SAY YES TO PLASTICS Volume No. 66
MH/MR/N/200/MBI/12- 14
Issue No. 5
Pages 68
May 2013
Rs. 75.00
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CONTENT
IN THIS ISSUE... 13...... AIPMA At Work ...Visit to Chennai for the Poly India 2013 Exhibition The Official Organ of The All India Plastics Manufacturers Association Estd. 1945
MH/MR/N/200/MBI/12- 14 Volume 66
May 2013 No. 5
Chairman - Editorial Board
Dr. Asutosh Gor
Hon. Editor
Mr. Ajay Desai
Members
Mr. A. E. Ladhaboy Dr. Y. B. Vasudeo Ms. Poorvi Desai
...Public hearing for PVC Suspension Grade (Sunset Review) ...Court proceeding of the Delhi Study Group Case before Supreme Court of India ...The 3rd National Awards for Technology Innovation in Petrochemicals & Downstream Plastics Processing Industry
Editorial Co-ordination: Padmesh Prabhune, Dhruv
...Visit at M/s. Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., Dasna Plant on the occasion of the inauguration of their
Communications, Mumbai, Tel No: 00-22-2868 5198 / 5049 • Fax
PET Waste Compaction Plant
No : 00-22-28685495 email: dhruvpr@vsnl.net
22...... Plastivision India - 2013 Show .......... Preview
Published by Ms. Uma Gupta on behalf of the owners, The All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association Plot No. A-52, Road No. 1, M.I.D.C., Andheri (E), Mumbai-400 093. Tel: 67778899 • Fax : 00-22-2821 6390 E-mail : office@aipma.net Website : http://www.aipma.net and printed by her at Dhote Offset Technokrafts Pvt. Ltd., Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai-400 060.
27...... Company News 31...... Features ...‘Bioprocess & Bioproducts – Emerging Trends’ ...New data on land-use for bioplastics
Annual Subscription Rs. 1,000/-
...The fastest growing bioplastics
Single issue Rs. 75/-
...New Development-- Bioplastic from Wheat Straw
Views/Reports/Extracts etc. published in Plastics News are those of the
...Is the Bioplastic Cup Half Full or Half Empty?
authors and not necessarily of the Editor. Furthermore except for copies
...High-tech medical plastics will help Boston Marathon victims
of formal AIPMA communications no other matter in this journal should be interpreted as views of The All India Plastics Mfgrs. Association.
40...... International News
OFFICE BEARERS Dr. Asutosh Gor President
Mr. Manish Dedhia Vice President (West Zone)
Mr. R. K. Aggarwal Vice President (North Zone)
Mr. Hiten Bheda Hon. Secretary
Mr. Anil Bansal Vice President (South Zone)
Mr. Haren Sanghavi Hon. Jt. Secretary
Mr. Ashok Agarwal Vice President (East Zone)
Mr. Sanju D. Desai Hon. Treasurer
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53...... Business News 58...... Product News 61...... Technology 63...... In the News 65...... Events
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THE PRESIDENT SAYS
Increase in Import Duty - Unjust he government vide its Notification
like VAT, CST, OCTROI etc
No.25/2013-Customs dated 8th May, 2013
will have cascading effect
has increased the Import Duty on Raw Materials
on locally available raw
from 5% to 7.5% and AIPMA on behalf of the
material prices, compromising
Plastic Processing industry has voiced our concerns
competitiveness of large
against the increase in the import duty.
number of units in the
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country.
We have already written a letter to Mr. P Chidambaram, Finance Minister, Government of
Moreover this would act as a hindrance in
India, dated May 11, 2013, requesting him to review
becoming global sourcing point of plastic products.
his decision and reverse the said increase at the
The overall long term effect on the economy-drain
earliest for this would affect more than 50,000
will more than offset incremental revenue or the
plastics processors in the country.
additional comfort for raw material manufacturers. As it is with the result of the increase in duty the
As a matter of fact earlier vide Pre-budget
local polymer rates have already increased to new
Memorandum, we had voiced our concern for any
levels.
rise in duty and had requested reduction in duty to 2.5% to augment supply of Polymer raw materials
Plastics supplements most of the manufactured
to processing sector comprising.
products and is part of as packaging. The cost escalation will contribute to the price rise thereby
Processing sector has been adversely affected
fueling undesirable inflationary trend in many
due to increasing overall input costs of raw materials,
essential items like packaged food affecting
energy, human resources, transportation currency
common people.
uctuation and service support costs. This coupled with sluggish demand is serious cause for concern
Needless to say this would affect the contribution
for health of the processing sector. Also with the
of manufacturing in the overall GDP as well. The
increasing imports on almost zero duty, the increase
increase in the import duty is uncalled for and
in duty on raw materials will provide further impetus
we appeal to the Hon’ble Minister to take due
to such imports which has already captured sizable
cognizance of our concerns and if possible engage
pie of market share.
in dialogue with us satisfying our apprehensions.
The 2.5% increase in the import duty in
Dr. Asutosh Gor
raw materials when combined with other taxes
president@aipma.net
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FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN
Bioplastics -The evolution of plastics water and soft drinks bottles is easily identified and hence setting up a recycling infrastructure has been quite successful in many parts of the world
lastics have been getting their fair share of bad press lately, especially those ubiquitous grocery bags. Critics argue they’re made with fossil fuels, take anywhere between 100 to 1,000 years to break down and create a massive litter problem worldwide. And then we have biodegradable plastics, eco-solutions for consumer items such as bags, plastic wrap and take-out food containers and cutlery. While still in its infancy, we have had research studies almost across the developed nations suggesting that the so –called ‘alternative’ plastic product industry could capture up to 20 percent of the plastics market over the next decade.
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However, manufacturing of bioplastic materials is often still reliant upon petroleum as an energy and materials source. Italian bioplastic manufacturer Novamount states in its own environmental audit that producing one kilogram of its starch-based product uses 500 gm of petroleum and consumes almost 80% of the energy required to produce a traditional polyethylene polymer.
So, if traditional plastics are “bad,” does it really means these greener alternatives must be good?
Environmental data from NatureWorks, the only commercial manufacturer of PLA (polylactic acid) bioplastic, says that making its plastic material delivers a fossil fuel saving of between 25 and 68 per cent compared with polyethylene, in part due to its purchasing of renewable energy certificates for its manufacturing plant.
While conventional plastics such as polyethylene and polystyrene are derived from fossil fuels, bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), are made from renewable resources such as starch from corn or sugar cane. As we know Biodegradeable plastics (not to be confused with bioplastics), which break down under certain circumstances, can be derived from either agricultural or petrochemical sources.
A detailed study examining the process of manufacturing a number of common packaging items in several traditional plastics and polylactic acid carried out by Franklin Associates and published by the Athena Institute shows that bioplastic to be less environmentally damaging for some products, but more environmentally damaging for others.
The fact remains that Bioplastics drive the evolution of plastics. There are two major advantages of bio-based plastic products compared to their conventional versions: they save fossil resources and reduce GHG-emissions. What is more, biodegradability is an add-on property of certain types of bioplastics, which offers additional ways for recovery at the end of a product’s life.
Moreover when consumers hear the term “biodegradable they think that somehow things are going to magically disappear no matter what they do, right from littering to putting them in landfill. What we feel, dealing with our growing waste problem is less about plastic versus bioplastic and more about getting back to the basics.
At one time bioplastics were too expensive for consideration as a replacement for petroleum-based plastics. The lower temperatures needed to process bioplastics and the more stable supply of biomass combined with the increasing cost of crude oil make bioplastics price more competitive with regular plastics.
Hopefully we’ll have systems in place at earliest for India is now the third largest consumer of conventional plastics in the world!
Also because of the fragmentation in the market and ambiguous definitions it is difficult to describe the total market size for bioplastics, but estimates put global production capacity at 327,000 tonnes. There are also concerns that bioplastics will damage existing recycling projects. Packaging such as HDPE milk bottles and PET P L A S T I C S N E W S
Hon. Editor Ajay Desai editor@aipma.net 11
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AIPMA AT WORK
Visit to Chennai for the Poly India 2013 Exhibition A report by Mr Arvind Mehta Executive Director Asia - CIPAD is fine with Plastic Industry.Basically, Municipal Corporation is responsible legally for waste management.
he two-day Poly India exhibiton 2013 at Chennai was jointly organised by Dept. of Chemicals & Petrochemicals Govt. of India and FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) on 25 -26 April 2013.
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I had put forth many suggestions for growth 1. There should be delta of 10% in import duty between finished goods & polymers
Shri Indrajit Pal, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Govt. of India inaugurated the exhibition on April 25. The theme of the conference was: "Opportunities in Engineering Plastic - Automobile, Telecommunication, Healthcare and other emerging areas."
Ans.: it is difficult as per FTA. GOI can levy 10% max from crude to polymer. 2. Import of Plastic Products hampering growth Ans.: GOI is aware it is under FTA and they are trying to find ways.
Speakers at the conference were Mr. Bipin Shah -President Plastindia Foundation, Dr S. K. Nayak - DG CIPET, Mr. M. S. Dhakad - Programme Director UNIDO, Mr. Sapan Ray – RIL. Incidentally I was also one of the speakers on behalf of AIPMA.
3. Plastic industry should be given (TUF) Technology Upgradation Fund as given to textile industry. (AIPMA had tried when I was AIPMA president) Ans.: He was very positive. He has asked AIPMA & FICCI to work together and give required data with detailed logic. On behalf of AIPMA Mr. Jayesh Rambhia will coordinate with FICCI as he was present in the CEO Forum meeting. (He is also inducted into FICCI Petrochemical Committee as member with AIPMA President Dr. Asutosh Gor, who is also present )
For the first time there was a conference on engineering plastics in totality. The present consumption of Engineering Plastics in India today is around 5 Lac tons per year, and it is growing at the more than the rate of 20% . The exhibition saw nearly 70 to 80 exhibitors. Four PCPIRs are sanctioned Dahej, Gujarat only one to start till date, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa. They have huge investment plans which includes refineries with polymer plants which includes cluster of Plastic Park with full infrastructure of roads, electricity water etc. Associations are welcome to initiate plastic parks.
TUF is given to textile industry since last 10 years and we are seeing the change for better in textile industry. Basically Plastic Machinery will get big boost first and then by the processing sector as a whole. 4. Environment Solutions like plastic waste to oil & electrical energy i.e. power as done in USA
The exhibition was attended by nearly 300 delegates with top officials of Indian Oil, ONGC, GAIL RIL ,GSFC, other raw material people and DCPC , FICCI, CIPET present in full strength.
Ans.: He welcomed it to give more input datas so they can consider for implementation. 5. UNIDO type support required by industry to upgrade
CEO’s FORUM:
Ans.: He is open to the suggestion but they think if TUF is in place for plastic industry it will help in a big way.
Secretary DCPC Shri Indrajit Pal was in the chair. He was of the opinion that the custom duty on imports of polymer is less & they are going to recommend to Central Cabinet for its hike. He was of the opinion that there should be labelling on products made from reprocessed and virgin, so common man is not cheated. According to him only thin plastic bags is giving bad name to plastics, minus that rest
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The conference was followed by dinner.
26th April 2013 – Friday Hon. Sec. Mr. Hitenbhai Bheda & Co - Chairman PVI, Mr. Harishbhai Dharamsi all of us visited our newly bought AIPMA office at Chennai. It is at Prime Location of Mount 13
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AIPMA AT WORK August. Dr. Gor has written once but again he has been requested to write.
Road i.e. Galaxy Palace 4th floor. The office is very airy in new building with adjoining terrace of around 3000 sq ft. Civil work was on under guidance of Mr. Y. V. Raman Coordinator, South Zone, Hitenbhai & Harishbhai. We feel happy to be in good place .Congrats to full team of AIPMA. We can think of inauguration in June.
We also met Reliance for PVI they have not said no but they have some reservations for not supporting them in import duty issue in pre-budget memorandum. We also met Mr. K. D. Vyas ,Vibrant Gujarat. He has invited AIPMA to his office with prior appointment and they are likely to participate in PVI. Harishbhai can take it forward.
Total booking for PVI 2013 done by South Zone is approximate 1700 sq. mtrs. As compared to 770 sq. mtrs. last PVI 2011. This is very healthy sign for AIPMA. Even in Poly India 2013 Additional commitment of 250 sq mtr for PVI has come.
Plexcouncil had brought 28 foreigners for Buyer – Seller Meet from four countries. Their air fare and hotel stay duly paid. AIPMA delegation also met the delegates and invited them to Plastivision. Harishbhai can take forward.
No. of exhibitors today are: Tamil Nadu
15
Andhra Pradesh
5
Karnataka
4
Kerala
0
For our information, FICCI is interested in tying up with Plastindia exhibition which is nearly decided to be held in Ahmedabad. OPPI, IPF are interested in tying up with FICCI events.
E&OE
One interesting point Solvay was also the Exhibitor and we came to know from them but they have made Aeroplane, which runs on solar energy. It is possible for them to exhibit in Plastivision if our perusal is perfect. Harishbhai knows about it and he can try.
Overall it was very good networking event where GOI DCPC our parent ministry was present in full strength and receiving us very positively in their event. In future AIPMA should not overlook such networking opportunity.
So friends lot of happenings in industry. Present OB & Core group doing their best with MC support which can take us to still greater height in the service to plastic industry of India.
We met Mr. Dhakad of UNIDO and sorted out the misunderstanding. He requested AIPMA to write a letter to DCPC for extension of their scheme which expires in
Mr. Harish Dharamsi - Co-Chairman PVI 2013, Mr. Jayesh Rambhia - PVA 2014, Mr. Arvind Mehta - Chairman Advisory Board Plastivision with Additional Secretary DCPC.
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Mr. Harish Dharamsi - Co-Chairman PVI 2013, Mr. Hiten Bheda Hon. Secretary, Mr. Arvind Mehta - Executive Director Asia-CIPAD, Mr. Jayesh Rambhia - PVA 2014, Mr. Y. V. Raman - Coordinator South Zone with Kenyan Delegates at AIPMA Stall in Poly India 2013 Exhibition
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Public hearing for PVC Suspension Grade (Sunset Review) VC Anti Dumping public hearing was held on 1st May 2013. The Public Hearing was chaired by Mr. J. S. Deepak - (IAS) Designated Authority, Mr. J. K. Dadoo - (IAS) Joint Secretary. Investigation Officers: Mr. Satish Kumar - Director & Costing Officer, Mr. G. Ramachandran - Director (Cost) were present for the hearing. Mr. Rajiv Jain - World Trade Consultants and Advocates represented The All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA) and made submissions.
materials & affiliated parties. They referred to CGPC and Hanwha information. It was argued that the core issue is VCM price variation and it basis, as VCM main raw material to produce PVC. Domestic Industries stressed that the Designated Authority should not make Dumping analysis on K value basis as all PVC grades are same and have same cost and price. Before the lawyer of Chinese Exporters/producers started the argument, Domestic Industry raised an issue that the Paper Book circulated by the Chinese producers should not be accepted as they have not served copy of the same to us. The Designated Authority agreed to the argument of the Domestic Industry and asked the Lawyer that his Paper Book will not be accepted.
