April 2012

Volume No. 53 MH/MR/N/200/MBI/12- 14 Issue No. 4 April 2012 Rs. 75.00

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P L A S T I C S N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 27

MH/MR/N/200/MBI/12- 14 April 2012Volume 53 No. 4

Hon. Editor Mr. Raju Desai

Associate Editor Mr. Hiten Bheda

Chairman - Editorial Board Mr. Jayesh Rambhia

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...14...... AIPMA At Work29...... Company News33...... Environment35...... Features

...NPE opens with bash in Orlando...

...Global plastic fi lm and sheets market forecastto reach 56.6 mln tons by 2017

...Gaurav Engineering further develops its newly launched Recycling Plant

...Technological advances to be the focus at Total Packaging

...Indian plastics fi rms see growing opportunity in Africa

...Product Pricing -2

...Bans on polystyrene containers and single-use bags continue to spread

...Small In Size, Big In Stature: Rajoo Labex – Multifoil – Nano Three Layer Co-Extruded Blown Film Line Awarded

47...... International News61...... Business News64...... Product News69...... Technology73...... In the News

CONTENT

P L A S T I C S N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 211P L A S T I C S N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 211

THE PRESIDENT SAYS

Dear Members,

AIPMA has s igned memorandum o f

understanding (MOU) with leading plastic

associations of the world.

Society of Plastic Industry: SPI USA

British Plastic Federation: BPF

European Union of Plastic Converters: EUPC

Assocomoplast, Italy

As a result of such tie ups AIPMA will now be able

to have its booths across all major plastic trade shows

worldwide including Koplast, IPF Japan, Saudiplast,

Plast Euratia Istanbul, Plast Milan Italy, NPE USA,

Euromold Germany.

AIPMA uses these opportunity to spread awareness

about Indian plastic industry and promote Plastivision

trade show. We can expect better participation from

these countries during next Plastivision India.

We display catalogue of our members at such

trades shows to bring home opportunities. All the

members are requested to avail such opportunity and

could write an email to [email protected]

The MOU signed, also covers environment

initiatives.

We have signed "Operation Clean Sweep" initiative

of Society of Plastic Industry, USA. It is systematic

approach to prevent loss of polymer during processing.

It makes sense to save economy and ecology.

All the members interested in knowing the

details can also have the

same by writing an email to

[email protected] and

the details would be provided.

To support each others

members to grow bilateral trade

is also part of such MOU.

If you wish to source machines, material, products

in US, UK, EU, Korea, Turkey, Italy, do let us know.

AIPMA can ask for market information from our

partners across the world.

Indian consumption is growing very fast and we

need to fulfi ll that from our domestic production.

Indian market needs money, machines, materials,

manpower training to catch with demand.

The world is willing to help, support Indian

processors to grow. We have built bridges to make it

easier for entrepreneur to receive support.

Indian government is signing free trade area with

ASEAN and several other countries.

This will reduce duty and bring competition in our

market.

We need to strengthen ourselves and AIPMA is

working to secure a better future for Indian processors.

Jayesh Rambhia

President - AIPMA

P L A S T I C S N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 213P L A S T I C S N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 213

FROM THE EDITOR

From the Editor’s Pen….

The US plastics industry that was hit hard by the

recession during 2008-09, is now beginning

to recover. Nevertheless, the sector has stood its

ground more successfully than other areas of the

manufacturing industry. According to SPI, the plastics

industry is the third largest US manufacturing industry.

Also the US plastics industry is large, accounting for

8,76,000 jobs and USD 341 billion in shipments during

2010. And when suppliers to the plastics industry

are considered, jobs grew to1.4 million and the total

shipments grew to USD 417 billion. Now this is quite

a good fi gure compared to theIndian scenario!!

US had its largest plastic products surplus with

Mexico at USD 2.9 billion and the country’s ‘defi cit in

plastic products which had been shrinking , bounced

back 11.9% - to USD 3.6 billion in 2010. Exports of

plastic products grew by 19.9% while imports grew

18.6%.

In 2011 exports for the US plastics industry as a

whole increased 9.5% over 20%. Three of the four

core industry segments increased, resin exports up

10%, Plastic products up 8.8% and machinery up 14%

whiile moulds decreased 2.3%.

Back home Indian plastics firms see growing

opportunity in Africa. As Africa’s plastics industry

grows, Indian companies say they are picking up

substantial business there, with exports rising for

machinery fi rms, and India’s resin and processing

companies making investments.

We have a story on this as well

in our issue.

This month also witnessed

NPE 2012 at Orlando, Florida,

Chinaplas 2012, Shanghai,

and Die & Moulds exhibition held at NSE grounds,

Mumbai.

Many of our friends from the industry had participated

in these exhibitions and I am sure they will have lot

many things to share with all of us.

I welcome their inputs and experiences they’d had,

so as to enlighten us.

Also I would like to share a piece of good news

with all our readers. Considering the various facts

and interests shown by readers of Plastic News, the

magazine published by AIPMA, it has been decided

to upgrade the Magazine.

Yes, in order to increase our readers and circulation

base we are planning to have more numbers of copies

perhaps around say fi fteen to twenty thousand copies.

However, this will be done in phases. Also this will help

our Advertisers to reach to larger number of target

audiences.

Do let me know would you like to see the change…

Hon. EditorRaju Desai

[email protected]


AIPMA AT WORK

AIPMA had duly participated at the Chinaplas 2012 exhibition held during April 18- 21, 2012 at

Shanghai, China.

AIPMA had a huge Indian delegation with it for this trade exhibition .The delegation included members from the ministries of the likes of Smt. Neelkamal Darbari, I.A.S.

- Joint Secretary (Petrochemicals), Prof. (Dr.) S. K. Nayak - Director General, CIPET, along with some one hundred and fi fty members. The exhibition was fruitful for AIPMA.

Detail report of AIPMA's actvities in Chinaplas will be published in next Issue.

The Chinaplas 2012


FROM THE EDITOR


AIPMA delegation comprising o f P r e s i d e n t J a y e s h

Rambhia, Vice President Mr. R. K. Aggarwal, Co-chairman of Plastivision India & Ex President Mr. Kailash Murarka met State minister for DCPC Mr. Srikanta Jena to formally invite him to lead AIPMA Chinaplast delegation.

During the meeting with the minister, AIPMA team presented AIPMA activities and various other projects which are likely to happen. The minister had been supportive and encouraged by giving some useful suggestions and assured fullest help from his ministry for AIPMA initiatives promoting growth of plastic industry.

AIPMA AT WORK

AIPMA Meets DCPC Minsiter

India and Myanmar share c lose and

friendly relations going back to ancient times and have been engaged in bilateral trade and commerce for centuries. Ind ia Product Show 2012 was inaugurated on March 23, 2012 at UMFCCI Towers hall by H.E. U Nyan Tun Oo, Yangon Region Minister for Electric Power and Industry, H. E. Dr. V. S. Seshadri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar, U Win Aung, President of

The Republic of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) and Mr. G. L. Goenka, P r e s i d e n t o f I n d o -Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IMCCI).

The Product Show was organized by Indo-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IMCCI), in collaboration with Embassy of India, Yangon and supported by The Republic of Union of Myanmar Federation of

India Product Show 2012


AIPMA AT WORK

Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) for three days from 23-25 March 2012 at UMFCCI Towers. The fi rst day was exclusively open to traders and businessmen. The show was opened to public on March 23-24, 2012.

A total of 19 Indian companies displayed their products during the event. The products include consumer durables, home appliances, textiles & garments, pharma products, cosmetics and herbal products, crockery, utensils, suitcases, automobile spare parts, paint and products, medical equipment, Cattle & poultry feed, solar products, bamboo & silk products, electrical products & machinery, CNG cylinders etc. Three All India Associations namely, Cotton & Textiles Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), India Pulses and Grains Association, The All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA) and The Solvent

Extractors Association of India participated in the event.

As we know India and Myanmar share close and friendly relations going back to ancient times and have been engaged in bilateral trade and commerce for centuries. According to offi cial estimates, the trade between the two countries has grown from USD 273 mn in 1998 - 99 to USD 1.35 bn in 2010 - 11 (India’s imports 1.017 bn USD and exports 334 mn USD). This includes approximately USD 12.8 mn border trade. The main items of trade between India and Myanmar are pulses & beans, timber, pharmaceuticals, steel and iron and products, etc. During the 4th India Myanmar Joint Trade Committee Meeting, the Commerce Ministers of the two countries agreed to double the bilateral trade from USD 1.5 bn to USD 3 bn by 2015.


AIPMA AT WORK

Seminar on Italian Plastics and Rubber Processing Technologies

AIPMA, alongwith Assocomaplast, & Indo Italian Chamber of Commerce had organized a Seminar

on Italian Plastics and Rubber Processing on the 22nd March 2012 at AIPMA House Auditorium, Andheri Mumbai.

The objective of the seminar was to promote joint ventures and partnerships in the area of Plastics and Rubber Technology between India and Italy. The seminar was fairly represented by AIPMA & IICCI members and offi cials of Assocomaplast.

The event began with a Welcome Address by AIPMA President Mr. Jayesh Rambhia who extended warm welcome to the august gathering. He further enlightened the audience about AIPMA activities and new initiatives.A

special emphasis was given to Plastivision 2013 the AIPMA brand event happening in Mumbai in December 2013.

He called upon the Italian companies to participate in the event in a big way to meet their customers and counterparts in India. He remarked that India could a prospective and progressive market for the Italian companies. He also added that AIPMA would extend all their cooperation in bridging the trade ties between the two nations in the area of plastics.

In his introductory remarks Mr. Ramanna Anand, President, IICCI briefed members about the activities of IICCI and the Chamber’s initiative in promoting trade and commerce between India and Italy. He also highlighted the activities of IICCI.


AIPMA AT WORK


Mr. Mario Maggiani, Secretary General, Assocomaplast made his presentation on Plast 2012, the largest exhibition in Europe for plastics and rubber industry, PLAST, held in Milan every three years, is also one of the most important exhibitions and sought after fair for plastics and rubber industry worldwide.

The EXPO showcases whole range of products represented in PLAST include: injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, thermoforming and welding machines, machines for foam, reactive and reinforced resins, molds & dies, test equipment, machines and equipment for the plastics and rubber recovery and recycling besides various other products services and machinery relevant to the plastics and Rubber industry.

At the seminar elabortae presentations were made by Italian companies. The details are as follows:

Ms. Roshani Shah introduced M/s. Crizaf, world’s largest manufacturer of conveyor belts with installed base of 50,000 conveyor belts worldwide spread over four countries.

Mr. Rajiv Sanghavi introduced M/s. Friul Filiere Group pioneers in Plastic Extrusion Equipment for extrusion of all thermoplastic materials for over three decades.

Mr. Georgio Colombo introduced M/s. ICMA San Giorgio one of the leading suppliers of co rotating twin screw extruders and turnkey systems for the compounding industry, sheet and plate extrusion equipment.

Mr. Amit Roy introduced M/s. SACE products and services that included Export credit and Project Finance, Protection of foreign investments, fi nancial guarantees, credit insurance, sureties and construction risks etc.

Mr. Rajesh Sharma introduced M/s. SACMI leaders in Compression technology that means energy effi cient, shorter cycle time, higher consistency and less complexity in Plastics industry.

Mr. Sunit Joshi introduced M/s. GEFRAN specialised in sales, service and application solutions for industrial and process automation products, Repairs and after sales service and software development.

Mr. Rajiv Sanghavi also introduced M/s. GAMMA MECCANICA providers of reliable technology in recycling systems for plastics.

Mr. Amit Bajaj introduced M/s. PIOVAN the company in plastics business since 1960 with presence in 50 countries and leaders in Auxiliary Equipment.

The seminar was very interactive and was followed by business-to business meeet (B2B) that facilitated interaction between the Italian companies and Indian companies. Most of the entreprenuers were seen particpating and trying to explore various possiblities for enhancing theior respective business.

The seminar was indeed a stepping stone in strengthening the Indo Italian trade ties.

AIPMA AT WORK


AIPMA AT WORK

Mr Jayesh Rambhia, President, AIPMA, and Mr Raju Desai, Editor Plastic News, both had been at the NPE 2012 held at Florida earlier this month and have the fi rrst hand report ...

Dear Team,

A day before NPE show begins, there were conferences.

AIPMA took opportunity to Sign two MOU with The Society of Plastic Industry (SPI) organizers of NPE show.

1. Operation Clean Sweep: this is systematic process to prevent loss of plastic granules during processing.

It saves environment & make economical sense too.

2. AIPMA-SPI co-operation agreement, whereby both association will work together to promote bilateral trade in plastic industry of India & USA. It is wide ranging agreement encompassing:

Sharing of industry information such as industry data, reports,

Promoting each others events using their publications & website.

Barter of space during NPE & PVI show,

Supporting Energy efficiency, clean energy & sustainability

REPORT OF NPE – 2012Jayesh Rambhia


AIPMA AT WORK

AIPMA has now linkages with plastic association in Europe, UK, USA and is looking forward to various opportunities.

This will benefi t industry and members in years to come.

Due to fantastic work done by our seniors at AIPMA in last 65 years,

We are now able to get the AIPMA its rightful place at various platform across world.

Contact :

Mr. Ignatius Arakkal +91 - 22 - 6777 8845

International Plastics Exhibition & Conference

14 - 17 May 2012th th

Expo Centre Sharjah, UAE

Tour Cost

(Inclusive of Airfare, Hotel Package on twin sharing basis, Visa charges,

Airport Transfers, Transfers to Expo Centre & Overseas Mediclaim Policy)

Most Economic Tour Package

4 Nights & 5 Days

13 - 17 May 2012th th

AirlineHotel


Toyo awarded ethylene plant project in Egypt Toyo Engineering Corporation

has been jointly awarded with ENPPI, an engineering company under the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum, a contract to build a 460,000 tpa ethylene plant and a 20,000 tpa butadiene extraction plant as part of Ethydco's petrochemical complex to be established in Alexandria, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and owned by ETHYDCO, The Egyptian Ethylene and Derivatives Company newly established company under the

investment law # 8/1997 of Egypt. This will be TOYO's second ethylene plant in Egypt after 300,000 tpa ethylene plant completed in 2001 for Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals Co. TOYO and ENPPI, based on the most advanced ethylene technology of Lummus Technology of U.S., will execute the EPC and Commissioning under a lump-sum turnkey contract. TOYO will lead the entire project execution, undertaking project management, basic engineering, a part of detailed

COMPANY NEWS

engineering, and procurement of key equipment. ENPPI will be in charge of joint project management, detailed engineering and procurement of other equipment and materials. Both companies will execute the construction and commissioning in collaboration with PETROJET, an Egyptian construction company as a subcontractor. The contract amount is approximately USD 600 million and the plant is scheduled for start-up in early 2015.

