Plastics News by AIPMA Office

CONTENT

IN THIS ISSUE... 15...... AIPMA At Work ... Training Programme on Building Prosperity by Protecting Innovations for Plastic Associations and (SMEs)

The Official Organ of The All India Plastics Manufacturers Association Estd. 1945

MH/MR/N/200/MBI/12- 14 Volume 62

January 2013 No. 1

Chairman - Editorial Board

Dr. Asutosh Gor

Hon. Editor

Mr. Ajay Desai

Members

Mr. A. E. Ladhaboy Dr. Y. B. Vasudeo Ms. Poorvi Desai

...AIPMA participates in the 6th International Plasto 2012 Exhibition ...National Vendor Development Programme cum Industrial Exhibition ...Program on Digital Marketing ...Plexpo India 2013

Editorial Co-ordination: Padmesh Prabhune, Dhruv Communications,

...23rd Annual Global Meeting on Plastics & Sustainability

Mumbai, Tel No: 00-22-2868 5198 / 5049 • Fax No : 00-22-28685495 email: dhruvpr@vsnl.net

28...... Plastivision India - 2013 Show .......... Preview

Published by Ms. Uma Gupta on behalf of the owners, The All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association Plot No. A-52, Road No. 1, M.I.D.C., Andheri (E), Mumbai-400 093. Tel: 67778899 • Fax : 00-22-2821 6390 E-mail : office@aipma.net Website : http://www.aipma.net and printed by her at Dhote Offset Technokrafts Pvt. Ltd., Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai-400 060.

31...... Company News 35...... Features ... Screw and Barrel the Heart of your Machine… ...Perfecting the Plastics Drop-Off

Annual Subscription Rs. 1,000/Single issue Rs. 75/-

...Development of New BOPP Barrier Films

Views/Reports/Extracts etc. published in Plastics News are those of the

...Nanotechnology- Changing the Plastics Product manufacturing

authors and not necessarily of the Editor. Furthermore except for copies of formal AIPMA communications no other matter in this journal should be

44...... International News

interpreted as views of The All India Plastics Mfgrs. Association.

OFFICE BEARERS Dr. Asutosh Gor President

Mr. Manish Dedhia Vice President (West Zone)

Mr. R. K. Aggarwal Vice President (North Zone)

Mr. Hiten Bheda Hon. Secretary

Mr. Anil Bansal Vice President (South Zone)

Mr. Haren Sanghavi Hon. Jt. Secretary

Mr. Ashok Agarwal Vice President (East Zone)

Mr. Sanju D. Desai Hon. Treasurer

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53...... Business News 57...... Product News 59...... Technology 62...... In the News 65...... Events

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THE PRESIDENT SAYS

The ‘Vibrant’ effect wish a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all our

with quite a good number of

readers. 2012 had been really fruitful for AIPMA and

marketing activities happening

all of us know about the benchmarks that we had set

as well.

up. During the year we had been able to ensure our

The 9th Plastivision India 2013

presence felt not only across the Nation but also at

was launched on Wednesday,

the international level.

January 09, 2013 at Hotel

I hope with everyone’s support, we are able to continue

Haveli Fortune Inn Banquet & Convention Centre at

our momentum this year as well.

Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The Plasto 2012, at Pune was very fruitful and success

Mr. Kailash Murarka – Co Chairman Plastivision India

for AIPMA. During the trade show we had inaugurated

2013 was the Master of Ceremony. An entertaining

the preview launch of Plastivision India 2013. One

& delightful performance by two comedy artist was a

could easily map the immediate response during the

perfect start to the evening. Shri Saurabhbhai Patel

launch function.

- Minister Energy & Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat presided over the Launch Function, as Chief

The Vibrant Gujarat was yet another event that helped

Guest.

AIPMA to make its mark at the Plexpo India 2013.

Mr. Ketan Shah – Chairman Plexpo India 2013, Mr.

With around 180 exhibitors at the Plexpo India 2013

Bipin Shah – President Plastindia Foundation shared

the trade show was of great help and we used every

the dais with AIPMA dignitaries.

opportunity that came our way.

All in all it was a successful event and provided a

At the Plexpo India we also had launch function of the

perfect platform for the launch of the mega exhibition

Plastivision India 2013. The function was attended by

Plastivision India 2013.

most of the who’s who of the Plastic industry across the globe. Most of them have assured their support for

The year has begun for AIPMA on an ideal note and

the Plastivision India 2013 and it is really encouraging.

we look forward for the same… Dr. Asutosh Gor

During all the six days of exhibition, AIPMA’s stall was

president@aipma.net

one of the busiest place of business and networking

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FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN

The Hot Runners he year seems quite happening for molders world

customers. Polyshot’s fusion

over; we have had investment and technological

technology fuses together two

advances too..

or more steel plates to create internal flow paths, allowing the

Baird Capital Partners Asia, the China-focused

creation of internal full round

investment group of Baird Private Equity, which is

flow paths that allow generous

part of Robert W. Baird & Co. international wealth

sweeping curves and no hold-up areas.

management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm with offices in the United

On the other hand Austrian Machine maker Engel

States, Europe and Asia has invested an undisclosed

had added feature ecodrive with perhaps the largest

amount in Boston Plastics, a high precision plastic

plattens having edge lengths of 3.5m and weighing

injection moulding and sub-assemblies company

95 tonnes apiece.( In total, the machine weighs in at

based in Singapore. Terms were not disclosed. We

460 tonnes!! ) that would save enormously on power.

all know that Baird is ranked 14 on FORTUNE’s 100

Utilizing its ecodrive servo-hydraulic system, the

Best Companies to Work for and this investment

machine will cut annual electricity consumption by

would makes huge (business ) impact. Founded in

more than 1 million kWh, saving the maker of four-

2005, Boston Plastics manufactures products for

wheel rubbish containers the equivalent of 220 four-

the automotive, consumer electronics, imaging and

person households annual electricity. Its "no drive

industrial markets, serving an extensive international

when idle" ecodrive concept allows the machine to

customer base that is seeking to tap into the growing

"drastically reduce energy consumption levels" in its

demands of the Chinese consumer

hydraulic machines. Under ecodrive, the idling and

Technology for moulds

flushing energy consumed by conventional hydraulic systems is completely eliminated during cooling

US hot runner supplier Polyshot has introduced

phases.

a vacuum brazing technology for fusing of multicomponent mould cores and cavity assemblies for

Hopefully this happens to be ‘Moulding’ year… Well

conformal cooling systems, which reduce cooling time

any ideas…

and achieve overall cycle time reductions of up to 60%.

Hon. Editor

The firm says that the expansion of its fusion technology

Ajay Desai

to conformal cooling has resulted in strong growth with

editor@aipma.net

more than half the business coming from overseas

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AIPMA AT WORK

Training Programme on Building Prosperity by Protecting Innovations for Plastic Associations and (SMEs) Money from IP. The subject of IP is by itself new in India and especially in SMEs. This Programme helped clarify many doubts about IP, Trade Mark Registrations, Designs & Trade Secrets etc. It came out clearly that IP can be used in Marketing especially in Branding. It also created awareness about Costs and efforts involved in doing so. It became clear that we must clearly weigh Cost benefits associated with IP. Over all a lot of queries were raised by audience the feedback received clearly indicated that it has created a lot of positive approach towards IP in general in Business. Training Programme on “Building Prosperity by Protecting Innovations for Plastic Associations and (SMEs)” was held at AIPMA HOUSE on 14th December 2012. The program was organized by the UNIDO-ICAMT Plastic Industry Cluster – Mumbai and the faculty were – Dr. Kalyan & Mr. Somashekar of Brain League

The program was scheduled in two sessions first one was addressed by Dr. Kalyan which covered Using IP in Business, Analyzing Protect ability of Patents and Designs and Mitigating IP Risks. The other session was addressed by Mr Somashekar – G a i n i n g Va l u e a n d M a k i n g

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AIPMA AT WORK

AIPMA participates in the 6th International Plasto 2012 Exhibition AIPMA stall was inaugurated by President – Dr. Asutosh Gor & Plastindia Foundation President Mr. Bipin Shah. The organizers had provided 18 sq. mtrs. stall to AIPMA that helped in providing the platform for the various activities of AIPMA. The response was excellent with 672 sq. mtrs confirmed space booking for Plastivision India 2013. Among those 21 exhibitors were new and 11 exhibitors were our loyal participants. Also during this trade show we could generate and enroll 4 Life Membership. There was an enquiry for land in Maharashtra and also one booking for Plastivision Arabia 2014.

Mrs. Mohinitai Lande – Mayor, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Mr. Bipin Shah – President, Plastindia Foundation, Mr. Arun Kumbhojkar, Dr. Asutosh Gor – President, AIPMA at the inauguration of the Plasto 2012 Exhibition.

The Plasto 2012 had 3 halls with total area of 3000 sq. mtrs. gross and 97 participants with one China, one Taiwan as international exhibitors. A Seminar on Green Plastics and development in Plastics held on 20-23 December, 2012 was

IPMA had participated in the 6 th I n t e r n a t i o n a l P l a s t o 2 0 1 2 Exhibitionheld at Pimpri – Chinchwad, Pune during 20-23 December, 2012. The trade show had opening ceremony at the hands of the chief guest

Among other dignitaries, i.e. Mrs. Mohinitai Lande – Mayor, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Office Bearers of Association for the Promotion of Plastics (APP), Chairman – Plasto 2012 Mr. Satyajeet V Bhonsle and Mr. Shashikant Bugde – Chairman Cosmos Bank, Mr. Bipin Shah – President Plastindia Foundation were also present with Chief Guest. The inauguration was attended by more than 100 people followed by inauguration of all the halls by the Chief Guest.

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Inauguration of AIPMA Stall in the hands Dr. Asutosh Gor – President, AIPMA. 16

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AIPMA AT WORK VITS (Orchid), Crystal Hall, Pune which was presided by Chief Guests Mr. Yogesh Behl – President NCP, PCMC and Mr. Prakash Ratnaparkhi – CMD, Electronica Plastic Machines Ltd. Mr. Arvind Mehta was warmly felicitated by Association for the Promotion of Plastics (APP), by giving him Citation, a Shawl and a special Pagadi along with Dagdusheth Ganpati Idol. All these followed by address of Mr. Arvind Mehta, President of AIPMA and APP, Chairman of Plasto 2012 and both the Chief Guests. Office Bearers of APP, AIPMA President- Dr. Asutosh Gor, Mr. Raju Desai, Mr. Arvind Mehta, Mr. Arun Kumbhojkar and Mr. Hiten Bheda graced the

Dr. Asutosh Gor, President AIPMA Mr. Amit Mehta – President, APP, unveiling the Plasto 2012 Directory.

jointly organized by APP and IPI had moderate registration. There was a Recycling Pavilion separately. AIPMA President Dr. Asutosh Gor was a Chief Guest for inauguration and graced the dais with Mr. Raju Desai – Chairman Plastivision India 2013 and Mr. Arvind Mehta – Executive Director (Asian Continent CIPAD), Chairman – Advisory Board Plastivision India. Moreover, Launch Function of Plastivision India 2013 was held on 21st December, 2012 at Hotel Dr. Asutosh Gor – President, AIPMA, Mr. Arvind Mehta – Executive Director (Asian Continent CIPAD), Chairman – Advisory Board Plastivision India & Mr. Bipin Shah – President, Plastindia Foundation at Plasto 2012 Exhibition

dais. President – Dr.Asutosh Gor addressed the gathering and welcomed all to be part of PVI-2013. Mr.Raju Desai formally launched Plastivision India 2013 with the promotional film which was highly appreciated by the audience. Hon. Secretary – Mr. Hiten Bheda gave Vote of Thanks on behalf of AIPMA to the audience approximately 400 present for the Launch Function. This was followed by Cocktail and Dinner.

Team AIPMA. P L A S T I C S N E W S

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AIPMA AT WORK

National Vendor Development Programme cum Industrial Exhibition - Mr. Harshad Desai MSME Development Institute had organised an Industrial Exhibition at their Andheri Premises from 5th – 7th January 2013. Dignitaries from different fields like Dr. M. V. Ashok – GM (Nabard), Mr. Hemraj Singh – GM (NSIC),

in Mr. Ambhore's Office before proceeding to official inauguration function. The opening ceremony went on smoothly and all the dignitaries present gave their speeches and suggested that all the new and existing Dr. Asutosh Gor Lighting the Lamp. entrepreneurs should take all kind of technical and financial help from their respective organization. Mr. Mehta from Western Railway suggested that all should register their Company’s with the Railways and take the benefit of Micro, Small & Medium Industries. As Railways have special quota for

Dr. Asutosh Gor , Mr. Hiten Bheda, Mr. Harshad Desai with Chief Guest Mrs. Radhika Rastogi, Mr. G.M. Ambhore at AIPMA Stall.

Mr. M. R. Khambete, Mr. Bankim Mistry – President (BSSIA) Mumbai, Mr. Harsh Kaul – CGM (SIDBI), Mr. Arun Mehta – CMM (Western Railways)Mumbai, Dr. C. V. Saraf – Deputy Director (MSMEDI) Mumbai, including President AIPMA Dr. Asutosh Gor and Chief Guest Mrs. Radhika Rastogi – Secretary (MIS) and DC (Indus) Govt. of Maharashtra were invited to grace the occasion. Dr. Gor was honoured by Mr. Ambhore – Director (MSME) and with other dignitaries on his arrival at the MSME office. The above Dr. Ashutosh Gor – President along with Dignitaries dignitaries had a small meeting Programme cum Industrial Exhibition P L A S T I C S N E W S

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AIPMA AT WORK them and sp. extra 15% cost exultation facilities to promote Micro, Small Industries. All were in favour of helping and supporting Micro, Small & Medium Industries. AIPMA President Dr. Asutosh Gor also appreciated and suggested that Plastic Industries are part of the system and there are many in Small and Medium Industry. He also suggested that the new industries should become member of AIPMA and take all necessary help to establish Plastic industry and should take part in exhibitions organised by AIPMA and also visit Dr. Asutosh Gor – President AIPMA addressing the dignitaries on dais & the exhibitions. Dr. Gor gave glimpses of AIPMA’s in audience. success in organising Plastivision Arabia 2012 and Kenya Plast 2012. He offered all help to the willing were about 100 exhibitors. Many visited AIPMA stall and Entrepreneurs to guide in taking part in AIPMA's Exhibition had shown interest in becoming AIPMA Member. AIPMA in Mumbai in month of December 2013. All the dignitaries, was the only institution who had a stall in the Exhibition President - Dr. Gor, Hon. Secretary – Mr. Hiten Bheda, and was very much appreciated by one and all. Dr. Gor Chairman Incubation Cell –Mr. Harshad Desai along with was satisfied with the arrangement and all the work done Ms. Uma Gupta, and office staff visited the Exhibition. The by our staff. The impression of AIPMA was created and Exhibition was for promoting goods items from Leather, this will go long way in creating success path for future Glass, Cloth, Paper, Financial Institution, Small Plastic Progress of our AIPMA activities and its future. This will Good Manufacturers including Engineering Plastic. There be remembered by one and all.

