BP&R Jan/Feb 2018 by BP&R Magazine

British Plastics

and Rubber

bp&r Jan/feb 2018

CONNECTED DEVICES:

AN INSIGHT INTO INDUSTRY 4.0 PROGRESSING WITH PVC: Yorkshire compounder champions new product innovation and applications in 2018

ANNUAL MATERIALS REVIEW: The trends affecting polymer materials supply and what to expect from the year ahead

THE FUTURE OF UK RECYCLING: The time is now to capitalise on the opportunities for domestic success says industry expert

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editor’s letter

New year, new battle The industry is steadfast in its message that marine litter is a problem that urgently needs tackling and that protecting our environment is a top priority

www.britishplastics.co.uk head of content - plastics: Leanne Taylor

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ISSN 0307-6164 Incorporating Polymer Age and Rubber and Plastics Age.

s New Years go – this one has been far from quiet. The media attention and focus on plastics has grown in intensity since the tail end of last year, when the BBC’s Blue Planet II documentary was the catalyst to plastics’ mainstream demonisation. The industry is steadfast in its message that marine litter is a problem that urgently needs tackling and that protecting our environment is a top priority. However, despite an endless stream of interviews undertaken by industry and trade media representatives over the Christmas and New Year period, the picture being portrayed is still rather onesided, with investment into existing UK recycling systems and tackling littering being overlooked in favour of sourcing alternative materials, establishing entirely new systems or implementing outright bans. What’s happening in response to the mainstream media outpouring is not sensible or sustainable in the long term and I hope the industry’s voice can be heard rather than drowned out in the months to come. On a brighter note, the UK’s manufacturers are feeling positive heading into the New Year. Survey’s from the EEF and CBI suggest that despite ongoing uncertainties relating to our future relationship with Europe, predictions for business growth are positive and there’s certainty in investment intentions. Kevin Horne of the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA), tells us on page 10 that order books for new machinery and equipment at the beginning of 2018 are strong.

Also this issue we feature our annual polymer materials review and outlook, where Mike Boswell looks back at the trends that influenced pricing and availability in 2017 and gives his forecast for what we can expect from the coming year. Given that much of what Mike predicted in his previous article actually occurred, this feature is a must-read for anyone involved in purchasing polymer raw materials. Enjoy the issue. Leanne Taylor, head of content

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the big story

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connected devices:

an insight into industry 4.0 ‘Industry 4.0’, ‘The Cloud’, ‘Internet of Things.’ All these terms have been increasing in popularity as ways of describing the latest technology and systems available to help manufacturers gain new insight and intelligence from their machines and production processes, store data safely and securely and use analytical information to predict and prevent lost time and money.

IT’S A TERM THAT’S BECOMING INCREASINGLY COMMON, BUT JUST HOW CAN THE TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ‘INDUSTRY 4.0’ BENEFIT UK PLASTICS PROCESSORS? IN THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE, BP&R LOOKS AT THE LATEST OFFERING FROM BLENDING AND CONTROL SPECIALISTS, TSM, AND HIGHLIGHTS THE BENEFITS THAT LIE BEHIND THE TERMINOLOGY.

But how do these systems work on a day-to-day basis for plastics processors and can they be of benefit regardless of company size? According to John Ross MacMahon from TSM, the blending and control specialists headquartered in Ireland, the answer is yes. “TSM Insight division’s latest product is an important step forward into the world of data gathering and analytics,” he explained. “It is a new way of being able to connect devices, production lines and plants to each other via the internet. These systems are becoming more accessible to plastics processors of all sizes as the cost of network processing and communications is coming down.” TSM’s Insight system allows the monitoring of data from locations all over the world, and it can be extended to as many devices and locations as needed. “Through a common platform it is possible to analyse vast quantities of data to produce information, diagnostics and analytics to help with positive decision making,” MacMahon continued. “TSM Insight allows for the visual management of connected products, regardless of type, location and time. This provides increased measurable value to plastics producers across all critical plant and business metrics, such as energy usage, uptime and productivity management, which will contribute significantly to the bottom line.”

REAL EQUIPMENT, REAL BENEFITS

To illustrate how the new system works, MacMahon uses TSM’s latest blender, the Optix, as an example. The blender, targeted at the extrusion market, was released to the market late last year. Incorporating material loading, high accuracy dosing, no crosscontamination, weighing, mixing and

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control, MacMahon says that the Optix takes blenders in this category to “an entirely new level.” In addition to these features, the Optix is also equipped with ‘Materials Usage Data Gathering’, so is compatible with the new Insight technology. “As a gravimetric supplier, every grain of raw ingredient is weighed on its way into the process on our equipment. For example, we can gather that data to a central user friendly interface and analyse it in real time to produce dashboards that will enable a business to make the decisions it needs to. The information and analysis tool will allow a company to pinpoint where and when waste is happening in a process.” MacMahon added that the technology will be designed to not only integrate with other third party equipment, but that the material data gathering and insight system has been designed to be compatible with all blenders produced in the last seven years.

LINKING UP WITH AB SYSTEMS

In order to extend the use of its products and systems further into the UK market, TSM has recently formed a partnership with ancillaries supplier, AB Systems. The company says the partnership with AB will enable it to benefit from its large installation base, experienced engineers and experience in product conveying and blending. “Having looked at the strong position AB is in to service the full UK market, TSM thought the timing was right to link up with AB and it has been a great fit,” commented TSM’s European Sales Manager, Shane O’Callaghan. “AB Systems has been delivering blending and conveying systems to the UK for the last three decades and have successfully installed plant-wide materials handling systems. Adding TSM products to its offering will mean plastics processors not only have a wider product choice, but will be perfectly positioned to take advantage of the cloud-based systems we offer, which, as highlighted, can ultimately improve processes, eliminate waste and help them become more competitive.” www.tsm-controls.com www.ab-ltd.co.uk

jan/feb 2018

on the cover

CONNECTED DEVICES: AN INSIGHT INTO INDUSTRY 4.0 It’s a term that’s becoming increasingly common, but just how can the technology and systems associated with ‘Industry 4.0’ benefit UK plastics processors? BP&R looks at the latest offering from blending and control specialists, TSM. SEE PAGES 4-5

Editor’s Letter

NEW YEAR, NEW BATTLE

12-13 Feature

THE PLASTICS “SCOURGE”, PROPOSED PLANS AND THE FUTURE OF PACKAGING After the Government’s call for a consultation into a tax on single-use plastics followed by the unveiling of a 25-year plan for the environment, the spotlight on the UK’s waste has never shone brighter. Here, BP&R looks at the details, reaction and what action is being taken.

15-19

REGULARS

POLYMER RAW MATERIAL PRICES: 2017 REVIEW AND 2018 OUTLOOK In our annual materials review, Mike Boswell looks back at the market and how the year’s significant events, such as hurricane season in the US and Brexit closer to home, affected overall production, supply and pricing, as well as what the industry can expect in 2018.

09 INDUSTRY NEWS 20 MATERIALS HANDLING 24 RECLaMATION AND RECYCLING 28 AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS 34 TEMPERATURE CONTROL 37 machinery 41 materials 43 BUYERS’ GUIDE 45 SOFTWARE 46 NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE

Feature

feature

QUALITY, DEMAND AND INVESTMENT NEEDED TO STIMULATE UK’S RECYCLING FUTURE With the great challenges facing the UK plastics recycling industry, there comes great opportunities. But just what are they, and what actions are needed? Leanne Taylor reports.

Feature

PROGRESSING WITH PVC: DUGDALE SETS SIGHTS ON SUCCESS IN 2018 West-Yorkshire based PVC compounder, Dugdale Ltd, has started 2018 on a sure footing, with business already exceeding the company’s performance in 2017. BP&R spoke to the company’s Andy Tombs to find out what’s driving the success and what the coming year holds.

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INDUSTRY | NEWS West Anglia Level 3 Polymer Qualification meets with industry approval

EuPC and the BPF publish joint Brexit Position Paper as negotiations continue

Solutions 4 Polymers is underway registering apprentices for a course run with the College of West Anglia. It launched its new Diploma in Polymer Processing Level 3 certificate at the last Interplas exhibition. Managing Director, Andy Barnard, said: “We are pleased with the positive feedback that our clients within the industry have given on both the structure of the qualification and its delivery method.” The qualification is certified through the awarding organisation, PIABC, and aligns with Cogent’s Level 3 Science Industry Technician Apprenticeship. However, a major benefit of the qualification is that it is polymer industry specific and can be contextualised to the employers’ specific needs. There are currently five pathways available; Extrusion, Injection Moulding, Parison Blow Moulding, Injection Blow Moulding and a general route to cover less common processes. Following customer demand development of a Thermoforming option is nearing completion. Enquiries and registrations for the apprenticeship standard are increasing and it is fundable under the new levy system which was introduced last year.

The British Plastics Federation has joined its European counterpart, the European Plastics Converters Association (EuPC), to update a coauthored position paper focusing on the plastic industry’s focus regarding Brexit negotiations. The second phase of negotiations, centring on trade relationships, will start early this year, after the British and European negotiating teams agreed a settlement on a ‘divorce bill’, the status of the UK-Irish Republic border and EU citizens’ rights in December 2017. The BPF said it was emphasising the need to develop a deep and comprehensive agreement that eliminates customs and minimises possible non-tariff barriers, as Alexandre Dangis, EuPC Managing Director, and Philip Law, the BPF Director-General said in a joint statement: “In the interest of the European plastics converting industry, we ask the European Commission and the British Government to avoid any disturbances of the current trade with plastics and plastic products between the UK and the EU, especially in the second phase of the negotiations on possible sector trade issues.”

www.solutions4polymers. co.uk

ers is Solutions4Polym prentices ap g rin te underway regis th the wi n for a course ru glia An t es W of College

The paper urges that restrictions to the free movement of labour could worsen the already existing shortage of qualified personnel that the European plastics converting industry is facing, and legal differences in the highly-regulated plastics industry could become major barriers to international trade and investments. “The EU’s flagship programme to create a circular economy can only be addressed in conjunction with the UK as a partner with the EU,” they added. Finally, Law and Dangis highlight the “major risks” of a hard Brexit, including the imposition of customs duties and other non-tariff barriers such as regulatory barriers or custom checks. “Any of those barriers would have negative impacts on the highly integrated plastics converting industry,” they said. Therefore, they suggest a temporary or permanent agreement to include the confirmation of duty-free trade between the EU27 and the UK; mutual recognition of regulatory procedures and standards (especially REACH regulation); and customs procedures that are as efficient, simple and fast as possible. www.bpf.co.uk www.plasticsconverters.eu

The British Plastics Federation has joined its European counterpart, the European Plastics Converters Association (EuPC), to update a co-authored position paper focusing on the plastic industry’s focus regarding Brexit negotiations

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Manufacturers start 2018 with positive intention A positive start to the year from the UK’s manufacturers has led to a lift in investment plans and overall outlook. According to findings from the CBI’s latest quarterly industrial trends survey, acceleration in manufacturing growth over the past three months has led to optimism about both business conditions and export prospects. This has led to investment intentions for buildings, plant and machinery moving back above average after deteriorating in the previous quarter and spending on innovation expected to continue to increase at a robust pace in the year ahead. According to Kevin Horne, Chairman of the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA) and Managing Director of Renmar Plastics Machinery Limited, the momentum felt amongst plastics manufacturers at the end of 2017 seems to have carried over into the New Year, with order books strong. “It is quite possible that 2017 was one of the most mixed in recent times, with all its ups and downs. Despite this, and certainly following Interplas – both the market and all the PMMDA’s members are reporting a good level of interest received both during and after the show, which I believe has resulted in a good level of orders being secured in the final quarter of 2017,” Horne explained. “It is still too early to give the actual numbers and values of UK ancillaries and machine sales for the year, as our meeting to discuss this does not take place until 13th February. However, if the interest level and commitment from

customers remains as positive as it did at the end of last year then I have no reason to doubt that 2018 will be as good, and hopefully even better.” The same outlook was echoed by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, which reported 40 percent of its members are planning for growth in the coming year. In its latest survey, conducted in November, 62 per cent of those asked were expecting domestic sales growth, 51 per cent looking for an increase in global exports and 47 per cent anticipating higher orders from Europe. Stephen Phipson, EEF’s new Chief Executive, said: “Manufacturers left 2017 in an upbeat mood and are set to outpace the rest of the economy again this year as the growth in global trade continues to gain momentum.” Despite this optimistic start, there are warnings that issues such as ongoing Brexit unknowns, cost pressures, skill shortages and competitiveness challenges present a growing threat to success. “It’s great to see UK manufacturers capturing their share of the growing global market and investing in innovation,” said Tom Crotty, Group Director of Ineos and Chair of CBI Manufacturing Council. “However, we need to see a strong focus from government on creating the conditions for businesses to grow and thrive and play their part in growing the UK’s prosperity. It’s crucial for real progress to made in implementing the industrial strategy, improving the apprenticeship levy and designing a well-functioning migration system,” he added.