Old World Industries sells it Chemical Business to IndoramaOld World Industries, LLC

has concluded the sale of its Chemical Business, including the Ethylene Oxide/Ethylene Glycol manufacturing facility in Clear Lake, Texas, to Indorama Ventures PCL of Bangkok, Thailand. The deal was fi rst announced publically in February 2012. According to the release the Consumer Products Division of Old World Industries will continue to operate as a privately held corporation out of Northbrook, Ill. All of Old World's consumer product l ines PEAK® Antifreeze, PEAK® Motor Oil, PEAK® Electronics, PEAK® Wiper Blades, BlueDEF™ Diesel Exhaust Fluid, and heavy duty coolants Fleet Charge and Final Charge, will continue to be part of Old World with no changes in personnel or structure. As part of the purchase agreement, Old World has agreed to a long-term glycol supply contract with Indorama for its antifreeze production

in the US. Tom Hurvis, Old World Industries' chairman and CEOsaid, "With the close of this deal, Old World will now embark on the next signifi cant phase in our 39-year history. We will focus all of our time and resources on expanding the PEAK family of products in the automotive and heavy duty marketplaces worldwide." PEAK products are marketed in more than 30 countries around the world. In addition, Old World recently launched an eco-friendly diesel emissions exhaust treatment fluid under the BlueDEF brand name. Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is the fastest growing functional fluid in the North American heavy duty marketplace and is expected to reach more than one billion gallons of yearly consumer demand. Old World is investing heavily in the infrastructure necessary to capture the leading position in this growing market.

Formosare-start residue desulphuriser unitAn 80,000 bpd residue

desulphuriser unit that was damaged after a 2010 fi re is to be restarted by Formosa Petrochemical Corp, af ter receiving government approval. The RDS unit removes sulphur from crude oil to make products like low sulphur diesel. Formosa had initially aimed to restart it in March, but postponed the move after a delay in getting government approval. According to the release "The unit is not newly built, but much of the equipment has been replaced and rebuilt, so it's hard to give an exact re-start date."


COMPANY NEWS

Chevron Phill ips Chemical Company LP (Chevron Phillips

Chemical) will build the world’s largest on-purpose 1-hexene plant capable of producing up to 250,000 metric tpa (551,000,000 lbs) at its Cedar Bayou Chemical Complex in Baytown, Texas. Construction is targeted to commence in the fi rst half of 2012, and the project is anticipated to start up during the fi rst quarter of 2014. The company has executed agreements with S & B Engineers and Constructors, Ltd., to engineer and build the plant utilizing Chevron Phillips Chemical’s

Chevron Phillips to build world’s largest 1-hexene plantproprietary, 2nd generation, on-purpose 1-hexene technology, which produces comonomer grade 1-hexene from ethylene with exceptional product purity. Mitch Eichelberger, general manager of normal alpha olefins and polyalphaolefins for Chevron Phillips Chemical said “Constructing this project is an important step to ensure we meet the growing demand of our global customer base.” The new 1-hexene unit at the Cedar Bayou facility will enjoy significant advantages in infrastructure, feedstock availability, and operational expertise.

President of Maguire Products, receives SPE Business Management Award

1-hexene is a critical component used in the manufacture of polyethylene, a plastic resin commonly converted into fi lm, pipe, detergent bottles, and food and beverage containers. The proprietary on-purpose 1-hexene technology is already successfully used at Qatar Chemical Company Ltd.’s (Q-Chem) facility in Mesaieed, Qatar, and will soon be utilized at the Saudi Polymers Company plant in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Both of these facilities are joint ventures of wholly-owned subsidiaries of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) has presented i ts

Business Management Award to Steve Maguire, the president of Maguire Products, Inc. and a pioneer in the fi eld of plastics auxiliary equipment systems. SPE presents the award to one industry leader annually. Mr. Maguire received this year’s award during the Sunday night NPE2012 Opening Gala. “Steve built Maguire Products into a leading worldwide plastics auxiliary equipment company by supplying machinery of his own design that has transformed the way manufacturers manage raw materials and meter them into processing machines,” said B. Patrick (Pat) Smith, vice president of marketing and Sales. “He has succeeded because

of his determination to make auxiliary equipment simpler, more reliable, and easier to operate, and he has achieved these goals by completely re-

thinking the design of this equipment, developing his own unique operating concepts, mechanical systems, controls, and software.”

Gloucester Engineering Co. Inc. announced a

spend of over US$6 mln by fi lm and sheet extruder Grupo Rema of Leon, Mexico, on four new monolayer polypropylene sheet lines to be installed at a new factory

Mexican film and sheet extruder Grupo Rema buys 4 new monolayer PP sheet

in Nogales, Mexico. “Our goal is to continue to penetrate the North American market and Gloucester Engineering’s products and service will help us achieve that,” said Rodrigo Reyes, operations director.


COMPANY NEWS

At the NPE SABIC is showcasing its unmatched commitment to

the plastics industry and has announced of establishing two new Technology Centers in China and India. These research and development facilities are expected to be operational after the second quarter of 2013 and end of 2012, respectively. Both centers will spearhead research and development

SABIC to establish Technology Centers in China and India

of new engineering thermoplastic and petrochemical materials that can be used in a wide range of industries that include automotive, personal electronics, alternative energy, among others.

“We use our cus tomer and industry knowledge coupled with our unparalleled technology expertise

Rotomolder Park Plastics files for reorganization

Fo r t Wa y n e - b a s e d firm Rotomolder Park

Plastics fi les for reorganization. According to reports the company has until July 19 to fi le a plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The voluntarily declared Chapter 11 on Feb. 22, according to records in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. It has 63 creditors, the biggest being First Merchants Bank NA of Fort Wayne, which is owed $513,440.50. Court records state PLS has debt between $1 million and $10 million and assets between $100,001 and $500,000. PLS stated in its court fi ling that it expects funds will be available to unsecured creditors. Fort Wayne law fi rm Skekloff, Adelsperger & Kleven LLP is representing PLS in the case.

OAO Lukoil Holdings has said that it plans to delay

resumption of production at the ethylene unit of its Stavrolen plant four months later than fi rst estimated, following a fi re at the petrochemical plant in December. According to reports an earlier indication by the Russian oil giant, the ethylene plant

Fire delays resumption of ethylene production at Lukoil's Stavrolen plant

operation was to begin on April 1. Production at the Stavrolen plant, which produced 684,000 tons of petrochemicals, mainly polyethylene, last year, was partially shut down after the fi re that occurred on Dec. 15. This has pushed back the start date to July, triggered by problems getting new equipment delivered on time.

Nova Chemicals is planning to invest US$750-900 mln to

increase its polyethylene production by 40% at its Joffre plant in Lacombe County, as per Globe Editor. A feasibility study is underway to present to the Board. The project, if approved by its board of directors, will add

NOVA works to increase capacity of polyethylene plant

a third reactor to the polyethylene facility on site. Nova’s Joffre plant, which has fi ve manufacturing facilities, is one of the largest ethylene and polyethylene production sites in the world. If approved, construction is estimated to start in 2013.

to constantly improve our product portfolio both in breadth and customer relevance,” said Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, SABIC vice president, Low Density and Linear Low Polyethylene, Polymers. “Our innovative material solutions, design assistance, processing support, and delivery solutions enable us to proactively address our global customers’ evolving needs.


COMPANY NEWS

Sh o w a D e n k o K . K . w i l l t e m p o r a r i l y s u s p e n d

operations at its ethylene plant at the Oita Complex. According to reports the two-line ethylene plant has total production capacity for approximately 695,000 tpa. At the 200,000 tpa line, the company stopped production on March 7 to conduct periodic maintenance of cracking furnaces until March 29. Production was also stopped at the other line of 495,000 tpa on March

Temporary Suspension of Ethylene Plant operations by Showa Denko

15 to conduct cleaning of cracking furnaces until March 21. On March 18, a trouble occurred in equipment for the cooling process. After a series of inspection, we confirmed today that we need to repair the equipment. The company said in the release that although ethylene production was initially planned to fully restart on March 30, the company has decided to postpone the time of restart due to the need of the repair to end of May.

HPCL-Mittal’s Bhatinda refi nery at Bhatinda Punjab is now

fully operational. The refi ner, Mittal’s joint venture with state-run Hindustan Petroleum has a capacity of processing 9 mln tpa of crude (180,000 bpd). According to the release for HPCL, the refi nery is expected to improve the availability of green fuels in the northern region. It would also give the

HPCL-Mittal’s Bhatinda refinery announces its operation

refi nery an advantage in exporting to Pakistan when Islamabad opens its gates - if at all. The refi nery's proximity to Pakistan will allow HPCL-Mittal to export fuels through pipeline and offer more discounts that its rivals. The refi nery is adding to India's oil refi ning capacity, which is to rise by 15% to 214 mln tpa by the end of current fi scal.

Taiwan’s CPC Corporation plans to invest NT$38.9 bln

in building an RFCC (Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking) unit with a capacity of 80,000 BPSD, along with related facilities. To be named No. 6 Naphtha

CPC to build 80,000 BPSD RFCC unit and facilities at an investment of NT$38.9 bn

Cracker and RFCC, the project is expected to come on stream by June 2012 and is expected to help streamline refi nery confi guration and boost value-added profi les.

SERVICES AVAILABLE IN AIPMA HOUSE

• Elegant Auditorium

• Board Room

• Business Centre &

Ground Floor Hall

at very

nominal tariff for

your business purpose

• Library -

Free use of books

and reports available


ENVIRONMENT

Recycling Plastic

Though plastic is a very useful material that is fl exible, robust

and rigid they become waste after their use and they pollute the atmosphere. To protect the environment as well as to take advantage of plastic, recycling procedure is used.

Plastic is a very common material that is now widely used by everybody in this world. Plastic is used in many ways as it is light weight and compact. The maintenance that is required is very less. Common plastic items that are used are bags, bottles, containers and food packages. Whenever you buy grocery, food or any other item from any store you will use plastic bags for carrying them.

The plastic material has many advantages. They are especially very useful for packaging foods as the plastic items are durable, safe and cheap. The ease of use of plastic items has made plastic a great success. The great problem with plastic is its disposal. Plastic is made of polymer chemicals and they are not bio degradable. This means that plastic will not decompose when it is buried. When plastic is burnt it emits harmful chemicals. Though plastic is a very useful material that is fl exible, robust and rigid they become waste after their use and they pollute the atmosphere.

To protect the environment as well as to take advantage of plastic, recycling procedure is used. Plastic can be recycled and new products can be formed from waste plastic. Though all types of plastic cannot be recycled a considerable portion can be recycled so that the environment is protected.

Plastic recycling involves the process of recovering scrap plastics and these waste plastics are then reprocessed to form new materials that may be different from their original state.

Recycl ing plast ic has many advantages. The use of non renewable fossil fuels is reduced by recycling plastic as manufacturing new plastic materials require more of these fuels. The consumption of energy is also reduced as already prepared plastic are recycled for new use. The amount of plastic that reach the landfi ll sites are greatly reduced by recycling. This will eliminate land pollution to some extent. The carbon emissions are reduced by recycling plastic as manufacturing units emit more carbon..

Compared to other materials like glass and metal, recycling of plastic is expensive and complex. This is due to the high molecular weight of the large polymer chains that build the plastic material. Heating plastic doesn't dissolve he polymer chains and hence a tedious and complex process is essential.

Different types of plastic cannot be mixed together for recycling because they phase separate. Such a resulting melting product cannot be recycled to make another plastic product. While making plastic product many fi llers like dues and other additives are used. These fillers cannot be separated from the plastic using inexpensive techniques. This makes the recycling process more complex.

The common process that is used in recycling plastic is the inverse polymerization process where the polymers in the plastic are converted

into initial monomers that were used in the manufacture. These chemicals are then purifi ed and synthesized to form new plastic materials. Assorted polymers are converted into petroleum in another recycling process. The advantage of this process is that any mix of polymers can be used. A new recycling process generates heat from the friction of plastic materials which melts the plastics. This is then pumped into casting molds. The great advantage of this technique is that all types of plastics can be recycled.

To aid the recycling process, plastics come with plastic identifi cation code to identify the different polymers that are used in the manufacture of plastic. The recycling process must be started from home. When you have utilized that plastic item for its use you can use the same item for some other use. For example, if you buy a juice bottle you can use the plastic bottle as a storage container for reusing the pet bottle. Everybody must also be aware of the recycling plant in the locality and must produce the waste plastic to the plant for recycling.

Benefits of Recycling Plastic

The benefi ts of recycling plastic is numerous and much more than we know. Read on for more information about the benefi ts of plastic recycling.

We all know that plastic is one of the most commonly used materials for recycling. This is due to various reasons and the main among them is the environmental pollution caused


ENVIRONMENT

by this non-biodegradable material. Studies show that natural degradation of plastic takes around 100 to 1000 years. It is due to this reason and various other concerns, that the idea of recycling plastic was developed. There are numerous benefi ts of recycling plastic. Read on for some information about the subject.

What is Plastic Recycling?Plastic has emerged as one of the

most widely used materials, across the globe. It is said that there are around 10,000 types of plastic that are used for manufacturing a whole lot of products, right from pet bottles, to kids' toys and even clothes. This resulted in a substantial increase in plastic waste dumped all over the world. Studies show that a major chunk of the global waste is composed of various kinds of plastic, that can cause a negative impact on the environment. So, plastic recycling was introduced, so as to produce new products from discarded plastic scrap and waste. In other words, plastic recycling can be defi ned as a procedure, which is used for reprocessing the plastic waste into new products. The following paragraph deals with the benefi ts of recycling plastic.

Benefits of Recycling and Reusing Plastic

The process of plastic recycling is basically aimed at environmental conservation. It is a common fact that recycling paper can save lots of trees that are used in manufacturing paper. Likewise, plastic being one of the major part of global waste can cause serious environmental concerns. This is due to the non degradable nature of plastic that makes it remain intact

for a very long period. Plastic bottles, bags and other such products can be seen fl oating in the rivers, lakes and oceans. It can be said that plastic waste can be seen in almost all parts of the world with human inhabitation. Now, let us take a look at the benefi ts of recycling plastic.

