Plastc News october 2011

Volume No. 47 Tech-47/713/MBI/09-11 Issue No. 10 October 2011 Rs. 75.00

SAY YES TO PLASTICS

P L A S T I C S N E W S O C T O B E R 2 0 1 13

Tech-47/713/MBI/09-11 October 2011Volume 47 No. 10

Hon. Editor Mr. Raju Desai

Associate Editor Mr. Hiten Bheda

Chairman - Editorial Board Mr. Yogesh Shah

Members Dr. T. Biswas Mr. A. E. Ladhaboy

Editorial Co-ordination: Padmesh Prabhune, Dhruv Communications,

Mumbai, Tel No: 00-22-2868 5198 / 5049 • Fax No : 00-22-28685495 email: [email protected]

Published by Ms. Uma Gupta on behalf of the owners,

The All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association

Plot No. A-52, Road No. 1, M.I.D.C., Andheri (E),

Mumbai-400 093. Tel: 67778899 • Fax : 00-22-2821 6390

E-mail : [email protected]

Website : http://www.aipma.net

and printed by her at Dhote Offset Technokrafts Pvt. Ltd.,

Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai-400 060.

Annual Subscription Rs. 750/-

Single issue Rs. 75/-

Views/Reports/Extracts etc. published in Plastics News are those of the

authors and not necessarily of the Editor. Furthermore except for copies of

formal AIPMA communications no other matter in this journal should be

interpreted as views of The All India Plastics Mfgrs. Association.

Mr. Ashok AgarwalVice President

(East Zone)

Mr. Manish DedhiaHon. Secretary

Dr. Asutosh GorJt. Hon. Secretary

Mr. Mukesh ShahHon. Treasurer

OFFICE BEARERS

The Offi cial Organ of The All India Plastics Manufacturers Association Estd. 1945

Mr. Jayesh RambhiaPresident

Mr. Anand OzaVice President (West Zone)

Mr. R. K. AggarwalVice President (North Zone)

Mr. Anil BansalVice President (South Zone)

IN THIS ISSUE...17...AIPMA At Work

31...Company News

37...Environment

...How Much Energy Does It Take to Make Bottled Water?

38...Features...Australian fi rms stumbling over Chinese competition

...The Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery industry grows 22%

...What's the Latest in Bio plastics Material Technology Solutions!

...Caps and closure cannot be overlooked anymore

...Recycling, materials separation major theme of CCMA event

...Califronia laws expected to boost plastics recycling

57...International News

61...Business News

66...Product News

72...Technology

76...In the News

CONTENT





THE PRESIDENT SAYS

Being elected President of The All India Plastic Manufacturers Association I am

overwhelmed. It is huge honor and responsibility. Your overwhelming support and strength of our team has given me confi dence to accept challenge. It is huge change, from being entrepreneur to leading industry association. Shifting Focus solely from personal gains, heart expands to enjoy larger good: “Bahujan Sukhay Bahujan Hitay”.

Through years of giving service while climbing ladder in managing commitee, we are groomed to expand our vision by senior leaders of team.

Also through years I have enjoyed seeing team of SME entrepreneurs working together selfl essly and achieving stupendous success. Plastivision India becoming 5th largest Plastic trade show in the world, Plastivision Arabia agreement with Sharjah Chamber of commerce, 200 Acres of land at Dahej : are nothing less than miracles due to “Nishkam Karma” - selfl ess service. It gives tremendous pleasure to entire team.

When we give away our time and serve industry for larger good, we do get satisfaction and goodwill of entire industry. It is also learning and growing experience to work with such large and diverse team.

When association work well and benefi ts industry. Employment grows and makes our India stronger. It also improves lives of millions of workers in our industry.

I have seen Power corrupting Minds, I was concerned. A saintly neighbor advised to accept power as Gods “Prasad” and do selfl ess service humbly to experience joy.

I would do my best to deserve the post. I thank you all.

Through thumping majority you have shown your preference for Performance.

We promise to continue t o f o c u s o n d e l i v e r i n g Performance.

AIPMA is Catalyst to Growth of

Plastic Industry. AIPMA is run by entrepreneurs just like yourself, well supported by professional staff. Being in industry ourselves, we know constraint to growth of industry. With 60 Years strong association, AIPMA has experience, teamwork and connect with Government to make a positive contribution to industry.

Through Plastic News' website www.aipma.net we will keep reporting result of our effort. During year ahead we will be focusing on making positive difference in each department of your business. We would also strengthen association to serve changing needs of industry more effi ciently.

We will keep Positive Attitude, Perform to Serve and Focus on growth of industry. Being entrepreneur in SME is lonely battle. Boss is at top and has company of few.

But when we gather at AIPMA our strength multiplies. You are welcome to join us by email, letters or in person, attending AIPMA events.

Do participate and respond. That will keep game interesting.

Your suggestions and comments are welcome.

Jayesh [email protected]

Dear Members,






FROM THE EDITOR

The last month was full of happenings with trade exhibits like KOPLAS 2011 and INTERPLAS

2011 wherein AIPMA was represented. KOPLAS, this year seemed to be fruitful for us as AIPMA was successful in its endeavor of having some overseas association as well. The yearly elections were successfully concluded in September and the new team taking the charge form this month. I congratulate everyone.

Like other industries whacked by the recession, North America’s rotational molding sector plunged in 2009 — a 9.9 percent drop for rotomolding — but the business managed to bounce back for a 5.5 percent gain in 2010, according to a report from market research fi rm Plastics Custom Research Services.

Except for 2009 and a small drop in 2001, the rotomolding business also grew every year of the decade. That cannot be said for injection molding sales, which were fl at from 2000 through 2005, then declined four straight years from 2006 through 2009, according to the research fi rm. It could be seen that the rotomolders had one bad year, and they have bounced back.

Back home on the other hand India is set to win over China thanks to the rising labour costs. As a matter of fact the rising labour costs have helped India in a way to gain some of its market it lost to China as the labour rate in China are on higher end. This seems to be the window of opportunity, perhaps a handy situation, for India can and should try to re-gain its manufacturing lead.

In fact, in segments like Electrical goods, household goods, clocks and some textile items Indian manufacturers have got back some of the market they had lost to cheaper Chinese imports.

While this show some good trends, in an yet another current development , the Delhi state government has decided to place a blanket ban on the usage and also the production of plastic bags in the upcoming two months. The people violating the ban is expected to witness imprisonment of nearly fi ve years and also fi ne of up to Rs 1 lakh or both as part of the environment friendly initiative.

The ban will be imposed under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. According to which the storage and also sale of plastic bags will be considered an offence. The Centre has issued a draft notifi cation demanding recommendations and also objections to the move from the stakeholders till November 20 after which a fi nal notifi cation will be issued, and the ban will be imposed. Though the ban is said to be an environment friendly initiative, the impact remains to be seen..

Wishing everyone Happy Diwali and happy reading….

Hon. EditorRaju Desai

[email protected]

From the Editor’s Pen….








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Mr, Jayesh Rambhia (designation) and Ms Uma Gupta Secretary General AIPMA visited to the

Koplas 2011 last month. Mrs Lilian Segundo joined us from Expo center Sharjah. Also KOPLAS was more of small show with largely Korean exhibitors & visitors.

AIPMA booth had displayed posters for PVI and PVA at their booth also two of our PVA exhibitors had sent their catalogs, which were displayed in AIPMA booth.

Talking about Korea it is sandwiched between China and Japan and the preferred airline is Air Korea.

The country has a population of around 4.9 crores with the per capita income being 30000 US$ (PPP terms). The currency in circulation is W ( called as Won, 1 US$ = 1160 Won, 1 Won = 0.05 Indian Rupees) the country has compulsory Military service for 2 years for all men and as a result one can fi nd disciplined, law abiding, patriotic citizens. Also there are no traffi c police on streets, no horns, and traffi c follows the basic road manners . the city have lots of camera monitoring citizens and the offenders are fi ned accordingly. Also the tradition and culture is quite close to Japan and China.

Seoul is the capital city with the population of around 10 Million and perhaps with some six million cars plying on the city roads. With river Han fl owing in middle of city, there are twenty eight bridges connecting south & north Seoul. The infrastructure is proper with development on riverside and bridges decorated artistically.

Korea is safe and a bit expensive place to stay. Korea one can say is modern in infrastructure and traditional in values. The country is Clean and neat and is good option to have business provided one knows korean for english is not spoken or understood by many of the people. Trade could be possible as it seems open for exports and at times diffi cult for imports.

Korea as we know could be called as Land of world leading brands like Samsung, Hyundai, LG. The government there seems to be very concerned about environment and follows strict norms. Exhibition ground has banned use of carpets to reduce carbon foot print of show. However coastal roads and bridges keep Seoul traffi c moving.

A trip to KOPLAS 2011

AIPMA AT WORK

Busan is port city of Korea and one must visit to see their industries.

Some notable exhibits :� Glass bubbles from 3M as fi llers to reduce wight of plastic

products

� Paper composites : Making plastic bio degradabl. Chairs with made of paper fi lled PP.

� Corn based plastic materials & bio degradable materials: Many exhibitors offered such materials. Polymer from plant sorces, Bio Degradable polymers were offered by many exhibitors.


Delegates from AIPMA at the KOPLAS 2011

AIPMA AT WORK


� Quick die changing systems along with mould transfer table mounted on a fork lift can help speed up mould change time. Hydraulic clamps remove any tools needed & speed up mould setting.

Quick Die change system needs to be developed indigenously.

Plastic News Initiatives :During Koplas AIPMA have had tie ups with various

associations and magazines for Exchange of advertisements, Write ups, News Updates in Plastic News. Similar barter of website banners is also agreed.

This will boost reach of Indian plastic industry through affordable advertising in foreign magazines.

This will also help the association in getting latest information about plastics faster.

These initiatives will reduce advertise cost for PVI, PVA & other AIPMA initiatives.

Will attract more exhibitors, delegations & visitors to AIPMA shows.

As quality of Plastic News improves, readership will also improve. Its good for members, industry & association. Plastic News can become independent profi t center for AIPMA.

As Korean plastic industry is more advanced, much bigger than Indian industry and Indian industry is more competitive, there is mutual need for growth.

Hyundai has made India hub for small car production. Similar growth in plastic sector is possible.

Response : Following association / publications have agreed to mutual assistance:

plastic.net.kr

Korea Packaging Association

Plastic World Korea

Seoul Pack

Korea Screen printing Association

Korea Bio-plastic Association

Their circulation is higher and advertising is expensive But barter for equal pages has given us advantage.

Total value of ads bartered for next 3 years is Rs 75 lakh. AIPMA members will get opportunity to insert classifi ed ads at affordable rates to boost their export to Korea.

This is for fi rst time Plastic News has been used for barter and AIPMA should repeat these initiatives with all Plastic associations worldwide.

PVI 2013 Agreement :Korea E & Ex Inc are professional organizers and our

agent for Plastivision India in Korean market. They had sponsored hotel stay for both delegates and airfare for VP.

Kintex Exibition center has fantastic infrastructure readily available. So they had lot of time and were absolutely patient with negotiations.

Koreans are tough negotiators. But have agreed to AIPMA’s terms as PVI is strong.

They have offered AIPMA to be nodal agent for Koplas on similar terms as they are of PVI. They also want agreement for long term.

New Products Applications:India is currently processing about 8 kg/head/year.

Plastic being most low cost material its use makes economy competitive.

Increasing right use of plastic strengthens economy.

There were some observation and few innovative uses of plastic in Korea.

AIPMA AT WORK


If we in India emulate that, it will help grow our industry.

1. Design for cheapest garbage segregation dust bins: Image below.

1. Umbrella covers : near entrance of malls, offi ces, exhibition halls this is smart way to cover wet umbrellas with plastic bag. Similar covers for shoes are also available.

This helps keep indoors clean & dry.

2. Polybag dispenser : Handy things get used more. Just as tissue paper dispenser box has multiplied tissue paper use.A polybag dispenser will surely increase convenience for consumers. This one was fi tted in bathroom, useful as hygiene bag dispenser.

Such smart new application develops market & expands industry.

Sample, images, movies of use of all above products are available at AIPMA library.

We will endeavor to add new product application every month for industry to adopt & grow.

Visit to Embassy:1. Ambassador has agreed to have market survey done

by a professional agency to identify export opportunities in Plastic industry & share importer data.

2. He will also extend support for AIPMA buyer-seller meet during Koplas 2014.

Similar arrangements can be made in all countries being visited during year.

"The exhibition catalogue of Koplas 2011 is available at AIPMA library "

AIPMA AT WORK


AIPMA AT WORK

The leading triennial plastics exhibition The International Plastics & Rubber show, Interplas was

held from 27-29 Sep 2011 at Birmingham, UK.

Mr. Yogesh Shah ex-President, AIPMA and Mr. Ajay Desai Chairman PVA 2012 represented the association and our Booth was J 64 Hall 4.

The leading triennial plastics exhibition, Interplas has successfully represented the plastic processing community in the UK since the 1950’s and has remained the number one show for the UK marketplace. It is widely considered to be the International Forum for the British plastics industry, serving both imports and exports of materials, equipment and processing services.

The show Interplas 2011 incorporated the full spectrum of plastics manufacturing equipment and services from design through manufacture to post-processing, parts handling and packaging. Exhibits included: injection moulding equipment, extrusion lines, thermoforming, materials and parts handling, raw materials suppliers, masterbatch, polymers and elastomers, printing, decorating and surface fi nishing treatments and equipment, recycling, robotics equipment, plastics design technology, design and project managment

services, contract moulding facilities, tooling materials and manufacture, test, inspection and measurement equipment, QA & QC equipment, ancillaries,consultants and training services. There were more than some three hundred Exhibitors having more than two thousand Business Visitors

Under the new management of Rapid News Communications Group, Interplas 2011 offered both exhibitors & visitors several new initiatives aimed at stimulating both imports and exports.

At the heart of the show is the ‘British Centre of Excel lence’ pavi l ion that showcased some of the finest products moulded as well as extruded in the UK. Interplas 2011 had focus on Education with multiple seminar theatres focused on the key issues affecting plastics manufacturers

today. These seminars were free of charge to attend and it covered topics such as the latest in technology and materials.

This year the Contract Manufacturing Zone and the Plastic Design Intelligence Seminar (PDI), which is designed to maximise productivity for design engineers were introduced for the fi rst time.

We had received some brochures from three companies, viz Pridiw Poly Industries, Quality Hindustan Corporation, Sparkonix (India Pvt Ltd) for displaying it at our booth J 64 Hall 4.

There were two inquiries received for the display of catalogues

1. Sparkonix (India Pvt Ltd) Ashwin Plastic Industries 209 Ark Industrial Estate, Makwana Road, Marol,

Andheri (East), Mumbai 400059 Contact: Mr Yogesh Shah [email protected]

M-9321035558 Off 022 28565414

The INTERPLAS 2011


AIPMA AT WORK

2. Quality Hindustan Corpn Requirement for dehumidifi er for Minifl ex Ltd e-mail: dan@minifl ex.co.uk

We met immediate Past President Mr Paul Jukes and Mr Stephen Hunt & Ms Justina on September, 28 and fi xed up the meeting with their current President Philip Watkins, Director General and Peter Davis OBE FRSA Director general and Stewart Law on 29th September 2011 at 11.00 am.

They were very positive for participation in PVI 2013 in large numbers and they were willing to participate in seminars during our Exhibitions PVA 2012 & PVI 2013.

We left the contract with Ms Justina of BPF for signing the contract by their President. She had wanted to do some corrections and suggested that she will get the same Faxed to us after the signature of our President.

Then we met Mr Mark Blizard, Managing Director of Rapid News for promoting our show PVA 2011. He had

arranged a meeting with Mr Scot Colman Sales Director Editor of MPPM & British Plastics & Rubber, Mr. David Gray Editor MEP Publications for barters for PVA & PVI.

They looked forward to media barter for PVA 2012 & PVI 2013

We also met Mr Colin Robinson, Event Sales Manager for Exhibitors marketing of PVA 2012

We met Ms Dione Zimmer, Exhibition Organisation of Demat fairs + Exhibitions want to Promote shows mutually. They would like us to promote Euro Brazil. They are already present during PVA 2012.

We meet Mr Mathew Barber Sales Manager of Plastics News & European Plastics News as media partner.

Also we had a meeting with Mr. Aleksander Libera, First Secretary Embassy of the Republic of Poland for getting a Business Delegation to PVA 2012 & PVI 2013.


Sr.No. Name Total Votes ReceivedA-I B-I

1 Mr. Ajay U Desai 4842 Mr. Anil Kanuga 4753 Mr. Anand J Oza 4744 Mr. Arun Kumbhojkar 4805 Mr. Ashok Kumar Jain 4786 Dr. Asutosh Kantilal Gor 4787 Mr. Chandrakant N Turakhia 4788 Mr. Hitesh B Sanghvi 4759 Mr. Kailash B Murarka 479

10 Mr. Mahendra C Kothari 47911 Mr. Manish Dedhia 47812 Mr. Mayhur D Shah 47213 Mr. Mayur K Shah 10114 Dr. Mahendra B Parmar 46915 Mr. Mahendra Deshlahra 47216 Mr. Mohan K Jain 46717 Mr. Mukesh Jayantilal Shah 47018 Mr. Rituraj Gupta 46319 Mr. Suresh J Atre 46620 Mr. Shailesh Sancheti 46221 Mr. Vinod V Podar, 46122 Mr. V. Anil Reddy, 45923 Mr. Yogesh P Shah 465

A-II1 Mr. Arvind M Mehta 4662 Mr. Bipin B Desai 933 Mr. Jayesh K Rambhia 4634 Mr. Kishore P Sampat 4535 Mr. Raju D Desai 462

D1 Mr. Narendra Vadgama 4212 Mr. Sunil Shah 90

Unopposed Elected Members1 Mr. Bipin Shah2 Mr. Shyam Sunder Tulsyan

B-II1 Mr. Anil Bansal

C-I1 Mr. Vijay Mishra

C-II1 Mr. Sunil Jain

E-I1 Mr. Subhash C Chaturvedi

E-II1 Mr. Hemant N Mehta

F-South1 Mr. Meela Jayadev

F- North1 Mr. R.K. Agarwal

F-East1 Mr. Ashok Agarwal

F-West1 Mr. Sanju Desai2 Mr. Vinay C Nandwana

G1 Mr. Rajendra M Shah

THE ALL INDIA PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION

Results of 65th Elections 2011-12 held on 24th September, 2011

Election held on Following CategoriesA-I, A-II, D

No Election on following CategoriesB-I, B-II, C-I, C-II, E-I, E-II, F-South

F-North, F-East, F-West, G

a) Total Outstation Ballots Received 349Total Local Ballots Received 193

542

b) Total Outstation Invalid Ballots 3Total Local Invalid Ballots 2

5

c) Total Valid Outstation Ballot Votes 346Total Local Valid Votes 191

537

AIPMA AT WORK



Results being announced of the 65th Elections

Mr. Jagat Killawala, Chairman Election Committee announcing results of the election

A hand of cheers to the elected members

Congratulations to the new elected members

AIPMA AT WORK



AGM in progress

Passing of Accounts and Annual Report

Mr. Kishore Sampat,Hon. Treasurer

AIPMA AT WORK

The elections for the year 2011-12 were scheduled on Saturday, 24 September. The polling exercsie began at 10.00 a.m. in the morning and continued till 3.00 p.m. in the afternoon. This was immediately followed by the

counting of votes from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. in the evening. Results were declared at 6.00 p.m. followed by the Annual General Meeting.

