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
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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. Domestic Subscription: Single Issue Price: Rs. 150; Annual Subscription: Rs. 900 (including shipping) Overseas Subscription: Annual Subscription: USD 60 (including shipping)
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.
www.blendcolours.com
Powering Technology to illuminate your creativity
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Blend Colours are pioneers in manufacturing all types of masterbatches . With committed expertise and empowered technology & resources, we manufacture, develop and customize the products to best suit your imagination. Effective Specialists in
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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
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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
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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. Ester In
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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
EXTRUSION | PRINTING | CONVERTING
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Windmöller & Hölscher India Pvt.Ltd. 406 – 407, Hemkunt Tower · 98, Nehru Place · New Delhi 110019 · India Phone: + 91 11 41618274 · Fax: + 91 11 41618275 · info.whi@wuh-group.com POLYMERS Communiqué l December 2014 - January 2015
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
STRETCHING THE LIMITS
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:
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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
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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
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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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scenario’, by imposing necessary restrictions to
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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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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