British Plastics
and Rubber
bp&r JAN/feb 2015
Making efficiency
ROCKET
Summit Systems launches NEW weight control dryer with 25% discount > turn to page 4 All-Electric: What’s Holding Us Back?
Polymer Materials Outlook and Review
Ringing the Changes for Recycling Regulation
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PLASTICS FUEL CONVERSATION
AT THE START OF 2015
BRITISH PLASTICS &RUBBER
www.britishplastics.co.uk EDITORIAL
group Editor: Leanne Taylor T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: leanne@rapidnews.com
SALES
Group Advertising Manager: Lisa Montgomery T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: lisa@rapidnews.com
ART SAM HAMLYN T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: sam@rapidnews.com
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PUBLISHER
Mark Blezard T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: mark@rapidnews.com British Plastics & Rubber is available on free subscription to readers qualifying under the publisher’s terms of control. Those outside the criteria may subscribe at the following annual rates: UK: £80 Europe and rest of the world: £115 British Plastics & Rubber is published monthly (8 times/year) by Rapid Plastics Media Ltd, Carlton House, Sandpiper Way, Chester Business Park, CH4 9QE T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 F: +44 (01244) 671074 © 2015 Rapid Plastics Media Ltd While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained within this publication is accurate the publisher accepts no liability for information published in error, or for views expressed. All rights for British Plastics & Rubber are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. ISSN 0307-6164 Incorporating Polymer Age and Rubber and Plastics Age.
H
appy New Year and welcome to the first edition of BP&R for 2015. The year has already got off to a busy start, with two key tradeshows occurring in the first two months. As we go to press, PlastIndia, which has moved from New Delhi to Gujarat, has just concluded, and Arabplast, which was held in early January, has proven to be hugely successful for the UK exhibitors we spoke to during, and after, the show. The MENA and Indian plastics markets hold particular opportunities for those supplying the packaging sector, a trend that’s fuelling the industry both in these emerging markets and closer to home. Testament to this, packaging is in part responsible for the rising number of injection moulding machines being sold into the UK. Nigel Flowers, Chairman of the PPMDA, tells me that this is fuelling success for machinery manufacturers, as the big automotive projects begin to wane. “After racing away, investment is slowing within the automotive industry while the packaging and precision sectors are anticipated to be the biggest growth areas in 2015,” he said.
Other key trends, predictions and forecasts for the coming year in the UK plastics industry are also reported this issue, as we bring you our exclusive ‘Plastics Materials Outlook and Review’ on pages 17-19, as well as a thought piece from the recycling industry’s Chris Dow on page 45 on how 2015 could be the year for change in the sector.
The MENA and Indian plastics markets hold particular opportunities for those supplying the packaging sector, a trend that’s fuelling the industry both in these emerging markets and closer to home.
Finally, don’t miss our preview of the industry’s next big gathering, NPE, which is being held in Orlando, Florida, from March 23-27. We’ll be reporting live from the show, so don’t forget to look out for breaking news.
Enjoy the issue. Leanne Taylor, Editor
Machinery aside, materials are also in the spotlight. The recent statement issued by the EFSA announcing that current exposure levels of BPA pose “no risk” at current levels should result in some interesting decisions by those countries that have chosen to ban its use.
bp&r
THE BIG STORY New dryer from Summit Systems
takes the weight off
T
he new ‘Weight Control Dryer’ available from Summit Systems is the latest technology to reach the UK by Italian manufacturer Plastic Systems, renowned for its quality and innovation. Drying can be undertaken to the gram with virtually zero residual wastage and material TAMWORTH-BASED changeover times slashed to ANCILLARIES PROVIDER, zero.
SUMMIT SYSTEMS, IS CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH OF A NEW ROTOR WHEEL DRYER THAT CHAMPIONS EFFICIENCY, TRACEABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY BY OFFERING A 25
PERCENT
DISCOUNT ON ORDERS PLACED FOR THE PRODUCT BEFORE THE END OF APRIL.
Testament to this, Schneider Electric, one of the biggest electric components manufacturers in Germany, said: “We have found our Weight Control Dryer to be extremely reliable, cutting costs by adding a level of precision to processing. Material and energy costs are down whilst production has risen.” Summit Systems says the dryer is designed to run with the user in mind concentrating on energy saving, easy cleandown and traceability. “Designed as a fully automated process, the Weight Control Dryer saves considerably on set up time and can be standalone or part of a centralised system, depending on processing requirements. In addition, integration of a feeding system enables accurate
management of throughput, releasing operators to focus on value adding tasks whilst cutting out user errors,” explained Mike Jordan, Managing Director of Summit Systems. Material is saved via the load cell’s accuracy, which enables the precise monitoring of throughput and traceability of the system. Continuous monitoring guarantees an adjustable and constant dew point cutting out waste from over drying. With the dryer programmed to stop processing when a hopper is empty, operators find virtually no material to empty during colour changes, reducing clean down from hours to a handful of minutes. The precision drying action eliminates the need to store (and then try to remember to use) residual materials. With many manufacturers now taking into account the cost per square metre of machinery to monitor plant efficiency, the compact nature of the Weight Control Dryer ensures a reduced floor space, which can be taken up by additional processing capability. “With energy remaining a major cost headache for manufacturers, the real revolution on this machine is the way it responds to information gathered from the load cells,” continued Jordan. “The main process blower is driven by an inverter which adjusts automatically to throughput information. Energy saving events such as a material level adjustment inside the drying hopper are triggered, all with zero operator input. This equates to up to 65 percent savings when compared with other drying systems.” The technical prowess of the dryer is complimented by its simplicity, says Summit. A comprehensive, editable material database is held inside the unit, storing information on airflow, drying temperature, drying time and dew point. The operator simply picks the relevant material from the list, or uploads customised mixes via a few simple steps.
“WITH MANY MANUFACTURERS NOW TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE COST PER SQUARE METRE OF MACHINERY TO MONITOR PLANT EFFICIENCY, THE COMPACT NATURE OF THE WEIGHT CONTROL DRYER ENSURES A REDUCED FLOOR SPACE, WHICH CAN BE TAKEN UP BY ADDITIONAL PROCESSING CAPABILITY.”
Plastics Systems’ range of dryers and ancillary equipment is backed by Summit Systems, via a full integration and after sales services, combined with a technical team holding several years of combined experience.
Summit is offering the new Dryer, with the 25 percent discount, under supplier guarantee and as part of its ‘try before you buy’ promise. To find our more information and secure the discount on the SDWC series of Weight Control Dryers, please email info@summitsystems.co.uk or call 01827 265800 quoting ‘Intelligent Dryer Discount’. www.summitsystems.co.uk 4
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bp&r BRITISH
contents
PLASTICS &RUBBER
JAN/FEB 2015
on the cover MAKING EFFICIENCY ROCKET Tamworth-based ancillaries provider, Summit Systems, is celebrating the launch of a new rotor wheel dryer that champions efficiency, traceability and accountability. SEE PAGE 4
24 ]FEATURE MO’S CORNER
Summing up dosing technology
26-30 FEATURE
NPE: LARGER THAN LIFE
3
Leanne Taylor previews the show’s biggest outing yet
EDITOR’S LETTER
Plastics fuel conversation at the start of 2015
14 FEATURE
REGULARS
INDUSTRY NEWS
08
reclamation and recycling
42
Materials
46
BUYERS’ GUIDE
48
SOFTWARE
50
news from the frontline
51
*Correction to article published in November/December 2014 issue, pages 18-19: Please note, the name of the SABO stabiliser is ‘SABO®STAB’. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
32 FEATURE pvc and vinyls
Plasticisers industry calls for streamlined chemical regulation
ARABPLAST: GO EAST AND PROSPER
Leanne Taylor reports on the MENA region’s biggest plastics, petrochemicals and rubber tradeshow and the opportunities it offers.
39 FEATURE
injection moulding
All-Electric: What’s holding the UK back?
17 FEATURE
MATERIALS OUTLOOK AND REVIEW 2015
Mike Boswell reflects on the past 12 months and outlines his predictions for the thermoplastic polymer market for the coming year.
6
41 NEW
TALKING TECHNICAL
Exclusive to BP&R, our new series of regular articles look at how injection moulders can improve productivity
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INDUSTRY | NEWS Provocative plastics will ignite debate at upcoming conference A new conference focusing on design in plastics, from the controversial to the essential, is being held in Bournemouth in 2015.
The inaugural event, being held on 17th-18th September, will provide an international forum for scholars, art and design practitioners, as well as members of the plastics industry to examine the past, present and potential of plastics in a balanced way. Organisers say the conference, which will be held at the Arts University, Bournemouth, is designed to “play a key role in developing
a realistic understanding of the meaning of plastics for society and in influencing how plastics are perceived and deployed in the future.” More information is available on the Conference website: http:// provocativeplastics.com
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The EFSA has concluded that BPA does not pose a risk at current levels
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EFSA STUDY FINDS “NO CONSUMER HEALTH RISK FROM BISPHENOL A EXPOSURE” The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its final scientific opinion on the safety of Bisphenol A (BPA), concluding that it poses “no health risk to consumers of any age group at current exposure levels”. The EFSA conclusion is consistent with the recent clear statement confirming the safety of BPA in food contact materials from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many other government bodies, for example Health Canada, have also evaluated the scientific evidence on BPA and reached similar conclusions. Applying a comprehensive weight-of-evidence approach to all relevant studies on BPA, and using a more refined methodology, EFSA’s scientific experts have set a lifetime safe intake level, known as the tolerable daily intake (TDI). Notably, the safe level conservatively takes into account remaining uncertainties about potential health effects of BPA. Considering all sources of exposure together, the expert panel concluded: “BPA poses no health risk to consumers of any age group.” It is anticipated that EFSA will revisit the TDI, which is currently designated as temporary, to incorporate the results of ongoing US governmental studies, which were designed to resolve remaining uncertainties about the safety of BPA. The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has issued a statement to say it “fully supports” the findings of the EFSA review and its conclusions, which provide an “authoritative approval of the continued safe use of products produced using Bisphenol A.”
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NPE / Orlando / Florida / 23.-27.3.2015 West Hall Level 2 / W5673
Bertrand Piccard (right) and Bernd Rothe try the use of parts made from polyurethane rigid foam in the cockpit.
HIGH TECH PLASTICS PREPARE PLANE FOR RECORD-BREAKING FLIGHT The countdown to the first attempt to fly around the globe without using any fuel has started this week, made possible by a plane powered by plastics. Details of the Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) project, unveiled recently by the project’s co-founders and pilots, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, include a number of innovative products and solutions that
EUROPEAN PLASTICS INDUSTRY EXPECTS GROWTH IN 2015 Plastics production in Europe grew by 1.5 percent in 2014 and is on course to continue this positive trend in 2015, according to the industry trade association, PlasticsEurope. European plastics producers benefited from the recovery of its customers’ industries, such as the automotive, electrical appliance and construction sectors; gaining momentum in the second half of 2014. Although European plastics production remains far from pre-crisis levels, this growth is expected to continue (+1 percent) in 2015. “The plastics industry is a key contributor to the reindustrialisation of Europe due to its knock-on effect on other key areas of the economy,” explained Karl- H. Foerster, Executive Director, PlasticsEurope.“Access to competitive energy and raw materials, support for innovation and training,
make the aircraft especially lightweight and energy efficient, including insulating material for the cockpit from Bayer MaterialScience. Bayer’s high-tech materials are used to ensure the solo pilot can endure the strains that the five consecutive days and nights in an unpressurised cabin will impart, as well as being crucial for the design of the plane itself. One material the company is providing for this purpose is Baytherm Microcell, which is used for the aircraft door. Its insulating performance is as much as 10 percent greater than the current standard, says Bayer. The rest of the cockpit shell is made of a different type of rigid
investment in innovation as well as a consistent and complementary regulation will create the right conditions for our industry to continue to make a meaningful contribution to European economy and society at large.” PlasticsEurope presented its most recent economic data for the plastics industry at a round table on 22 January in Brussels, showing the overall trends for 2014 and 2015 of the European plastics industry.
polyurethane foam. Bayer also supplies a polyurethane/carbon fibre composite material for the door locks, as well as thin sheets of transparent, highperformance polycarbonate for the window. Outside the cockpit, rigid polyurethane foam is used to insulate the batteries. The company also provides the raw materials for the silvery coating covering large portions of the aircraft and the adhesives that hold the textile fabric in place underneath the wings. WWW.SOLARIMPULSE.COM WWW.MATERIALSCIENCE.BAYER.COM
BIRMINGHAM PLASTICS MANUFACTURER SECURES FUNDING FOR EXPANSION A Birmingham-based plastic and composites manufacturer has received major funding to help support its expansion and improvement plans. Thermotec Plastics, which supplies engineered solutions in vacuum forming and polyurethane mouldings, successfully received funding approval from Birmingham City Council that it will use to target more business from major OEMs and recruit extra personnel in a bid to achieve its annual turnover growth plans of circa £1.5M. The project is on track to be completed in the second quarter of 2015 and as well as recruiting an additional 11 staff, Thermotec has taken steps to upskill its existing workforce. WWW.THERMOTECPLASTICS.CO.UK
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STUDENTS PUT PEDAL TO THE METAL FOR DESIGN COMPETITION Students from Universities across the UK have been tasked with changing perceptions as they look to enhance the design of some of the most traditional metal-based products with polymers. The challenge is part of the competition brief for this year’s ‘Design Innovation in Plastics Award’, which is asking entrants to select a product traditionally made from metal and replace it with a next-generation upgrade using only plastics. “The idea behind the theme this year is to prove that, despite rapid advances in technology, polymer materials that display an equally impressive range of properties are often not considered as viable alternative to replace traditional metal components,” explained Sylvia Katz, Design Innovation in Plastics CoOrdinator. “This brief challenges them to come up with a fresh take on the original product and to incorporate novel design improvements that reflect modern living.” The students have been asked to justify the practical benefits of plastics when replacing metals in the chosen application, such as strength to weight ratio, the ability to integrate innovative features that increase product functionality, as well as manufacturing cost viability. The product also needs to consider the use of plastics in the context of user experience. The winning product will be judged by a panel of industry experts, looking for imaginative applications of advances in plastics additive technology, cosmetic surface finishes, conductivity and in biodegradability. The Design Innovation in Plastics Award has been running since 1985 and offers unique benefits to its finalists: a mentoring scheme to help them take their products closer to commercial
Esterform acquires Constar UK Independent converter of PET in the UK, Esterform Packaging Limited, has announced that it has acquired the business of Constar UK. Esterform manufactures
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Michael Tougher was crowned the winner of last year’s Design Innovation in Plastics (DIP) competition
realisation and, for the first time this year, the opportunity of realising their designs as 3D printed parts from a CAD generated model. Last year’s winner, Michael Tougher from Glasgow School of Arts (pictured), is now in conversation with Hasbro, one of the world’s largest toy makers, after winning a work placement there. As a media partner to the competition,
1.5 billion PET preforms and containers from its two sites in Tenbury Wells and Leeds. This acquisition, it says, will take the group’s overall capability to in excess of three billion units. “The two companies manufacture very similar products with a good deal of
BP&R will be following its progress closely, and will be giving regular updates on judging sessions as well as featuring an interview with the overall winner in our July/August issue. Registered students are reminded that the final date to submit their entries is 20th February. WWW.DESIGNINNOVATIONPLASTICS.ORG
duplicate tooling, so it makes perfect sense to merge Constar into the Esterform group,” commented Esterform’s founder, Mark Tyne. Esterform has previously expanded its business with the acquisition of both Able Industries and PetPlas
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Packaging since its formation in 2000. The acquisition of Constar goes alongside Esterform’s announcement three weeks ago of its £8 million investment in state of the art manufacturing technology. www.esterform.com
Comment: UK market ‘buzz’ to continue for machinery suppliers in 2015
I
In
t looks as though UK plastics machinery suppliers had a bumper 2014; early reports suggest that the market saw the largest investment in capital equipment in the last 10 years. According to the EEF January Executive Survey, the outlook for our sector in 2015 remains equally as strong with our exclusive 38 percent of companies expecting a column, Nigel further increase in business, leading Flowers, all other manufacturing sectors.
