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VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 6 • 2020/2021

VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 6 • DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

2020 ARM Annual Meeting Online

Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

DESIGN

Delivering proven performance so you can innovate with confidence.

During a Pandemic

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

© 2016 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All rights reserved. ExxonMobil, the ExxonMobil logo, the interlocking “X” device and all product names herein are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

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.

Maintaining healthy reputations 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

For The Rotomolding Industry

A Record Year

2020

We would like to take the time to thank our loyal customers after a record breaking year of success in 2020! At a time of uncertainty and trials for many, Powder King® is so grateful to have received support from new and long-term customers. It is our mission to provide exceptional services to help advance the Plastics Industry. Here at Powder King®, we believe that having a foundation of integrity is a key asset, which we must preserve and enhance. Powder King® believes that with your support, we are able to carryout those standards and continue to produce record breaking success. We appreciate your valuable contribution and wish you a great year ahead.

www.powder-king.com • sales@powder-king.com • 623.551.9897

CONTENTS

FEATURES FEATURE STORY

26

2020 ARMA Annual Meeting Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc. Online conference draws exceptional number of attendees.

30

Rotomolding: The Next 10 Years Paul Nugent, MNOP” A review of “Vision 2020” and looking forward.

38

Part 1: MACcreeP of Rotomolded Polymer Structures Eric Lainé1, Eric Maziers2, Jean-Claude Grandidier1 Institut Pprime, CNRS, ISAE-ENSMA, Université de Poitiers, F-86962 Futuroscope, France 2 Total Research & Technology Feluy, Zone Industrielle Feluy, B-7181 Seneffe, Belgique eric.laine@ensma.fr, eric.maziers@total.com, grandidier@ensma.fr

1

A summary of methodology of accelerated characterization for long-term creep prediction of polymer structure to ensure their service life.

48

Maintaining Healthy Reputations During a Pandemic Andrea Lekushoff, Broad Reach Communications How you treat your people during this crisis will establish your reputation for years to come.

4 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

www.rotoworldmag.com 5

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS 8 From the Publisher Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc. Predictions for 2021!

12 Global Contributing Editors

Global Contributors, Department Contributors, and Issue Contributors

15 Upfront

Industry News, Trends, and Products

22 Travel Updates

Travel New from Around the World

25 Design Comment

Michael Paloian, Integrated Design Systems, Inc. Design Documentation: Do we still need it?

34 ARM Report ARM IN 2021

44 ARMA RotoConnect ARM Welcomes First Female President

51 Industry 4.0

Rob Miller, Wittmann Battenfeld Canada Inc. / ROTOLOADTM A Whole New Year

52 ARMO News

ARMSA, ARM-CE, Nordic ARM, StAR, BPF, IT-RO BPF Roadmap Shows Way to Massively Reduce Plastic Waste Exports by 2030

56 Global Calendar 58 Advertisers’ Index

6 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

Six years ÂŽ of AirForce At Orenda we design, produce, and service the most sophisticated pulverizers in the market. We are proud to lead our industry in inovation and service.

When it comes to innovation, we’re The Real Thing!

Celebrating 20 years of innovation! www.orenda-pulverizers.com www.rotoworldmag.com 7

FROM THE

PUBLISHER Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

Predictions for 2021!

As we all look to turning the page to 2021, The World Economic Forum reported some predictions based on a global survey titled “What does 2021 hold?” Ipsos Mori’s Global Advisor 2021 Predictions canvassed more than 23,000 adults across 31 global locations including countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and South America during the latter part of 2020.

The responses were interesting. More than three-fifths of those surveyed believe most people will be still wearing masks in public for another year. Almost half believe there will be a new pandemic caused by a new virus. 36% believe it is likely that robots will look and speak like humans in the next year. Climate change is on the minds of many, with 75% predicting average global temperatures will increase in 2021. There were some wilder predictions I won’t mention.

The good news is while 2020 was viewed as a bad year for the majority of those surveyed, more than two-thirds were optimistic about the year ahead. One of the survey’s predictions has already come to fruition, confirming that 68% of the respondents thought there would be a successful vaccine developed for COVID-19. Several have been approved in the US, EU, and other countries including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Oxford/AstraZenica.

Despite these threats, real or perceived, the overall result of the survey found a good degree of optimism. While 2020 was a bad year economically for 7 in every 10 participants, 77% were optimistic that the year ahead will be better, with more than half of respondents predicting the global economy will be stronger in 2021 than it was in 2020. Let’s hope is this prediction will come true.

Inside this issue we offer some great reading. Paul Nugent’s look back at the late Professor Roy Crawford’s “Vision 2020” article that was published in RotoWorld® in the year 2000, along with his own predictions for the future. Paul’s stunning understanding of the technology, where we are, and what changes need to occur for the better make this a must read. Eric Laine, Eric Maziers, and Jean-Claude Grandidier present the first part of their study on MACcreeP of Rotomolded Polymer Structures. This will be a deep dive into long-term creep predictions. Also, I share my article covering the ARM Online Conference and Trade Show held in September 2020. This conference was flawless with excellent education and an attendance of over 500 people.

We have fantastic plans for RotoWorld® in 2021. Stay tuned and stay involved. Our job will be to make every page a value add for our readers. We will be reaching out to some of you to get your ideas and input so we are sure to bring you the kind of material you want and need.

Stay safe!

Susan Gibson Publisher & Editor

8 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

RotoSpeed Advantages

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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 Kristina Gaddy-Kates | Oliver Wandres | Ximena Lobo 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® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

Your partners in rotational moulding The Rotational Moulding Experts: • Polyethylene Granules & Powders • Polypropylene Granules & Powders • Crosslink Polyethylene • Polyamide Powders

• • • •

Ancillary Products Technical Support & Advice Multi-lingual Customer Service Global Supply

UK | Poland | India | Malaysia | Australia | New Zealand sales@matrixpolymers.com technical@matrixpolymers.com

matrixpolymers.com

CONTRIBUTING

EDITORS VOLUME XVI, ISSUE 2 • 2020

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

© 2016 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All rights reserved. ExxonMobil, the ExxonMobil logo, the interlocking “X” device and all product names herein are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Large attendance and high marks

Honorees Conchita Miranda, Operadora Miraplastek, and Jon Ratzlaff, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, Inducted into the Rotational Molding Hall of Fame

© 2016 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All rights reserved. ExxonMobil, the ExxonMobil logo, the interlocking “X” device and all product names herein are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

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.

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

Influence Material Selection

Alvin Spence, Centro, Incorporated

WWW.ROTOWORLDMAG .COM

Viscosity and Melt Index

PRODUCTS

Rob Miller, Wittmann Battenfeld Canada Inc. / ROTOLOADTM

Michelle Rose, ARMA

Cutting production costs and lessening global warning effects

ARM 2019 ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Karem Akoul, Peter Ross, Brian Allen and Seall Your rotational molding capabilities begin withDavid the quality andCP Cases, London; MarkStart Kearns and Dr. Peter Martin, dependability of your polyethylene resin supply. your day with PE products and process innovations that help leading rotomolders Queen’s University, Belfast

WWW.ROTOWORLDMAG .COM

Shift to Digital

PAINT IT BLACK

© 2016 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All rights reserved. ExxonMobil, the ExxonMobil logo, the interlocking “X” device and all product names herein are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

bring their most complex designs to reality. Accomplish more with our reliable supply network, responsive sales support and expert technology team.

ARMA Rotoconnect’s WWW.ROTOWORLDMAG .COM

WWW.ROTOWORLDMAG .COM

our reliable supply network, responsive sales support and expert technology team.

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

the Development of a New Rotational Moulding Factory

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

Your rotational molding capabilities begin with the quality and rotational molding capabilities begin with the quality and dependability of your polyethylene resin supply. Start yourYour day with PE products and process innovations that help leading rotomolders dependability of your polyethylene resin supply. Start your day with bring their most complex designs to reality. Accomplish more with PE 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.

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

Delivering proven performance Use of Virtual Reality in so you canThe innovate with confidence.

Delivering proven performance so you can innovate with confidence.

Consider how humans perceive the future

Put Your Money...

Where Your Money is!

VOLUME XV, ISSUE 5 • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2019

A Study of Dry Blending so you can innovate with confidence.

© 2016 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All rights reserved. ExxonMobil, the ExxonMobil logo, the interlocking “X” device and all product names herein are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Sunil Raithatha, Prashant Trivedi & Umakant Savadekar

Dr. Nick Henwood, Rotomotive Limited

FOR A MORE SOPHISTICATED, CONVENTIONAL ROTOMOULDING INDUSTRY

WWW.ROTOWORLDMAG .COM

Delivering proven performance Succeeding in The Power Uncertain Times Delivering proven performance so you of can innovate with confidence.

Pigment

What Rotomolders Need to Know about Polymer Chemistry

ARMO2019 CONFERENCE

Hosted by ARMSA in South Africa

VOLUME XVI, ISSUE 1 • 2020

Your rotational molding capabilities begin with the quality and dependability of your polyethylene resin supply. Start your day with Celal Beysel, Floteks Plastik, Turkey 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

LEADERSHIP

in Indian Agriculture…

TECHNOLOGY

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

Rotoculture takes roots

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.

Brian Olesen, Centro Inc., President & CEO

VOLUME XV, ISSUE 6 • 2019

Making a Quantum Jump DESIGN

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

Asia’s ROTOMOLDED Ceremonial Coffin

Delivering proven performance so you can innovate with confidence.

VOLUME XVI, ISSUE 1 • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2020

THE SEVEN SIMULTANEOUS STAGES OF ROTATIONAL MOULDING

ROTOWORLD ®

And global economies in a time of pandemic.

VOLUME XVI, ISSUE 5 • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2020

Future trend of growth in the u.S. so you can innovate with confidence.

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VOLUME XVI, ISSUE 4 • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2020

CONVERSION

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U.S. ROTATIONAL MOLDING: Delivering proven performance THE ROAD AHEAD

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“If you build it, they will come”

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MARKETS

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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3 WAYS THE CORONAVIRUS VIRUS IS CHANGING WHO WE ARE PRINTED

en performance ovate with confidence.

ow your

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StAR 2020, 16th Conference & Roto Show A Great Success

Getting HR Right

Independent Contractor? Or Employee?

Simulating the Rotomolding Process

What it can Mean for the Molding Industry

ARMO Showcase

Coming 2020-2021 Issue

© 2016 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All rights reserved. ExxonMobil, the ExxonMobil logo, the interlocking “X” device and all product names herein are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

© 2016 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All rights reserved. ExxonMobil, the ExxonMobil logo, the interlocking “X” device and all product names herein are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

DESIGN EDITOR

TECHNICAL EDITOR

Michael Paloian

Alvin Spence

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 PROCESS EDITOR

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

CONTRIBUTING 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 The 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

12 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

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

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Ravi Mehra

Martin Coles

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. He consults internationally with companies in the rotational moulding arena to help their global strategy, facilitate technology tie-ups, and business alliances. maramehra@aol.com

Martin Coles co-founded Matrix Polymers 28 years ago and is the company’s largest shareholder and Managing Director. Shortly after graduating from London University he began his career in the plastics industry working for a major Italian petrochemical producer and soon became hooked by the unique world of rotomoulding. Matrix Polymers has evolved to be a global supplier specialising on rotomoulding materials and has compounding and grinding plants in the UK, Poland, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia. The company sells more than $100 million of rotomoulding materials each year and has 180 employees. martin.coles@matrixpolymers.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mark Kearns

M.Kearns@qub.ac.uk

Mark 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

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 DEPARTMENT EDITOR

Alongkorn Kanokboriboon Alongkorn Kanokboriboon is currently Development Leader at the Rotational Molding Center at SCG Chemicals. He has been involved in the rotomolding industry for almost twenty years from resins development, compounding, and grinding to technical service. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from University of California and a Master’s degree in Polymer Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast. alongkok@scg.com

Rob Miller 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, and 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 www.rotoworldmag.com 13

GUEST CONTRIBUTING

EDITORS

Eric Laine

Jean-Claude Grandidier

Eric Maziers

Eric Lainé is a research engineer at the Institut Pprime (UPR CNRS/ISAEENSMA/University of Poitiers, France) in the Physics and Mechanics of Materials department (ISAE-ENSMA, France).

He holds a PhD in mechanics from the University of Poitiers (France). Eric works in the field of elastomers, polymers and composites, from testing to numerical simulation, from laboratory samples to industrial structures. The research themes are diffuso-thermomechanical coupling (CO2, H2), rapid decompression, modelling of non-linear behavior of materials. He collaborates with Professor J.C. Grandidier for more than 20 years in research, and more than 15 years with Eric Maziers on the characterization of rotomolded polymers.

Jean-Claude GRANDIDIER is a professor at ISAE-ENSMA, an engineering school in Poitiers (France). J.-C. GRANDIDIER holds a PhD in Mechanics of Materials and Structures from the University of Metz (France) and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Systems Technology from the Pierre and Marie Curie University of Paris - ENS Cachan (France). He was Director of the Laboratory of Mechanics and Physics of Materials (UMR CNRS/ ISAE-ENSMA) and then Deputy Director of the Institut Pprime (UPR CNRS/ISAEENSMA/University of Poitiers, France), in charge of the EQUIPEX-GAP experimentation platform.

Eric Maziers is specialist for the Rotomolding Technologies for the polymer business inside Total Company.

He has obtained his degree of Chemical Engineer in the high Engineering School of Liège Belgium. He has been heading R&D projects for polyolefin and biopolymers developments for more than thirty years. During the last year he has been focused on metallocenebased polyolefins. He also participated as guest speaker in different “Hands-On” Advanced seminar in rotational moulding application. He has published more than forty papers in international conferences and journals. He has been involved in many patent fillings. More recently the rotomolding specialty compound business of Total was integrated into the automotive business unit in Low Carbon Solutions Division at Total Polymers.

ROTOLOAD™ powder weighing & dispensing systems

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Manufactured by Wittmann Battenfeld Canada Inc.: 35 Leek Crescent | Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4C2

14 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

UPFRONT MAAG Group Supplies Ravago with System Components and Controls for Plastics Production OBERGLATT, SWITZERLAND — The Swiss-

based MAAG Group has been contracted by Belgian company Ravago to install a new line for the recycling of polyolefins. The decisive factor in the contract award was MAAG Group’s highlevel system expertise as a global solutions provider supplying process technology for the polymer, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. MAAG Group is supplying the line as a complete plant system, all from a single source - including the control technology.

The control system comes from XANTEC Steuerungs-und EDVTechnik GmbH, which MAAG Group acquired in 2020. The Ravago contract affirms the Group’s strategy of boosting its activities in the field of digitalization and Industry 4.0, offering customers intelligent, agile, and competitive solutions.

Founded in 1961, Belgian company Ravago is today a fullservice provider to the petrochemical industry, committed to continuous advancement in plastics applications. The focus of the company’s diverse operations is on plastics production, especially recycling and compounding. Ravago produces 1,000,000 metric tons of plastics annually, at 30 locations.

