RotoWorld 1, 2022 by Jennifer Gibson Hebert

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VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 1 • 2022

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ROTOMOULDING IN NORTH AFRICA WWW.ROTOWORLDMAG .COM

Your rotational molding capabilities begin with the quality and dependability of your polyethylene resin supply. Start your day with PE products and process innovations that help leading rotomolders bring their most complex designs to reality. Accomplish more with our reliable supply network, responsive sales support and expert technology team.

MANUFACTURING

Delivering proven performance so you can innovate with confidence.

Adara Srl, Algeria Ian Hansen, Rota Consult

DRU LAWS & TOM MURDOUGH INDUCTED INTO THE ARM HALL OF FAME Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY Aldo Quaratino, Matrix Polymers

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CONTENTS

FEATURES FEATURE STORY

Rotomoulding in North Africa Adara Srl, Algeria Ian Hansen, Rota Consult

Adara decided to diversify into polyethylene water tanks, and so began their rotational moulding journey.

36-37, 48-49

Dru Laws & Tom Murdough Inducted into the ARM Hall of Fame Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc. Laws and Murdough are honored with the highest award bestowed on an individual in the rotational molding industry.

The Evolving Landscape of Hydrogen Technology Aldo Quaratino, Matrix Polymers Many governments including the UK, Germany, US, and Australia are making funds available for all initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions and create advanced technologies with zero input of CO2 emissions – including the include the production of hydrogen.

4 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

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CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS 8 From the Publisher Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc. Human and Economic Costs

12 Global Contributing Editors

Global Contributors, Department Contributors, and Issue Contributors

15 Upfront

Industry News, Trends, and Products

28 Leadership

Kim Harrison, Cutting Edge PR Leadership Challenges for 2022

38 At Issue

Martin Coles, Matrix Polymers “Recycled” Roto Materials – What Do We Mean?

40 ARM Report

Bushman Sets Efficiencies Objectives

47 Design Comment

Michael Paloian, Integrated Design Systems, Inc. Designing for Sustainability

50 Industry 4.0

Rob Miller, Wittmann Battenfeld Canada Inc. / ROTOLOADTM Where do we go from here?

52 ARMO News

56 Global Calendar 58 Advertisers’ Index 6 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

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FROM THE

PUBLISHER Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

Human and Economic Costs As I write this, we are all watching the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. In just a few days, the cost of this conflict in human terms has changed how we see the world. It has sent shock waves across the globe, and all eyes are tuned in for any end in sight. This, while Ukraine forces and citizens alike are taking to the streets to protect their homeland. Innocent lives are being lost. Poland and other bordering countries are stepping up to care for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing Ukraine for their safety (in large part women and children). It is an overwhelming situation, and our hearts go out to the brave people of Ukraine. Our hearts also go out the good men and women of Russia who don’t support this conflict. I am moved, as I am sure many of you are, by the amount of support seen around the world in the form of protests and display of unity for Ukraine. People throughout the world are supporting the Ukrainian’s’ bravery as they fight to preserve their freedom. In economic terms, Russia is a major exporter of crude oil, accounting to approximately 12% of the world’s supply, according to experts. Russia supplies just over half the world’s palladium and smaller amounts of platinum and nickel – all three key elements in the production of micro-chips used in everything from electrical meters to cars. Both Russia and Ukraine are major agriculture suppliers of commodities like wheat, rye, and barley to the Middle East and Central Asia. Any disruption in energy and such commodities will surely drive prices at the pump and grocery store higher for consumers in the near term. This, when the world is still grappling with a global pandemic. How Russia responds to the sanctions being imposed by the U.S. and other countries of the world will no doubt be a key determining factor on how this conflict will affect our global economy. The effect on supply chains will be at the forefront for businesses and manufacturers throughout the world. While it isn’t easy to put relevance on day-to-day issues with this conflict going on, we must. In this issue I hope you will find some very informative reading. With our cover story we are pleased to kick off a year-long look at rotomoulding companies located in various parts of the world. Ian Hansen has joined forces with RotoWorld® and kicks off his series on “Roto Around the World” with a big inside look at Northern African 8 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

rotomoulding company Adara Srl located in Algeria. A market leader in pipe and plumbing fittings, Adara decided to grow their business by producing polyethylene water tanks… thus beginning their journey in rotational molding. Welcome Ian Hansen. Other topics of focus for this issue, which will continue throughout the year, are recycled materials, sustainability, and climate change. Issue Contributor Aldo Quaratino, Matrix Polymers, has authored a very close look at how interest in responding to climate change has increased resulting from the Paris Agreement, an international treaty established in 2016. With the goal of establishing a climate-neutral world by 2050, many countries are investing in various initiatives (with a global estimate of 500 billion dollars). Such initiatives include hydrogen. Quaratino discusses an alternative solution to producing hydrogen. Contributing Editor Martin Coles, talks in depth about what constitutes recycled materials and the realities of quality and cost in his column “At Issue”. Contributing Editor Michael Paloian discusses how designers can truly design for sustainability in his column “Design Comment”. Today, as always, I wish you, your families and employees good health and safety!

Susan Gibson Publisher & Editor

Take It Outside With Jerico!

Jerico maintains our

focus on developing custom compounds and formulations like J-Sustain, which meets the growing demands of the sustainability marketplace. We have developed and refined a complete line of aesthetic compounded materials that provide a natural granite or stone look for your molded products. These Stone Effect specialty color compounds and color concentrates lend

themselves well to outdoor applications like hot tubs, lawn and garden accessories, coolers, and patio furniture. Our Weathered Effect compounds bring a natural, weathered look to most outdoor applications. They are fully-formulated and ready to use in standard and custom colors. They are joined by J-Bond, our adhesion compound, which brings a new dimension in color and UV stability.

From water sports and camping to gardening, products made with Jerico compounds are ready for the great outdoors and our team is prepared to meet your needs.

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www.rotoworldmag.com 9

Susan D. Gibson

Publisher & Editor President - JSJ Productions, Inc. susan@jsjproductionsinc.com

Technical Editor Alvin Spence PhD MEng aspence@centroinc.com Process Editor Paul Nugent PhD MEng paul@paulnugent.com Michael Paloian

Design Editor President - Integrated Design Systems, Inc. paloian@idsys.com

Celal Beysel

Global Contributing Editors

Martin Coles

Chairman - Floteks Plastik beysel@superonline.com Matrix Polymers martin.coles@matrixpolymers.com

Adam Covington Mark Kearns Ravi Mehra

Ferry Industries acovington@ferryindustries.com

Moulding Research Manager m.kearns@qub.ac.uk

Managing Director - Norstar International LLC maramehra@aol.com

Advertising and Art Production Marketing/Advertising Director Jennifer Gibson Hebert Vice President, JSJ Productions, Inc. Chief Art Director Anya Wilcox

jennifer@jsjproductionsinc.com

JSJ Productions, Inc. awilcox@designintersection.com

Circulation & Distribution Administration Sheryl Bjorn JSJ Productions, Inc. sheryl@jsjproductionsinc.com -

Editing & Translations Suzanne Ketron | Oliver Wandres | Sheryl Bjorn Website & Online Technology Jason Cooper JSJ Productions, Inc. jason@bound.by RotoWorld® is a JSJ Productions, Inc. Trade Publication JSJ Productions, Inc. 625 West Market Street, Salinas, CA 93901 Phone: (512) 894.4106; Fax (512) 858.0486 Email: rotoworldmag@rotoworldmag.com and Website: www.rotoworldmag.com Subscriptions One-year subscription (six issues), print or digital, $60 US, $90 Canada/Mexico, $135 All Other Countries. To subscribe or to submit change of address information, call us at (512) 894.4106; fax us at (512) 858.0486; visit us online at www.rotoworldmag.com; or email us at sheryl@jsjproductionsinc.com. You may also write to RotoWorld® Subscriptions, JSJ Productions, Inc., 625 West Market Street, Salinas, CA 93901 Advertising For information on advertising, please contact Advertising Director Jennifer Gibson Hebert, JSJ Productions, Inc. Email Jennifer Gibson at jennifer@jsjproductionsinc.com Letters We welcome letters about our contents. Write Letters to the Editor, JSJ Productions, Inc., 625 West Market Street, Salinas, CA 93901 512.894.4106 phone 512.858.0486 fax, or Email susan@jsjproductionsinc.com. Editorial Queries We consider unsolicited contributions. Send manuscript submissions as email attachment to Susan Gibson at susan@jsjproductionsinc.com. JSJ Productions, Inc. bears no responsibility for claim or factual data represented in contributed articles. Postmaster Send changes of address to RotoWorld®, JSJ Productions, Inc., 625 West Market Street, Salinas, CA 93901 RotoWorld® is a JSJ Productions, Inc. independently owned, bi-monthly trade magazine for the international rotational molding and plastics design industries. JSJ Productions, Inc. owns all copyrights on articles published herein unless ownership is otherwise stated. Reproduction of this magazine, in whole or in part, without the express written p ermission of the publisher is not permitted.

10 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

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CONTRIBUTING

EDITORS VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 2 • 2021

A Special Section

About Rotomolding

TECHNOLOGY

Kim Harrison, Cutting Edge PR

EMPATHY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP SKILL ACCORDING TO RESEARCH

Delivering proven performance so you can innovate with confidence.

Tracy Brower, Contributor to Forbes & Fast Co.

Eric Lainé, Jean-Christophe Dupré, Jean-Claude Grandidier, Eric Maziers

Learn more about how we can work together to grow your business.

Delivering proven performance so you can innovate with confidence. Learn more about how we can work together to grow your business.

Dr. Nick Henwood, Rotomotive Limited

Correlation of Numerical Simulations/ Static and Creep Test of a Rotomolded HDPE Structure (Part 2)

2020 ARM Annual Meeting Online

The Use of Virtual Reality in the Development of a New Rotational Moulding Factory Karem Akoul, Peter Ross, Brian Allen and David Seall CP Cases, London; Mark Kearns and Dr. Peter Martin, Queen’s University, Belfast

Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

ROTOCON’21 is a Significant Success

WWW.ROTOWORLDMAG .COM

Ian Hansen, Rota Consult

7 Ways to use your Delivering proven performanceWebsite as a PR Tool innovate with confidence.

so you can Delivering proven performance so you can innovate with confidence.

RECYCLING

WWW.ROTOWORLDMAG .COM

Patricial Pannell, Michelle Butler, and Shannon Coleman Cryer, Gotcha Covered HR, LLC

2021 ROTOPLAS & ARM FALL MEETING

Brian Olesen, Centro Inc., President & CEO

What Rotomolders Need to Know about Polymer Chemistry

ARMO Affiliates and Members Meet the Challengs of COVID-19

Your rotational molding capabilities begin with the quality and dependability of your polyethylene resin supply. Start your day with PE products and process innovations that help leading rotomolders bring their most complex designs to reality. Accomplish more with our reliable supply S.B. network, sales support and expert Zaman, responsive StAR Executive Director technology team.

MANUFACTURING

Clouds

Gotcha Covered HR…on Hiring, Conflict Resolution and Record Keeping

the

Sibele Piedade Cestari, Queen’s University Belfast

Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

Roy Crawford, University of Waikato, New Zealand, Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc., and Dr. Paul Nugent, MNOP

Delivering proven performance so you can innovate with confidence.

VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 6 • 2020/2021

VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 1 • 2021

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Rotate for

VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 4 • 2021

DESIGN

Eric Lainé, Jean-Claude Grandidier, Eric Maziers, Steve Lewis, Rua Woller, and Alistair Bell

Alex Fradera

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RBG! CONNECT

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Case Study of a Long-Term Filled Industrial Storage Tank – Prediction at 20 years (Part 3)

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LEADERSHIP

G u i d e

VOLUME XVI, ISSUE 5 • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2020

B u y e r s ’

RBG! CONNECT

ogo, the interlocking “X” device and all product names herein are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO ROTATIONAL MOULDING RECYCLING OF POLYETHYLENE USING RECYCLATE

VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 6 • DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

R o t o W o r l d

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MARKETS

ROTOPLAS 2021 is on!

Small acts of kindness at work Delivering proven performance benefit the giver, the receiver, and the whole organisation so you can innovate with confidence.

Learn more about how we can work together to grow your business.

“If you build it, they will come”

VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 3 • 2021

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gin with the quality and n supply. Start your day with hat help leading rotomolders ality. Accomplish more with e sales support and expert

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en performance ovate with confidence.

ow your

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Maintaining healthy reputations During a Pandemic

Andrea Lekushoff, Broad Reach Communications

rotomolding:

The Next 10 Years Paul Nugent, MNOP

Part 1: MACcreeP

of Rotomolded Polymer Structures

Eric Lainé, Eric Maziers, Jean-Claude Grandidier

Learn more about how we can work together to grow your business.

Alvin Spence, Centro Incorporated

our reliable supply network, responsive sales support and expert technology team. Learn more about how we can work together to grow your business.

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Chemical Tanks: Knowledge is Power

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Rotational Molding … has anything changed 2 years on?

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Your rotational molding capabilities begin with the quality and Your rotational molding capabilities begin with the quality and dependability of your polyethylene resin supply. Start your day with dependability of your polyethylene resin supply. StartIan your day with PE products and process innovations that help leading rotomolders Hansen, Rota Consult bring their most complex designs to reality. Accomplish more PEwith products and process innovations that help leading rotomolders our reliable supply network, responsive sales support and expert bring their most complex designs to reality. Accomplish more with technology team.

TECHNICAL EDITOR

PROCESS EDITOR

Alvin Spence Alvin Spence is Vice President Engineering at Centro, Inc., North Liberty, Iowa. He provides leadership for Centro’s product development team and quality resources. Alvin received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and PhD from Queen’s University Belfast. aspence@centroinc.com

DESIGN EDITOR

Paul Nugent Paul is a consultant who travels extensively across six continents assisting clients in many roles from training to expert witnessing. He received his Eng. degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University of Belfast. Paul developed the Rotolog system, the first complete computer simulation (RotoSim), and authored a book entitled Rotational Molding: A Practical Guide. paul@paulnugent.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Michael Paloian Michael is President of Integrated Design Systems, Inc., Great Neck, New York. Over the past 25 years, Mike has developed a broad range of plastic products utilizing various processing methods including rotational molding. Mike’s B.S. degree in Plastics Engineering and Masters in Industrial Design, combined with his extensive experience, has formed the basis for his branded and unique insights into the field of plastics part design. paloian@idsys.com

12 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

Celal Beysel Celal is Chairman of Floteks Plastik, the pioneer and innovative leader of the rotational molding industry in Turkey and a Global Contributing Editor for RotoWorld® magazine. Being an ARM member for more than 20 years, he has made many presentations at ARM meetings in various countries. He is also active in business and political organizations in his country. Celal has authored numerous articles published in various newspapers and magazines about politics, plastics, rotomolding, and innovation. beysel@superonline.com

CONTRIBUTING

EDITORS

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Martin Coles Martin Coles, CEO of Matrix Polymers co-founded the business 30 years ago and is the company’s largest shareholder. Shortly after graduating from London University, he began his career in the plastics industry working for a major Italian petrochemical and soon became passionate about the unique world of rotomoulding. Matrix Polymers are experts in rotomoulding materials and have become a global supplier with compounding and grinding plants in the UK, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia. The company sells more than $150 million of rotomoulding materials each year and has 230 employees. martin.coles@matrixpolymers.com

Adam Covington Adam Covington is President of Ferry Industries, Inc. in Akron, Ohio U.S.A. Covington has been with Ferry Industries for over 11 years, advanced through the manufacturing, engineering, sales, and service positions within the company and was appointed President in 2019. Adam strives to find solutions for customer’s needs and advance machine technology for the rotomolding industry. He is a graduate of Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology. acovington@ferryindustries.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Ravi Mehra

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mark Kearns

M.Kearns@qub.ac.uk

Mark Kearns is the Rotational Moulding Research Manager of the Polymer Processing Research Centre at Queen’s University of Belfast. He is a Chartered Chemical Engineer with a M. Phil Degree in Rotational Moulding. Mark manages rotational moulding research and development projects for companies across Europe, Australasia, and North America.

