BP&R October 2021 by BP&R Magazine

British Plastics

and Rubber

bp&r october 2021

QUANTIFYING THE BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABLE POLYMER CHOICES - SEE PAGE 4. INTERPLAS 2021 Show news, review and highlights

COBOTS UNLOCK PRODUCTIVITY How A&R is helping manufacturers to address labour shortages

CLEANLINESS BUILT IN The role of antimicrobial technologies in the sustainability of plastics

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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

INTERPLAS 2021:

“QUALITY”

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:

“Quality”. That, I think, is my favourite of the very many positive words used to describe Interplas 2021 after it wrapped up at the NEC last month.

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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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“Quality”. That, I think, is my favourite of the very many positive words used to describe Interplas 2021 after it wrapped up at the NEC last month. It brought together an impassioned industry to network, inform, educate and do business in times of unprecedented political uncertainty. Exhibitors reported an unexpected high level of new orders and leads with covid, Brexit fears, not to mention fuel shortages, firmly overshadowed by the quality and quantity of future innovations. British Plastics Federation Director General Philip Law, told the audience on day one of Interplas that the plastics industry should be positive, embrace challenges and highlighted the many opportunities the industry provides.

There was truly a feeling of an industry revived at Interplas; one that has the innovation, determination and capabilities to excel on the world stage, whatever the coming years hold. And that is top notch quality! grace nolan, EDITOR

the big story Quantifying the Benefits of SUSTAINABLE POLYMER CHOICES

G GOING FORWARD, THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR PLASTICS OFFERS A VERY PROMISING VISION FOR REDUCING PLASTIC WASTE AND REACHING OUR NET-ZERO TARGETS BY 2050. TONY HARRISON, SENIOR DIRECTOR GLOBAL TECHNICAL SERVICE & APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT AT ALBIS. AND CHRIS NEWMAN, APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER AT ALBIS DISCUSS THE BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABLE POLYMER CHOICES.

THE AUTHORS Tony Harrison is Senior Director Global Technical Service & Application Development at ALBIS; tony.harrison@albis.com Chris Newman is Application Development Engineer at ALBIS; chris.newman@albis.com BIBLIOGRAPHY: [1] according to Circular Economy Action Plan: vehicles, construction materials and batteries

CREATING A CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR PLASTICS The plastics industry currently faces not only growing concerns on the impact of plastics within our environment and oceans but is also facing challenges related to plastic's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. In 2019 the UK government amended the Climate Change Act to commit the UK to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, compared to the previous target of an 80 percent reduction in emissions by 2050. The direction has therefore been set and the plastic industry is playing a significant role in providing a path in terms of measuring and reducing emissions, promoting recycling and developing new manufacturing technologies to help support a more sustainable and circular economy for plastics. It is recognised that with a combination of government policies, industry commitment and initiatives across the plastic value chain the UK is very much leading efforts to help meet the 2050 net-zero targets. For example, the UK Plastics Pact, which aims to make all plastic packaging 100 percent recyclable, reusable or compostable, and to eliminate single use-packaging by 2025, is bringing together businesses from across the industry to reduce plastic waste. Similarly, other initiatives such as the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax will also help to drive movement towards a more circular economy for plastics. Furthermore, as climate protection issues become increasingly important, measuring product carbon footprint (PCF) and generating reliable data to support customers is essential as companies look to achieve their sustainability and net-zero emissions targets. There is also more scrutiny on products and processes with respect to sustainability and emission reduction from plastics manufacturing and paths to "decarbonise" plastics using life-cycle assessments (LCA). In these cases, the use of both LCA and PCF data allows customers to move towards a circular economy and identify polymer materials which can help to reduce the carbon footprint of products by using alternative raw materials and/or renewable energies. Specifically, in the UK plastics industry, examples of progress include the use of a mass balance approach in which renewable or recycled feedstock is added to the beginning of the production process and allocated to the end product. This offers advantages to customers as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel content whilst the final product performance remains unchanged. In addition, our increasing UK infrastructure for the recycling of conventional plastic waste and the introduction of new chemical recycling technologies such as ReNew ELP® is helping to create a new circular economy for plastics. ReNew ELP® uses supercritical steam to convert hard-to-recycle plastics into fossil-replacement feedstocks for use in the production of new plastics. Going forward, the circular economy for plastics offers a promising vision for reducing plastic waste and reaching our net-zero targets by 2050. Continuous collaboration, investment in R&D and

implementation of regulations along the plastics industry value chain will need to be maintained to ensure we achieve high recycling rates and reduce our CO2 impact. We see companies pledge to be more circular and are willing to invest in redesigning packaging, using recycled materials and the government bringing in new legislation making the circular economy a hot topic. These efforts are very positive and we believe as an industry we are also well-placed to continue to add value and drive this ambitious change with new material technologies as discussed below. SUITABLE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY APPLICATION Bio-based? Recyclable? Biodegradable? As companies seek to grow business with ecoconscious materials it can be a challenging and often confusing task to evaluate a wide range of sustainable alternatives to virgin polymer materials. In addition, with sustainable materials and technologies advancing rapidly and with performance requirements varying across different industries and markets, ALBIS can offer a wide range of material solutions to support the reduction of CO2 emissions. In terms of sustainable solutions, recyclate materials currently dominate the market. In addition to the role legislation plays in implementing effective recycling programs, the quality of recyclates is important as this plays a crucial role on the quality of the final product. Both post-industrial recycled (PIR) and post-consumer recycled (PCR) options can provide viable options for reaching sustainability goals whilst maintaining performance on par with virgin materials. Other emerging solutions associated with sustainable plastics include those made from renewable and bio-based feedstocks. In contrast to traditional plastics made from fossil-based feedstocks, these bio-based products are fully or partially made from renewable sources derived from bio-mass (sugarcane, cellulose, waste cooking oil).

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These materials can provide identical performance characteristics to those of traditional products whilst reducing dependence on fossil fuels and emitting less CO2. However, it should be noted that we are still some way off achieving huge scale production of bio-based plastics. Bioplastics tend to refer to plastics that are bio-based, bio-degradable or fit both criteria and it is important to select the correct material depending on your specific polymer needs and application/market requirements. For example, in the automotive market segment we see increasing use of eco-friendly materials and numerous parts that are currently produced using recycled or bioplastic materials. Significant progress is being made by many automotive manufacturers to be more “green”. Indeed, the EU is considering mandating recycled plastic content in vehicles as their end-of-life directive comes under review. Volvo, for example, has committed to 25 percent recycled plastic content in their vehicles by 2025. In other market areas including Healthcare, Personal Care and E&E there is also a similar interest in utilizing more sustainable and potentially bio-based plastic materials. For example, across Healthcare applications, and due to the Coronavirus Pandemic medical waste is more visible than ever. This is driving interest in recycling and the development of more sustainable solutions for single-use medical applications. The same applies in Personal Care applications such as cosmetics where both PCR and PIR materials can be used for all parts that do not come into contact with the product content. In addition, clear polyester-based copolymers can be used that incorporate recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) with bio-based raw materials. Already well established in the E&E sector, polycarbonate PIR/PCR materials can be upcycled with the incorporation of flame retardants for demanding lighting and general electrical applications. These brief examples discussed above highlight that across a multitude of sectors, small changes to relatively small volume applications can make a valuable contribution towards greater sustainability. We believe at ALBIS that “every small step counts” to a greener future. DIFFERENT CALCULATION METHODS IN USE It is clear that plastics with recycled content can make a positive contribution to a product’s life cycle assessment. For a comparison of different solutions, steps to quantify CO2 savings are necessary. Different methods, standards and certifications can be applied to this end. For product-related life-cycle assessments, for example, the ISO 14040 series of standards can be applied. Another, the three-part ISO 14064, regulates the determination and inventory of greenhouse gas emissions for reporting and verification. Separately, the independent ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) certification system for circular and bio-based products provides supply-chain verification of marketable sustainability claims. One software tool used in the automotive sector, among others, is the life cycle assessment software GaBi from the manufacturer Sphera Solutions, Inc. The ALBIS sister-companies MOCOM and WIPAG, all under the Otto Krahn Group, use GaBi to calculate the CO2 impacts of their products and

processes. This tool is demonstrating dramatic sustainability gains from across their respective portfolios. The data for the calculation comes either from the extensive database in the software or from the companies’ own measurements. For example, the energy and material flows in WIPAG’s carbon fibre recycling processes were characterised by specialists. The outputs were fed into the GaBi software to enhance the accuracy of the LCA calculations. PRODUCT EXAMPLES FOR CO2 SAVINGS Three customer case studies are described below where ALBIS solutions have delivered sustainability benefits. WIPAG recycled carbon fibre WIC compounds have found favour in the automotive sector. Sustainability benefits are gained through light-weighting construction design concepts (thus saving emissions in-service) and reducing CO2 during manufacture. The high strength and rigidity of these grades can allow the substitution of relatively dense glass fibre filled polyamides with lighter recycled carbon fibre filled polypropylene (PP). An established product is, for example, the fuel filler cap hinge arm for Audi vehicles. Instead of PA66 GF50, the compound WIC PP 30 (PP with 30% recycled carbon fibre reinforcement) is now used. In addition to a weight saving of 32%, this has also significantly reduced the CO2 footprint. Calculations using GaBi software show that the WIC PP 30 comes to only 1.26 kg CO2 e/kg (CO2 equivalent/Kg), whereas a standard PA is 5 kg CO2e/kg. In the area of Sports and Leisure, sustainability is also a driver for consumers. Together with Decathlon, ALBIS has developed a 100% recycled polymer mobile beach volleyball net support application. The PCR-based CirculenRecover® solution from LyondellBasell has a good combination of price and performance. The final product is also designed for recycling at the end of its life. Again CO2 emissions are considerably reduced with no quality compromises. LyondellBasell’s data comparing prime Moplen (PP) / Hostalen (HDPE) with CirculenRecover® indicate that reductions in CO2 emissions of up to 70% can be achieved. As a further example of the use of recycled plastics, Altech® PA 6 ECO 2030/219 has been used in a snowboard application developed in partnership with CTM-System Metall- und Kunststofftechnik GmbH in southern Germany. The production of the component from Post-IndustrialRecycled (PIR) PA6 reduces CO2 emissions from 5.7 kg CO2 e/kg for fossil-based PA6 (with 30% glass fibres) to 0.72 kg CO2 e/kg based on calculations using GaBi software. In this demanding, high-performance application, Altech® PA6 ECO combines exceptional low-temperature impact strength with a high-quality surface finish. The Circular Economy and recycling will play a central role for plastics manufacturers and processors in the coming years. This will require diligence and rigour to ensure that sustainable materials are suitable in final applications. For ALBIS, products based on recyclates or renewable raw materials occupy a key and growing position in our product range. Together with both our partners and customers, we are developing sustainable solutions which target to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce emissions.

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On the Cover

27 FEATURE

Regulars and Features

Going forward, the circular economy for plastics offers a very promising vision for reducing plastic waste and reaching our net-zero targets by 2050. Tony Harrison, Senior Director Global Technical Service & Application Development at ALBIS. and Chris Newman, Application Development Engineer at ALBIS discuss the Benefits of Sustainable Polymer Choices. See page 4

Here, Mark Gray, Country Manager UK & Ireland at Universal Robots, provides an informed perspective on how robotics and automation is helping manufacturers to address labour shortages, increase margins and become more productive. It also features a case study on Dynamic Group.