Chairman of the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA) looks back on the successes seen by UK plastics machinery suppliers last year as well as his predictions of trends to come in the next 12 months.
2014 was a very good year for injection moulders, with significant investment across the board, driven by significant continuing investment in automotive. The PMMDA market survey data is being collected as this goes to press, but we expect to revise our estimates for machine imports up for the second time in a year, expecting the total UK market to be around 650-700 machines with a value of £65-70million. The “buzz” in the market was experienced first-hand by a strong and successful Interplas 2014, generating a number of positive leads for members.
What has been a little surprising is electric machine (eIMM) sales which, at around 20 percent, have remained relatively constant over the last few years, and we have until now not seen the continued growth in eIMM machines we expected. One key reason is the ROI for electric machinery, historically, this was around eight years, but this has fallen significantly over the last decade to around three. With increases in machine performance and the closing gap in price, I expect the market share of eIMM to increase significantly in the coming years. There are some clouds on the horizon, however, the recent GDP figures for the last quarter of 2014 showed a cooling in manufacturing in general, the economic situation in Europe remains uncertain and with many UK moulders exporting into the EU the effect of FX swings or all of these may hold back investment. We should also not forget that we have an election on the way… FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PMMDA, VISIT WWW.PMMDA.ORG.UK
ARABPLAST REVIEW:
GO EAST AND PROSPER Words | Leanne Taylor
I
f Arabplast 2015 was anything to go by, a stand at the show not only acted as an opportunity to explore the market, but also to steak your claim in it, with a number of exhibitors telling me that they were there to “see and be seen”.
The show acts as a central location for exhibitors to target not only the Middle East, but also as a stepping-stone to surrounding regions. “Arabplast DEFINED AS THE LARGEST is truly international,” Peter PLASTICS, PETROCHEMICALS Turner, Sales Manager at AND RUBBER INDUSTRY UK-based Atlas, told BP&R at TRADE SHOW IN THE MENA the show. “For us, we get an overview of India, Pakistan, COUNTRIES, ARABPLAST 2015 Saudi Arabia, North Africa and DESCRIBES ITSELF AS THE more – so for a small show “FASTEST” WAY TO ENTER it attracts a lot of different THE VAST REGION’S GROWING markets meaning you get MARKETS. BP&R VISITED an overview of the needs of THE SHOW TO EXPLORE THE several regions.”
OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY THE REGION AND HOW IT IS RESPONDING TO ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHANGES.
It’s very apparent that despite the aisles not moving at the often-frantic pace of the European and American peershows, lack of business there certainly is not at Arabplast. The quality of the visitors, as opposed to the quantity, was commented on by several of the exhibiting companies I spoke to, as well as the use of the show as a meeting point to see existing customers. “On the first day we met three or four new people who came to us with interesting new projects. For some companies that might be classed as a slow year, but three or four new customers is a positive experience for us,” added Turner. Chris Plant, exhibiting with Ipswich-based Ashe Converting Equipment, said: “We already have quite a big market here in the Middle East. For us it’s a case of coming and meeting existing customers as well as the potential to meet new ones. It’s a very international show and one which is growing in importance in the eyes of the market.” The show’s growth, according to its organisers, has been a product of the rapid increase of plastic consumption in the Middle East. This is due in part to both the growing population as well as a growing middle class – all with more expendable income. Along with this growth has come the demand for better and more innovative products and materials giant, Borouge, was quick to affirm its loyalty to its native market by announcing its
14
commitment to help the region become “self sufficient” in the production of plastic products. “The domestic supply of finished plastic goods is growing, but we still see a lot of import from other regions, meaning there is room for increase in this sector across the Middle East,” commented Khalfan Al Muhairi, Vice President for Sales in the Middle East for Borouge. Al Muhairi explained that demand in the areas of advanced rigid flexible packaging and products for infrastructure was driving investment and innovation in materials in the local area. “What we notice is the ongoing adoption of new trends. For rigid packaging I’m looking at the use of HDPE closures in the carbonated drinks market, which is driving environmental performance and cost in this application. We are also seeing an increase in the production of thin wall packaging using in-mould labelling technology. Consequently, Borouge is investing heavily in innovation to support these trends in a sustainable way.” This growing demand for self-sufficiency, resulting in considerable investment in equipment and technology in the region is certainly something that has been positive for UK process cooling specialists, IsoCool. The company has experienced “incredible success” in the Middle East over the last few years, according to the company’s Managing Director, Nigel Hallet. “Our first contract in the region was the supply and installation of a major cooling system for Neproplast, a plastic extrusion company which is part of IKK, the largest construction group in the Middle East,” Hallett told BP&R. “This proved to be the platform for ongoing success. Most recently we’ve secured a significant contract involving the supply of a high performance turnkey chilled water system for Al Zamil Industry for Trade and Transportation, one of the Middle East’s leading water tank manufacturers. Furthermore, we have a lot of MENAbased projects in the pipeline.” The company said that it made “perfect sesnse” therefore, for it to ehibit at Arabplast 2015, which it did alongside Eurochiller.
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
“Arabplast 2015 did not disappoint. The show itself attracted a good number of visitors from all over the MENA region, most of whom were decision makers, such as CEOs, Vice Presidents and Managing Directors. Those whom we spoke to expressed real interest in IsoCool’s services, especially as we are able to provide everything from pipework and installation to after sales and maintenance. IsoCool was also the only company at the show with the expertise to evaluate systems – there were a few Chinese and Indian companies selling equipment, and a couple of others promoting some cooling services, but we were the only ones able to provide the whole package,” Hallett explained. “What was really apparent is that comprehensive cooling expertise is severely lacking in the region, yet it is highly valued by manufacturers. As a result we have a whole raft of enquires, which took three of us around four hours to sort and prioritise.” IsoCool told BP&R it has immediate plans to return to the Middle East – twice in February in fact – with the pull so strong in the region that the company’s next step is to open an office there.
Other technologies that were creating interest at the show were those for recycling. Several exhibitors told us that the MENA region was “finally waking up to the realisation that you cannot just waste plastics”. The feeling amongst those we spoke to was an emerging market for recycling machinery developing in the Middle East, although they were not expecting big investment at the moment due to the current low price of raw materials. “There is absolutely potential in the GCC and an up and coming market for recycling and recycled goods but we don’t expect to see the uptake this year as raw materials prices are so low,” commented Paul Niedl, Head of Sales for Recycling Technology, at Austria-based Starlinger. “However, this region is becoming much more aware of the importance of recycling and sustainability and we have had several conversations with visitors about our products.”
“ARABPLAST 2015 DID NOT DISAPPOINT. THE SHOW ITSELF ATTRACTED A GOOD NUMBER OF VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE MENA REGION, MOST OF WHOM WERE DECISION MAKERS, SUCH AS CEOS, VICE PRESIDENTS, AND MANAGING DIRECTORS.
It will be interesting to see how the market has developed between now and its next outing, due to take place 8-10 January 2017. WWW.ARABPLAST.INFO
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Polymer raw material prices: 2014 REVIEW AND 2015 OUTLOOK Fig 3
2014 Review Whilst the final two months of 2014 were heavily influenced by the rapid decline in crude oil prices, the first 10 months of the year were very steady. As depicted in Fig 1, the As 2015 gets well underway, increased volatility Mike Boswell reflects on was really just a the activity and pricing that function of the price influenced the UK polymer decreases that took materials market in 2014 effect in the final two and gives BP&R an exclusive months of the year. outlook as what the industry The price similarity can expect from the year over the past four ahead, taking into account years is really quite oil prices, exchange rates remarkable, with a and the economy. range on average of just over £73. The greatest volatility was recorded in 2012, although the total range recorded some £330 between the low and high in 2012. Fig 1: Polyolefins Basket
2011 2012 2013 2014 2014 (Jan-Oct)
Feedstock
Change (contract)
C2 (Ethylene) C3 (Propylene) Styrene Benzene Brent Crude
-£102.89 -£94.98 -£229.52 -£159.08 -£22.96 Fig 5
Min
Max
Average
Range
Volatilty
£1,143.19 £998.34 £1,178.07 £1,075.70
£1,255.52 £1,327.89 £1,312.98 £1,254.23
£1,255.52 £1,193.65 £1,252.85 £1,182.12
£112.33 £329.55 £134.91 £178.53
9% 26% 11% 14%
£1,146.99
£1,254.23
£1,200.66
£107.24
9%
continuing record low interest rates and strong rates of economic growth. Within the manufacturing sector, plastics were noted for their strong performance; supported by the robust automotive sector and the strong recovery in the housing and construction sectors. However, as the UK’s major trading partner, the economic woes of Europe continue to give cause for concern and this is clearly influencing the view that financial markets have on the future performance of UK PLC.
2015 Outlook
Fig 2
The crude oil and feedstock derivative prices were clear drivers in terms of polymer pricing. After an initial slow decline in oil price, which started around June, the rate of price erosion gained real momentum in November as markets reacted violently to the surplus in crude oil supply. (Fig 2). Whilst the reaction of feedstock was more muted, the initial reaction in Naphtha and Benzene can clearly be seen taking place in September and October, with C2, C3 and Styrene all rapidly following suit. (Fig 3).
commodity polymers, the GBP to USD rate tends to affect the Engineering Polymers, where imports of these products from Asia tend to be dollarderived. In the first half of the year the GBP strengthened against the USD. However, the USD then strengthened significantly with rates heading down to 1.50 by early 2015. The continuing economic issues in the Eurozone resulted in the Euro weakening, and by early 2015 the GBP to Euro had exceeded 1.30 for the first time since the banking crisis in 2008. (Fig 4 overleaf).
Another key factor influencing polymer prices here in the UK is exchange rates.Where the GBP to Euro exchange rate is highly influential on the more
From a general economic perspective, the UK economy continued to perform well in 2014, with further increases in employment rates, low inflation, WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
For the first time since January 2009, prices have fallen at the start of the New Year. As can be seen in Fig 5 above, the influence of feedstock was irresistible. That said, producers managed to improve their margins by not passing through the full extent of the feedstock reductions. So after an unusual start to a New Year, what next? As low crude oil prices continue to put polymer prices under pressure, will future prices be determined by feedstock or supply/demand fundamentals?
“Within the manufacturing sector, plastics were noted for their strong performance; supported by the robust automotive sector and the strong recovery in the housing and construction sectors”
The graph overleaf, which combines polymer, feedstock and crude oil pricing, provides a pretty clear indication that rapid price deflation is occurring in both 17
the petroleum and petrochemical areas of the global economy. (Fig 6). Whilst, as shown in Fig 7, the recovery in feedstock prices following the 2008 crash were supported and in part driven by recovering oil prices, the possibility of a sharp bounce in oil prices in 2015 appears to be very limited, with many pundits suggesting that oil prices are likely to remain low through at least the next 12 months. However, two contrasting factors may both have a part to play in what happens to polymer prices going forward: A more likely influence on polymer pricing in the short-term is supply and demand. Following the losses polymer producers incurred as a result of holding high inventories as the market price of polymers crashed immediately following the Lehman’s Crisis in 2008, the producers have become far more conservative and have closely matched polymer production with demand. In the current market, this is what has enabled polymer producers to limit the extent “it appears that the of the upstream market in 2015 is likely to price reductions look quite different to the they have passed last 12 months and it will through into polymer selling prices, and be interesting to see how effectively they the situation evolves over have managed to the year ahead” enhance margins and profitability.
Fig 4
So, it appears that there are two competing factors in terms of feedstock costs and the supply/demand balance likely to influence polymer pricing going forward. This could lead to a range of possible outcomes. However, if crude oil prices continue to remain depressed, then the likelihood is towards lower polymer prices, albeit with polymer producers enjoying better levels of profitability.
Fig 6
Exchange rates will continue to be an import influence on UK trade. With the expectations of further recovery, it is expected that the GBP will remain sandwiched between a weak Euro and strong USD. Overall, this is likely to have a dampening effect on the UK economy with higher prices for our key European partners wanting to procure goods from the UK and more expensive imports from Asia. The increase in import duty on polymers sourced from the Middle East and parts of South America into the EU has created some slight upward price pressure and certainly impacted availability of LLDPE and HDPE as producers seek the better returns from other parts of the globe. The increase in duty is contrary to the longer-term objective of removing duty barriers to world trade, and pressure is mounting to further review this situation. Fig 7 18
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Fig 8
It is not anticipated that US shale gas will have a significant impact on global polymer pricing in 2015, as it is not until 2016 and beyond that US production capacities “Where pricing will be in will necessitate a the following six months significant level of imports. The possibility for any of the above of creating a free trade materials is anyone’s agreement between guess, but a period of the EU and the US is reduced styrenic pricing in marked contrast to is looking very likely. the recent increase Enjoy it while it lasts!” of import duties described previously, and ultimately could have a far more significant impact on polymer production within Europe.
Fig 9
In summary, it appears that the market in 2015 is likely to look quite different to the last 12 months and it will be interesting to see how the situation evolves over the year ahead. In terms of polymer groups and individual polymers, more detailed commentary is provided on the following pages.
