practice in Plastics
and we are convinced that plastics
Design. It included award-winning
have a key role to play.”
design and innovation case studies 11
Issue 03 – October 2012
Plastribution technical capabilities Regulatory & Compliance REACH WEEE Food Water contact Medical FR MSDS
Efficiency Sustainable products Recycling Down gauging Cycle optimisation Machine / ancillary optimisation
12
Material Choices
Competitor analysis – existing components Material identification Material comparison Material alternative Sustainable choices
Investment Advice Material Machine Tooling Ancillaries
Issue 03 – October 2012
Idea to Component Concept Practical considerations Part design Tool design Rapid prototyping Route to manufacture Process optimisation Product testing
Troubleshooting Material Process Design Quality
Training & Development Materials Processing On-site training available
Outsourcing
Tool trials Material qualification Process optimisation Third party manufacturing
13
Issue 03 – October 2012
Joining the App revolution Every smart phone should have one. This autumn sees the long anticipated launch of Plastribution’s App for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices; a unique materials, technical and commercial solution that has been tailormade for UK plastics processing businesses.
Says Plastribution’s Managing
App Development
Director, Mike Boswell, “working
Plastribution’s market research
methods in plastics have changed
confirmed that an office and desktop-
greatly over the last few years:
based materials information system
There is an increasing need to
is seen by many plastics processing
access information irrespective of
businesses as often cumbersome,
the IT platform, often resulting in
inflexible and time consuming.
the need to make quick decisions in the processing environment on
Feedback with UK plastics processors
issues such as materials selection
established that many companies
and processing conditions.
would prefer to have the option to interact with their supplier “live” and
Our newly created App will enable
in situ; around the clock and beside
people to do just that. By giving
the moulding press or extruder.
the user that extra operational flexibility and speed of response.
The new Plastribution App is therefore
It will also allow us at Plastribution
being developed for that purpose
to help our customers further.”
and will be available free through the Android and iOS network. The App
14
Issue 03 – October 2012
will be able to access an extensive
In addition to the “self-service”
database that allows the user to
feature of the App, more detailed
search for the required materials
customer needs will be met via the
in a number of different ways:
“Contact Us” page on the phone
The search menu A total of thirteen primary searches are offered through the App such as:
which gives users the options to: Request callbacks or meetings
Request technical support
By Brand – eg Vistamaxx
Request material processing guidelines.
By Application – eg packaging; construction
To be notified of the Apps release, visit plastribution. co.uk/applications
Request samples or quotations
By Material – eg ABS
By Manufacturer – eg Total, Cardia; Ducor, Premix, etc
Coming this autumn
The Plastribution App will also keep its users in touch with Plastribution’s ongoing news and polymer materials
By Processing Method – eg injection moulding
portfolio, particularly as expressed
By Colour – eg natural, clear, black, white or custom colour
know-how magazine.
in the pages of the company’s
By Filler – eg glass fibre
15
Issue 03 – October 2012
Recycle with industry know-how Regrind or plastics recyclate is typically a term that applies to plastic components/ products, which have been mechanically reduced in size to particles less than 10mm in diameter.
“Plastics recycling” as such is
1. Fed directly back into the
most commonly understood to
manufacturing process on
be a practice that has at some
a continuous basis.
stage involved a marketplace, or has included a consumer in the
2. Fed directly back into the
product life–cycle loop. Plastics
manufacturing process
recycling in other words involves
on a batch basis.
creating a 2nd life plastics – either in some form of closed loop – or in making another plastics product.
3. Used in another manufacturing process such as a component for a compounded material containing
The term “plastics reprocessing” usually
the regrind (and other ingredients).
refers to an internal company practice of feeding scraps or sprues back into
Given that thermoplastics are by
the manufacturing process, generally
definition capable of being heated
to save waste and save materials.
and re-shaped many times, the use of regrind would appear to be an
Regrind or plastics recyclate is
obvious solution to achieve greater
typically a term that applies to plastic
rates of operational efficiency
components/products, which have
through the use of process scrap
been mechanically reduced in size to
and/or reject components.
particles less than 10mm in diameter. However, in order to determine The source of these plastic
the possibility to use regrind the
components can come from
following evaluation must be made:
pre-consumer waste such as process scrap, or, less commonly,
1. Degradation
post-consumer waste.
Thermoplastic raw materials are inherently unstable at processing
This reduction process generally takes place in a device called
temperatures. The extent of degradation will be dependent upon:
a grinder or granulator. Type of polymer Here plastic components are fed in through the throat of the grinder/granulator and then pass
Thermal history (time spent at processing temperature)
into a chamber that typically contains
Presence of other materials
rotating knifes which mechanically cut
such as pigments and fillers
the plastic component dimensions to a size small enough to pass through a screen. This regrind may then be:
16
The use of stabilisers
Issue 03 – October 2012
PP Processing Degradation 4.6
MFR g/10min
4.4 4.2 4 3.8 3.6 0
1
2
Pass Number In the case of “closed loop� type
Other sources of
In addition to reducing the length
recycling operations it is worth
contamination include:
of the fibres, any chemical coupling
considering the addition of stabilisers during the manufacturing process. An example of the degree of
agent (size) will also be affected, Oil
and since the fibres depend
Dirt / Rubbish
upon their interface with the
Masterbatch
plastic that surrounds them, the
degradation when processing a
grinding process can dramatically
standard MFR 4 PPHP by injection
All contaminated material should
moulding and subsequent granulation
be eliminated from any recycling
is depicted in the graph where
process and disposed of. Failure to
the melt flow (an approximate
do so will result in the contamination
5. Food and Medical Applications
measure of degradation) is
of more material and further scrap.
In both these cases special
increased by 13% after two cycles.
2. Contamination
3. Dust
reduce physical properties.
consideration should be given to the use of regrind. In many cases,
The mechanical abrasion that
healthcare and medical clients
As most plastics are incompatible,
constitutes the regrind process tends
will specify processing conditions
great care should be taken
to result in dust. Ideally this should
in great detail, particularly where,
not to mix material types.
be removed and disposed of. In
for example, FDA approvals are
the case of some polymers, dust
involved. Normally in medical
It is therefore essential that no
will significantly affect the physical
applications regrind is not used.
purgings, or scrap product resulting
properties of the end product.
from material changes are recycled
In the case of food packaging, careful
and it is vital that machinery is
4. Fibre Fillers
thoroughly cleaned between
The mechanical abrasion that
to ensure that compliance with
material types.
takes place in the regrind process
required standards are maintained
dramatically affects the physical
as well as overall suitability for
properties of plastics that contain glass,
any given application.
evaluation must be undertaken
carbon or other fibre reinforcement. 17
Issue 03 – October 2012
The apprentice – fast-learning and hard-working
“Sarah has conducted herself with great maturity and professionalism. Looking back it is hard to believe that she entered the business last year at just 18 years of age.” – Alison Battison
This year’s Plastics Industry Awards see Plastribution entered on two important fronts. New recruit Sarah Watson will represent the company in the Apprentice of the Year category. 18
“It’s so important for our plastics
our requirements are not large Sarah
industry to bring on the next
has always made us feel we are just
generation,” says Mike Boswell. “We
as important as any other customer.
believe strongly in the apprenticeship
Any request I have is always dealt
methods and, regardless of the
with promptly and I feel assured we
result of this year’s PIA, we feel
are in safe and reliable hands. Sarah
that Sarah is already repaying our
certainly continues to maintain the
investment in her work and career.”
professional reputation Plastribution has in the plastics industry.”
