SA POLYMER TECHNOLOGY

S O U T H E R N A F R I C A N P O LY M E R T E C H N O L O G Y

POLYMER technology

www.sapt.co.za

VOL 19 NR 3 JUNE / JULY 2021

 VOL 19 NR 3 JUNE / JULY 2021

Taili machines prove popular at CAD Plastics

Ecodesigners creating a new story for plastics

Path Plastics celebrates 25 years

West African Group to supply phenolics from SI Group

Ebor East London starts

Section 18 EPR is here... are you ready?

Principle chills out with new solution

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A SS O CI A S OU T

www.sapt.co.za

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Boost for recycling as bottle labelling trial signals success

6

Precision Valve goes global 16

Roediger Agencies moves, invests in new equipment 24

1 11

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MATERIAL CHOICE FOR OPTICAL PARTS LIGHTING MATERIAL MATERIAL OFOF OF CHOICE CHOICE FOR FOR OPTICAL OPTICAL PARTS PARTS ININ LED INLED LED LIGHTING LIGHTING 4

1 1HEAT 1HEAT HEAT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

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MATERIAL OF CHOICE FOR of OPTICAL PARTS IN LED LIGHTING 1

• Strong • Strong heat-transferring heat-transferring capability capability • Strong heat-transferring capability • Reduced • Reduced weight weight of LED of LED lightlight engines engines

• Reduced • Reduced weight weight of of LED LED light light engines engines HEAT MANAGEMENT • High • High level level of of design ofdesign design freedom freedom • High level freedom Optimizing theproduction Efficiency • Cost-effective • Cost-effective production of LEDs by Effective Cooling.

• Cost-effective production

heat-transferring capability • Strong High • High dimensional dimensional accuracy accuracy • High dimensional accuracy • Reduced Low • Low distortion distortion weight of LED light engines • Low distortion • High level of design freedom 2 2DIFFUSIVE 2DIFFUSIVE •DIFFUSIVE Cost-effective production REFLECTORS REFLECTORS REFLECTORS •Optimizing High dimensional accuracy Optimizing Light Light Reflection.

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Optimizing Light Reflection. distortion •• Low High • High reflectivity reflectivity (>94%) (>94%) • High reflectivity (>94%) 2

• High • High temperature temperature stability stability • High temperature stability

• Mechanical • Mechanical strength strength • Mechanical strength DIFFUSIVE REFLECTORS • Inherently • Inherently good good flame flame resisitance resisitance • Inherently good flame resisitance Optimizing Light Reflection.

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3 3DIFFUSERS 3DIFFUSERS •DIFFUSERS High temperature stability

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• High • High half-power half-power angle angle Inherently good flame resisitance • High half-power angle • Strong • Strong hiding hiding power power of of LED ofLED LED spot spot • Strong hiding power spot • High • High light light transmission transmission • High light transmission 3 DIFFUSERS • Diffusion • Diffusion products products and and colors colors adjusted adjusted to to your toyour your requirements requirements • Diffusion products and colors adjusted requirements

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ForFor more Formore more information information please please contact contact information please contact Rudi Rudi Verwey Verwey onon +27(0)82 on+27(0)82 +27(0)82 552 552 1888 1888 Rudi Verwey 552 1888 Tel:Tel: Tel: +27 +27 (0)10 (0)10 020 020 9111 9111 +27 (0)10 020 9111 rudi.verwey@brenntag.co.za rudi.verwey@brenntag.co.za rudi.verwey@brenntag.co.za

For more information please contact Rudi Verwey on +27(0)82 552 1888 Tel: +27 (0)10 020 9111 www.brenntag.com/southafrica www.brenntag.com/southafrica www.brenntag.com/southafrica rudi.verwey@brenntag.co.za

•SECONDARY High half-power angle AND 4 4SECONDARY 4SECONDARY OPTICS OPTICS AND LIGHT LIGHT GUIDES GUIDES OPTICS AND LIGHT GUIDES • Strong hiding power of LED spot Clear Clear Makrolon® Makrolon® LED LED grade. grade.

Clear Makrolon® LED grade.

• High light transmission

• High • High light light transmission transmission over over a broad broad range range of of wavelengths ofwavelengths wavelengths • High light transmission over a abroad range •• Diffusion productsstability andstability colors adjusted to your requirements High • High mechanical mechanical • High mechanical stability •• Inherently • Inherently good good flame flame resistance resistance Inherently • Inherently good good flame flame resistance resistance 4 SECONDARY OPTICS AND LIGHT GUIDES •• Exceptional • Exceptional purity purity to optimize tooptimize optimize light light transmission transmission Exceptional • Exceptional purity purity to to optimize light light transmission transmission

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Brenntag ad '021 06.indd 74

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RUBBERS / POLYMERS / LUBRICANTS

2021/05/31 09:36

Classifieds Jun/Jul'2021.indd 76

2021/05/17 12:59

BY THE WAY Organ pipes – No, this is not some factory cathedral organ, it’s the now idle Mpact Polymers plant in Wadeville, the venture for PET recycling which failed, in spite of large pre-orders for rPET from a number of major brands

Publisher & Managing Editor: Martin Wells (martin@summitpub.co.za) Editor: Tessa O’Hara (tessa@summitpub.co.za) Publishers Assistant: Heather Peplow (heather@summitpub.co.za) Financial manager: Lisa Mulligan (lisa@summitpub.co.za) Designers: Jeanette Erasmus Graphic Design (jeanette.erasmus@lateraldynamics.co.za) Bronwen Moys Blinc Design (bronwen.clarke@gmail.com) Summit Publishing cc t: +27 (21) 712 1408 f: 086 519 6089 c: +27 (82) 822 8115 e: tessa@summitpub.co.za Postnet Suite 42, Private Bag X16, Constantia 7848, Cape Town, South Africa Unit 8, Bergvliet Village Centre, Cnr Hiddingh & Children’s Way Roads, Bergvliet 7945

www.sapt.co.za GAUTENG Lowrie Sharp t: (011) 793 4691 f: (011) 791 0544 c: 082 344 7870 e: lowrieplasticsmedia@absamail.co.za KZN Lynne Askew c: 082 904 9433 e: lynne@summitpub.co.za Printed by: Novus Print, Paarl Southern African Polymer Technology is published six times a year and focuses on these industries in South and Southern Africa. We welcome news, articles, technical reports, information in general and photographs about events and developments related to the plastics industry.

The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Plastics Converters Association, Institute of Materials or Association of Rotational Moulders either.

Copyright: All rights reserved.

ISSN number: 1684-2855 (ISDS Centre, Paris) Summit Publishing: CK 9863581/23 VAT reg: 4600187902

Plastics Institute

Association of Rotational

Plastics Converters

of Southern Africa

Moulders of South Africa

Association

PET Plastic Recycling South Africa

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Institute of Materials

New role for giant recycling line?

CONSIDERABLE interest is swirling around the future of the Krones recycling plant at Mpact Polymers in Wadeville. Set up in 2016 with high expectations, the R350-million-plus venture on a 20 000m² site in Atom Street, had all the approvals to produce food-grade rPET but has been shut down since early 2020. Attempts to auction off the equipment – which includes an integrated system with the big Krones recycling line, Piovan decontamination plant and infrared sorting line as well as stateof-the-art ancillary equipment – yielded little result.

The situation has presented a large problem for Mpact as well as the IDC, which provided much of the finance for the venture and also owns a 20% stake. As they say, if you owe the bank a million, you have a problem; if you owe the bank a R100-million, the bank has a problem (a scenario which has become all too familiar in recent times). One of the solutions being put forward (a solution has to be found otherwise the partners are going to be hemorrhaging more and more capital) is that the line be used for polyolefin recycling. At the outset it was estimated that the plant could process about 29 000 tons of PET a year and produce about 21 000 tons of food-grade rPET from that, in other words a substantial quantity of material. If switched to PE and PP processing, the line could make a massive difference to the plastic recycling situation in Gauteng, especially the public impression of that.

Interested? Mpact management and partners are mulling over options and are expected to make decisions in June. The undertaking is huge and complex, with possibly the biggest challenge being that of selling the recycled material back into the market. But something has to happen. Recycling is only for those who are ‘born to recycle’ (as one of my favourite recyclers says) and there are people who have triumphed in this sector and who provide quality and consistent recycled material, and people who can manage large groups of employees. The project either has to be successful or there’s going to be a big financial hole.

It’s going to be interesting.

… IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY Look at the bright side: if you have some gem of wisdom to impart, please write to us at tessa@summitpub.co.za

2021/06/08 15:56

VOLUME 19 NR 3

JUNE / JULY 2021

CONTENTS Find out more at www.sapt.co.za

16

INDUSTRY NEWS 6 8 10 12

Section 18 EPR is here...are you ready?

14

VinylLoop gets the go-ahead as new vinyls packaging PRO

16 18 20

Precision Valve SA goes global

22 24

Principle out with new solution

26 28 32 34

Embracing the challenge

46 50

Ebor East London starts PMM install largest injection moulding machine yet

17

Cabletech expands range

26

Taili machines prove popular GPS installs own toolroom, now a ‘one-stop’ shop Roediger Agencies moves, invests in new equipment

53

Pac-Rite commissions high speed laminator Zerma pens size-reduction Test-Centre Path Plastics celebrates 25 years

60

DESIGN Plastics for Life – innovative & useful Eco-designers – creating a new story for plastics ON THE COVER: At a time when protecting the environment is no longer simply a topic of discussion but has become a grassroots movement, many designers are focusing their efforts fully on the environmental impact of their creations. The idea today is to create differently: optimal use of resources, recyclability of products, integration of recycled materials, upcycling and eco-design is becoming second nature in all areas of industry.

Ikea, for example, has added the Order chair to its catalogue.

The chair is made from recycled PET and sustainably-grown wood fibres. See page 30 more

2-3.indd 3

2021/06/08 15:56

COMMENT New Breed – It’s welcome to Luvuyo Sineke of New Breed Holdings, who has set up his own injection moulding business in Port Elizabeth. Luvuyo has been involved in the industry for over 20 years, but now he’s taking the ultimate step of going on his own and becoming an employer. Watching the business landscape in South Africa is fascinating and we sincerely hope we will be able to report about more start-ups like this. See article page 11

Convertors

showing a lot of resilience Trip around region suggests many are weathering storm well

I

F IT weren’t for mobile communication technology, the Covid lockdown internationally would be proving even more challenging.

In South Africa people in the industry have been used to meeting and chatting with customers and others in their market niches, and not being able to do so has been difficult. So it was a relief to be able to get around the region a bit more of late. A recent trip across the Eastern Cape and KZN proved enlightening in this respect. Following Covid protocols is not difficult, if anything, masks and hand sanitizing and social distancing has improved the health of most people. What I found was convertors and suppliers and recyclers who are getting on with the job at hand and coming to terms with the new realities in the market and life in a robust way.

Obviously it’s likely that I would visit companies who are more successful and, as you may observe in articles in this issue, about the only difference is that you tend to see fewer people at factories – which I think is a result of changed behaviour rather than retrenchments, as these manufacturers have needed all the good people than can get.

THIS ISSUE

pages 36-43). These groups, all of which are run by women (does that tell you anything at all?), are making big strides in the environmental area and involving people across the board – it’s impressive.

Not a good time for a strike MANY of you will be chafing around the collar at the thought of union negotiations resuming and NUMSA amplified that effect by announcing they were going to picket outside plastic converting businesses around the country on some days in early June. The union’s demands include one for a 15% increase, so it’s going to be challenging and it is undesirable for this to spill into open violence, which it did previously.

Perhaps we should reflect on the 2018 scenario when, corroborated by many convertors around the region, the vast majority of employees did not indicate a willingness to strike. Only violence and threats forced them out.

It’s going to be a big test for most convertors and, from our vantage point; the biggest challenge is whether you have staff loyalty on your side. This is not an easy state to achieve (you will almost certainly need an HR manager or consultant), but it could prove difficult without that.

4

JUN / JUL 2021

Industry associations are exceeding expectations

4.indd 4

Industry associations exceeding expectation We bring you news from around the world but among the most impressive articles are those about the initiatives by the industry associations active right here in SA (see

Martin Wells, Publisher

2021/06/08 16:33

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2021/05/10 11:23

news

Section 18 EPR is here...

6 JUNE / JULY 2021

Existing producers to register no later than 5 November 2021 AS A pro-active response to the growing national concern around waste and its impact on society and the environment, South Africa recently published the Section 18 Regulations to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act on 5 November 2020, which refers to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) aspect of the National Environmental Management Waste Act (NEMWA). The regulations came into effect on 5 May. This new legislation makes EPR mandatory for all producers and importers of packaging. It changes how producers, brand owners, retailers and importers design, make, sell and keep their products in the recycling loop as far as is practicably possible.

It is now compulsory for producers to belong to a Producer Recovery Organisation or to form their own independent EPR scheme if they choose not to join a PRO to demonstrate your EPR. Any company or brand that makes or imports any form of plastic packaging

and the Southern African Vinyls for distribution is required to pay an Association for PVC. EPR fee. Strict targets have been set

by Government for yearly collection The following are required for producers: and recycling that need to be met over the next five years. EPR will see Existing producers to register an investment in collection with the Department of infrastructure. Not only will Environment, Forestry EPR will this provide consumers and Fisheries from see an investment in with more convenient 5 May and no later collection infrastructure. recycling facilities, but than 5 November 2021 Not only will this provide a concerted recovery (as per the amended consumers with more effort at the preEPR regulations convenient recycling consumer or postreleased on facilities, but a concerted industrial phase.

15 January 2021). recovery effort at the Luckily, South Join or form an EPR pre-consumer or postAfrica’s plastics industry scheme that includes industrial phase. is well positioned for this the entire value chain. next stage of environmental Be accountable for the legislation. We have four voluntary, operation and performance industry-led PRO’s that have been of an EPR scheme. running for many years now and have Pay the appropriate fees to the EPR impressive track-records of collection and scheme. Fulfil monitoring and reporting recycling successes, namely PETCO for obligations – to begin Q1 2022.

PET, Polyco for polyolefins (PP, HDPE, We urge you to start the process now LDPE/LLDPE and multi-layer), the by engaging with the relevant plastics Polystyrene Association for polystyrene, industry PRO’s as soon as possible, as

•

•

•

•

Boost for recycling as bottle labelling trial signals success A GROUND-BREAKING trial that renders plastic bottles with self-adhesive labels fully recyclable promises positive spin-offs for the environment and plastic producers who have until November to comply with Section 18 of the National Environmental Management Waste Act. Until now, PET plastic bottles with

adhesive labels have hampered South African recycling processes, because the glue from the labelling has discoloured the recyclate. This has meant that discoloured recycled PET (rPET) from those bottles could not be repurposed into high-quality, clear plastic beverage bottles, but only be used to produce a limited range of products.

Extrupet, PETCO, UPM Raflatac & Java Print partner in trial Post-consumer PET bottle recycler Extrupet trialled the new wash-off label adhesive in April in conjunction with PETCO – the national industry organisation supporting PET plastic bottle

recycling and collections. Self-adhesive label manufacturer UPM Raflatac and label printers Java Print partook in the trial with bottler Oasis Water.

“Lab results following the trial have shown a more than satisfactory result,” said Extrupet joint managing director Chandru Wadhwani, adding that the new wash-off label adhesive used in the trial easily washed off the PET flakes created as the plastic bottles underwent recycling.

“The chemical composition of the new wash-off label adhesive makes it easier to remove during recycling, and the glue retention on the label has met our recycling standards requirements,” he said.

ECO-LABELLING: Yvonne Griesel and Gerrie Swanepoel of Oasis Water take a closer look at the new eco-friendly wash-off labelling trialled on 10 000 of their bottles recently

are you ready?

reporting against the gazetted targets starts in Jan 2022. For more information or guidance in this process, contact the relevant PROs directly via their websites:

Wadhwani added that plastic producers would benefit from the new technology as it would help them comply with new government legislation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

“While self-adhesive labels are not the preferred choice for ideal design of a PET bottle pack – a polyolefin wrap-around label with minimal or no glue is preferred – the new wash-off adhesive label is a preferred option when a brand owner absolutely has to use a self-adhesive label,” he said.

“We’re not promoting the use of selfadhesive labels, but if you have to use one, make sure it’s eco-friendly.”

Wadhwani said that as long as a label was made from polyolefin, it could be recycled.

“Once the label is separated from the bottle, it is melted together with the glue, and used to manufacture products such as outdoor furniture, pallets and school desks,” he explained.

• PETCO: www.petco.co.za • Polyco: www.polyco.co.za • PVC: www.savinyls.co.za • Polystyrene: www.polystyrenesa.co.za Changed chemical composition of adhesive makes it better for recycling UPM Raflatac packaging solutions manager, Trevor Isaacs, called the trial a milestone, saying: “We successfully changed the chemical composition of the adhesive, making it easier to wash off and remove the label during recycling, with no residual adhesive.”

“It’s been fantastic to be part of this trial. We’re really excited about taking the product to scale and hope that suppliers, manufacturers and producers get on board quickly so that sustainable labels are soon the norm,” Groves said.

10 000 bottles with new label tested Extrupet extensively tested 10 000 Oasis Water bottles that featured the new labelling as part of the trial. “We welcome the new Section 18 requirements and happy to say we are compliant,” said Oasis Water director Naas du Preez.

Latest force majeure also beyond Safripol’s control UNDER-PRESSURE convertors will not have been impressed by the latest force majeure declaration by Safripol which, as in the two disruptions over the recent summer, was again due to factors beyond its control.

Wet ethylene received from its supplier, Sasol, resulted in the delay of the restart of its HDPE plant in Sasolburg. The line was stopped in May for routine maintenance.

Safripol advised customers around the country and region in a regular communique, and informed them it would only be able to recommission the line once in-spec ethylene was received. That was on 31 May and the expectation was that the delay would be a few days, but that was not certain.

Co-polymer and random co-polymer supply was most affected.

This comes on the back of massive interruptions in polymer supply internationally, which has seen the terms ‘allocation’ and ‘quotas’ used more than ever before. The sheer frequency of the interruptions appears to have been at least partly the result of plant problems encountered during restarts after the Covid induced slowdown.

The spotlight has been turned on the material suppliers and importers, who have regularly over the years been able to supply when the local manufacturers have not, but although the market has began to stabilize, the importers have in many cases not been able to fill the shortfalls.

Perhaps only the smartest convertors will be unaffected, but holding full material stores at plants is now more of a rarity, not least because it involves the tieing up of too much capital.

