BP&R Jan/Feb 2019 by BP&R Magazine

British Plastics

and Rubber

bp&r JAN/FEB 2019

SUMMIT SYSTEMS

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS: SEE PAGE 4 REVIEW AND OUTLOOK An expertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overview of polymer raw materials prices

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editor’s letter

The certainty of change www.britishplastics.co.uk head of content: Leanne Taylor

Despite the worries, there is an unshakeable belief “that our industry will adapt to future conditions and ultimately THRIVE.”

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usiness loves certainty. The safety of being able to plan ahead with investment, recruitment and purchasing decisions in the knowledge that you understand the landscape in which you are operating has, for a long time, pretty much been a given for the UK plastics industry. However, with the political circus playing out in Westminster as the Government scrambles to reach an agreement on the UK’s future after March 29, the majority of businesses are, naturally, increasingly uncertain. This showed in recent surveys by the EEF, where 72 per cent of manufacturers said Brexit is “their biggest source of uncertainty” and the BPF, where two-thirds of its members do not expect Brexit to benefit their business. However, one thing we can be sure of in these times of uncertainty is the resilience and enduring optimism of the UK plastics industry, which has gritted its teeth and adjusted to a whole host of unknowns and unexpected situations over the decades. Whether it be the offshoring of production overseas, the shift to digitalisation with the arrival of ‘Industry 4.0’ or regulatory changes forcing an overhaul in manufacturing norms, the plastics industry finds a way of making a success of change. For example, in this issue, we hear from Plastribution’s Mike Boswell who, in his annual polymer materials review and outlook, describes how the plastics industry has coped despite “unprecedented change” in terms of availability and supply of key materials (page 19), as well as from Horsham-based Broanmain Plastics, a company that has adapted to the major

changes in the UK’s toolmaking industry by adopting an ‘east meets west’ appoach (page 40). So, regardless of the uncertainties to come both before and after March 29, we know that our industry can, and will, adapt positively to change. As the Chairman of BPF’s Brexit taskforce puts it, despite the worries, there is an unshakeable belief “that our industry will adapt to future conditions and ultimately thrive.” Enjoy the issue. Leanne Taylor, head of content

the big story NOW STONE:

LL A MILE A C I T A H W ’S T THA

S M E T S Y S T I M SUM TURNS 30

“Funded by good faith and a small loan, we lined up MB conveyors, Moretto loading and drying equipment and the unique Maguire blender, which was something like the industry had never seen, and so with that we were off,” explained Jordan. Accompanied by colleague Chris Bailey, the first employee on the payroll and who still works with Summit 30 years later, the company started selling. First employee, Chris Bailey

BRANCHING OUT

In order to give better control and prices for all integration products, bins and bespoke items, the company established Summit Fabrications, adding yet another arm to the growing business.

En-VOGUE

Always on the lookout for new products to add to Summit’s portfolio, 2008 marked the year where a pioneering Jordan was persuaded to test a Vismec dryer – a decision that turned out to be hugely beneficial for the company. “Vismec’s owner asked me to test this new ‘revolutionary rotary dryer,” explained Jordan. “After some persuasion we agreed, and I am so glad we did! The product was incredibly well received and became the best-selling dehumidifying dryer on the market.” Other new products added included items from Zerma’s size reduction range. “This became an important addition, especially considering recycling was so ‘en vogue’,” Jordan continued.

2010

Labor Saving the day After years of being asked for automatic bag splitting devices due to spot purchasing, Summit started supplying the Laborsave fully automated system.

In a busy year for Summit, the company faced a hurdle when one of their major suppliers, Moretto, proposed an agreement that they couldn’t agree to. “Moretto were a great supplier but were keen to have us supply exclusively at the expense of our independence,” explained Jordan. “As a result, we welcomed a new supplier, Plastic Systems, who, along with our design team, manufactured a loading system, Matrix, with great success.” In addition to the new supplier partnership with Plastic Systems, Summit also added Tecnomagnete products to its range, which offered customers reduced tool-change times and improved productivity, as well as products from Movacolor. “As the world leader in gravimetric dosing machines, once we added Movaolor’s products to our offering we experienced phenomenal growth compared to volumetric counterparts,” recalled Jordan.

2006

A Booming shame

2011-2015

FROM STARTING IN A PORTACABIN TO BECOMING ONE OF THE UK’S LEADING SUPPLIERS OF PLASTICS ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT, THE LAST 30 YEARS HAVE ‘CHARTED’ A SUCCESS STORY FOR SUMMIT SYSTEMS. IN THE FOLLOWING FEATURE, BP&R TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE COMPANY’S JOURNEY.

Jumping hurdles

2008

Where many of his peers might’ve been using empty garages to practice becoming the next Spandau Ballet, Mike Jordan chose to use one to start up a business selling plastics ancillary equipment. After breaking away from his family business in injection moulding at Midlands-based Peerless Foam Moulding, Jordan joined a small company in Telford. After four years, he saw an opportunity to combine the best innovations with quality service and Summit Systems was incorporated.

2007

1989

GARAGE BAND?

Whilst Zerma helped grow the company’s offering in recycling machinery, Summit added both Moitec, for nodust specialist applications, as well as teaming up with Tria to dominate the blow moulding and extrusion market for high quality production scrap reclamation. During this time, ‘Boomerang Plastics’ was set-up to understand recycling first hand. Boomerang focused on recycling contaminated plastic packaging, utilising recycling machinery provided by Summit’s recycling portfolio. However, in early 2016, the company decided to pull the plug on Boomerang after four years of operation. “We were simply ahead of our time,” said Jordan. “Boomerang would be a huge success with the new approach to recycling, it is a shame.” The Boomerang recycling plant

Oil’s well

After deciding to exhibit for the first time at UK plastics trade show, Interplas, the Chairman of the UK’s biggest packaging company requested a trial of the Maguire blenders on display, leading to the sale of hundreds of units.

The premises of choice for Summit’s growing business was an oilcontaminated factory, which, with the help of his local rugby club mates, was fully refurbished before the firm occupied the space as its new home.

Summit’s first Interplas led to big things

1990

A blue note

Later that year, after the installation of its first central material handling systems the garage workspace was “starting to burst at the seams,” according to Jordan, who decided to upgrade to bigger premises. Summit’s first installation

1993

INTERPLAS HITS THE RIGHT NOTES

1994

As the business grew, so did its portfolio of blue-chip customers. Recognising the need to increase the service provision for such high-profile businesses needing the security of full cover, Summit implemented a 24/7 service offering. “We were the first company of our type to introduce a genuine guaranteed service,” continued Jordan. “It’s something we’ve continued ever since.”

Hot space

Following further expansion, the company began to run out of space, leading to the building of a new warehouse, resulting in 50 per cent increased capacity.

Awards season

1997

When the Plastics Awards introduced its first ‘Ancillary’ category, Summit entered and subsequently triumphed as ‘Supplier of the Year’. The trophy gave the firm a taste for awards success, becoming the first in a long line of accolades.

Moving on up

Winning the ‘Supplier of the Year’ award for ancillaries

Summit Systems started to expand its range after some extensive research, partnering with Frigel, the Italian temperature control specialists. This partnership lead to the formation of Summit Chilled, a whole new division for the company, offering “process cooling with a difference.”

1999

Cool Runnings

2017

2002

2018

2018: Total Tech

In what Jordan describes as “the year of the technology”, Summit employed three new engineers focusing on Industry 4.0. The new engineers developed IoT solutions integrated with Summit Systems’ supervisory system. Towards the end of 2018 Summit acquired Total Process Cooling to form ‘SUMMIT-TPC’. “The addition of TPC complements our offering from Frigel perfectly,” explained Jordan. Summit and TPC

Despite the increase in warehouse space, continued growth saw Summit move for a third time. However, this time the company took up residence in a new, 2,700 sq. ft. factory in Tame Park, Tamworth - opened by the Chairman of the UK’s biggest packaging company. Combined with Maguire Europe, the premises gave plenty of room for growth and is still where the company is based today.

2019 THE BIG 3-0

Looking ahead to 2019 and beyond, Jordan says the focus is to keep his “eyes and ears open” for new products that provide accuracy, energy efficiency and production savings, as well as unveil “a few exciting technological advancements” that are in the making.

www.summitsystems.co.uk

JAN/FEB 2019

on the cover

NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MILESTONE: SUMMIT SYSTEMS TURNS 30 From starting in a portacabin to becoming one of the UK’s leading suppliers of plastics ancillary equipment, the last 30 years have ‘charted’ a success story for Summit Systems. BP&R takes a closer look at the company’s journey. SEE PAGES 4-5

Editor’s Letter

THE CERTAINTY OF CHANGE

POLYMER RAW MATERIAL PRICES REPORT: 2018 REVIEW AND 2019 OUTLOOK In our annual materials review, Mike Boswell looks back at 2018 and reviews how a year that saw BREXIT-related turbulence, escalation of the US/China trade war and shortages of key materials affected overall production, supply and pricing, as well as outlining what the industry can expect in 2019.

EAST MEETS WEST FOR JUST-INTIME PLASTICS MANUFACTURING Toolmaker and moulding specialist, Broanmain Plastics, says UK firms can utilise the best of both East and West manufacturing worlds to meet tight production deadlines without compromising on quality. BP&R found out how the Horsham-based firm makes it happen.

Exclusive

Feature

RESOURCES AND WASTE STRATEGY BRINGS “WHOLE-SYSTEM CHANGE” Late last year DEFRA launched its longawaited blueprint that will see an overhaul of the EPR system, DRS implementation and consistency in household collections. BP&R looks at the plans in more detail.

PROJECT LODESTAR RESULTS SHOW POTENTIAL TO RECYCLE “ALL PLASTIC WASTE” After a significant research project was undertaken to assess the viability of chemical and mechanical recycling working in combination, BP&R looks at the results and considers the significance that the findings could have for both the industry and environment.

SEPRO: COLLABORATE AND CONQUER With the recent announcement of a further plastics industry partner, new ‘collaborative’ robot technology added to its portfolio and yet another year of record sales, Sepro says it’s all part of the company’s plan to become the world’s number one provider of robots.

IS THERE A BETTER ROUTE FOR THE ROTOMOULDING PROCESS TO TAKE? Dr Gareth McDowell, Managing Director of rotomoulding solutions provider, 493K Limited, writes for BP&R about the potential of the industry and illustrates how a combination of machines, materials and education is the key to future growth.

Feature

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EXCLUSIVE

REGULARS 08 INDUSTRY NEWS 14 AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS 25 RECLaMATION AND RECYCLING 32 ROTATIONAL MOULDING 43 FILM AND SHEET 47 BUYERS’ GUIDE 49 SOFTWARE 50 NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE

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INDUSTRY | NEWS M&S to trial plastic-free aisles

Vision Petlon is increasing the offerings from its UK manufacturing facility.

Vision Petlon expands capability with its Britamid grade range Vision Petlon Polymers has launched its BTP Britamid grade range, adding to its current Beetle range of engineering polymers. Vision Petlon is now able to offer an additional range of industrial and prime nylon, PET and PP based compounds after acquiring the Britamid brand from BTP Ascend.

Gavin Rees, Managing Director of Vision Petlon Polymers, said: “We are extremely excited to be able to announce an expansion in grade capability from Vision Petlon and increase the offerings from our UK manufacturing facility.” Vision Petlon is also due to launch its new range of ‘materials from stock’, which includes industrial nylon compounds as well as near prime and prime based specified materials.

