plastic news december 2011 issue

P L A S T I C S N E W S D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 17

Tech-47/713/MBI/09-11 December 2011Volume 49 No. 12

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...33...AIPMA At Work

47...Company News

52...Environment

54...Features

...Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC’s)

...Plastics for Entrepreneurs

...Mexico boosts estimate for plastics industry growth to 9 percent

...Conductive plastics stop toys from interfering

...China medical market targeted (September 23, 2011)

...BOLEXP – GUIDANCE SYSTEM

79...International News

83...Business News

88...Product News

92...Technology

94...In the News

CONTENT


THE PRESIDENT SAYS

If you see old movie of 70s or 80s, one rich villain in the village is blamed for poverty of entire village. The

vision is, that prosperity in this universe is limited. If one gains others have to lose. This gives rise to jealousy, fear, hatred and competition. This is Red Ocean Strategy.

Other concept is that the Universe has immense prosperity for all. If it’s your turn today, I can work and achieve my dreams too without harming you. This is Blue Ocean Strategy.

We can bring in innovation and expand market instead of just price competition.

Choice is our, one can perceive reality as per our belief. Such choices change the route in our life. Strategies are so powerful that they work across land, time and cultures.

For example, “Art Of War” is book on war strategy written by Sun Tzu , Chinese Chanakya. It has survived centuries, it is popular from Japan to USA. It is used in Business, politics & football. A must read for all major decision makers.

China has based its growth on brilliant strategy. For example, China has underpriced Coal. This reduced cost of thermal electricity. Coal is major cost factor for steel refi ning. And so Chinese steel is cheapest, allowing them to make cheaper automobiles. Exporting these automobiles and other goods, they could gather enough wealth to buy coal mines in Africa & Australia.

China captured entire value chain within country and generated employment for masses. China used cheaper manufacturing to attain world dominance. It needs vision & wholesome thinking encompassing welfare of entire nation. One wonders Can we copy Chinese strategy ?

In Indian economy, thinking is compartmentalized by departments and profi t centers.

Commerce ministry proposes for export promotion whereas finance ministry just focuses on revenue generation, as if they work for different masters!

Ironically Polymer manufacturers and processors are not thinking together as one industry as well. Who is thinking for country as a whole? Industry as a whole? If India wins, we all win.

In India, Naptha is taxed, Polymers are taxed by anti dumping duties, injection molding machines are under anti dumping duty, Plastic products are taxed at higher rate ,industries pay higher charges for electricity, so plastic products are expensive.

Plastic processed goods export has been stagnant for past several years. Plastic Polymer export is growing. Benefi t of Value addition in export is lost.

Plastic processed goods if made cheaper : It would mean Similar effect as cheaper Coal in China. Higher export of plastic goods, higher consumption of polymer in domestic market. Lowering of infl ation , lowering of interest benefi ting all. Cheaper Packaged food, FMCG, appliances, small cars can compete internationally.

It will generate employment for masses, promote export, create higher revenue growth due to entire value addition being captured within country. It will improve countries balance of payment situation.

If percentage of taxes on plastic are reduced volume growth will generate more revenue. It will make India manufacturing giant.

Plastic is important component of industry. It’s as basic as chemicals or steel in past.

Similarly within our companies each partner, workers, managers sometimes have their own agenda. Whichever company could sell unifi ed strategic vision to all stake holders & if they all share same belief growth of company will be faster.

Have you invested time & money to have written Strategic Plan for Growth for your own industry ? Is it shared by all your stake holders?

If you wish to & need some help, just send an email to [email protected] with strategy as a subject. AIPMA is catalyst for growth of plastic industry.

Jayesh RambhiaPresident - AIPMA

Strategy Wins



FROM THE EDITOR

With the increasing awareness about ecology (environment) and further the desire to

reduce dependency on oil, product manufacturers world over of late, prefer using Biopolymers than the conventional plastics. Bio polymers are gaining importance and this is refl ected in its ever increasing demand across the globe.

As we know biopolymers - such as polylactic acid (PLA), naturally occurring zein, and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate can be used as plastics, replacing the need for polystyrene or polyethylene based plastics. Some plastics are now also referred to as being 'degradable', 'oxy-degradable' or 'UV-degradable'. This means that they break down when exposed to light or air, but these plastics are still primarily (as much as 98 per cent) oil-based and are not currently certifi ed as 'biodegradable' under the European Union directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste (94/62/EC).

Many of us would agree to the fact that, PLA will have large role to play and perhaps would pace biodegradables in the near future. And what we are hearing is that the Global demand for biodegradable and bio-based plastics will more than triple to over one million metric tons in 2015.

According to the fi rm ‘Research and Research’ Global demand for biodegradable and bio-based plastics will more than triple to over one million metric tons in 2015, valued at US$2.9 billions. Bioplastics have moved past the initial phase of market introduction and are now experiencing robust increases in demand in virtually all parts of the world. Biodegradable plastics accounted for 90% of the world bioplastics market in 2010. Excellent growth is

anticipated for the two leading biodegradable plastics, starch-based resins and polylactic acid (PLA), both of which will more than double in demand through 2015.

Needless to say, pricing would be playing crucial role in the overall success of the bioplastic market and one wonders how one could keep pricing parity with conventional plastics without keeping a control over the increasing petroleum costs.

Some say rapid growth is expected for PLA, which will benefit from advancements in compounding polymerization technology, as well as its relatively low cost compared to other bioplastics. Fastest gains for biodegradable plastics, however, will be seen for polyhydroxy-alkanoate (PHA) resins, which are just beginning to enter the commercial market.

On the other hand in Germany, The German Green Party has called for a 22 cent tax on plastic carrier bags in the country, which has drawn a fi erce response from the German Association for Plastics Packaging and Film (IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen EV), but will this tax be levied remains to be seen..

The year 2011 had been full of opportunities and activities for AIPMA. And well, its Christmas now!!

Wishing Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to all our readers….

Hon. EditorRaju Desai

[email protected]

From the Editor’s Pen….



AIPMA AT WORK

This meeting was held on 4th November’ 2011 at 3.00pm at Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals

DCPC. Topic of the meeting was “Feasibility Study” done by National Productive Council (NPC) and CIPET jointly on capacity Building Scheme on “Plastic Waste Management” for Urban Local Bodies.

During this meeting Mr. Haren Sanghavi was representing AIPMA as Environment Chairman. The report prepared by NPC was not distributed as NPC did not want to be any part of

various legal cases that are going on for Carry bags in India.

Various data was presented during this meeting some of which is as under:

1. Consumption of Petroleum in Plastic is only 5%.

2. Plastic is the most environment Friendly compared to any other material used in lieu of plastics.

3. Plastic is consumes least energy to process to its fi nal shape or form.

Report of the meeting with Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC)

A seminar was held on 3rd November 2011 by The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at the AIPMA house primarily inviting companies who have registered with UNIDO under IPR (Intellectual

Property Rights). The seminar focused on upgrading technology with SME’s and the speakers were Mr. M. S. Dhakad, Programme Director UNIDO, Mr. Deepak Ballani, National Programme Offi cer UNIDO and Mr. Shailesh Sheth, UNIDO. Later in the evening Mr. Shailesh Sheth addressed AIPMA Managing Committee Members and presented a road map of Intellectual Property Rights to be implemented by UNIDO. This session was very interesting and the lecture by Mr. Sheth was appreciated.

Educative Seminar held by UNIDO

Speaker Mr Karbelkar in centre briefi ng the audience From L-R Mr. Deepak Ballani – NPO UNIDO, Mr M.S.Dhakad - Programme Director UNIDO and Arvind Mehta

Mr Jayesh Rambhia, President - AIPMA, addressing the meeting Mr M.S.Dhakad - Programme Director UNIDO, on dias


Interim Status Report on "Feasibility Study on Capadty Building Scheme for Plastic Waste Management for ULB's

Country Plastic bags consumed yearly

Are there plastic bags campaigns?

Are plastic bags are banned?

levy on plastIc bags

Customers required to pay for bags

National recycling schemes for plastic bags

Reusable Eco-bag available

Alaska YES Plastic carry bag.In 30 Comminities

NO NO NO YES YES

Australia 6.9 billion YES In South Australia plan ban in 2008 (revoked)

some plannet Usually YES-in store depots

YES

Austria N/A Plastic bags will be a topic in a campaign clever shopping

NO NO NO NO NO

Belgium N/A YES NO NO N/A NO N/A Canada 1.4-2.7 bil.

Bags in

Quebec

Ontario Govt. called for voluntary 50% reduction in 5 years

NO NO NO NO YES

Czech Republic

NA Eco Labelling NO NO In some supermarkets

NO YES

Denmark 750.000 N/A NO Yes, Green Tax- Retailer pays DKK22 /Kg

Usually NO YES

Finland NlA NO NO YES YES EURO 15-0.50

YES

France 17 billion bags (80.000 t)

YES Proposal for a ban on plastic bags. decision is awaited

NO N/A NO YES

Germany 150.000 t (all plastic bags- just)

YES NO NO Yes-in all large super mkts EURO 0.5- 0.20

DSD YES

HongKong 23m./day YES NO YES 5 oc -2009 NO NO

Hungary N/A N/A NO NO Yes -large bags in supermkt

NO N/A

Iceland 16 million (2004)

YES NO YES (EURO) YES NO YES

*National Productivity Council, New Deihl Page 159 of 174

AIPMA AT WORK


Country Plastic bags consumed yearly

Are there plastic bags campaigns?

Are plastic bags are banned?

levy on plastIc bags

Customers required to pay for bags

National recycling schemes for plastic bags

Reusable Eco-bag available

2/bag

Ireland 1.2 billion bags Pre-tax < 0.2 billion after

YES NO YES- Plas Tax YES NO YES

Italy N/A Yes NO YES YES-EURO 0.5

NO YES

Japan 30 billion bags YES NO NO- plan for 2007 (y5/10 per bag)

NO YES YES

Luxembourg N/A YES NO NO N/A NO YES

New Zealand

800 million bags

Yes-Regional & National

NO NO N/A NO YES

South Africa 8 billion YES YES < 25 microns

YES (0.24 Microns) R213/Kg

YES NO but spontaneous recycling scheme

YES

Russia N/A NO NO NO NO NO Some Scotland 1 billion bags YES NO NO-under

considerationYES-increasingly

NO YES

Singapore Est. 2.5 bill per year

Not Env. Agency BYOB

NO NO Yes in some stores

NO NO

Switzerland N/A YES NO NO Yes- supermkts (CHF 0.15-0.20)

NO YES

Netherlands N/A YES NO NO YES -EURO 0.20 for thick bags

NO YES

UK 8 million bags

YES -Bag for life Penny Back

NO -But communities seek local bans

NO YES-increasingly

NO- except in store depots

YES

*National Productivity Council, New Deihl Page 160 of 174

Interim Status Report on "Feasibility Study on Capadty Building Scheme for Plastic Waste Management for ULB's

4. Average Consumption of Plastics in World is 26kgs whereas in India it is 5kgs. Hence prospects of growth are very high.

5. Major Problems are always with Post-Consumer Waste & Management.

6. Plastics are being recycled in India for which there are more than 5,511 Unregistered Manufacturers and 2,108 Registered Manufacturers.

7. To prepare this report with some authentic facts and fi gures a survey was done in 10 cities of India were population was high. This covered all four directions of India. The survey incorporated collection of data from local bodies, NGO’s and other sources. Waste was collected from Dumping trucks early in the morning before the Rag-pickers start to collect to get more authentic and correct fi gures. City wise Average of Post-Consumer Waste Plastics Percentage by Weight is as

AIPMA AT WORK


AIPMA AT WORK

follows:

a. Bangalore: 15%

b. Chennai: 15%

c. Hyderabad: 9% (Lower as WOW project is very successful over there)

d. Nagpur: 11%

e. Ahmedabad: 11%

f. Mumbai: 11%

g. Patna: 13%

h. Delhi: 11%

i. Kolkata: 12%

j. Lucknow: 12%

8. Of the above the maximum waste was in form of Packaging Material like carry bags, fi lms, etc which was approx. 50% to 60%

9. Various Measures were suggested to curb Post-consumer Waste Management issues:

a. Regulatory Measures:

i. Public Awareness Program

ii. Anti Littering Campaign

iii. Code of Practice for retailers and manufacturers.

b. Monetary Measures:

i. Plastics should be Taxed/Levied.

ii. Explicit Pricing of Polybags to consumers.

iii. Improvement of Waste Management System.

iv. Development of Effective Recycling System.

c. Involvement of Waste Pickers alongwith NGO’s

d. Establishment of Waste Collection centres.

Then the house was open for discussion and lot of points came up to the point raised by Mrs. Darbari that what is an effective solution the industry proposes for Post-consumer waste Management System. Various proposals were discussed as follows:

e. Mr. Vijay Merchant – ICPE: Came with the idea

that Packaging Waste Management Rules as seen worldwide should be implemented. For which he has some compiled data which he can provide to DCPC.

f. Mr. Amrut Patel – PlastIndia: suggested that the wood plastic recycling system offered by him was very effective system and should be propagated.

g. Mr. Haren Sanghavi – AIPMA: We informed DCPC about A Ward, Mumbai & WOW project in Hyderabad which are two good examples of post-consumer waste management systems. We also stressed that strict rules should be implemented that the local bodies should follow these model projects and seriously. Here Mrs. Darbari raised a point that to involve the Local bodies it the work of Urban Development Ministry which is very hard to persuade. Yet they will place this in the next 5 Year plan.

h. The idea of Mr. Vijay Merchant and Mr. Haren Sanghavi and Mr. Amrut Patel was accepted and taken into note for serious implementation.

i. We have been asked to research on world Packaging waste management rules, especially U.K. and provide that data to DCPC as soon as possible.

Finally we were discussing other issues where they raised a point about meeting with Urban Development Ministry which was scheduled few days back for which they had sent a letter to AIPMA and similar associations for our comments on Local bodies but received no comments.

Mrs. Darbari was very unhappy that AIPMA a leading association had not replied. To which I informed her that recently we have been getting emails from DCPC very late. We also pointed out to her that the 4th Nov’2011 meeting notice we received on the 3rd Nov’2011.

After the meeting, Mr. Haren Sanghavi met Mr. Chakraborthy who has informed that he has sent some email with queries for the 5 year plan but no reply has come to them as yet. He will resend a reminder by Monday.

Then a meeting with Mr. Agarwal was held where he gave Mr. Haren Sanghavi a chart which showed which countries have banned Plastic Packaging and which have taxed, etc. This chart is attached to this email for your reference.


AIPMA AT WORK

Polyindia 2011 – The First International Exhibition & Conference on Advanced Application of Polymers

& Plastics in Aviation, Telecommunication, Automobile & other emerging areas, was held during 9 – 11 November, 2011 at HITEX, Hyderabad.

It is an international exhibition & conference on advanced application of polymers & plastics organized by Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India, Government of Andhra Pradesh, CIPET & FICCI.

Poly India 2011 was inaugurated on the 9th of November, 2011 at Hotel Novotel, Hitex, Hyderabad– Chief Guest - Shri. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, in the presence of Shri. K. Jose Cyriac Secretary – Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government

of India. The opening remarks of the inaugural function were made by Mr. Jayesh Rambhia, President- AIPMA and was well received and appreciated.

Some other dignitaries from AIPMA Dr. Ashutosh Gor, Mr. Arvind Mehta, Mr. Harish Dharamsi & AIPMA Staff, Mr. Ramarethenam, South Zone, AIPMA, Ms. Sanjeevani Kothare & Ms. Sapna Gupta, West Zone, AIPMA also visited the trade show.

“Poly India 2011” had a approximatley 70 Exhibitors in all occupying an area of 1500 in sq.mtrs., participating in this

Report of Poly India 2011 Exhibition

Inauguration of POLYINDIA-2011

AIPMA President presenting Industry Views at Polyindia-2011 Inaugural Function

MS. Neelkamal Darbari, JS, DCPC visiting AIPMA stall with other dignitaries

AIPMA Stall


AIPMA AT WORK

show. AIPMA had an stall measuring 9 sq.mtrs. in this show.

One AIPMA Membership received with Amount, Other Two AIPMA Membership enquiry received to Mr.Ramarethenam.

Dignitaries Visited AIPMA Stall :Ms. Neel Kamal Darbari, IAS Joint Secretary, Dept.of

Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Govt. of India., Dr. S.K.Naik-CIPET, Mr.Meela Jayadev, Shri K.Jose Cyriac, Secretary – Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India.

The Speakers for the seminar include:

� Mr. S. K. Ray, Reliance Inds.

� Mr. S. Mitra, Executive Director Petrochemicals, Indian Oil Corporation

� Mr. Siba brata, Dupont

� Mr. Anil Jain, Jain - Irrigation System.

� Mr. Debi Prasad Patra - Executive Chairman, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.

� Shri.O. P. Pradhan - Executive Director, PCPIR Project, HPCL

MS. Neelkamal Darbari, JS, DCPC At AIPMA stall President with some dignitaries

On November 10, 2011 a seminar was held with focus on following topics:-

� Challenges in achieving vision 2020 in Polymer sector

� Emerging Business Opportunities in Andhra Pradesh in the Plastic Sector

� Export Potential of Plastic Industries New Developments in Plastic Sector

� New Developments in Plastic Sector (DG-CIPET)

The seminar was Graced and chaired by Ms.Neel Kamal Darbari, IAS Joint Secretary, Dept.of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Govt. of India., Shri T.S.Appa Rao, IAS, Government of Andhra Pradesh

Shri.Rajan Kalyanpur, Executive Director, The Plastics Export Promotion Council, Respectively.