L-R Managing directors, Julian Jamieson, Dave Crone, Gary Powner and Alan Franklin at Omega Plastics.

Omega Plastics celebrates rewarding year of high orders and training scheme success Omega Plastics Group has celebrated a ‘stellar year’ in 2017, where it won North East Company of the Year, from the British Chambers of Commerce, and secured several new large clients from the automotive and medical industries. With factories in Washington, Hartlepool and Blyth, Omega also secured a nomination in the High Growth Business of the Year category at the highly sought-after Chamber Business Awards. OPG were finalists at the event held in London and, despite not winning overall, Managing Director, Dave Crone, felt confident about the nomination’s impact on his business. “2017 has been an outstanding year for the Omega Plastics Group and winning the Company of the Year title was a huge deal for us. The opportunities it has afforded us since have really helped us to take our business to the next level,” he explained. “OPG now has a national profile which will certainly help us to attract new business from larger organisations and companies operating across other regions of the UK.” In October Omega launched an education outreach program with a school in Teeside to develop a two-year vocational programme combining theoretical workshops with practical assignments and factory visits encourage local students to look to jobs in northeast manufacturing as a career.

www.pmmda.org.uk www.eef.org.uk www.cbi.org.uk

A positive start to the year from the UK’s manufacturers has led to a lift in investment plans.

www.omega-plastics.co.uk 10

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KraussMaffei to be listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange The KraussMaffei group is set to be listed on the Shanghai stock exchange by its owner, ChemChina. The injection moulding machine manufacturer will become a subsidiary of Qingdao Tianhua Institute of Chemistry Engineering Co. Ltd, which is listed on the Shanghai stock exchange and is a subsidiary of ChemChina. In addition, ChemChina plans to integrate - amongst others - three sites for the production of tyres and rubber facilities into the listed entity. The transaction is subject to approvals by relevant bodies and regulators. “KraussMaffei’s business would make up about 85 percent of the listed company,” said Frank Stieler, CEO of KraussMaffei. KraussMaffei would continue to expand the international business from Germany as well as drive the Chinese business locally. Through the planned access to the Chinese capital market, KraussMaffei says it will be able to accelerate its growth in the mid-term. The company increased its revenue for the 2016/17 financial year by five percent to 1.27 billion Euros and is hoping to cross the 1.3 billion Euro mark at the end of the 2017/18 period. KraussMaffei has been under majority ownership of ChemChina since April 2016.

The KraussMaffei group is set to be listed on the Shanghai stock exchange by its owner, ChemChina.

Loughborough research team expands to develop copolymer additives Interface Polymers is expanding its additive technology research team with two new full-time positions at its main laboratory in Loughborough. Launched in February 2016 to develop its new Polarfin block copolymer additive range, the University of Warwick spin-out company is responding to demand for polyolefin compatibility and surface functionality solutions across a wide range of applications in the packaging, construction, agriculture, automotive and recycling sectors. The Polarfin additive can be incorporated into a polymer formulation and used with existing polymer conversion processes with little change to existing production equipment. It works by modifying the surface chemistry of polyolefin-based materials to enable interfacial bonding or other desirable surface properties such as anti-fog performance. For example, Polarfin additives enable permanent interlayer surface adhesion, not possible before without costly, energy-intensive ‘functionalising’ methods such as: flame torching, chemical etching, corona discharge and plasma treatments.

Dr. Christopher Kay (left) with two colleagues in the Interface Polymers R & D laboratory

Many of the Polarfin additive grades currently being commercialised bring the added benefit of reducing processing costs in addition to the main advantage of providing enhanced surface properties in end-use applications. The new research appointments, which started in January, will substantially expand the company’s in-house testing resources whilst also adding expertise in downstream polymer processing methods such as multi-layer extrusion and film-blowing. Dr Christopher Kay, Chief Scientific Officer and founder of Interface Polymers, said: “After encouraging discussions with interested customers across a diverse range of markets and application areas, we now have a large number of very interesting NPD opportunities. The addition of polymer processing expertise to the research team is now essential. These new roles will build upon our strengths in polymer synthesis and enable us to both speed up product development and optimise downstream processing guidelines in collaboration with our customers.” www.interfacepolymers.com

Editor’s Note:

In the November/December issue of British Plastics and Rubber we featured news of three UK companies that have collaborated on the new design of a ground-breaking turntable from Rega. We’d like to point out the correct name for the new turntable is ‘Planar 6’.

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the plastics ‘scourge’: proposed plans and the future of packaging

A AFTER THE GOVERNMENT’S CALL FOR A CONSULTATION INTO A TAX ON SINGLEUSE PLASTICS FOLLOWED BY THE UNVEILING OF A 25-YEAR PLAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE UK’S WASTE HAS NEVER SHONE BRIGHTER. HERE, BP&R LOOKS AT THE DETAILS, REACTION AND WHAT ACTION IS BEING TAKEN.

words Leanne taylor

The Government introduced a 25-year environment plan

n his Budget Statement in November last year, Chancellor, Philip Hammond, made the call for a consultation into the possible implementation of a tax on single-use plastics. This, he said, would help the UK take a leading position on “tackling the scourge of plastics” littering the planet and oceans. He indicated that the call was part of a wider plan due to be outlined by the Government in the New Year. In the same week, public reaction to the BBC’s documentary, Blue Planet II, saw the spotlight turned on plastics unlike ever before. In reaction, the BPF urged the Government to look at options that address the “root cause of the problem” of marine litter, rather than “embracing seemingly quick-win, populist strategies.” THE 25-YEAR PLAN Fast-forward to January 11 and Prime Minister, Theresa May, launched her 25-year environmental plan, which saw the Government pledge to get rid of all ‘avoidable’ plastic waste by 2042. She also encouraged a ‘plastic-free aisle’ in supermarkets. Despite the plan containing considerable detail on the reform of the UK’s agriculture and fisheries management, creating new wildlife habitats and tackling air pollution, it was undoubtedly the ‘war on plastics’ that stole the mainstream media headlines. The plan also saw plans made to extend the 5p single-use carrier bag tax introduced in 2015 to include every retailer – where previously it had only applied to stores with more than 250 employees. The Prime Minister’s announcements came in the same week as a recommendation from parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee to introduce a levy on takeaway coffee cups, amidst concerns over the 99 per cent of cups sent to landfill. Speaking to Andrew Marr on his BBC politics show, Ms May said the plastic carrier bag levy had been impressive: “We now see nine billion fewer plastic bags being used … it’s making a real difference. We want to do the same in relation to single plastic use - nobody who watched ‘Blue Planet’ will doubt the need to do something.” She also referenced the recent ban on plastics microbeads as an example of the Government’s commitment to protecting the environment in action. In order to achieve the goals outlined in its environmental plan, the Government said it intends to “minimise waste, reuse materials as much as we can and at the end of their life to minimise the impact on the environment”. It also pledged to meet all existing waste targets – including those on landfill, reuse and recycling – and develop “ambitious” new future targets and milestones. Delivering a substantial reduction in litter and littering behaviour was also key, it said, and it pledged to fund plastics innovation in the materials science sector. “PIECEMEAL” SOLUTIONS Commenting, Marcus Gover, CEO of WRAP, the plastics recycling advocacy group which will join the Government’s action in the 25 year plan, said: “So far the solutions to plastic waste have been piecemeal.

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as The BPF h expressed ver the concern o ion of at s ni demo ckaging pa plastics

I am pleased to be leading this holistic initiative which will transform the UK’s plastics system. Working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, we will bring together every ‘body, business and organisation’ involved in the life-cycle of plastics to make the move from a throw away culture to one where resources are used over and over again.” Ellen MacArthur, who has led a high-profile circular economy campaign for a decade, said: “Creating a circular economy for plastics amounts to a huge opportunity for the economy as well as providing a longer-term benefit for the environment.” Achieving it, she added, will require close collaboration and significant commitment from industry, government, and society at large. “For plastic to become valued and never become waste it’s imperative that everybody from those producing it (brands, retailers, food service businesses, packaging suppliers and plastic producers), collecting it (local and city authorities), sorting it and recycling it (waste management and recycling sector), to those using it (citizens) as well as Government, NGOs and media are involved. Everyone in the UK can and should engage.” BPF “DISTURBED” BY TONE In reaction to the announcements in the 25-year plan, the BPF said it welcomed the “much needed reform” of the regulatory regime currently governing packaging recovery and recycling to nurture a “full-blooded domestic recycling culture that is not dependent upon the export of waste for recycling overseas.” It welcomed too the commitment by the Government to a higher level of funding for plastics innovation. However, the BPF said it was “very disturbed” by the tone of language used in the speech made by the Prime Minister, particularly the lack of recognition of the benefits of plastics, including energy-saving, food waste prevention and the provision of some 170,000 jobs in the UK. “By encouraging plastic-free aisles, the government is creating an impression that the use of plastics is inherently wrong. Typically, food waste in stores increases by a third without packaging,” it said. The BPF echoed its previous stance on marine litter, adding that it is right that the UK, alongside other developed nations, should set an example of best practice. It said a tougher stance on littering was priority for reducing waste ending up in the ocean environment from the West, and it is “highly doubtful” that offering alternative materials for packaging would be effective in changing the mindset of offenders. “We look forward to working with government to help the UK progress towards a truly circular economy by helping to reduce littering, significantly increasing recycling infrastructure, ensuring all packaging used for food and drink consumed ‘on the go’ is captured for recycling, encouraging design for recyclability and the use of recycled material in new low carbon products,” it said. RECYCLER WELCOMES “SENSIBLE SUGGESTIONS” Peterborough-based recycler, Vanden Recycling, said the Government’s plans offered “sensible suggestions” in recognising the challenges and opportunities to develop the domestic UK recycling sector. However, it said short-term solutions were needed, particularly in light of China’s implementation of a new waste ban. “I welcome the sensible suggestions put forward in the 25-year Environment Plan,” said Vanden’s Managing Director, David Wilson. “However, as recently calculated by us, 350,000 tonnes of material that was once exported to China will struggle to find a home in 2018. I

