SA POLYMER TECHNOLOGY by SA POLYMER TECHNOLOGY

polymer

S O U T H E R N A F R I C A N P O LY M E R T E C H N O L O G Y

S O U T H E R N

A F R I C A N

TECHNOLOGY

www.sapt.co.za

VOL 20 NR 1 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022

VOL 20 NR 1

Gold Pack awards showcase world-class excellence

F E B R U A RY / M A R C H 2 0 2 2

CMY

Thirsti installs 1Blow system for 5-litre containers

OF FI

A SS O CI A S OU T

Leading light joins Plastics SA

Celebrating design excellence for over four decades

Polymateria develops biodegradable & recyclable 44 polyolefin plastic 53

www.sapt.co.za

Cover Feb/Mar-22.indd 1

LICATION PUB OF T C P A ( ) N & P TIO RN AF HE

ICS CONV A ST ER PL TE HE S INSTI STIC TU LA CA (PIS RI

L IA

Decline in collection and recycling rates during 2020

YEARS AERONTEC CELEBRATES 20 Kainotomia IN SA COMPOSITES INDUSTRY Polymers a winner at SA Small Business Awards

OF TE A)

2022/02/15 14:47

We are in good company!

Offering Offering sustainable sustainable solutions solutions into into all all major major industries: industries: CONTACT CONTACT US US Brenntag South Brenntag South Africa Africa 247 247 15th 15th Road Road Randjespark. Randjespark. Midrand, Midrand, 1685 1685 Phone: Phone: +27 +27 (0)10 (0)10 020 020 91 91 00 00 Email: info@brenntag.co.za Email: info@brenntag.co.za

Automotive Automotive Packaging Packaging Electrical Electrical // Electronics Electronics Appliances Appliances Mining Mining Construction Construction

Visit Visit us us in in Hall Hall 55 at at Stand Stand D3 D3

Classifieds Feb/Mar'22.indd 72

2022/02/11 14:04

PCS ad '021 08-bleed.indd 94 Classifieds Feb/Mar'22.indd 72

2022/02/08 12:05 08:36 2022/02/17

BY THE WAY

Publisher & Managing Editor: Martin Wells (martin@summitpub.co.za) Editor: Tessa O’Hara (tessa@summitpub.co.za) Publishers Assistant: Heather Peplow (heather@summitpub.co.za) Bookkeeper: Gloria van Heerden (gloriavanheerden@gmail.com) Designers: Jeanette Erasmus Graphic Design (jeanette.erasmus@lateraldynamics.co.za) Bronwen Moys Blinc Design (bronwen.clarke@gmail.com)

Summit Publishing cc t: +27 (21) 712 1408 f: 086 519 6089 c: +27 (82) 822 8115 e: tessa@summitpub.co.za Postnet Suite 42, Private Bag X16, Constantia 7848, Cape Town, South Africa The Stoep, 3 Tiverton Road, Plumstead, 7800

www.sapt.co.za

GAUTENG Lowrie Sharp t: (011) 793 4691 f: (011) 791 0544 c: 082 344 7870 e: lowrieplasticsmedia@absamail.co.za KZN Lynne Askew c: 082 904 9433 e: lynne@summitpub.co.za Printed by: Novus Print, Paarl Southern African Polymer Technology is published six times a year and focuses on these industries in South and Southern Africa. We welcome news, articles, technical reports, information in general and photographs about events and developments related to the plastics industry. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Plastics Converters Association, Institute of Materials or Association of Rotational Moulders either. Copyright: All rights reserved. ISSN number: 1684-2855 (ISDS Centre, Paris) Summit Publishing: CK 9863581/23 VAT reg: 4600187902

Plastics Institute

Association of Rotational

Plastics Converters

of Southern Africa

Moulders of South Africa

Association

PET Plastic Recycling South Africa

Institute of Materials

The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) recently hosted a photography competition that was open to all photographers – regardless of skill and expertise levels – to interpret the theme, “The Value and Role of Plastic Pipes in South Africa”. A difficult task, when you think about it, as most plastic pipes are buried and not many photographers have access to production sites to take photos of plastic pipes. However, that didn’t deter Sediye Machaba, a Civil Engineer at Aphane Consulting Engineers, where he forms part of a team that provides sustainable development to communities. Sediye captured this photo of boys playing with plastic pipes and named his photo “Like water, humans need to keep moving forward”. See page 17

Finder’s fees assist in locating stolen materials FINDER’S fees have been flying thick and fast in Gauteng over the summer months as companies have tried to trace material stolen in heists, of which a fairly substantial number have been reported. In essence, a finder’s fee is that percentage of the value of stolen or lost goods which an investigator earns when he/she succeeds in recovering the items. Parties affected by theft in SA have begun to rely more on private investigators for these tasks, and results tend to be more readily forthcoming … which is exactly what happened in November and December. The PIs proved surprisingly successful, and following tip-offs were led to warehouses in Jet Park, Boksburg and elsewhere in Joburg where some of the stolen materials were recovered. A similar case was reported in Heidelberg, Gauteng, in January. It was clear from the outset that only persons with fairly precise knowledge of the materials stolen as well as the layout of factories hit would have been able to stage such heists. Suspicions were aroused and some individuals in the industry have even been questioned by police. Astoundingly, one individual with a load of stolen material was apprehended by police and released later the same day, with the load. But the impact on companies hit by the heist gangs has been significant and, since firearms were used and threats made, it is perhaps only fortuitous that no-one was injured, or worse.

Unusual number of properties for sale in Secunda WE HEAR a large number of posh properties are on sale in Secunda at low prices, not that you have any plans to move there. The reason for this situation appears to be that a large number of Sasol engineers have departed the Mpumalanga town. These are people who have either left the industry or the country or both and is an unexpected consequence of BEE. That is what can happen when management personnel are bypassed for promotion or other individuals are appointed as their superiors due only to BEE criteria, and could also be part of the reason why Sasol Base Chemicals is struggling to maintain its production schedule and has left many of its … if you have customers in dire straits.

something to say Look at the bright side: if you have some gem of wisdom to impart, please write to us at tessa@summitpub.co.za

Volume 20 No 1

February – MARCH 2022

Contents Find out more at www.sapt.co.za

INDUSTRY NEWS 6

Gold Pack awards showcase world-class excellence

Thirsti installs 1Blow system for 5-litre containers

Plastics industry releases latest recycling figures

Plastics SA to expand technical skills & knowledge base

Kainotomia Polymers a Top 20 Winner at 2021 South African Small Business Awards

SA plastics industry leading light joins Plastics SA

CYPET Technologies set to disrupt global IBC market

Clarifying the EPR/PRO confusion

Global & local PVC community rejects list of ‘problematic plastics’

Aerontec celebrates 20 years in the SA composites industry

COMPOSITES 38

JEC World 2022 – composites for a sustainable world

Pultruded deck beams for bridge

Carbon fibre & AM enhance Pleko spike shoe

DESIGN 44

Celebrating design excellence for over four decades

UTECH Europe Awards 2021

43 50

ON THE COVER: Evian has revealed a new bottle with an engraved logo, as the brand looks at innovative ways to reduce its use of virgin plastic. The Evian label-less bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic for Danone Eaux France. Removing the label from the bottle minimises packaging use and helps the recycling process. The new design will be available as a 400ml bottle and features an ‘Evian pink’ bottle cap; both firsts within the Evian product range. Read more at www.danone.com

comment Fusion Surf Co of Cape Town has introduced its new Air-Core range of hollow carbon surf boards. Fusion engineered a hollow board with lightweight wood ribs, bonded by hybrid skins comprising carbon, hemp and glass fabrics infused with resin to produce this unusual new result. It’s not about looks only though, the hollow boards do not suffer from impact pressure dings and dents as the shell is able to flex and absorb impact – See page 43

Material supply constraints continue to plague manufacturing sector

THIS ISSUE

… more Covid induced uncertainty

OW, in the Covid controlled world, just about everything in the manufacturing sector is uncertain … although, it has to be said, manufacturers in Africa are familiar with this state of affairs, for other reasons.

4 FEB / MARCH 2022

First material prices shoot up, but you’re lucky if you can get polymer as global supply chain delays have seen the whole process slow down. Then material prices start coming down, but the SA material manufacturers have run into production problems and can’t supply many of their customers anyway, so you still can’t get it. And it’s not simple for the material importers to fill this vacuum as they can’t bring in enough material quickly enough and have to turn customers away. The outcome of this has been increased pressure on convertors, who dread not being able to supply their customers. So spare a thought for convertors who have run low or even out of material, some well-run businesses have suffered in the process. But we do see guys helping each other where they can (you’re not going to get help from anywhere else) and that’s a big positive for our industry. As if this pressure is not enough, it’s a challenging time on the environmental side for the industry, both globally and locally. In one of the articles in this issue, we try to analyse the complications presented by

the need to address extended producer responsibility obligations by joining a producer responsibility organisation (PRO), some convertors even need to join more than one PRO (see page 26). Hopefully some wisdom will be gained along this rocky road and with that in mind we present several design and product award articles here. These may provide ideas for you or, better still (since no-one wants to risk anything at this stage), enable you to improve your moulding and management processes.

We see guys helping each other and that’s a big positive for our industry

Welcome back Propak Africa… South Africa’s main packaging and plastics show, Propak Africa (in Johannesburg from 8-11 March), makes its return after the previous two editions (including Propak Cape last year) were cancelled. It’s to be hoped that people from across SA and the continent will take the opportunity to reengage. Propak events tend to be fun and on this occasion will allow people to meet up again, at last. Such has been the uncertainty, with so many events put off by Covid controls, that we don’t even have a preview, but we’ll make up for that with a review in April. Martin Wells, Publisher

extrupet extrupet

In good Company • Innovation in the management of waste is about working with like-minded people who want to do the right thing. • Innovation in the recycling space is about collaboration with brands that have purpose and want to act responsibly. • Innovation in packaging is about product design. • Innovation in thinking is about challenging the norm and wanting to do better. Thank you to the Unilever team for recognising Extrupet’s contribution as a partner with purpose.

“

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. - Helen Keller

Contact: 011 865 8360 | Email: info@extrupet.com | Website: www.extrupet.com Extrupet is proudly associated with

Design

Gold Pack awards showcase Programme will receive a major boost in 2022 THE Institute of Packaging South Africa’s 2021 Gold Pack Awards programme was a showcase of the quality of the art and science of packaging produced in the region, promoting world-class excellence in packaging design and technology.

world-class

The tough economic climate, continued focus on sustainability, particularly recyclability, extended producer responsibility, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic featured strongly in the entries. Great news is that the programme will receive a major boost in 2022, following agreement with the African Packaging Organisation to include

the continent-wide AfriStar Awards as an integral part of the Gold Pack Awards. Details will be announced with the launch of Gold Pack 2022. With this development, the Gold Pack Awards is set to entrench its place as the showcase for African packaging. Featured here are all the winners that made use of plastics in their packaging design.

IPSA Gold Pack Trophy 2021 & Gold award winner in the Food Packaging category

PETZorb® Meat Tray Entrant/converter & brand owner: Mpact Versapak

The PETZorb® Meat Tray, produced using food-grade rPET, reduces the dependence on virgin material while creating a demand for recycled plastics, stimulating investment in the collection and recycling industry and reducing the leakage of these products into the environment. gold The tray, launched in April 2021, further contributes to medal sustainable solutions by creating new job opportunities through the beneficiation of PET from landfill and complies to ‘design for recycling’ principles by being stackable, making use of recyclate and displaying a material identification symbol. By producing this as a generic range, a large customer base has access to an environmentally-friendly packaging option to drive environmental benefits over an extended period. Studies indicate that, once fully launched, approximately 20-million fewer soaker pads will be used and end up in landfill as non-recyclable and non-biodegradable waste. Despite being at a highly competitive price point, the tray makes use of advanced technology that incorporates the absorbency within the tray itself, even when displayed on a retail shelf at an angle, driving consumer perception and sales. It uses fluid surface tension to hold fluid in specifically designed pockets in the base of the tray, absorbing almost double the amount of fluids over the same period of time as its absorbency pad alternative. Besides improved space use, product display visibility and stock control benefits for the meat, poultry and seafood markets, consumers can now also enjoy a cleaner and more convenient shopping and cooking experience.

6 FEB / MAR 2022

excellence BRONZE medal

FOOD PACKAGING

Baby Red Onion Bags 500g Entrants: Woolworths, Packaging World; Converter: Packaging World; Brand Owner: Woolworths Manufactured using LDPE with a semi-opaque, frosted front and back, and featuring netting sides. The bag combines appealing graphic design and

sealing technology to provide improved shelf appeal, recyclability and breathability for great product visibility and shelf life.

category finalists

Woolworths Clamshell Pot Large 500g

Food Lover’s Market 1-litre Yoghurt

Freshmark Beetroot PolyShield Tub 400g

Entrant/Converter: Zibo Containers; Brand Owner: Woolworths

Entrant/Converter: Classic Medical Mouldings, Brand Owner: Food Lover’s Market

Entrant: Dairypack Tubs (Polyoak Packaging), Converter: Polyoak Packaging, Brand Owner: Shoprite

FEB / MAR 2022 7

Design

BEVERAGE PACKAGING

aQUELLÉ VIV Power & Sports Drinks Range

gold medal & Best In Plastics

Entrant: Ekhamanzi Springs (aQuellé); Converters: Fontana Manufacturers, Polyflex, MCC Label; Brand Owner: aQuellé The ergonomic bottle with elegant curves fits perfectly into the grip of a hand. Modern technologies and close collaboration between designers, converters and applicators resulted in a beautifully labelled, functional beverage bottle. The bottle was designed by developing models that were photographically laser scanned and used defined mathematical algorithms for prototyping. The result is a bottle with ultimate grip and extreme aesthetic appeal, dramatically different to any other bottle in this market. The problem of a full shrink sleeve label on a recyclable bottle has been tackled with triple perforations and a call to action Tear if You Care in order to retain the benefits of a pack that has shelf standout, brand cohesion and easy variant identification.

Tropika ICY – A Dairy Mix Ice Lolly Entrants: Clover South Africa, Constantia Afripack Flexibles; Converter: Constantia Afripack Flexibles; Brand Owner: Clover South Africa A handy, freezable, child-friendly and bottle-shaped ice-lolly pouch. Significant R&D resulted in an easy-tear opening, minimal substrate wastage, and the unusual shape with improved grip functionality. The pouch offers filling line logistics, suitable barrier properties, energy savings and the potential of future efficiencies.

silver medal

100% Recycled PET Bonaqua Bottle Entrant: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa; Converters: Extrupet, Alpla, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa; Brand Owner: The CocaCola Company A 100% rPET bottle that diverted over 342 tons of PET from landfill in 2020. Work was done with Extrupet to deliver rPET resin that meets stringent food-grade standards from postconsumer waste and demonstrates bottleto-bottle recycling capability.

8 FEB / MAR 2022

bronze medal

HEALTH, BEAUTY, MEDICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGING

Playboy Shower Wash Bottle Entrant/Converter: t3 Plastic Packaging; Brand Owner: Amka Reminiscent of the shape of a barbell, the bottle features a dual coloured two-piece injection moulded flip-top cap and the brand

Mousson 2-litre Foam Bath Entrants: Amka Products, Siyakha Imperial Printing; Converters: t3 Plastic Packaging, Siyakha Imperial Printing; Brand Owner: Amka

An attractive PET bottle design to emphasise its luxury brand positioning. In a market space dominated by PVC bottles with handles, the Mousson bottle disrupts the category with its unique look and impactful branding on a large label that has overcome the difficulties previously encountered with inline labelling.

BRONZE medal

logo running down the split of the mould. These elements combine effectively or an overall masculine look and feel.

category finalists

Actuator with Post Consumer Triangular Cap Entrant/ Converter: Classic Medical Mouldings; Brand Owner: Indigo Brands

BRONZE medal

FEB / MAR 2022 9

Design

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

100% rHDPE 750ml and 1.5-Litre Household Cleaner Bottle & Closure

GOLD medal & Special Mention

Entrant/Converter: Mpact Plastics FMCG Pinetown; Brand Owner: Unilever; Recycler: Myplas The packaging for this range supports the recycling of HDPE, reducing dependence on virgin material while creating a demand for recycled plastics where infrastructure exists. It stimulates investment in the collection and recycling industry and reduces the leakage of products into the environment. This household cleaner bottle was also awarded a Judges’ Special Mention for Sustainability. It contributes to sustainable solutions and complies with design for recycling principles such as the use of minimal components, watersoluble adhesive to apply the labels, a wider neck to reduce product residue, and material identification symbols. Processing rHDPE requires conversion, technology and innovation expertise due to colour variation and odour, both potential flaws that are not accepted by brands.

Darker colours are more suited to this grey-coloured raw material. The customer overcame the colour challenge through colour choices that align with the brand’s identity. Quality procedures were also intensified to monitor and correct colour variation throughout the conversion process.

bronze medal

750ml W.Lab All Purpose Cream Bottle Entrant/Converter: t3 Plastic Packaging; Brand Owner: Woolworths

10 FEB / MAR 2022

Ergonomically designed for easy holding and pouring with a custom designed flip-top cap. The bottle is made of 50% postconsumer recycled material but has managed to maintain an overall white look. The bottle has an impressive shelf presence with an overall height and branding area that matches the market leader in this space.

CMY

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS category finalists

Quartz 9000 5W-40 5-litre and 0.5-litre Entrants: First Impression Labels, TotalEnergies; Converter: First Impression Labels; Brand Owner: TotalEnergies The new Total Quartz 9000 5W-40 label is a first in South Africa. Our team have innovatively combined hi-tech digital and flexographic printing to provide a scannable, 2-level verification solution to improve protection against counterfeiting. These features include a QR code which enables consumers to check products’ authenticity with a mobile phone app. The substrate is a specially imported silver polyethylene, with a hot-melt adhesive that underpins the high-gloss, metallic finish created BP006-1.pdf

2022/01/17

by the metallic inks. TotalEnergies is a broad energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale. They required improved packaging protection against counterfeiting on their new Total Quartz oil range, as part of a “Deter-DetectDefend” strategy. FIL worked closely with AlpVision, a leading Swedish supplier of patented label technologies for counterfeit protection, to provide an advanced security solution for the new Total Quartz 9000 5W-40 label.

11:19

For the very best in rigid plastic packaging for food, beverage and industrial applications, look no further than our vast range of durable and convenient blowmoulded containers. With a variety of styles and sizes to choose from, you’ll soon understand why our innovative yet functional containers are the preferred choice for many leading brands.

FEB / MAR 2022 11

NEWS

Thirsti installs

1Blow system for

5-litre containers French machine has small footprint but impressive output THIRSTI, a manufacturer of mineral water and related beverages in KZN, where it taps into an extremely pure water source from the Drakensberg mountains, has opened a plant in the Western Cape. The choice of Tulbagh for its second plant followed an extensive search for a similarly pure water source that led Thirsti personnel to numerous natural water sources around southern Africa. At the Tulbagh plant, where Thirsti is at this stage producing just one product – 5-litre water packs for several national retailers – it has installed a 1Blow stretch blow moulding system from France which offers comprehensive

technology advances for the production of PET containers at rates up to 1 000 bottles an hour. 1Blow is a new face in SA, where it is represented by Wrapetfill of Cape Town. This is one of two 1Blow machines in the country, although a number are already installed in Mauritius and elsewhere in Africa.

12 FEB / MARCH 2022

Design allows for very low maintenance requirement

The Thirsti group prides itself in the high standard of spring water it supplies, under its brand as well as the packs it supplies to national retailers

Streamlines mechanical functions for greater efficiency Based in Paris, 1Blow introduced its innovative linear reheat machines as recently as 2010. The patented design streamlines mechanical functions for greater efficiency

while offering the flexibility to use blow moulds from competing manufacturers, including KHS, Krones AG, Sidel and Sipa SpA. 1Blow machines are offered with up to five different technology kits for different bottle design and functional possibilities, from preferential heating (oval bottles) to neck orientation, hot fill bottles and 1Blow’s own Sure Grip® feature.

www.1blow.com

Offering a full range of linear PET blowmoulding machines with compact dimensions

Louis Moodie of Wrapetfill with Thirsti setter Owens Adams and plant manager Christopher Birkholtz and Henk de Klerk of Wrapetfill, which supplied the 1Blow machine. The removable, height adjustable exit conveyor was manufactured by Delta Engineering and supplied under the 1BLOW machine scope.

1Blow offers systems for containers from 100ml to 20 litres with neck finishes from 20-70mm. Capacities range from 1 000 to 9 000 bottles/hour – in other words it is operating in the sphere below that of the big-output rotary machines. Other standout features of the 1Blow machines include small footprints and inclusive air recovery technology that bypasses the need for external 7-bar air supply. Small machine footprint is a big factor in start-up operations such as this, and for that matter for all container manufacturers, for the simple reason that space costs. But that’s only one of the features of the 1Blow 1XL system that drew the interest of Rob Hoatson of Thirsti. A compact machine with low energy demand “We needed a compact machine with low energy demand, and the 1Blow line offers exactly that,” said Hoatson. The choice of

machine was also dictated by line-speed, and the 1XL unit is meeting that criteria exactly, running 5-litre containers at an estimated 1 000 bottles/hour (cycle times of less than 4 secs). Hoatson is impressed by the low reject rate too, with preform wastage running at less than 0.2%. In order to control set-up costs at the new plant, Thirsti shifted equipment from its far larger plant in Normandien, KZN, including conveyors and a filling system. The 1XL system packs a lot of punch for its 2m x 2m dimensions. Every detail has been fine-tuned to reduce maintenance needs, and also make operation of the machine easier. The unique open architecture allows space for even tall technicians to enter the machine for inspections or adjustments. The use of servo motors for stretch rod movement, preform transfer, in-feed and the oven chain significantly improve accuracy and shortens set-up and change-over time. >> FEB / MARCH 2022 13

Based on many years’ experience in the PET sector, French company 1 BLOW has developed a complete range of PET blow-moulding machines with outputs from 1 000 to 9 000 bottles per hour. Whatever type of bottles you want to produce – round, square, oval, asymmetrical, or Hot Fill, with neck orientation (using standard preforms), 1 BLOW has the answers to your specific needs. Available from

Wrapetfill Holdings market and sell 1BLOW equipment in Southern Africa and provide local technical support for new 1BLOW installations, training and after sales service.

Contact Wrapetfill at T +27 (0)82 801 5281 T +27 (0)83 441 8194 E info@wrapetfill.com www.wrapetfill.com Wrapetfill, stand H6F29

NEWS

The machine has a small footprint but even the electrical cabinet is built into it

De Klerk demonstrates ease of access to oven lamps with 1BLOW’s magnetic lamp enclosures

Standard European OEM parts that are locally available Besides Europe, 1Blow is already wellestablished in the USA and Canada. One of the features that may have benefitted it in the rollout is the use of standard European OEM parts that are locally available, obviating need to courier out parts from Paris. Wrapetfill’s Henk de Klerk and Louis Moodie are very positive about the 1Blow technology, especially the quick mould change facility (which will only be necessary once Thirsti proceeds with its roll-out in the Western Cape) and eased operation (the entire machine manual and preventative maintenance guide are available on the control system). Wrapetfill provides local technical support for 1Blow installations and operator training, thereby ensuring high technical user confidence in 1Blow technology.

Above: The B&R interface provides clear and simple controls and includes the machine manual as well as a preventative maintenance schedule with detailed instructions and photos Left: An existing filling line from Thirsti’s KZN plant is installed at the new Tulbagh plant

14 FEB / MARCH 2022

www.thirsti.co.za

www.wrapetfill.com

Continue to invest in training – your B-BEEE scorecard depends on it! Slowing down your training spend can negatively impact your B-BEEE and services training this past year, Grever reports that it has become commonplace to see training budgets being slashed, while staff members are being instructed to be more operationally focused to make up for losses suffered during lockdown. “This approach, whilst understandable, is both short sighted and self-defeating since it will have a detrimental impact on a company’s sustainability, staff morale and retention, efficiency and ultimately also its profitability. How companies navigate their training during this uncertain time, offers a direct reflection of their corporate culture of learning”, she says. Companies can get 20% of their Skills Development Levy back All companies with a payroll of R500 000 and above are obligated to pay a Skills Development Levy (SDL) to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This is a legislated, compulsory payment of 1% of the total payroll. However, companies can get 20% of their Skills Development Levy back simply by completing an annual training report (which specifies which corporate training was done the past year) and a workplace skills plan (which sets out the training they are planning to do for the following year). Once approved by their relevant SETA, corporates get a large portion of their contributions back, paid into their account in four tranche payments. The balance of the money can be accessed through the

submission of discretionary grant funding applications when the funding windows are advertised by SETA, for example, should additional funding for training be needed,” Grever explains. Companies still need to prove they have invested in ongoing skills development & training this past year Although companies were given an SDL payment holiday of four months, the B-BBEE targets were not adjusted and companies are still expected to reach those targets. Companies still need to prove that they have invested in ongoing skills development and training this past year – regardless of whether their staff worked from home or returned to work as part of essential services. “The FM industry has the potential of becoming one of the biggest employers in the country and therefore has a high demand for qualified, experienced and properly trained individuals. The pandemic has created new and exciting opportunities to increase technical and practical skills which are supported by an academic qualification. Companies cannot hide behind the pandemic as an excuse for not training or developing their workforce. Every measured entity should be doing everything in their power to maintain their B-BBEE rating. It is not yet too late to invest in training before they have to submit their annual review early next year,” Grever concludes.

