BP&R May/June 2021 by BP&R Magazine

British Plastics

and Rubber

bp&r may/june 2021

#ThePositivesOfPlastic

PLASTIC IS FANTASTIC — WHY WE COLLECTIVELY NEED TO WORK ON PLASTIC’S ‘IMAGE’— SEE PAGE 4 LET’S GET DIGITAL The beneﬁts of digitalisation in plastics manufacturing

CNC CUTTING A beginner’s guide for plastic and foam packaging

LET’S BOND How can plasma surface treatment bond plastics with low surface energy?

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editor’s letter

www.britishplastics.co.uk Editor: GRACE NOLAN

T: +44 (0) 1244 952 375 E: grace.nolan@rapidnews.com head of media SALES-Plastics portfolio: Lisa Montgomery

T: +44 (0) 1244 952 372 E: lisa.montgomery@rapidnews.com Advertising Manager: MANDY O’BRIEN

T: +44 (0) 01244 952 519 E: mandy.obrien@rapidnews.com Advertising Manager: Gareth Jones

T: +44 (0) 1244 952 370 E: gareth.jones@rapidnews.com Head of studio: SAM HAMLYN

T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 E: sam.hamlyn@rapidnews.com SUBSCRIPTIONS:

T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 E: subscriptions@rapidnews.com PUBLISHER: duncan wood

T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 E: duncan.wood@rapidnews.com PRINT SUBSCRIPTION Qualifying Criteria UK – Free Europe – £249 ROW – £249 FREE digital issues available to view and download online British Plastics & Rubber is published monthly (8 times/year) by Rapid Plastics Media Ltd, Carlton House, Sandpiper Way, Chester Business Park, CH4 9QE T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 F: +44 (0) 1244 671074 © 2021 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. PEFC Certified This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources PEFC/16-33-254

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It is apparent that the industry can serve as a driving force behind the UK’s levelling-up aspirations by harnessing our strengths to propel Interplas and get back to face to face interactions at leading trade shows

e are now under five months away from the UK’s most important plastics event, Interplas returns on September 28-30 at the NEC and exhibitors are now in full planning mode for the three day showcase for the plastics industry. Registration is now open, supported by a visitor and meeting app. Nigel Baker, ENGEL UK Managing Director is right behind the show saying: “We are 100 per cent committed to Interplas in September and are planning an exciting exhibit to show off the newest technology ENGEL has to offer to the UK market. We have a great location at the front of the hall and are looking forward to impressing visitors on arrival.” On page 12, Richard Hird, Chairman of the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA), touches on returning to normality and hears from PMMDA member Neil Bathard of Romi Machines UK Ltd. It is apparent that the industry can serve as a driving

force behind the UK’s levelling-up aspirations by harnessing our strengths to propel Interplas and get back to face to face interactions at leading trade shows. As Bathard commented: “We now need to work together and promote manufacturing in the UK and with Interplas ‘21 going ahead in September, we need to support & promote this show being the first major plastics show in the UK for a while.” II hope to see you there! grace nolan, EDITOR

the big story

#ThePositivesOfPlastic

D DISTRUPOL OUTLINES WHY WE COLLECTIVELY NEED TO WORK ON PLASTIC’S ‘IMAGE’, AND HOW THE INCREASING PRESSURES ON GLOBAL POLYMER PRODUCERS TO FURTHER IMPROVE THEIR SUSTAINABILITY PROFILE HAS LED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOME GROUNDBREAKING PORTFOLIO EXTENSIONS.

TO US, PLASTIC REALLY IS FANTASTIC. Last year, we spoke about our ‘Polymers in Action’ campaign, which is still going strong today. Polymers in Action is our way of showcasing innovative product applications where plastic plays a vital role in the product’s design, manufacture and function. Sustainability is often the hot topic when plastic comes into conversation. However great this is, it often means the incredible benefits that plastic provides our modern society are overlooked. Our mission as a leader in the application development and sales of polymer materials is to change this. Examples of the most recent additions to our PIA library include ostomy bag components, antibacterial polymer additives and electric car charge cables – all remarkable applications to support an advanced, modern society. You may have caught the Seaspiracy documentary (directed by Ali Tabrizi) which premiered back in March and blew the whistle on some eyebrow-raising statistics involving the global fishing industry. Whilst specific details are not necessary to discuss within the context of this article, it has created space for conversations to happen with regards to where our focus on sustainability and plastic should be. Further to this, it has empowered our industry to be able to ask the more difficult questions in the arena of sustainability, around personal responsibility and the true impact of single-use plastics on our oceanlife. There’s always room for improvement, and it’s undeniable that plastic can have a detrimental impact to our planet if not handled and disposed of correctly, however we collectively need to work on plastic’s ‘image’, how the general public view it, and reinforce #ThePositivesOfPlastic.

NEXTGEN POLYMERS Every cloud has a silver lining as they say. Increasing pressures on global polymer producers to even further improve their sustainability profile has led to the development of some ground-breaking portfolio extensions as of late. Polymer powerhouses such as DuPont™, INEOS, ChiMei and Eni Versalis have invested substantial amounts of money and time into fine tuning their practices and portfolios to better support the environment. Delrin® CPE from DuPont™ utilises pioneering patented homopolymer acetal technology to enable the design and manufacture of thinner parts which require less material and energy to process. ChiMei’s incredible achievements in Taiwan with their Clean & Green project has seen the company establish their debut solar powered plant and EDR water recycling systems. INEOS Recycl-IN and Versalis Revolve® are portfolios featuring recycled plastic materials including polypropylene, polystyrene and polyethylene. We can also boast the innovative brands from Hexpol and Trifilon. Hexpol TPE’s Dryflex® Circular and Dryflex® Green are portfolios based on recycled and biobased content, respectively. Trifilon’s portfolio of hemp-filled polymer materials (under the brand names of BioLite®, Revo® and Switch®) are also leading the industry in sustainable technology. Our dedicated application development engineers specialise in designing and manufacturing with sustainable materials and are available as part of the Distrupol experience to assist with product development in every aspect. 2021 & BEYOND Following our purchase earlier this year by GPD Inc., we are now more streamlined than ever. As part of a global polymer distribution group, wholeheartedly focused on revolutionising the landscape of the polymer distribution industry, our resources, strategies and missions have never been clearer or more determined.

Polymers in Action is our way of showcasing innovative product applications where plastic plays a vital role in the product’s design, manufacture and function

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

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On the Cover

21 FEATURE

Distropol outlines why we collectively need to work on plastic’s ‘image’, and how the increasing pressures on global polymer producers to further improve their sustainability profile has led to the development of some ground-breaking portfolio extensions. See page 4

Broanmain’s Tool Manager Kamil Stec shares some common misconceptions along with several useful tips to help extend the life of precision mould tools.

#ThePositivesOfPlastic

3 EDITOR’S LETTER 17 FEATURE Let’s bond

Here Peter Swanson, Managing Director of adhesives specialist Intertronics, discusses how plasma surface treatment can help manufacturers bond plastics with low surface energy.

Tool Life Extension Tips

27 FEATURE Let’s get digital

Neli Ivanova, Sales Manager, Industrial Equipment at Siemens Financial Services in the UK discusses the benefits of digitalisation in plastics manufacturing and how to invest for success.

36 FEATURE

Women in Plastics Spotlight

In the latest instalment of our series collaborating with the Women in Plastics initiative, we share a conversation with Adwoa Coleman, Africa Sustainability and Advocacy Manager at Dow P&SP.

Regulars and Features 09 INDUSTRY NEWS 14 MATERIALS HANDLING 18 MOULD MAKING AND TOOLING 23 MATERIALS NEWS 25 POLYMERMAN 26 AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS 29 INJECTION MOULDING 39 RECLAMATION AND RECYCLING 43 SOFTWARE GUIDE 43 BUYERS' GUIDE 46 NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE

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The practical way to convey pellets

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www.cjpsales.co.uk | Specialists in technical polymers

INDUSTRY | NEWS PVC 2021 a virtual success Over 459 delegates from 33 countries attended PVC 2021, the world’s leading conference on Vinyl. This year’s theme focused on ‘Success and Innovation in the Circular Economy,’ with an impressive line-up delivering a current, comprehensive and wide-ranging technical programme with 60 papers covering seven technical sessions, and discussion opportunities in between.

Commenting on the conference Dr Jason Leadbitter conference chair stated that PVC 2021 has proven that even in these challenging times we have been able to innovate and deliver a professional conference that has set a really high standard. In many ways the virtual experience has allowed perhaps an even greater flow of information from the PVC industry allowing delegates to stream on-line even well after the closure of the conference. If you were a delegate and missed any of the presentations, these will be available for a few months after the event, so you have plenty of time to catch up.

£1.9m contract win for Brandon Medical boosts young workforce Brandon Medical, a Leeds-based business that produces operating theatre and intensive care unit equipment for the healthcare industry, has secured a £1.86m contract to supply its products to one of London’s largest teaching hospitals. The firm, which has seen a 10 per cent increase in its workforce to 78 employees over the past six months, is one of a growing number of manufacturers in the region to report an increase in business confidence, and plans to create new jobs in the coming months. According to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from the West and North

Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Q2 of 2021 saw a substantial increase in confidence, with Yorkshire manufacturers anticipating growth in turnover and profit over the next 12 months at levels last reported in 2015, along with an expected 18 per cent boost to the size of the workforce. The survey also found that almost half of the region’s manufacturing firms had attempted to recruit in the last quarter, largely for permanent, full-time roles, with almost a third reporting difficulties in finding appropriately skilled candidates. Graeme Hall, managing director of Brandon Medical who

Robot pirate ships set sail to launch biggest clean-up of UK’s rivers Two robot pirate ships have set sail in London’s Docklands to mark the launch of the UK’s largest ever collaborative push to prevent and reduce the amount of litter entering our waterways, and subsequently the ocean. The Treasure Your River campaign aims to remove 95 tonnes of litter and prevent a further 90 tonnes from entering seven of the UK’s vital river systems that are home to a wide array of wildlife. The campaign is being run by environmental charity Hubbub and supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation, and will initially focus on prevention and clean-up

began his career in manufacturing as a graduate apprentice, said: “New talent is absolutely the life blood for manufacturing businesses like ours and it’s so important to get young people enthused about the careers we can offer them via initiatives like the Leeds Manufacturing Festival.” “Young people have been hit extremely hard by the challenges of the pandemic and the new job opportunities that are becoming available again, with the resurgence of confidence in the manufacturing sector, are extremely positive. Manufacturing is a great career choice - it’s a creative process and people who work in the industry are immensely proud of what they produce.”

activities on seven major cities based on these rivers – Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Nottingham, which between them are home to 1 in 6 of the UK population. Gavin Ellis, Director and Co-founder of Hubbub said “As lockdown restrictions

are lifted there is increased concern about the amount of litter in our public and green spaces. Treasure Your River aims to make the connection between litter in our towns and cities and plastic in the oceans, and to offer people something positive they can do about it.”