19 INDUSTRY NEWS

30 FEATURE

31 POLYMERMAN

Quantifying the Beneﬁts of Sustainable Polymer Choices

3 EDITOR’S LETTER 9-17 INTERPLAS REVIEW: Interplas 2021 Thrills Attendees

Interplas 2021, returned to the NEC for three innovation-packed days in September, and has been praised by exhibitors, speakers and visitors as it brought together the plastics industry for the first time in four years.

25 FEATURE

Driving UK Manufacturing Forward

This article from CME Limited’s CEO Paul Knight explores the reasons why businesses that were once reluctant to automate, are now making the capital investments in the technologies which will secure their future.

How cobots can unlock injection moulding productivity

Cleanliness built in

Jonathan Clapp, International Senior Technical Manager, Microban International discusses the role of antimicrobial technologies in the sustainability of plastics.

32-33 FEATURE Women in Plastics 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 Marika Knorr, Head of Sustainability and Communication at CCL Label.

23 AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS 29 MATERIALS NEWS

32 WOMEN IN PLASTICS 35 TPE’S 39 PURGING COMPOUNDS 40 MACHINERY NEWS 41 RECLAMATION & RECYCLING 43 SOFTWARE GUIDE 43 BUYERS’ GUIDE 46 NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE

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review

INTERPLAS 2021 thrills attendees with machinery, materials and sustainability themes

he UK’s largest plastics industry event is the triennial showcase for the British plastics industry and saw some 300+ exhibitors demonstrate new technologies, machines and materials to an excited and engaged audience. More than 40 inspiring presentations covered the main themes of ‘Advancing UK Plastics’ and ‘Sustainability’. The CPD accredited conference programme was delivered across two stages: The Advancing UK Plastics Stage, in association with Bole Machinery hosted world-class presentations from Jaguar LandRover, Lloyds Bank, Microban, NHS and the BPF, while Tesco, Innovate UK, WRAP, and PwC were among many speakers presenting on the Sustainability Stage, sponsored by Coral Products. Charlotte Chambers, Conference Producer for Interplas said “There is so much happening within the sector, and we managed to cover all the key issues from postBrexit regulation to sustainable manufacturing and bioplastics. The delegate feedback was terrific, with some fantastic Q&A sessions at which our expert speakers really excelled.”

Feedback from exhibitors on the show floor was extremely positive, Simon Johnson, Business Development Director, Billion UK Ltd “What we’ve got from this week is pretty phenomenal. We’ve been overwhelmed with new contacts – all our business cards have gone!

There’s been a constant flow of good quality leads with at least 75% brand new prospects with many wanting to buy. Lots of live projects. Anyone who hasn’t come has really missed out!” “We are extremely pleased with the very high numbers of visitors to our stand across the three days. We have many enquiries to follow up from the show. Many commented that it was great that ARBURG were supporting the industry and a combination of existing and potential customers made the commitment that our parent company and we put in, more than worthwhile.” Commented Colin Tirel, Managing Director, Arburg “After some initial worries about the impact of the fuel shortage, and its effect on footfall, it proved irrelevant. All days the visitor numbers were good on stand, new enquiries and new customers coming to see us each day, but Wednesday was by far the best. It was like a conveyor carrying customers on stand from 10am until 4pm, we didn’t even get chance to go for a break. The visitors were focused, time spent with them was purposeful and it was great to see everyone after the last 18 months or so of the pandemic. The net result of the show is a busy few weeks now quoting and converting from all the show leads.” added Glen Eves, General Manager, Sepro UK In addition to the conference programme, features such as the Knowledge Pavilion gave attendees the chance to meet

industry trade bodies, consultants and service providers to get expert advice on research and development, skills and education, regulation and materials selection. The PlastikCity Pavilion presented 20 first-time exhibitors to the audience, and Women in Plastics returned with a hugely successful and well attended networking morning and conference session. Duncan Wood, CEO of Rapid News Group, owners of Interplas, commented: “After 18 months of uncertainty, challenging commercial conditions and constantly changing operational requirements we are delighted to have delivered Interplas for the UK plastics industry. The exhibitors have had an absolute blast, reconnecting with their market and having those face to face encounters that we have missed so much during the pandemic.” “The flood of positive feedback we have received is fantastic and I must offer a huge thank you to our exhibitors who stuck with us, who believed in our ability to deliver the shows and who trusted us to do so. When we pull together and are positive in facing challenges we can do amazing things for our markets. Alongside our sponsors, partners, speakers and visitors they made the show the success that it was.” “We will continue to strive to be the best showcase for the UK plastics industry. A celebration of the best of the sector, a gathering of the brightest people, best technology and most innovative developments. Roll on 2023!”

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review

Exhibitor highlights Worshipful Company of Horners and BPF Awards winners named at Interplas

The Worshipful Company of Horners took to the Sustainability Stage at Interplas alongside dignitaries from the British Plastics Federation to name the winners of the Annual Horners’ Awards 2021. The first known reference to the Company was when its ordinances were ‘corrected’ in 1284, making it one of the most ancient of livery companies. Horn is a natural plastic (keratin) and is therefore malleable, hence its usefulness as a vessel. The Horners’ Award for Plastics Innovation and Design, promoted in conjunction with the BPF, was awarded by Master Horner Martin Muirhead to Plastipak and LifeSave Technologies for their compact and lightweight fire extinguishing solution, the StaySafe 5-in-1. Muirhead said: “The judges agreed that LifeSave Technologies’ 10

5-in-1 hand-held fire extinguisher illustrates a fantastic application of plastic design, taking the qualities of a standard bulky fire extinguisher and making it compact, providing an extremely convenient safety product that everyone can benefit from.” BPF President Karen Drinkwater then presented the BPF Special Commendation Certificate to UKbased Matrix Moulding Systems for its Soniplas flow enhancement technology, which enables injection moulders to transform their “profitability and environmental credentials, as well as the significance of the range

of positive reductions this advancement provides,” Drinkwater said. The final award of the presentation, the Horners’ Bottlemakers Award, went to Zotefoams for its ReZorce circular packaging solution, which, according to Muirhead, was chosen as “a shining example of how technical developments in plastics can help us all move towards the circular economy.” The Worshipful Company of Horners is a voluntary academic and charitable organisation promoting academic support and design awards for innovations in container technology. Other awards include the Horners’ Jewellery Award, the Design Innovation in Plastics Award for students, and the Polymer Apprentice of the Year Award, which is currently held by Emily Harris of Plasgran, a Berry Global Group member. Next year, the Company will introduce the inaugural Net Zero Award for those businesses that have made the greatest progress in net zero manufacturing.

a shining example of how technical developments in plastics can help us all move towards the circular economy

Interplas provided opportunity for BioCote to showcase technology At this year’s Interplas exhibition, BioCote showcased its innovative antimicrobial technology and some of its latest developments. The BioCote team was on hand to explain the benefits of plastic antimicrobial products and how antimicrobial protection is achieved. It promoted the use of antimicrobial solutions in various sectors, including healthcare, education, construction, transportation, food, home, and leisure. Some new developments were shared, including its work on novel applications for antimicrobial plastics, particularly in public transportation, and the development of taggants; fluorescent chemical markers which confirm the presence of antimicrobial additives within a product. With Interplas being held alongside the Med-Tech Innovation Expo, BioCote also took the opportunity to highlight the benefits of integrating antimicrobial additives into plastic medical devices and equipment, such as ventilators, catheters, patient beds and stretchers, examination tables, and assistive and accessible bathroom solutions. Managing Director David Hall said: “Interplas was the first opportunity for BioCote to exhibit for around two years, and the event provided

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a pulse check for the market, and the perfect environment in which to meet our customers and our prospects and create some new opportunities for the business. With such a good turnout, we had the chance to talk to many people within the industry, network with lots of other businesses, and meet with interested leading brands and manufacturers to explore new and innovative antimicrobial product applications. The feedback and business conditions were very positive, and we’re very excited for the future.” Rebecca Gill, Business Development Manager at BioCote, added: “It felt fantastic to see people back together again and to have those face-toface meetings we’ve all missed so much. It was so beneficial to finally be in front of new prospects and new customers and discuss how we can help with their new product development. Getting back to the show really was a great experience.”

4PLAS Ltd announces very successful Interplas 2021 4PLAS Ltd are pleased to announce they had a very successful Interplas 2021 show. The company says it was fantastic to see the variety of exhibitors and the great efforts they had all made to promote their businesses. Considering both the current market conditions, post covid lock down period as

well as travel difficulties caused by fuel issues, we were pleasantly surprised by the footfall in the first two days, the show was very well attended. 4PLAS were delighted by the large number of enthusiastic visitors to our stand and the quality of new sales leads generated. “Whilst we were not launching any new

Broadway Colours enjoys quality leads Trusted masterbatch manufacturer Broadway Colours enjoyed a successful interplas. They presented new special effects and highlighted their expertise in colouring PCR. Sales Director Nick Barber spoke positively after the show: “We were apprehensive about exhibiting, would people still have the appetite for a trade show following Covid? Although footfall was down on previous years, we still saw many friendly faces and the quality of new leads really was fantastic. Broadway is performing strongly and interplas presented some great opportunities for new business. It also provided a platform for us to offer a glimpse of our new branding and increase awareness of our compounding services – catering for large and small lots” Sales manager Chris Bird was also in attendance throughout, he added: “It was great

products at this show our aim was to re-introduce our extensive range of engineering compounds and let everyone know that we are supporting our existing customers as well as developing new opportunities, even in the current challenging market conditions, by continuing to offer our market leading customer service.”

Highly Successful Interplas for Borche UK

to be back. We’ve always thrived on face to face contact with customers, events such as Interplas are important for our business and our industry. The event felt safe and well organised. Moulders seem keen to broaden their material supply chains, several have spoken of challenges with their existing suppliers. There was interest in our additive range and our expertise in colouring PCR. We received positive feedback on our new effects with several plaque chains requested.”

Borhe UK enjoyed one of the company’s best ever results from the recent Interplas exhibition, during the week Borche UK received confirmed orders to the value of in excess of £588,000 for the machinery manufacturer’s increasingly popular range of Borche Servo Hyd range of machines. Borche were exhibiting two machines at the show from the new Borche Bi range together with a third on display on a respected customer’s stand at the

neighboring TCT event, all the machines were exhibited in full running order in which the many visitors to the stand could inspect in detail. Terry O’Reilly, Sales Director Borche UK, said: “The fantastic result from this year’s Interplas

was testament to the incredible effort made from the whole team at Borche UK to make this year’s event the best yet, in addition to the secured orders that we received the enquiry levels were also extremely satisfying.”

A message from Aylesbury Granulation Being our third exhibition in three weeks, we were well in the swing of working back out in the real world with real people and seeing smiling faces at the NEC. Never having exhibited at Interplas before, we were not sure what to expect, but we were certain that having a plastics recycler or two at the show was a good idea. We had many conversations with moulders who currently dispose of their waste plastic in with the general waste. So not

only does this cost them money, but it is also not good environmentally. By deviating waste to Aylesbury Granulation, plastics manufacturers can rest assured that their materials are recycled. Additionally, they are also converting a cost of the business to an asset. As our literature asked “are you optimising the value of your waste plastic?.” We also spoke with a good number of businesses who will be taking advantage of our closed loop toll granulation service, so that they can re-use their own excess waste back in their manufacturing processes. The footfall seemed to be at a good level and quite consistent - although Wednesday was definitely the peak day. We left with a range of leads and look forward to working with many of the visitors that we had to our stand soon and into the future.