FEB / MARCH 2022 15

THE Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on most businesses of all sizes and in all sectors around the world. Fortunately, by now most companies have been able to return their operations and activities to some version of the new normal. “Lockdown regulations forced companies to rapidly change, adapt and embrace technology to make the wheels of commerce turn. Corporates were faced with little choice about investing in new and increased IT capacity, upscaling their virtual platforms and rethinking their traditional approach to conducting business and engaging with their customers and staff. One area where too many companies are still lagging, however, is resuming their focus on training and skills development,” says Shamila Grever, Learning and Development Consultant for Afroteq Academy. Grever stresses that investing in staff development and training is a mandatory spend for a company’s Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) scorecard and that failure to meet the targets set by Government, will undoubtedly affect a company’s status in 2022. “Government is particularly focused on encouraging and funding ongoing skills development and training as part of its drive to keep South Africa competitive in the global market improve workplace productivity and redress historical repression. For this reason, B-BEEE has a specific section that pertains to skills development which stipulates that companies should spend 6% of their payroll on training to access the maximum number of points allocated under the Skills Development section on the B-BEEE scorecard,” she explains. Adding her voice to the choir of concerned experts who have noticed a marked drop in corporate spend on

NEWS

Plastics industry

releases latest recycling Decline in collection and recycling rates during 2020, compared to pre-Covid-19 rates DUE to increased awareness of hygiene caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for flexible packaging in South Africa increased 2% in 2020. Demand for rigid packaging (linked to on-the-go meals, PET beverage bottles and take-away containers) shrunk, although packaging used for domesticand personal care increased due to the greater emphasis on cleaning and the increased demand for hand sanitisers. Packaging sheeting was also used to manufacture face shields locally. This is according to the latest official plastic recycling stats for the year ending 31 December 2020, issued by Plastics SA. Each year, data is collected from plastics recyclers around the country by Plastix 911 on behalf of Plastics SA. PETCO provides figures from their listed PET recyclers, whilst raw material suppliers Sasol and Safripol provide input on the production and domestic demand of plastics raw materials. South Africa’s plastics industry is dominated by the packaging sector (which accounts for roughly 52% of the local market), followed by building & construction (13%), agriculture (9%), automotive and transport applications (7%).

to operate at full capacity for several months during the past year due to social distancing norms. Other factors that adversely affected the plastic recycling activities include ongoing loadshedding, water shortages and high labour costs, which forced many operations to scale down, or even close their doors permanently. • South Africa converted 1 739 480 tons of polymer into plastics products during 2020, a decrease of 5.6% from 2019. This is the total amount of locally produced polymers, imported polymers and recycled polymers sold to local convertors in South Africa, and excludes polymers exported, virgin and recycled. • Locally recycled polymers represented 17% of the total domestic consumption, a drop from 18.3% in the previous year. • Per capita consumption for locally converted plastics (virgin and recycled) decreased to 29kg/person (down from 31kg/person recorded in 2019). Per capita consumption for virgin material only dropped from 26kg to 24kg. Virgin consumption increased by 11% since 2011, whilst recycled tonnages, locally converted, increased by 35% in the same 10 year period.

South Africa recorded an input recycling rate of 43.2% during 2020

Consumption of virgin and recycled plastics in SA South Africa, like most countries around the world, has witnessed a decline in collection and recycling rates during 2020, compared to pre-Covid-19 rates. In addition, many recyclers were unable 16 FEB / MARCH 2022

Plastic recycling in SA South Africa recorded an input recycling rate of 43.2% during 2020: 461 500 tons of plastic waste were collected for recycling, of which 312 600 tons were successfully recycled back into raw materials. 296 500 tons of recyclate were used to produce new products

while 97 260 tons of recyclate was used to produce new packaging. In an attempt to improve the quality of the incoming recyclables, as well as to reduce their high recycling cost due to contamination, an increasing number of recyclers have started going directly to the waste generators. This allowed them access to cleaner materials and to maintain their margins, albeit at lower quantities. • 64% of the incoming waste came from landfill and other post-consumer sources. Of this, the majority of the volume (54%) was sourced from the formal sector, collectors and waste management companies. Most plastics were baled, but some were also loose materials. 8% of the waste was post-industrial •1 materials, sourced from distribution centres, shopping centres, farming communities and other waste generators. • Although critical to the value chain, only 3.6% of recyclables were obtained directly from waste pickers and walk-ins. A further 6% was collected from drop-off facilities and buyback centres. • Recycling of plastic waste saved 213 500 tons of CO2 – the equivalent to the emission generated by 45 000 cars. End-markets for plastic recyclate Suitable end-markets are critical for the sustainability of the plastics recycling industry. Markets for recyclate exist in most local market sectors. Only 5.2% of the recyclate was exported as raw material to plastics convertors in the SADC region and Asia. rand owners and retailers have •B committed to recycled content in packaging. Although currently, only recycled PET (rPET) is suitable for food contact applications, recycled PP,

gures PE-LD and PE-HD are used in nonfood applications, e.g. personal and domestic care packaging. • Recycled flexible packaging was the largest market for recyclate in 2020: 22% of all recycled materials was used to manufacture products such as shopping bags, refuse bags and general flexible packaging. • Agricultural applications making use of recycled plastics accounted for 14% of the market, ranging from irrigation pipes, rotational moulded tanks and

Winners in SAPPMA/3S Media photography competition SAPPMA recently hosted a photography competition open to all photographers to interpret the theme, “The Value and Role of Plastic Pipes in South Africa”. The entries were judged on visual impact, relevance to the industry and basic photographic standards. The following two photos were selected as winners:

borehole liners to animal feeding and water troughs. •O ther major markets for recycled plastics in South Africa include clothing and footwear (14%) and the building and construction market sectors (12%), e.g. builders’ film, geotextiles and composite building panels. For more information or to order the complete 2020 Plastics Recycling Report, visit www.plasticsinfo.co.za or email Dianne.Blumberg@plasticssa.co.za.

Sediye Machaba is a Civil Engineer at Aphane Consulting Engineers, where he forms part of a team that provides sustainable development to communities. “At times we have seen neighbourhoods literally being born from the dust as we take vacant land and add pipeline and road infrastructure to make it habitable for the less fortunate,” Sediye says. He spotted local boys playing with plastic pipes and captured the winning photograph entitled: “Like water, humans need to keep moving forward”.

Gabrielle Hobson won the artistic category with her photograph entitled, “PVC Feeds the Garden of Eden” taken at the Karoo Café in Lynnwood Road, Pretoria.

www.sappma.co.za

FEB / MAR 2022 17

NEWS

More important than ever

to remain unwavering in Plastics|SA to expand technical skills and knowledge base during 2022

BECAUSE of various challenges and obstacles the past ﬁnancial year was not an easy one for the local plastics industry, admitted Plastics|SA Executive Director, Anton Hanekom, at the association’s AGM in November. “Factors such as the ongoing loadshedding, water shortages, political unrest and impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of our economy. Some operations were forced to scale down, others even had to close their doors permanently. Despite this, the plastics industry continued to show admirable resilience in the face of hardships. If anything, we were able to turn these challenges into opportunities and become even more involved in society by taking a leading role in the ﬁght against plastic pollution and protecting the environment,” he said. 2021 was also a year that highlighted the development of the Section 18 Regulations to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act which came into effect on 5 November 2021. This new legislation refers to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) aspect of the National Environmental Management Waste Act (NEMWA). Countless hours were spent in consultation with Government and industry role-players to develop an industry-led plan that would effectively address the national concern around waste and its impact on society and the environment. In this regard, the industry once again reiterated its commitment to environmentally responsible production and consumption; design and technology innovation; infrastructure investment and supporting new recycling initiatives and improvements in order to boost the

recycling of plastics and develop a true circular economy. Jeremy Mackintosh, Chairman of the Plastics|SA Board of Directors, echoed this sentiment in his Chairman’s message. “Although plastics are a valuable resource, they attract a great deal of negative attention because they pollute the environment if not properly discarded. However, the failure by municipalities to collect much of South Africa’s domestic waste and the fact that our poorer communities are immersed in litter which then finds its way into the environment and waterways, should be seen as the true culprit. “I am optimistic that the arrival of the new EPR legislation, together with citizens, retailers, brand owners, packaging manufacturers, government and the recycling industry collaborating with government and the recycling industry, will be an essential first step towards making the much-needed difference in terms of this negative perception,” he stated. Highlights for Plastics|SA during 2020/2021 • Training: Plastics|SA’s Training Division managed to resume their Learnerships and Skills Programmes after many disruptions caused by Covid-19. In addition, two new learnerships were added to the bouquet of training offerings, namely Power and Telecommunication Cable Manufacturing and Production Technology (NQF 3). A total of 3 220 learners successfully qualified in 2021.

•

The plastics industry continued to show admirable resilience in the face of hardships

Advocacy: The SA Initiative to end Plastic Waste was created in 2019 with the aim of finding scalable solutions in the South African context, to end plastic waste and facilitate a circular economy. Achieving the objective of “Zero Plastic Waste in the environment” continues to be the main objective of the Initiative, and to this end the most pressing focus areas for the coming year will be establishing the national plastic waste roadmap (action plan) and preparing for the next Plastics Colloquium which is expected to take place early in the New Year. The Plastics Industry Master Plan was also finalised this year and we are now awaiting the publication of the final by the Minister of Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“We encourage ongoing debates, discussions and partnerships to ensure a plastics sector that is dynamic, vibrant and growing in step with the needs of our country and international developments.” – Anton Hanekom, Plastics|SA Executive Director 18

NEWS PLASTICS SA-.indd 18

•

Sustainability: This past year, Plastics|SA’s Sustainability Division once again partnered with many local and international stakeholders to ensure that we are part of the global movement addressing plastics pollution, whether on land, in rivers or in the oceans. Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week 2020 (14-19 September),

FEB / MAR 2022

2022/02/15 14:33

commitment & vision •

culminated in National Recycling Day on 18 September and it was South Africa’s 24th year of participating in the annual International Coastal Clean-Up Day which took place on 19 September. During this week alone, 72 audited clean-ups covering a total area of 36km took place, with over 11 695 volunteers supporting land, beach and river clean-ups.

New Plastics|SA Board of Directors The following members were appointed to serve on the Plastics|SA Board of Directors for the coming year: Grant Herold (ARMSA), Mike Myers (EPSASA), Jeremy Mackintosh (PCA), David Rule (PISA), Gerome Marian (Sasol), Mark Berry (Safripol), Jan Venter (SAPPMA), Johann Conradie (SAPRO), Malan Mudaly and Gregory Schneider (importers), Thokozani Masilela (Government), Anton Hanekom (Executive Director).

Looking ahead In an environment where society’s expectations are increasing almost daily, it has become more important than ever for the South African plastics industry to remain unwavering in its commitments and to its vision. The need for evidencebased, up-to-date industry information and relevant trade data has become critical. For this reason Plastics|SA will be expanding its technical skills and knowledge base during 2022 to offer ongoing technical support to its members and the industry at large. “We encourage ongoing debates, discussions and partnerships to ensure a plastics sector that is dynamic, vibrant and growing in step with the needs of our country and international developments,” Anton concluded.

FEB / MAR 2022

Marketing & Communications: Plastics|SA continued to “tell the plastics story” by focussing on the numerous beneﬁts of plastics, why and how to recycle plastics correctly, materials made from recycled plastics, and reporting on the various industry initiatives. Thanks to these ongoing communication and education

messages, audiences were reached far and wide with printed, digital and broadcast media. More than 7 million people were reached with these messages on social media platforms alone.

www.plasticsinfo.co.za

for SA plastics industry

ASSOCIATED ADDITIVES At Associated additives, we pride our-selves with our R&D laboratory staying at the forefront of innovation. We have invested in a new Rheometer to assist with our research and development. It is the latest technology which allows us to run rheology tests on our PVC lab mixes. Our new Brabender is a parallel twin screw Lab measuring extruder, with a mixer head, which allows us to run gel times and lab extrusions on it.

Main products of our extensive range are:

• Lead, calcium/zinc and organic based stabilisers • Processing aids and impact modifiers • Calcium and zinc stearates • Internal and external lubricants • Flame retardants • Titanium Dioxide • CPE

Tel: 031 468 1561 Fax: 031 468 1755 www.almstab.co.za

NEWS PLASTICS SA-.indd 19

2022/02/15 14:33

NEWS

Kainotomia Polymers a Top 20

Winner at 2021 SASB Awards

20 FEB / MARCH 2022

Currently Kainotomia Polymers produces over 250 tons of material per month WINNERS of the 2021 South African Small Business Awards were announced in November last year, and among the Top 20 was colour compounding and milling company, Kainotomia Polymers. Kainotomia Polymers was judged and selected from hundreds of entries to rank among the top 20 small businesses in South Africa. Kainotomia Polymers was thanked for “its relentless commitment to building a better tomorrow” and acknowledged for “blazing a new trail in the South African polymer industry”. These prestigious awards have gathered a diverse range of entries all with one thing in common – a driving entrepreneurial force. “We are astounded at the diversity of entrants again this year, but equally encouraged as it shows the depth and breadth of South Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit. Growing small and medium businesses is vital to the local economy and its ever-growing rate of unemployment. This type of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit will undoubtedly cultivate a much healthier business landscape for all involved,” says Mike Anderson, founder and CEO of the NSBC. “We are honoured to have received this prestigious award within the first 18 months of our operations. At Kainotomia Polymers we are committed to growing the South African polymer industry and growing small businesses with our valuable team members and partners”, says Albert Gildenhuys, founder owner of Kainotomia Polymers. Kainotomia Polymers opened its doors in September 2020 in Centurion, specialising in the colour compounding and milling of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene into powders for the roto-moulding industry. Owner and MD, Albert Gildenhuys has over 16 years’ technical expertise in different plastic sub-industries. Gildenhuys says that he launched Kainotomia Polymers after he had emerged from a trade restriction, only to face an industry hire freeze because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This encouraged him to embark on a new journey and he entered an industry that has historically been dominated by one provider. He identified an opportunity for a new entrant into this market, offering quality products, technical expertise, and exceptional customer service. Through his innovative ideas and the ability to pivot when needed, he has created a business that continues to grow. Currently Kainotomia Polymers produces over 250 tons of material per month. In May 2021, the company received their ISO 9001:2015 certification from Alcumus ISOQAR. www.kpcs.co.za

Classifieds Feb/Mar'22.indd 72

2022/02/10 10:18

NEWS

SA plastics industry leading Tasked with creating useful tools to assist the plastics industry to become economically and environmentally sustainable Doyen of the South African plastics industry, Annabe Pretorius, has joined Plastics|SA as Executive: Technical Operations. Together with essential staff, her task will be to gather information and turn it into useful tools to assist the plastics industry to become economically and environmentally sustainable. Annabe’s involvement in the SA plastics industry has spanned more than 40 years and her knowledge of the industry is vast and well respected. SA Polymer Technology spoke to her to ﬁnd out more about the woman behind the position, and what she hopes to achieve.

Your career has been interesting and diverse; please tell us more about it.

After finding out by accident in my Home Studies subject at school that one can make plastic fibres in a factory way better than merino sheep take to grow their wool in 24 months, I enrolled for Polymer Science at Stellenbosch University straight after matric in the early 80s. My first job was in a blue-skies environment at the CSIR and from there making industrial explosives at AECI in Modderfontein. My main task was to find ways of manufacturing explosives quicker, safer and better. The combined laboratory experience at CSIR and the handson manufacturing at AECI made me hungry for the plastics industry in its entirety – the full value chain. I joined the Plastics Federation of SA (precursor to Plastics|SA) in 1990 as a technical trainer for extrusion courses. Spending 7 to 10 days in the plastics factories was complete bliss. During the training sessions I was engaging with operators and shop floor supervisors and after hours I engaged with the management team to initially learn more about their processes and challenges, and in later years, sharing ideas on optimisation. I was constantly amending training programmes to suit the needs from the manufacturing industry. In 2000, I was commissioned to gather the statistics for plastics recycling in South Africa. As with my training experience, I went all in to understand the value chain, the challenges and opportunities. A second one was done in 2006 on the previous year’s figures. After years of being single and independent, I married Frik in 2001 and became a first-time mother in 2005. Having a husband and a cute little boy and contracting rheumatoid arthritis at the same time was just a bit much, and after a

short period at the Plastics Convertors Association I started Plastix 911. Contract training for the Plastics Federation and a three-day per month service agreement with the plastics recyclers paid for the water and lights and I could continue putting my nose in other plastics people’s businesses. The anti-plastic sentiment started to gain momentum and the need for facts and ﬁgures on plastics and its end of (ﬁrst) life solutions provided enough stimulation (and income) for the next 15-plus years. My love for people, the environment, manufacturing and technical challenges kept me motivated and always hungry for ways to make things quicker, safer and better.

What will your new role with Plastics|SA entail?

Plastics|SA represents the complete plastics value chain and needs to have a credible dashboard with facts and ﬁgures to support the plastics industry, to assist the policy makers in their decision-making process and to help consumers and brand owners to ﬁnd information. The Technical Operations department is brand new and will in essence stand on two legs: Research and Knowledge on the one side and Trade related issues on the other side. Research and Knowledge need to gather the information that is out there, and then collate and interpret it to provide the tools for policy- and decision-makers to take informed decisions. The Trade side will work closely with the various government departments and institutions to ensure fair trade for materials and goods from, and into, South Africa. International rules and policies, trade agreements and conventions change daily and the South African plastics industry is not tapping into all the opportunities present. In essence my position, Executive: Technical Operations, together with essential staff, will gather information and turn it into useful tools to assist the plastics industry to be economically and environmentally sustainable.

The SA plastics industry needs to engage circular economic principles, take responsibility for its actions and fight for what it believes in

NEWS ANNABE-.indd 22

Do you hope to help with the transformation and progress of the industry, and if so, how?

The Plastics Master Plan, under the auspices of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, captured the six pillars that need to be developed to ensure transformation and progress in the plastics industry. The newly created Technical Operations department at Plastics|SA will provide the tools for that.

FEB / MAR 2022

2022/02/15 13:20

light joins Plastics SA The Plastics Master Plan

Doyen of the South African plastics industry, Annabe Pretorius, has joined Plastics SA as Executive: Technical Operations

What are the major challenges in your opinion facing the SA plastics industry today?

The continuing anti-plastic pressure has resulted in plastics companies assuming a very low proﬁle – just continuing day-to-day without medium and long-term visions. Consequently there is very little, if any, excitement and motivation to develop and grow. It is as if plastics companies in SA have lost their passion and energy. What in your opinion are the main opportunities the SA plastics industry faces? Manufacturing needs to think outside the box, gather support from each other, and collaborate with likeminded companies and individuals to tap into existing strengths, develop new skills and plan for success and growth.

What would you like to see the SA plastics industry achieve in the short and long term?

If there was just one message you would like the SA plastics industry to heed, what would it be?

NEWS ANNABE-.indd 23

Favourite food? Comfort food like my mother used to make… Reading right now? Relaxing animal stories on my Kindle, in-

between all the research papers and reports coming my way.

Last good movie you watched? “What a Wonderful Life” – a black and white feel-good Christmas movie from some time in the 40s. Who (dead or alive) has inspired you the most? Darryl

Thysse – my ﬁrst manager at AECI. Be the best and stop looking for reasons why it can’t or won’t work. Run till you hit the wall; don’t look for the obstacles…

Where would you like to go on holiday? The mountains or

coast – as long as there is shade and water and not many people – and preferably no Wi-Fi or cell phone signal. Local is great. I love the variety in South Africa.

If you could take only one person to a deserted island for a week, who would it be? The father of the Swiss family Robinson

Have the correct facts; grab the opportunities and plan for success. • Annabe Pretorius can be contacted at email: annabe.pretorius@plasticssa.co.za

Fun info about Annabe

FEB / MAR 2022

The SA plastics industry needs to engage circular economic principles, take responsibility for its actions and ﬁght for what it believes in. Plastic is a fantastic material and we allow other people, organisations, institutions and the likes, make decisions impacting our industry. Take ownership and run!

1. Value chain localisation: Growing local plastics manufacturing will require active identification and development of new domestic production capabilities within selected portions of the value chain to replace imports into existing markets. 2. End of life solutions: The industry needs to take action to eliminate plastics litter in the environment, grow recycling rates and find solutions for plastics products that are not currently recyclable in the mechanical recycling value chain. 3. Tailor-made industrial incentive packages: Incentives will provide the value chain with continued resources as it attempts to upgrade and develop capabilities in the face of severe international competition. The qualification criteria can be amended to focus on employment, transformation and import replacement. Its impact needs to be carefully evaluated continuously. 4. Polypropylene beneficiation: Opportunities need to be identified and pursued where the excess of PP homopolymer can be utilised to grow the PP conversion industry, to replace imported PP products and to stimulate the export of PP products. 5. Testing and research and development: Many of the listed, accredited facilities are based in Europe and the USA. Tests, verification and accreditation are cumbersome and expensive and many trade opportunities are missed due to incomplete documentation. 6. Trade environment: Domestic Trade: Optimising the growth potential of legally compliant manufacturers in South Africa is only possible if the costing differences between legal and illegal local producers are corrected. International Trade: There is a need for stricter control on rules of origin, antidumping and trade corridors. Participation in the African Free Trade Agreement needs to be managed properly to ensure that the rules of origin are honoured and applied.

– nothing could dissuade this guy and he always had a way out.

