FrontCover.indd 7
10/16/2015 5:48:23 PM
FrontInside.indd 2
10/15/2015 7:55:38 PM
Editorial_NM.indd 3
10/15/2015 7:41:43 PM
Volume 16 Issue 4 October - November 2015
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Deepak Lamba CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Subramaniam S PUBLISHER, PRINT & PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Joji Varghese EDITOR & CHIEF COMMUNITY OFFICER | Niranjan Mudholkar niranjan.mudholkar@wwm.co.in +91 9819531819 ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR | Sanjay Dalvi sanjay.dalvi@wwm.co.in BRAND PUBLISHER | Rishi Sutrave rishi.sutrave@wwm.co.in +91 9820580009
ADVERTISING SOUTH | Mahadev B mahadev.b@wwm.co.in +91 9448483475 WEST | Ranjan Haldar ranjan.haldar@wwm.co.in +91 9167267474 NORTH | Shashin Bhagat shashin.bhagat@wwm.co.in +91 98250 13439
OVERSEAS PARTNER | Mike Hay
Ringier Trade Media China Taiwan Hongkong & South East Asia mcchay@ringier.com.hk +852 2369 – 8788
SUBSCRIPTIONS
subscriptions.rmd@timesgroup.com 022 22733274 / 66354083
Printed and published by Joji Varghese for and on behalf of owners Worldwide Media Pvt Ltd (CIN:U22120MH2003PTC142239), The Times of India Building, Dr DN Road, Mumbai 400001. Printed at JRD Printpack Private Limited, 78, Resham Bhavan, 7th Floor, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, Mumbai - 400 020. Editor: Niranjan Mudholkar. Published for October November 2015 Disclaimer: All rights reserved worldwide. Reproducing or transmitting in any manner without prior written permission prohibited. All photographs, unless otherwise specified, are used for illustrative purposes only. The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct. However, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions and accept no responsibility for any loss or damage caused as an effect thereof. The information provided in this publication is for general use and may not be appropriate for the specific requirements and / or conditions of the reader/s. The opinions expressed by experts are their own and in no way reflect those of the publisher.
Editorial_NM.indd 4
W
Back to the beginning!
hile the bioplastics revolution is a fairly recent phenomenon, many would be surprised to know that the first plastics actually had a very organic (bio!) origin. In 1862, Alexander Parkes showcased a new material made from cellulose treated with nitric acid and a solvent. Parkes patented this first humanmade plastic (calling it Parkesine) and formed the Parkesine Company to mass-produce the material. While trying to compete with a more cost competitive product of those times (vulcanised rubber!), “Of course, Parkes compromised on the quality leading to heavy losses and closure of his company. Later, Parkesine bioplastics have a found two successors in Daniel Spill’s Xylonite and John long, long way to Wesley Hyatt’s Celluloid. go before they can Celluloid found several applications in the early 20th century including side windows for motorcars and as film for motion pictures (in fact, the movie industry is still known as ‘celluloid’). Celluloid was majorly replaced by the 1930s by less combustible and more versatile materials like cellulose acetate, Bakelite and the new vinyl polymers. But don’t write off celluloid completely as it still finds use today in tennis balls!
even start competing with the petro based plastics but the good news is that a beginning has been made.”
It is indeed interesting that with bioplastics, plastics are once again taking an organic turn – going back to the beginning. Of course, bioplastics have a long, long way to go before they can even start competing with the petro based plastics but the good news is that a beginning has been made. This development will certainly prove to be a big help in shedding plastics ‘harmful to environment’ image. Do share your views on this with us. P.S. Don’t forget to check the research on plastic-eating worms in this issue. Yes, you read it right. Now, this can really be a game-changer. We have taken special permission from the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment to publish this article for our readers.
Editor & Chief Community Officer
10/15/2015 7:41:45 PM
Editorial_NM.indd 5
10/15/2015 7:41:45 PM
CONTENTS 8
24
BIOPLASTICS Polylactic Acid: A Sustainable Bioplastics Packaging Option
16
AGRICULTURE Taking water to farmers
20
RESEARCH Plastic-eating worms
Contents_NM.indd 6
News
32
Automotive
36
Innovation
40
Market: Covestro up and running
41
Healthcare: New LED Surgical Lighting System
44
Industry Association: A New Era
46
Market: Global JV for synthetic rubber
47
Event Calendar
49
Products
38
INTERVIEW ‘Excellence in Extrusion’
42
INTERVIEW Ready for the next level
10/16/2015 3:20:11 PM
Contents_NM.indd 7
10/15/2015 7:43:30 PM
NEWS
Cosmo Films unveils its range of barrier films
C
osmo Films, a speciality manufacturer of BOPP Films, recently unveiled its range of barrier films at the recently concluded 4th Speciality Flexible Packaging Conference held in Mumbai, India. Mr Pankaj Poddar, Chief Executive Officer of the company also made a presentation on “Enhanced Shelf Life with Speciality Packaging Films” at the conference where he introduced these films. Poddar’s presentation was part of the session on “Innovations in Flexible Packaging”. As one speaker, he spoke about the importance of reducing food waste by devising technologies to enhance shelf life of the pack, Mr Poddar’s presentation
struck a chord with the packed gathering wanting to learn and collaborate on new innovations in this space. Apart from introducing the company’s comprehensive portfolio of transparent, metallized and anti-fog barrier films, Poddar’s presentation also addressed the need for laminate structure rationalization and how these films can facilitate the transition. “We are focussed on addressing the unmet needs of the industry and our latest range of barrier films address the most important of them all – enhanced shelf life and laminate structure rationalisation,” said Pankaj Poddar in his presentation.
Kabra Extrusiontechnik offers UL approved Extrusion Controls!
Perstorp & Corbion jointly develop innovation for adhesives
F
P
ollowed by the National Award for Technology Innovation for its Inline Flat & Round Drip Tube Line, KET’s engineering team has achieved yet another International Product Certification! With this recognition, KET has been authorised to apply UL mark over the Control Equipment & Panels manufactured for Extrusion Lines. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., one of the leading OSHA accredited organization, audited all aspects of engineering & certified KET as an approved & listed manufacturer to bear C-UL-US mark. C-UL-US mark demonstrates efficient and safer operation of extrusion controls complying to the Canadian and US requirements. In India, KET is one of the first plastics extrusion company to receive UL mark for Extrusion Control equipment – another hallmark for KET’s engineering capability. KET’s Control system, ExtruTouch 9020 Plus, received great deal of attention at NPE’2015 show at USA for its truly user-friendly features, state of the art SCADA architecture & navigational touch graphics. Along with UL and CE standards, ExtruTouch 9020 Plus control offers comprehensive controls including Gravimetric metering and control, Auto profile thickness control, Automatic IBC lay flat changeovers along with real time process data acquisition, formulation management coupled with Remote service access.
erstorp and Corbion jointly announce a breakthrough innovation for adhesives. Resulting from a partnership agreement both companies signed in 2011, a new lactide caprolactone copolymer has been developed that delivers major benefits in hot melt adhesive applications. The product is part of Perstorp’s Capa Lactide and the two companies are market leaders in their respective fields of caprolactones (Perstorp) and lactides (Corbion). The new material is expected to be the first in a series of innovations for the adhesive industry. The new product has a renewable content exceeding 80 percent and is fully compostable – providing adhesives manufacturers with a new technology to improve food safety aspects of packaging and at the same time meet the growing demand for more sustainable products. Equally importantly, the new material delivers no compromise on performance and allows formulators to remain competitive. Corbion’s Senior VP Biochemicals, Marco Bootz, said: “This new material represents the culmination of two years’ joint development work with Perstorp. It will create a strong technology platform for the development of polymers that provide a genuine alternative to traditional materials like EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and mPE (metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene) for the adhesive industry.” “Through this partnership we provide adhesives manufacturers with a competitive advantage through safe innovative materials that deliver high performance with a reduced environmental footprint,” said Håkan Björnberg, Vice President Innovation at Perstorp.
8 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
News_NM.indd 8
10/15/2015 7:44:02 PM
News_NM.indd 9
10/15/2015 7:44:03 PM
NEWS
Alok inaugurates its Technology Incubation Centre
A
lok (formerly, Alok Masterbatches) inaugurated Alok Technology Incubation Centre (ATIC) on September 25, 2015 at IPLEX 2015 in Bengaluru. ATIC is a new standard in creating customized and need-based specialty Masterbatches and is reflective of Alok’s superior R&D capability. The ATIC Lab, based in Delhi, will be accessible to all customers and suppliers of Alok and the academia – the guiding philosophy behind setting ATIC is to co-create solutions that allow plastics to be safer, sustainable and affordable. It provides a state-of-the-art facility with a wide array of testing equipment required to drive innovation in the masterbatch industry. ATIC is an opportunity to create novel solutions that address real life needs of our customers. The centre also welcomes academia and students focussing on polymer studies to use ATIC and challenge the
status quo. Alok has committed its seasoned workforce and lab technicians to support these ideas. While ATIC is a significant investment, monetary and otherwise, the team is positive about creating breakthroughs in polymer industry in the coming years. On the occasion of the launch of Alok Technology Incubation Centre, Amit Puri, Director of International Sales and Marketing at Alok said, “Alok has always been committed to creating Masterbatches of superlative quality. In the ever evolving world, needs of the customers are getting increasingly specific and one solution may not fit all. This thought sowed the seeds that have blossomed into ATIC today. It is a proud moment for the entire team at Alok. IPLEX, with its eclectic mix of attendees has been the most opportune platform to launch ATIC. We have already received many thought provoking queries and ideas.”
Milacron’s Mold-Masters completes facility expansion
M
ilacron Holdings Corp. has recently announced the completion of the expansion at its Mold-Masters’ Coimbatore, India hot runner facility. The expansion is aimed at better serving the rapidly growing market demands in India. The 10,000 sq ft facility in Chinnavedampati, Coimbatore, will predominantly manufacture the Mold-Masters’ automotive and large part focused hot runner system – Fusion G2. The G2 product line is engineered in Europe and serviced by the Global MasterCARE team. The Fusion G2’s drop-in, single point connection design ensures easy installation, faster start-ups, reliable operation and user-friendly maintenance for automotive and medium to large part molding applications. The Fusion G2 has recently added improved features including extended nozzle lengths and types, valve pin intelligence with speed control and pin position monitoring and new gate seals. Hans Hagelstein, Mold-Masters VP & GM for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India, commented, “As India’s injection molding market continues to grow, so too will the complexity of the molded products the region produces. With complex products come increasingly complex molds and an increased reliance on hot runners, which is where Milacron’s Mold-Masters brand excels. Whether the mold is simple or incredibly complex, we produce hot runner systems that meet these individual needs, ensuring efficiency, accuracy and reliability.”
Cosmo Films to increase BOPP production capacity
C
osmo Films Limited has announced plans to install a new 10.4 mtr BOPP line by early 2017. The line has already been ordered and will increase the company’s annual BOPP production capacity from 140k to 200k MT. The new line will be installed at the Karjan plant site near Vadodara, an existing facility with the company which already houses BOPP lines, extrusion coating & chemical coating lines and a metallizer. The new line that is yet to be installed is the most advanced line available in the market today in terms of its width and output. This high speed line equipped with automated changeovers will lead to an increase in power savings thus maximising overall operational efficiencies. Pankaj Poddar, CEO, Cosmo Films Ltd said, “We are anticipating a strong demand for BOPP films in the coming years especially from the FMCG sector which prompts us to expand our BOPP production capacity.”