Environmental Benefits of Recycling Plastic

Here are some of the plastic recycling facts. Have a look at them and help the environment by recycling.The fi rst and foremost benefi t of recycling plastic is for the conservation of petroleum, which is getting scarce. Large amounts of petroleum are needed for making new plastic products and around 40% of the petroleum consumption can be reduced by recycling old plastic to new products.

The benefits of recycling plastic bottles, bags and other such products include a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases. I n o t h e r w o r d s , greenhouse gases are emitted while burning petroleum and if the amount of petroleum used in making plastic is reduced through recycling, the emission of these gases will get lessened. Even the landfi ll space can be saved through plastic recycling. It is said that removal of one ton of plastic for recycling spares a landfi ll space of around 7.5 cubic yards.

One of the important environmental benefits of recycling plastic bags and bottles is that it saves animals, birds and a wide range of aquatic creatures from death due to ingestion of plastic. The chemicals in plastic can also pollute the soil as well as water. Now, you know the various benefi ts of recycling plastic, as far as the environment is concerned. It is said that recycling one ton of plastic results in saving the energy used by two humans in a year and the water required by a person for two months. It also saves around 2000 pounds of petroleum. Apart from that, various benefi cial products are manufactured from recycled plastic. Some regions have come up with specifi c legislations, as per which, you may get paid to recycle. In short, plastic recycling is benefi cial in all ways. So, stop throwing plastic and take efforts to promote its recycling.

Required

Plant and machinery for making thread 800 -- 1200 denier, Twisted/Intermingled suitable for Armstrong

and Lohia BCS Machines.

Contact :

Narmada Extrusions Ltd.,403, Rajani Bhawan569/2, M.G.RoadINDORE-452 001Phone No. 0731-4042761-2e-mail : [email protected]


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NPE opens with bash in Orlando...

A new era in NPE his tory was registered as the giant

NPE2012 international plastics exposition kickstarted in its fi rst new venue for NPE in 40 years, bringing an innovative agenda, an influx of new exhibitors and attendees, and an upsurge in size and dynamism .As the SPI announced: The Plastics Industry Trade Association. “Moving from Chicago to Orlando was the fi rst initiative in SPI’s strategy of ‘breaking the mold’ by creating a broader-based and more exciting NPE with new benefi ts for exhibitors and visitors,” said William R. (Bill) Carteaux, president and CEO of SPI, which produces the triennial NPE. More than 1,900 companies are exhibiting at NPE2012, well over the totals in 2006 and 2009. NPE2012 exhibitors have taken 920,000 sq.ft. (85,500 sq.m) of exhibit space, 20% more than was occupied in 2009. Companies coming directly from outside the United States account for 40% of the total exhibitor count in 2012, a substantial increase from the one-third share for recent NPEs.

Approximately 4 1 % o f t h e s e i n t e r n a t i o n a l exhibitors come from China—by fa r the la rges t contingent from that country at any NPE. A t tendee regis t rat ions in 2 0 1 2 a r e 3 0 %

greater than in 2009. International registrations account for 25% of the total, and fully half of them are from Latin America, attesting to the advantages of the Orlando venue for travelers from Mexico and Central and South America.

Visitors to the NPE2012 trade show will immediately be aware of the sheer dynamism of the exhibit fl oor,

as plastics processing machines are demonstrated in full-scale operation, manufacturing fi lm, sheet, bottles, and injection-molded parts. Described by SPI as “The Return of the Machines,” the upsurge in the number of equipment systems that suppliers have brought to the show is attributable to the recovering economy and the cost savings and streamlined logistics

a v a i l a b l e t o e x h i b i t o r s i n t h e n e w Orlando venue. A m o n g t h e most elaborate e q u i p m e n t demonstrations a r e t h o s e o f c o m p l e t e p r o d u c t i o n cells—in effect, turnkey plastics p r o c e s s i n g p l a n t s t h a t i n c o r p o r a t e parts handling, d e c o r a t i o n ,


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Global plastic film and sheets market forecastto reach 56.6 mln tons by 2017

The global Plastic Film and Sheets market is forecast

to reach 56.6 mln tons by 2017, mainly driven by burgeoning demand from end-use markets, competitive advantages over traditional paper and foil, and technological advancements, as per Global Industry Analysts GIA.

Changing consumer dynamics particularly in the food and non-food packaging industries, economic recovery, and growing prominence of developing Asian, Middle East and Latin American markets will further accelerate the pace of development. Plastic film, used for packaging of both food and non-food products apart from various other plastic

products, is the largest sub-sector of the plastics processing industry. Primary applications of plastic fi lms include food packaging, shrink-wrap, stretch-wrap, carrier bags, bin bags, and heavy-duty sacks, and agriculture and building applications. Globalization and consolidation have impacted the plastic film industry to a considerable extent. Changing consumer dynamics and patterns are revolutionizing the food-packaging market, which is witnessing an increased preference for plastic fi lm and sheets, compared to other fl exible packaging materials such as kraft paper, aluminum foil and cellophane fi lm.

Further, this trend is slowly gaining ground in non-food packaging applications as well, where increased use of BOPP fi lms in cigarette manufactur ing exempl i f ies the development. BOPP fi lms represents one of the high-growth segments in the global plastic fi lm & sheets industry.

assembly, and other functions.

Among machinery exhibitors there is widespread emphasis on energy efficiency, increased productivity, and scrap reduction. Specialized technologies include micro-molding, multi-material processing, and in-mold labeling and assembly. Systems for producing medical devices, automotive components, and high-volume packaging are also prominent at the show. Along with the “return of the machines,” the overarching theme of the NPE2012 show may well be advances in technology for bioplastics. Dozens of exhibitors are involved, ranging from manufacturers of new bio-based resins, compounds, and additives to equipment suppliers that

have developed systems specifi cally for processing these materials.

Sessions of all three educational programs co-located with the show will also focus on bioplastics. Bioplastics suppliers aside, material companies are plentiful at NPE2012, noted SPI’s Gene Sanders. “There is more participation by resin manufacturers than we’ve seen in the last four or fi ve NPEs, as these companies exhibit, host customer service centers, or sponsor special-interest initiatives such as our design competition.”

While introductions of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are especially prominent a t NPE2012, there is a wealth of other new resins, compounds, and additives on the

exhibit fl oor. Sustainability is a key theme among material suppliers, which have developed numerous formulations aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of end products, cutting back on the material content of packaging, light-weighting parts to reduce fuel consumption in shipping or in automotive applications, enhancing recyclability, or facilitating development of alternate energy systems such as photovoltaic, wind turbine, or film-battery applications. Many international exhibitors of equipment, materials, tooling, and specialty services can be found in thirteen international pavilions—those of Austria, Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Qatar, Spain, and Taiwan


Over the near term, BOPP production capacity is estimated to expand by 2-3 million tons, with the Middle East accounting for the bulk of the capacity expansion. Growth in the BOPP fi lm market is driven by rising demand from Asia, particularly from China and India, and other developing regions such as Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Amongst the BOPP fi lm market, stretch fi lm machinery segment continues to witness exceptional growth. Cast fi lm continues to make inroads into those application areas that are historically led by BOPP fi lm. Signifi cant advancements in process capabilities coupled with enhanced resins and improved equipment have fi lled most of the wide existing gap between BOPP film and Cast PP fi lm. The second-generation LLDPE products are likely to substitute plastics in fi lm and other non-plastics because it offers improved properties such as greater degree of fi lm toughness, processability, clarity and lower cost.

Flat panel displays (FPDs) and packaging applications are leading to robust growth in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fi lms segment, particularly in the developing countries. Spurred by high demand for PET fi lms in Asian countries such as China and India, Asia is witnessing an intense

b a t t l e b e t w e e n Japanese and South Korean PET films players. Emergence o f s e v e r a l n e w p l a y e r s i n t h e Indian and Chinese markets is likely to further intensify the battle for supremacy. The Asia-Paci f ic represents immense growth potential , capturing the largest slice of the global market, as stated by the new market research report on Plastic Film and Sheets. Developing markets such as China, India and other countries in the Asia-Pacifi c region are rapidly emerging as dominant forces in the world plastic fi lm & sheets industry.

The trend can be witnessed in BOPP fi lm, in which China replaced the US as the largest producer and consumer. Asia-Pacific region is also primed to race ahead at the strongest compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% through 2017. By product, the Polyethylene (PE) Films is considered the building block and accounts for the lion’s share of the worldwide plastic films and sheet market. Asia and the Middle

East are the main regions, expected to drive growth in this segment, with PE capacity in Asia s lated to expand swif t ly, based on L L D P E s w i n g capacity. On the other hand, polypropylene (PP) films that are

considered one of the most versatile and low cost barrier fi lms in packaging and non-packaging markets display high potential and are slated to grow at a vibrant pace of 5.5% over the analysis period.

The plastic f i lms industry is characterized by product diversity and competition in the market remains fragmented with the presence of both large-scale manufacturers and small producers. Major players profi led in the report include Achilles Corporation, AEP Industries Inc., Applied Extrusion Technologies (AET), Bemis Company, Inc., Berry Plastics Corporation, British Polythene Industries, DuPont Teijin Films, ExxonMobil Chemicals, Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd., Inteplast Group Ltd., Nylex (Malaysia) Berhad, Okura Industrial Co., Ltd., Polyplex Corporation Ltd., Reynolds Flexible Packaging, Quinn Plastics, SABIC Innovative Plastics, Sealed Air Corporation, SINOPEC Shanghai Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Bakelite Company Limited, Toray Plastics, Toyobo Company Ltd., Trioplast Industrier AB, Unitika Ltd., and Vibac Group, among several others.

FEATURES


Gaurav Engineering further develops its newly launched Recycling Plant

Gaurav Engineering, one of the leading manufacturers

of plastic extrusion machinery that had launched its new energy saving Recycling plant at the recently held Plastindia 2012, has developed it further offering a vented exturder .

As we know the recycling plant machine has two version model GE –RE 90 and model GE –RE 120. The model GE –RE 90 has the production capacity up to 110 kg / hr while the model GE –RE 120 has the production capacity up to 200 kg / hr.

Says Mr Nitin Patel Managing Partner for Gaurav Engineering, “With latest development of our recycling plant we are now offering vented extruder for recycling of highly printed material and mixture of polymer with engineering plastic like Nylon. We are in to capital goods manufacturing and supplying for last 20 years. We are happy to launch

FEATURES

our recycling plant as not only they are compact, but also energy saving and are available along with forced feeder and Die face cutter. We call them space saving and energy saving.”

With its Sturdy and compact design, the machine occupies comparatively lesser space and can be placed or installed even in a small factory or a workshop. The machine is suitable for light, semi dense, dense and agglomerated form. The machine has specially designed water ring type die face Cutter and a specially designed water separator as well.

Moreover with the operational load of 36 KW there is minimum Power consumption compared to production. According to Mr Arpit Patel,Technical Director, Gaurav Engineering, “the power consumption of our recycling plant is 25% - 30% less as compared other recycling plant available in the

market today. Thus not only does it saves energy but is highly effi cient as well.Both the models of GE –RE 90 and model GE –RE 12 are suitable for all types of thermoplastic such as LDPE,LLDPE,HDPE,HM HDPE and PP.”

Gaurav Engineering based at Vapi ,Gujarat, specialize in manufacturing Re-processing plant, Blown fi lm plants, Mono-filament and flat yarn plant, Sutali (raping thread) Plant, Box-strapping, Mono layer film plant, Agglomerator, Pelletizer, Ball Pen/Refill, Acrylic/Poly carbonate pipe plant, PVC/HDPE/Nylon pipe plant, Solid Rod Extruder and Heavy Sheet Cast Plant, Cable Coating plant. Talking about the success of the utility value of the plant Mr Nitin Patel said, “It is one of the best product available today in the market and we have already sold 5 machines during this exhibition itself.”

SPECIFICATION : Model : GE - RE 90/120 (1) Extruder :

Size :L:D Ratio :Drive :Speed :

90mm19:120 HPAC Variable

(2) Screen ChangerSize :Drive:Type:

150 mm3 HP AeHydraulic

(3) Forced FerderDrive:Speed:

1.5 HPAc variable

(4) Die face catterType:Drive:Speed:

Water ring1HPAc Variable

(5) Water separatorDrive:Speed:

2 HP AcFixed

(6) Temp. controllerNos:

6 nos

(7) Connected Load 35 kw (8) Working Load 26 kw (9) Production 100 Kgs/hr(10) Maxi Amp at full

production56 amps (11) Dimension L x W x h

= 5mtrs x 1.2 mtrs x 2 mtrs


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Total Packaging one of the leading manufacturers of

plastic tubing and bags is expecting to cross the Rs 160 crores turnover this year. Speaking to the Plastic News team, Mr Haresh Gudhka, CEO Total Packaging services said , “Yes last year we had touched the Rs 140 crores turnover and this year we are working to cross turnover of Rs. 160 cores. Adds Mr Hitesh Gudhka, Managing Partner, “We are planning to expand our business, with new latest technology machineries, new products and give a new birth to plastic world.”

While Mr Haresh Gudhka , a fi rst generation entrepreneur had a humble beginning in the year 1985 with Total Packaging Mr Hitesh Gudhka, had been equally involved in making the same and it has come a long way to make its mark.

Recalls Mr Hitesh Gudhka, “From childhood, I had a vision to be an entrepreneur and perhaps I think I

had good leadership q u a l i t y, t o l e a d my group towards p rogress . A lso , I had keen interest in machineries. In fact these interests took me all the way to shop fl oor and now I spend most of my time in shop fl oor activities.

The manufacturing a c t i v i t i e s o f t h e company are carried out in their 90000 sq. ft. area with two

buildings located at Daman. The Factory is well equipped with modern imported machineries from Taiwan and has proven track record for handling bulk order. Mr Hitesh Gudka as he likes to put it, “keep a Keen eye on Quality and monitor overall Factory Administration.”

With a working capacity of 2000 ton productions in PP, LD, HM, with fl exiprinting, Total Packaging is serving its customers across the country and

exports as well. The Brand name includes Chirag / Silver Garment Bags, Laxmi Clear bags, Total Pick up bags, City Clean and Am Gold /PM Gold/ Euro

The Customer Service Package includes manufacturing of PP, HM, LD, HM Pick-up bags, Grocery Bags, BOPP Bags, Printed Shopping Bags, Laminated printed Pouches, Gusseted, Zipper & Standby Pouches and also lay fl at tubing.