hope the Government’s commitment to plastic recycling will now lead to more solutions in the short-term to stimulate plastic recycling in the UK, and ensure material is of high quality for export to recycling facilities abroad. If it takes 25 years to reach some of these aims, that will be too long for the development of an economically sustainable plastics recycling sector in the UK.” Vanden Recycling said it would welcome Government proposals that include an emphasis on local material collections that return high quality materials back to the economy, as well as working with industry to rationalise packaging formats, and finally, the idea of reforming producer responsibility systems, including packaging waste regulations, to incentivise producers to take more responsibility including creating a better market for recycled plastic. RETAILER REACTION The UK’s retailers have each reacted differently in their ambitions to reform their use of packaging. Tesco, the nation’s largest retailer, has backed the implementation of a deposit return scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and Waitrose has committed to eliminating all black plastics packaging for its own-label products by the end of 2019. Perhaps the boldest move is by Iceland, which committed to becoming the first major retailer globally to eliminate plastic packaging from all its own brand products. The UK’s frozen food specialist announced that it aims to complete this process in the next five years. The chain says it wants to remove plastic packaging from about 1,000 products by 2023, hoping to sell food at its 900 shops packed in paper. Iceland Managing Director, Richard Walker, referenced the “truckload of plastics entering the ocean environment every minute” as a driver for change, adding the “onus is on retailers” to make it happen. He also pledged support for fully recyclable packaging and the implementation of a DRS in the UK. The BPF reacted with a statement expressing surprise at Iceland’s announcement. “Plastic packaging is used because it vastly reduces food waste and is resource efficient,” it said. “If Iceland implement these measures, there is a risk that the weight of the packaging, carbon emissions, food waste and the amount of energy to make that packaging will increase. Growing and transporting food consumes a lot more energy than that used to make the packaging protecting it. Iceland’s proposals target products that will have absolutely no impact on reducing marine litter, which in the UK typically comes from items littered outside our homes. Its environmental footprint will increase, not decrease.” In addition, where a DRS is concerned, the BPF has previously stated its reservations about the implementation of such a scheme, citing the cost to introduce, expense for local councils and potential inconvenience to the consumer as just some of the reasons. “The introduction of such a system is likely to undermine the existing kerbside collection operated by local councils as well as penalise consumers who already recycle at home,” said the BPF. “The industry would welcome the opportunity to discuss recycling and litter with politicians, and encourages the involvement of relevant stakeholders in discussions of legislative proposals.” www.bpf.co.uk www.wrap.org.uk www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org www.vandenrecycling.com www.gov.uk www.iceland.co.uk

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IN OUR ANNUAL MATERIALS REVIEW, MIKE BOSWELL LOOKS BACK AT THE MARKET AND REVIEWS HOW THE YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SIGNIFICANT EVENTS, SUCH AS HURRICANE SEASON IN THE US AND BREXIT CLOSER TO HOME, AFFECTED OVERALL PRODUCTION, SUPPLY AND PRICING, AS WELL AS OUTLINING WHAT THE INDUSTRY CAN EXPECT IN 2018.

Market Report Polymer raw material prices: 2017 review and 2018 outlook

2017 REVIEW

From a raw materials supply perspective, 2017 was relatively quiet by historical standards. Whilst for many the difficult supply situation that started in Q1 2015 still remains a bitter memory, the reality was that, in the main, availability improved further in 2017. The prices of the more volatile materials remained relatively high, which in part is the reality of currency devaluation in a market where prices are Euro and USD denominated, and has resulted in relative price inflation compared with those trading in Euros as a principle currency. BREXIT remained a very significant topic, and the result of the June General Election caused further concern as the Conservative Government failed to achieve the mandate it sought. Furthermore, as the potential ramifications of BREXIT at an industry level became increasingly clear, the scale of the challenge of exiting the EU has started to be realised. The table below confirms that price volatility in the polyolefins sector was relatively low, with prices at a marginally lower level than the prior year. Given that the BREXIT devaluation of the GBP was only a factor for the second six months versus the whole of 2017 it is clear that in the defacto Euro denomination prices have in fact fallen somewhat further, but in the UK this effect is offset by the weaker GBP versus Euro exchange rate.

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ne of the most significant volatility factors was the hurricane season affecting production in the US Gulf Coast area. Nowhere was the impact of storm Harvey and its siblings more evident than the spot and contract prices of styrene monomer, which rapidly increased on the fear of supply shortages, only to settle back down quite quickly after normal production was resumed.

ENGINEERING POLYMERS SEE INTERESTING CHANGE

Possibly the most interesting change in 2017 has been in the arena of engineering polymers, where increasing input costs combined with a significant change in the supply/demand balance has resulted in significant price inflation. PMMA was one of the first materials to be affected by this phenomenon, but all other standard engineering polymers including, PA6, PA66, PBT, ABS, POM and PC have followed suit. In the case of PC, prices are heading back towards historical highs and this situation is likely to replicated throughout this material group. The price of crude oil increased steadily in the later part of 2017, having dipped mid-year on the basis of high production and excessive inventories. The weakness of the USD is evident as an inflation factor throughout the second half of the year. It is not surprising to see naphtha, ethylene and propylene follow a broadly similar trajectory to crude oil pricing as feedstock producers seek to maintain their own margins. The exchange rate dynamics changed significantly in 2017 and, whilst the impact of BREXIT on the GBP/ Euro exchange rate continued to be the dominant force, the USD came under pressures as concerns grew about Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prospects under the Donald Trump Republican presidency.

THE UK ECONOMY EFFECT

Despite the continuing BREXIT issue, the UK economy continued to perform well in 2017, with further increases in employment rates and positive economic growth. Inflation, fuelled by the BREXIT devaluation of the GBP, became a concern 16

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and eventually the Bank of England bowed to increasing pressure and raised its interest rates by 0.25 percent to 0.75 percent, with a strong caveat that it would take a cautious approach to further increases as it was unclear how sensitive the economy would be to interest rates hikes, after almost a decade of record low rates. Within the manufacturing sector, plastics were again noted for their strong performance; supported by a fairly robust automotive sector and stability in the housing and construction sectors. There was strong anecdotal evidence that the devaluation of GBP following BREXIT has continued to reduce import penetration and this is increasing the amount of domestic manufacturing; given the relatively low CAPEX barrier to entry the plastics sector is in a good position to continue to benefit from this effect. Although, as capacity becomes fully utilised the twin effects of economic uncertainty and the increased cost of imported plant and machinery growth may be restricted by the willingness to make long-term investments. From the perspective of polymer producers, 2017 looks a big success with strong margins and good levels of demand. For those producers integrated upstream into oil refining and production their plastics downstream activity has been a strong source of revenue and profit.

Monomer Prices Movement (£ GBP per tonne) January-17 Feedstock

Change (Contract)

C2 (Ethylene)

£0.00

C3 (Propylene)

£17.66

Styrene

£0.00

Benzene

-£48.56

Brent Crude

£17.70

2018 OUTLOOK

It looks like the year ahead is going to be interesting and already it is possible to see some important trends emerging. There will, of course, be the usual smattering of unknowns/not anticipated effects and for some the possibility of a global economic slowdown looms large on the horizon. In the case of engineering polymers, the current trend of price inflation looks set to continue. Whilst it has been some time since similar circumstances have prevailed, the expectation would be a gradual rise towards a peak, which could occur in H2 2018, followed by an extended period of stability after which there is a gradual decay in price as competition for volume/market share increases. It is not expected that engineering price inflation will have a consequential effect for the ultra-high performance polymers, as these materials are typically independent of the supply/demand drivers and prices are more likely to broadly follow more general inflationary pressures. The styrenics polymers group, including polystyrene and ABS, is likely to remain volatile, benzene ABOUT THE with AUTHOR and, consequently, styrene, monomerisprices being Mike Boswell Managing a driving force. However, as is the case at the Director of UK materials beginning of 2018, supply/demand can affect anyas distributor, Plastribution, part of the pricing model and this is clearly driving well as the Chairman of the ABS and specialty styrene polymer prices upwards British Plastic Federation’s at this time.

Polymer Compounders and Distributors Perhaps one of the most significantGroup factorsand that its will Committee’. He has impact the polyolefins‘BREXIT sector will be the increase in shale gas-derived polymers from the USA. Although a broad knowledge of both the economics of these plants don’t as materials andlook the quite issues attractive as when oil aff was $140+the perwider barrel,industry, the profit ecting margins still look good. Theover fact is the capacity with 20that years experience coming on stream is causing the supply/demand in the field. balance to dominate price action, with a near certain www.plastribution.com glut of material appearing on the market during WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK

AirWash System - the system which can convey and clean simultaneously With its two stage cleaning process it is a precise de-duster that can eliminate pelletisation and drastically reduce processing costs. The AirWash is designed to effectively evacuate material from granulators, mixers and other process equipment using its own blower, which is also used for the cleaning process. The result is a homogeneous clean regrind that can be introduced back into your product mix eliminating the cost of pelletisation. For free sample evaluation please contact us. BEFORE

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the course of 2018. At this stage, the expectation is that the initial impact of these new capacities will be quite modest in Europe, as the new plants are owned by producers who have existing sales infrastructure in the region and are therefore are unlikely to be disruptive. However, it should be noted that the current expansion is in PE and not PP and the movement in the January 2018 monomer price may be symptomatic of a paradigm shift in the relative economics of these two important materials; untypically C3 (Propylene) prices increased whereas C2 (Ethylene) prices rolled over. In the market, there were strong rumours that PE cargoes were arriving imminently and this appeared to undermine the confidence of producers to push through either monomer or polymer price increases. The divergence of PP and PP pricing is likely to be a continuing trend as European polyolefin producers seek greater contribution from the more exclusive PP value chain.

The graph on the bottom right clearly depicts the strong historic correlation between oil, feedstock and standard polymers pricing. The 2015 situation now looks to be exceptional with a ‘normal’ relationship restored since about October 2016.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the expectations outlined above, there will of course be the ‘unexpected’ events to contend with. However, I hope to repeat the fairly reliable forecasts that I have provided in prior years and so enable you and your business to be better equipped to deal with the challenges of sourcing your polymer raw material requirements in the year ahead.

This report is produced based upon the following fundamentals: • EURO based pricing for feedstock and polymer pricing • Conversion of Euro and USD based prices at prevailing exchange rates • Product baskets weighted according to UK consumption Acknowledgements Thanks to the following organisations: - PIE (Plastics Information Europe) www.pieweb.com HM Treasury www. hm-treasury.gov.uk Disclaimers The information provided in this report are based upon data available from both external an internal sources, and whilst care is exercised in producing this report we give no guarantee of accuracy. Furthermore Plastribution and British Plastics and Rubber accepts no liability for purchasing decisions based upon the information provided, as the petrochemical market is complex and volatile.