10 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
News_NM.indd 10
10/15/2015 7:44:06 PM
News_NM.indd 11
10/15/2015 7:44:07 PM
NEWS
Milacron delivers 10,001st Indian made injection molding machines
M
ilacron Holdings Corp. has achieved the completion of a significant milestone in its India based operations the manufacture, sale and delivery of the 10,001st injection molding machine from the Ahmedabad, India manufacturing facility. Milacron CEO Tom Goeke stated, “It is clear that India continues to be a global plastics processing powerhouse. A number of analysts predict that by 2020 India will be 2nd to only China in the global polymer processing market.” Goeke went on to detail the importance of the Indian market to Milacron, “Milacron places great importance in the Indian market and we’re uniquely equipped to serve it in ways our competition simply cannot with our ability to deliver the entire spectrum of services to the plastics industry.” On September 2nd, Milacron’s India manufacturing team presented its 10,001st India manufactured machine. The Milacron Hydron Servo 150 machine was handed over with great celebration to Ghisulal Rathod – Chairman, Cello Group of Industries in the presence of Ron Krisanda, Milacron’s Chief Operating Officer, Advanced Plastic Processing Technologies. During the function at the Vatva, Ahmedabad facility, Rathod expressed great satisfaction with the 18-year relationship built between Cello Group and Milacron. Rathod was quoted as saying, “This relationship is based on mutual benefits and progressive growth, and has resulted in Milacron supplying more than 200 injection molding machines to various factories of Cello
Group in India and Africa.” He further added, “Technology and great service are pillars in the foundation of success for any organization and Milacron embodies these traits at its core.” To meet the increasing demand in India and support existing customers Milacron’s Vatva, Ahmedabad facility will complete its current expansion project (announced August 21st, 2014) January 1st, 2016. The expansion will allow Milacron to increase its annual output of 1,500 injection and blow molding machines to 2,100 machines per annum, a 40 percent increase. Milacron continues to solidify its position as the leading manufacturer of injection and blow molding machines in the Indian region.
Vimal Kedia, MD, Manjushree Technopack honoured
Punj Lloyd wins EPCC Package from IOCL
P
V
imal Kedia, MD, Manjushree Technopack has been honoured with the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award by the Eliteplus Group at the 3rd Injection Blow Molding and PET International Conference held in Mumbai this August. The conference is a joint effort of Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturers’ Association, India (CPMA) and ElitePlus Business Services. This prestigious award was
presented to Kedia for his outstanding contribution to the packaging industry in the last three decades. Kedia, a veteran in the packaging industry has been one of key representative / voice of the packaging fraternity and has been instrumental in the growth of his company, Manjushree Technopack. Under his able leadership the company, today is South Asia’s largest PET & Perform Manufacturing company.
unj Lloyd has announced receiving a lump-sum turnkey contract for the EPCC Package 2 at Haldia Refinery, West Bengal from Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) for a value of Rs 1094 crore. The scope of work for the project involves the Residual Process Design, Detailed Engineering including HAZOP study, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of the Sulphur Block comprising the Sulphur Refinery Unit (SRU), Amine Regeneration Unit (ARU), the Sour Water Stripper (SWS) including the Utilities and Offsite facilities. This project falls under IOCL’s prestigious ‘Aishwariya’ project. IOCL’s Haldia project aims to upgrade Black Oil, mainly High Sulphur Fuel Oil to higher value products like diesel and LPG which will lead to subsequent improvement in Gross Refinery Margins.
12 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
News_NM.indd 12
10/15/2015 7:44:09 PM
News_NM.indd 13
10/15/2015 7:44:09 PM
NEWS
HRSflow opens new production plant in the United States
I
talian hot runner specialist HRSflow officially has recently put on stream its new US production facility in Byron Center near Grand Rapids, Michigan. With its site at Byron Center, HRSflow now also has a local production plant on the American continent. With a usable floor space of around Photo: HRSflow 3,700 m², the site has separate areas for the production and assembly of the hot runner systems, a goods warehouse, a room for routine quality control, offices, and other rooms for the social infrastructure. INglass S.p.A., the parent company of the Group, has invested over EUR 15m in this project for the real estate, buildings and machinery. “We built the new plant in a record time of just ten months. We succeeded because we
have already thoroughly tested the infrastructure on other occasions, not only at our headquarters in San Polo di Piave but also in our Chinese facility of Hangzhou near Shanghai,” said Maurizio Bazzo during the opening ceremony. He continued: “At all these plants we have the same machines and equipment, and all the processes for planning, construction and production of our hot runners are identical. By doing this we ensure that we can offer our customers the same high product quality with absolute reliability on all three continents. At the same time, we are extremely flexible. Should a capacity bottleneck occur at one site, we can easily work off the backlog of orders at one of our other two plants.”
SANITIZED AG appoints Stefan Müller as new Global Head of Sales
WACKER’s new logistics center in China comes on stream
eginning immediately, Stefan Müller (51), the new Global Head of Sales takes over the responsibility for the worldwide sales of antimicrobial products for polymers and textiles for the Swiss company SANITIZED AG. The business information specialist with German roots has over 25 years of inter- Photo courtesy: SANITIZED AG national sales experience to contribute. During his more than 20 years of work for CIBA AG, he was Regional Sales Head EMEA for Inks & Printing as well as Global Sales Head for the Imaging & Ink area. At Hostmann-Steinberg (part of the Hubergroup München) he served as the Managing Director for Sales. Stefan Müller will manage the SANITIZED global sales network. This also includes further development of the sales and marketing partnership with Archroma for the textile area as well as the development of direct sales of polymer additives. Knowing the specialty chemicals industry, Stefan Müller wants to make the benefits of the Sanitized® ingredient brand more available to the manufacturers of textile and polymer products. Stefan Müller commented: “The leading position of SANITIZED in the marketplace, its pioneering status in the antimicrobial treatment field and the lively, open innovation culture in particular were appealing arguments for my decision to join the SANITIZED team.”
ACKER, the Munich-based chemical group, started operating its new logistics center in China. The facility is located on WACKER’s Zhangjiagang production site in Jiangsu province. Used as a distribution center for downstream silicone products manufactured on site, the new facility enables the company to supply its customers in the region even faster and with even greater flexibility. A total of €6 million has been invested in this new logistics center. The heart of the logistics center is a high-bay warehouse covering 4,000 square meters. All incoming and outbound goods are recorded electronically and distributed across the centre’s 9,000 pallet bays by
B
W
a computer-aided warehouse management system. “The Chinese chemical market is not only one of the largest in the world, but also one of the most demanding,” said WACKER SILICONES President Dr. Christian Hartel during the inauguration ceremony. He explained that a highly competitive environment made it important to continually optimize service quality and help to keep costs in line so as to meet high customer demands. “With the new logistics center, we are taking a decisive step forward.”
14 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
News_NM.indd 14
10/15/2015 7:44:10 PM
News_NM.indd 15
10/15/2015 7:44:11 PM
AGRICULTURE
Taking water to farmers FINOLEX IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING PRODUCTS TO HELP THE FARMERS IN BETTER MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, SAYS SAURABH DHANORKAR, MANAGING DIRECTOR, FINOLEX INDUSTRIES. By Niranjan Mudholkar What are the different solutions that you offer to the agricultural industry in India? Finolex Industries Limited is India’s largest manufacturer of PVC pipes and fittings. We have three ultra-modern plants at Pune, Ratnagiri in Maharashtra and Masar in Gujarat, with a total capacity of 250,000 MT p.a. Finolex pipes are available in a wide range of sizes and pressure classes from 20 mm diameter to 400 mm diameter. Finolex offers complete solution to the farmers with its range of pipes, fittings and high quality adhesives for jointing pipes. Finolex Industries Ltd lays very high emphasis on product quality. The primary responsibility of the company is to get the right quality product with the upgraded technology. For the same, the company has been continuously engaging with concerned agencies to create solutions. This is taking the company to the next level by creating new products and technologies which will find applications not only in agricultural but also in the nonagri business in India. Tell us about your R&D activities targeted towards creating innovating solutions to address the dynamic needs of today’s farmers.
“The Company will be introducing new products and technologies for the agricultural as well as non-agricultural applications. This will include own manufacture as well as third party solutions.” Saurabh Dhanorkar
16 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Agriculture-Finolex_NM.indd 16
10/15/2015 7:44:52 PM
Agriculture-Finolex_NM.indd 17
10/15/2015 7:44:53 PM
AGRICULTURE
Finolex Industries has always been at the forefront in bringing high quality products to suit the Indian farmers. In fact, Finolex was the pioneer in introducing the concept of PVC pipes for agriculture in India. Traditionally pipes used to be of cement or metal which were prone to various disadvantages like heavy weight, rusting, chocking, etc. With its inherent qualities, Finolex PVC pipes soon captured heart of millions of farmers across India. Finolex pipes have always believed in giving the highest quality in all its products. Finolex was also the first to introduce new technologies in pipes like Self-socket pipes, Ring fit pipes, etc. Finolex is the only pipes manufacturer to have its own production of PVC resin to ensure consistently high quality of inputs. All its manufacturing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories where quality and sustainability of the finished goods are tested before sending them out to the market. Finolex was the first PVC pipes manufacturer in India to be awarded the IS/ISO 9001:2008 Certification.
The Government’s PMKSY scheme will focus on end to end irrigation solution. Currently only about 45 percent of the cultivated land area in India has access to irrigation. PMKSY seeks to address this issue by bringing water to every field. We expect a huge surge in the demand for PVC pipes in the coming years.
to of this scheme is ‘Har Khet Ko Paani’ (Water for every farm). In other words the scheme will focus on end to end irrigation solution. Currently only about 45 percent of the cultivated land area in India has access to irrigation. PMKSY seeks to address this issue by bringing water to every field. We expect a huge surge in the demand for PVC pipes in the coming years. The other announcement by the government which gives a strong push to urban infrastructure with the plan to launch 100 “smart cities” also indicates a much higher requirement of pipes and fittings in the nonAny plans to introduce new technologies? agri sector. For our non-agri pipe business, our Finolex is now in the process of identifying For our non-agri approach to meet the market’s demand is to enproducts to help the farmers in better managepipe business, our courage a large number of our distributors to ment of water resources. The company will be approach to meet focus on plumbing and sanitation pipes rather introducing new products and technologies for the agricultural as well as non-agricultural ap- the market’s demand than only agricultural pipes. We have also apis to encourage a pointed new dealers in various upcoming cities plications. This will include own manufacture as large number of that will deal exclusively in non-agri pipes and well as third party solutions. We already have a our distributors to fittings to meet the increasing demand. Our restrong pan India network of more than 15,000 focus on plumbing cently opened warehouses in Cuttack (Odisha), outlets through which we distribute a variety of products to our customers. and sanitation pipes Indore and Noida will act as the hub for our distribution needs to non agri pipes in Eastern rather than only and Northern India. We are focusing on exhibiThe ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yoagricultural pipes. tions and other such activities around the users jana’ (PMKSY) will have an outlay of a whopand influencers of this product category. Our ping Rs.50,000 crore over a period of five communication will clearly convey our strength in these prodyears (2015-16 to 2019-20) for various irrigation projects. ucts. What does this mean for companies like Finolex Industries? Our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has recently launched Finolex Industries Ltd. recently participated in Agri Asia two path breaking schemes which we expect will have far reach2015 – International Exhibition & Conference on Agriculing positive impact on the Indian economy. Both these schemes ture Technology, which was held at Mahatma Mandir, Ganaugur very well for the business of Finolex pipes. The first scheme dhinagar, Gujarat, India between during September 10-12, is ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana’ (PMKSY). The mot2015. What was the highlight of your participation at this show? Our Stall at Agri Asia 2015 received an overwhelming response from the visitors at the exhibition. Finolex Pipes had displayed its vast range of agri products and farmers were able to “touch and feel” them. Over the three days, we had a large number of visitors including farmers, dealers, distributors, Ministry officials, association heads and various industries’ stakeholders. The visitors evinced keen interest in all the products displayed by Finolex.
18 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Agriculture-Finolex_NM.indd 18
10/15/2015 7:44:54 PM
Agriculture-Finolex_NM.indd 19
10/15/2015 7:44:54 PM
RESEARCH
Plastic-eating worms AN ONGOING STUDY BY STANFORD ENGINEERS, IN COLLABORATION WITH RESEARCHERS IN CHINA, SHOWS THAT COMMON MEALWORMS CAN SAFELY BIODEGRADE VARIOUS TYPES OF PLASTIC. By Rob Jordan
M
ealworms munch on Styrofoam, a hopeful sign that solutions to plastics pollution exist. Wei-Min Wu, a senior research engineer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, discovered the larvae can live on polystyrene. Consider the plastic foam cup. Every year, Americans throw away 2.5 billion of them. And yet, that waste is just a fraction of the 33 million tons of plastic Americans discard every year. Less than 10 percent of that total gets recycled, and the remainder presents challenges ranging from water contamination to animal poisoning. Enter the mighty mealworm. The tiny worm, which is the larvae form of the darkling beetle, can subsist on a diet of Styrofoam and other forms of polystyrene, according to two companion studies co-authored by Wei-Min Wu, a senior research engineer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at
Stanford. Microorganisms in the worms’ guts biodegrade the plastic in the process – a surprising and hopeful finding. “Our findings have opened a new door to solve the global plastic pollution problem,” Wu said. The papers, published in Environmental Science and Technology, are the first to provide detailed evidence of bacterial degradation of plastic in an animal’s gut. Understanding how bacte-
There’s a possibility of really important research coming out of bizarre places. Sometimes, science surprises us. This is a shock. Craig Criddle, A professor of civil and environmental engineering who supervises plastics research by Wu and others at Stanford.