The meeting began with a welcome address by Mr. Yogesh Shah, Ex President. Mr. Jagat Killawala, Chairman of the Election Committee 2011-2012, declared the results.

Mr. Arvind Mehta and Mr. Bhogilal Gandhi, Senior Members of the Managing Committee appreciated the retiring team for their in valuable support and the hard work they had been doing over the year. The Q&A sessions was quite interacrtive and lively one...

Mr. Manish Dedhia, Hon. Secretary, concluded the AGM with the vote of thanks.



Felicitation of the Election Committee by Past President

Mr. Anand Modi, Member of Election Committee Mr. B. J. Gandhi, Managing Committee Member

Mr. Jagat Killawala, Chairman Election Committee being felicitated byMr. Yogesh P. Shah, Past President

Mr. Suresh P. Sheth, Member of Election Committee

AIPMA AT WORK



Past President and Office Bearers addressing the members

Mr. Jayesh K. Rambhia, Vise President West Zone Addressing the Members

Mr. B. J. Gandhi, Managing Committee Member

Mr. Jagat Killawala, Chairman Election Committee being felicitated by Mr. Yogesh P. Shah, Past President

Mr. Suresh P. Sheth, Member of Election Committee

AIPMA AT WORK



Q & A sessions...

Mr. Ashok Kumar Jain, Managing Committe Member

Mr. Jagat Killawala, Chairman Election Committee Mr. Mohan K. Jain, Managing Committe Member

Mr. Rajiv Tolat, Member Mr. Sunil J. Shah, Member

AIPMA AT WORK



Words of appreciation to the retired team team

A loud plause to Mr. B. J. Gandhi

Mr. Arvind Mehta, Member of managing Commiittee giving words of appreciation

Mr. B. J. Gandhi, Member of Managing Committee giving words of apprecition

AIPMA AT WORK



COMPANY NEWS

RIL expresses interest in acquiring controlling interest in Haldia Petrochemicals Ind ia ’s l a rges t pe t rochem

maker- Reliance Industries has expressed interest in acquiring a controlling interest in loss-making Haldia Petrochemicals, ready to make a competitive bid when the West Bengal government decides to put its stake for sale, as per telegraphindia. This week, the Supreme Court has settled the ownership of 15.5 crore shares reinforcing the state government’s position as the single largest shareholder in HPL. RIL awaits clarity on the stake sale issue. If there is a possibility of a third party being allowed to participate, RIL is keen to bid. The state had made an offer in 2005 to Purnendu Chatterjee, (holding 42.72% stake in the project), who at that time fl inched because of

the price. The stake sale process will depend on the valuation of Haldia Petro and the Bengal government’s resolve to extract the best possible price through a transparent process. Industry observers believe that a competitive bidding process is the best possible option. Since Chatterjee has the fi rst right of refusal, he would be asked to close the deal at the highest bid price. He will have to shell out funds for the entire 52 crore shares that the state government holds. If he fails to do so, the state government would be within its rights to sell its shares to the highest bidder. Sources say Another runner in the race could be IOC.

Hindustan Petroleum Corp. invites bids to conduct feasibility study for

Vizag Hindustan Petroleum Corp. has invited bids to conduct a feasibility study for a refi nery and petrochemical project at Visakhapatnam in southern India. The last date to submit tenders for the contract is Nov. 15. The state run oil major is reviving the Visakhapatnam project which was stalled earlier as its partners had pulled out due to the global economic slowdown in 2008-09. The Visakhapatnam project was initially planned as a joint venture by Hindustan Petroleum, Mittal Energy Investments, France's Total SA, GAIL (India) Ltd. and Oil India Ltd. It was projected to have an export-oriented refi nery with a capacity of 280,000-300,000 bpd and a petrochemical plant of at least 1 mln tons of annual capacity.

Polymer Research Technologies (PRT), which is active in the

chemical recycling of polyurethane has won, beating 178 competitors , $130,000 in the 11th Annual British Columbia Innovation Counsel’s New Ventures Competition. PRT’s technology takes pre- and post-consumer PU waste destined for landfill and recycles it into a non-toxic, high-quality and low-cost polyol product, called Recyclopol. This can be re-used in place of virgin polyol.“Each year the quality of the companies that enter the competition goes up, making the decision for our jury a very diffi cult one,” said Bob de

Wit, executive director of the New Ventures BC Society. “This year we chose PRT because, among the fi nalists, they are poised to make the biggest impact for positive change in society.” The award “validates the years of work by our dedicated team and illustrates the tremendous market opportunity PRT is pursuing while providing an economical solution to the polyurethane waste problem as well as making a positive impact to our global environmental challenges,” said PRT founder and chief technology offi cer Kambiz Taheri.

PRT says its Recyclopol “solves several major polyurethane industry

concerns.” First, by providing waste to PRT, polyurethane manufacturers no longer have to store the waste, transport it to landfi lls, or burn it. All of these processes are expensive and harmful to the environment.Secondly, by purchasing Recyclopol as a substitute for virgin polyol, manufacturers are no longer susceptible to the fl uctuations in polyol cost caused by the ever-changing price of crude oil, PRT claims.And third, by substituting a lower-cost Recyclopol for virgin polyol, PRT says PU manufacturers are able to save “tens of millions of dollars per year.”

PU recycler wins Canadian award


COMPANY NEWS

Plasti surge Industries bags the Best Industry Award 2010

Plasti surge Industries Pvt Ltd has been awarded

the fi rst prize of the Best Industry Award 2010 by the Government of Maharashtra under the district Industries centre award scheme for its outstanding performance. The Award was bestowed upon by the Hon’ble Agriculture minister of Maharashtra state and Guardian minister of Amrvati at the Amravati District Commissionerate

Solvay commissions world’s largest hydrogen peroxide facility at ThailandSolvay has commissioned

the world’s largest hydrogen peroxide (HP) facility at Map Ta Phut, Thailand with production capacity of over 330,000 tpa of HP at 100% concentration. The production process of the Thailand facility is based on the company’s proprietary high performance HP technology. The technology minimizes investment and production costs and also offers considerable environmental benefi ts like decrease in energy consumption and waste water production. Siam Cement Group (SCG) and Dow receive HP as a raw material from the new plant for production of propylene oxide (PO). PO is increasingly used to manufacture glycol ethers, polyurethanes and propylene glycol. When compared to conventional PO production technologies, PO production with HP

delivers exceptional economic and environmental advantages. Though the new Thailand facility is mainly constructed to supply HP for the Dow-SCG JV HPPO plant, it also delivers materials to Solvay Peroxythai (SPX), one of the leading HP manufacturers in South-East Asia. The plant will double the current production capacity of SPX and ensures long-term supply for its clients.

Plastic Engineering partners with Mexico suppliers Plastic Engineering Inc. is partnering with two entities in Nogales, Mexico, to lower costs for certain injection molding and machining work.In early September, the Tempe-based fi rm established relationships for machining with the National Manufacturing Mexico LLC unit of Stow, Ohio-based National Machine Group and for injection molding with

the Nogales Plastic Molding SA de CV operation of Nogales, Ariz.-based Azmex Plastics Molding LLC.Plastic Engineering says studies show that Mexico manufacturing cost savings can exceed those of companies in China or India and that the difference in direct labor costs has narrowed.Plastic Engineering employs 60 and occupies a combined 43,000 square feet in three locations. Tempe has capabilities for precision machining and vacuum forming. A Houston site offers injection molding, and an Irwindale, Calif., facility has precision machining.Of the fi rm’s core machining work, plastics accounts for about 80 percent of volume and metal for the remainder. Together the injection molding and vacuum forming processes represent about 30 percent of total sales.

Euromap says processors can cut energy use Frankfurt-based European

association of plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers, Euromap, has endorsed a European Commission objective to cut European energy consumption by 20 percent by 2020.The association says the target is achievable, based on a study i t commissioned enti t led “Energy effi ciency: European plastics and rubber machines well placed.” Euromap President Bernhard Merki said“The suppliers of technology at

any rate have the technical ability and the will to do it,” Euromap estimates that European processors could cut machine-related energy consumption by 20 percent by 2020, with the majority of the savings coming from making greater use of energy-effi cient technology combined with new drive designs, further increases in the productivity of plant and manufacturing processes, and from integrating mult istage processes into new operations.


Global B2B Communications provides analysis tool to Plastics IndustryPlastics processors and plastic

p r o d u c t m a n u f a c t u r e r s grappling with recession impacts on marketing budgets and trying to determine how to best stretch scant market ing funds to sel l products worldwide can now apply for no-cost mathematics-assisted 2012 Online Marketing and Offline Marketing Mix Plans from Global B2B Communications.

The Global B2B Communications marketing/PR planning uses high-level mathematical tools to help measure and gauge the highest returns-on-investment for online marketing tactics to reach global niche markets such as construction, medical supplies, appliances, etc. These web competitive analysis tools give readings of a company’s unique competitive landscape on the web in relation to the market niches their company targets worldwide. When needed, the Global B2B Marketing Mix tips also outline off-line marketing tactics available for greater global impact.

The 10-step process used by Global B2B Communications to guide companies’ in-house efforts to complete the optimal 2012+ marketing strategy includes: 1) data and fi ndings from high-powered search engine optimization tools for web competitive analysis for a selected keyphrase vs. less competitive terms that a web competitive analysis demonstrates are not as effective even if more popular ; 2) demonstration of how

to overtake competitor websites for traffi c and rankings for that selected keyphrase in a step-by-step manner; 3) assessing relative importance and strengths of off-page (links) to on-page website optimization factors; 4) a preliminary review and report by highly trained search engine optimization consultants as to whether resources need to be devoted to re-working web site code to make the company site more visible to search engines and/or cost-projections of migrating current web designs to more search engine friendly web frameworks such as Wordpress, or whether to build additional country-specifi c domains; 5) rewrite demonstration of a web page using math tools that transform personalized search algorithms from obstacles to competitive advantages to enable companies to compare before and after content and the before/af ter web development results viewed with in-house Google analytics; 6) suggested online and print publications to pursue with variety of PR tactics and tools (blogs and on online publications, post articles, white papers, news releases, etc.) help overcome obstacles some companies face in reaching certain market niches due to search engines’ local search algorithms and intrinsic challenges these create to reach prospects far from home; 7) intelligence and metrics from web competitive analysis software to identify page one competitors for a particular search term that can be surpassed in the shortest timeframe; 8) systems assessment of fi t for in-

house vs. outsourced assistance with Google advertising, display ads and other online advertising; 9) recommendation on web marketing courses that match skill set of in-house marketing management and/or web teams; 10) and listings of potential lead sources available through mining Twitter, Linked In and other business-oriented social media. Optional add-ons available for select companies upon request are recommendations for videos to assist viral marketing and/or overall company communications plan, and/or best-match list sources and testing methods for direct email campaigns.

The written presentation of the no-cost 2012 Marketing Mix Plans from Global B2B Communications will create a summary of the aforementioned research and provide the top 5 recommended solutions to convert worldwide prospects to customers. These plans are organized to bring global marketing alternatives into focus and help companies analyze their best course of action—from industrial companies to those offering services.

Amy Munice, President of Global B2B Communications comments that this service is especially timely for any company whose web site was built prior to 2009 and that is now looking to engineer the development of future markets. Munice says, “After 2009 local search especially started becoming a major factor affecting website optimization—impacting companies that sell locally vs. those

COMPANY NEWS


who sell globally differently. It’s easy to understand how the recession news overshadowed marketing managers learning about these developments. However, most business owners, marketing executives-- and surprisingly even many webmasters or full-time SEO consultants—whom I speak with have not identifi ed that search engines change EVERY day, a that this is a new and important marketing factor that probably tops all others in importance and why web competitive analysis tools are now crucial to making progress. There are phenomena such as personalized search algorithms, local search algorithms, “bad link” neighborhoods, etc. that are impacting the success of many online marketing programs, whether recognized or not.”

Munice continues, “If you are selling on a global scale it is inherently more complex because different regions and markets often require some devotion to off-line marketing tactics and tools (trade directories, trade shows, print publications, etc.) to reach prospects that do not yet use the Internet as their primary information source. Also, now that social networks are having good impacts on web traffi c, and since many

networks tend to be more local, that needs to be factored in as well.”

“Generally, companies that use higher-level mathematics technology to 1) identify keywords providing greater windows of opportunity, 2) overcome personalized search algorithms, or 3) perform web competitive analysis studies are advantaged. On Global B2B Communications we not only use these tools but have a team of top-level experts (in SEO, Pay Per Click advertising, Global PR, Video production, etc.) that will use these tools in viewing current websites and to help make preliminary assessments of best-practice marketing mixes. If more detailed and time-consuming studies are required, those projects are handled on a separate basis. The initial assessment service however is at no charge. Companies really have nothing to lose by taking advantage of this free service. I’m happy to discuss this in more detail and can be reached at +872-222-7361 or by email to amy (at) globalb2bcommunications.com. “

Applications for this no-cost 2012 Marketing Mix Plans can be made at http://tinyurl.com/4y768r6

Unique Tool buys gauge maker

Windsor-based company Toolmaker Unique Tool &

Gauge Inc. has purchased Gauge Rite Inc. for an undisclosed amount to expand its product offerings Gauge Rite is a maker of tooling gauges and fixtures. According to the release customers of Unique Tool had been

asking it to build gauges, but the company did not have the capability on its own. Gauge Rite will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unique and remain in Windsor with its existing 10-person staff. King said he does not expect the acquisition will impact the employee base at either location.

Ticona opens world's largest acetal plant

Ticona has opened the world’s largest acetal

production plant, an operation with more than 300 million pounds of annual capacity in Frankfurt, Germany. According to the release Sulzbach, Germany-based Ticona held an opening ceremony Sept. 27 at the new plant – which required almost 18 million pounds of steel, almost 500 miles of cable and 49 miles of piping. Construction began in late 2008 and eventually involved about 1,200 workers Ticona officials decided to place the massive plant in Frankfurt after an airport expansion required them to relocate an existing acetal plant in Kelsterbach, Germany.The Frankfurt plant produced its fi rst commercial material in July. The Kelsterbach plant will be decommissioned by the end of 2013. Ticona ranks as the world’s largest acetal maker, selling the material under the Celcon and Hostaform trade names. The fi rm is the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corp. of Dallas. In addition to the new plant in Frankfurt, Ticona is building a 110 million pound-capacity plant in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, through a joint venture with Saudi Basic Industries Corp. That plant is expected to be operational in 2013.

COMPANY NEWS


IAC Group among firms recognized for environmental achievement

Recycling was in the spotlight at this year’s The Environmental

Stewardship Awards, presented by the Plastics Environmental Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers were held earlier this month and Recycling was focus of these awards. The awards recognize companies and institutions that have demonstrated environmental leadership and excellence. The winners

Winners include:IAC Group of Southfi eld, Michigan

received the Daniel Eberhardt Environmental Stewardship Award. The company will be honored for its extensive use of recycled plastics in automotive interior components;

reducing energy consumption through manufacturing efficiencies; and achieving large reductions in waste going to landfi lls.

Lehigh Technologies of Tucker, the company received the Chairman’s Award for a large-volume process that makes micronized powders from discarded tires. The resulting powders can be used at high concentrations in plastics and new-tire manufacture.

Sika Sarnafi l of Canton, received the award for recycling old vinyl single-ply roofi ng back into useful roofi ng membrane.

Becton, Dickinson and Co. of Franklin Lakes, N.J., received the

award for for a recycling program that recovers plastics from medical devices and puts them to use in non-medical applications.

Futuris Automotive Interiors of Troy, received the award for for developing a moldable, tufted PET carpet with signifi cant post-consumer content.

Axion International of New Providence, received the award for developing high- performance composites from recovered polyolefi ns and applying them as structural parts. The components have been used in bridges, railroad ties and structures that meet military specifi cations.

Total SA to overhaul refining, petrochem, marketing businessesTotal SA’s overhaul of its refi ning,

petrochemicals and marketing businesses is not in preparation for a sale, said Chief Executive Offi cer Christophe de Margerie, as per Bloomberg . Addressing the media he said There is no planned IPO or sale. One can never say never, but our biggest preoccupation is to make this tool better performing.” Total, Europe’s biggest refi ner, said there won’t be job cuts following the reorganization. However, there is urgency because the market is bad, as the European market is not growing. Refi ning margins that were negative in August and early September, have now climbed to about US$22/ton. Refi ning has been reduced through the closure of its plant near Dunkirk in France, capacity reduction

at Normandy and the sale of its 49% stake in Spain’s Cia. Espanola de Petroleos SA. Total is also trying to sell its Lindsey plant in the U.K.

This reorganization may not be complete, and could see further restructuring and closures. Total will have the broad outline of the overhaul ready by January and it may be complete a year after that. The move could be

accompanied by salary increases in the petrochemicals division to bring them in line with refi ning, although costs of the reorganization will be minimal, he said. The aim of the plan is to “unlock value” for the activities, even in European and U.S. markets where demand for fuel products is decreasing, he said. “I think we can make refi ning and chemicals profi table in Europe.”