New talent is absolutely the life blood for manufacturing businesses like ours and it’s so important to get young people enthused about the careers we can offer them via initiatives like the Leeds Manufacturing Festival

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

live e-symposium true passion | real innovation | virtual experience

Welcome to the virtual world of ENGEL 22–24 June 2021 June 2021 – the ENGEL live e-symposium opens its doors. This year, innovative technologies, exciting applications and sustainable solutions as well as new opportunities for digitalisation await you in our virtual world. Join us online to experience the future of injection moulding!

www.cjpsales.co.uk | Specialists in technical polymers

Polypipe in the paddock as RFDA pushes off for pivotal season A Yorkshire all-female cycling team continues its quest to kick-start a cycling revolution, with the support of Polypipe. The Racescene Female Development Academy (RFDA), which is unique in amateur cycling for supporting only female riders, is entering its third year of competitive cycling, hoping to put behind the pandemic which caused so much disruption to the sporting calendar in 2020. The team, which provides support and

Fibrax Acquires Plastic Injection Moulding Company Hi-Mark Automotive Ltd. The Fibrax Group of Companies has acquired Hi-Mark Automotive Ltd, adding a dedicated UKbased plastic injection moulding manufacturing company to its global portfolio. The Fibrax Group comprises a polymeric injection moulding company that operates predominantly in the automotive industry across three global sites and a UK-based cycling business that exports components worldwide. As a 100 per cent shareholder of Hi-

Mark Automotive Ltd, the company is now able to offer its global client base technicallyadvanced plastic injection mouldings alongside its existing offering. Wrexham-based HiMark has been designing and manufacturing high-quality injection moulded components for over forty years. It manufactures products for some of the largest automotive brands in the world. Like Fibrax, it has a British manufacturing heritage and operates a

training for female racers who want to pursue the sport during their teenage years, is set to start its 2021 season in late May once groups of more than 30 can gather for sporting activities. Polypipe has pledged significant sponsorship that will enable the RFDA to engage the services of a dedicated team coach during the season as well as invest in other required kit and infrastructure support for the riders at race events. This investment will give the team a boost

thriving exports division. As part of a truly global group, Fibrax aims to drive future growth by developing Hi-Mark’s range of products, which includes suspension spring isolators and relative-motion spring pads, whilst creating mutually beneficial relationships with customers worldwide. Hi-Mark will continue to operate from its existing purpose-built premises in Wrexham. Business will continue as usual and Hi-Mark will be seamlessly and meticulously integrated into Fibrax’s key systems, operating practices and continuous development strategies. John O’Brien, Group Managing Director, said: “We are looking ahead to the future with great optimism and enthusiasm. This acquisition signals an excellent start to the year for the Fibrax Group. We look forward to supporting our customers with our extended, fullservice offering.”

as it looks to secure British Cycling’s Elite Development Team Status for the 2022 season allowing them to compete in even more prestigious events within the UK and Europe. Mick Dawes, Team

Manager, RFDA said: “Polypipe’s support is crucial for the development of the team and we appreciate the investment and the help to date has helped us to establish a squad of excellence.”

IDC Buys Plastics Company to Expand Production Capabilities

Industrial Design Consultancy Ltd (IDC) has announced the purchase of Naiad Plastics, an injection moulding company based in Littlehampton, on the south coast of England. IDC’s MD Stephen Knowles explains, “This is a really exciting move for IDC. Naiad’s injection moulding facility means we can expand our manufacturing services for customers. We can now offer complete product design and production services, as well as manufacturing only solutions for

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

clients who solely need support with production. Naiad has opened the door to a wealth of plastics manufacturing experience, and this, in combination with IDC’s highly skilled team, brings unique capabilities across product design, prototyping, testing and production. This is particularly the case as we see more companies looking to manufacture in the UK.” Naiad will continue to operate from its base in Littlehampton, West Sussex, and will be run by its MD, David Wright. 11

Specialists in technical polymers | www.cjpsales.co.uk

COMMENT

The word from Hird

R UK plastic road company’s international expansion continues MacRebur - the plastic road company that uses non-recyclable waste plastics destined for landfill or incineration and adds them into asphalt for road construction – is continuing to expand across global markets, with projects in development across a total of 31 countries worldwide. MacRebur, who recently announced its expansion into the US and plans for a Floridabased factory, has most recently completed roads in over ten new countries, including three projects in Spain, three in Malaysia and others in Norway, Barbados, Japan and Estonia. The company – which offers a green alternative for construction companies and businesses wishing to add environmental credentials to its builds - is also at very advanced stages for new roads in Chile, Nigeria, The Republic of Ireland, Colombia, Brazil, South Korea, Ghana & France.

Toby McCartney, founder and CEO of MacRebur, said: “Plastic packaging is a global crisis, and our continued growth into 31 countries is extremely encouraging – it means that private and public sector businesses are really starting to consider their impact on the environment. “We aim to use local plastic waste in local roads, with each km laid using our MacRebur product using up the equivalent weight of 740,541 single-use use plastic bags. Put another way, one tonne of MacRebur mix contains the equivalent of 80,000 plastic bottles. For every one-mile, twolane road, there’s a carbon emission offset of about 33 tonnes, quite incredible.” “Our roads are more flexible thanks to the properties of the plastic used in them, so although a MacRebur road looks the same as any other, it has improved strength and durability.”

ICHARD HIRD, CHAIRMAN OF THE POLYMER MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION (PMMDA), TOUCHES ON RETURNING TO NORMALITY AND HEARS FROM PMMDA MEMBER NEIL BATHARD OF ROMI MACHINES UK LTD.

We now need to work together and promote manufacturing in the UK and with Interplas ‘21 going ahead in September, we need to support & promote this show being the first major plastics show in the UK for a while.

With recent Government announcements, it really does feel as though there is light at the end of the tunnel for this difficult period that we’ve all been through in the last year or so. Caution is the watchword, but it does make me wonder - what are the challenges and opportunities our members will face this year, postBrexit and coming out of the Covid lockdowns? We all hope for better times ahead, both from a personal and a business perspective. The thought of ‘normality’ is enticing… who knows, we may even be able to hold a PMMDA event before the end of 2021? We’re aware that there have been many hurdles to overcome following Brexit – we’ve supported our members as much as we can and provided guidance and access to as much information as possible, as we have with the rules and guidance during the pandemic. However, that doesn’t help when the courier companies are not able to keep a track on our shipments, as has happened to some of our members who have lost a number of shipments in transit from Europe, leading to frustration and additional costs to all concerned. PMMDA member Neil Bathard of Romi Machines UK Ltd recently summed up the last 12 months well when he commented: “In this post Brexit & Covid period, Romi UK have continued to grow in a very difficult economy of uncertainty in the plastics market & Covid has affected everyone in Industry, with companies having staff on furlough and production outputs dropping across sectors - notably automotive & aerospace. The Building industry & medical sectors have kept busy which is where we have seen our continued growth into 2021. With reduced fuel volumes during the lockdown periods leading to a drop in refinery output, this has led to a shortage in the supplies, and increased costs of plastic materials. Steel prices and shortage of cardboard supplies for packaging has had a huge effect on the plastics market with our customers working hard to keep the supply chain producing. Brexit has seen costs increasing which means managing cashflow for companies is key. Romi UK concentrated on the building industry market and by having stock of machines from 70T – 600T in the UK, kept machine delivery league times to a minimum. We now need to work together and promote manufacturing in the UK and with Interplas ‘21 going ahead in September, we need to support & promote this show being the first major plastics show in the UK for a while.” As we progress through the next 12 months, our members are looking forward to tackling the opportunities that they have learnt from recent challenges, enabling UK Plastics processors to develop new smarter ways of working together.

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

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Technology for challenges of the future | www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

MATERIALS HANDLING | NEWS WITTMANN develops material distribution monitoring for challenging applications WITTMANN has developed monitored CODEMAX coupling stations to ensure that the implementation and results of material changes come up to even the most stringent quality standards. The mechanical design of material distribution systems can vary greatly and may be planned individually. Moreover, these systems can be made from a wide range of different materials, such as entirely from stainless steel, but also from combinations of hardened stainless steel with glass elements – depending on the requirements in each case. WITTMANN deliberately dispenses with welding in producing its material distributors. CODEMAX coupling stations

offer a pluggable version with sealed pipe clamps, which permits subsequent exchange of pipe elements and the use of wear-resistant parts where necessary. The special fast camlock couplings for material transport pipes are manufactured exclusively for use on WITTMANN CODEMAX coupling stations. They consist of aluminum and are fully sealed, are produced without sensitive threading, and are mounted on stainless steel pipes. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antennas

and tags on every coupling make sure that correct connections are established in every case between material feeding pipelines and processing machines. The connections are monitored via the WITTMANN network control for materials handling systems and invariably checked against the input from the system operator. If a coupling process is triggered on the network control system without operator input, this immediately generates an error signal, and the material transport affected is stopped. This reliably prevents feeding of the wrong material to a processing machine.

The same procedure is followed if a material change has been triggered via the control system, and the wrong material is connected to the coupling station. Before a coupling process is carried out, the system operator is shown which material hose must be connected to which distributor unit. Both incorrect and open connections are visualized on the control system’s graphic display. Mounted inside an aluminum housing and over-molded with a shock-absorbing layer of plastic, the RFID antennas are optimally protected against shocks. Existing material distributors can also be retrofitted with RFID antennas, and subsequent extension of monitored coupling stations presents no problems.

screen setup, and basic operation of the various pieces of connected equipment. “Having a universal control system on our equipment, will further differentiate Conair in the

competitive landscape, and, more importantly, it will give a leg up to processors,” explains Sam Rajkovich, Vice President, Sales & Marketing.

Conair Implements Common Control Platform For Plastics Auxiliary Equipment To simplify training and operation of many types of auxiliary equipment, Conair is implementing a new “common control” platform, featuring an HMI that offers a consistent user experience (menu, navigation, data entry, notifications, icons, colors, communications) regardless of the machinery involved. The new control platform and HMI have already been implemented in the SmartFLX material handling control, truckfill line-proofing system, blenders,

and temperaturecontrol units, with dryers scheduled to be released in Q3 and chillers and other equipment to follow. Other systems, such as Wave Conveying and Conair’s new RFIDproofed resin-selection system are controlled through the SmartFLX Platform. In addition, all are compatible with SmartServices, Conair’s cloud-based IoT or “Industry 4.0” solution for machine monitoring and data collection. The Machine Control portion of SmartServices

mirrors the same control screen that an on-thefloor operator would see. So, anyone logging into the SmartServices dashboard and using the Machine Control feature will be familiar with the

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

www.motan-colortronic.co.uk | Technology for challenges of the future

Q: When is it necessary to purge material lines?

IN Jenco drives busines forward This year Jenco Controls & Export Ltd have been looking at new ways during the lockdown to drive the business forward. “We have managed to use this time to the best of our advantage and have sourced new ideas by using our marketing team and manufacturing department to make some new and exciting changes.” We are pleased to announce that with technology moving forward and staff being trained in further areas that we have been able to launch a new website with a live chat system available for those that don’t have time to contact us by telephone. The live chat will allow customers to get a quick response in terms of booking in repair work, receiving prices from our sales team and accessing manuals and data sheets. Launched in May the new site includes a login section for all customers

which once approved gain access to manuals and data sheets from the current machinery range. The aim is to make the process simple for customers and continue to provide a five star service. James Bailey, Managing Director, explained: “Never has there been a more appropriate time to invest in technology to further enhance our business” “As well as launching the new site Jenco have been working hard on research and development to enable us to continue releasing British manufactured products for many more years to come. With 55 years’ experience and new ideas our products will have the latest technology that the future will require. Our in-house manufacturing department have been working hard with the design team to build specific operations for the plastics industry and many other sectors.”

