Plastic news september 2014 for web

SAY YES TO PLASTICS Volume No. 82

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

Issue No. 9

Pages 68

September 2014

Rs. 75.00

3968 8000 (30 Lines)

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CONTENT

IN THIS ISSUE...

19...... AIPMA At Work ... Report on The Interaction Meeting with Hon. Minister Shri Ananthkumar & DCPC Officials in Mumbai

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

MH/MR/N/200/MBI/12-14 Volume 82

September 2014 No. 9

...Accelerating the Scaling up of Enterprises

Chairman - Editorial Board

Mr. Anandilal Oza

Hon. Editor

Mr. Ajay Desai

...Karnataka: MSME units in industrial estates exempted from trade licences

Members

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

23...... Company News 27...... Features

Editorial Co-ordination: Padmesh Prabhune, Dhruv Communications,

... Worldwide Water Shortage by 2040

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

... Tool Makers - The Development Partners

Published by Ms. Umaa Gupta on behalf of the owners, The All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association Plot No. A-52, Road No. 1, M.I.D.C., Andheri (E), Mumbai-400 093. Tel: 67778899 • Fax : 00-22-2821 6390 E-mail : office@aipma.net Website : http://www.aipma.net and printed by her at Dhote Offset Technokrafts Pvt. Ltd., Goregaon (E), Mumbai-400 063.

... Solar Module Polymers ... Flexible Displays Market to Grow ... Extending Sustainability Through Recycling ... Europe recycle 65 billion PET bottles

Annual Subscription Rs. 1,000/-

... Moulding Plastics set for growth sectors

Single issue Rs. 75/-

... Polystar presents "Repro-Print"

Views/Reports/Extracts etc. published in Plastics News are those of the authors and not necessarily of the Editor. Furthermore except for copies

37...... International News

of formal AIPMA communications no other matter in this journal should be interpreted as views of The All India Plastics Mfgrs. Association.

49...... Business News

OFFICE BEARERS

54...... Product News

Mr. Anandilal Oza President

Mr. Sanju Desai Vice President (West Zone)

60...... Technology

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

Mr. Rituraj Gupta Hon. Secretary

62...... In the News

Mr. Anil Bansal Vice President (South Zone)

Mr. Manoj R. Shah Hon. Jt. Secretary

65...... Events

Mr. Ashok Agarwal Vice President (East Zone)

Mr. Haren Sanghavi Hon. Treasurer

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Representing in India: Neejtech India 305, Swagat Building, C.G.Road Ahmedabad-380009, India Phone: +91-79-26561312 Mob: +91-98250 40231 E-mail: info@neejtech.com P L A S T I C S N E W S 8 S E P T E M B E R 2014

www.neejtech.com

THE PRESIDENT SAYS

It’s Time for the Change

T

he Plastics Industry is set to grow and world

Association (Pafa) and Plastics

over there have been discussions plans and

Europe said ‘Pledge 4 Plastics’

necessary implementation to keep the plastics waste

would play “an important part

under control. Special initiatives have been taking

in helping councils to convince

time and time again. Recently the UK government

consumers to do the right

has announced its plan for to achieve the recycling

thing and ensure that they

targets and has been consistent in garnering the

proactively recycle the plastics

support. New packaging targets for 2013 to 2017

packaging they use”. The three

were announced. These reflected the preferred option

bodies also said they intended to adopt the Plastics

based on responses received from consultation.

Industry Recycling Action Plan (Pirap) and develop it

Moreover the targets apply to businesses under the

to help the industry achieve recycling targets set by

Producer Responsibility Regulations. In 2012 United

ministers two years ago. Pirap was set up in the wake

Kingdom’s Recycling Rate was 17%. The EU Waste

of the coalition government’s announcement in the

Framework Directive states that the UK must recycle

2012 Budget that it wanted to see recycling targets

50% of household waste by 2020.

increased from 32% in 2012 to 57% by 2017. The Pirap programme has highlighted a number of areas where

The majority of recycling undertaken in the United

improvements could be made to enhance collection

Kingdom is undertaken by statutory authorities.

rates, adopt best-in-class collection methods, optimise

Local Authorities are responsible for the collection

sorting infrastructure and develop end markets.

of municipal waste and operate contracts which are usually kerbside collection schemes. Local Authorities

Back home, we should also try to change and

are given incentives towards meeting recycling targets

promote recycling in the country and I am sure lots

set by European, national and regional Government

of improvement and changes have been occurring,

by the imposition of financial penalties for failing to

though it’s a bit slow. Of course as all of us would

recycle. For example, levies are imposed on the

agree better infrastructure links and closer working

proportion of waste material going to landfill under a

relationships between the relevant stakeholders would

landfill tax.

help develop and establish a vibrant, job-creating recycling business sector across the country.

There is also Industry participation. The case in the point is the recently held consortium that had pledged its

To conclude it was a pleasure serving the AIPMA

support. Partners in the Plastics 2020 consortium have

Board for and now it’s time to say Goodbye. I would like

pledged their support for the recently-launched ‘Pledge

to thank everyone for their support. Enjoy reading…

4 Plastics’ recycling campaign and announced they are to adopt an existing action plan to help the industry

Anandilal Oza

hit government-imposed targets by 2017. The British

president@aipma.net

Plastics Federation (BPF), the Packaging and Films

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FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN

The Fastest system

I

n this issue we have many things to talk about.

is equipped with a 25:1 L/D

Perhaps it’s the NaMo affect (not necessarily),

ratio barrier screw and has

but as long as things work for the betterment of the

been designed with a special

industry, we would like to acknowledge the affect even

backflow barrier aiming to

if it is just 100 days of his government.

improve reproducibility.

India’s manufacturing, services growth outspaced

The fast cycle time results on

China. We have seen the growth in the industrial

one hand, from the combination

output as well. As it turned to be, the inflation was

of optimised mould dynamics by what SHI says is

5.19% lowest in 5 months and the Indian economy has

its unique independent hybrid clamp system and

bounced back to 5.7% growth. For the Plastics Industry

optimised injection and plasticising performances.

it has been a good time except for the PVC prices in

On the other hand, this achievement has been

the country dropping marginally due to monsoon and

made possible thanks to the close co-operation

lesser demands.

between packaging partners, including Total, who has contributed with their expertise in polyolefin resins

World over there are discussions on Growth in

for the caps & closures industry. Total's HD6081 (d

Plastics Injection Moulding, Packaging and films,

= 0.960 g/cm³, MI2 = 8 g/10min) is dedicated to still

Flexible Displays, Biomaterial Polymers. All this

water application and is said to be the "best" HDPE

sounds good…

resin capable of achieving fastest crystallisation, thus

Manufacturing of Caps and closure have remained

reducing demoulding time between shots while giving

another specialized area. This time we are to discuss

optimised mechanical parts.

about a fastest system in the world that produces

As Arnaud Nomblot, Business Development

tamper-evident caps with a production cycle of 1.9

Manager Packaging at SHI, puts it that Total’s know-

seconds.

how in the field of materials for caps production has

German/Japanese injection moulding machinery

greatly contributed to this success. The material

supplier Sumitomo (SHI) Demag together with

provides a vital contribution in terms of production

its partners, Total and Plastisud, says it has set a

efficiency. The technical breakthrough was made

new world record in the production of HDPE caps

possible thanks to the excellent flow characteristics

with tamper-evident band without post-moulding

of the HD6081 material.

operations. With 190,000 caps/hour and 1.5 billion/

Hope fully our members are able to use this

year the company claims it to be a record.

machine in the country as well..

Sumito has the El-Exis SP 420-3000 packaging machine that produces 1.3 g HDPE screw caps on

Hon. Editor

a 96-cavity hot-runner mould (29/25 design) with a

Ajay Desai

production cycle of only 1.9 seconds. This machine

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Gas assisted moulding involves the introduction of nitrogen under pressure to the mould cavity at a set time during the moulding cycle.

1. Cycle time reduction and lower production costs w Lower clamp tonnage w Lower Injection pressures w Faster cycle due to hollow sections vs. solid section

2. Design Freedom w w

Large ribs possible and permissible Long flow lengths without multiple drops

3. Quality Improvement w w w w w

Lower stress within the part Better dimensional stability and part to part size variations Elimination of sink marks and warpage and voids Greater strength and rigidity Reduced knit lines (No multiple drops necessary)

4. Material savings through weight reduction w Hollow parts w Reduced part weight (in some cases up to 40%)

5. Simplification of Tooling w Elimination of lifters and undercuts w Fewer secondary operations are required

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AIPMA AT WORK

Report on The Interaction Meeting with Hon. Minister Shri Ananthkumar & DCPC Officials in Mumbai Arvind Mehta

A

fter a lot of perusal and discussion along with Kailashbhai, we were able to have a fruitful result. A round table interaction with National Associations, with Highest level possible, along with Government of India was scheduled in Mumbai recently on September 6, 2014 at the Hotel Leela. This was a very big initiative of our parent Minister Shri AnanthKumar, who himself proposed to meet Small Effective National Association groups together and have meaningful dialogue for future roadmap of growth for plastic industry of India.

Me and Mr. Hiten Bheda as Chairman (L TO R): Dr. S. K. Nayak - DG, CIPET, Mr. Kailash Murarka - Chairman PVI 2017, Taxation Committee, both of us interacted Shri Indrajit Pal - Secretary DCPC, Shri Ananth Kumar - Hon’ble Minister of C&F, and made the presentation on behalf of DCPC, Mr. Arvind Mehta - Chairman AIPMA Governing Council, Mr. Raju Desai Chairman Advisory Board PVI 2017, Shri Avinash Joshi - Joint Secretary DCPC. AIPMA. Kailashbhai, Rajubhai did a lot of PR work with all important officials from Joint Secretary Shri Avinash Joshi, Secretary Shri Inderjit DCPC, CIPET who came and were very happy with Pal were also was present. We had had a very fruitful their hospitality. It was for the first time as this has never interaction for three long hours. happened in the past.

Hon’ble Minister is so sharp he picked bullet points For the first time the Department of Chemicals & of concern and addressed it. Two members from Fertilizers, those who matter in formulating policies were each Association were invited to make a Power Point present in majority. Along with Minister Shri AnanthKumar, presentation on our demands for the industry.

VISION

MISSION

Professionally Managed Premier Organisation Powering Growth Of India Through Plastics.

AIPMA Shall Passionately Strive to Lead Indian Plastics Industry to Process 20 kg Of Plastic Per Head By 2020, Leveraging Knowledge And Innovation For Inclusive Growth.

PLASTIC PROCESSING IN INDIA OVER 50,000 UNITS IN ORGANISED/ UNORGANISED SECTOR ENGAGED IN PLASTIC PROCESING ACROSS THE COUNTRY. ALMOST 85% IN SME SEGMENT. EMPLOYING 4 MILLION WORKERS ACROSS VALUE CHAIN. PRESENT PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION OF 9 KGS OF PLASTICS IS EXPECTED TO GROW TO 20 KGS BY THE YEAR 2020. ALMOST DOUBLING IN NEXT 6 YEARS. THIS WILL RESULT INTO NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR ADDITIONAL 2 MILLION WORKERS ACROSS THE VALUE CHAIN BY YEAR 2020.

INDIA’S PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION IS VERY LOW TODAY (9 KGS) COMPARED TO WORLD AVERAGE OF 27 KGS. 1

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AIPMA AT WORK WHAT PLASTIC PROCESSING INDUSTRY WANTS

WHAT PLASTIC PROCESSING INDUSTRY WANTS

CORE STATUS TO BE AWARDED TO PLASTIC PROCESSING INDUSTRY AS PLASTIC IS GROWTH ENABLER FOR ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY. THIS WILL SEE BETTER POLICY SUPPORT, WILL ATTRACT CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND WILL CHANGE FUTURE GROWTH PATH.

CREATION OF TECHNOLOGY UPGRADATION FUND (ON LINES OF TEXTILE UPGRADATION FUND) FOR OVERALL ENHANCEMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY AND TO MAKE INDIA’S PLASTIC PROCESSING INDUSTRY GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE.

CUSTOM DUTIES ON IMPORTS OF FINISHED PRODUCTS INCLUDING THOSE UNDER FTA’s AND REDUCED DUTY REGIME TO BE HIKED TO MINIMUM OF 15%. (MAJOR IMPORTS ARE COMING FROM THAILAND, MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, CHINA ETC.)

FACILITATION OF TIMELY CREDIT TO SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES TO BRIDGE REQUIREMENT OF CAPITAL FOR INVESTMENT AND WORKING CAPITAL AT CONCESSIONAL INTEREST RATES. REGULATED SHADOW BANKING AS IN USA & CHINA FOR FUNDING TO SMES.

REDUCTION OF CUSTOM DUTY ON POLYMERS FROM CURRENT LEVEL AND REMOVAL OF ANTI DUMPING DUTIES ON RAW MATERIALS AND MACHINERY .

REDUCTION OF EXCISE DUTIES FROM 12 % TO 10% ON PLASTIC PROCESSED GOODS . INCREASE IN TURN OVER LEVELS FOR SSI AND EXCISE BENEFITS FROM 1.5 CRORES TO 5 CRORES.

SUPPORT UNDER CAPIATL LINKED CASH SUBSIDY (CLSS) OPERATED THROUGH MINISTRY OF MSME TO BE EXTENDED TO ALL INVESTMENT IN PROCESSING EQUIPMENTS @25% WITH REVISED UPPER LIMIT OF INVESTMENT.

PROCESSING INDUSTRY WANTS STABILITY IN THE RAW MATERIAL PRICES AS FREQUENT PRICE FLUCTUATIONS ARE HURTING PROCESSORS VERY BADLY. ‘MAXIMUM ONE CHANGE PER MONTH’ POLICY NEED TO BE FOLLOWED.

SPECIAL STATUS TO PLASTIC RECYCLING, SPECIAL INCENTIVES FOR COLLECTION OF WASTE, RECYCLING AND USE OF RECYCLED PLASTICS.

DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLED MANPOWER BY EMPOWERING TRADE ASSOTIATIONS TO UNDERTAKE SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF OPERATOR LEVEL WORK FORCE AND MIDDLE MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL.

•

OPEN IMPORT OF INDUSTRIAL PLASTIC SCRAP EXCLUSIVELY FOR NON FOOD CONTACT APPLICATION SHOULD BE ALLOWED.

USE OF PLASTICS TO BE MADE MANDATORY FOR ALL GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENTS WHEREVER IT REPLACES NATURAL RESOURCES LIKE WOOD OR METALS . FOR EXAMPLE FURNITURE, DOORS, WINDOWS, PIPES ETC… BY INCLUDING IT IN NATIONAL BUILDING CODE. (CHINA HAS SUCH MANDATES)

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PROMOTION OF PLASTIC PARKS FOR INDIGENOUS GROWTH AND EXPORTS

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EXPORT IMPORT STATUS 2013-14 EXPORTS OF RAW MATERIAL IS : EXPORTS OF FINISHED GOODS IS: TOTAL EXPORTS:

PROMOTION OF PLASTIC PARKS AND CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT TO FACILITATE AVAILABILITY OF INDUSTRIAL LAND WITH INFRASTRUCTURE AT REASONABLE COST FOR CO-ORDINATED GROWTH IN EACH STATE OF INDIA.

