British Plastics
and Rubber
bp&r SEPT 2021
Working towards a sustainable material choice for your application INTERPLAS 2021 Show highlights and features
10-FOLD MARKET GROWTH Principal Analyst at IDTechEx discusses new composite report
WOMEN IN PLASTICS SPOTLIGHT BP&R shines a spotlight on one of the platform’s inspirational interviewees
COMPRESSED AIR DEHUMIDIFYING DRYERS • European manufactured range for hygroscopic & non hygroscopic materials. • MDS energy efficient technology • Desiccant -free for drying of all thermoplastics • Constant dew point • Machine mounted or stand alone • Micro PLC control system • Part of a complete range of material drying solutions and other ancillaries • Visit our fully equipped demonstration showroom
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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
IT’S SHOWTIME
head of media SALES-Plastics portfolio: Lisa Montgomery
T: +44 (0) 1244 952 372 E: lisa.montgomery@rapidnews.com Advertising Manager: MANDY O’BRIEN
T: +44 (0) 01244 952 519 E: mandy.obrien@rapidnews.com Advertising Manager: Gareth Jones
T: +44 (0) 1244 952 370 E: gareth.jones@rapidnews.com
Interplas provides the ideal platform to re-start industry events for the plastics sector.
Head of studio: SAM HAMLYN
T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 E: sam.hamlyn@rapidnews.com SUBSCRIPTIONS:
T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 E: subscriptions@rapidnews.com PUBLISHER: duncan wood
T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 E: duncan.wood@rapidnews.com PRINT SUBSCRIPTION Qualifying Criteria UK – Free Europe – £249 ROW – £249 FREE digital issues available to view and download online British Plastics & Rubber is published monthly (8 times/year) by Rapid Plastics Media Ltd, Carlton House, Sandpiper Way, Chester Business Park, CH4 9QE T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 F: +44 (0) 1244 671074 © 2021 Rapid Plastics Media Ltd While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained within this publication is accurate the publisher accepts no liability for information published in error, or for views expressed. All rights for British Plastics & Rubber are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. ISSN 0307-6164 Incorporating Polymer Age and Rubber and Plastics Age. PEFC Certified This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources PEFC/16-33-254
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s the UK’s biggest plastics exhibition, Interplas is being used by many as their flagship event for 2021. When I attend Interplas later this month I am looking forward to seeing old and new faces. As this will be my first time attending Interplas (what a year to be thrust into the Interplas world!) I am also looking forward to a show that will help foster innovation, champion UK manufacturing and help keep our industry on the map in times of unprecedented uncertainty. On page 29, Richard Hird, Chairman of the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA), discusses the return of Interplas 2021. He gives readers an insight into what members are showcasing in terms of their latest equipment and services. As Simon Ayling, Bunting’s European Managing Director, mentions: “Interplas provides the ideal platform to re-start industry events for the plastics sector.” Speaking of Interplas, as headline media partner to the event, BP&R is giving readers a sneak preview
as to what’s in store at the show this year from a selection of exhibitors starting on page 9. For example on page 15, ahead of her presentation at Interplas, Kirsty Wood, Development Technologist and Sustainability Lead at HEXPOL TPE, shares how TPE materials can help individuals and businesses navigate the changes needed to maintain the hot topic of sustainability. Enjoy the issue and I hope to see you in person very soon. grace nolan, EDITOR
the big story Working towards a SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL CHOICE for your application
F FOLLOWING THE LAUNCH OF ITS SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS PORTFOLIO IN NOVEMBER 2019, LEADING UK POLYMER DISTRIBUTOR, PLASTRIBUTION, CONTINUES TO TAKE THE LEAD IN ADVANCING ITS ECO-FRIENDLY OFFERING.
It’s vital that we provide the hard facts relating to the materials we endorse and their relative performance.
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longside providing their customers with technical know-how and expertise in material selection, product development and optimising processing efficiency to meet environmental and carbon reduction targets, the company says that it is working towards being able to offer a sustainable material choice for their customers’ applications. A large part of this remit is designed to stem the growing and disruptive levels of ‘greenwashing’ the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s products are more environmentally sound. By being open, honest and credible in their environmental communications, Plastribution aims to be a standard setter, intent on providing the ‘sustainable truth’ about the materials they have on offer. “With technological advancements and increasing pressure for sustainable alternatives, companies are developing a variety of products to replace single-use plastics. In this growing industry, it is hard for buyers to know if the items they are choosing are truly eco-friendly, particularly with the increasing levels of greenwash noise out there,” said Plastribution’s Ian Chisnall. “It’s vital that we provide the hard facts relating to the materials we endorse and their relative performance, otherwise we are obstructing buyers from making informed purchasing choices. Clearly no materials can tick all boxes in a sustainable checklist and there will always be trade-offs when it comes to properties, cost and environmental impact.” SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS PORTFOLIO Plastribution’s portfolio of sustainable materials is the UK’s first real attempt by a polymer distributor to respond to ongoing environmental concerns regarding plastic and the calls from designers, brand owners, OEMs and converters for solutions for a diverse range of applications. With material being supplied by over 20 leading global producers, Plastribution’s portfolio is based on 7 branches of sustainability, which collectively provide a sustainable solution for every application: Reduced carbon footprint - from processing advice through to fillers and mineral masterbatches, we can support you in your ambition to become more carbon efficient. Bio-degradable/Compostable - innovative
biodegradable & compostable materials that break down in to water, naturally occurring gases and biomass. Water Soluble - a range of polymers designed to dissolve in water without polluting the marine environment with harmful microplastics. Bio-Content materials for a variety of applications sourced from biomass such as sugarcane, tapioca, castor oil and cellulose. Circular Economy - materials designed and produced with the aim of minimising waste and making the most of available resources by using a closed-loop production system. Recycled/Recyclability - materials that have been reprocessed from post-consumer and post-industrial sources, plus materials that can aid recycling. Renewable Content - a selection of polymers that partially or fully utilise feedstocks that can be replenished on a human timescale. TECHNICAL EXPERTISE Along with a section on their website assigned to their materials portfolio, the company has also established a dedicated sustainability team comprising of in-house experts. The team’s role includes researching material innovations, ongoing development of the product portfolio, internal communication and providing industry leading technical support where required. This support is not just limited to material choice, it also enables customers to benefit from production benefits, such as reduced cycle times, the ability to make lighter products and the use of more energy efficient materials to reduce their carbon footprint. SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS KNOW-HOW With Interplas 2021 including a special focus on sustainability, Plastribution will be taking the opportunity to showcase their sustainable materials portfolio on stand A83, where representatives will be on-hand to discuss the latest developments in eco-friendly materials. The company’s presence will also include a presentation on the Sustainability Stage by technical manager, Dan Jarvis. Additionally and following a successful 2-day sustainable materials conference held by the company in February 2020, a second conference is scheduled to take place on 23 February 2022. Plastribution will confirm details later this year. www.plastribution.co.uk
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Working towards a sustainable material choice for your application
On the Cover
Working towards a sustainable material choice for your application Following the launch of its sustainable materials portfolio in November 2019, leading UK polymer distributor, Plastribution, continues to take the lead in advancing its eco-friendly offering. See page 4
3 EDITOR’S LETTER 9-25 INTERPLAS ONSITE: The wait is over
As the UK’s biggest plastics exhibition, Interplas is being used by many as their flagship event for 2021. As headline media partner to the event, BP&R is giving readers a sneak preview as to what’s in store at the show this year from a selection of exhibitors.
45 FEATURE
10-Fold Market Growth Within 10-Years
Dr Richard Collins, Principal Analyst at IDTechEx, discusses the new report “3D Printing Composites 2021-2031: Technology and Market Analysis by IDTechEx and the reasons behind this significant growth.
55 FEATURE Eliminate breakdowns
We hear from John Sullivan, Maintenance Manager at McAlpine and Andrew Thoms, managing director of Tris UK, on how the pair have joined forces to eliminates machine breakdowns thanks to Tris UK’s oil cleaning system.
56-57 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 Venetia Spencer, Secretary General of the Polyolefin Circular Economy Platform.
61 FEATURE
The invaluable nature of plastic
Matthias Hochholzer, MD of AST Plastic Containers UK, gives his thoughts on the latest developments in recycling plastics and reducing environmental waste.
Regulars and Features 29 THE WORD FROM HIRD 30 INDUSTRY NEWS 34 RUBBER 37 MATERIALS NEWS 39 POLYMERMAN 43 COMPOSITES 47 THERMOFORMING 49 MACHINERY NEWS 51 MO’S CORNER 53 INJECTION MOULDING 56 WOMEN IN PLASTICS 59 RECYCLING 63 SOFTWARE GUIDE 63 BUYERS’ GUIDE 66 NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
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BEST WISHES TO THE INTERPLAS TEAM AND EVERYONE ATTENDING. HAVE A GREAT SHOW! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON! Our fully equipped showroom is open for appointments. Why not book a visit ?
01933 354460
Spritzgiessautomaten
www.hiclassmachinery.co.uk
www.boy.ltd.uk
Unit 7 Brindley Close, Rushden Business Park, Rushden, Northants NN10 6EN
Same result. With recyclate. Recycled material is naturally subject to greater batch fluctuations than virgin material. Our intelligent assistance systems and technologies ensure a constant melt volume and thus consistently high product quality despite fluctuating raw material quality.
Learn more about the Topic Circular Economy.
preview
INTERPLAS 2021
The wait is over As the UK’s biggest plastics exhibition, Interplas is being used by many as their flagship event for 2021. As headline media partner to the event, BP&R is giving readers a sneak preview as to what’s in store at the show this year from a selection of exhibitors. We also have exclusive comment pieces from three of our conference speakers, highlighting the key issues they’ll cover during their presentations. These previews are just the tip of the iceberg, we’ve got plenty more on our website at
www.interplasinsights.com During the week of the show we’ll be publishing a show daily newsletter, as well as uploading exclusive content via our social media channels. Make sure you follow the #InterplasUK hashtag to keep on top of the unique opportunities and events that are happening at the show. Still need to register? Interplas is FREE to attend for all visitors, so avoid queues on the day and head to
During the week of the show we’ll be publishing a show daily newsletter, as well as uploading exclusive content via our social media
www.interplasuk.com/register
www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk
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Exhibitor highlights BILLION to demonstrate new injection moulding machine from the latest SELECT2 range
BILLION will be welcoming visitors to their stand number C4 in Hall 4 at INTERPLAS from 28th to 30th September. BILLION will demonstrate an H780/200 ALL-ELECTRIC injection moulding machine from the latest SELECT2 range, which has been designed to provide the precision and economy afforded by all-electric machines alongside durable high performance for fast cycling applications. The BILLION SELECT2 machine will demonstrate moulding of a garden planter produced in
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BIOFIBRE biodegradable material with an integrated robot cell for product take off and stacking. BILLION will also demonstrate their Wi-Fi EASYCONNECT remote access system to provide read and write process management and fault diagnosis at distance. The system can be provided by BILLION for a one off upfront cost for the lifetime of the machine including remote assistance by specialist BILLION technicians. BILLION EASYCONNECT uses a free VNC viewer for remote access, which is available for Windows, iOS and Android platforms. The system also allows access to other production cell peripherals, such as robots and mould heaters to provide complete cell management at distance.
Tinius Olsen to display first iteration of exoskeleton Tinius Olsen have established a working partnership with the Engineering Innovation centre at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. The partnership will aid the development of a ground breaking exoskeleton, which will act like an artificial muscle, aiding the wearers’ muscles to contract and extend. The structure of the suit is what’s called a passive design system, meaning it’s part exosuit, which acts as a point of contraction like a muscle but is also a passive exoskeleton, which distributes the force and load. The suit has been built using chopped carbon PET, due to it’s extra strength and is encased in poly lactic acid and carbon fibre. The component parts are 3D printed, making the suit extremely cost effective.
Aside for its medical applications, the suit is also generating opportunities within a number of other sectors such as aerospace, sports science and defence. Exploratory discussions are also underway about utilising it in future space missions. Tinius Olsen have loaned, initially, a 50ST bench top UTM to enable extensive testing of the composites being utilised. The company have also introduced Matt to the international standards organisation, ASTM, which has opened up
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new opportunities in the US. Matt Dickinson from the EIC at the University of Central Lancashire, who has invented and built the exoskeleton, will be in attendance on the Tinius Olsen stand E14 for the duration of the show, with the first iteration of the exoskeleton and will be happy to answer any questions. He will also have an example of the technology that visitors can actually try on, as well as showing the testing requirements for the composites used in the suit on a 25ST machine. Booth E14.
Fibrax to exhibit at Interplas 2021 for the first time Plastic injection moulding company, Fibrax Limited, will be exhibiting on Stand FF44 at Interplas 2021 when the show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 28th to 30th September. Fibrax specialises in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance, custom precision
plastic and rubber injection moulded components for a host of market sectors. With manufacturing facilities in the UK, Poland and Morocco, its global network offers sustainable solutions and greater efficiencies within the supply chain. This is the first time Fibrax will be exhibiting at the UK’s leading
A message from Rapid Colour Services… For more than three decades our ethos has remained the same; quality tailor-made products, delivered in rapid time, supported by exceptional customer service and support. The last two years have undoubtedly been an extremely challenging time for us all, with many businesses under huge pressure to continue to deliver products manufactured from feedstocks within very volatile market conditions. Long delays in the supply chain have inevitably raised customer’s expectations for even quicker turnaround times and in response to this we took the decision in 2021 to invest in two new production lines. This latest investment will support the growth of new and existing clients in the UK and across Europe by offering an additional production capacity of more than 40 per cent. In addition, we have
installed a state-of-the art HEPA air filtration system which filters an impressive “Olympic swimming pool sized” volume of air every six minutes to create an unrivalled clean working environment. To support the evergrowing demand for improved recyclability in packaging applications, our ‘RapidSort’ range has been developed to allow large volume black and coloured masterbatches to be fully infrared detectable in the recycling process. To save our customers time and money on external testing, we have recently invested in a NIR spectrometer which will allow us to certify our NIR range as recyclable. To demonstrate this, we will be offering live displays at Interplas where our visitors will get the chance to place various coloured articles under our NIR Spectrometer for testing. Visit Rapid Colour Services on stand C33
plastics industry event and the company is keen to demonstrate its full-service offering following the acquisition of plastic injection moulding company, HiMark. Commenting on this opportunity, Group Technical Sales Director, Rob Winterbottom said: “As a design and engineering partner, we support customers by developing bespoke material formulations and innovative
design concepts, and delivering a fullservice manufacturing service that includes testing and validation. Having operated within the highly regulated automotive sector for over 35 years, we have the experience and expertise to fulfil the most demanding specifications and complex design requirements. By continually investing in our technical
capabilities, we aim to consistently deliver best-in-class components.” Now in its 70th year, Interplas 2021 will bring together over 450 exhibitors and 14,000 buyers at the NEC. Fibrax is looking forward to identifying new opportunities and building new relationships with customers who will benefit from its fullservice offering.
provide permanent surface protection against bacteria, mould, and mildew growth. Specific formulations have also been proven to reduce viral loading on surfaces by over 90 per cent. Microban® solutions work 24/7 and for the expected lifetime of a treated product. The company is proud to collaborate with more than 300 brands and manufacturers to
deliver cleaner, fresher and more durable plastic products. Key partnerships include GE Appliances, Cellularline, Samsonite, COLOP, Rubbermaid and Verbatim. Visit Microban® at booth D1, Hall 4 to learn more about its antimicrobial technologies for plastics.