COMPANY NEWS

Eastman plans more non- phthalate plasticizer production

Eastman Chemical Co. is increasing the capacity of its Eastman 168 non-phthalate plasticizer. The company said in a release that it is

adding about 6,000 tons in annual capacity to its Kingsport plant. The new capacity is scheduled to be online by the end of 2011.


IOC undertakes feasibility studies for PP and phenol plants in West Bengal

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd is undertaking feasibility

s tud ies fo r p roduc t ion o f PolyPropylene and Phenol in the state of West Bengal. Post feasibility studies, an investment outlay of Rs 3500 crore has been earmarked for the 60000 tpa PP project, likely to be sited at Paradip where a cracker is under construction and will be commissioned in 2012-13. A feasibility study is to be undertaken for a 250,000 tpa phenol unit in West Bengal for which he site has not been identifi ed

COMPANY NEWS

Dow opens insulation R&D facilities in MichiganDow Chemical Co.’s building

solutions unit has built two R&D facilities at its North American headquarters in Midland for testing insulation and wall systems. The R&D wall assembly research center and spray foam application technology research facility have been built to test and evaluate insulation, air sealing and weatherization systems in a controlled lab environment. This will allow Dow to provide customers with real-world data of how the products will work together, and perform and function in the fi eld, the company said in an Oct. 4 announcement. The wall assembly research center is a 1,600-square-foot

lab that has over 30 interchangeable wall sections that enables Dow to test various residential and commercial wall systems including rigid and spray insulations, exterior cladding, and various framing techniques. The second research test facility is a 2000-square-foot spray booth and lab that enables researchers to evaluate the application of new spray foam chemistries and methods. The facility will help researchers better understand how spray products work in both small and large-scale applications while using a variety of application equipment, according to the news release.

DSM Dyneema completes acquisition of IP rights from HoffmanDSM Dyneema has completed

the outright purchase of IP rights related to the manufacture of light weight air cargo pallet nets made with Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fi ber™ , from Hoffman ACE (based in Friedberg, Germany). The IP rights were previously jointly owned by DSM Dyneema and Hoffmann. The deal represents a significant move for the air cargo equipment industry allowing airlines to procure nets made with Dyneema® technology from a broader range of authorized, licensed net manufacturers. Airlines will now be able to obtain pallet nets manufactured to their specifi cations,

from their preferred net-suppliers faster, and more easily. It also follows DSM Dyneema’s established strategy of building a robust and extensive IP portfolio providing commercial and protection benefits to licensed users of Dyneema® throughout the value chain. Air cargo pallet nets made with Dyneema® fiber deliver significant benefits to the aviation industry. These light weight pallet nets can yield more than 50% weight saving over conventional pallet nets made from traditional fibers such as polyester or polyamide, helping to reduce fuel consumption and meet the industry’s growing need

to reduce carbon emissions. Nets made with Dyneema® fi ber display exceptional high strength and weather resistance and have proven to be particularly robust, exhibiting up to 50% less wear and tear in harsh in-use conditions. As the aviation industry is increasingly focusing on durable and ultra light weight equipment solutions to reduce weight and meet environmental standards, Dyneema® fiber has become an established enabling component in developing future generation light weight air cargo equipment such as pallet nets and ULDs (Unit Load Devices).


ENVIRONMENT

According to a peer-reviewed energy analysis conducted

by the Pacific Institute, a nonprofit research organization based in Oakland, California. producing, packaging and transporting a liter of bottled water requires between 1,100 and 2,000 times more energy on average than treating and delivering the same amount of tap water

Popularity of Bottled Water is Rising

Bottled water has become the drink of choice for many people around the world, and sales have skyrocketed over the past few years. In 2007, for example, more than 200 billion liters of bottled water were sold worldwide. A m e r i c a n s a l o n e purchased more than 33 billion liters for an annual average of 110 liters (nearly 30 gallons) per person—a 70 percent increase since 2001. Bottled water has become so popular that it now outsells both milk and beer in the United States. Carbonated soft drinks are the only bottled beverage that U.S. consumers buy in greater quantities than bottled water, and per-capita sales of bottled water are rising while per-capita sales of milk and soft drinks are going down. The irony here, of course, is that a lot of bottled water is little more than tap water, which costs very little and is much better regulated and more

rigorously tested than bottled water.

Adding Up the Energy Costs of Bottled Water

F o r t h e e n e r g y a n a l y s i s , environmental scientists Peter Gleick and Heather Cooley of the Pacific Institute assessed the energy used during each stage of bottled water production. They added up the energy it takes to make a plastic bottle; process the water; label, fi ll and seal the bottle; transport bottled water for sale; and cool the bottled water before it ends up in your gym bag or your car’s cup holder.

Wr i t i n g i n t h e February 19, 2009 issue of Environmental Research Le t te rs G l e i c k a n d Cooley report that manufacturing and

transportation are the most energy-intensive processes involved in putting a bottle of water in your refrigerator.

The two scientists estimate that just producing the plastic bottles for bottled-water consumption worldwide uses 50 million barrels of oil annually—enough to supply total U.S. oil demand for 2.5 days.

Transportation energy consumption is harder to figure, because some water is bottled locally and travels short distances to reach consumers while other brands of bottled water are imported from distant nations,

which increases the amount of energy needed to transport them. According to the report, imported bottled water uses about two-and-a-half to four times more energy than bottled water produced locally.

Overall, the two scientists estimate that meet ing U.S. demand for bottled-water—assuming the 2007 consumption rate of 33 billion liters—requires energy equivalent to between 32 million and 54 million barrels of oil. The energy required to satisfy the global thirst for bottled water is about three times that amount.

Think Before You DrinkIf you imagine that every bottle of

water you drink is about three-quarters water and one-quarter oil, you’ll have a pretty accurate picture of how much energy it takes to put that bottle of water in your hand.

packaging and transporting a liter of bottled water requires between 1,100 and 2,000 times more energy on average than treating and delivering the same amount of tap water

How Much Energy Does It Take to Make Bottled Water?Bottled Water Sales are Up, and So is the Energy Needed to Quench Our Thirst

By Larry West


According to a story by Kate Ti l ley Austral ian plastics

fi rms need to rethink how they can minimize labor costs, if they want to compete against cheaper Chinese imports, industry experts say that the labor costs are increasing world over including Australia and they really need to re work their strategies to sustain themselves in the competition.

Also, they warn that imports will intensify once a free-trade agreement is fi nalized. Australia and China have had 15 rounds of FTA negotiations since 2005 without yet reaching an agreement. Negotiations are ongoing, but many Australian manufacturers are worried that eliminating tariffs will increase cheaper Chinese imports, putting Australian businesses at risk.

China is Australia’s largest trading partner, surpassing Japan in 2009. In the fi nancial year ended June 30, 2010, merchandise exports to China were US$49.4 billion and imports were $38.7 billion. The majority of exports, though, are raw materials, mainly iron ore and mineral concentrates. The top categories of imports are clothing, computers, telecommunications equipment and parts, and toys and sporting goods.

As more plastic products are imported from China, onshore product ion is decreasing, said Kevin Thomson, former president of the Society of Plastics Engineers Australia-New Zealand and director of Melbourne-based Eco Products Agency.

I t ’s poss ib le for Aust ra l ian

companies to compete with China, but they must demonstrate the benefi ts of Australian-made products, for example, higher quality and no shipping costs, Thomson said.

John Petschel, managing director of plastic product designer and manufacturer APS Innovations Pty. Ltd. of Ferntree Gully, said many companies have no choice but to source manufactured goods from overseas, particularly China.

“The quality of raw materials is fairly similar whatever country you go to, so the main perk of moving production offshore is reduced labor costs,” Petschel said.

Austra l ia has the abi l i ty to manufacture competitive plastic products but companies need to design them to reduce manual labor, he said. “If we want to keep manufacturing onshore, we need to focus our attention on automated manufacturing.”

Petschel said companies have to engineer their products for manufacturability: “The process should be design, engineer, build; not design and build.”

A n d , h e s a i d , t h e r e i s a misconception that cheap products can only be made in China. “Any Australian company that decides to invest its capital into automated systems will be able to produce at a reduced cost,” Petschel said.

Lex Edmund, SPE ANZ’s current president, said manufacturing costs in China have increased. “Places

like Malaysia and Indonesia are the next ones to watch,” he said. “They are closer to Australia and production costs are much lower.”

Petschel claims Chinese imports have quality issues because Australia is not China’s “highest priority.”

“Australia’s low population and relatively low global infl uence means priority is given to companies operating in the U.S. and Europe,” he said. Products destined for Australia are “often made with off-cuts and leftovers.”

Leisa Dolan, CEO of the Brisbane-based Association of Rotational Molders Australasia Inc., agrees that product quality from China and Thailand is not always comparable to that of Australian fi rms. Color vibrancy and ultraviolet degradation are issues. Chinese fi rms use dry-mixed colors but Austral ian rotomolders use compounded colors, improving color durability, she said.

Rotomolded products tend to be “big, bulky and hollow, making them expensive to shift” between countries, but as more stackable products are developed, Chinese imports will be a greater threat to Australian industry, Dolan said.

Many Australian companies have capitalized on lower labor costs and China’s big population by expanding operations there.

Global packaging supplier Amcor Ltd. of Melbourne boosted its market share in China’s domestic market after it bought parts of Rio Tinto Group’s Paris-based Alcan Packaging business

Australian firms stumbling over Chinese competition

FEATURES


early in 2010 for $2.45 billion.

Amcor makes PET bottles, and fl exible packaging for food and health-care markets, among other products. About 80 percent of Alcan Packaging’s assets are in flexible packaging. Because of that acquisition, Amcor said its Asia-Pacifi c fl exibles business earnings and returns for the second half of 2010 are signifi cantly higher than the same period in 2009.

Ralf Wunderlich, president of Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacifi c, claims the business is the leading supplier of fl exible packaging in China. Of the packaging AFAP supplies to China, 55 percent is to the food industry, 18 percent to pharmaceutical/medical, 15 percent to household/personal-care and 12 percent to other sectors.

M e l b o u r n e - b a s e d C a r d i a Bioplastics Ltd. has used China’s growing trend toward bioplastics to

increase its presence there. In March, Cardia, a global manufacturer of resins from renewable resources, announced a partnership with a leading plastics distributor, Wesco China Ltd. of Hong Kong.

I n t h e a g r e e m e n t , We s c o — part-owned by South African petrochemicals fi rm Sasol Ltd. — will market Cardia’s bioplastic resins to the Chinese packaging and plastic products industries.

Frank Glatz, Cardia’s managing director, said China has become a world leader in sustainable energy production through its investments in solar, geothermal and hydropower, and biofuels. He also said China has begun establishing its environmental credentials in sustainable plastics.

Rising oil prices are a driver in China’s move away from fossil-fuel resins, Glatz said. “As global demand

for fi nite oil resources grows, brand owners and retailers want new, cost-effective packaging options that meet regulators and consumers’ environmental demands.

“Packaging and plastics businesses know that, eventually, higher petroleum prices will erode their competitiveness and their profi t margins. They want packaging and bioplastics product solutions based on sustainable resources,” Glatz said.

Miguel Chang, Wesco China managing director, said at current high crude oil and natural gas prices, bioplastics suppliers like Cardia will become competitive with petroleum-based resins. Growing Chinese markets for sustainable packaging and products will be fueled by export demand and by Chinese consumers, retailers and brand owners, he said.

Accord ing to the f igures analysed by Assocomaplast

(the Italian association, belonging to CONFINDUSTRIA, that groups together some 170 manufacturers of machinery, moulds and equipment for plastics and rubber), in the fi rst half of 2011 Italian exports in this sector grew exceptionally well, up approximately 22% relative to the fi rst six months of 2010, to reach anestimated value of nearly 1,120 million euro, based on which it is projected that total

foreignsales for the current year will amount to at least 2,300 million euro.

According to Assocomaplast president Giorgio Colombo: "The strong performance recorded this year is the fruit of intensive sales actions undertaken by SMEs in this sector which, in thewake of the 2008-2009 global financial crisis, redoubled their efforts to penetrate the principaldestination countries, also with the help of foreign promotion

funds made available by thetrade association. Among these actions, it is worth mentioning the B2B meetings organised inthe fi rst months of this year in Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Hungary, Romania and China."

" In Ch ina and Russ ia , our association has also, starting from around one year ago, been operating two "liaison offices" in Beijing and Moscow that provide information and services to interested Italian

The Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery industry grows 22%

FEATURES


companies. Meanwhile, in India (a market that offers substantial potential for exports in this sector, also in light of its fast growing imports of plastics processing equipment), jointly with the UCIMU association of machine tool manufacturers, we have set up a fully-fl edged “platform” for concretely assisting companies seeking to enter the large and promising Indian market, helping them to overcome the complexities that have until now held back many Italian SMEs.”

The success of Italian plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers - who have for decades, alongside their German counterparts, been among the top global exporters - can be ascribed to the technological innovation offered to users. "In this connection", says Colombo, "the level of application research undertaken by our companies is evinced by the great number of international patents (over 600 fully valid today) held by Italian fi rms in this sector, describing original and optimal solutions for the manufacture of products and for the recovery and recycling of post-consumption plastics and rubber products.

Looking at the performance of

the main categories of machinery, once again a signifi cant contribution to foreign sales has been made by extruders, accounting for 11% of the total, and up 17 points relative to the fi rst half of last year, while fl exographic printers likewise achieved a +20% rise.

An even stronger recovery is that of injection moulding machines, whose export turnover rose by over 50 points. Generally speaking, all the machinery categories have shown a positive trend, with the majority reaching double-digit rises.

A look at the macro-destination regions for foreign sales, over a wider time period spanning the past three years, reveals that the Americas (and particularly South America) and the Far East have recorded the strongest trends: in fact, exports to the New World were up on average by 3%, while those to the Far East showed an increase of 7 percentage points, driven chiefl y by the rise in sales to China. During the fi rst half of the current year, the Chinese market was the third most important destination for Italian exports in this sector, accounting for a 6.2% share of the total exports, and up by 24% over January-June 2010.

Exports within Europe also showed a marked rise relative to the first half of 2010, with a notable upswing of 30% within the EU, although the trend appears fl atter on average over the three-year period. The Near and Middle East, obviously also as a result of the socio-political instability of the past few months, showed a decline in the fi rst half of 2011 relative to one year previously (-5%), and an even more negative trend for the three-year average (-20%). A comparable decline appears in sales to the African continent, as also towards the marginal region of Australia/ Oceania.

Looking now at the ranking of individual destination countries, in the top places we find, first of all, Germany (with an approximately 15% share of the total), followed by France, China, the United States and the CIS, all markets which have for many years now accounted for over 1/3 of total exports, and which showed double-digit increases relative to the fi rst half of 2010. A separate mention goes to Poland, toward which Italian exports of rubber and plastic processing equipment recorded a 70% rise compared to January-June 2010.

Italian market of machinery, equipment and moulds for plastics and rubber (million euros)

2010 2011 (forecasts) Δ % 2011/2010

production 3,600 4,000 11.1

exports 2,012 2,300 14.3

imports 567 600 5.9

domestic market 2,155 2,300 6.7

trade balance (surplus) 1,445 1,700 17.6

FEATURES


FEATURES

Renewably Sourced BioplasticMajor chemical companies are making significant

investments in new plants and technologies to produce plastics from annually renewable sources, not from petrochemicals. Some are producing conventional plastics from unconventional feed stocks like ethanol fermented from sugar cane, or plan to use CO2 and CO directly. Others are developing new monomers using other fermentation chemistries.

Fig. 1: Non-Renewable & Renewable Based Carbon StreamsSource: Plastics Institute of America

Braskem SA has invested Brazilian R$800.4 million to produce sugarcane derived ethylene/PE (polyethylene) and with 80% of the plant committed is considering additional investments. Solvay is building an integrated facility in Brazil to produce sugarcane based ethylene to supply Bio-PVC (polyvinyl chloride) production (100, 000 metric tonnes/year) with production coming on line during 2011. DuPont Tate & Lyle BioProducts is producing BioPDO (1, 3-propanediol) via fermentation at its 100 million pounds/year plant. With record sales, the company has announced an expansion of 35% expected to be completed by Q3/11. Pathway engineering was used to engineer an E. coli microorganism to produce the PDO from glucose. PDO is used as monomer in production of 1,3 propanediol terephthalate, a unique polyester (Sorona) with performance

and molding characteristics similar to PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). Genomatica has successfully scaled up its bio-based BDO process from laboratory bench to pilot scale and is designing a commercial scale demonstration plant. BDO (1,4-butanediol) is a key raw material in the manufacture of hundreds of plastic, rubber and fiber products. They also recently received a patent (#7,799,545) titled 'Microorganisms for production of adipic acid and other compounds,' which describes production of adipic acid and 6-aminocaproic acid (6-ACA) via organisms that use

renewable based feedstock. These intermediate chemicals can be used to produce nylon 6,6 and nylon 6, respectively.

Metabolic Explorer is also developing BioPDO as well as BioMPG (1,2 propanediol) used in unsaturated (thermoset) polyesters, and biobutanol. The company announced industrial scale pilot validation of its PDO fermentation production process based on vegetable glycerol feedstock.

Cargill's $22-million BiOH brand polyols manufacturing plant, the first world-scale

biobased polyols plant, is producing soybean-based polyols for use in polyurethane fl exible foam. Bioamber, a joint venture between US-based DNP Green Technology and France-based ARD (Agro-industrie Recherches et Développements), has announced the commissioning of the world's fi rst, European based, bio-based succinic acid plant.

They also have selected Sarnia, ON, Canada as the location for their fi rst North American biosuccinic acid plant, with an initial capacity of 17,000 metric tonnes that will be commissioned in 2013. Novomer received an $18.4 million federal stimulus award that will help the fi rm to commercialize its line of plastic materials based on carbon from CO and CO2. Novomer has begun pilot scale production of polypropylene carbonate (PPC) resin by combining propylene oxide with CO (carbon monoxide) or CO2 (carbon dioxide).