M&S is trialling plastic-free aisles at its store in Tolworth, SouthWest London, where buyers will be able to pick their own loose produce displayed in two separate aisles. The retailer is launching more than 90 lines of loose fruit and vegetables free of all plastic packaging, which it says will be rolled out more widely across the UK if successful. In an effort to save 580 tonnes of waste over two years, M&S says it has also committed to launching additional lines of loose produce, replacing plastic produce bags with paper ones and phasing out plastic barcode stickers in favour of ecofriendly alternatives in its UK stores.

www.vision-petlon.com

Grab your newspaper wrapped in spuds Readers of the Guardian have been opening their newspapers to find supplements wrapped in a compostable material made from potato starch. Formerly wrapped in polythene, the newspaper says the switch comes as a result of reader feedback and is designed to reduce plastic waste. The switch will add an extra 20p to the weekday cover price and an extra 30p at weekends and will be rolled out across the UK over the coming months. Image: David Levene for the Guardian

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UK’s first contact lens recycling scheme launched TerraCycle has collaborated with Johnson & Johnson Vision to launch the UK’s first free nationwide programme to recycle contact lenses and their blister and foil packaging after use. The new ‘ACUVUE Contact Lens Recycle Programme’ is available to all soft contact lens wearers and aims to reduce plastic waste in landfills and waterways by providing a simple and practical alternative. The recycled contact lenses, blister and foil packaging will be turned into new products such as outdoor furniture and plastic lumber. Consumers can have their contact lens material collected, or drop it off through a network of recycling bins at public drop-off locations at optical stores across the UK, including high street retailer, Boots Opticians. Over time, the recycling partnership with Boots Opticians and various independent stores, aims to provide over 1,000 public drop-off recycling locations for contact lens waste across the UK. “This is an exciting new partnership for us, in a sector that has previously struggled with recycling,” said Laure Cucuron, General Manager of TerraCycle Europe. www.terracycle.eu

TerraCycle has collaborated with Johnson & Johnson Vision to launch the UK’s f irst free nationwide programme

The Alliance is the largest plastic waste initiative to date

Value chain partners commit to end plastic waste in largest initiative to date An alliance of global companies from across the plastics and consumer goods value chain have launched the largest plastic waste initiative to date. Unveiled on January 16, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) brings together companies that make, use, sell, process, collect, and recycle plastics, including BASF, Clariant, Covestro, Dow, DSM, ExxonMobil, Henkel, LyondellBasell, NOVA Chemicals, PolyOne, Procter & Gamble, Reliance Industries, SABIC, Total and Veolia. A live webcast from London expanded on the launch of the initiative, highlighting collaboration and innovation as key drivers, as well as emphasising the importance of the four pillars –innovation, infrastructure, education and clean ups- as vital factors for the success of the initiative. During the webcast Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell, said he believes the key to eliminating plastic waste is “to unlock its value and bring plastic back to its useful form.” The cross-value chain has committed over $1.0 billion

(approximately £778 million) with the goal of investing $1.5 billion (approx. £1.16 billion GBP) over the next five years to help end plastic waste in the environment, particularly the oceans. In addition, the Alliance has been working with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) as a founding strategic partner. Peter Bakker, President and CEO of WBCSD, said: “While our effort will be global, the Alliance can have the greatest impact on the problem by focusing on the parts of the world where the challenge is greatest; and by sharing solutions and best practices so that these efforts can be amplified and scaled-up around the world.” The Alliance also announced an initial set of projects and collaborations that reflect a range of solutions to help end plastic waste, including partnering with cities, investing in the Incubator Network of Circulate Capital and collaborating with intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations to organise joint training for public officials. www.endplasticwaste.org

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WWW.ULTRAPOLYMERS.COM | YOUR PARTNER FROM DESIGN TO PRODUCTION The survey found that two-thirds of plastics companies do not expect Brexit to benefit their business

Survey finds majority of BPF members believe Brexit will have a negative impact The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has released a survey showing that the vast majority of its member companies believe that a no-deal Brexit will have a negative impact on their business. The survey, conducted in December 2018, found that twothirds of plastics companies do not expect Brexit to benefit their business, whereas only seven per cent of respondents feel it would benefit them. 76 per cent of respondents stated that a no-deal Brexit would have “negative” and “very negative” impact, and 53 per cent are making contingency plans in case it occurs. 63 per cent of plastics companies are expected Brexit to cause significant disruption to their supply chain, while 17 per cent feel it will not.

The top concern amongst respondents was customs and borders delays, as 88 per cent felt this would be an issue, with material supply (78 per cent) and tariffs (77 per cent) also being major concerns. 21 per cent of plastics companies have already lost staff due to Brexit, mostly from non-management technical and shop floor roles, and a quarter of companies believe that Brexit has made recruiting more difficult. 47 per cent of companies are in favour of a second referendum, with 21 per cent against and 32 per cent unsure. Mike Boswell, President of the BPF’s Brexit Taskforce, said: “Brexit remains a deeply divisive issue to this day. But this data shows our industry would clearly prefer to stick with EU regulations and indicates that the benefits of Brexit, from a plastics manufacturer’s or recycler’s perspective, are hard to see at this point in time. I’m sure our industry will remain positive and adapt to future

conditions and ultimately thrive. But as an industry that employs over 166,000 people, we hope that the government looks at this data and thinks hard about how it can end ongoing uncertainty for businesses as soon as possible.”

www.bpf.co.uk

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Resources and Waste Strategy brings “whole-system change” WORDS: LEANNE TAYLOR

A LATE LAST YEAR DEFRA LAUNCHED ITS LONG-AWAITED BLUEPRINT THAT WILL SEE AN OVERHAUL OF THE ERP SYSTEM, DRS IMPLEMENTATION AND CONSISTENCY IN HOUSEHOLD COLLECTIONS. BP&R LOOKS AT THE PLANS IN MORE DETAIL.

Businesses and manufacturers in England will pay the full cost of recycling or disposing of their packaging waste under the major new strategy unveiled by the Environment Secretary. The announcement, made on December 18, is part of the Government’s new Resources and Waste Strategy, its first comprehensive update in more than a decade. The strategy sets out how Government will ensure producers pay the full net costs of disposal or recycling of packaging they place on the market by extending producer responsibility – up from just 10 per cent now. Government says EPR for packaging will raise between £0.5 billion and £1 billion a year for recycling and disposal. Producers will also be expected to take more responsibility for items that can be harder or costly to recycle including cars, electrical goods and batteries. Householders will also see the existing complicated recycling system simplified, with new plans for a consistent approach to recycling across England. Timings for introduction will be subject to discussions at the Spending Review. Following plans by Scotland and Wales, the strategy will see the introduction of a deposit return scheme, subject to consultation, to increase the recycling of single-use drinks containers including bottles, cans, and disposable cups filled at the point of sale.

NEW FUNDING FOR RESEARCH On the same day, the Government announced £8m of funding for eight new research projects that will explore new and different ways of making, using and recycling plastics. The government is also investing £20m to tackle plastics waste and boost recycling: £10m more for plastics research and development and £10m to pioneer innovative approaches to boosting recycling and reducing litter, such as smart bins. This is in addition to the £20m for plastics research and development through the Plastics Innovation Fund announced in March 2018. INDUSTRY REACTION Commenting on the release of the Resources and Waste Strategy, Head of Climate, Energy and Environment Policy at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, Roz Bulleid said that manufacturers are “keen to play their part in the circular economy” and are pleased to finally see more detail from government on its plans. “More consistent waste and recycling collections and better product labelling should help lead to an improvement in the quality of recycled material, making it a more promising option for manufacturers,” she explained. However, Bulleid warned that EEF’s members will be concerned about the potential cost implications of some proposals, “particularly around extended producer responsibility, mandatory guarantees and extended warranties,” and are “anxious to engage with the government on the detail of its plans.” The British Plastics Federation (BPF) said it sees the release of Defra’s Resources and Waste Strategy as “an important step towards the UK using earth’s precious resources more sustainably.” The BPF said it is “extremely promising” to see the government looking to address the confusion faced by consumers regarding what they can recycle, and its commitment to make collections consistent across the UK. Such pivotal steps, it added, will help improve both the quantity and quality of material recycled in the UK. “We are also pleased to see that measures in the strategy, such as expanding Extended Producer Responsibility obligations, should help to boost all recycling rates by including other materials alongside plastics, which will help to tackle the broader spectrum of waste,” it concluded.

www.gov.uk

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INEOS announces Antwerp as location for €3 billion petrochemical investment Petrochemical giant, INEOS, has announced a €3 billion investment for an ethane gas cracker and worldscale PDH unit in Antwerp. The investment is the largest in the European chemicals sector for 20 years, and has the potential to be a game changer for the Belgian and the wider European economies. The new petrochemical complex will be located within INEOS’s existing site and will be connected by pipeline to a number of INEOS ethylene and propylene derivative units in the region. INEOS already has a major presence in Belgium, employing 2500 people across nine manufacturing sites. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Founder and Chairman of INEOS, said: “Our investment in a gas cracker and

INEOS will build the new units in Antwerp, Belgium

world-scale PDH unit is the largest of its kind in Europe for more than a generation and is an important development for the European petrochemical industry. We believe

this investment will reverse years of decline in the European chemicals sector.” www.ineos.com

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AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS | NEWS FANUC launches fifth model in collaborative robot series Fanuc UK has launched a mediumsized robot for handling, picking and packing applications. The new CR-15iA is the fifth model in its collaborative robots portfolio and benefits from the same integrated sensors and highly responsive ‘touch-to-stop’ reactive functionality as the rest of Fanuc’s green ‘cobot range’.

Collaborative robots are fast becoming a popular investment for production lines that can be made more efficient by automation, but that still require the presence of an operator This means if the arm encounters a fixed object or person, it gently stops and retracts. A safety system ensures that the robot stops at a maximum of 150N, however this can be reduced even further if required. As such, Fanuc says the CR-15iA can work safely and cooperatively alongside human operators, without the need for fences or barriers. “Our Fanuc cobots may be green on the outside, but they’re yellow on the inside,” explained Andrew Armstrong, Sales and Marketing Manager at Fanuc UK. “By

Wittmann promises to reduce machine downtimes by 10 per cent with W8 and WX robot generations Wittman has said its W8 and WX robot generations will reduce injection moulding machine downtimes by ten per cent with no extra costs. The robots come with the patented SmartRemoval function as standard, which automatically

The CR-15iA

investing in a collaborative robot, manufacturers benefit from the mechanics, control and repeatability of yellow Fanuc industrial robots, but with enhanced safety and sensitivity for effective co-working with humans.” The CR-15iA mirrors the design and mechanics of the industrial M10iD range, making it easy for users to integrate collaborative robots into existing robot cells, with the same parts inventory. With a maximum payload of 15kg and a reach of 1441mm, Fanuc says the CR-15iA bridges the gap between the CR-35iA and the small CR-7 range. “Our latest six-axis collaborative robot is the perfect addition to medium-sized picking, packing and palletising applications,” continued Armstrong. “It’s also certified to international standard ISO 10218-1,

shortens the time required for parts removal from the mould area without any operator intervention. This shortens the unproductive time and has lower energy consumption for the system through reduction of the heat loss caused by the mould standing open for any length of time, which ultimately also contributes to most consistent process quality. The SmartRemoval systems automatically calculate from the first cycle how long the mould opening will take, then in all subsequent

and is protected to IP standards 54 and 67 in the body and wrist respectively.” In addition to its sensors, which are located on the base of the robot rather than its arm, the CR-15iA comes with flexible mounting options, such as the floor, ceiling or wall. Its relatively small footprint also makes it suitable for warehouses and packing lines with limited floor space. For manufacturers who are new to collaborative, automated working, the CR-15iA comes with the R-30iB Plus controller, an intuitive user interface that guides operators through the robot’s set-up and programming. It also has hand-guidance functionality, which allows an operator to lead the robot through handling operations. Manufacturers can further enhance the functionality of the robot by integrating Fanuc’s iRVision, a visual detection system for managing production settings and the Force Sensor, a detection system for force and torque that allows robots to undertake work previously done by craftsmen. “Collaborative robots are fast becoming a popular investment for production lines that can be made more efficient by automation, but that still require the presence of an operator,” Armstrong added. “The latest addition to our CR range will open up automated capabilities to new customers across the UK – not just in packaging and palletising, but potentially in quality control as well.” www.fanuc.eu/uk/en

parts removal processes the system no longer waits for the complete opening of the moving mould half, but instead starts to move the vertical axis of the robot beforehand. Minimisation of unproductive downtime is a top priority for injection moulding machine operators, since this is the only way to achieve the shortest possible ROI. www.wittmann-group.com

