SAY YES TO PLASTICS Volume No. 86
PRN: - MCN/200/2015-2017
Issue No. 01
Pages 96
January 2015
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CONTENTS
Plastics News MCN/200/2015-2017 Volume 86
January 2015 No. 1
IS H T N
I
Chairman - Editorial Board Mr. Rituraj Gupta Hon. Editor Mr. Ajay Desai
. . . E SSU
I
19...... AIPMA At Work Report of the Coordination Committee to address the issues related with Human Resources/Skilled Manpower Requirement of the industry
Members Mr. A. E. Ladhaboy Dr. Y. B. Vasudeo Ms. Poorvi Desai
Chinese Delegation Visits AIPMA
Editorial Co-ordination: Padmesh Prabhune, Dhruv Communications, Mumbai, Tel No: 022 2868 5198 / 5049 Fax No : 022-28685495 email: dhruvpr@vsnl.net
National Conference on Indian Medical Devices & Plastics Disposables
Published by Ms. Umaa 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
The 9th PlastIndia 2015 Gandhinagar will be a success
Printed by her at : Dhote Offset Technokrafts Pvt. Ltd., Goregaon (E), Mumbai-400 063. Annual Subscription Single issue
Rs. 1,000/Rs. 75/-
Views/Reports/Extracts etc. published in Plastics News are those of the authors and not necessarily of the Editor. Furthermore except for copies of formal AIPMA communications no other matter in this journal should be interpreted as views of The All India Plastics Mfgrs. Association. Office Bearers Mr. Rituraj Gupta Mr. R. K. Aggarwal Mr. Meela Jayadev Mr. Sanju Desai Mr. Ashok Agarwal Mr. Haren Sanghavi Mr. Manoj R. Shah Mr. Jagat Killawala
President Vice President (North Zone) Vice President (South Zone) Vice President (West Zone) Vice President (East Zone) Hon. Secretary Hon. Jt. Secretary Hon. Treasurer
Explore Bengal
27...... PVI Show 29...... PVA Show 34...... Show Preview 39...... Interview 41...... PlastIndia 2015 47...... Company News 53...... Features 71...... International News 79...... Business News 85...... Product News 88...... Technology 91...... In the News
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3968 8000 (30 Lines)
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THE PRESIDENT SAYS
The Road Ahead
A
IPMA is completing 70 years of its existence this year and we are all thankful to the earlier generation at AIPMA who envisaged the change way back in 1945 making Plastics the leader ( for the future). AIPMA has grown in Leaps and bounds and is the voice of the Industry. Today India has bounced back from the edge of macroeconomic crisis characterised by the earlier double digit inflation, a high rising Current Account Deficit (CAD), and high crude prices. Having said that there remains lot of work to be done for getting the industry back on track. The point in the case is though our Prime Minister Narendra Modi projects India as the destination for manufacturing, India's ranking in the world Banks 'Ease of doing Business' is slipping further that’s quite unfortunate. Like it or no but it takes more than 30 working days and over 15 various procedures for one to register a Company in Mumbai, while in upcoming countries like New Zealand and Macedonia it takes just one day. One wishes we are moving ahead and able to keep the pace. Although it is too early to detect signs of robust recovery, trends indicate that the growth deceleration has bottomed out and this has added to the optimism across the industries. The last six months has seen a positive move from the Government with the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. We at AIPMA in close association with DCPC, Government of India and CIPET have been working towards this objective with a multi-pronged approach. We have also given our suggestions in formulating the new policy for MSME's. The 9 th edition of PlastIndia 2015 is to begun
during 5- 10 February 2015 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, spread over a sprawling 125,000 sq. mts. at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. AIPMA as one of the founding members of PLASTINDIA foundation is working very closely to make the exhibition from a grand Success. It is learnt that around 1400 Exhibitors from 40 countries across the globe would be participating at Plastindia this year. Along with Plastindia 2015 concurrent events would include the 4th edition of PROPLAST showcasing India’s growing plastics processing capability. It would also have the 9th International Conference that would host some of the most renowned experts on plastics. Then the Plasticon Awards that would be held to felicitate the best from the Indian plastics industry for their accomplishments and excellence across 25 categories. Apart from this the 26th Asia Plastics Forum- a conclave of 12 countries, would have deliberate discussions on global issues of sustainability of plastics. It is a proud moment for all of us that AIPMA is completing 70 years of its existence this year. On this occasion we are celebrating this event on 8th February 2015 during the Plastindia exhibition. Detailed invitation shall be forwarded to all the esteemed members of AIPMA. I request everyone to attend this programme along with your friends from the industry. Rituraj Gupta president@aipma.net
11 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
Plastics News • January 2015 • 12
FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN
The Plast- India Way…
W
ith an increasing demand for plastics products and raw materials from the US, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, India’s plastics exports have doubled for the Quarter ended July – September 2014 period. Thanks to the falling crude oil price, weakening Indian rupee and yes the Government!
According to figures India has reported over 100% growth with export of plastics and articles thereof of $2.75 billion (Rs. 16,607 crore) in Q2, reflects as compared to $1.38 billion (Rs. 8,269 crore) in first quarter of 2014-15. The major exporting segments were polymers, films and sheets, other packaging material, woven sacks and flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs). While US was leading with $280 million (Rs. 1,684 crore) of exports, this was followed by UK with plastics exports worth $82 million (Rs. 493 crore); South Africa with plastics exports worth $39 million (Rs. 236 crore) and Brazil with plastics exports of worth $38.51 million (Rs. 232 crore) to Brazil. Among GCC countries, it was United Arab Emirate (UAE) with plastics export worth $128.51 million (Rs. 773 crore), followed by Saudi Arabia with plastics exports worth $51 million (Rs. 307 crore), Bahrain with plastics exports worth $19.75 million (Rs. 119.52 crore), Oman with plastics exports worth $12 million (Rs. 72.45 crore), Kuwait with plastics exports worth $10.67 million (Rs. 64.26 crore), and Qatar with plastics exports worth $7.25 million (Rs. 43.61 crore). Also India recorded significant growth in plastics exports with Pakistan at $89 million (Rs. 535 crore); Bangladesh $84.60 million (Rs. 509 crore); and Sri Lanka $41.34 million (Rs. 249 crore).
For the second quarter, India’s plastic imports stood at $6.25 billion (Rs. 37,642 crore). As of today, India is the 10th largest economy in the world and will enter the league of developed nations by 2020. Backed by a robust economy, by then, its GDP is expected to be double that of current standards. And the growth of the plastics industry is still expected to outpace the nation’s GDP. This would mean it is leading on a trajectory growth. The manufacturing capacity for major polymers in India for 2016-17 is expected to be 15.2 million metric tons against an estimated consumption capacity of 16.5 million metric tons. Also the fact remains that polymer consumption for 2013-14 was 11.4 million tons. The plastics packaging industry is also growing at 15% and is valued at 15.6 billion dollars annually. India is expected to become one of the top ten consumers of plastic packaging by 2016. Manufacturing plastic comes with a responsibility. The move towards producing biodegradable plastic and recycling of plastic has to stay at the forefront of our efforts. I am sure with its 70th year in progress AIPMA will ensure it maintains the legacy of international standards. Also with Plastindia 2015 scheduled next month we hope to have a further growth in the Plastics Industry. Hon. Editor Ajay Desai
13 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
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15 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
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AIPMA AT WORK
Report of the Coordination Committee to address the issues related with Human Resources/Skilled Manpower Requirement of the industry BACKGROUND
ABOUT ORGANISATION
India is a growing market for plastics and consumes about 11 million tonne annually against a global consumption of 275 million tonne per year and worldwide, the plastics and polymer consumption is growing at an average rate of 10% and is expected to touch 16.5 million tonnes by 2016. About 30,000 processing units with 113,000 processing machines have created manufacturing capacity of 30 million metric tonnes per annum in India. This has been achieved with a 13% CAGR of processing capacity during last 5 years. The industry has invested $5 billion in the machinery and it is expected to make further project investment of $10 billion for further increase in capacities during the next 5 years.
Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET) is one of the unique institute of its kind in the country established in 1968, which has capitalised the concept of “on the job” industrial exposure, while imparting practical training and it resulted in the emergence of various innovative & specialized training courses in the field of Plastics Engineering & Technology through 23 centres spread across the length & breadth of India. CIPET offers a wide range of academic programs which includes Doctoral, Postgraduate, Undergraduate, Diploma, Post Diploma and Certificate Level programs as well as Vocational Skill Development training programs in the niche areas of Plastics Engineering & Technology to fulfill the human resource requirements of polymer and allied industries in the country.
The plastics industry is expected to double per capita consumption in the next five years, given the rising consumerism and modern lifestyles which have increased the usage of plastics across industries like automobiles and consumer products. A report on the Indian plastics industry stated that the per capita consumption of polymers industry in the country during 2012-13 was low at just 9.7 kg as compared to 109 kg in USA, 45 kg in China and 32 kg in a Brazil. As a result, India is expected to be among the top ten packaging consumers in the world by 2016 with demand set to reach $24 billion. The Plastic industries in India are represented by various plastic manufacturers association like CPMA,AIPMA,OPPI ,PMMAI,AIFTMA,ASFI,etc., CIPET is playing a major role in supplementing the growth of plastics industries by providing a vital key input “Manpower“ and continuing its mission to nurturing plastics sector. CIPET Alumni has a strong base of 60,000 students and passed out students of every year are being enrolled on regular basis to the Alumni on a yearly renewal basis. Global presence, occupying key positions and entrepreneurship are some of the key attributes of CIPET – Alumni.
As a part of Corporate Social Responsibility, CIPET contributes significantly towards offering solutions to Plastics Waste Management. CIPET has established a dedicated model Plastics Waste Management Centre (PWMC) at Guwahati. CIPET has also recently established a “Polymer Data Services” (PDS) wing to enhance the growth of polymer industries by interlinking the industries through database. In line with the main objectives of manpower development, CIPET contributed significantly in the field of Education/ Human Resource Development to cater to the needs of plastics & allied industries in the country. Every year more than 35,000 students/participants are being benefitted through the above programs. Coordination Committee for Human Resources A interaction Meeting with the Cabinet Minister (Chemicals & Fertilizers) with industry associations was held on 6th September 2014 at Hotel Leela, Mumbai, attended by CPMA,AIPMA,OPPI,PMMAI,AIFTMA,ASFI in which various issues related to Plastic Industry were discussed, one of the main outcome of the meeting was to have detailed report on the Human resources requirement of Plastic
19 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
AIPMA AT WORK
industry & Plastic Waste Management. Accordingly it was decided to have a Coordination Committee for assessing the requirement of human resources across various sectors of plastics & allied industries the country at various levels and also to assess the skill level requirement at various levels & sectors across the country. Consequently a Coordination Committee was constituted vide DCPC Letter No.45012/50/2014-PC-IV dated 1st December 2014 and 15th December 2014. The Terms of Reference of the Coordination Committee is as below Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Committee to address the issues related to Human Resources/Skilled Manpower Requirement of the Industry A.) Human resource requirement: • To assess the requirement of human resources / skilled manpower across the country at various levels viz. Operator, Semi-skilled, Skilled, Supervisor, Manager etc. • To assess the requirement across various sectors of plastics & allied industries viz. injection moulding, blow moulding, roto moulding, extrusion, thermoforming, woven sack, mould making, testing labs, machine manufacturers etc. • To assess the skill level requirement at various levels & across the sectors. B.) Gap Analysis: • To analyze CIPET’s course curriculum, contents and coverage and its relevance to present industry needs.
• To evaluate the key issues pertaining to sustainability of CIPET’s programs for the next 10 years. C.) Skill Training: • To identify the skill developmental initiatives / projects / government, CSR & other schemes, which have an impact on employment generation. • To submit proposals to various funding Ministry / Departments / Organizations etc. for conducting various skill development training programmes. • Articulates the aspirations of the under privileged / unemployed / under employed candidates • To evaluate the performance of participants in-terms of validation of participants through placement monitoring & tracking records, development of entrepreneurs, etc. 1st Coordination Committee Meeting Director General,CIPET made presentation on ToR covering plastic industries scenario, growth potential, employment generation, CIPET’s contribution towards skill development and issues related to placement of CIPET students, etc Secretary (C&PC) invited comments and opinion from the members of Plastics fraternity on various issues are enumerated under ToR. Members of association appreciated the role played by CIPET in augmenting the trained Human resources needs of the plastics and allied industries.
• To update/revise the CIPET’s course curriculum, content, coverage & duration. • Identify the current and future (2014-15 to 2022) requirements of skill & manpower to the industry and assess the gap existing. • To identify the demand driven courses for gainful employment/self-employment. • To ascertain the adequacy of CIPET’s Civil & Technical Infrastructure for quality training and to enhance the intake capacity of participants. • Finalization of CIPET Centres/locations & Targets for conducting the training programs
Plastics News • January 2015 • 20
(from L to R) Dr. S. K. Nayak – DG Cipet, Mr. Surjit Chaudhary – Secretary (C&PC), Mr. Avinash Joshi – Joint Secretary (Petrochemicals)
AIPMA AT WORK
A Sub group was formed to have a further detailed study and prepare a draft report on the subject. The minutes of 1st coordination committee meeting is enclosed as Annexure-(A). 2nd Coordination Committee-Sub-Group Meeting The 2nd Coordination Committee-Sub-group meeting was held on 27th December 2014 at AIPMA House, Mumbai. Director General - CIPET welcomed the Members & Representatives of the association and briefed about the purpose of the coordination committee-sub-group meeting.Members from AIPMA, OPPI, AIFTMA, PMMAI were present during the meeting. Presentations were made which briefly described the issues/requirement of skilled manpower to plastic processing industry.Director (PC) asked the members to provide the break up of segment wise, region wise at various levels of manpower requrienment for the next 10 years.
(from L to R) Mr. S. Ilangovan – CIPET, Mr. Rituraj Gupta – President AIPMA, Mr. Arvind Mehta – Chairman Governing Council AIPMA, Mr. Surender Chaudhary – Convener AIFTMA.
Joint Secretary (PC) interacted with the members and expressed that the projections provided by various associations are closely matching and asked to prepare the final data in consensus among all the associations regarding manpower requirement of the plastic industries with a projection for the next 10 years with a detailed break up. Based on the discussions during the above Coordination committee and Sub-group meetings, the committee submitted the detailed workings of manpower which is enclosed as Annexure-(C). Some of the Assumptions made for evaluating the requirement of Skilled Manpower requirement to the Plastic Processing Industry:
(from L to R) Mr. Deepak Lawale – Secretary General OPPI, Mr. Sanjay Shah -PMMAI, Mr. S. V. Kabra – Vice Chairman PMMAI
The minutes of 2nd Coordination committee-Sub-Group meeting is enclosed as Annexure-(B). 3rd Coordination Committee-Sub-Group Meeting The 3rd Coordination Committee-Sub-Group meeting was held on 09th January 2015 at AIPMA House, Mumbai. Director General - CIPET welcomed the Members & Representatives of the association and briefed about the purpose of the coordination committee-sub-group meeting.
• The number of machines indicated is only for prime processing machines i.e., Injection Moulding, Blow Moulding,Extrusion & Rotomoulding. • Other machines such as Thermoforming, cutting & sealing, looms,etc. are not taken into account. • The number also does not take into account Recycling Plants. • Generally in India machines are utilized much beyond their known useful life, hence it is not possible to define mortality rate. • Plastic Processing units in India - 32250. Units at different locations by same owner considered as separate units.
21 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
AIPMA AT WORK
• Polymer Consumption is assumed to grow @ 9.5% to 10 % CARG. Current virgin polymer consumption is 12.4 MMT. • Polymers include PE, PP, PVC, PS/EPS, PET, BOPET, Engg. Polymers but does not include Thermosets. • Plastic Processing machinery growth is anticipated to grow @ 7 to 8 % CARG. • Technical Manpower – a. Supervisory manpower in assumed at an average of 2 per unit. b. Maintenance at 2 per unit. c. Operator/ skilled manpower at 3 per machine for 3 shifts. d. Semiskilled manpower at 3 per machine for 3 shifts in case of IM & BM and 4 /machine for 3 shifts in case of Extrusion sector. e. Assumed 2 technical manpower per unit in case of Moulds and Dyes. f. Considered requirement of operators for Slitting, printing, converting and thermoforming machinery in sectors like Multilayer Film, BOPP film, Raffia, PVC Calendaring, Sheet line, etc. g. In case of Raffia sector assumed that for every 100 MTs of Raffia, 16 looms will be require for fabric weaving. 1 operator required for every 3 looms. h. Unskilled labour employment not considered in the technical manpower estimation. • For capacity utilization, Polymer consumption includes virgin and Recyclate + Filler. • For estimating number of new units established from 2014-15 onwards, assumed 50 % of machines installed will be by existing units and the remaining 50% will be installed in new units set up by existing processors and entrepreneurs. Conclusion: 1. Capacity utilization currently is 48% which is expected to improve to 52% by 2020-21 and 55% by 2023-24. 2. Current direct technical manpower in the plastic
Plastics News • January 2015 • 22
processing industry is estimated at 1.17 million. Additional manpower required by 2020-21 is estimated at 0.73 million and by 2023-24 (next decade) at 1.17 million. 3. Technical Manpower currently is 3.6 per 100 KT of Installed Capacity. It would be slightly lower at 3.4 per 100 MT of Capacity addition by 2020-21 and 3.3 per 100 MT by 2023-24 due to improvement in capacity utilization. 4. In case we achieve a capacity utilization of 68/70% in 2023-24 instead of the projected 55% by improvement in machinery, demand and trained manpower, etc, the following would be the results: a. Installation of lesser number of machines by 202324 at 80,000 instead of 1,30,000. b. Installed capacity would come down to 54 MMT instead of 67 MMT in 2023-24. c. Manpower require per 100 MT of Capacity addition will come down to 2.8 instead of 3.3. 5. The total number of manpower available in the Injection Moulding, Blow Moulding, Extrusion, Roto Moulding industry during the year 2013-14 is 8,75,800 and addition of manpower required during the years (2013-14 to 2020-21) would be 5,46,400 and during the years (2021-24) would be 3,36,300. Thus in the next 10 years 8,82,700 addition of manpower is required. 6. In addition the manpower available in the Mould making industry during the year 2013-14 is 64,200 and addition of manpower required during the years (2013-14 to 2020-21) would be 21,489 and during the years (2021-24) would be 10,753. Thus in the next 10 years 32,242 addition of manpower is required. 7. Additional manpower required to Other Downstream Plastic Industries viz., • Circular loom operators for Rafia Production • Mould Designers • Post Moulding Printing Technicians • Post production fabrication/finishing and assembly workers with task specific skills
AIPMA AT WORK
Chinese Delegation Visits AIPMA
T
he China Plastics Machinery Industry Association (CPMIA) delegation visited AIPMA House on 26 th December, 2014. China Plastics Machinery Industry Association (CPMIA) met The All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA) President – Mr. Rituraj Gupta and his team to discuss bilateral interest for both the Associations.