Program on Digital Marketing Half Day Lecture program on Digital Marketing for business growth was organized by UNIDO-ICAMT jointly with AIPMA on 27th December 2012 at IIC (India International Centre), Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

Mr. Rakesh Raman was speaker, and was also made presentation during the program. His presentation and lecture impressed the audience. Shri R. K. Aggarwal-Vice President (North Zone) said in his speech that we would hold such as few lecture program and seminar for the benefit of North Zone member and UNIDO Cluster in near future. Shri R. K. Aggarwal – Vice President (North Zone) AIPMA proposed the program with vote of thanks and followed by the High tea.

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AIPMA AT WORK

Plexpo India 2013 lexpo-2013, the 6 th International Plastics & Packaging Exhibition organized by Gujarat State Plastic Manufactutrers Association (GSPMA), was held at Helipad Ground, Near Mahatma Mandir, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat. The trade show was held during January 08-13. the six-day program was full of activities for AIPMA and every one among the team was on thier toes to ensure maximum outcome for this trade fair.

Manoj Shah, Mr. Yogesh Shah, Mr. Vinay Nandwana and Mr. Chandrakant Turakhia visited AIPMA Stall. From AIPMA Staff, Ms. Umaa Gupta, Ms. Sanjeevani Kothare, Mr. Rohit Gupta & Ms. Priyanka Sakpal had attended this Exhibition. They sold AIPMA Directories & CDs, Plastics News Magazine, enrolled AIPMA membership and also did marketing for PVI-2013. Hon’ble Shri Saurabhbhai Patel – Minister Energy & Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat visited AIPMA Stall as well as other stalls in Plexpo India 2013 Exhibition.

AIPMA Stall in Plexpo India-2013 Exhibition:

During all the six days of exhibition, AIPMA stall was one of the busiest place of business and networking of the Plastics Industry with good number of marketing activities done. All in all it was a successful event and provided a perfect platform for the launch of the mega exhibition Plastivision India 2013.

Launch Function of PVI 2013 The 9th Plastivision India 2013 was launched on Wednesday, the 9th January, 2013 at Hotel Haveli Fortune Inn Banquet & Convention Centre at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Arrival of the Hon'ble Minister Shri. Saurabhbhai Patel

Stall No. 25 in Hall No.6A occupiying area of 9 sq. mtrs. was alloted to AIPMA . Hon’ble Shri Saurabhbhai Patel – Minister Energy & Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat visited AIPMA Stall as well as other stalls in Plexpo India 2013 Exhibition.

After lighting of the auspicious lamp in the hands of the Chief Guests, the Proceedings commenced with the Welcome Address of Dr. Asutosh Gor.

During the days dignitaries of the likes of President Dr. Asutosh Gor, Vice President (West Zone) - Mr. Manish Dedhia, Hon. Secretary - Mr. Hiten Bheda, Hon. Treasurer - Mr. Sanju Desai, Advisory Board Chairman - Mr. Arvind Mehta, Chairman PVI 2013 - Mr. Raju Desai, Co-Chairman PVI 2013 - Mr. Kailash Murarka, Chairman Delegation - Mr. Ajay Desai, Chairman PVA 2014 - Mr. Jayesh Rambhia, Managing Committee Members - Mr. Mukesh Shah, Mr.

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The Launch Function was 20

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AIPMA AT WORK

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AIPMA AT WORK presided over by Hon. Cabinet Minister, Government of Gujarat, Hon’ble Shri Saurabhbhai Patel, Shri Ketan Mehta, Chairman, Plexpo India -2013.

the audience. Chief Guest, Hon’ble Shri Saurabh Patel was requested to address the gathering who gave details of various developments and Govt. grants from his Ministry for the various developmental projects especially for SMEs etc. He invited entrepreneurs to Gujarat for setting up of their unit with assistance of his Ministry.

Mr. Bipin Shah President, PLASTINDIA FOUNDATION along with AIPMA President, Dr. Asutosh Gor, Chairman, PLASTIVISION INDIA-2013 Mr. Raju Desai, Co-Chairman, Mr. Kailash Murarka and Hon. Secretary Mr. Hiten Bheda shared the dais for the Launch Function Mr. Ketan Shah – Chairman Plexpo India 2013, Mr. Bipin Shah – President Plastindia Foundation shared the dais with AIPMA dignitaries and Shri Saurabhbhai Patel.

Mr. Kailash Murarka was the Master of Ceremony and also had arranged a laughter show by two dignitaries Mr. Nirav Mehta and Mr. Mahesh Shastri, which was applauded by the audience.

This was followed by the Launch Function of PLASTIVISION INDIA-2013 in the hands of Mr. Raju Desai with the promotional film which was highly appreciated by

Mr. Arvind Mehta took the audience through developing AIPMA International Relations and Networking. His Election as first Asian and an Indian on CIPAD Board, Memorandum

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AIPMA AT WORK

President, PLASTINDIA FOUNDATION Mr.Bipin Shah thanked AIPMA for inviting him as the Guest of Honour and also declared next PLASTINDI 2015 on the soil of Gujarat. Mr. Hiten Bheda thanked the audience having gathering of 400 invitees, Chief Guest Shri Saurabh Patel both the Guests of Honour, Laughter Session Artists, special invitees, Heads of various Association, exhibitors and Industry friends who made this function a grand success and invited all to join for dinner. Team PVI felicitated each and every Guest with PLASTIVISION INDIA-2013 Clock and New Year Calendar. The Function concluded with a High Note of appreciation for the entire team.

of Understanding with SPI for US pavilion in PVi-2013, signing of Marine Litter Declaration with European Chemical Council etc. Mr.Ketan Shah thanked all the Exhibitioners for making PLEXPO2013 a grand success. P L A S T I C S N E W S

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AIPMA AT WORK

Arab Plast visit report held from 7th – 9th January, 2013, Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE - Mr. Harish Dharamsi n behalf of PVI 2013, I visited Arab Plast 2013 at Dubai

Big players were placed in Hall 8 and it ensured good footfall in all the halls. Presence of big players in Hall 7 & 8 changed the look of the hall.

Exhibition was really impressive, spread over 8 halls. Major exhibitors were Qapco, Borouge, NATPET, Petro Rabish, Tasnree and Mepa.

Visitors’ footfall must have crossed 12 k and indicated pick-up of business activities in GCC countries.

In all 39-40 countries participated country wise major list is as follows:-

SLP and Translink of Taiwan has good equation where in translink takes care of transportation, installation and repacking of the machines, reducing burden of exhibitors and works as well oiled machinery.

China 126 ( Me orient), India 99 ( Plexcouncil), Germany 91 ( Messe), Taiwan 81 (SLP + Translink logistics), Italy 55 (Assochemoplast), Austria 15, Turkey 32 ( IKMIB =Pgev +Pagder), Korea 6, Swiss 19, KSA 16 mostly RM majors, UK / GB 16 (BPF), UAE 63, US 17

Turkey has their show just week prior to Plastivision India and hence may hamper participation. Feedback from many exhibitors was to shift Plastivision year away from K show to ensure better participation.

Indian exhibitors were placed in Hall no 1 and attracted good foot fall.

AIPMA Placement Cell r. (Prof.) R. Debnath – Director Bharat Consortium Institutes & Mr. Pinku Biswas – Director Taliem had visited AIPMA on 14th January, 2013 to discuss about placement of B. Tech Polymer Students & B. Tech Chemical Students in the Plastic Industry.

Prof. P. Subrahmanyam – Director (Industry Academia Collaborations) and Prof. P. S. Joshi – Head Of Department, Polymer Engineering Department, MIT, Pune along with the Mr. Kishore Sampat – Chairman Placement Cell will be meeting on Tuesday, the 22nd January, 2013 at 3.30 pm at AIPMA House for building stronger relationship and have more activities with regard to placement and academic Dr. (Prof.) R. Debnath, Mr. Pinku Biswas & Mr. Arvind Mehta at AIPMA aspects together.

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AIPMA AT WORK

23rd Annual Global Meeting on Plastics & Sustainability Threats and Challenges for the Plastic Industry : An Indian Perspective A presentation by... Mr. Arvind Mehta Chairman - Plastivision India Advisory Board Executive Director - Council of International Plastics Association Directors (CIPAD)

24000

Demand

• • • • • • •

22080 220

22000 20000 18000 16000

14001

14000 12000 9303

10000 6000

8191

7818

6931

8000 5832

5663

4000 2000

Strong economic growth rising purchasing power Favorable demography Growing middle class & upward mobility of income groups Low per capita consumption Retail Revolution Automobile sales Aggressive Infrastructure Development

0 2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

Source: Industry Estimates * Demand growth for 12th and 13th plan refers to CARG

2012-17 2017-22 (12th Plan) (13th Plan)

Plastics consumption growth closely linked to the unfolding Indian growth story…. and likely to continue

To touch 22 MMT in the 13th Plan

As on March 2012 Inst. Cap ~ 24000

Number of Machines ~ 98000 Blow Moulding 8%

Cars 6000

TVs 36400

2 wheelers 36800

Extrusion 29% Roto (est) 1%v

Extrusion 66%

AC 10100 Roto (est) 1%v

Refrigerators 22100

Washing Machine 10600

Mobile phones 405400

World-class capabilities to make competitive products

Rapid rise in consumption fueling plastic industry growth

Government Bans

Plastic Products Exports from India ($ Bn) 2.5 2.3 2.1 2.0 1.8 2.0 1.5

1.1

Composition of India’s Plastic Products Exports

1.2

Environmental compliance

1.0 0.5 0.0 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Pipes, tubes, hoses and fittings 4% Houseware

Film, Sheets & Plates incl PET 29%

Others 16%

Writing Instruments 6% Optical items 8%

Source: Report of the Sub-group on Petrochemicals for the 12th Five Year Plan, 2012

t Pl ti

I d t

i I di

d Ch ll

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Woven sacks/FIBCs 8%

Plastic Waste Management Infrastructure

THREATS Littering Habits Among People

Issues & Challenges

Reflect internationally accepted quality standards

Injection Moulding 5%

Blow Moulding 5%

Injection Moulding 62%

Packaging Items 10%

Other Moulded and extruded items 12%

Environmental Regulations e.g REACH

Negative Perception Among Policy Makers

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SHOW PREVIEW th

9 PLASTIVISION INDIA 2013 International Plastics Exhibition & Conference Where the future of plastic is..

centralized service centre in India for SAARC Countries, Middle East & as well as African countries, WETEC always upholds the business philosophy – “Wisdom, Integrity, Customer Service” as the top mission

Devanshi Electronics Pvt. Ltd.

to devote on technology innovation and development for

Way back in 1985 First Company Zeus System was

automation industry which is the mission of Devanshi also”

started. To meet the expanding needs of the growing

Customer Satisfaction”

market Devanshi Electronics Pvt. Ltd. began its operations

We-Tec is not a new name for Robotics, having almost

in 1990 and has been fully dedicated to manufacture &

200 installations only in India in different range, you will

sales of INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS and to

find our presence in Plastivision 2013 for robots with latest

provide technical support to THE PROCESS CONTROL &

updation

MONITORING equipments.

Product Range

We at DEVANSHI strive to provide complete, economic

In the process of achieving this aim we provide the

& reliable solution of Process automation under one roof. Further expansion takes place with latest state of art at

following range of instruments and services:

rabale

1) PID controllers for processes like Temperature, Pressure, Humidity, etc.

Our customers are involved in manufacturing of high quality machines. Some of them are the leaders in their

2) PC Based Automation systems for plastic industry

fields. To help them achieve this quality, our strong R&D

(Injection moulding, Blow moulding, Extruder etc.), Hot

department is constantly in process of developing new

Runner Controller, Hot Runner Systems.

products & to meet challenges of market requirements with

3) AC Frequency Invertors/ Variable Speed Drives.

latest technology. 4) Automation products like PLC, MMI, Signal Transmitters,

Core Competence

and RS Converters etc.

The company has infrastructure to develop, manufacture

5) Servo Motors & Drives

and service any type of electronic products related to

6) Sensors: SPECIAL SENSORS, thermocouples, RTD’s,

industrial automation and provide total process control

Humidity, Pressure, Melt pressure, Linear Transducers

solution.

etc.

Latest Addition:

7) Microprocessor based Automation Products: Counters, Timers, Data loggers, Ratio meters etc.

Devanshi has already introduced a new product “Robots & Inmould Labeling Systems (IML)” in joint collaboration with

8) Accessories: SSR, SCR, Control panels.

We-Tecnology Automation Co. Ltd. in India ,& also pleased

9) One-stop solutions for automation process.

to announce that we have signed a MOU , joint venture for P L A S T I C S N E W S

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SHOW PREVIEW th

9 PLASTIVISION INDIA 2013 International Plastics Exhibition & Conference Where the future of plastic is..

Madhu Machines & Systems Pvt Ltd, Vadodara Company Profile

sweating and rusting, but also assists in improving product quality and increasing productivity.

A ‘single source supply company’ offering Innovative Solutions to the Plastic Industry through Processing Machinery, Ancillary Equipment, Hot Runner Systems and Mold Parts. All the products marketed are from overseas suppliers possessing ISO/CE certificates incorporating

MSP units are available from process air capacities of 1000m³/hr to 5000m³/hr.

contemporary technology suitable in Indian context.

Products Processing Machinery : Single / Multi Component Horizontal and Vertical Injection Molding Machines, Static Mixers, Ancillary Equipment, Mould Sweat Protectors, Compressed Air Chillers, Blow Molding Boosters, Mould Testing Units. Gravimetric blending and dosing systems. Electro-magnetic Quick Mold Clamping System

MSP

Blow Molding Booster (BMB) Blow Molding Booster (BMB) units have been developed by BAS-Austria, based on many years of their experience, to improve the product quality, consistency and increase production of the blow molded products.

Moulds: Hot Runner Systems, Innovative Mould Parts, Intelligent Hydraulic Cylinders.