US$ 2.74 BILLIONS US$ 4.46 BILLIONS US$ 7.20 BILLIONS

What is our loss – Assuming conversion, say @15% of RM value

IN 2013 CHINA’S EXPORTS OF PLASTIC PRODUCTS WAS US$ 97 BILLION V/S INDIA’S EXPORT OF PLASTIC PRODUCTS VALUED AT US$ 4.46 BILLION IN 2013

Exports & Imports Value in USD from India

Conversion in USD @ 15% of value

Conversion in Rupees

Polymers Exports

US$ 2.73 Billion

US$ 0.4095 Billion Rs. 2539 Crores

Plastic Products Imports

US$ 2.20 Billion

US$ 0.3300 Billion Rs. 2046 Crores

Total

US$ 4.93 Billion

US$ 0.7395 Billion Rs. 4585 Crores

PRECIOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIAN PLASTIC INDUSTRY TO EXPORT INVIEW OF INCREASING CHINESE LABOUR COST AND FAVOURABLE CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE OF CNY/INR

PROMOTION OF PLASTIC PARKS FOR EXPORTS NEAR MAJOR PORTS ON WEST COAST, EAST COAST AND SOUTHERN TIP OF INDIA. PLASTIC PARKS NEAR PORTS SHOULD OFFER LAND WITH INFRASTRUCTURE OR ON LONG LEASE AND ASSURED UNINTERRUPTED QUALITY POWER BOTH AT CONCESSIONAL RATE. VERY VITAL FOR PLASTIC PROCESSING.

PLASTIC INDUSTRY SUPPORTED BY RIGHTLY STRUCTURED GOVERNMENT POLICY WILL LEAD TO PHENOMENAL GROWTH OF THIS VIBRANT SECTOR, AT PAR WITH CHINA.

OPPORTUNITY LOSS TO PLASTIC CONVERTING INDUSTRY OF INDIA IS STAGGERING RS. 4500 CRORES PER YEAR 5

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A GLOBAL SOURCING HUB FOR PLASTIC PROCESSING INDUSTRY POTENTIAL TO BECOME DRIVER OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND MANFUACTURING HUB FOR GLOBAL MARKET POSSIBILITY TO BE NET FOREX EARNER BY EXPORTS AND REDUCE IMPORT DEPENDENCY POTENTIAL TO CREATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS VALUE CHAIN THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

THANK YOU

POSSIBILITY TO BE CATALYST FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH BY PROVIDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING, HEALTH CARE, AGRI SUPPORT AND HYGENIC LIVING CAN BE A CLEAN INDIA ENABLER

OUR TARGET : TO MAKE INDIA A GLOBAL SOURCING HUB FOR PLASTIC PROCESSING INDUSTRY 8

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AIPMA AT WORK The National Associations invited were as follows:

of Textiles Upgradation Fund, CLSS was also conveyed.

a) All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA)

We also highlighted about the Import Duty on polymers, opening import of plastic scrap.

b) Organisation of Plastics Processors of India (OPPI)

His logic was very clear, anything which hurts national manufacturers at loss cannot be encouraged. May be Polymers, Converters or Machine Manufacturers and bottom line is that End Consumers has to get benefit. Within this framework he will support. On this line he has requested to make a joint and common representation on tariffs i.e. import duty and excise, anti dumping duty, which will be taken as a reference for future, keeping in interest of all in value chain of Plastic Industry.

c) Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturers Association (CPMA) d) All India Flat Tape Manufacturers’ Association (AIFTMA) e) Plastics Machinery Manufacturers Association of India (PMMAI) f) Association of Synthetic Fibre Industry (ASFI) g) Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET)

AIPMA slide on loss of processing industry in conversion by way of Polymer Exports & Finished Goods imports, by which we projected loss of value addition to Indian Plastic Processing industry to the tune of Rs 4500 Crores per annum drew special attention & appreciation, for which he asked for more details to take it forward to Finance Ministry., which we will give soon.

We presented many points; like Raising of Import Duty on finished plastic goods which are being imported at NIL rate or very low duty 1.5 % from FTA countries & others, say China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand etc.

When we asked for raising import duty to 15%, the Minister asked categorically whether we (Indian Converters) can make it of the same quality and same price so consumers do not suffer. We said Indian Plastic Processors can make it and assured him that it would be of better quality.

Overall, it was very fruitful & hope what labour we have put over the years, with this new government we can expect new approach for Indian Plastic Industry and can look at phenomenal & organised growth, which can make India a global player. AIPMA presentation was one of the best and appreciated by Minister.

Shri AnanthKumar was convinced and agreed to support us for raising duty of finished goods to 15%. Earlier he was also convinced about raising the Excise exemption limit for SMEs from 1.5 Cr to 5 Crores.

Enclosing the power point presentation for your information.

Creation of Technology Upgradation Fund on the lines

Accelerating the Scaling up of Enterprises

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n entrepreneur’s journey is always an exciting one.

But it can often be along a testing and lonely path.

Harsh Mariwala has steered Marico to grow in sales from Rs. 40 lac in 1971 to Rs. 4,000 crore in 2012.

Manak Singh, (past Executive Director, TiE) has joined hands with Harsh Mariwala, to add his insights on the entrepreneurial Mindset and to co-create ASCENT as its Chief Evangelist.

He understands the challenges one faces while growing an enterprise. And that is why he has launched, ASCENT - Accelerating the Scaling up of Enterprises - to identify growth - stage entrepreneurs with potential and enable them in their scaling - up journey. Membership is free for selected entrepreneurs, as it is funded personally by Harsh.

Be Alone no more

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ASCENT is designed around the concept of leveraging the power of collective by forming “Trust groups” of ambitious growth-ready entrepreneurs (by selection only), who have already embarked on their journey and are raring to grow.

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AIPMA AT WORK of growth with active facilitation and enabling support from ASCENT and its partners. Each Trust Group comprise of non-competitive (higher confidentiality), diverse (variety of perspectives), entrepreneurs running enterprises at a similar scale-stage (more cohesive). A key highlight of ASCENT is the sheer diversity of its membership which spans 65 industries.

• Minimum Annual turnover - Rs. 2.50 cr for a Products/ Manufacturing business, & Rs. 50 lac for a Services business • Growth Potential - Business must have demonstrated high potential for growth • Ambition- the Entrepreneur must be ambitious and innovative.

Eligibility Criteria

• Belief in the power of learning and sharing - The Entrepreneur must be eager to learn, share, collaborate and innovate along with fellow ASCENT members.

The eligibility criteria for selecting entrepreneurs for ASCENT Trust-Groups are as under.

Karnataka: MSME units in industrial estates exempted from trade licences

A

circular was issued by the Urban Development Department on August 27, 2014.

the interests of the industries by withdrawing the right of residents in an industrial area to object to any possible nuisance caused by industries who were the original habitants of the industrial area,” he added.

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have welcomed the exemption granted to them from obtaining trade licences to operate in recognised industrial estates/areas.

The new guidelines apply to all micro, small and medium scale industrial enterprises in any notified industrial estate/ area coming under town municipality, corporation, and BBMP limits.

Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) said this has been done as per the assurance given to such enterprises by the State government to keep MSMEs out of the purview of trade licence.

MIA President P Vishwanath and General Secretary Suresh Kumar Jain also welcomed the move and said, “As per the government circular, small-scale industries located in the industrial subrub of Vishswarnagar, Bannimantap and Yadavagiri industrial areas of Mysore are not required to take trade licences from Mysore City Corporation.

Circular issued A circular issued by the Urban Development Department on August 27 said trade licence is now not mandatory for small and medium industries established in government notified/recognised estates (including private industrial area) and developed industrial areas.

The circular also said objections by residents in industrial area citing nuisance by industries will no longer be entertained.”

Chidananda M Rajamane, president, KASSIA, said, “The Chief Minister has redressed the MSMEs’ long-pending grievance.”

(This article was published on September 5, 2014)

“The circular explicitly protects

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COMPANY NEWS

Petrofac awarded EPCC contract for Toyo Engineering PETRONAS’ Malaysian refinery awarded 240

P

RPC Refinery and Cracker, a subsidiary of PETRONAS, has awarded a contract to UK-based Petrofac to provide engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) services at its petrochemical project at Pengerang in Johor, Malaysia. Under the contract, which is valued at over US$500 mln, Petrofac will provide services for three sulphur recovery units, two amine regeneration units, two sour water stripping units, a liquid sulphur storage unit and a sulphur solidification package unit. RAPID forms part of PETRONAS's Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) development, which comprises the Pengerang

co-generation plant, re-gasification terminal 2, an air separation unit, a raw water supply project, crude and product tanks, and central and shared utilities and facilities. PIC refinery start-up is expected in early 2019.

Petrofac Onshore Engineering & Construction business managing director Subramanian Sarma said, "This award represents another significant step in building our capability in the Asia Pacific region. Malaysia is a core country for us, PETRONAS a key customer, and we have a substantial physical presence in the country to support our on-going projects and future aspirations."

SABIC plans modifications in UK naphtha cracker

S

ABIC is modifying its Wilton cracker in the UK to enable it to use ethane feedstock imported from USA. The company is aiming to complete the project by 2016. The nameplate capacity is 865,000 tpa of ethylene, 400,000 tpa of propylene and 100,000 tpa of butadiene. However SABIC did not specify the level of investment or whether it has supply deals lined up with US companies.

The decision to import US ethane for a European cracker follows similar moves by INEOS in Norway and the UK and Borealis in Sweden. Work is already underway to build a cryogenic P L A S T I C S N E W S

tank at SABIC's North Tees site in the UK as part of a gas import terminal.

“This project reflects SABIC’s strong determination to take advantage of cutting-edge technology in creating new sources of competitive feedstock and energy that will allow the company to continue to build a sustainable business and deliver on its longterm vision,” said Yousef Al-Benyan, executive vice president for chemicals at SABIC. "Our long-term focus is to have a business that stays profitable not only in the European region, but across our global markets," he added.

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bln yen turnkey contract for RAPID

T

oyo Engineering was awarded a contract for a steam cracker complex (SCC) as part of the RAPID integrated refinery and petrochemicals project by Malaysia's Petronas in Pengerang, Johor. The contract was awarded on a lump sum turn-key basis and is scheduled for completion by mid-2019.

The scope of the deal includes engineering, procurement of equipment and materials, construction and commissioning.

Facilities include a new ethylene plant, pryolysis gasoline unit, a butadiene extraction plant, a benzene separation plant, a MTBE production unit and related utilities and offsite facilities.

The contract amount is approximately 240 billion yen, according to Toyo officials.

The company estimates that the overall RAPID project will consist of a 300,000 bpd refinery and petrochemical complex with a combined capacity of producting 7.7 million tpa of various grades of products.

This includes differentiated and specialty chemicals products such as synthetic rubbers and high-grade polymers.

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COMPANY NEWS

Auxiliary maker Piovan to start assembly operation in India

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talian auxiliary equipment manufacturer Piovan SpA is planning to start assembling some equipment by the end of the year.

“We have adequate space to start assembly of few products - initially like dehumidifying dryers, feeding and conveyor system,” said Amit Bajaj, manager of the company’s South Asian operations. “We will commence full-fledged assembly operation in next two to three months time,” Bajaj said. He said plastics processors are investing in plant automation to reduce waste and improve delivery and overall product quality. Santa Maria di Sala, Italy-based Piovan entered India in 2008 and operates a local subsidiary, Piovan India Pvt. Ltd., with an office

and warehouse in Mumbai. The Indian subsidiary will help the company meet demands from the local market. “Labor cost is high in Europe and by starting assembly in India, we could benefit from low-cost labor available here,” Bajaj said. “Moreover, localization of assembly would lead to quicker delivery and ease of dealing in local currency, which has been increasingly volatile in the recent past. Indian plastic processors are increasingly investing in high-quality equipment to improve automation,” Bajaj said. Piovan also is opening a new office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to help cover the Asian market. The company has production facilities in Italy, Germany, China, Brazil and the United States.

Reliance to implement project to source 1.5 mln tpa of ethane from USA

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eliance Industries Ltd (RIL), which has investments in shale gas and oil business in the US, will be sourcing ethane for its petrochemicals complex at Jamnagar from that country, starting next fiscal year. Reliance is implementing a project to source 1.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of ethane from the US to feed its crackers in India. Reliance has now executed storage and capacity agreements for liquefaction and export of ethane with a North American terminal, which is expected to commence operations in H2-2016.

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The project will significantly improve the long-term competitiveness of our cracker portfolio through dedicated feedstock, enhanced margins, higher capacity and end-to-end integration.

The imports from the US will help the company in bringing down its costs further as that will ensure a steady flow of raw materials at a pre-determined cost, making its cracker portfolioethylene, polyethylene or polythene (PE), paraxylene (PX) and purified terephthalic acid (PTA) competitive, said an analyst.

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Shell applies for dock permits at proposed petrochemical site in Ohio

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hell Chemicals has applied for a permit to build two docks and 24 smaller moorings for barges on the Ohio River near the site of its proposed petrochemical complex in Center and Potter townships.

The application is being reviewed by the Army Corps of Engineers, which estimates a decision could be made in 120 days, as per spokesman Josh Shaffer. It includes excavation, grading and installing culverts in 2.5 miles of streams and on 4.3 acres of wetlands, and building a compensating stream and wetlands site in Avella, Washington County. Shell also must obtain a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency for the project.

Shell spokeswoman Kimberly Windon said the application is one part of the process the company is following to obtain permits and gather information before it can make a decision on building the plant. It would convert ethane pulled from the Marcellus shale into chemicals to make plastics and other products.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

COMPANY NEWS

Royal DSM to introduce new high performance polyamides

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ew high performance polyamides will be introduced

by Royal DSM the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, at Fakuma. The company’s next generation of Diablo high temperature resistant grades in its Stanyl® polyamide 46 and Akulon® polyamide 6 portfolios. These new Diablo grades are aimed at applications in automotive engine compartments such as air intake manifold, ducts and charge air cooler combinations, where temperatures can reach as high as 250°C. DSM is also leading the way in high performance engineering plastics for the electrical and electronics sectors.

It will demonstrate the use of Stanyl TC, a thermally conductive grade of Stanyl polyamide 46, in a heat sink for new LED downlights from

one of the world’s leading lighting companies. Also on display will be thermoplastic composite gas tanks for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) that the company has developed with Covess, a specialist in advanced thermoplastic composite vessels for a wide range of applications.

Together with hydrogen, natural gas is claiming its place in the field of costeffective and low carbon footprint fuels for use in automobiles. Thermoplastic tanks weigh around 70% less than steel tanks, and they last longer than steel or even advanced thermoset gas tanks. They exhibit extremely low gas permeation levels, making them very safe, and they are fully recyclable.

Besides thermoplastic tape, DSM provides solutions for liners in Type IV composite pressure vessels with its Akulon Fuel Lock polyamide

Megaport establishes US$2.47 mln recycling plant at Veliko Turno

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ulgarian plastics film and packaging group Megaport has established a new Euro 1.84 mln (US$ 2.47 mln) recycling plant at Veliko Turnovo.

According to the comapny the recycling plant is to be equipped with the 'most advanced recycling equipment in the country', which was supplied by Austrian firm Erema. The facility is capable of handling up to 1.8 tons of material per hour and turning it into 1.2 tons of granulate. Located P L A S T I C S N E W S

near the processor's main packaging and recycling unit in Veliko Turnovo and employing 30 workers, this new development will source polyethylene mainly from waste collections and processing plants in the urban areas of the country's capital Sofia as well as Varna.

Its construction was supported by the government's operational development programme headed "Development of the Competitiveness of the Bulgarian Economy."

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portfolio. Most recently, a material is developed for large pressure vessels for heavy duty vehicles and gas transportation.