Jenco have been working hard on research and development to enable us to continue releasing British manufactured products for many more years to come

THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF OUR ONGOING SERIES ANSWERING THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED MATERIALS HANDLING QUESTIONS, THE EXPERTS AT MOTAN COLORTRONIC EXPLAIN WHY PURGING CAN CONTRIBUTE TO PLANT SAFETY.

he point of purging is to remove or minimise transported material deposits from a material line. When the vacuum of vacuum conveying systems shuts off after the conveying cycle, any remaining material in the line remains in the line and ideally is transported again during the next conveying cycle. Due to different reasons it could, however, be sensible or even necessary to purge the material line(s). The term “purging” is very general and does not always necessarily mean that all the material is removed from the material lines. In many cases it is enough to just “free up” the lines. It is self-evident that complete purging is necessary before a material change to prevent mixing and therefore also waste or worse. The same is true when different delivery

points are supplied by the same material feed line from different supply points. This is the case for some automated coupling stations, for example. In addition, purging can be beneficial when processing pre-dried material, as it prevents material deposits from reabsorbing moisture in the material feed lines. As a preventative measure against blockages, purging removes any deposits, which is particularly important when processing adhesive materials. The most critical points in the material lines in this case are the bends, as the material can rub against the inside of the pipes and adhere to them. Even if the material is being conveyed over larger distances of vertically installed pipes, purging can help prevent any blockages occurring at the foot of these line segments. When switching off the conveying stream, any material left in the material lines will fall to the bottom of the bend due to gravity. This can result in problems creating vacuum for the next conveying cycle. To purge a material line, the installation of a purging valve or a controlled suction box is necessary. In order to clear the line, it is often sufficient to let air stream into the line via a bypass

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ABOVE: In order to completely purge, a controlled suction box or a two-way purging valve is most often used, which interrupts the material ﬂow and simultaneously opens the bypass (image: Motan-Colortronic) opening. To completely purge the material line, a controlled suction box or a two-way purging valve is usually used, which interrupts the material flow and simultaneously opens the bypass. Whether a material line is completely purged or just cleared also depends on the purging time. It is important to bear in mind that extremely long purging times can influence the throughput of the conveying system. For vertical line segments, it may be sensible to install a purging valve at the foot, in order to completely purge the line. Depending on the individual situation, it is always important to keep an eye on the possible amount of material in the lines and the volume of the material container at the processing machine. 15

Introducing Hilectro robots from Haitian Creating your advantage

www.motan-colortronic.co.uk | Technology for challenges of the future

FEATURE

LET'S BOND A

P POLYETHYLENE, POLYPROPYLENE AND POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET) ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF PLASTICS WITH LOW SURFACE ENERGIES THAT MAKE THEM DIFFICULT TO BOND. HERE PETER SWANSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ADHESIVES SPECIALIST INTERTRONICS, DISCUSSES HOW PLASMA SURFACE TREATMENT CAN HELP MANUFACTURERS BOND PLASTICS WITH LOW SURFACE ENERGY.

dhesives are polymeric materials, usually liquid in their uncured state. If the surface tension of the adhesive is lower than the surface energy of the substrate (ideally 7-10 dynes lower), it will “wet” or spread out over the surface. If the surface tension is the same or higher, the adhesive will bead up rather than wet the surface. Wetting is a prerequisite of adhesion, so if the adhesive does not wet, bonding does not really happen. In such cases, manufacturers can consider surface treatment to alter the surface energy of the substrate, so that they can design materials with low surface energies into their products. Low surface energy plastics can have other useful properties which make them appealing to product designers, so improving their bondability can enable their use in assemblies. Plasma surface treatment is a “dry” process, which is usually preferable to surface treatments using primers or other wet chemicals. Using chemistry is more complicated, takes longer, and has health and safety and environmental concerns; these all tend to involve higher costs. PLASMA SURFACE TREATMENT In plasma, electrons and ions accelerate to very high energies and collide with gas molecules to produce short-lived, chemically active species. Plasma can modify and functionalise surfaces to prepare them for adhesive bonding, varnishing or printing without altering the bulk properties, or marking or discolouring the treated part. In a process known as surface functionalisation, plasma treatment causes the generation of polar oxygen groups on the substrate’s surface, which can act as bonding anchors by forming covalent bonds with molecules in an adhesive to increase bond strength. Good adhesion also depends on a clean bonding surface, so contamination from handling, the environment, or previous processes is not ideal. Plasma treatment produces an ultrafine cleaning effect — removing dust and organic particles that would otherwise impede subsequent processes. It breaks the bonds of heavy organic molecules to form lighter, more volatile ones that evaporate from the surface. TYPES OF PLASMA TREATMENT Plasma treatment can be performed in a closed chamber (low-pressure plasma) or by directing plasma from a nozzle (atmospheric pressure plasma). In atmospheric plasma technology, an electric arc is produced using a high-voltage discharge. Directing gas through this electric arc excites gas particles, converting them into plasma, which is passed through the nozzle and onto the surface to be treated.

Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment processes can require special gases or automated handling and extraction to comply with health and safety regulations. For larger scale fast production, manufacturers can opt for technology, such as the Relyon plasmabrush PB3, which can be integrated into automated, continuous production processes. However, cold atmospheric plasma technology has made plasma treatment much more accessible and user-friendly. It can be incorporated into handheld instruments, is safe for operators and suitable for temperature sensitive materials. They are very affordable, and have found applications on production benches and in laboratories. There are a range of cold atmospheric plasma devices on the market, suited to different applications. For example, the Relyon piezobrush PZ3 handheld device is a good choice for R&D, preproduction or medium volume work due to its small size and manoeuvrability, while a variant, the PZ2-i can be mounted onto a robot for automated or semiautomated applications. APPLICATIONS Our customers have had success using plasma treatment in a range of sectors. One good example is medical device manufacturing, where adhesives are commonly used to bond catheters, injection needles, tube sets and filters. These products are sometimes made with specialist plastics, formulated to resist chemical and environmental conditions, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether block amide (PEBA) and styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN). Plasma surface treatment can increase the surface energy to improve adhesion, as well as clean and sterilise the part’s surface. Automotive manufacturers are also turning to plasma treatment to improve bond integrity and therefore the product’s lifespan when producing headlights, taillights and other plastic components. One specific application from the electronics industry is activating the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) to improve bonding and adhesion of conformal coatings or encapsulants.

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mould making & tooling | News Hi-Tech Mouldings Wins 3M EMEA Supplier of the Year Award Hi-Tech Mouldings Limited has been honoured with the 2020 3M Supplier of the Year Award in recognition of the company’s contribution to improving 3M’s competitiveness. This year, 3M recognised 13 suppliers, among thousands in its global supply base, for world class performance in providing products and/or services. These suppliers were identified and rated based on strategic spend, contract compliance, actions

taken to improve 3M’s relevance and overall supplier performance (quality, delivery, responsiveness, cost, and technology roadmaps). “Winning this Award in the category for Covid response, supporting 3M with an increased demand for mouldings and assemblies throughout 2020, is a fantastic recognition of the commitment, dedication and hard work by our teams in the UK and Slovakia working around the clock. We

VEM Opens Tooling and Moulding Operation in Eastern Europe VEM Medical, a global tooling and moulding provider to the medical device industry, has expanded operations into Eastern Europe. The wholly owned manufacturing plant is located in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, which is the cultural capital and second largest city in Bulgaria. The new operation, known as VEM Europe, provides high-quality injection mould tool fabrication and design services as well as mould maintenance and repairs. ARBURG

are also grateful for the support of our suppliers and sub-contractors who enabled us to rise to meet the challenge of this unprecedented demand at a time of global challenge” said

Peter Tyler, Group Managing Director of the Hi-Technology Group. “2020 has been unprecedented in many dimensions. Pandemic, environmental, human rights … whatever the

HASCO mould with additively manufactured hot runner system

injection moulding machines are available for testing and production runs. The facility is 17,500 square feet and equipped with top-ofthe-line manufacturing equipment from Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. Marc Weinmann, President of VEM Group, said: “VEM has many European customers and we opened in Bulgaria in order to provide those customers with local manufacturing at the best price point.”

HASCO hot runner has developed a new and innovative 32 cavity injection mould tool. The mould, that will produce shopping trolley tokens, will be trialled in an in-house injection moulding technical centre. The special feature of the mould is the innovative 32-cavity HASCO Streamrunner. The additively manufactured hot runner manifold offers mouldmakers and injection moulders greater freedom in design and opens the door to new design possibilities in mouldmaking. The flow-optimised design speeds up colour changes and material too. Through the use of the additive manufacturing process, very compact designs

can be produced with a nozzle pitch down to 18 mm and minimum manifold height of 26 mm. With the new test mould, the hot runner specialists at HASCO hot runner now have additional possibilities to obtain further knowledge in the application of additively manufactured hot runner manifolds, especially in the highcavity segment. In addition to the Streamrunner, numerous standard

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challenges, the 3M team remained focused on an optimal customer satisfaction” said Ivan Donzelot, Senior Vice President, 3M EMEA Manufacturing & Supply Chain. “Working in full partnership with our suppliers was even more critical. Together, we managed to successfully navigate through an unpredictable environment full of constraints, global shortages and Force Majeure. And together we became proficient at prioritisation, allocation, dual sourcing, flexibility and fast tracking.”

quality mould components are used in the token mould. Heat sensors additionally integrated in the system show a highly uniform temperature profile and confirm the previously carried out thermal simulations. The overall moulding tool is coordinated precisely through corresponding pressure plates. Numerous DLCcoated components ensure accurate and low-wear guiding and centring.

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FEATURE

FROM CONCEPT TO COMPONENT

T THE START OF THE DESIGN PROCESS CAN VARY GREATLY, SOME PRODUCT DESIGNS WILL BE RECEIVED TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION ALL ASPECTS OF THE MOULDING AND MOULD DESIGN PROCESS, BUT THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE. PENTAGON PLASTICS SHARE HOW THE COMPANY CAN HELP GUIDE A PROJECT FROM CONCEPT TO A PRODUCTION READY PRODUCT THROUGH PROVEN PROCESSES.

DFM – DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE The first stage is a review including but not limited to, draft, split lines, undercuts, gate position, ease of fill, machining methods, location and ejection function, along with any suggestions that could simplify tool manufacture and decrease production cost which is always a benefit to the customer. This is supported by our in-house moulding process simulation software which can be of great benefit early on and can help with decisions such as where and how you would like to feed the plastic to fill the product. TOOL DESIGN It is key for any tool designer to understand the manufacturing process required for producing the part they are designing. Having a full understanding of what can be achieved easily vs what will be complex to manufacture will help manage cost. The designer must gather all the available data such as number of cavities, feed system, ejection method and temperature control. This information is filtered into the Tool specification sheet referred to by the designer and the tool makers throughout. There are other factors to consider such as the material of the outer casing (Mould Base or Bolster Set) as well as the working detail areas of the tool. Most decisions are based around the volumes required, the complexity of the parting line and the features that need to be moulded within the tool. At Pentagon production is an integral part of detailing the tool specification and design principles by considering the production process and requirements at an early stage of the tool design. Tools are generally constructed as a 3D Model using reverse engineering techniques after we have added shrinkage rates to the product design. This involves constructing the mould tool and moving

features around the product ensuring an acceptable flow of material to the product with movements that can be actioned in the correct sequence. MANUFACTURE Senior toolmakers oversee and manage the process of making the mould tool ensuring parts are manufactured in the right order to facilitate a smooth flow through our extensive toolroom facility. Tooling items will go through initial machining, maybe hardening, then grinding, finish machining, and sparking, while also being inspected along the way. Parts may need to be sent off for subcontract work or additional coatings. As items are progressively finished and fitted to the tool it will all come together, each part made to intricately fit and slide into place. This is a highly skilled process utilising conventional machining techniques, CNC technologies, EDM erosion and final fitting of all the components to exacting standards ensuring shut off faces are maintained, and any moving features will run freely when the mould tool is cold but also when the temperature control is applied in production. TRIALLING The tool will be hung in a suitable moulding press and a trial process conducted to check the tool functionality and optimise the moulding process. It may take several trials to achieve a production ready part as sometimes critical areas are left metal safe for final adjustment once the effect of the material shrinkage is proven. INITIAL TRAIL STAGES: T0, to check tool functionality and access the dimensional accuracy of the moulded part T1, to access any adjustments/refinements made after the T0 sample phase, at this stage samples are generally intended to be submitted to the customer for their first look. Sampled products are measured for conformity to the drawing, this information will be collected and collated into a First Article Inspection Review (FAIR) document, if supplied with mating parts we will check and access the fit. Once the customer has reviewed the inspection data, any out of tolerance, or metal safe sizes will be adjusted before it is re trialled. Due to the complexity of some parts this may have to be repeated a few times until it meets the fit and function requirements, but most parts are approved for production quickly.