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AIPMA is the only association leading the Anti Dumping Case. The following is the other representatives of the case: 1. Domestic Industry 2. China Chlor Alkali Industry Association and four Producers/Exporters from China PR
2. China Chlor Alkali Industry Association and Producers/Exporters from China PR raised the following points:
3. FPC, USA, Tricon, USA. Tricon Overseas UK and USA 4. Hanwha Chemical Corporation Korea RP
They argued that the word ‘enhancement’ used in the initiation notification is wrong. They also repeated that the producer/exporter, who were not found to be dumping in the original investigation should be excluded from the present investigation. They also said that imports price from China PR exceptionally is higher than other countries exports to India in this case.
5. Westlake Corporation. USA 6. Shintech Inc USA 7. Formosa Plastics Corporation Taiwan 8. LG Chem Korea RP Following is the arguments raised by the above interested parties
3. FPC, USA, Tricon, USA. Tricon Overseas UK & USA raised the following points:
1. Domestic Industry raised the following points:
Producer/Exporters from USA argued that if price difference is significant in all countries than how can the normal value be same, there must be some error in the Domestic Industry data. They also argued that the language used in the petition and the language used in the initiation notification is same. This shows that Designated Authority has not applied its mind before Initiation. The Domestic Industry is surely earning profit since 2008-12 their average net sale realization is Rs. 76,000/- per MT.
If the producers/exporters, who was not found dumping during the original investigation, should not be excluded in this investigation only because they were not dumping at the time of original investigation. This does not mean that they are not dumping now also, so there is no logic to exclude them. They also claimed that now they are not suffering because of volume injury, but they suffering because of price injury. As imports from International Market is coming in very low price and they not able to match the price. The imports from Malaysia, Japan & Indonesia are low in compare to Korea RP, China PR, USA from where imports is very high. They also argued that only 16% of total imports to India is coming with H.S. Code 3904, rest of all coming with the different H.S. Code. There are certain companies who have not provided proper answer of some questions about raw P L A S T I C S N E W S
4. Hanwha Chemical Corporation Korea RP raised the following points: Hanwha suggested to exclude the producers/exporters who were found not to be dumping in the original investigation. As Hanwha is exporting very small
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AIPMA AT WORK volumes which is negligible and cannot cause injury to the Domestic Industry.
to conduct the investigation impartially as it was done in the original investigation.
5. Westlake Corporation, USA raised the following points:
9. The All India Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA) raised the following points:
The Exporter informed that they have filed complete and detailed response to supplementary /deficiency letter issued by the Designated Authority and the same may be taken on record. They also made a request that the Designated Authority should conduct an on sight verification of the information submitted at the earliest and come out with its findings at the earliest.
There is a gap between demand and supply in India. This forced importers to resort to imports. As and when Domestic Industry increased the capacity, the imports have come down. Some extracts were cited from the Audit Reports of Domestic Industry. Any other move to impose Anti-dumping Duty on this product will adversely affect competitiveness of the downstream industries. Indian producers are operating at more than 95% capacity utilization. There is no volume effect on the Domestic Industry and so there is no price effect. There is no justification in the claim of the Domestic Industry with regard to the losses during the Period of investigation. Audit Reports of the various constituents of the Domestic Industry shows that they are earning profits.
6. Shintech Inc USA raised the following points: Shintech argued that they have filed detailed information about market situation prevailing in USA. The Designated Authority asked the Lawyer whether Shintech has filed questionnaire or not and the answer was that they have not filed yet. The Designated Authority assured that they will look into their submissions and will take view on the same as per Law. Shintech argued that they have provided all available facts which indicate that USA exporters have not been dumping. It was also claimed that Shintech has been profitable during the period of investigation. There said that the Domestic Industry’s claim of dumping margin of conclusion and calculation are not shown in the data.
Further extension of Anti-dumping Duty will not be in Public Interest as the same will adversely affect the downstream industry. Claims of the Domestic Industry with regard to dumping from subject countries are baseless inflated and needs to be rejected. Level of recurrence test for exporters found not to be dumping in original investigation should be different from those exporters who were found to be dumping. Claims of the Domestic Industry with regard to dumping from subject countries are baseless inflated and needs to be rejected.
7. Formosa Plastics Corporation Taiwan raised the following points: FPC said that they have provided exporters questionnaire for specific period of investigation and six months for post period of investigation as per format prescribed by the Authority. A deficiency letter has been issued by the Authority and FPC is working on the same. FPC also submitted that in the original investigation they were found not to be dumping and they continue to export to India at un-dumped prices. FPC requested the Authority to visit their premises in Taiwan for verification of the information filed by them.
Methodology of Injury Margin and Non-injurious Price needs to be revisited. Adoption of 22% ROCE to compute reasonable return to the Domestic Industry is baseless and gives undue protection to the Domestic Industry. Methodology adopted by Designated Authority is contrary to observations made by CESTAT in number of judgments.
8. LG Chem Korea RP raised the following points:
Conclusion
LG Chem said that, they have provided exporters questionnaire data as per format prescribed by Authority and they requested to the Authority for on-site verification to check the information has been submitted by them. They also said that they expect the Designated Authority P L A S T I C S N E W S
The Designated Authority concluded the Public Hearing at 7.00 pm and advised all the participating Interested Parties to file written submissions by 8th May and Rejoinder Submissions on 15th May.
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Court proceeding of the Delhi Study Group Case before Supreme Court of India ith reference to the court proceedings dated on
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Amicus Curiae of the court in order to assist in the entire
rd
3 May, 2013 before Supreme Court of India.
Ankur Gutka and Delhi Study Group matters.
The Delhi Study Group batch of matters along with
It may please be noted that it was the effort of Mr. Gopal
Ankur Gutka case batch of matters was called out before
Subramaniam, while he was Solicitor General of India that
the Court.
the favorable reports for plastics and the medical report
In the said matter various States and Union Territories
regarding cancerous effect of Gutka material and a report
as well as Central Government and State Pollution Control
supporting de-linking the relationship between plastic and
Boards and some of the civic agencies had to file affidavit
Gutka (sachets and Gutka) was submitted before Hon’ble
in view of the directions passed by the Hon’ble Court vide
Court last year.
order dated 3 - 4 -2013.
That Mr. Subramaniam is well known for his excellent knowledge, learning and understanding of things in its true
However, only 4-5 states have come up with their
and scientific perspective.
affidavits and even those affidavits were not circulated among the contesting parties because of which Hon’ble
We also submitted before Hon’ble Court our approach of
Court has taken a very serious note and issued strict
effective plastic waste management in India as suggested
direction against all of them.
by AIPIA, Green Planet Waste Management Initiative of Delhi, OPPI Mumbai and the report of the Indian Centre
Hon’ble Court further granted them six weeks time to
for Plastics in Environment.
file affidavits as per the last order and it was also made clear that if affidavits of such nature are not filed in the said
The Hon’ble Court has directed us to wait for the
period and are not circulated among the contesting parties,
responses of the States and others and then to submit
the court shall initiate contempt proceedings against all of
those reports by way of affidavit at appropriate stage of
them without giving any further opportunity.
proceedings.
Further, we have brought to the kind attention of the
With above developments the next date of hearing is fixed on 25th July, 2013.
Hon’ble Court about various orders/directions passed in Almitra Patel case bearing WPC No. 888 of 1996 concerning Municipal Solid Waste Management and linked the issue relating to plastic waste management with a more holistic concept of Municipal Solid Waste Management of which plastic constitutes 7 percent only. The Hon’ble Court permitted us to bring all those orders and directions passed in the said Almitra Patel case for the kind consideration of the Hon’ble Court before the next date of hearing Another notable development was the appointment of Mr. Gopal Subramaniam, learned Senior Advocate, as an P L A S T I C S N E W S
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The 3rd National Awards for Technology Innovation in Petrochemicals & Downstream Plastics Processing Industry Report by Mr. Haren Sanghavi - Hon. Joint Secretary AIPMA Mr. Sanjeev Kumar to take approval and join AIPMA Delegation. 2. Plastic Park being promoted by AIPMA. 3. Status of the Plastic Park in Dahej Gujarat. 4. Request for government support in our Plastic Parks to form an SPV. We then discussed on the environmental front, various activities of DCPC, etc. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Statistics and Programme Implementation Shri Srikant Kumar Jena announced the third national awards for Technology Innovation in Petrochemical and Downstream, Plastic Processing Industry.
r. Asutosh Gor – President AIPMA, Mr. Haren Sanghavi - Hon. Joint Secretary AIPMA were invited for the Presentation of 3rd National Awards for Technology Innovation in Petrochemicals & Downstream Plastics Processing Industry on 7th May 2013, 07.00 pm at New Delhi. The event was organised by CIPET.
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The awards were given for their outstanding contribution in the fields of Polymeric Material, Polymeric Products, Polymer Processing Machinery and Equipment, Polymer Waste Management and Recycling Technology, Polymeric Materials and Products, Polymers in Agriculture and Water
We were joined by our North Zone - Vice President Mr. R. K. Aggarwal. CIPET was coordinating the process of National Awards scheme being implemented by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Govt. of India. Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Srikant Kumar Jena -State (Independent Charge) for Chemical & Fertilizers; Statistics & Programme Implementation, Govt. of India was the Chief Guest of the Event. We had the opportunity to meet Secretary DCPC Mr. Indrajit Pal one of the dignitary on the dias and we congratulated him for organizing the function excellently. We then discussed and appraised him with different matter as under: Dr. Asutosh Gor – President, Mr. Haren Sanghavi – Hon. Joint Secretary, Mr. R. K. Aggarwal – Vice President, North Zone, AIPMA.
1. Invited him for Chinaplas 2013 which he declined due to his pre-occupation, but asked Deputy Secretary
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AIPMA AT WORK Conservation, Green Polymers in Public Health care and Research in the field of Polymer Science and Technology. The awards are conferred by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India. The award consists of a Shield, a Citation and a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakhs for the Winners. The award for the Runners up consists of a Shield and a Citation. A total of twenty five awards under 8 categories were given to 5 individuals/ teams, 8 industries and 12 Academic/ Research and Development institutions. During the function, Hon’ble Minister Shri Srikant Kumar Jena elaborated on the technology advancement & benefits of these National Awards to the Plastic Industry. The importance of the National Awards is acting as a boost to the Industry and encouraging new entrepreneurs to come forward and create new opportunities in the area of Plastics. He also suggested that Plastic Parks are essential for the development of the Industry. Cluster Industry formation is the need of the hour. He was very much supportive for the progress of plastic processors industry as a whole and suggested utilizing various Government schemes that would help the growth of Plastics industry.
Website advertisement procurement, Plastics News advertisement procurement, Environment and Supreme Court related matters etc. We asked the staff to promptly send weekly and monthly report of work in progress and AIPMA - North Accounts to the Office Bearers. Subsequently we had fixed an appointment with Mr. Indrajit Pal - Secretary DCPC, Government of India at 11.00am in Shastri Bhavan office. The reason for meeting was to appraise and get his support for the MDA grant for AIPMA for its Exhibition Activities. During this discussion, he took the data of the Plexcouncil and the issues related to the grant. He said that this matter is not his jurisdiction but that of Commerce Ministry but he has promised he will do his best to take the matter forward. He also asked if AIPMA agrees to support all other Plastics Associations and approve their grants at which our President Dr. Gor gave his approval in positive.
During dinner our President Dr. Asutosh Gor had an opportunity to meet the Hon’ble Minister Shri Srikant Kumar Jena and appraised him the different activities of AIPMA and gave him information about the set ups of Plastic Parks all over India. President Dr. Gor requested all possible help from DCPC to take this Plastic Park Project ahead. Hon’ble Minister asked Dr. Gor to formally fix an appointment with his personal secretary and present him the Memorandum of what steps are required to be taken from DCPC for the betterment of Plastic Industry.
In the Chamber of Mr. Indrajit Pal we were then joined by Mr. Amit Saha - Head - Sustainability, Safety & Environment, M/s. Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., Dasna, Ghaziabad. He wanted to invite Mr. Indrajit Pal for the opening ceremony of their sustainability operation in Gurgaon on 14th May, 2013. Since Mr. Pal was busy with other pre-occupation he declined. Subsequently we discussed about PET bottle cases held in the various courts of India and what AIPMA was doing on these cases.
After dinner with the Hon’ble Minister we met Mr. Sanjeev Kumar - Deputy Secretary, DCPC and discussed with him the schedule of Chinaplas 2013. We also met Mr. Chakraborty of DCPC who promised full support to AIPMA for the activities to the Plastic Industry. He appreciated our Pre-Budget proposal and the way we presented it. On 8th May, 2013 we visited our AIPMA – North office and discussed with the staff various points especially:
Mr. Indrajit Pal - Secretary DCPC was very cordial and happy with the meeting and promised his full support to AIPMA for the activities to Plastic Industry.
Plastivision India 2013 booking, Chinaplas 2013 delegation booking, Plastivision Arabia 2014 booking
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AIPMA AT WORK
Visit at M/s. Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., Dasna Plant on the occasion of the inauguration of their PET Waste Compaction Plant Hiten Bheda Hon. Secretary Mr. Amit Saha received the guests at the plant ofďŹ ce and briefed them on the agenda for the function. The function started with a presentation from GESL on its PET Recycling Process and current status of PET Recycling in India. This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Asutosh Gor, President AIPMA brieďŹ ng the gathering on the various activities of AIPMA and its initiatives on environmental front . He also focused on the road map on expected collaboration between Coca Cola and AIPMA. A I P M A t e a m m e t M r. Patrick and Ms. Shukla of HCCB and discussed on vision of PET Recycling and need of the hour from environmental perspective in India. Mr. Mayank shared HCCB Vision - key account collection of PET and expectation from Sustainability Team. Mr. Bimal presented details of works undertaken in waste reduction of package to the August gathering as part of sustainability initiative.
IPMA President, Dr. Asutosh Gor, Hon. Secretary Mr. Hiten Bheda and Vice President North Zone Mr. R. K. Aggarwal were invited by the M/s. Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. (HCCB) to visit their Dasna plant on 14th May, 2013 for the formal launch of their PET Waste Recycling Plant on the site as part of sustainable operations initiative.
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HCCB team included Mr. Amit Saha - Manager Sustainability, Mr. Krishan Aggarwal - Zonal Head, Supply Chain, Ms. Shukla Wassan - Executive Director, Mr. Bimal Kumar Lakhotia - National Head Packaging Development and Commercialization, Ms. Neelima Khetan - GM Public Affairs and Communication, Mr. Patrick Yadauga - Senior VP Supply Chain and Operation Staff of HCCB at Dasna as well Directors of M/s. Ganesha Ecosphere Ltd. (GESL). P L A S T I C S N E W S
The guests were then escorted on plant tour of high speed bottling and packaging lines for company beverages ending at newly set of waste handling plant. Followed by traditional coconut breaking, Dr. Asutosh Gor was honoured to inaugurate the plant with formal ribbon cutting. It was indeed a moment of pride and recognition for AIPMA and the President.
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9 PLASTIVISION INDIA 2013 International Plastics Exhibition & Conference Where the future of plastic is..