2022/02/15 13:20

NEWS

CYPET Technologies set to

disrupt global IBC market

24 FEB / MARCH 2022

Extending technology to stretch-blow-mould 1 000 litre IBC bottles from PET CYPET Technologies, European manufacturer of PET injection stretch blow moulding machines, is about to change the global Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) market. Using its extensive injection stretch blow moulding experience for large PET containers and following an intensive development programme, CYPET is extending its technology to stretchblow-mould 1 000 litre IBC bottles from PET. CYPET is looking to strike a strategic co-operation, for a partnership to implement the PET IBC bottle project globally. Converting an IBC bottle from the current HDPE to the new PET has huge environmental and economic benefits, that are expected to disrupt the market. The PET bottle’s 35% lower weight has the potential to reduce the plastic used in IBCs by 150 000 tons per year. Less energy is expended to produce and transport the bottles, with the associated reductions in carbon emissions. Low cost PET bottles would make rebottling of used IBCs more attractive than washing, eliminating consumption of water and cleaning chemicals. PET bottles can be 100% recycled and used again to make new bottles or other PET containers, for a circular economy. Unlike HDPE bottles, PET bottles can be produced with glass transparency, providing the capability of visually inspecting the IBC contents. These advantages make PET bottles ideal for the rebottling of used IBC’s, offering a cost-effective alternative to washing, especially for food contact applications. CYPET saw the market potential for PET IBC bottles and invested in the design and engineering of a larger, more advanced production system for these containers. “CYPET’s technology is taking PET where it has never been before. This opens up a new range of opportunities, yet to be explored. We are very excited to see how this leap in PET processing technology will improve the environmental impact, economics and performance of IBCs in the bulk packaging industry,” says Constantinos Sideris, managing director, CYPET Technologies. CYPET Technologies has been known for stretching the limits of PET processing, by using its unique technology to mould very large PET containers. This has enabled PET packaging to enter into new applications, not accessible to it in the past: 50-litre drums, 50-litre beer kegs, 55-litre crates and 120-litre drums The company holds the world record for the biggest PET container in production, with 120-litre open-mouth PET drums with a 400mm neck diameter. CYPET had exhibited its K 53 machine at the K 2019 fair, producing 120 Litre drums. “Moving from drums to IBC bottles was the next natural www.cypet.eu

www.wrapetfill.com

step. The used IBC market is growing very fast and CYPET is convinced that introducing PET bottles, will change the market for the better,” Sideris adds. • Cypet is represented in SA by Wrapetfill Process Flow Technologies

120-litre PET drum production on a CYPET K53 machine at K2019 was a see-through alternative to the high density polyethylene drum

Dow Invests in recycler Mr Green Africa

SAVE THE DATE! Dow will work alongside Mr. Green Africa to address critical gaps in waste management systems, enabling more plastics waste to be sorted, collected and reused in new applications. Photo Credit: Dow

DOW has invested in Mr Green Africa, the first recycling company in Africa to be a Certified B Corporation. This investment marks the first of its kind from Dow on the continent and expects to enable approximately 90 kilotons (kt) of plastic waste to be recovered over four years and recycled into new packaging applications. With the support from Dow and other investors, Mr Green Africa plans to expand its operations in Kenya where it is headquartered as well as in other countries in Africa. In addition, Dow and Mr Green Africa also aim to co-develop more traceable, fair, high-quality post-consumer recyclate (PCR) that can be used in the production of new flexible plastic packaging. At full scale, the investment is expected to create approximately 200 more direct jobs, impact the lives of 5 000 waste pickers and engage more than 250 000 consumers in separation at source programmes. Mr Green Africa converts locally collected plastic waste into PCR, which is then sold as a substitute for imported virgin plastics. Dow’s partnership with Mr Green Africa www.dow.com

officially launched in November 2019 in Kenya and was specifically established to drive the collection and recycling of flexible packaging, which was not supported by existing systems. Since then, Dow has invested into the partnership to prevent flexible plastic from ending up in landfill or the environment, support local livelihoods by incentivizing waste collection and enable the creation of a market for flexible plastic packaging. By incentivising waste pickers with a higher, stable income through a fair-trade plastic waste sourcing model, establishing sorting centres that allow them to bring plastic waste in for payment, and then enabling this waste to be processed in recycling centres, the partnership is expected to make material recovery significantly more effective in the region. Dow has also supported the development of an app through which local communities in Kenya can sort and separate the plastic waste in their homes more efficiently, and schedule it to be collected and processed through the plastic recycling system by Mr Green Africa. www.mrgreenafrica.com

The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) will be hosting their PIPES XIII Plastic Pipe Conference in Johannesburg on

6 & 7 September 2022 Topics covered at Pipes XIII will embrace issues relating to: • HDPE and PVC pipe quality • production and manufacturing trends • installation standards • new international applications This is a not-to-be missed event that will feature an exciting line-up of local and international experts – including the authors from Radius Systems and Kiwa that won the best papers presented at PPXX in Amsterdam. Watch the press for more information or visit www.sappma.co.za

NEWS NEWS

NEWS

* - ) ( , # +(!% * * - ) ( , # +(!% * * % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) ' !% ' %) (! %) (! ! -!## &$'# * -!* ! -!## &$'# * * % .* * % .* '(& )) !) !% '(& )) !) # / * # / * %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ * %, )*$ %* % % ( )* - ! & $ % ! * "! % & - ! & $ % ! * "! % '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & % " & % " " !! % '$ % ) ! ! " !! % '$ % ) ! ! % &("!% -!* ! % &("!% -!* , #&'$ % , #&' - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & "( $! "( $! !& !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ & ) '! & ' % ) $ NEWS NEWS ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" 1 #* 1 &+ #* &+ #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) "$ #' "!%' "$ #' "!%' #& "! ) $ "# ! #& "! ) $ *& ( + * & !*!0 %) * & !*!0 %) * * *& ( + * * ) '# %) * ) '# %) , $ '(&,!)!&% &( , $ '(&,!)!&% %&* %&* , )) *& - )* $ % , )) *& - )* $ % *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/) " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , ! * - ) ( , # +(!% * * - ) ( , # +(!% * * * * * ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) ' !% ' !% '(& ))!% & ( / # # $ * (! #) (& '(& ))!% & ( / # # $ * (! # %) (! %) (! ! -!## &$'# * -!* ! -!## &$'# * -!* !% !% * % .* * % .* '(& )) !) !% '(& )) !) !% * ) * ) &+) &+) &# ) &# ) !) -!## & #&% !) -!## &

Clarifying the EPR/PRO confusion

# / * # / * %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ! & $ % ! * ! & $ % ! * "! % & "! % & '% ! %% % '% ! %% % "( $! "( $! !& # !% &" !& # !% '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % )! % * #& ##/ '(& + ' )! % * #& ##/ '(& + "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & New EPR " !! % '$ regulations require producers join more than one PRO to cover product range * their * $+)* '(& +( (&$ *full * $+)* '(& +( (&$ & % " & % " " !! % '$ % ) ! ! % ) ! ! $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" $ % !& !!"'! & & ! % &("!% -!* ! % &("!% -!* , #&'$ %* , #&'$ %* -!*types -!* % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & !##! ! ! !%& &'& "!% & ! ! !%& &'& "!% & "( $! "( $! !& % *% !& % *% packaging material – does not include SAVA (Southern THE introduction of mandatory extended producer , #( / % &$'# * % , #( / % &$'# * !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * * African * Vinyls Association), but this does not mean SAVA responsibility (EPR) in South Africa with packaging #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ " ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* will cease to exist. As #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ the focus of the new legislation is companies, brand owners, retailers and importers of !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' ) * * -!## ) * ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % on packaging waste (of which PVC forms less than 2%), ) * packaging obligated to become members of a PRO Trade. Trade. Create. Create. Elevate. Elevate. % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * * $ %+ 1 #* 1 &+ #* &+ #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # SAVA will continue with its activities and focus on product * $ %+ *+ (producer responsibility organisation) by 5 November last % $&# "! % $% #") $ % % $&# "! % $% #") $ "$ #' "!%' "$ #' "!%' #& "! ) $ "# ! & & #& "! ) $ "# ! & & stewardship, promoting the use of vinyl products and year resulted in the majority of role players rushing to % && % && * ) '# %) * ) '# %) , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % protecting the local markets. register with a PRO. However, now, months later, there is 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * * * Producers had until 5 November 2021 to register still much confusion about which PROs exist, which &( * &( * '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - &' ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ! ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ! with* the * * DFFE and demonstrate their Extended to register with and what it all means. * * * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% * * !#) -!## ( # ) '(& ))!% & ( / # # $ * (! #) (&$ '(& ))!% & ( / # # $ * (! #) (&$ Producer Responsibility activity by achieving With&+) 59 million people in South Africa, % ( +*+( * * -!## ))!)* !% (&-!% * -!## ))!)* !% (& * ) * ) &+) &# ) &# ) !) -!## & #&% - / !) -!## & #&% - / % ( +*+( *

Deep Deep insigh insig deep deep impac impa

published legislated targets. Producers there is enormous pressure to reduce the This means have the choice of: amount of packaging waste sent to the that PETCO and country’s landfills or which ends up as • j oining an existing PRO (including POLYCO are in visible litter in the environment. For this such as PETCO, POLYCO, The Glass reason, the Department of Forestry, Recycling Company, Fibre Circle and fact now operating Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) MetPac-SA); in a competitive implemented the new Section 18 • o r forming a new PRO; environment Regulations to the Waste Act from • o r developing and submitting to the 5 November 2021. DFFE an independent EPR scheme for PET Trade. Trade. Create. Create. Elevate. Elevate. > www.meraxis-group.com > www.meraxis-group.com One of the major challenges facing for their packaging. * In the case of PET, the upshot * - ) ( , # +(!% * convertors who produce goods in more than of * - ) ( , # +(!% * this is * * * * * one type of polymer is that the new EPR regulations means that PETCO and POLYCO are in % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) fact now % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) ' !% ' !% require them to join more than one PRO to cover their full operating in a competitive environment for PET. However, %) (! %) (! ! -!## &$'# * -!* ! -!## &$'# * -!* !% !% * product range. In response to this challenge, POLYCO all the PROs do sit in a PRO alliance, even *though they % .* * % .* '(& )) !) !% '(& )) !) !% * # merged with VinylLoop and the Polystyrene Association, operate separately. Both PROs are now membership# / * # / * %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( # in the process increasing its scope to the point where it driven as opposed to voluntary and obliged to report on - ! & $ % ! * "! % & - ! & $ % ! * "! % & '( represents all plastic packaging polymer types, including the compliance of their membership. The first compliance '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % '( " HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS and ‘other’ (7 on the polymer reports are due and the end of June. "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & & ID list) as well as PET. The merger of these PRO’s under Under the new regulations, these PROs are tasked with & % " & % " " !! % '$ % ) ! ! " !! % '$ % ) ! ! L Meraxis Meraxis South South Africa Africa (Pty) (Pty) Ltd Polyco’s cover and hence the expansion of its activities – to deciding how much producers have to pay to belong to ! % &("!% -!* ! % &("!% -!* , #&'$ %* , #&'$ %* - ! the point where it now operates as a ‘one-stop shop’ for all an EPR scheme. This raises the concern that rather than Johannesburg Johannesburg +27 +27 11 455 2889 11 455 28 - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & "( $! "( $! !& % *% !& % - ! !* Cape Town Town +27+27 21 556 7787 21 556 77 !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * !* Cape ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * * !* ) Durban Durban +27+27 31 816 9381 31 816 93 ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* ) Cla ) ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % ) 1 #* 1 &+ #* &+ #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # " "$ #' "!%' "$ #' "!%' #& "! ) $ "# ! & & #& "! ) $ "# ! " Classifieds Feb/Mar'2021.indd 80 * * ) '# %) * ) '# %) , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % * Me

NEWS NEWS

26 FEB / MARCH 2022

Deep insights, deep impact.

23 23 23

& !( $"! & !( $"! !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* &( * '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - &' &' ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ! , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * * $ %+ *+( * $ %+ *+( 1 ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ! #*%1 &+ #* $&# "! % $% #") $ % &*$ % #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # &( * #$" ' &% " #$" ' &% " ! !&" "'& $ ! ! !&" "'& $ ! % &+ $&# "! % $% #") $ % &*$ % "! ) $ "# ! & & ) $ "# ! & &

* (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # '% ! %% % '% ! %% % "( $! "( $! !& # !% &" !& # !% &" '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % NEWS NEWS !' &'$ $% , )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !' &'$ $% , "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) %& % % ! (" & ! "$ %& % % ! (" & ! "$ * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) & % " & % " " !! % '$ % ) ! ! " !! % '$ % ) ! ! & % &"$ , % ! " ! " + + "$ "( $ "$ "( $ *& ( + * & !*!0 %) * & !*!0 %) * * & ) * & ) & % &"$ , % *& ( + * NEWS NEWS )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # %&* %&* , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # , #&'$ %* && $ "!&$" "( $ && $ "!&$" "( $ #"$&% #"$&% %'$ % &" %'$ % &" $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% ! % &("!% -!* ! % &("!% -!* , #&'$ %* !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , ! " ! " !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( * - ) ( , # +(!% * * - ) ( , # +(!% * * * * * )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # -!* -!* % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & !##!&% !##!&% - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & "( $! "( $! !& % *% !& % *% #)& - # &$ % -) ) - #)& - # &$ % -) ) - , % , % % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) ' !% ' !% & % &"$ , % & % &"$ , % ! " ! " + + "$ "( $ "$ "( $ *& ( + * & !*!0 %) * & !*!0 %) * * & ) * & ) % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) *& ( + * -&("!% #&) #/ -!* -&("!% #&) #/ -!* * * !% ( %* !% ( %* %) (! %) (! ! -!## &$'# * -!* ! -!## &$'# * -!* !% !% & % &"$ , % & % &"$ , % ! " ! " + + "$ "( $ "$ "( $ *& ( + * & !*!0 %) * & !*!0 %) * * & ) * & ) , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* *& ( + * )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # %&* %&* !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) , #( / % &$'# * % , #( / % &$'# * % $&%* !* % .* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * * * and levies that reflect the true ! " social cost required to belong to all relevant PROs (or establish $&%* ) *& , #&' $ )* ( '# % * ) *& , #&' $ )* ( '# % * * * %&* * *setting % .* '(& )) !) !% '(& )) !) !% )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , ! " %&* environmental * * * * * of materials, there is an incentive levies as #)& - # &$ % -) ) - low as an independent PRO) should they ( / # &%* %* manufacture or use % & $")& %'%& ! &* ! & $")& %'%& ! &* ! % '(& + *) -!* % '(& + *) -!* ( / # &%* %* they #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ # / * %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , ! " ! " % * - ) ( , # +(!% * * - ) ( , # +(!% * * * * to * keep #)& - # &$ % -) ) - , % , % % ) "!% ) ' !% ' !% # / * can to avoid potential inter-company competition and to limit multiple identified products across all substrates. ' ! & $ ! "!" ' ! & $ ! "!" * ") $ ! * ") $ ! & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## ! & $ % ! * "! % & #)& - # &$ % -) ) - #)& - # &$ % -) ) - , % , % % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) ' !% ' !% -&("!% #&) #/ -!* -&("!% #&) #/ -!* * * !% ( %* !% ( %* &$'# * -!* &$'# * -!* !% !% ! & $ % ! * "! % & 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' ) * ) * * -!## ) ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % impact on decision-making. he fee collection point is determined by parties – • T * -!## ) * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # '% ! %% % "( $! "( $! !& # !% &" !& # !% &" '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % -&("!% #&) #/ -!* -&("!% #&) #/ -!* * * both !% ( %* !% ( %* %) (! %) (! -!## &$'# * -!* ! -!## &$'# * -!* !% !% '% ! %% % $&%* $&%* ) *& , #&' $ )* ( '# % * ) *& , #&' $ )* ( '# % * * * * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # ! producer '(& )) !) !% & )) !) !% '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % this is to ensure$&%* that the EPR fee is only paid once. !' &'$ $% , !' &'$ $% , )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) $&%* ) *& , #&' $ )* ( '# % * ) *& , #&' $ )* ( '# % * * * % % .* * #*"$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & % .* % & $")& %'%& ! &* ! & $")& %'%& ! &* ! &+ '(& )) !) !% '(& )) !) !% %* % % ( )*(+ *+( % % ( )*(+ *+( * "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * * $ %+ *+( * $ %+ *+( 1 What 1 &+ #* #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # is %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( a ‘producer’? This took effect % from 5 November 2021. %& % % ! (" & ! "$ %& % % ! (" & ! "$ * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) & % " & % " " !! % '$ % ) ! ! " !! % '$ % ) ! ! % & $")& %'%& ! &* ! & $")& %'%& ! &* ! # / * # / * %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( ' ! & $ ! "!" ' ! & $ ! "!" * ") $ ! * ") $ ! & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## ! * "! % & "! % & For many packaging items there remains & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## about who is brand owner ! !&" "'& $ ! which imports any of the • I n the case of a && $ "!&$" "( $ #$" ' &% " #$" ' &% " ! !&" "'& $ ! %unclarity $&# "! % $% #") $ % &*$ % % * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # $&# "! % $% #") $ % &*$ % "$ #' "!%' "$ #' "!%' #& "! ) $ "# ! & & #& "! ) $ "# ! & & && $ "!&$" "( $ #"$&% #"$&% %'$ % &" %'$ % &" $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% ! % &("!% -!* ! % &("!% -!* , #&'$ %* , #&'$ %* ' ! & $ ! "!" ' ! & $ ! "!" * ") $ ! * ") $ ! & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## ! & $ % ! * "! % & ! & $ % ! * "! % & * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # '% ! %% % '% ! %% % "( $! "( $! !& # !% &" !& # !% &" $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% & +* % % %*) & +* % % specifically responsible for their safe and sustainable end-of-life identified products, they would be the obliged party to )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # -!* % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & !##!&% !##!&% - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & "( $! "( $! !& % *% !& % *% -!* * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # '% ! %% % '% ! %% % "( $! "( $! !& # !% &" !& # !% &" '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % !' &'$ $% , !' &'$ $% , )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) &" & $ ) & & & $ ) & & - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * * -!## #!$!* * -!## #!$!* % && % && * "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & ) '# %) * "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & ) '# %) , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % solution. The view of PETCO, which is * aligned with international either develop an independent scheme or join a PRO. !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) , #( / % &$'# * % , #( / % &$'# * % !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * * !' &'$ $% , )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) %& % % ! (" & ! "$ %& % % ! (" & ! "$ !' &'$ $% , * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) % ) ! ! $ % ) ! ! best practice, is that the ‘producer’ is either the brand owner Where identified products are imported, and the brand % '(& + *) -!* % '(& + *) -!* ( / # &%* %* ( / # &%* %* #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* %& % % ! (" & ! "$ %& % % ! (" & ! "$ * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) * $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) & % " & % " " !! % '$ % ) ! ! " !! % '$ % ) ! ! * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * 1 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * * * && $ "!&$" "( $ && $ "!&$" "( $ #"$&% #"$&% %'$ % &" %'$ % &" $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% -!* , #&'$ %* , #&'$ %* of the products using the packaging, the retailer in the case of owner’s registered enterprise is not domiciled in SA, 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' ) * ) * * -!## ) * -!## ) ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % && $ "!&$" "( $ && $ "!&$" "( $ #"$&% #"$&% %'$ % &" %'$ % &" $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% ! % &("!% -!* ! % &("!% -!* , #&'$ %* , #&'$ %* )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # -!* -!* % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & !##!&% !##!&% "( $! "( $! !& % *% !& % *% house brands, or the importer of goods contained in packaging. the obligation falls to the licensed agent, or the importer & !( $"! & !( $"! !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* &( * &( * '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - &' &' ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ! ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ! , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * * $ %+ *+( * $ %+ *+( 1 -#* ! ! !%& &'& "!% & 1 &+ #* &+ #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # #!**# !% &($ *!&% !) , !# # )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # -!* -!* % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & !##!&% !##!&% "( $! "( $! !& % *% !& % *% !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) , #( / % &$'# * % , #( / % &$'# * % % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * &, *!, '(& )) * *!, '(& )) * * - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & * This new approach is not only crucial but could also be a or retailer. #$" ' &% " #$" ' &% " ! !&" "'& $ ! ! !&" "'& $ ! % , #( / % &$'# * % $&# "! % $% #") $ % &*$ % % , #( / % &$'# * % $&# "! % $% #") $ % &*$ % "$ #' "!%' #& "! ) $ "# ! & & #& "! ) $ "# ! & & !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * * * % '(& + *) -!* % '(& + *) -!* ( / # &%* %* ( / # &%* %* #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ ) $ &$ &* &$ &* "$ #' "!%' ! $") & ! $") & * * * * * * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% * of unbranded '(& ))!% & ( / # # $ * (! #) (&$ '(& ))!% & ( / # # $ * (! #) (&$ way to , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % transition towards sustainable waste management imports, ! "$ " ) %& , the ! "$ " ) %& , obligation falls • I n the case - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * * -!## #!$!* * -!## #!$!* % && % && ) '# %) *viable ) '# %) , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % % '(& + *) -!* % '(& + *) -!* ( / # &%* %* ( / # &%* %* #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' ) * ) * * -!## ) * -!## ) ' &'$ ! $" % $ ! $" % *) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* and a circular economy as it involves all stakeholders at every on the importer or the retailer. * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * * * ! " ! " % ( +*+( * % ( +*+( * * -!## ))!)* !% (&-!% * -!## ))!)* !% (&-!% * ) * ) &+) &+) &# ) &# ) !) -!## & #&% - / !) -!## & #&% - / 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' ) * ) * * -!## ) * -!## ) ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * * $ %+ *+( * $ %+ *+( *!&% !) , !# # ($ *!&% !) , !# # % -#/ +!#* *&(! ) * stage of the packaging value chain. The amendment to the

Deep Deep Meraxis ep epinsights, Deep insights, South Africa ights, ghts, insights, deep deep ep epimpact. deep impact. pact. pact. impact.

> www.meraxis-group.com > www.meraxis-group.com

Deep insights, deep

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

Trade. Trade. Create. Create. Elevate. Elevate.

& % &"$ , % ! " + + "$ "( $ "$ "( $ 0 %) * ) * * & ) * & ) regulations makes both & % &"$ , % the packaging manufacturer (i.e. the ! " The introduction of ! $") & EPR regulations plays an important ! $") & ! "$ " ) %& , ! "$ " ) %& , *% * * *% * * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% * * -!## #!$!* * -!## #!$!* '(& ))!% & ( / # # $ * (! #) (&$ #$" ' &% " #$" ' &% " ! !&" "'& $ ! ! !&" "'& $ ! $&# "! % $% #") $ % &*$ % $&# "! % $% #") $ % &*$ % "$ #' "!%' "$ #' "!%' #& "! ) $ "# ! & & - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * % && % && #& "! ) $ "# ! & & '(&,!)!&% &( % '(&,!)!&% &( % '(& ))!% & ( / # # $ * (! #) (&$ )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # $ % $ %* % $ %* convertor) and brand owner responsible for developing or role in the endeavour to minimise the amount of waste that ! " ! " % ( +*+( * % ( +*+( * * -!## ))!)* !% (&-!% * -!## ))!)* !% (&-!% * ) * ) &+) &+) &# ) &# ) !) -!## & #&% - / !) -!## & #&% - / - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * * -!## #!$!* * -!## #!$!* % && % && , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' 1 , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' $ %* )/)* $ * $ %* )/)* $ * * * ) '# %) * * ) '# %) !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( , ! " ! " belonging to an EPR scheme. goes to landfill or that lands up in the environment. High * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * * &' * 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' & !( $"! & !( $"! !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* &( * &( * '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - &' " & "! ! & "! " & "! ! #)& - # &$ % -) ) - #)& - # &$ % -) ) - , % , % set for collection and recycling rates targets have been& !( $"! & !( $"! !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - '# )*! ) !% +)*(/ % - ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ! ! $") & ! $") & ! "$ " ) %& , * * * * * * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% * &( * &( * # $ * (! #) (&$ $ * (! #) (&$ ")% "$ & % # $ & "! " & "! ! -&("!% #&) #/ -!* * * ! "$ " ) %& , !% ( %* &' &' Who needs to pay the -&("!% #&) #/ -!* levy and join a PRO? that need !% ( %* to be met over the next five years, and the only ! $") & ! $") & ! "$ " ) %& , ! "$ " ) %& , * * * * * * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% * * !#) -!## ( # ) !% * '(& ))!% & ( / # # $ * (! #) (&$ '(& ))!% & ( / # # $ * (! #) (&$ $&%* $&%* ) *& , #&' $ )* ( '# % * ) *& , #&' $ )* ( '# % * * * ! " ! " % ( +*+( * % ( +*+( * * -!## ))!)* !% (&-!% * -!## ))!)* !% (&-!% -!## & #&% - / !) -!## & #&% - / way the SA packaging industry is going to achieve this oth the packaging manufacturer and brand owner are •* B ) % % & $")& %'%& ! &* ! & $")& %'%& ! &* ! ! " ! " % ( +*+( * % ( +*+( * * -!## ))!)* !% (&-!% * -!## ))!)* !% (&-!% * ) &+) &+) &# ) &# ) !) -!## & #&% - / !) -!## & #&% - / is through promoting as much collaboration as possible responsible for ensuring that the identified products they use ' ! & $ ! "!" ' ! & $ ! "!" * ") $ ! * ") $ ! * &( )$ ## )$ ## across are covered by an EPR scheme. They are therefore both * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # !% &" & # !% &" the plastics value chain. !' &'$ $% , + '(& + *) (& + '(& + *) !' &'$ $% , %& % % ! (" & ! "$ %& % % ! (" & ! "$ &$ ) ) FEB / MARCH 2022 27 www.petco.co.za www.polyco.co.za && $ "!&$" "( $ && $ "!&$" "( $ #"$&% #"$&% %'$ % &" %'$ % &" & & #$" &% & #$" &% )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # & !##!&% !##!&% Trade. Trade. Create. Create. Elevate. Elevate. > www.meraxis-group.com > www.meraxis-group.com !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) % # * % % '(& + *) -!* % '(& + *) -!* ( / # &%* %* ( / # &%* %* "! $ "! $ 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& * * -!## ) * -!## ) evate. te. > www.meraxis-group.com > www.meraxis-group.com , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * , #&' *& * ** ( &%*(&# &, ( * %+ *+( $ %+ *+( Trade. Trade. Create. Create. Elevate. Elevate. > www.meraxis-group.com > www.meraxis-group.com #$" ' &% " #$" ' &% " ! !&" "'& $ ! ! !&" "'& $ ! $ % &*$ % % &*$ % - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * * -!## #!$!* * -!## #!$!* * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * % , #&' !% , #&' * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * & !( $"! & !( $"! !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* !& & $ * ! ! '%&$* - % - &' &' ! $") & ! $") & ! "$ " ) %& , ! "$ " ) %& , ) !% * !% * ! " ! " (&-!% * !% (&-!%

Importers, Stockists and Distributors of polymers Thank You! into Africa:

Thank You!