DEPARTMENT EDITOR

Ravi Mehra has been associated with the rotational molding industry since the early 1970’s. He is a Past President of ARM – Association of Rotational Molders, and has been inducted into the ARM Hall of Fame. He is the Founding Chairman of StAR – the rotational moulding Trade Association of India. He was the Chairman of ARMO – Affiliation of Rotational Moulding Organizations from 2012 to 2014. Ravi consults internationally with companies in the rotational moulding arena to help their global strategy, facilitate technology tie-ups, and business alliances. maramehra@aol.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Rob Miller Rob Miller is Owner/President, Wittmann Battenfeld Canada Inc. Rotoload. Rob started in the plastics pneumatic conveying industry in 1986. He has spent his entire career developing, engineering, and designing all types of catalog, standard, and custom pneumatic conveying systems for the plastics industry. He started in the rotational molding industry in 2013, has enjoyed learning the idiosyncrasies of the industry and market, and most of all meeting the people and building relationships for the future. Rob.Miller@wittmann-group.ca

Ian Hansen Ian Hansen has over 30 years of experience in the rotational moulding industry and has presented to conferences around the world on the subject of quality, safety, and tank design standards. Rotomoulders around the globe have problems from time to time. Rota Consult delivers production solutions so rotomoulders can improve productivity and profitability, without wasting more of their valuable time. ianhansenconsult@gmail.com www.ianhansenconsult.com

www.rotoworldmag.com 13

GUEST CONTRIBUTING

EDITORS

Kim Harrison Kim Harrison, Founder and Principal of Cutting Edge PR, loves sharing actionable ideas and information about professional communication and business management. He has wide experience as a corporate affairs manager, consultant, author, lecturer, and CEO of a non-profit organization. Kim is a Fellow and former national board member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia, and he ran his State’s professional development program for 7 years, helping many practitioners to strengthen their communication skills.

14 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

Aldo Quaratino Aldo Quaratino, Group Technical Director at Matrix Polymers, has over 20 years of experience in the rotational moulding industry. He has helped moulders to develop advanced and unique material technologies for rotomoulding applications. Aldo holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cassino University, Italy. In 1999, Aldo won a European scholarship and moved to the UK to work as a Scientist at the former British Rubber Producers Research Association.

UPFRONT Diversified Expands CNC Machining & Quality Control WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH, USA — Rotational mold builder Diversified

Mold & Castings (DMC) added three new machining centers in 2021. Two of the machines are located in a newly renovated area of our 68,000 square foot facility. “Since installation, the machines have remained quite busy. With higher demands of CNC molds, the capital exposure was a must and has increased our sales,” stated Vince Costello, CEO. Two of the new larger machines are 3+1 axis and have a work envelope of 51” x 63”. One of two machines has a 31.5” Z, and the other with an extended 42” Z. Both are 56 HP 15,000 RPM hi-net spindles, which produce a very highquality surface finish. DMC also purchased an induction heat shrink machine for the new high-speed mills. Heat shrink is used to secure tools to the holder and commonly used in high tolerance machining. Minimal to no runout delivering high tolerance, repeatability, and high-quality surface finishes our customers are looking for. DMC’s third machine is also 3 axis VMC and has a work envelope of 15.7” x 20” x 11.8” Z with a 7.5 HP, 12,000 RPM spindle, and is used primarily for small molds, loose pieces or insert pieces, and mold components. The ability and convenience to machine needed hardware and components under roof has assisted DMC to balance some of the supply chain issues during the pandemic and going forward. Inspection Upgrade! DMC has in addition purchased a FARO CMM with articulating

arm. This equipment allows finite QC inspections of molds, patterns, fixtures, and is equipped with laser scanning technology capable of reverse engineering of existing parts. We are committed to sustaining our growth while utilizing our CNC milling equipment and technology: • 3 & 5-axis Routers to support our in-house aluminum foundry process • 3+1 axis, Highspeed CNC Milling Centers for higher tolerance aluminum molds • Fabrications: Sheet Metal Molds; Aluminum, Carbon Steel & Stainless Steel. • Trim fixtures, Cooling fixtures, and Foam Fixtures are other ancillary tools that DMC manufactures DMC is a one-stop shop for all your rotational molding tooling needs. We wish to thank our loyal customers for their continued support, which has afforded us the opportunity to grow and increase our offerings to the rotational molding industry. And, if you are not already a customer, we invite all to give us a test drive. For more information contact Diversified Mold & Castings, 19800 Miles Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128, phone 216-663-1814 (Toll free: 1-888-642-1222), or visit our website at www.diversifiedmolds.com www.rotoworldmag.com 15

UPFRONT zPods Launches Unique Sensory Bed to Help Sleep-Resistant Children Partnering with LINDAR Corporation brings a new design for a modular, durable, customizable product now made in the USA.

SAINT LOUIS, MO, USA — Spring 2022, zPods, with

their manufacturing partner LINDAR Corporation, is launching a new line of enclosed beds with parent- or child-controlled “sleepscape” options that families can tailor to their own needs. The shell includes sensory device ports and a new app to help the sleep performance of kids with sensory issues. After importing a shipping container of Chinese micro-hotel beds to help a friend with his Star Wars-themed home, Gary Kellman and his business partners looked at the remaining beds set up in a showroom. They discussed many ideas, but one stood out—these enclosed beds would be attractive to autistic kids as

Double unit stacked zPod enclosed beds

16 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

a relief from sensory overload. Partner George Bailey has two children with autism, so it was quickly confirmed that the bed functioned well as a sensory room in and of itself. Since then, zPods has placed their first-generation beds with children who are autistic, schizophrenic, ADHD, bipolar, and more. Most have a sleep disorder or sensory processing disorder. zPods gave them a way to get some sleep at night, and families gave zPods good feedback on how to make the bed even better. Whether these children were getting 3–4 hours a night or 6–7 hours, when they could “tune out” the stressors in their environment, and they usually ended up with 9–10 hours of sleep

UPFRONT

Single unit zPod enclosed bed

a night. As their minds and bodies got the rest they needed, their The new bed now features better air circulation, full-spectrum teachers at school reported dramatic improvements in attention, LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and a touch control panel that behavior, and happiness; their parents could finally get their own also pairs with a smart device—allowing parents to override and good night’s rest; and some children’s doctors even reduced or make sure the lights go out when their supposed to. The zPods eliminated certain medications. app allows the user to set alarms to raise the lights or fade in an But there were many audio track to gently rouse problems with the first a sleeper. Easily removable design. The thin plastic wall doors can make routine “As their minds and bodies got the rest they panels cracked routinely cleaning and maintenance needed, their teachers at school reported during shipping. It was much easier and will allow unwieldy and took 3–4 the user to switch out new dramatic improvements in attention, behavior, hours to set up, even when door themes and colors to and happiness; their parents could finally familiar with the process. match the room’s decor. get their own good night’s rest; and some Current supply chain issues The bed is also compatible children’s doctors even reduced or doubled the cost of shipping with many sleep devices such eliminated certain medications.” a container over from China. as under-mattress monitors, Fortunately, zPods found a cameras, and vibrating pads USA manufacturing partner if the user desires. in LINDAR Corporation in zPods is launching a Baxter, Minnesota. They took the concept of an enclosed bed and crowdfunding campaign to start pre-sales for generation 2. not only made it lighter and easier to set up (about half an hour), The first 288 pods will be offered to early adopters at a but also more durable to prevent cracking and other damage. substantial discount. On-shoring production reduced landed costs dramatically as zPods is a health tech company dedicated to improving sleep well as lag time in shipping to the consumer. Partnering with performance for kids and adults with sleep and sensory issues. LINDAR has allowed zPods to apply concepts from the fields Founded in Saint Louis, MO in 2019, zPods is a recent recipient of both special needs and sleep to create a better design and a of an Arch Grants award for promising startups. For more much higher quality bed that will help not only the most sensitive information, visit www.zpodsforsleep.com, call George Bailey at sleepers, but anyone who needs a good night’s rest. 314.498.4445, or email at george@zpods.io. www.rotoworldmag.com 17

UPFRONT MAAG Group at Chinaplas 2022 OBERGLATT, SWITZERLAND— MAAG Group is a broadly diversified

global solutions provider of Pump & Filtration Systems, Pelletizing & Pulverizing Systems, Recycling Systems, and digital solutions. More and more new developments in plastics are being made in China, one of the strongest growth markets in the world. MAAG Group takes this into account and will be present at Chinaplas in Shanghai, China, from April 25 to 28, 2022, with a booth of over 120 m2 (Hall 2.1, Booth F82). Our experts on site will be happy to inform you about our product portfolio for the polymer industry: • PEARLO® 350 EAC with liquid-heated die plate for high capacities: The underwater pelletizing system PEARLO® 350 EAC is especially designed for high throughputs of like 18.000 kg/h of Virgin Polymer production. The unique cutting blade design and optimum water and material flow conditions within the cutting chamber provide not only ideal and homogeneous cooling effects but also outstanding pellet quality. Another innovative design feature of the PEARLO is the cutting blade advance system, which permits axial movement of the cutter shaft resulting in a precise blade advance as well as a regrinding of the blades during production. This allows higher equipment availability, elongated production runs, and thus saves costs. • MAAG ETTLINGER is presenting the ERF 350, a high-performance melt filter for the filtration of heavily contaminated polymer feedstock. The filter is self-cleaning with a rotating, perforated drum, through which there is a continuous flow of melt from the outside to the inside. A scraper removes the contaminants that are held back on the surface and feeds them to the discharge system. This enables the filter to be used fully automatically and without any disruptions over long periods without having to replace the screen. The advantages: reliable melt filtration, ultra-low melt losses, and good mixing and homogenizing of the melts. • Innovation in strand pelletizing: The PRIMO Plus Flex provides - Shortest unguided length in combination with an enlarged rotor diameter led to more torque on one hand and to superior pellet quality on the other - Throughputs up to 5,000 kg/h - Profitable production due to very high machine availability with wear resistant cutting tools For applications such as pelletizing of base polymers, recycling products, processing of highly filled compounds, or ETPs at different pellet lengths from micro to LGF, the PRIMO Plus is our first choice for a reliable dry cut strand pelletizing process. • All MAAG Group extrex® gear pumps in x6 class design are completely re-engineered and have redesigned components, from the shafts through to the bearings and seals, and optimized the interaction of the components. Specially developed gear teeth with low compression allow very high pressures to be achieved with low shear rates. The result is a further increase in achievable product quality, volumetric efficiency, as well as production consistency and safety. For more information on our products, visit www.maag.com. 18 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

马格集团即将参与 CHINAPLAS 2022国际橡塑展瑞士OBERGLATT，2022年2月11日 — 马格集团是一家极其多元化的全球解决方案提供商，可提供各种泵和过滤系统、造粒和磨粉系统、回收系统以及数字化解决方案。

作为世界上增长最强劲的市场之一，中国正在塑料领域得到越来越多的新发展。考虑到这一点，马格集团将于2022 年4月25日至28日现身在中国上海举办的CHINAPLAS 2022国际橡塑展，展位面积超过120平方米（2.1号展厅F82 号展位）。我们的现场专家届时将非常乐意向您介绍我们面向聚合物行业推出的产品组合： • PEARLO ® 350 EAC水下造粒机，配有液体加热模板，产量高：PEARLO ® 350 EAC水下造粒机专为达到 18,000千克/小时纯聚合物的高生产能力而设计。其刀片设计独特，且切粒室采用水流和物料流优化设计，因此不仅可以提供理想且均匀的冷却效果，而且还带来了完美的粒子品质。PEARLO的另一个创新设计特点就在于它的进刀系统，该系统允许刀轴进行轴向移动，从而实现精准进刀并且能够在生产过程中重新研磨刀片。这样就能提高设备可用性延长生产运行，从而节约成本。 • MAAG ETTLINGER将会展示ERF 350，即一款高性能熔体过滤器，可用于过滤严重污染的聚合物原料。该过滤器采用旋转式多孔滤鼓，可进行自清洁，熔体不断从外向内流入滤鼓。刮除器清除残留在表面上的污染物并将其送至排出系统。这样就能实现该过滤器的全自动无间断运转，无需更换滤网。优点：熔体过滤性能可靠，熔体损失最小且熔体可以很好地混合及均化。 • 线材造粒领域的创新：PRIMO Plus Flex o 非导向长度最短且转子直径增大一方面可以增大扭矩，另一方面还可以获得更好的粒子品质 o 生产能力高达5,000千克/小时 o 由于设备利用率极高且采用了耐磨刀具，因此生产利润丰厚对于基础聚合物造粒、回收产品、加工颗粒长度从微米到LGF不等的各种高填充化合物或ETP等应用来说，PRIMO Plus是我们获得可靠干切线材造粒工艺的首选。 • 马格集团所有采用x6级设计的extrex®齿轮泵都经过了彻底重塑，重新设计了从机轴到轴承和密封件等各种组件，同时优化了组件之间的相互作用。专门研发的低压缩齿轮齿可以在剪切速率很低的条件下达到极高的压力。其结果是进一步提高可实现的产品质量、容积效率以及生产一致性和安全性。如需了解我们更多的产品信息，请访问www.maag. com

UPFRONT STEP2 to process payments within minutes and around the clock From November 2022, EBA CLEARING’s panEuropean mass payment system will be upgraded to process SEPA transactions around the clock, seven days a week, and to provide settlement results to participating banks in minutes. The planned upgrade will enable STEP2 participants to shorten end-to-end processing timelines for retail payments in euro from hours to minutes, for the benefit of European businesses and consumers. The concepts of the new tools and capabilities, which leverage existing file-based mechanisms that are well embedded into end-to-end processing flows, were communicated to STEP2 users and their providers recently. STEP2 processes on average 55 million SEPA credit transfers and direct debits per day. The system connects the more than 4,800 payment service providers operating in Europe and providing payment reach to end users across the continent. “We are eager to put these brand-new tools into the hands of our large user community, so they can start to fully leverage the continuous gross settlement mechanism we introduced in STEP2 last year,” said David Renault, Head of STEP2 Services at EBA CLEARING. “Our users will be able to take advantage of the gains in output speed and availability that the upgraded system will offer and pass these benefits on to their customers.” “The beauty of these better service levels is that both the banks

and their corporate customers can continue to rely on the same highly resilient file-based payment channels and interfaces they are using for their mass payments,” said Erwin Kulk, Head of Service Development and Management at EBA CLEARING. He added: “Thanks to the STEP2 upgrade, large payment volumes can be reliably processed at near-real-time speed around the clock without any increase in processing costs or significant new investments. This will help PSPs across Europe focus their available resources and processing capacity for instant payments to those time-critical payments for which merchants and consumers are requesting innovative solutions, for example at the point of sale or in e-commerce.” STEP2 is a pan-European automated clearing house, processing mass payments in euro, which is owned and operated by EBA CLEARING, a European-owned, European-governed, and European-regulated financial market infrastructure provider. As a cornerstone of the SEPA processing infrastructure, STEP2 provides full reach for SEPA credit transfers and direct debits across all countries of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The system has been classified as a systemically important payment system by the European Central Bank since 2014 and is held to the highest oversight requirements.

TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE IN THE GLOBAL ROTATIONAL MOLDING INDUSTRY Advertise in

UPFRONT Tank Holding Acquires Dutchland Plastics, LLC Tank Holding, North America’s largest rotational molder, has acquired Wisconsin based rotational molder Dutchland Plastics, LLC. from A&M Capital Opportunities Fund. Dutchland manufactures a variety of high volume rotationally molded products serving the recreational, commercial, outdoor, food and beverage, furniture, and marine industries. Products such as kayaks, coolers, playground equipment, furniture, and more are designed, manufactured, assembled, and shipped utilizing turnkey solutions and services. “Dutchland brings significant volume and capacity to our rotational molding platform. They have valuable long-term customer relationships and strengthens an important part of Tank Holding’s overall growth strategy. The two manufacturing facilities located in Oostburg, WI and Canastota, NY complement the locations of our other facilities, which provides customers more options to optimize capability, capacity, and logistics. So, they continue to leverage our overall industry knowledge and expertise to create the best value for our customers,” said Greg Wade, CEO of Tank Holding. The Dutchland acquisition provides additional synergy opportunities with several of Tank Holding’s recent acquisitions, including six last year, which were a combination of custom molding and proprietary products. Together, these market leading brands and capabilities provide the industry with the broadest product portfolio and the largest footprint of

manufacturing facilities and capacity in the industry. “Dutchland is a premier rotational molding company with great people and a great reputation. With Tank Holding’s resources and strategy to continually invest in custom rotational molding, it became clear that we are aligned well to accelerate growth and expand this market,” said Raka Rao, CEO of Dutchland. The Dutchland announcement represents Tank Holding’s 17th acquisition in the past three years and further enhances the company’s penetration into custom molding. In addition to being a world leader in the design and manufacturing of polyethylene tank and container products, Tank Holding also maintains major market positions with many other proprietary products, including intermediate bulk containers, insulated material handling bins, laundry and linen carts, refuse containers, specialty pallets, and custom products. Tank Holding, which includes the brands of Norwesco, Snyder Industries, Bonar Plastics, Bushman, Chem-tainer, Meese, Stratis Pallets, and Dura-Cast, owned by Olympus Partners and the management team, currently operates 39 manufacturing plant locations, and employs over 1,500 people throughout North America, prior to the Dutchland acquisition.

PRM Rotomolding

Sweden’s Xano buys Dutch PRM Rotomoulding / Reinforcement for Cipax and Blowtech

OVERIJSSEL, NETHERLANDS — Dutch rotational

moulder PRM Rotomoulding(Rijssen; www.prmrotomoulding.nl) is now part of the Xano Group (Jönköping / Sweden; www.xano. se). The stock market-listed industrial holding company took over PRM, which claims to own the largest rotational moulding plant in Western Europe, with a diameter of 6.5 m, for an undisclosed price. PRM employs around 40 people and manufactures storage tanks and protective hoods for the agricultural sector, large tanks for the chemical industry, and mobile toilet systems for the events sector. The company most recently reported annual sales of EUR 11m. Douwe Wolters, who was appointed managing director of PRM last year, will continue to head the company. At Xano, the rotational moulder will become part of the Industrial Products segment. There, the long-term oriented industrial holding also manages other companies from the plastics industry, namely another rotational moulding firm, Cipax (Bjørkelangen / Norway; www.cipax.com), a blow moulding specialist, Blowtech (Gnosjö / Sweden; www.blowtechgroup.com) 20 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

From now on, part of Xano: the company from Rijssen with the largest rotational moulding plant in Western Europe (Photo: PRM)

with two plants in Sweden and Norway, and injection moulding group Ackurat (Lammhult / Sweden; www.ackurat.se), which has production facilities in Sweden, Finland, and Poland. Combined sales of the companies in this segment – including PRM – amount to the equivalent of around EUR 72m.

UPFRONT New at K 2022: Start-Up Zone A new feature at K 2022, The World’s No. 1 Trade Fair for Plastics & Rubber, will be the START-UP ZONE, offering young and creative start-ups a dedicated presentation area in Hall 8b to present their innovative products and solutions for the plastics and rubber sector. K 2022 will take place from October 19-26, 2022 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany. Currently, young companies can still apply for participation in the START-UP ZONE and take advantage of this unique opportunity to present themselves and their developments and establish international business contacts with a high-caliber expert audience from all over the world. Basic requirements for participation in the START-UP ZONE: • Company less than 10 years old • Number of employees less than 100 • Annual turnover less than EUR 10 million Already registered for the START-UP ZONE are Plastship from Germany, a European marketplace for recycled plastics to

promote the circular economy online and offline and HEALIX from the Netherlands, a company that collects nets, ropes, and other plastic waste based on synthetic fibers to recycle them into high quality circular polymers for the global production supply chain. Also, on board are HAGE 3D from Austria, which produces large format industrial 3D printers, and the developers of ENLYZE from Germany, offering companies a software solution to perform quality control already during the manufacturing of a product. For detailed information and application forms visit www.k-online.de/start-up-zone-en or contact Benedikt Salmen at SalmenB@messe-duesseldorf.de. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at K 2022, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: 312.781.5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.k-online.com and www.mdna.com; Also see the K online magazine at K-MAG; Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mdnachicago

www.rotoworldmag.com 21

UPFRONT The World’s Plastics and Rubber Industry Focus on K 2022 in Düsseldorf

High demand for personal exchange, information, and networking on a global scale with guiding themes: circular economy, digitalisation, and climate protection. Now the deadline for registrations for K 2022 has been reached, the interest taken by exhibitors in the world’s most important trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, to be held in Düsseldorf from 19 to 26 October 2022, continues unabated. “K 2022 will again occupy the entire fairgrounds,” rejoices Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director at 22 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

UPFRONT Messe Düsseldorf, and goes on to say: “When talking to exhibitors we feel that there is an enormous demand for personal exchange on a global level.” K 2022 will again welcome the “Who’s Who” of the international plastics and rubber industry to Düsseldorf – there is no other place with such high international attendance. Some 3,000 companies from all continents have registered to exhibit their innovations in the segments: • Raw materials, auxiliaries • Semi-finished products, technical components, and reinforced plastic products • Machinery and equipment for the plastics and rubber industry. The sector’s most relevant information and innovation hub K in Düsseldorf provides the global plastics and rubber industries with their most important information and business platform. Exhibitors and visitors from all over the world get together here and use the opportunities their No. 1 trade fair offers to demonstrate the operational excellence of this industry, discuss current trends, and chart the course for the future. K 2022 comes precisely at the right time to offer the plastics and rubber industry orientation again.

The leading themes of K 2022 K in Düsseldorf not only serves as the arena for forward-looking product innovations every three years but also underlines its exceptional positioning by addressing both the challenges of our day and age and of its industry. This is reflected above all by the three major guiding themes of K 2022: • Circular Economy • Digitalisation • Climate Protection These leading themes will be echoed by both the exhibitors’ presentations and in the focus of the official special show “Plastics Shape the Future”, the Science Campus and VDMA’s Circular Economy Forum. The winning formula at K in Düsseldorf also means always being oriented towards market needs and developing its concept further. Therefore, the physical event on site will be extended to include additional digital content. “This consolidates the pole position of K in Düsseldorf as a central communication and information platform of its industry – for the duration of the physical trade fair and beyond,” says Wienkamp with conviction. For more information on K 2022 go to: www.k-online.com

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www.rotoworldmag.com 23

UPFRONT Perstorp has set Science Based Targets in line with Paris Agreement MALMÖ, SWEDEN —

Perstorp Group greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, meaning they are consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement. The targets covering greenhouse gas emissions from Perstorp’s operations (Scopes 1 and 2*) are consistent with reductions required to keep warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement. The Science Based “Perstorp has a mission to be the sustainable Targets initiative (SBTi), a collaboration between CDP, solutions provider.” — Jan Secher, Perstorp Group CEO the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) defines and promotes best practice in science-based enabling greenhouse gas emission reductions last December when target setting. It also independently assesses companies’ targets. it began applying Internal Carbon Pricing for Scope 1, 2, and 3. “Perstorp has a mission to be the sustainable solutions Internal Carbon Pricing is a way to future proof a company by provider,” says Jan Secher, Perstorp Group CEO. “A part of this helping to drive investments, which improves sustainability and is setting targets to reduce the impact within various areas, reduces CO2 emissions. It is a mechanism to put an internal price including carbon emissions. Perstorp wants to actively participate on our CO2 emissions and take this into account in business in the transition of the chemical industry, and we are convinced cases and as the guiding principle for decision making. that this will also create value and new business opportunities. “Reaching our science-based targets will require big efforts, We have the possibility to make a great positive impact, by including reducing energy consumption at our production sites driving change, transforming our production, and enabling new and shifting to renewable or recycled energy and raw materials solutions that will help our customers providing sustainable sources,” says Anna Berggren, VP Sustainability at Perstorp Group. products and offerings to the market. This is our commitment “The investments and decisions we make today will generate and aligning with the Paris Agreement is a natural consequence emissions in the long future. Therefore, the informed decisions of this.” we make need to take this risk factor into account to support our Perstorp is committed to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG journey towards our targets in 2030 and beyond. Internal Carbon emission by 46.2 percent by 2030 from a 2019 base year. The Pricing is one very concrete way to implement sustainability company is also committed to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions aspects into our financial decision-making process.” from purchased goods and services, fuel and energy related * Greenhouse gas emissions are categorised into three groups, activities, upstream transportation and distribution, waste known as ‘Scopes,’ by the most widely used international generating operations, and end of life treatment of sold products accounting tool, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. Scope 1 27.8 percent per ton sold product within the same time frame. covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Scope Perstorp’s target for the emissions from its value chain (Scope 3) 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased meet the SBTi’s criteria for ambitious value chain goals, meaning electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the they are in line with current best practice. reporting company. Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions Reaching the science-based targets means looking at every that occur in a company’s value chain. aspect of the company to identify possible ways of reducing For more information, please contact Anna Berggren, Perstop, negative climate impact. Perstorp took an important step towards +46 303 728 719, or email anna.berggren@perstop.com 24 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

UPFRONT PENN State News

STATE COLLEGE, PA, USA — On May 11 & 12, 2022

(Wednesday and Thursday), 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Penn State will offer a workshop which features its Shell Polymers Rotational Molding Center of Excellence to give participants hands-on experience in combination with the classroom training led by Dru Laws on higher-level technology in rotational molding. Target audience will include: supervisory, lead operators, technicians, and engineers. This allows participants to network and share experience with other staff facing similar day-to-day issues. Teaching Method Course work includes hand-outs supported by instruction-led discussions and lecture. Hands-on laboratory exercises are available on campus. Instruction Hours: 14 Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, participants will understand: • Material preparation • Molding parameters • Part strength & performance • Dual-layer molding (PE foam) • Good materials properties and moldability • How variable impact final part quality • Available materials beyond polyethylene

• Early Bird Discount: Register by April 4, 2022, to receive a $100 discount (use Promo Code EB2022). • Platinum Sponsor: M. Holland Company Please wait for confirmation to book flights. Virtual tour highlights ‘amazing’ prospects for manufacturing grads A new video on Penn College’s YouTube channel offers a fair exchange: four minutes of your day for a rewarding lifetime in manufacturing. Join Richard K. Hendricks Jr., instructor of machine tool technology/automated manufacturing technology, for an in-depth tour of the college’s hands-on facilities – instructional labs that reflect the desirability of our graduates to the industries that provide the state-of-the-art equipment housed within. Discover the benefits of immersive learning across all of the program’s majors, from a one-year CNC machinist certificate to associate degrees in machine tool technology and automated manufacturing technology to a four-year degree in manufacturing engineering technology. “Manufacturing is thriving in this country, as well as other parts of the world, and our students are in constant demand,” the 25-year faculty member says. “There’s a shortage of people going into the trades, so we’re very confident that our students are going to have multiple career opportunities. Job placement is almost guaranteed.” www.rotoworldmag.com 25

UPFRONT LyondellBasell Named to FORTUNE Magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” List for the Fifth Consecutive Year HOUSTON, TX, USA — LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB)

recently announced it has been named to FORTUNE Magazine’s 2022 list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” LyondellBasell has received this distinction for five consecutive years. “This recognition is a reflection of our team’s relentless commitment to excellence,” said Ken Lane, LyondellBasell’s Interim CEO. “Every day, employees at LyondellBasell demonstrate integrity, innovation, and focus and I’m both proud and humbled by their endless accomplishments.” In 2021, LyondellBasell built on its momentum, delivered strong business results, and advanced its sustainability goals. Highlights from the year include: • Delivering record-setting financial results. The company’s 2021 Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) excluding lower of cost or market inventory valuation (LCM) and impairments exceeded prior records by 15%. • Launching the Circulen portfolio of polymers to advance the circular economy of plastics and support our ambitious goal to produce and market two million metric tons of recycled and renewable-based polymers annually by 2030.

• Increasing our climate ambitions to align with the Paris Agreement. The company announced goals to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global operations by 2050 and a 30% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global operations by 2030. The annual list is compiled by Korn Ferry through a survey of more than 3,500 executives, directors, and securities analysts. Companies are evaluated against key criteria of: • Ability to attract and retain talented people • Financial soundness • Quality of management • Innovativeness • Social responsibility • People management • Use of corporate assets • Long-term investment value • Global competitiveness More information about LyondellBasell can be found at www.lyondellbasell.com.

