Trexel and Bockatech Partner to Increase Benefits and Scope of Foamed Packaging Applications

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October 7, 2021

Trexel and Bockatech Partner to Increase Benefits and Scope of Foamed Packaging Applications

Trexel has long been a pioneer in physical foaming technologies using their MuCell technology. MuCell has been in commercial production for 20 years enabling lighter and more dimensionally stable injection molded parts. The company has recently been focusing on packaging, developing the P-Series, a MuCell system designed specifically for fast-cycle packaging applications. The benefits include thinner wall molding from reduced material viscosity and substantially reduced injection pressure and clamp tonnage, unique design freedoms with the elimination of flow restrictions during cavity filling and the ability to pack end-of-fill features through foaming, and the ability to produce opaque packaging that can be recycled in the clear recycling stream.

Trexel has teamed up with Bockatech (UK) to further develop technologies that complement Bockatech EcoCore. Products made with EcoCore use a combination of innovations in materials, processes, mold design as well as component design and are lightweight, insulated, strong, and durable.

Together, Trexel and Bockatech are working to create more sustainable recyclable and reusable packaging for to-go food service, food retail, and other FMCG as well as industrial applications.

EcoCore significantly reduces the cycle time required, to a level similar to that of traditional unfoamed thin-wall injection molded plastic components. This reduction, in combination with a cut in material brought about by the use foam, makes the process beneficial in terms of both cost and performance for many packaging applications. These applications include reusable, those that benefit from a thermal barrier and containers that require extra strength. Typical applications include to-go coffee and cold drink cups, noodle pots and industrial pails.

EcoCore containers are made by injecting a gas-laden melt (typically polypropylene) into a mold quickly at high pressure. The mold is opened almost immediately after filling. Expansion is controlled by skins, formed on the inner and outer faces of the container walls by cooling, that has molten and foaming resin in the center. Typically using EcoCore results in a weight saving of around 30% compared to traditional injection molded containers.

EcoCore was originally developed using chemical foaming agents, Bockatech is now working with MuCell as they are continuing to push the boundaries of what foam light-weighting can achieve as well as applying it to other packaging forms. “The collaboration between Bockatech and Trexel was started to enable us to get a better understanding of the actual benefits of using gas foaming agents, in place of chemical foaming agents (CFAs), for packaging,” said Chris Bocking, Founder, and Chief Strategy Officer at Bockatech. “EcoCore moldings, made with MuCell, feature different cell structures to those made with CFAs. These results in containers that take advantage of specific expansions designed for MuCell N2 and we’re looking forward to sharing more about the excellent results from the collaboration later this year.” Currently, Bockatech is using Trexel’s MuCell in the development of innovative and more sustainable retail food packaging for one of the best-known US food brands as well as caps for a leading FMCG brand in Europe.

For more details: www.trexel.com.

Plastics Machinery Shipments Slowed in the Second Quarter

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October 7, 2021

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Plastics Machinery Shipments Slowed in the Second Quarter

The Plastics Industry Association (Plastics) announced today shipments of primary plastics machinery (injection molding and extrusion) in North America decreased for the second consecutive quarter according to the statistics compiled and reported by Plastics’ Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES).

The preliminary estimate of shipment value from reporting companies totaled $320.9 million in Second Quarter 2021. It decreased by 4.2% following the 11.1% decrease in First Quarter 2021. Compared to Second Quarter 2020, however, plastics machinery shipments rose by 21.2%. The value of shipments of single-screw extruders increased significantly by 33.1% from the First Quarter 2021, but twin-screw extruders and injection molding shipments fell by 24.9% and 4.9%, respectively. Compared to Second Quarter 2020, shipments of injection molding, single- and twin-screw extruders were 19.5%, 37.8%, and 32.3% higher, respectively.

“While new orders of plastics equipment have been increasing, ongoing supply chain issues–-shortage of parts and components––are causing longer order-to-delivery timelines. This explains the decrease in shipments in the second quarter. For the third consecutive quarter, plastics equipment shipments were higher from a year earlier. This means that the underlying trend in plastics equipment demand remains upward sloping – still in sync with the robust economic recovery,” said Perc Pineda, PhD, Chief Economist of Plastics.