Ruth Tomlin of Bottlepak says that “it has been a pleasure to deal with
Since joining Plastribution in July
Sarah with regard to placing orders
2011, Sarah has worked within
for our raw material requirements.
the Direct Sales team as a
Although we are a small business and
Customer Service Representative
Issue 03 – October 2012
Sarah Watson Customer Service Representative
team at Plastribution continues to
team with new members that could
involve building close relationships
help with this growth. Sarah fits the bill
with its customers, accurately raising
perfectly,” says Plastribution Managing
sales orders and invoicing in a
Director Mike Boswell, “and we are
timely and professional manner.
very fortunate to have her as part of our business. She is an absolute credit
Alison Battison, Direct Sales Supervisor
to the younger generation of today
for Plastribution says that “from the
and clearly demonstrates a degree
very first day Sarah has conducted
of maturity well beyond her years.
herself with great maturity and professionalism. Looking back it is
Furthermore, she has understood what
hard to believe that she entered the
qualities are required to be a highly
business last year at just 18 years of
effective member of our team, and
age. She has immediately made an
has rapidly earned both respect of
impact – achieving over 6% in volume
colleagues and customers alike.
sales growth in the target speciality area in the last financial year.”
I am really pleased that we can support Sarah’s further education
This hard-working and successful
and anticipate that she will
performance has meant that Sarah
develop a strong career with us.
has grasped this opportunity with both hands. At the same time she
In my opinion Sarah demonstrates
has excelled at her college work
outstanding capability and on that
and is way ahead of the schedule
basis I am pleased that she can
for completing her apprenticeship,
compete with the industry’s best
which is likely to be in twelve months
apprentices for the coveted title
instead of the usual eighteen months.
of “Apprentice of the Year”.
Sarah has quickly become an integral
“We shall all be rooting for her
member of the team and is very
at this year’s ceremony!”
and has very quickly become a
well organised and structured in all
valued member of the team.
aspects of her job. She builds strong relationships with the company’s
A 19 year old apprentice, after
key accounts and customers, and
completing her A-levels at Ashby
these skills, along with the structured
School, Sarah decided she wanted to
induction programme and product
pursue a career with a local business
training provided by Plastribution,
whilst being able to study for an
ensure that Sarah has the skills to
advanced (Level 3) apprenticeship
communicate and assist its customers
in Business and Administration
to the very best of her ability.
at Loughborough College. “On the basis of our success so far Closely mentored from the start,
and the potential for continued
Sarah’s current role in the Direct Sales
growth, we wanted to reinforce the 19
Issue 03 – October 2012
The art of partnership This successful relationship has seen McAlpine’s operations grow with Plastribution into a large-scale polymer business that has flexible storage and delivery in order to meet McAlpine’s varying production requirements.
20
“It’s now a bit like ordering your weekly shopping; quick, easy and reliable, with Plastribution taking away all the concerns of inconsistent supply away from us. This is how true supplier partnership is meant to be.” – Jim Graham, McAlpine
Issue 03 – October 2012
Jim Graham, General Manager
Plastribution was able to recommend
In addition to the above; Plastribution
at McAlpine, has accompanied
a high-flow material alternative and
also helps McAlpine with:
the relationship from the start.
the relationship grew from there.
“It’s now a bit like ordering your
Reduced administration &
weekly shopping; quick, easy
Today, Plastribution supplies all
purchasing costs by dealing
and reliable, with Plastribution
three McAlpine sites in and around
with one supplier.
taking away all the concerns of
Glasgow, with each site having a
inconsistent supply away from us.
busy weekly requirement. In addition
This is how true supplier partnership
Plastribution supplying in multiple
to the three McAlpine sites, two other
packaging formats depending
sub-contract moulders are supplied.
on the particular needs of the individual site, reducing
is meant to be,” he says. “The
handling and labour costs.
partnership is part and parcel of
McAlpine materials are packed and
the fabric of both companies and
provided by Plastribution in various
extends through various levels of
formats; 25kg bags, octabins and
management and operation.
tanker deliveries direct into their silos.
materials knowledge: For example,
Plastribution sharing its technical
Each McAlpine site also has various
an altered grade of PPCP with the
For example, a number of McAlpine
requirements that need attending
higher MFI and modified additive
production staff have benefited
to; such as using modified tankers for
package helped McAlpine
from the training courses that
noise-reduction in residential areas.
achieve an approximate 8%
Plastribution has run over recent
reduction in cycle time across
years, including its 3-day “Process
Helping reduce costs
Optimisation” and “Injection Moulding
Another key attribute of
for Non-Technical Staff” courses.
Plastribution’s service-based
Plastribution MD Mike Boswell says
a range of PPCP fittings.
approach is its ongoing efforts to
that “we are delighted to be
This training in polymer processing
reduce costs for McAlpine. Examples
partnering McAlpine at the PIA
has helped both companies “get
of how this is achieved include:
supplier awards this year. I believe that what both companies have achieved
on the same page” technically, and has also been useful in contributing to
Plastribution managing the
represents the best practice that our
production performance at McAlpine.”
materials supply chain, thus:
industry can offer in so many ways. I have high hopes for our success!”
Barry Hunter, Production Manager
Ensuring continuity of supply,
at the McAlpine Johnstone site says
without the need for McAlpine
that “it is almost six years since I and a
to carry expensive stock.
production colleague took part in the “Process Optimisation” course. To this
Continuously comparing McAlpine
day I still use the knowledge and the
usage against stock levels
literature we brought away from the
and supplier lead times and
course in order to train our apprentices
prompting orders to be placed
that have joined us over the years.”
at the most efficient time.
McAlpine commenced manufacturing
Plastribution providing McAlpine
plumbing products in 1902 and
with a custom-made assessment
now manufacture an exceptionally
of current market conditions and
wide range of products of the
the best time to buy stock;
highest quality for use in the United Kingdom and other world markets.
Plastribution coordinating
The relationship with Plastribution
its purchasing to maintain
started around 20 years ago when the
competitive pricing for McAlpine
polymer distributor (then under the name of Thistle Plastics) was asked to assist with ABS cracking in some of McAlpine’s parts. 21
Issue 03 – October 2012
Meet your Operations Team The acronym “OTIF” refers to ON TIME, IN FULL, and along with availability, price, and product performance is very much part of the core service which Plastribution provides.