When looking for a partner to build a new polyolefin recycling line at Arendonk in Belgium, Ravago chose MAAG Group. It was particularly attracted by the idea of a complete solution from a single source, which MAAG Group was able to deliver based on the consolidated expertise of its Group members.

Various MAAG Group system components form part of the new line: The ERF 500 high-performance melt filter from filtration and recycling systems specialist ETTLINGER is suitable for processing materials with up to 16% impurity levels while guaranteeing long operating times with no filter changing. ERF melt filters can process a wide range of polymers, and effectively remove foreign matter such as paper, wood, aluminum, copper, rubber, silicones, and high-temperature plastics.

MAAG Group’s contribution to the line includes an FSC 300 hydraulic screen changer for filtration systems, as well as the

PEARLO® underwater pelletizing system. The efficient system, designed for high throughput rates, not only produces highly uniform spherical pellets; its handling, cleaning, assembly, and commissioning are also very easy.

The control technology for all line components comes from XANTEC. The new addition to the MAAG Group specializes in the planning, design, and manufacture of control systems for the plastics and rubber industry. So, it was able to deploy all its expertise and experience in the automation of filtration and granulation systems on the project. For the customer that means optimally designed process control, which improves both the cost-effectiveness and the quality of its production.

“Our systems expertise, recently enhanced in relation to digitalization and Industry 4.0 through the acquisition of XANTEC, is a clear benefit for the customer. They have an integrated solution from a single source, safe in the knowledge that the individual components will interact perfectly from day one,” asserts MAAG Group President Ueli Thuerig.

The new line is scheduled to be commissioned in 2021.

The plant design is conceived so that it can also be transferred to other locations of the global Ravago corporation. www.rotoworldmag.com 15

UPFRONT Roll Out Cart (ROC) Molders Reduce Cost and Meet Warranty Claims with G2 Roll out carts are a big business, especially considering that most households in the United States have at least two. At almost $60 per unit, the ROC market is worth hundreds of millions annually and justifiably requires significant investment by molders. For instance, a single cart mold can cost $500,000. As well, manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty to consumers and cities that purchase carts for waste disposal programs, so they need be able to add adequate UV/AO stabilizer while controlling cost.

Chroma Color’s G2 has helped roll out cart molders reduce cost through let down reductions from 3% to 1%, while still delivering enough UV/AO to support a 10-year warranty. And since G2 comes in solid pellet form, molders can bypass a large amount of cost creep found with liquid color in the form of replacing hose kits & pumps, added housekeeping and other costs related to consolidation and agitation. Using highly loaded G2 is also a space-saver given lower inventory requirements and thus fewer drums or gaylords.

Chroma Color’s G2 product line has proven performance in diverse applications, including outdoor durables, packaging, industrial, non-automotive transportation, and much more.

Convertors continue to be impressed by this game-changing technology. Whether it is injection, extrusion or blow molding, G2 continues to hit the mark.

Chroma Color Corporation is a leading specialty color and additive concentrate supplier serving a diverse range of markets, including packaging, healthcare, pharmaceutical, wire, cable, consumer products, and others. Chroma Color’s growth strategy includes robust organic and inorganic growth and having made six acquisitions over the last three years. Chroma’s extensive technical leadership and manufacturing expertise, coupled with its game-changing colorant and light management technologies, have delighted customers for over 50 years.

For more information about G2 visit: https://chromacolors.com/g-series-g2-g3-ultrapet/

Snyder’s Revolutionary “CageBuster®” IBC Tote Success Drives Demand for a New Larger Size Snyder Industries recently introduced a revolutionary new intermediate bulk container (IBC), called “CageBuster,” which is positioned as a more cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional caged IBC tote.

The unprecedented demand for the revolutionary CageBuster IBC Tote value proposition has now resulted in Snyder introducing a new larger 330 gallon size to compliment the popularity of the original 275 gallon product offering, which was introduced just a year ago.

“We had always planned on developing a 330 gallon size, but the overwhelming response to CageBuster from the market place required us to expedite the product development of a new larger size,” said Mike Melymuk, the Director of IBC Sales and Marketing.

The CageBuster has a unique, all plastic design that is over three times thicker than a caged IBC tote, which provides a 16 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

superior structural integrity, resulting in over 50% cost savings over the useful life of the IBC tote, while addressing the environmental concerns related to the ongoing container disposal and replacement programs associated with caged IBC totes.

Besides being a world leader in the design and manufacturing of returnable intermediate bulk containers, also known as tote tanks, Snyder Industries also maintains major market positions within many other proprietary product categories, including large single and double wall storage tanks, material handling bins, insulated boxes, refuse containers, and specialty pallets.

Snyder Industries is part of Tank Holding, which also includes the brands of Norwesco, Bonar Plastics, Bushman, Chemtainer, Meese and Stratis owned by Olympus Partners, and the management team, currently operates over 30 manufacturing plant locations and employs approximately 850 people throughout North America.

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www.rotoworldmag.com 17

UPFRONT Tank Holding Acquires Rotational Molding Inc. Tank Holding, North America’s largest rotational molder, has acquired California based rotational molder Rotational Molding Inc. RMI designs and manufactures high-quality proprietary products in bulk laundry and linen carts, material handling bins and containers, refuse and recycling, bulk storage tanks, as well as a variety of other products including outdoor and custom products.

“RMI represents an important part of Tank Holding’s overall growth strategy, which is to strengthen leading positions in markets that are adjacent to our legacy core business, where we can leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to create greater value for our customers,” said Greg Wade, CEO of Tank Holding.

The RMI acquisition provides additional synergy opportunities with Tank Holding’s other recent acquisitions, Waste & Recycling Plastic Containers, Chem-Tainer, and Meese, who are other major players in similar markets. Together, these market leading brands and product offerings provide the industry with the broadest product portfolio and the largest footprint of manufacturing facilities. The transaction includes the operations of the facility located in Gardena, California.

“Tank Holding is the ideal partner to succeed our company’s history and accelerate our growth objectives. We are confident they will continue the success for both our customers and employees for the years to come,” said Mario Poma, CEO of Rotational Molding Inc.

The RMI announcement represents Tank Holding’s 11th acquisition in the past two years, and further enhances the company’s far-reaching portfolio of products to serve a wide variety of end markets through a growing number of distribution channels.

Besides 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, and specialty pallets.

Tank Holding, which includes the brands of Norwesco, Snyder Industries, Bonar Plastics, Bushman, Chem-tainer, Meese and Stratis Pallets, owned by Olympus Partners and the management team, currently operates 33 manufacturing plant locations and employs approximately 900 people throughout North America, prior to the RMI acquisition.

Olympus Partners is a private equity firm focused on providing equity capital for middle market management buyouts and for growing companies. Olympus manages in excess of $8.5 billion mainly on behalf of corporate pension funds, endowment funds and state-sponsored retirement programs. Founded in 1988, Olympus is an active, long-term investor across a broad range of industries including business services, food services, consumer products, healthcare services, financial services, industrial services, and manufacturing.

President of Diversified Plastics, Inc. Named Industrialist of the Year LATTA, SC, USA — Tommy Wallace, the President and

Owner of Diversified Plastics, Inc. (DPI), a leading international rotational molder based out of Latta, South Carolina, received the Industrialist of the Year Award by the Dillon Herald, a local SC newspaper.

Since 1976, Diversified Plastics has been the leading rotational molding manufacturer of plastic material handling carts and plastic storage containers for the industrial, textile, hospitality, laundry, agricultural, and marine industries. In addition, they produce waste and recycling containers for restaurants, sports venues, stadiums, apartment/condominium complexes, and corporate offices.

DPI’s diverse product lines also include bulk material handling carts, plastic utility carts, laundry carts, bulk containers, tote boxes, round containers, spring platform trucks, elevated carts, easy access carts, tilt trucks, and more.

18 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

“We are happy and blessed to be here for 44 years,” stated Tommy Wallace. “The key to our success has been establishing a good leadership team and experienced employees.”

Wallace also notes how well Dillon County has treated Diversified Plastics, Inc. over the years. With the county support, they have been able to grow the business to a staggering 200,000 square foot manufacturing and warehouse space that allows their products to sell throughout the United States and overseas.

With the assistance of local banks, they have been able to continue to grow their success by reinvesting and keeping equipment up to date which allows for high-quality product output. In addition to the Latta location, they also have recently added a location in Social Circle, Georgia.

To contact DPI or to request a quote, call 1-800-768-7636, email sales@dpiroto.com, or visit dpiroto.com.

UPFRONT Huntsman Announces the Acquisition of Gabriel Performance Products, Further Expanding its Specialty Chemicals Portfolio THE WOODLANDS, TX, USA — Huntsman

Corporation (NYSE: HUN) today announced its agreement to acquire Gabriel Performance Products, a North American specialty chemical manufacturer of specialty additives and epoxy curing agents for the coatings, adhesives, sealants, and composite end-markets, from funds owned by Audax Private Equity.

Under terms of the agreement, Huntsman will pay $250 million, subject to customary closing adjustments, in an allcash transaction funded from available liquidity. Gabriel had 2019 revenues of approximately $106 million with three manufacturing facilities located in Ashtabula, Ohio, Harrison City, Pennsylvania, and Rock Hill, South Carolina. Based on calendar year 2019, the purchase price represents an adjusted EBITDA multiple of approximately 11 times, or approximately 8 times pro forma for synergies. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021 after regulatory approvals.

Commenting on the acquisition, Scott Wright, President of Huntsman’s Advanced Materials division, said: “The acquisition of Gabriel Performance Products broadens the

offering in our specialty portfolio and is complementary to our recent acquisition of CVC Thermoset Specialties. Gabriel makes highly specialized toughening and curing agents and other additives used in a wide range of composite, adhesive and coatings applications. We expect that the Gabriel business will strengthen our North America footprint and provide significant commercial synergies as we expand and globalize their specialty products across our global footprint and customer base. The acquisition will further enhance our competitiveness and our world class formulations business by improving our ability to create differentiation in our customers’ applications.”

Peter Huntsman, Chairman, President and CEO further commented: “With this acquisition we conclude a series of strategic initiatives in our Advanced Materials division we started in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Our initial intent was to complete the acquisitions of Gabriel and CVC simultaneously, together with the divestiture of our India DIY business earlier this year.

www.rotoworldmag.com 19

UPFRONT United States (USA), 2021-01-12 – Emerson: Emerson Opens New $49 Million Global Headquarters for Welding and Assembly Technologies in Brookfield, Connecticut New innovation facility in Brookfield’s Berkshire Industrial Park to house 220 professional staff, engineering and production employees

BROOKFIELD, CN, USA — Emerson (NYSE:EMR)

announced recently the opening of its new Branson welding and assembly technologies’ global headquarters in Brookfield, Conn. This opening completes Emerson’s $49 million investment announced in April 2019 and supports Branson’s plastic joining, ultrasonic metal welding, and ultrasonic cleaning technologies for the medical, textile, automotive, food and beverage, packaging, and electronics industries.

“We are proud to support the Brookfield community and American manufacturing with this strategic investment,” said Vernon Murray, president of welding and assembly technologies for Emerson. “This new facility will help us continue to drive innovation and deliver the solutions our customers need and expect. Our new Brookfield headquarters also offers a more collaborative work environment for engineers and manufacturing leaders to serve our customers.”

The innovative technological capabilities available with this new 146,000 – unprecedented levels of customer support, including: • 16,000-square-foot engineering lab for research & development, customer application development, and materials testing.

• Advanced additive manufacturing equipment for rapidresponse prototyping and production tooling.

• 48,000 square feet of manufacturing space for Computer

• • •

•

Numerical Control (CNC) milling machining centers, equipment assembly, and customer application runoffs.

Collaborative workspaces to facilitate information to develop customer solutions more efficiently.

Dedicated training workspace for seminars, training classes, technical support services, and other customer needs.

Energy efficient construction methods including space wattage limitations, energy-saving LED lighting, automated controls for daylight harvesting and recovering heat from manufacturing operations to help warm the facility.

User-center design methodology to promote employee health and wellness.

Emerson plans to host seminars and events to introduce clients to the advanced capabilities of the new facility, as soon as COVID-19 safety protocols permit. Emerson purchased the 13-acre parcel for the new facility in Brookfield’s Berkshire Industrial Park, less than two miles from Branson’s former Danbury headquarters.

For more information about Emerson’s welding, assembly, and cleaning solutions, go to: https://www.emerson.com/ en-us/automation/welding-assembly-cleaning. https://www. emerson.com/en-us/news/automation/21-01-welding-assemblyheadquarters

Avient to Expand Color Concentrate Capabilities in Vietnam CLEVELAND, OH, USA — Avient

Corporation, a premier provider of specialized and sustainable material solutions and services, will complete an expansion of existing production capabilities for color concentrates at its Binh Duong site in Vietnam by next month.

The move will improve speed-to-market and service level for local customers seeking unique color solutions to enhance aesthetics and appeal of high-quality end products.

“Demand for plastics has become one of the Vietnam economy’s fastest growth areas,” says Say-Eng Lee, vice president 20 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

and general manager, Color & Additives Asia for Avient.

“As consumption grows, requirements for high-quality color concentrates are becoming more challenging as well, as top brands focus on novel color solutions. We have increased our production space by over 30 percent and added to our stateof-the-art machinery portfolio to shorten lead times for developing and producing high-quality color concentrates. As a result, local customers will benefit from an efficient and agile setup, along with expert technical support. In addition, we can be more responsive in

UPFRONT accelerating customer development times and help them to reduce time to market.”

According to Vietnam Economic News, Vietnam’s plastics industry is currently experiencing an annual growth rate of 16 to 18 percent, with key segments including packaging, construction and electronics. Avient’s enhanced local turnaround for color concentrates will support middle to high end markets with consistent color quality, creative application of special effects, and unique colors to enhance product appeal and match branding requirements. With the expansion, Avient will also improve lead times for color matching locally.

Notably, Avient’s sustainable color concentrates can also support steps within the country to encourage plastic waste recycling and reuse. For example, the use of recyclable CESA™ IR additives, which enable black plastics to be identified for recycling, can reduce the environmental impact of dark colored packaging. Avient also recently strengthened its global commitment to help customers tackle and overcome the challenge of plastics recycling with the official opening of its new CycleWorks Innovation Center in Italy. The new center will focus on facilitating partnerships and enhancing new technologies to further the viability of recycling.

Avient also offers color concentrates for biodegradable plastics PLA, PHA, PHBV, PBS, PBAT and special blends of those materials, which do not compromise the organic recyclability of the resins they enhance.

Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), with projected 2020 pro forma revenues of approximately $3.7 billion, provides specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. Examples include: • Barrier technologies that preserve the shelf-life and quality of food, beverages, medicine and other perishable goods through high-performance materials that require less plastic • Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation • Breakthrough technologies that minimize wastewater and improve the recyclability of materials and packaging across a spectrum of end uses For more information, visit www.avient.com.

