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POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
CONTENTS
Apr - May 2020 l Issue 6.4
Business Beyond COVID-19
Alicia Cloeren, Director, Cloeren Incorporated, USA
Kudos to the plastics industry for playing such a pivotal role
Shailesh Sheth, Corporate Strategy Advisor, Management & Manufacturing Technology, Mumbai
in the fight against COVID-19. POLYMERS Communiqué (PC)
is proud to be a part of this industry. We, at PC, launched a campaign #Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics as its own initiative to spread knowledge when the industry really needs
it...that is now...amongst the prevailing ruin. The campaign is
live on all PC digital platforms as well. The team at PC got
together to bring out this issue, and put up yet another
compilation of content that fulfills industry needs in a
32
Kailas P., Vice Chairman & Managing Director (Executive
Dr. S. Sivaram, Former Director, CSIR-NCL, Honorary Professor and INSA Senior Scientist, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune
M. P. Taparia, Managing Director,
Shirish V. Divgi, Managing Director,
Josef Hochreiter, CEO,
Satish Godase, International Business, Board Director,
Y. R. Anand, Director, Unimark, Mumbai
Milacron India, Plastics Machinery Asia, Ahmedabad
Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman,
Samvardhana Motherson Group, Noida
Vijay Merchant, Chairman, Polycraft Group, Mumbai
Ajay Shah, President - Polymer Chain, Reliance Industries Ltd., Navi Mumbai
Manish Chawla, Publisher,
60
74
Nu-Vu Conair Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad
Malini Hariharan, Market Development Director,
APAC, ICIS, Mumbai
Next Generation Recyclingmaschinen GmbH, Austria
Officer - Shibaura Machine, Japan), Shibaura Machine India Pvt. Ltd., (Formerly Toshiba Machine Chennai Pvt. Ltd.), Chennai
Ajay Tandon, President & CEO (Engineering & New Product
The Supreme Industries Limited, Mumbai
ALOK Masterbatches Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
Markus Gschwandtner, Managing Director and CEO,
Jhankar Dutta, Managing Director, B&R Industrial Automation Pvt. Ltd., Pune
Brückner Servtec GmbH, Germany
Jigish N. Doshi, President, Plastindia Foundation, Mumbai
Vikram Bhadauria, Managing Director,
GUIDING LIGHT
Keith Pearson, Past President and General Secretary of World Packaging Organisation
manner that resonates with the tradition of PC. An Intitative Supported By
Sunil Jain, President, Rajoo Engineers Ltd., Delhi
Development), Uflex Ltd., Noida
POLYMERS Communiqué, Mumbai
DIP STICK
Rebooting the Manufacturing Sector Post Lockdown: VDMA CEO Panel Discussion
Rajesh Nath, Managing Director,
German Engineering Federation (VDMA) India Office
CRUCIAL POINT
Dealing With Medical Plastics Waste: An Aftermath of COVID-19
Prof. Prakash A. Mahanwar, Professor of Polymer
Manoj Praharaj Bhatnagar, Ph.D. (Tech.) Research
Department of Polymer & Surface Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology (Formerly UDCT), Mumbai
Technology
Fellow, UGC-SRF, Polymer Synthesis Laboratory
NEXT GENERATION INJECTION MOLDING CONTROL office.in@br-automation.com | +91-20-41478999
A++++ A+++ A++ A+
ENERGY
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
Printed and Published by
NYT CORNER OFFICE
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POLYMERS Communiqué stands up to
demands of time. Business, the lifeline of
economy, will also see enormous change as all our lives would. By bringing expert opinions to the fore, and more, we try
Presented by POLYMERS Communiqué in syndication with The New York Times
100
and capture #Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics. Together we can!
RESEARCH REPORT
POLYMERS Communiqué Survey Services
105
Good Distribution Network: Key for JIT Supplies
108
SIVaRAM SPEAKS
Molecular Recycling Technologies: Can Rubber be De-crosslinked?
Dr. S. Sivaram, Former Director, CSIR-NCL, Honorary Professor
and INSA Senior Scientist, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune
111
AUTO-MATE
Smart Technology for an Optimised Produce
116
50 55
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Multi-faceted Opportunities in Pharmaceutical Packaging with Plastics
Shailesh Sheth, Corporate Strategy Advisor
Management & Manufacturing Technology, Mumbai
24
Prof. (Dr.) N. C. Saha formerly Director at Indian Institute of Packaging N. K. Balgi formerly President & Director at Ferromatik Milacron India Pvt. Ltd. Pushp Raj Singhvi formerly Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Borouge (India) Pvt. Ltd. Rajesh Nath Managing Director German Engineering Federation (VDMA) India Office Rakesh Shah formerly Managing Director at Windmöller and Hölscher India Pvt. Ltd. S. K. Ray formerly Sr. Executive Vice President (Polymers) at Reliance Industries Ltd.
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Content Alliance Partners
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Indian Centre for Plastics in the Environment (ICPE), Mumbai
Dr. Naveen Malhotra, Senior HR Professional, Ahmedabad
News
Arvind Mehta Chairman and Managing Director Welset Plast Extrusions Pvt. Ltd.
World Acknowledges Plastics at the Time of a Pandemic
92
Editorial Advisory Board
S. K. Ray, Hon. Secretary & Member of Executive Committee
Rakesh Shah, RS Coaching and Consulting, New Delhi
USA Manisha +1-908-720-3510 manisha@polymerscommunique.com
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Indian MSMEs’ Life Beyond COVID-19
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In series...
New Delhi Vijay +91-98100 15111 vijay@polymerscommunique.com
Advertising Sales - International
Sriman Banerjee, Head of Packaging Respiratory Category GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Switzerland
Siddhant siddhant@polymerscommunique.com
Sameer Kudalkar, Head - Sales & Partner Development - Process & Factory Automation, B&R Industrial Automation, Mumbai
Asst. Editor
Mumbai Vinisha +91-88790 50327 vinisha@polymerscommunique.com
Deepak Shah, Managing Director,
Ravago Shah Polymers Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru
Jyoti jyoti@polymerscommunique.com
Hyderabad Vani +91-93924 28927 vani@polymerscommunique.com
LAST MILE
Chief Editor
Advertising Sales - National
Work From Home (WFH 2020)
Designed by
As a leadership publication,
Logged On from the Laundry Room: How the CEOs of Google, Pfizer and Slack Work from Home
Manish Chawla manish@polymerscommunique.com
Under the Cover
Revival and Growth of Businesses Post COVID-19 Lockdown HR Recovery Plan Through the Coronavirus Crisis
BUSiNESsTOONS
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Weekend Delights
114
RETRO
58
Puzzzmania
119
Brushed -Up
107
Events
120
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Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of POLYMERS Communiqué. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances and so POLYMERS Communiqué does not take any responsibility for any loss or damage incurred or suffered by any of its subscribers / readers / advertisers of this magazine. The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct but do not take any responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. Subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction. Some of the images used in this issue are from Shutterstock. The maps, if used, in this document are only a pictorial representation, not to scale and do not indicate any geographical boundaries.
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.
Mind Speak Pushp Raj Singhvi
formerly Vice Chairman and Mana ging Director at Borouge (India) Pvt. Ltd.
The best that MSMEs can do is to ‘plan survival’ for this FY. Processing capa city being less than 40% with no hopes of busin ess from automotive, white goods and realit y, the only hope is flexible packaging. I’m not hopeful on infrastructure spending by government after this aftermath of lockdown. The greatest favour one can pin on government support is non imposition of surcharge of 15% on impo rt of plastics raw material to inflict further injury to their already fractured working capital requirement.
Prof. (Dr.) N. C. Saha
formerly Director at Indian Institute of Packaging
- 90% As per a published report, about 85 Es. Post
Rajesh Nath
Managing Director (VDMA) German Engineering Federation India Office
nable Given the clampdown, it is unqubeestio choked,
that a number of MSMEs will perpetual possibly to the point of 6.33 crore closure. There are an estimated in nonunincorporated MSMEs engaged employing agricultural economic activities, ibute nearly 11 crore people. MSMEs contr close to 30 per cent of India’s GDP and The biggest rts. expo try’s coun the of half is cash challenge the MSME sector faces sympathetic flow. OEMs need to have a to provide outlook, find ways and means In terms them with liquidity support. public of ad-hoc relief measures, many emergency sector banks have introduced credit lines.
Rakesh Shah
formerly Managing Director Pvt. Ltd. at Windmöller and Hölscher India
Corona It is unlikely that there will be a postpervasive era very soon. Fear will be the most pay cut, feeling; fear of disease, job loss, cy, new closure of businesses, redundan MSMEs will technologies, travel and so on. cing their finan ; lems prob three ly main have eting, mark their ing ablish reest s, operation world a in ant relev g stayin all, and above movement where there will be much more working towards automation and increased they cater from home; many businesses that . Survival would suddenly no longer be there flexibility of will depend on the agility and banking the businesses, government and ge the chan to y abilit the and support, change the way they do business and/or business itself.
Pushp Raj Singhvi
Arvind Mehta
N. K. Balgi
formerly President & Director at Ferromatik Milacron India Pvt. Ltd.
MSMEs will have to remain agile in their product basket and, therefore, will remain constantly challenged to make decisions on resource allocation to gene rate revenue. Rebuilding workforce with necessary skills will have to be the prior ity tasks. The leadership team will have to deeply engaged in mainly productio n activity. Managing the finance will also be a challenge, but remains bit lightened due to government announce d financial assistance. We are the people of undying spirit, so will emerge as winn ers in these challenging times.
Rajesh Nath
Rakesh Shah
N. K. Balgi
packaging companies are MSM be great COVID-19, though there will units opportunity for plastic packaging food and to cater to the huge demand of d face pharmaceutical industries, they woul r due to great challenges to fulfill the orde liquidity, huge shortage of manpower, ring unit, hygiene issues in the manufactu supply problem of efficient delivery and m. syste ent gem mana chain
Arvind Mehta
Chairman and Managing Director Welset Plast Extrusions Pvt. Ltd.
In India, many units are closed. Employers have to pay and have paid Marc h, April and May salaries, inspite of ‘no prod uction’ and ‘no business’. Interest burden on loans taken is just postponed. Labourers have migrated to their home. Banks are going to give money after their due diligence. Statutory due dates deferred by 3 months, but with no monetary relief. MSMEs today have to manage the current crisis and survive with incom ing fund flow. Friends, this is the ground reality. It will take significant time for MSMEs to recover from this situation.
S. K. Ray
ent (Polymers) at
formerly Sr. Executive Vice Presid Reliance Industries Ltd.
ly transit to Businesses would need to swiftthis, MSMEs
the ‘new normal’ for survival. In rnments would be no exception. While gove to provide across the globe are attempting t demand financial stimulus, significan and supply destruction in most sectors g huge chain disruptions are posin ecedented challenges. This calls for unpr and rejig agility to change the course survival for els mod ating oper nt curre th. and grow
S. K. Ray
Prof. (Dr.) N. C. Saha
Feedback The POLYMERS Communiqué magazine is a useful tool to keep yourself brus hed with the latest news and events in the polymer industry. It gives a good insight into the current and future m arket and prod uct trends and latest developments. I would like to congra tulate the te am for the wonderful job they are doin g.
We keep ers industry. s and polym tic as pl e o get to th als t We abou / machines. lightening us technologies g uniqué is en in m ld m ou Co m S s ER astic ers. POLYM olution of pl is global play ted on the ev doing vis-à-v e with new getting upda g industry is sin es oc products in lin pr s tic as tic pl as e pl bl an sta di In po m w e, co ed about the know ho biodegradabl dustry inform keeps the in od insight on go ué a iq t un ge m m we ERS Co Moreover, least, POLYM a but not the vance. Sanjay Wadhwcs etc. well in ad policies. Last, rs fai de tra / es ni m ro m ct ra Ele og e pr nt Ela upcoming
Ankoor Patel
Mayur Polyfilm
s Pvt. Ltd.
e-ofagazine is on mmuniqué m
The POLYMERS Co en able to maintain the highest
s be ntent right its-kind and ha ty of its co in the quali t business es lat consistency of ur be it the flavo n; io pt ce industry in from interviews of coverage of readers its r fo s updates or er ch off agazine as su m is Th d, with ts. ge ar stalw hed and enga e to be enric nation bi m co a total packag ur lo d co key topics an of n Team tio g lec in se the editions. Wish in each of its d! ea ah themes used ys sful da y more succes Custage man Ishan Agarwal rporation Ltd. Indian Oil Co
POLYMERS Com muniqué is excellent plat an form to have an overview of the fast-c hanging plas tics industry. Covering lat est trends an d brilliant articles of indu stry leaders an d sharing their journey helps inspire fresh minds in the industr y. The magaz ine not only helps to upke ep us with th e current dynamics, bu t also helps in seeding of fresh perspec tives for the ev er-evolving industry. Kudo s to the team .
uniqué MERS Comm ars. The ye of t co from the las ative and very inform magazine is polymer e th t abou gives insight pse of im gl ll as gives a industry as we g place kin ta ts en lopm various deve y. in the industr
I am reading POLYuple
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is very Communiqué vered co cs pi to e Th informative. dated up d has very are wide an e very ar les tic ar e Th information. -depth and give in informative t. ec bj su e th perspective of
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I am reading POLY MERS Comm uniqué magaz The content ine for the las of magazine t 1 year. is good with market trend a lot of inform s, key busines ation about s op po rtu nities, new te industry expe chnology upda rt opinions an d views on th tes, e polymer m I am happy be arket. coming a read er of your m continue this agazine and service in futu like you to re as well. Celanese Chem
Rajesh Shinde
icals India Pv
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relevant together brings mmuniqué industry Co er lym S po ER the POLYM reviews from t uc s of od pr te d ality in rm information an ceptional qu ays alw industries. Ex e er W us g. us in rio finish and va d the overall an ed us r content, pape ine. for the magaz Uday Mehta eagerly wait aging Pvt. Ltd. ck Pa nt Ebullie
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News Digest
Continuous, Secure Monitoring of Machine Data from a Distance With B&R
Ampacet BIAX4CE™ portfolio for biaxially oriented polyethylene film applications supports the circular economy
With LogTunnel, data from machines
and cybersecurity guidelines. Machine
to plants and machinery in the field. all around the world can be archived in a central location. Any irregularities in
performance can be detected early to help maintain maximum availability.
LogTunnel is a feature of B&R’s secure remote maintenance solution. Secure
in on plants and machinery anywhere in the world from the office or on the
go. Even take control of it, if necessary as though one were right there on
site. Through continuous data logging, LogTunnel allows detection of faulty
components early and optimises service intervals. Set-up is a simple matter of
drag-and-drop and requires no special IT know-how.
A
24
temporarily
to
in accordance with all the latest IT builders
have
perform
remote maintenance - logging continues uninterrupted. Machine data can be
runtime
access
to
machine parameters from their entire
installed base. All access is logged in detail for later traceability.
Packaging With a Future, a Platform of which ENGEL is a Founding Member
E
NGEL
In
is
committed
to
greater
sustainability of plastics packaging. collaboration
companies moulding founded
with
from
packaging
industry,
machine
the
the
the
six
other
Austrian
injection
manufacturer
‘Verpackung
mit
Zukunft’ (Packaging With a Future)
platform. The aim of the initiative is improve
meaningful
The ongoing LogTunnel connection connects
Secure remote maintenance functions
to
Simultaneous Logging and Maintenance is not affected when a technician
ANL Packaging makes the recycling of dark coloured trays possible with their NIR detectable colour range which is CITEO approved
remains available for later analysis.
Secure Connection
&R enables machine builders to
remote maintenance lets one check Alpla expands PET recycling plant In Poland; the capacity for rPET (food grade postconsumer recycled PET) will be doubled from 15,000 to 30,000 tonnes per annum
the cloud or at a data centre, where it
B
establish a continuous connection
Agilyx Corporation, the leader in chemical recycling of post-use plastics back into polymers, chemicals and low carbon fuels, announces the licensing of its technology to Toyo Styrene Co. Ltd.
stored on a central database server, in
public
use
of
awareness
packaging.
of
The
companies are taking an active role in the development of a global circular economy for plastics packaging.
Reduce, Replace, Reuse, Recycle - these
are the tasks that must be fulfilled to ensure that packaging has the least
possible impact on the environment. The seven companies which founded
the platform - Alpla, Greiner, Coca-Cola Österreich, Nestlé Österreich, Interseroh,
Erema and ENGEL - are already making important
contributions
towards
achieving this with their technologies. LogTunnel offers continuous access to machine data and the ability to archive it in a central location.
Now the companies, which together cover a large part of the value chain, are joining forces in a network. “The
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
High performance Fully recyclable
Discover recyclable flexible packages with no performance compromises. RECYCLABLE ° CLEARER ° STRONGER ° EFFICIENT
The future of sustainable packaging. dow.com Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
circular economy is an interdisciplinary challenge,”
Digest APK AG has a firm eye on the closing of packaging plastic cycles with the help of innovative recycling technologies; APK invests over a million euros in laboratory analysis for plastic recyclates
Berry Bramlage has unveiled a range of new closure designs (tethered closure) that meet forthcoming EU single-use plastic legislation
Domo and Ultrapolymers extend pan-European distribution partnership to include all Technyl® solutions
A-D
Stefan
Engleder,
this challenge and quickly take the first comprehensive steps.”
With their technological innovations and many joint projects, the seven founding members of the platform
are also establishing new standards
Insulated metal panel with a special joint that guarantees perfect air-tightness.
supra-regional
with telluric movements that may alter
for
sustainable
packaging
level.
In
at
an
a
open
dialogue with politicians, organisations the
a
public,
decisive
a
they
are
contribution
differentiated
making
towards
perception
plastics packaging.
of
Sandwich Panels Suitable for the Controlled Atmosphere There is a type of insulated metal panel on-site foaming to guarantee perfect air-tightness.
It is undoubtedly the best solution;
C
however,
Use of controlled atmosphere brings
solution is to use a special sealant
the life of fruit and vegetables. How
creates a hermetic environment. It
ripen by breathing different gases, so
to
slowing down of the ripening process.
follows the natural movements of the
Controlled
a cold-room.
ontrolled atmosphere is an evergrowing field of application for
insulated metal panels.
it
increases
the
cost
of
installation, and is available only on a few thicknesses of insulation.
The most practical and cost-efficient
various advantages, primarily increases
which is a particular type of resin that
does that work? Fruit and vegetables
closes all the gaps that allow gases
the controlled atmosphere ensures the
environment.
atmosphere
applications
include fruit storage facility, vegetable cargo
facility,
food
refrigeration,
food presentation.
preservation,
packaging
and
For such an environment to be effective, it must be as gas-tight as possible; in other words, the gases that are
outside must stay outside. The major challenge is sealing the joints; ideally, they should be perfectly sealed from the environment, however the ground
enter
a
controlled By
being
atmosphere elastic,
it
insulated metal panels in a life-span of
Nordson: BKG Pelletising Systems - The Complete Perspective With a Focus on Detail
A
well-cut
pellet
is
essential
for
many subsequent processes, since
smooth feeding and even melting have
a great influence on the final product. A perfect pellet is the result of a wellproven pelletising system.
reality is different. Even the most
For almost 25 years, Nordson has been
dilatation of the metal sheets, with the
and
perfect installation must cope with the settling of the metallic structure and
26
the air-tightness of the joints.
that has a special joint which requires
Gandhi Automations on Controlled Atmosphere Storage With Tips for a Perfect Installation of Insulated Metal Panels
storage Dow launches fast curing silicone adhesive for reduced energy usage, greater assembly efficiency at any production volume
Dr.
together can we successfully master
and BASF introduces Luviset® 360, a new styling polymer for exceptional textures; the innovative product offers strong, flexible and long-lasting hold as well as low flaking
as
CEO, ENGEL Group, makes clear. “Only
providing customers with customised advanced
technology
for
pelletising systems, offering optimal
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
Digest Evonik launches implantgrade PEEK filament for medical applications in 3D printing FlexiTube for Bio Creative and 4D bags.
i-mold has developed a line of compact rotary cooling units that facilitate the cost-efficient integration of rotating cores into injection moulds
results and the highest production
award for sustainability and FlexiTube
thermoplastic
gold awards for packaging excellence
efficiency for all materials that have behaviours,
even
for
the most demanding applications.