Microban to exhibit built-in antimicrobial formulations For more than 35 years, Microban® International has been the driving force behind technologies that are redefining plastics. Its built-in antimicrobial formulations are helping manufacturers address unhygienic design flaws, sustainability issues, and rising consumer demand for hygienically cleaner products. What’s more, Microban® solutions are backed by a wealth of scientific data from credible independent laboratories. Integrated at the stage of manufacture, Microban® technologies
Meusburger to showcase Screw plug with sealing cone Is your screw plug leaky? With the exclusive sealing cone variant from Meusburger, you can prevent exactly that. Installation effort is 80 per cent easier compared to conventional products due to the elimination of the Teflon sealing tape and the immediate tightness of the holes. The laborious
application of sealing bands (Teflon sealing tape) can be avoided by using the plastic screw plug from Meusburger. Time is therefore saved both in this step and during revisions, as cleaning the thread is no longer necessary. Compared to the conical screw plugs, the sealing cone variant seals the mould. During machining, just the thread chamfer is made slightly larger, so the screw does not protrude. The screw plug by Meusburger is made up of 95 per cent recycled plastic, this means valuable resources are saved. It is ideal for sealing holes for liquid and gas. The screw is suitable for up to 10 bar pressure and temperatures up to 95 °C. The Meusburger range covers a wide variety of thread sizes including the M10x1, which is one of the most common variants. Visit Meusburger in Hall 4, Booth A20
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onsite Croda to showcase speciality effects for smarter polymers at Interplas 2021
Supported by scientific testing, Croda’s diverse range brings functionality and innovation together to deliver additives that offer differentiated solutions. Polymer Additives by Croda Smart Materials offer a wide range of surface and processing effects such as anti-static, anti-fog, mould release, and increased output rate during production to a variety of plastics and polymers. With over 50 years’ experience, Croda is a market leader
ProByLas AG to exhibit compact modular machine for laser plastic welding: Turnkey S
WOMEN IN PLASTICS at Interplas 2021
The “Turnkey S” is a small ready-for-use machine for laser welding of plastics. With its flexibility by modular design and its compact size, it is unique on the market. Due to the modular building framework it can be configured depending on the work-pieces to weld and the customer requirements. It can be equipped with different laser powers and motions systems. With servo-axes for contour process an area of 100x150 mm can be covered and with an optional z-axis also different height levels reached. With a scanner optics for quasisimultaneous welding process a working area of up to 100x100 mm is possible. The clamping unit
can be set at different heights and equipped with additional sensors for process and quality control. For part handling into the clamping unit a drawer or a rotary indexing table are available. The welding recipe is set in an easy user interface on a touch screen. An additional keyboard, mouse, or larger screen can be connected optionally. The Turnkey S can also be connected to an Ethernet network for data exchange or remote maintenance. For larger parts the “Turnkey M” complements the Turnkey S and single components are available under the name “Modula” for special machine building. Visit ProByLas AG at FF18 in hall 3A
in fatty amide production for slip and anti-block applications. Sustainability is at the heart of everything Croda does. Not only are many of the products within the Polymer Additives range 100 per cent bio-based, Croda are able to provide cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessments for their products to determine the carbon footprint, with some products having a low carbon or even negative carbon footprint.
The Women in Plastics community is looking forward to welcoming members old and new to this relaxed and friendly networking morning. Interplas is Women in Plastics’ home, after the group’s debut at the show in 2014, which is why this year the free-to-attend ‘Breakfast’ networking event and associated presentations will be back at 09.30am on Thursday 30th September in Hall 4. Representatives and supporters of Women in Plastics of all genders will be in attendance to join the networking morning which will be followed by a panel discussion on Attracting, Training and Retaining Talent. The panel will include Holly Turner, Material Planner at Bright Green Plastics, Adela Putinelu, Senior Sustainability Executive at the British Plastics Federation, Mark Lawson, Managing Director Sierra 57 consult and Alice Mortiboy an associate at Potter Clarkson. The event gives attendees the chance
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The products within the Croda Smart Materials portfolio also offer in-use sustainability benefits and have verified case studies about how different products can contribute to less material usage, less product wastage, and lower energy consumption during production. Visit Croda at booth B29 to speak to an expert for more information about Croda’s products and the speciality effects that they can provide.
to network and learn more about the mentoring opportunities available to women in the plastics industry, helping to pave the way to more female visibility across the sector which in time will help narrow the gender representation gap by inspiring new generations to pursue a career in plastics. Grace Nolan, Women in Plastics Editorial Content Producer: “The Women in Plastics Group will be back at Interplas with its biggest and best event yet! With so many questions around quotas and the right people for the job, should you put people in a job due to gender, race or sexual orientation? The panel will discuss quotas, asking is it simply a promoted tokenism, box-ticking exercise, which could represent an unsustainable short-term fix? We look forward to encouraging as many people as possible to join us.” 13
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Conference Preview
A AHEAD OF HER PRESENTATION AT INTERPLAS, KIRSTY WOOD, DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIST AND SUSTAINABILITY LEAD AT HEXPOL TPE, SHARES HOW TPE MATERIALS CAN HELP INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES NAVIGATE THE CHANGES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN THE HOT TOPIC OF SUSTAINABILITY.
NAVIGATING SUSTAINABILITY
B
y now, most people are familiar with the term sustainable. As individuals and businesses navigate the changes needed to keep rising global temperatures below the 1.5°C threshold, sustainability is talked about in most areas of our lives, from adverts to the news, political debates to social media. The recently published Sixth Assessment Report from IPCC has painted a worrying picture for our future if climate change is left unchecked. More individuals and businesses than ever are looking to make conscious choices, but often, without guidance, they can easily fall into the trap of greenwashing. At HEXPOL TPE, we’ve been working on a way to support our customers as they address the sustainability of their products, starting with our TPEs, and including so much more, to help them make informed choices. Many brands want to use sustainable materials when developing their next product, both to reduce their impacts and to align with consumer demands, but how can switching a material really make a difference to the impact of a product? Of course, switching to a biobased or recycled alternative alone is a positive step. But what about the end-oflife of the product? What about the environmental impact of production? What does make a difference is making that switch from fossil-based materials to renewable sources, all the while approaching a project with a holistic view. As we were working on our biobased TPE family Dryflex Green and our recycled TPE family Dryflex Circular at HEXPOL TPE, we began to ask ourselves what sustainable materials really are. While switching the feedstock of a polymer from finite fossil fuels to renewable plant crops is fundamental to reducing the environmental impact of a TPE, it’s just one of many factors we take into consideration. We work hard to source reliable post- and preconsumer recyclates, diverting materials from potential landfill or incineration, all the while maintaining the reprocessability of our TPEs which allow them to be recycled in closed-loop systems. Our biobased raw materials are rigorously
researched with strict supplier sustainability requirements. As well as the feedstock, we’re focusing on how our supply partners work too The performance, aesthetics, haptics and regulatory status of our products have always been our priority. After all, if a material doesn’t serve its purpose or isn’t compliant with the standards required of it, it’s not the right material for the job. Our vision when approaching new projects is widening though. We’re not only looking at supplychain partners whose products can provide the technical performance needed, we’re considering their environmental impacts too. How energyintensive is it to create the materials we purchase? What is the feedstock for a given material? Is there the possibility of creating this from existing, waste materials or renewable materials? Our vision stretches out far beyond our factory doors. We’re considering how recyclable our product is and how to communicate on recyclability clearly. We’re measuring our energy, water usage and waste generation and working to reduce them. Developing TPE products now requires another lens through which we view our materials: what impact do they, and their production, have on the world? We’ve been working on a way to bring together our team’s knowledge of sustainability, our internal approach and our communications in a way that best serves our customers to make TPE material choices that really do reduce their impact on the environment. Sustainable Materials Lab at HEXPOL TPE brings all of these elements together, meaning that our customers don’t only get innovative materials that fulfil all of their application’s requirements, but also the transparency and knowledge they need to make the best possible material choice. They can take into consideration elements like packaging, transport, material lifecycle and operational benefits. By collaborating in this way, we hope to provide accessibility and clarity when switching to lower-impact materials for the good of the climate. You can hear more about HEXPOL TPE’s Sustainable Material Lab at Interplas.
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FLUID CONNECTORS
We will get you connected Fluid connectors for the benefit of plastic industry Stäubli’s technology and unique expertise in the plastics industry ensures safe, reliable and quick connection solutions – reducing downtime – optimising mould change – increasing productivity. Quick connection of thermal regulation and hydraulic circuits: Reliability. Efficiency. Safety. Stäubli.
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Exhibitor highlights AAG to demonstrate latest AXYZ Trident print finishing system
Ward Polymers Ltd to showcase BioGaer 5530 material with free golf tees
Telford-based AAG (AXYZ Automation Group) will be demonstrating the latest version of the AXYZ Trident print finishing system on Stand H31 in Hall 4 at Interplas. The Trident 6010 to be shown is the largest of four models in the AXYZ Trident range that has shared new design features to make it faster, quieter and more powerful. Apart from a reworked solid welded steel frame construction to accommodate more vigorous machine operation, Trident incorporates an expanded range of routing, cutting and creasing tools (including a four-position tangential knife-cutting unit), an expanded ATC (Automatic Tool Change) system and a raft of standard and optional machine enhancements. These include improved dust extraction and spray mister units for ultra-efficient machine tool lubrication and cooling, the AXYZ AVS (AXYZ Vision
Ward Polymers Ltd will showcase BioGaer 5530 material with free golf tees at Interplas Stand E29. Designed to encourage micro-organisms to feed and thrive which will biodegrade the products produced; this happens either in the outdoor environment at moist ambient temperatures, industrial composting facilities or most preferably the home compost environment, however BioGaer material remains stable when dry and in-doors. Products produced from BioGaer material will de-compose in a matter
System) for enhanced material registration and realignment to ensure optimum routing/cutting accuracy, an increased gantry height to accommodate materials up to 125mm in depth and a narrower carriage design that contributes to a smaller footprint to enable installation in work environments where space is at a premium. The AXYZ Trident 6010 has a processing bed size of 2,159 x 3,048mm and a customisable length of up to 15m. It will handle a diverse range of rigid, semi-rigid and flexible materials. Typically, these include aluminium and aluminium composites (ACM), acrylic and plastics and their derivatives, laminates, vinyl, foamed and corrugated board, cardboard and paper. Sharing the AAG stand will be the latest small-format AXYZ Innovator CNC routing/ cutting system. It is considered to be the most technically advanced machine in its class and significantly the first to include a three-station ATC facility. The high performance-to-cost capability of the Innovator also equates to that of much larger and more expensive machines.
of weeks contributing to the de-composition of other items in the compost / environment by encouraging the micro-organisms to feed, multiply and thrive. Processed on general injection moulding, profile extrusion, cast films, thermoforming lines machinery and tooling with ease, also suitable for coating Paper and card. BioGaer material has been independently verified to three globally accredited test specifications: EN 13432 (2000) - ASTM D6400 (2012) - ISO 17088 (2012). The material has been
designed for single use thin wall applications and is ideal for items that are currently incorrectly disposed on a daily basis or where the vendors are not able to retrieve, clean, store and recycle the items. Thicker walled items mould equally as well, however, they will take a longer period to decompose, breaking-up these parts into smaller pieces will speed up the natural decomposition process. For example, tree guards, floristry products, take-away containers and vessels, golf tees and many, more applications.
A message from Aylesbury Granulation Services Limited Are you optimising the value of your waste? You are undoubtedly aware that your waste has value, but are you getting the best overall outcome? Wherever you are based, we work with a range of businesses across the country, who find that coming directly to us offers a range of benefits to them. Environmentally, we only accept materials that have a guaranteed recycling home and so you can rest assured that 100 per cent of the materials that we receive will be recycled. Financially, of course, coming direct to a
reprocessor means that you get the full rebate rate as well as having an open line of communication with us. As a small business, you can rest assured that Susan will deal with your business matters and Andy will take care of your plastic. Come and meet us at Interplas and find out for yourself. We would love to help you recycle your plastic waste. We offer a toll granulation service, closed loop toll granulation or we can buy your segregated rigid plastic waste. We accept mouldings, redundant stock, sprues and pure lump.
www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk
We generally work with PP, HDPE, polycarbonate, nylon, PS, ABS, PCABS and PET but would be happy to work with other polymers where a recycling option is needed. We look forward to meeting you at Interplas, Hall 4 Stand J2. Susan and Andy 17
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SELECT2, range of electric IMMs: Perfect Versatility Huge mould capacity range with all new high efficiency platen drive system. • High volume continuous production • Twin shot version for overmoulding or sandwich process
Your PRODUCTION is in SAFE HANDS with BILLION SELECT2
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Exhibitor highlights Discover Persico’s turnkey solutions
Founded in 1976, Persico Group is an Italian multinational primarily engaged in the Rotomoulding, Automotive and Marine industries, but also operating in many other sectors including Medical and Architecture. Headquartered with main production facilities in Italy, Persico has plants in the USA, México, Germany and China, serving its customers worldwide. Persico provides a full range of services to all sectors from codesign to preproduction, including automation systems and turnkey solutions. In 2020 Persico added to its portfolio of processes: PERSICO Automotive GmbH (in Kirchanschöring Germany), focusing on vacuum laminating, vacuum covering, IMG / IMGL, press covering, edge-folding, glue spray application and hot riveting. bielomatik (in Neuffen-
Kistler to Focus on MedTech at Interplas 2021
Germany), the developer and producer of machines, equipment and turnkey plants for all current plastic welding processes. Persico’s innovative SMART machinery with flexible automation, is an all-in-one compact production cell using DTH (Direct Tool Heating) and controlling each parameter of the moulding process. This ensures high productivity, short cycle times, energy saving and a wide range of processable materials. SMART constantly offers innovative solutions, like light cores for sport cars industry and CGH2 storage vessels for hydrogen vehicles. Customers using SMART worldwide produce for countless market sectors, including automotive, furniture, lighting, floor cleaning and many more: Would you like to discover SMART latest possibilities and Persico’s turnkey solutions? Meet experts at Stand G90, Hall 4.
Increased interest from the MedTech sector since the introduction in late 2020 of the new medical compliant versions of Kistler’s ComoNeo cavity pressure monitoring and maXYmos manufacturing process monitoring systems make Stand G26 at Interplas 2021 the ideal opportunity to show the new products to the British plastics industry. ComoNeo 4.1 has several new features needed to comply with the medical market requirements including LDAP Windows authentication and extra logging to store all device changes. The ComoNeoPREDICT, a DoE model based system uses AI and supervised machine learning algorithms based on neural networks to predict the characteristics of injection-moulded parts. As more injection moulders are providing
assembly services to their MedTech customers, the validation of the manufacturing process becomes essential. The Kistler MaXYmos ML, the first process monitoring system to meet
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the strict FDA and the new European Medical Device Regulations (MDR) for quality assurance in the MedTech sector, simplifies the validation process by delivering 100% confirmation that each step in the manufacturing process has been carried out within the product specification. The unique combination of Kistler’s ComoNeo 4.1 and MaXYmos ML ensure conformity with both FDA and European MDR whilst delivering higher productivity, zero rejects and accurate costings. 19
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Conference Preview
A AHEAD OF HER TALK AT INTERPLAS, SARAH GREENWOOD, PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY EXPERT/LEADER AT GRANTHAM CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURES, GIVES READERS AN INSIGHT INTO REUSABLE PLASTIC PACKAGING AND HOW IMPROVED LEGISLATION AND INITIATIVES CAN LEAD TO GREATER OPPORTUNITIES.
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REUSABLE PLASTIC PACKAGING THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY?