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26 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2023

88%

of exhibitors said they made a sale directly related to Interplas.

92%

of visitors found a new supplier or technology they has not known of before.

Save the date Interplas is back in 2023, bringing with it the opportunity for you to experience the UK’s largest plastics industry exhibition showcasing the full spectrum of plastics processing machinery, materials, software, services and ancillaries in one place. It’s also the only plastics event in the UK where visitors can see working machinery LIVE on the show floor and where they’ll come to compare, contrast and buy. With an expected 14,000+ attendees across the three-day event, as well as new features and an expanded floorplan, now is the time to position yourself as a company that can offer solutions, showcase innovation and offer expertise to an audience known for its quality and purchasing power.

FEATURE

AT INTERPLAS 2021, ROB COKER VISITED THE GLOBAL PRECISION BOOTH WHEN A RANGE OF AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS CAUGHT THE EYE. THEIR SALES MANAGER DARREN WEBB DISCUSSED THE MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES INVOLVED.

DRIVING RANGE

chrome-plated grill – a prototype built for marketing evaluation – was machined from an ABS material that can accept a chrome-plated finish. Intended to replicate what the part would look like in the production stage, the single-cavity prototype was produced using a pre-production tool and did not therefore possess the complexity and durability required as its injection moulded counterparts, although it does have the same end result: a part made with the chosen material that can be used for crash tests in pre-production. The grill has to have some mechanical properties in order to be able to support the weight of a lamp, but the only other real specification was for it to be able to have that high chrome finish, which you couldn’t possibly have on a polycarbonate composite part. “A more functional automotive component would need to be more robust,” Webb said, “so a PC ABS or a nylon would have then been the preferred material. Likewise, for parts that require reduced friction, an acetal or oil-filled nylon offering better mechanical performance in that application would have been selected.” Another eye-catching feature on the Global Precision booth was a leather-clad gearshift with a polyethylene insert, which offered softness to the touch, although the OEM’s materials selection, Webb added, would have also been driven by mechanical characteristics rather than aesthetics alone.

Darren Webb (right) with colleague Gary Sylvester at the Global Precision Interplas booth

An automotive switch gear was displayed that contained ABS and translucent polyethylene to allow LED light to pass through the icons. “These materials would have been selected because of their thermal capabilities and insulation properties,” Webb confirmed. “That is something that would be recognised as an industry standard in terms of materials. A design company or OEM manufacturing something like this will engage at an early stage with the tool maker and with the materials supplier to determine what characteristics and specification will drive the material selection.” The materials supplier will then work with them to ensure they arrive at the right solution. “It’s very

much a collaborative effort that results in a better product,” Webb continued. “That’s why we always try to engage with our clients as early as possible and work with them through that process rather than arrive at a point further along, in case of any negative effects in the quality of the part or the manufacturing process.” What was most interesting was finding out whether plastics remain, and will continue to remain, as the ideal material for such automotive components. Webb confirmed that they are still the go-to materials for high-volume production in automotive applications, although he has seen very lowvolume bespoke products manufactured for the high-end and sports car sectors that utilise 3D printing technology or composites and carbon fibres. “These will be determined by weight restrictions or by the manufacturing process,” he added. “In injection moulding, there is a high investment in front end for tooling in order to make the parts cost-effective for the manufacturer, which is required for high volumes. With lowvolume niche markets that produce perhaps just 50 vehicles a year, they can often utilise more expensive manufacturing processes. So, you don’t have a tooling investment at the front end, which results in a part costing more but you can produce something bespoke to the application. You see that a lot with some of the new 3D printing technologies where they’re able to print a component that can’t be manufactured through injection moulding because of its complexity or functionality.”

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review Bunting: “Exhibitions are a fundamental part of our business DNA”

Interplas provided the perfect platform for Bunting to meet with customers and partners from the European plastics sector as well as launch the new Shredder Feeder Conveyor. “After a very difficult

time for the sector, it was fantastic to see the UK plastics industry out in force at Interplas,” said Simon Ayling, Bunting’s European Managing Director. The UK-based plastics show provided the perfect

Exhibitions are a fundamental part of our business DNA. Returning to Interplas after the pandemic is a huge step forward on the road to recovery.

Impact solutions highlight capabilities in biodegradation and compostability testing

“Four years wait and a pandemic later, Impact Solutions attended the highly anticipated Interplas once again. This year’s show was especially meaningful because we were finally able to reunite with our clients and industry leaders in person and put new faces to the name of our clients’ whom we could only e-meet throughout COVID-19. Impact solutions got off to a great start with our Technical Manager, Michael Thompson, guest speaking at the new Sustainability Stage on Biodegradable and Compostability Standards. We understand that the awareness of this

topic is on the rise, particularly with the new Plastic Packaging Tax coming into play in April 2022. Interplas allowed us to showcase our capabilities in biodegradation and compostability testing services that are crucial to the industry. It was an excellent opportunity for Impact to highlight the complexity around biodegradable standards and act as a platform to advise industry leaders. We have had many enquiries during and since the show and we are not surprised because Interplas truly is the biggest plastic trade show in the UK, giving companies maximum exposure to the wider industry.”

platform to showcase the new Shredder Feeder Conveyor. Designed specifically for the plastics sector, the Shredder Feeder Conveyor features either a Metal Detector or Magnetic Separator to protect shredders and granulators from metal contamination damage. “Exhibitions are a fundamental part of our business DNA,” explained Simon. “Returning to Interplas after the pandemic is a huge step forward on the road to recovery.”

The Poly Group wins The Small Business Manufacturing Award Congratulations to Poly Products UK Ltd on winning the Sheffield Star Small Business Award 2021 for Manufacturing & Construction. Whilst the management team were busy manning the stand at Interplas, Director, Julie Garner was busy attending The Star Sheffield local business awards, of which the company won The Small Business Manufacturing Award. Having had a successful exhibition, Garner promptly drove

down to the NEC to have a celebratory night out with the management team. The company says: “We are thrilled to have won the award, after what have proven to be, some of the most difficult couple of years for businesses throughout the UK and we would like to thank all the members of our team for the resilience shown and dedicated hard work, of not only, ensuring the company has operated to the best of its capabilities, but also, winning an award in the midst of it all.”

Campetella: Interplas 2021 “exceeded our expectations”

“Despite the delicate global situation, Interplas 2021 was a great success

and Campetella believes that many interesting opportunities will come

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from it. The turnout at the Campetella booth has definitely exceeded our expectations. We got the chance to meet many potential partners and customers, with whom we expect to start new interesting and successful projects soon. The very positive feedback we got from all visitors makes us very confident and ready to face new challenges while building up new valuable partnerships.”

interview

Materials science, testing tech and creative minds

O ONE OF THE MOST EYE-CATCHING EXHIBITS AT INTERPLAS 2021 WAS A CURIOUS, VERMIFORM EXOSKELETON ON THE TINIUS OLSEN BOOTH. ROB COKER SPOKE TO MARTIN WHEELER, DIRECTOR SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, AND PROFESSOR MATT DICKENSON OF UCLAN, TO LEARN MORE.

Wheeler: When I heard what Matt was doing, I lit up because it gelled with Tinius Olsen and what we do. We love materials and materials testing. We love breaking, bending, twisting and seeing how they perform. We love helping youngsters to become interested in materials – that’s exactly what we’re about. Matt’s work is about helping children with muscular illnesses, so the technology he’s developed and the fact that he’s trying to apply it in a way that would be affordable was just so appealing. Dickenson: I’m dyslexic, so my school experience was not the best. But through public engagement we can inspire children to believe in what they can do. For example, I was involved in a project called Primary Engineer, and the idea is that engineers will go into schools and talk about problem solving. They then pose a problem to the pupils who draw out plans and put rudimentary prototypes together. These would end up on my desk and I’d review which could be made possible. One year I had an entry from a girl called Christina who asked: ‘Why is there not a special jacket or shirt that children could wear that could help them be mobile?’. At the time, and from my perspective, I thought she meant an exoskeleton, of which there are millions – but not for children. Children will grow out of an exoskeleton quickly and that, from a manufacturer’s perspective, would be expensive, so we wanted to introduce a technology that could empower families.

We started to look at 3D printing with fused deposition modelling (FDM), but there were many questions that needed answers and trying to do that alone would have taken a lot longer. What I predicted to take around 15 years has been achieved in just two due to the partnership with Tinius Olsen. We’ve done some professional pilot studies and I’ve been able to connect with international contacts. As an academic, progress can be restrictive, but with an industry partner, it’s all forward thinking. Now, when I meet with the academic group, the conversations are all about what can be achieved rather than what can’t. That type of encouragement and support has been like a slingshot into a whole new perspective. Standing on the Interplas booth today with a functioning exoskeleton is a bit overwhelming because of how far we have come – and we have no intentions of slowing down. Wheeler: We produce the equipment used to test and analyse the materials – that is, all the tools you need to see how that material would perform. The research, which is more focused in industry, is important because it places you on much more solid ground regarding what you’re trying to achieve. Research should be used as a tool to develop things further, and it is still important to run these tests, but what’s more important is that we keep going. Dickenson: I’m not chasing the money. I’m chasing a technology that will empower those who have little money. This is not likely to make any money, but it’s going to help those who need help. This version is what we’ve nicknamed ‘Generation 1.5’. The larger version has linear actuators attached. We noticed that by using actuators to power it required a lot of energy, so we knew we had to go back to the drawing board. This smaller system is more passive, but what we’d realised quickly, and without actually compromising the design, is that with something like this you can lean into it, much like you would with a crutch. It’s orthotic, supportive. When we use a crutch, we lean and that vector travels down the crutch, minimising stress on the leg. It’s the same principle with Generation 1.5 except this thing will wrap around the body, so, rather than using a linear actuator, we’re trying to mimic muscular contraction.

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Most exoskeletons will try to drive the joint through the use of huge, multiple bearings. So, if we mimic that point of contraction, we have a new type of actuation method, we just need to make it a little more sensitive. What started off with the intention of helping children is now generating interest from other sectors – construction, for example. There are so many potential applications as it encourages you to move more correctly. This design would be constructed onto your body in such a way so that you would be unable to lift a heavy box incorrectly, for example. At first, we thought about making this from aluminium, but the pricing would have been astronomical, so we looked to polylactic acid (PLA) and what we soon realised, through a lot of finite element analysis (FEA), was that it could support adult bodies, not just children’s bodies. With the healthy ageing strategy, this exoskeleton could reduce the cost of healthcare and the risk of arthritis and other musculoskeletal ailments. Without 3D printing and these new polymers, we would be back to aluminium. The mechanics of copperactive PLA has so much going for it, and this is where the testing comes in.