Chinese Delegation with Mr. Rituraj Gupta – President AIPMA
National Conference on Indian Medical Devices & Plastics Disposables By Dr Asutosh Gor
T
he 12th National Conference Exhibition on Indian Medical Devices & Plastics Disposables / Implants Industry 2015 was held at At J B Auditorium, Ahmedabad Management Association, from 9-10 January 2015. The two-day conference was organised by Medical Plastics Data Service and Mr D L Pandya was the Convenor for this National Conference. There were about 350 delegates who were registered for the two-day event and about 40 exhibitors from and other fields related to medical device industry took part in the event.The Indian medical device industry is a$3 billion market. Current Government spendings on healthcare is less than 1% of GDP,which is set to increase to 2.5% in coming budget.With 100% FDI in Medical Device market,the Indian Market is set to increase 4-5 fold by year 2020. AIPMA had the opportunity to make its presence felt at the conferecne and we showcased our PVA & PVI promotional film during end of prelunch session on both days. Promotional Material was given to
Dr. Asutosh Gor being felicitated by Dr. D. L. Pandhya
all delegates and exhibitors.Posters were displayed in exhibition area All this promotion was done free of cost due to personal rapport with organizer and goodwill of AIPMA. We have requested Mr Pandya the organizer to get us exhibitors for Medical Plastic Pavilion in both PVA & PVI,to which we have received a positive response.
Explore Bengal
E At the Business Meet during Explore Bengal
xplore Bengal was organized on 9th January, 2015 at our East Zone Office in Kolkata. It was a Customized Theme oriented business Meet one of unique initiatives of creating a platform for companies to explore business potential through customized business meeting. Meetings were organised at our AIPMA East Zone Office in a chamber for 3 hours to explore and discuss various business prospects in West Bengal by meeting local processors.
23 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
Plastics News • January 2015 • 24
AIPMA AT WORK
The 9th PlastIndia 2015 Gandhinagar will be a success
F
inally now its the last lap for the 9th Plastindia 2015
which is driven by honorary
that is to be held in Helipad ground Gandhinagar
people of the industry.
(and not in Delhi where earlier eight exhibitions of Plastindia were held) the mood is upbeat.
We
all
know
seven
founder members and two
The venue at Gandhinagar has come out very well
representatives from each
with 15 AC Halls with latest modern design, that too
Founder member are in the
built in record time of 12 months and that can happen
Managing Committee for three
in Gujarat only as it has Vibrant Government always
years and they drive Plastindia.
action oriented since the time of Shri Narendra Modi
We were assigned the role as Past President-Advisor
as Chief Minister of Gujarat. Vibrant Gujarat, which
to streamline the big difference between what
was held recently, has also proved beyond doubt
Plastindia wants and what organizers can give, with
that the venue is excellent. It is the most modern
support of Gujarat Government.
venue in India today. Plastindia 2015 exhibition has 1400 exhibitors.
AIPMA from Day One was supporting Gandhinagar venue as it was backed 100% by Gujarat Government.
Hotels in Gandhinagar are not a big problem now.
Negotiations were done logically & sthings are
Gandhinagar venue will be like outstation as in
streamlined with our joint efforts.
Dusseldorf, Germany where K exhibition is held. It takes 1½ hours time to reach the Dusseldorf venue whereas it takes only 45 minutes from Ahmedabad
Their Chief Minister, Finance Minister and whole administration were supporting Plastindia as it is prestigious event of repute.
to reach the Plastindia 2015 venue, Helipad Ground in Gandhinagar.
The celebrations for AIPMA's 70 years of successful service to the Industry is scheduled on February 8,
Plastindia is a unique model. It is a Non Profit Exhibition Body of the Plastic Industry whose aims and objectives are to serve the Plastic Industry of
2015, with a grand entertainment programme by well known comedian star Johny Lever. This will offer an networking opportunity for AIPMA members.
India and its surplus is to be ploughed back for the growth of Plastic Industry.
My best wishes for 9th PlastIndia 2015 to be a success!!!
In the past, land of 32 acres was purchased in GIDC Dungra for Plastindia University which is to be established now.
Arvind M. Mehta, Past President-Advisor Plastindia Chairman Governing Council AIPMA
Plastindia 2015 exhibition is of the plastic industry for the plastic industry and by the plastic industry,
25 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
Plastics News • January 2015 • 26
PVI SHOW
Plastivision India-2017…..! More than just an exhibition, its whole world of business
-
AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS IN
opportunities unfolding for the every rupee spent and
PLASTICS: Display of innovation
invested during this mega plastic event to be held in
in automation engineering.
Mumbai, India between 19-23 January 2017.
-
Make In India…….!
Dynamics of economy of solar energy application in plastic
At a time when entire country is vibrant with the new
industry.
found mantra to make India a thriving centre of industry, we would ensure that the spirit of change and innovation in plastic industry is made a Hall mark with abundant visibility during this event.
SOLAR ENERGY PAVILLION:
-
PRINTING & PACKAGING : Use of plastics in packaging industry.
We will ensure Business delegation from ASEAN countries,
We will ensure that spirit of innovation is kept alive and
Middle East, African countries, America and European
kicking as it is this spirit that is going to define the future
countries.
of our industry.
Pre registration Bonanza…..!
Plastic hub of India…….! This 10th edition of Plastivision India 2017 event is to be held in Mumbai the financial capital of India, also considered as ‘Plastic hub of western India’ with improved
We are delighted to offer opportunity to win fabulous prizes if you register now. We are also delighted to extend early bird discount offer for a limited period.
infrastructure, worldwide Air network connections backed by huge number of star hotels and accommodation
We assure you that the event will create a new benchmark
options.
on exhibitor and visitor centric services satisfaction
Our vision of Plastivision India 2017………………!
parameters. With this promising note, we look forward to meet you at
Taking business to a whole new level, Plastivision India
Plastivision India 2017
2017 will also feature; Kailash B Murarka -
B2B MEETINGS
-
CONFERENCE AND SEMINARS
-
GREEN PAVILLION: Application of renewable energy in
Chairman Plastivision India 2017 info@plastivision.org
energy intensive manufacturing. -
INDIA MOULD:-a focused pavilion of mould making & design application development.
-
PLASTIWORLD: a dedicated display for processed plastics finished products.
-
Plastivision India 2017……….. A truly Big……Better………Broader…… event………. not to be missed.
PLASTICS IN AGRICULTURE: To showcase the application of plastic in water conservation.
27 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
Plastics News • January 2015 • 28
PVA SHOW
Event Endorsed & Supported by:-
22nd TO 25th FEBRUARY 2016
The bigger the challenge ……. The bigger the opportunities Event Endorsed & Supported by:PlastiVision Arabia introduction: • After a phenomenal launch in 2012 and a repeat in 2014, preparation is under way to third Plastivision Arabia international plastics exhibition and conference at Expo Centre Sharjah. • Plastivision Arabia made its mark with its very first edition, when, apart from registering a good visitor’s turnout and positive industry feedback, it was announced that live machines on display were sold off completely.
Participation advantages in PlastiVision Arabia 2016 PlastiVision Arabia & Arabia Mold 2016 – Great expectations Given that the both editions of shows were a huge success, the third editions of Plastivision Arabia & Arabia Mold have already generated keen interest in the regional and world plastics Harish D. Dharamsi Chairman, industry.
PlastiVision Arabia 2016
Plastivision Arabia made great impact with its second edition in 2014, recording record number of pre registered visitors, excellent exhibitor response, good visitor turnout and extensive media coverage.
Local industry majors Borouge & Uniplas International have already agreed to be the platinum and silver sponsors, while most of the exhibitions who took part in the 2014 edition of the biennial event have either booked their space or shown interest in participating in the forthcoming show.
Highlights of PVA 2014:
Rising industry support:
• Exhibitors from 21 countries.
Plastivision Arabia had just one sponsor for its first edition in 2012. For its second edition, it gained the support of the region’s top five petrochemical giants.
PlastiVision Arabia 2014 great impact:
• Over 7,277 trade buyers from 77 countries during 4 days of exhibition. • Distinction of seeing almost all live machines displayed sold out.
Rising plastics consumption:-
• 80% of the exhibitors rated the show as good to excellent.
Plastics consumption in the Middle East is driven by the packaging and construction industries, followed by consumer goods & textiles. A rapidly growing young population, big-ticket constructions projects and bigger penetration and pre-packed food are driving the consumption, prompting region’s plastics producers to look at acquiring new machinery and technology to keep pace with the demand.
• The event created history registering record number of pre-registered visitors, excellent exhibitor response, good visitor turn out and extensive media coverage.
With the announcement of world event like Expo 2020 & FIFA world cup in Qatar and the continued emphasis on tourism and real estate, the GCC remains an important
• Spread across an exhibition area of 14,000 sq meters. • 49% international buyers. • 29% of the exhibitors made more than 10% of their annual business in just 4 days.
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Plastics News
PVA SHOW
work & travel destination with the GCC plastics, printing & packaging industry. Being an integral part of the construction industry, plastics is set to see greater demand in the next few years as preparations for the mega events pick up pace across the region. Favorable policies that aim at supporting SME’s availability of cheap feedstock and energy supply, a business and political climate that is conducive for growth and a fast expanding economy are encouraging new players into the industry, while exiting ones are looking at expanding their production capacities. The region’s strategic location and emergence as a major transportation hub also help producers enjoy a huge competitive advantage over others. Added Attraction Dedicated theme pavilions in plastics, printing & packaging segment:Special focus Processing, Filling & Packaging: The GCC packaging market is one of the fastest growing sectors in the manufacturing industry in the Middle East. Over the last decade manufacturers have seen the benefit of bulk import & repackaging from the GCC given the tax-free, cheaper manufacturing costs and re-export advantage. The GCC is now the largest re-export market for food & beverages, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods leading to booming packaging market. Plastivision Arabia 2016 will host a special pavilion featuring finished plastics good that will showcase an extensive range of products in the name as “PLASTIWOLRD”. The featured pavilion will have massive display of products in segments like Packaging, Disposable Tableware, Kitchenware, Household Articles, Automobile & etc. The pavilion will also offer a great opportunity for regional small, medium enterprises to showcase their products to discerning trade visitors from across the world. UAE is the second largest accounting for 19% of the total regional output. Plastivision Arabia 2016 will be held along with Arabia Mold, in association with DEMAT, the organizer of world – renowned Euromold, the world’s leading fair for moldmaking & tooling, design and application developed. Arabia Mold will provide an ideal opportunity for the regional dies & molds industry to upgrade its Know – hoe and keep pace with the latest developments in these segments.
Plastics News • January 2015 • 30
Market Snapshot: • PLASTIVISION ARABIA 2014 emerged as one of the most important plastic trade show in the UAE. • GPCA Plasticon Conference • The annual production capacity of 7,000 plastic factories in the GCC set grow by 12 million tonnes by 2016 to reach 30 million tonnes from the current 18 million tones • GCC factories are the most cost-efficient in the world owing to cheap feedstock and energy costs • The region’s strategic location and emergence as a major transportation hub will help producers enjoy a huge competitive advantage over others • The flexible packaging sector in the GCC is poised to grow from 273,200 tonnes in 2009 to 480,950 tonnes in 2016, mainly due to increased demand for processed foods • Annual consumption of resins in GCC is set to grow 50 per cent to 5.4 million tonnes over the next five years from 3.6m tonnes in 2012, according to Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association (GPCA) figures. • Annual resins production in the Gulf to jump more than 70 per cent, from 13.6 million tonnes to 23.6 million tonnes by 2015. • The GCC construction sector, which has USS 500 billion worth of opportunities in store, accounts for 25 per cent use of resins, the second largest after packaging. • New construction trends such as no-dig pipes and geotextiles and membranes to further boost consumption of plastics resins. • Petrochemical projects worth US$ 19 billion are under execution in the GCC, while projects worth US$ 81 billion are in different stages of planning. • GPCA expects GCC petrochemical capacity to increase from 77.3 MTPA to 113 MTPA by the end of 2015. Undoubtedly PLASTIVISION ARABIA 2016 will prove to be an excellent platform to transact one-to-one business under one roof with exhibitors’, buyers and visitors coming over from more than 77 countries for 4 days under one roof.
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Plastics News
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33 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
SHOW PREVIEW
NU VU CONAIR PVT LTD. NU VU COANIR Make, Dehumidifying Wheel Dryer -
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n Conair make, Dehumidifying wheel dryer, the molecular sieves film is crystallized on glass fiber substrate forming a rotating wheel. The structure is like Honeycomb. Thousands of small air channels allows process and regeneration air to flow past the desiccant. While most of the wheel is being used to dry the process air and the rest is undergoing high temperature regeneration and cooling. As this is a continuously rotating wheel, these dryers are able to achieve consistent low dew point without any spike. Also these dryers required lower regeneration temperature as there are no binders use and only molecular sieves needs to be regenerated. These dryer also have fewer rotating/ moving parts. These dryers offers following advantages, • Consistent dew point – No Spikes • 33% less energy compare to twin tower dryer • Quick start- as dew point is achieved in 5 minutes
• Selectable dew point control and monitor • Lower regeneration temperature • Drying hopper are designed for mass flow and uniform heat/air distribution • Fewer rotating parts, less maintenance, maximum uptime • Less flower space • Fast acting tubular wire heaters Suitable for PET/NYLONE/POLYCARBONATE/PMMA/ABS and all other ENGINEERING PLASTICS.
2015 PlastIndia Preview-EPI
J
in Kuo Hua Plastic Machine Co., Ltd. founded since 1956 and grains the good will in the plastic & rubber fields. We specialized in Masterbatch Compound Manufacturing Line , High Filler(CaCo3, TiO2 or Talc) of Modify Compound Making Line and specialized in Wire and Cable industry field of Soft PVC pellets and Halogen Free Materials (EVA, SEBS, PE base)of Compounding Pellets Manufacturing Line. We have strong technology background and rational management system to conduct strict inspections on all the products at different stages of manufacturing process to meet client’s expectations and our own high standard to achieve our mission. We are your best and the most trustworthy trade partner. 1- Soft PVC pellets making machines 2- High Filler Compounding Line pellets 3- WPC Profile Extruder, PVC Corrugated Sheet Extruder
Plastics News • January 2015 • 34
4- EVA, TPE, TPR, PE or PP of Compound Manufacturing Line JIN KUO HUA PLASTIC MACHINE CO., LTD TEL: +886-5-235-7969 FAX: +886-5-235-6805 E-mail: jkhpm@jinkuohua.com.tw Website: http://www.jinkuohua.com.tw 2015 PlastIndia Booth No.:12A-FPD16
SHOW PREVIEW
Fung Chang Industrial Co,. Ltd. fabrics in complete round yarn, flat yarn, or fabric in mixed yarn.
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ung Chang is a professional Raschel knitting machine manufacturer which found in 1963. We have plenty of experience in this field and we are proud to say that Fung Chang is the leading company in the Taiwan which already entered India since 1997. Our product has been sold over 30 countries.
Product application: shade nets, hand bags, fruit mesh bags, safety nets for construction, hail net etc. Fung Chang Industrial Co,. Ltd. TEL: +886 3 4717824 Fax: +886 3 4717702 E-mail: sales@fungchang.com Website: www.fungchang.com
SR-RF series equips with both round yarn and flat yarn let-of systems in one machine and it could manufacture
PlastIndia Booth No.: 12A-FPD6a
SUN LUNG GEAR WORKS CO., LTD. Leading Value with Innovation Description: The innovated gearbox for Counter-rotating Parallel Twin Extruders is with strong casing and high safety coefficient structure design, which can be operating under high torque demand. High precision gears and strong thrust bearings are equipped inside of the gearboxes to enhance transmission efficiency and absorb the axial pressure caused by the extruders. Embedded cooling and lubrication systems ensure the gearboxes to have low noise and low vibration performance. Responding to the requests of low speed and high torque, by steadily reducing the motor speed and increasing the output torque, the gearbox precisely and effectively provides the most optimized output to the extruders. Features: • High Torque, High efficiency, Low speed design • Excellent Mixing & Plasticizing Performance • Strong housing and High safety coefficient structure • Gear grinding up to DIN 2 precision level • Operation Noise below 70dB
• Embedded forced lubrication and cooling filtering system ensure excellent dissipation efficiency • High Transmission Efficiency and Low Energy Consumption Sun Lung Gear Works Co., Ltd. No. 23, Shin Lo Rd., An-Ping Industrial Park, Tainan 702, Taiwan TEL: + 886-6-2639969 FAX: +886-6-2639626 E-mail: david@slgear.com.tw Web: www.slgear.com.tw
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Plastics News
SHOW PREVIEW
JC-MNP series (PP / HDPE) MONOFILAMENT EXTRUDING LINE JC-MNN series (PA / PET) MONOFILAMENT EXTRUDING LINE
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ith Over 30 years of experience in the monofilament extrusion technology JENN CHONG is well recognized as a technology engineering company that succeed in maintaining its pioneer position as competent supplier for comprehensive range of monofilament extrusion line to the global market. JENN CHONG monofilament extrusion line is the most flexible monofilament line at the forefront of the global market provides technical solution in the field of PP, HDPE, PA, and PET monofilament production. The JC-MNP series monofilament extrusion line is conceived to process polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). Extruder available from standard Ø 55mm to Ø 100mm for production of monofilament diameter range from Ø0.15mm to Ø1.00mm. The JC-MNN series monofilament extrusion line is conceived to process polyamide (PA6, 6.6), polyester (PET), and polypropylene (PP). Extruder available from standard Ø 50mm to Ø 80mm for production of monofilament diameter range from Ø0.10 mm to Ø4.00mm. Utilizing the latest technology system and with access to modern manufacturing plant, Jenn Chong offers a complete solution to satisfy even the most demanding customer.
