News from the Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association

2007

Newsletter Contents 2007

April 2007 Page Vascutek presented with ‘Prince Philip Award’ at Buckingham Palace 2 Polymers in Electronics: Flexible Circuitry 3 SPRA meeting at Ineos Polyolefins: Products and Applications 4 Materials Knowledge Transfer Network 5 SPRA Dinner Dance 2007 6 Polymer Employer Network: Collaboration 7 Company News: Polaroid Eyewear; Polymerhouse.com 7 June 2007 Les Rose becomes new SPRA President 9 Presentation by David Russell: Thermoforming: T-Form and T-Sim 10 Polymer Employer Network: Innovation and Skills Development 11 SPRA Annual General Meeting 2007 12 New Legislation: REACH; WEEE 13 Training Day for professional registration in IOM

3 14

PVC Conundrum 14 September 2007 Hugh Smith retires from SPRA Council 15 Polymer Study Tour 2007: residential course for teachers 16 David Barlow, Lab 901, presentation on Polymers in Life Science 17 Happy Birthday Bakelite 18 Polymers in Malaysia: report on a visit by Colin Hindle 19 Pera becomes the latest SPRA Corporate Member 20 New Skills Director in Scotland for Cogent Sector Skills Council 20 Polymer Engineering Graduates from Napier University 20 December 2007 Ticona Roadshow: engineering thermoplastics and applications 22 Designing with Plastics: presentations by DDMS and fearsomEngine 23 SPRA meeting: Degradable Packaging 24 Classification of bioplastics 24 ‘Bio Batch’: degradable masterbatch from Begg & Co 24 Processing PLA at Polybags 25 K 2007: report by Colin Hindle on the International Plastics Fair 25 Polymer Employer Network: meeting on Knowledge Transfer 26 BPF Seminar in Edinburgh: PVC Sustainability 27 Re-launch of Chemical Sciences Scotland 27 Horners: Ralph Anderson Lecture: David Oxley and Colin Hindle 28 ‘Plasticity’: plastics exhibition in the Science Museum, London 29 SPRA and polymer companies feature in ,Enterprising Scotland’ magazine 29

News from the

Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association

April 2007

Features in this issue: Vascutek at the Palace Flexible Circuitry Polyolefins Materials KTN SPRA Dinner Dance Collaboration Company News

VASCUTEK AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

At a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 21 February, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh presented the Prince Philip Award (for polymers in the service of mankind) to Vascutek, a Terumo company based at Inchinnan and world leaders in the manufacture of vascular grafts, used by surgeons throughout the world. Tim Ashton, Research and Development Director, accepted the gold medal from the Duke of Edinburgh who showed great interest in the products and the company. He cross-examined the Vascutek team, which also included Craig Dunlop, Production and Development Manager, and Tadanori Okubo, Production Engineer, about the products, their manufacture and their

applications

l to r:

Craig Dunlop, Tim Ashton, Tadanori Okubo

Also present were Dr Richard Dolby, President of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), Dr Andrew Tinker and Jan Czerski, representing the Plastics and Rubber Division at IOM3, who decided on the winner, and Catherine Tuke (IOM3) who organised the event.

l to r: Charlie Geddes, Sheena Geddes (SPRA), Craig Dunlop, Tadanori Okubo, Tim Ashton (Vascutek),

Richard Dolby, Jan Czerski, Catherine Tuke, Andrew Tinker (IOM3) For full details of the Award

click here

Sheena and Charlie Geddes represented the SPRA Council, which had originally nominated Vascutek, an SPRA Corporate Member, for the award.

www.vascutek.com

Vascutek are no strangers to the Palace, having won 4 Queen's Awards for export and one for technological achievement. The company continues to innovate and in March it announced the acquisition of the tissue heart valve business of Kohler Medical Ltd for their latest product, Biovalsalva TM, a novel biological valve conduit for aortic root repair. SPRA members have the opportunity of finding out more about Vascutek at the meeting organised for later this year, which will incorporate a tour of the facilities at Inchinnan.

POLYMERS IN ELECTRONICS: FLEXIBLE CIRCUITRY

Mike Barker Reader in Polymer

Engineering Napier University

Ron Yeoman Project Manager

Flexible Technology Ltd

Flexible Technology Ltd produce flexible circuits as single sided, double sided and multilayer, with up to 32 layers with circuits at each level and interconnectivity through holes.

Ron then presented examples of applications of flexible circuits in aerospace, military and civil aircraft, missiles, automotive, telecommunications, cameras, sub-sea applications, radio frequency identification, washing machines, heaters, strain gauges and gas electron multipliers.

flexible coiled circuit

flexible heater circuits

strain gauge

At the February SPRA meeting at Napier University in Edinburgh Dr Mike Barker, Reader in Polymer Engineering, introduced Ron Yeoman, Projects Manager at Flexible Technology Ltd, based in Rothesay, who delivered, to a mixed audience drawn, from electronics companies, polymer companies, academics and students, a fascinating talk on Flexible Circuitry, concentrating on the polymeric materials used and covering many applications, from the mundane to the exotic. For many years the standard base film for flexible circuits has been polyimide (PI), which has good strength, electrical properties, heat resistance, chemical and radiation resistance but is expensive and has a problem with moisture absorption and permeability. Liquid crystalline polymers (LCP) have lower moisture absorption

than PI but are even more expensive.Polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), offer a cheaper alternative but PET has a higher coefficient of expansion than PI, poor heat resistance and low electric strength. PEN has excellent dimensional stability and better tear strength than PI but is also unsuitable at high temperatures, eg for soldering. Another film used in flexible circuitry is fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) which has excellent moisture, chemical, electrical and heat resistance. FEP is used mainly as a barrier or protective layer. In the manufacture of flexible circuits, polyethylene is used during press assembly stages because it conforms well under press conditions and prevents adhesive flow. Other polymers featuring in the manufacture of flexible circuits are adhesives, mainly epoxy, acrylic and polyimide. Conducting circuits are mainly copper but silver, aluminium, stainless steel and Inconnel are also used.

The main reasons for using flexible circuits in the applications illustrated are weight saving, space saving and connecting moving parts. In some cases the flexible circuit may be folded only on assembly but in others it had to cope with dynamic flexing. Ingenious use of coiled or spiral circuits offered considerable space saving compared to rigid circuit boards.

Question time centred on EMI shielding which could be difficult in flexible circuitry, hot bar soldering, soldering onto polyester and conductive adhesives.

keypad circuit

radio-freqency identification

Ron Yeoman

01592 720 016

ron@yeoman.me.uk

Flexible Technology Ltd

01700 504515

www.flexibletechnology.com

Napier University

School of Engineering and Built Environment

www.napier.ac.uk/sebe

Dr Mike Barker 0131 455 2234

m.barker@napier.ac.uk

POLYOLEFINS: PRODUCTION AND APPLICATIONS

At the April meeting in Grangemouth, hosted by Ineos Polyolefins, Graham Bonner introduced the evening with an overview of Ineos, the largest private company in the UK and the 3rd largest chemical company in the World, having grown rapidly since its inception in 1998 to 18 independent business units operating on 68 sites around the world and annual sales of $33 billion.

l to r: Graham Bonner, Helen Stewart, Alan Sorrie

Helen Stewart, Polyolefins Site Operations Manager,

covered the production of polyolefins at Grangemouth from the BXL low density polyethylene (LDPE) plant in the 1950s through the high density polyethylene (HDPE) plant in what was then BP Chemicals to the more recent introduction of polypropylene (PP). Today, under INEOS, two technologies are used, Innovene gas-phase fluidised bed reactor for HPDE and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and a continuous stirred tank slurry reactor for polypropylene and copolymers. The combined capacity at Grangemouth is of the order of 700,000 tonnes per annum, equivalent to around 25% of polyolefins processed in the UK. The feedstock for these plants comes mainly from gas and oil from the N Sea, which is cracked to produce ethylene, propylene and higher alpha-olefins.