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Paul Gripper - Commercial Manager & Cape Sales paul.gripper@meraxis-group.co.za High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) 082 456 & % &"$ , % ! " ! " + + "$ "( $ "$ "( $ *& ( + * & !*!0 %) * & !*!0 %) * * & ) * & ) & % &"$ , % 6659 *& ( + * & % &"$ , % & % &"$ , % ! " ! " + + "$ "( $ "$ "( $ *& ( + * *& ( + * & !*!0 %) * & !*!0 %) * * & ) * & ) & % &"$ , % ! " ! " +Polyethylene + "$ "( $ "$ "( $ *& ( + * & !*!0 %) * & !*!0 %) * * & ) * & ) & % &"$ , % *& ( + * Low Density (LLDPE) )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # %&* %&* , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* Linear Coates - Gauteng, Botswana, Swaziland, )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # %&* %&* , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* )* ') * " % *& # $' &-% &% !## # %&* %&* , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* , )) *& - )* $ % $ %* Steven !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , ! " ! " !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( * - ) ( , # +(!% * * - ) ( , # +(!% * * * * * !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , ! " ! " " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , Sales * * * * * - ) ( , # +(!% * Lesotho Zimbabwe !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( " !* %"$&% ! "'& $ , ! " ! " !$'&(*) % +% ( !%,&! '(& + *) ( * - ) ( , # +(!% * *& * * * Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) #)& - # &$ % -) ) - #)& - # &$ % -) ) - , % , % % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) ' !% ' !% #)& - # &$ % -) ) - #)& - # &$ % -) ) - , % , % )' !% ' !% % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) #)& - # &$ % -) ) - #)& - # &$ % -) ) - , % , % % - 2)$ (* !*/3 !) * "!% ) ' !% ' !% steven.coates@meraxis-group.co.za -&("!% #&) #/ -!* -&("!% #&) #/ -!* * * !% ( %* !% ( %* %) (! %) (! ! -!## &$'# * -!* ! -!## &$'# * -!* !% !% Polypropylene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tate # / * # / * %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( Polystyrene * (PS) Tiago dos Ramos – KZN, Free & % & $")& %'%& ! &* ! %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( %, )*$ %* % % ( )*(+ *+( )*(+ *+( % ( )*(+ *+( % % & $")& %'%& ! &* ! & $")& %'%& ! &* ! % & $")& %'%& ! &* ! # / * # / * ' ! & $ ! "!" ' ! & $ ! "!" * ") $ ! * ") $ ! & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## - ! & $ % ! * "! % & - ! & $ % ! * "! % & & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## Mozambique Sales ' ! & $ ! "!" ' ! & $ ! "!" * ") $ ! * ") $ ! ' ! & $ ! "!" & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## % & "! % & ' ! & $ ! "!" * ") $ ! * ") $ ! & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## & ( * # ( ( $ (" * &( )$ ## - ! & $ % ! * "! % & ! & $ % ! * "! % & Meraxis Meraxis South South Africa Africa (Pty) (Pty) LtdLtd '% ! %% % * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # '% ! %% % "( $! "( $! !& # !% &" !& # !% &" '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % Tiago.dosramos@meraxis-group.co.za * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # '% ! %% % '% ! %% % "( $! "( $! !& # !% &" !& # !% &" '% ! %% % +* % % +* % % * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # * (! ) % !%*(& + !% !% %*!, ) &( #& # '% ! %% % "( $! "( $! !& # !% &" !& # !% &" '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % '(&,!% ! # &, (%$ %*) & +* % % Johannesburg Johannesburg +27+27 11 455 2889 11 455 2889 )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !' &'$ $% , )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !' &'$ $% , "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & !' &'$ $% , !' &'$ $% , )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) $ ) & & ) & & 082 775 5344 )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !' &'$ $% , !' &'$ $% , )! % * #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & "$& %& )"$ ! &" & $ ) & & %& % % ! (" & ! "$ %& % % ! (" & ! "$ * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) & % " & % " " !! % '$ % ) ! ! " !! % '$ % ) ! ! Cape Cape Town Town +27+27 21 556 7787 21 556 7787 * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) %& % % ! (" & ! "$ %& % % ! (" & ! "$ %& % % ! (" & ! "$ * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) *" !! % '$ % ) ! ! * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) ) ! ! ! ! & % " %& % % ! (" & ! "$ * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) * * $+)* '(& +( (&$ ) & % " " !! % '$ % ) ! ! && $ "!&$" "( $ && $ "!&$" "( $ #"$&% #"$&% %'$ % &" %'$ % &" $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% ! % &("!% -!* ! % &("!% -!* , #&'$ %* , #&'$ %* arica (Pty) (Pty) Ltd Ltd Carlotta Staff ord – Zambia & Malawi Sales Durban Durban +27 +27 31 816 9381 31 816 9381 && $ "!&$" "( $ && $ "!&$" "( $ #"$&% #"$&% %'$ % &" %'$ % &" $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% , #&'$ %* &'$ %* ! % &("!% -!* && $ "!&$" "( $ && $ "!&$" "( $ #"$&% #"$&% %'$ % &" %'$ % &" $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% $ % !& !!"'! & & #$" &% ! % &("!% -!* , #&'$ %* , #&'$ %* Meraxis Carlotta.staff South Africa (Pty) Ltd-!* -!* )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & !##!&% !##!&% - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & "( $! "( $! !& % *% !& % *% 7 455 2889 11 455 2889 ord@meraxis-group.co.za )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # -!* -!* % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & !##!&% !##!&% -!* -!* !( $! !& % *% !& % *% )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # )*!$+# * #& # '(& +( $ %* % % *!&% # % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & % !%, )*$ %* , #+ & !##!&% !##!&% - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & - ! ! !%& &'& "!% & "( $! "( $! !& % *% !& % *% !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) , #( / % &$'# * % !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * !* ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * * * , #( / % &$'# * % Johannesburg +27 082 11 455 2889 600 1 556 7787 7 21 556 7787 !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) , #( / % &$'# * % , #( / % &$'# * % '(& )) * & )) * * !* * !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) !%!*! *!, *& +/ #& ##/ '(& + '(& + *) , #( / % &$'# * % ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * !* , #( / % &$'# * % ) ( * % !%%&, *!, '(& )) * * 7403 * % '(& + *) -!* % '(& + *) -!* ( / # &%* %* ( / # &%* %* #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* Cape Town +27 21 556 7787 #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ 1 816 9381 7 31 816 9381 % '(& + *) -!* % '(& + *) -!* ( / # &%* %* ( / # &%* %* % '(& + *) -!* #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ &$ &* &$ &* % '(& + *) -!* ( / # &%* %* ( / # &%* %* #$" &% )"$& '%& "( $ "! $ ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* ) '! & ' % ) $ &$ &* Classifieds Feb/Mar'2021.indd 80 2021/02/01 Ivan Brandon Horowitz 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& 1 - * (! & ) % ) *& !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' !% !$'# $ %* *!&% ' ) * ) * * -!## ) * -!## ) ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % ) & $ & ! $ %&$' &'$ ! $" % Durban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eraxis - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * - ( #)& -&("!% &% )* ') * * -!## #!$!* * -!## #!$!* % && % && * ) '# %) * % && ) '# %) Feb22.indd , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % 66 , $ '(&,!)!&% &( % 2022/02/14 * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&' * !$'&(*!% & '# )*! - )* *& '(&* * *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * *!, - )* $ % $ %* )/)* $ * * * 1 $ )* ( '# % !) #)& !% , #&'

11:06

09:47

NEWS

Global & local PVC community

rejects Plastics Pact’s list of ‘problematic plastics’ Important to note that PVC has very specific and necessary application values that cannot be ignored

28 FEB / MARCH 2022

THE Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA), supported by members of the Global Vinyls Council (GVC), has rejected the Phase 1 list of “problematic and unnecessary plastics” published recently by the SA Plastics Pact. This list advocates for these plastics in packaging to be phased out by members by the end of 2022 as part of ongoing work towards the fulfilment of its roadmap to 2025. Amongst this list of 12 items, the Plastics Pact has listed PVC rigid packaging (including bottles, except for medicine packaging), pallet shrink wrap and labels, stating that “PVC has a very low recycling rate due to the small market size and there are environmental concerns in its production and end of life, as well as the additives included in PVC materials”. “Although we are a signatory of the SA Plastics Pact, SAVA rejects and opposes the inclusion of PVC packaging in the strongest possible terms,” says Monique Holtzhausen, CEO of SAVA. Strong demand for PVC recyclate in South Africa “Our latest recycling figures clearly show that there is a strong demand for PVC recyclate in South Africa. During the 2020 reporting period, a total amount of 21 433 tons of PVC were recycled in our country, of which 13 440 tons were flexible (PVC-P) and 7 992 tons were rigid (PVC-U). “PVC was the only polymer to have recorded a year-onyear increase of 9.5% despite very difficult trading conditions, such as global raw material shortages and supply chain issues, high material costs, interrupted electricity supply due to load shedding and the ravaging effects of Covid-19. The recent global shortage in raw materials and high polymer prices has driven the demand for recyclate even further,” Holtzhausen adds. PVC is an intrinsically low-carbon plastic – 57% of its

molecular weight is chlorine derived from common salt; 5% is hydrogen and 38% is carbon. It is extremely durable and cost efficient and it can be recycled several times at the end of its life without losing its essential properties. Could pose risks to the public if certain types of packaging is eliminated Using it as packaging can help preserve and conserve food by guaranteeing a longer shelf-life, improving food safety, reducing bacterial proliferation and protecting against external contamination. For this reason, the global PVC community has also rejected the Plastics Pact’s list which is influenced by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, warning that it could pose risks to the public by eliminating certain types of packaging. Ned Monroe, President and CEO of the Vinyl Institute in America, said: “PVC packaging protects people’s food and medicine. Their list could lead legislators and regulators to deprive the public of life-enhancing applications. Implementing arbitrary restrictions on PVC packaging will not improve the recycling rate of other plastics because there is so little PVC in the curb side collection stream”. In the USA and Canada, more than 498 951 607kg of vinyl materials are recycled annually – which includes 64 410 116kg of post-consumer vinyl materials. In Europe, 6.5 million tons of PVC has been recycled since 2000, saving 13 million ton of CO2 as a result. Product stewardship address PVC’s environmental issues Addressing the environmental, health and safety concerns highlighted by the Plastics Pact, SAVA reiterates that all of its members are signatories of its Product Stewardship Commitment (PSC), which addresses the PVC industry’s environmental issues.

“Our PSC is based on international health and safety standards and best practice models which specify sustainable manufacturing, sustainable use of additives, closed loop management and sustainability awareness. In order to become a member of SAVA, companies have to sign our PSC whereby they agree to limit VCM emissions during production processes, commit themselves to mercury-free production, and the sustainable use of additives,” Holtzhausen explains. “Members have to submit their completed PSC Survey annually to be awarded the Vinyl. Product Label as proof that they comply and meet our health, safety and sustainability standards.

Their list could lead legislators and regulators to deprive the public of life-enhancing applications. Implementing arbitrary restrictions on PVC packaging will not improve the recycling rate of other plastics because there is so little PVC in the curb side collection stream.

www.savinyls.co.za

THE South African Plastics Pact has published its first list of ‘problematic or unnecessary’ plastics, which it wants to phase out by the end of 2022. The pact is an initiative that includes stakeholders from the local plastics value chain, including businesses, the government and non-governmental organisations. Some key members include Coca-Cola, Spur, Pick n Pay, the SPAR Group, and Woolworths. The group defines ‘unnecessary plastics’ as plastic Items that can be avoided or replaced by a reuse model while maintaining utility. These plastics have limited social utility, for which no alternative is required and can be phased out without significant behavioural or infrastructural change. It also defines ‘problematic plastic’ as having the following characteristics: • Those plastics that are not reusable, recyclable (technically and/or economically not recyclable) or compostable; • Those plastics that contain, or which manufacturing process requires, hazardous chemicals that pose a significant risk to human health or the environment; • Those plastics which hinder or disrupt the recyclability or compostability of other items; • Those plastics for which there is a high likelihood of being littered or ending up in the natural environment The first group of plastics that members have pledged to phase out in 2021 and 2022 include: • Oxo-degradable plastics • PVC bottles, pallet wrap, and labels • PVC or PET shrink sleeves on PET bottles • Plastic stickers on fruit and vegetables • Thin barrier bags for fruit and vegetables • Thin barrier bags used at tills • Plastic straws • Plastic stirrers • Single-use plastic cutlery, plates and bowls • Cotton buds with plastic stems • Plastic lollipop sticks • Plastic microbeads in cosmetics The group said that the second list of plastics that will be phased out is set to be published in due course. www.saplasticspact.org.za

FEB / MARCH 2022 29

Plastic Pact’s statement could impact thousands of jobs Holtzhausen added that local manufacturers of PVC packaging are also concerned that the Plastic Pact’s statement will directly impact thousands of jobs during a time when most companies are fighting for survival. “The plastics industry contributed 20% to our country’s manufacturing GDP in 2020. The industry is dominated by the packaging industry and any decision to ban a specific stream will have dire consequences on thousands of people. Although only 9% of the locally consumed PVC goes into packaging, such as bottles, thermoformed punnets, blister packs, clingfilm and other flexible packaging, it is important to note that it has very specific and necessary application values that cannot be ignored”. In the final analysis, SAVA stresses that is important to remember that the SA Plastics Pact does not have any legal right to ban packaging materials. They may voice opinions and could try to influence decisions, but the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is the sole body in South Africa that has the jurisdiction to decide what can and cannot be used as packaging material. “Before any such decisions can be taken, careful consideration needs to be taken about the rights and livelihoods of workers. Much more consultation between Government and industry is required to ensure that the replacement materials selected for PVC (or other plastics) are as economical, recyclable, effective and fit-for-purpose,” Holtzhausen concludes.

SA Plastics Pact list of problem plastics

NEWS

Aerontec celebrates 20 years Major opportunity to locally manufacture and export high quality, well-designed products AERONTEC, supplier and distributor of composite materials and technology in South Africa, celebrates its 20th anniversary in February. With its head ofﬁce in Cape Town and branches in Gauteng and Jeffreys Bay, the company has evolved to become one the most respected in the composites arena, locally and globally. The company’s growth and success over the years is largely due to founder and managing director, Graham Blyth, whose ‘can-do’ attitude towards any challenge customers present him with sees him on the factory ﬂoor most days of the week. Blyth started his career in composites in 1980, working for Kentron South for three years in composite product development and manufacture. He also studied plastics and composite technology at Cape Technikon and has a diploma in business administration from Stellenbosch University Business School. He worked for Aerodyne (Pty) Ltd for a number of years and then, in 1992, started Exaton Composites as a distributor of composite materials and related technology. “I did this as I realised there was a gap in the market for a technical distributor of composite products. Due to a change in the market and our customer base, I changed the product portfolio and started Aerontec in 2002,” Blyth explains. Aerontec’s focus was on products and technology for advanced composites and securing distribution rights for international brands. It’s growth has been remarkable – growing from just three staff members to 32 (at the time of

print) – and in 2020, partnered with Swiss company, Sky Composites AG and their afﬁliated companies globally. Industry ﬁrsts and highlights In January 2021, Aerontec set up a dedicated structural foam processing plant to process mainly PVC and PET foams for the various sectors of the market in Southern Africa. This service has proved astoundingly popular with customers who previously had to wait weeks for the same service. The new 520m2 foam processing plant is housed in premises just up the road from its existing 800m2 factory in Cape Town, which recently underwent major renovations. The PVC foam processing plant uses a massive new, ultra-fast foam-cutting machine for rigid foams – the only one of its type in Africa. The new foam-cutting machine can cut PVC foam into sheets as thin as 1.5mm thickness, increasing in one-quarter increments up to 80mm. “We have barely been able to keep up with the demand from the export marine market in SA for foam cutting and processing. Where previously boat builders had to wait up to eight weeks for their cut and processed foam to be delivered from abroad, they now have a service virtually on their ‘doorstep’ which can deliver much faster,” says Blyth. Among the many and varied projects that Aerontec has worked on, one of the biggest (probably the largest single composites job ever completed in South Africa) was at Cape Town harbour. In a 12-month effort to expand its facility and upgrade its existing quays (wharfs), Transnet National Ports

FEB / MAR 2022

Surviving composite companies know they must now compete with international competitors on price and quality

Andrew Parsons, Aerontec director, is the company’s man in the UK. Here he poses with his passion – ﬂying!

NEWS AERONTEC-.indd 30

Aerontec’s Gauteng-based team, from left, Craig Goodrum (technical manager), Simon Kgatle (warehouse), Stuart Hyland (warehouse manager), Trust Mbambo (warehouse), Anneke van Rooyen (sales manager), Nea Kgatle (warehouse) and Jethro van der Molen (technical sales)

2022/02/15 13:53

in the SA composites industry

NEWS AERONTEC-.indd 31

Aerontec’s ‘foam cutting’ team, back from left: Achmad Fredericks (drilling processing), Lawrence Bhebhe (senior cutting operator), and Jess Bell (lead foam processing). Front, Eric Munyezamu (foam processing assistant) and Marvin Solomons (foam processing)

Looking after Aerontec in Jeffreys Bay are Gitta (branch manager) & Arno Seyfert (technical sales) & Aimeé-Leigh Santovito (warehouse)

Aerontec’s ofﬁces and warehouse in Cape Town have recently undergone a major renovation, and are looking extremely modern and upmarket!

FEB / MAR 2022

Authority realized that the Authority had a safety problem at its main container quay with a raised cable tray that ran the length of the quay’s edge – more than 1 200m long and 3m wide – containing the electrical cables that power the large, rail-mounted gantry cranes used to load and unload ships. In search of a safer solution, Aerontec provided the solution. An iterative design and testing process resulted in large, monolithic resin-infused, fibreglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) panels. The 32mm thick slabs, formed from woven glass roving and isophthalic polyester resin, were coated with a UV-stabilized iso-NPG (neopentyl glycol) and a nonslip grip finish and drilled to create drainage holes. Some of the Aerontec head office team, from left, back row: John Grala (technical sales), Nico van Wieringen Aerontec partnered with (import & purchasing manager), Graham Blyth (MD), Lolita Bennett (finance manager), Chris Scarrott (technical composites fabricator MMS sales), Kendel Methven (sales), Varuna Archary (sales & quality manager), Ayesha Brenner (orders/dispatch Technology to manufacture clerk), and Roxanne Layman (finance assistant) and waterjet cut 1,161 panels explains. “We needed to be virtually level with the crane rail to of varying sizes, which were eliminate any trip hazard, so we bonded GFRP shims to the numbered for installation. Blyth explains that each panel was stepped feet to keep the panels level.” raised to the specified height using stepped solid feet, bonded The total weight of all the composite panels was just 226 to the panel underside; the stepped feet were cored with a vertical pultruded FRP rod. tons – within the quay’s weight constraint – and the entire project was completed on schedule and within budget. “The quay varied 80mm in height over its surface,” Blyth >>

2022/02/15 13:54

NEWS

FEB / MAR 2022

Aerontec celebrates 20 years in the SA composites industry << SA composites industry transformation The South African composites industry has transformed over the years and is steadily gaining momentum. Blyth says he has witnessed this transformation in the way industry is adopting processing technology such as vacuum resin infusion, which offers higher quality, repeatable components as required in the international market of composites. “This has led to the surviving composite companies knowing they must now compete with international competitors on price and quality,” he adds. Blyth sees this as a major opportunity – to locally manufacture and export high quality, well-designed products that compete head-on against international competitors. However, some of the major challenges facing the SA composites industry currently could impede this growth – crumbling infrastructure, huge delays in shipping and at the ports, electricity load shedding, and lack of government funds to assist the composites sector of the market. “There are also not enough composite courses offered at universities and other tertiary institutions to allow the younger generation to enter the growing international composites market,” Blyth adds. Next steps? Blyth said plans for Aerontec in the short term include expanding the company’s foam processing capability and continuing to grow its market share in the SADC region.

“We’d also like to continue to share our composite knowledge to assist the growth of the composites market,” he adds. In the long term, Blyth would like to work with Aerontec’s customers and assist them with products and technology to increase and gain a foothold in export markets and to grow their local markets.

Fun facts about Graham Favourite food? It varies, depending on what I am doing and where I am.

What are you reading right now? Various books on adventure motorbike riding and any literature on composites.

What do you enjoy watching? “Itchy Boots” (About a 32-year-old Dutch traveller and adventurer, who vlogs about her motorcycle travels across the continents. She recently completed 22 000km through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.) Where do you like to go on holiday? The Karoo and the Cedarberg mountains.

Who (dead or alive) has inspired you the most?

My wife Jane, Richard Branson, all my staff, and many others over the years who have advised and guided me. www.aerontec.co.za

Supplier and distributor of composite materials & related technologies EPOXY SYSTEMS | CORE MATERIALS | VACUUM BAGGING | REINFORCEMENTS

FLEXcell

FLEXcell PVC foam-core composite materials highly resistant to dynamic impact lightweight and ﬂexible superior shear strength boasts superior resistance and rigidity despite being lightweight low resin absorption compatible with resins used in the marine sector self-extinguishing thermo-formable superior resistance to chemicals

MYcell

MYcell Structural PVC Foam closed cell, cross-linked PVC foam contains no CFC suitable for all sandwich composite applications has DNV-GL certiﬁcations self-extinguishing excellent chemical resistance, thermal insulation capabilities negligible water absorption compatible with most common resin systems

Cape Town: (+27) (0) 21 671 2114 | info@aerontec.co.za | orders@aerontec.co.za Gauteng: (+27) (0) 11 704 0665 | ordersgp@aerontec.co.za Eastern Cape: (+27) (0) 42 940 0070 | gitta@aerontec.co.za

NEWS AERONTEC-.indd 32

www.aerontec.co.za

2022/02/15 13:54

MIDDLE EAST

A focus on investing in petrochemicals & polymers will ensure proﬁtability Integration of Aramco and Sabic has the potential to allow both companies to grow globally BY NIALL MARSHALL

THE Middle East polymer industry looks big, and it is big. Tens of millions of tons of PE, PP, millions of tons of PET, and hundreds of thousands of tons of PS, acrylic, synthetic rubber, PVC, PC, and polyamide. But as big as the polymer sector is, it accounts for less than 50% of the region’s petrochemicals volume and value, and polymers and petrochemicals (including refined products such as petrol, diesel, jet fuel) together only contribute less than 30% of the value generated by crude-oil and natural gas sales from the Middle East. Initially Saudi Arabia (and the other GCC countries) only exported crude oil and there was very little refining capacity in the region. In the 1970s petrochemicals started being produced in the GCC, and it was another 10 years before the first polymer plants were commissioned. Since then, the petrochemical industries, while also state-owned (although unlike the oil companies, most of the petrochemical companies, like Sabic, also had some private shareholders) were run independent of the state-owned oil companies. Sabic (Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Company) is more than just a polymer producer; it also produces chemicals and intermediates which are used in practically everything that isn’t farmed or mined. Sabic expanded its polymer production from Saudi Arabia with the acquisition of PE and PP plants in Europe and the acquisition of GE’s engineering polymers business. The importance of the petrochemical and polymer companies was primarily to diversify the economies away from oil and to create jobs, rather than as a major contributor to the government revenue. This allowed the petrochemical and polymer companies to operate almost like private companies and expand, in a limited way, globally. But in 2019 Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Arabian oil company acquired a 70% share in Sabic for $69.1 billion from the Saudi Public Investment Fund. In some ways this acquisition was just moving the ownership of Sabic from one Saudi Arabian state organization to another, but it is part of a far more interesting trend, possibly driven by the recent low oil prices (below $50/bbl), one which is already bringing a new dynamic to the global polymer industry. Opportunities for Sabic to expand outside of Saudi Arabia

were limited to either acquiring a polymer business that was being disposed of, or being a joint venture partner on a cracker or refinery. It didn’t have the skills or financial strength to invest widely in bigger petrochemical projects or refineries. As part of Aramco this is already changing. Sabic, together with its 50/50 joint venture partner ExxonMobil is currently commissioning the world’s largest ethane cracker in Portland, Texas, which will also include two PE plants as well as an MEG plant. Sabic and ExxonMobil also have two joint venture plants in Saudi Arabia and this new venture shows how bigger polymer and petrochemicals projects are now possible as part of the larger global aspirations of Saudi Aramco. Saudi Aramco, which owns refineries in Saudi Arabia, USA, China, Singapore, Korea and Japan, started moving downstream into petrochemicals and polymers with joint ventures in Saudi Arabia with Sumitomo (PetroRabigh) and Dow (Sadara) even before its acquisition of Sabic. With the petrochemical and polymers expertise and global presence of Sabic, Aramco is able to consider taking bigger stakes in refineries and integrated petrochemical plants in different parts of the world. Refineries that will predominantly be supplied by Saudi Arabian crude oil. Aramco, together with Sabic, have recently signed a MoU with PKN Orlen to explore investment in the Polish chemicals sector. If the agreement is finalised, Aramco will take a 30% stake in Orlen’s refinery in Gdansk and take a share in certain wholesale businesses and a jet fuel marketing joint venture. There is also a proposed joint R&D venture and the possibility of further development projects in Lithuania and the Czech Republic, as well as the construction of a new chemical plant and a cracker. The integration of Aramco and Sabic has the potential to allow both companies to grow globally in a way that they could not be independent of one another. In a world that seems to be becoming less global and more protectionist the ability of Aramco and Sabic to invest in refineries and petrochemical plants in different regions will ensure that they remain global players. And a focus on investing in petrochemicals and polymers will ensure the profitability of the companies even if the demand for refined fuels is reduced as developed countries move away from fossil fuels for transportation and energy. FEB / MAR 2022

Middle East.indd 33

2022/02/16 09:29

Fridah Popo Matuludi, new training administrator at Plastics SA in Gauteng

Enrike Albasini, SAPPMA’s new administrative officer

BFG Africa has appointed Bongani Khoza as its new managing director

Sun Ace South Africa’s new production manager, Martin Rautenbach

people On the move PLASTICS SA is excited to welcome Fridah Popo Matuludi as the new training administrator at its Gauteng head office in Midrand. Fridah is an experienced administrator, having worked at the Production Management Institute in Kempton Park and as Project Manager: Administrator and Mandatory Grants (Skills Development Academy) at The Workforce Group prior to joining Plastics SA.