Plastic’s CES also conducts a quarterly survey of plastics machinery suppliers that asks about present market conditions and expectations for the future. In the Second Quarter 2021 survey, 92.7% of respondents expect market conditions to either improve or hold steady in the coming quarter – marginally lower than the 93.5% of respondents who expressed the same view in First Quarter 2021’s survey. As for the next 12 months, 78.7% expect market conditions to be steady-to-better. This is lower than the 93.0% of respondents in the previous quarter’s survey who were expecting growth in the next 12 months.

The volume of merchandise trade is expected to increase this year as global economic conditions improve. The World Trade Organization expects to see an 8.4% increase in global merchandise trade this year.

“Until the supply chain issues are resolved, and production lead times return to normal, expect to see fluctuations in quarterly shipments of plastics machinery. Nevertheless, the outlook for plastics machinery in the second half of the year is positive,” said Pineda.

For more details: www.plasticsindustry.org

Plastics 2021 Size & Impact Report Indicates Continued Growth

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October 7, 2021

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Plastics 2021 Size & Impact Report Indicates Continued Growth

The Plastics Industry Association (Plastics) released its much-anticipated 2021 Size & Impact Report at a webinar attended by Association members, non-members within the industry, and members of the media. The 2021 report indicates that the U.S. plastics industry remains one of the largest sectors of the American economy and continues on a strong growth path.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult test for the plastics industry, but it has proven our durability and resilience as the data continues to demonstrate our positive impact on America’s economy,” said Tony Radoszewski, President & CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). “We’re the 8th largest industry in the country and accounted for almost one million jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars in shipments last year.”

This year’s report indicates that the U.S. plastics industry accounted for $394.7 billion in shipments in 2020 and 945,300 jobs. When suppliers to the U.S. plastics industry are included, the total shipments figure balloons to $541.5 billion and 1.55 million jobs. According to the most recent data, the plastics industry is the eighth largest industry in America.

“The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted a thriving U.S. economy affecting many industries including plastics,” said Perc Pineda, PhD, Chief Economist of Plastics. “This resulted in an estimated 0.9% decrease in the real value of shipments in plastics manufacturing. The marginal downtick in shipments reflects the capacity and commitment of the plastics industry to meet the demands of the manufacturing and consumer sectors, particularly in a stressful macroeconomic environment.”

The annual report features exclusive, new data on U.S. plastics manufacturing, plastics industry employment, and the outlook for plastics domestically. This year’s report showed the plastics industry’s continued, multi-decade track record of strength when compared to the overall U.S. manufacturing sector. Since 1997, the U.S. plastics industry has outpaced all of U.S. manufacturing in terms of growth in real shipments, real value added, productivity growth, and employment.

The 2021 Size & Impact Report includes state-level data and insights that demonstrate the industry’s geographic footprint. State highlights include Texas being home to the largest number of plastics employees with 70,500. The plastics industry is incredibly important for employment across the industrial Midwest. In Indiana, jobs in plastics account for 15.6 of every 1,000 non-farm jobs. Wisconsin is a close second in this regard, with 14.9 of every 1,000 non-farm jobs being in plastics, followed by Michigan and Ohio.

According to the report, the outlook for the plastics industry for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022 will be linked to the global economic recovery. The global economic slowdown related to the coronavirus pandemic underscored the importance of a well-functioning global supply chain. The plastics industry could continue to face labor and supply chain-related headwinds ahead.

For more details: www.plasticsindustry.org/

Egypt Presents Attractive Business Opportunities For The Global Plastics Industry

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October 7, 2021

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Egypt Presents Attractive Business Opportunities For The Global Plastics Industry

The global plastics market volume stood at USD 586 billion in 2019 and is expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 5% by 2025, from which the MENA region market is estimated to reach over USD 80 billion by 2025, with Egypt holding a 17% share of MENA region’s plastic market.

Egypt has the largest polymer market in Africa, accounting for over 20% of demand in 2017.

