BP&R September 2020 by BP&R Magazine

British Plastics

and Rubber

bp&r sept 2020

Plastribution launches elastomers business PUTTING UP A DEFENCE How an entrepreneurial mindset took â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lightbulb momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to mass production of a new plastic product

A HEAD START The collaboration that produced a sophisticated thermoformed plastic head box to help prevent disease transmission

ON A ROLL(OE) How a student designer created a roll-off emissions wheel for bicycles using creativity with plastics

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editor’s letter

enter the

www.britishplastics.co.uk head of content: Leanne Taylor

entrepreneurs We’ve covered the ways in which companies re-engineered their production lines to produce PPE, sanitiser and other vital equipment, As well as the industry-wide collaborations spanning countries and counties to design, develop and produce equipment and technology

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ver the last few months, the pages of BP&R have been full of the ways in which the plastics industry has proven both indispensable and innovative in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. We’ve covered the ways in which companies reengineered their production lines to produce PPE, sanitiser and other vital equipment, as well as the industrywide collaborations spanning countries and counties to design, develop and produce equipment and technology in record time. Yet, what struck me when I interviewed Mike Jordan recently, the Managing Director of Summit Systems, was the entrepreneurial mindset that took his unique new idea for protective screens from ‘lightbulb moment’ to fully fledged spin-out company in just a few short weeks. His idea for protective screens, that can be installed with a unique magnetic ‘click-release’ system (meaning they can be installed quickly and configured to suit any setting), came to Jordan as lockdowns started to ease and schools, offices and restaurants – as well as other public settings – scrambled to source the much sought after traditional protective screens that were in short supply. By using his years of plastics industry knowledge, he came up with an idea for a product range using flexible materials that is flying off the shelves. It’s a true example of quick thinking, innovation and the versatility of plastics – and you can read the full story on page 30.

Jordan, however, isn’t the only inspiring entrepreneur to feature in this issue. I also had the pleasure of hearing from Kristen Tapping, the winner of the 2020 Design Innovation in Plastics (DIP) Award. Her ‘Rolloe’ bicycle emissions wheel impressed judges as “a perfect example of a product addressing a modern day problem”. It’s not just Tapping’s design that impresses, however. As a young designer, with a creative mind, excellent presentation skills and a clear appreciation of plastics – she’s certainly one to watch in the future. You can read her interview on page 15. Enjoy the issue, Leanne Taylor, EDITOR AND head of content

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the big story

W WHEN THE RECENT PANDEMIC HIT AND TURNED BUSINESSAS-USUAL UPSIDE DOWN, THERMOPLASTICS DISTRIBUTOR, PLASTRIBUTION, USED THE TIME TO WORK ON A LONG-HELD PLAN TO ‘STRETCH’ ITS PORTFOLIO – ADDING A COMPLEMENTARY BUSINESS IN SPECIALITY ELASTOMERS. IN THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE, BP&R FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT ELASTRIBUTION, ITS AIMS AND AMBITIONS.

s the business community at large seeks to recover from the impact and implications of Covid-19, leading materials distributor, Plastribution, has been busy adding a new business unit to its existing thermoplastics team. Known as Elastribution, the initiative will focus on elastomeric materials. With its own dedicated branding and personnel, Elastribution will apply the same core skills in sourcing, supply chain management, customer service and technical support as the existing thermoplastics business. “Whilst the pandemic and lockdown has been tough, we’ve tried to remain pragmatic and use the time positively to maintain momentum. Forming Elastribution has been on the radar for a while, so it seemed that now was the right time to launch. The business is a natural progression to expand the range of products we offer, as well as providing a good fit with our existing business model,” explained Plastribution’s Managing Director, Mike Boswell. IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE For the new venture to be successful it was essential to find the right person with the experience and approach to deliver the exceptional technical and commercial support expected of a Plastribution company - in March 2019, the company appointed Henry Hudson (pictured left). With over 40 years’ experience in the rubber and plastics industry and qualifications in polymer technology and management, Henry’s background includes product development, manufacturing and senior roles in technical, quality control, account management and both polymer and additive distribution. “We had known of Henry through our thermoplastics business and knew him to be held in the highest regard by both customers and suppliers alike. He has vast experience in the sector but also has an exemplary reputation for his knowledge, professionalism and customer focus. We were absolutely delighted that he agreed to join the Plastribution team,” said Katherine White, Plastribution’s Commercial Director. Henry’s specialist knowledge includes injection and compression rubber moulding, compounding and processing, rubber to metal bonding and the automotive industry. His role will be bolstered by existing members of the

Plastribution team, providing expertise in supply chain and customer service. KEY RELATIONSHIPS The Elastribution business has built on key relationships with existing thermoplastics suppliers, as well as developing new ones, thereby allowing closer collaboration with strategic partners. The product portfolio consists of synthetic rubbers to include NBR, IIR, SBR and IR from Sibur - the largest petrochemicals company in Russia. Bromobutyl rubbers and Chlorobutyl rubbers will be added to the range soon. Target market sectors include rubber products and compounding for automotive, wire and cable, hoses, gaskets, construction, adhesives and sealants, footwear, PVC modification, masterbatches and recycling. Elastribution’s portfolio also includes plastomers and elastomers from Borealis, a partner on the Queo range since 2012, when the business was purchased from Dex Plastomers - a DSM and ExxonMobil joint venture. Products are focused on application areas demanding flexibility, high mechanical strength, sealing performance and high clarity. Target markets include specialised flexible and rigid high-performance packaging, soft flexible mouldings and speciality compounds for the wire and cable, as well as automotive industries. Products will be stored at Stan Robinson’s in Stafford, an existing key service provider to Plastribution’s thermoplastics business. With an excellent track record for reliability, proven by an OTIF (on time in full) rate of over 99 per cent, the standard service of next day delivery for orders placed by 2pm will apply. The warehouse can offer differing packaging formats and a wide fleet of vehicles to cater for specific customer needs. By providing technical support and know-how, alongside cost-effective solutions, Elastribution will focus on creating added value for customers. “We are delighted to launch Elastribution and have ambitious targets for the new business unit. By having someone of Henry’s calibre overseeing its progress, I am confident that we are well placed to create some powerful relationships in our key target markets,” concluded Mike Boswell. www.elastribution.co.uk

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30 FEATURE

When the recent pandemic hit and turned business-as-usual upside down, thermoplastics distributor, Plastribution, used the time to work on a long-held plan to ‘stretch’ its portfolio – adding a complementary business in speciality elastomers. BP&R finds out more about Elastribution, its aims and ambitions. See page 4

When the Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure of schools, offices, hospitality outlets and more besides, Summit Systems’ Managing Director, Mike Jordan, used his entrepreneurial mindset to develop an innovative solution to ensure everyone could ensure safe distancing when returning to social settings. Leanne Taylor spoke with Mike Jordan about the newlyformed ‘Summit Defence’.

Stretching out

3 EDITOR’S LETTER 24 FEATURE

RECOUP: Three years to three decades

Initially starting out as a plastics recycling project scheduled for three years, RECOUP has become a fully-fledged operation now entering its third decade. BP&R celebrates 30 years of the organisation and hears from some of the collaborators that have helped it become the success story it is today.

Putting up a defence

34 Feature A Head Start

When a thermoforming entrepreneur and medical expert discussed an idea for a protective box to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 and other contagious disease, it was the start of a project to produce a novel plastic product that will help save lives. BP&R looks at how the idea came to fruition.

39 Feature

“There are definitely plentiful opportunities in Materials Science”

In the first of our new 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 an extract from WIP’s conversation with Dr Pamela Martin, Materials Scientist at Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC) and winner of the 2019 Sparks-Thomas Award, on her ground breaking work in the rubber industry.

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Regulars and Features 09 INDUSTRY NEWS 17 injection moulding 21 reclamation & recycling 29 film & sheet 33 thermoforming 37 RUBBER 41 POLYMERMAN 43 MACHINERY 47 MATERIALS 50 SOFTWARE GUIDE 51 BUYERS’ GUIDE 54 NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE

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INDUSTRY | NEWS evian introduces new label-free bottle

Vital Parts Pledges £1m investment in growth, employment and technology over the next 12 months

evian has revealed a new bottle with an engraved logo, as the brand looks at innovative ways to reduce its use of virgin plastic. Almost two years in the making, the bottle is a first of its kind for the brand; created from 100 per cent recycled plastic, excluding the cap, without the need for any label. The new bottle is a key milestone in evian’s journey to becoming a ‘fully circular’ brand by 2025.

SABIC Europe awards Abbey Logistics plastics distribution contract Abbey Logistics has secured a bulk polymer distribution contract with Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) Europe. The contract will see Abbey providing bulk polymer granule distribution services throughout the UK, using its large fleet of speciality tipping silo road tankers. “All of us at Abbey are excited to begin this contract with SABIC and work together to drive service and flexibility improvements and identify ways to optimise the operations under our management,” said Abbey Logistics’ Business Development Director, Mike Ellis. “This contract is another major milestone for Abbey, establishing us as one of the largest bulk tanker distributors in the polymers sector and indicative of Abbey’s strategic commitment to growing our footprint in the polymers sector.” stics Abbey Logi with rk o w l wil rope Eu SABIC

Kent-based Vital Parts has pledged its commitment to a large investment in local careers, growth, and operational technology following seven years of expansion. The manufacturer of plastic, rubber, and metal components confirmed the spend would be targeted at greatly improving stock holding on top-selling product lines; funding team development activities to improve interpersonal skills between departments; investing in continued professional development structures for existing staff; and investing in new organisational technologies to increase internal efficiency. Commenting, Managing Director, Mike Holt said: “We want to shine a spotlight on the exciting opportunities available for members

Vital Parts is investing in developing its staff, such as Stock Controller, Harry

of staff to excel by working towards long-term career development, rather than just a ‘job.’” On the importance of investing in new technology for stock holding, he added: “With thousands of unique products, it has always been a challenge to manage stock levels; however, we’re always trying to improve our service for customers and one way we can do this is by increasing the quantity we keep in stock with a 100 per cent increase predicted by the end of 2020. Alongside this we will be investing over £100,000 into a fully comprehensive order management system, which will revolutionise the way we operate.”

Polymer Study Tours postponed to 2021 Organisers of the Polymer Study Tours have announced the postponement of the 2020 edition to 2021. The Tours, which are organised by the Worshipful Company of Horners’ Educational Trust in conjunction with the IOM3 and the BPF, provide a free course to teachers about the benefits of plastics. Since they were started 33 years ago, the Tours have seen more than 3,000 teachers take advantage of the opportunity to attend the course, which gives delegates the opportunity to enhance

their knowledge of plastics and rubber technology and provides sources of material relevant to the modern curriculum. Ordinarily taught from a base of one of three UK universities during the school summer holidays, organisers were hoping the 2020 edition would expand on last year’s programme, which saw some aspects of the course taught from plastics processing facilities. However, in the current climate, organisers say they have decided that to deliver the Tours at all this year is unfeasible.

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Teachers attending a previous Polymer Study Tour

Commenting, Robin Kent from the Worshipful Company of Horners said: “The organisers have reluctantly decided that the 2020 Tours will be postponed and resumed in 2021 with a larger number of factorybased tours across the UK.” 9

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UK’s first cheese packaging recycling scheme is launched

Lotus Cars to establish a new advanced technology centre in Wellesbourne

Cathedral City has partnered with TerraCycle to launch the industry’s first recycling scheme for flexible film cheese packaging. The ‘Cheese Packaging Recycling Programme’ is a new, nationwide recycling scheme that will enable consumers to recycle all types of flexible film cheese packaging, from any brand. As with other Terracycle initiatives for hard-torecycle packaging, drop-off points will be available for people to deposit their packaging across the UK, where it will later be sent to the recycling company to process and transform into new items, such as outdoor furniture or waste bins.