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www.rotoworldmag.com 21

TRAVEL UPDATES

COVID-19 Travel Alert: Which Countries Have Open Borders? worldnomads.com

When will it be safe to travel again? Get the latest information on how coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine and restrictions are affecting travelers around the world at worldnomads.com.

COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closures – updated 18 January 2021.

Please note, this is not an exhaustive list of all countries, but check your government travel advisory and local news sources for the latest information. If you don’t see a country listed here, be sure to check for any restrictions they may have in place.

Which countries still have open and closed borders and lockdown measures in place?

From 20 December 2020, many countries around the world have announced travel bans, restrictions, or compulsory quarantine rules for travelers from the UK. This is due to the huge surge in COVID-19 cases and the detection of a new variant of the virus.

North America Canada: The land border between the United States and Canada will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least 22 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

21 February 2021. From 7 January 2021, at 12.01am EST, all air passengers traveling to Canada, who are five years or older, will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the country. Passengers must present evidence of a negative laboratory test result to their airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test and must be taken within 72 hours prior to the traveler’s scheduled departure to Canada.

Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Most foreign nationals are banned from entering Canada.

Exemptions include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or their immediate families, temporary foreign workers, and some international students. If you’re a foreign national (not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada), you won’t be able to enter if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Arrivals must provide contact information, undergo screening by a border official, and quarantine or self-isolate for 14 days.

TRAVEL UPDATES Mexico: All passengers must submit a questionnaire to immigration upon arrival. The US-Mexico land border has closed to all non-essential traffic until 21 February 2021. Contact your airline to see if your flight is going ahead, and what to expect upon arrival.

United States: There are restrictions on who can enter or transit the USA. Effective January 26, all air passengers entering the United States will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of departure. Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers before boarding. Anyone permitted to enter will be screened upon arrival and asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. The land borders with Canada and Mexico are closed to all non-essential travel until at least 21 February 2021.

Europe From 1 July 2020, entry to the EU by non-EU citizens is permitted for countries that are deemed safe by the EU council, and this list is reviewed every 15 days.

Belgium: Travel to Belgium is determined by a traffic light system of high, medium, and low-risk regions in the EU, UK and non-EU Schengen countries. For the most up to date information on where travel restrictions apply, check the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Anyone eligible to enter must fill out a Passenger Locator Form 48 hours before arrival.

Denmark: Borders have opened to limited countries that are marked as yellow on the Denmark government’s website which is updated weekly, and subject to change depending on the infection rate for COVID-19. Travelers from “open” countries must show documentation for a stay of at least six nights. People with a worthy purpose will be allowed to enter from a banned country.

Germany: Travel without restrictions is only allowed if the area is not defined as “high-risk” by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Anyone who has spent 14 days before arrival in an identified risk area is obliged to self-isolate in their own home or suitable accommodation for 14 days, or provide proof of a negative test result for COVID-19.

Finland: From 12 October, leisure travel is possible between Finland and the Vatican. Leisure travel is also possible from China (based on reciprocity) Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay. Essential, workrelated and return travel is possible from the UK, all Schengen and EU countries. Except for the countries listed as open for leisure travel, self-isolation for 14 days is recommended upon arrival. For the latest information, check Finland’s guidelines for border traffic.

France: Travel to France from most non-EU countries is restricted. Search for the latest information on who can enter and the requirements for entering France.

Iceland: All travelers must fill out a pre-registration form. All passengers arriving from high-risk areas who intend to stay for

10 days or more must undergo 14 days quarantine. To shorten quarantine, you must take a PCR test for COVID-19 upon arrival to Iceland, followed by a second test after 5 days. While waiting for results, you must follow quarantine measures until the result of the second test is known.

Ireland: All travelers must fill out a health passenger locator form. Travelers from Northern Ireland or a green list country will not have to restrict their movements for 14 days upon arrival.

All arrivals not on the green list will be asked to restrict their movements for 14 days.

Italy: Until 15 February, travel across regions in Italy is banned unless for reasons of work, health, or absolute necessity.

A nightly curfew is in place in all regions from 10pm to 5am. You cannot leave your place of residence during this time apart from for emergency, work, or health reasons.

From 7 January, entry will only be permitted to residents or for reasons of work or study. Travelers must present a negative test, taken no more than 48 hours before travel, and self-isolate for 14 days. Ski resorts are closed till 18 January 2021.

Norway: Entry to Norway is restricted. Anyone arriving in Norway from countries where the level of infection is high (marked as “red” on the map here) must self-quarantine for 10 days. If you arrive from a “yellow” area, you are exempt from quarantine.

The Netherlands: From Friday 15 January, a negative rapid antigen test will now be required from all travelers from the UK arriving by air, ferry, train, and coach. From 14 December, visitors are strongly advised not to visit the country unless absolutely necessary ahead of a strict lockdown from 15 December until at least 19 January. From 1 July, The Dutch government has adopted the EU’s recommendation to lift its travel ban for residents of a number of countries deemed safe.

This list will be updated every two weeks. All travelers must fill in a health screening form prior to departure and will be subject to a health check.

Poland: Poland’s borders opened to travelers within the internal borders of the European Union from 13 June. Restrictions still apply to most travelers from outside of the EU. Spain: Borders are open to travelers from the EU and all Schengen Area countries without quarantine. Travelers from high-risk countries must provide a negative PCR test carried out within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain. All travelers must fill out and sign the FCS form, and present the QR code upon arrival.

Switzerland: Swiss borders have reopened to travelers from EU Member States Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and the United Kingdom. Read the FAQs if you are a third-country national.

From 6 July, travelers from certain countries must quarantine for ten days, regardless of their nationality – see the Swiss Federal Council website for the latest list.

Sweden: Borders are open without restrictions to travelers from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and the UK. Citizens from outside the EU and Schengen Area from www.rotoworldmag.com 23

TRAVEL UPDATES approved countries are allowed to enter. The list is being updated regularly at Re-open EU. United Kingdom: From 4am on 18 January 2021, if you intend to travel to England, Scotland, or Wales, including UK nationals returning home from overseas, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 3 days before departure. If you do not comply (and you do not have a valid exemption) your airline or carrier may refuse you boarding and/or you may be fined on arrival. You must also self-isolate when you enter the UK from any foreign country except Ireland, unless you have a valid exemption.

Within 48 hours of arrival in the UK, all travelers must complete the online form. Most travelers are required to selfisolate for 14 days upon arrival to the UK, unless arriving from countries listed on the travel corridor exemption list. Different rules apply through the UK with the national governments of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, easing restrictions in different phases and at different times.

Africa South Africa: From 11 January 2021, South Africa has closed all its land borders until 15 February 2021 for general entry and departure. As of 22 December, some countries are restricting flights to and from South Africa due to the second wave of COVID-19 caused by a new variant of the virus. On 1 October, three international airports opened for inbound and outbound tourism. Borders will only be open to travelers from countries arriving from medium or low-risk categories. Eligible travelers must show a negative test for COVID-19 that is less than 72 hours old, and will be asked to install a government contact tracing app.

Australia & New Zealand Australia: Foreign travelers are not allowed to enter Australia unless they are Australian citizens or permanent residents and immediate family returning from abroad. The international borders remain closed until further notice. Australia will quarantine all returning residents in hotels for two weeks.

Individual states have their own restrictions in place for domestic travel. The Healthdirect Australia Restriction Checker is where you can find the most up to date information by state.

New Zealand: All travelers, except for returning New Zealanders, are denied entry. Exemptions to the entry ban are listed in full by New Zealand Immigration, and this includes their partners, legal guardians, or any dependent children traveling with them. All arrivals will be tested for COVID-19 and are subject to 14 days of government-supervised quarantine or self-isolation. Before entering the community, everyone must test negative for COVID-19.

What should I do if I’m traveling overseas soon?

As borders begin to open, what can travelers due to lower their 24 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

risk of spreading and catching COVID-19? Check out our tips for safe travel during the pandemic.

• If you fall under a high-risk category for COVID-19, which includes adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions, follow the advice of your doctor first and foremost • In the days and weeks leading up to your planned trip, stay up to date with information from your airline or travel provider to see how your plans have changed or if your flights are affected • Be aware of mandatory quarantine requirements in your final destination. Come prepared with face masks if they are a requirement by the airline you are flying with, or mandatory in the country you are visiting • Follow the advice of local authorities wherever you do go.

Not doing so may be a criminal offense and result in fines or imprisonment • If you have minor symptoms such as cough, headache, or mild fever, stay home and self-isolate until you recover.

Some airlines are turning passengers away at check-in if they present even mild symptoms of COVID-19 • Cases of COVID-19 are rapidly spreading in some countries, while beginning to slow in others • Where restrictions have been lifted, the risk may still be present and you should continue to follow social distancing and hygiene guidelines as provided by the World Health Organization: - While in public wash your hands consistently (carry hand sanitizer) - Try to avoid crowded places as best you can - Maintain at least 3ft (1m) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing - If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early (call before visiting your doctor) and don’t leave home until COVID-19 has been ruled out World Nomads is a team of global citizens, customer advocates, and creative storytellers. Since 2002, we have been protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travelers.

We’re obsessed with travel, and passionate about helping you explore your curiosity and gain a deeper understanding of the world.

DESIGN

COMMENT

Michael Paloian, Integrated Design Systems, Inc.

Design Documentation: Do We Still Need It? We live in an age where everything is automated by computers and appears to be done perfectly within the blink of an eye. This is especially true in the design profession.

When I first started working as an industrial designer more than 40 years ago, things were very different. I had to sit at a drafting table for hours, weeks, and months slaving over part drawings which were meticulously detailed with a pencil, calculator, and a skilled hand.

The slightest design change would require the erasure of many hours of work and investing countless additional hours to incorporate the changes. All parts were detailed using conventional orthographic drawing methods to describe every feature of a part. Most parts required multiple drawing sheets to fully describe all the features in numerous cross sections and views. Part drawings were finalized by manually adding dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, and countless other notations. Finally, a tool maker would receive a set of blueprints which would then be manually programmed into an NC machine or interpreted by a patternmaker and made into a wooden pattern. Everyone of these steps provided an opportunity for human error, which could result in costly tooling revisions. Thank God those days are gone!

Today most designers don’t even know what an orthographic drawing is, much less know how to create one. 3D CAD has completely changed the workflow and design process by enabling designers to create 3D models of an entire assembly and all associated parts with all the appropriate draft angles, radii, clearances, and dimensions. These individual virtual parts are then sent to a tool maker who simply enlarges them based on required shrinkage, designs a mold from the CAD files, and eventually cuts a mold directly from the data. The entire process from start to finish can theoretically be completed without ever physically touching a part or requiring any human intervention.

However, the process is not completely automated yet and humans must intervene at various critical phases, which require some form of documentation. The documentation I’m referring to is a production control drawing.

A wonderful benefit of 3D CAD is its ability to create a fully associative set of production control drawings for every part and assembly, which are automatically updated with design revisions.

Although tool makers cut molds directly from the 3D CAD files, production control drawings are primarily used to identify critical dimensions, materials, surface finish, color, and any other important parameters critical to product form, fit, or function.

Production documentation should be treated as a legal document between an OEM and a molder. If parts deviate from the stated specifications within the documents, they can be legally rejected for non-compliance. Furthermore, if a product failure leads to litigation resulting from injury, production control drawings are often cited in arguments by the defense or plaintiff. It’s therefore extremely important for designers to be very deliberate in specifying every notation on a production control drawing.

Careless omissions or incorrect specifications pertaining to assembly, materials, tolerances, and countless other important factors affecting a product could result in serious consequences.

Next time you launch a new product don’t overlook the importance of production control drawings. Remember to consider them a very important legal document as well as an important source of information for the molder and tool maker.

I look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to contact me at paloian@idsys.com with your comments or questions. www.rotoworldmag.com 25

2020 ARM ANNUAL MEET Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

In an environment placing in-person conferences on hold due to COVID-19, many association events have moved online.

The Association Rotational Molders (ARM) hosted its 2020 Fall Meeting September 21-15, 2020 online. The virtual conference gathered an exceptional attendance of more than 500 viewers (246 molders and 257 suppliers, consultants, designers, educators, and staff).

The event featured a wide spectrum of topics and featured over 10 hours of education and an online Exhibit Hall with over 50+ exhibitors. The ARM online meeting easily held the attention of attendees.

The meeting was kicked off with a report on the State of ARM

by Adam Webb, ARM Executive Director. Webb reported: over 65 informative videos have been added to the Association’s online library; a 2-day online Regional Meeting on Part Cure and Process Control was held online; the Roy Crawford Foundation has awarded 5 new scholarships to children of ARM members; and the Benchmarking Survey was released. After 3 years planning for a Spring Meeting in Italy in collaboration with the IT-RO (Italian Rotomolding Association), the event was cancelled due to COVID-19. ARM invited the IT-RO and the ARM-CE to join ARM Webinars. Membership is growing and has experienced a 13% growth over the first 9 months of 2020. ARM webinars were viewed over 6,000 times with over 2,000 unique viewers. The Design webinar was presented by Michael Paloian, Integrated Design Systems, with the assistance of Dr. Nick Henwood, ARM’s Technical Director. In August, Michael Paloian was presented with the Charles D. Frederick award for his contributions to the industry. In 2018, a webinar training series was presented by Dr. Nick Henwood, Jim Henry, and Larry Whittemore. In 2019, 5 webinars on Finishing Parts were presented by Rick Carlsen, Dr. Nick Henwood, and more. Webb reported the Association is in a strong financial position, and invited attendees to attend Rotoplas in Rosemont in 2021.

Highlighting the presentations, Chris Gick, NOVA Chemicals, said the global uncertain outlook on materials in the near term is based on uncertain recovery due to COVID-19, uncertain fiscal stimulus, potential structural changes, crude oil pricing, and capacity additions over the next couple years. Shutdowns, project delays and operability will continue to affect supply, but there is a resilient demand for PE. Margins remain well below re-investment levels, and costs are likely to rise heading into winter.

26 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

www.rotoworldmag.com 27

Paul Nugent reviewed ideas presented by the late Professor Roy Crawford in his article titled “Vision 2020”. Nugent said some of these ideas have come to fruition and some haven’t. He shared his view that the rotomolding industry is split 90/10 with 90% representing an entrepreneurial group that is cost conscience, relatively low tech with limited capital, re-inventive, and they will continue to grow. However, he stated the smaller (10%) group are more technically driven and the ones by in large driving the development of new ideas. Nugent indicated the vast majority of rotomolded products will be utilitarian in nature and Associations will continue to refine the 90/10 approach. There will continue to be pressure from the Green Lobby to reduce plastics and energy use in general. Automation will grow but will not take over, and materials will continue to center on PE (driven by application specialists).

ARM President Rick Carlsen presented an overview of the SWOT Analysis survey presented online. There were a total of 47 respondents (27 rotomolders, 14 suppliers, and 5 others).