Mold Sweat Protector (MSP) unit

Cooling the product is the longest and most critical part of the solidification process. The fact that the mold only removes the heat from outside surface of the container causes material stress and extended cooling time in the mold.

MADHU is pioneer in introduction of Mold Sweat Protector (MSP) technology in India. Over past 15 years numerous MSP units are under satisfactory operation in India catering to production of PET Preforms, Closures, Crates, Furniture, Stationery, Bottles, etc. in Injection & Blow Molding Industry as individual and centralized units.

BMB replaces the regular blowing air with chilled compressed air (3 to 5 Deg C) inside the container during the blowing process. The specially designed blow pins enable flushing of the product and thereby transport the heat from within the container to outside resulting in reduction in cooling time.

In line with our endeavor to offer latest technology products at affordable prices, these MSP units are now being manufactured under co-operation with Blue Air Systems (BAS), Austria at our Bangalore facility. The finished units are supplied not only in India but are also exported.

MADHU has been supplying these units for over a decade in India. The BMB units are now being manufactured in India under co-operation with Blue Air Systems (BAS), Austria. These units have all critical components imported from Europe which guarantees quality & enduring performance.

The MSP units are based on condensation drying principle, requiring much less connected load and practically nil maintenance as compared to equivalent desiccant based equipments. MSP not only protects the molds against

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BMB

J A N U A R Y 2013

SHOW PREVIEW th

9 PLASTIVISION INDIA 2013 International Plastics Exhibition & Conference Where the future of plastic is..

Bluplast Industries Ltd We are a Leading Manufacturer ISO certified •

Manufacturer Exporter

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Thermoware

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Houseware

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Dinner set

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Water bottles/Jugs etc.

Bluplast Industries Ltd 114, Vivek Ind Estate, Near Litolier, Cama Estate,Goregaon (East), Mumbai - 400063, INDIA. Ph: +912240991234, Fax: +912226851151 Email: exim@bluplast.com Web: www.bluplast.com Skype: bluplastexport

ANDRITZ Biax Always the right orientation Commodity or specialty – innovative stretching technology at it’s best:

BOPP BOPET BOPA BOPS BOPLA Special films

ANDRITZ Biax supplies complete sequential and simultaneous stretching lines, also on turnkey base, for the production of all types of biaxially oriented films. Whether your goal is high-speed commodity film production, or the production of high-value technical films, we have proven solutions at the lowest costs.

ANDRITZ Biax Salzburg, Austria Phone: +43 (0) 50805 69-0

ANDRITZ (China) Ltd. Sanshui District, Foshan, China Phone: +86 (757) 8296 9222

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ANDRITZ Biax S.A.S. Le Bourget du Lac, France Phone: +33 (479) 268 560

biax@andritz.com

J A N www.andritz.com U A R Y 2013

COMPANY NEWS

Styrolution appoints Albis, Ultrapolymers as strategic EMEA partners tyrolution has named Albis and Ultrapolymers as its dedicated agents in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as part of a new distribution strategy for its styrenics specialities portfolio.

Based on the new agreement, Albis will have an exclusive arrangement for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Benelux countries, Scandinavia and the Baltic states, while Ultrapolymers' territory will

cover Italy, Portugal and Spain. Both companies will jointly serve Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia and the UK and Ireland. Styrolution's Specialty products are copolymers and specialty ABS grades that are used in a variety of market applications where characteristics, such as pre-coloring, UV stability and chemical resistance are required. These products include brands, such as Luran, Luran S, Luran SC, Luran

Unilever to phase out plastic micro beads ersonal care products giant Unilever NV will phase out the use of plastic micro beads used as a “scrub” material following a call from environmental groups to eliminate them and help reduce the plastics in oceans and other waterways.

The environmental group 5gyres has called for the makers of facial cleansers to eliminate the tiny pieces of plastic, which are intended to help exfoliate the skin, because the beads are small enough to slip through

waste treatment systems and end up in public watersheds.In a brief statement, Unilever, based in London and Rotterdam, the Netherlands, said that the issue of plastics in the ocean is an “important issue,” and that it had reviewed its use of micro beads in its portfolio of current and future products. The company will phase out its use over the coming years, and completely eliminate the use of microplastics for scrubs in 2015.

Indorama Ventures to expand annual US PET production hailand-based Indorama Ventures plans to expand its annual US polyethylene terephthalate (PET) production capacity by 540,000 tons at an undisclosed brownfield

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location. The expansion is expected to be completed in the Q4-2015 and will bring the company’s total North American PET capacity to 2.1 mln tpa.

HH, Terblend N, Terlux, NAS, Zylar, Styrolux/Styroflex and Novodur. "I am confident the alignment of our distributor network in EMEA will translate into even greater value for customers in the region," said Rob Buntinx, vice president Styrenic Specialities EMEA, at Styrolution.

Next Generation Films buys three-layer lines ext Generation Films Inc. has bought two threelayer Varex blown film lines from Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp. W&H is installing the first machine in January. The second is scheduled for a May installation. Next Generation President and CEO Dave Frecka said this type of equipment is a baseline business for his company in Lexington, Ohio. “Our big focus is three-layer films,” he said. The first Varex has a 110-inch working width, grooved-feed extruders, a Optifil P2 gauge control system, Multicool air ring and a 27.5-inch Maxicone C die, according to W&H. The line coming in May will have a working width of 87 inches and, grooved-feed extruders, an Opticool high-output air ring, a 15.74-inch Maxicone die and the Optifil P3 gauge system.

J A N U A R Y 2013

COMPANY NEWS

Majors Plastics expands employee stock plan njection molder and contract manufacturer Majors Plastics Inc. is now employee owned.

Majors’ employees the opportunity to participate in the plan, according to a news release.

Through a recent expansion of Majors’ Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), the company’s approximately 500 employees now own 100 percent of the company. The expansion also gives additional

The company Majors, based in Omaha, has been partially ESOPowned for several years. Majors runs 74 injection molding machines and operates three plants -- one dedicated to injection molding and overmolding,

one for contract manufacturing and assembly, and one for injection molding and clean room molding .Apart from this there is an additional distribution center and an warehouse on its Omaha campus. The company has a combined 226,000 square-feet of space.

KBR awarded contract by VCC to provide licensing and engineering services BR (KBR) announced it was awarded a contract by Cambodian Petrochemical Co. Ltd (CPC) to provide licensing and engineering services for the Veba Combi Cracker (VCC) Unit to be implemented in the Kampong Som Petrochemical Industrial Zone of Cambodia. Tianjin Petrochemical Engineering Design Co. LTD. (TPED), the EPC Contractor for the Unit, executed the agreements on behalf of CPC. Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide License and Basic Engineering services for the 1.2 MMTPA VCC Unit that will process refinery vacuum residues into high value naphtha and Euro 5 diesel products.

“The VCC technology was selected after careful evaluation of the process. The high residue conversion and finished products quality will significantly improve the economics of our facility,” said Li Chengchun, Chief Executive Officer of CPC. “VCC can process a wide range P L A S T I C S N E W S

of residues and fuel oil which greatly enhances our crude flexibility and had a big influence on the selection of our refinery configuration.” “The EPC contractor is critical to the successful implementation of a new technology.” said Jiang Huadong, General Manager, TPED. ”TPED is committed to build this unit in accordance with CPC’s quality, schedule, and cost requirements.” “We are pleased to be awarded our fourth license since acquiring the right to license VCC in 2010. The other three units are under construction,” said John Derbyshire, President, KBR Technology. “I look forward to working with CPC and TPED as we embark on this important project.” CPC is the first refinery in Cambodia with a crude capacity of 5 MMTPA invested by Cambodian National Petroleum Authority, Cambodian HKT Special Economic Zone Co. Ltd, and Hong Kong Diamond Industry Co. Ltd. China Perfect Machinery Industry

Corp., Ltd. will build this refinery that is scheduled to start up in 2015, and expected to greatly promote Cambodia’s economic development.

PlayPower moves to new HQ layPower LT Farmington Inc. has moved to a new headquarters office in Farmington that replaces a former Little Tikes Commercial office in the same city. The company moved its rotational molding and manufacturing to Monett, Mo., in 2009, but PlayPower LT Farmington still employs marketing, product development and customer service workers in Farmington.PlayPower markets outdoor recreational products under the Little Tikes Commercial brand.

J A N U A R Y 2013

COMPANY NEWS

Bayer gets approval to build and operate new worldscale TDI plant in Dormagn ollowing a detailed appraisal, the Cologne district authority has granted Bayer MaterialScience the permit to build and operate the new high-tech facility for the production of the chemical TDI (toluene diisocyanate) at Chempark Dormagen. TDI is needed as a precursor for the manufacture of flexible polyurethane foams to make products such as high-quality foams for mattresses, chairs and car seats. With

an annual capacity of 300,000 metric tons, the future world-scale plant is a key part of a long-term investment strategy at Bayer MaterialScience to turn its Dormagen site into a global technology center for the development and production of polyurethanes. Dr. Joachim Wolff, member of Bayer MaterialScience’s Executive Committee responsible for the Polyurethanes Business Unit said,

Clariant opens new production site in Mexico lariant inaugurated a new production site for its Industrial & Consumer Specialties Business Unit (ICS), at the city of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. With an investment of over 20 million dollars and an extension of four hectares, Clariant’s new site in Mexico will produce several chemical specialties and technological solutions for different markets, including personal care, crop protection, metalworking, construction and painting.

Hariolf Kottmann, Clariant CEO, was present on-site to start its operations and to reassure the commitment of the company to the industrial community in Mexico and Latin America: “With the opening of this site in Coatzacoalcos, Clariant will strengthen the competitive solutions for which we are known by our clients around the world. Mexico is a key player for our operations in Latin America, and this P L A S T I C S N E W S

site will be an important reference for the international standards of innovation, sustainability and competitiveness that we want to consolidate within the region”, commented Hariolf Kottmann.“With the opening of our new Clariant’s site in Mexico, we will integrate the production of both finished products and intermediates in one place. This will increase the effectiveness of our processes in the supply of raw materials and logistics costs, which will benefit our customers”, mentioned Michael Willome, Global Head of Business Unit ICS. “We chose Coatzacoalcos as the best location for this new site in order to integrate the operations of our ICS business unit in one place, taking into account its strategic geographical position, in between the two sites producing raw materials in the country.

“This innovative high-tech process marks the start of safe and eco-friendly world-scale polyurethane production that makes the best possible use of energy and resources. Compared with a conventional plant with the same capacity, the new facility will reduce energy consumption by up to 60 percent and require as much as 80% less solvent. This will also give us a decisive competitive edge.

Westlake commences expansion of Petro 2 ethylene unit at Lake Charles A Westlake Chemical Corporation’s previously announced expansion of the Petro 2 ethylene unit at its complex in Lake Charles, LA has begun.

This expansion will be completed in conjunction with a planned maintenance turnaround and will increase ethane-based ethylene capacity by approximately 230 – 240 mln lbs annually in support of the Company’s ethylene integration strategy. The unit is expected to be down approximately 60 days for the work to be completed

J A N U A R Y 2013

COMPANY NEWS

MCC licenses Oxo Alcohol technology to Qatar Petroleum and shell chemicals itsubishi Chemical (MCC) has agreed to license its production technology of oxo alcohols to Qatar Petroleum and Shell Chemicals. The license will be granted through Mitsubishi Chemical Engineering Corporation, the sub licensor of the oxo technology.

The selection of key technologies for the derivative processes has been completed. The project has selected the "OXO T-Process", which is MCC's proprietary technology, for the oxo derivative unit with an annual capacity of 250,000 ons. The OXO T-Process realizes stable production of first-class quality products. MCC has experience of operating its own oxo unit with this

technology for more than twenty years at Mizushima plant site in Japan and in addition licensed the technology to the companies in China, Indonesia, and South Africa. Qatar Petro and Shell have been developing a world-scale petrochemicals project in Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, which has been named Al-Karaana Petrochemicals Complex. The project, which is planned to utilize feedstock derived from natural gas, will include a steam cracker, oxo alcohols, mono-ethylene glycol and linear alpha olefins plants. The FrontEnd Engineering and Design (FEED) contract is expected to be awarded in 2013.

Dow and Mitsui postpone plans to build a plant for sugarcane ethanolbased plastics ow Chemical Co. and Japanese trading company Mitsui & Co. Ltd. will postpone plans to build a plant for sugarcane ethanol-based plastics, for rising design and construction costs and land ownership laws in Brazil.The green plastics project, first announced in 2007, had been slated to break ground this year on a biopolymers facility in Santa Vitoria, Minas Gerais state, at a projected cost of US$1.5 billion. Dow formed a joint venture with Mitsui in July 2011, with plans to

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plant and harvest their own sugarcane, build an ethanol plant with 2.7 million metric tons of cane capacity, and follow it with an ethanol-to-ethylene and biopolymers plant. The entire complex was originally slated to begin operating later this year. However Dow and Mitsui both of them will postpone phase two, building the plastics plant. The first phase includes expanding sugarcane plantations and building an ethanol plant, remains on schedule. 34

Exco buys Texas extrusion die company xtrusion die producer Exco Technologies Ltd. has acquired Wylie based BE&H Extrusion Dies Incorporation.

Speaking about the deal Exco said it paid about $1.5 million in cash for the company. Analysts say the deal gives Exco an experienced workforce and a stronger presence in markets where proximity to customers is important. This will not only add to the workforce but will also give a competitive edge. The deal will boost Excoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extrusion group sales by about 5 percent, a level which should grow in coming years. Exco has been serving the North American extrusion tooling market from Markham and a plant in Chesterfield, Michigan. The Texas acquisition, which will be renamed Exco Texas, expands Excoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stake in the south-central region of the United States and will provide capacity the company needs to meet resurgent demand for extrusion dies as the U.S. economic recovery gains momentum. Exco employs 2,213 at 11 locations around the globe that supply the die-cast, extrusion and automotive industries

J A N U A R Y 2013

FEATURES

Screw and Barrel the Heart of your Machineâ&#x20AC;Ś Screw and barrel is considered as the heart of any plastic processing machine. Some tips on choosing appropriate screws to keep your machine healthy and kicking

here are three basic types of plastics processing machines. : 1. Extruders; 2. Blow Molding machines; 3. Injection molding machines.

