POLYMERS Communiqué Dec 2014 - Jan 2015

A CUSTAGE I N I T I A T I V E Dec 2014 - Jan 2015 l Issue 1.2 l ` 150

LEAPING AHEAD

with Engineering Polymers Engineering Polymers, Pivotal to the Appliances Business

Sanjay Gandhi

Godrej Appliances

Glorious Days Ahead for Engineering Polymers in Automotives

India

A Promising Future for the Film Market

Business Opportunity Packaging of Flavoured Milk

Innovate to Thrive

Shripadraj R. Ponkshe Tata Motors

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

3

CONTENTS

Dec 2014-Jan 2015 l Issue 1.2

22

52

Engineering Polymers, Pivotal to the Appliances Business

Sanjay Gandhi, Head Sourcing and Senior Vice President,

28

F E ATURE

Plastics contribute to about 20 - 25% of the total Bill of Material (BOM) of refrigerator and 45 - 50% in case of washing machines.

Godrej Appliances, Mumbai

Glorious Days Ahead for Engineering Polymers in Automotives

Shripadraj R. Ponkshe, Head, Materials Engineering,

31

R E P ORT

33

48

60

43

22

4

28

Sizable increase in percentage usage of polymer materials is observed not only in passenger cars and utility vehicles, but in commercial vehicles as well.

Engineering Research Centre, Tata Motors Ltd., Pune

Softening Prices of Engineering Polymers Source: ICIS

MA R KET

Processability and Toughness Drive Adoption of Engineering Plastics

35

37

39

IN TER A C TIO N

INDIA: A Promising Future for the Film Market

Eugen Friedel, Area Sales Director and Marketing Manager, Reifenhäuser Kiefel Extrusion GmbH, Germany

Action Galore @ PLASTINDIA 2015

J. R. Shah, Chairman, National Executive Council, PLASTINDIA 2015

WA Y FO R WA R D

Innovate to Thrive

Jayesh Khimji Rambhia, Managing Director,

43

Packaging of Flavoured Milk, a Business Opportunity

64

Premsons Plastics Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai

B U SIN ESS

Dr. R. Rangaprasad, Director Aadya Bhatt, Faculty

SIES School of Packaging / Packaging Technology Centre, Navi Mumbai

Soundarya Shankar, Research Analyst, Frost & Sullivan, USA

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Publishing Director Manish Chawla manish@polymerscommunique.com

Design by Custage Marketing Solutions Pvt Ltd 401, Vikas Classic Building No 4 4th Floor, Near Basant Cinema Chembur, Mumbai 400 074, INDIA

48

52

Editorial Advisory Board

P OWE R SA V ER

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Rooftops for Polymer Processing

Karan Dangayach, Head - Business Development, Shashwat Cleantec Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad

Dr. N. C. Saha Director, Indian Institute of Packaging

MAN A GE MENT

N. K. Balgi formerly President & Director at Ferromatik Milacron India Pvt. Ltd.

Business Plan: A Vital Tool

P. P. Kharas, Chairman, Ecoplast Ltd., Mumbai

56

Plastics: Essential for a Safe Environment

Arvind Mehta Chairman and Managing Director Welset Plast Extrusions Pvt. Ltd.

Advertising Sales - National

G R E E N P A GES

Mumbai Sanjana Chugh +91-99872 62726 sanjana@polymerscommnique.com

T. K. Bandopadhyay, Technical Head & Envis Coordinator,

60

IN P E R SP E CTI VE

Hyderabad Vani Sulakhe +91-93924 28927 vani@polymerscommunique.com

E VE N T

New Delhi Vijay Babbar +91-98100 15111 vijay@polymerscommunique.com

ICPE Secretariat, Mumbai

Auto Ancillary Show 2014

62

CHINAPLAS 2015 to bring Eco-friendly Plastics Solutions

64

Striking the Cord: Optical Control of Motor Functions

TE C H- BIT S

Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

News

10

Products

16

Events

65

Rajesh Nath Managing Director VDMA German Engineering Federation India Liaison Office Rakesh Shah Managing Director Windmöller and Hölscher India Pvt. Ltd. S. K. Ray Sr. Executive Vice President (Polymers) Reliance Industries Ltd.

Printed at

Silverpoint Press Pvt. Ltd. A-403, TTC Industrial Area Near Anthony Motors Mahape, Navi Mumbai - 400709 District - Thane

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USA Manisha Janjikhel +1-908-720-3510 manisha@polymerscommunique.com

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Bhavesh Brahamaniya +91-22-25204436 bhavesh@polymerscommunique.com Printed and Published by Manish Chawla, printed at Silverpoint Press Pvt. Ltd., A-403, TTC Industrial Area, Near Anthony Motors, Mahape, Navi Mumbai - 400709, District - Thane and published from 401, Vikas Classic Building No 4, 4th Floor, Near Basant Cinema, Chembur, Mumbai 400 074, INDIA. Editor: Manish Chawla.

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Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of POLYMERS Communiqué. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances and so POLYMERS Communiqué does not take any responsibility for any loss or damage incurred or suffered by any of its subscribers / readers / advertisers of this magazine. The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct but do not take any responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. Subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction.

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publisher in writing.

POLYMERS Communiqué reserves the right to use the information published herein in any manner whatsoever. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged.

5

Mind Speak benefitting plastics are , the most life of all walks mankind in iences and being life sc noteworthy t through en m on vir the en protection of otprint of fo ion in carbon major reduct automotives.

Engineering

Rakesh Shah

Managing Director

Windmรถller and Hรถlscher India Pvt. Ltd.

Sr. Executive Vice President

(Polymers), Reliance Industries Ltd.

Dr. N. C. Saha Director

Indian Institute of Packaging

mplement polymers co and glass als et m s n surpas and very ofte tions. A ica rmance appl in high perfo ctronics, ele ch -te of high wide range pliance, ap , n, automobile communicatio ts could uc od pr e ar healthc lighting and of material d on the back be develope gineering en by ovided solutions pr er lym s. It is a speciality po plastics and ials domain. er at m area in high growth

Engineering

S. K. Ray

tomobile and growth of au created ve ha stries s electronic indu ering polymer ne gi en of d great deman l ca ni ha ec m l ptiona due to its exce s, toughness ch as stiffnes properties su sentially es e ar which l and low creep g of structura rin tu ac uf an m required for

Rajesh Nath

Managing Director

VDMA German Engineering Federation India Liaison Office

N. K. Balgi

formerly President & Director at

Ferromatik Milacron India Pvt. Ltd.

Consistent

products.

Arvind Mehta

Chairman and Managing Director Welset Plast Extrusions Pvt. Ltd.

On a global lev el, electrical and electronic ap plications as well as consumer go ods are amon g the most important sa les market for many engineering plastics - alm ost 25% of global deman d originates in each of these two se ctors. Third lar gest market is the transpo rtation sector , followed by construction.

Engineering

polymers and engineered polymers i.e. Commodity polymers modified with fillers and additives for enhancing the properties desired in functional parts, have replaced metals, glass, ceramics and wood in transportation vehicles, building constructions, packaging, consumer goods and medical devices & implants. They are the products of human ingenuity first shown in the development of materials and then in applications, by harnessing their enhanced mechanical and thermal properties and human compatibility. They have helped conserving natural resources, made comforts of life amenable to many, hence, experiencing unstinted growth.

Engineering plastic s growth is set to explode in In dia. IT hardwa re will be a major sector.

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Use Plastics Properly. Dispose Responsibly

Leading ahead in competence through continuous improvement in quality, innovation and customer focus

Feedback When I went through the inaugural issue of Polymer Communiqué, Oct-Nov 2014, I got enthralled with the apt content and coverage of the magazine in a professional manner for the polymer / plastics fraternity.

Congratulations to you and your entire team for bringing out a magazine with truly relevant and enlightening topics.

e: llent magazin A really exce int pr d an r out, pape content, lay of it. I hope can be proud quality - you ly accepted de wi ess and it will be a succ in the market.

Wow!

nmann Karlheinz Wei & Co. KG bH Gm u enba

chin

Brückner Mas

Rajeev Kumar Dwivedi

Technical Training & Research Centre (TTRC) (A division of LOHIA CORP. LTD.)

it and rough ced th ith n la g u I t g, b t w On receipot only eye catchin l quality is a n digit found it les. The est! of artic ll the b a u variety o y h is w I t.

Shah n excelle Sanjay t. Ltd. v P g n ri e Engine STEER

I take this opport unity to you on compli the qu ment ality o from th f the m e point agazin of view and lay e of both out. , conte nt S

ilvan Bobst It a Ilari alia SpA

It has come out we

ll. Congratulat

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P. Dasgupta Consultant

gazine, keeps informative ma must for all a , us fully updated d ngratulations an professionals. Co best wishes.

Very

D. K. Nangia

tion India Trade Promo

I really like d the fi rst issu Comm e of Polymers uniqué . Its n highly icely p focuse ackage d and d, substa loaded nce, e s p with e cially th Indo-G erman e artic le on Trade Great g was qu oing! ite use ful.

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POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

t issue ué firs muniq very m o C re e S POLYMERerb! Contents wc product up ntasti was s and erall fa ve. Ov quality ti a rm n o ti al a info rn te ally in with re . si ep it up e K . k Dharam loo Harish ent, AIPMA sid Past Pre

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omplim ents on your ne bringin w initia g out P tive on OLYME It is q RS Com uite u muiqu s e fu industr é. l for the po y as it b rings u lymer industr p the la y. Wish test in ing you the all the best.

Chemic Mahinder S ing als Manufa & Petrochem h icals cturers ’ Assoc iation

The magazine is high-end magazine.

an

exquisite

Ashwin Agarwal

Kandui Industries Pvt. Ltd.

POLYMERS Communiqué Magazine witnessed

an

unprecedented

response during its launch at the Eliteplus and

3rd

Flexible

Conference

–

Speciality

Films

Packaging

Global

2014

between

25th and 26th September, 2014 at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, India.

The

industry

response

was

overwhelming and so was the excitement

of

the

iPad

Mini

lucky draw.

We wish to take this opportunity to thank the industry for encouraging and motivating us even further. We assure, one and all, that we would continue to strive to achieve new heights so as to create India’s best communication platform for this sunrise plastics industry.

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Lucky draw during the magazine launch in progress.

9

News Digest

Clariant Inaugurates Regional Innovation Centre in India

C

lariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, has inaugurated its first

Amcor unveils first hot-fill PET containers for use with metal lug closures

Arburg to exhibit high-end packaging machine at the Interplastica 2015

Arkema presents its latest innovations in technical polymers at Fakuma 2014

Regional Innovation Centre in India (RIC India). Located

A-B

Clariant motto – what is precious to you!

‘The RIC India reinforces the direction Clariant is taking as it moves into the

future, providing a catalyst to unleash

approximately

innovation

100

and

customised solutions

technical employees in Chemical Research

for hyper growth in the region’, says

future. Research efforts will focus on the

in India.

and Application Development in the near

areas of Surfactants, Specialty Polymers and Functional Chemicals.

Deepak Parikh, Region Head for Clariant

The RIC India in Mumbai will be well integrated

into

Clariant’s

network

global

The RIC bundles research, application

innovation

managed

by

business

technical

ensure leverage of Clariant’s four

foster close collaboration with local

Materials, Biotechnology, Catalysis, and

and scientific partners to identify the

BASF Breaks Ground on New Innovation Campus in Mumbai, India

development and analytical laboratories,

Clariant in Switzerland which will

marketing under one roof. This will

technology platforms: Chemistry and

and

Process Technology.

functions

regional

and

customers,

suppliers

opportunities.

‘Innovation to meet the challenges and trends of regional and global markets is at

the core of Clariant’s strategy. With its close the RIC India will facilitate cross fertilisation of

ideas

and

accelerate

Clariant’s

innovation efforts toward delivering fast and tailor made solutions’, comments

Christian Kohlpaintner, Member of Clariant Executive Committee.