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Universal Robots marks decade since selling first ‘cobot’ Denmark-headquartered Universal Robots (UR) is marking 10 years since it sold its first commercially viable collaborative robot (‘cobot’). In 2008 the company sold a UR5 robot arm to Linatex, a Danish supplier of plastics and rubber for industrial applications to automate CNC machine tending. In a break with the norm, Linatex deployed the robot alongside its shopfloor staff instead of behind safety caging. UR’s co-founder and CTO, Esben Østergaard, delivered the first robot himself after having led a small team through three years of development in a basement at University of Southern Denmark. For his pioneering role in developing cobots, he was awarded the Engelberger Award, the ‘Nobel Prize’ of robotics, in 2018. “Ten years might seem like a long time, and it’s definitely been quite a journey; but we’ve only just started to scratch the surface,” commented Østergaard. “I continue

The UR5 and UR10 robot arms

to see our cobots power new applications that we never imagined when we first launched.” Østergaard and the UR team launched the larger model, UR10, in 2012 and the table-top model, UR3, in 2015. “We’ve been the frontrunners of collaborative robots since the term was adopted. While safety is imperative, that’s simply the cost of entry into the cobot market now,” Østergaard continued. “We believe that being collaborative is just as much about being accessible and

flexible by placing robots within reach of manufacturers who never thought they could deploy robots due to cost and complexity.” Cobots are now the fastestgrowing segment of industrial automation, expected to jump tenfold to 34 per cent of all industrial robot sales by 2025, according to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA). www.universal-robots. com

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Sepro:

Collaborate and Conquer

W WITH THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF A FURTHER PLASTICS INDUSTRY PARTNER, NEW ‘COLLABORATIVE’ ROBOT TECHNOLOGY ADDED TO ITS PORTFOLIO AND YET ANOTHER YEAR OF RECORD SALES, SEPRO SAYS IT’S ALL PART OF THE COMPANY’S PLAN TO BECOME THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE PROVIDER OF ROBOTS. LEANNE TAYLOR REPORTS.

The recent announcement of Sepro’s latest industry partner marks one dozen companies worldwide that are working alongside the robot manufacturer in a collaborative agreement designed for flexibility and choice. During the Fakuma trade event in Germany at the end of last year, it was revealed that Tederic Germany GmbH will supply Sepro’s 3-, 5- and 6-axis robots and sprue pickers as part of injection moulding equipment packages in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Based in Dörth, Germany, Tederic is the European sales arm of China-based Tederic Machinery Company, Ltd. It is the twelfth company worldwide to partner with Sepro on what is proving to be a successful business model that allows customers to build their desired production solutions with the added luxury of choice when it comes to supplier. “It is our constant effort to create more value for our customers,” said Mirko Schnur, Executive Director of Tederic Germany, GmbH. “The extensive Sepro product ranges – especially in automated processes, production cells and production lines – are an ideal complement to our customer-specific package solutions. The partnership with Sepro, therefore, is another important milestone in realising our vision of highest efficiency.”

THE PERFECT PACKAGE? The partnership programme is known as ‘Open Integration’ and Sepro Group’s CEO, JeanMichel Renaudeau, says that it is designed to give flexibility outside of a traditional ‘package’ solution. “Traditionally a ‘package’ meant a customer used to have to buy everything from one supplier,” Renaudeau explained. “However, we call our approach to integration ‘Easy Package’ as it is easy for the customer to buy a machine from one source and their automation from another, as well as it being easy for the injection moulding machine manufacturer. Therefore, we now have 12 partners worldwide using this model.” Renaudeau says there is “rarely conflict” between the automation products offered by some of its IMM partners and its own, as customers buy to both suit their needs as well as for pragmatic reasons, and that being flexible in this way is the key to its success. NEW PRODUCT INNOVATIONS The company continues to build its product portfolio to ensure it is offering its customers and partners the most cutting edge technology in the

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We call our approach to integration ‘Easy Package’ as it is easy for the customer to buy a machine from one source and their automation from another, as well as it being easy for the injection moulding machine manufacturer.

market. Its recent launches include the new S5-25 Speed robot, designed for processors seeking a top-entry robot solution for fast-cycling injection moulding applications. Sized for machines from 120 to 450 tons, the S5-25 Speed, which is part of the S5 line of high performance 3-axis robots designed for complex applications, is ideal for simple, high speed packaging applications. Secondly, the new ‘Seprobot’, the Group’s market entry for collaborative robots (‘cobots’), is demonstrating a solution that is quick and easy to deploy, lower in cost and, it says, more productive than most conventional cobots. The Seprobot package combines a Yaskawa 6-axis robot with sensors and physical guarding in a fully integrated human safety system. Sepro says the Seprobot is designed to meet the needs of most injection moulding applications where human-robot collaboration is required. Its unique design enables Seprobot to operate “two to three times faster than a typical cobot”, according to Renaudeau.

“Traditional cobots are traditionally quite slow and don’t typically do independent tasks outside of the control of the operator,” he explained. “However, with our Seprobot we are enabling independent action combined with the speed of industrial robots. Safety of the human operator, as a priority, is provided by sensors.” ANOTHER RECORD YEAR Sepro used its platform at Fakuma to announce 2018 as its sixth consecutive year of growth, with revenues expected to top €130million, double the total of five years ago. “It’s a pleasure to be able to announce these expected results,” said Renaudeau. “Our goal by 2022 is to achieve a turnover of €200million and be the number one provider of robots worldwide.” This, he believes, will be achieved through further collaboration with industry partners globally, as well as expansion to its production facilities across three worldwide locations, enabling an increase in capacity to 5,000 robots per annum. The company has also appointed a new global Management Board to oversee its growth ambitions. www.sepro-group.com/

The new Seprobot solution

MATERIALS: EXCLUSIVE Polymer raw material prices report:

2018 review and 2019 outlook

I IN OUR ANNUAL MATERIALS REVIEW, MIKE BOSWELL LOOKS BACK AT 2018 AND REVIEWS HOW A YEAR THAT SAW BREXIT-RELATED TURBULENCE, ESCALATION OF THE US/CHINA TRADE WAR AND SHORTAGES OF KEY MATERIALS AFFECTED OVERALL PRODUCTION, SUPPLY AND PRICING, AS WELL AS OUTLINING WHAT THE INDUSTRY CAN EXPECT IN 2019.

2018 REVIEW From a raw materials supply perspective, 2018 was quite mixed across the main product segments. The engineering polymers sector witnessed significant volatility as prices increased throughout the first three quarters of the year, which was a continuation of the trend which started at the beginning of 2017. Towards the end of 2018, the price trend of engineering polymers started to diversify, with Nylon 6.6 continuing on an upward trajectory as supply remained extremely tight. In marked contrast, polycarbonate prices – following their sharp ascent – began an equally sharp decline and, after September, other engineering polymers tended towards price stability.

In the case of styrenic polymers, there was a close correlation with styrene monomer, and, for polystyrene, the month-on-month price movements were typically quite violent in nature, with swings of £50 - £100 per tonne being quite a common occurrence at certain points in the year. The addition of ABS capacity in Asia in the latter part of 2018 started to see a more competitive situation, with sellers looking more to Europe as demand from China remained relatively weak.

The table and graph below confirm that price volatility in the Polyolefins sector was relatively low, with prices at a very similar level to the prior year.

There is clear evidence that in 2018 feedstock costs underpinned polyolefin prices, which suggests that, in general terms, polymer supply was well balanced with demand.

Whilst the UK economy continued to grow in 2018, the rate of growth slowed to the extent that UK has slipped from being one of the fastest growing economies in the G7 to becoming one of the slowest, with many economists blaming this reduction in performance on the uncertainties arising from BREXIT

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The crossover in the ‘polyethylene basket’ versus the ‘PP basket’ is a noteworthy event, which is attributable to the relative scarcity of C3 versus C2 resulting from the increased use of ethane (shale gas) as a feedstock for polyethylene rather than naphtha, which results in both the production of C2 and C3 from which polypropylene is made.

Feedstock costs closely tracked Brent Crude costs throughout 2018, although the volatility of styrene monomer costs is very evident. The premium for C3 Spot over C3 contract is further evidence of the escalating tightness in the C3 market.

This tightness in C3 availability became a matter of increasing concern with polypropylene producers, as it became more evident that C3 would become increasingly scarce. This phenomenon increasingly raises concern for volume and/or commodity grade polypropylene converters, as polypropylene producers look to optimise netbacks by producing higher margin grades. The polyethylene market was quite polarised in 2018 and the abundance of LDPE lead to relative price weakness, whereas LLDPE and some HDPE grades tended to be in tighter supply, which was both a function of relatively low pricing in the UK failing to attract imports and less product arriving from the USA than had previously been anticipated. It was a true rollercoaster ride for oil prices in 2018, which, after a dip in Q1 2018, saw improvement in Q2 and then peaked in October. The subsequent fall in prices has been dramatic, with all gains wiped out as the markets remain concerned about supply and demand due to global economic risks including a global economic slow-down and/ or an escalation of the US/China trade war.

Following the significant devaluation of the GBP in mid-2016 following the BREXIT referendum outcome, the exchange rate versus the Euro held within a narrow range of 0.05€, which, in turn, supported the stability of polymers where pricing is € denominated including PE, PP and PS. The situation versus the dollar was quite different, with the USD gaining strength on the back of a strong US economy.

BREXIT concerns became more acute as the year progressed, with the March 30th 2019 deadline rapidly approaching. The possibility of a ‘no deal BREXIT’, which is expected to have greater negative consequences for the UK economy than the terms proposed by the EU for withdrawal and a future trading relationship, is putting further downward pressure on the value of the GBP. Whilst the UK economy continued to grow in 2018, the rate of growth slowed to the extent that UK has slipped from being one of the fastest growing economies in the G7 to becoming one of the slowest, with many economists blaming this reduction in performance on the uncertainties arising

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It looks like the year ahead is going to be interesting and already it is possible to see some important trends emerging. On a global level, the cost of crude oil is likely to have a significant influence on polymer pricing; in Q4 2018 the fall in oil price supported the margins of the polymer producers, reversing a trend towards diminishing margins

from BREXIT. Whilst employment levels surpassed previous records, the retail sector faced some serious challenges and both automotive retail sales and automotive manufacturing stuttered on the back of consumer concerns regarding diesel engine cars. CPI Inflation fell back from 3.0 per cent at the end of 2017 to around 2.3 per cent at the end of 2018 and, on this basis, the decision of the Bank of England to increase base rates from 0.5 per cent to 0.75 per cent looks justified. BANK RATES

2019 OUTLOOK It looks like the year ahead is going to be interesting and already it is possible to see some important trends emerging. On a global level, the cost of crude oil is likely to have a significant influence on polymer pricing; in Q4 2018 the fall in oil price supported the margins of the polymer producers, reversing a trend towards diminishing margins. However, some might be concerned that a recovery in oil price could stimulate a situation similar to that experienced in early 2015, although margins are now clearly much bigger, and material appears to be in plentiful supply. For the UK, the issue of BREXIT now looms very large, with the possibility of significant exchange rate volatility until such time as the issue is resolved; this will have significant impact on UK polymer pricing which is either USD- or Euro-denominated. There will, of course, be the usual smattering of unknowns/ not anticipated effects and, for some, the increasing possibility of a global economic slowdown looms large on the horizon.

