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1 An Overview of VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 4 | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 4 | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018 · information most importantly, to represent Pakistan as specialized media at the global events like Chinaplas, Arabplast and K-Show

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p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o m

An Overview of

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 4 | OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2018

p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o m

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TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

SERVO GEAR OILSSUITABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING GEAR SYSTEMS:

HIGHLY LOADED GEAR SYSTEMS.

HIGHLY LOADED WORM DRIVES.

ENCLOSED INDUSTRIAL GEAR-BOXES USING STEEL SPUR AND HELICAL GEARS.

LUBRICATION OF BEARINGS & OTHER COMPONENTS IN CIRCULATING AND SPLASH-LUBRICSPLASH-LUBRICATED SYSTEMS.

PRODUCTS SERVO GEAR OIL - 68 SERVO GEAR OIL - 100 SERVO GEAR OIL - 150 SERVO GEAR OIL - 220 SERVO GEAR OIL - 320

FOR INDUSTIRAL SALES PLEASE CONTACT:

Engr. Kamran Bashir Cell #: 0300-8736352e-mail: [email protected]

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p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o m

Dear Readers,On behalf of Thesis Publishing Karachi, I am pleased to present the 25th Edition of Polymer & Packaging International Magazine to you. It is been an eventful journey from the very beginning. Our basic aim was to provide update information about developments and happenings in the plastics packaging industry on global level, facilitate local industry to promote their products and services using Polymer & Packaging print and web services, develop close coordination with international trade bodies and exchange information most importantly, to represent Pakistan as specialized media at the global events like Chinaplas, Arabplast and K-Show. I am glad to state that Polymer & Packaging has successfully pursued these tasks. The 25th Edition of Polymer & Packaging is a colourful mix of articles, news, events and information. As promised, we are publishing the 2nd installment of Exxon Mobil interview with Mr. Olivier Lorge who is the Global Marketing Manager of Exxon’s Polyethylene Business. Olivier talked about how Exxon’s PE brands EXCEED, ENABLE & EXCEED XP are helping manufacturers worldwide to down gauge packaging with optimized strength and high rate of recyclability and how they are effective in lightweighting of automotive products. Then we have comprehensive show overview of Chinaplas 2019, post show reports of Sinopack 2019 and Food Technology Asia which took place at Karachi. We have also published pre show report Plasti&Pack Pakistan which is going to take place from 27th to 29th August 2019 at Karachi Expo Centre. We have included some very useful articles on emerging technologies in tire manufacturing, bio based plastics and new developments in Pharmaceutical packaging in 2019. Mr. Nadeem Malik Chief Operating Officer of Syntronics Packaging also contributed his article on plastic waste for the first time.We wish our readers a very happy and peaceful EID UL FITR! Happy reading.

Our TeamFounding EditorS.H. Rizvi (Late)

Editor in ChiefSyed Danyal [email protected]

EditorRizwan [email protected]

Sr. Executive - Sales & Marketing M. Eijaz Uddin [email protected]

Layout & VisualizationRehan A HashmiS.M.BABAR

Published by:Thesis Publishing (Pvt) Ltd.

Address:Room # 311, 3rd Floor, Business CentreMumtaz Hassan Road, Karachi 74000, PakistanPhone: +92-21-3246-1722Website: www.thesis.com.pk

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Enclosed please find a crossed cheque (for Karachi) or pay order DD (outside Karachi) payable to Thesis Publishing (Pvt) Ltd.

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p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o m

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CONTENT

SNo. Page No.News & Views

1 Editorial 3

6 BOBST Road Show 18

2 Bare Essentials 5

7 Saudi Plastics and Petrochemicals 2019 17

3 News 6

8 Event Calendar 24

4 Interview: Ms. Gertrud Masure - ExxonMobil 10

9 Interview: Farid Ahmed Vawda - FAV 26

5 ArabPlast 2019 12

10 14

17

HIGHLIGHTS on inside pages . . .

www.polymerandpackaging.com www.facebook.com/PolymerPackIntl www.twitter.com/PolymerPackIntl

Previous Issue Coming Issue ENERGY INSIGHT Scan for Details

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p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o mBARE ESSENTIALS

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NEWS

Abu Dhabi, UAE - 22 April 2019: Borouge’s dedication to excellence and outstanding performance were recognised as it received the Gold category of the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Awards (SKEA) during a ceremony held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The Gold category of Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award granted to Borouge comes two years after the company had won the Gold category of the same highly-acclaimed Award in 2016.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT TO PURSUE EXCELLENCE

The Gold Award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, to Ahmed Omar Abdulla, CEO of Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge), during the ceremony which was attended by the senior executives of Borouge and its shareholders (ADNOC, Borealis), along with local dignitaries and representatives from the private and public sectors.

“It is a great honour to receive this Award which clearly embodies the hard work, dedication and remarkable performance of every employee at Borouge,” said Borouge’s CEO Ahmed

Bühler will create a Consumer Foods segment in January 2019 combining its chocolate, nuts, bakery and coffee business with Haas, which it acquired last year. Haas, based in Vienna, makes production systemsfor wafers, hard and soft cookies, ice cones, cakes, and bakery products. Bühler specializes in equipment for chocolate mass and end products and said it was the first time it had diversified into wafer and biscuit production.

With Haas bringing in wafer and biscuit production capability, Consumer Foods will operate as a newly created segment, equal to the

Omar Abdulla. “Having proudly received this prestigious Award twice under the Gold category strengthens our leading position as a major local producer of petrochemicals and a key player in the UAE’s economic development.”

The granting of the Gold category of Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Awards to Borouge comes as a result of long hours spent by a team of assessors from Award’s Higher Committee of industry experts who evaluated Borouge’s pursuit of excellence in terms of planning, on-site engagement and reporting.

“Winning the Gold category of the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Awards is not only attributed to Borouge’s commitment to excel in production, marketing, innovation and partnerships, it is also the great efforts that were put by Borouge’s employees across all regions to make this Gold Award possible,” said Wim Roels, CEO of Borouge Pte Ltd.

TWICE AWARDEE OF SKEA AND THE JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE CONTINUES

The level of assessment and expertise amongst the assessors makes it even more rewarding for Borouge as the feedback the company received in 2016 has been invaluable to drive their improvements and contribute to improve Borouge’s score.

Focused on Borouge’s four pillars of Performance, People, Profitability and Efficiency to ensure the company maintains its competitive edge, Borouge has launched several engaging initiatives that improve performance and serve as a catalyst for excellence throughout the organisation. Such initiatives include the Borouge Excellence Awards, Employee Engagement Programme, and Enterprise Mobility Management Services to name a few.

The Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Awards was launched by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI) in 1999 as a tool to drive continuous improvements in organisations across the region, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of the business sector in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Borouge Wins “Gold”a t She i k h K h al i f a E xc e l len c e Aw ar d s

existing Grains & Food and Advanced Materials businesses. This means Bühler will operate with three businesses (Grains & Food, Consumer Foods, and Advanced Materials) instead of two and the Consumer Foods segment will be led by Germar Wacker, CEO of Haas, who will also join Bühler’s Executive Board. “With this move, we can create significant value for our customers and position ourselves as a leader in the growing consumer foods market,” said Stefan Scheiber, CEO, Bühler.