Polyolefins 2014 Review The start of 2014 took everyone by surprise. Typically the first quarter enjoyed strong demand and prices were widely anticipated to increase, but in fact buyers returned from the Christmas break to find the market weak and prices softening. This was largely due to conditions of plentiful supply as a result of the many plant expansions in previous years. Whilst UK demand was reasonably strong, on a global basis demand had not caught up with the rapid increase in capacity. Many producers worked hard to match production to forecasted demand to prevent a build-up of stocks and further market slippage, but there is no doubt that the market was weak. By April the market had reached the bottom and producers successfully recovered lost margin with a series of price increases over the next few months, but by the summertime all momentum was lost. Feedstock prices started to decline from July onwards and polymer prices also followed this trend. The fourth quarter showed the most dramatic decline in feedstock on the back of the rapidly falling oil price. However, shortages of polymer, particularly HDPE and LLDPE, meant that this did not translate as quickly to polymer prices. (Fig 8). In comparison to previous years, 2014 was a relatively flat year in terms of pricing, with fewer price cycles and less dramatic peaks and troughs. Whilst there were product shortages at various
times due to plant outages or production controls, the overriding influence was of excess supply versus global demand. 2015 Outlook The outlook for 2015 is extremely hard to forecast given the uncertainty regarding the oil price situation. Certainly the year has started with falling prices as feedstock prices continue to decline with the sizeable fall in the oil price, albeit with a lag. However, since the oil price appears to have stabilised, many are already calling the bottom of the market and attempting to secure stocks at the new low levels. Further ahead it is impossible to predict, as the fate of polymer prices depends so highly on the strategy of OPEC. However, should the oil price remain around current levels it is unlikely that polymer prices will increase to 2014 levels, rather we will see market prices fluctuate around a new median. With regard to specific polymer types: PE - The market is expected to remain extremely competitive. Demand, whilst forecast to improve, is likely to remain below polymer capacity, so prices will depend on producers’ ability to manage production levels and also differential prices between regions. LLDPE and HDPE pricing and availability is dominated by producers outside of Europe who, at the start of 2014, were subject to an increase in import duty. This can mean that Europe is now an unfavourable location in terms of netback, and cargoes are often diverted to more profitable regions. The WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
European market is therefore likely to be characterised by short-term shortages when prices are better elsewhere, which correct as the European market rises. Pricing and availability on LLDPE and HDPE may therefore be volatile. PP- The PP market is more fragmented than that for PE, with a larger number of producers and grades. Here European players retain a strong influence, although there could be further rationalisation of small-scale, aged production plants. Generally, pricing is more stable than PE and is expected to follow monomer-pricing trends. Demand is forecast to improve, although supply is likely to remain in surplus. Therefore, production capacity is likely to be closely controlled.
Styrenics Polystyrene 2014 Review - Quarter one was very quiet in comparison to previous years, where post-Christmas increases of over £250/T had started to become the norm. Quarter two and three “In comparison to saw a small amount previous years, 2014 was of volatility, none of a relatively flat year in which was particularly terms of pricing, with remarkable. T h e fewer price cycles and Euro during this time less dramatic peaks and was also very stable. troughs.” However, following September, October and November, which all posted rollover, a large drop of €130/T was seen for December. Most saw this as a pre-Christmas blip and many expected rollover or a slight firming of prices in January 2015. 19
2015 Outlook - As OPEC continue to put pressure on the shale gas producers, this downwards trend has continued. Polystyrene is expected to drop further at the time of writing, as styrene monomer chases oil prices down. It is uncertain when this slide will start to slow down, but February is looking like we may be approaching the bottom, with many expecting oil prices to stabilise from March onwards. The normal level of pricing fluctuations could be expected thereafter due to normal push-pull of demand and any planned or unplanned plant shutdowns. ABS 2014 Review - European ABS prices enjoyed 12 months of stability in the main, with other styrenic derivatives following suit. Despite fluctuations throughout the year for the dollar, Far Eastern ABS prices remained generally stable through 2014, although the pressure “Due to the current factors on feedstocks was in play, it is an incredibly starting to become uncertain time and very apparent in December. difficult to second guess Due to lead times, a lag in lower prices where the polystyrene can skew figures market is likely to be from somewhat.
month to month, let alone for the coming 12 months.” 2015 Outlook - The
above is of course a summary of events as seen currently. Due to the current factors in play, it is an incredibly uncertain time and very difficult to second guess where the polystyrene market is likely to be from month to month, let alone for the coming 12 months. Coupled with this is the GBP, which is increasingly gaining strength against the Euro, enabling UK polystyrene customers to benefit from the perfect storm (exports aside). The uncertainty in Europe will continue to aid the pound. However, as the general election approaches on May 7th, we may see this strengthening curbed somewhat, depending on the final outcome. As USD also weakens against the GBP, we would normally expect less competitive pricing from Far Eastern producers. This, of course, has been offset by the global reduction in feedstock costs, and the net effect has been reduced polymer prices for styrenic-based products. European producers are also benefitting from reduced feedstock costs, so the global trend is downwards. Good news again for polymer converters (exports aside). Where pricing will be in the following six months for any of the above materials is anyone’s guess, but a period of reduced styrenic pricing is looking very likely. Enjoy it while it lasts!
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Engineering Polymers 2014 Review - 2014 was predominantly a year of stability for the majority of engineering polymers. There were some small ups and downs, but the underlying trend was level, certainly for the first three quarters. There were two main reasons for this trend. Firstly, many of the key raw materials were also fairly stable with regard to price. Secondly, there was an imbalance between the supply and demand for many of the engineering materials. On a global basis, generally there was much more supply than demand, particularly from the Far East where there was an increase in capacity and output. This in turn led to prices being pegged-back as buyers were able to almost dictate what price they wanted to pay, because they had numerous competitive offers from many different supply sources. At the start of Q4, however, there was some erosion of prices as the lower oil price started to take effect after an inevitable lag. This, coupled with the continued supply/demand imbalance, caused quite a marked drop across most technical plastics towards the end of the year and this situation is continuing into 2015. (Fig 9). 2015 Outlook - The situation for 2015 is extremely uncertain. The likelihood is that the erosion of most prices will continue for some time due to the aforementioned global market imbalance, which will not change until the demand picks up to forecasted levels and production sites are sold out. The other key factor is the oil price, which is predicted to stay low for the whole year. That said, if the oil price does start to increase, producers will be quick to try and recover margins wherever possible. A lot also still WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
depends on the Chinese economy and its impact on the supply/demand equation. With regard to specific engineering polymers; Polyamide - Key raw materials continue to experience reductions in cost, which inevitably will be reflected in base polymer and compound prices. Competition levels are high and so the trend will be downwards. POM - There is a large global imbalance in the supply/demand for acetal as yet more capacity comes on stream, so prices are expected to continue to fall. PC - The situation for PC is similar to POM, so despite producers margins being at very unacceptable levels, there is little prospect of this situation improving during 2015. PMMA - This is the one key engineering material that is not following the general trend. Prices are likely to move slightly higher during “2014 was predominantly 2015, but a year of stability for the only relatively majority of engineering slowly and by polymers. There were some fairly small small ups and downs, but the amounts. underlying trend was level,
certainly for the first three
Others - It is quarters.” anticipated that the majority of other engineering polymers will continue to drop in price, certainly for the first half of 2015 at least, with no shortages or supply issues anticipated.
About the Author:
Mike Boswell is Managing Director of Plastribution, a leading UK distributor of plastics raw materials and also the current President of the British Plastics Federation. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.PLASTRIBUTION.CO.UK
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think materials management
MATERIALS HANDLING | NEWS Flake discharger could ‘prop-up’ sales for Genesis Cheshire-based machinery supplier, Genesis Process Solutions Ltd, has launched a new product specifically designed to discharge flake and regrind from silos and hoppers. Genesis says ‘Prop-Flow’ is an answer to the industry’s requirements for better handling systems for recycled and reclaimed material. “Flake and regrind material are both very abrasive and in most cases, poor flowing. While the products can be conveyed, they don’t flow well from hoppers and silos due to the nature of the product wanting to interlace and interlock together,” explained Genesis’ Phil Cameron. The Prop-Flow works on the principle of a flat bottomed discharger that uses a rotating blade – similar to that of a propeller – to move the material to an outlet while keeping the other material around it moving at the same time. The propeller causes a positive product displacement whilst the cone prevents any bridging in the centre of the Prop-Flow where there would normally be a dead spot. The range consists of four sizes starting from 600mm diameter, going up to a 1,200mm diameter unit for larger silos. All Prop-Flow dischargers are fitted with high torque motors to cope with the pressure of the material sitting above the unit and have the option of inverter control. The 600mm diameter unit comes with a single, 200mm diameter outlet and the larger units can have larger outlet diameters and multiple outlets. The Prop-Flow range is available in both painted mild steel and stainless steel and can be retrofitted to existing hoppers and silos as well as new installations.
Maguire launches new volumetric pump for accurate dosing Maguire has launched a newly designed liquid colour pump that it says costs 35 percent less than existing equipment, yet is said to meter colour more accurately into the moulding or extrusion process, simplifies job start-ups and colour changes and requires minimal maintenance. Compared with standard volumetric pumps, Maguire says the the patent-pending ‘PeriStep’ pump provides 20 percent greater accuracy in dosing liquid colour directly into the main flow of natural resin and includes a self-adjusting automatic speed control that maintains dosing consistency. Two innovations are said to be key to the low cost; accuracy and simplicity. Instead of a standard motor, the drive system is a stepper motor whose shaft rotates in discrete, minute increments that make possible precision and repeatability of movement. This motor drives a central ‘sun’ roller, whose motion transfers to the ‘planetary’ rollers that provide the
WWW.MAGUIRE.COM
PeriStep Liquid Colour Pump
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compression/relaxation cycle of a peristaltic pump. Maguire has reduced the number of planetary rollers to four from the conventional six. The sun roller drives the planetary rollers by means of friction contact, providing a five to one speed reduction without a gearbox. “The compact, streamlined design of the PeriStep pump lends itself to minimal maintenance, since there are no gears or bearings to wear out,” said Steve Maguire, president of Maguire Products. “If it does become necessary to disassemble the pump, access to the roller set involves simply removing three screws in the cover.” The process for setting up a job in the controller of the PeriStep pump involves only three digital inputs: Firstly, shot weight (for injection moulding) or extrusion rate; secondly, liquid colour percentage; and thirdly, density of the liquid colour. The controller automatically calculates the desired weight-to-volume dose, minimising the opportunity for error, says Maguire.
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www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
Avian Granulator’s range includes plastic granulators, shredders and pulverisers
AB Systems appointed UK distributor for Avian Granulator Buckinghamshire-based ancillaries specialist, AB Systems, has been appointed UK distributor for a range of materials handling equipment from Avian Granulator. The range, which includes granulators, shredders and pulverisers, is said to offer cost efficiency and performance, as well as the potential to reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent. “As a forward thinking company, AB Systems is dedicated to supplying the best products the industry has to offer,” explained Jeff Day, Managing Director at AB Systems. “Avian Granulators not only exemplifies outstanding engineering, but also excellent value, which ensures that we can continue to deliver industryleading energy and cost saving solutions to our customers.” Avian Granulator products are manufactured in the company’s state-of-the-art processing facility in Shanghai, and include plastic granulators, shredders and pulverisers suitable for use in moulding, blow moulding, machine-side recycling and centralised recycling. Technologically advanced features of Avian Granulator’s nonpolluting machinery, says AB Systems, include superior material crushing and increased dust control in handling areas, as well as noise reduction. “In terms of energy saving, Avian Granulator’s innovative products are all designed to boost production and improve efficiency. The company’s latest pipe shredder, for example, is able to increase output by over 50 percent and deliver energy savings of more than 30 percent compared with its predecessor, and is said to be the most advanced pipe shedder in the world,” Day added. WWW.AB-LTD.CO.UK WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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Summing up dosing TECHNOLOGY
D
osing units meter materials at a defined point in time in a defined ratio. To do this, the dosing device draws material out of the supply hopper, and transfers it to the downstream equipment. The mass (not the volume) of the ingredients is the defining parameter for THERE ARE SO MANY dosing precision and DOSING AND MIXING recipe compliance. Overall results, CONCEPTS THAT however, also depend IT’S EASY TO GET on the type of material CONFUSED. IN THIS and its properties, the method and INSTALMENT OF OUR dosing the dosing device. REGULAR ‘MO’S CORNER’ When choosing ADVISORY COLUMN a dosing device, – THE LAST IN THE it is important to consider the material DOSING TECHNOLOGIES (granulate, powder, SERIES – WE’RE GOING etc.) and its flow TO RE-VISIT THE MOST properties, whether the components should be IMPORTANT POINTS. metered synchronously or asynchronously, and the throughput required. Dosing devices are available in many forms, including screws, slide-gate valves, disc dosing elements, and rotary valves. In addition, there are two dosing methods: volumetric and gravimetric.
This Ultracolor dosing and mixing unit, shown in the medical version, is a gain-in-weight system.
Gravimetric dosing
Volumetric dosing
Volumetric dosing units meter components based on volume, meaning they must be calibrated. They can operate synchronously or asynchronously. Asynchronous dosing units meter components independent of the downstream equipment, and must be actively mixed. Synchronous dosing units meter all components simultaneously, with the dosing cycle synchronised with the material feed on the downstream production equipment. When this method is used, mechanical mixing is usually not necessary. Both types of volumetric dosing can be used to meter all components or all components except one ‘unmetered’ main component. When the former method is used, all materials for a recipe are fed to a mixer or a reservoir from their respective dosing modules. The control system for the dosing unit can run independently and does not need to be integrated with the downstream equipment. In the latter method, the main component is fed into a mixer or reservoir unmetered, while all the other additives are metered.
Gravimetric dosing units weigh the material, so they do not need to be calibrated. Two methods can be used: ‘gain-in-weight’ and ‘loss-in-weight’. Gain-in-weight systems meter the components one after the other, and their aggregate weight is measured. Loss-in-weight systems measure the decrease in mass of the ingredients remaining in the supply hopper. Each dosing station is fitted with a load cell. As the material is dosed, the load cells measure the difference in weight per unit of time. All components are dosed synchronously. Under real-life conditions, many factors can influence dosing precision and the overall results. This is why it is important to consider the environmental conditions when choosing a dosing system. The input material and its properties should also be taken into account to ensure good mixing results. For example, materials with very disparate bulk densities can segregate. In the next instalment, due to be published in the April edition of BP&R, the experts at Motan Colortronic will explain the ins and outs of drying technologies. ASKMO@MOSCORNER.DE
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MATERIALS HANDLING – WE’VE GOT IT COVERED
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Larger than life:
The sunshine state will play host to biggest NPE yet
A
fter its inaugural outing in Orlando, in 2012, NPE will return to the sunshine state in 2015 with the largest exhibition in its history. Based on the number of exhibitors so far, stands will exceed the 106,000 sq. m. “WITH SO MANY of floor space EXHIBITORS taken at the OPERATING previous recordEQUIPMENT, THE holding edition SHOW FLOOR WILL of the show, BE A DYNAMIC held in 2009. PANORAMA OF Plus, with more companies MANUFACTURING anticipated IN ACTION,” to sign up, the show’s organiser, SPI, expects an additional 930 sq. m. to be occupied before the show floor opens on March 23, 2015. It certainly won’t be a quiet return to International Drive either, with exhibitors taking supersized stands on which to display and operate more machinery and equipment. Testament to this, Milacron Inc, will reportedly have some 2,285 sq. m of floor space, constituting the largest stand in NPE’s history. Overall, more than 600 companies will have equipment at their stands, with over 400 running live demonstrations.