20 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Research_NM.indd 20
10/15/2015 7:45:32 PM
Research_NM.indd 21
10/15/2015 7:45:32 PM
RESEARCH
More research is needed, however, to understand conditions favourable to plastic degradation and the enzymes that break down polymers. This, in turn, could help scientists engineer more powerful enzymes for plastic degradation, and guide manufacturers in the design of polymers that do not accumulate in the environment or in food chains.” ria within mealworms carry out this feat could potentially enable new options for safe management of plastic waste. “There’s a possibility of really important research coming out of bizarre places,” said Craig Criddle, a professor of civil and environmental engineering who supervises plastics research by Wu and others at Stanford. “Sometimes, science surprises us. This is a shock.” In the lab, 100 mealworms ate between 34 and 39 milligrams of Styrofoam – about the weight of a small pill – per day. The worms converted about half of the Styrofoam into carbon dioxide, as they would with any food source. Within 24 hours, they excreted the bulk of the remaining plastic as biodegraded fragments that look similar to tiny rabbit droppings. Mealworms fed a steady diet of Styrofoam were as healthy as those eating a normal diet, Wu said, and their waste appeared to be safe to use as soil for crops. Researchers, including Wu, have shown in earlier research that waxworms, the larvae of Indian mealmoths, have microorganisms in their guts that can biodegrade polyethylene, a plastic used in filmy products such as trash bags. The new research
on mealworms is significant, however, because Styrofoam was thought to have been non-biodegradable and more problematic for the environment. Researchers led by Criddle, a senior fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, are collaborating on ongoing studies with the project leader and papers’ lead author, Jun Yang of Beihang University in China, and other Chinese researchers. Together, they plan to study whether microorganisms within mealworms and other insects can biodegrade plastics such as polypropylene (used in products ranging from textiles to automotive components), microbeads (tiny bits used as exfoliants) and bioplastics (derived from renewable biomass sources such as corn or biogas methane). As part of a “cradle-to-cradle” approach, the researchers will explore the fate of these materials when consumed by small animals, which are, in turn, consumed by other animals. Another area of research could involve searching for a marine equivalent of the mealworm to digest plastics, Criddle said. Plastic waste is a particular concern in the ocean, where it fouls habitat and kills countless seabirds, fish, turtles and other marine life. More research is needed, however, to understand conditions favourable to plastic degradation and the enzymes that break down polymers. This, in turn, could help scientists engineer more powerful enzymes for plastic degradation, and guide manufactur-
Our findings have opened a new door to solve the global plastic pollution problem. Wei-Min Wu, A senior research engineer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford. ers in the design of polymers that do not accumulate in the environment or in food chains. Criddle’s plastics research was originally inspired by a 2004 project to evaluate the feasibility of biodegradable building materials. That investigation was funded by the Stanford Woods Institute’s Environmental Venture Projects seed grant program. It led to the launch of a company that is developing economically competitive, nontoxic bioplastics. Co-authors of the papers, “Biodegradation and Mineralization of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Mealworms. 1. Chemical and Physical Characterization and Isotopic Tests” and “Biodegradation and Mineralization of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Mealworms. 2. Role of Gut Microorganisms,” include Yu Yang, Jun Yang, Lei Jian, Yiling Song and Longcheng Gao of Beihang University, and Jiao Zhao and Ruifu Yang of BGI-Shenzhen. Source: Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.
22 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Research_NM.indd 22
10/15/2015 7:45:34 PM
Research_NM.indd 23
10/15/2015 7:45:34 PM
BIOPLASTICS
Corn is one of the most important source of biological raw materials
Polylactic Acid: A Sustainable Bioplastics Packaging Option IN RECENT YEARS, ONE PACKAGING SOLUTION TOUTED AS A ‘SUSTAINABLE’ OPTION THAT HAS BEEN EMERGING IN ASIA IS BIOPLASTICS AND BIODEGRADABLE AND/OR COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING. By Dr. R. Rangaprasad
I
n recent years, one packaging solution touted as a ‘sustainable’ option that has been emerging in Asia is Bioplastics and biodegradable and/or compostable packaging. But what exactly are Bioplastics and what does it mean when a company says its products are biodegradable and/or compostable?
What are Bioplastics? There are many definitions for bioplastics, but essentially, a bioplastic is a plastic material that is either derived from biological raw materials (known as being biobased), or biodegradable, or both. As with all sustainability issues, there is some debate over which type of bioplastic is the most sustainable. Generally though, the most sustainable type of bioplastic is the one that is both biobased (sustainable front-of-pipe mate-
rial source) and biodegradable (environmentally-friendly waste management at end-of-pipe). Biological raw materials are derived from biomass, such as corn, sugarcane, cassava, vegetable fats and oil, agricultural waste etc. Biomass is renewable, because it is of agricultural/ bio-based origin. It doesn’t really matter what the plant source is; what is needed is the sugars from the plant. Through the process of photosynthesis, every plant converts carbon from CO2 in the atmosphere as it grows, into materials such as lignin, cellulosic, and simple or complex sugars (e.g. starch). While the manufacturing process for biobased plastics may differ slightly from one to another manufacturer – mainly in relation to the biomass source - but the science is similar. For example, NatureWorks LLC produces its PLA bioplastics, branded as ‘Ingeo’, from dextrose, a sugar derived from the starch in corn
“The modern business world is being driven by the need to reduce its environmental footprint i.e sustainability while also controlling costs. Fortunately, it is possible to achieve both goals, as the increasing popularity of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Packaging technology demonstrates.”
24 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Bioplastics_NM_2.indd 24
10/15/2015 7:47:07 PM
Bioplastics_NM_2.indd 25
10/15/2015 7:47:09 PM
BIOPLASTICS
that has been grown for many industrial and functional applications. In production, the sugar is converted by microorganisms through fermentation into lactic acid. The lactic acid molecules then combine to first form lactide rings, which link up to form long chains of polylactide polymer (PLA) – this process is known as polymerization. The Ingeo bioplastic pellets are converted into a wide range of commercial products, including fibers, rigid and flexible packaging, and durable products.
for purchase at retail, it is important to check that the correct certification and labels are presented. In parts of Asia, there are currently no legislative standards for bioplastics certification. So the best way to ensure the authenticity of the bioplastic is to refer to the European CEN standards, or ISO and the ASTM standards. Here’s a partial listing of the standards to check for: Biobased mass content: a. CEN/TS 16137 b. ASTM 6866
What does it mean when we say a bioplastics is biodegradable?
Biodegradability: EN 13432 and EN 14995: These are technically identical in their requirements. EN 13432 is specific to packaging material only. EN 14995 is broader in its coverage; it can cover packaging as well as non-packaging applications)
Biodegradation is a type of decomposition process in which naturally-occurring micro-organisms that are available in the environment convert material into natural substances: water, carbon dioxide and biomass. In other words, biodegradation is decomposition by biological means. A bioplastic can be biodegradable, or not, depending on its raw materials source, the manufacturing process, and its intended application. Even then, a material can only be termed as “biodegradable” if it meets specific conditions and timeframe under which the degradation or decomposition process takes place. The conditions – governing industrial composting, marine water or soil degradation - and timeframe are clearly defined by legislative standards.
Verifying the claims: For manufacturers sourcing bioplastics for conversion, and for consumers examining products In 2010, Frito-Lay introduced a 100% compostable bag for its SunChips. Courtesy: Frito-Lay
Compostability: D6400-12: “Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities”. This standard specification covers all plastics and products made from plastics; there is no distinction of packaging or other plastic products (bags) as there is with EN 13432 and EN 14995. D6400 is for solely plastic items; it is not for plastic coated items this would be covered by D6868-11 D6868-11: “Standard Specification for Labeling of End Items that incorporate Plastics and Polymers as Coatings or Additives with Paper and Other Substrates Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities”. D6868 covers coated paper plates or bagasse products. b. ISO 17088 -12 : “Specifications for compostable plastics” c. ISO 18606-13 : This standard is for packaging suitable for organic recycling. Ideally, a bioplastic product should have certification that covers any aspect of its lifecycle around which marketing claims are being made – from its biobased content and source, production, and end-of-life. Ingeo for instance, has biobased content certification verifying that 100% of the carbon in the Ingeo biopolymer originates from renewable agricultural resources, from Vincotte based in Belgium, Europe, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s BioPreferred program. To ensure that its raw material sources are being produced sustainably and have proper chain of custody, NatureWorks sources from farmers that are audited and certified under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) or Working Landscape Certificates (WLC) schemes. Ingeo is also Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. Where certification for composting is concerned, most of the Ingeo grades supplied from NatureWorks have BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certification for ASTM D 6400, and DIN CERTCO certification according to EN 13432. Producer NatureWorks is quick to point out however, that final products made from its resins must be certified in their finished form, and emphasizes that marketing claims of product compostability are
26 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Bioplastics_NM_2.indd 26
10/15/2015 7:47:10 PM
BIOPLASTICS
often irrelevant. It does not support such claims unless Ingeo based products have a role in diverting organics from landfill (e.g. food serviceware, or bag applications). For food safety, Ingeo is compliant with a number of food contact regulations around the globe, including the US and Europe, Australia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, China and Taiwan.
About PLA: Because of the ever-increasing amount of plastic wastes worldwide considerable research and development efforts have been devoted towards making a single-use, biodegradable substitute of conventional thermoplastics. Biodegradable polymers are classified as a family of polymers that will degrade completely - either into the corresponding monomers or into products, which are otherwise part of nature, through metabolic action of living organisms. They should offer a possible alternative to traditional, nondegradable polymers as the recycling of the latter is impractical or hazardous to the environment or not economical. Headway is being made with a polymer called Polylactic Acid (PLA), an affordable, recyclable, innovative packaging material made from renewable resources. The lactic acid used to make it is derived from corn. The process used to make it involves both biotechnology and chemistry. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) belongs to the family of aliphatic polyesters commonly made from –hydroxyl acids, which include
polyglycolic acid or polymandelic acid, and are considered biodegradable and compostable. PLA is a thermoplastic, high-strength, high-modulus polymer that can be made from annually renewable resources to yield articles for use in either the industrial packaging field or the bio-compatible/bio-absorbable medical device market.
Production of Polylactic Acid: Lactide the monomer of polylactic acid which is obtained from 100% naturally renewably resourced. It is mostly removed by using plant sugars from field corn as the source material for manufacturing. Monomer of polylactic acid uses less than 1/20th of 1% (0.05%) of the annual global corn crop today, and as such contributes little to no impact on international or local food chains. It doesn’t require corn, it only needs a sugar source. Alternative sugar sources for lactic acids are Sugar beet, Tapioca, Sugar cane and wheat are 100% renewable resources and available in plenty and cheaply. Then preparation of lactic acid is done by fermentation broth of sugar and starch using different lactic acid bacteria (LAB), exists almost exclusively as the dextrorotatory (D or L(+)) form for producing i.e polymerization of PLA which is carried out in three different methods (i) Condensation of Lactic acid (ii) Solid state polymerization and (iii) Ring opening polymerization.
Comparison with PET Similarities: 1. Belong to Polyester family.
October-November 2015 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | 27
Bioplastics_NM_2.indd 27
10/15/2015 7:47:10 PM
BIOPLASTICS
Recent developments: Cereplast – High heat resistant PLA - Cereplast’s high heat resistant polymer compositions can be compostable and can preserve their structural characteristics at temperatures higher than 74°C. Cereplast’s sustainable bio-plastics are used as alternatives to traditional plastics in major converting processes such as extrusions, blow molding, thermoforming and injection molding. Cereplast Compostables resins are suitable for single-use applications which mainly require high biobased content and compostability, particularly in the food service sector.