Strengths identified included: flexible and creative parts; low-cost tooling; short runs are ok; durable parts, low entry capital needs; and capability for producing large parts. Weaknesses identified included: slow process with higher cost; materials limitations; manual, availability and skill labor issues; and a reputation for being dirty, hot, and exhibiting low tolerances. Opportunities included: conversions; automations (seen as a huge opportunity); new materials; and consumer market analysis. Threats included: lower cost competitive process; labor availability and skill; off shoring, and the environment.

Carlsen called on rotomolders to consider how they compete and match up to these stereotypes identified in the survey.

“In a 4.0 world, how we compete in terms of cost, quality, and doing business is important,” he said. There are some legitimate opportunities and threats. “We have to determine how we are going to deal with these.”

Henry Hay and Anna Rajkovic, NOVA Chemicals, led a discussion on PCR, the plastics recycling process, and PCR streams.

Recycling is important and plastics waste is an issue due to the amount in landfills and waste streams. “Plastic waste is the issue, not plastics, and the cycle of plastics is not viewed holistically,” they said. People are unaware of the value of plastic beyond its first use.

Plastics is 4.7 % of the MRF stream by weight and 2.4% of the GHC emissions reductions. 88% of plastics is HDPE and PET. Mixed plastic is .6% of the recycling stream including residue. People don’t tend to discard rotomolded products, which have a long life (i.e., kayaks and toys). He used three methods to evaluate PCR incorporation: dilution by dry blending; dilution by compounding; and stratification by inside layering.

“There is an impression that benefits of powder automation can only be experienced by large molders running millions of pounds of resin,” stated Rob Miller, RotoLoad. Even molders running several colors and very small runs can benefit from the automation of their resin process and implementation of Industry 4.0 principals. He presented case studies for rotomolders of all sizes. It is all about the data, how to collect it, and how to use it. The ROI is 2% targeted savings which equals $14K in annual savings.

Chelsea Pomo, RMI, presented a look at the Product of the Year Award received by Rotational Molding, Inc., for their Kymera 28 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

Body Board. She went through the process from starting design, completion of tooling, which was cast aluminum with a semipolished finish on some areas. RMI addressed two issues during the troubleshooting phase: the stern tube port and the inconsistent shape of the hull. Once these issues were worked out, the part was removed from the mold and vacuumed into shape until the cooling was complete.

ARM Technical Director Dr. Nick Henwood addressed longterm Material Properties and why they are so important. Many rotomolded parts are subject to stress and are frequently designed and used in outdoor environments. “Rotomolders are in the durables business,” he said. Many times, rotomolded products have a life spanning decades. Most rotomolded parts are made from PE, a material that can be affected over the long-term, and the properties of PE can change, he noted. UV sunlight attacks both the base polymer and colorants. There is a potential for slippage of polymer chains and there can be a propagation of cracks from micro defects.

Dr. Henwood recommended if long-term properties are deemed to be important in your rotomolding application, pay attention and test.

Thomas Steele, Solvay, discussed the need for UV protection of plastics including the effects of light on a rotomolded parts and factors affecting performance. He talked about how antioxidants perform and affect UV performance and other considerations when selecting a stabilization package. The expanding family of polyolefin grades and the flexibility of the rotomolding process have led to substantial growth in the marked for rotomolded products.

Rotomolded products have special stability needs since they undergo multiple exposures to heat and shear during part production.

The majority of products will see some exposure outdoors, and protection is needed to pre-empt degradation and prevent property loss, discoloration, and part failure.

Mike Haubert, Mosaic, said modern pigments are capable of achieving weatherable formulas in most shades. Testing should always be done on new colors in critical applications. Design of FDA colors in almost any roto application is possible with today’s technology, he noted.

Eric Maziers and Eric Laine, Total, discussed the characterization of long-term polymer materials’ mechanical characteristics, made from the test specimen of the structure. Institut Pprime, CNRS, ISAE-ENSAMA Université de Poiters, has worked together with Total Research and Technology Feluy, Belgium, for the past 15 years in the field of mechanical properties assessment of rotomolded parts.

One of the main goals is to develop a method to characterize static and creep properties of rotomolded parts that are fast, accurate, and allow long-term FEA’s. The long-term protocol is based on this method, the shift factor is defined, afterwards the master curves at any temperature can be established. Next, is the reconstruction of the true strain-time curves, and finally the long-term creep behavior law will be established.

Dr. Waigaonkar, BITS, discussed the necessity of fracture mechanics in rotomolding. He described fracture toughness as an important material property and discussed the determination of fracture toughness and comparison of materials based on fracture toughness. The determination was that crack and crack-like flaws are nearly unavoidable and ignoring fracture mechanics can lead to

failure of parts at loads below what is expected using the traditional approach. Fracture toughness can be calculated using systematic experimentation. Increasing thickness of roto parts results in low fracture toughness. Fracture toughness can be used to compare materials, and it provides additional information regarding factors likely to initiate fracture so that steps can be taken to avoid it.

Hassan Riaz, NOVA Chemicals, discussed the existing role resins can play on product development. In their approach, they initially look backwards to determine what the molder’s needs are, and they’ve found there are four main drivers: productivity; cost reduction; manufacturing flexibility; and quality.

Alex Pritchard, a third-year Ph.D. student at Queen’s University Belfast, presented and overview of Rotomolding Foam Technology, a method for analyzing foam technology, study results, and the development of future foaming of the renewal energy section.

The study represents a collaboration of 12 PhD students on large scale, multi-layer rotomolded structures.”

“Foaming is important due to its buoyancy properties, strength, and size scalability,” he said. The study is to better understand how foams develop in the low-pressure environment of rotomolding.

Kevin McTavish gave an overview on the welding process. He featured various components utilized in the repair of plastics.

Karem Akoul, QUB, discussed The Use of CAD and Virtual Reality to Optimize the Design and Build a New rotomolding Factory, a collaboration between Queen’s University Belfast and CPK Cases to

study the benefits of using CAD and Virtual Reality in optimizing the layout and planning of a rotomolding factory. This forward-looking technology is germane to the future of rotomolding factories and product development. Once the product has been developed, further use benefits are: design of cooling; jigs, frames and chassis; balancing the machine arms, using the mass properties of CAD tools, and FEA analysis for heating and cooling optimization.

Rounding out the conference were video plant tours presented on Rotomold USA, RMI, and Plasticraft. A big credit to the following sponsors for making this event possible: Roto Polymers, NOVA Chemicals, Paladin Sales, Ferry Industries, DOW, ExxonMobil, Jerico Plastic Industries, Lyondellbasell, Stoner Molding Solutions, Rotomachinery, Entec, M. Holland, McCann Plastics, H. Muelhstein, Quantum Polymers, Nexeo Plastics, Rotoline, Orenda, Powder King, MAAG, Amerikart, Foam Supplies, Inc. Ingenia, Norstar Aluminum Molds, Polnac, Rock Lake Robotics, Trademark Plastics Corporation, Avantech, Axel, Brunk, CellMark, Chem Trend, Custom Plastics, Diversified Molds & Castings, Drader Injectiweld, Fabfour, Hightower Products, Lone Star Chemical, Matrix Solutions, McLube, Midwest Patterns, Narato, NIX, Persico, PPE, PSI Brand, Relance Mixers, Rotoloc, RotoWorld® Solvay, thintanks, VIVE, Rising Sun, and Fangda Roto.

Stay tuned and plan to attend 2021 Rotoplas to take place September 20-23 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL.

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www.rotoworldmag.com 29

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All Aboard!

We’ll take a look forward for our industry in a moment but first, a look back to the days when travel really was conducted in style! If you ever want to experience what it must have been like for the glitterati to travel in the 1920s, take a trip on the remarkable Belmond Orient Express. There are lots of short trips around Europe available but once a year they recreate the iconic trip from Paris to Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) using the original carriages. The smoke billowing from the steam engine has been replaced by diesel but the bonus is that they now have air-conditioning! One thing that has not been replaced, however, is the incredible atmosphere created on-board. The staff make this a superlative experience with butlers, haut-cuisine, bands to welcome you at every station and elegant service at every turn.

We’d like to do it again but our fear is that we would spoil the memory – I think we’ll leave this one as a once-in-a-lifetime…

G

S

Vision 2020 Back in 2000, Prof. Roy Crawford penned a future review of technology for rotomolding. It is always difficult looking forward over such a long time-span (I have challenges with one year, never mind twenty) and the list of areas he covered was broad. From that list, here are twenty things that he hoped would come to pass and some observations about what has generally occurred.

1. Many More Materials Available There has been some (limited) expansion of the molders’ palette, most often within polyethylene but also in polyesters and with some improvement in polypropylene. However, much of the engineering polymer world remains off-limits to standard rotomolding.

2. Better Heat Transfer in Polymers This was a look at improving cycle times by having materials which can transfer heat more quickly – no real development has occurred in this area.

3. Use Granules Instead of Powder Improved flow properties, reduced dust and higher Paul and Orla Nugent travelling onboard the Belmond Orient Express. bulk density has meant that there has been some growth in this area but limited commercial interest has meant that 6. Alternate Mold Materials generally it remains a niche area for rotomolding.

Aluminum, steel, electroforming remain the core materials.

4. More Liquid Polymers Glass fibre and cast resin molds are used for prototyping or PVC, caprolactam, and polyurethane are still in use but cold-cure liquid systems but past attempts to broaden their use there have been no major additions to liquid systems in the in traditional molding systems have had limited success. industry.

7. Air Tight, Pressurized Molds 5. Foam Sandwich Structures This was a nod to the use of alternate gases and pressure as a Foam is still a major area of interest for many molders and is method for process control but there is limited need for this certainly used in a number of applications, particularly large approach and also considerable challenges in maintaining water tanks. There are practical issues in implementing and seals in a constantly expanding and contracting mold which controlling it which limit its use for most molders: many have means it has not been widely adopted. run trials but find it difficult to commercialize successfully 8. Fluid Heating and Electrical Molds and have quietly shelved the process.

This is an area where there has been considerable progress, www.rotoworldmag.com 31

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most notably in Europe. Automated equipment with heating channels or coils allows for new possibilities in controlling heat-flow and part wall thickness control.

Thickness Control Built into Molds An interesting concept for including ultrasonic systems in a mold to observe wall thickness build-up as it occurs in real time. Some development work at The Queen’s University of Belfast may show whether this can be made to be practical.

Multi-use Vents & Mold Atmosphere Automated machines have the ability to incorporate systems on molds which would otherwise be affected by the general heating applied during traditional molding. Vents with multiple gas inlets and actuators for opening and closing in sequence with the internal temperature of the mold have been engineered by a number of suppliers.

Open Flame Machines Disappear Projecting that the rotomolding machine base would be modernized at the end of a twenty-year period was one of Roy’s hopes. The reality is that open flame machines are still very much in use and often represent an easy, low-cost entry point for new molders; there are also molders who favor the approach for certain lines of products.

More Automation – Ejection, Mold Handling & Material Feeding Again, by concentrating heating only on the mold surface, automated machines allow for ancillary systems around the mold to operate within normal engineering temperature ranges. Ejector pins, powder feeding, molding opening, and closing mechanisms can all be added without concern for the effect of harsh heating and cooling environments on components.

Simplified Rotation – Single Axis Still conceptual but fascinating. The idea of robotically programming a single axis to move a mold in a directed fashion which tracks the powder movement rather than having two fixed perpendicular axes could open up improved wall thickness control on even traditional machines.

Mold Temperature Control as Standard Roy and I both had a keen interest in promoting process control ever since the introduction of the Rotolog system back in 1990. Our hope was that it would become the standard for all machines and operations – the reality has been mixed.

While many molders are aware of the benefits and use one of the many systems available today, the level of adoption has been lower than hoped and is still far from universal.

Conveyor Belt System – Sequential Molds with Varying Cycle Times This was a very interesting concept, perhaps inspired by similar machines which have been in operation in New Zealand for many years, whereby molds would pass along a conveyor system through a long programmable tunnel oven with varying cycles customized to each in sequence. It has not been implemented fully as far as I am aware.

Reduce Cycle Times to 25% A dramatic call to action to improve the efficiency and appeal

32 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

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of the rotomolding process, as yet unachieved. Heating systems, material heat transfer properties and mold servicing challenges conspire against this goal although some molders have achieved considerable efficiency in the aggregate through the use of multiple molds and machines, material handling, and off-line mold handling which can almost achieve what Roy was hoping to see.

Full Process Control Tracking part quality and all production steps has certainly been achieved on automated machines which can literally produce parts from start to finish at the push of a button; it has also been partially achieved on more traditional machines.

Suppliers to be More Innovative The rotomolding supplier base is an engine for new ideas that the industry has depended upon for many years. Most rotomolders are small and without significant engineering capabilities which means development work in material, molds and processes is often ‘out-sourced’ to suppliers who can justify such work on the basis of multiple potential users.

Molder Responsibility to Drive Markets & Adopt New Technology This is the other side of the coin to the previous point – molders need to encourage suppliers by implementing their developments or helping refine them to make them more useful. This is particularly true for material development, new mold components, etc.

Unity as an Industry Happily, there has been progress in this area with global cooperation between international associations with sharing of information and access to materials and events. There is also a good degree of interaction between molders in different regions sharing technology and even customers.

Backdrop The rotomolding industry backdrop provides an insight into why some of these areas may have progressed more than others.

Rotomolding generally has a two-tier structure wherein many molders are smaller and highly entrepreneurial with limited engineering capabilities and relatively low expectations for quality.

Applying new technology is often outside the budget or comfort zone of what can frequently be a lean structure of an owner directly supervising machine operators’ in the factory. A smaller portion of the industry has better resources in terms of funding and engineering expertise and is therefore able to more successfully implement new ideas. Globally this split is perhaps around 90/10 but regions such as Europe have a higher concentration of top-level molders with a result that technology levels are generally more advanced there.

For the larger portion of the industry, available technology and the general approach to molding has remained largely unchanged over the last 20 years – same machines, same process, same issues (and still using open flame machines in some cases!). For the more technical molders, there have been good opportunities with automation and improved production techniques but the costbenefit decision to pursue them is oft-times limited by relatively

small order quantities and the complexity of handling rotomolded parts during demolding. However, in cases where large scale production is required the application of automated processes can be impressive.

shrinkage rates. Answer: uniformity of heating and cooling.

For traditional machines, heat transfer rates across a mold surface can vary due to proximity to the heat source, speed of air-flow, and orientation due to rotation as well as design of the cooling system. This creates a temperature map across a mold during heating and cooling which leads to different rates of thermal expansion in different parts of the mold (parting line distortion), contributes to part thickness variations (material is attracted to hot areas when rotation of the powder mass allows) and regions of the mold which can cool more quickly or more slowly (polyethylene shrinks a lot and is readily affected by cooling rates). For directly heated electrical machines, much of this can be overcome, although cooling rates may still be an issue. Is it possible to design a more uniform system of heating and cooling across the entire mold surface which would create a more stable mold and part environment?

Technical Development Where to go next? Creating a wide-ranging list of ideas for the future is possible: can we develop materials with the long-sought gloss and scratch resistance (with ease of molding and low-cost) that molders demand for retail applications? What about bioreinforced materials which manage to retain strength? Reactive materials which improve their properties after demolding?