From standard monofilament line configuration, to custommade equipment for heavy gauge monofilament, flagged, crimped monofilament, with different monofilament profile, and diameter from Ø 0.10mm up to Ø 4.00mm for all domestic, agricultural, fishery, and various industrial applications. Jenn Chong Plastics Machinery Works Co., Ltd. Add: No. 90 Nam Pei Road, Nam Hsin Li, Tai Pao City, Chia-Yi Hsien, 612 Taiwan Tel: 886-5-2376175 Fax: 886-5-2376176 Email: sales@jennchong.com.tw Website: www.jennchong.com.tw
JANDI’S JIT Plastic Bag Making Line
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n easier way to produce plastic T-shirt shopping bags with no waste.
Extrusion – Printing – Bag Making & Die-cut recovery, all-in-1 Process, easy for Operation / Job Change / Data collecting and management. Saving Power / Space / Labor / Training & Human error for your production. 5 Taiwan patents, 5 China patents and 3 Awards in 2013
Plastics News • January 2015 • 36
Plast India2015 Booth No: 12A-FPA9
SHOW PREVIEW
Herzog AG Shut Off Nozzle Advantages of Shut-off Nozzle
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hut-off nozzles are used in the manufacturing process of plastic injection molding. Machine shutoff nozzles serve as the connection between the plasticizing barrel (with reciprocating screw) and the mold. They are mounted on the machine-side of the plastic injection molding process, unlike hot runner nozzles, which are mounted on the mold-side of the process. Machine shut-off nozzles differ from open nozzles because of their closable melt channel. Herzog AG contains the largest range of Shut off Nozzle for all injection Molding Application. Both Spring Actuated and Powered (Pneumatic or hydraulic) Shut-off Nozzle are available
Material Saving – prevent drooling or stringing, Productivity improvement, Improves part uniformity – eliminating back flow, Cycle time improvement, Higher process security – with the use of nozzle sensors, Special applications such as physical foaming, melt precompression, gas assisted injection molding, Liquid Silicone rubber (LSR) with cooling systems to prevent vulcanization
Needle Shut-off : Powered
Exclusively Marketed by:Flamingo Additives and Colorants Pvt. Ltd. 511-514, Raikar Chamber, Govandi (East), Mumbai – 400 088 Phone: +91 22 42110000 Mobile: + 91 98210 11407 Email: sales@flamingoindia.com
Bolt Shut-off : Powered
AMUT races for National Champion “Ruban D’Honneur”
“T
he European Business Awards is one of the most highly regarded business competitions in the world attracting significant media interest and involving several successfully companies. We are glad to have passed the entry selection and can progress through the further steps” – says Mr. Piergianni Milani, President of AMUT. Sponsored by RSM International, the European Business Awards recognises and rewards excellence, best practice and innovation in companies across the European Union. The competition is open to organisations of all sizes and from any industry sector and the prize is to get the Ruban d’Honneur. A panel of up to 150 judges, consisting of leading business figures, academics and entrepreneurs, supervises the challenge and evaluates each participant. The submission of a video showing the company business story was necessary
to get through the selection process: after the previous assessment of the panel of judges, all videos go live for public voting. The company that gets the most votes gains the Champion status. The public has the opportunity not only to see the human side of the companies, but also to vote for their favourite one: last year over 400.000 people took part. There are two stages of the online public voting campaign: Stage 1: National Public Champion selection Public voting opens at 09:00 CET on the 6th of January and for a 7 week period (voting closes at 17:00 on the 24th of February). Stage 2: European Public Champion selection Public voting re-opens from 09:00 CET
on the 3rd of March to 17:00 on the 16th of April. The overall European Public Champion will be announced and awarded at the Awards Gala event in May/June. “The public voting represents a captivating way of showcasing our achievements to a wider audience of existing and potential customers. A pretty good deal to get great exposure across Europe” – says Mauro Drappo, Managing Director of AMUT. Now it is time for voting and AMUT need your help to be declared Italian and then European Champion in the European Business Awards. The video is available for viewing on: www.businessawardseurope.com Allied Solutions (I) Pvt Ltd. are exclusive representatives of AMUT machineries in India. For further information please contact us on info@alliedsolutions.com
37 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
Plastics News • January 2015 • 38
INTERVIEW
J R Shah, Chairman National Executive Council PlastIndia 2015 in a recent interaction with Plastics News discussed about the 9th edition of PlastIndia. Excerpts of the interview…
Q: If you could brief about Plastindia 2015 A: The Plastindia 2015 is all set to create new milestones, and scale newer heights as has been the tradition of every Plastindia exhibition. The strong growth that the plastics industry is seeing will help in making this Plastindia a resounding success.The venue is internationally acclaimed Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, spread over a sprawling 125,000 sq. mts. at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The exhibitors of Plastindia 2015 will witness this expansive infrastructure and the convenience. The ultra-modern venue has air-conditioned halls that are quite spacious with a convenient layout, created for ease of crowd movement. Ample parking space is also available at the venue. Q: H o w m a n y c o u n t r i e s a r e participating in this edition of Plastindia 2015? A: We have around1400 Exhibitors from 40 countries across the globe participating at Plastindia this year. Q: What is the highlight of this edition of Plastindia 2015? A: As said this trade show is happening at the ultra-modern venue having all the infrastructure for huge show like ours. Gandhinagar, located just 16 kms from Ahmedabad, is one of the most modern and well planned cities in
India. The other highlights include the ‘Innovation Pavilion’ having a unique section called ‘Launch Pad’ wherein organizations can use the conference space to launch their innovations and invite their customers/ media/ etc. to participate, and thus making formal "one-one interaction with buyers". We also have ‘Gyan Kendra’ such that for the first time students / colleges can showcase their research posters at an exclusive ‘Gyaan kendra’ kiosk. Q: What are the concurrent events that will happen at PlastIndia 2015? A: Plastindia 2015 concurrent events would include the 4th edition of PROPLAST showcasing India’s growing plastics processing capability. We will also have the 9th International Conference that would host some of the most renowned experts on plastics. The two–day conference is on the theme of ‘Gateway to Innovation’, wherein Global leaders in the industry would be sharing their experience, knowledge, expertise and views with international audience through this conference. We also have the 7th Plasticon Awards that would be held to felicitate the best from the Indian plastics industry for their accomplishments and excellence across 25 categories. Apart from this we will also have the 26th Asia Plastics Forum- a conclave of 12 countries, that would have deliberate discussions on global issues of sustainability of plastics.
Q: G u j a r a t G o v e r n m e n t h a s recently announced some incentives for Plastindia 2015, if you could elaborate..? A: Yes, the Gujarat Government, in its endeavor to promote industrial exhibitions / trade fair and sale of Plant and Machineries, has taken lead in PlastIndia2015 on pilot base and we are thankful to the state Government. According to the GR, this is Scheme of Assistance up to 5% (of Machine value) for Industrial Units purchasing plant and machinery wherein they will have to book the machine by paying only 10 percent of advance money at the exhibition and avail this incentive, this scheme will be valid till March 31 2015. The details are available on line as well. Q: Have you received support from other quarters? A: Yes, we have received support from all of our partners. Emirates and Jet Airlines have already supported us with their increased flight operations for Ahmedabad. We have received support from hospitality sectors as well with most of them assuring comfortable stay at their five star properties. And to everyone’s delight Gujarat Tourism will provide a plethora of opportunities. For the first time to and fro bus service is arranged from various vintage points from surrounding areas to the exhibition venue.
39 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
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PLASTINDIA 2015
PlastIndia 2015 launch function at Pune PLASTINDIA President Mr. Subhash Kadakia gave an interesting presentation mentioning the growth and scope of the Polymer Industry in the coming years. After this the chief guest Dr. R. A. Mashelkar were felicitated by PIF President and NEC Chairman for his outstanding contribution to the Polymer Industry. A citation and a memento along with traditional Puneri Pagdi was presented to Dr. Mashelkar
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he PLASTINDIA 2015 Launch function for Pune was held at Hotel Citrus, Pimpri Pune on December 21 .The Chief Guest was Padmavibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar. Plastindia President Mr. Subhash Kadakia, NEC Chairman Mr. J.r. Sha, Past President PIF Mr. Arvind Mehta, Dr. Prakash Trivedi, AIPMA President, Reliance Vice President Mr. Kaustubh Kapse graced the occasion.
Mr Sameer Joshi, Member National Promotion Committee (Goa, Maharashtra) Made the introductory remarks, after which the film on PLASTINDIA was screened. Mr Arun Kumbhokar welcomed the Guests.
In his speech Dr. Mashelkar mentioned that this was one of the best citations and honour he has received till now, that too from the polymer people. He talked about how he has been earlier associated with PLASTINDIA Exhibitions and appreciated he efforts of the PLASTINDIA innovation. Thereafter he mentioned about importance of innovation and India has a major role to play as well. Mr. Satyajeet bhonsle proposed vote of thanks. The launch function was a sucess as it saw over 350 participants and the event was widely covered by media.
NEC Chairman Mr. J.r. Shah Informed the gathering of the various preparations and preparations of the Exhibition Venue and gave information about the other events during PLASTINDIA Exhibition. Dr. Prakash Trivedi, Chairman of Innovation Pavilion briefed the audience about the Innovation Pavilion at the PLastindia and also about the Plasticon awards that would be presented.
41 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
Plastics News • January 2015 • 42
SAY NO TO PLASTIC BAGS LITTERING When we go to any book store in India, it is hard to find
This is unnerving since 1984
a popular book on chemistry. One can get a book on
onwards, when Bhopal tragedy
quantum, nuclear, neurology, astrophysics, and all sorts
happened, image of chemicals
of other scientific, esoteric subject but not pertaining to
overall has constantly eroded.
chemical sciences. The Double Helix by James Watson,
But what is most disheartening is
published in 1970s is probably the last best seller in
that Chemical Professionals have
chemistry!
not taken to their heart to work
When we look at real large toms of Penrose, Hawkins, Green or Kaku, on cosmology cum mathematics, we get jealous that there are no comparable writers for chemistry.
together to improve this image. Imagine a world without new developments in chemistry and allied sciences! We will get stuck in a time capsule.
Even, our sister science, biology, is populated with such
Increasingly, we talk about Sustainable Developments but
extraordinary writers as E. O. Wilson, Thomas Lewis,
without stressing enough the advancement arrived at it
Richard Dawkins, whose books and essays not only educate
in daily products. Take for example, the humble plastic
and enlighten but also engage us. Many of them are lucid,
grocery bag or plastic packaging, much abused for entirely
entertaining, provocative writers with immense range.
wrong reasons with no fault of its own! Consider so many
No such luck with chemistry?
countless product and process improvements that have taken place to produce this humble bag or packaging.
Chemistry, which covers such diversified fields as
Besides significant improvements in production processes
pharmaceuticals, polymers, fibres, pigments and dyes,
for resins, material structures, film processing technology,
petrochemicals, and nearly all aspects of modern living.
optimisation of various steps including converting resin
How is is too daunting a subject for writing a popular
into film, slitting, printing on it, cutting into required
book? Even popular scientific journals don’t seem to
length, packaging these in a bundle, etc. it is shame that
have stomach for it. Only specialist journals cover these
after using so many high tech processes, we simply throw
and that also mostly for specialists. Daily news papers
it away, not in a dustbin but on the road.
or magazines like ‘The Economist’ or a number of Indian magazines have nothing much to do with it, unless they want to condemn some unfortunate aspect of it, mainly pollution or an accident.
Plastics film teach us some great leaps in sustainability: Use of inexpensive material, low use of water and energy for making it, continued reduction in material for making same product, reusability, ready recyclability, and finally
This has led to very unfortunate problem of lack of image
possibility of reconfigure it into some other more enduring
for chemical sciences at a time when perception generated
products. If now we can only learn to properly collect it
by various media is all powerful. We find hardly any major
and send it for recycling instead of allowing it to litter
spokesman for chemistry as such. There are brilliant
our gardens, beaches, roads, pavements, sewage system,
communicator for science, research, intellectual property
we will not come up with most unprofitable and harmful
rights, etc. like R. A. Mashelkar and books covering various
slogan like ‘Say no to Plastics’.
chemical industries like DuPont, Clariant, Dow that come to mind, there are two coffee table volumes by Reliance
DR. PRAKASH TRIVEDI
on Polypropylene and more recently PVC. But one does not find them, like profusely illustrated books on wild life or environment in Kitab Khana, Crossword or Granth!
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45 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
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COMPANY NEWS
Chandra Asri in JV with BP Singapore
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ndonesia's petrochem major Chandra Asri Petrochemical (CAP) has signed an agreement with oil and gas firm BP Singapore Pte Ltd (BP) to follow up a preliminary study to develop a condensate splitter project in Banten. The condensate splitter refinery will turn oil condensate into products such as naphtha, and is intended to process up to 100,000 bpd of feedstock. This development is expected to help CAP halve its heavy reliance on imported raw materials by 2019. CAP corporate secretary informed .According to report in The Jakarta Post naphtha output from the project would be used to feed the company’s crackers, and further was expected to help the company ease its reliance on naphtha
imports. Currently the company imports 100% naphtha requirement. The project is expected to supply 4050% of the requirement. “CAP and BP have been conducting a study on the condensate splitter, which aligns with CAP’s strategic plan to move toward vertical integration, and would extend BP’s businesses in Indonesia,” a statement read, adding that the project was designed to reduce domestic reliance on heavy imports of naphtha. In addition, CAP also uses imported naphtha as its main raw material to produce olefins. The company is still calculating how much investment was needed for the condensate splitter and the stake the company would hold in the joint
Fund Energy subsidiary to use Ineos' Innovene PP process in China
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NEOS Technologies has licensed its Innovene PP process for the manufacture of polypropylene homopolymers, random copolymers and impact copolymers to the FullTech (Changzhou) Chemistry & Development Company Limited, a subsidiary of Fund Energy Investment Holdings Co., Ltd, in Changzhou, China. The 300,000 tpa Innovene PP plant will produce a wide range of polypropylene products to serve the growing market in China. The feedstock for the polypropylene plant will be produced using locally sourced propylene via a Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) process. Peter Williams, CEO INEOS Technologies
stated: “We are delighted that Fund Energy has chosen Innovene PP to establish their presence in the expanding PP market in China. INEOS Technologies Innovene PP products have gained recognition as premium products in this demanding market." Mr. Xia Ji, General Manager of Full-Tech (Changzhou) Chemistry & Development Company Limited said: "We chose Innovene PP Process because it offers broad product capability at low investment and operation cost. The best quality of impact copolymer of Innovene PP has already been well recognized in China, which provides us a short cut into the premier market."
venture that would later be formed with BP Singapore, adding that it might be too early for the company to disclose when it would start construction of the refinery. However, CAP is targetting start up in 2019. CAP is also looking to expand its naphtha cracker facility, increasing productivity from 600,000 kilotons of ethylene to 860,000 kilotons. The company has secured $542 million in loans through bank syndication earlier this year to support expanding its cracker, which had absorbed $380 million investment and was initially scheduled for completion later this year.
Yantai Wanhua test runs Shandong PDH plant
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handong-based Yantai Wanhua Polyurethanes is undergoing test runs at China's biggest propane dehydrogenation plant by feeding in pressurized LPG and aims to start initial production in March. The plant has a propylene production capacity of 750,000 m tpa and can consume up to 900,000 mt of propane and 600,000 mt of butane annually. "It may take a while to increase the operation rate [for commercial production]," the source said. "Maybe it will start at a very low level, it usually takes three months to reach 100% of production."
47 • January 2015 •
Plastics News
COMPANY NEWS
Essel Propack's makeover lastics packaging manufacturer Essel Propack has announced a global rollout of new logos, highlighting its five primary markets: beauty and cosmetics, pharmaceutical and health, food, oral, and home. The company is also expanding in Egypt and has launched a new plant in Suzhou in East China.
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counterfeiting technology and fast response time through integrated automatic production. The Suzhou plant is expected to help better serve customers in East China, a region with heavy concentration of global OEMs such as GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever, L’Oreal, Johnson & Johnson and Beiersdorf as well as Chinese brands.
The 5,000 square metre new construction is located in Changshu, with a designed initial annual capacity of 160 million tubes. The second phase is scheduled to go on stream in 2016, boosting the total capacity to 380 million tubes. Essel Propack said both global and Chinese cosmetic brands have grown to favour the use of laminated plastic tubes, known for its advantages in sheet materials, printing, barrier properties, anti-
Building upon its success with global cosmetics makers, the company said it has high hopes for China, which has become the world’s second largest cosmetics market. The new facility marks the completion of the firm’s most important strategic deployment in China, it added. Essel Propack opened its first China factory in Guangzhou in 1997, added a site in Hefei in 2002, launched the Tianjin plant in 2009, and expanded
A. Schulma to expand capacity at facility in China Schulman, Inc. has added equipment in its manufacturing facility in Dongguan, China to accommodate increasing demand in the Company's Masterbatch Solutions business.
A.
markets, especially in China, where we can build on our proven expertise and technological leadership in this market," said Derek Bristow, Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific for A. Schulman.
This new production line, which the Company expects will ramp up in volume over the next several months, will double the current Masterbatch production capacity at the facility and enhance its ability to serve the needs of the packaging and personal care & hygiene industries in China. "A. Schulman is aiming to expand its global footprint in emerging
"In addition, we plan to expand our Engineered Plastics production capacity in China by mid-2015 to meet the growing needs of the mobility and electric & electronics market. These key investments in China are in line with our global strategy to focus on fast-growing markets and improve our capabilities to serve customers."
Plastics News • January 2015 • 48
into a second Guangzhou facility in 2010. With the latest Suzhou site, its production network now covers north, south, central, and east regions of China. Essel Propack, a division of the $2.4bn (€2.0bn) Essel Group, has annual sales of $350m (€294m). It makes more than 6 billion laminated and extruded plastic tubes every year and employs 2,500 at 25 global plants in 12 countries, including the US, Mexico, Colombia, Poland, Germany, Egypt, Russia, China, the Philippines, Indonesia and India.