Michigan State University: Micro perforated PLA packaging system: Michigan State University’s microperforated PLA packaging system is a bio-based, environmentally advantageous system for packaging fresh produce. The invention enables even greater
Wal-Mart plans to use 114 million PLA containers a year, which company executives estimate will save 800,000 barrels of oil annually. Courtesy: Wal-Mart
2. Both polymers need to be dried before melting to avoid hydrolysis, both polymers readily form fibers via melt extrusion, and fibers from both polymers can be drawn (stretched) to develop useful tensile strength. Differences: 1. Opposite Polarity. 2. PLA’s is obtained from vegetable source hence is a Aliphatic compound as opposed to PET’s mineral or fossil fuel source which is Aromatic compound. 3. PET chain is nominally linear, while the PLA molecule tends to assume a helical structure.
Product code Application
Usages
2002D
Extrusion, thermoforming
Dairy containers, food serviceware, transparent foor containers, blister packaging, cold drink cups
3001D 3051D
Injection molding for applications with heat deflection temperatures lower than 55oC (130 oF)
Cutlery, cups, plates, and saucers, and outdoor novelties
3251D
Injection molding, having higher melt flow capability Injection molding applications, both clear and than other PLA resins for easier molding of thinopaque, requiring high gloss, UV resistance, walled parts and stiffness
4032D
Biaxially oriented films with use temperatures up to 150 oC (300 oF), barrier to flavor and greases and oil resistance
Laminations, printed films with higher curing temperatures, other packaging applications
4042D
Biaxially oriented films with use temperatures up to 130 oC (265 oF), barrier to flavor and grease, and superior oil resistance
Candy twist-wrap, salad, and vegetables bags, window envelope film, lidding film, label film, other packaging applications
4060D
Heat sealant with a seal initiation temperature of 80 oC
Can be coextruded with other PLA resin to form a sealant layer for biaxially-oriented PLA film
7000D
Injection stretch blow molding, for 1:2 stage operations
Fresh dairy, edible oils, fresh water
7032D
Injection stretch blow molding, for 1:2 stage operation
Fruit juices, sports drinks, jams, and jellies
Grades of PLA: There are a number of PLA grades depending upon viscosity and crystallization are their primary differentiators that are available for commercial customers which can be used for a number of different applications.
Biodegradation of PLA: PLA is poised to play a big role as a viable, biodegradable replacement. PLA provides the opportunity for economically viable, true closed-loop, cradle -to-cradle solutions. High Heat Packaging: PLA developers have developed a solution with PLA-based bioplastics. By combining D and L Lactides in different ways, stereo-complex polymers with a wide range of properties such as increased heat stability can be produced.
shelf-life extension than standard petroleum-based microperforated systems. The improved and environmentally advantageous system is used to make semi-rigid containers with microperforated flexible lids and microperforated flexible pouches. The technology is specifically applicable where equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems are employed.
Biopolymer Network: E-PLA Foams: Biopolymer Network has a patent application for a new method of producing E-PLA bio-foams from commercially available PLA beads using a novel CO2 foaming technology. This technology can be used to produce both foamed beads and moulded shapes and products such as insulation, packaging and specialty components. The foam is both sustainably sourced and can be disposed of through industrial composting.
28 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Bioplastics_NM_2.indd 28
10/15/2015 7:47:11 PM
BIOPLASTICS
Wal-Mart: Retail chain: For a few years, natural foods purveyors such as Newman’s Own Organics and Wild Oats have been quietly using some PLA products, but the material got its biggest boost when Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, announced that it would sell some produce in PLA containers. WalMart plans to use 114 million PLA containers a year, which company executives estimate will save 800,000 barrels of oil annually. Iper – PLA replaces HIPS: Iper a food retailer in Milan, Italy, has adopted PLA in place of HIPS for a line of short-shelflife hinged containers for fresh salad, fruit, and pasta. One motive is to market a “natural” product in a “natural” package. PLA is also breathable, which improves freshness and reduces fogging. Equally important is PLA’s superior appearance and potential for down gauging versus HIPS, along with its ability to run on existing extrusion lines and tools. Starbucks Talks Sustainability Starbucks is working with ConAgra Foods to make their coffee cups recyclable. Conagra Foods are different in that they use postindustrial recycled polylactic acid and convert it into shrink film packaging materials (i.e. the inside lining of Starbucks coffee cups to increased thermal stability)). The company’s PLA shrink film contains more than 50% post-industrial recycled material, and it uses this material for tamper-evident seals on some of ConAgra Foods’ table spreads. By collaborating with its suppliers,
Conagra has been able to convert 260,000 pounds of resin from non-renewable resources (PVC and PET g) to PLA.
Dow chemical company: Additives for semidurable packaging The Dow Chemical Company has a long tradition of innovation and commitment to bringing market-responsive products to the packaging industry. Dow developed PARALOID™ BPM-500 which gives an excellent balance of impact performance delivers excellent colorability, exceptional surface finish and high impact strength at room and sub-zero temperatures. Its modifier is a versatile PLA additive solution for opaque food and semi-durable packaging applications.
Frito-Lay: Why PLA is so Noisy: In 2010, Frito-Lay introduced a 100% compostable bag for its SunChips. Consumers complained that handling the bags made a sound like a screeching train and irritated customers. Their sales declined by some 11% due to the 95 decibel eardrum-blasting crinkle, from the beginning the company realized that there was a noise issue. The problem has to do with the “glass transition temperature (Tg),” which is the temperature at which a plastic transforms from a hard, glass-like state to a flexible, rubbery state. Polylactic acid has a glass transition temperature that is just above room temperature so that just handling the bag is enough to cause the disturbing crinkling as the polymer oscillates between flexibility and brit-
October-November 2015 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | 29
Bioplastics_NM_2.indd 29
10/15/2015 7:47:11 PM
BIOPLASTICS
tleness. The PLA bag, although only 20 micrometers thick, is actually made of multiple layers that include PLA, aluminum and a sealant held together by an adhesive. It seems that using a rubbery adhesive between the bag’s layers can cut the crinkling sound to an acceptable 70 decibels.
Danone: Converting some yogurt packaging to PLA: Global food giant Groupe Danone has converted about 5 percent of its yogurt packaging to bio-based polylactic acid. PLA is currently used as a replacement for high impact. The interest in PLA for rigid packaging which offers PLA in horizontal formfill seal packaging it would be a marketing angle for consumers interested in buying a “green” product.Today, PLA also is starting to offer a more competitive financial prospect. On a price per pound basis, PS is still cheaper, but because PLA packaging can be produced with a thinner wall and takes less space in shipping, it can be the same in a price per piece as packages can be produced using PLA that are 27 mils thick, compared to 36 mils for PS.
Hair O’right and Capardoni & C srl – Cosmetic Eco-packaging: The world’s first shampoo bottle from plant-based polylactic acid plastic was a natural one. PLA shampoo bottle, which Hair O’right claims is the first globally, as bringing its packaging more in line with its environmental goals. Hair O’right plans to use PLA for all its new products, rather than the petrochemical-based HDPE bottles.
global PLA market is expected to reach a market size of 5.2 billion US$, growing at a CAGR of 21.6 % during 2013 to 2020. By 2020, the market share of PLA is projected to increase to 25-30 percent.
Cost of PLA In the global market, the production capacity of PLA and the market demand increases but its price is on the decline. Price of PLA have reduced from original level of USD 1.50 per lb in the early 2000‘s to currently USD 0.85 per lb or lower, making PLA competitive with materials such as PET which cost about USD 0.65 per lb. The cost compared to regular plastic products is becoming more competitive as the interest in biodegradable product rises. Also costs of PLA may not fluctuate as much as petroleum-based resins as it is made from corn instead of petrochemicals and hence insulated from volatile and rising petroleum prices. In general, for a well-developed Polylactic acid industry and to further bring down the cost, the factors such as expanding the production scale, improving the properties of PLA and support from the government will prove to be vital.
Conclusion
The modern business world is being driven by the need to reduce its environmental footprint i.e sustainability while also controlling costs. Fortunately, it is possible to achieve both goals, as the increasing popularity of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Packaging technology demonstrates. Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) in packaging has BASF’s biodegradable plastic based a number of advantages over Petrochemical on a renewable raw material. based polymers such as being biodegradable as BASF Corp., Florham Park, N.J., had introduced its its obtained from 100% natural sources, reduce first biodegradable plastic based on a renewable raw Starbucks is working with green-house gas emissions, lower Carbon footmaterial. Ecovio contains 45% polylactic acid (PLA) ConAgra Foods to make their coffee print, ease in manipulating structure-propertyfrom NatureWorks LLC, blended with BASF’s Eco- cups recyclable. Courtesy: Starbucks processing relation, etc. flex biodegradable polyester, which is derived from Transitioning to PLA packaging materials will become inpetrochemicals. The first application will be films for shopping creasingly important as governments, other businesses, and the bags. Ecovio is made by a special process that chemically binds public become more concerned with environmentally friendly Ecoflex and PLA. The material can be extruded into film as is or policies. That along with reducing cost makes PLA a win-win. It mixed with Ecoflex or PLA to obtain softer or harder formulais extremely likely that PLA packaging will continue to increase tions for injection molding or deep-draw applications. in importance, eventually displacing polystyrene-based materials, and also other materials for most packaging applications. PLA Market size and Forecast. Currently PLA covers approximately 10-15 percent of the total plastics market. Limited Fossil Fuel Resources, rising petroReferences chemical prices, Reinforcement of PLA with other materials, en1. Various internet resources like Linked-In Posts, company websites. vironmental safety awareness and government incentives will be 2. Review paper by Deepika Salaskar, Erstwhile PG student at SIES key factors driving the PLA market. Reinforcement of PLA with School of Packaging other materials creates huge opportunities for future. As natural fibers are low cost and degradable, it’s reinforcement with PLA The author is Director, SIES School of Packaging / Packaging Technology leads to a material which is economical as well as ecological. The Centre, Nerul, Navi Mumbai
30 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Bioplastics_NM_2.indd 30
10/15/2015 7:47:12 PM
Bioplastics_NM_2.indd 31
10/15/2015 7:47:13 PM
AUTOMOTIVE
ZKW group and DSM develop new light weight LED lighting module for Audi Q7
R
oyal DSM has announced the use of Arnite® XL-T in the new Audi Q7 for automotive headlight applications that can resist extreme thermal loads. Headlights are a key distinguishing feature for a car’s identity and currently LED lighting, with its excellent performance characteristics, is the cutting edge of automotive headlamp design. They are also a safety critical item and must perform to highest international standards. LED, HID and Halogen lighting systems, often combined in one headlight assembly, offer excellent performance but also place more restrictions on the AUDI Q7 with headlight LED/HID module construction in Arnite® XL-T. Photo: DSM Engineering Plastics use of materials and design. Sunlight radiated into the being able to meet the designer’s requirement for exacting surmultiple LED/HID lenses creates localized increases in thermal face appearance in black or dark grey colours that increase the loadings in excess of 235 °C centigrade. sun load issue. Arnite has been used successfully for many years However, high sun loadings can cause heat distortion and in lighting and many other automotive electrical and electronic outgassing of both functional and aesthetic components. To applications that demand high heat performance and low outgasovercome this, exotic and expensive high performance polymers sing characteristics. Through extensive experience and application can be used or, alternatively, additional metal heat shields offer understanding, DSM has developed proprietary technology that protection but add weight and cost as well as restricting design has extended the thermal conductivity of Arnite XL-T to outperparameters. form high heat resistance thermoplastics such as polyether sulfon Components in the headlamp assembly such as the bezel, (PES), polyetherimides (PEI) and polyphthalamides (PPA) withlensholders or frames can suffer from outgassing, become disout the exotic price tag or other issues like critical processing and torted, damaged or can even melt under such severe conditions. water absorption. Aesthetic trim components extend the performance challenge in
Collaboration with ELIX Polymers delivers significant benefits for automotive glove box application
F
ity which has resulted in a signifiollowing a close cooperacantly lower scrap-rate of injected tion with ELIX Polymers, parts. Moreover, flowability has a leading specialist in ABS been increased resulting in reduced high performance materials, BMW cycle times, so that more parts per Group has selected ABS/PC blend hour can be produced. ELIX Ultra 4105 LNS308 for the Fabian Herter at ELIX Polyproduction of injection-moulded mers commented: “The outstandglove box compartments. These are ing collaborative relationship beproduced at the BMW Group plant tween the technical departments of at Landshut and used for a range of BMW Group and ELIX Polymers BMW car models, including the has delivered a customised solution BMW 1 series, 3 series, 5 series and with measurable cost savings and 5 Gran Turismo. Intensive cooperation finds new solution for BMW glove box application. productivity gains.” The tailor-made ELIX Ultra Herter concluded: “This col4105 LNS308 was specifically de- Photo: Source: BMW Group laboration with BMW Group is an excellent example of how we veloped to meet the application’s challenging technical requirework closely with OEMs and Tiers. Working with the industry, ments. The material has to be compatible with secondary processELIX Polymers has been able to develop a new High Heat ABS es: flocking, foaming and welding. This was to address processing Portfolio with very low emissions and high flow. These new prodproblems experienced previously as well as reduce overall cycle ucts meet the stringent requirements of the Automotive Industry times. and are suitable for interior and exterior applications.” The newly developed ABS/PC blend offers better processabil-
32 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Automotive_NM.indd 32
10/15/2015 7:48:05 PM
AUTOMOTIVE
Lighter front end carriers that are cost efficient and flexible
Paint refinement products for the automotive aftermarket
T
H
he world’s first front end carrier without metal reinforcement has now leapt across the platforms: The Volkswagen Group is using the front end carrier made from the BASF plastic Ultramid® in the new Passat and Sharan models – after the integration in the Golf VII where in 2013 a polypropylene/steel hybrid part was replaced with an all-plastic part made from Ultramid® B3WG8 and with BASF’s comprehensive simulation service. In this way, BASF’s polyamide 6 helps to ensure that also these two front end carriers are considerably lighter than the previous models and save installation time as well as costs. The globally available polyamide 6 grade is manufactured at certified production sites with process-oriented quality management. BASF thus meets the requirements that car manufacturers have in terms of cost efficiency, reliable supply, and flexibility. The new Passat has been named the European ‘Car of the Year’ 2015 thanks to its innovations regarding safety, design, and overall quality, among other things. The front end carrier in the Passat is the largest polyamide part in the vehicle and weighs around 2.6 kg. The Ultramid® B3WG8 used is reinforced with 40 percent glass fibers and boasts an excellent combination of fatigue and endurance strength. This means that the plastic part shows the correct dynamic stiffness at defined locations.