THE South African Plastic Pipe Manufactures Association (SAPPMA) has appointed Enrike Albasini as their new administrative officer. She will be taking over the position from Louise Muller who filled this position for the last 12 years.

COMPOSITES manufacturer BFG Africa, the pan-African subsidiary of BFG International, has appointed

Bongani Khoza as the new managing director with effect from 3 January 2022.

SUN ACE South Africa welcomes their new production manager, Martin Rautenbach, who recently joined the team following the retirement of Bruce Carlyon. Martin is a certificated electrical engineer, having worked in FMCG and heaving manufacturing industry.

Peter Wolber was exceptional at injection machine sales Peter Wolber, who was wellknown as an equipment supplier in the Gauteng area, passed away towards the end of last year at the age of 68. Peter studied plastics technology at Pretoria Technicon and first worked at Rubber & Wheel in Krugersdorp. Not long after that he

34 FEB / MAR 2022

Doyen of rubber teaching passes on IF THERE is one person in the local rubber industry who needs no introduction then it has to be Stuart David Wardle, who passed away on 5 December at the age 82. Wardle arrived in South Africa in March 1982 to take up a six-month contract position with the then Pretoria Technikon and returned to our shores a year later to settle permanently and continue teaching the art of rubber. Many active in the SA rubber industry attended his

switched to the machine supply sector and over the years was employed by Maritime Marketing, Mannesmann Demag and Adron Machinery. At the latter he had the chance to work with Franz Bendig, who was from the 1970s till the early 2000s one of the most successful machine suppliers in Africa. Peter later bought Ellico Machinery from Fred Link, who had relocated back to Germany, but later on he became more retiring and didn’t seem to enjoy business

management, so after that he worked for Relloy and PMS Plastics, both still leading machinery supply operations in Joburg. Besides being a relaxed conversationist and all-round nice guy, one of Peter’s high points was the sale of what was then biggest injection moulding machine in South Africa, in 1987, to Academy Brushware. His daughter Candice is still active in the industry as, you guessed it, an equipment supplier.

courses both simple and complex as he regaled students with facts and those famous ‘war’ stories about our industry accompanied by his ever present humour and good nature. He was not only involved in the art of teaching but at one point branched out into the dark and dangerous world of rubber production when he opened up his mixing facility. Later, when the Pretoria Technikon (now Tshwane University of Technology) closed the doors on the Polymer Sciences/Rubber department, he moved his facility to the CSIR in Pretoria where he continued to teach until he

retired in 2016. During those years he had been joined by another Dave, Dave Ransom and they continued to lecture from Durban to Krugersdorp, keeping the technology of rubber alive. “Such a loss of both a character and knowledge that he had in our industry, which is already, to be polite, both mature and lacking in expertise, is truly a loss to us all,” said Ken Maund in a eulogy at the farewell service for Dave.

Waldemar Kauerauf was active in the industry for close to 70yrs WALDEMAR Kauerauf, founder of Calibre Plastics of Roodepoort, one of SA’s leading manufacturers of plant pots, passed 1931-2021 away at his home in Plettenberg Bay in September last year at the age of 90. As a young man Waldemar learned that success favoured individuals who were prepared to work harder than those around them. This was a principle which he lived by for the rest of his life and expected the same from those around him. After qualifying and working as a tooljig and -die-maker in Germany,

he decided to seek employment in South Africa in 1954. The next few years were spent gaining experience in local industry, getting married and starting a family. He took a big step in September 1963 when he ventured into the world of entrepreneurship by starting Calibre Dies & Products together with a partner. Dedication, focus and hard work paid off and 20 years later (1983), working together with his son, Roger, the company name was changed to Calibre Plastics (Pty) Ltd, a reflection of the company’s primary focus. Five years later (1988) the company moved to Stormill, Roodepoort, from where it still operates today. The company was outright one of the leading manufacturers of plastic planter pots of all

shapes and sizes. Until 2017 Mr Kauerauf remained active in the business and mentored the younger generation by sharing his knowledge and experience gained during more than five decades in business in SA. The company remains family-owned and is run by Mr Kauerauf ’s son-in-law, Bernd Meyer. During his years in business Mr Kauerauf created employment opportunities for hundreds of South Africans, their children and, in some cases, even their grandchildren. Family, friends and staff all agree that he was a tough, principled but fair man. (Hy was ‘n yster – Afrikaans.) Mr Kauerauf was preceded in death by his wife Marlies, who passed away in 2018.

Closing in on the century mark

There are not many of us who reach the century milestone or can ever hope to but that is what has just happened for Ernst Gassner, one of the best known toolmakers in the Cape – whose fame is based on probably the most irrefutable evidence: many of the young individuals he trained are still active as both toolmakers and business owners in the industry. After arriving in SA from Austria in 1967, Gassner first worked for Exactocraft in Cape Town, finding his feet in Africa, but shortly after that he opened a dedicated tool making business, A Form, where the business was the production of injection moulds. Later first one customer, then others, asked A Form to mould for them, leading to the installation of injection machines and resulting in the

creation of Gassner Plastics. The business set the example, which was quite new in the Cape at the time, of having a dedicated toolroom for a more substantial moulding operation. With success came attention and the company was bought by what was then Safety Transport, but customers weren’t happy and urged Ernst to start on his own again, which resulted in the creation of Emotechnic. Ernst and his late wife Maria literally lived the life of the company, often working late into the night (even though they had six children), and he had the advantage that he was able to focus on his toolmaking prowess. The high quality of the resulting injection moulds boosted Emo and the business grew and improved steadily. A quiet and carefully spoken man, Ernst was always one to give back, which saw him start a new mini-career as a lecturer, in tool design and injection moulding production at what was then the Cape Technikon. Many of the students

may not have even realized the golden opportunity presented to them in the process. Those who most benefited from Ernst’s tutelage were the apprentices at Emotechnic, a system which he based on his training experience in Austria. Even though the teaching process in the toolroom was quite staid, high standards – very high standards – were imparted fundamentally, yielding the result that the trainees gained skills that set them in store for the rest of their careers. The taking of shortcuts was one thing that Ernst frowned upon seriously and got him to let off steam. Earlier in the 2000s Ernst decided to step back and moved into the countryside where he set up a small vegetable farm in RiebeekKasteel, although he’s now taking a back seat and he and his dog Alma spend most of the time watching others do the work. Well done to you Ernst, you’ve imparted skills that have benefitted many and improved the lives of many.

Maria Gassner’s admin abilities helped her husband achieve exceptional toolmaking prowess IT’S farewell to Maria Gassner of Emotechnic/ Classic Closures in Cape Town, who passed away in November at the age of 91. Maria had arrived in South Africa from Austria with her husband Ernst in 1967, which was some feat as she was eight months pregnant at the time. Ernst had qualified as a toolmaker in Austria and even run his own small

business there, so the desire to explore the wider world must have been strong for the couple. She set an example of unstinting support for her husband’s business (whose career to date is recounted above) and her family. Besides running the accounts at Emotechnic, she also managed production, giving Ernst the time to focus on tool making. Often in the

background, Maria – and the many women like her still busy in the industry – made a huge contribution to the business, giving it the opportunity to grow and expand later under the management of their son Martin. Emotechnic subsequently expanded into the thinwall container/IML area when it started the Classic Closures venture in 2011. FEB / MAR 2022 35

PIPE MATTERS

Pandora’s Box in the workplace – hope springs eternal BY AUGUSTE (GUSTI) COETZER, CEO, PEOPLE POWER PLACEMENTS

HOPE is often regarded as a ‘soft’ quality reserved for religious gatherings and psychologists rather than the cut and thrust of a tough business environment. But the Covid pandemic has so fundamentally changed our world that ‘hope’ has become an essential quality that leaders must bring to their working environments. According to the World Health Organization, “the main psychological impact to date is elevated rates of stress and anxiety. As new measures and impacts are introduced – especially quarantine and its effects on many people’s usual activities, routines or livelihoods – levels of loneliness, depression, harmful alcohol and drug use, and self-harm or suicidal behaviour are also expected to rise.” The workplace has not escaped Covid’s impact. From executives trying to keep a company going, to those facing increased health risks and high demand for their services, such as health care workers, those who have lost employment, and those left behind in the workplace who see empty seats all around them – no employee has escaped this distress.

new positions could not be linked to salary increments because the pandemic had made the company’s business, at best, static. The effect was to inspire the staff members to even greater benefit for the company. • Respect people’s ideas, no matter from whom they come, and give their suggestions careful consideration. Originality creates hope, as was demonstrated when members of the English National Opera in London turned their skills in deep breathing, necessary for opera singing, into recovery classes for Covid patients who were still experiencing breathing difficulties. • Emphasise team members’ responsibilities to each other to do their job properly and have their affairs in order. Nothing destroys hope more than having to sort out someone else’s mess. At the same time, however, avoid micromanagement. Few things strip a sense of empowerment than an employer who checks everything in minute detail. • See problems as opportunities, and as a time to reflect, analyse and evaluate so that the team can do better next time. • Be positive. Share positive stories, especially ones where people have overcome great difficulties to achieve success. • Be honest. If you know that there is a strong possibility that your team is not going to have their jobs in a month’s time, tell them the truth. Then help them create action plans of what they can do to build hope for the future. • Keep connected to your team. Working from home has created new opportunities to get to know your team: their children, cats and dogs, and their unique circumstances. Before you leap into the agenda for the day, ask how things are going in their family? If you see signs of distress in an employee, get back to them when the meeting is done. Encourage management to set up virtual meetings, keeping in mind the need to respect personal time. These are tough times. They recall the ancient Greek story of Pandora ’s Box. As the first woman on earth, she is given a range of gifts to take with her. She is also presented with a large storage jar – Pandora’s Box – that she is warned never to open. One day, curiosity gets the better of Pandora and she lifts the lid of the jar, thereby releasing all the evils of the world, including disease, war, vice, and toil. Realising her error, Pandora quickly replaces the lid, but it is too late. Only one thing remains inside, caught in the edge of the jar’s lip: hope – so that humanity might somehow bear its sudden and eternal misfortune.

Creating hope in the workplace is a key responsibility for all of us to create and maintain

So, what can leaders do to counteract the pandemic’s impact in the workplace? One of the most powerful actions is for leadership to create hope. What is hope? Is it just some vague, nebulous feeling of goodwill? Or is it something more concrete and precisely definable? For hope to have an impact in our suffering world, not least in the workplace, it needs to have an action plan. It can’t be passive. Duke University’s Professor Sanyin Siang believes that hope is steeped in reality and action. Being a hopeful person is thus very different from being a wishful person. Hope is active! In his book, Making Hope Happen, psychologist Shane Lopez clarifies the ways in which being hopeful is different from being wishful. Hopeful people share three characteristics: they imagine the future they want and set goals; they move towards achieving their goals; and they envision multiple pathways to achieve their goals. Siang adds to this the quality of curiosity that leads to innovation and initiative in a cycle of continuous learning. Here are suggestions for “hope actions” that executives can take in these difficult times: • Create a climate of gratitude by thanking people for their efforts. Do this in team meetings, so that everyone can hear the praise. A company recently gave two hard working staff members promotions as reward for their determined efforts over the past year, even though their 36 FEB / MAR 2022

PIPE MATTERS .indd 36

2022/02/15 13:55

Milliken presents

New DeltaMax Performance Modifiers Deliver Higher Performance for Virgin and Recycled Polypropylene ™

New Additive Family Maximizes PP Impact & Melt Flow to Expand Application Opportunities; Promotes Sustainability by Raising Recycled Resin Performance to Equal or Exceed Virgin Material Milliken & Company is introducing DeltaMax™ performance modifiers, a radical advancement in additive technology for polypropylene impact copolymers (PP ICPs) and recycled polypropylene. The new concentrates maximize the impact strength and melt flow of resins without compromising stiffness performance. These improved properties allow PP to be used in a wider range of applications in more cost-effective ways. In addition, the new DeltaMax technology is highly effective in modifying post-consumer and post-industrial recycled resins. It elevates impact and melt flow to the same level as – or better than – those of virgin resin. This unique capability allows compounders and converters to incorporate up to 100 percent recycled PP without sacrificing performance or processing. “DeltaMax solves a long-standing unmet need in the polypropylene industry, where the market has been seeking higher impact PP plastics at higher melt flow rates,” said Prem Patel, Milliken’s global business development manager. “DeltaMax simultaneously improves both impact and melt flow in PP impact copolymers and recycled resins, which now enables converters to make parts stronger, lighter and faster than before. It also improves the sustainability profile of the industry and provides a range of other processing, energy reduction and system cost benefits. The net effect is that converters, brand owners and OEMs can now meet market needs for higher impact driven by e-commerce shipments and increasing automotive safety standards, while keeping a keen eye on improving sustainability and costs.”

Increasing Impact, Maximizing Melt Flow Milliken’s new DeltaMax performance modifiers offer customers the ability to increase impact performance, maximize melt flow or achieve a precise balance of these properties. The DeltaMax melt flow modifier can raise melt flow by as much as five times while maintaining impact and stiffness. This improvement allows converters to increase operating efficiencies and create more innovative part design with easier flow through molds. The DeltaMax impact modifier increases impact strength by as much as three times by optimizing rubber dispersion and domain size. This higher impact performance allows compounders to decrease rubber content to reduce weight and costs. Optimizing Recycled PP Another important benefit of the DeltaMax technology is its ability to optimize recycled PP. Until now, the limited availability of high-performance recycled streams and their variability from month to month have inhibited adoption of recycled PP. DeltaMax performance modifiers remove this roadblock by restoring impact and melt flow properties, enabling recycled resin to mirror or even sur-

pass the properties of virgin PP. DeltaMax offers Milliken customers an opportunity to significantly increase recycled PP content to reduce costs and answer demands for more-sustainable materials. Extending the Benefits of PP to New Applications Target applications for PP copolymers and compounds enhanced with DeltaMax concentrates include housewares such as totes and hampers, lawn and garden products such as outdoor furniture and flowerpots, and industrial crates, battery cases and pails. These PP materials can also be used in appliance components such as washer drums, refrigerator trays and motor housings, and in automotive bumpers and interior parts. The DeltaMax family of concentrates is currently available in North America, with global distribution planned for the coming year. Target Applications for PP Copolymers and Compounds Enhanced with DeltaMax™ Concentrates Include Housewares, Garden Products, Appliance Components and Automotive Bumpers and Interior Parts.

For more details and information please contact at:

Vernon Ramiah, Ph.D. Territory Manager: South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa West Wing, 6 Kikuyu Road, Sunninghill, 2191, South Africa T [+27 11 236 8723] / C [+27 72 883 5520] vernon.ramiah@milliken.com © Copyright 2021. DeltaMax is a trademark of Milliken & Company. The Milliken logo is a trademark of Milliken & Company.

chemical.milliken.com

COMPOSITES

JUST BRIEFLY

Reinforced thermoplastic bike helmet RESEARCHERS from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and materials specialist Arkema have developed a bicycle helmet made of reinforced thermoplastic. The helmet’s outer shell is made from Arkema’s Elium thermoplastic resin reinforced with carbon ﬁbre using a moulding process especially designed for the material. To test their helmets, the team put them into contact metal anvils with enough force to crack open a durian fruit, according to Arkema. The helmet’s composite outer shell was able to absorb the bulk of the impact, reportedly providing better results than current mass-produced helmets. www.arkema.com

Bio-based, recyclable photovoltaic panels AFTER a four-month study phase, French company Roctool, specialists in mould heating and cooling technologies for plastics and composites, has partnered with the CEA (Paris, France) to create what it claims is the ﬁrst bio-based and 100% recyclable photovoltaic panels. Several series of the 300mm x 300 mm panels are still being tested to verify their performance and impact resistance, and aging tests of at least 1 000 hours are also being conducted. At this stage, the consortium is selecting raw material suppliers and will continue its development towards proof of concept on new Roctool tooling that will represent a reduced model of a vehicle hood.

COMPOSITES-.indd 38

JEC World 2022 – composites for a sustainable world Paris Nord Villepinte from 3-5 May JEC World, the leading global trade show dedicated to composite materials, their manufacturing technologies and application markets, will take place in Paris from 3-5 May under the theme, Composites for a Sustainable World. JEC World 2022 is the industry’s most awaited international face-to-face event after the long pandemic period. JEC World will bring the composites industry together to showcase the sustainability beneﬁts of composite materials to a global audience, and to provide a stimulating meetingplace for the industry to pursue its sustainability ambitions by exchanging knowledge, forging collaborations, and imagining new concepts to protect our environment. The event will showcase all the latest value chain strategies to ‘Reduce,

Reuse and Recycle’ in line with circular economy goals, and highlight how the composites community is seizing the opportunity to rethink the way it does things now and direct research into new and better solutions. JEC World a real composites think tank JEC World 2022 will demonstrate how sustainable thinking is at the heart of the innovative designs, technologies and business models driving the development of the next generation of composites applications. Four conferences will be held over the three days, focusing on: 1. Sustainability of raw materials for composites: fueling the circular revolution 2. Rethinking composite materials production: the path to sustainable manufacturing 3. Design for circular composite products: turning waste, recycling & reuse into opportunities 4. Applications of composite materials for circularity: towards a net-zero world

FEB / MAR 2022

2022/02/15 13:57

New for 2022, JEC World will feature two Agora Stages in Halls 5 and 6 which will host all conferences, onsite and in livestreaming, the Startup Booster competition, key industry leader sessions, and round tables and workshops. In addition, the ‘Country on Stage’ sessions will give countries the opportunity to present their industrial ambitions and business potential to a global audience. The Netherlands, Russia, South Korea and the United States are already conﬁrmed. Innovation is in JEC World’s DNA One of JEC World’s objective’s is to promote the composites sector’s most innovative projects. More than 600 product launches are expected to be announced over the three days of the show, which will also feature JEC’s high-regarded innovation challenges and awards ceremonies:

•

The JEC Composites Innovation Awards celebrate innovative global composite projects, as well as fruitful collaborations between different players in the value chain. Over more than 15 years, the JEC Composites Innovation Awards have highlighted collaborations between some 1,900 companies and recognized 203 creative projects. The winners will be announced on March 7th during a dedicated ceremony and their successful technologies will be on

•

display throughout the show. The JEC Composites Startup Booster is the leading startup competition in the world of composites. In 2022, this competition will celebrate its fifth anniversary, with a special event to be organized onsite and the launch of a new “sustainability” award. And, with 20 finalists for 2022, it will recognize innovations with the greatest potential market impact and promote them to an influential audience of decision-makers. The finalists’ innovations will be displayed at JEC World’s “Startup Village.” For the first time, JEC World will host the 3rd edition of the SMC BMC Design Award organized by the European Alliance for SMC BMC. This international competition recognizes and promotes design excellence in the use of SMC and BMC materials. The theme of this edition is Sustainable Living, and the award is open to design students and young design professionals (less than 3 years of experience) living in Europe.

JEC World 2022 is expected to attract 1 350 exhibitors and more than 40 000 professional visits (on-site and online) from 112 countries. www.jec-world.events

FEB / MAR 2022 39

COMPOSITES-.indd 39

2022/02/15 13:57

COMPOSITES

JUST BRIEFLY

Stitching technique for stronger composites RESEARCHERS at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, UAE have been researching ways to join composite sheets using thicker carbon thread than previously used. Currently, sheets are often stitched using thin wires with a diameter usually less than 1mm. The researchers are exploring the characteristics of joining composites with carbon fibre threads of 2-4mm in diameter. The research is still in its early days because it is difficult to stitch using such thick fibre thread through a composite component with a large thickness. There are no machines to stitch these thick fibre threads with composite laminates or sandwich to date. The team is focused on analyzing the relative performance of various kinds of single-lap and double-lap weaves. Once they have identified some of the best patterns and stitching techniques, they hope to develop a machine that can automate this process.

Evonik develops new plasticizer

Innovative pultruded composite slab solution GERMAN company Fibrolux, a technology leader in the development and manufacture of pultruded composites and one of the largest pultruders in Europe, has completed its largest civil engineering project to date. Fibrolux has supplied more than 16km of a large-scale custom fibreglass pultrusion that enabled the refurbishment of the 1km Marshal Jozef Pilsudski Bridge in Torun, Poland with double width pedestrian and cycling walkways. As part of an extensive bridge upgrade programme, Fibrolux produced an innovative pultruded composite slab solution for the new walkways. The bridge concept, an interlocking walkway deck panel formed from eight massive triple cavity pultruded profiles 500mm x 150mm in section, was an enabling technology, allowing the walkways on each side of the bridge to be expanded from 2m to 4.5m in width, creating safe space for cyclists. With the existing bridge structure unable to support the weight of wider steel walkways, the lightweight glass fibre composite structure delivered the required capacity upgrade as well as providing a low maintenance, cost effective solution for the project engineers. Fibrolux created a custom die for the new super-sized bridge profile before launching production of the 16km of profiles using a combination of assembled rovings and mats. The pultruded sections were delivered to site cut to length, assembled using custom stainless-steel fasteners, and then coated with an anti-slip coating, creating panels approximately 4m x 10m that could be lifted into position using a small crane due to the low weight of the pultruded sections. Fibrolux will also supply a range of standard fibreglass pultruded sections that will directly fasten to the composite walkway slabs and will be used to support the rainwater drainage system for the refurbished bridge.

www.ﬁbrolux.com

EVONIK has developed a new plasticizer for use in textile fabrics, roofing membranes, floor coverings, adhesives, sealants and coatings. The company says that Elatur DINCD, a cyclohexanoate, has low-temperature flexibility and high UV resistance. The company also makes Elatur CH, Vestinol 9 and Elatur DPT plasticizers: Evonik has offered, another new-generation plasticizer, in addition to since 2013. As a fast fuser for special PVC applications, completes the portfolio and is particularly effective in combination with ELATUR CH.