JUNE / JULY 2021 7

news

Silindokuhle Mhletywa, project manager; Ronelle BonnesseSwem, business development manager, and Nigel Bennett, operations director, at the new Ebor East London plant

Second venture by Ebor group

as Ebor East London starts

8 JUNE / JULY 2021

Major auto component plant starts up in IDZ EBOR East London, the second manufacturing unit in the Ebor group following the establishment of Ebor Automotive Systems in Port Elizabeth in 2014, has gone into operation at the East London IDZ. A major venture following the success of the group’s first venture in PE, Ebor EL has been set up specifically to supply first-tier automotive manufacturers, in this case to supply Mercedes in East London.

Following on the example of Ebor Automotive Systems, Ebor EL is using Engel injection machines, with all 10 of the machines installed so far being equipped with robots.

Partners in the venture include Don Searle and Possey Mina of Aeteus (a venture capital business) and High Street Capital of Johannesburg. The introduction of the new business is

testament to the foresight of both the latter partners as well as the Ebor management team, specifically Wesley Strydom (former production manager who is now group MD) and Andy Dealtry.

Strydom and Dealtry had been running Visteon in PE, a venture by Ford group but which had elected to exit the sector and shut the Port Elizabeth plant in 2014. They along with Aeteus and High Street later that year put together a ‘rescue’ plan which purchased the production equipment of Visteon SA and restarted the plant, in the process saving most of the jobs that would otherwise have been lost. Ebor Automotive has since expanded and now employs about 140 people in PE. Successful operation of the first plant – and specifically on-time delivery to the very exacting specs required – saw Ebor’s relationship with the automotive www.ebor.co.za

OEMs grow.

“That at least got us in the queue to supply the automotive groups,” said Searle, who even though in his 70s now continues to invest in plastic converting businesses, an example of commitment that appears to be at the core of the Ebor philosophy.

The same partners mentioned above are now involved with Ebor East London. The plant’s layout is designed to optimize production, which is one of the advantages of starting from scratch. The experience of the managing partners, built on years in the manufacturing sector, has been put to very effective use in this respect. The 4000m² property in the Industrial Development Zone is leased from the IDZ authority.

The group operates a staff trust through which all employees are shareholders in the company.

WE CAN’T STAY FRESH WITHOUT IT. Let’s plastic responsibly Plastic is an essential part of the products we interact with every day, from the containers that keep our food safe and hygienic, to the mattresses we sleep on, to medical equipment and medicine containers. Even the bins we need to use for recycling. Let’s all reduce, re-use, re-purpose and recycle.

safripol.com

Classifieds Jun/Jul'2021.indd 76

2021/06/08 08:58

news

PMM install largest

injection moulding machine yet

Company’s injection moulding machines range from 60-ton to 530-ton off injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion, roto moulding and toolmaking.

The company’s injection moulding machines range from a 60-ton up to the new 530-ton. Precision Moulding and Moulds specialises in difficult and complicated work; their success to date has been their focus on good customer service and high quality products which is non-negotiable and at an affordable price.

They also have a fully equipped CNC toolroom with in-house CAD/CAM product and mould design.

10 JUNE / JULY 2021

CABLETECH Marketing recently commissioned a 530-ton Haitian injection moulding machine at Precision Moulding and Moulds (Pty) Ltd – the largest of three that have been installed at the company over the past two years.

Precision Moulding and Moulds (PMM), established in 2015, started off in a 450m2 building and grew into a 3 200m2 building that they now call home.

Owners, Pieter Kleinhans and Morne Steenekamp, boast with over 50 years’ experience between them in the fields

Timothy Khanya, Alpheus Raphaladi, Blessing Josephy, Phanuel Nkuna and Stanley Maluleke with some of the blow moulded products manufactured at PMM

New Breed Holdings starts up NEW Breed Holdings, an injection moulding business, has recently opened for business in Port Elizabeth.

New Breed is a venture by Luvuyo Sineke, who started out at Transnet, then spent 15 years at Venture SA in Uitenhage (where he learned first about injection moulding), was at Continental Tyres in PE and finally at ISG in East London before

taking the decision to go on his own.

According to Luvuyo, who has a National Diploma in Cost & Management Accounting, New Breed “aims to be at the forefront of localization and transformation in South Africa in the automotive and nonautomotive sectors.”

He has been involved in injection moulding since 2018.

Luvuyo Sineke has recently started moulding at New Breed Holdings in Port Elizabeth using two Haitian machines

luvuyo@newbreedholdings.co.za 082 782 9253

The recently commissioned Haitian injection moulding machine at PMM, with Morne Steenekamp (owner), Banele Masimanga, Pieter Kleinhans (owner), Louie-Pieter Kleinhans, Judas Mabasa and Tiaan Visser, Cabletech Marketing sales manager

“We have high speed spindles that allow us to run very small diameter cutters and up to 50 000rpm, resulting in better finishes and faster turnaround times, We are capable of machining moulds with plate sizes of 1 000mm x 500mm.

In conjunction with our mould design department, PMM find ways to machine the majority of its moulds without sparking. This relates to quick turnaround time in mould manufacturing,” exsplain Steenekamp.

PMM also offer a turnkey solution in terms of blow moulding for HDPE, LDPE and PVC and all the moulds can be designed and manufactured in-house.

PMM can blow mould up to a 2.5-litre sized product and have three double station with single head machines, one double station with double head machine and one single station with single head machine. The company also has visi strip capability.

The company services the mining, electrical, building, stationary and medical industry, to name a few.

“Cabletech Marketing strives to provide service on demand as well as exceptional products for our customers,” says Tiaan Visser, Cabletech Marketing sales manager.

PMM’s injection moulding division with Japhta Makofane, Banele Masimanga, Fidelity Ngwenya, Louie-Pieter Kleinhans, Letta Mavessi and Sandra Mphumela

Recycler Afri Waste closes doors AFRI Waste Group, which set up for recycling at Fort Jackson in 2016 and had considerable potential to both reenergise the plastic recycling sector in the Eastern Cape region, has closed. With what appeared to be a solid business plan, Ikusasa inspired hope and there was potential for job creation too. Some customers felt Afri Waste wanted to sell its materials at higher rates than has been standard in the recycled market in SA. Most of the equipment, which included a heavy-duty Enma recycling extruder ex-China, has been auctioned off.

The wash plant (the only one in the region up till now) has yet to find a buyer, however.

Kibo, IGES to develop portfolio of waste-toenergy projects in SA THE share price of JSE- and Aimlisted Kibo Energy rose by more than 7% and 3% on the JSE and LSE, respectively, on 18 May, after the company announced that it had entered into an agreement with South Africa-based Industrial Green Solutions (IGES) to jointly develop a series of waste-to-energy projects in South Africa.

The companies have established Newco, in which Kibo will hold a 65% interest and IGES the balance, to deliver the projects. The parties have set an initial target of generating more than 50MW of electricity for sale to industrial users.

The projects will convert plastic waste, to be provided by waste disposal operators, into syngas using a pyrolysis plant. The syngas will be stored on site and fed into gas engines to generate electrical power.

Kibo said that the first project would be developed in four phases of 2MW each, with the first 2MW phase to be completed within 16 months.

Owners Morne Steenekamp and Pieter Kleinhans, boast over 50 years’ experience between them in the fields off injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion, roto moulding and toolmaking

www.cabletech.co.za

www.p-mm.co.za

JUNE / JULY 2021 11

news

Cabletech Marketing expands range with Haitian Precision’s new Hision VMC II CNC machine tools Growing in-house mould manufacturing demand CABLETECH Marketing, suppliers of solutions to the South African plastic’s industry since 1976, and proudly associated with Haitian International, has added Haitian’s Hision CNC range to the already successful Haitian injection moulding machine range.

The VMC series machines was specifically built for the mould making industry and features Hision’s own 12 000rpm BT40 spindle, Fanuc IO MF Plus control with 200 block look-ahead, and multiple augers to clear excess metal chips faster. The wide base construction of the machine allows for better rigidity and smoother finishes.

The Vertical Machining Centres with table sizes of 650 x 400mm up to 8 500 x 3 700mm on double column machining centres are complemented by a large range of CNC Lathes from 5-inch to 18-inch chucks and up to 2 750mm between centres.

New Hision CNC vertical machining centres meet growing in-house mould manufacturing demand Cabletech recently installed two new Hision CNC vertical machining centres

at customers to assist with the growing in-house mould manufacturing demand.

Moret Mining was established in 1990 by Roelf and Jodi van Blerk and has since grown exponentially as one of South Africa’s leading manufacturers of conveyors for bulk handling products, as well as for the overseas market.

Every product is designed in-house and is manufactured in their Johannesburg factory. Moret passionately believes that with dedicated excellence and commitment to value-added service, great success can be achieved and that is why they use Cabletech Marketing as a machine tool supplier.

As no stranger to the Haitian injection moulding machinery quality and repeatability, the Hision VMC 1000II Vertical Machining Centre became the obvious choice. The machine features large travel sizes for such a compact machine – 1 000mm on X-axis, 600mm on Y, and 600mm on Z-axis – and has 750mm daylight between spindle and table.

Böck industries, however, opted for the smaller VMC 850II version in the VMC II range. Like the bigger brother,

the machine also features the same standards but with a slightly smaller machine bed and travel.

Dieter Böck, owner of Böck industries and avid aircraft builder and pilot, felt the need to upgrade his toolroom and after months of deliberation decided that the Hision VMC 850II would be an excellent addition. Accuracy and detail were key and the Hision is able to deliver those requirements Dieter started Böck industries with his father Ludwig in 1975 when they started manufacturing small household items like key rings and bird feeders.

He now works with his son Karl in this multi-generation business. They manufacture household items in the pet, automotive, aviation and floral industries. Their large variety of machines allows them to produce many different products – from number plate holders to electric fence bobbins and much more.

www.cabletech.co.za

12 JUNE / JULY 2021

Proud of their new Hision VMC850ii are Dieter Böck, Sheree Bershart, Karl Böck and Grant Dennis from Böck Industries and Francois van Wyk from Cabletech Marketing

Cabletech-06'21.indd 74

2021/06/02 12:41

news

VinylLoop gets the go-ahead as new vinyls packaging PRO

l

p

Driving a circular economy for the vinyls packaging industry

70% of local PVC market goes into non-packaging products used in long-term applications MEMBERS of the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) voted unanimously in favour of forming a separate Producer Recovery Organisation (PRO) within the association, whose specific focus will be to manage the collection and recycling of post-consumer and post-industrial vinyl packaging waste.

14 JUNE / JULY 2021

Why a separate PRO for vinyl packaging?

Explaining the rationale for forming a new PRO for the vinyls packaging industry, Monique Holtzhausen, CEO of SAVA, explains that 70% of the local PVC market goes into non-packaging products that are used in longterm applications such as pipes, window frames and doors, flooring, cables, ceilings or in the healthcare industry.

“Some of these products last in excess of 150 years. It is therefore not the responsibility of these SAVA members to fund the collection and recycling activities for vinyl packaging that occupies less than 2% of the overall market. The decision was therefore taken to form VinylLoop for packaging members, Monique funded by packaging Holtzhausen, members and headed up CEO of SAVA,

by Adri Spangenberg.” and Adri

Spangenberg, who will head up VinylLoop

Size of the PVC packaging market in South Africa South Africa manufactures roughly about 12 000 tons of vinyl packaging per month that goes into bottles, thermoformed punnets, pharmaceutical blister packs,

cling film etc. This represents less than 2% of the total PVC market in the country.

“Although vinyl products are readily recycled in South Africa, there has never been a formal collection and recycling programme for post-consumer and postindustrial vinyl packaging waste due to the fact that the volumes in this market were considered to be too small to justify the costs of collection and transport,” Monique explains.

“As part of our strategy for dealing with packaging waste submitted to Government’s Section 18 Industry Waste Management Plan, SAVA is currently developing a unique collection model for household packaging waste that bears the Number 3 polymer identification code. This plan includes working closely with municipalities and the entire value chain.”

VinylLoop operations and responsibilities explained VinylLoop operates under the SAVA banner, but will be registered as a separate Non-Profit Company (NPC), with its own board, bank account, membership forms and invoicing system in order to facilitate the bi-annual audits

by Government and avoid administrative confusion.

“Companies who sign up to become members of VinylLoop will automatically also become members of SAVA and will therefore reap the benefits of belonging to both associations,” Adri explains.

However, where normal SAVA members pay an annual membership fee, VinylLoop members will be required to pay a monthly levy based on the declared amount of vinyl packaging (in tonnages) they produce over the next six months. Initially this amount will be R100 per ton until 5 November 2021, after which members will be informed of an adjusted membership levy. These funds

will be used to set up the necessary infrastructure to ensure VinylLoop members reach the targets that have been set by Government for the collection and recycling of all PVC (vinyl) packaging that is used in the market over the next five years.

As the PRO representing the vinyl packaging industry, it will be VinylLoop’s duty to: ensure the EPR scheme is audited by Government; collect and submit data to the SA Waste Information system (including how much PVC vinyl packaging is collected and how much is successfully recycled); put buyers and sellers of vinyl packaging waste in touch with each other; keep records of identified products; work with municipalities to develop the necessary collection and recycling infrastructure; integrate informal waste collection; and establish secondary markets for recycled vinyl packaging waste.

• •

• • • • •

The new EPR regulations came into effect on 5 May 2021 and all the packaging streams in South Africa now have six months to comply. By 5 November 2021 it will be compulsory for all converters, manufacturers, importers, brand owners and retailers to either belong to a PRO or to have formed their own independent EPR scheme.

For more information about SAVA’s VinylLoop or to sign up, please email Adri@Vinylloop.co.za www.savinyls.co.za/vinylloop

ASSOCIATED ADDITIVES

Associated Additives is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Lead and non-lead based products into a wide range of markets which include the PVC, mining, battery and chemical industries world-wide.

Our mission is to build on our history of product excellence and technology innovation to provide the highest-quality and most reliable products and services.

OUR PRODUCT RANGE INCLUDE Organic Based Lead, Calcium/Zinc, Barium/ Zinc and Tin Stabilisers Titanium Dioxide

Processing aids, Impact Modifiers and CPE Calcium and Zinc stearates

Internal and External lubricants Metallic Stearates (both Lead and Non-Lead)

Flame Retardants Calcine, Assay and Gold-free Litharge Red Lead

Contact us on: Head Office: Tel +27 31 461 9700 | www.almstab.co.za Physical Address: 245 Lansdowne Road, Jacobs, Durban, South Africa Siyabonga Ngcobo – Managing Director siyabonga.ngcobo@ecobat.com

Sanele Ngcobo – Warehouse & Logistics Manager sanele.ngcobo@ecobat.com

Leanette Moodley – Sales & Marketing Director leanette.moodley@ecobat.com

Thando Madlala – Market Development Manager thando.madlala@ecobat.com

ASSOCIATED ADDITIVES- full page ad-06'21.indd 66

2021/05/03 12:43

news

Shiploads of Axe actuators – PRECISION VALVE SA has recently exported a number of containers of aerosol parts to back up the roll-out of a new Axe deodorant range to a surprising range of countries, including Russia, Argentina and Mexico

Precision Valve SA goes global

16 JUNE / JULY 2021

There’s no Axe to grind as Pretoria manufacturer ships out container loads PRECISION VALVE SA in Rosslyn established in 1968 and since then one of South Africa’s leading manufacturers of aerosol dispensing products, is living up to its status as a member of the international PRECISION Group by going, literally, global too.

It has recently exported a number of containers of aerosol parts to back up the roll-out of a new Axe deodorant range to a surprising range of countries, including Russia, Argentina and Mexico.

In one case, several 40-foot containers were flown out to Latin America.

PRECISION VALVE SA – one of PRECISION’s 17 manufacturing facilities in 15 countries, the world leader of aerosol valves and a key player in actuators – is the only manufacturing

that we were called on to support our facility of the Group in Africa. It was customer’s plants in other territories,” selected as the pilot site globally to said Rigney, who has a wealth produce the actuator for the new of experience in large Axe aerosol container in FMCG contracts and 2019.

PRECISION complex manufacturing According to Robin operations.

Rigney, MD of has a global “We have invested PRECISION VALVE infrastructure in several pieces of SA, the success of the that is easily able high-performance launch in this country to ensure logistical manufacturing and resulted in it being assembly equipment, called on to support support to the but probably the main first the manufacturer market plus for us has been that in Russia and thereafter our production team have in Argentine and Mexico, been so reliable, innovative and especially as PRECISION has a efficient,” added Rigney. global infrastructure that is easily able to Axe is a brand of Unilever Group, ensure logistical support to the market. which is also supplied under the ‘Lynx’ “Our process at Rosslyn has proved brand. to be stable and reliable, to the extent www.precisionglobal.com

Mera Clas

NEWS NEWS

Another box bites the dust

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The raft will be 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' ) * ) * * -!## ) * -!## ) ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % Rusk range – Bran, Muesli used to remove litter trapped in the river , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * * $ %+ *+( * $ %+ *+( 1 #*and 1 #* &+ Condensed &+ #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # Milk – to and beds, and also to remove #$" ' &% " #$" ' &% " ! !&" "'& $ ! ! !&" "'& $ ! % $&# "! % $% #") $ % &*$ % reeds "$ #' "!%' "$ #' "!%' #& "! ) $ "# ! & & #& "! ) $ "# ! & & % $&# "! % $% #") $ % &*$ % just a fully recyclable algae- ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * from the river. There are currently - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * * -!## #!$!* * -!## #!$!* % && % && * ) '# %) * polypropylene ) '# %) , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % bag. Since three* nets installed in the river that are !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * * * 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' July 2020, Woolworths have to& !( $"! trap the litter to prevent it from !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* &( * &( * '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - &' &' used& !( $"! ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ! ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ! sold over 176 851 bags entering False Bay. ! $") & ! $") & ! "$ " ) %& , ! "$ " ) %& , * * * * * * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% *

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Recycled PS raft cleans up Westlake

23

23

JUNE / JULY 2021 17

Trade.

Trade.

Create.

Create.

Elevate.

Elevate.

> www.meraxis-group.com > www.meraxis-group.com

Deep Deep insights, insights, deep deep impact. impact.

Thank You!

Meraxis Meraxis South South Africa Africa (Pty) (Pty) LtdLtd Johannesburg Johannesburg +27+27 11 455 2889 11 455 2889 Cape Cape Town Town +27+27 21 556 7787 21 556 7787 Durban Durban +27+27 31 816 9381 31 816 9381

Meraxis Apr/May'2021.indd 66 80 Classifieds Feb/Mar'2021.indd

2021/05/24 2021/02/01 11:49 11:06

NEWS

Twist in the Taili … not quite, CAD Plastics is in fact very happy with its range of Taili injection moulding machines, set up to require minimal operator intervention, and the Pinetown convertor now operates 13 of the machines

There’s no

twist in the Taili,

Darren Bezuidenhout, toolroom manager at CAD, with Shane Collier of WD Hearn, the machine technical applications engineer

new machines prove popular Success at CAD Plastics boosts machine brand By now skepticism about Chinese injection moulding machine has faded to a distant murmur, although it wasn’t so at first.