He added the creation of the business segment is a milestone in the company’s 150-year history and in the past it has operated two businesses, Advanced Materials and Grains & Food. The Consumer Foods business will focus on technology to produce wafers, biscuits, baked goods, chocolate, pralines, filled products, nuts and coffee, among others.

The Haas Group employs 1,750 people and has factories in six countries.

William Reed Business Media

Bühler to Create Consumer Foods Segment in 2019

The international chemical industry makes an estimated $5.7 trillion contribution to global economic output - 7% of world GD - through direct, indirect and induced impacts, according to a new global industry economic impact analysis by Oxford Economics.

Directly, the chemical industry added $1.1 trillion to world GDP and employed 15 million people, making it the fifth-largest global manufacturing sector.

Companies in the chemical industry spent an estimated $3 trillion with their suppliers in 2017. This supply chain spending contributed an estimated $2.6 trillion to global GDP and supported 60 million jobs.

The global chemical industry invested an estimated $51 billion in research and development, supporting 1.7 million jobs and a further $92 billion in economic activity.

The recent Chem Show Business Outlook Survey distributed to professionals across the Chemical Process Industry (CPI), including chemical and processing manufacturers, equipment suppliers, engineers and plant managers, indicates growth in business prospects and sales throughout 2019. According to survey results, 76% of respondents expect to experience sales growth in the coming year, with 81% rating the 2019 business climate as good or excellent.

When asked to rate overall industry business prospects heading into 2019, 96% of respondents reported positive projections. Of these responses, 23% answered “excellent,” 58% responded “good,” and 15% responded “fair.” Only three percent responded with poor projections. These numbers indicate an increase from the group’s last survey, conducted at the close of 2016, with more than a 12% increase in “excellent” business forecasts.

Of the 76% of respondents that specified an increase from 2018 business prospects, 56% expect to experience growth of more than 5 percent over last year. A total of 19% expect business to remain steady at the same rate.

Chemical industry contributes

$5.7 trillionto Global GDP.

Chemical Process Industry

Professionals Expect Growth in

2019

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p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o mNEWS

• Weightconsistencydespitebatchfluctuationsand filler content up to 80 percent

• Challenge:productionwithoutcheckvalve

• Application in large-scale automotiveproduction now successfully installed at Baumgarten

KraussMaffei offers APC plus, now also for thermosets - Picture Main

(Munich, March 6th, 2019) They are a challenge in processing but the ideal material for components that must remain dimensionally stable under demanding conditions in the long term: granular thermosets. High fiber content and batch fluctuations complicate shot weight consistency - therefore, KraussMaffei now offers the APC plus machine function for thermosets as well.

Brake pistons and components for oil pumps have to withstand high stress. Temperatures up to 400 degrees Celsius and corrosive media must not impede their proper function. Tolerance is partly in the range of 10 µm only—through the entire service life of the vehicle. Fiber-reinforced thermosets are the ideal material for highly complex technical parts, but they impose specific demands on processing. For instance, processing must take place without a check valve because curing partially takes place in the screw. Furthermore, batch fluctuations are more pronounced than in thermoplastics. Shot weight consistency becomes a challenge.

Therefore, KraussMaffei has further advanced the proven APC plus (APC = Adaptive Process Control) machine function and also offers it for thermosets. APC plus uniformly measures the

viscosity of the melt, taking material properties such as the respective compression curve into account, and adjusts the change-over point and the holding pressure level in the current shot based on a predicted injection volume.

High filler contents of up to 80 percent

This is particularly important for high filler content of up to 80 percent. Due to these facts as well as the low processing temperatures, the molding compounds are barely compressible compared to thermoplastics. Minimal deviations of the start of filling, which are not-visible to the machine operators in the process, or of the residual melt cushion have an immediate impact on injected volumes. Without an automated correction option, one is powerless against this.

In contrast, APC plus keeps the volumetric filling of the cavity uniform and does so equally for free-flowing thermosets, BMC (Bulk Molding Compound) and liquid and solid silicones (LSR and HTV). For example, if the barrel temperature rises by two degrees Celsius in BMC processing, which can quickly happen with a drifting tempering unit or in summer heat, and if the plastic becomes less viscous due to that, APC plus switches from to injecting to holding pressure at an earlier point in time. Furthermore, the holding pressure level is lowered. Both are done to prevent component overflow. “Both in numerous lab tests and at the locations of our customers, we have been able to cut the variation coefficient of the component weight by half and thus achieve a significantly increased OK part yield,” says Cordula Wieland, Manager Product and Technology at KraussMaffei.

KraussMaffei Offers APC Plus, Now Also for Thermosets

Lubrizol New Materials for Sports and RecreationThe TPU Innovation

Lubrizol new materials for sports and recreation - The TPU innovation

Adapting to consumer trends in terms of sportswear can be difficult to keep up with, and Lubrizol believes it can bring unique, meaningful solutions to its customers with new materials optimized for training shoes. Addressing the biggest trends in sportswear production can be difficult to maintain. With a growing demand for sustainability, comfort, aesthetics and customization, the needs and wants of consumers are continuously changing.

Lubrizol’s new brand statement says it addresses these trends by advancing materials that elevate performance. The company’s newest product launch displays lightweight footwear designs that use less material and fewer components, processing and assembly steps, with the aim to reduce waste and provide greater use of recycled content. Inevitably this has influenced material technologies, and Lubrizol highlights high-performance features that materials must contribute to footwear design, including greater demand for solutions that improve sustainability and automation.

The incorporation of Lubrizol’s unique engineered polymer Estane TPU utilizes the gap between flexible rubber and rigid plastics, with a variety of physical and functional property combinations.

Estane TRX has been designed as an alternative to traditional thermoset rubber, therefore opting for Estane TPU and 3D printing allows for greater design freedom, as 3D printing displays the possibility to produce complex designs at mass scale which previously would not have been possible.

A single material in a shoe sole along with 3D printing can deliver multiple performance benefits, such as density, support and cushioning. Estane brand of TPUs also allows for overlays moulded parts, composites, with Estane TRX TPU used for the outsoles.

Additionally, Lubrizol continues to grow its portfolio with new adhesive and adhesive film technologies that can help eliminate the need for solvent-based adhesives in footwear production, reducing the need for sewn seams in performance apparel.

“We don’t measure ourselves ‘against the pack’. We measure ourselves in terms of how successful our customers are in achieving their goals, winning new consumers and deepening the loyalty of their current consumer base by continually delighting them,” said Shlepr.

The first 9-layer coextrusion line by Macchi in Germany has recently been delivered and installed at the premises of Duoplast, a leading producer of agricultural film. The line - configured with seven 55-mm extruders, two 65-mm extruders, a 500-mm die head and a BO Plus double station automatic winder - has a capacity of about 500 kg/h.

The line is designed for new products development in the agricultural field, load

security stretch film applications and food barrier films, and will enable Duoplast to produce stretch films with even more efficiency, thinner layers and higher stretchability. The new line extends Duoplast’s portfolio of high-performance films based on recycled material and on polymers from renewable raw materials.

