British Plastics
and Rubber
bp&r APRIL 2018
TEMPERATURE CONTROL GETS PERSONAL: CUSTOMISED CHANGES FOR BIGGER SAVINGS “TAKING ACTION TO CLEAN UP THE SEA’” Industy reaction to England’s introduction of deposit schemes
PLASTICS IN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING Smart, comfortable and ultra-light concepts for vehicles of the future
ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS ABOUT PLASTICS RECYCLING? Reviewing the challenges to ensure we get the right outcomes
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editor’s letter
driving innovation From PC-enabled intelligent lighting, that can warn of danger ahead, to making cars more like ‘pods’ in which we can relax in comfort surrounded by soft-touch TPEs, plastics will not only make travel safer and more comfortable, but also lighter, more efficient and more sustainable
www.britishplastics.co.uk head of content: Leanne Taylor T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: leanne@rapidnews.com Assistant Editor: John Carlon T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: john.carlon@rapidnews.com EDITORIAL ASSIsTANT: GRACE NOLAN T: +44(0)1244 952 375 E: grace.nolan@rapidnews.com head of media SALES: Lisa Montgomery T: +44(0) 1244 952 372 E: lisa@rapidnews.com Senior Sales Executive: MANDY O’BRIEN T: +44(0) 1244 952 373 E: mandy.o@rapidnews.com head of studio & production: SAM HAMLYN T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: sam@rapidnews.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: subscriptions@rapidnews.com PUBLISHER: duncan wood T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: duncan@rapidnews.com British Plastics & Rubber is available on free subscription to readers qualifying under the publisher’s terms of control. Those outside the criteria may subscribe at the following annual rate: UK, Europe and rest of the world £249 British Plastics & Rubber is published monthly (8 times/year) by Rapid Plastics Media Ltd, Carlton House, Sandpiper Way, Chester Business Park, CH4 9QE T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 F: +44 (0) 1244 671074 © 2018 Rapid Plastics Media Ltd While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained within this publication is accurate the publisher accepts no liability for information published in error, or for views expressed. All rights for British Plastics & Rubber are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. ISSN 0307-6164 Incorporating Polymer Age and Rubber and Plastics Age.
A
midst some of the less-thanendearing press plastics are receiving at the moment, it was refreshing to say the least to hear the material championed as imperative, integral and wholly important to one industry’s future. Attending the Plastics in Automotive Engineering (PIAE) conference in Mannheim last month, the high-level speakers from both the plastics and the automotive industries said in no uncertain terms that plastics are fundamental to realising the concepts for the way we travel in the future. And futuristic it was. From PCenabled intelligent lighting, that can warn of danger ahead, to making cars more like ‘pods’ in which we can relax in comfort surrounded by soft-touch TPEs, plastics will not only make travel safer and more comfortable, but also lighter, more efficient and more sustainable. Milestone changes to powertrains offer a “gigantic solution space” for the plastics industry to tap into, and one that offers maximum disruption and excitement in equal measure. The UK, of course, can be a part of this change. For example, RollsRoyce has signed a collaboration agreement with UK technology start-up, Superdielectrics, to explore the potential of using polymers with recently discovered remarkable properties to create next generation high energy storage technology for next-generation vehicles. According to Superdielectrics’ CEO, collaborations such as this gives UK
companies “access to unparalleled scientific and technical expertise”, which could ultimately create jobs and business opportunities. The automotive industry is changing apace, but the UK plastics industry certainly has the intelligence and expertise to keep up with it. You can read the full report from Mannheim on page 17. Enjoy the issue. Leanne Taylor, head of content
bp&r
the big story temperature control gets personal:
IN THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE, BRITISH PLASTICS AND RUBBER LOOKS AT TWO SYSTEMS FROM REGLOPLAS THAT ENABLE A MORE EFFICIENT AND ENERGY SAVING PROCESS IN PLASTICS PRODUCTION USING CUSTOMISED AND INTELLIGENT TEMPERATURE CONTROL.
customised changes for bigger savings In the production of plastic parts, each temperature control process requires an individual, customised solution so that the full performance of the production system can be accessed on demand. Swiss-based manufacturer, REGLOPLAS, has designed two specific systems to enable processors to get the most from their temperature control to maximise efficiencies in the production process.
QUICK CHANGE
When manufacturing demanding injectionmoulded and composite parts, the quicker the change from heating to cooling phases with the least energy loss means the more efficienct and energy saving the production process will be. With this in mind, REGLOPLAS developed its ‘vario’ switching unit. This product enables flexible and modular use with all standard REGLOPLAS temperature control units for applications with water up to 200 °C. Existing REGLOPLAS temperature control units can be extended with the vario switching unit by changing to a variothermal production process. Thanks to the optimum separation of cold and hot water, the flows and returns that are close to the tool result in shorter, optimised heating and cooling phases, minimising energy losses. The system can also be combined with REGLOPLAS’ energyBattery, which can reduce energy consumption even further.
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The use of high quality components and flexibility has made these products a must for customers concerned about quality, reliability and energy efficient temperature control
PRECISE CONTROL
BENEFITTING UK PROCESSORS
Built into the control system of the temperature control units, each circuit is set separately. Four-way distributors for temperatures up to 230 °C, with individual flow control for each circuit are available, and it allows the use of the full flow rate with full pump output in parallel temperature control circuits. If the temperature or flow rate goes outside the respective monitoring window the system will trigger an alarm, meaning an increase in process security.
www.motan-colortronic.co.uk www.regloplas.com
To offer processors fewer necessary units, as well as further efficiency gains, REGLOPLAS’ multiFlow distributor has been designed to be used in on injection moulding machines of all sizes, offering a compact and integrated system.
The multiFlow distributor
ped its REGLOPLAS develo its un vario switching
REGLOPLAS products are available to the UK market through Chesterfield-based Motan Colortronic Limited. Karl Miller, Managing Director, says the Swiss-made units are known for their excellent energy footprints and potential for cost reduction. “The use of high quality components and flexibility has made these products a must for customers concerned about quality, reliability and energy efficient temperature control,” he explained. “In the UK and Ireland we have received extensive enquiries for these products.” The REGLOPLAS products are available for demonstration at Motan Colortronic Limited’s newly-enhanced Chesterfield site.
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april 2018
on the cover
TEMPERATURE CONTROL GETS PERSONAL: CUSTOMISED CHANGES FOR BIGGER SAVINGS British Plastics and Rubber looks at two systems from REGLOPLAS that enable a more efficient and energy saving process in plastics production using customised and intelligent temperature control. SEE PAGE 4
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Editor’s Letter DRIVING INNOVATION
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Feature
‘TAKING ACTION TO CLEAN UP THE SEA’” ENGLAND INTRODUCES DEPOSIT SCHEMES England is introducing a deposit scheme for plastic drinks bottles and other packaging; a move Environment Secretary Michael Gove says will “take action on plastic bottles to help clean up our ocean.” Rose Brooke writes for BP&R on what the announcement means for the industry.
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REGULARS
PIAE PUTS SMART SOLUTIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE (AUTONOMOUS) DRIVING SEAT Smart, comfortable and ultra-light concepts for vehicles of the future were the theme of the 2018 Plastics In Automotive Engineering (PIAE) conference held last month. Leanne Taylor reports from the conference.
09 INDUSTRY NEWS 15 AUTOMOTIVE 19 RECLaMATION AND RECYCLING 23 MASTERBATCH AND ADDITIVES 27 COMPOSITITES 33 npe preview 37 injection moulding 42 materials 44 extrusion machinery 47 BUYERS’ GUIDE 49 SOFTWARE 52 NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
Feature
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feature
ARE WE ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS ABOUT PLASTIC? Following the launch of the Government’s consultation on plastic waste announced in the Spring Statement, David Wilson, UK Managing Director of Vanden Recycling, spoke to BP&R about why questions are as important as answers.
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Feature MOULDING MASTERY AND VIRTUAL TECHNOLOGY AT ARBURG TECHNOLOGY DAYS Arburg is rightly proud of the eminence of its Technology Days – it has become an annual touchstone for the injection moulding technology sector to discern the direction of one of Germany’s injection moulding pioneers. John Carlon reports from Lossburg.
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INDUSTRY | NEWS n makes Plastico tanks st speciali
CUSTOM TANKS MAKER PLASTICON ENTERS ADMINISTRATION Plasticon UK, a maker of storage tanks and industrial piping based in Hull, has gone into administration after suffering financial difficulties. Established in 1973, £9m turnover Plasticon is based at Sutton Fields Industrial Estate in Hull. The business, which is part of the global Plasticon Composites Group, specialises in custom corrosionresistant storage vessels and processing equipment for a range of industries that handle or process chemicals and corrosive gases. Begbies Traynor are administrating the firm after it losses became too substantial to continue trading.
MOTAN CHAMPIONS MATERIALS HANDLING AT OPEN DAY EVENT Motan Colortronic Limited says its newly-expanded Tech Centre in Chesterfield will help develop its people and inform customers following a significant investment. The new centre, which covers a two-acre site, is the product of a six-figure revamp and is dedicated to showcasing products from across the company’s range of ancillary equipment. “Our Tech Centre exhibits samples of almost all of our products and is dedicated to injection, blow moulding, extrusion and compounding based applications,” explained Karl Miller, Managing Director. The company held a three-day open house to mark a decade since the Motan Colortronic merger, as well as the opening of the new Tech Centre, which showcases materials handling excellence bringing efficiency, customised solutions and return on investment to the production floor. Expert talks were given to demonstrate how the Motan catalogue is future-proofing its customers’ production, with the
Andrew Mackenzie, Administrator, said: “The business is highly specialised and has a strong reputation for innovation in the composites field. We are confident
that a buyer can be found for Plasticon UK and have already had several enquiries.”
range of products on display being explained in depth during the technical seminars. Representatives from Motan Deutschland explained the importance of effective dosing and blending, and energy-efficient drying, which has to be flexible enough to deal with the climate variations of summer and winter, where processors could be heating a material up from -10 degrees, to 20 degrees over a six-month cycle. Area Sales Manager from Herbold, Markus Zimmerman, then picked up the expert talks covering all things recycling and granulating. Herbold has been manufacturing granulators since 1978, as well as wash lines and other materials handling and recycling machinery optimised to process contaminated materials in particular. “Dealing with contaminated materials such as agri materials is a new challenge,” he said, adding that blade wear and washing plants for post-consumer waste are in growing demand. From contaminated postconsumer products, to metal contamination, Chris Perkins from SESOTEC talked delegates through the intelligent technology that can separate contaminant
materials without affecting suction or pressure, while automation improves safety on the shop floor. Finally, the experts at Regloplas presented the best in temperature control and chilling from Switzerland, with the company selling 10,000 units a year, offering customisation and non-standard features. “The centre is not for show - it’s here to help us develop our people and inform out customers, “ Miller concluded.
www.plasticon.co.uk
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The Open House held in March was a success for Motan Colortronic Limited
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PRN CONTROVERSY INTENSIFIES AFTER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS EUNOMIA ACCUSE RECYCLERS OF BULKING OUT FIGURES BY A THIRD Eunomia, an environmental consultancy which provides waste management analysis to the Government and European Commission, has suggested Britain’s recycling rate is overestimated, and the UK likely missed the EU packaging recovery targets up to 2012. Its report, Plastic Packaging – Shedding Light, also says much of Britain’s PCR may be of such poor quality it cannot be usefully recycled. It also highlighted concerns from councils that waste packaging producers are not paying their fair share of the £2.8 billion cost of reprocessing or disposal. Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN) are paid by recyclers and packagers to contribute to expanding recycling. Defra says the scheme raised £50m in 2016. The cash was to be used for “capacity building” in the recycling system through increasing collection and processing of recyclables.