Asian Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd. Plastic Injection molding machines Asian Plastic Machinery is a subsidiary co., of Chen Hsong Group, a leading IMM manufacturer in Taiwan longer than 30 years. Our IMM range is from 30T~3200T metric ton, whole series are with Japan made servo energy kit as Standard toggle machine SM50V~1400V, also fast speed series SM50TSV~SM450TSSV Ram type SM30HCV~SM460HCV, Two platen machines SM700V~3200V Our Indian team APML has been achieved a historic high sales in the past years , we are truly appreciated for all valued customers’ long term support. Contact Person: Kevin Huang, Area Sales Manager, No. 1, Sung Chiang N. Rd. Chung Li Ind. Park, Chung Li city, Taoyuan, Taiwan R.O.C. Tel.: +886-3-4522288 Fax: +886-3-4520261 Web: http://www.asianplastic.com.tw
Chumpower Machinery Corp. Company Profile & Product Description PET Stretch Blow Molding Machine CHUM POWER MACHINERY CORP., that was established in 1981, has been a over 30 years professional experience in developing and manufacturing PET Stretch Blow Molding Machine and Mold-Making in Taiwan and our global worldwide sales references and services are over 60 countries, Such as Europe, America, Japan, Korea, Australia, Africa, Middle East, and South East Asia. Our products and services are widely used in the mineral water, carbonated sodium drinks, teas, oil, alcohol drinks, juice, nuts, jams, sauces, cosmetics and household with the volume from 20 c.c.~20 liters, the neck-diameters is 14mm~200mm and the max capacity is up to 18,000 bph. The task of CHUM POWER is having professional R&D team, providing outstanding developed facilities and related services in PET Stretch Blow Molding machine, developing global marketing, creating reasonable proďŹ ts, increasing happiness, and being the clients' reliable tactical partner. Please visit our website http://www.chumpower.com for the further interest in our machines.
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9 PLASTIVISION INDIA 2013 International Plastics Exhibition & Conference Where the future of plastic is..
Ducol Organics & Colours Pvt Ltd. DUPLAST DUCOL, a Mumbai-based company manufactures dispersions, preparations, concentrates, emulsions, pastes, colorants, elaborations, Masterbatches and Tinters in various forms in which it has gained a leadership position through the decades with over 500 clients in 30 countries. Ducol has been closely associated with the plastics industry through the production of its Masterbatches which started during 2010. Ducol invests in research towards a deep understanding of particle size, “soul of colour” and has the technology, instrumentation and expertise to control it. Precision, consistency and customisation are the hallmarks, clients have come to rely on which has helped in creating a niche for its master batches in a short time. Our masterbatches go by the name DUPLAST. Three units have been in operation at Taloja with expansion plans in Mahad in the coming years. Our current range Duplast Masterbatches consists of: White Masterbatches, Colour Masterbatches, Additive Masterbatches and Universal Masterbatches. These Masterbatches are compatible with all commodity polymers and are used for practically all plastic products manufactured through all known plastic processing techniques. Ducol is on the threshold of revolutionising the MB industry by introducing specialised Masterbatches which include: Freshness Plus (AR), Anti-Fog (Hot & Cold), Insect Repellent, Anti-microbial / Anti-fungal, Anti-Static (Permanent) and Anti Rodent.
Fu Chief Co. Ltd. Located in Tainan City, Taiwan, Fu Chief Co., Ltd. is a professional company offering good molds and good service to the worldwide customers. Our products include any customized molds for plastic injection molding like household hardware, medical items, electronic components, car accessories, and cosmetic boxes and so on. Based on our honest belief for our customers, we trust that we will be your best choice to cooperate with. For any further information, welcome you to send your inquiries to us by emailing, or visit our website for finding your suitable products.
Our Mold Department: Steps of the mold production: Mold design →Making mold drawings →Mold analysis and discussion→ Making molds → Mold test → Check tested samples→ Discussion→ Shipping molds → Or produce plastic parts in Taiwan (R.O.C.). Michelle Hsu, Sales department Tel.:+886 6 2436158 Fax: +886 6 2432721 Email: sales@fuchief.com.tw; mi@fuchief.com.tw Web: www.fuichef.com.tw P L A S T I C S N E W S
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9 PLASTIVISION INDIA 2013 International Plastics Exhibition & Conference Where the future of plastic is..
Hemingstone Machinery Co. Ltd. Company Profile & Product Description HM-800VVE, HIGH SPEED BAG MAKING MACHINE Established in 1979, HEMINGSTONE Machinery Co., Ltd. specializes in making whole plant turnkey plastics bag equipments including bag-blowing machinery, printing machine and bag making machinery. Hemingstone is a manufacturer that has won many appraisals and good comments from its customers. The company has immense R&D capabilities in terms of production technologies and provides customers with services strictly in accordance with all the mechanical requirements of the production. Holding up non-stop innovations, HEMIGSTONE has launched various professionally made machinery such as fastest T-Shirt bag making machine (speed:400pcs/min), development of various types of full-automatic garbage bag and hand bag machinery as well as entire technical and production services to customers. Mr. Jerry Liao, Sales Representative No.41 Wu Kong 5 Rd., Wu-Ku Ind. Park, Wu-Ku District, 24890, New Taipei City, Taiwan Tel.: +886-2-22991616 Fax: +886-2-22992080 Email: hm_mail@hemingstone.com Website: http://www.hemingstone.com
Jon Wai Machinery Works Co. Ltd. Computer Control Plastic Injection Molding Machine JON WAI Machinery has founded over 30 years in Taiwan. We manufacture and provide plastic injection machines to reach customers’ production requirements. We could provide the advanced machines. Not only standard machines but also tailor made machines including PREFORM series, THIN WALL series, PVC series and TWO COLOR / THREE COLOR / FOUR COLOR series. We sell more than 700 high quality and high efďŹ cient plastic injection machines to the entire world every year. We keep developing new technology and upgrading our plastic injection machines to bring the best products to our customers!! We have 10 service engineers in India for customer service backup. 3 in Delhi and 7 in Mumbai. We have over 800 sets of machines in this market. Harrison Chen, Manager, Jon Wai Machinery Works Co., Ltd. 11F-3, No.30, Sec. 3, Chung Shan N. Road, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: +886-2-2595-4867 Fax: 886-2-25932358 Email: harrison.chen@jonwai.com.tw; infor.tw@jonwai.com.tw Website: www.jonwai.com P L A S T I C S N E W S
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9 PLASTIVISION INDIA 2013 International Plastics Exhibition & Conference Where the future of plastic is..
Moldpower Co.Ltd. Company Profile & Product Description Hot Runner Systems Mold Power Co., Ltd. is a professional technical-based service team, customer will only provide the product & material used information, then Mold Power Co., Ltd. can provide the services from hot runner system designs, mold flow analysis to tooling for production's maintenance & guarantee. Moldpower service branches as below: TAIWAN TEL: 886-6-2056388 FAX: 886-6-2056399 TEL: 886-2-89929760/886-3-4600066 FAX: 886-2-89929750 / 886-3-4500055 MAIL: mold.power@msa.hinet.net, ho_ching@mail.tbnet.net CHINA TEL: 86-755-84012629 FAX: 86-755-84012292 MAIL: moldpower@vip.163.com
MALAYSIA TEL: 604-3567585 FAX: 604-3565585
TEL: 86-512-50393922 FAX: 86-512-50393933
TEL: 603-80608143 FAX: 603-80624099 TEL: 605-2828199 FAX: 605-2822199
MAIL: ideal.hottip@msa.hinet.net
TEL: 607-5201302 FAX: 607-5201270
VIETNAM TEL: 84-650-3762538 FAX: 84-650-3766339 MAIL: longduong.co@vnn.vn
MAIL: wyklmach@gmail.com, wymachpg@gmail.com, wyjbmach@gmail.com, wymach@gmail.com
THAILAND TEL: 66-2-7525538 FAX: 66-2-7525539 MAIL: smartech@asianet.co.th
INDONESIA TEL: +62-31-7310 810 FAX: +62-31-7341 930 MAIL: jeey00@sby.centrin.net.id / lungfajaya@yahoo.com
Sojitz Pla-Net Corporation / Nippon Gohsei Soarnol Soarnol is a trade name of Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH), originally developed by NIPPON GOHSEI through years of research. Soarnol is substantially ethylene modified Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) to improve extrudability, water resistance, and transparency. Soarnol exhibits excellent barrier performance not only for oxygen but for a variety of other gases. It also has excellent chemical and oil resistance that enable it to be used for a wide variety of other non-food applications, such as the plastic fuel tanks for automobiles that have come to be used in recent years. Yohei Fukumoto, Sales Representative Tel.:+81-3-6871-3543 Fax: +81-3-6858-7266 Email: fukumoto.yohei@sojitz.com Web: www.soarnol.com
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COMPANY NEWS
Shell India files petition against Income Tax Dept on alleged tax evasion hell India has filed a petition against Assistant Commissioner of Income-Tax in the Bombay High Court on allegations of tax evasion through a transfer pricing mechanism. The Indian arm of Royal Dutch Shell Plc has been accused by the Income-Tax Department of undervaluing a share sale within the group by Rs 15,000 crore in 2009 thus evading income-tax, as per The Hindu. In a statement issued on Thursday, the company said that, “Shell has always maintained that it
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will continue to evaluate all options for redress available to resolve this tax dispute.Recent media reports on tax evasion are baseless and Shell India will challenge this order strongly and is evaluating all options for redress. Shell globally and in India complies with all applicable local regulations and laws and has also done so in this instance — in full compliance with the Shell Group Business Principles,” said Yasmine Hilton, Chairman, Shell Group of Companies in India. Shell India’s considered view is that the
Haldia Petrochemicals Board to convene meeting to notify Board for Industries PL board of directors will convene a meeting soon to notify the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR), known as graveyard of industrial units, according to a report the Times Of India. The move comes after a 50% erosion of the company's peak net worth in the last four years of reference. A company is declared a sick unit once 100% of its net worth is eroded, while it is notified as a potential sick unit in case of 50% erosion. With a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore just a few years ago, HPL was Bengal's third-largest company after Coal India and ITC. It reported a net worth of Rs 500 crore in the financial
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year ended March 31, 2013 — less than 30% of the peak net worth of the petrochem giant in the preceding four financial years. According to the Companies Act, 1956, when 50% or more of a company's peak net worth during the immediately preceding four financial years is eroded at the end of any financial year, the board of directors is required to intimate BIFR by filing a mandatory reference within 60 days from the finalization of the audited annual accounts. HPL had a net worth of Rs 2,347 crore in 200910, Rs 2,097 crore in 2010-11 and Rs 1,479 crore in 2011-12.
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transfer pricing order is based on an incorrect interpretation of the Indian tax regulations and is bad in law as this is a capital receipt on which income tax cannot be levied. Funding of a subsidiary through issue of shares is common in India and globally. “Taxing the money received by Shell India is in effect a tax on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which is contrary not only to law but also to the spirit of the recent global trip by the Finance Minister to attract further FDI into India,” Hilton added.
Xianglu Petrochemical plans to start new PTA plant hina based - Xianglu Petrochemical plans to start a new purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant by the end of the third quarter.The 4.5 mln tpa PTA plant is being set up at an estimated investment of US$400 mln. The plant is presently under construction and is expected to be completed at the beginning of Q3 2013. “Trial runs at the plant located at Fujian province, China are planned to be undertaken in the beginning of Q3-2013 and production is planned to begin at the end of the same quarter,” as per a company official.
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COMPANY NEWS
NatureWorks appoints PTT PM for Thailand and Vietnam atureWorks, the world’s leading supplier of biopolymers with Ingeo™ fibers and plastics has named PTT Polymer Marketing Co., Ltd. (PTTPM), the marketing arm of PTT Global Chemical Plc., as its distributor in Thailand and Vietnam.
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PTTPM will bring Ingeo to its broad base of thermoformers, film extruders and injection molders, initially focusing on the packaging and foodservice ware industries. The agreement with PTTPM follows soon after NatureWorks opened its Bangkok regional headquarters. Supachoke Liamkaeo, president of PTTPM said “Our collaboration with NatureWorks now gives companies in Thailand and Vietnam the opportunity to develop a full range of packaging and foodservice ware items offering performance with sustainability.”
Ingeo emits 60% less greenhouse gas and requires 48% less energy to manufacture into resin as compared to conventional plastics, and offers converters and brand owners stable pricing as compared to the volatility of the plastics made from petroleum. Ingeo food service items, such as flatware, cups and utensils, are typically biodegradable in industrial composting facilities – enabling the diversion of organics from landfills, where the composting infrastructure exists. Rigid and film-based Ingeo packaging delivers performance advantages. For example, clamshell packaging made with Ingeo requires 20 to 30 percent less material than a comparable package made from Pet.
Jacobs Engineering Group renews frame agreement with Borealis acobs Engineering Group Inc. (JEC) has renewed its frame agreement with Borealis for work at its facilities in Stenungsund, Sweden.
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According to the terms the agreement would be for five years. Under the five year frame agreement, Jacobs is providing engineering, procurement, project management and construction management services on a variety of projects, each of which is expected to have a total installed cost
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varying in range up to US$11 million. Borealis is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the fields of polyolefins, base chemicals and fertilizers. The only polyethylene (PE) producer in Sweden, Borealis’ Stenungsund facilities include a PE plant, a cracker for ethylene and propylene production, and an innovation center focused on research and development for infrastructure markets. Jacobs Group 28
Cereplast receives orders from Indian market eading manufacturer of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable bioplastics Cereplast has begun receiving orders and payment for Compostable 3002 for the manufacture of single-use bags, and expects to receive more orders for this material in the near future.
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Cereplast expects the growing anti-plastic climate in India, the world's third largest polymers consumer, could generate larger growth opportunities for the bioplastics industry in the country, specifically for compostable bioplastics. There is growing interest in India for Cereplast Compostables® resins, particularly for the blow molding grades that are suited for beverage bottles, as well as the blown film grades for single-use grocery bags and garbage bags.
Vice President Mark Bello said that “We are very pleased to renew our frame agreement with Borealis. This is the continuation of a tenyear working relationship between Jacobs and Borealis in Sweden. We appreciate their confidence in our performance, and are committed to continue to support Borealis’ investment needs. M A Y 2013
COMPANY NEWS
Austria's OMV to invest around Eur230 mln in butadiene plants at refineries ustrian oil and gas company OMV AG has set aside around 230 mln euros (US$301.4 mln) for a new butadiene plant for the Burghausen refinery in Germany and upgrade of the existing plant in Schwechat, Austria .
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According to the report in Dow Jones the extended butadiene plant in Schwechat is expected to start operations in June 2014, while the operational start of the new construction
in Burghausen is planned for the second quarter 2015. "We are investing in these facilities in order to build on the synergies from our sites in Burghausen and Schwechat as regards petrochemicals. By optimizing our production portfolio we gain a significant additional increase in earnings potential and can improve our competitive position long-term," Manfred Leitner, OMV executive board
member responsible for refining and marketing, said. "We are convinced that we can exploit economies of scale and synergies between the two refineries as regards the planned extension and new construction at the butadiene plants at our Schwechat and Burghausen sites. In future these two sites will enable OMV to cover around six percent of total butadiene production in Europe," he added.