Its polymer consumption is estimated at 2 million tonnes with per capita consumption of 21.8 kg/head.

Egypt depends on imports to meet the demand for plastics, such as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene, however, the Egyptian government is now focusing majorly on increasing the domestic production of plastics, inviting foreign investments to expand domestic production by easing industrial policy measures. The increasing demand for plastics consumption and the emergence of new raw material sources have encouraged foreign investors making Egypt a major investment hub for the plastics industry.

Egypt’s international plastics exhibition, PLASTEX, now in its 18th edition, is an essential exhibition for established industry affiliates, as well as new firms targeting the Middle East and North Africa’s ever-growing exhibition markets.

Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Trade & Industry and supported by the Chamber of Chemical Industries, the Division of Plastics Industries and the Chemical & Fertilizers Exports Council, PLASTEX is taking place from 9 – 12 January 2022 in Cairo, Egypt, is the leading exhibition in the Middle East and North African region. The Show is a meeting point for plastics raw materials, machinery and equipment, recycling solutions and industry 4.0 technology providers to connect with leading manufacturers and distributors.

For more details: www.plastex-online.com

Lanxess Expands Capacity For Light-Color Sulfur Carriers

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October 7, 2021

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Lanxess Expands Capacity For Light-Color Sulfur Carriers

Production capacity of extreme pressure additives for the lubricants industry to be expanded by 2023

Lanxess is investing a double-digit million amount at its Mannheim site

Lanxess is expanding its production capacity for light-color sulfur carriers at its Mannheim site by several kilo tons. The specialty chemicals company is investing a double-digit million amount to expand the facilities in response to growing demand. The additional volumes are expected to be available beginning in 2023.

“The market for sulfur-containing additives in the industrial lubricants sector is changing,” says Martin Saewe, Head of Lanxess’s Lubricant Additives Business (LAB). “We have the right products in our portfolio to support our customers along new paths and grow with them. We intend to use the additional capacity to strengthen our leading market position in extreme pressure additives and exploit global growth potential.”

Lanxess sells its light-color sulfur carriers under the brand name Additin EP. These colorless and odorless extreme pressure additives are mainly used in metalworking lubricants. They reduce wear on metal surfaces and prevent cold welding even under extreme conditions such as high pressure.

The Additin EP products are primarily based on locally sourced renewable raw materials like rapeseed oil and its ester derivatives. Because of their beneficial eco-toxicological profile, light-color sulfur carriers are increasingly replacing other chemical substances such as medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, which have been classified in a list as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) due to their environmental persistence and high bioaccumulation potential.

Lanxess’s Lubricant Additives Business has a long track record of providing technical expertise to customers who are looking to replace substances like chlorinated paraffins in their formulations with high-performing, environmentally friendly sulfur carriers.

For more details: www. inside.lanxess.com

A Radar Sensor With Integrated Thermal Management

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October 7, 2021

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A Radar Sensor With Integrated Thermal Management

Lanxess, a supplier of thermoplastic high-performance polymers, regards itself as a development partner for New Mobility. The specialty chemicals group has developed a new concept for radar sensors with integrated thermal management that will benefit autonomous driving. Though there is still a long way to go, driver assistance systems are increasingly set to become a key feature of future generations of cars. 360-degree monitoring of the vehicle’s surroundings is enabled by – among other things – radar waves. The radar sensors are an essential component of, for example, distance control, lane change monitoring, collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring systems.

The sensors have to be dust- and water-proof and so are designed as fully enclosed systems. But this makes it difficult for heat to be effectively dissipated from the inside, which, in turn, can impair the performance of the electronics and durability of the sensors. “This is why we developed a concept that allows heat to be dissipated by means of thermally conductive plastics in combination with metallic cooling elements,” says Gregor Jaschkewitz, application developer in the High Performance Materials (HPM) business unit at Lanxess. “The individual sensor components are assembled using integrated snap fits and hot rivets, a process that is much less costly and time-consuming than using screws.”

