Pn april 2014 issue

SAY YES TO PLASTICS Volume No. 77

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

Issue No. 4

Pages 80

April 2014

Rs. 75.00

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CONTENT

IN THIS ISSUE...

15...... AIPMA At Work ...Export Awareness Seminar "How to start exports and export Potential for Plastic Products"

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

MH/MR/N/200/MBI/12-14 Volume 77

April 2014 No. 4

Chairman - Editorial Board

Mr. Anandilal Oza

Hon. Editor

Mr. Ajay Desai

Members

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

...The 9th Plastivision Awards Nite ...PVA 2014 - Grand Success Proposes new parks for the Plastics and Printing industries in UAE ...Meeting to discuss solutions and counter legal cases for ban on packaging

26...... Interview

Editorial Co-ordination: Padmesh Prabhune, Dhruv Communications,

28...... Company News

Mumbai, Tel No: 00-22-2868 5198 / 5049

32...... Features

Fax No : 00-22-28685495 • email: dhruvpr@vsnl.net

... Compounding Pla on Twin-Screws

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.

... Algae - The potential source of biofuels and biochemicals ... Targeting cancer with a triple threat: New nanoparticles can deliver three drugs at once ... Thermoplastic Bio-based Polymers - An overview ... Global surgical equipment market expected to reach US$11.28 bln in 2019

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

... New Method for recycling plastic with printed ink

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

... UK consumers prefer plastic over glass for ketchup

of formal AIPMA communications no other matter in this journal should

... Sino-Pack / PackInno 2014 a Success

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

... Lesser Demand for US PVC

OFFICE BEARERS Mr. Anandilal Oza President

Mr. Sanju Desai Vice President (West Zone)

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

Mr. Rituraj Gupta Hon. Secretary

Mr. Anil Bansal Vice President (South Zone)

Mr. Manoj R. Shah Hon. Jt. Secretary

Mr. Ashok Agarwal Vice President (East Zone)

Mr. Haren Sanghavi Hon. Treasurer

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43...... International News 47...... Business News 63...... Product News 72...... Technology 74...... In the News 77...... Events

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THE PRESIDENT SAYS

We need to tap potential markets his month was full of activities and AIPMA. As the new financial year has begun, I extend my greetings to all our members. Also I am delighted to inform you that the Board of AIPMA has unanimously elected Mr Kailash Murarka as the Chairman for Plastivision 2017 and Mr. Harishbhai Dharmashi, as the Chairman for Plastivision Arabia 2016.

to be precise) visitors across 77 countries. Moreover at the PVA we had proposed for new parks for the Plastics and Printing industries in UAE.

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The success of PVA 2014 would be yet another glory and a feather in AIPMA’s cap.

The Team under the guidance of Jayesh Rambhia, Chairman, Plastivision 2014 committee AIPMA, has done recommendable job and we appreciate all the efforts undertaken to make this a success.

As you are aware we are just done with the 2nd edition of PVA at Sharjah. The second edition of Plastivision Arabia, Arabia Mold, Print Pack Arabia and the 5th International Conference for Plastics Conversion (PlastiCon 2014) were jointly inaugurated by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Saud Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Central Finance, and Indrajit Pal, Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) in India.

Back home the government has announced antidumping duties (ADDs) on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) imports into the country, earlier this month, in the range of $9.47-147.96/ tonnes. Accordingly, ADDs are now applicable on several exporters selling into the country following investigations initiated in October 2012 on ADD imposed against imports of PVC suspension grade originating in or exported from Taiwan, China PR, Indonesia, Japan, Korea RP, Malaysia, Thailand and the USA.

The Trade Show turned out to be a successful event. Held at the Expo Centre Sharjah from April 7 to 10, 2014, the trade show displayed entire value chain like raw materials and machinery for key segments such as plastic processing, injection molding, thermoforming, packaging, industrial users, construction, infrastructure, automobile and telecommunication, among others.

Total PVC demand in India stood at 2.25m tonnes in 2013. Of this 1.25m tonnesis locally produced, while the rest is imported.

Plastics consumption in the Middle East is driven by the packaging and construction industries, followed by consumer goods and textiles. A rapidly growing young population, big-ticket construction projects, and bigger penetration of pre-packed foods are driving consumption, prompting the region’s plastics producers to look at acquiring new machinery and technology to keep pace with demand. The show witnessed over 7000 (7,277

P LLAAS ST ITCISCNSE W N SE W S

Let us not forget India as a country needs to increase its export for better future. All of us should focus on exports and look at potential markets be it UAE or other part of the globe, at least for betterment of Plastics Industry.

Anandilal Oza president@aipma.net

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FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN

Multilayer polymers may enable harvested energy to replace batteries many thin piezoelectric layers are stacked, the cantilever can become too stiff for bendingmode vibrational harvesting.

e have been discussing developments in plastic regularly through my piece. Recently I have learnt about how multilayer polymer like say polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), could help generating energy. Flexible plastics that turn mechanical vibrations into electrical energy could spur the development of self-powered sensors and devices according to a study research done by Singapore based The Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

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To optimize piezoelectric harvesting with plastic films, the team deployed an analytical approach. Developing a mathematical model of a multilayered polymer cantilever coated with metal electrodes, the researchers systematically calculated how different material parameters affected the energy output.

The shrinking dimensions and decreased power consumption of modern electronic gadgets have created opportunities for energy harvesting processes that tap into free, green energy from the environment. Vibration harvesters, for example, produce small amounts of electricity from everyday mechanical disturbances such as wind currents, traffic noise or footsteps.

Their simulations revealed some often-ignored factors, such as the thinness of electrode coatings and the material's electrical parameters that can have a dramatic effect on the electricity generated by bending multilayer polymers. One key parameter identified was the need to match the electrical impedance with an optimum load resistance. The researchers' analysis showed that the energy output of a 22-layered piezoelectric structure could be from 5 to 400 times higher than a single-layer piezoelectric polymer of similar dimensions.

Kui Yao and his team The Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore have discovered a way to give lightweight polymer vibration harvesters a hundredfold boost in energy output -- a finding that may help to eliminate manual battery recharging in microsensors and mobile devices.

The team then tested the feasibility of their analytical results by fabricating a PVDF-based vibrational harvester on a flexible aluminum substrate. They used scalable dip-coating procedures to build up polymer multilayers and ensured thin metal electrode coatings with physical vapor deposition techniques.

According to Yao, many vibration harvesters contain piezoelectric substances that create an electric voltage when mechanically bent. By fabricating piezoelectric materials into cantilevers that resemble a diving board, these devices can oscillate from ambient vibrations and generate electricity. Researchers often use piezoelectric ceramics because they impart large amounts of electrical charges; however, the brittleness of ceramics makes them unsuitable for prolonged and large vibrational movements.

The experimental results are promising and show that, for many practical applications, piezoelectric polymer multilayers may enable harvested energy to replace batteries.

Yao investigated a plastic-based piezoelectric material, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is low cost and readily undergoes mechanical strain. To make efficient vibration harvesters from PVDF, researchers must stack the polymer in multiple layers, improving the output current and reducing the electrical impedance that is inherent to piezoelectric materials. But when too P LLAAS ST ITCISCNSE W N SE W S

Well that’s something we all would like to know more about..

Hon. Editor Ajay Desai

editor@aipma.net

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AIPMA AT WORK

Export Awareness Seminar "How to start exports and export Potential for Plastic Products" n export awareness seminar was jointly organised in association with PLASMA and AIPMA, on 26th March 2014 at Hotel Rathna Residency, Coimbatore.

Mr. Ramarethinam Regional Senior Manager , then elaborated through power point presentation the aims and objectives of AIPMA, networking through Fairs and Exhibitions. Special emphasis was laid on the benefits of membership of AIPMA, the service to the industry and the bridge between the industry and the government and working of policies for betterment of the plastic fraternity.

Plastivision India, Plastivision Arabia, Chinaplas, Plastic Parks, Plastics News Monthly magazine were duly highlighted with a request for delegates to enrol as members of AIPMA.

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The thrust of the seminar was to educate and enlighten all the members of various association on how to start exports. It also focussed on the various nitty-gritty and the scope and potential of exports of Plastics Products.

The seminar began at 9.30 am with the welcome address by Mr. Noor Mohamed of COPRA (Coimbatore Plastic Reprocessing & Traders Association).

The seminar hall was full with members of associations and their leaders. After the welcome address Mr. Vijayan Asst. Director, PLEX Council, made a detailed presentation regarding the basics of exports, the process of exports and the various systems and agencies involved in the exports.

This was followed by technical lecture by Mr. Shivaiya of M/s Yuken India limited who gave a talk on AC Servo Motors and Hydraulic equipments.

Mr. Y.V.Raman, Regional Coordinator – AIPMA South Zone, was the Chief Guest of the Seminar highlighted the need for the plastic fraternity to work together for development of plastic industry and plastic parks in Tamilnadu.

This was followed by the presentation by the Director of Southern Region of PLEX council, Mr. Jaswanth Soundarapandian about the role of MSME, the support and services offered by the Council.

The seminar was attended by more than 90 delegates with members from Tirupur Plastic Manufacturers Association, Coimbatore Plastic Manufacturers Association, Coimbatore Plastic Reprocessing & Traders Association, Coimbatore District Plastic Manufacturers Association, IPI Coimbatore Chapter, Erode Plastic Manufacturers Association and Tamil Nadu Roto Moulding Manufacturers Association.

All these associations have agreed to become affiliate members of AIPMA which process will start soon.

The seminar was concluded by Vote of Thanks by Mr. Dharmalingam, Executive Members of TAPMA. This was followed by lunch sponsored by PLEX Council.

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AIPMA AT WORK

The 9th Plastivision Awards Nite he Awards Nite for the 9th Plastivision India 2013 was celebrated with all fun and frolic on March 29, 2014 at the Hotel Grand Hyatt, Kalina Santacruz. Shri Indrajit Pal, Secretary DCPC Ministry of Chemicals and fertilizers ,Government of India, was the Chief Guest, while Prof N.C Saha, Director and Principal Execuitive Officer, Indian Institute of Packaging, was the Guest of Honour for the Evening. Mr Harsh Mariwala, CMD, Marico was the keynote speaker.

progress of the Plastics Industry. AIPMA as we know is the apex body representing the Plastics Industry since 1945.

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Mr Arvind Mehta, Chairman National Advisory Board, Plastivision India 2013, then addressed the audience and acknowledged the teamwork and the overall participation for the success of Plastivision India 2013, under the leadership of Mr Raju Desai, Mr Kailash Murarka and all other team members.

Prof N C Saha, the Guest of Honour was very much focused on his formal speech. He was categorical; very confident about the increase in the Plastics consumption.

He stressed the increasing use of Plastics in packaging and expects it to be worth USD 32bn by the year 2020.

He also elaborated on various courses in packaging held at the institute and various applications of Plastics in the

The function was organized to celebrate the success of Plastivision India 2013 held in Mumbai NSE complex earlier in December 2013.

Mr Anand Oza, President, AIPMA welcomed all the guests for the evening, introducing and enlightening everyone on functions and role of AIPMA in the overall

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Success. He mentioned the mantra of developing Culture and Values and involving people for the overall success of the organization.

packaging industry as a whole.

Mr Harsh Mariwala was then requested to address the audience. Mr Mariwala was very impressive. While sharing his experiences of decades, he almost took the control of the audience. He also shared some of the secrets of making a successful venture. Talking about his journey from an entrepreneur to a corporate identity, he cited some of his personal instances that made him learn the basics and further helped him to hone his skills.

Mr Raju Desai, Chairman ,PVI 2014, followed Mr Harsh Mariwala, to address the members. Mr Desai thanked everyone for their support in making Plastivision India 2013, a success. He said, “ It has been a thanking spree. I thank everyone for making this PVI 2013 a grand success. I thank all our service providers, professionals and professional agencies for their valuable support .I thank all Chairmen and all other respective Chairman and secretariat and all AIPMA members for their support. Mr Kailash Murarka,Co Chariman PVI 2014, also thanked everyone for the support and the guidance of the likes of Shri Arvind Mehta.

Mr Mariwala was also very quick to discuss the scope of Plastics in packaging, especially in the FMCG sector. He stressed upon how Plastics help him (read Marico) grow from 15% of market share to 250% of market share (FMCG).

He elaborated on various advantages that Plastics offers and mentioned how one needs to be innovative to remain at the one–up level in the competitive industry. He stressed on Innovation and maintained that innovation is the key to P L A S T I C S N E W S

Mr Rituraj Gupta, Hon. Secretary AIPMA then did the honors for the official vote of thanks. The evening was all live with over 500 invitees enjoying the dinner and interactions among the audience at times bursting in to laughter.

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PVA 2014 - Grand Success Proposes new parks for the Plastics and Printing industries in UAE downstream industries and plastics conversion, aiming to capitalize on the huge polymer capacity and to develop downstream manufacturing capabilities. The multi-industry event at Expo Centre Sharjah that became a gathering point for the region's plastics, mold-making, printing and packaging industries was of the opinion that a dedicated industrial park will augur well for the regional plastics industry," Industry executives, who gathered at Expo Centre Sharjah for the 2nd Plastivision Arabia, 2nd Arabia Mold, 5th PlastiCon voiced the need to better organise the plastic manufacturing and processing industry by setting up a dedicated plastic park. Similar sentiments were echoed by the co-organisers & participants of the inaugural Print Pack Arabia who mooted the idea of a printing & printing machinery cluster in the UAE.

he 2nd Plastivision Arabia 2014 organized by Expo Centre Sharjah, in association with All India Plastics Manufacturers Association, and the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry turned out to be a successful event . Held at the Expo Centre Sharjah from April 7 to 10, 2014, the trade show displayed raw materials and machinery for key segments such as plastic processing, injection molding, thermoforming, packaging, industrial users, construction, infrastructure, automobile and telecommunication, among others.

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According to the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, plastics processing in the region is geographically concentrated with around 90 per cent of plastics conversion in Saudi Arabia taking place across five industrial parks, while the UAE has the Abu Dhabi Polymer Park, the world's largest plastics park, and a few clusters in Dubai and Sharjah. Currently, the plastics parks in Saudi Arabia and UAE account for more than 60 per cent of plastics processed in the GCC and around 70 per cent of the 50 largest processors.

Aiming to make the UAE an important hub for plastics manufacturing and processing, and boosting the growth of SMEs in the field, the idea of setting up a new plastics park across UAE was floated at PVA.

During their four-day run, the trade shows featured over 250 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, occupying 14,000 sq m of exhibition space as against the previous edition's

Speaking at the trade show, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, said, "The region is now focusing on

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AIPMA AT WORK 10,000 sqm. The number of visitors also increased from 7,000 from 66 countries to 7,277 visitors from 77 countries. "Though it is just two editions old, Plastivision Arabia has earned the USP of seeing all the machines used for live display being sold out. This honour is something which even well established trade shows can't lay claim to," said Mr Jayesh Rambia-Chairman Plastivision 2014 committee AIPMA . Plastivision Arabia also featured a 'Business Opportunity Pavilion', 'Consultation Counters', and a 'Recruitment Pavilion'.

Modelled on DEMAT's EuroMold, the Arabia Mold was positioned as a unique fair featuring mold-making & tooling, design and application development machines and equipment, attracting industrial designers, product developers, producers, suppliers, and end-users.

at the show. No machines returned to India except for two demo machines which were not on sale" said Mr. K.S. Khurana, President of IPAMA. IPAMA which led an Indian contingent of 28 Indian manufacturers is also confident that a Print cluster in UAE will benefit the global printing industry.

"It would be great to have a dedicated printing free zone or park here in UAE. It would provide IPAMA members the opportunity to set-up joint venture plants with tie-ups with Western manufacturers, sucessfully marrying technologies while minimising manufacturing costs" he concluded.

"In the GCC, we are seeing a lot of interest in our 3D printing and we are expecting 3D printing to play a key role in architecture-related sectors and education. Since the World Expo 2020 is coming to the UAE, we are expecting a boom in the construction business where the demand on 3D printers will go up as they are used for model and structure presentations. We had great response from more quality visitors," said P. Viswanathan, Division Manager, Jacky's Business Solutions, which took part in Arabia Mold.

At the 5th PlastiCon, the focus was on SMEs, underscoring the fact that the GCC plastics industry can offer a tremendous opportunity for the emergence of a dynamic and innovative small and medium enterprises sector. According to GPCA, the plastics conversion market comprises over 1,000 companies that can be classified as SMEs.

Jointly organised by Expo Centre Sharjah and the Indian Printing, Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers' Association (IPAMA), the inaugural Print Pack Arabia turned out to be one of the finest showcases of latest printing & packaging technologies, machinery, equipment and supplies for the regional market.

Participants at PlastiCon heard how innovation can lead to global and regional growth of the plastics conversion industry, and featured speakers from the region's top petrochemical companies, including SABIC, Borouge and Sadara Chemical Company.

"The printing and packaging industry is fuelled by growing economies and rising demand from core sectors. Rising retail landscape is also keeping the order books busy for the industry. The inaugural Print Pack Arabia became a key sourcing point for the regional industry that was looking to invest in

GPCA Plastics Excellence Awards was also given away during the event. The winners included Dr. Mariam A. Al-Maadeed, Director, Advanced Materials Centre at Qatar University, Safetix Mid East FZE, Al Haya Waste Management & Projects Co. from Qatar, Converters Milliken Chemical, and SABIC and AGM / Toyota.

technology, machinery and skills development of its manpower to sustain growth," added Mr Midfa. " All the machines brought by the ten Indian exhibitors were sold P L A S T I C S N E W S

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Meeting to discuss solutions and counter legal cases for ban on packaging meeting was held on 15th April, 2014 at 3.00 pm. at AIPMA house. All the office bearers, all associations like ICPE, Daman...., etc., brand owners like HUL, Parle, Mondelez Cadbury, NGO’s such as Stree Mukti Sanghatana, Sampurn (e)arth Env Sol, etc., were present for the meeting.