In the 1980s and 90s most machines from the Far East were treated with much doubt, but then the Taiwanese and after them the Chinese began to supply machines with steadily improving technical abilities and reliability, to the point where they even began to rival the European marques. But each new brand from the Far East, and there have been many, is almost by regulation treated with doubt on first arrival.

And so it has been for Taili, a brand of machines introduced into South Africa by WD Hearn in 2017.

Like virtually all the ex-China machines now available in South Africa, the company (full name Ningbo Tailike Plastic Machinery Co Ltd) does its own metal casting and manufactures all its metal components at its plant in Ningbo in China, possibly by now one of the top global centres for injection moulding technology development. There it operates five workshops. It comes as no surprise that it is first focussing on smaller machine production, with the virtual certainty – as has been the case with the many other Chinesemade machines in SA – that their technology will expand and machine performance will irrevocably improve. That is what the guys over there do: by contrast the only SA-made machines in our industry which have achieved any international success are the bag-makers from Technimac and before that Adron.

By contrast, there are hundreds of injection moulding machine brands from China, not to mention other machinery, and all arrive with intensely focussed Chinese personnel who solely committed to machine performance improval.

Among the first converters in South Africa to trial TAILI 18

JUN / JUL 2021

NEWS CAD PLASTICSA-.indd 18

IMM has been CAD Plastics of Durban, and the need was obvious: They needed smaller machines to produce its range of small components. CAD owner for 27 years, Malcolm Buchanan put one of the machines in, based on an already great working relationship with CNC supplier WD Hearn, then introducing TAILI. He elected to try one of the machines from the Taili TLE range … and it’s been virtually non-stop Taili since. CAD now operates 13 of the machines, ranging from 50 to 220 tons clamp force.

Buchanan played quite a big part in the Taili roll-out: he suggested that the mould temperature control cards be built into the electrical panel and can control up to 64 zones by the EST control panel (which is possible with Taili’s full range) also protective covers be placed on the hydraulic components. All the TLE range machines at CAD are standard with higher screw speeds creating faster cycle times.

Other proprietary features have been introduced since too, including: • Standard bi-metallic screw and slotted plattens; • Double core pulling and twin air blow; • EST controller system to handle higher screw speeds with high speed data buss to servo drive; • Servo drive software implemented into the system • Visible Machine power usage for Kw/ hour on the control.

According to Myles Crosthwaite of WD Hearn, the success at CAD has been a catalyst that has seen other moulders in KZN opt for the Taili solution, boosting confidence in Taili and the process has gained further momentum since Brett Shelley, a leading machine control specialist, joined WD Hearn. www.nb-taili.com

2021/06/09 11:15

TLE-50

INJECTION MOULDING MACHINES

TLE 50Fs

Production

Mould functionality

BI-METALLIC SCREW

DOUBLE CORE PULLING

Higher strength & durability Longer screw life Accomodates greater range of plastics Greater reliability

More mould versatility Reduces cycle time Lessens material shrinkage Saves on installation time

Mould Functionality

Heater Efficiency

Increased injection dimentional accuracy Improved injection cycle Decreased risk of roadblocks

Improved thermal efficiency Shorter warm-up time, Faster cycle time 50-80% Energy use reduction

PNEUMATIC AIR BLOW

Screw Diameter Shot Volume Injection weight

30mm 75cm³ 68g

THERMAL BLANKETS

Injection rate 33g/s Max screw speed 320rpm Injection pressure 213

Max mould height 320mm Min mould height 120mm Machine weight 2.3T

www.wdhearn.co.za Classifieds Dec/Jan'2020.indd 72

2020/11/19 09:56

NEWS

GPS installs own toolroom,

now a one-stop shop Injection moulding for the medical, transportation, engineering, home appliances & houseware markets Various and vast skill sets, coupled with years of experience in quality and production control, R&D, machine setting, mould designing and procurement.

Manufacturing • Injection moulding machines from 100-ton up to 500-ton clamp force • R&D expertise specialising in cradle-to-grave solutions, product design Quality Systems • Effective quality benchmark tool to ensure the precision of all products • Implemented throughout every process in the supply chain Value-Added Services • PAD printing • Product assembly • Re/design consulting • Career development and enhancement

Contact GPS Plastics

Multi-purpose CNC machine gives it new options GPS Plastics in Durban has installed its own toolroom, giving the KZN injection moulding business considerably more control over its mould manufacturing requirements and closing the loop for it, so to speak.

GPS manufactures a range of technical items as well as domestic appliances and managing director Kevin Govender, a man who’s not scared of a technical challenge, has steadily expanded the range of services it offers in the decade-plus since the company was started in 2006. One of the biggest steps to date was developing its own assembly operation and a number of the products it manufacturers are now fully assembled on site and tested as well as packaged in client brand boxes.

“We are always coming up with new product ideas,” said Govender.

“Installing our own toolroom gives us an advantage in the market. We now have a one-stop-shop. Obviously it gives us far more control over our tools, and it also enables us to amortize the tools more easily as we now exactly what our costs are,” he added.

The main new item in the onsite toolroom is an Akira Seiki KM 150 machining centre, supplied by nearby MJH Machine Tools. This is a multi-purpose CNC machine which can be used for high-precision tool and die making as well as general engineering work.

Govender and his team have been building towards the launch of GPS’s toolroom for a number of years already and, apart from the Akira system, have sourced all the necessary cutting systems to build small to medium sized moulds, with a number of the items being bought on auction. Included in the toolroom are a surface grinder, milling machines and lathes and various other peripherals needed for a standard toolroom as it sets out on this new journey.

Designer/toolmaker Kevin Watson (ex-Jhb) has been appointed to run the facility.

“Some of the moulds are owned by customers, but our goal is to amortize the tool costs as quickly as possible, and we believe this makes us more competitive,” added Govender.

Kevin Watson (tool maker and designer), George Fivaz (technical manager), Kevin Govender (managing director) and Preshan Naidoo (operations manager) at the Pinetown injection moulding business

www.gpsplastics.co.za

Kevin Govender Tel: 031 700 6900 or email: kevingov@gpsplastics.co.za Diana Govender: 082 997 3205 Preshan Naidoo: 082 768 6114 Email: sales@gpsplastics.co.za

NEWS GPS PLASTICS-.indd 20

20

JUN / JUL 2021

2021/06/09 13:25

New floating base for

Hope Statue on the Black River 200mm thick. Although it is lightweight, it is strong enough to withstand a load of 500kg. Inside the frame are several 2-litre PET bottles which are used to keep the frame afloat, as well as compacted polystyrene. This same special polystyrene and cement mixture that was used for the base is widely used throughout South Africa for building and construction projects ranging from low cost housing to designer homes and shopping malls. www.evlc.co.za www.polystyrenesa.co.za

Durban: 031 705Dur7514 ban: 031 705 7514 90 90

21

“Polystyrene and other plastics are often the most visible form of plastic pollution in our rivers and waterways due to the fact that they are lightweight and float. The fact that litter that possibly could have ended up in our oceans, have been put to good use to create a new floating base for HOPE, makes this whole initiative so much more impactful and poignant,” remarks Du Preez.

400 litres of recycled polystyrene beads (10kg) were collected from the Kraaifontein MRF and used to create the base that measures 2.4m x 2.4m and is

JUN / JUL 2021

THE HOPE statue placed in the water where the Liesbeeck and Black Rivers converge, has become a much-loved and well-known sight for motorists travelling along the M5 highway in Cape Town near the N2 interchange.

The brainchild of Fred du Preez, an art director and self-proclaimed riverman, this symbol of pollution-free rivers and oceans has recently received a brandnew floating base made of recycled polystyrene which has been mixed with a special cement aggregate supplied

by Envirolite Concrete.

90 90

Ricky: 079 510 4144Ricky: 079 510 4144Brandon: 066Bra234ndon:1702 066 234 1702 ricky@mjhsa.co.za ricky@mjhsa.co.za sales@mjhssa.alecs@o.mjzahsa.co.za JHB sales - Mark HaslJaHmB sales - Mar083k Has326lam0556 083 326 0556mark@simarnosik@sa.cino.oszia.co.za ern Cape Sales - CarlEastBarkhui ern Cape Salzenes - Carl Bar063khuiz361en 7620063 361 7620carl@mjcarhsa.l@mjco.hszaa.co.za www.mjhmachinwww.etoolmjsh.machi comnetools.com

Robots Robots

Durban: 031 705 Durban: 7514031 705 7514

Ricky: 079 510 4144Ricky: 079 510 4144 Brandon: 066 Brandon: 234 1702 066 234 1702 ricky@mjhsa.co.za ricky@mjhsa.co.za sales@mjhsa.co.za sales@mjhsa.co.za JHB sales - Mark Haslam JHB sales - Mark 083Haslam 326 0556 083 326 0556 mark@sinosia.co.za mark@sinosia.co.za ern Cape Sales - Carl Eastern Barkhuizen Cape Sales - Carl Barkhuizen 063 361 7620 063 361 7620 carl@mjhsa.co.za carl@mjhsa.co.za www.mjhmachinetools.com www.mjhmachinetools.com

NEWS GPS PLASTICS-.indd 21

2021/06/08 15:59

NEWS

New use for firefighting tank – Niko White and the Principle Plastics production team in Port Elizabeth have devised a system to circulate water from the large water tank to cool their injection moulds; (right) White with one of the resulting products, an exterior part for one of the new locally produced models currently in production

Principle chills out with new solution Saves both water and energy costs PRINCIPLE Plastics in Port Elizabeth has come up with a novel cooling solution for its fleet of injection moulding machines – by circulating water from its firefighting water storage tanks via a Plate Heat Exchanger system, to keep the moulding machines oil at optimum temperatures.

The solution saves both water and energy costs.

Principle is running a range of mainly polyolefin materials to manufacture automotive components with the need to tightly control the moulding machines oil temperatures at around 43°C (+- 1°C) and opted to not use a standard solution (the original cooling towers used in plastic converting tended to lose considerable quantities 22

JUN / JUL 2021

NEWS PRINCIPLE-.indd 22

of water to evaporation, amounting to around 400 litres per hour in peak summer conditions – this is now reduced to zero).

The Markman Industrial -based business had been obligated to install two x 400 000-litre water tanks to meet firefighting requirements and the solution devised by Principle MD, Niko White, and the Principle team involved piping the water from the tank to a central pump and then circulating the water to the machines and back to the tanks.

In winter the temperature in the storage tanks could drop to around 6°C, while in summer it can get up to 30°C. As such, each machine is fitted with a self-regulating 24V valve

that opens and closes automatically according to the requirements to maintain oil temps at the optimal 43°C. White, who is closely involved in devising control technology for production on an on-going basis, believes the advantage of the system is that it makes logical use of the stored water, which would otherwise be a fixed cost only used in the event of fire.

“So, we are not using the water at all as it remains in a closed water tight system. We are merely using the ‘cold’ in the water to our advantage.

The tanks cool down naturally over the weekends and are ready to go come Monday mornings for startup! www.principleplastics.co.za

2021/06/08 15:59

Class

Mould Base moves into own warehouse Mould Base, the injection moulding machine and accessory supplier, has moved into its own warehouse in Mount Edgecomb, KZN. Located close to the N2, the 1 500m² space is a secure and clean storage area where Dave Moore and his team are keeping a few Yizumi machines in stock, along with spares and other equipment. Part of the logic is that since it’s taking far longer to ship machines out from the Far East (doubled from three months lead time prior to Covid to over six months now), holding machines in stock is the best alternative. The machines being stored have proved popular and delivery to anywhere around the country can be done in days. Dave and technician Arrie Louwrens are feeling quite chuffed about Mould Base’s new situation JUN / JUL 2021

Classifieds Jun/Jul'2021.indd NEWS PRINCIPLE-.indd 23 76

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2021/06/02 2021/06/08 13:06 16:00

news

Roediger Agencies moves, invests in new equipment

24 JUNE / JULY 2021

ROEDIGER Agencies cc, specialising in troubleshooting and research of polymers and related applications, recently moved to new and larger premises at the end of April and invested in some important new equipment.

The laboratory’s core business is testing the chemical and physical properties of polymers. It is also one of the few labs in SA that can test that a polymer is food contact certified.

New premises The laboratory’s new premises are at Unit 4, 6 Santhagen Road, Devon Valley outside Stellenbosch, and at 350m2 are almost twice the size of their previous premises at the University of Stellenbosch.

Owner and MD, Dr Andy Roediger (a polymer scientist experienced in various fields of polymeric applications) says that the new address has much easier access and plenty of parking.

Roediger Agencies has a wide range

One of the few labs in SA that can test that a polymer is food contact certified

of advanced analytical, thermal and mechanical equipment. This allows extensive and complete investigation of problematic or researched materials, and enables the laboratory to blend practical and technical with relevant data. The methods, findings, conclusions and recommendations of each study are reported in full.

Testing polymer pipes The need for the laboratory’s services has also increased and has seen a 15% growth over the previous year. This is in large part due to the fact that the laboratory is now also able to test pipes.

Andy says that the lab started testing polymer pipes last year (mostly PVC and high density) with all the initial auditing accreditation needed to do so, eg. SATAS, and an initial audit by an accredited auditor. Tests which Roediger Agencies can carry out on pipes include checking pressurisation, tensile properties, Vicat

The Roediger Agencies team – Wernich Kühn (analytical chemist), Tessa Ortell (office manager), Ben van der Westhuizen (PhD student), Illana Bergh (polymer scientist) and Dr Andy Roediger (owner and polymer scientist)

softening point (the only one in the Western Cape), and thermal reversion, amongst others.

To augment the increasing amount of work, Roediger Agencies’ has made an impressive R17 million investment which includes several new pieces of testing equipment: A second GCMS, a gas chromatography that separates the different chemicals present in a plastic object and identifies them; A second Thermal Gravimetric Analyser (TGA) and a second Differential scanning Calorimeter (DSC); A laser cutter; MFI; Vicat & heat distortion temperature unit; Pipe impact testing, Charpy and Izod; Pipe heat chamber; Two pressure water tanks 2m x 2m x 2m in size; and One pressure water tank 1m x 1m x 1m for pipe testing

• • • • • • • • •

The testing of pipes is reasonably new to Roediger Agencies, and business is rolling in

A bird’s eye view of the Roediger Agencies’ new laboratory

New faces at the laboratory PhD student, Ben van der Westhuizen joined the Roediger Agencies team in October last year and has proved invaluable, says Andy.

Also reasonably ‘new’ to the team, is analytical chemist, Wernich Kühn, who has been with the lab for the past three years.

Polymer scientist Illana Bergh, Andy’s ‘right-hand’, has been with the laboratory for close on 18 years, while Tessa Ortell, office manager, has been with the company for 19 years – making sure that everything runs smoothly and keeping an eye on the scientists! www.roedigeragencies.co.za

JUNE / JULY 2021 25

Roediger Agencies cc Analytical Problem Solving and Technical Research • We Test Plastics.

• We Test HDPE & PVC Pipes.

• We Certify Plastics In Contact With Food.

With 40 years of experience, Roediger Agencies is a private industrial consulting company, specialising in analytical problem solving and technical research related to polymers and applications.

Dr Andy Roediger (Ph.D., Chem.) +27 83 250 9281 andy@roedigeragencies.co.za Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay

news

Embracing the challenge to find viable, solutions for the use and reuse of

26 JUNE / JULY 2021

Sustainability is the key to success sustainable brand building aligned to SUSTAINABILITY runs through everything local manufacture, ethical employment that Lee Barker does! The owner of three opportunities and ‘green’ product lines, businesses, Lee recently moved her have led to the creation of her business operations to Woodstock in Cape Town, ethos – a way to do business for good where she has set up shop in a building doing what you can with what you have she has called The Manufactorie – – right now. Her willingness to evolve ‘a place to play’. as industry and the world evolves Lee is an out-of-the-box creative have also stood her in excellent individual, full of drive and stead during the Covid-19 determination and with The waste pandemic. many years’ experience value of each item “I am passionate about in the manufacturing Lee takes to market is industry. Her experience substantiated, carrying sustainable job creation in South Africa. My goal is to and her approach to a clear message to

the consumer that plastic waste is valuable.

look after my staff, to create opportunities to create more sustainable jobs, and to make money!” she says. “I want to grow a brand with meaning,” she adds.

The majority of Lee’s customers are corporates, schools and local brands; some of her customers include large corporates like Coca Cola South Africa and Landrover, as well as initiatives such as PIKITUP, the official integrated waste management service provider to the City of Johannesburg.

Waste rubber for flipflops The Flop Factory is Lee’s core business and her mission from the onset was to create a zero waste factory. 30% recycled rubber content is used to manufacture her trademark RAW sole range, offering the market a durable eco-friendly fully customizable flip flop range.

GRRiTT, her flipflop brand, goes a step further – using waste rubber from discarded tyres to manufacture the tread.

One tyre from a normal car makes 10 GRRiTT flipflop treads. The flipflops are extremely durable and come with a two-year guarantee, and “if it breaks, we replace it – unless your dog chewed it,” says Lee. Taking the sustainability theme even further, Lee collaborates with a sister company, project WAYSTD, and package every pair of GRRiTT flipflops sold in a co-branded 100% recycled PET carry bag.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic a project WAYSTD facemask is also included. Two 2-litre plastic bottles are recycled to make these products.

“We go to great efforts to communicate to our clients that their purchase of a pair of GRR!TTs is a catalyst for change”, says Lee. Focusing on the production of recycled products & education about recycling “We’ve all seen it; it’s everywhere … Ban Plastic! Stop plastic production! Down with the plastic machine! We at project

eco-friendly & sustainable plastic waste WAYSTD, consciously choose to face the fact that plastic products are here to stay for at least our lifetime, possibly that of our children,” says Lee. “We embrace the challenge to find viable, eco-friendly and most importantly, sustainable solutions for the use and reuse of the plastic packaging waste we generate daily as a society.

The reality is that plastic won’t just disappear overnight, nor will production of products containing plastic. Project WAYSTD not only focuses on the production of recycled products, but on the education of businesses, communities and consumers, www.grritt.com

ensuring that awareness is created around the consumption and recycling of all plastic products,” she adds.

The waste value of each item Lee takes to market is substantiated, carrying a clear message to the consumer that plastic waste is valuable.

“The Covid-19 pandemic was an opportunity to launch a facemask using 100% recycled PET fabric and our Project WAYSTD community-based initiative where clients have the opportunity to double up and donate a mask for every one purchased to a school or community in need. Three 2-litre

www.theflopfactory.com

PET bottles make five WAYSTD facemasks and the total bottles recycled is reflected on every invoice,” adds Lee. What’s next?