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he conversation between industry and the general public around single-use plastic packaging has reached stalemate. The arguments that plastic materials can reduce overall carbon impact and that ‘plastic doesn’t throw itself in the ocean’ don’t make up for the fact that it is, well, ‘plastic’. People see the effects of the mismanagement of plastic packaging waste and, like all of us, want to see change. The UK Government is working on improved legislation (DRS, EPR, the plastics tax, consistency of collection etc) and a number of initiatives from across the supply chain are looking at improving recycling (e.g. CEFLEX for flexible plastic packaging and RECOUP for rigids). This isn’t happening quickly enough for the public who want to see immediate action, and brand-owners are filling this gap - many are ditching plastic for card and paper alternatives, or even marketing bioplastics as ‘Plastic Free’. Over the last 20 years or so, the management of plastic packaging waste in the UK has largely been addressed through Reduction - minimisation at the specification stage (The Courtauld and subsequent commitments from WRAP) and improvements in Recycling, encouraged by European targets. However, sitting between Reduction and Recycling in the waste hierarchy, and largely ignored up until now, is Reuse. Could reuse be an answer to the ‘Plastics Packaging Problem’ and what could that look like? If a packaging container is reused for the same product for which it was designed just once, the environmental burden of manufacturing that container, and the packaging waste, per unit amount of product is halved. This continues to decrease with increasing number of uses - by 20 times the burden and waste is reduced to just 5% per use. Reuse of plastic containers is common in Germany, where soft drinks bottles are sent back to the manufacturer and refilled to be sold again - so could this be expanded to other products? In our project Many Happy Returns, enabling reusable packaging systems funded by UKRI, this is what we are trying to find out. Reusable packaging systems take two main forms - Refill where the consumer keeps hold of the original packaging container throughout its lifetime and tops it up, either from a lightweight refill pack
or a bulk dispenser in store , and Return (often just ‘Reuse’) where the container is send back to the filler and used again for another customer (like the German carbonated drinks). Although currently niche, interest is growing amongst consumers and there have been some high profile trials in the UK, including refill stations in a couple of Asda stores, and groceries delivered in returnable containers by Terracycle’s Loop via Tesco with more to come. Following on from our previous project Plastics:Redefining single-use, a multidisciplinary team at the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures, the University of Sheffield, are investigating when reuse is appropriate, in what form and what are the barriers that stop these new systems from becoming mainstream. Polymer Scientists are looking at the right materials to use, environmental scientists are ensuring that the reuse process doesn’t produce any unintended consequences, and social scientists are looking at consumer, and producer, acceptance of reusable packaging systems, their willingness to engage and learning from past and existing systems. Language experts are examining how people talk about reuse and plastics and how this can be used to influence uptake in such schemes. Together with an extensive range of project partners, including national retailers, international brands and packaging manufacturers, we are developing projects that will allow us to answer these questions over a range of products. By the time Interplas comes round, we will be using a trial of rentable takeaway containers in our university cafes as a Living Lab to observe consumer behaviour and check the longevity of the containers in the system. Other projects are looking at the challenges involved in systems with longer supply chains- transport, washing and hygiene and the co-operation of stakeholders along them. The takeaways food example is just a start at trying to understand the implications of introducing returnable systems for more complex products and bigger value chains (or rather circles?). If successful, these systems will turn packaging containers from throw-away items into assets to be cared for and may even shift the way the public think about plastic.
www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk
Wrights are shreddy for anything! Wrights Recycling Machinery Ltd are a long established, British engineering company from West Yorkshire. Our latest innovation cleans and separates the components of artificial grass so they can be re-used and recycled. In creating the equipment for the ‘first and only’ artificial grass recycling plant in the UK, we have produced a competitive, low maintenance and reliable system making artificial grass recycling achievable in the UK and worldwide.
• Artificial Grass/Astro Turf recycling system • Plastic separation systems • Water separation plants • Single Shaft Pre-shredders • Granulating machines • Cable stripping, shredding & separation systems. • And much more, Come see us at the show…
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We’re giving away a FREE TT-181 unit at Interplas – visit us at STAND FF10,, September 28th-30th, to discover how you could win!
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onsite Campetella Robotic Center: Advanced Robotic Solutions for your industry at Interplas 2021 Our applications at Interplas 2021: two top-entry robots at the Campetella stand and a side-entry IML robot at the BMB stand. CL2-3H X-Series: a premium level linear robot for IMM up to 600 tons, accurately designed for maximum performance on every
front. Strength, speed and control are the main features of this last generation manipulator. Maximum payload: 18 kg; total cycle time: from 6 seconds. ME1-2A Prime: ideal for IMM up to 200 tons, with its compact design, this is the top-entry linear robot designed to offer
Plasmac to present latest innovation Epsilon at Interplas 2021 Plasmac will be presenting its latest innovation at Interplas, the Epsilon. The Epsilon is an inline shredder extruder repelletising machine, designed to recycle inline trims, injection scrap and non-woven’s among other things. It has an innovative extruder screw design based around dual diameter, short screw technology with an L:D ratio of 14:1, uses less than 0.2kW/Kg of energy to repelletise the scrap material and ensures there is an absolute minimum of material degradation and heat history put back into the material. The integrated shredder sits above the feed entry of the screw, size reducing the material entering the extruder, this means it can recycle high speed trims, injection moulded parts and small pieces of start-up lump scrap.
The slow rotating shredder requires no water cooling, adding to the efficiency of the machine and due to the short screw technology, the machine had a very compact size. Furthermore, the machine is also designed with flexibility in mind, it can be equipped with an air or water pelletising system, it can be fitted with a vacuum degassing system to allow it to handle printed materials or hydroscopic materials, it can also be supplied with a variety of feeding systems, trim baskets for inline trims, a roll feeder for scrap or start-up reels, an elevator with integrated metal detector for lumps, pieces, slabbed or loose materials. The machine will be running during the show, recycling injection moulded scrap, come and see how the Epsilon could help your business be part of the Circular Economy. Find out more on stand FF4 at Interplas.
high performance in the highest quality-price ratio. Maximum payload: 6 kg; total cycle time: from 6 seconds. Mini-MODULA X-Series: the ultracompact side-entry robot at the BMB stand performing IML application on plastic yoghurt cups. Its main benefit lies in its extremely low on ground footprint with less than 1,6 meters beside the
HASCO has a lot to talk about at Interplas As the leading manufacturer of high-quality modular, standardised components as well as individually planned hot runner systems HASCO will be presenting numerous new and further developments at the Interplas. (Hall 4, Booth A12.) HASCO’s cooling system celebrates its 50th birthday For 50 years, standardised components from HASCO have been enabling mouldmakers throughout the world to ensure efficient cooling of injection moulding tools. From nipples and couplings through to nozzles and hoses, HASCO offers the most comprehensive cooling range for modern mouldmaking. The comprehensive range of variant combination options guarantees future-oriented solutions for all challenges in cooling technology. Customised ejector portfolio is extended The ejector portfolio has been supplemented by a variety of ejector pins, ejector sleeves and flat ejector pins. With around
IMM. High-performance is guaranteed: a total cycle time of no more than 2 seconds, interlock
time: 0,6 seconds. Come visit Campetella Robotic Center at stand C80.
170 new additional versions in 13 product groups, HASCO offers maximum flexibility that allows individual selection of the most suitable products for every application.
Intuitive operation and precise control HASCO hot runner presents the innovative control unit series Primezone H1281, as well as a new 4-zone control unit of the H1250, series Basezone. Both control units impress with their intuitive operation, precise control and maximum production reliability. Streamrunner – the first additively manufactured hot runner manifold The focus is also on the innovative Streamrunner. The world’s first additively manufactured hot runner manifold on the market with the highest degree of freedom in design offers completely new possibilities in hot runner technology.
Drilled thermal insulating sheets – pre-machined as standard The new drilled thermal insulating sheets are provided as standard with pre-drilled holes for guide pillars, clamp plate screws, centering flange and fixing holes. Thermal insulating sheets machined ready for assembly offer considerable cost-saving potential in both installation and dismantling. They also save the mouldmakers the difficult machining work. Cycle counters for hightemperature applications The new mechanical cycle counters A5730HT/… and A57300HT/… mark a further addition to the counter range. They are used wherever there is a need to monitor process data. As a high-temperature version, the cycle counters can be used at temperatures of up to 200 °C.
www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk
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Conference Preview
A AHEAD OF HER PRESENTATION AT INTERPLAS, SIBELE CESTARI, ENTERPRISE FELLOWSHIP RESEARCHER AT QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST EXPLAINS WHEN SEEN UNDER DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES TRANSFORMING PLASTIC WASTE INTO BUILDING MATERIALS PRESENTS MANY ADVANTAGES.
POLYMERS RECYCLING: USING THE PAST TO BUILD NOW A BETTER FUTURE
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he paradox of an economy requiring infinite growth on a finite planet urges remedial actions towards the environmental issue. Efforts focus on the search for sustainable global solutions, the pursuit of a Circular Economy (CE), optimisation of the life cycle of industrialised products, proper disposal of urban solid waste and reducing/rationalising the consumption of natural resources. The CE assumes that producing a given recycled material will necessarily displace the production of its primary material one-to-one (meaning that every tonne of recycled material will replace a tonne of primary material). But as Roland Geyer pointed out in 2016, “There is no engineering relationship or law of physics that requires primary production to decrease as recycling increases”. He suggests that studying the market’s dynamics of demand and supply is “the only way to estimate displacement”. Most people believe that plastic is a single material, similar to traditional ones. But they are not. Plastic is one of the two types of polymers: plastics and elastomers (or rubbers). And plastics are subdivided into thermoplastics and thermosets, both having very different characteristics and recycling methods. Therefore, no universal solution will tackle the plastics problem. Although they represent only 0.4% of the global consumed materials and 0.7% of the UK’s waste generation, plastic is the main target of environmentalists, waste managers and CE discussions. Material Use
Source: Anna DeArmitt from Annalytix, after “Materials and the Environment: Eco-Informed Material Choice, Michael F. Ashby, ButterworthHeinemann/ Elsevier, Oxford, page 18, UK 2009.” 24
Waste generation by waste material, United Kingdom, 2016
Source: Kokel, Nicolas. n.d. ‘The Great Plastic Crisis | LinkedIn’. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ great-plastic-crisis-nicolas-kokel/. Accessed 28 July 2021. Despite the disproportional concern with plastic waste, it is indisputable that industrialised polymers must not be in the environment. Waste polymers can – and should - be used as feedstock for new products, so that humanity would live more sustainably on a cleaner planet. The key is to treat post-consumer plastics scientifically, using the established knowledge about polymers science & technology and developing new techniques whenever necessary. The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) showed in the 2012 “Greening the Supply Chain” Report that the construction industry alone consumes an impressive 40 to 50% of natural resources and around 43% of the energy produced on the planet. These numbers suggest that the sustainability of this sector must be addressed more efficiently, focusing on redirecting the amount of natural resources, water and energy consumed by commonly used building materials. Moreover, the transdisciplinary approach from industries other than that of Chemistry can bring new insights, adapt methods, create new tests, and give unexpected applications for materials taken for granted as useless waste. Keeping in mind mainly the demand and supply dynamics, the idea of transforming plastic waste into building materials for low-income populations
www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk
Exhibitor highlights Metal Contamination Solutions at Interplas
could be a suitable solution. The building industry - the second largest polymers market – offers a wide range of applications for recycled polymers and has considerably lower standards than the packaging industry. To achieve better mechanical properties, our team reinforced recycled plastic with other industrial waste materials like natural fibres (agricultural residues), demolition debris, and concrete waste. Some laboratory studies have already shown feasible pathways to recycle plastic waste into bricks, synthetic paper and alkyd resin. The most exciting part of this concept is to literally remove plastic waste from the environment by systematically using it as raw material to build. Moreover, there is a reduction of the ecological footprint of the construction industry by developing a new range of building materials and products based on virgin polymers. They could replace traditional materials (like concrete and ceramic bricks, tiles, board paper and gypsum dry-walls) with more sustainable solutions that use recyclable synthetic polymers in substitution to finite natural resources. When seen under different perspectives – environmental, economical and logical -, transforming plastic waste into building materials presents many advantages. The most important is time, an element that is usually forgotten when contemplating sustainable solutions. We generate 300 million tonnes of plastic waste because we didn’t learn - yet - that plastic is never waste; it is always raw material. And all this waste won’t degrade fast enough to prevent accumulation. Applying secondary recycling for plastics is faster than achieving its closed lifecycle. And removing these polymers from the environment as quickly as possible is more relevant to heal the environment than achieving unfeasible goals formulated on misconceptions.
Efficient and proven methods of removing metal during plastics manufacture or recycling is showcased on Bunting’s ‘Protect, Prevent & Purify’ stand (H11) at the Interplas plastics exhibition (28th to 30th September, NEC, Birmingham, UK). Bunting is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of magnetic separators for the plastics and recycling industries. The Bunting European manufacturing facilities are in Redditch, just outside Birmingham, and Berkhamsted, both in the United Kingdom. Metal contamination damages process equipment and product quality. Optimum separation commonly involves multiple stages of separation and detection. With the focus on Protect, Prevent and Purify, Bunting’s stand at Interplas showcases examples of high-intensity magnetic separators and high-sensitivity metal detectors. These protect processing equipment from metal
damage, prevent metal contamination related problems, whilst also cleansing primary and recycled plastic raw materials, beads and pellets of metal. New technology, such as Bunting’s revolutionary ElectroStatic Separator, provides the key to expanding the recycling of plastic. The separator enables the segregation of small non-ferrous metals, such as flakes of aluminium. The patented ultrahigh-intensity HISC Magnetic Separation Conveyor removes even the weakest magnetically susceptible materials from plastic during the recycling process. This includes problematic abraded stainless-steel, which severely damages granulator and shredder blades.
Rutland Plastics to display new interactive stand Rutland Plastics has been in the plastics business since 1956, growing significantly since, but still operating as a family business in Oakham, Rutland. The company offers free advice and design support to ensure every part is optimised for injection moulding, including the use of Moldex3D. “We have an in-house carbon fibre 3D printing and prototyping service to produce prototypes, jigs, fixtures and end of arm tooling.
Our in-house toolroom offers cost effective mould making and tooling services no matter what your requirements.” “Injection moulding is in our DNA and we have an extensive range of moulding machines on site and have the capability to produce mouldings from 1g to 48Kg in weight and 1.5m x 1.5m in size. We have been involved in the electrofusion methods of joining plastic pipes for many years and as a result of our expertise
www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk
Magnetic separators on show on Bunting’s stand include the industrystandard FF Drawer Filter Magnet, Plate Magnets, and a Pneumatic Inline Magnet. Another industry standard, the quickTRON Metal Detector, identifies and automatically rejects both ferrous and nonferrous metals. “Interplas provides the ideal platform to restart industry events for the plastics sector,” said Simon Ayling, Bunting’s European Managing Director. “Bunting has a rich history in solving metal contamination problems for the industry. Interplas provides us with the ideal opportunity to talk with producers and processors, resolve metal separation issues and introduce new technology.” Stand H11.
and research have patented one of these processes.” Rutland Plastics hold Quality Management ISO9001:2015 and Medical Devices Quality Management ISO13485:2016. In addition, the company holds Environmental Management ISO14001:2015 and are committed to the adoption and promotion of sustainability principles. Visit Rutland Plastics at its new interactive stand (A18) to find out how Rutland Plastics can help with your injection moulding requirements. 25
STAND G70 0121 725 4422 Enquiries@BOLEMachinery.co.uk
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Prevent Downtime and Equipment Damage
Metal contamination damages processing equipment and causes product defects, a problem resolved by installing the optimum metal separation equipment. • Magnetic Separators • Metal Detectors • Electrostatic Separators
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Three Times UK Toolmaker of the Year » 25 years of specialising in complex tooling solutions » Design for Manufacture principles » Strong track record in on-time tooling delivery » Sodick spark erosion » 5-Axis Mikron high-speed graphite and hard metal machining centre » Fanuc wire erosion » Product design consultation service » Current SolidWorks and SolidCAM multiple licences » ISO9001: 2015 certification Pictured: 16 impression tool, running at a 7 second cycle time.
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“Faulkner Moulds are a rare breed in this field. Excellent quality, on time, every time, no exceptions. I have nothing but praise for this professional toolmaker.” Sales and Marketing Director, manufacturer in leisure and automotive industry
Visit us in 2021 at Meet the Toolmaker and Interplas events
COMMENT
The word from Hird
R RICHARD HIRD, CHAIRMAN OF THE POLYMER MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION (PMMDA), DISCUSSES THE RETURN OF INTERPLAS 2021.