Furthermore, the line incorporates many of the most recent Macchi’s technological developments, such as, in particular: an air recirculation system for a dramatic reduction in energy consumption; a micro porous inversion bar system for the specific production of sticky films; a fully automated system for unloading finished rolls; the “Macchi 4.0” system for production data exchange

“The new extrusion line, which fully complies with all most stringent Industry 4.0 requirements, is a fundamental component for further Duoplast development as far as functionalities, quality and production standards are concerned. Now we can use special polymers in each single layer. We can grant our customers higher load security and higher barrier properties while using less material. The simple handling and the high safety standards bring high added value for our employees”, explained Detlef Kaase, COO of Duoplast.

(Macplas)

First Time in Germany,Macchi Plant for 9-Layer Film

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NEWS

LAHORE: NAFL, one of the affiliated companies of Nishat Group, has entered into a joint venture agreement with SÜTA, one of the largest producers of milk and dairy products in Turkey, for the manufacturing, marketing and sale of premium dairy products in Pakistan and development of Pakistan’s dairy sector.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at Nishat Hotel, Emporium Mall, by Ms. Sadia Mansha, Executive Director NAFL on behalf of NAFL, and jointly by Mr. Muharrem Yilmaz, Chairman SUTAS and Ms. Aynur Duygu Yilmaz, Board Member SÜTA on behalf of SÜTA. Mian Mohammad Mansha, Chairman Nishat Group, Mr. M. Izzet Karaca Board Member SÜTA, Ms. Basak Karaca, Marketing Consultant SÜTA, Ms. Naz Mansha, Chairperson DG Khan Cement Company Limited, Mian Hassan Mansha, Chairman,

Lalpir Power Limited., Ms. Iqraa Hassan Mansha, Director Nishat Hotels and Properties Limited (Emporium Mall), and other dignitaries also attended the ceremony.

NAFL and SÜTA will be setting up a manufacturing facility in Pakistan to produce a variety of premium dairy products, keeping in mind the dynamics of Pakistan’s Dairy sector and the current gaps in consumer demand. They have agreed to establish a Joint Venture Company with equal shareholding ratio, with the objective to produce, market, distribute and sell premium dairy products within the country. The Joint Venture Company shall be a public limited company incorporated under the laws of Pakistan with its registered office in Lahore, Pakistan.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Sadia Mansha,

Nishat Dairy All Set to Launch Premium Quality Milk BrandExecutive Director NAFL said “We are pleased to be entering into this partnership with SÜTA, one of Turkey’s premier business groups and a market leader in Turkey’s dairy sector. NAFL and SÜTA share the common vision of providing high quality dairy products to consumers and are committed to manufacturing these products through sustainable, transparent and technologically innovative dairy farm practices. We strongly believe that this partnership will be beneficial for Pakistan’s dairy sector and will provide consumers with healthy, high quality and nutritious dairy products.”

SÜTA is a leading brand of the Turkish dairy sector and is the preferred brand in three households out of four in Turkey. It processes 900 million liters of milk annually in its four production facilities located in Turkey, Macedonia and Romania and offers 77 different products to its consumers. SÜTA employs 5,000 people with annual revenue of TL 2.6 billion.

NAFL is a part of the Nishat Group of companies, one of the region’s leading and most diversified business groups with its presence in textile, banking, insurance, cement, paper, power generation, dairy, agriculture, real estate, hotel business, and aviation sectors. Each Group company also has a committed and seasoned history of philanthropy and social responsibility to Pakistan.

(The Frontier Post)

PRINT INDUSTRYPosts Growth But Challenges Remain

German extrusion machinery maker Reifenhäuser has added another feather to its cap: a five-layer blown film line for the production of FFS film, targeted at heavy-duty shipping sacks.

Bernd Schroeter, Director Product Management summarizes the advantages of the new line: “Our Evolution five-layer FFS line offers significant advantages over conventional three-layer films, including higher output, improved dart impact, improved puncture resistance and the option of using recycled material as the core layer. As the only manufacturer of five-layer FSS lines for this application, we impress with our technology that enables the down-gauging of HDSS films”.

Reifenhäuser says it is able to achieve this thanks to the barrier properties of the sub-skin layer, which prevents the migration of any additives from the core into the skin. The result: more flexibility in film recipes, and improved film properties because of the clean outer layers. The line achieved an output of 430.5 kg/hour of film with a thickness of 125 m and a profile tolerance of 2,2% Sigma.

(PRA)

The print industry is witnessing decent growth rate but facing a host of challenges including rising material costs, paucity of trained people and stiff competition from online media to sustain positive trends in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, a senior industry executive said.

Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director, Gulf Print and Pack, said the Middle East remains one of the world’s key commercial print growth regions and has great potential for the adoption of new technologies.

The Mena market for printing machinery was worth $446.1 million in 2017 and is forecast to reach $545.7 million by 2022. By that time, over 13.46 million tonnes of print materials will be used in the region, he said.

“The main challenges facing the print industry - not only in Mena but worldwide - include commoditisation of print, the growing challenge to print from online media, rising

materials, consumables and labour costs, and a shortage of suitably trained operators,” said Thomas-Emans.

The Gulf Print and Pack 2019 exhibition will be held from April 15 to 18 at the Dubai World Trade Centre with a large number of exhibitors from around the world taking part in the four-day expo. The exhibitors will showcase their latest technologies.

He noted that the package printing business is the most valuable end-use application for print in the Mena region and will be worth $20 billion in 2019, according to the Smithers-Pira consultancy.

The print industry’s growth potential in the Mena region will be largely driven by an overwhelmingly youthful consumer demographic. Some 60 per cent of the Arab population is under 25 years old, and with a median age of 22 years compared to a global average of 28, means that Mena has one of the youngest populations in the world.

According to a recent Smithers-Pira report, this is helping drive the region’s print revenue at 8.7 per cent year-on-year against a global growth rate of just one per cent, and will hit a value of $40.7 billion in 2022, up from $32 billion in 2019. The report also confirms that the Mena region’s 1,700 printers have a proven investment culture and stay up-to-date with the latest machinery and materials developments.

Reifenhauserintroduces First Five-Layer Line forHEAVY-DUTY SACKS

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p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o mNEWS

DuPont Teijin Films has launched its new LuxCR depolymerisation process which upcycles post- consumer waste into a variety of technically advanced BOPET films serving a wide range of applications and markets. The firm, which is now owned by Indorama Ventures, says the upcycling of PET through the LuxCR process also marks an important step forward in the chemical recycling technology for the wider polyester industry.

Although mechanical recycling will continue to play an important role in the circular economy, it does have some limitations with regards to the physical and mechanical properties of the recycled product over repeated cycles and also in the food contact compliance area where certain end use applications are temperature restricted.

The LuxCR process addresses these two issues by depolymerizing mechanically recovered PET flake back into the monomer unit bis(2-hydroxyethylterephthalate) or BHET which is chemically indistinguishable from virgin monomer. This base monomer is then repolymerised into a polyester polymer which is subsequently converted into a wide range of BOPET films. Contamination is removed during the process through a combination of monomer and polymer filtration units and by vacuum extraction which runs for several hours at temperatures between 270-300°C. Initial commercial launches are planned in Q2 across a range of packaging formats and will include high temperature food contact applications such as ready meal lidding and ovenable flow wrap structures.