Tecnicas Reunidas awarded US$1.5 bln turnkey contract

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panish oil engineering c o m p a n y Te c n i c a s Reunidas has been awarded a US$1.5 bln turnkey contract as part of the Refinery and Petrochemicals Integrated Development (Rapid) project in Malaysia. The 50-month contract, awarded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), is to engineer, supply and build part of the massive complex, which will include a refinery and integrated petrochemical plant, the company said in a statement.

The contract is an opportunity for the Spanish company to move in to the new, strategic market of Malaysia and foster relations with Petronas. The refinery at the Rapid project, worth a total of US$27 bln, will have a capacity of 300,000 bpd while the petrochemicals plant will have a production capacity of 7.7 mln tons of related products a year.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

COMPANY NEWS

Nu-Vu Conair expanding Ahmedabad Plant

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hmedabad, based auxiliary machine making joint venture Nu-Vu Conair Pvt. Ltd is expanding its facility by adding new land for additional production capabilities. NuVu Conair is a joint venture between Indian company Nu-Vu Engineers and Cranberry-based Conair Group to manufacture and supply auxiliary equipment for plastics processors in India. “We have design and assembly capabilities [currently], and have to outsource fabrication. With the expansion, fabrication is added, which would cut cost and improve delivery schedules,” said Satish Godase, international business board director,

Conair India. The Indian partner has been growing vertically ever since it formed the JV with the U.S. company. “We are growing on an average 40 percent annually, and it is now mandatory to expand to meet the growing demand, and the second unit would also increase the production,” Godase said. The new unit is scheduled to open in early 2015.

In last couple of years the company has added number of new products to its range such as granulators, chillers and mold temperature control units, he said. More products are in the pipeline.

Currently, the 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad

Akron researcher receives $800,000 for synthetic rubber project

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he National Science Foundation,Ohio, has awarded $800,000 to University of Akron researcher Judit E. Puskas for her project to create a halogen-free synthetic rubber made from renewable resources.

Puskas has raised $1.6 million for her project, with contributors including the NSF, the Breast Cancer Foundation and the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society. “This funding will help push these new, ecofriendly materials to market,” Puskas said in the release. “The potential economic impact is significant as the research develops into commercial products.” If successful, Puskas’

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research project will result in a new material that will reduce the carbon footprint of the SR manufacturing process and produce improved, costeffective thermoplastic biocompatible rubber, according to the university.

Potential applications include tire components, pharmaceutical stoppers and biomaterials. The halogen-free materials are based on the Allomatrix technology developed at the University of Akron and tested by the NSF Center for Tire Research, a cooperative program between the University of Akron and Virginia Tech, the University of Akron said. Puskas holds the Joseph M. Gingo Chair in Chemical Engineering at the University of Akron.

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includes an assembly area, paint booth, testing and design center. On new launches, Godase said, “We have added belt conveyor system to our growing product portfolio last month. With this addition, customers can source all the auxiliary equipment required for their injection, extrusion, blow molding plant from NVC, making them one-stop solution providers.”

The joint venture began in 2007 to manufacture central vacuum conveying systems, drying systems, gravimetric blending systems, chillers and mold temperature control units, crystallizers and granulators.

Formosa postpones turnaround at Texas

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S petrochemical producer Formosa Plastics will delay its 5 week planned turnaround of its Olefins 1 steam cracker in Point Comfort, Texas, that scheduled in September.Tightening ethylene supply, which has lead to firm spot pricing was cited as the driving reason behind the delay.

However, sources claim that Dow Chemical might delay the planned turnaround of its Light Hydro Carbon Unit #8 in Freeport u n t i l O c t o b e r / N o v e m b e r.

Chances are that Chevron Phillips might also delay the turnaround at its Cedar Bayou steam cracker until sometime in 2015.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

FEATURES

Worldwide Water Shortage by 2040

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ater is used around the world for the production of electricity, but new research results show that there will not be enough water in the world to meet demand by 2040 if the energy and power situation does not improve before then.

Two new reports that focus on the global electricity water nexus have just been published. Three years of research show that by the year 2040 there will not be enough water in the world to quench the thirst of the world population and keep the current energy and power solutions going if we continue doing what we are doing today.

It is a clash of competing necessities, between drinking water and energy demand. Behind the research is a group of researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark, Vermont Law School and CNA Corporation in the US. In most countries, electricity is the biggest source of water consumption because the power plants need cooling cycles in order to function. The only energy systems that do not require cooling cycles are wind and solar systems, and therefore one of the primary recommendations issued by these researchers is to replace old power systems with more sustainable wind and solar systems.

The research has also yielded the surprising finding that most power systems do not even register how much water is being used to keep the systems going. By 2020 the water issue affects 30-40% of the world."It's a huge problem that the electricity sector do not even realise how much water they

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actually consume. And together with the fact that we do not have unlimited water resources, it could lead to a serious crisis if nobody acts on it soon," says Professor Benjamin Sovacool from Aarhus University.

f) Abandon fossil fuel facilities in all water stressed places (which means half the planet)

Combining the new research results with projections about water shortage and the world population, it shows that by 2020 many areas of the world will no longer have access to clean drinking water. In fact, the results predict that by 2020 about 30-40% of the world will have water scarcity, and according to the researchers, climate change can make this even worse.

The team of researchers conducted their research focusing on four different case studies in France, the United States, China and India respectively.

Rather than reviewing the situation on a national level, the team narrowed in and focused on specific utilities and energy suppliers. The first step was identifying the current energy needs, and then the researchers made projections as far as 2040, and most of the results were surprising. All four case studies project that it will be impossible to continue to produce electricity in this way and meet the water demand by 2040.

Close up on France, the US, China and India

"This means that we'll have to decide where we spend our water in the future. Do we want to spend it on keeping the power plants going or as drinking water? We don't have Water consumption by scenario for India enough water to do both," says Professor Benjamin Sovacool.

How to solve the problem?

In the reports, the researchers emphasise six general recommendations for decisionmakers to follow in order to stop this development and handle the crisis around the world: a) Improve energy efficiency

Units = bcm/year

b) Better research on alternative cooling cycles c) Registering how much water power plants use d) Massive investments in wind energy e) Massive investments in solar energy

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"If we keep doing business as usual, we are facing an insurmountable water shortage -- even if water was free, because it's not a matter of the price.

There will no water by 2040 if we keep doing what we're doing today. There's no time to waste. We need to act now," concludes Professor Benjamin Sovacool.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

FEATURES

Tool Makers - The Development Partners

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ery often tool makers work together with product manufacturers as development partners to fulfil the requirements of OEMs. This trend has been on for a while and is catching up. Earlier though the tool makers played an important role it was very rare they would be considered at the product development stage. The change is for the better.

rear light component groups consists of other components usually found in rear lights. These include lenses made of PMMA in four colours (red transparent, grey transparent, black opaque and light red transparent), which are injection moulded using a three-step technology. The heavilytiered external contour of the upper light lens is unusual.

Automotive lighting is aninterplay of function and design. It should be functionally outstanding and contribute to the unique look of a vehicle. For the new Porsche Macan, Hella Slovakia Signal Lighting developed a completely new rear lighting system with light strips for guiding LED light. The patented “Edgelights” for a strip-form signal light are said to provide a new level of quality for the safety-related brake light function.

Hofmann contributed to the design of series tools and production processes.

Besides, the design, surface look and function, it is optimised for plastics and ensures process stability during production, and is said to be distortionfree. In this regard, Hofmann offers trial and pilot production in its technical centre in Lichtenfels.

The heart of the brake light is a thickwall part made of PMMA, which is the so-called light module or light strip, using the two-component technology.

This part, which has a complex prism geometry and reflective qualities for light guidance, was developed in partnership with tool maker Hofmann Innovation.

“Edgelights” are highly complex light strips for rear lighting systems.

In combination with other individual parts, “Edgelights” are part of the safety-relevant functioning of the brake lights in the rear lighting system of a vehicle. The design for the Porsche Macan chosen by Hella consists of three component groups. In addition to the “Edgelight” light modules, the

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Hella manufactures the seriesproduction “Edgelights” from transparent PMMA on turning tools, as multi-component parts, using a twostep process. Each tool produces a left-hand and a right-hand component in each cycle. They are pre-injected and finish-injected using the twocomponent technology. Here, the challenge for production is in the correct geometrical forming and cleanliness of the “Edgelights”. These requirements are essential to allow the light beams to shine with the desired

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intensity. After cooling down, the light modules are delivered as individual parts to the rear light production facility.

In order to achieve the required light values, the thickwall PMMA part, which is made of Altuglas HT 121 or Plexiglass 8N, requires high precision optical surfaces with a good surface quality, with the lowest possible distortion in the part. The geometry of the PMMA light strip is designed in such a way that the light entering and exiting at both ends is as focussed as possible. The illumination effect of the rear lights is homogenous and bright.

As part of tool development, it was the task of Hofmann to develop a 3D contour that would allow maximum light output at the point of emission and at the same time be manageable from a production technology point of view. This applied not only to the manufacture of the series-production tools, but also to the demoulding characteristics of the light module in the tool, as well as the manageability of the process in terms of strict absence of distortion.

There are two types of model making in product development: rapid prototyping and industrial prototyping. With rapid prototyping, Hella needed prototypes from Hofmann in order to test them and for approval from Porsche. This process required constant adaptation to suit the design requirements.

These prototype parts, which are equivalent to seriesproduction parts, are developed using model making methods. Initially they are built as

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FEATURES individual components, and later as rear lights built into preproduction cars.

The methods included pouring of the “Edgelight” light modules with PMMA, and CNC milling of the light entry and exit geometries, in order to achieve continuous improvement of the light parameters. EMU samples were made for the complete rear

light module component group, using STL technology (stereo lithography), laser sintering for plastics, aluminium processing and vapourising of the reflectors. In addition, vibration welding was used and testing materials supplied for the subsequent small batch.

With regards to small batch

production, after the development and modelling phase, industrial prototyping comes into play. Porsche needs demonstration vehicles from pilot production runs for presentation at trade fairs or for dealer presentations. These vehicles correspond to production vehicles in terms of function, but some model parts.

Solar Module Polymers

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hotovoltaic panels have been used for decades in outer space powering remote satellites and are now reaching long service records on earth, which gives scientist the opportunity to see just how well the materials and modules have performed during their predicted lifespan.

The rise of renewable energy is now unstoppable with around 28% of Germany’s electricity supply in 2014 coming from green sources. To have a better understandingof it, AMI will be bringing together global experts on solar module polymer materials to discuss the optimal solutions for vital components such as encapsulants, backsheets, adhesives and sealants, at Polymers in Photovoltaics 2015, in Dusseldorf.

In terms of economics, the module manufacturing industry is wary of overcapacity in the markets and the situation will be reviewed by Stefan de Haan of IHS.

From India, Renewsys has looked at the cure of encapsulants, while in China Guangzhou Bothleader Electrical Materials has examined the effect of the crosslinking agent on the properties of the EVA encapsulant.

There are new EVA encapsulants in production from Encapsulantes Valor Anadido of Spain. Researchers at Ofi, the Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology have compared the performance of different encapsulants and the ISFH in Germany has evaluated encapsulation materials for module-level processing.

Polyolefin encapsulants are being marketed as the next generation of materials and Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello has data on performance improvement of modules using polyolefins. Backsheets play a major

Potential induced degradation is one of the sources of concern in solar modules and Hanwha Q Cells has studied the occurrence and the influence of encapsulant materials.

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role in the durability and performance of modules. In Taiwan, AU Optronics (Benq Solar) has investigated backsheet and module endurance.

The technical director of Krempel has studied backsheet reflectance as a way to improve module efficiency and Toray Films Europe together with Filmcutter SpA has produced a new generation of backsheets with an innovative PET monolayer film. Amcor Flexible is entering this market with innovative solutions, while the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics (CSP) has worked on fast quality testing of high barrier films.

The technology of the future for photovoltaics is the organic photovoltaics with active polymers replacing silicon: Merck Chemicals has reviewed the stability of these solar cells.Photovoltaic technology is being adopted at a fast rate in the Middle East and other regions with severe climate conditions – tests are being developed to qualify materials and modules for these challenging environments.

Edge seals have been subjected to moisture barrier performance testing

by Mia Sole High-Tech in the USA. Renolit in Belgium has looked at S E P T E M B E R 2014

FEATURES the long term weathering testing of encapsulants, front sheets and backsheets for PV modules. Scientists at the Fraunhofer ISE have developed reliability and functionality tests for anti-soiling coatings in arid regions and Dupont de Nemours International has reviewed the temperature challenges in installed modules. Paul Lippke Handels (Mocon) has barrier testing technology for high temperatures, which can measure permeation at elevated climate conditions. Research at the backsheet producer Coveme has indicated that the wrong weathering test can result in the rejection of good materials and the selection of unsuitable materials.

The Green Growth New 'green growth' report shows how U.S. can cut carbon pollution by 40 percent while creating 2.7 million new jobs.

The United States can cut its carbon pollution by 40 percent from 2005 levels and create a net increase of 2.7 million clean energy jobs in the process, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points, a recent report suggests.

The University of Massachusetts Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) and the Center for American Progress have announced a groundbreaking report that quantifies the investment and technology deployment needed for the United States to do its part to avoid the worst consequences of climate change.

Released as climate leaders and policymakers meet in Nevada for the seventh annual National Clean Energy Summit, the executive summary

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for "Green Growth: A U.S. Program for Controlling Climate Change and Expanding Job Opportunities"shows that the United States can cut its carbon pollution by 40 percent from 2005 levels and create a net increase of 2.7 million clean energy jobs in the process, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points.

The complete report, which is scheduled for release, also provides analysis showing the need for a substantial new wave of mostly private investment in advanced energy technology and higher performing buildings, as well as public and private investment in efficient infrastructure.

"Our work shows that the fundamental imperative of climate stabilization is not an outlandish fantasy, but is truly within reach," says Robert Pollin, co-director of PERI and distinguished professor of economics at UMass Amherst, and lead author of the report. "By investing about $200 billion annually on energy efficiency and clean renewable energy for the next 20 years -- meaning 1.2 percent of current U.S. gross domestic product we can cut overall U.S. energy consumption by 30 percent relative to today, as well as expand by 400 percent the production of solar, wind and other clean renewable sources.

These clean energy investments will drop U.S. CO2 emissions by 40 percent while also generating 2.7 million net new jobs. The opportunity is right before us and needs to be seized."

"Green Growth presents a practical program for investing in clean energy to control climate change," says report co-author Heidi Garrett-Peltier, a 30

research assistant professor at PERI. "While much research has shown that the environment-versus-economy is a false dichotomy, this study explicitly details how private investments and public policy together can control rising emissions while creating jobs. Starting from emissions targets widely agreed upon by climate scientists, Green Growth analyzes the possibilities for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and to what extent we must continue to rely on fossil fuels, and presents a 20-year investment program that is affordable and achievable."

"The conventional wisdom is that we can either protect the environment and stop climate change or we can create jobs and grow the economy -- but we can't do both. This study shows why this is not the case," says James Heintz, Andrew Glyn Professor of Economics and associate director of PERI, who also served as co-author of the report. "By investing in clean energy technologies, the U.S. economy can boost employment, become more energy efficient and stave off the potentially devastating effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The report shows how saving the planet requires bold, new -- yet eminently feasible -policy directions."

"Our research demonstrates that it is technologically and economically feasible today to create more jobs and growth, while using 40 percent less fossil fuel, improving energy efficiency 30 percent, and powering communities with four times more clean and renewable energy," explains Bracken Hendricks, senior fellow with the Center for American Progress and a co-author of the report.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

FEATURES

Flexible Displays Market to Grow

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lexible display is an advanced form of display technology. As we know, the display technology has evolved from Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) to Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) displays, and recently to flexible displays.