Alan Sorrie (Technical Sector Leader) explained how, from the various olefin monomers, Ineos Polyolefins can produce a wide range of commercially useful grades to suit different applications, mainly through exploitation of copolymerisation and control of molecular weight, to influence properties such as strength, stiffness, toughness, optical properties and processability.

Polymer

LDPE LLDPE HDPE PP (homopolymer) PP (random copol) PP (block copolymer)

Material Characteristics Applications

Strengths Optical, Processing

Stiffness, Toughness Processing,Toughness

Stiffness Optical

Toughness

Weaknesses Stiffness, Toughness

Processing Stiffness, Optical

Optical, Toughness Stiffness

Optical, Stiffness

Primary Film Film

Blow Moulding Fibres, Film

Injection Moulding Injection Moulding

Secondary Coating

Film Pipe

Injection Moulding Blow Moulding

Compounds

HDPE blow moulded containers

Almost 50% of the HDPE ends up in blow moulded containers (mainly for milk) but HDPE is also used for pipe and injection mouldings. Polypropylene finds its way mainly into injection moulding (in automotive, closures, crates and domestic goods markets) but is also important for fibres, film and sheet. LLDPE is predominantly used in packaging film.

polypr opylene injection mouldings

Alan sees the immediate future in the UK as favourable with predicted growth rates of 2-3% pa although the UK will continue to be a net importer of polyolefins. Beyond 2009 it is expected that new plants in the Middle East will affect supply for commodity markets.

Ineos Polyolefins

01324 477814 graham.bonner@innovene.com www.ineos.com/con_pol.html

MATERIALS KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER NETWORK

The areas of strategic importance designated by the Network are:

Electronics and Photonics Information and Computer Technology (ICT) Bioscience and Healthcare Technologies Sustainable Production and Consumption Energy

On 21 February 2007, the Materials KTN and Scottish Enterprise arranged a networking event and exhibition in Glasgow to raise awareness of the DTI's Technology Strategy Board's priorities for Advanced Materials and to share examples of what the Materials Community is doing to accelerate innovation in the UK.

Dr Robert Quarshie, Materials KTN Operations Director, provided a general introduction to the Network which is a partnership between businesses, research and technology organisations, the design community and universities to provide UK manufacturing and other sectors of the economy with additional resources, as global markets become more competitive.

For additional information about the Materials KTN or to register to become a member of the KTN visit www.materialsktn.net.

Dr Mike Barker, SPRA Hon Treasurer

SPRA DINNER DANCE 2007

Back at the Glasgow Hilton after last year's event in Edinburgh, the annual SPRA Dinner Dance proved another successful social evening for the polymer community in Scotland and their guests from all over the UK. The traditional Scottish food, complete with piper and address to the haggis got the evening off to a great start.

l to r: David Eldridge, Joanna Woolf, Tony Woolf, Ralph McNeill, Christine McNeill, David Oxley, Ann Oxley

SPRA President Ralph McNeill's top table guests included David Oxley, currently Master of the Worshipful Company of Horners and a frequent visitor to Scotland for the Polymer Study Tours, Joanna Woolf, CEO of Cogent Sector Skills Council and David Eldridge, Editor of Plastics and Rubber Weekly. Ralph presented SPRA scholarships to Kimberly Duncan for her academic performance on the BDes Hons Consumer Product Design programme and Andrew Fallow, BSc Hons Product Design Engineering. After dinner entertainment was provided by Stewart Coull and his humorous observations of life in Glasgow and Ireland.

Ralph Mcneill presentoing SPRA scholarships to Kimberly Duncan (left)

and Andrew Fallow (above)

The Materials KTN incorporates several Faraday Partnerships including Faraday Plastics and Faraday Packaging as well as the National Composites Network (NCN); Smart Materials, Surfaces and Structures. Delegates were given two case studies, the first on Innovation in Woven Textiles and the second on Printing Innovations for Packaging. Delegates were then divided into two groups to consider Innovating with Polymers and Developments in Tribology.

One of the most interesting presentations of the day was given by Professor Patrick Grant of the University of Oxford who discussed the increasing use of composites in the Aerospace Industry - for example 50% of the unladen weight of the new Boeing 787 will be glass- or carbon-fibre reinforced plastics. The latest developments in the recovery and recycling of composites at the end of an aircraft's life were also presented.

A workshop on designing for sustainability followed concentrating on the opportunities arising in the packaging industry from "container light-weighting" The day finished with presentations on the funding opportunities available through the EC Framework 7 and DTI's Technology programme.

The event, which was well attended with more than 80 delegates, clearly achieved its aims to provide more information on the DTI's Technology Strategy; to provide a clear indication of the Government's priorities for R&D Investment in Advanced Materials; to facilitate networking and enable partners to be identified; and to show how companies can benefit from joining the Materials KTN.

The socialising, networking and revellery continued into the early hours. Next year, you can participate in this event to entertain customers or reward employees. Make your booking now.

COLLABORATION

At the Scottish Polymer Employer Network meeting in January, Prof Umit Bitici (Director of Centre for Strategic Manufacturing at the University of Strathclyde) explained the benefits of companies collaborating to meet the challenges of the 21st century. With high volume, low cost manufacture steadily moving out of Scotland to Low Cost Regions, the aim should be to move to low volume, high value manufacture within Scotland. The successful strategy will be competition between collaborations. For SMEs to remain competitive, they have to sharpen up their core competences and collaborate with other companies, pooling competences and offering a broader range of production resource.

Collaboration offers reduced costs, risks, time to market, delivery time, inventory and product failures

and increased market share, access to markets, asset utilization, customer service, quality of service or product, flexibility, responsiveness, skills & knowledge and critical mass.

70% of collaborations fail or are unsuccessful because there is a lack of understanding of each other's needs and because of cultural differences. A successful collaboration is an amalgam of strategic, cultural, commercial and operational synergies. If one fails then the collaboration fails. In approaching a potential collaboration it is important to undergo a detailed self-assessment to ensure that all factors are favourable. The assessment procedure results in a spider graph which identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the potential collaboration.

Trevor Turner (Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Strategic Manufacturing) described a successful collaboration in which a small packaging company in Glasgow, seeking to expand the business, formed a collaboration with a whisky supplier to provide a small scale bottling service. At the same time as installing an automated bottling facility the partners introduced lean manufacturing. The collaboration was successful because the partners had agreed common objectives and a mutual trust. Evaluation of an alternative collaboration with another company based on co-packaging immediately revealed that there would be a low chance of success because the potential collaborators had different views of the future.

Centre for Strategic Manufacture 0141 548 2015

t.turner@strath.ac.uk www.dmem.strath.ac.uk/CSM

COMPANY NEWS

POLAROID EYEWEAR

The eyewear division of Polaroid Corporation was acquired by StyleMark in March 2007. StyleMark is a leading sunglass company in the USA. The acquisition gives StyleMark global reach, including distribution in 67 countries and annual sales in excess of 50 million pairs of sunglasses.