B

ASF plans to set up a new Innovation

Campus in Navi Mumbai, India that will

be fully functional by 2017. The company

will invest approximately €50 million via BASF Chemicals India Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF SE. The facility will accommodate around

300 scientists investigating areas such as crop protection, process development and polymer research.

To mark the inauguration, Clariant

‘We will serve

academic and research institutions to the

in the region

welcomed guests from the industry, new state-of-the art facility. Martin Vollmer,

Chief Technology Officer of Clariant,

gave an insight into the technology and innovation activities at Clariant, followed

10

needs of the Indian market, under the

new facility will host

proximity to local and regional customers, battenfeld-cincinnati opines that the WPC industry experiences new upsurge

focusing on the emerging trends and

in Navi Mumbai, the

most relevant and attractive business Axion Polymers pioneering project aims to recycle more flexible packaging

by a well-attended interactive session

our customers and elsewhere with

global

r e s e a r c h projects

that

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Grand Success of Mumbai Schools Project Waste PET Collection Drive 2014

the initiative by ICPE- BISLERI- CLEAN MUMBAI Foundation and participated

T

he Indian plastic industry responded immediately to Prime Minister Shri

Digest Bayer CropScience closes acquisition of DuPont Crop Protection Land Management assets

Narendra Modi’s call for Swachh Bharat

Abhiyaan in October by reaching out to 100 schools in Mumbai.

Over 100,000 families got the message

about segregated waste and the importance of not

littering

in as a result of the unique PET

Bottle

collection contest held by the schools.

Principals and school teachers welcomed

in large numbers. homes,

Students covered

cooperative

societies

restaurants to share the anti-litter

message and clean Mumbai drive. Other cities and towns will be invited across

teams were honoured at an awards function with prizes on 14th November, Children’s Day. talent’,

of Executive Directors, BASF SE; responsible

India Limited & Head South Asia.

for the Asia Pacific region.

The campus will host global research activities

and

regional

and

local

development activities. Development

activities will serve BASF’s Performance

Chemicals, Care Chemicals, Pigments and Dispersions businesses.

‘The BASF Innovation Campus (Mumbai) will

bring

the

best

international

scientists from India and other parts

of the world together into the global

BASF R&D arena. BASF’s global major research platforms - Advanced Materials and Systems, Bioscience and Process

Research and Chemical Engineering - will be active in Mumbai from 2015’, says Harald

Lauke, designated President of Advanced Materials and Systems Research.

‘A stronger R&D in India will create new

says

Raman

Ramachandran,

The facility will begin operation in 2017 and will include synthesis, application, process, and analytical laboratories. Along

metre site includes technical facilities,

logistics areas, a full-scale auditorium and canteen, and employee amenities areas.

DSM Drives Home with SPE Automotive Innovation Award for EcoPaXX Integrated Crankshaft Cover

R

oyal DSM, the global life sciences

and material sciences company,

announced a new award for its EcoPaXX® high performance polyamide 410. A

lightweight multi-functional crankshaft cover in the bio-based polymer came first

in the Powertrain category at the Society

of Plastics Engineers Automotive Division

cooperation programmes that will benefit

career opportunities for local scientific

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Davis-Standard and Dow demonstrates dsX s-tretch™ technology

with scientific facilities, the 20,000 square

customer relationships and scientific

Additionally, the campus will open up

BioSolar sets record with low cost energy storage supercapacitor

Chairman and Managing Director, BASF

opportunities for building and expanding

BASF and the Indian R&D community.

Berlin Packaging wins 3rd WorldStar award for innovative floor cleaner package

India for the same initiative. Five school

will be led out of Mumbai’, says Martin

Brudermüller, Vice Chairman of the Board

and

Innovation Awards Competition and Gala

Dow develops chromium-free etch for sustainable plating on plastic manufacturing

Dow Corning’s durable, colourable, silky TPSiV® elastomers show favourable results when tested for prolonged skin contact

B-D

held in Detroit on 12th November 2014.

11

The EcoPaXX crankshaft cover is produced

demanding specifications, including very

partner KACO in Germany for the latest

stability; high resistance to stress over a

by DSM’s automotive component specialist

Digest DSM and Groupe Sebbin partner to provide treatment options for breast reconstruction and aesthetic plastic surgery

generation of MDB-4 TDI diesel engines developed by the Volkswagen Group.

Dr. Lutz Wohlfarth from Volkswagen and

Marcio Lima from KACO were at the Gala in Detroit to collect the SPE award.

The SPE recognised the numerous environmental and economic advantages

of the new part and the technologies used

to make it. The EcoPaXX crankshaft cover weighs around 40% less than a crankshaft

cover with similar geometry made in ENGEL to present eight innovative application solutions at NPE 2015

aluminum, hence improves fuel efficiency.

‘The manufacturing process is completely waste-free; and the part uses sustainable

materials’, says Andreas Genesius, Head Evonik starts up two new plant units for production of crosslinking activators at Wesseling

of Project Management at KACO. Upto

70% of EcoPaXX is derived from renewable resources, and is certified 100% carbon neutral from cradle to gate.

Besides the environmental advantages,

the total system cost can be up to 25% less than that for a similar die-cast aluminum

Holfeld Plastics wins the WorldStar award for rPETeCO

Honeywell increases price for Aclar® films

crankshaft cover design.

The material had to meet a series of very

Plastics and Rubber Machinery Manufacturing Set to Grow

G

lobal sales of plastics and rubber machinery will increase by an

average of 3% a year in the period

Huntsman inaugurates new India subcontinent headquarters in Mumbai

D-H 12

from 2014 to 2016

low water absorption for dimensional wide range of temperatures (operating

temperatures range from -40° C to +150° C, with excursions up to 170° C); resistance to

engine oils and diesel fuel; and the ability to bond to the LSR and PTFE seals, and, during engine assembly, to the cast iron

engine block and to a second silicone seal on the oil sump.

Third Specialty Film and Flexible Packaging Global Conference

T

he two-day, Third Specialty Films and Flexible Packaging Global Conference

– 2014 was held at Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai on 25th and 26th September,

2014. The conference was organised by

Elite Plus Business Services (EPBS) and the

Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturers Association (CPMA), with over 750 participants representing 340 companies

from over 21 countries in attendance.

The conference brought the heads of leading companies across the world, to share the latest innovations driving the Back in October, the industry’s sales in

Germany were forecast to show a slight decline of 1% in the current year. For

2015, manufacturers are expecting a growth rate of 4%.

The European manufacturing countries and China account for

according to a trend

almost three quarters

report commissioned

of global production.

for the first time by

The main sales markets

the VDMA Plastics and Rubber

are China and the US,

Machinery

which together take

Association.

A forecast was also made for the first time for manufacturers in the EU. As

the year draws to a close, it predicts that sales will be down by 2% in 2014

nearly a quarter of the

world’s deliveries of

plastics and rubber machinery. If the EU

is included, that takes the figure to 47% of world exports.

but, starting from that lower base, the

The outlook for 2015 shows a positive

for 2015.

further recovery of European markets.

forecast envisages growth, also of 2%

trend in sales to China and the US and a

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

market. They highlighted the emerging technologies in the packaging industry

Brückner’s are

latest

operated

at

BOPET

lines

speeds

above

500 m/min. At Plastindia, Brückner will

show developments which improve that are expected to increase shelf-life, reduce cost and are lightweight.

The keynote speakers of the opening session included Peter Steinbeck, Managing

Partner, Windmöller & Hölscher; Laurence

Fraser Jones, Vice President, Marketing

the film quality, the handling and the efficiency of the line. For example, the

recently introduced, advanced pinning system and the highly reliable chain track

system in the transverse direction orienter (TDO), provide unparalleled stability during operations at high-speeds.

Centre - Film & Fibre, Borouge Pte Ltd;

BOPA films for food packaging as well as

India & South Asia, Kellogg and Atul Bhatia,

increasing interest for the Indian markets

Harpreet Singh Tibb, Director, Marketing,

Director-Research, Development & Quality,

for applications in the medical sector are of

Mondelez International.

They covered diverse topics such as the expanding role of plastics in packaging;

current trends; technological innovations for economical film production; emerging

technical challenges for flexible packaging applications etc.

and Convertors – Two Sides of the Same

Coin’ was one of the highlights of the conference. The presentations were

thought provoking and generated lots of ideas for the participants.

The

organisers

also

presented

to their good barrier properties towards

gases, flavour and odour. Brückner presents BOPA line layouts with line

At Plastindia 2015, visitors will get

which can achieve unreached working speeds above 500 m/min.

new energy saving measures in both, thermal and electrical respect. One of

& Hölscher recognising his contributions globally

to

innovations

packaging machinery.

in

flexible

Brückner at Plastindia 2015

A

t Plastindia 2015, German Brückner

Maschinenbau GmbH (Hall 8, Booth

E07) will present latest solutions that will

help film producers to optimise their performance.

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

KraussMaffei to manufacture plastic closures and caps for Menshen Packaging USA

manufacture of high-quality BOPP films

All line developments include brand-

Steinbeck, Managing Partner, Windmöller

Jain Irrigation’s Onion and Vegetable Dehydration Division bags 2014 CII National Award for Food Safety

latest information about lines for the

the

Lifetime Achievement Award to Peter

INVISTA receives Innovation Upgrade award from China Chemical Industry News

as they offer plenty of advantages due

widths above 5m.

A lively panel discussion on ‘End User

Digest

Lanxess coloured concrete safety barriers ensure safety on German roads

Parx Plastics mass produces biocompatible and non-toxic technology for antibacterial plastic

the highlights will be the ‘Intelligent

Line Management’ (ILM) including an energy monitor for measuring and

analysing the energy consumption of

the film production process based on the international standard ISO 50001.

WPO Selects Winners of WorldStar Awards 2015 in Colombo, Sri Lanka

T

he 264 packaging projects from 37

countries,

entries

to

the

I-P

WorldStar Awards 2015 were judged

13

by representatives from 17 packaging

Formed with equity participation from

WPO (World Packaging Organisation).

Pvt. Ltd. would be based in Rajkot and

associations who are the members of

Digest Plastic Technologies expands PET material / bottle testing to Southeast Asia via Hemetek partnership

The judging session took place on 19th November, 2014, the third day of

WPO’s Board Meeting programme, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

working

meetings, an

the

international

congress - Packaging for Global Economic Resurgence, and the

judging session, all organised by WPO’s

member in Colombo, the Sri Lanka The number of winners according to

category

was:

Beverages

38 (71 entries); Food 36 (69 entries); Health

& Beauty 13 (27 entries); Household

12 (16 entries); Pharmaceutical and Medical and Other 25 (46 entries), Point of Sale 2 (10 entries). The country that received

the most awards was the USA with a total of 21 WorldStar winners.

The candidates for the special categories - President’s Award, Sustainability Award

RTP Company develops long fibre thermoplastic compounds with low VOC emissions for automotive interior applications

P-R

and Marketing Award - will be announced

in January. All winners will be recognised

in a ceremony during the IPACK-IMA

2015 exhibition in Milan, Italy, to be held between 19th and 23rd May, 2015.

Rajoo Engineers and Meaf Machines JV to Address the Emerging Demand for SemiFlexible Packaging Systems

T

he learn-do-curve never ends. To position itself as a-one-stop-solution

provider as regards sheet extrusion with inline / offline thermoforming, Rajoo

‘The concept of barrier packaging

materials for semi-flexible containers, especially

disposable

containers,

is yet to gain momentum in India.

However, the strong global demand for semi-flexible packaging and an

extremely promising future motivated us to partner with Rajoo Engineers

to build robust and quality solutions in India’, says Ardjan Houtekamer, Technical Director, Meaf Machines B V, Netherlands.