“With so many exhibitors operating equipment, the show floor will be a dynamic panorama of manufacturing in action,” said Gene Sanders, SPI’s Senior Vice President of Trade Shows and Conferences. “Visitors will encounter a host of opportunities to see demonstrations of the latest technologies and materials up close and to interact with equipment and product experts. It will offer buyers the rare opportunity to test before they invest.” Exhibiting companies cite the success of the previous NPE in 2012, as well as the ongoing success of the plastics industry as reasons for such strong investment in NPE 2015. This, not least in part, has been helped by the US shale gas revolution, which has benefitted America’s economy as a whole and has played a big role in putting the country’s plastics industry in a globally competitive position. No wonder that some of the industry’s machinery behemoths are vying for a slice of the action. Machinery aside, materials will also be taking their positions on the show floor, with a number of companies expected to launch new
products, as well as show advances in polymers for the country’s burgeoning enduser markets. SPI says as one of the largest industry expositions, it expects to attract more than 60,000 industry professionals from “every spectrum of the plastics industry and its vertical markets” from over 120 countries to NPE 2015. Co-located events will include SPE ANTEC 2015, the world’s largest plastics technical conference; SPI’s Business of Plastics conference; a Spanishlanguage seminar; the new NPE3D exhibition and conference about 3D printing; the Zero Waste Zone, featuring industry recycling and sustainability efforts; and other programmes. NPE 2015 will take place from March 23-27 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida. British Plastics and Rubber, featured media partner to the event, along with our sister brands, will be reporting live from the show. In the following round up, we pick the best of the news ahead of the show from confirmed exhibitors.
EVENT: NPE2015 DATES: March 23-27, 2015 LOCATION: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. ORGANISER: SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association TELEPHONE: 01-202-974-5235 WEBSITE: www.npe.org GOING? Tweet us @ BritishPlastics using the #NPE2015 hashtag
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● ARBURG WILL SHOWCASE HIGH END MOULDING AND LAUNCH FREEFORMER IN US Arburg will present high-end injection moulding technology and industrial additive manufacturing to cover the entire production spectrum from one-off parts through to mass-produced items. On display at its stand will be five Allrounder injection-moulding machines and, making their US-debut, will be two Freeformers. The machines will demonstrate applications and processes covering topics such as lightweight construction, multi-component injection moulding, automation and LSR processing. Friedrich Kanz, Managing Director of the North American Arburg subsidiary, said that production efficiency is the focus with regards to all of its exhibits. ● BOY TO EXHIBIT ALMOST ENTIRE RANGE OF MACHINES BOY will exhibit nearly its entire product range, with nine machines on display, as well as showcasing its compact automation solutions. Making its debut at NPE 2015 will be the BOY 2C XS injection unit for the production of a second component, which will make marbled delicacy dishes in conjunction with a BOY 25E. Also on display will be a fully automated production cell producing beer glasses made of highly transparent polycarbonate. The moulded plastic glasses will be removed from the mould with a removal handling device, printed with a laser and then placed on a conveyor belt. ● CERAMICX TO HELP US THERMOFORMERS OVERCOME COST AND HEAT ISSUES UK EXHIBITOR Ceramicx is using NPE to discuss the benefits of its infrared heating systems to thermoformers and blow moulders. “Despite the advances in fracking and shale gas, US manufacturing industry is still being incentivised to go green. For many thermoformers this means an adoption of IR-based heating and sophisticated control as a way of increasing accuracy and saving cost,” explained Frank Wilson, Ceramicx Founder and Managing Director. “The primary benefit is that the customer is offered improved efficiency through decreased energy usage, increased production, reduced scrap and downtime.” Ceramicx will be exhibiting its systems alongside US distributor, Weco International. ● CONAIR TO UNVEIL SEVERAL NEW PRODUCTS Conair will unveil several brand-new products at NPE 2015 including a “next generation” materialhandling proofing system that uses machine vision to help prevent material contamination due to operator error. Dubbed Material Vision Proofing (MVP), the new vision system includes a motorised camera that automatically confirms that the connection between material sources and destinations has been made correctly and conveying can begin. Other products making their NPE debut include chillers, adiabatic cooling towers and desiccant dryers. ● DAVIS-STANDARD TO BRING PROFILE LINE FOR 3D-PRINTED ROD Davis-Standard will display a range of extrusion and converting technology, with solutions geared toward energy and cost efficiency, product versatility and maximum productivity. In sync with NPE’s focus on 3D technology, its stand will feature a running profile line for producing ABS 3D printer rod. The rod will then be used to show how 3D printing is gaining traction as a quick 28
and inexpensive way to make prototypes. It will also show direct drive extruder technology, an XP Express roll stand, aftermarket services and control systems.
The Freeformer will be on sale in the US as of its debut at NPE
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
● ENGEL TO SHOWCASE EIGHT WORKING MACHINES Engel will have one more moulding cell than at NPE2012 and operate eight in all, showing solutions for automotive, medical, packaging, teletronics and technical moulding applications. One of the systems on display will be for moulding a geometrically optimised, stressresistant brake pedal based on a new process developed in partnership with ZF● GRAHAM GROUP Friedrichshafen. Using a vertical TO SHOWCASE NEW insert moulding machine with a MODULAR EXTRUDER multi-axis industrial robot and FOR MEDICAL infrared oven, a continuousThe Graham Group, fibre-reinforced thermoplastic semi-finished product (known Engel will demonstrate composite incorporating American Kuhne, Welex, and as thermoplastic fabric) will be brake pedals produced in a Graham Engineering, heated, preformed in a mould one-shot process will showcase and immediately overmoulded extrusion and blow moulding innovations that with polyamide. The system produces ready-to-fit substantially reduce downtime, save energy, components; no cutting is necessary. and enhance automation. One highlight will be a demonstration of a new modular extruder ● EREMA ON A COURSE OF EXPANSION IN design for medical processing that reduces THE USA job changeovers to a matter of minutes while EREMA’s North American subsidiary has preserving clean-room integrity. announced plans to expand in the USA due to growing demand – particularly in post-consumer ● HUSKY TO DISPLAY INNOVATIONS IN recycling. As a result, it will demonstrate its PACKAGING, MEDICAL AND HOT RUNNERS Intarema TVEplus system for the production Husky will showcase its latest technologies for of high-end products, as well as its Intarema K automatic processing system designed especially the beverage packaging, medical and hot runner markets. On display will be a fully integrated for the recycling of PE edge trim. injection moulding system for manufacturing PET preforms, mould technology for the medical ● FRIGEL TO BRING MORE INTUITIVE SYSTEM industry from Schöttli and Husky’s new barrier ADAPTED TO PLASTICS PROCESSORS solution, which makes its official tradeshow Frigel will demonstrate system advancements introduction. It will also showcase its latest hot that are more adaptable in order to meet the runner and controller innovations, including needs of the plastics industry. On display will be its ‘Unify’ pre-assembled manifold systems, the new 3PR Intelligent Control System, which ‘Altanium Matrix2’ hot runner and mould allows processors to achieve better closed-loop controllers and its next generation valve gate process cooling accuracy using an intuitive HMI that relays information in the language specific to nozzles. the user. “The controller is also easy to use and ● ILLIG WILL DEMONSTRATE LATEST it allows for more efficient tracking of real time MACHINES FOR THERMOFORMED PACKAGING data to ensure optimal system performance,” Illig will display the latest generation of its said Al Fosco, Global Marketing Manager at ‘RDKP’ series automatic forming machines for Frigel. thermoformed packaging alongside a separate forming and punching station. The line on display ● GNEUSS EXHIBITING BIGGEST MRS will produce a hinged food container made of EXTRUDER TO DATE polyethylene terephthalate (APET) working to Gneuss’ Processing Technology division will show a speed of 50 cycles per minute with a six-up the latest generation of its Multi Rotation System mould. IML decoration of thermoformed packs, extrusion technology. A complete extrusion line as well as high-volume production of coffee with an MRS 160 extruder, a fully-automatic capsules on RDM-K series thermoformers, will filtration system RSFgenius175 and an online also be demonstrated at the company’s stand. viscometer will be on the show floor in Orlando. This is the biggest extruder Gneuss has ever ● KAUTEX MASCHINENBAU WILL RUN LIVE brought to a show. After the show, this line will MACHINE FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2006 be delivered to a customer in Florida to process Kautex Maschinenbau will have a stand much 3000 lbs/h of R-PET into a thermoforming sheet. larger than at NPE 2012. For the first time since 2006, the extrusion blow moulding company will be showing one of its machines in action. With its focus for the show on sustainable production solutions for the packaging market, it will run a KBB60D machine with a 2 x 12 head configuration to demonstrate the production of 24ml bottles for the hotel industry.
Gneuss will exhibit with its largest MRS extrusion system to date
● KRAUSSMAFFEI GROUP TAKES BIGGER STAND FOR MORE LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS KraussMaffei Group has taken a bigger stand than in 2012 to demonstrate a broader range of innovations. Its KraussMaffei brand will include a process combining injection moulding and thermoforming of composite sheets. At the stand, the company will produce glass-reinforced nylon airbag housings in cycle times of 45 seconds. Showcasing the Netstal brand will be a moulding line producing thin-wall cups and containers for the packaging sector with integrated IML. ● MB CONVEYORS TO PARTICIPATE IN NPE FOR THE FIRST TIME After a successful participation in Plastimagen 2014 exhibition in Mexico, MB Conveyors will take part for the first time at NPE this year. The company, which is celebrating 30 years of business, will display its custom-designed auxiliary equipment specifically for the plastics processing industry, including belt conveyors, sprue separators, and storage devices. Erema’s Intarema TVEplus for post-consumer recycling
● NGR TO HOLD WORLD PREMIER OF NEW PET IMPROVEMENT EQUIPMENT Next-Generation Recyclingmaschinen (NGR) will host the market-introduction of its new P:REACT system at the show. The P:REACT follows the design principles of LSP (Liquid State Polycondensation) and is said to considerably improve the properties of PET, making it ideal for PET-converters or PET-recyclers. “NGR has chosen the NPE2015 for the world premiere of the P:REACT-Series, because we can attract highly interested plastic-specialists in the field of PET-recycling – both from the converters side, but also from the end-of-life recyclers,” commented Josef Hochreiter, CEO at NGR. ● SEPRO RETURNS TO NPE WITH 20 ROBOTS Sepro is bringing 20 robots to the show, with 10 on its own stand and an additional 10 on partner stands throughout the show. The company will launch one entirely new line of robots, details of which are under wraps until the opening day of the show. The Sepro stand will feature its 5-axis 5X line of robots designed for applications requiring complex part manipulation, the 6X visual line delivering a solution specifically for injection moulding, as well as general-purpose, dual-arm and sprue picker models.
● SIPA TO SHOW PREFORM SYSTEM FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTION SIPA, a PET preform and bottle production technology specialist, will show one of its latest XFORM preform injection moulding systems. On its stand will be a single-stage injection-stretchblow (ISBM) moulding system, SIPA T80. SIPA is sharing its stand with Athena Automation, its partner in the development of the XFORM 300 and the smaller XFORM ● NDC TO SHOW 150. The XFORM MEASUREMENT 300, which has an SOLUTIONS FOR COST electrically-driven AND QUALITY CONTROL two-platen clamp unit, NDC Technologies, a accepts moulds with provider of precision anything up to 96 measurement and control cavities. At the show, solutions, will display its it will be equipped portfolio of in-process and An airbag housing made of fibreglasswith a 72-cavity off-line gauging systems for reinforced polyamide will be preform mould, extrusion applications. At its manufactured by KraussMaffei produced by SIPA’s stand, NDC will present its own mold-making operation at its headquarters wide range of solutions for the sheet and film in Vittorio Veneto, Italy. industries for on-line measurement and control of thickness, weight and co-extrusion layers. Other speciality properties that NDC’s sensors ● SUMITOMO DEMAG ATTEMPTS WORLD can measure include the density of cavitated RECORD FOR PRODUCTION OF WATER CAPS films or pre-extraction oil content in porous Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will demonstrate nine battery separator films. It will also demonstrate machines, including one with which the company its complete plastic pipe and tube extrusion line will attempt to beat the world speed record for measurement and control system. production of water bottle caps. The machine will be running a 96-cavity hot runner mould. ● NEGRI BOSSI TO DEMONSTRATE MULTI“Each hour, the machine will be producing over COMPONENT MOULDING APPLICATIONS Negri Bossi will exhibit a wide range of injection PET preform and bottle production moulding technologies, with a specific focus on technology specialist, SIPA, will show multi-component moulding applications. Visitors its latest machinery will see four of Negri’s most popular injection moulding machine models and several of its Sytrama robots. The machines will demonstrate gas-assisted moulding of a four-cavity coat hanger mould; a single cavity sunglasses case with live-hinge and a special two-colour decorative container. Also on the stand will be a general purpose moulding machine running a specialised industrial part featuring MuCell microcellular foam injection technology.
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The 5X Line of robots will be on the Sepro stand 180,000 lightweight 1.3g HDPE water bottle caps with tamper-evident band moulded by mechanical slides,” said Vice President and COO, John Martich. “The sub-two-second cycle, the waterfall of 96 caps out of the mould and the caps literally flying by on the IMDvista vision inspection system— it will definitely draw a crowd.” ● TERWIN INSTRUMENTS’ EIGHTH NPE WILL SEE LAUNCH OF NEW PRODUCTS UK EXHIBITOR Terwin Instruments, manufacturers of extrusion melt pressure / temperature transducer, transmitters, indicators, controllers and signal conditioners, has chosen NPE as the launch venue for a selection of new products, which are being released to complement its existing range. “We are extremely excited that NPE2015 has been chosen to officially launch a selection of brand new and improved products,” the company said ahead of the show. “Although we are currently sworn to secrecy regarding product details, we will be more than happy to welcome you onto our booth at NPE2015 to check these items out for yourselves.” ● TREXEL SHOWCASES MOST LIVE MUCELL DEMONSTRATIONS IN COMPANY’S HISTORY Trexel has revealed NPE 2015 will showcase the most live MuCell demonstrations in the company’s history. Located throughout the show, companies including Engel, KraussMaffei and Milacron will produce applications using the technology. On Trexel’s own stand will be a variety of project part samples that benefit from MuCell technology, including running shoes, packaging and automotive. One example is a new oil pan application from BASF. The show marks the global introduction of its newly developed T-100 Series SCF (Super Critical Fluid) Delivery System, a state-of-the-art gas delivery and dosing system specifically designed for small shot size moulding applications. ● TRIA TO DISPLAY IN-LINE SCRAP RECOVERY FOR THE BLOW MOULDING INDUSTRY Tria will exhibit its new TF Series Grinders for in-line thermoforming scrap recovery of several polymer types. The grinders can handle a full range of production waste, including skeletal scrap, full sheets at start-up, sheets with cups and lids and more. The machines have been designed to be silent, high performing and reliable. ● WITTMANN TO SURPASS 2012’S ‘BASKTEBALLER ROBOTS’ AT 2015 SHOW Wittmann Battenfeld has expanded its total show footprint by 10 percent over NPE2012, said David Preusse, President. Shown in operation will be fully integrated, turnkey injection moulding cells. Also new will be a smartphone app that
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Miliken will display its thermoformed Ultra Clear PP with clarifying agent Wittmann says its stand at NPE 2015 will be no-less attention grabbing than its 2012 exhibit (pictured here) enables moulders to monitor the status of all of their production cells and robots. “Most NPE2012 attendees remember Wittmann Battenfeld for our ‘Basketballer Robots,’ as still seen on our You Tube channel,” added Preusse. “This March there will be a no less spectacular and attention-grabbing event from our USA team.”