DuPont Teijin Films, a joint venture between DuPont and Teijin Limited, is the world’s premier producer of polyester films and related services for Healthcare, Alternative Energy, Durable Media, Electronics, Specialist Packaging, Electrical Insulation and Capacitors Industries and many more.

(PRA)

Green Materials: DuPont Teijin Films Introduces Chemical Recycling of PET

SABIC Introduces Long Glass Fiber Reinforced PP Panels to the Americas

In mid-2018, SABIC first announced the addition of its new Stamax Stadeck heavy-duty panels to its portfolio of Lexan Building Systems for the European building & construction market. Made of long glass fiber reinforced PP (30% glass content), the company has now launched the Stadeck panels for scaffolding and a number of other applications to the Americas.

These lightweight but highly durable panels are said to be up to 60% lighter than wooden planks. SABIC estimates a the total cost savings of over 30% resulting from weight savings which have an important influence on energy consumption during transport. Also touted it the excellent recyclability and long expected lifetime of Stadeck panels which make them more sustainable and efficient than standard wooden planks often used for scaffolding.

The unique construction of these panels allows them to stay outdoors for long periods without rotting or corroding. They reportedly high resistance to weathering means they

withstand not only UV radiation and rain, but also chemicals commonly used in the construction industry. Excellent flame-retardant properties are also claimed. These panels conform to NEN-EN 12811-1, the EU standard that specifies performance requirements and methods of structural and general design for access and working scaffolds. They also boast anti-slip properties—an important requirement for workers on building sites.

These panels are also said to be well suited for numerous other purposes including frame works decking, fencing, floodwalls, jetties, sheathing, and wheel chair ramps. They can be installed quickly and easily, which makes them ideal for temporary applications such as flooring at events and festivals. The panels, which can be produced in different colors, come in standard dimensions—gauge 2.165 in., width 9.06 in., and lengths of 118 in. and 236 in.—with custom lengths available on request.

PT

Vetaphone Adds C8 Power to its Range of Corona Treaters

The new C8 Corona treatment station from Vetaphone is designed for substrates and applications where high Corona power is required from a single unit. As its name suggests, the new unit is fitted with eight high-power and high-efficiency ceramic electrodes, allowing more Corona power to be

discharged from a compact modular system suitable for today’s demanding materials. Vetaphone’s industry-leading technology is further enhanced with the robust design of the C8, which in addition to being 24/7 corrosion proof, has enhanced maintenance-friendly features to place it firmly in the next generation of surface treatment.

Explaining his Company’s decision to develop and launch the C8, Vetaphone CEO Frank Eisby stated: “Converters’ needs for simple Corona treatment are well catered for. We have designed the new C8 for the increasing number of demanding applications. Many of the new substrates have a more complex chemistry and consequently require higher power Corona treatment to achieve the necessary Dyne level. The C8 applies more Corona power per square metre on the modern presses that are adapted to run these challenging materials.”

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INTERVIEW

Q: Why is Exceed XP considered as offering extreme performance packaging solutions and what is the difference compared to Exceed and Enable?

A: We have 3 performance PE brands - EXCEED XP, EXCEED and ENABLE. Developed twenty years ago, Exceed was one of the first metallocene-based PE polymers to deliver high toughness. Then we developed ENABLE which offered a combination of very good processing and excellent mechanical properties. In 2016, we introduced EXCEED XP which is our new PE brand offering extreme performance mechanical properties. I would like to provide an example of how these brands have changed the packaging industry. When I started working for EXXONMOBIL in the mid-1990s at a PE plant, we were using 200-micron heavy duty bags for our resins. Today, at our Singapore plant, we are using 105-micron bags. In less than 20 years, we have downgauged our bags by 50% using EXCEED XP, EXCEED, and ENABLE. This reduction from 200 microns to 105-microns is a great example of extreme performance. Because our goal is to do more with less, we are striving to make further developments with our extreme performance polymers to more efficiently optimize plastic use by enhancing strength and toughness for all applications. This will bring positive changes to the plastics industry, making processing and manufacturing operations more efficient and cost-effective.

Let me share a few more examples of how we can use performance polymers to make packaging thinner. Shrink packaging is most commonly used for bottled beverages. In 2010, shrink films were about 100 microns thick and mainly made from LLDPE. Today, by combining EXCEED XP and Enable, shrink films

are about 50 microns thick. In eight years, shrink film thickness for a 6-pack of 1.5-liter bottles has dropped from 100 microns to 50 microns, while being very tough and difficult to puncture or tear, and providing excellent aesthetics.

When transporting food items, the processor wants them delivered safely with no damage, spoilage or leakage. Processors also want the goods delivered in good shape, in shiny, glossy packaging that has great shelf appeal, so the client can place the food items directly on the shelf without wasting time. The retail business has changed because consumers have new levels of awareness. Shelf appeal, eye-catching graphics, and high-barrier packaging for longer product shelf-life are very important. In this context, ExxonMobil’s performance polymers are playing a very important role. When I was in China 15 years ago, there was no concept of shelf appeal but today, we see remarkably packaged products that shine brightly on store shelves. Now, the Chinese only want the best - they want WOW - and this concept will soon enter into Pakistan. Changing consumer trends always bring changes to the industry and ExxonMobil is capable of introducing products which will help packaging producers develop their products accordingly.

Q: The robust growth in the PE business is likely to continue? What are the factors?

A: The global PE market is around 100 million tons and growing. Every year the world is consuming additional amounts of polyethylene. Indeed, the combination of global population growth, fast urbanization and more importantly, the fast evolution of the middle-income sector, especially in China, India and Pakistan make demand very robust in these countries.

Q: What are your key growth markets in the coming years?

A: Asia Pacific and Middle East/Africa are the two big growth regions. The main drivers in the coming years will be Asia Pacific, Africa and Middle Eastern countries. China is a global powerhouse with 1.3 billion people. India also has a big population. Urbanization is also on the rise. People are moving to bigger cities for a better life, increasing the demand for packaged goods. Flexible packaging is the most efficient solution, especially for food products. China is continuously working to connect with world economies relying on land, air and sea transportation for the safe shipment and delivery of goods. This will increase the need for high-quality packaging based on Exceed XP, Exceed and Enable performance polymers.

Hello,My Name is Olivier LorgeI am the global market development manager for ExxonMobil’s polyethylene business with responsibility for Exceed™ XP, Exceed™ and Enable™ performance polymers.

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p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o mINTERVIEWQ: Europe & North America are emphasizing the

reduction of single use plastic packaging and creating awareness about recycling, reusing and sustainability. What strategy is ExxonMobil going to adopt with regards this?

A: Solutions to plastic waste will require collective support on a global basis - from resin producers, waste management companies, consumer brands, retailers, NGOs, governments, and consumers. ExxonMobil is actively working with organizations across the value chain. The goal is to form alliances that will be capable of developing material, scalable investment projects in markets where plastic waste leakage rates are high.