Rotoplas opens first US plant
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exico City-based Grupo Rotoplas SAB de CV has opened its first rotational molding plant in the United States.The firm's chief financial officer Mario Antonio Romero Orozco has revealed that the firm has invested about $10m (£6.4m) in the plant, based in Merced, California.The facility houses around 100 staff. Rotoplas makes water storage tanks, hydraulic pumps, pipes and water filters. “We are mainly focused right now on organic growth,” Romero said, adding that Rotoplas is “aiming to become a relevant player in the United States. There’s a demand and it’s a growing demand. In all, Rotoplas operates 25 manufacturing plants in 12 Latin American countries, eight of them in Mexico, and employs 2,600 people.
COMPANY NEWS
Milacron opening Mexico technical center, considers another in Brazil
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ilacron LLC plans to officially open a new technical center in Querétaro, 140 miles northwest of Mexico City, early in 2015, and the company is considering building another tech center in Brazil. The Querétaro technical center employs 45, including 25 service engineers. It stocks $2.5 million worth of spare parts, according to Guzmán. “We opened it in July. We’ll have an open house at the beginning of the year.” In use since July, the 32,300-square-
foot Mexican facility is at the heart of Milacron’s expansion plans in Latin America, according to Alejandro Guzmán, aftermarket sales manager for the Cincinnati-based plastics processing machinery manufacturer in Mexico. “We want to make Mexico a hub for Latin America,” he told Plastics News at Plastimagen México 2014. But privately held Milacron also is hoping to open another technical center — Guzmán refers to such facilities as “hit centers”— in Brazil
OP licenses Oleflex propylene process in Russia
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ussia’s OOO Tobolsk-Polymer facility, became the largest plant to use Honeywell’s UOP C3 Oleflex process technology in the world, with design capacity of 510,000 tpa of propylene in Western Siberia. “Petrochemical makers are installing additional propylene capacity to meet growing demand and to make up for the shortage of propylene production from traditional refining and petrochemical sources,” said Pete
Piotrowski, senior vice president and general manager of UOP’s Process Technology and Equipment business unit. “Oleflex has been a leading technology for converting propane to propylene for more than 20 years, and the start-up of the first Oleflex unit in Russia demonstrates both the need for more propylene capacity in the country, as well as the value of the technology.”
Equate Petrochem in final stages
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uwait's first international petrochemical joint-venture, Equate Petrochemical Company, will soon be in the final stages of its plant maintenance (turnaround). Equate President and CEO Mohammad Husain said, "EQUATE has successfully entered its final stage of the turnaround's operations relevant to a number
of industrial units for ethylene, polyethylene and ethylene glycol." Husain noted, "Every phase and step of the turnaround are implemented in coordination and cooperation with Kuwait's Environment Public Authority (EPA) by complying with all relevant guidelines.
in 2015. “The plans for 2015 are to grow in Latin America. We are going to try to open a HIT [High Impact Technology] center in Brazil to service the South American market,” he said. “I don’t think they [Milacron’s owners] have decided where they will put it.” Milacron’s aftermarket business in Mexico through mid-November totaled $7 million and included servicing used machines, spare parts sales, rebuilding presses, and screws and barrels, Guzmán said.
Haldia Petrochemicals fails to meet export commitment
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aldia Petrochemicals Ltd has failed to meet export commitment for which it had got advance licenses. According to reports the HPL plant in West Bengal has been under closure since last six months."Since 2009, HPL was getting advance license for duty-free import of naphtha against exports of finished products,". However, owing to poor pricing, the company could not send its finished products overseas, for which it had availed of duty-free naphtha imports. The company was exporting its products not only to neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal but also to European countries.
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COMPANY NEWS
PTI ties up with Hemetek partnership for PET package
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rand owners and suppliers in Southeast Asia will now have access to state-of-the-art polyethylene terephthalate (PET) package evaluation services. The new capability, is a result of a partnership between Plastic Technologies, Inc. (PTI) and Hemetek Techno Instruments, recognized specialized testing solutions provider in Mumbai. An open house is planned for January 20th, after which the facility will be accepting bottle performance projects. “For the past 30 years, PTI has earned a global reputation as the leader in PET bottle development and performance testing. Through our new partnership with Hemetek, a company that has established itself as a respected package testing solutions provider, we are now able to bring these services to Southeast Asia,” said Greg Fisher, director, global analytical labs, PTI. The expansion into the region has
been driven by brand owner requests for PTI to establish a local resource to help them determine if their preforms and bottles are meeting performance parameters. Up until now, companies were forced to send these components to laboratories in other parts of the world or rely on limited internal capabilities. “Empty PET bottles do not typically sustain long journeys well, and particularly those that are subjected to temperature extremes typically found in Southeast Asia. By partnering with PTI to locate these testing services in closer proximity to bottling plants, we can help reduce both time and cost and provide brand owners with critical data to help them meet their performance requirements,” said Viraj Devasthale, president, Hemetek. PET resin, preform and bottle testing will include solution intrinsic viscosity, acetaldehyde and moisture content, finish dimensions
IOC to commission Polypropylene plant in Odisha
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ndian Oil Corporation is to commission Polypropylene plant in Odisha. Accordiong to reports the Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today that Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is establishing a refinery of 15 MMTPA capacity at Paradip, Odisha, at an estimated cost of Rs.34,162 crore. IOCL has reported that a detailed
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feasibility study for setting up of a Polypropylene(PP) plant which is a part of proposed petrochemical complex attached to the refinery, has been completed. The PP Plant will produce 700 thousands metric ton per annum. The investment decision for PP plant has been taken by IOCL Board in March, 2014. Total estimated cost of the Polypropylene Project is Rs.3150 crore.
and bottle expansion and burst. The new capability will be based out of Hemetek’s expanded testing facility in Baroda, located in the Gujarat state, in western India.
Gwalia reinforces commitment to ease-of-opening of caps
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losure and container manufacturer Gwalia has developed two advances in design criteria for ease-of-opening, with new regulations due out in April 2015. Gwalia's marketing consultant Stephen Wilkins presented a paper which dealt with the emergence of a new international standard; ISO 17480 Design Criteria-Ease of Opening, due in April 2015. The first of the two developments is Top Twister, an opening aid. This was tested in summer 2014 by 100 people aged 65-80, using the same protocol as the one in the forthcoming ISO 17480. It is a single piece injection moulding in polystyrene, harder than the PP or HDPE closures on which it is used and it will fit closure sizes from 20 to 38mm. The second is Savalot, a squeeze and turn child resistant closure with a specially developed 'soft' hinge. This feature enables the closure to be operated with considerably less pinch strength than its competitor closures.
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FEATURES
DSM to showcase latest automotive and mobile phone applications at Plastindia 2015
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oyal DSM, the global Life Sciences and Material Sciences company, will feature numerous new applications in automotive, mobile electronics and electrical equipment that incorporate its engineering plastics for high performance, low weight, and improved sustainability at PlastIndia 2015 (5th to 10th February, Gandhinagar, Gujarat). For the automotive sector, a major highlight is a new generation of Diablo high temperature resistant grades in DSM’s Stanyl® polyamide 46 and Akulon® polyamide 6 portfolios. The new Diablo grades are aimed at such engine compartment applications as air intake manifolds with integrated ducts and charge air coolers (CACs). The latest version of Stanyl Diablo polyamide 46 is able to withstand a continuous use temperature of 230°C, while the new Akulon Diablo withstands a 220°C continuous-use temperature. Equally important, both new grades have improved resistance to short-term high temperature peaks. Other innovative automotive applications on display include a composite fuel tank for two- and fourwheeled vehicles running on methane or hydrogen, and an award-winning crankshaft cover. The fuel tank is a pressure vessel made by wrapping a high-barrier liner blow molded in DSM’s Akulon® Fuel Lock polyamide 6 inside a continuous fiber reinforced plastic shell. It is around one third the weight of a steel tank, and so enables a substantial improvement in fuel-efficiency. It is even possible
to use thermoplastics such as DSM’s high performance EcoPaXX® polyamide 410— which is derived from renewable resources—in the shell, rather than a traditional thermosetting resin. EcoPaXX® has just won an award in another automotive application, a lightweight multi-functional crankshaft cover. The part came top in the Powertrain category in the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Division Innovation Awards Competition. The EcoPaXX crankshaft cover is produced by DSM’s automotive component specialist partner KACO in Germany for the latest generation of diesel engines developed by the Volkswagen Group. It weighs around 40% less than a crankshaft cover with similar geometry made in aluminum. DSM is also emphasizing its extensive offering for Electrical and Electronics (E&E) applications, especially in mobile communications. For example, the company has new solutions that answer growing requirements for size reduction and thinwalling, for halogen-free flame retardance, and for heat management. On the DSM stand, visitors will be able to talk with experts about the latest options for such components as connectors, bezels and frames, enclosures, wire and cable, antennas and splitters. Elsewhere in E&E, DSM has taken a leading position in the development of halogen-free flame retardant high performance polyamides that
provide a more efficient, costeffective and environment-friendly alternative to glass-reinforced thermoset composites in molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs). DSM also has various innovative solutions for LED lighting, including thermally conductive compounds which can be used to produce heat sinks that are easier to make, lighter and more functional than aluminum versions: leading lighting producer Osram recently started using DSM’s Stanyl TC compound based on polyamide 46 for heat sinks in a new series of LED down lights, for example. DSM has halogenfree materials for wire and cable too, including its Arnitel thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) for electrical and communications cables. Arnitel is also at the heart of new breakthrough technology developed by DSM for the medical sector. Arnitel VT provides very high levels of protection against contagious viruses coupled with breathability for wearer comfort when used as a single-layer membrane laminated to fabric in disposable medical gowns and drapes.
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FEATURES
Haitian to open up subsidiary inTaiwan Nina Ying Sun
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njection press giant Haitian International Holdings Ltd. is establishing it first subsidiary in Taiwan, against the backdrop of a further slowing economy in mainland China. The wholly-owned subsidiary will be under Haitian’s overseas business division Haitian Huayuan Co. Ltd. The official inauguration will take place as soon as all related certificates and approvals are available. The company expect this to happen in a month’s time or so. The move aims to strengthen Haitian’s direct communications with the Taiwan headquarters of many processors that manufacture on the mainland. The company would have an office for sales and service support and a very modern application center. It will also have some spare parts stock and very limited machine stock, mainly for test at customer sites including some customizing. According to company officials one of the main goals, is to support Taiwanese customers that have operations in mainland China. The main functions of the new branch would be uncomplicated mold tests, support test machines at the HQ factories of such customers, as well as training and application support. The tactic of being close to customers’ global headquarters has been tried and proven by Haitian’s technical center in Odawara, Japan. It effectively reaches to the decision makers and raises customer confidence.
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All electric and two-platen machines, in particular, are Haitian’s main target products for Taiwan. The time is right to make the move in Taiwan, Franz said, as Haitian already has gained “significant market share” on the mainland with its all electric and two-platen presses.
While it’s true that Taiwanese-owned factories represent a sizable share of molders in mainland China, Taiwan itself has a large plastic machinery industry. Taiwan is the world’s fifth largest manufacturer of plastic and rubber machinery with $1.51 billion in sales, and — due to its relatively small domestic market — it’s also the world’s fourth largest exporter of such machinery. Taiwanese press makers have long established production bases on the mainland, supplying Taiwanese-owned molding factories there, among other customers. C h i n a ’s c o o l i n g m a r k e t a n d overcapacity has been dampening the sales and squeezing the margins of leading molding machine makers. One of the largest players, Chen Hsong Group of Hong Kong, reported a 12
percent sales slump in the second and third quarters of 2014. Facing high market saturation, it also decided to hold off on the start-up of its new factory in Shenzhen. Chen Hsong has been operating in Taiwan since 1980. With more than 300 employees, it’s now one of the largest injection press makers in Taiwan. Commenting on the main challenges for further growth in the industry, Franz said one is the development of basic functions of injection molding — plasticizing, for instance — that make the process “difficult to control and still very energy consuming, even with electrical drives.” The other challenge, he said, is to be open to “cross-technology,” which he defined as integrating other technologies of converting polymers into the molding process. “In my opinion, there is much to do and great prospects for the further introduction of plastics applications to all [aspects] of our life,” he said, arguing against the notion of a lack of growth opportunities. He reaffirmed Haitian’s fundamental strategy of standardization. “We have been very successful with this strategy worldwide. At the first glance it may not be so spectacular, but it is very efficient.” In addition to the upcoming Taiwan branch, Haitian also has subsidiaries in Brazil, Turkey, Vietnam, Germany, India, Japan, Russia and South Africa.
FEATURES
Plans to show a Jupiter II
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bsolute Haitian Corp. plans to show a Jupiter II with a clamping force of 730 tons at the trade show. The servo-hydraulic, two-platen press has led to smaller model sizes and new wide-platen options for North American molders. Previously, the machine has been available from 1,349 to 4,496 tons. New model sizes are: 440, 618, 730, 844 and 1,069 tons. The extra-wide platens accommodate larger parts on a smaller, less-expensive machine size. The wide-platen Jupiter II is available in these sizes: 1,069, 1,349 and 1,798 tons. Haitian is building a 1.65-million-square-foot factory in Yanshan, Ningbo, China, dedicated to manufacturing two-platen machines. In other news, the first models from Zhafir Plastics Machinery in the new electric molding press with a hydraulic accumulator, the Zeres Series, will arrive in the United States in the first quarter of 2015. The availability of hydraulics open up all-electric
technology but need hydraulics to operate, for example, core pull. “In the past, molders who needed core pull or hydraulic ejectors had to place a separate hydraulic power pack next to the molding machine,” said Mike Ortolano, owner and chief engineer of Absolute Haitian in Worcester, mass. “With integrated hydraulics, the Zeres Series eliminates the need for the power pack, reducing the machine cell’s footprint and improving productivity per square foot. It makes it easier for processors to switch from hydraulic to electric machines. It is the optimum solution for molds with core pull, and molded parts where quality is the issue rather than shorter cycle times, for example with optical components.” At NPE, a 135-ton Zeres 1200/300 will mold a part that requires hydraulic core pull sequencing. NPE-goers also can see a Zhafir Venus II/p, a high-speed packaging machine. A 427-ton press with demonstrate cap and closure molding. And a Mars II MAII 2800/1350, with 315 tons of clamping force, will run parts, equipped with a Sepro Success II robot.
KraussMaffei, 3Con to make complete auto interior molding system
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raussMaffei AG is building on its reaction process machinery in the area of automotive interior trim, partnering with Austrian laminating, thermoforming and edgefolding components specialist 3CON Anlagenbau GmbH. 3CON Group employs around 200 people at its headquarters in Ebbs/Kufstein, Austria, and supports sales and service centers throughout the world. The two companies hope to have close domestic and international
cooperation in sales and project engineering. Through the partnership with 3CON, KraussMaffei states it is now expanding its system expertise to be a vertically integrated equipment supplier with everything from tooling to cutting and punching finished parts. The reaction process system is used in parts with foamed or back-foamed surfaces, especially those with high aesthetic quality standards. It can be used in instrument panels, door panels and window trim.
According to Nicolas Beyl, President of the reaction process machinery segment of the KraussMaffei Group, "3CON is a value partner to have at our side; together with them, we can also offer our customers technologies for laminating, edgefolding and thermoforming." Hannes Auer, founder and CEO of 3CON, said, "We are very glad to have KraussMaffei, a company with global standing, at our side."
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Bioplastic Debit cards ‘Ganada’ make it big in Korea
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outh Korea’s Woori Bank, in association with SK Chemical has developed and launched the first ever debit card in the country called ‘Ganada’ debit card that is made of bioplastics – Ecozen. So far over 300,000 such cards have been issued by the Woori Bank in the country. Woori Bank said that the ‘Ganada’ debit card with Ecozen is being applauded for promoting more environmentallyconscious card manufacturing practices rather than the commonly used PVC or PC raw materials and anticipates rising interest in the ‘Ganada’ debit cards makeup to spark growth of the green movement within the card manufacturing industry. SK official said “over 300,000 cards were issued in just two months following Woori’s official release while further explaining that the highly popular ‘Ganada’ debit card contains Ecozen, an environmentally-friendly bioplastic. The most important underlying benefit of the ‘Ecozen’ card is that it is ecological.” The high-performance based PETG, polyethylene terephthalate, polymerized with natural bioelements marks the first domestic application of Ecozen, or any bioplastic for that matter, used in the manufacture of a payment card. The current polychloride (PC) and poly-vinyl chloride (PVC)-based composition of credit cards has been an issue with their discharge of both bisphenol A & phthalate plasticizers, which are known to be hazardous to the human body.
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E c o z e n , h o w e v e r, does not contain such harmful components but only bioelements extracted from grains and other natural sources, highlighting SK Chemicals’ commitment to greenconsciousness. A Woori Bank official added, “Of the hundreds of millions of credit and debit cards issued, over 40 million are discarded every year. The PVC-based cards may potentially release hazardous dioxin accompanied by chlorine gas during the recycling process. This has led to the current termination of PVC-use in the electronics and daily goods industries. Ecozen provides a solution to the problems associated with the use of pollutants and harmful elements; and by being free of environmental hormones, customers enjoy peace of mind when using the ‘Ganada’ debit card. Ecozen also minimizes the use of chemical-based adhesives. The ‘Ganada’ debit card is comprised of several layers of Ecozen film secured by heat applications that minimize the need for chemical-based adhesives during card manufacturing. Co-developer and card mass producer on the project, KONA Communication Ltd., stated, “The ’Ganada’ debit card won a great deal of attention throughout the industry by being the first-ever card using natural tree
elements and eliminating the need for foreign adhesives, which dramatically simplify the manufacturing process.” ‘Ecozen’ cards deliver a more fortified composition, which reduces the occurrence of surface layer stripping and promotes long-term use without fading or warping from exposure to chemicals or heat. Ecozen also minimizes the use of chemical-based adhesives. The ‘Ganada’ debit card is comprised of several layers of Ecozen film secured by heat applications that minimize the need for chemical-based adhesives during card manufacturing. Korea’s card manufacturing market output alone is a staggering 650 tons while the world market reaches an astronomical 9,000 tons. The dynamics of the environmental and structural benefits of such manufacturing practices will boost our market share up to 80% by 2020 through the development of applicable uses of green technology within the credit card, public transportation card and USIM card industry.”