(Credit: Bank of England https://www. bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/theinterest-rate-bank-rate) There was further anecdotal evidence that both the devaluation of GBP following BREXIT and regulatory uncertainty 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, 2018 mainly looks largely successful with strong margins and good levels of demand and, where margins have been depleted for some polyolefins, the situation improved in the later stages of the year. For those producers integrated upstream into oil refining and production, their plastics downstream activity continues to be a strong source of revenue and profit.

MONOMER PRICES MOVEMENT (ÂŁ GBP PER TONNE) JANUARY-17

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2019: ENGINEERING POLYMERS A continuing trend of negative feedstock price movements is likely to place pressure on polymer prices as converters seek to secure relative price reductions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike Boswell is Managing Director of UK materials distributor, Plastribution, as well as the Chairman of the British Plastic Federation’s Polymer Compounders and Distributors Group and its ‘BREXIT Committee’. He has a broad knowledge of both materials and the issues affecting the wider industry, with over 20 years experience in the field. www.plastribution.com

The outlook for engineering polymers looks much more settled and it looks like PMMA is now also trending downwards, albeit in a less dramatic manner than PC. Both PBT and POM look quite stable. There is some prospect of a partial recovery in PC prices as producers trim output to match demand. The PA66 situation remains quite tight, although as is the case for all engineering polymers, the current downturn in the global automotive market is going to be a significant influence. It is not expected that engineering polymer pricing will have much consequence for the pricing of 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. STYRENICS The styrenics polymers group, including polystyrene and ABS, is likely to remain volatile, with benzene and, consequently, styrene monomer prices being a driving force. Increased global ABS capacity is likely to make for lower pricing at least in the short-term. The most significant factor that will impact the polyolefins sector will be the increase in shale gas-derived polymers from the USA. Although the economics of these plants don’t look quite as attractive as when oil was $140+ per barrel, the profit margins still look good and the fact is the capacity is coming on stream is causing the supply/demand balance to dominate price action, with more material appearing on the market during the course of 2019. At this stage, the expectation is that the initial impact of these new capacities will be quite modest in Europe, as most of the new plants are owned by producers who have existing sales infrastructure in the region and are therefore are unlikely to be disruptive. As outlined previously, C3 availability will be a serious issue for polypropylene supply and, with a number of naphtha cracker maintenance outages in H1 2019, this will make supplier even tighter and will inevitably create inflation pressure for PP prices.

The graph below clearly depicts the strong historic correlation between oil, feedstock and standard polymers pricing. The year 2015 continues to look exceptional, with a ‘normal’ relationship restored since about October 2016.

FINAL WORD In addition to the expectations outlined above, there will of course be the ‘unexpected’ events to contend with. However, we hope to repeat the fairly reliable forecasts that have been 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.

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How does the material reach the processing machine?

IN THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF OUR ONGOING SERIES ANSWERING THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED MATERIALS HANDLING QUESTIONS, THE EXPERTS AT MOTAN COLORTRONIC LOOK AT HOW VACUUM MATERIAL LOADERS WORK.

Vacuum conveying, or suction conveying, has established itself in plastics processing as the method of supplying machines with material. Although pressure conveying systems can bridge very long conveying distances, the material supply is disproportionately more difficult compared to vacuum conveying systems. Even the distribution of the material from one discharge point to multiple devices is considerably more complex. Therefore, pressure conveying is used almost solely for the filling of silos. Vacuum conveying – whether single devices or multiple device systems- is, on the other hand, substantially more flexible. Single devices convey from one discharge point (material storage box) to one receiving device (processing machine, dosing and mixing unit, or dryer). Multiple device systems supply, depending on the concept, multiple receiving devices with material from one or more discharge points. The basic principle of vacuum conveying can be compared to that of a vacuum cleaner. In the simplest cases, a single device with an integrated vacuum motor – mounted on the machine inlet, hopper loader, or a dosing unit, depending on the design – is sufficient. The following are also part of the standard equipment: A suction hose with suction probe through which the material is sucked from the storage box into the material loader, a dust filter to protect the environment and the motor, as well as controls. Large stand-

alone material loaders with conveying capacities of several hundred kg/h of material are operated with a separate blower station which is connected to the material loader via a vacuum line. Material requests are usually transmitted from a sensor or a fill-level probe tot he controls which start the conveying cycle. The vacuum motor or blower station is switched on a sucks the material. The duration of the conveying cycle can be controlled either by a specific time period of fill level. In the material loader the material is separated from the vacuum air fluidically and is then available form processing. (mo will explain this in more detail in the upcoming issues) There are different concepts for cleaning the filter. In the simplest case the dust filter is cleaned every conveying cycle automatically with a few blasts of pressurised air. Other concepts equip the material. www.motan-colortronic.com www.moscorner.com

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RECLAMATION AND RECYCLING | NEWS Eurocell announces record amount of PVC-U recycling Eurocell has announced it processed a record number of postconsumer window profiles in 2018. The company, a UK-based manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems, recycled in excess of 1.2 million frames over the course of the year. Following investment of around £10m over the past decade in increasing its recycling facilities, the company says it exceeded its 2017 inputs of post-consumer material by over 15 per cent. As a result, Eurocell produced 12,500 tonnes of products made from recycled material at its Midlands plant during 2018. With 32 percent of the UK’s waste to landfill coming from the construction sector, Eurocell’s Head of Marketing, Chris Coxon, said the company is proud to be playing a part in improving the sector’s sustainability record. “It is a testament to our commitment to improving the sustainability of PVC-U that we have been able to achieve record levels of recycling in 2018,” Coxon explained. “As 2019 gets underway we are looking forward to processing even more postconsumer profiles for recycling and hope to see a significant increase on last year’s impressive figures.” www.eurocell.co.uk

Eurocell has posted record recycling f igures for PVC-U frames in 2018

SABIC signs memorandum of understanding with PLASTIC ENERGY for supply of recycled feedstock

SABIC signs MoU with UK-based Plastic Energy for recycled feedstocks supply SABIC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UKbased Plastic Energy Ltd., a pioneer in chemical plastics recycling, for the supply of feedstock to support SABIC’s petrochemical operations in Europe. The companies intend to build a first commercial plant in the Netherlands to refine and upgrade a valuable feedstock, known as TACOIL, which will be produced from the recycling of low quality, mixed plastic waste otherwise destined for incineration or landfill. SABIC says the plant, which is anticipated to enter commercial production in 2021, is “a significant milestone” towards the company’s commitment to establishing a circular economy and, more broadly, its sustainability goals. “SABIC is proud to be the first petrochemical company to implement a project for the chemical recycling of challenging plastic waste into feedstock for steam crackers,” explained Frank Kuijpers, General Manager for Corporate Sustainability, SABIC. “This exciting project is testament to our commitment to scale up advanced chemical recycling processes of plastics back to the original polymer.”

Up to now, Plastic Energy has successfully commercialised a patented thermochemical conversion technology to convert a wide range of end-of-life, dirty and contaminated plastics, hardly recyclable for conventional processes, into usable feedstock. Plastics are melted in an oxygen free environment and then broken down into synthetic oils, at which point the oils need to be refined and upgraded as feedstock for traditional petrochemical uses. Carlos Monreal, Founder and CEO of Plastic Energy said he is “delighted” to be working with SABIC on the project. “We have already two industrial plants in Spain operating 24/7 and a technology team with more than 10 years of experience developing this patented technology. Our advanced expertise will promote this new opportunity to turn plastic back into plastic as part of the circular economy,” he added. www.plasticenergy.com www.sabic-ip.com

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WE DRIVE THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY. Whether it is inhouse, postconsumer or bottle recycling: you can only close loops in a precise and profitable way if machines are perfectly tuned for the respective application. Count on the number 1 technology from EREMA when doing so: over 5000 of our machines and systems produce around 14 million tonnes of high-quality pellets like this every year – in a highly efficient and energy-saving way. That’s Careformance!

CAREFORMANCE We care about your performance.

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BPF and RECOUP collaborate on design for recyclability guide

RECOUP and BPF have collaborated on a new packaging design guide

RECOUP and the British Plastics Federation (BPF) have launched new guidance to help packaging designers create easy-to-recycle plastic packaging in a bid to reduce waste. Launched by RECOUP’s CEO Stuart Foster at the BPF’s annual Packaging Seminar in London, the guide outlines which combination of closures, seals, labels and materials ensure recycling plants can easily separate and recycle the plastics. Big brands are being encouraged to use the guidance to ensure their packaging products can be easily processed at the end of their lives to avoid going to landfill, and instead be recycled into new products in an important move towards developing a circular economy.

RECOUP CEO, Stuart Foster, said: “As interest in designing packaging for recyclability has grown in the past 12 months, it has been recognised that we need summary guidance, and this is what we have done. We hope this will help people on their journey to developing more recyclable packaging.” Based on industry expert advice, the free-to-access document provides tips including avoiding the use of strong colours, ensuring that closures are easily separable and that, when possible, packaging products should be composed of a single material. Detailed information is also offered on what to do when using multiple types of plastics, including which plastic types can be combined and which combinations should be avoided. www.bpf.co.uk/eco-design

RPC introduces cup recycling initiative RPC Tedeco-Gizeh, the sole manufacturer of plastic vending cups in the UK, has launched a unique initiative to help customers recycle used cups into valuable products. The company is working with its fellow RPC Group company, RPC bpi recycled products, to enable vending suppliers and operators who collect their own cups to deliver them directly to the RPC bpi facility in Dumfries. At the facility, the cups will be reprocessed and blended with other recycled polymers for use in the manufacture of RPC bpi’s Plaswood, a high-performance lumber made from 100 per cent recycled plastic used in the manufacture of fences, posts and outdoor furniture. Scottish vending machine supplier, Excel Vending, is the first company to make use of the service, collecting cups from its customer base across Scotland. Jane McDonald, Managing Director for Excel Vending, said: “This is a great initiative. The cups

RPC Tedeco-Gizeh has launched an initiative to enable the recycling of plastic vending cups

are a valuable resource that can be put to good use rather than going to landfill and will help to support our environmental and CSR strategy.” Nigel Cannon, RPC TedecoGizeh’s UK Sales Manager, said: “As a UK producer, our cups already offer important benefits in terms of

a lower carbon footprint from more efficient logistics and deliveries. They can now have a significant end-of-life use that keeps them out of the waste stream.” www.rpc-tedeco-gizeh.com

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Project Lodestar results show potential to recycle “all plastic waste”

A AFTER A SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH PROJECT WAS UNDERTAKEN TO ASSESS THE VIABILITY OF CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL RECYCLING WORKING IN COMBINATION, BP&R LOOKS AT THE RESULTS AND CONSIDERS THE SIGNIFICANCE THAT THE FINDINGS COULD HAVE FOR BOTH THE INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENT.

The results of Project Lodestar, a major research project undertaken by multiple partners from across the recycling value chain – all of whom are participants of Ellen MacArthur’s New Plastics Economy initiative – has shown the potential for waste site operators to recycle ‘all plastics’ by combining state-of-the-art mechanical and feedstock recycling in what is known as an advanced Plastics Reprocessing Facility (aPRF). Led by Swindon-based Recycling Technologies, the project involved leading global stakeholders, including petrochemical companies and consumer brand companies, to collaborate on researching and designing a blueprint for such an advanced Plastics Reprocessing Facility, utilising mechanical and feedstock recycling in a single combined facility. The participant group consisted of representatives from Borealis, Coca-Cola, EcoldeaM, ExcelRise, Danone, Impact Solutions, Mars, NexTek, The Canadian Stewardship Services Alliance, NatureWorks, Re-Poly, Swire Beverages, Unilever and Zero Waste Scotland all working together to combine the best of existing knowledge and technology to enable recycling of as much plastic as possible. MODEL MARVEL Using commercial market prices and published waste data from Scotland, Lodestar modelled an aPRF where residual plastic waste rejects from advanced mechanical recycling are sent to innovative feedstock recycling and diverted from incineration, increasing significantly plastic recycling rates. The feedstock recycling converts the residual plastic waste into an oil suitable to remanufacture into plastic or other chemical feedstocks, allowing plastics to be kept in the circular economy.