Clariant to invest in pigment preparations plant in Indonesia lariant to invest in pigment preparations plant in Indonesia .According to the Press Release the company plans to build a new pigment preparations plant in Indonesia in a series of investments to strengthen on-the-ground support for customers in China, India and Indonesia.
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Further it stated in the release that the announcement marks another step
in Clariant’s significant commitment to support customers in the emerging markets with high quality low VOC pigment preparations complying with eco labeling schemes such as blue angel and equivalent schemes in other regions. The company is investing approximately CHF 8 Million to enhance its capabilities in the region. The investments include the construction
of a new pigment preparations plant at Clariant’s Tangerang site in Indonesia that will double capacity to support the strong market growth in the country. Production is scheduled to commence in September 2013. Clariant is also finalizing the feasibility for expanding the capacity at its Azo pigments and pigment preparations plants in Roha, India by 50%.
Fluor awarded contract for Dow’s Freeport facility luor Corporation has been awarded a contract by The Dow Chemical Company to execute a significant portion of its U.S. Gulf Coast investments.
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F l u o r ’s s c o p e i n c l u d e s t h e engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of a propane dehydrogenation unit, an ethane P L A S T I C S N E W S
cracker, and associated power, utilities and infrastructure facility upgrades to support each unit. The facilities will be constructed in Dow's Oyster Creek facility in Freeport, Texas. Fluor booked the undisclosed contract value into backlog in the first quarter of 2013.“Fluor has had a strong and long-standing relationship with 29
Dow, supporting some of the industry’s most challenging and innovative projects,” said Peter Oosterveer, president of Fluor’s Energy & Chemicals Group. “This is a significant endeavor by Dow to process hydrocarbons from the domestic shale formations, and we are pleased to continue our support of their efforts.
M A Y 2013
COMPANY NEWS
Dragon Aromatics to begin trial runs of delayed paraxylene plant etrochemical firm Dragon Aromatics plans to begin trial operations of its delayed US$3 bln paraxylene plant on China's southeast coast this month.
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Dragon Aromatics, owned by Taiwan's Xianglu Group, is one of China's biggest independent petrochemical producers and potentially a major importer of condensate. The new complex consists of an 800,000 tpa
paraxylene (PX) facility and a 4 million tpa condensate splitter. The plant is expected to reach commercial operations by end-June. The plant, located in Gulei port in Fujian province, was originally slated for start-up around mid 2012, but was delayed by slower-than-expected construction and delays in gaining environmental clearance.
Dow Chemical receives US$2.2 bln as settlement for JV ow Chemical Co. has received a US$2.2 bln payment from Petrochemical Industries Company of Kuwait, settling a dispute over a scrapped joint venture.
Petrochemical Industries is a unit of Kuwait Petroleum Corp., which had agreed to form a US$17.4 billion joint venture with Dow called K-Dow Petrochemicals.
An international arbitration court awarded Dow US$2.2 bln in damages stemming from Kuwait's move to withdraw from the joint venture.
T h e v e n t u r e , h o w e v e r, w a s scrapped in 2008, days before it was scheduled to launch.
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Fire at Formosa Plastics' Texas complex flash fire at Formosa Plastics Corporation USA's petrochemical complex in Point Comfort, Texas, has injured around 14 workers.
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According to reports the fire occurred in one of the complex's polyethylene units. Formosa's Point Comfort complex includes two steam crackers with a combined ethylene capacity of 1.5 mln tpa, 264,000 tpa of linear low-density polyethylene, 673,000 tpa of high-density polyethylene and 575,000 tpa of polyvinyl chloride. A fire at a South Texas petrochemical plant left 14 workers hurt, two critically injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The plant’s ethylene purification area was shut down because of the fire at the Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. plant in Point Comfort.
Jindal Poly Films Board approves for global BOPP indal Poly Films Ltd’s Board of Directors has approved the entering of Sale Purchase Agreements relating to the acquisition of Global BOPP Films Business of ExxonMobil Chemical, USA.
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The move will help the company to double its manufacturing capacity from 2.1 lakh tpa to almost 4.5 lakh tpa P L A S T I C S N E W S
and enter newer territories and access more advanced technology. The BOPP division of the Exxon Mobil has access to technology for very “high valueadded” premium films, specialised and coated films and has a significant patent portfolio, all of which are part of the deal.
division covers five BOPP production locations in the US and Europe- in Georgia and Oklahoma in the US and the Netherlands and Belgium in Europe. The transaction also includes technology transfer and sales office in New York and office in Luxemburg, with a total work force of 1500.
The agreement to acquire the 30
M A Y 2013
FEATURES
‘Bioprocess & Bioproducts – Emerging Trends’ Biotechnology has been identified as India’s industry of the future. Due to its mega bio-diversity biotechnology it offers good opportunities to convert Indian biological resources into economic wealth n cognizance of the vast potential of biomass as feedstock for deriving liquid as well as gaseous fuels and value-added chemicals, the national level programme on Bioprocess & Bioproducts has been launched by Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) an autonomous organization set up in 1988 under the Department of Science & Technology to look ahead in technologies, assess the technology trajectories, and support technology innovation by network actions in select technology areas of national importance.
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Since 1993 TIFAC embarked upon the major task of formulating a Technology Vision for the country in various emerging technology areas. The programme on Bioprocess & Bioproducts has been launched by TIFAC towards identification, development & demonstration of innovative bioconversion technologies in the country through collaborative actions among various stakeholders. As precursor to launching its Bioprocess & Bioproducts Programme, TIFAC had commissioned preparation of comprehensive position papers in the thrust areas viz. Bio-ethanol, Bio-oil, Bio-Hydrogen, Bio-Chemicals/ Specialty Chemicals and Industrial Enzymes by the domain experts inducted from the leading national R&D and academic institutions. The position papers have been P L A S T I C S N E W S
instrumental in detailed sectoral assessment and formulation of future strategies for the areas identified. These position papers were updated and peer reviewed with a view to publishing them as TIFAC specialized reports. Effective utilization of biomass for its conversion into energy and valueadded products assumes priority for developing countries like India, due to the potential impact of the
conversion technologies in terms of their environment friendliness and far reaching socio-economic consequences coupled with employment generation at the rural level. The technologically feasible alternatives to convert biomass into liquid & gaseous fuels, chemicals, biomaterials etc. need to be considered with adequate emphasis in Indian context. There exists a wide spectrum of technology development possibilities 31
in this area. The process parameters, yields etc. with reference to Indian biomass need to be established for both the thermochemical as well as biotransformation processes to convert it into fuels & value added chemicals.
The chemical properties The chemical properties of the lignocellulosics make them a substrate of enormous biotechnological value. Plant biomass comprising lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose is one of the foreseeable renewable resources on the planet. With depleting petroleum resources and increasing demand on energy, lignocellulose derived ethanol seems to be the future of transportation fuels. Also it is apparent that integrated biorefineries, analogous to petroleum refineries, would generate chemicals from the biomass thus moving the world towards a carbohydrate based economy. Such biorefineries would be capable of extracting from biomass, building block chemicals such as starch, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, proteins and lipids; and then converting them into a wide range of products dealing with almost every possible aspect of our daily life. Development and deployment of efficient and economically viable technologies in commercial scale for M A Y 2013
FEATURES production of ethanol from biomass are the major challenges today. Cost of enzymes, which is one of the critical factors for the process to become economical, needs substantial reduction. Major breakthroughs are needed to reduce the cost of producing cellulases, hemicellulases and to bring improvements in their activity and efficiency. A concerted effort in understanding the basic physiology of cellulolytic microbes and the utilization of this knowledge coupled with engineering principles is imperative to achieve a better processing and complete utilization of the plant biomass. Hemicellulose constitutes a major portion of the biomass, which plays a crucial role in the quantitative biomass conversion to useful products. The complete bioconversion of hemicellulose to sugar monomers is considered to be the main hurdle in the commercial success of bioconversion processes from the technical as well as the economic point of view. Cellulases and hemicellulases have numerous applications and biotechnological
potential for various industries including chemicals, fuel, food, brewery and wine, animal feed, textile and laundry, pulp and paper and agriculture. Lignocellulose biotechnology from investment perspective could be an attractive option for developing countries since its biodegradation could be achieved by solid-state fermentation, thus making such technology suitable for farms and small industrial plants without the need for large engineering infrastructure. The need for more efficient bioseparation processes leading to pure enzymes with less number of steps and lower costs needs to be developed towards commercialization. The removal of lignin from woody biomass has attracted a great deal of research, especially due to its importance in the pulp and paper industry as well as for bioremediation. Ligninases, the enzymes of choice encompass a wide range of enzymes viz. laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase that have the capability to degrade a wide range of
tarch is renewable, readily biodegradable, easily modified both physically and chemically, and available in bulk in all parts of the world making it a very attractive raw material for manufacture of “green” plastics. Starch helps to make thermoplasticsthat can be both 100% renewable and completely biodegradable.Starch is composed of amylose, a linear polymer of D-glucose units attached α-1,4-, and amylopectin, a highly branched polymer of D-glucose. Starch is deposited in granules during biosynthesis. Starch granules have both amorphous and crystalline regions.TPS properties can be improved significantly by blending with other polymers, fillers, and fibers.
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Blends of TPS with other biodegradable polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol or aliphatic polyesters like polylactic acid, polycaprolactone and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) are fully biodegradable
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aromatic substrates thereby holding a great potential for bioremediation as well as Industrial application
Thermo-chemical processes The thermo-chemical processes for biomass treatment include combustion, gasification and pyrolysis. Pyrolysis converts biomass to mainly liquid fuels e.g. bio-oil.The yields of products depend on biomass composition, heating rate, pyrolysis temperature and residence time in the pyrolysis reactor. Hydrogen is considered to be an ideal energy carrier for the future, which contributes to reduction of energy-linked environmental impacts, including global warming due to anthropogenic carbon emissions, mobile source emissions e.g. CO, NO, SO2 and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) and particulates. H2 can be produced as a storable clean fuel from primary energy sources e.g. solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, nuclear, and from biomass as well. H2 has the unique feature of upgrading biomass and waste effluents to common liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, thus providing flexible, sustainable energy source. Both photo-fermentation and dark fermentation processes can yield H2, and the most important advantage of such processes is the use of renewable energy sources as substrates. This given the Indian conditions and resources it would not be difficult for Indian industries to utilize these inputs for generating favorable strategies for growth.
M A Y 2013
FEATURES
New data on land-use for bioplastics European Bioplastics publishes data on land-use for bioplastics says, Feedstock required for bioplastics production accounts for only a minimal fraction of global agricultural area hile most of us have been talking about Bio-plastics and its various utility value European Bioplastics have published a data on land-use for bioplastics and this is quite enlightening for all of us.
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According to the study the surface required to grow sufficient feedstock for today’s bioplastics production is less than 0.006 percent of the global agricultural area of 5 billion hectares. This is the key finding published by European Bioplastics earlier in the month. The findings are based on figures from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and calculations of the Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (IfBB, University Hannover, Germany). In a world of fast growing population with an increasing demand for food and feed, the use of feedstock for non-food purposes is often debated controversially. The new brochure “ Bioplastics - facts and figures” published by European Bioplastics, moves the discussion on to a factual level. During the course of its study it has found that of the 13.4 billion hectares of global land surface, around 37 percent (5 billion hectares) are currently used for agriculture. This includes pastures (70 percent, approximately 3.5
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billion hectares) and arable land (30 percent, approximately 1.4 billion hectare). Arable land is that capable of being used for crop growing and, thus, has qualities including a fresh water supply and a richness in nutrients, and is located where the prevailing climate is suitable (not too hot or too cold).
translates to approximately 300,000 hectares of land-use to grow feedstock for bioplastics. In relation to the global agricultural area of 5 billion hectares, bioplastics make use of only 0.006 percent. Metaphorically speaking, this ratio correlates to the size of an average cherry tomato placed next to the Eiffel Tower.
These 30 percent of arable land are further divided into areas predominantly used to grow crops for food and feed (27 percent, approximately 1.29 billion hectares), as well as crops for materials (2 percent, approximately 100 million hectares, including the share used for bioplastics), and crops for biofuels (1 percent, approximately 55 million hectares).
No competition to food and feed
Minimal fraction of land used for bioplastics
According to European Bioplastics, increasing the efficiency of feedstock and agricultural technology will be key to assuring the balance between landuse for innovative bioplastics and land for food and feed. The emergence of reliable and independent sustainability assessment schemes will also contribute to this goal.
European Bioplastics market data depicts production capacities of around 1.2 million tonnes in 2011. This
A glance at the global agricultural area and the way it is used makes it abundantly clear: 0.006 percent used to grow feedstock for bioplastics are nowhere near being in competition with the 98 percent used for pastures and to grow food and feed.
Well considering this as an yardstick, India as we know have 60% of agrcultural land even if we are able to devote 0.5 % of land for innovative bioplastics with proper infrastructure so as to maintain the balance then its no looking back
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FEATURES
The fastest growing bioplastics Nova-Institute publishes results for survey of the international bioplastics market says the demand for PLA increasing acorss the globe ith the increasing demand for bioplastics acros the world, PLA‘s are bound to see huge increase in its production in coming years. And this very well supported by a survey carried out Germany based Nova institiute which says that the production capacity might reach over 800,000 tonnes 5-6 years down the line.
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Nova-Institute has recently published the first results of a multiclient market survey of the international bioplastics market. According to survey25 companies have developed production capacity at 30 sites worldwide of over 180,000 tonnes of polylactic acid (PLA), which is considered to be one of the leading bio-based plastics. As we know PLA is used mainly
Evolution of PLA Production Capacities in packaging, but it also has a large number of other durable applications. The largest producer is to say NatureWorks, a company that is active in the USA and Thailand, and has
According to Europoean Bioplastics lobal production capacity of bioplastics amounted to some 1.2 million tonnes in 2011 and will rise to almost 6 million tonnes by 2016, it is envisaged.
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The report also notes that bioplastics production capacity is growing 'fastest outside of Europe'. Asia accounts for 34.6% of total volumes, followed by South America on 32.8%, Europe on 18.5% and North America on 13.7%. European Bioplastics predicts that Asia and South America will be even more dominant within the bioplastics industry by 2016, accounting respectively for 46.3% and 45.1% of a total projected production capacity of 5.778 million tonnes. The shares held by Europe and North America will shrink to, respectively, 4.9% and 3.5%.
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a capacity of 140,000 tonnes/year. The other producers have a current capacity of between 1,500 and 10,000 tonnes/year. According to the forecasts, existing PLA producers are planning considerable expansion of their capacity to around 800,000 t/year by 2020. And if this has to happen then there should be at least 7 sites with a capacity of over 50,000 tonnes/year by then. A survey of lactic acid producers – the preliminary stage of PLA production – revealed that production capacity to meet concrete requests from customers could even rise to roughly 950,000 tonnes/year. Speaking about the survey results
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FEATURES Michael Carus, managing director of nova-Institute in Hürth (Germany) said, “For the very first time we have robust market data about worldwide PLA production capacity.
about the need for solid, transparent and worldwide market data on the bio-based polymer branch. This need was a major stimulus for conducting this market survey.