� Shri. B. R. Meena - Vice Chairman, APIIC

� Dr. H. P. Natu, Polymer Division, Gharda Chemicals

� MR. Sunder Rao - Andhra Pradesh Plastic Manufacturers Association

� Mr. Sanjiv Dewan - Plex Council

� Mr. Raju The Raffi a Industry,

� Mr. Vijay Merchant - Vice President, Dynam Plastics

� Mr. Senthil Kumar - ENGEL Machineries .

� Shri. Kapil Malhotra - VP, Gujarat Fluorocarbon Ltd

� Shri. M. S. Dhakkad, Project Director, ICAMT-UNIDO

� Dr. Vijay Kumar, CIPET


Plastivision Arabia - 2012Following confi rmations were received:-

Sr.No. Name of the Exhibitor Area booked in sq.mtrs

1. Avi Additives Pvt.Ltd. 12 sq. mtrs.2. SIAME 24 sq. mtrs3. Glow Industries 9 sq. mtrs.4. Devanshi Electronics 9 sq.mtrs.

______________________________________________

Total Area booked (confi rmation only) 54 sq.mtrs

Eight companies showed keen interest to participate :-

1. Sudhakar Marketing Agencies Pvt.Ltd.

2. Plast Alloys India Ltd.

3. I.O.C. (Mr.Sanjay Tripathi)

4. Apex Group (Mr.Manoj Kumar)

5. Devikrupa Industries

6. Shree Ganesh Polymers

7. Plast Alloys India Ltd.

8. Harita-NRI Ltd.

The promotion of Kenyaplast was also done under theguidance of Harish Dharamsi, Chairman-

Kenyaplast, AIPMA, at Hyderabad. We briefed Secretary DCPC and JS DCPC about the exhibition and both had assured their support as Kenya is focused country. We also briefed Dr. Nayak, CIPET about Kenyaplast and he has also assured to look in to matter once details like rates etc. are ready. Mr. M. Sanath Kumar, Head-Polymer of ONGS Petro additions Ltd. were also briefed about the exhibition. To follow up an email has been sent to him as well. Similarly Mr.O.P. Pradhan Executive Director-HPCL PCPIR Project

and were also briefed, and an e mail has been sent.

HPCL-Mittal energy Ltd. Team headed by Mr. M.S. Battu were briefed about the exhibition and they had Shown keen interest. Accordingly e mail were sent to M.S. Battu- Head PP Marketing, Vineet Kumar Gupta- Head PP Tech. Services, Vivek Soni- RM-North, B. Shrikanth-RM-South.

Mr. Sanjiv Parikh-Prasad Group and Mr. S.K. Ray (RIL) both of them have shown keen interest, initial e mail have been sent to them and now details are to be sent, once ready.

Promotion of Kenya Plast at Poly India

President and diginitries of AIPMA with Dr.S.K.Nayak, DG CIPET Hon.Jt.Secretary and Chairman-Kenyaplast-2012

AIPMA AT WORK


AIPMA AT WORK

Ahmedabad Visit ReportMeeting at Gandhinagar & Ahmedabad:

1. Exhibition was discussed with Mr. Swain, I.C., K. D. Vyas-GM Indextb, Jagdishbhai-Asst. GM, and Mr. Sahu Principle Secretary. Mr. Sahu has assured good participation as Kenya is in their focus country list. They have asked us to send details after seven days. Needs follow up by Mr. Manish Dedhia, Mr.Vajubhai Vaghasia & Mr. Kamlesh Gohil.

2. Team has meeting with Kamleshbhai under leadership of Arvindbhai & President.

3. Following broad based decisions were taken:

• Exhibition will be jointly held under the name of KENYAPLAST.

• Expo centre has covered area of 2200 Sq. meters and 700 Sq. meters open area

• Modalities of cooperation will be worked out within a week once legal advice is available.

• Meanwhile marketing material and efforts will start.

• Exhibition will be marketed internationally at US$ 300 and in India @ Rs.11,000/-

• Efforts to be aimed to book max. area.

• KMG will start work for MDA and other Govt. approvals.

• Kamleshbhai and Mr.Harish Dharamsi will travel to Kenya in December 2011 for exhibition work.

In the backdrop of this visit President Mr Jayesh Rambhia shares brief of his meetings during his Hyderabad visit

Luncheon Meeting with APPMADuring visit to Hyderabad we had interaction with

Andhra Pradesh Plastic Manufacturers Association. During discussions a need for National Summit where all major associations can join emerged. Mr Arvind Mehta suggested summit name "Vision For Growth "

During visit to Indian Machine Tools Manufactures Associations last year ,

they had stressed that they have been such conclaves where members with family come to holiday destinations. It made industry come closer & learn from experts, come together & solve industry issues. This fueled growth of industry.

Summit� Place & Time : Emerged as Goa immediately after

Holi� Duration : 3 days 2 nights event� Activities : Networking, brainstorming &

learning.� Topics : Technical, Business & legal experts

to come & guide us for benefi t of industry.

SupportUNIDO supported idea for such summit & promised support for UNIDO units.

TAPMA has had such conference in past & they have shown willingness to join. GSPMA has also agreed in principal. We need to have 500 members to make summit successful. That means 250 members with spouse.

• From UNIDO about 80 members can come ,

• APPMA has promised 50

• TAPMA will come with good number.

• AIPMA members will surely be in good numbers.

If we exceed this numbers, we would be happy.

During Polyindia raw material manufacturers showed willingness to part sponsoring event.

Profesisonal AgencyOffice bearers & commitee can make necessary

arrangements for Summit.

� Professional agency

: To Manage the event

� Commercials : Event will be revenue neutral for AIPMA.

� Sessions : 2 concurrent sessions with 3 topics each in Pre and Post lunch


AIPMA AT WORK

� Sponsors : Slots for sponsors & associations be reserved.

Agenda and activities for SpouseSpouse will be kept entertained parallely with sight

seeing, shopping & games. Hotel will provide Entertainment program in evening.

Agenda topics of the SummitSummit needs to address common constraints to growth

of industry. i.e. shortage of skilled manpower, fi nance, cheaper fi nance, management , higher input cost and competitive market, higher quality standards and more profi tability etc.

Our aim is to focus on the up-gradation of Plastic Processing Units and the challenges they are facing today. Accordingly we can rope in 24 speakers.

Please suggest 24 speakers & 24 topics for event.

Below are few suggestions� Health & fi tness : Morning Yoga, fi tness, Diet,

health check

� Inspiration / Vision : Success leaders i.e Azim Premji, Chanda Kochar of ICICI

� Management Guru : Jagdeep Kapoor on Brand, Santosh Nair, Shiv Khera,

� Technical : CIPET Dr Nayak, Single Minute exchange of mold, BioPlastic, Improving energy effi ciency of processing,

� Legal : Service tax, preparing for GST, IPR

� Financial : SIDBI, ICICI, Future Ventures K i s h o r e B i y a n i , T i m e s Treaties, some more Venture Capitalists CII can be invites for function.

National Apex Body for Plastic Associations

TAPMA was proposing to form a National Apex Body for Plastic Associations & was suggesting Mr Arvind Mehta to take lead. AIPMA already has a commitee for close interactions with associations headed by Mr Arvind Mehta.

AIPMA stall with staff from Chennai and Mumbai


AIPMA AT WORK

Half Day Workshop “MSME Schemes”&“Blackberry & its Services” was jointly organized by The All India

Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA) and Bombay Industries Association on Friday the 25th November, 2011 from 2.30 p.m. onwards in the Auditorium of AIPMA House.

With over hundred audiences attending the seminar, about more than fi fty members from both the associations were present to the Seminar.

Mr. Manan Doshi, Vice President BIA mastered the ceremony. AIPMA President Shri Jayesh Rambhia gave Opening remarks and welcomed the audience.

Eminent Speakers: Shri G M Ambhore, Director, MSME took the audience through fi ne lines and details regarding

various schemes available under MSME, that can be availed by the Industry.

Shri Mehul Balsara, Territory Trainer, Team Blackberry, made elaborate presentation on Blackberry & its services”. There was interesting question and answer session that were addressed by both the speakers.

Mr. Anand Oza, VP, AIPMA and Mr. Ashit Lathia President BIA felicitated the speakers. Mr. Ashit Lathia – President BIA also conveyed the Vote of thanks to conclude the programme.

AIPMA and BIA both have decided to organize such more joint seminars for the members of the associations in time to some.

Report on the BIA Seminar

Mr. Jayesh Rambhia, President AIPMA welcomingMr. G.M. Ambhore, Director, MSME.

Dignitaries on the Dias

Mr. G.M. Ambhore, Director MSME, making presentation on MSME Schemes

Mr. Mehul Balsara, Territory Trainer, Blackberry, explaining on Balckberry & It’s Services


This year the Saudi Plastics and Petrochem Exhibition began on 28th November 2011, and Mr Jayesh

Rambhia,President,AIPMA and Mr Manish Dedhia, Hon secretary, AIPMA represented our association at the inauguration. A report on the same…

As we know, Saudi PP & PPSG is the largest and longest-running event in the region, drawing in exhibitors and visitors from across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. This year’s editions combines the Saudi Plastics & Petrochem 2011 – The 10th International Plastics and Petrochemicals Trade Fair; Saudi PPSG – The 10th International Packaging, Printing, Sign and Graphics Technologies Exhibition; and Makinat Saudi Arabia 2011 – The International Trade Exhibition for Industrial M a c h i n e r y, M a c h i n e Tools, and Equipment & Technology for Saudi Arabia. Total Exhibitiors 500 participating companies from 19 countries, out of that 12 Exhibitors were from India .

Saudi PP & PPSG 2011 is hosting national pavil ions from various countries such as Austria, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey and the UAE. The is supported by Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON) and its Diamond Sponsors include Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and National Petrochemical Industrialization Marketing Co. (TASNEE) while Petro Rabigh is a Gold Sponsor.

H.E. Dr Tawfi g Alrabiah, Director General of Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON) and Deputy Minister for Industry at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, inauguration of the exhibition. Many of the Foreign consulates along with top businessman were also present at

inaugural function. Mr. H.E. Dr Tawfi g Alrabiah also visited our AIPMA booth.

AIPMA was allotted 9 sqmtr Stall as Barter with the Efforts made by Ms Uma Gupta, Secretary General AIPMA. We had meeting with organizers of Saudiplast and they showed willingness to give Plastivsion Pavillion within Saudiplast. Moreover when we indicated that their dates are too close to PVI, they were willing to shift their dates.

Saudi is strong market and our machinery makers will benefi t hugely.Riyadh Chambers Of Commerce & Industry has good data of local businesses & were helpful.

We need to invite them to bring delegations & exhibitors to our shows nad send them event information to print in their magazines.

We have displayed following Catalogue at our Booth.

1) Shree Momai Rotocast Containers Pvt. Ltd. 2) HILDA 3) Jagmohan Pla Mach Pvt ltd. 4) Glow plast

We have also received few enquiries, which we will share with our members .

Saudi Plast 2011

AIPMA AT WORK


Meeting with SABICWe had meeting with Mr Khaled A Al Mana, VP, of Sabic,

who was very kind to discuss various issues with us on length as they understand India is a big market. Their only concern was the Anti Dumping Issue, which they feel might be a big hurdle for global business. They are interested to

participate in PVA and we have to give them a suitable proposal .

Meeting with TASNEEMeeting with Mr Eng. Fahad K.

Al Subaie, was very interesting and turned out to be fruitful. They are new and very aggressive in marketing. They had suggested that in PVA and PVI they would be interested to become sponsors and may join the conference in PVA.

Meeting with PETRORABIGH

Meeting with Mr Raad M Gudair, we had very long discussion, they will confi rm with us for PVA only.

Meeting with BoroughMeeting with Mr Adel Ali Al Fahim, we had very long

discussion, they will confi rm with us for PVA as sponsors Ms Lilian of Expo Centre is following on this as it is an UAE based company and they are more interested in Sharjah only .

Meeting with Astra Polymers : Masterbatch manufacturer

We had meeting with Mr. Ahmed A Farraj ,who seemed to be interested in PVI only, moreover they are looking forward to do some joint event with AIPMA in PLASTINDIA, as they are coming up in India with very big manufacturing plant.

On 29th November in Riyadh it was raining heavily, and Saudi people believe it as blessing of god (Allah). Due to rain during the Exhibitions some place swere chaotic but it did not hamper the ongoings.

AIPMA AT WORK


AIPMA AT WORK

Euromold is world’s biggest Die Mold trade show was organized during November 29 - 02 December, 2011

and was attended by Mr Jayesh Rambhia form AIPMA. He narrates..

The show was organized by Dr Doring of DEMAT. They also organize several other mold shows across world including Arabiamold as concurrent event with Plastivison Arabia. The show had Mould materials , standard mould parts , CNC machines , mould makers for plastic & metal , prototyping all under one roof.

Euromold is huge event in Frankfurt. I met mold maker associations from across world. Everyday evening was party , where I was invited. It was networking opportunity. Thanks to frequent meetings with Dr Doring, AIPMA has now special place in his events.

I was next to Dr Doring on head table on all 3 days.This made it easy for me to meet all his partners across world and build relationship with them.

His partner from South Africa has invited AIPMA to have concurrent Plastivsion show.

His partner from Brazil has invited us to Brazil. But as venue has space limitations can not have concurrent event.

Brazil Mold maker association magazine is willing to barter ad for our magazine.

Two staff from TAGMA were present at Euromold but their relationship with Doring was cold.

I have shared quick mould changing techniques with UNIDO expert , who will disburse it to all participants in seminar for SMED.

Next Euromold a delegation will benefi t industry and AIPMA must plan it in our event calendar.

Dr Doring has followed a strategy for placing his shows. He has covered all BRIC countries. AIPMA should visit Brazil & Russia shows too , as those markets are booming and Indian industry is not taking advantage of growth in those

markets due to lack of information.

I s a w s e v e r a l pa r t i c i pan ts f rom Portugal at show. They are willing to come to India for our show. We should also participate in a show in Portugal to attract mold makers. They are a l ready working with Indian mould makers. CNC machines from Europe are selling well in India. Indiamold show seems closer to reality.

Based on good booths I was there des ign for AIPMA booth at Plastindia is ready…

Euromold -- The Die Mold trade show


COMPANY NEWS

Kuraray invests US$49 mln to expand production capacity for EVAL™

Kuraray America, Inc. has announced the approval of

a project to increase its EVAL™ production capacity by 8,000 tpa at a cost of US$49 mln. The project is a response to continued global growth in demand for EVAL™ (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer resin) of over 10% per year. Debottleneck of facilities at the plant raises production capacity to 47,000 tpa. The project will be

completed by January 2014. George Avdey, President of Kuraray's EVAL Business Unit said, " EVAL™ resins have so many benefi ts over materials like glass, steel and other plastics that it's not surprising how significantly demand has grown, particularly in innovative applications in barrier food packaging, environmental protection, and personal protection." Kuraray has three manufacturing plants for

Indorama has called on the Nigerian federal government to

hinge its industrialisation drive on the petrochemical industry. Speaking at the recent Rivers Investors’ Forum in Port Harcourt, the MD/CEO of Indorama EPCL, new owners of Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd. -Manish Mundra, called for the immediate setting up of what he called the Nigerian Petrochemicals Industry Authority (NPCIA) to drive the development of the sector and regulate the industry, now that many new entrants are itching to get into the sector.

Mundra observed that the recent wave of investments coming into the petrochemicals industry, including the proposed $6billion project said to be the largest in Africa, by both the NNPC and a Saudi Arabian conglomerate, Xenel, planned for 2015 , has made it imperative for government to do the

needed. Furthermore, there are two proposed fertilizer plants by the federal government, through the NNPC to which US$4 billion is being invested, with Indian partners (Nararjuna) each with 1.3 mln tpa and five discrete

Indorama calls on Nigerian government to set up petrochemical authority

Ta i w a n ' s F o r m o s a Petrochemical plans to

operate its three naphtha-fed steam crackers at Mailiao at about 80% of their capacities in December and January. According to reporst the runs were reduced to 80% from 100% at the end of October due to poor downstream derivative demand and production margins. FPC's No.

EVAL™ resin: Kuraray America, Inc. in Pasadena, Texas; Kuraray's Okayama Plant in Japan; and EVAL Europe N.V. in Antwerp, Belgium. Following the expansion, Kuraray's combined global capacity will be 180 million pounds (81,000 tons) per year.Kuraray was first in the world to develop and commercialize the high-barrier performance resin EVAL™ in 1972.

blending plants to be located across the country. Mundra explained that, there was an urgent need for government to move fast in pushing its growth through the petrochemicals sub-sector of the hydrocarbon industry.