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MATERIALS HANDLING | NEWS ETTLINGER LAUNCHES NEW MELT FILTERS WITH THROUGHPUTS UP TO 3800KG/HR Ettlinger has launched its latest series of high performance melt filters that it says offers increased throughputs in combination with ultra-low melt losses, with the same footprint and energy efficiency as its next-best models. The ERF350 is the first in a new, performance-enhanced generation of the company’s ERF series said to be suitable for processing all standard polyolefins and polystyrenes as well as engineering plastics including styrene copolymers, TPE and TPU. Like the company’s other ERF models, it is capable of removing foreign particles such as paper, aluminum, wood, elastomers or high-melting polymer composites containing up to 18 percent contaminants. Depending on the type and level of contamination in the melt to be cleaned and the selected screen size, the ERF350 is said to achieve a maximum throughput of 3800 kg/h in combination with ultra-low melt losses. Compared to Ettlinger’s existing ERF250 model, which can process a maximum throughput of 3000 kg/h, this represents an increase of around 28 percent for the same filtration surface and footprint.

Moretto’s KruiseKontrol system awarded patent Moretto Plastics Automation has been awarded a patent for its KruiseKontrol conveying system. The company says the issuing of patent EP2003075 from the European Patent Office (EPO) ends previous disputes about the system’s abilities in plastics conveying and its uniqueness in the market. KruiseKontrol is designed to consider that different plastics have different characteristics and automatically adjust to control 20

Ettlinger says the throughput values have been confirmed by pilot customers in the first few months of use, also adding that users profit from more productivity when recycling contaminated waste plastics from industrial or consumer sources. It said that energy consumption is around the same values as its ERF250 model, despite the increased efficiency. “Users of our new ERF350 melt filter very soon realise that their investment pays for itself in minimal time owing to the clearly superior performance,” commented Volker Neuber, Ettlinger’s Managing Director. “It’s a highly efficient way for recycling plants to strengthen their competitiveness in terms of costs and performance in what is a fiercely contested market constrained by price tags. Companies which process large quantities will particularly profit from the new technology. Compounders where PP is converted for use in the automotive sector or manufacturers of, say, LPDE packaging films, are only two examples here.” Like all of Ettlinger’s ERF and ECO filters, the new ERF350 model works with a rotating, perforated drum, through which there is a continuous flow of melt from the outside to the inside. The screen sizes range from 80 µm to 1300 µm. A scraper continuously removes the contaminants that are held back on the surface and feeds them to

an exit screw or discharge shaft. This enables the filter to be used fully automatically and without any disruptions over a period of weeks and months without having to replace the screen. The advantages of this design, says Ettlinger, are the constant melt pressure at the filter outlet leading to more reliable processing, ultralow melt losses and good mixing and homogenising of the melts. Where the ERF series is optimised for separating foreign particles from heavily contaminated polymers, the ECO series is ideal for filtering polyolefins, PET and PA as well as recycled material containing up to 1.5 percent contaminants during the extrusion of films, sheets and other semi-finished products. Ettlinger products are available in the UK through Motan Colortronic, based in Derbyshire. Products in the Ettlinger range are available for trial and testing at Motan’s premises.

the velocity best suited to each material, without damaging it and controlling the speed inside the conveying pipes. Users of the system indicate the type of material that is about to be transported and input how many machines are to be fed, before the system creates the optimum transport parameters for each polymer. In doing so, the materials are subject to less wear and common phenomena, such as ‘angel hair’ or powder formation, are avoided. On the awarding of the patent, Lee Thomas, Managing Director of Moretto’s UK distributor,

TH Plastics, said the company is aware of the added-value that KruiseKontrol can offer to its customers. “There are hundreds of customers who are enjoying KruiseKontrol’s performance today,” he said. Thomas said that Moretto plans to continue investing in innovation, with a clear research and development path for its systems. This, he added, includes the recent introduction of ‘Industry 4.0’-compliant technologies.

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Which criteria need to be taken into account for material flow? Mo explains a few essential aspects when making concept decisions

he set-up of an economically viable as well as technically sensible raw materials handling concept starts with the storage of the raw material. The storage concept must fulfil specific criteria, which depend on the production systems which must be supplied, as well as the required throughput. The extrusion of multilayer films or the compounding of large and small amounts of special polymers require different planning than injection moulding production with multiple material changes, for example. Dependent on this are the number of materials which need to be stored and of course the required amounts. Do small sacks (sacks with 25kg/container) or large sacks (BigBags, octabins with up to 1000kg) need to be stored, or

Mobile flexible screw conveyor added to Flexicon range A new mobile flexible screw conveyor for bulk bag discharging and manual dumping has been added to the range of Kent-based Flexicon. The new conveyor has a multipurpose hood for transferring material discharged from bulk bags and/or manually dumped from sacks into elevated process equipment or storage vessels without dust. Mounted on a frame with locking castors for in-plant

would silos be more economical? If silos, then there are also many different options, such as full chamber silos, multiple chamber silos with up to four chambers, or mixed silos, for example. In addition, day bins and material distribution stations must also be factored in, depending on need and internal logistics. From this, additional decision criteria also arise, such as necessary floor space required, automation degree, and transport distances, which have an influence on handling costs, as well as cleanliness and hygiene aspects. Disposal of packaging material must also be thought of. Safety aspects such as dust emissions and flammability of powders must also not be forgotten. The material properties influence storage and later conveying. Moisture absorption must be kept in mind for hygroscopic plastics, particularly during the summer months. If the material is going to be stored in containers, blanketing with dry air can be a suitable preventative measure. Flow properties also belong to the material properties, which again depends on the type of material, for example whether it is granules, flakes, powder, regrind or fibres.

mobility, Flexicon says the system improves mobility and reduces cost by eliminating heavy frame components typically employed to support bulk bags, relying on the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forklift or plant hoist to suspend the bag above the unit during operation. Variable control of flow through the bulk bag spout is enabled through an iris valve set on top of the dust hood. A bag support tray and hinged door allow the manual addition of minor ingredients from handheld sacks. Flexicon says the flexible screw conveyor transports both free- and non-free-flowing bulk materials.

Whether the bulk material is freeflowing or non-free-flowing, sticky, clumpy or agglomerating, or is bridge-building, are also important properties to bear in mind. Some materials tend towards compacting due to their high bulk weight. Materials with very low softening temperatures can already start to soften between the dosing screw and the casing due to heat generated by friction. With the correct measures, these obstacles for conveying and dosing can be overcome. www.motan-colortronic.com www.moscorner.com SpeciďŹ c material properties of plastics must be considered for storage (Images: Motan-Colortronic)

Mounting flanges at the discharge end of the conveyor support boom permit the addition of a metal detector below the conveyor outlet. www.flexicon.co.uk

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MIDLANDS MOULDER INSTALLS ENGIN PLAST GRANULATOR FOR IN-HOUSE SCRAP A plastic injection moulder based in the East Midlands has installed a large 80-55 Engin Plast Central Granulation system in order to process its in-house scrap. Tex-Plastics’ Derbyshire division purchased the system from Renmar Plastics Machinery so that it could recycle the larger plastic components from its manufacturing

The n at llatio s a t s in t s la ic Tex P

Energy saving software for dryers ensures “lowest possible power consumption” Maguire Products has developed software for its VBD vacuum dryers that it says ensures power consumption is “the lowest of any resin dryer in the plastics industry”. The company says the software constantly monitors the changing conditions of dryer operation and automatically adjusts the amount of energy needed. This will make the biggest difference, it says, on low throughputs where excess power draw is eliminated. Prior to Maguire’s development of the new energy saver software, the vacuum dryer used increasingly greater amounts of energy as throughput decreased, unless the dryer was set up for the lower throughput. At throughputs that were one-tenth of capacity, for example, energy consumption could be ten times greater than at full capacity if the dryer was not set up correctly. If operated at full capacity of 136 kg per hour, the VBD-300 dryer typically exhibits an energy consumption of 46 watts/kg/

process that were previously sold to a third party. “As part of an ongoing investment programme, a major target for 2017 was related to improving our ability to recycle plastic waste resulting from our manufacturing process,” explained Tex Plastics’ Manufacturing Director, Guy Sentance. “Primary goals were to improve internal material recovery rates, as well as to meet the requirements of ISO 14001 Environmental Systems.” In order to quote for a suitable unit for Tex, Renmar assessed samples of the company’s larger mouldings. The evaluation undertaken involved the use of a modelling system that simulated the passage of the 14 products supplied by Tex through the cutting chamber throat. This ensured that all mouldings would pass cleanly through the system, regardless of angle of presentation. It was established that a smaller 60-40 model would require around 60 percent of mouldings to be

pre-cut with a band saw, resulting in the suggestion and subsequent installation of the selected 80-55 model. The main installation includes features such as compressed air cleaning for the bearing housing. This system counters the typical issue of fine plastic filaments wrapping around the main shaft and being forced into the bearing housings. A periodic blast of air removes contaminants, which are then isolated in a collection chamber. It also has a ‘big bag’ loading system and soundproofing enclosures for both the granulator and the blower. Tex has subsequently ordered multiple press-side granulators from Renmar to process smaller items, such as cold runner systems, on a ‘closed loop’ basis. These smaller 22-18 units also utilise quiet rotor technology, a compressed air bearing protection system, and offer throughputs of up to 60 kilos per hour. www.renmar.co.uk

hr when drying polycarbonate at 121 °C. Now, Maguire says the same dryer can operate at nearly the same low level of energy consumption at throughputs of only 11 kg per hour with no operator intervention. “The new Maguire software eliminates the penalty for lowthroughput operation by using data acquired from previous heating cycles to make adjustments to the current cycle, ensuring that the absolute minimum amount of energy is used while achieving adequate and complete heating of the resin,” said Frank Kavanagh, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We now offer the software as a standard feature on all VBD dryers, and it is available for upgrading existing dryers at no cost.” In addition, Maguire says all controllers for VBD dryers now include a standard onboard energy consumption display and logging capability. The controller shows both real-time and time-averaged values in the industry standard of watts/kg/hr. Maguire products are available in the UK through Summit Systems, based in Tamworth.

VBD-300 Dryer

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RECLAMATION AND RECYCLING | NEWS “Herculean task” faces EU recyclers under new circularity pledges Six European plastics organisations have pledged to launch ‘Circularity Platforms’ and adhere to voluntary commitments that will aim to reach 50 per cent plastics waste recycling

by 2040. These, they say, will drive the recycling of plastics products in Europe and considerably reduce litter volumes. Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE), Petcore Europe, the European Carpet and Rug Association (ECRA), the Polyolefin Circularity Platform (PCEP Europe), European Plastics Converters (EuPC) and VinylPlus

have described the transition towards a circular economy as a “herculean task” that demands strong commitment and concrete action from all parties involved. The aim of the various Circularity Platforms and voluntary commitments is to develop common goals and actions for a sector as large and fragmented as the European plastics industry. The associations said the “extremely ambitious goal” to reach 50 per cent recycling and reuse of plastics waste as well as 70 per cent recycling and reuse of plastic packaging can only be reached through platforms involving the entire value chain: from raw material producers, designers, converters, collectors and recyclers to brand owners and specifiers. www.plastics-recyclers-europe.com

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Commission sets 2030 target to make all plastic packaging recyclable

Inadequate infrastructure and budget for ‘On the Go’ recycling

All plastic packaging on the EU market will be recyclable by 2030 under plans to tackle plastic pollution published by the European Commission. The EU-wide strategy on plastics also aims to reduce single-use plastics, as well as restricting the use of micro plastics. The Commission says the new EU-wide plastic strategy will transform the way products are designed, produced, used, and recycled in the EU. Presenting an overview of the plastics strategy, first Vice-President Frans Timmermans responsible for sustainable development, said: “We can’t live without plastics, but we can be killed by them if we don’t change our policies. “If we don’t change the way we produce and use plastics, there will be more plastics than fish in our oceans by 2050. We must stop plastics getting into our water, our food, and even our bodies. The only long-term solution is to reduce plastic waste by recycling and reusing more. This is a challenge that citizens, industry and governments must tackle together. With the EU Plastics Strategy we are also driving a new and more circular business model.” www.ec.europa.eu

The findings of a survey looking at the UK’s use of ‘On the Go’ recycling has highlighted that the systems in place are failing. RECOUP carried out the survey of Local Authorities in the UK with the aim of gaining an insight into the service provision and collection ‘On the Go’ - i.e. outside of the home. The responses from nearly 100 Local Authorities suggested that there is inadequate ‘On the Go’ collection infrastructure for both collection of recycling and residual waste material. For many Local Authorities answering the survey, the cost versus benefit does not add up. There are significant costs in providing ‘On the Go’ collection services and high levels of contamination from the material collected, and many Local Authorities reported that the budget can be better spent on increasing quantities and reducing contamination in kerbside collections.