Personally, I cannot wait to meet our fellow members at Interplas
Finally, after a 12-month delay we are all able to meet up at Interplas to celebrate the strength of the UK Plastics Industry and how we all came together to face the challenges of the Global Pandemic. As an Association, PMMDA wishes to thank everyone at Rapid News for all their hard work and perseverance in getting to this point. A point many feared would not come given the ever-changing landscape and the hurdles that have been placed along the way. We are looking forward to meeting up with many of our members who are taking the opportunity to showcase their latest equipment and services during the show. Borche, for example, will be exhibiting two machines from the company’s highly successful and popular 4th generation Servo Hydraulic Bi range of machines with the latest KEBA touch screen controller, on the Borche UK stand CC10, Hall 3A. Whereas Negri Bossi, Hall 3 Stand D70, will be showing the Fully Electric NOVA eT, now Negri Bossi’s best seller in terms of units sold. In addition, they will officially launch the new mid-size range NOVA sT to the UK market. The new model replaces the Canbio sT and features the latest MOTUS Touch Screen Control - already standard on the larger NOVA sT range. In addition to the moulding machines, Negri Bossi’s sister company Sytrama will be demonstrating a number of robot solutions. STV Machinery, Hall 3A Stand Gg10, will be demonstrating the popular servo driven A5-EU series from Yizumi and their new hybrid option. Alongside side this cutting-edge tech will be some top-quality refurbished examples – likely to be some older machines that defy their years! Along with their various machine options, they’ll have all the usual ancillaries fitted to ensure customers both new and old get a good insight into what they do and how they do it. Richard Perry, Managing Partner, STV Machinery, commented “We’re hoping it’s a good show that demonstrates the capabilities of our industry as a whole and goes some way to defying the built up negativity around the perspective of plastic.”
“Interplas provides the ideal platform to re-start industry events for the plastics sector,” said Simon Ayling, Bunting’s European Managing Director. “Bunting has a rich history in solving metal contamination problems for the industry. Interplas provides us with the ideal opportunity to talk with producers and processors, resolve metal separation issues and introduce new technology.” Another PMMDA member experiencing growth in the recycling sector is Labotek GB, H24 Hall 4, who have put in a number of storages, conveying, blending and granulation systems for customers investing in reprocessing materials in-house or sourcing material externally. “Along with our partners, we have been working on a number of projects in the reprocessing and recycling sectors,” observed Tim Peet, Director – Labotek GB. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to discuss future projects face to face at Interplas”. Like most PMMDA members, Negri Bossi has created a safe and welcoming environment on their stand. “For Interplas 2021 we are offering visitors the opportunity to pre book a meeting slot with your area manager. These time slots are on the hour and every half hour (30 minutes) between 10:30am and 4pm” added Ian Jobbing – Northern Area Sales Manager. Richard Hird, PMMDA Chairman, concluded: “Personally, I cannot wait to meet our fellow members at Interplas, and welcome customers to the Labotek GB stand.”
With a growing interest in recycling and sustainability, many PMMDA members will be focusing on equipment to serve this growing sector. Bunting Magnetics will be demonstrating efficient and proven methods of removing metal during plastics manufacture or recycling which is being showcased on Bunting’s ‘Protect, Prevent & Purify’ Stand H11 Hall 4.
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www.cjpsales.co.uk | Specialists in technical polymers
INdustry | News ICS Cool Energy Expands its Southampton HQ Depot ICS Cool Energy is expanding its Southampton headquarter depot to create 100,000 square feet of warehouse, office and yard space. The modernized depot will facilitate new stock
storage and engineering spaces for ICS Cool Energy’s temperature control solutions and improve goods in/ goods out facilities to accommodate several haulage/delivery trucks at any point. “For over 30 years, ICS Cool Energy has been providing technical advice and solutions helping companies to meet compliance reduce their energy consumption, maintenance and operative costs,” said Dave Palmer, general manager for UK and Ireland at ICS Cool Energy. “Today, we have grown to be the market leader for process temperature control with a hire fleet of over 500MW at our customer’s disposal. The modernized and additional space at our Southampton headquarters will allow us to even
quicker respond to any of our customers’ needs.” The modernized Southampton depot will facilitate test, repair, manufacturing and storage for ICS Cool Energy’s chillers, boilers, TCUs, air handling units, fan coils, portable heaters, portable AC and air purification equipment. The central location is backed up by the depot in Bradford and regional offices in London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Dublin, as well as by over 70 mobile service engineers with van stock, to ensure customer support and service across the U.K and Ireland.
Cleanroom manufacturer prepares for challenges of digital future with Leadership Programme A cleanroom manufacturer is among 60 digital leaders now with the vision and the skills to pursue smarter manufacturing through Made Smarter’s innovative Leadership Programme. Five cohorts of managers and directors at SME manufacturing companies have now completed the Made Smarter Leadership
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Programme through the Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), the University of Liverpool (UoL) and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). The programme encourages current and future leaders to develop a new way of looking at their business and create a clear strategy to enable
the adoption of digital technology, including how that can drive the net zero agenda. It uses a blend of workshops delivered by academics and experts in digital and leadership, site visits to SME manufacturers Hosokawa Micron and Veka Plc, who are already on the journey of adopting digital technology, facilitated-
learning sessions, and special project ‘sprints’ to test new ideas. The programme also uses peer-to-peer coaching to create a trusted network of leaders, many of whom have remained in close contact. Among the trailblazing businesses to embark on the programme is Connect 2 CleanRooms, a manufacturer of cleanrooms and critical environments, based in Lancaster. Peter Addison,
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Business Systems Manager at Connect 2 Cleanroom, said the Hosokawa journey was an enlightening insight. “Although the business is different to ours, their digital challenges were the same,” he said. “It has helped me to consider the role of digitalisation in our business and how this will connect back to things like staff development, wellbeing, our brand and the benefits pursuing and prioritising our digital strategy.”
People. Think. Plastics.
Think K.D. Feddersen For your home appliances With our extensive portfolio of engineering plastics from leading manufacturers, we offer you a wide range of products for use in contact with food and drinking water. We are looking forward to supporting your project needs for household appliances – including technical services and tailor-made logistics concepts.
Our partners:
Your contact: Roberta Leech roberta.leech@kdfeddersen.com Paul Dean paul.dean@kdfeddersen.com K.D. Feddersen UK Ltd. Member of the Feddersen Group www.peoplethinkplastics.com
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TO FIND OUT MORE CONTACT Lisa Montgomery | t: +44 (0) 1244 952 372 | e: lisa.montgomery@rapidnews.com
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Zeres 3
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GROWTH THROUGH ADVERSITY FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE ENGINEERING FIRM belt as a direct result of work with Rolls Royce Consortium led VentilatorChallengeUK during the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, Stratos has played a key part in business growth in the county through adversity. Talking about the developments, one of the company’s founders and Managing Director, Jon Caple, explained: “The last 18 months hasn’t been without its challenges of course, but we’re extremely fortunate to have worked through the pandemic and have so
many customers that were understanding of our extra commitments as key workers. As businesses began to reopen, it became clear to us that we needed to expand and diversify if we were going to keep on track with our ambitious plans. “In the last year we’ve invested in excess of £200,000 into additional machinery, staff, infrastructure and software to galvanise and future-proof the business.” He added: “These significant investments
MAKE UK BACKS INITIATIVE TO HELP MANUFACTURERS RETAIN YOUNG TALENT
Make UK said: “We know through our members that retaining young talent is just as much of a challenge as attracting them in the first place - and when a business has invested time and money in a young person, they want to see the long-term benefits, as well as helping the sector bridge the skills gap we currently face.” Adam Tipper, Managing Director at Next Gen Makers, added: “We are delighted to have an organisation like Make UK endorsing and partnering with the programme. As the leading national manufacturing representative body and a Training facility, their insight and experience of apprenticeships is unparalleled and invaluable. Our first cohort of 20 manufacturers who’ve signed up to the Engineering Apprenticeships: Best Practice Programme met for the first time online last month, and we had very positive feedback from attendees - the future is bright.”
Following a period of impressive growth through an uncertain climate, local manufacturing business Stratos Precision Engineering Ltd are celebrating a number of key achievements as UK plastic and aluminium CNC machining specialists. The ISO 9001:2015 accredited CNC engineering company based in Gloucester, has seen considerable growth through what has been a time of global uncertainty for many businesses. With two awards under its
Make UK is backing a new initiative by support platform Next Gen Makers to help manufacturing and engineering employers retain apprenticeship talent and maximise their investment in young people. As official training provider partner, Make UK will help to promote and develop the Engineering Apprenticeships: Best Practice Programme - an initiative designed to support firms to overcome skills challenges and build talent for future success. In what is regarded as a first for the UK
manufacturing and engineering industry, the programme equips manufacturers with the tools they need to better plan for, attract and retain apprentices. It provides a host of best practice resources and peer to peer discussion forums to enable engineering and manufacturing firms of all sizes to replicate proven methods adopted by others that have successfully run apprenticeship schemes for some time. Stephen Mitchell, Director of Apprentices and Technical Training at
will also allow Stratos to better support local and national manufacturing businesses and help us to increase our market share. This period of uncertainty has been challenging for so many
businesses, but as we emerge from the wave of the global pandemic, it’s time to focus on recovery and economic growth within our County.”
Daltons Wadkin celebrates its 120year anniversary
This year, Daltons Wadkin celebrates its 120th anniversary. During that time, the Nottingham-based fourthgeneration family-run business has survived a world war, crippling recessions, changes in direction, and most recently a pandemic. It’s a humbling story and, perhaps, there isn’t anyone that has seen as much as Steve Balchin, the company’s Technical Director. Balchin joined Daltons Wadkin in 1984 as an engineer and is currently the company’s longestserving employee. Over that time, Balchin has had quite a career
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working on some exciting contracts from some of the world’s biggest car manufacturers and even the James Bond and Harry Potter franchises. He said: “I’m quite lucky for some of the opportunities that I’ve had and I’m very proud. It’s quite surreal to think when you watch the films that all the machinery that’s used to make the sets, was set up and installed by us. It’s quite fascinating.” One of Steve’s proudest moments working for the firm, however, was being asked to contribute to a charity documentary film in Sierra Leone for Channel 4. 33
RUBBER | NEWS UK rubber testing equipment manufacturer to participate at the International Elastomer Conference 2021
TPE with Recycled Content for Automotive Interiors
Wallace Instruments will be participating at the first major international in-person event for the rubber industry for over 18 months – Rubber Division, ACS International Elastomer Conference 2021 (IEC 2021) in Pittsburgh, USA from 4th-7th October. Wallace will be showcasing some of its latest materials testing equipment on booth 2343 with its North American sales, calibration and service partner ACE Products & Consulting, a leading independent rubber and silicone materials testing and R&D laboratory in Ohio. From its UK manufacturing base Wallace Instruments supplies a wide range of testing equipment, measuring physical properties such as hardness, plasticity, viscosity, cure and compression. It also manufactures laboratory and ageing ovens, as well as specimen cutting press and preparation equipment. ACE is the newest company in its network of worldwide distributors, agents and service partners in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa who are fully equipped to provide customers with up-todate information and guidance on new products, upgrades, service backup and repair. Participation at the IEC 2021 is part of Wallace’s latest marketing initiative driven by Sales & Service Manager Chris Mundy to promote the company’s new products and upgrades. Wallace prides itself on its continuous innovation and development programme that supports its thousands of customers in managing the cost of quality.
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. An important aspect of automotive interior parts is their emission behaviour regarding odour and volatile substances. The exact
Trelleborg Becomes Involved in a Zero Emission Vehicle Technology Project
within the EV sector, and we know that collaboration is key to understanding industry challenges and speeding up the development process. Electric vehicle production is a critical emerging market for Trelleborg, and we are keen to support the progression to electrification. The networking opportunities offered by the Niche Vehicle Network fosters a collaborative approach to industry challenges, leading to the inception of the project team.” The R&D project is for a six-month period, with findings and results published during 2022.
Funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) through The Niche Vehicle Network, Trelleborg’s applied technologies operation will undertake a research and development project focused on electric vehicle (EV) battery material and design, as part of a collaboration with Far-UK Ltd, Great British Sportscars Limited and Engenuity Ltd. The early stage R&D stream initiative provides a platform for collaborative research in the area of zero emission vehicle technologies 34
within the UK niche vehicle sector. The focus of the R&D project is to develop a novel material as an alternative to aluminum, that can be integrated into an EV battery to reduce the overall weight of the battery case, supporting the decarbonization of vehicles on the road and reducing emissions through light weighting. Neil O’Keeffe, Technical Director, Trelleborg’s applied technologies operation in Rochdale, England, states: “We are actively developing new materials
specifications and requirements vary depending on application and OEM. But generally, the material odour must not be disturbing even at higher temperatures (e.g., 80°C). A representative Dryflex Circular TPE grade, a 65 Shore A material for inlay mats with a recyclate content of 20 per cent, showed a very low amount of VOC (60 μg/g) and FOG (594 μg/g). 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 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 per cent 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.
Electric vehicle production is a critical emerging market for Trelleborg, and we are keen to support the progression to electrification.
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FEATURE
NE STEP AHEAD
I
R RUI TOCHA, GENERAL MANAGER OF PORTUGUESE ENGINEERING & TOOLING CLUSTER DISCUSSES ENGINEERING AND TOOLING FROM PORTUGAL AND HOW IT IS ONE STEP AHEAD FOR THE PRODUCTS OF THE FUTURE TO SUPPORT THE PLANET RESILIENCE.
t makes no sense to think about (new) products without the involvement of modern mouldmaking and plastics value chains, considering its positioning within the critical path of product development. Portugal is still a global reference on these industries taking advantage of its Engineering & Tooling Cluster, by exporting 90 percent of its Tooling production, specialy to the most modern and advanced markets, like Germany, France, Spain, UK, USA, Poland, Czech Republic, and many others. Since 2010, under the common brand “Engineering & Tooling from Portugal”, the Portuguese Engineering & Tooling Cluster has increased its production and exports over 100 percent. The Tooling Sector includes more than 500 companies and generates over 11.000 jobs. In 2018, the Portuguese Tooling industry exported aproximately 700 million euros, ensuring the 3rd position in terms of production of plastic injection moulds at European level. The Engineering & Tooling Cluster members are the best ambassadors of our common brand, “Engineering & Tooling from Portugal”: The Portuguese Engineering & Tooling Cluster has a long experience (over 60 years) in the international market, integrating a large value chain to support global clients from more than 80 countries in the world. Innovation and technologybased Know-how and ability to provide quality services and reliable solutions as a “one-stop-shop” (from design to product), are identified as key values in Portugal. During COVID-19 Pandemic period, the Portuguese Engineering & Tooling Cluster companies reinforced their capacity by exploring the development of an extended action based on innovation and people qualification allowing for new solutions on design and product development and manufacturing. (50 million Euros on research & innovative projects, involving more than 100 companies and 50 RTO) Using competitive processes and advanced and green materials, supported by I4.0 technologies and Zero-Defect Manufacturing methodologies, (Artificial Intelligence, Additive Manufacturing, Simulations/Digital Twin, LCA – Life Cycle Assessment and High-Performance Computing) companies are exploring the new reality on digital and green trends, and adapting their internal skills and technological competences, to the new demand.
The Portuguese Engineering & Tooling Industries are the best partners for the new products of the future, considering their advance and differentiation of their value chain, namely the capacity to cooperate and provide global solutions to sofisticated markets such as: Automotive, Aeronautics & Aerospace, Medical Devices, Packaging and Electronic, among others. The technological cooperation has been anchored on many projects, such as: • TOOLING 4G - Advanced Tools for Smart Manufacturing (https://tooling4g. toolingportugal.com/), involving 20 companies and 10 RTO & Universities, exploring: I4.0 technologies, Collaborative Robotics, AI, Augmented Reality, Additive Manufacturing, Zero Defect Production. •
S4PLAST – Sustainable Plastics & Advanced Solutions (https://www.centimfe.com/s4plast. html), involving 9 companies and 6 RTO/ Universities, and POOL-NET (coordinator of the Cluster), exploring: Design for Circularity, Sustainability and Valorization; New Advanced and Multifunctional Polymeric Materials; Advanced Production Technologies; Products & Processes Intelligent Integration.
•
PTcentroDiH – Digital Innovation Hub for Portugal Centre Region (http://www. ptcentrodih.pt/), Coordinated by POOL-NET (Engineering & Tooling Cluster) with three other Clusters (TICE.PT; SUSTAINABLE HABITAT; INOVCLUSTER), 3 Universities (Coimbra, Aveiro and UBI); 6 Polytechnics (Leiria, Guarda, Tomar, Viseu, Coimbra, Castelo Branco); 8 RTO (CENTIMFE, ITCONS, CTCV, AIBILI, BLC3, IT, AEMITEQ, IPN); with the support of the Regional Authority (CCDRC), to support the digitalization process of the industry and public entities within the next seven years.