Needless to say, with packaging necessary for all kinds of trade industries, the company caters to the wide range of industries like, Packaging Industries, Super Market, Cash & Carry, Shopping Malls, Retail Showroom, Hotel & Motels, Medical Stores, Chemical Industries, Textile Industries, Pharmaceutical Industries, Food Processing Industries & Garment Industries.

One good reason Mr Haresh Gudhka gives about his achievement is for his teams support apart from the hard work. He says , “Our strong manpower with systematized work and best quality products lead us to a high level of customer satisfaction. And this has only helped us. We also work on adding complementary products to our portfolio having huge potential for growth.”

Total Packaging aims at being the leader in the polybag industries and the ISO 9001:2008 certifi cation adds to their pride for offering best quality product.

Mr Haresh Gudhka, Managing Partner & CEO, Total Packaging services

Mr Hitesh Gudhka, Managing Partner, Total Packaging


Indian plastics firms see growing opportunity in Africa

As Africa’s plastics industry grows, Indian companies

say they are picking up substantial business there, with exports rising for machinery fi rms, and India’s resin and processing companies making investments.

The India factory of U.S. machinery fi rm Milacron LLC, for example, said it sends more than 200 injection presses a year to Africa, its largest export market and more than 20 percent of its total production.

On the resin side, PET maker Dhunseri Petrochem & Tea Ltd. in Kolkata is building what it says will be Africa’s fi rst PET polymer plant, to make bottle and food grade material in Egypt. The 420,000 metric ton facility is scheduled to open next year.

Boosting African business was a common theme in comments of Indian companies at the recent Plastindia trade show. For example, one of the country’s largest fi lm extruders, Cosmo Films Ltd., said it was looking for an African location for a biaxially-oriented polypropylene fi lm factory.

“ A f r i c a n countries are really growing, particularly in Wes t A f r i ca a n d E a s t Afr ica,” said Shirish Divgi, chief operating offi cer for Ferromatik Milacron India Pvt. Ltd. in Ahmedabad. “Primarily the plastic industry [in Africa] is oriented toward the household and

furniture industries, but recently we have seen many upgraded activities in other sectors, like writing instruments and construction molding like fi ttings.”

Even if on a global scale African markets are small, Indian machinery executives say they are seeing more factory building.

“In Africa before, everything was imported,” said Rajendra Shukla, director of rotomolding machinery manufacturer and mold maker M. Plast (India) Pvt. in No ida. “Now everybody is putting a manufacturing facility there. It is a signifi cant market.”

Over the last five years, Africa has in some years been the company’s l a r g e s t e x p o r t market, he said in a Jan. 30 interview at the Society of Asian Rotomolders conference in New Delhi.

M. Plast signed a technology transfer and marketing pact there with Italian mold maker Roto Moulds srl. One goal is to make better molds to meet demand in Africa and the Middle East, the partners said.

Some of India’s largest equipment fi rms also say they see opportunities.

E q u i p m e n t m a k e r K a b r a Extrusiontechnik Ltd. said Africa accounts for more than 25 percent of its exports “and growing,” although

executives said the political changes sweeping North Africa have slowed business.

And injection press maker L&T Plastics Processing Machinery said it has identifi ed Africa as a key growth market: “I see a lot of potential,” said CEO P. Kailas, in an interview at Plastindia,

Expanding African consumer markets

One of the broad drivers of growth is an expanding African middle class with more purchasing power, said Chandu Shah, chairman of rotational molder Kentainers Inc., based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kentainers was established in 1990 and now has six rotomolding factories with 400 employees in six African countries, making water tanks, sanitation products and material handling goods.

The local rotomolding market is

FEATURES


growing 20 percent a year from its small base, he said, although the world economic situation has taken a toll more broadly: “The foreign direct investment has dried up. The inbound remittance of the Kenyans living abroad has gone down signifi cantly.”

Still, he said new local competitors have entered the rotomolding market in recent years, and plastics-related trade with India has grown, Shah said.

“India has become a source of a lot of machines and materials, and a source of hiring expatriates,” he said.

The substant ia l numbers of expatriate Indians who live in Africa and run businesses there give Indian fi rms an advantage, with many Indian executives saying their Africa trade is largely within that group.

Ano ther fac to r pushing growth are “mega-projects” like mining which bring i n f o re i gn d i r ec t investment and have helped offset the world economic slowdown, said Gerry Marketos, CEO of rotomolder Plastex Dura Mais-C u s t a M e n o s i n Maputo, Mozambique. Countr ies wi thout substantial FDI are suffering, however, he said.

P las tex , wh ich w a s e s t a b l i s h e d in 1996, has 200 employees and more than 15 rotomolding machines.

Part of what binds the markets is that India and Africa have similar economic and social needs, and that makes both Indian plastic products and machinery well-suited to Africa, Marketos said.

“I will give you an example. All of us know there is a serious problem in the sanitation sector in both countries,” he said. “There are a couple of plastics products manufactured [in India] to cater to the sanitation need, that could also be applied in Africa. The customer base is pretty similar.”

Marketos said he regularly comes to Indian events to look for new product ideas and machinery that he can easily apply, and fi nds India’s base of small and medium-sized companies very entrepreneurial.

He said there are many challenges operating a plastics processing bus iness in A f r i ca , i nc lud ing infrastructure, logistics, and high rates of absenteeism and deaths of employees from malaria and HIV.

Still, even with the challenges, Indian companies are entrenched. Problems are serious, but Africa experts note the growth of a middle class and economic possibilities after years of reforms. The Economist magazine in December termed it the “hopeful continent,” with a “real chance to follow in the footsteps of Asia.”

“We are going there regularly, we are talking to the people and we are in touch with the processors there,” said Ferromatik Milacron’s Divgi. “We want to grow with Africa.”

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Product Pricing -2Madhav Karbelkar

Cost aspect of a Product PricingHaving understood the basics of Value, let us move to the next equally important aspect – i.e. Cost aspect of a Product !

The Cost details/aspect of Product is as important as Product itself. A bad Cost details results in bad Pricing of a Product. This in turn affects the Profi tability of Product.

Following simple formulae indicates why is it so.

A) Formula on per Unit Basis

1) Profi ts/Unit = Selling Price realized/Unit – Costs/Unit .

B ) Formula on total Amount basis

2) Total Profi ts = Total Sales Value realized – Total Costs incurred

= No of Units * Unit Price – Total Costs incurred

Both these formulae are important and are required to be considered depending on the situation. These look deceptively simple and therefore are normally assumed and ignored. But these formulae are the foundation of any business! (Even Toyota’s Lean initiative is based on this simple formula!)

Let us look closely at formulae.

A) Formula 1 indicates that, if selling price / unit is infl uenced by Market, then a given Costs/unit determine the Profi t/Unit.

That means in case we need desired level of Profi t/ Unit, then the Costs / unit need to be controlled in accordance. Failure to control Cost/Unit will affect Profi t/Unit badly.

On the contrar, if we are unable to control Cost/Unit, then either we set Price / Unit suffi ciently high, for desired Profi ts or suffer in Profi ts.

In ultimate analysis what comes out is, that, for a desired profi ts -

1) Either we Control Costs or if that is not possible, then

2) Keep unit price suffi ciently high or else Suffer profi tability. We will have to make a choice!

We all know this. But in today’s competitive environment, it is very diffi cult to implement it viz- Controlling Costs, maintaining price level or sell required quantity.

B) As you will observe in formula no 2, No of Units (Volume) Sales have been brought in. The problem is Volume & Unit price are not totally independent. Both depend on each other. i.e. Volume Sales depends on Unit price and vice a versa - (Even Costs depend upon unit Volumes.)

Considering A & B together, we should now realize the importance of Costs & Costing! More over, Costs are incurred “in the company”, which is under our control. Therefore it is better to control/ manage Costs than Price which is infl uenced by Market. (If we can’t infl uence our own Costs, then,

how can we ever think of infl uencing Market, even in a limited way!)

Costing ApproachContribution Margin Approach –

Under this costing approach all the costs incurred can be divided in just two types costs viz – Variable & Fixed.

Variable costs are those that vary directly with quantity of the product . It includes, Raw Material, Component and Consumable costs.

Fixed Costs are those which are expected to be fixed over say one year period. These include – Salaries, Rent, Electricity, Depreciation, Admin costs etc. In fact any costs other than Raw material & Component Costs can be treated as Fixed Costs (This a very practical approach which we will follow.)

Fixed costs are incurred even if you don’t sell a single unit. (Fixed costs are like Taxi meter, which starts running - the time you get in. Whether you travel or wait at traffi c signal or even come back without doing any work, you will have to pay.)

(The contribution margin approach helps us in understanding Break even Point of the company, quite easily. And understanding of Break even Point is very important aspect of any business.)

“Contribution Margin” Concept – It is one of the most important concept, that any Manufacturer must know and fully understand.

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Following formula explains it.

Contribution = Realized Sales Price – Variable Costs

Contribution = Realized Sales Price – Raw Material & Component Costs.

In reality, when we sell the product to customer, we realize the Sales amount. Now this amount is utilized as indicated in Fig-1

Therefore as per Fig – 1,

Contribution = C = S – V

This contribution is used to meet all the Fixed Costs like Salaries, Rent, Interest etc. And if there is any amount left over, then it becomes Gross Profi t.

And in case the Fixed Costs are more than the contribution generated then, we make a loss

Profi t/Loss = Contribution - Fixed Costs

Example –

Suppose we have product whose Sales Price is Rs 100/-. It’s RM& C costs are Rs 60/-. Then

Contribution = Sales Price – Total

RM& C Costs

= Rs 100/- - Rs 60/-

= Rs 40/-per unit

Now if we sell say 1000 Units in a year., then our Sales Value realized will be Rs 100,000/- and the RM & C consumed will be Rs 60,000/-. Thus in a year the Contribution generated will be Contribution in a year = Total Sales Value realized – Total Cost of

RM&C consumed

= Rs 100,000/- - Rs 60,000/-

= Rs 40,000/-

Now if our all the Fixed expenses on Salaries, Rent, Interest etc are coming to Rs 35,000/-, then we make a Profi t of Rs 5000/- in the year. Since--------

Profi t/Loss = Contribution - Fixed Costs

On the contrary, if our total fi xed expenses come to Rs 42,500/-, then we make a loss of Rs 2,500/-

Now, this simple explanation helps you to understand the most basic & fundamental reality of any business.

What it really tells us is that in a given company set up, with a given Fixed Over heads in a year, we should necessarily generate more contribution than fi xed OHs, to make money. And in case we can’t generate enough contribution to cover total fi xed costs, then we make a loss.

What it implies is that, for a given Product price of Rs 100/-, we should be able to sell at least 1000 units in a year. Only then we can cover our fi xed costs of Rs 35,000/- and make profi ts.

Let us see the effects of Sales Volume & Pricing on the Profi tability, as both are interrelated.

Case I – Effect of lesser Sales (Same Pricing of Rs 100/-per Unit )

Suppose we keep same price of Rs 100/-, but due to competitive market we manage to sell only 800 units. Then

Contribution = 100x800 – 60X800

= 80,000/- - 48,000/-

= 32,000 /-

Profi ts / (Loss) = Contribution – Fixed OHs

= 32,000/- - 35,000/-

= ( -3,000/-)

If we are able to sell only say 800 units then our total contribution generated will be Rs 32,000/-. This is not suffi cient to cover fi xed OHs of Rs 35,000/- (We then make a loss of Rs 3,000/-)

Case – II – Effect of Price reduction

On the other hand, suppose we reduce the unit Price to Rs 90/-. And then if we sell 1100 units, then we get a contribution of Rs 33,000/-. And still make a loss of Rs 2000/- (Assuming that fi xed OHS remain at Rs 35,000/-)

Now, to attract more customers if we reduce the price further to Rs 80/-. But at the same time if we are able to sell 1900 units. Then we get a contribution of Rs 38,000/- and thus make a profi t Rs 3000/-. (Assuming that fi xed OHS remain at Rs 35,000/-)

Case III – Effect of Price increase

Now if we increase the Price to Rs 110/- per Unit, but manage to sell

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just 750 units. Then we generate contribution of Rs 37,500/-. Which indicates that we still make Rs 2,500/- as Profi ts.

This example clearly demonstrate

a) Importance of Pricing, ie effect of

Price variation

b) Ease with which Contribution Margin approach & Contribution concept explain and show us the Profi tability.

How ever you may note that in all

the above cases, we have assumed that fixed OHs are constant at Rs 35,000/-. This is just to simplify the matter. In the next article, we will see the effect of change of OHs along with Price & Sales Volume variations as well.

Unless there is an unexpected reversal in a second vote,

Dana Point, California., is set to become the 50th community in California to enact a ban on polystyrene takeout foodservice containers.

A second vote on the ban -- which would not be enforced until seven months after council approves the ban

at a second reading -- is scheduled as well.

At the same meeting, Dana Point city council approved a ban on plastic bags, which also requires a second vote.

With Laguna Beach, Calif., also adopting a plastic bag ban earlier this month, that means 42 communities in

California now have bans on single-use plastic carryout bags. Altogether, 54 cities and 12 counties in the U.S. have adopted plastic bag bans, three communities have taxes on plastic bags, and more than a dozen cities—including Austin, Texas; Sacramento and San Diego, Calif. — are actively pursuing plastic bag bans.

Bans on polystyrene containers and single-use bags continue to spread

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Forty-six cities and four counties in California have bans on PS takeout packaging. More than 80 percent of those communities are in the area between the Monterey Peninsula and the San Francisco-Oakland area, and most of them are coastal communities.

Further up the coast, there are PS bans in Seattle; Portland, Ore.; and Issaquah, Wash.

The Dana Point PS ban applies to all retail food vendors including grocery stores, delicatessens, food trucks and sidewalk vendors, and to all vendors at city facilities and city-sponsored, city-managed or city-permitted events. The ban on disposable PS foodservice ware includes containers, trays, cups, hinged or lidded containers, as well as other items designed for one-time use.

But it does not apply to single-use straws or utensils, to foods packaged in PS outside the city, or to PS packaging used for uncooked meat, fi sh, poultry or eggs.

The Laguna Beach plastic bag ban goes into effect next Jan. 1 and applies to all retail establishments. It requires retailers to charge at least 10 cent for paper bags, which will be required to have 40 percent post-consumer recycled content. There is no exemption in the law for restaurants.