The team acts as the interface
our OTIF promises are met, and in
between our suppliers and our
the few cases where something
customers ensuring that the
goes wrong, we are able to advise
physical movement of plastic
customers as soon as possible so that
raw materials happens in a
contingency plans can be made.
timely and efficient manner. As ever, customer feedback is Often goods not only have travelled
a vital component of ensuring
by road to their final destination, but
that we continue to meet your
in reaching your factory they may
expectations, so please let us
also have undergone journeys by sea
know how we are performing.
and or rail, often passing through busy ports and, for those goods arriving
As part of the Supply Chain
from outside the EU, crossing borders.
Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership that we have been
As part of that process, payment is
running in conjunction with the
required for activities such as customs
University of Hull, we have come to
clearance and import duties before
further recognise the significance of
the goods can be released for import.
managing the physical movement of goods in order to optimise both
Where goods are held in stock,
availability and, most significantly, OTIF.
arrangements need to be made to ensure suitable storage locations,
On this basis, we have appointed Craig
and individual products must
Share to the newly-created position of
be easily identified for delivery
Operations Manager, and recruited
to their final destination.
Kelly Gamble as an Operations Service Representative to join our already
Supply chains are complex and
very experienced team who share
there is the need to ensure a
more than 50 years knowledge.
wide variety of activities are coordinated, and typically a range
This is another example of living
of sub-contractors managed.
up to our “Let’s make it work” motto by ensuring that we have
01
22
Craig Share
Operations Manager
By managing this complexity we
the best resource in place in order
can be relied upon to ensure that
to meet your requirements.
Issue 03 – October 2012
“This is another example of living up to our “Let’s make it work” motto by ensuring that we have the best resource in place in order to meet your requirements.”
01
23
Issue 03 – October 2012
More efficient LEDs Now available from Plastribution, new PLEXIGLAS® LED (previously EndLighten T) from Evonik Industries AG is a moulding compound for edge-lit surfaces that is specially designed for transparent edge-lit applications using LEDs. It combines high transparency with very good light diffusion, enabling direct lighting with LEDs without hot spots.
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are
The new PLEXIGLAS® LED moulding
indispensable for modern lighting
compound is available in four grades
design. Two new PLEXIGLAS moulding
that allow illumination of the entire
compound grades now enable
component surface up to an area of
lighting manufacturers and designers
96 centimetres, with homogenous
to use energy-saving LEDs to even
light output.
®
better advantage.
Very good light diffusion for edge-lit elements
The material is suitable for all thermoplastic processing methods.
extruded parts that enable light to be
Uniform direct lighting for slim luminaires.
simultaneously fed in via the edges
PLEXIGLAS® LED moulding compounds
and evenly emitted across their entire
have been developed in two new
surface are no longer a contradiction
speciality colours for extremely flat
in terms.
lighting installations with direct
Highly transparent moulded and
LED lighting. The extremely efficient formulation of the new PLEXIGLAS® moulding
The light-diffusing moulding
compounds from the PLEXIGLAS® LED
compounds transmit over 60% of light
product family makes it possible to
and therefore prevent fluctuations in
combine these two properties.
luminance, even at extremely low wall thicknesses.
Previously, products offering good light diffusion were also less
That offers entirely new creative
transparent. Not so with the new
scope to designers, who can now
product that has been specially
place LEDS very close to light covers,
developed for LED edge-lighting
without visible hot spots.
systems and appears crystal-clear
24
when unlit.
Further information: www.plexiglas.net
The combination of transparency
The Performance Polymers Business
and the play of different colours
Unit of Evonik Industries is a worldwide
allows designers to create specific
manufacturer of PMMA products sold
moods, whether for ambient lighting
under the PLEXIGLAS® trademarks
of furniture and in vehicles, or for
on the European, Asian, African and
displays, control systems, circuit
Australian continents and under the
elements or industrial lighting.
trademark ACRYLITE® in the Americas.
Issue 03 – October 2012
25
Issue 03 – October 2012
More efficient processing and better quality thermoformed packaging Manufacturers of beverage cups and containers face a number of challenges, especially when they use homopolymer polypropylene (hPP) in thermoforming. Some of these issues include lack of detail, incomplete forming or cracking during manufacture. This is due to the poor flexibility and low-temperature impact resistance of PP. Because of low impact resistance, products can be damaged during handling and transportation. Another problem is poor clarity, which can result from using a polyethylenebased impact modifier.
26
Issue 03 – October 2012
Material challenges
Better products
An evaluation of the materials typically
New possibilities with Vistamaxx™
used for the production of food and
Vistamaxx propylene-based
improve overall product quality
beverage containers - including
elastomers can offer two solutions with
for attractive packaging with
polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
regard to flexibility: For applications
more customer appeal. It helps to
polystyrene (PS), homopolymer
requiring a balance of impact
maintain clarity, colour dispersion
polypropylene (hPP) or random
resistance, clarity and stiffness, a dry
and reduces or eliminates stress
copolymer PP (RCP) - reveals the
blend formulation of 5-10 percent
whitening to maintain the colour and
following conclusions: PET provides
Vistamaxx™ 3020 propylene-based
quality of the part. This is important
good clarity but exhibits poor heat
elastomer with PP can be used. This
for cups and other containers, such
resistance. As a result, PET containers
has been proven to reduce cup
as sheets, trays, hinges and profiles.
cannot be used for hot beverages
breakage during production and
Enhanced impact strength enables
or used in a microwave, as they
transportation. As an alternative
may warp. PET is also difficult for
solution, a low dosage of Vistamaxx
masterbatch dispersion and cannot
6102 propylene-based elastomer can
be used long-term, re-filled or re-used.
be added to PP. This improves impact
Breakage during storage and
resistance and maintains clarity, while
handling is minimised, and cups are
avoiding die cutting issues, at low cost.
less prone to collapse when stacked,
PS can either be transparent or coloured and offers good
Vistamaxx™ can cost-effectively
™
downgauging opportunities for ™
lower material usage and costs.
making transportation easier. Even
processability, but it has poor heat
More efficient processing
resistance and inadequate impact
Vistamaxx can easily be blended
propylene-based elastomers help
and tear resistance, especially at
with hPP and RCP. Compatibility
to improve the impact strength
low temperatures. While hPP offers
with polypropylene, combined with
of PP due to a glass transition
good heat resistance and broad food
improved flexibility and elasticity,
temperature of -28°C (-18.4°F).
contact compliance, it lacks flexibility.
results in a simpler moulding process
This can result in unsatisfactory detail
which is important for complex
Low seal initiation temperatures and
and incomplete forming or cracking
shapes, such as deep-draw cups.