Formosa Petrochemical plans 80% run rates in Dec-Jan

1 cracker has capacity to produce 700,000 tpa of ethylene, 350,000 tpa of propylene and 109,000 tpa of butadiene. Its No. 2 cracker 1.03 mln tpa of ethylene, 515,000 tpa of propylene and 162,000 tpa of butadiene. Its No. 3 cracker 1.2 mln tpa of ethylene, 600,000 mln tpa of propylene and 176,000 mln tpa of butadiene.


COMPANY NEWS

Honeywell's UOP to assist for propylene production in China

UOP LLC, a Honeywell company has been selected by Zhejiang

Shaoxing Sanjin Petrochemical Co., Ltd. to provide key technology to produce propylene in China. The new propane dehydrogenation unit will use Honeywell's UOP C3 Olefl ex process technology to produce 450,000 tpa of propylene. The unit is expected to start up in 2013 at Zhejiang's facility in Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province. In addition to technology licensing, Honeywell's UOP will also provide engineering design, catalysts,

adsorbents, equipment, staff training and technical service for the project. "As petrochemicals producers in China increase production capacity to support rising demands, we are pleased to be at the forefront, offering the advanced technology needed to achieve the desired yields," said Pete Piotrowski, senior vice president for Process Technology and Equipment at Honeywell's UOP. "We remain committed to supporting the technology needs of petrochemicals producers worldwide, and we look forward to

Total plans to invest 1 bln euro in petrochemical and specialty chemicals

French oil giant Total SA plans to invest billions of dollars

to boost its presence in Asia and Germany. Francois Cornelis, Deputy CEO and Head of Total Chemicals reportedly said in the release that over the next few years, otal plans to invest about one billion euros each, shared equally between its petrochemical and specialty chemicals divisions. In 2010, Total's chemicals segment sales amounted to 17.49 billion euros. Europe accounted for 62% of the segment's overall sales and North America accounted for 24%, with the remaining sales primarily attributable to Asia and Latin America. Total intends to expand its presence in Asia, where it generates a fi fth of its

revenues. Nearly two-thirds of the company's revenues are attributable to petrochemical-based products such as ethylene, polyethylene, styrene and

working with Zhejiang Shaoxing Sanjin on this project."The Olefl ex process uses catalytic dehydrogenation to convert propane to propylene. Compared with alternative propane dehydrogenation processes, Olefl ex technology provides the lowest cash cost of production and the highest return on investment. These outcomes are enabled by low operating and capital costs, high propylene yield and reliability, and maximum operating fl exibility.

nitrogen fertilizer, while the remaining revenues are from highly refined specialty materials such as resins, sealants and adhesives.

Kumho Asiana Group separates from Kumho Petrochemica Group

Kumho Asiana Group, led by chairman Park Sam-koo,

has legally separated from Kumho Petrochemical Group headed by his brother Chan-koo. Kumho Asiana Group, with Kumho Industrial, Asiana Airlines, Kumho Tire and

others under its wing, will now be a separate conglomerate from Kumho Petrochemical Group, consisting of Kumho Petrochemical, Kumho Mitsui Chemicals and Kumho Polychem.


COMPANY NEWS

CP Chem to restart its olefins complex

Chevron Phillips Chemicals’ ethylene production at its

olefi ns complex in Sweeny, Texas, is underway and is expected to kickstart soon. According to reports the complex was shut following a power and steam outage overnight,. It is unclear how many crackers were in restart mode.CP Chem operates three crackers in Sweeny, with a combined ethylene capacity of more than 4 billion lb/year (1.8 mln tpa). The outages also affected CP Chem's fractionator operations in Sweeny.

Shell completes project at Pernis in the Netherlands

Shell Chemicals has completed a project to strengthen the

fl exibility of its polyol production facility in Europe. According to the reports a direct result of this will be an immediate increase in CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers) polyol capacity from the site at Pernis in the Netherlands. Modifi cations made to both the plant and process technology are enabling CASE-grade CARADOL polyols to be made on a continuous production line for the first time in Shell’s history. This is providing a boost in capacity, designed to enable Shell’s Propylene Oxide and Derivatives (PODer) business to respond quickly to increasing demand from customers across Europe. “We have been in the polyols business for over 50 years and intend to maintain our position as a leading supplier to the CASE sector,” says Colin McKendrick, General

Manager, Propylene Oxide and Derivatives (PODer), Shell Chemicals. “Our customers are seeing higher demand for their CASE systems and we want to support their growth plans. By taking an innovative approach to our manufacturing we have been able to signifi cantly boost our CASE production capacity within a very short time frame.” CASE polyols are used in a myriad of polyurethane (PU) applications across the automotive, construction and surfacing industries. The flexibility of CASE-based PU systems means they can be formulated to deliver tai lored performance properties for specifi c end-uses. “To achieve this increase in capacity we are making CASE polyols using our proprietary continuous technology,” says McKendrick. “It’s the same grade, just made in a more effi cient way.” Utilising continuous technology avoids

interruptions in production due to batch changes, and achieves higher overall plant throughput. The continuous process technology also imparts some beneficial properties to the polyol including less odour and lower levels of volatile organic compounds. “This project is the latest in a series of projects implemented over the past decade to strengthen our core PODer manufacturing position,” says Sean Clarry, Commercial Manager, Propylene Oxide and Derivatives Europe, Africa and Middle East. “It means more products to meet the needs of both existing CARADOL polyols customers, as well as new ones that we haven’t been able to support with the required quantities before.”

Neste Oil sells its Belgian petrochemical plant to Chevron Phillips

Co m p e t i t i o n a u t h o r i t i e s have approved the sale of

Finland Neste Oil's polyalphaolefin (PAO) production facilities, quality control laboratory, and associated maintenance services at Beringen in Belgium to Chevron Phil l ips Chemical International NV, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American petrochemical company, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC.Following the divestment, Neste Oil will concentrate on developing its high-

quality base oil business in growth markets where Neste Oil has a clear competitive edge. Neste Oil's goal is to become a leading supplier on the global market for Very High Viscosity Index (VHVI) base oil, which it markets and sells under the NEXBASE® brand. During 2011, Neste Oil's NEXBASE® capacity has increased from 250,000 tpa to 650,000 tpa. Neste Oil first announced the divestment of its PAO production plant on 16 September 2011.


COMPANY NEWS

Mumbai, November 14, 2011: Dun & Bradstreet, the world's

leading provider of global business information, knowledge and insight; and Axis Bank the third largest private sector bank in India, announced the 'D&B - Axis Bank Business Gaurav SME Awards 2011', The awards felicitated 34 of India's leading Small and Medium Enterprises of India for their significant achievement and contribution over the years. The occasion also marked the launch of Dun & Bradstreet's and Axis Bank's premier publication. Leading SMEs of India 2011.

The publication, Leading SMEs of India 2011 was released by Chief Guest. Dr. H. P. Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director. National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. Also present at the event were Mr. Rajendra D. Adsul, President - SME Business, Axis Bank, Mr. M. V. Subramanian, President - Business Banking. Axis Bank and Mr. Lakshman Gugulothu, Chief Executive Officer, SE SME Exchange.

Synthetic Packers Pvt. Ltd., was honoured with the Best Small Enterprise at the D&B-Axis Bank Business Gaurav SME Awards 2011.

Speaking on the occasion. Ms. Shikha Sharma MD & CEO, Axis Bank said, "The SME business is the backbone of the Indian economy. At Axis Bank we believe in partnering in the growth of our SME customers by associating with them right from

the initial stage of their business life cycle. The D&B-Axis Bank Business Gaurav SME Awards is our attempt to recognize and reward the performance of the Small & Medium Enterprises"

Speaking at the Awards ceremony. Mr. Kaushal Sampat, President & CEO - India, D&B said. "Dun: Bradstreet India reinforces i ts commitment towards the small and medium enterprises, through the launch of the D&B - Axis Bank 'Business Gaurav SME Awards 2011'. These awards have been envisaged as a tribute to the achievements of the leading small and medium enterprises thus acknowledging their valuable contribution in the country's economic development."

Our analysis in the publication 'Leading SMEs of India, 2011 ' revealed that the aggregate total income of the 839 SMEs covered in

the study for FY11, stood at around Rs. 264.3 bn, a 24% growth y-o-y. Small-sized companies outperformed micro and medium-sized enterprises with 28% growth in total income. Aggregate net profi t for the companies in the study stood at Rs. 16.7 bn, a 35% growth y-o-y. Small-sized enterprises, once again, outperformed its peers with a robust profi t growth of 42%. Our analysis also reveals that despite government initiatives in the form of inrcreased bank credit and improvement in funding options, obtaining finance continues to be one of the largest challenges for SMEs, especially in the current volatile financial market. Competition from bigger players, shortage of skilled manpower, lack of proper infrastructure facilities and technology up-gradation are the other major hindrances faced by SMEs," he added.

Synthetic Packers Pvt. Itd., awarded the Best Small Enterprise at D&B-Axis Bank Business Gaurav SME Awards 2011


Clariant announces capacity expansion program for ExolitClariant has announced the next

stage in its on-going capacity expansion program for Exolit® OP non-halogenated fl ame retardants, with the addition of a third production unit at its site in Hürth-Knapsack, near Cologne, Germany. According ot the release integration of a third production facility, which is set to come on-stream in 2013, will result in an overall tripling of

capacity since growth plans were fi rst communicated during K 2010. Clariant created extra capacity in mid-2011 through a Phase One debottlenecking at its existing full-scale commercial plant at Hürth-Knapsack. The plant has been producing Exolit OP since 2004. The on-target completion of a second industrial-scale unit at the site (Phase Two) by mid-2012 will double

SABIC launches new PP compounding operation in US

SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business celebrated a major

milestone with the official opening of its specialty polypropylene (PP) compounding operation at its Bay St. Louis, Mississippi manufacturing site. The new compounding operation will supply SABIC® PP compounds and SABIC STAMAX* long glass fiber-fi lled PP (LGFPP) composites for a wide range of automotive applications.

SABIC’s new PP operation answers fast-accelerat ing demand from automotive OEMs and tiers for local supply of globally-consistent PP materials in North America, supporting production of both regional and global vehicle platforms. This is the second time in 17 months that SABIC has opened a PP compounding facility, having celebrated the start-up of its Genk, Belgium plant in June 2010.

SK Energy’s to restart its Ulsan site

South Korea's SK Energy is targeting a full restart of its

blackout-hit refi ning and petrochemical units including crude distillation units (CDUs) by this month. According to the release an unexpected power cut in South Korea's southeastern oil and petrochemical hub of Ulsan hit the refi ning and petrochemical plants of S Korea's largest crude oil refi ner, fully

owned by SK Innovation. The release quoted, "We expect all the units to operate normally by the end of this week. We see no supply disruptions to oil products." The shutdown was caused after state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO) resumed power supply 15 minutes after the unexpected cut triggered by a glitch.

effective capacity. The start of the new third production facility in 2013 will then triple the baseline capacity of the original plant. The capacity expansion program refl ects the steadily growing demand of the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry for safer and more environmentally-compatible fl ame retardants.

COMPANY NEWS

Haldia Petrochemical plans to spin off Butene 1 venture as a separate entity

Management of Haldia Petrochemicals plans to

hive off the proposed Butene-1 extraction plant into a wholly-owned subsidiary, to insulate it from any logjam that HPL may get caught into due to the ongoing ownership dispute, according to a story in The Hindu. The board of directors, at its meeting on December 12, has okayed the financing of the project, which is expected to boost the company's profi tability by Rs.80 crore annually.

Profi tability of the 25,000 tpa capacity project stemmed from the fact that with this extraction plant it would be possible to sell a portion of the high-value commodity outside. As of now, it was being used sub-optimally to part feed the polyethylene plant.


ENVIRONMENT

Five companies, including Microsoft Corp., outdoor gear

and clothing retailer REI, and green cleaning products company Seventh Generation Inc., will use the new voluntary recycling labels developed by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition on some of their products starting in January. Sustainable Packaging Coalition have developed new voluntary recycling labels that will accurately and clearly communicate the key recycling message and effectively motivate consumers to do the needful. As a matter of fact fi rms in US have vouched for implementing new voluntary recycling labels

The national pilot program for the Package Recovery Label System, which will roll out next year, also has commitments from Conagra Foods Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corp. SPC further expects to get commitments from at least three other companies, said Anne Bedarf, project manager for the voluntary labeling project.

Concurrently, the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers plans to launch in January an educational campaign on how to recycle — without the numbers.

“We are happy to be a partner in the project to reduce the confusion about plastics recycling,” said APR communications director Keefe Harrison. “We want to decrease the barriers to recycling.”

“Consumers are faced with a confusing landscape of recycling messages and instructions that are often inconsistent or misleading,” Bedarf said during a conference to unveil the pilot programe recently . “We believe this label will create a harmonized system that will help consumers and companies contribute to more effective resource recovery.”

That’s not only what SPC wants, but what consumers want as well, she added. An SPC survey of consumers found that they want packaging labels to “accurately and clearly communicate the key recycling message and effectively motivate them to recycle.”

“What’s very important about this project is that it reduces signifi cantly the confusion of consumers about recycling,” said Pete Swaine, director of packaging development at Seventh Generation. “With these labels, we should be able to expand the ease of recycling to a greater number of people in the U.S. We are hopeful that this can be a standard that can be recognized all across the U.S.”

Seventh Generation will use the label on two new projects debuting next year: a 22-ounce pre-wash spray and a 180-ounce laundry detergent bottle. REI said it will roll out the new voluntary packaging label in 2012 on all the accessories for its top-rated Novara bike line.

“The label will help customers make recycling part of their everyday act iv i t ies,” said Eric Abraham, packaging manager at REI. “It is an authentic, consistent and simplifi ed approach that provides radical transparency.”

M i c r o s o f t p a c k a g i n g executive Scott B a l l a n t i n e agreed. “This s h o u l d h e l p close the loop so that we can get material back in an economically consistent way that makes sense.”

The initiative, three years in development, is modeled after a program used by more than 100 companies and 90 percent of products sold in grocery stores in the United Kingdom.

The labels developed by SPC will classify packaging either as widely recyclable, not yet recyclable, or having limited recycling and suggesting consumers check locally to see whether it is recycled in their area. The labels will not address recycled content.

The “not recyclable” label will have a black diagonal line through a chasing-arrows icon. Labels for packaging with limited recycling will have the phrase “check locally,” in

Voluntary recycling labelsWith the confusion over recycling increasing day-by-day, Sustainable Packaging Coalition

have developed new voluntary recycling labels that will accurately and clearly communicate the key recycling message


ENVIRONMENT

the center of the chasing-arrows icon and a note at the bottom that it is not recycled in all communities. The icons also will identify material, for example, as a paper or plastic box, container or tray.

That’s slightly different from the original concept, unveiled last May. In addition, SPC has given its consumer informational website a new name and decided to include that web address —how2recycle.info — on all labels.

Plastic bags and fi lms will have the phrase “store drop-off” in the center of the chasing arrows icon, and the phrase “recycle if clean & dry” in a box above the icon. Plastic bottles will have the phrase “empty and replace cap” in a box above the chasing arrows icon.

“ W e w a n t t o h a r m o n i z e communications from the industry to the consumer, and improve the reliability, completeness and transparency of the recycling message and claim,” said Bedarf. “We feel the labeling project will lead to a more effective recycling outcome.”

SPC hopes its labeling project — which it plans to roll out nationwide in 2013 after getting feedback from the pilot project — will increase recycling of all packaging materials and eliminate confusion often caused by resin identifi cation codes.

“Reducing that confusion is important,” said APR’s Harrison. “One thing that regularly trips people up is the resin identification code. That was never intended to be the public interface for recycling. It just points out a resin’s past and does not indicate a resin’s future. Hopefully this labeling program will reduce some of

that confusion.”

A wide array of messages on the packaging itself also leads to confusion, Bedarf added. “There are inconsistent messages about recycling on labels and much consumer confusion,” she said. “While they serve a purpose, a consumer can find the current messages quite confusing.”

She pointed in part icular to packages that tell the consumer to please recycle when the material used is only recycled on a limited basis or barely at all. According to federal guidelines established by the Federal Trade Commission, 60 percent of consumers must have access to recycling a material for a company to use a message asking consumers to recycle it. “It causes confusion and doesn’t allow for a level playing fi eld,” Bedarf said. “We want to get increased material fl ow to the recycling stream through better packaging, clearer messages and system designs.”

SPC also released its Labeling for Packaging Recovery report which details the top fi ve challenges with packaging labels in the U.S., as well as the four requirements that an effective package labeling plan in the U.S. should have.

The challenges:• Confusing labels in an environment

where greenwashing is common.

• No harmonized, consistent labeling system across materials.

• The absence of a label in the U.S. that is comprehensively applied to all material types or packaging components.

• A fragmented and inconsistent recycling collection system and infrastructure.

• Very few legal requirements for packaging, with even those requirements rarely enforced.

“These are five challenges that stand in the way of good recovery of packaging in the U.S,” said Liz Shoch, who is also a project manager at SPC’s parent company, GreenBlue.

The coalition said an effective packaging labeling system in the U.S. should have four requirements:

• Clear goals where the label matches the objective, which is to increase recycling.

• Credibility in the eyes of consumers through the use of a label that gives them information on whether they can recycle a package and how.

• A simple, action-oriented design that is easily recognizable and designed to drive positive action —-recycling — by the consumer.