FEATURES
CoE-SPIRIT @ CSIR-NCL- Short Report for Expert Panel Research & Scientific Services Program Research Aligned with National Agenda Sustainable Polymers In the fourth year of the CoE-SPIRIT activities, the learning from our extrusion film casting (EFC) and thermoforming research are being applied to develop film grade biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) polymer. Extrusion film casting and thermoforming of PLA is of prime importance to the manufacturing of biodegradable packaging, which we believe is a globally emerging area and is likely to grow in India as well in the near future. PLA suffers from having low melt strength, which limits its applicability in film forming or thermoforming processes that are typically used in manufacturing packaging materials. Our research in this area aims at developing long chain branched PLA with control on molecular architecture in order to improve its melt strength. This is being achieved by either reacting linear PLA with certain peroxides in presence of suitable additives, or by reacting end functional groups of PLA using multifunctional branching agents and clickable groups. We have shown that the PLA so prepared shows increased extensional viscosity (higher melt strength) as well as fewer propensities to form microgels that are detrimental to film properties. Our research is likely to provide important inputs to the practice of extrusion film coating and thermoforming of PLA, and to the development of improved grades of PLA for these applications. A novel way to improve the melt strength of PLA is to make ionomers of PLA. Electrostatic interactions of the ionic groups in an ionomer impart hindrance to the chain movement in the melt state. This gives drastically different properties to ionomer melt than polymer melt. Depending upon where these ions are present in the chain they can be classified into random and telechelic ionomers. The latter in which the ions are placed at the chain ends, offer precise control on the molecular weight between ionic groups. This makes it a good model system to study their properties. In order to have many ionic groups in the molecule, we have developed a novel route viz making ionomers of star PLA. We have synthesised a six arm star PLA by ring opening polymerization of L-lactide in presence of dipentaerithritol initiator. The hydroxyl end functional groups of this star PLA was then converted
into carboxyl functional groups by reaction with succinic anhydride in dry THF. In a subsequent step these acidic groups were neutralised by using non nucleophilic base sodium hydride. We have done a detailed characterization – 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR and GPC of these molecules at each synthesis step to quantify the extent of reaction. The preliminary rheological characterization shows dramatic increase in the storage modulus than that of non ionic star PLA. These ionomers show typical soft solid like behaviour. We have also been able to implement this route to make star PLA having different number of arms. A manuscript is being written presently on this work. Polymers for non-conventional energy applications (PEM fuel cells) Another emerging area globally as well as in India in which the CoE has started contributing in its fourth year is in the development of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC), which are clean, efficient, silent and decentralized energy generation devices that convert the chemical energy of hydrogen directly into electricity. PEFCs use a special polymer membrane electrolyte that enables selective permeation of protons from the anode to the cathode in a fuel cell thereby completing the electrochemical reaction of oxidation of hydrogen to water with simultaneous generation of an electric current. CSIR-NCL has been developing special high temperature polybenzimidazole (PBI) based membranes for this purpose. The CoE team is assisting this development by providing crucial support in terms of modeling of the various transport phenomena and chemical reactions that occur in the PEFCs. The purpose of this work is to guide the development of polymer membranes and electrodes with improved proton conductivity and reduced charge transfer resistance. In particular, the CoE team has carried out full 3D simulations of polarization and electrochemical impedance experiments on a PEFC using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The sensitivity of fuel cell performance to various parameters such as the proton conductivities of the polymer membrane and ionomer, the thickness of the polymer membrane, the porosity of the electrode and the electrical resistivity of the graphite-polymer composite bipolar plates were studied using COMSOL.
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Research of interest to Indian Polymer Industry Polymer Processing Extrusion Film Casting& Plug-assist Thermoforming In the fourth year of the CoE, comprehensive R&D has been undertaken to develop high melt strength polypropylene (HMS-PP) that is expected to perform in a superior manner as compared to a conventional linear (low melt-strength) PP in polymer processing operations such as industrial polymer extrusion film casting and thermoforming processes. In the first research, a biphasic impact copolymer of polypropylene (ICP) wasmodified with peroxide by reactive extrusion processresulting in reduced melt flow index, improved meltstrength, and higher die swell. The polymers were for thefirst time subjected to systematic rheological and microstructuralcharacterization in an effort to understand theirstructure-property relations. In shear rheological tests,the modified ICP displayed higher flow activation energy,reduced values of loss tangent and nearly equal frequencydependence of storage and loss modulli. The modifiedICP also showed strain hardening behaviour in uniaxialextensional rheology and higher crystallization temperaturein differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). All theseare definitive indications of the presence of long chainbranches (LCB). Fitting the rheological data of modifiedICPs with the eXtended Pom Pom (XPP) model indicatedthe presence of LCB on the higher molecular weight fractionin the polymer, a result which was corroborated withmulti-detector high temperature gel permeation chromatography(HT-GPC). More importantly, the matrix and rubberphases of the ICP were separately characterized forpresence of long chain branching by rheology, DSC andHT-GPC. The results indicate that while LCB existed in thematrix phase, microgels were present in both phases indicatingthat the reaction with peroxide occurred in bothphases.(Published in Polym. Eng. Sci. DOI 10.1002/pen.23993). In the second research, experimental and modeling studies were carried out on the influence of long chain branching in a PP on extrusion film casting processability. Extrusion film casting (EFC) is an important melt processingoperation which is extensively used to make polypropylene(PP) films. Linear PP shows significant amount ofnecking and draw resonance during EFC. One of the waysto reduce necking is to introduce long chain branches(LCB) on the polymer
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backbone. The long branchesimpart extensional strain hardening behavior thereby stabilizingthe melt flow. In this work, we investigate theinfluence of long chain branching in polypropylene on theextent of necking in the EFC process. Laboratory scaleEFC experiments were performed on homopolymer PP oflinear and long chain branched architectures. Simulationsof the EFC process were carried out using the one-dimensionalflow model of Silagy et al., Polym. Eng. Sci.,36, 2614 (1996) into which we incorporate two differentmulti-mode molecular constitutive equations namely, the‘eXtended Pom-Pom’ equation (XPP, for long chainbranched PP) and the ‘RoliePoly’ equation (RP-S, for linearPP). Our experimental data confirm that presence oflong chain branching in PP reduces the extent of neckingand our numerical predictions show qualitative agreementwith experimental data, thereby elucidating the role ofchain architecture on the extent of necking. (Published in Polym. Eng. Sci. DOI 10.1002/ pen.24039) In a third research, the effect of plug temperature on thickness distribution in plug-assist thermoforming process has been studied. Plug temperature is a key parameter affecting the thickness distribution of components made by plug assist thermoforming. For a specified pair of plug and plastic sheet, the variation in plug temperature can alter the coefficient of friction (COF) between the pair. We show here how temperature dependence of COF influences the nature and extent of biaxial stretching of the sheet and consequently the thickness distribution of the thermoformed component. In the present study, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) sheets were thermoformed into axisymmetric cups using a plug-assist process in which the aluminum plug temperature (Tplug) was varied from ambient to above the glass transition temperature of HIPS. Biaxial strain maps on the surfaces of the formed cups were measured and quantified using Grid Strain Analysis (GSA).Thickness distribution was also measured. Temperature dependent COF between HIPS and aluminum was determined independently using a rotational rheometer. The measured COF was low for Tplug< 100oC. It increased appreciably at and above 100oC. We conclude that when Tplug< 100oC the sheet slips on the plug resulting in biaxial stretching of the base and side walls. For Tplug>100oC, a significant reduction in slip is expected. Matching simulations using a temperature dependent COF showed qualitative agreement with the
FEATURES
GSA data. Manuscript is under review in Polym. Eng. Sci. Polymerization Catalysis DFT Simulations & Catalyst Synthesis In first paper on DFT simulations, the effect of different class of ester donors on the olefin polymerization process was explained. Moreover, we also explained the different active sites present in the Ziegler-Natta catalyst. In second paper on DFT simulations, we have shown the donor decomposition with the help of different Lewis acidic species (Al2Et6 and TiCl2Et on the MgCl2 surface) considering two different pathways (ketone and aldehyde pathways). In this paper, we also modified the silyl ester donor to make it more robust against the decomposition. In the research on catalyst synthesis, two papers were published. In the first paper, insertion copolymerization of vinyl halides using Palladium based catalysts is discussed with a special emphasis on vinyl chloride. Remarkable advances and current state-of-the-art developments in catalytic hydrophosphination of alkenes and alkynes are reviewed. The challenges in constructing a C P bond with a special emphasis on metal catalysed (asymmetric) hydrophosphination are highlighted. Only those systems that unambiguously proceed via P H bond addition across a C C/X (X = O, N, S) multiple bond have been covered in this overview. Reviewed examples support the assumption that either strongly chelating ligands or reaction products that act as ligands, enhance the rate of hydrophosphination. The asymmetric variant of this transformation allows installation of p-chiral [enantiomeric excess (ee) up to 82%] as well as C-chiral (ee up to 99%) centres. The limited spectroscopic, mechanistic data and DFT calculations point at two dis-tinctly different mechanisms. In case of hydrophosphination, the metal undergoes oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps (in general), thus changing the oxidation state from M(0) to M(II) and back to M(0). Whereas in asymmetric hydrophosphination it is proposed that the oxidation state of the metal remains unaltered throughout the catalytic cycle. The examples described in this overview showcase the real power of catalytic hydrophosphination in constructing various phosphorus compounds, which may initiate a new era in organo-phosphorus chemistry. (DOI: /10.1016/j. ccr.2014.01.006) In the second research on catalyst synthesis, an overview
providing insights into the currentstate-of-the-art solutions to insertion copolymerization of functionalolefinic monomers, was presented. The challenges in insertion copolymerization of functional olefinic monomers, with a special emphasis on vinyl halides, are highlighted. The crucial designof the Pd–phosphinesulfonate [Pd(PO)] enables up to 3.6 mol% incorporation of vinyl fluoride (VF) in an ethylene–VF copolymerizationreaction. In a significant development, insertioncopolymerization of industrially relevant functional olefin, thatis, vinyl chloride (VC), was unambiguously ascertained, and adetectable amount of VC (0.4 mol %) was incorporated (at thechain end). In a detailed investigation, the in situ existence of(PO)PdAH species during the polymerization was revealed, andit was demonstrated that these are indeed responsible for VCincorporation. (DOI: 10.1002/ pola.26968). Training activities taken or to be taken under the flagship program of LSP of CoE- SPIRIT in the year 2013-14 and 2014-15, as per recommendations of the Expert Panel in 2013, along with targeted professionals/academicians and training content. The following training programs were held in the previous two years of CoE-SPIRIT for UG/PG/PhD students, industry professionals, and academicians: 1) A one-Day intensive workshop on Thermal Analysis of Polymeric Materialsin which the theory and practice of using sophisticated techniques such as DSC, TGA, DMA, etc. was taught. This was a day-long intensive hands-on and classroom teaching course taught by Dr. (Mrs.) Neelima Bulakh of CSIR-NCL. The training program was conducted at CSIR-NCL’s Venture Center and in the Polymers and Advanced Materials Laboratory (PAML). Target audience: UG/PG/PhD students in polymers or materials sci. field, polymer/plastics industry professionals, and academicians teaching courses in polymerscience /plastics engineering disciplines. Course content includes principles of thermal analysis, types of thermal charac. techniques such as DSC, TGA, DMA, etc., applications of thermal analysis to determine crystallization, glass transition, degradation of materials and to determine composition of mixtures/ blends/composites; live demonstration and lab tours; best practices in thermal analysis, mini workshop on data interpretation and case studies followed by latest
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developments in this field of study. 2) A one-Day intensive training program on Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) of Macromolecular Materials: This was a day-long intensive hands-on and classroom-teaching course taught by senior scientist Mrs. Deepa Dhoble of CSIR-NCL. The training program was conducted at CSIRNCL’s Venture Center and in the Polymers and Advanced Materials Laboratory (PAML) using the HT-GPC purchased using CoE-SPIRIT funds, among others. Target audience: UG/PG/PhD students in polymers or materials sci. field, polymer/plastics industry professionals, and academicians teaching courses in polymerscience /plastics engineering disciplines. Course content includes: Principles of Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)/ Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Theory of separation and detection. Understanding the instrument including various sampling techniques, columns and detectors. Applications of SEC/GPC including molecular weight distribution/averages determination, branching frequency/ distribution determination and other structural aspects for synthetic and natural polymers. Best practices in SEC/GPC. Emphasis on HTGPC techniques with live demo of experiments and a detailed lab tour. Mini workshop on data interpretation with real data. Quick update on latest developments in this field. 3) A one-Day intensive workshop on Particle Size Analysis & Colloidal Stability using DLS: Nano to Micro scale. This training program was conducted by Dr. Suresh Bhat of CSIR-NCL at CSIR-NCL’s Venture Center and in the Polymers and Advanced Materials Laboratory (PAML). Target audience: UG/PG/PhD students in paints/colloids/ pharma/polymers or materials sci. field, paints/polymer/ plastics/pharma/cement/FMCGindustry professionals, and academicians teaching courses in paints/pharma// polymerscience/ chemical engineering and related disciplines. Course content includes Principles of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Theory of scattering and detection. Understanding the instrumentation including various sampling techniques and detectors. Theory of Zeta potential and colloid stability. Applications of DLS in particle size analysis and in molecular weight determination. Application of zeta potential in observing
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behavior of dispersive systems and characterization of electrical double layer on solid/liquid interfaces. Best practices in particle size analysis. Live demonstration of experiments; Mini-workshop on data interpretation with real data; Quick update on latest techniques/ developments. 4) A three-day intensive training program on Rheology of Paints and Emulsionswas conducted jointly by CoE-SPIRIT and the Indian Society of Rheology (ISR). The course was taught by Prof. Yogesh Joshi (IIT-Kanpur), Prof. Mahesh Tirumkudulu (IIT-Bombay), Mr. Dharmesh Gala (Anton Paar Rheometers), Dr. Harshawardhan Pol (CSIR-NCL) and Dr. Ashish Lele (CSIR-NCL). This training program was conducted at CSIR-NCL’s Venture Center and in the Polymers and Advanced Materials Laboratory (PAML). Target audience: UG/PG/PhD students in paints/colloids or polymers or materials sci. field, paints/polymer/ plastics industry professionals, and academicians teaching courses in paints/polymerscience /plastics engineering disciplines. Course content includes introduction to fundamentals of rheology, with special emphasis on the rheology of suspensions and emulsions; special applications of direct relevance to paints industry, lab demos, analysis and interpretation of rheological data from paints rheological tests. 5) A five-day hands-on training program on Application of Density Functional Theory (DFT)to problems of interest to chemical industry was taught by Dr. Kumar Vanka (CSIRNCL) specifically for personnel from Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. (IOCL). The training program was conducted at CSIR-NCL using come of the computational facilities purchased using CoE-SPIRIT funds. Course content includes introduction tofundamentals of density functional theory and teaching through a case study approach in which several DFT problems related to catalysis are solved in presence of the course instructor. The following training programs are planned to be held in 2014-15for UG/PG/PhD students, industry professionals, and academicians: 1) A one-Day intensive training program on Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) of Macromolecular Materials: This is a day-long intensive hands-on and classroom-teaching course taught by senior scientist Mrs. Deepa Dhoble of
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CSIR-NCL. The training program will be conducted on July 19, 2014 at CSIR-NCL’s Venture Center and in the Polymers and Advanced Materials Laboratory (PAML) using the HT-GPC purchased using CoE-SPIRIT funds, along with other GPC’s. Target audience: UG/PG/PhD students in polymers or materials sci. field, polymer/plastics industry professionals, and academicians teaching courses in polymerscience /plastics engineering disciplines. Course content includes: Principles of Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)/ Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Theory of separation and detection. Understanding the instrument including various sampling techniques, columns and detectors. Applications of SEC/GPC including molecular weight distribution/averages determination, branching frequency/ distribution determination and other structural aspects for synthetic and natural polymers. Best practices in SEC/GPC. Emphasis on HTGPC techniques with live demo of experiments and a detailed lab tour. Mini workshop on data interpretation with real data. Quick update on latest developments in this field. 2) A one-Day intensive workshop on Particle Size Analysis & Colloidal Stability using DLS: Nano to Micro scale. This training program will be taught by Dr Suresh Bhat of CSIRNCL. This training program will be held on September 13, 2014 at CSIR-NCL’s Venture Center and in the Polymers and Advanced Materials Laboratory (PAML). Target audience: UG/PG/PhD students in paints/colloids/ pharma /polymers or materials sci. field, paints/polymer/ plastics/pharma/cement/FMCG industry professionals, and academicians teaching courses in paints/pharma// polymerscience/ chemical engineering and related disciplines. Course content includes Principles of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Theory of scattering and detection. Understanding the instrumentation including various sampling techniques and detectors. Theory of Zeta potential and colloid stability. Applications of DLS in particle size analysis and in molecular weight determination. Application of zeta potential in observing behavior of dispersive systems and characterization of electrical double layer on solid/liquid interfaces. Best practices in particle size analysis. Live demonstration
of experiments; Mini-workshop on data interpretation with real data; Quick update on latest techniques/ developments. 3) A two-day intensive training program onMelt Rheology of Polymers is planned to be held in November or December 2014. This training program will be taught by Dr Ashish Lele, Dr. Harshawardhan Pol of CSIR-NCL, Dr Chirag Kalelkar of IIT-KGP (external instructor) and Dr Aadil ElMoumni of TA Instruments (external instructor). The training program will be conducted at CSIR-NCL’s Venture Center and in the Polymers and Advanced Materials Laboratory (PAML) using the advanced rotational rheometer and the high-shear capillary rheometer purchased using CoE-SPIRIT funds, along with other rheometers. Target audience: UG/PG/PhD students in polymers or materials sci. field, polymer/plastics industry professionals, and academicians teaching courses in polymerscience /plastics engineering disciplines. Course content includes introduction to various rheological techniques, fundamentals of linear viscoelasticity, nonlinear fluids, rheometry, linking rheology to polymer processing and structure, etc. 4) A two-day intensive training program on Polymer Processing is planned to be held in February or March 2015. This training program will be taught by Dr. Harshawardhan Poland Mr. E. Deenadayalan of CSIR-NCL. The training program will be conducted at CSIR-NCL’s Venture Center and in the Polymer Processing Center (PPC). Target audience: UG/PG/PhD students in polymers or materials sci. field, polymer/plastics industry professionals, and academicians teaching courses in polymerscience /plastics engineering disciplines. Course content includes introduction to various polymer processing techniques, extrusion techniques including single and twin screw extrusion, melt compounding techniques, film extrusion, injection molding techniques, thermoforming etc., fundamentals of melt processing including types of flows in extruders, case studies related to industrially-important melt processing operations such as co-extrusion, cast-film extrusion, etc. and structure development during polymer melt processing.