What's the Latest in Bio plastics Material Technology Solutions!

Dr. Donald V. Rosato


FEATURES

Open-source Strategy to Spur Molded Biobased Product Innovation

A page is being taken from the computer industry to spur innovation and drive biopolymers more widely into injection molding applications. NatureWorks is making formulation and compounding procedures for its high-heat resistant high impact bioresin Ingeo 3801X openly available. The company has 'drawn back the curtain' on development of the grade to share the technology and provide transparency on how the solution was arrived at including what was used to tailor properties/processing characteristics and why. Information

is also openly available for high heat formulation Ingeo HHIM 670-82-01. With formulation in hand, independent specialty resin compounders and brand owners with captive operations will be in a position to use Ingeo as the foundation for biobased injection molded products and components. NatureWorks also expects the details of the formulation can serve as a basis for R&D in further tailoring biobased solutions for the semi-durable plastics market. The company has also taken a similar 'pull-back-the-curtain' approach with its foam grade material, 8051D, but as that grade had just a small group of potential users it is being done on a more one-to-one basis.

Ingeo 3801X FormulationMaterial Commercial

Name Supplier Chemical Formula Weight

FractionMatrix Ingeo 3001D NatureWorks LLC PLA 0.711Impact Modifi er Biostrength 150 Arkema Inc. Proprietary core-Shell copolymer 0.100Crystal Accelerant Plasthal DOA The HallStar Company Dioctyl adipate 0.090Reinforcing Agent Ultratal C 609 Specialty Minerals Inc. <0.9µm particle 3MgO•4SiO2• H2O 0.090Nucleating Agent LAK-301 Takemoto Oil & Fat Co., Ltd. Aromatic sulfonate derivative 0.009

Table 1: Ingeo 3801X Formulation BasicsSource: NatureWorks

NatureWorks is now also offering for sale a range of polymer-grade lactides. Lactide partners can also take advantage of an Ingeo licensee package. Under select terms, the company will supply access to trademarks and application patents needed to support and enable the wider adoption of Ingeo biopolymers.

Global Bio-PET Supply ChainThe world's fi rst global bio-PET (polyethylene

terephthalate) integrated supply chain is being established by Toyota Tsusho. The supply chain includes procurement of bio-ethanol, production of bio-mono ethylene glycol (bio-MEG), PET tolling, and bio-PET marketing. Braskem will supply the bio-ethanol from Brazil. Greencol Taiwan Corporation (GTC), a 50/50 JV between Toyota Tsusho and China Man-made Fiber Corporation, will produce bio-MEG using the sugar-based ethanol as feedstock. Greencol will produce the bio-MEG in a new facility in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, which is

scheduled to start in late 2011. The bio-MEG will be handled and supplied by Toyota Tsusho to PET toll manufacturers in Asia. The off-take of bio-PET from toll manufacturers will be marketed by Toyota Tsusho to end-users in Japan, Europe and the US. They expect to toll-produce and sell 200,000 metric tonnes/year of bio-PET at start up.

Fig. 2: Global Bio-PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Integrated Supply ChainSource: Toyota Tsusho


FEATURES

Post-consumer Sourced Lactic Acid

Fig. 3: PLA Waste Stream CollectionSource: BioCor

While PLA (polylactic acid) meets the environmental test at the front end, being made of eco-friendly and biodegradable ingredients, it has faced an end-of-life issue: It can't be recycled with PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high density polyethylene), which are the bulk of petroleum-based plastics in the waste stream that major recyclers collect and sell. Newly formed PLA recycling company, BioCor LLC will become a major collector of post-consumer PLA waste, helping to close the PLA recycling loop. Startup BioCor LLC will buy, aggregate and process post-consumer and post-industrial PLA for conversion back into lactic acid in a cradle-to-cradle scenario. NatureWorks is a minority stakeholder in BioCor and has agreed to purchase all the lactic acid produced from the recycled PLA. The company will pay recyclers an economically attractive price for PLA in any packaging format. BioCor is targeting to recycle at least 600,000 pounds of PLA yearly. They will also work with recyclers to effi ciently separate post-consumer PLA from other plastics. High volume recycling facilities, using an optical sort machine, can scan and sort PLA from PET or HDPE at high speeds. Newly formed Plarco Inc. will work with BioCor to convert any recycled PLA collected back into lactic acid. EnviroGreen Solutions LLC and Galactic, a global producer of lactic acid are Plarco stockholders. Plarco will be US located at the facility used by WRR Environmental

Services Co. Inc. and EnviroGreen in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Previously, EnviroGreen had been converting PLA back into lactic acid for PLA manufacturer NatureWorks. Galactic owns a proprietary chemical recycling system called Loopla that depolymerizes PLA through hydrolysis.

In a different approach, researchers at University College Dublin are developing a process to produce PHA using waste plastic as feedstock. Waste polystyrene and PET are transformed into an oily substance using pyrolysis. The oil is then fed to bacteria that can convert 50% of it into PHA. The startup company Bioplastech Ltd. has been established as a spinout to develop the process and market the technology.

PLA DevelopmentsConventional PLA (polylactic acid), the product of

L-lactide polymerization, has similar mechanical properties to PET (polyethylene terephthalate) but signifi cantly lower maximum continuous use temperature. The melting temperature of PLLA (poly-L-lactide) can be increased 40-50°C and its heat defl ection temperature increased from approximately 60°C to up to 190°C by physically blending with PDLA (poly-D-lactide). PDLA and PLLA form a highly regular stereocomplex with increased crystallinity. The temperature stability is maximized when a 50:50 blend is used, but even at lower concentrations of 3-10% of PDLA, there is still a substantial improvement. In the latter case, PDLA acts as a nucleating agent, thereby increasing the crystallization rate. Biodegradation of PDLA is slower than for PLA due to the higher crystallinity of PDLA.

Fig. 4: L & D Lactic AcidSource: Purac/Arkema

Purac and Arkema are collaborating to engineer functional lactide based block copolymers. These copolymers are to


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be produced by combining Arkema's organic catalysis ring-opening polymerization technology with Purac's L- and D-lactide monomers. These innovative copolymers would enhance the thermo-mechanical and physical properties of PLA, broadening the range of application opportunities.

A consortium is developing a process to cull lactic acid feedstock from the pulp and paper industry's cellulosic waste stream. Part of the Dutch Biorefi nery program, the consortium includes Purac, Crown Van Gelder N.V., a paper producing company, and Bumaga B.V., a development center in the paper and board industry. Purac is working to develop new sustainable building blocks for its products, with a particular interest in non-food feedstocks, such as agricultural byproducts, instead of using sugars, glucose, and tapioca starch for its fermentation processes.

Elsewhere, Korea's Kaist University and LG Chem have developed an effi cient bio-based one-step production process for PLA and its copolymers by combining metabolic engineering and enzyme engineering. PLA is typically produced in a two-step fermentation and chemical process of polymerization, which is complex and expensive. Using a metabolically-engineered strain of E. coli, the Kaist/LG Chem team has developed this one-stage process to produce PLA and its copolymers through direct fermentation. This promises to make the production of PLA and lactate-containing copolymers cheaper and more commercially viable.

Alternative PHA FeedstockPolyhydroxy alkanoates (PHA, including PHB,

polyhydroxy butyrate, and PHBV, polyhydroxy butyrate valerate) are a versatile family of polyoxo-esters produced as energy storage compounds by bacteria through sugar or lipids fermentation. Bacterial fermentation used to make PHA and variants PHB and PHBV is being developed by more than a dozen companies around the world. Tianan Biologic Material Co. in Ningbo, China is the world's fi rst commercial producer of PHBV. It recently doubled its semi-works plant to 2,000 metric tonnes per year capacity. Enmat PHBV from Tianan Biologic is certifi ed biodegradable and approved for food packaging use in Europe. The material is available neat or compounded with BASF's Ecofl ex. Mirel PHA is being commercialized through Metabolix and ADM's Telles joint venture.

Fig. 5: Sewage Sludge Carbon (left); Micromidas Mobile Refi nery (right) Source: Micromidas

Startup Micromidas is looking to produce PHA using carbon in sewage sludge as feedstock to make the plastic. This process can reduce the overall amount of sludge biomass by over 50%. The process generates high yields of bioplastics while substantially reducing solid waste material requiring expensive treatment/disposal. Carbon and other nutrients are consumed from waste streams, greatly reducing sludge waste, chemical treatment, incineration, and disposal costs incurred by municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Micromidas uses native microbes that are far more robust than GMOs (genetically modifi ed organisms) which require strict environmental controls, sterile operating conditions, and very expensive feedstocks. The company's Mobile Biorefi nery, a pilot plant built on a fl atbed truck capable of traveling to and plugging into wastewater treatment plants across the United States, will demonstrate how wastewater streams can be turned into PHA fl akes. This portable pilot plant will enable Micromidas to demonstrate the benefi ts of their technology to potential customers at their own sites.

Non-food Sourced High-performance Bioplastic

A durable new high performance bioplastic developed by NEC is suitable for plastic components for electronic equipment. The fi rst-of-its kind durable new bioplastic is produced from stable non-edible plant resources. It is based on cellulose from plant stems and cardanol, a primary component of cashew nut shells. The plant stems and nut shells are abundant resources often discarded as byproducts of the agricultural processing industry. Use of


these non-edible plant sources as the main components of the new bioplastic will therefore have little or no impact on the production of food crops. Cashew nuts are widely cultivated in India and Vietnam and NEC has established a stable supply of cardanol. The durable bioplastic boasts a high plant composition ratio of more than 70%. Other cellulose based plastics are typically heavily loaded with petroleum based plasticizers, which results in a bioplastic with a low plant component ratio and poor durability. Further, these other cellulose-based plastics will have insuffi cient heat and water resistance, and are blended with petroleum-based plastics to improve strength and thermal resistance. Cardanol has a unique molecular structure consisting of a rigid phenol component and a fl exible, hydrophobic, linear hydrocarbon, component. Cellulose is the main ingredient of the bioplastic and is bonded with the oil-like cardanol, which has been modifi ed to enhance its reactivity.

Fig. 6: Cardanol BioplasticSource: NEC

The new bioplastic has important advantages compared to PLA (polylactic acid) and cellulose acetate (CA) as follows:

• Its molding time is <50% that of PLA and comparable to conventional cellulose-based and petroleum-based plastics

• More than twice the heat resistance of PLA and 1.3-times that of cellulose acetate (CA)

• Twice the strength of existing PLA and comparable strength to conventional CA

• Water resistance is comparable to PLA and approximately 3 times better than CA

NEC expects the new bioplastic to be commercialized by early 2013 at a price lower than PLA and competitive with petroleum based plastics. NEC believes the durability achieved by the new bioplastic will make it highly suitable for electronics applications.

Fig. 8: Cardanol Material PropertiesSource: NEC

Algae-based Hybrid BioplasticCompounders and processors are expanding

how bio-resins can be used by widening their property spectrum through the use of additives or by blending/alloying these materials with other petroleum- and/or bio-based resins. Such materials can reduce the overall 'carbon footprint' for semi-durable goods and durable applications targeting automotive, electronic and construction parts. Examples include six polymer blends made by RTP Company that contain 20-80% PLA

(polylactic acid). BASF is also producing Ecovio which is Fig. 7: Cardanol Material SystemSource: NEC

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made from a blend of its Ecofl ex biodegradable plastic and PLA. Tianan Biologic Material Co. Ltd. is also developing blends composed of it PHBV (polyhydroxy butyrate valerate) and PLA.

Cereplast Algae Plastic, a hybrid in which up to 50% of petroleum content used in traditional plastic resin is substituted with algae biomass, is in development. Cereplast is a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics. Algae is being grown in photo-bioreactors to sequester CO2 (carbon dioxide) and nitrous oxides from smoke stack gases thus producing biofuel from oil extracted from the algae. The dried biomass remaining after this oil is extracted can replace corn, wheat and tapioca starches used to produce Cereplast Hybrid plastic.

Cereplast believes it is critical to have access to feedstocks not based on starches as non-starch feedstocks have less impact on the food chain and are less prone to price fl uctuations. The company is betting that algae biomass byproduct from algae derived biofuel will become abundant. It takes approximately 1½ pounds of dried pressed algae to make 1 pound of the algal portion of the

plastic. Algae-based resins will complement Cereplast's line of Compostable and Hybrid resins. Recyclable, the algae-based plastic is not compostable or biodegradable.

Fig. 9: Algae Biomass Byproduct (left) and Algae-based Bioplastic (right)Source: Cereplast

Exxon Mobil recently partnered with algae producer Synthetic Genomics Inc. in a biofuel development deal potentially worth roughly $300 million while British Petroleum plc who is also interested in biofuel development has invested $10 million in algae supplier Martek Biosciences Corporation.

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Although caps and closures rarely take center stage in discussions about packaging, they are a vital

part of many packaging systems, with 250 billion made in the U.S. each year. At the recently held Plastics Caps & Closures 2011 at Atlanta it was discussed that Closures more vital than ever

Curt Begle, president of Berry Plastic Corp.’s rigid closed-top business, likened a consumer’s decision to buy a packaged product to a fi rst date — and their fi rst attempt to open a closure to a fi rst kiss.

“If you want another kiss, if you want marriage down the road, if you want repeat buys: That experience had better be at least a satisfactory experience, [or] you’re not going to sell that product again — no matter how good the contents are on the inside,” he said.

Begle spoke Sept. 14 at Plastics Caps & Closures 2011,

organized by Plastics News Global Group and held Sept. 12-14 in Atlanta.

As a 30-something parent, Begle said his home is full of caps and closures attached to various types of plastics packaging, and he pays attention to what his children do with the closures.

“[Berry is] very bullish on what the next generation is going to be accustomed to,” he said. “I grew up in the era of the plastics revolution. Looking at a glass container is strange for me. Kids today are growing up with pouches and fl exible packaging.”

At the same time, Evansville, Ind.-based Berry is mindful of North America’s aging population, which the Administration on Aging predicts will grow, among adults aged 65 and older, from 40 million people in 2010 to 70 million by 2030.

Caps and closure cannot be overlooked anymore


Jeff Resnick, business development manager at Freedonia Custom Research in Cleveland, agrees that caps and closures adapted for use by the elderly will have much value in coming years.

“The aging population has really expanded the demand for pharmaceuticals, so the ability to get the precise amount of medicine that they need and to help dispense the pill or the low-viscosity liquid is going to be the kind of value-added closure that’s going to grow the market,” he said..

Citing Freedonia studies published in October 2010 and January 2011, Resnick said that between 2009 and 2014, Freedonia sees tremendous potential for plastics caps and closures. Among the fi ndings:

Demand for caps and closures of all materials was $7.8 billion and 241 billion units in 2009. Freedonia expects the segment to grow 4 percent in value to $9.5 billion, and 3.8 percent by volume to 275 billion units in 2014.

Plastics accounted for 79 percent of cap and closure demand in 2009 and is forecast to reach 81 percent in 2014 — an increase of 4.5 percent annually to $7.7 billion.

Fitments on single-serve containers — with fl exible packaging growing its share of that segment year after year — as well as specialized closures for hot-fi ll applications, and lightweighting, will continue as predominant trends in the space.

Beverages, food and pharmaceuticals will continue through 2014 to be the top three end uses for caps and closures. Cosmetics and toiletries, many of which rely on dispensing closures such as pumps, sprays, applicators and fl ip-tops, will be the next-largest piece of the pie.

“Going forward there’s less material being used in the packaging product and more complex closures are being used, and that’s helping to drive value for the cap and closure market in overall packaging,” Resnick said.

Begle said Berry’s engineers continue to strive for material savings as they work to enhance performance of new designs.

“We’ll continue to lightweight parts, because not only is that the right thing for the environment, it’s also a big cost savings,” he said.

Berry also has found the use of fi ller materials to be benefi cial in rigid top packaging.

“What we’re fi nding is ancillary benefi ts from doing that better processing windows for us, reduced cycle times, rigidity of the packaging — those are the benefi ts of something as simple as using a fi ller of calcium carbonate,” Begle said.

Among the estimated 100-150 U.S. companies making caps and closures, Berry is part of an elite group. According to Freedonia, the six largest players in the segment Berry, Rexam plc, Aptargroup Inc., Silgan Holdings Inc., Reynolds Group and MeadWestvaco Corp. — accounted for 31 percent of demand by sales in 2009.

(Berry recently acquired Rexam’s specialty/beverage closures business for $360 million.)

Both Resnick and Begle said caps and closures manufacturers will have to be on guard against continued consumer backlash in the U.S. against waste generated by PET water bottles, and by replacement, especially in food packaging, of rigid, open-topped containers by pouches and bags with zip and tear-off closures.

“We can … come up with all the cost savings in the world. We can come up with the best thing since canned beer. Really, [what matters], is those consumers in the store, making choices at the shelf and having experiences at home,” Begle said.

To please those shoppers, Berry has designed several caps and closures that combine more than one design concept, such as tamper evidence with child resistance. Berry also has experimented with designs that combine compression molded and injection molded parts, he said.

World cap and closure demand is projected to rise 4.6 percent per year to nearly $40 billion in 2014, or 1.7 trillion units, Resnick said. The plastic caps and closures segment is projected to grow 4.8 percent annually to 944 billion units in 2014 — with plastics accounting for 55 percent of the total volume of materials used in 2014.

Freedonia estimates the Asia-Pacifi c region’s demand for caps and closures will grow 8.7 percent through 2014, with China leading the growth at 14.5 percent as its citizens become more urbanized and affl uent.

Among caps and closures manufacturers, the global market is even more fragmented than in North America, Resnick said: The six largest producers account for only 21 percent of total sales.

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Recycling, materials separation major theme of CCMA eventIn its search for sustainability,

the plastics industry has moved beyond light weighting packaging into more aggressive use of post-consumer materials. But according to experts up and down the supply chain, there’s still too much confusion at all levels about how to separate valuable packaging materials from caps and closures after their initial use.

“The technology doesn’t exist at a rate that would be affordable for any of us to separate [poly]ethylene from [poly]propylene — from the reprocessor down to the [materials recovery facilities] to the people who are doing the curbside collecting,” Stephanie Baker said Sept. 12 at the Closure and Container Manufacturers Association’s annual meeting in Atlanta.