The Lodestar project shows the commercial and environmental value of combining state-of-theart mechanical and feedstock recycling.

INCREASING REVENUE Significantly, the research found that, compared to mechanical recycling alone, an aPRF has the potential to increase waste operators’ revenue by 25 percent and improve the payback on investment in the facility’s equipment by 11 percent. This level of performance could be further enhanced by improving packaging design and the elimination of PVC in packaging. Finally, for residential households and local authorities, the research highlighted how the volume of plastics collected can be increased by

Recycling Technologies’ Beta plant

making collection systems more convenient and allowing residents to put all their waste plastics into one bin. WORLD’S FIRST aPRF The results of Lodestar are helping to guide and develop a two-phase project to build the world’s first aPRF in the Tay Cities Region in Scotland. Supported by investment from the UK and Scottish governments, the project will see Phase 1 – the development of the world’s first demonstration aPRF (known as project Beacon), a major integrated waste facility in Tayside – and Phase 2, the development of a next-generation, advanced plastic sorting facility as a global blueprint for best-in-class recycling to recycle over 90 percent of all household plastics. “COMMERCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE” “The Lodestar project shows the commercial and environmental value of combining state-ofthe-art mechanical and feedstock recycling. It shows waste plastic has significant commercial and citizenship value for recycling companies, local government and packaging companies,” explained Adrian Griffiths, Chief Executive of project lead, Recycling Technologies. “Lodestar provides a valuable reference and guide to help waste businesses and governments meet their targets to recycle plastic to reuse again in packaging made out of recycled plastic and help prevent waste plastic damaging the environment.” www.recyclingtechnologies.co.uk

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ROTOMOULDING | NEWS World’s first rotational moulding health and safety guidance launched The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has produced the world’s first rotational moulding health and safety guidance. The document has been approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and is now available free of charge on the BPF website. The guidance gives advice on the safeguarding requirements for foreseeable hazards associated with rotational moulding machines, including whole body entrapment. It provides a list of what to look for when a rotational moulder is carrying out a risk assessment, how to safeguard machines and ensure that all necessary control measures are in place, as well as information about fulfilling legal duties. BPF Senior Industrial Executive, Dr Sara Cammarano, said: “We are very excited to release this health and safety guidance. We hope that rotational moulders across the UK ensure they are implementing these best practice measures, and that this document will help workers clearly recognise and successfully avoid hazards and promote safe working practices.” The BPF Rotational Moulding

A. Schulman expands rotomoulding powders with halogen-free PE grade A. Schulman Inc., is expanding its polyethylene-based range of specialty rotomoulding powders with a halogen-free and flame retardant grade. The company says new Icorene 9106 is one of the rare rotomoulding grades on the market which meets both these requirements. The product is fully compliant with the flame retardant standard

Group was consulted during the document’s development, which represents all those involved in the rotational moulding process: moulders, material suppliers, service providers and machinery and ancillary equipment manufacturers.

As well as being fully endorsed by the HSE, the industry-led initiative, Safety in Manufacturing Plastics (SIMPL) was also involved in the document’s development.

UL94 V-0, meaning it can help mitigate fire danger and reduce the speed at which flames spread. By being halogen-free, the grade increases safety for the moulder and the end user. The material also offers a wide processing window and provides the same characteristics, properties and UL94 V-0 FR performance as conventional halogenated grades. To obtain a UL94 V0 rating, the material must meet stringent criteria with regards to after flame and afterglow time. “The new grade provides

moulders with more options to meet safer and more sustainable requirements in a variety of markets,” explained Les Druyf, Product Line Manager. “Helping manufacturers meet their safety objectives, by developing this new product, showcases A. Schulman’s concern for safety to its employees and the customers’ workers.” Icorene 9106 is currently available in off white, with other colours being evaluated by Schulman for certification.

www.bpf.co.uk/ rotational_moulding

www.aschulman.com

The winners (centre) with the BPF’s Philip Law (left) and David Hall (right)

Rototek scoops inaugural BPF Health and Safety award Rotational moulding company, Rototek, has been awarded the first ever ‘Health and Safety’ award by the British Plastics Federation (BPF). Open to BPF member companies operating in the UK, the award recognises “considerable and measurable changes” in a company’s adherence to health and safety policies, as well as programmes and initiatives designed to promote best practice. Nottinghamshire-based Rototek was awarded first place for implementing such changes at its manufacturing facilities. “We are very honoured to win this award, which was thanks to a great team effort across all departments,”

Excelsior manufactures pioneering ‘made in Britain’ bike carrier Excelsior, a rotational moulder based in Bury, Lancashire, has manufactured the outer plastic shell for a pioneering ‘Made in Britain’ cycling accessory.

explained Shaun Mills, Director of Rototek. “The health and safety of all those at the factory is of paramount importance to us, and we hope this award helps highlight the importance of health and safety in our industry.” Representing the rotational moulders within the British Plastics Federation, Group Executive, Dr Sara Cammarano, commented:

“It is great to see such changes at the Rototek plant. This type of health and safety policy, along with Rototek’s processing and manufacturing initiative is proving successful and needs to be rolled out across all factories.”

Developed by Yorkshire-based Bikebox, the new ‘VeloVault2’ has been specially designed to carry and protect road and mountain bikes. It’s the latest generation of its product range, and is designed to fit road and mountain bikes with varying wheel types, as well as those with disc brakes, or any other essential travel accessories.

“We were extremely pleased to win the Bikebox business. The product is particularly well designed – in what’s now a competitive and growing market - the Velovault 2 really stands out in our opinion,” commented Giles Fielding, MD at Excelsior. “Bikebox is adding new colours all the time, and our ability to stock 12 colours for plastic products makes that further scalability easy for the company to achieve.” The entire VeloVault2 is manufactured in the UK, with the plastic shells moulded by Excelsior, ‘Protex’ catches made in Birmingham and piano hinge, webbing and foam made either side of the Peak district. Hannah Mann, Director at Bikebox, commented: “For Bikebox Online, this was our first step into rotational moulding, and the team at Excelsior provided advice and support right from the mould designing stage.”

The VeloVault2

www.rototek.com

www.excelsior-ltd.co.uk

DR GARETH MCDOWELL, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ROTOMOULDING SOLUTIONS PROVIDER, 493K LIMITED, WRITES FOR BP&R ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF THE INDUSTRY AND ILLUSTRATES HOW A COMBINATION OF MACHINES, MATERIALS AND EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO FUTURE GROWTH.

Is there a better route for the rotomoulding process to take? SOCIAL

ELEMENTARY

Lines HAPPY LIFE INDEPENDENT LET’S GO!

EDUCATION

PEOPLE

HAPPY TOWN

ENGINEERS SHARK SWIMMERS EXPLORERS

About the Author: Dr Gareth McDowell is Managing Director of 493K Limited. The company has been providing solutions for the rotational moulding industry since 2003, helping to reduce scrap rates, improve part quality and increase profits for their customers. www.493k.com

ROCK N’ ROLL

BELIEVERS

Engineering Polymers

Multiple machines

Engineering High volume Polymers

SUBSTANTIAL

Kayaks

SHAPE

KUDOS HYBRID

HIGH TECH

GROWTH 2 axis

Non-conventional Machine

BI-AXIAL OVEN

Automation Specialised Moulds

H High Skills

Quality supplies

Add-ons

Skills

LLENGING TECHNICALLY CHA

ERVICE NON- STOP S

HIGH COSTS

otomoulders love polyethylene; it’s the backbone of their process and a major part of what makes rotomoulding such a versatile and flexible manufacturing process. Unfortunately, it also makes it such an easy process to do very badly indeed. The forgiving nature of polyethylene means it’s so easy to mould. Without much knowledge or control of the process it is remarkably straight forward to produce a part that can be sold, often despite that part’s poor quality. It’s offers a low investment manufacturing method that forgives most first-timers of their innocent blunders.

FAST LANE

Engineering Polymers

ALWAYS THE BRIDESMAID? The last 20 years have seen a slow improvement in rotomoulding technology, with only incremental improvements in some discrete areas within the process. Understandably, without the demand for high quality technical parts, it is easy to understand why rotomoulding has not matured into an advanced manufacturing process. Professor Roy Crawford posed the question, “Is it a fact that it [rotational moulding] is destined to be always the bridesmaid but never the bride?” [Rotation 1995 Vol4]. Perhaps the truth is that rotomoulding, in its current form, simply doesn’t need, or want, to get married.

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Of course, there have been isolated cases of exciting new technologies, flurries of greatness and some prestigious accolades collected, but more often than not they don’t hang around for long in the Manufacturing Hall of Fame…or if they do, then only in a small way. However, we know there is great potential; a few good moulders, driven by their customers or their own innate desire to be better, have proven that taking roto to the high echelons of manufacturing acumen is very much an attainable goal. Without looking too hard, rotomoulders can be spotted who can: mould new engineering polymers; mould with repeatable and consistent quality; mould multi-layer parts; mould more accurately dimensioned parts; and use novel and automated machinery. It’s all possible – for certainly these elite moulders prove it – but for a wider industry growth there must be a significant step-change to ensure that roto does well for itself. The attributes of an elite moulder seem to be: education and an understanding of the process; engineering resources to modify and improve the process; seeking measurable quality targets; the use of process control methods; and incentive (perhaps a demanding customer).

GROWTH Growing companies need large flexible, ‘takes any mould shape’ oven: of course, the conventional Biaxial Oven platform. Fast turnaround to expansion and the ‘go-to’ machine for those with enthusiasm for high volume moulding. This line can take the moulder to various stops and so is often regarded as the most versatile platform to start from…but beware it does come with a higher ticket cost than those for the ‘Rock n’ Roll’ stops. FAST LANE With high rewards comes high risks. Often suppling into the automotive industry these rotomoulders are swimming with sharks. It requires a watchful eye on detail; all certificates, quality assurances and lab tests must be ready for scrutiny. These are the moulders who focus on their business, never travel on the Independent line but call the experts when needed – too much is at risk here. HIGH TECH For those who like a ‘Technically Challenging’ destination, it’s possible to arrive here via any line. Unconstrained by industry standards, these moulders will push the boundaries! High flyers can take the air-transfer to the automated ‘Kudos’ zone. However, take care to avoid falling asleep on this train... it’s a non-stop service and it costs to get off.

WHAT ZONE ARE YOU IN? The flexibility and low investment to entry of rotomoulding seems to have attracted inventive, resourceful and self-reliant business owners, resulting in a diverse range of rotomoulding branches. The subway map to the left lays out the most common lines that rotomoulders can travel highlighting their comfort zones. It’s also serves as a map, showing possible escape routes out of an extended period of circling nowhere. The below outlines some of the zones you might identify as being in, where you might want to be and the consequences of ending up somewhere you shouldn’t be.

HIGH COSTS If you’ve arrived here with limited technology, education and finance then it’s a non-stop service to ‘Crash and Burn’. Know the limitations of your plant, keep within those boundaries and know when to move on.

ELEMENTARY This is fundamental rotomoulding using the open flame ‘Rock n’ Roll’ frames; straightforward, noncritical parts are manufactured here and usually based upon low cost models of labour, materials and moulds. Favourable markets and nonthreatening competition make ‘Happy Life’ a good line for ‘Happy Town’.

SOCIAL This is where the rotomoulder’s ticket to the world gets punched, a free pass: it is where people are used in the process to apply science, knowledge and understanding. Replacing the black-art it dispels the shop floor myths. The best way to attract people into the rotomoulding industry must be via the ‘Education’ line.