• Flexibility, so the labeling system can be applied to all packaging today and in the future.

“Education is critical to sustaining recycling,” said Bedarf. “We need a simple system consumers can rely on to help them fi gure out what to do with the packaging.”

SPC is a working group of more than 200 brand owners, resin companies, processors and retailers. It is project of GreenBlue, a Charlottesville, Va., nonprofit organization focused on sustainability implementation.

Source: Plastic News


FEATURES

WPC’s are composite materials made of wood fi ber/fl our and plastics. In addition to wood fi ber

and plastic, WPC’s can also contain other inorganic fi ller materials. WPCs can also be referred to as natural fi ber plastic composites or natural fi ber reinforced plastics.100% Use of Waste Plastics (Dry & Cleaned) can be used to make WPC’s.

UsesThe most widespread use of WPC’s is in outdoor deck

fl oors, but it is also used for railings, fences, landscaping timbers, cladding and siding, park benches, molding and trim, window and door frames, and indoor furniture. Manufacturersclaim that wood-plastic composite is more environmentally friendly and requires less maintenance than the alternatives of solid wood treated with preservatives or solid wood of rot-resistant species. These materials can be moulded with or without simulated wood grain details.

Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC’s)Haren Sanghavi - GMS Plastic Machinery Pvt. Ltd.


FEATURES

Wood-plastic composite is still a very new material relative to the long history of natural lumber as a building material, but can be substituted in most non-structural instances. Although being highly resistant to rot. WPC’s add a stage of upstream use to materials previously considered waste lumber. WPC Lumber can be nailed, painted, varnished, cut and fi nished similar to wood products.

A major advantage over wood is the ability of the material to be molded to meet almost any desired spatial conditions. It can also be bent and fi xed to form strong arching curves. With up to 70 percent cellulose content (although 50/50 is more common), wood-plastic composites behave like wood and can be shaped using conventional woodworking tools. At the same time, they are moisture-resistant and resistant to rot, although they are not as rigid as wood and may slightly deform in extremely hot weather. A major selling point of these materials is their lack of need for paint as they are manufactured in a variety of colors, but are widely available in grays and earth tones. These colours last for a lifetime of the product.

ManufactureProcessWood-plastic composite lumber is

composed of wood from recovered saw dust and other cellulose-based fi ber fi llers such as pulp fi bers, rice husk, peanut hulls, bamboo, straw, digestate, other husks, etc. and virgin or mix waste plastics including PE, PP, ABS, PS, alike. The powder or fi bers are mixed to a dough-like consistency and then extruded or

moulded to the desired shape. Additives such as colorants, coupling agents, stabilizers, blowing agents, reinforcing agents, foaming agents, lubricants help tailor the end product to the target area of application. The material is formed into both solid and hollow profi les or into injection moulded parts and products.

Wood, resin, regrind, and most of the additives are combined and processed in a pelletizing extruder. The new material pellets are formed in mold and dried or

extruded from a fi x shaped profi le die.

Plastic waste is fi rst cleaned with a Dust Remover (Jatakia) machine. It is then cut into small pieces using a Grinder / Agglomerator. During Grinding also separated dust is removed from the regrind with the help of dust remover. The grinded waste is then pre-mixed in a slow / high speed mixer together with wood, husk or other fi llers, together

with other additives as required depending on end use of the profi le. The mix is then put through a Force Fed, Vented Extrusion system. The melt passes through vacuum duly compressed and then extruded through the die or required shape to achieve the profi le. The profi le then passes through some water bath to cool faster and then cut to required length.


FEATURES

WPC Pellets Extrusion Lines

Machine TypeOutput Total Power L/D Rotational

SpeedOutline Dimension

(Kg/h) (KW) (r/min) (mm)GMS-eTrim-WPG 60-100 68 36-40 500 20000*2200*3000GMS-60-I-WPG 80-200 110 36-40 500 24000*2400*3200GMS-75-I-WPG 200-400 150 36-40 500 25000*2500*3200

WPC Profile Extrusion LinesMachine Type Output Total Power L/D Rotational

SpeedOutline Dimension

(Kg/h) (KW) (r/min) (mm)GMS-eTrim 40-60 75 10-32 30-80 13500*1050*2400

GMS-60-I-WPC 70-110 119 10-32 30-80 21860*2000*3200GMS-75-I-WPC 90-180 138 10-32 30-80 22580*2200*3200

Indian Industry Sector has shown a phenomenal performance over past few years. Creating innovative

endues applications will result in high market penetration, giving fi llip to the Developing new endues applications and new products would bring in new volumes. Indian plastics industry, full of dynamism, business acumen and dexterity, with astute ntelligence of entrepreneurs would also bring in bright future. Growth of Indian entrepreneurs will depend upon the way they would bring in innovation in the products which common man hasn’t even imagined.

The innovation in the endues applications will have to be equally supported by advances in machinery and molds.

Since introduction of Plastics Pipes, they have been perceived mainly for water applications. Time has come to look beyond and develop applications that are far different than the conventional applications. Efficient utilisation

“Beyond Conventional Applications - High Density Polyethylene Pipes For Preventing Accidents During Construction of Buildings – Innovative End-use Application”

- Ms Poorvi C. Desai, Sr. Manager, Business Development – Polymers, Reliance Industries Limited

Plastics for Entrepreneursof machinery with multiple enduses help entrepreneurs increases the product mix and profi tability. Due to versatility of Plastics, there is ample scope for developing endless applications resulting in increasing per capita consumption of plastics through sectors like Plasticulture, Building & Construction, Infrastructure & Automotive Sectors and packaging. New Enduse Innovations such as use of high density polyethylene pipes during construction of buildings would bring in new endusers into the fold of high density polyethylene pipes.

High Density Polyethylene Pipes for Drinking Water

High Density polyethylene emerges as a key solution for this application bringing clean water to the doorsteps of Indian Households. Not only does high density polyethylene


FEATURES

offer an ideal solution for drinking water but leads to tremendous amount of savings in the cost of pipes in comparison to pipes made from traditional materials.

Numerous advantages of high density polyethylene coupled with low cost based on total life cycle analysis result in substantial savings. A very promising future exists for pipe application making it a very important sector in the fi eld of plastics.

Water Supply Lines

Filtered water mains and distribution chilled water circulation

Advantages – Lowest Unit cost of water delivered, (over 50 years)

Government Institutions related to Urban & Rural Infrastructure for Water Supply as well as Sewerage Boards have started using High Density Polyethylene Pipes.

distribution, conveyance and distribution of sewage gas, gobar gas, community biogas schemes, compressed air supply, networks at construction sites, mines and factories, air conditioning and ventilation ducts.

Advantages – Leak proof joint, Better impact , Better crack propagation, Insulation property

4. Hydro-Transport Systems

Iron/tin ore slurry disposal, boiler ash handling, coal, cement/clinker handling, sand slurry conveyance in mines, sand slurry disposal in dredging.

Advantages – Corrosion resistance, Abrasion resistance, Better impact

5. Chemicals & Edibles Transport

Conveyance of edible oils, fruit pulp and juices, milk and brine water, conveyance of acids, alkalies and other corrosive chemicals

Advantages – Chemical resistance, Corrosion resistance, Non toxic and food grade

6. Effl uent & Waste Water Disposal Systems

Corrosive chemicals effl uents, treated/untreated wastes and radioactive waste

Advantages – Chemical resistance, Corrosion resistance

Advantages of HDPE Pipes over conventional pipes

Flexibility : HDPE pipes are fl exible. They are best suited for laying in hilly and uneven terrains as fl exibility allow the pipes to adapt to the contour of the land. Flexibility allows easy handling, laying and also easy transportation thereby reducing the overall installation cost. These pipes can be supplied in coils (from 20 mm to 110 mm OD) and in straight lengths.

Low specifi c weight : HDPE pipes are light in weight as compared to conventional metal pipes such as GI, CI, MS because of its low material density. Due to low weight they are easy for handling, reduce transportation costs, reduce manpower and minimum installation cost.

Good chemical resistance : HDPE pipes are generally non corrosive thereby making them acceptable for use even in hostile environmental conditions. HDPE pipes are ideal for use in saline environments.

Major Applications of High Density Polyethylene Pipes are:1. Agriculture

Flow line irrigation, lift irrigation, suction/delivery of pumps, siphons, tube-well pipes, water supplies, pesticide spraying system, drip irrigation

Advantages – Life of pipe upto 50 years, Corrosion resistance, PE Pipes are much lighter than metal pipes making transportation and assembling easier

2. Submarine & Underwater Pipeline

Pipeline effl uent, marine outfalls, salt-water intake lines, rivers/canal crossings under water.

Advantages – Superior corrosion resistance, superior wear resistance, chemical resistance, lighter, better impact

3. Gas/Compressed Air System

Natural gas and coal gas conveyance and consumer


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Perfect weldability : HDPE pipes joined together by buttfusion welding and electrofusion welding techniques, which make these joints highly reliable.

Abrasion / Wear resistance : HDPE pipes have excellent resistance to abrasion/wear. Due to this unique property these pipes are used for sand stowing of mines, dredging in ports, dewatering of mines, transportation of abrasive slurries e.g mineral ore concentrates, boiler ash, wood chips, paper pulps etc under high pressure.

Low coeffi cient of friction : HDPE pipes have the internal surfaces that are very smooth. Smooth internal surface offer excellent fl ow charecteristics and minimum pressure losses.

Tough and Strong : HDPE pipes are tough and impact resistant. They can easily withstand both internal soil pressures as well as external traffi c loads when installed properly.

Good weathering resistance : HDPE pipes possess good weathering properties such as high environmental stress cracking resistance(ECSR). The black color of the pipes ensures resistance against UV Radiations.

Manufacturing Process

- Smooth inner surface- Accurate geometry- Minimal weight variations per meter of the pipe

HDPE Pipes during construction of buildings (slots by sawing pipes for holding the persons hands & feet for preventing accidents) - 110 mm Outer Diameter, 14 mm thickness, 16 kg/cm2, 10 feet length & 100% virgin material, Life of these pipes – 10 to 15 years, HDPE Pipes with joints-Flange, nut, bolt could be provided into these pipes (Source: Validation & Inputs by Sh Ranjitbhai Popat, Fieldking Polymers, Rajkot, Gujarat)

High Density Polyethylene Pipes for Preventing Accidents During Construction of Buildings

(Total Housing units = 195 million)

The raw material for producing HDPE pipe for outdoor applications must be a black coloured compound containing well dispersed carbon black at nominal 2.5% carbon black content level. Machinery for the extrusion of pipe is available locally from reputed suppliers and consists of an extruder, die(centre fed/sidefed), a vacuum calibrator for sizing the tube, cooling bath, haul-off and a cutting unit.

HDPE granules containing 2.5% carbon black are fed into the extruder. In the extruder they are melted, plasticized and then metered through a pipe die. The product coming out in the form of extrudate is sized in a vacuum calibrator or by an air pressure calibration into a pipe and completely cooled in a cooling bath. It is continuously pulled by haul off and then cut in the cutting unit.

The manufacturing process should ensure- Uniform wall thickness

(Source : http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:ujBEjp9Nd0YJ:tejas.serc.iisc.ernet.in/curr)(Census of housing 1991)

Plastic pipes made up of high density polyethylene of 110 mm Outer Diameter, 14 mm thickness, 16 kg/cm2, 10 feet length & 100% virgin material could be manufactured with depression at regular intervals for labourers to stand in these slots as well as for tying of strings during the construction activity to prevent accidents. Plastic pipes do not cause injury to these workers and make it easy for these workers to climb up these pipes. This brings in a product made up of plastics which could bring in a high market potential in the country.

ConclusionPlastic pipes can be used for various applications

beyond mere water management applications. Future of plastic pipes is bright with abundant innovative endues applications in making. Plastic Pipes help preventing injuries the workers while climbing. Inbuilt slots or depressions on HDPE pipes help labours place their feet and get a grip while climbing to a height during the construction of a buildings.


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Have you ever noticed that whenever your child at home

plays with his remote control car you have difficulty in logging onto your internet and / or accessing your email,? Or say if you are watching your favorite program on your Plasma LCD, the remote control suddenly swaps the channel or at times become inactive.

A proliferation in the number and variety of electronic and electrical toys on the market has brought with it the growing problem of electromagnetic interference.

Not only are emissions from toys such as video games interfering with other electronic equipment, but they can also affect the functioning of the

toy itself. So far, toy manufacturers have shied away from seeking a high tech solution to the problem because of the low cost of products in the market.

Now, however, researchers at Spain’s Toy Research Institute (AIJU) have come up with a solution to this problem through the materials used to make such products. They

Conductive plastics stop toys from interfering

According to reports Mexico’s plastics industry association

has revised upward its 2011 growth estimate for the sector. In early October it was talking about a possible growth of 6 percent. Now it says 9 percent is likely, notwithstanding a deceleration in the national economy in recent months.

Eduardo Martínez Hernández, president of the Asociación Nacional de Industrias del Plástico AC (Anipac), also believes the sector’s growth will probably hit double fi gures in 2012, despite it being a presidential election year, when investment generally slows.

“The industry will grow 9 percent this year, despite the fact that in the past four months it has suffered a slowdown because of the difficult economic climate,” Martínez said in an Anipac news release.The release coincided with the association’s annual convention in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, held over the four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the United States, a subtle admission that Mexico’s economy is

closely tied to that of the U.S.

Martínez said 4,200 processors, 96 percent of whom are micro, small or medium-sized businesses, processed 6 million metric tons of plastic for the domestic market, representing $20 billion in sales, during the year.

The most lucrative business was in the automotive, construction, services, pharmaceut ical and packaging segments. Processors invested $1.8 billion in machinery purchases and added 15,000 jobs to the employee roster of 150,000 in 2010, he said.

Martínez urged Mexico’s federal, state and municipal governments not to waiver in their recycling efforts and claimed 17 percent of all rubbish collected across the country had been recycled in recent months, an increase of two percentage points.

“In Mexico 3.8 million tonnes of plastic garbage is discarded every year… but only 1.3 million tonnes of it is recycled,” he said. According to Martínez, in Mexico City alone 950 metric tons of plastic garbage a day is not recycled. He called on the capital’s government to invest in more recycling plants.

“A culture of garbage separation should be taken for granted by Mexican society but we’re getting there gradually.” In 2011, Anipac, which has 300 member companies,

persuaded Mexico City lawmakers to reverse anti-plastic bag legislation and to embrace recycling.

(Courtesy: Plastic News)

Mexico estimates 9 percent growth for plastics industry


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are developing conductive plastics, incorporating carbon nanofi bers, which will considerably reduce any magnetic interference.

A fi ve-strong team at AIJU, based in the Spanish toy industry center of Ibi, is undertaking a two year research and development project to tackle the interference problem. They are combining carbon nanofibers with polyethylene and polypropylene, polymers commonly used in toy production, to assist electrostatic dissipation, electrostatic painting and electromagnetic outer screening.

To achieve the aims of the program, it was essential the resulting materials were lightweight, capable of being extruded and injection molded and able to resist a magnetic and electrical fi eld, as well as being cost competitive.

During the fi rst year of AIJU’s EMIToy project, which saw investment of around 95,000 euros, the materials specialists achieved encouraging results. Tests incorporating carbon nanofibers and carbon black in a composite material significantly reduced the levels of electromagnetic percolation to

below 2 percent, a c c o r d i n g t o project manager A n a I b á ñ e z . “ I m m e d i a t e l y, the degree of r e s i s t a n c e i s i n t he reg ion o f 1 ,000 ohm cm. Probably, with 8 percent concen t ra t i on o f [ c a r b o n ] nanofibers and 12 percent o f carbon black we

could reach effective electromagnetic screening,”

In the second year of the EMIToy project, the Spanish team has been working with a base PP matrix incorporating an 8 percent carbon black content, prepared in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. This formed the

base material for trials with varying quantities of carbon nanofibers: 2 percent, 4 percent and 6 percent. Similar tests are being carried out with a high density polyethylene substrate.

Once the team from AIJU’s Product Engineering Laboratory has determined the optimum percentage content and type of nanofibers, it will design a suitable plastic housing component for the chosen electronic toy using the best conductive material.

Already, a number of companies in the Spanish toy industry and from other sectors have expressed interest in the results of the project, which is due to be completed by the end of this year, Ibáñez says.

The EMIToy project is being financed by IMPIVA, the Valencia region’s Institute of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Pellets of carbon nanofi bers. (Source Plastic News)


SHANGHAI (Sept. 23, 1:35 p.m. ET) — American and European

plastics fi rms are stepping up their investments in medical manufacturing in China, as that country undertakes a major expansion of its health-care system.

The investments are driven both by global medical-device makers becoming more comfortable with stamping “Made in China” on exports and by China’s domestic market, including Chinese government plans to spend US$120 billion to provide basic medical insurance to most of the country by 2020.

Before the program started in 2008, 60 percent of Chinese people did not have medical insurance, according to the U.S. government’s China Business Information Center.

“We are very bullish on health care in China,” said Larry Johnson, marketing director of health care for American compounder PolyOne, at an interview at the recent Medtec China show in Shanghai.

“The big investment they are making will provide health care to all citizens and drive the creation of an OEM industry over here,” said Johnson. “We see it as probably the fastest-growing medical market in the world.”