These are considerably higher than in previous studies, which did not cover all producers. Forecasts of 800,000 or even 950,000 t/year by 2020 show that PLA is definitely a polymer for the future.”
The nova-Institute has therefore tried to provide some clarity and transparency to the market by launching the most comprehensive international market study of bio-based polymers to date.
There was in fact broad agreement - not only from the major industrial players but also from the user side -
The results are derived from the most comprehensive international market survey of bioplastics to date,
which was carried out in conjunction with renowned international plastics experts. It's the methodology of this market survey that is so special, since it provides a comprehensive study of every producer of over 30 different bioplastics around the world. The data covering the capacity, production, uses and raw materials was collected through over 100 interviews with senior and top-level managers as well as questionnaires and a literature review.
New Development-- Bioplastic from Wheat Straw In what could be termed as the latest development the Technological Institute of Plastics (AIMPLAS) has developed a fully biodegradable plastic produced from wheat straw where its properties allow its use in the manufacturing of white goods and electronic equipment he Technological Institute of Plastics (AIMPLAS) has developed a fully biodegradable plastic produced from wheat straw where its properties allow its use in the manufacturing of white goods and electronic equipment.
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The bioplastic is being developed as part of a European project called
BUGWORKERS, which AIMPLAS is coordinating over a 48 month period involving 15 partners including FERMAX, the Basque technological centre TECNALIA and NetComposites. Wheat straw is an agro-industrial residue. However within this project it is able to significantly reduce the manufacturing cost of a biodegradable plastic, thus boosting its value. The straw was chosen for its low cost and high availability especially within central Europe. Sugar derived from the straw is fed to bacteria to produce the bioplastic. The cellulose fibres from the same residue are the key
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to providing the necessary rigidity of the material for the further application in electronics and appliances. So far the partners involved in BUGWORKERS have achieved good results in terms of process efficiency and are therefore taking this to an industrial scale. These results will lead to further discussions about costs and competitive properties. Also if everything goes as per plans then it could drastically change the consumer market as well. Ana Espert, technical coordinator in AIMPLAS project,says, "We need a high yield in the bioplastic synthesis process using bacteria to be able to speak of a cost competitive product, and we are getting very positive results.
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Is the Bioplastic Cup Half Full or Half Empty? - Mary Catherine O’Connor magine yourself to be in US. You have just been through your work and on your way back home / hotel you’re standing in front of three bins – one for compost, one for recycling and one for landfill – holding an empty container called (just for argument sake) a “PlantBottle” and a clear plastic cup embossed with the recycling triangle and the number seven. Now what?
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is the catchall for plastics that aren’t generally recyclable but that a few curbside systems might take – things like durable goods such as sunglasses, DVDs and some types of rugged plastic packaging. Compostable plastic is lumped under number seven, too.
across the country banning standard, petroleum-based, single-use plastics and some mandating residential composting, more businesses and consumers are looking for plastic packaging that will, poof!, disappear once its short, useful life is over.
This cup in your hand happens to be a compostable bioplastic material, PLA, and so, though it might seem counterintuitive, it is supposed to go in the compost bin. Of course, if the word “compostable” were printed on the cup, this would be obvious. But such hints are not always provided.
But – spoiler alert – that’s not actually how it all works. For one thing, bioplastics vary widely in terms of both their base material and their ability (or inability) to biodegrade. For another, bioplastics are causing problems for both plastics recyclers and for commercial composting facilities because they are often wrongly sorted. So while bioplastics have the potential to significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels to create packaging, they’re no panacea.
If this all seems confusing, that’s because it is.
Your instinct might be to put that “PlantBottle” in the compost bin, and to put the clear plastic cup in the recycling bin. But in this case, you’d be wrong on both counts. For your information PlantBottle is Coca-Cola’s brand for its bio-based plastic bottles, and while they are made either partially or wholly from plant-derived materials, they have the identical chemical structure of plastic made from oil, and therefore should be recycled right along with petro-derived plastic. A PlantBottle, despite its name, can’t be composted. And the cup bearing the recycling logo and the number seven? Seven
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But we’re here to shine a light on bioplastic packaging and its end-of-life story, because you’ll be seeing more and more of it in the coming years. Any sustainable business worth its weight in wheatgrass is starting to use bioplastic packaging. And within the packaging industry, this stuff is the new black. The market for bioplastics is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of about 25 percent through 2015, with production reaching 884,000 tons by 2020. Set against the haunting images of our plastic-choked oceans and landscapes, and considering the pathetically low recycling rates in the US (only about 30 percent of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, bottles are collected for recycling), the rise of bioplastics seems, at first glance, encouraging. With municipalities
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First, let’s start with a primer on the term “bioplastic.” Basically, a bioplastic is a polymer made – wholly or in part – from a renewable, plant-based feedstock. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as Ecoflex, a bioplastic made from petrochemicals. It earns its “bioplastic” label from the fact that it will biodegrade when placed in a commercial composting system. As you can see, the term bioplastic is quite broad. Some bioplastics are designed such that microorganisms inside a compost pile will completely consume them within a relatively short period of time. Other bioplastics will decompose under certain conditions, but they will not do so quickly or completely enough
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FEATURES to be considered compostable. Some producers claim their packaging is biodegradable, when in reality it just contains additives that make the plastic break down into small pellets. So it’s very important to note that “bio-based,” “biodegradable” and “compostable” are individual attributes. A given bioplastic might be all three of these things – for example a bioplastic called polylactic acid (PLA) made from corn by the Cargill-owned NatureWorks company; or it might only be one of these things – such as the PET or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) PlantBottle that is bio-based (and recyclable) but not biodegradable or compostable.
Come Again? Given this morass of feedstocks and end-of-life options, it’s impossible to chart the lifecycle of bioplastics as a group; it must be done per material. That isn’t easy given there are around 13 different bioplastics in use today. According to experts “Confusion is rampant right now . “A lot of people are focused on biodegradability, but that’s misleading and doesn’t mean it’s always better for the environment.” In some cases, a material that is biobased but designed for recycling might be the better option. The mere fact that something is bio-based doesn’t make it a clear winner environmentally. “You need to consider the fertilizer, pesticides [used to grow the crops]. You have to consider the entire lifecycle.” A study done at the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh found that merely using bio-based feedstocks instead of petroleum feedstocks does
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1 All bioplastics are made from plants. True or False? Ans: False. Some bioplastics are derived only from plants. Polylactic acid (PLA) is one. But some bioplastics contain – wait for it – petroleum. Bioplastics made from oil, however, can biodegrade in certain environments. 2 All bioplastics are made from Petroleum True or False? Ans: False again. Scientists have known how to create many of our commonly used plastics, including high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), from plant-derived materials for many years. But packagers are only now figuring out how to scale up production of these materials such that they can start transitioning their massive operations to renewable resources. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are already using, or will soon use, bio-based, fully recyclable HDPE and PET. 3 The type of plant that can be turned into plastic is … Ans: Trick question. First off, there are many different plants that can be turned into plastic. Today, NatureWorks, which produces Ingeo, the most widely used brand of PLA, uses dextrose derived from field corn as its feedstock. (Cargill owns NatureWorks, so they have a rather secure supply of corn.) Sometimes sugarcane is used as feedstock. But bioplastic manufacturers are no dummies. They know using feedstocks derived from agricultural waste is a better option and say they are actively seeking to transition to alternate feedstocks, including those that can be derived from the cellulosic materials within agricultural waste. 4 All bioplastics can be composted. True or False? Ans: Totally false. Many bioplastics are not compostable. Even some that are biodegradable are not compostable according to standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. 5 Which is a better end-of-life scenario for bioplastics: recycling or composting Ans: Another trick question. First, don’t forget that some bioplastics, such as PET and HDPE, can’t be composted, nor do they biodegrade. And so, of course, recycling (after re-using as many times as possible, of course) is the best end-of-life option for those. And recycling is also the better option for biodegradable or compostable bioplastics, as well, because it’s a way to retain and extend the usefulness of the material. But there’s a catch: Outside of bio-based HDPE and PET, there’s no infrastructure for capturing recyclable bioplastics – yet.
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FEATURES not necessarily reduce the material’s early-life environmental impact. In some cases it can actually deepen it. As when feedstocks are derived from corn – which they often are – raised using conventional industrial farming techniques (read: heavy reliance on petro-chemical fertilizers). The report didn’t consider the various end-of-life options for bioplastics as they’ve not been widely documented and vary widely.
Everything in Its Not-SoRight Place Which brings us back to the confusion at the recycling bin. For argument’s sake, let’s say you put the PET PlantBottle in the compost bin (a reasonable mistake) and put the mystery cup in the recycle bin (after all, it looks and feels like normal plastic). Then what?Today, the hundreds or thousands of compostable empties that pile up at a music festival likely end up in a landfill. Unless it gets hand-sorted, that PLA cup is likely going to end up in the PET stream in a recycling facility, where it doesn’t belong. And that PET PlantBottle will go to a composting facility, where it’ll be rooted out and sent to the landfill instead of being recycled. Back at the recycling facility, PLA can be mechanically separated from PET using an infrared sensor. But recyclers don’t usually take the trouble to do such sorting. It’s an expensive process and no one is going to pay them enough for that PLA to justify the cost, explains David Cornell, technical director of the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers. (That could change soon, but we’ll get to that later.) Within the P L A S T I C S N E W S
PET stream, PLA tends to muck things up. If enough PLA (or other non-PET material) ends up in a bale of PET, a plastics reclaimer is going to turn it away and the bale will likely end up in a landfill. So suddenly those earth-friendly packaging materials have cut short the possibility that the PET inside that bale will find another useful life before ending up in a landfill. (Most PET is downcycled into other products, such as clothing or construction material, rather than truly recycled, due to the complexity and cost of turning PET back into PET.) But even if the PLA and PET are put in their proper bins, one can argue that the recyclable PET’s end of life scenario is better than compostable PLA’s. For one thing, the composting facility is likely to pull that PLA cup out of the compost material and trash it. “Anything that looks like plastic is a problem to composters,” Cornell says, because they can’t easily discern whether a material is a compostable bioplastic when it’s moving quickly past on a conveyer belt. For composters who cater to organic farmers, bioplastic can be an even bigger problem. Needless to say, this creates a bit of a quandary for composters who want to maintain their OMRI listing but who also want to accept bioplastic packaging in their intake materials. They simply can’t do both. “The compostable plastic
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industry started making this material without input from the composting industry,” says Will Bakx, co-owner of Sonoma Compost in Petaluma, CA. “They never thought through the life cycle.” As a result of this disconnect, you might be dutifully placing compostable plastic into a municipal compost collection bin (assuming you live in one of the few US cities that currently provides this type of curbside collection) only to have the commercial composter pull it out of the stream and divert it to the landfill. That’s a nasty carbon footprint for those eco-containers.
A Brighter Future Because it is made from agricultural byproducts and its recycling infrastructure is already established, bio-based PET and HDPE, is a step in the right direction. (But while 100 percent of an HDPE PlantBottle is bio-based, only 30 percent of a PET PlantBottle is bio-based, though Coca-Cola says it is working to boost that percentage. And PepsiCo recently announced it is transitioning to 100 percent bio-based feedstock for its PET bottle.)
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FEATURES Compostable materials like PLA are obviously a step in the right direction as well. And while these materials don’t add any nutrient value to compost, many experts agree that they do add some value to the compost stream by making it easier for consumers or restaurants to divert food waste from
a landfill. Today, nearly half of all bioplastic packaging in the world is PLA, according to research firm Pira InternationaI and it is very much likely that PLA would continue to dominate the field. With proper recycling infrastructure would help make PLA a truly renewable
resource, and it might just make it a little easier to put bioplastic packaging in its right place. So next time you are faced with the same problem just don’t forget to keep the PlantBottles out of the compost bin.
High-tech medical plastics will help Boston Marathon victims s swarms of police staged a door-to-door manhunt in Watertown, MA, doctors at nearby hospitals in Boston continued working on at least 40 victims of the Patriots Day Boston Marathon bombing still in serious or critical condition.Surgeons say they are using plastics technology developed to save and improve lives of soldiers wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan in the past 10 years.
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Those with severe head wounds could be treated with cranial implants made with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or one of its close chemical cousins. Those with amputated limbs or feet could use new high-tech prosthetics often made with carbon composites or reinforced engineering thermoplastics that provide toughness and strength.Pioneering work with custom-fitted cranial implants for wounded soldiers was done at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington, D.C. The custom implants made with additive manufacturing (3-D printing) technology cut surgical times by more than 50%. "The time savings can be directly attributed to the improved implant design and attached fixation," said Stephen L. Rouse, DDS, a government contractor working in the 3-D Medical P L A S T I C S N E W S
Applications Lab at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. "Large implants were previously multi-piece constructs, and were slower to place and fixate." WRAMC surgeons used titanium powder that was laser sintered into the shape of the missing skull bone. Since then there has been increasing use of ketone polymers that are either machined or also made with selective laser sintering machines. One example of a new technology is "OsteoFab" implants made from polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). Oxford Performance Materials (South Windsor, CT) recently received FDA 510(k) clearance for its OsteoFab Patient Specific Cranial Device (OPSCD). According to the company, it is the first approval for an additively manufactured polymer implant. "It is our firm belief that the combination of PEKK and additive manufacturing is a highly transformative and disruptive technology platform that will substantially impact all sectors of the orthopedic industry," said Scott DeFelice, CEO Oxford Performance Materials.Prosthetic devices are another technology where high-tech plastics are playing an increasingly important role. A carbon composite foot is used in a bionic foot developed 39
by researchers on the MIT campus where the Marathon bombing suspects were first apprehended last night. A spin-off company called iWalk is now revolutionizing ankle and foot prosthetics with a battery-powered bionic ankle.
SERVICES AVAILABLE IN AIPMA HOUSE • Elegant Auditorium • Board Room • Business Centre & Ground Floor Hall at very nominal tariff for your business purpose • Library Free use of books and reports available M A Y 2013
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Belgium approves “Stop the dumping of Plastics” resolution for recycling elgian Association of Manufacturers of Plastic and Rubber Articles Federplast.be has approved the resolution of “Stop the dumping of Plastics” resolution . The resolution On “Stop the dumping of Plastics” was signed at the town hall of Ostend by the Belgian Association of Manufacturers of Plastic and Rubber Articles Federplast.be KIMO Netherlands and Belgium, the city of Ostend and the resort town of Knokke-Heist on April 24 The resolution intends to stop the increasing pollution by plastics waste of public spaces, roads, rivers and seas. The resolution calls to
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achieve the complete recovery and recycling of all plastics waste in a foreseeable future. The resolution was signed by Mr. Stéphane Dalimier, President of the Belgian Association of Manufacturers of Plastic and Rubber Articles Federplast.be, Mr. Wim Westerman, President of the Association of the Dutch and Flemish Coastal Communities KIMO Netherlands and Belgium, the aldermen of Ostend, Mr. Yves Miroir and Mr. Tom Germonpré, and the alderman of Knokke-Heist, Mr. Paul Geerinckx. The resolution was also signed on behalf of the environmental NGOs Horizon
Brazil reduces tax on ethanol, petrochemical industry razil has reduced taxes to help the ethanol and petrochemical industries. Brazil would cut a social security tax — known as PIS/Confins — for petrochemical companies and ethanol producers to allow them to better compete with global rivals, at a cost to the public coffer of around 1.9 billion Brazilian reais (US$940 mln) per year. According to reports Petrochemicals firms in the U.S. have seen their raw material costs reduced by the rise of cheap shale gas production, and Brazil needs to find ways to remain competitive. For ethanol, the government will zero the tax, which currently adds about
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Educatief, Natuurpunt, Sea First, de West-Vlaamse Milieufederatie, Waste Free Oceans, VLIZ, Bond Beter leefmilieu, Stichting De Noordzee, Vogelbescherming, Surfriders Foundation Europe, the Belgian Federation of Environmental Companies FEBEM-FEGE and the resort town of Koksijde.