Nordson’s BKG® pelletisers Type AH and AH D with hydraulic blade pressure
KRAIBURG offers TPEs for direct contact with blood and body fluid applications in the medical sector
regulation are available for throughputs ranging from 2 - 35,000 kg/h and provide superior and constant cutting
quality for all viscosities. Designed for
maximum flexibility, one can combine them with any of the tempered water
Nouryon launches elastomeric cool roof coatings solution; the concept combines Nouryon’s Expancel® expandable thermoplastic microspheres, which reflect light, and its Levasil® colloidal silica, which improves the performance of the coatings
PolyOne announced the launch of ColorMatrix™ Amosorb™ 4020G, a nonnylon based, low-haze oxygen scavenger for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) rigid packaging
E-P
system in Nordson’s product portfolio.
With the BKG Master-Line, the entrylevel underwater pelletising system, the BKG Optigon, a self-cleaning tempered
water system with a large filtration area, or the BKG CrystallCut® for highly
economic PET crystallisation - Nordson offers turn-key systems exactly tailored to one’s needs.
UFlex Scoops 6 Awards at Flexible Packaging Awards 2020
T
for Bio Creative Labs (USA) won two and expanding the use of flexible
packaging, along with one silver award for technical innovation.
RadiciGroup and Rimplast Provide the Materials and Technology for Injection Moulding of Visor Frames
I
njection moulding as an alternative
to 3D printing for a quicker response
to health worker protection needs: this was
RadiciGroup’s
objective
in
donating its polyamide 6 material for the production of 3,000 frames for
protective visor face shields for medics. The frames were moulded at Rimplast, another
Bergamo
company,
which
immediately made available its plastics moulding technology and specialists.
The initiative was started as a follow-up
to a project carried out by the young members
of
the
Interact
Bergamo
he world of packaging is limitless and
innovative.
packaging
Recently,
innovation
won
UFlex’ three
gold and three silver awards for its innovation at the Flexible Packaging Awards
2020
hosted
by
Packaging Association (USA).
Flexible
UFlex’s 4D bags with handle and FLEXPET™
F-STF
ultra
soft
super
durable BOPET film won gold and silver award, respectively for shelf impact. The green film Flex Asclepius™, which
is a PCR-based BOPET film won silver
28
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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Lifeline Technologies
Club, who, during the last few weeks,
made 300 protective visor shields in
Digest SACMI labellers are designed to allow application of labels made from PCR (post-consumer recycled) materials
SIBUR to offer polyethylene grades that can be used in packaging for infusion solutions
collaboration with FabLab (3D digital printing lab at the professional training
association Patronato San Vincenzo in Bergamo). Using 3D-printing technology, the teenagers produced frames and attached them to PVC sheets to make
visor face shields for extra protection for
any workers who may come into contact with potential carriers of COVID-19.
N
Stratasys J55 3D printer gives designers affordable, office-friendly, full- colour 3D printing to validate new product designs quickly
mask
fabric
making
(FABREX)
lines
that
masks
would
comply
to
Teknor Apex offers newgeneration medical TPEs that provide excellent adhesion to a wide range of engineering plastics
extended
to
masks
regulatory
making
extrusion
complete
its
company
S-W
spun-bond
excellence
in
machine,
to
extrusion to build the melt-blown fabric ‘fabric
solution’...the Wasdell Group announced its acquisition of Planned Packaging Limited & Planned Packaging Films Limited (PPF), a specialist packaging supplier to the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors
its
to
in
do
first
side
of
the
for the 3-ply masks. The machines are
being made available as Rajoo readies
Rajoo
Engineers
Limited
to the fight against COVID-19. We are in a position to service industry
needs globally. Here, I also wish to acknowledge the stupendous efforts put by Rajoo’s team working efficiently even in this trying situation.” The
dynamic
nature
of
healthcare
demands present different opportunities to the processing industry at different times.
These
solutions
from
Rajoo
can be easily adapted to address the changing demands with be it surgical;
drapes and wraps; sponges, dressings and wipes; bed linens; gowns - for contamination control and examination;
India
so...with
machines to create a
composite non-woven fabric
solution!
challenges the
team
faced
The by
engineering
were
only
compounded by the global
Taking
lockdown.
this
MASCON - Automatic N95 face mask making machine.
challenge
as
an
opportunity, Rajoo has also built a path-
breaking fully automatic N95 mask making machine capable of producing
1 mask every 2 seconds (i.e. 1,800 masks per hour). The automation ensures that
these masks are hygienic and produced
30
universal! Also, available are machines
we could contribute in our own way
non-woven fabric extrusion machine, Rajoo
their needs. The solutions offered are
proudly highlights, “I am happy that
Building on its close to a decade of making
mask making machine, depending on
Director,
manufacturing processes. in
mask solution from Rajoo or just the
Khushboo Chandrakant Doshi, Executive
needs using efficient and hygienic
experience
either procure the entire fabric-to-
already under execution!
(MASCON)
(respirators)
The industry has a choice, they could
demand. The first batch of orders are
from Rajoo offer solutions for creating N95
minimal human intervention.
itself to execute supplies for a spike of
Rajoo Unveils India’s First Integrated, Yet Modular, Non-Woven Fabric and Automatic N95 Mask Making Lines: Engineering Solutions to Address Needs of the Hour on-woven
with minimum wastage as well as
and many more. Infact, from a business perspective,
products
produced
from these machines also find uses
in sectors such as personal care and hygiene, home furnishing, agriculture, geotextiles,
automotive,
stationery etc.
filtration,
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
18 x 26 cm
Plot No. 147, 148 & 154, Devraj Industrial Park, Piplaj-Pirana Road, Piplaj, Ahmedabad-382405
GUIDING LIGHT #Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics #Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
An Intitative Supported By
Business Beyond
COVID-19
As a leadership publication, POLYMERS Communiqué stands up to demands of
time. Business, the lifeline of economy, will also see enormous change as all our
lives would. By bringing expert opinions to the fore, and more, we try and capture #Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics. Together we can!
32
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
An Intitative Supported By
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
W
ith COVID-19, it’s been a challenge of another kind. To deal with this challenge means to adopt to the new
normal that continues to evolve literally on a daily basis.
The rules of the game are thus going to change. I feel it is time
for Business 2.0. We have to adorn a new avatar...the thinking,
the strategy, the implementation will all have to be unlearned and relearned.
Relationships, credibility, trustworthiness, customer orientation, ethics to me are going to play a larger role than specifications, price and delivery. From
Henceforth,
being
suppliers,
customers they
will
would
evaluate
need
to
vendors
be
differently.
repositioned
as
success enablers. So, the paradigm ‘perform or perish’ will change, temporarily though, to ‘adapt or perish’!
Yes, each one of us is battered and bruised; but I seriously think that each one of us will come out wiser and more capable to address challenges. We will now realise better how to respect each other, count our blessings, add meaning to business, revere nature and savour success. Will
it
regards
be
difficult...yes
labour,
finance,
it
will!
logistics,
Will
the
demand
be
ground
worse
realities than
as
what
most think...yes it will! Will it take much longer for things to settle down...yes
it
will!
Are
we
capable
to
handle
this...yes
Is India well poised to bounce back quicker...yes we are!
we
are!
We all have taken a few steps back...but doesn’t going back help you with a better leap forward. That’s what we are getting towards...leaping into 2021. We would be capable of doing this because 2020 challenged us not to expose our weakness only, but to realise our strengths as well.
Even if we have to be at home for the next few weeks...it’s just fine! We all have it in us
to take challenges in our stride. Until then...
stay home and safe. You mean a lot to a lot of people!
Manish Chawla
Publisher, POLYMERS Communiqué, Mumbai Manish Chawla
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
33
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Markus Gschwandtner
Managing Director and CEO, Brückner Servtec GmbH, Germany
C
OVID-19 is - above all - a challenge for our humanity! Staying strong together is the choice of today, across nations, religions, races or beliefs. While we
struggle to stay safe and healthy with many constraints, we are able to see
our industry gets more attention than before. Plastics was, is and will stay the best choice of packaging material to keep food hygiene high and thus benefitting all of us!
Dr. S. Sivaram
Former Director, CSIR-NCL, Honorary Professor and INSA Senior Scientist, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune
Markus Gschwandtner
H
ow our enterprises respond to the post COVID-19 world will differentiate
the boys from the men. This crisis needs addressing at four levels. At
level 1, industries must address the immediate challenges of enforcing safety and confidence
of
returning
workforce
as
well
as
those
of
the
customers,
business partners and supply chain. At the next level, companies must efficiently manage cash and the knock-on effects of the pandemic. At level 3, companies
must have a plan to return the business to scale even as the virus continues to evolve. In the longer term, businesses must re-imagine a post COVID
environment of managing the businesses and be prepared for the consequent changes in social and regulatory environment as well as competition.
M. P. Taparia
Managing Director, The Supreme Industries Limited, Mumbai My Dear Plastics Fraternity Friends, At the very outset, I wish to convey my best wishes to each and every one
and their families to safely navigate through this pandemic which has impacted Dr. S. Sivaram
everyone on Mother Earth.
As we approach the opening of the economy, we all must feel deeply satisfied that plastic products have played the most crucial role in helping mankind
to safeguard themselves from this pandemic. Millions of people are protecting themselves
from
the
deadly
virus
wearing
face
masks
and
professionals wearing PPE gowns. All these are made from polymers.
all
health
As we emerge from the biggest ever home lockdown, we need to be ready
to restart our industry, get our workers back on the shop floor and restart production.
Demand will return, but there are lessons to learn! We need to think how India can become a global sourcing hub for plastic
products and command a leading position in the plastics world.
Let us all re-draw our business plans and emerge stronger than before. As they say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” We, in the
plastics industry, are that group of the ‘tough ones’. We will help India emerge M. P. Taparia
34
stronger than before.
My best wishes to all!
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Shirish V. Divgi
Managing Director, Milacron India, Plastics Machinery Asia, Ahmedabad
W
hile the entire world is facing the heat of the pandemic, we have three important aspects to think and contribute. At personal level, we need to
observe all the disciplines, hygiene and 5S rules. At business level, all that we can do in the lockdown days is to reflect back and list down best practices
which we have done and plan to do, which can really motivate us when we come back to work. What we need most importantly is how fast can we bounce back. Detailed planning now can help us immensely. Third, and
most important, is our social responsibilities. This is the time where needy
and weaker sections need our support, help and contributions. Our PM and
all State CMs along with their entire machinery are doing a fantastic work
to get over the pandemic and get control over it. The least we can do is
adhere to their requests, rules and ensure social distancing. Not forgetting,
Shirish V. Divgi
we have to salute and respect our medical fraternity, police force and all the volunteers who are risking their own life for the nation to get safe.
Industries in India will definitely find their way back. The Indian industry and society are known for hand-holding and fighting back. Be it in family, sports
or industry, we value relationships, team work and collective wins. I think some simple rules will help us to get stronger and come back; not only to normal, but with flying colours at the global business levels are: NN
Be fit physically and mentally during the lockdown days by engaging in activities, planning and positive discussions. There are so many videos on
YouTube
like
Sadhguru’s
thought-provoking
videos
and
webinars
organised by associations that are worth listening with a note book and pen in hand. NN
Make an exhaustive list on what worked and what did not work in the recent
past,
learning
from
them,
keeping
future
challenges
and
opportunities in mind, get ready with short-term and long-term goals with detailed action list to achieve them. NN
Be in contact with all employees, customers and partners, and keep them
engaged with positive thoughts and discussions on how we can bounce back. People have great thoughts and ideas if we listen to them. NN
Things will definitely be difficult when we open up. Get ready with some
motivational activities and enlarged roles and responsibilities for the entire team.
Finally, plan the cash flows in detail with everyone contributing
NN
to it, at all levels. Businesses are built and survive on prudent cash flow strategies.
Team work and positive mindsets always wins! Our Prime Minister is leading it and it is our responsibility to support him
and strengthen his vision by creating a great come back plan and making
it happen.
Josef Hochreiter
CEO, Next Generation Recyclingmaschinen GmbH, Austria
Josef Hochreiter
36
W
e will see shorter, less complex supply chains and CO2 fees to realise a
climate-positive circular economy as the ‘new normal’.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Satish Godase
International Business, Board Director, Nu-Vu Conair Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad
I
feel there will be changes in the way we operate our business in future; technology will hold key, automation will drive most of the manufacturing, internet will be a king and working remotely will gain importance. There will be emphasis on localisation and self-sufficiency.
As far as the plastics industry is concern, I am very optimistic that the use
of single-use plastic in personal hygiene, packaging, medical sector and
public utilities will grow and that will drive the plastics industry to an
upward path; but, at the same time, we have to find effective ways to
recycle these plastics.
Y. R. Anand Satish Godase
Director, Unimark, Mumbai
A
s for the industry, I think there are multiple things that need to be done and
may already be happening. Of course, much of it depends on what the
government will allow.
The large process industries like raw materials, I guess are running, as many of them cannot be stopped. The other industries, which have continuous processes
like extrusion, should also be allowed to work as soon as possible, as there is little manpower used and they can easily maintain social distancing.
Injection and other moulding processes can also be started, as they can
maintain good distance between employees. Companies who have invested in automation can do it even faster and better, as they would have lower
number of employees.
The MSME sector will have been the hardest hit, as they would have shut
down all revenue streams. For those who can manage, they should collaborate
while working from home. If companies are not already using such collaborative
Y. R. Anand
tools for working from home, they should start doing so immediately. They are easy to use and effective.
Most importantly, they should learn to preserve their cash. This is also a good
time to monetise a lot of assets and liquidate all unwanted and accumulated stocks and deadwood. Liquidity will play a major role for survival and growth.
I wish our industry comes out of the current deadlock quickly and effectively.
Vivek Chaand Sehgal
Chairman, Samvardhana Motherson Group, Noida
W
e all must focus on the restart as that is important; so, I hope everyone in their own fields are concentrating and focusing on getting back to
normal as quickly as possible. That is all what we are focusing on after the
safety of all concerned and good health of our teams globally.
Vivek Chaand Sehgal
38
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Vijay Merchant
Chairman, Polycraft Group, Mumbai
A
s I see it, the plastic units that may survive after 2 months of COVID-19 would
be the woven sector as it has become larger in unit size over years, units in
packaging films sector with 3-layer, 5-layer, 7-layer films and with high-speed printers and OEMs to automotive as well as industrial sectors like branded
pipes. As regards the 30,000 other units, SMEs are looking at a bleak recovery by June or July, 2020.
I would put it in 2 suggested actions, short-term and long-term. In the short-term, since a very large section of our industry is primarily in
the SME sector (specially India), I feel, with its very limited operating margins,
it cannot survive a long spell of social isolation and shutdown, unless specific
support is provided by the 5 or 6 large petchem units in India. Units making home Vijay Merchant
goods like water bottles, lunch boxes, stationary goods, tapes, fancy toys and the like are doomed with FTAs to fail since quantities are tiny and will not soon be
considered economic size (Chinese and Thai scales will drive these small units out
if imports into India continue). Looking at their balance sheets, both banks and NBFCs will be reluctant to lend more. I feel this sector needs support in 4 areas immediately once lockdown is lifted. If not, rest assured, 25% of SMEs in
the plastics sector will close down forever and thousands of workers and owners of SSI will not be returning to work. NN
Raw materials on reasonable ‘credit terms’, change age-old practice (not advance cheques with bookings).
NN
‘Power credit’ for a month more than what they get. No minimum charges for shutdown of 3 months.
NN
Rent postponement by landlords for 3 months.
NN
Buyers to pay the SSI units in 4 weeks or even earlier, and not 3 months.
In the long-term, with automation gaining momentum, with faster and more
efficient machines leading to lower cost per unit, we should encourage consolidation of units. Large petchem units should act as advisors.
Buyers like dairies, oil companies and FMCG companies should be cutting down on their special designs for each item; but insisting on standards, shapes,
threads, caps, fancy labels etc., thus promoting scale-up in production from a few
thousands per SME to several millions from each suppler in future (Take a lesson from auto giants like Volkswagen-Skoda-Porsche).
Alicia Cloeren
Director, Cloeren Incorporated, USA
F
or the first time in years, we are being viewed as a fundamental
industry that plays a vital role in protecting our medical heroes through
protective wear and stopping the spread of COVID-19 through barrier sheets
and films. In addition, we are seeing a re-emergence in single-use plastic as the
world shifts its focus to sanitation. Though business is expected to be volatile
throughout the crisis, we should capitalise on this moment responsibly with a
renewed focus towards consumer education on recyclability and the increased use Alicia Cloeren
40
of post-consumer recycled content. It is the plastics industry’s moment to show the world our true value during this critical time in history.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Sunil Jain
President, Rajoo Engineers Ltd., Delhi
C
OVID-19, though a crisis today, will surely throw open a world of opportunities for the plastic processing industry and thus the plastic
processing machinery manufacturers. It is absolutely essential to be able to keep our heads above water in this financial year. The survivors will then witness a boom as has never been experienced before. Our times are round the corner.
Shailesh Sheth
Corporate Strategy Advisor, Management & Manufacturing Technology, Mumbai
T
omorrow will not be the same as yesterday. World will change in ways we never imagined. Migratory labour will be slow in returning, if at all.
Sunil Jain
Supply chains will be disrupted too. Catch22? Cashflows are messed up in ‘lockjam’. Me owe you, you owe him, he owes them...long chain of transaction stream will need untangling. Will banks help? Million $ question with their
worry on NPAs. Catch22? Fear has possessed consumers. Cash hoarding is the result. So, lots of cash in the wallet, but unwillingness to spend. Catch22? What then
do we have on the otherside of COVID-19? Catch22? Coming out of this chakravyuh
will be the key challenge for companies. Silver lining? Yes! Initially, business may spike. Pent-up demand, you know. But then, true COVID after-effects will show.
Mother of all slowdowns. Try and concentrate on healthcare, pharmaceuticals, defence, aerospace, electronics and FMCG. Put automotive on the back burner for now. Then dig in like an ostrich.
Aha! Here is a game-changing possibility as India becomes an attractive
alternate destination for companies!
Keith Pearson
Past President and General Secretary of World Packaging Organisation Shailesh Sheth
I
f there is one thing we can say and that is that the future will never be the same, the reality of COVID-19 guarantees this. As always, packaging is proving to
have a positive influence on meeting the challenges of maintaining trust in
uncertain times. Packaging continues to provide protection in all aspects of the value chain, instilling trust for consumers by providing efficient and safe passage through the value chain. Consumers will rely more on packaging to provide hygiene for goods brought into their homes by offering information required to enhance trust. One of the challenges is the uncertainty of how long this pandemic will last and what are the changes that will follow this crisis.
The packaging industry has always been a barometer of a country’s GDP growth and economic health. COVID-19 virus pandemic will test every
fibre of global economic stability. The packaging industry will continue to
provide packaging that meets the challenges of dealing with uncertainty
and developing trust around hygiene considerations. Smart and intelligent
packaging will continue to play an important role in creating packaging that
deals with the hygiene and safe requirements of the pandemic. Designers will
continue to have at the forefront of their thinking of packaging that supports Keith Pearson
42
sustainability and the efforts of the circular economy, and packaging designed for COVID-19 protection.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Jigish N. Doshi
President, Plastindia Foundation, Mumbai I see the situation immediately after COVID-19 as a challenge first and then an opportunity. The next 6 months will no doubt be difficult; companies will be
working at lower capacities for probably most of this year. One suggestion to the MSMEs is to stretch the utilisation of your working capital and keep focus on your current capacity levels; this will help you tide over the current crisis with lesser discomfort.
Having said that, I must say that I am infact very bullish on the future of
the economy thereafter. The plastics industry would gain significantly...I can
visualise a booming market - be it domestic or exports. Labour will continue
to be our asset. And beyond plastics, I think India will come out stronger and
globally acclaimed for its ability, capability and transparent business practices. We
Jigish N. Doshi
will be a force to reckon with on a global level. To further enable business, I feel, land on long-term lease with subsidised electricity will give it a big boost.
Jhankar Dutta
Managing Director, B&R Industrial Automation Pvt. Ltd., Pune
W
ith some spare time at hand, the current situation could might as well
be an opportunity for many manufacturing companies to rethink their
digital strategies. Working remotely has become a part of everyone’s daily life
today. This can be effectively put into practice by manufacturing companies
in their operations with adoption of advanced automation technologies such as remote maintenance, monitoring and data logging possibilities. With digital remote access, diagnosing and maintaining machinery and
equipment can be done remotely from anywhere in the world from your
office or home. This remote solution makes it easy to quickly respond to
unforeseen problems in addition to accelerating commissioning. Secure
remote access can also be applicable on production sites with robot installations. Jhankar Dutta
Moreover, coupling this with predictive maintenance further magnifies the benefits.