The new investments include German molder Gerresheimer Regensburg GmbH expanding its Dongguan, Guangdong, plant, and building a second factory in the county, and French thermoformer Top Clean Packaging Group doubling the size of its East China factory.

Both companies opened those facilities about five years ago, and said time spent getting customers comfortable with China-based medical manufacturing is now paying off in sizable new orders.

Beyond those investments, many foreign companies interviewed at Medtec China, held Sept. 7-8 in Shanghai, said they were making smaller investments.

U.S. injection molder GW Plastics, for example, said it continues to make incremental investments in its Dongguan factory, where 60 percent of its business is health-care related, and has quadrupled its size there since opening in 2006.

“Health care is where the growth is in China, and we are focused on it,” said Ben Bouchard, vice president of international business and managing director of China with Bethel, Vt.-based GW Plastics Inc. “ “The health care industry is risk averse [but] the health care customers are becoming more comfortable with the capabilities of Chinese-made products.”

The company continues to plan for a second China facility, possibly in the Shanghai-Suzhou corridor, Bouchard said: “We’re fi nding more opportunities in South China than we thought.”

The main driver for growth in Gerresheimer ’s China medical business is global customers looking for lower cost manufacturing, said Stephane Pianigiani, managing director of Gerresheimer Medical Plastics Systems Dongguan Co. Ltd.

It’s a point echoed by Singapore-

based in ject ion molder Racer Technology Pte. Ltd.

“I am personally seeing a lot of European companies that had [in the past] stayed away from China for medical products,” said Clement Lim, general manager of the company’s Suzhou, Jiangsu province, factory. “But they are having a lot of cost pressures” and are looking at China, he said.

The company has a five-year plan to convert its China factory to medical manufacturing, after the facility received the health-care related ISO 13485 certifi cation last year.

The Asia-focused company also has factories in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“Medical as an industry has been growing very fast for the whole group for the last three years,” Lim said.

Challenges in China medical manufacturing

While there is a lot of bullishness on health-care manufacturing in China, medical is of course not immune from the general difficulties facing manufacturing there.

Protecting product designs and intellectual property remains a major challenge, according to several companies at Medtec, and needs to be improved if Chinese companies want a larger role in the global health-care industry.

“Intellectual property will be a key for them to grow even faster than they are,” Johnson said. “I think it’s also important for their global expansion.”

China medical market targeted (September 23, 2011)

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The dramatic rise in wages is forcing changes, as well, although for medical those added costs are less of a problem than for other industries.

Pianigiani said labor costs are still six times higher in Gerresheimer’s Czech Republic plant than in China, although he said getting productivity gains to match the 20 percent year-on-year labor cost increases in China is not easy.

I t means more automat ion, not to replace people but to boost productivity, said Thomas Opielowski, vice president-international for U.S. molder UPG Inc., and president of Suzhou-based UPG China.

“If we increase the output and quality we get the same effect [as reducing headcount],” he said. “I’d rather increase the productivity.”

The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company still sees a lot of potential in China’s medical device industry.

Unlike Mexico, which he said lost its electronics manufacturing to China as costs rose south of the Rio Grande River, the growing domestic market in China is making up the difference as China’s costs rise.

“That’s very different than Mexico,” Opielowski said.

Global medical fi rms are only at the beginning stages in China and emerging markets, he said.

“Medical took a long time to fi nally look at low-cost regions,” he said. “Some companies in medical are just scraping the surface.”

Opielowski said UPG, which just opened its fourth facility in Suzhou in August, may build another facility somewhere in Asia within the next two years.

The markets for the Western plastics fi rms are beginning to change as well, from an almost complete reliance on export business and multinational customers to beginning to look at local medical device makers.

“We’re just entering into business relationships with mainland Chinese and Taiwanese customers,” said Jerry Chung, a business development executive for Asia the Hong Kong offi ce of American molder Nypro Inc., which is headquartered in Clinton, Mass.

Those firms have done a lot of exporting to other emerging markets, but are now more interested in developed economies, and are coming to Nypro and other companies with experience in Western market regulatory requirements, he said.

The Chinese government health care spending has potential for foreign fi rms, although in some cases additional developments are needed, executives said.

Ronny Debaere, global market development manager for France’s Top Clean Packaging, said a lack of clear regulations on medical packaging impedes market growth, even with the Chinese government spending.

“It is going to be an opportunity if the legislation concerning packaging will follow,” he said.

Many plastics processors and material suppliers at the show said they were making investments, including:

* Minnesota Rubber and Plastics said it doubled the size of its 30,000 square foot silicone rubber molding facility in Suzhou. The Minneapolis-based fi rm has thermoplastic molding in the United States.

* PolyOne said its Shanghai color and additives manufacturing facility recently received ISO 13485 certification, and claimed it is the first North American or European masterbatch factory in China to receive that. Two other PolyOne facilities for other markets in China already have that certifi cation.

The Avon Lake, Ohio-based company earlier this year opened a polymer distribution warehouse in Shanghai focused on the medical market, and has expanded its range of medical materials available in Asia, including radiopaque and catheter materials through its NEU Specialty Materials subsidiary non-phthalate and non DEHP vinyl formulas in its Geon HC series, and colorants tailored to both Eastman Tritan and Dow polymers.

* Tubing extruder Tekni-Plex Inc. added a co-extrusion line at its Suzhou factory this year, allowing more complex products to be made there. The company works with both international and domestic Chinese firms, said Russell Hubbard, vice president of international for the King of Prussia, Pa.-based fi rm.

* Mater ia l suppl ier Clar iant International Ltd. is adding people and making unspecifi ed productivity enhancements at medically-oriented facilities in Singapore, the United States and Sweden. I t was at Medtec with its new line of Mevopur nucleants for reducing cycle times in pharmaceutical packaging, along with grades of antimicrobial masterbatches.

* Compounder RTP Co. in Winona, Minn., said it was plans to open technical center in Shenzhen, China, next year.

FEATURES


BOLEXP – GUIDANCE SYSTEMINNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FROM BOLEXP NORMALIZADOS, S.L , SPAIN

BALL GUIDANCE

BOLEXP Ball GuidanceBOLEXP Ball Guidance is a high-precision rolling system with very reduced

travel resistance. It is advisable for rectilinear guides where wide travels, tiny friction, high-precision guidance and positioning, together with reduced wear and long durability are required.

Materials: Special steel bush. Bronze cage with high resistance to wear. High-precision balls. Hardness 60-62 HRc.

Ball Guide BushBOLEXP Ball Guidance Bushes are made up of an outer casing of steel for rolling, hardened and ground, which holds

fi xed inside a high-resistance bronze cage for guiding the balls running along the cage. The translation system consists of several rows of precision balls circulating endlessly.

The great novelty of BOLEXP ball guidance bushes is that balls do not run aligned, with the translation motion, but at a slight angle, thus enlarging the contact area with the shaft and enabling greater load capacity. This patent system represents an utter innovation in the linear guidance market. An all-metal structure makes bushes extremely resistant to high temperatures. BOLEXP bushes are supplied in a variety of three outer forms, all of them equipped with the same inside structure.

• Bush with an outer cylindrical body and fl ange at the end for fi xing it.

• Bush with two outer cylindrical bodies and a center fl ange for fi xing it between two plates.

• Bush with an all-cylindrical outer body and two ferrules at the ends for fi xing it with security spring rings.

This group of products offers useful solutions in terms of designing and manufacturing of Injection Molds, Dies & Machine Tools, which ultimately

result in their operational effi ciency.

Materials: Special steel bush. Bronze cage with high resistance to wear.High-precision balls. Hardness 60-62 HRc.

Ball Guidance

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Guide ColumnBOLEXP guide column is made of steel 1.5732 with surface hardening, obtaining a hardness of 62-64 RHc, and

a depth from 1.00 to 1.20 mm, leaving the shaft core soft so that it can absorb the bending it might be required to. In guide manufacturing, some features are considered to be essential, including the quality of steel, surface hardness and precision and quality of the fi nish.

Travel AccuracyTravel accuracy with a guidance system using shafts with BOLEXP ball linear rolling depends on several factors,

such as the positioning precision of bushes or shafts, quality of shafts, free length between shaft supports and length of the bush in relation to the area to be slid. These infl uences depend basically on the type of application and the load to be supported.

On the whole, the required travel accuracy is ensured by the features and design of the assembly, as well as by the precise manufacture of adjacent pieces.

Fixing the shaft at its two ends is recommended, particularly in the case of high loads, whenever the project allows it.

LubricationIn order to ensure long durability for BOLEXP ball bushes, proper lubrication and maintenance are a must. The channels

that the balls run along must be free from any interfering particles. Moreover, it is recommended to use oil lubrication so as to ensure proper lubrication for the whole rolling items and, if necessary, to remove all impurities.

BOLEXP suggests the use of CLP oils according to DIN51524, within the range of viscosity from ISO VG 64 to 100. Although grease can also be used for lubrication, this is not highly recommended as it fi xes dirt particles much more easily.

BOLEXP ball bushes are supplied oiled for its conservation and must be lubricated when necessary. The conservancy fl uid is compatible and can be mixed with mineral-based lubricants, making it unnecessary to wash bushes before assembling them.

Shaft ExecutionShafts for BOLEXP ball bushes are hardened and ground. The ends require a tapering so that rolling cannot be

damaged during the assembling. In order to fully benefi t from high travel accuracy and load capacity of BOLEXP ball bushes, the shafts around which bushes slid must exhibit the best quality and properly hard layer.

Assembling And FixingBOLEXP ball bushes can be mounted either in hole with tolerance H7 or in such a way that they can be manually

slid into their cartridge. Never hit them with hammers or any other impacting tool. Otherwise, the bush structure could be damaged.

It is recommended to mount at least two units in parallel disposal so as to avoid possible rotation motions in the traveling of items. Bush length is also suggested to be at least twice its diameter in order to minimize the rotation motion of balls, whenever this is possible.

Rotation motions are not advised in this type of bushes, whose function is that of translation.

FEATURES


SELF LUBRICATED GUIDANCEBOLEXP self-lubricated guidance is a travel system which adds-in solid

lubricant for its operating, needing little maintenance and exhibiting high resistance in elevated-temperature operating conditions and drastic seizing reduction.

The development of self-lubricated guidance systems arises from the need to solve the existing problems involved in lubrication. These are due either to the diffi culty of access or to be convenience of continuous and permanent lubrication, which oils fail to ensure.

Implementing these systems results in a signifi cant reduction in seizing problems and maintenance cots, as well as in gas emission caused by oil heating. This permits to operate at high temperatures that in some cases it reaches 400o C.

The presence of aluminum in bronze reduces the attack of atmospheric agents and warm gases, whilst exhibiting great stability against distilled water, saline water, seawater or acid well water. Bleaches, except for ammonia, are harmless to it. Moreover, a protection layer produced by the material itself acts very favorably against the corrosive effect of sulphur and oxidizing gases.

Graphite insertions, acting as a solid lubricant, allows keeping an excellent level of lubrication for plates or bushes through all their lifetime, ready for use at any time. Through use, the bronze structure wear causes graphite insertions wear. The graphite dust resulting from this slight wear will be the responsible for lubricating the whole of the contact area.

The graphite used is a material with an extremely low chemical-inertia level, not interacting with most elements in nature under normal conditions. This ensures regular behavior through the piece lifetime without unexpected contingency.

BOLEXP item construction exhibits a graphite distribution over the guide surface of about 25-35% of the total, thus guaranteeing proper lubrication of the tool to construct. In addition, the graphite insertions used are relatively small, in comparison with other manufacturers, in order to minimize the impact on bronze bush consistency and maximize the dispersal of solid lubricant.

MOULD CENTRERSThe centerer for moulds guarantees the appropriate alignment for the main plates

in the mould. The system of fi xing to plate allows to apply machinery to plates in only one operation.

It includes graphite components for self-lubricating pieces and a TiN treatment for reducing seizing.

The complete range of BOLEXP centerers include Graphite insertions in order to self lubricate its working in one of the pieces, the other one being coated with a TiN treatment at 2300 Hv for reducing seizing.

Slide centerers make it possible to guarantee the appropriate alignment for the main plates in the mould.

The fact of making the allocations in the mould bearer axis allows us to ensure the zero point of the whole structure.

The fl at centerer keeps the axis invariable where it is located as well as absorbs the +B27 longitudinal dilatations of that axis.

The system of fi xing to plate of our centrers allows to make all the mechanization of plates, fi gure allocations and centering system in a single operation, which guarantees a greater precision of execution.

Self Lubricated Guidance

Centrer for Mould

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Materials: Steel 1.2344 at 54 HRc + graphite and TiN 2300 Hv.

INCLINED ASSEMBLYThe tilted assembly allows to make the allocations of tilted columns with great agility.

Its capability of getting fi xed through the front side of the plate allows for an agile capacity of exchange.

Over a period of experience in the injection mold designing and manufacturing the great need has been felt to improve its mechanization. Following from this and given the complexity of manufacturing the tilted columns in the moulds, BOLEXP has decided to manufacture these tilted / inclined assemblies.

140 models are available in stock, with 7 different degrees and 5 column diameters are available ex-stock at BOLEXP for ready delivery.

The assembly consists of a support in 1.2312 material screwed into the allocation previously made in the mould plate with 2 conical screws fi xing and aligning the position of the tilted column out of the support.

Mounting and unmounting operations are made through the front side of the plate, which makes it easy to exchange, when needed. The allocations to make on plates are always straight, so improving its mechanization agility.

By using the BOLEXP tilted assembly, the down side of the plate is kept free, through which cooling circuits can be made without interferences.

ALL THE STANDARD PRODUCTS ARE AVAIALBLE EX-STOCK AT BOLEXP, EX-SPAIN.

PRODUCTS OTHER THAN STANDARD CATALOGUE DIMENSION CAN BE SUPPLIED ON REQUEST.

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 2334278

Email : [email protected] / [email protected] site : www.madhu-group.com

Tilted Assembly

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Plastics associations take proactive steps to deal with marine debris Following up on their meeting

and joint declaration on plastics and marine debris back in March, over 30 global plastics industry leaders met again in Dubai 14 to 17 November, 2011 to chalk out plans ahead for 2012 onwards. The group issued a news release from Dubai and stated they had identifi ed 100 projects in 32 countries that are aimed at addressing the issue from all parts of the world. The group is inviting assistance from other stakeholders and has formed 3 main teams 1) the Americas, 2) Europe & Africa and 3) Asia and Australia which will coordinate activities of the sub groups. The global group also agreed to take the United Nations Environment Programme efforts seriously and act responsibly to provide factual science based data to

the experts team set up by UNEP. The global plastics industry heads have stated they are determined to use scientifi c data, conduct research and play a constructive role in building new partnerships to create solutions to the issue of marine litter. Plastics makers from around the globe agree that our products don't belong in world's oceans. It was restated that plastics are valuable resources even after use. The heads of national associations including major new players from Gulf region have stated they would like to partner & share information on marine litter. They agreed to implement solutions that keep more valuable plastics in productive use through improved stewardship and expanded infrastructure to increase collection & recycl ing and help conserve

resources and strive to protect the environment as responsible sector of society. Amongst some of the noted participants who deliberated for 3 days at Dubai were Dr. Abdulwhab Al- Sadoun Sec. Gen. of GPCA, Dr. Wilfried Haensel from Plastics Europe, Mr. Steven Russel fro ACC USA, Mr. Katsuura from Japan, Mr Vijay Merchant from Plastindia Foundation, Mr Farad Alkhoidari SABIC,Mr Peter Bury from PACIA Australia, Ms Cathy Cirko from Canada, Mr. Laurence Jones from Borogue,Mr Alcantara from Braskem Brazil, Mr Khairuddin from Petronas Malaysia,Mr Bruder from Germany IKV, Mr Zhao from China, Mr Johanasson from UK PE and Mr Douw Steyn Plastics South Africa and several others.

Power cut at Ulsan affects SK Energy’s refining and petrochemical plants

An unexpected power cut in the fi rst week of the month in

South Korea's southeastern oil and petrochemical hub of Ulsan hit the refi ning and petrochemical plants of the country's largest crude refi ner, SK Energy, prompting some shutdowns, prompting some shutdowns. SK Energy runs crude distillation units (CDUs) with a total capacity of 840,000 bdp in Ulsan, two naphtha crackers with a combined capacity of 860,000 tpa, a heavy oil upgrading facilities of a combined

capacity of 172,000 bpd. As per state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp., the power supply had been restored after a 10 minute disruption at around 2 p.m. because of problems at a substation. Investigations are underway about the cause of the shutdown. SK spokesmen said some of the units were closed, but it was hard to tell which units. "We don't know which units are running or how long shutdowns will continue. Some units are running on the company's emergency power

generating facilities, but it is hard to tell which are operating and which are not, as the whole place is dark and you can only see a few fl ares from the chimneys of the facilities." Any delays in gasoil cargoes are likely to have some impact as SK Energy is one of the largest exporters of diesel, but the impact may be kept to a minimum as demand is lackluster in Asia with Indonesian imports remaining stable for December and China's domestic diesel demand steady, regional traders said.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Sasol mulls US$4.5 bln ethane cracker based on natural gas in Louisiana

Sasol Ltd plans to invest US$4.5 bln to build a plant usin low-

cost natural gas to make ethylene and related chemicals in Louisiana. The board of directors has approved a feasibility study on a possible ethane cracker and ethylene derivatives complex in Lake Charles. The feasibility study is estimated to be completed by June 2013. The investment outlay

is estimated at US$3.5-4.5 bln for ethylene capacity estimated between 1-1.4 mln tpa. “The rapid development of the shale gas industry in North America and the resulting decoupling of the crude oil and natural gas prices have created several opportunities for growth for Sasol in both fuels and chemicals, the company said in a statement. In particular, the availability

of signifi cant volumes of natural gas liquids, and specifi cally ethane, has opened up opportunities in the ethane feedstock area for cracker-based chemicals.” Sasol joins Dow Chemical Co., Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. and Royal Dutch Shell Plc, among others, who are studying whether to build ethane crackers in the US.