MATERIALS ● ALBIS RETURNS TO NPE FOR SINCE TIME SINCE 2002 ALBIS is returning to NPE to demonstrate its capabilities in the area of applications for lighting technologies. “This is the first time that we have exhibited at NPE since 2002 and we intend to showcase our new technologies to the fullest extent. Along with our standard and custom formulated grades, ALBIS is globally known for its Light Blocking, Light Guiding and Light Diffusion ‘ALCOM’ product line which is used by every major car manufacturer in the world. We now bring this same technology to the appliance, consumer electronics and lighting markets,” said Mike Gray, President of ALBIS Plastics Corporation. DSM offers a portfolio for flexible food packaging solutions.
● DSM HIGHLIGHTS SOLUTIONS FOR FOOD PACKAGING, GAS TANKS AND E&E MARKETS Royal DSM will demonstrate how its materials have been used in some of the latest application innovations to be introduced to market. It will showcase its polyamide 6 and thermoplastic copolyester for thin film for flexible food packaging, as well as thermoplastic composite gas tanks for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) that the company is developing with a partner. It will demonstrate the use of engineering plastics for high performance DDR4 memory connectors for the electrical and electronics sectors. 30
● MILIKEN TO SHOWCASE NEW BENEFITS OF ADVANCED ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGIES Milliken will showcase new benefits of its technologies that respond to key industry demands of clarity and aesthetics, productivity improvements, sustainability and property optimisation. The company will compare its Ultra Clear PP featuring a clarifying agent with other materials, including PET and PS, for thermoformed packaging. A major focus of Milliken’s exhibit will be its newly launched Hyperform HPN 210 M nucleating agent for injection-moulded HDPE used in material handling applications. The company will also discuss the expanding use of its Hyperform HPR-803i reinforcing agent by major automotive OEMs and tier suppliers due to increasing demand for lightweight parts. ● TEKNOR APEX DEBUTS TOUCH-FRIENDLY TPES FOR CONSUMER ELECTRONICS Teknor Apex will introduce a range of TPEs for consumer electronics desgined to bring enhanced functionality, tactile properties, colour and durability to consumer products such as in-ear headphones, computer mice, fitness trakcers and smart watches. Part of the Monprene family, the TPEs are resistant to skin oil, stains, household chemicals, and UV. “Monprene compounds for consumer electronics derive from commercially proven TPEs in markets where Teknor Apex has longstanding expertise, such as medical, wire and cable, personal care, and safety products,” explained Brian Mulvany, Senior Manager of Consumer, Industrial, and Electrical markets for the company’s TPE division. ● TOLSA GROUP TO OUTLINE U.S. EXPANSION OF SPECIALITY ADDITIVES BUSINESS Tolsa Group will discuss its recent business expansion from its headquarters in Spain to the US following strong demand for flame retardant and thermal insulation synergists. During NPE, the company will launch several new materials, as well as displaying its ADINS range of additives for wire and cable and electronics applications. It will also showcase its range of FR synergists including the ADINS clay series of materials designed to reduce smoke and heat release. “Our innovative technology has been validated in Europe and we’ve seen strong results that we expect to translate into new markets,” said Tolsa’s Pablo Dalmau. ● STRUKTOL COMPANY WILL SHOWCASE RECENTLY EXPANDED RANGE Struktol Company of will show its recently expanded range of process additives for reclaimed/recycled plastics and for polymer compounds that contain recycled content. The products on display will include those that are WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Recommended applications for Teknor Apex’s Monprene TPEs include fitness trackers
useful in a variety of different resin systems, from polyolefins to engineered plastics, offering greater processing efficiency and enhanced performance. They are targeted for compounds containing 100 percent recycled material or materials with varying levels of post-consumer or post-industrial recycled content.
SERVICES AND CONSULTANCY ● LISTGROVE TO TAILOR RECRUITMENT EXPERTISE TO US MARKET UK EXHIBITOR UK-based Listgrove Limited, specialist provider of recruitment and HR services to the world’s plastics, packaging and chemical sectors, continues to expand, highlighted by many new projects successfully completed for clients across five continents, covering all functions and levels of seniority. During NPE, Listgrove staff will be on hand to offer guidance and advice on a wide range of recruitment and human resource subjects, and to demonstrate how businesses in the US and beyond can attract the very best talent available. ● AST TECHNOLOGY TO OFFER SPECIALIST SUPPORT FOR PLASTIC PART PRODUCTION UK EXHIBITOR AST Technology will use NPE to discuss its expertise in providing customers with the tools and training they need to optimise cost, quality and delivery of injection tool building and plastic part production. Services discussed at the show will include component design for manufacturing, standard tooling and engineering, process development and optimisation as well as troubleshooting and training. ● INTOUCH WILL HIGHLIGHT MONITORING SYSTEM FOR VISIBILITY AND CONTROL UK EXHIBITOR Intouch Production Monitoring Systems will be on hand to discuss its reporting and planning system, designed to enhance visibility and control to an individual’s manufacturing operation. The system, designed for Windows, can optimise machine utilisation, improve efficiency and productivity, as well as reduce downtime, scrap and costs.
PVC AND VINYLS | NEWS
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION TAKES A STAND TO SHOW “VINYL SAVES LIVES” To demonstrate how plastics – and specifically PVC or vinyl – saves lives, plastics industry trade association, SPI, and its affiliate, the Flexible Vinyl Alliance, will feature a special stand at the upcoming NPE 2015 tradeshow in Orlando, Florida. The “Vinyl Saves Lives” project and booth will will showcase an actual portable medical isolation containment unit similar to those used in Africa and elsewhere to isolate patients and protect medical personnel and the public from the spread of infectious diseases, as well as contain pandemics including Ebola and SARS. PPE, or Personal Protective Equipment, such as garments, masks and shoe covers will also be on display. The goal, says the associations, is to demonstrate that plastics used in the manufacture of medical products are safe and necessary for appropriate patient care. SPI expects it to generate positive international media coverage for vinyl and other sectors of the plastics industry and their benefits to the public. “While some of the best known, but often unrecognised uses of PVC include wire and cable jacketing, medical tubing, blood bags, roofing, flooring and wall coverings, the 32
The promotional stand at NPE will reinforce the message that PVC and Vinyl are crucial materials in the medial industry for life-saving applications and products
material is suitable for an almost limitless range of products offering superior and proven performance characteristics, particularly in healthcare settings, that are essential to patient safety and survival, as we deal with pandemic containment and protecting the general population,” explained Kevin Ott, Executive Director of the Flexible Vinyl Alliance. “Lacking a vaccine for Ebola at this time, PVC plays an essential role as a “barrier” material between the health care worker and the fluids that are known to spread the virus.” The stand will be supported by leading soft vinyl producers and manufacturers of specialised medical products and systems, as well as organisations using these materials in affected regions of Africa and elsewhere. “The plastics industry is ready to take a strong stand and demonstrate to the world that, indeed, vinyl is a great product that, among other things, is a dominant material used in hundreds and hundreds of medical and healthcare products and as a result, saves lives,” said SPI President and CEO, William R. Carteaux.
PVC RECYCLER MOVES TO NEW PREMISES AFTER EXPANSION UK-based PVC recycler, VEKA Recycling, has moved to a new 18,000 sq. ft. site in Stourbridge after outgrowing its former premises in Birmingham after six months. Due to the expansion of its PVC collection and size reduction operation, the company says relocation to bigger premises will allow it to offer a better service to its customers. The company collects waste PVC material from window installers and waste management companies before it is reduced in size and sent in 24-tonne loads to its Kent facility. The material is then processed to a high standard of purity for use in new goods, such as PVC-U windows and other plastic building products. “We have added a new 18-tonne curtain-sided collection vehicle at the [new] site, which is conveniently located close to major motorways and further underlines our commitment to recycling even more post-industrial and post-consumer PVC window frame material,” commented Simon Scholes, Business Administration Manager for VEKA Recycling.
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www.veka-recycling.co.uk
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NEW ‘SELF-TEXTURING’ PVC COMPOUNDS FOR BLEMISH-FREE AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIORS Teknor Apex has launched new PVC compounds for automotive exterior mouldings that it says enable direct extrusion of smooth, textured surfaces that stay blemish-free, even after prolonged outdoor exposure. The self-texturing capability built into the new Apex 1545-D40 ST extrusion compounds makes secondary ‘texturing’ steps, such as top coating or milling, unnecessary, says Teknor Apex. The compounds can be coextruded, bond well to metal, and exhibit physical properties comparable to standard PVC. Recommended applications for the new products include the roof ditch mouldings between roof and body sections, window lace trim between A pillars and windshields, as well as belt-line body trim. Current OEM approvals for Apex 1545-D40 ST compounds include General Motors GMW 16084 and Chrysler MSDC 543. “New Apex 1545-D40 ST compounds yield a homogeneous, scratch-resistant finish that stands up to the harsh weathering performance requirements of automotive OEMs,” said Steve McCormack, Automotive Industry Manager for the Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex. “Teknor Apex can manufacture these compounds to identical specifications globally, making possible localised supply.” Typical property values of Apex 1545-D40 ST compounds include Shore C and D hardness in the 60 to 70 and 34 to 44 ranges, respectively; specific gravity, 1.37 to 1.43; tensile strength, 8 to 18 MPa; and elongation at break, 150 to 250 percent. WWW.TEKNORAPEX.COM
Roof ditch moulding
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Chance to win Grand Prix tickets is no pipe dream Polypipe Terrain has announced a bonus pair of Monaco 2015 Grand Prix tickets in response to overwhelming interest in the company’s ‘Rule the Bends’ competition. Celebrating 50 years since Terrain made history as the first in the UK to manufacture PVC drainage pipes, fittings and plastic piping systems, the quarterly prize draw offers members of the construction industry the chance to join the UK plastic piping manufacturer on the bends of the famous Monte Carlo circuit at this year’s Grand Prix. The competition was initially created to run throughout 2014, but demand was so high that Polypipe elected to extend its 50-year celebrations by offering one last chance to win.
Tania Peck, UK Sales Director at Polypipe Terrain commented: “Through continually setting new standards and continually innovating our product offering, we’ve managed to successfully rule the bends in the industry for half a century – so here’s to the next 50.” Those that have entered the competition previously will have their names automatically entered into this bonus draw. For your final chance to enter visit: www.polypipe.com/monaco
High performance packaging solutions El-Exis SP 420 for cap production
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96 cavity mould - 1.8s cycle time • Maximum output with minimal cost • Reduced energy costs through hybrid technology • Sizes from 150T – 750T clamp force sales.uk@dpg.com 01296 739500 www.sumitomo-demag.co.uk
PLASTICISERS INDUSTRY CALLS FOR STREAMLINED CHEMICAL REGULATION Representatives from the entire flexible PVC value chain met recently at the Plasticisers Conference 2014 to discuss the latest developments in the sector. Participants agreed on the need for improved coordination amongst EU and national regulators to guarantee a competitive and cost effective level playing field for the entire chemical industry. “Bringing a plasticiser to the market is an arduous and lengthy process for companies who have made significant investments over the years. It’s essential that we have a predictable regulatory environment,” explained Dr Stéphane Content, General Manager of the European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediate. “We provide essential substances to manufacture an endless number of everyday products which bring essential health, environmental and sustainability benefits, as well as making our lives easier and more comfortable. To support jobs, growth, competitiveness as well as sustainability, European and national regulators must work together with all stakeholders to avoid duplications and overlaps which may have a detrimental effect on our industry,” Content added. At the conference, there were presentations by representatives from industry associations, NGOs, research centres and universities, sustainability programmes, brand holders as well as from plasticiser and PVC producers and PVC article manufacturing companies. Special attention was given to recent regulatory developments affecting the chemical industry at large, such as REACH and RoHS, but also to scientific projects on biomonitoring, epidemiology and toxicology. “The entire flexible PVC value-chain must work together to guarantee a promising and thriving future for our industry. This conference is a great occasion to exchange information and ideas with other experts,” said Content. www.ecpi.org
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PVC was specified for the Aquatics Centre for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Image by Anthony Charlton for LLDC, courtesy of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
DIARY DATE: BPF LAUNCHES PROCUREMENT EVENT TO PROMOTE PVC The British Plastics Federation has announced the launch of a new concept event for specifiers and procurement professionals from the public sector to highlight the advantages of using PVC. ‘Procureplas’ will allow delegates to exchange experiences and learn from market leaders in how to achieve
energy efficiency improvements, cost savings and resource efficiency by using PVC. The event will take place on 26th February 2015 at the Aquatic Centre on London’s Olympic Park and will feature speakers from organisations including Architen Landrell, Axion Recycling and AGPU. Presentations given over the course of the day will cover topics such as the energy efficient renovation of
buildings, a case study demonstrating energy, resource and cost savings using PVC products and an exclusive presentation on the Aquatic Centre itself. WWW.BPF.CO.UK
Inaugural PVC Cables workshop hailed a success A new workshop supporting the sustainable development of PVC cable insulation materials has been hailed as a success after 120 delegates representing over 50 companies in the European value chain for PVC insulated cables attended the event. Held in Bologna, Italy, the workshop was jointly organised by the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM) and PVC Forum Italia (the Italian association of the PVC value chain). There were presentations at the workshop covering state-of-the-art PVC cable developments, including details of fire testing and developments in standards and regulations (such as the EU Construction Products Regulations). Performance and recycling advantages of PVC cables as compared to rival materials were discussed and end-user case studies highlighted the preference for using PVC cables in safety critical applications at highprofile events such as the London 2012 Olympics. “It is highly encouraging that such a large contingent of the PVC cables value chain met in Bologna for this landmark event,” commented Arjen Sevenster of ECVM. “It is now very clear that not only scientific studies, but also direct experience of end users demonstrate the advantages of PVC cables in terms of mechanical
performance, fire safety, transmission characteristics, processability, appearance, flexibility and cost. I hope that this event will result in even greater collaboration throughout the PVC cable value chain to further improve and promote PVC cable benefits.” WWW.PVC.ORG The inaugural PVC cable workshop has been hailed a success by organisers WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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Engineering Passion
www.kraussmaffei.com
INJECTION MOULDING | NEWS VALUE OF EU MOULDING SECTOR HIGHER THAN PRE-CRISIS, SAYS AMI The the value of the European plastics injection moulding industry in 2014 was 11 percent higher than its pre-crisis value: although the volume of polymer processed was still about seven percent lower than in 2007, according to the latest report from AMI Consulting. In its findings, the report, which studies Europe’s injection moulding sector in detail since the global recession in 2008, says much of the value increase is associated with higher raw material costs, but the industry has striven to “maximise the potential of new and added value opportunities.” The report quantifies the industry in terms of its value and the volume of polymer processed by country, together with a detailed assessment for each of the major markets served. The packaging sector remains by far the largest injection moulding market in terms of polymer volume consumed, particularly because it includes demand for PET preforms. The packaging sector is almost equally important across every country because it typically serves local consumer demand. By comparison the automotive market is the
Injection moulding polymer demand by country 2014 most valuable injection moulding sector and its demand is increasingly being focussed in countries retaining or attracting vehicle assembly. Within Europe the shift of moulded volume from Western to Central and Eastern Europe has largely been a result of following the investment by customers, particularly the automotive and electrical appliance manufacturers. However, the economic development of these regions has also created a larger consumer market to the benefit of the whole moulding sector. The global recession accelerated the process of rationalisation of the European injection moulding industry that had been underway for several years, particularly in Western Europe. The report highlights structural changes within the industry, thought to involve more than 8,500 companies across Europe, ranging from small, family owned businesses to large multinationals. Western Europe has continued to experience most contraction with more than 2,000 moulding sites closing since 2007. In Central and Eastern Europe closures have been more than offset by new entrants: the region continues to attract a high level of new investment. The overall rate of decline in moulding sites is forecast to slow down but AMI forecasts that Europe will lose a further two percent of its injection moulding sites by 2018. However, polymer demand and industry value for injection-moulded products is forecast to grow across almost every market sector. A smaller, yet more cost effective, strategically located supplier base will therefore meet the higher demand. WWW.AMIPLASTICS.COM
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Barry Hill says Wittmann Battenfeld UK experienced its “best sales year to date” in 2014
Comment: IT’S NOT THE AMOUNT OF INJECTIONMOULDING MACHINERY YOU’VE GOT: IT’S WHAT YOU DO WITH IT
I WITTMANN BATTENFELD UK REPORTS “BIGGEST AND BEST” SALES YET Wittmann Battenfeld UK has announced that its sales in 2014 are estimated to be the “biggest and best yet” for the company dating from the purchase of Battenfeld by the Wittmann group in 2008. The Wellingborough-based subsidiary says that its sales growth came from across the board in injection moulding, most notably the trade-moulding sector. “All the figures are not completely in, but we currently estimate that our year-on-year growth was at least 15 percent for the calendar year 2014,” explained Barry Hill, Wittman Battenfeld UK Managing Director, who added that when the final numbers are available, the total overall growth is more likely to be some 18 percent. Hill explained that UK demand is already “up and running” for the company’s new SmartPower machines, which were launched at the Fakuma tradeshow in October 2014 and which started shipping around the world as of the beginning of January this year. The company’s MicroPower, EcoPower and MacroPower moulding machines are also popular in equal measure with UK customers, says Hill, with “design, low-energy, low noise and small footprint” among the chief selling points. In terms of ancillary equipment and peripherals for the injection moulding production cell, Hill says sales “more than kept pace” with the orders for injection moulding machines. For example, annual UK sales of Wittmann three-axis robots for the plastics industries topped £2million for the first time. “We count this total to be at least three times the sales volume of our nearest competitor,” said Hill. “This confirms our market share to be some 65 percent of the total - and growing.” According to Hill, the months of November and December last year were “off the scale” in terms of UK orders and enquiries received. January 2015’s activity has continued in the same vein. “There seems to be a major thirst out there for expansion, investment and for production know-how,” Hill added. “And we don’t see any sign of it dying down yet.” Testament to this, Hill says he has received enquiries from UK moulders wanting to secure a place at the Wittmann Battenfeld group’s ‘Competence Days’, which are being held at its Vienna facility in April, where the capabilities and technicalities of its range are discussed with potential buyers. Wittmann’s new large machining centre will be on view in Vienna. It is currently being constructed and is thought to be one of the largest of its kind in Europe when complete. It will be brought on line in March 2015 and will be capable of the production of clamping platens up to the size of the MacroPower 1600XL. “Those thinking of large moulding capability should get in touch with me soonest,” said Hill “in order to book a place and check out all the moulding technology on view.” WWW.WITTMANN-GROUP.CO.UK
n its simplest terms, injection moulding is the forcing of material into a mould under pressure to form a finished product… If only it was that straightforward. Here at RAPRA, through the Polymer Helpdesk, we see countless enquiries relating to product failure, sometimes as a direct result of issues relating to the injection moulding process. Either defects with the mould, or very often, issues with the moulding process itself, can cause these failures.