Vikram Bhadauria
Managing Director, ALOK Masterbatches Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
T
he Indian economy across sectors is currently grappling to answer one question: What does the future of our business / industry seem like over the
next few months? The foreseeable impact of this pandemic will continue to be unprecedented. However, it will see a silver lining in a few aspects as well.
Specifically with regards to the plastics industry, the impetus on cleanliness and hygiene will see an increased proliferation of plastic products.
From a manufacturing industry perspective, office structures will evolve as
public adapts the concept of social distancing in their lifestyles. As the sector
pertaining to the ‘essentials’ category resumes operations at a set capacity,
organisations will move towards leaner teams / manpower.
Lastly, given the inevitable decline in working capital owing to operational Vikram Bhadauria
44
stagnancy, the industry will resort to short- and long-term loans to normalise the chain of business.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Kailas P.
Vice Chairman & Managing Director (Executive Officer - Shibaura Machine, Japan), Shibaura Machine India Pvt. Ltd., (Formerly Toshiba Machine Chennai Pvt. Ltd.), Chennai
M
y pointers highlighted here could provide an indication on how things could pan out in coming times, covering a number of sectors relating to
the plastics industry. NN
GDP growth with an optimistic estimate could be ~2% or it may stagnate.
There would be substantial reduction in GST collections in Q1 and Q2 and this could create strain on government spending. Banking and NBFCs will be
affected and there could be a rise in NPAs which may affect their lending
capacity and thus can affect liquidity position for industries.
NN
I feel there could be change in consumer spending behaviour post COVID-19.
There is chance of consumers cutting down on the non-essential spending, but the everyday essential items will still be a necessity and hence FMCG sector is
Kailas P.
expected to come out of the trouble very quickly. NN
The low oil price levels and the associated reduction in raw material price for related industries like plastics, lubricants etc. may witness a positive impact.
NN
Pharmaceutical companies and hospitals may do well. Plastics moulders associated with the medical segment will flourish post COVID-19.
NN
Automotive sector was in slowdown phase before COVID-19 itself, and it got
further aggravated by this pandemic. However, there is a chance of more people resorting to personal transport and we can expect a revival of this sector by Q3 - Q4 of 2020-21 only. NN
Companies may go in for more automation to reduce people dependency;
hence, the associated industries like robotics, AI, automation etc. may gain some traction. NN
Because of the work from home possibility, the impact could be less on the IT sector and hence its revival chances are high and the existing projects may give them some relief. However, USA is one of the major customers for the IT
sector in India and the situation could change if new IT projects spending is affected in USA. NN
Going forward, there will be more thrust on work / learn from home and hence, the telecom companies (internet service providers) and the associated
hardware industry is expected to do well since more people will start to work from home and more educational institutes will implement online learning platforms. NN
Specially for the plastics machinery manufacturers, it will be a challenging
year ahead as capital goods sector will face strain. Only few segments like medical and FMCG can see better scope and all other segments, especially automotive and packaging, will find it difficult to expand in this scenario.
Malini Hariharan
Market Development Director, APAC, ICIS, Mumbai
A
s countries around the world battle to contain the corona virus outbreak, plastics is leading from the front. From masks to ventilators
to personal protective equipment (PPE), plastics are playing a critical role. And
there is a lot more that plastics can do to help save lives and protect the Malini Hariharan
46
population. This is the time for the industry to work together to develop innovative applications and mend public perception about plastics.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Ajay Shah
President - Polymer Chain, Reliance Industries Ltd., Navi Mumbai
T
o overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that the
industry collaborate, co-operate and work together as a team to strengthen
the entire ecosystem.
Businesses have to more effectively manage costs to ensure liquidity and access to capital. As an industry, we should create a charter to seek economic packages from the government, especially for smaller businesses.
I am confident that once we collectively overcome the short-term challenges,
there would be plenty of long-term opportunities for the entire polymer
value chain in India.
The entire Reliance Industries team is with the nation in this hour of crisis. We
will do everything to win this battle against COVID-19. Ajay Shah
Ajay Tandon
President & CEO (Engineering & New Product Development) Uflex Ltd., Noida
T
his pandemic created by COVID-19 is unprecedented and probably one of the worst occurrences in the history of mankind. This is the fact which is not
hidden from over 7.5 billion people living on this earth. As it appears, this is not going to leave us in the near future, unless and until a definitive cure
is developed and executed across humanity. Till then, we may have to live with this virus, somehow minimising the adverse effects.
Coming to the economic front, this pandemic has undoubtedly shaken the
whole world as never before. Industry and trade of every country is going to
suffer very adversely hitting the economy, creating huge unemployment and
bringing back poverty, besides many healthcare issues.
Even though when the economic activity starts opening up with relaxations Ajay Tandon
etc., it may take minimum 3 to 6 months for the industry and trade to start standing on its feet. Capital goods industry is likely to suffer the most as it will
be the last in line to start seeing the signs of recovery and it could take 12 to
18 months for the same. However, some of the industries like pharmaceuticals, medical facilities and its equipment, agriculture, IT, telecom, food and packaging are and will be in a more comfortable zone. For instance, the impact on Uflex packaging business may be limited since it is under ‘essential services’; however, engineering business will suffer being capital intensive.
India, for sure, can be in a much more advantageous position if it grabs the opportunity by building major industrial infrastructural changes and its approach
to enhance and get into mass exports in a major way. The world is definitely looking towards India for the same and it is for India to perform. Undoubtedly a
very far-sighted and broad vision policies will need to be brought in by the government, besides the industry playing its efficient role.
Part 2 of this article will be featured in the upcoming June - July, 2020 issue.
48
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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THE BIG SMALL
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Indian MSMEs’ Life Beyond COVID-19
Keeping this contextual scenario in mind, let us come to the million $ question: What should I do to survive and
prosper? No easy answer is on offer anywhere. Yet, some
directions may already be visible. To win the race though, we will have to chase multiple parameters on several fronts. So, let us begin the chase...
Context Shailesh Sheth Corporate Strategy Advisor Management & Manufacturing Technology, Mumbai
50
India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) represent our economy’s
spine. Why? Consider these: 6.34 crore MSMEs employ over 11 crore people,
contributes 40% of India’s exports and shares 29% of our GDP. Beyond these numbers, their geographical spread and useful links in the manufacturing value chain lend them strategic importance. Suffice to say that India’s industrial might will simply collapse if this spine is broken. Thus, the sharp focus on this sector.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
COVID-19
pandemic
has
hit
a
To win the race though, we will have to
sledgehammer blow to all industries,
chase multiple parameters on several
more so in the MSME sector. It has not yet ended. When will it end and
The secret of change
inflicted is anybody’s guess. Despite all
energies not on
how much damage it would have
is to focus all your
technological and scientific advances,
fighting the old, but
fronts. So, let us begin the chase...
Chase Cash Flow, Not Profit These are times of utmost liquidity
tightness. Money is gripped by fear.
on building the new...
mankind has been rendered helpless.
It wants to stay in the vaults, not
Socrates
Eventually, a vaccine would be found. But its application on a global scale
circulate. Your P&L a/c is going to be hit in any case as demand will
will have its own challenges. This
take quite some time to pick up, if at
long tail phase out of COVID-19 lends credence to the dictum...“The other side
of COVID-19...world shall not be the
all. At least two fiscals, 20-21 and 21-22 volumes are easily 10 - 15 times larger
same again.”
than India’s, across sectors. Above all,
Making an impact analysis, we can
other
broadly say everyone will be affected, more or less. Looking at it sectorally,
the consensus that emerges among analysts is as given in Table 1.
it is more cost competitive than most Asian
compatriots,
including
India. Gautam Bambawale, our Former Ambassador to China says, “China will come out swinging at the West, while throwing carrots at the rest.” Period.
In terms of assessing risks of business,
Keeping this contextual scenario in
China factor. There is rising tide of
question: What should I do to survive
one has to consider the all-important virulent resentment against China. Lot of companies are said to be wishing to
exit China and shift their investments to other countries. Other cause is
massive disruption of supply chains due to Wuhan syndrome. So, companies dependent on Chinese raw materials and
components
may
suffer
from
uncertain future. However, there are
some other voices that feel otherwise. They point out that China is the world’s second largest economy, now has
monumental infrastructure, is known as the ‘Factory of the World’ and its
mind, let us come to the million $ and prosper? No easy answer is on offer anywhere. That is why the longish
context above. Yet, some directions may already be visible. Let me share my thoughts on some of them. But
before I do that some prophetic words from
our
Hon’ble
Prime
Minister,
Narendra Modi, “We must understand that
the
world
has
fundamentally
changed post COVID-19. Now the world will be pre-corona, post-corona - just
like the case of the World Wars. And this
would entail significant changes in how we function.”
Table 1: COVID-19 Impact Analysis Low Impact Group
Mid Impact Group
Severe Impact Group
Pharmaceuticals +
Speciality Chemicals
Oil + Gas
Telecom
Real Estate +
Automotive + Automotive
FMCG
Banks + Insurance
Tourism + Civil Aviation
Defence + Aerospace
Shipping
Capital Goods
Electronics
Textiles
General Engineering
Solar Energy
Utilities
Consumer Durables
Healthcare
Construction
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
Components
will most probably go on a downhill roller-coaster ride. Even analysts will treat these years as abnormal and long-term
credit
rating
may
not
suffer a negative blow due to lack of profits. So, watching P&L will be an exercise in futility. But
The world can
what will govern your ‘Back to Business’ cycle
will be your ability to finance
procurement
and will change;
but perish, it will
of essentials of your
not. Every crisis
to delivery. Working
challenges and
inputs,
from
design
capital will be a matter of
prime
concern.
So, watch cash flow
has two sides -
opportunities. So,
leave COVID-19
evening
behind and chase
and keep cash even
the ‘new normal’.
morning,
and night. Generate
if it means you have
opportunities in
to make sacrifices on
profit front. ‘Stay liquid, stay solvent’ ought to be your guiding mantra.
Chase Positivity, Not Fear The whole world has gone berserk. More so the social media. We are really
seeing the ugly sign of technology platforms being grossly misused. Fake
forwards, speculative, scandalous posts abound. What will be its impact on an
investor’s psyche, on an entrepreneur’s
outlook, a lender’s perspective when they are bombarded daily with vivid
videos of fatalities, body bags, migrants cut to pieces and the virus hitting his next door neighbour? When he
51
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
literally comes close to shaking hands
differentiator
The resultant impact will create a
to tango with the fast-
with the Yamaraja (Lord of Death)? sense of fear. Will this fear permit further
investment,
increased
risk
taking? To chase positivity in such a situation is difficult. But it has been done before.
Mankind will find a vaccine. Will defeat
corona. Hum the hymn...“Tum mujhko
kab tak rokoge?” (R. D. Tailang, Amitabh Bachchan). How long will you be able to stop my progress?
of
casual
labour,
some
walking hundreds of miles, job left
behind and future at home uncertain, creates an unprecedented crisis. Who will build the highways, swanky multi-
storied mansions, ports, dams, our entire infrastructure and production
juggernaut? The gems and jewellery sector in Surat, ceramic hub of Morbi,
textile hub of Thirupur and so on witness
factories,
mills,
workshops
waiting to be started post lockdown. No
one to work there. Will normalcy return?
market
market
segmentation
Consumer
disruptions pose for
the
labour
available
the
Mountain
Mohammed.
to
Set
up
states
from
where
migrants originate.
Chase Flexibility, Not Focus So
far,
the
management has a
sharp
core the
Now,
52
been
7
popular to
focus
maintain
competence.
knitting
post
on
as
your
Stick
they
corona,
to
say.
the
that the world has fundamentally
What
changed post COVID-19. Now the
world will be pre-corona, post-corona -
just like the case of the World Wars. And
is
this would entail significant changes in how we function.
model to respond?
How quickly can I the
business
and
Japan, not come up with a single
occur? This VUCA scenario (Volatile,
last decade or more? Relating this
to
respond
as
game-changing
when significant changes / disruptions
and development to achieve systems
flexibility to be successful in such
that do not kill creativity. Give space
an environment.
for innovation and failure as much as
Chase Innovation, Not SOPs last
decade,
to performance and results. A fine
process-
balance indeed. But that is what
driven organisations have been the
CEOs will be doing, not working nuts
buzzword. But I don’t have the answer
and bolts.
to one question, why is it that the
Chase Agility, Not Fragility
most process-driven nation on earth,
2
Speed of response in a fast-changing
world will be of crucial importance. You will not remain in business today
Chase Positivity, Not Fear
Call of Duty
6
the
looking at. So, invest in people, training
need great amount of organisational
the
in
the ultimate synergy is what one is
friends, will be the ‘new normal’. We
Over
product
phenomenon to the needs of flexibility,
Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous)
Chase Agility, Not Fragility
mantra
We must understand
all
business
Chase Your Core Values, Not Business@anycost
satellite units in those
will
right
CEOs.
Chase Cash Flow, Not Profit
1
locally and finally, move
Narendra Modi
technological challenges
humane working conditions for
skilled
forces.
new
on the table. Answer lies in creating
chain that can afford more
Some prophetic words
from our Hon’ble Prime Minister,
preferences,
and
Will they return? Again, put million $
migrant labour, go up the value
be
ability
changing
model
The shocking scenario of criss-cross
will
company’s
tweak
Chase Skills, Not Head Count migration
your
if you do not know tomorrow’s
3
developments ability to
Chase Innovation, Not SOPs
5
yesterday.
anticipate
disruptions
Chase Skills, Not Head Count
your
enable
This
changes
earlier
competition.
you /
than
Build
inherent resource strength to be able to do this
4
Chase Flexibility, Not Focus
will
or
else organisational
fragility will harm the company
when
comes to shove.
push
Chase Your Core Values, Not Business@ anycost Now. One of my fears. In the
chaotic
aftermath
of
COVID-19,
will we short-change business ethics? Pursue
‘survive
at
any
cost’,
by
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
whatever means policy? Sales matter.
crisis has two sides - challenges and
prices
behind and chase opportunities in the
Get
order
pressure,
by
anyhow.
Cut
aggressive,
taking
undue
vendor’s
existential
advantage
of the weak position he is in? This
opportunities.
So,
leave
COVID-19
‘new normal’.
will really be a short-sighted policy.
PS: The article was penned
the short-term, but it may severely
announcement
and
10% of GDP and Finance Minister’s
before
damage
financial package equal to
your
bleed
demotivate
long-term
your
your
brand.
own
prospects
It
would
people
five
Prime
I hope that the ability
May improve your performance in
session
Minister’s of
long
to find another way, to
the
build a product, run a
detailing
company, run operations a
and impact your viability. A pirate
the same. I like what I heard
To my mind, this will be the test of
of my article, ‘Indian MSMEs’
So, come what may, hold your core
course,
ship
never
finds
a
safe
harbour.
better way will emerge as an
of
outcome of the current crisis.
Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons
because it perfectly fits the title
maturity of India’s corporate sector.
Life
Beyond
values dear.
sectors
Conclusion
beyond, to articulate measures that
more contributing to our progress? It
convert COVID-19 challenge into an
transformed India. This is where it
has
of
COVID-19’.
measures
economy,
It,
to
of
mitigate
industry
and
people most affected. It also goes way
These are seven chases that must be won. In the end, it must be noted
that mankind has fought many such pandemics, some obliterating entire
civilisation. The world can and will
change; but perish, it will not. Every
would enable these same sectors to opportunity. The breathtaking span
it covers is really unique. When did
you ever hear of sectors like fisheries, bee keeping, animal husbandry and
is a vision of the ‘new normal’, a
goes to envision life beyond COVID-19. Thus, everything in the article remains
valid and has to be read with the changed context.
ESTD. 1988
An Indian Italian Joint Venture
High Impact Strength
Acrylic Impact Modifier for
PVC Window Profiles PVC Pipes & Fittings Vinyl Sidings & Fencing Years of excellence in Polymers
Plastic is not a villain PVC Doors and Windows save trees
PARACRYL 3055 IM
Haryana Leather Chemicals Ltd.
www.haryanapvc.com
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
1405 B, Signature Towers, South City-I, Gurugram-122001 T : (+91) 78279 52522 | E : info@leatherchem.com
53
ROLE MODEL
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
World Acknowledges Plastics
At the Time of a Pandemic The field of pandemics has benefited from the family
of plastic materials. It would have been impossible to
achieve this monumental gain without a material
foundation like plastics.
The world is now better prepared to face the
challenges of COVID-19.
In the Face of Adversities At different times in history, humanity
faced pandemics of varied proportions. The devastating ‘Plague’, also known as ‘Black Death’, struck in 1346 wiping
out over 75 million people from the face of the earth. The global population then was less than half a billion. The ‘Yellow Fever’ in 1793 with deadly
vengeance also claimed a fair share of
Since then, monumental progress has
been made in the areas of medicine,
treatment and healthcare infrastructure making us better prepared to face a pandemic. At the beginning of twenty-first
century,
we
had
‘Bird
Flu’, ‘Swine Flu’, SARS, MERS and few other relatively less virulent epidemics
which paled in comparison to Plague, Yellow Fever or Spanish Flu in terms of
the global population.
In 1918, the infamous ‘Spanish Flu’ claimed over 50 million lives when
the population was 1.8 billion. An
estimated 12 million Indians lost their lives. While the ‘Spanish Flu’ did not originate in Spain, the name stuck. At the dawn of twentieth century, S. K. Ray Hon. Secretary & Member of Executive Committee Indian Centre for Plastics in the Environment (ICPE) Mumbai
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
we had poor diagnostic tools, limited prognostic healthcare
skills
and
infrastructure
rudimentary to
counter
these pandemics. And, yes, we did not
have the support of advanced family of materials like plastics.
COVID-19 test kit.
(Source: The Irish Times)
55
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
PPE and sampling.
(Source: Sciencemag)
these products are made from plastics today due to their superior performance and low cost.
Fast Forward to COVID-19 We
are
witnessing
unprecedented
a
global
proportion.
The
pandemic rapidity
of
with
which it has spread, and the absence of any
effective medicine has posed huge challenges.
During treatment, there is extensive use of plastic products. IV bottles and
tubes, blood
bags, disposable syringes for
Personal protection equipment.
human
fatalities.
The virus has overwhelmed healthcare workers (Source: Shutterstock)
Amongst
the
recent
pandemics, Swine Flu in 2009 had probably been the severest with an estimated 0.3 million lives
lost
when
the
global
population
was
6.8 billion. COVID-19 in 2020 is now challenging the capabilities of 7.8 billion in fighting a pandemic.
and infrastructure at all the hotspots across the globe. Lead time necessary to develop a vaccine has further complicated the matter. Till such
time we have it, other preventive steps and symptomatic management of the illness has become imperative.
As a result, countries across the world have adopted risk mitigating steps to slow down, if
collection of
Prevention is the first step in management of
not arrest the spread. This includes aggressively
as well as for
vaccination
hygienic
blood samples administering medication
use plastics.
Disposable masks, caps and gowns are made from plastics.
a disease, including a pandemic. It involves
testing for the presence of the virus, promoting
protective
distancing and wearing protective gears.
to
barriers
promote
against
immunity,
transmission
using
and
encouraging
physical
isolating the source of the pathogens. India’s
At the diagnostic stage, kits used for sample
debilitating disease that strikes the young, is
largely made from plastics. Healthcare workers
track record in prevention of polio, a deadly commendable. Oral polio vaccine developed by
Albert Bruce Sabin, the Polish American medical researcher, and commercialised in 1961 helped eradicate this menace in India. Thanks to the
humble plastic ampule made with polyethylene, replacing glass, that helped reach the vaccine to
remotest part of the country and administered to millions of children susceptible to the deadly virus.
At prevention stage, disposable syringes are used in many cases to administer the vaccine. Face
masks are effective barrier to air-borne viral infection. For protection against deadly vectors like
mosquitoes, chemically treated nets are used. All
56
practices,
collection, handling and detection of virus are
involved at these stages also need to be protected with masks, gowns and other protective gears largely made from plastics.
During treatment, there is extensive use of
plastic products. IV bottles and tubes, blood
bags, disposable syringes for collection of blood samples as well as for administering medication
use plastics. Disposable masks, caps and gowns are made from plastics. All these help the patient, and protect the doctors, healthcare workers and
other care givers. There are numerous products
made from plastics that play a critical role in meeting the challenges posed by a pandemic.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
the pandemic is its impact on common citizens, particularly from the economically weaker strata.