Easy direct mold powder feeding techniques? Teaching tools using VR systems for operators specific to new machines? Part thickness detection during molding? Programmable rotation controls for standard machines to improve powder distribution and part thickness? The list can go on endlessly and while there are many molders and suppliers actively 10 Years On looking at all aspects of the process, Looking forward then, some three areas have often struck me as closing thoughts: A 90-10 The ROTO90% group will fundamental: release agents, material industry split between the continue to grow faster but fundamentals, and uniformity of larger entrepreneurial base and materials expertise will grow heating and cooling. the smaller technical core will (a) Release Agents endure: the ROTO90% group more in the ROTO10% group.

A release system is essential for will continue to grow faster but molding any polymer and the materials expertise will grow chemistry involved at the moldmore in the ROTO10% group. polymer interface is perhaps A vast majority of rotomolded more complex during the rotomolding process than any parts will still be utilitarian but the creative designers and more other due to a combination of high temperature, polymer advanced molders will continue to delight the world with some reactions, additive interactions, oxidative processes, etc. The amazing products. process of mold release application is manual and often misAssociations will continue to refine their 90/10 approach and understood and the build-up of deposits on the mold surface adapt to the positive and negative aspects of a remote life on-line. equally so. An industry initiative to study the interaction of Pressure will grow from the environmental lobby to reduce plastic typical release chemistry with standard additives and examine and energy use in general (both laudable objectives depending on alternate systems from other industries could bear fruit for the how they are applied within industries); rotomolders as individual process as a whole. companies and industry as a whole must have responses to the (b) Material Fundamentals negativity about plastic being nurtured in society. Benefits, durability, Development of new materials is the key to the next circular processes, and lifecycle savings need to be stressed. generation of rotomolded products. This requires an The use of automation in rotomolding will continue to grow; understanding of the fundamental properties of polymers slowly. There are too many variables in running a rotomolding vs. the conditions they are exposed to during molding. The business for it to become the norm across the entire industry but rotomolding process is essentially a subset of polyethylene – there will be instances of genius created where product design, the properties and melting behavior of polyethylene defines volumes, and resources coincide. how parts are formed via sequential layers which fuse together Material development will still center on polyethylene, without any significant level of shear; any alternative material expanding the boundaries incrementally, although the use of must perform in a similar fashion to polyethylene in order to polyethylene as a base component for alloys may help expand into function in traditional rotomolding processes. A search for new property ranges. The main drive for specialty materials will materials which react differently and can perhaps be used in be driven by application specialists who are closest to the end-user multi-layer systems is warranted as well as continuing the and their needs and work directly with mid-level material suppliers path of using polyethylene as a base for alloying. with the resources and interest to pursue them. (c) Uniform Heating and Cooling Hopefully we will all be well in 2030 to take a look back and see What do the following issues have in common? Parting line how things take shape on day 5188. Until we meet again next year. distortion; variable wall thickness; part warpage; and varying Day 8840 www.rotoworldmag.com 33

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.

ARM in 2021 The most valuable thing you can do with your ARM membership is get on our email list. Twice a week we send an email newsletter that includes valuable educational videos, industry news, curated links on running a business during a pandemic, customer inquiries, and occasionally actual fun.

If you’re a member and you’re not getting our email, it’s well worth your time to contact ARM at 630-942-6589 or info@rotomolding.org so we can get you on the list. If your company is a member, you’re a member. And we’re happy to add as many employees to our list as you’d like.

Our rough plans for the year ahead are detailed below. If you are on our email list, we’ll provide updates as things change.

Best Laid Plans ARM will continue to increase benefits for our members in 2021. We have seen consistent membership growth over the past few years and throughout a volatile 2020 because we continue to deliver rotomolding education directly to our members.

Last year we added 32 new webinars, including our series on designing rotomolded parts. Our online webinar library now includes more than 100 videos to view on demand.

In 2021 we will continue to be prepared for changing plans, so much of the forecast that follows is in flux. Regardless, we hope to over-deliver.

This year we plan to provide online education on Automation, Health and Safety, Hiring and Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, and more. Plus continued technical topics and What’s Your Problem? sessions. We also plan to meet face to face for Rotoplas in September.

By the time you read this we will have conducted our first webinar of the year: Post-Mold Label-Free Graphics by Lysis Technologies. A recording of this presentation is available to our members in our online library now.

Our first What’s Your Problem? teleconference will be held on February 4. These calls are moderated by Ron Cooke (ExxonMobil Chemical Canada) and Sandy Scaccia (Norstar 34 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

Aluminum Molds) and conducted every six weeks. Last year some of the calls were open to any question while others focused on individual topics like arm balancing and leak testing.

In place of our Executive Forum this spring, we have begun planning a series of online presentation and networking events that will be available to all members. These programs will focus on how to address the challenges of running a rotomolding business during the pandemic: hiring and retaining employees, managing a volatile supply chain, reviewing economic forecasts, and managing risks. It’s our hope that we can replicate in some ways the valuable discussions that take place between members at the Executive Forum and that we can use an online format to add new presentations based on feedback throughout the program.

Each year since 2018, we have presented a new series of webinars in addition to the many one-off presentations conducted throughout the year. Our previous series are Operator Training, Finishing Operations, and Designing Rotomolded Parts. For 2021, ARM Technical Director Nick Henwood is organizing a series on Health and Safety in Rotomolding Plants, which we hope will include the voices of many ARM members.

ARM

REPORT Visit bit.ly/alltheroto Our members have told us that one of the most valuable parts of attending our meetings is learning about the new products and processes our suppliers offer. Last fall we moved our exhibit hall online and as a result the benefit is now accessible to more people than ever before.

You can visit the virtual exhibit hall right now at bit.ly/alltheroto There you can learn about more than 50 exhibitors and watch dozens of new videos from our suppliers, sharing the newest machines, materials, and more. These videos were viewed more than 6,000 times last year.

This spring we plan to offer online networking once again. ARM will survey our members to match up companies that want to connect via Zoom to learn how they can work together. We’ll be offering this program in March and we hope it can be valuable again for your company.

Design, Environment, and Equipment Projects Our Education Commitment is nearing completion on a few big projects this year. They are redesigning and refreshing the ARM Guide for Designing Rotationally Molded Parts. We’re creating a video on rotomolding and the environment, and we’re working on a guide that will allow members to compare rotational molding machines.

We hope to be able to finish these up and make them available for members this year.

We realize that 2021 may continue to bring new challenges.

ARM is dedicated to the success of our members and is committed to being adaptable and flexible. Participating in webinars, What’s Your Problem Calls, our Executive Series, and more can provide the resources to make 2021 a success.

We welcome all feedback and encourage you to get involved by joining a committee, presenting a webinar, or sharing your company’s news and successes in our email newsletter.

ARM Doubles Online Education Assess ARM webinars were viewed 10,000 times in 2020, twice as many times as 2019. This number includes live webinar attendance and recorded webinar views, in which members watch our 10+ years of webinars at their convenience on the ARM website.

We now offer more than 100 webinars on-demand for members. Members can access all of these titles immediately.

• Operator Training Program (25 Videos) by Nick Henwood, Dru Laws, and more Click for the detailed contents

• Finishing Series (5 videos): Secondary Finishing Operations, Graphics, EPS Molding, PU Foaming, In-Mold Label Free Graphics and Coatings by Konstantia Asteriadou, Jason Brownell, Rick Carlsen, Corey Eystad, Nick Henwood, and Scott Saxman • Rotational Molding Design (6 videos) by Michael Paloian • Case Study: Body Board by Mario Poma • Challenges and Approaches in using Post-Consumer Recycled in Rotomolding by Henry Hay www.rotoworldmag.com 35

ARM

REPORT • Fade Resistance of Pigments by Mike Haubert • Foam Technology by Alex Pritchard • Fracture Mechanics for Rotational Molding

by Sachin Waigaonkar • Introduction to Long-Term Material Properties

by Nick Henwood • Leveraging New Resins - Collaborating with your Material Supplier to Elevate your Business by Carmine D’Agostino and Hassan Riaz • Polyethylene Market Update 2020 by Chris Gick • The Progression of Industry 4.0 principles for Rotational Molding by Rob Miller • Roto+10 by Paul Nugent • SWOT Analysis of Rotomomolding Process by Rick Carlsen • UV Stability & Heat Aging by Thomas Steele • Virtual Plant Tours by Matt Bushman and Mick Webber • Virtual Reality to Optimise the Design and Build a New Rotomoulding Factory by Karem Akoul • Welding 101 by Kevin McTavish • Burner Maintenance presented by Adam Covington • Considerations When Light-Weighting Rotomolded Parts presented by Henry Hay • Cooling Fixtures presented by Ron Joannou Jr. and Joey Morsi • Determining Your True Cost presented by Steve Osborn • The Effect of Pigments and Warpage on HDPE Rotomolded Parts by Mike Haubert • EPCRA Reporting & Combustible Dust presented

by EPA & OSHA • Finishing Parts with Robots (Case Study) presented

by Dru Laws • Finite Element Analysis: The Basics presented

by Michael Paloian • Improving Rotational Molded Insert Performance presented by Glenn Larkin and Jon Ratzlaff • In-Process Rotational Foam Molding presented by Dru Laws • Infrared Thermography presented by Bill Spenceley • Lengthening the Life of Your Mold presented by Tony Short • Making the Most of Trade Shows by Melissa Shearer • Making the Most of Your Marketing Budget presented by Melissa Shearer • Mold Clamping Methods – Pros and Cons presented by Erik Adams and Bob Mueller • Mold Release presented by Evan Silo & Scott Waterman • Mold Trends: Europe v. North America presented

by Sergio Zilioli • Part Cure As it Relates to Industry 4.0 by Rob Miller • Part Cure: How To Use Part Density to Check For Correct Cure by Nick Henwood • Part Cure: Troubleshooting by Ron Cooke • Process Control: Modelling the Rotomolding Process

by Hassan Riaz • Process Tuning 101 by Nick Henwood 36 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

• Prop 65 for Rotomolders presented by Mike Haubert • Proper Sampling Techniques presented

by Josh Hunsberger and Dave Loeffler • Rebranding Your Business (Case Study) presented

by Tom Innis • Resin Rotomation by Rob Miller • Rotational Molding & the Evolving Structural Part Processing Business presented by Dr. Peter Mooney • Roto 101 presented by Rick Carlsen & Ron Joannou Jr. • Safety in Rotomolding & OSHA Compliance presented

by Dave Schwoerer • Save Energy & Save Money presented by Bill Spenceley • Selecting the Right PE Grade for Your Part presented

by Nick Henwood • Selling in Tough Times and Uncertain Market by Paul Reilly • The Seven Stages of Rotomolding by Gareth McDowell • Solve Cosmetic Part Problems presented by Jon Ratzlaff • Stiffness Models and Options for Multi-Layered Parts presented by Dr. Nick Henwood • Test Method for Flowability (Dry Flow Rate) of Polyethylene Powders Using a Specified Funnel presented by Ron Cooke & Jon Ratzlaff • Ten Actionable Business Topics by Tom Kammerait • Troubleshooting Your Rotomolding Operation from a Shop Floor Perspective presented by Ron Cooke • Turning a 4% Bottom Line into a 10% Bottom Line presented

by Al Bates • Understanding the Molding Cycle presented by Gareth MacDowell • Unwanted Holes in Rotomolded Parts by Nick Henwood • Vent Plug Materials, Techniques, and Installations

by Sandy Scaccia • What Does Internal Air Mold Temperature Have to do with Quality presented by Gareth McDowell • What’s New (May 2020) presented by 18 ARM Suppliers • What’s Your Problem (2 videos) presented by Ron Cooke & Sandy Scaccia

ARM

REPORT The Benefits of Membership

Train your employees, reduce scrap, connect with customers, learn from experts and peers. This is what comes with membership and the return on your investment is tremendous.

Complimentary Registration for the 2021 Annual Meeting Provided for one employee for each new member company. This is your free entry to the world’s preeminent rotomolding meeting, held once every three years.

Sales Inquiry Notifications We review sales leads typically from companies seeking molders – and email them to our member companies. We actively advertise for leads on behalf of our members.

Sample Operator Instructions An 80+ page document calling out the highlights of nine company’s operator instructions. Also more than 700 documents and presentations from past Annual Meetings.

Immediate Free Access to more than 60+ on-demand webinars Topics range from Determining Your True Cost to Proper Sampling Techniques. A dozen new titles were added in 2019.

Immediate Free Access to ARM’s classic training video library Includes programs on curing, venting, and good manufacturing practices. All videos include Spanish subtitles.

Free Access to Troubleshooting Calls These moderated teleconferences are conducted every six weeks (eight

per year) and allow you to troubleshoot your process and discuss HR issues with other molders, suppliers, and rotomolding experts.

Networking with Industry Peers The greatest ARM benefit: Informal learning at a coffee break could revolutionize your process or reduce your expenses by tens of thousands of dollars. We hear it from members again and again.

Awards and Awareness Showcase your company in our online member directory and through awards including Safety Award, Product Competition, and more.

Discounted Registration to all ARM Meetings Includes regional meetings, the in-depth Hands-On Rotomolding Workshop at Penn College, and our Executive Forum which will be held in Italy.

Rotolink Our weekly e-newsletter announces upcoming programs, shares important industry news, and profiles our members.

Annual Meeting The premier event for rotomolders, their suppliers, designers and educators. Programming includes professional and industry speakers, valuable networking, group workshops, and exhibition.

To apply for membership, please visit www.rotomolding.org

www.rotoworldmag.com 37

MACcreeP of Rotomolded Polymer Structures (Part 1)

By Eric Lainé1, Eric Maziers2, Jean-Claude Grandidier1

Institut Pprime, CNRS, ISAE-ENSMA, Université de Poitiers, F-86962 Futuroscope, France 2 Total Research & Technology Feluy, Zone Industrielle Feluy, B-7181 Seneffe, Belgique eric.laine@ensma.fr, eric.maziers@total.com, grandidier@ensma.fr

1

The authors propose to present in three parts a methodology that goes from the characterization of long-term creep of rotomolded material (Part 1: MACreeP of rotomolded polymer structures) to the dimensioning of industrial rotomolded structure (Part 3: Case Study of a Long-Term Filled Industrial Storage Tank - prediction at 20 years) through the correlation of numerical simulations / creep tests on a reference rotomolded structure (Part 2: Correlation numerical simulations/creep tests of a rotomolded PE structure (test mold)) to validate the behavior.

The first part is a summary of the article: “Methodology of Accelerated Characterization for long-term creep prediction of polymer structures to ensure their service life” published in Polymer Testing [1] by the authors.

Introduction Predicting the long-term creep behavior of thermoplastic materials, particularly semi-crystalline materials has been a major issue for several decades. This problem concerns not only the academic world but also the industry producing these materials as well as those who design structures for a lifetime of 10 or 20 years according to specifications. There are many articles in the literature covering this problem, different materials, and different experimental approaches [1]. At present, this research work has not led to an alternative standard proposed to designers to establish the behavior over long periods by minimizing the tests and by defining an efficient model to make the predictive calculation of structures.