The report goes on to identify where problems occur in the system, particularly the transition between clean virgin plastic packaging and PCR contaminated weights padded out by labels, liquids and foodstuffs. Dominic Hogg, Eunomia Chairman, said: “The scheme supports the reporting of compliance at low cost, rather than achieving high quality recycling of plastic packaging. The disparities between datasets indicate that the existing scheme gives a weak foundation on which to base the recycling figures. The existing system of producer responsibility is failing. It has allowed problems with plastic packaging to grow, and it in its most basic responsibility – demonstrating compliance with a target – the data cannot be trusted.” In response to the report from Eunomia, the British Plastics Federation’s recycling committee’s Chairman gave a backing on behalf of the group and said it supports the idea of an independent body being able to review the current data and develop clear proposals to tackle any identified errors. www.eunomia.co.uk www.bpf.co.uk
c rt, Plasti Its repo ing d d e h S – Packaging s ay s nomia Light, Eu PCR ’s in ta Bri much of or o p f such may be o e b t o n can quality it recycled y ll u f e s u
LATEST PMMDA FIGURES REFLECT MEMBERS EXPECTATIONS AS BREXIT TALKS CONTINUE The latest figures reported by members of the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA) have shown a slight decline year-on-year in numbers of moulding machines sold into the UK and Ireland. According to the member firms submitting the figures, this was inline with expectations as continuing Brexit talks continue to put some investment decisions on ice, as well as the automotive industry showing slight slowdown owing to fewer new models planned in the coming years. However, the members did note that there was an increase in the number of electric machines sold compared to the previous period, as well as a continuing buoyancy in the Irish market, where some significant investments were made in 2017. Both robot and ancillary sales have remained steady, where customers continue to look for ways to improve production methods on existing plant whilst not investing in new machinery. Commenting, Kevin Horne, PMMDA Chairman, said that early negotiations were positive. “It was pleasing to see that an agreement in general had been reached by the UK and EU,” he explained. “Hopefully now we can move forward and plan for the future outside the EU after the transition period.” www.pmmda.org.uk
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RPC GROWS FLEXIBLES PORTFOLIO WITH €75 M NORDFOLIEN ACQUISITION
LINECROSS MAKES MIDLANDS EXPANSION AS MANUFACTURING STRENGTHENS IN INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND Linecross, a thermoformer based in Cannock, has expanded its factory with more than £3.1m worth of investment at its two sites in the English Midlands. It has bought three vacuum forming machines, including twin sheet forming capabilities, with further equipment including two new KraussMaffei injection moulding machines with clamp forces of 2300 and 900 tonnes, providing the ability to mould large automotive interior parts. Linecross supplies fellow Midlands manufacturers Bentley, Aston Martin and JCB, challenging traditional methods of manufacturing vacuum-formed thermoplastic, polyurethane and injection moulded components. As
The Krauss Maffei 2300 tonne machine installed at Linecross well as the high-end car makers, moulded components are sent to London Taxis and caravan manufacturers Swift Group and Coachman. Efficiency and productivity improvements have also been aided with new robotic handling systems and an ultrasonic welding robot to support assembly operations. David Austin, Chairman of Linecross, said: “Conventional thermoforming has moved on greatly. These days the industry is about more than just standalone parts. We are now supplying assembled modules and using a variety of different processes at the same time.”
RPC Group has announced the acquisition of Nordfolien GmBH for €75 million (approx. £65.8m GBP). The latest addition to Britishbased RPC’s portfolio will strengthen its flexibles offering, with Nordfolien a leading player in the design and manufacture of higher added-value polythene films for both industrial and consumer packaging markets. RPC says following the successful acquisition and transformation of the RPC bpi group, which is now generating a return on capital employed (ROCE) in excess of 15 per cent, the acquisition of Nordfolien represents “an important next step” in growing the Group’s flexibles platform. Completion is expected by the end of September 2018. www.rpc-group.com
The latest addition to British-based RPC’s portfolio will strengthen its flexibles offering (Image: Nordfolien)
www.linecross.co.uk
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‘Taking action to clean up the sea’ England introduces deposit schemes
E NGLAND IS INTRODUCING A DEPOSIT SCHEME FOR PLASTIC DRINKS BOTTLES AND OTHER PACKAGING; A MOVE ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY MICHAEL GOVE SAYS WILL “TAKE ACTION ON PLASTIC BOTTLES TO HELP CLEAN UP OUR OCEAN.” ROSE BROOKE WRITES FOR BP&R ON WHAT THE ANNOUNCEMENT MEANS FOR THE INDUSTRY.
Supporters hope the DRS will stop littering
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Consumers in England will soon be participating in a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks bottles and cans in an effort to boost recycling. Like similar schemes in operation in Europe, the deposit system announced on March 28th 2018 will increase the cost of these products, but consumers will make their added expenditure back when the packaging is returned to be sorted and re-purposed. Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, said: “We can be in no doubt that plastic is wreaking havoc on our marine environment – killing dolphins, choking turtles and degrading our most precious habitats. It is absolutely vital we act now to tackle this threat and curb the millions of plastic bottles a day that go unrecycled. “We have already banned harmful microbeads and cut plastic bag use, and now we want to take action on plastic bottles to help clean up our ocean.” A DIVISIVE MOVE? This may be a divisive move for some members of the British plastics community, where scepticism remains over the effectiveness of a DRS when considering the wider recycled plastics market. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Breakfast programme, Barry Turner, Plastics and Flexible Packaging Group Director at the British Plastics Federation (BPF), said there should be no risk of undermining the country’s kerbside schemes “in any way” that could have “adverse affects”. He added that the country should also be looking at the way we look at recycling and that more “consistent messaging” is needed to ensure consumers are better informed. The BPF followed up with a written statement saying it “welcomes the Government’s announcement of a deposit return scheme”. GETTING THE DETAILS RIGHT The mouthpiece for the British plastics industry added that it would be a supportive partner to the government as the scheme is rolled out to ensure it “gets the details right”. The BPF added: “The UK has a fairly encouraging record on recycling plastic drink bottles, which currently sits at 74 per cent. Now is the time for collaborative action to improve this figure across the whole country.” The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is in favour of the introduction of deposit schemes, as it believes it will boost recycling rates and prevent litter from leaching into the environment. “This is a brilliant and significant decision by Michael Gove,” said Samantha Harding, Litter Programme Director at CPRE. “I am thrilled that we will finally see the many benefits a deposit system will bring to England, not least the absence of ugly drinks containers in our beautiful countryside.”
England is MUNICIPAL DANGER introduce There is the issue that deposit schemes could to a DRS for take the valuable PET, aluminium and other bottles and readily-recycled materials out of kerb side cans collections, making municipal recycling less profitable and therefore putting the future of municipal recycling in danger. Executive Manager of Belgian non-profit plastic recycling thinktank, Plarebel, and European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organisations (EPRO) board member, Ann Vossen, said that she is reluctant to champion deposit schemes as an incentive for recycling, as it “distorts value”. Nevertheless, deposit schemes are widely considered to be a good consumer incentive. Stéphane Arditi from the European Environmental Bureau said at a recent Petcore Europe event: “If you want to put responsibility on the consumers, you have to raise awareness by touching their wallets and consider a deposit system.” Echoing the BPF statement, David Wilson, UK Managing Director of Vanden Recycling, said that the company is in favour of a DRS, but noted the importance of industry working alongside government to ensure it is carried out effectively. “We need to work through the detail of the proposal, particularly to see which bottles are included and which are excluded,” he stated. “Currently, stakeholders across the plastic supply chain are developing a coherent plan to improve plastic recycling. This includes people from manufacturers, retailers, the recycling sector and local government, along with WRAP and INCPEN to bring it all together. Together, we are aiming to develop a multi-layered strategy, of which DRS has a place, that will improve plastic recycling in the long term.” In the UK, some 13 billion plastic bottles are purchased each year, and three billion of these are not recycled. Wales is working on introducing a deposit scheme and Scotland has already announced plans to introduce a deposit scheme of its own.
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PIAE puts smart solutions and
sustainability in the (autonomous) driving seat Held in Mannheim, Germany, from 14-15 March PIAE 2018 drew together 1,400 participants and 120 exhibitors to discuss the role functional plastics in making the concepts for future mobility a reality. Three main megatrends, namely electrification, automation and digitisation, MART, were highlighted COMFORTABLE as driving the AND ULTRA-LIGHT development and design of future CONCEPTS FOR vehicles, with VEHICLES OF THE sustainability, FUTURE WERE THE safety and smart THEME OF THE technology also 2018 PLASTICS playing a crucial role. IN AUTOMOTIVE “The vehicle ENGINEERING concepts of the (PIAE) CONFERENCE future will, in HELD LAST MONTH. my estimation, LEANNE TAYLOR offer even more REPORTS FROM THE diverse mobility,” explained Thomas CONFERENCE. Drescher, new conference Chair of PIAE and Head of the Vehicle Technology Division of Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg. In his presentation, Drescher focused in particular on the challenges of the materials for the vehicle concepts of the future. These
S
The smart VW Future Interior Concept seen at PIAE (Image: VDI Wissensforum)
BMW Mini trims, individually customised using 3D printing
he described as “smartphones on wheels, easy and intuitive to use, with voice and gesture control.” They are capable of learning, he added, because they have artificial intelligence on board. “The highlight? You will drive autonomously, so you can do without a driver and steering wheel,” he explained. Such a vehicle was displayed at the event, where a concept car showcased the ideas of designers at VW as to how future travel could look. The concept vehicle incorporates a lounge-like interior with four individually rotatable and lowerable seats. In the imagination of VW designers, the vehicle can be driven using a steering wheel until quieter roads, such as those outside of a city centre, are reached. At this point, the wheel and controls will retract, leaving the driver to use the interior car space to relax or work. LANXESS DEMONSTRATES METALPLASTIC HYBRIDS Speakers at the conference also highlighted that plastics will continue to play a key role in lightweight construction. Particularly interesting for industry experts are metal-plastic hybrids. “They offer a high potential in terms of affordable lightweight construction in conjunction with functional integration,” explained Joachim Melzig, Head of Pre-Development Interior Home Construction at BMW Group Landshut. Demonstrating such innovation, a team from speciality chemicals company, Lanxess, showcased a new process for replacing sheet metal with hollow metal profiles with round or square cross-sections, used WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
in combination with polyamide 6 injection moulding. “Due to their dimensional stability, hollow profiles enable hybrid parts with significantly higher torsional stiffness and strength. There is an enormous potential for structural components such as cross car beams, which were not resilient enough using conventional hybrid technology,” said Dr. Martin Wanders, Head of Global Applications Development in Lanxess’ High Performance Materials business unit. Wanders said that new forms of mobility, such as autonomous driving, the electrification of vehicle power trains, and new logistics concepts were “important growth drivers” for its polyamides, polyesters and thermoplastic composites. LIGHTWEIGHT AND STRONG Borealis and Borouge are also developing materials solutions targeted at future mobility trends. They showed their recently launched range of Fibremod CFPP grades that are lightweight, integrated, exhibit extreme stiffness and are highperforming. Unlike polyamides (PA), CFPP is not hygroscopic, meaning it does not absorb moisture. One of the new grades, FibremodTM CB061SY, has been used by a North American OEM to make the A-pillar brackets on a top-selling commercial vehicle. The product offers a stiffness of approximately 4000 MPa, and a density of 0.93 g/cm3. “In a future in which electrification, autonomous vehicles, and ‘mobility as a service’ may prevail, PP compounds are enablers for change,” explained Nicholas Kolesch, Borealis Head of Marketing, Automotive. “They will 15
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remain indispensable when it comes to lightweighting, design freedom, and flexibility for future vehicles. Our own global expansion efforts are focused on supporting the industry in this period of rapid transformation.” THE FUTURE ON DISPLAY Trends highlighted by conference speakers suggested a strong future focus on intelligent displays for vehicles, both in the interior and exterior. With the ability to communicate information, set mood lighting and show geographical and travel updates, the technology of the future requires the transition from what are now standard panels to those than can facilitate this upcoming innovation. Evonik demonstrated its Plexiglas compound series in special neutralgray colours at PIAE, the dark gray colours of which are said to be particularly well suited for producing multi-functional covers with a black panel effect. Displays that make use of this effect appear as a homogeneous black panel when they are switched off but use backlighting to show display information or ambient lighting with high colour precision when they are activated. “For quite a while now we have observed a trend of merging large decorative panels and displays in cars into multi-functional panels or integrated displays. Thanks to specially coloured materials, the transitions from panels to displays will become increasingly difficult to discern,” explained Sven Schröbel, Head of Automotive Product Management in the Methacrylates Business Line of Evonik. “The neutral gray colours of our Plexiglas moulding compounds are a perfect fit for such applications.” AESTHETICS AND HAPTICS Where experts believe the vehicles of the future will focus on comfort when travelling, materials innovators are developing new grades that combine aesthetics and haptics with light weight and function. Trinseo, a global materials solutions provider, launched its new portfolio of soft-touch plastics for automotive applications at PIAE. Trinseo says its new TPE materials provide an enhanced interior experience due to ecological, lightweight and energyefficient properties. The new portfolio includes soft-touch plastics with exceptional overmoulding adhesion to most common rigid plastics, including Trinseo’s Magnumtm ABS and Pulsetm PC/ABS. “We put a strong focus on customised TPE-solutions, developing
Covestro’s concept of future functional vehicle panels
products according to our customer’s individual needs,” explained Marco Girardello, Business Unit Manager for TPE solutions, Automotive, at Trinseo. “Additionally, our vast range of adhesion modified TPE solutions for overmoulding satisfies the industry’s need for surface appearances and haptics.” CONCEPTS FOR E-MOBILITY AND AUTONOMOUS DRIVING Where trends such as autonomous driving, connectivity and electrification require completely new vehicle concepts and technologies, functional plastic solutions play a vital role in ensuring economic, safe and individual integration. Covestro, exhibiting at PIAE, said it recognises the challenges that these new concepts bring. “The value chains face enormous challenges,” explained Dr. Eckhard Wenz during a lecture about new plastic concepts for vehicles. “Most of the future functionalities are derived from the electrical and electronics industry, whether it is about electric drive or battery technology, sensor technology, connectivity or artificial intelligence.” Wenz said where polycarbonate has been used for many years in innovative applications in the electrical/electronics and automotive industries, its properties means it can also serve as a key material for new mobility trends. During the event, Covestro focused on the integration of lighting and sensor technology, automotive glazing, a functional and individually designed interior, and the powertrain for electric vehicles. 3D PRINTING Also of interest were the sessions presenting the latest concepts for WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