Physical distancing and isolation to arrest the
spread has locked down a large size of population away
from
their
them
mitigating
homes.
Plastic
packaging
and containers have helped deliver food to possible starvation.
the
pain
of
hunger
and
As we acknowledge the contribution of plastics
in fighting this pandemic, there is also a critical Ration for distribution.
step that needs to be taken. It is the safe and (Source: Shutterstock)
Advances made in medical science and technology have been the crucial arsenal in our fight against
pandemics. This field has benefited from the family of plastic materials. It would have been impossible to achieve this monumental gain without
a
material
foundation
like
plastics.
The world is now better prepared to face the challenges of COVID-19.
One of the unfortunate fall-out in our fight against
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
responsible
disposal
of
waste
that
we
are
generating during this fight against the menace. Government has issued guidelines for management
of bio-medical waste at hospitals and testing centres. It mandates use of plastic garbage bags
and bins for safe handling and disposal of waste. Similarly, waste generated at the relief centres need
to be managed in a scientific manner to mitigate
its adverse impact. All these would help us win over the pandemic. And win we will in all fronts, including management of plastics waste.
57
1
8 8 9
Dr. Shreekant Diwan Head - Business Development, Baerlocher India Additives Pvt. Ltd.
The ‘Not-Out’ man; this 1988 picture was when Shreekant was working as Technical Executive for Cable Corporation of India. His big innings of close to 3 decades was with the country’s largest petrochemicals set-up; his new innings is now with Baerlocher India Additives. He sure would carry his bat through!
Change being the only constant, we thought it
would be wonderful to capture this and freeze
‘time’. We associate with the ‘current look’ of
our industry colleagues and would it not be
exciting to know of their persona, decades
ago. That’s what we did, had them dig deep into their archives and share this just for your ‘read’... or should we say ‘see’!
1
A visual delight!
99
3
Vimalesh Gupta Chairman and Managing Director, Vibgyor Poly Additives Pvt. Ltd.
A fresh graduate in 1993 from the Nizam College, Hyderabad, Vimalesh has had streaks of achievement to his credit; association activities for industry benefit have formed an inseparable part of his journey this far.
58
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
1
99
0
Manish Mehta
1
Managing Director, Reifenhauser India Marketing Pvt. Ltd.
2 7 9
Sales has always been close to Manish; this 1990 picture was during his sales stint at Padmatex Engineering. His business acumen finds wide acclaim in the industry today and a big reason for his stupendous success.
N. Chandrakant Founder Chairman and Managing Director of PIMCO Machines Pvt. Ltd.
1
A visual treat to see close to 50-year old photograph of Chandrakant Bhai. An engineer then (production engineer, just after graduation) and an engineer yet (successfully engineering solutions for plastics recycling at PIMCO).
98
0
Vimal Sipani Managing Director, Klene Paks Ltd.
Vimal was just out of graduation in 1980; identifying packaging as an opportunity, he today stands tall spearheading Klene Paks with his trademark composed demeanor. POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
59
DIP STICK
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Rebooting the Manufacturing Sector Post Lockdown
VDMA CEO Panel Discussion
Every big crisis is a test of
leadership. We must have faith that a V-shaped recovery is
plausible. Hence, we should retain our confidence, keep calm, communicate with our people and our partners.
Foresee and try to understand the risk and readjust our businesses.
The Issues Along with an unprecedented human toll, COVID-19 has triggered a deep
economic crisis. The global economic impact could be broader than any that we Rajesh Nath Managing Director German Engineering Federation (VDMA) India Office
60
have seen since the Great Depression. The big difference now is that unlike the
financial crisis of 2008, which could be surmounted by creating demand, here we have the issue of both, demand and supply which is a unique situation. The virus has shut down production and disabled critical components of the supply
chain as a result of which production halts - which will lead to layoffs occurring
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
An Intitative Supported By
VDMA Webinar: CEO Panel 1
2
3
4
5
6
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
VDMA India Flash Surveys on Coronavirus 2020 Results Dear Readers, Along with the CEO conclave summary, this article
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Rajesh Nath, Managing Director, German Engineering Federation (VDMA) India Office Nitin Vyas, Managing Director, BEUMER India Pvt. Ltd. K. V. Suresh, Managing Director, ZF India Pvt. Ltd. Sriram Kannan, Managing Director, CLAAS India Pvt. Ltd. Rashmikant Joshi, Managing Director, Festo India Pvt. Ltd. Vivek Bhatia, Managing Director and CEO, thyssenkrupp Industries India
also carries the graphical outcome of two flash surveys carried out by VDMA India in April, 2020 to gauge the impact of corona virus on the business in India from the companies across 35 sectors of the mechanical engineering industry.
and, in turn, would lead us to a vicious cycle. Infact,
global trade is predicted to see a huge fall ranging from 20% to 35% as per current projections of Organisation
for
Economic
Development (OECD).
Co-operation
6%
and
The GDP growth in India is expected to shrink to around 1.5% to 2.0%. COVID impact has resulted
The crisis has
in tighter credits and cash flow constraints. It is
taught us the risk
a question of survival for many. Manufacturing
of dependence
companies will have to take steps to recover after
this challenging period and be ready to take a leap when situation starts returning to normal.
countries, and may thus give
At the present moment, the balance has to be
struck between the imperatives of preserving the importance of health, economy and society. Naturally, the overriding consideration has to be that of health of the population, which should
be followed by the economic requirements, such that the impact on social conditions are not of negative nature.
The Forum In this context, VDMA India organised a webinar on 17th April, 2020 on the topic, ‘CEO Panel Discussions
Yes (n=222)
No (n=15)
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=237
India Pvt. Ltd. and Nitin Vyas, Managing Director, BEUMER India Pvt. Ltd.
into how to prepare for the present challenges and
business globally and in India, is clearly visible
Lockdown’ with an aim to provide some insights
The negative effect of COVID-19 pandemic on
future requirements. The discussion was moderated
as industrial activities have come to a complete
members: Rashmikant Joshi, Managing Director,
Festo India Pvt. Ltd.; Vivek Bhatia, Managing Director and CEO, thyssenkrupp Industries India; K. V. Suresh, Managing Director, ZF India Pvt.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
localisation.
Ltd.; Sriram Kannan, Managing Director, CLAAS
The Outcome
The panellists comprised of the following VDMA
way to more
Do you already feel any significant disruption in your operation as a result of the spread of the corona virus?
on Rebooting the Manufacturing Sector Post
by Rajesh Nath, Managing Director, VDMA India.
on other
94%
standstill. When the panellists were asked what is the present scenario at their company and manufacturing units, the panellists mentioned that
due to the lockdown presently, the manufacturing is shut and the supply chain is disrupted, except in some essential cases; as for thyssenkrupp, they
61
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
72% 58% 37% 26%
21%
22%
Production stop (partial/ coverage) (n=46)
Other (n=47)
12% Reduction of overtime/ working time accounts/ holidays (n=126)
Reduction of temporary work/ permanent employment relationships (n=80)
Hiring freeze (n=157)
Short-time work (partial/ coverage) (n=57)
Staff reduction (core workforce) (n=27)
What steps would you need to adjust capacity? (multiple answers possible)
are working on some orders catering to the power
sector from one of their plants with necessary permissions. Also, Festo is working with skeletal
13%
staff, as they are catering to the essential sectors like
26%
food and bio-pharma. Here social distancing and necessary safety and health precautions are being
followed. Otherwise most of them are working from
25%
home and are utilising this time for training sessions on products and technology to their customers.
When asked what are the near-term and long-
36%
term implications of the lockdown for their
organisations, the panellists are looking forward to reopening of activities. They are gearing up
and would follow guidelines of health and safety
Work from home (n=191)
Awareness Creation (n=134)
the guideline from their Head Office is much more
CSR Activities (n=66)
Operational Safety Measures (n=136)
of workforce. Infact some like CLAAS mentioned stringent. In the long-term, they see that issues of
supply chain and logistics will persist and that of cash flow and liquidity will arise and need to be addressed properly.
28%
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=237 Survey 2: What measures are being taken on account of COVID-19 by your organisation? (Multiple answers possible)
32%
29% 13% 8%
8%
12%
71%
Yes (n=155)
No (n=62)
up to 10% (n=12)
over 10 to 20% (n=43)
over 20 to 30% (n=48)
over 30 to 40% (n=19)
over 40 to 50% (n=12)
over 50% (n=18)
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=217 Survey 1: Are you considering reducing your investment plans for 2020? To what extent are you considering the cuts? (Right)
62
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
84.54%
83.51%
4% 11%
53.61% 40.72%
19.59%
Managing costs (n=162)
Weak demand (n=164)
Weakening Rupee (n=104)
85%
Manpower shortage (n=38)
Potential for significant impact to our business and operations. (n=167)
Non availability of funds (n=79)
Limited to specific regions in our business. (n=22)
An isolated challenge not greatly impacting our business currently. (n=8)
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=194
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=197
Key challenges that you foresee impacting your business? (Multiple answers possible)
What is your organisation’s current level of concern related to COVID-19 ?
When asked how are they to recover loss of man-
44%
days and what is their stand regarding wage 33%
payment to blue and white collared workforce
during this lockdown, the panellist mentioned that they have been keeping in line with the
government guidelines and have been paying
22%
the wages and salaries to their employees. However, since it is perceived that liquidity is going to be a challenge in the time to come, some panellists mentioned that they may ask their
1 - 3 months (n=48)
3 - 6 months (n=95)
More than 6 months (n=71)
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=214
for earned leaves.
When the panellists were asked if they feel that this crisis has given vent to the feeling that
globalisation may pave the way for regionalism,
Expected time to normalcy.
26.80%
50%
workers to work overtime or on Saturdays or apply
27.84% 17.53%
50%
11.34%
7.22%
Yes (n=97)
No (n=97)
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=194
Decrease up to 10% (n=7)
10% to 20% (n=26)
20% to 30% (n=27)
30% to 40% (n=17)
40% to 50% (n=11)
9.28%
More than 50% (n=9)
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=97
Is there any estimated impact on the export of your company? If yes to what extent? (Right)
64
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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www.engelglobal.com
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Flash Survey 1
Flash Survey 2 50.00%
44.39%
40.00% 33.18%
22.43%
10.00%
1 - 3 months (n=48)
3 - 6 months (n=95)
More than 6 months (n=71)
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=214
1 - 3 months (n=19)
3 - 6 months (n=95)
More than 6 months (n=76)
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=190
After the extension of lockdown what do you feel about the expected time to normalcy?
they said that due to supply chain disruption,
that they will support with their supplies after
term. Moreover, the crisis has taught us the risk
that many SME and MSME suppliers would
this is a possibility; however, only for a short-
of dependence on other countries, and may thus give way to more localisation.
the operations restart. However, they foresee
have a tough time to stay afloat and would face challenging time.
MSME contributes 6% to manufacturing GDP
The million-dollar question on everyone’s mind
lockdown, several MSMEs survival is at stake. The
When the participants were asked how they were
and 34% to India’s manufacturing output. With
panellists were asked that as large organisations, how do they support MSME suppliers? In reply to which, most of the panellists mentioned that they have not kept any payment of their vendors outstanding and have cleared them upfront, thus
helping the SMEs fighting liquidity and hoping 74.74%
is how to reorganise and reboot post lockdown. planning to take the organisation forward with reference to manpower, demand creation and cash
flow management, they said that the government here has an important role to play in demand
creation. Investment in sectors like infrastructure will
infuse
demand
in
related
sectors
and
sub-sectors. The impact of COVID-19, as mentioned by BEUMER, is that it is not going to be uniform across industries. Further, this can lead to adoption
68.04%
of new technology and would give impetus to
sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, information 24.23% 12.89%
Manpower requirement (n=25)
Demand creation (n=145)
Cash flow management (n=132)
All the above (n=47)
Number of evaluable feedback messages n=194 What would be the priority of your business post lockdown? (Multiple answers possible)
66
technology, pharmaceutical, e-commerce, medical equipment,
agriculture,
food
packaging, amongst others.
processing
and
Finally, Rajesh Nath concluded the discussion
saying that every big crisis is a test of leadership. We must have faith that a V-shaped recovery is plausible. Hence, we should retain our confidence, keep calm, communicate with our people and our partners. Foresee and try to understand the risk and readjust our businesses.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
NEW NORMAL
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Revival and Growth of Businesses Post COVID-19 Lockdown
S
ARS-CoV-2, popularly known as Corona or
COVID-19, has played havoc on the whole world forcing over half the world population
to lock themselves up in their homes, well-nigh stopping economic activity, especially affecting manufacturing,
aviation,
hospitality,
tourism,
automotive and many other sectors, and causing business revival anxieties among people. On the flip side, there will also be excitement about the new possibilities and opportunities. The significant issues are the resulting economic
strain
unemployment,
across
the
psychological
globe,
stress,
shortage of products across the board, fear of moving out and close contact with people and uncertainties about
the emergent mores of life and trends. There has been a lot of talk about
In order to sail through these very difficult times when we are likely to see high mortality of businesses coupled with job losses and deep
financial crunch, you need
to be agile and frugal. This
calls for very careful planning,
close monitoring of trends,
preparation for changed behaviours
post lockdown and conservation
of your resources with utmost care.
how the world will change in many
Rakesh Shah RS Coaching and Consulting New Delhi
68
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
ways and a new world with which
been used to. Many others won’t. Now
become the one we will need to
for the changes that are inevitable,
many of us are not very familiar, will inhabit.
People
are
talking
about
profound changes in lifestyles and workplaces. These are things much more impactful than they may appear
at first cursory view. New clichés are
coming into parlance, the most beaten one being the ‘new normal’, and there
is also some doomsaying. The positive and optimistic view of course is and
should be, that the current catastrophe will
offer
many
opportunities
to
businesses as well as for mankind to
is the time for companies to prepare at least in the shorter run, and many that will determine the long-term success of businesses. If you don’t already have a plan in place during lockdown, you
would rather have one in a hurry,
lest you are too late. The following
will certainly change for a long time to come.
Social Distancing NN
heal itself and the earth. There may
be lessons and opportunities evolving from these huge visions.
The Changed Look Many
things
will
change
at
the
workplace and the way we organise
NN
work now. People have been working
the ‘normal’ way of life we have
their smartphones when a serious
processes in the organisation.
a distraction. The positive side of
people taking a sneak peek at
organisation as well as internal
matter is on the table, thus allowing this, however, is that in a video
Employees who can work from
conference you can see all people’s faces at the same time, whereas in a
meeting this is not possible. Several people talking at the same time can be prevented.
require
getting
more
and
NN
and
more
via
video
offices,
sharing
of
fear of infection.
Meetings will need to be conducted more
the
for workers for quite some time for
managed through digital platforms. NN
Within
workstations will be discomforting
more functions of the organisation
through invention of suitable
gradually begin to return to
need several changes in workplace
long as it lasts, however, it will
will
threat of COVID-19 is overcome
at the least, many things will
fully present. This is similar to
video conferences, thus not being
say, once or twice a week. This
the
treatments, or its management
that it will be a lifelong norm. So
for a fairly long time. It is not likely
workplaces for particular reasons,
manufacturing, hospitality, security Once
may try to multitask during the
be required to report to their
presence of the workforce, such as others.
Social distancing will be observed
encouraged to do so. They may
there are jobs that require physical
many
touch, hug or bump. Participants
remote locations will need to be
from home where they can. Then
and
ger ay no lon sinesses m u b y n a M will lifestyles the new exist and s it portun ie to the op e give birth uge. Som lievably h e b n u re that a by e created ities will b opportun lescence. the obso
NN
In a manufacturing locale, it may be
conferencing tools. While many
much harder, especially in a country
some will have initial discomfort,
are still largely conventional and
eye contact and an occasional
machine control are yet to come
people will adjust to this easily,
like
India
where
technologies
being used to physical vicinity,
robotics and centralised multiple into widespread use. It may be a
good idea to have one operator
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
69
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
run several machines. That would
home, there can be things
automation on the shop floors and
that
happening
need greater sophistication and
operator
capacity.
skill-sets
will
decorum
be
NN
4.0 practices being adopted. This
and
Business Travel sales no
understand the
personnel
longer
without
big difference
travel
between
may
more
downsizing
travel NN
be
l
conservatively
get used to saving
weighed seriously.
minor issues on phone
should be
time
and
resolving
will
retraining them
teams
for different roles
invite
vendor
only
when
necessary and closer
could be viable.
to decisions.
This may open
l
many treasures
as
NN
Sales
will
need
to
Working from Home and Remote Locations NN
70
When people are working from
humane approach with decent and sincere promises for better times would help to assuage the hurt.
NN
A great deal of people will want to
Films and Flexibles
to
have
positive their
management
constant,
open
needs
communication
employees
difficult period.
through
and
with this
Empathy will be very helpful to reduce
the
stress
among
the
existing employees caused by the long lockdown. Where necessary,
coaching and other interventions may be necessary.
management of the distribution
of essential goods, food and medical care. o Most
flexible
packaging
probably quite profitably almost
In order to mitigate the problems, top
production, was recognised by
companies have been working,
Some people may leave jobs to take
the
NN
Plastics Processing Industry NN
the government as critical to
decide to go for self-employment.
in the changed environment. find increasing application.
and sympathetic negotiations and
some orientation and possibly some
up ‘safer’ jobs. Some others may
be
Remote service and installation will
need to be encouraged. Delicate
o Plastics processing, specially film
Personnel Issues - Engagement, Empathy, Planning
reoriented to operate successfully NN
the employees, voluntary cuts would
need to be in a certain ‘workplace’
above reasons.
time for information forces
able to afford full pay cheque for all
very
go to work for one or more of the
will become shorter. NN
is
support such as coaching.
NN
waiting
it
not fulfilled. These people will need
This may mean that
increase
people,
discipline and they may feel their
the speed of work will
that are hidden.
many
to tardiness or lack of personal
and video calls. They
Upskilling or
For
work. Not doing so can lead them
Prospects will also
good employees
Since many organisations won’t be
includes ‘getting ready’ to go to
remain.
potentially very
of business during the lockdown.
people
important to have a routine which
to face interactions will
some of your
Traditionally,
survive the financial shock of loss
will
to collaborate.
meet people and face
Preserving
workplace,
Pay cuts may become necessary post lockdown as companies must
departments with which they need
planned, the need to
and rightsizing.
NN
working relationships across the
will
While
walking
have been advised to develop
and
compelling
justification.
efficient
disappear.
Management
of
are sometimes critical to a happy
disruption in production.
very carefully
possibility
organisational relationships, which
funding, coupled with temporary
l
The
to another colleague to develop
and manpower, and involve major
team should
common
around the office and going
will need radical changes in facilities
The management
and
is absent.
up for that.
We will probably see more of Industry
to
discipline of the workplace
required. One would need to gear NN
seem
being business-like, as the
Suitable
also
would
esses e busin nd agil a e v re ti a Innov to captu hance c e th e y and will hav ies earl ortunit p p o e ities thes portun ets. Op rk a m e es lead th usiness many b in e li o als new ove to g to m wantin lobally. g ally or n o ti a n ns, locatio
them
compromise the sense of
a great deal of data processing and programming
around
throughout
the
lockdown
period. India moved fast to take second position in the world
as a supplier of PPEs. Masks are
now
almost
industry item.
a
cottage
o It appears that the demand
for flexibles will harden in the foreseeable future, accompanied
by some shift towards larger
packages as people may want to be better stocked.
o Healthcare and medical supplies, including pharmaceuticals, will
also be centre stage for a while. We think it may not be a very
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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Lohia Corp Limited D-3/A, Panki Industrial Estate, Kanpur-208022, INDIA.
T : +91 512 3045100
I
E: sales@lohiagroup.com
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
long spell. Long-term demand
the industry has had a period of
opportunities
above the pre-pandemic level.
it is felt that it will benefit from the
created by the obsolescence. Products
will,
however,
remain
well
The investments will need to be returned quickly. The
problem
of
disposal
of
the
masks and other medical and civil waste has already begun to become a
serious
concern.
The
anti-plastic
crusaders are already becoming vocal. The advantage of image correction of
the
plastics
industry
got
from
is
too
the COVID-19 is likely to be quickly squandered.