Pultruded deck beams for bridge

Lightweight composite solution for all carbon 30-foot sailing yacht DUTCH company Solico, a composite engineering specialist, has collaborated with Aeolos Composites, re-engineering the new Aeolos Performance 30, a new all carbon 9-metre (30-foot) sailing yacht built in the Middle East. The Aeolos is a lightweight carbon racing yacht, optimised for single and double handed sailing. In early 2021, Aeolos Composites commissioned Solico to review and optimise the existing structural design, define laminate lay-ups, and perform the structural verification of the P30 hull, deck, coach roof, bowsprit, keel, and rudder. Carbon fibre materials were a key part of the P30 design concept, minimizing weight and producing a simple, light, and fast yacht. One of the novel features of the P30 is the cleverly hinged carbon fibre bowsprit that allows bows to moor in European marinas that do not permit a bowsprit over the dock. The P30 uses a completely unique full composite construction for its keel, a novel solution which pushes the design limits to new levels. 40

COMPOSITES-.indd 40

FEB / MAR 2022

www.solico.nl

2022/02/15 13:57

Lightweight bracket for ﬁrm clamping New battery bracket with thermoplastic composite design

Classifieds Apr/May'2020.indd 80

COMPOSITES-.indd 41

www.lanxess.com

1 Boon Leat Terrace, #08-03, Harbourside Building 1, Singapore 119843 TEL : 65-6778-4633 FAX : 65-6778-9440 E-Mail : sales@nisseiasb.com.sg

FEB / MAR 2022

TEPEX continuous-fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites from Lanxess are ideal for the production of structural components that form part of driver assistance systems. One such example is a bracket for a battery that supplies electricity to the highly automated driver assistance system “Intelligent Drive” in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the event of a sudden power failure. The bow-shaped bracket is made on the basis of the polypropylene-based Tepex dynalite 104-RGUD600(4)/47%. The manufacturing method is a two-stage process combining forming (draping) of the composite with injection moulding. The composite design means that the finished product can be as much as 40% lighter than a version made from metal. The injection moulding step also enables functions to be integrated that not only make it much easier to install the bracket but also cut down on the logistical workload. The bracket’s job is to hold the battery – which weighs around 10kg – firmly in place in the rear compartment of the vehicle by clamping alone, even when subjected to the considerable acceleration forces that occur in a collision.

Unit 2 The Shields, 33 Victoria Link, Route 21 Corporate Park, Nelmapius Drive, Irene Ext.30, 0062, 0157, South Africa TEL : 27(12) 345 4924 E-Mail : sales@nisseiasb.co.za

2020/06/15 11:11

2022/02/15 13:58

COMPOSITES

FEB / MAR 2022

JUST BRIEFLY

Thermoplastic composite pipes DUTCH composite part manufacturer Strohm, has developed thermoplastic composite pipes (TCP) with an integrated weight coating. Some 2 200m of the 2.5 inch pipes have been used to to support operations at an offshore oil operation run by Trident Energy near the west coast of Central Africa. According to Strohm, the pipes are strong and corrosion resistant and can be delivered in long lengths allowing operators to use existing ﬁeld support vessels. “The integrated weight coating, in addition to other means, helped us ensuring an on-bottom stability of this TCP in such shallow water,” said Simon Lorelli, subsea operations manager for Trident. www.strohm.eu

Sustainable carbon fibre mast HEXCEL has completed its build of a 34m carbon fibre prepreg mast at a French shipyard. The demonstrator mast was supplied to companies in the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard’s Silenseas project, which aims to develop quieter and more environmentally responsible cruise ships, making use of carbon fibre masts and durable composite solid sails. Plans are for the composite sail plan, along with dual-fuel engines for ships, to deliver fuel savings of up to 30%. The mast, built in sections, is made of HexPly M9.6 prepregs supplied with a range of heavyweight standard modulus carbon fibre unidirectional (UD), woven, and non-crimp fabric (NCF) reinforcements. HexPly materials used in the Silenseas project included special modifications to improve handling, lay-up speed, and consolidation, the company said.

Fully recyclable TPU foam for footwear UV protected and can be extruded into a ﬁlm and then easily expanded into foamed sheets

HUNTSMAN has developed a new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is fully recyclable, UV protected and can be extruded into a film and then easily expanded into foamed sheets. The special grade of IROGRAN® TPU was developed in conjunction with the Shincell New Material Company Ltd, which is using the material to create foam sheets that are then used in insole, midsole and forepart insert applications by some of the world’s leading footwear brands. Designed as an alternative to EVA, the new material has high energy return properties and provides long-lasting cushioning performance. The TPU film can be easily expanded in a high-pressure vessel, using gas assisted technology, and without the use of additional chemicals typically needed for foaming or crosslinking. This makes the resulting expanded foam sheet, and any post-production scraps and final footwear components, super lightweight and easy to recycle. For footwear applications, Shincell produces expanded foam sheets that its customers then cut into the shapes and sizes they want. Because this particular grade of IROGRAN TPU is recyclable, Shincell can collect any excess or scrap material from its customers for reuse. Upon collection the scraps are ground down and reformulated. They can also be sold on to other customers. www.shincell.com www.huntsman.com

Carbon fibre & AM enhance Pleko spike shoe VENETIAN middle-distance runner Miro Buroni has created and developed Pleko, a customized athletic track shoe (or spike shoe) with the support of Italian footwear manufacturer Diadora, and CRP technology for the manufacture of the outsole, midsole and ribbing using its Windform SP carbon fibre-filled composite material and powder bed fusion (PBF) selective laser sintering process. The additive manufacturing process was chosen to build Pleko’s supporting structure, as well as CRP Technology’s Windform SP Top-Line range of composite materials, which provided strong mechanical characteristics, such as resistance to deformation and flexibility. CFRP manufactured Pleko’s outsole, midsole, ribs and pins as a single unit.

www.crptechnology.com

COMPOSITES-.indd 42

2022/02/15 13:58

Hollow carbon surfboards INNOVATION is a priority at Cape Town based Fusion Surf Co, as is evidenced in their new Air-Core range of hollow carbon boards. Using a wide range of composite materials from Aerontec, the team have engineered a hollow board with lightweight wood ribs. Bonded to this are hybrid skins comprising carbon, hemp and glass fabrics that have been infused with InfuGreen 810 in CNC machined tooling. The hollow boards do not suffer from impact ‘pressure’ dings and dents as the shell is able to ﬂex and absorb impact, aided by the Surf Clear Evo hot coat. Fusion has also produced an Art Board, comprising shaped wood, using Sicomin’s GreenCast 160 clear casting epoxy. The Art Board was ﬁnished with UV resistant Top Clear epoxy-urethane coating. www.aerontec.co.za FEB / MAR 2022

() .

0 0 0

& !&

With 40 years’ experience in supplying engineering polymers to the industry, our logistics & technical backup ! 0 0 0 & 0 ! provide the highest level of service and support. 0 & 0 ! 0 0 0 0 0 # 0 ABS – Polylac MABS – Polylac ASA – Kibilac SAN – Kibisan GPPS – Taitarex / Kaofu / Supreme Q’ RESIN – Kibiton / Denka 0 0 & 0 HIPS – GPPC / Supreme & 0 0 0 EPS – Taitacell / King Pearl PMMA – Acryrex SMMA – Acrystex # " # ! !

PC – Wonderlite ! PC/ABS ALLOY – Wonderloy Johannesburg Jeremy Goosen (T) 011 626 1030 jeremy@rawmac.co.za

Cape Town Bronwyn October Zita Rodrigues (T) 021 933 3331/2 bronwyn@rawmac.co.za ct@rawmac.co.za

PA 6 – Zissloy & ! " PA 66 – Gramid / Zissloy ! %! " POM – Kocetal PBT – Spesin EVA – APC SBR/SBS – Kibiton 0 ! " 0 %! " TPV – Globalene TPE – Kprene ! $ ! PP GLASS FILL – Woori PE – HDPE / LLDPE $ & & % UREA COMPOUND – Sprea Durban Sagree Muthu (T) 031 577 0505 sagree@rawmac.co.za

www.rawmacplastics.co.za

COMPOSITES-.indd 43

& Port ! % Elizabeth

Charl Foreman (T) 041 484 3390 charl@alben.co.za

(+(-( $*++*',/

2022/02/15 13:59

DESIGN

Celebrating design four

Exceptional achievement in industrial design 2022 marks the 42nd anniversary of the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), one of the longest running and most prestigious design awards programmes in existence. Originally founded to recognize exceptional

achievement in industrial design, the programme has since grown to highlight design in many connected disciplines, including design strategy, branding, digital interaction, and so much more. Each year, thousands of entries are

submitted by design teams across the globe, making IDEA one of the largest and most widely anticipated annual awards programmes in the world. Here are the Gold Medal winners for designs using polymers.

Xbox Adaptive Controller Best in Show 2021 Designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a uniﬁed hub for devices that make gaming more accessible. Connect external devices such as switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks to create a customized controller experience. Button, thumb-stick, and trigger inputs are controlled with assistive devices connected through 3.5mm jacks and USB ports. It was built from the ground up through strong partnerships with The AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, SpecialEffect, Warﬁghter Engaged, and many community members. Input from these groups helped shape the design, functionality, and packaging of the Xbox Adaptive Controller.

Designed by: Microso – Windows and Devices Design Team www.xbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-adaptive-controller

44 FEB / MAR 2022

DESIGN-.indd 44

2022/02/16 11:38

excellence for over decades APEX EXOSUIT The Apex Exosuit is made for workers in the logistics industry to fight fatigue in the workplace. Designed without motors or batteries, the science-backed Apex weighs just 1.5kg and can reduce over 23kg of strain on the back. The mechanism for the load absorption is powered by a combination of mechanical hardware and elastic latex bands that act like artificial muscles. The backpack-like design keeps workers cool and comfortable, is intuitive to put on and take off, and has a low profile that allows for a wide range of motion. The modular design accommodates 56 size adjustments, addressing a wide range of body shapes and sizes, including gender-specific fit options.

Designed by: Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, Ryu Tomita, Paul Reamey, and Aybuke Sahin of the Interwoven Design Group and the HeroWear team www.getinterwoven.com/our-work/apex-suit/

Badger Shield Open Source PPE Badger Shield is an open-source face shield platform designed to rapidly distribute desperately needed personal protection equipment (PPE) to smaller medical facilities and essential workers. Global supply chains imploded at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, and there was a dire shortage of PPE for frontline workers. Badger Shield was designed in days and uploaded to the internet. Healthcare systems requested 5.5 million units within weeks of launch. An online portal matched requests with manufacturers, and the world went to work. Production lines in 22 countries, representing 400 manufacturers, from giants like Apple to local outﬁts like Midwest Prototyping, combined to make 2 million per day.

Designed by: Jesse Darley of Delve, Brian Ellison of Midwest Prototyping, and Lennon Rodgers of University of Wisconsin Makerspace

www.xbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-adaptive-controller FEB / MAR 2022

DESIGN-.indd 45

2022/02/16 11:34

DESIGN

Awake RÄVIK S The Awake RÄVIK S is the next-generation electric watersports vehicle designed and developed for extreme jet-powered surfing. Smaller than the Awake RÄVIK, its predecessor, the Awake RÄVIK S offers advanced riders a body shape and size with performance-specific material and volume distribution that deliver high jumps, deep carves, and dynamic agility. A wireless throttle, provided with a floating wrist strap, controls speed, while steering is traditionally controlled by balance. The deck pad is formed for effective traction where needed and wanted while leaving as much of the body as possible uncovered so riders can easily glide onto and off of the board.

Moove Wind-up shavers were introduced in the 1960s. They were even sent on missions to the moon because of their convenience. Due to technological advances in electronics, they were rendered obsolete. Moove reintroduces this technology to a world in need of a more sustainable way to live. Instead of using electricity, Moove is powered by an internal main spring that when cranked builds up energy and activates an internal gear mechanism that powers the oscillating foil blade. Three seconds of winding will give three minutes of shave time. Moove was created to reduce the amount of electricity consumed by consumer products and the e-waste generated by high obsolescence rates and electronic failures.

www.shaltanis.com/moove

Sentinel – Outbreak Bio-reconnaissance Sentinel is a tele-epidemiology system that rapidly diagnoses and reports disease data in real time to a cloud network. It also safely collects viral samples for further analysis. The system uses emerging microﬂuidic lab-on-a-chip technology with IoT connectivity to enable health services to gather essential outbreak information, such as the percentage of the local population infected, locational insights on the outbreak origin, and who is vulnerable to infection. In contrast to swab tests, for which reliable results can take several hours, Sentinel provides results within 30 seconds, enabling health authorities to make faster and more informed decisions to prevent further spread and an escalation to the level of a pandemic.

Email: olly.evans@hotmail.co.uk

46 FEB / MAR 2022

DESIGN-.indd 46

2022/02/15 14:00

Email: zachsamdesigns@gmail.com

Swell Surf Foot

The Swell Surf Foot is a prosthetic foot designed to mitigate the challenges amputees face when visiting the beach to surf. While many current prosthetics work well on dry land, their quality and flexibility lack the preferred performance during a surfing session. Featuring a unique dual urethane bushing system and sole, Swell allows amputees to closely replicate the flexibility, grip, and movement of a human foot, enabling surfers to move in ways current prosthetics prohibit. Designed with materials intended for use in corrosive saltwater, Swell withstands the effects of the harsh ocean environment from session to session. Swell can be easily adjusted at the beach, allowing users to fine-tune it to their desired performance.

www.sepurahome.com

Sepura Home Composting Garbage Disposal Unit

To make composting food waste convenient and appealing to consumers, Sepura Home has transformed the conventional garbage disposal unit into an all-in-one home composting system. Unlike a conventional garbage disposal that sends food waste right into the sewage system, Sepura separates food waste from drain water and diverts it into a collection bin under the sink. This allows food waste to be easily composted and prevents the buildup of odour and fruit ﬂies that typically result from tabletop compost bins.

ENTRIES FOR THE 2022 EDITION OF THE AWARDS IS OPEN UNTIL 21 MARCH 2022. www.idsa.org/IDEA FEB / MAR 2022

DESIGN-.indd 47

2022/02/15 14:00

DESIGN

UTECH Europe Awards 2021 Exceptional achievement in industrial design COVESTRO, Recticel and Vita are the winners of the product and innovation awards of the UTECH Europe Awards 2021, while representatives from Ravago and Cannon Group were honoured as the industry’s Rising

Stars. Cannon Group’s CEO Marco Volpato was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award and inducted into the UTECH Hall of Fame. Here are the Gold Medal winners for designs using polymers. Winner in the UTECH Europe Automotive Award is Recticel, Belgium for OBoNature: a family of ﬂexible foam systems with a large renewable component. Designed for use in modern vehicle interiors, OBoNature products are based on sustainable raw materials, are very low in emissions and odours and have excellent hydrolytic stability and mechanical properties.

Winner in the CASE sector is Covestro, Germany, for its Bend Restrictor powered by CO2technology for offshore wind farms. Covestro Elastomers developed a PU system by using its innovative CO2-based polyol to obtain high mechanical performance, an improvement of hydrolysis resistance and an easier casting process with a longer pot life.

Vita Group won the Innovation award with two innovations: Orbis a commercially available foam made using raw materials from the Renuva mattress recycling programme and the Vita Rest Origin pillow made with castor-oil derived polyols. VitaRest Origin’s open-cell viscoelastic polyurethane foam responds to body heat and pressure points, maintaining the right balance between support and comfort. 48 FEB / MAR 2022

DESIGN-.indd 48

www.utecheurope.eu

2022/02/15 14:01

C:Gran-Cutter-Compacter-Extruder Combination The cutting specialist for wet materials

Visit us at Propak 8 – 11 March 2022 Hall 5 Stand C3

P:React (LSP: Liquid State Polycondensation PET in - Future out

Granulator

Wash Plant

Suppliers of: Generic Prime (USA) - LD/LLDPE, HDPE, PVC, PP • Reprocessed/Recycled Polymers • Saﬂene Filler Masterbatch for: Film, Blow, Injection, Woven Bags & Pipe Extrusion • Other Additives 50 Wessel Road, Rivonia, 2128, JHB, RSA • TEL: +27 11 803 0333 • CELL: +27 82 604 5926 Email: safrique@safrique.com

Classifieds Dec'21/Jan'22.indd 72

2021/11/10 10:56

DESIGN

Innovators recognised at UK Plastics Industry Awards 2021 Leading the way in the sustainable use of plastics WINNERS of the Plastics Industry Awards 2021 awards were announced in December in London. Organisations and individuals leading the way in the sustainable use of plastics throughout the challenging conditions of a global pandemic were amongst those receiving prestigious awards. Polystar Plastics was named Covid-19 Business Hero: a new award which acknowledges the companies that pivoted their operations to be a force for good within the plastics industry. All 18 entrants were honoured, and Engel UK and Talisman Plastics both congratulated for being highly commended. In the product design categories, Hymid Multi-Shot won Best Consumer Product Design for its re-usable bottle and coffee cup from Chilly’s Series 2 range. Judges praised the design for the ease in which it could be disassembled for recycling at end of its product life.

Best Industrial Product Design – International Avon Protection, CH15 – Compact CBRN Escape Hood

Cameron-Price won Best Recycled Plastic Product for its lightweight, packable helmet, while Avon Protection won Best Industrial

Product Design for its CH15 Compact CBRN Escape Hood developed in conjunction with The Combatting Terrorism Technical Support Ofﬁce. A record level of entries was received this year, which marked the 20th year of the Plastics Industry Awards. Winners included product designers, OEM manufacturers, suppliers, plastics processors, consultants, apprentices and trainees from across the plastics sector.

Hymid Multi-Shot won Best Consumer Product Design for its re-usable bottle and coffee cup from Chilly’s Series 2 range

50 FEB / MAR 2022

DESIGN-.indd 50

2022/02/15 14:01

UCT student makes clean sweep at global competition UNIVERSITY of Cape Town (UCT) student Kai Goodall has been named the winner of the international “People.Planet. Product” student design challenge. The challenge was launched early last year by Electrocomponents, a global omni channel provider of product and service solutions, in collaboration with the company’s global social enterprise partner, The Washing Machine Project – a

FEB / MAR 2022 51

UCT student Kai Goodall’s “Pedal n Spin” design is a foot-cranked washing machine that rotates easily using a combination of the principle of a treadle system and pedal system

humanitarian initiative dedicated to alleviating the burden of hand washing in low-income and displaced communities, through innovative product design and distribution. The challenge tasked students to apply original thinking and practical skills to the ongoing development of The Washing Machine Project’s first water-saving off-grid manual crankhandle washing machine, the Divya. Goodall, currently a master’s student in Electrical Engineering at UCT said his UCT supervisor and chair of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) South Africa, Dr David Oyedokun, inspired him to compete in the challenge. Goodall’s “Pedal n Spin” design is a foot-cranked washing machine that rotates easily using a combination of the principle of a treadle system and pedal system. It improves the user’s posture, ease of use, and sustainability of the current Divya washing machine, allowing longer-term adoption, improved hygiene, and increased rotation efficiency with a huge mechanical advantage. Goodall has recently joined forces with Forest Creations, a sustainable woodworking company, to create four more improved Pedal n Spin units for donation and field testing in Cape Town townships, with a view towards more sustained manufacturing and distribution. • For more information, collaboration, or updates on the Pedal n Spin washing machine innovation, email kaigoodall@gmail.com, connect on LinkedIn: Kai Goodall or follow him on Instagram: @kaigoodall.

PRODUCTS FOR EVERYONE... SOLUTIONS JUST FOR YOU

we know Material Handling

we know Temperature Control

we know Hot Runners

we know Injection Moulding

we know Cooling TEL: 011 462 2990

DESIGN-.indd 51

info@demaplastech.co.za

we know Granulators www.demaplastech.co.za

2022/02/15 14:02

SUSTAINABILITY

Global bioplastics production Before 2026, bioplastics in total global production of plastics will pass 2% mark for first time

triple within

EUROPEAN Bioplastics presented a very positive outlook for the global bioplastics industry at the 16th European Bioplastics Conference in Germany. Production is set to more than triple over the next five years according to market data which was compiled in cooperation with the novaInstitute (Hürth, Germany). “The importance of a more than 200% growth rate within the next five years cannot be overstated. Before 2026, the share of bioplastics in the total global production of plastics will pass the 2% mark for the first time. Our formula of success is a strong belief in the abilities of our industry, the aspiration for continuous innovation, and the courage to make the necessary financial investments”, explains François de Bie, chairman of European Bioplastics. The global bioplastics production capacity is set to increase significantly

Polymateria develops biodegradable & recyclable polyolefin plastic Plastics biodegrade within a year and renders the material recyclable A BIOTRANSFORMATION technology that makes a polyolefin plastic biodegrade within a year and renders the material recyclable; sounds too good to be true? Scientists at Polymateria, an innovative company based at Imperial College London, UK, say this is the first time such a product has been independently proven to be both recyclable and biodegradable in the natural environment. The recyclability testing has been conducted by the ISOaccredited Impact Solutions in the UK. Locally the product is being trialled with SRF and Superthene. Biodegradation of material containing 52 FEB / MAR 2022

Polymateria’s technology is verified by the British Standard Institution’s (BSI) new PAS 9017 standard for the biodegradation of polyolefins in an open-air terrestrial environment, ensuring full biodegradation with no microplastics or ecotoxicity left behind. Technology can be uniquely time-controlled Explaining how the technology works, Dr Steven Altmann-Richer, the company’s Global Head of Public Affairs and Regulatory Strategy, says, “Packaging manufacturers can add the Polymateria

masterbatch to their plastic resin during the manufacturing process. “The technology can be uniquely time-controlled to allow for responsible disposable and recycling to take place, however, after a period specified by the manufacturer, the dormancy ends and the catalysts in the masterbatch transform the hard crystalline and amorphous structures of the plastic into a wax-like substance ensuring no micro-plastics are created.” The proprietary use of ‘synthetic’ prebiotics attract natural decay agents such as microbes, fungi and bacteria to fully consume the wax-like substance.

will more than

the next five years (polypropylene), increased as well. Biodegradable plastics, including PBAT, PLA, and polybutylene succinate (PBS) currently account for slightly over 64% (1.5 million tons) of the global bioplastics production capacities. Bio-based, nonbiodegradable plastics, including the dropin solutions bio-based PE and bio-based PET (polyethylene terephthalate), as well as bio-based PA (polyamides), make up for almost 36% (0.8 million tons). Packaging remains the largest field of application for bioplastics with almost 48%

Recycling can take place before biodegradation is triggered, with a ‘recycle by’ date alerting consumers and encouraging responsible disposal. On a range of packaging – polyethylene and polypropylene – independent third-party laboratory testing shows full biodegradation on a rigid plastic container in 336 days and film material in 226 days in the open environment. The process is proven to leave zero microplastics behind. Polymateria’s technology works with a wide range of product types such as clear plastic containers, bottle lids, supermarket bags, fruit nets, candy wrappers, cigarette film, face masks and more. “The standard is a test specification with strict pass/fail criteria to measure the biodegradability of a polyolefin plastic in the open environment without creating microplastics or causing ecotoxicity issues… Any product deploying our technology must meet the strict criteria set out in the PAS 9017 standard to ensure no microplastics are created, no harmful substances are left behind and full biodegradation occurs.”

plastic packaging (i.e. no value, unlikely to be collected and recycled therefore high likelihood of this packaging ending up in the environment as litter) and not packs that are highly recycled. Typical applications are; drinking cups, thin wall containers, drinking straws, confectionary wrappers, beverage labels, produce bags, cling film, cigarette wrapping, snack-on-the-go packaging. Polymateria has a significant focus on Asia and the developing world since that’s where a lot of the problematic plastic is coming from and there aren’t massive waste management systems in place. It’s technology is already be used by large global players including 7-Eleven. Polymateria also recently struck a deal worth as much as $100m to license its technology to Taiwan’s Formosa Plastics, one of the world’s biggest petrochemical manufacturers. Mumbai-based Godrej, meanwhile, will start making biodegradable poly bags and plastic wrapping that encases soap bars using the technology this year. Other consumer brands and plastic producers in India , such as Max Speciality Films Ltd. Polymateria agrees with the goal of reducing, reusing and recycling,

Decomposition process is for problematic plastic packaging The company is keen to stress this decomposition process is for problematic

www.polymateria.com

(1.2 million ton) of the total bioplastics market in 2021. The data also confirms that bioplastics materials are already being used in many other sectors, and the portfolio of application continues to diversify. Segments, such as consumer goods, fibre or agriculture and horticulture products, continue to increase moderately in their relative share. www.european-bioplastics.org

however their solution also addresses unmanaged plastic packaging waste. At a global level, 32% of all plastic packaging simply ends up in the environment so this is an immediate environment problem which needs to be tackled. Polmateria’s self-destructing plastic and wax that the cups turn into throughout the process of biotransformation

For more info, contact Arthur Williams at arthur@scswilliams.mc or +27 (0)64 850-6658

FEB / MAR 2022 53

from around 2.4 million tons in 2021 to 7.5 million tons in 2026. Biodegradable PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), the production of which will almost quadruple, but also PBS (polybutylene succinate) and bio-based PAs (polyamides) are the main drivers of this impressive growth. The production of polylactic acid (PLA) will also continue to grow due to further investments in PLA production sites in Asia, the US, and in Europe. Production capacities of bio-based polyolefins, such as PE (polyethylene) and PP

SUSTAINABILITY www.covestro.com

Lighter cap from Berry contributes to a more circular pack solution BERRY GLOBAL has used its technical skills to create a closure that is lighter than other versions currently available, offering valuable material savings without compromising its strength and durability to ensure a consistently reliable performance. The closure is manufactured 100% in polypropylene (PP). The closure design features an extended narrow spout that provides controlled and accurate dispensing of product for the end user. It can be specified in snap-on or screw-on versions and is suitable for bottles with a 38mm neck finish, including Berry’s extensive range of standard sauce bottles, enabling the company to offer customers a complete bottle and closure solution. www.berryglobal.com

Eastman to build world’s largest molecular plastics recycling facility US-based chemical company Eastman Chemical Co. will invest up to $1 billion to build the world’s biggest molecular recycling facility for waste plastics in France. The new ‘material-to-material’ molecular recycling facility will use Eastman’s polyester renewal technology to recycle hard-to-recycle plastic waste that currently largely ends up being incinerated. This technology uses either glycolysis or, as will be applied here, methanolysis, to convert polyester waste products back into their basic monomers to create virgin quality materials for specialty, packaging, and textile applications. In this way, materials can be kept in production, lifecycle after lifecycle. The proposed plant is planned to have a capacity of up to 160 000 tons annually of plastic scrap, while also creating virginquality material with a significantly lower carbon footprint, the company said. www.eastman.com

54 FEB / MAR 2022

Covestro expands portfolio of circular TPU products AS part of its programme aimed at realizing the circular economy, Covestro is continuing to forge ahead with the expansion of its product portfolio based on alternative resources. The company’s product range in Europe is to be expanded to include mass-balanced thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) from as early as the beginning of 2022, and in Asia at a later date – these sneakers could be manufactured with ISCC Plus-certified mass-balanced TPU

grades from 2022. The new products are produced using bio-attributed raw materials and have a reduced carbon footprint in comparison to their fossil-based counterparts. At the same time, the mass-balanced products boast the same impressive quality and properties and can be integrated directly into manufacturing processes in downstream industries without technical modifications. In this context, the products are to be certified according to the ISCC Plus standard.