In a future in which electrification, autonomous vehicles, and ‘mobility as a service’ may prevail, PP compounds are enablers for change” – Kolesch 3D printing in not only producing component parts but also in personalisation of vehicles. “You can pretty much have what you want!” said Gabriele Fruhmann, Materials, at BMW Group in Munich. Exhbiting for the first time, Arburg too showed its support of 3D printing in the production of future vehicles, with its Freeformer industrial additive manufacturing system. It also showcased via video link its Allrounder injection moulding machines and turnkey systems for the production of multi-component injection moulding, overmoulding of inserts and lightweight construction processes such as Fibre Direct Compounding (FDC), Particle-foam Composite Injection Moulding (PCIM), the physical foaming techniques Profoam and Mucell, as well as the integration of thermoplastic composites. In 2019, the PIAE conference will take place in Mannheim from 3 to 4 April. www.vdi-wissensforum.de/en www.arburg.com www.covestro.com www.vdi-wissensforum.de/en www.evonik.de www.lanxess.com www.borealisgroup.com www.borouge.com 17
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RECLAMATION AND RECYCLING | NEWS MÜLLER TO INCREASE RECYCLED PLASTIC CONTENT THROUGH NEW SITE ACQUISITIONS Müller has acquired new production facilities in the UK as it looks to increase the amount of recycled plastics in its packaging. The company, which is Britain’s largest producer of fresh dairy products, says the acquisitions of bottling plants from packaging manufacturer, Nampak, will allow it to accelerate its sustainability ambitions. It says the multi-million pound move will give the business the means to further accelerate reduction in the use of virgin plastic and increase the use of recycled plastic in its bottles to its target of 50 per cent by 2020. Müller says it will also use its newly acquired assets to pursue innovative new packaging solutions, working in partnership with its customers. “We are clear about the need to drive down the use of plastic and have worked with our suppliers to remove 10,000 tonnes from our milk bottles since 2016. We are also actively increasing the use of recycled plastic and seeking significantly higher levels of sustainable packaging innovation,” said Andrew McInnes, Müller Milk and Ingredients Managing Director. The purchase has so far included two sites adjacent to Müller’s dairies at Bellshill and Manchester, and it is in advanced negotiations to purchase two further sites adjacent to its Foston and Severnside dairies that are expected to conclude over the next two years. www.muller.co.uk
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A version of Plaxx, made from unrecyclable or difficult to recycle plastics. Credit: Recycling Technologies
RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES SECURES £3.7M OF INVESTMENTS TO SCALE UP OPERATIONS Recycling Technologies, a UKbased specialist company in the chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste, has attracted support from over 1,500 investors after it opened a round of fundraising in order to scale-up its operations. After using the crowdfunding platform, Crowdcube, to raise a target of £1.2million, it was oversubscribed by more than 300 per cent, reaching its cap of £3.7million in just over two weeks. The target was reached through pledges from existing investors, strategic investors and members of the public, as well as a substantial investment of £1million from InterChem, a global petroleum and petrochemicals trader. The money raised will allow Recycling Technologies to accelerate the implementation of its process to economically recycle mixed plastic waste, by allowing it to build models of its RT7000
machine needed to process it. The RT7000 recycles mixed plastic waste, including that currently considered ‘unrecyclable’, such as films, coloured and laminated plastics, crisp packets and food pouches. It then turns this into a valuable oil commodity, called ‘Plaxx’, which replaces fossil-fuel derived feedstock in the production of new polymer and industrial waxes. Recycling Technologies aims to add 10 million tonnes of plastic recycling capacity, worldwide, by installing 1,300 RT7000 machines by 2027. “We are very grateful to all our investors for their tremendous support and thank them for their backing of the team at Recycling Technologies,” said Adrian Griffiths, CEO at Recycling Technologies. “This is an important first step to change the story of plastic providing a commercial solution to chemically recycle waste plastic currently blighting the World’s environment. We can now accelerate our operations and acquire a facility to assemble the RT7000 machines.” www.recyclingtechnologies.co.uk
EREMA DOUBLES SALES OF EDGE TRIM RECYCLING SYSTEM
The INTAREMA K, the edge trim recycling system by EREMA, has seen sales increase by 100 per cent compared to the previous financial year. The company says by the end of last month (March 2018), over 40 of these processing systems will have been shipped within twelve months, double the amount compared to the previous period. The INTAREMA K processes a
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wide variety of clean plastic waste, including PE mono, multilayer films, PE films with PP, PA, EVOH or EVA and breathable films such as PE with calcium carbonate. Andreas Dirnberger, Business Development Manager at EREMA, says the fact that customers are concentrating more on the recycling of clean edge trim can be explained largely by the increasing demand for high-quality film products and the associated expansion of production capacities. www.erema.at
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EXCLUSIVE:
Are we asking the right questions about plastic?
F OLLOWING THE LAUNCH OF THE THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTATION1 ON PLASTIC WASTE ANNOUNCED IN THE SPRING STATEMENT, DAVID WILSON, UK MANAGING DIRECTOR OF VANDEN RECYCLING, SPOKE TO BP&R ABOUT WHY QUESTIONS ARE AS IMPORTANT AS ANSWERS.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Wilson has been the Managing Director of Vanden Recycling since 2012. With over 20 years’ experience in the plastic recycling industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and market insight to plastic debates and challenges in the UK.
F
David Wilson has welcomed the Government’s desire to take steps to address the challenges associated with plastics. But, he says, before we embark on this process, it is essential that we review the questions being asked to ensure we get the right answers. “This time last year, it’s fair to say senior Government was not focused on plastic waste or recycling,” he said. “The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spring Statement, with his call for evidence on how the tax system could be used to ‘address single use plastic waste’ shows how much this has changed, and we welcome such high-level focus.” Wilson believes the collaborative and open approach being taken is exactly what’s needed. “As plastic industry experts, we all need to come to the table to answer the questions being asked so that Government can have a much more informed view,” he continued. “But we must be careful that we are asking the right questions, in order to get the right answers.” ‘SINGLE USE’ Wilson advised that the cornerstone of any consultation needed to be a clear definition of ‘single use plastic’. “We need clarity on what is and isn’t a single use plastic to be clear on the real problem, and Government has rightly asked for clarification on this definition,” he said. However, he noted that in the consultation paper ‘single use plastic’ was initially defined at a product level, i.e. items that are typically intended to be used just once and/ or for a short period of time. “By definition this would include, for example, an HDPE plastic milk bottle, an item that has extensive collection infrastructure, clear recycling methods and clear active markets for resulting output,” he explained. In contrast, the examples used to define single use focused on harder to recover items which had none of the positive features of HDPE milk bottles. “We need more clarity to help Government, and the supply chain, to easily identify problem materials and designs,” he added. “Rather than ‘single use plastic’ it might be better to talk of ‘plastic that cannot be recycled’ as this is the real problem. That way we would instantly be identifying multi-layered food packaging, which cannot be recycled, but leave aside the HDPE milk bottle which we
all know to be fully recyclable. Wilson believes this is also an easier concept for the general public to understand. “We keep hearing time and time again that the public is confused about what can and can’t be recycled. If the phrase ‘single use’ is open to interpretation, which I believe it is, then we need to switch to something less ambiguous,” he added. PROCESS BEFORE TAX When it comes to defining the problems associated with single use or non-recyclable plastic products or packaging, the debate usually starts with this question: what types of polymers are difficult to recycle? “Instead of going straight to the material and making a switch, we would advocate looking at the bigger issues such as how the polymers are being used, whether that process make their recycling more difficult, and also whether there are effective collection systems in place,” he said adding that coffee cups are a prime example. “The issue isn’t that they can’t be recycled. They certainly can be. The problem is the logistics of collecting them in a cost-effective way. Only when we have a clear definition of ‘single use plastic’ and are clear on the issues behind their use, can we start to look at fixing the problem such as reviewing the PRN system.” MISSED OPPORTUNITIES Finally, Wilson warned that concentrating solely on ‘single use plastics’ might result in some easy wins being ignored. “For example, some products which are easily recycled and therefore may not be considered single use (if we decide that is part of the definition) are still not being recovered,” he continued. “Going back to the example of milk bottles, only 60 per cent of HDPE milk bottles are recovered in the UK despite ubiquitous collection and easy reprocessing. We need to look at areas such as this too.” Wilson thinks that the premise of the consultation itself perhaps needs to be widened or challenged and, with this in mind, is looking forward to contributing the company’s expertise in collection, recycling and management of plastics waste. “We need to ensure the outcomes take us in the right direction,” he concluded. www.vandenrecycling.co.uk https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ tackling-the-plastic-problem
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MASTERBATCH & ADDITIVES | NEWS Ampacet promotes unique shelf-life and performance additives in fight against food waste Ampacet says the use of its unique masterbatch solutions for flexible packaging can help in the fight against food waste by increasing packaging performance and the shelf life of the produce inside. Its unique FRESH+ 358 C2 masterbatch extends the shelf life of packed fresh produce by capturing part of the ethylene emitted by fruits and vegetables. Ampacet says the additive not only limits food wastage, but is also a better environmental choice. The company’s Fresh+ range also extends to the company’s 97AF masterbatch, which is an optimised antifog solution designed for food wrap films for both hot and cold packaging. The firm says use of this masterbatch gives an excellent antifogging performance only a few minutes after a laminated film is placed in a refrigerator, with continued performance after 15 days. It is said to significantly improve the film’s transparency, durability of the wrapping contents and the attractiveness of packed food. For UV-light sensitive foods, the company has produced UVBLOCK 347. Designed for use in polyethylene films, this masterbatch
PolyOne has expanded its HC Plus colourants and healthcare additives lines for production of medical plastic products
enhances food preservation and reduces spoilage by providing a high barrier efficiency to UV light, even at low addition rates, without affecting the transparency of the packaging film. When BOPP film is used in the packaging material, Ampacet says its UVBLOCK 347 PP can contribute to food preservation while keeping the high transparency of the packaging material, as well as avoiding blooming problems seen with some conventional migratory chemistries. The company says its GERMSCLEAN 684, silver-based antimicrobial additive technology offers an outstanding long-lasting protection against proliferation of a wide variety of harmful microorganisms by blocking growth of bacteria and slowing down fungi multiplication, preventing the formation of biological layers. This additive is highly efficient even at low let down ratio and doesn’t affect the appearance or physical properties of the end packaging product thanks to the low concentration of silver. Finally, Ampacet is offering converters its LAMSLIP 754 speciality masterbatch solution designed to provide outstanding and consistent slip properties to laminated film structures for trouble-free converting and packing operations. Compared to conventional slip masterbatches (i.e. Erucamide), LAMSLIP 754 is said to maintain a low and consistent Coefficient of Friction, even after
PolyOne broadens portfolio of biocompatible healthcare additives PolyOne has expanded its HC Plus colourants and healthcare additives lines for production of medical plastic products. The new, additional OnColor and OnCap additives meet USP Class VI or ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing for global healthcare applications, such as medical devices, pharmaceutical, and health and wellness products. PolyOne says the new lines will give customers in the medical device industries more choice and performance options for a greater
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Ampacet says the use of its unique masterbatch solutions for flexible packaging can help in the fight against food waste adhesive lamination and avoids transfer of slip additive on the opposite side of the laminate. Being highly efficient at low addition rate, it limits converting and packing problems typically linked to fluctuating slip properties of the packaging film and prevents efficiency losses during automatic packaging process. This masterbatch technology reduces the quantity of off-specification and scrapped films and decreases the risk of claims from converters and end-users that makes it a reliable solution for laminated packaging and pouch applications. www.ampacet.com
range of applications, especially those that require biocompatible solutions. “This evolution in PolyOne’s additive and colourant technologies is a result of our global commitment to the healthcare industry, and to our goal of providing greater value to our customers,” said Mark Crist, president of PolyOne Colour, Additives and Inks. “We can now offer expanded resin families that incorporate biocompatible functional additives, in both masterbatch and compounded forms, that meet or exceed industry standards for USP Class VI or ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing.” www.polyone.com
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Gabriel-Chemie UK offers laser marking sampling service for plastics Gabriel-Chemie has installed a new laser marking facility at its UK site in Kent following increasing demand for the service. Using Gabriel-Chemie’s masterbatch, the TruMark marking laser station at its facility in Paddock Wood, Kent, is designed to offer fast and flexible onsite laser marking trials to plastics manufacturers producing goods with a demand for individualisation and personalisation. This, says Gabriel-Chemie, includes products such as animal eartags, security seals, and medical devices, for which scratch-resistant unique ID marking will become mandatory. It is also applied to decorative applications for food and beverage and cosmetics packaging. “We have seen an increased number of customer enquiries for local laser marking sampling services at our Paddock Wood, UK site. Our laboratory is now fully equipped to demonstrate what benefits laser marking technology can bring to the many sectors in the plastics industry,” explained Karen O’Dwyer, Head of UK Colour Centre and Service for Gabriel-Chemie UK. “Various services can now be offered from simple demonstration plaques through to working one to one with customers onsite for product prototyping and development.” Laser marking offers several benefits over alternative printing and marking options, says GabrielChemie, such as being fast, noncontact, permanent and abrasion resistant. It is also digitally-driven, allowing simple placement of sequential identifiers. The company offers a choice between purely laser additive masterbatches or combination masterbatch, consisting of carrier polymer, additives and a colour of choice. Three kinds of marking colours can be achieved: dark marking by carbonisation, light marking by foaming and special colour-on-colour laser marking. www.gabriel-chemie.com An example of decoration by dieter bakic production using laser marking
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Silvergate Plastics expands white range in response to spiralling TiO2 prices Masterbatch manufacturer, Silvergate Plastics, has engineered a new generation of white masterbatch after the price of its main ingredient, titanium dioxide (TiO2), has remained high since early last year. Technicians at Silvergate’s North Wales manufacturing facility have evolved the company’s Simply White range that was originally launched in 2014. The new product range reduces the TiO2 content by up to 25 per cent without compromising colour or opacity and is suitable for food contact applications with FDA-compliant options available. “When the price and availability of TiO2 became a major problem early in 2017, we committed the necessary resource to find a credible alternative solution,” explained Tony Bestall, CEO of Silvergate. “Whilst the cost increases hit whites the hardest and, through necessity, masterbatch prices have increased, the magnitude and ongoing upward momentum led us to set about identifying further ways to manufacture high performance whites without relying as much on TiO2. Following a series of rigorous trials, we have found a fantastic solution that not only rivals the performance of traditional TiO2 formulations but offers buyers a lower cost solution. The use of TiO2 is not restricted to whites. In fact, all almost all solid colours contain TiO2. We will be extending the technology to high volume colours in the coming months.”