Polaroid Eyewear

StyleMark

www.polaroideyewear.com

www.stylescience.com

POLYMERHOUSE.COM

A new Scottish company, PolymerHouse.com, now offers a no-frills approach by supplying polymers online. The materials are supplied in quantities as little as 100 kg from a modern racked warehouse to customers in the UK and across Europe. Experienced technical representatives are available to provide expert assistance and consultancy. Fergus Hardie, MD of Glasgow based Hardie Polymers and a well known figure in the polymer community in Scotland, is one of the Directors of the new company.

PolymerHouse.com www.polymerhouse.com

The acquisition includes the manufacturing, R&D, finance, human resources and supply chain activities located in the Vale of Leven 200,000 sq ft factory in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Polaroid, currently one of the leading sunglasses distributor in Europe, has been a strong eyewear brand since the 1960s. All 140 employees at Polaroid Eyewear in Vale of Leven will be retained Paul Sheerin, VP of Global Operations for Polaroid Eyewear, said "Our team has been proud to be a part of Polaroid and we look forward to a bright future with StyleMark here in Scotland. We look forward to research and development investment that will set our company apart as we develop the next generation of lenses.

News from the

Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association

June 2007

Features in this issue: New President Thermoforming: T-ForM, T-SIM Polymer Employer Network SPRA AGM 2007 Legislation: REACH, WEEE Institute Training Day PVC Conundrum

NEW PRESIDENT

Les Rose, SPRA President 2007

It is over 15 years since I was last Chairman of what was then the Scottish Section of the Plastics and Rubber Institute (PRI). In that time a lot has happened, we have become the Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association, an affiliated society to the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, and, through the dedicated work of the Council members and its leadership, a stronger voice for the polymer industry in Scotland.

My main aims for my two-year term of office are to ensure the Council continues:

to listen and respond to Members' wishes to develop partnerships with other organizations to further strengthen membership, including Corporate to ensure a technical and seminar programme that is topical and relevant to our members

At a time when the polymer industry is under pressure, it is important that the industry works and lobbies as one. I strongly urge you to support your Council as it strives on your behalf to keep and represent a strong polymer community in Scotland.

Les Rose, SPRA President

Les Rose, Managing Director of Impact Laboratories in Grangemouth, has had a long association with the SPRA and its predecessor the Plastics and Rubber Institute. As a polymer physicist with BP Chemicals he joined the Scottish Section of the PRI in 1984, quickly becoming a committee member and subsequently Chairman from 1989-91. In 1993 he became a founding member of the Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association and served as Honorary Secretary until 1997. As organiser of the successful SPRA Dinner Dance for 16 years he is well known to the polymer community in Scotland and beyond. In 2002 he set up Impact Laboratories as a spin off from BP Chemicals. Initially focusing on testing, the company has become increasingly recognised as a market leader in polymer consultancy with projects ranging from developing sustainability in packaging to the design and implementation of a polymer technology centre.

THERMOFORMING: T-ForM and T-SIM

At the April meeting in Napier University, Edinburgh, David Russell, (GM) of David Russell Associates, outlined the progress being made in T-ForM, a EU funded project to improve the competitiveness of the European thermoforming industry. The 36-month, €4.8 million project, started in September 2005, is under the Sixth Framework Programme aimed at achieving Community Social Objectives by reducing turnover in employment by adopting modern technologies. The project involves 28 partners in 8 countries, with each country supplying an SME, an Industry Association and a Research Organisation.

Thermoforming is still viewed as a craft industry where product and process development is largely on a trial and error basis and hence incurring unnecessary costs and extended lead times. Design guidelines are available for thermoforming but are not widely published or followed. As with injection moulding, computer based simulation of the process would offer cost reduction in tooling, and hence cheaper parts, and shorten lead times from conception to production. This would enable thermoformers in Europe to compete with low cost regions.

For product designers, thermoforming still offers manufacturing advantages. Tool costs are low, typically around £6k, lead times can be as short as 4-6 weeks and tools can be easily changed before or during production. Thermoforming is the most appropriate process for thin walled components (food packaging) and large area components (baths, fridge liners, doors). Colour changes are instantaneous and design improvements can be achieved quickly. The most attractive feature is the reduced financial risk.

The basic process involves heating thermoplastic sheet to its rubbery state, then creating 3-D shaping using formers and air pressure before cooling to the original state on the tool. Thermoformed components will inherently have variable wall thickness (of the order of 20% differential). Simulation will not only predict the resulting differential section thickness but will also explore how mould geometry and process variables (heat, pressure, time) can optimise material distribution and cost. Simulation can also predict webbing and shrinkage.

Predicted wall thickness distribution for different plug geometry

Uniform sheet heating

Wall thickness distribution of

forming

T-SIM, developed by the Czech company, Aciform, has been around for a number of years. Like injection moulding simulation, the accuracy of predictions is dependent on the accuracy of the materials data. Thermal properties (heat capacity and conductivity) and viscoelastic behaviour are obviously crucial data but the coefficient of friction, when hot sheet contacts the cooler tool, turns out to be an important property. By applying T-SIM, designers and thermoformers are more likely to get it right first time. The software was also designed to work out preprinted image design to produce the desired image on the thermoformed component.

Profiled sheet heating

Wall thickness distribution of

forming

T-ForM expands on T-SIM and will offer a complete package for thermoformers and designers.

A. Documented product design guidelines B. Process simulation to improve both product and tooling design C. Computer aided mould design D. Computer aided condition setting for the moulding machine.

David then gave a demonstration of the software being developed for the project and currently being tested to establish how well it will predict the manufacturing process.

The audience agreed that there was a step change in technology on offer to thermoformers and simulation progress could be faster than had been the case with injection moulding simulation.

David Russell

01506 854 986

drussell@rapra.net

T-ForM T-SIM

www.t-form.eu www.t-sim.com

POLYMER EMPLOYER NETWORK

1. INNOVATION

At the Scottish Polymer Employer Network meeting in Cumbernauld in May, a round-table discussion illustrated that companies are rising to the challenge of being innovative in order to remain competitive. In some cases the innovation took the form of major organisational change in the structure and aims of the company, such as the establishment of a new company selling polymer materials online. In other cases there were examples of bold technological innovation, moving companies away from their traditional core business. Some innovations revolved round process improvement, through implementation of lean manufacturing. One company reported a successful reorganisation of their process line, instigated by a drive to reduce the number of minor injuries. Another company had reduced costs of machinery replacement by reversing certain aspects of automation, resulting in a more flexible process line. Innovative retooling had allowed one company to retain business and compete with quotes from China. Some companies have sought new markets. In one case new business was being generated after collaborating with a major materials supplier on product development. Another has been collaborating with other companies in the area (but outside the polymer sector) by sharing training resources. Several companies had started to use placement students, graduate training schemes and undergraduate projects, thereby freeing up staff time and generating new ideas. All companies agreed that one common

feature of innovative initiatives was to keep staff informed and think through the consequences for employees.

2. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

The second topic at the Network meeting looked at skills development for the polymer sector.

A brief overview was given of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, which brings together, in one framework , qualifications from school, colleges, universities and vocational schemes, to readily compare the level and volume of learning associated with each qualification.

Liz Rooney, Cogent SSC, then gave a summary of the business plan for the National Skills Academy for the Process Industries, which attempts to create a virtual academy that will co-ordinate training providers so that employers can access appropriate training materials, programmes and qualifications for the chemicals and polymer sectors. This will allow employers to upgrade skills in the workforce and attract new entrants.