Flexible displays are flexible in nature and can be rolled, twisted and folded without any distortion in the displayed image quality. These flexible displays are applied in various applications such as smartphone, laptops, tablets and consumer gadgets (watches). These flexible displays are light weight, rugged, non brittle, very thin, driven by low power and portable. These benefits are making flexible displays popular among the consumers as compared with the flat displays. These benefits are driving the flexible displays market.

Currently materials for flexible displays are derived largely from organic compounds and molecules.

These materials furnish low resistance abilities towards high temperature.

Designers and manufacturers thus cannot implement traditional semiconductor fabrication techniques to these substrates. For the same reasons, constructing a flexible OLED (FOLED) display is extremely challenging. The two key challenges include the encapsulation and the backplane.

Samsung is still using Low Temperature Poly-silicon (LTPS) for its plastic based panels. The process of production for LTPS is extremely hot for the plastic substrate and melts

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the substrate and offers challenge to fabrication of FOLED. Currently Samsung deposits the LTPS transistors on glass surface and the glass is delaminated afterwards. LG Display is employing an OxideTFT that is easier to produce on a flexible substrate. Penetration of flexible displays in diverse applications such as military and digital signage holds lucrative opportunities for the flexible display market.

Materials used in the manufacturing of flexible displays include glassreinforced plastic (GRP) and polymers.

Primarily two types of polymers are used in the flexible displays such as amorphous polymer and crystalline polymer. Various components used in the flexible displays consists emissive layer, substrate, conductive layer, backlight panels and others such as cathode and anode. These flexible displays are employed in several applications. These applications are smartphone, E-reader, E-paper, tablet, laptop, wearable display and television.

Multiple types of display modes such as Organic Light Emission Diode (OLED), Electrophoretic display (EPD) and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) are extensively explored for the purpose of application to flexible displays.

Various types of flexible display manufacturing technology include photographic technology, flexible flat panel display technology and flexible 31

plasma display technology. The display industry has revolutionized itself in terms of larger display and high quality images. However, a new trend in the display market is expected to be development of cost effective and low priced display techniques.

Flexible display making companies are looking forward to launch flexible display phone commercially. LG Electronics launched world’s first flexible six-inch smartphone, G Flex in 2013. Other big companies, such as Samsung and others are also moving ahead in the direction of commercializing flexible displays.

Samsung unveiled the world’s first foldable AMOLED display during Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2014. Key companies in the market include Atmel Corporation, Corning Incorporated, Dupont Display, HewlettPackard Company, LG Display Co. Ltd., Philips Electronics, Sony Corporation, Universal Display Corporation, Polymer Vision, Novaled AG, Materion Corporation, Kent Displays Inc., E Ink Holdings Inc., Samsung Display and others.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

FEATURES

Extending Sustainability Through Recycling

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ith the industry all over the world under pressure to increase recycling targets, we presenting a research into automated sorting of regrind; a case study of a recycling partnership in Europe; a brand owner’s entry into the commercial recycled materials market and new PCR grades for the automotive sector.

Sustainability in the plastics sector includes the recycling process, with materials that are produced to be on par with the performance and cost efficiency of virgin materials. This, besides brand owners and OEMs fulfilling the rising end-user demand for materials and applications with enhanced environmental sustainability.

Automated sorting of regrind to be feasible

emitted in response to the inducing photoexcitation to determine the dynamics of its decay. Because the different polymer materials used in the manufacture of plastics display specific fluorescence lifetimes, the form of the decay curve can be used to identify their chemical nature.

Unless the sorted material is of high purity, reheating of recycled plastic in the reuse process, can, however, lead to alterations in its properties.

Contamination levels as low as 5% are sufficient to significantly reduce the quality of the reformed product.

Since polymers tend to be immiscible, as they are chemically incompatible with one another, remelting of polymer mixtures therefore often leads to partitioning of the different polymers into distinct domains separated by grain boundaries, which compromises the quality of the final product. For this reason, high-quality plastic products are always manufactured exclusively from virgin grades and not from recycled material.

T h e n e w m e t h o d , h o w e v e r,

Researchers at the LMU University in Munich, Germany, have developed a new process for automated identification of polymers, facilitating rapid separation of plastics for re-use.

The new patent-pending technique involves exposing plastics to a brief flash of light that causes the material to fluoresce. Photoelectric sensors then measure the intensity of the light P L A S T I C S N E W S

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could change this since the use of fluorescence lifetime measurements permits the identification and sorting of up to 1.5 tonnes of plastic/hour, thus meeting the specifications required for an industrial scale process.

A 100% film from PCR – partners work hand-in-hand For an efficient recycling plant, machine makers usually work together to ensure a competitively-priced endproduct ensues from the waste.

Size reduction equipment supplier Herbold Meckesheim, together with Austrian recycling equipment supplier Erema, designed a plant for Poligroup in Bulgaria, which has been in operation since September 2013.

It produces 30-micron film made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, such as LDPE agriculture film waste, LLDPE agriculture film waste and household waste film, obtained from automated sorting plants.

The reason for this mix is that the LDPE forms a homogeneous material with an unchanging melt flow index (MFI). The LLDPE improves the physical properties, and the household waste-film is a competitively priced material.To recycle waste from different types of films, the process becomes more complex. Almost 50% of the agricultural film is contaminated with sand, pebbles, as well as small screws. In order to separate this, Poligroup uses downstream equipment:

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FEATURES size-reduction in the washing line and a pre-washing unit.

Meanwhile, household waste film is a mix of several different plastics and the real challenge is the separation of unwanted plastics. This is where Germany-based Herbold’s expertise comes in as it is said to be the only wet film recycling equipment supplier that has hydro-cyclone separation able to achieve this. Plastics that are heavier than water will be separated from plastics that are lighter than water.

A further advantage of this method is that the high amount of water used, together with the revolving forces of the hydro-cyclone, ensures that the recyclate film is given a very good washing.

Furthermore, organic deposits are easily removed by washing. In contrast, LLDPE films from consumer packaging often come with labels and it is a real challenge to remove them, more so since LLDPE films are ideal as a feeding material for recyclate used for the production of new film.

Economically speaking, only certain waste can be used for recycling and that is one of the reasons why a plant manufacturer and operator usually work hand in hand.

The parties say that an existing collection and separation system is ideal. Without this, a recycler can only use recyclate that has been imported from countries where the waste materials are collected and recycled. It is also possible to collect mixed post-consumer waste and to separate it. But this is expensive and the quality of the recycled material will be affected.

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The washing line at Poligroup’s site transforms agricultural films and consumer packaging films into recycled material that will then be used for the production of bin liners, protective sheets and construction sheets.

The end-products do not include any virgin resins, and are made of 100% recycled plastic material from the Herbold film washing line.

The film recycling plant uses some 0.8 to 1.0 MW/ tonne of power, which corresponds to 0.8 to 1.0 kW/kilo of end-product. The water is also continuously reused. Thus, only 1 to 2 cu m of fresh water/ tonne/material is needed for the regeneration of the circulation water.

with still a small amount of residual humidity and remaining contamination is optimally recycled. Thus, cutting, homogenising, heating, degassing, densifying, buffering and dosing is able to be undertaken in a single step.

Poligroup also says the advantages of Erema’s equipment are the “easy handling and long service life of the wear parts such as filter screen and pelletiser knives.”

Sony to extend Sorplas to external use

Also, in terms of maintenance, at tent ion has to be paid to wear-prone areas, with exchangeable anti-wear plates.

Poligroup’s decision to purchase the Herbold washing plant, with its prewashing unit and hydrocyclone separation, was also due to its high variability, since it is able to cater to highly contaminated and thin films.

The washed and recycled film flakes are then treated with Erema’s TVEplus (1,100-1,200 kg/hour capacity), with LF2/350 laser filter (filtration fineness of 110 microns) and the HG 244 dieface granulating system.

Erema says its TVEplus is able to cater to waste with a residual humidity of between 8-12% as well as a high degree of contamination.

At the core of the plant, on the multifunctional cutter compactor with patented air flush module, the material

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In 2011, electronics maker Sony Corporation’s research on electronics found that electronic devices contained less than 60% content of f i re- retardant regr ind. Taking this cue, it decided to develop its own Sorplas (Sustainable Oriented Recycled Plastic) material, a flame-retardant recycled polycarbonate (PC) recovered from discarded DVDs and optical sheets (light-diffusing films) used in LCD televisions.

It contains Sony's own unique sulphur-based flame retardant to achieve a “highly durable, highly heatresistant plastic” that uses up to 99% recycled materials.

Sony adopted the material in i ts Bravia LCD televisions in 2011, and S E P T E M B E R 2014

FEATURES later on incorporated it into a wide variety of Sony products. Now, it will be offering its Sorplas grade to external use, outside of its group.

Conventionally, flame-retardant recycled PC contains around 55% virgin material and approximately 15% flame retardant. However, Sony says its material is able to achieve flame resistance equivalent to conventional flame retardants but with only 1% addition of flame retardant.

This allows the properties of PC to be retained and a higher proportion of recycled materials can be used as a result, while still achieving the properties required.

The firm offers three types of grades with various additives: SPLEC30 – an easy to mould grade; SPL-EC50 – a high impact grade and

SPL-R20T – a flame retardant grade.

The firm will offer all the three grades at prices similar to conventional PC.

New PCR grades for the automotive sector Over the past decade, sustainability has been an increasingly important driver of innovation in the automotive industry. Thus, Austrian polyolefins supplier Borealis has introduced three new Daplen PP compound grades composed of PCR and virgin content conceived for interior, exterior and under-the-hood automotive applications.

The new grades will support OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in their efforts to increase the use of recycled materials, whilst at the same time not compromising on material

characteristics, says Borealis.

The three new grades are: Daplen ME225SY: with 25% PCR content, 20% talc and 55% virgin material for interior automotive applications such as door and trunk claddings and trims.

Daplen MD250SY: with 50% PCR content, 20% talc and 30% virgin material, for UTB and exterior applications such as bumper components and exterior trims.

Daplen MD325SY: with 25% PCR content, 30% talc and 45% virgin material for use in UTB and exterior applications.

For now, the three new Daplen grades are being produced, launched and marketed solely in Europe.

Europe recycles 65 billion PET bottles

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ET is by far the most recycled plastic material that has been recycled in Europe, with the equivalent of around 65 billion bottles recycled in 2013, says trade organisation PETCORE Europe. Chairman of the Brussels-based organisation Roberto Bertaggia said: “The demand for PET as the packaging material of choice continues to grow, penetrating new markets with innovative applications. The extraordinary ability of PET to be recycled and reused into a wide variety of end uses is part of this success story and is helping towards the movement to a circular

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economy in Europe.

He went on to say, “From a sustainability perspective, our industry is thrilled that last year the equivalent of around 56% of PET containers in circulation were collected for reclamation and recycling. There is however still a huge disparity in collection rates amongst the Member States, and all stakeholders need to work together to align the collection processes to deliver the increased recycling objectives recently announced by the European Commission” he added.

Casper van den Dungen, PET Chairman at PRE (Plastics Recyclers

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Europe) and a Board member of PETCORE Europe, underlined that “the overall collection of PET bottles in Europe at 1.64 million tonnes represents a 7% increase on last year. We still have considerable spare recycling capacity to enable us to recycle more”.

He continued,” however one of the factors that will reduce our ability to utilise our available spare capacity is the increasing complexity of some collected baled bottles. Improved and standardised collection and sorting processes would help address this.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

FEATURES

Moulding Plastics set for growth sectors

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he global injection moulded plastics market is expected to reach US$277.78 billion by 2020, according to a new study by USheadquartered Grand View Research.

Growth sectors pushing demand for plastics The global demand for injection moulded plastics was 92,312 kilotonnes in 2013 and is expected to reach 130,139.7 kilotonnes by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 5% from 2014 to 2020. Increasing demand for plastics as a packaging material coupled with the growing packaging industry in Asia is expected to be a key factor driving market demand over the next six years.

Packaging was the largest application segment of the market, accounting for over 3 million tonnes or 30% of plastics demand in 2013.

Growing preference is towards plastics as packaging materials, owing to their light weight and better aesthetics.

Packaging finds applications in both consumer packaging and industrial as both flexible and rigid packaging.

The demand for packaging is on the rise owing to the improving economic conditions of countries such as India, Brazil, Russia and other Asian countries.

The other sector driving the growth of the market is the automotive market, which is also expected to augment the demand for plastics as a substitute to metal. Automotive and transportation segments are expected to emerge as the fastest growing applications at an

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estimated CAGR of 5.7% from 2014 to 2020.

Meanwhile, the building and construction segment (doors and sanitary wares) accounted for close to 10% of the market in 2013.

Other applications such as healthcare devices accounted for 14% of the global demand in 2013, says Grand View in its report titled “Global Injection Molded Plastics Market Analysis And Segment Forecasts To 2020”.

Asia in the lead Other key findings from the study suggest that Asia Pacific was the largest regional market for injection moulded plastics, with a market revenue of US$70.18 billion or 37% of global demand in 2013. In addition, the region is expected to witness the fastest growth in demand, at an estimated CAGR of 5.4% from 2014 to 2020, owing to its growing automotive and construction industry.

The growing sectors, such as automotive, electronics and construction, in India, China and other parts of Southeast Asia, are expected to be key drivers.Furthermore, the low labour and raw material cost in the region is expected to augment the growth, in turn boosting the demand for plastics over the forecast period.

North America and Europe accounted for a significant share of the market in 2013 but are expected to lose their market share to Asia owing to the shift in manufacturing activities to other low cost markets. Latin America 35

and Middle East were small markets and together accounted for over 10% of the demand in 2013.However, volatile crude oil prices coupled with growing environmental concerns are expected to be key issues for the market.

Material usage for moulded parts The upturn of the packaging and automotive markets is expected to increase the demand for ABS, polypropylene (PP) and HDPE, which accounted for 17% of global demand in 2013 and is expected to grow owing to its increasing use in the packaging industry.

PP was still the highest injection moulded resin, with volume estimated at 32,836.1 kilotonnes or over 34% of global demand in 2013. PP is one of the major resins used in rigid packaging, while ABS use is picking up in the automotive industry, owing to the increased focus on weight reduction in vehicles to attain higher efficiency.

Globally, the cost of resin or raw material accounts for 42% of the total cost incurred for production of injection moulded plastics. Cost incurred for the process and other costs associated with it accounts for 45% of the total cost and machinery accounts for 13%.

The market is fragmented with key participants that include US materials suppliers like Dow Chemicals, DuPont, Eastman, Huntsman and ExxonMobil Chemical as well as European materials makers like Lyondell Basell, BASF and Sabic among others, according to the research.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

FEATURES Moulding sets a record With 190,000 caps/hour and 1.5 billion/year, German/Japanese injection moulding machinery supplier Sumitomo (SHI) Demag together with its partners, Total Petrochemicals and Plastisud, says it has set a new world record in the production of HDPE caps with tamper-evident band without postmoulding operations.

The El-Exis SP 420-3000 packaging machine produces 1.3 g HDPE screw caps on a 96-cavity hot-runner mould (29/25 design) with a production cycle of what is said to be 1.9 seconds.

This machine is equipped with a 25:1 L/D ratio barrier screw and

has been designed with a special backflow barrier aiming to improve reproducibility. The fast cycle time results, on one hand, from the combination of optimised mould dynamics by what SHI says is its unique independent hybrid clamp system and optimised injection and plasticising performances.