excellent heat-sealing characteristics
during manufacture, leading to
Compounders can target the flexibility
can lead to energy savings and
higher rejection rates than with other
that is best-suited for the application,
reduced costs. For applications
materials. It also exhibits low impact
giving them a broader choice than
that require a greater degree of slip
resistance during transportation and
the original hPP or RCP grades.
resistance, such as sheets, grips, and
™
at low temperatures, Vistamaxx™
cups, it can be used to increase the
can be brittle at low temperatures. The lower melt temperature and
coefficients of friction. This results
RCP can be a more expensive
higher flow of Vistamaxx propylene-
in better traction, so that products
option than hPP but while it
based elastomers allow the processing
are less likely to slip during use.
provides good clarity and flexibility,
temperature to be reduced and
its impact resistance remains
the processing rate to increase. This
Complying with US and EU food
inadequate at low temperatures.
can reduce energy consumption
contact regulations, Vistamaxx™
and improve processing efficiency.
is creating new possibilities for
™
thermoformed cups and other
To improve flexibility, a “three-in-one”
food packaging applications.
polymer formulation may be pursued.
Its flexibility helps to increase the draw
Comprising 15 percent low density
ratio resulting in fewer flow marks,
polyethylene (LDPE), 15 percent high
better product quality and lower
Further information on Vistamaxx™
density polyethylene (HDPE) and 70
scrap rate. The scrap rate can also
propylene-based elastomers can
percent PP, such a combination can
be reduced because the elastomer
be found at:
improve flexibility during processing,
shrinks less than PP, making the
www.exxonmobilchemical.com
but reduce clarity. Incorporating
production process easier to control
a fourth ingredient, a nucleating
and die cutting more accurate, for
Vistamaxx™ is a trademark of
or clarifying agent, can improve
improved cup and lid matching.
Exxon Mobil Corporation.
clarity but it also can introduce a problem of odour during processing. 27
Issue 03 – October 2012
Collaboration is key Lena Fleschhut, Supply Chain Project Manager at Plastribution, provides an update on the company’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to better understand its logistic and supply chain activities and the value they can create for its customers and suppliers.
With the KTP project running for more than one and a half years now, the bigger picture is slowly becoming visible. In this issue I would like to report about one tool, which we developed in order to nourish and sustain supply chain management at Plastribution. Supply chain management is about managing material as well as information flows from the supplier through to the customer as efficiently as possible. Academia as well as industry leaders likewise report, that supply chain management is facilitated through working very closely together with all members in the chain – to collaborate with each other. This practice is very powerful, not only practiced with external partners, but also within Plastribution. In order to encourage cross-functional collaboration within Plastribution, a number of projects have been developed, where teams from different departments work on process enhancements and process development within Plastribution. The projects enable staff to learn
First of all, the projects achieved
from their colleagues, exchange
significant process improvement in
knowledge about processes and
a comparatively short time period.
simply have a look at what is going on outside their departmental wall.
The suggestions made by the project teams are innovative,
The projects cover various areas
entrepreneurial and sustainable
such as customer services, human
and make a real difference to the
resource, purchasing and third party
business once implemented.
logistics management. The projects
28
have been a great success so far
They also contribute to Plastribution’s
and we could observe various gains.
efforts in continuous improvement.
Issue 03 – October 2012
Lena Fleschhut
Supply Chain Project Manager
“The projects achieved significant process improvement in a comparatively short time period.” – Lena Fleschhut
Second, staff enjoyed developing
supply chain management. They also
three week time frame and were
and working on the projects,
show that supply chain management
delighted that Mike approved the
which positively influenced job
is not just a concept, but every
implementation without any changes.”
satisfaction and perception of
single employee collaborating with
their role within the company.
customers, suppliers and colleagues
“We all very much enjoyed our
within the chain is a “supply chain
project. It was nice to be involved
manager” in its own right.”
and make suggestions for the future
Third, team members became aware, that collaboration and team
of Plastribution. The project was
working as an aspect of supply chain
“We worked really well as a team, and
very fitting to our roles and we felt
management is really important.
enjoyed working through the process
being at the front line with customers
“Speaking as the coordinator for those
and putting good ideas forward. We all
we had a good understanding
projects, I am very fond of the projects
feel very proud that we did manage
of what could be offered.”
as they live and support the principle of
to present the project well within the 29
Issue 03 – October 2012
Step-out performance for highly demanding applications Film converters looking to produce flexible films with improved mechanical strength, enhanced sealing performance and opportunities for film-line output improvements are using Exceed™ and Enable™ metallocene polyethylene (mPE) resin blends, available to the UK through Plastribution.
Exceed™ and Enable™ metallocene
Meanwhile, Enable™ mPE redefines
polyethylene (mPE) resin blends
performance because it offers an
deliver significant improvements
unprecedented combination of
in performance compared
film processing and higher alpha
with LDPE resin-based blends,
olefin (HAO) performance benefits
creating opportunities for
in a single, unique resin. Its benefits
downgauging of flexible films.
include operational stability, extended film line output, versatility with HAO
Associated benefits include a
performance and sourcing reduction.
significant improvement in impact strength and tear resistance,
When used in combination,
higher hot-tack peak and
Exceed™ and Enable™ mPE resin
broader hot-tack window, greater
blends create opportunities for
processability, improved tensile
significant downgauging through
strength and enhanced package
overall improvement in mechanical
integrity and less leakers.
properties. For instance, Exceed™ and Enable™ mPE resin blends
This makes Exceed and Enable
provide the following benefits
metallocene polyethylene (mPE)
compared with Exceed™ mPE2018
resin blends ideal for film applications
resin-rich blends with LDPE resins:
™
™
such as consumer packaging, heavy duty bags and sacks, compression packaging and refuse bags. On its own, Exceed™ mPE resin
Significant improvement in tear resistance and impact strength Excellent sealing capability
offers the opportunity for unrivalled film performance for highly
Outstanding extrusion performance
demanding end-use applications. Ideal for skin layers in Outstanding film properties include a superior balance of film toughness and strength, outstanding film impact resistance, dazzling film optical properties and exceptional film sealing performance.
30
coextruded films
Issue 03 – October 2012
Outstanding film properties include a superior balance of film toughness and strength, outstanding film impact resistance, dazzling film optical properties and exceptional film sealing performance.
Alternatively, Exceed™ and Enable™
Finally, Exceed™ and Enable™ mPE
Film converters in the UK looking
mPE resin blends provide the following
resin blends provide the following
for step-out performance for their
benefits compared with Exceed™ mPE
benefits compared with Exceed mPE
highly demanding film applications
resin-lean blends with LDPE resins:
resin-rich blends with LDPE resins:
should contact Plastribution about the Exceed™ and Enable™ mPE resin
Substantial downgauging
Additional downgauging
blends from ExxonMobil Chemical.