At ExxonMobil, we are assessing the technology options to convert plastic waste to petrochemical feedstock by leveraging safe, large-scale, reliable and economic chemical processes. We have much more work to do, but we believe this is an area where ExxonMobil is well positioned to add value through our industry leading R&D capabilities. Providing a valuable outlet for plastic waste is a resilient way to financially incentivize the collection and sorting of waste materials.

Q: What about high barrier multi-layer, coated, laminated and metallized films. We heard that these kinds of films are very difficult to recycle yet the food industry is using them for packaging?

A: In the food industry, most manufacturers are using polyamide, polyethylene and PET films or aluminum films, because they provide the required shelf life. For some non-food products, like soap, high barrier packaging protection is not needed, PE/PE packaging is good enough.

There are products which require extended shelf-life, mainly due to the transportation time. So, by improving logistics, the need for longer shelf life can be significantly reduced, and low barrier packaging can work well.

Ten years ago, managing the supply chain was difficult but today, supply chain systems have improved. As a result, there is less need for packaging that extends shelf-life simply so goods can be moved. There is also a big part of the market which can move away from using multi-polymer packaging systems. Which is why we are developing mono-polymer laminated PE film solutions that move the industry towards more sustainable and recyclable packaging. High barrier packaging solutions are mostly required for meat and cheese that need extended shelf-life to keep food fresh longer. We are developing solutions that do not require aluminum foil and use just PE and EVOH with no polyamide, using Exceed XP to bring strong mechanical properties. We have developed this kind of solution for one of our customers, a brand owner in Latin America. The solution is 100% recyclable because it is a mono-polymer structure.

There is not a one-stop shop solution though. Tailor made solutions for different products need to be developed through collaboration across the value chain for the best results.

That is how the issue of single-use plastic recycling can be tackled to make it more and more recyclable. For example, taking advantage of Exceed XP properties, we took a simple trash bag and added a high level of recyclable material. If people become aware that most

plastic is both reusable and recyclable, they will prefer it over other means of packaging.

Q: Sustainability is a much-stressed issue these days? Is EXXONMOBIL working on new and sustainable polymers to solve sustainability problems?

A: We have a history of developing products with sustainable benefits:

• Lightweightplastics for vehicles tohelp improve fuelefficiency. Santoprene™ TPV use in weather-stripping seals or under hood applications can contribute to an up-to 70% weight reduction as compared to EPDM compounds.

• Producing advanced products including highperformance and thinner films that require less plastic.

• Products with increased recyclability, such asSantoprene™ thermoplastics vulcanizates and Vistamaxx™

• Differentiated products for vehicle tires that improvefuel efficiency and lower emissions

• Thin,durablepackagingfilmsthatextendfoodshelflifeand reduce waste

• Materials that are safe for hygiene products andadvanced medical applications

• House-wraptechnologythatimprovesbuildingenergyefficiency

In our operations, we have been progressing sustainability-driven initiatives for a while. On the technology side we are increasing investment in technologies that have sustainability benefits. Those include new products such as Vistamaxx™ performance polymers used as a compatibilizer to increase conventional recycling content for some of our customers. We are also looking at longer-range initiatives such as chemical recycling, and how we may be able to take mixed waste plastic and bring it back to light olefin feeds. It addresses some of the big hurdles to conventional recycling. We see it as a potential solution.

The challenges of waste management will continue to increase, and we, the chemical manufacturers, must play a leadership role in identifying long-term solutions. Plastics are valuable; they should not be buried in a landfill or end up in our oceans. Industry, governments, consumers, and other organizations must work collaboratively to encourage the recycling and reuse of these products.

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Leading tire manufacturers continue to upgrade the performance of their products through innovative technologies and materials to provide more safe, comfortable and sustainable driving experience like new range of tires for electric vehicle to handle mounds of torque.

Goodyear testing reveals that traditional tires can wear out up to 30% faster on electric vehicles due to the powerful, instant torque from electric motors and the additional vehicle weight from heavy battery packs. Therefore, Goodyear is working with automakers to introduce the Electric Drive Technology soon to address the unique performance requirements of this growing vehicle segment. Goodyear’s Efficient Grip will easily support extra load maintaining an optimal tread footprint for high performance. The material properties of the tread compound have been tuned for ultra-low rolling resistance to extend the vehicle range while coping with high levels of torque. In addition, the sidewall has been designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and the profile yields less rotating mass, resulting in reduced energy consumption.

On the other hand, Michelin, in partnership with Maxion Wheels, is reinventing the wheel to help eliminate the road-based damage to tires and rims by adopting the innovative Michelin Acorus Technology. This patented new technology, developed by Michelin and Maxion Wheels for the passenger car wheel market, incorporates two flexible rubber flanges mounted on a special wheel body to create a flexible wheel that improves the ride and comfort and also absorbs impacts from potholes and curbs. The new wheel is compatible with all tires on the market and comprises an alloy rim – which is narrower than normal, two rubber flanges and an optional cosmetic insert to protect the alloy wheel especially in the case of low profile tires which are more prone to damage.

There is also an environmental benefit in using Michelin Acorus Technology. The flexible wheel is designed to work with any brand of tire, including low rolling resistance tires, meaning lower CO2 emissions and better fuel economy.

Bridgestone Corporation has made a ground breaking announcement

that it has successfully developed the world’s first polymer to bond rubber and resins at the molecular level. The newly developed polymer, called High Strength Rubber (HSR), is a hybrid material to bond synthetic rubber components such as butadiene and isoprene, with resin components such as ethylene, at the molecular level by using Bridgestone’s proprietary novel gadolinium (Gd) catalyst (via copolymerization).

According to Bridgestone, this new polymer boasts unprecedented durability with crack resistance that is over five times higher, abrasion resistance that is more than 2.5 times higher, and tensile strength that is more than 1.5 times higher than natural rubber, which itself has higher destruction resistance than common synthetic rubber. As a result, it is able to combine the pliability of rubber with the toughness of resin. This breakthrough was achieved by further evolving the GD catalyst technologies used to synthesize the polyisoprene rubber announced earlier. HSR is a promising next-generation tire material with the potential to create tires that achieve the required levels of performance while using fewer materials. Bridgestone is optimistic that HSR will be a powerful asset for the accomplishment of the goal of working towards 100% sustainable materials set for 2050 in the Bridgestone Group’s Long-term Environmental Vision. The company also intends to actively examine the possibility of utilizing HSR in products other than tires.

Based on the new Toyo Silent Technology which solves the issue of sound that is transmitted from the tire to the interior of a vehicle, Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. has developed a new device that effectively reduces resonance in tire cavities, a source of interior noise. Toyo Tire & Rubber’s new device will greatly reduce road noise as well as the noise created by the tire pattern while driving. At present, one popular method for reducing tire cavity noise is the idea of internally mounting material that has a sound-absorbing effect, which was implemented in the tire industry as a leading technology. However, Toyo Tire & Rubber focused on the airflow inside a tire, so the company incorporated unique approach to reduce noise by utilizing the flow of air. Toyo Tire & Rubber developed a device made of polyurethane and attached it along the inner circumference of a tire. The device consists of a porous film and 16 cylindrical sponges. Each sponge weighs 10-12g (mass), and the polyurethane has a higher durability than commonly-used industrial polyurethanes. The sponges pull the porous film in the vertical direction to form the shape of an arch in the aim of increasing the area in which the resonance sound contacts the porous film and sponges. When sound passes through a hole, its volume diminishes. It is expected that the new device will be applied to tires to be released in early 2019, providing drivers and passengers with a comfortable space with greater silence.