The Millbrae plastic bag ban is scheduled to go into effect Sept. 1 for all retail establishments. Like the Laguna Beach ban, it also requires retailers to charge at least 10 cent for paper bags, which will be required to have 40 percent post-consumer recycled content.

However, restaurants, non-profi t stores and dry cleaners are exempt

from the Millbrae plastic bag ban. In addition, Millbrae merchants can hand out thicker reusable plastic bags, but they must have at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled materials, and state that fact on the bag.

According to the Sacramento-based Californians Against Waste, 16 percent of the people in California are now living in a jurisdiction where an ordinance has been passed banning plastic bags.

Earlier this month the city of San Francisco extended its now five-year-ban on plastic bags that to date has only applied to supermarkets and pharmacy chains to all retailers and food establishments in the city, effective October 1.

The amended ordinance, approved Feb. 14, requires retailers to charge 10 cents for all paper and compostable bags handed out, also effective Oct. 1. However, restaurants will not be required to charge for paper bags given to customers for taking home

food left over from sit-down dining.

The Save Plastic Bag Coalition has said it will fi le a lawsuit by mid-March against the extension of the San Francisco plastic bag ban to include food establishments.

The coalition also currently has a lawsuit against the San Luis Obispo Integrated Waste Management Authority, charging that they failed to conduct an environmental impact report as required by the California Environmental Quality Act prior to enacting the plastic bag ban for the county.

The Save the Plastic Bag Coalition also has appealed to the California Supreme Court the decision by the Marin County Superior Court that Marin County was not required to follow directives under CEQA requiring an EIR before the county enacted its plastic bag ban.

Earlier this month, in order to settle a lawsuit fi led by the coalition, Santa Cruz County repealed the portion of its plastic bag ban that applied to restaurants and food vendors, effectively making them exempt from the ban.

Attorney Stephen Joseph, counsel for the coalition, has argued the California Retail Code pre-empts any local regulation or ban on plastic bags at restaurants and other food facilities.

According to Health and Safety Code 113705 of the state of California, “the public health interest requires that there be uniform statewide health and sanitation standards for retail food facilities to assure the people of this state that the food will be pure, safe, and unadulterated

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Small In Size, Big In Stature: Rajoo Labex – Multifoil – Nano Three Layer Co-Extruded Blown Film Line Awarded

LabEX … addresses the challenges of a process development laboratory, raw material manufacturers and large film processors … wins a National Award and also gets awarded by IPMMI.

To address the challenges of a process development

laboratory, raw material manufacturers and also large fi lm processors, this LabEX- Multifoil – Nano Three Layer Co-extruded Blown Film Line is equipped with three extruders - 20 mm / 30D / 1.5 kw with a maximum output of just 30 kg/hr. IBC is included and so is a touch screen control panel for process parameter monitoring. It is the world’s smallest three layer co-extruded blown fi lm line, thus helping simulate commercial scale blown fi lm line process on a lab-scale.

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Government of India, has institutionalised National Awards for Technology Innovation in various fields of petrochemicals and downstream plastic processing industry so as to recognise technology innovation. This year, the Rajoo LABEX - Multifoil – Nano 3 Layer Co-extruded Blown Film Line, is a proud recipient of this award, as it was selected as a Runner Up in the category, ‘Innovation of Polymer Processing Machinery and Equipment’.

‘It is a moment of Corporate Honour to receive this National Recognition. This encourages us to continue on our identifi ed path of Excellence in

Extrusion’, says Sunil Jain, President, Rajoo Engineers.

Adding to the above glory, on 23rd March 2012, Institute of Packaging Machinery Manufacturers of India, Mumbai identifi ed Rajoo Engineers as an innovator in extrusion when it recognised its innovation in the LABEX - Multifoil – Nano 3 Layer Co-extruded Blown Film Line. This marvel was awarded with the IMDIR-2011 under the award category - IPMMI - Machinery Design / Development / Innovation.

‘We are delighted at this honour bestowed by IPMMI; especially for this

revolutionary designed product that has created history and will now carve a niche for itself in the world markets’, says Khushboo Doshi.

New polymers, newer materials, newer machines for trial runs…the challenges are enormous for the process development laboratory, raw material manufacturers and large processors to ensure process or application development on one side with a production like feel on the other. Estimates and guesstimates should surely be a thing of the past, quite surely so, the industry deserves this convenience.

Khushboo Doshi, Director, Rajoo Engineers Ltd. received the award from Dr. Ajit Manke at a ceremony held at Mayfair Banquets in Mumbai.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Mitsubishi receives CO2 Recovery plant from Qatar

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has received

an order for a large-scale carbon dioxide (CO2) recovery plant for Qatar Fuel Additives Co., Ltd. (QAFAC), a major fuel additive producer in Qatar, through "MHI Industrial Engineering & Services Private Ltd. (MIES)", an MHI engineering business affiliate headquartered in Singapore. The CO2, which is to be recovered at up to 500 tons per day (tpd) - one of the world's largest CO2 capture capacities, will be used to increase production of methanol. The event marks the fi rst overseas order for an MHI CO2 recovery plant specifi cally targeted at raising methanol production. Construction of the plant is slated for

completion in October 2014. The CO2 recovery plant, which will be built within QAFAC's methanol production plant near Doha, Qatar's capital city, will capture CO2 from combustion exhaust gas emitted in the methanol production process. The CO2 separated and recovered from the flue gas using MHI's proprietary KS-1(TM) solvent will be provided as feedstock for boosting methanol production. In conjunction with plant order, MHI will license its CO2 recovery technology to QAFAC through MIES. MIES will be responsible for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and Mitsubishi Corporation will handle the trade particulars.

German processors report record results in 2011

Turnover of the German plastics processing industry grew by 8.8

percent in 2011 to an all-time record of 55.9 billion euros ($73.7 billion), passing the previous 2007 record of 53 billion euros ($69.9 billion). The volume of plastics consumed rose by more than 10 percent to 13.5 million metric tons, also breaking the previous 12.9 million metric tons record of 2007, according to GKV, the German trade association for plastics processors (Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie eV).

Present ing 2011 resu l ts in

Frankfurt, the association said its member companies have returned to the production levels that were interrupted by the financial crisis.GKV President Bernd-O Kruse said growth continued in the fi rst half of the year in many areas despite some cooling off in the second part. Subject to unforeseen circumstances, such continuing Eurozone problems or a cooling of the world economy, the industry will see “stable development at a high level” as “the 2008-2009 crisis has now fi nally become history”, said Kruse. This should mean that the

Reports indicate slowdown in Chinese manufacturing

Benchmark U.S. crude fell by almost two dollar to

US$105.3 per barrel, falling to its lowest level in a week, after reports indicate a slowdown in Chinese manufacturing. Industrial activity in China dropped to a four-month low in March, indicating a possible slow demand for crude. Brent crude fell by over a dollar to US$123.1 per barrel. Another cause of concern in the markets is lower U.S. oil and gasoline demand amid assurances by Saudi Arabia that it can quickly boost output by 25% in case of a sudden disruption in global supplies

industry should continue its traditional path, growing faster than Germany’s gross national product (up 3 percent in 2011).

Although exports have been the main driving force in the past decade, the domestic market took up this role in 2011, growing 10 percent to 36.3 million euros ($47.9 million).

Exports grew 7.1 percent to 19.6 million euros ($25.8 million), dropping slightly to a 35 percent share in view of strong domestic growth.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Sinopec, SABIC JV for 260,000 tpa PC complex in Tianjin

Si n o p e c S A B I C T i a n j i n Petrochemical Company

(SSTPC) laid the foundation for a polycarbonate production complex with 260,000 tpa capacity, at a groundbreaking ceremony in the Tianjin Binhai New Area. China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) have earlier cooperated on an ethylene production project with a capacity of one million tpa. With two sets of phosgene free production systems, with an annual capacity of 130,000 ton each to be built, the new polycarbonate production complex started construction yesterday (April 3) and is expected to be operational in 2015. Upon operation, it can produce four major classes of polycarbonate, including the mixed grade, extrusion grade, optical grade, and molding grade polycarbonate.Established in October 2009, SSTPC is a joint venture with SINOPEC and SABIC each holding 50% equity. The Phase One project, with annual capacity of one million tons of ethylene, began

production in January 2010. With a total investment of RMB11 billion (US$1.7 bln) and covering a ground area of 67 hectares, this polycarbonate production complex with an annual capacity of 260,000 tons is the Phase Two project and was approved by China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on January 13.The project uses the world's leading non-phosgene polycarbonate manufacturing technology, which complies with China's national energy saving and carbon emission policy. With the advanced equipment, the products are designed to be high tech and high value-added, which can be used for a wide range of applications. Hence, it will play an important role in promoting the development of Tianjin petrochemical industry and drive the economic growth in the Bohai rim region, which can effectively meet the market demand for petrochemicals in Asia-Pacifi c. With the recent growth in industries such as electronics, automotive, information technology and building materials, there is

a significant increase in China in the demand of polycarbonate and other engineering plastics. In 2010, China consumed 1.13 million tons of polycarbonate, with a domestic output of 220,000 tons only. China mainly relies on imports for polycarbonate and hence polycarbonate was the highest by volume of import among all engineering plastics. Based on initial estimation, demand for polycarbonate in China will reach 1.78 mln tons by 2015, an average annual increase of nearly 10%

New oxidized polyethylene wax plant comes into operation at the BASF site In Germany

A new plant for the manufacture of oxidized polyethylene waxes went into operation at the BASF site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The plant manufactures high quality oxidized waxes according to BASF's own process. The new plant will improve the availability on oxidized polyethylene waxes now and in the future, for instance in plastics processing. The new plant

Clariant inaugurates new pigments facility in Greater China

Clariant continues to expand its global production capabilities

to support customers in the Greater China region, with the inauguration of a new pigments facility. The new plant in DaGang in the city of Tianjin, which came on-stream end of 2011, is a joint-venture between Clariant and Tianjin Bohai Chemical Industry

Company with a total investment of CNY 120 million. The new facility, which leverages state-of-the-art technology, will produce pigment preparations in liquid and solid form for applications in the coating, plastics, and printing industries, and for consumer products and industrial special applications. It includes 16 production l ines,

and warehouse, laboratories and offi ce space, occupying a surface of 13,000m². The introduction of a further production site in the region will give customers access to a wider choice of products, as well as improved services with a shorter lead-time for greater effi ciency.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Pallmann Group sets up in ChinaPallmann Group has set up

its headquarters in Beijing. China Registered as Pallmann Technology (Beijing) Co,. Ltd, the company will function as the legal and functional managing office for mainland China, including customer service, business development, market expansion, legal, financial and HR. As a global leader in recycling technologies, Pallmann China has lots to offer and the China expert team is

ready to support local customers and partners with the most cutting-edge recycling technologies and quality solutions whether in wood, paper, plastic, rubber and tire, metal, fabric etc.

Together with the Shanghai branch offi ce, the Pallmann China team is now over ten experts covering size reduction, process of plastics and recycling industries. Pallmann also launched its Chinese language website

fi ts perfectly into the integrated supply network for raw materials and energy at BASF's Ludwigshafen site. The low-density polyethylene wax that forms the basis of the oxidized waxes comes directly from the site's own polymerization plants. "As well as extending the capacity, we have also invested in modernizing the existing plant for polyethylene waxes," said Dr. Stefan Beckmann, Senior Vice President Home Care & Formulation Technologies Europe. "Demand for

high-quality waxes and oxidized waxes is growing world-wide due to the increased production and processing of plastics," said Dr.Beckmann. "We will be able to satisfy this increasing demand when the new oxidation plant for waxes in Ludwigshafen goes into operation."

BASF supplies its high-quality waxes world-wide to markets with specialized demands. Waxes in the form of powder, fi ne powder, granules

and pastilles are marketed under the Luwax® brand, and liquid emulsions are available under the Poligen® trademark.

Oxidized polyethylene waxes are used as lubricants in the processing of plastics such as polyvinyl chloride to prevent the plastic from sticking to the hot surfaces in the machinery, which saves energy and enhances the material properties of products such as PVC pipes and profi les.

Amcor expanding three bottle plants

Amcor Rigid Plastics will expand operations at three of its North

American plants and boost production of extrusion blow molded polypropylene bottles.The Michigan based company recently announced plans for a multi-million dollar expansion at facilities in Batavia, Ill.; Forth Worth, Texas, and Brampton, Ontario. Amcor will purchase new production machinery and equipment, and add 30 new jobs

across the three facilities.

The expansion will largely increase production of multilayer PP containers, a product line that Amcor acquired in its 2010 purchase of Ball Plastics Packaging America, as well as high density polyethylene containers, made with some post-consumer content and used for household and personal care products.

Amcor cited an increased demand for multilayer PP barrier packaging, particularly for food and nutritional supplements, as a reason for the expansion.The company also recently added heat-set PET stretch blow molding capacity to its Wytheville, Va., facility to serve regional food customers, according to the release.

providing product application manual download, technical consultancy, and online sales enquiry. Rolf Gren, Pallmann Group Senior Executive Vice Pres ident and Pres ident Pallmann Technology (Beij ing), said: "We think China’s recycling industry is a vast emerging market. With the governments attention and policy support, innovation and new technology will become a health trend for further growth.


INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Woojin Plaimm setting up offices in Japan and Mexico

South Korean injection press maker Woojin Plaimm Co. Ltd.

(Booth 1521) wants to significantly expand its international sales, setting up direct sales offi ces in Japan and Mexico this year and expanding its North American service staff.

The Incheon-based firm, which makes 1,500 inject ion molding machines annually and claims to be Korea’s largest press maker, made a similar push in the last two years in Asia, setting up direct sales offi ces in India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

“The Korean market is very small,” said Steve Gwon, director of the company’s sales office at California . “Our concentration is to globalize.”Globally, the company has sales injection molding machinery sales of about $147 million, with its Incheon factory accounting for about $130 million and the rest from a small factory in Ningbo, China. Its worldwide sales have grown from $30 million 10 years ago to fi ve times that now, Gwon said, in part because it started manufacturing presses larger than 1,000 tons clamping force in 2008.