As well as its work on the new masterbatch range, Silvergate has announced it is amongst the first companies in the masterbatch industry to be awarded the international environmental standard, ISO 14001:2015. This certifies that the company’s Environmental Management System meets the requirements of this standard. This includes the enhancement of the company’s environmental performance, fulfilment of compliance obligations and achievement of environmental objectives. Sandy Bergeson, Silvergate’s Managing Director, said: “As a company committed to delivering a fast, efficient and reliable service, we at Silvergate are also conscious of our impact on the environment. Being awarded the transition to ISO 14001:2015 demonstrates our ability to continually improve our environmental performance, reduce waste and preserve natural resources.” www.silvergate.co.uk
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COMPOSITES | NEWS FRIMO’S COMPOSITES OFFERING ATTRACTS “OVERWHELMING” OEM INTEREST Systems manufacturer for the production of composite parts, Frimo, says its offering is attracting “strong interest” from OEMs in the aerospace and automotive industries, amongst others. The company, which exhibited at the JEC exhibition in France in March, says its solutions for the production of lightweight parts attracted attention from CEOs and Purchasing Directors for their ability to produce composite parts on a large-scale, as well as combine multiple materials and processes in one step. Thomas Rübsam, Head of Sales for FRIMO Sontra, said: “The exhibition and our stand had lots of visitors all three days,” adding “and we would especially like to point out that the decision-makers have been approaching us here in Paris.” For vehicle floor manufacture in the automotive industry, the company displayed a large model CFK floor assembly, which was created as part of the iComposite 4.0 research project. The joint project iComposite 4.0, which is funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), aims to develop a resourceefficient, large-scale production process for fibre-reinforced plastic components. FRIMO’s contribution UK EXPANSION PLANS FOR ELG CARBON FIBRE ELG Carbon Fibre has announced plans to increase the capacity of its UK facility to meet increasing demand from large volume, commercial applications that require product supply on a significant scale. ELG’s existing UK facility in Coseley, West Midlands, currently houses highly specialised reclamation and conversion equipment that supports the manufacture of recycled carbon fibre products to be reintroduced into the supply chain. Investments are focussed on increasing the capacity to
An interior door panel by Volvo attracts strong OEM interest
to the project included an RTM tool for CFRP and a mixing and metering system for epoxy and PUR systems as well as extensive measuring and assessment technology. The second exhibit that attracted interest among visitors was the organic sheet injection process (OSI). By combining thermoforming, trimming and injecting in one step, FRIMO says it “has been offering an innovative option for accelerating and economically streamlining the process” for several years now. The process, expanded by FRIMO to overmould the final edge in one process step, has now been implemented in a challenging project, series production of which will start in summer 2018. The real “audience magnet”, said Rübsam, were the exhibits in the field of NF-PP hybrids,
including an interior door panel by Volvo. “There was an absolutely overwhelming amount of interest,” Rübsam explained, adding that crucial questions were addressed regarding the material combination and the processing options for the materials. For NF-PP, polypropylene is combined proportionally, for instance 50/50, with natural fibres. In the hybrid process, these components are then injected with PP-GF20. This involves weld beads, spot welds or retainers. Depending on the geometrical requirements, natural materials such as flax, hemp or sisal are used for the natural fibres. In this way, Frimo says it is possible to reduce the weight up to 40 per cent compared with classical injection moulding processes.
commercialise the company’s CARBISO MB product line which is produced through the conversion of high grade, chopped fibres into a pellet form and tailored to applications that would traditionally have used chopped virgin carbon fibre. ELG is upgrading its pyrolysis furnace to increase output capacity beyond the current 1,000 tonnes of carbon fibre per year. This upgrade will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018, after which ELG estimates it will be able to deliver 1,700 tonnes of carbon fibre products to its customers from the Coseley plant each year. “We are very focused on investments that offer customers
a viable, high volume alternative to costly virgin carbon fibre,” said Frazer Barnes, Managing Director ELG Carbon. “Recycling carbon fibres and converting them into consistent, affordable products is now a reality and we can deliver products in the significant quantities required at the speed the industry demands.”
www.frimo.com
Carbiso MB Pellets
www.ELGCF.com
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On Behalf of a Major Finance Company Sale by Private Treaty of Entek WPC Manufacturing Plant 500kg/hour Year 2004 Comprising of: Entek E53mm EMax extruder Large array of tooling Cooling booth Vacuum pump Mezzanine floor and stair Weining Unitmat 300 moulder Automatic saw Board drop table Wood flour hopper & auger Plastic flake vacuum 4 stainless steel ingredient hoppers 4 Boabender feeders Metal detector Chillers 2 multi bag extractors Collection table
Located at: Deltawood International Limited, Unit 4 (Ferroli) Premier Park, Lichfield Road, Branston Industrial Estate, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3HD Best and final offers to be received no later than 4pm Friday 20 April 2018 For further information please contact Telephone: +44(0)121 200 2206 or Email: info@mgrappraisals.com Web: www.mgrappraisals.com
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WWW.FRIMO.COM | FRIMO. HIGH TECH AND HIGH PASSION
INEOS STYROLUTION ADDS NEW CARBONLOOK COMPOSITE TO THERMOPLASTIC RANGE INEOS Styrolution has introduced a new carbon-look composite to its thermoplastic composites range that it says offers “significant improvements” over previous grades. The new StyLight Aesthetic S C245-1 offers an area weight of 245 g/cm2 at a thickness per
COVESTRO STARTS COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF COMPOSITES Covestro has started commercial production of continuous fibrereinforced thermoplastic composite (CFRTP), a novel lightweight, highstrength material. The company has invested a mid-double-digit million euro sum to develop production capacity at its site in Markt Bibart, Germany, with further expansion planned. CFRTP can be produced efficiently and offers the design freedom of plastics, yet feels and sounds like metal. The composites are attracting interest from a broad range of sectors such as electrical, automotive, household appliance manufacturers and producers of medical technology. Michelle Jou, Head of Covestro’s global polycarbonate business in Shanghai, said: “Our polycarbonates have already proven themselves in many applications that require strength,
New StyLight Aesthetic S C245-1 layer of 0.3mm, in comparison to the previous StyLight Aesthetic S C200-1 which delivered a surface quality at an area weight of 200 g/cm2 at a thickness per layer of 0.25mm. Due to StyLight Aesthetic S C245-1 higher fibre density and greater area weight, this results in improved fibre alignment, which
low weight and beauty, and have replaced conventional materials such as metal and glass. “However, the electronics industry and other industries want even stronger and lighter materials that can be used to produce thinner parts and integrated functionality,” continued Jou. “In addition, there is a desire for more efficient production. With our new high-tech material, we’re closing this gap.” Covestro says the composite material of the future is based on continuous carbon or glass fibres impregnated with polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or other thermoplastic resins. From this, Covestro produces uni-directional reinforced tapes and sheets for further processing by customers, which can be tuned to infinite combinations, giving designers new creative opportunities. Covestro says CFRTP also contributes to climate protection and resource conservation, by reducing energy consumption and offering “powerful sustainability opportunities”.