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FEATURE

TOOL LIFE EXTENSION

U UPDATING OR REPAIRING AN INJECTION MOULD TOOL CAN BE COMPLEX. BROANMAIN’S TOOL MANAGER KAMIL STEC SHARES SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ALONG WITH SEVERAL USEFUL TIPS TO HELP EXTEND THE LIFE OF PRECISION MOULD TOOLS.

he cost of creating an injection moulding tool can run into thousands of pounds. Rather than investing in a full tool replacement, it can be possible to cut a new hole, increase the part size or expand the wall thickness. Usually, if something breaks within a tool, there is a solution. Naturally, complex repairs will likely cost more. Yet, it’s incomparable to a full tool build. The main instance where a new commission might be warranted is when changing the moulding material or when making multiple changes to the tool dimension, which requires adding rather than removing metal. EXPANDING PART GEOMETRIES It’s always easier to cut more material, rather than add material in a tool. Removal is often done in small increments. If the size of the tool cavity allows it, metal can be added. This can be highly complex and isn’t usually advisable for high-speed moulding. Making a moulded polymer part thicker is relatively straight forward. By making the initially geometries in the tooling thin, the thickness can be expanded by making cuts into the tool. Likewise, it’s advisable to make the outside diameter and shape of the part with the tool as small as possible. This then enables the tool to be altered instead of replacing it. ADDING FEATURES Imagine carving into stone. Once the features are etched in, they are virtually impossible to remove. Until the features of the part are fully determined, leave them out. Ribbing, raised text, texture etc. can be added once the tool is near completion. It may be possible to replace the core of the tool. Do consider future features and the different iterations that might potentially be needed. If these are factored into the development phase of the tool, future modifications are more straightforward. The most common adaptation is changing the size of holes within the tool. SWITCHING MATERIALS Moulding tools are typically designed for processing a particular plastic. That’s because each polymer has different shrinkage rates and also has different gating and venting requirements. Occasionally it’s possible to mould multiple plastics in the same mould. However, there’s always a size difference in the part. This can be particularly troublesome if the component forms part of an

assembly where pieces are slotted together with great precision. Changing the material can also cause other quality issues such as flash and burns in components. Heat transfer also needs to be considered. Using copper alloys for certain sections of the tool can help to defuse heat. Mixing different grades and hardness of tool steels is advisable, especially when there are sliding parts and complex shut offs within the mould cavity. For corrosive or abrasive plastics, different treatments and coatings, such as nitriding and hard chroming, can further improve wear resistance. DRAFT ANGLES Often, drawings or 3-D prototype models don’t factor in a draft angle. This can impact the tool design process and ultimately the mould ability of a component and how it’s ejected from the tool cavity during production. As well as increasing the number of rejected parts and potentially affecting the finish of the component, not having a draft angle can also damage the mould tool. Rather than having squared walls in the injection moulded part, they need to be slanted at an angle to the ejection and opening of the tool. UNDERCUTS An undercut is a feature that is formed perpendicular to the mould tool standard opening direction and prevents easy demoulding. A typical example is an opening in the side of a part. For an open and shut moulding tool, filling the perpendicular opening can be complex and costly. The more openings, the more expensive it can be, as additional tooling actions are often required. Furthermore, parts with internal threads or ridges can add to the tooling complexity and be expensive to address.

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MATERIALS | NEWS Teledyne CML Composites Invests in Thermoplastic Processing capability Teledyne CML Composites has completed a significant investment in a new Thermoplastic processing cell developed in conjunction with the UK’s National Composites Centre (NCC). The new processing cell utilizes two press and oven systems offering IR heating, platen heating, and a maximum force of 400 tons. The processing cell is capable of processing multiple aerospace, high performance reinforced Thermoplastics such as PEEK, PEKK, PPS, and PEI. The new Thermoplastic processing cell provides a significant capacity increase at Teledyne CML Composites to support the continued growth of the commercial and defence aerospace composites manufacturer. Not just limited

to Thermoplastic composites, the new processing cell allows Teledyne CML Composites the ability to produce compression moulded thermoset parts. This new capability also enables the “Out of Autoclave” production of foam and honeycomb sandwich panels such as those used in aircraft interiors. John Toner, Vice President & General Manager, Teledyne Aerospace and Defence Electronics UK (TADE UK) and General Manager of Teledyne CML Composites, said:“Having identified Thermoplastics as a key technology in our longterm growth ambitions, this investment adds an exciting new automated manufacturing capability to our business and places Teledyne CML Composites at the forefront of composites manufacturing technology.”

Easier Access to Plaswood Solutions with MKM Partnership

To meet increasing demand for its extensive range of plastic lumber products, Plaswood, a Berry Global product, is now being made available via the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant, MKM Building Supplies. Plaswood products will be available to purchase online, with items also on display in selected showrooms, and Plaswood lumber available at timber specialist stores, at MKM’s nationwide branches. The partnership between Plaswood and MKM will make Plaswood products more easily accessible to both consumers and tradespeople throughout local communities. The availability of these products at MKM will also support the company’s commitment to providing second life products to its customers that help to divert waste from landfill and support the development of a circular economy. “This is an important deal for Plaswood and another significant milestone in the growth of the brand,” explained Plaswood’s General Manager Katherine Lorek-Wallace. “We are experiencing strong demand for our products and the ability to purchase through

Essentra increases use of postconsumer recycled plastics in LDPE manufactured components Essentra Components has significantly increased the percentage of post-consumer recycled plastics being used in components manufactured across its low-density polyethylene (LDPE) product lines. As part of its journey towards a more sustainable future, nearly all LDPE products produced at the UK facility are now being manufactured using at least 40 per cent recycled plastics, and sometimes even more.

Since production began in April 2021, 57 million parts have already been manufactured and distributed across Europe, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific with zero interruption to service, process or increase in cost to customers. Graeme Craig, Senior Industrial Issues Executive at The British Plastics Foundation said the announcement demonstrated a real success in carbon emissions reduction:

MKM will deliver a fast route to market.” “Plaswood is an important addition to our offering,” said Kate Tinsley, MKM Building Supplies’ CEO. “Sustainability is a major concern to our customers and through Plaswood we are able to offer practical and high-quality products for many types of outdoor applications, including garden furniture and landscaping items These products are helping to keep used plastics away from our environment, while turning waste into valuable second life solutions.”

These products are helping to keep used plastics away from our environment, while turning waste into valuable second life solutions

“We welcome Essentra Components’ aspiration to use more recycled material in their products and applaud their achievements so far. Using more recycled plastic is one of the tools society has to reduce carbon emissions and announcements like this demonstrate positive progress is being made.”

Using more recycled plastic is one of the tools society has to reduce carbon emissions and announcements like this demonstrate positive progress is being made.

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How might polymer prices evolve over the next six months?

IN THIS EDITION OF HIS REGULAR COLUMN, OUR RESIDENT MATERIALS EXPERT, MIKE BOSWELL, LOOKS AT HOW POLYMER PRICES MIGHT EVOLVE OVER THE NEXT SIX MONTHS. HE ALSO REFLECTS ON WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO POLYMER PRICES SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2020

he combined issues of price and availability dominate discussions across the whole spectrum of raw materials on a global basis. This is especially true for polymers, where feedstock availability is highly dependent upon the refining of crude oil, which is an activity that has been significantly curtailed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent reduction in demand for transport fuels, which are the principal outputs of oil refineries. In each case 2020 starts off in a stable mode, although by February concerns over the potential impact of the pandemic on the global economy start to impact crude oil pricing and following a March peak, feedstock and volume polymer prices started to fall away as demand uncertainties dominated the market sentiment. Come the second half of the year the situation on pricing started to stabilise However, it became apparent towards the very end of 2020 that the reduction in output was too much and that the effect of inertia from global supply chains meant that the perceived equilibrium was a misconception. When considering the future pricing scenarios, most interested parties will observe the ‘spikey’ nature of the petrochemicals market as the following graph clearly illustrates:

Key points for consideration will include: SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE As clearly illustrated by markets in recent months, the supply demand balance for polymers has completely overridden the inflationary pressures from their respective feedstock(s). LEAD TIMES BETWEEN DIFFERENT REGIONS In tight markets, the lead time to move product from one market to another is likely to result in some independence of pricing even if arbitrage opportunities exist. GLOBAL LOGISTICS COSTS Historically the price of imports has been at the lower end of any market range, although the dramatic increase in global shipping costs may start to place imports at the upper end of the price range, as it will be these volumes that will satisfy ultimate market demand. RECOVERY OF SUPPLY IN NORTH AMERICA Following the devastating impact of the winter storms on polymer production in the Gulf Coast region, the industry is gradually coming back on stream. Although very strong domestic demand is unlikely to allow for much in terms of export volumes before the end of this year. IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON DEMAND IN THE INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT As has been witnessed in other regions of the world, rapid spread of Coronavirus can significantly impact upon demand, with the risk of significant decreases followed by strong recovery.

Who is ‘Polymerman’?

Mike Boswell is Managing Director of UK materials distributor, Plastribution, as well as the Chairman of the British Plastic Federation’s Polymer Compounders and Distributors Group and its ‘BREXIT Committee’. ‘Polymerman’ is the title used for announcements made via his Twitter account. This column is compiled using data from PIE (Plastics Information Europe) www.plastribution. co.uk | www.pieweb.com

The following illustration provides a range of possible scenarios for price action in the coming months:

DEMAND FOR TRANSPORT The demand for transport fuels will directly impact oil refinery output rates, and with that there will be significant implications for the availability of petrochemical feedstocks. It is notable that PP is extra-sensitive to this factor given that a significant proportion is derived from the production of petrol/gasoline. OVERESTIMATES AND UNDERESTIMATES IN UNDERLYING DEMAND Events leading up to the end of 2020 clearly illustrate the implications of underestimating demand, a matter for which a heavy price is now being paid. In conclusion, the situation going forward continues to look challenging with questions such as what, if and when dominating the thoughts of most polymer raw material buyers.