Significantly improved toughness
Equivalent extrusion performance
Further information on Exceed™ and Enable™ metallocene polyethylene
Improved impact strength
Excellent bubble stability
and tear resistance
(mPE) resin blends can be found at: www.exxonmobilchemical.com
Improved impact resistance Excellent sealing capability
Enable™ and Exceed™ are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation.
Drawdown ability
31
Issue 03 – October 2012
Nylon replaces metal in cars New Radilon A RV500RW 339 NER is a nylon 66 with 50% glass fibre from Radici Plastics in Italy, available in the UK through Plastribution, that moulds easily while offering new opportunities for metal replacement in automotive applications.
With the use of plastics in cars
improved dynamic properties make
expected to continue to rise
this material particularly suitable
considerably, the new material
for applications such as engine
extends metal-replacement
mounts and gearbox housings.
opportunities and allows moulders to produce components that
The material exhibits significant
are not only lighter—and thus
improvements in fatigue limits
more environmentally friendly—
compared with competing grades,
but more complex, with multiple
and a noticeable advantage in
integrated functions.
creep resistance, which is critical for
Enhanced performance
applications such as valve covers and oil cups, because these components
When testing Radilon A RV500RW 339
are subjected to a constant load for
NER against a competing 50% glass-
their entire useful life, and maximum
filled nylon 66, property improvements
oil tightness is always required.
can be observed across the board. Measured at 23°C, tensile strength of
Easy to mould
the new grade reached 260 MPa, a
Production tests conducted by Radici
12% increase over the other material
reveal that the material processes
tested. Strain at break was also about
almost exactly like the standard glass-
12% better at higher temperatures
filled nylon 66. During its development,
(150°C). Tensile strength at weld lines
particular attention was paid to the
was reported to be 20% higher than
material’s mechanical properties
the competing 50%-glass compound.
when the material was exposed to high processing temperatures
Results of notched and un-notched
for prolonged hold times.
Charpy impact test results showed that Radilon A RV500RW 339 NER is up to
Through the introduction of Radilon A
30% tougher than the other material
RV500RW 339 NER, Radici is bringing
tested. Other important characteristics
to market a material that can be
of automotive structural materials are
moulded at temperatures above
high-speed stress-strain properties.
300°C in order to maximise weld-line strength without polymer degradation.
Radici’s tests show that the stiffness
32
and energy absorption of the
The chart opposite indicates
Radilon A compound are greater
that the tensile strength of the
than for competing compounds at
material, with and without weld
all load application speeds. These
lines, does not change for melt
Issue 03 – October 2012
temperatures of up 310°C and
Radilon© A RV500 RW blk 339
barrel hold times of up to 6 min. One of the first commercial applications to benefit from the new material is a gear-shift cable reaction bracket, previously made in aluminium, that has been developed by the Italian moulder Sila Holding in collaboration with Radici. The switch from aluminium to Radilon A RV500RW 339 NER resulted in the component
Has been designed to guarantee the properties stability even when processed in severe conditions and in presence of a weld line.
weighing 30% less and becoming
Barrel Residence Time: 6mins
20% cheaper to produce.
High Performance Radilon 100
Tensile Strength at Break Values at Different Melt Temperatures with welding line (23oC, DAM, ISO 527)
80 60 40
A RV500RW 339 NER
20
Benchmark 330
320
310
300
290
280
0 270
Tensile Strength (MPa)
120
Melt Temperature (oC)
33
Issue 03 – October 2012
New Enzymoplast™ masterbatch accelerates biodegradation of plastics Q1
Since its introduction to the UK market through Plastribution during 2011, the Enzymoplast™ masterbatch has generated a lot of interest amongst customers. It is based on a new and unique bacteria/ enzyme-based technology, and can be easily added to polyethylene-based products to accelerate their biodegradation. know-how, with the input of Enzymoplast Tech Ltd., has compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about this exciting green technology.
Q6
Which polymers does it work in?
Is Enzymoplast™ photo or oxo
Enzymoplast™ is suitable for use in
degradable?
LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE, Polystyrenes
No – UV light or heat does not
and PETs.
degrade products. Polymer chains are broken down by enzyme and
Q2
bacterial processes.
Is Enzymoplast™ food safe? Yes – Plastics products containing
Q7
Enzymoplast are safe, however,
Will Enzymoplast™-based products
are not as yet FDA approved for
be compostable?
food applications.
Yes – compostability regulations
™
mean that a product must be
Q3
over 90% degraded within a 180
Will the shelf life of end-user products
day period in accordance to
be affected?
EN protocol for cellulose-based
No - Enzymoplast™ does not activate
product. Enzymoplast™ products
until it goes to landfill or composting.
will breakdown in home or industrial
The ingredients will not affect your
composters.
product in the warehouse. On the shelf our average shelf life is
Q8
18 months, however, we have the
Will my Enzymoplast™–based product
technology to control this element.
conform to EN 13432? Yes – EN13432 is a regulation
Q4
designed to protect the integrity
Does Enzymoplast™ negatively affect
of biodegradation and industrial
the environment?
composting. The requirement is for
No – Enzymoplast is based on
fast biodegradation of products to be
organic ingredients only, contains no
converted into CO2 and bio-mass.
™
heavy metals or genetically-modified crops and is 100% non-toxic.
Q9 How fast will my Enzymoplast™
Q5
products biodegrade?
Will the final product be
This depends on the thickness of the
biodegradable?
end product and on the correct
Yes – Enzymoplast biodegrades
bacterial/environmental conditions.
plastic through bacterial
Products containing Enzymoplast™
/ microbial action.
will start to biodegrade from 90 days
™
under composting conditions.
34
Issue 03 – October 2012
Q10 Is there a logo to indicate my Enzymoplast™ product is biodegradable? No – As it is new and cutting-edge technology there is no specific protocol for PE-based products at present. There are only symbols to indicate polymer type for recycling. However, we have accreditation to cover our technology that normally only applies to cellulose-based products.
Q11 Can my Enzymoplast™ products be recycled? Yes – Plastic containing Enzymoplast™ can be recycled.
Q12 If I use a higher percentage of Enzymoplast™ masterbatch does it work faster? Yes – Enzymoplast™ is infused into biofilms to biodegrade the polymers, and concentrations and percentages will affect speed and rate of biodegradation. For further information please visit: www.enzymoplast.com
35
Issue 03 – October 2012
SPC and Plastribution – a win-win partnership by Katherine White
As from July 31 this year, Plastribution is now pleased to be increasing its sales and distribution responsibilities for Sumika Polymer Compounds (SPC), our Havant based supplier partner of filled polypropylene grades under the Thermofil brand.