Sustainable end-of-life solution for UHMWPE WHILE Teijin Aramid has been recycling para-aramid Twaron fibres at its own recycling facilities for the past two decade, the company has long sought a solution for its other products, including its difficult-to-recycle UltraHigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene, Endumax. The company has now joined forces with Clariter, an advanced recycling company that has developed a patented process through which plastic waste streams are upcycled into high-value, ready-to-use pure industrial products, including aliphatic solvents, white mineral oils and paraffin waxes. Clariter’s technology accepts the majority of plastic waste streams and yields fossil-fuel alternatives that are able to be used as ingredients to make more than 1 000 clean, everyday endand consumer products. To determine the suitability of Teijin’s UHMWPE for chemical recycling based on Clariter’s process, feedstock tests were carried out at Clariter’s operational pilot plant in Gliwice, Poland using samples such as fishing nets, ropes and air cargo containers made from high resistance UHMWPE. The tests showed that chemical recycling of these

products into a feedstock was possible. For example, the wax produced via this process could be used to coat fishing nets, thus, in a sense closing the loop; other products, such as solvents and oils, derived from the feedstock can be used in numerous production processes or in other applications. Clariter is planning to build and operate a full-scale plant located in the near vicinity of Teijin Aramid in Delfzijl, the Netherlands. Preparations for more plants are also ongoing in Poland and Israel. As a next step, Clariter want to process samples of much larger quantities and types at our 15 000m2 Industrial-scale Plant in East London, South Africa.

www.clariter.com

Dishwasher components made from recycled plastic Fraunhofer researchers want to show that recycled materials can be trusted DETERGENT bottles are frequently manufactured using recycled plastic; however, as far as higher value-added applications are concerned, these recyclates have yet to be deployed on a large scale. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF, working together with partner companies, have demonstrated that recycled plastic performs similarly to virgin plastic – not only that, it is also a suitable material for dishwasher case bottoms. Fraunhofer researchers want to change the status quo and show that recycled materials can be trusted. To that end, Bosch firstly optimized recyclate from the housing of automotive starter batteries – additives were used, for example, to increase the strength and enhance the visual properties. Next, it had to be established if the optimized material would be suitable for manufacturing dishwasher case bottoms. This component, weighing approximately two kilograms, forms the base structure of a dishwasher, holding the side walls and housing ancillary components such as the pump, status sensors and salt reservoir. If these case bottoms could

be produced from recyclate, this would be a significant contribution to making household appliances more sustainable: Based on a production figure of three million dishwashers per year, using the recyclate (and thus fewer resources) would save around 2500 tons of crude oil annually. Fraunhofer LBF initially investigated how the optimized recyclate behaved under mechanical stresses. The researchers therefore produced a test specimen and subjected it to a set force around 100 000 times. This number reflects the typical use and load range for large white goods. This sets the limit for how much stress the material must be able to withstand without becoming damaged. In accordance with these specifications, the experts at Fraunhofer LBF, Bosch and BSH established parameters for the design. While the recyclate is less strong – 15% weaker – it has similar stiffness properties to that of virgin plastic. More importantly, however, both materials behave exactly the same way in terms of plastic deformability. In summary, it is fair to say that the recyclate can handle the same stresses as virgin material.

Research on chemical recycling of composites The EROS Project, with the participation of AIMPLAS and ITC, is working to develop new recycling processes to recover composite materials from the aeronautics and wind turbine sectors to manufacture new products for the transport and ceramics industries. Mechanical and chemical recycling processes such as solvolysis and pyrolysis will be performed to produce three new products: glass fibre, carbon fibre and glycols. Glass fibre will be applied in the form of ceramic supports, frits and glazes to reduce the tile firing temperature. Inks will be manufactured with the glycols and carbon fibre will be used to make sustainable composites for the transport sector. www.aimplas.net

Milliken expands its portfolio of solutions for PP recyclers MILLIKEN & Company has launched DeltaFlow™ Viscosity Modifiers specifically to help polypropylene (PP) recyclers. Recyclers can use DeltaFlow, a solid concentrate, to increase the melt flow rate of recycled polypropylene (rPP) for the extrusion and injection molding processes. Milliken offers DeltaFlow in free-flowing pellets, which makes the product easy to feed, safe to handle and dust free. DeltaFlow-optimised resins allow for lower processing temperatures, which can enable converters to reduce cycle times, boost productivity and improve processability. www.milliken.com

Recycled plastic prices double as drinks makers battle for supplies PRICES for the most common type of recycled plastic have doubled in a year to hit fresh records as companies vie for limited supplies, threatening ambitious targets set out by drinks and consumer goods groups. The cost of flakes of postconsumer PET in Europe have shot up 103% to �1 690 a ton since January 2021. The cost of recycled PET in early January overtook that for the virgin equivalent, as demand for the post-consumer product outweighed the impact of surging fossil fuel prices on the cost of newly-made plastic. www.fraunhofer.de/en

FEB / MAR 2022 55

SUSTAINABILITY

EU’s BlackCycle project sees world’s first sustainable carbon black For reuse in tyres using pyrolysis oil from scrap tyres as raw material The European BlackCycle project, an EU-funded project led by the French tyre manufacturer Michelin, aims to enable a closed-loop economy for the efficient recycling of used tyres. Of particular note is the world’s first production of sustainable carbon black (sCB) for reuse in tyres using pyrolysis oil from scrap tyres as raw material, which was provided by Pyrum Innovations AG, a pioneering company that recycles used tyres sustainably with its patented pyrolysis technology. The project partner Orion Engineered Carbons, one of the world’s leading

producers of carbon black, has confirmed that the pyrolysis oil produced and supplied by Pyrum is qualitatively equivalent to conventional carbon black produced from petroleum. This novel production of a sustainable material from used tyres represents a true closed-loop process. “We have also extended the scope of our deliveries and supplied 20 tons of additional pyrolysis oil for the additional Fast Track process carried out, so that the sustainable tyre of the future – made from 100% recycled material – can be brought to market more quickly,” said

www.blackcycle-project.eu

Compostible cling film wins award

New PPA solutions for highvoltage e-motor & components

THE prestigious annual Global Bioplastics Award, presented by the leading trade publication bioplastics magazine, was awarded to Gruppo Fabbri Vignola (Vignola, Italy) for their home compostable cling film. Nature Fresh is the first cling film worldwide suitable for both manual and automatic food packaging and certified as Home Compostable and Industrial Compostable (EN 13432). The formulation of Nature Fresh is based on the BASF certified compostable polymers ecoflex® and ecovio®. It is also the first of its range to combine optimal breathability for an extended shelf life of fresh food with high transparency and excellent mechanical properties for automatic packaging: its tensile strength, elongation at break, breathability, transparency, gloss, extensibility, and anti-fogging are comparable to those of traditional films.

SOLVAY has launched an entirely new generation of Amodel® polyphthalamide (PPA) materials targeted at higher demands of performance and sustainability for advanced electrical and electronic applications in e-mobility. In the Supreme range, Amodel® PPA AE 9933 and AE 9950 have been designed for e-motor and inverter busbars operating at 800 volts and higher. They combine best-in-class comparative tracking index (CTI) ratings with high thermal cycle shock resistance from -40 to 150°C. As a breakthrough vs. conventional PPA technology, they will also retain their CTI over time even after temporary exposure to peak temperatures above 150°C. New halogen-free flame retarded Amodel® Bios HFFR R1-133 and HFFR R1-145, with a CTI of >600 volts, heat resistance of >120°C and excellent dimensional stability, enable the design of highly compact systems using miniaturized components. www.solvay.com

www.bioplasticsmagazine.com www.gruppofabbri.com

56 FEB / MAR 2022

Pascal Klein, CEO of Pyrum Innovations AG. The BlackCycle project, which was launched in May 2020 and will run until the end of August 2023, is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Under the project, 13 companies from five EU countries are researching a sustainable process to recycle recovered materials from used tyres back into new tyre production.

NatFresh by Gruppo Fabbri Vignola

Classifieds Oct/Nov'2020.indd 96

2020/09/29 10:02

WORLD NEWS Footwear generates energy with every step taken

HOTTER and BASF have partnered to provide greater energy return in the footwear brand’s market-leading comfort shoes. Infinergy®, the world’s first expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) and leading high-performance responsive material by BASF, provides exceptional cushioning. When combined with Hotter’s Cushion+ technology, it adds athlete-endorsed energy return to over 41 styles. The partnership makes Hotter one of the first casual shoe brands to use Infinergy. Initially designed for the world of sport, the partnership extends Infinergy into casual and formal wear, marking a milestone in footwear technology. www.infinergy.basf.com www.hotter.com/gb/en/info/infinergy

Highly eﬃcient

Meraxis and ROMCOLOR expand partnership

SWISS trading group Meraxis and ROMCOLOR, one of the largest producers of masterbatches in Central and Eastern Europe, are expanding their cooperation with a further distribution agreement: Effective immediately, Meraxis is expanding its existing masterbatch portfolio for customers in the DACH and Benelux countries to include the wide range of ROMCOLOR products. “ROMCOLOR is the largest masterbatch producer in Central and Eastern Europe, and we’ve been working successfully with them for several years in Hungary, Slovenia and Serbia,” says Elmar Schröter, executive director for recycling materials, compounds & new business development at Meraxis. “Now, our customers in Central and Western Europe can also beneﬁt from our combined experience. By cooperating with a reliable, experienced supplier like ROMCOLOR, we offer them a secure source of material across all common masterbatch product groups. Together we can ensure high quality and fast availability.” www.meraxis-group.com www.romcolor.ro 58

WORLD NEWS-.indd 58

Fully automated injection moulding cell around a hybrid Allrounder 720 H in packaging version

WorldStar Packaging Two South African entries among the winners

The winners of WorldStar 2022, the most prestigious global packaging award programme organised by the WPO (World Packaging Organisation) since 1970, attracted a record number of 440 entries from 37 countries. Two South African entries were among the winners – Polyoak Packaging and Green Energy Packaging. The Top 4 most awarded countries of the 2022 edition were Germany (28 awards), Australia & New Zealand (27 awards), Japan (23 awards) and China (15 awards).

Sustainability and convenience were among the main focus for most of the entries in WorldStar 2022 in addition to other post Covid-19 trends such as hygiene, e-commerce and wellness.

FEB / MAR 2022

2022/02/15 14:20

for thin-walled containers Thin Wall Integra: new approach to the production of thin-walled packaging HOW do you economically produce thin-walled containers using top-quality recycled material and with maximum output? By having several specialists combine their well-founded expertise. This is what has happened in France as part of the Thin Wall Integra collaborative project. The collaboration pursues several objectives simultaneously, namely the high-volume processing of recycled material into thin-walled containers in a way that is fully automated, fast, and of a consistently high quality. Arburg’s subsidiary in France has teamed up with Collomb, a mould maker specialising in thin-walled containers, Pagès Group, a robotics expert for packaging, Verstraete, an IML label manufacturer, Koch-Technik, a material flow specialist, and Borealis, a raw materials supplier, to present Thin Wall Integra as a new one-stop shop concept for the production of thin-walled five-litre buckets. The jointly developed concept is based on a fully automated injection moulding cell around a hybrid Allrounder 720 H in packaging version with a 1-cavity mould. The complete cycle only takes around five seconds. In addition to the injection moulding machine optimised for fast cycles, the sequentially operating robotic system is also a top performer. The handling system with telescopic arm that engages from the rear side of the machine first loads the mould with the IML labels. The robotic system then removes the labelled buckets and stacks them on a deposit mat. The stacks are then automatically picked up by a robot for palletising. The two robot technologies used make the system particularly compact. The recyclate is continuously fed in via an automatic conveyor system.

The ‘ecological design’ enables material savings of up to 35%

The product has a proportion of 55% recycled material, and its ‘ecological design’ enables material savings of up to 35%. Added to this are the simpliﬁed stackability of the buckets and the use of ‘HolyGrail 2.0’ labels, which make it easy to recycle the materials used by type. • Arburg is represented by Hestico in SA www.arburg.com

www.hestico.co.za

Awards 2022 SOUTH AFRICA Polyoak Packing and the Shoprite Group were awarded for their Freshmark Beetroot Barrier Tub 400g – South Africa’s first ambient beetroot product in a plastic tub. This lightweight tub with in-mould label for oxygen barrier protection, delivers environmental and convenience advantages over traditional formats. The mono-material polypropylene tub is fully recyclable and nests compactly for efficient transportation. It is also specially designed for re-use, with lids that re-close securely. Green Energy Packaging was awarded for its Compostable Kraft www.greenenergypackaging.co.za Tube Packaging with Bullnose closures. Though the packaging contains no plastics, it still needs to be mentioned here for its achievement. The winning entry, for Castle Double Malt, uses perfected bull-nose technology to create an innovative presentation pack supporting the launch of a new beer product. The pack contains the bottle, drinking glass, beer coaster and leaflet creatively structured to protect and present the contents in an appealing pack with no plastics or metal. www.polyoakpackaging.co.za FEB / MAR 2022 59

WORLD NEWS-.indd 59

2022/02/15 14:21

WORLD NEWS

ExxonMobil acquires high-performance structural polymers company Materia Inc

Exxonmobil Chemical Co (Irving, Texas, US) has acquired California-based Materia Inc (Pasadena) a technology company that has pioneered the development of a Nobel prize-winning technology for manufacturing a new class of materials. The innovative materials can be used in a number of applications, including wind turbine blades, electric vehicle (EV) parts, sustainable construction and anticorrosive coatings. ExxonMobil and Materia have been collaborating since 2017 on the development of new hydrocarbonbased materials that are stronger, lighter and more durable than existing thermoset products such as epoxy. In the wind power industry, these beneﬁts could enable the design of longer, more durable wind turbine blades for more efﬁcient renewable electricity production. Due to their strength, the materials could also be used as a lightweight, corrosionresistant replacement for steel in certain construction applications. www.corporate.exxonmobil.com

ALPLA establishes new Asia-Paciﬁc region

THE ALPLA Group is strengthening its footprint in Asia. On 1 January 2022, the Asia-Paciﬁc (APAC) head ofﬁce in Singapore went live, with a new region being created from a merger of the former regions North East Asia and South East Asia. It includes current operations in China, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. The APAC region will be managed by Roland Wallner, currently ALPLA managing director North East Asia. With 2 750 employees, ALPLA APAC is well situated to develop the packaging of tomorrow for the Asian market. Alongside extending the reach of Alpla’s industry-leading moulding technology, a strong focus lies on the further development of circular economy activities in the region.

WORLD NEWS-.indd 60

FEB / MAR 2022

WorldStar Packaging GERMANY The Good Reﬁll System for Shampoo, P&G P&G supports its consumers’ desire for a more sustainable beauty routine with its Good Reﬁll System for Shampoo, which uses 60% less plastic compared to regular plastic bottles and comes with an appealing durable Al-bottle with a convenient pump dosing system. www.pg.com

www.saier-gruppe.de

S-Liner Peel unsurpassed purity for bucket reuse, Saier Verpackungstechnik GmbH The S-Liner Peel is a successful combination of improved sustainability and water savings paired with convenience. The interior peel ﬁlm allows product residues to be easily and quickly removed together with the peel ﬁlm without any additional aids and disposed of properly. After use, the bucket is 100% recyclable.

PACKSYS Capsule Dispenser, PACKSYS GmbH The capsule dispenser is the perfect packaging solution for pharmaceutical capsules, especially designed for people with declined motor function. The lockable actuator is pressed lightly, releasing the capsule into the dosing cap – one capsule at a time – to be ingested without touching the capsule. It is made from pharmaceutical compliant PP and a steel spring, which makes it fully recyclable.

www.packsys.de

KTP EuroStack 128, KTP Kunststoff Palettentechnik GmbH Ideal replacement of wooden Euro pallets and cardboard solutions: • Reusable plastic container (extremely robust and long-lasting) • Closed surfaces (protection from water and dirt) • Maximum compatibility (identical pallet measurements for automated handling, use in high rack) • Maximum sustainability (made from recycled materials, 7-year service life, 100% recyclable) • Genuine 1200x800mm system dimensions, 3 identical longitudinal skids + Optimum internal dimensions + SmartFix® – unique fast and easy handling + Stack-compatible with the Euro pallet and VDA lid + High payloads, even in the high rack + Maximum capacity utilisation in Megatrailer (75% volume reduction in empties) www.ktp-online.de

2022/02/15 14:21

Awards 2022 100% Recyclable PCR laminate tube, EPL Limited Europe The 35mm diameter vegan toothpaste tube is made of 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and fulﬁlls all the necessary barrier properties throughout its life cycle. The use of PCR has minimized the use of virgin materials and is fully recyclable. The lower wall thickness saves approx. 30% weight compared to the PE tube. The 30% PCR results in a total saving of new resources of 60%. www.eplglobal.com

•

The complete list of WorldStar Packaging Awards 2022 winners can be viewed at www.worldstar.org/winners/. www.worldpackaging.org

SPE Grand Award honours innovative application on vehicle exterior Heatable functional film is back-moulded with polycarbonate and flood-coated with polyurethane THE BMW Group has launched a new Engel production unit at its Landshut production plant to manufacture the kidney-shaped badge for the electric BMW iX in a cleanroom atmosphere. Both the BMW Group and Engel are breaking completely new ground here, prompting the International Society for Plastics Technology (SPE Central Europe) to honour the application with the SPE Grand Award 2021. Once the radiator grille, this characteristic design feature of all BMW models has taken on a new role following electrification of the drivetrains. The kidney-shaped

WORLD NEWS-.indd 61

badge protects the camera as well as several sensors for assisted and, in future, autonomous driving. The new function means that both the design and the manufacturing process for the kidney-shaped badge has changed fundamentally. In an integrated process, a heatable functional film is back-moulded with polycarbonate and flood-coated with polyurethane. This is a combination of processes which is also offered by Engel under the name clearmelt. Engel is system supplier for this demanding project, with responsibility for the complete production cell. In terms of process integration and automation, it meets particularly high requirements. The production cell integrates an Engel duo combi M injection moulding machine with a horizontal rotary table, two large articulated robots for handling the films and moulded parts, a film cleaning system, an inline quality-control station and peripheral units including polyurethane technology.

Piovan acquires 100% of American IPEG to strengthen global leadership

PIOVAN SpA and IPEG Inc have signed an agreement providing for the acquisition by Piovan of 100% of the out-standing shares of IPEG, a US industrial group comprised of the four brands Conair, Thermalcare, Pelletron and Republic Machine.The combined group will operate 14 facilities worldwide, and would have generated pro-forma sales of over €450 million. “The acquisition of such an important American player and the merger of two of the largest companies in the world in the ﬁeld of industrial automation for the processing of virgin and recycled polymers and bioresins will allow us to achieve important growth opportunities on a global scale,” said Filippo Zuppichin, CEO Piovan Group.

Biden administration endorses global plastics treaty

IN stark contrast to the U.S. position under former President Donald Trump, the Biden administration has signalled support for developing a global treaty to tackle marine plastic pollution, winning swift applause from environmental campaigners. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the announcement while visiting the United Nations Environment Program in Nairobi, Kenya, on the heels of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland.

Lanxess to expand hightech plastics production

LANXESS will expand its production network in China: The specialty chemicals company will build a second compounding line for Durethan- and Pocan-branded high-tech engineering plastics at its manufacturing site in Changzhou. An investment of around €30 million will increase the capacity in Changzhou by 30 000 tons per year. Together with existing facilities in Changzhou and Wuxi, this will bring the company’s total compounding capacity in China to 110 000 metric tons per year. The new line is planned to go on stream in the ﬁrst quarter of 2023. FEB / MAR 2022

2022/02/15 14:21

WORLD NEWS Hexcel, Fairmat partner to recycle carbon ﬁbre prepreg composites

HEXCEL Corporation and Fairmat, a deep technology startup based in France, have agreed to build the capability to recycle carbon fibre prepreg from Hexcel European operations for reuse in composite panels sold into commercial markets. As a result, it is intended that most of the carbon fibre prepreg cutoffs generated at Hexcel plants in Europe will be repurposed by the end of 2022. Under the partnership, Fairmat will lease a former Hexcel facility in Bouguenais (Loire-Atlantique) where it will recycle cutoffs generated during carbon fibre prepreg production at Hexcel European plants. Hexcel expects most of its carbon fibre prepreg cutoffs in Europe will be recycled as part of this partnership by the end of 2022. Fairmat will begin to set up the new site in early 2022 with production scheduled to start in March 2022.

SI group retains Brenntag as distributor SI Group, a leading performance additives company, has renewed its partnership with Brenntag for the distribution of its plastics solutions products and has expanded the scope of the partnership to include SI Group’s chemical intermediates and coatings resins in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, effective immediately. The growing partnership with Brenntag, the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, will increase the availability of SI Group’s performance intermediates and coating resins in this key market.

€4.9 million investment in composites R&D

RESEARCH centre SAM|XL and Delft University of Technology have received €4.9 million funding to research and develop three composite projects. The funding comes from a Netherlands’ subsidy scheme for companies in the automotive, aviation or maritime industries. The three projects cover the development of liquid hydrogen tanks from composites for civil aviation, thermoplastics for sustainable aviation, and ‘smart’ maintenance, repair and operations. 62

WORLD NEWS-.indd 62

FEB / MAR 2022

PET recycling rates in US take a pandemic-related punch Installation of the 14 m high viscoSTAR SSP reactor

Produced regranulate can replace virgin PET at a rate of 100% Covid-19 impacts are disrupting domestic recycled PET supplies at a time when the market is clamoring for more of the material. According to Plasticsnews.com, PET bottle recycling slipped in 2020 to 26.6% in the United States, new numbers just released by the National Association for PET Container Resources show, down from 27.9% in 2019. With recycled PET demand soaring and supply falling, that meant the country had to rely on imports from Canada and Mexico to bridge the gap. Demand for the material increased by 10% year-over-year. “Obviously, Covid during 2020 had tremendous impact on the closure of redemption centres, the shutdown of curbside collection, all of which certainly has impacted the supply,” said Darrel Collier, executive director of NAPCOR. “Unfortunately, that meant we went down in the recycling rate slightly in 2020.” The recycling rate tracks the percentage of PET containers that are captured for recycling. In this case 26.6% of those bottles were recovered for recycling in 2020. The numbers can get confusing, but the drop in the recycling rate equates to an overall 2.3% decrease in the actual weight of recycled PET recovered in the US. Collier said he is actually surprised that the amount of recycled PET only fell by 2.3%, considering the challenges brought on by the pandemic. PET needs to achieve a recycling rate of 50 to 55%, about double of today’s numbers, to satisfy recycled content commitments made by companies, Collier said.