For a radar sensor, this new concept from Lanxess involves the following individual components: a front cover (“radome”), radar absorber, PCB – including antennas – and back cover with an integrated cooling element. The radome faces away from the vehicle and has to be made from a plastic offering a high degree of transmission for the radar waves. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a well suited material here because it has a low dielectric constant (Dk) and loss factor (Df).

The back cover is the most complex part of the whole assembly. It is manufactured in a plastic-metal compound (hybrid) technique with polyamide 6 and a metallic cooling element. This enables engineers to leverage the huge design freedom offered by the injection molding process, allowing them to integrate features such as reinforcement and cooling ribs as well as slots for connectors and the strain-relieved attachment of cables. Most importantly of all, however, the surface of the metallic cooling element can be overmoulded with thin areas of plastic. “The heat generated on the electronic components of the PCB can be efficiently dissipated from the whole assembly through these plastic areas. This effect is supported by thermally conductive polyamide 6 from our Durethan BTC product range as injection molding material,” says Jaschkewitz. Polyamide 6 is also extremely tough and ductile. Another benefit of the hybrid design is that the metallic cooling element shields the electronics inside the radar sensor against electromagnetic radiation, which means that its function is not impaired by external radiation.

With most concepts for plastic radar sensors, the radome and back cover have always traditionally been made from thermoplastics that can be welded to each other to create a fully enclosed assembly. This generally meant that the same plastics had to be used for joining the two components. “Our approach, however, places fewer restrictions on the choice of materials and makes it easier to use tailor-made compounds,” says Jaschkewitz.

“We want to benefit from the huge growth potential in this application segment and advance technological innovation with our own ideas – like the concept for radar sensors,” says Dr. Christopher Hoefs, a global application development expert in HPM. For example, the business unit also recently unveiled a concept for the modular design of charging connections for electric vehicles.

HPM has pooled its extensive knowhow in material, application, process and technology development under the HiAnt brand in order to support partners and customers in projects. Hoefs stresses: “We are supporting our partners at all stages of application development – from concept design, material optimization and mechanical and rheological simulation through to component testing and the start of series production.”

For more details: www.lanxess.com/en/Products-and-Solutions/Focus-Topics/E-Mobility

Kraiburg Tpe Offers The Thermolast Tpe Series Compounds For E-Mobility Applications

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October 7, 2021

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Kraiburg Tpe Offers The Thermolast Tpe Series Compounds For E-Mobility Applications

The carbon-intensive automotive sector is responsible for about 29% of global carbon emissions; and exhaust emissions account for 65% to 80% of emissions from automobiles. The sector is thus expected to lead in stemming the rising greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions as it reduces its carbon footprint.

With carbon-neutral targets, original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and automotive makers are developing and adopting new material solutions to improve the energy efficiency of electrified vehicle. Among the hallmarks of E-Mobility, which covers a range of electrified motor vehicles including cars, drone, bikes, hover boards, scooters, and others of this type, is the use of renewable energy and making the vehicle light weight for fuel economy. Advanced materials such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) compounds enable functional design, aesthetic finishing and lightweigh, thus making it a cost-effective material of choice for both the manufacturers and designer for E-Mobility applications.

KRAIBURG TPE has various TPE series compounds in its portfolio to support OEMs and automotive system suppliers in the E-Mobility sector. Its THERMOLAST compounds allow good flowability, easy processability, and soft touch feel. Additional properties such as resistance to scratch, abrasion and weathering, flame retardancy, low VOC and odor emission and more ensure durable and high-quality vehicle system and parts applications.

The THERMOLAST TPEs exhibit optimal adhesion to plastics such as PA, PP, ASA, PC, PC/ABS, PMMA, PE, PBT, SAN, and more. They can be processed through injection molding and extrusion molding. Furthermore, the THERMOLAST compounds range offers flexibility for customers to innovate and develop new designs and functionalities. Property profiles such as texture, adhesion, color, and the like, may be adjusted to fit customers’ requirement. KRAIBURG TPE materials are produced with globally consistent quality standard and excellent expertise in custom-engineered TPE for E-Mobility applications.