Discussions revealed that the Skills Academy will initially be concentrated on the Midlands and North of England although the intention is to roll this out to the rest of the UK by the end of 2009. However the Scottish Executive has indicated that it will not be following this model for individual sectors. Network companies were concerned that Scotland was being left behind. However polymer companies in Scotland have had a poor record over the last few years in taking advantage of the Polymer Modern Apprenticeship scheme organised by East Kilbride Group Training Association. This situation is no different from the UK polymer sector but in marked contrast to the oversubscribed application for General Engineering Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland. Companies were reminded that the skills development process is intended to be employer led and resources and infrastructure will be lost unless employers make their voice heard.

In a parallel process, talks have taken place between SPRA Council members and Polymer Training Ltd to look at how education and training providers can co-operate in making learning materials more accessible to companies and employees through a mix of delivery systems, flexible text based learning, e-learning, online learning and video conferencing.

Scottish Qualifications Authority Cogent SSC East Kilbride Group Training Association Polymer Training Ltd

www.sqa.org.uk www.cogent-ssc.com www.ekgta.com www.ptonline.org.uk

customer@sqa.org.uk liz.rooney@cogent-ssc.com info@ekgta.com general@ptonline.org

0845 279 1000 01925 515200 01355 229985 01952 587 020

SPRA AGM 2007

At the SPRA Annual General Meeting in April, President Ralph McNeill reported on the continued success of the SPRA technical programme, which had 7 meetings in 2006-07, and the SPRA Dinner Dance, which was back in Glasgow in 2007. In the last year the other significant events affecting SPRA have been the launch of the Knowledge Transfer Network for Materials and progress in skills development under the Cogent umbrella, particularly proposals for a National Skills Academy for the chemicals and polymer sectors.

Mike Barker (Hon Treasurer) showed that SPRA finances were sound and reported a small operating surplus for 2006. Colin Hindle (Education Officer) confirmed the SPRA's commitment to continued support for teaching of polymers in schools through sponsorship of 2 teachers on the Polymer Study Tour. He also confirmed that polymer engineering programmes at Napier University were now accredited for full professional status (CEng and IEng). Although there has been a drop in membership numbers in 2006, the interests of members (both Individual and Corporate) have been well served through links with other bodies, including the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and the British Plastics Federation. The Polymer Employer Network met 3 times in the last year, to discuss topics such as skills development, manufacturing

in low cost regions and collaboration.

Les Rose (Impact Laboratories), a founder member of the SPRA and a previous Chairman of the Scottish Section of the Plastics and Rubber Institute, was elected as President for 2007-08. Fergus Hardie was welcomed back to the Council after an absence of 6 years.

LEGISLATION: REACH; WEEE

REACH

June 2007 sees the enforcement of REACH legislation, which is designed to streamline and improve legislation on chemicals in the EU for the protection of human health and the environment, as well as enhancing the competitiveness of the European chemical sector. The REACH Regulation shifts the burden from the authorities to industry, which will now have to demonstrate that a substance can be used safely for a specific use. Manufacturers, importers, and, for the

first time, downstream users, will have to provide information to enable the end user to manage the risk.

The structure of the legislation is Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemical substances. Manufacturers and importers using more than 1 tonne per year of a particular substance will be required to undergo registration and obtain information on the properties. For larger quantities ( > 100 tonnes per year) companies will undergo evaluation, to assess testing and compliance. For certain chemicals, "of very high concern", companies will apply for authorisation

to demonstrate that risks are controlled and are investigating safer alternatives.

The complex regulations, which replace 40 other pieces of legislation, will have a timetable of implementation over the next 11 years, during which manufacturers, importers and downstream users can understand and comply with their responsibilities. It is understood that polymers (including stabilisers will be exempt but other additives can fall under the legislation. Downstream users, eg plastics and rubber converters, do not have registration obligations but they need to inform their suppliers of potential uses of their products and exposure scenarios for inclusion in the chemical safety assessments. Recycling is specifically exempt.

Companies can check out their obligations under the REACH legislation on the HSE Help Desk

0845 408 9575 ukreachca@hse.gsi.gov.uk

or on various websites

www.hse.gov.uk/reach/

ec.europa.eu/echa/home_en.html

ecb.jrc.it/REACH/

Health and Safety Executive

European Chemicals Agency

European Chemical Bureau

A seminar is being organized by the DTI in the Stirling area, probably in October.

WEEE

July 2007 sees another UK milestone in the implementation of the legislation for Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE). From 01 July 2007, any business that manufactures, brands or imports electrical and electronic equipment (including distributors and retailers) is responsible for the cost of collection, treatment and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Businesses are encouraged to maximise refurbishment and remarketing as well as recycling individual materials from this waste stream, which is estimated to be over 2 million tonnes per year in the UK. Commentators estimate that compliance to the legislation, which covers equipment purchased after August 2005, will cost UK companies around £455 million per year. Some consider that the UK recycling target (4 kg per person per year)

is too lenient compared with other countries (Sweden's target is 14 kg).

Producers should already have joined an approved producer compliance scheme and have ensured that products are correctly marked with a date mark, a producer identification mark and the crossed out wheeled bin symbol.

For more information on WEEE legislation click here

For Government Guidance notes on WEEE click here

INSTITUTE TRAINING DAY

Several SPRA members, along with members of the Scottish Association of Metals and the Mining Institute of Scotland, participated in a training day, held in Napier University, Edinburgh and organised by the Membership Departement of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). The purpose of the event was to prepare professional members of the Institute as mentors, scrutineers and interviewers in the process of professional registration (IEng, CEng, EngTech, CSci) under the Engineering Council regulations. Thanks are due to Adele Wilbraham for running the event smoothly and competently and for Napier University for hosting the day.

Napier University, Edinburgh

Any SPRA members wishing to become IOM3 affiliate members or professional members or upgrade their professional status, should contact Charlie Geddes in the first instance:c.geddes@blueyonder.co.uk

PVC CONUNDRUM

Greenpeace website 2007

"PVC is the most harmful plastic to the environment. …. From its manufacture to disposal PVC is one of the world's largest sources of dioxins, the most toxic chemicals ever released into the environment"

"There is no correlation between the presence of PVC wastes and dioxin emissions in more than 1,900 incineration tests conducted at solid and hazardous waste

facilities around the world."

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 1995

Environmental Agency Report, 7 June 2007

"Concentrations of dioxins in soil and grass in the UK have fallen by 70% since the late 1980s"

Usage of PVC has increased by 100% since 1987

Will Greenpeace achieve its aim of phasing out PVC?

News from the

Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association

September 2007

Features in this issue: Happy Retirement Polymer Study Tour 2007 Polymers in Life Sciences Happy Birthday Bakelite Polymers in Malaysia Corporate Member Cogent Skills Director Polymer Engineering Graduates

HAPPY RETIREMENT

Hugh Smith, MBE SPRA President 2000-2003

SPRA Council Member 1999-2007

In 1991 Hugh was awarded the MBE for his contribution to industry and commerce and in 2003 he received the first SPRA Fellowship in recognition of his services to the plastics industry in Scotland. His quiet humour and courteous treatment of everyone has made him a popular figure in the polymer and business community and his energy and commitment belies his 79 years. His ambassadorial role in organisations such as the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, Faraday Plastics Partnership and Cogent SSC has ensured that the role of the SPRA and the interests of the polymer sector in Scotland have not been ignored. The SPRA Council will miss Hugh's committee skills and drive but will continue to keep in contact with him for his advice and wise counsel from the Western Isles. We wish Hugh and Chirsty many more years of (semi) retirement.