Rosneft plans to build naphtha steam cracker, butadiene and benzene extraction unit in Russia

Lummus Technology, a CB&I company, has been awarded

a contract by CJSC Vostochnaya Neftechimicheskaya (VNHK), a subsidiary of OJSC Rosneft, for the license and basic engineering of a naphtha steam cracking unit and a butadiene and benzene extraction unit for VNHK’s new petrochemical complex in Russia. The steam cracking unit, which will be the world’s largest, is designed to produce more than 1.4 mln tpa of ethylene and more than 600,000 tpa of propylene, using the latest advances in the Lummus SRT-VII heater technology. The butadiene unit is designed to produce 230,000 tpa of benzene and approximately 200,000 tpa of butadiene. It will use the Lummus/BASF butadiene extraction technology. CJSC (VHHK), a fully owned subsidiary of OJSC Rosneft Oil Company, was established in 2011 for the realization

of Rosneft’s petrochemical production in Russia’s Primorsky region near the Pervostroiteley settlement of the Nakhodka city district. The enterprise will be engaged in polymers production

and will produce a range of other petrochemical products. As part of the project, a specialized sea terminal near Vostochny port is planned for shipment of the fi nished products.

Total to sign contract with Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Co for olefins unit

French energy company Total is on the verge of

signing a contract with the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company to establish a US$3 bln plant for the production of olefi ns by steam cracking of natural gas, according to almasryalyoum.com. The plant is planned to be established in the industrial zone in the North West of the Gulf of Suez, and will

include a methanol-to-propylene processing unit. The expected production capacity of the plant will reach an annual 470,000 tons of polypropylene, 185,000 tons of gasoline, 40,000 tons of LPG, and 530,000 tons of acetic acetic. The plant will be established over a three-year period, to begin production by late 2014.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS

CPDC plans to build phenol plant in China's Jiangsu ProvinceTa i w a n - b a s e d C h i n a

Petrochemical Development Corp. (CPDC) plans to invest NT$30 bln (US$987 mln) to build a phenol plant in China's Jiangsu Province. The investment plan has been approved by the company’s board of directors and awaits approval from

the authorities in Taiwan and China. The new plant is expected to begin operations two years after regulatory approval. Phenol is a feedstock used in the production of caprolactam and CPDC is one of the world's top fi ve producers of caprolactam. This investment is expected to facilitate a

Westlake to spend US$40 mln to improve ethylene feedstock operations in Calvert city With the ongoing natural gas

boom in North America, Westlake Chemical Corp. plans to invest and spend $40 million on improvements to its ethylene feedstock operations in Calvert City, supporting the retent ion of 380 Kentucky jobs. According to the release the company plans to perform a major modifi cation of ethylene furnaces that

will ultimately reduce costs, improve operating efficiency and consume less energy. The modifications are expected to be completed by mid-2013. Westlake Chemical Corporation is an international manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and building products with headquarters in Houston, Texas. The company's Westlake Vinyl subsidiary,

Brazil approves Eco-One additives for use in food contact applications

Ec o - O n e a d d i t i v e s f o r enhancing biodegradation

of polyamide (Nylon), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) and clear-molded polypropylene made by EcoLogic, have achieved compliance with Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) Resolution RDC N.17 of March

17, 2008 for use in food contact applications in Brazil. The company's Eco-One additives for enhancing biodegradation of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) achieved compliance in August of 2011.

In Brazil, "resolutions" for food packaging materials (according to the type of packaging material) have

located on Industrial Parkway in Calvert City, has been operating for 21 years. The company has indicated that without assistance of tax incentives, the improvements in both process and technology would not have been economically feasible and the alternative would be to produce additional ethylene at a sister plant out of state.

been published by the ANVISA, which is linked to the Ministry of Health. The purpose of ANVISA, an autonomous agency, is to foster protection of the health of the population by exercising sanitary control over production and marketing of products and services subject to sanitary surveillance.

vertical integration of the company and ensure steady raw material supply. NT$11.5 bln out of the total NT$30 bln investment will be funded by the company, and it seeks fi nancing in China or from other sources for the balance.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Sinopec and SK Group sign MoU on strategic cooperation in central ChinaChina Petroleum & Chemical

Corp (Sinopec) and Korea's SK Group inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strategic cooperat ion, inc lud ing a jo in t investment on an 800,000 tpa ethylene project in central China, according to Reuters. "The two parties will continue exploring the joint investment in the Wuhan ethylene project," Sinopec

said in a brief statement. No fi nancial details were revealed. Sinopec started building the Wuhan petrochemical complex around the end of 2007. In February, SK Group aimed to hold a 35% stake in the joint venture with Sinopec. The total cost of the Wuhan petrochemical project was estimated at US$2.88 - 2.97 bln.

Pakistan seeks JV with Japan for naphtha cracker Pakistan exported a total of

US$270 mln worth of naphtha to Japan in 2010. However, this naphtha was not sent directly to Japan as Pakistan lacks naphtha processing or cracking facility.Japan imports naphtha from Pakistan via some other countries – South Korea and/or Singapore, where it is processed, as per fi bre2fashion. Under the customs rules, a product has to undergo at

LG Chem to partner with Kazakh companies to build PE complex LG Chem Ltd. plans to build

a US$4.2 bln petrochemical complex in Kazakhstan with two partners, according to Bloomberg. The project will be funded by US$2.97 bln of loans and US$1.27 bln of investment by the venture partners.

LG Chem plans to pay 716.9 bln won (US$636 mln) for a 50% stake, while Kazakhstan’s state-run United Chemical Co. and privately held SAT will each own 25%. The proposed project in the Atyrau area will produce 800,000 tpa of polyethylene.

BASF to build its first plant outside German for Ultrason

BASF is building its first plant outside Germany

for the high-temperature polymer PESU (Ultrason). Production of the 6,000 tpa unit to be located in S Korea, will begin in early 2014. Currently, BASF produces the polymer only at its main site in Ludwigshafen. Since Ultrason is used mainly in electronics, automotive and aeronautics, carbon fi bre composites, the new facility is part of the group’s plan to move closer to its downstream customers and lift its profi le in the fast-growing Asia-Pacifi c region.

Prompt HDPE film availability tight in Turkey

In Turkey, an increasing number of distributors are complaining

about tight HDPE fi lm supplies for prompt delivery, as they fail to fi nd materials to replenish their stocks. Aaccording to ChemOrbis most of these distributors commented that sellers prefer to offer their already limited materials to converters fi rst. This situation has caused HDPE fi lm demand to improve and the market to become more active this past week. Intensifying interest for HDPE stands in stark contrast to slow LDPE fi lm demand and normal buying interest for LLDPE c4 fi lm cargoes.

least two processes for a change in the name of the country of origin. Since Pakistani naphtha undergoes only one process in South Korea or Singapore, it lands up in Japan as a product of Pakistan. Therefore, it makes economic sense to mull a Pakistan-Japan naphtha joint venture- Japan will then get the naphtha at a cheaper price and Pakistan will get a good price as well.


Perstorp, PTT Global Chemical plan JV to serve polyurethane industrySpecialty Chemicals company

Perstorp and PTT Global Chemical have plans to launch a jo int venture dedicated to the manufacturing and sales of aromatic (TDI) and aliphatic (IPDI, HDI & derivates) isocyanates; serving the polyurethane industry. The planned joint venture includes the former Perstorp Business Group “Coating Additives” with its manufacturing sites at Pont-de-Claix in France and Freeport in the US. PTT Global Chemical (PTT GC) will retain 51% of the joint ventures shares and Perstorp

49%. Formation of the joint venture is subject to employee consultations in accordance with national legislation. The joint venture plans to invest in new manufacturing capacities and facilities to capitalize on the worldwide fast growing polyurethane market. In addition, the JV plans to invest further in cutting-edge R&D as well as improving operations efficiency to strengthen competitiveness and increase market offerings. “We believe in a promising future for polyurethanes. Perstorp’s expertise in manufacturing, sales and marketing of isocyanates,

BUSINESS NEWS

coupled with PTT GC’s position as a major Asian chemical player provide the JV with a unique opportunity to establish leading positions in the worldwide polyurethane market,” say Veerasak Kositpaisal PTT Global Chemical CEO and Martin Lundin, Perstorp President and CEO.Mr. Vanchai Tadadoltip further added in the release that establishing the JV between Perstorp and PTT GC will provide a key strategic entry point for PTT GC to further diversify its product portfolio in specialty chemicals.

Braskem, Petroperu plans US$3 bln investment in petrochemical plant

Braskem SA and Petroleos del Peru SA plan to build a

US$3 billion petrochemical plant on the Peruvian coast. According to release the plant, which may start producing 1 million metric tons a year of polyethylene by 2017, signing of a letter of intent in Lima Braskem vice president Luis de Mendonca said it would be the only petrochemical plant on Latin America’s Pacifi c Coast.

Commercial production at SPCo expected to start in 2012Saudi Polymers Company

(SPCo) has comp le ted construction of its manufacturing facility located in Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Commercial production is expected in the first quarter of 2012. According to the release the integrated SPCo petrochemicals complex inc ludes wor ld-c lass operating units that are capable of producing Ethylene (1,165 kmta), Propylene (445 kmta), Polyethylene (1,100 kmta), Polypropylene (400 kmta), Polystyrene (200 kmta) and 1-Hexene (100 kmta). In addition to direct sales in the local Saudi market, the company will serve world markets outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

through its exclusive distributor, Gulf Polymers Distribution Company, utilizing Chevron Phillips Chemical’s global marketing network. SPCo, which began construction in January 2008, has created approximately 950 jobs, with a high percentage being occupied by Saudi nationals. SPCo is a limited liability company incorporated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that is owned 65% by National Petrochemical Company (Petrochem), a joint-stock company incorporated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 35% by Arabian Chevron Phillips Petrochemical Company (ACP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chevron Phillips Chemical.


BUSINESS NEWS

Bio-renewable chemicals market to grow at a CAGR of 22.8% in coming yearsIn c r e a s i n g e n v i r o n m e n t a l

awareness on the part of product manufacturers and the desire to reduce dependency on oil are the leading drivers behind the $2.4 billion global market for biorenewable chemicals (BRC) in 2010. As per SBI Energy, this steadily growing market has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8%, a growth trend that is going to increase as the world resumes a more normal production page and new bio-based chemicals such as bioethylene come

to market. By 2015 the BRC market will be worth $6.8 billion, a CAGR of 22.8% between 2010 and 2015. The largest region for BRC sales continues to be the U.S., which captured 21.6% of the BRC market in 2009. The platform biorenewable chemicals (PBC) glycerin and lactic acid make up the bulk of biorenewable chemicals being sold in 2010, accounting for 79.2% of the market. There is a large range in market maturity for PBCs, ranging from mature markets such as lactic acid to nascent markets for chemicals such as

succinic acid. Compared to the platform chemicals market, the intermediate biorenewable chemicals (IBC) market is much more nascent, particularly in relation to its potential. In 2010, IBCs accounted for US$574.9 mln of the BRC market; however this will grow to US$2.5 billion in 2015 and account for 37% of biorenewable chemical sales. The strongest growth will be for secondary chemicals such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and bioethylene that are used to manufacture bio-based plastics.

Danone wins Bioplastics AwardGr o u p e D a n o n e S A ’ s

German business has won the Bioplastics Award 2011 for its “exceptional commitment” to the extensive use of bioplastics in the packaging of its dairy brand products. The judges particularly noted Danone GbmH’s use of Ingeo polylactic acid in its Activia yogurt cups and Braskem biobased high density polyethylene in its Actimel yogurt drink bottles. Andreas Knaut, Danone’s director of corporate communications, said: “We are very pleased about the award. A

highly valued acknowledgement like this is wonderful confi rmation of our achievement over years of research, and of our commitment in the fi eld of bioplastics “We must get away from our dependence on petroleum and focus on packaging materials that come from renewable resources. We therefore hope that the award will motivate other companies to select bioplastics. It is only in this way that we will be able to establish a full recycling system, for example for PLA, and make full use of the material’s potential.”

ONGC’s petrochem subsidiary to plan US$250 mln 7 year loan

According to reports from B l o o m b e r g O N G C

Mangalore Petrochemicals Ltd., a unit of India’s biggest exploration company Oi l & Natura l Gas

Corporation has planned to borrow US$250 mln in a seven-year loan. And if market sources are to be believed perhaps State Bank of India, is arranging the loan.

BP and IOC sign an MOU for 50:50 JV in Gujarat

UK-based British Petroleum (BP) and Ind ian O i l

Corpora t ion have s igned a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to set up a 50:50 joint venture for a 1 mln tpa acetic plant in Gujarat. The plant will come up with associated gassifi cation facilities for production of synthesis gas. The two companies await results of the feasibility report to confi rm the exact details of the project, which is expected to be commissioned in 2015.The joint venture, will derive its technical prowess from the latest Cativa XP from BP while petroleum coke feedstock will be used from Indian Oil.


BUSINESS NEWS

Elastogran Kanoo Polyurethane Systems changes to BASF Kanoo PolyurethanesWith effect from December

1, 2011, Elastogran Kanoo Polyurethane Systems LLC has changed its name to BASF Kanoo Polyurethanes LLC. However this will have no effect on the legal identity of the company, nor will it have any effect on existing agreements or contracts. Dr. Uwe Hartwig, Senior Vice President BASF Polyurethanes Europe said, "The name change is an important indicator of BASF's commitment to its European PU business and helps strengthen the BASF brand overall. With this we show clearly, that our

polyurethane System Houses are part of the global BASF Verbund. They enable us to offer our customers and partners all over the world the expertise and problem-solving skills that BASF has established due to its presence in many key industries." BASF Kanoo Polyurethanes LLC has extended its position signifi cantly in the Gulf region since the 2008 joint venture between BASF and Kanoo which included the acquisition of the polyurethane business of Multi Chemical Est. in Abu Dhabi. In 2010 BASF Kanoo Polyurethanes LLC started successfully

the operation of the newly built System House in Dubai Industrial City. Dr. Joerg Schneider, Managing Director of BASF Kanoo Polyurethanes LLC, adds: "A key success factor for the business development is the ability to give our customers access to BASF's polyurethane technologies which are underpinned by more than 40 years' experience. As BASF continues to strengthen its position as the market leader for PU systems, this name change will ensure our professionalism and performance excellence are more closely linked with the BASF brand."

LyondellBasell plans to spend US$1.5 bln on new plants and expansionsLyondellBasell Industries NV

may spend US$1.5 bln on new plants and expansions to add as much as $1 billion a year to pretax earnings by 2016. Addressing the company’s annual Investor Day in New York this month, CEO Jim Gallogly said that LyondellBasell is well positioned for the future. The company has had successive quarters of record results and delivered US$5.5 biln of EBITDA over the last 12 months.

“The past 18 months have been a period of significant progress at LyondellBasell,” Gallogly said. “We have rebuilt this company from the plant fl oor up. We have improved our cost structure, strengthened our balance

sheet and enhanced all aspects of our operations. The collective efforts and success of our employees around the world in implementing our back-to-basic strategy is proof we have

what it takes to become the premier commodity petrochemical company. We believe we have now earned the right to grow and are well-positioned for the future,” Gallogly said.

Sinopec to invest US$3.3 bln in a JV with Henan province to make olefins

Sinopec Group plans to invest US$3.3 bln (21 billion yuan)

in a joint venture project in Henan province by the end of 2011 to further tap into the coal-to-chemical sector. Sinopec Group will hold a 51% stake in the methanol-to-

olefi ns joint venture and the Henan government will hold the balance 49% to produce 1.8 mln tpa. In another similar project Sinopec will hold a 49% stake and the local government will hold 51%.


BUSINESS NEWS

IRPC earmarks Bt70 bln to invest in various projects for next four years

IRPC has earmarked Bt70 billion to invest in its Phoenix, non-

Phoenix and maintenance projects from 2012 to 2016, with revenue contribution from the Phoenix projects targeted to double to 60% from about 30% currently. According to reports the Phoenix Project is aimed to make IRPC a petrochemical leader in Asia by 2014. About Bt60 bln is for Phoenix and non-Phoenix projects and the remaining Bt10 bln is for maintenance. The biggest Phoenix project for IRPC is the expansion of propylene capacity by 420,000 tons to 740,000 tpa from the current 320,000 tons, which needs a budget of US$990 mln (Bt30.8 bln). The fi rst propylene expansion phase, on which IRPC has already spent about US$90 mln to increase output

by 100,000 tons, started this year. The new capacity will come on stream in the Q2-12, taking IRPC's propylene production capacity to 420,000 tpa. The company will next invest US$900 mln to expand propylene capacity by 320,000 tons by 2016. IRPC would allocate nearly Bt20 billion for investment next year. Most of the budget will go to capacity expansion for green ABS. It will also invest in the 2,500-rai Ban Kai Industrial Estate in Rayong, which is the green industrial estate that IRPC will co-develop with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand. IRPC will also benefi t from the new capacity for propylene and treated distillate aromatic extract, which will be increased to 50,000 tpa from the current 20,000 tpa.