Elkhart Plastics Adds Connect-A-Port XL5 to Connect-A-Dock Line SOUTH BEND, IN, USA — Elkhart Plastics LLC, a Myers Industries, Inc. company (NYSE: MYE), expands its floating dock product line with the new Connect-A-Port XL5 Personal Watercraft port. The Connect-A-Port XL5 is a 5-foot wide Personal Watercraft (PWC) floating dock that allows PWC users to easily roll off to launch and drive on to park. The new dock offers a universal hull designed with adjustable rollers that can be moved to better match the size and style of the user’s PWC. Additionally, the new design allows two jet ski docks to fit inside the conventional 10’ wide boat slip, a solution for rental locations where space is limited. The XL5 is available in five colors and can be attached to floating and stationary docks. PWC Docking adds a safe harbor for one, two, or three-place personal watercrafts. 26 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

The new XL5 joins Elkhart ‘Plastics’ Connect-A-Dock product line, which includes a Connect-A-Port XL6 model. The company also offers two series of rotomolded docks and the YAKport Kayak Launch under the Connect-A-Dock brand. “Elkhart Plastics is happy to serve customers’ docking needs with the new PWC XL5 model. After the XL6 launch in early 2021, this was a clear next step to continue product line expansion based on customer requests,” says Jack Welter, Business Vice President, Rotational Molding Platform at Myers Industries, Inc. The Connect-A-Port XL5 and other Connect-A-Dock products are available from dealers across the US. and international distributors around the globe. To find a dealer and to learn more about Connect-A-Port XL5, visit connectadock.com.

UPFRONT Dow, Sartorius, and Südpack collaborate to support global supply of coronavirus vaccines Essential products manufactured by Sartorius, using Sü dpack polymer films made from Dow resins, support safe and effective vaccine production for global vaccine supply.

SWITZERLAND — Value chain partners Dow (NYSE:

DOW), Sartorius, and Sü dpack Medica, have come together to support the global coronavirus vaccination effort by manufacturing bioprocessing bags, which are an essential component for the safe production and transportation of coronavirus vaccines globally. As the global fight against the pandemic continues, people around the world need access to vaccines produced efficiently and to rigorous safety standards. Dow, alongside Sartorius, a leading international partner of life science research and the biopharmaceutical industry and packaging company Sü dpack, are each contributing innovative solutions and expertise in a collaborative value chain effort to support the demands of the global vaccine supply and to ensure vaccines arrive to those in need quickly and safely. Sterile bio-reactor bags with a capacity of up to 2.000 litres, made from multilayer films, can help to achieve outstanding speed, quality, and flexibility in the vaccine development process as well as in commercial manufacturing operations. They are engineered for highly efficient mixing and high oxygen transfer and ideal for mammalian cell culture – processes which demand a high cell density or are microcarrier based. Under precisely defined conditions in bioreactors, for instance, cells produce the agent needed for the production of coronavirus vaccines. The success of the collaboration between the partners is a stable, predictable process that delivers a safe, reliable biologic medicine for patients around the world. The 3D flexible bags are dedicated for sterile and ready to use solutions and designed for storage and shipping of large volume biopharmaceutical solutions. They provide a secure and convenient single-use solution for an in-process fluid handling, storage, and shipping needs for all the process steps. Sartorius’ technology supports the production of current vaccines and emerging vaccine technologies. The bio-reactor bags and 3D bags it produces, are used by pharmaceutical companies to cultivate important vaccines, including the coronavirus vaccine. Sü dpack is one of the partners of Sartorius for this polymer film supply. The high performance of Sü dpack’s films is integral to support safe vaccine production. Importantly, the innovative technology and R&D processes as well as the hygiene and quality standards behind Sü dpack films, provide the essential flexibility to address - and speed to meet - the fast-changing requirements of the pharmaceutical industry and to respond to the pandemic relief effort. The films in the bioreactors support the reproductive

growth behaviour of the sensitive cell lines. Excellent cell viability and density reduces the risk of batch loss or inconsistencies and achieves a high product purity and improved productivity. Thomas Freis, Managing Director Sü dpack Medica AG said: “With our excellent film robustness it is possible to develop, control and scale-up the highly sensitive biopharma processes on a global level. These multilayer films have been a fundamental part of the value chain for the production of single use bio-reactors and have therefore enabled the scalability and accelerated development of the mRNA technology. Thus, we at Sü dpack Medica are extremely proud to be an integral part of the global fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and are aware of our responsibility coming along with.”

“With our excellent film robustness it is possible to develop, control, and scale-up the highly sensitive biopharma processes on a global level.”

“Sartorius is part of the solution. Since we are helping our customers with our technologies to enable large-scale manufacture of vaccines, many of our products play an essential role in helping to overcome the pandemic. Therefore, it is crucial for our customers that we ensure our delivery capability. In this challenging situation, with supply chains temporarily under strain, we are particularly pleased to have reliable partners like DOW and Sü dpack Medica at our side”, said Gü nther van de Rijt, Head of Procurement, Supply Network & Logistics BPS at Sartorius. “At Dow, we are committed to doing what we can to support the global Covid-19 vaccination effort, and feel very proud that our resins, in collaboration with each level of the value chain, are supporting the development and roll out of vaccines across the world. It is an impressive collective effort, from the raw materials we are producing, right through to when the vaccines are administered – there are so many companies and individuals working hard behind the scenes to support the value chain at this critical time,” said Abby Turner, Global Marketing Director for Healthcare & Hygiene business at Dow. www.rotoworldmag.com 27

LEADERSHIP

Leaders who build strong career relationships earn more trust and achieve better results Kim Harrison, Cutting Edge

Employee engagement, experience, satisfaction; employee manager feedback; and virtual, remote meetings and workplace relationships. Even in this digital age, the most important deciding factor in your career journey is to remember that leaders who build strong career relationships earn more trust and achieve better results with all their stakeholders. This also applies to communication leaders themselves and to the advice they may give as respected advisers to their organizational executives. One of the most respected leaders in our time is Leon Panetta, who said in 2021: “It is human relationships that determine whether or not you’re going to be successful” – Leon Panetta, former US Secretary of Defense, CIA Director, White House Chief of Staff, and Member of the US House of Representatives, stated on 21 January 2021 during a media interview. Panetta says our relationships with other people are such a vital part of our lives. During this time of stress for all of us, it is vital we reach out consistently to our friends, family, and colleagues – our personal stakeholders. And we should be reaching out to our business colleagues also – internally within our organization and externally as well. This is even more important during times of massive societal stress as we experience in the current pandemic. Speaking of relationships, let’s consider the Public Relations Society of America’s current definition of public relations: “Public relations are a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” This definition strongly corresponds to Leon Panetta’s quote, above, that maintaining good human relationships is key to success. Organizations consist of one or more people, and publics consist of one or more people, so Panetta’s quote 28 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

applies to the vital role of relating to people in our society. And what is the foundation for building good relationships? It’s good communication, of course. Great business leaders focus on mastering relationships “Mastering personal relationships that build trust and create a collaborative work environment is central to leadership effectiveness in the digital economy. This skill set distinguishes great leaders from merely good ones, based on my interviews with C-suite executives in companies around the world.” This important observation was made by Dr. Douglas Ready from the MIT Sloan School of Management in an article published in the MIT Strategic Management Review. Ready went on to say: “As our work world becomes more virtual and our business models more digital, the key determinant of sustainable success is less about the power of a company’s algorithms than it is about the efficacy of the relationships we forge”. Positive relationships are the most important element of trust in leaders If you have direct reports, your relationships with them require their trust in you. Three fundamentals are often the foundation of workplace trust, is the conclusion of experts Jack Zenger & Joseph Folkman in a 2019 Harvard Business Review article, after analyzing 360-degree assessments of 87,000 leaders: 1. Positive relationships. Trust is in part based on the extent to which a leader can create positive relationships with other people and groups. To instill trust a leader must: • Stay in touch on the issues and concerns of others

LEADERSHIP • • • •

Balance results with concern for others Generate cooperation between others Resolve conflict with others Give honest feedback in a helpful way.

attention, ensure there is follow-up, and prompt response. • I can personally vouch for this approach. Several years ago, when I was working on a consulting contract for the State office of a national billion-dollar engineering construction firm, the group CEO arrived from interstate head office to 2. Good judgement/expertise. The extent to which a leader is meet with local top management about the financials of a well-informed and knowledgeable influences the amount of couple of major contracts. During a lunch break, I found him trust people has in that person. The leader must understand walking along the corridor, putting his head around office the technical aspects of the work as well as have significant doors to introduce himself and chat with staff, including me. experience. This means: A rare event in any firm! I was so surprised and impressed, I • They use good judgement when making decisions still have a warm memory of the occasion. • Others trust their ideas and opinions • Scheduling regular touchpoints to engage with employees • Others seek after their opinions face-to-face via video. In addition to more formal Town • Their knowledge and Hall meetings, consider informal expertise make an important interactions such as a video lunch contribution to achieving for people with birthdays each results month, or a casual visit to a • Can anticipate and respond manager’s team meeting or huddle. quickly to problems. Ask employees what they need to get the job done. When 3. Consistency. The third element appropriate, share your goals and of trust is the extent to which ask for their input. Above all, listen leaders walk their talk and do to what they have to say to show what they say they will. People you value them and their rate a leader high in trust if they: contributions. • Are a role model and set a • Celebrating team and good example? individual accomplishments. • Walk the talk Everyone wants to feel • Honor commitments and keep appreciated and know promises that their efforts matter. • Follow through on When team goals are met commitments or individuals go above • Are willing to go above and and beyond what is expected, take beyond what needs to be done. the opportunity to personally Leon Panetta, former US Secretary of Defense thank the people involved, whether The research found that on a video call or by sending relationships are more important to trust than judgement or a personal note in the mail. This will help strengthen your consistency. When it comes to trusting leaders, all three of these relationships and reinforce the importance of their work to elements need to be above average, according to Zenger business success. & Folkman. Any of these connection points offer opportunities to get to Ways to build strong career relationships know employees personally. In addition to asking about workForming positive relationships is even more important related topics, observe their at-home, or on-site workspace to during COVID-19 restrictions, according to leadership and understand more about what they enjoy and what is important communication specialist David Grossman. He made the to them. Ask about a photo or something interesting in their following suggestions in an August 2020 blog to help leaders work area, talk about a favorite sports team, about their family, strengthen relationships and build positive results by: or what they enjoy doing outside of work. Talk about things you • Managing by ‘walking around’ (or being present on video have in common that will help them get to know you, as well as calls, these days) to see employees in their day-to-day you know more about them. What are the big and little things environment. Ask them what they are working on and listen to that matter to them? What are they excited about? their updates and concerns. Stop by the break room, if you’re Overall, evidence repeatedly shows us that when you build on-site, to say hello at a distance and take the opportunity to strong career relationships you earn more trust and achieve hear what people are up to. Take notes on items that need your better results with all your stakeholders. www.rotoworldmag.com 29

ROTOMOULDING IN NORTH AFRICA Adara Srl, Algeria Ian Hansen, Rota Consult

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Adara rotomoulding facility, near Algiers

A Journey in Rotational The Adara factory is Moulding in Northern located in Oued Alleug, Africa Adara Srl about 40km south west of Adara Srl, of Algeria, the capital, Algiers. It is well was established in 2000, positioned to supply the initially to manufacture metropolitan area of Algiers, PPR (polypropylene with an estimated 5 million random copolymer) pipe people, and is also central and plumbing fittings. to the heavily populated The company grew to Mediterranean coastal strip become a market leader of Algeria. in the manufacture and Mr. Collu is one of distribution of plumbing the two partners who fittings throughout founded the company. Some of the larger water tanks (up to 25,000L) manufactured by Adara Algeria. In 2011, after While he was familiar with researching the market and plastics and the extrusion understanding the potential for water storage, Adara decided process to make polypropylene plumbing fitting, he had little to diversify into polyethylene water tanks and so began their understanding about rotational moulding. His research involved rotational moulding journey. a steep learning curve to understand the rotational moulding Algeria has a classic Mediterranean climate marked by manufacturing process as well as the potential for growth in the summer months with little rainfall and clear blue skies. As the water tank market. largest country in Africa, Algeria is mainly made up of arid land After searching in Europe and Asia for suppliers of machines and 80% desert. Most of its 45million inhabitants live within a and moulds, Mr. Collu selected Rising Sun, from China, as his coastal strip 100kms (60mi) from the Mediterranean sea. Algeria primary supplier. One of the key reasons for this decision was has traditionally relied on groundwater and more recently on the ability of Rising Sun to manufacture and supply both the desalinated sea water for their drinking water. rotomoulding machine and the moulds as a turnkey project. While all the countries in North Africa have been left high Up until COVID impacted international travel, Rising Sun and dry by the longer and more intense droughts over the past would send two technicians to Adara to not only assist with couple of decades, the water shortages faced by Algeria have been the machine assembly and commissioning, but also to train made worse by the mass migration of rural Algerians to the cities Adara staff on machine operation, machine maintenance, within the last 10 years. Algerian cities, including its capital, product moulding, and basic process control. Technicians would Algiers, have been experiencing significant water shortages. only leave Adara after the operators demonstrated they could www.rotoworldmag.com 31

30,000L (8000USG) tanks loaded on truck ready for delivery to customers

operate the machine to make good quality products. Due to COVID-19, Adara’s latest shuttle machine will be installed and commissioned without any technicians. While Adara is now very familiar with the Rising Sun machines and moulds their preference is to take advantage of the skills and experience from their supplier and use it as an opportunity to transfer knowledge to their own staff. Adara does not have an in-house design team so they rely on Rising Sun to help them develop new projects, from concept to reality. Their first rotomoulding machine was a 3 arm carousel. Commissioned in 2012, with moulds to make horizontal and vertical water tanks from 500L to 10,000L (500g to 2,600g),

but also some moulds to make other products like road barriers, and pickup truck covers. Some diversification, just in case the governments huge investments in desalination plants and other big water infrastructure softened the demand for poly water tanks. This decision was made with the knowledge that in 2011 Algeria had already built 14 desalination plants to provide more reliable water supplies. However, in the following 10 years this big infrastructure strategy failed to stop many cities being unable to supply enough water to keep up with demand. In recent years some municipal suppliers have rationed water supplies to once a day, and in some areas only once every second day. To manage this inconsistent supply city residents have resorted in increasing numbers over the past decade to store water in tanks, jerry cans, or whatever they could afford in their houses. In 2015, Adara introduced a line of large 25,000L (6,600g) water tanks, and by 2017, they began making 30,000L (8,000g) tanks. They now have expanded their rotomoulding equipment to 6 machines. Four carousel machines with ovens ranging from 2.5m to 4.5m (98in to 177in) and 2 shuttle machines with ovens ranging from 3.5m to 5.5m (138in to 216in). There is a 7th machine on the water from China, due to be commissioned in early 2022. While Adara have progressively made larger and larger capacity tanks for rural and industrial customers, the most popular tank sizes are 500l, 1000l, and 1500l. They are purchased by households to be installed on balconies, Mr. Fuat COLLU beside some of the larger Adara tanks – 10,000L, 15,000L, 20,000L, and basements, or roofs of buildings. These need to be 25,000L 32 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

small as they have to fit within restricted spaces, especially for people living in city apartments. They will typically be filled up from municipal supply, when the water is made available, so as to provide potable water whenever required. Adara use a range of mould types, including fabricated aluminum, cast aluminum, CNC aluminum, but for water tanks the moulds are primarily fabricated steel. The rotational moulding industry in Algeria is a thriving one, with 10 major rotomoulders and about 15 small scale rotomoulding operations scattered around the country. It suffers from the same problems familiar to many other countries. There can be a wide variation in quality between different moulders, which can create quality perception problems for the whole industry. The decision by Adara to diversify into water tanks has proven to be a successful one. It appears that the lack of confidence by the population in the government to provide water security, combined with the long duration of the drought, has sustained growing demand for individual water security through the use of storage tanks. Adara has grown their rotomoulding business significantly during the past decade and demonstrates the possibilities of rotational moulding, continuing to satisfy the basic human needs for water security with storage tanks, complimenting high technology solutions such as large scale