Considering the Qualification of the People, the Portuguese Engineering & Tooling Cluster benefits also from one Pilot Action promoted by the Portuguese Government to train and qualify Industrial workers, using this Cluster as demonstrator, recognizing its importance to support the European Industrialization Process and its multisectorial impacts on the economy. In this context, the Engineering & Tooling is well prepared and one step ahead to support global clients. Go ahead, challenge our Industry and take advantage of our competitive performance!
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DESIGN
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MATERIALS | NEWS Colloids Ltd set to Launch New Advanced Graphene 2D Polymer Composites Colloids Limited is set to launch a new facility for bespoke polymer composites using its innovative graphene masterbatch technology called Graphanced. The company says Graphene is a wonder material that has gained widespread interest due to its unique properties; for example, it’s the thinnest imaginable material at one atom thick but also the strongest. It also has exceptional mechanical properties (stiffness > diamond, strength = 130 Gpa).
Biomaster technology helps arrest declining bee numbers
Colloids has been working on its graphene R&D for over seven years, extensively collaborating with the world’s top graphene producers analysing the different quality and grades. This work has enabled the formulation of novel polymer composites using this remarkable 2D material. As a result, Colloids is now able to offer bespoke solutions to its global customers. Dr Marios Michailidis, Colloids New Product Development Manager, said: “Working on this project has not been without its challenges, but we are proud to have achieved some remarkable developments in this field and are now working with major customers in the commercialisation of these products.”
For more than 40 years Brinsea has been world famous for bird breeding, supplying equipment for hatching eggs of many different shapes and sizes to customers across the globe from hobbyists and large scale poultry farmers to Arab princes. However, the world’s most successful incubators protected with Biomaster antimicrobial technology have more surprising uses too. The Brinsea Ovation 28 Advance model is now being used to hatch queen bees and help arrest declining bee populations. The Ovation 28 Advance is a sophisticated, high performance incubator ideal for a wide range of species and applications. But incubators also create ideal conditions for the growth of microbes and bacteria which can in turn be harmful to incubating eggs and can be the cause of embryonic death. Biomaster antimicrobial technology is embedded within the plastic casing of the incubator to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, helping provide the optimum environment for hatching. Biomaster is proven to reduce bacterial growth by up to 99.99 per cent, reducing the risk of cross contamination and providing a more hygienic environment for eggs - and as it turns out, bees. Keith Rolleston a beekeeper based in County Down, Northern Ireland, takes up the story: “I keep exclusively our dark native Irish bees, a wonderful species ideally suited to our local climate and fauna. A few years ago, I became keen on raising my own queen honey bees and so began
Biomaster antimicrobial technology is embedded within the plastic casing
my relationship with Brinsea.” “My process involves removing sealed cells from the hive and allowing them to hatch in an incubator, and this is where Brinsea come in. The development of the larvae requires very specific temperature and humidity control if this is to be successful.” “The large clear lid means that viewing of the cells without having to actually remove the lid itself is a great design feature. It is easily cleaned, and the use of the antimicrobial materials mean I don’t have to worry about microbial growth which would have a very detrimental affect on the developing larvae.”
SABIC LAUNCHES NORYL POLYOL FOR CAST POLYURETHANES SABIC has introduced NORYL AP2001G polyol for cast polyurethane (PU) applications. By partially replacing polypropylene glycol (PPG) or polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMG), this oligomer of polyphenylene ether (PPE) improves the performance of cast PU systems by increasing both hardness and elasticity – properties that have been difficult to improve simultaneously until now. In addition, NORYL AP2001G polyol provides resistance to oils, moisture, abrasion,
tearing and heat, helping cast PU parts withstand extreme conditions and potentially lengthen their useful life. Potential applications include mining drill bits, screens and protective pipe liners for slurry transport; components for hydraulic, robotic and conveying equipment; and wheels, casters and rollers. “The development of NORYL AP2001G polyol in cast polyurethanes illustrates SABIC’s ongoing commitment to advancing material science to fill unmet needs across the value
chain,” said Dr. Antonello Cerullo, senior business development manager, SABIC. “This technology provides multiple benefits for stakeholders. It offers formulators a new way to differentiate their products and can help end users to avoid costly downtime through the improved durability of parts and equipment. Also, by extending polyurethane’s pot life and slowing its reactivity, NORYL AP2001G polyol can give processors greater flexibility and more precise dimensional control while boosting productivity.”
It offers formulators a new way to differentiate their products
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When will the UK plastics market return to normal?
IN THIS EDITION OF HIS REGULAR COLUMN, OUR RESIDENT MATERIALS EXPERT, MIKE BOSWELL, CONSIDERS KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING PRICE AND REVIEWS THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT OF THESE FACTORS UPON THE KEY MATERIAL GROUPS OVER THE SHORT-TERM.
Who is ‘Polymerman’?
Mike Boswell is Managing Director of UK materials distributor, Plastribution, as well as the Chairman of the British Plastic Federation’s Polymer Compounders and Distributors Group and its ‘BREXIT Committee’. ‘Polymerman’ is the title used for announcements made via his Twitter account. This column is compiled using data from PIE (Plastics Information Europe) www.plastribution. co.uk | www.pieweb.com
I
n considering this question it is important to understand that ‘normal’ does not necessarily mean ‘as before’ but may be more properly defined as a situation in which actors have reached a stable, rather than volatile’ condition providing buyers and sellers with greater understanding of price and availability trends. Where any factors influencing price are temporary in nature, then these should be considered in that context. Key factors influencing price are defined in this infographic:
The table below reviews the potential impact of the most significant of these factors upon the key material groups over the short-term. COMMENTARY There is little getting away from the fact that the Coronavirus pandemic is both directly and indirectly having a predominant effect on the global polymers market. Whilst, the impact of supply and demand would appear to be obvious on plastics demand within individual market sectors such as building and construction, automotive, medical, food packaging and industrial, there is the added dimension of refinery output rates on petrochemical feedstock availability with the impact of the pandemic reducing demand for transport fuels, which are the principle output of oil refineries, restricting the availability of key bi-products including monomers for plastics production. In the
case of polypropylene, this consequence is amplified due to the process that upgrades gasoline (petrol) to meet required standards being a significant source of this particular monomer. The importance of free-flowing and competitive global logistics has been clearly highlighted in recent months: The blocking of the Suez Canal by the Ever Given, illustrate the importance of keeping shipping routes open, but Coronavirus flareups at key ports are also adding significant disruption to port operations, with containers not being loaded, or unloaded and shipping schedules delayed as vessels spend longer in port. High shipping costs are now a significant barrier to international trade, typically obliterating arbitrage opportunities, with the obvious consequence that greater pricing disparity will appear between markets that are short of supply and those where there is surplus. In, and of itself, this will have the inevitable consequence of dampening demand which in turn will lead to more moderate shipping cost. The following graph illustrates the effects of escalating shipping costs of a standard 40’ shipping container on the price per tonne of product on various payloads. Taking account of the continuing tightness
of supply in the Western European market, along with the other factors outlined above it appears unlikely, that there will be any ‘normality’ before the end of 2021.
Impact
Trend
Supply/Demand
4
→
Recovery in US supply, following the winter storms, is improving availability
Feedstock
2
Supply and demand, coupled with escalating crude oil prices are creating inflationary pressure
Logistics
4
⇡
Geopolitical
3
⇢
The Coronavirus pandemic continues to be highly influential
Impact score 5 = high 1 = low
⇢
Remarks
High logistics costs have become a significant barrier to global trade
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39
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COMPOSITES | NEWS UK COMPOSITES COMPANY LAUNCHES AERO-ROAD BIKE KAMM Projects Ltd, the home of highperformance composites, is looking to the future, after the launch of the new Vekta aero-road bike through sister company REAP Bikes. The REAP Vekta is a UK-made aero-road bike with next generation frame performance, designed for racers, triathletes and road riders
who want more – more stiffness, speed, comfort, efficiency, precision and response. The launch of the REAP Vekta marks a culmination of years of hard work by REAP Founder and Managing Director, Martin Meir, who has a long career in advanced composite engineering and is also a former elite triathlete, still
competing as an amateur. Ultimately the creation of REAP came when Meir felt the cycling industry had some headroom for a range of precisionengineered, high performance bikes made with uncompromised materials and methods that the big brands deemed too expensive for mass production. The primary objective of REAP Bikes is simple – the best, or nothing at all. This passion to be
the best, however, came long before REAP was born. Meir has decades of experience as an engineer and he is also the Founder and Managing Director of Kamm Projects, which specialises in the manufacture of composite, polyurethane, and fibre reinforced
materials for a wide range of industries. Meir commented: “We’re at a position to utilise 30 years of composite engineering experience to develop a world-class company. This I believe in, as UK manufacturing needs to do something to put it back on the right path.”
We’re at a position to utilise 30 years of composite engineering experience to develop a world-class company. This I believe in, as UK manufacturing needs to do something to put it back on the right path.
Composites Evolution launches new Evopreg ampliTex range Composites Evolution Ltd has teamed up with leading natural fibre reinforcement specialists Bcomp to launch a new range of flax-epoxy prepreg materials, designed to offer enhanced sustainability. Evopreg ampliTex prepregs combine Composites Evolution’s high-performance Evopreg epoxy resin systems with Bcomp’s award-winning ampliTex flax reinforcements, to deliver a family of materials which offer outstanding performance for component applications. To reach the full
performance of natural fibres, Evopreg ampliTex prepregs have been tailored to be compatible with Bcomp’s powerRibs reinforcement grid, enabling the same stiffness and weight as thin-walled monolithic carbon fibre parts while decreasing the CO2 footprint by 85 per cent and improving safety due to a blunt braking behaviour without dangerous debris or sharp edges. Composites Evolution’s Sales & Marketing Director, Ben Hargreaves, said: “Sustainability is an increasingly important factor for many of our
customers - particularly those involved in motorsports and high-performance automotive applications. As you’d expect in these sectors though, sustainability can’t come at the expense of performance - the two must go hand-in-hand. This is something that other prepreggers can struggle with, as natural fibres behave very differently to carbon or glass, for example.” Retrac Group, whose composites division is one of the UK’s most experienced composites engineering companies across motorsports, automotive and aerospace, recently used Evopreg ampliTex + powerRibs™ to produce a demonstrator bonnet panel for a race-bred supercar. Alan Purves, Project Manager, explained: “We’re seeing a growing interest in flax fibre composites, particularly in the motorsports and niche vehicle sectors. It is therefore essential that we have developed an in-depth understanding of the processing requirements and performance capabilities of these materials and are ready to respond to our customers’ requirements. Being able to tap into the combined expertise and experience of both Composites Evolution and Bcomp is proving invaluable.” The bonnet demonstrator is a two-part moulding,
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with both inner and outer produced using Evopreg ampliTex EPC300-F300T 2x2 twill prepreg, backed with powerRibs. The air duct components were 3D-printed at Retrac, using their Stratasys Fortus 450MC machine. Bonded using polyurethane adhesive to minimise A-surface witnessing, the whole assembly weighs just 4kg. 43
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Screws, Barrels and Precision Components for the Plastics and Rubber Industries • Screws: Single, Parallel and Conical Twin. Multi Start & Mixing. Specialist Abrasion & Corrosion Resistant screw coatings. Designs and specifications to suit your specific processing and production requirements. • Barrels: Bimetallic, Through Hardened & Nitride Specifications. Water Cooled, Plain and Pin Barrels for Rubber. • Feed Sections and Liners: Smooth and Grooved bores, Nitride and Bimetallic Specifications. • Refurbishment: Screw Flight Rebuild and Barrel bore Honing. Fast track repair service. • Co-Rotating Extruders: Screw shafts, Elements, and Barrel sections for a wide range of machines and sizes. • On site Services and Technical Support: Wear check surveys, measure and record for manufacture, installation.
Experience Davis-Standard’s commitment to customer profitability during Interplas, Booth #A34. The high-performance, costcompetitive Euro Blue™ II extruder will be on display, illustrating how energy efficiency, thoughtful design, and fast delivery can support your pipe, profile and tubing objectives. With a multitude of equipment options and a robust menu of aftermarket services, take advantage of an all-in-one approach to excellence. We look forward to seeing you!
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davis-standard.com Extrusion Control Technology Solutions for a Changing Market
FEATURE
MARKET GROWTH WITHIN 10-YEARS
DR RICHARD COLLINS, PRINCIPAL ANALYST AT IDTECHEX, DISCUSSES THE NEW REPORT “3D PRINTING COMPOSITES 2021-2031: TECHNOLOGY AND MARKET ANALYSIS" BY IDTECHEX AND THE REASONS BEHIND THIS SIGNIFICANT GROWTH.
A
dditive manufacturing of composites is approaching an inflection point. There is an increasing number of printer manufacturers, market launches, more funding, notable partnerships, and importantly demonstratable value-add with a wide range of success stories, says IDTechEx. In their new report “3D Printing Composites 20212031: Technology and Market Analysis”, IDTechEx forecast the market to reach $2bn by 2031. Although this may not appear like the biggest number this represents significant growth from the current market size; a greater than a 9-fold increase from the calculated 2021 revenue for the most mature extrusion/placement technology is expected. Michael Papish from Markforged stated to IDTechEx that:“Advanced composite materials opens up new ways to create lighter, stronger parts with less waste in a fraction of the time of traditional manufacturing methods, making them a critical part of an additive manufacturing strategy. We’ve seen demand for new composites and methods grow; in response to customer needs, we’ll launch the FX20 printer later this year, the biggest, fastest and most sophisticated printer we’ve ever developed, which will open up new composite applications in aerospace, defence, automotive and oil & gas.”
“Over the next 10 years, the global additive market is projected to grow 10x and we believe advanced composite printers and materials will play a key role as manufacturers look for new ways to overcome their supply chain challenges.” There are numerous main reasons that we are on the cusp of this significant growth: •
Technology maturity: This industry has benefitted from the development of 3D printing polymers and metals, but there are special considerations from the print head through to the software that had to further develop to fully utilize the anisotropic properties from the fibers.
•
Application maturity: It takes time for end-users to find the value-add applications and prove out the technology. This has now happened for numerous sectors with benefits ranging from lightweighting through to reducing inventory costs ordowntime with replacement tools, jigs, or fixtures. The applications will not be the highvolume end-use parts that grabheadlines and that many initially aspire to, but nevertheless, tooling, key roles on the manufacturing floor, and low-mid volume part production are still very profitable fields.
•
Supply chain maturity: This is often a challenge for a young industry, but the market has seen key partnerships from material manufacturers to distributors that have helped remove this pain point.
Given this, it is unsurprising that the funding, market launches, and new entrants have dramatically increased in recent years. This competition is healthy, a rising tide lifts all boats, and there are different business models; the only issue may be in IP lawsuits that could slow this growth. There is a significant amount of capital investment in this field and with that IDTechEx are anticipating some M&A activity and, in the longer term, consolidation in the number of players. The technology progression is also a long way from being complete. There are numerous innovations with some of the most exciting associated with the progression of thermoset resins that will come to market over the decade. Then there is the development of automation within composite manufacturing in general, from simple pick-and-place robots through to rapid preforming.
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THERMOFORMING | NEWS TEQ’s use of Finite Element Analysis leads to boosted packaging functionality International thermoformer, TEQ, is benefiting from using cutting-edge computer simulation techniques to boost packaging functionality and sustainability. The global company uses Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to support Simulation-Driven Product Development (SDPD) which allows the prediction of product specifications in the early design phase. With the advantage of reducing manufacturing time considerably, software simulations – aided by FEA are now firmly established as a key priority for many manufacturers. FEA has emerged in recent years as the most widely used numerical analysis for solving problems of engineering and mathematical models. It works by using a set numerical method to solve partial differential equations in two or three space variables. Anne-Sophie Belamine, European Sales Director at TEQ, said: “By using FEA to assist with structural analysis, we are able to determine the optimum shape, material and thickness that will meet all aspects of a customer’s packaging requirements whilst eliminating the guesswork.” “With the ability to predict product specifications at the early design stages simulation is a very intuitive tool during the development process.” Computer-aided simulation techniques have increased rapidly in the last decade and their adoption worldwide has played a leading role in reshaping the manufacturing industry. Alongside TEQ, which operates two European sites, in the UK and Poland, Netherlands-based Sonoco Plastics produces millions of injection-moulded parts with high optical properties for use in diagnostic and clinical chemistry instruments.