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plastic package by imposing a ban on packaging of carbonated soft drink and liquor immediately and to gradually phase out the use of plastic packaging for all other non essential items. b. To consider and make appropriate changes in Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011.

The meeting was held to discuss on the recent bans in various states and legal cases in various court against usage of plastics bottles and multilayered package for all kinds of essential and non essential items. Most importantly we discussed on the most recent case filed by an NGO namely “Him Jagriti Uttranchal Welfare Society” in the National Green Tribunal Court, Principle Bench, New Delhi. AIPMA along with The Union of India MoEF, Central Pollution Control Board, Directorate General of Health Services and Food, Safety and Standard Authority of India is the five respondents in the case. AIPMA as a plastic association is only one of the respondent in this case. There are six prayers in petition:-

c. To restrict the use of plastic for packaging purpose of various other non essential consumer items. d. To take steps on implementation of recommendations of Khwaja Committee Report. e. Effective measures are taken to make responsible the seller of products using plastic material for packaging to recycle and/or dispose of the packaging material in an authorized and approved manner. f. To adopt the principle of “Extended Producer’s Liability” and ensure that commercial entities using of such non biodegradable plastic packaging internalize the health and environmental costs of using such packing

a. To restrict the use of plastic bottle and multi layered

Mr. Haren Sanghavi – Treasurer, AIPMA convened the meeting with an address to all present on behalf of AIPMA. He then invited Mr. Arvind Mehta, Chairman Governing Council of AIPMA, to give his valuable inputs on the current environmental issues related to the plastics industry. As this ban will affect everybody in the industry the meeting had invited all the associations, brands related to the plastic industry, etc.

Mr. Akhilesh Bhargava – Chairman, Environment Committee, AIPMA, Dr. D. D. Kale – Technical Expert, AIPMA and CA Mr. A. B. Bhanja presented their inputs with technical and commercial methods to tackle the various issues and above petition.

(L to R) Mr. Haren Sanghavi – Hon. Treasurer convening the meeting, Mr. Arvind Mehta – Chairman, AIPMA Governing Council, Mr. Rituraj Gupta – Hon. Secretary, There were discussions on the CSR activities Mr. Akhilesh Bhargava – Chairman, Environment Committee and Prof (Dr.) D. which is to be carried by the industry, financial D. Kale – Technical Expert, AIPMA

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AIPMA AT WORK & technical support from the industry to propose solution to the government, courts, local authorities and effective waste management system to be established in India.

Dr. Kale explained the main issues raised by the applicant in the petition •

Plastic is used indiscriminately and products such as drinking water, pharmaceuticals, food, beverages and non essential items like shampoos, cosmetics, food products, etc. packed in PET bottles, tetra paks and other laminated packages are unsafe and cause health hazard. In sort all types of plastic packaging is unsafe and cause health hazard.

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Besides, plastic is creating problems and CA. Mr. A. B. Bhanja explaining the technical and commercial methods to tackle letting out toxic chemicals, monomers environmental issues. and heavy metals such as antimony, lead, the brand users badly. mercury and chromium.

There were discussions how to frame a common strategy The applicant is pleading to ban on the usage of plastic where AIPMA in co-ordination of the various stakeholders / and in particular PET bottles, tetra paks, laminated brands / effected parties will help the Government agencies pouches and other packaging forms. in formulation of the policy. AIPMA can form a committee If plastic get banned or phased out, none of the along with the other respondents alike the outdated Khwaja respondents except plastic processors, retailers, Committee suggestions. Logistic of combining various consumers, raw material manufacturers, etc. will get agencies involved in waste collection, segregation and affected and how the Government can pass an order disposal needs to be included in the activities of committee under “Extended Producers Liability” which will affect to look into waste disposal problems. The Government should include the persons familiar with Plastics, paper, glass, additives and also the environment in the committee.

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Mr. Bhanja in his presentation explained all the sections / rules related to the CSR activities under The Companies Act 2013 & CSR Rules 2014. He has also explained beneficial provisions under the Income Tax Act 1961 for availing higher deductions for expenses incurred (either revenue / capital expenses) for carrying out scientific research activities either in house or by sponsoring university/ college / research institutes, etc. for conducting scientific research related to their business.

Prof. (Dr.) D. D. Kale discussing how to frame a common strategy.

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He advised three important strategies to achieve capacity building of the plastic industry;

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AIPMA AT WORK Establish / Sponsor a common institution with the help of AIPMA for conducting scientific research activities for developing new technology to improve bio-degradibility factors of plastic products. Sponsorship donations for these activities are eligible for more than 100% deduction (125% to 175%) under the Income Tax Act. The common institution shall be engaged in core areas of scientific research and apply for income tax exemption under section 12A as well. Advancement in scientific research shall cause benefit to plastic industry as a whole and better environment protection. Industries should adopt cooperative method for pulling resources for technology research and share the benefits equally on cost share basis to remain competitive in the volatile market place.

NGO can be exempt under section 80G of the Income Tax Act. Ongoing court cases should continue to be challenged under common platform like Plast India Foundation / AIPMA led group. Also media campaign should be aggressively made for bringing out disadvantages of using competitive industry products (like paper, glass etc.) into public eye.

These solutions can help to create funds to assist Plastic Industry to tackle environmental issues and come closer to stakeholders who will also undertake the issues raised from time to time by environmentalist.

There were questionnaires raised by the audiences and suitable response were given by Mr. Arvind Mehta, Mr. Akhilesh Bhargava, Mr. Sanju Desai, President Mr. Oza, Mr. Rituraj Gupta, Mr. Haren Sanghavi and technically supported by Dr. D. D. Kale.

Establish a NGO having a PAN India presence in all 640 districts to educate mass from littering and train them to segregate the waste at source. The said NGO shall also coordinate with all types of Local Authorities like Panchayats / NACs/ Municipalities / Municipal Corporations in better plastic waste management and other environment protection activities. Donations to this

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The meeting was concluded the vote of thanks by Mr. Rituraj Gupta – Hon. Secretary, AIPMA.

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INTERVIEW ackaging is one the growing industry and has been evolving over the years. For all those having interest and wants to pursue some formal training we have Dr. R. Rangaprasad, Director, SIES School of Packaging, Packaging Technology Centre, Nerul for discussion. Excerpts:

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Dr. R. Rangaprasad 1)

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SIES School of Packaging is an autonomous institute & offers its own certificates and diplomas.

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When was the SIES SOPPTC formed and what was the objective?

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6)

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One year Graduate diploma on Sundays for working professionals: Graduates with some working experience

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One year Graduate diploma through distance learning: Graduates with desire to acquire knowledge of packaging through self- learning.

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What is the fee structure for the courses offered?

For full-time course the fees is Rs.2 lakhs for the entire course whereas for Part-time courses it is Rs 50,000.

8)

Does the Institute have the hostel facility for outstation students?

No hostel facilities on campus are available at the present time. However, the administration helps outstation students to secure affordable accommodation at nearby locations.

9)

School of Packaging offers three post graduate programmes in Packaging Science & Technology:

b.

What is the strength (in no of Students) for these courses?

For Full time courses the intake capacity is 60 students while for Part-time courses the intake is 40 students.

What are the courses offered by the institute and what are the criteria?

Two year four semester full time PG Programme : Criteria : Basic degree in science, engineering, technology, pharmaceuticals,

When does the session begin (say July / Aug) every year?

Academic session begins July every calendar year. Admission enquiries can be initiated with the administration during the months April- June.

School of Packaging, was conceived to educate and train professionals in packaging science and technology, with a background basic degree in pure science, biotechnology, engineering or pharmaceuticals, to understand and develop optimum packaging solutions for core sector users including FMCG, Industrial & Food & beverage products. It also aimed to equip professionals in the art & skills of testing & validation of packages according to Indian and International standards.

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Who should opt for the said courses?

Graduates with background in pure science, engineering, food technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals science & technology can opt for these courses.

SIES School of Packaging Technology Center was established by the SIES management in 2001. The SIES (South Indian Education Society) is an 81 year old institution, dedicated to the cause of education spanning pre-primary to MBA and Engineering Music & Sanskrit. It has 18 institutions under its umbrella with schools and colleges are located in Sion, Matunga and Nerul.

2)

Are the courses affiliated to any university / Board or are they Autonomous? Details please.

Does the institute provides / helps in Placement or Jobs?

Yes. All our alumni are well placed in leading multinational- FMCG, Indian FMCG companies and contributing to the growth of these companies in the role of packaging development, Design & innovation, cost and weight reduction, brand managers etc. The placement exercise with leading companies usually gets completed during November and December every year.

10) What are the activities initiated by the institute for providing Industry exposure to the students?

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INTERVIEW

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Or Industry Participation (say, like workshop Demonstration, Seminars, etc) to provide a better understanding of the industry?

11) How does the institute ensure to mould the students as a competitive Professional contributing to the industry?

The school of Packaging organizes a study tour for 10 days during the second semester of the full time course. In 2014 March, our students visited Baddi Industrial Area and covered 15 major packaging and associated companies. Also Industry experts from Glass, Plastics, Adhesives, Paper and metal industries are invited as guest faculty to familiarize students with latest technology practices. Experts from BIS are also invited to make students aware of the standards, laws and regulations prevailing in the packaging domain.

As discussed earlier the blend of theory and industry interaction prepares the student fully to face challenges posed by industry 12) Your opinion on the current trends in Packaging / Printing Industry and why should students opt for such technical courses?

The Indian packaging industry is a sunrise industry and will continue to remain so for the next 10-15 years. This is one industry which has witnessed a staggering 18 % Growth rate in the wake of a global slowdown. The industry presents tremendous challenges in terms of cost and weight savings in the immediate scenario. In the long range vision, the packaging materials solutions will be based on bio derived polymers and additives, eco-friendly printing inks etc. designed to adhere to principles of sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Active & Intelligent packaging systems are only a few years away from the reach of the Indian consumer. Next Generation packaging materials like edible films and coatings has its roots in basic bio & food technology. These innovations in packaging will call for sophisticated knowledge derived from domains like industrial biotechnology, nanomaterials and chemistry.

Students are encouraged to visit various trade exhibitions, to see live machine demos and interact with exhibitors and prepare report. Students are taken around Technical centers of machine builders, raw materials & plastics additive suppliers and user industries at regular intervals as well e.

A student seminar and oral presentation based on a contemporary topic in the packaging and allied industry is an integral part of the curriculum.

f.

The last & 4th semester is based on In-plant training for 6 months in packaging and related industry.

g.

Two industry sponsored student projects in design and creativity and innovation during the third semester.

These projects are conceived by students, leading to building a prototype of a new concept which is critically evaluated by a jury from the sponsorindustry.

h.

12 industry sponsored scholarship paper examinations are conducted every Nov Dec covering all aspects of packaging science & technology. Students taking these exams benefit in preparation for their placement interviews and overall knowledge of the subject matter.

i.

Training workshops and customer specific courses for packaging user industries in large, medium and small scale sectors are conducted by School of Packaging either at site or on the campus. This is a blend of theory sessions and hands-on laboratory programme for user industry.

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

SIES School of Packaging, Nerul Campus, Navi Mumbai

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A P R I L 2014

COMPANY NEWS

IOC likely to call off acquisition bid if Purnendu Chatterjee becomes Chairman ndianOil Corporation is likely to call off its planned acquisition of the West Bengal government’s 40% in Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) if The Chatterjee Group chief Purnendu Chatterjee is appointed HPL chairman. According to reports in Business Standard TCG has been at loggerheads with the state government to secure management control in HPL.

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IOC had emerged the sole valid bidder for the state government’s stake in HPL, in which TCG is a key private promoter. Earlier there was no communications to IOC from West

Bengal state government since it made its offer in October 2013.

IOC had bid for Bengal's stake in HPL at a price of Rs. 25.10 per share.

But the share transfer process got stuck following the other promoter TCG's opposition and subsequently moving court over the controversial 155 million shares which the Bengal government had clubbed along with its own stake-holding.

Although IOC has a near 9% stake in HPL at present, the oil PSU had been eyeing a berth on HPL's board for

ORPIC awards PMC contract to Engineers India Ltd man Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) has awarded Engineers India Ltd the PMC (project management consultancy) contract for Orpic's Liwa Plastics Project at Sohar in Oman against international competitive bidding. EIL's contract also includes a feedstock extraction plant in Fahud and its transportation facility to Sohar.

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The contract is valued at over US$40 mln, and is one of two major projects awarded. The front end engineering and design (FEED) contract was awarded to Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (CB & I).

Orpic is owned by the government of P L A S T I C S N E W S

Oman and Oman Oil Company SAOC, the commercial company wholly owned by the government created investment in the energy sector. Liwa Plastics Project consists of a new petrochemical complex adjacent to the Sohar Refinery. The feedstock for the plant is to be brought from Fahud, 300 km from Sohar.

LPP is scheduled for completion in 2018 and is expected to double Orpic’s profitability through extracting significantly more value from every barrel of Omani crude and molecule of gas. The project, which revolves around a steam cracker unit, will enable Orpic to produce polypropylene and, for the first time, polyethylene.

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long, without any response. IOC waits to see the outcome of the financial restructuring, which the lenders had agreed to carry out for the troubled petrochemicals firm.

Honeywell USTDA JV for petrochem complex he Honeywell Group and the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) have partnered to fund a study for the development of a world-class gas-based industrial complex. The initiative, which could exceed US$3 billion in capital costs when completed, will lead to the construction of a world-scale petrochemicals industrial complex.

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The project is also expected to create significant employment opportunities and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth especially through import substitution. Commenting on project’s use of gas as the key feedstock, Dr. Ngu noted that Nigeria holds the largest proven gas reserves in Africa and is the 9th largest holder of gas in the world but has in the past underutilised this gas resource.

A P R I L 2014

COMPANY NEWS

EREMA introduces new model for recycling of PE edge trim new model designed especially for the recycling of PE edge trim – a fully automatic recycling system which ensures material-friendly processing through a short extruder, i.e. minimal thermomechanical stress and excellent material properties as a result, is being unveiled. The new INTAREMA® K system- the successor of the KAG system is being introduced

by EREMA, the global market leader in plastic recycling systems, will be presenting the for the first time at Interpack 2014.

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The model 504 K promises a further boost in efficiency. The new plant generation INTAREMA® was launched in 2013, with which the T and TE systems (for PE, PE-LD,

PP, BOPA, PA/PET, PLA etc. edge trim) and TVEplus® (heavily printed materials and strongly contaminated post-consumer waste) have already experienced an enormous boost in efficiency. The plant system known previously as KAG now also features the innovations of the INTAREMA® generation.

The result is the fully automatic INTAREMA® K recycling system – with the new, patented core technology Counter Current, the energy-saving ecoSAVE® system including direct drive and, for the first time, a touchscreen, the new Smart Start System for even more userfriendliness through a high degree of automation. INTAREMA® K is

BASF TOTAL Petrochemicals’ 10th furnace at Texas he BASF TOTAL Petrochemicals LCC (BTP) joint venture (60% BASF, 40% Total) has announced the startup of a 10th furnace at its steam cracker facility in Port Arthur, Texas.

petrochemicals industry," said Heidi Alderman, Senior Vice President for Petrochemicals at BASF Corporation.

Other optimization measures include a revamp of the steam cracker to process ethane, which was achieved last year.

The additional furnace improves feedstock flexibility, enhances plant reliability, and increases annual production capacity of ethylene to more than one million metric tons.

"The safe and successful startup of the 10th furnace, along with other optimization measures taken at the steam cracker facility, enhances the joint venture's competitive position within the

"These recent investments in the steam cracker allow the plant to produce more than 85% of its ethylene based on cost advantaged feedstocks," said Philippe Doligez, Senior Vice President for Total Refining & Petrochemicals Americas.

"Along with increased capacity, the new furnace reinforces the availability of the plant.”

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designed above all for the processing of edge trim and enables an up to 100% return to the production process.

The proven EREMA cutter/compactor/ extruder combination has always ensured the efficient processing of plastic production waste – especially in the packaging industry which, in particular, has very high quality requirements for re-usable pellets.

With the innovations of the new INTAREMA® plant generation, such as the Counter Current system, EREMA now sets another milestone in the field of in-house and industrial waste recycling.

Chevron Phillips restarts Texas PE Unit hevron Phillips Chemical is restarting two polyethylene units at its Cedar Bayou Plant in Texas, according to company filings with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

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The emission events associated with the startup of each unit are expected to last until April 17. PEU-1796 and PEU-1799 units were shut after a power failure at a substation resulted them going down, with visible flaring from the depressurizing process, according to a separate filings.

A P R I L 2014

COMPANY NEWS

Brazil's Odebrecht, Braskem to operate Petrochemical Project in West Virginia

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he construction of a petrochemical hub in West Virginia, by Odebrecht for Brazil’s Braskem has been boosted recently.

Almost 50% of the projects gas needsabout 30,000 bpd has been agreed to be supplied by Antero Resources, an independent gas and oil company.

The Appalachian Shale Cracker Enterprise (Ascent) is in a phase of economic and technical viability studies, and if it goes ahead, it's expected to start operating by the end of the decade, reported Brazilian business daily O Valor. Ascent intends to take advantage of the low cost of natural gas in the United States, due to the shale revolution, in an integrated

plant of ethane and polyethylene. The area chosen for the project is in the area where the large reserves of the Marcellus and Utica shale are located.

In this way, the company assures the proximity of suppliers of a low cost input, reducing logistical costs, explained David Peebles, director of institutional relations of the Ascent Project.