On the other hand, this achievement has been made possible thanks to the close co-operation between packaging partners, including Total, who has contributed its expertise in polyolefin resins for the caps and closures industry. Total’s HD6081 (d = 0.960 g/cm³, MI2 = 8 g/10min) is dedicated to still water application and is said

to be the “best” HDPE resin capable of achieving fastest crystallisation, thus reducing demoulding time between shots while giving optimised mechanical parts.

According to Arnaud Nomblot, Business Development Manager Packaging at SHI, “Total’s knowhow in the field of materials for caps production has greatly contributed to this success.”

He said that the material provides a vital contribution in terms of production efficiency. “The technical breakthrough was made possible thanks to the excellent flow characteristics of the HD6081 material,” he added.

Polystar presents "Repro-Print"

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olystar presents its reengineered recycling system "Repro-Print" specially designed for processing heavily printed packaging film waste.

The system is ideal for pelletizing post-industrial film waste of PE, PP, BOPP and PS which are fully-printed, generated from in-house production.

The pellets can be put directly back into film extrusion lines for reprocessing.

There are three major improvements from the previous model that helps to obtain superb quality pellets.

1. Triple degassing for a much enhanced degasification effect: In addition to the double degassing zone in the first extruder, the venting area (the connection between the first and second extruder) serves as a third degassing section to further P L A S T I C S N E W S

remove the ink and extra humidity level from the material.

2. Improved cutter compactor for faster and more stable material feeding: An improved design of the cutter compactor now works superbly with printed BOPP film.

The compactor cuts, dries and compacts the material that enables a fast and stable feeding from the compactor directly into the extruder.

3. Filtration before degassing: The re-positioning of filtration before degassing ensures a superior degassing effect, producing excellent quality pellets from heavily printed material Besides processing PE, PP (BOPP) heavily-printed film scraps and film onroll, the Repro-Print can also process lightly printed or unprinted flexible 36

packaging material with minimal degradation. Other types of waste such as raffia, woven bags and prewashed film flakes that contain a higher percentage of humidity level are also applicable.

The first re-engineered line has already been installed in the Philippines in a printing company located in Manila. The second line will be set up in Manchester, UK in August.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Pledge 4 Plastics recycling campaign kicks off in UK

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artners in the Plastics 2020 consortium have pledged their support for the recently-launched ‘Pledge 4 Plastics’ recycling campaign and announced they are to adopt an existing action plan to help the industry hit government-imposed targets by 2017.

The British Plastics Federation (BPF), the Packaging and Films Association (Pafa) and Plastics Europe said ‘Pledge 4 Plastics’ would play “an important part in helping councils to convince consumers to do the right thing and ensure that they proactively

recycle the plastics packaging they use”. The three bodies also said they intended to adopt the Plastics Industry Recycling Action Plan (Pirap) and develop it to help the industry achieve recycling targets set by ministers two years ago. Pirap was set up in the wake of the coalition government’s announcement in the 2012 Budget that it wanted to see recycling targets increased from 32% in 2012 to 57% by 2017.

The Pirap programme has highlighted a number of areas where improvements could be made to

enhance collection rates, adopt bestin-class collection methods, optimise sorting infrastructure and develop end markets. But Plastics 2020 said higher-then-the-UK targets set by the European Commission would demand urgent action by all stakeholders “and a step change in all of these areas”.

The Plastics 2020 consortium said better infrastructure links and closer working relationships between the relevant stakeholders would help develop and establish a vibrant, jobcreating recycling business sector across the country.

EPA fines RI polymer company

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Rhode Island polymer manufacturer has reached a $60,000 settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating federal clean air standards and Rhode Island state law.

Mereco Technologies Group Inc. in West Warwick, R.I., was found to have violated federal emissions regulations for chemical manufacturing and has been operating without a necessary Clean Air Act permit from the state.

In addition to the fine, Mereco must come into compliance by installing caps and covers on mixing vessels to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improving record keeping with monthly and annual hazardous air pollutant usage reports and conducting quarterly monitoring of process vessels using EPA-approved methods. The company must also apply for an air permit.

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The action against the company came out of a joint state and federal inspection and “a thorough review of facility records” that concluded in February 2014, according to the EPA. “Since being notified, Mereco has worked cooperatively with EPA to address the alleged violations and reach a settlement." Mereco and its subsidiary, Metachem Resins

Corp., have operated at the same West Warwick, RI, location since the late 1970s, formulating flexible epoxy polymers, custom-formulated urethanes, thermally and electrically conductive resins, ultraviolet curable systems and materials for solar cell manufacturing, electronics, aerospace, defense, and other commercial industries.

Saudi Arabia’s Advanced Petrochemical Co to invest in US$1 bln in Korea

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audi Arabia’s Advanced Petrochemical Co. plans to invest in a project worth around US$1 billion to produce propylene in South Korea, according to Reuters. The propane dehydrogenation (PDH) project, a joint venture with South Korea’s SK Gas, is due to start up in H1-2016, as per a company statement on the Saudi bourse. The project, with annual production capacity of 600,000 tons, will be financed 40% equity and 60% debt. Advanced will hold a 35% stake in the project.

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S E P T E M B E R 2014

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

California court rejects Chemtura flame retardant case

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n a preliminary ruling on August 28, California Superior Court Judge Michael Kenny rejected Chemtura Corp.’s legal bid to block a change to the states’ Cal TB-117 furniture flammability standard.

This change will remove the need for flame retardants in furniture foam in the United States. Judge Kenny wrote in a six-page preliminary decision that Chemtura’s legal reasoning “would produce absurd results.”

“We are disappointed that the court did not rule that the California Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation overstepped its authority by narrowing the scope of the standard

to eliminate open flame testing and by attempting to address an issue that clearly is the purview of professionals at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.

The real issue here is protecting the public from regulatory actions that jeopardize consumer fire safety,” Chemtura said in a statement on its website. The firm added that TB117-2013 sets a minimum level of fire protection that does not include resistance to open flames. Open flames are a significant ignition risk due to use of candles, lighters and matches.

As a result, the new standard reduces fire safety. “We are studying the

Feasibility study underway for US$1.5 bln propylene project in Egypt

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feasibility study for a propylene production project in Alexandria worth US$1.5 bln in investment is underway, according to an undisclosed international consultancy said an official from the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM).

The feasibility study is expected to be completed over the coming year. Following this, the search for funders will begin. Implementation is set to begin in 2015 if funders are available. Feasibility studies will be completed for three other petrochemicals projects worth a total of US$540 mln in investment at the beginning of 2015. This a plant for P L A S T I C S N E W S

bio-ethanol production from molasses through investment worth US$250 mln in order to produce 100,000 tpa of ethanol. Implementation is expected to take place thru 2015-2016 fiscal year.

A second project involves construction of a plant to produce another 100,000 tons of bioethanol annually from rice hulls with investments worth US$240 mln. The project is expected to be implemented during FY 2016-2017. The third plan involves increasing PVC production by 40,000 tpa with investments of US$50 mln. Implementation is set to take place during FY 2016-2017.

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decision and will consider whether an appeal is the best way to promote high fire safety for consumers in California,” Chemtura said in a statement. “We will continue to work with furniture manufacturers, fire safety experts and scientists to ensure customer protection from both smoulder and open flame sources.” Chemtura filed its legal challenge to the change in TB-117 in January.

S Korea's leading petrochemical makers agree to further increase investment

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outh Korea's leading petrochemical firms have agreed to further increase their investment this year as part of efforts to create jobs and boost their exports. In a special meeting with Energy Minister Yoon Sangjick, the companies reported they plan to invest 7.5 trillion won (US$7.35 bln) this year, up from about 6.5 trillion won in 2013, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the country's top 30 petrochemical companies, including LG Chem and GS Caltex.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Boardwalk to acquire Evangeline ethylene pipeline from Chevron

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oardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP has entered into a definitive agreement with Chevron Pipe Line Company to acquire Chevron Petrochemical Pipeline LLC which owns the Evangeline ethylene pipeline system for US$295 mln cash, subject to customary adjustments.

Deutsche Bank acted as exclusive financial advisor to Boardwalk on this transaction.

The acquisition is expected to close in Q4-2014, subject to customary closing conditions, after which Evangeline will be operated

by Boardwalk Louisiana Midstream (BLM), a subsidiary of Boardwalk.

The Evangeline system is a 176mile interstate pipeline capable of transporting approximately 2.6 bln lbs of ethylene per year and is supported by long-term, fee-based contracts. Evangeline transports ethylene between Port Neches, Texas, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where it interconnects with the BLM ethylene distribution system that includes BLM's storage facilities at the Choctaw Hub. BLM provides transportation and storage services for ethylene and natural gas liquids (NGLs), natural gas storage, and brine supply services for producers and consumers

of petrochemicals through two hubs in southern Louisiana. BLM plans to connect Evangeline to its storage facilities at BLM's Sulphur Hub in the Lake Charles area after the acquisition is completed. "Evangeline is a great strategic fit with BLM, which currently has one of the most extensive ethylene distribution systems in Louisiana.

The acquisition of Evangeline will further enhance our ability to provide reliable and flexible ethylene transportation and storage services to petrochemical customers in the growing Gulf Coast market said Kevin Miller, president of BLM.

Kuwait plans to double petrochemical capacity to 7.9 mln tpa by 2015

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nticipating increased demand, Kuwait has planned to expand its petrochemical capacity from 3.4 mln tpa in 2012 to 7.9 mln tpa by 2015 at a compound annual growth rate of 32%. Petrochemical projects worth $7,565 million are expected to be executed in Kuwait between 2011 and 2017, according to a report by Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz).

Kuwait implemented 100% FDI law in 2010, which is expected to bring in foreign investors and encourage private players in the petrochemicals sector, which, till now, has been

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mainly funded by the Government of Kuwait. Major Petrochemical projects under construction by the Petrochemicals Industries Company (PIC) are the Olefins – III plant at the Shauiba Complex of Kuwait worth $7,000 million which is expected to be operational from 2015. China integrated refinery is the overseas plant constructed by PIC and Sinopec at the Guangdong province in China.

It is expected to be operational from 2017 and will help PIC to capitalise on the huge market for petrochemicals available in China. Though the Kuwait

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petrochemicals sector is poised to see growth, it faces a few challenges and impediments on its growth path.

There is stiff competition from players within the region, especially from Saudi Arabia, which accounted for 75.2% of the total revenue of the petrochemicals sector in the 2012.

Kuwait’s Petrochemical Industries Company is implementing the 2002/2020 development strategy to develop this petrochemical sector locally as well as launching joint petrochemical ventures in major markets such as India and China.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

ISO publishes international standard for measuring phthalates in toys

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he Geneva-based International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published an international standard on phthalates used as plasticizers in toys and children’s products. The standard specifies a method for the determination of six phthalates in toys and children's products. It does not specify the levels allowed in the products — those are set on a country-by-country basis.

The standard is called ISO 81246:2014, Safety of toys, Part 6: Certain phthalate esters in toys and children's products, and is based largely on an existing Chinese national standard.

Huang Lina, a toy safety expert with the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, led a committee to draft the standard, according to Beijingbased China Toy and Juvenile Products Association (CTJPA).

Huang has also taken a part in drawing up European Union toy standards, CTJPA said. China is the world’s biggest toy producer and exporter, representing 70 percent of the toys sold in the global market, CTJPA said. In 2013, China exported $12.4 billion of toys, two thirds of which manufactured in Guangdong province.

In the first half of 2014, China’s toy exports soared 37 percent to $8.8 billion, compared to the same period last year, CTJPA data shows. CTJPA said Chinese toy makers have always had to follow product standards made by other companies. The trade group, citing

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2008 toy safety scandals, said Chinese toy companies have had to take on enormous risks of product recalls. The committee has been working on the standard since 2010. It involved nearly 200 manufacturers and testing agencies and thousands of sets of data.

While China adopted a standard that put limits on six phthalates, restricting them to no more than 0.1 percent of the weight of the toys and child care products, the ISO standard did not specify a threshold. Instead, the ISO standard specifies a method for the determination of dinbutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP),

di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) in toys and children’s products. “Considering the diversity of laws and regulations in different countries, this International Standard has not set out limits for phthalate esters.

It is intended to be used as a method standard in conformity assessment,” it said in the introduction. As the first international toy standard drafted by China, CTJPA called it a breakthrough and said it raised China’s profile in the international toy industry and also signals China’s determination to take a more proactive approach on toy safety.

Taiwan hopes reduction in tariffs on petrochem in China

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aiwan's state-run oil company CPC Corp. hopes to see a reduction in tariffs on petrochemical exports to China, which would give Taiwan businesses in that sector a competitive edge in the huge mainland markets as per CNA. Taiwan and China are set to resume negotiations on a trade-ingoods agreement, likely leading to the tariff cut. Taiwanese exporters are hoping to obtain significant concessions when the ninth round of talks on the trade-in-goods agreement gets underway. Noting that China and South Korea are

40

in negotiations on a free trade agreement, CPC Chairman Lin Sheng-chung said that if South Korean petrochemical companies obtain tariff-free concessions on exports to China, petrochemical exporters in Taiwan could lose more than US$1 bln worth of orders per year. China currently imposes about a 6.54% tariff in Taiwan-made petrochemical products.

In 2013, the local petrochemical industry accounted for 31.4% of the total production value of Taiwan's manufacturing sector and 25.8% of the sector's total export.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

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S E P T E M B E R 2014

We solve packaging problems We train your professionals We test your package For decades, Plastic Technologies, Inc. (PTI) has been the confidential global resource many companies turn to for expert technical input in support of packaging challenges.

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PTI has an exceptional track record helping major brands commercialize a wide variety of package types. These include innovative containers for carbonated soft drink, water, juice, food, liquid soap and household chemical applications.

Please contact our local representative to learn how we can help solve your packaging problems.

P.V.S. Prasad +91 9322215410 pvs.prasad@plastictechnologies.com www.plastictechnologies.com/india

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S E P T E M B E R 2014

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S E P T E M B E R 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Phillips 66, Chevron Phillips to fund new petrochemical academy at Texas

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hillips 66 and Chevron Phillips Chemical are teaming up with the Sweeny Independent School District in Texas to help fund the creation of a petrochemical academy, with an initial combined contribution of US$1.6 mln to the academy as part of their continued commitment to education and workforce development initiatives in the communities where they operate.

This occupational education program will allow students the opportunity to take dual credit college courses while attending high school. The US$1.6 million combined contribution by Phillips 66 and Chevron Phillips Chemical will support the purchase of equipment, building renovations, and scholarships for juniors and seniors enrolled in Sweeny ISD and surrounding school systems. Subsequent contributions will be made in coming years to help cover ongoing maintenance and operation

costs and additional equipment.

"I believe that the significant support from Phillips 66 and Chevron Phillips Chemical in developing our petrochemical academy relates well with the intent of House Bill 5 in that it will assist the district in preparing students to be career-ready,” said Randy Miksch, superintendent of the Sweeny ISD. Being able to offer dual credit courses in process technology, instrumentation, millwright, pipefitting and welding will help students gain certifications and advancement to an associate degree, which in turn will benefit the students and industry," he added. "It is our hope that these educational and internship opportunities will help us produce highly qualified career-ready future employees for both Phillips 66 and Chevron Phillips Chemical.” Enacted by the Texas Legislature during the 83rd session, House Bill 5 made substantial changes

RIL to set up third refinery-cumpetrochem complex at Jamnagar

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eliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is gearing up for another big investment of US$13 billion (Rs 78,000 crore) to set up its third refinery-cumpetrochemical complex at Jamnagar in Gujarat. Reliance already operates the world's biggest refining complex in Gujarat, where its two refineries process about 1.4 mln bpd of crude oil.