Lotus Cars is to establish a dedicated and specialist advanced technology centre, which will also be home to a new headquarters for the company’s engineering consultancy. Located on the University of Warwick’s Wellesbourne Campus, the new facility is established in partnership with WMG at the University of Warwick. Initially, 130 engineers will move in, complementing the 500-strong engineering team at the home of Lotus Cars in Hethel, Norfolk. Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars, commented: “Wellesbourne offers an excellent facility, with plenty of expansion potential, and will be the perfect home for our new advanced technology centre. Our engineering and R&D strategy around advanced propulsion systems is lock-in-step with the Government’s vision and broader global ambitions for a low-carbon automotive future.

“We look forward to working in collaboration with Government and with our new campus neighbours on this future. Having research partners at the University and WMG will bring significant benefits, as will the Midlands location, which is both very accessible and home to a rich pool of automotive talent.” Nadhim Zahawi MP, the UK Government’s Business and Industry Minister, added: “The West Midlands has long been the beating heart of the UK’s automotive and engineering industries, and this announcement is further evidence that this proud history will continue. Lotus’ new advanced technology centre will secure over 100 highly-skilled jobs in Warwickshire, support a strong economic recovery across the region and drive forward the low carbon, electric technologies of the future.”

An artist’s impression of the new Lotus technology centre What More UK’s latest export deal “shows importance of manufacturing sector” Plastic housewares manufacturer, What More UK, has reached a milestone 74th export destination, recently adding Costa Rica to the list of countries it sells into. Despite the global Coronavirus pandemic, What More UK managed to secure the deal with Costa Rica, which has a GPD of over $95 billion and one of the strongest economies in Latin America.

What More hopes its goods will help the country achieve its environmental targets, owing to the reusable nature of many of their products to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. The East Lancashirebased manufacturer says the latest export deal “highlights the importance of the manufacturing sector” to the UK economy. Explaining, Company Director, Tony Grimshaw, said: “People perceive made in Britain as made of top quality, and they’re right about that. As a country we have high standards. Export is a great way for companies to increase their customer base and in the current market conditions it could provide a lifeline for many organisations.” The WhatMore UK team celebrate the firm’s latest export destination

Plastics industry veterans to retire from PCN Two long-standing members of the plastics community have announced they are to retire from the UK-based Plastics Consultancy Network (PCN). Tony Green from TG Associates and Chris Parry from Rosewood Associates have amassed 85 years in the polymer industry between them, forging their own successful careers before taking

positions as consultants with the PCN. Green, who will formally finish at the end of June 2021, will hand over his position as the UK and Ireland agent for MTI Mixers Germany to Steve Plum of Plastic Processing Systems Limited (PPS). Parry, who retires at the end of August 2020, leaves his position as lead consultant for, and founder of, Rosewood

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Tony Green (left) and Chris Parry

Associates. Commenting on the retirements, Pravin Mistry, PCN consultant said: “On behalf of the PCN we wish Tony and Chris all the best in their next chapter of life.”

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FEATURE

A AFTER ENTERING THIS YEAR’S DESIGN INNOVATION IN PLASTICS COMPETITION, KRISTEN TAPPING A THIRD-YEAR PRODUCT DESIGN STUDENT FROM LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY, SCOOPED FIRST PLACE AFTER SHE CREATED THE ‘ROLLOE – ROLL OFF EMISSIONS WHEEL’ – A PRODUCT THAT ATTEMPTS TO TACKLE ONE OF THE MOST PRESSING PROBLEMS OF THE MODERN URBAN AGE. LEANNE TAYLOR SPOKE TO HER ABOUT PRODUCT, HER PLANS AND WORKING WITH PLASTICS.

LT: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT AND WHAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF ABOUT IT. KT: Rolloe is a bicycle wheel that aims to reduce pollution by using the wheel’s inherent motion to capture pollutants such as particulate matter, CO2, and noxious gases. The wheel uses fins to create a vacuum that forces polluted air through a set of reusable filters and expels it back out cleaner of pollutants. The filtration happens at the prime source of air pollution, leading Rolloe to catch pollutants before they flow away. Rolloe is initially targeted at bike-for-hire schemes and would extend to the commuting bicycle market after. Tracked air purifying achievements would be relayed to users and shareable via social media networks for exposure and rewards such as discounts in local commerce. I am excited that the product allows people to take part in improving air pollution in their city without any additional time, or money, required.

LT: PRIOR TO THIS COMPETITION, HAD YOU DONE MUCH WORK WITH POLYMERS OR PLASTICS AS PART OF YOUR COURSE? KT: Yes, in our Product Design course we sometimes are assigned briefs where the use of plastics is mandatory in order for us to understand the pros and cons, various types, manufacturing techniques of plastics and so on. At the university we have an extensive database of all kinds of plastics which are filtered down based on characteristics needed, such as weight, compression strength, etc. LT: DO YOU THINK THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY OFFERS EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG GRADUATES, AND ARE YOU CONSIDERING A CAREER IN PLASTICS DESIGN? KT: Absolutely. Plastics allow you so much design freedom and ability to create lightweight solutions that it offers many product design avenues. I think any design or engineering job will expect you to understand the various types of plastics, which should be used in what context, the various manufacturing processes, and how structures will impact manufacturing costs. There is also a big world emerging in bioplastics, which will no doubt continue to grow and need talented young graduates to join. Personally, I will keep studying the world of plastics to easily pick the most appropriate one per project, however, I will do the same in other categories of materials such as glass, metals, natural, etc. LT: YOUR DESIGN SHOWCASES INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABILITY, DO YOU THINK THIS WILL CHANGE PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVES OF PLASTICS, IN THE SENSE THAT IN THE RIGHT CONTEXT AND APPLICATION, THEY CAN BE BENEFICIAL TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION? KT: Absolutely. Plastic gets a bad reputation at times, but many people don’t [continued over]

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realise, for example, that it drastically lowers CO2 emissions during transport due to its light weight. I think developing an in-depth understanding of plastics allows you to decide when plastic is the right material for the application and how to build easily recyclable parts that leave less footprint on the environment. There are products where plastic is really the only viable solution you can use. In my design for example, if I went with a steel route it would be too heavy, titanium or magnesium would be too expensive, aluminium wouldn’t be strong enough, a natural composite would biodegrade (as it is in an outdoor environment), wood would be too heavy and have many design restrictions, glass would break, etc. In addition, using plastic for my product is easily recyclable therefore I can build a closed circular lifecycle around it. LT: WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE DESIGN PROCESS? KT: The hardest part of the process was the many design restrictions that come with a bike wheel - crosswind, weight, fits within a narrow bike frame, can handle heavy loads, and isn’t too expensive. Then I had to do lots of prototyping to figure out how to get air in and out using the wheel’s rotation without affecting the bike’s balance. I think one of the hardest things as well is not giving up on an idea even though you face many obstacles and people may tell you it’s not possible. LT: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM ENTERING THE COMPETITION? KT: I have learnt that there are many families of plastics that serve different purposes, design restrictions when it comes to manufacturing, and how reinforcing plastic with fibres can affect recyclability. The competition is quite tough as the brief is broad and lots of great competing entries...I didn’t even reach finals last year.

Plastics allow you so much design freedom and ability to create lightweight solutions that it offers many product design avenues. I think any design or engineering job will expect you to understand the various types of plastics, which should be used in what context, the various manufacturing processes, and how structures will impact manufacturing costs. LT: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU? KT: Well graduating during Covid is interesting! The job market is as tough as ever, so I am taking this time to focus on developing Rolloe through prototyping and validating the concept. I thankfully have the help of LSBU as well as DIP and Covestro to help along the way. If the product proves to have commercial viability and prototyping/testing results prove that it works, then I will look at commercialising the product. I did put forward Rolloe to the James Dyson Award and The Rapid Challenge as well as enterprise schemes with Royal Academy of Engineers and LSBU. Coming up I have a placement with PDD Innovation (which was my winner’s prize through DIP), that I am very much looking forward to. In addition, I have a couple of freelance projects I am working on for innovators who approached me to help them develop their concepts.

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INJECTION MOULDING | NEWS BOY to launch insert moulding machine with increased clamping force BOY is to offer a new version of its insert moulding machine with an increased clamping force of 600Kn. The BOY 60 EVV machine, which will be available at the end of 2020, will take over the previous 550Kn model to become BOY’s largest vertical injection moulding machine. “The increased clamping force is initially only available for the BOY 60 EVV with injection unit SP 215 (maximum stroke volume of 166.3 cm3)” explained Martin Kaiser, Head of Mechanical Design at BOY. BOY’s three smaller injection units – SP 56, SP 69 and SP 82 – will also be available for this model, according to Kaiser. Overmoulding of insert components of different sizes is easily possible with a total of eight different screw diameters, he added. The four-tie bar BOY 60 E VV offers a table height of 975 mm and access to the mould from all four sides. It also features dimensions of 3.21 m² and plenty of space on the rear machine frame for peripheral devices and accessory equipment, which BOY says offers a wide range of integration options for automation devices. An energy-efficient servo drive and the high-end control ‘Procan ALPHA’ are also offered as standard on the BOY 60 E VV. The BOYEconPlast plasticizing unit is available as an option starting from a screw diameter of 18 mm.

Talisman Plastics teams up with Intouch to deliver NHS equipment amidst Covid-19 Talisman Plastics has implemented Intouch’s i4 Cloud software in all of its 27 injection setting machines, helping the company to successfully meet the increased demand for medical products during the Covid-19 pandemic. The company is a key provider of secure seals to the NHS, with two of Talisman’s 27 machines producing the vital equipment. The application of Intouch’s system meant that Talisman could recently switch their machinery to 24/7 operation, facilitating the production of over 350,000 units a week. Intouch i4 Cloud allows Talisman to leave the machines completely

unmanned during the 48 hours of the weekend, increasing production whilst keeping its staff safe. Ewelina Skalska, Production Manager at Talisman Plastics, said: “Our efficiency target with producing NHS equipment is 95 per cent, and because we are able to react quickly to any issues causing downtime through the InTouch alert system, the target has been generally matched and even surpassed. “Intouch’s detailed reporting times can provide elapsed time on each run of products and an ETA on when the injection setting will be complete, and whether the machine is

Ewelina Skalska, Talisman Plastics

running ahead or behind schedule.” The addition of Intouch to the Talisman shop floor means that the company can react to any stoppages almost immediately. The software works remotely, meaning that their injection setters can quickly attend to any fault causing a machine

stoppage. Skalska concluded: “Intouch will report the nature of the stoppage so that in our weekly status meetings we can see what needs fixing, whether it’s a tooling problem, being tight on resource or - if there’s a consistent machine fault - then we can look into swiftly getting it fixed.”