The demand for semi-flexible packaging, especially disposable containers will

rise exponentially and it is the way forward for the packaging industry.

Emergent organised retail, changing institutional

demands,

growing

clamour for hygiene & spiraling costs

of energy and labour have made it today a compelling necessity for every packaging company to inculcate energy

efficient automation; high output sheet extrusion, inline / offline thermoforming are evident solutions.

The unique tilting-mould technology of the Rajoo-Meaf thermoforming solutions plays a perfect foil to the stacking

solutions; hygiene, minimal handling and

high productivity are a result. The typical outputs of thermoforming machines range from 7000 cups per hour to 70,000 cups per hour!

Engineers Ltd. set up a joint venture

‘A new technology always excites us. This

in the business of sheet extrusion

once again, to bring world class cutting

with MEAF Machines B.V. of Netherlands, equipment

and

machinery since 1947.

14

East, West and North Africa.

meeting,

14 (16 entries); Electronics 8 (9 entries); RPC Group has been named ‘Company of the Year’ at the recent UK Packaging Awards

such as India and other ASEAN countries,

group

Institute of Packaging.

RadiciGroup receives a Product Stewardship Award, recognising its achievements on the sustainability front

will cater to a diverse spectrum of markets

The week long programme included

board PolyOne recognised for innovation and excellence by two leading publications in China

both companies, Rajoo Meaf Engineers

thermoforming

joint venture with MEAF will allow us,

edge technology to the shores of India.

The long standing industry demand of

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

energy efficient sheet extrusion and

thermoforming with stacking, that too

at affordable prices, is now a reality’, says Khushboo Doshi, Director, Rajoo Engineers Ltd.

Solvay Lifts Resin Production Capacity in India by 25%

help make cars and airplanes lighter

thereby reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Other key markets

S

include

demand for its innovative ultra-high

resins has been growing significantly,

AvaSpire®.

innovative and tailored solutions in close

olvay is increasing resin production capacity at its plant in Panoli, Gujarat,

and energy.

healthcare,

electronics

India by 25 per cent to support strong

‘Demand for KetaSpire and AvaSpire

performance polymers KetaSpire® and

thanks to Solvay’s ability to deliver

Solvay’s Global Business Unit Specialty Polymers has the industry’s widest range

of high and ultra-high performance

relations with its customers,’ says Augusto Di

Donfrancesco,

Specialty Polymers.

President,

Solvay

polymers. Thanks to their outstanding

The Indian Chemical Council recently

excellent friction and wear properties,

certification, recognising its dedication to

qualities

of

strength,

toughness,

heat and chemical resistance, Solvay’s KetaSpire and AvaSpire are used in markets growing at least 8 - 10%, annually.

In

transportation,

these

ultra-polymers replace metals and

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

awarded

Panoli

Responsible

Care®

developing and supplying products and services that, throughout their life cycle,

pose minimum risk to human beings and the environment, while best meeting

Digest SABIC’s LEXAN™ resin and EXATEC ™ coating technology helps Abarth to finds its racing spirit

Victrex receives approval for implant made of PEEK-OPTIMA HA enhanced polymer

S-V

customer needs.

15

Products BOBST to Present Latest Developments at Plastindia 2015

metallisers, and the General Registron® Hawkeye pinhole detector.

B

Recognising the potential for development

8, Stand E12 / F13, visitors are invited to

Along with the growth of the Indian

OBST announces its participation at

of the Indian flexible materials printing

Plastindia 2015 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

and converting industry, BOBST has been

between 5th and 10th February, 2014. In Hall receive extensive information on the latest

innovations and developments in BOBST market leading web-fed equipment and

services for the processing of plastic film.

Representatives from all European BOBST web-fed product lines and from Bobst

India Pvt. Ltd. are looking forward to meeting professionals from the industry

Borealis Delivers Innovative Material Solutions for New Citroën C4 Cactus

B

attending Plastindia since the 1990s. to present to them BOBST’s wide range printing and converting equipment

including F&K CI flexo presses, Rotomec gravure presses, CL multi-technology and SL solventless laminators, the range

in

coating

lines,

general

car manufacturers to achieve the highest aesthetic and mechanical performance standards.

of flow marks, also known as tiger

applications in the unique new Citroën C4

Cactus. The new tiger stripe-free solution Daplen™ EH227AE for exterior parts will

be used in addition to other materials for more than 33 different applications in

the new-generation model launched by the PSA Group.

increase in sales of its equipment for the

flexible packaging industry in South Asia.

For further details please contact: Bobst Mex SA, Switzerland

vacuum

base chemicals and fertilizers, announces solutions for key interior and exterior

and as a consequence, a significant

machines, the latest developments

One central concern when it comes

that it is delivering leading-edge material

experienced a constantly growing interest

of extrusion coating and laminating

orealis, a leading provider of innovative solutions in the fields of polyolefins,

economy over the last decade, BOBST has

to surface aesthetics is the elimination stripes. The Borealis’ new generation of Daplen tiger stripe-free grades was

determined by PSA to be the best choice for numerous exterior applications, offering more design freedom and good quality. Daplen™ EH227AE is being

used in rocker panels, whilst additional

Web: www.bobst.com

New Biopolymers based Packaging Using Green Plastic

B

raskem

and

Bimbo

packaging

engineers have been working to

produce bio-based packaging using Braskem’s Green Polyethylene, which is produced from sugarcane ethanol. The sugarcane used is non-GMO (genetically

modified organisms) based. The bread packaging is made with 36 per cent bio

based material; verified using ASTM

grades are used in other Citroën C4

Cactus

applications,

including

interior trims, central console and dashboard.

‘We

are

committed

to

developing

superior, cutting-edge material solutions to meet the needs of our partners and

D6866, Eureka! Organic Bread bags

explains Harald Hammer, Vice President

America to use this renewable and

customers in the automotive industry’, Borealis continues to develope innovative

Engineering Applications, Borealis.

are the first packaged bread in North sustainable technology.

polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic

For further details please contact:

For further details please contact:

applications. These solutions will enable

Web: www.borealisgroup.com

Web: www.braskem.com.br

polyolefin (TPO) solutions for automotive

16

Borealis AG, Austria

Braskem, Germany

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Compostable Packaging Assists Expansion

packaging is an ideal fit with our brand and the packaging is helping us expand

N

atureFlex™ certified renewable and

compostable films from Innovia Films

are helping a Dorset based organic coffee

our UK distribution into health food stores, delicatessens and farm stores whose owners and customers are increasingly

demanding more eco-

company expand their

friendly options’.

distribution.

Bird & Wild produce

Owen

Embling,

coffees, which mean

Convex Plastics says, ‘The

in a way that protects

allowed us to develop

certified Bird Friendly™

Managing

they have been grown

NatureFlex films have

important

high barrier compostable

migratory

Director,

bird habitats in equatorial coffee growing

packaging that provides the same level

credentials they chose Econic® packaging

fuel-based

Convex Plastics. The pack is a triplex

including coffee, cereals and snack bars’.

/ High-Barrier Metallised NatureFlex and a

Innovia Films’ says, ‘Our NatureFlex films

regions. To enhance their environmental

of functionality as traditional fossil

developed by New Zealand converter,

is ideal for a wide range of dry food,

laminate of reverse printed clear NatureFlex

Neil Banerjee, Market Manager - Coffee,

Starch based biopolymer. This structure

are increasingly being used in bio-laminate

ensures that the delicate flavour and

freshness of Bird & Wild’s unique coffees are locked in.

films.

Econic

packaging

packaging constructions such as these to provide the necessary barrier’.

For further details please contact: Innovia Films Ltd., UK

Emma Broomhead and Ben Roberts

who run the company claim, ‘Econic

Web: www.innoviafilms.com

CTI Expands Thermochromic Magic to the Plastics Industry

C

hromatic Technologies (CTI) is now introducing its new ‘PowerCapsules™’

thermochromic plastic technology. The breakthrough chemistry includes

thermochromic colour concentrate pellets which offer customers the benefits of an

SMARTRAC Introduces Small Laundry Tag with Big Performance Advantages

R

FID technology leader SMARTRAC has launched its new ‘Laundry Tag’.

Designed for the rough environmental conditions

found

in

the

laundry

management industry, this new thin

RFID tag (Ø 16.1mm / 0.63”) supports enhanced garment classification, and can contribute to efficient water and energy usage.

The size and performance of SMARTRAC’s ‘Laundry Tag’ meet industry requirements

to speed up inventory processes for

hotels, hospitals and other institutions.

Thanks to its sturdy design and robust polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) housing, the new tag withstands water immersion,

high temperatures up to 200° C, pressure and chemicals.

Equipped with an anti-collision feature,

individual tags can be read even when

many

tagged

factor

offers

excellent

garments

are

stacked together tightly. Its small form

performance

and a superior read distance of up to

70mm within the HF frequency band.

It can be easily and invisibly sewed into linen sheets, garments and other laundry items.

enviable let-down ratio, temperature indication and powered by new technology that drives vibrant colour and UV stability, all combined with U.S. based manufacturing.

CTI’s PowerCapsules have been qualified in

applications as polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene

(HDPE),

polystyrene

(PS)

and

polyethylene (PE). PowerCapsules serve to enhance the consumer experience across a diverse range of products including QSR utensils, soda closures, iceROOM TEMP

COLD

cream spoons, baby bath toys, coffee lids and soup bowls. Among plastics utensils, an estimated 40 billion

are used every year in the United States alone. PowerCapsules are also recyclable.

‘Our new PowerCapsules technology is best-in-class for UV / fluorescent light and

heat stability and also offers ‘more energy per capsule’ so customers get stronger colour or have the option of using less thermochromic material’, says Patrick Edson, Chief Marketing Officer, CTI.

For further details please contact:

Chromatic Technologies, Inc. (CTI), USA Web: www.ctiinks.com

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

The tag complies with all relevant industry

standards (ISO 18000-3, ISO 15693) and has passed a wide range of strict quality tests for temperature, humidity and pressure resistance, making ‘Laundry Tag’

a reliable inventory tracking solution for wet environments.

For further details please contact: SMARTRAC,

Amsterdam-The Netherlands

Web: www.smartrac-group.com

17

The Flashing Tail Light in Cars Glow: Thanks to Macrolex from LANXESS!

L

ANXESS,

speciality

company,

the offers

possible with soluble dyes

They are soluble in organic

include end applications like

esters

such

as

Macrolex.

These

solvents

water bottles (PC), water and

aromatics,

and

chlorinated

hydrocarbons.

beer bottles (PET), PMMA/ PC

global

like

They

are

the respective media.

Macrolex dyes fulfill numerous

legal requirements and comply with local market regulations

car tail lights and toys (ABS)

chemicals

among others.

soluble

organic dyes in a variety of

Macrolex dyes are used to

Macrolex®, these dyes dissolve

and

They are not only known

pigments and are suited

strength, but are easy to use

temperatures, where most

no mechanical damage to

degrade. These dyes dissolve

even through changes in

which melt at the respective

shades. Identified as brand

obtain different translucent

in a molecular form in plastics.

combination with inorganic

for their excellent colour

for applications with high

(no dispersion and causes

organic pigments begin to

the polymer) and are stable

completely in the plastics

temperature.

processing temperatures of

insoluble in water or, in dilute

for use in food packaging,

this

acid or alcohol. This property

children’s toys.