The company has sought environment

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approvals to set up a US$12.8 bln upgrade to its Jamnagar complex including a 4,00,000-bpd refinery, some polymer units as well as a 450-megawatt pet coke-based power plant. However the RIL maintains that the evaluation for this project is at a nascent stage and no concrete decision has been taken yet.

It is too early to say how things shape up in the coming years.

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to the state's curriculum and graduation requirements, assessment program and accountability system.

A key component of the legislation allows college preparatory courses to be offered for dual credit. The petrochemical academy is expected to kick off classes with the start of the new school year.

Mitsubishi Rayon to acquire 50 percent stake in Wethje

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apanese materials maker Mitsubishi Rayon (MRC) is to acquire 51% of Wethje Holding, a German company engaged in manufacturing of carbon fibrereinforced plastics (CFRP) parts for the automotive sector. Austrian firm Cross Industries, the parent company of Wethje, will hold the 49% stake.

MRC says it is aiming to strengthen and expand its carbon fibre intermediate materials business for automobile applications in Europe. Wethje will become a consolidated subsidiary of MRC subject to fulfillment of closing conditions including approvals by appropriate authorities required in Germany and Austria.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Amcor eyes US$3 bln potential acquisitions LyondellBasell in emerging markets posts 27% surge F Q2-2014 profits

ive years after its transformational US$1.9 bln acquisition of Alcan's packaging assets, Amcor is eyeing potential acquisitions worth US$3 bln as the global packaging giant seeks further growth in both emerging and developed markets, as per smh.com. au. Chief executive Ken MacKenzie said the pipeline for potential acquisitions had grown from about $2 billion a year ago as the group identified new targets and as vendors took advantage of historically high asset valuations.

Earlier this month major rival Reynolds Group announced plans to explore the sale of three businesses worth US$10 bln, and Huhtamaki

recently outlaid US$336 mln for privately held flexible packaging producer Positive Packaging, which has plants in India and the Middle East. Emerging markets were growing 10 times faster than developed markets and Amcor was keen to increase its market share, either through greenfield developments - such as a new tobacco packaging plant it plans to build in Indonesia - or through acquisitions.

At the same time, Amcor will continue to invest in new product development and innovation to differentiate its offer from rivals, tap changing consumer trends and develop new income streams.

Borealis formally acquires DuPont stake in Dutch polymers venture

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orealis has completed the acquisition of DuPont Holding Netherland B.V. shares of Speciality Polymers Antwerp N.V. Previously, Speciality Polymers Antwerp N.V., located in Zwijndrecht (Antwerp, Belgium) was a joint venture between DuPont Holding Netherlands B.V. (67%), Borealis Polymers N.V. and Borealis Kallo N.V. (together 33%).

"The acquisition of the full ownership of Speciality Polymers Antwerp is in line with our strategy to grow our polyolefin business in specific market areas", says Mark Garrett, Borealis

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Chief Executive. "Acrylate copolymers, which are part of a broader portfolio of specialty polymers produced at Speciality Polymers Antwerp, are an important building block for our valueadded products sold into our core Energy & Infrastructure market."

Under the new arrangement, DuPont will continue to serve the market with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and acrylate copolymers and Borealis will supply DuPont with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and acrylate copolymers from the Specialty Polymers Antwerp facility. Borealis

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yondellBasell has seen a 27% surge in its profit for second-quarter 2014, on gains across all segments, especially the Olefins & Polyolefins – Americas division.

The company envisions its margins to be supported by strong production of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) in the U.S, as per Zacks.com. The company continues to benefit from favorable North American natural gas environment and is executing its expansion projects to leverage the U.S. NGLs advantage.

Plans are underway to construct a world scale plant on the U.S. Gulf Coast for producing propylene oxide (PO) and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), leveraging the shale gas boom in the region. The plant, which is expected to go on stream in 2019, will have annual capacity of 900 million pounds of PO and 2 billion pounds of TBA and its derivatives.

intends to fully integrate the new site and its employees into the Borealis organisation.

The company will start the full integration of the site and its activities, a process in which safety and business continuity will be key.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Braskem joins Amyris and Michelin for isoprene

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raskem is joining a collaboration already launched in 2011 between Michelin and Amyris. This collaboration was initiated to develop and commercialize renewable isoprene, sourced from various biomass as an additional sustainable pathway to produce isoprene.

Under the terms of the agreement, Braskem, Michelin and Amyris will work together to develop a technology to utilize plant sugars, such as those found in Brazilian sugarcane or cellulosic feedstocks, to produce renewable isoprene.

Adding the expertise of Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in the Americas and global leader

in the production of biopolymers, Amyris and Michelin will accelerate the industrialization of renewable isoprene. Amyris will share its rights to commercialize the renewable isoprene technology developed under this collaboration with Braskem.

Michelin will maintain certain preferential, but not exclusive, access to the renewable isoprene to be produced by this technology. The companies will not disclose details of the agreement, including the ďŹ nancial contributions of each party.

This joint project, with Amyris and Braskem, will give Michelin an additional sustainable sourcing channel for polyisoprene for the production of quality

Ineos buys shale gas licence stake in Scotland

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etrochemical company Ineos has bought 51% stake in an onshore oil and gas licence surrounding its reďŹ ning and petrochemical complex at Grangemouth.

existing operational capabilities and exemplary safety and environmental record, we are well placed to become a major player in the UK onshore gas production sector.

The licence covers 329 square kilometres of the Midland Valley in Scotland, where the British Geological Survey has estimated there are "modest" shale gas and oil resources.

Speaking further over the development of the petrochemical complex he added that Over the last year INEOS Upstream has been drawing together a team of experts in the sector, including a number of leading shale exploration and development specialists from the US. This expertise gives us the perfect platform to move into onshore exploration. The company is all geared up to take the charge.

Gary Haywood, chief executive of Ineos Upstream, the company's new oil and gas exploration and production business, said "This is a logical next step for Ineos and we are very excited about it. With our large asset base, P L A S T I C S N E W S

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tires, providing a high-performance, environmentally responsible material.

"With this new partnership, we join forces with Amyris and Michelin in the development of an innovative technology that strengthens our commitment to improve people's lives, creating solutions through sustainable chemistry," said Luciano Guidolin, Vice President for Polyolefins and Renewables of Braskem.

With a proven track record in leading research in sustainable chemistry, Braskem has already an experience in the development of 100% renewable polyethylene.

Russian tycoon Timchenko reduces stake in Sibur

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ussian tycoon Gennady Timchenko has cut his stake in petrochemical company Sibur. Timchenko, who is on the U.S. sanctions list, sold his 17% stake at an undisclosed price to a company controlled by Kirill Shamalov, deputy CEO at Sibur.

With this, Shamalov's stake in the company has been hiked to 21.3%. Timchenko will keep a 15.3% stake, Novatek co-owner Leonid Mikhelson has a 50.2% stake, while current and former Sibur managers, excluding Shamalov, have 13.2%.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Lanxess to invest US$15 mln

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ermany-based Lanxess is adding a second production line at its Gastonia, North Carolina- a compounding facility for high-tech plastics.

The expansions, with an investmetn of about US$15 mln, will double the existing capacity from 20,000 to 40,000 metric tpa. Construction for the second line is expected to commence in H2-

2014 with production scheduled to begin in early 2016.

The Lanxess Gastonia facility produces Durethan (polyamide) and Pocan (polybutylene terephthalate), which allow automotive engineers to design lighter-weight plastic components to replace metal parts in cars, contributing to fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

This investment will allow us to increase our competitiveness as a premium supplier and cater to the growing market demands,” said Jens Fischer, General Manager of Lanxess’ business unit High Performance Materials (HPM). Lanxess other compounding plants are in operation in Dormagen (Germany), Wuxi (China) and Jhagadia (India).

Sinopec Engg KPI terminates US$1.85 bln contract

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inopec Engineering, a subsidiary of China Petrochemical, and Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries (KPI) have terminated their previously announced US$1.85 bln contract.

In June 2013, Sinopec Engineering signed an engineering, procurement and construction deal with KPI to

construct propane dehydrogenation and polypropylene units. Since then, the companies have been negotiating outstanding commercial matters.

Sinopec Engineering maintains that "Due to a failure on reaching an agreement on key commercial conditions and other aspects, certain

Saudi Aramco, Sumitomo Chemical invite banks to back JV plant expansion

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audi Arabia's PetroRabigh's founding shareholders have formally invited banks to provide financing for the 32 billion riyal (US$8.5 bln) expansion of its petrochemicals complex in the kingdom.

However no figures for how much cash would be raised by PetroRabigh a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Sumitomo Chemical - were given in the statement. The requests for P L A S T I C S N E W S

proposals were issued by the parent firms to local and international banks.

The new facility, known as Rabigh II, is to be built as an expansion of PetroRabigh's existing petrochemical plant, increasing output and introducing higher-margin products like ethylene propylene rubber, thermoplastic polyolefin, methyl methacrylate monomer and polymethyl methacrylate among other products.

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conditions of the contract were not fully satisfied. As the contract had not been implemented yet, both parties had no outstanding liabilities in relation to the contract. Sinopec Engineering expects the termination will not have any adverse impact on its existing operations, business plans or business.

Tesoro to invest USD 400 mln

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an Antonio-based refiner Tesoro Corp. plans to invest US$400 mln for conducting facility upgrades to extract xylene feedstocks in its U.S. West Coast refining system, as per bizjournals. com. The US$400 million initial investment will lead to recovery to 15,000 bpd of xylene. Tesoro expects to start up its new facilities in 2017, subject to permitting and approval by regulators.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Advanced Petrochemical to invest US$ 1bln INEOS, Doeflex in 600,000 tpa South Korean PDH plant merge businesses

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audi Arabian firm Advanced Petrochemical Company has decided to invest propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plant with SK Gas in South Korea for the production of propylene. The US$1bln project is scheduled to start up in H1-2016, will have capacity to produce 6,00,000 tpa of propylene.

The Board of Directors of Advanced Petrochemical Company approved the equity investment of 35% in PDH plant with SK Gas, for the production of propylene in South Korea, through

its subsidiary Advanced Global Investment Company (AGIC) which is owned 95% by Advanced and sources of AGIC equity participation will be announced later.

The total cost of the project is expected to be approximately US$1 bln and the project will be financed 40% equity and 60% debt. The project has commenced the construction activities and it is scheduled to start up in the first half of 2016, with a nameplate capacity of 6,00,000 metric tonnes per annum.

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NEOS Compounds and Doeflex Compounding have merged their respective PVC compounding businesses, to create a leading European PVC compounds producer. With this merger it has created a leading European PVC compounds producer with a turnover in excess of €200 mln and manufacturing sites in the UK, Sweden, Switzerland.

The newly combined business features an integrated management team from both entities and is known as INEOS Compounds.

Chevron to sell Ryton PPS business to Solvay

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hevron Phillips Chemical Company (Chevron Phillips Chemical) has signed an agreement to sell its Ryton® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) business to Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC (Solvay) for US$220 mln. As part of the transaction, Solvay intends to purchase Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Ryton® PPS resin manufacturing assets in Borger, Texas, its pilot plant along with its PPS research and development assets in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, its compounding plant in Kallo-Beveren, Belgium, and certain intellectual property relating to Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Ryton® PPS business.

operated by Chevron Phillips Chemical exclusively for Solvay for some period of time. Subject to customary closing

conditions and regulatory approvals, the completion of the transaction is expected in Q4-2014.

The compounding plant in La Porte, Texas, will remain part of Chevron Phillips Chemical and will be P L A S T I C S N E W S

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S E P T E M B E R 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

Core Tech launches new Moldex3D software

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aiwan’s CoreTech System (Moldex3D), innovator of True 3D CAE simulation solutions, has announced the release of Moldex3D R13.0. The software has plastic validation and optimisation applications for industrial design and manufacturing, with customer-driven improvements on functionality, workflow, computing efficiency and user experience.

Targeted at part designers and mould makers, it allows for optimisation in the injection moulding process, allowing for products in form, fit and function, reducing costs, and shortening timeto-market, says CoreTech.“Quality and cost are two of the most significant success factors in product development and manufacturing.

In addition to conventional plastic applications in the industries, the emerging market demands also require quick response manufacturing.

The release of Moldex3D R13.0 has emphasised back-to-basics problem analysis and troubleshooting capabilities. This is helping our customers tackle critical moulding issues to reach optimal production efficiency. Quality assurance and cost management that can be achieved effectively in a short time period,” said Dr. Venny Yang, President of CoreTech System.

Building upon the capabilities of past releases and improving innovation for performance and functionality, the software offers the following benefits and enhancements: a) Rapid Modelling and Meshing

processing work and a wide variety of powerful tools to help from geometric modelling to meshing. b) Heat and Cool Management Simulate melt front behaviour and visualise thermal variations in heating and cooling processes.

Improve heating transfer and cooling efficiency to enhance part quality and shorten cycle time. c) Enhanced Plastic Applications to Meet Market Demands Expands the troubleshooting capabilities in injection moulding simulations. Allows users to obtain more accurate visualisations of the moulding results. This gives users the ability to predict and eliminate potential manufacturing defects much more effectively. d) User Interface Optimisation in Postprocessing Provides an overall better user

experience and improves the efficiency of simulation and validation. Makes it more intuitive and more convenient to setup process conditions and visualise analysis results e) Comprehensive Material Databank Supports more than 6,500 thermoplastic and thermoset materials to enhance simulation a c c u r a c y. U s e s t h e b u i l t - i n filter to quickly select propertyidentified materials and evaluate the properties for use in injection moulding simulation. f) Model Surface Rendering Kernel Efficiency Enhances the model surface rendering kernel and boosts the rendering efficiency for graphic performance by 2 to 5 times, which leads to better and smoother model displays

Vertical blenders from Charles Ross & Son for low-impact production

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auppauge, N.Y. based company Charles Ross & Son Co.has introduced its vertica;l blenders Designed for low-impact blending, vertical blenders feature a conical vessel and slow-turning screw that thoroughly agitates a wide range of materials, including powders, granules, pellets, fibers, slurries and pastes.

The screw turns on its own axis while being rotated around the vessel by an orbital arm.

Batch materials are lifted to the uppermost level of the cone, then cascade slowly down in regions opposite the moving screw. The blenders are available in sizes from 1 through 500 cubic feet.

Improved user friendliness for preP L A S T I C S N E W S

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S E P T E M B E R 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

Fastest system in the world producing tamper-evident caps

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erman/Japanese injection moulding machinery supplier Sumitomo (SHI) Demag together with its partners, Total and Plastisud, says it has set a new world record in the production of HDPE caps with tamperevident band without post-moulding operations. With 190,000 caps/hour and 1.5 billion/year the company claims it to be a record. The El-Exis SP 420-3000 packaging machine produces 1.3 g HDPE screw caps on a 96-cavity hot-runner mould (29/25 design) with a production cycle of only 1.9 seconds. This machine is equipped with a 25:1 L/D ratio barrier screw and has been designed with a special

backflow barrier aiming to improve reproducibility.

The fast cycle time results on one hand, from the combination of optimised mould dynamics by what SHI says is its unique independent hybrid clamp system and optimised injection and plasticising performances. On the other hand, this achievement has been made possible thanks to the close cooperation between packaging partners, including Total, who has contributed with their expertise in polyolefin resins for the caps & closures industry. Total's HD6081 (d = 0.960 g/cm³, MI2 = 8 g/10min) is dedicated to still water

application and is said to be the "best" HDPE resin capable of achieving fastest crystallisation, thus reducing demoulding time between shots while giving optimised mechanical parts.