’s survey RECOUP ’ n-the-Go found ‘O s m te sys recycling g are failin

It was made clear investment is needed to prove the business case for ‘On the Go’ collection schemes. To do this effectively it was reported good data is needed to assess costs and potential benefits, with funding needed for procurement and installation of bins, scheme maintenance and collection of material, and also for consumer communication and education to promote effective use of the schemes. RECOUP Technical Manager, Steve Morgan, stated: “We are increasingly seeing the priority placed to ‘On the Go’ services to reduce litter and also provide services for the public to recycle away from home. This survey shows the scale of the challenges that Local Authorities are facing to provide effective collection services.” Steve Brunt, Joint Assistant Director, Streetscene, at Bolsover and North East Derbyshire District Councils, added: “We found that the operational difficulties outweigh any potential benefits to ‘On the Go’ collections we would have gained through contribution to our combined recycling rate. The cost vs benefit needs to be proven. We have concentrated on increasing performance kerbside dry recycling and organic waste collections.” The Local Authority Disposal ‘On the Go’ Survey report can be downloaded from the RECOUP website. www.recoup.org

All plastic packaging on the EU market will be recyclable by 2030 under plans to tackle plastic pollution published by the European Commission.

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Quality, demand and investment needed to stimulate UK’s recycling future

ommitment from corporate brands to use recycled materials, an upswing in quality and investment in infrastructure are key factors needed for the successful future of the UK’s recycling industry. These were the comments from a collection of highlevel speakers at ‘Recycling the WITH THE GREAT Unrecyclable’, CHALLENGES a seminar FACING THE UK dedicated to the PLASTICS RECYCLING changing recycling INDUSTRY, THERE landscape in the COMES GREAT UK, who said OPPORTUNITIES. that plateauing household BUT JUST WHAT ARE collection rates, THEY, AND WHAT China’s planned ACTIONS ARE NEEDED implementation of TO ENSURE A HIGH a ban on certain QUALITY, HEALTHY materials and AND SUSTAINABLE the uncertainty SECTOR? LEANNE of UK industry to TAYLOR REPORTS. invest because of high-level failures in recent years were all challenges that needed to be addressed for the industry to move forward but also provided opportunity.

UNDERSTANDING MATERIAL VALUE IS “UTOPIA” A public understanding of the value of plastics materials would be “utopia” according to Margaret Bates, Professor of Sustainable Wastes Management at the University of Northampton, who said a public understanding of plastics’ worth would be the prevention needed

to incentivise recycling and stop littering. She said recycled plastics should not be seen by the consumer as “second best”, but of a good enough quality that the user cannot tell the difference between recycled and virgin products and packaging. “Quality is key to how we are going to achieve any circularity,” Bates explained. “Brands have to be able to replace virgin materials without the user noticing.” She highlighted optimising material flows and waste management systems that retain quality and value as key pillars of a successful industry, as well as the importance of end-oflife considerations in product design. Ultimately, she said that long-term recycling goals were needed before people had the confidence to invest in infrastructure. THE CHINESE QUESTION Commenting on China’s new waste rules and regulations, Bernard Chase, Sector Specialist for Plastics at WRAP, said that the true impact is, as yet, unknown. He explained that should China enforce a full ban on any significant amount of plastics from the western world then it would mean “a shift change” for the UK industry that has become so reliant on exporting its waste. Secondly, he added, it could be that China will no longer accept extremely poor quality waste and instead want higher grades. This, said Chase, would offer “a massive opportunity for UK recycling PLC to sell raw materials.” However, the picture is unlikely to be clear until Q1/ Q2 next year. Speakers agreed that in order to prevent recycled materials being

lved Speakers de sary ces ne e th to in solve actions to cycling re the UK’s le zz pu

processed with no end market, there needs to be a pull from big corporations to commit to using recyclate in their products. Stuart Foster, CEO of RECOUP, said that commitment was needed across the board, not just by one or two big brands, in order to ensure that recyclers do not suffer closures in the same way as high profile cases such as Closed Loop. Chase added that even if corporations do include the use of recycled products, then they need to make it clear to the consumer through marketing and packaging. “We never see brands shouting about the use of recycled content,” he said. “The consumer is completely unengaged. However, the consumer can exercise choice. If they knew about the recycled materials in their products and chose to buy on that basis, then surely brands that don’t use recycled content might lose out to a competitor.” COCA COLA’S GREEN PLEDGE Continuing the discussions, Nick Brown, Head of Sustainability at Coca Cola, said that the company took the issue of using recycled content seriously as part of its overall sustainability initiatives. The company earlier this year pledged to increase the amount of recycled plastic in its drinks bottles to 50 percent by 2020 working alongside Clean Teach in Lincolnshire, as well as launching a consumer-focused communications strategy to encourage recycling and prevent littering. There is also a trial being undertaken at the University of Reading to experiment with future alternatives to single-use drinks containers. However, Brown said that real change for the UK recycling industry would only come with reform of existing systems as well as mandatory requirements for brands to use recycled materials. “We definitely believe companies should be using recycled materials and employing eco-design principles. We need proper public policy interventions to make change happen,” Brown told delegates. www.bpf.co.uk www.wrap.org www.recoup.org www.ccep.com

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AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS | NEWS Robot-mounted ultrasonics boost productivity and flexibility for Linecross Group The Linecross Group, a Tier One autmotive supplier, has invested in a new robotic cell for ultimate flexibility when it comes to using ultrasonics within its production process. The company, comprising of Linecross and Linecross Composites, operates from two state of the art manufacturing facilities in Rutland and Cannock. It manufactures a diverse portfolio of components, some of which are produced at relatively low volumes but still require welding, joining or assembly. The mainstay of the ultrasonic welding process used by the company has, until now, been based on HandyStar ultrasonic units supplied by Dorset-based Telsonic. Intelligent component ďŹ xtures can be easily changed on the two workstations within the robot cell

These 35kHz systems have been used extensively by Linecross for a number of years for plastic welding, riveting and flanging operations on a range of internal and external automotive components and different materials. Although highly reliable and flexible, ultimately productivity and weld consistency are determined by the operator using these manual handheld units. A general uplift in business levels, together with an increase in component volumes, therefore, were the main catalysts behind the decision by Linecross to invest in automation. The proven track record of the ultrasonic process, as well as an increase in the use of this technology for welding and joining applications, were also influential in making the move to automate the welding operations. The new automated ultrasonic welding production system recently installed uses a KUKA 6- axis robot, which operates between dual workstations with intelligent workpiece fixturing, allowing different component part types to be processed while simultaneously loading/unloading. Directly mounted to the robot wrist is a Telsonic converter and sonotrode arrangement, powered by a Telsonic 35kHz MAG3512E generator system. The robot-mounted system incorporates ambient and chilled air-cooling to allow repetitive welding on polymer materials which often require a high ultrasonic amplitude during processing. The ultrasonic sonotrode is positioned accurately and repeatably by the robot, to achieve the required number of welds on any individual component. The dexterity of

Linecross will manufacture a variety of automotive components on its new robot system

the 6-axis robot allows threedimensional spot welding and staking to be carried out, and the rapid point-to-point positioning speed of the robot reduces the time between welds to a minimum. One of the benefits of automating this process, says Telsonic, will be repetitive positioning and orientation of the sonotrode for every weld on each component. This, together with the consistency of the ultrasonic process, and the fact that the robot will never miss a weld, guarantees quality and consistency on all parts. The existing suite of sonotrodes used on the original hand held systems are fully interchangeable with the robot system. Linecross will use this new system to produce a variety of automotive components such as consoles, seat frames and undertrays, mainly in glass filled nylon. www.telsonic.com

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Robots provide streamlined operation and quick ROI

Engel UK hires automation specialist following upswing in demand

and a wealth of knowledge of automation. We’re delighted to have him in the team and I am sure our customers will find him a huge benefit to them.”

An injection moulding and thermoforming business based in New Zealand has installed two new robots to streamline its production process. Talbot Technologies, which previously relied heavily on the manual handling of products, chose two flexible, six-axis UR10 robots from Denmark-based Universal Robots to perform in-mould modelling, transfer moulding, and co-moulding tasks. “We had looked at other robots, however the strong ROI combined with its reliability and versatility made the UR10 a more desirable value proposition for us,” explained Steve Wilson, Executive Director of Talbot Technologies. “The UR10s have enabled us to combine functions that previously occurred off-machine and onmachine and others which happen either prior to or post production, helping us streamline the process flow,” he continued. Talbot Technologies says the robots have provided a return on investment within 12 months. The company says it is now planning on adding additional functions to what the robots currently do.

Engel UK says the growing number of projects undertaken involving complex supply and automation has led it to hire a specialist in the field. Dave Rogers, who formerly worked for a Tier One automotive supplier, has joined Engel at its Warwickshire facility as a Project Manager to oversee the design and implementation of automated systems and cells. Graeme Herlihy, Managing Director of Engel UK, commented: “Dave comes to us with tons of experience

www.engel.at

www.universal-robots.com

Sepro Group signs further IMM partnership

Sepro Group has announced a further working partnership agreement with an injection moulding machinery manufacturer. In December 2017 the robot specialist revealed it has concluded a deal with Nortec Maschinentechnik GmbH, which represents Woojin, Korea’s largest IMM producer, in Germany.

n Automatio t, s li ia c spe Dave Rogers

The agreement is for the manufacture 3- and 5- axis robots to be sold with Woojin Plaimm injection-moulding equipment. Sepro says this new partnership aims to bring new robot choices to German customers. It is the latest partnership with an injection moulding machinery manufacturer since the one announced with Haitian in October 2017. www.sepro-group.com

Talbot Technologies says its new robots have helped streamline its production process

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PVC AND VINYLS | NEWS VinylPlus Sustainability Forum 2018 to focus on ‘Meeting Societal Needs’

The sixth Sustainability Forum organised by VinylPlus will focus on meeting the needs of society.