The first approach, called “Classical Methodology” (CM), is commonly used by design engineers. It consists of fitting experimental data from standardized creep tests (ISO 899-1 [2] and ASTM D 2990 [3]) performed 1000 hours or more (generally 5000 hours) from a power law. In these creep tests, dumbbellshaped samples are charged with static load [2]. The samples are subjected to constant nominal stress (N =F/S0) where F is the applied load and S0 is the initial cross-section of the sample. The curves obtained from these tests are expressed by the evolution over time of the nominal strain, § N = (L-L0)/L0 , where L0 and L are the initial and current values of the sample gauge length, obtained with an extensometer. Nominal stress and strain represent the intrinsic behavior of the material only if the strain is homogeneous all over the gauge length. Once the parameters of this power law have been found, it is then possible to extrapolate and to identify the modulus at 10 or 20 years according to the stress required for dimension design. For example, according to standard AS/NZS 4766 [4] for tank design, this value is 4MPa for a majority of thermoplastic materials. In the end, the numerical 38 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

simulation is carried out statically, with a material whose behavior is linearly elastic and whose modulus is obtained as described above.

The second method, called the Methodology of Accelerated Characterization for long-term creep Prediction (MACcreeP), has been developed by the authors over the past fifteen years [1]. The objective was, based on peer-reviewed techniques and methods, to provide long-term creep data for engineers in the shortest possible time and at the lowest cost. To provide longterm creep data, this MACcreeP methodology is based on tensile tests at constant strain rate and creep tests under constant true stress for 24 hours and different temperatures. Using the Time-Temperature Superposition Principle (TTSP), the most commonly used extrapolation technique, and a creep behavior law available in most Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, it provides the detailed data that engineers need to undertake a creep analysis over more or less time (from a few tens of hours to several years).

In this framework, this paper aims to compare the approaches and to carry out numerical simulations to design polymer structures subjected to low loads in the long term. The material used in this work is a polyethylene rotomolding grade produced

by TOTAL. Mechanical Test Descriptions for MACcreeP Tensile and creep tensile tests are performed on a testing machine which is equipped with a 500N load cell. Since the tests are performed at an isothermal temperature and the specimens are conditioned stress-free at the set temperature until stabilization. The true strains are computed from the displacement of four markers on the surface of the specimen.

During the test, a CCD camera is following the four markers in real time. This measuring system [5] controls the testing machine to perform tensile tests at a constant strain rate and creep tests at constant true stress. More precisely in the creeping procedure, the axial true stress is kept constant in the crosssection during the experiment.

The actual cross-section is measured in real time and loading F is adapted to keep constant true stress by using the relation (3). The logarithmic longitudinal (εl) and transverse (εt) strains are calculated following equations 1 and 2, where L and L0 , W, and W0 respectively stand for the current and initial distance between longitudinal and transverse (in the width direction) markers, L and W the increments of these values. The longitudinal Cauchy stress (or True stress) is calculated using the following equation (3) in an isochoric framework and assuming

isotropy of transverse strains, where S0 is the initial cross-section area, S is the actual cross-section area and F is the current axial load. To locate the strain in the region where all mechanical variables are determined, the dimensions of the ASTM D638M [6] specimens have been modified (Fig. 1).

Samples are extracted from structures resulting from the rotational molding process. Indeed, the mechanical characteristics depend on the kind of process and parameters used. In the case of rotomolding, this is important because there is no pressure applied to the material, which is different to the injection process for example. Consequently, specimens are extracted from rotomolded structures to identify the mechanical properties.

(1) (2) (3)

Figure 1: Test specimen

Description of the Time-Temperature Superposition Principle (TTSP) for MACcreeP Numerous creep experiments have been conducted to make long-term creep predictions from short-term creep tests. The most commonly accepted method to achieve this involves the use of TTSP, which implies that viscoelastic behavior at one temperature can be related to that at another temperature by a change in the time scale only. The detailed procedure is that creep tests performed at high temperatures for short periods can mimic creep behaviors performed at low temperatures on a long-term time scale [7,8]. The creep data was then shifted horizontally along the logarithmic time axis until they overlapped to form a continuous master curve at a reference temperature. This master curve can be used to predict creep performance over a long time. The corresponding shift factor aT was described by Williams, Landel, and Ferry [8] as in equation (4), where the strain § 0 at reference temperature (Tref ), and § the strain at time t and elevated temperature T. Compliance is commonly used to build the master curve and therefore determine the shift factor aT. Thus, compliance is given by the relationship (5).

(4)

(5)

(6) For semi-crystalline polymers at temperatures below their melting point, it has been shown that the shift factor aT follows an Arrhenius equation (6) where R is the universal gas constant and H is the activation energy. The activation energy can be obtained from the slope of the curve of log aT against 1/T. From the independent creep curves obtained under different stress and temperature levels, the conventional TTSP procedure is used. Then, the construction of the master curve requires some horizontal offsets in time of the rescaled creep curves.

Constitutive Law The total strain is defined as the sum of elastic strain (the relationship between stress  and elastic modulus E), creep strain, and thermal strain. Since the tests are performed at an isothermal temperature and the specimens are conditioned at the set temperature until stabilization stress free, there is no thermal strain to be taken into account only the change of section should be taken into account to calculate true stress.

Creep strain can have linear (stress independent) or non-linear (stress dependent) viscoelastic behavior.

In FEA software, creep behavior can be described by either viscoelastic laws (Prony series) or by viscoplastic laws (CREEP).

As long as the release of a load of the structure is not considered in the simulation, both laws will give the same results if the sign of load doesn’t change. The creep behavior law used here is the viscoplastic law which is available in industrial computational codes and more particularly in Abaqus©. Besides, this law gives the possibility to describe the nonlinear behavior by a power law in the stress. The "time hardening" form is the simpler of the two forms of the power model: (7) where is the uniaxial equivalent creep strain rate, q˜ is the uniaxial equivalent deviatoric stress, A, n, and m material parameters. Uniaxial equivalent creep strain can be obtained by integrating the uniaxial equivalent creep strain rate with time: (8) In a tensile creep test: • the uniaxial equivalent deviatoric stress is equal to uniaxial stress in the direction of loading (q˜ =σ) • the uniaxial equivalent creep strain is equal to uniaxial creep strain in the direction of loading www.rotoworldmag.com 39

When considering a linear load under stress as a time dependence, the creep strain is calculated by:

The methodology of Accelerated Characterization for long-term creep Prediction (MACcreeP) The protocol is: • Tensile tests at a constant strain rate (10 -3 s-1) are performed at 4 temperatures (Fig. 2a). It is possible to identify the modulus and the Poisson’s ratio as a function of temperature (Fig. 2b). These parameters will be used during the numerical simulation to define the elastic behavior of the material considered for the studied structure.

• Tensile creep tests at constant true stress are performed at 4 temperatures for 24 hours (for some PEs, it is possible to increase the temperature up to 80°C, however, in this example 60°C is sufficient). Three constant true stresses are imposed: 2, 3 and 5 MPa (Fig. 3).

The effects of the applied true stress level on compliance are examined using PE in the temperature range from 23 to 60°C. Compliance with logarithmic time under different levels of stress at different temperatures is plotted (example at 23°C in Fig. 4). The positive dependence of compliance on stress shows a typical nonlinear viscoelastic behavior. For example, Fig. 5 shows the influence of temperature on the compliance curves as a function of time for the 2MPa stress.

• Using the Time-Temperature Superposition Principle (TTSP), it is possible to build master curves for each stress. Fig. 6 shows the master curve at 23°C for the true stress of 2MPa. On this graph, the black vertical line, the black dotted vertical line and the black solid vertical line represent 5000h, 10 and 20 years respectively on the time axis. Fig. 7 shows the horizontal shift factor in function 1/T-1/Tref. The shift 40 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

True strain (%) Figure 2a: Tensile curves at different temperatures [1]

0,5 .

Poisson's ratio

It is important to note here that this creep law (eq. 7) in finite element analysis software should be used with caution. As shown in equations 9 and 10, for the same set of parameters (A, n, and m), the creep response will be different. Thus, the procedure for identifying these parameters depends on the imposed loading rate (instantaneous or temporal).

In the case of standard creep tests (ISO899-1), only equation 10 is true. In the case of constant true stress creep tests, equation 9 can be used since the load increase to achieve the imposed true stress is controlled at a strain rate. Equation 10 can be used if the assumption of a fast loading is assumed. Finally, this creep law must be used only in the case of constant and/or increasing load but not in the case of mechanical discharge.

True stress (MPa)

(10)

Modulus (MPa)

If an instantaneous load is considered i.e. t0 = 0, then the creep strain is calculated by:

Modulus Poisson's ratio

0

20 40 Temperature (°C)

60

0

Figure 2b: Modulus and Poisson’s ratio as a function of temperature [1]

2MPa, 23°C 2MPa, 40°C

3MPa, 23°C 3MPa, 40°C

5MPa, 23°C 5MPa, 40°C

True strain (%)

(9)

23°C 40°C 50°C 60°C

1E-04 1E-03 1E-02 1E-01 1E+00 1E+01 1E+02 Time (h) Figure 3: Creep curves under constant true strain

function checks the Arrhenius law (eq. 8) and is independent of the stress on the range 0-5MPa. This relationship allows us to determine the activation energy which is 227.3 kJ/mol for PE. This result falls within the range of Arrhenius parameters reported in the literature for polyethylene, whose activation energy ranges from 160 to 320 kJ/mol.

The identification of the parameters of the creep law consists of finding a set of parameters passing through the three master curves constructed at 2, 3 and 5MPa. By accumulating the uncertainties of experimental measurements of the strain and the shift of the curves to construct the master curves, it is illusory to have a set of parameters allowing a perfect fit for the three curves. In Fig. 8, the master curves are superimposed on the different stresses, the behavior law identified by imposing the master curves at 2, 3 and 5MPa. As part of the MACcreeP methodology, the final parameters of the creep law will be obtained from the experimental curves at 2, 3 and 5MPa. Using the predictive data over a stress range between 2 and 5MPa a structure can be designed with a stress field between 0 and 4MPa. Comparison of the two approaches for medium-term and long-term creep By comparing the two approaches over the time range 150 - 5000 hours, Fig. 9a shows that up to 1000 hours the experimental data from the ISO 899-1 standard tests and the master curves at each stress from the constant true stress tests are almost superimposed. Between 1000 and 5000 hours, the creep rate seems to be slightly different in the two configurations. It is not possible here to conclude on this difference, because the differences in terms of tests are too important. It should be remembered that the dimensions of the samples are different, the measurement length of the samples is a factor 10 between both test methods. Finally, in the MACcreeP test method, the

D(t,T) (MPa-1)

2MPa 3MPa 5MPa

0

1

2

log(t) (s)

3

4

5

D(t,T) (MPa-1)

Figure 4: Stress dependence of creep curves for a given temperature example at 23°C

0

23°C 40°C 50°C 60°C

1

2

log(t) (s)

3

4

5

Figure 5: Temperature dependence of creep curves under true stress of 2MPa

D(t,T23) (MPa-1)

• Long-term identification From the master curves at 23°C for the various stresses, it is now possible to estimate a creep behavior law that can be used in FEA software. It is then necessary to identify the parameters of this law (eq. 10) from the constructed master curves. The elastic modulus has been determined by tensile tests. It is presumptuous to think that with only one set of parameters of the standard creep law, it is possible to be predictive over the 0-20 year range. Although the widest possible range is interesting, we will always limit ourselves to identify the parameters as well as possible. Thus, to know the behavior at 10 and 20 years, the parameters of the creep law will be determined precisely over the range of 5 to 20 years.

In this configuration, the loading and start of the master curves are secondary. Generally, during creep simulations on structures, loading is imposed instantly. The reason is that the first loading step is considered to have no impact on longterm creep. However, the use of the creep law (eq. 10) in FEA software can be of concern. Because as specified previously, the result for a given set of parameters of the creep law will be different if an instantaneous load or a load is imposed over a defined time. To take into account the loading speed, it would then be necessary to have creep tests with different load increases and to ensure that the law as it is written today can account for this behavior. To avoid this point, it is therefore considered that the rise is purely elastic, and that creep begins as soon as the real stress is reached and is applied instantly.

0

23°C 50°C 5000 hours 20 years

2

40°C 60°C 10 years

4

log(t) (s)

6

8

10

Figure 6: The master curves for creep compliance at 23°C for constant true stress of 2MPa

transverse strain measurement controls the machine to ensure that constant real stress is maintained. For tests according to ISO899-1, the tests are at a constant weight. Although the deformations are small and moderate, the actual true stress www.rotoworldmag.com 41

Nominal/True strain (%)

log (aT)

y = 11868x R² = 0,9975

2MPa 3MPa 5MPa

0

1/T-1/Tref (K-1)

1000

2000 3000 Time (h)

4000

5000

Figure 9a: Superposition of experimental data (standard 899-1) and the master curves (MACcreeP) at constant true stress (2 and 5MPa) between 0 and 5000 hours [1]

6MPa

Constitutive Law 2MPa 3MPa 5MPa

5MPa

4MPa

True Strain (%)

True Total Strain (%)

Figure 7: Shift factor obtained for the PE specimens at various temperatures [1]

0

2MPa, CM 5MPa, CM 2MPa, MACcreeP 5MPa, MACcreeP

4MPa 3MPa 2MPa Constitutive Law (MACcreeP) Constitutive Law (Classical Methodology)

5

10 Time (years)

15

20

0

5

10 Time (years)

15

20

Figure 8: Superposition of experimental data and the behavior law [1]

Figure 9b: Comparison of the behavior laws identified according to the two methodologies [1]

changes over time. Fig. 9b presents the creep curves over 20 years for the two methodologies constructed from the behavior law and the identification of the parameters of the creep law (eq. 10). It is clear that over the 5-20 year stress range, the classical method underestimates behavior.

• A complete characterization of material in less than 700 hours compared to 5000 hours in the conventional method at the same cost.

• Also, this methodology provides much more material data.

• In addition to the modulus and Poisson’s ratio, it is possible to identify all the modulus and therefore the creep behavior laws in the short, medium, and long term.

• Only the creep parameters will be dependent on the time range has taken for identification.

• Taking into account the evolution of stresses and specifications, it is possible with these data to determine the long-term creep moduli at 40°C, conditions rotomolded structures may undergo.

Conclusion In the proposed methodology (MACcreeP), the identification of long-term creep moduli is based on the Time-Temperature Principle that has already been tested and validated on other semi-crystalline polymers and a standard creep behavior law in industrial FEA software.

The interests of the proposed methodology are multiple: • It allows data to be obtained more quickly: three tensile tests performed at four temperatures, i. e. 12 tests, last approximately 50 hours.

• For the 24-hour creep tests, at three different stresses and two four-temperature stress tests, the 576-hour test machine is used.