LEFT: Professor Matt Dickenson (left) and Martin Wheeler(right) with the larger exoskeleton at Interplas

We’ve been printing horizontally, which enables us to understand the material’s behaviour in different states. We wanted to establish the performance of this material so we’re looking at internal meshing, which allows us to print the external circumference in antimicrobial PLA and the internal in a nylon mesh. To get to that position, we’ve had to test parts to make sure that when we make that next step we’ll be starting on solid ground. Wheeler: That’s an ASTM D 638 profile tensile test specimen – or ‘dog bone’. Standard PLA’s failure rate is round 45 mega pascals. In its strong components, this increases to around 55 mega pascals. In some states it outperforms some metals for what we’re doing. It’s phenomenal. It’s everything that we hoped for and more. It’s all to do with understanding the material. The more you understand, the easier it will be to put on a human. Testing on children is not easily achieved, and the ethics behind testing on humans

We've been printing horizontally, which enables us to understand the material’s behaviour in different states

is something else completely. That’s why Matt has been performing as much testing as possible and looking at healthy adults with the aim of being able to get to a comfortable position where we are reliably supporting the body. Dickenson: When I read Christina’s idea, I thought there’s no way she came up with this ‘off-the-cuff’; there’s too much detail, she had perspective, and she knew exactly what this should do. Her original drawing was basically a snake on someone’s back, but I could see where she was going and it pushed me down a rabbit hole. I’m a firm believer in not stealing people’s ideas so I still contact Christina and her mother. It’s really gone way past anything she drew but it is still important to acknowledge where these ideas come from. The Tinius Olsen model 50ST testing system with its Horizon software underpins my testing with its tensile and flexural test capability. As a piece of kit, I use it to push materials and structures to their limits and beyond, understanding exactly how they will perform. Martin’s colleague Shawn Byrd has also been very helpful. He encouraged me to join ASTM International to contribute with my experience and to tap into the many minds developing standards around exoskeleton technology. There is well over 100 members in the ASTM F48 committee coming from all areas of industry. People from all over the world sharing ideas to progress good standards around this technology, on a personal level, has been very thought provoking.

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INDUSTRY | NEWS Make UK welcomes new cohort of apprentices Make UK has welcomed the latest new cohort of 170 engineering apprentices to its Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham - a 41 per cent year-on-year increase in its intake. The apprentices, who will be studying a range of courses from Level 2 Welding Operator to Level 3 Engineering Technician, will spend the next 12 months with Make UK, learning the technical side of their chosen specialism, as well as other areas like health and safety and time management, before returning to their employers, who include

companies such as Severn Trent, Jaguar Land Rover, Ibsock, Forterra and Ishida. Stephen Mitchell, Director of Apprentices and Technical Training at Make UK said: “It’s fantastic to accept the latest intake of apprentices and see a full return to face to face teaching; the increase in numbers shows that there is a great appetite for apprenticeships amongst both young people and employers alike. It’s vital that we work together to help bridge the skills gap which manufacturing currently faces.”

Prestigious Guests Join UNITED CAPS for Grand Opening of UK Factory UNITED CAPS has held a successful grand opening of its new Dinnington factory in Rotherham UK, attended by the Rt Hon Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, along with many other guests. “We established the Dinnington factory as part of our Close to You strategy, establishing production facilities in strategic regions. This strategy is designed to give us a proximity to customers that enables us to shorten delivery times, promote sustainability and focus on products that are the most relevant to each market region,” said Benoit Henckes, CEO. “Our Dinnington location has been operational since 2020, but we were unable to officially celebrate and formally open it due to

pandemic restrictions. We are delighted to welcome Mr Stafford to join us for this celebration, emphasizing the importance of these types of developments for the economy, here in the North of England.” UNITED CAPS’ Close to You strategy has driven significant investment over the past five years with UNITED CAPS increasing the number of production facilities by 30 per cent, including the Dinnington facility and plants in Malaysia and France. During the same period, the company has grown its top-line turnover by 35 per cent, an impressive feat. With increased production capacity, continued innovation and a runway for growth built in, UNITED CAPS is wellpositioned to accelerate

It’s vital that we work together to help bridge the skills gap which manufacturing currently faces.

growth even further. Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, said “This is a wonderful, good news story for Rother Valley. UNITED CAPS investment into our area brings highquality, well-paid jobs helping to revitalise Dinnington. This type of investment shows that Dinnington’s fortunes are at last on the up and a vote of confidence in our future.” During the event, guests toured the 5,000 square meter facility, which has an option to expand to 20,000 square meters as business growth demands. They saw production of beverage and dairy closures underway and were introduced to the collaborative work UNITED CAPS undertook with other industry players to develop a standard for EU-mandated

Tethered Closures, a part of a sustainability strategy that was devised to keep closures intact, reducing waste and aiding in recycling. The design of the factory allows further sustainability improvements such as reduction in the use of cardboard and wooden pallets. “This expansion to the United Kingdom is in response to increasing demand there for our products,” Henckes added. “We chose Rotherham because

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of its central location along the M1 and the availability of technically skilled people in that area. We are grateful to The Department of International trade for their assistance. This is our first plant in the United Kingdom.” Henckes noted that the project represented an estimated €20 million investment including the first phase of machinery, is expected to increase group turnover by 15% in phase one, and will generate new jobs in the Rotherham area.

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MGS TECHNICAL PLASTICS RECOGNISED FOR THEIR TEAM AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT MGS Technical plastics Ltd, an injection moulding company based in Blackburn, Lancashire, won the People & Skills Award at the 2021 Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA) Awards. The People & Skills award recognises the commitment by MGS Technical Plastics for the development of skills across the company and judges of the award were impressed by the application of Plan on a Pages for employees. Neil Garrity, Joint Managing Director, said: “The award last night was a fantastic achievement, what we set out to do 5 to 6 years ago on the training programme, we are now reaping the rewards. We are committed to the process of Plan on a Pages for our team, and it’s a driving force to focus on our business plan.”

“We see potential in everybody, we are developing technicians, toolmakers, mechanical engineers and developing skills, including personal, communication and management skills. The programme is an ongoing commitment for MGS and our employees.” Paul Jones, NAA Chief Executive, commented: “It’s an understatement to say that this has been a challenging year for companies in the automotive industry, however all our Award winners have demonstrated an incredible resilience and have managed to thrive despite the various uncertainties of the business environment. Once again, the diversity of automotive companies in the Northern region has been showcased by our Award winners.”

MBA Polymers UK launch recycling ambassadors programme in local schools With the focus continuing to grow around plastic pollution and being a key topic within schools, MBA Polymers UK took the opportunity to launch a new recycling ambassador programme. MBA Polymers first recycling ambassador day was held at St John’s Academy in Worksop, during their annual science week, where a group of company representatives arranged a day of activities, experiments and educated learning to encourage children from each year group to act as recycling ambassadors and build on their passion about sustainability, our environment and reducing waste through recycling. At the end of the day each child was presented with a recycling ambassador certificate. In addition to the

Device designed to capture microplastics from tyre pollution stands chance of winning international sustainability competition A device designed to capture microplastics emitted from tyres and help reduce the effects of pollution has won its designers a cheque for €100,000 and a place in the final

of an international sustainability competition. The Tyre Collective, based in London, was announced as one of five finalists in the Postcode Lotteries

Green Challenge 2021 competition. The business that will be taking home the grand prize of 500,000 euros will be announced during the finals on 14 October. Now in its 15th year, Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge this year is focusing on innovations that can be used in daily life or made into consumer products. Tyre wear is the second-largest microplastic pollutant in our ocean after singleuse plastic, as well as a source of air pollution. While exhaust emissions are reducing due to tight regulation, tyre wear pollution remains unregulated.

day of learning and awareness, MBA Polymers UK have also presented St John’s Academy with recycling bins to enable both the teachers and children to continue on their recycling journey and also raise funds for the school, by collecting plastic bottle tops to be recycled at the recycling plant in Worksop. As MBA Polymers UK are part of the European Metal Recycling Group, the school are also able

Even when the vehicle fleet has moved to all electric, emissions from brakes and tyres will still be a major cause of air and microplastic pollution, as electric vehicles generally have a heavier curb weight than Internal Combustion Engines. The Tyre Collective is developing a retrofttable device, which sits at the wheel, mitigating emissions by capturing tyre wear at the source to ensure clean air, safeguarding both the environment and public health.

to collect metal items for recycling such as can, tins and metal bottle tops. Kelly Speed, Account Manager, MBA Polymers UK said “I was honoured to be given the opportunity to be involved in both the development and launch of the first recycling ambassador programme at St John’s Academy, it was a great day and well received by both the staff and children. I look forward to being a part of the continued rollout of this programme in all local schools, encouraging the teachers, children and their families to join MBA’s vision is to create a sustainable planet by eliminating plastic waste and educate the future generation on recycling and how to help prevent the depletion of the world’s natural resources.”

Hanson Cheng, CoFounder and CEO at The Tyre Collective said, “Making it to the final of Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge is amazing! Our innovation will enable any vehicle to be retrofitted with our device to prevent tyre particles from entering our ecosystem. This will have an immediate, massive impact on reducing the emission of microplastics on a daily basis and we can’t wait to demonstrate our project to the jury next month.”

This will have an immediate, massive impact on reducing the emission of microplastics

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AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS | NEWS Vehicle electrification specialist turns to FANUC cobots to increase productivity Specialist electric vehicle battery manufacturer, Danecca, has invested in two FANUC collaborative robots to improve the accuracy and repeatability of its heat staking applications following a major customer order. The battery manufacturer, founded in 2018 by ex-Jaguar Land Rover and National Grid engineer Danson Joseph, specialises in battery development, verification and validation, as well as rapid prototyping and production. Following the successful purchase and integration of a FANUC M20iD 6-axis industrial robot (integrated with a TRUMPF PFO laser for welding electrical connections), the company has now invested in two state-ofthe-art FANUC CRX 10iA collaborative robots. Given the close

proximity between operator and Robot, the lightweight CRX-10iA has been designed with safety front of mind. Movement automatically stops upon contact with humans or unexpected objects, and will instantly move back to avoid trapping. The CRX cobot range is certified according to the ISO 10218-1 and EN/ISO 13849-1 safety standard, and the smooth and elegant design avoids pinching and injury, making it an ideal partner for production workers. Danecca purchased the two CRX cobots to improve the accuracy, repeatability and takt time of its heat staking process, while also freeing up more time for technicians to focus on value-added tasks. James Hampshire, Electronics Engineer at Danecca, commented: “Heat staking has

AMFG Joins Stratasys GrabCAD Software Partner Program AMFG, a leading provider of MES and workflow automation software for additive manufacturing (AM), has joined the Stratasys GrabCAD® Software Partner Program. The program enables AMFG to work strategically with the Stratasys team and their clients on integrating AMFG’s software with Stratasys FDM systems and GrabCAD software. A lack of AM machine connectivity with management systems like MES has been one of the key obstacles for

organisations adopting AM for advanced applications. Without connectivity, collecting and analysing real-time machine data takes a significant amount of effort. Automating the full production process from order receipt to build completion is challenging, inhibiting scalability. By partnering with Stratasys, AMFG eliminates this bottleneck, enabling the users of Stratasys technology to create a

traditionally been a labour-intensive application for us, with long takt times that can become quite fatiguing for the operator when done manually. Following the successful tender for a demanding order, we quickly identified collaborative robots as a viable solution to work alongside our battery technicians to significantly increase our output without compromising on quality.” James continued: “The

CRX cobots now enable us to heat stake up to 23 units at any one time, and have helped to eradicate any inconsistencies. This is incredibly important as any irregularities in the process would render that particular unit redundant, adding unnecessary time and cost into the process. Not only have we seen a significant increase in repeatability and accuracy, but the takt time has also reduced by over 10 minutes per

bridge between their machines and AMFG’s software. The integration will enable Stratasys technology users to fully automate end part production and collect critical build data to ensure repeatable quality. AMFG’s VP of Growth and Innovation, Danny Winn, commented: “The combination of Stratasys hardware, GrabCAD and AMFG’s marketleading AMES platform is a game-changer for AM operations looking to scale through automation, whilst increasing overall

traceability, utilisation, and quality.” “The ability to pull data from AM systems into a centralised software solution is not just a nice to have – it’s critical for the future of scalable endpart manufacturing. Especially in heavily regulated industries such as Aerospace and Medical.”