Ru-bix launch new highperformance polyurethane tooling board formula Ru-bix, a specialist manufacturer of thermoset tooling boards, has developed an all-new chemical formula for their 1200 density board. The new RX-1200 tooling board is ideal for foundry models and
hammer form tools due to its high strength and capability of providing a high gloss finish, whilst proving easy to machine with minimal swarf. The new 1200kg/m3 formula was developed to exhibit a very fine surface structure, which has a major influence on providing the tooling board with a superior surface finish. Dr Barrie Colvin, Chairman and Technical Director of Ru-bix, said:“The RX-1200 is commonly used within the foundry industry, so it was essential that the new
Kingsmoor Packaging invests in apprentices Kingsmoor Packaging, has recruited three apprentices to its manufacturing site, as part of its new apprenticeship scheme. Enrolled at nearby Strode College, all three have started fouryear apprenticeships incorporating formal academic training in their chosen fields. Both Chloe Lyons and Jack Crowther have joined the company as apprentice design engineers, and Ethan Morgan as an apprentice tool setter. As well as learning the skills required to perform their key roles in their work, they will also be given a good level of understanding of all aspects of the business. With the aim being to better improve their overall knowledge and appreciation of the implications of their role in the wider business, they will gain experience in quality control, toolmaking, product
design, sample pulling, packing and tool setting. Throughout the scheme, the apprentices will have their day-to-day progress monitored and reviewed every three months by Kingsmoor Packaging to ensure that the programme continues to meet the needs of the individuals and of the business. “KPL has always been highly supportive of apprenticeship schemes and we currently have two fully skilled members of the team that have gone through
the process,” said Kingsmoor Packaging’s Managing Director, James Hill. “Our design engineer, Dan Glover, who finished his apprenticeship last year, managed to achieve a finalist place at the Somerset Apprenticeship awards back in 2018. Strode College has been proactive in working with us to select those apprentices best suited to the roles on offer. The result being a more tailored program than we have had previously.”
formula also exhibited the same amount of compressive and flexural strength to withstand deformation under heavy loads. We’re very proud of how well the new formula is performing for customers who received samples. We’re now in full production so we can ensure our stock levels remain high.” Using the ISO 178 and ISO 75 test methods, the tooling and modelling board exhibited compressive strengths of up to 70 MPa, a maximum flexural strength of 80 MPa and can be used in environments where temperatures reach up to 85 °C. Polyurethane tooling
boards of this density are also a popular choice for vacuum forming applications due to their robust nature. Vacuum forming is a widely used manufacturing process for many applications, from prototyping to final part production, for consumer
goods to medical components. Depending on the plastic material of choice it, lowers costs; allows for consistent production results; and faster production times compared to other traditional manufacturing methods, such as machining.
(L to R) Chloe Lyons, Jack Crowther and Ethan Morgan.
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MACHINERY | NEWS Protolabs launches new CNC Flexible Lead Time option to boost supply chain capacity Protolabs is looking to boost supply chain capacity in the UK and help customers manage costs with the launch of a new CNC Flexible Lead Time option. The service will give clients in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical and prototyping markets the opportunity to choose a manufacturing solution for the shipping of parts from 6 to 12 days after an order when using its e-commerce platform. This latest introduction is in addition to its standard delivery of just 3 days and as little as 1-day for expedited projects. The software platform, which forms the basis of
the customer quoting and ordering experience, also provides a free design for manufacturability analysis to check the CAD before production. It highlights features that are impossible to machine, but also areas where a redesign or change could save the customer money. Protolabs uses both 3-axis milling and 5-axis indexed milling for rapid prototyping and low-volume production of end use plastic and metal components, whilst live tooling capability combines lathe and mill capabilities to produce parts with cylindrical features from metal rod stock. Customers upload their
Waddington Europe Starts to Localise ‘Closed Loop’ Packaging in Ireland Thermoforming packaging specialist Waddington Europe, a division of Novolex, has teamed up with Shabra, Ireland’s leading recycler and reprocessor of postconsumer waste (PCW), to purchase food-grade recycled PET (rPET) sourced from bottles, pots, tubs and trays to manufacture new rPET food packaging products at its Arklow production site. Not only does the agreement help to further
secure Waddington Europe’s long-term source of rPET, but it also enables the company to expand its line of Eco Blend products made with post-consumer recycled content sourced domestically in Ireland back into the Irish market. “Collectively, we hope these new agreements will advance our stake in localised plastics circularity in the Irish market,” said Eduardo Gomes, Managing Director of Waddington Europe. “We need to start moving to a more holistic and long-term view when it comes to the lifecycle and environmental impact of food-grade
CAD onto the company’s e-commerce platform where they can easily add threaded features, including key and coil inserts within their interactive quote. When the quote is returned, a 3D display will show which thread types are possible for each feature.
The Telford-based digital manufacturer stocks more than 30 engineering grade plastic and metal materials that are suitable for various applications and industries, including plastics like ABS, polycarbonate nylon and PEEK and metals such as aluminium, stainless
steel, magnesium and copper. It also provides extensive services in 3D printing (for both plastic and metal parts) and injection moulding, featuring plastic injection moulding, liquid silicone rubber moulding, overmoulding and insert moulding.
packaging. It’s just as important to consider the carbon footprint at its start of life as the environmental impact at the end of its life. Keeping the packaging ‘closed-loop’ economy as local as possible helps to ensure the carbon footprint stays as low as possible. It also utilises waste as a resource and keeps it out of landfills.” Shabra has recently invested heavily in new sorting lines and a reprocessing facility, which provides intensively washed rPET flake for use directly into the thermoforming and packaging sector. “We are very much committed to sustainability and a circular economy and all the benefits that go with them,” said Rita Shah, CEO of Shabra.
“By keeping Irish plastic packaging waste in an Irish recycling system, we are confident that we can offer forwardthinking customers like Waddington Europe longterm savings, less reliance on foreign external suppliers, a positive public perception and increased customer loyalty. On a macro level, the localised economic model can increase jobs and innovation, the security of raw material supply and consumer savings, as well as reduce damaging pressures on the environment. To top all this, we have big expansion plans for 2022 that will allow us to double our output.” Waddington Europe’s’ Irish customers will also benefit from purchasing food grade rPET
packaging products that are produced from this localised approach. “Our customers are beginning to realise that if they develop these circular supply chains, they can reduce manufacturing costs and provide consumers with more sustainable products,” Gomes said. “Additionally, governments are noticing how local recycling and closed-loop economies generate revenue and drive local job creation. It gives us a competitive advantage to show that the products we sell are made from waste plastic generated in Ireland itself. Consumers can see the benefits of their efforts to recycle their plastic food packaging, and we hope it could even help shape our future regulation.”
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Built to Innovate. 11.08.2021 09:45:28
Q: How can abrasion be minimised for vacuum conveying systems?
IN THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF OUR ONGOING SERIES ANSWERING THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED MATERIALS HANDLING QUESTIONS, THE EXPERTS AT MOTAN COLORTRONIC EXPLAIN ABRASION AND MEASURES TO PREVENT ABRASION.
T
he distances the material travels in the pipe lines from the material supply to the processing machines can be gruelling – both for the material as well as the material lines. The key word here is “abrasion”. What causes abrasion of the material is usually a combination of mechanical and thermic stress. Particularly at high conveying speeds, there can be lot of contact between the material and the inner walls of the pipes (particularly in pipes) which leads to high amounts of friction. As a result, granules can break, dust can be generated due to abrasion, or the surface can plasticise due to the friction heat. Plasticisation can lead to strands forming (“angel
hair”) or films (“snake skin”) can peel off of deposits. Aside from the fact that material is being lost, these contaminations can lead to interferences with the conveying units up to complete blockages of the material line. For line systems and material loaders, abrasion due to mechanical stress of the material is the main focus. This is particularly the case when abrasive materials such as glass fibre reinforced plastics need to be conveyed. The pipe bends, material inlet nozzles and flaps of the material loaders, as well as other parts which come into contact with the material, for example at the coupling stations, are affected the most. Undesired effects can be leaks in the conveying system or in serious cases contamination of the end product due to the dust generated by material abrasion. For abrasion protection – or better abrasion reduction – and therefore also material protecting conveying, different measures are possible. Conveying speed has a significant impact. Finding the optimal balance between desired throughput and gentle conveying must already be considered when planning the layout of the system. Conveying distance, the flow properties of the material, the performance of the vacuum generator, and the diameter of the
material feed lines are all crucial aspects. It is beneficial to equip material supply with a modern, intelligent conveying system which automatically considers the individual conditions of each connected material loader regarding distance and material.
What causes abrasion of the material is usually a combination of mechanical and thermic stress
One of the design features for abrasion protection for the material feed line is most importantly the choice of material. Stainless steel pipes are more expensive, but are far more durable than aluminium. Pipes with shot peened inner surfaces can be used for particularly abrasive material or material which tends to form angel hair. The rough inner surface of the pipes causes the material to be transported turbulently rather than along the inner surface of the pipes. This reduces contact between material and pipe and protects both. There are different solutions possible for the pipe bends, which are particularly affected. Changes in direction should generally occur in a wide a radius as possible. Asymmetrical bends have also proven to be effective. For abrasive materials and/ or high throughputs, bends made from borosilicate glass could be an ideal solution. For particularly difficult situations, special pipe bends are available, for example made from
highly wear resistant HVA Niro stainless steel. Critical areas of the material loaders are the material inlet nozzles and inlet flaps. Reinforced versions are also available here, such as enamelled or glass covered version. For material loaders with a glass body, an angled material inlet can direct the material flow onto the far more wear resistant glass.
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Specially designed for abrasive material are material lines and bends made from stainless steel, borosilicate glass, or specially hardened stainless steel (right). Displayed is a model solution in the motancolortronic tech centre (Photo: MotanColortronic)
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INJECTION MOULDING | NEWS ENGEL UK Increases Presence in Ireland In response to increased business and with a desire to better serve their Irish customers, ENGEL UK have appointed a resident agent in Ireland. Rory Gaffney, Atlasta Medtech Ltd is now the official ENGEL sales agent for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. He will work closely with Steve Taylor, ENGEL UK who has successfully
managed the territory for many years. Nigel Baker, Managing Director ENGEL UK explains “We are delighted to further strengthen our position in Ireland. Our aim is to provide an even stronger sales support and service experience for our customers. Steve Taylor has established a loyal customer base in Ireland and will continue to support Rory on a day
Our aim is to provide an even stronger sales support and service experience for our customers
Flambeau Boosts UK Manufacturing Capability Winning a substantial contract to manufacture plastic case assemblies for Makita, a worldwide electric tool manufacturing company, Flambeau EuroPlast with its American parent company have committed to a substantial investment in their Ramsgate manufacturing facility. The contracted products will be moulded and assembled with the increased capacity of four new Haitian injection moulding machines, which range from 100to 750-tons in size scheduled to arrive during summer this year. Preparation for the additional machines
includes upgrades to the material handling system with additional silos, material receiving units, drying systems, and masterbatch dosing units and pumps. These improvements will create an optimized material feed for Flambeau’s new and existing customer requirements. The transformation will also further enhance the facility’s current automated material handling system from silo to machine. Flambeau’s company-wide ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system by Dassault Systèmes SE, DelmiaWorks represents another level of process efficiency
to day basis. “ “I have personally worked with customers in Ireland for over 30 years, this market is very close to me and it has always been an important market for Engel. We hope our customers and prospects will see that we are ‘raising the bar’ and are keen to provide an even stronger Sales and Service support network that is linked to our subsidiary in Warwick.” Rory Gaffney has broad experience in the plastics industry and is enthusiastic about this new challenge. “Engel is an innovative and successful company which I am delighted to represent. The Irish market, both Republic of Ireland and North Ireland, is strategically important to Engel and I
to the Ramsgate facility’s existing DelmiaWorks system. Recent upgrades will add unparalleled interconnectivity between Flambeau EuroPlast, Flambeau’s United States headquarters, and its other plants and sales offices around the world. Real-time production monitoring; intelligent automation; improved efficiency in forecasting and planning; and increased productivity will add functional value as global supply chains are optimized. Each blow and injection moulding press in Ramsgate is connected with enhanced WIFI and, now, mobile tablets, providing staff with up-to-date, real-time information on the
look forward to working with our customers to help them to achieve their goals and to increase our market share in the process.” ENGEL UK has already employed an additional Service engineer, Kian Murray based in Dromod, Co. Leitrim and he is supported by Ray Nugent based in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Ray has looked after ENGEL customers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for many years.
This new initiative will be launched by ENGEL UK when they welcome visitors to the forthcoming open day event hosted by First Polymers in Athlone. They will be showcasing the newly installed e-mac 100t machine, fully equipped with innovative iQ products that benefit the medical sector. The team will be there and available to talk about new projects and future plans. Look out for the confirmed date coming soon.
production status of each machine. This impactful project forms the infrastructure for future new contracts and enables the Ramsgate facility to improve workflow for both new and existing customer contracts, including the relocation of several injection molding presses without affecting production. From concept to full production, the project is scheduled to launch in September after the completion of a five-month implementation programme.
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FEATURE
M
W WE HEAR FROM JOHN SULLIVAN, MAINTENANCE MANAGER AT MCALPINE AND ANDREW THOMS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TRIS UK, ON HOW THE PAIR HAVE JOINED FORCES TO ELIMINATES MACHINE BREAKDOWNS THANKS TO TRIS UK’S OIL CLEANING SYSTEM.
cAlpine, is saving tens of thousands of pounds every year by preventing breakdowns of injection moulding machines, due to oil management specialist, Tris UK. The family-run plumbing company, which ships to over 80 countries worldwide, was having to replace pumps and machine oil five or six times a year and routinely suffered sticky valves. Since rolling out a programme to install Tris UK’s Triple R systems on its 68 injection moulding machines, McAlpine’s has not experienced a single pump, valve or oil replacement, and is benefitting from significant savings on parts and labour, as well as increased machine uptime. McAlpine first got in touch with Tris UK after one of its injection moulding machines began emitting an unusual sulphur-like smell, as John Sullivan, Maintenance Manager at McAlpine, explained: “When one of our machines began giving off an awful smell, we immediately got in touch with the machine manufacturer. However, after several investigations, they still could not work out what the problem was. Fortunately, one of our managers happened to mention the problem to Andrew Thoms, managing director of Tris UK, who suggested it could be the oil.” Thoms went on-site at McAlpine and took oil samples from the machine in question, in addition to sampling all of the other injection moulding machines on site. Laboratory results from Tris UK showed that the smell was caused by a friction reduction additive which had been previously installed in a bid to prevent wear and tear on machine parts. Tris UK’s tests also revealed that the oil in each of the machines was heavily contaminated with varnishes, water, and oxygen. “At that point in time, we were replacing five or six pumps per year, at circa £5,000 per pump, and routinely experienced sticky valves. When this happened, the machines went over temperature, which would cause the oil to form varnishes, and then we’d have to let the machine cool while the oil was changed. This was both costly and took a lot of time,” explained Sullivan. “In fact, when a pump went, the machine would be down between two and three days while the parts came over from Europe, and then they had to be fitted. Each machine took 400 ltrs of oil, so we’d have to buy two 200 ltr drums each time at circa £600 – and pay out for costly suction filters to remove the oil. On top of that, as the pumps wore away, control wore away too, and the machines lost pressure.”
McAlpine was keen to investigate opportunities to reduce machine breakdowns, and gladly took up Tris UK’s offer to trial their Triple R filter for free on two of their injection moulding machines. “The difference was almost immediate,” said Sullivan. “Tris UK’s Triple R filters greatly improved the viscosity, grade and longevity of the oil. It went from a thick, black substance to clear, light brown and thin. And most importantly, we had zero issues with the machines during the three-month trial period.” After fitting two Triple R filters, Tris UK’s engineers went back on site one month later to change the element, and two weeks after that to sample the oil. During those six weeks the oil went from ISO 22/20/17 or NAS 11, which is exceptionally dirty, to ISO 16/14/10 or NAS 6, which is ideal for efficient machine operation. Delighted with the results, McAlpine ordered a roll out of Triple R systems on their machines, at two per month. Tris UK has currently installed 46 Triple R filters on 68 of the machines at the McAlpine site, and will also be installing Triple R filters at McAlpine’s two other sites at Johnstone and Coatbridge. Each filter has a payback period of between two and six months on average. According to Mr. Thoms, most manufacturers are unaware of the effect of contaminated oil on their injection moulding machines, and treat frequent parts replacements as expected wear and tear. “We’re on a mission to increase industry education around the effects of contaminated oil. So many breakdowns are completely avoidable with correct oil cleaning in place, and optimising cost savings and machine uptime is something that makes an enormous difference to manufacturers. We’re proud to be doing this work and partnering with such great innovative companies like McAlpine to increase efficiency across British manufacturing,” concluded Thoms.