The sixth Sustainability Forum organised by VinylPlus will focus on meeting the needs of society. The two-day seminar will examine how the PVC industry can contribute sustainable solutions for an ever-expanding global population when representatives from the entire value chain meet in Madrid, Spain, on May 16th and 17th 2018. Organised by VinylPlus, the Voluntary Commitment to sustainable development in the European PVC industry, the 2018 Forum will explore the sector’s role in fulfilling people’s essential needs in many areas such as infrastructure, water and energy supply, food and medical care for an ageing population. A key focus will be on policy frameworks and agreements by

governments, political groups and industries to identify drivers that will incentivise businesses and their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Brigitte Dero, VinylPlus General Manager, explained: “Population growth is a major issue worldwide. This presents society with current and future critical challenges in providing essential services that support people’s lives. Moving forward to a more sustainable society requires high quality and affordable products that are accessible to most people. “The whole value chain must work together to provide quality

and durable products which, at the end of their useful lives, can be recycled back into new goods for the benefit of consumers, the economy and society as a whole. Here the role of industry voluntary commitments, such as VinylPlus, is crucial. Our annual Forum is a much-anticipated event where participants can showcase innovation, share best practice and insight into the many emerging opportunities for the PVC industry to contribute to impending ‘societal needs’.” www.vinylplus.eu

RecoMed PVC recycling scheme wins CIWM Sustainability Award The British Plastics Federation (BPF) and Axion’s RecoMed scheme has won the Chartered Institute of Waste Management’s (CIWM) Sustainability and Resource Award for Best Recycling Project 2017. This is the scheme’s fourth award to date, following another successful year of implementation. The RecoMed scheme is the UK’s first PVC takeback scheme for single-use medical devices from hospitals. RecoMed saves participating hospitals money on disposal costs by putting devices into recycling containers for collection rather than sending them for incineration or specialist landfill. Uncontaminated items collected in the scheme include oxygen and anaesthetic masks, oxygen tubing and IV bags. They are recycled into products such as ties for the horticultural industry. RecoMed is currently successfully used in eleven hospitals across the UK, with more than ten 32

Jane Gardner of Axion, centre, collects the award on behalf of the RecoMed scheme

new hospitals in the process of implementing the scheme. So far, the scheme has recycled over 5,000kg of uncontaminated PVC (equivalent to over 150,000 masks), 2,800kg of which has been

collected this year alone. Matt Davies BPF Senior Industrial Issues Executive, said: “RecoMed is flourishing and we are very proud that the scheme has won its fourth award. As it is implemented in more hospitals, even more valuable material can be recovered and put to good use in new applications.” www.bpf.co.uk/recomed

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dugdale sets sights on success in 2018

W WEST-YORKSHIRE BASED PVC COMPOUNDER, DUGDALE LTD, HAS STARTED 2018 ON A SURE FOOTING, WITH BUSINESS ALREADY EXCEEDING THE COMPANY’S PERFORMANCE IN 2017. BP&R SPOKE TO THE COMPANY’S ANDY TOMBS TO FIND OUT WHAT’S DRIVING THE SUCCESS AND WHAT THE COMING YEAR HOLDS.

he UK independent PVC compound specialist is currently reaping the benefit of some four years of continuous investment in its plant, factory infrastructure and PVC polymer technology. Since the company’s MBO in 2014, over £3 million of funding has been directed into all areas of the business. Interplas 2017 saw the company launch the final stages of the four-year investment, its new PVC applications laboratories and pilot-scale production plant. Dugdale says it has already welcomed existing and new customers to use these new services and facilities; in order to work in collaboration to refine existing products and to conceive new ones. “Our business is built on two fundamentals – in-depth PVC expertise, and customer service, first and last. Our new PVC applications facilities have been conceived and created with both of these principles to the fore,” explained Business Development Manager, Andy Tombs. Tombs says Dugdale will therefore continue to use 2018 to promote and develop these new services and facilities – which will also house, support and enhance the 100 plus years of expertise in the core technical team. Led by Dr Jeff Ryan, Technical Director, the technical team continues to experience high demand for its abilities to create new and bespoke PVC compounds

to order and within short lead times. Tombs sees no let-up in this demand through 2018. “Our current level of business sees us exceeding our previous year’s performance of formulating an average over fifty new PVC compounds per month. Colour matching, customer application requests, price pressures and legislative changes are the predominant drivers.” Another key influencer, Tombs added, is everchanging regulation. “Whether we like it or not, regulation is a key driver and influencer in many end use markets – automotive, packaging, medical and all aspects of the construction industry and the building environment,” he explained. “Researching and keeping ahead of this regulatory curve is a key part of what we do at Dugdale and is expressed in some of the solutions that we offer our customers to ensure the final products are future-proof.” Tombs added that for the ‘out and out’ product inventors and innovators, the new Dugdale facilities offer a much-needed resource: “There are significant commercial rewards for those manufacturers who are willing and able to innovate with new PVC materials, new alloys and new additives. However, such projects typically need failsafe scientific and technical support to reach fruition - ideally leading up to pilot scale production and testing for the customer.

All of this is now part of the Dugdale mix through 2018.” This, according to Tombs, typically involves proving its niche expertise to customers and then supplying solutions - from concept to finished materials. Dugdale also makes a point of helping customer processes and production at the customer’s place of manufacture. “It goes without saying that everything we do has to work as it should within the customer’s factory and infrastructure,” Tombs continued. “It is part of our brief to make sure that our materials are performing faultlessly on site. With that in place, we are then able to discuss new compounds and new possibilities via our constantly evolving innovation programmes.” Recent expenditure in new materials silos, offsite storage, including new compounding and mixing equipment, is operational and bearing fruit at the Sowerby Bridge facility. Tombs says Dugdale has been careful to match its hardware spending with training and investment in the people side of both manufacturing and customer service. “Dugdale is keenly aware that business is nothing without relationships and 2018 will see us further investing in that area, including fresh faces in the customer-facing team – key for sustaining and enhancing a successful business.” www.dugdalepvc.com

Our current level of business sees us exceeding our previous year’s performance of formulating an average over fifty new PVC compounds per month. Colour matching, customer application requests, price pressures and legislative changes are the predominant drivers WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK

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TEMPERATURE AND PROCESS CONTROL | NEWS HRSflow supplies hot runner systems for Class A vehicle windows HRSflow has supplied two hot runner systems to a Tier One automotive supplier to produce Class A rear-quarter windows. The polycarbonate windows, produced via a two-component injection moulding process by Chinese supplier, Shentong, are destined for the Buick GL8 and GL8 Avenir MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) and, with dimensions of 1200 mm x 460 mm, are said to be the largest of this type at present. One of the hot runner systems is used to produce a transparent first component and the other for the partial overmoulding with a darkcoloured PC around the edges. Both systems integrate HRSflow’s programmable FLEXflow valve gate technology, which the company says enables the manufacturer to achieve the outstanding surface quality specified by the OEM for these parts. By using FLEXflow the windows – which are around 40 percent (3kg) lighter than comparable parts made of glass – have high fitting precision for problem-free assembly, with minimum warpage and tight tolerances. The two hot runner systems developed by HRSflow each have a hot runner manifold with ten servoelectrical drives for the nozzles with conical valve gate, integrated into

Moulder invests in new loading and drying system Thysis Technical Mouldings, based near York, has installed a new, centralised system for materials handling and drying. The new modular system includes a central loader and bank of dehumidifier driers provided and installed by Intelicare, UK agents for Italian manufacturer, New Omap srl. Intelicare says the system can control up to 40 material receivers and four vacuum blowers. Material is conveyed to the receivers using 34

the clamp platen. The FLEXflow technology used to control the sequential injection process is said to make it possible to coordinate every single individually driven needle precisely to the process, and to open and close it with selectable speeds. This, says HRSflow, allows absolute precision control both of the melt flow in the individual hot runner nozzles and of the volume flow in the overall cavity so that it is filled evenly and homogeneously. Thanks to the gentle opening and closing of the needles, undesired The rear-quarter window of a large MPV is a twocomponent injection moulding part, produced with a Class A surface using the HRSflow’s FLEXflow valve gate system. © HRSflow

dehumidified air. Vacuum blowers may be side channel, multi-stage or lobed and are sized according to the required airflow, distances and material throughput. At Thysis, suitably-sized cyclone filters have also been installed in addition to the large centralised filter to both protect the blowers and prevent the circulation of dust in the workplace. The equipment installed at Thysis comprises a centralised feeding system to the injection moulding machines, a 5.5kW vacuum blower with cyclone and large cloth filter, insulated hoppers and line clearance valves to each material

pressure drop or changes in temperature and flow velocity that can occur with conventional cascade injection moulding because of abrupt switching on of the hot runner nozzles is eliminated. This also eliminates unsightly flowmarks on the moulded part. The overall result, says HRSflow, is a Class A moulding surface with no optical defects. The main applications of the FLEXflow technology are the injection moulding of high-quality complex automotive parts including large-area exterior and interior components such as spoilers, front ends, instrument panel supports, door trim and headlights as well as wide trunk taillights, plus the rearquarter windows described here made of transparent polycarbonate (PC). www.hrsflow.com

line. In addition, two dehumidifier dryers are installed; a WDM 270 Honeycomb rotating drum dryer feeding two 300 litre hoppers, each with receiver and a MDM 500 Desiccant dryer feeding two 600 litre hoppers, each with receiver. “Material throughput per hour has increased, rejects have reduced, the finished product quality and appearance has improved significantly and the workplace is permanently clean and tidy” said Terry Goodwin, Thysis’ Technical Director. www.intelicare.co.uk

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Hasco unveils new assembled and wired hot runners Hasco has launched a new range of fully assembled and wired hot runner systems designed for improved efficiency in moulding operations. New H4016 hot runners provide a robust, form-fit connection between the hot runner manifold and the screw-in nozzle, which, says Hasco, guarantees leak-free operation and significantly facilitates the mounting and removal of the system as a whole in the injection mould. Additional advantages, it added, include the assembly and electric wiring of the complete hot runner system. The connector cables for the individual nozzles and the hot runner pass through individually configured cable ducts to the connection box, where they are wired up according to a customer’s specifications. This saves the mouldmaker or injection moulder from having to connect up the system and ensures a smooth start to production. The correct allocation of the zones to the manifold heating units and nozzles is documented on a dimension sheet for the user. This system layout, says Hasco, considerably facilitates its mounting and removal and prevents any damage to the hot runner system when the mould is being serviced. Attachment points on the manifold mean that it can be readily lifted out of the cavity, avoiding any distortion of the system when it is tilted during installation or removal. The systems are designed and produced in close cooperation with the customer, making allowance for thermal expansion and the ratio of the hole spacing to the nozzle length. Hasco says it “guarantees dimensional stability, correct electrical wiring and a tight seal between the nozzles and the manifold in order to prevent leakage of the melt.” In conjunction with Hasco’s new Vario Shot H6500 nozzle series, Hasco says users receive a hot runner system that they can easily and securely mount themselves. The H4016 wired hot runner systems constitute an optimum compromise between mounted systems and hot halves, it added, offering an “attractive price to performance ratio and ensure agility through their very short delivery times.”

SYNVENTIVE EXPANDS PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN ASIA Synventive, a business of Barnes Molding Solutions, has completed an expansion project of its facility in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, enhancing its production capacity for advanced hot runner systems. Synventive is a global leader in manufacturing of hot runner systems, components, and valve gate control technologies. The upgraded and expanded facilities enable Synventive to meet growing demand for moulding solutions in the Asia Pacific market.