Rubber processing chemicals market to witness a CAGR of 4.9%

The rubber processing chemicals market is set to grow from its market value of US$3.5 billion in 2017 to over US$5.3 billion by 2025, witnessing a CAGR of 4.9%, according to a latest research. Global rubber processing chemicals market will be primarily driven by rapidly growing automotive industry. Tire was the largest application segment for rubber processing chemicals market in 2017 and is forecast to grow with the highest CAGR due to escalating automobile sales across the globe.

In 2016, the global tire market volume crossed 3.4 billion units and is expected to reach 3.66 billion units by 2020. However, the tire industry is shifting from conventional tires to green tires. This shift in the industry is anticipated to curb the rubber processing chemicals market size in near future, comments the report.

(CPRJ) The end

LATEST INNOVATIONS in Tire Technology! Leaders Lead the Way

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OVERVIEW REPORT

During the past year, the operating environment for most industries became increasingly complex. It is more vital than ever for enterprising businesses to anticipate key market trends, to understand the industrial structure with a global perspective, and to master technological innovation. CHINAPLAS 2019, with its aim to promote the plastics and rubber industries’ development by focusing on technology and creativity, offers an international platform for the release and exchange of information related to advanced new technologies. The show will not only feature more than 3,500 exhibitors, but also will organize a series of exciting concurrent events to address those industries’ needs.

“We saw that exhibitors and visitors not only seek to secure the supply and demand of key materials, equipment and services at CHINAPLAS, but they also actively discuss hot topics, and explore industry trends and opportunities,” said Ada Leung, General Manager of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., the show organizer. “We showcase innovative products and cutting-edge solutions together with exhibitors who are industrial leaders of the world. In addition, the show features a number of concurrent events covering the circular economy, Industry 4.0, industrial design, medical plastics, and much more. With richer content, more diversified forms, and more practical solutions than ever, CHINAPLAS offers ways for upstream and downstream sectors of the supply chain to collaborate and create new opportunities for growth. We aim to empower the development of the plastics and rubber industries,” Leung said.

Plastics Recycling & Circular Economy Conference and Showcase

China’s decision to prohibit the import of solid waste from other countries, and its policies designed to promote development of renewable resources represent only the beginning of some structural changes. More sustainable development and environmental protection policies are bound to come. In

this new era of the circular economy, China highly values the development of the renewable resources industry. What is more, recycling technologies are constantly evolving and improving, providing a boost to the industry. How can your company realize commercial opportunities related to the global trend of resource conservation in 2019? How can plastics feasibly contribute to the cause of sustainable development? Focusing on the concerns of the industry, CHINAPLAS 2019 and CPRJ - China Plastics and Rubber Journal will jointly host the “Plastics Recycling & Circular Economy Conference and Showcase” in Guangzhou on May 20, 2019 (the day before CHINAPLAS 2019 opens).

Integrating conference and exhibition elements, the one-day, specialized event will feature more than 20 expert presenters, and is expected to attract more than 300 elite attendees. The conference is built around three themes: “Material Science for Sustainability”, “Recycling Technology” and “Environmental Packaging”. Topics will cover the production and current applications of recycled plastics, advances in plastics recycling technology and processing, the latest in environmentally friendly materials and additives, and how companies can save on costs through greater use of post-

CHINAPLAS 2019to Present a Rich Assortment of Concurrent Events

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p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o mOVERVIEW REPORTindustrial recycled materials. Recyclers and recycled material users (including retailers and brands) will share environmental solutions and real success stories from the packaging, electrical and electronics, and automotive industries.

Industry 4.0 Factory of the Future

How to speed up the implementation of industry 4.0, which continues to sweep the globe? Industry practitioners who aspire to see in real life the operation of a future factory or to find solutions to practical problems can visit the “Industry 4.0 Factory of the Future” at CHINAPLAS 2019.

The event is a product of combined force of the show’s organizer and core supporters of Industry 4.0 – iPlast 4.0, EUROMAP and VDMA. What makes this conference different and stand out from previous Industry 4.0 events is that visitors can personally experience the real “Industry 4.0 Factory of the Future”. There will be two themed areas, “Manufacturing Intelligence Control Room” and “Smart Factory”, to demonstrate implementable intelligent solutions. The control room will be located on the viewing deck of Hall 4.2 in the Exhibition Hall. It will display operational data recorded at both the on-site machines and a remote smart factory, while the “Smart Factory” located at Booth 4.2D01 in the “Smart Manufacturing Technology Zone” will simulate the production environment of the future manufacturing industry and demonstrate how engineers and the control room communicate through data.

Visitors can view 15 simulation scenarios – from production, management and supply chain, including shift handover, KPI monitoring at multiple production sites, and material traceability. Additionally, enterprise and practitioners can assess the progress

toward Industry 4.0, and its practical benefits, by using the “Industry 4.0 Readiness Check” and the“Smart Worker Skills Assessment” for technical personnel. Moreover, CHINAPLAS 2019 also will offer customized consultation.

Confirmed enterprises that will join in these activities include Engel, Ningbo Zhafir Plastics Machinery Co. Ltd, Sumitomo, Piovan, Matsui, TIG, and Monitor, among others.

Design x Innovation

Industrial design continues to be a popular topic at CHINAPLAS.

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OVERVIEW REPORT

For this year’s show, we will join forces with the Guangzhou Industrial Design Association to present “Design x Innovation”, which comprises three parts: “CMF Inspiration Walls”, “Design Forum” and “CHINAPLAS Designers’ Night”.

The “CMF Inspiration Walls” reflect three key elements – Color, Materials and Finish – and they reveal some of the emerging technologies being developed to advance CMF design for plastics. Last year, the technicolor exhibits from Springfield CMF Technology Co. Ltd. enthralled and impressed visitors, who scrutinized and touched more than 140 samples of products made using Springfield’s Differential Pressure Overlay Decoration (DOD) process. Covestro and Springfield will be repeat sponsors of this event, and the show organizer is pleased to welcome first-time participating company PolyOne. The show organizer is also increasing the number of display locations from two to three.

CHINAPLAS 2019 will feature Design Forums in two locations, fashioned around two themes, including “CMF Design”, a popular theme from last year, and “Design for Recycling/Sustainability” in response to the show’s focus on “Green Solutions”.

The show is glad to introduce a new highlight – CHINAPLAS Designers’ Night, with the theme “Connect & Inspire”. Product designers, engineers, product developers, corporate decision makers, exhibitors, partners, and others from electrical and electronics and related industries are invited to enjoy food and wine at the Langham Place Guangzhou Hotel. In such a relaxed atmosphere, let us see what kinds of ideas and possibilities will be inspired.

Tech Talk

Tech Talk, celebrating its third year, has become part of the repertoire of CHINAPLAS. This year, it will be held from May 21-23, and its topics will drill deeper into the application industries and highlight practicality. It will not only showcase major technological breakthroughs of exhibitors, but also provide a platform for professional buyers to better understand the challenges currently facing the plastics and rubber industries.