The established THERMOLAST, COPEC, HIPEX, and For Tec E product lines are processed by injection molding or extrusion and provide numerous advantages in processing and product design for manufacturers. KRAIBURG TPE features innovative capabilities as well as true global customer orientation, customized product solutions and reliable service. The company is certified to ISO 50001 at its headquarters in Germany and holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications at all global sites. In 2020, KRAIBURG TPE, with over 650 employees worldwide, generated sales of €184 million.

For more details: www.kraiburg-tpe.com/en/disclaimer

Kraiburg Tpe to launch new THERMOLAST H exclusively for Asia Pacific healthcare and medical device market

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October 7, 2021

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Kraiburg Tpe to launch new THERMOLAST H exclusively for Asia Pacific healthcare and medical device market

Kraiburg Tpe, has announced the launch of its new THERMOLAST H product line and the line’s first HC/AP series.

Designed exclusively for the Asia Pacific healthcare and medical device markets, the THERMOLAST H HC/AP series provides high-quality material solution, which complies with ISO 10993-5, GB/T 16886.5, and other relevant medical standards. THERMOLAST H is Kraiburg Tpe’s new product line designed particularly for Asia Pacific medical equipment manufacturers.

“THERMOLAST H combines the innovativeness of Kraiburg Tpe for material solutions with the highest production standards of our manufacturing plant in Asia,” emphasized Dr. Joachim Mühlmeyer, Director Asia Pacific.

“In this way, we particularly meet the requirements of our customers that focus on healthcare applications, technical support, and process advantages throughout Asia Pacific.”

The THERMOLAST H HC/AP series is available in the hardness range from 30 to 90 Shore A. It is free from PVC, latex, silicone, and animal ingredients. The series complies with ISO 10993-5, GB/T 16886.5, and other relevant medical standards. It also meets global food regulatory standards such as China GuoBiao (GB) GB4806, FDA-Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 21, and EU10/2011. Moreover, it complies with RoSH and REACH standards, and is sterilizable with autoclave 121°C, EtO.

The series’ excellent properties, including adhesion to PP, haptics, and compression set, make it suitable for applications such as closures, flexible connections, mouthpieces, seals, gaskets, medical tubing, and more; as well as for applications that require soft-touch quality, such as grips, switches, and mats. Additionally, these series compounds can be processed by injection molding and extrusion. Available in translucent colors, the TPEs allow for versatile pre-coloration options with Kraiburg Tpe’s in-house pre-coloration expertise.

“Customers are assured of the THERMOLAST H product value. We are confident of delivering material solutions that meet Asia Pacific’s medical standards – thanks to our dedicated market support and expert knowledge in TPE products,” explains Lee Jia Yin, Product Specialist.

The THERMOLAST H HC/AP series compounds will be manufactured at the Company’s highly automated production facility in Malaysia and using high-purity raw materials that are produced under strictly controlled production processes.

“Manufacturing THERMOLAST H, the exclusively designed TPE for the Asia Pacific medical device market requirements in Malaysia will benefit our Asian customers with a high-quality product with quick lead times, application and technical support as well as product customization,” explains Aditya Purandare, Project Manager Market Launch THERMOLAST Asia Pacific.

For more details: www.kraiburg-tpe.com/en/disclaimer

Covestro receives Iscc Plus certification for its Shanghai site

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October 7, 2021

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Covestro’s first ISCC Plus certified site in Asia Pacific

Drop-in solution for customers with constant product quality

First order to be delivered to electronics industry

Additional solar power secured for Shanghai site

Covestro has now received mass balancing certification according to Iscc Plus for its Shanghai site. This enables the company to offer its Asian customers large quantities of the high-performance plastic polycarbonate and the polyurethane raw material MDI from alternative sources.

Covestro has now received Iscc Plus mass balance certification for its site in Shanghai, known as Covestro Integrated Site of Shanghai (Ciss). This means the company can now offer its customers in the Asia Pacific region large volumes of the high-performance plastic polycarbonate as well as the polyurethane raw material methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), made from alternative raw materials in the same good quality as fossil-based counterparts.