Polymer degradation due to hydrolysis or oxidation, blistering due to excessive heat of the tools or material, or flow marks due to the incorrect flow speed of material are all problems STEVE SHAW, that can be experienced by moulders. The mix EXECUTIVE of the raw material needs specific temperatures and flow rates, moulding tolerances are DIRECTOR AT dependent on shape and size of part, the mix of RAPRA, HIGHLIGHTS materials needs specific weights, process times THE IMPORTANCE and temperature.
OF EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING THE MOST OF EQUIPMENT, TECHNOLOGY AND MACHINERY FOR SUCCESSFUL AND PRODUCTIVE BUSINESS.
One way to increase your chances of success and diminish the risk of product issues is the constant and consistent updating of your workforces skills. RAPRA has an extensive network of training providers that can assist in most areas of polymer technology.
John Goff of G&A Moulding Technology in Peterborough said during his technical presentation, entitled “Pathway to Performance Enhancement”, at the Interplas Show in 2014, that “synergy between all disciplines is necessary, “YOU CAN HAVE ALL requiring a thorough understanding of THE EQUIPMENT IN the capability of THE WORLD BUT IF each mould tool, moulding machine, YOU DO NOT HAVE material and ancillary equipment” and that “employees having the correct skills EXPERIENCED, are an asset to any business”. To fully TRAINED STAFF TO appreciate the presentation from John USE IT THEN IT IS Goff, please go to www.rapra.org and JUST MACHINERY,” download it in full. Speaking to Stephen Harratt from The Polymer Training & Innovation Centre (PTIC) in Telford, he said that they have “experienced year-on-year increases” in training activity since they began trading as part of the City of Wolverhampton College in 2009 as companies who develop their workforce continue to realise the benefits of doing so to increase their own market share. He went on to say that “where standard training course content is not thought to be specific enough, then bespoke courses are developed which can then take place on-site at the customer’s premises, using their machinery, tooling and materials.” You can have all the equipment in the world but if you do not have experienced, trained staff to use it then it is just machinery. If you have polymer training needs in any area, please use the Polymer Helpdesk at www.rapra.org for fast, effective assistance.
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Engineering Passion
PMM AND HAITIAN MARK 2015 WITH 2005 PRICES In celebration of its 10-year partnership with Haitian, Premier Moulding Machinery (PMM) is offering 10 machines based on their 2005 list price. The Buckinghamshirebased company is marking the 10-year anniversary of the UK partnership by selling ten Haitian Mars II eco series injection moulding machines, from 60 – 250 tonnes, for the same price they were sold for a decade ago. “For example, the offer price for a 60-tonne Mars II ‘Eco’ series will start from £21,674.00, including two years warranty,” Richard Hird, PMM’s Sales Director, explained. “Now in its second generation, the patented Mars servo hydraulic series has over 100,000 machines running globally, providing customers the advantage of exceptional energy consumption levels, as low as 0.4 kwh / Kg.” One UK customer currently enjoying the benefits of the Mars series is Wiltshire-based The Hill Brush Company, who says it reduced its energy bills by more than half overnight after installation of the machine. “The transition from the old machines to the very efficient Haitian Mars machines has been both smooth and with instant results,” said
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Kevin Bittles, The Hill Brush Company’s Technical Manger. “Our workshop is now a quieter, cleaner and more efficient place to work. I have recommended the benefits of the Haitian machines to several of our suppliers, and would have no hesitation in purchasing more machines in the future.” Premier Moulding Machinery, which is part of the Premier Industries Group, recently moved into a new, purpose-built facility to accommodate growth and expansion after it recently experienced an increase in sales of both Haitian and Zhafir injection moulding machinery. Concluding, Hird said: “With Haitian’s philosophy of providing ‘Technology to the point,’ we are ideally positioned to offer our customers the right tool for the job, from the versatile, entry-level Mars II eco series to the very precise and repeatable Zhafir Venus allelectric series.” WWW.HAITIAN.CO.UK Ten Haitian Mars II eco series machines are being sold at their 2005 list price as part of PMM’s anniversary celebrations
The best-selling Thermapen benefits from the new, streamlined manufacturing process. Images: ETI and Hymid
[Design for manufacture case study]
TWIN-SHOT MOULDING TURNS UP THE HEAT FOR THERMOMETER DESIGN Devon-based Hymid Multi-Shot has collaborated with a British manufacturer to redesign its best-selling digital thermometer by replacing a traditional single shot production with a twin-shot process. The ‘Thermapen’ is sold worldwide by Worthing-based Electronic Temperature Instruments (ETI) and is regularly seen on screen in TV programmes including Masterchef and the Great British Bake Off. It remains British made, using British manufacturing and mainly British components, with ETI stating that the product enjoys near ‘cult-status’ in the US, where there is a thriving BBQ market. ETI approached Hymid to collaborate on improving the performance of the product, including overcoming problems such as dirt traps, eliminating water ingress, enhancing the look and feel whilst enriching the end users’ experience. ETI specified the need for reduced number of parts with less assembly and production time. After the redesign, the added functionality of twin-shot moulding resulted in the incorporation of water-resistant integral seals both in the Thermapen’s case halves and the battery cover, as well as an in-moulded window with zero risk of undesired leak-paths, meaning a vastly reduced potential for bacterial growth in sharp edges and corners. Finally, the revised process resulted in an enhanced look and feel to the product and an increased perceived value and build quality. “The long-term benefits that two-shot components can bring include reducing production and customer returns; less assembly time and complexity; simplifying supply chain and reducing stock numbers - saving long term costs for storage, inventory and warehouse management,” explained Hymid’s Vicki Broadbent. ETI says the Thermapen is now the best-selling culinary thermometer in the world and the company’s global sales achievement has resulted in it twice been recognised with the Queens Award for Export. WWW.HYMID.CO.UK
ALL-ELECTRIC: WHAT’S HOLDING THE UK BACK?
Q
uality; cycle times; profits; energy efficiency. These four factors are critical to every injection moulder, As moulders outside especially trade the UK develop an moulders, who rely on their machine’s increasing appetite for ability to pump all-electric injection out components moulding machinery, 24/7 with precision AND speed. For all Nigel Flowers, sorts of reasons, Managing Director our business of Sumitomo (SHI) counterparts in North America, Demag, asks what’s Asia, and even Europe holding us back. to an extent, have switched from hydraulic to all electric. For such a technically developed nation, the UK playing field is far from level and if we don’t bridge the gap soon, there’s a real chance that growth strategies for injection moulders going forward could be in jeopardy. Though 70 percent behind Asia in the adoption of all-electric systems, they are fast becoming the system of choice for UK moulders. One of the most notable reasons is the figures stack up, including the speed in which moulders are seeing a return on investment (ROI). Naturally, this is a good parameter to judge performance by, especially when you’ve always got one eye on the bottom line. Half a decade ago, all-electric ROI was eight years. It’s now three years, which is more in line with UK ROI expectations and should go a long way to strengthen the business case with financial decision-makers. Some of the key benefits of all-electric systems and their capabilities are detailed in the following summaries.
Energy consumption
Electric mould machines consume up to 75 percent less energy than conventional equipment. The drives run and consume electricity only when required, compared to the ‘always on’ technology of standard hydraulic machine. Direct drive, servo driven machines allow for higher levels of precision, improved repeatability and shorter cycle times than indirect electric drives. What’s more, because less heat is generated, cooling requirements are reduced, too.
Gearboxes and friction
Gearboxes create friction and add to energy losses. Electrical direct drives evade this issue. What’s more, kinetic energy can be recovered through the use of multiple frequency drives installed on a common power bus. This means that the braking energy of one drive can be passed on to another via the inverter, rather than being lost. For example, while the clamping unit is braking, the energy generated can be used for the energy-intensive step of plasticisation.
Digital control
One of the beauties of digital control is the precision it delivers. The fine control delivered via servo drive systems, especially those specifically designed for injection moulding machines, will ensure consistently high quality standards are repeatedly maintained.
Maintenance of moving parts
All-electric systems have fewer moving parts. This means less to go wrong and fewer maintenance emergencies. Also, there are fewer variables in the process, with no stretching of hoses, sticking of valves and no hydraulic fluid to heat up or compress.
Usability and control
Setting up and adjusting IM machines requires years of technical skill and engineering know-how. With all-electric, once set up correctly, the machine runs without the need for any modifications or operator intervention. One key benefit is digitally controlling the screw position during filling and hold, allowing just the right amount of material through, which in turn optimises resin usage and prevents undue stress being placed on the mould.
Accurate dosing
Accurate dosing of the mould is doubly important in the production of highprecision plastics. The non-return valve has traditionally constituted a weak point in the process. The most advanced all-electric systems have an active closing mechanism on the non-return valve. So, once dosing is complete, the valve closes securely during the injection and hold stages. WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
This means fluctuations in the melt viscosity do not need to have a knockon effect on closing behaviour, melt cushion, shot weight or – ultimately – the quality of the final part.
Precision
For industries where precision is paramount, such as medical appliances, tight tolerance requirements are key, and a combination of electric drives and digital control can turn injection moulding into a predictable and precise operation. Weight variations in critical parts can be as low as 0.0001g, resulting in less waste and happier customers.
Cleanroom environments
All-electric systems are environmentally friendly, designed to be less noisy, cleaner, have no oil and no filters requiring regular replacement. This makes them ideal for hygiene sensitive food production environments, or medical and pharmaceutical facilities that require an ISO class 7 or 8 clean room. There is no risk of fluids leaking, significantly reducing the risk of cross contamination.
Downtime
‘Housekeeping’ requirements and downtime on electric equipment can be half that of hydraulic machines. For moulders that are producing high volume, low value components, any business interruption can swiftly eat into profit margins.
Summary
Of course, all-electric injection moulding is far from a universal panacea. There are, and may be for some time, production areas better suited to hydraulic and hybrid systems, notably those higher tonnages typically demanded by the automotive and other heavier engineering sectors. But for the packaging, pharmaceutical, medical, food and trade moulders, the combination of a three-year ROI, greater precision, reduced cycle times and energy savings averaging 75 percent, means it’s worth doing your homework and seeing how the figures stack up long-term.
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Talking technical: Improving productivity in injection moulding
M [Part 1] QUICK RELEASE MOULD CONNECTORS IN THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF NEW ARTICLES EXCLUSIVE TO BP&R, CRAIG FORRESTER OF STÄUBLI UK REVIEWS SOME OF THE TECHNIQUES THAT CAN BRING SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO PRODUCTIVITY IN AN INJECTION MOULDING SHOP. THIS ISSUE, THE FOCUS IS QUICK RELEASE MOULD CONNECTIONS.
ost injection moulds need to be connected to circuits providing water, hydraulics and, often, also gas. Minimising the time taken to make and break these connections can dramatically improve productivity by decreasing machine down time and also eliminating risks caused by cross-connection.
connection, clean-break, flat face connectors can be specified. This eliminates not only the spillage of the medium, but also prevents any ingress that could inhibit the performance of the process, resulting in efficiency losses or, in the worst cases, damage to the expensive tooling and machinery.
With the relentless drive for more and more flexible manufacturing and the necessity to produce smaller batch runs cost effectively, the requirement to rapidly change your mould tool becomes a real focus for both mould tool manufacturers and injection moulding facilities alike. Quick release connectors become a necessary, practical, reliable and cost effective solution.
The implication of medium spillage is often underestimated. There are the obvious costs of the medium itself but, more importantly, the potential health and safety issues. The danger to operators resulting from the unsafe environment created by relatively low levels of hydraulic oil or water glycol on the shop floor should not be overlooked. Last, but not least, the not insignificant clean-up costs resulting from spillage have a negative impact on profitability in an ever-demanding industry.