The executive added that many clients of the company are near the area. If the Ascent project goes forward, it is expected to become operational by the end of the decade.

West Virginia's natural gas will be used at the proposed cracker plant in Wood County, Antero Resources announced

Repsol to license Chevron Phillips's proprietary technology for MPE resins epsol Chemicals Division is in agreement to license Chevron Phillips's proprietary technology for the production of metallocene-based polyethylene resins (mPE).

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Repsol, which is Chevron Phillips' first licensee in the area, will implement the technology in its existing integrated site in Tarragona, Spain, which already uses the latter's MarTECH SL Loop Slurry Technology.

“We are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Repsol and to provide them with technology P L A S T I C S N E W S

to help optimise their polyethylene product portfolio,” said Pawan Bassi, global director of licensing for Chevron Phillips Chemical.

“We are proud to be Chevron Phillips Chemical’s first licensee to implement their technology to produce metallocene-based polyethylene resins, complementing our portfolio for film and packaging solutions” said Esteban Gimeno, polyolefins business director for Repsol’s Chemicals Division.

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recently. The company has signed an agreement to become an ethane supplier for the Ascent petrochemical complex in Washington, West Virginia.

GNS launches new pyrolisis furnace ussia's Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat has launched a new pyrolisis furnace at its Monomer petrochemical plant in Bashkortostan, in the Urals region of Russia, and expects its ethylene and propylene output this year will increase by around 13%. GNS did not give the exact capacity of the new line, but said that the ethylene output should increase this year to 310,000 mt.

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The new production line has a higher efficiency (91-92%) than the existing equipment (on average 73%), the company said, and is a part of the Salavat's capacity modernization project.

The line can run on two types of feedstocks, processing up to 34 mt of LPG an hour or up to 36 mt/hour of naphtha, the company said. The Monomer plant has three units, which produce olefins, plastics and alcohols and plasticizers.

A P R I L 2014

COMPANY NEWS

Oxea to expand its European capacity Shandong awards Engg for plasticizer DOTP to 50,000 TPA contract to CB&I lobal petrochemicals producer Oxea is to raise its European production capacity of dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), a general-purpose plasticizer, by 50,000 tpa by Q4-2015. According to reports, Oxea has signed a memorandum of understanding with an unidentified third party for the joint production of DOTP, citing rising demand for environmentally friendly plasticizers such as DOTP and diisononyl phthalate (DINP).

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"The European market for phthalate-free plasticizers is growing rapidly. As a replacement mainly for

DOP and DINP, DOTP is benefiting particularly from this development and our capacities need to be planned correspondingly," said Christian Boehmer, Oxea's project leader. The move also reflected a structural move away from traditional plasticizers like dioctyl phthalate which is likely to be phased out by February 2015 under the EU Reach program.

DOTP is a general-purpose plasticizer used in a range of applications such as automotive, construction and flooring, and uses the same raw material as rival product DOP, 2-ethylhexanol.

Sinopec denies Ineos charges of IPR infringement hina Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec), Asia's largest oil refiner, has denied violating intellectual property rights of INEOS after the Swiss-based chemicals company opened a case at a Beijing court. Subsidiary Shanghai Research Institute of Petrochemical Technology is being sued over technology related to the industrial chemical acrylonitrile, state-owned Sinopec said in a statement.

over such technology. There is no ground for the infringement alleged by INEOS," Sinopec said. INEOS said a Sinopec subsidiary Sinopec Ningbo Engineering Company had broken a long established technology agreement which, together with trade secret misuse by other Sinopec companies, had enabled development of a series of new world scale Acrylontirile plants without the consent or agreement of INEOS.

The subsidiary developed what became a core technology "after 50 years of research. Sinopec has full proprietary intellectual property rights

INEOS said it is pursuing parallel actions in the Beijing High Court and through arbitration in Sweden.

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B&I announced it has been awarded a contract by Shandong Sincier Petrochemical Co., Ltd. for the license and engineering design of a grassroots propane and butane dehydrogenation unit to be built in Dongying, Shandong Province, China.

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The unit will use the CATOFIN速 dehydrogenation technology offered from CB&I and Clariant's tailormade CATOFIN catalyst to process feeds containing 165,000 mtpa of propane and 250,000 mtpa of iso-butane for the joint production of propylene and isobutylene.

"The new CATOFIN unit will enable Shandong Sincier to process cost effective LPG feedstocks.

RIL's Jamnagar plant shut for Maintenance eliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has announced a planned maintenance shutdown of one of its three paraxylene units at Jamnagar in Gujarat. According to reports the scheduled shutdown period is approximately for a period of six weeks, and will also be utilized to improve reliability and performance of the unit. The other two paraxylene units will continue to operate normally.

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A P R I L 2014

FEATURES

Compounding PLA on Twin-Screws Charlie Martin win-screw extrusion is the preferred method for compounding PLA and other biopolymers. But processing PLA is complicated because it’s sensitive to heat and shear. It’s also prone to hydrolytic degradation if moisture is present in molten PLA. Here’s what one machine builder’s trials revealed.

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The use of polylactic acid (PLA) and other bioplastics continues to increase. Interest has never been higher, as evidenced by the multitude of PLA-related presentations at the recent 2013 Polymer Processing Society conference in Nuremburg, Germany, as well as the perennially high attendance at the NatureWorks “Innovation Takes Root” conference, and the plethora of other bioplastics industry events offered today.

Twin-screw extrusion is the preferred method for compounding PLA and other biopolymers. Compounding PLA on a twin-screw extruder with masterbatches, impact modifiers, fillers, additives, and other polymers increases the functionality of PLA. Processing PLA is complicated because it’s sensitive to heat and shear. It’s also prone to hydrolytic degradation if moisture is present in molten PLA. Elevated temperatures, pressures, and moisture all result in a molecular-weight loss and decreased mechanical properties. And PLA requires a lot of torque to melt and process.

In fact, torque is often the ratelimiting factor when processing PLA. All P L A S T I C S N E W S

of these challenges must be addressed in the design and configuration of the twin-screw extrusion system.

Asymmetrical splined shafts

It’s important to handle PLA the right way before extrusion. PLA pellets delivered in containers should be kept sealed until the material is ready for drying/processing. Pellets stored in silos should be purged with dry air or nitrogen to minimize moisture pick-up.

It is generally recommended that PLA be dried in a desiccant dryer prior to extrusion, to a moisture level lower than 250 ppm.

Free volume is an important design parameter for any TSE and is directly related to the OD/ID ratio of the screws, which is defined by dividing the outside diameter (OD) by the inside diameter (ID) of each screw. With a smaller screw shaft, increased free volume is possible, but at the expense of attainable torque. Torque is typically limited by the cross-sectional area of the screw shaft, the shaft design, and metallurgy. Deeper screw flights result in more free volume, but with less torque, since a smaller diameter screw shaft is mandated. Shallower flight depths and lower OD/ID ratios result in a higher average shear rate, compared with lower shear rates inherent with deeper flights and a higher OD/ID ratio.

Make sure the extrusion system has been cleaned and purged before feeding PLA, to avoid cross-contamination. Co-rotating, intermeshing twin-screw extruders (TSEs) utilize modular barrels and screws, allowing specific screw and barrel geometries to be matched to the unit operation performed in the machine. Co-rotating TSEs feature self-wiping screws, so standard metallurgies for screws and barrels can be used, such as hardened tool steels and powder metallurgies for increased abrasion resistance.

But all metal parts in the extrusion process that have stagnant flow areas—adapters, screen changers and dies—should be made of stainless steel and/or hard-chrome plated for increased corrosion resistance.

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For many years, the use of symmetrical splined screw shafts with

(Fig. 1)

A P R I L 2014

FEATURES a 1.55 OD/ID ratio was considered to provide the best balance of torque and volume. But symmetrical splined shafts induce both tangential and radial force vectors into the power-transmission train, and the resultant force is not optimized, as the radial force is not applied in a beneficial direction.

Recently, asymmetrical splined shafts were introduced that isolate the tangential force vector that results in higher torque transmission with a smaller shaft diameter. As a result, a 1.66/1 OD/ID ratio with deeper flight depths, higher free volume, and increased torque is now perceived as optimum by many. The combination of deeper flights with increased torque is particularly beneficial for processing PLA compounds (see Fig. 1).

The chemical nature of PLA makes it unlikely for gels to form during extrusion.

Since increased melt temperature and residence time are detrimental to PLA processing, streamlined screen changers with 80 to 120 mesh screens are generally recommended. Finer filtration is problematic since the associated high pressures can result in increased backpressures and higher melt temperatures, which cause a loss of molecular weight and degradation.

Various downstream systems are used for PLA products, the most common being an underwater pelletizer to make pellets for subsequent singlescrew extrusion or molding. For PLA, various techniques are utilized to augment crystallization during underwater pelletizing, including elevated water temperatures, short piping distances, air injection into the water stream, and fluidized/heated downstream handling equipment.

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Running PLA on Twins: Three Trials Leistritz has recently conducted three PLA experiments on TSEs:

1. PLA pellet output-rate checks: PLA pellets (NatureWorks Ingeo 2002D) were processed on a ZSE27 HP model (27-mm diam. screws, 4.5-mm flight depth, 1.5 OD/ID ratio) and a ZSE-27 MAXX (28.3-mm diam., 5.7-mm flight depth, 1.66 OD/ID ratio).

Speeds were 300, 600, and 1200 rpm.

At each screw speed the throughput rate was increased until a boundary condition was encountered, which ranged from 130 lb/hr at 300 rpm to 375 lb/hr at 1200 rpm. All test runs were torque limited, not feed limited.

Using the same motor/torque, the ZSE-27 MAXX yielded approximately 10% higher rates with lower melt temperatures, as compared with the ZSE-27 HP model (Fig. 2).

(Fig. 3)

The residence times associated with these tests in the TSE were short, less than 30 sec. However it’s not only the residence time (RT) in the TSE, but also in the front-end system, that matters. For instance, if the TSE is mated only to an underwater pelletizing die, the RT may be less than 5 sec in that front end, as compared with 1 to 5+ min RT for a sheet system that integrates a gear pump, screen changer, and sheet die. A short RT allows a wider process window and higher melt temperature without degradation. The combination of RT and temperature must always be considered.

2. Direct extrusion of filled PLA sheet:

(Fig. 2)

The gentler melting mechanism of the 1.66/1 OD/ID design consumed less torque and allowed higher throughputs, while the lower average shear rate inherent with a deeper flighted TSE resulted in a lower specific energy input and melt temperature (Fig. 3).

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Testing on a TSE sheeting system was performed to compound PLA (NatureWorks Ingeo 2003D) with 1525% CaC03 (Specialty Minerals EM Force) to determine process feasibility to convert raw ingredients directly into sheet in one step, bypassing pelletizing and avoiding an extra heat/ shear history in further processing with a single-screw extruder.

Tests were performed using two loss-in-weight metering feeders and a ZSE-27 MAXX twin-screw extruder with 28.3-mm diam. screws and 1.66 OD/ID ratio, equipped with a side

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FEATURES stuffer for downstream filler addition.

The front-end system included a gear pump, 10-in.-wide, flexible-lip sheet/ film die, three-roll stack with a pull roll, and a torque winding station. The process ran at 90 lb/hr and screw speed of 200 rpm.

that result. For post-consumer reclaim processing, sometimes coarse filtration is implemented before the gear pump, and fine filtration after the gear pump.

The system produced 0.5-mm-thick sheet. Melt temperature was under 390 F. Sheet impact properties were measured by normalized Gardner impact MFE (mean failure energy), which indicated that mechanical strength was increased by nearly a factor of 20 for the filled PLA formulation (Fig. 4). Analysis of the film/sheet samples indicated a well-dispersed product with acceptable surface quality and dimensional stability. Additional scale-up testing seems a worthwhile next step.

PLA pellets and edge trim were metered at a 50/50 ratio into a ZSE-50 MAXX (51.2-mm-diam. screws, 1.66 OD/ID ratio, 40:1 L/D) with a screw and barrel designed to optimize v e n t i n g e ff i c i e n c y.

The process was run at 440 lb/hr and 250 rpm. The temperature zones were between 350 F and 390 F. Melt temperature was 375390 F. Motor load was approximately 70%.

(Fig. 4)

For direct sheet (or, for that matter, profile, film, or fiber) extrusion, it is generally a good practice to mate a gear pump to the TSE to build and stabilize pressure to the die.

Integrating the gear pump to the TSE before the screen changer allows the extruder to maintain a low inlet pressure (less than 800 psi), minimizing the viscous heating effect from elevated pressures and overflight mixing at the TSE discharge

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3. Undried PLA (pellets & regrind) direct-to-sheet:

The downstream system included a gear pump, slide-plate screen changer (100-mm breaker plate) with 100 mesh screens; 40-in.-wide, flexible-lip sheet die; three-roll stack with pull-roll station; and a torque winder.

Moisture-analyzer tests indicated the PLA pellets had 1600-2000 ppm moisture content, and the regrind materials between 2800 and 4200 ppm. If the TSE process section and screw design are optimized, hydrolysis can be minimized and expensive drying and crystallization operations can be eliminated.

Analysis of the sheet samples indicated a molecular-weight loss of between 5% and 8%, deemed 34

successful for this application (Fig. 5).

Predried PLA processed on a singlescrew extruder will most likely result in less molecular-weight loss; however, the results indicate that processing undried PLA (or PET) on a TSE is viable for many, and probably most, products.

(Fig. 5)

When specifying a co-rotating, intermeshing twin-screw extruder, it’s important to be aware of the boundary conditions you may encounter. PLA processes are heat-transfer (and torque) limited, and throughputs attained in a lab environment therefore do not scale up volumetrically.

Based upon the results noted, de-rating screw rpm and assuming heat-transfer limitations, scale-up programs indicate attainable rates of approximately 4400 lb/hr for a TSE with a 1.66 OD/ID ratio and 140-mm diam. screws.

Charlie Martin is president/general manager of Leistritz Extrusion, Somerville, N.J., a supplier of twinscrew systems for compounding, direct extrusion, and pharmaceutical applications. Martin has been with Leistritz since August 1990. From 1984-1990 he worked for Killion Extruders.

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FEATURES

Algae - The potential source of biofuels and biochemicals lgae may be a potential source of biofuels and biochemicals according to researchers at the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT)

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Algae are organisms useful in many ways in the transition towards a bio-economy. Even in a cool climate as in Finland, algae might be used to produce biochemicals and biofuels, besides use in capture of industrial carbon dioxide emissions.

The ALGIDA project coordinated

by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland explored algae growing in Finland. Algae are not yet profitably cultivated for energy production purposes. The cultivation is challenging especially in cool climate where there is little daylight in winter.

Production is expensive compared with wood and agricultural biomass.

But the findings of the ALGIDA project indicate that establishing profitable algae cultivation can also be possible in Finland.

The components of algae are suitable not only for producing biofuels but also pigments, cosmetics components or hydrogels. Algae are also used in the production of nutritional supplements, particularly omega-3. Algal biomass is suitable for biofertilisers.

“The most sensible thing to do in Finland is to integrate cultivation into industrial processes with spill heat and to integration into industrial processes

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with spill heat and focus development on the production of biofuels and biochemical compounds, and on nutrient removal from effluents. Algae can also be used to recover nutrients, organic impurities and heavy metals from waste and waste water,” says the project manager, Principal Scientist Mona Arnold from VTT. Using algae to produce biofuels requires growing conditions where the algae produce high levels of lipids.

The profitability of commercialisation depends on trends in oil prices.

Economically sustainable production requires that all components of the algal biomass need are used.

This is an internationally active area of research, and it is worthwhile for Finland to be involved. The aviation industry in particular is interested in the potential of algae-based biofuels.

Algae need heat but manage without light The purpose of the ALGIDA project was to explore algae growth in waste waters in Finland and how the condition could be improved. Short daylight hours of winter are a problem, but algae are able to adapt to variable growing conditions.

There are basically two options for a carbon source in algae cultivation: either carbon dioxide in the air and in industrial emissions, or organic waste. The project demonstrated the possibility of cultivating algae by using

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carbon dioxide source in the summer, when light is available and waste sugar in the winter.

Algae need warmth to grow. In the Finnish climate it makes sense to link algae cultivation to industrial operations where residual heat is available to heat algae cultivation ponds or reactors. Energy is also needed for harvesting and water extraction.

In the SWEET programme, VTT and Kemira collaborated to develop chemical means for enhancing the harvesting and drying stage.

VTT is currently launching cooperation with the oil and gas company ONGC in India and with CLEEN Ltd. (Cluster for Clean Energy and Environment in Finland).

The aim here is to demonstrate the capacity of algae in pilot scale to bind carbon dioxide from emissions from a natural gas refinery.

This will reveal the potential of algae in a CO2 capture, best applications for algal biomass and how well algae could be grown in industrial waste water.

VTT coordinated the project ‘Algae from waste for combined biodiesel and biogas production’ (ALGIDA) between 2010 and 2013. VTT collaborated with the University of Helsinki, the Finnish Environmental Institute, the HAMK University of Applied Sciences and the Lahti University of Applied Sciences.

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Targeting cancer with a triple threat: New nanoparticles can deliver three drugs at once reating cancer patients is never easy. According to a Study data published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society nanoparticles can now be loaded with three ovarian cancer drugs.

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Chemists have designed nanoparticles that can deliver three cancer drugs at a time. Such particles could be designed to carry even more drugs, allowing researchers to develop new treatment regimens that could better kill cancer cells while avoiding the side effects of traditional chemotherapy. “We think it’s the first example of a nanoparticle that carries a precise ratio of three drugs and can release those drugs in response to three distinct triggering mechanisms,” says the lead researcher and author.