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Mazda Colours Ltd. - Excellence. Innovation. Trust
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azda Colours Limited was founded in 1972 with one purpose: to establish unparalleled standards of innovation and excellence in the Copper Phthalocyanine Crude and Pigments industry. Amit Choksey, Chairman and Managing Director, Mazda Colours Ltd., took over the company in 1997, when it was a small sized enterprise producing modest quantities of Copper Phthalocyanine Crude. Less than two decades later, Choksey has transformed Mazda into a large, multi-product, ISO 9001-2008 certified company, a leading global manufacturer and one of India’s largest exporters of Copper Phthalocyanine Pigments. His vision for the company is clear: to be the global market leader in the manufacturing and distribution of a broad range of pigments by ensuring quality, consistency, innovation and customer satisfaction while protecting the environment. Mazda gets its name from the Persian Lord of light and wisdom, Ahura Mazda. “At Mazda, we understand that the essence of wisdom is to continually evolve and expand to meet the demands of changing times,” says Choksey. With the enduring support of its loyal customers world-over, Mazda’s growth story has been phenomenal. From a modest turnover of Rs. 85 crores five years ago, Mazda has achieved Rs.
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300 crores in the last fiscal year, at a ten year CAGR of over 12%. Mazda’s exports, largely to the US, Europe and Asia, accounted for more than 75% of total annual production of 12,000 MTs. By 2017, Mazda aims to cross a turnover of Rs.500 crores. The Government of India has accredited Mazda with a Star Export House status for its significant contribution to exports. Besides this, in 2012 Mazda also won the Certificate of Excellence in recognition of exemplary Growth from Inc. India 500. Mazda has also consistently generated strong cash flow, a critical indicator of actual business performance. Mazda’s remarkable performance, at a time when the world’s economy has been struggling, is a testament to our unparalleled product qualities, management systems, marketing strategy, customer service and industry leadership. But above all, it is because of Mazda’s biggest asset- its people. Mazda is amongst the only family-owned businesses in the pigment industry that is entirely professionally managed. Mazda’s range of products consists of CPC crude, Activated crude, Blue 15.0, Blue 15.1, Blue 15.2, Blue 15.3, Blue 15.4 and Green 7. These pigments are offered in press cake and powder forms. They are best suited for applications in the inks, paints,
plastics, rubber, detergents, dry dispersions and textile industries. In addition, Mazda also manufactures pigment preparations such as rubber master batches in various colours for the rubber industry, pigment dispersions for paints, detergents, textiles etc. and pigment flushes for the plastic masterbatch industry. Mazda’s pigments meet over 50 international Directives and Regulations, including AP 89, EN-71, CONEG, SVHC, RoHS. These are also REACH registered. Customer focus has been a key driver in Mazda’s growth story. Mazda lays utmost emphasis on developing sustainable relationships, offering consistent quality, timely service, and excellent after sales service. Mazda has expanded its customer base to include several other territories world over. Currently, it is servicing more than 400 customers worldwide and has strived to underscore its performance culture and increase long-term value for all its stakeholders. Mazda’s marketing team, led by Namrata Choksey and S.K.Arora, is leaving no stone unturned in meeting and exceeding its customers’
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expectations; that is a primary reason the company has achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 84% this year. To meet the fast growing demand of its pigments, Mazda has also recently begun construction of its new plant at Roha, Maharashtra which will begin operations by mid-2015. This plant, together with the existing plants
at Turbhe and Vapi, will double the current annual capacities. With this expansion Mazda will become the amongst the largest Phthlocyanine pigment producers in the world. A new Trading Division has also been established to facilitate the supply of a whole range of pigments, including AZOs, Carbazol Violet, Inorganics.
Gradually the division will also provide High Performance Pigments, Pigment Intermediates, Agrochemical Technicals and Pharmaceutical Bulk Drugs, so that clients have the access and assurance of Mazda’s quality and service across a range of products.
Borouge launches 3 plastics solutions at Arabplast
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AE-based Borouge, a manufacturer of polyoleofins, introduced three new solutions for advanced packaging, baby care and toy market at Arabplast 2015, a major plastics trade show in Dubai held from 10th January to the 13th January 2015 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The company says that its Innovative range of new materials will improve quality, efficiency and sustainability of end-products. BD265MO is a high impact block copolymer developed specifically for heavyduty applications. Apart from offering high impact resistance and No Break properties at room temperature, it is also FDA-approved for food and child contact applications. This combination of safety, strength and resilience makes it suitable for strollers, child travel systems, high chairs and large plastic toys as well as heavy-duty pails, crates, pallets and luggage. BD265MO is also appropriate for winter and deepfreeze applications. In terms of processing, the MFR of 7 and Borstar Nucleation Technology (BNT) ensures superior
property balance, allows for cycle time reductions of up to 20% and considerable energy savings w i t h o u t compromising i m p a c t performance of the article. RJ766MO is the latest addition to the Borouge high-flow random polypropylene f a m i l y, p u r p o s e d - d e s i g n e d t o combine transparency and very high flow with excellent organoleptic performance, making it ideal for transparent packaging and houseware applications. The combination of BNT and very high flow ensures that it can be processed with faster cycle time. This reduces carbon footprint and allows for increased productivity, lower energy use and lower production costs. New BB2588 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) enhances processability of extrusion blow moulding bottles BB2588 is a multimodal HDPE material
that offers converters more versatile processibility over its predecessor BB2581, allowing them to reap the full benefits of multimodal resin performance without cumbersome machine adjustments and modifications. Based on the unique Borstar® multimodal technology, BB2588 delivers up to 10% higher stiffness and up to ten times better ESCR compared to unimodal HDPE resins. This provides the potential for downgauging, increases top load strength for better stackability and improves chemical resistance for product safety. BB2588 is intended for extrusion blow moulded products, ideal for cosmetics, personal care, household and industrial chemical packaging.
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Polystar's ABA 3 layer blown film machine popular at Plast Eurasia B (middle) layer of the film. This significantly reduces production cost thanks to the large usage of calcium carbonate. Polystar has introduced the ABA know-how in various markets, particularly in countries where mono layer film production has become competitive.
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n December, Polystar installed another ABA 3 layer blown film extruder in Turkey, one of the fastest growing plastic producers in Europe today. The film producer located in the capital city Ankara Safir Plastik has been in the film production sector for over 20 years and has focused mainly on the production of T-shirt and garbage bags. Immediately after the exhibition Plast Eurasia in Istanbul, that was held during 4-7 December, 2014, the demo machine was delivered and installed in Ankara and the company has already started the film production with the machine. The customer has decided to purchase the second Polystar 3 layer machine after the installation of the first one. A/B/A blown film extruders are popular nowadays mainly because a high percentage of CaCO3 compound can be used in the
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installed across the globe. The A-B-A blown film extruders consist of two extruders to produce 3 layer film, normally of two different sizes. The most common ones today are the combination of a 45mm extruder together with a 55mm for 1000mm
This recently installed ABA machine features automatic winding and cutting, speciallydesigned screw (grooved feeder) for excellent mixing and higher production, bimetallic screw, fan type screen changer and corona treatment for printing to produce film width from 600mm up to 1000mm. Since 2011, Polystar has put a lot of emphasis on the re-designing and manufacturing of ABA blown film machines and is one of the most important suppliers for this kind of extruder today in the Turkish and Russian markets. Approximately120 blown film extruders have been
film width, or 55/65mm for up to 1400mm film width, particularly for the production of T-shirt bag and garbage bags. The B (middle) layer, which makes up about 75% of the film composition, usually consists of 40~60% CaCO3 compound. Recycled pellets (from in-house waste) can also be added to the blend. The re-designed screw helps to achieve maximum efficiency during the film production process. A better extrusion mixing is able to produce outstanding film quality, even when working with 60% CaCO3 and recycled material in the receipt. In 2015, Polystar will again present its re-engineered ABA blown film extruder in Plast Eurasia.
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Kabra Extrusiontechnik bags the EEPC Star Performer Award!
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abra Extrusiont e c h n i k has bagged the prestigious EEPC Star Performer Award in the large enterprise category (Western Region) for exports of miscellaneous special purpose machinery during 2012-13. Company received this award at the hands of Hon’ble CM of Gujarat
Mrs. Anandiben Patel in a grand awards function organized by EEPC in Ahmedabad on 14th November 2014. The citation consists of an attractive trophy and a certificate recognizing KET’s contribution to India’s machinery export during the above period. EEPC INDIA (Formerly, Engineering Export Promotion Council) was set up in 1955 under the sponsorship of Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India, for export promotion of engineering goods, projects and services from India. EEPC India
aggressively peruses a number of activities & services with a two-point objective of facilitating exports of Indian engineering products & services to the global market and to provide the overseas buyers true value. Kabra Extrusiontechnik has always applied special efforts for exporting its high class plastic extrusion plants. Having installations in 72 countries, Kabra is a popular brand among plastic processors in SAARC, Middle East, Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world.
Rajoo Bausano Commission yet another CPVC Pipe Plant
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he Rajoo Bausano juggernaut is on a roll! Rajoo Bausano has Commissioned yet another CPVC Pipe Plant in a record time of 24 hours! In line with earlier installations, the current installation too comes with unparalleled commissioning time, lower cost of produce, flexibility to use different compounds, reliability in operations and versatility in design with negligible maintenance; all concerns typical of CPVC pipe manufacturing, well addressed. The Rajoo Bausano CPVC pipe plant (Twin Screw CPVC Pipe Plant FLOWEX RBMD-66/30) at Rajendra Industries (leading manufacturers of UPVC/ CPVC plumbing pipes and fittings under the well-known ‘KAIZEN’ brand) in Rajkot is commissioned in a record time of 24 hours! With CPVC being the material of choice for most pipe manufacturers (though very difficult
to process), the industry need for a reliable and robust plant that can use a range of available cost effective raw materials is now being met well with the customised solutions that Rajoo Bausano is renowned for. To ensure flexibility in using a range of raw material compounds, the plant is designed with a special screw (Left to Right : Mr. Jaydeep Patel - Director, Mr. profile and 30 L/D extruder. Sunil Jain – Director RBE, Mr. Sandip Bhuva – GM RBE) With the patented multi-drive is better mechanical and physical system, high production levels and properties of finished products. Load elimination of torsional stress that cell-based back pressure (for trial and results in longer life of gearbox, testing of various CPVC compounds screw and energy efficiency is today to achieve appropriate processing a reality. parameters), two vacuum chambers Comprehending the need for a better (for saving on time during cleaning) product quality and processability, and extended length calibrator (for silicone oil circulation is used to control higher line speeds) are some of the screw temperature. The result the other advantages of this Rajoo
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Bausano solution. ‘As we evaluated various manufacturers of CPVC pipe plants, the relatively minimal power consumption and flexibility to process a range of raw material compounds, was one of the key attributes in favour of Rajoo Bausano solution. With an output of 220 kg/hr, the machine is customised to suit our specific needs addressing concerns that are common with CPVC pipe m a n u f a c t u r i n g . Te c h n o l o g i c a l advanced, we see this plant capable
of meeting our needs of today and tomorrow’, says Jaydeep Patel Director, Rajendra Industries. ‘When compared with other machines, the Rajoo Bausano solutions will help our customers save up to 15 lakh Rupees per annum on account of the power consumption alone. Rajoo Bausano’s service, reliability of material and design considerations would be an added plus’, says Sandip Bhuva, General Manager, Rajoo Bausano Extrusion Pvt Ltd.
While being a late entrant in this market of CPVC plants, Rajoo Bausano is today one of the fastest movers, probably at the right time, when the industry is looking for a partner with a solution that can add value to pipe manufacturing! With Rajoo Bausano, it is ‘Always Make in India’! Rajoo Bausano Extrusion Pvt. Ltd., the JV Company is a combination of Rajoo's best in the class infrastructure and Bausano's sublime pioneering technology.
MGGA to promote of Plastic sheeting
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ith the changing climatic conditions every year and unusual torrential rains across the country Grape growers in Maharashtra are toying with the idea of a permanent solution to overcome the vagaries of weather which wreaks havoc on the crop almost every year. According to a report in media the Maharashtra Grape Growers Association is seriously considering encouraging the use of plastic sheeting to protect the crop, a practice that is quite common abroad. Globally, both agriculture and horticulture have benefited from materials and processes linked with the development of use of plastics. According to market experts, proper use of plastics would help to bring about more efficient farming, irrigation and conservation of vital water, not to mention improved storage and protection of hard-won harvests (some 50% of all developing nations’ produce is destroyed by poor storage and packaging, it is estimated). These are mainly polyethylene, but there is
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also some PVC used, as well as films made from specialty polymers. Unlike greenhouses of mulching, plastic sheeting is used normally over the crop and does not require special infrastructure. In India, this could be a new concept. Ashok Gaikwad, president, Maharashtra Grape Growers Association (MGGA), said the body will approach the state government next week with a proposal to suggest some form of subsidy to help farmers buy this sheeting for their crop. This can not only be used for grapes but for other crops as well, and therefore most farmers would benefit from this, he explained. Gaikwad, who has frequently travelled abroad to explore new farming techniques, says this form of sheeting is used in several countries and he has been in touch with a few companies for bringing this to India. Farmers should be encouraged to use sheeting so they are not at the mercy of the weather, he said. If 50% subsidy
is given for the purchase of this, it will be of great help, he added. The state government had on December 16 announced that farmers affected by the recent hailstorm and untimely rains would be given compensation ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 per hectare. During a discussion in the legislative council, revenue minister Eknath Khadse said horticulture crops like grapes, mango and banana cultivated on 60,000 hectares land were completely damaged due to unseasonal rains and hailstorm in November-December.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NYC becomes the largest city to ban EPS foam
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ew York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a citywide ban on expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam containers and packing peanuts, which will go into effect on July 2015. EPS is already banned in cities across the country, including Washington, DC, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Oakland, Portland, Albany and Seattle. According to the release, the mayor's office mentioned that foam manufacturer Dart Container Corp. was among the many companies it consulted with regarding this issue. Dart had offered to help the city expand its recycling program to include foam packaging, which included foodservice and protective packaging.
"These products cause real environmental harm and have no place in New York City. We have better options, better alternatives, and if more cities across the country follow our lead and institute similar bans, those alternatives will soon become more plentiful and will cost less," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "By removing nearly 30,000 tons of expanded polystyrene waste from our landfills, streets and waterways, today's announcement is a major step towards our goal of a greener, greater New York City." The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) determined that "EPS foam cannot be recycled, which is what led to the ban." DSNY also determined that there currently is no market for postconsumer EPS collected in a curbside metal, glass, and plastic recycling program. As a result of the ban, manufacturers and stores may not sell or offer single-use foam items such
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as cups, plates, trays, or clamshell containers in the city. The sale of polystyrene loose fill packaging, such as "packing peanuts" is also banned. The law allows businesses a six-month grace period from when the law goes into effect - January 1, 2016 - before fines can be imposed. For the first year of the ban, businesses will be given a warning in lieu of a fine. In accordance with the city's new policy, the Department of Education will begin replacing foam trays with compostable plates on May 1st. All school meals will be served on these compostable plates starting in September. "For too long polystyrene foam has been mischaracterized as a safe, and economically sound choice for packaging when it is in fact a great threat to the city's ecosystem and our commitment to environmental sustainability," said Council Member Donovan Richards, chair to the Committee on Environmental Protection. "I applaud the mayoral administration's decision to finally ban the use of plastic foam." Shortly after the announcement was made, Mike Levy, senior director for the American Chemistry Council's Plastics Foodservice Packaging Group, released the following statement: "We are puzzled by the city's decision to continue sending alternative foodservice and foam packaging to landfills instead of saving money by recycling foam at curbside. New York City could have surpassed Los Angeles as the largest city to recycle foam packaging at curbside, building on
the experience of existing curbside recycling programs in other cities. Based on New York City's decision, residents will not be able to recycle any foam packaging - meat trays, egg cartons, protective packaging, foam cups - at curbside, and the use of foam foodservice packaging will be restricted. This will neither increase recycling nor reduce litter." In addition, Levy said that restrictions on foam foodservice packaging also will harm the area economy. In New York State alone, four foam foodservice packaging companies with nine facilities employ 1,563 people and contribute $47.5 million in payroll and pay $2.3 million in state taxes.
Iran prepares to resume exports of petrochemicals to Europe
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ran prepares to resume exports of petrochemical products to Europe which were banned by U.S.-led sanctions in recent years, according to Shana, the Iran oil ministry’s news service.The Middle Eastern country made shipment of a consignment of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) to Belgium in week commencing Dec 22. The transfer, which measures 2,000 tons with a value of over US$2 million, will be made by Iran’s Jam Petrochemical Company.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
South Korean refineries protest against customs duty on imports of crude oil
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he South Korean Ministry of Strategy and Finance plans to impose customs duty on crude oil imports even if they are to produce naphtha, in the range of 1-3%. Refiners in the country are protesting against the government's plan to impose customs duty on imports of crude oil for naphtha production, starting 2015. According to reports as per the Ministry, the customs duty is aimed at boosting revenue, but as per the refineries, the customs duty will further undermine their bottom lines and weaken price competitiveness of
naphtha compared to overseas rivals. The government has imposed no tariffs on naphtha imports. Last year, the four major refineries, SK Energy, GS Caltex, S-Oil and Hyundai Oilbank, imported 138 barrels of crude oil to make naphtha. If the government imposes a 3% duty on the oil, it will cost them 330 billion won. It will be a huge burden on the refineries, which are expected to post record losses this year due to falling oil prices. Combined losses are expected to top 1 trillion won this year for the first time.
European Commission withdraws Circular Economy plan
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he European Commission has withdrawn its Circular Economy initiative from its 2015 work programme, which it will “replace by a new, more ambitious proposal by end 2015”. The Commission revealed the Circular Economy package, which was launched in July, was one of 80 proposals it has axed from its 2015 programme, with its work plans now focused on 23 initiatives. The Circular Economy proposal had set EU-wide targets to recycle 70% of municipal waste and 80% of packaging waste by 2030 and to work towards ending the landfilling of recyclable waste by 2025. A circular economy is based on resource efficiency and the Commission’s ambition at the July launch was that keeping materials in productive use for longer would
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also improve EU competitiveness by creating new technologies and jobs. The reduced work programme was announced to the European Parliament in Strasbourg by Jean-Claude Juncker, who became president of the new Commission in November, and first vice-president Frans Timmermans, who has power of veto over proposals from the Commission’s departments. Juncker indicated the new Commission will prioritise “big economic and social challenges” and will not get bogged down in proposed legislation that EU citizens see as “interference where Member States are better equipped to give the right response. That is why we committed to driving change and to leading an EU that is bigger and more ambitious.