They are ideally suited for

the colouring of amorphous

opaque

fact, the transparent colouring

colour

is important for consumer

For further details please

children’s

of

LANXESS India Pvt. Ltd.,

the dye cannot bleed into

Web: http://lanxess.in

for

and

high

goods, food packaging and

the dispersing speed of the

coloured plastics, because

illiken & Company offers a new, agent

yield

maximum colour

Nucleator for HDPE from Milliken nucleating

means

of

equipment used.

of glass-clear plastics is only

injection

moulded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) applications. This new technology features a unique

PP is already commonly used. High-

Walker,

Business

Development

Marketing

and for

Polyethylene Additives, Milliken. ‘With our new

to

are

The Hyperform HPN 210 M nucleator

gives moulders attractive new processing options for packaging and material handling applications. The new additive – which specifically targets material

handling applications such as waste

containers, totes, crates and pallets – is the first in a family of next-generation nucleators that Milliken is developing.

moulded

enabling

moulders

expand

performance

copolymers.

18

Manager

injection

of polypropylene (PP) impact

Maharashtra, India

we have now addressed’, says Reed

we

levels approaching those

contact:

resistance, enabling it to be moulded

challenge throughout the industry that

M nucleating agent

performance of HDPE to

made

polyethylene has been an ongoing

improves the mechanical

injection

toys

Hyperform HPN 210

crystalline orientation that

‘Nucleating

food contact applications and

the thermoplastic. In effect,

formulations; irrespective of

PMMA, PET and their blends. In

M

in

aqueous solutions of acetic

reproducibility

polymers such as PS, PC, ABS,

shades

space

the of

high-density polyethylene and

linear low-density polyethylene’.

Testing done according to the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM

D790-00) showed increased stiffness (modulus) of up to 50 per cent vs.

standard HDPE. This stiffness can enable thinner-wall designs, contributing to weight reductions of the final part.

Furthermore, Hyperform HPN 210 M

nucleating agent improves HDPE’s heat

into a wide range of products where density polyethylene nucleated with the new Hyperform HPN 210 M additive

boosts heat distortion temperatures

by 10 - 40° C, as determined by the ASTM D648-07 test.

It further improves the processing benefits

of HDPE, including higher productivity

due to shorter cooling times. The new nucleator’s unique ability to create

lamellar crystal orientation of PE in the polymer flow (or machine) direction aids the reduction in shrinkage. Control of

shrinkage and warpage contributes to an improvement in the overall quality of

large, complex parts, opening the window for PE to become a potential material of

choice in moulds that traditionally run PP, without the need to re-tool.

For further details please contact:

Milliken & Company, Spartanburg Web: www.milliken.com

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Speciality Colour Masterbatches l

Endless Shade Possibilities

Next Generation Metallics

l

White Masterbatches ‘High Loading

l

High Quality Packaging Film

l

Path Breaking Colouring & Compounding Solutions

High Performance Blacks l

High Strength Blacks

High Dispersability

l

Additive Masterbatches Exhaustive Range to Modify and Enhance Polymer Properties

info@custage.com

l

GOI Recognised Export House

Welset Plast Extrusions Pvt Ltd Arvind Mehta Group Company

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

8, New Metalage Industrial Premises, Subhash Marg, Off Caves Road, Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai 400 060.

INDIA

T F E W

: +91-22-2821 5734, 2838 7054 : +91-22-2838 1088 : info@welset.com : www.welset.com

19

New Opaque Tritan Copolyester from Eastman

E

astman Tritan™ copolyester MXF121, an opaque material, was selected as the material of construction

for the new Echo-Screen® III hearing screener from Natus

Medical. Eastman is helping medical companies meet

Tetra Pak Presents Package made Entirely from Plants-based, Renewable Packaging Materials

T

Council

paperboard.

(FSC™)

certified

Developed in partnership with Braskem, the new Tetra Rex package will

be

commercially

available in early 2015.

etra Pak announced

of

Tetra Pak customers using

Launched at the 2014 Medical Design & Manufacturing

carton made entirely

Rex with TwistCap OSO 34

and other medical-device

renewable packaging

new version without the

free of bisphenol A (BPA),

Tetra Rex® carton will

investment or modification

aggressive cleaners and

density polyethylene

machines.

customer needs and regulatory requirements with the introduction of this revolutionary material.

the

show, the material is intended for use in hand-held

the

launch

first

the standard 1 litre Tetra

based,

can easily transfer to the

industry’s

from

plant

housings. Tritan MXF121 is

materials.

new

need for any additional

tough and resistant to

have bio-based low-

to their existing filling

disinfectants.

(LDPE)

The Echo-Screen III device is used primarily for newborn hearing

screening

and

is a compact, all-in-one device that incorporates transiently

evoked

otoacoustic (TEOAE), product

emissions

auditory

emissions otoacoustic

(DPOAE)

brainstem

(ABR) capabilities.

distortion

and

response

‘Medical-device housings such as the

Echo-Screen III are used in healthcare environment

that rely on increasingly aggressive cleansers and

The

films

and

Tetra Pak International SA,

addition to Forest Stewardship

Web: www.tetrapak.com

derived from sugar cane, in

shot weight of approximately

With the El-Exis SP machines,

of

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH provides the

basis for economical production of

sophisticated

packaging

company

recently

applications.

Speciality Plastics, Medical Devices, Eastman. ‘Eastman

packaging expertise

resistance against these cleaners and disinfectants. This

food

reduced device failure and greater peace of mind for

El-Exis

- as well as the material’s toughness - can translate into healthcare professionals and patients’.

‘The Natus development team was able to meet user requirements for a DEHP-free and BPA-free product by

partnering with Eastman on material selection. We believe

this next-generation product will be very well-received by our international customers as hearing screening adoption

continues to grow worldwide’, says Jim Hawkins, President and CEO, Natus Medical.

For further details please contact:

Eastman Chemical Company, USA Web: www.eastman.com

20

Switzerland

High Dynamics with Low Energy Consumption, the Sumitomo Solution

The

Tritan™ copolyester MXF121 provides excellent chemical

contact:

polyethylene (HDPE) caps, both

disinfectants to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)’, says Ellen Turner, Market Development Manager,

For further details please

bio-based high-density

showcased by

with

its

6.2 grams.

The El-Exis SP offers technological

excellence for the production thin-walled

and

hydraulic

drives,

the

for

maximum

speed

and

El-Exis SP machines are designed dynamics.

Due to the parallel, hybrid drives and a nearly lossfree

the machine

containers

SP

on

has low energy

an

consumption

200-920

despite

with a clamping force

After

the handling of Polymac

Robotics b.v., the injection machine

high

performance.

of 2,000 kN. Along with

molding

power

transmission,

producing

IML

packaging.

With a combination of electric

is

designed as a compact IML

manufacturing cell, allowing

production of the container in less than 3.5 seconds. The

cups are made in a four-cavity tool of polypropylene made

by Otto Hofstetter AG with a

energy

all,

the

costs

are the linchpin

for

low-cost

production in addition to the material price.

For further details please contact: Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH, Germany

Web: www.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Perstorp Steps Up Its Bioplastics Competitiveness

especially toughness and flexibility enabling them to be competitive in

P

erstorp, the world leader in ε-polycaprolactones (PCL)

technology, marketed under the Capa™ brand, is stepping up its

investment into the fast growing bioplastics market. World demand

is expected to continue to grow at over 20% pa for the foreseeable future, and Capa Thermoplastics are already playing a vital role in

enhancing biopolymer performance and biodegradability across a range of bioplastic applications.

Linda Zellner, Project Bioplastics Perstorp

‘We

our

are

Manager,

comments,

increasing

competitiveness

in

bioplastics through these

film and packaging applications. The superior compostability of Capa also improves the products useful endof-life making bioplastic packaging, bags and film environmentally

attractive. The latest investments

are aimed at broadening the sustainable

options

available

to producers and ultimately to consumers too.

Bioplastics are being increasingly seen as the plastic of choice as consumer awareness increases the demand for greater

sustainability and better waste management solutions. Perstorp’s latest investments will broaden the biopolymer choice.

investments, which is a core focus

Linda Zellner highlights, ‘Biopolymer formulators and producers

to take a leading position in the development of new bioplastic

access to a broader range of innovative sustainable options as

area for the Perstorp Group. We intend

products, since Capa Thermoplastics add significant value to biopolymer performance and end-of-life solutions’.

will get a fast response to their specific Capa needs and then have the bioplastics application portfolio develops’.

For further details please contact: Perstorp Holding AB, Swedan

Capa in particular opens up new opportunities for bioplastics such

as PLA, PHA and starch by improving their functional properties,

Gerresheimer Pharmaceutical Packaging Products Showcased at CPhI India 2014

Web: www.perstorp.com

Triveni Polymers Private Limited. Triveni,

a Gerresheimer group company is a leading manufacturer of pharmaceutical

plastic packaging products and closures.

G

They are the first Indian company in the

erresheimer presented its product

country to file DMF with US FDA for Type III

portfolio for the Indian and Asian

packaging components for the regulated

markets at the CPhI (Convention for

and Indian market.

Pharmaceutical Ingredients) at Bombay

Exhibition Centre, Mumbai between

The

2nd and 4th December, 2014.

company’s

plastic

packaging

specialises in solid (container closure plastic

systems with CR, CT and desiccant

and is well-positioned in the Indian

application and plastic vials. Leading

packaging products in Kundli, India. The

for solid dosage, edp-branded PET bottles

at this facility have access to the entire

ophthalmic products. Their plastic vials

how. Also, local presence offers valuable

for sensitive parental drug formulations.

Gerresheimer

specialises

in

products

embedded caps), liquid, ophthalmic

market with its Triveni plant for plastic

brands are ‘Triveni’, Duma and Dudek

pharmaceutical

specialists

for liquid dosage and their range of

Gerresheimer Group’s packaging know

branded MultiShell are specially designed

benefits to Gerresheimer’s customers.

It is one of the most comprehensive

pharmaceutical

packaging

packaging

portfolios from a single company,

Cutting edge and pioneering technology,

available to the customers today.

consistent quality and high standards of service is what the Triveni brand is known and stands for. ‘We are ready to exceed the expectations of our customers.

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Their satisfaction is our reward’, says

Subodh Gupta, M.D. Gerresheimer at

For further details please contact: Gerresheimer AG, Germany

Web: www.gerresheimer.com

21

FEATURE

Engineering Polymers, Pivotal to the Appliances Business

Plastics contribute to about 20 - 25% of the total Bill of Material (BOM) of refrigerator and 45 - 50% in case of washing machines.

Sanjay Gandhi Head Sourcing and Senior Vice President Godrej Appliances, Mumbai

U

in optimising inventory levels within limited

Q. What has been the role of engineering plastics in ‘changing the look’ of the appliance industry?

requirements with lowest lead time, says Sanjay

outlook of their owners. Styling and design has been

sing polymers has helped us consolidate basic

raw material grades. This has also been of help

space and meeting the rapid changes in market

Gandhi, Head Sourcing and Senior Vice President,

Godrej Appliances in dialogue with POLYMERS Communiqué.

22

Home appliances symbolise the success and modern the dominating factor influencing major purchasing decisions for home appliances. Aesthetically designed

products attract the consumers and enhance their

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

5 years, 5.5%

whereas consumption

plastics has gone up

6.5%.

Q. With appliance purchase being primarily driven by price, what role do plastics play in favourable pricing and sustained profits for the appliance manufacturers?

Appliance industry is a high volume low margin business and competing in a globally connected economy has raised a host of challenges for

the appliance industry in India. It is

players bring out innovative products

the looks as it has helped manufacturers

replace metal parts in home appliances, efficient

manufacturing and improved durability,

combined with design flexibility. Plastics provide moulding flexibility, styling and

colouring possibilities, making it perfect for use in appliances.

Both, thermoplastics and thermosets have been widely used in the design and manufacturing of appliances.

with great performance that focus on enabling

manufacturers

to make appliances more

plant of

demand

in a region affects

international prices.

Tariff

Hence,

commencement

levels

have

Shrink wrapping used for the

gradually fallen in

packaging

the domestic prices

refrigerators. This

the past decade and are

closely

to

global

the

landed

linked prices

and determined by

costs.