“For me this represents a very exciting
previously a direct customer of SPC,
“win-win” move that more than
we will discuss with you all aspects
hints at the shape of polymer-based
of your future need and we will then
business to come; in the UK and more
ensure that appropriate levels of stock
globally. The move basically maximises
are provided for you. And thanks to
the best from both parties – and the
Plastribution’s methods of stockholding,
customer emerges as a clear winner.
there will also be increased flexibility to meet any unexpected
Both ourselves and SPC are now freed
increases in your demand.
up to focus on our respective strengths: SPC can now concentrate exclusively
In addition, for those products held
on all large customers, design,
in Plastribution’s UK warehouses, a
research and production-based
next-working-day delivery service
matters relating to Thermofil materials.
will apply to Thermofil orders placed with us by noon the previous day.
Plastribution, meanwhile, now has complete autonomy to get SPC’s
Plastribution continues to increase its
materials to its customers, all at
customer resource on technical issues:
optimum effectiveness and cost.
In addition to SPC technical services,
Naturally, we pride ourselves in
customers will also have direct access
logistics and materials management
to the same at Plastribution; opening
and will be looking to raise customer
up all the rest of the materials in the
satisfaction and service.
Plastribution Product Portfolio.
Naturally, some issues will be retained.
We believe that this partnership
SPC, for example, will continue
represents an exciting new way
to determine all selling prices for
for polymer manufacturers and
its Thermofil range of materials
distributors to work together.
and for other grades supplied. In the coming months – via know-how For our part, improved product
magazine – and other media, we shall
availability will be a key feature of our
hope to show you exactly how.”
new supply arrangement: If you were
36
New Granic® grade for blow moulding and film applications Gestora Catalana de Residuos, producers of the Granic® range of calcium carbonate and talc filled plastic masterbatches, has introduced a new grade recommended for blow moulding applications using high density polyethylene (HDPE). In contrast to the previously
Issue 03 – October 2012
HDPE copolymer that provides
Victor Oliva, Commercial Director at
the finished article with a higher
Gestora Catalana de Residuos. “We
e-modulus than was previously
see a huge potential in this material,
achievable with a LLDPE carrier.
with a major producer of “probiotic” yogurt-type drinks already trialing its
At the same time, the use of the
use in Europe and Latin-America.”
ultrafine calcium carbonate granules in the polymer matrix permits the
The Granic® range is characterised
down-gauging of wall thickness
by the high purity preparation and
in blow moulded articles such as
treatment of the calcium carbonate
bottles and containers without
used in the masterbatch. The additive
sacrificing mechanical, flexural
can be added to almost all types of
and drop impact properties.
polymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene
Further benefits of the new grade
derivatives, at dosages of up to 60
include the use of a particularly
percent depending on application.
recommend grade, new Granic
white form of calcium carbonate
762 uses a very low melt flow special
that facilitates a reduction in
Benefits of Granic® in moulded
copolymer HDPE base carrier resin with
the amount of titanium dioxide
parts include significant efficiencies
a calcium carbonate content of 80%,
required to produce blow-moulded
in terms of output and energy
as Chris Green, Business Development
white bottles and white films.
costs. In film applications the use of
®
Granic® can lead to improvements
Manager at Plastribution, explains: “The use of the previous linear low
Moreover, as calcium carbonate is
in mechanical performance
density polyethylene (LLDPE) based
not a pigment, Granic®762 is also
and production efficiency.
grades at higher addition rates was
suitable for use in the production of
found to reduce modulus and tensile
coloured bottles. Finally, as HDPE
Plastribution has been the sole
properties in some cases and to cause
is not transparent, a loading of
distributor in the United Kingdom of the
some issues in processing, particularly
Granic® 762 of up to 10 percent
Granic® range of highly filled calcium
with very large blow mouldings.
is possible (depending on wall
carbonate compounds since 2011.
thickness) in natural HDPE bottles The new grade addresses these
and films without any discernible
Further information on Granic®
issues by utilising a low melt flow
change in visual appearance.
can be found at www.granic.es.
HDPE carrier that will have no adverse effect at higher loadings
“Our full commercial introduction
over 15 percent or more.”
of Granic®762 was in April this year, and already several big customers
The base carrier resin used in Granic
are placing regular orders that can
762 is a high molecular weight
be measured in truck loads,” reports
®
37
Issue 03 – October 2012
2012 Review & 2013 Outlook Since the launch of price know-how 12 months ago, this popular publication has “gone viral” with copies of the monthly publication being extensively forwarded within organisations and regularly sent on to other interested parties.
The monthly publication not only
These two special publications will be
looks at topical key price drivers
distributed via email automatically
for the whole polymers market, but
to the recipients of the monthly
also examines the market situation
Price know-how publication.
for individual thermoplastics, along with more general economic
To ensure your copy please either talk
data. As far as possible, data is
to your Plastribution representative, or
provided in £ Sterling and Tonnes
subscribe to price know-how via the
since those are the common units
know-how section of our website.
of measure here in the UK. The high quality data is supported by Plastribution’s unique perspective on the plastics market, and a midmonth publication captures both current activity and likely influences affecting the next period. Following on from the success of the monthly edition of price knowhow we have taken the initiative to publish in December a review of 2012, so that we can all reflect upon “the year that was.” Furthermore, in January 2013 we will be publishing an outlook on the next 12 months, but given the unpredictable and highly volatile nature of the market we operate in, there will, of course, be an appropriate disclaimer.
38
Following on from the success of the monthly edition of price knowhow we have taken the initiative to publish in December a review of 2012, so that we can all reflect upon “the year that was.”
Issue 03 – October 2012
price
£1,350.00
£1,150.00
£ per tonne
price
Polyolefins
£950.00
£750.00
Brent Crude Naphtha Spot
£550.00
Ethylene (C2) Spot Ethylene (C2) Contract
£350.00
Propylene (C3) Spot Propylene (C3) Contract
Data provided by PIE www.pieweb.com
Polyolefin Basket Jun – 12
Jun – 11
Sep – 11
Mar – 12
Mar – 11
Dec – 11
Jun – 10
Sep – 10
Dec – 10
Sep – 09
Mar – 10
Dec – 09
£150.00
Supply
Supply
Supply
Supply
Demand
Demand
Demand
Demand
LDPE
LLDPE
After the very strong buying activity in July, August business has been conducted in a more orderly fashion. Supply has improved due to lower demand particularly from Southern European countries where many processors shut down for their summer vacation.
HDPE
As with LDPE seasonal factors have taken some of the heat out of the LLDPE market, but again activity looks set to increase at the end of the month, and given the anticipated short supply of LDPE many buyers will look to substitute LLDPE to cover any shortfall.
Despite the seasonal drop in demand the market remains well balanced. Some producers who are undergoing maintenance shutdowns, or who have experienced unplanned outages are struggling to meet demands following the strong demand in July that depleted inventories.