Environmentalists protest against Formosa in Taiwan
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nvironmental protection groups in Taiwan demonstrated in front of the Yunlin County Government building against the agricultural tailwater recycling plan proposed by the sixth naphtha cracker complex managed by Formosa Plastics Group (FPG). The environmentalist group have been citing concerns over increased irrigation water shortages and potential land subsidence near the high-speed rail line. According to reports environmentalists fear that FPG’s plan would “destroy the agricultural sector.” The company has proposed to tap 50,000 tonnes of water every day from Nanzih Work Station and the Tienwei irrigation channel for use during the naphtha crackers’ standard operations. Citing a resolution issued by the Environmental Protection Administration last month that said the agency would no longer be in charge of reviewing the plan to tap tailwater from Sinhuwei River due to the “unfeasible nature” of the plan, the activists asked the county government to clarify whether it would grant FPG the water rights it requested. Concerns were expressed over the impact pollutants would have on local clam and oyster farming.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Europe’s dilemma over industrial renaissance
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he European Commission wants an industrial renaissance. As the EU has struggled to haul itself out of a long recession, the Commission has expressed its desire for a stronger industrial sector, with its big contribution to exports and job creation, as a means for creating a resilient European economy. The Commission has set a target for industry’s share in Europe’s GDP to increase to 20% by 2020, from a level around 15% to which it has fallen in recent years. It said in January 2014 that enhancing industrial competitiveness is vital for achieving that goal and it would prioritise this in all policy areas. But this desire for an industrial renaissance comes at a time when the US energy and chemicals
sector is resurgent, supported by exploitation of shale oil and gas. Many blame the Commission’s policies for blocking similar progress in the European sector. At the Brussels conference, polymer producers had the chance to tell Commission leaders about the state of the European industry. Their portrayal of the industry was gloomy: competitiveness has been harmed by high energy prices, a heavy regulatory burden and focusing on sustainability at the expense of growth, they claimed. Companies with global operations contrasted Europe’s stagnation with US dynamism and stressed the urgency of the problem that they want EU policymakers to face up to.
Canada's APMA, CAMM joining forces
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he Canadian Association of Mold Makers and Canada's Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association have entered into a collaborative working relationship effective January 01, 2015. The trade organizations, which share many business interests, will each operate independently while sharing in industry initiatives like events and trade missions, according to the release. “Many of the issues mold makers and the parts makers deal with the cost of power, labor issues, skill shortages, environmental concerns they are all very common concerns,” APMA President Steve Rodgers “And
so consequently if we can have a bigger voice by virtue of having more members overall, that is definitely an advantage going forward.” As part of the new relationship, members in each association will also have access to membership benefits in the other association. Headquartered in Windsor, Ontario, CAMM comprises mold makers, designers, manufacturers and suppliers and services companies across Canada. Toronto’s APMA represents producers of parts, equipment, tools, supplies and services for the automotive industry.
EPA sets new rule for phthalate DnPP
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federal agency has issued new regulations for a phthalate used in PVC production. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a significant new use rule (SNUR) for Di-n-pentyl phthalate (DnPP), requiring any company manufacturing, processing or importing the chemicals to notify EPA 90 days in advance so the agency can evaluate their intended use and, if necessary, take action to prohibit or limit the activity. According to the agency most uses of DnPP, a phthalate, which can be used in PVC plastics and has been shown to cause developmental and/or reproductive effects in laboratory animals. DnPP has been phased out most of U.S. and European PVC production, but to resume its use for anything other than a chemical standard for analytical experiments or evaluation, EPA must be notified, under the new rule. DnPP is one of five phthalates for which a Consumer Product Safety Commission panel recommended a permanent ban earlier this year. The Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel recommended that DnPP as well as diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP) and dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) be permanently banned from use in children’s toys and childcare articles at levels greater than 0.1 percent.
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Plastics News
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
White House, energy department launch composites initiative
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iber-reinforced plastics are getting attention and a cash infusion from the White House. President Barack Obama announced earlier this month that the U.S. Department of Energy will launch a competition that will help develop lightweight composites needed for clean energy products including fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, wind turbines and hydrogen and natural gas storage tanks. The new competition for an Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation Institute will award $70 million
over five years to improve U.S. companies’ ability to make advanced polymer composites at the speed, cost and performance needed for more widespread production. The White House also announced the formation of an Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, led by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, which will work with manufacturers, universities and national labs to support pioneering composites technology development and research. The IACMI team includes 122 members, and is aimed
at creating better composite materials for the automotive, wind turbine and compressed gas storage industries. Participating states include Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. Detroit will house one of IACMI’s Centers of Excellence and Michigan State University will serve as a primary academic partner. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has committed to provide $15 million in matching funds to the Michigan portion of the institute.
Polymer markets in Europe could continue to be under pressure from new capacities
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uropean polymer markets would continue to come under pressure from new capacity in the US that is being driven by shale gas and other cheap feedstock and energy regions, as per Interbulk, the Aim-listed logistics group. The group, which transports dry and liquid goods and materials around the world, said its dry bulk division had been heavily impacted by what it called “weakness and volatility in the European polymer markets” and plant closures in the UK. Its overall revenue for the year to 30 September 2014 of £256.3 mln was 6% lower than in 2013, “mainly due to closures of manufacturing units in the European polymer industry”. Interbulk said this included the closure of production plants by its customers, both on a temporary and
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permanent basis, which affected volumes and equipment balances. Transportation activity, as measured by moves performed, was down 11% year-on-year, and the revenue from temporary storage declined by 18%.
East, “and the wave of new plastics capacity being constructed in the US Gulf based on ethane from shale gas will simply heighten this pressure on the European producers in the coming years”.
“The major factor was plant closures in the UK,” the group said in a statement. “Export opportunities as a result reduced leading to higher empty repositioning back to the continent. It will take some time to mitigate these plant closures given the continued pressure on European polymer producers from regions with access to cheap feedstock and energy.”
Loek Kullberg, Interbulk’s chief executive, said the group believed there would be some expansion of European production in the PET sector, where it had a large market share, next year. “However, this market also continues to be challenged by increased imports from outside Europe coinciding with sluggish demand growth from the wider economic issues in Europe. As a result, the revenue outlook remains both uncertain and volatile depending on the success in highly competitive export markets.
Interbulk said the European polymer market was still adjusting to the pressures on global flows and pricing from substantial capacity additions using cheap feedstock in the Middle
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BUSINESS NEWS
Petronas selects LyondellBasell for its Malaysia complex
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etronas Refinery and Petrochemical Corporation (PRPC), a wholly owned subsidiary of PETRONAS,has selected the LyondellBasell Spherizone and Spheripol polypropylene process technologies. The technologies will be used for a 900 KTA polypropylene (PP) unit to be constructed in their Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) complex in Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia. Key features of the Spherizone technology include a large range of high-performance PP and novel polyolefinic resins with expanded properties, while Spheripol is the leading polypropylene technology for the production of high quality homopolymer, random and heterophasic copolymers.
LyondellBasell is a leading licensor of polypropylene and polyethylene technologies with more than 250 polyolefin process licenses. Dutuk Nur Iskandar A. Samad, Deputy Project Director (Petrochemical) for project RAPID at PRPC said, “Our selection of both the Spherizone and Spheripol process technologies will provide PETRONAS with a wide range of premium quality and differentiated PP products highly suited to the needs of international markets.” “LyondellBasell is pleased to be selected by PETRONAS as its technology provider for the development of their polypropylene business,” said Bob Patel, Executive Vice President of Olefins and Polyolefins, Europe, Asia, International and Technology.
SBI receives mandate to raise Rs 4,000 crore for BPCL's petrochemical plan
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tate Bank of India (SBI) has received the mandate to raise funds for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). According to reports BPCL is planning to raise Rs 4,000 crore for the expansion of its Kochi refinery and to fund its petrochemicals venture. State Bank of India (SBI) has received the mandate to raise funds. BPCL plans to diversify into downstream petrochemicals with an investment of Rs 4,588 crores and is planning to produce niche petrochemicals such as acrylic acid, acrylates and oxo alcohols, using
the polymer grade propylene that will be available after the ongoing integrated refinery expansion project (IREP) is completed. The company will invest around Rs 14,225 crore in its expansion at the Kochi refinery and Rs 5,000 crore for setting up a petrochemical joint venture. BPCL is in the process of increasing the refining capacity of Kochi refinery from 9.5 mln tpa to 15.5 mtpa under IREP project and improve the autofuel quality to Euro-IV/V levels to meet the growing demand of petroleum products in Indian market.
RIL signs shipping agreements with Mitsui
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eliance Industries has signed shipping agreements with Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd (MOL), for transporting liquefied ethane from North America to India. MOL will supervise the construction of six Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs), ordered by Reliance. MOL will also operate and manage the vessels after these are built and delivered. In August 2014, RIL decided to source 1.5 mln tpa of ethane from the US to feed its cracking units in India. Reliance, with this strategic tie-up with MOL, has achieved the successful implementation of its ethane import project to feed crackers in India. The ships are expected to be delivered starting Q4-2016, in synchronisation with the readiness of the terminal in North America. The proposed capital expenditure ofUS$1.5 bln (Rs 9,000 crore) for this includes US$723 mln (Rs 4,338 crore) for building six of the world’s largest ethane carriers through Samsung Heavy Industries, South Korea. Imports will commence from second half of calendar year 2016. Reliance is also building a world-scale receiving and storage facility in India for liquefied ethane and a pipeline to deliver ethane to its crackers. It will also be upgrading its crackers to maximise cracking of ethane.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Sasol completes US$4 bln credit facility for Louisiana ethane cracker
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asol Limited (Sasol) has completed its US$4 billion credit facility for its ethane cracker and derivatives at its existing site in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Sasol had earlier announced of its final investment decision relating to a US$8.9 bln petrochemical complex, which consists of an ethane cracker that will produce 1.5 mln tons of ethylene annually. The complex will also comprise six chemical manufacturing plants, enabling infrastructure and utility improvements. A syndicate of 18 international banks and other financial institutions are lenders for the credit facility. The syndicate consists of:
Book-runners and joint lead arrangers: The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.; BNP PARIBAS; HSBC Bank USA , National Association; Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A.; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.; Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated; Mizuho Bank , Ltd.; Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Citibank, N.A. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.is the administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A. is the account bank, and HSBC Bank USA , National Association is the security trustee for the credit facility. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc acted as the project's financial advisor, and Latham &
China commissions first of 14 planned propylene production units
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hina has commissioned the first of 14 planned propylene production units using technology from Honeywell's UOP to help close the global supply and demand gap. China's Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical Co. Ltd became the first Chinese producer to start production of propylene using UOP C3Oleflex™ process technology, which efficiently produces propylene from propane. Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical is currently producing high quality, on-spec product for acrylic acid and derivative production. Since 2011, UOP has licensed the C3 Oleflex process to more than a dozen producers to meet rising demand, with a majority of licensed capacity in China.
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"China's propylene consumption accounts for more than 15 percent of worldwide demand and is growing at about 5 to 6 percent per year," said Pete Piotrowski, senior vice president and general manager of UOP's Process Technology and Equipment business. "Oleflex technology has been demonstrated to have the lowest cash cost of production due to its efficiency, providing a significant operating advantage to our licensees, and we look forward to showcasing the commercial success of this technology in China." Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical Co. Ltd. will produce 450,000 metric tons annually (MTA) of propylene at its facility in Pinghu City inZhejiang Province, China.
Watkins LLP served as legal advisor for the project. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP advised the lenders. The remainder of the funds required for construction will be raised in a phased manner from a variety of potential sources, including surplus cash available in the group. Additional funding will be announced as it is secure.
Financial Support for Haldia Petrochem
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he ailing Haldia Petrochemicals plant is likely to be on track. According to reports Purnendu Chatterjee, chairman of The Chatterjee Group, has agreed to invest Rs 100 crore as margin amount into the ailing Haldia Petrochemicals plant. It is learnt following this decision, banks have decided to infuse funds, which could eventually lead to plant start up. Also according to reports Lenders will agree to infuse funds when the promoter shows interest. With TCG bringing in 10% of the cash, the lenders have agreed to follow suit. The management had asked for Rs 1,000 crore to buy naphtha, the main feedstock. The main lenders to HPL are Industrial Development Bank of India, State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, ICICI Bank and Industrial Finance Corporation of India.
BUSINESS NEWS
Solvay acquires Ryton® PPS business for US$220 million
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olvay has acquired Ryton® PPS (polyphenylene sulphide) business from U.S.-based Chevron Phillips Chemical Company for US$220 million, enlarging its high-performance polymers offering and entering a solid growth market. Solvay’s Global Business Unit (GBU) Specialty Polymers has bought two Ryton® PPS resin manufacturing units in Borger, Texas, a pilot plant and R&D laboratories in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, as well as a compounding plant in Kallo-Beveren, Belgium with a total of about 200 employees joining the Group. Chevron Philips Chemical’s compounding unit in La Porte, Texas, will provide temporary tolling services
to Solvay, allowing for an orderly transition with the Ryton® customer base. Solvay Specialty Polymers, which has the industry’s broadest product portfolio, will access new business segments with innovative and demanding applications in transportation, automotive in particular, in electronics and in filter bags. The acquisition is part of Solvay's strategic development to enhance its specialized solutions, deliver higher growth and greater returns while reducing cyclicality. The Ryton® PPS businesses will be consolidated into Solvay's accounts as of January 1, 2015.
Versalis signs agreement with Saras for the transfer of the Sarroch plants
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ersalis (Eni) has announced the signing of a firm agreement with Sarlux (Saras) that officially formalizes the transfer of the plants of the Sarroch site (Cagliari, Sardinia). The aim of the agreement is to reinforce the integration between the Versalis petrochemical complex and the refinery owned by Sarlux, thus generating industrial synergies that will make the site more competitive in the medium to long term. The agreement includes the acquisition by Sarlux of the Versalis operations which are already connected with the production cycle of the refinery and related services, namely, the
reforming unit, the propylene splitter unit and the BTX plant and related services, including the logistics system. Versalis will continue to operate on the site with HSE activities, as already planned, as well as with the safety operations following the shutdown of the productions which are not included in the agreement. The challenging market scenario for petrochemical products, the distance from the outlet markets and the high structural costs deriving from the separation of the two companies’ industrial scopes , makes it necessary to consolidate operations in order to improve the sustainability.
Chinese firm acquires Wellman Plastics Recycling
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hinese composites materials m a k e r S h a n g h a i Pr e t Composites is to acquire US based Wellman Plastics Recycling in Johnsonville in an all-cash deal valued at more than US$70 million. With the all cash deal in place this would mean that it would purchase all the assets of Wellman. The purchase includes all shares of Wellman Engineering Resins and DC Foam Recycle Inc. According to Pret, as of last year, Wellman’s total assets were valued at US$73.6 million, including US$14.8 million in net assets. The company’s sales totalled US$162 million in 2012, increasing to US$164 million in 2013, and US$124 million for the first three quarters of 2014. Net profit was US$7.6 million in 2013 and US$6.1 million for the first three quarters of 2014. Pret supplies its composite materials to the automotive industry and the purchase is an effort to secure a presence in the automotive compounding market in the US. Wellman’s Engineering Resins division produces nylon, polyester and polypropylene resins for the automotive industry that are made from 100% postconsumer recycled materials.
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BUSINESS NEWS
HIG Capital subsidiary acquires Ferro's polymer additives
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I.G. Capital, a leading global private equity investment firm's affiliate has purchased the majority of the assets associated with Ferro Corporation’s Polymer Additives Division. PAD will be rebranded and operate as Valerus Specialty Chemicals. Headquartered in Independence, Ohio, Valerus is a leading provider of specialty chemicals that impart critical attributes to
polymers, including resiliency, flame retardancy and ease of processing. The Company has a very diverse and broad product line with over 250 active SKUs of polymer modifiers, lubricants and stabilizers. Valerus holds a strong reputation within the industry for consistently delivering reliability, quality and product innovation. The Company is expected to generate over $200 million in revenue for 2014.
Valerus operates six manufacturing facilities globally with locations in Ohio, New Jersey, Texas, Louisiana and the UK. The existing management team, led by Paul Angus, will continue to manage and lead Valerus. Mr. Angus will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer. Valerus is the eighth investment and the fourth corporate carve-out in the chemical sector for H.I.G. since 2008.
Formosa files construction permit application for new Texas PE plant
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ormosa Plastics has filed a construction permit application with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to build a new polyethylene plant at its Point Comfort, Texas facility. However, the permit application, filed on 22 December, does not specify the type of polyethylene that would be produced, the proposed capacity of the plant, or a timeline
for construction. The new capacity would be in addition to a 625,000 tpa low density polyethylene plant already under construction at Point Comfort; that plant is scheduled for start-up in 2017.The new derivatives units come as Formosa plans to add 1 mln tpa of ethylene capacity at the site scheduled for operations in 2016. Formosa's new olefins plant and propane dehydrogenation (PDH)
Odisha Government urges GOI to provide budgetary support to IOC
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he Odisha government has urged the Government of India to provide budgetary support to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) for financing the capital cost of the PCPIR hub in the state and seek FDI if necessary, for developing the hub. IOCL, the anchor tenant for the PCPIR hub, is setting up 15 mln ton oil refinery at Paradip that is expected to start commercial operation by March 2015.
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The demand was raised by the state finance minister Pradip Amat at the pre-Budget meeting. IOCL had laid the foundation stone for polypropylene (PP) plant (part of the petrochemical complex) at Paradip. The PP plant is expected to cost Rs 3,150 crore while the entire petrochemical complex involves an investment of Rs 27,000 crore.
unit will include 14 cracking furnaces, four PDH reactors, four steam boilers and associated equipment. Formosa currently operates two steam crackers at Point Comfort with a total ethylene capacity of up to 1.5 mln tpa.