Polymer prices are

volatile due to its

linkage with crude oil prices. The polymer prices have shown inflationary

of premium

has helped reduce the number

of SKU used in packaging by

one-third, thereby also reducing the cost.

trend

in the last 3 years due to increase in crude oil prices. However; during this

prices have fallen

cost-efficient

by 30% in the last

and more appealing to the consumers.

Purchased

material

accounts for about 65%

of costs in appliances.

Plastics contribute to

about 20 - 25% of the total Bill of Material

(BOM) of refrigerator

of washing machines.

polystyrene and poly vinyl chloride) are

material, grade and its

range of applications while engineering

role

styrene and polycarbonate) are used

product

higher performance in areas of heat

pricing of appliance

and fire retardancy. On the other hand,

company.

polypropylene, polystyrene, expanded

Hence, the choice of

used in high volumes and have wide

usage play a critical

thermoplastics

butadiene

the BOM cost of the

in demanding applications requiring

straight impact on the

resistance, chemical resistance, impact

and profitability of the

acryl

seasonal

prices.

and 45 - 50% in case

thermoplastics

(like

shutdowns,

year, the crude oil

that are more robust,

(like

Commodity

gaining

changing consumer tastes. Leading

Plastics play an important role in changing

resistance,

and

costs, improve sustainability and meet

feel-good factor.

heat

satisfaction

imperative for manufacturers to reduce

perception about product quality and

providing

production at new capacities and

competitive advantage.

metal has gone down

by

emerged as a key determinant in creating customer

our consumption of

of

international

ensures success in the market and have

Over the last

by approx.

is certainly one of the key factors which

thermosets (like polyurethane) are used in appliances, like refrigerators, for its insulating properties.

The design and aesthetics of a product

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

in

Given

industry’s regional

controlling and

the

imbalances

has

petrochemical

global

integration,

demand-supply

have

an

impact

on

23

two months, and prices of polymers too

across

the BOM cost.

stream of technologies directly into

have been reducing, thereby reducing

Q. What are the 5 main attributes that you consider important as regards usage of engineering polymers in the appliance industry?

The attributes which are considered important

in

appliances

from

the

consumers’ point of view are performance,

reliability, after sales service, features and

styling. The manufacturers of appliances decide

Life-cycle

assessment (LCA) of polymers can help appliance manufacturers in developing appliances

that are energy efficient, green

and with better

thermal insulation properties.

on

different

balance of attributes that are most desirable for the market segment.

These include dent and corrosion

resistance,

mould shrinkage and processability injection

for

worked

the product development process.

This has helped us in bridging gaps in

the portfolio of products, introducing

product innovations and lowering

costs to give us an edge in the marketplace.

manufacture

of

appliances. While high

polystyrene

(HIPS) and polypropylene (PP) material

have high usage in popular segments, acryl butadiene stryrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) and styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) have been used in premium products. These

performance-matched resins can help create value-added components that

enhance the value of small and major appliances.

Over the last 5 years, our consumption of metal has gone down by approx.

5.5% whereas consumption of plastics has gone up by 6.5%. Usage of plastics

has reduced the weight of many functional parts and hence, the price.

We work with end-to-end supply chain

in the form of the doors manufactured

suppliers and moulded part vendors.

of steel, our refrigerators instead use

mould flow analysis, gas injection

platforms. These refrigerators do not dent

cycle time reduction etc. are a few

value-added feature has aided both, the

manufacturing efficiency. We have a

of the product line.

commercial, technical and process

a value differentiator for Indian consumers

for plastics viz. mould makers, polymer

from composites. Unlike the doors made

Usage

composite doors in some of the product

technology, selection of new grades,

in transit or rust over the years of use. This

examples that have helped us drive

top-line growth and the throughput value

structured process in which we apply

resistant plastics help manufacturers meet

plastics that are used

manufacturing costs or increasing manufacturing efficiency after usage of polymers?

In case of refrigerators, Godrej has created

design

and

- 12 different types of

impact

and

Flame-retardants are added to plastics

flexibility. There are 10

in

globe

moulding

and extrusion, surface gloss

the

collaboratively with them to feed a

to enhance their resistance to fire. Fire

strict fire safety standards and, ultimately, help save lives.

Likewise, in the case of washing machines,

we have worked collaboratively with

polymer suppliers and replaced metal with plastic body. This has helped us in

providing consumers with a rust free

appliance. The incidence of dents and thus, service calls has reduced. Usage of

plastics has resulted in net reduction in

the weight of the appliance and hence competitive price to the end consumer.

Q. Any analysis on lowering of

of

simulation

techniques,

levers for achieving cost reductions.

We have also institutionalised, ‘Supplier Cluster Programme’ in which we have

created a roadmap for making suppliers competitive.

Many

of

our

plastic

suppliers have participated in this programme. Implementing the Cluster modules like 5S, TEI, Green, productivity

and quality have helped suppliers improve their efficiency and quality.

Q. Please comment on part consolidation and the role of polymers this far.

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers Communiqué at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

The on-going growth of the competitive household

appliance

market

drives

brand owners, product designers and manufacturers to discover innovative ways to satisfy consumers - and differentiate products and brands.

Q. Please highlight any incident in your product development where usage of polymers has helped you meet market requirement?

Godrej has partnered with suppliers

24

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

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With the new ENERGY MONITORING module, you get real-time data, making it easier than ever to identify potential savings. And that’s just the beginning ...

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25

FEATURE

Glorious Days Ahead for Engineering Polymers in Automotives

Shripadraj R. Ponkshe Head, Materials Engineering Engineering Research Centre, Tata Motors Ltd., Pune

T

he biggest achievement for the plastics

industry would be to triple its current usage in automotive industry. However, it should

meet the automotive industry challenges of safety,

cost, functional durability and recyclability over its

competitor materials, says Shripadraj R. Ponkshe,

Sizable increase in percentage usage of polymer materials is observed not only in passenger cars and utility vehicles, but in commercial vehicles as well.

Head, Materials Engineering, Engineering Research

Centre, Tata Motors Ltd., Pune in dialogue with POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ.

Q. Better expressions with plastics! How do you see the way forward?

Plastic scores over its competitor materials due to many advantages that it offers in terms of design flexibility and light weighting. This is evident with

consistent growth in percentage of plastics being used in automobiles. Automotive designers will be able to meet new design and styling trends and also achieve weight reduction leading to more fuel efficient cars.

28

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

Q. Polycarbonates, the new glass for the auto sector?

Yes. Polycarbonates will see its usage for glass replacement mainly due to weight reduction

opportunity. However, it may not be easy to replace

glass completely due to the inherent advantages

offered by glass. Research is underway for overcoming the limitations of polycarbonates in terms of scratch

Plastic scores over its competitor materials due

to many

that it offers in terms of

resistance, transparency and effect of external weathering environment. Hence, we may see both materials coexisting.

Q. Downsizing the engine and the role of engineering polymers, please comment.

Currently, many of the structural engine parts

advantages

design flexibility and

light weighting.

like intake manifolds and fuel rails are being used with engineering polymer materials. However,

technology, the prime enablers to Plastic and Composite Intensive Vehicles (PCIVs)?

temperature in the engine compartment is soaring due to downsizing. Hence, engineering

True. Developments in polymer material synthesis to

polymers which can retain its dimensional stability,

overcome current limitations as well as advancement

in polymer manufacturing technologies will be key

strength at high temperature and are chemically

inert will have a larger role to play, leading to lighter powertrains.

Q. Are developments in material science and

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

factors.

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers CommuniquĂŠ at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

29

REPORT

Softening Prices

of Engineering Polymers Among the major engineering polymers, the largest drop was seen in Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) with prices declining by around 12%.

Source: ICIS

D

riven largely by the fall in crude oil prices,

Prices of Polycarbonate (PC) in Asia have tracked

Sellers were

Asian markets have started softening.

and were at US $ 2450 – 2700 / tonne in early

slow purchases

crude and feedstock prices. Crude oil prices

Most market participants described demand

four months; naphtha has corrected by nearly

procurement on a hand-to-mouth basis.

have dropped by over 20 per cent in the last 30 per cent during the same period.

would not last

October 2014.

much longer as end-users now

to be weak, with trade activity being limited to

have low resin

inventories after

weeks of limited

Among the major engineering polymers, the

the demand was also being dampened by the

continued economic slowdown in China, the largest consumer of ABS in Asia. Resin users in the

1850 1800 1750

country have reported fewer orders for finished

1700

goods this year compared with previous years.

1650

Sellers were optimistic that the slow purchases

1600

would not last much longer as end-users now

have low resin inventories after weeks of limited

buying. They expect buying momentum to be quite brisk once market sentiment turns positive.

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

1550

Sep-14

further softening in spot prices. Additionally,

1900

Aug-14

buyers delaying purchases in expectations of

1950

Jul-14

ABS demand was lackluster across Asia with

ABS CFR India (US $ / tonne)

Jun-14

December.

May-14

US $ 1670-1730 / tonne CFR India in early

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

Apr-14

India, seen in August 2014; ABS was trading at

Polymers Communiqué at

Mar-14

12%; from a high of US $ 1950 / tonne CFR

Feb-14

Styrene (ABS) with prices declining by around

buying.

To know more, please subscribe to

Jan-14

largest drop was seen in Acrylonitrile Butadiene

Dec-14

hesitant to hold stocks given the volatility in

December 2014, down US $ 50 / tonne from

Nov-14

Buying sentiment has weakened with buyers

optimistic that the

falling feedstock bisphenol A (BPA) prices

Oct-14

engineering polymer prices across the

31

MARKET

Processability and Toughness Drive Adoption of Engineering Plastics Automotive lightweighting, in particular, has triggered new opportunities for engineering plastics suppliers.

Soundarya Shankar Research Analyst Frost & Sullivan, USA

T

he global engineering plastics

market is on a strong growth path. Plastics are easy to process

which plays a key role in driving the

market as metal substitution gains traction in many end-user segments including

transportation,

electrical

and electronics, packaging, medical, construction

and

consumer

goods.

Automotive lightweighting, in particular, has triggered new opportunities for engineering plastics suppliers.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Analysis of the Global Engineering Plastics Market, finds that the market earned revenues of

US $ 58.63 billion in 2013 and estimates this to reach US $ 86.42 billion in 2020. The

study covers acrylontirle butadiene styrene

(ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate

(PMMA),

polybutylene

terephthalate (PBT), polyamides and polyoxymethylene (POM).

Engineering penetrated

plastics

the

have

automotive

largely

interior

and exterior application segments but significant potential exists in under-the-

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

Engineering plastics market earned revenues of

US $ 58.63 billion in 2013 and estimates this to reach

US $ 86.42 billion in 2020.

hood segment. With toughness, abrasion, chemical and heat resistance, engineering

plastics will find application potential in the industry over the next few years.

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers CommuniquĂŠ at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

33

INTERACTION

INDIA

A Promising Future for the Film Market The integration and connection of extrusion machines into a production network and creating the smart factory will be a challenging topic in the future.

W

e see a clear trend towards more complex film structures in India. Therefore, we expect to have more discussions on multi-layer lines for polyolefin as

well as for barrier applications, says Eugen Friedel, Area Sales Director and

Marketing Manager, Reifenhäuser Kiefel Extrusion GmbH, Germany in dialogue with POLYMERS Communiqué.

Q. Getting more out of every rupee / dollar spent continues to put pressure on every processor. As a solution provider, what steps have you taken to ensure that the processor gets more per cycle of use or per unit energy consumed?

There are two ways to increase the value of an investment. You can either go for a cost leadership or differentiation approach. Reifenhäuser

has in both cases the right solution. If one is in a highly competitive market, where economies of scale decided on competitiveness,

Reifenhäuser is offering with EVOLUTION ULTRA COOL - a high performance system that allows to reach output levels of up to 2.5 times of the die diameter. Especially in the field of FFS bags for the

petrochemical industry, Reifenhäuser Kiefel has demonstrated a world record output of 450 kg/h out of a 175 mm die.