42 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

Finally, the data generated from the behavior laws and therefore the use of the CREEP law in FEA software allows a more predictive numerical response than the use of a single elastic modulus. Moreover, this methodology allows with very few tests (and therefore time) to compare and choose the appropriate material for the structure to be dimensioned.

To improve prediction at different stresses and potentially manage mechanical discharges, the creep law could be replaced by a nonlinear viscoelastic law that has already been proven for polyethylene.

References Those wishing to obtain more detailed information are referred to the following sources of information [1-8]: [1] E. LainĂŠ, C. Bouvy, J.-C. Grandidier, G. Vaes, Methodology of Accelerated Characterization for long-term creep prediction of polymer structures to ensure their service life, Polymer Testing 79 (2019) 106050.

[2] Determination of the Creep Behavior of Plastics. Part 1: Tensile Creep, ISO Standard 899-1 2003.

[3] Standard Test Methods for Tensile, Compressive, and Flexural Creep and Creep-rupture of Plastics, ASTM D 2990.

[4] Polyethylene storage tanks for water and chemicals, AS/NZS 4766, 2006.

[5] C. G'Sell, J. Hiver, A. Dahoun, A. Souahi, Video-controlled tensile testing of polymers and metals beyond the necking point, J. Mater Sci. 27(18) (1992) 5031-5039.

[6] Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics (Metric), ASTM D638M 1996.

[7] I. Ward, Mechanical properties of solid polymers, Weinheim: John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 1983.

[8] M. Williams, R. Landel, J. Ferry, The temperature dependence of relaxation mechanisms in amorphous polymers and other glass-forming liquids, J. Am. Chem.

Soc. 77(14) (1955) 3701-3707.

www.rotoworldmag.com 43

Your connection to the world of

Rotational Moulding

ARMA

ROTOCONNECT

ARMA Welcomes First Female President – Trudi Duncan Trudi Duncan is the Managing Director of Gyro Plastics based in New Zealand and has been on the ARMA RotoConnect Board of Directors since 2016. She has now moved into the position of President.

In her own words, Trudi describes her entry into the rotational moulding industry: “After failing to find a job as a postgraduate, my now husband got tired of me riding horses professionally and told me to get a real job. As a result, I defaulted to working in the family business. As an industry outsider, I was desperate to gain access to more information and network with those who had it. Joining ARMA was the single best decision I’ve made for our business, and for my own professional development. Rotational Moulding has developed in me a love for manufacturing, the constant challenge and attainment of best practices and a real desire to connect with and help others in and on the fringe of our industry. My journey in business has been characterised by some good decisions and some terrible ones, likely as your own has.

But there has never been a burden that could not be lightened by picking up the phone to call an industry friend to put things back in an orderly nature. My personal life, however, is characterised by a perpetual need to locate my cell phone, juggling the craziness of 4 kids under 6, and the never-ending list of work that is a result of living on a farm.

As I have heard echoed by many who have spent decades in Rotational Moulding, I love this industry, the people in it, our company, and I am passionate about how I can make a difference.”

In her first report to our members and supporters, Trudi takes lessons from the past 12 months and looks to the future of ARMA RotoConnect as below: The end of the most unusual year is fast approaching and for inspiration in writing my first report as ARMA RotoConnect President, I looked to Graeme Hall’s Presidents report from last December. At that time, Covid-19 was only just beginning to make itself known, and only a short 12 months later, what has been described as “our new normal” has well and truly become entrenched in both our personal and business lives.

Graeme wrote, “The responsibility to effectively represent our relatively small industry has always been a driving force and core to our thinking. Although, as always, we are mindful of our financial responsibilities, balancing the needs of our members whilst maintaining the long-term viability of our association”. Looking back on this, it feels as though Graeme may have had a crystal ball in his possession. I imagine that this has not only been the focus of the Board this year, but also at the heart of our members’ decision making in their own businesses. Personally, after such a growth period in the Australasian markets, the strange, fast paced events of the last 12 months have given me a far greater sense of purpose, a deeper connection to my business, and practice in making harder, faster, and bigger decisions. Instead of focusing on the hardships of the year, I encourage you to look back on the past 12 months with a view of what it has taught you. It might be the beginnings of a new language, or a greater connection with your children as a result of a lockdowns. It might be like myself, confidence in your 44 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

2021 ARMA RotoConnect Board of Directors President: Trudi Duncan - Gyro Plastics Vice President: Toby Peacock - Q Tank Treasurer: Chris Glenn - Bushmans Group Past President: Graeme Hall - Viscount Rotational Moulding Board Member: Ian Gough - Gough Plastics Board Member: John Collier - Urban Group Board Member: Anant Yuvarajah - ASC Water Tanks Board Member: Mark Medew - Kiel Industries Board Member: Craig Welsh - Rapid Spray Supplier Board Member: Kate McKie - Qenos Supplier Board Member: Grant Palling - Matrix Polymers

ARMA

ROTOCONNECT ability to make decisions in a potential crisis, or potentially, just that you learnt the importance of pants and laptop camera angles on Zoom. Whatever those new skills might bring, let them be the story of your 2020, learning from what Covid-19 might have taken away and remembering what you have gained as a person, leader, parent, friend, colleague, or community member.

As usual, extensive thanks and gratitude must be extended to former CEO Leisa Donlan, CEO Michelle Rose, Accounts & Administration Officer Linda Nicholson, and the other professional contributors to our association. Whilst ARMA RotoConnect Board Members volunteer their time to the organisation, these wonderful staff of ARMA RotoConnect have truly gone over and above to ensure it is as much “business as usual” for our members. We sincerely appreciate all that you have done over this last year to ensure the longevity of this organisation. Your clever strategy, sacrifice, and vision has ensured our organisation’s ability to withstand the events of the last 12 months and this would not have occurred without your continued dedication.

The focus for the next 12 months for the Board and staff now is to continue developing our ability to provide our membership with value in 5 strategic areas: • Provide a forum for members to network • Contribute to the overall stability and integrity of the industry • Foster research and development for the process • Promote the process • Liaise with other organisations The next 12 months are likely to see as much change as the last, with “travel bubbles” and vaccines paving the way for business across the Tasman and globally to begin to resume some of its previous function. We truly appreciate the support of our continuing members and supporters whilst we navigate this. Membership is as important now as ever, both for the own ability to access ongoing support during what is likely to be an extended period of interrupted operations and for the health of the Association. If you have interest in the services we provide or any suggestions for future projects please do not hesitate to get in touch with ARMA RotoConnect on info@rotationalmoulding.com

Masterclass at the Machine 2021 With the inability to run our usual Masterclass Series around Australia and in New Zealand, ARMA RotoConnect had been discussing innovative ways to provide real technical training to the industry within our limitations. As we have an excellent ongoing relationship with a professional filming company, the idea was put forward to run technical training sessions AT THE MACHINES of rotational moulders in Victoria and then to provide the finished product to the industry for a reasonable cost.

We believe that by working together and providing additional knowledge at all levels of moulding companies, we are not only contributing to the education of the industry but building strong

Tim Leed on camera at Melbourne Rotomould.

Going to great heights for the perfect shot.

www.rotoworldmag.com 45

ARMA

ROTOCONNECT relationships with future managers. The training videos will be made available in the new year for an annual cost so that they can be accessed as required for further training or new staff induction processes.

The basis of the training is around the Rotational Moulding Theory & Practice Book that was developed by ARMA RotoConnect in coordination with IT-RO, the Italian Rotational Moulding Association. The presentations will include specific training around areas such as Care and Maintenance of Moulds, Vents, Release Agents, Shrinkage, Deformation, Controlling the Process, Cooling and Critical Areas of Rotomoulding, and Safety and Machines.

The Factories Urban Poly Tanks Pty Ltd (UPT) is an Australian company, based in Pakenham, Victoria. UPT manufactures a range of products, including water storage tanks. The UPT management team has more than 35 years combined experience in rotational moulding and tank manufacture. Urban Poly Tanks Pty Ltd is part of The Urban Group.

John Collier and Anant Yuvarajah will be presenting in the Urban factory on safety on the factory floor and what to look out for!

Melbourne Rotomould Tim Leed and Steve Kyval started this business to use their extensive rotomoulding knowledge to manufacture innovative designs for creative Australian and international businesses. They are passionate about the process, and it continues to fascinate them.

At their core though, Melro are a manufacturer and they have a range of rotomoulding equipment suitable for making small parts through to extremely large ones. Their largest machine (also our newest and also one of the largest in the world) can fit a 20-foot shipping container inside of it and can handle moulds weighing in excess of 5000kg.

Filming the intricate details inside the mould.

46 ROTOWORLDÂŽ DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

Non contact meeting with Mark Medew from Kiel Industries.

Tim Leed will provide an Introduction to Rotational Moulding, Overview of Machine Types, Graphics, and touch on a range of other topics.

Kiel Industries Kiel’s equipment is specially designed to offer an economic advantage with short production runs that are so vital to the Australian supply chain in this modern era. Kiel Industries is the only company in Australia with specialised moulding equipment and in-house tooling facilities.

Kiel Industries continues to lead Australia in the material handling industry because they carry and supply the largest range of plastic pallets in the southern hemisphere.

Mark Medew will talk about all aspect of Moulds and touch on using Polypropylene and other topics.

As well as this our event sponsors have also provided workshops and videos to compliment the Masterclass at the Machine series.

Thank you to Qenos, Micropellets Australia, PSI Brand, and Matrix Polymers for their support and innovation in providing technical training to the industry.

Filming has already started, and the series will be available in the coming months so keep you eye out for email promotions or visit www.armamasterclass.com.au for more information.

ARMA

ROTOCONNECT Who is ARMA RotoConnect?

We don’t just provide conference presenters or articles about what’s happening in the global industry. We offer unique and amazing opportunities to engage directly with the changemakers, all the time. ARMA is the premier organisation for rotational moulders throughout Australia, New Zealand, and South East Asia and as one of the most active associations in the world. We also have rotational moulding and supplier members throughout around the globe who enjoy our resources and extensive industry network. Our members have a proven commitment to providing their clients with quality products and services. RotoConnect is a limited membership open to moulders around the world that still provides key benefits but doesn’t include advocacy, promotion, or technical advice outside of the online resource library or some of the key benefits shown below. Here’s a quick comparison to help you find the right membership type for your company.

ARMA Member Benefits

Oceania, New Zealand & Australia

RotoConnect Member Benefits Rest of The World

Technical Library: This resource includes hundreds of conference presentations from all over the world, promotional resources such as our design posters, safety posters and guides, guides for moulders and customers, templates, induction and training programs, testing guides, and more.

Technical Library: This resource includes hundreds of conference presentations from all over the world, promotional resources such as our design posters, safety posters and guides, guides for moulders and customers, templates, induction and training programs, testing guides, and more.

Rotomoulding TV: This is access to all of the videos of live conference presentations and technical workshops that are available on the Rotomoulding TV website as well as the videos that form part of the technical library.

Rotomoulding TV: This is access to all of the videos of live conference presentations and technical workshops that are available on the Rotomoulding TV website as well as the videos that form part of the technical library.

Rotationalmoulding.com: The website is the most utilised website in the rotational moulding industry and is now branded as RotoConnect. Your subscription will include a member listing on this site, that is search enabled so that products developers and designers throughout the world will be able to access your details when searching for a company.

Rotationalmoulding.com: The website is the most utilised website in the rotational moulding industry and is now branded as RotoConnect. Your subscription will include a member listing on this site, that is search enabled so that products developers and designers throughout the world will be able to access your details when searching for a company.

RotoConnect Events: Membership discounts to all events and reciprocal attendance at ARMO events where offered.

RotoConnect Events: Membership discounts to all events and reciprocal attendance at ARMO events where offered (conditions may apply with the local organiser).

Plus: • Rotonews updates • 6 issues of Rotoworld® per year • Advocacy to government • Development of relevant standards

• Marketing of the process • Technical support • Event attendance at discounted rates • Localised technical resources • Local events

Membership is open to all rotomoulders and suppliers.

Membership is open only to rotational moulding companies located outside of the Australasian region.

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

www.rotoworldmag.com 47

Maintaining

HEALTHY REPUTATIONS

During a Pandemic Andrea Lekushoff, Broad Reach Communications

With the world fighting a pandemic, most organizations are making very difficult decisions in order to survive. But what varies from company to company is how these decisions are being handled and communicated. And that is an issue because when we finally emerge from this global crisis, employees and other stakeholders will remember how they were treated.

48 ROTOWORLDÂŽ DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

With so many businesses struggling and with marketing efforts toned way down for the foreseeable future, it’s hard to build a brand right now. But you can still support your brand reputation via thoughtful leadership and treating people right. This can inspire hope while generating confidence in your company’s resilience. And since the reputation of your brand—not to mention your personal leadership and the culture of your company—hinges on how you operate during these difficult times, best practices in corporate communications have never been more important.

When I talk about communication, of course, I’m not referring to sending out a bunch of well-edited e-mails. I’m talking about bringing your people along on a mutual journey by letting them know where things stand and where things might be headed. I’m talking about checking in with your employees and offering help. I’m talking about really taking care of your people, which requires honesty, transparency, and empathy. This always matters, but right now it will make or break your reputation in the months and years to come.

In other words, forget about “massaging” the message. Now is not the time to hide behind corporate speak or puffery. Be real. Be willing to have the tough conversations and explain the challenges your organization faces from the heart, showing humanity and humility as you help your people understand what’s happening. Make sure you let all concerned know how deeply you empathize with their personal challenges and show genuine gratitude for their contributions.

A good role model for pandemic communication can be found in Queen Elizabeth II’s address to the United Kingdom a few weeks ago. There was no sugar-coating, no advice, just genuine thanks and reassurance. So, ask yourself: Are you thanking people over and over and over? Is there something you should be doing because it is the right thing to do—like paying employees more? Are your communications direct, clear, and brief?

Remember that it is okay if you don’t have all the answers to employee questions. An honest acknowledgment of that fact can have a positive long-term impact. Instead of thinking, “Here’s another corporate message that says nothing,” your people will have thoughts like, “Our CEO was incredibly open and vulnerable in today’s townhall.”

If you’re being forced to cut salaries or break other employee commitments, a sincere apology can go a long way. But words in such cases are not enough. You need to show that you’re personally invested by making sacrifices as well. A senior leadership team that protects its own salaries while cutting others’ will quickly be written off as selfserving, and believe me, that reputation will stick. But leaders who take pay cuts along with their employees (or who even take bigger cuts to make up for the pay differential) will be respected as team players and may even find themselves revered as inspirational.

Mind you, being an inspirational leader is about much more than grand gestures or rousing speeches. Inspirational leadership comes from action. Rather than staying at home, Weston executives are working alongside their teams, helping to stock grocery shelves. Consider how your leaders could get into the trenches with your teams. In fact, take the long view: this could be a great opportunity to establish practices that will permeate your company long into the future. Set the standard now for how you will operate for years to come.