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cycle.” “From a programming perspective, the CRX cobots are incredibly intuitive to use and we know that once we have told it do something, it will do it and do it correctly. Looking to the future, we are working on connecting our cobots to the central mainframe PLC to control the HMI, as well as investigating the possibility of integrating 3D vision systems to automate the visual inspection process.”

People. Think. Plastics.

Challenges for Engineering Plastics In new mobility The automotive industry is adapting to meet the demands for new mobility concepts. In parallel, the plastics industry follows this trend and responds to the requirements for new products with the development of new material solutions. Within our product portfolio you will find the appropriate materials to satisfy flame protection, lightweight construction, electrically neutral, thin-walled technology and optimised surfaces. We look forward to supporting your project requirements through technical services and tailor-made logistics concepts.

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Your contact: Roberta Leech roberta.leech@kdfeddersen.com Andrew Pilling andrew.pilling@kdfeddersen.com

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FEATURE

DRIVING UK MANUFACTURING

T THIS ARTICLE FROM CME LIMITED’S CEO PAUL KNIGHT EXPLORES THE REASONS WHY BUSINESSES THAT WERE ONCE RELUCTANT TO AUTOMATE, ARE NOW MAKING THE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS IN THE TECHNOLOGIES WHICH WILL SECURE THEIR FUTURE.

FORWARD

istorically statistics from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) highlighted the fact that countries such as France, Germany and Italy had between two and ten times the number of robots in production than the UK. In some years the UK did not feature in the top twenty countries listed in their report. Today however manufacturers across a range of manufacturing sectors, and especially the food sector, are now actively pursuing the options of automation and robotics to mitigate the labour and skills shortages which in recent times have blighted their businesses. With the exception of the Automotive sector, where automation has been prolific for many years, the UK has had a lot of catching up to do. However, manufacturers are now starting to act quickly and are embracing the technologies which will allow them to reap the benefits of increased productivity, quality and yield which will transform their businesses in the years to come. Another positive for manufacturers here is that because businesses in many other countries had automated ahead of equivalent UK counterparts, there are now field proven concepts and solutions for a host of applications across many sectors upon which we can draw. Although the UK may in the past have been seen as the “poor relation” in terms of general automation uptake, we have always had a significant number of excellent system integrators. The technology and the expertise has always been here, the only thing lacking until now has been the willingness to adopt automation at the levels needed. ENCOURAGING INVESTMENT IN AUTOMATION The recent government “Super-Deduction” initiative, announced in the 2021 Budget, provides a unique opportunity for UK manufacturers to claim 130 per cent capital allowances on qualifying plant and machinery investments for expenditure incurred from 1 April 2021 until the end of March 2023. Under the “Super-Deduction” for every pound a company invests, their taxes are cut by up to 25p. This is a great incentive which will hopefully encourage new levels of investment in automation and robotics. By exploring every opportunity to gain a competitive advantage through the introduction of automation, UK manufacturers will level the playing field in what has become an increasingly challenging business environment.” The UK’s food manufacturing sector is an excellent example of how adopting automated solutions can mitigate the issues associated with labour shortages

and the resultant potential impact on productivity. Adopting automation delivers high and predictable levels of productivity, quality and yield whilst maintaining or even improving on the tight margins associated with this sector. Investments such as this also bring benefits when seeking new contracts with the major retailers as the manufacturer can demonstrate a track record of consistent quality and performance. Further benefits, sometimes overlooked, include those related to health and safety by removing operators from arduous working environments. There are also opportunities to upskill the existing workforce which in turn will greatly assist retention. Paul Knight explains: “An important consideration when planning investment in automation and robotics is that of payback. Many businesses often seek a short term payback period however, robots are ultrareliable, capable of operating for many years and can be easily re-programmed for new product variants or tasks. Taking a slightly longer term view on the payback period, for example two years as opposed to one year, may be just enough to take the project forward and begin reaping the rewards that the investment will surely bring.” The challenging events of recent years have served to highlight the fact that in today’s competitive business environment automation is not a “nice to have” but a “must have” if we are to continue to compete on the global stage. Paul Knight concludes: “There are cases where a business does recognise the need to start introducing new automated technologies or perhaps may even wish to revisit or upgrade previous systems but are unsure where and how best to begin the process. Based upon the experience of delivering a wide range of automated solutions across multiple market sectors, CME has compiled a Guide to Automating for Success which is available to anyone who would like to discuss embarking on the route to automation.”

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feature

M MARK GRAY, COUNTRY MANAGER UK & IRELAND AT UNIVERSAL ROBOTS, PROVIDES AN INFORMED PERSPECTIVE ON HOW ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION IS HELPING MANUFACTURERS TO ADDRESS LABOUR SHORTAGES, INCREASE MARGINS AND BECOME MORE PRODUCTIVE. HE ALSO FEATURES A CASE STUDY ON DYNAMIC GROUP.

How cobots can injection moulding productivity

abour shortages have affected the manufacturing industry across every sector, the British plastics industry is no different, being very reliant on access to migrant labour. Brexit and Covid-19 travel restrictions have had a huge impact on the industry, as businesses tend with lockdowns, travel restrictions and a decrease in European workers. In light of this, many organisations are considering the move to automation, but there are a number of common misconceptions that are hindering widespread automation adoption in the UK. Some smaller businesses are put off by traditional industrial robots, which are ideal for high volume and mass production settings. For those injection moulders who need greater flexibility and who specialise in short production runs, the programming costs and required expertise can quickly add up to debilitating costs. However, there is a solution. Collaborative robots (cobots) can easily fit into any size production line, and can be quickly reprogrammed and redeployed should production needs change. Cobots work together with existing employees and boost capacity, allowing operators to delegate the dull and repetitive tasks such as loading and unloading to cobots. The operator can then apply their skills more productively, and focus on the more complex parts of the operation. During these difficult times, this ability to respond to demand with a flexible solution that delivers extra capacity has been crucial for many injectionmoulders. Whilst many manufacturers have felt unable to make long term investment decisions during the pandemic, cobots have managed to demonstrate that they can register a fast return on their investment. HOW DYNAMIC GROUP PLUGGED THE LABOUR GAP Dynamic Group were having difficulty staffing their injection moulding production operation and wanted to make better use of their existing labour force. Tending an injection moulding machining cycle can be labour intensive. It also requires high handling consistency due to the heat sensitive material being moulded.

They were initially worried that a flexible automation solution that could be moved from application to application, addressing the company’s high mix/ low volume production would be cost prohibitive, and require extensive programming. They decided to add three cobots to their operation, due to their competitive price point and flexibility. The first robot tends a complete machine cycle. Dynamic Group used it to pick and place “book frames” that hold pieces to be moulded into the injection moulding machine, and transport the units to a trimming fixture, then places the part in front of an operator for further handling. The second injection moulding application uses a traditional cartesian robot that drops a moulded piece down a slide where the cobot picks it up and places it in a degating fixture, then palletises the part on a table in front of the operator for inspection. The third robot is deployed in a kitting application. Using a vacuum gripper the cobot picks up a “clam shell” - the bottom part of a plastic box – then it places sterile wipes and saline solution into the clam shell, and pushes the box onto a conveyor. Before using cobots, Dynamic Group had to use six to seven employees at once to do the kitting application, they can now redeploy those employees elsewhere and make better use of their skills. Three cobots have now taken over several repetitive tasks, resulting in improved product consistency and production capacity increases of up to 400 per cent. It’s clear that automation can deliver the productivity, profitability and flexibility that UK plastics businesses need to weather difficult times.

It’s clear that automation can deliver the productivity, profitability and flexibility that UK plastics businesses need to weather difficult times.

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MATERIALS | NEWS Major Push into Moulded Fibre UK-based sustainable packaging company, Transcend Packaging, has announced it is entering a strategic partnership with fellow innovator BioPaxium Technologies, which was recognised as a top materials technology company in the UK. The result of six years’ worth of intensive research and development, BioPaxium has developed extensive knowledge of advanced moulded fibre technologies which are applicable to a broad range of market segments. Unlike traditional moulded fibre such as egg cartons and cup carriers, advanced moulded fibre technology can be applied to intricate geometries allowing for broader replacement of thermoformed plastic. The product can be engineered to be resilient to temperatures in excess of 200oC for a prolonged period in both a microwave and conventional oven or alternatively suitable for chilled or frozen products, such as chilled and frozen ready-

meals. The products are designed to be recycled or home composted providing an enhanced sustainability profile. Initially, Transcend will offer a range of lids, cups and trays to the food service market. In 2022, Transcend plans a full launch of a broader product range to provide solutions for plastics replacement to the food service, food and beverage manufacturing, health and beauty and the fastmoving consumer goods markets. An additional advantage of moulded fibre is that it allows for the use of non-traditional fibres (such as wheat straw or miscanthus) either as the sole fibre base or in a mixture depending upon client requirements. By using non tree-based fibres, materials can be utilised that were often classed as agricultural waste to create moulded fibre products suitable for composting, helping create carbon rich soil that can be used to sustain our agricultural production into the future – a truly circular product.

Porvair Sciences introduce a new Highly Reproducible and Efficient Phospholipid Removal Porvair Sciences has introduced a new and improved version of its Microlute PLR phospholipid removal microplate designed to enhance the flow of samples through a proprietary filter to maximise the recovery of analytes with unmatched reproducibility. Benefiting from the naturally hydrophobic PFTE filter - the new second generation Microlute PLR plate can be manufactured faster and more reproducibly than ever before. Krzystof Kielmann, Product Manager at Porvair Sciences commented “Our Microlute PLR

beneficially combines our market-leading expertise of filter/porous plastic manufacturing and microplate manufacturing. Unlike traditional loose-filled products, the solid interconnected network of evenly distributed pores in a Microlute PLR plate allow biological

Industry giant BASF joins task force for sustainable polymers BASF has joined the Royal Society of Chemistry’s task force comprising a who’s-who of the sector aiming to make a polymers industry worth $125billion annually more sustainable. Unilever, Croda, Scott Bader, Crown Paints and Afton Chemical are among those already signed up to the RSC’s initiative, which aims to create a circular economy for a group of thousands of chemicals called polymers in liquid formulations, often referred to as PLFs. Leading the group will be Professor Roy Sandbach OBE FRSC, the immediate past president of the RSC’s Industry and Technology Council, who becomes interim chair. Prof Sandbach led the development of the regional innovation strategy for the North East of England and

previously held global R&D positions with Proctor and Gamble during a 31 year association with the company. PLFs have a number of practical uses and are found in millions of products, from paints, adhesives and sealants to fertilisers, lubricants and cosmetics. They are also used in water treatment, ink production and household cleaning products such as washing detergent. There are very few ways to recycle PLFs, but with more than 36.25million tonnes not recovered after

fluids to flow smoothly and consistently throughout the filter. As a result, the Microlute PLR is able to efficiently remove a wide range of phospholipids from plasma and serum samples and increase the sensitivity and integrity of your UHPLC/HPLC methods.”

use every year – enough to fill Wembley Stadium 32 times – the task-force’s aim is to develop ways to recover, reuse and remake these materials as well as developing biodegradable or naturally sourced alternatives. Damian Kelly, Vice President Technology and Innovation at Croda, said: “‘Croda is committed to sustainability and the PLF Task Force is an excellent opportunity to bring industry together to set a sustainable course for thousands of polymers, with the RSC’s priorities providing a framework to drive collaborative leadership and innovation in this field.”

the PLF Task Force is an excellent opportunity to bring industry together to set a sustainable course for thousands of polymers

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feature

CLEANLINESS BUILT IN

J JONATHAN CLAPP, INTERNATIONAL SENIOR TECHNICAL MANAGER, MICROBAN INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSES THE ROLE OF ANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE SUSTAINABILITY OF PLASTICS.