Government
busy with firefighting on so many fronts. The onus is largely on the plastics industry to protect itself past
the crisis. They need to huddle together, be innovative and daring, and work out strategies to control the damage without delay. NN
strong
will
create
demand
a
sustained
growth for two to three years
before it stabilises. Vaccination, blood sampling and parenteral
medication will also present a sustained growth. o Hygiene
sector,
including
sanitiser businesses, will show good
growth
in
few quarters. o Bottles
of
small cars and two wheelers in a big
way. Due to the sagging economy, it may take two to three quarters to show up strongly.
the
home
next
products,
Some
which
will
that
are
unbelievably
opportunities
satisfy
the
will
new
be
needs
caused by more people being more
homebound such as entertainment, information
technology,
stressbusters markets.
etc.
will
enjoy
Innovative
fitness,
and
great
agile
businesses will have the chance to capture these opportunities early and
Upskill, Retrain, Redeploy Conserve Your Strength
lead the markets.
On the other side, there will also be
a need to reduce the workforce or downsize. This will inevitably be a very painful and difficult task. In some
cases, it may be unavoidable in the interest of the larger body of employees. A good strategy would be to evaluate
in depth the internal processes of the
the apparently redundant employees should be made.
The management team should very
Opportunities
also
lie
in
many
businesses wanting to move to new locations, nationally or globally. You need to be ready to grab any such
opportunity that may be within your reach. Plan which businesses you should
get in touch with now, before they have chosen another partner. Carefully check the match of your talent pool, facilities, finances, work culture etc. and
have
a
well-thought-out
and
attractive proposition ready, and then move quickly.
carefully understand the big difference
Conserve Your Cash
Preserving some of your potentially
operations,
between downsizing and rightsizing.
In order to quickly ramp up your
very
the following:
good
weighed
retraining
employees
seriously.
them
for
should
Upskilling
different
be
or
roles
could be viable. This may open many treasures that are hidden. A properly organised effort would be required
and high level of commitment from
NN
you
Investment
would
in
technology.
information
NN
Investment in automation.
NN
Investment in employees.
NN
Investment
in
need
new
product
development, if required.
both, the management and employee,
back to their demand levels
such plan. Such a strategy will also
will be linked to the revival
major assets when the business gets
In order to sail through these very
sense not to lose them now in view of
see
come
will be key to the success of any
in relatively short time and
help to retain some people who will be
of
back on track, and it may then make
products
FMCG
strategising
will
companies to
now
re-establish
their logistics and remove the bottlenecks that have arisen in their supply chains. Automotive Industry
products
of
large
variety.
Though
NN
Resources
to
survive
until
business is back on track.
the
difficult times when we are likely to high
mortality
of
businesses
short-term hardships.
coupled with job losses and deep
Look for New Opportunities
and frugal. This calls for very careful
financial crunch, you need to be agile
Some companies’ offerings may no
This is a major consumer of plastic
72
term. This may prompt them to buy
huge.
cleaners, surfactants and other similar
NN
crowded public transport in the near
in-depth SWOT / skill-set analysis of
o Pharmaceuticals, drug delivery etc.
fact that people would like to avoid
company now. At the same time, an
Rigid and Semi-rigid devices
struggle much before the pandemic,
longer be relevant. Many businesses may no longer exist and the new lifestyles
will
give
birth
to
the
planning, close monitoring of trends, preparation for changed behaviours
post lockdown and conservation of your resources with utmost care.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
CRUCIAL POINT
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Dealing With Medical Plastics Waste An Aftermath of COVID-19
Plastics has actually played
an important role in making
healthcare workers confident
of dealing with such dangerous
infectious disease like COVID-19. As per latest World Health
Organization (WHO) estimates, the world will consume 89
million masks, 30 million gowns,
1.59 million goggles and 76 million
gloves in a month’s time alone due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A
t the time of writing this article, mankind is staring
at one of the biggest disasters of all times. With over
Prof. Prakash A. Mahanwar Professor of Polymer Technology Manoj Praharaj Bhatnagar Ph.D. (Tech.) Research Fellow, UGC-SRF, Polymer Synthesis Laboratory
Department of Polymer & Surface Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology (Formerly UDCT), Mumbai
74
5.5 million people already infected with COVID-19
and over 3.4 lakh deaths spread across all the continents, the entire human population is fighting so hard to bring under control this apocalyptic calamity as the numbers relating to
infection and death are rising higher and higher, day after day. India has fared well in this pandemic due to pre-emptive steps taken by our Government keeping in mind well-being of the citizens of the nation. Much of the credit goes to the ‘Corona Warriors’, a term coined by our Prime Minister which include
everyone from all walks of life like the doctors, paramedical staff, sanitation staff, policemen, government employees
etc. SARS-CoV-2 is a deadly virus that spreads by dispersing
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
in air in the form of tiny droplets from coughing or sneezing which may also settle on solid surfaces. The transmission of virus takes place in
Face shield or goggles
humans by coming in contact with the infected
N95 or higher respirator (When respirators are not available, use the best available alternative, like a facemask.)
Face shield made of PET sheet while goggles made of PC
person or surface, especially when one touches the nose or face.
In these dire times, it would be erroneous to
Respirator containing PP non-woven fibres
undermine the contribution of ‘plastics’. Yes,
you read it right. Plastics! Let’s see how this
One pair of clean, non-sterile gloves
material whose manufacture and use have been
a subject for worldwide debate by self-proclaimed environmentalist has actually played an important
role in making healthcare workers confident of
Gloves made of latex or nitrile rubber
dealing with such dangerous infectious disease
Isolation gown
like COVID-19.
Gown made of PET non-woven fabric
Plastics Used in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Health regulatory bodies worldwide like Indian
Council of Medical Research (ICMR), World Health Organization (WHO) and United States Centers for
Figure 1: Various plastics used in PPEs. (Part of image adapted from CDC brochure [2])
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have laid
550.9 tonnes of medical waste are generated daily
workers. They chiefly consist of using personal
Management Rules - 2016 (BMW - 2016) laid down
gloves, coveralls, safety goggles, face shields, foot
Change. These projections were made prior to the
made of plastics. A variety of plastics including
plastic bio-waste generation will surge several
like low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene
COVID-19 crisis. A United Nations Environment
terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC) are
plastic bio-waste is generated per hospital bed
plasma transfusion from COVID recovered patients
down strict protocols to be followed by healthcare
that are disposed off as per the Bio-medical Waste
protective equipment (PPE) like masks (respirators),
by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
cover and hair cover. Amazingly, all these PPE are
COVID-19 episode. It is only fathomable that the
some commodity and some engineering plastics
times due its indispensable use during the
(PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, polyethylene
Programme (UNEP) estimates about 0.5 kg of
used to make various PPEs. In the last few days,
per day during the COVID-19 crisis [4].
has been found to help in the treatment of
Regulations for Disposal of Bio-medical Plastics Waste in India
from recovered patients using the process of
In view of corona virus related surge of bio-waste,
plasmapheresis are made up of polyethersulfone
released guidelines for handling, treatment and
even PP [1]. Also, Tyvek™, a product made by
during treatment, diagnosis and quarantine of
polyethylene (HDPE) is widely used for making full
having COVID-19, in line with the Bio-medical
are exposed to highly contaminated environments.
also
According to a study conducted by ASSOCHAM
bags to be transported to a Common Bio-
infected patients. This blood plasma is collected used
for
the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has
(PMMA)
or
safe disposal of bio-medical waste generated
Dupont consisting of flash spun high density
patients who are confirmed or suspected of
body suits that cover head to toe for workers who
Waste Management Rules of 2016. However, it
plasmapheresis. (PES),
Such
membranes
polymethylmethacrylate
(Associated Chamber of Commerce) and Velocity,
India is going to generate 775.5 tonnes of medical
waste per day by the year 2022 at a Compounded Annual
Growth
Rate
of
7%
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
[3].
Currently,
calls
for
segregation
and
labelling
of
COVID-19 related waste into separate containers / medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facilities (CBMWTF). According to the 2016 rules, any healthcare facility must either set up an onsite waste
segregation and disposal facility or else send the
75
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
segregated waste to CBMWTF. According to 2017
standards and protocols approved before use
operation and 28 new facilities under construction in
granted approval for using plasma pyrolysis and
for treating BMWs. During 2010 - 2013, CPCB has
Government statistics, there are 198 CBMWTF in
dry heat sterilisation for treating wastes [6].
India alone. Also, the number of healthcare facilities using
common
management
and
Incineration is the most widely used technique
treatment
for sterilisation of plastic bio-medical wastes
facilities are 1,31,837 while 21,870 healthcare
since the 1990s, but has its shortcomings. Besides
facilities have their own on-site waste treatment
completely destroying the material which was
facilities [5]. To prevent confusion over various
intended to be sterilised, this process generates
types of waste generated at healthcare facilities,
air polluting effluents such as particulate matter,
the new BMW rules calls for segregation of waste
dioxins, polychlorinated benzenes etc., which
into 4 colour-coded categories, out of which waste
are known carcinogens. In the newer emission
consisting of contaminated plastics are placed
standards for bio waste incinerators, the limit
in ‘Red’ category. The rules call for them to be
There are
several groups in Germany,
Spain, Austria
and Switzerland
who are actively
reclaiming plastics by shredding them and
remoulding the
plastics into face shields, masks for ventilators
and handles that
allow one to open a door without touching.
for particulate matter has been reduced to
firstly autoclaved or microwaved, followed by
50 mg/nm3 and residence time of material in
shredding the plastics into chips which are then
sent to registered recyclers for energy recovery of
incinerator has been capped at 2 seconds. This is to
making [6]. In today’s context, home quarantining
at sustained high temperatures.
plastics to make fuel oil or alternatively for road
ensure reduction in formation of dioxins and furans
of patients has proved to be an essential step
Methods to Recycle and Reuse Biomedical Plastics Waste
to reduce community transmission of the fatal
disease. This results in potentially contaminated PPE being generated at the household level too.
Recycle - Reuse - Reduce has been the mantra
The BMW rules call for the people managing the
for reducing plastics waste accumulation in the
quarantine camps / centre to call the CBMWTF to
environment. Just like conventional plastics, bio-
collect the bio-medical waste from their premises.
medical plastics waste too need to be recycled to
The previous 1998 BMW rules stipulated for any
prevent accumulation of contaminated plastics in
healthcare facility or Common Bio-medical Waste
the environment. But, before bio-medical plastics
Management and Treatment Facility desirous
waste is recycled like conventional plastics, one
of using any new innovative technology for
step of processing is extremely essential. They
disinfection must firstly approach CPCB to get
need to be sterilised to neutralise all the bacteria
General Waste
Infected Plastics
Infected Waste
Glassware
Sharps
Kitchen Waste, Paper & Tissues & Water Bottles & Cans
Syringes, Gloves & Plastics Waste
Soiled, Anatomical, Chemical Liquid, Cytotoxic, Laboratory Waste, Expired & Discarded Medicines
Antibiotic Vials, Metallic implants, Glassware Material Except Cytotoxic
Needles & Cut Glasses
Disposal
Plasma Pyrolysis / Incineration
Auto Claving
Incineration
Auto Claving
Common Treatment Facility
Mutilate Secured Land Filling
Secured Land Filling
Figure 2: Segregation of hospital bio wastes.
76
Deep Burial
Re-Cycler
Sharp Pit
(Source: Google image search)
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
Together for a sustainable future! Innovative Pelletizing Solutions for Plastics Recycling
Versatile system - one machine suitable for all polymers
Optimized flow paths eliminating dead zones
Advanced die plate and cutter hub design - leading to the perfect pellet Enhanced dryer design reduces resin moisture significantly
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Figure 3: Bio-medical waste management facility in Himachal Pradesh. (Source: Wiki Commons)
Figure 4: PPE kept for drying after disinfection.
and viruses that they come in contact with when
processes mostly involve the use of chlorine
CoV-2 can remain alive on PPEs upto 4 days after
and chlorine dioxides [9]. This is a slow process
handling infected patients. Studies show that SARS-
The COVID-19 pandemic is
being fought with full might by all
the united brains
in this world. New technologies are
being developed in order to
enable PPEs to be disinfected and re-used upto 5
times during their life cycle.
initial contact [7]. For the purpose of sterilisation, several methods have been described in scientific literature earlier demonstrating very good efficacy
at disinfection. However, their applicability on such a large scale still proves to be a challenge.
generating compounds like sodium hypochlorite since the PPEs have to be dismantled before they
are exposed to chlorine, alcohol or ethylene oxide vapours. Besides, since the chlorine and alcohol
solutions are mostly applied in the form of a mist, the PPEs remain wet and need an additional
process of drying. The metallic components of
Thermal Processes Several thermal based systems involving low
heat (93° C to 177° C) generated by steam and
PPE also have to be protected from the corrosive chlorine mists.
microwave are in use. It is well-known by polymer
Battelle CCDSTM (USA) have developed a system
microwave result in deterioration of the properties
vapour phase for decontaminating PPEs. They offer
scientists that exposure of plastics to heat and of the plastics used for the manufacture of
PPEs. Besides, use of microwave for such large volume of waste requires high capital and there is
always a danger of the plastic or the contaminant degassing and forming some toxic plumes during the process. Medium heat processes make use
of temperatures in the range of 177° C to 540° C, causing pyrolysis of the plastic molecule. This
process too is energy intensive and products formed from pyrolysis seldom find any suitable
application. High heat processes involve using
plasma for deterioration which is both, highly energy
of using concentrated hydrogen peroxide in complete pickup of contaminated PPEs and drop
at the healthcare facility after decontamination. They decontaminate 80,000 PPEs at a time [10].
This technology has been approved for use by USFDA and already deployed for use in the US
cities of New York, Seattle, Ohio and Washington DC [11]. Also, Lynntech has perfected use of ozone
for disinfection of plastics. Although this is a quick method that does not leave behind much residue,
but the plastics are more susceptible to damage due to use of ozone.
intensive and exposure to plasma completely
Advantage of using chemical systems is that due
This process increases the carbon footprint of
the decontamination process, the mist is able to
incinerates the plastics into carbonaceous products.
the waste processing centre, besides polluting the atmosphere with various metal oxides and halogenated gaseous by-products [8].
As
opposed
to
thermal
processes,
to the nature of the fine mist generated during
permeate through multiple layers of the fine fabrics
such as those used in respirators so that the extent of decontamination is higher. Although, common
plastics like LDPE, HDPE and PP do not undergo
Chemical Processes
78
(Source: www.battelle.org)
chemical
any major damage with chlorine exposure, yet condensation polymers like polyesters, nylons and
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
also rubbers undergo damage and deteriorate in a few cycles.
viruses [15]. Data has shown that 90% of captured
Use of Ionisation and Energetic Radiation Ionising radiation such as electron beam cause
damage to the DNA of any living organism and
essentially neutralises it. However, it should not be used in case of mixed streams containing metals. This technique is one of the costliest methods described here and requires a containment system consisting of several feet thick concrete bunker,
making it difficult to set-up in a short span of time [12]. The use of ultraviolet light for disinfection of the PPE wearing healthcare worker has been a topic
of interest for scientists. Especially, pulsed xenon ultraviolet light has been shown to be effective during doffing of worn PPE [13].
aerosols are trapped on the first layers of respirators [7]. This technique although very suitable for fast throughput of disinfection and
lower initial costs, but may have questionable efficacy
especially
in
PPEs
having
complex
geometries. Besides, the degrading effect of UV-C
on plastics is well understood and would render the PPE useless due to mechanical degradation.
Can 3D Printing Technique Help in Recycling? In 2016, a young Indian start-up company called
Protoprint, started by the environmental engineer, Sidhant Pai in Pune showed that high density
The ultraviolet light spectrum consists of three sub
polyethylene
(HDPE)
obtained
from
recycled
320 nm) and UV-C (200 - 280 nm). Out of the 3,
printing [16]. One of the world’s largest market
as they are strongly absorbed by RNA and DNA,
forecasted that worldwide 3D printing material
photodimerisation process which results in the
2021. As per latest World Health Organization
classifications: UV-A (320 - 340 nm), UV-B (280 -
bottles can be transformed into filament for 3D
UV-C rays have the highest germicidal properties
research company, Markets and Markets has
leading
market will reach USD 1.4 billion by the year
to
molecular
structural
damage
via
inactivation of the virus.
Since SARS-CoV-2 has been only recently identified,
there is lack of data on the survival of the virus
when exposed to different conditions. However, in absence of data on SARS-CoV-2, they have been
treated similar to SARS-CoV-1 by many authors [14]. UV-C is effective against SARS-CoV-1, but efficacy has been subject to many factors such as inoculum
size, culture medium, geometry and size of material
used in PPEs resulting in highly inconsistent
What is a PPE KIT? Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is specialised clothing or equipment worn by doctors, nurses and paramedics. PPE acts as a barrier and prevents the healthcare worker from coming in contact with an infectious agent or body flid that may contain an infectious agent. Figure 5: Requirement of PPE in one city of India.
80
findings. At 360 mJ/cm2, SARS-CoV-1 had the
highest UV D90 among nearly 130 different type of
(WHO)
estimates,
the
world
will
consume
89 million masks, 30 million gowns, 1.59 million goggles and 76 million gloves in a month’s
time alone due to the COVID-19 pandemic [17]. This undoubtedly forecasts shortage of
PPE in the COVID-19 hotspots of the world. In
the pre COVID world, most of the manufacturing of PPEs was centred in China. Since this virus originated from China, the manufacturing of
PPE was hit and this affected supply of PPEs to other parts of the world.
Daily requirement in Delhi Delhi government has placed an order for 1.2
lakh kits,
which arrives in batches of
3,000 - 4,000 daily or every second day
KIT has gloves, gown, shoe covers, head cover, mask, respirator and eye protection
3,000
Current stock in godown
(Hospitals also have some stock)
4,000
27,000
Provided by Centre (with DRDO for disinfection at present)
4,000
Promised by individuals / private companies
(Source: TOI, some weeks ago)
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
Quality in its purest form. With passion, we develop future-oriented inspection and sorting devices for the quality assurance of plastic pellets, such as the PURITY SCANNER ADVANCED. – Online inspection and automatic sorting for pellets of any kind – Detection of metallic and organic contamination as well as cross contamination as small as 50 μm on the surface and inside the pellet – Professional Data Analysis Management (PDAM) for statistics, visualization and data logging
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
www.sikora.net/purityscanner
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Figure 6: Ventilator valves made by the Italian 3D printing company.
In this challenge against the virus, ventilators have played a very important role in treating critical COVID-19 patients who have developed
use
these articles.
of
recycled
plastics
to
produce
pneumothorax by helping them breathe and
To Sum...
Amidst this chaos created due to shortfall of
full might by all the united brains in this world.
allowing the lungs to drain fluids and heal itself.
The COVID-19 pandemic is being fought with
ventilator components, a 3D printer company,
New technologies are being developed in order
Isinnova in Italy, designed and printed numerous life-saving printing.
ventilator
They
components
manufactured
a
using
critical
3D
valve
required for connecting the patients to the
ventilator machines when the OEM could not supply the replacement valves in due time [18].
Several online blogs have already started providing designs for those who have 3D printers to enable
them to manufacture the head band for the face shield.
It
has
proven
to
be
very
easy
to
manufacture the head band to which only a flexible transparent sheet needs to be attached to complete a fully functional face shield [19].
At the same time, there are also several groups in Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland who are actively reclaiming plastics by shredding them and
remoulding the plastics into face shields, masks for
ventilators and handles that allow one to open a door without touching [20].
It is advantageous to use processes like injection
moulding over 3D printing which is several times faster to manufacture components for face shields, while 3D printing is useful to manufacture intricate parts like ventilator valves that would be
difficult
and
injection moulding.
costly
to
manufacture
via
The Gran Canaria Workshop in Spain has been reported to have made a prototype of face
masks used for ventilator machines. They have
82
made
to enable PPEs to be disinfected and re-used upto 5 times during their life cycle. The amount of bio-medical plastics waste generated during this period will be unfathomable. Face shields
and goggles will show least potential for reuse due to deteriorating optical properties after disinfection, while other PPEs can be reused
and recycled easily after use. Compared to conventional municipal plastics waste, bio-medical waste is required to be segregated at point of generation i.e. the healthcare centres, making it
easier to recycle them by conventional recyclers.
The only added step of disinfection though increases the processing costs, but can help in
ensuring adequate supplies of PPEs are available
to healthcare workers worldwide in times of shortage of raw materials. In the aftermath of
COVID-19, manufacturing sector will have to diversify manufacturing of essential supplies from
countries like China so that our country can be selfsufficient in PPE supplies which has proven to be an important tool in battling the infection. There is desperation faced by countries all throughout the
world for enough quantity of PPE. Recycling of PPEs can solve the supply issue at the moment and also
prevent the bio-medical plastics waste from landing in the landfill and persisting in the environment.