Again order books are being closed early and it is expected that the market will again become very tight towards the end of the month as buyers look to secure increased volumes for September.
www.plastribution.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560
Will crude oil prices sustain the upward price trend on polyolefins and how soon will other materials be affected?
EVA succumbed to a combination of feedstock price reductions and pressure from buyers, and price concessions have resulted. mPE producers will look to take advantage of the LLDPE shortage of supply, and processors will, where possible, take advantage of the higher performance of these grades to offset increases through down-gauging and increased operating rates.
Due to this pre-buying demand from converters has been pretty average, but given the likely short supply of propylene in September as a number of European Naptha Crackers undergo planned maintenance shutdowns.
Plastomers continue to follow the monomer price trend.
Polymer and feedstock price data provided by PIE. www.pieweb.com
5
price Feedstock Costs
Fundamentals
1500
Naphtha Spot
1300
Ethylene (C2) Contract
500.00 600.00 400.00
500.00
June
Labour
Unemployment Rate
May
8.1
Prices
CPI (Y on Y)
June
2.4
Prices
RPI (YoY)
June
2.8
Interest Rate
Bank of England Base Rate
Aug
0.5
Jul – 12
Jul – 12
Mar – 12
May – 12
Jan – 12
Mar – 12
May – 12
Jul – 11
Jan – 12
Nov – 11
May – 11
Jul – 11Sep – 11
Mar – 11
May – 11
GBP per tonne
1.60
1.40 1.30 1.20
Polymer and feedstock price data provided by PIE. www.pieweb.com
4
Jul - 12
May - 12
Jan - 12
Mar - 12
Jul - 11
Jan - 11
Sep - 11
Mar - 11
Nov - 11
May - 11
Sep - 10
Nov - 10
Jul - 10
Jan - 10
Sep - 09
Mar - 10
Nov - 09
www.plastribution.co.uk
Jul - 12
Jan - 12
Mar - 12
May - 12
Sep - 11
Nov - 11
Jul - 11
Jan - 11
Mar - 11
Nov - 10
£43.20
May - 11
Brent Crude
Euro USD
Jul - 10
£85.33
1.00 Sep - 10
Benzene
1.10
Jan - 10
-£90.86
1.20
May - 10
£102.71
Styrene
USD
1.40 1.00
Sep - 09
C3 (Propylene)
Euro
1.50 1.10 1.30
-1.8
June
Retail Sales (M on M)
1.60
£110.61
-0.9
Apr
Manufacturing (Y on Y) New Car Registrations (Y on Y)
1.50
C2 (Ethylene)
Apr
Manufacturing (M on M)
UK Output
1.70
Change (Contract)
-0.2
Sales
1.80
Feedstock
-0.3
Q1 2012
Sales
1.80
Data provided by PIE www.pieweb.com
%
Q1 2012
GBP per tonne USD per tonne
1.70 Exchange Rates
Mar - 10
Since the 2008 crash it is evident that producers are extremely capable of reducing output to balance with demand and hence ensure that margins can be maintained even in a global recession.
Monomer Prices (£ GBP per tonne)
Nov - 09
Jul – 12
Jun – 12
Aug – 12
Apr – 12
May – 12
Jan – 12
Feb – 12
Mar – 12
Oct – 11
Nov – 11
Dec – 11
Sep – 11
As you will read in the following commentary, in many cases polymer prices have increased dramatically if not considerable pressure is mounting to increase prices in order to increase or restore margins.
Email: report@plastribution.co.uk
300.00
Nov – 11 Sep – 11
300.00
Styrene (SM) Contract
600
Date
Real GDP (Q on Q) Real GDP (Y on Y)
USD per tonne
600.00 700.00
400.00
Item
GDP GDP UK Output
800.00 700.00
Sep –10
Styrene (SM) Spot
Jan – 11
Benzene Contract
700
Mar – 11
Benzene Spot
800
900.00
900.00 800.00
Nov – 10
900
Topic
1,000.00
1,000.00
Jan – 11
Propylene (C3) Contract
Jul – 10 Jul – 10
1000
Brent Crude Oil Price per tonne
Sep –10
Propylene (C3) Spot
Nov – 10
1100
May - 10
£ per tonne
UK Economic Data
Ethylene (C2) Spot
1200
Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560
Other Polyolefins
Producer inventories have been significantly reduced since the strong period of demand in July.
Email: report@plastribution.co.uk
1400
www.plastribution.co.uk
PP
Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560
Trend
4.8 0.1
In GBP terms oil prices have fallen quite significantly, until the end of June, but in the since the beginning of July prices have rallied (see introduction). Subject to this trend on oil prices continuing there will be pressure for price increases across the whole spectrum of petrochemical products including polymers.
The Sterling / USD exchange rate tends to be more influential on the price of ABS, PC and POM with significant imports from Asia and Euro weakness is placing pressure on raw material imports such as crude oil into the Eurozone, and is making sales to Asia look relatively more attractive.
The Sterling / Euro exchange rate is a key factor in determining polymer prices, since most materials are Euro denominated. At current price level each Euro Cent change in prices represents a £10 per tonne impact on our polyolefins materials basket.
Whilst weak Stirling increases competiveness of exports from the UK it also causes inflation on imported goods including plastic raw materials. Sterling has weaken against the dollar and strengthened against the Euro. At the same time the Euro has remained weak against the dollar. Given that both crude oil and feedstocks are priced in dollars this is also an inflationary pressure on polymer pricing.
Email: report@plastribution.co.uk
Polymer and feedstock price data provided by PIE. www.pieweb.com
9
39
Issue 03 – October 2012
Intelligent online process control
Producing moulded parts of a consistently high quality shot by shot is the aim of every injection moulder.
40
Simply using a precise injection
automatically and compensates
moulding machine will not achieve
for them in the same shot.
this, however. Minor changes in ambient conditions or in raw
The widely–used monitoring of
materials and wear and tear
individual screw positions only
suffered by the mould have an
supplies information on the quality
affect too and can mean that
moulded parts are expected to
parameters need to be readjusted.
have under certain conditions.
iQ Weight Control, ENGEL
To optimise process consistency,
AUSTRIA’s newly developed
ENGEL AUSTRIA has therefore
software, detects these changes
gone one step further.
Issue 03 – October 2012
important factors when it comes to
ENGEL AUSTRIA GmbH
the quality of moulded parts – to
ENGEL is one of the global leaders
be detected immediately. If there
in the manufacture of plastics
are deviations from the set values,
processing machines. Today,
the relevant process parameters
the ENGEL Group offers a full
will be readjusted automatically.
range of technology modules
No extra work for machine operators
for plastics processing as a single source supplier: Injection moulding machines for thermoplastics and
iQ Weight Control is available for
elastomers, and automation,
electric machines (ENGEL e-motion,
with the assurance that individual
e-mac and e-victory and is integrated
components are also competitive
into the CC 200 control unit. As the
and successful in the world markets.
system automatically analyses and controls the process in real time,
With eight production plants in
changes are counterbalanced
Europe, North America and Asia
before rejects can be produced.