After his move to the Isle of Lewis last year, Hugh Smith has found that he has been unable to attend as many SPRA Council meetings and SPRA activities as he would have liked and consequently has tendered his resignation from Council. This brings to an end 8 years of dedicated commitment to the SPRA Council. His ambitious objectives for the SPRA, set during his Presidency (2000 - 2003), have borne fruit and the SPRA has become the voice of the polymer sector in Scotland, thanks to his vision, hard work and attention to detail.

Hugh's involvement with the plastics industry already spans 60 years, having started as a toolmaker with Daniel Montgomery in 1947 after completing his apprenticeship as an engineering draughtsman. In 1956 he established the Plastics Division of Daniel Montgomery (now Guala Closures) in Kirkintilloch. Following the takeover of ACW he transferred the operations to Aberdeen in 1964. Ten years later Hugh founded Albyn of Stonehaven, specialising in injection moulding of healthcare and beauty products. In 1998 Hugh "retired" as Managing Director, handing the reins over to his son, Donald, but continued to contribute as Vice-Chairman. Hugh foresaw the clouds on the horizon for the injection moulding sector, in the form of competition from low cost economies and reverse auctions on the internet, and Albyn made the decision to wind up their moulding operations and, concentrating on their strengths of product design and good customer relations with the retail sector, the company was re-invented as one which specialises in bringing new products to market.

POLYMER STUDY TOUR 2007 The annual 4-day residential course for teachers of science, technology and design was once again voted a great success by participants from all over the UK. Colin Hindle and his team at Napier University, augmented by guest speakers and SPRA members, ensured that every minute of the tight schedule was utilised to enhance the teachers' knowledge of the science and technology of polymers and the career opportunities in the plastics and rubber industries.

Colin Hindle (right) instructing teachers

on injection moulding

Charlie Geddes (right) demonstrating

rubber mixing using a 2-roll mill

The course is built round a series of lectures and practical, hands-on sessions, in which teachers experience polymeric materials, processing techniques, environmental issues, mechanical and physical testing and plastics identification. Always popular with the teachers are visits to local industries, VitaSheet Group, SCA Tuscarora and Bausch & Lomb.

Identification of plastics

Dougie Materton (VitaSheet Group) explaining

the operation of a sheet extrusion line

The rocket car race, based on vehicles constructed by the teachers from a coke bottle, vacuum formed chassis and injection moulded wheels was surrounded by the usual competitiveness and controversy.

Colin Hindle (right) presenting the prize to

the winners of the Rocket Car Race

The Course Dinner allowed a brief period of relaxation, while hearing about the history of the main sponsors, The Worshipful Company of Horners, from chief guest David Oxley, who is not only Master of the Horners this year but has also been heavily involved in the Polymer Study Tours over the years. As a new Liveryman, Colin Hindle had to be on his best behaviour in the presence of his Master.

Colin Hindle presenting David Oxley with a silver quaich and its contents

SPRA again sponsored two teachers, Mr John Malakoty, Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh and Ms Donna-Marie Gilmore, Peterhead Academy. Sponsorship is one of the most cost effective ways of building relationships with local schools and improving the image of the polymer industries. For £750 any company can sponsor a teacher in 2008. Is that too much to ask or is it easier just to moan that schools don't understand the polymer industry?

For further details of enrolling on Polymer Study Tour 2007 or sponsoring a teacher

contact Colin Hindle 0131 455 2622

C.Hindle@napier.ac.uk

POLYMERS IN LIFE SCIENCES

At the June meeting at Napier University, David Barlow, SPRA Council Member and R&D Engineer at Lab901 in Loanhead, described to an audience of SPRA members and teachers on the Polymer Study Tour, the diverse applications of polymers in the field of Life Sciences.

pipettes and tips

microtitre plates

For some time polymers have been replacing glass in the laboratory, such as pipettes, microtitre plates and slab gel tanks, but plastics are essential components in some of the exciting developments in automated diagnostic techniques such as DNA analysis.

Pipettes have been moulded from polypropylene (PP) and ABS, while the inert nature of PP suits disposable pipette tips, millions of which are used daily. Microtitre plates have been moulded in acrylics, polystyrenes, PP and 'Topas' COC, the latter having good transparency in the near uv. Slab gel tanks are mostly acrylic or polystyrene. Tissue culture plates for electrophoresis have coatings from poly-l-lysine, while polyacrylamide gels have replaced gels made from seaweed. Plastics micromoulding techniques are being used to produce microfluidic devices.

slab gel tanks

Using extrusion, high pressure forming, conductive printing and lamination techniques, Lab901 has developed ScreenTape, a credit card sized, 8 channel device, complete with reagents and electrodes, as part of a system for simple, fast and reliable DNA electrophoresis for samples as small as 1 microlitre. Analysis in the accompanying instrumentation takes less than a minute and the whole test takes less than 10 minutes.

David Barlow dbarlow@lab901.com

www.lab901.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAKELITE

On 14 July 1907, Leo Baekeland, a Belgian chemist working in the USA, filed his famous patent (AP 942699) for phenol-formaldehyde condensate, later termed Bakelite, and thereby changed the face of the plastics industry by the introduction of the first wholly synthetic plastic material. Until then the embryonic plastics industry had switched from natural materials such as horn and shellac to modified natural polymers - cellulose nitrate (Parkesine, Xylonite, Celluloid), cellulose acetate and casein.

After the discovery of formaldehyde by Bayer in 1868 and its industrial scale production in 1899, it was only a matter of time before he and other chemists explored the reaction of formaldehyde with phenol, at that time becoming readily available from coal tar distillation. Most chemists were fascinated by the insoluble, infusible product but none could produce a useful manufacturing material, despite several patents being granted, including Smith (1899) and Blumer (1902). Baekeland's aim was to control the chemistry to make a feasible manufacturing process. His first breakthrough was to use a combination of heat and pressure to speed up the reaction and contain the gaseous reaction products. By compounding the phenolic resins with asbestos and wood fibres he produced moulding materials with excellent heat, chemical and electrical resistance and reasonable mechanical properties. Unfortunately phenolic resins have a pale brown colour and colour variations were limited to dark reds, greens and browns or the ubiquitous black.

Baekeland first announced his new materials to a meeting of the American Chemical Society in July 1909 and his patent was granted in December 1909. In the next few years he filed over 400 patents but his first two were the most important.

Using an excess of formaldehyde, Baekeland produced soluble intermediate resins that came to be known as Resol resins which subsequently required only heat and pressure to complete the crosslinking (cure). Resol resins found applications as casting materials, lacquers and paper and textile laminates which later formed the basis for Formica. Novolac resins were produced using excess phenol and these were compounded with fillers, colourants and a crosslinking agent (hexamethylene tetramine) to produce moulding materials for compression moulding.

Sir James Swinburne

Apart from becoming an important material for the emerging Scottish moulding industry in the first half of the 20th century, Bakelite has one tenuous connection with Scotland. James Swinburne, who was born in Inverness but spent most of his career in engineering in Manchester, had also developed insulating lacquers from phenol - formaldehyde condensates. Sadly he applied for his patent one day later than Baekeland. However he did go on to develop Damard Lacquers (supposedly derived from 'damn hard') but fell foul of Baekeland's litigation zeal. The dispute was resolved by merging their companies into Bakelite Ltd and Swinburne remained as Chairman until 1948.