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AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS | NEWS Stäubli Expands MPS Robotic Tool Changer Stäubli has launched five new sizes to expand the existing MPS tool changer range, covering payload capacities from 15kg to 80kg, enabling Stäubli to offer a robotic tool change solution for virtually all robots and payloads. Key characteristics of the new compact range include repeat accuracy of +/-1.5 µm and a wide variety of available transfer technologies. The MPS COMPLETE designation offers preconfigured complete systems ready for immediate use and available on short delivery times. Stäubli’s MPS MODULAR option offers readily available and production ready

solutions tailored to meet individual customer requirements. The third option is MPS CUSTOMIZED. These systems are designed around the pre-requisites of each unique application. The location of the transmission modules is also highly flexible, allowing users to position them as required to suit the individual robot’s cable package, and order them using a simple code. The robot mounted component of the MPS Tool Changer incorporates all of the services required to provide functionality for the various tools which may be used by the robot

‘CUTTING EDGE’ AT THE HEART OF FANUC’S NEW ROBOCUT SERIES FANUC UK has unveiled the latest additions to its ROBOCUT range of wire EDM robots, the α-C400iC and α-C600iC. The compact new models build on their predecessors, incorporating an updated casting design for greater rigidity, stability and accuracy. Offering unparalleled levels of speed and accuracy in metal fabrication by way of carefully controlled rapid current discharges, the α-C400iC has a footprint of just 1970 x 2120mm, while the α-C600iC stands at 2070 x 2650mm. The α-C400iC is able to process workpieces of up to 500kg with an X/Y/Z-axis capacity of up to 730 x 630 x 250mm, offering significant versatility for a number of applications. The α-C600iC can handle workpieces up to 1000kg and 1050 x 820 x 300m, making it ideal for larger projects. The Z-axis of the α-C600iC can also be extended to 400mm on request, to facilitate working with particularly thick workpieces. The ROBOCUT CCR rotating table also opens up new opportunities, offering a dynamic work surface with genuine stability that provides well-needed flexibility to the cutting process. Andy Spence, ROBOCUT Product Manager at FANUC UK, commented: “We wanted to build on the success of our existing ROBOCUT range, by offering versatile machines that open up new possibilities to 26

in production. On the tool change element, the only transmission modules required are those relating to the operation of specific tools. This makes it possible to use multiple individually configured tool elements with one robot mounted element, optimising customer return on investment. Stäubli combines cross-shaped guide

surfaces with a springloaded ball locking system to achieve interconnection between the robot and tool sides of the MPS system. This makes it possible for the system to maintain the highest levels of precision throughout its entire product lifecycle. The tools always return to their original insertion position with a repeat accuracy of +/-1.5 µm.

Stäubli combines cross-shaped guide surfaces with a springloaded ball locking system

manufacturers. A core part of our R&D process has been to enhance the core capabilities of the ROBOTCUT series by incorporating innovative features into a more compact footprint.” To ensure as little downtime as possible, the automatic wire feeding function (AWF3) minimises wire breakrelated downtime, rethreading in as little as 10 seconds if a break does occur. Moreover, the integrated early warning system is capable of spotting faults before they arise, ensuring maximum reliability for both of the new ROBOCUT models. The range supports up to 140 hours of unmanned machining, meaning parts can be prepared over the weekend ready for assembly in the week.

All ROBOCUT machines come with LINKi as standard, an easy-touse graphical interface capable of monitoring up to 32 machines in real time. In conjunction with

the high levels of speed and accuracy achieved by the α-C400iC and α-C600iC, LINKi helps to streamline automation of the entire fabrication processes.

We wanted to build on the success of our existing ROBOCUT range, by offering versatile machines that open up new possibilities to manufacturers.

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feature

LET'S GET DIGITAL

N NELI IVANOVA, SALES MANAGER, INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT AT SIEMENS FINANCIAL SERVICES IN THE UK DISCUSSES THE BENEFITS OF DIGITALISATION IN PLASTICS MANUFACTURING AND HOW TO INVEST FOR SUCCESS.

ew-generation digitalised technology (also known as Industry 4.0) is enabling manufacturers in all sectors to improve performance through increased manufacturing productivity, more accurate planning and forecasting, enhanced competitive capabilities and greater financial sustainability. As such, digital transformation is a widely recognised imperative in manufacturing, even in times of economic downturn. In the plastics industry, for example, manufacturers are benefitting from product and traceability data enabled through Artificial Intelligence (AI) that helps them identify, collect, and analyse important information from the factory floor. Data is collected at key intervals, and employed to support the work of engineering and production teams, for example by detecting defects and anomalies in the production line. This data empowers engineers to identify, prevent, and correct production faults, and ensure that operations run smoothly. Automation is also changing the way the industry operates. Instead of relying on mass production of the same batch of goods over long continuous periods, automated processes enable the efficient re-setting of machinery to produce multiple small batches. Machinery can even be reconfigured both locally and remotely, meaning a plastics manufacturer can just as easily reset products and drives from right beside the machinery as via the internet. Digital information integration up the supply chain and down the distribution chain is also delivering greatly enhanced demand-supply management. The interconnectedness of processes and machinery across production ensures manufacturers have oversight throughout the supply chain and can adapt accordingly with greater efficiency. Although the various dimensions of productivity differ between industries and countries, increased manufacturing productivity - the ability to either produce the same number of products for less, or more products for the same - has a clear and calculable positive effect on costs and margins. This effect – which we have called the Digitalisation Productivity Bonus - is the focus of our latest research, which draws on testimony from over 60 international industrial companies, expert management consultancies and academic specialists based in 11 countries.

Plastics manufacturers have much to gain from embracing digitalisation. Yet, in order to reap the benefits, they must first invest in the technology

The research looks specifically at the potential gains for the plastics manufacturing industry in the UK. It is estimated that conversion to digitalised technology could deliver a Digitalisation Productivity Bonus of between $1.5 billion and $2.3 billion in the UK. While digitalisation drives financial sustainability, access to a range of smart and appropriate financing techniques – Industry 4.0 Finance – is also critical to a company’s ability to sustainably invest in the new fourth-generation of digitalised technology and automation equipment. Industry 4.0 finance covers a range of requirements from the acquisition of a single digitalised piece of equipment, right through to financing a whole new factory. Financing techniques have now been developed to allow an organisation to in effect apply some or all the Digitalisation Productivity Bonus to fund the digitalised technology and equipment that makes the bonus possible in the first place. In simple terms, these financing methods seek to align payments for the new generation technology with the rate of gain from the Digitalisation Productivity Bonus. Broadly speaking, this can help make the upgrade to digitalised technology affordable and potentially cost neutral (or better) for the manufacturer. Financing arrangements can also cover other costs such as installation, as well as providing the flexibility to upgrade technology in line with developments. Industry 4.0 Finance arrangements tend to be offered by specialist providers that have a deep understanding not only of how the digitalised technology works, but also of how that technology can be practically implemented to deliver the Digitalisation Productivity Bonus as well as other benefits of digitalisation. Plastics manufacturers have much to gain from embracing digitalisation. Yet, in order to reap the benefits, they must first invest in the technology. This can be a challenge for many manufacturers, particularly in difficult financial times. Intelligent, tailored finance can support the business case for investment, helping to make it sustainable and clearly linked to the improvements achieved by the technology.

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The smart way to higher productivity. Today, the plastics industry faces a rapidly increasing demand for smaller volumes of more product types. This requires a higher number of mould changes, decreasing the Overall Equipment Effectiveness and impacting your competitiveness. Reducing durations of downtime during mould changes is therefore essential. By analysing your production cycles, Stäubli can recommend various efficiency improvements utilising your existing equipment. Our Quick Mould Change Solutions are adaptable to your company’s strategy and future business plans. Stäubli can support your ROI at every stage of the journey, whether it’s a short, medium or long-term investment. www.quick-mould-change.com

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INJECTION MOULDING | NEWS Borche UK appoints new Sales Manager Borche UK have appointed Robin Jesser to the role of Sales Manager. Jesser has a wealth of experience within the plastics industry and in particular within the Injection Moulding field. Jesser joins Borche from his the most recent position with Piolax and his past experience include prolonged spells with Hellermann Tyton in Manchester, Du Pont amongst others. He will report to the Sales Director at Borche

UK in Kingswinford and bolster the existing sales team to fill a vacancy in which has been created by the continued increasing popularity and demand for the Borche Servo Drive range of Moulding Machines. He explained: “I am very pleased to be joining the team at Borche UK and look forward to help to build further on the already considerable achievements for the company within the UK over recent years.”

Boddingtons invests in its pharma market future Medical device manufacturer, Boddingtons, has invested further in four new injection moulding machines to meet demand for a new OEM client in the pharmaceutical sector. Five Fanuc injection moulding machines are new arrivals at the company; four were delivered in February and March 2021 and are now fully commissioned in the Boddingtons Class 7 cleanroom Marden, Kent facility. The fifth machine will arrive in June 2021. The new order involves a combination of tool transfer and new tooling. The bulk of the moulding work at Boddingtons will be for the production of components for pharmaceutical devices that are used in the testing of

Rugby Plastics invests in multiple Wittmann Battenfeld SmartPower cells Rugby Plastics (RPL) has ordered three new Wittmann Battenfeld (WIBA) injection moulding cells complete with Wittmann 4.0 connectivity and TEMI + MES software. Rugby Plastics Managing Director Dr Stephen Pepper, explained: “Despite the constraints of the pandemic we have spent the better part of the last 18 months assessing in detail the capabilities of the WIBA SmartPower machinery and the connectivity and 4.0 advantages it provides.” “Energy efficient injection moulding cells

with 4.0 connectivity and a compatible ‘Manufacturing Execution System’ to help capture large amounts of key data automatically are the way forward for us. In this way we can also centrally monitor a number of machines and provide a model for a truly ‘Smart’ factory.” As part of RPL’s investment strategy, a complete Injection Moulding Cell was installed in 2019. This particular cell consists of a Servo Hydraulic moulding machine with integrated R9 robot and a suite of associated

ancillaries that are linked to the SmartPower machine using 4.0 connectivity. Dr Pepper added: “RPL sought an advanced moulding cell so that we could explain and demonstrate to all of our stakeholders our continued path to technical excellence. We

bacteriological, viral and cell cultures as well as a multitude of analytical processes. Andy Tibbs, Boddingtons CEO, said: “Our Class 7 cleanroom is ideally equipped to handle this important and challenging work. The pharmaceutical sector is a very close cousin to the medical device industry and Boddingtons is delighted to have secured several contracts – with more in the pipeline for the future.”

also wanted to show that our 4.0 connectivity offers real tangible benefits rather than a theoretical textbook principle.” The SmartPower supplied has the latest integrated R9 high speed 5 axis robot with 4.0 connectivity to equipment such as the rotary desiccant material dryer, twin hot water temperature mould regulation unit, a four component gravimetric blender and automated platen temperature & flow control units. In addition to continual condition monitoring of 4.0 connected equipment, all processing parameters can be stored as part of the master product data file.

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

The pharmaceutical sector is a very close cousin to the medical device industry and Boddingtons is delighted to have secured several contracts

Tracy Cadman, WIBA UK joint managing director, said: "Rugby Plastics proves that the Smart factory is well on its way, making sense both technically and commercially. We look forward to partnering them to future success in the coming months."

Rugby Plastics proves that the Smart factory is well on its way, making sense both technically and commercially

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STV Machinery Keeps Injection Moulding Machines in the Loop STV Machinery is unique in being able to breathe new life into old machinery – a skillset that allows its customers to invest in the latest technologies, with reduced initial outlay and in a way that satisfies their desire to be more sustainable. It’s a simple process, move out an old injection moulding machine in the most efficient manner possible and replace with a refurbished machine or new Yizumi moulding machine – such as our newly launched A5 EU series.

Many new machinery manufacturers take older machines in part exchange, but the value is often extremely low and they can end up on the scrap heap. Not very cost effective or environmentally friendly. The additional value gained by trading in an older machine can be used to part fund the new machinery purchase. A new machine with the latest technology is likely to be significantly more energy efficient, have less downtime and reduce the companies carbon footprint.