In case one decides for a differentiation approach, flexibility is the

decisive element. Therefore, Reifenhäuser has designed the truly

universal extruder, which allows to process all kinds of polymers

on a single type of extruder. When designing a multi-layer line,

such an extruder increases flexibility, allows running sophisticated film

structures that outperform traditional products in the market.

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers Communiqué at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

Eugen Friedel Area Sales Director and Marketing Manager Reifenhäuser Kiefel Extrusion GmbH, Germany

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

35

INTERACTION

Action Galore @ PLASTINDIA 2015 The entire Plastindia 2015 programme from 5th to 10th February, 2015 is packed with quality, variety and surely, with immense business opportunity.

Q. As the world’s attention now turns to Plastindia 2015, what new can the industry expect?

With

the

assistance

of

the

Government of Gujarat, timely readiness of the grounds is well on course, so also

Plastindia 2015 is the 9 Edition and has

availability of ample accommodation

third largest plastics show in the world.

For convenience of exhibitors and visitors,

th

created an international impact as the Not only the Indian plastics and allied

industry, but also companies worldwide are looking forward to this event.

(www.plastindia.org/hospitality).

for the first time, shuttle bus service is arranged from various vintage points

from Ahmedabad and the surrounding

The highlight of Plastindia 2015 is the

areas, to the Exhibition venue and back.

at Gandhinagar, in close proximity to

period, a large number of domestic

convention centre. With Gandhinagar as

Ahmedabad.

new ultra-modern exhibition facility

For enhanced comfort, during the event

Mahatma Mandir, a globally renowned

and international flights will connect

the venue, a very rewarding and pleasant experience awaits exhibitors, visitors and conference delegates.

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers Communiqué at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

Q. The change in the venue has given rise to some concerns, what actions has Plastindia Foundation taken to address these concerns?

Let me tell you, all these concerns are

exaggerated, misinformed and many of

them,

even

baseless.

Plastindia

Foundation made it amply clear to all the stakeholders, that the new venue will be ready for occupation on time with all modern facilities which one will witness for themselves.

‘It is expected that actual business and

serious business enquiries which could be generated at this event, could be

close to staggering Rs. 2500 crore

(about US $ 400 million) and this to my

mind, is quite unique’, says J. R. Shah, in

dialogue with POLYMERS Communiqué.

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

J. R. Shah Chairman, National Executive Council PLASTINDIA 2015 37

WAY FORWARD

Innovate to thrive Plastic processors have very less control on their business...just like children caught between parents at home and teachers at school.

However, as children, we all do keep innovating to suit situations, so we all were born innovators.

Power of Innovation

However, as children, we all do keep innovating to

world leading superpower for over 1500 years.

However, during school we were disciplined and

2000 year old invention in ancient Greece. In 1781,

teachers and parents. Some entrepreneurs have

In the 2000 years of world history, India was a

We just missed few innovations. Steam engine is a innovative use of steam engine by James Watt to produce rotary motion powered machines

started the industrial revolution, shifting world economical and political power to Europe. This

is power of innovation, it changes the world forever!

Q. What is Innovation?

A. Innovation is a creative commercial application

of existing inventions to deliver new value to users and meet their unmet or unvoiced needs.

Plastic Processors, a Reality Check

suit situations, so we all were born innovators.

our minds were moulded to make life easier for

retained their innovating habits through grind of life. They are famous. Their goods are not valued on per kg basis. They get a premium for their value

addition to polymers. They get their payments in advance!

Who are they?

You do not have to search far; look inside your home, your family will proudly show you.

Tupperware containers, Staedtler eraser, Parker

pens, Nike shoes, Barbie dolls, Lego building blocks, Hot Wheel cars, mobiles - lighter the phone, costlier it is. Why so?

Plastic processors do not have control over prices

Need for Introspection

compete and do not have much say while selling

premium to own such innovations. The problem

of polymers or energy cost. They also have to

to large end-users. With trade shows and internet, every buyer knows the costing of plastic products.

So essentially, plastic processors have very less control on their business...just like children caught

between parents at home and teachers at school.

Because, as consumers, we are proud to pay a is, in our journey from home to work, we transform ourselves from world class consumers to an aam

manufacturer.

At home, we have the latest in appliances. At

our factory, our machines are our old faithful

companions consuming 5-10 times more energy per kg of plastic processed, compared to latest Jayesh Khimji Rambhia Managing Director Premsons Plastics Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

machines, that too at lower production speeds.

At home, we spend a fortune for our child’s

education; but at factory, we do not allocate time or money for training our workers.

39

At home, we make unique

‘Desi Jugaads’, Shortcuts to Survive...

be copycats.

A few jugaads do show up every now and then on

interiors; at work, we are okay to

shop-floors of processors for them to survive

Future Drivers of Innovative Growth

global competition.

Meeting food, water, energy,

...we innovate to do more with fewer resources

needs of the urbanised world

What we produce in say 1,000 sq. feet, corporate

healthcare

and

livelihood

population explosion to 8 billion by 2030 sustainably, while facing

climate change challenges will need innovations.

Innovation in plasticulture to

life of food, engineering plastics

Abhi Diwali hai, abhi Holi hai, are thoda rook,

plastics in healthcare for better

You do not need

life; all of which are poised to

any constraint if

With accelerated technology

to innovate.

Innovation is not a phenomenon

that is driven by

the youth, it is far more universal.

witness exponential growth. development,

the

use

of

engineering plastics will grow significantly. Anyway, the Indian

economy needs to grow and would employ the world’s largest workforce by 2020.

Habits of Successful Companies

Markets are changing fast and an entrepreneur needs to innovate to remain relevant.

Deloitte

undertook a 2 year study (with a

Rs. 15 crore investment) to find common traits of successful companies, worldwide.

Their million dollar findings were:

Be better before cheaper

Focus on sales before cost

Be faster before bigger

l l

l

cutting

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers Communiqué at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

40

No Indian needs to be taught this.

...we innovate to take longer to pay our suppliers

to make automobiles lighter;

you are willing

...we innovate in our accounts to save taxes

improve farm productivity; plastic

food packaging to improve shelf-

money or have

will need 10,000 sq. feet to produce.

deta hoon na.

...we innovate to meet deadlines Thoda abhi lo, jaise banega baki ka bhej denge.

...we innovate to meet impossible cost targets Thoda off karde, loose maal, first grinding 10 - 20% daal do, pataa bhi nahi chalega.

...we innovate to keep old machines working Scavenge part from one old machine to keep three other running, because spares are not available for discontinued models.

...we innovate to retain workers Low wages, but give advances to meet his urgent needs.

Show human face, cheer him up during festivals etc.

...we innovate to find and retain customers Build ‘relations’ with purchase and accounts.

...we innovate source to take ‘inspiration’ for our next products Kiski copy karu?

All the above are our desi jugaads...

Real innovations are inspiring commercial

execution of original ideas to make significant change in returns on resources employed.

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

41

BUSINESS

Packaging of Flavoured Milk a Business Opportunity Consumers across the world seeking taste, convenience and nutrition are set to make flavoured milk one of the growth engines of the global dairy industry by the middle of the decade.

Introduction

their shelf-life is being developed and adopted rapidly.

Dairy industry plays an important role in the socio-economic development of India generating huge rural employment and providing cheap nutritional food to a vast population. The Indian dairy

industry is growing rapidly, trying to keep pace with

the galloping progress around the world. Currently,

Milk is one product which is sold in four different

types of packaging with each type further having different designs and forms. Advances in packaging technology has not only improved the shelf-life of milk products, but also significantly reduced the cost of packaging.

India is the world’s largest milk producer, accounting

Characteristics of an ideal packaging system

In the last decade or so, the dairy boom has been

l

for more than 13% of world’s total milk production.

most prominent in Asia, led by India and China,

where increased prosperity and rapid growth of the

for flavoured milk include:

Physical protection

Barrier properties - protection from

l

middle-class has been triggering a significant rise in

enable the product to

consumption.

Packaging, an Enabler in Growth of the Dairy Sector The

key

to

building

brands in dairy is an Dr. R. Rangaprasad Director

Aadya Bhatt Faculty

SIES School of Packaging / Packaging Technology Centre Navi Mumbai

effective

cold

chain

distribution and a wider

portfolio of products to

retain aroma and flavour

l

strength and be tamper

Marketing – impact on sale

Printability

Extend the product shelf-life

Low cost

Environmental friendly

Carry information about the

Convenient

l l l l

make it sustainable. The

products and increasing

l

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Should have distribution evident

l

l

technology for packaging

moisture, oxygen and light;

product

43

CAGR 2012-2015 5.0% 4.0% 3.0% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0%

White Milk

Flavoured Milk

Traditional Cultured Milk

Yoghurt

Liquid Cream

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Buttermilk

Figure 1

Evaporated Milk

Source: Tetra Pak 2012

Flavoured Milk: Enhancing Customer Experience

Flavoured milk is an excellent vehicle to drive liquid dairy consumption across generations and at different

consumption occasions. Given its convenience, taste and nutritional profile, flavoured milk is emerging as a beverage to be enjoyed by everyone,

Aseptic packaging is

one of the remarkable packaging systems, which ensures the

anytime and anywhere. Whether it is as a breakfast-replacement, a post-workout drink or for a spot of indulgence; flavoured milk is

Packaging materials are essential to avoid

dairy products. It is offering variety, versatility

O2-binding inner layer in the PET could not remove

enhancing the consumer experience of liquid

most certain method of and adding value (Refer Figure 1). maintaining purity and safety of milk.

Developing Markets

in developing countries, where economic urbanisation

and

rising

disposable

incomes are helping to fuel increased overall Liquid Dairy Product (LDP) consumption. Asia Pacific is the world’s biggest market for consumption of flavoured milk, India ranking 4th in the market region

of Asia Pacific than other regions such as North America, Latin America, Western & Eastern Europe and Africa.

With increase lifestyle and health concerns flavoured

milk market is expected to grow at considerably high rate in near future (Refer Figure 2).

PET as a Packaging Medium for Flavoured Milk

A recent study on the packaging aspects of PET for dairy products highlighted the following.

Light-induced milk flavour is a serious problem

in the bottles. The UV filter did not completely

Accordingly, photo-degradation of the milk could occur.

This was demonstrated well by the riboflavin and vitamin A loss, decrease in dissolved oxygen, increase

of the peroxide value and concentration of volatile

off-flavour compounds, and the sensorial changes in the illuminated milk samples. On the other hand, a UV

absorber appeared to give some protection against light oxidation. But then again, this protection was

not extensive enough to preserve milk longer from light-induced off-flavour milk packed in transparent

PET bottles. On the other hand, an adequate light

barrier, which did not transmit any wavelength of the spectrum, was apparently sufficient to avoid the light induced oxidation. Hence, this type of PET

bottle is a suitable package for the storage of UHT semi-skimmed milk at room temperature during some months.

for the dairy industry because of the severity of

To know more, please subscribe to

speed by which the phenomenon develops.

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

taste deterioration noticed and because of the

44

the relatively large quantity of oxygen present

exclude the wavelengths detrimental to riboflavin.

These opportunities will be most pronounced growth,

this particular deterioration of milk. An active

Polymers Communiqué at

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POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

POWER SAVER

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Rooftops for Polymer Processing The polymers industry will have to think of Solar PV Rooftops as it is the best insurance against rising power tariffs. The viability of the same, even without subsidies, is proven now.

Introduction

increase

The family of polymers (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE,

Polystyrene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride and Expandable Polystyrene) is part of the ever-growing commodity plastics industry in India.