Repeated cleaning of plastic products is not always viable, realistic or effective enough to tackle the problem in isolation

he reputation of plastic as one of the most versatile materials on earth has been tarnished by the environmental threat predominantly associated with our throw-away society, and characterised by short-lived products and overconsumption. The world is waking up to the importance of sustainability and, in response, product designers are moving away from disposability and instead focusing on durability. Manufacturers are reconsidering raw material choices with the aim of creating more robust plastic products that withstand long-term repeated use and do not break easily. There is also an increased emphasis on end-of-life recycling, easy-to-clean designs, and products that can be repaired and upgraded. However, products with an extended lifetime will also require more frequent cleaning and maintenance, as microbial growth can damage aesthetics and functionality. This kind of deterioration – staining, unpleasant odours and material corrosion – has a significant effect on the sheer volume of plastic that we throw away, and minimising or even preventing microbial contamination in these materials is a remarkably effective and comprehensive way to address this. WHY MICROBES LOVE PLASTIC Microorganisms are capable of adhering to plastic surfaces and, given the right environmental conditions, they will survive, grow and replicate. Some plastics even contain high levels of plasticisers that act as a carbon-rich food source for bacteria and fungi, which can render them particularly susceptible to penetration from these microbes. In line with sustainability agendas, plastics manufacturing has begun transitioning from using synthetic phthalate to plant-derived alternatives, as they are often considered ‘greener’, however, it seems that plantsourced plasticisers are especially vulnerable to microbial attack. Some plastic products are also exposed to persistently high loads of bacteria due to their use. For example, inadequately cleaned foodcontact surfaces, such as chopping boards, baby highchairs and food storage containers, will often contain leftover residues and particles that provide a nutrient source for microbial growth. Plastic items left in humid, warm or damp environments such as refillable shampoo bottles also provide the ideal surface for bacteria and mould to flourish. NOT EVERYTHING IS EASY TO CLEAN Repeated cleaning of plastic products is not always viable, realistic or effective enough to tackle the problem in isolation. For instance, the engineering and mechanics behind cars now lasts far longer than the interior fixtures and fittings that can deteriorate more quickly, adversely affecting the overall driving experience. The polymer surfaces in cars are typically hard to clean frequently, either because they are out of reach – for example, air conditioning hoses – or because they are subject to constant abuse. There are also products that

cannot be cleaned and scrubbed regularly because it is either impractical or causes premature damage. A brittle caulk or flexible sealant, for instance, cannot withstand constant scrubbing or the action of corrosive detergents such as bleach. In all of these circumstances, while the product might still be usable, a less than perfect outward appearance often results in premature disposable and replacement. CLEANLINESS BUILT IN Built-in antimicrobials have an important role to play in the sustainable development of plastics and can help to prevent visual discolouration, unpleasant odours and premature deterioration, particularly in some of these challenging situations. Microban International is a trusted partner to leading plastic product manufacturers across the globe, providing them with expertise and scientifically-proven antimicrobial additives. The experienced polymer engineers at Microban incorporate its custom chemistries into products and surfaces at the point of manufacture, so that they become an integral component of the material and provide ongoing protection that works 24/7 for the lifetime of the product. The technologies work by penetrating the cell wall of microbes, including bacteria, mould and mildew, to disrupt regular function and growth, helping to keep plastic products and surfaces cleaner between cleans. A portfolio of over 25 approved antimicrobial chemistries from Microban can be formulated into polymer pellets, powders and liquids, to be manufactured into a range of synthetic materials, including polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Specialised pellet-based masterbatches ensure that the technology can be seamlessly incorporated into injection moulding and extruded thermoplastic polymer production processes. Microban also offers a variety of powder and liquid-based masterbatches for other processes, such as powder coating, roto-moulding and foaming. SUMMARY Changes to legislation that position sustainability at the forefront of product design have prompted plastics manufacturers to look for smarter, cleaner and more durable innovations. Microban is addressing this demand by providing built-in antimicrobial technologies that protect materials from microbes, helping to prevent biodegradation,

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IN THIS EDITION OF HIS REGULAR COLUMN, OUR RESIDENT MATERIALS EXPERT, MIKE BOSWELL, CONSIDERS FOUR FACTORS THAT WILL SUPPORT HIGH POLYMER PRICING IN THE COMING MONTHS, AND ONE FACTOR THAT MIGHT NOT.

Four factors that will support high polymer pricing in the coming months, and one factor that might not

hilst there has been much expectation that an improvement in the supply/demand balance for polymers would bring much welcome relief to hard-pressed plastics converters here in the UK, the following factors are likely undermine expectations here and abroad:

SUPPLY/DEMAND IMBALANCE Polymers continue to remain in short supply for a wide range of reasons including, lack of PE imports from the US, limited supply of C3 feedstock in Europe for the manufacture of PP, high logistics costs, availability of logistics services and various other restrictions.

FEEDSTOCK COST INCREASES Increasing crude oil prices have resulted in significant feedstock cost increases, and whilst many converters will refer to the decoupling of polymer prices from monomer prices that was prevalent at the start of the year this will not stop feedstock inflation being used as a justification for polymer price rises.

One factor which might impact the supply demand balance is the close proximity of Christmas and the Lunar New year. In the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese New Year begins at the new moon that falls between 21 January and 20 February and will next take place on Tuesday 1st February 2022. Typically, plastic converters in Western Europe tend to close down production over the Christmas and New Year holiday periods, and in China there is also a lull in downstream demand as workers take vacation in the lead up to their annual festivities. However, polymer plants tend to continue to run throughout the year, and this potentially leads to an inventory build, with the potential consequence of surplus supply.

RISING ENERGY COSTS Typically, it takes between 1.5 and 2.0 tonnes of hydrocarbon feedstock to produce 1.0 tonnes of polymer, and the recent spike in energy costs has resulted in some suppliers either applying price surcharges, or simply increasing prices to recoup energy cost increases. GLOBAL LOGISTICS COSTS At the time of writing, the arbitrage opportunity that exists as a result of a significant price differential between higher prices in Western Europe and lower prices in Asia, cannot be realised due to the issue of extremely high freight costs, which themselves result from the struggles that the global shipping industry also faces in order to cope with the recent spikes in demand.

Taking all factors into consideration, the general consensus is that supply will probably remain tight, possibly through to mid-2022, and with that the likelihood that prices will remain high. Crude Oil prices will be a supporting factor as prices continue to increase, with suggestion that $100 per barrel may be the market price before the end of this year.

Who is ‘Polymerman’?

However, polymer plants tend to continue to run throughout the year, and this potentially leads to an inventory build, with the potential consequence of surplus supply

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 www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

FEATURE

SPOTLIGHT MARIKA KNORR: “A little disruption has mostly led to more creative and interesting results” Interview | Grace Nolan

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 MARIKA KNORR, HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNICATION AT CCL LABEL.

Q: HOW DID YOUR CAREER PATH LEAD TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE? When I was younger, I wanted to become a journalist and had been working as a freelancer while studying, but after I graduated university, times were not great. It was 2008 and all the magazines and newspapers were downsizing and switching to online, so I decided to look into communications on another level – Corporate Communications. I subsequently worked in different roles within Corporate Communications at three multinational companies from totally different industries. First of all, this gave me the opportunity to work in different communication disciplines and learn the specifics of each. Secondly, I worked internationally a lot, traveling to different countries and cultures which provided me a good understanding of differences in communication and how to tackle those challenges in a global corporation. I was born in the United States but grew up mainly in Germany, so it is important to me to work in an international environment and make use of both of my native languages. I got into packaging five years ago and this is where I found my passion for FMCG and sustainability-related topics. It was the start of the consumer awareness movement. I saw that communication is key here and that this is a huge opportunity for a communication professional – after all consumer packaging is a complex and highly innovative topic, which really needs to be laid out and explained well to be able to have a fact-based discussion around it. When CCL Label asked me to join them in my current role I immediately accepted because this gives me the opportunity to utilize my key strengths: communicating on a very important and contemporary topic like packaging on an international level and being able to contribute to a very pressing matter: Sustainable Packaging! Q: COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION CCL LABEL PRODUCES? Simply put, not all labels were created equal. That means that there are many, many different types of labels and sleeves that you can chose

from when thinking about packaging decoration. Some are made from paper and others are made from plastic. A label that goes on a one-way glass bottle for example must be engineered to be functional at the end of life – it must detach easily under the conditions in the glass collection bin, so that it does not contaminate the glass recycling stream. Same goes for PET bottles for example. It is important to know that PET bottles usually go through a sink/float step during the recycling process where density plays a key role. The PET flakes have a higher density so they sink to the bottom to the basin…this is why you would want to use a lighter polyolefin label that floats on the washing water, thus guaranteeing a very clean separation of both materials. Other sustainable label solutions are labels that have a certain percentage of post-consumer recycled content or are bio-based for example which means that you are moving away from fossil fuel and therefore the labels have a lower CO2 footprint. For many major brands that are looking to lower their ecological footprint not only in production but for their packaging itself, this is a great option. Q: BEING ONE OF THE FEW FEMALES IN MANAGEMENT AT THE COMPANY, HOW CAN A MORE DIVERSE MANAGEMENT TEAM BE CREATED ACROSS THE INDUSTRY? I have mostly worked in companies where more men work than women. First of all, this has to do with the industries like the chemical and the

I feel that there is room for improvement when it comes to career opportunities for women in the field of Sustainability

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packaging industry that are traditionally male dominated because those weren’t jobs that women would be involved in many years ago… but thankfully, that is changing as more women have been choosing career paths like engineering, management and chemistry. In Germany the female quota has been discussed very passionately. I am pro quota as this will give women access to jobs that might stay invisible to them and once more females are in key positions they can empower more women and eventually this will lead to a more diverse management team. I also believe that a little disruption has mostly led to more creative and interesting results. Q: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR? I’d say that is probably being able to adopt to new situations and industries very fast and to identify relevant topics where I could step in and make a difference with my skills. I got involved with digital communication and social media at a very early stage and was able to push the boundaries for the company I was working for. When I got into packaging it became very clear that the discussion around plastic packaging and how to make this more sustainable and even move towards a circular economy would be one of the key topics of the next 10 years…so I decided to take on a role within Sustainability to be able to actively contribute to this change that needs to happen. Q: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR? Seems like the question about the greatest accomplishment is very closely linked to the biggest challenge…I must admit that sometimes the thought of what needs to be done in the industry(s) to tackle the global waste and climate challenge can be overwhelming. And there is so much misinformation especially on plastic packaging out there that leads to emotional discussions around this topic. Providing fact based information here is key – and this is where you need excellent communication around it – which I am committed to. Also, I am very glad, that I am able to attend a lot of conferences and events focused on “Sustainable Packaging Solutions”, so I am able to see that there are many very promising developments. Q: WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS? We are looking into different circular solutions for the labels and sleeves themselves, so that

is something where I hope to see innovations happening in the next couple of months. Until now we are mainly focused on making the prime packaging recyclable and making sure the label and sleeve does not hinder the recycling process…so the next and ideal step up for us would be to make our product itself circular. We already started a great project called “EcoStretch” where we can de-ink our stretch sleeve labels after they are collected and shipped back to one of our sites…so we are on a good path. We actually just won the “German Packaging Award” for that project. Q: HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU FEEL FEMALE ROLE MODELS ARE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION AND DID YOU HAVE ONE? I feel that especially in “male dominated” businesses, female role models are very important to set an example and to lessen the fear of stepping up and taking more responsibility. On a larger scale this is why it was so important that Kamala Harris was voted into office as the first black and first Asian and first female Vice President, setting an example that it can be done and also making this a point. I had some pretty great female teachers in school who encouraged me to join the school theatre group which definitely helped build up confidence that helped me later in my career. Also, especially in Germany we have had a very good example of female leadership with our Chancellor Angela Merkel. Even if they don’t agree with her political agenda, many admit that she has was very successful with her diplomatic skills and without letting vanity get in the way of decisions. 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? Generally, I feel that there is room for improvement when it comes to career opportunities for women in the field of Sustainability. As this is a topic that will be on the agenda of almost every company and institution for the coming years this is an excellent field to get into. As sustainability is a very complex topic, communication skills are key to driving the sustainability agenda and explain it to the stakeholders and end consumers. For a bolder career move I can only encourage younger women to look into companies and industries that have been traditionally “male dominated” especially if you are interested in technical aspects. These companies need more diverse teams and a fresh mind set to tackle challenges that are arising not only in the sustainability field, so I think there are great opportunities to make a difference especially in these environments and to succeed.