Injection Moulding Training in Ireland Moves Ahead with ENGEL Plastics processing, including injection moulding, is an important sector of manufacturing industry for the island of Ireland. With the demand for plastics components, particularly in the medical sector, set to grow in the future, companies are giving significant thought to their ability to access a sufficiently welltrained workforce moving forward. First Polymer Training Skillnet deliver current, best practice training which meets the demands of employers and employees in the plastics industry. Maintaining strong links with employers FPT Skillnet are able to preserve their position as the industry-recognised, leading provider of accredited training in plastics. Nigel Baker of ENGEL UK is eager to support the future of the Irish plastics sector. He explained: “ENGEL UK have provided an energy

efficient, next generation e-mac injection moulding cell to the training centre. This all-electric injection moulding machine combines flexibility with a minimum footprint and offers absolute cleanliness, together with perfect repeatability which ensures consistent high quality of the parts produced.” “ENGEL provide a great number of machines to processors working in the medical sector. With the broad spectrum of medical moulding in Ireland, in addition to all the other sectors, we anticipate that this versatile machine will be an extremely useful addition to the training centre. It is also hoped that First Polymer Training Skillnet will also be able to take advantage of the online training and webinars offered by ENGEL to all their customers.” Alan Harrington, technical training specialist at First Polymer

The first step to cost effective environmental sustainability is seeing what that older machine could offer in terms of refurbished value. STV Machinery purchase machinery outright or find international purchasers – the chosen route is often dictated by the machine characteristics or customer preference.

The additional value gained by trading in an older machine can be used to part fund the new machinery purchase

Training Skillnet, added: “The ENGEL machine has many key features which are new or unique to First polymer training. ENGEL‘s iQ weight control software which automatically detects viscosity fluctuations and compensates for them in the same shot, resulting in less rejects and consistent quality of moulded parts, and thus higher productivity is one. We also have the auto-protect injection monitoring self-learning system with highly sensitive protection of the mould during injection and iQ clamp control which allows the operator to monitor the mould breathing signal and to optimise the clamping force. Our machine is additionally equipped

with an ENGEL VIPER 12 RC300 integrated robot with its Smart software to achieve the shortest cycle time and maximum efficiency.” With ENGEL injection moulding machines leading the way in single source solutions, from standard single component injection moulding to technically sophisticated applications, such as medical and pharmaceutical components, it is clear that the opportunity to train on one of these machines is a valuable experience. Alan Harrington offers more insight “Ireland has a very buoyant and busy injection moulding industry which is growing each year. The sector

boasts a highly technical workforce and training has played a huge part in supporting the industry. Demand for injection moulding training has been very strong, even considering the absence of face to face training and we have been successfully delivering injection moulding training on-line. Although challenging, this has been very well received and we have put a lot of work into trying to mimic a face to face course as much as possible. We believe this will allow us to deliver blended training in the future if required. We are looking forward to hosting a virtual opening of our newly refurbished and extended centre, in the early summer.”

With the broad spectrum of medical moulding in Ireland, in addition to all the other sectors, we anticipate that this versatile machine will be an extremely useful addition to the training centre

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FEATURE

BEGINNER'S GUIDE

to CNC cutting for plastic and foam packaging

D DIFFERENT PRODUCTS HAVE UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS DEPENDING ON THEIR DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS. ONE SUCH CONSIDERATION IS THE CASING OR PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS OF THE ITEM.

iven its vital role in the logistical and transportation sectors, packaging elements are crucial to maintaining supply chain continuity and seamlessness. Hence, businesses have to ensure that the mass production of packaging is at par with the manufacturing of the parts and the items themselves. Furthermore, the design of the packaging parts must be reliably reproduced with no room for errors. SO, HOW CAN WE ACHIEVE THIS? The answer is simple - through CNC cutting machines. The use of a benchtop CNC mill for cutting plastic and foam to produce casing or packaging is not unheard of. In fact, it could be the key to ensuring part safety, especially in transit. Let’s take a look at the role of CNC machines in cutting plastics and foam for packaging. WHY CHOOSE CNC MACHINES? CNC machines come with a volley of advantages, some of which are detailed as below: Higher Production Capacity Even though all forms of packaging are crucial for securing the article, it might eventually accrue as waste once it serves this purpose. Hence, businesses are often not too keen on investing heavily in the production of such consumables. Fortunately, CNC machines operate autonomously and can continue manufacturing 24/7 without human intervention. As a result, it offers high production capacity with minimal downtime.

Greater Precision and Accuracy Consider foam inserts, for example. If your part is unable to fit into the insert or the slot is too large for the item, the cutting is effectively useless. To avoid such waste of raw materials, one has to ensure that the production process carries a high degree of precision and accuracy. Fortunately, CNC machines can address this issue through automation and digitization. Such equipment offers low tolerance and bypasses human machinist errors. Versatility CNC machines can achieve more than cutting or designing packaging material. In fact, carving foam or shaping plastics is one of the many ancillary functions of the machine. With the right set of tools and program codes, you can use your CNC machine to cut, carve, shape, punch, mill, drill, turn, etc. other materials like metals and wood as well. Easier Prototyping Consider a situation where you are experimenting with packaging for maximum efficiency while occupying minimum space. The process of manually creating prototypes can be quite timeconsuming and prone to errors. On the other hand, CNC machines can easily field the issue even if the design is three-dimensional. Plus, the existing code that you may have about your item could be an excellent jumping-off point to inverse the same and create a mirror copy! As such, you can find the perfect design to suit your needs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PETER JACOBS is the Senior Director of Marketing at CNC Masters. He is actively involved in manufacturing processes and regularly contributes his insights for various blogs in CNC machining, 3D printing, rapid tooling, injection molding, metal casting, and manufacturing in general.

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pioneering plastics

FEATURE

Affordable Through its high-speed, high-accuracy, automatic manufacturing, CNC machines are already costeffective. However, when you consider other manufacturing formats, like additive manufacturing or injection molding to produce packaging, using a CNC machine works out to be far more financially feasible due to such benefits. LIMITATIONS OF CNC MACHINES While the use of CNC machines to cut plastic and foam packaging may seem attractive, it does possess a few limitations. These being: Capital Investment Despite the advent of cutting-edge technologies like 3D printers, CNC machines continue to remain a hefty investment. And even though the upfront capital investment associated with the purchase of CNC machines is quite considerable, businesses can recover these costs through its wide range of benefits. Skilled Operator The skill and expertise of your CNC machine operator are just as crucial as the equipment they run. Hence, depending on your design and machining complexities, you would require a professional who can handle these requirements effortlessly. CONSIDERATIONS WHILE CUTTING PLASTIC AND FOAM Before proceeding with the primary considerations while cutting plastic and foam with CNC machines, it is worth mentioning here that not all CNC machines can function efficiently with the subtractive methodology that is required for packaging. Hence, you first need to satisfy yourself that the machine is compatible with the packaging material you work with, the technique involved, and the field of operation of the router. With the above foreword in mind, here is a list of few factors: Plastics are often used in external packaging. Hence, you can cut them into pallets to create blocks or cubes as a universal shape. These pallets are often reusable and thus offer maximum value and sustainability through their long lifecycle. In case you require plastic containers for more specific applications, you can use corrugated plastic as it offers flexibility and durability to accommodate varying sizes and shapes. Apart from cutting, you may also have to water-jet such storage solutions.

For fragile items, use high-impact plastics to ensure greater safety. To cut such material, you may require a 5-axis CNC machine. Ensure that your tool bit is compatible with the hardness of the material, especially while cutting casings and inserts. Incompatible router cutters could result in unclean cuts, which will dilute the use of the packaging. For best results, use a multi-purpose machine as it can cut a variety of foam and plastics. It can be particularly helpful when you are unsure about how to cut the material at hand. While cutting foam, the combination of collet or quick-release spindle along with tangential or oscillating knife is heaven-sent as they can facilitate most of the actions. Further, use a blower or a vacuum pump to hold the material in place securely. FINAL THOUGHTS CNC machines allow workshops to create highly detailed packaging for maximum security. Such outputs can also be useful where you intend to reuse the packaging material several times. Hence, the investment in CNC machines is very well worth it.

For best results, use a multi-purpose machine as it can cut a variety of foam and plastics

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FEATURE

SPOTLIGHT

IN THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF OUR SERIES COLLABORATING WITH THE WOMEN IN PLASTICS INITIATIVE, IN WHICH BP&R SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON ONE OF THE PLATFORM’S INSPIRATIONAL INTERVIEWEES, WE SHARE A CONVERSATION WITH ADWOA COLEMAN, AFRICA SUSTAINABILITY AND ADVOCACY MANAGER AT DOW P&SP. ADWOA DISCUSSES HER ROLE AT DOW, FACING DIALOGUE CHALLENGES WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE ANTI-PLASTIC AND THE REAL CHANGE WHICH NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CREATE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL SOLUTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO PLASTICS.

ADWOA COLEMAN: “It quickly became evident that there was huge opportunity in taking leadership in the role of product stewardship, especially where plastics were concerned” Interview | Grace Nolan Q: HOW DID YOUR CAREER PATH LEAD TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I started my career as a chemical engineer in very hands-on operations roles at manufacturing plants. The practical aspect of engineering always appealed to me but after a few years of quite tasking shift work I searched for a balance in being able to apply my technical expertise with less tasking physical demands. This led to my first role at Dow which was in the product safety organisation, where we handled human health and protecting the environment through stewardship for our products before and after they were sold. In doing this role in West Africa, it quickly became evident that there was huge opportunity in taking leadership in the role of product stewardship, especially where plastics were concerned, and this led to my keen focus on strategies to advance a circular economy for the material in West Africa and eventually across Africa. Q: WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY CONSIST OF AS AN AFRICA SUSTAINABILITY AND ADVOCACY MANAGER AT DOW P&SP? My role is tasked with implementing Dow’s global sustainability strategy for plastics in Africa where we aim to stop the waste and close the loop for the material. My day-to-day involves corresponding with the partners that we work with across the continent on projects to meet these goals, communicating internally for alignment on the strategy, as well as reporting results and engaging other like-minded organisations and individuals on external platforms such as associations, webinars on the subject matter. I also share thought leadership on my social media channels to help amplify the work being done in this important space. I also have a few external responsibilities related to my role at Dow that I engage in frequently, firstly, leading the Ghana recycling initiative by private enterprises (GRIPE) as the President of the coalition, secondly, sitting on the steering board and technical committees for WEF’s global plastic action partnership in Ghana to advance a circular economy for plastics and leading one of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste’s thematic expertise groups for Africa.

Q: COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE LAUNCH OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY TO EXAMINE PLASTICS CIRCULARITY IN NIGERIA BY DOW, EMPOWER AND THE NORWEGIAN AGENCY FOR DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION (NORAD)? A key gap in enabling a circular economy for plastics across Africa is being able to collect the material at a viable scale for reuse, recycling, or other alternative end-uses. This is because widely across the region, separation at source is not practiced, enforced, or practical in some cases. This means that plastics are incorporated into the general waste management streams from households and businesses which unfortunately leads to them largely ending up in the landfill and environment, where they don’t belong. Understanding the flow of the materials and enabling the traceability to capture them at source or other points in the waste value chain is key to ensuring they don’t go to waste. This study enables us to do this for several different plastics but also specifically for the sachet water application which is the “raw material” for Project REFLEXNG in Nigeria. The partnership with digital innovator, EMPOWER will enable us to scale up this project, which we launched last year in collaboration with Wecyclers an incentive-based material recovery social enterprise and Omnik a convertor and recycler, to recycle flexible packaging into post-consumer recyclates for use in non-food grade packaging.

I am very proud not only of what we have found out in doing so but also of how we are using that information to create positive social, environmental, and business impact.”