Indorama’s 86,000 ton petrochemical plant slated for inauguration in Nigeria

A n e w 8 6 , 0 0 0 t p a o f Polyethylene Terephthalate

plant built by Indorama Group, the core investor in the Eleme Petrochemicals plant, is slated for inauguration in H2-2012. The plant is being built at a cost of US$300 mln."The Polyethylene Terephthalate plant will come on stream between April and May, 2012 when all regulatory procedures have been completed," Indorama spokesman was quoted to have said. "Production will serve all local demands first before any exports.” The Eleme plant currently produces 240,000 tpa of polyethylene and 95,000 tpa of polypropylene.

About half of the company’s sales are outside Korea. It opened its new Japanese sales offi ce in late March, and it plans to open its Monterrey, Mexico sales offi ce this summer.

As of April 1, Woojin changed its name from Woojin Selex to Woojin Plaimm. It plans to expand in three or four years and move to a much larger facility in central South Korea. It’s running out of space at its current 540,000 square foot factory in Incheon, near Seoul, Gwon said.

Indonesian Government rejects TPPI debt restructuring scheme The Indonesian government

has refused a provision in a debt restructuring agreement signed by PT Trans Pacific Petrochemical Indotama (TPPI) and its creditors in December, as per Jakarta Post. The Indonesian Government is the biggest shareholder in TPPI. TPPI is a fuel producing company and around 70% of its assets belong to the state.As per coordinating Economic Minister Hatta Rajas, a condition that required state oil and gas producer PT Pertamina to purchase fuels from TPPI at a price Rp 500 a liter higher than the market price, is unacceptable. The House of Representat ives Commission VI overseeing trade, industry, investment, cooperatives, small and medium businesses and state-owned companies, also urged

the government last month to cancel TPPI’s debt restructuring due to the potential Rp 20 trillion in losses infl icted on state fi nances.

Based on the December agreement, TPPI is given 75 working days to pay US$400 mln plus Rp 1 trillion to creditors, comprising of US$300 mln to Pertamina, US$100 mln to upstream oil and gas regulator BPMigas and Rp 1 trillion to state asset management company PT PPA. TPPI currently also owes Pertamina US$406 mln in cash for failing to deliver products and US$183 mln to be paid in automobile gas, US$169 mln to BPMigas and US$1 bln to other creditors.The company hads won a refinancing commitment from Deutsche Bank worth US$1 bln


BUSINESS NEWS

Reliance eyes strategic partnership for petrochem project in TatarstanReliance is likely to have a

strategic partnership for petrochem project in Tatarstan Russia . Tatarstan region has emerged as an attractive investment hub for Indian companies. According to reports Tatarstan and RIL have agreed to set

up a joint working group of specialists to develop strategic partnership in petrochemical and oil refi ning sectors, especially in crude oil refi ning. The agreement was reached during the visit of a high-profi le delegation led by Tatarstan’s President Rustam

Chatterjee Group (TCG), takes Bengal government to the International CourtHPL’s private promoter, The

Chatterjee Group (TCG), has taken the Bengal government to the International Court of Arbitration in Paris over the ownership issue. Earlier in the month the Bengal government granted immunity to MLAs who become chairpersons or directors of companies. This move is viewed by many as a pre-emptive measure

against legal challenges to industries minister Partha Chatterjee’s new role in Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL). Through an amendment bill passed on the last day of the budget session, the state government has removed the post of a company chairperson or director from the list of offi ces of profi t. Elected members are not allowed to hold offi ces of profi t.

SOCAR offers highest price for privatization of 10.32% stake at Petkim PetrochemSocar Turkey Enerji and SOCAR

International DMCC OGG offered US$168.5 mln; the highest price for privatization of a 10.32% stake at Turkish Petkim Petrochemical Holding, according to report from Anadolu news agency. SOCAR Turkey Enerji holds a 51% stake at the

Turkish petrochemical complex, while 38.67% is in free circulation at the Istanbul Stock Exchange. Petkim Petrochemical Holding manufactures plastic packaging, fabric, PVC and detergents. It is the only Turkish producer of such products and exports a quarter of its production.

Minnikhanov to Jamnagar in Gujarat (India) on March 22, in order to get on-the-spot information about the manufacturing processes and study the advanced oil refi ning technologies launched by the RIL, the largest private sector enterprise in India.

Sinopec registers record sales of EUR 280 bln

China's leading oil, energy and pe t rochem ica l

group Sinopec posted sales of RMB 2.5 tr (EUR 280 bln) in FY 2011. According to the release its Chemicals business - mostly consisting of olefins and polyolefi ns – accounted for less than 20% of total revenues to the tune of about RMB 414 bln (EUR 46 bln). Mirroring the group's overall development, this segment managed to raise sales by 29% yoy, posting an operative result of more than RMB 25 bln (EUR 2.8 bln), which topped the 2010 figure by an impressive 71%.

Sinopec produced and sold about 27.3 mln tons of base petrochemicals in 2011, a yoy rise of 17%. Ethylene accounted for 9.9 mln tons, a 9.2% production increase over 2010.


BUSINESS NEWS

IRPC signs contract worth 90 million baht with Samsung Engineering

IRPC Public Co., Ltd. has signed a collaboration agreement with

Samsung Engineering according to which IRPC will cooperate with Samsung Engineering Company to provide expert engineers to start-up Samsung Engineering’s construction

projects in different countries. IRPC has duly sent a team of expert engineers to commission and run production at Samsung's Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (TAKREER), United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they will stay for two years. The contract is worth 90

LG international and PT Duta Firza, to build petrochemical complexIndonesia’s private oil and gas

company PT Duta Firza has signed a heads of agreement (HoA), to team up with LG International to set up a petrochemical complex near the Tangguh gas fi eld in West Papua, accordinf to a report in Jakarta Post. The total investment in this plant is estimated to be US$3 bln.“The cooperation will cover pre-

planning, pre-feasibility studies and the construction of the complex,” said Duta Firza chief executive officer Firlie Ganinduto after the signing as reported in a press statement sent to The Jakarta Post. The pre-planning phase included securing gas supply from the Tangguh fi eld, seeking financing for the project, looking for buyers for the petrochemical

products and appointing contractors for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) project. The pre-planning and pre-feasibility study phases are expected to be completed in Q3-2012. The follow up of those early phases will be conducted in Q1-2013, while the ground-breaking will take place in mid 2014.

million baht. IRPC will send its team of professional engineers to UAE from April 2012 to June 2014. The team comprises 11 people including two maintenance engineers, two power plant engineers and seven manufacturing engineers.

IVRCL to resist attempts by Essel Group to seek board seatIVRCL is to resist attempts by

Essel Group to seek board seat. According to reports India’s leading engineering procurement and Construction Company -IVRCL's founder has indicated that he will resist attempts by the Essel Group to seek a seat on the company's board. This could lead to a protracted fi ght

for control of the Hyderabad-based infrastructure company, valued at Rs 1,650 crore. Earlier last week, Essel Group acquired a 10.2% stake in IVRCL and expressed interest in buying more. Institutional investors have nearly 43% stake, making them crucial players. “There is no law that automatically enables the acquirer of

stake in the company to obtain board seat," IVRCL Chairman & Managing Director Sudhir Reddy told Economic Time, from Singapore, where he is meeting bankers to seek their fi nancial backing to shore up his shareholding in a company he founded more than two decades ago. Reddy owns 11.2% of the company.


BUSINESS NEWS

Dow to invest US$125 mln in Thai operationDow Chemical Co plans

to invest an additional US$125 miln into i ts Thai operations, strengthening the country's role in transforming the US-based f i rm from a manufacturer of basic chemicals to a maker of specialty products. According to a story in Bangkok Post, the new investment follows the recent completion of Dow's US$3 bln Thai Growth Project that began in 2006.

Two new projects are set to fi nish construction this year – a US$100 mln propylene glycol (PG) plant with an annual capacity of 150,000 tons and a US$25 mln polyolefi n encapsulant fi lm factory to produce materials for solar panels the inauguration of the Thai Growth petrochemical complex at the Asia Industrial Estate in Map Ta Phut.

L a s t w e e k B u i l t w i t h investment partners Siam Cement Group and the Belgium-based Solvay, the complex comprises five downstream plants producing polyethylene, specialty elastomer, hydrogen p e r o x i d e a n d p r o p y l e n e oxide. The investments have made Thailand the largest manufacturing centre for Dow in Asia-Pacifi c.

Gazprom Neft plans to invest euro 70 mln in petrochemicals

In 2012, Gazprom Neft plans to invest up to RUB3 bln (€70

mln) in developing its petrochemical business, in cooperation with Sibur, according to European Plastics News. The deal will allow Sibur and Gazprom Neft to expand its business in the profi table segment of the market. The

two companies have already launched a joint project for polypropylene production at a Moscow refi nery. Neft and Sibur are currently working on the next project, which will involve production of polypropylene at a plant in Omsk which is owned by the Titan Group.

BASF to invest Rs 1000 crores at Dahej PCPIR BASF India Limited will invest

INR 1000 crores to set up a new chemical production site at the Dahej Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR), located on the west coast of India in Gujarat.

The new site will be an integrated hub for polyurethane manufacturing and wil l also house production facilities for care chemicals and polymer dispersions for coatings and paper. With this new production site, BASF aims to ensure local supply for growing markets and industries such as appliances, footwear, automotive, construction, adhesives, architectural coatings, paper and personal care. The start of production is planned for 2014.

“The Dahej site complements the existing manufacturing set-up of BASF in India and will support and contribute to the growth of the Indian chemical industry,” said Mr. Prasad

Chandran, Chairman and Managing Director, BASF India Limited. “The location offers excellent investment conditions and a favorable business environment due to the proximity to raw materials as well as customers. The project will be fi nanced by BASF India Limited through internal accruals and loans. The site will employ more than 250 people at full capacity, primarily in operations. The integrated polyurethane facility will produce Elastollan® TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), Cellasto® NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) parts and Polyurethane Systems, which is supported by new production facilities for important precursors, comprising Polyetherols and Polyesterols plants as well as an MDI splitter. The polymer dispersions facility at the site will produce Acronal® and Styrofan®, key ingredients for architectural coatings, adhesives, and construction, Styronal® and Basonal® for paper coating and Basoplast® for sizing.


PRODUCT NEWS

Artenius designs PET that saves energy and cost, also reduces carbon footprintA new PET packaging material;

Artenius FastFlow+ has been designed and developed by Artenius, the PET & Recycling Division of Artenius and LSB. This is the latest generation of “fast-reheat” PET resins, and is built on the success of Artenius’ hugely successful FastFlow resin. It works by capturing heat energy in the blowing process more effi ciently, thereby reducing the overall amount needed. This leads to energy savings of more than 20% in comparison to standard PET resins, and can also allow for a higher production output of bottles per hour. This means that as well as saving cost, an important reduction in carbon footprint is also achievable. Artenius FastFlow+ offers wider injection stretch blow molding

(ISBM) and stretch blow molding (SBM) windows. It also offers the ability to blow thinner walled preforms into more complex bottle shapes that otherwise would not be possible. Its intrinsic viscosity level is consistent with market needs, and is especially suited for light-weighting initiatives.The resin has superior reheat absorption, even at ultra-high speed stretch blow moulding. The new formulation includes a new additive for absorbing Near Infra-Red (NIR) radiation, to heat up the polymer allowing less energy consumption when blowing the preform into bottle.The faster absorption of heat inside the preform results in a more effi cient blowing process. Even in older blow moulding machines, which can be heat input limited, Artenius FastFlow+

provides the opportunity to optimize throughput rates.

Internal benchmarking by Artenius shows that this new resin offers best in class energy savings; not only compared with standard resins but with other fast reheat PET grades on the market. It is characterised by exceptional colour; its luminescence has a minimal impact on the final product and it has excellent clarity and ultra-low haze. The novel additive used in the manufacture of this superior reheat resin: Artenius FastFlow+, is approved for use in plastics intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. It is in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 10/2011. Furthermore, this additive is approved by U.S FDA and EFSA

Umeco and Victrex to distribute VAC-PAKUmeco Process Materials has

entered a strategic marketing collaboration with Victrex Polymer Solutions to market release fi lms made using APTIV fi lm based on VICTREX PEEK polymer. Umeco will distribute these release fi lms under the brand name, VAC-PAK. APTIV fi lm is suitable for composite processing at high temperature, because of its excellent toughness and strength, inherent release properties, high temperature performance and purity. Currently, APTIV film is a highly performing PEEK fi lm that is now available as a release fi lm. These release fi lms are

used in the production of composites, and are kept between a breather fabric and the laminate. They can be possibly used in applications such as aerospace, marine, military and industrial composite processing. The fi nished laminate is removed easily from the fabric, as these release fi lms function as a slip-sheet. Adam Black, Umeco Process materials' Global Business Development Manager stated that a variety of fl uoropolymers and Tedlar PVF fi lm are included in the traditional release materials. He said that APTIV fi lm is stronger than the normal materials at high temperatures

and allows quicker processing and enables manufacture of complex parts. Black stated that these release fi lms are available in widths of 0.018 cm and 0.025 cm, and has up to 315°C of high use temperature that is compatible with aerospace composite requirements. He added that the tensile strength of these fi lms is 125 Mpa and the elongation can be more than 120%. The APTIV release fi lm absorbs low moisture and is resistant to chemicals and does not degrade, when the films are exposed to the severe conditions of the composite manufacturing method.


PRODUCT NEWS

Intermestic introduces tough, lightweight resin eyewear frames

Intermestic Inc., a specialty retailer of eyewear and accessories,

with SABIC Ultem* polyetherimide (PEI) has introduced its new line of Zoff SMART eyeglasses. The tailored, aerospace-grade Ultem resin material solution helps meet Japanese consumer demands for fresh, new eyewear styles with exceptional long-term performance and feather-light comfort; by allowing Intermestic to eliminate titanium and aluminum from the material selection process. The Ultem resin also provides exceptional flexibility, flame retardance, and resistance to chemicals, heat and ultraviolet (UV) light, as well as greatly expanded design freedom, which enabled Intermestic to create stylish, eye-catching frames for sophisticated consumer appeal. Ultem resin delivers a broad range of desirable performance properties for eyeglass frames. The material offers elasticity coupled with resistance to deformation, allowing the frame to be bent easily yet returned

to its original shape. Zoff SMART frames made with Ultem resin meet the Japan Standard Association JIS B 7285 standard, whose testing includes 20,000 bending repetitions (opening and closing the frame). The SABIC resin’s dimensional stability ensures that the lenses are retained in the frame, while heat defl ection at high temperatures protects the frames even when left on a car dashboard in hot sun. In addition to its intrinsic light weight of up to 50% vs. metal, Ultem resin is suitable for precision thin-wall molding down to 1.2 mm, cutting weight even more. The weight of the Zoff SMART frame is 9.4 g without the lens, which compares very favorably to metal frames typically weighing around 20 g. The material can be custom colored to provide a wide range of aesthetic effects. Other potential eyewear applications for Ultem resin include entertainment eyewear (such as 3D glasses) and safety glasses.