The use of quick release connectors in place of fixed connections often brings the single most significant reduction in mould change times. A vast range of quick release connectors is available, including full flow, double shut-off and flat faced, cleanbreak designs, all answering application specific process needs. Where the application demands absolute spillage free connection/ disconnection, such as hydraulic or water glycol
Critical to the efficiency of the mould change is the accurate and rapid identification of the thermal regulating circuits. Cross-connection will result in additional down time and can cause costly damage to the tooling. When there are a limited number of circuits, colour coding of the hoses and connector plugs and sockets often provide the best solution. For larger or more complex temperature control circuits, the solution to cross-connection is better provided by a multi-coupling
system; guaranteeing consistent circuit integrity. Once installed, the multicoupling can only be connected in one orientation, making it impossible to confuse circuits. Those experienced in the mould change process will fully appreciate the potential and often real time losses in simple circuit identification. The ever-increasing demand resulting from technical advancement in plastic injection moulding provides auxiliary suppliers with continuous challenges in new product development; very real examples being the ability to handle higher temperature mediums and the market demand for greater safety and improved ergonomics. The use of “THE USE OF quick release connectors QUICK RELEASE should often CONNECTORS IN be the first PLACE OF FIXED consideration CONNECTIONS in speeding up mould changes OFTEN BRINGS to improve THE SINGLE MOST productivity. SIGNIFICANT Once this step REDUCTION IN has been taken, MOULD CHANGE then other TIMES.” techniques, such as mould clamping and transfer, should be evaluated. These are all topics that I will return to in future articles in this series.
“THOSE EXPERIENCED IN THE MOULD CHANGE PROCESS WILL FULLY APPRECIATE THE POTENTIAL AND OFTEN REAL TIME LOSSES IN SIMPLE CIRCUIT IDENTIFICATION.” WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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RECYCLING & RECLAMATION | NEWS First commercial order received for PIM-ready recycled polymers
Pioneering project develops new process to recycle fuel cell components A pioneering recycling process to recover high-value materials from waste fuel cells has been developed in a collaborative project between resource recovery specialist Axion Consulting, Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells Limited and Technical Fibre Products (TFP). Funded by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, the objective of the ‘Recover’ project is to establish the technical and economic feasibility of recovery and re-use of high value materials from fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies and ultimately to establish the potential for a new, UK-based global recycling business. Having proven the initial process steps, further research is underway on evaluating the viability for commercial operation and developing a take-back system for end-of-life fuel cells — such as those from forklift trucks, mobile phone masts, electric vehicles and in small portable power packs for laptops and other products. The project involves Axion leading on the development of the primary 42
recycling routes; TFP leading on the recovery and re-use of the carbon fibres and Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells leading on the re-use of materials in fuel cells and the final recovery and recycling of the precious metals. “It offers exciting potential using really elegant chemistry,” commented Roger Morton, Axion Consulting Director. “The ability to recycle fuel cells is important as they will be powering the vehicles and technology of the future, which needs to be cost-effective if they are to be acceptable to both consumers and manufacturers. “To make fuel cells more costeffective, we need to reduce their whole-life cost and maximise the value of the resources they contain, such as platinum, high-value polymers and carbon fibre. Recycling them would also improve resourceefficiency and security of supply for these expensive and critical materials.” WWW.AXIONCONSULTING.CO.UK WWW.JMFUELCELLS.COM WWW.TFPGLOBAL.COM
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Environmental Recycling Technologies plc (ERT) and Axion Polymers have received their first commercial order for formulated recycled polymers tailored for use with ERT Powder Impression Moulding (PIM) technology. The contract follows the commercial collaboration agreement between Axion and ERT for the development of recycled plastic powder formulations for use by end-user customers using the PIM process. The agreement brings together Axion’s in-house expertise in polymer processing and quality assurance with ERT’s patented PIM technology, to prepare a set of standard PIM powder products under the registered brand name, ‘Axplas’. The companies say the 100 percent recycled plastics formulation ensures “consistency of blend and increased final product strength whilst simplifying the end customer’s production process and reducing process wastage levels.” Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, ERT provides know-how and pilot scale test equipment to enable recycled plastic by-products to be milled into controlled powder blends that can then be moulded using PIM moulding technology. This is complemented by Axion’s extensive polymer processing knowledge and blending facilities to enable a set of formulations to be created from the engineering plastics recovered by the company’s automotive end-of-life vehicle and waste electrical equipment recycling plants. ERT receives a royalty on the tonnage shipped by Axion under the terms of the agreement. “We are delighted that our collaboration has generated its inaugural commercial order,” commented Lee Clayton, Managing Director, ERT. “Axion has demonstrated its commitment to develop Axplas PIM powder formulations, to support the roll out of our PIM technology for the recycling of plastic waste into commercial end user products, and are able to ship at scale to current and potential licencees.” www.ertplc.com www.axionpolymers.com
Talking point:
Five minutes with Nigel Hunton, CEO of MBA Polymers
What are your ambitions for the business? We’re on track to increase the processing capacity of our Worksop plant by 40 percent within the next few months. We plan to continue scaling up our UK business and use this model as a blueprint to create a large Nigel Hunton, CEO recycling business through of MBA Polymers’ further investments.
Worksop-based recycling facility, shares his ambitions for the business and the challenges facing the plastics recycling market in Europe.
What upcoming projects is the company working on? Part of our focus on inspiring people internally and building a strong, stable workforce will see us step up our efforts on youth training. We’ve recently begun a new youth training programme at our Worksop site, where we have 20 people aged 18-21, nearly 15 percent of our UK workforce, that we’re helping to develop core skills for work and life. This follows a graduate programme we launched in 2013. In the future, we’d “OVERALL, also like to introduce an apprenticeship EUROPEAN programme. We’re also doing some very interesting work with Jaguar Land Rover and Brunel University on innovative materials. We’ll be sharing more on this project in the coming months.
COUNTRIES NEED TO PROCESS MORE PLASTIC WASTE IN EUROPE. THIS MEANS WE NEED A HIGHER CUSTOMER DEMAND FOR PRODUCTS WITH RECYCLED CONTENT”
In your view what are the challenges and opportunities for the European plastics recycling market? Overall, European countries need to process more plastic waste in Europe. This means we need a higher customer demand for products with recycled content – the government could help with this by, for example, introducing zero percent VAT for products using recycled plastic.
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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ANNUAL RECYCLING SURVEY SHOWS PROGRESS, BUT MORE TO BE DONE
REGAIN POLYMERS SECURES £2.5M INVESTMENT AND NEW FINANCE FACILITIES UK polymer manufacturer, Regain Polymers Ltd, has announced that it has secured £2.5m of new equity finance from its owner, Chamonix Private Equity. The Yorkshire-based company has also been awarded £10m of new debt finance facilities with Leumi ABL, the specialist asset-based lending subsidiary of Bank Leumi (UK) plc. Regain was acquired by Chamonix in 2011, which triggered a programme of sustained investment in stateof-the-art equipment, enabling it to accelerate innovation in the development of polymer compounds. The business, which currently operates a 50,000 tonne capacity site and launched its new Product Development Laboratory in early 2014, says the new lab facility allows it to offer bespoke product development services that meet the needs of its
client base. “We are delighted to have secured this additional investment from Chamonix which will enable us to continue to expand and enhance the capacity, capability and reliability of our manufacturing plant. We aim to grow and accelerate our ambitious new product development programme to remain a leader in our sector,” commented Martin Marron, Chief Executive Officer of Regain. “The new facility will enable us to provide additional research staff and specialist laboratory equipment, allowing us to continue to innovate at a pace in the development of high specification compounds, for a wide range of applications from available recycled materials. “Our employees and customers will take assurance from our investors’ confidence in Regain. Suppliers will also take comfort from our strengthened balance sheet.”
The latest annual recycling survey from RECOUP has revealed that despite hitting some major milestones, there is still work to be done when it comes to recycling of household plastics in the UK. The association has reported that since the start of its annual ‘Household Plastics Collection Survey’ in 1994, the UK has collected over two million tonnes of plastic bottles and half a million tonnes of pots, tubs and trays for recycling. The research-based report, which provides an in-depth review of the services in place to collect household plastics for recycling in the UK, also reports that 464,433 tonnes of plastics packaging were collected from UK households in 2013 (this refers to the 2013 calendar and 2013/2014 financial year), an increase of 24,000 tonnes, or a 5.5 percent increase on the previous year. However, the latest edition of the survey suggests that despite 400 of the 406 collection authorities in the UK providing a kerbside recycling collection that included plastic bottles at the end of March 2013, the numbers recycled continue to plateau, with a modest increase of approximately 10,000 tonnes (three percent) from the previous year. Consumer communications have become increasingly important, says RECOUP, stressing that future central support and financial investment from existing and new partners is “a priority.” With regards to pots, tubs and trays, the survey finds there has been a steady increase in collection levels, with 14,000 extra tonnes collected, an 11 percent rise on the previous year. THE 2014 SURVEY IS NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE RECOUP WEBSITE WWW.RECOUP.ORG
WWW.REGAINPOLYMERS.COM
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Comment: LET 2015 RING THE CHANGES FOR UK RECYCLING REGULATION
T
he year 2015 looks set to be the most challenging year in the history of UK plastic recycling, thanks to both the out-dated regulations that are continuing to burden the industry and the world’s oil prices falling, resulting in virgin resin prices being reduced to below those of recycled Chris Dow, CEO of material. Many in our industry Dagenham-based Closed are naturally facing 2015 with Loop Recycling, outlines his pessimism and negativity. But, thankfully, I’m an optimist and thoughts on the plastics with great faith my view is that recycling industry in 2015, yes, there are huge challenges with his take on oil prices, to overcome, but they are not PRN reform and the UK’s insurmountable if you are able circular economy. to adopt a strong, positive vision for the future. So what are the challenges? Thanks to outdated regulations that come from the dark ages, which provide no economic incentive for UK businesses to choose recycled material over virgin material other than a tick in the CSR box, the Resource Association, the new voice for the reprocessing and recycling industries, has no real value. Currently low priced fossil fuels are pushing down the price of virgin plastic leaving recycled material languishing behind. Unfortunately, in these times of austerity, economics threatens to take over from the wellbeing of our environment and the current situation is truly testing the moral compass of Britain’s big brands. Do they do the right thing and plump for maximising the country’s existing resources and with it grow Britain’s circular economy? Or do they choose their materials based on price alone – with virgin plastic winning in the cost stakes? Currently, mentioning carbon footprint puts less than a tenth of a penny on a bottle of drink but that won’t always be the case because our world is changing and the longterm view in terms of oil and gas supply doesn’t look great. The sun might be shining today, but the storm is coming and we do all need to get on the ark. Thankfully, there are visionaries out there who understand that whilst oil prices are low now, in the not to distant future – five years, one year even – prices will rise again and it is worth the gamble on oil prices now to reap the rewards later. The UK dairy industry is one such visionary body. Its ‘Dairy Roadmap’ is driving the demand for recycled material and companies in this sector recognise this and are prepared to stay the course now in order to benefit in the long term. But not everyone feels the same way and that means that, quite simply, our inability to put environment over
economics means we are simply pushing the problem down a generation. Never more has the nurturing of the green economy been necessary. So if our government, politicians and fellow business leaders are serious about wanting a circular economy, they really need to earn it. All of our hopes of course are pinned on the outcome of the May 2015 General Election. Whilst the current government has made a small number of concessions in the right direction, the bulk of the work is still to do. But the bottom line is that true green measures still scare many policy makers and the circular economy is seen as a cost, not a benefit. Setting aside environmental concerns, the economic success or failure of plastics recycling relies on two variables as we know: the cost of the raw materials used to make virgin plastic, petroleum and natural gas, and the cost of recycling versus the cost of disposal, which fluctuates. Natural resources, gas and oil, are at an all time low at the moment and it is testing government and big brand environmental credentials. More than ever, in a period of low priced fossil fuel, we as an industry and the government that leads us need to support and intervene in the circular economy. Indeed, ‘resource management’ and ‘circular economy’ are terms that regularly trip off the tongue of politicians from all parties. Despite this, having announced their priorities ahead of the next general election, none of the main political parties seem to have given them the priority they rightly deserve. If industry bodies and ministers continue to sit on the fence and don’t maintain a level playing field, billions of pounds of investment will literally be wasted and the green economy will be laid waste with a flood of cheap natural resources. “Our industry needs If the current and future policy makers to be incubated are serious about managing our world’s correctly and the finite resource they need to put in place measures which incentivise the use of policy needs to current resource. Our industry needs to be modernised to be incubated correctly and the policy support future needs to be modernised to support future generations.” – generations. We understand that British businesses don’t run on good will, they need to be incentivised to drive the green economy. Who will stand up and be counted? What is happening now is only pushing the problem into the next generation and not solving issues that long term – even mid-term – will not go away. What we need going forward, then, is the political will – across all parties and whatever the outcome of the next general election – to continue laying the foundations for the future of our industry. After all, one day we will certainly have a green economy but it is a decision by our leaders as to whether we choose it or it is inflicted on us at a hideous environmental cost. www.closedlooprecycling.co.uk
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In association with Hardie Polymers – www.hardiepolymers.com
MATERIALS | NEWS
// Materials Technical //
Blog
This month, polymer expert and technical blog author, Dr Charlie Geddes, looks at whether styrenic thermoplastics will evolve further if demand warrants it.
Will Styrenic thermoplastics evolve further to meet design demands?
In a multiple choice pre-test I used for short courses for industry, some candidates were surprised to find that polystyrene had been around as a commercial material longer than polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon. Today polystyrene still commands 10 percent of the thermoplastics market despite some limiting properties, such as modest impact resistance, poor solvent resistance, yellowing on exposure to sunlight and burning readily with copious smoke. Despite these serious disadvantages, polystyrene had little opposition in the early days and soon became the material of choice for moulders, who liked its ease of moulding, low mould shrinkage, transparency, rigidity and gloss finish. It is hard to believe now that, in the 1940s, polystyrene was used to manufacture ashtrays and even harder to believe that customers bought this highly inflammable product. Leaving aside the sub-sector of expanded polystyrene, manufacturers addressed some of the shortcomings of the solid, general-purpose polystyrene grades (GPPS). The heat distortion temperature (HDT) of GPPS falls tantalising close to the significant 100oC mark but manufacturers soon worked out that increasing the molecular weight (chain length) and reducing polymerisation residues could squeeze a few more degrees, critical for hot-fill, food packaging applications. Even more impressive ‘high heat’ grades were achieved by incorporating alpha methyl styrene as a comonomer. Impact resistance was significantly increased through incorporation of small rubbery particles to give high impact polystyrene (HIPS) (toughend polystyrene sounds a bit less boastful) but transparency, rigidity, electrical properties and water resistance had to be sacrificed. Styrene butadiene copolymers (SB resins) provided toughness without losing transparency, ideal for blister packaging. Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN) offer a good combination of transparency, toughness, HDT and chemical resistance. More recently copolymers of styrene and maleic anhydride (SMA) yield grades with better HDT, the most significant being the glass fibre filled grades, with HDT around 120oC, designed to compete with engineering thermoplastics.