Saudi group to sue South Korean firms for dumping in energy and petrochemicals group of Saudi private and government business entities plan to sue some South Korean firms for allegedly dumping products, notably in the energy and petrochemicals sector, on the Saudi market, according to Abdulrahman AlZamil, the head of the Saudi Export Development Center. AlZamil, who also heads the local industries follow-up committee, accused the South Korean companies of deliberately exporting products to the Kingdom at prices 20% below cost. Further actions would be taken and the committee is yet to disclose the plan of action.
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12 centavos (US$0.06) to the price of every liter of the biofuel sold. The government is also providing BRL4 billion in cheap financing for ethanol producers to modernize and expand production.Brazil, at one point the world’s biggest exporter of ethanol, has faced headwinds in recent years as sugar prices jumped–leading many sugarcane processors to switch over to producing more of the sweetener and less of the fuel–at the same time that bad harvests squeezed supplies and demand rose as the U.S. cut a tax on ethanol shipped from Brazil.
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Petrochem producers re-evaluate European operations ersistently slow economic conditions and unattractive production costs in Europe have resulted in weaker demand and squeezed margins for many petrochemical companies.
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This has been forcing many producers to reduce operating rates and consider restructuring plans across Europe. According to report from Chemorbis some have already permanently closed plants in 2012 while others have announced closure plans for 2013 and ahead. Last year in October, Ineos Styrenics permanently shut its 180,000 tpa PS plant and the 350,000 tpa styrene plant in Marl, Germany. The company had taken this decision earlier in 2012 following Styrolution’s decision to cancel all styrene and PS offtake agreements with Ineos in order to raise the operating rates of its existing sites in Europe. Later in 2012, Croatia’s Dioki decided to permanently shut its ethylene and PE plants as a part of its business restructuring plans, according to market sources. The production at Dioki’s 90,000 tpa ethylene plant and 50,000 tpa LDPE plants had been already suspended for a year due to a feedstock shortage and a lack of alternative sources. The year 2013 started with a new series of plant closures. Ineos decided to discontinue production at three plants in Europe as a result of the impact of the prolonged economic downturn in the region. The company’s current
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overcapacity in chlorine, VCM and PVC was also blamed for this decision to permanently close the 105,000 tpa PVC plant in Runcorn, UK and the VCM unit at the same site along with the mercury chlorine cellroom at its Wilhelmshaven complex. In April, Russian Sibur was also planning to shut its 42,000 tpa PVC plant in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region. In the same month, Italy’s Syndial was also planning to close its 200,000 tpa EDC plant in Sardinia, blaming tough economic conditions. Sabic has also joined the list of producers announcing a restructuring program for its European operations. It was again in April when the producer was reported to be closing its PP lines at its Gelsenkirchen plant in Germany as part of this plan. Apart from the slowing petrochemical industry and weaker margins, Sabic also pointed to intensified competition from other regions, especially from the US and Asia, as additional reasons for
the challenging environment in the European petrochemical sector. After the formation of this joint venture with Ineos, Solvay is planning to exit its European PVC business in four to six years, a source from Solvay confirmed. Solvay is targeting to focus on high-margin businesses via the subsequent full sale of its chlorvinyls operations in the upcoming years. According to ChemOrbis, even when the cost disadvantage and slowing demand conditions are put aside, the European petrochemical industry is expected to face challenges from a possible influx of imports from North America, particularly the US, where new capacities are expected to grow more than the demand increase thanks to the shale gas boom. This will make the US a major exporter of ethylene derivatives. All of these factors are forcing petrochemical producers to adapt to the changing rules of the game for their European operations via restructuring programs.
Bangladesh offers to sell 170,000 barrels of open spec naphtha angladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has floated a tender to sell 170,000 barrels of open-specification naphtha for lifting between May 27 and May 29. The tender will close on May 14, with validity up to May
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20 for loading on a free-on-board (FOB) basis from Chittagong. The offer came when the Asian naphtha price and margin hit its highest in a month due to refinery run cuts and stronger Southeast Asian demand.
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Brazili's Odebrecht plans to invest US$20 bln globally razilian conglomerate Odebrecht plans to invest $20 billion globally over the next three years, mostly in Latin America and much of it in Peru.
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According to reports about 85% of this would be made in Latin America. Family-owned Odebrecht, one of Latin America's biggest companies, has businesses in construction, petrochemicals, transportation, oil
and gas in 20 countries worldwide. Outside Brazil, its largest investment destination will be fast-growing Peru, which "has many opportunities because there are lots of concessions and public-private partnerships," organized by the government. Later this year, the company plans to bid in a Peruvian government tender to build a US$1.8 billion, 620-mile natural gas pipeline in the
south of the country. In addition to the pipeline, the government in Lima plans to develop a 2,000 megawatt gas-fired power plant on the Pacific coast and a 200 megawatt plant in Cuzco. Odebrecht, which owns a stake in petrochemicals giant Braskem, said construction of Peru's first petrochemical complex on the coast could be an asset for the region.
ECHA’s authorisation process to evaluate DEHP and DBP he European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) committee for risk assessment committee (RAC) has published information on the authorization process that will be used to evaluate two phthalates: DEHP and DBP.
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According to report, it said that the setting of “reference Derived No
Effect Levels (DNEL)” for substances is part of a trial exercise which aims to improve the efficiency of RAC’s work and provide guidance for applicants in a transparent manner. DEHP has been used as a plasticiser in medical devices such as intravenous tubing and bags, catheters, nasogastric tubes, dialysis
bags and tubing, and blood bags and transfusion tubing, and air tubes. Concern has been expressed about leachates being transported into the patient, especially for those requiring extensive infusions. The use of DBP has been restricted in the European Union for use in children's toys since 1999.
Vietnamese government approves PTT’s oil refinery and petrochemical complex he Vietnamese government has approved to an oil refinery and petrochemical complex by the energy giant PTT Plc, paving the way for a detailed feasibility study within a year.
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In November 2012, PTT submitted a proposal to the Vietnamese government to build a 660,000 barrel
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oil refinery for an estimated US$27 billion. Chief executive Pailin Chuchottaworn yesterday said Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung agreed in principle to the construction of the complex in the south-central coastal province of Binh Dinh. The study will be evaluated
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by the Vietnamese Industry and Environment ministries before being sent to the prime minister for final approval. Construction at the refinery is expected to start in 2016 with commercial operation scheduled for 2020.
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INVISTA signs land reservation agreement for nylon 6,6 site at SCIP NVISTA, a world leader in nylon intermediates, polymers and fibers, has signed a Land Reservation Agreement with the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park Development Company for a nylon 6,6 polymer site at the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP). The agreement is for additional land adjacent to INVISTA’s planned hexamethylene diamine (HMD) and adiponitrile (ADN) plants and marks INVISTA’s next step as it continues to make progress on plans for an integrated nylon 6,6 polymer facility in China.
and consumer markets. Known for its strength at high temperature as well as impact, chemical and abrasion resistance, nylon 6,6 offers significant advantages in many applications over other materials that have been traditionally used in China.
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INVISTA has taken a keen focus on China as one of the most important places for growing its proprietary nylon technology. The company's plan for an integrated asset exceeds USD $1 billion, the largest capital investment undertaken by INVISTA to date. Earlier this year, INVISTA announced it had received Environmental Impact Assessment approval from the Shanghai Protection Bureau for a 215,000 tpa HMD plant at SCIP. INVISTA’s Project Approval Request and Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise status from the Chinese authorities were also recently approved for the project. These three items are significant milestones toward having the HMD plant operational by mid-2015.
“It is our intent to build a world-scale polymer facility in a timeframe that would align with our HMD project,” said Warren Primeaux, president of INVISTA Intermediates. "We believe China's continued strong GDP growth will drive increasing demand for durable goods—products that can be enhanced by the use of nylon 6,6." VISTA's nylon 6,6 products are used in fiber applications such as apparel and industrial textiles, as well as in engineering polymer applications in automotive electrical, industrial
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P L A S T I C S N E W S
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biax@andritz.com www.andritz.com
M A Y 2013
BUSINESS NEWS
HPCL board approves JV for Rs 37,000 cr refinery industan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) has approved the incorporation of a joint venture company to set up Rs 37,320crore oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Rajasthan.
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According to reports HPCL will hold 74% stake in the 9 mln tpa refinery and Government of Rajasthan will hold 26%. The unit is planned to go on stream in four years. Besides stake acquisition, the state has given in-principle approval for providing an interest free loan of Rs 3,736 crore per annum for 15 years from the date of commercial
production. The state government has also assured continuous supply of 28 MGD of water for the project from Indira Gandhi canal and about 3,500 acres of land for refinery, terminal and township near Leelala area in Barmer. The refinery, which will fulfill nearly a decade-old demand of the state, will run on crude oil from neighbouring oilfields of Cairn India. Half of the crude oil requirement at the proposed refinery will come from the Barmer oilfields of Cairn and the rest will be imported.
Bhansali Engg. signs JV with Nippon A&L for new entity umbai-based Bhansali Engineering Polymers has signed a joint and Nippon A&L Inc As per a JV agreement, Bhansali Engineering Polymers and Nippon A&L Inc will incorporate a new private company to undertake technology and application development work of numerous specialized grades of ABS, AES, ASA resins and their alloys with other polymers.
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This would cater to requirements of automotive, telecommunication, electrical & electronics and other sectors. The board of directors of the company had approved the draft joint venture in the meeting P L A S T I C S N E W S
held on April 20, 2013. Bhansali Engineering Polymers is engaged in manufacturing of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) which acts as a raw material for companies dealing in automobiles, home appliances, telecommunications, luggage, bus body and various other applications. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Nippon A&L is a joint venture between Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd and Mitsui Chemicals Inc which was formed by integrating the ABS resin business and SBR latex business of both the firms.
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SK Innovation's Q1 petrochem operating profit rises 28.5% year on year o u t h K o r e a n SK Innovation's petrochemical business posted an operating profit of Won 246.1 bln (US$221.9 mln) for Q12013, up 28.5% from Won 191.5 billion a year earlier.SK Global Chemical, SK Innovation's wholly owned petrochemical subsidiary, posted revenue of Won 3.28 trillion in the quarter ended March, down 4.7% from Won 3.44 trillion in the year-ago period. Compared with Q4-2012, SK Global Chemical's operating profit for Q1 this year jumped 58.2% as its revenue increased 15.1%. The increase [in operating profit] was due to favorable market conditions resulting in higher product spreads. SK Global Chemical sold 2.05 million mt of petrochemical products in Q1, down from 2.17 million mt a year earlier, but up from 1.83 million mt in Q4.
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Of the total, it sold 87,000 mt of ethylene in Q1, up from 85,000 mt a year earlier but down from 93,000 mt the previous quarter. It also sold 404,000 mt of paraxylene in Q1, up from 370,000 mt in Q1 2012 and from 255,000 mt in Q4 2012
M A Y 2013
BUSINESS NEWS
SK Capital acquires Chemtura to rename Addivant K Capital Partners, a transformational private investment firm, announced that it has closed its previously announced acquisition of the Antioxidant and UV Stabilizer Solutions business of Chemtura Corporation.
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To be named Addivant as an independent company, the business is a leading global supplier of a comprehensive portfolio of additives including antioxidants, antiozonants, inhibitors, polymer modifiers and UV stabilizers used by customers
to improve the production and performance properties of polymers, plastics and rubbers.With a disciplined focus on the specialty materials, chemicals and healthcare sectors, SK Capital has significant relevant experience, as well as deep knowledge of the end markets served by Addivant, gained through both previous and current portfolio companies in the polymers, plastics and associated additives sectors. The acquisition is consistent with SK Capital's strategy of
acquiring niche market leaders with strong brands, technologies and underlying growth trends and actively supporting management in building thriving businesses with sustainable competitive advantages"With its unique pedigree resulting from the merger of three leading polymer additives companies, we believe Addivant is an attractive platform with significant growth and performance improvement potential," noted Barry Siadat, a Managing Director of SK Capital.
Pallmann Industries acquires technology from BP Recycling Systems allmann Group a leading specialist provider of equipment and services for size reduction and preparation techniques has acquired f technology from Swiss company BP Recycling Systems GmbH, based in Switzerland.
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Pallmann Group is making the acquisition via Pallmann Industries Inc., a group company based in Clifton, New Jersey, USA. However the value of the transaction is not being disclosed. Pallmann equipment handles applications for materials ranging from soft through mediumhard, brittle to viscoelastic and fibrous. The acquisition of BP Recycling Systems’ technology will enable Pallmann to extend its offering to include a full line of equipment P L A S T I C S N E W S
for making briquettes and pellets from municipal and industrial solid waste, biomass, plastics, textiles, glass, non-ferrous metals, and wood. Briquetting and pelletizing are technologies downstream from preshredding and sorting of waste into homogenous waste streams, and are key for preparing the waste going into recycling and fuel. The acquisition also enables Pallmann to expand into new sectors, such as recycling of industrial waste and preparation of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for combustion or gasification. “This type of technology is a perfect match with our existing competencies in shredding all kinds of solid waste,” says Mr. Rolf Gren, General Manager of Pallmann Industries. “It offers a good basis to expand our offering
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to our existing customers as well as to new ones.”Mr. Gren says that recycling customers will gain assurance from the acquisition that Pallmann Group is a stronger partner than ever in equipment for fragmentizing waste. “Handling solid waste is becoming more important as there is a growing need to find alternatives for landfills and reuse all available resources on a global scale,” he says. “The remaining waste can also be used as a source for energy at power plants.” Rolf Gren further notes that the group’s global sales and service network, combined with its existing installed base, enables further growth for the group’s recycling equipment business.
M A Y 2013
BUSINESS NEWS
Ineos, Solvay to form 50-50 joint venture for PVC olvay and INEOS have signed a letter of intent to combine their chlorvinyls businesses into a 50:50 joint venture, forming one of the world’s largest polyvinyl chloride (PVC) producers. "The newly combined business, which will be of world scale, will be able to better respond to rapidly changing European markets and to match increasing competition from global producers,” said INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe.