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Q: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR? I would say my biggest accomplishment is gaining an understanding of the nuances in plastic recycling in several key African markets. If we are going to enable a circular economy for plastics in Africa, the key lies in knowing how the markets function currently and what the motivation would be to turn the system around. Working for a plastic raw material supplier, I never expected to find myself going so far down the value chain into the waste supply chain. However, creating a real impact requires this and I am very proud not only of what we have found out in doing so but also of how we are using that information to create positive social, environmental, and business impact. Q: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR? The biggest challenge I have faced in my career so far is enabling dialogue with people who are anti-plastic. The issue here is that there is a significant amount of the material that is ending up in the natural environment and landfill post-use of the products they are packaged with, which is unacceptable, however, the path to surmounting the issue will take a concerted effort of everyone within the value chain including people who currently have the view that plastics should be banned. The scientific fact is that for many applications, plastic offers the best environmental benefits compared to alternative materials when considered on a lifecycle basis, which is why so many things are made of plastic. So, how can we work together to solve the issue of plastic waste post-use? Understandably, on the side of anyone viewing the issue of plastic waste and its effects on wildlife and the environment, there is a raw emotional response, but real change will only come about if all parties work together towards a mutually beneficial solution. To be honest, this solution is not one single action but many different interventions that will need to happen concertedly across the entire value chain. Q: WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR 2021? DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS? In 2021, I hope to scale up some of our existing pilot projects and replicate some of the successful models in new countries and markets. Tackling the issue of plastic waste requires strategic intent, significant funds, and scale, and the pilots we have put in place reflect the great potential for achieving this. I am also looking to enable the diversion of more volumes of plastic from landfill and the environment through my projects in the region and to enable more recycling and high-value end-uses that can ensure continuity in value for the material throughout its lifecycle.

Q: HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU FEEL FEMALE ROLE MODELS ARE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION AND DID YOU HAVE ONE? Female role models are extremely important for the younger generation in enabling them to see people in roles and careers that they can aspire to one day. I have been fortunate throughout my life to have always had great female role models, from organic examples like my mum whose work ethic I try to exemplify. She unfailingly woke up at dawn every day to ensure my sister and I were prepped for school before setting about to her craft of millinery, where she would work sometimes late into the night to complete client orders while still putting meals on the table for lunch and dinner. Throughout my education, female professors who had skilfully mastered complex subjects and were more than eager to offer help to anyone who needed extra tuition to get through classes, also provided huge amounts of inspiration. I have also found mentors in amazing leaders and colleagues throughout my career, who have shared their expertise, who reflect attributes I can only aspire to, and who would never miss an opportunity to speak on my behalf when I am not in the room. Q: DO YOU FEEL THERE IS ENOUGH INFORMATION/OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION TO BE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE A CAREER IN YOUR LINE OF WORK? No, there isn’t, and this is a gap that we need to close as soon as possible. I find through my interactions with people I have mentored and people who engage with me after seeing me participate in panels, that there is very little awareness about the opportunities available in the sustainability field. I find that this is also owing to the fact that many people do not know what sustainability entails exactly; those who have a fair idea find it abstract because of the sliver of information available to them and even those who work in the space can at times be quite theoretical about their work. The simple fact is that we live in a world with finite resources and growing populations, and being able to maintain the balance of meeting our needs today and tomorrow while protecting people, the planet, and prosperity requires us to make careful considerations towards how we live today and this carries through from individuals to corporations. In addition, the people who help to make this happen work in many different places; with the government on policy, with corporations on enabling circular economy, with environmental and research groups on generating data around key themes, and so on. There are many different avenues future generations can explore to do this fulfilling work and, like me, hopefully also find a passion for their work in the sustainability space.

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Co-located Shows

RECLAMATION & RECYCLING | NEWS Axion & PlastiCircle develop new uses for non-bottle PET waste Recycled polymers from waste plastic packaging can be used in nonpackaging applications, reports Axion, one of 20 organisations involved in PlastiCircle, a pioneering pan-European research project. The EU Horizon 2020-funded project has been working for the past four years to optimise the collection, transport, sorting and recycling of kerbside collected plastic packaging with the aim of transforming this waste into sustainable

new products. The project ends in May 2021. As a resource recovery specialist, Axion is managing work with five manufacturers on how recycled content from plastic packaging can be incorporated into different non-packaging applications, including the construction and automotive sectors. Richard McKinlay, Axion’s Head of Consulting says although the need and demand for closed loop recycling back into packaging is

This project represents another significant step forward in the move to a circular economy for plastics

Peel NRE and PowerHouse call for a level playing field for end-of-life plastic Powerhouse Energy Group plc (AIM: PHE), the sustainable hydrogen company, and Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P, have responded to the Government’s proposed amendments to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) arguing the need for a cross-departmental approach. Both responses also raised the lack of explicit inclusion of endof-life plastic in the Government’s criteria of recycled carbon fuel, arguing that this would promote the waste hierarchy through the removal of plastics from

both Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and residual waste streams. The UK’s first waste plastic to hydrogen facility, using the pioneering Powerhouse Energy technology, is set to be built at Peel NRE’s Protos strategic energy and resource hub in Cheshire. Recovering hydrogen from end-of-life plastic can provide greenhouse gas savings while producing a clean fuel for HGVs, buses, trains and other modes of transport. It will form part of a planned Plastic Park which will deal with a wide range of plastic wastes, providing

growing, there are still opportunities to use more recycled content in non-packaging applications. Greater concentration of PET tray material is found in kerbside collections in countries that operate a deposit scheme on PET bottles. As the PET tray is a more brittle copolymer, it cannot be recycled into a bottle and can be technically challenging to use back in food trays.

“To increase demand and therefore improve the economics of recycling PET tray material, more end markets would be beneficial,” says McKinlay. He concludes that demonstrating the use of recycled PET from trays in non-packaging applications ‘should help to progress European infrastructure’. He adds: “Going forwards, additional financial incentive

to encourage more recycling into nonpackaging applications would help the sector to overcome some economic barriers. This project represents another significant step forward in the move to a circular economy for plastics because it has shown what is possible in using recycled content in quite demanding applications, which has previously not been done on such a scale.”

solutions for materials where recycling has not previously been a viable option. The RTFO in the United Kingdom is a requirement on transport fuel suppliers to ensure a percentage of all road vehicle fuel is supplied from sustainable renewable sources. Myles Kitcher, Executive Director of Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P, said: “Hydrogen is a clean fuel that can help hard to decarbonise sectors such as transport, displacing carbonintensive transport fuels. Furthermore, we believe that by creating a value from end-of-life plastics we’re actually encouraging more recycling while finding

a better use for the non-recyclable plastic that’s left. That’s why we’re encouraging Government to explicitly include non-recyclable

plastics within the definition of recycled carbon fuels to support emerging technologies such as PowerHouse Energy.”

Furthermore, we believe that by creating a value from end-of-life plastics we’re actually encouraging more recycling while finding a better use for the nonrecyclable plastic that’s left

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VEKA Recycling employee to celebrate ten years’ service Andy Burns is set to celebrate ten years as a driver for VEKA Recycling in July. Based in Burnley, Burns joined the company on 4th July 2011, making collections of PVC-U windows for recycling from customers throughout Scotland and the North East. The company says he’s a well-known face on his regular route, which means he has built up a real rapport with his customers – who probably know him best for ribbing them about the football while sharing a cup of tea! Burns has been at home on the road for a long time, having been a lorry driver for the past 33 years. Despite having never been out of employment since leaving school, incredibly VEKA Recycling is actually only the third company he has worked for, including having previously worked for Hotpoint for almost twenty years and an

He’s a great, reliable, solid chap who our customers really like, a truly valued part of the VEKA family

office furniture group for almost ten years. He said: “VEKA has been the best company I’ve worked for and working there really is like being part of a family. Management at VEKA listen to their staff. There’s not too many places you can knock on the MD’s door with any issues and get invited in

Viridor commits to become first UK net negative emissions waste company Viridor has set out plans to become a net zero emissions company by 2040, a target that is in line with the Paris Agreement and the Science-Based Targets initiative.

Ahead of COP26 in November, Viridor is also announcing the farreaching aim to become the first UK net negative emissions waste and recycling company by 2045, allowing it to

for a cuppa and a chat.” Simon Scholes, VEKA Recycling’s Managing Director, explained: “Andy is a great asset to our business, and we all congratulate him on reaching this ten-year milestone. He’s a great, reliable, solid chap who our customers really like, a truly valued part of the VEKA family.”

support the country’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050. To support this target, Viridor has announced an ambitious five-step roadmap that will deliver dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 2040. By 2045, Viridor will aim to remove more human related GHG emissions than its operations produce, helping the UK as a whole hit its net zero goals. The majority of Viridor’s GHG emissions come from its energy from waste facilities – a process that deals with waste that cannot

Alice Cummings appointed NonExecutive Director at Recycling Technologies Recycling Technologies has announced Alice Cummings joins the Board as a NonExecutive Director, and Chair of the Audit and Risk committee bringing to the company over 30 years’ strategic, operational, accountancy and risk management leadership experience. Cummings is an experienced NonExecutive and Executive Director in medium and large private and listed companies. She is a proven group Chief Financial Officer and has held a number of senior accountancy and financial roles in corporates such as South West Water and AEA Technology. She

has industry expertise in engineering, technology, energy efficiency and the environment. Some of her senior roles today include NonExecutive Director at aim-listed Idox Plc, and Non-Executive Director at South Staffordshire Water Plc. Cummings, NonExecutive Director of Recycling Technologies said: “Recycling Technologies is an exciting company playing an important role to make plastics sustainable. I am delighted to join as a Non-Executive Director at this important time in the company’s growth and commercialisation phase.”

Recycling Technologies is an exciting company playing an important role to make plastics sustainable

currently be recycled and avoids it going to landfill. In addition to boosting recycling rates to cut the amount of waste going to these facilities, a key part of Viridor’s strategy is to invest in ground-breaking green technology to capture any emissions produced – known as Carbon

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). Viridor is already working closely with the Government as it develops a framework to accelerate CCUS investment to deliver on the Prime Minister’s ambitious 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution.

Tel: +44 (0)1793 827666 Email: sales@transxl.co.uk Web: www.transxl.co.uk

PLASTIC WELDING SOLUTIONS

T SA

SHEET LINES

C TI O N I S O ISFA UR

GO A

INGENIOUSLY SIMPLE EXTRUSION WELDING

FUSION 1

Sheet Equipment

Compact and slimline:

890mm wide Welex sheet extrusion line

1000mm Amut PET,PP & PS sheet extrusion line

500mm Diameter Battenfeld R500/4 E 4 Belt Pipe Haul Off

100mm KweenB compounding extruder

2000mm wide Omipa sheet extrusion line

40mm Leistritz co rotating twin screw extruder model ZSE40GL/36D

PIPE/PROFILE

THERMOFORMING

Thanks to integrated air guide

Suspension device:

Effortlessly weld longer by suspending the device

PELLETISING

Controlled:

Automatically controlled air temperature

Pistol Grip Handle:

Can be mounted for onehanded welding

Rod shape

Reduced design for increased maneuverability in small spaces

Double-sided wire intake For more flexibility when welding

LED Light

To illuminate the welding area

Tel: +44 (0)1707 331111 info@welwyntoolgroup.co.uk www.welwyntoolgroup.com

GRANULATORS

EXTRUDERS

ial

Be Soc

0 Ovesr t3o0view o e Vid

MORE MACHINERY, MORE PHOTOS ON THE WEB WWW.TRANSXL.CO.UK

www.magog.co.uk

Screws, Barrels and Precision Components for the Plastics and Rubber Industries • Screws: Single, Parallel and Conical Twin. Multi Start & Mixing. Specialist Abrasion & Corrosion Resistant screw coatings.