Machine order increase during corona crisis for Sumitomo (SHI) Demag In comparison to the first half of 2019, injection moulding machine manufacturer, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, is ending the first half of 2020 with “a healthy order book”. During the first six months of the year, the value of incoming orders for machines produced in Germany rose by almost 25 per cent. CEO Gerd Liebig believes the growth is predominantly due to orders placed by the packaging and medical technology sectors. “Our intentional strategic focus on these two growth markets over the past few years has placed us in a stronger position, helping us to survive during these difficult times with a

strong order increase. “To cope with the increase in orders, we are utilising all available resources and increasing production capacities in our IntElect series considerably.” As with the entire plastics industry, demand from the automotive industry has slumped sharply for the manufacturer. The company says due to the tense situation on the labour market and the declining propensity of consumers to buy, the company anticipates a lower inclination among moulders to invest. In contrast, the packaging and medical segments are developing very positively this year, and demand for all-electric

Gerd Liebig, third from right, with members of the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag team

machines is also rising sharply. As a result of stable sales, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag expects to report a year-on-year 17 per cent increase in overall incoming orders for 2020. “Our plant in Wiehe is operating at full capacity and, from

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November 2020, we will be producing all-electric small machines at the historic high cycle. The strategic focus on this series is now paying off in full: By the second half of 2020, we will double our production capacity once again in order to meet demand,” Liebig concluded.

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FEATURE

A AFTER IT EMPLOYED ALL ITS EXPERTISE IN AVIATION, MEDICAL AND AUTOMOTIVE THERMOPLASTICS FOR THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF CLINICAL GRADE PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE) DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, INJECTION MOULDER, DENROY PLASTICS, HAS NOW TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH A NEW BRAND BASED ON ITS EXPERIENCE IN PPE PRODUCTION. BP&R FINDS OUT MORE.

celebrating 180 years

PROficiency in PPE N

orthern Ireland-based injection moulder, Denroy Plastics, has utilised its skills in the production of thermoplastic products to produce vital clinical grade personal protection equipment (PPE) to protect frontline medical staff from Covid-19. At its manufacturing facility in Co. Down, the firm has become a core project partner for the ‘HeroSheild’ visor scheme and, thanks to designing and developing its own tooling, has produced over one million of the recyclable units in house. Manufactured from polypropylene and PETG sheet, it is a light, clear, antifog visor which protects the whole face, including the eyes. The HeroShield is a CE certified product to BS EN166:2001. Now, having invested in and expanded its capabilities to produce such equipment, Denroy Plastics has established its first ever own-brand, called ‘Denpro’, to continue manufacturing PPE products. Managing Director, John Irwin, explained: “Denpro is our first proprietary brand. For almost 50 years we have used our innovation skills in high-tech, critical polymer components for the aerospace, medical, automotive and defence industries and for our sister company, Denman, who produce iconic hairbrushes. We will utilise these established technical abilities to manufacture a range of PPE products under the Denpro brand, available to everyone.” EXPANDING THE RANGE Alongside the Hero Shield, Denory Plastics is also producing a second product in the Denpro collection, called the Bubl mask. Irwin continued: “The Denpro Bubl mask is a recyclable, clear TPE, sterilisable mask with changeable filters with the target market being the general public. The clarity of the mask makes it ideal for those with impaired hearing as it allows for lip reading. We have designed it to be one size fits all, with adjustable elastic straps creating a seal around the face and allowing the Bubl mask to be certified as Type II BS EN14683:2019 .” STRATEGY TO INCREASE MACHINE FLEET Prior to these developments, Denroy already had a strategy to replace existing moulding machinery with new ones that were more energy efficient and technologically advanced. Currently running Engel machines ranging between 50 – 900 tonnes, part of its existing upgrade plans saw it have a 600 duo machine on order. However, in order to meet the demand for the new PPE products, Denroy has also invested in three more Engel tie-bar-less injection moulding machines. At 80, 120 and 160 tonnes, the standard machines are being supplied with fully integrated Engel Viper 6 robots, under Engel’s Fast Track quick

delivery system, which will ensure that Denroy is rapidly manufacturing in the quantities it needs. PLASTICS PROTECT Reflecting on the changes in the business over the last few months, Irwin highlighted the importance of plastics in protecting frontline staff and key workers. “Without plastics, the medical response to Covid-19 would have been very different and the situation may have been a lot worse. Plastics enabled protection to be provided very rapidly,” he explained. “It continues to be extremely valuable, but now the requirements of organisations like the NHS have become more demanding. Recyclability and the reusability of high-quality products have, rightly, become important as the immediate pressure has lessened. In addition, there is a drive for selfsufficiency in the manufacturing of these products within the UK. Denroy is rising to this challenge. It has been crucial to us to not only source our injection moulding machines rapidly, but also to be assured of their efficiency, economy and service support. Engel continues to be Denroy’s valued partner in this regard.” Commenting on the project, Managing Director of Engel UK, Nigel Baker, said: “The machine delivery and technical competence were very important in this project. The Denroy team were focused, professional and knew exactly what they wanted from a supplier.” Denroy is now anticipating that as the number of contracts for the provision of its products increases, it may be creating a significant number of employment opportunities at its Bangor site.

It has been crucial to us to not only source our injection moulding machines rapidly, but also to be assured of their efficiency, economy and service support. Engel continues to be Denroy’s valued partner in this regard.

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reclamation & Recycling | News SABIC and Magnum develop a sustainable summer treat Consumers across Europe can now enjoy a more sustainable summer treat, as ice cream brand Magnum expands the availability of its recycled plastic tubs. Following successful trials in Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands last year, the tubs, which are made using SABIC’s certified ‘Trucircle’ circular polypropylene, have been fully rolled out across all European countries ahead of a global rollout in 2021. The new Magnum tubs have been developed in close collaboration between brand owner, Unilever, and SABIC. They use a new polypropylene impact copolymer for frozen

The recycled plastic tubs

food packaging, which uses post-consumer mixed plastic as feedstock broken down into molecular building blocks to create the virgin plastics used to create the tubs. Mark Vester, Circular Economy Leader at SABIC, said: “Magnum tubs display a great collaborative effort between Unilever and SABIC, a true collaboration and innovation which drives positive change towards closing the loop on valuable, used plastics.” By end of 2020, Magnum will use an estimated 160,000 kilograms of certified recycled plastic material.

Portsmouth University to receive million pound funding for plastics recycling research Pioneering research from the University of Portsmouth that aims to find a solution to the global plastic pollution crisis is to share in £15.9million of investment from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The Solent LEP will use the Government’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ allocation to finance the expansion of the University’s Centre for Enzyme Innovation (CEI),

which takes enzymes from the natural environment and adapts them in the laboratory to recycle and reuse some of our most polluting plastics. The CEI will receive £1m investment from the Solent LEP. The CEI Expansion Industrial Engagement Hub project will almost double the current size of the CEI and create three new specialist laboratories, to bridge the gap between the current research capabilities and what this technology needs to develop into in order to be adopted by industry. In addition, the Industrial Engagement Hub will be a space for interaction between researchers and

industry collaborators and become a testbed for growing local and national partnerships. CEI Operations Director, Professor Andy Pickford said: “The scale and urgency of the plastic pollution problem is a global issue. We require a step-change in recycling science and technologies to solve this problem and the CEI is key to delivering this transformation. This crucial funding will allow us to enhance our stateof-the-art facilities and world-leading expertise to not only drive forward scientific breakthroughs, but also provide the capacity and capability for translating that new knowledge into realworld solutions.”

Work commences on Department for Transport’s first waste plastic highway Waste plastic roads company, MacRebur, is working with Cumbria County Council to lay the UK’s first waste plastic highway in Carlisle. The project is part of the ADEPT SMART Places Live Labs Programme, a £22.9 million initiative funded by the Department for Transport. The project will recycle the equivalent of approximately 238,958 single-use plastic bags that would otherwise have gone to incineration or landfill and will cover a combined area of 3079m2 in what is a first for the UK’s highway network. The waste plastic is processed, granulated, and combined with asphalt for use in road construction and surfacing to extend and enhance the binding properties of the bitumen. Located on Lowther Street in the centre of Carlisle, the new road will look exactly the same as regular asphalt but, because it contains plastic, it will be more flexible. This means it can cope better with contraction and expansion caused by changes in the weather, reducing cracks and potholes. Replacing part of the bitumen normally

used to produce asphalt with granulated waste plastic, MacRebur’s roads also require less fossil fuel, therefore reducing carbon emissions. Toby McCartney, CEO at MacRebur, said of the project: “After first starting trials in January 2019, it is brilliant to see the first waste plastic highway take form in Carlisle. “Implementing waste plastic roads across the country would provide a real opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of road construction. With ministers planning to spend over £27 billion on road building over the next five years, it’s so important to make sure that construction is as environmentally-friendly as possible by decreasing carbon emissions and fossil fuels.” The road follows months of extensive trials in Cumbria taking place as part of the ADEPT SMART Places Live Labs programme, which invests in trialling the sustainability and suitability of using plastic waste additives in highway construction. Allocated £1.6 million, Cumbria is one of eight projects selected to carry out real world tests using new highways technology and methods on local roads.

Installation of a MacRebur plastic road (Image: MacRebur)

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YorkshireBased plastics firm invests £750K into new recycling facility Bright Green Plastics has invested £750,000 into the development of a new plastics sorting plant at its Castleford site in West Yorkshire. The new sorting plant will enable the firm to take bales of mixed plastics and 3D materials collected from the kerbside and sort them by polymer type and colour, as well as sift out metals, paper and other residual waste. The three-figure investment, which covers purchase of the plant, civil engineering and installation costs, will allow Bright Green Plastics to buy material from the wider market and eliminate reliance on purchasing presorted bales from other processors. The new Castleford plant is phase one of

Coca-Cola European Partners invests in recycling start-up in move away from virgin oil-based PET

Bright Green Plastic’s long-term investment plan, where the business is set to further upgrade equipment to keep up with the demand for recycling services in line with the introduction of the UK plastic tax in 2022. Steve Spencer, Managing Director, said: “This investment will reduce the core costs within our business, however, we are also excited by the fact it will create more jobs whilst boosting the UK plastic reprocessing industry – which has been badly

Recycling Technologies and INEOS Styrolution to advance polystyrene recycling Swindon-based Recycling Technologies has announced the signing of a joint development agreement (JDA) with INEOS Styrolution to advance the recycling of polystyrene in Europe. It will see Recycling Technologies’ chemical recycling solution, currently used for mixed plastics, to be developed to recycle polystyrene, creating a deeper circular economy for the material. Recycling Technologies has already completed a detailed research and trial process with INEOS Styrolution. This activity

included scientific research and processing of polystyrene on Recycling Technologies’ Mark II test reactor, producing what the companies say are “excellent results.” Both companies will now further advance this depolymerisation solution based on Recycling Technologies’ fluidised bed technology, currently used for mixed plastics, to adapt it for the commercial recycling of polystyrene. This recycled polystyrene, they say, has the potential to meet the high specifications demanded for food packaging regulations,

“THis investment will reduce the core costs within our business” affected by Covid-19 – by creating more recycling capacity. “The new UK sorting plant is likely to discourage exporting of mixed materials due to this new UK based processing capacity to sort the plastics into single stream polymers prior to recycling.”

making it attractive to the food industry. Adrian Griffiths, CEO and Founder of Recycling Technologies Ltd., said: “We are delighted to enter this partnership with INEOS Styrolution to develop a commercial solution to recycle polystyrene. This partnership creates the basis for a more circular economy in polystyrene allowing its users to achieve their challenging recycling targets set by all their stakeholders. To date we have focused on the recycling of mixed plastic waste, this initiative will allow us to develop and expand our feedstock recycling technology solutions to address a new and important market: recycling polystyrene.”