enkel Adhesive Technologies India Private Limited (a fully owned subsidiary of Henkel AG & Co. KGaA), the leading solution provider for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, has launched 4 TEROSON® products for the automotive aftermarket, namely TEROSON® WX 157 (Heavy Cut HP), TEROSON® WX 150 (Fast Cut), TEROSON® WX 175 Glaze HP and TEROSON® WX 180 Polish Wax. These are rubbing and polishing compounds that help remove scratches and sanding marks, give excellent glossy final finish and give protection to painted surface with an easy application process. Henkel’s Automotive Aftermarket business offers solutions for vehicles’ body repair, mechanical repair, speciality coatings for body protection and aesthetic improvement to match the original OEM standards. Henkel works with leading OEMs across the globe to provide vehicle manufacturing solutions, and brings the same quality and reliability to the aftermarket customers too. Pradhyumna Ingle, Business Director, General Industry division of Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Pvt Ltd said “We are extremely focused on creating value for our customers through increased productivity, cost savings and high quality. These new products for the automotive aftermarket will help vehicle repair professionals restore the original high paint gloss of vehicles.”
October-November 2015 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | 33
Automotive_NM.indd 33
10/15/2015 7:48:06 PM
AUTOMOTIVE
Henkel presents high performance lightweighting solutions at Composites Europe
L
atest developments in high performance composite matrix resins, binders and release agents, composite adhesives, process know-how and engineering, were presented by Henkel in the Composites Forum at the Composites Europe exhibition at the Messe Stuttgart on September 23. Henkel places a strong emphasis on its expertise in developing cost-effective solutions for automotive structural components, such as lightweight leaf springs produced using high-pressure resin transfer molding, HP-RTM. The Loctite brand is probably most commonly associated with market-leading consumer and industrial adhesives, but the range also includes ground-breaking products for use as matrix resins in high performance composites, increasingly used in structural automotive components. Henkel’s flagship product, Loctite MAX 2 two-component polyurethane composite matrix resin system, enabled automotive composites specialist Benteler-SGL to develop the highly innovative RTM glass fiber reinforced leaf springs now used on Volvo’s premier crossover SUV, the XC90. “Loctite MAX 2 stands out in particular for its extremely fast cure and its high flexibility and toughness,” says Frank Kerstan,
Global Program Manager, Automotive Composites, at Henkel. “This enables the high-speed production of composites with excellent durability, exactly the sorts of features required in parts such as the Volvo leaf spring.” Used in place of traditional steel coil springs for the rear suspension, the RTM composite leaf spring enables a massive weight saving of 4.5 kg compared to the traditional concept. Composite leaf springs, have many advantages: the elimination of the coil springs and suspension struts for example means that the axle protrudes less into the trunk area, leaving more loading space. Volvo is expected to use the technology in more of its cars in the future, and other manufacturers are also developing similar axle concepts.
First top mount with polyurethane bearing and polyamide housing
B
ASF is now expanding its expertise in top mounts to enable car manufacturers an optimum combination of weight savings, pleasant acoustics and vibration damping. The unique NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) solution is made possible by combining two of BASF’s plastic specialties: the micro-cellular polyurethane elastomer Cellasto® and the highly glass-fiber reinforced polyamide Ultramid® A3WG10 CR. The top mount with the Cellasto® element and the Ultramid® housing is around 25 percent lighter than conventional aluminum die-cast versions with rubber. It was developed and optimized for serial production using BASF’s simulation tool Ultrasim®. Like other automotive components made of Cellasto®, BASF’s globally active Cellasto® business team offers the top mount as a complete solution to car manufacturers. “By joining Cellasto® with an Ultramid® housing in a top mount for the first time, we are combining our Verbund expertise in the best materials, customized design and meticulous quality management to provide
our customers with rapid component development and implementation, shorter process chains and global use,” says Wolfgang Micklitz, head of the global business management Cellasto®. “This new and complex component offers a sustainable innovation that contributes to further CO2 savings along with high safety and maximum comfort.” The top mount links the shock absorber to the chassis and thus has a decisive influence on driving comfort and dynamics. The interplay between the materials of the individual components is therefore of crucial importance: Cellasto® shows very good static and dynamic behavior, has a long life usage and takes up only a small amount of installation space. Components made of Cellasto® have been used in cars for more than 50 years. The PA66 grade Ultramid® A3WG10 CR is reinforced with 50 percent glass fibers and is therefore exceptionally rigid and solid, even at high temperatures. The engineering plastic is particularly suitable for dynamic loads and thus generally a good alternative to metal.
34 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Automotive_NM.indd 34
10/15/2015 7:48:08 PM
Automotive_NM.indd 35
10/16/2015 3:23:21 PM
INNOVATION
Outstanding performance for electrostatic discharge (ESD) applications
T
electrical performances. otal innovates in specialty “Developing such an innovacompounds and announces tive solution required several years the commercialisation of a of research, testing and product denew electrostatic discharge (ESD) velopment, leading finally to the first product range. This new technology successful commercial orders last offers solutions to avoid damages asquarter.” - said Xavier Bontemps, sociated with static electricity and Senior VP of Total’s Polymers Busihence enhances ESD, a key issue ness Unit – “This outcome demonthat concerns all aspects of electronstrates again our teams’ capabilities to ics manufacturing. By the use of serve the market with 3 core mindhigh performance carbon nanotubes sets: customer proximity, cost effec(CNT), polystyrene and polyolefins tiveness and high quality standards.” compounds have been developed for This new product range provides sheet extrusion, thermoforming, roInnovative electrically conductive compounds by Total: outstanding an innovative balance of properties to tational molding and injection. More performance for electrostatic discharge (ESD) applications. Photos: Total packaging materials producers and specifically, the Total CNT comend users. They are now made available worldwide. pounds exhibit a unique balance of cleanliness, processability and
Lightweight material for tough applications
A semi bead that makes dosing and handling easier
ow to provide the same strength yet be ultra-low weight – the new inner tube for mountain bikes from Schwalbe takes on this challenge. The company, the market leader in Europe for bicycle tires and inner tubes, has worked with BASF to develop a new thermoplastic material. It is based on the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) Elastollan® by BASF. The excellent mechanical properties of this material mean that the wall thickness could be considerably reduced. This gives the eye-catching blue Evo Tube an important advantage over butyl-based inner tubes: the weight has been reduced by as much as 65 percent compared with a standard 29-inch tube; depending on the size of the tire, the Evo Tube weighs between 68 and 76 grams. According to Schwalbe, the tube will be in stores from December 2015. The thermoplastic polyurethane from BASF is remarkable for its many useful material characteristics. It is particularly resistant to abrasion and wear and therefore really long-lasting. Furthermore, an inner tube made from this plastic can withstand a very high level of continuous load and – despite its greatly reduced wall thickness – maintain a constant air pressure over long periods. An interesting feature of the solution that was developed with Schwalbe is that the tube, valve base and valve stem are all made from materials based on Elastollan. This simplifies the production process and also allows the product to be easily recycled. “Thanks to our extensive portfolio of suitable types of Elastollan, we were able to find the perfect combination of materials to make the new Evo Tube,” explains Sascha Mattfeld, from TPU Sales at BASF.
fter being active in the market for over a year with its SONGNOX® PQ stabilizer, Songwon has extended its product range in response to customers’ ever-expanding needs. With its new Songwon extends its SONGNOX® PQ stabilizer, SONGNOX® PQ SB, Song- stabilizer range. Photo: Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd. won is launching a semi bead that makes dosing and handling in the plant easier for customers due to its dust free form. In addition, the new SONGNOX® 1162 FF triple blend contains SONGNOX® PQ making it ideally suited for biaxial oriented polypropylene (BOPP) applications, which have one of the broadest approvals for indirect food contact applications globally. “After acquiring SeQuent’s Specialty Chemicals business less than a year ago, we are proud to be able to offer SONGNOX® PQ in this new product form,” says Thomas Schmutz, Leader Technical Service & Application Development, Business Unit Polymer Stabilizers. “The addition to our portfolio means that we now offer the broadest solid phosphite product range in our industry. It also highlights Songwon’s commitment to meeting the needs of our customers.”
H
A
36 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Innovation_NM.indd 36
10/15/2015 7:48:54 PM
INNOVATION
A new adhesive technology specifically for paper
T
he extensive range of adhesive technologies available from Avery Dennison has expanded once again - this time to include TrueCut™ - a new adhesive technology specifically for paper. TrueCut technology enables major enhancements to conversion speed and adheres better on both cardboard and during low temperature applications. This results in a strong combination of benefits for converters who are looking for superb on-press performance and for end users requiring the broadest possible window of applications. Jan ‘t Hart, global director, Paper & VI, said that label converters will immediately see the benefits of faster and easier operations: “The adhesive gives up to 100 percent higher conversion speed compared with industry standards and can minimise or sometimes completely eliminate set up time between rolls. Other benefits include fewer web breaks and a shorter ‘time to stick’ (with a threefold improvement vs. an existing alternative). Consistent conversion performance for paper applications, and minimum press downtime, can make a very important difference to productivity. ” TrueCut technology can substantially reduce production costs due to its outstanding stability on the press. Rolls can be changed quickly, with almost no adjustments needed when changed. This consistency and reliability brings quantifiable savings and extra
Courtesy: Avery Dennison
capacity at no additional cost. Gaps between labels can also be made smaller to generate less waste, and die lifetime is increased thanks to lower-pressure die-cutting. Jan ‘t Hart added that this new adhesive enables a broader range of applications: “Label end users will see improved performance with variable information and logistic applications thanks to the increased tack on cardboard. The adhesive is compliant with European food regulation 1935/2004/EC as well as the German Recommendation (BfR) XIV, and can safely stand in direct contact with dry, moist and fatty foodstuff. Paired with better adhesion at lower temperatures this innovation is very widely applicable in the food segment.”