According to Arnaud Nomblot, Business Development Manager Packaging at SHI, “Total’s knowhow in the field of materials for caps production has greatly contributed to this success. The material provides a vital contribution in terms of production efficiency. The technical breakthrough was made possible thanks to the excellent flow characteristics of the HD6081 material.”

PolyOne’s TPE

Absolute Haitian's Zeres machines to Versaflex meets be displayed at NPE ISO requirements

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bsolute Haitian Corp. is introducing the Zhafir Zeres series of injection molding machines to North America at NPE 2015. The presses are based on Zhafir’s allelectric technology, but they are equipped with a hydraulic accumulator for molders who prefer all-electric but need hydraulics to operate, for example, the core pull function.

The Zeres series makes it easier for processors to switch from hydraulic to electric machines. It is the optimum solution for molds with core pull, and molded parts where quality is the issue rather than short cycle times, for example, with optical components.

The Zeres is available in the United

P L A S T I C S N E W S

States and Canada in clamping forces of 45-259 tons. Larger sizes will follow.

Structurally, Zeres is identical to the Venus I series, with servo-electric drives for injection, mixing and mold movement. The integrated hydraulic accumulator has a variable volume pump to manage other functions, like ejectors, nozzle and core pull.

The standard design has an injection speed of up to 200 millimeters per second in presses up to 430 tons (once these larger sizes become available), and 160 millimeters per second in the higher clamping force sizes. An optional ZE/h high-speed version can reach 300 millimeters per second.

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o l y O n e C o r p . ’s G L S thermoplastic elastomers u n i t s a y s i t s Ve r s a f l e x C E 3620 compounds have met all ISO 10993-10:2010 testing requirements with no signs of skin irritation. It said the results should provide confidence to designers creating products for the wearable consumer electronics segment. Several Versaflex CE materials have been used in wearable electronics applications Characteristics of the Versaflex CE range of TPEs include: a silky smooth feel; strong chemical / UV light resistance and end user comfort.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

Parx launches production of Saniconcentrates antibacterial polymers

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arx Plastics has achieved commercial production of its Saniconcentrates-brand line of antibacterial polymers. Parx - based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands - now is making Saniconcentrates based on Eastman Chemical Co.’s Tritan-brand copolyester, as well as on ABS, at a plant in Bologna, Italy.

“Being able to offer these offthe-shelf solutions is a great step forward bringing our biocompatible technology to the market,” Parx cofounder Michael van der Jagt said in a news release. He added that recent months “have been pretty turbulent” for his firm, as its received interest from several large companies.

“The world is moving towards more sustainable solutions and customer pressure is rising,” van der Jagt said. Parx’s Saniconcentrates and

Sanipolymers lines use a biocompatible solution to make plastic materials and the objects made with those plastics more resistant to microbes and bacteria. Bacteria proliferation and bacteria counts can be reduced by as much as 99 percent when Parx products are used, officials said.

The patented technology used with Parx materials is fully safe in contact with humans and nature, they added. It’s also suitable for plastics that come in contact with foodstuffs or with other materials for regulated applications. Parx worked with two Italian universities - the University of Bologna and the University of Naples - to develop the technology used in its products.

In late 2013, resin distribution leader Nexeo Solutions LLC began distributing Parx products to its customers in

Arburg to introduce LSR, powder injection molding

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rburg GmbH & Co. based in Lossburg, Germany, will show its specialty injection molding machines at the Taipei Plas 2014 show in Taiwan Sep. 26-30, for liquid silicone rubber and powder injection molding.

A hydraulic Allrounder 370 S with 70 metric tons of clamping force will run a mold with four bottle openers, at a 50-second cycle time on an open cold P L A S T I C S N E W S

runner mold. An integrated dosing unit from Reinhardt-Technik will demold the LSR parts using compressed air.

Arburg will demonstrate powder injection molding by producing a metal key chain—made of two interlinked metal parts-on a 50-tonne hydraulic Allrounder 320 C Golden Edition press.

Cycle time: 45 seconds.

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Europe. Parx was founded in 2012 and has been recognized by the European Commission as one of Europe’s top technology startups.

The firm also is a finalist in the World Technology Awards, which are sponsored by Fortune and Time magazines.

Hexagon introduces nextgen portable CMM

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exagon Metrology has introduced the next generation of its Romer Absolute Arm, a portable coordinate measuring machine for noncontact laser scanning to take measurements for applications that need mold-to-CAD inspection, on-machine measurement or reverse engineering of plastic and rubber plastic parts.

The six-axis portable arm features optimized ergonomics, a new wrist design and greater stability for easier use and reduced operator fatigue. a new write on 7-axis Absolute Arm has a more natural feel with the rotation centered around the probe.

Hexagon Metrology is based in North Kingstown, R.I.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

CUMSA - Innovative solutions for your moulds

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frequent issue in the molding industry that commonly became a nightmare for designers, moldmakers and molders is the release of parts with undercuts.

CUMSA is the most efficient and effective solution to produce injection molding undercuts, both with our mechanical and spring steel solutions.

CUMSA, is your undercut solution provider Since the early 90's, when CUMSA developed their first flexible cores to remove small undercuts, the company’s aim has been to reduce angled movements, simplify the installation and free up the central area of the tool leaving space for other mechanisms.

Nowadays, thanks to the continuous investigation of the company’s skilled R+D engineers, CUMSA has developed

a wide range of vertical lifters to enable the release of undercuts with a minimum ejection stroke, which avoids angled machining difficulty in achieving required accuracy.

Our lifters can cover or can be used up to 56mm of maximum ejection stroke.

CUMSA’s vertical lifters large selection may help customers to eliminate the conventional problems and its complexity, being focus on simplifying mold design for undercuts releasing. CUMSA lifters enable demolding different kind of undercuts with minimum space required. as on

the reduction machining time of tools, and. CUMSA lifters for undercuts can bring/achieve a significant reduction of tool cost and space, also added to the fact that lifter movement is generated made by the housing which is installed in the core, not in the ejection plates as traditional lifters.

Undercut releasing needs, many different procedures, depending on each undercut itself. CUMSA can get the best solution for your project, from standard components to your own custom lifter, our product models, sizes, dimensions covers the most common angles and applications.

Tecknor introduces Halguard 58600 Series

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eknor Apex Company has introduced its new series in the Halguard® range of halogen-free, flame retardant (HFFR) compounds for general-purpose jacketing applications.

Halguard® 58600 Series HFFR compounds are available with Shore D hardness ranging from 47 to 53 and LOI of 40% to 45%. Like other generalpurpose HFFR compounds, their ability to pass the most stringent flame tests such as UL 1685 FT4 or UL1666 depends upon the overall cable

P L A S T I C S N E W S

design, but they provide comparable or superior UL94 performance. They exhibit similar tensile properties and greater flexibility in comparison to competitive grades.Teknor Apex recommends Halguard 58600 Series compounds for cable used in subway, mass transit, cell tower, and other infrastructure applications.

meet the property requirements of a wide range of general-purpose jacketing applications while costing significantly less than other Halguard compounds or competing HFFR products, according to Mike Patel, director of Marketing and business development for the Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex.

It can be also used well as internal wiring in electrical and electronic equipment.

He added that to keep our customers competitive, our technical team is constantly working to create the optimal cost-performance mix.”

Halguard 58600 Series compounds

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S E P T E M B E R 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

AMUT supplies to Petstar the largest plant of Latin America

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.Lic.Enrique Peña Nieto, the President of Mexico, the Board of Directors of Petstar and Coca-Cola Management participated in the opening ceremony held at Pet Star premises at Toluca, Mexico, on the 16th of July. The latest PET wash plant installed by AMUT has been shown to the large number of guests including top level managers involved in PET recycling business.

This plant represents a great success for AMUT as it is the second one supplied to Petstar company, who wanted to double its existing capacity, thus proving a high-trusting knowhow of recycling technology.

This line completes Phase 2 of PETSTAR, owned by Coca-Cola and other Mexican investors, that today represents the largest Bottle-to-Bottle recycling plant in Latin America with an hourly net capacity of over 6.000 kg/h, handling 1.5 Billion PET bottles per year.

The AMUT PET bottles recycling system is designed to convert postconsumer PET bottles into flakes suitable to be processed by an SSP (Solid-State Polycondensation) system. The flakes produced have a top purity quality and are suitable for Bottle-to-Bottle application.

The plant has driven a change in Mexico's waste management sector by converting the post-consumer bottles into usable and valuable manufacturing input. The nonbiodegradable nature of PET bottles has always caused a excessive waste disposal problem throughout Mexico but now they can P L A S T I C S N E W S

be turned into second life. The consumption of virgin PET involved in bottle production is consequently reduced.

The AMUT plant includes a bottle pre-washing, detection, grinding, washing, drying and a final flakes detection in one integrated system running a continuous process.

AMUT patented washing systems grant the complete removal of impurity with a substantial saving of water and chemicals. The patented Friction Washer, connected with a water-flow recirculation and filtering system, removes any type of polluting material from the PET flakes.

The AMUT system is continuous process, not based on batches, where washing process, water temperature, friction level and resident time are automatically controlled and monitored.

The supplying of this plant is part of a social responsibility program to eradicate child labour: a reimbursement is provided to those families who collect waste bottles giving them the possibility to send children to school. Furthermore, the motto of Petstar “Recycling is giving PET new life” wants to have an educative function: recycling attitude should start from childhood and children themselves can be an example for their parents and promote behaviors against pollution.

AMUT Presentation AMUT is an Italian leading company with 56 years of great 58

experience in plastics extrusion and recycling field. AMUT has become a GROUP, with the opening of premises located in North America and in Brasil (AMUT WORTEX) and two special divisions: AMUT COMI, dedicated to the thermoforming industry and AMUT ECOTECH, producer of waste sorting and disposal equipment.The lines branded AMUT are completely “tailor-made”, following customers’ needs and market trends.

AMUT is a reliable manufacturer of extrusion lines for foils, sheets, pipes, profiles, panels, edgebanding, extruders and others ancillary equipment. Solutions to produce WPC are also provided with the special series EasyWood.

A high-specialised Division is dedicated to manufacture complete washing plants for PET bottles and HDPE containers, assuring a greater flakes purity suitable to Bottle-to-Bottle applications, and MINI PRF dry presorting system.

AMUT has recently presented its DE-LABELLER, unique full-body shrink sleeve labelremoval system.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

Varun Beverages Ltd (RJ Corp) partners with Reifenhauser Kiefel Extrusion to successfully install their first blown film line

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J Corp, which owns PepsiCo India’s biggest franchisee bottling business since 1991, has 9 Bottling Plants in India. They also have interests in the fields of Retail, Food and Beverages, Education and Real Estate. RJ Corp has franchisee rights for food brands like KFC and Pizza Hut from Yum Restaurants in India and Nigeria. Besides, they are in the Dairy and Ice Cream Business in countries like Uganda, Kenya and Zambia.

RJ Corp has a pan India presence and has performed exceedingly well in overseas markets. The group also operates out of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia and Thailand where it has Bottling, Dairy, Food and other operations.

Diversification has been the characteristic of this group right from the very start. In a true sense, RJ Corp has grown into an Indian MNC. One recent diversification was the setting up of a high output blown film line for captive consumption of collation

P L A S T I C S N E W S

shrink film, with the strong belief in quality. Reifenhauser India is proud to associate with RJ Corp after supplying them their first three layer blown film line from Reifenhauser Kiefel Extrusion. The line is dedicated for collation shrink film, used for Pepsi bottles (PET) and packaged water bottles Reifenhauser Kiefel Extrusion proved it right by supplying a 2.6 mtr wide blown film line suitable for various shrink film sizes required by Varun beverages, at their plant located in Alwar,Rajasthan.

With the joint efforts of Varun’s professional team and skilled expertise, the team from Reifenhauser Kiefel Extrusion,Germany and the Reifenhauser India team were able to install the line and get the line into full production in just a few weeks.

The line is equipped with state of art EVOLUTION Ultra Range extruders and Ultra Cool technology; Ultra Cool is the current state of the art in high output blown film cooling systems, with an output of up to 700 kg/hr with Varun’s recipes.

The line is also provided with the state of the art EVOLUTION WP winders to have excellent winding quality for multi up rolls. Varun Beverages is excited to achieve the 59

highest film quality with their required film properties for shrink film. This film is then fed in to shrink tunnels for packaging of soft drink beverages and packaged water bottles.

The line is equipped with the industry leading EVOLUTION C automation system, all operator controls being integrated in a single 24” smart app touch screen panel, for the highest operating efficiency and operator friendliness, meeting today’s demanding requirements from the market.

After sales support is assured locally by the Reifenhauser India technical team, head quartered in Mumbai, with branches in Delhi and all regions across India. The technical team of Reifenhauser India team has been trained in Germany

by Reifenhauser Kiefel Extrusion, headquartered in Worms, Germany.

RKE Germany and Reifenhauser India is proud to be a partner with RJ Corp/Varun Beverages and wishes them continued outstanding success.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

TECHNOLOGY

Biocompatible, non-toxic and non-leaching antimicrobial plastic

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urope-based Parx Plastics has introduced its biocompatible, non-toxic and non-leaching antimicrobial plastics- Sanipolymers™.

Parx Plastics was recently identified by the European Commission as one of the top tech startups of Europe with its technology derived from biomimetics to create antimicrobial plastics.

Consumers are becoming aware that solutions adding an antibacterial property to touch surfaces use hazardous substances. These substances or additives can be toxic for humans or have a disrupting impact on our environment, with the recent ban on Triclosan in hand soaps as an

example. But Triclosan is also used in plastics and so are many other pesticides. The majority of these substances are leaching from the product to kill the bacteria, and they might end up on your food or in the air you breathe.

Parx Platics have developed the technology that is the world's first antimicrobial solution for plastic without toxins or chemicals. It makes use of an essential trace element that is present in food and necessary in our daily diet for a healthy immune system and for building up hair, nails and skin. Absolute safety is guaranteed not only by the biocompatibility but

Braskem develops new polyethylene

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raskem has developed a new polyethylene that offers two times the life span as compared to existing materials. Intended for pipes and water mains applications, it was developed at the company’s technology and innovation centre in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul. A total of R$16 mln (£4.4 mln) was invested in testing at the company’s pilot plants and in adaptations to the firm’s industrial facilities to prepare them to start production of the new resin.

The new system employed in the process increased the product’s performance, with durability now calculated at 100 years for tubes under pressure, compared to 50 years for the P L A S T I C S N E W S

previous resin.The improvements in mechanical properties – creep, impact strength and rapid crack propagation – will ensure that the new resin meets all of the required standards in this segment (ISO, DIN, EN and NBR).

The resin’s main uses include pipes for water and natural gas distribution networks, pipelines to transport ore slurry and oil, sewage networks and water mains.

In addition to PAC2, the growing demand for this specific type of resin is also being driven by the government’s programme to promote universal access to basic sanitation, which seeks to improve public health conditions

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also because the technology does not leach out.

The antibacterial property is the result of an intrinsic change and not of leaching/migrating substances. The surface of a product becomes hostile to bacteria by means of a mere physical and mechanical action and TÜV laboratories prove it kills up to 99% of the bacteria within 24 hours.