The Barrington, Ill.-based industry group co located its meeting with Plastics News Global Group’s Caps & Closures 2011 conference.

Bake r, d i r ec to r o f ma rke t development for the recycling division of KW Plastics in Troy, Ala., said in 2010, the fi rm purchased 80 million pounds of scrap PP, of which 70 percent came from caps and closures.

KW, which has four wash lines for high density PE and PP, views reclaimed PP as the next boom in post-consumer plastics.

“The missing link is the [curbside] collector, and they are so confused — they have no idea what they

are supposed to collect,” Baker said.

One of KW’s partners, Aveda Corp. of Blaine, Minn., has pitched i n t o h e l p b y a s k i n g b u y e r s o f i t s persona l care products to return caps and containers to hair salons and getting children to bring used Aveda caps to schools.

John Delfausse, vice president of global packaging development for Estee Lauder — Aveda’s parent company — said since 2005, more than 1,600 schools have enrolled in Aveda’s cap collection program.

In September 2008, Aveda reused the caps in a 30th anniversary package for its clove shampoo, which combined TricorBraun molded bottles made from 96 percent post-consumer HDPE with 100 percent recycled PP caps, with the resins supplied by KW.

“This is not a profi t maker. We sell the [collected materials] to KW, but the UPS [Inc. shipping] costs way outweigh the revenue we’re bringing back,” Delfausse said.

Despite the cost, the caps drive has collected 80,000 caps, a whopping 721,000 pounds of plastic, Delfausse said.

David Andison, president and chief operating officer of Bericap North America Inc. in Burlington, Ontario, agreed that one of the biggest mistakes made in recycling is misinformation. Most consumers still do not know that — in many communities — it’s OK to leave their PP or HDPE caps on empty water, carbonated drink or juice bottles or laundry detergent containers when they toss them into the curbside collection bin.

“We ’ve t r i ed t o wo rk w i t h municipalities and brand owners and those who can infl uence consumer behavior [to express that] recycling caps is the appropriate thing to do; the caps need to go with the PET through the recycling stream. Every recycler has a sink-fl oat tank; they will get the mixed olefi n stream; they can sell that,” he said.

In his company’s case, the bigger hurdle is that Bericap North America, a joint venture between Germany’s

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Bericap GmbH & Co. KG and Australia’s Amcor Ltd., needs food-grade HDPE and PP, so caps potentially containing more than one material present a problem. Virgin resin remains the material of choice.

Several presenters and attendees at the CCMA meeting discussed the need for the plastics industry to work more closely with the Washington-based Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers and the Sonoma, Calif.-based National Association of PET Container Recyclers to improve consumer education about including caps and closures in recycling and to ensure that design guidelines — such as APR’s recommendation that PP and PET bottles should have PP caps and that HDPE bottles have HDPE caps — become industry standards.

“Amcor is about two steps removed from the consumer in terms of recycling, so the [consumer education] work done by [companies] like Coca-Cola and Aveda is far more effective at that end. We try to do most of our work through industry groups like NAPCOR or APR to facilitate that,” said David Clark, director of sustainability at Amcor Rigid Plastics, Amcor’s North American packaging subsidiary in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Clark, who joined the molder as manager of its PET recycling plant, said it behooves industry to be involved in the recycling stream as an active player. He pointed to the recent decision by major Canadian grocers to require that clamshell food containers be thermoformed from recyclable PET, as well as the Society of the Plastics Industry Inc.’s $100,000 grant to increase thermoform recycling in

the United States, as evidence that the movement toward post-consumer recycled material is growing.

Extended producer responsibility schemes — in which producers, usually brand owners, are held responsible for the costs of managing their products at the end of life — are under consideration in some states, and already in place in Canada and Europe. Plastics companies need to be aware of the complexity of the situation, he said.

Already, paint and electronics manufacturers in North America are funding recycling drives, giving them more control as opposed to government-mandated schemes, he said.

“Keeping waste out of landfills i s a very 1970s response to environmentalism. The issues we have today in terms of material resources, energy savings, reducing carbon footprint — all of those types of things benefi t from recycling.

“In addition to that, when consumers can put [used packaging] in the recycling bin they feel good about it; when they have to throw it in the trash because it’s not recyclable, it’s not their fault — it’s ours,” Clark said.

The good news for the plastics industry is that the U.S. marketplace for reclaimed material continues to grow, especially at a regional level.

In the southeast United States, more than 6,000 people are employed in manufacturing that is dependent upon recycled plastic for feedstock, said Will Sagar, the Brevard, N.C.-based policy director for Southeast Recycling Development Council Inc.

Working in 60 separate facilities across the region, these businesses contribute $3 billion annually in added value to the U.S. economy, he said.

A recent research project conducted College of Charleston evaluated the impact of 1,000 tons of reclaimed plastics if it were returned to the Southeast.

“Georgia alone could create nearly 2,500 jobs, with over $5 million in tax [revenue], if the material going into its landfi lls was reclaimed,” Sagar said.

Over 1,440 million pounds of post-consumer PET and 981 million pounds of post-consumer HDPE were recycled in 2009, he said. If U.S PET recycling capacity increases to the expected 1.8 billion pounds from 1.2 billion at the beginning of the year, the old concept of digging into landfi lls for formerly lost plastic could become as viable as reclaiming metals (although that process is as simple as passing an industrial magnet over a trash pile).

“Our resources are no longer coming from the forests or the mines; now, they’re coming from the ‘urban mine,’” Sagar said.

However, the problem of mixed mater ials cont inues to bedevi l processors. Clark said that RPET has become darker than that seen five years ago, due to contamination in the recycling stream by other plastics and associated chemicals. Paper manufacturers have had to deal with plastic in their recycling bales, and everyone is fi nding shards of glass in their materials

Courtesy: Plastic News

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Califronia laws expected to boost plastics recyclingCalifornia has recently passed

recycling bil l anticipating development for the plastic industry and most of them have welcomed the move.

Two recycling bills signed into law by California Governor Jerry Brown are expected to boost the amount of material collected and recycled, and bolster the plastics recycling infrastructure in the state.According to a report Brown signed into law October 6 Assembly Bill 149, which will continue the state’s annual plastic market development incentives of $10 million to $20 million to processors and manufacturers of recycled plastics through Jan 1, 2017. The incentives would have expired in January without the bill’s passage.

In addition, Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 341, which sets a goal of source reducing, recycling, or composting 75 percent of waste in the state by 2012. Equally as important, it requires virtually every commercial business, institution and apartment building in the state to implement recycling programs.

That’s significant because while California today diverts 58 percent of its waste, its large offi ce buildings only divert 7 percent of their waste, and smaller businesses less than that. AB 341 requires that all commercial or public entities that generate more than four cubic yards of commercial solid waste per week offer or arrange for recycling services, on and after July 1, 2012.

The law also applies to multifamily residential dwelling of five units or more.

The plastic recycling market

development incentives which began in 2000 are credited with developing the plastics recycling infrastructure in California. The current bill, AB 1149, hopes to take that one step further in an effort to keep more bottles in California instead of being shipped to China.

Californians annually collect about 500 million pounds of plastic beverage containers for recycling. Historically more than 80 percent have been shipped overseas for reprocessing.

Among other things, AB 1149 au thor izes Ca lRecyc le - - the former California Integrated Waste Management Board — to reinvest up to 50 percent of the savings from an anticipated drop in PET processing fee offsets back into plastic market development payments.

In addition, it authorizes CalRecycle to issue up to $20 million in grants annually for plastic recycling market development and expansion-related activities.

“California has been the banana republic to China,” said Mark Murray, executive director of Californians A g a i n s t Wa s t e , a n o n - p r o f i t environmental group in Sacramento that advocates waste reduction and recycling policies and programs. “We dutifully clean up and collect billions of used soda and water bottles and ship them off to China at a loss. They add labor and value [by] processing them into the polyester clothing and accessories that they sell back to us at Target and Banana Republic.”

“When we ship used soda and water bottles to China, we are exporting thousands of jobs overseas that could just as readily exist in California if the

appropriate investments were set up to support it,” said Assemblyman Rich Gordon, D-Menlo Park, who co-sponsored the market-incentive bill and chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee that oversees all natural resource agencies in the state. “AB 1149 builds on the success of the plastic market development program and will create and support thousands of jobs while helping our environment.”

Murray said today the plastic market program in California directly supports more than 750 jobs. But the state is collecting enough plastic to support 4-5 times as many jobs.

“AB 1149 creates the incentives and the potential for hundreds, if not thousands of new jobs,” Murray said. “Recycling is a proven job creator.”

He said the mandated apartment and commercial establishment recycling bill, AB 341, “targets the 15 million tons of recyclables that the commercial sector and apartments still send to landfills every year. By collecting, processing and manufacturing these materials into new products, AB 341 has the potential to create a net total of nearly 60,000 jobs.”

“Cal i fornia’s commitment to recycling has created 125,000 new jobs over the past two decades,” added Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro, D-North Coast, who sponsored the apartment and business recycling bill. “The [recycling] industry generates $4 billion a year in salaries and produces $10 billion worth of goods and services annually. California’s commitment to recycling has created 125,000 new jobs over the past two decades.”

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Federal Reserve announces stimulus plan, oil falls, dollar strengthensThe US Federal Reserve unveiled

a stimulus plan seeking to lower lending rates and spur economic growth with a US$400 bln program to sell short-term Treasury bills and buy long-term debt . However, analysts feel the paln falls short of 2010’s US$600 bln bond-buying program that ended this year. Most of the Fed's lending rates are already near zero per cent, blunting the possible benefi ts of the measure. Signifi cant downside risks

are envisioned to the Fed's economic forecasts, amid a weak labor market and high unemployment rate. As a result, the dollar strengthened and oil fell by a dollar on the Nymex. Plunging global equities also weighed on oil prices as did a move by investors towards the safe-haven US dollar. Light, sweet crude for November delivery fell to US$85.9 on the Nymex, while Brent crude on the ICE Futures Europe exchange dipped to US$110.3.

OxySense Announces New Packaging School Initiative

OxySense, the leader in oxygen measurement and monitoring

systems for the packaging industries, has announced a new initiative to expand its relationship with college and university level packaging schools across the US and internationally. "The future of innovation and progress in packaging and the packaging processes industries is, to a large degree, dependant on the excellence and technology developed by our packaging schools. And, to ensure that this future is bright and productive, we believe it is critical that the schools and researchers have access to the best and most innovative technologies," says Peter Gerard, president and CEO of OxySense."Therefore, we are pleased to announce a new initiative

to make available, on a most favorable basis, the complete line of OxySense optical oxygen measurement and monitoring systems to all college and university affi liated packaging schools and programs. We want to be certain that the researchers and packaging leaders of the future are familiar with our leading-edge technology and have access to these tools for the important work they are doing today and for the future." The program is designed to be a cooperative effort, and therefore under the leadership of Dr. Devinder Saini, OxySense's chief scientist, OxySense will not only make its technology available on a most attractive basis, it will also provide technical and scientifi c support.

European sector improves, but falls to second placeResearch conducted on

behalf of a consortium of European plastics bodies reveals that China is now the top global plastics producer, taking over from Europe.The report, “Plastics – the Facts,” backed by PlasticsEurope, the European Plastics Converts, European Plastics Recyclers and the European Association of Plastics Recycling & Recovery, contains a mixed assessment of 2010. Things have bounced back since the damage infl icted by the 2008 economic crisis, but last year was also marked by a 2 percent cut in European plastics job and continued company closures.

“In the fi rst six months of 2011, we can only notice that the pace of recovery has slowed down because of the reduction in inventory and uncertainty over economic growth,” said Claus-Jürgen Simon, market and economics manager at Brussels-based PlasticsEurope. Despite the diffi culties European plastics producers saw a 17 percent increase in turnover during 2010, according to the report. And the growth of plastics recycling is helping inject energy into the sector. The volume of recycled and recovered plastics in 2010 increased by an average 9.3 percent compared to 2009 across the 27 EU countries, Norway and Switzerland. This fi gure is equal to 58 percent of all used plastics.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS

FTC cracks down on green certification firmsThe Federal Trade Commission

(FTC) has cracked down on green certifi cation fi rms and becoming green-certifi ed can be as diffi cult as meeting stringent criteria or as easy as using a credit card.There are more than 400 green certifi cation systems and eco-friendly labels in a variety of industries, making it difficult to determine which company is “green” and which company is “greenwashing” -- deceptive promotion of a company as environmentally friendly. “I think it’s a challenge because there are so many different seals and certifi cations out there that the greatest fear just might be that there’s a sea of green noise,” said David Mallen, deputy director of

the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “One of the challenges is distinguishing one from the other.”This year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cracked down on one company that was doing little more than selling green certifi cation labels. Now it’s updating its guidelines for environmentally friendly criteria FTC sued Tested Green, a “completely bogus certifier,” said Laura Koss, senior lawyer in the FTC’s division of enforcement. Tested Green sold environmental certifi cations for hundreds of dollars and told more than 100 customers that its certifi cations were endorsed by two independent fi rms. But those companies were both

owned by Tested Green owner Jeremy Ryan Claeys, according to FTC.

“The company claimed to be an environmental certifi er, but they were essentially selling certifi cations to anyone who was willing to pay money for them.FTC said Tested Green never actually tested any of the companies it provided with environmental certifi cations. It certifi ed anyone willing to pay $189.95 for a “Rapid” certifi cation or $549.95 for a “Pro” certifi cation.The Green Guides were last revised in 1998, and an update is long overdue. The revised Green Guides should be released within the next year.

GW Plastics employees still recovering from Irene, company sets up relief fundTropical Storm Irene left the

state a few weeks ago, but Vermonters, including many GW Plastics Inc. employees, are still struggling from the effects. According to reports the company is helping out and has also set up the GW Plastics Storm Relief Fund for employees and families who were impacted by the storm. “Many of our employees lost their homes, suffered property damage or had their cars were washed down the rivers. We had a group of employees that were completely cut off for a while,” said President and CEO Brenan Riehl, in a telephone interview. “Many were significantly impacted by the storm. Yet, many or all were somehow able to get to work.

Some actually hiked up mountains or got ATV rides to come to Bethel. It was incredible display,” he said. Riehl said the two GW Plastics plants were not hurt by the storm, although the Bethel plant was without power for two days. However, he estimated that at least half of the 300 employees were affected by the storm. Riehl said GW was cut off on three sides but a major highway on the fourth side allowed it to get the materials it needed and also to ship out products. He said that the fi rm was able to operate because of the efforts of the employees.The company has formed a committee to see how it can help. It has supplied generators, helped find temporary housing and set up transportation.

Groups of employees have started volunteer groups and have been going to homes to clean and restore what they can.

One employee, according to Riehl, even built his own road to get out. He said that many who lost homes do not have fl ood insurance. Others have lost their cars or source of transportation. Still, others were hurt by the loss of power for days. The state itself still has many roads and bridges that will take much time to repair. The relief fund started as an idea in the two Vermont plants, but soon was expanded throughout GW Plastics’’ eight plants. Later, it expanded again to the company’s customers and suppliers.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS

PET prices in Asia continue to climb on firmer feedstocks

Spot PET in Asia has posted four consecutive weeks of rising

prices even as most other polymer prices in the region have declined, as per ChemOrbis. Sources attribute the steady rise in PET prices to fi rmer feedstock costs and the resultant margin pressure on producers. Healthy PET demand in China during the summer season was cited as another factor aiding the recent firmness, although sources added that buying interest for PET has weakened as the summer draws to an end. Spot PTA and MEG prices on CFR China basis have posted cumulative increases

of around US$60-65/ton over the past month, pushing up theoretical costs of PET production by US$75/ton. Export PET prices fi rmed up by US$30-40/ton on an FOB China basis last week while domestic PET prices climbed CNY200-400/ton (US$31-63/ton). Month over month, export PET prices have increased by US$90/ton while domestic prices have risen by CNY800/ton (US$125/ton). Sellers are generally taking a fi rm stance as rising feedstock costs have left producers with limited margins even after their most recent price increases. Chinese PET producers added that they are

PM 'must keep bag promise' says UK’s marine lobby groupThe Mar ine Conservat ion

Society (MCS) has urged the Prime Minister to keep a promise on reducing plastic bags by launching a consultation on bringing in charges for carrier bags. MCS cites reports that 170 species of marine wildlife have been recorded mistaking litter for food, including turtles whose guts have been found full of plastic bags. As Wales brings in its levy on single-use carrier bags handed out in shops from Saturday, and Scotland and Northern Ireland move to consult on similar proposals, MCS is calling for a consultation on plastic bag charging in England. Last week, David Cameron threatened to introduce tough laws forcing retailers to cut the number of

plastic bags they issue if they fail to do so voluntarily. The Prime Minister praised major high street stores for a signifi cant dip overall in the number of single-use bags being handed to shoppers in recent years, but branded it "unacceptable" that the number went up in 2010. He warned stores that they would have to answer to him if they failed to reverse that trend soon. MCS said that the PM's comments were “empty words” and that inaction on the issue in England was "nothing short of a cop-out" for a coalition that styles itself as the greenest government ever. Dr Robert Keirle, MCS pollution programme manager, said: "A total of 6.4 billion single-use bags were issued to supermarket customers across the

UK in 2010. If we're not careful, some sort of levy will be operational in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but nothing in England.

"For a coalition Government in which both parties were keen to trumpet their green credentials in the run-up to the election, this inaction is nothing short of a cop-out."

MCS quotes a poll for 5 News revealing that almost two-thirds of people supported a UK-wide charge for plastic bags similar to the 5p levy introduced in Wales.