Lee’s enthusiasm for life and the opportunities it presents already have her planning the next phase of development for her businesses. As the sole tenant of The Manufactorie in Woodstock – a large double storey space that has massive storefront appeal – Lee plans to incorporate a retail area into her factory space. She’s still deciding what this space will evolve into, but knowing Lee, it will be something brilliant!

www.waystd.com

JUNE / JULY 2021 27

OKE – SOUTH AFRICA OKE-SA SPECIALIZES IN THE MANUFACTURING OF PLASTIC INJECTION MOULDING & EXTRUSION PRODUCTS. • OKE manufactures plastic components for many well-known companies in various sectors of the South African, African and International industries.

• The industries that we serve include: Automotive, Industrial, Agricultural & Civil • 25 years experience in South Africa MACHINE CAPABILITIES: • Injection Mould: 1 GRAM TO 450 GRAMS PART WEIGHT • 1K MOULDING • 2K MOULDING • THIN WALL THICKNESSES AND HIGH TOLERANCES

• PROCESSING OF VARIOUS POLYMERS • In-House tool room • Machine sizes available: 100T 175T 200T 300T 530T EXTRUSION: FLEXIBLE & RIGID • TUBULAR • PROFILE • SOLID

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Ruan Rossouw ruan.rossouw@oke.co.za 082 444 8488 www.oke-group.com

news The new laminator at PacRite in Durban, which runs films up to 1300mm at up to 400m a minute, is from TCE of Turkey’s ‘Eco SL’ series.

It is installed at the Pac-Rite plant in Westmead

The Pac-Rite management team includes Anwar Hayath, Clint Jacobson and CEO Brian McCleary

Pac-Rite commissions

high-speed laminator

New line gives KZN flexibles manufacturer several more options

28 JUNE / JULY 2021

PAC-RITE of KZN has further extended its product range with the commissioning recently of a new laminator. This comes on the back of the 2018 installation of a co-ex film extrusion line at the Westmead company, which gave PacRite the ability to produce all of its own films to exact spec, print on them and now laminate too.

The line, from TCE-Converting of Turkey, is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment from a manufacturer that up till recently was not well-known in this part of the world. Lamination is solventless, which was a factor in Pac-Rite’s decision to buy the line as it allows for cleaner operation and reduced environmental effect.

According to Pac-Rite CEO Brian McCleary, the TCE unit gives it the ability to laminate a variety of substrates

onto poly as well as either clear or foiled BOPP. Two layers are joined in the laminator, at eye-watering speeds of up to 400m a minute, and then there is also the option to run the joined structure through again to add a third layer. That is not often a requirement, but it’s a plus for Pac-Rite to have the ability.

The R6-million capex project included a ‘Kinetic Easy’ 1300 slitter-rewinder from the same manufacturer, Turkey’s TCE, which is represented locally by Burns Machinery. McCleary visited the TCE-Converting plant in Konya, an ancient city in central Turkey dating back to the 12th century, to assess the quality of the build and came away feeling confident.

The Kinetic slitter-rewinder is anything but easy, running at up to 400m/min like the laminator, and yet able to

maintain extremely precise registration.

A just-completed run of reels showed impressively consistent winding.

“We are happy to have advanced into specialised films,” said McCleary, “and moving into laminating is really a natural progression for us that are also in response to customer demand.”

It’s worth noting that Pac-Rite (full name Pac-Rite Innovated Packaging Solutions), established in 1994, started out as a general packaging supply business before it got involved in manufacturing, producing its own films, from which point it has progressively made investments in equipment to the point where it is now close to being on a par – or even on a par – with SA’s top flexible packaging manufacturers. www.pacrite.co.za The production team in the new Pac-Rite lamination hall includes Sixtus Magwasa, Shoheb Wahab and Fortune Moluli, here with Brian McCleary

Clas

West African Group to supply

phenolics from SI Group

WAG expands service to resin market

Demitri Loukidis of SI Group has joined the WAG team

WEST African Group (WAG) has expanded its materials portfolio for the chemicals and tyre markets through its recent distributorship of SI Group products.

The SI Group has vast experience within the foundry, rubber, timber and industrial resin sectors and has its own resin manufacturing facilities in Johannesburg and Durban. SI Group made the strategic decision to close its Durban manufacturing site at the end of May and appoint West African Group as the distributor for its adhesives, rubber resins, anti-oxidants and industrial resins, which will be imported from their various manufacturing sites around the world.

SI Group has been manufacturing their products locally since 1967 (54 years) and enjoys a good

reputation in the marketplace. SI will continue to offer its technical support to its customers through West African Group.

WAG is also pleased to confirm that Demitri Loukidis of SI Group has joined the WAG team effective 1 June to manage the sales of the SI Group products. He will also ensure that the transition in supply goes as smooth as possible and that the customers receive the usual top-class service and attention to detail that they have come to expect from SI Group. www.siigroup.com www.westafricangroup.co.za JUNE / JULY 2021 29

Classifieds Jun/Jul'2021.indd 76

2021/06/02 12:51

news

Sicomin finalist in

JEC Innovation Awards 2021 First offshore nacelle manufactured with natural fibre composites GREENBOATS, Sicomin and Bcomp are finalists for the JEC Innovation Awards 2021. The three project partners have been selected as finalists in the Renewable Energy category for their innovative Green Nacelle – the first offshore nacelle manufactured with natural fibre composites (NFC).

The Green Nacelle was designed

by NFC innovators Greenboats, who were also responsible for the structural engineering, manufacturing and assembly of the nacelle. By incorporating Bcomp’s ampliTex™ flax reinforcements, FSC certified balsa wood cores and biobased resins, the Green Nacelle’s NFC construction saves approximately 60%

CO2 equivalent and reduces the energy Sicomin, the formulator and supplier of the leading range of GreenPoxy consumption by over 50% compared to bio-based epoxy resin systems, a nacelle made with existing GFRP supplied its DNV GL approved technology.

InfuGreen 810 resin In addition to the lower Providing system that was used CO2 footprint, the natural intumescent FR to infuse the Green fibre composite structure gelcoats, bio-based Nacelle’s main also introduces viable laminating resins structural sandwich options for the end panels, as well as of the nacelles’ life and UV resistant providing intumescent unlike traditional GFRP clear coatings for the FR gelcoats, biostructures – an issue of groundbreaking based laminating increasing concern for new nacelle. resins and UV resistant the wind energy sector that clear coatings for the presents a great opportunity groundbreaking new nacelle. for natural fibre composites to bring a sustainable change to this market.

30 JUNE / JULY 2021

KZN Resins appointed distributor for Ineos Composites KZN Resins (Pty) Ltd, an independent South African resin manufacturer for both the composites and coatings markets, has been appointed the African Sub-Saharan and Indian Ocean Islands regional distributor for Ineos Composites.

Ineos Composites recently purchased Ashland Composites, the global leading UPR, gelcoat and epoxy-vinylester manufacturer.

Ineos Composites manufacture the famous Derakane epoxy-vinylester range, plus well known resin brands such as Hetron, Aropol and Endyne and Maxguard

gelcoats.

KZN Resins will supply the full Derakane epoxy-vinylester range to the Southern African market, replacing ADD Resins, who closed their operation late 2020.

Full technical service, chemical resistance recommendations and product backup is provided by the Derakane Centre in Kehl, Germany, through KZN Resins, who also support the product locally with rapid turnaround times.

KZN Resins’ supply chain ensures that most of the Derakane range is ex-stock.

For more information contact Mark Reddy at KZN Resins, +27 (0)83 626 5448, email Derakane@kznresins.co.za

Burns Machinery offering Turkish excellence BURNS Machinery Sales recently commissioned a state-of-the-art laminator and slitter rewinder at Pac-Rite in KwaZulu Natal from TCE-Converting of Turkey, one of the Turkish companies that Burns represents in SA. Lamination is solventless, which was a factor in Pac-Rite’s decision to buy the laminator as it allows for cleaner operation and reduced environmental effect.

Brendan Burns, founder and owner of Burns Machinery Sales (Pty) Ltd in Fourways outside Johannesburg, is a veteran in the industry and has been selling and servicing machinery to the plastic industry in South Africa for the last 40 years.

TCE-Converting are leaders in the field of printing, lamination and coating, slitting and rewinding machines.

Brendan says he started selling

Turkish machinery seven Brendan Burns (pictured here) says Turkish years ago. “The reason machine manufacturers entered the plastics being that Turkish machine machinery market with European quality manufacturers entered equipment at affordable pricing the plastics machinery Southern Africa and Brendan has sold market with European close to 100 machines. quality equipment at affordable pricing.

Atac Plastic Machinery Co has been The technical back up and support from operating since 1991, manufacturing Turkey is made easy via internet linkup to plastic film extrusion machines, including customers’ machines in their factories. Most 2, 3 and 5-layer co-extrusion film lines of the electrical, electronic and pneumatic and plastic recycling machinery. components are top European brands and Akdemir Makina specialises in available in South Africa,” he adds. perforated wide plastic bag-on-roll Other Turkish equipment manufacturers manufacturing machinery. that Burns Machinery represents are: Umut Machinery specialises in the Gur-Is Makina launched in 1998 and winding of various plastic stretch wrap manufactures servo controlled plastic and aluminium material machinery. and paper bag making machines and Eles Makina specialises in Corona ancillary equipment. The company’s treaters and one-colour inline printing units. machinery is extremely popular in

•

• •

•

•

JUNE / JULY 2021 31

www.burnsmachinery.co.za

BURNS MACHINERY SALES PLASTIC MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

We will find the best solution for your needs Brendan Burns of BURNS MACHINERY SALES has been in the South African plastics industry for over 40 years, both selling and servicing machinery and equipment. Brendan’s experience and knowledge enables him to find the best solution for your machine needs.

BURNS MACHINERY SALES specialize in Turkish plastic film making machinery and is the local representative for the following companies: www.gur-is.eu

Contact

www.atacmak.com

www.tce-converting.com

BURNS MACHINERY SALES AT: Unit 2, Lavianto, Robert Bruce Road, Beverley, Fourways

Burns Machinery-ad.indd 74

www.akdemirmakina.com.tr

Send us a mail burnsmac@mweb.co.za

www.umutmachine.com

www.nicely.com.tw

CALL US TODAY Tel: +27 11 465 4399 Cell: +27 82 412 1168

2021/06/09 10:48

news

Jeff Cawcutt, Chantal Noble, Terri Fynn and Bart Schurink of Zerma Africa with the range of granulators and shredders to be used for running trials with material provided by the customer

A first as Zerma opens size-reduction Test-Centre

32 JUNE / JULY 2021

Full test done to assess system performance ZERMA Africa has recently introduced a new Test-Centre at its warehouse in Barbeque Downs near Kyalami in Johannesburg.

In what is almost certainly a first for the SA plastics industry, Jeff Cawcutt and his team have installed a range of granulators and shredders with the aim of performing trials with material provided by the customer.

According to Jeff Cawcutt of Zerma Africa, the objective of the Test-Centre is to allow potential customers to run their specific material on a Zerma machine, assess the performance of the recycling system and verify the

quality and suitability of the regrind before making an investment.

“We installed several granulators and a shredder in our warehouse. Plastic converters or recyclers are welcome to send us a sample of their material, we reduce it, video the process and return the material to the customer,” said Cawcutt. The whole process is thus fully Covid compliant, or alternatively customers can inspect the machines and witness the trial first-hand.

“The idea is to eliminate the unknowns and give our customers peace of mind, which has been well received,” he added.

Before and after; Bart Schurink of Zerma Africa running a trial with a customer’s lumps, shredded in the compact and robust Zerma ZBS-600

www.zerma.co.za

Vishva Exim spreads it’s wings to Australia VISHVA Exim has added Australia as its 42nd country that Vishva Exim has sold equipment to – this time the VELOS Centre seal pouch making machine.

Expansion is an exhilarating prospect for any business. In an effort to grow more in the industry, Vishva Exim has been constantly innovating and creating new developments in its machine technology. Vishva Exim’s mission to provide ‘Quality at Competitive Prices’ has been core to all its involvements and has been its mantra for success.

Vishva aim to build long-term and mutually beneficial relationships to achieve mutual growth with all Australian and global customers.

The VELOS Centre seal pouch making machine is designed with easy job settings and quick job changeover to increase the ease of working for the operator and to maximise the output to time ratio.

Details and features of the machine include: Speed: 200 pouches per minute Types of materials machine can run: Laminates of Polyester, CPP, heat sealable BOPP Types of bags: centre seal pouch, lap seal pouch, side gusseted pouch, etc.

Main features: Edge Guide and Tension Control (European make) with all necessary features and safety guards.

• • • •

To find out more about the machine, visit Vishva Exim’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/ aaditya6120/videos

Vishva Exim can be contacted at WhatsApp: +91 (0)97 122 12252, e-mail: info vishvaexim.com

High-quality surfaces in the car interior

THE haptics and visual appearance of components in the car interior are becoming even more important. BASF is presenting innovative materials for premium and appealing surfaces to give the interior a distinctive look.

With Ultramid® B3E2G6 SI BK23353 (image left) and Ultramid® B3E2G10 SI BK23353, a new generation of surface-improved structural materials is now available. Compared to standard material (image right), the glass fibre reinforced types based on polyamide 6 impress with very low emission values and good UV stability and are therefore ideally suited for the use in functional visible parts in the interior. www.plastics.basf.com

JUNE / JULY 2021 33

news

Path Plastics celebrates twenty five years

Expanded product range through innovative product design & custom product development PATH Plastics, the Cape roto moulding business, celebrates 25 years in operation this year.

Reputed to be South Africa’s leading manufacturers of plastic lockers, Path at first carved out a niche for itself in this specific area, coming up with a range of practical solutions – a range of lockers which is continually evolving and keeping up with market conditions.

With just seven employees, Path Plastics started out in 1996 with the manufacture of a range of containers, bulk containers and pallets to provide quality local alternatives for the food processing industry – initially focussing on the fishing industry and other protein processing industries. Since then, it has spread its wings to include a wider range of other large-volume products used in economic sectors across the spectrum and now employs 102 people. A substantial percentage of Path’s production output goes towards custom-designed and manufactured products for exclusive clients. Path boasts its own full technical workshop which can produce and maintain very sophisticated moulds. The company

also does a significant amount of custom moulding for customers.

Path has exhibited skill at absorbing and integrating Incorporated other roto businesses, two other roto not by specific intent but rather where the businesses, achieved concerned operations almost seamless encountered difficult integration trading conditions. First, in 2009, it acquired the liquidated assets of Ivy Blue Rotomoulders, and in February The Path Plastics plant in Montague 2020 bought Polybox, the latter on auction.

Gardens in Cape Town was designed so as These purchases included both the plant to allow for easier flow, of everything, and (machines and moulds) and product allowances are made for expansion brands of the respective companies, which have been integrated into Path’s core business. Those brands have been retained, improved and expanded on in concerned, and more recently Polybox, their respective product ranges. it was business as usual; and achieving This may be seen as a shortcut to almost seamless transition for the brands, product development and introduction, has been a feather in the cap for the Path but the process presented a myriad of team under the leadership of general specific challenges too. Perhaps it’s the manager, Van Zyl Kruger. Some of the calming influence of Path CEO, Joyce staff of Ivy Blue, notably Marylou Morland, Reddell that has made this possible. moved over to Path too, helping achieve As far as customers of Ivy Blue were sales continuity.

34 JUNE / JULY 2021

Success in a male dominated industry JOYCE Reddell, CEO of Path Plastics in Montague Gardens, is an astute businesswoman, achieving enviable success in the predominantly male dominated rotomoulding industry in South Africa.

When Path Plastics launched in 1996, Joyce had no experience in the rotomoulding industry.

However, she had been running her own businesses and doing well enough to help fund the launch of Path Plastics.

Determined and ready to learn, Joyce’s technical knowledge of the rotomoulding process and the industry developed

swiftly as Path Plastics grew. She found she enjoyed getting to know the people working in the factory and also getting involved in all aspects of the job, from accounting to sales.

Critical to the company’s success, says Joyce, are her team of employees who are experts in what they do, with the majority having been with Path for more than 10 years.

“Along with my husband, and our general manager, Van Zyl Kruger, who are both industrial engineers, my employees – right down to the last trimmer – are my right-hand men and women,” says Joyce.

“And Van Zyl is able to take a bird’s eye view of any challenge and pinpoint the solutions.” Joyce describes her husband,

Tim, as “the man behind the woman, supportive and always full of good ideas”.

Joyce says during her 25 years in the rotomoulding industry, she has come across some prejudice because she is a female, but nothing that has made her feel unduly uncomfortable and detract from achieving the required end results.

“We do what we do, well, and will continue to do so. Our small sales team are excellent at their jobs, and it helps that a lot of our products sell themselves.

Our customers come back time and again,” she says.

Path Plastics is following a trajectory to even better things in the future, continuing to develop new products and provide healthy competition for the industry.

Path Plastics has a solution for almost any locker application

Consolidated Based in Montague Gardens, Path at one stage operated from three separate sites.

This was partly the result of the fact that roto moulding requires more space than most other plastic processing technologies, but the business has now consolidated at a new site in Link Close over the past year.

The layout of the far bigger site of over

5 000m² has been managed by Kruger, who has gone into great detail to ensure that the flow through the plant, from incoming material to outgoing product, is optimized. Given that most roto products are bulky, achieving easier movement around the plant is critical. Its engineering division operates from adjacent premises, meaning that mould manufacture or mould modification as well as metal stamping and punching is accessible.

Kruger was at pains to ensure that product flow was in one direction, with material supply centrally located. Path also runs its own pulverizing department for short-run material preparations as well as to reprocess production scrap. A major factor in the layout was to minimize fire risk, so the design allows for sections to be isolated in such an event. The entire plant is monitored by fire detectors and cameras.

Path has also taken a hard look at its plant and opted for Italian roto technology.

It now operates four state-of-the-art

machines – including ‘Old Faithful’, the first machine commissioned in 1996, built

by Piet Hickley. Deciding on this course was fundamental for the company – it wrote off all 10 of the machines that came with the Polybox purchase, as they were all way below Path’s expectations for highperformance machines. Given that energy costs and relatively long cycle times are a major factor in roto moulding, selecting high-efficiency production equipment is vital to remain competitive.

Own design Path operates its own in-house design team and is constantly involved in new product development.