3.5m double shuttle machine, with operator access on top of oven for control of multi-layers

reservoirs, desalination, and transfer canals. Most rotomoulders in North Africa, Middle East, and Asia manufacture and promote triple layer tanks to their customers. They typically dry blend their colours, primarily to lower their raw material cost. However, dry blended pigments will leach into the water and affect the water quality which is one reason why they need to have an inner layer of natural; to minimise the risk of contamination to the drinking water. The black middle layer will

Adara promoting their product diversity at the SIEL-HORECA tourism trade show in Algeria – Dec 2021. (L-R) Mr. Rafig Belatracje. Mr. Fuat Collu, and Amal

www.rotoworldmag.com 33

Customer collection of a domestic tank

be required in most tanks because the dry blended outer colour does not inhibit light transmission through the walls, as even low light levels can promote the growth of algae inside the tank. The inner layer of natural is a cheaper material cost, and allows the customer to more easily see if the water and tank inside is clean. With the growth in demand for tanks over the past decade there have been some moulders importing low cost and low quality polyethylene resins and dry pigments, along with making tanks with inadequate wall thicknesses. This has resulted in some poor quality tanks entering the market, with a relatively short service life. While Adara were new to the rotomoulding industry they decided to use high quality melt compounded colours to manufacture their tanks. They were aware of the technical advantages and disadvantages of tumble blending dry pigments and melt compounding, which were being drummed into the rotomoulding industry from recognised authorities such as Queens University Belfast. Adara understood the quality benefits of using an extruder to mix colours because they had extrusion experience manufacturing their own plumbing pipe and fittings. Their business philosophy was to manufacture good quality products, using good quality materials with good quality moulds, combined with efficient and reliable machinery to ensure the market for water tanks have a long and prosperous future. Adara import their powder in a range of compounded

Comparison in colour method. QUB, 2006 [1]

34 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

colours, most commonly blue, green, and grey, as well as black for the middle layer, and white for the inner layer. They mould their tanks in 3 layers because consumers have been convinced that water tanks needed 3 layers to be fit for purpose. It has been easier to present their tanks to market with the same triple layer material design, using superior melt compounded colours, to avoid the disadvantages of tumble blended pigments. 2021 was a difficult year for the rotomoulding industry in Algeria. Like almost all countries around the world they faced significant increases in the cost of polymer. This was combined with the continued growth in demand because of the drought and increasing problems supplying drinking water. The increasing prices for tanks created customer anger as some perceived that they were being over charged because of the high demand, rather than the higher material costs. Plastic tanks also received some bad press because some people were buying cheap second hand chemical tanks, which are not safe to store drinking water. Algeria received large amounts of rain at the end of 2021, which fell into catchment areas allowing dams to increase storage levels significantly. This is good news for water stressed Algerians. While it may take some pressure off the municipal water supply authorities, and reduce the urgency for water tanks in the short term, it is likely that the long-term demand for rotomoulded water tanks will remain strong in Algeria. The story of water scarcity is a growing concern across the world. Apart from Algeria, water scarcity is a problem all over North Africa, the Middle East, China, Brazil, and Australia. Even one of the world’s wealthiest countries, the United States, has suffered frequent and ongoing droughts in the southwest over the past two decades. The quest for individual water security continues to support the growth of rotomoulded water storage solutions in Algeria and around the globe. References 1. Mark P Kearns, Queens University Belfast, 2006 ARMSA Seminar

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Dru Laws and Daven Claerbout

Dru Laws

Inducted into the Rotational Molding Hall of Fame Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc. R Dru Laws was presented with the Rotational Molding industry’s highest honor, induction into the ARM Hall of Fame during the 2021 Rotoplas and ARM Fall Meeting held in Rosemont, Illionis in September. Dru was selected from a panel of his peers for his outstanding service and contributions to the industry. Dru is a Past-President of ARM (Association of Rotational Molders) and currently CEO of Halltech Systems, as well as COO for Tango Manufacturing. He completed his tenure as the Senior Vice President of Seljan Company, with direct responsibility over the entire plastics manufacturing division of the company as well as significant influence over the metals manufacturing division. A teacher and manufacturing expert, Dru graduated from Brigham Young University in 2003 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and a minor in Mathematics. In 2005, he graduated top of his class with distinction (honors) from the Queens University of Belfast in Northern Ireland with an MSc in Polymer Engineering from their school of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering. Dru has several patents and has guest-lectured at several universities and learning institutions. In addition to running his own consulting business in the past, Dru oversaw the development efforts for Chroma Corporation’s Center of Excellence and was also the Director of Operations for Rotonics Manufacturing and a Division Counselor for the Society of Plastics Engineers. A regular contributor of articles to plastic publications and 36 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

presenter for many conferences worldwide, Dru has conducted and hosted several process workshops, helping manufacturers around the world better understand the principles of Manufacturing & Process Control. He published a 53-page technical resource guide on Rotational Foam Molding, which is now in its second edition. In 2014, Dru was recognized by Plastics News as one of the youngest rising stars in the entire plastics industry. As Dru Laws accepted the high honor of the Rotational Molding Industry, induction into the ARM Hall of Fame, he shared the story of his journey in rotomoulding. “As a young undergraduate at BYU in the mid 90’s, I had the privilege of working as an engineering intern at a company called Mity-Lite just before they chose to undergo an extensive rotation molding research and development project. And nothing about my first rotomolding experience was typical, but I didn’t know better,” he said. The first machine Dru ran was a homemade shuttle that used infrared as the heating source. He used a Rotolog with every part because he thought everyone did. “I was trying to mold a XLPE skin with a PE foam-filled core in a very thin cross section because nobody bothered to tell me that wasn’t a good idea,” he said. Nonetheless, Dru was very excited about what he was doing….and he was immediately hooked. This was the genesis of Dru’s love affair with rotomoulding. It was one of the many

reasons he loves his engagement with industry colleagues. They are the only audience on the planet that can relate, he shared. He would have never guessed that that crazy project would place him on the most rewarding professional path he could have ever asked for. The first person Dru met in the rotational molding industry was Steve (Ski) Andrzejewski, and the two have been great friends ever since. “Ski was the perfect industry ambassador for me at the time. Little did I know, he would be the first in a long list of amazing friends around the world,” he said. Dru and his wife, Jessica, have welcomed many into their home Dru and Jessica Laws to visit, stay, and share a meal. He named Jon Ratzlaff, Jim Carmon, “Thank you to my beautiful wife, Jessica. She knows more Alongkorn Kanokboriboon, Fred Shockey, and others. He and his about rotomolding, process control, and foaming than she ever wife have, in turn, been welcomed wanted to. And one day I promise to take her on a vacation into many colleagues’ homes somewhere that has nothing to do with rotomolding, maybe.” with open arms including Rick Carlsen, Gary Lategan, and Lal Singh, to name a few. Dru has cycled hundreds of miles with Bill Spenceley and Carsten Erkel. He has rock crawled with When first getting involved with SPE, he recalled being so Bob Bunday, jogged many miles alongside Oliver Wandres and hesitant to introduce himself to Glenn Beall. But his nerves Ronny Ervik, and ridden elephants with Gareth McDowell and were quickly calmed as Glenn genuinely encouraged him to get Nick Henwood. Dru, along with his kids successfully navigated involved in the exciting rotational molding industry. an escape room with Conchita Miranda. Dru recalled that his “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the ARM Board, and wife has walked the streets of several foreign cities with Orla the friendships I have forged with Adam Webb and Anna Evans. Nugent and many other of his industry friends’ better halves. He I always look forward to ARM meetings with much anticipation,” has had excellent opportunities to seek counsel from Paul Nugent Dru said. In fact, he has enjoyed a tall glass of lemonade with in many places around the world. too many industry friends at these meetings to count, and many While at BYU, Dru was encouraged to submit the results of a of the attendees in the room have played some part in his roto school project he did, to Rotation magazine. That article led to a path. “There are simply too many names to name individually. multi-year endeavor to develop a global standard for our dry-flow And there is simply not enough time to express my appreciation test. But more importantly, it also led to a wonderful friendship appropriately,” he said. with Susan and Jennifer Gibson of RotoWorld® magazine for “I owe so much of my career experiences to many of you, but which Dru has contributed a number of articles and served as a none compared to the 5 people that have been at my side for the department editor. entire experience. Thank you to my four wonderful children, The first time Dru attended an ARM show, the program Ellie, Jaren, Kaden, and Grace. They can all identify a rotomolded seemed to be dominated by speakers that had a close tie to the part from a mile away. And thank you to my beautiful wife, Queens University of Belfast in Northern Ireland including Mark Jessica. She knows more about rotomolding, process control, Kearns, Mark McCourt, Paul Hanna, Luis Pick, Alvin Spence, and foaming than she ever wanted to. And one day I promise to and others. It was at that show that Dru determined to find a way take her on a vacation somewhere that has nothing to do with to pursue his graduate degree at Queens Univeristy. And while at rotomolding, maybe. I love you Jessica,” he said. Queens, Roy Crawford, though a busy Pro Vice Chancellor at the “It is with humble heart, and gratitude to our Father in Heaven, time, took time to regularly meet with Dru and mentor him. that I accept this Hall of Fame honor,” Dru concluded. www.rotoworldmag.com 37

AT ISSUE Martin Coles, Matrix Polymers

“Recycled” Roto Materials – What Do We Mean?

Despite being in this industry for more than 35 years, I must confess that I still don’t know how to define “Recycled” rotomoulding material. I think it could mean: a. reprocessed off-cuts and rotomoulded scrap parts b. reworked purge rotomoulding material from compounding and out of spec powder, which hasn’t even been moulded c. taking back rotomoulded products after the end of their useful life and having this material reprocessed d. a material that has a reasonable content of any nonrotomoulding recycled polymer in it, maybe 25% or 30% Can these options all legitimately be considered “Recycled”? Do our customers know what they are getting when they ask for recycled material? From the perspective of an end user, I think the common assumption is that a plastic product made from recycled material has been made from a previously used product. Many rotomoulded products that are said to include recycled 38 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

material are made from reworked or reprocessed material that has not come from a used product. Some would suggest that we in the industry should be using the words “reprocessed” or “regrind” far more readily than “recycled”. I suggest that very few products are made from genuinely recycled used rotomoulded products. What are the practicalities of recycling “end of life” rotomoulded products? Theoretically, almost all rotomoulded products can be recycled. Polyethylene dominates our process, and it’s a very recyclable material. But how many rotomoulded products are being collected and recycled after use? Unlike single-use products, most rotomoulded items have been used multiple times over a very long time – sometimes for 20 or even 30 years. So how reusable is a material that has been outside for 20 years and has been weathered and degraded by UV? How do

AT ISSUE you recover and re-use a tank that has contained chemicals or oils that may have permeated into the material? What about the costs involved in shipping bulky products back, assessing them, and safely recovering possibly contaminated material? And then there is the issue of scale. By its very nature rotomoulding creates a highly diverse range of applications in relatively small numbers, and this means that the recovery of products and materials are going to be very complex. Without scale it’s going to be hard to justify. There are some laudable schemes that some rotomoulders have set up to offer to take back endof- life products, but essentially these haven’t been a great success. I am aware of one very successful scheme pioneered by an innovative moulder in New Zealand, leading the way in what can be achieved given the right market, conditions, and focus. Perhaps someone in our industry can share with us some other cases which have been successful and how they have achieved this? My view is that the recovery of most rotomoulded products will be difficult and very expensive. But the pressure is only going to increase for moulders and OEMs to be responsible for disposing and recycling their products at the end of life. This represents a significant challenge to our industry moving forward. Demand for roto products made from recycled PE More rotomoulders are looking to source recycled material. While part of this might be motivated by the significant increases in PE prices and a desire to buy cheaper material, there is also a surge of requests from OEMs and moulders asking that their products be made from recycled. In Europe, there is a new tax on packaging that does not contain recycled material, and you can see that could easily expand this legislation to include other products. The direction of travel is very clear and we’re all going to have to take this subject much more seriously. More customers will insist that the products they buy are made out of recycled material. But where is this material going to come from? Recycled made from non-roto products In my view, using recycled material from other processes is an easier and more practical way to source sufficient quantities of recycled material to service the roto industry. So, using Polyethylene post-consumer waste, from blow moulded bottles, injection moulded articles, and some packaging films. The benefit of these waste streams is that they are relatively large, and can develop a more consistent supply chain. The major problem with recycled materials is variability in quality and availability.

One of the other key questions is what percentage of recycled is needed to justify calling a material a recycled grade? Some people in North America tell me a minimum of 25% is needed, other regions say 30%. There again is no clarity in this area and this is something that would be very useful for us to have as an industry. Perhaps a question that could be discussed across our rotomoulding associations around the world? It would be good to have an industry-wide consensus or standard.

Cost In the past, one of the big attractions that people have had to use recycled is the idea of having a cheaper material. The reality these days is that good quality genuine post-consumer recycled can be much more expensive than virgin. As demand has grown and supply is costly and insufficient there can be a premium of 30-40% or even more for good quality, post-consumer recycled (PCR). There is also the cost of compounding virgin material with PCR or post-industrial waste and additives to make a material suitable for rotomoulding. So, a “genuine” recycled rotomoulding material, made from PCR, rather than just reworked polymer is likely to cost considerably more than virgin. And this is one of the biggest questions. While we all want to be “greener” and do the right thing, how much more are we prepared to pay for this? www.rotoworldmag.com 39

ARM

REPORT

Serving the Rotational Molding Industry Worldwide for Over 40 Years

The mission of the Association of Rotational Molders is to promote, educate, and inspire the rotomolding industry. For more information, visit ARM’s website at www.rotomolding.org or contact the Association at 630-942-6589 or info@rotomolding.org.