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FEATURE
SPOTLIGHT
IN THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF OUR SERIES COLLABORATING WITH THE WOMEN IN PLASTICS INITIATIVE, IN WHICH BP&R SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON ONE OF THE PLATFORM’S INSPIRATIONAL INTERVIEWEES, WE SHARE A CONVERSATION WITH VENETIA SPENCER, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE POLYOLEFIN CIRCULAR ECONOMY PLATFORM
VENETIA SPENCER: “The plastics industry is driven by engineering and chemistry, both subjects that young women have tended not to study in the past.” Interview | Grace Nolan Q: COULD YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU GOT TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I have a degree in physics from Imperial College, London, which led me to taking an interest in science-based policymaking in Europe, then, later still, how to communicate those policies. I started my career in Brussels as an assistant to a Member of the European Parliament, then went on to become a public affairs consultant at the global agency Ogilvy. I have always been passionate about the environment. Working in Brussels, I quickly became an environmental policy geek and would probably have been just as happy working for an environmental NGO. I then spent 10 years at the global communications firm BCW (formerly BursonMarsteller), where I was head of a team of environment and energy consultants. In that role, I was working both with big-picture policy issues, as well as with the technical details of European and international environmental, standardisation, product and waste policies. I was advising companies, civil society, EU institutions and trade associations on how to identify solutions to their environmental challenges, as well as how to engage with each other and successfully communicate their stories. I joined PCEP because I feel very strongly about meeting the challenge of transforming the plastics industry into a circular economy. Polyolefins are amazing, highly versatile materials. They are the most widely used family of plastics and, importantly, they are fully recyclable. So PCEP’s (and my) mission is to make sure that these valuable materials actually do end up being reused or recycled – and at the same time, we need to create and build a market for that recycled material. PCEP is 100 per cent committed to that goal and, for me, it’s incredibly exciting being at the forefront of helping to drive the PO value chain forward on this journey towards circularity. Q: HOW HAVE YOU FOUND SETTLING INTO YOUR NEW ROLE? Setting up any international organisation, with such a wide variety of stakeholders, inevitably takes a
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huge amount of time and energy. Each member organisation has a different set of priorities and getting everyone pulling in the same direction was my first priority. With PO accounting for 50 per cent of plastics consumed and 70 per cent of the plastic packaging market in Europe today, PCEP is the embodiment of the industry’s collective commitment to take responsibility for our products and advance the circular economy. So, the important thing for me is that, in 2021, we are now well established and moving forward together fast. I am very excited that we have now expanded into a team of three women – and we have also just appointed our first woman onto the Steering Board. Rebecca Colley-Jones is our Circular Economy Project Manager, driving forward the work of PCEP’s working groups for innovation, enhancing collection and sorting and developing end markets for recycled polyolefins. Before joining PCEP, Rebecca was a senior researcher at the University of Northampton working on the EU’s Horizon 2020 project PolyCE (increasing the use of high value post-consumer recycled polymers within the EEE sector). She’s also completing a doctorate in circular economy business practices, as well as running her own environmental management consultancy. And Petya Todorova is our Circular Economy Advocacy and Communications Manager, who’s responsible for the three working groups on communicating the vision and progress towards
Previously, success was a happy client. Now, success is measured in terms of transforming an entire industry.
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a circular polyolefin economy, advocating for a supportive policy framework and establishing the data to demonstrate progress. Previously, Petya was working for the global speciality chemical and plastics group Krehalon, overseeing strategic communications and circular economy policy activity for all European markets and Oceania Finally, Ornella Cosomati, who is responsible for EU public policy, government affairs and communications at PepsiCo, is the most recent recruit onto our Steering Board, bringing with her a wealth of experience in environmental legislation. Q: WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY CONSIST OF IN YOUR ROLE? PCEP is all about action, not just words. We have made firm voluntary commitments, with clear, ambitious targets and deadlines to achieve them. To get to our goals, we have established six working groups to identify barriers to a circular economy and deliver solutions to overcome them. They are: • Innovating for a circular economy; • Enhancing collection and sorting; • Developing end markets for recycled PO; • Understanding the PO material flows; • Communicating the circular PO economy • Advocating for a supportive regulatory framework. My primary job is to coordinate these different workstreams and projects, supported by my team and with various degrees of direct involvement in the work of each group. However, PCEP simply can’t achieve its goals without everyone in the PO value chain being on board and working together. An equally important part of my role, therefore, is to ensure that the relevant players in the value chain have heard about PCEP – and then that they are encouraged to join. I spend significant amounts of time speaking in conferences, seminars and other public forums. I then meet up with potential new members, encouraging them to be part of our collective transformation into a circular PO economy. Q: HAVE YOU FOUND THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TO BE A LOT DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS INDUSTRIES YOU HAVE WORKED IN? Before starting this job, I had never worked in an industrial sector before, so it’s hard for me to say whether the plastics industry is very different from others. However, the two years since I joined PCEP has been transformational for me in terms of the job I do. Previously, I was part of a global network of thousands of consultants, all supporting each other to help clients manage and communicate their various challenges. Now, I’m responsible for managing the challenge itself, with a small secretariat to support me, and having to coordinate people from across a whole multitude of different companies and European institutions. Previously, success was a happy client. Now, success is measured in terms of transforming an entire industry.
Q: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT SO FAR IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE? Obviously, this year has been dominated by the global Coronavirus pandemic. Despite the enormous human tragedy and economic crisis resulting from the Covid pandemic, across the PCEP membership the commitment to the circular economy as the correct long-term strategic evolution of this industry has remained unwavering. The focus is still absolutely there and this continuing willingness among our members to work together and innovate together is already a huge shift in our industry – and it’s been hugely encouraging. This global crisis could so easily have forced companies to divert their attention away from what is already a challenging and, in the short term at least, potentially expensive transformation. But it hasn’t. And that gives me tremendous hope – and, curious as it may seem, this has been at least one of my biggest highlights in the job so far. Q: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED SO FAR IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE? The negative image of plastic due to pollution is potentially an existential threat to the PO industry going forward. But it can also be the catalyst that drives the industry to achieve its own sustainability. Responding to public pressure, legislators around the world are implementing measures that will significantly impact the plastics industry. In Europe, this includes the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), part of the overarching European Green Deal. Other legislation on the horizon includes the implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive; the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, new measurement points for plastics recycling targets; new EU waste legislation; and the revision of EU rules on food contact materials. That is a host of EU legislation coming down the track – and it is certainly a huge challenge to keep abreast of it all and ensure that the PO industry stays ahead of it. Q: WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON GENDER ROLES IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY? As a young woman studying physics at Imperial College, you can imagine that I was in a distinct minority. The plastics industry is driven by engineering and chemistry, both subjects that young women have tended not to study in the past. But this has been changing quite fast in the past decade or so, driven in part by government initiatives encouraging more women to study STEM subjects, as well as by some inspirational women role models achieving amazing things in science and engineering. This is a time of profound change throughout the plastics industry, driven by significant global economic and environmental challenges. I very much hope that this root-and-branch transformation of our industry is not only about how it works, but also who works in it. I’m absolutely delighted, of course, that PCEP is leading the way in this industry gender transformation.
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Learn From the Experts ADVANCING UK PLASTICS STAGE
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SIBELE CESTARI >> Researcher, Queens University Belfast
KEIRON SALTER >> Chief Executive Officer, Digital Manufacturing Centre
JONATHAN CLAPP >> International Senior Technical Manager, Microban
SARAH JENNINGS >> National Patient Safety Lead NHS England and NHS Improvment
CAROLINE COCHRANE >> Sustainability Manager, MACE Group
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Co-located Shows
RECLAMATION & RECYCLING | NEWS AO celebrates recycling over two million fridges in Telford AO is celebrating recycling over two million fridges at its recycling plant in Telford. That’s a whopping 2,000+ miles, equalling the distance from Edinburgh to the North Pole. With several council recycling sites forced to close due to Covid-19 restrictions, the nation has seen an increase in fly tipping over the last year. During the lockdown period of April 2020 to April 2021, AO received over 328,000 unwanted fridges at its recycling plant from customers, which is up by 68 per cent compared to the previous year. AO has been responsibly disposing of its customers unwanted fridges since 2017 –
all thanks to a fridge crunching machine called Bertha. Fridges are notoriously tricky to dispose of safely, as they contain more harmful gases than your average appliance, but AO’s 80-tonne machine can tackle 100 fridges every hour. With Bertha’s help, AO can process over 700,000 fridges annually, which is 20 per cent of all white goods scrapped every year. The machine is the height of a three-story house. It works by spinning heavy metal chains inside an airtight container at around 500 revolutions per minute, creating a vortex that breaks the fridge into tiny pieces – think of it like a supersized kitchen
blender. The machine also takes care of the harmful gases and oils stored in fridges that can damage the environment if released into the atmosphere. Dangerous gases are trapped between tiny pockets of insulation foam, but these are safely removed
inside the sealed chamber. In fact, AO are the only fridge recycling plant in the world to collect 100 per cent of harmful gasses released from a fridge – which is all down to Bertha’s efficiency. Once Bertha has done her job, materials are then reused in other
household items, such as sustainable ventilation products. Robert Sant, MD of AO Recycling, said: “We’re so pleased that not only have we saved a huge two million fridges from being fly-tipped, but we’ve disposed of them in the safest way possible.”
use alternatives. Paul Davidson, Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge Director said: “We are funding some really smart innovations for consumer packaging. When these projects move into the distribution
phase, we are going to see some big changes in how we shop, our experiences with food packaging and what we understand to be plastic packaging.” “A change in our behaviour will be the driving point for this change in moving from single-use plastics to reuse, refill and recyclable solutions.” A project led by Central Pharma Contract Packaging Limited will create a circular system that enables 100 per cent of medicine blister packs to be recyclable with convenient drop off points for the public.
14 projects across the UK receive funding for plastic packaging innovation UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), through the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging challenge has invested almost £2 million in 14 projects to develop a range of innovative solutions to address common problems concerning plastic packaging for consumer products. To date, over £30 million has been invested from the challenge for innovation in smart and sustainable plastic packaging for consumer products. These projects are looking to develop better options for future plastic packaging whether you’re in the kitchen,
the bathroom or on the move. This research and development investment will reach regions across the UK, including Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Projects include several new biobased, high-performance polymers which have the potential to replace the current oil-based plastic packaging materials in multiple applications for everyday consumer products. Funding will also help prototype new cleaning product ranges in reusable and refillable packaging, which when disposed of, will create significantly lower CO2 emissions than single-
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Re-Gen Waste Ltd chooses TOMRA Recycling’s innovative sensor-based technology TOMRA Recycling’s sensor-based sorting solutions have been chosen to upgrade the processing and quantity of recycled fractions at one of Europe’s most advanced materials recycling facilities (MRFs) in Northern Ireland. Re-Gen Waste Ltd based in Newry, Co. Down, was established in 2004 as a family-owned and managed business. The company provides local authorities across the UK and Ireland with innovative dry mixed recycling (DMR) and residual waste services. Ongoing re-investment of profits into the business means that it is now a best-in-class MRF, driven by innovation and the adoption of the latest technology. The facility is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week and processes more than 180,000 tonnes of comingled waste annually. In addition to the management of
mixed dry recycling, the company also processes 150,000 tonnes annually of mixed waste to fuel. Ten of the latest generation TOMRA AUTOSORT units were recently installed as part of a multi-millionpound upgrade at the
Our mixed waste processing adopts best-in-class technologies to ensure European standards are not only met, but regularly exceeded.
VEKA RECYCLING STRENGTHENS OPERATIONS WITH TRIO OF NEW APPOINTMENTS PVC-U window and door recycling specialist, VEKA Recycling, has strengthened its team with three significant appointments at its Wellingborough plant, which is now fully operational. With a background managing areas including logistics, procurement, customer service and sales, Gavin Reay was recently appointed as Business Development Manager. Gavin’s plans for the role include the development VEKA Recycling’s client base to obtain a higher yield of post-consumer frames and off-cuts, ultimately producing a larger 60
Newry site, representing an investment of more than £4 million in sensor-based sorting technology. The upgraded equipment will focus on two key lines for Re-Gen. It will increase the quantity of fibre and paper materials and
volume of recycled pellet. With key responsibilities initially including the creation of standardised work processes to reduce errors, Magdalena Miler also joins the company as Quality Engineer. Magdalena brings experience in areas such as quality visual inspection, customer liaison, product and process auditing, continuous improvement and training, all obtained in her previous roles working for a large automotive company. Elsewhere, Rai Szymanski has been promoted to Yard Supervisor after working
for VEKA Recycling for three years. Described as the company’s ‘resident expert’ in loading and unloading vehicles, Rai’s enthusiasm to progress has culminated in his first management job. Rai, who confidently operates the VEKA Recycling crane and Telehandler, is responsible for accepting all incoming material for onward processing through the site, as well as the smooth loading of all vehicles departing the site with its recycled pellet on board. He said: “It is great to be recognised for my hard work and I am looking forward to building my team so that the site runs smoothly at all times.” VEKA Recycling’s Managing Director, Simon Scholes, added:
will boost the output of plastic fractions, enabling Re-Gen to move from its current mixed plastics output to more refined, higher purity single stream plastics fractions. The equipment combines near infrared (NIR) and visual spectrometers (VIS) to quickly and accurately recognise and separate different materials according to their material type and colour, extracting high-purity high-value end fractions that command higher market prices. Re-Gen has also chosen to take advantage of TOMRA Insight, TOMRA’s secure, nearly real-time and on-demand cloudbased data monitoring platform. The platform enables customers to turn their sorters into connected devices and help maximise plant throughput, boost sorting performance and optimise output quality. Re-Gen will get secure access from desktop and mobile devices to digital
“With our brand new, state-of-the-art plant now fully up and running, the arrival of Gavin and Magdalena – and Rai’s well-deserved promotion – further reinforces our future development plans. All three have been specially selected for their talents in their respective fields, and their appointments are significant in helping us continuously improve our recycling operations going forward.”
ABOVE: Magdalena Miler
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metrics on the status and performance of their sorters. Joseph Doherty, Managing Director at Re-Gen Waste, comments: “Our mixed waste processing adopts best-in-class technologies to ensure European standards are not only met, but regularly exceeded. We have previous experience of TOMRA’s equipment, having fitted an AUTOSORT unit four years ago, with great results. We were familiar with the capabilities of the equipment, and we are confident that TOMRA will help us continue to outperform the market on materials recovery.”
ABOVE: Gavin Reay BELOW: Rai Szymanski
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M MATTHIAS HOCHHOLZER, MD OF AST PLASTIC CONTAINERS UK, GIVES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN RECYCLING PLASTICS AND REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE.