This is the AGX-V The latest testing frames technology on the market

Designs and specifications to suit your specific processing and production requirements. • Barrels: Bimetallic, Through Hardened & Nitride Specifications. Water Cooled, Plain and Pin Barrels for Rubber. • Feed Sections and Liners: Smooth and Grooved bores, Nitride and Bimetallic Specifications. • Refurbishment: Screw Flight Rebuild and Barrel bore Honing. Fast track repair service. • Co-Rotating Extruders: Screw shafts, Elements, and Barrel sections for a wide range of machines and sizes. • On site Services and Technical Support: Wear check surveys, measure and record for manufacture, installation. To discover more about our products and services, contact us: Magog Industries Ltd, T: +44(0)1920 465201 E: enquiries@magog.co.uk

Process Experience Manufacturing Expertise Engineering Excellence 42

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

www.shimadzu.co.uk/agx-v

BP&R BUYER’S GUIDE MATERIALS MOULD RELEASE

MASTERBATCH

eclipse

COLOURS

• Polymer Specific and Universal Colour & Additive Masterbatches • Fastmatch matching service • 1mm Easysperse Micropellets to 4mm Maxipellets Find your perfect match with: TM

CMY

Call 01274 731 552 or email sales@eclipsecolours.com www.eclipsecolours.com

infrared welding

HOT PLATE WELDING Branson Ultrasonics

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

Tel: +44 (0)1453 731555 Fax: +44 (0)1453 731234 sales@hamptoncolours.co.uk POLYMER SPECIFIC AND UNIVERSAL MASTERBATCH, SMALL LOT SPECIALITY COMPOUNDS PLUS MATCHING SERVICE

ULTRASONIC WELDING InControl Ultrasonics Ltd (FFR Ultrasonics Ltd)

PO Box 10380, Sileby, LE12 7ZX T: 01509 621992 E: enquiries@ffr-ultrasonics. co.uk W: www.ffr-ultrasonics.co.uk W: www.incontrolultrasonics. co.uk

pulse staking

cleaning materials

HIGH TECH AND HIGH PASSION.

   

Infrared Welding Ultrasonic Welding Hot Plate Welding Heat Staking

JOINING

ASSEMBLY

HAMPTON COLOURS LIMITED

Find your perfect joining method.

www.frimo.com

Telsonic UK Ltd

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

BP&R SOFTWARE GUIDE

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

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

PLANTMASTER BMS Vision Ltd T: 01254 662244, E: sales.bla@visionbms.com www.visionbms.com/plastics

RJG TECHNOLOGIES LTD Moulding Technology

INTOUCH T: 01604 537100 E: enquiries@ intouchmonitoring.com 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.

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.

Cycle time reduction Reduced scrap rates Improved process capability Higher yield and OEE

PRO-OP™ software provides a step-bystep procedure for optimising the injection moulding process to deliver optimum quality products at the most favourable cycle time. PRO-OP™ is a server based application which, by setting an optimum moulding process, highlights weaknesses and problems in relation to part design, mould design, mould construction, moulding equipment efficiency, moulding equipment specification and material selection.The moulding process is documented with explanations for each key process parameter setting demonstrating the processing conditions and equipment contributions to the final result. PRO-OP™ is aimed at companies whose focus is quality and consistent part manufacture. PRO-OP™ supports companies by providing a documented and structured validation protocol which is recognised in the in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

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

Kistler Instruments Ltd

Zero Defect Moulding – What’s your target? • • • •

Branson Ultrasonics

QUALITY MONITORING CONTROL

T: +44 (0)1733 232211 E info@rjginc.co.uk

Affordable and flexible MES system for the plastics/rubber industry. Easy to use systems from a €600m company with over 30 years experience. Real-time production monitoring features wireless data units and OPC Ethernet machine connections. “Drag and 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.

VIBRATION WELDING

CONTROL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

PROCESS OPTIMISATION SOFTWARE

MONITORING

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

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

SILICONE MOULDINGS Technical Mouldings in

Silicone, FKM, EPDM, Neoprene, NBR Contact

WWW.MEADEX.CO.UK

TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN: 01244 952519 www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

BP&R BUYER’S GUIDE MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT Super Bluish Titanium Dioxide

HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS

CONTROL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT QUALITY MONITORING CONTROL Kistler Instruments Ltd

Cavity pressure measurement systems and sensors for control of the injection moulding process and automatic hot-runner balancing, provides zero-defect production with 100% quality control. T: F: E: W:

01256 741550 01256 741551 sales.uk@kistler.com www.kistler.com

METAL DETECTION

INJECTION MOULDING

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.

and dosing

MOULD CHANGE

HEATING EQUIPMENT Metal Detection

Magnetic Separation

INDUCTION HEATING FOR PLATENS AND TOOLS MF Induction Heating

MASTERMAGNETS.COM

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

Permanent Electrostatic Magnets Separation BOOK YOUR FREE SITE VISIT TODAY

+44(0)1527 65858

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

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

www.quick-mould-change.com

TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN ON 01244 952519 RUBBER

SCREWS & BARRELS

DRYERS

Wanted

www.magog.co.uk

Rubber Manufacturing Company

Design, Manufacture, and Refurbishment of Screws & Barrels for the Plastics and Rubber Industries. • Screw design • New manufactured Screws, Barrels, Feed Sections & Liners • Proven wear resistant specifications for screws • Nitrided and Bimetallic barrels • Refurbishment and repairs • Condition monitoring and wear checks

As part of our ongoing strategy we are looking to aquire an additional business ideally with a current turnover of between £1-3m PA

In the first instance email us on rubberukp3@rubber.today

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

Goldcrest Engineering Technologies Ltd Unit 15 St Johns Way, St Johns Business Estate, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 0QQ

Unique group of engineering companies specialising in the development, design & manufacture of Granular Polymer Dehumidifying Dryers under the “Drymaster” Brand

Tel: 01366 383398 E: goldcrestengtech@gmail.com www.goldcrestengtech.co.uk

FILTRATION ALUMINIUM MATERIAL STORAGE BINS

Die-Sep mould separators & tippers improve tool room efficiency because they:

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

• Eliminate the need for pry bars and

hammers to open and close moulds • Eliminate jamming of leader pins and bushings • Eliminate damage to parting line and mold • Eliminate repetitive injury to wrists, elbows, shoulders and back • Increase safety, efficiency and morale!

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

BPR18

Exhibiting at Interplas on stand DD10 Hall 3A

T: 01.262.767.9751 E: sales@diesep.com www.diesep.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN: 01244 952519 44

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

SECONDHAND AND RECONDITIONED Cooper Plastics Machinery

8 Lyall Court, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1UX T: 01525 719850 E: Cooperplastics@gmail.com W: www.cooperplastics.co.uk Extruders, water baths, haul-offs, fly knife cutters, conveyors/tip tables, in-line punches, coilers etc. New and used. Repairs, servicing or rebuilds. UK agent for Lyons Electronics.

DTL Machinery UK

- We buy / sell all makes / age / sizes of Plastic Injection Moulding Machinery & Ancillaries equipment. - We also buy redundant, nonrunners & faulty machinery. - Machinery repair and maintenance services available. T: 01925 596170 M: 07838138342 E: info@dtlmachinery.co.uk E: douglastrading@gmail.com

TransXL International Ltd

Plastics Processing Machinery Bought & Sold, Thornhill, South Marston, Wiltshire SN3 4TA T: 01793 827666 F: 01793 823826 E: sales@transxl.co.uk W: www.transxl.co.uk

BP&R BUYER’S GUIDE MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT second hand & re-conditioned

BUSINESS FOR SALE

TESTING EQUIPMENT Gammadot Rheology Testing & Consultancy Services

Selling the Business?

Refurbished machines with fault and leak free guarantee. We buy & sell all manner of plasscs equipment.

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

Visit our workshop in Wellingborough, Northants. 01933 272747

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

kingswoodbusinesssales.co.uk

‘USED INJECTION MOULDING MACHINERY DEALERS’

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

Ultrasonic Plastic Welders New & Used

Tel; 07730 413197 Tel; 01258 459257

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

MAPRA Technik Co — BAREISS

INSPECTION & MEASUREMENT

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

HARDNESS - IRHD AND SHORE 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

new & used

Branson-Mecasonic-Telsonic

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

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

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

SERVICES TESTING/CONSULTANCY

TRAINING

PRINTERS PRINTERS OF PLASTIC MOULDINGS Total Print Ltd

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

COMPONENT PRINTERS MONITORING

MOULDFLOW ANALYSIS

SOFTWARE

Improve OEE Reduce downtime Increase throughput Reduce scrap

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

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

60 Day Free Trial www.intouchmonitoring.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN: 01244 952519 www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

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NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE

IN THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF HIS EXCLUSIVE COLUMN FOR BP&R, DIRECTORGENERAL OF THE BPF, PHILIP LAW REFLECTS ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LAST YEAR AND THE PATHWAY FORWARD.

’m in the midst of preparing for the BPF’s AGM later this week. This is prompting me to consider the achievements of the last year and the pathway forward. A key feature of the meeting will be Martin Althorpe’s retirement as President. He did a truly excellent job under the most trying circumstances in the BPF’s history, particularly since his company is involved in the construction sector which was really in the eye of the storm when the pandemic originally struck and building sites were shut down. We’ve summarised our achievements in the last year. We attracted 38 new member firms and that momentum has continued into this year with our haul of new members now at 14. We were very quick off the mark in preparing the plastics industry- specific health and safety guidance to help mitigate against the effects of Covid. We also ensured that the damaging effects on competitiveness of a no deal Brexit were understood by government, especially its proposed tariff regime. We were also key in helping the government articulate workable ‘Rules of Origin, to be applied to UK/EU trade in our materials and products. Overall, we managed to deliver a virtual membership experience in 2020 and significantly increased our engagement with member firms. Looking forward we will be helping to strengthen the industry following the ravages of last year. We will be building further political support based on action on sustainability rather than just words. Now cut loose on a global stage we will be placing more emphasis on supporting our members’ competitiveness through productivity. We will then look to sell that competitiveness abroad

We will be building further political support based on action on sustainability rather than just words.

by every conceivable means of connecting the UK plastics industry with the wider global market through web projections, exhibition attendance, trade missions and webinars. Unfortunately, the last year or so has taken its toll on some former stalwart supports of the BPF. Sadly, we lost past Presidents Dick Finnis and, quite recently, David Williams. News reached me only last week of the sad passing of David Cadogan, formerly the Director of the European Council of Plasticisers and Intermediates in Brussels. Previously he had been with ICI and heavily involved in the BPF since the mid 1980s. David’s contribution was critical in the successful defence of PVC. But for the here and now we are focused on responding to government consultations on Extended Producer Responsibility, Deposit Return Systems and Consistent Collections, a difficult task involving a harmonisation of views across the industry, all in the very capable hands of my colleagues, Matt Davies, Angela Fredericks and Barry Turner. I was delighted to hear of the recent, online success of PVC 21, the leading global conference on PVC. Held under the aegis of IOM3, the BPF has a very large involvement and indeed it was chaired by Jason Leadbitter, the Chairman of our own BPF Sustainability Committee. It had 400 delegates. The UK is a thought leader in the global plastics industry and this conference is witness to that. Should you wish to attend our upcoming webinars and seminars – An Overview of Mergers and Acquisitions (June 11th) or Marine Litter (15th June) – please contact my colleague, Paul Baxter on pbaxter@bpf.co.uk

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

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