SHAPE Certain mould shapes are best using Rock n’ Roll machines; their shape does not lend itself to full biaxial motion due to wasted oven space and needed height! Kayaks are often made in these types of machines, often heated by, but not limited to, hot air burners rather than direct mould contact with open flames. This zone is perfect for independent people with a can-do attitude.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO? There is much left to complete in this model, but it’s a start. The key point to understand is that for full mobility within rotomoulding one must start with education, before heading off on any kind of high-tech journey. There is no one missing link to a faster rotomoulding growth, but rather it is the measured facilitation of machines, materials and education.

KUDOS A promotion from ‘High Tech’ into an automated ‘Kudos’, with shiny new high-tech equipment, needs investment. Leaving behind much of conventional rotomoulding it is an unexplored territory. Reached by an expensive air-shuttle, it’s not an easy place to return from.

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It’s all possible – for certainly these elite moulders prove it – but for a wider industry growth there must be a significant step-change to ensure that roto does well for itself.

BEAT Brexit Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll BEAT any price

Tel No. 0121 725 4422

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INJECTION MOULDING | NEWS Sumitomo Demag releases new programme to optimise productivity and reduce waste

Axiom Product Development high tech machining and toolmaking. Image copyright Axiom Product Development

Axiom broadens capabilities with new injection moulding investment Axiom Product Development has invested in the purchase of two new plastic injection moulding machines, which will significantly broaden the specialist engineering service that the company is able to offer. The Negri Bossi machines, one 180 tonnes and the other 90 tonnes, will be used to prove out tools which have been designed and made inhouse by the CAD team at Axiom. The high-tech injection moulding machines will enable the company to manufacture complex plastic components for its automotive and general industrial customers. The investment of around £160,000 in the machines is part of the longterm strategy of Axiom to grow both its existing tooling and machining business as well as expanding the capabilities of the company into high-tech plastic injection moulding. A number of key appointments over the last six months have strengthened the skills and

experience of the engineering and design team at Axiom and the addition of the new machines will broaden the range of specialist services that the company can offer its world class engineering customers. Alan Rendles-Eames, Managing Director of Axiom, said: “The investment in these new plastic injection moulding machines marks an extremely exciting time for the Axiom business. Following some key new staff appointments and double digit growth over the past six months, the time is right to expand our specialist engineering skills and capabilities. “These new plastic injection moulding machines enable us to offer a comprehensive, in-house design, tooling and moulding service. The combination of our highly experienced team and these new machines mean we can offer a very broad range of specialist engineering services for our hightech customers.”

Sumitomo Demag has released a new programme for its IntElect series for smoother ejection of moulded components from all-electric injection moulding machines. The programme synchronises the ejector and mould speed, shortening the mould open time to optimise productivity, improve component quality and reduce avoidable plastic waste. The programme allows machine operators to select the ideal setting for the ejection of moulding components to ensure they have cleared the mould space before the moulding cycle starts again. Nigel Flowers, Managing Director of Sumitomo Demag, said: “Allelectric moulding cycle times are getting faster and faster. This is great for productivity and mass moulders. In an ideal world the parts are ejected with zero inertia and drop in a central line out of the mould space. However, when the toggle clamp operates faster the ejector mechanism, there’s less control over how and where the moulded components will fall.” Product Manager Peter Gladigau said: “Although the synchronised mould open time is 0.1 seconds more than when ejector synchronicity isn’t applied, because there is no pause time, is actually faster and smoother. Additionally, it allows for continuous operation, thus increasing production productivity.” www.uk.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu

www.axoimpd.co.uk The new programme is designed for smoother component ejection

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RP Technologies grows thanks to continued Borche UK support

KraussMaffei gains access to the Chinese capital market KraussMaffei is seeking to accelerate growth through access to the Chinese capital market, completing its listing on the Shanghai stock exchange. The listing occurred through the transfer of ChemChina’s stake in KraussMaffei to ChemChina’s majority owned subsidiary, THY. In addition, THY has taken over ChemChina’s production site in Sanming, China, and new injection moulding machines for the Chinese market will be manufactured at the site. The new integrated mechanical engineering company will be led by Dr. Frank Stieler, the CEO of KraussMaffei, and Dr. Harald Nippel, the CFO, and the combined business will operate under the KraussMaffei brand. Dr. Frank Stieler said: “We are very happy, something big is being created. We now have the opportunity to drive our growth even faster and better. The listing process provides us with access to the Chinese capital market. This step will significantly strengthen us in China as well as globally. With the additional production site in Sanming we can further expand our presence in China. At the same time, we will drive our international business from Germany.” www.kraussmaffeigroup. com

PMM MD Carl Reeve Left and Director Paul Hulin right in front of a Jupiter 3300 t machine

Haitian/PMM adds to ranks amid impressive growth Premier Moulding Machinery has added to key positions in its ranks following year-on-year growth.

RP Technologies’ manufacturing facility

Toolmaker and injection moulding supplier, RP Technologies, has seen continued growth over the last six years thanks to continued support from its supplier, Borche UK. Since opening its injection moulding facility in 2012, RP has seen increasing demand for injection moulded components, leading to it investing over half a million pounds on eleven new injection moulding machines from Borche UK. The machines range from 60 to 600 tonnes, meaning RP can offer injection mouldings up to sizes of

1400mm by 700mm by 600mm with a shot weight of 2.3 kg. The most recent machinery purchase, a Borche 600-tonne injection moulding machine, has allowed RP to increase part size capacity following an increase in requests for larger-sized components. The company has also invested in a Hurco CNC machining centre with a bigger machining envelope earlier this year to increase its capability to manufacture larger tooling.

PMM became the UK sales and service agent for Haitian in 2005, and has increased its sales and engineering team to manage the growth, which stands at 28 per cent in Europe. Scott Morris joins to help the northern engineering team, Neil Buzzard joins as technical sales and training manager, and James Parton joins as the South East sales manager. PMM has seen gains in the automotive sector thanks to Haitian’s

Jupiter Plus range of two platen machines. The Jupiter is available from 450t – 4000t and the energy savings, reduced footprint, price-point and warranty have all contributed to the company growth. Zhafir – Haitian’s range of electric machines – is also increasing in numbers, and electric machines now account for half of PMM’s machinery sales. In addition, the Zeres range has a mix of technologies that gives the processor the speed and accuracy of an electric machine, but without the need for an external hydraulic power pack.

www.borche.co.uk

www.haitian.co.uk

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celebrating 180 years

East meets West

FOR just-in-time plastics

T TOOLMAKER AND MOULDING SPECIALIST, BROANMAIN PLASTICS, SAYS UK FIRMS CAN UTILISE THE BEST OF BOTH EAST AND WEST MANUFACTURING WORLDS TO MEET TIGHT PRODUCTION DEADLINES WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON QUALITY. BP&R FOUND OUT HOW THE HORSHAMBASED FIRM MAKES IT HAPPEN.

During China’s transformation into a manufacturing powerhouse, many UK firms outsourced manufacturing to the country in the hope of a good product at a cut-price. However, not all are completely satisfied with the agreement. Long lead times, expensive shipping costs, large orders requiring upfront payment, communication barriers and concerns over quality are just some issues reported. With Britain looking to create more homegrown employment in the face of Brexit, could there be an alternative that offers the best of east and west? OFFSHORE TOOLMAKING, RESHORED PRODUCTION Horsham-based Broanmain offers clients a ‘best-of-both-worlds’ solution that makes the most of China’s low-cost manufacturing yet returns production to British shores. Instead of producing thousands of units of a component in China, it helps its clients to design and make the master tool via its Chinese toolmaking partners, then bring production of the component itself back to its UK workshop. The company says not only does this deliver significant savings, it speeds up the production process, increases the quality of the finished item, enables just-in-time production and boosts the UK economy.

Wilf Davis, Founder of the family-run business, has worked with toolmakers in China since embarking on a trade mission to the country 17 years ago. Forging strong bonds with reputable toolmaking workshops, he explained: “Due to a decline in the number of UK toolmakers, we recognised that there was an opportunity to speed up the design timeframes, pass on cost savings to our customers and enable them to sidestep export delays by moving the moulding of components back to the UK. “Chinese toolmaking firms typically have several people working on different stages of the same tool and it can take as little as 15 weeks to design, make and ship. In contrast, it is not uncommon for one UK tradesperson to work on the same tool from start to finish, taking over a year in some instances.” A HELPING HAND Dealing with a country where the culture, language and working practices are so removed from our own can be a daunting prospect. However, Broanmain manages the entire toolmaking process on behalf of its clients from start to finish.

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celebrating 180 years

Designing, making and shipping the master tool from China takes just several months compared to a year in the UK claims Broanmain’s MD

“From our UK office we assist with the initial design of the component, which we send to China where the tool design is created. Our in-house engineers then scrutinise the Chinese design and make any changes,” continued Davis. “Once the customer has signed off the tool design, our Chinese partners manufacture the tool. Crucially, it’s made from a number of different parts rather than one solid piece, which enables us to access any insert if we need to make changes further down the line.” Samples are then sent to Broanmain, which they review with the customer. Any final modifications are made before the finished tool is shipped to the UK, ready for Broanmain to begin manufacturing the component at its Surrey facility. POCKETING THE DIFFERENCE The benefits of offshoring the toolmaking to China and reshoring ongoing production of the component are multiple. For one Broanmain customer - Johnston Sweepers - the ability to call in around 60 per cent of its components on a three to four-day delivery cycle was critical to its business strategy of switching production of parts from metal castings to plastic. Steve Hurst, Head of Purchasing at the global street cleaning vehicle manufacturer, commented: “By sourcing the tooling from a high-quality Chinese-based specialist, we were able to justify the payback.” There are other savings to be made, too, said Davis. “Chinese manufacturers usually require a minimum order of 5,000 units to guarantee the best price. In addition to the upfront financial commitment this incurs, there are shipping costs, import duties, taxes and VAT to take into account, as well as storage fees,” he explained. “What was a cheap deal can suddenly seem far less attractive.” JUST-IN-TIME PRODUCTION By operating a Kanban inventory system, Broanmain says this enables it to ensure companies of all sizes benefit from holding sufficient stock to meet current demand, facilitating efficient production, eliminating waste and keeping overheads low. “We review our customers’ stock levels in real time and send them just what they need, on a weekly basis if necessary,” said Davis. “This enables them to meet just-intime production schedules and can often be the difference between securing or losing an order.” QUALITY… NOT QUANTITY Another benefit of shorter runs and local production is increased quality and quicker reactions if they require a customisation. “If there’s a problem with the component or consumer trends dictate a change, our customers can call us, or even visit us at our factory, talking to us in the same language, in the same time zone. Our in-house workshop engineers can amend the component and

Without the help of our Chinese toolmaking partners, many of these UK projects would have been dead in the water, or the whole manufacturing process (not just the tool) would have been sent to China run off a new batch, dispatching it to the customer within 24-hours. Waste is kept to a minimum and production schedules aren’t affected. This wouldn’t be the case if they were manufacturing in China, where lead times of months, communication difficulties and huge minimum orders are the norm.” Broanmain’s involvement from the start of the toolmaking design process pays dividends further down the line, too. “Toolmakers aren’t moulders so will often make a tool without understanding the moulding parameters,” explained Davis. “We consider what the final component will look like, the materials it will be made from, and even the machines it will be made on. For example, different materials have different shrinkages. We ensure this is factored into the original calculations to ensure high quality of the finished component.” FACING THE FUTURE With Brexit looming large, keeping production on home ground is more important than ever. “Without the help of our Chinese toolmaking partners, many of these UK projects would have been dead in the water, or the whole manufacturing process (not just the tool) would have been sent to China,” continued Davis. “Instead, we’ve created ongoing manufacturing work here in the UK.” Once the master tool is made, clients can expect it to enjoy a long and successful service life. Broanmain stores and services tools to ensure they’re kept in good working order. As a result, each tool should run at least half a million components, although figures upwards of four million are not uncommon. This not only ensures continued manufacturing on home ground for the foreseeable future, but also ongoing savings for the customer. “Just think of the transport, export and storage costs saved by not having to import that number from China,” Davis concluded.