Delivering chemotherapy drugs in nanoparticle form could help reduce side effects by targeting the drugs directly to the tumors. In recent years, scientists have developed nanoparticles that deliver one or two chemotherapy drugs, but it has been difficult to design particles that can carry any more than that in a precise ratio. Now MIT chemists have devised a new way to build such nanoparticles, making it much easier to include three or more different drugs. In a paper published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the researchers showed that they could load their particles with three drugs commonly used to treat ovarian cancer.

“We think it’s the first example of

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a nanoparticle that carries a precise ratio of three drugs and can release those drugs in response to three distinct triggering mechanisms,” says Jeremiah Johnson, an assistant professor of chemistry at MIT and the senior author of the new paper.

Such particles could be designed to carry even more drugs, allowing researchers to develop new treatment regimens that could better kill cancer cells while avoiding the side effects of traditional chemotherapy.

In the JACS paper, Johnson and colleagues demonstrated that the triple-threat nanoparticles could kill ovarian cancer cells more effectively than particles carrying only one or two drugs, and they have begun testing the particles against tumors in animals.

Longyan Liao, a postdoc in Johnson’s lab, is the paper’s lead author.

Putting the pieces together Johnson’s new approach overcomes the inherent limitations of the two methods most often used to produce drug-delivering nanoparticles: encapsulating small drug molecules inside the particles or chemically attaching them to the particle. With both of these techniques, the reactions required to assemble the particles become increasingly difficult with each new drug that is added.

Combining these two approaches -- encapsulating one drug inside a particle and attaching a different one to 36

the surface -- has had some success, but is still limited to two drugs.

Johnson set out to create a new type of particle that would overcome those constraints, enabling the loading of any number of different drugs.

Instead of building the particle and then attaching drug molecules, he created building blocks that already include the drug. These building blocks can be joined together in a very specific structure, and the researchers can precisely control how much of each drug is included.

Each building block consists of three components: the drug molecule, a linking unit that can connect to other blocks, and a chain of polyethylene glycol (PEG), which helps protect the particle from being broken down in the body. Hundreds of these blocks can be linked using an approach Johnson developed, called “brush first polymerization.”

“This is a new way to build the particles from the beginning,” Johnson says. “If I want a particle with five drugs, I just take the five building blocks I want and have those assemble into a particle. In principle, there’s no limitation on how many drugs you can add, and the ratio of drugs carried by the particles just depends on how they are mixed together in the beginning.”

Varying combinations For this paper, the researchers created particles that carry the drugs cisplatin, doxorubicin, and A P R I L 2014

FEATURES camptothecin, which are often used alone or in combination to treat ovarian cancer. Each particle carries the three drugs in a specific ratio that matches the maximum tolerated dose of each drug, and each drug has its own release mechanism. Cisplatin is freed as soon as the particle enters a cell, as the bonds holding it to the particle break down on exposure to glutathione, an antioxidant present in cells. Camptothecin is also released quickly when it encounters cellular enzymes called esterases.

The third drug, doxorubicin, was designed so that it would be released only when ultraviolet light shines on the particle. Once all three drugs are released, all that is left behind is PEG, which is easily biodegradable.

This approach “represents a clever new breakthrough in multidrug release through the simultaneous

inclusion of different drugs, through distinct chemistries, within the same … platform,” says Todd Emrick, a professor of polymer science and engineering at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst who was not involved in the study.

Working with researchers in the lab of Paula Hammond, the David H. Koch Professor of Engineering and a member of MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, the team tested the particles against ovarian cancer cells grown in the lab. Particles carrying all three drugs killed the cancer cells at a higher rate than those that delivered only one or two drugs.

Johnson’s lab is now working on particles that carry four drugs, and the researchers are also planning to tag the particles with molecules that will allow them to home to tumor cells by interacting with proteins found

on the cell surfaces. Johnson also envisions that the ability to reliably produce large quantities of multidrugcarrying nanoparticles will enable large-scale testing of possible new cancer treatments. “It’s important to be able to rapidly and efficiently make particles with different ratios of multiple drugs, so that you can test them for their activity,” he says. “We can’t just make one particle, we need to be able to make different ratios, which our method can easily do.”

The research was funded by the MIT Research Support Committee, the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program Teal Innovator Award, the National Institutes of Health, the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Koch Institute Support Grant from the National Cancer Institute.

Thermoplastic Bio-based Polymers - An overview omposite materials derived from natural, renewable sources have received significant interest in recent years, especially in UK,US, in particular due to the increased awareness of and drive towards more environmentally sustainable technologies. In many cases bio-based materials offer weight reduction, added functionality (e.g. damping / impact absorption) and occupational health benefits.

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A significant market driver for high volume applications is the potential to disassociate material costs from the fluctuating price of oil and energy.

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The term “biocomposite” is used here to denote fibre-reinforced polymer composite materials where the fibres and/or matrix are bio-based.

Hemp, jute and flax are common natural fibre reinforcements in biocomposites and have good mechanical properties. Fibre quality is influenced significantly by the harvesting and processing steps and there is a move to reduce the on-field processing to improve consistency and reduce costs. Loose fibre, non-woven mats, aligned yarns and woven fabrics are possible forms of natural fibre for composites, with aligned variants 37

offering the best mechanical properties.

Fibre treatments such as acetylation can be used to reduce moisture uptake and improve compatibility with polymers. Synthetic bio-based fibre reinforcements, such as regenerated cellulose, are also available and offer higher consistency.

A number of bio-based polymers are commercially available including thermoplastics such as starch, PLA and PHB, which are used in packaging, and thermosets from plant oils and sugars. In the short term, blended resins containing both bio and synthetic constituents offer a good compromise

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FEATURES of performance and environmental impact. In most cases, natural fibres have lower environmental impact than glass fibres due to reduced CO2 emissions and energy consumption during production.

During the use phase, natural fibres can have a positive environmental impact due to their low weight. At the end of life, natural fibre composites can be recycled, biodegraded (when used with biodegradable polymers), or can be incinerated for energy recovery. A wide range of applications exist for natural composites, most notably in the automotive, construction, consumer and leisure markets. Commercial applications of natural fibre-synthetic polymer composites include WPC decking and outdoor furniture and automotive parts such as door liners and trim panels.

The demand from designers, manufacturers and consumers for environmentally friendly products will inevitably drive the rapid development of other biocomposite materials and products Starch from corn, rice, wheat or potatoes can be used to produce polymers and is an inexpensive and abundant base material. The preferred grades of starch for polymer production are high in amylase content, produced through selective breeding.

Starchbased polymers tend to be sensitive to water, highly brittle and have low heat stability but these issues can be overcome by hydrophobic modification (e.g. acetylation) and using plasticisers. Acetylation of starch, to produce starch acetate, reduces brittleness by reducing the modulus and increasing strength P L A S T I C S N E W S

and elongation. Plasticising with polyalcohols such as hydroxypropyl to form long alkyl chains (internal plasticising) or triacetine (TriAc) and triethyl citrate (TEC) (external plasticising) improve the water sensitivity, reduce the glass transition temperature (Tg) and make the starch more processable. Starch can also be plasticised with water, sorbitol, glycerol and urea but the sensitivity to water is not improved. Typical applications of starch polymers include packaging materials such as compostable foams, trays and films. Starch-based polymers are compostable.

Cellulose Plant cellulose can be used to make cellulosic plastics by using the acetylation process. Examples include cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB).

Cellulose diacetate became a major thermoplastic moulding material in the early 20th century and is still used to make some plastic combs and toothbrushes. Cellulose is inherently biodegradable, environmentally friendly and continuously renewable.

Polyesters Biodegradable thermoplastic polyesters can be derived from fossil fuel and renewable sources. Forexample, polycaprolactone (PCL) is a polyester which is biodegradable but derived from fossil oil, whereas polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable polyesters which are made from bio-based sources.

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PLA is a versatile bio-based polymer produced through the fermentation of sugars or the conversionof starch, for example from corn. It has been used for many years in the biomedical sector for drugencapsulation and medical devices but has only recently become economically feasible for widerengineering use PLAs are available commercially from a number of suppliers, although the most wellknown is Natureworks速 in the USA . PLA is used principally in food packaging such as trays, films,cups and bottles, but other applications include textiles and fibre filling for cushions. Different types are available for different processes or applications, for example injection moulding grades, film grades, fibre grades, etc. PLA is compostable in industrial composting facilities.

PHAs are produced through fermentation by microorganisms fed on simple sugars. Yield is improved by depleting the nitrogen content of the broth so the micro-organisms cannot synthesise proteins.

The polymer has to be extracted by solvent. It is suitable for films, bottles and containers. The most common examples of PHAs are polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) and the copolymer polyhydroxybutyrate-cohydroxyvalerate (PHBV). PHBV in particular is highly crystalline and has similar melting temperature (Tm) and glass transition temperature (Tg) to PP [34], although it is stiffer and shows a lower elongation to break. The principal commercial source of PHA is TianAn Biologic Materials in China.

In the USA Metabolix are producing

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FEATURES PHA under the tradename Mirel.

Typical applications are packaging, agriculture/horticulture and marine/ aquatic applications and different grades are available for film (blown and cast),

injection moulding and sheet extrusion/ thermoforming. PHAs are biodegradable and compostable. The FP7 funded project Bugworkers has developed a process for producing PHAs using non-

food grade sugars from the hydrolysis of wheat straw [51]. This project has also used a novel solvent extraction method for PHB which does not require halogenated solvents.

Global surgical equipment market expected to reach US$11.28 bln in 2019 he global surgical equipment market is expected to reach an estimated value of US$11.28 bln in 2019, according to a study done by Transparency Market Research.

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The data suggest that the global surgical equipment market was valued at US$8.43 bln in 2012 and is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2013 to 2019 Surgical equipment such as sutures, staples, scalpels, forceps, retractors, scissors, and electrosurgical devices are used for a number of functions during surgical procedures.

For instance, sutures and staples are used to close the wound after an injury; scalpels are highly sharp edged cutting instruments used for making incisions, and forceps are used for holding, clamping, dilating and suctioning during surgical procedures.

In this report, the global market for surgical equipment has been segmented into threemajor product types, namely, surgical sutures and staples, surgical handheld instruments and electrosurgical devices.

Of these, surgical sutures and staples market has been further

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segmented into surgical sutures and surgical staples individually, while the market for surgical handheld instruments has been segmented into scalpels, forceps, retractors and scissors.

In 2012, the surgical sutures and staples segment accounted for the largest share (55.6%) of the total surgical equipment market revenue.

However, during the forecast period 2013 to 2019, owing to slow growth rate, it is likely to lose some of its share.

On the other hand, the electrosurgical devices market segment is expected to show highest growth at a CAGR of 6.1%,owing to the growing demand for minimally invasive procedures that extensively utilize these devices.Covidien plc, ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH and CONMED Corporation are the major players in the electrosurgical devices market with a combined market share of around 60% in 2012.

The market for surgical sutures and staples is dominated by players such as Ethicon, Inc., B. Braun Melsungen AG and Covidien plc. In the surgical handheld instruments market, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Integra LifeSciences

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Holdings Corporation, Covidien plc, Aspen Surgical Products, Inc., and KLS Martin LP are prominent players with significant market shares.

During the forecast period 2013 to 2019, the market for surgical equipment will be majorly driven by factors such as year on year increase in the number of surgical procedures, rise in demand for minimally invasive procedures, worldwide aging population and technological developments leading to innovative products.

Due to the fact that electrosurgical devices play key role during minimally invasive procedures, rise in the demand for these procedures will in turn trigger the demand for electrosurgical devices.

On the other hand, factors such as rising demand for advanced wound closure materials such as glues and fibrin sealants, implementation of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in the U.S., side effects associated with products leading to product recalls, and intense price competition from local manufacturers may pose significant challenges before players operating in the surgical equipment market.

A P R I L 2014

FEATURES

New Method for recycling plastic with printed ink esearchers at the University of Alicante have developed a procedure that removes printed ink on plastic films used in flexible packaging getting a product free from ink and suitable for recycling.

This new technology developed and patented by the UA Waste, Pyrolysis and Combustion Research Group, allows the removal of printed ink through a physical-chemical treatment and retrieves the plastic film clean, increasing the added value of the recycled product, plus pigments obtained can be used in other applications.

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Currently, in most production processes in which there is printed ink on plastic films, the material is rejected for not complying with the final specifications required or simply because they come from the initial settings for the commissioning of the machinery. Many of these residues are

not recoverable printed plastic due to its high content in ink and therefore it cannot even be used to produce recycled plastic. The high content of ink significantly decreases the viscosity of the plastic and this is a problem at the time of reusing it through an extrusion process of the material.

“The most important advantages of removing ink are, on the one hand, increasing the value of engineered plastic, achieving to match the quality of the new plastic with a virgin one, and on the other hand, the selling price of recycled plastic compared to virgin plastic”, Andrés Fullana Font explains, a lecturer of the UA Department of chemical engineering and a member of the research group. Another important aspect of the technique is that during the process no organic solvents are used to perform the ink removal and the cleaning solution employed in the process is reused, which makes

it more favorable economically and environmentally.

“Therefore, we obtain a higherquality recycled material than can be applied to a printed product already used by the end user, or in print materials made up from production losses” Andrés Fullana adds. There is currently no industrial method of disposal of printed ink for these wastes and. At the very best, they are recycled without any treatment for applications with very low added value.

The technology has been successfully tested in a pilot plant on different printed forms of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and polyamide, and has been proved effective for both solvent-based inks and water-based inks. Also, it can be used in various sectors such as plastic recycling, graphic printing and packaging.

UK consumers prefer plastic over glass for ketchup re you a squeezer or a shaker?

Yes, that’s an odd question that could mean many different things.

But this is one is all about packaging.

The British Plastics Federation’s Packaging Group decided to find out which type of material consumers prefer their ketchup packaged in plastic or glass.

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Research commissioned by the British Plastics Federation’s Packaging Group and carried out independently

by YouGov, which surveyed 2,157 P L A S T I C S N E W S

UK respondents, shows that when it comes to the ketchup, 77% would rather squeeze their tomato ketchup out of a plastic container than shake it out of a glass bottle.

And in their words not mine, “in the battle of the sexes, although everybody prefers to dispense their ketchup out of a plastic bottle, more women (79%) than men (74%) like a squeeze.” Well okay then. So why does the UK enjoy the plastic bottle? The BPF states it came down to ease-of-use and the 40

design of these bottles, now boasting a top-down design where the bottle sits on its cap, ensures that it is easier for consumers to get more of the product out and to not leave any in the bottle when finished.

In addition to tomato ketchup plastic bottles, other plastic A P R I L 2014

FEATURES containers also came out as favorable in the YouGov survey. When asked to rank products in terms of their safety, convenience, versatility, innovativeness and openability, plastic containers (plastic beans container, plastic shower bottles, plastic margarine tubs and plastic water bottles) collectively gained 70% and over of votes by respondents.

Furthering the safety aspect of plastic bottles and containers,

consumers were asked to rank a glass bottle, a plastic bottle, a cardboard carton and a metal can in terms of their practicality and safety across all areas in the household. In the kitchen, bathroom, shower cubicle, bedroom and nursery, plastic bottles were ranked as the most safe and most practical 100% of the time.

“These independent findings tell an important story: that the plastics packaging industry has researched and

responded successfully to the needs and preferences of UK consumers of all ages.

Not only does plastics packaging address society’s sustainability goals, it gets the basic job done extraordinarily well - protecting the product and helping the consumer to use it easily,” said Phillip Law, director of general designate of the BPF.

Sino-Pack / PackInno 2014 a Success Highlighted Automated Packaging & Premium Packaging Products he 21st China International Exhibition on Packaging Machinery & Materials (namely as SinoPack 2014) and China (Guangzhou) International Packaging Products Gala (namely as PACK INNO 2014) brought a successful ending on March 5, 2014 at China Import & Export Fair Complex, Pazhou Guangzhou, P.R. China.

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China as well as quality buyer groups from Southeast Asian countries and Turkey.

As one of the largest packaging machinery and products exhibition of China, the 3-day exhibition gathered 521 renowned exhibitors from 18 countries/regions to meet with Chinese and international buyers from food, cosmetics, daily chemicals, pharmaceuticals and electrical appliances industries.

Sino-Pack 2014 congregated world';s leading manufacturers of industrial robots, including ABB, Kuka, Fanuc, Stäubli, Yangsen, GSK, Triowin, GO-WELL, Vanta, TechLong, etc. and were occupied by the crowd at their booth. Other brands such as Yizumi, Gurki, Omori, Mettler Toledo, Ishida, Schmalz, etc. that most exhibitors also expressed visitors they met and businesses made were more than expectation. Meeting a number of new distributors, agents, and overseas buyers are extra values that concluded in their fruitful result.

Lots of new exhibits were introduced at the fairground, that huge visitor traffic and business deals were accomplished. Sino-Pack / PACKINNO 2014 attracted 29,030 visitors from 93 countries/regions, and more than 100 delegations from different provinces of

PA C K I N N O 2 0 1 4 w a s a n exceptional platform in Asia-Pacific showcasing premium packaging products and materials under one roof, compiling top quality brands of the industry, to name but not the least, Starlite, Bemis, DongGuan Wonderful,

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MingFeng, Shangzhang, Anqing, ZhiTeng, Qingdao Rizone, Huaye.

Their creative design with different functional features brought fresh ideas and packaging solutions to visitors especially tailored for food, cosmetics, daily chemicals, pharmaceutical, jewelry manufacturers.