October-November 2015 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | 37
Innovation_NM.indd 37
10/15/2015 7:48:55 PM
INTERVIEW
‘Excellence in Extrusion’ THE SPIRIT OF INNOVATION AND ADAPTATION CONTINUES TO DRIVE THE RAJOO GROWTH STORY, SAYS SUNIL JAIN, PRESIDENT, RAJOO ENGINEERS LIMITED. By Niranjan Mudholkar Rajoo Engineers originally started its operations in 1986. So the company celebrates 30th anniversary next year. How would you describe the organisation’s journey so far? This long journey has been extremely eventful and challenging. Coming from a small village, Rajoo today is well known in India and the world as a reliable and innovative supplier of plastics extrusion machines. The baton is now being passed on to the second generation in the family and the company is now poised to reach even greater heights. What is your approach as a machinery supplier? In ‘Rajoo Business Approach’, only thing constant being change, the company has constantly looked for avenues to provide the right combination of a diversified product mix so as to create the right solution to suit local needs. The spirit of innovation and adaptation continues to drive the Rajoo growth story. Rajoo has not hesitated to forge alliances with world leaders with the objective of bringing contemporary technology at affordable price levels to the doorstep of the Indian processing industry and also to the under-developed economies. Starting a technical collaboration with Commodore of USA, Rajoo continues to be the only Indian machinery manufacturer for expanded polystyrene sheet extrusion and thermoforming for disposable containers. A technical collaboration with HOSOKAWA ALPINE of Germany (one of the most reputed companies globally in blown film technology) to produce ‘hybrid’ solutions with the Alpine
Rajoo’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facilities in sprawling green acres
“On an average, Rajoo sells and installs around 225 machines each year. However, number of machines is less important as compared to the extrusion capacity being installed where Rajoo has an upper edge.” technology at the company’s manufacturing site at Rajkot has benefitted markets in India and Anglophone Africa. The company entered into a JV (in Rajkot) with Bausano & Figli S.p.A. of Italy, one of the most reputed companies globally in this sector. This has revolutionised pipe manufacturing technology in India, both for RPVC and UPVC. On an average, how many machines does Rajoo Engineers install every year? On an average, Rajoo sells and installs around 225 machines each year. However, number of machines is less important as compared to the extrusion capacity being installed where Rajoo has an upper edge. Tell us about your various product offerings? What is your market position in the various segments? Solutions offered by the company include - the widest range of mono and multilayer blown film lines (up to seven layers), an impressive range of sheet lines (up to five layers), water quenched downward extrusion lines (up to two layers), lines for PE and PS foamed film and sheets (for various standard and special applications) as well as end-to-end thermoforming solutions . The extrusion lines cover processing of wide range of polymers like LDPE,
38 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Interview-Rajoo_NM.indd 38
10/15/2015 7:49:33 PM
INTERVIEW
LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE, PP, EVA; barrier materials like Polyamide, EVOH, Surlyn, elastomers, plastomers; thermoformable materials like PET, PS, PP and including new generation exotic polymers. PVC pipe and compounding machines are the latest addition to the portfolio. Tell us about your manufacturing capabilities and capacities? How much of your capacities are you utilising currently? In our industry, manufacturing capacity is difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, we are able to ramp up capacity to meet market demand. But we have taken a major upgradation and modernisation of our manufacturing facilities in Rajkot. Tell us about your R&D activities? How important is innovation in your journey? In addition to having strategic alliances, we constantly upgrade our technology and designs. The most important objective is to reduce energy consumption, being the second most important cost in the price matrix. Rajoo’s machines are proven to be energy efficient as compared to other machines available in the market, from indigenous or from overseas. Rajoo prides in offering value for money in all its technologies. As the next step towards innovation and development, Rajoo is the first Asian company to set-up a state-of-the-art development centre for barrier packaging with film and sheet extrusion, christened – Rajoo Centre of Innovation at Rajkot. It is slated to be available to the industry in the beginning of next financial year. The primary objectives being: Training and skill development, packaging development, recipe formulation, raw material testing and capacity support to the processors and convertors. What kind of support do you provide to your customers? With customer satisfaction as its Top Priority, Rajoo has always maintained its post-sale commitments irrespective of geographical boundaries to ensure maximum uptime at customer’s end. Rajoo supports all means of communication and technology to stay connected with its customers in order to listen to their queries and assist them in resolving their issues. Our Support Cell has a team of Technical Experts, always with full preparedness to take customer calls for any assistance. Further to “trouble-shooting” Rajoo extends support on selection of recipes, polymers blend and film structures. What is your take on our PM’s ‘Make in India’ initiative? What are the challenges and opportunities for your industry in this context? Our PM’s “Make in India” initiative, though well conceived, its implementation continues to face many hurdles. Major economic and policy reforms need to accompany the slogan at grass root levels. Cost of capital needs to reduce in addition to lowering of transaction costs. Bureaucratic and archaic rules need to be
As the next step towards innovation and development, Rajoo is the first Asian company to set-up a state-ofthe-art development centre for barrier packaging with film and sheet extrusion, christened – Rajoo Centre of Innovation at Rajkot. scrapped to enhance the ease of doing business. Infrastructure needs to become more industry friendly. Which are the markets that you are exporting to at present? What is your exports and domestic sales ratio? A sought-after name in global markets – exports accounting to around 40 percent of sales is indicative of Rajoo’s acceptance. While installations are spread across 57countries, installations in Germany, Spain and U.K stand out as acceptance by the most stringent and developed markets of the world. With 60 percent of the business coming from repeat orders, it is a clear indication of the satisfaction levels of existing customers. What was your annual turnover in the last FY and what are your projections for the current fiscal? What kind of growth are you looking at in the next two years? Rajoo’s top line for FY 14-15 was Rs117 crore. We are targeting a growth between 10-12 percent each year. What is your vision for this organisation? ‘Excellence in Extrusion’ on one side is considered as a very well defined vision, however to one and all at Rajoo, the aphorism provides the inspiration to innovate, simply because the word excellence has no static definition, it is relative and continually evolving. The visualization thus is, ‘To become one of the most trusted and passionate solution providers for plastic extrusion machinery worldwide in the best interest of all the stakeholders, while pursuing ethical business practices’. October-November 2015 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | 39
Interview-Rajoo_NM.indd 39
10/15/2015 7:49:34 PM
MARKET
Covestro up and running FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 BAYER MATERIALSCIENCE IS OPERATING UNDER THE COVESTRO NAME.THE COMPANY IS NOW LEGALLY AND ECONOMICALLY INDEPENDENT, BUT WILL REMAIN A 100 PER CENT SUBSIDIARY OF BAYER AG.
O
ne of the world’s leading polymer materials suppliers has a new identity. From September 1, 2015 Bayer MaterialScience is operating under the Covestro name.The company is now legally and economically independent, but will remain a 100 per cent subsidiary of Bayer AG. Bayer wants to float Covestro on the stock market by mid-2016 at the latest in order to concentrate exclusively on the life sciences businesses. “Independence will enable us to bring our strengths to bear in global competition more quickly, effectively and flexibly,” said Covestro CEO Patrick Thomas.
Making the world a brighter place Covestro has a new, colorful logo. Its vision is also new: “To make the world a brighter place.” “We fulfill this vision by inspiring innovation and driving growth through profitable technologies and products that benefit society and reduce environmental impacts,” said Thomas. Ajay Durrani, MD, Covestro India Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are extremely excited to venture into a bold new direction with Covestro. The name is part of Covestro’s corporate identity, which includes a distinctive new and colorful, vibrant brand. We are committed to delivering value to our customers, and other stakeholders with the new brand identity. We look forward to building a successful future for Covestro in India with our loyal and dedicated employees.”
Independence will enable us to bring our strengths to bear in global competition more quickly, effectively and flexibly. Covestro CEO Patrick Thomas
We are extremely excited to venture into a bold new direction with Covestro. The name is part of Covestro’s corporate identity, which includes a distinctive new and colorful, vibrant brand. Ajay Durrani MD, Covestro India Pvt. Ltd.
Ajay Durrani - MD and Avinash Bagdi - CFO, Covestro (India) Pvt Ltd at the press briefing of Covestro.
Covestro supplies key industries around the world, such as the automotive, construction and electronics sectors, as well as the furniture, sporting goods and textiles industries. With its products and applications solutions, the company is helping to meet the major challenges of our time, from climate change and resource depletion, increasing mobility and urbanisation to population growth and demographic change.
Versatile products for key industries Products include raw materials for premium polyurethane foam, which in the form of flexible foam is used primarily in furniture, mattresses and automobile seats; as rigid foam, it serves to insulate buildings and refrigeration equipment. Covestro also produces high-performance plastic polycarbontes, which are also very versatile materials for automotive components, roof structures, medical devices and much more. Rounding out the portfolio are specialty chemicals, including raw materials for coatings, adhesives and films. Covestro in India, is headquartered in Thane, near Mumbai. The Company’s Greater Noida production site, near New Delhi, is home to the EcoCommercial Building, the Polyurethanes Systems House and the Polycarbonates Color Competence and Design Center. Built with an investment of Euro 5 million, the “EcoCommercial Building” is a lighthouse project of the integrated, Group-wide Bayer Climate Program which was launched at the end of 2007. The EcoCommercial Building is an office building that showcases how the former Bayer MaterialScience addresses the issues of making a sustainable building. Covestro sees India as a major growth market in the APAC region. The Company has an aromatic and aliphatic polyisocyanate (PIC) manufacturing facility in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. This is the only one of its kind in India. Covestro also has a production facility in Cuddalore for Thermoplastic Polyurethanes. There is an Applications Development Lab for Coatings, Adhesives & Specialties in Mumbai.
40 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Market-Covestro_NM.indd 40
10/15/2015 7:50:15 PM
HEALTHCARE
New LED Surgical Lighting System
S
MEDICAL-GRADE POLYMERS HELPED A MANUFACTURER OF ADVANCED SURGICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT TO DESIGN AN INNOVATIVE, MORE COMPACT VERSION OF ITS FLAGSHIP SURGICAL LIGHTING UNIT.
olvay Specialty Polymers has announced that its Udel® polysulfone (PSU) and Radel® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) medical-grade polymers helped Medical Illumination International, a world-class manufacturer of advanced surgical systems and equipment, to design an innovative, more compact version of its flagship MI-1000 surgical lighting unit. Solvay’s high-performance polymers form three injection-molded components in Medical Illumination’s new MI-750 LED lighting system: a handle, a handle post and the lamp’s yoke attachment. In addition to supporting stable placement of the lamp during surgery, Udel® and Radel® polymers enable the molded components to deliver durable performance after frequent chemical disinfection and steam sterilization.
“Medical Illumination owes its success in this market to the meticulous design and reliable performance of its surgical lighting systems, which dependably meet or exceed the demanding requirements of the operating theater,” said Steve Rowey, chief operating officer for Medical Illumination. “Solvay’s materials consistently exhibit a high level of quality and performance – from the molding process to the end-use application – which were both critical in enabling us to meet the exacting criteria for our innovative new lamp design.” Medical Illumination designed its MI-750 lamp to provide bright, cool and energy-efficient LED illumination to minimize shadows and improve tissue rendition for exams or minor procedures. Medical Illumination selected California-based Mold Precision Engineering to injection mold the three components fabricated with Solvay’s high-performance polymers.
October-November 2015 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | 41
Healthcare-LED_NM.indd 41
10/15/2015 7:50:43 PM
INTERVIEW
Ready for the next level
THROUGH EXPANSION AND DIVERSIFICATION, N. A. ROTO MACHINES & MOLDS INDIA IS NOW CHARTING ITS AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PLANS, ACCORDING TO ANAND PANCHAL, THE COMPANY’S DIRECTOR – MARKETING.