the funding from ccep will enable cure to accelerate its ‘polyester rejuvenation’ technology from pilot plant to commercial readiness. Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), the world’s largest independent CocaCola bottler, has announced investment in CuRe Technology – a recycling start-up which seeks to provide a new lease of life for difficult-to-recycle plastic polyester waste. The funding from CCEP, through its innovation investment fund CCEP Ventures, will enable CuRe to accelerate its ‘polyester rejuvenation’ technology from pilot plant to commercial readiness. Once the technology is commercialised, CCEP will receive the majority of the output from a CuRe-licensed, new-build plant. Once operational, CCEP says CuRe has the potential to support its ambition, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company in Western Europe, to eliminate virgin oil-based PET from its PET bottles within the next decade. CuRe Technology – a start-up, created by a consortium of world-leading recycling innovators and experts – will initially apply its

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end-to-end partial depolymerisation recycling process to transform opaque and difficultto-recycle (ODR) food grade PET to high quality recycled PET (rPET) that can be used again for food and drink packaging in one continuous process on the same site. Joe Franses, Vice President, Sustainability, at Coca-Cola European Partners, said: “Our investment in CuRe underlines our commitment to supporting innovations that have the potential to drive growth in our business and our sustainable packaging goals. It also offers us the potential to access vital rPET volumes that will help to accelerate delivery of our 100 per cent rPET ambition for our PET bottles.” Josse Kunst, Chief Commercial Officer at CuRe Technology, said: “The support of CCEP Ventures will enable us to start with opaque and difficult-to-recycle food grade PET and take the first step towards our ultimate vision of recycling all polyester, again and again.” 23

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FEATURE

Three years to three decades

I NITIALLY STARTING OUT AS A PLASTICS RECYCLING PROJECT SCHEDULED FOR THREE YEARS, RECOUP HAS BECOME A FULLY-FLEDGED OPERATION NOW ENTERING ITS THIRD DECADE. IN THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE, BP&R CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF THE ORGANISATION AND HEARS FROM SOME OF THE COLLABORATORS THAT HAVE HELPED IT BECOME THE SUCCESS STORY IT IS TODAY.

lastics recycling charity, RECOUP, is celebrating 30 years of work within the plastics recycling value chain. Initially set up in 1990 as a three-year project designed to kick-start the recycling of bottles in the UK, the venture has entered its third decade of operation. Originally called ‘Operation RECOUP’, the nonprofit making project brought together major UK bottle blowers, machinery and material producers to drive forward plastic bottle recycling. Alan Davey, who was in 1999 the Technical Environmental Manager at LinPac Plastics, commented: “It is strange to think that something we thought would only be needed for three years has turned out to be even more relevant today than it was in 1990. “The leadership at RECOUP has taken the organisation to new levels of ambition; bringing recyclability by design to the core of any sustainability programme, driving collaboration across the value chain, championing the need for citizen education, alongside industry best practice and knowledge transference.” ADAPTABILITY AND CAPABILITY RECOUP, like all organisations that survive in ever changing landscapes, has had to prove its adaptability and capability over the last 30 years. It says the wealth of knowledge within the organisation is key to driving ambitious Government targets, as well as being able to understand the issues at each part of the value chain, whether collection, sorting, reprocessing, or end markets. It also says it has “an unrivalled grasp” of what

is possible ‘on the ground’ in terms of plastics recycling and a clear vision of the day when its services will no longer be needed, in “a utopian world where all plastics remain in the loop.” COLLECTION SURVEYS In 1994, RECOUP’s first Local Authority UK Household Collection Survey reported that 3,150 tonnes of plastic bottles were being collected. At this point, there were only eight household bottle collection schemes. The 2019 UK Household Plastics Collection Survey reported 370,890 tonnes of bottles were collected for recycling, with all UK Local Authorities providing a kerbside collection service. Yet, this does not mean that the job is done, says RECOUP, which says it will continue to call for even better collection rates for bottles and seek to discuss the challenges within film collection rates (five per cent) and pots, tubs and trays (31 per cent). If 2025 targets are to be achieved, it recognises that much still remains to be done. “PRESSURE AND ATTENTION” ON PLASTICS Stuart Foster, RECOUP’s CEO, commented: “No one could have predicted the pressure and attention placed on plastics in recent years fuelled by the ‘Blue Planet’ effect and, certainly, when RECOUP was launched this was not forecasted to be part of our future working space.

A cutting from the launch year of RECOUP

“Politicians, consumers, media and businesses are all demanding change and RECOUP is central to delivering that change through increased recycling and more efficient use of plastic resources.

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Amongst the roll call are some of the founding members who have been with charity throughout its journey, and for whom, the recyclability of plastics and the reduction of plastic pollution and waste have formed a key part of their environmental and sustainability ambitions. Gordon McSkimming, Sustainable Packaging Manager, Coca-Cola European Partners, said Coca-Cola is proud to have been a partner of RECOUP for the last 30 years, commenting: “It’s Coca-Cola’s ambition to work towards a world without waste, and we want to see a world where all our plastic packaging is recycled, and none ends up in the rivers or oceans. Working with RECOUP can help contribute to achieving this objective, and Coca-Cola looks forward to continuing to collaborate successfully as we go forward together.” DIRECT CONVERSATIONS RECOUP says it has “never been shy” about having direct conversations with the public on plastics packaging and recycling over the years, visiting a variety of places including Jimmy’s Farm, air shows, festivals, marathons, schools, high streets and community groups.

The leadership at RECOUP has taken the organisation to new levels of ambition; bringing recyclability by design to the core of any sustainability programme, driving collaboration across the value chain, championing the need for citizen education, alongside industry best practice and knowledge transference. Its ‘Pledge2Recycle’ arm, which is citizenfocused, is active across social media platforms profiling a number of campaigns. Recently it tackled the issue of Covid-19 litter with its ‘#dontthrowonthego’ campaign.

Pledge2Recycle messaging in place at the Welsh Airshow in Swansea, 2018

From an organisation set up as a three-year project looking at plastic bottle recycling, RECOUP has evolved into a respected authority and leading information source on the challenges and opportunities of plastics recycling. It has often shared this information via an annual conference held in Peterborough in September. Stuart Foster (left) launches Pledge2Recycle Plastics activation in Cambridge in 2018

“Clearly, it cannot be right to allow plastics to leak into the environment, but neither is it acceptable to lose the opportunity to use plastic where it is the most appropriate and cost-effective material for so many applications. “We look forward to working with the support of our members to encourage and help foster the right conditions to allow for a viable and resilient system plastics recycling system across the UK.” IMPRESSIVE ROLL CALL Today, RECOUP, boasts over 141 members from waste management company, reprocessors, brands and retailers.

However, as a result of the current restrictions and concerns around live events, RECOUP will, for 2020, stage a series of web presentations and discussions throughout both September and October, in order to provide a platform for discussion and information sharing. Topics that will be covered in the live series range from RECOUP’s work from plastics in farming and horticulture, to the opportunities of reuse and refillable strategies and challenges of flexibles recycling. Concluding, Foster said: “We look forward to working, with the support of our members, to encourage and help foster the right conditions to allow for a viable and resilient system plastics recycling system across the UK.”

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film & sheet | News Innovia develops new range of highly functional recyclable BOPP films Innovia Films is launching a new family of highly functional recyclable BOPP films manufactured from renewable non-food based raw materials. Named ‘Encore’, the packaging and labelling film range will have exactly the same properties as equivalent fossil-based BOPP film – namely high clarity and gloss, high stiffness, excellent water vapour barrier and printability. Encore has been assessed by Interseroh, an independent German recycling and consulting company, and has

received its highest rating, confirming the range is fully recyclable. Steve Langstaff, Business Manager, Packaging, at Innovia, said: “We have calculated using our inhouse Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) programme, that by using renewable polymer we can determine that Encore films offer reductions in carbon footprint. “The Encore film range has an International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS) using a mass balance approach. They are

“This represents the first step in our journey to produce more sustainable films”

suitable for use in all market segments currently using BOPP films.” The first two grades of Encore film to be launched will be announced in the coming weeks, one will be

Covestro launches 50 per cent plant-based polycarbonate film Covestro is introducing a new polycarbonate film with more than 50 percent of its carbon content sourced from plant-based biomass. New Makrofol EC is the first partially bio-based film in the company’s product portfolio. Compared with a standard film made from petrochemicals, a portion of the oil-based primary products used up to now has been replaced by plant-based raw materials. As a result, the film’s CO2 footprint is reduced considerably. “More and more customers are supporting sustainable products,” explained Dr. Wieland Hovestadt, Head of Research and Development in Covestro’s Speciality Films division. “This is why research on biobased products is an

important priority for us.” The increased use of alternative resources for in-house production is part of a long-term strategic programme that Covestro is implementing as it fully commits to the circular economy. Makrofol EC has properties that are comparable in quality to standard polycarbonate films of the Makrofol range. Covestro says it also features improved chemical and weather

resistance, as well as increased abrasion resistance. The film is suitable for further processing in standard processes. For instance, it can be easily printed on, laminated, coated and can be formed by thermoforming or high pressure forming (HPF) processes. It can be used in applications in the electrical, consumer and automotive industries, as is typical for conventional polycarbonate films.

a low temperature heat seal film for packaging and one for pressure sensitive labelling applications. Langstaff added: “This represents the first step in our journey to produce more sustainable films, with the next step being products that contain recycled post-consumer content. We have agreements in place and hope to be able to launch the first of these in 2022.”

Ampacet introduces masterbatch for premium quality white-opaque BOPP film Ampacet has launched ‘Pearl 368’, a high performance organic cavitating masterbatch solution designed for premium quality labels and white-opaque BOPP packaging. The new product has been designed for white BOPP films in both food and non-food industries, where packers and labellers use cavitation technology to optimise the surface/weight ration and make efficiency gains. Ampacet says Pearl 368 is a highly efficient organic cavitating solution that allows processors to achieve very low film densities and high yield, while providing

outstanding film aesthetics and excellent film opacity. It offers consistent cavitating efficiency across the web width, especially on large BOPP tenter frames. Pearl 368 enables a reduction in the use of organic cavitation agents up to -25 per cent compared to conventional organic cavitating masterbatches while maintaining the same film density.

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FEATURE

W WHEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC FORCED THE CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS, OFFICES, HOSPITALITY OUTLETS AND MORE BESIDES, SUMMIT SYSTEMS’ MANAGING DIRECTOR, MIKE JORDAN, USED HIS ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET TO DEVELOP AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION TO ENSURE EVERYONE COULD ENSURE SAFE DISTANCING WHEN RETURNING TO SOCIAL SETTINGS. NOW A FULLY FORMED PRODUCT RANGE, ‘SUMMIT DEFENCE’ IS FLYING OFF THE SHELVES. LEANNE TAYLOR SPOKE WITH MIKE JORDAN ABOUT INCREASING PRODUCTION, EXPANDING REACH AND OPENING UP NEW DOORS.

ike Jordan had a ‘lightbulb’ moment back in July. As the Coronavirus pandemic forced unprecedented closures across all sectors of society, claimed lives and turned the economy on his head – he wondered how, and if, the country could ever get back to offices, schools and social settings whilst doing so safely. At the time, manufacturers were clamouring to acquire the materials needed for rigid screens, partitions and dividers from everything from supermarket countertops to hospital bedsides. But with extensive experience of working in the plastics industry, Jordan knew he had to come up with an alternative to the options being presented in what was becoming a quickly crowded, and not necessarily high-quality, market. “I found myself looking and thinking ‘there’s no way there’s going to be enough screens out there,” Jordan explained. “I even spoke to a rigid sheet supplier who confirmed there was a serious materials shortage. So, I came up with a concept; a flexible screen held in place by magnet supports that could fit any workspace easily and be installed in any number of buildings – from schools to offices, hospitals to retail environments.” Jordan said that initial prototypes of the concept were expensive – and he worked on a systematic testing basis. “But once we’d cracked it, we knew we had a great unique product,” he added. “All of that development work, going through all of the options, we discovered there’s nothing quicker to install than what we’re doing – there’s not yet been a desk that we haven’t been able to fit.”