The survey of 2,444 British adults by YouGov found that 63% supported the move to bring in a charge for carrier bags handed out in shops.

generally feeling free from inventory pressure at present. Traders report that PET prices were largely stable at the beginning of this week as some players have begun to speculate that prices will stabilize soon, now that spot PTA and MEG feedstock costs have begun to come down from their mid-September highs. Most players believe that the medium term outlook for the PET market remains fi rm as the recent down turns in spot PTA and MEG prices will be only temporary since PTA demand from the textile sector is said to be healthy and fi rm PX prices are also giving support to the PTA market.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Dallas plastics firm expands to Longview, buys facility

A Dallas-based plastics firm is planning to expand its

operations to Longview with a $5.8 million investment and 65 new jobs during the next six years according to a report. Dallas Plastics Corp was approved for an incentive package from Longview Economic Development Corp. that could be worth up to $500,000 in coming years, according to Susan Mazarakes-Gill, executive director of LEDCO. Dallas Plastics plans to purchase an existing 55,000-square-foot building on about 4 acres at 900 Jordan Valley Road. The property has been the home of Exopack, which is closing its Longview facility and consolidating operations in South Carolina. “Even before they had a chance to market the building for sale, we have a buyer,” Mazarakes-Gill said. Mark Thoreson, president of Dallas Plastics, said the company will install blown fi lm extrusion equipment and manufacture polyethylene film products that serve the food, medical, industrial and other markets in the region. Production could begin in the fi rst quarter of 2012.

Steve Metcalf, president of the LEDCO board of directors, said the announcement is positive news for the company and the Longview economy. “We consider this a win-win for Longview and Dallas Plastics,” Metcalf said after the board action Wednesday. “They get a quick path to expansion, and we were able to

put a new manufacturer in an existing building.” The company’s headquarters are in Mesquite, and Dallas Plastics has a second operation near St. Louis. “We were impressed with what we saw at Dallas Plastics’ other operation in Mesquite and have high hopes that they will quickly grow their operation in Longview,” Metcalf said. “Our incentive package provides $200,000 upon occupancy, with the remaining $300,000 to be paid out over several years,” he said. The initial payment will be made once the company proves it has invested $1.8 million and receives a city certifi cate of occupancy. “The up-front money helps them offset some of their move-in and initial capital investment,” Metcalf said. “The jobs based portion of the incentives is in line with what we traditionally provide

Tightness in raw material supplies has sent North

American prices for PET bottle resin up by an average of 4 cent per pound since Sept. 1 According to reports Paraxylene feedstock, in particular, has been in tight supply Higher prices for paraxylene, in turn, have driven up prices for purified terephthalic acid (PTA)

for other companies.” Mazarakes-Gill said the company plans to hire fi ve people the fi rst year, eight the second year; 12 the third year; and 20 in each the fourth and fi fth years of the agreement. “The capital investment is projected to be $1.8 million the fi rst year and an additional $1 million each year for four years,” she said. The job creation part of the incentive package averages out to about $4,615 per new employee. Mazarakes-Gill said the estimated payroll and benefi ts to Dallas Plastics workers locally during a 10-year period is about $26 million. LEDCO is also recommending a six-year tax abatement that should save the company about $70,000 over the life of the abatement in city and county property taxes.

North American PET bottle resin prices up 4 cents per pound

feedstock, which has its U.S. prices tied to paraxylene on a formula basis. The increase is the fourth to hit the North American PET market along with a pair of smaller price decreases this year. Regional PET prices in North America now are up a net of more than 19 percent since Jan. 1.


GAIL in talks to buy US LNG plant stakesThe Economic Times has

reported that GAIL India, the nation’s biggest natural gas distributor, is in talks to buy stakes in as many as three US liquefi ed natural gas export terminals and contract fuel supplies, According to the report holding stakes in ventures would help New Delhi-based GAIL obtain long-term LNG supply agreements. The company is also in talks to acquire a share in gas projects in Brunei. GAIL and Petronet LNG, India’s biggest LNG importer, want access to overseas assets after a surge in US shale gas output led to increased availability of the fuel for export by companies including

Cheniere Energy Inc. Asia’s second- fastest growing economy faces a shortfall of the cleaner-burning fuel after output dropped at the nation’s biggest gas fi eld. GAIL chairman B C Tripathi had earlier said that the company may spend as much as $2 billion on acquisitions, including shale gas assets in the US and Australia. US companies including Cheniere, Southern Union Co and Freeport LNG have applied to federal regulators to build LNG export terminals on the Gulf of Mexico. Cheniere plans to start sellings LNG outside the US in 2015, chairman Charif Souki said.

BUSINESS NEWS

Bharat Plastics opens plant at UmbergaonIndian molder Bharat Plastics,

part of Bharat LLC.,has moved from Mumbai into a new facility in Umbergoan as part of a two-phase project that will see the fi rm expand and diversify into plastic packaging and organized retailing. According to the release the new facility begins a chapter of growth for the company. The site will employ 500 and make more than 70 different plastic products for the consumer-goods market, “We are further expanding and doubling the production facility in Phase 2, which includes the development of another 200,000 square feet

of production space,” said Sanjay Parekh. “Construction [of that phase began] in Q2 2011, and is expected to be completed by April 2012.” “We are diversifying in cosmetic packaging, PET bottles and home-care products,” Parekh said. Currently, the firm manufactures household and housewares products like lunch boxes, water jugs, fl asks, casserole containers, insulated bottles and buckets. The new plant manufactures 330,690 pounds of plastic products per month, while packaging production is just 55,115 pounds monthly.

Tooling Technology buys FPM Tooling

Oh i o b a s e d To o l i n g Technology LLC, which

makes tooling for thermoforming, compress ion mo ld ing and rotational molding, has expanded into industrial blow mold tooling by acquiring FPM Tooling & Automation in Fremont, Ohio. However Tooling Technology did not disclose terms of the deal. FPM makes blow molds and complete automation production cells for automotive, housewares, recreational, industrial packaging and toy markets. The company was formerly known as Fremont Plastic Molds. FPM’s automation offerings include equipment for trimming, assembly, welding, vision inspection, ultrasonic welding and robotic press loading and unloading, and packaging systems. “This acquisition presents an opportunity for the Tooling Tech Group to expand our already strong position in the automotive, transportation and consumer products tooling markets through additional product offerings,” CEO Tony Seger said. Founded in 1982, Tooling Technology is a major provider of tooling for making automotive headliners, carpet and fl oor assemblies, acoustic products and truck bed liners. Other large-part thermoforming includes molds for hot tubs and spas, boat hulls, kayaks, automotive roof boxes, appliances, transportation interiors, and industrial trays and packaging.


First plants of BASF-YPC expansion in Nanjing China come on streamThe fi rst production facilities in

the $1.4 billion expansion of BASF-YPC , a 50-50 joint venture between BASF and Sinopec , have now begun operations. Along with the successful completion of the steam cracker expansion, the newly constructed butadiene extraction plant and the non-ionic surfactants plant are now operational. These plants are part of a $1.4 billion investment project which broke ground in September 2009. The project includes the expansion of the existing steam cracker, from 600,000 tons/year to 740,000 tons/year of ethylene, the expansion of three existing plants, and the construction of ten new plants. The products of this second phase will serve multiple industries such as

agriculture, construction, electronics, pharmaceutical, automotive and chemical manufacturing. The bulk of the remaining plants are expected to come on-stream around the end of 2011. Also, a superabsorbent polymers (SAP) plant will be constructed as part of the ongoing expansion project.

"With this expansion, we are now beginning to realize the true potential of BASF-YPC as a 'Verbund' site – a German term referring to a highly-integrated, highly energy-efficient production complex. At the same time, the chemicals produced here contribute directly to supporting China's energy efficiency goals as outlined in the 12th Five Year Plan," said Dr. Bernd Blumenberg, President, BASF-YPC Company Limited.

BASF and SINOPEC also signed a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2010 to jointly explore the further expansion of BASF-YPC. The new projects under consideration will extend the C3 and C4 value chains, including the construction of a new acrylic acid facility with a capacity of 160,000 tons per year, a new butyl acrylate plant, as well as capacity increases at the 2-propyl-heptanol, styrene monomer, and non-ionic surfactants plants. A new world-scale hydrogen peroxide / propylene oxide (HPPO) facility is also included in the new investments under consideration. The new investments under consideration collectively total approximately USD 1 billion.

BHEL to develop a 1320-MW thermal power plant in Madhya PradeshEngineering and manufacturing

enterprise Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), has secured a contract worth Rs 3,800 crore from Dainik Bhaskar Power Ltd (DBPL) to develop a 1,320-MW thermal power plant in Madhya Pradesh. According to the release

The company bagged the order for Dainik Bhaskar Power's forthcoming coal-based supercritical thermal power project located at Singrauli District in Madhya Pradesh. The scope of work under the 1,320-MW thermal power plant from DBPL includes the design,

engineering, manufacture, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of supercritical boilers, steam turbines and turbo-generators along with controls and instrumentation (C&I) and other associated auxiliaries like transformers and a switchyard. BHEL, is already carrying out another contract for DBPL which involves the supply and commissioning of a 2x600 MW (boiler, turbine and generator) BTG package, along with associated auxiliaries for a 1,200-MW coal-based thermal power project in Chhattisgarh.

Advance Polybag's Accredo Packaging unit invests in sustainable flexibility

Texas based Advance Polybag Inc. Accredo

Packaging Inc., is extending its plant in Sugar Land. The release said,offi cials broke ground late last year on a 175,000-square-foot expansion and it should be comp le ted nex t yea r. Accredo makes blown fi lm and does printing, laminating and conversion with an emphasis on sustainable products and manufacturing.

BUSINESS NEWS


BUSINESS NEWS

Coca-Cola-Eco Plastics JV to recycle plastic bottles in Great BritainCoca-Cola Enterprises Ltd

(CCE) and ECO Plastics have formed a pioneering joint venture - a fi rst for the UK recycling and beverage industries, the new business will be known as Continuum Recycling Limited. The name refl ects the fact that the joint venture company will establish a continuous process for re-processing plastic bottles in Great Britain. Used plastic bottles will be recycled in Lincolnshire and the high quality materials produced will be re-used in new Coca-Cola bottles.

Jonathan Short, Managing Director of ECO Plastics said, “ECO Plastics’ plant is already the largest and most sophisticated in Europe and having

put the finishing touches to a £24 mln fi nancing packaging in the last month, we will now be able to increase capacity from 100,000 tpa to 140,000 tpa of mixed plastic bottles, just under 50% of the total collected last year. The new facility will increase the amount of high-quality bottle-grade rPET currently produced in the UK to more than 75,000 tonnes a year, more than doubling the current total. Having been transformed into food-grade rPET pellet by Continuum Recycling, these will then be used in Coca-Cola bottles, enabling Coca-Cola Enterprises to meet its target of including 25% recycled PET in all its plastics packaging by 2012.

AEP acquiring film maker Webster

Film manufacturer AEP Indus t r ies Inc . tha t

makes an extensive range of polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC packaging films for the consumer, industrial and agricultural markets has agreed to acquire the assets and some liabilities of Webster Industries, a privately-held blown fi lm extruder and converter of retail and institutional private-label food and trash bags.According to South Hackensack, N.J.-based AEP, the cash transaction is valued at $28.4 million, subject to a post-closing working capital adjustment. Brendan Barba, chairman, president and CEO of AEP, said in the release that the deal allows the company to enter a new market with significant cross-selling potential. AEP. The company has 12 plants in the United States and Canada and employs about 2,000. For the third quarter of 2011, AEP reported after-tax profi t of $2.5 million on sales of $246 million, compared to profi t of $3.7 million on sales of $204.9 million for the year-ago period.

Wavin invests £3m in recycled plastic pipesWavin has invested £3m in

equipment to produce piping using 50% recycled plastics that it says are as good as its virgin grade and are the same price. The company manufactures the pipes in a three layer extrusion process allowing it to produce the pipe with three PVC layers the inner core is made from the recycled material.

Virgin grades are used on the outer and inner layers. The inside of the pipe needs to be smooth to avoid blockages and so using virgin grade on the interior ensures this.

Also, underground pipes have to be colour coded and colouring recycled material is very diffi cult, which is why virgin polymer is used on the outside. However, Wavin is looking to eventually increase the amount of recycled polymers used further.

Wa v i n s a y s t h e R e c y c o r e Technology pipe looks and performs exactly the same as its piping made from virgin polymers apart from the dark middle layer of recycled material - and costs the same. Wavin md Calum Forsyth said, The offer is that simple. It allows customers to enhance their

sustainability credentials at no extra cost. It will also future-proof them against further changes in regulations as concern for the environment rises up the political, business and consumer agenda.


BUSINESS NEWS

APT seeks to Partner with PVC Impact Modifier Suppliers in Middle EastAdvanced Polymer Trading

(APT), an international trading company specializing in the world wide trade of rubber, plastics and petrochemicals, has announced its intention to expand its product range in the Middle East. According to the release APT is seeking to partner with PVC impact modifier suppliers. APT currently partners with many international rubbers, plastic and chemical suppliers and enables manufacturers to enter the Middle Eastern markets helped by APT's years of experience, local representation and highly capable technical support staff. To expand its product range APT are seeking partners to fulfi ll the market demands for PVC impact modifiers. Impact

modifiers are elastomers that are added to PVC to absorb mechanical energy. Once added they give impact strength to the inherently brittle PVC, with minimal negative infl uence on its other mechanical properties. "There is a large market demand for PVC impact modifiers in the Middle East." said Hamid Amiri, Managing Director, APT. "We want to form a partnership with a supplier to meet these demands in this increasingly lucrative market." APT has successfully introduced hundreds of different products into the Middle East including chemicals, plastics, paints and additives. Its clients come for a broad range of different sectors including automotive, packaging, construction and agricultural.

Mitsubishi Polyster’s US$20 mln upgradation at South Carolina

Offi cials at Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc. have init iated

another major capital upgrade at its location in Greer, South Carolina. The US$20 mln project will increase capacity as well as provide enhanced capability to produce innovative new products.

Dennis Trice, President and CEO at Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc. said This project comes on top of the multi-

million dollar project announced in 2010 to roll out the Reprocess™ Sustainable Liner Program; the industry’s first closed loop recycling process for silicone coated polyester liners. The projects at the Greer facility will be completed in late 2012. Mitsubishi has already invested over US$200 million at its Greer facility over the past 10 years. Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc. is an American affi liate of Mitsubishi

Essar Energy Targets Global Oil & Gas Assets

The Economic Times has reported that London-

listed Essar Energy is in talks to acquire oil and gas assets of global oil majors like Exxon, Chevron, Shell and Conoco Philips in Africa,Latin America and Australia and hopes to clinch a few deals. According to the report the company seeks to expand its global footprint and looks to earn good bargains to increase its oil and gas portfolio. It already has assets in Africa and Europe. It is expected that the company would invest billions of dollars in such assets. Essar had bid for royal Dutch Shell’s stake in four Nigerian oil fi elds but had fallen out of the race when shell did not fi nd Essar’s offer for any of the blocks attractive. Shell is divesting stake in the onshore fi elds as part of its plan to sell $5 billion of assets this year.

Plastics, Inc. and offers a wide array of polyester fi lms for existing markets such as industrial labels and liners, fl exible packaging, and also for many of today’s new emerging markets in energy and electronics. Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc. has additional polyester fi lm assets in Germany, Japan and Indonesia as well as a new plant under construction in China.


BUSINESS NEWS

According to a new market study India represents a

US$3 billion market for fl exible packaging that’s growing 15 percent annually, the report further adds businesses need to understand the environment to compete successfully . India has a middle class the size of Europe’s, and growth is being driven by growth in the retail sector, according to “The Indian Flexible Packaging Market 2011,” from Guilsborough-based PCI Films Consulting Ltd. The Indian market is two-tiered, according to the report. Major food producers are supplied by well developed converters that use German and Italian equipment. But outside the main population centers, there is a less organized market served by small converters.

Xten named Business of the YearInjection molder Xten Industries

LLC was named the 2011 Business of the Year by the Kenosha Area Business Alliance and the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce earlier this month. According to the release Xten was picked based on its overall economic impact on the community, which was the result of strong sales growth, growing employment, product innovation and community involvement.Judges included previous

winners and representatives from BizTimes Milwaukee, UW-Parkside, Carthage College and Gateway Technical College. Xten started as Chicago-based Hauser Plas Tech Inc. in 1940, eventually folding in the former Priority Tool and Manufacturing Co., and moving to Kenosha in 2002. Since the move, the company said it has seen its sales grow more than 35 percent annually to more than $16 million in 2010.

Time Technoplast to set up packaging plant in Malaysia

Leading Ind ian po lymer processor Time Technoplast,

plans to set up an industrial packaging plant in Malaysia, according to reports from PTI. The project, to manufacture plastic packaging products, including intermediate bulk containers, plastic drums and containers in Malaysia, is likely to commence production at the end of

Quarter one for the year 2012.

"This project is a part of our Asian vision. We have aggressive plans to be in all major markets in Asia and to become a dependable one stop shop for polymer based industrial packaging products," Time Technoplast Chief of International Business C Hubert said.

Huntsman to build Asia Pacific technology center in shanghaiHuntsman Corp. plans to invest

about $40 million to build a new Asia Pacifi c Regional Technology Center (ATC) in Shanghai. According to the release the facility will include machine halls, laboratories and offi ces, accommodating up to 400 workers. It will replace a nearby Technology Center that opened in September

2008. “The Huntsman technology center will be completely aligned to support Asia’s fast-growing industries, including developing new energy-saving material solutions for the strategic industries as outlined in China’s 12th Five-Year Plan,” said Anthony Hankins, Huntsman’s CEO Asia Pacifi c.

India's films sector growing quickly

Ethylene output in Japan falls by 4.1% in September

Ethylene production in Japan fell 4.1% year-on-year basis in

September, due to a larger number of plants being closed for maintenance. Ethylene output for Sep 2011 was 534,500 ton vs 557,300 tons in Sep 2010, and vs 612,100 tons in August 2011, as per the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan.


PRODUCT NEWS

New crash-optimized polyamides at FAKUMA 2011On the occasion of the FAKUMA

trade fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany,BASF introduced three new representatives of its crash-optimized specialty polyamide 6 family at hall B4, booth 4306. The fi rst two grades are designated Ultramid® B3ZG7 CR and Ultramid® B3ZG3 CR, reinforced with 35 or 15 percent glass fi bers. The third grade is Ultramid® B3ZG10 CR, the fi rst impact-modifi ed polyamide

6 from BASF with 50 percent glass fibers. Initially targeted for body applications intended to provide pedestrian protection, these high-strength plastics are also suitable for other crash-relevant components on the vehicle, at the steering wheel, as structural inserts or on the seats: wherever fast absorption of high amounts of energy is required.