The invaluable nature of plastic
T
he last year has proven the invaluable nature of plastic. The coronavirus pandemic meant that PPE – which frequently contains disposable plastic for hygiene reasons – was more essential than ever: not only in hospitals, but schools, supermarkets, and anywhere else where people might be in close contact. It seemed that the tide had changed: where public opinion was once strongly against plastic, with messages from the media enforcing this, it now appeared that it was being praised for its essential part in the fight against the virus. Since the 2000s, recycling has improved in leaps and bounds: in 2006, plastic packaging waste in the UK was 2080kt, but was lowered to 2018kt by 2020. In per capita terms, therefore, over the last 14 years the amount of plastic waste has fallen by 13 per cent. However, it is true that the ways in which singleused plastic is disposed of has plenty of room for improvement. Un-recycled plastic worldwide is the cause of many environmental issues, particularly sea animals that dwell amongst the litter that cannot be broken down over time – often mistaking it for food. What is the solution to this problem? Plastics have already proven their worth a hundred times over, from PPE to groceries (plastic wrap has been shown to increase the lifespan of a cucumber by a huge 14 days, bananas by 3 days, and plastic bags reduce waste of potatoes by two thirds) and can’t be beaten when it comes to durability, low cost and hygiene. Eliminating it entirely would be both strategically complex, if not impossible. There simply aren’t any substitutes - at present – that could come close to beating it on all fronts. A CIRCULAR SOLUTION The circular economy, as defined by the Ellen McArthur Foundation, “explores how through a change in perspective we can re-design the way our economy works - designing products that can be ‘made to be made again’ and powering the system with renewable energy. It questions whether with creativity and innovation we can build a restorative economy.” A report released by the foundation in 2017, more than 40 years after the launch of the first universal recycling symbol, showed that just 14 per cent of plastic packaging used globally is recycled. A fundamental change has to occur within businesses and governments around the world in order to help improve, and change, the face of plastic.
Eliminating it entirely would be both strategically complex, if not impossible. There simply aren’t any substitutes - at present – that could come close to beating it on all fronts.
A circular solution does not do away with plastic, nor does it create more wherever necessary: instead, it requires a closed loop, wherein plastic is continually recycled and re-used effectively and sustainably. What could be better for the plastic industry? A system that promotes re-using and recycling, using already existing material for new and innovative uses, but without the scaremongering of the so-called dangers of plastic. REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE The closed-loop solution has been adopted by many companies over recent years. IKEA, for example, has begun giving its furniture a ‘second chance at life’ by launching a ‘buy back’ scheme that allows customers to sell their partially used furniture in exchange for money or a store voucher. Even smaller changes, such as the UK government’s new ruling to charge customers 10p for plastic bags in shops (previously 5p) have encouraged the ‘circular’ method of consumption and production: though plastic bags are still being created and can be bought, usage of them has decreased in an unprecedented way. Since 2015, use of single-use carrier bag sales have dropped by 80 per cent. At AST Plastic Containers, we have taken many steps to ensure we’re doing everything possible to provide a more environmentally sustainable product. We are the first container manufacturer in Europe to offer an UN-approved container that contains 100 per cent recycled HPDE. We’re also certified by the Valpak Zero Waste to Landfill Certification, which ensures that none of the waste from our machinery goes to landfill. AST Plastic Containers also uses modern state-ofthe-art machinery to manufacture our products, using not only the highest-quality material, but in the most energy efficient way possible. In March 2021, we opened a brand-new 7,000 sq ft state of the art recycling facility in Wrexham, with the specific purpose of recycling our own containers. Customers can now opt to send their used containers to us, where they will either be washed and re-used, or ground down into pellets and re-made into new containers. Over the first three years, we aim to recycle 6,000 tonnes of plastic with this new recycling scheme.
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This is the AGX-V The latest testing frames technology on the market
www.shimadzu.co.uk/agx-v
Tel: +44 (0)1793 827666 Email: sales@transxl.co.uk Web: www.transxl.co.uk Sheet Equipment
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Thanks to integrated air guide
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PELLETISING
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Tel: +44 (0)1707 331111 info@welwyntoolgroup.co.uk www.welwyntoolgroup.com
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GRANULATORS
EXTRUDERS
Be Social
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Stand B4
Over 300 Videos to view
BP&R BUYER’S GUIDE MATERIALS MOULD RELEASE
MASTERBATCH
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HOT PLATE WELDING Branson Ultrasonics
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Tel: +44 (0)1453 731555 Fax: +44 (0)1453 731234 sales@hamptoncolours.co.uk POLYMER SPECIFIC AND UNIVERSAL MASTERBATCH, SMALL LOT SPECIALITY COMPOUNDS PLUS MATCHING SERVICE
ULTRASONIC WELDING InControl Ultrasonics Ltd (FFR Ultrasonics Ltd)
PO Box 10380, Sileby, LE12 7ZX T: 01509 621992 E: enquiries@ffr-ultrasonics. co.uk W: www.ffr-ultrasonics.co.uk W: www.incontrolultrasonics. co.uk
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Find your perfect joining method.
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Telsonic UK Ltd
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TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952519
CHEMTREND.COM
BP&R SOFTWARE GUIDE
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
PLANTMASTER BMS Vision Ltd T: 01254 662244, E: sales.bla@visionbms.com www.visionbms.com/plastics
RJG TECHNOLOGIES LTD Moulding Technology
INTOUCH T: 01604 537100 E: enquiries@ intouchmonitoring.com www.intouchmonitoring.com Real-time production monitoring systems. Designed to be easy to use and providing affordable solutions to all sizes of businesses. Production monitoring, scheduling, reporting, data import/export, databases for parts, tools and operators, integration with other software packages.
T: 01256 741550 F: 01256 741551 E: sales.uk@kistler.com W: www.kistler.com Pressure transducers and associated monitoring/control equipment for new and existing injection moulding applications.
Cycle time reduction Reduced scrap rates Improved process capability Higher yield and OEE
PRO-OP™ software provides a step-bystep procedure for optimising the injection moulding process to deliver optimum quality products at the most favourable cycle time. PRO-OP™ is a server based application which, by setting an optimum moulding process, highlights weaknesses and problems in relation to part design, mould design, mould construction, moulding equipment efficiency, moulding equipment specification and material selection.The moulding process is documented with explanations for each key process parameter setting demonstrating the processing conditions and equipment contributions to the final result. PRO-OP™ is aimed at companies whose focus is quality and consistent part manufacture. PRO-OP™ supports companies by providing a documented and structured validation protocol which is recognised in the in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.
158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransoneurope.eu
Kistler Instruments Ltd
Zero Defect Moulding – What’s your target? • • • •
Branson Ultrasonics
QUALITY MONITORING CONTROL
T: +44 (0)1733 232211 E info@rjginc.co.uk
Affordable and flexible MES system for the plastics/rubber industry. Easy to use systems from a €600m company with over 30 years experience. Real-time production monitoring features wireless data units and OPC Ethernet machine connections. “Drag and drop” job scheduling supports frame/insert level family tooling plus KAN BAN. ERP system integration, SPC/SQC, Touch Screen Data Units, Machine Maintenance, Operator Tracking, Traceability, DNC, Energy Monitoring, Bar Coding, Pager Alerts.
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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
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
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Silicone, FKM, EPDM, Neoprene, NBR Contact
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TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN: 01244 952519 www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk
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BP&R BUYER’S GUIDE MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT Super Bluish Titanium Dioxide
HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS
CONTROL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT QUALITY MONITORING CONTROL Kistler Instruments Ltd
Cavity pressure measurement systems and sensors for control of the injection moulding process and automatic hot-runner balancing, provides zero-defect production with 100% quality control. T: F: E: W:
01256 741550 01256 741551 sales.uk@kistler.com www.kistler.com
METAL DETECTION
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T: 01256 741550 F: 01256 741551 E: sales.uk@kistler.com W: www.kistler.com Pressure transducers and associated monitoring/control equipment for new and existing injection moulding applications.
and dosing
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INDUCTION HEATING FOR PLATENS AND TOOLS MF Induction Heating
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TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952519
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952519
Permanent Electrostatic Magnets Separation BOOK YOUR FREE SITE VISIT TODAY
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Tel: 01952 671918 Fax: 01952 608579 Email: connectors.uk@staubli.com
Unit 5, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 7XN Replacement Coils New platens T: 01543 570642 E: sales@mfinduction.com W: www.mfinduction.com
www.quick-mould-change.com
TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN ON 01244 952519 RUBBER
SCREWS & BARRELS
DRYERS
Wanted
www.magog.co.uk
Rubber Manufacturing Company
Design, Manufacture, and Refurbishment of Screws & Barrels for the Plastics and Rubber Industries. • Screw design • New manufactured Screws, Barrels, Feed Sections & Liners • Proven wear resistant specifications for screws • Nitrided and Bimetallic barrels • Refurbishment and repairs • Condition monitoring and wear checks
As part of our ongoing strategy we are looking to aquire an additional business ideally with a current turnover of between £1-3m PA
Contact us to find out how we can help you
In the first instance email us on rubberukp3@rubber.today
Magog Industries Ltd, 10 Crane Mead, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9PY T: +44(0)1920 465201 E: enquiries@magog.co.uk
Goldcrest Engineering Technologies Ltd Unit 15 St Johns Way, St Johns Business Estate, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 0QQ
Unique group of engineering companies specialising in the development, design & manufacture of Granular Polymer Dehumidifying Dryers under the “Drymaster” Brand
Tel: 01366 383398 E: goldcrestengtech@gmail.com www.goldcrestengtech.co.uk
FILTRATION ALUMINIUM MATERIAL STORAGE BINS
Die-Sep mould separators & tippers improve tool room efficiency because they:
Off the shelf or made to order with very competitive pricing!
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hammers to open and close moulds • Eliminate jamming of leader pins and bushings • Eliminate damage to parting line and mold • Eliminate repetitive injury to wrists, elbows, shoulders and back • Increase safety, efficiency and morale!
Standard sizes available: 80l, 200l, 420l, 830l. Contact us today on 01827 265800 or visit www.summitsystems.co.uk Prices start from £428 10% reduction with offer code:
BPR18
Exhibiting at Interplas on stand DD10 Hall 3A
T: 01.262.767.9751 E: sales@diesep.com www.diesep.com
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN: 01244 952519 64
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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
BP&R BUYER’S GUIDE MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT second hand & re-conditioned
BUSINESS FOR SALE
TESTING EQUIPMENT Gammadot Rheology Testing & Consultancy Services
Buying, Selling, Merging? Whatever your business needs, Richmond Capital Partners are the industry experts with a proven track record of guiding acquirers or sellers through the process of buying, selling and merging. Contact Paul Holohan in complete confidence on 07798 530684
Refurbished machines with fault and leak free guarantee. We buy & sell all manner of plasscs equipment. Visit our workshop in Wellingborough, Northants. 01933 272747
sales@stvmachinery.co.uk www.stvmachinery.co.uk
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‘USED INJECTION MOULDING MACHINERY DEALERS’
Single Machines to whole plants purchased Tel: David 07540 633552 info@plasticinvestments.co.uk www.plasticinvestments.co.uk
Ultrasonic Plastic Welders New & Used
Tel; 07730 413197 Tel; 01258 459257
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MAPRA Technik Co — BAREISS
INSPECTION & MEASUREMENT
For Sale & Wanted Sonotrodes (Horns) all Frequencies Fixtures, Repairs, Service, Parts Sub-Contract Welding, Hire & Consultancy
HARDNESS - IRHD AND SHORE For Bareiss of Germany IRHD & SHORE hardness testers, Abrasion & Rebound testers. T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk
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TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952519
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952519
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952519
MAPRA Technik Co – DOSS
MARCEL AUBERT – KAFER
For DOSS visual solution of Italy –Inspection & sorting machines for O’rings, Seals, Gaskets. T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk
SERVICES TESTING/CONSULTANCY
TRAINING
PRINTERS PRINTERS OF PLASTIC MOULDINGS Total Print Ltd
Specialist Pad Printers Station Road, Gedney Hill, Lincolnshire PE12 0NP T: 01406 330122 F: 01406 330123 E: info@totalprintltd.com W: www.totalprintltd.com Sub-Contract Pad Printers to the Plastics Industry
COMPONENT PRINTERS MONITORING
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SOFTWARE
Improve OEE Reduce downtime Increase throughput Reduce scrap
TAMPO.SCREEN.FOIL
Contour Marking Co Ltd Albert house, Gledrid Industrial Park, Chirk ,Wrexham, LL14 5DG T: 01691 770093 F: 01691 770023 Sub Contract Tampo, Screen & Foil Printing to the plastic moulding industry E: sales@contourmarking.com W: www.contourmarking.com
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952519
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TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN: 01244 952519 www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk
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NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
IN THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF HIS EXCLUSIVE COLUMN FOR BP&R, DIRECTORGENERAL OF THE BPF, PHILIP LAW DISCUSSES HOW THE BPF IS ASSISTING COMPANIES TO RECRUIT TECHNICALLY COMPETENT STAFF, AND WHY WE SHOULD ALL READ BILL GATES’S NEW BOOK ON CLIMATE DISASTER.
I
t seems as if the words ‘summer’ and ‘holidays’ have become disassociated. To almost ram the point home the government is publishing consultations on future legislation left right and centre, all requiring responses in pretty short order. The BPF has responded to 21 of these so far this year! The latest relate to the tax to be levied on plastics packaging which still requires final definition in its detail. The large number of points still open was revealed in a BPF webinar in which HMRC staff fielded a vast array of questions from our membership concerning issues ranging from which precise products are in scope to the legislation to the verification of the incorporation of recyclate. We had 171 attendees and it enabled us to put together an Answers to Frequently Asked Questions document accessible on the BPF website. (www.bpf.co.uk/packagingtax) We are also currently responding to an initial consultation on the prospective government trade deal with India, working to establish the industry’s ‘offensive’ and ‘defensive’ positions, in other words, and putting it crudely, what we want to export to India and what we don’t want to see imported from India. We have an important meeting with civil servants in the Department of International Trade in early September to explain to them the standards which support many of our markets in the UK, the UK REACH arrangements, and the financial liabilities of importers in the face of Extended Producer Liability and the Packaging Tax. Companies are finding it difficult to recruit technically competent staff, particularly engineers, in fact in one of our more recent surveys some 42 per cent of respondents said they were experiencing difficulties in finding new staff. This issue has become more pointed as the industry scrambles to recover from the lockdowns of the previous year. To assist in this matter the BPF has launched www.Polymerjobs.co.uk a new website that lists available positions within the industry. It specialises in jobs, such as toolmakers, shift engineers, sales managers, project engineers, technicians, and many
other roles critical to the industry. Companies are invited to submit their jobs to be posted on the site by filling out a form which asks for the key details about the role, a service that is initially free to BPF member firms. It has the strong backing of the BPF’s Education and Skills Committee. Allied to this, BPF originated a new careers video which you can view on www.bpf.co.uk/ careersvideo . This was also supported by the Worshipful Company of Horners. It’s an impressive statement of the case for working in the plastics industry and how it can lead to an international career, as it has for so many people I have known through the BPF. We hope to display it at Interplas and member firms are at liberty to use it in their interview processes. It portrays the industry in the way WE know it – dynamic, innovative, problem solving, international and a key defence against climate change. For any follow-up on this please contact my colleague Mo Elkhalifa at melkhalifa@bpf.co.uk I’ve just finished reading Bill Gates’s book, ‘How to Avoid a Climate Disaster’ and I recommend every executive in our industry to read it. It’s not just very readable but it’s very clear in its exposition of available technologies to mitigate the effects of climate change. To be honest he doesn’t answer the question he asked, basically concluding that a lot of R&D is required but as a motivator for each and everyone of us to take some responsibility and do our bit, it’s second to none. We need to eliminate the 51 billion tonnes of Greenhouse Gas emitted from the earth each year yet the last year’s dramatic reduction in motor vehicle and aircraft transport, through lockdowns, made only a marginal impression on this. Now that is a wake-up call! He also says some good, quotable things about plastics, which he describes as ‘an amazing material’ and plays due credit to its energy savings in product use. Interplas of course is looming and I wish it great success. I am personally looking forward to seeing industry contacts, old and new, there, and to explore the opportunities of the future, this ‘brave new world’, with them.
It’s an impressive statement of the case for working in the plastics industry and how it can lead to an international career, as it has for so many people I have known through the BPF.
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NEW
Injection Moulding Machines from 30T – 8000T
YIZUMI A5-EU SERIES
STAND GG10
REVISE YOUR EXSPECTATIONS. These machines simply re-write the class/specification rule book: • Wider tie bar spacing • Increased platen size • Longer opening stroke • Mould cooling piped to the platens • Extended guarding to accommodate robotics • Dosing signal as standard • Greater choice of injection units • Plus more NOW WITH A 3 YEAR GUARANTEE
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...and at STV, we’re engineers who speak your language. Call us for a chat on 01933 27 27 47 or find out more at www.stvmachinery.co.uk