Concurrent Activities Spotlight Industry Hot Topics Nearly a thousand of visitors attended the onsite forums, symposia and seminars, inspired by the topics on "Packaging Development & Trend in Food & Pharmaceutical Industries", "2014 Brewery Innovative Technology Symposium", "Innovation on Cosmetic Packaging Forum", "International Health & Beauty Packaging Innovation Summit", etc. through indepth interaction with speakers, and informational presentation by industry specialists on the policy and market trend, the future development of packaging design in China.

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FEATURES

Lesser Demand for US PVC merican PVC has been facing weak demand across the globe with players reporting muted interest in Turkey, China and Egypt, which are main export destinations for this origin. However market sources say this might be a temporary phase.

Moreover this is against the domestic demand. It has been learnt that this might affect the exports as well.

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Insiders say " In fact, this is despite healthy domestic demand as well as ongoing supply constraints in the US, which, according to some players, may keep export allocations out of the country limited throughout April."

According to reports in Chemorbis, even though export prices out of the US held pretty much flat recently in global markets, some players feel that the prevailing offers may eventually be adjusted down since lack of strong demand will outpace supply constraints.

In China, players comment that they are generally expecting to see some downward movement in prices for April owing to unsatisfactory demand. “Weak local PVC prices and slow demand still create some downward pressure on import prices.

So we expect to see lower prices from Taiwan. American PVC is still very limited to China.

The story reported that there are rumors about softer American prices whereas our supplier is yet to reveal new offers for April so far,” said a trader.

A second trader concurred, “There is a market talk about a softening for American prices but we didn’t P L A S T I C S N E W S

confirm this.” Last week, a trader had commented, “We have not received fresh offers for American PVC and we will purchase a larger part of our allocation from Taiwan next month if American prices remain close to par with Taiwanese origins.”

A Taiwanese supplier highlighted that supply from both the US and Japan is very tight. “This is because an earthquake in Japan may force naphtha crackers to stop production for at least 10 days. Tosoh shut its plant due to insufficient ethylene supply, while a fire at Kaneka is affecting its upstream production. Plus, Japan is having the peak season for maintenance shutdowns during the March-May period. In the US, Chevron’s pipeline from Texas to Louisiana will be completed by June while a turnaround at Shintech may last longer than planned,” he stated.

In US plant news, Shintech’s scheduled shutdown at its Texas PVC plant is expected to continue until next week, according to market sources.

Maintenance at the Freeport plant started earlier in March. Axiall’s VCM force majeure from its Lake Charles, Louisiana plant reportedly remains in place.

In Turkey, more PVC players think that PVC prices may soften under pressure from persistently slow demand ahead of the local elections at the end of March.

Some distributors reported that both buyers and resellers are reluctant to engage in new purchases given the

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risky fluctuation of the local currency against the American dollar. American PVC offers mostly held stable week over week while even sellers offering on the low ends failed to grab interest from buyers.

A trader noted, “For the US cargoes, weak demand does not allow prices to increase in Turkey although American sellers are relaxed about their export prices as they report seeing good demand in their local market given the healthy construction sector in that country.”

Another trader reiterated the American producers’ indifference to the weakness of export demand due to their healthy domestic demand and tight supplies; however, others believe that globally poor demand will outweigh the domestic situation and they will have to come down.

In Egypt, players commented that weak demand in export destinations like China, Turkey and Egypt may keep import American PVC from rising further, although US sellers reported not being under any sales pressure given the good demand from their local market.

According to ChemOrbis, looking upstream, spot ethylene prices in the US were down 1 cent/lb (US$22/ton) on FD USG basis from last week while they held steady from the beginning of March.

WhereasFebruary ethylene contracts settled down 0.75 cents/ lb (US$17/ton) from January in early March.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Domestic innovation aids China’s push for shale gas hina will become the third country after the United States and Russia capable of designing and building the turbine-driven fracturing equipment that can reduce costs and cut emissions during shale gas development.

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Chinese private oil and gas equipment manufacturing and engineering company Jereh Group unveiled the latest turbine fracturing pump. Jereh Group’s new Apollo turbine frac pumper, is powered by a turbine engine. The Apollo turbine frac pumper reinvents fracturing equipment.

The maximum output power can reach 4500HHP, breaking the world record of 3115HHP, which was also achieved by a Jereh star product in spring of 2013. Equipped with a turbine engine at 5600HP and Jereh plunger

pump at 5000HP, its performance far exceeds that of hydraulic horsepower turbine frac pumpers previously on the market, with 3750HP engines and 2250HP plunger pumps.

Compared with a 2000HHP frac pumper, which is commonly used in China oil and gas exploitation, it has more obvious advantages, including smaller footprint, lighter weight, double power output and 82% fuel cost savings for gas under the same operation. (Fuel cost savings are calculated on the basis of China market pricing.)

According to the 2014 Energy Working Guidance released by the National Energy Administration in late January, shale gas production in 2014 will surge to eight times as much as in 2013, and CBM production capacity will also increase to six times as much as in 2013.

Duty hike impacts imports of PE, PP in Europe ith the hike in duty EU imports in January fell compared with December 2013. Starting From January 1, 2014 a revision of the EU customs regime, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, resulted in EU customs tariffs for PE and PP rising from 3% to 6.5% for imports from Gulf Cooperation Council countries such as Saudi Arabia. The impact of the rise in duties on polyethylene and polypropylene imports was clear as EU

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imports in January fell compared with December, according to Eurostat data.

Major GCC companies include Saudi Arabia’s SABIC, Kuwait’s Equate, Saudi Arabia’s PetroRabigh and Qatar’s Qapco.

More than half of PE and PP imports into Europe come from GCC countries.

Polyethylene imports were up 9.3% from January 2013 but down 35.4%

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EU resume imports of petrochem from Iran uropean countries such a s I t a l y, S p a i n a n d Greece have resumed imports of petrochemical products from Iran, as per a senior Iranian energy official.

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Iran’s oil and petrochemical exports have increased following some sanctions relief, including the EU and US bans on the country’s petrochemical exports.

The ban ease is part of an agreement inked in Geneva last November between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the US, France, Britain, Russia, and China - plus Germany, under which the six countries agreed to provide Iran with some sanctions relief in exchange for Iran agreeing to limit certain aspects of its nuclear activities during a six-month period. The Geneva deal took effect on January 20.

from December. The biggest fall was seen in linear low density polyethylene from 46,927 tons in Jan 2013 to 43,548 tons in Jan 14 from 63,073 in Dec 2013.

High density polyethylene posted a marginal increase from 91,050 tons in Jan 2013 to 116, 868 tons in Jan 2014.

Polypropylene imports fell 27.4% from January 2013 and 23.2% from December- from 67,450 tons in Jan 2013 to 48,962 tons in Jan 2014.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Ineos claims Sinopec using its technology, illegally neos Group AG claims there are at least three new acrylonitrile factories being built in China that are illegally using its technology, and it defended its high-stakes lawsuit against Chinese state-owned petrochemical giant Sinopec by saying it feared a wave of copycat factories there would threaten the future of its business. Ineos, which claims that its technology provides the basis of 90% of the world’s acrylonitrile production, accused Sinopec in a lawsuit in China last week of violating Ineos intellectual property and misusing trade secrets to

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construct new facilities in China.

Sinopec has an acrylonitrile facility at Anqing, Anhui province, which Ineos said is licensed to use its technology, but the company recently commissioned a second acrylonitrile plant there. The outcome of the legal battle could have major commercial implications since most of the world’s new acrylonitrile production through 2020 will be in China. “Ineos has clear evidence that SNEC has breached its agreement with Ineos,” the company said, as per PlasticNews, “Specific examples of

EU urges Germany to regulate polymer producers under ets he European Commission urged Germany to take urgent steps to regulate polymer producers under the bloc's Emissions Trading System (ETS) or face being sued over the breach of EU law, as per Reuters.

The EU executive sent Germany a formal request to comply after Berlin failed to give a satisfactory response to an initial plea to include the sector in the ETS, which regulates around half of Europe's greenhouse gas output.

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The bloc's flagship policy to tackle climate change, the EU ETS forces over 13,000 power plants, factories and airlines to surrender an EU Allowance for every tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) they emit. Under new rules, last year governments were required to expanded coverage by around 6% EU-wide to include new

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sectors including polymer and other chemical producers by firms including BASF, Dow Chemical and Solvay.

The Commission also said it will ask the European Court of Justice to consider whether to sue Poland over its failure to declare what penalties it will impose on firms for breaching EU laws regulating fluorinated gases. These so-called "super" greenhouse gases are used in fridges and air conditioners and have a global warming potential thousands of times greater than CO2 but are regulated separately from the ETS. In the same statement, the Commission said it has also urged Poland to fully implement EU laws designed to enable CO2 emissions to be safely captured and buried underground and to reduce the CO2intensity of transport fuels.

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projects that are proceeding where Ineos believes to have uncovered breaches of the contract are Anqing 2, Secco 2 and Sailboat.

These projects all involve SNEC. There are also several other earlier stage projects with SNEC involvement.”

Secco refers to Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Co. Ltd., which is partly-owned by Sinopec. Ineos said that the agreements with Sinopec also covered any engineering, design or construction work the company would do for other acrylonitrile projects.

ORPIC awards PMC contracts to Engineers India man Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Co (ORPIC) has awarded two contracts for construction of a US$3.6 bln production complex, the Liwa Plastics Project. The plant will be built in Oman’s northern industrial city of Sohar, next to ORPIC’s oil refinery and petrochemical plants. The Liwa Plastics Project is due to be completed in 2018, and will boost annual production of polypropylene and polyethylene to 1.4 mln tons. Engineers India Ltd of New Delhi will operate the project management company, while the contract for front-end engineering and design was won

by Netherlands-based Chicago Bridge & Iron Co.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Maire Tecnimont signs agreement with Carbon Holdings for EPCC contract for Egypt a i r e Te c n i m o n t S . p . A . ,

Water Desalination System, Waste

Construction (EPC) supply of Sea

through some of its

Water Treatment, Sea Works, Tank

Works, Tanks, Jetty Works and

subsidiaries, in association with

Farm, Jetty Works, Power Plant,

Pipelines as well as the Construction

Archirodon Group, has signed an

Pipelines and Auxiliary Packages

activities for all the remaining facilities.

agreement with Carbon Holdings

and Systems. Maire Tecnimont’s

Drake & Scull International will

for the realization of Utilities and

scope of work will consist in the

participate in the Project to perform

Offsite Facilities as part of the Tahrir

Engineering and Procurement (EP)

part of the local scope. The Tahrir

Petrochemical Complex located in Ain

activities for Utilities Island, Sea Water

Petrochemical Complex, located at

Sokhna, Egypt. Carbon Holdings -

Desalination System, Waste Water

the entry of the Suez Channel, is

founded by Mr. Basil El-Baz, Chairman

Treatment, Power Plant and Auxiliary

one of the most strategic projects

and CEO - is a privately owned

Packages and System, as well as in

supporting the industrial development

Egyptian company which develops

the Commissioning for all the facilities.

of Egypt, strengthening the domestic

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and operates downstream oil and gas projects in its home Country.

The agreement, awarded on a direct negotiation basis, envisages Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) activities executed by a consortium composed by Maire Tecnimont Group and Archirodon Group for an expected value between US$1.7 bln and US$1.95 bln, out of which 50% pertaining to the Maire Tecnimont Group. Following financial close, expected by the end of the current year, the Group will book its stake of the project. It is expected that Drake & Scull International will become a member of the Consortium. SACE, the Italian export credit company, is currently evaluating its support to the project financing.

The Project’s scope of work consists in the EPCC activities for all the Complex Utilities & Offsite facilities

Netherlands-based Archirodon Group’s scope of work will cover the Engineering, Procurement and

petrochemicals sector and further consolidating foreign direct investments in the Country

Six new steam crackers likely to come on stream in USA by 2017-2019 he US ethylene market could have six new world-scale steam crackers online by 2017-2019, Dow Chemical’s Jim Fitterling has been reported by Platts. Speaking at the IHS World Petrochemical Conference, Fitterling announced expansions for the energy industry -- as many as 120 projects worth US$100 billion in investment -- have outpaced all projections.Companies are placing bets that the energy revolution is real. Other companies planning to build steam crackers

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include Axiall, ChevronPhillips Chemical, ExxonMobil Chemical, Formosa Plastics, Shell Chemical, Occidental/Mexichem, Odebrecht, Shell and Shin-Etsu. “We have 10 new ethane crackers announced, eight of them in the US Gulf Coast region,” Fitterling said, ” If all projects -are realized, US ethylene production could grow as much as 12-14 million mt/year by 2020, according to Platts data. That translates into an increase of nearly 50% from today’s production levels.

encompassing Utilities Island, Sea P L A S T I C S N E W S

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A P R I L 2014

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Sinopec’s shale gas project to hit 10 Bcm/year by 2017 hina Petroleum and Chemical Corp, Sinopec, it expects its Fuling shale gas project in Chongqing, central China, to reach production capacity of 10 bln cubic meters/year during 2017, up from 600 million cu m/year currently, as per Platts. It is China's largest shale gas project to date and the only one which has achieved production on a commercial scale.The 2017 target will be achieved by developing 341.3 Bcm of shale gas resources in two phases over the next few years. "This marks an important strategic breakthrough in China's shale gas development and signifies the country's earlier-than-expected entry into large-scale commercial development phase," the company said in a statement. Fuling has total reserves of 2.1 trillion cubic meters.

By the end of this year, production capacity will reach 1.8 Bcm/year.

Sinopec had earlier said it expects

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output from Fuling to hit 5 billion cu m/year by the end of 2015.

The progress from this one project alone means China will likely hit the government's official target of 6.5 Bcm/ year of shale gas production by the end of its 12th Five Year Plan in 2015.

China's total shale gas production last year was 200 million cu m, according to the Ministry of Land and Resources in January. He said development of Fuling is one of the two largest priorities for the company this year, the other being the partial divestment of its oil marketing and distribution segment to private and social investment.

Sinopec has spent some Yuan 2 billion (US$322 mln) on the Fuling project and last year made a breakthrough when it found sizeable reserves that could be developed. The quality of the gas is typical for shale and matches much of the production found in major shale basins in the US. The company is now

focusing its development efforts on an area of over 200 square kilometers (77 sq miles) and has drilled over 20 wells. The average daily output from each well is at least 170,000 cu m, with one well in particular -- Jiaoye 1HF -- averaging over 300,000 cu m/ day of production in the last one and a half years, Fu said.

Sinopec said it has developed a series of primary shale gas exploration and production technologies, including high quality fast drilling technologies, and actively explored and implemented a factory drilling operational model. It has also developed a set of technologies for horizontal well staged fracturing which can "satisfy shale gas development needs". Fu said the company is now working on reservoir depths of between 3,500 meters and 4,000 m, although reserves deeper than 4,500 m remain challenging both from a cost and technological perspective.

Polypropylene complex planned in Turkmenistan’s Balkan Province he Government of the Central Asian country of Turkmenistan is working towards building a new gaschemical complex for the production of polypropylene and polyethylene, in the Turkmen province of Balkan, President G u r b a n g u l y B e r d i m u h a m e d o v, announced during his visit to the province. The complex would be built in Kyyanli village in the Balkan province and would be constructed with the help of the Turkmen State

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Concern for Oil and Gas ‘Turkmengaz’,

September 2013. The preparations

and a consortium of Japanese and

are underway for laying the foundation

South Korean firms, including Toyo

stone of the complex in Kyyanli

Engineering, LG Engineering and

village near the oil and gas field of

Hyundai Engineering.

‘Mahtumkuli’, located in the Turkmen

According to Mr. Berdimuhamedov,

sector of the Caspian Sea, he added.

the contract for the construction of

The complex forms part of a number

the complex was signed between

of industrial projects worth US$10

the state concern and the Japanese-

billion to be built in Turkmenistan,

South Korean consortium during

with support from the Japanese-South

the President’s visit to Japan in

Korean consortium.

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BUSINESS NEWS

India announces revised antidumping duties on PVC imports he Government of India announced anti-dumping duties (ADDs) on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) imports into the country, earlier this month, in the range of $9.47147.96/ tonnes.

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Accordingly, ADDs are now applicable on several exporters selling into the country following investigations initiated in October 2012 on ADD imposed against imports of PVC suspension grade originating in or exported from Taiwan, China PR, Indonesia, Japan, Korea RP, Malaysia, Thailand and the USA. PVC imports from South Korean producers LG Chem and Hanwha Corporation are exempt from ADD payments. ADDs on Chinese PVC cargoes exported from China or any other country other than China are subject to ADDs in the range of

$91.27-147.96/tonne.

Taiwanese major Formosa Plastics Corporation exporting PVC from Taiwan and European Union is exempt from ADD payments, while all other Taiwanese PVC lots originating in Taiwan or any other country are subject to ADDs in the range of $9.47-61.25/ tonne.

US producer Westlake Vinyl Corporation’s exports to India are subject to ADDs of $29.99/tonne, while Formosa Plastics Corporation USA’s lots exported by Tricon Dry Chemicals LLC will be charged ADDs at $31.22/ tonne.

All other US origin PVC lots will be charged ADDs at $115.54/tonne. Total PVC demand in India stood at 2.25m tonnes in 2013. Of this 1.25m tonnes is locally produced, while the rest is imported.

Investment outlay at Petronas’ RAPID petrochem project to rise by 150% nvestments in the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project in Pengerang, Johor, is expected to surpass US$50 bln (RM165 billion) by 2020, 150% more than the initial target of US$20 bln. According to reports Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) said

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Pengerang will serve as catalyst for development in areas such as refinery, petrochemicals, power, naptha cracker and regasification plants, as well as crude oil storage and liquefied natural gas storage tanks. A final investment decision on the Rapid project is expected by the end of the month.