Synventive’s plant expansion is part of Barnes Group’s efforts to accelerate development of its moulding business in the Asian market. In 2015, Barnes Group established the new Barnes Moulding Solutions strategic business unit, which presently consists of subsidiary companies Synventive, Männer, FOBOHA, Thermoplay, Priamus, and Gammaflux. The new facility is adjacent to Synventive’s current plant in Suzhou. The company’s capacity at this site will increase significantly to meet rapid growth in demand. www.synventive.com

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MACHINERY | NEWS Husky acquired by PLATINUM EQUITY Supplier of injection moulding machinery and services, Husky, has been acquired by Global Investment firm, Platinum equity. The deal, for an undisclosed fee, will see members of Husky’s management team remain significant investors in the business through continued equity ownership. “In Platinum, Husky has found a partner that brings a wealth of experience, a highly capable team, and a shared enthusiasm for building great companies. I am confident that by working together we will find new and exciting ways to serve our customers,” said John Galt, Husky’s President and CEO. Platinum Equity will be purchasing the company from Boston-based private equity firm, Berkshire Partners LLC, and OMERS Private Equity Inc., the private equity arm of OMERS, the defined benefit pension plan for Ontario’s municipal employees. Berkshire Partners LLC and OMERS acquired Husky in June of 2011. Demand for Husky’s products and services is primarily driven by growth in the beverage packaging segment, as well as in plastics consumables. Approximately 75 percent of Husky’s sales are generated outside North America. In addition to complete injection moulding solutions, Husky provides aftermarket services and parts to a large and growing installed base of systems globally. Husky’s management team will continue to lead the company.

Milacron expands Quick Delivery Program for European injection moulders Milacron has expanded its Quick Delivery Program (QDP) for Injection Moulding Machinery to include the European market. With deliveries reported in as little as two weeks - equalling Milacron’s delivery times in the Americas – the company says this is “an industry leading delivery achievement.” The QDP has been a successful program for Milacron in the Americas since 2015. June 2017 marked the European launch of QDP and early results have been positive, Milacron says. The quick delivery timelines have allowed numerous customers in both regions to quickly ramp up to meet production needs, and, in some cases, take delivery of a machine the same month they ordered it. “The Milacron QDP program is one more example of Milacron listening to our customers and helping them get what they want,

when they need it,” explained Shawn Reilley, Milacron’s President of Advanced Plastics Processing Technologies. “Our QDP stock machines are preconfigured machines with a standard set of widely used options required to support the majority of moulders injection moulding needs. Options such water manifolds, core pull, valve gates, and three-stage air are available when needed, similar to ordering a car for example. Our customers customise the models and with upgrades and additional features with very little impact to delivery timelines. This is a major driver in the success of the program. If our customers choose to upgrade later, our Milacron field service staff can perform upgrades right at the customer’s shop.” In Europe, Milacron offers its QDP program for the Milacron Elektron EVO All-Electric - QDP Tonnages from 50 to 200 tonnes, and Tie Bar Spacing from 300 x 300 mm to 870 x 830 mm. www.milacron.com

In Europe, Milacron offers its QDP programme for its Elektron EVO All-Electric

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P3rfect solution for ARBURG with new sales agent in Ireland ARBURG has appointed Paul Bryan as its sales agent in Ireland. Bryan has recently formed a new company, P3 Solutions, and, in addition to looking after ARBURG’s interests, he will also be representing Isocool products and undertaking consultancy work.

His focus for ARBURG will be on sales of ARBURG machines and associated technologies. Bryan brings a wealth of experience built up over 30 years in the plastics industry, having worked in various sectors of the market including the multicomponent, packaging, medical device, automotive and consumer electronics sectors.

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Linecross Group makes £3.1m investment Linecross Group, a Midlands-based manufacturer of vacuum-formed thermoplastic, polyurethane and injection moulded components, has made a £3.1 million investment in plant and equipment. With the latest investment at its South Luffenham site, the company says it is working on the development and expansion of new, innovative products for several global brands, such as developing new lightweight materials that use compression moulding technology, which will enable it to produce automotive wheel arch liners and fabric covered interior trim components. Significant investments have been made in three vacuum forming machines, one of which will be dedicated to twin sheet forming. A waterjet trimming centre has also been relocated from the Linecross Cannock site to form part of a manufacturing cell for a large new automotive programme. “Linecross has been at the forefront of advancements in the industry for 50 years and has established long-term partnerships with many iconic British manufacturers, including Lotus, Bentley and JCB - all leaders in their respective fields,” explained David Austin, Chairman of Linecross Group. “Our latest investment in infrastructure and technology at our Rutland headquarters demonstrates our commitment to remaining at the forefront of new plastic and composite materials and technology.” www.linecross.co.uk Linecross’ South Luffenham site

Kevin Heap has revealed is work underway to improve accessibility to packaging

Accessibility for packaging closures advanced at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK’s lead packaging expert, Kevin Heap, has revealed how the injection moulding industry is working to improve accessibility to packaging. Bottle caps and pack wraps that are difficult to open prevent customers with musculo-skeletal disabilities, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophies from opening seals. However, strong pack closures are needed to keep products fresh and untampered. Heap and others have been working on moulding solutions to provide safe and easy opening packaging: “As well as introducing complex security measures and child resistance closures, injection moulders serving the packaging sector need to offer packaging functionality for target consumers.” Child-resistant packaging has sophisticated opening mechanisms, such as flip top lids that can be opened one-handed or packs that need pressure on to two points. Other recent examples involve developing a two-piece combination tamper evident closure for pharmaceutical syrups, and lockable flip tops. Heap said: “Players within the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries are rapidly getting to grips with the impact of mandatory safety features. We have observed a number of moulding companies using the latest precision moulding techniques to address counterfeiting and product security. At the same time they are taking the opportunity to consider future

packaging designs, without stereotyping older generations.” One concept being widely deployed for counteracting counterfeiting and product tampering are caps containing sophisticated valve technology. Used by premium drink and pharmaceutical manufacturers, this technology can control the dispensing of product, while also preventing containers being refilled. A recent example developed on a Sumitomo (SHI) Demag IntElect system was a combination aluminium-and-plastic, tamper evident, snap-on security closure. Comprising a non-refillable valve for high-risk markets, it also includes an innovative tamper evidence mechanism that provides an irreversible opening event to leave permanent evidence of initial opening. The cap is produced in high volumes and is modular by design, so that trade customers can adapt it to different brands. This cap works by releasing a plastic part when each bottle is opened. It is impossible to reinsert this part back into the cap’s neck and when it drops down it reveals a highlighted ring to indicate that the bottle has been opened. “As we look to the future and changing demographics, it’s important to balance product security with easy opening packaging. It’s also critical to remember that young people are just as likely to experience the challenges of difficult to open packaging as older generations. Thanks to our innovative injection moulding community, the UK is at the forefront of combatting packaging cap and wrap rage,” Heap concluded. www.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu 39

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MATERIALS | NEWS Materials innovation event to highlight UK expertise and opportunity

ABS materials from Elix Polymers now available from K.D. Feddersen

An event dedicated to highlighting the UK’s excellence in materials research and innovation is due to take place in London this spring. The 2018 Materials Research Exchange & Investor Showcase (MRE2018), organised by Knowledge Transfer Network and Innovate UK will take place at the Business Design Centre, London on 12-13 March, 2018. The event will showcase the importance of advanced materials, such as graphene and polymers, as one of the technologies for future growth of the UK economy. It will demonstrate the groundbreaking new materials and processes to industry to accelerate the process of taking these through to commercialisation. The two-day event will provide an opportunity to absorb current trends and take a glimpse of future innovations through both a highlevel conference programme, an exhibition and networking. Confirmed speakers across the two-day programme include engaging talks from investors, innovators and experts such as Dr Ruth McKernan CBE, Chief Executive of Innovate UK; Professor Philip Nelson, Chief Executive of EPSRC and Rebecca Endean, Director of Strategy of UK Research & Innovation.

K.D. Feddersen’s UK office is now supplying ABS materials from Spain-based Elix polymers. The Rugeley-based distributor will now offer UK and Irish customers established ABS materials from Elix, as well as new products including a new generation of high-heat materials that are said to demonstrate improved flow properties and significantly lower emissions than previous types. “Our cooperation with Elix follows our strategy of offering our customers engineering product solutions of excellent quality for the widest range of segments and requirements”, commented Wolfgang Wieth, Director of Business Development at K.D. Feddersen’s German office. The materials types ABS HH 3105, HH 3110 and HH 3114 all meet numerous automotive standards, says K.D. Feddersen, as well as the exacting requirements of VDA 277 (Determination of the emissions of organic compounds) and 278 (Thermal desorption analysis of organic emissions). In addition, K.D. Feddersen will distribute new Elix ABS electroplatable grades that are said to have higher temperature resistance and lower emissions than the other electroplating-

l UK wil ddesen ply p u K.D. Fe s o able t now be ed portfolio nd e t x e cts an x produ li E of

compatible materials on the market. Elix ABS HH P2MC has a Vicat Softening Temperature (VST/B120) of 105°C. Elix ABS Ultra HH 4115 PG, an ABS modified with PC, was designed for applications requiring higher temperature resistance and impact strength resistance. Both types ensure a high-quality surface, which results in a lower percentage of rejects during further processing. Ramón Maestro, Business Manager ABS at Elix Polymers, said: “In K.D. Feddersen we have a strategic sales partner for our ABS products who will significantly strengthen our sales activities in Central and Northern Europe in all segments, including the automotive, electrical/electronics, construction and furniture industries, as well as in the field of sport and leisure.” The distribution agreement will also see the products available throughout Germany, Austria, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. www.kdfeddersen.com

www.mre2018.co.uk

Plasfilms adds unique and recyclable shrink film to portfolio

MRE 2018 will provide an opportunity to absorb current trends and take a glimpse of future innovations

Leicestershire-based films and distribution business, Plasfilms, has introduced polypropylene heat shrinkable film (HSF) from Taghleef Industries (Ti) into its growing portfolio. As an official distributor of Ti products in the UK, Plasfilms are currently the only distributor to supply a specific film for HSF applications.

The low-density polyolefin polymers make the HSF an ultra-clear, floatable film that minimises the impact on PET recycling systems and reduces the weight of a label. Plasfilms says the product has exceptional shrink curve, in transverse direction (TD), and guarantees up to 65 percent shrinkage, thereby offering the potential for 360-degree label designs. Its low shrink force also enables the labelling of empty and thin containers and avoids the risk of squeezing. www.plasfilms.co.uk

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WWW.ULTRAPOLYMERS.COM | YOUR PARTNER FROM DESIGN TO PRODUCTION

OPINION

Polyurethane: the bright, green future www.econic-technologies.com

DR DR ANTHEA BLACKBURN, SCIENTIST OF CATALYST DEVELOPMENT AT ECONIC TECHNOLOGIES, WRITES FOR BP&R ON HOW NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE PROVIDING AN EXCITING FUTURE FOR POLYURETHANES. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Andrea Blackburn is a Scientist of Catalyst Development at Econic Technologies, based in Alderley Park south of Manchester. The company uses catalyst chemistry to turn waste CO2 into polymer materials. Since its foundation, Econic’s catalyst technologies have been patented, validated in pilot operations and have secured investment.