Screw and barrel is considered as the heart of any plastic processing machine. The screw is a rotating component in the barrel which is stationary. The basic process taking place in any plastic processing machine is that the plastic raw material in the form of granules is added to the barrel through the hopper. The rotating screw carries the material in the forward direction. Heaters are provided on the outside diameter of the barrel; which heat the granules & transform them into paste form. In addition to the heating, the screw has smaller core diameters which are in taper shape. The taper core squeezes the material further. At the front of the barrel, the molten plastic leaves the screw and travels through a die / mould. The die is what gives the final product its profile and is designed so that the molten plastic evenly flows to the product's profile shape. The product is further cooled. Now, we will study the process of

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manufacturing of screws and barrels.

a. O.D. turning;

The steps involved in screw barrel manufacturing are as follows:

b. I.D. boring & honing;

1) Buying the raw material: The most common (and recommended) raw material for screw and barrel is SAE7140 (British series En41B) steel. The reason for selecting this grade of steel is that it contains Aluminum which is a useful alloy for creating stable and high hardness steels after gas nitriding.

d. Gas Nitriding

The material allowance on outside diameter should be at least 10mm and on length should be at least 5mm. for e.g. for manufacturing screw of 40mm diameter and 1000mm length, the raw material size should be at least 50mm diameter and 1005mm length. 2) Hardening and tempering: It is a pre heat treatment & is a must for the gas nitridided jobs. It is to be done at raw material stage itself. Hardness of 24-28Rc should be maintained. 3) The operations to be carried for manufacturing screws are: a. O.D. turning; b. Thread milling; c. Filing, polishing of core diameter; d. Grinding of flights O.D. e. Gas Nitriding f. Straightening & buffing The operations to be carried for manufacturing barrels are : 35

c. Milling of hopper hole; e. Buffing These operations should be carried out on proper machines by skilled operator. It is important that the screw core diameter is concentric with the screw O. D. and the barrel axis is accurate. H7 tolerances are maintained in barrel. The barrel I.D. should have mirror finish. Gas nitriding: Gas nitriding is a case hardening process and gives hardness, corrosion resistance and good finish to screw and barrel. The job should be clean and ground for effective gas nitriding. gas nitriding on En41b jobs gives hardness of 6870Rc. Tips for longer life of screws / barrels & better production : 1. Always understand the exact input polymer & other additives to be processed before selecting screw & barrel. For scrap / regrind /Ca Co3 more than 25 %; bi metallic screw & barrel is recommended. 2. Always insist on drawing of the screw â&#x20AC;&#x201C; barrel, nose cone, head Grooved Feed Bush etc. while purchasing machine from the manufacturer. If you do not get drawings, make drawings with the

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FEATURES help of a draftsman or engineer for your reference.

7. Avoid making drastic design changes in the screw – barrel.

12. Repairing of screw & barrel is possible; only upto a certain limit.

3. Always keep spare screw – barrel with you for any emergency situation.

8. Do not increase rpm of the screw than the recommended speed by the manufacturer of your machine.

13. A repaired barrel is equivalent to a new barrel. New screw is recommended along with the repaired barrel.

4. Increasing the diameter of old screws & barrel does increase the production in most cases. 5. Introducing barrier section in the screw does increase the production, but will draw more current; hence gear box & motor should be able to take the excess load. Only a well designed barrier screw will give better melting properties. Faulty barrier design will decrease the production. 6. Most grades of bi metallic screws can be used with a Gas Nitrided barrel.

9. Keep good relations with the machine manufacturer. 10. Pre heat Treatment (Hardening & Tempering) is a must on the raw material to ensure strong core of the screw – barrel. 11. It is advisable to renitride the screw & barrel at a regular interval of about 10 months of working. (Especially in Twin Screws & Barrel). This will help in increasing their life.

14. Clearance between screw & barrel should be 0.2mm on diameter in case of Extruders & Blow Molding and 0.15mm in case of Injection molding machines.

About the Author: Mr. Amit Gajria is the C.E.O. of M/S MANISHA TECHNO CONSULTANTS L.L.P. They manufacture screws & barrels for plastic processing machines and are into Heat treatment of steels.

Perfecting the Plastics Drop-Off With a little effort all of us can help in making Plastics Drop-Off a success... The program is already tried and tested in US . Drop-off plastics recycling can be a costeffective alternative to curbside plastics collection, without sacrificing product quality… an clean, marketable plastics be collected at unattended drop-off sites? Yes ... if the program is designed with attention to program logistics and an understanding of human behavior.

People are eager to recycle, and many are willing to take their plastic containers to specials drop-off centers if their communities cannot provide curbside collection. With clear, simple instructions and convenient, welldesigned sites, householders will readily separate, prepare, and deliver market-quality materials. Even communities that already collect plastics at drop-off sites can P L A S T I C S N E W S

improve their success by making a few low-cost, common-sense changes in their collection strategies. Whether you're starting from scratch or fine-tuning an existing program, this document offers practical suggestions. It has been developed from actual experiences in Tampa, Florida, and Chatham County, North Carolina. The old real estate maxim applies to drop-off sites, too. Even the keenest recyclers are more likely to participate if drop-off sites are easy to access. Most people consider about two miles a convenient driving distance to a drop-off site, especially if it's near a destination point such as a busy 36

supermarket or a convenience store. Retailers may find a recycling site attracts drop-in traffic, and shoppers simply put bagged recyclables in the car, along with the dry cleaning and library books, as part of the weekend errand circuit. Drop-off sites should be clearly marked, attractive, and easy to reach. Try to place facilities on well-known, heavily traveled streets or intersections to attract both frequent and occasional travelers. (You can get information about traffic patterns and volume from local planning or public works departments.) Distinctive signs at major intersections will help direct J A N U A R Y 2013

FEATURES people to the site. Look for potential sites in highdensity population areas. (Again, local planning departments or state commerce departments can furnish population and demographics data.) Residents and businesses in districts without nearby recycling facilities may welcome a well-designed and wellmaintained drop-off location. Plan the site layout with convenience in mind. Allow plenty of room to park and unload recyclables; a drive-through arrangement is ideal. Provide adequate lighting for evening users and place clearly marked trash containers beside the recycling bins for unacceptable materials and incidental waste, such as the bags people use to carry recyclables to the site. The public's understanding of material requirements can make or break a drop-off program. People must be thoroughly familiar with the specific containers wanted before they arrive at the site, or they may deposit unacceptable materials just to avoid taking them back home for disposal. At Home Leaflets or posters for home use will help people select and prepare material correctly. Use simple, active language in instructions. Explain why certain materials are not acceptable; the knowledge will help people make correct decisions, and that will lower contamination. Combine written and visual elements in printed material. Specify exactly what containers (not resins) are acceptable; avoid using technical names such as "HDPE" or "polystyrene". Also specify "bottles with necks" if you don't want to receive tubs or other containers.

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A list or graphic showing "Yes" containers on one side and crossedout "No" containers on the other can be particularly helpful in the decision process. Be sure to include a telephone number to call for further information. Line drawings communicate better than photographs because they emphasize important information and eliminate distracting details (shadows, backgrounds, and so forth). Depict the containers as you want them delivered. For example, show containers without their screw-on caps. At the Site When people arrive at a drop-off site, they need to know exactly what to do. They'll generally be in a hurry so signs, graphics, and instructions should be visible, brief, and easily understood. Signs, facility layout, and container design should not only encourage appropriate action, but also deter incorrect action. Make sign instructions clear and specific. A sign calling for "Plastics Only" or showing the resin identification code is likely to be interpreted as "any plastics" and that's just what you'll get. It's even more helpful to hang on the collection bins actual examples of the types of containers that are acceptable. If signs picture acceptable and unacceptable items, make the two groups readily distinguishable from one another. Use bigger, brighter illustrations of the "do" containers or perhaps show "don't" items in black and white, or behind the familiar redbarred NO symbol. Paint collection bins with bright, attractive colors. Use consistent colors and graphics at all sites to promote awareness and participation.

Set up your bins so that they are user-friendly and conductive to proper participation. Many people find lids heavy and awkward to hold while they place materials inside the bin. This encourages them to "bulk unload" - to toss recyclables into the bin in the boxes and paper or plastic bags used to transport them. This not only introduces contaminants in the form of bags and boxes but also prevents double-checking to make sure that an individual container is acceptable. Cutting a 12-inch diameter hole (big enough for a 2-gallon water jug) in the collection bin lid both eliminates the need to lift and forces recyclers to deposit containers one piece at a time. Circle the hole with a brightcolored warning such as "Stop! Not for all plastic!" Then, direct attention to a graphic or list showing acceptable containers. To further discourage bulk unloading, lock the bin's access door. Make sure a trash bin is handy and clearly marked for "trash only". Paint the trash containers a different color from the recyclables bins. Keep the site clean and tidy. Overflowing trash and collection bins attract pests, annoy neighbors and property owners, and discourage participation. If necessary, clean the site daily and arrange for more frequent trash pickup and recyclables collection. Drop-off plastics recycling can be a cost-effective alternative to curbside plastics collection, without sacrificing product quality. With strategic siting, forceful signage, and minor bin modifications, the public will consistently deliver material comparable to what would be expected in more costly curbside programs.

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FEATURES

Development of New BOPP Barrier Films Dr. Martin Wolf, Laboratory Manager Brückner Maschinenbau Germany he profit margins for standard biaxially oriented BOPP films have continued to decrease and many BOPP producers are looking to move into added-value speciality films. Main general market trends for new packaging solutions, in our opinion, are cost reduction, sustainability, longer shelf life, substitution of aluminium foil and replacement of lamination steps. The convenience of transparent barrier films for product visibility is also driving their use.

Transparent BOPP barrier films – sequentially or simultaneously orientation? Among the transparent high barrier films, the fastest growing film types are EVOH and SiOx coated film structures. Whereas SiOx and AlOx coatings are offline converting processes, the use of EVOH allows the implementation of a barrier function integrated in the film orientation process. The evaluation in pilot line scale was based on different EVOH grades with varying ethylene content values. The proportion of ethylene content will have a significant influence on the stretching performance as well as for the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) barrier results. Typically, a higher ethylene content gives better orientability, but on the other hand results in lower OTR barrier properties. Results also depend on the suitability of the available EVOH grades for the sequential stretching process. According to our evaluations, standard

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EVOH grades with ethylene contents of 48% and above, a modified grade with 44% ethylene as well as modified grades with 38% ethylene can be biaxially stretched in the sequential mode with excellent optics and OTR values. Recently, sequentially oriented EVOH based BOPP barrier films with thin EVOH layer thicknesses in the range of 3-4 micron result in OTR values of 10 cm3/m2 day bar, which qualify these products for many packaging applications, e.g. lidding films for barrier trays. As an alternative to investment in a new sequential BOPP line, the upgrade of an existing sequential line to 7-layer structures is technically and economically very feasible. Especially by modifying lines with a small working width into a special purpose line gives customers the following benefits: output increase, new products with the latest-developed resins (e.g. modified EVOH), ability to produce highest grade films with special recipes, readiness to compete in future markets. On the other hand, the earlier produced simultaneous BOPP barrier films using EVOH grades from Kuraray with low contents of ethylene - even down to 24% - gave the best barrier values, down to 1.4 cm3/m2 day bar and therefore allowed the thinnest EVOH layers (approx.1 micron in the final film), saving barrier material. These transparent barrier films are possible to produce on a BrücknerLISIM® line for speciality films.

One-shot technology or »integrated production process« A next possible future move for further cost reductions could be the total elimination of lamination steps. Nowadays, the production of a barrier film laminate based on vacuum coating technology (e.g. aluminium, SiOx, AlOx) usually takes four processing steps:

Extrusion of the carrier film(s), e.g. BOPP, BOPET, BOPA

Extrusion of the sealing film, e.g. c-PP, c-PE

Barrier coating of the carrier film

Lamination of sealing layer to carrier layer or layers (duplex/ triplex)

The main driving factor in the film supply chain are costs. So it would be an advantage, firstly, to save material by reducing thicknesses; secondly, to produce a barrier film with all required functionalities in addition to sealing properties, by using a one-step extrusion process and a following biaxial orientation with the simultaneous tenter frame process. The concept of »integrated production process« implements all necessary functionalities in one processing step.

Ultra-high barrier metallised and SiOx coated BOPP UHB films – simultaneous biaxial orientation Besides EVOH based, predominantly transparent barrier films, metallised, simultaneously biaxial oriented »ultra-high-barrier«

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FEATURES or UHB films with exceptional OTR values have been developed. Also transparent UHB films with SiOx coating can be produced. A very thin 0.5-0.8 micron surface layer of a so called »high surface energy polymer« results in a very strong bonding of the evaporated aluminium to this film surface, among others due to a very high surface energy in the range 5256 dyn. No surface treatment such as corona or flame is necessary to reach these stable surface energy values. By using standard optical densities exceptional OTR values down to 0.2 cm3/m2/day bar (0.013 cc/100in2/ day bar) have been obtained, a typical WVTR value is 0.3 g/ m2 day (0.02 g/100in2/day bar) at a film thickness of 15 micron. As the high surface energy polymer layer can be applied in thicknesses clearly below one micron a cost-efficient production is possible. Alternatively, a transparent SiOx coated UHB film with similar barrier values, but offering an excellent product

presentation, has been manufactured. At the moment a UHB film with the given polymer layer composition can be obtained without optical defects only by the simultaneous biaxial tenter frame process.

films as a substitute are a) increasing aluminium prices and b) aluminium foils have a thickness of 7 micron, whereas the aluminium coatings on BOPP films are in a thickness range of 40-60 nm.

The UHB films OTR values of 0.2 cm3/m2/day bar (0.013 cc/00in2/day bar (23°C or 74°F/75% RH) approach those of aluminium foil and are about 250 times lower than that of standard BOPP metallised films, which are in the range of 40-70 cm3/m2/day bar.

Further developments for UHB BOPP film – WVTR / OTR improvements

Aluminium foil is essentially impenetrable by moisture and oxygen. However, when packs made with foil are subjected to the repeated manipulation and handling that are common with manufacturing, cartoning, shelf stocking and consumer handling in the retail environment, they can develop pinholes and become permeable. Further arguments of using metallised BOPP ultra high barrier

Recent BOPP-UHB screening trials at the Brückner pilot line with special additives have shown potential for a further improvement of the WVTR from 0.3 g/m2/day to values below 0.2 g/m2/day. Further trials will aim for further improvements of the UHB barrier values at reasonable costs, for example, by using novel nano-composite barrier materials and reduced additive contents. New resins for the skin layers have shown promising results regarding the metal adhesion, which will undergo future testing at the Brückner pilot line in the sequential stretching mode.

Valve gating for molders alve gating has become the preferred method of gating for precision molders, offering a more stable injection process without stringing and drooling of the melt.