THE PRODUCTS The Defence Shield is supplied so that it can be unrolled and assembled in a matter of seconds and without tools, in numerous off-the-shelf configurations: For example The ‘Front Desk Shield’, which has a maximum length of 1800mm, and the ‘Desk Wrap’, which extends to 3000mm. Once in place, it offers an effective barrier between individuals, preventing the spread of airborne germs. The product has been designed with a unique ‘click-release’ system, meaning it can be installed in seconds and configured to suit any setting. “We’ve supplied a variety of places so far,” Jordan continued. “From close to 1000 units to Guys’ Hospital Trust in London, to schools, bars, offices and restaurants, the product can be tailored to any environment and it looks great too.” The screen is produced using a special PET film normally used in the window industry thanks to its high optical clarity, as well as a special type of magnet that can withhold the necessary load, whilst being able to easily be relocated in a social setting. Jordan and his team are also trialling some ‘smoked’ alternatives, for settings such as private dining or meeting rooms. SUPPLYING AND UPSCALING Since launch, the Defence Shield product range has been produced at around 1000 units a week. However, following an upsurge in demand, from the UK and further afield, Summit is gearing up production to accommodate 1000 units a day. “The products are heading out really well,” said Jordan. “For example, we have just secured a big order from the USA for 3000 units. Luckily, we pretty much set up our whole production to accommodate upscaling. For example, all our suppliers are in a line, we’ve got 200,000 metres of film already online and we’ve got 200,000 magnets on order. In addition to our

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FUTURE PLANS Now that the main ‘off the shelf’ designs of the Defence Shield have been tried and tested in the workplace, Jordan says he, along with his expanded workforce, are constantly coming up with new iterations of the product. “For example, we’ve launched screens that can add additional height to existing office desk dividers, as well as super-strong magnets for a ‘hanging’ screen that is used to partition waiting rooms in doctors’ surgeries or dentists,” he explained. Excited about what the future can hold, with expansion on the horizon Jordan says the product, ultimately, is a triumph for UK design and manufacturing. “This product is proudly designed and manufactured in the UK. It’s the perfect solution for offices, schools, universities, factories and even restaurants to get back to normal – or as close to normal as possible. There’s nothing like it in the market today. I’m excited to see where we can go.”

This product is proudly designed and manufactured in the UK. It’s the perfect solution for offices, schools, universities, factories and even restaurants to get back to normal – or as close to normal as possible. There’s nothing like it in the market today. I’m excited to see where we can go. UK capabilities, we’re also able to set up new production units in Poland, or Ireland, where we’ve established manufacturing partners, in as little as 10 days.” Now, Jordan is looking for product distribution partners in Europe, including Germany and France, that can supply the products in local markets. “If we can sort our distribution network then by heck we’ll be going!” he added. SUSTAINABLE AMBITION Where plastics have proven their lifesaving credentials throughout the pandemic, there is a growing concern about an increase in single-use plastics, as well as end-of-life options for PPE or other equipment. Jordan, however, is acutely aware of the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure appropriate end-of-life solutions for their products, and as such, the Defence Shield range is 100 per cent recyclable. “Once a Shield is no longer needed, we are asking all customers to return it to our Headquarters in Tamworth, Staffordshire, or their local centre overseas,” Jordan explained. “The sheet is passed to our recycling partners, which is then recycled to produce new items such as clothing, the magnets are collected for re-use and the aluminium and plastic caps used as part of the system are also individually recycled.” 31

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thermoforming | news Kingsmoor Packaging to capitalise on recent investments Thermoformed packaging manufacturer, Kingsmoor Packaging, says an investment programme made at the start of the year is set to pay dividends as the business begins to re-engage with its key markets following lockdown. Alongside updated refurbished design, pattern and tooling facilities, Kingsmoor has invested in a Ridat 4030SA semiautomatic vacuum former, which will support the requirement for higher volumes of pre–production and trial samples. Like many other plastic packaging businesses, Kingsmoor has focused its expertise into other areas to support its business due to Covid19. For the company this has been successfully supporting the NHS frontline with disposable, one-piece RPET face visors. The ‘new normal’ has since allowed the privately-owned family business to re-establish its credentials across

its customer base. Being one of the few thermoformed packaging firms to provide fully integrated in-house design, tooling and production, all under one roof, Kingsmoor is set to take full advantage of its workflow investments. “Clearly we were looking forward to seeing the benefits of our investments and increased workflow efficiencies, but the pandemic put that on hold dramatically,” said James Hill, Kingsmoor’s Managing Director. “It’s really encouraging to see our capacity starting to build back up as the lockdown eases and we are confident of emerging from this stronger and better equipped to deal with the challenges ahead, whilst providing our customers with the usual high levels of service that they expect from us. And given our abilities to re-focus our design and production expertise very quickly if required, we are optimistic for the future and all that it holds.”

COMMENT “Packaging partners are integral in good medical packaging design”

W WITH A SURGE IN THE PRODUCTION OF MEDICAL PARTS IN RECENT MONTHS, WHAT PART DO PACKAGING PARTNERS HAVE TO PLAY IN DELIVERING A SUCCESSFUL END PRODUCT? SEÁN EGAN, DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL MARKETING AND VOC DEVELOPMENT AT NELIPAK HEALTHCARE PACKAGING EXPLAINS WHY GOOD PARTNERS PLAY A VITAL ROLE.

oday’s medical packaging partners need to be more than simply manufacturers. They must be very attuned to healthcare customers’ needs and immersed in the regulatory challenges that they face. Strategic packaging partners must become an extension of the customers’ packaging development team, taking on expanded roles in design, development and testing. Now, OEMs expect packaging partners to not only design around the product, but to fully understand how both the product and package are to be used within the clinical environment. This increasingly results in device packaging being used for more than just get the device to the OR. In many cases, thermoformed trays may be used as part of the actual surgical procedure. Choosing a packaging provider that has seasoned teams of designers and engineers and the ability to leverage modern

Packaging partners have an integral role in good medical packaging

software and technology coupled with first-rate drawing skills during development will result in solutions that best meet the OEM’s needs for pack performance, functionality and product protection. Packaging partners must also have an intricate understanding of the factors that impact seal integrity, as the seal maintains necessary sterile barriers and is critical to the product efficacy of healthcare packaging. Seals must always remain intact under the strains of shipping and handling, while peeling open quickly and easily for the end-user in a surgical environment. Welldesigned packaging can minimise the overall amount of plastic used, reduce labour and lower handling costs such as transportation, sterilisation and storage through the supply chain – all without compromising product or patient safety.

“It’s really encouraging to see our capacity start to build back up as the lockdown eases” www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

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FEATURE

A head start T

he sophisticated thermoformed plastic box, which will help in the prevention of disease transmission to clinical staff and other patients, was developed by Northern Ireland thermoforming entrepreneur, Michael Knight.

W HEN A THERMOFORMING ENTREPRENEUR AND MEDICAL EXPERT DISCUSSED AN IDEA FOR A PROTECTIVE BOX TO PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 AND OTHER CONTAGIOUS DISEASE, IT WAS THE START OF A PROJECT TO PRODUCE A NOVEL PLASTIC PRODUCT THAT WILL HELP SAVE LIVES. IN THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE, BP&R LOOKS AT HOW THE IDEA CAME TO FRUITION.

Knight, the Managing Director of Northern Irelandbased Donite Plastics, developed the product with the assistance of a number of stakeholders, including a clinical engineer at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, a consultant anaesthetist from the Western Trust and Cambridge-based voluntary engineers. The piece of protective equipment known as the ‘Head Box’, sits neatly over a patient’s head, allowing a medical practitioner – such as an anaesthetist and two assistants – to work on a patient when intubating them or connecting them to a ventilator. During this procedure, it is normal for the patient to expel a spray of large and small droplets. In medical circles, this is known as an aerosol generating procedure and if the patient has Covid-19, then this could increase chance of airborne transmission. The remarkable invention came about after a conversation between the thermoforming entrepreneur and a friend, Dr Madalina McCrea (Mada), who works as a consultant anaesthetist in the Western Trust. Knight, who is ordinarily known for manufacturing parts for the aerospace and agri-tech sectors, said: “Mada knew I made things from plastic and we were chatting about a device that would sit over a patient’s head, whether in a ward or an intensive care unit, which would allow the medical practitioner to work on the patient, but also to protect them and the patient when carrying out procedures. There were pictures on the internet of very simple square acrylic boxes being used for this purpose in Taiwan during the height of their Covid-19 epidemic.”

Michael Knight (right), with the Head Box, pictured with Stephen Kissick, Business Development Manager.

Photograph of the Head box in the Addenbrookes’ simulation suite.

A short time later, Knight was chatting to his daughter, Sarah, who now works for a company in Cambridge that manufactures surgical robots. He continued: “I mentioned the ‘Head Box’ to Sarah in passing, as I thought she might be interested. She was quite excited and put me in touch with a colleague from her previous job – Maighread Ireland, a clinical engineer based in the Clinical Engineering Innovation Team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. “By coincidence, it turned out that Maighread had already been tasked by Addenbrooke’s to investigate these ‘Head Box’ devices. It made perfect sense then, that they would collaborate to develop a more sophisticated product suitable for use in the UK.” A SIMPLE IDEA, A SOPHISTICATED PRODUCT For Knight, this consumed his every waking moment for six weeks. “We’ve been working on the design and development of this ‘Head Box’ continuously. What started as a very simple idea has evolved into quite a sophisticated product,” he explained. “From the start we knew we wanted to form the device from a single piece of plastic so there would be no joins or sharp corners, to make it easy to clean and disinfect. The part also had to be crystal clear at the places where the clinician would be looking through it at the patient.” INVENTING A NEW PROCESS Maintaining perfect clarity was a big challenge using Donite’s normal vacuum forming process. Knight’s solution was to invent a new process: a sort of hybrid between vacuum forming and free dome blowing. Several versions of the design were initially drawn up as CAD models and discussed by the team. Features were added, like side arm holes for assistants and a bungee strap to hold drapes in position. Some prototypes were then manufactured, which were tested on medical

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

WWW.NELIPAK.COM - TRUSTED TO PROTECT…

simulation mannequins both in Northern Ireland and in Cambridge. ‘’We are now working on reduction plates, so that the ‘Head Box’ can fit any size of hospital bed and better versions of the plugs to seal up the arm holes when they are not in use. Full production will commence within two weeks, such is our confidence and that of the stakeholders in this project,” Knight continued. Maighread Ireland, a clinical engineer with Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, said: “We have been moving at a very fast pace to develop a protective ‘Head Box’ so that our clinicians, medical doctors and patients will have the benefit of an extra layer of protection whilst carrying out aerosol generating procedures. “Normal PPE must still be worn, but when dealing with a virus like Covid-19, it is vital that medical staff are made to feel as safe as possible. We have also had enquiries from other teams interested in using the ‘Head Box’ for other applications within the hospital.”