Teknor developes Phthalate-free, bio-based PVC products

Phthalate-free flexible vinyl compounds that have bio-

based plasticizers and reduce CO2 emissions by 41 percent have been developed by Teknor Apex Co. and are being incorporated into several commercial applications just now appearing on retail shelves. The new BioVinyl compounds contain

phthalate-free Dow Ecolibrium bio-based plasticizers made from non-food plant byproducts by the Dow Electrical and Communications unit of Dow Chemical Co. Teknor Apex has the exclusive North American rights for certain applications to market the vinyl compounds containing Dow Ecolibrium. The BioVinyl compounds

Indian Oil introduces new high performance polypropylene grades for injection molders

Indian Oi l unve i led h igh performance polypropylene

grades -1110MAS and 2120MC, for polymer processors in the injection moulding sector. The grades have been developed at Indian Oil's state-of-the-ar t Product Appl icat ion & Development Centre (PADC) located at Panipat. 1110MAS grade is designed to provide better attributes such as higher productivity, high stiffness, low warpage and superior gloss. The 2120MC provides superior aesthetics, clarity, energy saving and higher productivity to polymer processors

are already being used in a line of fl ip-fl ops made in the U.S. by Okabashi Brands Inc. and a range of shoe welting—the strip of leather, rubber, or plastic that is stitched to the upper insole of a shoe as an attach-point for the sole—by custom extrusion processor Barbour Plastics Inc.


PRODUCT NEWS

DuPont showcases GRINDSTED® AR100 for food packaging

Du P o n t s h o w c a s e d i t s GRINDSTED® AR100 for

food packaging at the recently held NPE 2102. The new amine-free antistat solution for BOPP (bi-axially oriented polypropylene) and PP (polypropylene) fi lm delivers a unique

combination that helps ensure safer chemistry for food packaging. The new product - GRINDSTED® AR100 along with other bio-based additives results from the recent acquisition of Danisco.

“DuPont has strength and depth

Cereplast announces new category of bioplastics--EVA and starch hybriod

Cereplast has announced the introduction of a new category of bioplastics -- Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and starch hybrid compounds. The fi rst product in this category is the new Cereplast Hybrid Resins® grade, Hybrid 651D, which is a tough, soft touch, pliable material that is ideal for extrusions and soft injection moldable applications.

Hybrid 651D provides the desirable properties of conventional EVA, while

offering a lower carbon footprint. Hybrid 651D is a proprietary formulation of EVA and industrial starch, which is compounded on state-of-the-art mixing equipment.

Hybrid 651D can be used for the manufacture of consumer goods and packaging, footwear, handbags and other fashion accessories, as well as wire and cable insulation, soft plastic goods such as tubes and hoses and adhesion layers for multi-layer fi lms.

Danone and Avantium to produce bio-based PEF water bottlesDa n o n e R e s e a r c h a n d

Avant ium have entered into a joint development agreement to produce bott les made from polyethylene furanoate – a furanic polyester developed by Avantium to be a 100 percent bio-based, recyclable alternative to PET.

Avantium makes PEF using its YXY technology, a catalytic chemical process that converts carbohydrates into bio-based polymers, including an alternative to terephthalic acid.

Using YXY technology, Danone and Avantium will focus on creating

"In our continued effort to leverage our research and development capabilities, we are proud to introduce this new category of bioplastic resins to the marketplace," said Cereplast CEO and Chairman Mr. Frederic Scheer. "Hybrid 651D expands the types of applications that can be made from the Cereplast Hybrid Resins(R) product line, offering our customers a new range of properties for durable eco-friendly materials.

renewable materials using feedstocks that do not compete directly with food production. YXY can use a variety of feedstocks like grains, energy crops, lignocellulosic matter, waste streams, waste paper or agricultural residues, Avantium said in a news release.

in antistat solutions for polyolefi ns, and our new product is something that the market has been seeking for some time,” said Bjarne Nielsen, senior applications manager, DuPont Polymer Additives.


Goodbye steel: plastic coil springs debut

Sogefi Group (Milan, Italy) has launched what it says is

the auto industry's fi rst coil springs manufactured using composite material aimed at passenger vehicle and light commercial vehicle suspension applications. The FRP coil springs are based on glass fi ber and epoxy resin.

Sogefi notes that with a weight

up to 40-70% less than steel coil springs, equivalent to a reduction of 4-6 kg per vehicle, they contribute to a real reduction in fuel consumption. In addition the production of FRP coil springs is up to fi ve times less energy intensive (thermosetting of composite material at around 170°C compared with temperatures of 1,000°C and

4 5 0 ° C u s e d for s teel ) , and ensures a drastic r e d u c t i o n i n wastage and use of consumables.

The coil spring i n d u s t r y f o r mass production appl icat ions is currently based on steel. Despite s o m e w e i g h t reduction during

the last 20 years, this material has reached its physical limits according to Sogefi . Steel's manufacturing process is also labor intensive with high energy consumption for processes such as heat and surface treatment, and shot peening. These factors inspired Sogefi , to invest in the development of a completely new technology to improve the product and its features: the FRP Coil Spring.

Performance and durability are also superior according to Sogefi . Plastic coil springs do not corrode, possess improved comfort, ride and handling characteristics, and deliver better noise reduction on hard surfaces.

Audi is the first OEM to come forward and endorse Sogefi's FRP coil spring design, and it will fi nd use in an upcoming [email protected].

PRODUCT NEWS

FRP coil accepted by Audi as ready to rock.

Indian PET film giants build huge US plants

With an eye on fast-growing pharmaceutical and other

packaging markets, two Indian plastics powerhouses are building major PET fi lm plants in the United States this year. The moves are putting signifi cant pressure on long-struggling domestic producers. DuPont, the major producer through a joint venture with Teijin, wants to sell its PET film assets, according to several fi nancial reports.

Ufl ex Ltd., India's largest fl exible packaging company, is building a $180

million plant in Kentucky with an initial target capacity of 66 million pounds a year. Double that capacity is planned at the site. Polyplex is building a $187 million polyester fi lm plant in Alabama. Initial capacity will be 66 million pounds per year, with additional capacity planned for 2015.

Traditonal US PET fi lm producers are increasingly focusing on specialty applications in medical and other markets.

And meanwhile Korean PET fi lm

giant SKC plans to expand production at its Georgia plant from three lines to 10 lines. PET fi lm production lines typically cost $50 million to $100 million and produce 22 million to 44 million pounds per year. SKC has not set a timetable for the expansion while the Ufl ex and Polyplex expansions are expected to come on line in the next 12 months.

"The implementation of the Kentucky project is advancing very fast," R. K. Jain, group president of Ufl ex Ltd. tells


Plastics Today. "Presently, the civil construction is going-on and the orders for the main equipment have already

been placed. The project is expected to be commissioned by December, 2012." The main processing line of BOPET fi lm is being sourced from a German supplier and has a width of 8.7 meters and line speed of 500 meters per minute. A high-barrier plasma enhanced metallizer is also being installed at the Elizabethtown, KY site, which will operate as Flex Films.

Total U.S. production of PET fi lm in the last two years has been running around 430 to 435 million pounds per year. Almost that much-423 million pounds-was imported into the United States in 2010, according to data from the U.S. International Trade

Commission (ITC).

History of red inkFrom 2007 to 2010, U.S. producers

of PET fi lm fi nished in the red three years and made minimal profi ts in the other three.

That, plus the impending new capacity, is creating a scramble, particularly for industry volume leader DuPont Teijin, which has closed its South Carolina plant and spent $175 million in a reconfi guration of a plant at Circleville, OH, to produce more profi table oriented fl uoropolymer fi lm for photovoltaic applications.

Traditonal US PET fi lm producers are increasingly focusing on specialty applications in medical and other markets.

PRODUCT NEWS


TECHNOLOGY

Process transforms polyethylene into carbon fibre

Researchers at America’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory

(ORNL) have discovered a process that renders polyethylene far more valuable. By transforming it into carbon fibres, they have created the ability to tailor final material to various applications. Led by Dr Amit Naskar of the Materials Science and Technology Division, the research team has achieved success using a combination of multi-component fi bre spinning and an intricate sulfonation technique. The fi bres yielded to date by the patent-pending process all display a customised surface contour and manipulated fi lament diameter down to the sub-micron scale, according to the ORNL. According to Dr Naskar, this new process also allows for the fine-tuning of porosity, making the material potentially useful for fi ltration, catalysis and electrochemical energy

harvesting. And so the possibilities are ‘virtually endless’ - especially as the raw material is so abundant and inexpensive, states the researcher

Carbon fibers having unique surface geometries, from circular to hollow gear-shaped, are produced from polyethylene using a versatile fabrication method. The resulting carbon fi ber exhibits properties that are dependent on processing conditions, rendering them highly amenable to myriad applications. A team led by Amit Naskar of the Materials Science and Technology Division outlined a method that allows not only for production of carbon fiber but also the ability to tailor the fi nal product to specifi c applications. Using a combination of multi-component fiber spinning and their sulfonation technique, the team demonstrated that they can make polyethylene-base fi bers with

a customized surface contour and manipulate fi lament diameter down to the submicron scale. The patent-pending process also allows them to tune the porosity, making the material potentially useful for fi ltration, catalysis and electrochemical energy harvesting. The sulfonation process allows for great flexibility as the carbon fi bers exhibit properties that are dictated by processing conditions. For this project, the researchers produced carbon fi bers with unique cross-sectional geometry, from hollow circular to gear-shaped by using a multi-component melt extrusion-based fi ber spinning method. The fi ber bundle is dipped into an acid containing a chemical bath where it reacts and forms a black fiber that no longer will melt. This sulfonation reaction transforms the plastic fiber into an infusible form.

Blocked blow molding system offers energy savings

KHS Corpoplast GmbH recently introduced its blocked blow

molding system -- a combination blower, filler, and capper unit that can be used in PET applications. The InnoPet Blofi ll blocked system is designed to increase effi ciency and cut costs, said Bjöern von Lengerke, general sales manager for KHS, during a presentation at The Packaging Conference.

The system connects the blower directly to the fi ller and capper unit,

cutting out the air conveyer, bottle rinser and other components. Instead, a multi-functional star wheel conveys the bottles from blower to filler by way of a transfer block. The block separates the dry blow molder from the wet fi ller and includes an airlock with constant air fl ow.

“You make sure the wet side, the humid side from the fi lling side isn’t entering the stretch blow molder, because the stretch blow molder doesn’t like that,” von Lengerke said.

The base system can be used for water or other non-carbonated soft drinks and can make up to 72,000 bottles per hour. With some modification, the system can also be used for carbonated beverage applications and hot fi ll applications at 185-190° F.A cooling system – a star wheel equipped with a set number of spray nozzles – can cool bottles bases from approximately 167° F to 131° F. This eliminates the risk of stress fracturing, which is a common


TECHNOLOGY

deterrent to using blocked systems, von Lengerke said.

The cooling system can be modifi ed based on production needs, is effi cient and has low water consumption.

The Blofill blocked system can make several bottle types at maximum speed, giving users a fl exibility that was not available with previous blocked models, von Lengerke said. New heating technology also cuts down on start up time and reduces pre-form losses.

Temperature restrictions can make

the system diffi cult for some hot fi ll applications in the US, but with some adjustments can be used for a variety of juices, teas, and other drinks, he said.

Because blocked systems like the Blofill eliminate the traditional air conveyer, they have several advantages over standard systems, von Lengerke said.

The machine can handle delicate light-weight pre-forms, even in hot-fill applications. The design also saves space and uses less energy,

an important consideration in plants in Europe and Asia, and companies can save on human resources costs because the system only requires one operator, he said.

The blocked blower and fi ller unit may be less effi cient than separate blower and fi llers, but standard lines are limited by their least efficient component – often the air conveyer, von Lengerke said. In these cases, blocked systems can be more effi cient than traditional ones.

Proco Machinery launches integrated take-out system

Ontario based Proco Machinery Inc launched its fi rst integrated

take-out system which incorporates a defl asher and a leak testing system at NPE.

“Our new technology has taken the take-out system to a new level, providing a reduced footprint and substantial cost savings, since processors don’t have to purchase all three machines separately,” said John McCormick, president of Proco Machinery in a news release.

The system incorporates the company’s patent-pending Robopik Plus, which is an upgrade of its original Robopik model, according to Siva Krish, sales manager for Proco Machinery, in a booth interview.

Krish added that the newest model accommodates a wide range of shuttle extrusion blow molding

machines including the Bekum H style without modifi cation or adjustment.The Robotpik takes a container and transfers it directly from the defl asher where the tail and top fl ash is removed. An optional spin trimmer is also available to spin off any dome flash. After deflashing, a special telescoping vacuum conveyor extends into the defl asher and retracts with the container in an upright position. The container is leak tested on this same conveyor. With the telescoping conveyor mounted on wheels, the setup actually cuts down on the machine footprint and the whole system is hooked up to a single touch screen control system. The system also permits the use of one set of tooling and makes for easy changeovers.

Krish said that it replaces a setup that usually was designed as an elbow

shape and that it now fi ts in easily in the footprint of the blow moldng machine.

Container heights can range from two inches to 15 inches and the unit is designed to keep up with cycle time of extrusion blow molding machines. It also has less scrap, utilizing one common scrap conveyor rather than the normal two.The best thing about the whole system, he noted, was that it was plug and play.

Proco, which has 50 employees, is based in Mississauga, Ontario, and makes a line of Robopik take-out systems, automatic defl ashers, ulta test leak detectors, flame treaters, dome spin trimmers, robotic case packers as well as a palletizing Multipack Packaging System. It has been in business since 1979.


Solarsoft system monitors energy use on all-electric presses Solarsoft Business Systems

now has a monitoring system in place that can not only track the energy use on new presses but the entire press fleet and let molders know for certain where their energy dollars are going. Andy Amalfitano general manager of Toronto-based Solarsoft’s manufacturing execution and intelligence division said “We want to help manufacturers improve effi ciency. You need to know what your real energy use is to control it. Without that data, you’re just running blind.”