“We like working with custom products,” said Reddell, adding that quite a number of their products are seasonal, which can have the effect that some products ‘subsidise’ others. This is an important aspect in the roto sector, where ‘non-tank’ product development costs tend to be higher. www.pathplastics.co.za Celebrating Path Plastics’ 25 years – the operations managers, ensuring the company’s success. From left: Van Zyl Kruger, Willem van Staden, Bill Jackson, Callum Broadley, Anza Matthews, Andrew September, Stanley Katts and Erasmus Heyns… and in front, Mark Williams

JUNE / JULY 2021 35

ASSOCIATIONS

Unique recycling project gains national traction So far, 20 schools in Umlazi have joined the Separation at Source programme A UNIQUE programme aimed at upping collection and recycling rates, boosting green economy jobs and diverting waste from landfills has started to roll out across South Africa.

Following a successful pilot rollout in Thohoyandou and Sibasa in Limpopo in March last year, the Separation at Source programme has celebrated its launch in a second province – KwaZulu-Natal.

The 13 May launch in Umlazi saw PETCO – the national industry organisation that supports polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle recycling and collections – hand over 120 recycling bins, sponsored by SA’s leading polymer producer Safripol, to environmental group Isphepho Enviro Ambassadors. The donation, worth over R230 000, included 50 bulk bags, a 12-metre storage container, platform scale, signage and a 6-metre volume trailer.

The colour-coded green (glass), yellow (plastics), blue (paper) and red (cans) bins will appear at schools, communities and businesses in and around Umlazi and will allow residents and businesses to separate out their

household waste for the first time. This means – at least for those who partake in the project – that only waste which cannot be recycled will end up in the municipality’s landfills.

Isphepho (isiZulu meaning ‘tornado’) collects recyclables from the community and also facilitates clean-ups in Durban. So far, 20 schools in Umlazi have joined the Separation at Source programme, with Isphepho collecting a a minimum of 10 tons of PET plastic a month. Isphepho aims to increase the number of schools registered to more than 50 over the next year.

The 35-strong ambassador group comprises mostly unemployed graduates from disciplines including IT, public administration, speech and drama, conservation and agriculture. Londi Mbuyisa, who established Isphepho in 2018, says she was inspired to do so after founding another community engagement project in 2016. The organisation is self-funded by Mbuyisa, a senior lecturer in the Department of Nature Conservation at Mangosuthu University of Technology. None of the team earns a salary.

“The awareness and participation in recycling among

SAPPMA quality workshops continue to address key issues THE Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufactures Association (SAPPMA) continues to address key issues that relate to thermoplastic pipe systems and installations with the It is clear hosting of their that these virtual regular Quality Workshops. quality workshops Each month, address a major need these freefor updated technical to-attend information and practical sessions attract information a great number of delegates, which usually include users, specifiers, consulting engineers, suppliers, certification bodies, testing houses, SAPPMA members, students, industry experts and the media.

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ASSOCIATION-.indd 36

Apart from focussing on product standards and long-term quality, SAPPMA also fulfills an indispensable need for technical marketing and problem solving within its own membership and throughout the industry. This is done by providing reliable and objective design information to the market by way of consultations, conferences and technical literature. According to Ian Venter, SAPPMA’s technical manager, it is clear that these virtual quality workshops address a major need for updated technical and practical information. Moreover, delegates are eager to offer topic suggestions for future webinars, as they know where the skills gaps exist and where the difficulties lie.

“SAPPMA members and nonmembers alike are given the opportunity to be trained on aspects that are important to ensure long lasting effective pipe systems, thereby minimizing costly failures. Our March worship was entitled ‘Joining the dots: PE Pipes & Fitting’, related to effective jointing and welding, and our April webinar focussed on Buried Thermoplastic Pipe Behaviour. Both these subjects play a significant role in ensuring that pipe systems perform to design assumptions and specifications as well as meet client expectations.

However, substantial changes and improvements to standards and design approaches have taken place during the last two decades which need to be clearly communicated and understood,” Venter said.

JUN / JUL 2021

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Trash to treasure: Members of the environmental group Isphepho Enviro Ambassadors received a boost with the donation of R230 000 in recycling equipment from Safripol, as part of PETCO’s KwaZulu-Natal Separation at Source programme launch. Founder of Isphepho Enviro Ambassadors, Londi Mbuyisa, is 4th from left in the red jacket.

Umlazi residents is very limited,” said Mbuyisa, whose vision is to create a focus within communities on the value of the circular economy.

Mbuyisa also plans to add value to the waste collected by using it for manufacturing construction materials such as bricks “to make affordable housing a reality for the community”.

“PETCO coming on board brings Isphepho one step closer to the realisation of our dreams,” said Mbuyisa.

Safripol sustainability manager, Dr Avashnee Chetty, said the company was “committed to supporting waste collection projects such as this as they are an important enabler to the circular economy.”

“Separation at source initiatives ensure that valuable recyclables stay out of the environment and are recovered for use in the recycling industry. These projects also have

the potential to contribute towards improving the lives and livelihoods of the most marginalised communities,” said Chetty.

Belinda Booker, PETCO collections and training project manager, said there was “a huge need to support collection and recycling activities, especially in rural areas and townships where waste management is not well serviced or a priority”.

“PET plastic bottles are not trash. They are resources that can be recycled and brought back into the value chain, with local beneficiation,” Booker said. Partnerships at all levels of government, industry and civil society were the key to encouraging waste reduction and increasing collection and recycling, she added.

PET recycling in South Africa has consistently created more than 60 000 income opportunities annually since 2018. www.petco.co.za

TWYG Sustainable Fashion Awards 2020 Ian Venter, SAPPMA’s technical manager

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“It is important for us to pitch the contents of the quality workshops at the correct level and to offer a practical approach to complex issues. It is exciting to see the great level of interaction that exists between the delegates and presenters, despite the fact that it is an online session. It is this interaction and lively discussions that help to improve the industry’s understanding of thermoplastic pipe systems and ensure the industry’s sustainability as a whole,” he stressed.

• To register to attend SAPPMA’s webinars, email Admin@sappma.co.za. Previous event presentations, workshops and webinars are available from the SAPPMA website

THE second annual Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards saw designer Lara Klawikowski take home the Changemaker title, which came with R100 000 in prize money The awards – held at Rewoven’s recycling textile warehouse in Cape Town – were sponsored in most part by Country Road and PETCO, with Country Road sponsoring the Changemaker Award winner R100 000 in prize money.

The event was co-hosted with Future of Fashion, a Rewoven initiative.

Besides Lara Klawikowski taking home both the Changemaker award and the Innovative Design and Materials Award, winners include TSHEPO Jeans, Matsidiso, VANKLAN, Liyanna Basini, The Seen Collective and Mungo.

The TWYG awards are about acknowledging, celebrating and appreciating designers who are working towards sustaining each other and the planet. They celebrate South African designers leading sustainable, ethical, circular and regenerative practices in the fashion industry. They also reflect that fashion can be at the forefront of positive ethical, social and environmental change.

2021/06/08 16:02

ASSOCIATIONS

Polystyrene Association of South Africa

welcomes new members

Turkey-based Pakeks Labelling Solutions prides GOLDPACK, Pakeks and Plaslantic recently signed up itself on being innovators and leaders in their field. as new members of the Polystyrene Association of South They incorporate the latest in technology and design to Africa (Poly SA) – the non-profit Producer Responsibility continuously offer their clients the best quality and healthier Organisation (PRO) for the local polystyrene industry. products. However, this does not mean they are willing to Adri Spangenberg, CEO of Poly SA, said they welcomed sacrifice on sustainable solutions and processes, as they the positive response from brand owners and retailers strive towards ensuring a healthy environment and industry, following their calls to sign up in order to demonstrate their underpinned by a respectful approach to production. commitment to Extended Producer Responsibility.

“Joining Poly SA was important for us in order to “The new Section 18 regulations contained expand our footprint in South Africa. We are within the National Environmental The new also hoping that this membership will offer Management: Waste Act (No. 59 of us a better understanding of the of South 2008) are a welcome step towards legislation also African context and customers, while a more collaborative approach ensures that noninvesting in building the country’s between government and industry. compliant ‘free riders’ collection and recycling infrastructure, It stipulates that any company or can be reported to the says Seden Çıracıoğlu from Pakeks. brand that converts/manufactures Plaslantic in Cape Town are specialist or imports any form of packaging Department of Environment, suppliers of polystyrene sheeting for the will be required to pay an EPR fee Forestry and Fisheries yoghurt industry, but also produce ABS, per ton, which will be different for the (DEFF) from Polypropylene and Styrolux sheeting. various material streams. In addition, 5 November Jannie van Tonder of Plaslantic says joining strict collection and recycling targets the PRO was the right thing to do for the have been established, which need to 2021 greater good of the industry and the country. be met by industry over the next five years, “We did not sign up because we were hoping starting from January 2022,” Adri explains. to unlock any benefits for us personally as a company.

“Although the new legislation will only become Instead we felt it is important to make a positive mandatory from 5 November 2021, it is important for contribution to our Government and industry’s efforts to industry role-players to become involved as soon as reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill or ending possible to provide their inputs and suggestions while we up in the environment. We want to support any effort that are busy finalising our plans. Once the law is promulgated, will not only build our industry, but also a better, cleaner it will be too late for producers to want to make changes or country for generations to come,” Jannie explains. object to the terms. For this reason, we applaud Goldpack, “Government has set high targets that we have to meet Pakeks and Plaslantic for heeding to our call to sign-up to over the next five years with regards to the collection and the Polystyrene Association,” she adds. recycling of polystyrene. Moreover, the new legislation also Goldpack is a packaging solutions provider specialising ensures that non-compliant ‘free riders’ can be reported in packhouse equipment and end-of-line automation. With to the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries customers operating in various industries, Clyde Challenor (DEFF) from 5 November 2021. We therefore welcome our of Goldpack says corporate social responsibility and new members who have signed up willingly and encourage a commitment to sustainability are paramount to their all the other role-players across the entire value chain to business ethos. follow their example as soon as possible. Not only will this “We have a long-standing association with Poly SA ensure that you are compliant with legislation and avoid through our involvement in their Breadtags for Wheelchairs hefty penalties or even jail time, but we need a collective project. Taking the step to become a fully-fledged member effort as we share ideas and innovations to develop a was the next step for us, as we believe in doing our best to sustainable, industry-led plan that is built around the ensure sustainability and a full circle responsible approach unique needs and challenges of the polystyrene industry,” to packaging. Our signing up with Poly SA signals our Adri concludes. intent and commitment to reduce wastage and ensure we To sign up to the Polystyrene Association of SA, please produce products in a way that is responsible, sustainable email Adri@polystyrenesa.co.za. and environmentally conscious,” Clyde says.

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2021/06/08 16:03

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ASSOCIATIONS

Plastics|SA launches ‘Fit for Purpose’ campaign THE importance of something being “Fit for Purpose” is one of the key concepts of success in our modern world today. It describes the way in which a product or service is able to meet the specific demands for which it was selected or created.

www.plasticsinfo.co.za

Despite the harsh criticism often levelled against it, plastics have time and time again proven to be the ideal material for the 21st century. For this reason, Plastics|SA has developed a brand new marketing and advertising campaign entitled “Fit for Purpose”.

“During the past decade much research has gone into producing new-generation plastic products that offer performance that is far superior than any other material. It was therefore important for us to focus people’s attention on the many positive attributes of plastics and why it is the material of choice for so many modern day applications such as building and construction, education, entertainment and lifestyle, sports, healthcare, packaging, etc,” explains Anton Hanekom, executive director of Plastics|SA. According to Anton, this campaign will include printed adverts in selected media, as well as on social media and across various other digital platforms.

“We are very proud of this new message that is visually appealing and impactful in its simplicity. Our on-going appeal will be to use plastics responsibly and to ensure that all plastic products are recycled once they have reached their end-of-life. In this way, many new products are created that often have a longer lifecycle than its original purpose”.

“Whether preventing food waste and extending the shelf life of fresh produce, or saving a life with medical devices, a lot of research goes into using the right type of plastic for the right application. Plastics truly are fit for purpose: highly functional, impressively innovative and widely trusted,” Anton concludes.

Examples of a few of the advertising and awareness messages that have been developed as part of the new ‘Fit for Purpose’ campaign

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Recognising SA’s top eco-warriors SOUTH Africa’s most committed and pro-active eco warriors were recognised by Plastics|SA recently and awarded certificates as part of the Caroline Reid Award for Clean-Up Champion of the Year.

Owing to Covid-19 which made the hosting of another gala prize giving event impossible, Plastics|SA decided to visit this year’s winners at their places of work to present them with their awards. A total of 16 groups received the Caroline Reid Award in appreciation of their dedicated efforts.

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For more details about the winners, visit www.plasticsinfo.co.za

Team Live Life Always displaying their Caroline Reid Award certificate

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ASSOCIATIONS

The state of the PVC industry in SA and SAVA hosts 2021 annual general meeting predicted. He warned, however, that THE South African Vinyls Association supply from Europe was likely to (SAVA) hosted its 12th Annual General remain tight through Q2 due to planned Meeting (AGM) on 22 April. Despite the and unplanned shutdowns. fact that this was the second consecutive “Supply of ethylene-based PVC out year that the industry meeting was a of China is improving, but prices will virtual event due to Covid-19 restrictions, remain firm in the short term due to approximately 70 delegates registered to global supply shortages and upcoming attend the session. Attendees included planned shutdowns in Asia. Global current and potential SAVA members, prices are likely to peak in May, but affiliated industry associations such as will then begin a gradual decline to the SAPPMA, the Association of Electrical ‘new normal’,” he added.

Cable Manufacturers of SA (AECMSA); international bodies such as the Vinyl Demand will continue to outpace Institute (USA) the Vinyl Environmental local PVC supply Council of Japan and other interested Looking ahead at what the future holds, parties.

Mokomela said that Southern Africa David Mokomela, vice-president has a positive market growth over of Base Chemicals at Sasol, was the recent years and future expectations guest speaker at this year’s AGM and indicate that demand will continue used the opportunity to offer to outpace local PVC supply. some insights into the Although PVC imports current state of the PVC Mokomela declined through industry in South Africa said that Southern last year, they are and the rest of the Africa has a positive expected to pick up world. in 2021 as global market growth over “The global supply eases. recent years and future pandemic and “Unfortunately, we expectations indicate that government lockdown must acknowledge measures have demand will continue to that Sasol is not only severely outpace local PVC operating a plant that hampered GDP growth, supply is 43 years old. Intensive but also had a catastrophic maintenance shutdowns impact on PVC consumption in are therefore a major annual 2020,” Mokomela said. requirement, which have due impacts He explained that the supply of PVC on our supply profile at certain periods. was further hampered by a disastrous When unplanned outages occur, we hurricane season in North America and have limited catch-up capacity on the significant drop in commercial and stock levels. Future market growth and industrial construction experienced last capacity expansion by the conversion year. Although the demand for PVC sector will necessitate alternative rebounded faster from the Corona sources of PVC supply to supplement virus lockdowns than caustic soda, local production and meet the overall Mokomela said that outages, planned market demand profile,” he warned. maintenance and other international events kept chlorine production low.

Accomplishments and growth This negatively impacted on the supply achieved in 2020 of PVC and resulted in prices reaching As the industry body representing the a 35 year high. local vinyls industry, SAVA managed “We are hoping that PVC stocks in to achieve numerous successes over the USA will normalize by May or June, the past year despite the challenges although it could possibly take up to six presented by Covid-19. These include months to get back in line,” Mokomela all of its members successfully 42

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completing the annual Product Stewardship Commitment Survey for 2021 and therefore receiving the ‘Vinyl.’

Product Label as a sign that they are compliant with the PSC in that they are lead-free, only use additives that have been approved for high human contact applications and support a circular economy.

SAVA also managed to grow its membership by welcoming Food Packaging System and Orchem as full members and introducing a new category for individual members.

“In many respects 2020 will be remembered as a year that was painful and hard, but if you look at the number of attendees today its shows that the industry has managed to pull together and unite in a time when it was important for us to do so. We kicked off the year by adopting the theme ‘Building for the Future’, not only because vinyls are widely used in the building and construction industry, but also because we wanted to grow the local vinyls industry and along with it, SAVA’s reach to include the entire value chain. Looking back, we are proud to report that we have succeeded in meeting this objective”, said outgoing SAVA chairman, George Dimond.

New SAVA Board and leadership SAVA members were given the opportunity to vote for the new management committee (Manco) who will take responsibility for leading the association the rest of the year. Debbie Munford (Isegen SA) was elected as the new chairperson, supported by Tandy Coleman (Polyflor SA), Wessel Oelofse (Mpact), Renier Snyman (Sun Ace SA), Mubeen Siddiqi (Innovative PVC Compounds) and Rishi Madho (Sasol).

Monique Holtzhausen was appointed as the new CEO of SAVA, allowing Adri Spangenberg to focus on establishing VinylLoop as the association’s new PRO that will focus on the collection and recycling of vinyl packaging as part of the Section 18 EPR scheme.

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around the world David Mokomela, vice-president of Base Chemicals at Sasol, was the guest speaker at this year’s AGM and used the opportunity to offer some insights into the current state of the PVC industry in South Africa and the rest of the world

An exciting future head Concluding the 2021 AGM, newly elected SAVA chairman Debbie Munford said: “We are very excited about what the future holds for SAVA. We start our work on a strong and solid footing thanks to the excellent work done by the previous Board. The Section 18 EPR legislation presents us with exciting challenges, but also an opportunity to increase our membership base and influence team members to become active and grow with SAVA. “It is clear that both the global and domestic PVC markets are facing challenging times ahead, but we are fortunate to have access to a wealth of industry expertise to help navigate us through the multitude of economic, social, political and environmental factors through our local network of members and partnership with the Global Vinyls Council and Vinyls Plus. More than ever before, it is vital to belong to an industry association such as SAVA that fosters understanding and co-operation between suppliers, manufacturers and end users to ensure the sustainable future of our industry”.

SAVA signs up another new member OMYA-Idwala South Africa has become the newest member of the South African Vinyls Association (SAVA).

The company is a raw material supplier of value-added calcium carbonate and specialty PVC additives.

Omya-Idwala SA was officially launched on 1 February 2020 after Omya International AG and Idwala Industrial Holdings Ltd agreed to join forces in order to strengthen their activities in South Africa with regards to the distribution of calcium carbonate and specialty chemicals. Today, Omya-Idwala SA has offices in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town from where they provide their customers in the coatings, plastics, paper, inks, adhesives, chemical, homecare, glass and agricultural industries with a one-stop-shop opportunity with high-value services.

According to Natasha de Lange, general manager of Omya-Idwala SA, it was important for them to join SAVA as this would allow them to remain up to date with the latest innovations and changes taking place in the local

and international vinyls industry.