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26.07.21 09:54

TPES | NEWS Avient launches new TPEs with PCR content from automotive windshields Avient has announced the latest additions to its growing reSound R recycled content TPE portfolio. The materials are a result of close collaboration with Denmark-based Shark Solutions, a leader in advanced sustainable PVB products. Both new TPEs contain 25 per cent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content from PVB reclaimed from broken

automotive windshields and laminated architectural glass. It is estimated that 75 million broken windshields need replacing each year. This abundant supply includes thousands of tonnes of PVB, found in the inner layer of the glass and potentially bound for landfills. Instead, the outer glass is recycled and the PVB is reclaimed and reprocessed for

This technology brings together advanced material science and innovation to support customers' goals and the circular economy

various uses, including an alternative raw material source for polymers. Avient’s unique formulation expertise allows the supply of reprocessed, high-quality, non-toxic PVB to be upcycled into more sustainable TPEs with excellent properties. Developed in 45 to 55 Shore A durometers, the new reSound R grades are ideal for general purpose applications in the consumer and automotive industries. Both TPEs can be overmoulded to PP and come in a natural grade that can be easily coloured. These reSound R grades with PCR content offer similar performance properties to traditional

TPEs and are suitable for many durable consumer products and grips – such as personal care items, consumer goods, and footwear. Their performance properties also fit automotive applications that could benefit from vibration damping. Matt Mitchell, Director, Global Marketing of Specialty Engineered

Materials at Avient, said: “This technology brings together advanced material science and innovation to support customers’ goals and the circular economy. These material developments create an opportunity to help divert mountains of valuable resources from the waste stream and upcycle them into new products.”

streams during postindustrial manufacturing processes. They originate from injection moulding sprues or edge trims in extrusions. The chosen recyclates were selected due to their high levels of consistency and purity. With consideration of transportation and energy impacts, the recyclates are sourced in Europe. Dryflex Circular

TPEs are produced at HEXPOL TPE’s European sites, which use 100% renewable electricity. The new Dryflex Circular TPEs can be used in various automotive interior applications such as inlay mats, cup holders, sealing lips and HVAC parts. Köppl added, “With the recent developments of

Dryflex Circular TPE, it is now possible to realise high-performance interior applications. Together with our Circular TPE grades for exterior applications and our biobased TPEs, we are supporting automotive suppliers and OEMs to fulfil their targets to increase the use of recycled and renewable materials.”

TPE with Recycled Content for Automotive Interiors HEXPOL TPE, the international polymer compounding group, has expanded their range of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) materials with recycled content. The new Dryflex Circular TPE grades have been tested for odour and emissions performance in automotive interiors. Dryflex Circular TPEs were developed to support the shift from finite fossil-based virgin materials. They were launched in 2019. Recycled polymers from various sources, including Post-Consumer (PCR) and Post-Industrial (PIR), are incorporated into the Dryflex Circular TPEs. They can also be recycled in closed-loop

systems at the end of life. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Köppl, group product manager, HEXPOL TPE, commented, “Recent developments resulted in us bringing the first TPE with recycled content for automotive interior applications to the market.” The TPE was tested at an external accredited laboratory and shown to have almost no odour (grade 2.0 according to VDA 270, B3). The mechanical properties fulfil automotive requirements, and colourability is possible. The material is currently being approved by a German car manufacturer. The recyclate sources are diverted from waste

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Process Experience Manufacturing Expertise Engineering Excellence

TESTING & INSPECTION | NEWS DD-Scientific Improving sealing quality with Interonics

Wallace Instruments launches its next generation Compression Stress Relaxometer

When gas sensor manufacturer DD-Scientific wanted to improve the accuracy, repeatability, and productivity of an epoxy sealing process, it turned to adhesives specialist Intertronics. DD-Scientific now benefits from robot-mounted preeflow® eco-DUO precision metering, mixing and dispensing systems, which save the company 23 days of staff time per year. DD-Scientific’s sensors are used in many different applications, from industrial gas safety to carbon monoxide detectors for the home. Recently, the company has invested heavily in technology to ensure it is working productively and efficiently, while delivering high quality sensors. The company wanted to automate an epoxy sealing process — a vital step that prevents its sensors from leaking. The process was previously done by a team of staff, who mixed and applied the two-part material manually. The company got in touch with Intertronics, who supplied the preeflow eco-DUO integrated with a Fisnar dispensing robot. This volumetric dispensing system uses the precision dispensing of the preeflow eco-PEN, by integrating two eco-PENs through a manifold and a static mixing nozzle. It provides extremely precise metering, mixing and dispensing of critical two-part materials, offering accuracy of ±1%, >99% of the time. Automating the sealing process means they dispense the right amount of epoxy, in the same place, every time — achieving the highest levels of quality.

Wallace Instruments has launched its next generation Compression Stress Relaxometer – the WAC11 Mk5. The WAC11 Mk5 allows the operator to easily measure the compression stress relaxation (CSR) characteristics of rubber seals, O-rings and gaskets to international standards to estimate their long-term sealing behaviour and predict service life. For safetycritical applications, it is essential that these components, whilst under compression, operate without failure for their expected lifespan. CSR is a measure of the ability of an elastomer to seal efficiently when held in compression over time and in varying environmental conditions and testing is increasingly being added to durability specifications for elastomeric parts used in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries. “We pride ourselves

on the accuracy, repeatability and productivity of all our equipment and our engineers, who really understand the science of testing, are continuously innovating to support our thousands of customers in managing the cost of quality and new product development” said Chris Mundy, Sales & Service Manager at Wallace Instruments. “Our new Compression Stress Relaxometer is a generation leap from the previous Mk4 model and provides an accurate, affordable and easy-to-use option for CSR testing with user friendly windows-based software that offers an almost limitless freedom to design and customise compression tests,” he explained. “We offer a full range of jigs for standard and bespoke applications and the WAC11 Mk5 is backwards compatible so it can be adapted to take customers’ existing jigs and fixtures for testing and we can refurbish and

facility in the Worcester Six Business Park, with its excellent strategic location in the U.K. With our experience of more than 160 years in the materials testing equipment business, we are always investigating ways in which we can better support our customers with our advanced technology testing solutions in addition to creating relationships which embody our brand, vision and values.” ZwickRoell senior

management attended the ground-breaking ceremony at Worcester Six Business Park which marked the official start of the new ZwickRoell facility construction.

Building work begins on new ZwickRoell headquarters in Worcester ZwickRoell, a global leader in the design, manufacture and supply of materials testing products, is delighted to announce a major investment in the construction of new premises. Work is to begin on a new U.K. headquarters building at the flagship Worcester Six Business Park. ZwickRoell will expand

its facilities, creating a new HQ and customer experience centre which will include an extensive suite of offices, meeting & seminar rooms and a comprehensively equipped demonstration laboratory. Benno Sadowski, managing director for ZwickRoell U.K. & Ireland, said: “We are very happy to be establishing a new

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certify old jigs.” Earlier this year Wallace Instruments joined forces with Ohiobased ACE Products & Consulting. ACE President & CEO Erick Sharp said, “Demand for CSR testing is only going to grow in the future as correlative data continues to grow. The WAC11 Mk5 offers an affordable choice for CSR testing and does not require the use of a separate tensometer. This is important as CSR testing can involve long test cycles that can tie up capacity on a tensometer.”

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PURGING COMPOUNDS | NEWS Chem-Trend and Husky Create a Simple and Effective Colour Change Feature for Altanium® Mould Controllers Chem-Trend and Husky collaborated on a system solution that creates repeatability during the critical colour change process to ensure a faster, more accurate, and optimised approach for operators. The team devised a new guided procedure made easily accessible to operators within

the Husky Altanium® Mould Controller operator interface. The instructions outline a simple, yet highly effective approach to setting up and performing the colour change process explicitly for moulds with hot runner systems. The joint approach is based on the process

for using Chem-Trend’s Ultra Purge™ brand of purge compounds, which is designed specifically to reduce colourchange time and carbon formation in hot runner systems. “We know a lot is at stake for processors if the right purge compound and process are not used in colour changeovers amounting to significant time and cost,” said Graziano Pestarino, global account manager for thermoplastics solutions at Chem-Trend. “By combining our years of expertise in the field and our latest advancements in purging technology with that of Husky, one of the leading producers of hot runner systems in the industry, plastics manufacturers stand to reap immense benefits of productivity and control previously unachievable.”

Together, ChemTrend and Husky aim to significantly enhance their customers’ operational margins by increasing equipment and labour uptime. In field trials, operators who followed the recommended approach showed up to an 85 per cent reduction in scrap and an 80 per cent increase in mould cleaning efficiency. “Fast and effective colour change processes are essential to our

Prevention is the best cure CJP Sales Ltd have been working with customers to improve efficiency by using Dyna-Purge® during the start up shut down procedure. We have customers who have completely eradicated black specs by leavening DynaPurge in the barrel over the weekend or during shut down periods. Dyna-Purge works by using a scrubbing granular with a polymer carrier giving a mechanical rather than abrasive or chemical purge. The issue of black specs in mouldings and extrusion has and

always been a problem for plastic processors. As with all carbon based materials such as polymers excessive heating or long term contact with hot metal surface which will cause degradation. This degradation may not be evident for some time until the ultimate problem arises, black specs, when the carbons build up starts breaking away. Dyna-Purge is also very effective when changing materials from lower temperature to higher temperature, the Dyna-Purge act to bridge the temperature

customers, and we are continuing to see an upward trend in colour change applications,” said Mike Ellis, global business manager for Husky® Hot Runners and Controllers division. “Our partnership with ChemTrend and the integration with our Altanium® Mould Controllers addresses this critical market requirement and helps our customers achieve the best colour change performance in the industry.”

gap, with Dyna-Purge K ranging from 147c-287c and Dyna-Purge D2 Advanced ranging from 160- 329c. CJP are offering assistance and advice on how to eradicate black specks to all plastic processors with a free of charge sample and on site training. Dyna-Purge is a Registered and Trade Marked product of Shuman Plastics Inc.