New paper bags seek to rival ‘green’ polypropylene bags

Earth Bags Australia Pty. Ltd. has launched what

it claims is Australia’s first 100 percent recyclable paper bag, aimed at replacing so-called green polypropylene bags. Called Earth Bag, the woven paper bags have a natural beeswax coating. Reg Ferguson, Earth Bags Australia director, said the bags are already in use in the retail and food industries and are a viable option to replace PP bags. It took Ormeau-based Earth Bags Australia more than three years to research, develop and release the product. Ferguson said that, to his knowledge, Earth Bags are Australia’s first biodegradable reusable bag and the fi rst to be supported by scientifi c research. He said Earth bags are chemical-free, can be used for up to two years and will turn to compost 45 days after disposal in landfi ll.He said the bags are as strong and practical as their PP counterparts, but produce about 20 percent fewer carbon emissions during manufacture and disposal.At A$2.50 (US$2.64) a unit, Earth bags are more expensive than PP bags but Ferguson said the extra cost is offset by the future cost of trying to dispose of PP bags. Research by scientists at Perth, Australia-based Murdoch University show the paper bags are better for the environment.

Wines available in plastic containersThe major d is t r ibutors of

alocmalts, beer and fi ne wines have started using plastic packaging for the fi rst time ever to supply wines. The IL Pet barrier bottle has been delivered by Amcor Rigid Plastics. The Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) stock containers weight just 54 gas

compared to the glass predecessor weighs 430 g. The bottle is made with KHS Plasmax's special barrier coating technology. It comes with an aluminum screw cap. Plasmazx is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved passive barrier for the products that are sensitive to oxygen.

New impact modifiers for applications developed by ArkemaA new impact modifier range

that is suitable for applications requiring exceptional impact resistance at extremely low temperatures has been developed by Arkema. Lotader 2200 is an impact modifi er range for Polyamide 6 and 66 components.

T h e n e w a c r y l a t e - b a s e d ethylene terpolymers are ideal for manufacturing PA66 components, including the lawnmower body, handle, hubcap, mirror and rearview. The material has been developed based

on customer demand in household, industrial and automotive markets. Lotader impact modi f ie rs are used globally to process technical polymers such as polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyesters and polyamides. In addition, the company has developed Orevac IM300 impact modifi er for PA6 components. The new grafted polyolefi n grade provides an exceptional balance between fl exibility and resistance to cracks and impact at lower temperatures.


PRODUCT NEWS

Ford introduces castor oil-based foam

Ford Motor, which was the fi rst major automaker to begin

using soybean oil-based urethane foam, is debuting a foam with a castor oil blend. The material is part of a soft touch instrument panel in the 2012 Ford Focus sedan, and has 10% of its content from renewable castor oil, which comes from a plant grown throughout Asia. BASF is the material supplier. Castor oil blends have been

used previously in nylon used in under-the-hood applications. Michigan-based Ford said the new foam blend has a better ability to maintain its shape over the car's lifetime. It also cures 43% faster than traditional foam blends, which improves the manufacturing process. Ford said it plans to expand the use of castor oil foam blends throughout its product line globally.

7UP reports progress on recycled PET The trademark green 7UP

bottles got a little greener in Canada this summer.PepsiCo Beverages Canada unveiled the new 7UP EcoGreen bottles in July and rolled them out across the country last month. The bottles are made from 100 percent recycled PET.By using recycled PET, the company says it will cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent. It will also reduce its energy use by 55 percent

during manufacturing, the company reported. On average, PepsiCo mixes 10 percent of recycled PET in soft drink bottles in the U.S. and Canada.According to PepsiCo, carbonated beverages put more stress on recycled PET plastic because pressure builds within the bottles. Pepsi-owned Naked Juice, based in Monrovia, Calif., already uses 100 percent recycled PET for its products, but the juices are not carbonated.

Plastic Fine Polymer develops plastic brightener

Ah m e d a b a d b a s e d Plastic Fine Polymer

provides plastic brighteners/shiners/ whitener for the natural transparent, colours and milky white end products. It is used for giving clarity and also gloss fi nish to the natural transparent polymers. It also gives shining and bright fi nish colours to the end products. This brightener or whitener also successfully removes the yellowness and also the dullness. From the end products, it makes them milky white. This product is used in virgin, second, dull natural or milky white threads, ropes, twine, reprocess granules , HDPE-LDPE-PVC pipes and profiles, box strap, PET jars spoon container, carry bags, sheet, yarns and also other important end-productThermoformer Inline Plastics boosts

production at two plants

Thermoformer Inline Plastics Corp. has expanded one plant

and added two large thermoforming production lines to make its PET clamshell containers and other food packaging. At its plant in Salt Lake City, Inline has installed a roll-fed TSL thermoforming machine from

Thermoforming Systems LLC of Union Gap, Wash. The company expanded the factory by 47,000 square feet, bringing its total size to 156,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing space.Inline plans to make several new sizes of its Safe-T-Fresh line of tamper-evident containers, and new

grab-and-go food-service containers, on the new thermoforming line. Inline Plastics, based in Shelton makes thermoformed PET packaging for fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, salads, food-service, baked goods and deli items.


About us:

Lohia Starlinger Limited brings 3 decades of experience and expertise of supplying complete range of machines for Plastic Woven Fabric Industry for fl exible packaging for wide range of applications like bags, sacks, tarpaulin, FIBC (big-bags), carpet backing, leno bags & many more.

The projects supplied by the company are running successfully in over 60 countries around the world and this accomplishment has been possible due to the Group’s continuous emphasis on quality and innovation. They have delivered more than 700 Tape Extrusion Lines supported by 30,000 Looms processing over one million tones per year of plastics for woven fabric. Lohia portfolio of products deliver complete end to end solutions from a wide range of tapelines, winders and circular looms for producing quality woven plastic fabrics.

Recently they have added many innovations to its portfolio in the extrusion, winding & weaving series.

NEW PRODUCTS FROM LOHIA

Carrying forward, the legacy of a strong in-house research and development, Lohia has now come up with two new products. These machines were exhibited for the fi rst time at ITMA in Barcelona at stand no. H2 C210.

1. MULTIFILAMENT SPIN-DRAW-WIND LINE - lofi l 40/4 HT

While the baby lofi l HT has fi lled the gap in supply chain management by in-house production of customized high tenacity sewing yarn, the lofi l 40/4 HT is for those who are looking for a bigger capacity. With its 4 spinning positions and 4 winding heads, it can deliver fl at yarn of up to 4,800 denier or ready to use intermingled yarn of up to 2,400 denier. T h e i n c r e a s e d delivery speed of 1500 m/min means optimum utilization of extrusion capacity at even lighter deniers (see graph).

2. TAPE WINDERS – next generation autoroto

autoroto launched in 2007 was the most radical innovation in winding technology for raffi a industry and has become an industry standard now. The key features are automatic changeover, equal length in bobbins, reduce wastage & increased productivity. Already more than 7000 autoroto winders are running successfully in the industry.

PRODUCT NEWS


Now Lohia will be introducing the next generation autoroto which will be equipped with an exclusive technology making these winders more effi cient requiring least maintenance.

3. CIRCULAR LOOM - nova venti 4

Circular looms are the norm for weaving PP/PE tapes into tubular fabric that goes into making these packaging solutions. For bulk packing, storing and transporting perishable agricultural produce like potatoes, onions etc. which need to breathe, “ventilated” bags are required. This fabric, due to its unique construction could hitherto only be made on fl at looms at considerably higher cost since fl at looms are expensive. Besides bulk packing agri-produce like potatoes etc, bags made with this kind of fabric might also fi nd use in other areas like sludge disposal.

LOHIA – Innovation to leadership since 1981

For more information –Contact – Ms. Anvita [email protected], [email protected]

PRODUCT NEWS

TRUEBLEND EXTE X T R U S I O N C O N T R O L B L E N D E R S

TrueBlend EXT™ extrusion control blenders combine precision gravimetric batch blending with extrusion yield monitoring or control to provide the tightest possible output and blend quality control for single layer extrusion lines.

With the extrusion control option, you can control extruder output to 0.5% accuracy and blended batches to 0.025% accuracy. Tie in an encoder and take-off drive control to control line speed and product weight-per-length.

Features� 5.7 inch touch screen operator interface panel� PLC based controls� Numerous languages available� Audible/Visual alarm� Control up to 12 material positions� Simple, menu driven, Q&A set-up

Sandip ShahSr. Manager – Sales & MarketingCell: 09376783206Email: [email protected] ; [email protected]

� Simple operator control meets every need� Up-to-the-minute inventory reporting� Anywhere access


….mix it upStaMixCo Technology Ltd., Switzerland, is a company

having specialization in static mixers for laminar flow applications such as the homogenization of polymer melts in plastics processing injection molding and extrusion machinery.

STAMIXCO MIXING NOZZLE (SMN) contains 8 very effi cient static mixing elements that homogenize the polymer melt prior to injection results in the following benefi ts.

� Reduced spots, streaks and clouds of color

� Reduced colorant usage (10% - 40%)

� Narrower part tolerance

� Reduced reject rates

� Less part distortion

� Less weight variation

� Improved part quality when using regrind material

� Shorter cycle time

� Improved melt fl ow

� Increase regrind ratio with consistent product quality

� Rapid nozzle heat-up

Example:

Color distribution in toothbrush shaft of SAN

The SMN Mixing nozzle is available in various sizes covering applications from small to large shot weights.

STAMIXCO FILTER (SMF) can be installed with Stamixco Mixing Nozzle (SMN) without any modifi cations and which would be useful for processing regrind material.

Benefits :� Retains solids and only partially molten granulates

� Protects hot runner systems and tools from clogging and/or damaging

� Retrofi tting possible without modifi cation of the nozzle body

� O.D. fi lter = O.D. mixing elements

� Length of fi lter = length of two (2) mixing elements

Mixing of blue and white eypoxy resins. Empty tube (left) provides no mixing. Eight SMN mixing elements (center and right) provide an almost perfect mix.

Mixing Nozzle with Element

Sample on top: made with SMN mixing nozzle

Sample on bottom: made with injection nozzle (without mixing elements)

Filter with 6 Mixing Elements

PRODUCT NEWS


STAMIXCO MELT BLENDER (SMB-R) for Extruders

are used in

• Sheet extrusion • Profi le extrusion• Blown fi lm • Co_Extrusion• Foam sheet • Wire & Cable• Fibers & monofi laments • Injectuion Blow

Moulding of bottles

Benefits :� Thermal and composition gradients are virtually

eliminated

� Reduced spots, streaks and clouds

� Reduced colorant usage (10% - 40%)

� Improved melt fl ow, uniform fi lling of multi-cavity dies

� Homogenous melt and practically only low temperature and concentration differences

� Improved quality when using regrind material

� Foam cell size and distribution uniformity in foamed products

� Improved mechanical characteristics

STATIC MIXER MELT BLENDERS FOR EXTRUSION BLOW MOLDING OF BOTTLES MADE OF POLYOLEFINES

Application :

� Homogenizing the polymer melt in the die just before

blowing-up the tube to form the bottle.

� Producing a polymer melt of uni form temperature and uniform viscosity. This allows the production of bottles having a uniform wall thickness

� Improving colorant distribution and thus eliminating color streaks in the end product

Characteristics of the Mixer

The StaMixCo Static Mixer Melt Blender for extrusion blow molding contains in the standard design 4 (four) very effi cient mixing elements, which homogenize the polymer melt just before it is formed into tube(s). As the polymer melt

fl ows through the static mixer grid, it is divided into many thin layers that are continuously moved in radial direction and rearranged. By this process, differences in temperature and concentration (e.g. colorant pigments), are reduced by a factor of approximately 3. Differences in temperature are reduced further inside the formed tube due to the effect of thermal conductivity and thus temperature differences are practically eliminated. Due to the uniform colorant distribution, colorant streaks in the end product disappear.

Payback of all these mixing nozzles is within few weeks.

For details, contact:

Madhu Machines & Systems Pvt Ltd‘Anurag’ 1st Floor, A-4/5, Ganesh Krupa Society,Chikuwadi, Vadodara–390007 Gujarat, INDIATel: +91 265 2321104 / 2353886, Fax. : +91 265 2334278Email : [email protected] / [email protected] site : www.madhu-group.com

The StaMixCo Melt Blender SMB-R contains very effi cient static mixing elements

PRODUCT NEWS


TECHNOLOGY

New Flexcon film fights against bacteria

A new fi lm laden with a surface m i c r o - p a t t e r n i m i t a t i n g

sharkskin is being used in the fi ght against bacteria, especially in high-touch areas in a medical environment. Flexcon Co. Inc. of Spencer is producing the patented, bacteria-inhibiting, microscopic texture on large fi lm rolls for Sharklet Technologies Inc., an Aurora, Colo., biotech company. It is being marketed and sold by LGInternational Inc. of Portland, Ore., under the brand name Tactivex. “The beauty of the imaging is that it is non-kill germs don’t like to grow on it,” said William Sullivan, vice president of performance products at Flexcon,

in a telephone interview.

There are chemical products designed to kill bacteria, but according to Sullivan, this micro-pattern inhibits bacteria growth by its texture and is therefore non-toxic as well. It uses a design discipline known as biomimicry, meaning it imitates life or nature.

“We started with Flexcon on a small scale and then it just happened that we needed larger Sharklet fi lm in high quantities,” noted Sarah Eder, vice president of sales and marketing at Sharklet. She said each Sharklet micro-feature has to be a specific height, width and depth to inhibit

bacteria, and Flexcon consistently makes it the right way. Now, the company is using 54-inch rolls that are what she termed “infi nite lengths.”

LGInternational already is selling the Tactivex product for use in hospitals, public restrooms, laboratories and other areas where bacteria are inclined to grow. It can be used as an adhesive-backed skin that can be applied to a surface or as a top layer on a workplace mat.Eder said Sharklet also is working on a fi lm to apply to a urinary catheter.

Self-healing materials take cue from nature

Researchers at the University of Illinois in the US have

found a way to pump healing fl uids around a material like the circulation of animal's blood.Materials that could repair themselves as they crack would have uses in civil engineering and construction.

Their results are published in the Journal Self-healing materials have been researched for nearly a decade, with a view to reducing the risks and costs of cracking and damage in a wide range of materials.

Different approaches have been taken to creating such materials, depending on the kind of material that needs to be repaired: metals, plastics, or carbon composites.

These methods include creating materials which have micro-capsules containing a healing agent embedded within them, which are broken open when the material is damaged, releasing the healing fl uid that hardens and fi lls the crack.

While effective, this method and others are limited by the small amount of healing agent that can be contained within the material without weakening it.

But new developments in self-heal ing technology have been pioneered by Prof Nancy Sottos and her team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, involving the impregnation of plastics with a fi ne

network of channels, each less than 100 millionths of a metre in diameter, that can be fi lled with liquid resins.

These "micro-vascular" networks penetrate the material like an animal's circulation system, supplying healing agent to all areas, ready to be released whenever and wherever a crack appears.

Limitations still blight this technology however, as the healing process relies on the slow wicking action and diffusion of the healing agent into a crack.

The researchers have therefore taken another lesson from biology to improve on the self-healing material's performance.


TECHNOLOGY

BASF creates lightweight composites teamBASF SE has set up a team

for lightweight composites, to show its commitment to the growing importance of lightweight design in the automotive industry. The group will focus on development of marketable materials and technologies suitable for manufacturing high-performance fi ber-reinforced parts for automotive uses. BASF said more metal can be replaced “only through use of lightweight yet strong composite materials and parts, and in this way – regardless of the propulsion system in the vehicle reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions even further.” The group can investigate three different plastic matrix systems simultaneously, including polyurethane, and said it intends to develop tailor-made formulations in close cooperation with customers. “We can build here on BASF’s know-how in the areas of epoxy, polyurethane and polyamide chemistry, want to exploit the synergies inthe team and will be making a double-digit million

euro investment in development in the coming years”, explained Willy Hoven-Nievelstein, BASF’s head of the Engineering Plastics Europe business unit, in a BASF announcement. For these uses, resin transfer molding (RTM) is a valuable technology and can be used to produce large, complex composite components in a single press-form operation, BASF notes. This involves placing multilayer fiber structures in a heated mold, mounted in a press. A liquid resin is then injected into the mold, wetting the fibers completely, and is then cured in a controlled manner. In its newly established RTM laboratory in Ludwigshafen and at its polyurethane research facility in Lemfoerde, BASF experts are working on the chemical and technical challenges posed by the new matrix solutions. The automobile components to be produced from these materials in the future will be able to withstand high loads despite their light weight.

Cause of Fire-retardant Blooming in HIPSBlooming of f ire retardant

additives in Ignition Resistant Polystyrene (IRPS) is a problem and greatly affects the surface quality of molded parts using for electronics such as TV cabinets. The blooming process of two fire retardants: FR 1808 (by DSBG) and FR 8010 (by Albemarle) in high impact polystyrene (HIPS) was studied using experimental and computational methods. The degree of blooming was determined by accelerated aging followed by

transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs. Several levels of computational tools were used. On the molecular level, forced diffusion, calculations showed that the relative diffusion coeffi cient of FR 1808 in pure polystyrene (PS) is signifi cantly higher than that of FR 8010. It was shown that this diffusion coeffi cient could be reduced by the addition of chloroprene and polychloroprene. Cohesive energy density (CED) solubility parameter and heat of mixing calculations showed

that FR 1808 was compatible in PS, with an even higher compatibility in the interface of PS and butadiene in HIPS. TEM micrographs were in agreement with these findings. A three-stage blooming mechanism was suggested: FR 1808 accumulates in the PS butadiene interface and diffuses to the surface, through the butadiene inclusions, due to FR 1808 concentration gradient

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TECHNOLOGY

Cracking experiment

"In a biological system, fl uids are pumping and fl owing," said

Prof Sottos, so they have devised a way to actively pump fl uids into their micro-vascular networks.

Syringes on the outside of the material put healing fluids under pressure so that when a crack appears, a constant pressure drives the fl uid into the cracks.

In the experiments that Prof Sottos' team carried out, two parallel channels are created in a plastic and pumped with a liquid resin and a hardening chemical that triggers the resin to solidify. The micro-vascular healing system is inspired by the circulation of blood in animals

When a crack forms, both micro-channels are breached and the two liquids are pumped into the damaged area.