Consider this a stretch challenge. Think way outside the box to find creative ways to join your teams in their day-to-day efforts. If you aim

Don’t assume you know how anyone is feeling.

After many weeks of communicating to employees, it’s time for leaders to really listen.”

to do more and go further than anyone else, and every other leader at every other company does the same, think of all the amazing things we can do. Seize this opportunity to truly exemplify what it means to lead.

Listen and get personal. Don’t assume you know how anyone is feeling. After many weeks of communicating to employees, it’s time for leaders to really listen. I’ve been advising my clients to survey their employees or to hold virtual coffee meetings with small groups to ask people how they’re feeling and what help they might need. The idea of going back to work may be creating anxiety among your people that you haven’t anticipated.

What they tell you will be essential in defining what your company’s new normal will look like.

Think ahead. We’re not likely to get an instant “all-clear,” so when things finally start to improve, there will still be a gradual transition back to any semblance of normalcy. Employers need to respect their employees’ individual situations and, importantly, their individual fears. Listen with compassion, and don’t be shy about getting personal. Ask them directly: how do they feel about the prospect of eventually venturing back to a “normal” work environment? Find out what you can do to help them feel comfortable and safe—and then act on it.

In the meantime, encourage your people to stay connected, stay healthy, and have fun. A role that may be new and even non-traditional for you as a leader is that of health and wellness coach, but it’s one you should certainly embrace. Health advice might once have seemed strange coming from a business leader, but today it might just be exactly what your team needs. Encourage your people to prioritize family needs and self-care. They may need to help their kids www.rotoworldmag.com 49

with schoolwork, care for an aging parent, get out for a (socially distanced) walk, or simply take some quiet time to themselves to de-stress. Let them know that you don’t expect them to be at their desks from nine to five.

Highlight how employees can look after themselves while social distancing by sharing information from trusted sources.

My recent favourites include: • Dr. Mark Hyman’s article “How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19” or his webinar on the Functional Medicine Approach to COVID-19 • “How You Can Use Sleep to Fight Back Against Coronavirus,” an article by leading sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus • How to “Manage Anxiety in the Face of a Global Pandemic,” a great episode of U.K. health expert Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’s podcast featuring an interview with behavioural neuroscientist and psychiatrist Dr. Judson Brewer • Healthy recipes from bestselling author, wellness activist, and “cancer thriver” Kris Carr • YouTube favourite Yoga with Adriene for at-home yoga classes anyone can do • Talks on radical acceptance and compassion by psychologist, author, and meditation teacher Tara Brach

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50 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

While you’re at it, help your teams see the lighter side of things by sharing a regular dose of humour and fun. Maybe sponsor a team challenge or contest. I heard about one company running an at-home beer-brewing competition, with a taste test planned for whenever the team is back together. You could run a photo contest, asking people to share selfies of their current work environment with their new “co-workers.” Even a simple team check-in with fun images in people’s backgrounds and no business on the agenda can go a long way toward maintaining connections.

The need for open and transparent communication, of course, is just as vital with customers and partners as it is with employees.

Be honest in every interaction. If products are going to be delayed, let customers know right away. And share good news as much as possible. Many companies are making adjustments to help protect the public, like MasterCard and VISA increasing tap limits to help people shop securely with more peace of mind, or courier and furniture delivery services offering contactless delivery. Think through changes you can make, engage your employees in coming up with ideas, and communicate the changes widely with your customer and partner base.

My main message is this: how you treat your people during this crisis will establish your reputation for years to come. The business world is no longer well-served by stiff, overly massaged corporate messaging delivered by leaders who stand apart from their teams. What we need are leaders who work side by side with their people, who share tough news with compassion and empathy, and who make transparency their top priority.

We need leaders to be real people, unafraid of showing their humanity. When this pandemic is over, that’s who will have made a lasting impact.

INDUSTRY 4.0

EPISODE 6

Rob Miller, Wittmann Battenfeld Canada Inc. / ROTOLOADTM

A Whole New Year Happy 2021!!! As I have pondered this new year, and all that it brings with it, I have realized a few things. For my entire working life, close to 35 years, I have travelled extensively. For the last 10 months…I have not.

Firstly, I am so very grateful for this time that has allowed me to reconnect and spend real quality time with my family, and some friends (when temperatures allowed and legally possible). The flip side of this is that it has made me realize that I thrive, and get incredible enjoyment meeting, discussing, and solving problems with all of you.

Getting to know all of you, sharing a meal with you, spending time in your facilities, helping you to solve problems, has truly been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my career. A life giving and energizing experience, the value of which is difficult to put into words. I have heard many say that we can’t wait to get back to normal, however, I don’t want normal back.

I look forward to the day when we can again spend time together, breaking bread, discussing business, but with a newfound respect for the values, relationships, and mutual support and cooperation that we all rely on to succeed.

Until then…

Until then, we have no other choice but to try to develop new ways to work together.

ZOOM Meetings just don’t cut it.

Susan, RotoWorld® Publisher/Editor, and I started off this year by discussing the magazine, my INDUSTRY 4.0 article series, and the direction that it could take for 2021. You see, I have realized this experience of writing, has also been energizing and life giving.

The reflection, research, and the sharing of thoughts, experiences, and examples of INDUSTRY 4.0 applications from other

aspects of the Plastics Industry and trying to communicate how the ROTO world can benefit has been a welcome diversion from the day-to-day issues and news that we have been bombarded with over the last several months.

In my last issue, I issued a request for some input on some questions, or directions that I could use to develop the INDUSTRY 4.0 concepts. Over the coming weeks, Susan and I are going to hand pick a number of molding facilities that we are going to reach out to. The goal is to set up some focused discussions and sharing of ideas and concepts that can be explored much deeper through this article series.

Through the creation of a form letter, sent out to a cross section of our industry colleagues and partners, we will ask for

your input and questions.

The reality is, without exception, that all aspects of industry are investing in and applying INDUSTRY 4.0 principles as they continue to figure out how to survive and thrive.

One of the most impressive and exciting aspects of this group of colleagues, competitors, suppliers, customers, and friends is the incredible collaboration that has helped us all to exist and be successful.

It is my hope that these valuable principles and concepts can be applied to the future of this technology and era in this incredible industry.

Both Susan and I look forward to communicating with you in the coming weeks.

Until next issue, please stay healthy! www.rotoworldmag.com 51

ARMO

NEWS

ARMSA ARM-CE NORDIC ARM StAR BPF IT-RO

BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION ROTATIONAL MOULDING GROUP • BPF

BPF Roadmap Shows Way to Massively Reduce Plastic Waste Exports by 2030 • A new report by the British Plastics Federation (BPF) highlights what the UK needs to achieve if it is to drastically reduce reliance on exporting plastic waste for recycling.

• With the right drivers in place, plastic recycled within UK facilities could increase 3.5 times by the year 2030.

• The UK could eliminate reliance on low quality exports of plastic waste in the next ten years and could more than halve the amount of plastic waste being exported.

• Plastic waste ending up in landfill sites could reduce to only 1%, representing a 94% reduction.

• The amount of waste plastic processed by newer recycling technologies such as chemical recycling could grow 60 times.

• The UK could recycle up to 65% of all plastic and 75% of plastic packaging by 2030.

material. I am pleased to say this vision aligns with the government’s own Resources and Waste Strategy.

Our Environment Bill will enable us to significantly change the way we manage our waste and take forward a number of the proposals from the strategy.

In addition to investment in UK recycling systems, the report calls for there to be the same plastic waste collection schemes across all local authorities, the kerbside collection of plastic film, increases in the use BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION of recycled material in new products, and better communication to the public about what can be recycled. In total, 16 key changes are required.

New technologies will also need to expand the report suggests, estimating that if chemical recycling and other new recycling methods are proven to work at scale, the amount of material processed this way could increase by sixty times.

This would mean newer recycling technologies would be able to process three hundred kilotonnes of plastic waste per year by 2030 (up from 5 kilotonnes currently), including currently hard-to-recycle plastics. The roadmap includes a list of companies using advanced, non-mechanical recycling technologies that have or are planning to establish capacity in the UK. The document also makes it clear that to significantly increase domestic recycling capacity, recycling rates need to increase for a range of plastic products – not just packaging. The construction, automotive, electrical and electronics, household, sports and leisure, and agriculture sectors represent a higher amount of plastic use in total than packaging and more needs to be collected and recycled.

The report calls for specific product recycling schemes to be set up for products not currently collected at kerbside.

Philip Law, Director General of the BPF, states: “The BPF Recycling Roadmap shows that with the right collaborative effort, we have the potential to be a leading light when it comes to rapidly developing the technology and infrastructure to recycle far more plastic.”

RECYCLING ROADMAP SUPPORTED BY

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has released a roadmap showing how the UK recycling industry could expand over the next ten years, more than tripling the amount of plastic waste recycled in UK facilities, if the right drivers are in place.

Featuring a foreword by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Rebecca Pow MP, the BPF’s Recycling Roadmap highlights what the UK needs to achieve if it is to drastically reduce its reliance on exporting plastic waste for recycling and to reduce the amount of plastic going into landfill to 1% by 2030.

The report projects that exports of plastic waste could more than halve and the UK could eliminate reliance on low quality exports within the next decade. The Recycling Roadmap has been welcomed by industry experts, and MPs, with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defra Rebecca Pow stating in the foreword: The 2030 British Plastics Federation’s vision sets out a clear pathway for progress, including an increase in recycling rates, minimal reliance on landfill, and no exports of low-quality 52 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

ARMO

NEWS BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION ROTATIONAL MOULDING GROUP • BPF

Drastically reducing our reliance on exporting plastic waste for recycling and the amount of plastic waste going to landfill is achievable and this roadmap shows how. Most importantly, there needs to be significant investment in increasing UK recycling capacity.

Data within the report shows that the amount of overall plastic being recycled has grown by 150% since 2006. Over the same period, plastic going into landfill has reduced by 70%, so the UK has a track record of progress to build upon.

The Recycling Roadmap acknowledges that the recycling industry has been adversely affected by COVID-19, with some facilities running at reduced capacities. However, with the global market for plastic recycling expected to grow to £31 billion by 2025, the BPF report highlights that there is an opportunity for great growth in the recycling sector in the UK in the years ahead.

The report can be viewed or downloaded for free at: bpf.co.uk/roadmap.

British Plastics Federation and UK Research and Innovation Launch Courses to Help Increase Plastic Recycling

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are collaborating to support the UK’s plastics supply chain in creating more sustainable and easy-to-recycle packaging. As part of the initiative, two training courses have been developed for people throughout the plastics packaging

supply chain, including brands, designers, manufacturers, retailers, and even students, about how to use plastics more sustainably.

The joint initiative aims to drive the development of easy-torecycle and resource efficient plastic packaging, which will help www.rotoworldmag.com 53

ARMO

NEWS BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION ROTATIONAL MOULDING GROUP • BPF

ensure more sustainable products are developed and used within the UK. Governments across the world and the global plastics industry are looking at ways to reduce the impact of plastics on the environment. The BPF’s latest training courses, funded by the UKRI, includes a range of environmental topics including the life cycle approach, causes, and solutions to marine litter, the principles of eco-design, bioplastics, legislation, and the waste hierarchy.

Launched today, the latest course, ‘Plastic Packaging Understanding the Environmental Issues’, aims to educate staff at retailers, brands, and manufacturers about the core issues and complexities in the drive to reduce plastic packaging waste.

Usually priced at £120, the course is available for £25 until the end of January 2021.

Philip Law, Director-General of the British Plastics Federation, states: “In launching PolymerCourses.com, the BPF has developed a platform to assist companies in educating their staff about key issues affecting their business. In recognition of this, we have developed our first two courses to provide technical insights and valuable knowledge to those interested in or involved with the sustainability of plastics packaging in an interesting and accessible way.”

Paul Davidson, Challenge Director, UKRI Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge states: “It’s great to see the impact that our support for this BPF project is having in engaging

brands and retailers to help reduce the environmental cost of plastic packaging. We’re keen to continue to drive innovation and ensure that the plastics packaging supply chain has the technical knowledge required to develop more sustainable packaging.”

The BPF has also released two new reports this week about sustainability and plastic recycling in the UK. Sustainability in the Plastics Supply Chain addresses key environmental issues in the plastics industry, providing examples and case studies of good practice, while the comprehensive Recycling Roadmap demonstrates how the UK recycling industry could expand in the next ten years, tripling the amount of plastic waste recycled in UK facilities, provided the right drivers are in place. The BPF projects that with significant investment and other key developments, far less plastic waste would need to be exported and plastic going to landfill could shrink to just 1% by 2030.

Brian Lodge, Design Manager at Berry, who helped create the course, states: “It has been great to see these courses already used by brands and retailers across the UK, and I’m proud that sustainable design practices are being shared so widely.

I’m hopeful that by continuing to improve the awareness and understanding around sustainable design and environmental issues, we will see more sustainable packaging developed and used in the future, and that businesses will integrate this thinking at every level of decision making.”

For further information go to www.bpf.co.uk or www.ukri.org/about us

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: Wayne Wiid info@armsa.co.za www.armsa.co.za

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

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

54 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

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56 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

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www.rotoworldmag.com 57

ADVERTISERS’

INDEX

21 Diversified Mold & Castings 19800 Miles Rd. Warrensville Hts., OH 44128-4118 USA 216.663.1814 | 888.642.1222 info@diversifiedmolds.com www.diversifiedmolds.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 9 Ferry Industries, Inc. 4445 Allen Rd. Stow, OH 44224-1093 USA 330.920.9200 sales@ferryindustries.com www.ferryindustries.com 17, 29 Jerico Plastic Industries, Inc. 7970 Boneta Rd. Wadswroth, OH 44281 USA 330.730.6314 Minerva Plant: 330.868.4600 steve@jericoplastic.com www.jericoplastic.com 55 Maag / Reduction Engineering Scheer USA Headquarters 235 Progress Blvd.

Kent, OH 44240 USA 1.800.844.2927 /330.677.2225 Maag.KEN.Info@maag.com www.maag.com Europe Headquarters Ostring 19 63762 Grossostheim, Germany +49.6026.503.354 info@maag.com www.maag.com

11 Matrix Polymers The Priory Orchard Hill Little Billing Northhampton, NN9 9AG United Kingdom +44.0.1604.789100 sales@matrixpolymers.com www.matrixpolymers.com 50 NOVA Chemicals 1555 Coraopolis Heights Rd. Moon Township, PA 15108 412.490.4311 Doug.Biela@novachem.com www.novachem.com 7 Orenda 165 Steelcase Rd. East Markham, Ontario L3R 1G1, Canada 905.513.8043 sales@orenda-automation.com www.orenda-automation.com 5 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 19 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 43 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

58 ROTOWORLD® DECEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021

2 Roto Polymers 26210 Emery Rd. Ste 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 57 VMP, Inc. 24830 Avenue Tibbitts Valencia, CA 91355-3404 USA 888.4.VMP.INC 661.294.9934 info@vmpinc.com www.vmpinc.com 14 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

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Maintaining healthy reputations 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