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Sinopec signs longterm deal to buy LPG from Phillips 66 h i n a ’s l a r g e s t s t a t e refiner, Sinopec Corp, has entered into a long-term deal to buy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Phillips 66, reflecting an impact of the US shale drilling boom on Asian markets. The US shale boom in recent years has led to a surge in production of LPG, or propane, which is bringing down global prices and challenging established suppliers in the Middle East. LPG can be used for heating, transportation fuel or for making petrochemicals, and has diversified the chemical feedstock supply channels for Sinopec.

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Last June, the top Asian refiner proposed a US$3.1 bln ethylene plant in East China that would be Sinopec’s first to use natural gas and LPG as a feedstock. In October 2013, Phillips 66 plans to develop a US$1 bln LPG export terminal at Freeport, Texas, with a capacity of 4.4 mln barrels per month, with start-up planned for the middle of 2016. U.S. propane exports are estimated to rise to 350,000 bpd in 2015 from 196,000 bpd in 2012. Analysts say the U.S. LPG export boom will be further aided by the expansion of the Panama Canal, allowing the passage of VLGC from 2015 and reducing the cost of freight by cutting the sailing time.

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BUSINESS NEWS

South Korea-Australia signs FTA Free Trade Agreement has been inked between South Korea and Australia, South Korea and Australia on Tuesday April 8, signed a free trade agreement that is expected to reinforce economic ties and help respective businesses find new opportunities. The FTA calls off tariffs on major South Korean exports, including auto parts, petrochemical products, household appliances, machinery, and iron and steel products, as per CNA. Australia currently has a 0.05-0.38% per liter tariff on petrochemical products and a 0-5% tariff on auto parts.

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The signing was held between Korean Trade Minister Yoon Sangjick and his counterpart Andrew Robb at the presidential office in Seoul, with President Park Geun-hye and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s support.

The pact now awaits the National Assembly’s ratification and is expected to go into effect in 2015. “We believe signing the free trade agreement today offers an institutional template promoting economic cooperation and broadening the scope of our cooperation as well as taking our cooperation to a higher level,” Park said during the bilateral summit held earlier in the day.

Under the agreement, the two economies will eliminate import tariffs on most products within 10 years of the implementation of the deal. Australia will immediately abolish its tariffs on 70 percent of cars from Korea, while the rest will be removed within the P L A S T I C S N E W S

following three years. Korea’s car exports to Australia marked around $1.96 billion in 2013, taking over 20.5 percent of South Korea’s total exports to Australia. Korea will gradually eliminate its tariffs of up to 72 percent on beef imports from Australia The tearing-down of tariffs on automobiles, beef and other traded goods is expected to give Korea’s gross domestic product a 0.14 percent increase and boost customer welfare by $1.6 billion within 10 years of the FTA’s effectuation, the Korean government said.

The Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement is regarded as a pivotal pact for both countries. Korea is currently the third-largest export market and fourth-largest trading partner for Australia. Australia is the sixth-largest trading partner for Korea

and the 10th-largest export market, with South Korea posting an $11.22 billion bilateral trade deficit in 2013.

In a joint statement for a secure, peaceful and prosperous future between the two countries, leaders said they would review the existing bilateral-security frameworks and seek to strengthen defense-industry and procurement cooperation.

To expand investment, the two said they would cooperate to promote deregulation campaigns by exchanging experts and business delegations. “By eliminating unnecessary corporate regulation, we will ensure businesses get the most out of our free trade agreement,” the two said in a joint statement. The Korea-Australia FTA is the first such deal for both the Park Geun-hye and Abbott governments.

INDUSTRIAL SHED FOR SALE Industrial shed at Ernakulam with all infrastructure highly suitable for plastic furniture moulding.

For more details pl. contact: 09388618576 48

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BUSINESS NEWS

Invista invests over US$1 billion for its 150,000 tpa PA 66 plant in China nvista has started construction of a 150,000 tpa polyamide (PA) 66 plant at the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP) in China.

The company is also constructing a hexamethylene diamine (HMD) monomer plant there. The polymer and monomer plants are expected to start up in 2015. In addition to the HMD and polymer plants, Invista has plans for a future, 300,000ton adiponitrile (ADN) facility. Once completed, Invista’s new facilities will be among the most energyefficient nylon intermediates sites in the world and will employ Invista’s most advanced technologies for ADN, HMD and polymer production. The overall investment in these plants will exceed $1 billion, which will be the largest capital investment undertaken

by Invista to date.

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“China is one of the most important regions for our growth strategy,” said Jeff Gentry, Invista’s chairman and chief executive officer, “We have seen significant growth in the region in recent years, and we plan to continue to bring our latest innovative technologies here.” Warren Primeaux, president of Invista Intermediates, said, “We believe that China is driving global nylon demand growth, and the use of nylon 6,6 intermediates and polymer in the region will be increasing. The new facilities will enable Invista to provide customers with better service, shorter lead time and a local resource for production. We are excited to continue supporting the increasing regional demand for durable goods-products that can be enhanced by the use of nylon 6,6.”

Samsung General Chemicals to merge with Samsung Petrochemical wo unlisted subsidiaries of Samsung Group- Samsung General Chemicals Co and Samsung Petrochemical Co. are set to merge. The merged company, to be named Samsung General Chemicals, will be launched on June 1, with shareholders to get 2.14 Samsung General Chemicals shares for each Samsung Petrochemical share they have. This decision was made in order to create more synergy among the five chemical units of Samsung.

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The other three units are Samsung Total, Samsung BP Chemicals and Samsung Fine Chemicals. Samsung Total produces paraxylene, Samsung Petrochemical produces purified terephthalic acid. Greater production efficiency is expected to take place immediately after the merger. Samsung General Chemicals will then be able to supply paraxylene and other materials produced by its subsidiary Samsung Total for Samsung Petrochemical.

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Reliance Industries’ export volumes lower in April eliance Industries has sold 55,000 tons of naphtha for late April loading from Sikka to a European trading house, but the refiner may limit its exports for next month due to stronger gasoline demand.

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According to reports Reliance sold the cargo at premiums in the high US$20s/ton level to Middle East quotes on a free-onboard (FOB) basis, similar to the average premium it had fetched for two cargoes totalling 90,000 tons for March loading.

Since the current deal is for end-April loading, it is unlikely Reliance will offer any more spot for next month,” as per a trading source.

Reliance sold more than 200,000 tons of naphtha for December but started scaling back to an average of about 103,000 tons each month for first-quarter.

It was not immediately clear what led to the lower month average exports for January to March, but Reliance had to shut a crude unit in December following a power failure and it had also sh shut a crude unit this month for routine maintenance.

A P R I L 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Taghleef buys Spanish BOPP film company Derprosa Film ubai based Taghleef Industries has entered an agreement to acquire Derprosa Film, based in Spain, which will add to Taghleef’s growing capacity for production of biaxially orientated polypropylene (BOPP) film, as per European Plastics News.

Taghleef, which is headquartered in Dubai, is buying Deprosa from UK investors 3i Group, Baring Private Equity and other minority shareholders for an undisclosed amount.

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The transaction is expected to close by the end of April. Taghleef’s current nominal capacity is 385,000 tpa for producing BOPP, BOPLA and cast polypropylene films for packaging.

Its eight production plants are in

Italy, Hungary, UAE, Oman, Egypt, Australia, US and Canada. Derprosa’s one facility is in Alcala la Real, Spain.

According to the company the plant’s capacity is “greater than 30,000 tpa” of BOPP film.

During the period of ownership by 3i Group and its investment partners, Derprosa was restructured to focus on international expansion and developing high margin products.

Maite Ballester, managing director at 3i Spain, said: “We have worked with the management team to accelerate the business by focusing on product development and entering new markets. In the last four years alone, the company has developed and

Petronas US$27 bln investment in RAPID petrochemical gets approval a l a y s i a ’s s t a t e o i l f i r m Petroliam Nasional (Petronas) board of directors has given the green light for a US$16 bln (RM53 bln) refinery and petrochemical integrated development (Rapid).Located within the Pengerang Integrated Complex in the southern state of Johor, Rapid is poised to start refinery operations by early 2019. Other associated facilities within the complex will also involve up to US$11 bln of investment.

Rapid, Malaysia’s largest liquid-based green-field downstream development, was previously twice delayed due to issues with relocation of residents. The Pengerang project is stretched across

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a 6,242-acre (2526-hectare) site and will consist of a 300,000 barrels-perday refinery and a petrochemical complex. Construction will only begin after the state government hands over the project site to Petronas. “Petronas undertook a rigorous review of the project, including independent thirdparty assessments to ensure it meets our criteria for long-term profitable and sustainable growth,” the firm’s president and group CEO Shamsul Azhar Abbas said. “We will continue to work closely with the federal and Johor state governments to ensure the project’s smooth implementation,” he added.

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launched more than 14 products and it also has a strong pipeline of products to launch. We are pleased to have supported the business and look forward to seeing the company’s continued growth.” In March, Taghleef said its Hungarian plant is upgrading its BOPP line to 5-layers, increasing its film capacity at the plant to a total of 60,000 tpa.

Sasol earnings rise by 26%, commissions ethylene project asol Ltd reported a 25% hike in H1-2014 headline earnings, helped by a weaker rand currency and higher chemical prices. According to the company “This achievement was on the back of a strong operational performance from our global businesses."

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Not only that, Sasol group has successfully commissioned a project in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which is using unique technology to convert ethylene into higher value chemical products used to strengthen plastic for consumer products such as food packaging.

The project is currently in start-up and first product was successfully produced. The plant is expected to be fully operational by mid-2014.

A P R I L 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.

We are now making our services available in India.

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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PRODUCT NEWS

Clarinat offers Protection for renewable polymers in oyster shell-reinforced PP he all-important fire protection element in the development of commercially viable, flame retarded thermoplastic composites based on renewable oyster shell fillers, is being offered by Clariant.

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Research led by the Unité Matériaux et Transformations (UMET) at the University of Lille in France has shown that it is possible to achieve effective flame retardancy for oyster shell reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites using Clariant’s Exolit® AP non-halogenated flame retardants.

Results indicated a significant increase in the thermal stability of the PP compound with phosphatebased Exolit AP760 added to the high performance compound.

Eurostar Engineering Plastics, developer of the “green” PP compound, is at the forefront of the development and commercialization of halogen-free flame retardant compounds.

The company has chosen oyster shells as a unique source of mineral filler that avoids the environmental disadvantages and high energy consumption of standard mining processes, and contributes to landfill reduction through recycling.

Exolit AP adds to the improved environmental profile of the composite; it does not show toxic effects, and does not accumulate in the environment, since it is (bio-) degradable by breaking down to naturally occurring phosphate.

The flame retardant can also be added

at low dosage with a low impact on mechanical properties.“The project results herald a breakthrough in the feasibility of using bio-based materials in high-end application areas, such as the automotive and building and construction industries, where effective flame retardancy is required,” comments Professor Sophie Duquesne, who is leading the research group from Unité Matériaux et Transformations (UMET).

“In addition to oyster shells we are also actively researching the viability of achieving flame retardancy when vegetal fillers such as flax are used, to further extend possibilities for more environmentally-friendly materials in demanding environments.”

Carbon fiber and nanotube-reinforced high performance materials ltra Strong Polymer Parts™, that will benefit aerospace, defense and healthcare industries are being unveiled by Arevo Labs, a Silicon Valley startup. Arevo announced availability of technology and materials to create Ultra Strong High Performance Polymer parts using a 3D printing process. Supported materials include High Performance Polymers such as KetaSpire®PEEK, AvaSpire® PAEK, Radel® PPSU and PrimoSpire® SRP. Arevo’s offering consists of Proprietary

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Carbon Fiber and Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Reinforced High Performance Materials, printing technology compatible with commercially available filament fusion 3D Printers and specialized software algorithms to create 3D objects with deterministic mechanical properties.

3D Printing with PEEK and other advanced reinforced polymers has been technically challenging until now. Arevo Labs’ team has solved this problem by optimizing polymer 63

formulations along with innovative extrusion technology to make them suitable for additive manufacturing.

Arevo Labs patent pending 3D Printing technology combines the benefits of printing complex geometries with reinforced materials that have excellent resistance to high temperatures and chemicals. The 3D printed parts optimized for mechanical properties using Arevo’s advanced algorithms result in lighter stronger parts with unmatched mechanical properties.

A P R I L 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

Polyone introduces new high-performance solutions for automotive interiors wo new formulations for automotive interior surfaces and instrument panels: Geon™ VBX 3577 vinyl powder for automotive interior surfaces; and Geon™ VBX 3600 series for instrument panels with seamless airbags have been intrduced by PolyOne Corporation.

Both formulations can deliver cycle time reduction benefits, allowing processors to improve profitability while meeting tough low-temperature OEM performance requirements for slush-molded automotive interior parts.

During trial testing versus existing

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materials, both solutions displayed a 15% reduction in cycle time and decreased energy costs, resulting in higher production efficiency. The new materials also provide up to 35% lower scrap rates by enhancing coating consistency, which reduces material bridging and part defects.

“These formulations were specifically developed to help automotive tier suppliers improve operating efficiencies in a challenging business environment,” said James Petrie, marketing director, PolyOne

Protective polymer films for touch screen displays and equipment protective polymer films for touch screen displays and equipment is being offeerd by PolyShield to protect expensive and extensive technology. With a growing number of sensitive surfaces, damaged and worn displays are beginning to impact performance in a big way. The practical applications for delicate electronic panels make it nearly impossible to avoid using screens and electronic buttons.

PolyShield protective polymer films protect expensive equipment from scratches, abrasions and infestation of dust, grit and dirt. PolyShield continues to provide the leading solution for those who need to protect delicate equipment that must be used in

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challenging environments. Not only can the film provide film cut-to-size, their capabilities include laminating rolled material and sheeting to customer specifications. Beyond expensive equipment, polymer film helps protect cell phones and computers from day-to-day use, that is a natural part of regular business. PolyShield specializes in integrating polymer/ biopolymer thin films, in combination with hard coatings, adhesives, printing, die cutting and bulk, kitting, packaging, & assembly. By partnering with PolyShield, businesses gain access to a wealth of knowledge and problem solving expertise in precision polymer integration.

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Color and Additives. “These new materials can improve our customers’ profitability by boosting production rates and lowering total system costs.”

VBX 3577 is designed to provide production efficiency improvements for all automotive interior surfaces that require -30°C temperature performance. VBX 3600 is formulated to meet strict OEM safety standards for instrument panels that require airbag deployment ratings below -36°C. Both new solutions are available now to customers around the world.

Profile extrusion introduces flow control pro rofile extrusion technology supplier Greiner Extrusion of, Austria, has a new innovation: Its flow.control pro using GESS. tronic, which brings together savings in material costs and reduced energy use. Both products can be retrofitted to any existing calibration table.

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The flow.control pro is used to speed up or slow down individual profile sections using hot and cold air. Fast and accurate flow correction gets applied, without affecting nearby sections. In the GESS.tronic system, vacuum pumps for the dry calibrators are controlled by connected frequency transformers.

A P R I L 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

Reverdia develops bio-based succinic acid for resin, coating, adhesive,sealant 100% bio-based succinic acid that offers a more sustainable alternative to conventional raw materials such as fossil-based succinic acid, adipic acid or terephthalic acid has been developed by Reverdia.

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Reverdia’s Biosuccinium is a 100% bio-based succinic acid that offers a more sustainable alternative to conventional raw materials such as fossil-based succinic acid, adipic acid or terephthalic acid. Biosuccinium™ is a sustainable succinic acid for the production of resin, coating, adhesive, and sealant products with a higher bio-based content and lower environmental footprint.

Examples include improved hardness and flexibility of powder coatings, shorter drying times in alkyds and better chemical resistance in polyurethanes based systems. An updated “Biosuccinium in Resins and

Coatings datasheet”, which will be available at the ACS, shows examples of the use of bio-based succinic acid in resins and coatings, to illustrate ideas and highlight potential opportunities.

Biosuccinium is manufactured by means of a novel and proprietary biotechnology process, a yeast based fermentation process that is unique in delivering consistent product quality. It is also environmentally sensitive, uses non-fossil raw materials, sequesters carbon dioxide (CO2), is energy efficient, and does not produce unnecessary by-products.

According to Marcel Lubben, President of Reverdia, the introduction of Biosuccinium meets the need to reduce the environmental impact: “As we move from a fossil-fuel-based economy to a more sustainable biobased one, manufacturers are looking for alternative solutions. Biosuccinium

provides a sustainable alternative to fossil-based raw materials used for resins, coatings, adhesives and sealants.”

Lubben adds: “Biosuccinium presents a wide range of new market opportunities. We have successfully identified opportunities for using Biosuccinium as raw material for alkyd, polyester, polyurethane and composite resins. In addition, chemical derivatives of succinic acid, which are in part bio-based, provide alternative sustainable solutions to the chemicals industry.

These are in various stages of development and include Dimethyl succinate (DMS), branded Provichem® 2511 Eco provided by Proviron, Biosuccinium based polyester polyols, Plasticizers based on Biosuccinium, Quinacridone and DPP pigments.”

Nordson’s New melt stream components for extrusion and molding our of the world’s renowned brands of melt stream component technologies, including recent innovations for extrusion and molding processors, web converters, compounders, and recyclers will be presented by Nordson at Chinaplas 2014, comprising Nordson Extrusion Dies Industries, Nordson XALOY,BKG™ and Kreyenborg.

Nordson acquired these melt stream component brands during the past

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two years, adding their regional manufacturing, sales, and service capabilities to the company’s already extensive presence in China and throughout Asia, as well as in Europe and the Americas. Nordson will display all these at the ChinaPlas 2014 "Our combined resources have increased the availability of localized sales and technical service for customers and provided them with

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the opportunity to source components from our various product lines in a single order, if they so choose,” said Peter Lambert, senior vice president for Nordson’s polymer processing product lines. “Because Nordson is committed to investing in research and development, customers can also expect to benefit from new melt stream component technologies that increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.”