By way of open forums, the event will bring together the highlights of CHINAPLAS 2019, showcase the latest and hottest product technologies of the year, and focus clearly on cutting-edge solutions in automotive, electrical and electronics, building and construction, packaging, and other industries. The organizer also have expanded and refined Tech Talk to include 11 major themes, including new energy vehicles, automotive thermoplastic elastomers, 3D printing, bioplastics, composites, antimicrobial applications, in-mold labeling, precision extrusion, green building solutions, plastics for wearable electronics, long fiber injection molding, and more.

Medical Plastics Connect

The medical plastics market continues to evolve and develop, with more exhibitors plunging into that field, which has great potential and value. A gem of CHINAPLAS for the past four years, “Medical Plastics Connect” actively promotes medical-grade chemical raw materials and equipment to create an efficient communication platform for medical device, consumables, and pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers. These activities aim to pinpoint for potential buyers the unique medical plastics technologies among the many exhibits active in this sector.

“Medical Plastics Connect” activities include “Open Forum”, “Pop-up Kiosk”, “Medical Plastics Guidebook” and “Medical Plastics Guided Tour”. This year, the organizer will expand the display of high-end market technologies, such as 3D printing and pharmaceutical packaging. The open forum has earned a good reputation, and attendees have generally agreed it has improved year over year. In response to market needs, the organizer has decided on a number of hot technology topics for the “Medical Plastics Open Forum 2019”, including medical-grade masterbatches, biocompatible materials, resins that are resistant to disinfection, automated packaging equipment, high- precision injection molding, sterilization packaging technology, 3D printing, medical composite bags, ultrasonic welding, hot and cold runners, and more.

Over 70 not-to-be-missed technical seminars

In addition to a series of wonderful concurrent events, there are more than 70 technical seminars at CHINAPLAS 2019. The organizer will also hold a number of activities extending to multiple application industries to help the industries grasp the current situation of the market, including “Lithium Battery Technology Seminar 2019”, “Optical Film Technology Seminar 2019”, “Innovative Development of Packaging Materials under the New Consumption Trend”, “Flexible Plastic Packaging Technology Seminar”, “Automobile and Rail Transit Lightweight Materials and Application Technology Seminar”, “Low VOCs Technology and Application for Automotive & Rail Transit Materials Seminar”, “The 3rd Smart Supply Chain Summit”, “Bio 3D Printing Forum”, “New Building Materials Technology Seminar 2019”, etc.

CHINAPLAS, now on a par with K Show in Germany, is returning to Guangzhou this year and will be held in Guangzhou, PR China, from May 21-24, 2019. An estimated total of over 3,500 exhibitors from all over the world will be presenting to more than 180,000 professional visitors from 150 countries and regions. CHINAPLAS 2019 is going to be an extravaganza.

Visitors can enjoy admission discount through online pre-registration from now till May 13, 2019, at an early-bird rate of USD 7.5 for a four-day pass. Visitors will receive a visitor badge in advance to enjoy express counter for fast entry if they pre-register on or before February 28, 2019.

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PRE SHOW REPORT

Unlocking the Potential of Integral Sectorsat

17th International Plastics & Packaging Industry Exhibition

27 - 29 AUGUST 2019 | KARACHI EXPO CENTRE

One of the Largest B2B Exhibition ofPlastics, Petrochemicals & Packaging in this Region

Plasti&Pack Pakistan will open its doors to take your business to new levels. Over the past many years, Plasti&Pack has been the most preferred choice of buyers and suppliers of plastics and packaging to optimize strong business relations, expansion of market reach and discovering new clients, one to one product demonstration, market analysis and keep update with latest market insights. In short, the show gives a full 360 degree exposure to your company and technologies. The show will run from 27th to 29th August 2019 at Karachi Expo Centre providing business friendly environment to visiting buyers, suppliers, traders, brand owners, decision makers, influencers and industry professionals.

What makes PLASTI&PACK unique is its longstanding commitment with its customers as a trusted matchmaker between quality suppliers and potential buyers year after year. In 2019, Plasti&Pack has attracted an impressive array of exhibiting companies & their representing companies from petrochemicals, molding, extrusion, blown film, PET, packaging machines and material, recycling, inspection and testing equipment etc.

Parallel to Plasti&Pack, Annual Packaging Forum is taking place on 28th August 2019. Theme of the conference is CONVERTING, RECYCLING & SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING.

IFTECH 2019, International Food Technology Exhibition is the concurrent show which runs side by side with Plasti&Pack. IFTECH is recognized and regarded as the biggest annual gathering of food & beverage technology industry professionals in Pakistan which attracts a high level participation of companies like GEA, PIOVAN, LIMA, GUNTHER, WOLF, PAVAN, SACMI, SERMAC, MULTIVAC and many more.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2018

ForiegnExhibitiors

79%Local

Exhibitiors

21%

37Countries

17000+Visitors

9200M2

ExhibitionSpace

350Exhibitors

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Picture Gallery of 2018

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POST SHOW REPORT

Under the theme “Smart Packaging for Now and the Future”, the 26th China International Exhibition on Packaging Machinery & Materials (Sino-Pack) and the China (Guangzhou) International Exhibition on Packaging Products (PACKINNO) have drawn to a successful close on 6 Mar 2019 at Area A, China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China. The two fairs, together with the 26th South China International Exhibition on Printing Industry (Printing South China) and the China International Exhibition on Label Printing Technology (Sino-Label), gathered 1,300 international exhibitors in an exhibition area of 100,000sq.m. There were 81,563 visitors, among them 10,936 were from overseas, came from over 90 countries and regions, including China, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Russia, India, United Arab Emirates, United States, Taiwan Region of China and Hong Kong SAR of China, etc.

In order to fulfill the production requirements of the eight end product industries of food, beverage, daily chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, express delivery, e-commerce and logistics, several thematic zones were established in the fairs, including Smart Packaging, eDelivery & Smart Logistics, Packaging Products & Materials, Food Packaging and General Packaging, etc. The 1,300 exhibitors included international groups, such as the Italian leading packaging enterprises - Italian Network “Processing and Packaging the high-tech Italian way” and the European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL). They brought cutting-edge packaging technologies, products, logistics equipment and materials to the fairground. The 3-day fairs were flooded with visitors whom were attracted by the demonstrations of exhibitors.

Exhibitors found the exhibitions incredibly rewarding for business growth. One of the exhibitors, Mr. Qi Yun, Planning Manager

of Cangzhou Eiahe Packing Machinery Co., Ltd., said: “Arrangements throughout the fairs, such as fair set up and reception, are clear and efficient. Promotions are well delivered. Staff of the organizer provided good services and solved problems efficiently and patiently. We are satisfied with the number of visitor in the fairs. We wish the next exhibition all the success!”

Many visitors said they found a wealth of useful information and contacts at the fairground. Ms. Sharon Chen from London Probioties Technology Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, said, “This has been a fruitful journey. We find the arrangement of the exhibition very impressive! The exhibition is even bigger than we expected! There are a lot of machines that are suitable for our company. We will get into the cooperation details with the exhibitors after factory visit.”