100 years after Baekeland's first patent, because of their good resistance to heat, solvents and electrical charge and low smoke when burnt, phenolic resins are still the material of choice for many applications (laminates, electrical components and insulating foam)

Plastics Historical Society

Bakelite Museum

Ghent Bakelite Museum

www.plastiquarian.com

www.bakelitemuseum.de

www.juliensart.be/bakeliet

POLYMERS IN MALAYSIA

In July, Colin Hindle (SPRA Education Officer and Lecturer in Polymer Engineering at Napier University) visited Terengganu Advanced Technical Institute (TATI) in Kemaman, a region in the state of Terengganu in Malaysia. TATI is a rapidly expanding institution which has recently achieved University College status and has an established specialism in Mould Design and Toolmaking. It provides a wide range of engineering and technology courses, currently up to Diploma level and is well placed to provide for the needs of the oil and gas and polymer producing industry centred around Kuantan and Kemaman on Malaysia's east coast.

Colin was there to monitor the progress of his PhD student Alias Mohd who is a lecturer at TATI and in 2005/6 spent the first year of his PhD studies at Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Alias' research project is investigating the influence of surface roughness on the filling and ejection of injection moulded thermoplastics. During his time in Edinburgh he carried out an extensive literature review and designed his own instrumented test tool using CAD and Moldflow software. He is producing this test mould at TATI and will run it on their 125 Tonne Engel with additional instrumentation and data acquisition.

Alias with his test mould

Petronas Twin Towers

in Kuala Lumpur

Petronas 'twin towers' in Kerteh

polyethylene production

TATI is very close to Kerteh which is known by the locals as the "city of a thousand lights" and as Colin drove past it before sunrise, on his way north to spend the weekend on Redang Island, he could understand why. This sprawling petrochemicals complex fills both sides of the main state highway on a scale that makes Grangemouth look rather small.

During his time at TATI Colin also visited polymer companies in the area, including MTBE Polypropylene Malaysia, a subsidiary of the state owned Petronas (famous for their twin-towers in Kuala Lumpur), to raise awareness of the research project at TATI and to muster support by way of material donation.

At MTBE PP Malaysia (l to r): Alias Mohd, Colin Hindle, Rusli Omar, Zainal Abidin, Mukhtar Malik

CORPORATE MEMBER

Sheena Geddes (SPRA Membership Secretary)

presenting the SPRA Corporate Member Certificate

to Andrew Jones (Pera)

At the June meeting SPRA Membership Secretary, Sheena Geddes, presented the Corporate Member Certificate to Andrew Jones of Pera, the latest SPRA

Corporate Member.

Pera is an international network of technology development and industry support centres that helps firms to develop innovative new products, improve business performance and enhance management and leadership skills.

Although its HQ is in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Pera recently established a Scottish office at Strathclyde Business Park. Andrew Jones and Tony McKelvie are available to provide assistance to companies who wish to develop new products or manufacturing processes, often helping to secure public funding support, enabling Scottish firms to gain a commercial advantage over their global competitors.

01698 741 077 andrew.jones@pera.com www.pera.com

COGENT SKILLS DIRECTOR

Cogent Sector Skills Council has appointed Barry Neilson as Skills Director for Scotland and N Ireland, with responsibility for all industries in the Cogent footprint (oil & gas, petroleum, chemicals and nuclear, as well as polymers. Having previously been Director of the Chartered Institute of Building in Scotland and a civil engineer, he is well versed in the full spectrum of education and training, from school to professional level. He is looking forward to working with companies in the plastics and rubber sectors to establish their skills needs and help companies achieve their skills development plans for the workforce. To integrate more into the polymer community in Scotland Barry has become a member of the SPRA.

Barry Neilson 07825 547164 www.cogent-ssc.com

POLYMER ENGINEERING GRADUATES

Graduation at Napier University, Edinburgh on 12th July 2007 saw 11 Polymer Engineering students graduate with the ordinary degree. Although almost all of these students could have continued to the honours degree they chose to exit with the ordinary degree mainly for financial reasons. It's not easy being a student these days.

BEng Polymer Engineering graduates at Napier University raise a toast

Louis Bradier was the top student this year exiting with the ordinary degree. He had successfully carried out a challenging degree project to design and manufacture a "down hill skateboard wheel". This extreme sport seems to consist of dressing in motorcycle racing gear, standing on a skateboard at the top of a steep and winding road, and then letting gravity take over. The French Alps are his usual playground, however you may have met him practicing on Arthur's Seat.

The wheel he designed, and made at least 20 of, has a moulded glass reinforced thermoplastic hub with over-moulded polyurethane elastomer (PUR) tyre. At speeds of up to 80 mph you don't want the tyre to roll off, or the hub melt. Louis has produced a Powerpoint presentation of the project, which includes video of

him in action on his test runs back home in France.

Amazingly his friend videos the trials whist lying on a similar board (perhaps with slower wheels). You can download the presentation, including video clips, from: http://dl.free.fr/yNJZU6Es/presentation.rar

Napier University would like to thank Bayer MaterialsScience for their assistance in providing the 2-part castable PUR used in the project.

Napier University

www.napier.ac.uk

For more details of the BEng Polymer Engineering Programme

Click here

News from the

Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association

December 2007

Features in this issue: Ticona Roadshow Designing with Plastics Degradable Packaging K 2007 Knowledge Transfer PVC Sustainability Chemical Sciences Scotland

Ralph Anderson Lecture Plastics Exhibition Enterprising Scotland

TICONA ROADSHOW

Jamie Wordie (MD Ticona UK)

with Shaun Gurteen

With a completely new programme, the Ticona UK team, Jamie Wordie, Shaun Gurteen, David Almond and Peter Burke, packed an impressive amount of information (and entertainment) into the Ticona Roadshow at the

Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld on 20 September 2007.

Each family of the extensive Ticona portfolio of engineering thermoplastics was singled out at one point, with details of their properties and examples of their applications. New additions to the range included medical grades of Celanex (thermoplastic polyester), Riteflex (thermoplastic polyester elastomers), Fortron (polyphenylene sulphide), Vectra (liquid crystalline polymer) and GUR (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene), all with additives of purely vegetable origin. Also new to the materials on offer are non-halogenated fire retardant grades of Celanex, Impet (polyethyleneterephthalate) and Riteflex.

Car seat backs in Compel,

long fibre thermoplastic

Baking tins in Vectra

Needleless syringe in

Hostaform (POM)

Numerous case studies were used to illustrate materials selection techniques for markets as diverse as automotive (front end, seat back and switches), electronics (connectors, keypads and DVD lens holder), and medical devices (needleless syringes, rotary infusion pump, surgical instruments and hearing aids). Audience participation involved not just the usual questions and discussions but also a design exercise and a quiz, both with prizes. Delegates also continued networking during the meal that followed.

Cyclix surgical instruments for

minimal invasion surgery, winner of the 2006 Horners

Award for plastics; components in Vectra, Fortron and Celanex

Photographs courtesy of

Ticona UK

Rotary infusion pump in

inkection mouldable GUR (UHMWPE)

www.ticona.co.uk

DESIGNING WITH PLASTICS In the first presentation at the October meeting, Alan Shepherd and Ross Richardson described a recent design project undertaken by Discovery Design and Management Services in Dundee. The aim of the project was to design a device that could be incorporated into existing products to exploit the rapidly emerging Near Field Communication (NFC) and be able to demonstrate to potential customers within 5 weeks. Soon it will be possible to use mobile phones and similar electronic devices to carry out a range of self-service functions in banking, airport check-in, hotel services, vending machines and retail purchasing. By holding a mobile phone close to the NFC reader, transactions become more secure than other methods of making payment and transferring information.

Alan Shepherd (MD of DDMS) (left) and Ross Richardson (Consultant Designer)

The first problem was to design a form that would be instantly recognised and would have the aesthetics to fit into existing products. The elliptical lens shape with a distinctive colour can been retrofitted to ATMs, retail consoles and security barriers. The project was accelerated by using 3D renderings and models produced by rapid prototyping (SLS in polycarbonate and CNC machining) so that customers could assess the final design.