‘Head Box’ is going to help clinicians, like myself, to get some peace of mind, knowing that we are doing all we can to protect ourselves and our patients in this new world of Covid-19. I also think the boxes would potentially be useful for other surgery, not necessitating an anaesthetist or airway manipulation; or for patient transfers from one ward to another.” Cambridge-based voluntary engineer, John Loveluck, added: “There have been similar items used successfully in Asia but the manufacture method used by Donite improves the usability and functionality of the design.’’ Concluding, Knight said: “This collaboration has meant that all the right people with the right expertise were proactively engaged to create an item of protective equipment which will undoubtedly save lives.”

“SURPRISED AND DELIGHTED” Dr Madalina McCrea,who initially had the conversation with Knight, said: “Six weeks ago Michael and I were discussing a plastic box with a few holes in it. I am surprised and delighted at the way the project has gathered momentum. I really think the

I am surprised and delighted at the way the project has gathered momentum. I really think the ‘Head Box’ is going to help clinicians, like myself, to get some peace of mind, knowing that we are doing all we can to protect ourselves and our patients in this new world of Covid-19.

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

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rubber | news Norwegian tyre recycling start-up chooses UK for first plant Wastefront AS, a Norwegian tyre waste recycling company, has announced it will build its first plant in the UK. The recycling start-up, which aims to tackle the global environmental crisis in vehicle tyre waste, is currently assessing sites in the UK, with a view to commencing construction in the near future. Founded in Oslo in 2019 by Inge Berge (CEO), Christian Armand Hvamstad (CSO and Director), and Vegard Bringsjord (CFO), Wastefront converts disused tyres into useful commodities, including liquid hydrocarbons and carbon black, which can then be reutilised in processes such as alternative fuel or ground rubber manufacturing. In addition to unveiling the location of the new plant, Wastefront also

Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS) appoints first EU representatives

Recycling company Wastefront converts disused tyres into useful commodities

revealed it has appointed Maria Moræus Hanssen, former Deputy CEO and COO at Europe’s leading oil and gas company, Wintershall DEA, as its Chairperson of the board. Commenting on her appointment, and the future of Wastefront, Hanssen said: “I’m excited to join Wastefront and help address the global issue of unsustainable tyre waste. For many years, end-of-life tyres have represented a problem for which there have been no long-term solutions available that combine innovation with economic viability. I am confident that the founders have assembled a team that can make a valuable contribution to a cleaner future by dealing with this specific waste problem, where end-of-life tyres no longer end up in landfills.” She concluded: “An important element in bringing about circular economies and sustainable waste handling is to handle waste locally. The UK is a global centre of industry, which makes it an ideal location for our first plant. The plan is to then expand across Europe as the technical solution and business concept continuously evolves.”

The Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has appointed its first ever European Representatives as it strives to boost international membership and participation in its events, training and learning opportunities. An MoU was signed at the beginning of March between newly formed UK-based Rubber Heart Ltd in Hertford, United Kingdom, and Rubber Division, ACS in Akron, Ohio, paving the way for a partnership that will spread awareness of the benefits and opportunities offered by Rubber Division, ACS open to professionals working in the global rubber industry. This new initiative is the vision of Executive Director and CEO of Rubber Division, ACS, Lakisha MillerBarclay, the first woman appointed to be at the helm of the organisation in its over 100-year history. Rubber Heart is a new Marketing, Communications, PR and Events company providing services to the global elastomer industry and its suppliers. David Cawthra and Gail Reader, the two Directors, will act as European Representatives whose role will be to increase awareness and expand the Rubber Division, ACS community through membership opportunities that enable engagement with nearly 3,000 other rubber and affiliated industry professionals from over 1,200 organisations worldwide. On the new partnership between Rubber Division, ACS and Rubber Heart, Miller-Barclay said: “I feel that this initiative to expand the Rubber Division, ACS team will help to grow our community and spread awareness of our unrivalled business networking, training and marketing opportunities through our membership and education programs, conferences and expositions.”

Biesterfeld Petroplas builds product portfolio with latest additions Distributor of plastics, rubber and additives in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Biesterfeld Petroplas, is building on its long-term partnerships with leading producers in the industry. The company, which distributes products from producers including ExxonMobil, Dow, Solvay, CP Chem, Borealis, LG Chem and DuPont, has recently announced an extension to its offering, with the addition of ExxonMobil’s Ethylene

propylene diene rubber (EPDM) ‘Vistalon’. Vistalon offers preeminent Ozone and UV-resistance, good chemical and heat resistance, cold flexibility and outstanding electrical insulation. These properties make the product range with Ziegler-Natta conventional and bimodal grades as well as metallocene grades suitable for a wide range of applications. For instance, the product is used in

applications with growing demand such as injection moulding and extrusion for the automotive, industrial and consumer sectors, but is also applicable for foamed rubber, roofing and sheeting. It is available in pellets, crumbs, or bales. Biesterfeld Petroplas is also seeing demand from the medical sector for solutions for pharmaceutical stoppers and prefilled syringes, such as ExxonMobil’s ‘Exxpro’ speciality

Speciality polymers for the pharma industry are increasingly in demand in the current climate

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

polymers, consisting of brominated isobutylene paramethyl-styrene terpolymers (BIMSM). This product combines a low permeability to gas with a low level of extractables and leachables. In addition, Exxpro, to which no antioxidants are added, offers excellent chemical resistance and resistance to gamma radiation making the product particularly interesting for medical applications, which Biesterfeld Petroplas says is particularly pertinent in the current climate.

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FEATURE

SPOTLIGHT

IN THE FIRST OF OUR NEW 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 AN EXTRACT FROM WIP’S CONVERSATION WITH DR PAMELA MARTIN, MATERIALS SCIENTIST AT TUN ABDUL RAZAK RESEARCH CENTRE (TARRC) AND WINNER OF THE 2019 SPARKS-THOMAS AWARD, ON HER GROUND BREAKING WORK IN THE RUBBER INDUSTRY.

Interview | Grace Nolan DR PAMELA MARTIN: “There are definitely plentiful opportunities in Materials Science” Q: COULD YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU GOT TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE? Science has always been one of my favourite subjects. I am stimulated by learning how things work and are developed. I was particularly drawn to materials science whilst studying for my degree in chemistry, at the University of Exeter, UK. We are surrounded by materials and they have a big impact on society. As a postgraduate, I went on to complete a PhD investigating liquid crystals, the fourth state of matter, best known for being a constituent material found in (LC) display screens. After completing my PhD, I switched to work on another fascinating material – elastomers, or rubber – at UK-based research and promotion centre of the Malaysian Rubber Board (TARRC). This class of polymer is viscoelastic (i.e. both viscous and elastic) providing suitable properties for a vast array of applications. Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY QUALIFICATIONS RELATED TO YOUR CURRENT POSITION? The knowledge I gained from my MChem degree has been necessary for my current position as a Materials Scientist as it is essential to have understanding of the chemical processes in polymers. The experience from my PhD I have utilised laterally, being able to coordinate projects. My current position at TARRC has, and continues to be, a process of continual learning, development and progression. Since being in this role I have had on-the-job training for additional aspects of my role such as Internal Auditing and Managing Grievance issues.

I have found working in science and specialising in elastomers a very stimulating, rewarding and varied career choice.

Q: WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY CONSIST OF IN YOUR ROLE? My working days consist of a combination between laboratory work, compounding rubber and analysis of results and report writing. Typically for a product we aim at improving a particular property and to achieve this we have a series of formulations that we want to evaluate for changes in properties. Compounds are mixed in small laboratory scale mixers and two-roll mills before hot curing into a series of test pieces for standard testing. The properties of the materials, such as tensile strength, resilience and hardness are then compared and the target areas for improvement considered. It is challenging to achieve improvements in a target property without impairing other properties and so further refinements to the formulations are made. Q: HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU HEARD YOU HAD WON THE 2019 SPARKS-THOMAS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS AND INNOVATIONS IN THE FIELD OF ELASTOMERS? I felt honoured that the work my colleagues and I have been doing has been recognised. I did not know that I had been nominated for the award, so it was a surprise. I felt very pleased and determined to persevere, continuing the research we have been doing. Q: DO YOU FEEL THERE IS ENOUGH INFORMATION/OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION TO BE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE A CAREER IN YOUR LINE OF WORK? IF NOT – WHAT MORE DO YOU FEEL COULD BE DONE? I think there could always be more information provided to the next generation to get into science, technology and engineering. For the next generation to be inspired it is vital that they know the relevance of these subjects and consequently what jobs within these industries entail. There are definitely plentiful opportunities in Materials Science and therefore it is valuable to promote these careers. I have found working in science and specialising in elastomers a very stimulating, rewarding and varied career choice.

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

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Will polymer producers be able to retain recent margin gains and are oil producers’ aspirations

to enhance the profitability of petrochemicals sustainable?

IN THIS EDITION OF HIS REGULAR COLUMN, OUR RESIDENT MATERIALS EXPERT, MIKE BOSWELL, LOOKS AT THE EFFECT THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC HAS HAD ON OIL AND POLYMER PRICING IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND CONSIDERS WHERE THEY MIGHT GO NEXT.

he effect of the Coronavirus on crude oil prices has been dramatic, with the price action determined by a combination of burgeoning inventories and concerns over future demand in comparison with anticipated rates of production. Most recently Brent crude oil prices have stagnated at about £250 per tonne ($45 per barrel), which represents almost a 40 per cent reduction compared with the price at the start of this year. The relative change in volume polymer prices in comparison to crude oil prices is notable, with falls in polymer prices over the same period typically in the range of four per cent to eight per cent. This relative difference between crude oil and polymer prices suggests that there has been a significant margin gain. If one compares the relative prices of polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene over the last 12-months on an index basis compared to the price of each relevant constituent component referenced to June 2019, it is apparent that in each case the relative difference between input costs and output cost go through a significant transition between January 2020 and April 2020, as a result of which polymer producer margins appear to have increased significantly. However, it is clear that from April onwards, and in spite of the efforts of polymer producers to further increase prices, the delta between feedstocks and selling prices has started to narrow. This effect has been further pronounced in August, when producers’ requests for price increases went largely unheeded with most prices remaining unchanged from their July notations.

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

SO, WHAT SHOULD WE MAKE OF ALL OF THIS AND WHAT ARE THE FUTURE EXPECTATIONS FOR PRICES? To some extent it could be argued that these circumstances have enabled the producers to enjoy a windfall, but this needs to be taken both in the context of falling prices, in which the values of existing inventories would have been reduced, and in the context of mixed demand, in which volumes were in overall

terms lower than normal with variability of demand within polymer types for specific grades depending upon application; no doubt, sectors such as construction and automotive have been laggards but areas such as medical and food packaging have seen demand soar to over 130 per cent of normal levels. There may also be an argument to say that by not allowing polymer prices to crash, that plastic converters were spared the negative impacts that extreme volatility brings, where typically downstream users are all too quick to ask for reductions based on lower polymer input costs, and all too slow to sanction increases as polymer prices once again rise. LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT’S TO COME? As to the future; we have some indication of what is likely to happen, with the price gap from April onwards starting to narrow and with the knowledge that this trend will continue into August as the effect of increase in feedstocks, coupled with a polymer price rollover, further reduces the polymer producers premium. These are, of course, the actions of a free market, within which polymer producers will exchange volume for percentage margin in order to achieve their £/$/€ targets until such time as margins become unsustainable or another external event comes in to play. For now, the suggestion is that volume polymer prices are likely to recover into a range somewhere between 85 and 100 per cent of their June 2019 level. In the longer term it remains to be seen if the oil producers’ aspirations to generate increased profitability from petrochemicals are sustainable.