2017

was a momentous year for science and technology. It marked the 25th anniversary of the first SMS sent; the 75th anniversary of the first nuclear chain reactor; and 150 years since dynamite was patented. Tucked away amongst these milestones, but of no less importance, was the 80th anniversary of the discovery of polyurethane. It is unlikely that Otto Bayer and his team appreciated the future significance of their discovery when they landed upon the polycondensation reaction inherent to polyurethane preparation whilst investigating synthetic and cheaper alternatives to rubber. It is equally possible that the potential of this new product was still not fully appreciated when, in 1948, DuPont manufactured the first commercially available rigid foam for insulation. Nonetheless, the development of polyurethane has had far-reaching and long-standing influence as it moved out of the lab and became, perhaps unbeknownst to most, a consumer staple. By the end of World War II, for example, polyurethane was already being manufactured on a large scale for use as protective coatings. Rapid developments in the field enabled significant advancements in the applications possible for polyurethanes, which are now being developed by a number of companies worldwide – by 2019, it is expected that total revenues will reach USD$54.2 billion. Over time, we have seen the incorporation of polyurethane into all manner of applications – from beer barrel insulation, shoe soles, spandex, and spacesuit lining, to surfboards,

footballs, FDA-approved artificial hearts and (for a limited time only) swimsuits. Polyurethane has clearly gone from strength to strength over the past 80 years, but what does the future hold? Simply put, the future is bright – the future is green.

A GREEN ALTERNATIVE

The climate change challenge – and the attendant social and political pressures – have resulted in a concerted push by manufacturers to cut emissions and reduce the environmental footprint of the heavily petrochemical and volatile organic compound-based materials used to make polyurethane. Ultimately, this is a change that also offers significant economic benefit upon replacing expensive feedstocks with a cheaper, natural alternative. In the last ten years, the industry has seen the introduction of sustainable polyols prepared using a variety of plant- and bio-based materials. While a step in the right direction, these feedstocks are inherently dependent on season and weather, so we must also consider the regulatory and ethical concerns of taking agricultural effort away from food sources, which may present a barrier to entry of these technologies in developing countries. A feedstock that is a waste product of other industrial processes would thus offer a holy grail to polyol synthesis. One such chemical springs immediately to mind: carbon dioxide. Consequently, scientists and polyurethane manufacturers across the globe are exploring ways in which to utilise CO2, one significant development of which is catalysts that

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facilitate its incorporation into polyols. This new technology not only replaces a significant amount of oilbased feedstocks with CO2, but also prevents further carbon emissions – saving money and the planet. What’s more, advantages of CO2-containing polyurethane can be seen through improvements in the flame retardance of rigid foams, and increases in the chemical, temperature and hydrolytic resistance of coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers.

FROM WASTE TO STAPLE

These catalyst technologies have the potential to transform CO2 from a harmful waste product into a valuable staple of the polyurethane industry. At Econic Technologies, we have taken this one step further: our pioneering tunable catalyst enables our customers to select the amount of CO2 incorporated into, and thereby the properties of, their resultant polyols. Furthermore, these polymerisation reactions can occur at much lower pressures than other similar systems, so our customers can retrofit the technology to their existing assets with an estimated pay back within only two years. Capable of saving 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year (assuming 50 per cent market adoption) – the equivalent to taking six million cars off the road – our catalyst technology is part of the revolution that is adding significant value to the carbon recycling economy, and fundamentally reshaping modern plastics manufacturing. As we celebrate polyurethane’s 80th birthday, we confidently look forward to a bright, green future.

BUYER’S GUIDE MATERIALS

MOULD RELEASE

HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS

ultrasonic welding

hot runner controllers

bp&r

MASTERBATCH

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

1 07

Ultrasonic Plastic Welders

colour masterbatch

New & Used

For Sale &

Wanted

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

Branson - Mecasonic - Telsonic

Polymer Specific and Universal Colour and Additive Masterbatches. Fastmatch colour matching service. 1 mm Easysperse MicroPellets to 4 mm MaxiPellets. Standards second to none.

als.ultrasonics@gmail.com www.als-ultrasonics.co.uk

Sonotrodes (Horns) all Frequencies Fixtures, Repairs, Service, Parts Sub-Contract Welding, Hire & Consultancy

Tel; 01258 459257

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT hot plate welding Branson Ultrasonics

158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransoneurope.eu

infrared welding

   

Infrared Welding Ultrasonic Welding Hot Plate Welding Heat Staking

JOINING

HIGH TECH AND HIGH PASSION.

Find your perfect joining method.

Purging Compounds Release Agents Mould Maintenance www.ChemTrend.com www.UltraPurge.com FOR SALE

www.frimo.com pulse staking

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 T: M: E: W:

01625 500912 07860 371294 vinyl_ltd@mail.com www.vinyl-ltd.com

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

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

MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE

Telsonic UK 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

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

vibration welding Branson Ultrasonics

158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransoneurope.eu

TO ADVERTISE in this space CONTACT LISA MONTGOMERY 01244 680222

gravimetric/ volumetric blending

Motan Colortronic Ltd

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

Specialists in supplying Plastic Joining, Bonding and Assembly Solutions

-Pulse Staking -Pulse Fusion -Ultrasonic Welding and Metal Insertion -High Frequency Induction Heating -Hot Air Staking

CHILLERS/ TEMPERATURE CONTROLLERS

quality monitoring control

Tel UK: +44 7467 959240 Tel IRL: +353 1 8013261

Kistler Instruments Ltd

Email: info@hte.ie

www.hte.ie

TO ADVERTISE in this space CONTACT LISA MONTGOMERY 01244 680222

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.

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

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

CONTROL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

AM&LT PUGH KONGSKILDE MAIN DEALER

TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT lisa montgomery 01244 680222

Motan Colortronic Ltd

Technologies:

We buy/sell

DRYERS

Tel; 07730 413197

ASSEMBLY

cleaning materials

TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT lisa montgomery 01244 680222

hopper loaders

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

PRINTING MACHINES pad

MIXING, FEEDING AND DOSING

SCREWS & BARRELS

www.magog.co.uk Design, Manufacture, and Refurbishment of Screws & Barrels for the Plastics and Rubber Industries.

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

• 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

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

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/

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

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

We buy & sell all manner of plasscs equipment.

TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT lisa montgomery 01244 680222 I’VE GOT A BUMPER LOAD OF RECYCLED PLASTIC IN ME, THANKS TO VANDEN

50mm high and 35mm

MOULD CHANGE

We buy and sell high quality plastics

028 9266 8009

www.vandenrecycling.com supply@vandenrecycling.com

Visit our workshop in Wellingborough, Northants. 01933 272747

sales@stvmachinery.co.uk www.stvmachinery.co.uk

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

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

Tel: 01952 671918 Fax: 01952 608579 Email: connectors.uk@staubli.com

www.quick-mould-change.com

HOPPER LOADERS 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

MAPRA Technik Co – DOSS – MARCEL AUBERT – KAFER

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

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Selling the Business? Kingswood Business Sales are your industry experts with a proven track record of successfully selling companies like yours. Avoid the pitfalls - contact Paul Holohan in complete confidence on 07798 530684

TRAINING

kingswoodbusinesssales.com

COMPOUNDS

QUALITY PVC PELLETS FOR EXTRUSION vekacompounds.com +44(0)1322 387 219

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

TESTING EQUIPMENT

Refurbished machines with fault and leak free guarantee.

Contact: Carlton Hicks

NOZZLES AND NOZZLE TIPS

- 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

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TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT lisa montgomery 01244 680222 Magnetics Separators Metal Detectors Eddy Current Separators

DTL Machinery UK

Cooper Plastics Machinery

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.

DM Machinery Ltd

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

FOR SALE

• 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

WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK

TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT lisa montgomery 01244 680222

BUYER’S GUIDE 3D PRINTING

3D Printing

in Plastic & Rubber

PRINTERS

printers of plastic mouldings Total Print Ltd

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 Tel: 01420 88645 www.cdg.uk.com

TESTING/ CONSULTANCY

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

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

SERVICES

Cimatron 3D

Mold Tool Design CAD CAM software

MOULDFLOW ANALYSIS

Tel: 01420 88645 www.cdg.uk.com

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

MOULDFLOW ANALYSIS

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.

TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT lisa montgomery 01244 680222

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’

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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. 45

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NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE

bp&r

than technical. Instead of introducing a new fiscal instrument, the existing charges on the packaging chain under the Producers Responsibility (Packaging) Regulations - the PRN system - urgently requires reform to decisively encourage less export of waste and more domestic recycling. More facilities for capturing on-the-go waste need to be introduced and what is described as ‘more difficult to recycle plastics waste’ needs to be tackled. It is our implacable view that to suggest that the use of plastics is in some way inherently wrong is absolutely misconceived and a slight on the professionalism of the plastics and its user industries. Retailers, for example, have spent decades poring over lifecycle assessment studies to arrive at the carefully considered decisions on material usage which they have in place today. The BPF has met with the Secretary of State for the Environment and has submitted its views on how to increase recycling levels beyond those achieved today. Government must work with us to create the logistics to facilitate this. We have met with the Treasury and we are hopeful that measures other than a conventional tax will be assessed in a ‘Call for Evidence’ which will contain a wide variety of more constructive opportunities. Our BPF Communications activities are at full blast with some 20 TV and radio interviews given in the period mid-December to mid-January. We are mobilising our membership to communicate our messages to Members of Parliament and I myself am writing to the Prime Minister, Theresa May. Whilst there may seem to be a veritable media frenzy relishing the prospect of ‘a war on plastics’, I urge the industry to keep calm, focus on its sustainability message and promote the benefits of plastics where possible. www.bpf.co.uk

ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS

HIS EXCLUSIVE COLUMN, PHILIP LAW, DIRECTORGENERAL OF THE BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION, STARTS THE YEAR BY ADDRESSING THE ISSUES SURROUNDING THE SO-CALLED ‘WAR ON PLASTICS’.

learly the key issue of the day is the fallout from the Government’s Budget announcement of a potential tax on what was airily described as ‘single-use plastics’ and the later launch of its 25-year ‘Waste Plan’, with its promise to eliminate all unnecessary plastics waste by 2042 and to encourage retailers to introduce ‘plastics - free aisles’ in their stores. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN? WHAT’S THE BPF’S MESSAGE AND WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT IT? Firstly, the Conservative Party fared poorly in last year’s General Election and has suffered from a very slender majority. Since that point it’s been carrying out a rebranding exercise which culminated in a meeting at No. 10 with senior party officials and MPs on November 30th. They were given a presentation by Gavin Barwell, former MP for Croydon Central, and now the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, who recommended that the Conservatives plant their flag in the middle of the Environmental policy area as this was being overlooked by the other main parties and would contribute to a vote winning, caring image. This exactly coincided with the culmination of David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II with its horror story about plastics in the seas. For opportunistic Ministers, this was a heaven- sent platform from which to launch their new programme. Hence plastics has suddenly become a political football in the UK. Our BPF message is that we share the public desire to minimise plastics waste and we have a long record in lightweighting, energy saving and recycling to back that up. Plastic packaging recycling now stands at 45 per cent and plastics drinks bottle recycling has reached 74 per cent. Outside of packaging we have recycled well over a million tonnes of plastic windows. This story is increasing daily. The limitations on this stem more from logistical factors

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machined. melted. extruded. welded. compounded. blow molded. injection molded. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it covered. casted. fabricated. foamed. thermoformed. rotation molded. vacuum formed. cooled. heated. sealed. Innovation. Technology. Sustainability. From equipment and trends to the people advancing thermoset. plastics manufacturing, NPE2018: The Plastics Show has it covered. Be there to discover new ways to packaged. maximize efficiency, advance your operations and achieve success. transported. consumed. REGISTER TODAY AT NPE.ORG recycled. MAY 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11, 2018 | ORL ANDO, FL , USA