“We are focussed on building a strong platform for future growth in the large and rapidly developing South African market for specialty chemicals and value-added calcium Natasha de Lange, carbonate products. At the same general manager of time, however, we are very aware Omya-Idwala SA of the impact our operations have on surrounding communities and on the environment in which our members live and work. We are committed not only to minimising this impact, but to helping to provide ways for the people whose lives we touch to look forward to a better future with wider opportunities.

This resonates strongly with SAVA’s focus and Product Stewardship Commitment (PSC) which addresses our industry’s environmental issues and sets the standard for safe and responsible manufacturing, use and disposal processes,” Natasha said.

www.savinyls.co.za

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Craig Lowe has been appointed chief operating officer at MCG Industries

Les Whittal has joined Bordic in JHB

Clare Hennion has joined Safripol

Dr Mike Gradwell has accepted a position as managing director of a mint in Miami, Florida

Ken Barnes has joined Rubberchem

people On the move Craig Lowe has been appointed chief operating officer at MCG Industries, based in Johannesburg. This comes at a challenging time for the MCG group, which is facing difficult marketing conditions on the back of the repositioning of MCG Flexibles, it’s film making business which has been moved from Jacobs in Durban to Johannesburg, as well as the loss of some key management personnel at its plants around the country over the past few years.

Craig has extensive experience in the converting sector, having been with the Astrapak group for an extended period before moving to Tregger in Zimbabwe.

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Les Whittal has joined Bordic in Johannesburg. With a career of 20-plus years in raw material supply to date, Les is now involved in sales of Bordic’s range of specialised films, labels (shrink, wraparound and IML) and aramid fibres (from Teijin), both in South Africa and into the SADEC region. The YouTube video on Bordic’s website about the many applications of Teijin’s aramid fibres is highly motivational, from jet planes to bridge building and firefighting to BASEjumping and paragliding, the uses are virtually endless – worth taking a look.

Dr James Carson has been appointed GM at Anchor Chemicals in Maritzburg, which means a return to manufacturing for the man. Originally involved in tyre production at Goodyear in Uitenhage, James has also spent an extended period in academia as a lecturer in polymer chemistry at Nelson Mandela University in PE and, besides that, also threw in a stint as a restaurateur. More recently he was involved in the set-up of the tyre test lab as part of the REDISA tyre recycling

venture, until that project got shot down resulting in the effective termination of the tyre recycling business in South Africa.

Anchor Chemicals, part of the Hobart/ Carst & Walker group, is a manufacturer of specialised plastics, rubber and adhesive materials including TPE, TPR and black masterbatch.

James takes over from Crighton du Preez, who is pursuing other interests.

Clare has a Master’s Degree in Inorganic Chemistry and has worked in the 3M oil and gas business, as well as the metal finishing industry prior to that. She says she thoroughly enjoys immersing herself in the manufacturing sector and being exposed to new technologies – and polymer production and plastic extrusion and moulding has not disappointed!

Ken Barnes has joined Rubberchem.

The former Protea Polymers man has possibly found his exact niche, having been operating in the rubber sector for most of his career. He is based in Durban and is thus the new Rubberchem rep for the region.

Farewell We regret to report that Sipho Khumalo passed away in March. Originally at Sun Ace South Africa, where he worked as lab manager, Sipho joined Aberdare Cables in 2009 and was employed as group compound technologist for cable manufacture. He left there a decade later, in 2019, and was at least partly involved with a group which was planning to put in a bid for a major local compounding business. Sipho was a well-spoken and quiet person who gave complete commitment to the businesses he was employed at.

George Nxumalo has joined Anchor Chemicals Pinetown (formerly Davro Compounding) in Durban. He was previously at Scott Bader, also in KZN, from 1999 until 2018. George started as a process controller in the polymer plant and over the years moved up to plant supervisor. After the polymer plant was shut down, he did the reporting on the MRP system which had just been adopted. He was then trained to do production planning on the system and was appointed as the production planner for the compounds and the colours plants, and then as the supervisor and production planner for the two plants.

Clare Hennion has joined Safripol at its headquarters in Bryanston, Johannesburg, as national sales manager for polyolefins. Clare joined in April 2020 – great timing with polymers playing such a critical role in healthcare and food and beverage essential services. Clare makes regular road trips to Safripol’s plant in Sasolburg.

International Dr Mike Gradwell, who has been working at the South African Mint for the last few years, has accepted a position as managing director of a mint in Miami, Florida, and is due to relocate to the USA shortly. This is a big change for Mike, who at the end of 2020 was on the brink of returning to the plastic packaging industry as he was planning to buy a small packaging company. He was then offered the positon in the US and said it was “too good to turn down”.

Mike was formerly a lecturer in polymer chemistry at Nelson Mandela University in PE and following that worked for Safripol for a number of years, in the research area.

Edward Smith is back at Precision Plastics in Brackenfell, Cape Town, after a venture to manufacture bulk bins in what was one of the biggest projects in the Western Cape converting industry in some years. Smith oversaw the complete set-up of the plant, from the layout to the installation and commissioning of the machines as well as all the peripherals and toolroom over an 18-month period. Edward, who established Precision Plastics in 1997, says he is happy to be back and one of the first results has been the huge expansion involving the purchasing of multiple large and small Tederic plastic injection moulding machines from Userve Plastic Machinery; and multiple delivery trucks and factory premises which was necessary for the expansion for the local and export fruit and medical industries as well the rebranding of Precision Plastics, which now sports a new, lighter logo and livery.

news

Edward Smith is back at Precision Winners of Plastomark ’21 golf day It was a fabulous autumn day for the 2021 Plastomark golf day, the ‘5th Major,’ at the River Club course in Bryanston on 10 May with the Schaldor fourball – comprising Guy Moore (Plastomark), Gersh Kauzil, Martie Becker and Joshua Lombard – taking the honours, with each winning a Titleist driver too. They were congratulated by Wolfgang Raffalsky and Zelda Vikos of Plastomark. Gersh also took the Plastomark Cup for the best gross score on the day JUNE / JULY 2021 45

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IN 2019, plastic products that meet the ultimate test of value by making our lives better in some way were honoured by the Society of Plastics Engineers SPE in the USA. A panel of judges selected the winners of the 6th annual Plastics for Life™ Global Parts Competition from among a wide range of parts that had already won in competitions at previous SPE events. The award categories and winners are:

GRAND PRIZE 2019 Sierra LD Thick Light Bar This application incorporates a new high transparency LED2245 PC used in a thick light bar to allow a sculptured ice appearance that meets a legal daytime running lamp function in an automotive headlamp. The novel light-pipe design incorporates non-standard multi-shot thick moulding, tooling and process to provide unique styling and function. This part required the development of a proprietary multi-shot moulding process to produce a low stress PC thick light bar with high clarity and minimal material shrink and warpage. Due to the large complex shape of the part, the tooling required a modified surface and special ejection design to properly eject the thick light bar.

To meet the colour and optical clarity required by the product design, the resin was manufactured in a different process method than standard PC to provide very high optical clarity in extremely thick crosssections. This new PC material from Covestro provided crystal colour development to reduce yellowness in typical thick PC parts in the un-lit state.

Enhanced CAE tools were required for the complex part and tooling design.

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PEOPLE’S CHOICE Brewcraft’s Genesis 6 Gallon Carboy Fermenter This product was designed to replace glass carboys, which can break when dropped producing sharp glass and lost product and have narrow necks making it hard to clean. Natural HDPE allows the product to be seen through plastic for graduation readings that are clearly legible and embossed in both standard and metric volumes The integrated needle blown handles provide strength and rigidity through a unique pinchoff design for carrying full carboy while not compromising a comfortable grip. The wide neck opening is ideal during the use of brewing equipment and to aid in cleaning.

The inside of the carboy is smooth and free of any voids or crevasses which could house bacteria, especially where the handles meet the carboy, which also allows for cleaning after the brewing process is completed. The chamfered base is designed to allow the carboy to tilt at an angle to siphon the last bits of product out of the container.

– innovative & useful IMPROVING LIFE ThermaPANEL

The Bell Chair is a one-piece chair with an ovoid and elegant silhouette made of 100% recycled and recyclable polypropylene. Made using the industrial waste generated by Magis’ furniture production facility and the local automotive industry (North of Italy), it stands out through its contemporary look, versatility and strength.

Particularly light (2.7kg) and stackable to make it easier to transport, it perfectly fulfils its designer’s objectives, namely “to develop a high-quality chair using the least possible material”.

JUNE / JULY 2021 47

ThermaPANEL is a highly efficient modular hydronic heat exchange system used for radiant heating and cooling applications. The patented turbulent flow channel design transfer 250% more energy than traditional heat exchange systems with laminar flow properties.

Panels are formed and tested to hold pressure up to 50 PSI at temperatures of up to 63°C. Individual panels are interconnected using plastic pipe in a secondary process that fusion welds the panels together using extruded PE-RT pipe. The fusion welding process reduces the amount of mechanical unions or joints needed during system installation, reducing both labour and materials cost for contractors and the opportunity for mechanical joints to fail.

Each ThermaPANEL unit is individually insulated in a secondary process using EPS of varying density, depending on the load requirements of the application.

ThermaPANEL systems are used in a variety of applications, from comfort radiant heating and cooling to snow and ice melting for egress for ground and pedestal mounted paver hardscapes.

ThermaPANEL is the only modular heat exchange system designed specifically to radiantly heat or cool pedestal mounted pavers. Pedestal paver systems are quickly becoming the most popular construction method for creating amenity and utility spaces on flat roofs.

These systems are used in all types of construction from residential units to commercial and industrial buildings.

ThermaPANEL also replaces tubing systems for ground mounted pavers, providing highly efficient heat transfer for locations with high snow loads or intense sun exposure. Every component of ThermaPANEL is recyclable or reusable and is made 100% in the USA.

PROTECTING LIFE Integrated Tyre Carrier, Rear Camera & Brake Light Assembly on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler

Each ThermaPANEL unit is individually insulated

DESIGN

QUALITY OF LIFE Pickup Truck This is a lightweight and portable cargo organization system for the bed of a pickup truck. The product installs/un-installs in the bed of your truck in minutes, without the need for any tools, creating a temporary and secure ‘trunk’. It completely folds together and stores behind the seats when not wanted or needed.

It weighs less than 14kg and is water resistant.

Unique, patent-pending features were adapted across the whole product to minimise additional components and reduce labour costs. Design features include: • Integral snap-on single moulded-in hinge between back to side panels • Integral twist-on combined with snap-detents multi hinges between both back panels • Integral twist-on multi hinges housing metal tubing structure through both top panels • The part design is engineered with exact cavity tooling to mould either side panel and either back panel. (i.e. the tooling configuration replaces left and right parts with a universal part.)

• Moulded in strap pocket (side panel), accessory pockets (side panel), snap-lock latches (top panel) and designed detent for the strut (back panel) to minimise metal hardware, additional components, labour costs and recycling waste.

Weighs less than 14kg and is water resistant.

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SUSTAINING LIFE Simply Orange Bottle in Clear EBM PET The Simply Orange Juice bottle is designed from the high performance PolyclearTM EBM PET 5507 and weighs just 89 oz. It is manufactured by Indorama Ventures with the collaboration with Coca-Cola and CKS Packaging.

There is a significant reduction of the overall weight from the previous container made of PETG. It is 100% recyclable compared to the non-recyclable PETG. The bottle is high gloss, meeting and exceeding OEM requirements for clarity and gloss.

It also has high impact resistance, meeting and exceeding OEM requirements for drop impact.

The bottle is high gloss, meeting and exceeding OEM requirements for clarity and gloss.

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DESIGN

Eco-designers creating THE love affair between plastics and design is nothing new.

From their first appearance, designers started playing with them, happy to have found new materials that could keep up with all their creative fancies. That love affair shows no signs of fading, and eco-designers are now creating a new story for plastics.

At a time when protecting the environment is no longer

simply a topic of discussion but has become a grassroots movement, many designers are focusing their efforts fully on the environmental impact of their creations. The idea today is to create differently: optimal use of resources, recyclability of products, integration of recycled materials, upcycling and eco-design is becoming second nature in all areas of industry.

Change begins with the choice of materials The popularity of the most ephemeral materials, often associated with fast fashion and packaging, is currently waning. The aim is to make objects last as long as possible and to ensure that all materials, whatever they may be, can be re-used or recycled. This translates into a much more streamlined style and the use of monomaterials to avoid, for example, a fake gemstone stuck on an ABS plate making the object aesthetically obsolete the day it comes off. This is a first step towards eco-design, but it is not the most decisive.

Designers and the brands for which they make their creations, always on the lookout for the latest trends, are now striving to find ever more original recycled materials. Ikea, for example, has added the Order chair to its catalogue. The chair’s texture looks for all the world like cardboard and therefore creates the most original look. The chair is actually made from recycled PET and sustainably-grown wood fibres. This choice is far from trivial considering that the Swedish giant’s business model is based on mass production

Designers love the bottle Recycling marine waste, especially fishing nets, which are usually made of polyamide, is one of the major trends of the moment, at least in the clothing industry. Many start-ups are now proposing solutions to recycle them into a new fibre that is easy to weave and thus to use when designing new clothing.

For Adidas, this approach has even become a leitmotif, as its global ambitions are so high. For example, it did not hesitate to modify its iconic Stan Smiths (sneakers inspired by the world of tennis and bestsellers for over 50 years). Since March 2021, this shoe model contains 50% recycled polyester. The environmental impact is far from neutral as this sneaker is sold by the tens of thousands worldwide. The German brand hopes to reach 100% recycled polyester by 2024.

It also sells a pair of fully recyclable running shoes which must be returned to the manufacturer once they reach the end of their life. The polymer fibres are then recycled and used to manufacture new sports goods. And for those who still have doubts about the technical qualities of such models, this shoe has enabled athletes to break records in the half marathon.

Since March 2021, Adidas’ Stan Smith shoe contains 50% recycled polyester

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a new story for plastics Re-using used bottles to make a stained-glass wall in a shopping mall, as seen here in Thailand, is a perfect example of upcycling

Recycled plastics are swimming in luxury For a few years now, Italian company Napapijri has been selling a jacket made from a blend of virgin and recycled polyamide, which is also completely recyclable. To ensure that the jacket is easily recyclable, the brand designed it using a single material: polyamide. At the end of its life, the fibres are recycled using a process that preserves their original properties and quality. Like Adidas, Napapijri has set up a collection system to recover used jackets. Here again, the circle is complete!

Sometimes recycled plastics appear where you least expect them. Recently, Tom Ford, the designer and former artistic director of the prestigious Gucci fashion house, made a big splash when he launched a high-end watch under his name, made from 100% recycled plastics – marine plastic waste, in particular, bottles. To understand the designer’s audacity, it is important to understand that such an association was totally unthinkable barely a decade ago.

He claims that it takes 35 bottles to make one watch. He has even taken it a step further, as his watch’s packaging is made exclusively of various polymers also recovered from the sea. Finally, the strap is made of recycled nylon (polyamide) fibres recovered from the ocean that are then hand-woven.

Even the luxury sector is taking an interest in recycled plastics.

Famous designer Tom Ford is now selling a watch made entirely of polymers recovered from marine waste

Italian company Napapijri sells a jacket made from a blend of virgin and recycled polyamide, which is also completely recyclable

Adidas also sells a pair of 100% recyclable running shoes which must be returned to the manufacturer once they reach the end of their life

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DESIGN

Furniture: recycled plastics now welcome Awareness is also growing in the decoration and furniture sector. Even internationallyrenowned designers such as Philippe Starck are getting involved. Starck has developed a chair called I.E. made entirely from a recycled polymer in collaboration with Kartell, one of Italy’s leading design brands, which has been specialising in the manufacture of plastic objects for over 70 years. Which polymer was used? Kartell is keeping it a secret. All we know is that it comes from manufacturing scraps. Another original feature specific to this chair, and this explains its name, is that it was designed by an artificial intelligence that was able to answer the designer’s questions. The idea is to offer a beautiful, solid, ergonomic product manufactured using a minimum of energy and materials.

Internationally renowned furniture designer, Philippe Starck, has developed a chair called I.E. made entirely from a recycled polymer in collaboration with Kartell, one of Italy’s leading design brands

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Polyamide is also popular with designers, notably the English design agency Layer, which has produced a range of furniture, including seats and screens, made entirely from recycled polyamide parachute fabrics. Polyester is gaining increasing recognition as its recycled form can now be found in many carpets

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Jewellery designers are also jumping on the circular economy bandwagon. Russian designer Ekaterina Lukyanova, for example, sells an amazing range of jewellery made from recycled PET. Her creations are so original and daring that they recently made it into the Moscow Design Museum

Kartell, one of Italy’s leading design brands, revised one of its emblematic objects: the Componibili bedside table. For some years now, this table has been available in black or white versions made from a recycled polymer derived from industrial waste and known internally as a ‘recycled thermoplastic technopolymer’

Which plastics for tomorrow’s design?

Finding new resources is also a priority for many designers. Their aim is not to get rid of polymers, which they often consider unrivalled in letting their imaginations run wild, but rather to find new ones made from nonpetroleum-based raw materials.

Biosourced plastics are a possible avenue but not a simple one to explore.

Plant-based plastics such as PLA are also garnering attention from designers, especially those using 3D printers, like this chair by Yanko Design

• First published in Plastics le Mag, www.plastics-themag.com www.plastics-themag.com

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WORLD NEWS | materials

The mono-material concept reduces complexity in the design process and permits integration of sensors, displays, antennas, cameras and more

Mono-material design unleashes smart lighting possibilities Building strength, durability and functionality into LED lighting innovation ADVANCED LED technology is revolutionizing lighting and security – but obstacles such as excessive heat and harsh elements can limit its potential. Covestro is innovating with a single plastic material to empower LED functionality in surprising ways – from security cameras to smart lamps.

Makrolon® TC polycarbonate offers exceptional toughness, engineered to withstand even the most punishing heat, cold and impact. It dissipates heat coming from the LED and other internal electronic components. It can replace aluminum or metal, while reducing weight and cost, yet allowing greater design freedom.

Versatile for any use, Makrolon LED grades are available in high transmission, diffusion quality, and reflective options in addition to custom colours. The mono-material concept reduces complexity in the design process and permits integration of sensors, displays, antennas, cameras and more.

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LED lighting solutions that work smarter, harder Covestro put Makrolon PC to innovative use to develop a smart LED luminaire for public spaces. This singular material unleashes smart communication technology with situation awareness. Within one smart lamp, Covestro has integrated a Wi-Fi hot spot, camera lens, emergency warning speaker, time display, system status indicators and other built-in sensors.

It takes more than a bright light to ensure safety. Thanks to Makrolon polycarbonate, a smart security camera light uses adaptive proximity technology to activate when intruders are detected. Surveillance features combine a high discharge LED light with IR and visual cameras plus audio warning functionality.