It is said that the per capita polymer consumption of

7 kg/head in India is a fraction of the global average of 28 kg/head. It can be expected that huge strides will be made in the polymers sector in India in the coming times due to rising consumption and a strong

outlook to the economy. Key demand drivers of this industry are GDP

growth, improvement Karan Dangayach Head - Business Development Shashwat Cleantec Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad

48

in disposable income,

aspirations of young

demand

for

healthcare,

packaging,

white goods, automobiles, agriculture produce, retail etc. This will account for a significant jump

in energy consumption by the polymers sector (Refer Figure 1).

Power Tariff Scenario

Today, however, the power tariffs are increasing

year-on-year. The recent announcement by the Respected Chief Minister of Maharashtra, whereby the Maharashtra Government is set to withdraw Rs 8,472 crore subsidy granted to all residential

and commercial consumers will lead to a hike in power tariff by 20 per cent with effect from January, 2015.

urbanisation

It is only a reminder of the fact that power tariffs will

will get translated to

better time than now to think of a Solar PV Rooftop

India,

etc. These megatrends

be moving up in times to come. There is no other

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

Estimated Product - Wise Energy Consumption in the Indian Petrochemicals Industry1

Propylene

Benzene

Butadiene

Ethylene

Enery Intensity (GJ/Tonne)

Phenol

Styrene

PET

PTA

Ethylene Oxide Toluene

HDPE

PVC

LDPE

Polypropylene

Polystyrene

LLDPE Production (Tonne)

Figure 1 Trend in Power Tariff for Commercial Customers (Rs/unit)

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

Figure 2

revolution. Solar PV is the single greatest topic of interest for structural engineers and consultants who are designing large rooftop spaces for their clients.

POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

2016

2018

Source: CERC tariff rate.

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers CommuniquĂŠ at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

49

MANAGEMENT

Business Plan: A Vital Tool In an existing company, the value of a business plan or project will be looked at in several different ways.

T

his write up gives me an opportunity to

should concern itself with efficiency, that

value of a business plan, which becomes

done. It should, therefore, focus on costs.

share my learning and experience on the

an essential document for an entrepreneur to develop an idea into a profitable or successful

business or to grow the business to the next higher level.

The concept of entrepreneurship started as early as 1803, when Jean-Baptiste Say wrote in his

Treatise that, ‘An entrepreneur shifts economic resources out of an area of lower and into an area

of higher productivity and greater yield’. In those

days, the concept of entrepreneurship focused on becoming more efficient.

P. P. Kharas Chairman Ecoplast Ltd. Mumbai

52

Understanding Efficiency and Effectiveness

It was Peter Drucker, in his book Managing for

Results (1963), who made the critical differentiation between ‘efficiency’ and ‘effectiveness’ by

saying, ‘Management, we are usually told,

is with doing better what is already being But the entrepreneurial approach focuses on

effectiveness, that is, on the decision what to

do. It focuses on opportunities to produce revenue, to create markets and to change the economic characteristics of existing products

and markets. It asks not: how do we do this or that? It asks: which of the products really

produce economic results or are capable of

producing them? Which of the markets and/

or uses are capable of producing extraordinary results? It then asks: to what results should therefore the resources and efforts of the business be allocated so as to produce extraordinary results rather than the ‘ordinary’

results which is all that efficiency can possibly produce’.

The

and

difference

‘effectiveness’

between is

‘efficiency’

summed

up

as

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

follows, ‘efficiency is doing things

benchmarks’.

right things’.

Business Plan

l

what a business or an individual intends

l

right,

effectiveness

is

doing

the

meet

need?

Very briefly, a business plan is about

An Entrepreneur

The definition of entrepreneurship has now changed.

‘Entrepreneurship is a state-of-mind of a person, who wants to alter the future’.

The way to alter the future is through

innovation which is, doing something original, different and new, that will get

a foothold in the market and benefit the customer or society. Therefore, one

of the important success parameters is an entrepreneurial outlook with innovation, irrespective of whether you

are in a job, a profession or running a business.

This is best illustrated with a vision

to achieve and how it will be achieved.

on how those results will be achieved.

More importantly, the discipline of

the basis for driving and managing a business.

The Preliminary Process

statement of Larsen and Toubro, stated will be an innovative, entrepreneurial

about seeking answers to the following

in their 2012-13 Annual Report, ‘L&T-ites

before starting to write a business plan, is

and

questions:

team,

constantly

creating value and attaining global

l

Does

the

product

(or

service)

primarily sold?

provide more value to customers

than existing products, with which it would compete?

l

Does the product have the capability to be differentiated adequately from alternative products?

l

What investment will be required in

developing and marketing the new product?

How well does it fit in with the existing

Can the product be made and sold

l

l

The thought process, that is necessary

empowered

In what way does this product

producing a business plan and then

using it as a point of reference provides

customer

get the expected results or profitability.

Additionally, it will provide information

defined

In what segment will the product be

of revenue and profit based on business

of sales and the investment required to

well

The plan includes financial projections forecasts covering the planned levels

a

product range?

with the organisations’ existing skills and resources?

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers Communiqué at

subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

High Quality Film Production Lines: Efficiency, Productivity, Flexibility Visit us at

PLASTINDIA 2015 HALL 8, BOOTH E07 Gandhinagar Feb 05-10

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A Member of Brückner Group

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Brückner Maschinenbau GmbH & Co.KG T +49 8662 630, sales@brueckner.com

www.brueckner.com

53

Supported by

Ministry of Commerce & Industry Government of India

Presents

World Packaging Congress Packaging Strategies for Global Competitiveness 9th – 10th October, 2015 Hotel Renaissance Convention Centre, Mumbai, India

Indian Institute of Packaging Plot no. E-2, MIDC Area, Andheri (E), Mumbai- 400 093.

Tel: 022-28219803, 28219469, 28216751, Ext: 201, Fax: 022-28375302, 28254631 Email: wpc2015@iip-in.com POLYMERS Communiqué December 2014 - January 2015 54 l

GREEN PAGES

Plastics

Essential for a Safe Environment It is clear that plastics protect the environment by conserving precious natural resources and energy. More awareness drives and improvements in developing infrastructure for handling waste, especially for flexible packaging waste, is required.

Introduction

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considered the beginning of civilisation. Civilisation

Air pollution is considered the most serious concern,

Creating fire artificially during Stone Age was brought about industrialisation. As civilisation progressed, so did the needs of human race. Great

inventions changed the world and accordingly changed our lifestyle also. Industrialisation was

of emissions to the upper atmosphere.

mainly in the highly populated / industrial areas.

Emissions from vehicles and industries are among the major causes of air pollution.

rapid since the beginning of the 19th century. The

Production of plastic raw materials cause minimal

far reaching. Development of industries created

and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of water in

extent that it has become a concern to the very

comparison to the paper industry, contribution to

environmental effects of many inventions were

effect on Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

enormous impact on the environment, to such an

comparison to alternative materials. For example, in

existence of civilisation.

BOD and COD levels by plastics are less than 10%.

Analysing Environmental Pollution

More on Chemicals

When we analyse different reasons for environmental pollution, we note the following as the major ones:

l

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The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere of the Earth has valuable ability to block most of the

Air pollution due to various types of gaseous

Sun’s ultraviolet rays and other harmful radiations,

(VOC’s) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) and

Depletion of ozone layer due to certain chemicals

emissions

-

Volatile

Organic

Compounds

Suspended Particulate Materials (SPM).

Water and soil pollution due to discharge of

T. K. Bandopadhyay Technical Head and Envis Coordinator ICPE Secretariat Mumbai

56

Depletion of ozone layer caused by certain types

various types of untreated effluents

and

disposals

from different industrial

units / other operations.

Global warming due to

l

CO2e emissions from various

industrial operations.

preventing those to reach the Earth’s surface.

is a serious concern for living beings. Attention has

already been drawn and measures taken to restrict the use of such chemicals in the chemical industry.

These chemicals do not find application in the manufacture of commodity plastics.

There are certain chemicals which have been identified as Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).

They cause depletion of the ozone layer. CFC (Chloro Fluoro Carbon) is one of them. CFC-11

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Plastics, Assisting the Environment

Why Plastics?

While world leaders are discussing on various measures

It saves energy...

Material

Energy Requirement (KWH / Kg)

Aluminum

74.1

Steel

13.9

Glass

7.9

Paper

7.1

Plastics

3.1

Source: Scott, G and Gilead, D., Editors, Degradable Polymers, Principles and Application, Chapman & Hall, London, 1995

has been used as a blowing agent in certain uses of plastics to give foamy structure. Hydrocarbons, specifically cyclopentane, has replaced CFC-11 as a blowing agent. Other ODS substances are

Halons and Methyl Chloroform (MCF). These

do not find applications in the manufacture of commodity plastics.

Global Warming

Global warming phenomenon is considered the

single most serious environmental issue that the

world is facing today. Melting of glaciers in the

poles has increased during the last 100 years at a level, which, if not resisted, would cause an

environmental catastrophe in the entire world in the coming years, initially beginning with the areas near the seashore.

Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), after going through

scientific findings, has concluded that significant reduction in the Green House Emissions is essential

to slow down the rate of growth in atmospheric concentrations of CO2. The IPCC analysis highlights that to achieve reduction in emissions on the scale

necessary, political intervention is a must. Studies have been made to assess the impact of GHG emissions in two scenarios to 2030, a Business-as-Usual scenario

to arrest the emissions of CO2e, a well researched

carbon-Life Cycle Analysis (cLCA) conducted by McKinsey under the initiative of International Council

of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and others, reveals

that in 2005 the total GHG emission in the world was 46 G tonnes CO2e. Due to chemical industries, there

was about 11% savings in the CO2e emissions. Among

the top 10 GHG emission savers, 4 are ‘Plastics’ – Insulation, Packaging, Automobiles and Piping. These

are the essential utilities we use in today’s life. Plastics reduce the GHG emissions which is not visible to the naked eye.

Plastics consume least energy for conversion into a final product. Any process which requires less energy is always categorised as environment-friendly.

Plastics Waste Management

Although plastics are employed in myriad applications where they actually conserve natural resources, there are some issues which have been surrounding the

material ever since its growth rate increased. These issues mostly relate to the management of waste

created by plastics products after its use, mostly in the packaging applications. Apart from the issue of waste management, there are some other issues /

controversies relating to health, safety and toxicities of certain types of plastic products. The major issues related to plastics are listed as below:

Plastics Waste - land area

Plastics Waste - in sea water

Vinyl chloride monomer and manufacturing of

Use of phthalate plasticisers in PVC

Use of polycarbonate as baby feeding bottle

l

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PVC

Most prominent among the above, is the issue of waste management. Plastics waste management relates mainly to the waste generated by packaging – the single

largest application sector in plastics. The cause is mainly littering habit and inadequate infrastructure for waste

management activity and absence proper recycling

facilities preferably close to the place of generation of waste.

that is, by allowing today’s industrial activities to

continue without imposing any restrictions or without any modifications in the process, and an ‘abetment

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POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

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POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

Auto Ancillary Show 2014 In Perspective Indian auto industry is enthusiastic on the opportunities of ‘Light-Weighting’ that were brought to the fore at this event.

A

midst fervor and enthusiasm,

this potential, the industry would require

Vehicles Private Limited, Plastic Omnium,

Chairperson

1

Motors Ltd., Lucas India, Cummins India,

Mrs.

Rita

Menon,

and

I.A.S.,

Managing

Director, ITPO formally inaugurated the

Auto Ancillary Show (AAS) 2014. She

highlighted the importance of making

India a manufacturing hub and further

The Auto Anci llary series of shows have been conceptual ised to faci interaction litate between the component auto industry an d the OEM The shows s. are a priorit y for ITPO. Malay Shriva Executive D

stava I.A.S.

irector, ITPO

emphasised that the auto component

industry has a significant role to play in this regard.

additional skilled manpower of over million

people

and

cumulative

investment of over USD 35 billion.