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PRODUCT NEWS

BEKUM to display its Fully-electric EBLOW machine for plastic container packaging t Interpack 2014, BEKUM is presenting its extensive range of blow moulding machines.

The centrepiece of Interpack 2014 is the fully-electric EBLOW machine generation. The electric drive concept is very popular with manufacturers of plastic packaging due to its efficiency.

In addition to the clear benefits of the machine technology, extrusion blow moulding also meets the current trends in the packaging sector.

100% higher output compared with conventional production processes, it can also reduce the weight of the bottles by optimising the production of the system technology from Berlin.

This results in substantial savings on material compared to the usual standard market weights. This is an impressive contribution toward conserving resources and improving sustainable production of hollow packaging.

These include greater demands on design, extended service life, as well as rising demands for turnkey systems and resource conservation as part of the expanding sustainability goals of manufacturers. Plastic packaging and containers can be economically produced on the single- and doublestation blow moulding machines of the electric EBLOW and hydraulic HYBLOW series from BEKUM.

The extrusion blow moulding method is proving increasingly popular with packaging processors due to its “geometric product versatility”, compared with stretch-blown products, for example. This design is beneficial in the retail pharmacy or food sectors as an option for getting certain packaging models onto the shelf very quickly.

"Blow moulding also offers a degree of freedom or versatility for when packaging needs to be presented attractively on the shelf to promote sales" states Andreas Kandt, CEO of BEKUM.

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Bottles and containers with capacities of between 3 ml and 20 litres can be manufactured, depending on the machine type. This makes an output rate of more than 100 million containers possible per year, depending on the size.

Modern production technologies, such as the “tandem blow” method, which enables simultaneous blowing from top and bottom from one extruding parison, are ideal for producing packaging of up to 330 ml at very high volumes, such as for drinkable yoghurt and Actimel® bottles. The “tandem blow” method not only enables

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Packaging with built-in protective barriers, which are intended to prevent diffusion from the outside to the inside or vice-versa, can be produced with coextrusion technology. Food or pharmaceutical products need to be protected from oxidative reactions as much as possible.

This means that the higher the quality of the packaging equipped with barrier technology, the longer the shelf life will be. A long shelf life (use

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by date) is a good selling point for consumers, as it facilitates stocking and tends to reduce the waste rates for food in retail and for the end users.

With Bekum, this logic can be applied to food or retail pharmacy packaging, but especially to pharmaceutical packaging. “If valuable contents need to be protected, coextrusion blow molding technology offers many options, which “traditional” packaging is not able to provide”, adds Andreas Kandt.

The spiral distributor extrusion heads from BEKUM are especially suited to coextrusion technology. They provide an excellent, even parison wall thickness distribution, which opens up significant potential for the processor for optimising the parison quality and the neck finish. The combination of great precision and high structural rigidity in the EBLOW series ensures improved product quality and process reliability, as well as energy and material efficiency.

This results in a whole host of relevant benefits in terms of efficiency in everyday processing production.

Thus, the high precision of the calibration, coupled with the effective support of the mould carrier in the C-frame, ensure that the quality of the mould parting line is consistently high, especially in the critical neck area, even after many hours of operation.

The machine is highly resistant to wear: the service life is significantly increased by the balanced, even load.

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PRODUCT NEWS

Teknor launches low-temperature jacket compound for vehicle charger cables new jacket compound that exhibits a low-temperature brittleness value of < -60 ºC is the latest addition to a suite of rugged Flexalloy® PVC elastomer products for jacketing and insulation of electric vehicle (EV) charger cables, it was announced by Teknor Apex Company.

The newest product, Flexalloy 9612-75, is a 75 Shore A jacket compound that complies with the -40 ºC Cold Impact test requirement specified in CSA standards. It exhibits tensile strength of 2,645 psi (18.2 MPa) and elongation of 390%, and it complies with the UL-62 oil resistance requirement.

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“All of the Flexalloy compounds for EV charger cable are abrasion resistant, resilient, and tough even at very low temperatures, yet cost-effective for large-volume production,” said Michael Roberts, wire and cable industry manager. “The durability and elasticity of Flexalloy PVC elastomers make them high-performance alternatives to standard PVC compounds while being less expensive than premium materials like thermoplastic polyurethane.” Since introducing its first Flexalloy compound for EV charger cables in 2012, Teknor Apex has continued to expand its portfolio of products for this application (see table). Besides the new Flexalloy 9612-75 compound, others in this growing family of materials include: Flexalloy 9610-78, an economical general-purpose product that can pass the UL Cold Bend test at -40 ºC. This 78 Shore A material has a brittle point of -38 ºC; tensile strength of 2,625 psi

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(18.1 MPa); and elongation of 350%.

Flexalloy® 9610-78 exhibits a limited oxygen index of 26%. ? Flexalloy 960565, a 65 Shore A jacket compound that is even more flexible and is capable of passing the UL Cold Bend test at -60 ºC. Flexalloy 89504-90, a 90 Shore A insulation compound, and a more flame retardant version, Flexalloy 8950490FR. Flexalloy 89504-90 has a tensile strength value of 2,830 psi (19.5 MPa), elongation of 340%, and brittle point of -46 ºC. It exhibits a limited oxygen index of 27%. Its dielectric constant

and dissipation factor at 1 MHz are rated at 3.18 and 0.087. All of these materials can meet requirements for a maximum continuous operating temperature of 105 ºC. Unlike standard flexible PVC, Flexalloy compounds are based on ultra high molecular weight PVC resin. They exhibit improved toughness, abrasion resistance, and low temperature properties and provide elastomeric resilience and resistance to compression set. The compounds can be processed on standard PVC equipment.

New liquid fragrance additives for polyolefins ragrance additives in liquid masterbatch form for use in polyolefin polymers have been developed by Clariant. Marketed under the HiFormer® brand, the liquid masterbatches have been optimized for blown and cast film applications and are being used commercially. The new HiFormer system offers fragrance applications numerous additional advantages over existing pelletized masterbatches.

Less additive is needed to achieve equivalent performance. Less than 50% of the initial quantity of the solid, pelletized masterbatch is required to provide the same fragrance effect. Liquid masterbatches are compounded without critical heat,

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fragrance intensity is maintained.

Additives are subjected to critical heat only during end-product extrusion.

HiFormer dosing-and handling units are extremely accurate and consistent. Users have more control over dosing so there is less waste.

“Getting liquid masterbatches to work effectively in polyolefins has been a challenge” explains Peter Prusak, Head of Marketing – Clariant Masterbatches North America, “but the liquid vehicle technology (LVT) used in HiFormer has a high degree of compatibility with the polymer so problems with screw slippage and development of end-product physical properties have been effectively eliminated.

A P R I L 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

Post Show Report 3P Pakistan 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The 10th International Plastic, Printing and Packaging Exhibition and Conference 18th ~ 20th March 2014, Karachi Expo Center, Pakistan P Plas Print Pack Pakistan 2014 is a UFI Approved event. It is a product of significant collaboration among top players from the plastic, printing and packaging industries of Pakistan and the region. These fastest growing sectors have gained enormous popularity from international players who are seeking for business opportunities in this part of the globe.

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This year as always the exhibition served as a platform to build new as well as stronger business alliances between Pakistan and the rest of the world through an interactive showcase of cutting-edge tools and equipment and synergy of allied services.

Around 200 companies participated from Pakistan and over 20 countries including Austria, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Oman, Russia, Spain, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE and USA etc. These companies displayed their state of the art technology and machinery consisting of extrusion, Film blowing, Injection molding, Mould Making, Waste Processing, Auxiliary equipments, Chemicals and compounds, Packaging and Print Systems, Compressors, Master batches etc. Companies utilized this platform to promote sales of their products and also employ local agents.

The 3P Pakistan exhibition proved to be a catalyst to bring together consumer and manufacturers of plastic products.

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

The three days at 3P Pakistan remained busy and progressive at the venue with a high influx of quality visitors. The event engaged a number of trade professionals and business opportunists, who visited to explore the potential and networks of the plastic, printing and packaging sectors.

The event was well received by trade visitors including delegates from Government officials, Consulates, local business chambers, trade associations and university students.

The event received excellent exhibitor response and high-quality visitor turnout. Potential buyers from leading companies were invited under Buyers Fly in program to maximize the benefit for exhibitors.

The exhibition offered exhibitors and visitors an ideal opportunity to interact, network and exhibit their offerings to target buyers. While industrial players met competitors to discuss industrial trends and future forecasts etc. Decision-makers from around the world utilized business networking opportunities and observed live demonstrations of food processing, packaging and plastic machinery to stay up-to-date with developments in the industry.

International Food + Technology Exhibition is now considered as an important trade fair and unique communications platform for a wide range of technology suppliers to the Food Processing and Packaging industry. International suppliers of food processing machinery and equipment were also present at the show to present their technology to Pakistani food professionals who are eager to acquire the latest technology providing a fantastic opportunity for manufacturers and dealers to benefit from common visitors The event succeeded to accomplish the desired response and, as always, was productive and formed contemporary bonds with the ever increasing number of customers worldwide. Attended by a number of quality trade visitors, the event proved to be very profitable and healthy for the exhibitors to meet their customers directly in order to maintain growth and long term corporate relationship in future.

The exhibitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Concurrent event, the 10th

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A P R I L 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

Flame Retardant Masterbatches for Enhanced Safety and Security The type of flame retardant used will not only depend on the material, but also on the degree of fire safety required.

Following are some of the application areas:

As many plastics are inherently flammable, measures must be taken to increase their safety in applications where there is risk of fire. Often the most cost effective method of doing this is to add a flame retardant additive during processing.

Upholstered Furniture For upholstered furniture, the covering textile, the polymer (PUF) or natural foam cushions, and the moulded or rigid structure can all be fire safety treated, as required by regulations so as to improve consumer safety.

Flame retardants are added to different materials to reduce the risk of fire. They save lives, prevent injuries and property losses as well as protect the environment by helping prevent fire initiation and spread of fire, thereby limiting damage.

Where are Flame Retardant Masterbatches Used?

Careful choice of the flame retardant for a particular polymer and application is important. Additives must be chosen to function properly in the polymer they need to protect. Other properties of the flame retardant must also be considered. The additive should be compatible with the polymer, it should not adversely affect the physical properties and ideally, be effective at low addition rates.

Buildings Fire proofing of insulation, decorative foams and other building materials, in particular to ensure conformity to building safety regulations.

Cables Electrical and optical cables are particularly exposed to fire risks (in case of electrical faults), and can carry fire from one place to another.

Transport (Airplanes, Ships, Trains, Cars) Transport vehicles face specific fire safety issues P L A S T I C S N E W S

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A P R I L 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

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Is blooming, i.e. for post-conversion processes like printing or sealing, a concern?

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Is UV stability a factor, i.e., will the product be exposed to sunlight?

How It Works Flame Retardants for Thermoplastics Flame retardants are added to polyolefins, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyesters and other polymers to increase resistance to ignition, reduce flame spread, suppress smoke formation and prevent a polymer from dripping. The primary goal is to delay the ignition and burning of materials, allowing people more time to escape the affected area. A secondary consideration is to limit property damage.

because of the risk of accidents, and the need to ensure occupants have sufficient time to escape. Seats, cables and plastic structures can burn violently and rapidly, if not flame retarded.

Typical offerings include:

Choosing the Right Flame Retardant

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Halogenated Flame Retardants

In order to select the most suitable flame retardant for an application, one must first answer several important questions:

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Non-Halogenated Flame Retardants

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What type of flame retardant is allowed? Halogenated or Non-halogenated?

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What standards must be met: UL 94, E 84, MVSS or ASTM, VW-1?

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If UL-94 must be met, will it be V-2, V-1, or V-0?

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Are mechanical properties (e.g. tensile strength and elongation) critical to the product?

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

o Phosphorous types o Metal Hydroxides Contact Shailesh Lahoti, Director Blend Colours Pvt. Ltd. Plot # 35, IDA Kattedan, Hyderabad - 500 077 INDIA Ph: +91-40 -2436 1499, 2436 0887 M: +91 98850 11883 Email: shailesh@blendcolours.com Website: www.blendcolours.com

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A P R I L 2014

PRODUCT NEWS

NEXT GENERATION: NEW S GRAN

The dual diameter screw extruder technology as used with the E:GRAN has a larger extruder screw diameter in feeder intake area. It is applied for edge trims solutions such as flexible packaging films etc.

NGR vision had always been to provide “World-class technology with low operation and energy costs” while designing machines.

As a state-of-the-art company we develop flexible solutions to suit customer requirements for processing the most difficult materials. Customers worldwide are testimony to our approach. NGR‘s unique technology makes it one of the best recycling solution in the industry.

The feeder-extruder combination is applied for F:GRAN machines to convert flakes into value added granules/ pellets.

Some of the Key Advantages associated with NGR:

• The integrated Cutter-Feeder-Extruder combination is the true NGR ONE-STEP technology Talking about in-house recycling, where in most cases an inevitable portion of 2% to 5% production waste occurs which can be considered as re-usable material in the production, again opens a major potential. This is good not only from the environmental point of view but also adds a huge saving potential in raw material purchasing for all in-house recyclers. This scenario can be widened over commercial recycling of industrial waste streams, up to recycling of postconsumer materials. The repeated use of materials is a present megatrend. The vast increase of oil price –which causes raise of polymer prices too – makes inhouse recycling of polymers increasingly important.

Polyethylene and Polypropylene already, which both are polymers of a comparable low market price, are worthwhile recycling nowadays. The more important are the materials streams of more precious materials as e.g. Nylons or Polyester

Direct “One-Step” processing

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No pre-cutting required

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Excellent energy balance

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No operator dependency & simple operation which in terms “Lowest cost of Operation”

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Low maintenance

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Small footprint

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High flexibility because of modular design

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Full PLC control with automatic processes

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Highest quality of pellets

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Most Versatile

NGR process engineering is characterized by low operation costs due to low manpower requirements and optimized energy balance.

For more info please contact Reifenhauser (India) Marketing Ltd. Ph.No.:-+91 22 26862711 Fax No.:- +91 22 26862722 Email:- info@reifenhauserindia.com Website:- www.reifenhauserindia.com

The unique NGR ONE-STEP technology is a solution here which is applied to A:GRAN, L: GRAN, S: GRAN and X:GRAN recycling lines. An additional pre-shredding or grinding is not required!

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TECHNOLOGY

Efficiency record with 40% transparent organic solar cells new record in the efficiency of transparent solar cells has been reached with a development allows transparency levels up to 40% with an efficiency of over 7%, by Heliatek GmbH. The company already holds the world record of 12% cell efficiency for opaque (non-transparent) organic solar cells. This lab development underscores the company’s strategy to supply its transparent HeliaFilm™ to glass manufacturers for both building integration (BIPV) and car roofs. “The transparency of our products is at the core of our market approach. Our HeliaFilm™ is customized to meet our partners specific needs,” added Thibaud Le Séguillon, Heliatek CEO. “We are a component supplier and this component is a film which can combine transparency and energy generation.

This unique combination widens our market potential.”

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Both these application areas use tinted glass to reduce glare which can be done by applying a film, so changing the film to one that generates electricity as well is a drop-in for manufacturers.

Using HeliaFilm™ in glass car roofs will not only generate energy, but will also allow the car manufacturers to claim Eco-innovation credits towards CO2 emission goals. Architectural glass panels and windows incorporating HeliaFilm™ enable electricity to be discretely generated on the outside envelope of a building.

Importantly for these applications, Heliatek’s technology continues to be effective at generating electricity at low light levels, any orientation and at high temperatures, which are P L A S T I C S N E W S

conditions where conventional solar lose efficiency. The latest generation of organic solar cells with a 40% light transparency reaches an efficiency record of 7.2%. The measurement follows standard testing conditions using a white background. Heliatek thus succeeded in generating an optimal energy conversion for transparent HeliaFilm™. Currently, 12% efficiency is being reached with opaque cells. The 7.2% mirror the same efficiency, since the partial transparency allows the usage of only 60% of the light for the energy harvesting. Depending on the application, the balance between light let through and electricity generated can be adjusted.

The production of HeliaFilm™ is based on small molecules (oligomers),

which are being developed and synthesized at Heliatek. Oligomers are being deposited at low temperatures in a roll-to-roll vacuum process. One unique feature of the molecules used is their selective absorption of the solar spectrum, which allows different colors and transparency.

The photoactive materials selectively convert sun light into e l e c t r i c i t y. T h e p r o d u c t i o n o f transparent HeliaFilm™ is possible with the introduction of transparent conductive layers at the front- and back-side of the solar cells. This milestone development supports Heliatek and its industry partners for the realization of attractive products for applications in the building material and automotive industry.

Repsol to license Chevron Phillips's proprietary technology for mPE resins epsol Chemicals Division is in agreement to license Chevron Phillips's proprietary technology for the production of metallocene-based polyethylene resins (mPE).

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Repsol, which is Chevron Phillips' first licensee in the area, will implement the technology in its existing integrated site in Tarragona, Spain, which already uses the latter's MarTECH SL Loop Slurry Technology.“We are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Repsol and to

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provide them with technology to help optimise their polyethylene product portfolio,” said Pawan Bassi, global director of licensing for Chevron Phillips Chemical.

“We are proud to be Chevron Phillips Chemical’s first licensee to implement their technology to produce metallocene-based polyethylene resins, complementing our portfolio for film and packaging solutions” said Esteban Gimeno, polyolefins business director for Repsol’s Chemicals Division.