References 1. Bohler J., Donauer K., Koster W., Schollmayer
P., Wieland H., Horl W., Biocompatibility of four
POLYMERS CommuniquÊ l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Figure 7: 3D printed head band used to make face shield.
Figure 8: Recycled plastics injection moulded into face shields.
Figure 9: Face masks made by Gran Canaria.
plasmapheresis membranes in patients treated
10. Available on www.battelle.org, accessed on
479-485, 1991.
11. Available on https://www.npr.org/2020/03/30/
for hypercholesterolemia, J. Nephrology, 11, 2. Available
on
https://www.cdc.gov/
coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/COVID-19_ PPE_illustrations-p.pdf, Accessed on 27-4-20.
28-4-20.
823803831/technology-to-clean-and-reuseppe-is-being-deployed-to-hotspot-hospitals, accessed on 28-4-20.
https://economictimes.
12. Available on Emmanuel J. Non‑Incineration
healthcare/india-to-generate-775-5-tonnes-
Washington, DC: Health Care without Harm;
3. Available
on
indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/
of-medical-waste-daily-by-2020-study/ articleshow/63426284.cms?from=mdr, Accessed on 27-4-20. 4. Available
on
https://www.unep.org/news-
and-stories/story/healthcare-waste-what-do-it. Accessed on 28-4-20.
Medical
Waste
Treatment
Technologies.
2001, accessed on 28-4-20.
13. Jinadatha C., Simmons S., Dale C., Disinfecting personal protective equipment with pulsed
xenon ultraviolet as a risk mitigation strategy for health care workers, American Journal of Infection Control, 43, 412-14, 2015.
5. Bio‑Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016.
14. Gorbalenya AE, Baker SC, Baric RS, et al. The
Part II, Section 3, Sub‑Section (i), Government
related coronavirus: classifying 2019-nCoV and
Published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary,
of India Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change. Notification; New Delhi, the 28th March, 2016, available on www.dhr.gov.in, accessed on 27-4-20.
management in India: Critical appraisal. J Lab Physicians; 10:6-14, 2018. evidence
summary
naming it SARS-CoV-2, Nat Microbiol.; 5(4): 536-544, 2020.
15. Kowalski WJ. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation handbook UVGI for air and surface disinfection.
6. Datta P, Mohi GK, Chander J. Biomedical waste
7. Rapid
species Severe acute respiratory syndrome-
on
SARS-CoV-2
Heidelberg, New York: Springer-Verlag; 2009. 16. Available
on
https://3dprint.com/155010/
protoprint-recycled-filament/, 28-4-20.
accessed
on
17. Available
available on https://www.medrxiv.org/content/
18. Available on https://www.thehindubusinessline.
10.1101/2020.04.02.20051409v1, accessed on 27-4-20.
28-4-20.
www.who.int,
on
survivorship and disinfection, and a reusable PPE protocol using a double-hit process,
on
accessed
com/news/science/how-3d-printing-helpedsave-patients-lives-in-an-italian-hospital-
8. Nema SK, Ganeshprasad KS. Plasma pyrolysis for
amid-coronavirus-crisis/article31090602.ece,
9. Blasio A., Disinfection of personal protective
19. Available on https://newbo.co/building-face-
patients, American J. of Infection Control, 43,
20. Available on www.dezeen.com, accessed on
medical waste., Curr Sci; 83:271‑8, 2002. equipment
for
management
1372-81, 2015.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
of
Ebola
accessed on 28-4-20.
shields, accessed on 28-4-20. 28-4-20.
83
B u s in es sToon s
More than just ordinary, BusinessToons take content to another level in POLYMERS Communiqué. Reading this, some may laugh, some may smile, some may read it and just put the magazine on the
side. In either case, it has achieved its intent to help you unwind and reset your mind...make it fresh, as green as it can get; essential isn’t it...as possibilities with polymers are endless...circular nevertheless!
84
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
85
NYT CORNER OFFICE
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Logged On from the Laundry Room How the CEOs of Google, Pfizer and Slack Work from Home
As Chief Executives hunker down during
the pandemic, home offices have become corporate headquarters.
“Nobody prepares for this”
Chuck Robbins, the Chief Executive of Cisco On
Chuck
Thursday
Robbins,
morning,
the
Chief
Executive of Cisco, signed on to a company-wide video conference from his home office in Silicon
Valley. The connection was stable, but the quality was not great.
David Gelles Columnist and Business Reporter NYT Corner Office Presented by
POLYMERS Communiqué in syndication with The New York Times © 2020 The New York Times Company
86
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
“I tell you,” he said in an earlier interview, “this
“We’re making sure that most of the information
whole teleworking thing - as much as we sell it to
is
cent of the time.”
surface them higher across all our products,” he
our customers, I’m not sure I want to do it 100 per In
addition
conference
to
Chuck
featured
Robbins,
several
the
mental
video
coming
journalistic
from
expert
organisations,
organisations
and
are
trying
and
to
said via a Hangouts video call.
health
At the same time, Google is seeing a spike in
questions from Cisco employees grappling with
and has most of its employees working from
professionals, who spent an hour answering the stress of working from home during the coronavirus
this,” he said.
outbreak.
“Nobody
prepares
for
Cisco, which makes networking equipment, has
seen demand for its Webex video conferencing system spike. In response, it has redeployed
teams to focus on making sure big customers can
conduct
everyday
meetings remotely.
chats
and
board
Still, it is a stretch. “None of this technology was
designed to support the entire world working
from home,” Chuck Robbins said. “The Webex teams haven’t slept in days.”
As the coronavirus sweeps the globe, even Chief Executives - who normally flit from meetings to
conferences in chauffeured SUVs and private jets have been confined to spare rooms.
From there, they are working to keep their business afloat as the stock market plummets; managing supply chains upended by travel
restrictions and labour shortages; and trying to keep their employees healthy and sane.
“It’s a miracle you can run a company this way” Artfully
demand for its G-Suite and Hangouts products, home as well. “It’s a miracle you can run a company this way,” he said.
Sundar Pichai, like so many, is also having to navigate the home front. “The day-to-day juggling of all this stretches all of us,” he said. “It was not easy to help my teenage daughter to understand what is going on.”
“It is a high stress environment right now”
Adena Friedman, the Chief Executive of Nasdaq Adena the
Chief
Friedman,
Executive
of Nasdaq, made the
decision
weeks
ago:
Key personnel at the stock
exchange would be split into two teams.
Each week, one team would work from home
and the other would work from the office. Over the weekend, the office would be cleaned. In the event that one team got sick, the other team could run the company.
During her rotations away from the office, Adena
Sundar Pichai, the Chief Executive of Alphabet
Friedman has been working from her primary residence in Chevy Chase, Md. - along with her
At an undisclosed location
in Silicon Valley, Sundar
husband and two sons, both in their 20s, all of whom are also working from home.
Pichai, the Chief Executive
Adena Friedman follows the same routine each
home office. Soaring ceilings.
peloton, eats breakfast and gets to work. During
decorated
of Alphabet, has a very nice two-tone
bookshelves.
A
seating area. A really big plant. It’s the kind of
home office you would expect the wealthy Chief
Executive of one of the world’s most powerful technology companies to have.
From there, Sundar Pichai is monitoring the
myriad ways that Alphabet - which includes Google, YouTube and more - is responding to the
coronavirus crisis. Paramount among his concerns, he said, is ensuring that disinformation is kept in check.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
workday. She wakes up at 5:30 a.m., rides on her the day, she is monitoring the steady decline in the markets, trying to ensure that banks - which
also have most employees working remotely -
are clearing trades, and taking meetings with executives who are also at home.
“What’s been really fun is to peer into the personal lives of your colleagues,” she said in a
telephone interview. “Sometimes a kid will walk into the room. My dog has been barking all day.”
When Adena Friedman gets hungry, she runs
87
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
downstairs and makes herself a peanut butter and honey sandwich, then races back to her office for more calls. “It is a high stress environment right now,” she said.
“All hands from the laundry room”
Stewart Butterfield, the Chief Executive of Slack For
Stewart
Butterfield,
“It feels very strange”
was bad time to have spotty
internet service. He was stuck
at home in San Francisco amid
the shelter-in-place orders, and
had an all-company video conference to
host. But with his home internet wonky because
of construction, there was just one room that had a decent connection. “I did the all-hands from the laundry room,” he said in a telephone interview.
Slack, the messaging company, has experienced a sharp spike in usage in recent weeks, as much
as 30 per cent above previous highs of messages sent per day. “We’ve seen an incredible surge in new sign-ups that has tracked pretty closely to the countries that have been affected,” he said.
Stewart Butterfield contends the new demand
has galvanised the team. “It was probably the most productive week of work in the company’s history,” he said.
Albert
Bourla,
Chief
the
Executive
of
drug maker Pfizer, was
happy when the bickering
the
Chief Executive of Slack, it
Albert Bourla, the Chief Executive of Pfizer
began.
His
college-aged
daughter had moved back home to Scarsdale,
N.Y., after the coronavirus closed schools around the country, and she was already at it with her mother.
“I had missed the fights between my wife and my daughter,” he said in a telephone interview. “I’m happy to see it once more. The day starts with a fight and ends with a fight.”
When not delighting in his reunited family,
Albert Bourla is grappling with the immensity of the
challenges
confronting
Pfizer,
a
global
company that is also a critical cog in the healthcare system. “My mind right now is spinning a thousand times,” he said. “It’s not only that I feel
responsible for the 90,000 people of Pfizer. I feel a responsibility to bring a solution to this crisis.”
Pfizer is ramping up production of medicines that might be needed to treat patients suffering from COVID-19, the disease caused by the
But Stewart Butterfield said he was aware that it
novel coronavirus. It has also begun aggressive
wears off,” he said. “We don’t want people to
antiviral treatments.
might not last. “The adrenaline rush eventually
research into a vaccine for the virus, as well as
burn out.”
Albert Bourla saw the crisis coming somewhat earlier than others. Pfizer’s offices in Asia were
affected by the coronavirus months ago, and Albert Bourla said the novelty of remote working quickly wore thin for workers there. “After a couple of weeks there was a fatigue of working from home,” he said. “It feels very strange.”
Gregg Renfrew, the Chief Executive of Beautycounter
“I don’t have all the answers”
Gregg Chief
Renfrew,
Executive
Beautycounter,
the of
was
trying to work from an
apartment
Stewart Butterfield, the Chief Executive of Slack, on a Zoom meeting with Robby Kwok, a Senior Vice President. (Credit: Stewart Butterfield via The New York Times)
88
Palisades
in
the
neighbourhood
Pacific
in
Los
Angeles, but her husband kept interrupting her video calls.
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#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Beautycounter, a private company that makes
Also: His father-in-law is staying with him, and
stores. Instead, it does most of its business
To cope, Marc Benioff, a Buddhist, has been
makeup and shampoos, doesn’t sell through through a network of consultants - mostly women who sell to their friends and associates. Gregg
Renfrew
has
been
trying
her
best
to manage the disruption wrought by the coronavirus
-
fortifying
her
supply
chain,
increasing the production of some essential
items and postponing some product launches. But the pressure to keep the company running is
intense at a time when many small business owners are facing an existential crisis.
“I have 50,000 people whose livelihood depends on us,” she said in an interview via Zoom. “And I have to acknowledge that I don’t have all the answers.”
In one of the earlier weeks, in recognition that
his mother comes over for dinner every night. meditating more.
Salesforce employees are also feeling the strain. Marc Benioff said an internal survey revealed that
36
per
experiencing
cent
mental
“We’re starting a daily mental health call”
Marc Benioff, the Chief Executive and Cofounder of Salesforce On a conference call the other day, Marc Benioff, the
Salesforce Chief Executive
and Co-founder, made an
insensitive
remark.
Describing
how the company was meeting customer demand
during the coronavirus crisis, he said, “We have a full Chinese menu of options for our customers.”
The blowback was swift, with employees around the country reprimanding him via email.
“I am learning new levels of sensitivity,” Marc
Benioff said via FaceTime from his home office
in San Francisco, where he is holed up amid the region’s shelter-in-place order.
force
challenges
was
these
health call, to encourage daily prayer meditation and mindfulness.”
Giovanni Caforio, the Chief Executive ‘We all of Bristol Myers Squibb have to make
trade-offs’
Giovanni
Caforio,
the
Chief Executive of the
drug maker Bristol Myers
Squibb, was monitoring the
coronavirus long before most Americans. Giovanni
Caforio is Italian, and his brother, who works in
a hospital in Rome, told him weeks ago that the virus was serious. “I know first-hand three people in the I.C.U.,” Giovanni Caforio said in a telephone interview. “Two in Milan and one in Rome.”
Now Giovanni Caforio is running the company from his home in Princeton, N.J., where his wife
and two children are also trying to keep up with
their responsibilities. His wife manages a nonprofit that provides food to the underprivileged.
His college-aged son came back from Scotland after school was cancelled. And his daughter is a
senior in high school. “She is not getting a prom or
a graduation ceremony,” he said. “We’re adapting to a new reality.”
Giovanni Caforio said Bristol Myers Squibb’s supply chain, which is sourced from the United States and Europe more than China, was holding
Marc Benioff apologised, but the gaffe wasn’t
up well so far. But he acknowledged that new
employees, he is juggling professional demands
around the globe.
particularly surprising. Like most of his 50,000 and personal life from home.
Marc Benioff, already a rampant networker, said
the volume of inbound communication he is receiving surpasses anything he has experienced
before. “It’s everything from working with our management team to planning the fiscal year,” he said. “I’m having to adjust what my priorities are.”
90
work
admit it,” he said. “We’re starting a daily mental
told company employees to take Friday off. “We she said. “Then we can come back and get to work.”
his
health
days. “And those are the ones who are willing to
everyone was feeling a bit frazzled, Gregg Renfrew all need to figure out how to manage everything,”
of
disruptions were possible as the virus spreads
Giovanni Caforio knows it is a stressful time, and is trying to be empathetic with his work force.
“Some of our employees working from home were feeling almost guilty,” he said. “They were
struggling about how to balance their personal needs with how to help the company. Right now, we all have to make trade-offs.”
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
PATH BREAKING
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
HR Recovery Plan Through the Coronavirus Crisis
The article provides insights on how
organisations can respond, and what happens next as regards the role of
HR in the current crisis.
T
he world has changed dramatically in the last few weeks since the onset and impact of COVID-19 virus. A rare disaster, a coronavirus pandemic, has resulted in a tragically large number of human lives being lost. As countries
Dr. Naveen Malhotra Senior HR Professional Ahmedabad
92
implement necessary quarantines and social distancing practices to contain the
pandemic, the world has been put in a great lockdown. The magnitude and speed of collapse in the activity that has followed is unlike anything experienced in our lifetimes.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
COVID-19 pandemic is now no longer only a
to respond to crises; promote rapid problem
market and economic crisis that is having a huge
conditions; organise a network of teams which
global health crisis, but it is also a major labour
impact on people. COVID-19 virus has been a game-changer and a disruptor. It’s unprecedented, and has forced us to relook at the way we live
and the way we work. As companies navigate the
ongoing COVID-19 crisis, there are a number of
key issues corporate leaders should be thinking
solving and execution under high-stress, chaotic would include an integrated nerve centre covering four
domains,
namely,
workforce
protection,
supply-chain stabilisation, customer engagement and financial stress testing. Regardless of their functional scope, effective networks of teams
display qualities of being multidisciplinary and are
about, as well as steps they can take to not only
designed to act. HR leaders and senior management
reshape their business and plan for recovery.
the human tragedy as a first priority. Offering an
sequence of events of enormous scale and
effect on employees and other stakeholders,
of uncertainty that gives rise to disorientation,
further,
react to severe business shocks now, but also
have to demonstrate empathy and deal with
Indeed, the outbreak has had an unexpected
optimistic, realistic outlook can have a powerful
overwhelming speed, resulting in a high degree
inspiring them to support the company’s recovery;
a feeling of lost control, and strong emotional
leadership should ensure to maintain transparency
disturbance this puts extraordinary demands on
and provide frequent updates.
HR leaders. Further, the humanitarian toll taken by COVID-19 creates fear among employees and other
Looking at the Workplace Post Lockdown
stakeholders. The massive scale of the outbreak
and its sheer unpredictability makes it challenging for HR executives to respond. Recognising that a company faces a crisis is the first thing HR
communications
shouldn’t
stop,
HR
India has been in lockdown since 25th March, and
since then there has been only one agenda to getting back to the normal, post-lockdown.
leaders must do. It is a difficult step, especially
Businesses need to think about the future; also
suddenly, but grow out of familiar circumstances
and months. We need an exit strategy or post
during the onset of crises that do not arrive that mask their nature.
Considering few priorities for business as well
in the current scenario, the next few weeks
shutdown plan that protects our well-being even as it bolsters our economy.
based on perspectives and experiences from
However, understanding the India scenario, I
I have tried to spell out certain responses which
not have a post lockdown strategy to manage
other countries where COVID-19 first impacted, HR leaders should consider for smooth and stressfree recovery as dealing with the coronavirus crisis
and its aftermath could be the imperative of our times. For some organisations, near-term survival is the only agenda. Others are peering through the
fog of uncertainty, thinking about how to position them once the crisis has passed and things return to normal. The question is, what will ‘normal’ look like? While no one can say how long the crisis will last, what I find on the other side will not look like the normal of recent years.
It is impossible to know what will happen. But it is
possible to consider the lessons, both distant and
recent, and on that basis, to think constructively about the future. I believe that the following elements will be important in shaping of the next
normal - and for that, HR leaders will need to work on their attitude, mindsets and behaviour; organise
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
feel that over 70 per cent of the companies will people and work.
Post COVID-19 Scenario COVID-19 has completely changed the way
organisations work and operate. Today, more and more organisations are using digital platforms
to operate and conduct business. All these new changes
have
made
businesses
contemplate
how to do business without physically seeing or meeting each other.
I see this as an opportunity to increase flexibility for employees and reduce the overall cost per
employee. This swift change in operations of business due to ongoing pandemic doesn’t mean that no one is hiring. There are companies which
are hiring, some are even increasing their need for new employees. The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly
changing how every organisation is attracting,
93
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
recruiting and retaining employees in their virtual
An SOP for post lockdown restart for multiple
The major advantages of this are reduction in
opening phase, email confirmation from employees
teams, making remote work as the ‘new normal’. cost per employee in terms of facilities cost and increase in the flexibility provided to employees.
Post lockdown, remote working policies will no longer be a perk, but will be fully embedded
within the company culture. There will be a need
to quickly redesign and scale the organisation’s IT infrastructure and operations to support this new way of working.
Returning businesses to operational health after a
phases has to be laid down. Before a day of on health and travel history, pest control and
fumigation of the entire premises, transportation, a designated area for quarantine facility in consultation with medical experts, adequate supply
of sanitisers and masks should be planned and
procedure for the same to be laid down. In terms of business continuity, the organisation would also have to: NN
efficient completion of the desired work on the
severe shutdown would be extremely challenging.
Clear, transparent and timely
communications are necessary
when creating a platform to reshape the
business and to secure ongoing support from
supply
chains
face
disruption
in
multiple
first time.
The primary concerns at the moment is ensuring productivity and engagement; it is tough to engage employees who are working from home. This can
take a toll on the mental and physical health of a
suppliers,
I feel multiple engagement initiatives need to
investors and regulatory
authorities.
stress that the lockdown has imposed upon all.
be undertaken by organisations such as fun activities, physical challenges all with the goal to
help enhance motivation, energy, enthusiasm, relationship-building and trust-building. Also, with overall well-being on the mind, employees should
be supported by specialists, if need be, to provide on-call guidance in case any employee wants to reach out.
I also suggest that companies should roll out a
‘Restart Manual’ on how they plan to restart their operations after the COVID-19 lockdown. For
example, planning various measures for ‘starting from home to work’ journey where health status of
each employee would be assessed, ensuring social distancing and safety at pick-up points, alternate seating in pick-up transportations, commutation walk path, and locker room usage, staggered canteen timings, sanitising common touch points
etc. Temperature check would be necessary before pick-up and entering the work premises with compulsory usage of masks.
94
Discuss
with
contractors
on
status
of
availability of manpower and if not, plan labour
slowed down, even demand across industries has slumped - we saw negative oil prices for the
Ascertain that the customers are informed on the plans of reopening.