enhances the surface aesthetics of the material and the new fibres improve stiffness and rigidity. INEOS Styrolution says it can be expected that the new StyLight will be selected for a series of new automotive interior and exterior applications for cars, including interior decorative trims, seat components, rear-view mirror caps and exterior trims. The new material has also been used in the sports, leisure and electronics industry, applications include mobile phone casings, loudspeaker cones, drones, sport helmets, bicycle parts and luggage. Pierre Juan, VP Future Business and Innovation at INEOS Styrolution, is optimistic about the success of the new material: “We are working very closely on dozens of projects with our customers in various industries. Their feedback is very encouraging and we received initial certifications of the material for selected applications. We also took a closer look at various processing technologies to support our customers optimising industrial production of their solutions.” www.ineos-styrolution.com
Patrick Thomas, CEO at Covestro, commented: “Covestro develops material solutions and technologies for the major challenges facing mankind, such as climate protection, population growth, urbanisation and increasing mobility. Composite materials are playing an increasingly important role in this.” www.covestro.com
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Lightweight and very thin laptop covers with optical surface effects are a potential application for CFRTPs
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WWW.FRIMO.COM | FRIMO. HIGH TECH AND HIGH PASSION The new Type 4001A sensor
KISTLER LAUNCHES COMBINED PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR FOR COMPOSITE MOULDING Kistler Instruments has produced a combined pressure and temperature sensor specifically to support automated resin transfer (RTM) and wet moulding composite manufacturing methods. The new Type 4001A sensor has been developed to facilitate the growing use of composites in industries such as automotive, where large quantities of smaller components are required to be
VICTREX’S THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES DRIVE AEROSPACE BUILD RATES The CEO of UK-headquartered materials company, Victrex, has stated that the speed of aircraft manufacture “is a vital factor” that will increase adoption of thermoplastic composite technologies. Jakob Sigurdsson, Victrex CEO, made the comments at the JEC show in Paris recently, where he outlined the benefits of thermoplastic composites in enabling the development of the aircraft industry, which has forecasted that over 35,000 new aircraft will be required within the next 20 years. Compared to thermoset counterparts, which today are in frequent use, thermoplastic composites offer shorter production times by 20-30 per cent and low overall costs. Unlike thermosets, PAEK thermoplastic composites have an
produced cost effectively. The low pressure composite moulding techniques used for high volume composite production demand monitoring and control similar to conventional injection moulding to ensure consistent, high quality output. Kistler says much like injection moulding and other filling processes, the cavity pressure curve is a key factor in process optimisation and production monitoring. Using the Type 4001A sensor, characteristic process phases such as evacuation, filling and curing can easily be identified from the pressure curve allowing
unlimited shelf life, enabling the industry to buy material to process parts today and hold onto for several months. PAEK thermoplastics also deliver low flame, smoke, toxicity (FST) ratings for reliability in use, good fatigue performance for long service life and excellent durability. Victrex is partnering with Aerospace OEMs and research centres around its Victrex AE 250 composites products and related technology. Last year, the ThorntonCleveleys-based company announced it was investing in a joint venture, TxV Aero Composites, with long-standing development partner TriMack Manufacturing, to build the necessary supply chain. The Victrex/TriMack joint venture TxV Aero Composites will offer a range of composites from custom laminates to pre-formed composite inserts for hybrid moulding processes. Sigurdsson added: “Today, our composite solutions are also gaining ground in the oil-andgas industry, and also have early
process parameters to be easily optimised to make production more cost-effective. The pressure signal can also be used as a control variable for individual process steps for online process control. Anomalies in the pressure curve show whether defects can be expected in the final part which, if out of tolerance, can be ejected. The pressure signal is also captured and recorded to allow traceability of individual process steps. For these reasons, the pressure curve is an essential tool for quality assurance. Due to the much lower cavity pressure experienced in composite moulding systems, the cavity pressure sensor needs to measure low pressure with high resolution to reliably detect even the smallest pressure or vacuum changes. Kistler says the new Type 4001A sensor meets all of these demands plus the integrated temperature element, accurate up to 275°C, monitors the temperature conditions inside the mould allowing automatic temperature compensation to correct the pressure signal due to thermal changes during the process. www.kistler.com
commercialisation within the medical device space.” Tim Herr, Director Aerospace at Victrex, added: “These innovative products can deliver weight savings of up to 60 per cent over conventional metallic solutions, contributing to cuts in fuel consumption and thus emissions, delivering both cost and environmental benefits, while offering continuous manufacturing processes and cycle times measured in minutes versus hours for thermoset alternatives.” www.victrex.com
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Thermoplastic composites based on Victrex PAEK solutions are poised to close a gap for new major aircraft programmes
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24/01/2018 15:03
A LUCKY (TAX) BREAK: NPE HOPES FOR A ‘BANNER YEAR’ AS US PLASTICS PROSPECTS BOOM
A HEAD OF THE SHOW NEXT MONTH, LEANNE TAYLOR LOOKS AT WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM THE USA’S LARGEST PLASTICS TRADE EVENT.
EVENT: NPE2018 DATES: May 7 – 11, 2018 LOCATION: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida ORGANISER: Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) WEBSITE: www.npe.org GOING? Tweet us @ BritishPlastics using the #NPE2018 hashtag
With growing employment, the introduction of capital expensing provision and a competitive advantage from low-cost hydrocarbon feedstocks, the organisers behind North America’s biggest plastics industry trade show are hoping for a “banner year”. The team behind NPE, the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), formerly SPI, says that the economic outlook for the plastics industry as outlined in an industry report published earlier this year is positive, with President and CEO, William R. Carteaux, saying the figures point to a potentially “banner year” in the show’s history. He added that the immediate expensing provision enacted last year in the US as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has the potential to boost purchasing activity at the show, as it will allow American companies to write off 100 percent of the cost of capital equipment purchases made between September 27, 2017 and January 1, 2023. Much of the technology on display at NPE qualifies as capital equipment, meaning this provision could greatly influence buying decisions on the trade show floor. “Every three years NPE: The Plastics Show both reflects the plastics market’s mood and has an impact on the market itself. The business activity that starts on the trade show floor eventually ripples out into new purchases in the weeks and months that follow,” Carteaux continued. “This year, those weeks and months will be busy for NPE exhibitors, in a good way, thanks in part to the tax bill’s immediate expensing provision.” THE LARGEST SHOW TO DATE NPE has announced that the 2018 edition will be the largest in its history, with 1.2 million square feet on the exhibition floor sold, with a month still left before the show opens. “We are thrilled to announce that our exhibit floor is
in such high demand that we’re already breaking show-defining records,” commented Susan Krys, Vice President of Tradeshows and Marketing at PLASTICS. The show is currently tracking at least 75,000 square feet more, in terms of space requested and sold, than the same point ahead of NPE 2015. “We predict that this pre-show momentum will continue, making NPE2018 one of the largest industry gatherings ever,” Krys added. UNDERSTANDING KEY ISSUES In addition to the trade show floor, organisers have scheduled several conferences, seminars and learning opportunities for everyone in the plastics industry, from shop floor employees to sales managers and CEOs. There are opportunities to learn from thought leaders sharing leadership best practices, as well as content experts showcasing plastics innovation in various areas. These educational sessions, known as ‘Expert Super Sessions’ will focus on the areas of interest to the global plastics industry, such as how robotics and automation can lead to higher productivity; sustainability and recycling initiatives, and how US companies can contribute to a more circular industry; a focus on Industry 4.0, and how connected technologies can provide processors with intelligence and insight beneficial to making efficiency gains in everyday production. “We are giving NPE2018 attendees expanded and improved opportunities to learn from peers and thought leaders,” said Krys. “The sessions give attendees the unique opportunity to hear straight from the sources that are shaping the industry.” In the May/June issue of BP&R we will highlight some of the updates and releases from exhibitors and the conference sessions at the show that will affect the global plastics industry.
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INJECTION MOULDING | NEWS KRAUSSMAFFEI MAKES THE MOST OF CHINESE MOULDING DEMAND TO INCREASE SALES BY EIGHT PC IN 2017 KraussMaffei has announced record sales and orders from 2017, riding a wave of technology demand in China to continue a strong performance. In 2017, revenue for the KraussMaffei Group increased eight percent to €1.37 billion (approx. £1.20 billion GBP) and growth in new orders reached six per cent. Frank Stieler, CEO of the KraussMaffei Group, said: “We succeeded in beating the record we achieved in 2016 for both revenue and new orders. Improved access to the Chinese market thanks to our owner ChemChina played an important part in this. Our products in the injection moulding and reaction process technology segments in particular benefited greatly from growing Chinese demand. We intend to adapt our product series more to take account of regional requirements.” The Group is expecting further growth in the coming years, driven mainly by digitalisation and automation. In 2017, the Group benefited from demand for highquality machines offering a high level of flexibility, networking and configuration. To continue meeting this growing need for technical innovation and services in the future, the KraussMaffei Group intends to invest heavily in its machine fleet, IT infrastructure, and software during the current fiscal year. Capital investment of about €67 million (approx. £58.5 million GBP) is planned for 2018. This represents an increase of 81 per cent compared to the previous year.
WINTEC EXPANDS DISTRIBUTION TO AMERICAN MARKETS Wintec is expanding its distribution outside of Asia, with sales due to commence in May into the US, Canadian, Mexican and Brazilian markets. The company, part of the Engel group, produces high-quality injection moulding machines for standard applications. In the four years of its existence, the company, based in Changzhou, China, has firmly established the brand in Asia. From May, however, the company will expand the brand into new continents. “In addition to sophisticated applications that require tailor-made injection moulding solutions, we see a strong demand in America for injection moulding machines that handle standard applications,” said Dr. Christoph Steger, CSO of the Engel Group. “This is precisely the market segment in which Wintec is at home. By expanding the sales area to the American markets, as the Engel Group we can provide tailored solutions at an attractive price/performance ratio.” Wintec machines are preferably used for high-volume, singlecomponent injection moulding, which may not require any special technologies, yet still places high demands on quality and
process consistency. Machines are delivered preconfigured, which guarantees short delivery times and speedy start-up. The Wintec machines are designed and developed in Europe and produced in China. Opened in 2014, the Changzhou plant is tied into the global quality management of the Engel Group. “Wintec operates with the same strict quality standards as all the Engel plants worldwide,” explained Peter Auinger, Wintec President Americas, who is taking on the responsibility for sales and service in the new region. Wintec offers hydraulic and electric injection moulding machines and all machine movements of the electric Wintec e-win series are servo-electric. In America, the hydraulic two-platen Wintec t-win series will be available with clamping forces from 500 to 1900 US tons, and is equipped with Servowin servo-hydraulics, used for large, three-dimensionally complex components in the automotive and white goods sectors. Wintec says Servowin cuts energy consumption by 60 percent, compared to injection moulding machines with conventional hydraulics. Wintec will introduce itself to the American public for the first time at the NPE2018 plastics trade fair from 7-11 May in Orlando, USA. www.wintec-machines.com
www.kraussmaffei.com KraussMaffei has announced record sales and orders
WINTEC’s moulding machines will debut in the Americas from May 37
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engineering passion
ll Work ce n o ti c produ diagram
HERLIHY APPOINTED NEW ENGEL PRESIDENT FOR WEST EUROPE Engel UK Managing Director, Graeme Herlihy, will be taking up a new position of Regional President for West Europe in September. Herlihy will oversee operations in Scandinavia, Benelux, Iberia, France, Italy, the Baltic States, UK and Ireland, from Engel’s UK base in Warwick. “Engel UK are a great team and I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 16 years. This new opportunity will be both challenging and I am sure, satisfying. During my time as Managing Director of Engel UK the business’ turnover has increased over four-fold and I am very proud to have been a part of that,” said Herlihy. “I will now be starting the process of recruiting my successor at Engel UK and I look forward to handing over to someone who will share my passion for the continued success of the subsidiary.” www.engelglobal.com Graeme Herlihy
Engel UK are a great team and I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 16 years. This new opportunity will be both challenging and I am sure, satisfying.
WITTMANN BATTENFELD UK TO “UNRAVEL” MYSTERIES OF WORKING WITH INDUSTRY 4.0 Wittmann Battenfeld UK is holding a two-day open event to demonstrate and demystify the ways in which plastics processors can utilise the technology often referred to as ‘Industry 4.0’. To be held at the company’s UK headquarters in Wellingborough, the free-to-attend event on 24 and 25 April will offer scope for hands-on work with a ‘live’ injection moulding production cell – complete with automation, materials handling, drying, temperature control and process control. According to Wikipedia, Industry 4.0 is “a collective term for technologies and concepts of value chain organisation... it facilitates the vision of the Smart Factory. Within the modular structured Smart Factories of Industry 4.0, cyberphysical systems monitor physical processes, create a virtual copy of the physical world and make decentralised decisions.” Whilst UK Managing Director of Wittmann Battenfeld, Barry Hill, says that “this all sounds rather futuristic,” he is keen to stress that “the reality is that the future is arriving sooner than we think.” Another way of expressing the Industry 4.0 idea is that it stands for the synthesis and networking of all relevant technologies in an Internet of objects, services and data. Hill added: “This means integrating, directing and improving manufacturing systems in order to be able to offer quick, flexible responses to customer demands -
THIS MEANS INTEGRATING, DIRECTING AND IMPROVING MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS IN ORDER TO OFFER QUICK, FLEXIBLE RESPONSES TO CUSTOMER DEMANDS including cost-efficient production of small batches.” Hill added that “the Wittmann Group is uniquely placed to full develop these ideas since we design and supply all the necessary needed; injection moulding machines; automation; materials handling, temperature control, granulation, and many other related products.” The company has given its own moniker to the Industry 4.0 technologies, namely Wittmann 4.0, within which it says a ‘plug and produce’ concept gives moulders an opportunity to keep all plastics processing equipment under one roof, getting efficiencies from the same central control panel and the same Internet router. The April dates will see expert speakers from Austria, Italy and the UK explain how Industry 4.0 principles work in plastics processing and how they also relate to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) as well as issues of data control and customer marketing and interface. www.wittmann-group.com
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Moulding mastery and virtual technology at arburg’s technology days
A ARBURG HELD ITS ANNUAL TECHNOLOGY DAYS FROM 14-17 MARCH, WELCOMING OVER 6000 VISITORS TO ITS MOULDING TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE IN LOSSBURG, GERMANY. JOHN CARLON REPORTS FROM THE EVENT THAT SHOWCASED THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OFFERINGS FROM THE COMPANY.