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The merged business would have combined net sales of €4.3 bln (US$5.7 bln) and recurring earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (REBITDA) of €257 mln, based on figures in 2012. It will pool the company's operations across the chlorvinyls chain, including PVC, chlorine, and
caustic soda. Solvay is to provide its vinyl activities – which are part of Solvin, a joint venture between Solvay, which holds 75% stake, and BASF, which holds 25% – and its Chlor Chemicals business, which is spread across seven production sites in Europe. INEOS subsidiary Kerling, Europe’s largest PVC producer, is to contribute its chlorvinyls business to the joint venture, operating out of 10 sites in seven European countries. RusVinyl, Solvay’s chlorvinyls joint venture with Russian chemical company Sibur, is not included in the transaction. Until the transaction is closed, Solvay and INEOS will continue to run their chlorvinyls businesses separately, the companies said. The transaction is subject to antitrust approvals, and a timeline for
the completion of the deal was not disclosed. The letter of intent signed by both companies includes an exit clause where INEOS would acquire Solvay’s 50% stake in the venture for five and a half times its mid-cycle REBITDA.The option, which would have to be exercised between four and six years from the formation of the venture, would leave INEOS as the sole owner of the business. Solvay would be entitled to cash payments of €250m upon completion of the transaction.Solvay CEO Jean-Pierre Clamadieu said: “The joint venture will improve the competitiveness of its operations in a very challenging environment regarding feedstock and energy costs in Europe.
RIL, IOCL gear up to bid for stake in Haldia Petrochemicals BIDC is putting its nearly 40% stake on the block, emboldened by a Calcutta High Court verdict last month that cleared the decks for the government to discover the best price for its shares. According to reports Reliance Industries Ltd and the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), are gearing up to bid for the Bengal government’s stake in Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL).
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According to report in ‘The Telegraph’, both companies were keenly awaiting the publication of the expression of interest by Deloitte on P L A S T I C S N E W S
behalf of the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC), which holds the government shares in HPL. An expression of interest or EoI seeks responses from prospective bidders. IOC already has an 8.89% stake in HPL. The company wanted to negotiate directly with the state and buy its share. However, the government has opted for auctions. Even then, the IOC is likely to bid since it already has a presence in the firm as well as at Haldia where the PSU has a refinery. However, the highest bidder can get 55
the stake only if the existing private promoter, The Chatterjee Group, does not match the best price. The sale of West Bengal Government’s stake in the ailing Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd is expected to be completed by November. “We expect the process of divestment to be complete by November,” state Industry Minister Partha Chatterjee The advertisement seeking expression of interest in HPL is expected. The earlier target set by the State Government to hive off its stake in HPL was June 2013. M A Y 2013
BUSINESS NEWS
Qatar Petroleum forms JV with partners for condensate refinery atar Petroleum (QP) signed a joint venture agreement with France's Total and Japan's Idemitsu, Cosmo Oil, Marubeni and Mitsui for a new condensate refinery to be built in Qatar at Ras Laffan Industrial City.
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Under the agreement, QP will hold hold 84% of the Laffan Refinery 2 (LR2) joint venture, Total will hold 10%, Idemitsu and Cosmo 2% each, and Marubeni and Mitsui 1% each. The planned LR2 condensate refinery would be similar in configuration to the Laffan Refinery 1 (LR1), which started operations in September 2009, and would have a processing capacity of 146,000 bpd of condensate. The project would be financed through a combination of equity and bank debt.
"Like LR1, LR2 plans to produce petroleum products including naphtha, kerosene, diesel oil and LPG by refining condensate produced at Qatar's North Field, which is one of the largest natural gas fi elds in the world," Cosmo Oil said in a statement Monday. "To be equipped with a diesel hydrotreater, LR2 plans to increase the added value of diesel oil products." The total cost of the LR2 project is estimated at $1.5 billion, including $1.2 billion for the capital cost of the refinery, with completion of construction expected in the second half 2016. "The construction of the new refinery will give Ras Laffan a total installed condensate refining
SABIC 10% y-o-y fall in Q1 net profits audi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC), the world's biggest petrochemicals group, posted a 10% year-on-year fall in its first quarter net profit on Saturday and warned that growth would likely not improve until next year, as per Reuters.
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The dip in profits, in line with analyst expectations, was mostly due to lower production and sales volumes because of planned maintenance at factories of some affi liates. Net income for the three months to March 31 was 6.56 billion riyals (US$1.75 bln) compared to 7.27 billion riyals in the same period last year. SABIC's P L A S T I C S N E W S
sales were 46.74 billion riyals, a 3.3% dip from the 48.34 billion riyals sales in Q1-2012. However, SABIC also said firstquarter profit had risen from 5.83 billion riyals in Q4-2012. It cited higher sales prices of some products, which it did not name. "I am hopeful about the future but you need the time for shake out (of global economic difficulties), which is this year. Once we shake out these things, we will come back to good recovery in the next couple of years," said SABIC chief executive Mohamed al-Mady.
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capacity of about 300,000 bpd, making it one of the largest singlesite facilities of its kind in the world," Sada said. Commissioning of a diesel hydro-treater unit, currently under construction at the site, was expected in the second quarter of 2014. The unit would have enough capacity to process all the gas oil from the LR1 and LR2 into ultralow sulfur diesel meeting the most stringent international environmental specifications, he said.
Sipchem posts 57.5% fall in Q1 net profit audi International Petrochemical Co (Sipchem) posted a 57.5% fall in first-quarter net profit, citing shutdowns at a number of plants during the period for the decline in earnings. Sipchem reported a net profit of 64.5 million riyals (US$17.2 mln) for the three months to March 31, down from 151.6 million riyals in the corresponding period of 2012.
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ipchem attributed the profit drop to shutdowns at four manufacturing plants during the quarter, which in turn reduced product sales, while some product prices also fell.
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M A Y 2013
BUSINESS NEWS
Orpic to invest US$3 bln in Sohar Steam Cracker and PE project man Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) plans to set up a steam cracker and Polyethylene plant at the Port of Sohar with an investment of around US$3 bln.
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The Omani major is also pursuing plans of a major upgrade of its existing refinery at Sohar, and a pipeline project linking its Sohar and Mina al Fahal refineries. In total, Orpic will invest an estimated US$5 bln in investments in these ventures. The US$1.5 bln project will upgrade the Sohar
Refinery to produce 70% more. Musab al Mahrouqi, CEO said “Project Sindbad is our internal codename for our steam cracker and polyethylene plant that will cost about $3 billion. Around 50% of the feedstock for this project will come from the refinery, while the rest will be gas. We are now working with the parties concerned, notably the Ministry of Oil and Gas, to get the allocations we need. This project will be ready (by 2018) if we get the support we require.
Rosneft, Mitsui sign MoU on Petrochemical Complex osneft and Mitsui have signed an agreement to jointly develop the massive Far East Petrochemical Company (FEPCO) project. FEPCO, a subsidiary of Rosneft, is developing the project. Processing capacity of the petrochemical complex is planned at 3.4 mln tpa of hydrocarbon feedstock, predominantly naphtha.
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The capacity of ethylene and propylene production unit is planned at 2 mln tpa. The complex is expected to be started up in 2017. The two partners plan to cooperate in engineering design in accordance with international best practices.
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WB State Government plans disinvestment in Haldia Petrochem he West Bengal State Government plans for disinvestment in Haldia Petrochem.
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According to reports from PTI financially troubled Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) is quite hopeful on West Bengal Government’s disinvestment move in the company for fresh infusion of funds.“We are hoping that the entity, which would buy out Government’s shares in HPL, will make a turnaround plan for the company with fresh infusion of capital,” a senior HPL official said.
"Implementation of the project in cooperation with Mitsui will enable us to optimize the petrochemical complex and use the best global practices of constructing plants of similar scale.
At the end of March 31, 2013, the company’s networth had been eroded by more than 50% making it potentially sick and had been referred to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction. The West Bengal government had appointed consultancy firm Deloitte for valuation of the shares which would then be auctioned.
Successful implementation of the project will facilitate development of technology intensive production and establishment of a production cluster in the Far East.
Purnendu Chatterjee of TCG, the other promoter would be given the first right of refusal, or else the shares would then be offered to the highest bidder.
“We are glad to join efforts with one of the leading Japanese companies to develop the largest petrochemical complex in the Far East," said Sechin.
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M A Y 2013
PRODUCT NEWS
Ferromatik Milacron India dispatches 7501st injection moulding machine eading plastics injection moulding machine manufacturer, Ferromatik Milacron India Pvt. Ltd., has dispatched its 7501st Injection Moulding Machine – Maxima Servo 1300 Ton earlier this month at Ahmedabad.
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Ferromatik Milacron India (FMI) has achieved this greater height due to its Innovative Solutions to keep its Plastics Injection Moulding Machine
customers ahead in this competitive arena.
.part of FMI’s Growth Strategy for Success.
Also Product development is a continuous process at FMI to assist its customers in reducing their overall per piece cost of product & Energy Consumption and thereby increasing their productivity, Reliability & Competitiveness. “Meeting Customer Demand on Time” and “Working Together for Success” is an important
Manufacturing Capacity Growth is another focal point at FMI which has resulted into shorter time to manufacture every 1000 numbers of Machines. Ferromatik Milacron India (FMI) is proud to be associated with all its valued customers & respects them as a partner in its success.
PRIME introduces ‘flood barriers’ from recycled waste pan European consortium has manufactured its first ‘test barrier panel’ for use in flood defences.
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The process developed by Plastic Recyclate Impression Moulding Engineering (PRIME) produces high grade products from low grade mixed plastic waste. Mixed polymer waste is used to produce products with ‘similar properties to timber or aluminium’, ideal for flood defence barriers and
other marine applications. Environmental testing on the panels, including UV, humidity, moisture and flame testing are continuing, and further production trials are now to be carried out to manufacture a final prototype flood barrier. Tests should be completed by June this year with the full results available later in the year. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is also being carried out, comparing panels manufactured
using mixed plastic waste and panels manufactured from aluminium, which is currently widely used in flood barriers. The PRIME consortium is made up of 10 partners, five from the UK, including Brunel University, Acorn and flood defence specialists Caro, three from Belgium, one from France and one from Hungary, all working in partnership with the EC's Research Executive Agency.
Enhanced system for reclaiming purgings by Maguire n increase in throughput of 20% and production of finer and more uniform granulate with less dusting is now possible with Maguire Products, Inc’s streamlined operation of its unique system for transforming purgings into regrind.
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The enhancements to the Maguire® Purging Recovery System™ (PRS™) have also increased the efficiency of granulating polystyrene, flexible vinyl, and other polymers that might otherwise melt or degrade under the shear forces of size reduction, causing backup or clumping that 58
shuts the system down. In the PRS, material undergoes two stages of size reduction: First, a rotor planer slices or planes the rock-like purging into small chips. Second, a granulator reduces the chips to regrind. Maguire has made
M A Y 2013
PRODUCT NEWS the following improvements to the system: 1) The knives in the rotor planer are now 40% smaller, while their number has increased from eight to twelve. As a result, the planer produces smaller chips that are more easily and uniformly size-reduced by the second-stage granulator. The more efficient cutting also yields less dust. 2) The cutting chamber of the second-stage granulator has been redesigned to increase the flow of air generated by a blower. The material in the granulator thus is cooled more effectively, preventing melting, and it is evacuated from the cutting chamber more rapidly. These enhancements make possible finer granulate, with
minimum hole sizes in the screen of the second-stage granulator reduced from 0.375 in. (9.52 mm) to 0.250 in. (6.35 mm). In a further improvement, Maguire has replaced the previous one-piece screen with a three-piece screen that is easier and less expensive to replace. “Our PRS system is the only lowcost equipment designed specifically for the rugged work of size-reducing heavy masses of plastic,” said B. Patrick (Pat) Smith, vice president of marketing and sales. “Since a ten-pound [4.5-kg] lump of hard plastic could damage the rotor of a conventional granulator, the only other alternative for reclaiming purgings is to purchase a heavy-duty granulator for USD $100,000 to $200.000.” The
Purging Recovery System draws on the simple concept of the carpenter’s plane. It consists of a table that is split into two levels and a purging containment chamber that, upon startup of the system, moves back and forth over the table. The planer, mounted at the point of disjunction between the two surface levels, is actually a rotor with staggered knives that turns at 1750 r.p.m. With each pass of the containment chamber, the rotor planes away thin (0.5-in. or 13-mm) slices from the bottom of the purging and propels these chips into the hopper of a compact granulator beneath the table. As material is planed away from the purging, a pneumatically-driven hold-down plate in the containment chamber keeps the purging in contact with the knives.
UK researchers devise PE decomposition additive Enzymoplast polyethylene additive capable of breaking down packaging, including plastic bags has been developed by a team of British Researchers. Advanced Enzyme Science, a London-based polymer technology company, has developed Enzymoplast, which the firm says consists of proteins and enzymes that break down polyethylene "in a natural way".
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Enzymoplast triggers a decomposition process when plastic bags containing the additive come into contact with microorganisms. The microorganisms first devour the P L A S T I C S N E W S
proteins, which breaks the polymer chain. It also activates the enzymes, which act as a catalyst and accelerate the process. After a few months only water and CO2 remain, claimed Advanced Enzyme Science."In Germany people use something like 70 plastic shopping bags a year, while the European average is as many as 200," said the company. "Worldwide up to a billion plastic bags are produced annually. In principle the use of such plastic bags, like plastic sheeting in
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agriculture or other products made of polyethylene, is unproblematic — provided that they are re-used whenever possible and afterwards recycled. However, this is seldom the case and such materials are often simply dumped, very much to the detriment of the environment because plastic bags and sheeting can take up to 500 years to biodegrade fully. The result is not just that our natural scenery is disfigured, but also that the oceans are polluted to an unimaginable degree.
M A Y 2013
PRODUCT NEWS
FKuR launches GMO-free PLA products KuR, producer of high performance bioplastics, has launched two BIO-FLEX products that exclusively use GMO-free PLA.
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BIO-FLEX F6513 and BIO-FLEX F6611, both based on PURALACT® Lactides from Purac, are made from GMO-free feedstocks and can achieve temperature resistance up to 130°C. Combining technological performance with the GMO-free aspect results in a high quality PLA based product especially designed for those brand owners, retailers and consumers requiring a GMO-free product.
The products are pleasant to the touch, have a pearlescent gloss and are biodegradable. BIO-FLEX F 6513 is ideally used for injection molding, whereas BIOFLEX F 6611 has been developed for thermoforming. Purac's solutions for high performance PLA unlock bioplastic potential for high temperature applications, such as microwavable food packaging and hot beverage cups, and also for durable applications in a range of high end markets, such as automotive, carpet, clothing and consumer electronics and appliances.
PURALACT® L & D based homopolymers - known as PLLA and PDLA - are the key to this improved heat performance and are commercially available from Purac. Purac is actively involved in various fundamental research and development programs to develop cellulose-based, non-food raw materials into a sustainable feedstock for PLA. Purac is investigating some specific, currently available, byproduct streams that can be used as PLA feedstock. Purac is committed to having a pilot facility using these alternative feedstocks in the near future.
Gabriel-Chemie launches MAXITHEN® ProTec4 abriel-Chemie is to launch its anti-counterfeiting masterbatch MAXITHEN® ProTec4.