The So larso f t Mat tec MES monitoring system can be retrofit onto existing systems and track the exact energy usage of each press throughout its day.With that

information, companies can determine which presses are more effi cient, how to get the most out of the press, the exact savings of an all-electric machine next to a comparable hydraulic press and even how settings in the machine impact energy costs.

Staggering press start-up can affect peak usage, but with the energy data on hand, companies can also determine the costs of running a part on third shift rather than fi rst shift.The software can also help companies fi gure out the energy use per part, just as they can now calculate the resin costs in each part, he said. Using that information can help them determine the number of cavities in a mold, or the best shot size for peak performance.

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Mokon shows energy-efficient Iceman

Ci r c u l a t i n g l i q u i d tempera tu re con t ro l

sys tems deve loper Mokon introduced an energy-efficient Iceman SM series of modulating portable chillers in 5-, 10- and 15-horsepower capacities.

The line uses the Copeland Scroll-brand digital compressor, which can provide variable horsepower capacity output from 10-100 percent by axially separating internal scroll members, The compressor operates in loaded and unloaded phases depending on load demand requirements. In the loaded phase, the bypass solenoid valve is closed, and the compressor delivers full capacity.

TECHNOLOGY


Composite PVC materials using nanofillings

A research team from the Public University of Navarre (UPNA)

together with the L’Urederra R+D Centre and Compuestos y Granzas is developing composite PVC materials using nanofillings. In the project, which includes the production of the nanofi lled PVC composite materials, the research team will synthesize and treat nanoclays and then insert them into the polymer matrix. Antonio Gil-Bravo, one of the researchers from UPNA, informed that the primary objective of the project is to enhance the polymer materials’ photostability properties, which produce discoloration and decrease the performance of the materials, and eventually reduce their useful life. Moreover, the material’s

resistance to ultraviolet radiation can be increased by introducing molecules that can absorb light radiation. These molecules may be an ionic type, which can be added to the polymer matrix utilizing a variety of techniques, such as ion-exchange. The material’s absorption range in the ultraviolet-visible region and photoresistance properties vary with the option selected, thus every method can be customized to the two major types of material production applications, colored products and opaque plastic nanocomposites. In colored products, the designated color in the fi nal product will decide the type of coloring molecules utilized. The second objective of the project is

to improve the refractory properties of the nanofillers in order to make them to function simultaneously as flame-retardant and mechanical reinforcements. The novel nanofi llers being synthesized can augment the material’s thermal stability, decrease smoke emission during combustion, and stop the drop in the mechanical properties produced by other fire retardant materials. The insertion of the nanofi llers to the composite also improves its permeation properties, paving the way to develop novel formulations with superior barrier properties against low-molecular-weight volatile organic molecules and gases. The project is slated for completion in December 2012.

TECHNOLOGY

W. R. Grace & Co. inks agreement with Dow to develop new catalysts for PP

W. R. Grace & Co. has entered into an agreement with The

Dow Chemical Company to develop new catalysts for polypropylene production. The catalysts, which use one of Dow’s non-phthalate internal donor technologies and Grace proprietary catalyst expertise, will be sold by Grace under the HYAMPP™ brand. HYAMPP™ catalysts are non-phthalate catalysts with industry-leading activity and performance benefi ts, and represent sixth-generation technology. They enable producers to make resins that improve the performance of plastics, including better clarity, stiffness and

impact strength, providing a pathway to new applications requiring more demanding properties that cannot be met by current generation catalysts. Customers can use the resins in a broad range of applications such as fi lms, high-performance pipe, automobile parts, household appliances and household containers. Grace expects to begin commercial production of the new catalysts in 2012.“We are continuously looking for ways to better meet the needs of our customers and the end-users of their products,” said Tony Dondero, Vice President and General Manager of Grace’s Specialty Catalysts & Process Technologies

product line. “This technology enables our customers to produce new and advanced polypropylene products, including stronger, clearer resins with improved processability while also improving plant productivity.” “Dow is continuously strengthening our ability to bring enhanced technology to the polypropylene market,” said Tracy Cleckler, Global Commercial Director for Dow Licensing and Catalysts. “This agreement broadens Dow’s reach in the polypropylene industry and aids manufacturers in their quest to meet increasing global demand for premium, value-added polypropylene product.


IN THE NEWS

'Lack of awareness about plastic waste disposal hits industry'Even though plast ic bags

cons t i t u te a m inuscu le portion of total plastic consumption, environmental hazards caused by littering of the waste has brought the industry into negative light, a top government offi cial said today.

"Plastics or synthetic polymers have earned a bad image in the last few years due to littering by consumers and lack of awareness among them about its disposal," Chemical Secretary K Jose Cyriac said at a workshop on plastic waste

management organised by Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology.

Even as plastic bags constitute only 2-3% of the total consumption of plastics in the country, littering of plastic waste causing environmental hazards has brought the industry into negative light, he added. Paper manufacturing consumes more energy than producing plastic and the environment emissions are also 30% more, but all these things are overlooked, Cyriac said.

"In India we do not segregate our

waste properly, which in the US and Europe amounts to a heavy penalty. Also littering is a problem here," he said.

India is a growing market for plastics and consumes about 8.5 million tonne annually against a global consumption of 200 million tonne per year, he added.

Worldwide, the plastics and polymer consumption will have an average growth rate of 5% and is expected to touch 227 million tonne by 2015.

Anipac outlines agenda for presidential candidates

Mexico’s plastics industry association wants the four

candidates in the July 1 presidential election there to consider adopting half a dozen measures aimed at improving the sector’s growth prospects. Anipac (Asociación Nacional de Industrias del Plástico AC) wants to see: fiscal incentives to encourage the development of recycling activities, cheaper electricity, greater funding of research and development for machinery makers, a review of import tariffs on raw materials and fi nished goods, and a stable currency.

Mexico imported almost 51,000 tons (46,200 tonnes) of plastic waste in 2011 and exported 487,400 tons (442,200 tonnes), according

to Mexico City researcher Grupo Texne. Eduardo Martínez Hernández, Anipac’s outgoing president, used the statistics March 3 when he addressed the recycling issue at a Mexico City news conference.

An inadequa te ne twork o f companies able to collect, wash and dispose of waste in Mexico had made it more profi table for many companies to sell waste overseas rather than within the country, he said.

“Wi th f i sca l and economic incentives, this important segment of the plastics industry would receive a major boost.”Referring to the price of energy, most of which was generated in Mexican thermoelectric plants, he

said the cost of natural gas production had dropped from $16 per 1 million Btu to $2 per 1 million Btu over the past year. Yet, instead of electricity prices falling, they rose and put Mexico at a competitive disadvantage in relation to other countries. He said Mexico levies import duties on plastic resins but not on imported fi nished products, a situation that had harmed national processors.

In the past fi ve years, the value of the peso against the dollar has fluctuated between an average of 10.93 pesos per dollar in 2007, 11.16 pesos in 2008, 13.50 pesos in 2009, 12.63 pesos in 2010 and 12.44 pesos in 2011.


IN THE NEWS

Plastikos invests in new Arburg presses Custom in jec t ion molder

Plastikos Inc. to invest nearly $500,000 in three new Arburg presses that will replace three aging Demag machines in its Erie, Pa., headquarters facility later this year.

Plastikos manufacturing manager Robert Cooney said in an interview at the show that his fi rm on April 3 purchased one 220-ton, hybrid 570A model press and a pair of 88-ton, all-electric 470A models. This continues a trend toward Arburg for Plastikos, which with this deal will now count 11 Arburgs among its 30 total injection

molding machines. The larger press should be delivered by June, with the two smaller machines due to arrive this fall.Plastikos intends to make further capital investments this year, for inspection and auxiliary equipment, and to expand and upgrade its current RJG Inc. process monitoring equipment.While the new replacement presses will not increase the molder’s capacity, Cooney said their higher levels of precision and accuracy are important to meet the demanding applications they see in their end markets of military, aerospace, electronic connectors and medical devices.

Waste Free Oceans project comes to Portugal

The European Waste Free Oceans (EWFO) project,

which collects and recycles fl oating plastics marine debris, was offi cially launched in Portugal. The Waste Free Oceans Foundation will launch the first demonstration of floating litter collection in Porto, Portugal, in collaboration with Lipor (Intermunicipal

Waste Management of Greater Porto) and APIP (The Portuguese Plastic Industry Association).

Alexandre Dangis, president of the foundation and leader of EuPC, Europe’s umbrel la trade group for plastics processors, said in a statement: “WFO has achieved great

Engel and Plastisud form JV for caps in ChinaTargeting the huge market for

water and soft drink caps in China, Austria-based injection press maker Engel Holding GmbH is teaming with Plastisud SA, a French mold maker, to set up a joint venture.

Engel and Plastisud unveiled the venture, called Green Cap, at Chinplas 2012, coming up April 18-21 in Shanghai. At the Green Cap stand,

An all-electric Engel e-cap injection molding machine will run nearly 130,000 caps an hour on a 96-cavity Plastisud mold. The cycle time will be 2.8 seconds.

The Green Cap line will offer presses in clamping forces from 200-420 tons, with 500 ton presses as an option. Molds come in 32 and 96 cavities as standard.

success during 2011 in other countries across Europe. Now it is time for Portugal. Our foundation is convinced that this initiative will be a great step forward towards the fl oating debris collection in Portugal waters bringing it back to landfi ll for recycling purposes. It is a fantastic solution.

Engel, based in Schwertberg, has an assembly plant in Shanghai, and runs three sales and services offi ces in China. Plastisud, opened a sales offi ce in Shanghai a year and a half ago.

“The Chinese market is very demanding. Chinese customers request nothing but the best,” said Walter Jungwirth, Engel’s director of new business development.

CPC Corp shuts No 5 unit at a refinery

CPC Corp has shut the No 5 unit at a refi nery

after a fi re damaged a pipeline at a butadiene production facility .According to release no one was injured by the fi re. CPC expects to resume output in a month. The fi re has also affected production of ethylene and propylene at the No.5 unit.


Packaging suppliers praise European food contact rules

The European plastics industry has broadly welcomed the

results of reforms agreed just over a year ago on the European Union regulation covering plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.This Plastics Implementation Measure (PIM), as it is sometimes called, replaced the plastics directive that dates back to 2002. Directives offer EU member states more fl exibility over implementing EU rules, whereas regulations have to be followed to the letter.

As well as altering the legal basis for EU action on food contact plastics, the new regulation also extended the scope of specifi c migration limits (SML) and changed the rules on migration testing.

A notable change is that multi-layer plastics packaging, composed of more than one type of substrate, is now covered under the new regulation.

“The change to a regulation rather than a directive is important

for harmonization across Europe - it means that all countries now have the same rules, with no room for di fferent interpretat ions by governments and that will greatly help free trade,” said Dario Dainelli, director of European regulatory affairs at Sealed Air Corp. “We now have a single text where everything is in the same place and that’s good, particularly for consolidation of lists of monomers, additives and other starting substances,” he said.

He noted that companies need to keep an eye on technical amendments to the text (which has already been changed twice), but stressed this was normal. “We expect it to be amended at least once a year,” he said.

Another benefi t is that it has “now made clear, once and for all, that all the substances which compose food contact plastics are subject to limitations like SML, Dainelli said.“For instance, inks, adhesives, coatings and varnishes - materials which are

not plastics but become part of the fi nal plastic material - have to comply with SML requirements. This gives us plastics convertors a powerful tool to tell suppliers to give us the correct information in order to comply,” he said.

Dainelli welcomed simplifi cation of the test of overall migration so that it could be done in a more standardized way. This means overall migration becomes easier to test and to be interpreted. But he said it is also good that more attention is now placed on specifi c migration, “which could be critical from the point of view of consumer protection.”

The PIM regulation was also welcomed by Chris Howick of Ineos Chlorvinyls, chair of the British Plastics Federation’s product safety committee. He noted that it would eliminate delays which arise from having to wait for national parliaments to implement rules, which is a negative aspect of EU directives.

IN THE NEWS

Eco Plastics recieves New Energy Awards 2012

Eco Plastics has been awarded the New Enrtgy Awards 2012

this year. According to the release the company was recognised at the New Energy Awards 2012, where the company was presented with the award for New Energy Deal of the Year.

The award recognizes the company that the judges deem to have planned and executed the best acquisition,

merger or fundraising during the past 12 months and was given in recognition of Eco Plastics’ £24m fundraise to fi nance its Continuum joint venture with Coca-Cola Enterprises. The New year Award was accepted by Jonathan Short, Managing director Eco Plastics.

Accepting the award, Eco Plastics managing director, Jonathan Short,

said: The New Energy Awards is one of the most prestigious and well respected events in the green sector, so this is a huge honour. It’s fantastic that the industry values our project fi nance model.

“UK sustainable packaging has huge growth potential and we hope this expansion will further unlock similar deals in this sector.”


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

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

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

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

Windsor ................................................................................................................................................................6

NU - VU CONAIR India. .......................................................................................................................................8

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

Flamingo Additives .............................................................................................................................................10

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

Chinaplas 2012...................................................................................................................................................22

AIPMA Industrial Park............................................................................................................................Book Mark

Kenya Plast ...........................................................................................................................................Book Mark

AIPMA MOU with Sidbi ..........................................................................................................................Book Mark

9th PlastiVision India 2013 ....................................................................................................................Book Mark

AIPMA WFO .........................................................................................................................................Book Mark

PlastiVision Arabia 2012 ........................................................................................................................Book Mark

Garodia Impex. ...................................................................................................................................................32

Narmada Extrusions. ..........................................................................................................................................34

DUCOL Organics & Colours Pvt. Ltd. .................................................................................................................51

Total Packaging. .................................................................................................................................................52

Gaurav Engineering............................................................................................................................................53

JKP Masterbatches ............................................................................................................................................54

Merit Polyplast. ...................................................................................................................................................55

LOHIA Starlinger.................................................................................................................................................56

Reliance Polymers..............................................................................................................................................57

Boolani Engineering ...........................................................................................................................................58

Vora Packaging. .................................................................................................................................................59

JOMSONS ..........................................................................................................................................................60

Pollywood Industries...........................................................................................................................................71

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

Exhibit Range:

EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING

BEGINS WITH DIES & MOULDS

19th to 22nd April 201219th to 22nd April 2012

Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon,

Mumbai, India

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April 2012

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