A
rburg is rightly proud of the eminence of its Technology Days – it has become an annual touchstone for the injection moulding technology sector to discern the direction of one of Germany’s injection moulding pioneers. For plastics processors, it’s an indulgence akin to a slice of the local Black Forest gateau to join the throng, and taste the cutting edge of mould tech. The firm has plenty to highlight, whether strong demand for the electric machines, a new remote assistance service or triple ISO certification for its in-house training scheme. Some 6300 visitors of 54 nationalities journeyed to the misty forests and bucolic pastures of the Schwartzwald, to find themselves in the high-tech glass and steel expansive Arburg plant in Lossburg, southern Germany. “SUCCESS STORY” Even as one of the technology pioneers in injection moulding, Arburg has been riding a strong sales year – Finance Director Jürgen Boll declaring “our success story keeps on going”, as he announced 2017 secured a consolidated turnover of €680m (approx £592m), compared to €636m (approx £554m) in 2016 and €596m (approx £519m) the year before. On the Technology Day tour, guided by Arburg’s technology director, Heinz Gaub, the showcase area was alive with moulding action, highlighting the company’s expertise in building ‘smart’ machines that turnout reliably perfect plastic products. The Allrounder arena had injection moulding machinery from light to heavy tonnage, producing keyboard keys, automotive parts,
harnesses and plastic spoons. Lightweighting for automotive is a clear trend, and the Allrounders, particularly the 630 H, were highlighting the progress in Mucell and Profoam technology - hollow fibre glass and spherical cavities were put straight into the injected material, creating high strength and lightweight components. Onwards from the scale of the Allrounder arena, Gaub went on to show the additive manufacturing specialism in Arburg’s Freeformer area, specialising in 3D printing for industrial applications. PROTOTYPING EPICENTRE The Freeformer centre is where Arburg shows finessed work to develop new products. The room is the epicentre of Arburg’s work on benchmark and prototype products, where the machines run 24/7. In addition to amorphous standard granulates such as ABS, PA and PC, the material spectrum includes elastic TPU and semicrystalline PP. The processing of PMMA and a medically approved SEBS with a hardness of 28 Shore A (Cawiton PR13576) was presented for the first time at a Technology Day. From the cutting edge of industrial additive manufacturing, the Arburg Technology Days tour went on to show its historic display, with its industrial heritage and earliest moulding machinery, as the spring sunshine dappled a tranquil pair of Japanese gardens at the heart of the Arburg complex, offering a breathing space amongst the rapt crowds and dynamic machinery. EFFICIENCY, SAFETY AND FUTURE VISIONS The Arburg Efficiency area presented six new remote
assistance packages: Support package letting the moulding experts view operators’ actions remotely; fast paremeter setting help; safety parameter optimisation; constant monitoring to adapt processes to the right reference curve; a production package for greater programming freedom, and a service packaging where Arburg can access adjustment data and provides a release gateway to aid service for operators. The package contains tunnel and encoded data transfer via cloud for remote access. From the Efficiency Packages, Arburg flagged its ‘For Visions area’. The virtual reality, ‘virtual twin’ machines use machinery CAD to show the operator, on a VR headset, the product set up, drive mechanics and machine parts from all angles and orientations, with larger-than-life viewings. Using augmented reality, Arburg has also developed a virtual system to train its customers, improving the accessibility of process learning. The visor view shows a virtual flipchart next to the machine, to guide the operator through maintenance jobs. From virtual reality, visitors could then see the hard graft of machine assembly on the factory floor, with huge and heavy components which were seamlessly delivered straight into production. The extensive plant and heat of technology is enough to work up a hearty appetite, and Arburg even have sausage production covered – its canteen has an Industry 4.0 machining centre delivering Wurst for trainees’ lunches. www.arburg.com
ON THE TECHNOLOGY DAY TOUR, GUIDED BY ARBURG’S TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR, HEINZ GAUB, THE SHOWCASE AREA WAS ALIVE WITH MOULDING ACTION
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MATERIALS | NEWS
2nd International Exhibition for Polyurethane Solutions
solutions m e t s y s e your an Showcas ations on v o n in t c u PU and prod tform for la p l a n ls internatio ofessiona r p d n a s t xper industry e
r Book you ! stand now
AKZONOBEL TO SELL SPECIALITY CHEMICALS BUSINESS FOR €10.1 BILLION AkzoNobel has announced the sale of 100 per cent of its Speciality Chemicals business to The Carlyle Group and GIC, for €10.1 billion (approximately £8.8 billion). As part of its strategy announced in April 2017, AkzoNobel says the transaction creates two focused and high performing businesses, Paints and Coatings and Speciality Chemicals. The Carlyle Group says as an investor it is focused on driving growth, job creation and long-term financial success. The firm also has a strong focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects and building positive working relationships with wider stakeholders.
“We delivered on our commitment to separate the Speciality Chemicals business and did so ahead of schedule,” said Thierry Vanlancker, CEO AkzoNobel. “We are very pleased to announce the sale of Speciality Chemicals to The Carlyle Group and GIC. We believe the business is well positioned to capture growth opportunities and further improve performance. Carlyle has significant experience in the chemicals industry.” The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of 2018. www.akzonobel.com
o Specific focus on
innovative applications
o Live presentations of
product highlights, integrated seminars and networking events
o Trade visitors from a
great variety of industries
26 – 28 March 2019
MOC Munich, Germany
BASF ADDS NEW HIGHSPEED EPS GRADE TO ITS RANGE BASF has launched a new plastic grade for the manufacture of EPS (expandable polystyrene) foam packaging. The new Styropor P 24 Speed range offers a lower pentane content of approximately 4.8 per cent, which reduces both moulding cycle and intermediate conditioning times. BASF says the new grade which has a density of 25 grams per litre, yields an up to 50 per cent shorter moulding cycle time in comparison with Styropor P 326 at an average moulding steam pressure.
Raw materials and auxiliaries +++ PU systems +++ Products and materials +++ Services +++ Processing machinery, systems and equipment
www.pse-europe.com Organisers: Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd
BASF SAYS THE NEW GRADE STYROPOR P 324 SPEED, WHICH HAS A DENSITY OF 25 GRAMS PER LITRE, YIELDS AN UP TO 50 PER CENT SHORTER MOULDING TIME
Just like the company’s existing Styropor P 26 range, this new grade is approved for food packaging and has a high mechanical resistance as well as excellent flexural and compressive strength. Moreover, BASF says it has good fusion properties and a smooth surface finish. New Styropor P 24 Speed is said to be especially suitable for the manufacture of thin-walled technical mouldings, as well as food packaging and cool boxes. Available in three bead sizes ranging from 0.4 mm to 1.3 mm, the new product rounds off BASF’s EPS range for the packaging industry. www.basf.com
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WWW.ULTRAPOLYMERS.COM | YOUR PARTNER FROM DESIGN TO PRODUCTION
IN HIS COLUMN THIS MONTH, MIKE BOSWELL LOOKS SPECIFICALLY AT THE POTENTIAL REPERCUSSIONS FOR THE POLYMER RAW MATERIALS MARKET AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT MEDIA ATTENTION ON PLASTICS.
Who is ‘Polymerman’?
Mike Boswell is Managing Director of UK materials distributor, Plastribution, as well as the Chairman of the British Plastic Federation’s Polymer Compounders and Distributors Group and its ‘BREXIT Committee’. ‘Polymerman’ is the title used for announcements made via his Twitter account. This column is compiled using data from PIE (Plastics Information Europe) www.plastribution.co.uk | www.pieweb.com
the media repercussions for POLYMER raw materials
T
he media attention plastics have received in recent weeks has been without precedent. Whether David Attenborough’s documentary programme, Blue Planet II, was the initiator, or, if perhaps the world has suddenly become aware of the ubiquity of plastics, is of limited consequence. The fact is that people are more aware of plastics and increasingly concerned about plastics waste, although probably more so in the first world, with our greater concern for preserving life and protecting the planet on which we subsist. In terms of plastics pricing, it is all to easy to make the assumption that if consumers believe that plastics are bad for our environment they will buy less of them, and, with that drop in demand, the price of plastics will inevitably fall. Which then leads to the argument that if plastics consumption is elastic, with price a key driver, then consumption will recover based upon plastics becoming more competitive. Of course, that sounds like a vicious circle in which outcome for the environment remains basically the same. Perhaps of greater relevance is the use of plastics in packaging and in particular ‘single use’ applications. It is also important to consider the key polymer types used in packaging applications: PE; PP; PET; PVC; and PS. The historical pricing of these materials is volatile, with both geopolitical and supply/demand balance issues being of influence. However, this is still not the full picture and here we need to consider what the consumer is purchasing and, in reality, they are purchasing the product and not the packaging. The majority of packaging is used for FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) for which the packaging has been developed to optimise performance at minimal cost. There is significant inertia surrounding change, and, such change should presuppose that any alternative packaging medium is genuinely more sustainable at a financial premium the consumer is willing to bear. As the graph above right clearly depicts, the global growth in plastics consumption is relentless, fuelled by a combination of population growth and improving living standards, with the only ‘blip’ in consumption resulting from the Global Economic Crisis back in 2008.
There is significant inertia surrounding change, and such change should presuppose that any alternative packaging medium is genuinely more sustainable at a financial premium the consumer is willing to bear
Whilst over the longer-term factors including the Circular Economy coupled with reuse; reductions in component weight; recycling; and recovery of energy will be of influence, in the short-term it is likely that the predominant factors will continue to supplyand demand-based.
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HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPACT EXTRUDER MAKES EUROPEAN MARKET DEBUT A high-performance extruder with a compact footprint is now available in Europe following a successful launch in Japan. The new TEX34αIII compounding extruder manufactured by JSW and supplied through the company’s German subsidiary, is targeted at applications involving compounding, chemical reaction, dewatering and devolatilising and replaces JSW’s slightly smaller TEX30α model. With a screw diameter of 36 mm and a high torque density (18.2 Nm/cm3), the TEX34αIII is said to enable effective yet gentle compounding at low screw speed and optimally low temperature, but without detriment to throughput. Should torque rise to an unacceptably high level, a torque limiting function protects the machine by disengaging the drive motor and gearbox, so that the screw stops rotating. Throughput typically reaches up to 500 kg/h in talc-filled polypropylene, 250 kg/h in masterbatch compounding and 150 kg/h with polymer blends such as ABS and ABS/PC, etc., which JSW says is a “worldwide highest performance” level for a compact compounding extruder of this size. The TEX34αIII also provides processors with a EZ easychange tie-bar system, which JSW says makes changing barrels easier than in the past. Depending on customer needs,
JSW’s German Technical Centre in Düsseldorf
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JSW offers the TEX34αIII with a choice of the standard version model and an ultracompact version, the TEX34αIII52.5BW-2V, which has its control cabinet built-in within the footprint of the machine frame, saving space and installation time. Although specifications and performance of both versions are identical, Jun Kakizaki, General Manager at JSW Europe GmbH in Düsseldorf, says: “The standard model has a separate control cabinet, because sometimes customers prefer to have the control cabinet in a separate room to protect them from, for example, dust during heavy-duty operation. The ultra-compact model is however designed for laboratory applications, where space may be limited.” Kakizaki says while the ultracompact version does not easily lend itself to customisation for individual needs, the standard model can be easily customised, for example by provision of a multiple number of vents, adjustment of L/D ratio with screws of different lengths and increasing screw speed by choosing to use one of three drive motors with different performance levels, or even modification to permit explosion-proof operation in hazardous environments. JSW also has a portfolio of special devices to increase the capability of TEX34αIII. It says customers can choose optimum devices from the portfolio to improve their production and quality of product. www.jsw.de
EXTRUSION MACHINERY | NEWS Maheshwar Akkala with the new line
GNUESS EXTRUSION SYSTEM GIVES DUBAI PROCESSOR COMPETITIVE EDGE A producer of strapping tapes and PET flakes in the Middle East says a new extruder is giving the company a competitive edge as it advances its focus on recycling technologies. Consent Plastic, based in Dubai, purchased a new MRS extrusion system from Gneuss as it looked to expand its capacity to produce polyester strapping tapes with a high tensile strength made from PET bottles. The new extrusion system allows the company to produce PET strapping tapes made of 100 percent non-dried post-consumer bottle flakes or shredded straps, avoiding drying and crystallisation time and the associated energy costs. Compared to Consent’s previous production line, which included a single-screw extruder, crystallisation and drying processing steps, the footprint of the line is now reduced by 12 percent and the energy requirement by 20-25 percent. This, explained Gneuss, is a result of the intensive mixing effect of the MRS in the degassing PET tapes produced by Consent
Leading Technologies
section, as well as the high degassing efficiency. In addition, work-intensive maintenance of the drying and/or crystallisation system is no longer needed, which was necessary with Consent’s previous line. This means the resulting machine downtimes are also avoided. Finally, Gneuss says the line installed at Consent reacts automatically - as much as is possible - to quality fluctuations in the input material, without causing production interruptions. “Here in Dubai, we operate the world’s first and only line for the production of PET tapes made of bottle flakes without a complicated pre-drying or crystallisation process,” explained Maheshwar Akkala, the Division Manager for Plastic Products at Consent. “This has already got around in this sector. Some of our competitors have already asked us about this technology.” The throughput rate of the new Consent line amounts to max. 700 kg/h, and the vacuum of the installed water ring pump is around 25 mbar. The pressure-constant and process-constant Rotary Filtration System uses filtration finenesses of down to 56 µm, to make sure that all foreign particles are removed which could cause breaking points later on during
stretching. The die group consists of 4 pumps, which can produce a total of eight straps with a dimension of 9.5 x 0.6 up to 32 x 1 mm. The stretching ratio is around 1 to 8, the haul-off speed can be up to 160 m/min. An embossing unit or a wax adding unit, as required, is used for manual or automatic packing. Further, an accumulator compensates the reduced haul-off speed when rolls are changed. Consent says the strapping tape produced with the MRS extrusion line is of much better quality in terms of tensile strength, stretch and splitting that that produced using the previous system. “We have been in a position to improve our product qualities even more and reduce our costs with this new strapping tape line based on the Gneuss MRS extrusion system,” Akkala concluded. www.gneuss.de
THIS HAS ALREADY GOT AROUND IN THIS SECTOR. SOME OF OUR COMPETITORS HAVE ALREADY ASKED US ABOUT THIS TECHNOLOGY
NPE # W6473
Extrusion
Plast # 15 / B11
Pure performance Filtration WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Measurement
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POLIGAL INVESTS IN NEW BRÜCKNER EXTRUSION LINE AS POLISH PLANT STARTS UP
ONEPLASTICS INVEST FURTHER IN BLOW MOULDING DUE TO ONECAN SUCCESS
Poligal, a manufacturer of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and cast polypropylene (CPP) film, has invested 40 million euros (approx. £34.9 GBP) in a new BOPP film extrusion line. The Brückner 5-layer, 8.7 metre-wide extrusion line is being installed in the company’s plant in Skarbimierz, Poland, and will provide production capacity of 40,000 tonnes/year of BOPP film. During 2018, the project will see the implementation of a new metallisation line at the plant. Poligal says the main objective of the new plant is to improve service in Central Europe, by being able to offer quicker response times. The chosen location offers Poligal proximity to Germany, as well as being in the heart of the growing flexible packaging market in Poland. This new line allows Poligal to develop its competitiveness in certain product segments such as films for labels and will strengthen its capacity to develop new films for special applications. It will also make it possible to offer Europe’s major converters and end users coverage throughout the entire continent and a full production backup with its existing plants in Spain and Portugal. This new plant has been the main investment in Poligal’s strategic plan, with a strong focus on growth, internationalisation and technological development. “‘The company’s goal is to grow in size and improve geographic coverage while remaining a medium-sized supplier focused on manufacturing high-quality films, offering a high level of service and close cooperation with its clients in the development of innovation projects,” said Santiago Font, CEO of Poligal.