The issue of black specs in mouldings and extrusion has and always been a problem for plastic processors

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

www.kraussmaffei.com

pioneering plastics

MACHINERY | NEWS arburgXvision 8: Complex machines made easy Around 500 viewers tuned in to the eighth edition of “arburgXvision” live, titled “Complex machines made easy – overview of the Gestica control system!” on 30 September. Arburg experts Jürgen Peters, Head of Software Development, and Miriam Lauble, Technical Sales Manager, gave an overview of innovative features of the “Made by Arburg” control system. Viewers received interesting and valuable practical tips during live links to the Arburg Customer Center. The Arburg show this year was all about the Gestica control system and how it can be used to easily get to grips with complex machines and processes. Lauble said: “Intelligent assistants are the future of mechanical engineering. Only by

adopting this method can Arburg quickly and easily adapt every detail to process requirements and customer requirements. Our focus has always been on a high level of functionality, optimal ease of use and efficiency.” Explaining the motivation behind developments and providing a comprehensive overview of the innovative features that make the Gestica “intelligent”, Peters added: “Standing still means going backwards. That’s why we’re constantly developing.” He also explained the benefits of hardware and technology in terms of IT security and data analytics. Something many people did not know is that the Gestica’s computer architecture is divided into an operating unit and a control

OPC-UA interface connects machine, dosing and robot to optimise LSR production Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH, Schwaig, Germany, will unveil a state-of-the-art elastomer injection moulding system at Fakuma 2021. For its inaugural presentation on the global stage, the LSR package features a fully automated Nexus metering system on an all-electric IntElect 130/520-450. All integrated seamlessly with the company’s new own-branded SAM-C kinematic robotic system and meeting the new

2021 OPC-UA 40082-3 standard for LSR dosing systems to optimise and control and processing stability on automotive applications. Demonstrating the production of a complex freeform automotive axial seal on Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s LSR exhibit, the seal is designed to be moulded using a ‘direct gate’ without material closure. Describing the processing challenges a high spec component like this presents, Henrik Langwald, Director Automotive & Electronics

system. The former used for programming, visualisation and analysis and the latter to precisely control and regulate the machine directly. “This physical separation ensures cyclically reproducible operation and protects the machine from IT attacks. This is unique in the industry”, he emphasised. The experts discussed key findings regarding the Gestica control system. Lauble continued: “I see Gestica

as already having arrived at autonomous driving. This means we are at the beginning of a new era in machine construction.” To conclude, Peters took a look into the future by saying: “The evaluation of a large quantity of data directly in the Gestica operating unit will offer further added value. We are working on ensuring that the machine continuously learns, keeps itself stable and can even optimise itself in the future.” “Mould strategy 2.0 –

explains: “The sealing lip must be completely pronounced to offer full functionality. We are setting a new benchmark to repeatably mould the tightest tolerances in 16 cavities, burr-free, with no conversion,“ he succinctly sums up. Produced using a Nexus two-plate tool, are retainer keeps the seal component stable on the ejector side. The newly launched SAM-C ‘handle & place’ cartesian robot developed inhouseby Sumitomo (SHI) Demag then removes and stores the part. This involves working with a cold runner needle closure system

and direct injection. The tool concept includes interchangeable inserts, ensuring the highest product flexibility. As a result of the high precision processing, stability is maintained to deliver the optimal sealing requirements so critical for automotive safety.

new ideas for reducing costs!” is the topic of the ninth arburgXvision broadcast. Arburg experts Christoph Blöchle, Technical Sales Manager, and Christian Homp, Team Manager Application Engineering, provide tips on how to increase machine utilisation by strategically combining mould protection, preparation and monitoring. Two live links into Lossburg will demonstrate modern mould monitoring and wear prevention.

RECLAMATION & RECYCLING | NEWS Quantafuel expands into the UK

Norwegian recycling specialist Quantafuel has announced plans to expand into the UK with processing plants that create high value products from low value plastic waste. Quantafuel’s first plant in the UK is planned for Sunderland, England, which, subject to planning approval, could

be up and running in a few years. Other additional sites are also being considered by Quantafuel UK Ltd, which will lead to jobcreation both during the construction and operation of the facilities. “I’m pleased to announce Quantafuel’s plans to enter into circular

plastics in the UK,” said Quantafuel’s interim CEO Terje Eiken. “This is an important step because we see strong potential in the UK market. By upgrading used plastic waste into valuable products, we will contribute towards the circular economy and help improve the UK’s plastic recycling rates.” Quantafuel UK’s plants will process mixed post-consumer plastics that are currently not recycled, such as soft food packaging and a variety of domestic and industrial plastics. Quantafuel has submitted a preliminary planning application this week and is currently in dialogue with the Port of Sunderland and Sunderland City Council. The company has

Biome joins the Sustainable Packaging Coalition Biome Bioplastics is excited to announce that it has become a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC). The initiative aims to bring stakeholders together to catalyse actionable improvements to packaging systems and shape packaging solutions that are good for the people and the planet. Becoming an SPC member is part of Biome’s broader commitment to contribute to a net zero carbon economy. Earlier this year, the company was recognised by the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign, which aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Sustainable packaging has become a global movement, with consumers demanding

that brands step up and act to combat the global plastic waste problem. The urgency for action has also been recognised by a rising number of initiatives across the globe, such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Plastic Pact Network and the U.S. Plastics Pact. The SPC’s work is based on the principles of collaboration, education and action. Using thorough research and science-based approaches, the initiative helps advance innovative, functional packaging materials and systems that promote economic and environmental health. Sally Morley, Biome Bioplastics’ Managing Director, commented: “Retail and consumer brands need to make the switch to sustainable packaging alternatives today so they can gain a competitive edge and positive brand recognition from consumers. Joining the SPC underpins our commitment to empowering retail and consumer brands to shift to compostable packaging.”

chosen a prime 12-acre (approximately 50,000 m2) site on the eastern edge of the port due to its close proximity to shipping berths, transport links, and presence of local skilled workforce. The plant will be designed to process more than 100,000 tonnes of plastic per year and should create hundreds of jobs during construction and provide business for local suppliers. It will also create around 50 jobs once operational. Plastic waste from across the north of England will be processed at the facility. Quantafuel has created a new UKbased company, Quantafuel Sunderland Limited, which is a 50:50 joint venture between Quantafuel

ASA and Midas Group AS, founded by Frank Ystenes. Quantafuel UK Ltd is also a 50:50 joint venture between Quantafuel ASA and Midas Group AS. “Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council and Chair of Port of Sunderland, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Port of Sunderland has been chosen as the preferred location for Quantafuel’s first UK operation. “Sunderland is a city transforming, and investments like this, allied with other significant developments in the city centre, Washington and the Coalfields, give an increasing confidence in the economic future of our city.

VEKA RECYCLING REACHES FINALS OF NATIONAL RECYCLING AWARDS VEKA Recycling Ltd has reached the finals of the MRW National Recycling Awards, recognised as the most prestigious in the recycling and resource management sector, at the company’s first attempt. The firm has been shortlisted in the Recycling Facility of the Year category, for its new, state-of-theart recycling facility in Wellingborough, that was completed after a twoyear build in December 2020. The award will be given to a ‘waste and/ or recycling facility that demonstrates best practice through innovation and/or improved management’, say the organisers. The winner will be decided at a ceremony held on 10th December at The Hilton, Park Lane.

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

VEKA Recycling’s managing director Simon Scholes. “Our team has worked exceptionally hard to complete our new plant, also battling against the pandemic to become fully operational on schedule. To become a finalist at The National Recycling Awards means that we have been judged by recycling professionals that fully appreciate our achievements, so this is a tremendous accolade even to get this far.”

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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:

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.

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

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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

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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

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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 DISCUSSES HIS RESPONSE TO INTERPLAS AND THE UPCOMING BPF ANNUAL DINNER.

t’s now more decades than I care to remember since I studied A level English Literature in Lancaster. But I do recall the memorable words Shakespeare put into the mouth of Claudius in ‘Hamlet’: ‘When sorrows come, they come not single spies but in battalions’. A particularly relevant description of our current plight! Putting it altogether, raw material shortages, lorry driver shortages, semi-conductor shortages, acute recruitment difficulties and energy availability and pricing, the immediate future looks pretty grim. But I do believe the middle- distant and longterm future for plastics looks very positive. At Interplas I had the opportunity to speak about future opportunities and I used the expression that the future has the word ‘Plastics’ written all over it. I said this because the decidedly ‘green’ turn in government policy puts carbon saving to the fore in particular through the 10-point green industrial revolution plan and the Net Zero Carbon target. Without plastics progress towards these goals will not get very far. BPF is off to a flying start. We’ve established a Net Zero Carbon Forum in the BPF structure and membership of it is open and free of charge to any BPF Member. The whole point is to facilitate the exchange of experience between member firms on their work towards achieving the target and to act as a sounding board for the BPF strategy as it develops. We’ve got a great platform already in existence to attack Carbon Emissions via energy saving in the BPF’s Climate Change Agreement – BPF Energy. This is one of the largest Climate Change Agreements ever signed between an industry sector and the UK government. It has about 450 participating sites in the industry. Already we are saving 60,000 tonnes of carbon per annum. Out of our Climate Change Agreement database we will be launching a comprehensive Carbon Reporting Tool in late November. Also on the stocks is a new book containing dedicated guidance to the plastics industry on how to make progress in reducing Carbon Emissions. Every BPF member firm will be given a free copy of this guidance. As we approach the BPF’s Annual Dinner this week, I’ve been taking stock of the number of members that we now have in the BPF’s ranks. I’m pleased to say that with the significant

growth in membership in recent years we have now reached a grand total of 491 member organisations. We have had 36 new members already this year and it could well be that by the year we will reach the magic figure of 500. I know that our President, Karen Drinkwater, will be relaying this fact to the audience during her Annual Dinner speech. I particularly enjoyed being at Interplas which lifted the veil on eighteen months of darkness. I was encouraged by the visitor levels particularly on day 2 and it was great to have so many visitors to the BPF stand. It seemed as if many old friends had remerged from a distant lost world. There was a high level of interest in our recently published careers video, and this is available for the whole industry to use to help stir up interest in working in plastics. So many people who joined the UK plastics industry become dedicated ‘lifers’. I think the reason for this is because it is such a welcoming, warm, and friendly industry. It’s something that is difficult to communicate to potential recruits, but I do think it’s a great selling point for a career in plastics. To see people welcoming each other following such a dark interregnum, despite current difficulties really warmed the heart. So too with the BPF’s Annual Dinner, attendees are currently predicted at 440 guests. It really is a signal to me that the industry wants to hit the ground running and revive its networks, personally I am looking forward to seeing so many old friends and it will be a great opportunity to look beyond today’s travails and contemplate how we can seize the opportunities of the future. Views of the future are highly politicised in this post-Brexit situation we are in. I prefer to keep a neutral balance, but I can see that the levelling up agenda if it materialises in the way it was originally proposed could significantly benefit the UK’s plastic industry. Not just in terms of government expenditure on infrastructure but also if foreign direct investment flows into the customers of the industry and results in the widening of local markets of plastics within the UK. Large swathes of our industry are based in the traditional manufacturing centres of the UK, the old industrial districts. It is these very areas the government has targeted its levelling up plan, let’s hope indeed that the government follow through.

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

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