As regards the use of plastics, special

emphasis was put on the fact that cars have become 65 kgs lighter and more

fuel efficient; thanks to the increased use of this wonder material.

The Asli Nakli pavilion, a unique initiative

Mahindra Group, Volkswagen India, Force

e, nology and tim growing tech come be ve ha s ial mater light-weighting rt of the d a critical pa an integral an thought, is th ith sign. W automotive de ITPO to use d hands with we have joine ustry. ind e th case to AAS as a show

With

Vinnie Mehta

ral, ACMA

Director Gene

at the event, highlighted ways to reduce spurious of users.

products

for

the

benefit

A Strong Industry Representation An exhibition is as good as its exhibitors and visitors. At AAS 2014, an elaborate

Finolex Cables, Schneider Electric, Hero MotoCorp, JCB India, SABIC, DuPont,

Delphi-TVS Diesel Systems Ltd., Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., Bevel Gears (India) Pvt. Ltd. and more.

visitor profile was the star attraction.

A pertinent cross section of visitors

companies, OEMs, Tier suppliers, service

included Sourcing, Vendor Development,

Driven by growth in vehicle production,

Deere, Tata Motors, TVS, Ashok Leyland

Technical, Product Development, R&D,

expected to scale USD 115 billion by year

Yazaki, Daimler, AMW Motors, Piaggio

Planners etc.

During the third edition of the Auto Ancillary

Show,

65

participants

showcased their latest developments and advances.

the Indian auto component industry is 2020. Of this, the domestic turnover is estimated to be USD 85 billion, while exports could cross USD 30 billion.

The auto component industry can be an engine of India’s economic and manufacturing

growth

contributing

3.6 per cent GDP by 2020, up from the

current level of 2.2 per cent. To achieve

60

Senior management representation from

significantly benefitted all exhibitors. They

providers including Mahindra, Bajaj, John

Materials / Purchase, Design Engineers,

Limited, MINDA, A Raymond Fasteners,

Projects, Operations, Corporate & Strategic

We

found all seminars ex interesting. tremely I still have many page notes to sort s of through. Th e whole even was very w t ell managed and a pleasu to attend. re

Tony Ashbur

ner Lead Engine er - Interior Tata Motor Trim s European Technical Centre plc

Display: Best- of-the-Best

With various companies using innovative

ways to build their showcase, the challenge was to choose 3 companies with the best

display. After a lot of deliberation, A. G.

Industries was announced as the proud

recipient of the Gold Trophy, Plastic Omnium Auto Exteriors (India) Pvt. Ltd.

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

bagged the Silver Trophy and Ahmedabad Textile Industry’s Research Association (ATIRA), the Bronze Trophy.

Auto Ancillary Show 2014: Fact Sheet

10th – 13th October, 2014, Auto Cluster Exhibition Complex, Pune Organisers

India Trade Promotion Organisation, New Delhi

Co-organisers

Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of

Auto Cluster Development & Research Institute,

Supported by

Ministry of Heavy Industries and Pubic Enterprises,

Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India

Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises,

Automotive Research Association of India

Focus State

Government of Jharkhand

Associate Partner

PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry

industrial belts of Jharkhand has 1200

Theme

Light-Weighting

the auto ancillary industry. AIADA saw AAS

Exhibitors / Area

65 / 2000 sq. mtrs.

companies and related industries.

Concurrent Seminar

Emerging Applications of Composites in Automotive

Sessions

Advanced Light-Weighting Material for Automotive

Light-Weighting - Benefits & Future Trends

Trade Visitors

1596

Knowledge cum

Autocar Professional - Haymarket SAC Publishing

State Promotion

AAS 2014 formed an important platform

for states to highlight their industry promotion schemes.

time. e first g for th meeting n ti a ip partic ce of We are good experien as good export ll e r of sw A very umbe nies a cant n ompa ifi c n M . ig E ed O s. A s o visit unitie ave als h opport nies h a p l Sing a m o Satp Pvt. Ltd. large c l.

Int nsons g, Ma rketin a M AGM

Adityapur Industrial Area Development

Authority (AIADA), one of the biggest

India (ACMA)

Chinchwad, Pune (ACDRI) Govt. of India

Govt. of India

2014 as an opportunity to interact with

With rapid development of the automobile industry

in

Rajasthan,

Rajasthan

is

becoming an important automotive hub.

It hosts over 100 automotive and auto component manufacturing companies.

Chhattisgarh is considered the ‘Power

Hub’ as they have surplus power with no

power-cuts throughout the state. This

gives it an advantage for the production of automotives and its components.

Automotive Forum: Heavy Ideas in Light-Weighting The

Automotive

Forum with a focus on

light-weighting

with polymers and composites was a concurrent

event

to AAS 2014. Split

in three sections as

Light-Weighting Material for Automotive

Industry’ and ‘Light-Weighting - Benefits & Future Trends’. This forum was extremely

Deputy Man ager (Dev.) A. G. Indust ries Pvt. Ltd.

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Polymers

&

(India) Pvt. Ltd.

in the Automotive Industry’, ‘Advanced

C. B. Paswan

on

Industry

‘Emerging Applications of Composites

arrangemen ts; good of visitors. profile We have achieved ou objectives of r coming here .

Focus

Industry

Media Partner

Good

with

Composites

industries, out of which 800 belong to

relevant

as

every

OEM today, seriously

focuses

on

light-

Indian

auto

weighting.

The

industry is enthusiastic

on the opportunities of

htessage of lig response. M s wa ce the conferen weighting in that nt rta po im t. It is very relevan in weight, become light automotives . efficient compact and

Good

Vicky Sehgal

oto Ltd.

MD, Sehgal Elm

‘Light-Weighting’ and is on the lookout for options available, from world over,

for incorporation in their designs and manufacturing processes.

61

EVENT

I

ndian plastics industry made a promising beginning

As Asia’s no. 1 and the world’s no. 2 plastics

Afterwards, significant progress has been made

covers all manufacturing processes that are

in 1957 with the production of polystyrene.

and the industry has grown and diversified rapidly. Up until now, the Indian plastics industry spreads across the country, employing about 4 million people, with over 2,000 exporters.

India is one of the most promising exporters of

essential to the plastics and rubber industries and downstream sectors, from automotive,

electrical and electronics, telecoms, building and construction, packaging, to healthcare and new energy etc.

plastics among the world. According to statistics

CHINAPLAS

worth plastic products and US $ 150 million worth

regions to occupy 25 exhibition halls spanning

of 2011, India exported about US $ 7.1 billion machinery. India is expecting about 20% growth in

plastic products and 22% in machinery exports in financial year 2014.

With the booming of the industry, waste management

also becomes a key concern. CHINAPLAS 2015 shares the same vision on tackling this pressing issue from

around the world. Themed under ‘Greenovation – Solution to Sustainability’, CHINAPLAS 2015 will ADVERTORIAL

and rubber trade fair, the exhibition, in essence,

2015

is

expected

to

have

3,100 companies from over 39 countries and across 230,000 sqm. Countries and regions from Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong,

Italy, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, the UK, USA, PR

China & Taiwan will be part of the international pavilions. The show has been well received

by Indian associations and buyers who were

among the top 10 nationals of overseas visitors in 2014.

feature a host of raw materials including bioplastics,

The show will be held on 20-23 May, 2015

as recycling solutions that enable green manufacturing

Pazhou, Guangzhou, PR China. Please pre-register at

energy efficient and automated technologies, as well and making circular economy possible.

at

China

Import

&

Export

Fair

Complex,

www.ChinaplasOnline.com for a free badge.

CHINAPLAS 2015 to bring

Eco-friendly Plastics Solutions

62

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

& !

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5 4 ( (

! 6 *

!" # $ % & ' & ( ) * + *, - .# % */ 0 ' # 1 0/ 0 ' # 2 % 333' 0 ' # POLYMERS CommuniquĂŠ l December 2014 - January 2015

63

TECH-BITS

Striking the Cord: Optical Control of Motor Functions

Graduate student Chi Lu and colleagues demonstrate a highly flexible polymer probe for triggering spinal-cord neurons with light simultaneously recording their activity.

M

IT

researchers

have

of the study. Co-authors include Ulrich

The fibre was drawn from a template

neural probe made entirely

Social Brain; Ryan Koppes of the Research

diameter comparable to that of a human

demonstrated a highly flexible

of polymers that can both, optically stimulate and record neural activity in

a mouse spinal cord – a step toward

developing prosthetic devices that can restore functionality to damaged nerves.

‘Our goal was to create a tool that would

enable neuroscientists and physicians

to investigate spinal-cord function on both, cellular and system levels with minimal impact on the tissue integrity’, notes Polina Anikeeva, AMAX Assistant Professor

in

Engineering.

Materials

Science

and

Graduate student Chi (Alice) Lu, from

the Department of Materials Science and Engineering who designed and

implanted the probe, is the lead author

Froriep of the Simons Center for the Laboratory of Electronics; Andres Canales

and Jennifer Selvidge of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering; and Vittorio Caggiano and Emilio Bizzi of the

McGovern Institute for Brain Research.

Professor Yoel Fink provided access to the fibre-drawing tower.

Experimental Results

‘Working in a spinal cord is significantly

more difficult than in the brain because

nearly 1.5 inches thick to its final hair. The probe consists of a transparent polycarbonate

optical

core;

parallel

conductive polyethylene electrodes for

recording neuronal electrical activity; and a cyclic olefin copolymer acting both, as

electrical insulation and optical cladding.

The device performed well after repeated

bending and straightening, holding up under stresses expected from normal

body movements, the report shows. MIT has filed a patent on the device platform.

it experiences more movements. The radius of the mouse spinal cord is

about 1 millimetre, and it is very soft, so it took some time to figure out how

to design a device that would perform

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damaging that tissue’, Lu explains.

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the stimulation and recording without

Polymers Communiqué at

It’s our country, let’s keep it clean!

64

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

Events ARABPLAST 2015 10th - 13th January, 2015 Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Dubai

8th India Rubber Expo and Tyre Show 2015 15th – 17th January, 2015 Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

ARGENPLÁS 2015 15th – 17th January, 2015 Centro Costa Salguero in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Interplastica 27th - 30th January, 2015 ZAO EXPOCENTR Exhibition Centre, Russia

The captains of the plastics and rubber industry would unveil product solutions, cutting-edge technology and revolutionary innovations as well as forge international alliances.

All India Rubber Industries Association organises India Rubber Expo (IRE), which brings the rubber and related industry on single platform. IRE has a strong presence in domestic and international markets.

Argenplas is a renowned event that brings together the most important brands in this industry and attracts the top buyers and professionals of Argentina and the entire region to do business.

Interplastica,

the

18th

international plastics and rubber trade fair is the industry’s most important trade fair for Russia and the region where supply meets demand.

PLASTIMAGEN Norte 2015 3rd – 5th February, 2015 Cintermex, Monterrey, Mexico

Plastindia 2015 5th – 10th February, 2015 Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

NPE 2015 23rd - 27th March 2015 Orlando, Florida, USA

4th PLASTIC Japan 8th – 10th April, 2015 Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, JAPAN

PLASTIMAGEN Norte 2015 will be the business center of the plastic industry where exhibitors will showcase latest in technology, machinery and global solutions to industryrelated professionals.

Plastindia exhibition’s rousing tagline of ‘Expanding Horizons’ will showcase the latest in technology, innovation, processes, products, responsible plastics management, recycling and more.

The show will feature industry-focused education, showcasing equipment and material suppliers, emerging technologies and running equipment for every phase of plastics processing.

PLASTIC Japan is a show that highlights all kinds of plastic related technologies. It will showcase key technologies for weight reduction, metalalternatives and environmentalfriendly materials.

To know more, please subscribe to Polymers Communiqué at subscriptions@polymerscommunique.com

POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015

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