The researchers experimented with pumping the liquids in pulses so

that fi rst the resin was pushed into the crack, and then the hardener, in repeating cycles.

This, they found, was the most efficient way of filling large cracks and ensuring the widest spread of the healing agents.

Ford studying using coconut husks as a composite reinforcement

Ford Motor Co. is continuing its research into the use of natural

fi bers and bio-based plastics, this time investigating the use of coconut husks as a composite reinforcement.

Ford and yard and garden company The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. are looking at uses for coconut husks -- or coir -- left over from Scotts’ existing production

operations.“We’re taking a material that is a waste stream from another industry and using it to increase the sustainability in our vehicles,” said Ellen Lee, technical expert for plastics research at Dearborn, in the news release. Ford already has used wheat straw as a fi ller in door trim bins, uses a soybean oil-based urethane foam

blend in seats and castor oil blend for instrument panels. Scotts Miracle-Gro, based in Marysville, Ohio, uses coconut husks’ fi bers as a carrier in soil and grass seed products. The fi ber holds more water in the potting soil mix than soil alone, allowing gardeners better water release control in their plants.

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"Micro-capsule technology will enable damaged openings around 50-100 [millionths of a metre] to be fi lled, whereas pumping healing agents through a micro-vascular network can fill major cracks up to a millimetre across," said Prof Sottos.


TECHNOLOGY

Cause of Fire-retardant Blooming in HIPS

Blooming of f ire retardant additives in Ignition Resistant

Polystyrene (IRPS) is a problem and greatly affects the surface quality of molded parts using for electronics such as TV cabinets. The blooming process of two fire retardants: FR 1808 (by DSBG) and FR 8010 (by Albemarle) in high impact polystyrene (HIPS) was studied using experimental and computational methods. The degree of blooming was determined by accelerated aging followed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs. Several levels of computational tools were used. On the molecular level, forced diffusion, calculations showed that the relative diffusion coeffi cient of FR 1808 in pure

polystyrene (PS) is signifi cantly higher than that of FR 8010. It was shown that this diffusion coeffi cient could be reduced by the addition of chloroprene and polychloroprene. Cohesive energy density (CED) solubility parameter and heat of mixing calculations showed that FR 1808 was compatible in PS, with an even higher compatibility in the interface of PS and butadiene in HIPS. TEM micrographs were in agreement with these findings. A three-stage blooming mechanism was suggested: FR 1808 accumulates in the PS butadiene interface and diffuses to the surface, through the butadiene inclusions, due to FR 1808 concentration gradient

Double dutyHaving demonstrated the

improved repair that an actively pressurised system provides, the researchers hope that the technology can be utilised in engineering and construction applications with a little further development.

The method of constructing the materials is already well refi ned, using 3-D scaffolds of "sacrificial fibres" that mould the network of channels within a synthetic material, that are then destroyed in the fi nal stage of production.

In the experimental work that Prof Sottos and her group have carried out, the pumps have been on the outside of the material, but she explained: "We

would like to incorporate pumps into the material itself, perhaps pressure or magnetically driven."

Many large-scale structures where self-healing materials would be most useful, for example in aeroplanes and spacecraft, already have hydraulic systems built into them.

Prof Sottos envisaged these hydraulic systems being harnessed to perform a "double duty" in providing pressure for their self-healing materials.

The teams are next looking into how the self-healing system can be integrated seamlessly into large-scale civil infrastructures, and how it can be optimised to provide the most healing potential.

Recycling technology turns food waste into plasticA recycl ing technology

that turns plant based waste such as orange peel or coffee grounds into a plastic, has been developed by Prof James Clark of the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York and his team. The technique relies on high-powered microwaves that can degrade the tough cellulose molecules of plant matter so that they release volatile gases that can be collected and distilled into a liquid product. Some of the chemicals released are bio-ethanol, pectol and cresol. A small demonstrator facility is being set up to show the novel recycling scheme can be scaled up in order to suit industrial applications. Volatile chemicals are released in the process, including d-limonene, which is responsible for the distinctive smell of citrus fruit. Researchers intend to take the technology to places where large amounts of plant waste are already collected, such as a power station that collect biomass for burning or a farming district that packs or processes foodstuffs.


Environment Dept proposes blanket ban on all plastic carry bags and coversWith Delhi government’s failure

in implementing the ban on the use, sale and storage of plastic bags in 2009 the environment department has propose a blanket ban on all plastic carry bags and covers, including manufacture and import of plastic bags into the city.The draft notifi cation with amendments to the prohibition of manufacture, sale, storage and use of plastic bags has been issued by the department and the public has been given 60 days to respond to the amendments.

The draft notifi cation states that other than a ban on use, storage and

sale of plastic bags, "no person shall manufacture, store, import, sell or transport any kinds of plastic carry bags (including that of polypropylene, non-woven fabric type carry bags) in the whole of National Capital Territory of Delhi except for export purposes, against an order for export.” Use of plastic covers and pouches to pack magazines , invitation cards or greeting cards is also prohibited. The note makes an exception against containers used for packing food material, milk and raising plants in nurseries. Officials who will be authorized to implement the ban will include member

secretary, DPCC, offi cers at the level of assistant environmental engineer and above, director (environment),Delhi government, officers at the level of scientist and above, SDMs, ass is tant san i tary inspectors , health inspectors, general licensing inspectors of local bodies, including public health inspectors of MCD,food and supply offi cers, director of health services or medical officers nominated by him, labour inspectors of the labour department and food inspectors of prevention of food adulteration units.

IN THE NEWS

Supreme Court dismisses Chatterjee appeal in HPL ownership disputeThe Supreme Court of India

has dismissed the appeal by Purnendu Chatterjee-led Chatterjee Petrochem Limited and Chatterjee Pe t rochem (Maur i t i us ) Co in the ownership dispute of Haldia Petrochemicals Limited. The ruling has reiterated that the state government has a majority holding in HPL and the onus is now on the Trinamool Congress-led government to make the next move, as reported by the Business Standard.The legal battle between the two promoters started in August 2005 when the TCG group went to CLB against the preferential allotment of HPL equity to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). IOC had paid HPL Rs 150 crore for a 7.5% stake. The

apex court judgment has upheld the earlier judgement of the Calcutta High Court, which had overruled a Company Law Board order in favour of TCG. The new government is interested in offl oading its 51% stake in HPL. Irrespective of the valuation, the state government may find it difficult to sell its stake at less than Rs 28.80 a share, the price at which the earlier Left Front government had made a “take or leave” offer to TCG. The price, however, may not be acceptable to TCG as the valuation was done fi ve years ago when the company had made profi ts. In the last three years, cumulative losses of HPL stand at Rs 1,000 crore amid worsening market conditions. According to the agreement

with the earlier government, Purnendu Chatterjee would have to be given the first rights of refusal, in case the government decides to sell its stake. However, if Chatterjee does not agree with the valuation, the government is free to sell its shares to a third party. It has widely been speculated that Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries was interested in HPL. Ambani had come down to meet former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Sen, soon after the assembly elections in 2006. The interest was revived after the Trinamool Congress-led government was sworn in earlier this year


IN THE NEWS

Orissa High Court may lift restriction on construction of water intake system for IOCOrissa High Court may lift

the restriction imposed on construction of a water intake system on Mahanadi river in Cuttack for Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)'s Paradip refi nery project, subject to a proposal by IOCL to invest a substantial amount on peripheral development. The bench has hinted that it expected IOCL to take up peripheral development in the form of dredging of Mahanadi river around the land mass where the construction

work was undertaken for the water intake system, increasing the capacity of the reservoir of barrage at Jobra and strengthening the river embankment along Ring Road. The court further expected "supply of drinking water from the intake well for Cuttack city through the public health department". Construction work of the intake system had stopped since July 30. The high court had imposed restrictions on it on July 29 in an interim order. The

IOCL had filed a petition for lifting the restrictions stating that water was one of the main utilities and essential for commissioning of the refinery project as per schedule in March 2012. The intake system is required to be completed and commissioned by September 2011 so as to carry out trial running and commissioning in next two months to be in readiness to supply water to the refi nery project by November 2011

EPRO declares winners for Recycling award

The European Association of Plastics Recycling and

Recovery Organisations (EPRO) has announced the winners of the 2011 Best Recycled Product Competition. The top spot went to Italy’s Eurocomitalia for its Cavalluccio children’s play equipment with Spain’s Zicla coming second for its Zebra cycle lane bumpers and Philips in Belgium taking the bronze slot for its Senseo Viva Café Eco coffee machine. The aim of the competition is to find an ambassador product which demonstrates how recycled plastics play an important part in the innovation and production of new products. “The competition documents what can be achieved when the value chain and life cycle work together. For the consumer who makes the effort to collect their used packaging for recycling this competition provides some great examples of what can be achieved,” said Eirik Oland, head of

communication for EPRO. “We hope the industry continue and increase their use of recycled plastics as material option for products. We now also see that more and more, are seeing used plastic packaging as a valuable resource and not waste. We thank everyone for supporting

Central government reviewing the policy that guides India's petrochemical industry

The central government is in the process of reviewing the policy that guides the Indian petrochemical sector poised to grow by 11% pa

by 2017. This sector, growing robustly, currently accounts for over 13% of the nation’s exports and 8% of its imports, as per IANS. Expansion is on the cards in various upstream and downstream sectors.

Review of the policy for promotion of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIR) is underway by the Government to bring it in sync with the ground realities.Rollback of tariff and non-tariff barriers incorporated as a safeguard against the after-effects of the 2008 global meltdown has also started.

the competition and look forward to seeing what’s new in 2012.” This year the entries were judged by a panel from across Europe, including representatives from EPRO, Plastics Europe and ACR+. The awards were presented on 3 October at IdentiPlast 2011 in Madrid.


IN THE NEWS

American firms ask for review of styrene safety decisionAcoalition of small- and medium-

sized composites and boat building manufacturers in America is asking for an independent review by the National Academy of Sciences of the decision by the federal government to list styrene as a chemical that is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” “A definitive carcinogenicity hazard assessment on styrene from the respected and independent National Academy of Sciences would go a long way towards settling the scientifi c controversy and allow the Administration to provide responsible guidance to workers

and members of the public,” said the coalition in its Sept. 26 letter to White House Chief of Staff William Daley. “Recent actions taken by the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program have placed us and thousands of other owners and managers in the untenable position of having to explain to employees and plant neighbors both that we use styrene safely, and that HHS’ action is ill-founded and irresponsible,” said the letter from the American Composites Manufacturers Association that was signed by 21 companies. The

request for an NAS review by the Arlington, Va.-based ACMA is the latest salvo in the continuing effort by the business community to reverse the federal government’s three-month-old decision to list styrene as a carcinogen. The Styrene Information and Research Center challenged the ruling six days after it was made in early June. SIRC fi led a motion with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for a summary judgment to vacate the ruling made by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program.

Flood concerns weakens demand in ThailandThailand is facing its worst fl oods

in 50 years, as per ChemOrbis. Floods have affected much of the country’s north, northeast and central regions. While the death toll is already high and the estimated cost of the damage for the nationwide fl ooding continues to grow, the government is now trying to prevent fl ood waters from reaching Bangkok by building floodwalls on the outskirts of the capital city. At least 281 people have been killed by heavy monsoon rain, fl oods and mudslides since late July and 26 of Thailand's 77 provinces are inundated, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Bank of Thailand Governor also said a preliminary estimate by the central bank shows economic losses from fl ooding that began in late July range from baht 60 billion to baht 80 billion (US$1.9-2.6 bln). That fi gure

doesn't include damages to assets or reconstruction costs and is expected to rise as the flood waters surge toward Bangkok, a city of about 10 million people. In addition, the Finance Ministry has cut its economic growth forecast for this year to 3.7% from 4% percent because of the damage to farming and the disruption to industry. Honda, Toyota, Pioneer, Nikon, Toshiba, Sony, Mitsubishi, Hitachi and ON Semiconductor Corp are amongst the companies suspending their operations in the country, according to Bloomberg.

Even though the count ry ’s pe t rochemica l opera t ions are unaffected by the recent disasters, polymer demand from many end product markets has been hampered further. Manufacturers in numerous end product applications including the agricultural sector as well as the

automotive and electronics sectors, where the impacts of the damages are seen the most, are now holding pessimistic views for the near term. They do not think that their business will improve soon. Two PVC producers in Thailand, who concluded local sales with decreases, are also pessimistic about seeing a demand recovery by November. A distributor in Bangkok stated that they have cut their PS and ABS offers further to the local market this week; however, he is not sure if he can make sales even at lower levels due to poor demand, as per the plastics pricing service ChemOrbis. He was planning to buy some cargoes for stocking purposes; however, he decided not to do so because of the concerns that the fl oods may reach Bangkok in two days, where his warehouse is located. .



Prasad Group of Companies ................................................................................................................ cover

Madhu Machinaries ....................................................................................................................inside cover

R R Plast .........................................................................................................................................Fan Fold

Anupam Heaters..........................................................................................................................................1

Bry-Air ..........................................................................................................................................................2

CONAIR India. .............................................................................................................................................4

Ferromatik Milacron. ....................................................................................................................................5

Flamingo ......................................................................................................................................................6

Polymechplast .............................................................................................................................................8

WINDSOR ...................................................................................................................................................9

JOMSONS .................................................................................................................................................10

KABRA Extrusion.......................................................................................................................................12

FITCO. .......................................................................................................................................................13

Plast India ..................................................................................................................................................14

Vora Packaging .........................................................................................................................................15

Swastik Sales Corporation ........................................................................................................................16

LOHIA ........................................................................................................................................................23

Jagmohan .....................................................................................................................................Book Mark

Plastivision Arabia 2012 ...............................................................................................................Book Mark

Reliance Polymers.....................................................................................................................................51

Merit Polyplast. ..........................................................................................................................................52

JKP Masterbatches ...................................................................................................................................53

GMS Plastics. ............................................................................................................................................54

L&T Plastics Machinery .............................................................................................................................55

Multifl ow.....................................................................................................................................................56

Manan Enterprise ......................................................................................................................................56

JRD Rubber ...............................................................................................................................................74

Bombay Chemical .....................................................................................................................................79

TAGMA .............................................................................................................................. Inside back cover

KMG Business Technology .......................................................................................................... Back cover


Kabra Gloucester demonstrated their fi rst “KAGE” 5 layer film plant at their factory in Dunetha-

Daman, India. “KAGE” is the brand name for fi lm plants manufactured by Kolsite Group, utilizing Gloucester Engineering Co. Inc.’s engineering designs and technology. KAGE lines are specifi cally engineered to meet the diverse challenges of the Film Plant Industry and the fi rst 5 layer fully loaded line is all set to deliver to Prropyl Packs Ltd, Kerala. KAGE plants are specifi cally designed to produce Barrier Film at rates and quality levels that not only meet or exceed the markets requirements but also result in enhanced operational effi ciency and higher fl exibility for plastic manufacturers.

Technology and Quality demonstrated at the Open House

Kabra Gloucester Engineering welcomed more than 100 invited members of the Flexible packaging Industry from India and abroad for an Open House held at their new inaugurated factory at Dunetha Daman on Oct 11 &12, 2011.

The 5 Layer 2200 mm fi lm line has applications in the packaging of oil, other barrier applications, and is also used for the production of high quality lamination fi lms. The line's output is up to 600 kg/hr and it has an installed capacity of 4000 T/year. The machine features contra cool extruders with light groove feed technology, 610 mm self-centering die utilizing encapsulated feedport technology, Ultracool II dual lip air ring with fi lm thickness control utilizing Beta gauge measurement, IBC, carbon composite rollers for collapsers, and turret style center winders.

Output of 525 KG/ HR on a 100 micron thick fi lm for Oil Packaging applications was demonstrated during the Open House. Mr. Adam Blumenthal, Managing Partner, of Blue Wolf Capital, was on site for both days of the show. Blue Wolf Capital is the majority owner of GEC and Mr. Blumenthal was quoted as saying:“I am extremely proud to

KABRA GLOUCESTER ENGINEERING UNVEILS 5 LAYER FILM PLANT

see the equipment run so well and am gratifi ed to observe our customer’s openly embrace the KAGE brand. We look forward to continuing to serve both the world and Indian export market with our KET partners and expanding KAGE’s global market share.”

Prropyl Packs will use the machine at its plant to manufacture film for barrier applications, primarily oil packaging. They propose to market the barrier fi lm mainly for oil packaging,vaccum packaging, and for packaging which needs enhanced shelf life. As India has mandated edible oil to be sold in packaged form only, barrier fi lm

Invitees viewing the demonstration


joint-venture company in Daman, India,

AboutI n t h e I n d i a n

Plastic industry, Kabra ExtrusionTechnik Ltd is a name to reckon with. Gloucester Engineering has been a global leader in p last ics ext rus ion and converting market. T o g e t h e r , K a b r a Gloucester Engineering has created KAGE, a synergy of competitive edge technology and dedicated service to its customers worldwide.

About Kabra ExtrusionTechnik Ltd.

Kabra Extrusiontechnik Ltd. (KET) is a part of t h e K o l s i t e g r o u p , manufacturer of Plastic

Extrusion machinery for over 4 decades in India. KET is India’s leading manufacturer and exporter of Plastic Extrusion Lines and Allied machinery.

packaging shall not only meet government shipping standards but improve the shelf life of packaged oil by protecting it against oxygen and moisture and ensuring its cleanliness. The total estimated demand for edible oil in India is 15. 6MMT and about half of that is sold loose, indicating a large untapped market for barrier fi lms.

About GECSince i ts incept ion

i n 1 9 6 1 , G l o u c e s t e r Engineering Company has been a global leader in the plastics extrusion and converting market. GEC offers a range of innovative system and component solutions, for both new lines and retrofi ts, that provide customers a competitive edge in applications that include bag making, foam and sheet extrusion, blown and cast fi lm extrusion, and extrusion coating. GEC manufactures its equipment from its headquarters in Gloucester, MA, USA and through its

Air Ring and Die Head

Turret Winder

No. /713/MBI/09-11RN. 22731/72

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Plastc News october 2011