By Niranjan Mudholkar N.A. Roto Machines & Molds India has been in the business for over three decades in the rotomolding industry. How has the company evolved? We started our journey in 1982 with a small shopfloor for manufacturing rotomolding molds with five Persons and 300 sq m shed area. With backward integration to manufacture machines, presently we have an infrastructure spread of 16,000 plus sq m of area with strength of 225 plus people delivering highly efficient, high production machines with technology supports from renowned rotomolding consultants. Tell us about your manufacturing capabilities and capacities? How much of your capacities are you utilising currently? Usually we have installed capacity of manufacturing and dispatching 24 plants per annum. However, due to the volumetric nature of the product, many a times we have experienced that customer is not ready to lift it owing to one reason or the other. As they do not lift their order on time, our capacity is blocked and we cannot effectively utilise the same to its full potential. This leads to non-utilisation of installed capacity. Tell us about your R&D activities. How important is innovation in your journey? Earlier, the process was in nascent stage and customer expectations from machinery were limited. As time passed by and the market of rotomolded products evolved, competition increased and presently customers are expecting great value from machinery and hence we have to almost continuously innovate the engineering aspects of the machine to keep up with same. For example, recently we devel-
oped specialised three carrying arrangements by which the production efficiency can be increased by 50 percent. With this, we can produce three tanks of 1,000 litre capacity instead of two tanks of 1,000 litre capacity produced earlier. Thus, there has been an increase in the overall production efficiency. What is your approach to quality? We are ISO 9001-2008 certified by BIS hence our Quality Assurance is in place. At regular intervals, to maintain our customer satisfaction level, we obtain customer feedback for checking satisfaction levels on various aspects. Apart from this, at times, we also use third party inspection for our machinery and also invite customers to witness live demonstration of their ordered machinery to ensure that best quality is supplied to them. Tell us about your various product offerings. NAROTO is a one stop solution for all rotomolding needs and we offer turnkey solutions. We manufacture the main machines, ancillary machines as well as the molds & accessories required for this process. End products from our machinery are suitable for the plastic industry, agricultural industry, chemical industry, infrastructure industry and so on.
“As a Group, we wish to achieve Rs100 crore top line five years down the line. And to achieve our said goal, we are looking at various expansion / diversification opportunities, one of them being the blow molding water tank line.”
What kind of support do you provide to your customers? Since rotomolding machinery is not known to many customers, we do provide them with turnkey type project support inclusive of: - Guidelines about their Market Requirements - Processing Options - Cost Benefit Analysis - Break Even Point - Machinery Selection
42 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Interview-NARoto_NM.indd 42
10/15/2015 7:51:13 PM
INTERVIEW
- Manpower Training & Offering Support - Efficient After Sales Service. Surely, this would make them comfortable.
Main advantages of rotational molding processes
Tell us more about the turnkey projects support you provide? Apart from above support, we also provide them with complete knowledge of the technology. The turnkey project support is inclusive of: - Shed Design/Infrastructural requirements - Electrical Load Requirement for Project - Manpower supports. What are the key industry sectors that you cater to? Who are some of your key customers in these sectors? We are a machine manufacturer and the products from our machinery cater to various industries including but not limited to: plastics, infrastructure, agriculture, environmental, material handling, recreation, pharmaceuticals etc. to name a few. Some of our key customers are: Domestic market: Comfort Polymers-Srinagar, Himgiri PlasticsHaridwar, Newgen Specialty Products-Greater Noida, Vectus Industries-Noida, Ashutosh Water Tanks-Ahmedabad, Indo Spanish-Assam, Kaveri Tanks-Bangalore, JFK Molders-Kerala etc. to name a few… Overseas Market: Polycon Group, Polyemirates, AL Bassam Industries (GULF), Messai Group, Kenntainers (Africa), PRAN Group, PT Bangun (Asia), APS Group (South Amercia) and so on.
Technology is a big challenge in itself for the Make in India initiative; however, development of inherent skills is an opportunity. Government has already started skill development initiative and it will surely evolve in time to come. What is your take on our PM’s ‘Make in India’ initiative? What are the challenges and opportunities for your industry? Initiative wise it is a good effort though there are skills and technology support missing to an extent. Technology is a big challenge in itself for this initiative; however, development of inherent skills is an opportunity. Government has already started skill development initiative and it will surely evolve in time to come. As compared to foreign countries, in general, R&D expenses for Indian industries including heavy machinery industry as a part of fund outlay is very miniscule in India which has created technology development gap forcing Indian Industry to take help of foreign technology for growing. If R&D can be improved, there lies a great opportunity for Indian technology to give thrust to ‘Make in India’ campaign. Which are the markets that you are exporting to at present? What is your exports and domestic sales ratio?
• • • • • • • •
Economical tooling costs Simplified processing Stress free & seamless products Design freedom Allows molded threads and mold-in inserts Quick colour changes possible Very large parts with thin walls possible Similar or different parts can be molded on a single spindle • Most suitable for low volumes etc.
Presently we are exporting to Africa, Middle East and South America regions apart from some isolated exports to Ukraine, Australia and other places. Our export to domestic sales ratio is: 65: 35. What was your annual turnover in the last FY and what are your projections for the current fiscal? What kind of growth are you looking at in the next two years? Our annual turnover for last FY was Rs35.60 crore and current year projections are close to Rs40 crore. For the next two years, we see some growth potential particularly in the overseas markets and are not much apprehensive about domestic markets. Have you recently launched any new product or are planning to do so? Tell us about the same. We are on look out of continuous improvement in our products. We are launching a completely new product line in blow molding for water tanks to keep our edge in the market. There are many Chinese manufacturers who sell blow molding type machine in India but we have generally observed that end users prefers Indian manufacturer and hence we have divulged in such line. What is your vision for this organization? As a Group, we wish to achieve Rs100 crore top line five years down the line. And to achieve our said goal, we are looking at various expansion / diversification opportunities, one of them being the blow molding water tank line mentioned earlier. We are open to co-operate for various opportunities in our field. October-November 2015 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | 43
Interview-NARoto_NM.indd 43
10/15/2015 7:51:14 PM
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
A New Era PLASTINDIA FOUNDATION, THE APEX BODY OF KEY ALL-INDIA PLASTICS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS, HAS ELECTED ITS NEW MANAGING COMMITTEE FOR 2015- 2018
I
n the elections held recently for the new Managing Committee of Plastindia Foundation, K K Seksaria was elected as the President, Rajiv Raval as Vice-President and Raju Desai as Treasurer of the Plastindia Foundation. All were selected unanimously. The new Managing Committee comprising of senior entrepreneurs of the Plastics industry assumed office with immediate effect. K K Seksaria took over from Subhash Kadakia. Plastindia Foundation is the apex body of seven key all-India plastics industry associations. Indian Plastics industry contributes to more than Rs 90,000 crore to the exchequer and is one of the top five industries contributing to Indian GDP. It is growing at 15 percent per year and is expected to even grow at a faster pace once ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill India’, ‘Digital India’, infrastructure, smart cities and smart villages come in to force. K K Seksaria is a veteran in the plastics industry and is the MD of Uma Plastics Ltd. He has served as the President of Indian Plastics Federation, Kolkata and also as Hon. Treasurer for Plastindia Foundation. Rajiv Raval has been President of Gujarat State Plastics Manufacturers Association and has served as Hon. Treasurer for Plastindia Foundation. He is the Executive Director of Vishakha irrigation Pvt Ltd. Raju Desai is the past Chairman of Plastivision 2013 and past-President of The All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA). Raju Desai is the Senior Executive Director – Marketing and HR of Jyoti Group. Com-
I take this appointment as an opportunity to dispel the negative notions associated with plastics. As an industry, we must work together to ensure that the future generations have a better and greener planet to live. Rajiv Raval, as Vice-President, Plastindia Foundation
Though there are various challenges before the industry, we are confident that with wider participation of all segments & stakeholders, we will be able to meet all challenges and to take plastics industry forward qualitatively and quantitatively. K K Seksaria, President, Plastindia Foundation menting on his election as President, K K Seksaria said, “I am grateful to the industry for the confidence reposed on me. Plastics Industry is one of the fastest growing industries in India which aims at serving the nation & its citizens by way of making their life easier & affordable as well as contributing to the national growth. Though there are various challenges before the industry, we are confident that with wider participation of all segments & stakeholders, we will be able to meet all challenges and to take plastics industry forward qualitatively and quantitatively.” Rajiv Raval is another industry veteran and a champion for “Go Green”, “Live Green” concept. Engaged deeply in drip irrigation projects, Raval said, “I take this appointment as an opportunity to dispel the negative notions associated with plastics. As an industry, we must work together to ensure that the future generations have a better and greener planet to live.” Raju Desai mentioned, “The onus is on organisations like Plastindia Foundation to fulfil our Prime Ministers vision of ‘Make in India’. The plastics industry in India has the capability of making India as the global hub of plastics and plastic-products. At Plastindia Foundation, we shall make all efforts in this direction.” Others elected to the Managing Committee are Pradip Nayyar, Nitin Shah, Jayesh K. Rambhia, Atul H. Kanuga, Dr. E. Sundaresan, Pradip Thakkar, Rajeev Chitalia, Paresh V. Parekh, Gautam H. Gandhi, Dr. S. K. Nayak and, M. K. Mandal.
44 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
IndustryAssociation_NM.indd 44
10/16/2015 3:24:27 PM
A Times Group Initiative
MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE SUMMIT OCTOBER 30, The LaLit Ashok Bangalore
Meet the
GALAXY of our
Speakers Call now to get your invite
Satish PV Senior General Manager Hyundai Autoever India
Anders Grundströmer MD, Scania India and Senior VP, Scania Group
Chandru Kalro Managing Director TTK Prestige
Anand Sundaresan Vice-Chairman & Managing Director SCHWING Stetter India
Kamal Bali Harald Friedrich Board Member Plant Manager & MD Bangalore & Head Volvo India Pvt. Ltd of Operations India Thimmaiah NP Continental Managing Director Automotive & CEO Components Meritor India (India) Pvt. Ltd
9969462127
themachinist@wwm.co.in Mention ‘Invite Me’ in subject line.
Online Partner www.themachinist.in Industrial Lubricant Partner
Ankur Gupta Chief General Manager, Venkatakrishnan B Quality Assurance Hussain Shariyarr Head IT - Delivery Anil Kumar Agarwal Escorts Limited Sr. Vice President – Manufacturing Chief Mechanical Operations, Godrej Applications Engineer Appliances Mahindra & Rail Wheel Factory Godrej & Boyce Mahindra (Bangalore) Mfg. Co. Ltd Knowledge Partner
#SelfieAtShopfloor Contest Partner
Magazine Partner
*Disclaimer: We have received confirmation from all of the above speakers. However, we do not have control over changes in anybody’s schedule at the last minute.