And these are particularly interesting times for valves gates: two themes – electric drive and precise control – are dominating a lot of the new entries; hydraulic and pneumatic products are getting ever more sophisticated; and a very familiar distributor is launching its own product offering.

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With the upcoming trend there are quite good numbers of companies who have worked on this and have some good to offer. Husky Injection Molding System’s the UltraSync-E electric technology is designed to offer shot-to-shot and part-to-part consistency through precise stem closing to help eliminate variability from the injection molding process – and by allowing for a minimum nozzle spacing of 18 mm, it’s particularly well-suited for high precision molding of small parts. 39

The unique plate actuation mechanism requires the lowest amount of maintenance of any product in its category, and wear is eliminated by the use of bearings for moving components. Accessibility to perform routine maintenance tasks is simple and easy – stems on the UltraSync-E can be exchanged in the machine in less than five minutes.” In addition to the UltraSync-E, Husky offers its UltraSync hot runners in hydraulic, the UltraSync-H; and pneumatic, J A N U A R Y 2013

FEATURES the UltraSync-P. “Electric, hydraulic and pneumatic options are available with Ultra 300, Ultra 500, and Ultra 750 valve gate hot runner nozzles,” Baumann said. Synventive Molding Solutions recently introduced its new eGate high performance electric valve gate hot runner system, designed for injection molding applications that require multi-shot/multi-material applications, sequential/cascading molding, clean room environments, and premium cosmetic surfaces. According to Synventive, the eGate provides numerous advantages over traditional valve gates, including greater control, as processors can adjust the flow rate out of each nozzle gate at any time during the fill process; valve pin position that improves cosmetic gate quality; improved shotto-shot and part-to-part consistency; and process monitoring that gathers and monitors data for real-time pin position. The eGate is said to be particularly effective when combined with the company’s eGate Shop software, which monitors the open and closed positions of the valve pins within 0.01 mm, as well as velocities and accelerations, resulting in improved gate quality and quicker closing of the valve pin. The E-Drive electric valve gating system from Mold-Masters Ltd. is available in larger sizes for automotive and large appliance parts. An example is the new EVH 110 (110 mm). The E-Drive is designed for multicavitation and precision molding applications in clean room and oil-

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free environments; its valve pin plate concept utilizes the full capabilities of servo technology, with the servo motor's power transmitted to the valve pin plate by a timing belt and two ball screws, resulting in accurate linear motion to open and close the gates. And the E-Drive continues to help simplify the barrier process for food and medical packaging applications. At the recent NPE2012 show in Florida, for example, Mold-Masters included its E-Drive in a work cell for co-injection of three-layer HDPE caps with a three per cent to six per cent barrier layer of EVOH in the centre. This IRIS co-injection technology utilized Mold-Masters’ E-Multi secondary injection unit and an instrument from IMD Ltd. of Switzerland to test for the presence of the barrier layer. Medical and electronics industry injection molders can attain a higher degree of process reliability for highprecision valve gate applications via an electric-drive system that's now available with an optional position encoder from Ewikon Molding Technologies Inc. The encoders provide real-time monitoring of valve pin position with an accuracy of 0.01 mm.

The controller shows the current valve pin positions graphically and digitally and allows operators to select for synchronous or sequential control on all drives. The system can handle up to 32 drives, and slave units may be grouped together to control larger layouts. In addition to the normal functions, multiple valve-pin positions within one injection cycle are also possible in the standard unit. Various trigger signals can be used to open and close valves, and the signals may be digital from pressure or temperature systems or analog signals such as linear position devices for screw position. Data and settings can be saved on a compact flash card. Hydraulic and pneumatic valve gates are pretty standard. Hasco’s new Z2371 valve gates, available in hydraulic or pneumatic versions, are meant to offer a high degree of standardization for high-volume applications ranging from medical to auto parts.

Also new for the system is a second-generation touch-screen electric drive controller, which monitors the valve-pin position and corrects for any deviation.

For hydraulic actuation there are two different types of housings in three sizes and two strokes each available. Pin diameters vary according to the sizes, and maximum pin strokes are 8 mm and 12 mm. For maintenance or repair work, the Z2371 it can be disconnected without disassembly of the complete unit; the hydraulic circuit won’t be touched, and there’s no contamination by hydraulic oil.

For instance, the controller will trigger an error message and alarm if the drive fails to reach its position, allowing it to detect gate blockages caused by resin contaminants.

In the pneumatic actuation, the Z107910 is designed to be assembled into the back plate of the mold. This version offers four sizes with different pin diameters and variable pin strokes.

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FEATURES In addition, you have the possibility to lock the piston with the help of a snap ring. In case of trouble the corresponding pneumatic actuation unit can be locked – it’s an indispensable requirement from the industry in order not to stop the whole production due to a defect related to a single cavity. The new Zenith valve gate system from DME Company is the company’s first standard valve gate system of

its own design, and is available in hydraulic or pneumatic versions and with nozzles two inches to 20 inches in length. Experts say Materials in the industry are changing all the time and the valve gates have to change to handle them, and no one wants to be dependent on the vendor to make those changes.

necessary Zenith valve gates maintain a perfectly flat thermal profile, with better heat profiles in the nozzle and tip – areas where uniform heat prevents drooling or stringing. They use standard DME Flex manifold heaters and work with DME’s new hydraulic valve gate sequencer, which stores up to 32 recipes and 200 events.

Designed for medical part molders – the pneumatic valve gates in particular – where a clean-room environment is

Well it seems then gating is thus picking up very fast for the applications and molders have to keep a tab on it.

Nanotechnology- Changing the Plastics Product manufacturing Nanotechnology contributes significant advantages to plastics applications today and will bring even more advances in the future. anotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly one to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. A nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter; a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.”

Nanocomposites that enhance the properties of thermoplastic resins, making them tougher, more heat-, dent- and scratch-resistant, can be processed using the same equipment and methods as "traditional" resins. Nanotechnology promises to bring about new products that would have been impossible with macro-sized materials, for example, postage-stamp sized memory chips capable of holding 25 DVDs' worth of data, or completely scratch-resistant auto body paints.

"At this level, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials differ in fundamental and valuable ways from the properties of individual atoms and molecules or bulk matter.”

Here are a few examples of how nanotechnology is changing plastics product manufacturing today:

Nanotechnology contributes significant advantages to plastics applications today and will bring even more advances in the future.

Nanoclays or nanocarbon fillers, including layered silicate nanoclays, nanotalcs, carbon nanotubes and graphite platelets in a polymeric matrix.

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Nanocomposites

Nanoscale reinforcing materials are used in a variety of thermoplastics, such as polypropylene, thermoplastic olefins, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene and nylon. Nanocomposites outperform standard fillers and reinforcements in raising heat resistance, dimensional stability, stiffness, flame retardancy and electrical conductivity. Typical applications include automotive parts, including body side molding, fuel-line components and interior center consoles. In electronics, polycarbonate and polyetherimide components of hard drives have been reinforced with nanotubes to give them better conductivity. Nanocomposite concentrates are being evaluated in films for enhancing barrier properties and controlling the release of additives such as biocides and dyes. Nanoclays

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FEATURES in nylons are used as barrier layers in multi-layer PET bottles and films for food packaging.

Electrically Conductive Polymer Nanocomposite Materials Scientists and engineers at the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, working with the University of Dayton Research Institute, have developed polymer nanocomposite materials capable of carrying or dissipating significant electrical charge. Nanotubes on the order of 50 to 150 nm (nanometers) in diameter, that are remarkably flexible and have the current carrying capacity of copper, are dispersed into a supporting polymer matrix. Electrically condcutive polymer nanocomposite materials offer substantial weight savings,

flexibility, durability, low-temperature processability and tailored reproducible conductivity compared to conductive metal-filled systems. Applications could include conductive paints, coatings, caulks, sealants, adhesives, fibers, thin films, thick sheets and tubes for use the in aerospace, automotive and chemical industry markets.

Solar Cells The U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and The University of California-Berkeley have developed a hybrid semicondctor-polymer photovolatic device which will be cheaper and easier to make than conventional solar panels and could be molded into the same nearly infinite variety of shapes as pure polymers.

Semiconductor nanorods are be used to fabricate readily processed and energy-efficient hybrid solar cells together with polymers. The use of solar, or photovoltaic, cells -- devices that can absorb and convert light into electrical power -- has been limited because production costs are so high.

Nanocomposite Foams Ohio State University engineers have found a way, using nanocomposites, to make dense plastic foam that may replace solid plastic in the future. The foam products are lighter than solid plastics, but appear the same to the eye. Potential applications include seat cushions, carpet padding, home insulation, disposable diapers, fast food container, coffee cups and packaging material.

Bioplastics to see a five fold increase he bioplastics market of around 1.2 mln tons in 2011 will see a five-fold increase in production volumes by 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to an anticipated almost 6 mln tons.

This is the result of the current market forecast, which the industry association European Bioplastics publishes annually in cooperation with the Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites from the University of Hannover. By far the strongest growth will be in the biobased, non-biodegradable bioplastics group. Especially the socalled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;drop-in' solutions, i.e. biobased versions of bulk plastics like PE and PET, that merely differ from their

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conventional counterparts in terms of their renewable raw material base, are building up large capacities. Leading the field is partially biobased PET, which is already accounting for approximately 40% of the global bioplastics production capacity. An increasing number of new bioplastic production facilities are being built in Asia and South America. In 2016, Asia is predicted to be home to 46.3% of the global bioplastic production capacity, and South America to just over 45%, driven mainly by feedstock availability. Thailand has expressed the ambition to become bioplastics production hub of Southern Asia, and

is taking concrete steps in the form of investments and joint ventures to realize this. In Brazil, world number one in bio-PE production Braskem has targeted 2013 as the year to bring its bio PP facility on stream. Other factors impacting growth include robust market demand growth, relative scarcity of oil & gas and supportive government policy in most countries of the region. These regions are also less likely to have large fossil energy discoveries or feel any major supply impact of the large shale gas discoveries in North America. Palm waste and palm oil are found in abundance in Malaysia as well

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FEATURES as Indonesia. New developments in Malaysia focus on jatropha development, and the Petronas/ LanzaTech project that is aimed at utilizing waste CO2. Malaysia's pioneer Bioplastics Pilot Plant that enables the production of versatile biodegradable plastic materials from palm oil - a fully automated Polyhydroxylalkanoate (PHA) Bioplastics plant was designed and built through the partnership between SIRIM Bhd, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),United States. The bioreactor facilities and integrated manufacturing process of the plant is able to produce various options of PHA materials from crude palm kernel oil and palm oil mill effluent. Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Selim Group is mulling the prospects of converting algae to biobased products. Cassava and sugarcane has been a major focus as a feedstock in Thailand. Thailand is the world's largest cassava exporter and second-largest sugar exporter. PTTMCC Biochem- a joint venture between PTT PLC and Mitsubishi Chemical, has selected BioAmber Inc. as its partner for a polybutylene succinate (PBS) plant in Thailand. Investments by PTT Chemical in Myriant will provide an impetus to biosuccinic acid in Thailand. PTT Group has become the world's leading player in the biobased petrochemical industry after its subsidiary PTT Chemical reached an agreement to acquire half of NatureWorks,

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the world's only manufacturer of polylactic acid (PLA). Thailand is on a strategic agenda to be the bio-based manufacturing center for the region and the globe-laying impetus and investment into infrastructure, man power and incentives. In India, major developments have been made in developing sugarcane as feedstock, while investment in jatropha has yet to pay off. Seaweedoriented research to make ethanol and biobutanol is on the rise in South Korea. Vietnam, like Thailand, is largely cassava country when it comes to all things biobased although cane and aquaculture development are making strides. Arkema SA acquired two Chinese companies as part of a plan to grow its sales by 1 billion euros through acquisitions- a 100% stake in Hipro Polymers and Casda Biomaterials at US$365 mlnn. The former is a maker of biosourced nylon 10.10, and the latter a producer of sebacic acid derived from castor oil, a building block of Hipro's materials. Chinese domestic consumption for bioplastics will also grow rapidly, but will be constrained by Chinese government concerns with using food crops for feedstocks. Mexican company Biofase plans to develop 100% biodegradable plastic resins using avocado discarded seeds. Mexico is one of the biggest avocado producers, discarding about 30,000 tons (MT) of seeds a month. T However, several factors can hold back the potential of biorenewable materials in Asia Pacific. Prices remain high, since application and

technology development is an ongoing process. The low scale-up of manufacturing capacity also increase per unit costs. In addition, bioplastics' inferior performance attributes, such as moisture absorption, low heat deflection temperature, and reduced resistance against chemical attacks, limit their application range. The poor execution of eco-labeling policies and insufficient composting facilities in Asia-Pacific countries also restrict the potential applications of bioplastics. For the time being, bioplastics are playing a limited role in packaging and in the plastics market overall. However, manufacturers are sure to keep their eye on plant-based materials as a means to increase the sustainability of the value chain. Meantime, bioplastics manufacturers would do well to seek out applications at margins where their product can provide â&#x20AC;&#x153;good enoughâ&#x20AC;? performance at lower cost, or environmental benefits at equal cost or at a premium. This can provide a wedge into the market while producers expand capacity and improve their products through intensive R&D. As per Frost & Sullivan, to stimulate growth, manufacturers must innovate technology, develop better products, and scale-up capacity to bring per unit costs down. To encourage companies to enter the market, local governments should introduce codification for composting and biodegradability, and implement national standard certifications. This will enable the bioplastics market in Asia-Pacific to attract investments and grow steadily.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Australia’s plastics law reform ‘at risk’ ustralia’s proposed national plastic and chemical regulations, designed to streamline laws across the country, might never become a reality, Australia’s reform council has warned. The Council of Australian Governments in Canberra, wants to introduce the proposed harmonized laws. COAG recognized chemicals and plastics policy is a regulatory “hotspot” in February 2006 and agreed existing regulation is fragmented because it is administered by multiple agencies across all government levels.In 2008, COAG agreed to introduce reforms reducing the chemicals and plastics industries’ regulatory compliance burden.

COAG agreed gaps, inconsistencies and duplication in the regulatory

framework have created inefficient management of hazard identification and risk. However in a December report the COAG Reform Council (CRC), which was established to help COAG with its reform agenda, warned that ongoing delays have reached a point where “we are not confident the [plastics and chemicals] reform will be delivered.” The council said the federal government has not yet completed two targets set for June 2010, and governments collectively have not completed other milestones. COAG’s final 2012 meeting was Dec. 7. COAG said it would respond to CRC’s summary report at its first 2013 meeting and consider action required to manage its chemicals and plastics reform concerns.