OnePlastics has made large scale investments in state-of-the-art blow moulding equipment. The company says this is due to a large surge in demand for the ‘OneCan’ range of plastic jerrycans and capacity will be further increased when an additional machine and tooling are delivered in Autumn 2018. A BBM hybrid machine with downstream automation is the latest machine to be installed at the Straight division in Hull. One of four blow moulding cells now in production, the continuous extrusion ‘double station’ design provides higher output levels in combination with reduced energy consumption. Stuart Butler, General Manager of the Hull manufacturing site, said: “We are delighted with the success of the OneCan product range, having gone from initial concept to full capacity in under 18 months.” Providing up to 50 per cent
www.oneplastics.com
NEW EXTRUSION LINE INCREASES CAPACITY AT KRAIBURG TPE HQ Kraiburg TPE has introduced a new extrusion line to produce thermoplastic elastomers at the company’s headquarters in Waldkraiburg, Germany. The line expands the company’s total capacity to 56,000mt worldwide. To guarantee reliable deliveries of its TPE compounds on a longterm basis, Kraiburg TPE relies on its three production sites in Waldkraiburg (Germany), Buford (Georgia, USA) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
www.brueckner.com www.poligal.com
Our success in the market is based on strong customer orientation, global presence and influential innovations. 46
energy saving compared to The new hydraulic machines, the BBM equipment at machines have electrically actuated OnePlastics’ mould clamping and carriage Hull site movement, reflecting the groups ongoing policy of minimising its carbon footprint. Key features of the OneCan product range include a stacking design with interlocking lugs on top and bottom, wide pour neck for easy fill and empty, cap options and HDPE construction. Other products manufactured include water butts, composters, drainage gullies and the ‘dollies’ used with returnable packaging.
A new flexible extrusion line at Kraiburg TPE’s headquarters in Waldkraiburg “The Waldkraiburg site is and will remain the focus of all of our activities, where we have been investing particularly in expanding our development centre and increasing our production capacities in recent years,” explained Franz Hinterecker, CEO of Kraiburg TPE. “Our success in the market is based on strong customer orientation, global presence and influential innovations. Continuously investing in the international network of our production plants and sales offices is a mainstay of this strategy.” www.kraiburg-tpe.com
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
BUYER’S GUIDE MATERIALS
pulse staking
MOULD RELEASE
MASTERBATCH
TO ADVERTISE in this space CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373
Specialists in supplying Plastic Joining, Bonding and Assembly Solutions
Technologies:
-Pulse Staking -Pulse Fusion -Ultrasonic Welding and Metal Insertion -High Frequency Induction Heating -Hot Air Staking
BLACK & WHITE MASTERBATCH Compounding
Recycling
Moulding
Film
Pipe
Conduit
Whitelands Mill, Whitelands Road Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6UG, UK Tel: +44 (0)161 308 2550 Fax: +44 (0)161 343 2026 E-mail: aml@abbeymb.com Eclipse Guide_Layout Web: Buyers www.abbeymb.com
Tel UK: +44 7467 959240 Tel IRL: +353 1 8013261 Email: info@hte.ie
www.hte.ie
ultrasonic welding
1 07
colour masterbatch
HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS hot runner controllers
CONTROL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT quality monitoring control Kistler Instruments Ltd
T: 01256 741550 F: 01256 741551 E: sales.uk@kistler.com W: www.kistler.com Pressure transducers and associated monitoring/control equipment for new and existing injection moulding applications.
DRYERS Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
Units 3E + 3F, Hillam Road Industrial Estate, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD2 1QN T: 01274 731552 F: 01274 738118 E: sales@eclipsecolours.com W: www.eclipsecolours.com Polymer Specific and Universal Colour and Additive Masterbatches. Fastmatch colour matching service. 1 mm Easysperse MicroPellets to 4 mm MaxiPellets. Standards second to none.
Ultrasonic Plastic Welders Make the WRIGHT choice UK Manufacturers est. over 60 years
Shredders Plastic separation Conveyors | Bailers Full recycling systems
01943 875104 sales@wrightsltd.co.uk
www.wrightsltd.co.uk
cleaning materials
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT ASSEMBLY hot plate welding Branson Ultrasonics
infrared welding HIGH TECH AND HIGH PASSION.
www.ChemTrend.com www.UltraPurge.com POLYMERS
Infrared Welding Ultrasonic Welding Hot Plate Welding Heat Staking
JOINING
Purging Compounds Release Agents Mould Maintenance
158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransoneurope.eu
Find your perfect joining method.
www.frimo.com TO ADVERTISE in this space CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373
MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE gravimetric/ volumetric blending
New & Used
For Sale &
Wanted
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
Branson - Mecasonic - Telsonic Sonotrodes (Horns) all Frequencies Fixtures, Repairs, Service, Parts Sub-Contract Welding, Hire & Consultancy
Tel; 01258 459257 Tel; 07730 413197
als.ultrasonics@gmail.com www.als-ultrasonics.co.uk
InControl Ultrasonics Ltd (FFR Ultrasonics Ltd)
PO Box 10380, Sileby, LE12 7ZX T: 01509 621992 E: enquiries@ffr-ultrasonics. co.uk W: www.ffr-ultrasonics.co.uk W: www.incontrolultrasonics.co.uk
DEHUMIDIFIERS Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
HEATING EQUIPMENT
Telsonic UK Ltd
Unit 3 Vitrage Technical Park 27 Witney Road , Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole, Dorset BH17 0GL T: 01202 697340 F: 01202 693674 W: www.telsonic.com Blog: telsoniccuk.wordpress.com
Branson Ultrasonics
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373
hopper loaders
158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransoneurope.eu
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Suction Blowers pipework cyclones New and Used recycling Equipment Kongskilde Spares, Parts and Pipework Suppliers industrial BLOWERS FLAKE/REGRIND Friendly Expert advice Les 01568 611338 Hereford W: WWW.GRAINBLOWERS.CO.UK
MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE
vibration welding
CHILLERS/ TEMPERATURE CONTROLLERS
AM&LT PUGH KONGSKILDE MAIN DEALER
induction heating for platens and tools MF Induction Heating
Unit 5, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 7XN Replacement Coils New platens T: 01543 570642 F: 01543 574460 E: sales@mfinduction.com W: www.mfinduction.com
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BUYER’S GUIDE MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT MIXING, FEEDING AND DOSING Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
METAL DETECTION AND SEPARATION EQUIPMENT Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373 Magnetics Separators Metal Detectors Eddy Current Separators
Bunting Magnetics Europe Ltd European Design & Manufacturing Facility
Northbridge Road Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 1EH, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1442 875081 Email: sales@buntingeurope.com www.buntingeurope.com www.magneticseparation.co
/magnetic_separation_and_metal_detection/
Contact: Carlton Hicks
Refurbished machines with fault and leak free guarantee. COMPOUNDS
We buy & sell all manner of plasscs equipment.
QUALITY PVC PELLETS FOR EXTRUSION
Visit our workshop in Wellingborough, Northants. 01933 272747
vekacompounds.com +44(0)1322 387 219
sales@stvmachinery.co.uk www.stvmachinery.co.uk
HOPPER LOADERS
SCREEN CHANGERS Industrial Plastics Ltd
Unit 13 Canterbury Industrial Park, 297 Ilderton Road, London, SE15 1NP T: 020 7252 9600 F: 020 7252 9601 E: sales@ipl-london.co.uk W: www.ipl-london.co.uk
SCREWS & BARRELS
www.magog.co.uk Design, Manufacture, and Refurbishment of Screws & Barrels for the Plastics and Rubber Industries. • Screw design • New manufactured Screws, Barrels, Feed Sections & Liners • Proven wear resistant specifications for screws • Nitrided and Bimetallic barrels • Refurbishment and repairs • Condition monitoring and wear checks Contact us to find out how we can help you Magog Industries Ltd, 10 Crane Mead, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9PY T: +44(0)1920 465201 E: enquiries@magog.co.uk
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TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952373
SECONDHAND AND RECONDITIONED ANGLO PLASTICS LTD
Buy/Sell Used Plastics Machinery Rutland Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1HX T: +44 (0) 1276 470910 T: +44 (0) 7740 632907 E: information@ angloplastics.com W: www.angloplastics.com
Cooper Plastics Machinery
MOULD CHANGE
8 Lyall Court, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1UX T: 01525 719850 E: Cooperplastics@gmail.com W: www.cooperplastics.co.uk Extruders, water baths, haul-offs, fly knife cutters, conveyors/tip tables, in-line punches, coilers etc. New and used. Repairs, servicing or rebuilds. UK agent for Lyons Electronics.
bp&r
DM Machinery Ltd
Tel: 01952 671918 Fax: 01952 608579 Email: connectors.uk@staubli.com
www.quick-mould-change.com
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952373
NOZZLES AND NOZZLE TIPS Engineers to the Plastics & Rubber industries, specialising in the following: Screw & Barrel Manufacture Screw & Barrel Refurbishment Tie Bar Repair & Manufacture Screw Tip Assemblies Feed Liners, Plain & Grooved 100 Tonne Screw & Barrel Press Bimetallic Barrel Blanks up to 50 mm In Stock Please e-mail or phone Karl for more info. E. info@tws-mail.co.uk T. 01706 655402 W. www.tws-ltd.com Technical Welding Services (Rochdale) Ltd
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bp&r
Used Injection Moulding Machine Stockists 40 Thorne Lane, Wakefield West Yorkshire, WF1 5RR T: 01924 290206 E: sales@dmmachinery.co.uk W: www.dmmachinery.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952373
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
BUSINESS FOR SALE
FOR SALE Manchester Plastics
PVC / CABLE REGRIND / WASHED, SCREENED & DRIED / SUPPLIED IN ONE TONNE BULK BAGS @ £80.00 per tonne + VAT ex.works Available now from sales@macnchesterplastics.com Or call us on 01260 224010
Buying, Selling, Merging?