A P R I L 2014

TECHNOLOGY

Innovative technology for bio-ethylene production otal, IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) and its affiliate Axens has developed a innovative technology, Atol™ , for production of bio-ethylene.

Atol™ is a technology for the most profitable production of polymer grade bio-ethylene by dehydration of 1G and 2G-renewable ethanol.

The bio-ethylene produced can be integrated in existing downstream polymerization installations such as polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyethyleneteraphthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) without need for modifications.

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Atol is the result of a partnership b e t w e e n To t a l , I F P E n e r g i e s nouvelles (IFPEN) and its affiliate Axens that started in 2011. Within this cooperation, Total developed a high performance catalyst formulation at its research Center in Feluy, Belgium, IFPEN scaled up catalyst performance within a heat recovery innovative process while Axens industrialized the catalyst formulation and finalized the process scheme with particular

focus on energy-efficiency. Total and IFPEN are the co-owners of the technology and Axens is now in charge of commercializing Atol by providing all process licensing related services and catalyst manufacturing. Atol is believed to be the most advanced dehydration technology and features the highest profitability as a result of: Lower Capex by simplified product purification brought on by the outstanding performances of the ATO 201 catalyst which exhibits a high activity and selectivity towards ethylene. The robustness of its catalyst which copes with any variation in feedstock quality. The highly integrated process scheme which greatly reduces operating costs. Significant potential to be integrated with both upstream ethanol production and downstream ethylene conversion. Atol is the first of a series of technologies, for the production of other olefinic monomers by processing bio-derived higher alcohols, to be developed in parallel based on Atol’s technology platform.

“We are very excited about this efficient

and competitive technology that will be able to meet a growing demand for plastics based on renewable rawmaterials. This offer is in line with our strategy to become a leading company in the field of technology for bio-based production of Motor Fuels and Chemicals”, said Christian Dupraz, Axens Senior Executive Vice-President Process Licensing.

“For Total, such collaboration with a reputable research team (IFPEN) and a licensor (Axens), presents a significant lever to bring innovative technologies, driven by a fast-moving bio-market, to commercial readiness.

This achievement can now open opportunities for industrial projects.” highlights François-Xavier Cormerais, Total’s Vice-President Research & Development (Refining & Petrochemicals). “IFPEN is delighted that this exemplary partnership project has opened the way to a bio-ethylene competitive technology that is now ready for industrial implementation”, said Pascal Barthélemy, Executive Vice-President of IFPEN

Polyfill introduces new chemical foaming agent new patented chemical foaming agent (CFA) masterbatch from Polyfil Corp., Rockaway, N.J., utilizes Vistamaxx 6102 PBE (propylenebased elastomer) from Houston-based ExxonMobil Chemical as the carrier, which is said to broaden opportunities in the production of foamed PP sheet and thermoformed parts, allowing part manufacturers to quickly manufacture lightweight, strong products.

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Vistamaxx can be compounded at lower temperature than the other carriers which makes it well suited to incorporating specialty additives that are shear- or heat-sensitive. In thermoformed microwaveable bowl applications using Ecocell in PP foamed sheeting was shown to result in two advantages: Compared to foamed sheets in which Vistamaxx was not used, it reduced cycle 73

times and decreased thermoforming temperatures by as much as 200 F from typical oven temperatures, leading to a 25% reduction in energy usage. Moreover, whereas the thermoforming process removes around 8% of the cells from the foam, using Vistamaxx in the foaming agent not only reversed this loss of density, but actually boosted foam content by about 10%.

A P R I L 2014

IN THE NEWS

India announces anti-dumping duties on PVC imports he Government of India announced anti-dumping duties (ADDs) on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) imports into the country, earlier this month, in the range of $9.47147.96/ tonnes. Accordingly, ADDs are now applicable on several exporters selling into the country following investigations initiated in October 2012 on ADD imposed against imports of PVC suspension grade originating in or exported from Taiwan, China PR, Indonesia, Japan, Korea RP, Malaysia, Thailand and the USA.

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PVC imports from South Korean producers LG Chem and Hanwha Corporation are exempt from ADD payments. ADDs on Chinese PVC cargoes exported from China or any other country other than China are subject to ADDs in the range of $91.27-147.96/tonne. Taiwanese major Formosa Plastics Corporation exporting PVC from Taiwan and European Union is exempt from ADD payments, while all other Taiwanese PVC lots originating in Taiwan or any other country are subject to ADDs in

Polypropylene complex planned in Turkmenistan’s Balkan Province he Government of the Central Asian country of Turkmenistan is working towards building a new gaschemical complex for the production of polypropylene and polyethylene, in the Turkmen province of Balkan, announced President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during his visit to the province. The complex would be built in Kyyanli village in the Balkan province and would be constructed with the help of the Turkmen State Concern for Oil and Gas ‘Turkmengaz’, and a consortium of Japanese and South Korean firms, including Toyo Engineering, LG Engineering and Hyundai Engineering, reports State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH).

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According to Mr. Berdimuhamedov, the contract for the construction of the complex was signed between P L A S T I C S N E W S

the state concern and the JapaneseSouth Korean consortium during the President’s visit to Japan in September 2013. The preparations are underway for laying the foundation stone of the complex in Kyyanli village near the oil and gas field of ‘Mahtumkuli’, located in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, he added.

The complex forms part of a number of industrial projects worth US$10 billion to be built in Turkmenistan, with support from the Japanese-South Korean consortium, the President informed. In September 2013, the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) signed a cooperation agreement for the implementation of these largescale projects in the country.

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the range of $9.47-61.25/tonne. US producer Westlake Vinyl Corporation’s exports to India are subject to ADDs of $29.99/tonne, while Formosa Plastics Corporation USA’s lots exported

by Tricon Dry Chemicals LLC will be charged ADDs at $31.22/tonne.

All other US origin PVC lots will be charged ADDs at $115.54/tonne. Total PVC demand in India stood at 2.25m tonnes in 2013. Of this 1.25m tonnes is locally produced, while the rest is imported.

Haldia Petrochemicals manages to stay off BIFR, not to become an NPA aldia Petrochemicals has managed to stay out of the purview of Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR). Additionally, the company will also not become an NPA (non performing asset) of financial institutions. HPL was faced with the twin threats as the state own ed company witnessed continuous losses for over a year, leading to erosion of its net worth and substantially reducing its debt re-payment capability. In order to keep out of BIFR, the company has transferred real estate under Haldia Real Estate Ltd (HREL) to Haldia Cracker Complex Ltd at current market value, thus turning its net worth positive.

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A P R I L 2014

IN THE NEWS

USA consumed about 25 mln tons of ethylene in 2013 says report he US polyethylene industry is expected to remain the main consumer of ethylene in the USA. As per a market study â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ethylene Value Chain USAâ&#x20AC;? by Ceresana, the importance of ethylene as major feedstock in the petrochemical industry is corroborated by the immense demand volume.

In 2013, the USA single-handedly consumed about 25 mln tons of ethylene. Thus, ethylene is by far most important petrochemical feedstock.

The value added in downstream sectors is considerable. Besides the three polyethylene varieties HDPE, LLDPE, and LDPE, direct applications of ethylene include chemicals such as ethylene dichloride, ethylene oxide, alpha olefins, and ethylbenzene.

Further, smaller applications are, among others, vinyl acetate monomer and the elastomer EPDM.

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The shale gas boom in the USA resulted in an unprecedented surge of announcements to construct new ethane crackers. In contrast to other feedstocks such as naphtha or propane, the cracking of ethane yields a rather high amount of ethylene.

Ceresana forecasts about three quarters of total ethylene output being ethane-based in 2021. The notable decline of prices for ethane in recent years has caused a significant change of the cost situation for manufacturers of ethylene. Average feedstock costs per tonne of ethylene manufactured fell by about 40% between 2008 and 2013. Manufacturing ethylene from ethane enjoys a notable competitive P L A S T I C S N E W S

advantage: In the fourth quarter of 2013, cash costs (consisting of fixed, variable operational and feedstock costs minus profit generated with byproducts) were two thirds lower when using ethane than when using naphtha as feedstock.

The US polyethylene industry is expected to remain the main consumer of ethylene in the USA. Depending on density and rigidity of the product, polyethylene is classified as either HDPE, LDPE or LLDPE. In 2013, about 60% of US demand for ethylene was accounted for by producers of these plastics. Large production sites for HDPE and LLDPE in particular will be constructed in the near future. Given the upturn of the real estate sector and ever increasing consumption expenditure, prospects for domestic demand in USA are good.

This will result in growth impulses for polyethylene demand via development in the construction and packaging industries. However, sales volume of polyethylene on foreign markets has to rise notably in the future in order to ensure an acceptable degree of capacity utilization of US facilities.

In 2013, production of ethylene oxide was still at levels recorded in 2009, the year the crisis hit, whereas demand in downstream industries, PET in particular, recovered notably.

Accounting for about 50% of ethylene oxide demand at the moment, ethylene glycol, used in the production of PET, is the most important sales market.

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Recently, USA had to increasingly import ethylene glycol. US demand for ethylene oxide in the production of ethylene glycol will rise again in the future. The plastic PVC is produced via the intermediates ethylene dichloride and the vinyl chloride manufactured from it. In the past, notably more than 40% of US PVC output had been exported. This was a major support for the PVC that suffers from low domestic demand. The majority of all plastic pipes are made from PVC by now. Thus, the strong need for modernization of the water supply and sewage networks in USA should have a positive effect on the demand for PVC. Compared to other regions, USA consume a rather high amount of alpha olefins. Alpha olefins are mainly used to manufacture polyethylene, conveying a higher rigidity to the final product. The application ethylbenzene can only to a limited extent profit from the shale gas boom. Ethylbenzene is almost exclusively processed into styrene, the largest part of which is, in turn, in converted into polystyrene.

After the polystyrene industry suffered a number of blows in the past eight years, impulses from the packaging as well as electrics and electronics sectors are offering the chance for moderate growth. Should all current plans for capacity creation and expansion be realized, production capacity for ethylene will increase by half until 2018, despite the USA offering large capacities already.

A P R I L 2014

IN THE NEWS

Regulations slash Japan’s refining capacity cut by 20% apanese refiners have slashed capacity by around 20% to meet government regulations and for individual corporate reasons -now face the prospect of not having enough supply of some products in the next few months to meet domestic demand, as per industry reports.

least 915,000 bpd of Japan’s refining capacity offline in May and 1.2 mln bpd in June -- accounting for 23-30% of total capacity, according to Platts calculations. That would leave the country’s operable refining capacity at about 3.04 mln bpd in May and 2.75 mln bpd in June.

An increase in imports of naphtha and low sulfur fuel oil is expected amid several plant shutdowns due to planned maintenance through June.

Japan’s current refining capacity is down 19.2% from a 10 year peak of 4.89 mln bpd in early April 2008 and down 520,000 bpd or 11.6% from 4.47 mln bpd a year ago, according to Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry data.

Japan’s combined refining capacity has fallen to 3.95 mln bpd as of March 31, but the country’s under-pressure downstream sector might have to cut yet more capacity by March 2017 if the government moves ahead to revise the regulations and implement revisions.

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Scheduled maintenance will take at

Japan’s naphtha imports are expected to rise by around 15.1 million barrels year on year from as early as in fiscal 2014-15 (April-

Honeywell introduces Nobel laureate to Vellore Institute of Technology oneywell introduced Professor Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, Nobel laureate in physics, to the students and faculty of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), as part of its global Honeywell Initiative for Science & Engineering (HISE).

Professor Cohen-Tannoudji is among 23 Nobel laureates that Honeywell has sponsored at universities worldwide since 2006. The event marks the eleventh time Honeywell Hometown Solutions, Honeywell’s corporate social responsibility organization, has

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delivered HISE to a university in India, and the first time the program is taking place at VIT University.

HISE has benefitted thousands of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students and teachers across the country. Cohen-Tannoudji was awarded the 1997 Nobel Prize in physics for the development of methods to cool and trap atoms with laser light to near Absolute Zero. This discovery has given rise to a number of recent developments in this field.

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March) as a result of decommissioning refining operations at JX Nippon Oil & Energy’s 180,000 bpd Muroran refinery and Idemitsu Kosan’s 120,000 bpd Tokuyama refinery, according to Platts calculations based on industry information. In addition to generally steady naphtha demand for aromatics, Japan’s naphtha imports are expected to increase to make up for loss in naphtha output at JX’s Muroran and Idemitsu’s Tokuyama plants as the companies turn the former refineries into petrochemical plants.

Reliance Industries commissions polyester plant at Silvassa eliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has started commercial production from its new polyester filament yarn (PFY) facility at Silvassa. With the commissioning of this ultramodern polyester filament yarn facility, Reliance Industries’ total PFY capacity, including the Malaysian facilities, is in excess of 1.5 MMTPA. This expansion further strengthens RIL’s position as the world’s largest producer of polyester fibreand yarn. The new PFY plant at Silvassa is the most automated and one of the most environment friendly plants globally. It is co-located with RIL’s existing texturising facility at Silvassa eliminating the packaging and logistics costs.

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A P R I L 2014

EVENTS

Events and Exhibitions (WPC). Exhibitors show especially articles on landscape design, decoration materials, auxiliary materials for the manufacture of WPC and other WPC related articles. It is an effective information platform for manufacturers, retailers, landscapers and other professionals from the industry, and for the media to come together and exchange views and experiences.

Diemould India 2014 Date 17-20 April ,2014 Venue: Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), NSE Complex, Western Express Highway, Goregaon, Mumbai To promote training and the diffusion of knowledge relating to standards in the manufacture of Tools and Gauges to improve the standards or the connected trade therewith or with allied industries and to impart relevant and appropriate training to all those engaged in the manufacture of tools and gauges Tool and Gauge Manufacturers Association - India (TAGMA-India) announces the next DIEMOULD INDIA 2014, 9th Biennial Die & Mould International Exhibition.

Tires & Rubber Moscow Date : 22-25 April 2014 Venue: Moscow Tires & Rubber in Moscow is an international trade fair for rubber products and tires. This exhibition is communication and information platform in the industry and offers the exhibiting companies the opportunity to present to an audience of experts here. Visitors can find in depth and comprehensive information here about the latest developments, trends, products and services in various fields.

Chinaplas 2014 Date : 23-26 April 2014 Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre, PR China Chinaplas, The 28th International Exhibition on Plastics and Rubber Industries is the largest plastics and rubber trade fair in Asia and widely recognized by the industry as one of the most influential exhibitions in the world. It is held every odd year in Guangzhou. The rapid development of science and technology has dramatically increased the range of applications of plastics and rubber in various manufacturing sectors, including automobile, electronics and electrical appliances, information technology and telecommunication, building and construction and others. Therefore Chinaplas has become a distinguished meeting and business platform for these industries and has also largely contributed to their prosperous development. International suppliers demonstrate sets of advanced machines and a wide array of chemicals and raw materials to worldwide visitors. Moreover various international pavilions showcase their innovative products and technology.

Interpack 2014 Date : 8-14 May 2014 venue: D端sseldorf, Germany Every three years at interpack, more than 2,700 exhibitors from all over the world present the very latest in packaging systems and machinery, packaging materials, packaging, confectionery machinery along with accompanying services.

Experts in their field at all management levels will visit interpack. It's an absolute must for decision makers. In 19 exhibition halls covering an area of nearly 2 million net square feet, they are bound to find the solid foundations on which to base their investment decisions - sound information and a comprehensive international range of products.

And their international profile makes interpack the world's most important meeting place for the industry. Around 60 percent of the 166,000 visitors at the last staging of interpack in 2011 came from abroad - mainly from within Europe but also in ever increasing numbers from eastern and southern Asia.

Guangzhou Wood-plastic compesites Fair Date: 12.-14 May, 2014 venue: Guangzhou The Guangzhou Wood-plastic Composites Fair (WPCGZ) is a trade fair for wood-plastic composites P L A S T I C S N E W S

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YUDO Hot Runner.. ....................................................................................................................................... cover Madhu Machines & Systems ...............................................................................................................inside cover R R Plast Extrusion .............................................................................................................................................3 Anupam Heaters and Controls .............................................................................................................................4 Plastlink Technologies.. ........................................................................................................................................6 Ferromatik Milacron. .............................................................................................................................................7 Neejtech India.......................................................................................................................................................8 Polymechplast ....................................................................................................................................................10 PASL Windtech... ................................................................................................................................................12 Reifenhauser India Ltd. ......................................................................................................................................13 Satellite Plastic Industries...................................................................................................................................14 Reliance Polymers..............................................................................................................................................24 Vodafone ............................................................................................................................................................25 Esquire Multiplast Pvt. Ltd. .................................................................................................................................48 Plastic Technologies ...........................................................................................................................................51 Iplex 2014... ........................................................................................................................................................52 Plastindia 2015... ................................................................................................................................................53 Shanghai Forward Machinery Co. Ltd. ... ...........................................................................................................54 Mold Masters. .....................................................................................................................................................55 Leister Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. . ..................................................................................................................56 KABRA Extrusion Technik Ltd.. ..........................................................................................................................57 Jandi's Industrial Co. Ltd. ...................................................................................................................................58 Chaun Lih Fa Machinery Works. Co. Ltd. ..........................................................................................................58 Yaan Bang Electrical Machinery Co. Ltd. . .........................................................................................................59 Acmeplas System Technologies Ltd. ..................................................................................................................59 Millturn CNC India Ltd. .......................................................................................................................................60 Jung Cheng ........................................................................................................................................................61 Dongguan Alfa Automation Machinery Limited ...................................................................................................61 Plastic Park.........................................................................................................................................................62 Zambello Riduttori Group ...........................................................................................................Inside back cover Rajoo Engineers ................................................................................................................................... Back cover

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