Rosneft to takeover Sanors petrochem
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ussia's oil company Rosneft targets to complete takeover of petrochemical producer Sanors by Q1-2015. Sanors' petrochemical assets in Novokuybyshevsk in Russia's Samara region include acetone, phenol, ethylene, synthetic ethanol and gasoline additives production lines. The US$1 billion deal was signed by the companies at the end of May, and was initially expected to be finalized by the end Q3-2014. The delay was due to anti-trust approvals from other countries.
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PRODUCT NEWS
Ultrasion debuts micro moulding process
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arcelona-based Ultrasion has developed a micro-moulding process, based on the use of ultrasonics as the agent of polymer melting. The process, which uses no barrel or screw, is designed specifically for the manufacture of small and precise plastic parts. Ultrasonic waves are used to melt plastic granules that are fed direct to the mould, and are melted in milliseconds once contacted by an ultrasonic horn encapsulated in the Sonorus IG. Enric Sirera, sales director at Ultrasion says: “Ultrasound moulding technology is extremely precise, uses no heaters, and the process means there is no material residence time, and no material degradation. In addition, as the energy needed in the process is only at the point when the ultrasonic horn contacts the raw material to induce melt, it uses upwards of 90% less energy than a traditional micro injection technology.” He adds that material wastage, a massive issue in precision and micro moulding applications, where in some instances upwards of 99% of material processed will be scrapped, is also reduced dramatically. “In the Ultrasion process, only the material required is dosed, and so runner and sprue wastage are all but eliminated.” The nature of the ultrasonic moulding process is such that material melt characteristics are very different from those produced in injection moulding machines. The application of high intensity mechanical vibration that
transmits energy directly into the polymer molecular structure results in an extremely fast and efficient melting process “inside out” rather than “outside in” which is how melting occurs in injection moulding via the electric heater bands. In addition, the new sprue concept in the Ultrasion technology means that it behaves as an energy director, orientating the waves in the flow direction meaning that molten material and waves travel together towards the mould cavities, which induces extremely low viscosity (almost as low as water) in the melted plastic. All materials from standard polypropylene to high density polyethylene, can be processed in the Sonorus 1G machine, which has been designed specifically to accommodate shot weights from 0.05 g to 2.5 g. In all materials,
the reduced viscosity allows for the attainment of especially long parts or parts with extremely thin walls. The machine can easily mould 15 mm long parts with wall thicknesses of 0.075 mm, and achievable tolerances are in the region of 0.01 mm. Sirera says: “The results achieved by some OEMs using the Ultrasion technology show the versatility of the machine and the precision achievable.” He cites a healthcare project for a medical device using coloured polypropylene in which a tissue management application required a particularly difficult to manufacture tip. “By using the Ultrasion technology, this OEM managed to produce a tip that was 43 mm long, weighed 0.22 g, with wall thicknesses of 0.075 mm, with an outside diameter of 0.35 mm and an inside diameter of 0.2 mm,” he says.
Mitsubishi develops bio-based polycarbonate
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itsubishi Chemical Corporation has developed a bio-based polycarbonate resin. Durabio is based on isosorbide as a comonomer that replaces bisphenol A. Isosorbide is derived from glucose, widely available as a biological feedstock. The Tokyo-based materials giant says Durabio is not biodegradable and its durability suits it to a range of engineering applications. Key properties include high transparency, excellent optical properties and higher resistance
to abrasion than conventional PC. Mitsubishi claims Durabio’s optical properties are superior to conventional PC. Its impact resistance characteristics compare favorably with conventional PC, according to the company. Mitsubishi cites optical and energy components, electronics, automotive and décor schemes as potential applications for Durabio. According to the company Durabio’s desirable optical properties relate to its isosorbide ingredient, which unlike BPA is an aliphatic chemical.
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PRODUCT NEWS
PEEK-OPTIMA® HA Enhanced receives European approval
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mplants made from the PEEKOPTIMA® HA Enhanced implantable polymer have received their first CE mark (European) approval. It is granted to implants supplied by the Karmed Saglik Group ("Karmed") for the treatment of degenerative spinal conditions. The approval is necessary for distributing products within the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Union. The innovative PEEK-OPTIMA HA Enhanced polymer is offered by Invibio Biomaterial Solutions ("Invibio"). Granted specifically for Karmed's "Superfusion" line of spinal implants, which focuses on interbody cages for therapeutic use in the cervical and lumbar areas, all implants in this product line are now produced using PEEK-OPTIMA HA Enhanced. "We selected this polymer because it pushes past the traditional boundaries
of bone on-growth," said Gamze YILDIRIM, Business Development Manager at the Karmed Group. "We have been aware for some time that it is an exceptional performer in spinal fusion scenarios, enabling early and direct bone apposition. In fact it has many virtues, including radiolucency, enabling monitoring of the implant in a way that is just not possible with titanium implants." PEEK-OPTIMA HA Enhanced shares all of the material properties that originally made PEEKOPTIMA Natural the leading material for spinal interbody fusion devices, including a modulus similar to that of bone, radiolucency, biocompatibility and long-term stability. It has been compounded with hydroxylapatite (HA), a well-known osteoconductive material that enhances bone apposition. A study that evaluated the bone on-growth of the two
Self-healing polymers developed using sugar
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elf-healing polymers developed by Marek Urban from Clemson University uses a special ingredient -Sugar. The method has some distinct advantages over others. The new polymer can repair itself from ingredients in the air. The revised chemistry needs only carbon dioxide and water vapor, thus resembling plant behavior of carbon fixation during the photosynthesis cycle. The technology that Urban is developing is also part of a demonstration project under the Department of Defense’s Corrosion Prevention and Control Program. A polyurethane coating
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incorporating additives that enable the self-repairing mechanisms is being applied to large hangar doors at the Corpus Christi Army Depot in Texas. Richard Lampo, a materials engineer with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, is helping to evaluate Urban’s concepts for self-repairing coatings for use in highly corrosive environments. “Coatings are the first line of defense against corrosion, and a coating that repairs itself when damaged, thus maintaining a barrier to the effects of corrosion.
implantable polymers in a bone defect model in a sheep, revealed that PEEK-OPTIMA HA Enhanced increased interfacial shear strength with bone more than four-fold at four weeks following implantation and resulted in over 75% direct bone apposition.*
PEs aimed at personal electronics
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eknor Apex Co. has developed a group of thermoplastic elastomers targeted for personal electronic devices.The new materials feature pleasing tactile properties, striking color and durability, which are valuable characteristics in devices such as in-ear headphones, computer mice, fitness trackers and smart watches. The Pawtucket, R.I., company claims the new TPEs resist skin oil, stains, household chemicals and UV light, and are free of latex, phthalates, bisphenol A and heavy metals. The products are part of Teknor Apex’s Monprene family of TPEs. New grades for overmolding adhere to polycarbonate, ABS and blends of the two polymers. The TPEs offer a range of surfaces, from plastic-like to rubbery and from silky smooth to easy-to-grip. Teknor Apex used its experience in demanding TPE applications to develop TPE property combinations well suited to prolonged use in close human contact.
PRODUCT NEWS
Nordson’s Xaloy Quantum Plasticizing system reduces screw recovery time
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igh-rate plasticizing unit incorporating an innovative screw design produces enhanced-quality melt at rates that make possible shorter cycles in injection molding of high-speed, thin-wall packaging,. The Nordson Xaloy Quantum™ plasticizing system includes a barrier screw designed to increase the rate of plastication for unmelted material while minimizing shear forces on polymer that is already in a molten state. Along with the innovative screw, Nordson supplies a custom-designed poppet-style non-return valve, whose free-flowing channels prevent polymer degradation and whose rapid shut-off ensures shot-to-shot consistency. “The Quantum system delivers optimum
melt quality at a rate that reduces actual screw recovery time by 10 to 15% in comparison with existing high-performance plasticizing units, enabling it to keep pace with the exceedingly short cooling times in high-volume production of thin-wall parts,” said Tony Genova, engineering supervisor for screw manufacture. “As a result, molders who use the Quantum processing system are often able to reduce cycle times, increasing profitability and yielding a rapid return on investment.” A barrier screw has a middle section designed to separate solids from molten polymer so that the heat and shear forces applied to the solids can be maximized, increasing the
Seal Shield launches new antimicrobial
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new antimicrobial protection for healthcare and consumer products - Seal Shield(TM) developed by Seal Shield LLC has been unveiled. The Seal Shield solution represents a groundbreaking development in antimicrobial product protection technology. Products treated with Seal Shield (TM) have been shown to resist the growth of viruses, fungi, and odor causing microbial bacteria. The product is EPA registered, environmentally friendly and keeps treated products cleaner, greener and fresher longer. Developed for the healthcare market, it is the perfect solution for hospitals and the home, and an economical way to provide
permanent antimicrobial product protection to sensitive healthcare devices or heavy-use consumer home products. It is an antimicrobial, fungistatic additive which reduces the growth of mold, mildew and odor causing bacteria on a product's surfaces, and is available in liquid, powder or as master batch for plastic, silicone and other varied polymers. "With recent increases in infection prevention efforts, our healthcare customers are demanding germ protection for all common touch surfaces, ranging from phones to light switches and everything in between," states Seal Shield CEO, Brad Whitchurch.
plastication rate. “In the screw for the Quantum system, we strive for a mass balance throughout the length of the screw, accommodating the differential between the bulk density of the pellets being fed into the system and the density of the molten polymer,” said Mr. Genova. Nordson custom designs each screw for the Nordson Xaloy plasticizing system to meet specific customer requirement.
Renishaw unveils new additive manufacturing system
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ngineering company Renishaw is developing the first additive manufacturing system designed and engineered specifically for production manufacturing. Provisionally named the EVO Pr o j e c t , t h e n e w m a c h i n e incorporates a high-power 500 W laser, a capacity filtration system and automated power handling. It has been presented to the public for the first time at the Euromold fair In 2013, the Gloucestershirebased group acquired the assets of LBC Laser Bearbeitungs Center, a German service bureau which provides laser inscription and 3D laser engraving services, as well as metal-based additive manufacturing.
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TECHNOLOGY
Software helps packaging designers see what attracts consumers
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ye movement, blood flow and even skin reaction all go into a unique program at Clemson University to help determine whether that next plastic package — or any package for that matter — is going to be a hit or a miss or somewhere in-between. The approach, years in the making at the South Carolina school, is now being commercialized through a new company using these biometrics to help guide consumer product companies as well as packaging suppliers in their decision making. “There’s a lot of facets that you can apply this type of technology to. We work with leading eye-tracking software and hardware companies. We’ve highly customized commercial products to do this type of work,” Hurley said. “We can look at shelf impact and product viability. And we can do that from a very quantitative perspective. We’ve got this stuff
down and we can pass this off to a local start-up company who can make a big difference and really utilize it and get it out into the industry and show off what we’re doing,” said R. Andrew Hurley, assistant professor in the Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences at Clemson. As part of the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at the university, work on this approach dates back six years. The laboratory at Clemson is called CUshop, which plays off of the university’s name as well as the mission of the work. Within this technology eye movement itself is tracked 30 times per second. And combined with all of the other metrics, a single shopping experience can yield more than 20 million pieces of data for analysis. “We can quantifiably tell you if that’s going to increase attention, increase shelf
impact and in the end is it going to increase your sales,” Hurley said about different packaging designs. “We can tell you with a very high confidence what structure or what substrate or what printing process really made a difference,” Hurley said. That’s good for makers of consumer packaged goods as well as their packaging material suppliers. Last year, he said, 93 percent of all new product launches to the fast food and consumer goods categories were failures.“That’s a lot of money. That’s a lot of time. That’s a lot of waste,” he said. But this research, he said, can help prove the viability of a package long before it hits the market. “The average development cycle for a company is 22 months. This process can shorten that by about seven months, making you a market leader,” he said.
Recycling technique that does not require water
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new technology that, unlike most conventional plastic recycling techniques, does not require the use of water and could also be used to process materials such as styrofoam, polystyrene and ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) has been developed by researchers from AK Inovex. The technology, developed by founder Marco Adame, claims that it can process over 90% of plastic types without producing waste water. In addition, they claim that is can cut production cost by 50% without reducing the overall quality of the
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recycles plastic pellets by avoiding severe temperature changes. The traditional process involves washing and grinding of waste plastic, that makes it hygroscopic, so it has to be dehydrated so that it can be crystallized. This process requires applying heat at 180 degrees Celsius and then cooling the material with water. The new AK Inovex process, however, performs these steps without water, instead going directly to the formation of the recycled beads. As a result, the company said that 50% less energy consumption is used, and less
physical space is required to perform the operation. The company claims better quality of recycled pellets and a more profitable recycling process. Adame said that AK Inovex currently has “a pending patent registration of the three technologies that integrate the development, which are responsible for cooling the plastic through contact with special walls and form the plastic beads.” The technology can process any type of plastic, including styrofoam, polystyrene, PET and ABS.
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IN THE NEWS
Cabinet approves changes to Electricity Act, 2003
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he union cabinet approved the various amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003 as per the power ministry's proposed amendment bill. The amendments will usher in much-needed further reforms in the power sector, promote competition, efficiency in operations and improvement in quality of supply of electricity in the country resulting in capacity addition and ultimate benefit to the consumers.. Power Minister Piyush Goyal had said that the amendments would be tabled in the ongoing winter session of Parliament. The proposed changes envisage strengthening the penalty provisions, increasing the penalty manifold and making them more enforceable. Changes to the tariff policy are also being proposed, the minister had said. To encourage more competition in power distribution, it is proposed to give consumers a choice of companies for power supply Goyal said that reforms are also being planned in the
distribution sector whereby the entire discom set-up will be unbundled. "While there will be a government distributor of power to ensure that power is provided to the weaker sections of society, competition will be introduced and a private sector role in the sector," Goyal said. To boost the wind energy sector, the government proposes to bring in amendments to the act introducing stricter penalties for failing to meet renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets, Goyal, who is also minister of new and renewable energy, had said here last week which launching the newly formed wind power producers and manufacturers' organisation the Indian Wind Energy Alliance (IWEA). Under the RPO system, the state power distribution companies have to mandatorily purchase electricity generated through renewable energy sources during the year. The proposed changes will also introduce the renewable generation obligation
Oil falls to its lowest in nearly six years
B
rent fell by over 5%, to settle at US$47.4, its third-largest one-day decline since 2011, while US crude fell to US$46. Oil prices fell 5% to its lowest in nearly six years, extending the second-deepest rout on record, after Goldman Sachs warned that prices would fall further and Gulf oil producers showed no sign of cutting output, as per Reuters. An unusual spate of major refinery glitches across the U.S. East and Midwest
added to the concerns, threatening to accelerate a build up of surplus crude. Four U.S. refineries with a combined capacity of more than 1 mln bpd were recovering from disruptions at the weekend caused by either cold weather or unexplained fires. Goldman slashed its three month forecasts for Brent to US$42 a barrel from US$80, and reduced its outlook for the US futures contract to US$41 from US$70.
(RGO), which will make it compulsory for thermal power producers to generate electricity through renewables, Goyal said. Overall, the government was aiming at 2 trillion units of electricity generation by 2020, in which renewable sources are to account for 15 percent, Goyal said. The share of renewable energy is currently around 6 per cent of a total base made up of 1 trillion units of electricity.
Large-scale bioplastics project starts in China
A
50,000-metric-ton-per-year polylactic acid resin and processed products plant broke ground in Taizhou, China. Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co. Ltd. claims its latest project is set to become the largest PLA production base in Asia. According to reports Hisun is investing a total of 950 million yuan ($152.6 million) on the 50acre production site. Once it reaches its designed capacity, the project is expected to generate 1.65 billion yuan ($265.3 million) in average annual sales. Hisun commissioned a 5,000-ton PLA plant in 2006 and claims to be the second largest PLA producer in the world. It serves a wide range of end markets including 3-D printing, housewares, disposable products, baby products, and fiber.
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IN THE NEWS
DSM bags CII ITC Award in India
R
oyal DSM, the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, has received the CII ITC Sustainability Award 2014 in India for Excellence in Environment Management. The award was granted to DSM’s Engineering Plastics facility in Pune, India, in recognition of the company’s innovative approach to reduce its environmental impact. The DSM site in Pune produces compounds of thermoplastic polyesters and polyamides, and has already established a strong trackrecord of sustainability initiatives. The company’s recent innovations includes, the establishment of a stateof-the-art solar technology center that will reduce the plant's CO2 footprint by using the renewable energy generated by the solar plant to meet 25% of the site's electricity needs. It also has a highly efficient water management
that increases process water recycling, together with rigorous monitoring of potential water leakages, reducing the operation’s water footprint by two-thirds. For qualifying for the award the particpating companies are evaluated. The companies undergo a rigorous evaluation process for over six months that is based on a business Left to right are Sanjay Jain, Mr. Y.C Deveshwar, excellence model and tailored Ms. Minakshi Lekhi, Minister of Environment, for business in India. forest and climate change Mr . Prakash Javadekar, A team of CII-certified Mr. Chandrajeet Banerjee and Santosh Bhoj assessors spends nearly 1000 sustainability by the DSM Engineering man-hours per application in close Plastics India team. This would be a consultation with professionals across good motivator for the team to raise the organisation. the bar.” Instituted in 2006, the CIIUday Shetty, Operations Director ITC Sustainability Awards recognise DSM Engineering Plastics India adds: excellence in businesses that are “This award is a recognition for the seeking ways to be more sustainable continual focused efforts towards and inclusive in their activities.
White House, energy department launch composites initiative
F
iber-reinforced plastics are getting attention and a cash infusion from the White House.President Barack Obama announced earlier this month that the U.S. Department of Energy will launch a competition that will help develop lightweight composites needed for clean energy products including fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, wind turbines and hydrogen and natural gas storage tanks. The new competition for an Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation Institute will award $70
Plastics News • January 2015 • 92
million over five years to improve U.S. companies’ ability to make advanced polymer composites at the speed, cost and performance needed for more widespread production. The White House also announced the formation of an Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, led by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, which will work with manufacturers, universities and national labs to support pioneering composites technology development and research. The IACMI team includes
122 members, and is aimed at creating better composite materials for the automotive, wind turbine and compressed gas storage industries. Participating states include Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. Detroit will house one of IACMI’s Centers of Excellence and Michigan State University will serve as a primary academic partner. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has committed to provide $15 million in matching funds to the Michigan portion of the institute.
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