Making a tool in different parts rather than one solid piece means toolshop apprentice Kamil Stec can access any insert if changes need to be made

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FILM & SHEET | NEWS

k oshrin -Envir New X to promote d nomy designe lar eco ging u c ir ka a c c a ible p in flex

RPC bpi protec launches new 100 per cent recyclable shrink film RPC bpi protec has launched a shrink film that contains 30 per cent post-consumer recyclate and is 100 per cent recyclable.

New X-Enviroshrink is designed to promote a circular economy in flexible packaging as well as provide sustainable choices for brand owner and consumers. The new film is produced using RPC bpi’s ‘Sustane’ recycled polymer, which has an ultra-low carbon footprint and is available in both plain and printed versions. The shrink film is suitable for a variety of products and markets, including beverage cans and bottles, canned food and cartons. Enabling high-speed packing methods to be utilised as a single or twin lane, RPC bpi protec says the new film helps manufacturers maximise cost-effectiveness and speed-to-market as goods are shipped to supermarket shelves. “The sustainability of all packaging is a paramount requirement for brands and consumers,” comments David Lumley, Managing Director of RPC bpi protec. “X-EnviroShrink ideally meets this need by both reusing plastic and delivering the protection, functionality and cost-effectiveness that are equally essential – and all within a fully recyclable film.” www.bpi-protec.com

Repsol and Saica sign new agreement to improve LDPE film circularity Repsol and Saica Natur have signed a new agreement to maximise the use of low-density polyethylene film (LDPE) waste and take a new step in the transition towards a circular economy. The project aims to achieve new polyolefins that incorporate postconsumer recycled material and ensure quality consistency for more demanding applications, from a technical point of view. Repsol says this agreement falls under its Reciclex project, promoting the circular economy of its materials.

“In an environment increasingly oriented to the circularity of resources, film waste recovery is a challenge and a business opportunity alike,” said Roberto Gómez, Circular Economy Manager at Repsol’s Chemicals Division. “The objective of this agreement is to offer new materials that meet the demanding requirements of the film market, combining the knowhow of both companies in waste management, plastic recycling and development of new polyolefin applications”. This agreement is also framed under the ‘Pact for a Circular Economy’ signed by Repsol and Saica in October 2017. www.repsol.com www.saica.com WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK

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Evonik commissions new multi-layer coextrusion plant for PMMA flat sheets

SABIC launches new film for demanding printed electronic substrates

Evonik has announced the official start-up of its new multi-layer coextrusion plant for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) flat films. In Weiterstadt, Germany, the company is now producing multilayer films with a width of 2,700 mm, the largest available format worldwide for PMMA flat films. The new plant extends the currently installed capacities and, due to the format width and the multi-layer coextrusion facility, it offers additional attractive potential, says Evonik. The company says manufacturers of facade materials will benefit from the new plant and markets with above average growth, such as countries in Asia, are looking for special quality features to cope with extreme weather conditions. “This investment is a systematic expansion of our portfolio of custom-tailored speciality sheets and it enables us to offer our customers new application opportunities,” said Michael Enders, who is responsible for the film business at Acrylic Products. “Our base PMMA material, supplemented with one or more additional functional layers, is the ideal material for such application cases. In more moderate climate zones, our products have already been used successfully for many years. With the coextruded PMMA films, we are creating access to new markets for our customers and are enabling more growth.”

SABIC has launched a new transparent high-heat film material designed to provide high thermal process stability and transparency for demanding printed electronic substrates. New Lexan CXT is based on polycarbonate (PC) based technology and combines optical clarity and high design flexibility with good thermal and dimensional stability at elevated process temperatures. The material was specially developed to provide a highperformance and cost-efficient solution for substrates in the rapidly growing flexible printed electronics market. Due to a glass transition temperature of 196°C, the film opens a wide manufacturing window to meet the required dimensional stability in thermally more demanding processes where higher process temperatures are required. At a typical thickness of 50 µm, it demonstrates a light transmittance of up to 90 per cent as well as extremely low yellowing, particularly over incumbent polyimide products. SABIC says these features, together with low haze, make the new film an ideal candidate for applications that must ensure long-term and glasslike transparent clarity. Besides substrates in flexible printed electronics, potential applications for LEXAN CXT film also include laminated structures, such as conductive layers for highend touch screens.

www.evonik.com

Ampacet launches new masterbatch to aid film processing Ampacet has introduced a new process aid masterbatch designed to assist in the processing of blown films intended for outdoor use. Proflow 400 is designed to outperform other process aids in the production of outdoor applications, such as agricultural greenhouse and low tunnel film, silage stretch wrapping film and industrial packaging, which require the combined use of Polymer Processing Aids (PPA) and Hindered Amine Light

SABIC’s new Lexan CXT f ilm for printed electronics “Substrates are an essential yet often neglected layer in many flexible printed electronic applications and can place undesired limitations on the production process when it comes to heat resistance,” said Ravi Menon, Global Business Manager Film for SABIC’s Functional Forms business. “Our new high-heat LEXAN CXT film has been engineered to overcome these constraints while at the same time offering excellent transmission, low haze and clarity compared to traditional high heat films.” www.sabic.com

Stabilisers (HALS) to allow the use of high-performance resins while extending the service life of the film by enhancing light stability. Because the use of HALS may affect the efficiency of processing aids, Proflow 400 is specifically designed for optimised performance in the presence of UV light stabilisers. Ampacet says it demonstrates minimised interactions with various UV HALS stabilisers, with excellent results in preventing die build-up and shark skin effects. www.ampacet.com

WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK

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

UK researchers develop edible and biodegradable food packaging film derived from plants University of Nottingham researchers have developed 100 per cent biodegradable and edible food packaging made from plant carbohydrates and proteins. The packaging has the potential to replace oil-based plastics materials whilst improved storage, safety, and shelf life. The research team worked on plastic films derived from konjac flour and starch, cellulose or proteins that are fully edible and harmless if accidently eaten by people or animals, unlike health issues associated with microplastics and other plastic waste that makes its way into the food chain. The researchers found that plant carbohydrate and protein macromolecules bond together into a special network structure during the film-forming process, and the network

DuPont Teijiin Films launches heat sealable polyester films DuPont Teijin Films has announced the launch of its new Mylar Harvest Fresh rPET range of hear sealable polyester films with up to 50 per cent post-consumer recycled rPET content.

structure provides the film with a required mechanical strength and transparent appearance for the film to be use as packaging materials. Professor Saffa Riffat, from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham, said: “While plastic materials have been in use for around a century, their poor degradability is now known to cause serious environmental harm. This has led to more stringent recycling targets and even bans coming into force. We need to find degradable solutions to tackle plastic pollution, and that is what we are working on.” The Professor said in addition to being edible, degradable, strong and transparent, the packaging materials we are working on have low gas permeability, making them more air tight. “This feature cuts moisture loss, which slows down spoilage, and seals in the flavour. This is of great importance for the quality, preservation, storage and safety of foods,” he concluded.

While plastic materials have been in use for around a century, their poor degradability is now known to cause serious environmental harm. This has led to more stringent recycling targets and even bans coming into force. We need to find degradable solutions to tackle plastic pollution, and that is what we are working on

www.nottingham.ac.uk

DuPont Teijin Films combines the unique heat seal properties of the Mylar Harvest Fresh range of films with base film made from food contact approved rPET polymer. The Mylar Harvest Fresh range offers waste and cost reduction benefits of top seal lidding, a lower carbon footprint product, and the ability to promote a clear

and consistent sustainability message with post-consumer recycled content in both tray and lid. The raw material has been sourced solely from one-way bottle deposit return schemes from Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. www.dupontteijinfilms.com

Example of the Mylar Harvest Fresh rPET range

WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK

BUYER’S GUIDE MATERIALS

pulse staking

MOULD RELEASE

MASTERBATCH

induction heating for platens and tools

Specialists in supplying Plastic Joining, Bonding and Assembly Solutions

Technologies:

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

BLACK & WHITE MASTERBATCH Compounding

Recycling

Moulding

Film

Pipe

Conduit

Whitelands Mill, Whitelands Road Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6UG, UK Tel: +44 (0)161 308 2550 Fax: +44 (0)161 343 2026 E-mail: aml@abbeymb.com Eclipse Guide_Layout Web: Buyers www.abbeymb.com

NUMBER ONE FOR PIPEWORK SYSTEMS MODULAR PIPEWORK - FAST ASSEMBLY - TIGHT CONNECTIONS

MF Induction Heating

Unit 5, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 7XN Replacement Coils New platens T: 01543 570642 E: sales@mﬁnduction.com W: www.mﬁnduction.com

HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS hot runner controllers

Tel UK: +44 7467 959240 Tel IRL: +353 1 8013261 Email: info@hte.ie

www.hte.ie

ultrasonic welding

1 07

jacob-uk.com E sales@jacob-uk.com T +44 1694 722841

colour masterbatch

CONTROL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT quality monitoring control 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

Kistler Instruments Ltd

T: 01256 741550 F: 01256 741551 E: sales.uk@kistler.com W: www.kistler.com Pressure transducers and associated monitoring/control equipment for new and existing injection moulding applications.

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

DRYERS

Ultrasonic Plastic Welders Make the WRIGHT choice UK Manufacturers est. over 60 years

Shredders Plastic separation Conveyors | Bailers Full recycling systems

01943 875104 sales@wrightsltd.co.uk

www.wrightsltd.co.uk

cleaning materials

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT ASSEMBLY hot plate welding Branson Ultrasonics

infrared welding HIGH TECH AND HIGH PASSION.

www.ChemTrend.com www.UltraPurge.com POLYMERS

   

Infrared Welding Ultrasonic Welding Hot Plate Welding Heat Staking

JOINING

Purging Compounds Release Agents Mould Maintenance

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

Find your perfect joining method.

www.frimo.com TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952519

New & Used

For Sale &

Wanted

Branson - Mecasonic - Telsonic

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

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

MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE

Tel; 01258 459257 Tel; 07730 413197

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

gravimetric/ volumetric blending

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

AM&LT PUGH KONGSKILDE MAIN DEALER

Telsonic UK Ltd

Unit 3 Vitrage Technical Park 27 Witney Road , Nufﬁeld Industrial Estate, Poole, Dorset BH17 0GL T: 01202 697340 F: 01202 693674 W: www.telsonic.com Blog: telsoniccuk.wordpress.com

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

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

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 hopper loaders

CHILLERS/ TEMPERATURE CONTROLLERS 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

WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK

BUYER’S GUIDE MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

ALUMINIUM MATERIAL STORAGE BINS

MIXING, FEEDING AND DOSING Motan Colortronic Ltd

Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterﬁeld Trading Estate, Chesterﬁeld S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

METAL DETECTION AND SEPARATION EQUIPMENT Motan Colortronic Ltd

Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterﬁeld Trading Estate, Chesterﬁeld S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952519 Magnetics Separators Metal Detectors Eddy Current Separators

Bunting Magnetics Europe Ltd European Design & Manufacturing Facility

Northbridge Road Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 1EH, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1442 875081 Email: sales@buntingeurope.com www.buntingeurope.com www.magneticseparation.co

/magnetic_separation_and_metal_detection/

Contact: Carlton Hicks

Off the shelf or made to order with very competitive pricing! COMPOUNDS

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

Standard sizes available: 80l, 200l, 420l, 830l. Contact us today on 01827 265800 or visit www.summitsystems.co.uk Prices start from £428 10% reduction with offer code:

BPR18

BUSINESS FOR SALE

SCREWS & BARRELS

Buying, Selling, Merging?

www.magog.co.uk

Magog Industries Ltd, 10 Crane Mead, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9PY T: +44(0)1920 465201 E: enquiries@magog.co.uk

01933 272747

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

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 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

Visit our workshop in Wellingborough, Northants.

Motan Colortronic Ltd

Industrial Plastics Ltd

• 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

We buy & sell all manner of plasscs equipment.