Mono-material design for LED lighting solves for sustainability Expansive design freedom is matched by a commitment to sustainability. Using Makrolon PC for multiple components greatly reduces complexity in the design process and allows for easier end of life recycling. Simply remove the circuit boards – because no screws are needed for mounting PCBs. And because Makrolon can replace metal and aluminum, weight and cost are reduced as well.

Other key benefits include: Strength and durability – withstands heat, cold and impact Functional integration – can incorporate sensors, displays, antennas, cameras and more – almost any electronic component Thermal management – dissipates heat coming from LED and other internal electronic components Sustainability – reduced weight, parts and materials leads to more sustainable design Lightweight – can replace metal or aluminum for reduced weight and cost Brenntag is the distributor for Covestro Makrolon® in South Africa. For more information, contact Rudi Verwey if you are interested and need technical input to manufacture similar lighting in SA.

• • • • •

• Tel: +27 (0)10 020 9111 or +27 (0)82 552 1888, rudi.verwey@brenntag.co.za

A smart security camera light uses adaptive proximity technology to activate when intruders are detected. Surveillance features combine a high discharge LED light with IR and visual cameras plus audio warning functionality

www.brenntag.com/southafrica

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WORLD NEWS | Materials

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Canada adds plastic products to list of ‘toxic’ substances THE Canadian government has officially added ‘plastic manufactured items’ to its list of toxic substances on Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

While drawing praise from some environmental groups, industry associations, including the Ottawabased Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), expressed disappointment with the announcement.

“We remain concerned that today’s decision sends the wrong message to global chemistry investors, namely that Canada is ambivalent about the enormous investment prospects for the circular economy for plastics,” CIAC said. “We’re disappointed that safe inert plastic materials that play such important roles in Canadians lives are being labelled as toxic substances.”

CIAC also said it would keep working toward extended producer responsibility systems in all provinces and advocate for better recycling access and stronger technology around mechanical and chemical, or advanced, recycling.

And in the US, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) said in a statement that a CEPA listing is misleading and counterproductive.

“Banning efficient plastic products will likely lead to forced substitutions with alternatives that increase greenhouse gas emissions and prevent the transition to a low-carbon future,” Joshua Baca, vice president of plastics with the ACC, said.

And the Washington, DC-based Plastics Industry Association weighed in with its own criticism. “Our two countries are powerful plastics economies,” said president and CEO Tony Radoszewski.

“This development is a symbolic gesture to activists and threatens tens of billions of dollars of commerce.

The idea that plastic is toxic is the true danger. Such a label could have ramifications far beyond some singleuse items. It could fast-track more bans on other consumer products that are fully recyclable. Our main concern should be improving recycling.”

SOCAR Polymer has two new impact copolymer polypropylene grades ideal for rigid, thin-wall packaging

www.socarpolymer.az

Two new impact copolymer PP grades for rigid, thin-wall packaging Milliken’s Hyperform HPN performance additive boosts productivity, reduces moulders’ energy use SOCAR Polymer has introduced two new grades of impact copolymer polypropylene (ICP) resins that are the first in its portfolio to incorporate Milliken Chemical’s Hyperform® HPN® performance additive for PP. SOCAR, based in Azerbaijan, is currently marketing these materials to customers in Russia, Turkey and other countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States. The company says these new ICP grades are ideal for use in thin-wall injection moulded (TWIM) packaging applications such as caps, closures and opaque containers, as well as in various housewares, sporting goods and toys.

The two new grades are CB

4848 MO (with a melt flow rate of 48) and CB 6448 MO (with a melt flow rate of 64), which are the most common melt flow rates for ICPs. Both offer an excellent balance of end-use properties. These ICP grades deliver moulded parts that exhibit low shrinkage, improved thermal resistance (HDT), and an excellent balance between stiffness and impact resistance.

Additionally, with their good flowability, the two different grades enable converters to realize faster processing, while allowing both newer and older injection moulding machines to efficiently process the material.

Polycarbonates for LED lights in extreme environments LED light sources have proven to be energy-saving and long-lasting which makes them economical light sources and are widely used in buildings, vehicles and street lighting.

Operating LED lamps under water puts special demands on the materials involved. In cooperation with Brazilian swimming pool equipment supplier Ecopyre Lighting, Covestro developed an integrated solution using the thermally conductive polycarbonate Makrolon® TC. It features high dimensional stability during manufacture and operation of the lights, thereby preventing water ingress (ingress protection or IP).

The letters ‘TC’ in the type designation stand for ‘thermally conductive’ and indicate that the plastic also has good thermal conductivity. This makes it ideal – like the other types in the TC portfolio – for efficient thermal management in which the heat generated by the LEDs is well dissipated. In addition, the plastic complies with the chemical resistance required for use in swimming pool water. www.covestro.com

Office Cell: +27 66 250 1937 • admin@mgmwtrading.co.za Log Road Unit No. 17 • Roodekop Industrial Area • Germiston

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Office Add: No.67, 6th Avenue, Xincheng Industrial Park, Dinghai District, Zhoushan City Post code: 316023 Tel.: ++86-580-8806008 8806009

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12:08 2020/02/03 2021/01/20 10:42 09:34

WORLD NEWS

‘Mask Buddy’ relies on Engel

ENGEL injection moulding solutions for highly flexible multi-component production JOINING forces, companies in the plastics industry are making important contributions to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. One of these contributions comes from Fischlham in Upper Austria, the home of ACH Solution. The mould maker and system provider, which specialises in silicone and multi-component processes, has set up a production line for its own respiratory protection product. The innovative FFP2 masks also offer more safety and comfort in industry and building work.

‘Mask Buddy’ is the name of the new product and also of the company that ACH Solution founded for the production and distribution of the masks. In the development of this new type of premium mask, the focus was on the aspects of wearing comfort, breathing air quality and environmental protection.

Long-standing partner Engel, has supplied two e-victory injection moulding machines which grow in a versatile way to match the company’s needs.

The housing for the mask can be

used for many years, and the filters can be changed easily. This significantly reduces the waste generated by conventional FFP2 masks. The new mask type owes its wearing comfort to silicone which helps to seal off the face with a soft, skin-compatible silicone lip that precisely adapts to the face contours. As the air breathed out is reliably discharged downwards and cannot escape upwards, glasses do not mist up and eyes do not dry out.

To be able to produce large quantities in a short time, ACH Solution invested in two new injection moulding machines from Engel, each equipped with an Engel viper linear robot. The further automation as well as the LSR plasticising technology were developed in-house. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Covid-19-relevant projects have been given priority in the machine manufacturer’s production plants.

Two-component production with maximum flexibility Four parts of the premium mask are produced by injection moulding: the two

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The two injection moulding production cells are designed for maximum flexibility.

The polycarbonate mask housings are fed to the second injection moulding machine where the LSR lip is moulded

filter housing halves, the valve and the valve closure, which is used wherever an even higher protection level is prescribed or the regionally applicable pandemic legislation does not permit masks with an exhalation valve.

Flexibility is the key requirement, not only in the design of the masks but also in the layout of the new production cell. The two new injection moulding machines – an e-victory 120 and an e-victory 160 – are designed for processing both liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and thermoplastics and can therefore be used in a versatile way – if necessary also with other products or for mould sampling.

The hard components of the mask are made of polycarbonate. Besides the sealing lip, the valve and the valve closure are also produced from silicone.

The machines can be converted from one material to the other in less than two hours. To do this, the plasticising unit is replaced and the control unit adapted. Basically, a thermoplastic machine is a pared-down LSR machine. LSR processing requires some additional components, such as

The viper robot removes the finished parts and deposits the substrates in the four cavities for silicone processing

Thanks to a silicone lip, the new premium mask combines safe respiratory protection with wearing comfort.

The filters can be easily clipped into the durable housing

a vacuum pump, gate valve control or a dosing signal. Engel provides both the hardware and the software for this, and the individual functions can be activated and deactivated very easily on the machines’ CC300 control unit.

The mask housing, the part that points towards the face when worn, is the exciting bit. In a first step, the basic housing bodies are moulded from PC in a four-cavity mould on the e-victory machine with a clamping force of 120 tons. The substrates are fed to the second production cell via a separator and aligned with camera support so that the articulated robot can pick up the parts in the correct orientation and transfer them to the centering station with four depositing positions. The viper linear robot takes over from there. It places the set of four in the mould of the 160-ton machine, where the mask housings are fitted with the silicone lip in a second injection moulding step.

The viper removes the two-component finished parts and cycles them out of the production cell via a belt conveyor.

The masks are assembled on site, fitted with an elastic fixing strap and

packaged. Mask Buddy supplies all of Europe and part of the USA. Other regions are covered by partner company and licensor PPC in Australia.

Maximum process stability and repeatability ACH Solution has been using Engel injection moulding machines with different clamping forces for sampling for many years. Tie-bar-less injection moulding machines, and this also includes the e-victory series machines, are preferred because they support flexible production in the best possible way. Since there are no tie-bars to interfere with production, even very large and complex moulds can be easily and conveniently mounted without having to dismantle core-pulls or other functional elements. This speeds up the mould setup processes and increases the productive time of the machines.

The further demands on the injection moulding machines are high repeatability and process stability. And this again applies to both business areas, mould sampling and mask production. Several factors contribute

A well-coordinated team: Leopold Praher from Engel Austria, with Christian Hefner and Andreas Penninger from ACH Solution

to the high precision of the e-victory machines. They include the electric injection units on the hybrid machines as well as the special design of the tie-bar-less clamping unit, which keeps the mould mounting platens precisely parallel to each other throughout the entire injection moulding cycle. Added to this are the force dividers, which distribute the clamping force evenly over the mould mounting platens.

For added safety, the mask moulds rely on Servoshot 2G. The electric valve gate system developed by ACH Solution makes it possible to control each valve gate individually in order to keep the filling level constant across all cavities throughout the entire production process. The process is self-regulating and ensures consistently high product quality.

• GreenTech Plastics Machinery are the agents for Engel in South Africa

www.greentechmachinery.co.za

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Complete process managed by the machine control unit Servoshot 2G and the mould deliver essential process data, which ACH Solution stores and uses for continuous process optimisation. Using OPC UA, the company can connect its smart mould technology and peripheral units with the smart injection moulding machine. There is already a Euromap recommendation for connecting LSR metering technology via OPC UA. This means that the entire process can already be viewed, managed and documented using the CC300 control unit on the e-victory machines.

IN-VENTING

Silo mentality and selfishness

will get us nowhere!

Opportunity for South African plastics industry to create a new footprint

BY KIRTIDA BHANA

I AM certain that all the ‘Architects of Strategy’ in our industry have spent time analyzing and interpreting The South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan aimed at stimulating equitable and inclusive growth.

The plan/policy was developed after Covid-19 exacerbated the critical challenges facing the majority of South Africans viz. inequality; unemployment; poverty; declining economic growth and declining investment.

Silo mentality and selfishness will get us nowhere in this plan! If, as an organisation, you are happy operating in your little bubble and are satisfied that you have paved the way for your organisation’s growth path and are doing fine…Allow me to remind you of this powerful African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Our economies sustained low levels of growth and a series of downgrades have impacted negatively on the climate of doing business in South Africa.

• How do we as an industry make best use of creating opportunities within government’s recovery plan? The priority interventions are: • Aggressive infrastructure investment; • Employment orientated strategic localisation, reindustrialization and export promotion; • Energy security; • Support for tourism recovery and growth; • Gender equality and economic inclusion of women and youth; • Green economy interventions; • Mass public employment interventions • Strengthening food security; and • Macro-economic interventions.

The plastics industry already plays an important role but how do we amplify our role in ALL these interventions to play a critical role in South Africa’s economic recovery.

Large-scale collaboration and strategic partnering to supply goods and services within these interventions are what we urgently need to be co-creating. How do we as 60

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an industry collaborate and partner to fulfill requirements within these interventions and become part of the recovery plan for our country?

How do we as an industry collaborate and partner to fulfill requirements within these interventions and become part of the recovery plan for our country?

Golden opportunity for the South African plastics Industry This is a golden opportunity for the South African plastics industry to create a new footprint, thereby panel-beating the huge dent in our reputation as the industry with the biggest waste footprint in the environment.

Big meaningful actions will have a huge impact on Government’s targets for these priority interventions that will put us on the map as a key priority sector, without which Government will not be able to deliver their promises to the nation. These interventions are a strong guide for our industry to refocus and reset our own priorities to align with the big picture to benefit society at large.

The key enablers as per the plan are: • Resource mobilization; • Regulatory changes, a supportive policy environment and enabling conditions for ease of doing business; • Building a capable state; • Social compacting; • Skills development; and • Economic diplomacy and further integration into the African continent The collective impact of these interventions is aimed at achieving the targets set by the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030. Are we as an industry going to sit this one out?

I leave you with another African proverb until next time: “He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk.”

• To learn more about Strategy in Innovation contact: Kirtida Bhana at Plastics|SA. email: Kirtida.bhana@plasticssa.co.za or mobile: 082 322 0117

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PIPE MATTERS

No need to import engineering skills when

local skills under-used Anything from overseas is NOT always better

BY MIKE SMART, PR. ENG., B.SC. (HONS) CIV. ENG., MSAICE

this appears to be an ongoing and fruitless exercise in THE government’s strategy for the post-Covid19 economic skills exchange at the expense of our own unemployed recovery of South Africa will be ‘driven’ by infrastructural engineers”. development – Gross Fixed Capital Formation. The The long standing (2001) co-operation agreement construction of infrastructure requires construction between Cuba and South Africa notwithstanding, the companies that employ many skilled, semi-skilled and 24 Cuban engineers’ qualification, expertise, basic unskilled people, precisely what South Africa needs. knowledge, and local knowledge, for example in the But before these companies can begin operating and application of labour intensive methods, is questionable. ‘energising the dynamo’ of the South African economy, the projects must be conceived, designed, products specified, Globally countries encouraging consumption of local drawn, environmentally assessed, financial assessed, products, use of local resources, employment of RFQ documented, adjudicated and impartially local people awarded by, or on the recommendation of Countries globally are endeavouring to revive consulting engineers.

Capacity their economies post-Covid by encouraging CESA (Consulting Engineers of South utilisation of the consumption of local products, the use Africa) is the custodian of the well-being of of local resources, and the employment local engineering the industry, supported by more than 580 of local people wherever and whenever member firms who employ approximately skills has dropped possible. Why is South Africa different?

19 000 people, and they question Or is the age old, erroneous and outdated from 95% to a the Government’s decision “to import belief, that anything from overseas is disastrous engineering skills when we have a current always better than something made locally, situation where our local engineering skills in 80% still informing our decisions? the private sector are under-utilised and with a Recently, Siphele (Siphe) Ntshangase, Principal large pool of unemployed graduates”.

Geology Consultant at Letaba Elihle Investments, made the proposal that “unemployed geological graduates Why is Government importing foreign skills when SA be contracted to capture historic exploration data has them? electronically”. Something our critically important mining CESA’s latest Bi-annual Economic and Capacity Survey industry needs to improve the effectiveness of their (BECS) shows since 2012, the capacity utilisation of local exploration activities. engineering skills has dropped from 95% to a disastrous This is a wonderful example of a need being satisfied 80% currently. by an existing underutilised resource, which provides a “This reduction in capacity utilisation coupled with the solution to a problem that will, in turn, provide a needed large pool of unemployed graduates begs the question resource to another business – a win, win, win, win as to why Government is importing foreign skills when solution! we already have those skills locally within the private Meanwhile the local South African thermoplastic sector?” says CESA’s CEO Chris Campbell. “Employing pipe industry waits, filled with a mixture of hope and highly skilled locally experienced engineers supported by dread, poised ready to supply the pipes required for the unemployed graduates will provide a more sustainable rectification of the subject problem and those that will solution. South Africa is ironically known for its own follow. The government will determine whether the wait will engineering skills globally and with our water resource be in vain. management scope substantially larger than that of Cuba, 62

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MIDDLE EAST

What future does polyethylene have?

Banning of single-use plastics not necessarily a threat to the polymer industry

BY NIALL MARSHALL

THE biggest volume market for plastics, and especially polyethylene, is packaging. Some of that packaging is reusable but most of it is disposable – the dreaded ‘single use plastic’ category. With an estimated 55% of all plastics being used in packaging, the question being asked is (even in the Middle East) “what future does polyethylene have?”

In 2018 the EU published ‘The European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy’ which focused on areas such as encouraging design for recyclability, boosting demand for recycled plastics, preventing plastic waste in the environment and how to improve and harmonise collection and sorting of polymer for reuse. This was followed by the amended Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive which, among other things, revised recycling targets among all materials (not only polymers) as well as set the requirement that all plastic packaging placed on the EU market should be reusable or easily recyclable. Some of these targets will be extremely difficult to attain, still they will drive product design philosophies and result in increased recycling (rather than shipping plastic waste to Asia).

Plastics bans proliferating As with many regulations the EU is in the frontline, but similar regulations have also started to appear in other regions. In 2020 China announced a ban/phase-out of single use plastics in key cities which will then be rolled out through the country. The first products to be phased out are expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging, drinking straws, plastic bags and tableware. Even the USA is implementing plastic bans. Nine states have already introduced bans on the use of single-use plastic bags 64

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and disposable polystyrene food containers, straws, plastic utensils and cups. New York recently became the second state (after California) to prohibit hotels from offering their guests personal care products in single-use plastic bottles. New Jersey has even gone so far as to ban the use of single-use paper bags from grocery stores (effective May 2022).

Generally, moves to ban plastics, especially single-use plastics, has been muted during the pandemic when the sanitary benefits of single-use plastics have been widely recognized. At the same time an increased reliance on take-away food deliveries and on-line shopping have increased demand for packaging. Disposable gloves and masks have become ubiquitous and increased demand for polymer in these applications, even as other markets, such as automotive, have shrunk. But undoubtedly the legislative pressure on reducing or eliminating the use of plastic packaging will return and the polymer industry is evaluating the threats and investigating the opportunities.

Plastic packaging is either rigid or flexible. Flexible packaging are films, usually based on polyethylene or polypropylene, and they can be used for primary packaging (to give immediate protection to the packaged product) or as secondary packaging such as overwrap, labels or pallet wrap. Rigid plastic packaging includes bottles, pails, cups, tubs, and closures usually produced by injection moulding, thermoforming or blow moulding.

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Replacing single-use plastic with single-use paper doesn’t address sustainability Most primary packaging is single use, it is disposed of once the packaged item is used. The value of primary packaging is that it protects the item or prolongs its life (as

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in the case of food) and it is therefore unlikely that primary packaging can be replaced with an alternative packaging that provides better protection or is cheaper. Replacing single-use plastic with single-use paper doesn’t address any sustainability or environmental concerns.