SABIC plans to set up resin engineering plastic compound plants in India and China

Saudi Basic Industries (SABIC) has plans to set up resin and

engineering plastic compound plants in India and China. According to the release SABIC is the world's largest chemical producer by market value. Since most of its major markets are led by China and India, the company will save on transport costs and benefi t from the lower fi xed production costs

in China. In May, SABIC announced a memorandum of understanding with China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) to build a polycarbonate production plant with an annual capacity for 260,000 tons, to be operational by 2015. The petrochemicals giant is also looking at opportunities to buy local companies.

Sasol may divest from its operations in IranSo u t h A f r i c a n

petrochemicals group Sasol has entered into talks to potentially divest its stake in Arya Sasol Polymers Company in Iran. Sasol has a 50% stake in Arya Sasol in joint venture with Pars Petrochemical Company of Iran. The venture produces ethylene and polyethylene. Sasol had said in a fi ling to the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission last month that there was a possible risk that sanctions may be imposed on the company by the United States, the European Union and the United Nations as a result of its investments in Iran.

BPCL to sign JV with LP ChemicalBh a r a t P e t r o l e u m

Corporation Ltd (BPCL) is to sign a deal with UK based LP Chemical for its maiden foray into petrochemicals. According to reports negotiations are underway for the JV that plans to set up a petrochemical plant by 2015 at its Kochi refi nery in Kerala. BPCL plans to invest about Rs 13,000 crore, while Rs 6,000 crore will be contributed by LP Chemical. Talks are also underway between BPCL and Kerala government for concession on the investment.


Rehau and Active Green to make profiles in India

Ge r m a n y - b a s e d PVC window profile

producer Rehau AG + Co. has entered into an agreement with a Hyderabad company, Active Green Windows Solutions, to set up a fabrication unit in Pashamylaram, Ind ia . According to Active Green, the plant has one line operating and plans to have a second on line soon. Active Green CEO PSLN Rao said, “We will remain focused on the Andhra Pradesh market [in southern India], with no immediate plans to cater the whole India market.”

BUSINESS NEWS

Sumitomo Bakelite to make India foray soonPhenolic resin and molding

compounds manufacturer Sumitomo Bakelite Co. Ltd. of Tokyo is fi rming up plans for a foray into the Indian plastic industry. According to reports the company plans to set up a manufacturing base in India and is open to options for entering into the Indian market. Henny Van Dijk, executive officer of the company’s High-Performance Plastics Europe

& India unit, said “It could either be a joint venture with [a] local partner or independent subsidiary,” Sumitomo is likely to make an announcement of its plans soon. “We will make the decision either by the end of this year or in the fi rst quarter of next” year, Van Dijk said. Phenolic resin is a key raw material used to make automotive parts for fuel systems, drivetrains, electrical motors and engines.

Qatar and Shell sign agreement to build US$6.4 bln petrochem plantQatar Petroleum and Shell have

signed an agreement to build a petrochemical complex in Qatra at an investment outlay of US$6.4 bln. Qatar Petroleum will hold an 80% equity interest in the project and Shell will hold the balance 20%. A joint feasibility study has been conducted

by the two partners. The scope under consideration includes a world-scale steam cracker, with feedstock coming from natural gas projects in Qatar, a mono-ethylene glycol plant of up to 1.5 mln tpa, 300,000 tpa linear alpha olefi ns plant and an olefi n derivative plant.

Wacker launches its Indian technical center in MumbaiMunich based Wacker has

launched its technical center in Mumbai. This center of excellence located in Goregaon, a suburb of Mumbai, includes laboratories, applications technology and test equipment for polymer dispersions for coatings and paint applications. These dispersions are needed for interior and exterior paints in the coatings industry. The expansion not only enables

Wacker to support its Indian customers to develop new and locally adapted formulations, but also encourages the exchange of know-how and promotes internationally recognized quality standards in India. The expansion has focused on dispersions based on vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers used as binders for interior and exterior paints in the coatings industry.


PRODUCT NEWS

Two automotive applications m o l d e d f r o m S A B I C ’ s

Innovative Plastics’ broad portfolio of thermoplastic materials received top honors at the 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE®) Automotive Innovation Awards competition – including the coveted Hall of Fame award and the overall Grand Award. Gregory A. Adams, vice president, Automotive, Innovative Plastics said, “Innovative ways to produce parts on cars are an important factor for OEMs to maintain a strong competitive position in the automotive industry and effectively respond to global trends and challenges. We continually strive to deliver differentiated material solutions that meet customers' changing needs.

We are honored to be associated with so many industry leaders who are raising the bar in automotive application design. We are pleased that our materials are delivering added value to our customers and helping to enable innovation and breakthroughs in the industry.” The fi rst all-plastic structural door-hardware module, also known as the SuperPlug®, from Inteva Products, LLC (formerly Delphi Interior & Lighting Systems), was the Hall of Fame winner. It replaced 40 separate metal parts with a single gas-assisted injection-molded part made with SABIC’s Xenoy* 30-percent glass-fi lled polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate (PC/PBT) resin. The overall Grand Award winner

SABIC’s molded automotive applications bags awards at 2011 SPE Automotive Innovation

– also the Process/Assembly/Enabling Technologies category award winner – is the Ford Escape/Ford Kuga instrument panel made by Faurecia using Trexel MuCell® microcellular foam injection molding technology and SABIC® STAMAX® 20% long glass fi ber (LGF) polypropylene (PP). This application reduces weight by 1 lb, reduces cycle time by 15% and lowers cost by about US$3 per vehicle compared to an instrument panel molded with a standard injection molding process. The MuCell process uses less resin and energy than traditional injection molding, helping to increase the sustainability of the instrument panel.

Specialty packaging producer In t raPac Group Inc . i s

relocating its Swedesboro, N.J., plant to Lawrenceburg, Indiana. IntraPac started construction on a 80,000-square-foot facility in September and expects to be operational in the new locale in February2012. IntraPac CEO Gary Ullman said in a news release “The IntraPac Group initiated a search for a new location for our laminate tubes business with the goal of providing a new fi rst class facility to satisfy the growing needs of our pharmaceutical and personal care customers.” IntraPac is based in Mississauga, Ontario and the company makes bottles,

single- and double-wall jars, closures, laminate tubes, tin tubes, products with fluoropolymer coatings, and specialties for the personal care and pharmaceutical markets. Among its raw materials are PET, polypropylene,

Specialty packaging firm IntraPac building Indiana plant

Chino(California )based Pipe distribution fi rm Harrington

Industrial Plastics Inc. has opened a 10,000-square-foot facility in Tamuning, Guam.According to a news release, the relocation of U.S. forces from Okinawa is requiring a

Harrington Industrial Plastics expands to Guam

low and high density polyethylene, and plastic laminates. Key technologies are blow molding, injection molding, extrusion, specialty coating, laminate tube production, decorating and assembly.

major expansion of the military and civilian facilities and infrastructure in Guam, with multi-billion dollar investments.The company expects to support that relocation by supplying corrosion resistant fi berglass, plastic and lined steel piping systems.


PRODUCT NEWS

Two pioneering, low dosage non-halogenated fl ame retardants

for epoxy resins to the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry have been unveiled by Clariant. Cutting-edge Exolit® EP 150 and EP 200, developed specifi cally for epoxy laminates, set a new benchmark in high-effi ciency halogen-free flame retardants for printed circuit boards. The reactive fl ame retardants are currently available as laboratory product samples. Exolit EP 150 and EP 200 have unmatched high phosphorous contents of 25% and 29% respectively which enables only a low dosage of fl ame retardant to be used to reach the desired fi re protection effect. For example, UL 94 V0 fi re ratings can be achieved at a loading of 50% less than with conventional flame retardants. The Exolit EP products are easy to use,

showing a broad compatibility with epoxy thermosets. Exolit EP 150 is a low viscosity liquid which makes it suitable as a flame retardant for infi ltration processes. While Exolit EP 200 is available in solid form, it will melt at usual processing temperatures to provide the same user benefit. Laminates produced with Exolit EP fl ame retardant fulfi ll the mechanical, electric and electronic properties required by IPC test specifi cations. EP 150 and EP 200 are the latest additions to Clariant’s highly-regarded Exolit non-halogenated range, known for its total resin fl ame retardant integrity even under harsh conditions and in sophisticated applications. With the non-halogenated laminate market share growing from 2% in 2004 to 13% in 2010, Clariant is expecting a lot of interest from potential customers in the

Clariant unveils Exolit® EP 150 and EP 200 for epoxy resins

effi ciency-boosting Exolit EP grades. It has already begun the up-scaling process for commercial production.

"Clariant’s Exolit EP grades meet the market preference for liquid fl ame retardants. But most importantly they outperform conventional fl ame retardants in terms of effi ciency and, as such, offer exciting potential to printed circuit board manufacturers looking to switch to non-halogenated fl ame retardants and to be more effi cient,” comments Adrian Beard, head of fl ame retardants marketing, Clariant. “The full-house at our presentation in Taipei reinforces the high level of interest in non-halogenated flame retardants. We are looking forward to sampling the new grades with customers and hearing feedback based on their expertise and requirements.”

Closed-loop recycling of post-consumer and retail waste

plastic films could become a full-scale commercial reality in England within four years, according to Axion Consulting, a Manchester-based resource recovery specialist. Axion’s research shows it is technically possible to manufacture commercially-useful products for the retail sector from mixed post-consumer fi lm packaging.Refuse sacks, external hoardings, shelving and in-store displays are among various products that could

be made from waste supermarket plastics and either sold or used within their store networks. Axion worked with three manufacturers – CeDo, Centriforce Products and Protomax Plastics – on a series of demonstration trials of post-consumer fi lms sourced from a leading retailer’s front and back of store collections. According to Axion director Roger Morton, the “great potential” shown by the studies should give manufacturers confi dence to invest in production capability, which in turn would stimulate local authorities

Axion sees potential for recycled filmto accept waste plastic fi lms in their recycling collections. He predicts this could happen within four years. “This is a tremendous step in the right direction to really grow fi lm recycling capacity in the UK over the next few years,” Morton said. “Consumers want to see their plastic waste given a new second life as they’re now far more conscious of what they’re throwing away. Ultimately, consumer demand will drive this whole closed-loop recycling process.”


PRODUCT NEWS

Am e r i c a n p l a s t i c t a b l e manufacturer Lifetime Products

Inc. said it has successfully taken its long-running patent infringement fi ght to China, winning its fi rst court case there against a local manufacturer. Lifetime, based in Clearfi eld, Utah, announced Nov. 21 that it won a trademark infringement case in Shanghai courts against Zhejiang Lifan Furniture Co. Ltd., which it said was manufacturing folding tables using Lifetime’s logo. Lifetime said the Shanghai Pudong New

District People’s Court ordered Lifan to cease and desist from using Lifetime’s trademark, destroy the infringing molds and pay Lifetime a penalty of 150,000 Chinese yuan ($23,500). “This is a significant milestone for Lifetime Products, Inc. and U.S. manufacturers as a whole,” said Lifetime President Richard Hendrickson. “This judgment marks the first time Lifetime has successfully enforced its Chinese intellectual property rights in a Chinese court.”

Table manufacturer Lifetime Products wins patent fight in China

Fairfield-based Agri-Industrial Plastics Co. is adding two new

Kautex blow molding machines as it continues increasing capacity to serve non-automotive fuel tank markets including lawn and garden equipment, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles and marine applications.The machines will be used to produce six-layer fuel tanks that meet the latest Environmental Protect ion Agency ’s emiss ion

regulations, offi cials said. “We continue to evaluate our capacity,” said Mick Stielow, sales manager, in a Nov. 18 telephone interview. Fairfield-based Agri-Industrial added two other machines in 2010 to prepare for 2011 production. “We’re systematically planning for capacity expansion every step of the way,” Stielow said. “We’ll have a total of fi ve by the end of next summer.

Agri-Industrial Plastics adds capacity for tanks

A plastic burial vault made by Centro Inc. won two

awards — Product of the Year and Conversion — at the Association of Rotational Molders’ Rotoplas conference. Formed Plastics Inc. of Carle Place, N.Y., also picked up two awards, for recycled content and innovation. ARM also announced three student awards.All Rotoplas attendees voted on Product of the Year candidates at the trade show and conference, held Nov. 1-3 in Rosemont. Centro displayed one of the vaults in the product competition area. People stopped to watch a video showing tests that included a backhoe pushing down on one of the buried vaults.Centro began molding the vault for Batesville Casket Co. about a year ago, said Brian Olesen, president and CEO of the rotomolder based in North Liberty, Iowa.Centro bought a new Ferry 330 rotomolding machine, which the molder helped design, to mold the burial vault at Centro’s plant in Claremont, N.C. The company molds the vault from linear low density polyethylene and fi lls it with PE foam. Eight molded-in inserts allow above-ground assembly. Lakeland Mold Co. made the cast aluminum mold.

Centro bags top Rotoplas award

Luton-based 2K manufacturing is doubling production of its

Ecosheet recycled plastic board to meet demand from the agricultural sector. The plywood replacement board

is made entirely from unwanted waste plastic sourced from farms, businesses and homes. Farm applications for the board include animal housing for a range of livestock including outdoor

Recycled plastic Ecosheet in demand pig units. Agricultural merchants now stocking EcoSheet include CPF, CFF, Wynnstay and Bridgmans.


PRODUCT NEWS

Ge o r g e t o w n b a s e d U F P Technologies Inc., a producer of

custom-engineered foam components, products and specialty packaging, has unveiled its new unifi ed brand. All of the

company’s various brands and product lines, including United Foam, Molded Fiber, Simco Automotive, United Case, and others, will now be marketed under the UFP Technologies brand

UFP Technologies launches new branding

Wheeling-based company Dynomax Inc. plans during

2012’s first quarter to boost its capacity to process thermoset and fl uorosilicone resins with three new Arburg injection molding machines: two 110-ton electrics and one 28-ton

hydraulic.The company is making a “strong push into medical” molding and tool making, said Mark Zic, director of business development. Currently, “we are doing some small runs” in the medical market, he said. Currently, Dynomax operates 13 hydraulic

Dynomax making a push into medical molding

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name.“Over the past eight years, we have doubled our sales, entered new markets, and added many important capabilities,” said Mitch Rock, vice president of sales and marketing.


TECHNOLOGY

New techniques to increase 3-D visualization of flame retardantsA c o l l a b o r a t i o n b e t w e e n

researchers from Albemarle Corporation, Louisiana State University (LSU), and the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD) has led to innovative new methods that will increase 3-D visualization of flame retardant and synergist components using element specifi c X-ray tomography. This research shows that it is possible to visualize key polymer additives in 3-D without damage to the polymer or test sample. Brominated flame retardants and synergists are important polymer additives for fire safety. The ever increasing demand for fi re safety, lower cost products and greener chemistry in consumer products drives extensive research aimed at creating more effi cient and green fl ame retardants.

Dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrices is critical to their effi ciency and use. The spectroscopic tools and mathematical methods developed in this collaboration allow researchers to study both the dispersion of brominated materials and synergists to develop more efficient and greener blends. "Our collaboration with LSU has been very successful and has led to new insights benefi ting polymer additives, especially brominated fl ame retardants and synergists," says Joop de Rooij, Albemarle's R&D director. "New tools developed in this collaboration allow us to more accurately study dispersion and address performance issues in real commercial flame retardant application. This effort enables Albemarle to maintain our technology

leadership in this highly competitive field by adapting and developing new and advanced products faster than the competition." According to Professor Les Butler of LSU and CAMD, "Working with Albemarle has clearly been a good situation. We have learned a lot about practical polymer and imaging technology and with this knowledge we have been able to develop the novel and powerful visualization tools."

The work is funded through a Grant Opportunity for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) from the National Science Foundation. Principal investigators with Professor Butler are Professor Randall Hall of LSU, and Dr. Larry Simeral, Distinguished Advisor at Albemarle.

Bayer recognized for wind-blade technology

Bayer MaterialScience LLC has developed a new polyurethane-

based composite technology for wind-turbine blades, which has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy. According to the release the DOE invited Bayer to display a prototype wind-turbine blade root ring – the ring that wraps around the base of the blade where it is fastened to the wind turbine blade shaft – at the recent American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Off-Shore Windpower conference and exhibition in Baltimore.