SECONDHAND AND RECONDITIONED ANGLO PLASTICS LTD

Buy/Sell Used Plastics Machinery Rutland Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1HX T: +44 (0) 1276 470910 T: +44 (0) 7740 632907 E: information@ angloplastics.com W: www.angloplastics.com

Cooper Plastics Machinery

Whatever your business needs, Richmond Capital Partners are the industry experts with a proven track record of guiding acquirers or sellers through the process of buying, selling and merging. Contact Paul Holohan in complete confidence on 07798 530684

MOULD CHANGE

Injection Moulding Rubber Compression Ancillary Equipment Machine Servicing Your Complete Solution Provider Tel: +44 (0)1978 421761 www.panstone.eu

FOR SALE Manchester Plastics

PVC / CABLE REGRIND / WASHED, SCREENED & DRIED / SUPPLIED IN ONE TONNE BULK BAGS @ £80.00 per tonne + VAT ex.works Available now from sales@macnchesterplastics.com Or call us on 01260 224010

TESTING EQUIPMENT hardness - IRHD and shore MAPRA Technik Co — BAREISS For Bareiss of Germany IRHD & SHORE hardness testers, Abrasion & Rebound testers. T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk

inspection & measurement MAPRA Technik Co – DOSS – MARCEL AUBERT – KAFER

richmondcapitalpartners.com

FOR SALE

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.

POLYMERS

• • • •

HOPPER LOADERS

SCREEN CHANGERS

Design, Manufacture, and Refurbishment of Screws & Barrels for the Plastics and Rubber Industries.

Refurbished machines with fault and leak free guarantee.

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

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

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

www.quick-mould-change.com

DTL Machinery UK

NOZZLES AND NOZZLE TIPS Engineers to the Plastics & Rubber industries, specialising in the following: Screw & Barrel Manufacture Screw & Barrel Refurbishment Tie Bar Repair & Manufacture Screw Tip Assemblies Feed Liners, Plain & Grooved 100 Tonne Screw & Barrel Press Bimetallic Barrel Blanks up to 50 mm In Stock Please e-mail or phone Karl for more info. E. info@tws-mail.co.uk T. 01706 655402 W. www.tws-ltd.com Technical Welding Services (Rochdale) Ltd

- 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

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

SECOND HAND AND RE-CONDITIONED TRAINING

‘USED INJECTION MOULDING MACHINERY DEALERS’

Single Machines to whole plants purchased Tel: David 07540 633552 info@plasticinvestments.co.uk www.plasticinvestments.co.uk

WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK

BUYER’S GUIDE 3D PRINTING

3D Printing

in Plastic & Rubber

TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952519

PRINTERS

printers of plastic mouldings Total Print Ltd

Tel: 01420 88645 www.cdg.uk.com

TESTING/ CONSULTANCY

Specialist Pad Printers Station Road, Gedney Hill, Lincolnshire PE12 0NP T: 01406 330122 F: 01406 330123 E: info@totalprintltd.com W: www.totalprintltd.com Sub-Contract Pad Printers to the Plastics Industry

COMPONENT PRINTERS TAMPO.SCREEN.FOIL

Contour Marking Co Ltd Albert house, Gledrid Industrial Park, Chirk ,Wrexham, LL14 5DG T: 01691 770093 F: 01691 770023 Sub Contract Tampo, Screen & Foil Printing to the plastic moulding industry E: sales@contourmarking.com W: www.contourmarking.com

Gammadot Rheology Testing & Consultancy Services

SERVICES CONSULTANCY

CONSULTANCY

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

TROUBLESHOOTING MOLDFLOW ANALYSIS PRECISION PROTOTYPE PLASTIC PARTS TRAINING

Mould Tool Design CAD CAM software

INJECTION MOULDING 3D LASER SCANNING

01743 213 007 sales@plastic-it.co.uk

MOULDFLOW ANALYSIS

plastic-it.co.uk

Tel: 01420 88645 www.cdg.uk.com

SOFTWARE DIRECTORY A listing in the Software Directory costs £160 per programme per year. Call Mandy O’Brien on 01244 952519 for details. REAL TIME PRODUCTION MONITORING, SCHEDULING AND PROCESS MONITORING Epicor Mattec Real-time MES (Microsoft Windows™ PC Servers & “Web Based”) Epicor Software (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1344 468 468 E: info.uk@epicor.com

Modules: Production Monitoring, Process Monitoring, “Drag and Drop” Scheduling/Planning, “Family Moulding”, Preventative Maintenance, Bar Coding/Parts’ Trace-ability, Operator Visual Aids, Process Parameter Profiling, E-mail/ Public Address System Alerts, Standalone “Drag and Drop” Scheduler, Stand-alone SPC “Machine Analyzer”, Machine Energy Monitoring, KPI Dashboards, Visual Manufacturing (Large LED Displays), Automatic Data Import/Export Functions (For Integration with Epicor ERP & Other Manufacturing Systems/Software Packages). PlantMaster BMS Vision Ltd T: 01254 662244, E: sales.bla@visionbms.com Website: www.visionbms.com/ plastics. Affordable and flexible MES system for the plastics/rubber industry. Realtime production monitoring features wireless data units and OPC Ethernet machine connections. “Drag & drop” job scheduling supports frame/insert level family tooling plus KAN BAN. ERP system integration, SPC/SQC, Touch Screen Data Units, Machine Maintenance, Operator Tracking, Traceability, DNC, Energy Monitoring, Bar Coding, Pager Alerts. Easy to use systems from a €600m company with over 30 years experience. intouch T: 01604 537100 E: enquiries@ intouchmonitoring.com Website: www.intouchmonitoring.com Real-time production monitoring systems. Designed to be easy to use and providing affordable solutions to all sizes of businesses. Production monitoring, scheduling, reporting, data import/export, databases for parts, tools and operators, integration with other software packages. ProHelp EPM (for Microsoft Windows™ PC Servers) Mattec Ltd T: 01909 561544 F: 01909 560675 E: a.jewell@mattec.com Real-time Modules: Production Monitoring, ‘Drag and Drop’

WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK

Scheduling/Planning, Preventative Maintenance, Bar Coding/Parts Traceability, Operator Visual Aids, Process Parameter Profiling, Pager/ Tannoy Alerts, Stand-alone ‘Drag and Drop’ Scheduler, Stand-alone SPC Machine Analyzer, Automatic Data Import/Export Functions (for integration to Manufacturing Systems and other software packages).

ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING

Epicor ERP Manufacturing Software (For Plastics’/Rubber Processors) Epicor Software (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1344 468 468 E: info.uk@epicor.com Epicor ERP software for the polymer converting industry covers the full range of back office operations from on-line and off-line sales and quotations to production planning, inventory management and finance through to logistics, warehousing and distribution. Available on-site, hosted & SaaS it seamlessly integrates with Epicor Mattec Real-time MES to provide a single system that offers a complete quote-to-cash solution for the plastics’/rubber industries.

PROCESS OPTIMISATION SOFTWARE RJG Technologies Ltd Moulding Technology T: +44 (0)1733 232211 E info@rjginc.co.uk

Zero Defect Moulding – What’s your target? • Cycle time reduction • Reduced scrap rates • Improved process capability • Higher yield and OEE PRO-OP™ software provides a stepby-step procedure for optimising the injection moulding process to deliver optimum quality products at the most favourable cycle time. PRO-OP™ is a server based application which, by setting an optimum moulding process, highlights weaknesses and problems in relation to part design, mould design, mould construction, moulding equipment efficiency, moulding equipment specification and material selection. The moulding process is documented with explanations for each key process parameter setting demonstrating the processing conditions and equipment contributions to the final result. PRO-OP™ is aimed at companies whose focus is quality and consistent part manufacture. PRO-OP™ supports companies by providing a documented and structured validation protocol which is recognised in the in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. 49

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NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE

IN IN THE ONGOING SERIES OF HIS EXCLUSIVE COLUMN, THE FIRST INSTALMENT OF 2019 SEES THE BPF’S DIRECTORGENERAL, PHILIP LAW, REFLECT ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A MAJOR NEW PLASTICS WASTE ALLIANCE, DISCUSS THE ONGOING BREXIT SAGA AND EXPLAIN WHY HOPE IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD ALL HAVE.

he announcement about the creation of the ‘Alliance To End Plastics Waste’ is great cause for optimism. It’s backed up by a $1 billion fund, with a prospect of that increasing to $1.5 billion. We will be able to point to a very substantial action taken by the global plastics industry to address the problem at its major source, Asia. Thirty companies are currently contributing. It’s a whole supply chain initiative with the Presidency being filled by the CEO of Proctor and Gamble. The bulk of the funders are global polymer supply companies, including some prominent members of the BPF. The Alliance is emphatically not a lobbying organisation. It is all about funding and managing projects which make a practical difference. It wants to partner with major cities, especially those along rivers where there is poor waste management infrastructure and it will provide innovative technologies to prevent ocean waste. It will focus on the 10 major rivers which are responsible for carrying the largest amounts of land borne waste into the sea. It will also try to actually clean up areas of concentrated waste. These themes and more will be covered in the ‘Identiplast’ conference to be held in London at the QE II Centre in Westminster on March 7th-8th. Organised by PlasticsEurope with the BPF, it will provide an unrivalled opportunity to network with global experts on plastics waste management. For more information contact my colleague, Paul Baxter, at the BPF. “PERSISTENT” BREXIT CONCERNS Our recent survey of member firms on their attitude to Brexit underlined persistent concerns. Two thirds of participating companies did not expect Brexit to benefit their business, in contrast to the seven per cent who thought it would. You can read in full the results of the survey on page 11 of this issue of BP&R. As I write, I have just been alerted to the sombre news of the planned closure of the Philips Avent plant in Glemsford, not just bad news for its employees, but also for suppliers of materials and equipment, not to mention suppliers of local services. Whilst Brexit was not the only cause, it certainly provided a gloomy backdrop to decision taking in Philips. We are urging the leaders of the major political parties to reach an early agreement based on the national interest and not on political advantage to individual parties or factions.

HAVE A LITTLE HOPE The Headmaster at my son’s school opened the first assembly of the new term with the message that it is the very duty of a human being to have hope. I fully agree with this sentiment. It has never been more relevant than today. When everything else is stripped away, hope is all that we can have. Our current predicament, shaped, for example, by the increased public interest in plastics and by the Brexit debate, and one can add in the rise of populism in politics to boot, stems from one root cause and that is the growing disregard for wisdom based on knowledge. Knowledge no longer appears to matter. But our hope lies in the education of the next generation. The BPF’s Polymer Ambassadors’ programme aims to help companies interface with schools and to communicate knowledge about plastics and related subjects, but also let’s make sure that young people have a sense of history and that the lessons of the past are not lost. THE PAST INSPIRING THE FUTURE The past can provide inspiring examples of behaviour and achievement. I was reminded of this in early January when I learnt of the recent, sad loss of two very important figures in the BPF’s heritage. One was Geoff Stanley, General Manager of the BPF from the mid 1950’s to the mid 70s. A Cambridge graduate, he’d joined the BPF just after being demobbed after the War. It was Geoff who negotiated the insertion of the UK’s plastics materials and products into the European Free Trade Association’s trading arrangements. He was also the author of the BPF’s history, ‘The Moulding of an Industry’. The second was someone I knew much more closely, Dick Finnis, President of the BPF in the early 90s. He was a man of impeccable courtesy with a wide-ranging mind. If anyone was endowed with ‘helicopter vision’, it was certainly Dick. In the late 1980’s he foresaw the emergence of the environmental issue as a serious threat to the industry and was insistent that defensiveness was not the answer. He was supportive of all attempts to strengthen the professionalism of the BPF. Two figures from a rapidly receding past, but they certainly live on as vital source of inspiration to me, and, I’m sure, to many in their respective families, today. www.bpf.co.uk

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MAY