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Plastic products, parts and packaging manufactured with MAXITHEN® ProTec4 have a unique fingerprint that can be quickly, easily and accurately detected using either small handheld device or an inline detector in a production environment. The anti-counterfeit masterbatch has four potential applications: quality control, protection against
P L A S T I C S N E W S
forgery, limiting product liability and function control.
copies that are otherwise difficult or impossible to prove as counterfeit.
In quality control applications, the masterbatch can be used to confirm the addition of critical performance additives, such as UV stabiliser or fire retardant.
“Counterfeit products are appearing with alarming frequency and it can be increasingly difficult to distinguish the genuine from the fake,” says Philip Watkins, Managing Director of Gabriel-Chemie UK. “By offering manufacturers and brand owners the ability to uniquely fingerprint their plastic products,
With a fingerprint that is unique to each customer and cannot be imitated, it provides verifiable protection against forgery. Use of the masterbatch also protects manufacturers from product liability claims arising from inferior quality
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parts and packaging MAXITHEN® ProTec4 offers a readily identifiable means to detect counterfeits.
M A Y 2013
TECHNOLOGY
Toray successfully produces bio-based Polybutylene Terephthalate oray Industries, Inc. jointly announced with Genomatica, Inc., a leading company in renewable chemicals process technology, that Toray has successfully made a partially bio-based PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) using 1,4-butanediol (BDO) made with Genomatica's biobased process technology.
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The successful bench-level production gives Toray a significant boost towards commercial-scale production of partially bio-based PBT. Toray's tests confirmed that PBT made
using this BDO has physical properties and formability equivalent to PBT made from petroleum-derived BDO, and Toray then succeeded in making prototypes of molded components. Toray's plan is to produce a bio-based PBT at commercial scale using BDO made with Genomatica's process. Toray plans to share samples of bio-based PBT with its customers during 2013 to help develop market demand. Based on results to date, Toray expects to bring products to market as soon as supplies of this BDO
are readily available from one of the producers that Genomatica licenses to use its BDO process.. Genomatica has developed a process to produce BDO from renewable feedstocks rather than petroleum. This process includes an engineered microorganism, fermentation techniques and downstream processing. Genomatica's process was used for the successful commercialscale production of 5 million pounds of BDO in November 2012.
Silver nanoparticles boost polymer solar cells' commercial potential esearchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in Korea have used metal nanoparticles to achieve the highest yet reported power conversion efficiency for plasmonic polymer solar cells, reaching 8.92%.
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The fate of polymer solar cells in the marketplace has been tied to three main factors: Lifespan in outdoor environments, the cost of materials that make up the modules (namely indium tin oxide, or ITO), and powerconversion efficiency. These three issues remain the keys to unlocking the commercial potential of polymer solar cells to being someday rolled out like plastic tarps to power our homes cheaply and P L A S T I C S N E W S
reliably. Nanotechnology has been trying to address all three of these issues, but perhaps none of them more than improving the power-conversion efficiency, which has lingered at around 5-7%. Now researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in Korea have used metal nanoparticles to achieve the highest yet reported power conversion efficiency for plasmonic polymer solar cells, reaching 8.92%. While polymer solar cells have been reported as high as 10.6% for polymer solar cells with more than one p-n junction, the UNIST researchers believe that their device, which reached nearly 9% using a 61
single junction, could exceed 10% in commercial products. The research, which was published in the ACS journal Nanoletters focused on polymer solar cells enhanced by plasmonics. Plasmonics exploits the phenomenon of "photons striking small, metallic structures to create plasmons, which are oscillations of electron density in the metal," as per Neil Savage. The Korean researchers were able to achieve high light absorption despite thinning out the films that make up the active layer of the solar cell by using silver nanoparticles. These nanoparticles provided the metal in the material that allowed for the exploitation of the surface plasmon resonance effect. M A Y 2013
TECHNOLOGY
New breed of smart polymer nanocomposites rmed with nanocomposite techniques and insights into biobased materials, new classes of smart, adaptable super-surface coatings are possible, according to European researchers. Teams from Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia and the UK investigated a new class of bio-based materials tailored to the needs of different fields, including medicine, the environment, electronics, manufacturing, and even health and safety applications.
cellulose dissolution, structuration with nanoparticles and irreversible coatings. The project targeted, in particular, socalled surface compounds – where the compounding is strictly limited to the surface of the matrix polymer material. This, they predicted (accurately), would prevent deterioration of the compound structure, or matrices holding the materials together.
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Under different conditions, such as intense heat, cold or through other wear, tear and exposure, the chemical properties of the material could change and weaken the bond holding the compound together. These ground-breaking new materials are
The Surface functionalisation of cellulose matrices using cellulose embedded nanoparticles (Surfuncell) project investigated the effects of
made up of extremely small layers of polysaccharides (a carbohydrate with a number of sugar molecules bonded together) coated with nanoparticles comprising other biological or mineral matter. When applied to the surface of other materials, to form a composite, the coating performs a very special role. The improved properties of these materials, such as antimicrobial activity, selective adsorption, flame resistance, electrical conductivity, antimicrobial activity and barrier properties (for precise separation), could make them ideal for use in medical and hygiene devices, water-purification systems, as well as in the electronics industry.
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M A Y 2013
IN THE NEWS
China and India to drive global demand for petrochemicals espite the impact of the global economic slowdown and the continually high prices of oil and petroleum products, demand growth is notable in Asia, especially in China and India, according to a study by Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
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As per the report, In terms of production, plans for new and additional facilities are expected to continue to be developed, mainly in the Middle East, China, and India. In addition, it is also expected that new and additional petrochemical plants in the U.S. will be developed specifically where shale
gas is utilized as a raw material. The ratio of demand in Asia, particularly in China and India, to overall worldwide demand is growing. Thus, the influence of the Asian market on the worldwide market is increasing. Regarding changes in the supply-demand balance of ethylene derivatives, it added an excess supply state is expected to continue and from 2014 the excess supply is expected to reach 5 million tons or more, due to the increases in excess supply in the Middle East as well as the increase in ethylene production capacity making use of shale gas in the U.S. As for the
Third national awards for Technology Innovation in Petrochemical nion Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Statistics and Programme Implementation Srikant Kumar Jena will give away the third national awards for Technology Innovation in Petrochemical and Downstream, Plastic Processing Industry.
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The awards will be given for their outstanding contribution in the fields of Polymeric Material, Polymeric Products, Polymer Processing Machinery and Equipment, Polymer Waste Management and Recycling Technology, Polymeric Materials and Products, Polymers in Agriculture and Water Conservation, Green Polymers in Public Health care and Research
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in the field of Polymer Science and Technology. The awards are conferred by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India. The award consists of a Shield, a Citation and a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakhs for the Winners. The award for the Runners up consists of a Shield and a Citation. A total of twenty five awards under 8 categories will be given to 5 individuals/ teams, 8 industries and 12 Academic/ RandD institutions. The Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET), an autonomous institute under the Department, has been entrusted with the work and is organizing the function on May 7, 2013.
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supply-demand balance of propylene derivatives, production capacity is expected to continue to increase in Asia and the Middle East and an excess supply situation is expected to persist, while demand strongly grows in China, India, and other regions.
Baerlocher doubles capacity at solid and liquid PVC stabilizer plant in M.P. aerlocher GmbH has doubled its capacity at its Dewas, Madhya Pradesh -based plant where it is producing solid and liquid PVC stabilizers. .The company recently doubled the solid stabilizer capacity from to 6.6 mln lbs pa. Demand is prompting the expansion. Unterschleissheim, Germanybased Baerlocher started its operation in India by acquiring an active polymer additive unit of National Peroxide Ltd. It also sees growth in the construction market in India. "The Indian market is full of potential, and window profiles will experience big growth in the years to come due to modern housing projects going on all over the country. Wood and aluminum are quickly being replaced with PVC in window profiles in India" the release said.
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IN THE NEWS
South Korea imports natural gas liquids from Iran outh Korea imported natural gas liquids from Iran for the second straight month in April, customs data showed on Wednesday, though a source with direct knowledge of the matter said it was part of a delayed shipment from an earlier contract, as per Reuters.
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Imports into South Korea of Iranian natural gas liquids were halted last July because of EU sanctions restricting insurance on tankers carrying Iranian oil, but South Korea's Samsung Total Petrochemicals (STC) concluded a spot deal earlier this year lured by cheap fuel. South Korea, the world's fifth-largest crude oil and second-
largest liquefied natural gas importer, purchased a total of 136,604 tons of natural gas liquids last month, with 77,254 tons coming from Iran, the customs data showed. The shipment compared with 72,750 tons imported in March. There were no imports a year ago. South Korea bought 464,963 tons of natural gas liquids last year. Of the total, 372,203 tons came from Iran and the rest from the United Arab Emirates, according to customs data. The resumption of Iranian imports of natural gas liquids had been expected after Samsung Total Petrochemicals in January revived a contract.
TCG, releases advertisement cautioning bidders for HPL he Chatterjee Group (TCG), one of HPL's key promoters, has released an advertisement cautioning probable bidders for the government's stake. According to report from Business Standard, with this new development, the stake sale process of the West Bengal government in Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) takes a new turn.
"This is to give notice that any person submitting an expression of interest for the purchase of/purchasing aforesaid the 675 million shares, is doing so subject to all existing rights of CPMC (Chatterjee Mauritius Company)/CPCL (Chatterjee Petrochem India Pvt Ltd) under various agreements with GoWB/ WBIDC and entirely at their own risk and peril," the advertisement said.
The reason behind the advertisement is that the 155 million disputed shares, key to get the management control in eastern India's biggest petrochemical company, happen to be part of the 675 million shares (around 40%) that the government has put on the block.
The disputed 155 million shares are no more on the balance sheets of WBIDC. How can the government offer to sell them? Thus, we thought it was necessary to let everyone know what they are getting into," said TCG President Anirudha Lahiri.
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Farmers oppose Hazira-Dahej naphtha pipeline he Union ministry of petroleum, district collectors of Surat and Bharuch, land acquisition officer of the state government and the ONGC have been issued show cause notices by the Gujarat high court.
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According to the report in the Times Of India at least 97 farmers of Surat district's Olpad and Choryasi talukas and Bharuch district's Hansot and Ankleswar talukas had filed a petition in the high court submitting that proper procedure had not been followed in issuing the public notification for land for the project. The high court admitted the petition a few days ago and fixed the hearing on the matter for April 24. ONGC plans to supply Naphtha from Hazira to its subsidiary Opal in Dahej through a 12-inch pipeline that will pass through the four talukas of these two districts. The Central government notified this 102-km long pipeline project in 2010 and the land acquisition procedure for it was initiated in August-September 2012 allegedly without entertaining any objections from the affected farmer.
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EVENTS
Events and Exhibitions Compack-2013 07 - 09 June 2013 Chennai Trade & Convention Centre, Chennai, India, COMPACK – Complete Packaging Expo is India's Premier and dedicated packaging expo showcasing the Packaging machines , materials and material handling equipments. Highlights The key features of COMPACK 2013 are as follows: 1. Demonstration Programs. 2. Networking Sessions. 3. Personal Interaction. 4. L a u n c h o f N e w C o l l e c t i o n of Packaging Materials and Equipments.
Mediterranean gateway to Africa. The organisers target to once again increase the number of trade visitors at plast expo 2013. A vast directmarketing campaign has been tailored to bring even more high-profile trade visitors to the event! Spain is the Guest of Honor in 2013. After an agreement between AVEP-the Valencia Association of Plastic Producers, ceam-the Center for Studies and Consultancy in Metallurgy and the organisers, FMP-Fédération Marocaine de Plasturgie, Forum 7 and fairtrade, Spain has been appointed as Guest of Honor of plast expo 2013. On this occasion the Spanish exhibitors will present their innovations in plastics and packaging, in the frame of the Spanish pavilion organised by AVEP. In addition, the Valencia Packaging Association will support its members in cooperation with AVEP.
5th International Plastics, Rubber, Composites, “InterPlas Thailand 2013 Packaging and 20 - 23 June 2013 Conditioning Trade Fair for Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Morocco and North Africa Centre (BITEC), Bangkok,Thailand 19 - 22 June 2013 International Fairgrounds of Casablanca - OFEC The 5th International Plastics, Rubber, Composites, Packaging and Conditioning Trade Fair for Morocco and North Africa is scheduled to be held at the Casablanca International Fairgrounds on 19 - 22 June 2013. plast expo, a bi-annual event, works out successfully as the Euro-
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“InterPlas Thailand 2013” will serve the high demands of raw materials in the plastics industry by organizing a “Chemical and Raw Materials Zone” for thefirst time in Thailand. This will be a gathering place where global suppliers of chemical and raw materials in plastics production Thailand’s Largest Manufacturing and Supporting Industries Event consisting of 4 int'l exhibitions serving 4 sectors, so the show is co-located with InterMold Thailand, Thailand's 65
Only Machinery and Technology Trade Exhibition & Conference for Mould & Die Manufacturing; Automotive Manufacturing.
InIPLEX-chennai 2013 27- 30 June IPLEX, International Plastics Exposition, was conceived and nursed to promote the growth of plastics processing industries in South India, by all the four state level plastics manufacturers’ associations - Tamilnadu Plastics Manufacturers Association, Andhra Pradesh Plastics Manufacturers Association, Kerala Plastics Manufacturers association and Karnataka state Plastics Association, with the support and guidance from Plastindia Foundation. The apex body of the plastics industries association in India and CIPET, the autonomous institute under the aegis of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Government of India. The successful conduct of the first three editions and the consequent growth of the plastic industry in South India is abundant proof for catalytic role played by the exhibitions and particularly organised by the industry itself. World over, expos have played a signi¬cant role in the growth of the industry and in India particularly the Plastindia Exhibitions and Conferences are a standing testimony to the growing power of the latest developments in the technology of processing, choice of raw materials, additives, performance masterbatches etc. M A Y 2013
Formosa Plastics. .......................................................................................................................................... cover Madhu Machines & Systems ...............................................................................................................inside cover Anupam Heaters...................................................................................................................................................3 Polymechplast ......................................................................................................................................................4 GMS Plastic Machinery. .......................................................................................................................................6 Ferromatik Milacron. .............................................................................................................................................7 FITCO ...................................................................................................................................................................8 Devanshi Electronics ..........................................................................................................................................10 Reifenhauser India Ltd. ......................................................................................................................................12 Plastic Extrusion Machinery ...............................................................................................................................17 Plastivision India 2013 ........................................................................................................................................21 Plastivision Arabia 2104 .....................................................................................................................................26 Steer Engineering ...............................................................................................................................................43 Reliance Polymers..............................................................................................................................................44 Vodafone ............................................................................................................................................................45 AIPMA Industrial Park.........................................................................................................................................46 Boolani Engineering ...........................................................................................................................................47 KABRA Extrusion Technik Ltd. . .........................................................................................................................48 Vora Packaging. .................................................................................................................................................49 Merit Polyplast. ...................................................................................................................................................50 Leister Technologies ...........................................................................................................................................51 Andritz Biax . ......................................................................................................................................................52 Pramukh Poly Products ......................................................................................................................................62 R. R. Plast Extrusions.................................................................................................................Inside back cover Rajoo Engineers ................................................................................................................................... Back cover
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