NFC reader lens

Gate turnstyle with NCR reader fitted

Right: ATM with reader fitted

01382 465 130

discovermore@ddmservices.co.uk

www.ddmservices.co.uk

Alan Suttie

(MD of fearsomEngine)

Alan Suttie and Geoff Jones from fearsomEngine, a design consultancy in Glasgow, outlined a range of projects to illustrate the key features of designing with plastics.

The first, a packaging solution to increase sales of Rawlplug products, made innovative use of the blow moulding process in a reusable container, shaped to mimic the product and colour coded to indicate the type. The first model was constructed from two drinks bottles.

Left to right:

foam model, GRP prototype. production rotomoulding

The second brief was to design a 'something' that would provide a unique and contemporary display solution for exhibitions. The multi-functional display pods would have to be modular, stackable, and able to be illuminated. Because of the physical size the usual CAD rendering stage was bypassed and initial models were sculpted from polyurethane foam. For working prototypes glass reinforced plastics mouldings were selected. The final production method was rotational moulding, after working back to CAD for the tooling.

Assembled display pods

Alan Suttie (right) discussing the

display pods with Design and Technology teachers from

Beeslack High School, Penicuik

For both projects Alan emphasised the importance in the design process of observing users and the reminder that it is the user who ultimately decides what is quality and value in the product.

0141 564 3530

alan@fearsomengine.com

www.fearsomengine.com

DEGRADABLE PACKAGING

After decades of continual improvement in the stability of plastics through developments in polymerisation, heat stabilisers and antioxidants, there is now a groundswell of interest in making plastics less stable to the extent of being totally degradable. The November meeting was designed to explore the complexities of degradable packaging.

Colin Hindle (Napier University) set the scene for the evening by classifying the categories of bioplastics either according to the source (renewable resources) or to the functionality (biodegradable or compostable). Biodegradation of plastics involves conversion to water, carbon dioxide, methane and new cell biomass from the action of microorganisms. In accordance with European Standard EN 13432, plastics labelled compostable have to biodegrade at a specified rate in composting facilities and leave no toxic residues. Oxo-biodegradation is a two-step process in which the polymer molecular weight is first drastically reduced by a prodegradant additive under the action of heat or light, followed by micro-organism attack under favourable conditions to complete the total degradation. At present oxo-biodegradable materials do not conform to EN13432. Whereas traditional plastics can be stable for decades, biodegradable plastics are designed to break down in a matter of

weeks under the right conditions of temperature, humidity and microorganism environment.

Darren Wadsworth (Technical Manager of Begg & Co Thermoplastics) started his presentation by pointing out that biodegradable plastics from renewable resources cannot be recycled with conventional plastics, effectively making them suitable only for single use items. Also the total energy consumed in producing bioplastics is considerably greater than for conventional plastics made from oil. Both points are contrary to the expectations of environmentalists. An alternative solution is provided by Bio Batch, a masterbatch containing amino acids and proteins, that can be added to thermoplastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and PET, to make them susceptible to biodegradation when placed in a community of micro-organisms, as in soil or landfill. Under normal conditions (storage, office, home) there is no deterioration and the plastics retain their properties. Bio Batch can be used in conventional conversion processes and find applications in packaging, automotive and pharmaceutical markets. Unlike oxo-degradable masterbatches, Bio Batch does not need the prior action of heat or light to stimulate the biodegradation process. Bio Batch is available through Hardie Polymers.

Darren Wadsworth (Technical Manager of

Begg & Co Thermoplastics) (left) and Fergus Hardie (MD of Hardie Polymers)

In the absence of Manthan Fadia (Polybags), who unfortunately was unable to attend due to family commitments, Colin HIndle stepped in to give Manthan's presentation, having been his tutor at Napier University and being familiar with Manthan's work at Polybags. Polybags had been exploring the processing of biodegradable plastics using a conventional blown film extrusion line. Initial trials using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) had failed because the film was too brittle. Starch/PLA blends had poor hot melt strength and was too moisture sensitive. Incorporation of an oxo-degradable masterbatch into polyethylene encountered no processing problems. The resulting bags were suitable for specified landfill and composting applications but could not be certified 'compostable'. PLA-copolyester blends also proved suitable for processing and were fully biodegradable.

The extensive discussion following the presentations touched on the high cost of bioplastics, the contribution that biodegradable plastics made to greenhouse gas emissions (particularly the methane generated under anaerobic conditions) and the danger they posed to plastics recycling. Designers are being pressurised by customers to produce packaging to make them 'appear green'. Biodegradation rates are always quoted from ideal test conditions but low temperatures and soil low in microorganisms could significantly extend the degradation times. Storage conditions can be critical for some versions. It would appear that the pressure from producers of bioplastics and from politicians will force the materials on the general packaging market and not just the niche markets of agricultural mulch, bags for composting and handling special types of waste.

www.hardiepolymers.com

0141 942 3330

sales@hardiepolymers.com

www.beggandco.com

www.polybags.co.uk

020 8575 8200

sales@polybags.co.uk

K 2007

It does not seem long since the last K show in 2004 but the mood of this, the latest International Plastics Fair, was very different. There was a definite buzz of excitement and real signs of wealth generation in our industry. Of course some of this was due to the enlarged stands of the big material suppliers who had clearly been making money, as well as new polymers, over the past 3 years. Polymers derived from bio-sources as well as biodegradable polymers feature more prominently than before but it was still the large and getting larger that dominated. Of particular Scottish interest, it was good to see Ineos participating fully, and the return of GEP now as Sabic Innovative Plastics was heartening. There were the now mandatory very large machines - Krauss-Maffei had the biggest, and the biggest queue, with a clamp force of 2300 Tonnes. There was no obvious revolution but evidence of evolution as hybrid machines sat alongside some very fast all-electric machines. The permutations and combinations seemed endless and new ideas were to be found in sometimes unusual places. Billion demonstrated a very interesting 2-shot machine moulding a vulcanisable rubber gasket onto a thermoplastic housing, with a little help from REP. Speaking to exhibitors they seemed very pleased with the show, and if numbers attending from the UK were down (as I suspected), then it seems that those with the money had come along to buy.

Completing the marathon of every aisle in all 18 halls was a tough assignment even with 3 days to do it in. Since the last show Messe Düsseldorf has not only added newer enlarged halls but also they have spread them further a field. My "no going back" strategy in the first 2 days gave me the opportunity to retrace my steps on the Sunday, re-visiting friends and stands where I had been unable to speak with the relevant subject specialist, before returning home.

The statistics for a K-show are always impressive, approximately 242,000 visitors from over 100 countries. That's about 11,000 more than at the previous event in 2004. This increase alone is surely equal to the combined attendance at Interplas 2005 (almost 8000) and PDM 2006. It was pleasing to see that the show had not been taken over by the Chinese and indeed the exhibitors from China were small in the scale of K. I must say wandering around the show the participation from Scotland seemed minute. Silberline and Impact Laboratories were possibly the only companies exhibiting, and although I met a significant number of my former students I met very few people from the Scottish plastics industry. One first however was that I met the parents of one of my current students. Mr & Mrs Kapadia were part of a large delegation from India. It was great to meet them before graduation and now that I have a direct line I have one student who will be working even harder.