Ciss, the company’s biggest site worldwide, is the first Covestro site in the Asia Pacific region to have received the Iscc Plus certification, following in the footsteps of the two European sites Antwerp in Belgium and Uerdingen, Germany, at the end of last year. In the meantime, two local trading entities, Covestro (Shanghai) Investment Co., Ltd. and Covestro (Hong Kong) Ltd., have also been Iscc Plus certified.

This means that certified mass-balanced products can now be delivered seamlessly from Covestro’s production and trading units to downstream industries. The company will start delivering the first order for certified mass-balanced polycarbonates of the Makrolon RE range to the electronics industry in September.

“It makes me proud that we’ve taken a big step forward towards our vision to be fully circular in order to meet the demand for more sustainable products,” says Sucheta Govil, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro. “With the mass balance certification, we are now able to directly support our customers in Asia Pacific to reduce carbon footprint with a drop-in solution that can be implemented in existing production processes without the need for technical modification.”

Mass balanced products from Covestro with attributed alternative content have significantly lower CO₂ footprint compared to fossil-based alternatives while enjoying the same good quality and properties. Mass-balanced Makrolon RE, for example, offers superior climate performance with up to 80 percent reduction in carbon footprint compared to standard virgin material already today. Covestro plans to make selected Makrolon RE polycarbonates climate neutral by the use of renewable energy at its European sites by the end of this year, to be followed by other regions.

Covestro is gradually converting to alternative raw material sources including renewables as part of a comprehensive program to drive forward the transition to a Circular Economy. The certification of the polycarbonate as well as the intermediate product MDI strengthens the use of alternative raw materials at Covestro. Polycarbonate is used in high-quality applications in the automotive and electronics industries, among others. MDI is used to produce rigid polyurethane foam, which has been providing efficient thermal insulation for refrigeration appliances and buildings for decades.

Iscc (“International Sustainability and Carbon Certification”) is an internationally recognized system for the sustainability certification of biomass and bioenergy. The standard applies to all stages of the value chain and is recognized worldwide.

For more details: www.iscc-system.org

First Post-Consumer Recycled Novodur Eco Specialty Abs Solutions

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October 7, 2021

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New solutions target applications in the automotive and household industries

Novodur ECO specialty ABS and Novodur ECO High Heat grades from mechanically recycled post-consumer waste.

INEOS Styrolution,styrenics supplier with a focus on styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS Standard and styrenic specialties. With world-class production facilities and more than 90 years of experience, INEOS Styrolution helps its customers succeed by offering solutions, designed to give them a competitive edge in their markets. At the same time, these innovative and sustainable best-in-class solutions help make the circular economy for styrenics a reality. The company provides styrenic applications for many everyday products across a broad range of industries, including automotive, electronics, household, construction, healthcare, packaging and toys/sports/leisure. In 2020, sales were at 4 billion euros. INEOS Styrolution employs approximately 3,600 people and operates 20 production sites in ten countries.

The new Novodur ECO solutions will contain up to 70 percent recycled material. The new Novodur ECO HH solutions will contain up to 40 percent recycled material. The new materials offer identical mechanical properties as their virgin equivalents making them drop-in solutions for application developers.

The new Novodur ECO HH solutions offer a balanced property profile making them sustainable options for automotive applications including center consoles, radiator grills or mirror housings.

These novel Novodur grades will be available in standard colours e.g. pure white, cream or traffic blue as well as customer specific colours. An option for self-colouring will also be offered.

Marcela Villegas, Director Commercial Product Management Specialties EMEA, comments: “We invite automotive and household application developers to explore the new grades. They tick all the boxes: High-quality material for high-quality applications, drop-in solution for easy processing and contribution to our customers’ sustainability goals.”

Nils Wittenberg, Technical Product Manager, Specialties EMEA, adds: “We are very excited to introduce our first recycled ABS Specialty grades – we have more in the pipeline. Our customers want to reduce their carbon footprint and we are happy to provide solutions which can be used without any change in the process or equipment.”

For more details: www.ineos-styrolution.com

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