Industry’s first hybrid pail with 75% less plastic SWISS company, Muller Technology, a leading global supplier of moulds and automation solutions for thin-wall packaging, has collaborated with a leading European packaging manufacturer to develop the industry’s first hybrid pail which significantly reduces plastics use and delivers strong barrier properties and a more sustainable and environmentally-sound packaging option. The injection moulded 1.2-L Skel-Pac system – targeted for food and industrial packaging – consists of a PP skeletal structure and a pre-cut paperboard label. The 24.6g hybrid pail uses 75% less plastic than typical PP pails of this volume. The container has 47cm2 of projected area with an L/T (flow length/wall thickness) ratio of 350. The container also incorporates a tamper-evident break-off tab made of PP. The Skel-Pac makes use of Muller’s unique mould and IML technology, fully automated cobot case packing system, and vision inspection system. The manufacturing system features a two-cavity mould and a four-cavity IML base robot which results in a 4.5-5 sec cycle time. The hybrid pail offers an attractive shape while excellent printing and design capabilities showcase the brand. The new package is commercially available in Germany. Leading brand owners are considering this technology for a range of other food and non-food products.

www.muller-technology.com

2022/02/15 15:05

Our Winning Formula Sets Us Apart ELASTOMERS

PLASTICS & COMPOSITES

ACM CR EPDM Epichlorohydrin FKM HNBR HTV Silicone IR NBR NR PVC/NBR Blends SBR & BR

ABS Acetal Additives Composites CPE CSM EVA HIPS & GPPS Nylon PC PVC TPE & TPV TPU

FILLERS & ADDITIVES

AUXILIARIES & SERVICES

Aluminas Antimony Products Blowings Agents Carbon Blacks Flame Retardents Hydrocarbon Resins Magnesium Oxide Masterbatches MC & PE Waxes Mineral Fillers Peroxides Process Aids Rubber Chemicals Silanes Silica Sulfur Zinc Oxide

Machinery Other Services Release Agents Release liners Spares

ANCHOR CHEMICALS Batch Off Bonding Systems Coated Powders Factice Masterbatching Process Aids Toll Mixing

P O LY M E R S D I V I S I O N

Johannesburg

Durban

Cape Town

Port Elizabeth

(T) 011 489 3600 (F) 011 489 3601

(T) 031 313 8500 (F) 031 313 8516

(T) 021 506 4598 (F) 021 506 4561

(T) 041 3999 529 (F) 041 3999 401

www.carst.co.za

Classifieds Oct/Nov'19.indd Apr/May'19.indd 92 92

2019/09/12 2019/04/11 12:50 12:21

diary Gravicolor Series – Absolutely true to the recipe and reproducible (Image: motan group)

motan-colortronic shows dosing application at Propak 2022 Gravicolor series doses and mixes up to six materials precisely TOGETHER with the South African representative Greentech Plastics Machinery, motan-colortronic will inform visitors about their wide range of products and services for system solutions in material handling. The focus is on the gravimetric dosing unit Gravicolor, which will be presented at the stand in Hall 5, Stand C20. The Gravicolor series doses and mixes up to six materials precisely and with maximum recipe accuracy. These modular gravimetric units are designed for injection, blow moulding and extrusion and provide throughputs up to 2 200kg/h. Hinged lids and large, removable

sight glasses or supply hoppers enable you to completely and thoroughly clean the hoppers. The large front door, the removable weigh bin, and the easily accessible mixing chamber simplify cleaning and you don’t need any tools. Except for the additive micro dosing on the Gravicolor 30 MD, all component materials are dosed by the unique motan cone dosing system. This dosing system ensures that a high total material throughput can be achieved, even when metering a large number of additives. Independent of recipes, materials, or the operational environment, the included IntelliBlend function analyses all process data achieving the best

Rawmac at Propak Africa 2022 PROPAK Africa is where business happens. Schedule from 8-11 March at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, the expo provides an unparalleled platform to link together people, products and processes, and transforms business outcomes. At this year’s show, Rawmac Import And Distribution (Pty) Ltd

64 FEB / MAR 2022

possible operating point at any time through continuous self-optimisation. Recipe integrity results in excellent and consistent product quality. The Gravicolor 60 model to be exhibited is designed for up to four components and an average throughput rate of 90kg/h.

motan-colortronic is represented in SA by Greentech Machinery

www.motan-colortronic.com www.greentechmachinery.co.za

briefs

will be exhibiting in Hall 5 Stand A-19 where its staff will be available to assist. Rawmac anticipate that its principles from Zig Sheng Industrial and Chimei Corporation will also attend – travel permitting, to offer their advice and technical assistance. www.rawmacplastics.co.za, www.propakafrica.co.za

Green, the theme at CHINAPLAS Every voice cell is unique. When audiences enter the Sustainability Resonator, the voice stored in each “voice cell” is generated. The campaign is initiated by the organizer of Chinaplas and Alex Long, a young artist, with the participation of enterprises from the plastics and rubber industries, organizations, academic bodies all over the world. It is designed to disseminate the ideas of “environmental protection, recycling, jointly shaping the future of the plastics industry, additive manufacturing, crossover innovation, biodegradation and sustainable development”. “Green” is also the focus of the topics at Tech Talk. This concurrent event is a series of open forums under eight themes, including antibacterial solutions, surface treatment solutions, in-mould electronic solutions, 5G applications, ecofriendly solutions, lightweight solutions, and innovative materials, of which the last three are more relevant to the green technologies and development.

The National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Hongqiao, Shanghai

www.ChinaplasOnline.com

KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition 16-18 February. Durban Exhibition Centre, Durban www.kznindustrial.co.za Africa Energy Indaba: 1-3 March CTICC, Cape Town. www.africaenergyindaba.com World Pultrusion Conference 2022 3-4 March. Paris, France www.compositesworld.com Propak Africa 2022: 8-11 March Johannesburg Expo Centre www.propakafrica.co.za bio!PAC conference: 15-16 March Düsseldorf, Germany. www.bio-pac.info Int’l Morocco Food & Siema Expo: 15-17 March Casablanca, Morocco. www.siemamaroc.com Chinaplas 2022: 25-28 April Shanghai, China. www.chinaplasonline.com

EVENTS

UNDER the theme of “New era, new potential innovation for sustainability”, Chinaplas 2022 will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Hongqiao, Shanghai, from 25-28 April. The advent of the “dualcarbon era” has triggered further efforts in reducing carbon emissions. Many countries, regions and chemical enterprises have set the goal of net-zero emissions and carbon neutrality. Green and low carbon has become a hot topic in the plastics and rubber industries. Chinaplas 2022 will bring together more than 4 000 prominent exhibitors from all over the world to launch innovative green solutions. Several “can’t-miss” concurrent events will be organized during Chinaplas 2022, focusing on green topics such as carbon neutrality and sustainable development. A crowd-generating installation art named Sustainability Resonator will be set up at Chinaplas 2022. Thousands of speakers participated in the creation of the installation with their voices.

2022

JEC World 2022: 3-5 May Paris-Nord, Villepinte, France www.jec-world.events GreenPlast 2022: 3-6 May Milan, Italy. www.greenplast.org Injection Molding & Design Expo: 25-26 May Detroit, Michigan, USA www.ami.ltd/Injection-Molding-Expo MEFPU Expo: 7-9 June Dubai. www.mefpu.com Pre-K Trade Media Event. 13-14 June Ansfelden and Schwertberg, Austria nvanheesewijk@emg-marcom.com Wire & Tube 2022: 20-24 June Düsseldorf, Germany. www.wire-tradefair.com Manufacturing Indaba: 21-22 June Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg www.manufacturingindaba.co.za Trenchless Asia 2022: 27-28 July Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. www.trenchlessasia.com Feiplar Composites & Feipur: 16-18 August São Paulo, Brazil. www.feiplar.com

K 2022: 19-26 October Düsseldorf, Germany. www.messe-duesseldorf.de

FEB / MAR 2022 65

Wire China 2022: 26-29 September Shanghai, China. www.wirechina.net

diary The hybrid Allrounder 520 H on show at Interplastica was equipped with a 32-cavity mould and produces pipette tips in a cycle time of around six seconds.

Arburg at Interplastica 2022:

High-tech for medical technology Powerful: Hybrid Allrounder 520 H with medical technology application AFTER Interplastica 2021 had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, this important trade fair for the Russianspeaking region was held from 25 to 28 January. In keeping with the medical technology and packaging industries, which have the highest growth rates in Russia, Arburg showed the hybrid high-performance Hidrive series on its stand, with an Allrounder 520 H.

The hybrid high-performance machines of the Hidrive series are optimised for rapid series production and so are also ideally suited for bulk articles used in the personal care, medical and pharmaceutical industries. They combine electric speed and precision on the clamping side with hydraulic power and dynamics during injection. The exhibit was equipped with a 32-cavity mould from Zahoransky and prepared for use

briefs

CT to host Africa Energy Indaba

AFRICA Energy Indaba (AEI) 2022, scheduled for 1-3 March, in partnership with the City of Cape Town, is set to assemble a host of influential global and local sectoral players. The partnership between the City of Cape Town and the AEI 2022, further reinforces the symposium’s status as the foremost energy event of its kind. The conference promises to provide participants with the ideal platform for networking, engagement, and deal-making and is anticipated to be an event of revolutionary proportions for both the African energy sector and the regional economy, promoting tourism, driving job creation, and initiating a muchneeded economic recovery.

16th World Pultrusion Conference

THE EPTA – European Pultrusion Technology Association in cooperation with the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) will take place from 3-4 March in Paris, France. The conference takes place every two years and is the meeting point of the European and worldwide Pultrusion Industry. More than 25 international speakers from Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, The Netherlands, Turkey, UK and

66 FEB / MAR 2022

in clean rooms. The cycle time is around six seconds, which corresponds to a throughput of around 19 200 moulded parts per hour. Arburg represented in SA by Hestico (Pty) Ltd

www.arburg.com www.hestico.co.za

the USA will present practical presentations about innovative applications, technologies and processes. Equally current market trends and developments are on the agenda. www.pultruders.com

bio!PAC 2022

Due to the pandemic, the bio!PAC conference on bioplastics in the packaging sector has been postponed to take place from 15-16 March in Dusseldorf, Germany. www.bioplasticsmagazine.com

Feiplar Composites & Feipur 2022

The eleventh edition of the International Exhibition and Conference on Composites, Polyurethane and Thermoplastics Composites takes place from 16-18 August 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. More than 15.500 visitors from about 30 countries are expected. To present new technologies to all these visitors, more than 300 exhibitors companies are expected, from several countries such as China, the United States, Germany, Italy, England, Turkey, France, Japan and others. During the years of 2019, 2020 and 2021 our seminar (onsite and online) gathered more than 6.200 attendees. www.feiplar.com

Unlocking opportunities IN AFRICA NEWS

CYPET Technologies set to

Find out how to participate in these world-class leading inﬂuential events.

AFRICAmarket BECKONS disrupt global IBC

THE BUSINESS OF ENERGY -

Extending technology to stretch-blow-mould 1 000 litre IBC bottles from PET step. The used IBC market is growing very fast and CYPET is CYPET Technologies, European manufacturer of PET convinced that introducing PET bottles, will change the market injection stretch blow moulding machines, is about to change for the better,” Sideris adds. the global Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) market. Using its extensive injection stretch blow moulding experience for • Cypet is represented in SA by Wrapetfill Process Flow Technologies large PET containers and following an intensive development programme, CYPET is extending its technology to stretchblow-mould 1 000 litre IBC bottles from PET. Virtual Conference | Physical Exhibition CYPET is looking to strike a strategic co-operation, for a partnership to implement the PET IBC bottle project globally. www.africaenergyindaba.com Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa Converting an IBC bottle from the current HDPE to the new PET has huge environmental and economic benefits, that are expected to disrupt the market. The PET bottle’s 35% lower weight has ® the potential to reduce the plastic used in IBCs by 150 000 tons per year. Less energy is expended to produce and transport the bottles, with the associated reductions in carbon emissions. Low cost PET bottles would make rebottling of used IBCs more attractive than washing, eliminating consumption of water and cleaning chemicals. PET bottles can be 100% recycled and used again to make new bottles or other PET containers, for a circular economy. Unlike HDPE bottles, PET bottles can be produced with glass transparency, providing the capability of 21 –visually 22 June 2022 inspecting the IBC contents. These advantagesCentre, make PET bottles ideal for the rebottling Sandton Convention JHB, South Africa of used IBC’s, offering a cost-effective alternative to washing, www.manufacturingindaba.co.za especially for food contact applications. CYPET saw the market potential for PET IBC bottles and invested in the design and engineering of a larger, more advanced production system for these containers. “CYPET’s technology is taking PET where it has never been before. This opens up a new range of opportunities, yet to be explored. We are very excited to see how this leap in PET processing technology will improve the environmental impact, economics and performance of IBCs in the bulk 120-litre PET drum production packaging industry,” says Constantinos Sideris, managing on a CYPET K53 machine director, CYPET Technologies. at K2019 was a see-through CYPET Technologies has been known for stretching the alternative to the high VIRTUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO density polyethylene limits of PET processing, by using its unique technology to drum mould very large PET containers. This has enabled PET packaging to enter into new applications, not accessible to it in the past: 50-litre drums, 50-litre beer kegs, 55-litre crates and AFRICA, INFRASTRUCTURE & YOU 120-litre drums The company holds the world record for the biggest PET www.infrastructure-africa.com container in production, with 120-litre open-mouth PET drums with a 400mm neck diameter. CYPET had exhibited its K 53 machine at the K 2019Renowned fair, producing 120 Litre drums. as a world class service provider, with strong networks across South Africa, Africa and the world, “Moving from drums to IBC bottles was the next natural

1 - 3 MARCH 2022

2022 Conference & Exhibition

17 - 18 AUGUST 2022

10 FEB / MARCH 2022

THE GIANT AWAKENS

Siyenza is highly regarded in the business community and displays a sound track record of delivery. We are the proud organisers and hosts of Africa Energy Indaba, Manufacturing Indaba and Infrastructure Africa. www.wrapetfill.com www.cypet.eu

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: TELEPHONE: +27 11 463 9184

EMAIL: info@siyenzaevents.co.za

WEBSITE: www.siyenza.za.com

diary

Smart assistance systems from Engel PARTS with strict requirements were produced on a tiebar-less Engel victory 80 injection moulding machine during Interplastica 2022 in Russia. Three smart assistance systems from Engel’s inject 4.0 programme ensured very high production efficiency accompanied by iQ clamp consistently high product quality: iQ weight control determines control, iQ clamp control and iQ melt control. the optimum clamping In each individual cycle, iQ weight control force for the injection analyses the pressure and speed profile moulding process in during the injection phase and compares the question on the measured values with a reference profile. basis of mould The injection profile, the switchover point and the holding pressure are automatically adjusted breathing. to the current conditions. iQ clamp control determines the optimum clamping force for the injection moulding process in question on the basis of mould breathing. In many cases, overmoulding and flash can therefore be reliably ruled out. The third smart assistance system in this team is iQ melt control, which optimises the plasticising process. The software determines the optimum plasticising time for the application in question. 68 FEB / MAR 2022

Without iQ weight control on top, and with iQ weight control below: the software automatically detects changes in the raw material and automatically compensates for them within the same cycle.

Official Distributor in Southern for Distributor in Southern Africa Africa for BASF •• Official

® ® Thermoplastic Polyurethane on TPU Elastollan BASF on TPU Elastollan Thermoplastic

Polyurethane Distributor in Southern Africa for Elastron • Official SEBS and EPDM/PP TPE, TPV Elastron®in Distributor Southern Africa for • onOfficial

SEBS Elastron on TPE, TPV Elastron Distributor in Southern Africa for • Official and EPDM/PP ®

CGFSE on FSE® Fluoroelastomers and

Official Distributor in Southern Africa for • Perfluoroelastomers

Engel represented in South Africa by GreenTech Machinery (Pty) Ltd

www.engelglobal.com www.greentechmachinery.co.za

CGFSE on Fluoroelastomers for FSE Weifang on Weipren CPE and • Distributor Perfluoroelastomers of EPS, Various Grades •• Suppliers Engineering Polymers Polymers •• Engineering Polyolefins Polyolefins •• Reworked and Repaletised Materials and Repaletised Materials •• Reworked Official distributor for Politem on PA6, Official distributor for Politem on PA6, PA66 • PA66 unfilled and filled compounds ®

unfilled and filled compounds

Contact Carlo Cell: 084 506 7660 Tel: 011 760 1089 orders@dhpolymers.co.za With their tie-bar-less clamping units, ENGEL victory injection moulding machines combine high production efficiency with consistently high component quality.

Classifieds Feb/Mar'2021.indd 80

2021/01/21 08:50

diary Reifenhäuser MIREX PET sheet lines produce sustainable PET film from up to 100% PET bottle scrap (PCR) for direct food contact (in compliance with FDA-LNO)

Reifenhäuser technologies

for sustainable and recyclable flat and blown film Reifenhäuser presented the digital traceability standard for plastic packaging: “R-Cycle” THE Reifenhäuser Group exhibited its latest production technologies for sustainable and recyclable flat and blown film at Interplastica 2022 in Moscow. As a special highlight, Reifenhäuser presented the digital traceability standard for plastic packaging: “R-Cycle”. This automatically collects recycling-relevant information in so-called digital product passports and supplies it for the waste sorting process to permit sorting by type and high-quality recycling. R-Cycle is under development to market maturity by leading technology companies and organisations along the entire plastic-packaging life cycle. The Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating business unit, which specialises in flat film, exhibited a highly innovative solution for sustainable plastic packaging: PET film produced from up to 100% PET bottle scrap (PCR) for direct contact with foodstuffs. Customers on Reifenhäuser MIREX PET sheet lines process post-consumer recyclate (PCR), not only as an intermediate layer between two outer layers of virgin material. If required, the film can be made from PCR PET only. The end product meets the highest 70 FEB / MAR 2022

Reifenhäuser All-PE Pouch: A digital watermark concealed in the printed image allows waste sorting facilities to retrieve recycling-related information from the R-Cycle digital product passport

hygiene standards and can be used safely, even in direct contact with food. Another highlight of the MIREX PET sheet lines is PCR flake processing without pre-drying. This is achieved on the tried-and-tested co-rotating twin-screw extruder “REItruder”. Processors therefore benefit from lower energy costs, as it eliminates the crystallisation and drying steps in the process. In addition, the line features a special backflush filtration system for extremely high melt quality and process consistency. The result is perfect optical and mechanical film properties. In the blown film sector, the Reifenhäuser Blown Film business unit showed how sustainable flexible packaging could be designed in the future. Using the EVO Ultra Stretch unit, customers produce monomaterial composites (All-PE film) for flexible packaging and replace the otherwise usual PET layer with stretched PE. With up to 10 times the stretch rate, the Ultra Stretch unit gives PE film completely new mechanical properties. www.reifenhauser.com

briefs

Wire & Tube 2022 event delayed to June

Messe Düsseldorf postpones Wire and Tube in consultation with the partners and associations involved to 20-24 June. The currently very dynamic infection patterns and rapidly spreading Omicron variant have resulted in adjustments in the Düsseldorf trade fair calender that require re-scheduling the Wire and Tube originally planned for 9-13 May. www.wire-tradefair.com

The Manufacturing event for Africans, by Africans

WANTED!!!

THE Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) will be hosting their PIPES XIII Plastic Pipe Conference in Johannesburg on 6-7 September. Topics covered by Pipes XIII will embrace issues relating to HDPE and PVC pipe quality, production and manufacturing trends, installation standards and new international applications. This is a not-to-be missed event that will feature an exciting line-up of local and international experts, including the two authors from Radius Systems and Kiwa that won best papers presented at PPXX in Amsterdam. www.sappma.co.za

ABS or HIPS WHITE Re-Pelletized or Regrind Contact Andrew: 083 677 3369 Advertisers: – February / March 2022

International forum on sustainability in packaging FROM 3 to 5 May, the world of sustainable packaging will meet in Milan for Packaging Speaks Green, the international forum on sustainability in the packaging supply chain which will be back as an in-person event in the Fiera Milano exhibition centre in Rho. Packaging Speaks Green will focus on new tools and methods for the design of sustainable packaging, barriers to its development and strategies for bringing about change while dispelling some of the false myths associated with the world of sustainability. The conference will be held in conjunction with IPACK-IMA, devoted to processing and packaging technologies and GreenPlast, which focuses on the plastics and rubber industry. www.a-piu-srl.com

Aerontec

Associated Additives

Brenntag SA

IFC

Carst & Walker

DemaPlasTech

DH Polymers

Extrupet

GreenTech Machinery

Kainotomia Polymers

Masterbatch SA

Meraxis SA

MGMW Trading

IBC

Milliken

Nissei ASB

Performance Colour Systems

Polyoak Packaging

Rawmac

Safrique

SAPPMA

Ultra Polymers

Wrapetfill Packaging Zerma Africa

13 OBC

To place a classified advert please Fax: 086 519 6089 or Tel: 021 712 1408 or Email: heather@summitpub.co.za

www.sapt.co.za

FEB / MAR 2022 71

THE Manufacturing Indaba, from 21-22 June at theSandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, is the leading manufacturing event in Sub-Saharan Africa. The event has shown impressive growth year on year and has proved its value in catalyzing business connections and helping manufacturers to innovate and grow their potential. Participate in the manufacturing conference and exhibition to learn from industry leaders, manufacturing sector experts and international speakers. Meet potential buyers through business matchmaking programme and buyers lounge. www.manufacturingindaba.co.za

September

OCT / NOV 2019

UTECH Middle East/Africa Foam & Polyurethane Expo, has been rescheduled to 7-9 June at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Crain Communications Global Polymer Group organises some of the global polyurethane industry’s largest trade shows including UTECH Europe, PU China/UTECH Asia and UTECH Las Americas. Show organisers expect visitors to UTECH Middle East/Africa Foam & Polyurethane Expo to come from businesses in Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. www.mefpu.com

Plastique Classiﬁed CLASSIFIEDS PIPES XII in

UTECH Middle East/ Africa foam & polyurethane Expo

SPORTS The partners in the project – Covestro, Advanced Polymer Technology of Australia and Polytan GmbH, a German manufacturer of synthetic sport surfaces – jointly developed the Poligras™ Tokyo GT ﬁeld hockey surface which was used at the at the Tokyo Olympics last year. Poligras contains a PU raw material from Covestro produced with up to 20% CO2

Teaming up to construct a sustainable hockey field Another important application of CO2-based material cardyon® COVESTRO is using its cutting-edge carbon dioxide technology to contribute to a circular economy. For example, Covestro partnered with Australia-based Advanced Polymer Technology (APT) – a leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and artificial turf products – to develop the exclusive Poligras Tokyo GT field hockey surface in conjunction with sports flooring manufacturer Polytan. This product was developed for last summer’s major sporting event in Tokyo, using Covestro’s CO2 technology specifically to produce the binder that sits beneath the surface. The particularly sustainable new material, called cardyon®, is a polyol produced with up to 20% CO2. Covestro brought this groundbreaking technology to market a few years ago. It helps reduce the use of petroleum-based fossil raw material in polyol by up to one-fifth. This is an enormous advance and an innovative contribution to resource conservation and the circular 72

SPORTS.indd 72

economy for the plastics-producing industry and beyond. cardyon is manufactured at Covestro’s Dormagen site near Cologne, Germany. Thanks to Covestro’s CO2 technology and other sustainable components such as renewable raw materials and recycled rubber, this field hockey pitch is one of the most sustainable and technologically advanced surfaces developed in the world. At the same time, it offers premium playability and performance for field hockey players with features that ensure lower surface temperatures and higher ball speeds. Cardyon is now also used to produce padding for shoes and car interiors, flexible foam for mattresses and adhesives for sports floors. The first prototypes of insulating materials made of rigid foam and surfactants, which are used as detergents, for example, were also recently realized using CO2 technology. www.covestro.com

FEB / MAR 2022

2022/02/15 14:34

Manufacturing of new barrels and screws Bimetallic - Nitrided – Through harden Refurbishment of Barrels, Screws, Granulators, Blow Film and T-Dies

Suppliers of recycling/pipe/proﬁle/ ﬁlm & reduction industry

MGMW Trading (Pty) Ltd Fine Fit Ofﬁce: +27 66 250 1937 Wolf: +27 82 771 7271 Gunther: +27 83 441 3206 Unit 17 Log Road - Roodekop admin@mgmwtrading.co.za www.mgmwtrading.com

Classifieds Feb/Mar'22.indd 72

www.hitech-china.net

2022/02/17 13:13

Zerma-Africa-Propak-Ad-CROPMARKS.pdf

CMY

2022/02/09

15:17