Colin S. Hindle SPRA Education Officer

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

The theme of the Scottish Polymer Employer Network meeting in September at Napier University Edinburgh was how Knowledge Transfer can keep companies competitive. In a presentation prepared by Dr Iain McEwan, Business Development Manager at Napier University and delivered by his colleague, Dr Olga Kozlova, he outlined various initiatives that encourage companies to tap into the rich vein of expertise and resources in Scottish Universities. These included the Knowledge Transfer Partnership, SCORE, Innovation Funds, Smart Scotland, SCIS, R&D PLUS and R&D tax credits. To help companies access the knowledge base in Universities, a single organization, Interface, will match enquiries to specific staff/departments/institutions within the 28 Higher Education Institutes and Research Institutes in Scotland.

Dr Robert Quarshie,

Director of Materials KTN

In the second presentation, Dr Robert Quarshie described the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network, administered by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, and particularly one of its nodes, Polymer Innovation Network (formerly Faraday Plastics Partnership). PIN has a team of Technology Translators who will visit companies to discuss and advise on possible KT projects.

0131 651 4791

www.interface-online.org.uk

020 7451 7404

www.polymerinnovate.com

PVC SUSTAINABILITY

The BPF seminar on PVC Sustainability, held in the Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh in September, aimed mainly at the PVC-u window manufacturers, installers and local authorities, attracted 40 delegates. In response to attacks from environmentalists the European PVC industry has, through a voluntary initiative, Vinyl 2010, reduced energy consumption, hazards and CO2 emissions at the manufacturing stage, phased out cadmium stabilisers, evaluated perceived risks from plasticizers and dramatically increased recycling. In the window market PVC compares favourably with timber and aluminium in life cycle analyses. The seminar included presentations on energy efficiency ratings for windows, the relevant building regulations in Scotland and the repairability of cosmetic and structural damage.

Roger Morton, Commercial Director

of Axion Recycling who administer Recovinyl

Delegates were warned that blindly following the three pillars of sustainability (social, economic and environmental) in the window procurement process, without considering quality (of the product, the service and the installation) could lead to problems. Recovinyl, a voluntary initiative set up by the European PVC sector, has already resulted in a three-fold increase in PVC recycling between 2005 and 2007, with further increase anticipated.

www.bpf.co.uk

www.recovinyl.com

CHEMICAL SCIENCES SCOTLAND

In the splendid surroundings of the Royal College of Physisicans in Edinburgh on 31 October, Dr Sandy Dobbie (left), Chairman of Chemical Sciences Scotland, introduced the re-launch of the Chemicals Initiative under the new brand name by emphasising that chemical sciences are the foundation of modern life and the cornerstone of the Scottish industrial economy. The chemicals sector in Scotland contributes £3.5 billion to the economy annually and supports 70,000 highly paid jobs, with a Gross Vale Added figure of £76,500 per employee. Allied with excellent university resources, Chemical Sciences Scotland is punching above its weight.

Chemical Sciences Scotland aims to:

(i) keep improving what it has; (ii) develop new business; (iii) attract new investment

The industry-led 10 point plan will be handled by 5 Topic Groups (Innovation, Sustainability, Skills, Reputation and Investment), involving over 80 people drawn from industry, professional and trade associations, academia and public

bodies, supported by Scottish Enterprise's Chemicals Team, led by Caroline Strain.

Jack Perry, CEO of Scottish Enterprise, sees Chemical Sciences Scotland as a great example of how Scottish Enterprise can work with a key industry sector to make a difference. The long-term success of this initiative will depend on collaboration between industry, academia and public bodies.

Jim Mather, Enterprise Minister in the Scottish Government, welcomed the formation of Chemical Sciences Scotland and applauded the collaboration and the work of the Topic Groups. He promised that the Scottish Government would work with Chemical Sciences Scotland to foster sustainable development and growth in this important sector.

In the keynote speech, Sir Tom McKillop, Group Chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland, formerly CEO of Astra-Zenica and a chemistry graduate of Glasgow University, suggested that the key challenge is the need for continuous innovation to add value. In recent years Europe's pre-eminence in research in chemical sciences has been eroded because of risk aversion and other factors that make it easier to do research in USA. Spending on R&D in Europe fell from 2.4% of GDP in 1982 to 1.9% in 2002, while in USA it increased from 2.4% to 2.8%. Government funding in the UK is now increasing but the industry contribution has decreased. To succeed, the chemicals sector has to have a strong supply of scientists and engineers, engage in more collaboration, have more large R&D intensive companies, ensure a higher success rate in start-up companies, increase the co-operation between universities and SMEs and foster clusters at a local level. Talent has to be nurtured (train and retain), funding has to be provided (eg tax credits), there has to be a co-operative environment, obstacles have to be removed (deregulation) and incentives provided to reward responsive markets.

For more details of Chemical Sciences Scotland please click here

RALPH ANDERSON LECTURE

The 10th Ralph Anderson Memorial Lecture, organised by the Worshipful Company of Horners had an extra interest this year in that it was delivered, perhaps for the first time, by the current Master of the Horners. For the 2007 lecture, in University College, London and delivered to over 180 guests drawn from industry and other London Guilds, David Oxley chose as his theme Plastics in the Teaching of Science, in which he covered early natural plastics such as horn through the exciting developments of the 20th century up to current issues such as recycling.

He was ably assisted by SPRA Education Officer, Colin Hindle, himself a Liveryman, who helped David display a vast array of plastics products, including the latest award winning products from the Horners Design competitions and demonstrated how to produce polyurethane foam.

David Oxley (left),

Master of the Worshipful Company of Horners,

with Jamie Wordie, MD of Ticona UK

Liveryman Colin Hindle

(left) and Georgina Scott (Court Assistant

and the Honorary Keeper of Horn), setting

up the display

www.horners.org.uk

PLASTICS EXHIBITION

The Science Museum in London has a special exhibition to celebrate 100 years of plastics. The exhibits trace the development of plastics from Bakelite mouldings through the introduction of numerous thermoplastics and associated processes to some 21st century eye-catching applications of plastics, from the macabre phenolic coffin to an original mould for the iconic Tupperware, a chandelier constructed from Bic biro pen barrels and a Toyota concept car. The exhibition has numerous interactive screens to learn more about the chemistry of polymerisation, properties of plastics and the complexities of recycling.

SPRA Hon Secretary, Charlie Geddes,

is reassured that his plastics experience is only half of the 100 years

original one-cavity mould

for Tupperware

www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Classic Bakelite mouldings

Toyota concept car

For details of the Plasticity exhibition click here

ENTERPRISING SCOTLAND

The plastics and rubber sector in Scotland was the subject of a special feature in the Winter 2007 edition of the quarterly magazine Enterprising Scotland. Apart from articles on the Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association and an article on polymer education in Scotland, there were items on several companies including SPRA Corporate Members, Carclo Technical Plastics, Vitasheet Group and Arburg.

Enterprising Scotland is Scotland's leading quarterly business Magazine for the commercial and industrial sector and works closely with Scottish Enterprise to promote the key sectors of Scottish industry and commerce throughout Scotland, the UK and worldwide. With a circulation of almost 20,000 it reaches the main decision makers in 14,000 companies in Scotland and others in the rest of the UK and round the world.

Click here for

more information on Enterprising Scotland

Download pages from Enterprising Scotland by clicking on the page details

Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association

Education and Training

Carclo Technical Plastics

VitasheetGroup

McLaren Plastics / Arburg

Impact Laboratories

Cademuir Toolmaking/ Arburg

Jet Engineering Plastics

Thredgards

page 126 ... page 127

page 128

page 131

page 136... page 137

page 132

page 133

page 135

page 129 ... page 130

page 134