NN
geographies. It is not just that production has
person, especially with the added uncertainty and
creditors,
NN
of the impact of coronavirus mean that global
customers,
employees,
first day.
Most industries will need to re-activate their entire model, even as the differential scale and timing
Earmark teams for specific tasks for timely and
availability with numbers. NN
Liaison and discuss with suppliers on their stock
position and capability to supply on day one and gradual ramp-up.
Safe and Sustainable Restart Digital workforce and design will be essential components post lockdown and will play a vital part in success, growth and innovative outlook. One of the crucial requirements would be
developing a digital workspace connecting all employees. Employees need to learn and implement teamwork and strategies, which is a must for modern work experience. Further, it is important to
keep the consumer / customer and the employee at the centre of all the decisions. Companies will
have to be innovative in their thinking to ensure supply without compromising on cost and safety
of their colleagues. Companies should take the entire ecosystem around the factories, local
administration, suppliers and trade partners along with them when restarting operations.
Plan for Recovery Now, Not Later The COVID-19 crisis was impossible to predict with conventional wisdom and forecasting tools. However, there are many lessons that companies
can learn and carry forward once the crisis has
passed and they’ve had a chance to analyse their response. In the meantime, companies should be
making decisions and taking actions during crisis with recovery in mind. When the crisis is over, it
will be clear which companies have the resilience
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
and agility to reshape their business strategy to
potential impact on financial performance and
companies should re-evaluate how robust their
the impact is material and former budget
assess how long the impact may continue. If
thrive in the future. Once the situation is mitigated,
assumptions and business plans are no longer
business management was facing the crisis, and
relevant, companies should revise them to
then analyse options to become more resilient
remain agile. Where the business is significantly
against future disruptions.
impacted, companies will need to consider
Reshape Strategy for Business Continuity Most
businesses
are
likely
to
minimum operating requirements, including key
experience
significant disruption in their business and will
Once the situation is mitigated,
companies should re-evaluate
how robust
their business management
was facing the
crisis, and then
workforce,
vendors,
business plans.
crisis, supply chain challenges were significant
Communicate With Relevant Stakeholders
crisis has spread to Europe and the U.S., many
Clear, transparent and timely communications are
disruption as well as significant shifts in consumer
the business and to secure ongoing support from
consumer and retail, to manufacturing, life sciences
and regulatory authorities.
for companies with exposure to China. As the
more companies are experiencing operational
necessary when creating a platform to reshape
demands and behaviour impacting sectors from
customers, employees, suppliers, creditors, investors
to automotive.
Customers
To help address these challenges, companies
Companies will want to keep customers apprised
Evaluate short-term liquidity. Companies will
contractual obligations cannot be met as a result
discipline that allows them to predict cash flow
to maintain open lines of communication to
They’ll also want to maintain strict discipline on
mitigate punitive damages or liabilities associated
receivables and managing inventory build-up.
Employees
should: NN
analyse options
to become more resilient against
future disruptions.
of supplier or production disruption, it is important
pressures and intervene in a timely manner.
revisit timelines. Such proactive action will help to
working capital, particularly around collecting
with disrupted customer obligations.
proactively intervene to lighten the working capital cycle. NN
Just as companies need to monitor their in-
find
the
balance
between
caution
maintaining a business-as-usual mindset.
and
some of their customers, suppliers, contractors
with suppliers regarding their capability to deliver
monitor the pressures that may be impacting
Companies need to maintain regular contact
or alliance partners. In particular, companies will
goods and services during the COVID-19 crisis
Consider alternative supply chain options. Companies that source parts or materials from suppliers in areas significantly impacted by COVID-19, will want to look for alternatives.
Organisations that operate with transparency and
open
communication
have
inherent
advantages when events require quick actions to react and reshape. NN
to
Suppliers
suppliers that may be impacted.
NN
For employees, communication plans should try
house vulnerabilities, they also will need to
want to stress test their tier one and tier two NN
of any impacts to product or service delivery. If
want to instill short-term cash flow monitoring
Additionally, it’s important to be creative and
Companies will want to stress-test financial plans for multiple scenarios to understand the
96
of
how the COVID-19 crisis affects budgets and
face business underperformance throughout the
duration of the COVID-19 crisis. At the start of this
dependencies
location and technology. Therefore, determine
and their recovery plans, so that the company can consider alternative supply chain options in a timely manner.
Creditors and Investors Companies
will
want
to
review
terms
and
conditions on loan contracts to identify sensitive debts and avoid vital technical debt breaches. These reviews will have the added benefit of
giving companies a chance to proactively manage the dialogue and communications with creditors
regarding any necessary amendments to existing terms or refinancing arrangements.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Maximise the Use of Government Support Policies Companies
government
Just as companies need to monitor their in-house
vulnerabilities,
should
and
monitor
organisational
nation-wide
opportunities
for support and how they may best serve the individual circumstances of their situation. It is important to note that government support may
differ based on jurisdiction and sector. Companies will need to identify and understand each offer of
they also will
support and determine which ones are best for
the pressures that
Build Resilience in Preparation for the New Normal
some of their
Once companies have solidified strategies based
need to monitor
may be impacting customers, suppliers,
contractors or
alliance partners.
their organisation.
on stress tests and communicated any new directions with relevant stakeholders, they will
need to execute based on revised plans while
monitoring what continues to be a fluid situation.
Senior management should report any material deviation from the plan in a timely manner so that their companies can take additional action to avoid further negative impact. Once
the
COVID-19
outbreak
is
controlled,
companies
will
want
to
review
and
renew
business continuity plans (BCP). They’ll want to
assess how existing BCPs are working. If there are deficiencies, companies will want to identify
root causes, whether it’s timeliness of action, lack of infrastructure, labour shortages or external environment issues. Companies will then want to consider putting new internal guidelines in place
based on lessons learnt, as well as solid contingency plans to build resilience and better respond to future crises.
Conclusion The coronavirus pandemic is testing the leaders of
companies and organisations in every sector around the world. Its consequences could last for longer
and present greater difficulties than anyone
anticipates. The prolonged uncertainty is all the more reason for HR leaders and senior management to embrace the practices described in this article.
Those who do, will help establish or reinforce behaviours and values that can support their organisations and communities during this crisis, however long it continues, and prepare them well for the next large-scale challenge.
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POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
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RESEARCH REPORT
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Work From Home (WFH 2020): A POLYMERS Communiqué Survey Results Declared
W
ith COVID-19, the globe faced an unprecedented situation. Truly VUCA! The changes that needed to be adopted to
were immense. WFH seemed like a dictionary word. An enforced new normal. The employers and employees were in a state of flux! It was imperative to assess the impact of WFH. The situation was not conducive...and yet, POLYMERS
Communiqué in its customary elegance, went about to serve this industry amidst these challenges.
The readers of POLYMERS Communiqué are a genre of its own, and we believe they deserve quality and timely information; at a time when they need it the most. Thus, this survey. An objective achieved by POLYMERS Communiqué! WFH 2020 asks these questions to processors and suppliers both and opinions could differ and, for the first time, provide cross tabulated responses for a still better reader connect. Ghar se toh kya? Kaam toh karna hi hai!
Read and know all that you ever wanted to as regards a collated opinion of our own industry pertaining to ‘Work From Home’. It’s happening for the first time, it’s happening because of POLYMERS Communiqué.
Industry surveys from POLYMERS Communiqué are crafting a new niche for itself and providing the readers a very valued insight into this fiercely competitive market. The responses would serve as a general guide; you would, however, need to evaluate, validate and map responses for your business in specific. Have a read... 50 - 75%
33.33%
Survey Basics
0 - 25%
25 - 50%
Productivity percentage working from home... Maybe one of the most debated questions... while the pattern of responses don’t radically differ...the suppliers look like believing that they
had a better productivity than the processors.
Response Tabulation: Cross Tabulation
l
14.29% Processor’s Side
75 - 100%
31.17%
Infact, a significant 26% of suppliers felt that they achieved productivity of even 75 - 100%!
In both cases, however, it came out at close 0 - 25% to 50% of the respondents left that the
100
Format: Electronic
l
23.81%
28.57%
productivity was only up to 50%!
Sample Size: 119 (42 processors, 77 suppliers)
l
50 - 75%
24.68%
25.97%
75 - 100%
Supplier’s Side
18.18% 25 - 50%
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
Higher productivity
Work satisfaction
42.86%
50.00%
Flexible schedule More time with family
90.48%
52.38%
30.95%
33.33%
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
(Percentages total beyond 100 due
Higher efficiency
to multiple choice answers)
Higher productivity
Independence
25.97%
29.87% Work satisfaction
Processor’s Side
More time with family
Working from home...the big advantages... and processors) are spot on! Flexibility,
36.36%
61.04%
Flexible schedule
77.92%
68.83%
Here both the communities (suppliers
Higher efficiency
Independence
more time with family and independence have emerged as the 3 star performers. Strangely, productivity rates the lowest
Supplier’s Side
in advantages...so technically, is it a disadvantage?
Yes
Maybe
No
16.67%
35.71%
47.62%
No
Will few days working from home be an acceptable approach... A big ‘yes’ from both sections (suppliers and
processors).
What
a
change
circumstances bring. Who ever thought
Maybe
Yes
18.18%
25.97%
our industry would be so unanimous in
this regard. By compulsion or by choice,
a lot of ‘maybes’ will also move to a ‘yes’! Processor’s Side
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
Supplier’s Side
55.85% 101
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
Collaboration and communication issues
An Intitative Supported By
Feeling out of the loop
64.29%
57.14%
64.28%
Distractions of home
Staying motivated
Processor’s Side
40.48%
47.62%
26.19%
Lower productivity
False accusations of being slack
Working from home...the big disadvantages...
(Percentages total beyond
Here both the communities (suppliers and processors) are spot on as well!
100 due to multiple choice
Distractions, collaboration issues and feeling out of the loop have been
answers)
ranked as the biggest disadvantages. To bring out another point, a larger
number of processors felt that staying motivated was a challenge when compared to suppliers...not sure why...a feed for thought for all of us! Feeling out of the loop
Collaboration and communication issues
68.84%
67.53%
68.83% Distractions of home
Yes, it is a concerning issue
No, it is not a concerning issue
Supplier’s Side
31.17%
35.06%
Lower productivity
Security checks have been put in place
False accusations of being slack
Yes, it is a concerning issue
28.57%
No, it is not a concerning issue
Staying motivated
Security checks have been put in place
Security issues in working from home... The processors are more concerned
about these issues than suppliers. An
extension being that the supplier side
21.43%
35.71%
(maybe technology providers) has put security checks in place. This seems as an opportunity for the security
solution providers. Close to a third of
25.97%
29.87%
the respondents in each case do not
42.86% 102
consider security as an issue. Processor’s Side
Supplier’s Side
44.16%
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
Yes
Processor’s Side
23.81%
An Intitative Supported By
No Maybe
35.71%
40.48%
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
Yes
11.69%
No Maybe
Is working from home at lower salaries a part of the new normal...
40.26%
48.05% Supplier’s Side
Over 24% of the processors say ‘yes’, while close to 12% of the suppliers say ‘yes’. As expected, a big chunk on both fronts are undecided. Apparently a
lot would clear up when the economy opens. A
point to note My Lord, every 4 out of 10 respondents on an average have said ‘a clear no’ too...not sure how many of these are employers and how many employees...keep guessing!
Work happening from home was a fine balance of both, activity and intelligence, as it would have happened on a regular office day
Work happening from home was more activity (execution) based, intellectual aspect suffered
50.00%
Processor’s Side
14.29%
35.71%
Work happening from
Work happening from home was a fine balance of both, activity and intelligence, as it would have happened on a regular office day
41.55%
Supplier’s Side
home was more mind (intelligence) based, execution suffered
Work happening from home was more activity (execution) based, intellectual aspect suffered
24.68%
33.77% Work happening from
Any change in approach when working from home? A majority of the processors as well as suppliers felt
home was more mind (intelligence) based, execution suffered
that intellectual aspect did not suffer. Infact, they
reiterated that work had a fine balance of execution and intellectual as on any other normal working day. Kudos to the spirit of this plastics industry...it adapted this big change with open arms!
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
103
#Business Beyond COVID-19 for Plastics
An Intitative Supported By
Innovation in work processes
66.67%
A modified and more robust business approach
45.23%
47.62%
40.48%
Independent style of functioning
(Percentages total beyond 100 due
to multiple choice answers)
Processor’s Side
Newer and optimised job profiles
Innovation in work processes
61.04%
Opportunities in this lockdown The time was different, the environment was different, the needs were different...
so innovation in processes was the result.
Independent style of functioning
48.05%
55.84%
Over 60% of processors and suppliers
left that innovation in processes was their biggest gain. So it seems that all of
us, though battered and bruised, will still
35.07%
come out as better warriors and fight our way through.
Would prefer to resume office
Newer and optimised job profiles
A modified and more robust business approach Still excited to work from home
Supplier’s Side
Still excited to work from home
Would prefer to resume office
Way forward...home or office? The verdict is out...bass ho gaya! The
industry is restless to go back to work.
28.57%
On the other side, an approx. 30% would still
prefer
home...may
be
personal
challenges of family, maybe phobia to get
35.06%
back to work, maybe fear or maybe happy with this new normal.
71.43%
Processor’s Side
64.94% Supplier’s Side
In its continued initiatives to serve the industry, we at POLYMERS Communiqué enjoyed putting 104
together this survey, hope this read benefitted you. The Research Bureau signing off till next time...
LAST MILE
Good Distribution Network Key for JIT Supplies
“As regards business processes, I anticipate a 50% reduction of
middle-men in organised trade
like prime and virgin polymers,”
elucidates Deepak Shah, in dialogue with POLYMERS Communiqué.
Deepak Shah Managing Director Ravago Shah Polymers Pvt. Ltd. Bengaluru
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
105
Q. The most challenging phase of your journey from Shah Polymers to Ravago Shah Polymers...
packaging is also a big sector, but needs specialisation to suit each one’s requirement.
The most challenging phase was to search, identify and recruit the right talent for the job and
We’ve initiated
also open up offices and
expect this to normalise by
Q. How is Ravago Shah Polymers preparing to operate post COVID-19, what are the bottlenecks you foresee?
mid-July or August.
The way I see it, I anticipate
a 50% reduction of middle-men
in organised trade like prime and virgin
We’ve initiated steps to reduce costs and downsize our inventory and storage capacities. I foresee difficulty in fund collection from
customers due to the cascading effect (OEMs
to Tiers to SMEs). I expect this to normalise by mid-July or August.
Q. Circular economy and the actions that are already under way or in the pipeline? India
has
already
invested in specialised plant and machinery to sort, clean and recycle in the most
efficient manner. We have a few projects in the pipeline with paint, drum and pipe units
who
are
speciality
compounds
Q. What is your take on the changing role of the middle-man in trade today?
effect (OEMs to Tiers to SMEs). I
challenging phase.
to
and additives.
customers due to the cascading
I felt it was the most
manufacturing
filled
difficulty in fund collection from
easy this may sound,
beginning
polymers,
and storage capacities. I foresee
8 locations. However
are
focus on biodegradable
and downsize our inventory
expanded from 2 to
Manufacturing
We
steps to reduce costs
warehouses, which we
Ravago
Q. Any unchartered areas that you plan to foray into in the coming years?
interested
in closed-loop recycling. Recycling of film
polymers. However, in the recycling business, I see their involvement doubling as there’s a
lot of untapped potential to source / collect recyclables.
Q. An excellent CRM and a distribution network form the two cornerstones of organisations. What are your thoughts on the same? CRM has immensely helped us organise our
supply chain and logistics. It has helped us in actively keeping track of our customers and their forecasts, and also connected us
seamlessly with our 8 warehouses across India. India is a large country with many clusters, so
setting up a good distribution network is key for JIT supplies.
Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the world. Educate Every Child...
106
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
With this section, we just wish to highlight to you how paintings can add so much warmth to your home and office. Seeing them framed on a wall only helps...just another initiative to assist readers of POLYMERS Communiqué; painting snapshots...brushed up!
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
107
SIVARAM SPEAKS
Figure 1: Discarded used rubber tyres.
Molecular Recycling Technologies
Can Rubber be De-crosslinked?
While the developed process is an efficient chemical
pathway for de-crosslinking rubber with the principles of circularity elegantly achieved, it nevertheless, will
require more fine-tuning before it becomes viable for
R
commercial use.
ubber tyres are ubiquitous for human mobility. The discovery of pneumatic tyres along with the internal combustion engine in the early part of the
twentieth century stroked the revolution in human mobility. Today, rubber
tyres are an integral part of every form of transport, from the lowly bicycle to the
Dr. S. Sivaram Former Director, CSIR-NCL Honorary Professor and INSA Senior Scientist Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune
108
wide-bodied jet aircraft. Approximately 3 billion tyres were produced worldwide in 2019, a large portion of which ended up in landfills and dumps after use.
Used Tyre Disposal and Its Business Scenario in India The end-of-life issues of rubber tyres pose a considerable challenge in waste
management. Tyres are built for reliability and long-term use. Consequently, great advances have been made in tyre technology in terms of both, materials and
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
design, to provide consumers with worry-free safe driving for several thousands of kilometres. The robustness in design as well as the complexity by which various materials are put together in a tyre
also makes it one of the most difficult materials to
recycle. Thus, disposal of a used tyre is an unsolved problem in waste management across countries of
the world. It is therefore not surprising that global trade in waste rubber has doubled in five years, to
one million tonnes per annum corresponding to an equivalent of 200 million tyres per annum. India, alone, adds 100 million tyres to the waste streams every year (Refer Figure 1).
Global trade in
Automobile tyres are the classic example of a high-
waste rubber
volume, man-made product derived from non-
has doubled in
renewable petroleum resources that is designed
five years, to one
for single use; they do not fit the desired paradigm
million tonnes
of reduce, reuse, recycle. Some old tyres are used
per annum
as fuel in the cement industry or ground into rubber crumbs and used for road paving by
mixing with asphaltene. These are inefficient ways to utilise a non-renewable resource.
Figure 2: Charles Goodyear, the discoverer of rubber vulcanisation using sulfur.
corresponding to
rubbers using sulfur (a process called vulcanisation),
India is one of the largest destinations of used tyres
which is used even to this day. This process
million tonnes of waste tyres from other parts of
The sulfur-sulfur bonds that bridge chains of
pyrolysis units, which converts them into furnace
properties of the final rubber article. They provide
around 300 to 500° C under limiting oxygen
and dynamic properties. Dynamic properties are
and gases. The liquid is an oil (40 - 45%) and is sold
e.g., the movement of a sidewall of a running tyre.
powder (30 - 35%) and steel wires (15 - 20%). The
movements rapidly form cracks and, ultimately,
India has close to 650 licensed tyre pyrolysis units,
of crosslinking renders the rubber elastic and
illegal units. Most of them have inadequate facilities
loss of its dimensional or physical properties.
an equivalent of
200 million tyres
per annum. India,
from the world. India annually imports close to 0.6
converts rubber into an industrially useful product.
the world. Much of these waste tyres are sent to
rubber molecule strongly influence the physical
100 million tyres
oil [1]. Tyres are first shredded and pyrolysed
a balance of properties such as heat resistance
streams every year.
conditions to produce a mixture of liquids, solids
important for flexing movements of the rubber
as furnace oil. The solids are mostly fine carbon
Without
gases are oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur.
will make the rubber product fail. The process
mostly in the SME sector and several hundreds of
capable of being deformed repeatedly without
for handling toxic emissions nor protecting the
It has been thought that de-vulcanisation or
workers against fine particulates of carbon. It is
believed that 40% of the licensed pyrolysis units are not complying with the norms laid out by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Based on an observation by National Green Tribunal (NGT)
made in April 2019, CPCB, in December 2019, asked all states to close down tyre pyrolysis units which
are
not
complying
with
the
extant
CPCB rules. NGT has also asked CPCB to place restrictions on import of scrap tyres.
In 1844, Charles Goodyear (Refer Figure 2) accidentally discovered the process of crosslinking
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
good
flexing
properties,
alone, adds
to the waste
these
de-crosslinking of rubber will not be easy to accomplish. This is inspite of the fact that the S-S bond is not very strong (bond strength of about
280 kJ/mol or 60 Kcal/mol), about 40% weaker
than a C-C or C-H bond. Furthermore, S-S bond is known to be cleaved under reductive conditions.