The effect of the Coronavirus on crude oil prices has been dramatic, with the price action determined by a combination of burgeoning inventories and concerns over future demand in comparison with anticipated rates of production. www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

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machinery | news Q: How can material be optimally distributed?

WIBA UK launches significant savings on material drying Wittmann Battenfeld (WIBA) UK has launched significant savings on key models in its material drying range. Both its Drymax primus E30 and Drymax primus E60 models, which boast features including stainless steel drying hoppers, material saving functions, counterflow regeneration and a simple start-up procedure, have been reduced by 20 per cent. The Wittmann primus dryers are designed to shield plastics processors from summer temperature and humidity variables, ensuring that day-today quality in plastics

processing is achieved when operating in unpredictable seasonal conditions. Daniel Williams, joint WIBA UK Managing Director, said: “We hope that both of these primus models will appeal to customers who have a clear need to protect and promote production quality. Material drying technology is vital in preventing high-cost engineering polymers going to waste. This equipment is a way of ensuring product integrity throughout.” The Wittmann Battenfeld UK discount offer is available until September 30, 2020.

Joint WIBA UK Managing Directors, Tracy Cadman and Daniel Williams

IN THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF OUR ONGOING SERIES ANSWERING THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED MATERIALS HANDLING QUESTIONS, THE EXPERTS AT MOTAN COLORTRONIC OUTLINE HOW MATERIAL PROPORTIONING VALVES OPERATE.

upplying a single processing machine with only one material is relatively simple. It becomes a little more complicated when regrind, as well as virgin material, is needed to be supplied to the processing machine. In this case, the installation of a two-component material proportioning valve, also called simply ‘proportioning valve’, is recommended. However, proportioning valves do not replace a dosing unit. Proportioning valves have one material inlet each for virgin material

and regrind, as well as an outlet to the material loader. Depending on the design, pneumatic flaps or pistons, for example, open or close the material inlets alternatively. According to the frequency the inlets are switched, the material loader is filled in layers. Ideally, these layers mix while the material flows out of the material loader. Normally the proportion of regrind to virgin material and the number of batches per conveying cycle can be set via the controls. When doing this, however, one must bear in mind that the settings are in proportionate conveying times and not in absolute material portions. MULTIPLE MACHINES, MORE COMPLEX Setting up a central material supply for multiple processing machines with different materials is far more complex. In this case one must decide between manual and automatic material distribution systems. Depending on how willing one is to invest, either a manually operated coupling station or a fully automatic material distribution system should be considered.

The METROMIX proportioning valve (left) can also be retrofitted. After removing the transparent lid, it is easy to clean. Right, a coupling station with 6 inlets and 36 outlets (Image: motan group)

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The cost-efficient option for flexible material supply is a manual coupling station. The set-up is comparably simple: Fixed material feed lines (source) are connected, usually from below, with the couplings on a coupling table. Flexible material feed lines hang from above, which are fixed on the other end to the pipes leading to the machines (destination). At the free end is a coupling, which can be coupled with the counterpart at the coupling station, as required. ELIMINATING RISK For the simplest version, the couplings are not coded. This means the sourcedestination allocation is not monitored. The coupling of the flexible pipes with the required material feed line is carried out manually by the operating staff. But this provides the biggest danger of faulty operation due to mixed-up material feed lines. This risk can be eliminated with the use of a monitored coupling station. In this case, the controls check whether the conveying line to the machine is connected to the correct material feed line and only then allows the conveying process to occur. An additional advantage of the coupling stations to the low investment costs is the flexibility. If required, multiple coupling stations can also be combined with each other. 43

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Precise control is a critical factor in today's manufacturing processes. With sensors and systems from Kistler, you can count on optimum quality for your injectionmolded parts. No matter where your production site is: we offer you complete, customized solutions and comprehensive service support worldwide.

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22-May-19 2:01:01 PM

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celebrating 180 years

FEATURE

out of lockdown:

How to prime operation for an effective restart

A AFTER THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC PRESENTED MAJOR NEW CHALLENGES, SUCH AS STOPPAGES AND DELAYS, FOR THE UK’S PLASTICS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, JOHN SMITH, CHIEF ENGINEER FOR FINISHED LUBRICANTS AT EXXONMOBIL, GIVES GUIDANCE TO BP&R READERS TO HELP OPTIMISE MACHINE PERFORMANCE COMING OUT OF LOCKDOWN.

Coming out of lockdown, premium quality lubricants and greases can play an important role in reducing the effects of such damage, alongside vigilant maintenance practices

he manufacturing industry has been hit hard by Covid-19 stoppages. Operators have been forced to decommission valuable equipment for unspecified periods, exposing it to very real maintenance threats. Whilst machines have idled, chemical reactions promoted by moisture and contaminants have still been at work, increasing the risk of rust and corrosion. Coming out of lockdown, premium quality lubricants and greases can play an important role in reducing the effects of such damage, alongside vigilant maintenance practices. With the start-up process now underway, here are 10 learnings from the field that ExxonMobil engineers are sharing with customers to help ensure machinery is protected and primed. Conduct overall system check Inspect the equipment from a lubrication perspective for any signs of contamination or oil leaks. If it is a large lubricating system, consider taking an oil sample for analysis before restarting, in case any corrective action is required. Remove any rust preventatives from equipment Always use a suitable solvent. Remove any water from bottom of oil reservoirs If a system has been left to stand, free water may have separated from the oil and settled at the bottom of systems. Open the lowest drain valve point to remove any free water, wipe all accessible surfaces clean. Remove any bacterial growth. Drain and fill with fresh oil if necessary When draining the oil prior to a refill, always check that any dead areas in the system have also drained. Before re-commissioning, check oil is at normal levels.

ExxonMobil engineers are sharing key learnings with customers to help protect machinery

Check seals and access covers Any areas for potential ingress such as seals, dipsticks, and access covers should be checked for contamination. Monitor equipment leaks Pay particular attention to seals which may have been compromised after being left static for an extended period. Only use heaters when oil is circulating If a system operates with heaters, in start-up they should only be turned on when the oil is already circulating. This ensures that static oil is not exposed to high localised temperature. Purge grease-lubricated bearings with fresh grease Before re-commissioning, bearings should be refilled with fresh grease and then allowed to purge by removing grease nipples or purge plugs. Drain and replace engine oil For those engines that have been idle for some time, drain the oil and replace with fresh. Change the oil filter(s). Start operations under low load and bring slowly up to normal operating temperature. Ensure thorough documentation and take representative oil samples All actions taken during start-up should be recorded in maintenance manuals. After operating equipment for several hours, take a good representative oil sample. Send it to a specialist used oil analysis laboratory to confirm the condition of the oil, system and contaminants. PLACE YOUR TRUST IN EXPERT SUPPORT The choices being made today, and in the weeks to come, will have an enduring impact on business performance. This places significant pressure on internal decision makers in the face of unprecedented challenges. Collaboration can be the key to finding practical solutions fast, allowing operators to re-start their businesses efficiently. 45

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materials | news Deflecto partners Steritouch for antimicrobial office range

University develops new plastic biomaterials for medical implants

Two UK businesses have formed a partnership to produce a range of office products that will enable workers to safely use desktop items in the wake of Covid-19. Deflecto, which specialises in office equipment, was keen to add an innovative product line to its portfolio that would enable workers to touch their everyday office items safely when returning to the workplace post-lockdown. It approached Steritouch to incorporate its antimicrobial additives into a range of plastic desktop products, including letter trays, magazine tidies and stationery pots. The antimicrobial additives formulated by SteriTouch are incorporated into the base material of each product in the ‘Office Desktop’ range, providing 24-hour defence against harmful bacteria. Andy Page, European Sales Director for Deflecto, commented: “Working with SteriTouch has allowed us to take a long-standing traditional set of desk accessories we manufacture in the UK to a whole new audience, as consumers crave antimicrobial products. “Existing customers alike have seen demand increase on products that are deemed ‘safe’ to use. Working with SteriTouch has been a great working relationship, which is now developing into a global partnership.”

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have developed a new thermoplastic biomaterial, which is tough and strong but also easy to process and shape. A type of nylon, the material’s shape memory properties enable it to be stretched and moulded, but able to reform into its original shape when heated. This makes it suitable for medical devices such as bone replacements, where minimally invasive surgery techniques require additional flexibility in implant materials. The material was developed in the University’s School of Chemistry, by a team investigating ways to use stereochemistry, a double bond in the backbone of the polymer chain, to manipulate the properties of polyesters and polyamides. The new material can be made using standard chemistry techniques and offers a stable, long-lasting option, with

The new material offers some distinct advantages over existing products used to manufacture medical devices, such as bone

mechanical properties that can be tuned for different end products. Senior researcher, Professor Andrew Dove, explained: “This material offers some really distinctive advantages over existing products used to manufacture medical devices such as bone and joint replacements. We think it could offer a cost-effective, versatile and robust alternative in the medical device marketplace.” A further advantage of the material is its amorphous structure.

Josh Worch, the postdoctoral researcher who led the work, explained: “For many plastics, including nylon, the toughness is often dependent on their semicrystalline structure, but this also makes them harder to shape and mould. However, our new plastic is as tough as nylon, but without being crystalline so it is much easier to manipulate. We believe this is only possible due to the way we have used stereochemistry to control our design.”

ZOTEFOAMS’ AZOTE FOAMS GET WATER REGULATIONS ADVISORY SCHEME APPROVAL

“This re-certification comes at a time where health and hygiene are at the top of the global agenda: the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown a spotlight on the need to minimise the potential for contamination, as well as the importance of cleaning routines. “The characteristics of Zotefoams materials recommend their use in many applications where contamination control is paramount – as demonstrated by recertification to WRAS for these AZOTE grades.”

obial timicr p The an k Des to Office e g ran

Zotefoams has announced renewed approval from the UK Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) for specific grades in its AZOTE polyolefin foams range, confirming their suitability for contact with potable water up to 50°C for domestic purposes. The re-certification confirms that Plastazote grades from 15-70 kg/ m3 in LDPE and 30110 kg/m3 in HDPE, as well as Evazote grades EV30-EV50 – all

closed cell, crosslinked polyolefin foams in the AZOTE brand family – conform with the requirements of BS 6920-1:2000 and/ or 2014, ‘Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water’. Due to Zotefoams’ unique manufacturing process, AZOTE foams offer a unique combination of

advantages for drinking water contact applications, including high purity and low odour. The closed cell nature

of AZOTE foams means that they do not promote bacterial growth and are easy to clean. Zotefoams Group CEO, David Stirling, said:

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

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FEATURE

ehook, a patented cycling tool that gets your chain back on your bike without the mess, was pitched to the Dragons’ Den in September 2019.

F FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL PITCH ON DRAGON’S DEN IN 2019, NORWICH-BASED ENTREPRENEUR WAYNE TAYLOR SECURED FINANCIAL BACKING FOR REHOOK, AN INNOVATIVE CYCLING TOOL. IN APRIL 2020 HE EXPANDED THE PRODUCT RANGE WITH A NEW TOOL, TURNING TO SILVERGATE PLASTICS FOR HELP WITH THE COLOUR FOR THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS. BP&R LOOKS AT THE DETAILS.