(China, Korea) and subsidiaries and representatives in over 85 countries,
The software also reduces the amount
ENGEL offers its customers the
of work for the machine operator.
optimal global support they need
ENGEL AUSTRIA will demonstrate the
to compete and succeed with
potential of its new software live at
new technologies and leading-
Fakuma 2012, which takes place
edge production systems.
between 16th and 20th October in Friedrichshafen. The company will use a number of demanding application examples to do this. Meanwhile, iQ Weight Control has already passed its practical test. iQ Weight Control, for which ENGEL has applied for a patent, analyses the
In its first few applications, the system
pressure profile at screw positions in
has guaranteed moulded parts of
real time during the injection process
a consistently high quality, and has
and compares the measured values
also increased the process capability
with a reference cycle online.
index (Cpk value) by up to 30%.
iQ Weight Control guarantees moulded parts of a consistent quality. This means that changes in viscosity, for example, are detected and counterbalanced online.
The system then uses this comparison to calculate a new set of highly significant process parameters which allow changes in melt volume and material viscosity – the two most
41
Issue 02 2012 03 – February October 2012
Product list Supplier
Material
Brand Name
Engineering polymers
The Plastribution team is always available to provide advice on all aspects of grade selection including design, processing and properties. So please do not hesitate in contacting us to discuss your specific requirements. Please remember that, despite our best efforts to do so, it is almost impossible to cover every request for information on the website or through the new portfolios, particularly as new developments are happening all the time. If you should be unable to find what you require, just get in touch on the phone, email or through the website and, if we really can’t help, we will do our utmost to point you in the right direction. Plastribution Limited PO Box 7743, CEVA House, 5 Ashby Park, Ashby-de-la-Zouch Leicestershire LE65 1XY Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560 Fax: +44 (0) 1530 560303 Email: sales@plastribution.co.uk www.plastribution.co.uk
44 42
Bioplastic
Apinat
TPE
Megol
TPO
Apigo
TPV
Tivilon
TPE
Raplan
TPU
Apilon 52
Polycarbonate
Wonderlite
PMMA
Plexiglas
Cyro XT
Clear Polymer
Cyro
Cyrolite
PEEK
Vestakeep
SPS
Xarec
Polycarbonate
Tarflon
PC/ABS
Xantar C
PC/PET
Xantar E
POM (Acetal Copolymer)
Iupital
Polycarbonate
Iupilon
PBT
Ramster
PA6.6
Plustek
PA6 Prime
Plustek
PA12
Plustek
TPE – Highly Conductive
Preseal TPE
Thermally Conductive Compounds
Pretherm
Static Dissipative Compounds
Pre-Elec ESD
Conductive
Pre-Elec
TPEE/TPE/TPV
Heraflex
PETG
Raditer E
PBT
Raditer
PBT
Radiflam B
PA6.6 Prime (Italy)
Radilon A
PA6.6 Prime (Germany)
Radilon A
PA6.6 Industrial (Italy)
Heramid A
PA6.6 FR (Italy)
Radiflam A
PA6.6 (Industrial) Germany
Heramid I/A
PA6.10
Radilon D
PA6 Prime FR (Italy)
Radiflam S
PA6 Prime (Italy)
Radilon S
PA6 Prime (Germany)
Radilon B
PA6 Industrial (Italy)
Heramid S
PA6 Industrial (Germany)
Heramid I/B
PA6
Radilon S
PA6
Heramid B
PPS
Susteel
Issue Issue 02 03 –– February October 2012
Supplier
Material
Brand Name
Specialities
Material
Brand Name
PPRCP
Capilene
PPHP
Capilene
PPCP
Capilene
LDPE
Ipethene
PPHP
Ducor
PPCP
Ducor
Polyolefins PP Recycled
Aurapene
Purging Agent
Barrel Blitz Universal
Biohybrid
Cardia Biohybrid
Biodegradeable Masterbatch – UV Stabilisers
Colourtone Masterbatch
PPHP
ExxonMobil PP
Masterbatch – Universal
Colourtone Masterbatch
PPCP
ExxonMobil PP
Masterbatch – PVC
Colourtone Masterbatch
PP Plastomer
Vistamaxx
Masterbatch – POM
Colourtone Masterbatch
mPE
Exceed
Masterbatch – Polycarbonate
Colourtone Masterbatch
mPE
Enable
Masterbatch – PBT
Colourtone Masterbatch
LLDPE
ExxonMobil LLD
Masterbatch – Nylon
Colourtone Masterbatch
LLD Plastomer
Exact
Masterbatch – Blowing Agents
Colourtone Masterbatch
LDPE
ExxonMobil LD
Masterbatch – Anti-static
Colourtone Masterbatch
HDPE
ExxonMobil HD
EVA
Escorene
EAA
Escor
PP Compounds
Exxtral
LLDPE
Innovex
PP Compounds
Thermofil
PPCP
Sumitomo
LLDPE
Sumitomo
HDPE
Sumitomo
PPRCP
Total PP
PPHP
Total PP
PPCP
Total PP
mPPRCP
Lumicene
MDPE
Total MD
LLDPE
Total LLD
LDPE
Total LD
HDPE
Total HD
EVA
Total EVA
PP Compounds
RamOfin
Biodegradeable
Enzo
Functional Polymers
Exxelor
Calcium Carbonate Compounds Granic Masterbatch Slip/Anti-block
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch Colour Universal
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch Anti-block
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch – UV Stabilisers
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch – Slip Agent
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch – Process Aids
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch – Flame Retardant
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch – Blowing Agents
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Functional Polymers
Modic
Functional Polymers
BondyRam
Styrenics
DELTECH CORPORATION
Supplier
SAN
Kibisan
PC/ABS
Wonderloy
BDS
Kibiton
ASA
Kibilac
ABS
Polyac
SMMA
Acrystex
SMMA
Styrilic
HIPS FR
Total HIPS FR
HIPS Alloys
Total HIPS Alloys
HIPS
Total HIPS
GPPS
Total GPPS
45 43
The leading producer of conductive plastics
OPEN 24/7. SPECIALIZED IN SOLVING YOUR CHALLENGE. PRESEARCH™ is putting world-class R&D within your reach. Not only do you get your own R&D department, you also work with some of the industry’s top research specialists. With them on your team, finding the right solution to your challenge is fast and effective. Share your challenge with us at www.premixgroup.com/presearch and we will tell you how we can solve it together. Interested? Meet us at Fakuma 2012 Exhibitor Forum! Welcome to Business Development Director Tuomas Kiikka’s presentation “Functional Plastics. A solution for future challenges” on October 19 at 1:15 p.m. See you in Friedrichshafen!