Principles of Circularity Elegantly Achieved Michael A. Brook and co-workers from McMaster University, Canada now report a simple method
to reductively cleave the S-S bond in crosslinked
109
S
S S
S Si Used Rubber
Si
O
H
B(C6 F5)3
S +
Si
O
Si S
Si
O
Si
S New Elastomer
Uncrosslinked
Figure 3: Reductive silylation of S-S bonds in crosslinked rubbers to silyl thio ethers using hydrosilicones and B(C6 F5)3 as a catalyst. (Source: Prof. Michael A. Brook, McMaster University).
India is one
of the largest
destinations of
used tyres from
the world. India
annually imports close to
0.6 million tonnes of waste tyres
from other parts of the world.
rubber using silane reagent as a reducing agent
The process is clean, uses mild operating conditions
The silane-boron catalyst combination cleaves
again in the rubber industry. The principles of
and tris-pentafluoro phenyl boron as a catalyst [2]. the S-S bonds selectively, liberating the rubber molecule in an un-vulcanised state. The chemical
process first involves cutting tyres into sections
and then forming powdered crumbs from them, followed by a mild, rapid reaction produced by heating this material with the silane / catalyst at 100° C for 45 minutes resulting in the recovery of the available organic materials in the form of a
pale-yellow oil. The remaining substance, such
as inorganic carbon, silica, metal and polyester
cord fibres, are readily removed by filtration (Refer Figure 3). They demonstrate the utility
circularity are elegantly achieved.
The process, nevertheless, will require more finetuning before it becomes viable for commercial
use. The catalyst used is expensive and requires a
loading of about 10 wt.%. The rubber surface area
plays a role in the efficacy of reaction with cryogenic grinding giving the best results. The reaction uses a solvent to dissolve the silane and the catalyst. Additional chemical steps are required to free the
oil from the bound thio silyl ether groups after the reaction.
of this method by de-crosslinking a variety of
Nevertheless, this work is significant. It defines an
tread as well as sidewall materials. The technique
a rubber, a material which otherwise has been
materials such as car tyres, inner tubes and truck works well with all rubbers - natural rubber,
EPDM, polybutadiene rubber, butyl rubber and
polyisoprene. The yield of the organic product
efficient chemical pathway for de-crosslinking considered as chemically intractable.
References
can be as high as 90% by weight. The liquid oil
1. Pyrolysis of waste tyres - A Review, P.T. Williams,
with a high molecular weight fraction, about
2. Dissolving used rubber tyres, S. Zheng, M. Liao,
shows a broad molecular weight distribution one million and a low molecular weight fraction, around 10,000.
110
and can generate products, which can be used
Waste Management, 2013, 33(8), 1714.
Y. Chen and M. A. Brook, Green Chemistry, 2020, 22, 94.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
AUTO-MATE
An integrated factory automation solution plays an important role to support manufacturers optimise
process, assess line health, improve
efficiency and support quick
decision-making.
Smart Technology
T
he plastics industry is growing with
innovations
taking
for an Optimised Produce
centre-
stage. Fast-tracked globalisation and swift
technology changes have brought with it extensive changes and abundant opportunities for the plastics
industry
manufacturers
are
to
grow
improving
globally. their
Today
machine
standards with best technologies by constantly
upgrading their production methods. With growing demands, manufacturers around the globe aspire
to build next-generation smart factories to stay ahead in the competition.
Figure 1: A single comprehensive factory automation solution gives a holistic view of the overall process and support in decision-making. Figure 2: Ease of access to OEE parameters, energy consumption, asset monitoring and production data at your fingertips.
Sameer Kudalkar Head - Sales & Partner Development - Process & Factory Automation B&R Industrial Automation Mumbai
POLYMERS CommuniquÊ l April - May 2020
111
An effective maintenance strategy supported by intelligent condition monitoring solution ensures equipment reliability, and thereby increases factory availability for mass production.
Today, it has become one of most important KPIs in the industry to assess performance
of
factory.
any
and MSMEs is to adopt to the changing
shift in technological advancements. Focus is to maximise capacity utilisation,
increase productivity, enhance quality
and, at the same time, reduce losses due to downtime. Process downtime of a few minutes can lead to huge loss in terms of material and money. In
addition, the critical task is to bring the lines back to normal pace in the shortest
time possible. Investing on individual
systems to control processes, manage utilities and monitor line maintenance
has been an increasing burden on
manufacturers. Therefore, an integrated factory automation solution plays an
important role to support manufacturers
optimise process, assess line health, improve efficiency and support quick decision-making.
Factory
automation
system
monitors
the shop floor and
provides the possibility to connect data to IT systems or cloud. The data gathered is utilised to calculate OEE
industry
operational
is
evaluating
parameters
to
control, optimise and create efficient Energy
parameters
have
special mention in the list. It is essential
to understand usage of energy in order
to reduce consumption. Therefore, it calls for an efficient and integrated
energy monitoring solution that can identify, evaluate and exploit energy consumption levels. Energy
is
individual machine and processes. It
overview of all monitoring activities at
available their
to
the
fingertips.
management
Various
trend
charts provide a visual display of the monitored
machines
and
utilities.
It enables factories to connect and integrate
all
possible
components
in the shop floor, and monitor them 24/7. It helps factory managers achieve
higher productivity and OEE, while also reducing wastage, inventory costs and
losses. Any variations in the process
can be raised as warnings and logged for analysis. Factory automation system provides
comprehensive
trending
and
historical
reporting,
data.
The
The
data
Accelerate Performance Using a Single System
smartphone
The demands from global markets
information, such as OEE ratings for
on quality. To achieve a competitive
plastics
various
for each machine. A comprehensive
reports can also be accessed using a
are increasing with an added focus
The
factories.
every machine on
However, the biggest challenge for SMEs
Save Big With Less Energy
regarding
or
tablet.
availability,
productivity
and quality is converted into valuable the management.
allows manufacturers to gain a detailed picture of the energy consumption
and take targeted action to optimise it.
The
system
tracks
progress
of
energy and material flows, such as electricity, power, pressure, oil, water
and steam, both in production and
in all ancillary processes. It helps to identify origin of consumption and logs them as a report in real-time.
The reports build a solid foundation for
manufacturers
consumption
to
pattern
identify and
the
take
measures to optimise energy usage and achieve better results. Factory managers
can
measured
values,
automation
use
system
an
to
existing
process
eliminating
the
need of a dedicated controller that
usually adds to cost and complexities in plants.
the
benefits can be gained through having
Efficient Health Monitoring of Machines in a Factory
acquisition, monitoring, analytics and
is
monitor
production
performance
level.
One
of
at
the
most followed method to monitor performance is by calculating OEE
(Overall Equipment Effectiveness) of a factory. OEE is analysed by measuring
three important components, namely machine availability, product quality and
productivity. It can be done for either independent machines or the entire
factory. The parameters give visibility
to factory managers on the number of products manufactured that are defectfree against capacity of production line.
112
factory
keeps
With
to
comprehensive
solution
level of production efficiency, factories need
a
monitoring
continuous track of consumption in
automation solution, many business a single system for process control, data long-term storage. The system offers
seamless communication between shop
floor systems and IT systems, thereby
monitoring integrated utilities, inventory management,
finance
management,
infrastructure automation, operations and sales into a single system. The flexibility and modularity give freedom to scale up at any time with minimum cost, time and effort.
The key focus in a production facility to
increase
the
efficiency
and
reduce stoppages. The prevention of
stoppages has great positive effect on the OEE and thereby, operational performance. Machines in a factory are expected to operate 24/7. This
places a lot of stress on moving components. Moreover, in a country
such as India, the temperature at many places rise to high levels in summers. Moving
components
in
machines
POLYMERS CommuniquÊ l April - May 2020
suffer from vibrations, shock, and wear and tear, leading to failures. It ultimately results in breakdown and
bringing production to a standstill. Maintenance adopt
either preventive measures such as planning schedules according to running hours or reactive measures that
is after failures. Loss of production because of such unplanned stoppage will inevitably lead to additional costs. This calls for efficient maintenance practice that
can sense failure in machines on the shop floor well in advance and helps to take corrective action(s) to
avoid stoppages. Factories are interested in adopting predictive
maintenance
over
the
conventional
methods such as reactive maintenance and preventive maintenance. help
A
condition
overcome
such
monitoring
challenges
and
solution
will
adopting
an
integrated approach helps factories saves immense capital costs. Condition
monitoring
solution
as
an
integral
component of factory automation system enables machine operators in preventing failures by analysing vibration
data from critical points in production on a real-time basis. The measured data helps to identify patterns and
predict issues before they happen. The system allows
monitoring the asset health, optimising maintenance activity and provides real-time alerts relating to operational
risks. The data is made available in reports as well as graph for maintenance personnel to perform root cause
analysis. It ultimately helps manufacturers to lower maintenance
costs,
maximise
uptime
and
improve
production throughput. An effective maintenance strategy supported by intelligent condition monitoring solution
ensures equipment reliability, and thereby increases factory availability for mass production.
Right Partnership for a Smart Factory The plastics industry is in a constant pursuit to meet consumer
demands
by
improving
productivity,
reducing losses and becoming more profitable using an
integrated
approach.
To
achieve
this
level
of
integration, there is need of a single, robust, modular and comprehensive automation solution. With major crux
of the plastics industry being supported by MSMEs and SMEs, it becomes important for them to identify and adopt an appropriate solution in their production facility
to maximise capacity utilisation, increase productivity and enhance quality, with minimum cost and effort.
Collaborating with the right automation partner is the key for the plastics industry to cater to new age requirements partnerships
and
will
stay
help
efficient and smarter.
competitive. them
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
make
Moreover, their
such
factories
Weekend Delights Friday night to Monday morning, a time to unwind, rejuvenate and be geared to face another grueling week. Each one of us use this ‘my time’ is different ways. And why not, weekend is a time for expressing ourselves. We all have known the personalities featured here as astute business stalwarts; as life is more than just business, we at POLYMERS Communiqué, have started this section called ‘WEEKEND DELIGHTS’. Live life...
Pradeep S. Randhawa Managing Director
Mann & Hummel Filter India Pvt. Ltd.
I look forward to my weekends, wherein I try my best to be on the golf course. Golf is a great sport which allows you to remain competitive in a healthy and calm atmosphere. Spending time with friends on the golf course is a stress-buster.
Vipul M. Panchal
Managing Director
Panchal Plastic Machinery Pvt. Ltd.
My weekend is pretty sorted and simple. Usually during the weekend, I help my wife with cooking and I spend time with my family. Family time includes sharing what we feel, playing cards and dumb charades game. And sometimes, I spent my weekend with my friends at a farmhouse cooking together and have a little party. As I’m a melomaniac, I love to listen to music, which rejuvenates me.
114
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
Anand Prahladbhai Panchal Partner
N.A.Roto Machines and Moulds India
I prefer getting a break from my daily routine to maintain my mental and physical health with doing new things apart from my daily lifestyle. Usually on Sundays, my day begins with preparing breakfast for my family. After breakfast, we go to the club and spend some time to play indoor games with children. After that we have delightful lunch at home. And in the evening, after hi-tea, we go out for dinner and sometimes a movie too. This is how I spend my weekend and boost myself for the coming work days.
Bharat Vyas CEO
PLASTIVISION INDIA 2020
Weekend is something I always look forward to. And when it comes to activities, it always is the best time to unwind, relax and just be with myself. Over a period of time, I have realised that it works also as stressbuster when I indulge in my favourite daily and weekend cycling activity, be it in Mumbai or in the foot hills of a Switzerland snowcapped mountain. I simply love it. In the present-day lockdown situation, I have found in me a good cook and doing household chores, the activities I look forward to add in my weekend activities. A blessing in disguise...I believe...
Rajesh Jain
Managing Director
Arihant Gold Plast Pvt. Ltd.
I try to do a few things over the weekend; yoga and pranayama are a big must. It gives me immense clarity of though, speech and shows the way of living within yourself and with all in the outside world. As regards cycling, I got to do a 1,000 kms ‘Tour of the Nilgiris’ and look forward to practicing it with friends during Mumbai weekends. It’s been a year that I am learning to sing, learning all the ‘sur’ combinations from ‘Sa to Sa’!
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
115
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Multi-faceted Opportunities in Pharmaceutical Packaging
with Plastics
In tomorrow’s pharmaceutical packaging,
amongst most materials, plastics packaging through innovation has an important role
to meet the consumer needs in providing
access, convenience, safety and delivering to the digital age consumers.
Sriman Banerjee Head of Packaging Respiratory Category GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Switzerland
P
lastics packaging has always been important
in the pharmaceutical industry for providing safety and shelf-life throughout the life cycle
of product consumption. However, over time, the importance has only increased due to a variety of factors as part of either regulations, consumer preferences or new products.
Pharmaceutical products are divided into two main types: NN
Rx products with doctor prescription.
NN
OTC products as retail.
OTC products can be further classified as: o OTC Pharmaceutical (Western Medicine) o Naturals / Food Supplements
Some articles don’t have a shelf-life. Over the next issues, we will pick a select few for your ready-read in our recently launched ‘Archives’ section. Article published on an as-is basis. 116
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
Changes Witnessed by the Global Pharmaceutical Industry
Preservative Free
Globally, every year, there are more than 10 Rx to
are being introduced for such pharmaceutical
The switches have only increased over the last
preservatives, the shelf-life needs to be provided
Consumers
Rx to OTC Switches
are
having
a
preference
of
preservative-free products; also new regulations
OTC switches happening in most of the countries.
products
5 years as more and more medicines are deemed
by the packaging.
to be safe to be consumed in the OTC space.
Aging Consumers
What this means is, the product will now be
Worldwide, the demography is changing with a
to compete with other similar products and
higher
available at the retail shelves and will now need brands. It also means that the product needs to
have a competitive pricing. This is where plastics play an important role, either in substituting of
in
many
markets.
In
absence
of
higher percentage of aging consumers. This means use
of
existing
products
by
aging
consumers and/or development of new products specific to the needs.
traditional materials (metals / glass to plastics)
Consumers, Regulations and Industry Usher the Change
cavitation moulds. As it is the OTC space, there are
Given the above scenarios, tomorrow’s plastics
and anti-counterfeit (covert and overt) which
new requirements as laid out by consumers,
and
/
or
increasing
productivity
with
high
specific requirements in terms of tamper-evident
packaging needs to transform itself to meet the
needs to be incorporated in the pack.
regulations and industry. Few of the things to come are as described with reference to polymers
Advent of Generics Due to expiry of patents of many of the pharmaceutical
products
and/or
government
and processing.
With the advent
of the digital age, consumer wants a pack that can
communicate
either on pack
Barrier Polymers
or connecting
intervention, generics are playing an important
Going forward, barrier to moisture and gas will
However, to go generic in most cases also implies
products. This could be either due to stability
devices. This is
supply chain requirements for penetration into
through plastic
role in providing access to medicines globally.
be the key to provide shelf-life to pharmaceutical
reduction in cost of goods.
guidelines or a new active ingredient and/or
ICH Conditions for Shelf-life The ICH guidelines introduced few years back was to standardise stability conditions globally
for all climatic zones. For climatic zones 3 and 4, this
means
potential
requirement
of
higher
barrier properties to meet the desired shelf-life, which translates to the use of high barrier or
new geographies. Plastics have a potential to
provide cost-effective barrier through single or in combination of materials. Some of the examples would be COC, PCTFE etc.
the
dispensing means many of the simple packaging metered dose forms and classified under regulatory devices
are
component assembled made out of plastics.
multi-
NN
pharmaceuticals,
particularly
use
and
as
a
Devices are the new kid on the block
metered dose dispensing. Due to the nature
of the mechanism, engineering polymers like MBS, silicones etc. are being introduced and
on
means the use of pharmaceutical grade low
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
its
is transforming itself into applicators or
finding its place in the devices space.
extractions. The latest being USP 661. This extraction polymers.
Polypropylene
finding
and many of the traditional packaging
There are continuous updates to plastics in safe with
are
material of choice for sterile applications.
Regulatory Updates on Extraction use
conditions.
polyethylene
formats are being converted to devices as in the
G iven the preference to preservative-free
radiation so as to be able to be used under
Consumer preference for convenience and ease of
of
ink or printed
sterilise either through steam or gamma
Packaging to Devices
Most
labels either
through printed
products, polymers need to be able to
multilayer plastic materials.
guidelines.
made possible
electronics.
Speciality Polymers NN
with smart
NN
Aging consumers require better grip and that can be provided by the use of soft touch
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of plastics packaging in the key
areas of:
Devices Applicators
and
metered
dosing
convenience and driving compliance.
for
Ergonomics For better grip for aging consumers, either through materials like
TPE,
PP
etc.
and have a huge
potential.
design
or
materials
or
Access Providing access to wider population of society through low count packs, either through sachet or
unit dose blister. Additionally, barrier materials to
Commodity Polymers Due to products going generic
and/or Rx to OTC switch, there is
support shelf-life and drive penetration.
Safe Packaging
a requirement to replace traditional
Providing safe products to the consumer through
suitable plastic materials to make the product
counterfeiting is becoming a requirement in most
materials like glass and metals with
affordable as well as provide economies of
scale in the manufacturing process. This would
mean extensive use of commodity polymers like polypropylene, polyethylene, PET etc. However, it
is not the standard grades, but modified grades for pharmaceutical use etc.
packaging in the age of tamper-evident and antimarkets with a focus on OTC products.
Preservative-free Plastics packaging plays an important role in preservative-free products by either providing barrier property or sterilisation or through a
combination of design and material solutions like
High Cavitation Mould and In-mould Assembly
one-way valve systems.
Given the changing scenario of the industry on account of switches, generics and providing access,
the volumes in the industry will grow requiring high cavitation moulds and high speed machines to bring economies of scale. Additionally, the requirement of multi-component either on devices
assembly as well as two components moulding
Smart Packaging With the advent of the digital age, consumer wants a pack that can communicate either on pack or connecting with smart devices. This
is made possible through plastic labels either through printed ink or printed electronics.
Convenience
e.g. overmoulding of TPE on PP capable to provide
People are increasingly seeing convenience of use
be done either through stack or cube moulds.
time in commuting or out of home. It could be a
New Age Additives
fulfill the need.
soft touch for better grip is here to stay. This can
as well as on-the-go format, given people spend
small pack or a carry pack or a purse pack that can
Additives are increasingly playing an important role right from stabilising the product to providing
To Summarise
the pack. Some of the additives used are silica
longer and healthier. In the new world, there is
anti-counterfeit
solutions
and
decorations
to
desiccant, infrared detector, silver ions etc.
Innovations Line the Future Given the above, what does innovation look like
in the pharmaceutical industry in the future? With
the above scenarios, we can foresee requirements
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product
combination of both.
Today, patients and consumers want to live little time to be sick and individuals are taking steps to keep themselves healthy. Amongst most
materials, plastics packaging through innovation
has an important role to meet the consumer needs in providing access, convenience, safety and delivering to the digital age consumers.
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
It’s time to pause, it’s time to re-energise, it’s time for PUZZZmania! Some are easy, some are tough, some are answered and some are not, and some are just fun, so please don’t shun, till all are done so that you have won; thanks a ton!
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
119
Events Indoplas
PLASTPOL
ArabPlast
12th Die & Mould India International Exhibition
2nd - 5th September, 2020
6th – 9th October, 2020
9th – 12th January, 2021
28th April - 1st May, 2021
TAIPEI PLAS 2020
7th Plastasia 2020
Interplastica
NPE 2021
9th - 13th September, 2020
12th - 15th October, 2020
26th - 29th January, 2021
17th - 21st May, 2021
Jakarta International Expo (JI Expo), Kemayoran, Jakarta, Indonesia
24 International Fair of Plastics and Rubber Processing PLASTPOL, Targi Kielce, Poland th
Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, India
Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taipei, Taiwan
BIEC, Bengaluru, India
Expocentre, Krasnaya Presnya, Moscow, Russia
Orlando, Florida, USA
VietnamPlas
27th Fakuma
PLASTINDIA
T-PLAS 2021
23rd - 26th September, 2020
13th - 17th October, 2020
4th - 8th February, 2021
22nd - 25th September, 2021
Messe Friedrichshafen, Germany
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India
IPLEX’20
Plast Eurasia Istanbul 2020
CHINAPLAS 2021
Plastfocus 2022
New dates awaited
2nd - 5th December, 2020
13th – 16th April, 2021
5th - 9th March, 2022
Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Adlux Exhibition Centre Kochi, India
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Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, Istanbul
Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, Shenzhen, China
BITEC - Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR, India
POLYMERS Communiqué l April - May 2020
every time is good time with
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