IndustryAssociation_NM.indd 45
10/16/2015 6:18:06 PM
MARKET
Global JV for synthetic rubber THE WORLD’S LARGEST PRODUCER OF SYNTHETIC RUBBER AND THE WORLD’S LARGEST OIL AND ENERGY PRODUCER HAVE ENTERED A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO CREATE A WORLD-LEADING JV FOR SYNTHETIC RUBBER
T
greater reliability than before.” he specialty chemicals company LANXESS Abdulrahman Al-Wuhaib, Senior Vice President Downand Saudi Aramco plan to establish a joint stream, Saudi Aramco said: “Through the joint venture agreement venture for synthetic rubber detailed in an we are investing in a world-class synthetic rubber and elastomer agreement signed recently. LANXESS and products capability that already supplies many of the world’s largSaudi Aramco subsidiary, Aramco Overseas est tire and automotive-parts manufacturing customers. In adCompany, will each hold a 50 percent interest dition to creating a new revenue stream for Saudi Aramco, the in the joint venture, with annual sales of approximately EUR 3 agreement will spur economic growth and diversification opporbillion in 2014. Saudi Aramco is to pay approximately EUR 1.2 tunities for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East billion in cash for its 50 percent share after deducting debt and region in high-volume sectors, other financial liabilities. The such as tire and auto-parts mantotal joint venture is valued at ufacturing, that are dependent EUR 2.75 billion. on higher-margin, value-added The transaction still requires chemicals products.” the approval of the relevant antiThe new joint venture will trust authorities and is expected be managed by a holding comto be completed in the first half pany headquartered in the of 2016. LANXESS will conNetherlands. The CEO will be tribute its synthetic rubber busiappointed by LANXESS and ness to the new joint venture. the CFO will be appointed by This will include the Tire & SpeAramco Overseas Company. cialty Rubbers (TSR) and the Each company will have equal High Performance Elastomers representation on the JV’s board (HPE) business units, their 20 of directors. LANXESS will consolidate the JV’s production facilities in nine countries and some financials. 3,700 employees and additional support staff. The high-performance rubbers manufactured by With the creation of this joint venture, The new joint LANXESS are mainly used in the production LANXESS is implementing the third stage of its venture will be of tires and technical applications such as hoses, three-phase realignment program. “We have esmanaged by a belts and seals. The main customers include the tablished a completely new strategic starting point holding company automotive and tire industries but the products for our company in just over a year”, said Zachert. headquartered in are also used in the construction industry and “Not only have we streamlined our administrative the Netherlands. by oil and gas companies. Saudi Aramco will functions and already made many of our producThe CEO will be provide the joint venture with competitive and tion structures and processes more efficient but appointed by reliable access to strategic raw materials over the with this joint venture in the rubber business we medium term. are delivering on the most important phase of our LANXESS and The joint venture brings together the realignment – with the best partner possible and the CFO will be world’s largest producer of synthetic rubber and in a very short period of time. The resulting finanappointed by the world’s largest oil and energy producer to cial headroom will allow us to return to growth Aramco Overseas form a far-reaching strategic partnership. “This considerably sooner than expected.” Company. alliance will enable us to give the rubber busiLANXESS plans to use around EUR 400 ness a very strong competitive position and the million of the proceeds from the transaction to best possible future perspectives”, said LANXESS CEO Matthias invest in the growth of the well-positioned and less cyclical segZachert. “Together in the future we can produce synthetic rubber ments Advanced Intermediates and Performance Chemicals. Anin an integrated value chain from the oil field to the end product, other roughly EUR 400 million is earmarked for a further reducthus establishing one of the best positioned suppliers in the world tion of its financial debt position and around EUR 200 million market. In this way, we will be able to offer our customers even are planned to be used for a share buyback program. 46 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Market-Lanxess_NM.indd 46
10/15/2015 7:52:37 PM
CALENDAR
Mark your DIARY
April 5-7, 2016
November 27-30, 2015
A LIST OF KEY TRADE SHOWS HAPPENING BETWEEN NOVEMBER 2015 TO JANUARY 2017 Indplas 2015
Location: Kolkata Organised by: Indian Plastics Federation Website: http://indplas.in/ Background Indplas 2015 offers excellent opportunities for domestic and international exhibitors to come and participate and reap the benefits of the fastest growing region in India. The scope for investment in Eastern India’s plastic industry is tremendous, Indplas 2015 aims to encourage investment in the plastic sector in Eastern and North Eastern India. The show will have live demonstration of machinery and equipment. It will offer access to latest technological developments and best practices in plastics. It also aims to provide a platform for knowledge sharing on new innovations in the plastic sector.
P4 Expo
Location: Greater Noida, Delhi NCR Organised by: All India Plastic Industries Association & Verifair Website: http://www.p4expoindia.com/
July 7-10, 2016
June 28-29, 2016
Background P4 Expo is international trade show and conference on four key industries: Plastics, Petrochemicals, Printing and Packaging. The event aims to create a common platform for these four industries and help industry players leverage on the promising market scenario related to all these four industries in particular and their impact on related industries in general.
Plastics Meetings France
Location: Lyon France Organised by: abe & Plastipolis Website: http://www.plastics-meetings.com/en/ Background This promises to be a unique event which offers both the possibility to receive the up-to date market news through its conference program, as well as to meet target contacts through its tried-and-tested business meetings methodology.
InterPlas Thailand 2016
Location: Bangkok Organised by: Reed Tradex Website: http://www.interplasthailand.com/ Background Following up on the success of the 2015 edition, the 2016 edition aims to repeat the performance with better results. During the last edition, 15,953 attendants found the right technology they were looking for and formed new business alliances. Exhibitors were happy to meet target customers and distribute their products. The plastics manufacturing industries have been fired up to evolve with a strong force. Increasingly confident from the networks they established and knowledge they have gained, industrialists here are more ready for the coming of larger business following AEC by the end of this year.
October-November 2015 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | 47
EventCalendar_NM.indd 47
10/15/2015 7:53:16 PM
January 19-23, 2017
January 8-10, 2017
October 19 - 26, 2016
August 05-07, 2016
CALENDAR
Sri Lanka Plast 2016
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka Organised by: Enterprising Fairs (India) Pvt. Ltd. Website: http://www.srilankaplast.com/ Background Sri Lanka Plast was successfully exhibited and organized for two editions in Colombo – 2012 & 2014. The third edition in 2016 is expected to be larger.
K 2016
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany Organiser: Messe Düsseldorf Website: www.k-online.com Background For more than 40 years, K has been and still is the biggest international trade fair for plastics and rubber, and takes place once every three years. The leading raw material producers, processing companies and machinery manufacturers offer an overview of the latest technical developments, procedures and techniques, of current construction methods and future trends. The outstanding importance of K for the industry arises from the excellence and ongoing development of its product range, and the constantly growing number of more than 3,200 exhibitors from 59 nations. The fact that 218,000 trade visitors from over 120 countries expressed their full satisfaction at the last staging of K in 2013 guarantees the future success for all those involved in the industry.
Arabplast 2017
Location: Dubai, UAE Organised by: Al Fajer Information & Services Website: http://www.arabplast.info/ Background It promises to be the largest plastics, petrochemicals and rubber industry trade show in MENA region as well as the fastest way to enter the vast MENA region’s plastics, petrochemicals and rubber industry. ArabPlast 2017 is envisioned to make better business sense to the participants who are giving shape to a better world. The captains of the plastics and rubber industry would be here to unveil products solutions, cutting-edge technology, and revolutionary innovations and forge international alliances.
Plastivision India 2017
Location: Mumbai Organised by: The All India Plastics Manufacturer’s Association (AIPMA) Website: www.plastivision.org Background: It is recognised amongst the top ten global plastics exhibition. Plastivision India 2017 is likely to see participation from about 1,500 exhibitors coming from more than 25 countries. Visitors are expected from over 61 countries and the organisers are anticipating business worth Rs2000 crore to be generated at the show.
48 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
EventCalendar_NM.indd 48
10/15/2015 7:53:16 PM
PRODUCTS
Windsor 5-Layer POD Line, an Empowered Solution for Affordable Excellence A LINE THAT PRODUCES FILMS WITH OUTSTANDING PHYSICAL AND PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES, WITH MORE METRES/MIN THAT TOO WITH REDUCED POLYMER CONSUMPTION; ALL INBUILT IN INDIA’S FIRST DEDICATED 5-LAYER POLYOLEFIN LINE – THE BARON 2500 INFINITY POD. significantly low cost-to-feature ratio! A figure that global companies may find it impossible to match. The film extrusion businesses will benefit significantly with this launch. With a 5-layer POD line, there is a noteworthy improvement in the impact strength and sealability of the film produced. This dedicated POD line will empower Windsor customers to be successful in local and global markets by producing shrink and lamination films with unmatched quality and probably, at the lowest price.
A
much awaited news! Taking the word ‘progress’ to the next level, Windsor Machines has now launched India’s first dedicated 5-layer Polyolefin Line BARON 2500. With BARON 2500 infinity, you can meet the most demanding specifications of the films even after down-gauging! POD is basically a non-barrier film with a thick core layer and thin skin layer along with medium intermediate layers. There is an increased possibility to optimise the functional property of each layer. And also have a higher output by using high melt strength polymers. With 5-layers, not only does the output film get empowered to pass the most stringent regulatory standards (that too with a higher throughput), but also empowers you, the busiThe coming months will see the commissioning of the 1st ness owner, with a significantly higher ROI (it is a matter of Windsor 5-layer POD line, setting new standards as regards getting more with less, be it machine time or for that matter features-price-performance. With the Government mandate resin consumption). With sustainability as expected on a big of ‘Make in India’, Windsor with this pioneering initiative has high, do we not all witness brand owners pushing to get as on one hand made the 5-layer POD line far more affordable, much from as little; so it’s actually going green with BARON opening new horizons of applications; and on the other, has 2500 infinity. Windsor has merged the concept of ‘Maximiser’ saved the country valuable foreign exchange. With the fast with the POD line. With the die and the single cooling ring changing markets, with a locally available 5-layer POD line, appropriately designed, the user can enjoy all the benefits as Windsor has ensured that the Indian processors now have a would be expected - better film properties, higher puncture very unique opportunity to upgrade at a minimal price and resistance an increased film output, a BUR of 1:5 and more. not be left behind in the global market place. For processors, The Baron 2500 infinity POD can deliver an output of up to greater flexibility, more bandwidth in 550 kg/hr with the 250 mm die. product design and competitive advanWith a strong technology backFor more details, contact: tage, all accrue. Local manufacturing ground and market understanding, Vikas Deo, Sr. Manager, Sales and will further lower delivery time, ensure Windsor committed itself to this chalMarketing, Windsor Machines Limited; Cell: +91 9687068688; prompt support and reduce the overall lenge and is today successful in launchEmail: Vikas.Deo@Windsormachines.Com cost of ownership. ing India’s first 5-layer POD line at a October-November 2015 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | 49
Products_NM_2.indd 49
10/16/2015 3:25:44 PM
PRODUCTS
Kabra Extrusiontechnik Ltd. demonstrates – solEX 75 HDPE Pipe Extrusion Plant (Downstream 800 mm) at its Kachigam factory. HIGH PERFORMANCE HDPE EXTRUDER WITH LARGER PROCESSING WINDOW (L/D – 40:1)
K
negligible start-up waste and low power consumption (0.30 abra Extrusiontechnik Ltd. hosted a successful demo kWh/Kg). This ensures significant resource saving for the benof its product – solEX 75 HDPE pipe extrusion plant efit of processors. The plant will be delivered to The Supreme to showcase the latest high output extrusion technolIndustries Limited - one of the esteemed customers of KET. ogy for large diameter (250 mm to 800 mm OD) HDPE pipe “The plant stands for the technical expertise and high applications. The demo was attended by the leading processors quality extrusion solutions offered by Kabra Extrusiontechin India and KET’s esteemed customers. nik for the processing needs of the customers,” commented S. The demonstrated plant comes with special features like Shenoy, CEO – KET. “We always strive to offer better solu– next generation grooved feed design, servo haul off, swarftions to our customers based on their requirements and be less pipe cutting, gravimetric system for weight/meter control, their partners in progress,” said Sunil Ambekar, VP – Marketand output of 1200 Kg/hour. The larger processing window of ing, KET. 40:1 L/D, helps in obtaining excellent linear specific output With the supply of this plant, KET even for heavier grade material - higher is all set to offer more such products for than PE 100. For more information, PE & PP pipe applications. Adding to quality & technology, Email: info@kolsitegroup.com; machine also offers – easy start-up with website: www.kolsite.com
C
Coperion launches new automatic strand conveyance system
operion Pelletizing Technology GmbH, Offenbach, has developed an automatic strand conveyance system (ASC) often required by compounding systems for pelletizing at very high throughput rates. Designed to work in conjunction with Coperion’s two large strand pelletizers, the SP 500 HD (working width 500 mm) and the SP 700 HD (700 mm), this new conveyance system is likewise available in two sizes: the ASC 500 for throughput rates of up to 3.5 tons/hour and the ASC 700 for up to 5 tons/hour. The conveyance system automatically
guides the extruded strands via a cooling water chute and downstream conveyor belt into the feed mechanism of the pelletizer. A likewise automatic start-up mechanism facilitates the start-up operation, while any possible machine malfunctions caused by broken strands are avoided by the system’s ability to rethread the strands. Compared to other processes, strand pelletizing ensures an extremely gentle treatment of the product, as it operates with much lower pressures. Other convincing advantages are the reduced complexity of the system and the low rate of wear.
50 | The Economic Times POLYMERS | October-November 2015
Products_NM.indd 50
10/15/2015 7:53:54 PM
BackInside.indd 1
10/15/2015 7:54:52 PM
BackCover.indd 2
10/15/2015 7:54:26 PM