Creating Efficiencies First, I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! After a couple of challenging years, we are all looking forward to a better 2022. I am pleased that there are very encouraging signs that we are emerging from the worst. As I reflect on the past two years, I am extremely proud of our industry response and successful navigation throughout these uncertainties. The perseverance and professional commitment of the ARM staff, directors, and membership has been quite impressive and greatly appreciated. Our theme for 2022 is Creating Efficiencies. Meetings, seminars, and webinars will embrace this theme throughout the year. Our industry as a whole is very healthy even though labor and supply chain issues persist.

Strategic Planning Scheduling Automation

As I reflect on the past two years, I am extremely proud of our industry response and successful navigation throughout these uncertainties. The perseverance and professional commitment of the ARM staff, directors, and membership has been quite impressive and greatly appreciated.

Recruiting Efficiency objectives are achievable through strategic planning, scheduling, automation, and recruiting. Many of these topics will be addressed at our Executive Forum in Amelia Island Florida, March 14-16. Learning about our members and their operations can be a great way to enrich our own processes and facilitate creative thought. Please seriously consider participating in ARM’s webinars. They provide immense value and knowledge without the necessity of leaving your office. ARM is here to serve our members and interact through sharing ideas and experience. There’s a listing of our webinar library in the next few pages. Lastly, thank you for your continued support. I look forward to a prosperous and positive 2022. We’re moving on! Matt Bushman 2022 President, Association of Rotational Molding President, Plasticraft Corporation

40 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

ARM

REPORT Spring Executive Forum Connect with owners and executives in the rotomolding industry March 14-16 at the Omni Amelia Island in Florida. This meeting is more interactive than our Annual Meeting. Discuss strategic growth, the economic outlook for manufacturers, employee health, recruitment, and more with our expert speakers. For more information visit bit.ly/ARMamelia or call 630.942.6589. Over the years members have told us they’ve found solutions that saved them tens of thousands of dollars while talking at the coffee break or in a Amelia Island, Florida taxi. The meeting will offer plenty of networking time with other rotomolding executives to talk over the challenges and opportunities in the year ahead. diversify and create new revenue streams. Join us on Amelia Island on Monday, March 14. Our Jonathan Grau and Jen Cox (National Council for Mental traditional kick-off is a cocktail reception. If you arrive early, Wellbeing) will discuss how HR professionals, line managers, you’re invited to a bike tour of the island and an optional and employees can use practical techniques to approach and discussion with the Board of Directors about how ARM should support colleagues in distress and to help organizations build invest assets for member value and research. a resilient and more productive workforce. Organizations that On Tuesday March 15, we’ll hear from our expert speakers train their employees in Mental Health First Aid® at Work can on strategic planning, transportation outlooks, igniting highlight their internal resources, employee assistance programs, your entrepreneurial spirit, mental health for your team, HR and other important benefits. challenges in rotomolding, and how manufacturers can plan for Oren Klachkin, Lead Economist for Oxford Economics, our new economy. We’ll end the night with a fun dinner at the will outline the forecast for manufacturing and machine Marsh View Bar and Grill. tools, connecting them with sources of global demand and Wednesday morning we’ll hear from two rotomolders highlighting potential challenges on the horizon for producers who have developed two different programs for scheduling and consumers of manufacturing technology. After the their rotomolding machines. We also have a speaker on how spectacular comeback from recession exposed mismatches to improve staff retention in hourly workers with employee between demand and supply, how will manufacturing and scheduling. Everyone will have a chance to share in our What’s commerce respond? How do recent policy changes and spending Your Problem discussion and what we’ve learned at the meeting plans impact prospects and competitiveness? Will higher to take back to the shop. In the afternoon, our optional events inflation persist, when will interest rise in response? include golf and a kayak tour. Steve O’Brian, chief operating officer at Shiftboard, will Darcy Bien (The Strategy in Motion Bootcamp) will share discuss how workforce flexibility can help you combat the a growth oriented strategic planning process, customized for challenges of a labor shortage. Businesses today must have the small/mid-size companies. Strategist Darcy Bien partners ability to flex labor resources as demand changes while also with CEOs, executives, and leadership teams to plan their offering shift employees a better employment experience. The organizations’ futures. With nearly 20 years of experience answer to these challenges lies in enabling workforce flexibility. helping hundreds of companies, her team-based approach and Join Steve as he shares valuable insights about the critical first time-tested processes helped build her national reputation for steps manufacturers need to consider when launching a flexible delivering “actionable strategy.” workforce initiative of their own. Len Dunman (Mercer Transportation) discusses the future Rotomolders Jon Smalley (SMAK Plastics) and Wayne Wiid of logistics and how companies can plan for the year ahead with (Pioneer Plastics) will demonstrate two different rotomolding rising labor and fuel costs. scheduling software programs they have developed and are Bob Fettig (Plasticraft owner and CEO) will discuss his new using in their respective plants. You will get a view into how the business that provides an innovative approach to basic medical operation has changed with their roto-specific software. treatment, The Doctor’s Office. Hear about why he started it We’re organizing a variety of voices for a Human Resources and his entrepreneurial vision. Consider whether there are Panel, sharing thoughts and answering questions about inefficiencies in your business that may be opportunities to recruitment, retention, and company culture. www.rotoworldmag.com 41

ARM

REPORT Become more efficient without leaving the plant ARM now offers more than 100 videos on-demand for members to help improve the rotomolding process. Members can access all of the titles listed below immediately. We challenge you to take a look at your operation to see which areas you can improve in 2022. Business Matters • Rotomolding Opportunities in H2 by Aldo Quarantino • Finding and Keeping Great Employees by Eric Chester • How HR Leaders Adapt by Gloria St. Martin-Lowry • 2021 Economic Forecast by Chris Kuehl • 2021 Resin Industry Forecast by Kristen Hays • Managing Risk for Rotomolders by Thomas Kammerait • Leveraging LinkedIn to Grow Your Business by Lynee Alves • Polyethylene Market Dynamics • Roto +10 by Paul Nugent • North American Rotomolding Industry SWOT by Rick Carlsen • Selling in Uncertain Times and Tough Markets by Paul Reilly • Making the Most of Trade Shows by Melissa Shearer • 10 Actionable Business Topics by Thomas Kammerait • Making the Most of Your Marketing Budget by Melissa Shearer • Prop 65 for Rotomolders by Mike Haubert • Rebranding Your Business by Tom Innis • Rotational Molding & the Evolving Structural Part Processing Business by Dr. Peter Mooney • Turning a 4% Bottom Line into a 10% Bottom Line by Al Bates • Assessing Your Environmental & Regulatory Compliance Footprint by Tim Jones Design and Cost • Rotational Molding Design Series (6 Videos) by Michael Paloian • Kymera Body Board Case Study by Mario Poma • Fracture Mechanics for Rotational Molding by Sachin Waigaonkar • Stiffness Models and Options for Multi-Layered Parts by Dr. Nick Henwood • Considerations When Light-Weighting Rotomolded Parts by Henry Hay • Finite Element Analysis: The Basics by Michael Paloian • Determining Your True Cost by Steve Osborn • Save Energy & Save Money by Bill Spenceley Materials and Testing • Rotomoldable Acetal for Tank Applications by Darin Grinsteinner • The Effect of Pigments on Warpage of Rotomolded Parts by Michael Haubert • Using Post-Consumer Recycled in Rotomolding • Introduction to Long-Term Properties by Dr. Nick Henwood • UV Stability and Heat Aging by Thomas Steele and Kyle O’Connor 42 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

• • • • • •

Fade Resistance of Pigments Leveraging New Resins by Carmine D’Agostino and Hassan Riaz Long-Term Material Properties Q&A Selecting the Right PE Grade for Your Part by Nick Henwood In-Process Rotational Foam Molding by R. Dru Laws Test Method for Flowability (Dry Flow Rate) of Polyethylene Powders Using a Specified Funnel by Ron Cooke & Jon Ratzlaff

Molds and Accessories • Automation Concepts in Conventional Molds and Robomolds by Oliver Wandres • Mold Trends: Europe v. North America by Sergio Zilioli • Lengthening the Life of Your Mold by Tony Short • Mold Clamping Methods – Pros and Cons by Erik Adams and Bob Mueller • Mold Release by Evan Silo and Scott Waterman Operations and Safety • Graphic Application Hacks by Jim Crawshaw • Track and Trace by Jim Crawshaw • Health and Safety Training Series by Nick Henwood - Introduction to Risk Management - Mechanical - Thermal, Fire, and Explosions - Slips, Trips, Entanglements, and Static - Electricity, Gas, Water, and Compressed Air • Post-Mold Label-Free Graphics by Konstantia Asteriadou • Powder to Packaging – Industry 4.0 by Rob Miller • Foam Technology by Queen’s University Belfast • Welding 101 by Kevin McTavish • VR in Layout Planning by Karem Akoul • Rotomold USA Plant Tour • Plasticraft Plant Tour • Process Tuning 101 by Dr. Nick Henwood • Seven Stages of Rotomolding by Gareth McDowell • Webinar Series on Finishing

ARM

REPORT

• • • • •

- Introduction - Standard Operations by Rick Carlsen - Mold-In Graphics by Jason Brownell and Scott Saxman - Polyurethane Foaming by Nick Henwood - EPS Molding by Corey Eystad - In-Mold Label-Free Graphics by Konstantia Asteriadou - Finishing Parts with Robots by Dru Laws Unwanted Holes in Rotomolded Parts by Nick Henwood Resin Rotomation by Rob Miller Vent Plug Techniques & Installations by Sandy Scaccia Case Study: Finishing Parts with Robots by Dru Laws Operator Training Program by Nick Henwood, Dru Laws, and more - Introduction - What To Know on Day One pt 1 - What To Know on Day One pt 2 - Molds - Venting - Mold and Venting Q&A - Mold and Venting Safety - Minimizing Waste - Contamination - Parting Lines - Parting Line Safety - Review of Molds, Venting, Contamination, and Parting Lines - Mold Terminology - Mold Finish and Maintenance - Material Weighing - Inside the Mold - Measuring Temperature - In-Mold Video - Shrinkage and Warpage - Thickness Control - Review of Molds, Measurements, Shrinkage, and Warpage - Polyethylene - Beyond Polyethylene - Mold Release

• • • • • • • • • •

- Operator Safety - Review of Materials, Mold Release, and Safety Cooling Fixtures by Ron Joannou Jr. and Joey Morsi Improving Rotational Molded Insert Performance by Glenn Larkin and Jon Ratzlaff Troubleshooting Your Rotomolding Operation from a Shop Floor Perspective by Ron Cooke Solve Cosmetic Part Problems by Jon Ratzlaff EPCRA Reporting & Combustible Dust by EPA & OSHA Proper Sampling Techniques by Josh Hunsberger and Dave Loeffler Burner Maintenance by Adam Covington What’s Your Problem by Ron Cooke & Sandy Scaccia Roto 101 by Rick Carlsen & Ron Joannou Jr. Safety in Rotomolding & OSHA Compliance by Dave Schwoerer

Process Control • Troubleshooting Part Cure by Ron Cooke • The Use of Part Density Measurements to Assess Correct Cure by Nick Henwood • Industry 4.0 and Part Cure by Rob Miller • Modeling the Rotomolding Process by Hassan Riaz • Understanding the Molding Cycle by Gareth MacDowell • What Does Internal Air Mold Temperature Have to do with Quality by Gareth McDowell • Infrared Thermography by Bill Spenceley Webinars in Spanish • Operator Training Introduction by Nick Henwood • Molds and Venting by Nick Henwood • Minimizing Waste, Parting Lines, and Contamination by Nick Henwood • Molds and Mold Maintenance by Jim Henry If you’re not an ARM Member and missing out on these amazing educational tools, contact ARM staff to join today.

Save the Date: ARM Annual Meeting We are excited to bring ARM’s Annual Meeting to The Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta, November 6-10. This fabulous downtown hotel offers easy access to all of Atlanta’s gems while providing a great location for our meeting. On Sunday, November 6, ARM will offer optional seminars, committee meetings and tours. Our exhibit hall will open on Monday, November 7 after our keynote speaker. Tuesday, November 8 provides general sessions, breakout groups in workshops, tours for spouses/companions, and our annual gala where we celebrate excellence in rotomolding. The conference

wraps up on Wednesday, November 9 with more speakers and optional tours. Registration for the conference will open in late Spring. We are excited to build on the success of the past few years and bring back our meeting even stronger after COVID-19. Sponsorships and table top booth sales are now open. This is a great opportunity to reach many decision makers in the rotomolding community and show off what’s new with your brand. Contact ARM staff to participate.

www.rotoworldmag.com 43

The Evolving Landscape of Hydrogen Technology Aldo Quaratino, Matrix Polymers

Over the past few years, the interest in responding to climate change has increased, forcing policymakers, non-profit organizations, and industrial leaders to put climate change on their agendas. This interest has gained momentum and finally 196 parties, including some of the most influential governments globally, agreed to forge “The Paris Agreement,” which is an international treaty focused on tackling climate change. The treaty entered into force on November 4th, 2016. Its’ objective is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5, compared to pre-industrial levels. To achieve this long-term temperature goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2 and CH4 as soon as possible, with the goal of a climate-neutral world by 2050. To achieve net-zero CO2 emission by 2050, an extensive of projects aiming at decarbonising the most polluting industrial processes saw an impressive and unprecedented amount of funding. Based on a study conducted by Mackenzie Corp., the scale of global investment is around 500 billion dollars. Many governments, including the UK, Germany, US, and Australia have started to make funds available for all initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions and create advanced technologies with zero input of CO2 emissions. Those initiatives include the production of hydrogen. Hydrogen Hydrogen has always attracted the interest of politicians, scientists, intellectuals, and economists. In 1874, the science fiction author Jules Verne imagined a world where hydrogen was used as a fuel in his novel “The Mysterious Island”. During the oil crisis in the 1970s, hydrogen appeared as a concept. The Bush Administration in 2003 considered hydrogen vehicles during the first wave of genuine concern about climate change. Hydrogen is both the most abundant and smallest element on the earth, but it is not easy to access. The current manufacturing process is very polluting, producing a high level of CO2, and is based on the scission of gas such as methane. However, there is

an alternative way to produce hydrogen using renewable sources such as windmills – see Figure 1. The power generated is used to split water into its fundamental elements, oxygen, and hydrogen, utilizing an electrolyser. The hydrogen manufactured by using the renewable resource is called Green Hydrogen. Although the electrolysing process is not very efficient and requires an elevated amount of water, the technology is constantly evolves, reducing its manufacturing cost. The lack of capillary refuelling stations and currently elevated prices are hinders hydrogen from being widely used. Most of the efforts from the highly industrialized governments are bridging the gap, increasing the number of refuelling stations: there are only 15 in UK, 91 in Germany, and approximately 50 in California. Hydrogen has two functions: it can be used as a source of fuel and as energy storage. Type IV Vessel Rotomoulding can play a pivotal role and contribute to the decarbonisation process’s success, helping many global industries achieve their environmental goals. Hydrogen and many other gases such as oxygen are currently stored in cylinders made from a metal called Type-3 liners. Those vessels, usually, small containers, are used in a wide range of applications including scuba, medical sector, life support, paintball, and aerospace. Essential aspects to consider are the specific energy of hydrogen and the energy density of hydrogen versus conventional fuels and other gasses. Specific Energy

Figure 2: Specific Energy

Figure 1: Hydrogen Value Chain

44 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

Figure 2 shows, the specific energy of hydrogen is very high, much higher than diesel and other conventional fuels. This makes the chemical a strong candidate to develop high-quality energy once it is used as fuel. However, its energy density is very low, as illustrated in Figure 3. Therefore, it needs to be compressed at elevated pressure, usually from 60 up to 750 bars. If those levels of pressure are used with metal liners, their

Energy Density

Application

Operating Pressure (bar)

Energy storage

E-mobility (Bus & Trucks)

350

E-mobility (Cars)

700/750

Table 1: Operating Pressure

Figure 3: Energy Density

thickness and weight would be incredibly high, making the entire concept unpractical and unfeasible. Therefore, Type-4 vessels were considered for this application. The Type-4 vessel is a composite structure featuring a polymer liner with carbon fibre. The polymer liner acts as a barrier against the gas and can be rotomoulded. Liners can reach a length of 2 or even 3 meters. The carbon fibre winded around the liner helps the vessel to withstand the applied pressure. This keeps the overall weight of the composite structure very low.

not all polymers will offer the same barrier against hydrogen. Hydrogen is the smallest atom, and so it can permeate very easily. However, the design of the vessel, including the size, geometry, wall thickness of the carbon filament, boss design, and operating pressure can all influence the overall permeation rate. Often the permeation values measured in the laboratory can differ from the values measured in real life.