Orenda's new pulverizer

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renda Automation Technologies Inc. will unveil a new pulverizer with new cooling technology at the Rotoplas conference for rotational molders. The main principles used in pulverizerizing used to grind resin pellets into powder suitable for rotomolding have not changed much in decades. The patented Orenda technology boosts the efficiency of the pulverizer by 100 percent. Pulverizing resin generates heat, which can melt the material. According to Orenda, the new technology will revolutionize cooling of the plastic, allowing a wider range of materials to be pulverized. The new method will make it possible to grind, at ambient temperature, materials with complex thermal properties, such as low melting points.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

TECHNOLOGY

Nanotechnology used to increase thermal and flame resistant polymers

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esearchers from Iran's Kashan University employed nanotechnology to increase thermal and flame resistant polymers, as per farsnews. Results of the research have applications in car manufacturing industries, home appliances, and aerospace industries. Among other advantages of the research, mention can be made of the reduction in environmental pollution due to the use of nanoparticles.

ABS copolymer is known as very commonly used polymer in various industries due to its cheap price and very well mechanical properties.

Ease of reactivity and high chemical resistance are among the most important characteristics of this

copolymer. However, relatively low thermal resistance and flammability are considered as the most important problems of this copolymer for industrial applications. Application of nanoparticles and their appropriate distribution in the matrix of the organic polymer to obtain desirable thermal resistance are among the objectives of the researchers in this study. Copper sulfide nanoparticles, whose surface was modified with the organophilic compound of thioglycolic acid, have been used in the polymeric bed in this research. These nanoparticles protect the polymer against heat, flame and oxygen infiltration like a block. They also reduce the rate of degradation and vaporization of the polymer against

heat. In addition, the replacement of copper sulfide nanoparticles with organic halogenized components results in the reduction in environmental pollution. According to the researchers, the unique distribution of nanoparticles in the polymeric bed with a flowerlike structure is among the specific characteristics of this research. Even if polymers synthesized through this method do not resist against flame, they definitely decrease the rate of its extension and they provide more time for rescuing people and putting off the fire.Results of the research have been published in Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry.

Means of converting thermoset polymers to thermoplastics discovered

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new method that allows the reversible conversion of a thermoset polymer into a thermoplastic has been discovered by researchers at Belgium's Ghent University.

The “click chemistry” conversion is achieved when triazolinediones (TADs) react with the electron-rich molecules of unsaturated organic compounds, including polyurethane, for example.

This characteristic enables them to cross-link the polymer chains, thereby creating a thermosetting polymer

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with macromolecular crosslinks, The researchers said the cross-linking reaction can take place under ambient conditions, adding that the TADs are insensitive to moisture and air and do not require a catalyst to react.

Thanks to their reaction kinetics and relatively low energy barriers, the TADs are capable of breaking and forming reaction bonds easily, with the “click” reaction happening at room temperature, while the “unclick” can be brought about at a temperature

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of 120°C – provided that the reaction partner includes an indole group.

These characteristics mean a thermoset material can be re-cast or extruded, while maintaining the properties of a thermoset polymer during its use. Another advantage of the “click chemistry” process is that the unreacted TAD molecules have a bright red colour that disappears during the reaction, allowing the user to directly ascertain that the process has occurred.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

IN THE NEWS

Cytec/Dralon to work on industrial grade carbon fibre

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S based Cytec Industries Inc. (CYT) is working together with Dralon, a German manufacturer of acrylic fibre, to support the exploration and development of large tow industrial grade carbon fibre. Demand for large tow carbon fibre is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing use in industrial markets such as automotive, whereby OEM manufacturers are actively researching the technology to help them achieve lighter-weight vehicles with greater fuel efficiency.

According to Shane Fleming, Chairman, President/CEO of Cytec Industries, "Cytec offers a strong channel to market given our position today of supplying high performance automotive applications, as well as

our decades of experience supplying carbon fibre composite technology to the aerospace industry. We are actively pursuing the development of carbon fibre-based composites for the next addressable serial automotive market.

Large scale adoption will necessitate the need for a robust supply chain of industrial grade, or high tow fibres, that offer low cost supply and continuity.

We are therefore working with Dralon to evaluate the most appropriate solution to address this market, including potential joint investment.

Dralon's manufacturing experience in acrylic fibre production, its rich brand identity, and ideal location relative to the target market make for a good strategic partner to explore the possibilities together, including

Chinese petrochemical imports under investigation for possible fraud

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hinese petrochemical imports have become the latest commodity financing tool to come under investigation for possible fraud, highlighting the risks from the widespread use of raw materials as collateral to raise loans and skirt credit restrictions.

According to reports from Reuters Commodity financing deals in China, which Goldman Sachs has estimated to be worth as much as US$160 billion, have come under close scrutiny after an alleged metal financing fraud at Qingdao Port, a huge trading hub

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in eastern China. Police in northern China are investigating another suspected fraud at Tianjin Port near Beijing, involving "mixed aromatics", a refinery product commonly used for blending petrol.

The use of commodities, from traditional copper sheets to perishables such as soybeans and rubber, to raise finance has been increasingly popular in recent years as Chinese policymakers have sought to tamp down rapid credit growth. That has added to the build-up of credit in the so-called shadow banking system.

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conversion of an existing facility from acrylic to carbon fibre production. As of now we envision operating the carbon fibre production as a separate entity with opportunities to seek additional external partners."

Stefan Braun, Dralon's CEO, said that the company is investigating conversion of existing Dralon acrylic fibre production lines for the manufacture of high-quality heavytow precursor as well as investment in new carbon fibre lines. “With our local footprint, we will be able to offer superior security of supply of high quality large tow carbon fibre to the European market,” he added.

Fullerene production explored on an industrial scale

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novel method for synthesising the ultrahard material fullerite has been developed by a team of scientists from the Technological Institute for Superhard and Novel Carbon Materials (TISNCM) in Troitsk, Russia. Ultra-hard fullerite, which exceeds the hardness of diamond, is a polymer composed of fullerenes - spherical molecules consisting of 60 carbon atoms.

According to research, the carbon spheres within fullerite can be arranged in a variety of ways,

S E P T E M B E R 2014

IN THE NEWS

South Korea to impose 6% antidumping DuPont fined for duty on PET film from Japan 2010 chemicals

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outh Korea's Korea Trade Commission( KTC), announced it will impose an antidumping tariff on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film imports from Japan.

film and decided to recommend antidumping tariffs of 5.95% on Japanese imports over the next five years," the commission said in a statement.

The 5.95% duty will be imposed for the next five years as local manufacturers are being undercut by the cheaper imports, the Korea Trade Commission said in a statement. The probe was launched in December 2013. "KTC concluded that there exists real damage to the local industry from the dumping of Japanese PET

The punitive duties will take effect after the Finance Ministry approves its decision. South Korea's market for PET film was worth about Won 380 billion (US$371 million) in 2013, with 17% of supply sourced from Japan, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Sony entering recycled PC market

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onsumer electronics giant Sony Corp. is getting into a sideline of selling recycled resins.

The Tokyo firm says it will start selling Sorplas recycled polycarbonate to outside customers in October 2014.

It foresees the resin will appeal to a range of manufacturers inside and outside Japan.

Sony recycles PC from discarded optical discs and light-diffusing films used in LCD televisions. The plastic is flame retarded with a proprietary, sulfur-based chemical to give a durable, heat-resistance material that can contain up to 99 percent recycled content.

Sony began in-house use of Sorplas in 2011 in some of its LCD televisions and has since incorporated it into a

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variety of Sony products. It soon will offer Sorplas to outside companies “with the objective of contributing to society by promoting the reuse of resources and reducing environmental impact.”

Sony claims its flame retardant is effective at concentrations of less than 1 percent, a fraction of the usual flame retardant dose of 15 percent. This low flame-retardant loading allows Sorplas to retain the desirable properties of PC resin without adding high amounts of virgin PC to boost the recycled resin’s properties. Sony says it will offer Sorplas at approximately the same price as conventional flame-retarded PC plastic. Three initial grades address high moldability, high impact and thin molding with high flame

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release

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uPont Co. has been fined almost $1.3 million for the release of several chemicals including plastics feedstock phosgene at its plant in Belle. The $1.275 million fine was announced in an Aug. 27 news release from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. The chemical releases occurred between 2006 and 2010 and included phosgene, methyl chloride, oleum and methanol.

The release of phosgene used in polycarbonate and polyurethane production took place earlier on January 23, 2010, when a hose containing that material ruptured, resulting in the death of a DuPont worker.

World over producing toxic and hazardous substances can be dangerous, and requires complying with environmental and safety laws.

Wilmington, Delmount based DuPont estimates that it will spend almost $2.3 million on improvements to its safety and emergency response processes at the Belle plant.

The firm already has spent almost $6.9 million on corrective measures there following an EPA administrative order that was issued in March 2010.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

IN THE NEWS

Bayer seeing success in project to replace petroleum with C02

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ayer MaterialScience says its research into the potential of using carbon dioxide as a raw material already is paying off in studies showing that C02 can reduce the amount of petroleum used to make plastics.The German chemical giant’s technology uses greenhouse gas as part of its Dream Polymers project to produce a key component for high quality polyurethane foam, and is already moving towards commercial use. The proportion of the petroleum in this chemical is 80 percent.

Christoph Gürtler, project manager at Bayer MaterialScience, said: “We have now succeeded in reducing the petroleum content for making other plastics to just 60 percent.” Carbon

dioxide is used twice in the new process. First, the greenhouse gas is incorporated directly into a new kind of precursor - polyoxymethylene polycarbonate polyol - replacing 20% of the petroleum. Secondly, it is also used indirectly, producing a chemical that is also incorporated into the precursor for a further 20 percent saving in petroleum.

“As a result, the proportion of alternative raw materials is already 40 percent,” Gürtler said. In addition to this, the number of plastics that can be produced using carbon dioxide is increasing. “It is now also possible to manufacture thermoplastic polyurethanes, films and casting elastomers in this way,” added Gürtler.

Startup post-consumer recycling specialty company Zzyzx wins grant

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n Allentown, Perryslyvania, company is receiving a grant of $737,000 to help support its efforts to develop polymers using postconsumer plastics. Zzyzx Polymers is getting a Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Science Foundation to working on a process known as continuous mechanochemical compatibilization.

Zzyzx - pronounced ziziks - will use the CMC process to recycle material without the need for extensive cleaning or sorting. This reduction in steps will return value to the materials in a more cost-competitive way, according

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to the company and the Allentown Economic Development Corp. Zzyzx Polymers recently was accepted into an AEDC business incubation program. “The SBIR grant will allow the Zzyzx management team to accelerate the process of launching and growing the company,” said AEDC Executive Director Scott Unger in a statement.

“Ultimately, that means the company is able to create jobs and reach profitability faster than they planned to. We are very excited to see them be awarded this grant.” Zzyzx expects to begin making prototype resins by the end of this summer.

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Such plastics are used in all kinds of applications, including automotive interiors, cable sheathing and sporting goods such as ski boots.

Bayer researchers have already proved in laboratory tests that the manufacturing process works in principle. “Initial application tests have been positive,” he said, “but there is some way to go before the process is commercially viable.” Dream Polymers is being supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. External institutions in Germany such as the CAT Catalytic Center, the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis and the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology are also involved.

Nigerian President flags off US$1.5bln Petrochem complex

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igerian President h a s f l a g g e d o ff t h e implementation of the US$1.5 bln (about N260 bln) Quantum Petrochemical Complex in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.

The state-of-the-art facility will produce a range of petrochemicals including polyethylene, polypropylene and methanol.

S E P T E M B E R 2014

EVENTS

Events and Exhibitions Expo Plast

Interplas 2014

Date: 24-27 September 2014

Date: 30 September - 2 October 2014

Venue: Bucharest, Romania Romexpo

Venue: NEC Birmingham UK

World Leaders, manufacturers of equipment and machinery for the plastics processing machine will perform live demonstrations on the cars present at the fair to show the latest technologies and applications available at this moment.Energy efficiency and reduction of production costs will be "challenges" the four days of the fair.

For over sixty years Interplas has been the show to present solutions, products, machines and ideas to the UK manufacturing industry - it is known internationally as the forum where the UK plastics industry comes to do business.

Held tri-annually Interplas showcases almost 400 exhibitors.

The event is resurgent and this reflects a revitalised UK manufacturing industry. Visitors will be able to see the entire spectrum of moulding and forming machines in action as well as materials, automation, contract manufacturing and supporting technologies including software, testing, inspection, surface treatments and much much more. In the heart of the action, on the show floor Interplas presents a high quality seminar programme curated by the leading organisations in the plastics industry including the BPF, GTMA, RAPRA, KTN and NetComposites. These tracks alongside sessions presented by organiser media brands British Plastics and Rubber and Medical Plastics News will provide attendees with information on cutting edge applications, new technologies and the hot topics in the sector.

Domestic and foreign manufacturers, importers and distributors of raw materials, finished and semi-finished products, technical parts, services for plastic and rubber industry, will showcase specialist updates, innovations and special offers available for this year's edition of the Expo Plast.

Plastex Date: 29 September - 03 October, 2014 Venue: Brno, Czech Republic Trade Fairs Brno It is the leading industrial trade fair in Central Europe with annual participation reaching more than 1500 exhibitors and 75000 visitors from 59 countries worldwide. More than a third of the exhibitors are from abroad. All nine of the key specialist sectors of the engineering industry are very well represented.

EQUIPLAST Date: 30 September - 03 October 2014 Venue: Fira de Barcelona Gran Via. Spain, Barcelona

The visitor profile is very strong, quite in line with the importance of the Fair. 70% of our visitors are decision makers and buying influencers, a third of them are in senior management roles.

The 17th International Plastics and Rubber Exhibition EQUIPLAST will have guests with market experts, scientists and executives of the Plastics, Rubber, Raw Materials, Machinery and Industry area It offers to show an extensive array of items and professional services to: Raw materials and additives, Machinery, equipment and automation systems, Peripherals, parts and components, Moulds and dies Semi-manufactured and finished products, Measuring, control and automation, Hardware and software, Environment, recycling, industrial and occupational safety, Research, development and innovation, Subcontracting and services.

As one of the best known and well-publicised trade fairs in the country, it is an established brand with a long tradition.

We also ensure that both visitors and exhibitors benefit from an excellent range of workshops, seminars and conferences.

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Bosch Rexroth (India) Limited.. ..................................................................................................................... cover Madhu Machines & Systems ...............................................................................................................inside cover Anupam Heaters and Controls .............................................................................................................................3 Polymechplast ......................................................................................................................................................4 Plastlink Technologies .. .......................................................................................................................................6 Ferromatik Milacron . ............................................................................................................................................7 Neejtech India - Braunform ..................................................................................................................................8 Satellite Plastic Industries ..................................................................................................................................10 PASL Windtech ... ...............................................................................................................................................12 Allied Solutions... ................................................................................................................................................13 KABRA Extrusion Technik Ltd.. ..........................................................................................................................14 Neejtech India - Wardrof . ...................................................................................................................................15 Power2SME........................................................................................................................................................16 Nu-Vu Conair ... ..................................................................................................................................................17 Mold Masters ......................................................................................................................................................18 Reliance Polymers..............................................................................................................................................41 Plastic Technologies ...........................................................................................................................................42 e3 Plastech Marketing Pvt. Ltd. .........................................................................................................................43 C&G Extrusion Machines . .................................................................................................................................44 Toshiba Machines . .............................................................................................................................................45 Plastic Park.........................................................................................................................................................46 Forwell Precision Machinery Co. Ltd. ................................................................................................................47 Fu Chun Shin Machinery Manufacture Co. Ltd. ................................................................................................48 Kalapi Bangles ...................................................................................................................................................53 Zambello Riduttori Group ...........................................................................................................Inside back cover Rajoo Engineers ................................................................................................................................... Back cover

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