A development team led by Bayer found polyurethane chemistry to dramatically improve fatigue and fracture toughness properties over epoxy-based systems used commercially today. The development was funded by Bayer, the DOE and Molded Fiber Glass Cos. Inc. in a public/private sector partnership.“It’s gratifying for our development to be highlighted, particularly in light of the many wind technology projects funded by the DOE’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program in the past year,” said Mike Gallagher, director, Public Sector Business, Bayer. Bayer

said DOE saw value in the company’s proposal to develop materials that allow blades to be lighter, stronger and longer.A key property for wind turbine blades is the inter-laminar fracture toughness. The incorporation of carbon nanotube reinforcement technology into the polyurethane composites improved the fracture toughness by as much as 48 percent, Bayer claimed, adding that this is double the fracture toughness of epoxy.Bayer said it is working to expand this work to manufacture, test and certify full-scale prototype blades in collaboration with wind industry experts.


TECHNOLOGY

Mixing carbon nanotubes with polymer can boost bactericidal action in thin films Carbon nanotubes can kill

bacteria and prevent the formation of virulent and corrosive biofilms, probably by puncturing the microbes’ cell walls. As a result, scientists think the nanomaterials could produce antimicrobial coatings for surgical equipment and industrial piping, as per PRW. However, nanotubes are difficult to turn into effective coatings, toxic to people at high concentrations, and expensive. Now researchers led by Debora F Rodrigues at the University of Houston report that mixing nanotubes with a specifi c polymer can produce thin fi lms that are still effective at killing bacteria, but use very low concentrations of

nanotubes. When mixed into a solvent or applied to a surface alone, carbon nanotubes tend to clump together. These nanotube clumps produce uneven coatings and have relatively small surface areas exposed to the environment, decreasing their ability to kill microbes. Previous research showed that mixing nanotubes with polymers could help break up these clumps. The team wanted to know what proportion of nanotubes they needed to add to such a mixture to retain the nanotubes’ antimicrobial properties. They chose the polymer called polyvinyl-N-carbazole, because they could easily use it to form thin films on metal surfaces through

electrodeposit ion. They tested a mixture of 3% nanotubes with 97% polymer by weight. In a liquid suspension containing the nanotube-polymer composi te along wi th Escherichia coliand Bacillus subtilis cells, the nanotubes damaged or killed 94% of the E. coli and 90% of theB. subtilis. When they used the mixture to produce a thin fi lm, the scientists found that it completely inhibited the formation of biofilms on the metal surface. The nanotube-polymer mix also killed up to 90% of both species of bacteria added to the surface, about the same effect as that produced by a coating of carbon nanotubes alone.

Waldorf introduces Check 'n ‘Pack technologies for barrier packaging Automation group Waldorf

Technik, based in Engen, Germany, has introduced Check'n Pack, a system for inspecting and verifying the quality of the EVOH layer in PP-EVOH-PP barrier packaging.Injection moulding of this barrier technology has existed for a few years, but Waldorf says there was previously no way of checking that the EVOH barrier layer was fully and equally injected throughout the body of the container. The Check’n Pack module allows 360º inspection of the rim, side wall, bottom and injection point.

Kortec, which supplies the co-injection mould technology for the system, says levels of both oxygen and water vapour barriers are very high and allow a shelf life of up to two years. Waldorf claims that for high volume products that are currently retorted or aseptically fi lled, such as fi sh, meat, fruit and pet food, switching to barrier packaging would yield savings of 30-40% compared with tin plate packaging. Waldorf has also highlighted other barrier packaging technologies it has developed. The fi rm is already well known for its expertise with in-mould labelling processes,

and these include IML using a barrier label. Another technique it has been working on is 3D in-line coating for thin-wall packaging. It has worked with various coating substrates from German company Cavonic, which Waldorf says are low in cost and provide a barrier and similar hermetic properties to glass.

The company says laboratory tests have shown the process to achieve a barrier against oxygen permeability of 99.15% after sterilisation.


IN THE NEWS

State to offer first right of refusal to the Chatterjee Group in event of auction of its stake in HPLIn case of an auction of West

Bengal state's 43% stake in the Rs 10,000 crore Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL), the fi rst right of refusal will be offered to The Chatterjee Group (TCG), according to The Times Of India. At present, the state holds 43% stake in HPl, while TCG has 44% and IndianOil (IOC) holds 9.6% stake.

However, the minister made it clear that the government is unlikely to transfer 15.5 crore shares to TCG as per the 2003 agreement between TCG

and the previous government. The current government woul d like to sell its stake in a transparent manner. As per the agreement, West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC), which holds the government's stake in HPL, was supposed to transfer 15.5 crore shares to TCG at Rs 10 each. TCG was supposed to pay the price in instalments, but after payment of Rs 38 crore, WBIDC stopped accepting payment from TCG following litigation between two promoters since 2005. The 15.5 crore shares constitute of

around 9.7% of the paid up equity of HPL. Interestingly, these shares are not shown in the balance sheet of WBIDC as well which in turn means that it has 52 crore shares in the petrochem fi rm. Now, the 15.5 crore shares hold the key to the issue since if these were transferred to them then it would have got the majority with 53.5% stake. The state government has additional Rs 271 crore worth of preference shares but it does not have voting rights and would not count in ownership battle.

Pune gets its first road made from plastic waste

The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) recently repaired half a

km of the road outside Hutchings High School by integrating plastic with tar known as polymer-modifi ed bitumen, thus making good use of discarded plastic and preventing further damage to the environment. This move has been carried out with the advocacy of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to prevent the persistent problem of potholes on the roads and to increase the resistance to water

at a lower construction cost. ndtv.com reported, PCB Vice President, Prasad Kedari said, "It's comparatively cheaper than the usual road making cost and since it is on a trial basis we are planning to carry it out on roads that are not used extensively. This is our new initiative." Such road constructions were earlier carried out in the South and this is the fi rst time it has been experimented in the city. "By using plastic we are recycling it and preventing further damage to the

environment," he added.

According to the contractors, 90% of bitumen is amalgamated with 10% of plastic that includes everyday waste ranging from carry bags to miscellaneous items like biscuit and gutka packets. These products are shredded into small pieces and mixed with the liquid before laying it on the road. Contractors say that the cost of the entire process is not more than Rs. 325 per metre.

Sims takes recycling 'solutions' to new heights

Avon-based Sims Recycling Solutions expects to recycle

record amounts of complex plastic waste, with their new technology. What the company described only

as a “new, cutting-edge technological solution” to plastics recycling has been under development for the past fi ve years.It has been trialled at the company’s electronics recycling facility

in Newport, Gwent, and is being rolled out on a large scale at Sims’ new plastics recycling centre in Billingham, near Middlesbrough. Sims said the Billingham plant will process around


IN THE NEWS

London’s Former government minister backs plastics recyclingLabour MP for Barking and

former government minister Margaret Hodge got ‘up close and personal’ with a recycling facility in her constituency this week. Hodge toured Closed Loop Recycling’s plant in Dagenham, East London, to see how plastic waste is recycled and hear about the ‘green jobs’ that can be created when such businesses set up. She was also told by Chris Dow, Closed Loop’s managing director, how much waste is exported, rather than

processed in the UK. “If this material stayed in the UK it would reduce our imports of virgin raw materials and would create sorting and reprocessing jobs in the country,” Dow said.“We’re not asking the government to stop waste exports altogether, simply to create a level playing field for the UK recycling industry by reviewing the existing system which currently favours export of materials rather than domestic recycling,” he added. Dow said at least 50,000 new UK

recycling jobs could be created if 70 per cent of waste collected by local councils was dealt with in the UK, rather than exported.Hodge, who was accompanied on her visit by John Williams, chief executive of business support service Gateway to London, said: “I was really impressed with the plant and the work Chris and the company do.“It is not only benefi tting the environment but helping to create new jobs at a time when they are much needed,” she added.

70,000 tonnes of plastic waste a year, and had been designed to cope with even larger volumes in future. Biagio Adragna, country manager for Sims Recycling Solutions, UK, said the volume of plastics entering its

process had reached a point “that has allowed us to invest in chasing and refi ning different polymers in suitable volumes for sustainable markets. The new process can create a number of different polymers which are usable for

compounding. “Our process is able to cope with a very complex set of plastics. Valuable plastics can be recovered from electronics or other material streams, either post-consumer, post-industrial or post-car shredder residues.”

German packaging association slams bag tax

The German Green Party has called for a tax on plastic carrier

bags in the country, which has drawn a fi erce response from the German Association for Plastics Packaging and Film (IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen EV).The party is proposing a 22 cent tax for plastic carrier bags in order to promote alternative packaging materials.IK said in a statement the German Green Party is justifying its call on the basis of plastics pollution in oceans.IK said: “Has the Green Party actually missed the fact that for over 20 years great success

has been made in the area of disposal and recycling of plastic carrier bags within the framework of the packaging directive? By now, the recycling quota of plastics packaging has reached 97 percent. As a consequence, there are no littering problems with plastic carrier bags in Germany, nor do they end up in the sea in large quantities. This statement by the Green Party is simply wrong.”The group claimed more than 90 percent of German consumers collect packaging for recycling.It also criticized a suggestion that carrier bags should be made from plastics

derived from renewable resources that decompose in the environment.Bad Homburg-based IK said: “A plastic material that decomposes by itself within a short period of time is currently not available. Rather, these so called biodegradable carrier bags are sorted out in German composting plants, as their decomposition is taking too long. In addition, they are not suitable for the recycling process.“In this context, the Green Party would be well advised to listen to factual arguments and not to build up an ideological enemy stereotype.”


IN THE NEWS

New rules slash Chinese plastic scrap importsAccording to reports Plastics

s c r a p i m p o r t s t h r o u g h China’s Guangzhou customs have slumped by more than 80 percent in the past two months as offi cials step up enforcement of new rules governing solid waste being brought into the country. As a result, China's plastics recycling industry fears a radical shakeup of the sector once the government decides to order all customs departments across the country to strictly comply with the new regulatory regime, designed to better control waste. China relies on imports for half of the plastics scrap it recycles and according to statistics from the country's General Administration of Customs, the first and second quarters this year each saw about 520,000 metric tons of scrap plastics come in through Guangzhou customs.But volumes slumped drastically to 240,000 tons during the third quarter, down by 35 percent year-on-year. Imports in October were only 22,000

tons, down by 82 percent year-on-year. According to data from customs departments, China’s annual imports of scrap plastics increased from

2,460,000 tons in 2002 to 7,400,000 tons in 2010, with an average annual growth rate of 26 percent.

European groups encourage 100 percent recovery of packagingContinuing growth in the

European recycling rate for plastics packaging could result in 100 percent diversion from landfi ll by 2020.This ambition was announced by pan-European trade body PlasticsEurope earlier this year and is given support by 2010 region-wide fi gures released by the European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organizations

(EPRO).The 27 members of the EU, plus Switzerland and Norway, recycled 5.018m metric tons or 32.6 percent of all its plastic packaging in 2010. In 2009, 4.6 million metric tons (30.3 percent) was recycled. Energy recovery from waste plastics packaging was 33.3 percent, giving a total recycling and recovery rate of 65.9 percent (up from 60.7 percent

in 2009). With one-third of plastics packaging still going to landfi ll, “we still have a job to do”, said EPRO.It said in a statement: “A recovery rate of 100 percent in 2020 for both plastic packaging and all other plastic waste is still possible; it is all about willingness and working together across the plastics supply chain to set the scene and move the agenda forward.”

ONGC Surrenders Onshore Block, Says Not ViableOil and Natural Gas has

surrendered an onshore block awarded to it some decade-and-a-half ago in West Bengal, say ing the pro ject was not commercially viable. According to a report published in The Economic Times ONGC, which relinquished two coal bed methane blocks earlier this year , said it had dug three wells in the 622-sq-km Contai block, which was awarded on a nomination basis before the New Exploration Licensing Policy was formulated. “We found traces of

gas, but it did not turn out to be commercially viable although we completed the minimum work programme there. So we decided to return the block to the government,” said an ONGC official. ONGC which produces India’s 79% of oil and gas, received the block for six years in 1997. It did not complete the drilling and requested the government for another six years.“Two years were lost in trying to convince the government for an extension,” he said.


IN THE NEWS

Oil India eyes overseas buy

Oil India Ltd has charted out the best possible plan – bringing in

equity oil from overseas and deploying advanced technologies as reported in DNA. According to the report, Oil India, which operates primarily in the once-prolifi c Assam Basin, is looking to pick up producing assets overseas, and is in talks with France’s Maurel & Prom to acquire stake in the latter’s block in Gabon, Africa, Oil India chairman and managing director Nayan Mani Borah said in an interview. Overseas Oil India holds participating interest in blocks of Libya, Gabon, Iran, Nigeria, and Sudan. Besides Africa, it is scouting for producing assets in other parts of the world such as Latin America and Australia and has earmarked around $ 1 billion for the purpose, said Borah. He said the company is likely to partner public sector peer Indian Oil Corp for acquiring stake in assets ov erseas. Borah said the company has suffi cient

cash reserves to fund acquisitions, and is also open to raising more capital if required. The company currently has a cash reserve of around Rs 17,300 crore. For a more structured approach to its acquisition initiatives, Oil India has hired an international consultancy fi rm to strategise the moves and draw appropriate valuations. Over the last decade, the company has stepped up efforts to acquire assets in various parts of the world. Oil India recently acquired 3.5% participating interest in a company formed with Venezuela’s state oil company for exploitation of the discovered heavy oil reserves in the Orinoco belt. Other members of the company are Repsol of Spain, Petronas of Malaysia, ONGC Videsh and Indian Oil. Borah said considerable progess has been made against the commited work programme in Venezuela and production is expected to commission by the end of next fi scal.

Plastics industry launches global marine litter action planRepresentatives from the global

plastics industry met in Dubai earlier this week to discuss the topic of marine litter and to formulate initiatives for tackling the issue. The meeting identifi ed approximately 100 related projects across 32 countries, in addition to the global activities supported by all signatories to a global action plan. The ‘Declaration for Solutions on Marine Litter’, which has so far been adopted by 54 plastics industry organisations, outlines a six-point strategy for industry action

and advocates close cooperation with a broad range of stakeholders. Philip Watkins, president of the British Plastics Federation, said the meeting was “a great step forward by these plastics industry representatives through committing to the global action plan for solutions on marine litter”. “The global plastics industry is determined to do its part and to play a constructive role in building new partnerships to shape solutions to the issue of marine litter,” he added.

Wilfried Haensel, executive director of PlasticsEurope said the meeting was “a great step forward by these plastics industry representatives through committing to the global action plan for solutions on marine litter”.

Patrick Thomas, president of PlasticsEurope and CEO of Bayer Material Sciences added: “The global plastics industry is determined to do its part and play a constructive role in building new partnerships to shape solutions to the issue of marine litter.”

Fishing villages protest Orissa PCPIR

All the f ishing vi l lages under the PCPIR project

purview have objections to the proposed Kakinada project and are ready to fi ght with the Orissa PCPIR committees, as they say they would not only lose the livelihood, but also their land.According to report a district wide socio economic survey is being conducted by the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIR), in preparation of the master plan of the Kakinada PCPIR. All the fi shing villages under the PCPIR project purview, are planning to set up a platform to fight against the proposed corridor. They have decided to conduct such awareness camps in all the affected villages and have passed a resolution to set up a coastal area protection council.


Prasad Group ....................................................................................................................................... cover

Madhu Machineries ....................................................................................................................inside cover

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

Anupam Heaters..........................................................................................................................................5

Devanshi Electronics ...................................................................................................................................6

CONAIR India. .............................................................................................................................................8

Ferromatik Milacron. ....................................................................................................................................9

Flamingo ....................................................................................................................................................10

Polymechplast ...........................................................................................................................................12

Bry-Air ........................................................................................................................................................14

Kabra Extrusion .........................................................................................................................................15

Steer Engineering .................................................................................................................................16-17

Swastik Sales Corporation ........................................................................................................................18

FITCO. ..................................................................................................................................................19-25

GMS Plastics. .......................................................................................................................................26-31

Plast India ..................................................................................................................................................32

Windsor Machines. ....................................................................................................................................46

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

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

Panchal Plastics. .......................................................................................................................................67

Boolani Engineering ..................................................................................................................................68

KMG ..........................................................................................................................................................69

Plastics Technology. ..................................................................................................................................70

LOHIA Starlinger........................................................................................................................................71

Reliance Polymers.....................................................................................................................................72

Merit Polyplast. ..........................................................................................................................................73

JOMSONS .................................................................................................................................................74

Kenya Plast ...............................................................................................................................................75

Multifl ow.....................................................................................................................................................76

Manan Enterprise ......................................................................................................................................76

JKP Masterbatches ...................................................................................................................................77

Pioneer Engineering Corporation ..............................................................................................................78

Plastivision Arabia .....................................................................................................................................78

Goradia Impex ...........................................................................................................................................87

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

Rajoo Enginners .......................................................................................................................... Back cover

* Dies & Moulds, Press Tools * Mould base & standard parts * Hot Runner System * Tool Steel * Heat Treatment * Texturizing * Gauges * CAD/CAM system related to Dies & Moulds * Die Spotting * Machine Tools for Dies & Moulds, C.N.C Milling/machining centre, E.D.M. etc. * Digitizing * Rapid Prototyping & Modeling * Moulding machine/ Die Casting machine * Accessories for Machine Tools * Die/mould polishing machines * Cutting Tools * Measuring Machines * All materials, equipments, accessories and services covering Die & Mould industry

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