Permeation Rate

Compressed Hydrogen Storage System

Figure 5: Permeation Rate

It is advisable that rotomoulders or anyone who has an interest in this fascinating concept should carry out tests on their products to ascertain the permeation rate. Figure 5 shows EVOH as the polymer with the lowest permeation rate, whereas PE has the highest.

Figure 4: Type-4 Vessel

Market Trends & Opportunities The introduction of the Type-4 vessels has opened an incredibly wide range of opportunities for the rotomoulding industry which involves the transportation market segment and energy storage. It is possible to use the operating pressure of the Type4 vessel to understand more about the operating life of the product and its requirements – see Table 1. Usually, hydrogen is kept at an operating pressure of 60 bars when it is produced through the electrolyser process in relatively small containers of approximately 1000 litres. Those containers can then be transported where it is needed. In E-mobility buses and trucks, the operating pressure is 350 bars. In cars, the operating pressure can be as high as 750 bars. Currently, the only car fully commercialised is the Toyota MIRAI made in Japan. Another critical aspect to consider is the permeation rate, as

Technical Solutions At Matrix Polymers we have been working on several technical solutions including engineering polymers such as Revolve® EVOH and Polyamide 6. Revolve® EVOH is a dual layer structure, based on a PE modified technology which generates a chemical bond

Figure 6: Revolve® EVOH

www.rotoworldmag.com 45

between EVOH and PE during the rotomoulding process. This solution will provide the best barrier against hydrogen and will be the lightest solution possible. Polyamide 6 offers good barrier properties against many gases including hydrogen and offers elevated flexural modulus, and tensile strength, which are requirements, for hydrogen liners. This material has been designed and developed with a unique Polyamide 6, modified with very good mouldability and improved resistance to thermal degradation, making the material easier to rotomould with any rotomoulding machine. Matrix Polymers can bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and knowledge of the rotomoulding industry thanks to its global footprint and contacts across the industry. We believe that the rotomoulding process can play a crucial role in helping rotomoulders to penetrate new crucial segments by promoting unique technical solutions. The hydrogen value chain can present unique opportunities for organizations that are looking to differentiate and help the environment to decarbonize. To find out more, get in touch: sales@matrixpolymers.com matrixpolymers.com

46 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

Figure 7: Revolve® PA RDN

DESIGN

COMMENT

Michael Paloian, Integrated Design Systems, Inc.

Designing for Sustainability What is the most popular buzzword in the plastics industry today? The answer is sustainability. Everyone is jumping on the sustainability bandwagon. Some companies use the word for the sole purpose of promotion and marketing, while others genuinely believe they are saving the environment. Unfortunately, most people don’t truly understand the implications of the word and how to maximize the utility of plastics from the cradle to the grave genuinely. The remainder of this editorial will discuss this topic objectively. Plastic materials have revolutionized society since their commercial introduction a little more than 100 years ago. They have become an integral part of our economy, society, and way of life because of their unique properties. One of these properties is their corrosion resistance and ability to sustain decomposition for long periods, sometimes hundreds of years. Unfortunately, this same property is the biggest problem associated with plastics; you can’t easily get rid of them once they have been created. All you must do is check the internet for plastic pollution, and you’ll quickly see the exponential amount of plastic waste deposited into our environment every year. For example, 1.25 million tons of micro pellets are dumped into our environment this year vs. almost zero in 1950! Projects for the next 30 years could triple that annual amount unless policies are changed. The question is, what is being done and what can be done? Plastics like PET, PE, PS, and PP are collected, segregated, and reprocessed. Some companies like Ocean Plastics are gathering plastic waste from the ocean and recycling it into pellets for reuse. Other plastics are burned and used as fuel. How can designers truly design for sustainability? There are several considerations listed below: 1. Specify recycled materials – Surprisingly, recycled polyethylene is similar in cost to virgin polyethylene; the former is slightly higher than the latter. Designers must be aware of the property profile of recycled PE. Some applications are not well suited for recycled PE. Applications requiring stringent control of specific physical properties are not good candidates for recycled PE. 2. Cost – Cost-sensitive products are better suited to virgin PE than recycled materials, which are usually more expensive. 3. Regrind vs. Recycled – Can one claim a 5% use of regrind is equivalent to 100% recycled ocean plastics? Some companies claim their product is manufactured from recycled plastics because it contains a small amount of regrind, obviously deceptive. The industry should institute regulatory guidelines to prohibit this type of misrepresentation. 4. Design for Recycling – Ease of recycling is dependent on part

design. Ideally, product designs should be easily assembled and disassembled for recycling. Plastic parts that include large molded-in metal inserts, multilayer composition, and inseparable assemblies are difficult to recycle. 5. Availability – Designers should always consider material availability when specifying resins. If the resin supplier is not dependable and alternative sources don’t exist, it will pose a problem for maintaining long-term production commitments. Specifying recycled resins is sensible and beneficial when the application, market, and manufacturing requirements make sense. Designers should never assume the properties of the recycled resin are as good as virgin material since the former comprises a blend of various materials that have been degraded during an unknown period. Compliance certificates are recommended when recycled materials are specified to maintain quality and production consistency. I hope this brief discussion about sustainability has been informative. I look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to contact me with your questions or comments by writing to me at paloian@idsys.com www.rotoworldmag.com 47

Harry Covington, Tom Murdough, and Steve Osborn

Thomas G. Murdough Inducted into the Rotational Molding Hall of Fame Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

Thomas G. Murdough, Jr. (Tom) is a legend in the toy manufacturing business. He founded Little Tykes in 1970, Step 2 in 1991, and Simplay3 in 2016. For his many years of service and contributions to the industry, Tom was presented with the highest honor the industry offers, induction into the Rotational Molding Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place during the 2021 Rotoplas and ARM Fall Meeting held in Rosemont, Illinois in September. Tom is an entrepreneur, businessman, industry leader, and philanthropist. He is quick to attribute much of his success to an unwavering commitment to product safety, quality, and service. He has long held a strong belief in the “do it right” management philosophy for himself as well as for the people who’ve worked alongside him throughout his career. After graduating from the University of Virginia, Tom spent three years of service as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. After this, Tom was employed with Wilson Sporting Goods Co., as a sales management trainee. He was transferred to Detroit and then to North Carolina where he worked form 1965-1968. It was in North Carolina that he met his lovely wife, Joy, to whom he has been married for almost 50 years and shares four sons and 9 grandchildren. In 1968, Tom was transferred to The Wonder Products Company (also owned by Wilson Sporting Goods) as Vice President of Marketing. Wonder Products was also the first company to rotomolded hobby horses. 48 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

Tasked with filling machine time at Wonder Products, Tom landed a job of manufacturing 100,000 bedpans that were needed in a hurry. This would prove to be an important event in Tom’s career as he had to learn fast how to mass produce and meet the customer’s deadline. In 1969, Tom partnered with Jack Hill, the owner of Rotodyne in Aurora, CA with the goal of developing and producing a children’s product line. The company was initially operating with one little rotomoulding machine, and the “Frog Toy Box” was Tom’s first successful rotomolded children’s toy product. The company grew rapidly from 1970-1972 to grossing sales of $1 million. Tom purchased the company and renamed it Little Tykes. The plant was moved to Macedonia, Ohio in 1977, and to Hudson, Ohio in 1983. Little Tykes was merged with Rubbermaid in 1984 and Tom remained on as President. The company became the most profitable division of Rubbermaid grossing over $300 million in 1989, with 1700 employees and five plants around the world. Little Tykes was one of the first companies to make consumer goods, rotomolded toys, and playground equipment for children when the rest of the industry was using injection molding. Tom used a childcare center to test the toys before they went to market, and the toys were designed for year-around use. The company utilized Teflon lined tools to ease assembly, double stacked spiders for heavy weights, short cure cycles, and many

“Through it all, Tom learned what inspired him and what motivates him. He has loved and felt very blessed with his career. Tom thanked his wife, Joy, and their sons Tom 3rd, Marshall, Jody, and Pete for their enduring support throughout his career.” of the products’ assembly was without the use of fasteners. The “Cozy Coupe” was the largest car model sold in the US for several years running. Tom left Little Tykes in 1989 and started Step2 in Streetsboro, Ohio in 1991 after his non-compete had expired. Many of his former employees followed and his team would once again build a significant children’s rotomolded toys company with plants in Ohio, California, Georgia, and Ireland. In Step 2 was sold to a private equity firm Liberty Partners in 2007. Tom planned to retire and spend more time with his family and enjoying other pursuits. During Tom’s time out from children’s product manufacturing, he developed a new commercial center in downtown Hudson, Ohio, which was named First & Main. The property included 25-acres of retail shops, restaurants, office space, town library, grocery store, residences, parking, and green space. It was after 8 years that Tom decided he wanted to do it all again. He wanted to develop another great company, developing a line of great children’s products along with home and garden products. Thus, Simplay3 began to take shape. Some of the early products produced by Simplay3 were the Game Day Push About Helmut, the Super Coupe Pedal Trike, and the Elly Coupe, similar to the Cozy Couple from the 1970s. Tom was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2020, and he has played in significant role in philanthropic activities in Ohio and Florida with the Thomas G. and Joy P. Murdough

Foundation, which is used for a variety of medical, hospital, education, industry, civic, and musical philanthropic endeavors. Tom lends his leadership experience in a variety of local and national roles. He is a member of the Founders Group of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and has served as director or trustee for several businesses, civic, and educational boards including University Hospitals of Cleveland, MBNA Corporation, University of Virginia, Western Reserve Academy, and the Akron’s Children’s Hospital, to name a few. Tom said, “I have always been fascinated with rotational molding and early on I began to wonder the product possibilities with the process. He believes rotomoulding can produce unique, high quality, durable products. He thoroughly enjoys seeing some of his former company’s products produced 40 years ago and it gives him great satisfaction. However, Tom says going into rotomoulding is a gutsy decision due to its limitations and since it is highly labor-intensive. “But today’s machines have evolved due to computerization and management software, so they are easier to use,” Tom said. Through it all, he learned what inspired him and what motivates him. He has loved and felt very blessed with his career. Tom thanked his wife, Joy, and their sons Tom 3rd, Marshall, Jody, and Pete for their enduring support throughout his career. He also paid high tribute to Simplay3 executives Jim Miller, Brian McDonald, Hridsky, Mark Copeland, and Cary Karem. www.rotoworldmag.com 49

INDUSTRY 4.0

EPISODE 9

Rob Miller, Wittmann Battenfeld Canada Inc. / ROTOLOADTM

Where do we go from here?

As I sat down to write this episode, I had just finished reading the President’s Message from Matt Bushman. I don’t think there could be a more appropriate theme for 2022 than “Creating Efficiencies”. One of the go-to statements that I frequently refer to as I manage our business is “Every day brings new challenges”. It’s possible that many of you have heard me use this statement. The fact is that we are all on the verge of coming out of the most significant disruption to our daily lives and our businesses in our lifetime. These are indeed unusual times for manufacturing, with unprecedented disruptions. I can say from our experience, that the situation over the past 2 years has affected every single aspect of our business. Customers, suppliers, supply chain, trucking, employees, production costs, production levels, an increase of errors and scrap, intercompany, and third-party communication are just the initial first topics that come to mind. Who could have predicted in March of 2020, the expanse and duration of the implications that we have all experienced and endured throughout the pandemic and the resulting mandates? If anyone remembers one of my first episodes, I was in Florida on vacation when things started to get serious. On our way home, we learned that our high school age (grade 10) daughter would 50 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

not be back in school for 3 weeks. That turned into the balance of the school year, and the next entire school year didn’t look much different. She will graduate high school this spring. The question for me, and perhaps for some of you, is how do we come out of this in a way that we could sustain it with less impact if it was to happen again? Perhaps due to my interest in Industry 4.0 principles, a question that I would like to dig deeper into is… How can employing 4.0 technology prepare us for some of these challenges and disruptions? We must work together to eliminate or reduce the issues that we have experienced and mitigate the impacts. Matt mentions two primary issues: labor and supply chain. He then goes on to mention strategic planning, scheduling, automation, and recruiting as objectives that we need to enrich within our individual organizations and structures. Of course, all the most important functions of our day-to-day business operations. I believe that Industry 4.0 principles can contribute to each of these topics. I don’t think there is any question to the fact that Industry 4.0 principles can lead to higher productivity, more predictable

INDUSTRY 4.0

EPISODE 9

maintenance requirements, better quality control, and an overall reduction in errors and scrap. Essentially, turn those daily challenges into victories. I also believe that these technologies can improve the lives of our staff, keep them more motivated and engaged, and help us to keep them. From my experience and perspective here in Canada, I was thinking about the hiring of staff for our production/assembly department. When I was in high school (early 80’s), what we know as computers today were not even remotely a thing yet, and my grade 12 computer class consisted of a stack of 3” x 6” computer punch cards 2” thick that we would feed into a machine, just to calculate a simple math problem. Today, students graduating from any level of education, public school, high school, college, or university, have grown up with a cell phone, tablet, or laptop as an integral part of their daily lives. If I need help with my iPad, I ask my kids! If you process this logic, you may consider that it is not that surprising that we can’t find people to tighten nuts and bolts in machinery assembly? Or to work on our platforms dosing material, pulling parts, and completing secondary processes?

