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