TESTING EQUIPMENT
Whatever your business needs, Richmond Capital Partners are the industry experts with a proven track record of guiding acquirers or sellers through the process of buying, selling and merging. Contact Paul Holohan in complete confidence on 07798 530684
hardness - IRHD and shore MAPRA Technik Co — BAREISS For Bareiss of Germany IRHD & SHORE hardness testers, Abrasion & Rebound testers. T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk
inspection & measurement MAPRA Technik Co – DOSS – MARCEL AUBERT – KAFER richmondcapitalpartners.com
FOR SALE
For DOSS visual solution of Italy – Inspection & sorting machines for O’rings, Seals, Gaskets. T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk
THERMOCOUPLES • We buy/sell all makes/age/sizes of Plastic Injection Moulding Machinery & related ancillaries equipment. • We also buy redundant, non-runners & faulty machines for refurbishment. T: 01925 596170 M: 07838138342 E: douglastrading@gmail.com E: info@dtlmachinery.co.uk
DTL Machinery UK
- We buy / sell all makes / age / sizes of Plastic Injection Moulding Machinery & Ancillaries equipment. - We also buy redundant, nonrunners & faulty machinery. - Machinery repair and maintenance services available. T: 01925 596170 M: 07838138342 E: info@dtlmachinery.co.uk E: douglastrading@gmail.com
We buy/sell Prime, reprocessed, regranulated flexible PVC compounds, dry blends, pulverised PVC, scrap PVC, PVC resin and associated raw materials. We can offer prime and reprocessed flexible PVC compounding facilities to cover your specific requirements, bespoke compounds, breakdowns, holiday cover etc.
Please send us your enquiries/offers
TransXL International Ltd
Plastics Processing Machinery Bought & Sold, Thornhill, South Marston, Wiltshire SN3 4TA T: 01793 827666 F: 01793 823826 E: sales@transxl.co.uk W: www.transxl.co.uk
T: M: E: W:
01625 500912 07860 371294 vinyl_ltd@mail.com www.vinyl-ltd.com
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
TRAINING
BUYER’S GUIDE 3D PRINTING
3D Printing
in Plastic & Rubber
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373 PRINTERS
printers of plastic mouldings Total Print Ltd
Tel: 01420 88645 www.cdg.uk.com
TESTING/ CONSULTANCY
Specialist Pad Printers Station Road, Gedney Hill, Lincolnshire PE12 0NP T: 01406 330122 F: 01406 330123 E: info@totalprintltd.com W: www.totalprintltd.com Sub-Contract Pad Printers to the Plastics Industry
COMPONENT PRINTERS TAMPO.SCREEN.FOIL
Contour Marking Co Ltd Albert house, Gledrid Industrial Park, Chirk ,Wrexham, LL14 5DG T: 01691 770093 F: 01691 770023 Sub Contract Tampo, Screen & Foil Printing to the plastic moulding industry E: sales@contourmarking.com W: www.contourmarking.com
Gammadot Rheology Testing & Consultancy Services
SERVICES MOULDFLOW ANALYSIS
Unit 5C, Leaton Industrial Estate, Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3AP T: 01939 291677 E: enquiries@gammadot.com W: www.gammadot.com Providing independant testing solutions to all your quality control, failure analysis & flow simulation data needs
SOFTWARE
Cimatron 3D
Mold Tool Design CAD CAM software
Tel: 01420 88645 www.cdg.uk.com
bp&r
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952373
SOFTWARE DIRECTORY A listing in the Software Directory costs £160 per programme per year. Call Lisa on 01244 680222 for details. REAL TIME PRODUCTION MONITORING, SCHEDULING AND PROCESS MONITORING Epicor Mattec Real-time MES (Microsoft Windows™ PC Servers & “Web Based”) Epicor Software (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1344 468 468 E: info.uk@epicor.com
Modules: Production Monitoring, Process Monitoring, “Drag and Drop” Scheduling/Planning, “Family Moulding”, Preventative Maintenance, Bar Coding/Parts’ Trace-ability, Operator Visual Aids, Process Parameter Profiling, E-mail/ Public Address System Alerts, Standalone “Drag and Drop” Scheduler, Stand-alone SPC “Machine Analyzer”, Machine Energy Monitoring, KPI Dashboards, Visual Manufacturing (Large LED Displays), Automatic Data Import/Export Functions (For Integration with Epicor ERP & Other Manufacturing Systems/Software Packages). PlantMaster BMS Vision Ltd T: 01254 662244, E: sales.bla@visionbms.com Website: www.visionbms.com/ plastics. Affordable and flexible MES system for the plastics/rubber industry. Realtime production monitoring features wireless data units and OPC Ethernet machine connections. “Drag & drop” job scheduling supports frame/insert level family tooling plus KAN BAN. ERP system integration, SPC/SQC, Touch Screen Data Units, Machine Maintenance, Operator Tracking, Traceability, DNC, Energy Monitoring, Bar Coding, Pager Alerts. Easy to use systems from a €600m company with over 30 years experience. intouch T: 01604 537100 E: enquiries@ intouchmonitoring.com Website: www.intouchmonitoring.com Real-time production monitoring systems. Designed to be easy to use and providing affordable solutions to all sizes of businesses. Production monitoring, scheduling, reporting, data import/export, databases for parts, tools and operators, integration with other software packages. ProHelp EPM (for Microsoft Windows™ PC Servers) Mattec Ltd T: 01909 561544 F: 01909 560675 E: a.jewell@mattec.com Real-time Modules: Production Monitoring, ‘Drag and Drop’
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Scheduling/Planning, Preventative Maintenance, Bar Coding/Parts Traceability, Operator Visual Aids, Process Parameter Profiling, Pager/ Tannoy Alerts, Stand-alone ‘Drag and Drop’ Scheduler, Stand-alone SPC Machine Analyzer, Automatic Data Import/Export Functions (for integration to Manufacturing Systems and other software packages).
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING
Epicor ERP Manufacturing Software (For Plastics’/Rubber Processors) Epicor Software (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1344 468 468 E: info.uk@epicor.com Epicor ERP software for the polymer converting industry covers the full range of back office operations from on-line and off-line sales and quotations to production planning, inventory management and finance through to logistics, warehousing and distribution. Available on-site, hosted & SaaS it seamlessly integrates with Epicor Mattec Real-time MES to provide a single system that offers a complete quote-to-cash solution for the plastics’/rubber industries.
PROCESS OPTIMISATION SOFTWARE RJG Technologies Ltd Moulding Technology T: +44 (0)1733 232211 E info@rjginc.co.uk
Zero Defect Moulding – What’s your target? • Cycle time reduction • Reduced scrap rates • Improved process capability • Higher yield and OEE PRO-OP™ software provides a stepby-step procedure for optimising the injection moulding process to deliver optimum quality products at the most favourable cycle time. PRO-OP™ is a server based application which, by setting an optimum moulding process, highlights weaknesses and problems in relation to part design, mould design, mould construction, moulding equipment efficiency, moulding equipment specification and material selection. The moulding process is documented with explanations for each key process parameter setting demonstrating the processing conditions and equipment contributions to the final result. PRO-OP™ is aimed at companies whose focus is quality and consistent part manufacture. PRO-OP™ supports companies by providing a documented and structured validation protocol which is recognised in the in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. 49
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NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
IN
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MODEL OF BALANCE After a couple of months of media attention, we are now seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I received a letter from Michael Gove, Secretary of State for the Environment, in which he was at pains to spell out that he was at war with plastics waste and not with the plastics industry. He said he appreciated the benefits of plastics packaging and that he supported the plastics industry’s actions. There is also some abatement in the negative media coverage and a change of tone. ‘The Known Unknowns of Plastics Pollution’ in The Economist magazine on March 3rd, for example, was a model of balance. Also in March, the Treasury published its long awaited ‘Call for Evidence’ on a possible tax on single use plastics. We were pleased to see that a wide range of options were mooted, including potential reform of the ‘PRN system’, which the
BPF had been pressing for. We are now preparing our response and we will be urging companies in the industry to follow our lead and send in in their own comments supporting the BPF into the review before the deadline of May 18th. At the end of March the Government – this time Defra – announced a consultation on the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) for beverage containers. We were pleased that plastics were not singled out for special treatment. The consultation will also apply to aluminium cans and to glass bottles. This is only fair as plastics bottles only account for two per cent of litter and 20 per cent of littered beverage packaging. I’d also say that the UK has a pretty encouraging record on recycling plastics drink bottles and the rate currently sits at 74 per cent. ENERGY BEST PRACTICE We will be holding an event for energy specialists in the industry on April 26th at LG Energy in Manchester. Entitled ‘Discover Best Practice for Energy Management’, this will focus on energy management techniques and will deal with the application of data, the use of management information and an exploration of procurement. For more information contact Paul Baxter on events@bpf.co.uk Finally, the Horners Award for Plastics Innovation and Design 2018 is now officially open for entries. It’s actually the oldest plastics award in the world, having been instituted in 1947 and to be a winner is a real feather in the cap for a company. Presentations are made at the Horners Banquet at the Mansion House, by the Lord Mayor of London. Last year’s winner was a product which helps diabetics inject insulin painlessly. To compete go to www.hornersaward. co.uk or enquire at marketing@bpf.co.uk www.bpf.co.uk
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS
IN HIS EXCLUSIVE COLUMN, PHILIP LAW, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION, COVERS A BUSY MONTH THAT WILL SEE A FORMIDABLE UK DELEGATION MAKE INROADS INTO THE CHINESE EXPORT MARKET, A BUSY MONTH OF CONSULATATIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF UK RECYCLING SYSTEMS AND THE OPENING OF ENTRIES FOR THE WORLD’S OLDEST PLASTICS AWARD.
T
his month sees the Chinaplas exhibition in Shanghai from 24th-27th April. We will have 18 exhibiting firms within the BPF’s pavilion, which is supported by the Department for International Trade. We have a number of stalwart exporters on the stand together with firms that are relatively new to the market. Our China line-up consists of Aerogen, Almo, Atlas Converting, Boston Matthews, Ceramicx, Fraser Antistatic, Mecmesin, Meech International, MSA, Nextool, The R&D Factory, Rapidflame, Recycle for Future, Recycle2Trade, Tencae Advanced Composites, Ultima Liquid Colour and Additives, and Zotefoams. The BPF itself will be exhibiting at the heart of the stand and will be promoting the products of all its members and taking business enquiries. Quite a formidable UK presence! Whist it is clearly too late to exhibit at Chinaplas, for future BPF overseas trade fairs, please contact Justyna Elliott on jelliott@ bpf.co.uk
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
THE POLYMERS SPECIALISTS
Based in Lydney, Gloucestershire Vision Petlon Polymers Limited’s Engineering Thermoplastic Division is a leading compounder and polymer recovery company specialising in nylon 6, nylon 66, PET and PBT with global supply capability and proven local support. Whether it’s an existing product or a bespoke compound, specifically tailored to your requirements, Vision Petlon Polymers can deliver solutions for your needs.
Prime and Industrial Compounds - PA6, PA66, PP, PET and PBT Toll Compounding Wire Coating Compounds Additive Masterbatches (Novare Grade Range) Global Supply Capability Over 40 years Experience For more information please contact Myles Clarkson on +44 (0) 7741631697 or email myles.clarkson@vision-petlon.com
@visionpetlon www.vision-petlon.com
www.kraussmaffei.com/experts KraussMaffei Competence Forum, June 6–7, 2018, Munich +010 002 02 3 NO 020 O 56 5648 89
002 > 003 > 004
UNIT TS 800 600 60 00 40 400 0 200 00 01
02
03 3
Philipp Zimmermann, your KraussMaffei expert for lightweight construction/composites
Leading experts for leading solutions Rethinking lightweight construction/ composites Welcome to KraussMaffei – the world’s leading provider of reaction process machinery. Fiber-reinforced plastics combine a low weight and a high degree of stability and substitute more and more traditional materials such as aluminum or steel. KraussMaffei provides you with all of the services required along the composites technology process chain and for the entire planning process – all from a single source. We are a global leader thanks to the many technologies we use, such as long fiber injection molding or high pressure resin transfer molding.
Engineering Passion
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