Some single-use secondary packaging is important to protect the items and for handling, but there is an opportunity to reduce some secondary packaging, either with reusable packaging or simply by eliminating unnecessary packaging.

Opportunity for Middle East polyethylene producers to offer specialty polymers The EU plastic packaging regulations require that all plastic packaging placed on the EU market to be reusable or easily recyclable (where mechanical-, chemicalor biological-recycling are acceptable). Mechanical recycling will require that packaging is designed using mono-materials (metallised film and many multi-polymer multilayer constructions cannot easily be recycled) – an opportunity for the large volume Middle East polyethylene producers to offer specialty polymers (such as metallocene polyethylene as well as barrier resins).

An emphasis on mechanical recycling will also result

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in a demand for up-gauging – it is more cost effective to collect heavier plastic bags (which also tend to be used more than once despite not necessarily being stronger) than down-gauged bags.

And then there is chemical recycling that converts plastic Banning of waste into chemicals provide a potential new source single-use plastics of feedstocks such as is not as simple as it monomers, oligomers, sounds, but it is also not and higher hydrocarbons necessarily a threat to the for the petrochemical plants that can in turn polymer industry, at least be used to make virgin not as the Middle East polymers. This is still polymer industries’ a long way from being view commercially viable (both in terms of cost and scale), but it is on the radar!

Banning of single-use plastics is not as simple as it sounds, but it is also not necessarily a threat to the polymer industry, at least not as the Middle East polymer industries’ view.

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2021/06/09 10:52

CHINAPLAS KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition rescheduled

Specialised Exhibitions a division of Montgomery Group and organisers of KwaZulu-Natal’s, premier trade show for the industrial technology sector has made the difficult decision to reschedule the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition that was due to take place from 21-23 July 2021 at the Durban Exhibition Centre, KZN, South Africa. The show will now be held on the 16-18 February 2022 at the same venue.

Coming up

Application innovation center for thin-wall packaging

SABIC and KraussMaffei’s NETSTAL opened their new collaborative application innovation centre for thinwall packaging on 6 May. In this centre, SABIC and KraussMaffei’s high-performance NETSTAL brand have joined forces to add significant momentum to the further development and commercialization of innovative materials and processing technologies for new thin-wall packaging applications through collaboration across the segment’s entire value chain for our mutual sustainable future.

Arburg cancels its 2021 Technology Days

ARBURG has cancelled the Technology Days event it was planning to hold between 7-12 June. Consultations with official bodies and due consideration of the ramifications of the global coronavirus epidemic that are still clearly evident prompted the decision that was taken last Friday.

The postponement of the traditional timing of this event from March to June, the extension from four to six days, a Covid-compliant invitation and visitor management system, a meticulously planned hygiene and testing concept – with all of these measures, the safety of visitors and employees was always at the forefront of our deliberations.

The event has been rescheduled to take place in Lossburg in March 2022.

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CHINAPLAS 2021 a huge success!

152 134 visitors joined the mega show

CHINAPLAS 2021 was concluded on 16 April with a total of 152 134 visitors (149 771 local and 2 363 overseas).

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and the move to the new venue at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre, Chinaplas once again proved itself to be a high standard platform for presenting new technologies and sourcing the latest products for the plastics and rubber industries.

While the mandatory two-week quarantine for travellers coming from outside mainland China deterred almost all overseas visitors to Chinaplas this year, a few hardy people made the choice. Chinaplas said only 577 of the 44 000 visitors on the first day of the show were not mainland Chinese attendees, compared with about 20% overseas in a normal year.

Chinaplas is the plastics industry’s first global show not to have to cancel since the pandemic started.

Though the total number of visitors

this year dropped by 6.85%, the number of local visitors increased by 23.46% compared to the previous edition of show in Guangzhou in 2019.

In addition, the official live streaming platform attracted 363 000 audiences and helped Chinaplas reach out to global buyers throughout the four days.

With an exhibition area of over 350 000m2, Chinaplas 2021 hosted more than 3 600 leading exhibitors from all over the world, showcasing more than 3 800 machines, raw materials, chemicals and other solutions.

Apart from countless exhibits and showcases, Chinaplas 2021 also hosted a series of concurrent events under the theme of ‘New Era. New Potential.

Innovation for Sustainability’, supporting the plastics and rubber industries to grasp market opportunities and get ready for the challenges in the new era.

Chinaplas will be held again in Shanghai, from 25-28 April 2022. www.chinaplasonline.com

Clariant Additives steps up

AT CHINAPLAS 2021, Clariant debuted new high-end sustainable additive solutions for plastics to support local manufacturers in adapting quickly to the requirements of highly-demanding new applications and environmental goals. Clariant is increasing local access to performance-boosting, resourceefficient additives encouraging reduction, re-use and recycling of plastics. As well as greater use of renewable feedstocks and biopolymers for more applications.

Clariant introduced the advantages of AddWorks® PKG 906 Circle, a proprietary polymer stabilizer used to increase plastic waste recycling in polyolefin film manufacturing.

AddWorks PKG 906 Circle is helping end-of-life greenhouse films to be recycled into films for secondary packaging without loss of production efficiency or compromise to the required high-demanding film quality.

The resulting collation shrink films are used typically for wrapping and bundling PET beverage bottles. AddWorks PKG 906 is the first AddWorks solution to carry the CIRCLE designator, which highlights products that support the reduction, re-use or recycling of plastic products. It joins non-food competing bio-based additives from the VITA line (Licocare® RBW Vita) and renewable-based TERRA lines (Exolit® OP Terra and Licocene® Terra) making their China debut. Now produced in Zhenjiang, AddWorks PKG 113 provides excellent polymer melt protection and high film productivity for high speed Cast Polypropylene (CPP) and Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) resins. Enabling more resource-efficient production of films fit for recycling processes.

www.clariant.com

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Covestro presents innovative PC solutions Launching the world’s first climate-neutral polycarbonate COVESTRO showcased a range of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions in various fields, as well as insights into design and aesthetics, all under the motto “Pioneering a circular future together”.

The materials manufacturer unveiled plans to start offering the world’s first climate-neutral polycarbonates later this year. These polycarbonate grades are climate neutral from cradle to gate, thanks to the introduction of raw materials coming from mass-balanced bio-waste and residues and renewable energy into the production process. Covestro is already supplying ISCC PLUS certified polycarbonates based on renewable feedstock attributed via the mass balance approach, with a significant carbon footprint reduction.

Covestro is offering post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonates on its flagship store at 1688.com, China’s leading B2B trading platform under the Alibaba Group, to better support its customers in reaching their sustainability targets with this digital approach. With 75% recycled content, the PCR grade offered on 1688.com reduces the carbon footprint by 50% compared to the virgin grade.

Covestro displayed the artwork “Garden” at its booth at Chinaplas 2021. In this ‘garden’ of colours, the plates below the blossoms are made of recycled polycarbonate water bottles, forming the “Beautiful Recycling Flower”. Their colour scheme follows the current trend colours in the company’s CMF (Colour, Material, Finish) design

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PRODUCTS FOR EVERYONE... SOLUTIONS JUST FOR YOU

we know Material Handling

we know Temperature Control

we know Hot Runners

we know Injection Moulding

we know Cooling TEL: 011 462 2990

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info@demaplastech.co.za

we know Granulators www.demaplastech.co.za

2021/06/08 16:16

CHINAPLAS

Huntman’s PU elastomers team set to enable imaginations GLOBAL chemical company Huntsman has decades of experience in material innovation and specialize in the development and manufacture of polyurethane and thermoplastic polyurethane-based elastomer technologies, in a variety of formats, for an array of applications. Flexible yet strong, durable yet light, elastomers from Huntsman enable the imagination – helping plastic formulators and product designers bring their ideas to life.

At Chinaplas, Huntsman shone the spotlight on its elastomers expertise in specialty industrial and consumer applications.

Under its KRYSTALGRAN® brand, Huntsman offers a range of elastomers that can be used to create paint protection films for high end cars. Applied to vehicles, mostly in the after-care market, paint protection films based on Huntsman’s elastomers protect the bodywork of cars, making them less susceptible to scratches, dents and chips caused by loose road debris. The films are also UV resistant, meaning that the gloss and vibrancy of a car’s original colour can be maintained over time.

Huntsman’s ACOUSTIFLEX® elastomers deliver excellent 68

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1 Boon Leat Terrace, #08-03, Harbourside Building 1, Singapore 119843 TEL : 65-6778-4633 FAX : 65-6778-9440 E-Mail : sales@nisseiasb.com.sg

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acoustic insulation and vibration dampening properties, as well as compression stress performance. Delivering distinct processing advantages, and a fast production cycle compared to rubber, they are ideal for use in NVD applications across transportation and construction. In the world of transport, ACOUSTIFLEX® elastomer systems are commonly used in rail pads, ballast mats, spring aids and carpet underlay. In the construction sector, they are used in wall and floor linings to reduce sound transmission. www.hunstman.com

Unit 2 The Shields, 33 Victoria Link, Route 21 Corporate Park, Nelmapius Drive, Irene Ext.30, 0062, 0157, South Africa TEL : 27(12) 345 4924 E-Mail : sales@nisseiasb.co.za

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Monomaterials and digital recycling solutions REIFENHÄUSER’s focus at the show was on sustainable packaging solutions for a functioning circular economy.

As a leading solution provider for circular economy products, Reifenhäuser promoted its production machines for monomaterial composites as well as other components.

The problem with today’s plastic packaging lies primarily in the material mix which cannot be separated in the recycling phase, or only with great difficulty. Therefore, no pure recyclates are obtainable from standard packaging, which explains why recyclability is low.

The solution: Customers produce monomaterial laminates (All-PE film) for flexible packaging on Reifenhäuser EVO Ultra Stretch blown film lines. The regular PET layer is replaced by stretched PE. With maximum stretching of up to 1:10, the Ultra Stretch stretching unit gives PE film completely new mechanical properties.

This is a simple replacement for PET and there is no need to adapt downstream processing steps. The unique and patented position of the stretching unit directly in the haul-off of the blown film line makes the process particularly stable and efficient. The Ultra Stretch process is unique on the market

and offers decisive advantages over film stretching that takes place conventionally between the haul-off and the winder.

Reifenhäuser also presented a special highlight at the show: To be able to recycle fully recyclable plastic packaging at a high standard, special marking and data standards are required to identify packaging reliably when sorting waste streams and to make recycling properties transparent. Reifenhäuser is promoting the R-Cycle tracing standard which is driven by a cross-company initiative. The standard can be networked as an open industry platform on all production and processing machines along the plastic packaging value chain and can store recycling relevant information automatically in a digital product passport. This information can then be retrieved in the waste sorting phase using digital watermarks in the www.reifenhauser.com printed image of the packaging.

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Innovative solutions for engineering plastics GERMAN specialty chemicals company Lanxess showcased new products, technologies and solutions for engineering plastics, flame retardant plastics and plastics colouring. Over the past three years, polyamide 66 (PA66) has become increasingly expensive due to shortages of the raw material adiponitrile (ADN). This has prompted manufacturers of plastic components to seek more affordable and reliably available alternatives to PA66. Lanxess introduced its cost effective, stable and high-quality alternatives based on polyamide 6 (PA6). With its Durethan (polyamide), Pocan (PBT) and Tepex (thermoplastic composite) brand products, Lanxess HPM exhibits a series of solutions in the field of new energy vehicles. Relying on its high rigidity and strength, Durethan BKV45FN04 becomes an ideal choice for the production of cell components, such as frames and end plates, and high-voltage connectors.

The product also adopts the latest FR and thermal stability package, so that it has excellent outgassing and frosting properties, long-term thermal stability, and surface quality. On the basis of Tepex continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP), Lanxess has also developed parts which are cost-effective and suitable for mass production and can be used in the manufacture of parts such as front end components, bottom panels, bumper beams, brake pedals, full-load loading systems and fuel tank reinforcers. Due to its multiple functions and excellent performance, Tepex fits the current development trends of new energy vehicles, such as environmental mobility, personalized design, safety and durability, as well as the sustainable resource and environmental protection solutions.

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• Official Distributor in Southern Africa for BASF

on TPU Elastollan® Thermoplastic Polyurethane

• Official Distributor in Southern Africa for Elastron on TPE, TPV Elastron® SEBS and EPDM/PP

• Official Distributor in Southern Africa for CGFSE on FSE® Fluoroelastomers and Perfluoroelastomers

• Distributor for Weifang on Weipren CPE • Suppliers of EPS, Various Grades • Engineering Polymers • Polyolefins • Reworked and Repaletised Materials • Official distributor for Politem on PA6, PA66 ®

unfilled and filled compounds

www.lanxess.com

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Coming up

Kautex innovations in a virtual space

KAUTEX Maschinenbau held its first-ever virtual show between 8-10 June. The company unveiled new products, technologies, and services for smart and sustainable production solutions. The presentation integrated in “K-Sphere”, the new virtual event space that the company has developed itself.

The virtual trade show focussed on Kautex’s current product campaign, particularly its new SKYREEF machine platform, as well as its new extrusion heads.

Product quality, sustainability, and digitalization in production were also addressed.

The interactive booth could be visited at any time in a variety of different languages. There were live links to local contacts, who guided visitors through the booth.

Video chats with Kautex staff and a chatbot were also on hand to answer questions and exchange ideas throughout the virtual show. www.kautex-group.com

Manufacturing Robotics & AI Summit

THE Manufacturing Robotics and AI Summit will be held from 16-17 September at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Gauteng.

The objectives of the summit are to discuss robotics, AI manufacturing solutions post-COVID-19; to highlight robotic AI manufacturing opportunities and challenges post-COVID-19; and to encourage networking among peers.

Topics to be covered at the summit include COVID-19 compels automotive industry to adopt new technologies; automotive industry adopting robotics technologies; health and safety measures concern for manufacturers; and automotive industry accounts for a significant portion of every robot produced. To register, email simon@mogorosicomms.co.za

The art of

mixing, reinforcing & incorporating additives to plastics

THE sixth edition of the compounding workshop “The Art of Mixing, Reinforcing and Incorporating Additives to Plastics” from 8-9 June, at the AIMPLAS facilities in Valencia, Spain dealt with the latest innovations in the field of compounding.

The workshop was designed for companies interested in increasing their knowledge of compounding, particularly with regard to techniques such as plastics mixing, reinforcing, additivation and co-rotating twin screw extrusion; and for companies with a special interest in screw design, control processes, describing co-rotating twin screw extrusion and troubleshooting, as well as practical training.

The workshop helped to identify essential concepts for optimum mixing of each compound, to determine the most appropriate equipment for each process, and to design a new compounding process and control key parameters in compound production in order to optimize production. www.aimplas.net

2021 AMI’s Plastic Closure Innovations 1-3 Jun Virtual event www.ami.international ARBURG Technology Days 2021 7-12 Jun Lossburg, Germany www.arburg.com Kautex Maschinenbau Virtual event

8-10 June www.k-sphere.com

3P Egypt International Expo 2021 15-16 Jun Virtual event www.3pvirtual.com/registration.php PU China/UTECH Asia Polyurethanes 28-30 Jul Shanghai World Expo, China www.puchina.eu ICCM 23 – Intl Conf Composite Materials 30 Jul - 4 Aug Belfast, Northern Ireland www.iccm23.org PPXX Conference & Exhibition 6-8 Sept Hotel Okura, Amsterdam, The Netherlands www.ppxx.eu bio!TOY conference Nuremberg, Germany No-Dig Live 2021 Peterborough, England

7-8 Sept www.bio-toy.info 14-16 Sept www. nodiglive.co.uk

Propak West Africa 2021 14-16 Sept Landmark Centre, Lagos, Nigeria www.propakwestafrica.com Manufacturing, Robotics & AI Summit 16-17 Sept Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Jhb levim@ mogorosicomms.co.za German Pavilion at CE China 2021 16-18 Sept Guangzhou, China www. en.cechina-ifa.com

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Chemical Recycling 2021 27-28 Sept InterContinental Hotel, Düsseldorf, Germany www.ami.international AMI’s Plastics Recycling Technology 20-21 Oct Vienna, Austria www.ami.international/events Middle East Foam & Polyurethane Expo 26-28 Oct Dubai, United Arab Emirates www.mefpu.com food & drink technology (fdt) Africa 2-4 Nov Gallagher Covention Centre, Midrand www.fdt-africa.com ArabPlast 2021 15-18 Nov Dubai, United Arab Emirates www.arabplast.info Trenchless Asia 2021 16-17 Nov Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia www.trenchlessasia.com UTECH Europe 16-18 Nov MECC in Maastricht, the Netherlands www.utecheurope.eu Manufacturing Indaba 22-26 Nov Virtual event www.manufacturingindaba.co.za Putech Eurasia 25-27 Nov Istanbul Expo Centre, Turkey www.expointurkey.org IntraAfrican Trade Fair 2021 8-14 Dec Kigali, Rwanda www.intrafricantradefair.com/en Int’l Morocco Food & Siema Expo 7-9 Dec Casablanca, Morocco www.siemamaroc.com

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SPORTS

Large-scale manufacturing platform for electric jetboards Lighter weight construction provided weight savings of around 25%

COBRA International in Thailand, one of the world’s largest OEM manufacturers of composite goods for water sports, automotive, marine and civil engineering, is collaborating with Radinn to mass produce its new range of electric powered surfboards.

Swedish innovators, Radinn, produce some of the fastest jetboards on the market. Originally launched in 2018, the production requirement ramped up quickly and with a target to reduce overall board weight, Radinn required both a technical development partner and a large-scale manufacturing platform.

Sample boards were shipped to Thailand, and four of the Radinn team travelled to Cobra to set up the project.

Almost immediately, the Cobra team was able to suggest improvements.

Having reviewed the existing boards – thermoformed plastic shells with an injected PU foam core – a switch to a lower density EPS foam core and moulded glassfibre skins was proposed. This lighter weight construction provided 72

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weight savings of around 25% whilst maintaining the durability required by riders. An additional benefit was the removal of the edge seam around the board’s rails, with the new seamless moulded boards having a cleaner look and improved performance on the water.

A key part of the Radinn design concept is its modular approach. With different battery Powerpacks dropping into a pocket in the deck, and the Jetpack propulsion unit fitting into the board’s base, absolute precision of the moulded shape was critical. Working from Radinn’s initial CAD data, master board plugs were produced for the Freeride and Carve models, before test assembly and final sign off for production was agreed.

Radinn boards use a custom laminate made up from several plies of woven and stitched biaxial fibreglass fabrics, moulded with epoxy resins to produce a tough monolithic shell. With production following Cobra’s lean manufacturing principles, the company is able to deliver at the target rate of 300 boards per month. www.cobrainter.com

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