Inadequate recyclate in UK he inadequate and poor recyclate in UK is not only affecting green environment but is also a burden on its economy . According to the Resource Association poor quality recyclate is damaging the UK’s green economy. The findings of the ‘Costs of Contamination Report 2012’ reportedly show that poor and inconsistent recyclate quality is a significant financial burden on British industry. The association identified more than £51m of avoidable costs – an average of £15.67 per tonne. In the report, the association restated its calls for a fresh look at the whole municipal recycling supply chain, including action to better regulate the output of MRFs. This must include a mandatory MRF

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Code of Practice that demonstrably improves the quality of UK MRF output through a robust system of monitoring, material sampling and unannounced inspections. Further robust action by regulators to enforce TFS Regulations and ensure that all recyclate exported meets legal quality requirements – doing this would undoubtedly lead to quality improvements in the recyclate also destined for UK reprocessors. More research by Government and its agencies to understand better the relationship between collection systems, public behaviour and contamination of recyclate - with the purpose of improving communications and operational practice to deliver better quality.

Turkey raises custom duties on polystyrene (PS) imports urkey has raised the customs duties applied on polystyrene (PS) imports from developing nations to 3% as part of a series of decisions regarding the country’s import regime made by the cabinet, according to the official gazette published on December 31.

PS imports from developing nations were exempt from customs duties before the latest adjustment. With the new regulation, which became effective as of January 1, 2013, any of these cargoes to be cleared from Turkish customs will be subject to 3% duty. In view of this development, Thailand, India and Pakistan are going to be the major sources feeling the impact of the recent upward adjustment in customs duties as they are the main suppliers of import PS in Turkey right after Europe. According to reports Turkey’s total PS imports totaled more than 220,000 tons in the first eleven months this year with a total value of around US$388 mln. Its main PS supplier was Belgium with more than 100,000 tons of imports in the first eleven months of 2012, accounting for 45% of total imports.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Southeast Asian converters react to new minimum wage laws everal Southeast Asian nations are putting new minimum wage laws into effect or increasing existing minimum wages this year . Reactions from players in the region’s polymer markets have been mixed, although several converters are expressing concern about rising operating costscosts for utilities and raw materials have risen, along with increasing wage costs. Converters are unsure of increasing their end product prices enough to cover the increases in their costs.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) proposed a 15% wage hike for workers in the private sector while the Vietnamese government also implemented higher minimum wages for employees and pensioners in the state sector, citing higher living costs as justification for increases. Thailand’s Ministry of Labor will raise minimum wages by THB300 (US$10) per day for the country’s remaining provinces after piloting

higher wages in selected provinces last year. Malaysia will implement its first nation-wide minimum wage in 2013, stipulating minimum monthly wages of MYR900 (US$294) for workers in peninsular Malaysia and MYR800 (US$261) for Sabah and Sarawak provinces. Companies employing fewer than five workers will be able to delay implementing the new wage minimums until July 1, 2013. In addition, the provincial government of Jakarta in Indonesia announced a 44% increase in the monthly minimum wage for 2013.

Concern for environment by consumers expands North American market for oleochemicals he oleochemicals market in North America, in terms of volume, has been static for the past 10 years, but increased consumer awareness for natural derivatives has significantly widened their usage, as per Frost & Sullivan. For instance, refined glycerin's stable and non-toxic nature has made it the best alternative carbohydrate source to sugar in sports and health drinks. Analysis of the North American Oleochemicals Market, finds that the market earned revenue of US$3.53 bln in 2011 and estimates this to reach US$3.91 bln in 2018.

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for oleochemicals, which are generally less expensive. Globally, feedstock prices hit a record high from 2009 to 2011, which rippled into the oleochemicals market," said Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Dr. Nandhini Rajagopal. "Further, the reinstated biodiesel policy in the U.S. has caused tallow's prices to fluctuate." From 2009 to 2010, palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil experienced wild price fluctuations. The price for palm kernel oil shot up from US$702/ton in 2009 to US$1184/ton in 2010. Coconut oil also suffered similarly during this period, with its price increasing from US$725/ton to US$1124/ton. As of yet, producers of fatty acids have been gaining considerable margin by selling the by-product, glycerin. However, the reinstated biodiesel policy has augmented the global biodiesel production capacity. This has resulted 45

in the oversupply of glycerin, which is expected to constrict the margins of the fatty acid market, affecting its overall profitability. The market is also held back by competition from lowcost Chinese imports. They can stave off this competition by setting up local manufacturing facilities. Furthermore, developing and implementing relevant regulations will eliminate the threat from counterfeit and smuggled personal care products. "Upward integration with plantation or agri-business groups and downward integration with end-user product manufacturing companies should help to synergize oleochemical manufacturers' strengths to overcome the price fluctuations and remain stable," said Frost & Sullivan Chemicals Vice President Shomik Majumdar. "Such alliances have been successful for the largest companies operating in this segment and could be replicated by other players." J A N U A R Y 2013

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Mexico aims to raise total petrochemicals production capacity to 22.6 mln tpa exico is aiming to raise total petrochemicals production capacity from around 9 mln tpa in 2011 to 22.6 mln tpa by 2026; Braskem's Ethylene XXI project will account for 15% of this increase. Reaching this goal is contingent on the full development of the country's shale gas reserves (estimated at 19,300bcm in 2012) as well as a reliable source of raw materials and greater private sector participation.

In 2012, Mexico's olefins capacities included 1.58 mln tpa of ethylene and 660,000 tpa of propylene. These fed downstream capacities of 875,000 tpa polyethylene (PE), 590,000 tpa polypropylene (PP), 667,000 tpa polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and 310,000 tpa polystyrene (PS)., as per Report Buyer. Mexico petrochemical output has suffered due to the effects of the global economic downturn.

Europe plans ban on cadmium in Plastics he European Commission is considering to ban cadmium in plastics from the current 16 materials listed in Annex XVII of REACH to all plastic materials.The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) said it will examine the case for an outright ban and has issued a call for evidence to the plastics industry. The European PVC industry is also phasing out the use of lead stabilizers.

Malaysia levies anti-dumping tax on Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene alaysia has levied antidumping taxes on Vietnam’s Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), as per a state agency under the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade. The taxes, ranging from 10.41% to 21.43%, are imposed by Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), and effective between December 24, 2012 and April 22, 2013. This is, however, only a temporary sanction the MITI is applying for Vietnam and four other Asian countries. Malaysia initiated an anti-dumping investigation into BOPP imported from Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, China and Indonesia in the time span from January 1 to December 3, 2011.

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The inspection was launched after the plaintiff San Miguel Yamamura Plastic Films Syndicate said the

Malaysian BOPP industry was suffering serious economic damage from foreign dumping activities.

American Chemistry Council ties up with Society of Plastics Engineers he American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) will, under the partnership, share communication channel assets and other resources and benefits.

Willem De Vos, SPE’s chief executive officer said that ACC’s Plastics Division will enhance their members’ access to market data

on plastics sustainability, among other benefits the latter will provide through the alliance.Meanwhile, Steve Russell of ACC affirmed that the partnership will definitely help SPE’s work through ACC’s comprehensive information on innovative materials and plastic applications.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Indian Oil Corp renews interest to Onex acquires acquire a controlling stake in Haldia KraussMaffei Group ndian Oil Corporation has renewed its interest in acquiring a controlling stake in Haldia Petrochemicals with the tacit support of the lead bankers of the company. According to reports, State Bank of India and IDBI Bank had called a meeting on January 7 in Mumbai with the two leading promoters of HPL -the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) and The Chatterjee Group (TCG) to discuss IOC’s proposal, among others. Deloitte has been appointed as the transaction adviser for the

entire bid process. IOC is understood to be keen on a negotiated deal with the promoters of Haldia Petro against competing with other players in auction. Indian Oil already has an 8.89% stake in HPL by virtue of a Rs 150 crore investment made in 2004. Sources added that Inadequate working capital, despite best efforts of the present management, has forced the company to operate at 50% of the installed capacity, resulting in huge losses. According to an estimate, Haldia Petro has piled up nearly Rs 1,000 crores of accumulated losses.

Solvay acquires Sunshield Chemicals olvay has taken a controlling interest in Mumbai based Sunshield Chemicals, an Indian surfactants producer. The company is a leading manufacturer and exporter of Surfactants and Anti Oxidants. Started as domestic player, Sunshield today serves a reputed clientele spread over America, Europe, South East Asia, Far East and Middle East. The acquisition will enable Solvay's Novecare business to accelerate its

growth in India’s home care, coatings and industrial markets."We are now better geared to increase our market position in the Indian market that is currently enjoying double-digit annual growth," said Emmanuel Butstraen, president of Novecare."This additional bolt-on acquisition further consolidates our leading positions in specialty surfactants in Asia and we are wellequipped to support our customers' development in this part of the world."

for € 568 million nex Corporation (“Onex”) has completed the acquisition of KraussMaffei Group, a leading manufacturer of plastic and rubber processing equipment, for € 568 million. Onex Partners III invested US$353 million, of which Onex’ share is about US$89 million as a limited partner in the Fund.

The KraussMaffei Group is among the world’s leading suppliers of machinery and systems for producing and processing plastics and rubber. Its products and services cover the whole spectrum of injection and reaction molding and extrusion technology, giving the company a unique position in the industry. The company markets it’s offering under the KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal brands. The company has a global network of over 30 subsidiaries and more than 10 production plants, supported by around 570 sales and service partners.

IOC and HPCL mull new refineries on West Coast ndianOil Corp and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation are viewing the West Coast as the ideal location for their new refineries, as per The Hindu. In the early 1990s, HPCL

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teamed up with Oman Oil Company to kick off a 6 mln ton refinery in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district. The project never saw the light of day and HPCL wisely decided to focus,

instead, on the Bhatinda refinery. The Maharashtra Refinery is now proposed to be commissioned post-2017 in two phases of nine mt apiece.

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BUSINESS NEWS

ExxonMobil Commissions Singapore Petrochemical Plant Expansion xxonMobil has commenced operations at its Singapore petrochemical complex ,one of the world’s largest ethylene steam crackers. The expansion, powered by a new 220-megawatt cogeneration plant, adds 2.6 mln tpa of new finished product capacity. It includes two new polyethylene plants, a polypropylene

plant, a metallocene elastomers unit, an oxo-alcohol unit and an aromatics expansion, all of which are completed and beginning operation. The new cogeneration plant allows for the efficient generation of electricity to run pumps, compressors and other equipment, while at the same time producing additional steam

Clariant divests three businesses to SK Capital pecialty chemicals firm Clariant is selling its textile chemicals, paper specialties and emulsions businesses to US-based investments firm, SK capital.The deal, which will accord the three business units to SK capital for an estimated CHF 502 million - 460 million of which is in cash, or equivalent to 6.3 times the estimated full year 2012 recurring EBITDA of

these units , is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2013. Clariant’s CEO Hariolf Kottmann says that the divestment is a profitable growth strategy for the Swiss firm following its acquisition of Sud Chemie in 2011 and is expected to help further increase its profitability in non-cyclical growth businesses.

Nan Ya Plastics to sell off shares in Formosa Petrochemical Corp an Ya Plastics Corp is , to sell 190.52 million shares of affiliate Formosa Petrochemical Corp by the end of Q2-13. Nan Ya’s announcement makes it the third unit under Taiwans nation’s biggest diversified industrial group, to declare plans to sell Formosa Petrochemical

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shares over the past seven days. Formosa Plastics Corp, the nation’s largest maker of polyvinyl chloride, and Formosa Chemicals, which produces aromatics and styrenics, had earlier announced plans to each sell 190.52 million Formosa Petrochemical shares by June 30.

needed in the production processes. Cogeneration is significantly more efficient than traditional methods of producing steam and power separately, resulting in lower operating costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Ethylene production is expected to start in the next few months.

Providien buys Dynaroll to plastics lineup rizona based Providien LLC acquired Dynaroll Corp. of Sylmar, California earlier this month however the terms were not disclosed. Dynaroll is a contract manufacturer of medical components for devices, robots, surgical equipment and disposable products. Dynaroll supplies highprecision miniature and instrument bearings essential for motion control in certain medical devices and diagnostic and imaging systems.

A small portion of Dynaroll’s manufacturing involves precision machining of plastic components. The remainder deals with metals processing and assembly tasks. Simon Harrison founded Dynaroll in 1988. The firm employs 85, occupies 40,000 square feet and is certified under ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Baird invests in Singapore moulder aird Capital Partners Asia, the China-focused investment group of Baird Private Equity, has invested an undisclosed amount in Boston Plastics, a high precision plastic injection moulding and sub-assemblies company based in Singapore.

Terms were not disclosed. Founded in 2005, Boston Plastics manufactures products for the automotive, consumer electronics, imaging and industrial markets, serving an extensive international customer base that

is seeking to tap into the growing demands of the Chinese consumer. Boston Plastics has manufacturing facilities in Shanghai, Changchun and Taicang. Through this investment, it is expected that Boston Plastics’s management team will draw from Baird’s expertise in the plastics industry to help position the company for continued growth and future expansion in the automotive, healthcare and clean energy sectors

PolyOne acquires carbon fibre firm S polymer material firm PolyOne has acquired Glasforms, a manufacturer of glass and carbon fibre-reinforced polymers and advanced composite products, for US$34 million.

The purchase marks PolyOne’s entry into advanced composite technology. Glasforms has grown sales at a 36% compound annual growth rate since 2010 and in fiscal year 2012 achieved revenues in excess of US$50 million.

Glasforms manufactures advanced composite products for use in demanding applications across the electrical and telecom, energy, transportation, healthcare, and security and defense markets. End products include applications for endoscopy wands, wind turbine blade stiffening components, commercial truck floors and railcar doors for light-weighting, composite utility poles to replace wood and metal, earthquake-proof bridge decks, and specialized rods used in the production of oil and gas.

Reifenhäuser acquires Westland estland, The U.S. company manufacturer of screws and barrels Westland Corporation was recently acquired by Reifenhäuser Group, thereby increasing the market share of the subsidiary Reiloy Metall, active in the same sector.