Founder, Wayne Taylor is one of a handful of inventors to receive offers of investment from all five Dragons since the show began. He accepted a £50,000 investment from Deborah Meaden in return for a 25 per cent share of his business. In April 2020 – and at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic in the UK – Taylor launched Rehook PLUS, a cycling multi-tool that incorporates tyre levers, wrenches, spoke keys, a screwdriver and hex heads with the classic Rehook tool head. Rehook PLUS is now being successfully marketed to customers throughout the UK and mainland Europe with distribution channels opening up further afield. The plastic components within the tool are injection moulded. Much of the tool is black, but Taylor wanted a splash of vibrant colour to make it stand out at point of sale. He approached North Wales-based masterbatch manufacturer, Silvergate Plastics, to help develop a bright blue. A BRIGHT BLUE HUE Commenting on the colour choice, Taylor said: “The classic Rehook was originally produced in a variety of colours but I wasn’t 100 per cent happy with the final aesthetics. Our packaging also needed a revamp, as it featured pastel shades that lacked visual appeal. As we were launching a new product, I felt it was a good time to review our colours and was advised to look into the benefits of masterbatch. I approached Silvergate Plastics to find out if they could produce as bright a blue as possible and I wasn’t disappointed.”

We really enjoy working with entrepreneurs who have a passion for their products. Supporting new, modern brands is exciting and it’s always nice to contribute towards their ongoing success.

Nylon can be difficult to colour due to its high processing temperature. However, as a specialist manufacturer of polymer-specific masterbatches, Silvergate was able to produce a choice of colours using a physical sample provided by Taylor. Lisa Thomas, Silvergate’s New Sales and Product Development Coordinator, said: “We were delighted to help Wayne with his colour requirements. We immediately set about identifying blues that would offer a really vivid effect. We supplied three sample plaques and Wayne chose an Ultra Blue that looks very effective.” SUPPORT FOR VISITORS TO THE DEN This isn’t the first time that Silvergate has supported a visitor to the Dragons’ Den. The team supplied colours to Trunk, the pull-along suitcase company. Whilst the company didn’t receive backing from the investors, it went on to enjoy global success with an extensive range of children’s travel products. Thomas continued: “We really enjoy working with entrepreneurs who have a passion for their products. Supporting new, modern brands is exciting and it’s always nice to contribute towards their ongoing success.” CYCLING WITH CONFIDENCE Taylor hopes Rehook will encourage people to cycle with confidence, whether they are commuting to work or time trialling He is currently expanding his product range with essential cycling merchandise. Commenting on his experience of working with Silvergate, Wayne said: “Silvergate made the process really easy. We liked the Ultra Blue so much that it has become an integral part of our brand. We are interested in expanding our product range in different colours and will definitely consider using Silvergate’s expert colour matching skills in the future.”

ook The Reh PLUS

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Material Handling

MONITORING PlantMaster BMS Vision Ltd T: 01254 662244, E: sales.bla@visionbms.com www.visionbms.com/plastics 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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intouch T: 01604 537100 E: enquiries@ intouchmonitoring.com www.intouchmonitoring.com GRANULATORS

Up to 2000kg/hr capacity Maguire WSB 2400 weight scale blender

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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.

PROCESS OPTIMISATION SOFTWARE RJG Technologies Ltd Moulding Technology T: +44 (0)1733 232211 E info@rjginc.co.uk Zero Defect Moulding – What’s your target? • Cycle time reduction • Reduced scrap rates • Improved process capability • Higher yield and OEE PRO-OP™ software provides a stepby-step procedure for optimising the injection moulding process to deliver optimum quality products at the most favourable cycle time. PRO-OP™ is a server based application which, by setting an optimum moulding process, highlights weaknesses and problems in relation to part design, mould design, mould construction, moulding equipment efficiency, moulding equipment specification and material selection.The moulding process is documented with explanations for each key process parameter setting demonstrating the processing conditions and equipment contributions to the final result. PRO-OP™ is aimed at companies whose focus is quality and consistent part manufacture. PRO-OP™ supports companies by providing a documented and structured validation protocol which is recognised in the in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

BP&R BUYER’S GUIDE MATERIALS MASTERBATCH

colour masterbatch

ASSEMBLY HOT PLATE WELDING

eclipse

Branson Ultrasonics

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

COLOURS

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

ULTRASONIC WELDING

CMY

InControl Ultrasonics Ltd (FFR Ultrasonics Ltd)

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

black masterbatch

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

cleaning materials

Telsonic UK Ltd

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

Black, White, Colour & Additive Masterbatch

01782 819670 sales@burgesscolours.co.uk

MATERIALS

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

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

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT ASSEMBLY

MOULD RELEASE

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

VIBRATION WELDING Branson Ultrasonics

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

CONTROL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

infrared welding

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

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Infrared Welding Ultrasonic Welding Hot Plate Welding Heat Staking

JOINING

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Find your perfect joining method.

QUALITY MONITORING CONTROL Kistler Instruments Ltd

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

www.frimo.com

pulse staking

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

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

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

BP&R BUYER’S GUIDE MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT DRYERS

HEATING EQUIPMENT

HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS hot runner controllers

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

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

INJECTION MOULDING

MATERIALS HANDLING hopper loaders

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INDUCTION HEATING FOR PLATENS AND TOOLS MF Induction Heating

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Wanted Rubber Manufacturing Company

As part of our ongoing strategy we are looking to aquire an additional business ideally with a current turnover of between £1-3m PA In the first instance email us on rubberukp3@rubber.today

- 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

SCREWS & BARRELS

www.magog.co.uk 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 Contact us to find out how we can help you Magog Industries Ltd, 10 Crane Mead, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9PY T: +44(0)1920 465201 E: enquiries@magog.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

POLYMERS ALUMINIUM MATERIAL STORAGE BINS Off the shelf or made to order with very competitive pricing!

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

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 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

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

BUSINESS FOR SALE

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

TESTING EQUIPMENT

SILICONE MOULDINGS Technical Mouldings in

Silicone, FKM, EPDM, Neoprene, NBR Contact

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RECYCLING

Gammadot Rheology Testing & Consultancy Services

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

‘USED INJECTION MOULDING MACHINERY DEALERS’

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

thermocouples

for sale

Ultrasonic Plastic Welders New & Used

We manufacture 100% recycled film rolls for bags, 80 gauge onwards

For Sale &

All sizes up to 64 ins and different colours available

Wanted

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

We make builders bags any mu And buy scrap polythene at top rates

Tel; 01258 459257 Tel; 07730 413197

t: 07925 004000/ 07588 728754 e: suku@subaltd.com w: www.subaltd.com

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

SERVICES

Unit 5C, Leaton Industrial Estate, Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3AP T: 01939 291677 E: enquiries@gammadot.com W: www.gammadot.com Providing independant testing solutions to all your quality control, failure analysis & flow simulation data needs

HARDNESS - IRHD AND SHORE MAPRA Technik Co — BAREISS

For Bareiss of Germany IRHD & SHORE hardness testers, Abrasion & Rebound testers. T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk

INSPECTION & MEASUREMENT

MAPRA Technik Co – DOSS

MARCEL AUBERT – KAFER

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

PRINTERS TESTING/CONSULTANCY

TRAINING

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 TAMPO.SCREEN.FOIL

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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

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, LOOKS AT MEMBER FIRMS’ OUTLOOK ON BUSINESS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS, OUTLINES HOW THE FEDERATION IS PUTTING PRODUCTIVITY AT THE TOP OF THE AGENDA FOR THE UK PLASTICS INDUSTRY AND HIGHLIGHTS HOW THE BPF ITSELF IS EVOLVING AND ADAPTING TO THE ‘NEW NORMAL’.

he BPF’s most recent ‘Business Conditions Survey’ confirmed that the much vaunted ‘V’ shaped recovery will be more attenuated, with the uptick extending well into next year if not beyond. Nevertheless, 50 per cent of companies were expecting an improvement in turnover over the next twelve months. Also, as many as 84 per cent of companies are intending to invest, with as many as 29 per cent investing significantly. Even Gypsy Rose Lee – for years Blackpool’s most authoritative ‘voyeur’ – would have difficulty in reading the tea leaves; will we be assailed by a second wave of the virus or not? Will we secure a trade deal with the EU? These are rather unfathomable outcomes and the old advice of ‘hope for the best but prepare for the worst’ which, my wife gave to our son on the eve of publication of his A level awarded grades, is probably about as good as you can get. A FORUM FOR PRODUCTIVITY But as businesspeople, however dire the situation may seem, we must constantly search for the opportunities. This is why the BPF is setting up a ‘Forum for Productivity’. One thing that is certain is that in future we will have to fight harder to maintain and increase our share of global markets. It’s an unfortunate aspect of modern times that nation states are less cooperative and more inward looking. To assist the industry’s competitiveness, our Productivity Forum will focus on identifying the machinery, equipment, materials, organisation, behavioural practices and skill sets required to reinforce even further our role as a global leader in plastics. BPF members will be invited to participate in this and we envisage that dialogue between plastics processing sectors widely different in terms of products or markets will be able to benefit from the exchange of experience. A lot has been made of ‘Industry 4.0’ – the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ so that now these terms just roll off the tongue rather mindlessly, but clearly an important facet of the productivity work will be to focus on the practical implications and opportunities for grass roots plastics processors of advances in digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Anyone who is interested in this should contact Graeme Craig at the BPF on gcraig@bpf.co.uk.

ADAPTING AND EVOLVING This is a further example of how the BPF is reshaping its membership benefits to adapt to the industry’s needs in this somewhat changed world. Video conferencing is enabling us to reach out to a much larger number of member firms, more efficiently, and on a greater range of topics. Our webinars are a great success – and we’ve had about 1,500 participants since the middle of March. In September we will be embarking on our Autumn programme with renewed gust. On September 10th we will explore thermoplastics composites, on September 17th we will examine the impact of Coronavirus on polymer supply and trade, and on 23rd September, Brexit and its effect on the plastics industry will be put under the microscope. For further details on these please visit the BPF website on www.bpf.co.uk or contact my colleague Paul Baxter on pbaxter@bpf.co.uk Interest in the BPF is very strong. We have had 27 new members so far this year and, as the motto tells us, we’re ‘Stronger Together’. Our casebook is bursting with concerns – tariff regimes in the event of no trade deal Brexit, skills in the industry, Government support for exports, the proposed tax on packaging, interpretations of the circular economy, and so on…. yet, each of these can be turned into an opportunity, indeed HAS TO BE turned into an opportunity.

www.britishPLASTICS.co.uk

MORE THAN WORDS. WE HELP MAKE YOU MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BY LISTENING CLOSELY AND FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOU. For over 30 years, we have been pursuing the advancement of plastics recycling for you. In doing so, we not only find ways to increase energy efficiency and profitability, but also develop solutions to reduce packaging waste. Find out more now: kraussmaffei.com/circulareconomy

TO GET BACK TO WORK!

GET BACK TO WORK WITH SUMMIT DEFENCE

Government guidelines suggest we need to be COVID-19 secure to return to work safely and where social distancing is not possible, screens should be put in place to separate people. The Summit Defence Sheild provides essential protection for oﬃces, restaurants, cafe’s, schools and hairdressers etc.

• Available now with fast shipping • Portable, ﬂexible and no tools needed to install

IN STOCK NOW

• Configured to suit any workspace • Manufactured in the UK • Fully recyclable

Visit www.summit-defence.co.uk for more information or to place your order!

From

£+7va9t