Is there more life to come in the field of styrenic polymers? Got a view on the above? Blog posts will also be published on the BP&R website at www.britishplastics. co.uk - feel free to leave your comments.
The special ‘pod’ is made of EPS (Airpop)
Expanded polystyrene goes ‘outta this world’ thanks to space project Plastics have gone out of this world, thanks to their use in an innovative new space exploration project. A purpose-designed ‘sky pod’ made from expanded polystyrene (Airpop), and containing fragile electronic and imaging equipment, is making regular journeys to the edge of space to provide views of life from 23 miles above Earth. The pod has been designed by UK company, SentintoSpace, and is being developed commercially for use by scientists and photographers – both amateur and professional. Its precision-moulded internal compartments prevent the sensitive on-board equipment from becoming dislodged during the flight whilst at the same time providing thermal protection from temperatures in space falling as low as minus 50°C.
“Airpop is the ideal material for ‘edge of space’ photography as in addition to thermal protection it offers very low weight for the upward flight combined with very high impact resistance for the return landing on earth,” commented Alex Baker from SentintoSpace. The highly efficient insulation offered by Airpop also means the space pod contents are protected from condensation, which could seriously affect imaging, trackers, black box data recorders and other equipment during the 76km journey into the stratosphere and back. Nigel Smith of Moulded Foams Limited, the company that manufactured the space pod to the customer’s specification, said: “This is a remarkable material being used in a unique application. There are thousands of uses for Airpop and this is one of the most recent and intriguing applications we have become involved with.” www.eps.co.uk
Italian composites specialist selects Imagro as UK partner Italy-based Xenia Materials has selected Imagro UK as its new development and distribution partner for the UK market. Xenia engineers and produces thermoplastic composites with reinforced fibres and functional additives for applications that vary from the aerospace and industrial sector to the technical and extreme sports sectors. Imagro says it expects Xenia’s ‘XECARB’ and ‘XEARAM’ ranges to be well received by designers and manufacturers looking to replace metal with a light weight, more environmentally friendly thermoplastic solution. WWW.IMAGRO.CO.UK
Xenia’s materials have been used successfully in extreme sports applications
The new carton made from the Tetra Rex Bio-Based material is now on sale
First fully plant-based drinks carton on shelves
Three satellite-shows in the largest exhibition for plastics and rubber in Europe in 2015
Finnish dairy producer, Valio, has become the first company in the world to sell products to consumers in carton packaging made entirely from plastics derived from plants and paperboard. The ‘Tetra Rex Bio-based’ cartons are manufactured with low density polyethylene used to create the laminate film for the packaging material and the neck of the opening, together with the high density polyethylene used for the cap, both of which are derived from sugar cane. The packaging is being trialled by Valio in retail outlets across Finland until mid-March and will use feedback from consumers to decide whether to adopt the cartons more broadly.
rubber
3D printing and related technologies
innovative startup companies
WWW.TETRAPAK.COM
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colour masterbatch
HEATING EQUIPMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT quality monitoring control Kistler Instruments Ltd
T: 01256 741550 F: 01256 741551 E: sales.uk@kistler.com W: www.kistler.com Pressure transducers and associated monitoring/control equipment for new and existing injection moulding applications.
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
Eclipse Buyers Guide_Layout 1 07
ANCILLARIES InControl Ultrasonics Ltd (FFR Ultrasonics Ltd)
Units 3E + 3F, Hillam Road Industrial Estate, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD2 1QN T: 01274 731552 F: 01274 738118 E: sales@eclipsecolours.com W: www.eclipsecolours.com Polymer Specific and Universal Colour and Additive Masterbatches. Fastmatch colour matching service. 1 mm Easysperse MicroPellets to 4 mm MaxiPellets. Standards second to none.
New and used Granulators, Shredders, Pulverisers, Wash Plants Blades and Screens
The Swan Centre, 8A Swan Street, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7NW T: 01509 621992 E: enquiries@ffr-ultrasonics. co.uk W: www.ffr-ultrasonics.co.uk
Blade Sharpening
Telsonic UK Ltd
Ancillary Items Service – Repair - Spares UK & Ireland Agents for
Tel: 01827 838840 Email: info@granulators.org www.granulators.org
DRYERS Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
12a - 15 Birch Copse, Technology Road, Poole, Dorset BH17 7FH T: 01202 697340 F: 01202 693674 E: info@uk.telsonic.com W: www.telsonic.co.uk Blog:www.telsonicuk.wordpress.com
Branson Ultrasonics
158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough,
21/01/2015 16:42 Berkshire SL1 4UE
T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransoneurope.eu
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE 48
MF Induction Heating
Unit 5, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 7XN Replacement Coils New platens T: 01543 570642 F: 01543 574460 E: sales@mfinduction.com W: www.mfinduction.com BS EN ISO9001: 2000 registered. BS EN ISO9001:2008
HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS hot runner controllers
vibration welding BG Advert buyers guide.indd 1
induction heating for platens and tools
CONTACT LISA MONTGOMERY 01244 680222
BUYER’S GUIDE
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT LABORATORY MACHINES
Two Roll Mills
METAL DETECTION & 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
NOZZLES & 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
STATIC CONTROL Arrowquint Ltd
Unit 5 Sanders Close, Finedon Road Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 4HQ T: 08450 655455 F: 08450 655456 E: sales@arrowquint.co.uk W: www.arrowquint.co.uk Static control solutions, equipment sales and rental, repairs and on-site servicing. UK/Eire agent for Eltex – market leaders in static control systems.
TESTING EQUIPMENT
SERVICES
Clayton Thermal_Layout 1 19/04
CONTRACT CLEANING
Injection Moulding Extrusion • • • • • •
Hot Runners Nozzles Moulds Dies Filters Screws Cleaning service for processors Remove all polymers Tel:- +44 121 511 1203 Fax:- +44 121 511 1192 Email:- LesH@claytonholdings.com Web:- www.claytonholdings.com
E: info@millmerran.co.uk T: +44 (0)1626 83 63 73 www.millmerran.co.uk
MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE
INJECTION MOULDING
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
PRINTING MACHINES pad
SCREEN CHANGERS
hopper loaders
Industrial Plastics Ltd
Unit 13 Canterbury Industrial Park, 297 Ilderton Road, London, SE15 1NP T: 020 7252 9600 F: 020 7252 9601 E: sales@ipl-london.co.uk W: www.ipl-london.co.uk
SECONDHAND AND RECONDITIONED ANGLO PLASTICS LTD
RECYCLING SYSTEMS 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
MIXING, FEEDING & DOSING
EREMA Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen Ges.m.b.H. Unterfeldstraße 3 4052 Ansfelden / Austria Phone: +43 (0)732/31 90-0 Fax: +43 (0)732/31 90-71 sales@erema.at www.erema.at
CHOOSE THE NUMBER ONE.
SCREWS & BARRELS
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
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
DTL Machinery UK
We Buy / Sell all Makes, Age and Sizes of Injection Moulding Machines & Ancillaries Tool room machines and also complete factories / plants Factory Clearance Services Dismantling / Removal of obsolete plant and machinery T: 01925 596170 M: 07838138342 E: douglastrading@gmail.com
Ray Ran Test Equipment Ltd
Kelsey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 6RS T: 024 763 42002 F: 024 766 41670 E: Polytest@ray-ran.com W: www.ray-ran.com
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
MOULDFLOW ANALYSIS
inspection & measurement MAPRA Technik Co – DOSS – MARCEL AUBERT – KAFER
For DOSS visual solution of Italy – Inspection & sorting machines for O’rings, Seals, Gaskets. T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk
3D PRINTING
3D Printing in Plastic & Rubber
Rawmec (EEC) Ltd
Rawmec Industrial Park, Plumpton Road, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0EE T: 01992 471796 F: 01992 471797 E: rawmec@btconnect.com W: www.rawmec.com
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
TransXL International Ltd
Thornhill, South Marston, Wiltshire SN3 4TA T: 01793 827666 F: 01793 823826 E: sales@transxl.co.uk W: www.transxl.co.uk
Tel: 01420 88645
www.projet3d.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT LISA MONTGOMERY 01244 680222
BUYER’S GUIDE PRINTERS printers of plastic mouldings Total Print Ltd
Specialist Pad Printers Station Road, Gedney Hill, Lincolnshire PE12 0NP T: 01406 330122 F: 01406 330123 E: info@totalprintltd.com W: www.totalprintltd.com Sub-Contract Pad Printers to the Plastics Industry
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
PARTS & SERVICE
SOFTWARE DIRECTORY
EXTRUSION FLOW ANALYSIS FLEMING
Polymer Testing and Consultancy An independent ISO9001 accredited laboratory specialising in the flow simulation of: Extruder screws & spiral mandrel,flat spiral,profile, coathanger & coex dies Compuplast distributor Stop guessing start simulating Tel: +44 (0)1299 253300 www.flemingptc.co.uk
TESTINg/CONSULTANCY FLEMING
Polymer Testing and Consultancy An independent ISO9001 accredited laboratory specialising in: Capillary rheometry FTIR DSC/TGA MFR/MVR Extrusion Pilot-scale blown film Line Instrumented impact Flow simulation Tel: +44 (0)1299 253300 www.flemingptc.co.uk
Gammadot Rheology Testing & Consultancy Services
Unit 5C, Leaton Industrial Estate, Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3AP T: 01939 291677 E: enquiries@gammadot.com W: www.gammadot.com Providing independant testing solutions to all your quality control, failure analysis & flow simulation data needs
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Keep up with the social side of BP&R The Word on the Tweet… @BritishPlastics, the official Twitter feed for British Plastics and Rubber magazine, keeps followers informed of breaking news, the latest event updates and industry insights that will keep social butterflies at the cutting edge of all things plastic and rubber. www.twitter.com
Let’s link up sometime Our ever-growing BP&R LinkedIn group provides a great forum for discussion if you are looking for a specific supplier, needing advice or looking for recommendations. It’s also a great way to provide feedback and share your experiences with colleagues or fellow readers. www.linkedin.com
www.britishplastics.co.uk
manufacturing management directory enterprise resource planning Epicor ERP Manufacturing Software (For Plastics’/Rubber Processors) Epicor Software (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1344 468 468 E: ukmarketing@epicor.com Epicor’s ERP (on-site, hosted & SAAS) manufacturing 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, ware-housing and distribution. It seamlessly integrates with Epicor Mattec’s Real-time MES to provide a single system that offers a complete quote-to-cash solution for the plastics’/rubber industries.
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: ukmarketing@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, Stand-alone “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).
real time production monitoring, scheduling and process monitoring intouch T: 01604 646144 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’ 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). 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. Real-time 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. SYSCON-PlantStar MTec Services Ltd T: 0114 2476267 F: 0114 2476267 E: mt@mtec-services.co.uk W: www.mtec-services.co.uk W: www.syscon-intl.com PlantStar systems provide customised, scalable applications that deliver real-time plant floor data from any machine, shift, and plant anywhere in your business. Affordable systems available for all size of processor. Browser-based software and hardware, and wireless ethernet technology make for highly versatile and configurable systems providing information wherever needed. Standard systems include realtime alarms, downtime & reject analysis, capacity scheduling, ERP integration and more. With options including SPC/SQC, Labour tracking and Scheduling, Family Tooling, Material traceability, bar-coding.
A listing in the Software Directory costs £140 per programme per year. Call Lisa on 01244 680222 for details. 50
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NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
he BPF had a thunderous start to the New Year with the launch of its new Education and Training Committee. Chaired by BPF’s former President, Philip Watkins, it represents a historic departure for the BPF. Traditionally, the BPF took the view that because dedicated, publically funded organisations existed vested with the In his regular, exclusive responsibility to provide that training column for BP&R, Philip training, wasn’t part of its remit. Law, Director-General However, the fact that the of the British Plastics skills gap has been Federation, announces pushed so far up the industry’s agenda following news this issue of a new on from the realisation that Education and Training future growth depends Committee, dedicated to on having the people can create it, we bridging the industry’s who felt that we had to act. ever-worrying skills Additionally, organisations gap. He also shares his such as Cogent really insight on the effect need the BPF’s help to communicate with the that EU-level legislative large number of SME’s developments are in the sector who need having on the industry’s to know the facilities available for creating development and apprenticeships under progress. the recently announced Science Industry Partnership and how to access them. Cogent is a strong supporter of our move. I recently attended a Department of Business Innovation and Skills Stakeholder Engagement Reception where Vince Cable announced that some two million apprenticeships had been created in the lifetime of the current Parliament. A young man saying that when his apprenticeship is finished he will end up with a degree in Aerospace Engineering illustrated an accompanying brochure. This is the issue for us. As an industry of SME’s we have to make sure that we secure as much a slice of the funding cake as the industries of large firms with sophisticated HR and workforce development programmes.
bp&r BRITISH PLASTICS &RUBBER
The second trend is the growing interest in EU institutions of direct discriminatory measures against plastics materials and products. This was manifested in the publication of a Green Paper on a European Strategy for Plastics Waste issued by the European Commission in 2013, the first time since the 1990’s that a multi-material approach has been abandoned in favour of a policy directed at a particular material. Thirdly, in the EU there is a growing struggle between the ambitions for economic growth, job creation in particular, and the aspirations for environmental perfection. This was recently illustrated by the withdrawal of a controversial ‘circular economy package’ by the Juncker Commission following industry lobbying. Fourthly, there is an increasing struggle to find commonly acceptable standards to promote free trade in an EU now of 28 Member States with radically different economic and social bases. An untoward development illustrating this was the EU’s agreement in November to modify the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive to allow Member States the option of laying down targets to reduce the use of lightweight plastics bags, make a charge or indeed place outright bans. This clearly militates against free trade in the EU, as we will inevitably end up with a patchwork quilt of unilateral arrangements. Very worrying indeed that even the principle of free trade in the EU is now being undermined albeit in a piecemeal way. But on to business development and finishing on a on a brighter note, BPF lead a successful trade show stand at the Plastindia Fair in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 5th- 10th February involving 11 companies. On 24th February we will be organising a seminar dedicated to troubleshooting for rotational moulders in Redditch (further information from BPF’s Dr Sara Cammarano). Business life goes on! WWW.BPF.CO.UK
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS
Moving on now to an area where Government is somewhat less helpful to industry. In a presentation I’ve recently recorded and shown at the Mexican industry plastics conference, ‘Perspectivas’, I concluded with some ‘indications’ I’ve observed in recent EU level legislative developments. Firstly is the gradual demise of the broad and, for us, helpful concept of ‘sustainability’ with its broad vision of
ecological, economic and social factors. The emphasis is now on ‘the circular economy’.
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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www.kraussmaffeigroup.uk
Add value with multicomponent injection molding KraussMaffei offers you production systems with tremendous flexibility and impressive cost/benefit ratios. They’re capable of delivering products with outstanding material characteristics. In fact, you’ll find that our solutions for multicomponent molding fit the bill in more ways than one. Why not profit from our complete portfolio? – Multinject technology – SpinForm machines using swivel-platen technology – Composite multicomponent products with more than seven different components – Combine plastics with polyurethanes and elastomers – Package solutions complete with process know-how and tooling NPE 2015, West Hall, booth W903
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