The transaction will expand the production capacity of the manufacturer and will strengthen its role in the North American market. The acquired company became part of Reifenhäuser Group with immediate effect, taking the name of Reiloy Westland Corporation and will operate as an independent unit of Reiloy Metall. The CEO Bernd Reifenhäuser said: "I am convinced that the U.S. is a strategic market for Reifenhäuser Group and that its importance will continue to grow in the future. Acquiring a local site for the construction of screws and barrels and investing in its production capacity, we intend to fully exploit this market development

US film demand growing 1.8 percent annually, says Report emand for plastic film in the United States will grow 1.8 percent annually to reach 15.9 billion pounds in 2016, according to a new market study. According to the report the demand for polypropylene and

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linear low density polyethylene film will both exceed 2 percent annually, driven by food packaging and other applications, as well as opportunities such as pouches for drugs and medical products, and in modified atmosphere

packaging. Among low-volume films, degradable plastics will exhibit the fastest growth, followed by cellophane and ethylene vinyl alcohol, according to the report, “Plastic Film,” from Cleveland-based Freedonia Group Inc.

J A N U A R Y 2013

BUSINESS NEWS

Americhem buys Infinity Compounding olor and additive concentrates maker Americhem Inc. has acquired Infinity Compounding LLC, a producer of filled and reinforced engineering resin compounds based in Swedesboro, N.J. For both Infinity and Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio-based Americhem, the purchase broadens the technology base, opens new markets and expands geographical

reach, said Americhem CEO Rick Juve. Markets served by Infinity include medical, electrical/electronics and business machines. The firm will continue to operate independently under existing management, including President Carlos Carreno, who — along with sales and marketing vice president Tim Carroll — founded Infinity in 2005. Infinity has annual

production capacity of about 7 million pounds. Sales for 2012 were between $10 million and $20 million, and were up more than 25 percent vs. 2011. A sixth extrusion line should be installed in Swedesboro in the second half of 2013.As part of Americhem, Infinity will be able to offer new products and technologies, including color capabilities, Carreno said.

Showa Denko K.K. and Mitsubishi’s joint venture for Fullerene itsubishi Corporation (MC) and Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) have entered into a strategic partnership in the Fullerene business. As part of the arrangement, SDK acquired from MC a 50% stake in Frontier Carbon Corporation (FCC), a producer and marketer of Fullerene products, thereby making FCC a 50-50 joint venture between MC and SDK.

Fullerene is a molecule composed entirely of carbon. It takes the form of a soccer ball and is one nanometer (onemillionth of a millimeter) in diameter. As the molecule is soluble in organic solvents and is an excellent electron acceptor, it is seen as a promising material in the field of electronics, particularly for such applications as n-type material for organic photovoltaic

(OPV) cells. SDK has over 10 years of experience commercially producing carbon nanotubes under the trade name VGCFTM. SDK's VGCFTM is already used in various applications, including lithium ion batteries, and the tie-up with MC in the Fullerene business is expected to further expand its.

JV Wins Contract for refinery and petrochemical complex in Vietnam joint venture of JGC Corporation (JGC), Chiyoda Corporation, Technip, and South Korean contractors GS Engineering & Construction and SK Engineering & Construction has been awarded a contract for the Nghi Son refinery and petrochemicals complex in the Nghi Son economic zone in northern Vietnam, as per JCN.

The contract was awarded by the

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Nghi Son Refinery Petrochemical Limited Liability Company, a joint venture between Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd (35.1%), Kuwait Petroleum International (35.1%), Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation (25.0%), and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (4.8%). The lump-sum turnkey contract is for the engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and commissioning work for an oil refinery with production capacity of 200,000 56

bpd. The complex, scheduled for completion in late 2016, will be located in the Thanh Hoa Province in Vietnam, 200 km south of the capital city of Hanoi. This project, which is being promoted by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Kuwait Petroleum International, Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation, and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. is a grassroots oil refinery and petrochemical complex project in Vietnam. J A N U A R Y 2013

PRODUCT NEWS

Hot runners for polycarbonate he new range of hot runner systems developed by Lux Diamond Inglass-HRSFlow is particularly suitable for molding articles of polycarbonate which require a high aesthetic quality, such as, for example, the various components of the front headlights of automobiles. Also in the automotive industry, these systems are an ideal field of application in the production of windows and panorama roofs by multi injection technology, which allows you to integrate the components also necessary devices to their positioning and assembly development has focused primarily optimizing thermal hot runner, a key factor because of the aesthetics of molded parts. For this purpose, the plates of the mold were isolated using spacers with low thermal conductivity

and limiting the power loss in thermal bridges. Even the contacts towards the mold were made of a material with low thermal conductivity and geometrically improved to reduce the dissipation of the thermal power. Resistances are positioned symmetrically in the upper and lower parts of the collectors, to reduce the cold zones and residence times. The nozzles screwing to avoid any contact with the mold with the exception of the area of the tip of the nozzle and their thermal control is optimized thanks to special resistances with sleeves made of brass. Each resistor allows to have a precise and constant temperature control of the area of the injection point and the high thermal conductivity of brass helps to standardize the temperature profile, ensuring tolerances in the order of 10

Sipa/Athena tie-up and Start Blow for PET bottle making talian blow moulding machine maker Sipa is partnering with Athena Automation, a company founded by ex-Husky owner Robert Schad, to use synergies between the two firms to build product lines and a service organisation. Athena Automation’s facility is located north of Toronto, Canada, where it has been working for three years on a PET preform machine, which it says will raise the bar in terms of reliability. Features that make the Athena machine stand out are fast cycles, improved accuracy, increased

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uptime, smaller footprint, lower power consumption, and design simplicity. Athena and Sipa have been working together for several months, fine tuning the system. Sipa will manage the sales, service and integration of all Athena PET preform machines on an exclusive worldwide basis, with Athena’s support. This arrangement strengthens Sipa’s base and rounds up its product line from low cavitation, multi-mould change applications to high volume production of beverage preforms.

° C on the entire system. The nozzle is fully protected by means of a stainless steel tube which ensures a uniform distribution of temperature, reducing heat dissipation and protecting at the same time also the thermocouple wires and presents a design that allows you to make the most of the space in ' area of injection. All internal channels have been designed to avoid any stagnation that could cause unacceptable defects in the transparent components. Particular attention has also been paid to the quality of the injection point, so that it does not remain on the track molded component even at high injection pressures.

Evonik to cater to sustainable plasticisers erman firm Evonik plans to launch a new generation of PVC plasticisers and also develop a new brand of products. With this expansion of its product lines, Evonik is broadening its range of sustainable plasticisers with the production of phthalatefree plasticiser 1,2-Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester slated to begin in the second half of 2013, with the start-up of a 40,000 tonnes/year facility in Marl, Germany.

J A N U A R Y 2013

PRODUCT NEWS

New foil packaging goes lightweight with Mucell ordenia’s new thin blown foil packaging is a breakthrough in light-weight foil genre.. Thanks to Mucell’s microcellular foaming technology for extrusion for bringing the new NorCell foil’s weight down by 40%, compared to other conventional foil lines. The weight saving feature of NorCell has culminated to an award given by the German Packaging Institute during the FachPack Trade Fair in Nuremberg, Germany. MuCell

technology is based on the direct injection of N2 or CO2 gases in its supercritical state, thereby allowing for a single-phase gas/polymer solution. Microcellular structure and controlled product density is achieved by the accurate control of gas concentration in combination with the proper release of extrusion pressure. Aside from NorCell, this technology has also been applied to most plastic materials and processes. According to Nordenia,

the surfaces of the NorCell foils also enable unique foil haptics. Its application is wide-range, from textilelike "soft touch" structures to highquality, smooth, directly printable surfaces. Moreover, these foils are suitable for use in foodstuffs, pet foods and hygiene products.

Sprue picker offering added Reifenhäuser buys Westland Corp., USA value T (screws and barrels) estland Corporation is a middlesizcompany with about 60 employees based in Wichita, Kansas (Midwest of the USA). Over recent years, the company that disposes of its own screw and barrel know-how has developed into a quality and service leader in the USA.

The Reiloy Westland Team After a successful seven-years cooperation of Reiloy and Westland in the U.S. market, Reifenhäuser now has acquired Westland Corporation. The company renamed as Reiloy Westland will report to Reiloy Metall and thus become part of the Business Unit Reiloy managed by Thomas Porstner. Dave Larson, the former owner of Westland, will continue business operations in the USA as President. The acquisition of Westland is of great strategic importance for

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Reiloy: Larger capacities and knowhow as well as an extended service and sales network now available to the Business Unit will enable us to optimally position ourselves in the North American Market to compete with the dominant competitor Xaloy, and to use market opportunities. Now, we have the power to rapidly supply also big OEMs with our products. The acquisition of Westland Corporation is a clear commitment of the Reifenhäuser Group to the importance of the American market. Our position will be significantly strengthened with an own local business for screws and barrels. For more info please contact: Reifenhauser (India) Marketing Ltd. Ph.No.:- +91 22 26862711 Fax No.:- +91 22 26862722 Email :- info@reifenhauserindia.com Website :- www.reifenhauserindia.com 58

he aim of Campetella Robotic Center, with its new SP3 sprue picker, is to offer a product capable of creating value within the production process. To this end, certain technical solutions have been adopted, namely brushless motors in place of the DC ones often used in this kind of machine, and high quality gears. The immediately apparent features characterising this machine include the selfsupporting cable carrier on all the axes, which protects all the cables far better than other solutions do, and the programming system, which allows the user to create working cycles freely, without the constraint of set sequences. The sprue picker is available in two versions: one with two linear axes and a rotary axis; and one with three linear axes. The result is an out-and-out robot for low-tonnage presses.

J A N U A R Y 2013

TECHNOLOGY

IIT Delhi develop Fibres that are self cleaning, dyeable, tough and thermally stable cientists from IIT Delhi have developed nanocomposite fibres which have unique features of self-cleaning, dyeability, toughness and thermal stability. Prof. Mangala Joshi, Department of Textile Technology, IIT Delhi said , “In our laboratory, we have developed high performance fibres, nanocomposite fibres, based on polypropylene, nylon and polyurethane by incorporating nanoparticles such as nanoclays, carbon nanotubes and titinia nanoparticles. Nanocomposite fibres are a new class of materials with ultrafine dispersion of nanomaterials in a fibre forming polymer,” she informs.

According to the professor, the fibres have much superior properties

such as mechanical strength, toughness, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, dyeability, and selfcleaning or antimicrobial, “depending on the type of nanomaterials used such as carbon nanotubes, nanoclays, silica or titanium nanoparticles. A very low loading of nanoparticles is needed to obtain the enhanced properties and the reason is that if nanoparticles are successfully dispersed at nanolevel in the fibre matrix, the interfacial region becomes large due to very high surface area to volume ratio,” she mentions. When asked about the adverse effect of the new fibres, she says, “Toxicity of nanoparticles is under a lot of investigation and several clinical

studies are going on to actually see the adverse effect of either ingestion or inhalation of nanoparticles suspended in water or air respectively. Once the nanoparticles are embedded inside the polymeric matrix as in nanocomposite fibres or strongly bound to the textile substrate in nanofinishing, the toxic effects can be safely avoided for the end users and moreover, all classes of the nanomaterials do not show the same level of toxic effect. However, handling of nanomaterials should always be done with care and with prescribed safety precautions.”These will find applications in defence or biomedical sector.

NIST develops technology for checking PE pipes he National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed an enhanced form of chemical microscopy that can reveal in detail the interaction between molecules in blended polymers. The technique could prove useful for estimating the life cycle of polyethylene water pipes and joints.Although PE water pipes have a predicted service life of up to 100 years, current tests are unable to accurately predict service life under field conditions, particularly at fusion joints.

Water pipes are predominantly made from a blend of high and linear low density PE.NIST materials scientist Young Jong Lee says that the P L A S T I C S N E W S

combination improves the toughness, strength and fracture resistance of the polymer but, until now, we did not know exactly how this interaction works. HDPE and LLDPE are so close chemically that it has been impossible to distinguish one from the other using X-ray or scanning electron microscopy. NIST’s development, which it calls BCARS (short for Broadband Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering) uses two lasers to analyse the frequencies associated with the different vibrational modes of each molecule. By controlling the polarization of the light, the technique provides additional

details on the local crystal orientation of molecules in the polymer. The images show, for example, the formation of microscopic spherical regions of partial crystallization with the LLDPE more concentrated towards the center.Lee said: “This is a fast, three-dimensional chemical imaging technique that’s particularly useful for studying microstructures of polymeric materials”. The group is currently using BCARS to find the correlation between microscopic structures with characteristics of deformation and thermal fusion on PE pipes.

J A N U A R Y 2013

TECHNOLOGY

Lower costs from foam moulding ustrian machine maker Engel has expanded its working relationship with US-based MuCell foam injection moulding technology supplier Trexel by fully integrating MuCell units into the victory and e-victory series machines, thereby improving the price-performance ratio of system solutions.

Full integration includes both the hardware and the software. Since the compact control cabinet of the MuCell foam unit is completely enclosed by the guarding below the injection unit in the integrated victoryMuCell system, it requires no additional space. The foaming process is built into the CC 200 control unit of the injection moulding machine; it is monitored

and regulated via the display on the injection moulding machine. Another new feature is the nitrogen consumption calculator, which makes it possible to schedule bottle changes in advance. Since the MuCell unit does not require visualisation of its own, integration also cuts system costs. Foam applications generally require only low clamping force, although the moulds are relatively large. Since the mould fixing platens can be used to the hilt on tie-bar-less injection moulding machines, relatively small machines are able to accommodate large moulds. This means low investment and operating costs for the system. Engel’s

Future computer tablets will be Papertab ntel Corp., Plastic Logic Ltd. and Queen’s University have worked together to develop PaperTab, a tablet computer that mimics a sheet of paper.According to the companies, the device features a flexible, highresolution 10.7-inch display developed by Plastic Logic, powered by a second generation Intel CoreTM i5 Processor. “Plastic Logic’s flexible plastic displays allow a natural human interaction with electronic paper, being lighter, thinner and more robust compared with today’s standard glass-based displays,” said Indro Mukerjee, Plastic Logic’s chief executive. The Cambridge, England,

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company unveiled PaperTab at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. PaperTab can file and display thousands of paper documents, replacing the need for a computer monitor and stacks of papers or printouts, he added. “Using several PaperTabs makes it much easier to work with multiple documents,” said Roel Vertegaal, director of Queen’s University’s human media lab. “Within five to 10 years, most computers, from ultra-notebooks to tablets, will look and feel just like these sheets of printed color paper.”

victoryMuCell integration therefore conforms with the trend towards downsizing production systems. In many MuCell applications, for example, a victory machine with 500 tonnes of clamping force can replace a large-scale Engel duo machine with 700 tonnes of clamping force as the usable mould mounting surface is the same in both machines. This makes the victoryMuCell one of the most cost-effective solutions to foam injection moulding on the market, says the firm.