I have spoken with roto-molders that are double digit short of employees and operators for their production facilities. I have had several other discussions with roto-molders can’t find ONE employee, let alone 20 or 25 (or more). So, I will ask the question again, how Industry 4.0 principles can be implemented to address the topics and objectives raised by Matt: • Strategic Planning? • Scheduling? • Automation? • Staffing/Recruiting? My plan over the upcoming episodes is to detail existing case studies where real-life applications from other manufacturing disciplines of how Industry 4.0 has addressed and made significant contributions to the objectives above. Please feel free to reach out or send me a specific question that I can use as a focus of an episode and apply it to the list of objectives above. As always, thanks for reading, and stay tuned.

Powercore Plastic Welding System

www.rotoworldmag.com 51

ARMO

NEWS

ASSOCIATION OF ROTATIONAL MOULDERS AUSTRALASIA LTD • ARMA

ARMA 2022 & The Year of Relevance Michelle Rose, ARMA CEO

Last year was a huge year of change for ARMA with a focus on the new policies and procedures that had to be put in place. While a lot was ticked off the list regarding projects, it was a hectic year for the CEO and Board of Directors, and we all looked forward to the fresh start that 2022 would bring with everything now in place to move forward. In 2022 we look to be relevant to our members and supporters as well as to our industry and partner networks. We see relevance as being connected, applicable and appropriate in a way that serves the rotational moulding industry. What this means for ARMA is that we will utilise innovative ways to stay connected within our industry, in a world where we are still tentative about bringing large groups together. Our environment and safety working groups will continue to work on what matters not only for our members, but for the greater 52 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

good of the industry and consumer base. We will also further foster relationships with other organisations to ensure shared knowledge and partnerships for strategies that benefit our members and supporters. We look forward to being a significant part of the solutions that our industry needs with just a few of planned projects such as: • Regular Webinars & Industry Discussions • In Factory Training & Visits • Operation Clean Sweep Audits • Rotomould 2022 Melbourne • Closing the Circle Program • Design for Safety • Emergency Guides and Poster Series • Further Development of the ARMA Online Training Portal

ARMO

NEWS ASSOCIATION OF ROTATIONAL MOULDERS AUSTRALASIA LTD • ARMA

Would you like to Present at Rotomould 2022 Melbourne? ARMA has opened it 2022 program for those that would like to present at our first conference in almost 3 years, to be held in Melbourne this June. Papers should be 30 minutes in duration including time for questions and audience response. In certain cases, a longer presentation time may be considered, and supplier presentations are subject to strict conditions. Rotational moulders from any part of the world are encouraged to consider submitting a case study presentation. If it is accepted, you may receive a free registration for the conference. If you are unable to travel to Melbourne, Australian there are also options for live video presenting from your location. Presentations on the following topics would be welcome; however, applications on any subject matter may be made for approval and inclusion on the conference technical program.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

New Technology for Rotational Moulding Updating Research into the Process Practical workshops on any aspect of the process Manufacturing Strategies Technology & Innovation Management Organisation of Work & Human Resources Product Design Operators Planning & Control Training & Education Performance Management Safety Business Strategies Case Studies

If you are interested, please reach out to ARMA by email to Michelle at michellerose@rotationalmoulding.com

Industry Survey Every 2 years ARMA surveys the industry to ensure that we have the latest data to provide to industry and government when required. It also helps us to focus on what our industry needs. While the complete data is only available to members and supporters, there are some interesting points that were highlighted in the process that can be shared. From the rotomoulders that completed the survey, 50% have been a member of ARMA for over 16 years and a further 25% for over 5 years. They choose to stay members and supporters to network and attend events, access technical information and guides, to stay up to date with what is happening in the industry and professional development. Over 70% of respondents felt the performance of ARMA over the last 2 years was excellent with over 90% scoring our communication as good to excellent! 100% of those companies that answered read our monthly communication, RotoNews; 70% utilize www.rotationalmoulding. com, and 60% regularly access our technical library. When it came to the environment, most companies already have programs and initiatives in place such as end of life product recycling, capturing powder and waste in storm drains, recycling industry scrap, and the implementation of operation clean sweep. When asked about the impacts of Covid on business the answers varied and included:

• • • • • • •

Staffing issues Increase in sales Loss of income in level 4 lockdowns Uncertainly of demand and supply chain Transport and shipping Updates of the policies and procedures Constant change of government legislation and information www.rotoworldmag.com 53

ARMO

NEWS BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION ROTATIONAL MOULDING GROUP • BPF

The Challenges of Incorporating Recycled Content in Plastics Packaging 2022 - 24 March This online seminar will take place 24 Marsch 2022, 13:00 – 16:55 – presented in partnership with Plastics Europe, will provide attendees with a valuable insight into how to incorporate recycled content into packaging. This half-day event will include presentations from government, industry, and retail who will explore certification, technical barriers, supply, and the views of government. All attendees will also be given free access to the recording of the 2021 edition of this event. By attending this event you will: • Discover the latest government thinking on incorporating recycled content from both the UK and Europe • Learn about the technical challenges to incorporating recycled content and how these are being overcome • Find out about polymer supply of recycled content • Learn about progress in certification, verification, and measurement In collaboration with Plastics Europe, highlights include: Update from Government on the Latest Developments Tim Chandler, Senior Policy Advisor, Food Standards Agency Tim currently works as a Senior Policy Advisor at the Food Standards Agency in London. Tim joined the Food Contact Material Policy Team within the Chemical Safety Policy Unit in September 2017. He joined the Food Standards Agency in 2010, and previously held roles within foodborne disease control policy and chemical risk assessment. His academic qualifications include a BSc (hons) in Biochemistry with Medical Biosciences and an MSc in Environmental Technology. Retail Case Study on Food Contact Packaging William Guest, Sustainable Packaging Manager, Tesco William has worked in retail for 16 years and in that time has held a variety of Technical roles across a wide range of product areas. For the past three years he has been the Sustainable Packaging Manager at Tesco, responsible for exploring new packaging technologies, developing circular recycling solutions, and supporting the business in its drive to ensure all its packaging is fully reusable and recyclable. Recent projects he has worked on include the highly successful Tesco Tray to Tray recycling initiative and the development of the Tesco Soft plastic collection scheme. 54 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

We find BPF events offer fantastic opportunities for the industry to tackle important issues. They bring together leading experts on all manner of topics, and act as a great place to network, discuss ideas and share projects that make a real impact. — Adrian Whyle, Resource Efficiency Senior Manager, Plastics Europe

European Legislation - Current Situation with Plastics Tax Silvia Strerrantino, Senior Legal and Regulatory Affairs Manager, EUPC Silvia Freni Sterrantino is Senior Legal and Regulatory Affairs Manager at European Plastics Converters. Before joining EuPC, she worked as an attorney in leading European law firms and in the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission. Admitted to the Italian Bar Association as qualified attorney, she studied law at the universities of Siena, Cambridge , and London where she earned a LL.M. in Competition Law & IP at the London School of Economics and Political Science. For full information go to www.bpf.co.uk, or contact Paul Baxter – (+44) 207 457 5047 – pbaxter@bpf.co.uk

ARMO

NEWS BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION ROTATIONAL MOULDING GROUP • BPF

The Horners Award for Polymer Innovation and Design Open for Entries with Focus on Sustainability The Worshipful Company of Horners and the British Plastics Federation (BPF) have recently announced that it is now accepting entries for The Horners Award for Polymer Innovation and Design. This prestigious award celebrates recent UK plastic innovations and processes that are developed in the UK and demonstrate commercial potential. Judges are looking for innovations that push the boundaries of existing technologies, particularly those with a focus on sustainability. Last year’s winner was Life Safe Technologies who received the award for their development of the StaySafe compact fire extinguisher made from recyclable plastic. Award winners are rewarded with the coveted Horners Trophy and winner’s certificate. The deadline to receive entries for this year’s award is 29 July. BPF Director General Philip Law, states: “The Horners Award brings together the best plastics innovations from across the UK. Plastics play an important role in life-saving products, as well as sustainable technology. It is used in a variety of applications. This award reminds us that plastics are the material of choice for modern innovation and demonstrates the strength of British industry.”

Master of the Horners, Mike Birrell states: “The entries received for the Horners Award for Polymer Innovation and Design always showcase the ingenuity of British inventors who use plastics in their products. This year, we are particularly focused on sustainability, particularly the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals, we welcome products that show how plastics can help us lead sustainable lives, and plastic products that help reduce our environmental footprint.” For more information, go to bpf.co.uk

Association of Rotational Moulders Australasia Inc. Tel: +61 (0) 7 3812 1450 www.rotationalmoulding.com CEO: Michelle Rose Cheif Executive Officer: Michelle Rose michellerose@rotationalmoulding.com

Association of Rotational Moulders Southern Africa PO Box 6966 Birchleigh 1621 Gauteng, South Africa Tel: +27 82 772 3769 Fax +27 12 541 1738 Chairman: Grant Heroldt info@armsa.co.za www.armsa.co.za

IT-RO Italia Rotazionale Katia Zoppetti Via E. Brigatti 12 20152 Milano (MI) Italy Tel: +039 348 7652560 www.it-ro.it

Association of Rotational Moulding (Central Europe) e.V. (ARM-CE) MAUS GmbH - Rotationsgießformen Am Viehweg 9 - D-76229 Karlsruhe Amtsgericht Mannheim, HRB 103433 Tel.: +49 (0) 7 21 / 9 48 74 12 Fax: +49 (0) 7 21 / 9 48 74 44 Mr. Oliver Wandres, ARM-CE Chairman info@rotational-moulding.de www.rotational-moulding.de

British Plastics Federation Rotational Moulding Group 6 Bath Place Rivington Street London EC2A 3JE United Kingdom Tel: 020 7457 5000 Fax: 020 7457 5045 Chairman: Mr. Philip Maddox PhilipM@LeafieldEnv.com

The Nordic Association of Rotational Moulders Executive Board Chairman: Mr. Ronny Ervik ul. Zielona 8, 61-851 Poznan, Poland Tel: +48 607-126-004 Fax: +48 61-858-8611 info@rotomoulding-europe.org www.nordicrotomoulding.org www.rotomoulding-europe.org

Society of Asian Rotomoulders (StAR) 40/145, Ground Floor, Chittaranjan Park New Delhi 110019 Tel: + 91-11-41630157 Fax: +91-11-41634952 Mob: + 91- 9810305356 sb.zaman@staraisa.org arnacz@satyam.net.in www.starasia.org

www.rotoworldmag.com 55

GLOBAL

CALENDAR MARCH 14-16, 2022

ARM EXECUTIVE FORUM Omni Amelia Island Resort Amelia Island, Florida rotomolding.org

OCTOBER 19-26, 2022

K – SHOW

Fairgrounds Düsseldorf, Germany www.k-online.com 56 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

GLOBAL

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 6-9, 2022

FEBRUARY 17-21, 2023

ARM ANNUAL MEETING

PLASTIMAGEN

Westin Peachtree Plaza Atlanta, Georgia rotomolding.org

Banamex Mexico Mexico City, Mexico

www.rotoworldmag.com 57

ADVERTISERS’

INDEX

14 Diversified Mold & Castings 19800 Miles Rd. Warrensville Hts., OH 44128-4118 USA 216.663.1814 | 888.642.1222 info@diversifiedmolds.com www.diversifiedmolds.com 51 DRAM S.r.l. Via Privata Eligio Brigatti 12 20152 Milan Italy info@dramsrl.com dramsrl.com 60 ExxonMobil Chemical Co. PO Box 96126 West Springs Calgary, Alberta Canada, T3H 0L3 800.668.0177 kevin.c.jamieson@exxonmobil.com https://www.exxonmobilchemical.com /en/products-and-services/ polyethylene 5 Ferry Industries, Inc. 4445 Allen Road Stow, OH 44224-1093 USA 330.920.9200 sales@ferryindustries.com www.ferryindustries.com 9, 35 Jerico Plastic Industries, Inc. 7970 Boneta Road Wadsworth, OH 44281 USA 330.334.5244 Minerva Plant: 330.868.4600 steve@jericoplastic.com www.jericoplastic.com 19 JSJ Productions, Inc. 625 West Market St. Salinas, CA 93901 USA 512.894.4106 susan@jsjproductionsinc.com www.jsjproductionsinc.com

58 ROTOWORLD® ISSUE 1 • 2022

11 Matrix Polymers The Priory Orchard Hill Little Billing Northhampton, NN9 9AG United Kingdom +44.1604.789100 sales@matrixpolymers.com www.matrixpolymers.com 7 OREX Rotomoulding SP. Z O.O. Cieszyriska 6, 43-520 CHYBIE Poland +48 32 440 83 15 magda.wantola@orex.pl www.orex-rotomoulding.com 57 Polnac Lázaro Cárdenas, No. 49, Col. San Jerónimo Tepetlacalco, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, Mexico C.P. 54090 +52.55.5362.5360 ext. 275 glenn@polnac.com www.polnac.com 21 Poliplast S.p.A. Via Carrali, 8 24020 Casnigo (BG) Italy +39.035.724145 info@poliplastspa.com www.poliplastspa.com 3 Powder King, LLC 41780 N. Vision Way Unit 120 Bldg. 2 Anthem, AZ 85086 USA 623.551.9897 sales@powder-king.com www.powder-king.com 2 Roto Polymers 26210 Emery Road, Suite 202 Cleveland, OH 44128 USA 1.844.POLIMER (1.844.765.4637) info@rotopolymers.com www.rotopolymers.com

59 Rotomachinery Group Via Crosa, 53 28065 Cerano (NO) Italy +39.0321.772021 polivinil@polivinil.com www.rotomachinerygroup.com 46 VMP, Inc. 24830 Avenue Tibbitts Valencia, CA 91355-3404 USA 888.4.VMP.INC 661.294.9934 info@vmpinc.com www.vmpinc.com 23 Wittmann Battenfeld Canada Inc. / ROTOLOADTM 35 Leek Crescent Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4C2, Canada 905.887.5355 Toll Free: 1.888.466.8266 info@wittmann-group.ca www.wittmann-group.ca

www.rotoworldmag.com 59

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VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 1 • 2022

Learn more about how we can work together to grow your business.

ROTOMOULDING IN NORTH AFRICA WWW.ROTOWORLDMAG .COM

MANUFACTURING

Delivering proven performance so you can innovate with confidence.

Adara Srl, Algeria Ian Hansen, Rota Consult

DRU LAWS & TOM MURDOUGH INDUCTED INTO THE ARM HALL OF FAME Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY Aldo Quaratino, Matrix Polymers

RotoWorld 1, 2022

Articles inside

Advertisers’ Index

ARMO News

From the Publisher

Leadership

At Issue

Global Contributing Editors

Design Comment

Industry 4.0