Integrated circuits on plastic substrates BM has developed a technique that enables it to create high performance integrated circuits (ICs) on plastic substrates. Previously, flexible circuits have had a limited performance threshold due to plastic substrates being incompatible with the harsh processes required to make highperformance CMOS devices.

However, IBM claims to have produced plastic SRAM. The extremely thin silicon on insulator (ETSOI) devices had a body thickness of just 60 angstroms. The aim is to eventually develop wearable electronics, ultra lightweight biomedical devices and sensor

J A N U A R Y 2013

TECHNOLOGY

Showa Denko K.K. and Mitsubishi’s to innovate Fullerene itsubishi Corporation (MC) and Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) have entered into a strategic partnership in the Fullerene business. MC aims to create new businesses by dealing in new materials that contribute to innovation in the manufacturing industry. Applications of Fullerene:

1. N-type material for next generation solar cells:Fullerene molecules accept a large amount of electrons with very strong force. At the same time, Fullerene molecules readily combine with functional groups that are soluble in industrial organic solvents. It is therefore possible to produce Fullerene derivatives that are readily soluble in organic solvents, while maintaining their property of high electron accepting capacity. When Fullerene molecules are mixed with p-type organic semiconductors and made into ink, thin film layers having the property

of semiconductors can be formed on PET and other types of plastic films through printing technology, contributing to mass production at low cost. Such coating with special property will bring about innovation in the areas of organic thin film transistors (TFT)/diodes, organic photovoltaic(OPV) cells, and organic light-emitting diode (OLED). Thus, many companies at home and abroad in the printing, electric appliance and chemical industries as well as new high-tech ventures are competing to develop and commercialize new products in this field. With regard to an OPV cell that serves as a low-cost and flexible power-generating device after coating, in particular, almost all manufacturers have decided to adopt Fullerene as the standard material for n-type semiconductor. As a result, efforts are being made

at an accelerated pace to realize mass production of Fullerenes for organic electronics applications. 2. Optical filters, photoresist material for LSI fabrication, etc. : As Fullerene molecules absorb blue light only, they can be used as optical filters, including sunglasses. Development is also under way to use Fullerene as photoresist in the photolithography process for nextgeneration ultra LSIs, utilizing the size of one-nanometer diameter of a Fullerene molecule and its high durability for plasma etching process. Furthermore, steady progress is made in basic research in leading-edge nano devices in which a Fullerene molecule, containing metallic elements , will serve as a switch or a magnet. Thus, development is under way in wide areas of applications.

Researchers grow feedstocks from blue-green algae hemists at the University of California, Davis, have engineered blue-green algae, cyanobacteria, to grow chemical precursors for plastics -- a step to replacing fossil fuels as raw materials for the chemical industry.

“Most chemical feedstocks come from petroleum and natural gas, and we need other sources,” said Shota Atsumi, assistant professor of chemistry at UC Davis and lead author on the study, published in the Proceedings

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of the National Academy of Sciences. The challenge for the researchers was to get the cyanobacteria to make significant amounts of chemicals that can be readily converted to chemical feedstocks. With support from Japanese chemical manufacturer Asahi Kasei, the researchers identified enzymes from online databases that carried out the reactions they were looking for, and then introduced the DNA for these enzymes into the algae cells.

After three weeks growth, the cyanobacteria yielded 2.4 grams of 2,3 butanediol per liter of growth medium – the highest productivity yet achieved for chemicals grown by cyanobacteria and with potential for commercial development, Atsumi said.The U.S. Department of Energy has set a goal of obtaining a quarter of industrial chemicals from biological processes by 2025.

J A N U A R Y 2013

IN THE NEWS

Rajoo Group’s Chandrakant Doshi passes away hairman of Rajoo Group Shri Chandrakant N. Doshi suffered a massive cardiac arrest and left for his heavenly abode on January 5 ,2013. Mr Doshi was Chairman of extrusion machinery firm Rajoo Engineers’s, The 59-year old, who has been a Director and Executive Chairman of the public-listed Rajoo since 2009, started the company more than 25 years ago on the outskirts of Rajkot in Gujarat. Doshi set up the firm in the relatively unknown town of

Manavadar to produce blown film lines and revolutionised the Indian industry with the production of five and sevenlayer lines. Not only did Doshi put Manavadar on the map, he is also credited for building up the firm’s business that has since grown to it having a presence in more than 52 countries, with 50% of its output exported and 60% of the business coming from repeat orders. Doshi also helmed the merger of Indian thermoforming machine maker

US awards grants for bio-based research he U.S. Department of Energy has announced more than $10 million to five projects in California, Washington, Maryland, and Texas that will develop technologies to convert biomass into advanced biofuels and bioproducts like plastics and chemical intermediates.Two of the projects will develop ways to produce intermediates from the deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass, while three projects will propose new conversion techniques to transform biomass intermediates into advanced biofuels and bioproducts. The projects include:

J. Craig Venter Institute (up to $1.2 million; Rockville, Md.): To produce enzymes that deconstruct biomass to make biofuel. This work will be performed in collaboration with La Jolla, Calif.-based Synthetic Genomics, Inc. Novozymes (up to $2.5 million; P L A S T I C S N E W S

Davis, Calif.): To research enzymes that can deconstruct biomass into processable components. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (up to $2.4 million; Richland, Wash.): To produce fuel molecules in fungi growing on lignocellulosic hydrolysate. Texas AgriLife Research (up to $2.4 million; College Station, Texas): To convert lignin into biofuel precursors. The team includes scientists from Georgia Institute of Technology, University of British Columbia, Washington State University, and Texas A&M University. Lygos (up to $1.8 million; Berkeley, Calif.): To develop methods and tools to convert biomass into common and specialty chemicals. This work will be performed in collaboration with San Francisco-based TeselaGen Biotech. 62

Wonderpack with Rajoo to expand Rajoo’s range of machinery. Today, the firm has expanded its product range to include mono/multi-layer blown film lines; mono/multi-layer sheet lines; thermoforming/vacuum forming machines; PP non-woven fabric making machinery; foam extrusion systems; pipe and drip irrigation lines. It operates from a 20,000 sq m facility, including a tool/die room, metal treatment/fabrication, paint/assembly and testing centres, with 350 staff.

SPI to recognize bioplastic innovation he Society of the Plastics Industry Inc.’s Bioplastics Council is introducing an annual awards program to recognize innovative materials, products and processes.

Entries will be judged on innovation, sustainability benefits and impact on the marketplace. “The award provides a platform to showcase exciting bioplastics success stories, allow industry leaders to be recognized by their peers and highlight novel, game changing achievements in the bioplastics industry.” said Melissa Hockstad, SPI’s vice president, science, technology and regulatory affairs Entries are due by March 31.

J A N U A R Y 2013

IN THE NEWS

Russia's FAS authority exposes PVC cartel ussia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has ruled that seven Russian PVC producers and suppliers violated competition law by concluding a cartel agreement to share out PVC production and sales in the national market. In a statement, the head of FAS’s anti-cartel section Alexander Kinyov said that, in view of the income gained by the cartel members, the case will be passed to Russia’s Interior Ministry for criminal prosecution.

The companies involved are PVC producers Sayanskhimplast based in Sayansk, Irkutsk region;

Kaustik (Sterlitamak) of the semiautonomous Bashkortostan Republic and its Moscow-based parent group Bashkhim; Siberian Chemical Co.; Kaustik (Volgograd) and its Moscowbased parent Nikochem group and supplier United Trading Co. (JSC ETK). FAS, which began its investigation last year, found that the firms set up the anticompetitive cartel back in 2005. They agreed to divide up the Russian suspension PVC market by categories of buyers, exchanging information and documents on the scope of production, sales and their customer databases. The Russian antitrust authority has

Women recycle more than men, but couples are best, says report ouples do more recycling than singles, and single women recycle more than single men, at least in the United Kingdom, according to new research. Using data from more than 5,000 households as part of the Understanding Society survey, Essex University doctoral student Hazel Pettifor discovered that 79 percent of opposite-sex couples recycle their trash in the U.K.

The number drops to 69 percent among women living alone, while only 58 percent of single men recycle. Recycling is also moving away from being a “green act” in the UK and is now seems to be just a part of housework, Pettifor said in a podcast describing her research. She also said that women P L A S T I C S N E W S

are more like to recycle waste away from the kitchen, such as textiles, and are doing more than their fair share of recycling overall. “In the same way that housework tasks are often split, with the woman of the house taking on the daily, routine activities, it is likely that women are emptying and rinsing out containers, removing lids and labels and sorting waste,” Pettifor told the Guardian, “while their menfolk make the fortnightly trip to the bottle bank or put the bins out.” The governments in the U.K. want 50 percent of all waste recycled by 2020, the Guardian reported. As of now, recycling rates stand at 41.5 percent in England and Wales, 39.7 percent in Northern Ireland and 37.2 percent in Scotland.

also been conducting investigations into suspected cartel agreements in the country’s soft cable compounds, caustic soda, chlorine and chlorinated paraffin wax markets.

Egypt lifts antidumping duties on polypropylene imports from Saudi Arabia gypt has decided to lift anti-dumping fees on polypropylene imports from Saudi Arabia. Investigations were underway since April on protective measures and anti-dumping fees imposed on Saudi imports due to claims that they are damaging its industry, as per Saudi Press Agency.

The fees were imposed on several Saudi petrochemical makers such as Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (Sabic), the world's largest petrochemical maker, Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co. and National Industrialization Co. The investigation discovered that the damage was caused by other factors and that the measures against Saudi imports "were not in interest of the Egyptian public”.

J A N U A R Y 2013

IN THE NEWS

MoUs proposing investment of Rs 26,000 crore in energy & petrochemicals at Vibrant Gujarat he recently concluded vibrant Gujarat seems to be tremendous success with the amount of proposed investement reaching to 26,000 crores.

MoUs, proposing investment of Rs 26,000 crore in energy & petrochemicals sectors, were signed at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013. According to reports Reliance Industries signed an MoU with the state government for setting up two

LNG projects – one at Dahej and the other at Sikka in Jamnagar – at a total investment of Rs 9,500 crore. An MoU was signed with Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, a part of Tata Power, for expanding capacity of its 4,000 MW Mundra UMPP by 1,600 MW. Another MoU was signed with DMICDC for setting up solar manufacturing and solar generation plant with thin film technology.

Study finds styrene doesn’t cause cancer n analysis performed by Gradient, a Cambridge-based environmental and risk science consulting firm, contradicts the June 2011 findings of the National Toxicology Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which listed styrene as an anticipated carcinogen in its 12th Report on Carcinogens.

Available evidence shows no correlation between styrene—even among workers exposed to high levels of the substance—and increased fatality from any type of cancer, according to a new study. Since that time, the U.S. styrene industry, led by the Styrene Information and Research Center, has decried the

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NTP ruling as based on a biased and faulty review of existing data. The European Union decided not to list styrene as a carcinogen after a full review of the database on the chemical, SIRC said.Gradient analysts Lorenz Rhomberg, Julie Goodman and Robyn Prueitt performed the analysis, which has been published in the January/ February 2013 issue of Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, a peerreviewed scientific journal. According to the Gradient analysis, the only consistent increased incidence of any medical problem associated with styrene exposure was lung tumors, mostly benign, among one strain of lab mice."The only plausible mechanism for styrene-induced carcinogenesis… is not relevant to humans," it said. 64

Fertilizer major Kribhco signed an MoU for establishing a 12.7 lakh tonne urea plant at Hazira. Another MoU related to underground gas storage at an investment of Rs500 crore was signed with Europe-based Storengy Limited. GSPC Gas signed MoU for establishing city gas distribution network in 110 villages. An MoU was signed with Geosyndicate Power for utilization of geothermal energy for power generation.

Import PVC prices higher in the country mport PVC prices also moved higher in India this week after a major Taiwanese producer lifted their February prices to India and China by US$40-60/ton from January. Limited availability and higher spot VCM prices are supporting sellers’ price increases while lackluster demand ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays is encouraging buyers to hold out for more attractive prices. A trader based in New Delhi stated, “We received higher Taiwanese PVC prices this week. Demand has not been good within our region due to some holidays in Gujarat state and we believe that the current import prices will prove unsustainable over the medium term.

J A N U A R Y 2013

EVENTS

Events and Exhibitions Plastics Events & Exhibitions January - February 2013 Plastasia 2013

2. Print Pack India 2013 23-28 February

22-25 February

International exhibition on printing and packaging technology

Plastasia 2013, as the name implies, is a business platform for the industrialists who have their prime focus on plastic sectors

Printpack India technology and showcases high-tech printing, packaging and converting machines. Exhibitors present innovative developments with novel solutions keeping in mind cost-effectiveness and time saving in the production line.

The exhibiting companies participating at Plastasia 2013 will display the best range of plastic processing and developing machines displayed in over 800 stalls.

SUEDETEC, Germany : 26- 28 February Suedtec will offer unlimited business potential for making an entry into Plastic Products & Metal industry. Being hosted by The UBM Canon will be held at Messe Stuttgart, Germany, the show will be attended by Manufacturing community Like: Rubber & Plastics Industries, Automotive Industries, Textile & Garments Industries etc. from varied parts of the world.

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J A N U A R Y 2013

Mamata Machinery. ....................................................................................................................................... cover Madhu Machines & Systems ...............................................................................................................inside cover R. R. Plast Extrusions ..............................................................................................................................Fan Fold Anupam Heaters...................................................................................................................................................5 Polymechplast ......................................................................................................................................................6 GMS Plastic Machinery. .......................................................................................................................................8 Ferromatik Milacron. .............................................................................................................................................9 FITCO .................................................................................................................................................................10 Devanshi Electronics ..........................................................................................................................................12 Reifenhauser India Ltd. ......................................................................................................................................14 Reliance Polymers..............................................................................................................................................26 9th Plastivision India 2013 ..................................................................................................................................27 Andritz Biax . ......................................................................................................................................................30 STEER Engineering ...........................................................................................................................................47 Vodafone ............................................................................................................................................................48 Boolani Engineering ...........................................................................................................................................49 KABRA Extrusion Technik Ltd. . .........................................................................................................................50 Vora Packaging. .................................................................................................................................................51 Merit Polyplast ....................................................................................................................................................52 Pramukh Poly Products ......................................................................................................................................65 Mipalloy ......................................................................................................................................Inside back cover Rajoo Engineers ................................................................................................................................... Back cover

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