Mr Huang Chu Kai, Senior Development and Quality Control Manager of New strong printing (Huizhou) Co., Ltd. from China said, “We have visited the fairs for years, their development is good. The scale of the fairs this year has been larger and there are more exhibits. We have identified several potential partners in the fairs.”

Sino-Pack & PACKINNO 2019Conclude in a Great Success the Two Fairs Return on

4-6 March 2020

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years. Many exhibitors started in a small factory and developed into automated production and intelligent packaging now. Those exhibitors provide us with efficient solutions, which help us achieve innovation in flexible packaging, paper packaging and can. We look forward to the fairs in 2020!

Mr. Zhao Pei, Deputy Secretary General of Guangxi Food Industry Association said, “Sino-Pack 2019 helps our members enhance their knowledge over production, technology, innovative packaging and brand culture, in order to develop the market. It also facilitates the communication and cooperation between local and international enterprises, providing them a platform to pave the way for the development and innovation in the industry.”

The 4-in-1 Print-to-Pack Expo Returns 4-6 Mar 2020

In order to provide audience with a one-stop platform to keep up with the latest industry news, a series of brilliant forums were organized to cover a wide range of topics, including “German Day” Technological Sharing I - Intelligent Pallet of Future, the 2nd Guangdong Supply Chain Talent Conference, Seminar on Development Trend of Green Catering Take-away, etc. On the other hand, the “Good Brand Design Award” display zone attracted numerous visitors to enjoy the award-winning designs.

POST SHOW REPORT

In addition, Mr. Jumaboy Abdulakimov, the owner of MAPKA3 in Tajikistan commented, “The exhibition is very well organized and the location is very convenient to visit. After we visited the factory, we also planned to sign contract with one of the exhibitors.”

Overwhelming Support from Delegations and End-product Enterprises

With substantial support from all sides, the fairs attracted nearly 130 delegations organized by trade associations and enterprises from all over the world. Oversea delegations came from Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Mongolia, Thailand, the Philippine, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc. They included Thai Beverage Industry Association (TBA), Indonesian Packaging Federation (IPF) and Federation of Manufacturers Malaysia (FMM). While the local delegations came from Chaozhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Huizhou, Xia Men, etc., they include Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Profession Association, Dongguan Chain Restaurant Development Promotion Association, Guangdong Procurement and Supply Chain Association, etc. In addition, there were groups from well-known brands, such as Amway (China), Coca Cola, Mentholatum (China) Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Talent & Sea-ever Logistics Co. Ltd, Philips (Zhuhai), Midea Group, etc. All parties expressed that the program of the exhibition was fruitful and rewarding.

Mr. Lee Ken Eng, the Deputy Chairman of Tea Trade Association of Malaysia (TTAM) said, “The fairs are great and successful. They broadened my horizon. I collected much useful packaging machine information here. Thank you very much!”

Mr. Zou Guo Qiang, Deputy Secretary General of Huizhou Food Industry Association said, “Since theestablishment of the association, we have been cooperating with Sino-Pack for six

Being held again on 4-6 Mar 2020 at China Import and Export Fair Complex, the 4-in-1 Expo continues to create a one-stop sourcing platform across the whole value chain of packaging, printing, labeling and logistics. The upcoming expo will be expanded with an estimated exhibition area of 120,000sq.m. It is expected to have 1,500 exhibitors and more than 85,000 visitors. The platform will be more sophisticated with more business opportunities.

See you in 2020!

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POST SHOW REPORT

A Complete One-Stop Shop Solution forthe Food Processing Packaging Industry

The 13th Food Technology Asia 2019 International Exhibition 26-28 April, 2019 at Karachi Expo Centre, Pakistan

Over 25,000 Trade/Corporate Visitors

Participation from Over 20 CountriesIncluding China, Hungary, India, Switzerland, Turkey, UK & UAE

70 International & Local exhibitors

200+ International & Local brands

Over 150 Foreign Delegates

Event Coverage from 20+ TV Channels,Newspapers & Digital Media

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT

Concurrent EventsOrganized ByPlastic, Packaging & Print Asia

Paper & Tissue Asia

Rice Technology Asia

Agri & Livestock Asia

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Packaging ensures the safe delivery of the products from factory to the customers. It helps the producer to brand its product and label it with the necessary information helpful for the customers to identify its product in the competition. As packaging is must for the intact delivery, consumption and use of the product, no business can afford to avoid packaging. However, despite having a myriad of benefits, the packaging material, if not opted carefully, can be harmful for the environment and even its reuse can be health hazard for the common people. It is responsibility of the producers, packing their product, to ensure that they are using the right packaging material, which is not a threat to the ecosystem and is not hazardous in any way.

Plastic packaging is a subject of scrutiny these days and there has been a series of discussions on its viability for the environment and ecosystem stability. The use of Plastics for making various products including packaging material have transformed everyday life. The usage of plastic is increasing and annual global production is around 400 million tonnes. The use of plastic have bestowed various benefits for the society and the business including ease, durability and economy. However, its growing use and mishandling of the plastic waste has raised some series questions. This mishandling of the plastic waste is resulting in accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and in natural habitat. This hazard also includes physical problems for wild life resulting from ingestion of entanglement in plastic. As per UN report five trillion plastic bags are consumed each year which equals nearly 10 million plastic bags per minute. This is quite a big number and can jeopardize the whole ecosystem, if resulting plastic waste problem is not addressed immediately in a rational way.

One knee jerk response to this problem can be an immediate ban on the use of the plastic products. This by no means can be termed a right, intelligent solution. It would be like wasting a precious natural resource depriving the humankind of the potential advantages of plastic; just look around and find out the plastic products in our use and think of a life without them.

There can be other solutions to this plastic waste problem without banning the use of plastic and they are more pragmatic and practical. Such solutions can include material reduction, design for end-of-life recyclability, encouraging increase in recycling capacity, development of bio based feedstock, strategies to reduce littering, the application of green chemistry recycle analyses and the list goes on.

One solution that is being advocated a lot is the use of oxo-degradable plastic packaging. However, scientific evidence indicates that oxo-degradable plastic simply fragment into small pieces. These small plastic fragments pose an environment risk, particularly in the ocean. This scientific evidence suggests that oxo-degradable plastics goes against two core principles of circular economy: one is designing out waste and pollution and the second keeping products and materials in high-value use (source: New Plastic economy initiative).

As most of these environment hazards are associated with use of the plastic shopper bags choking the sewerage and littering the oceans, the solution that is being practiced and encouraged throughout the world is prohibition on the use of single use plastic bags. UN report suggests more than 60 countries had introduced

bans and levies on single-use plastic items.

Our country Pakistan is not an exception to this problem of plastic shopper bags. We use 55 billion shopper bags annually. These Polyethene shopper bags are very light in weight and are discarded after one use due to their poor quality. These discarded Polyethene shopper bags can’t stand the winds and keep on flying until they reach some water reservoir or face rain and are dumped into the sewerage line choking sewerage system or litter the rivers or ocean endangering the life of water animals. Federal and Provincial Governments of Pakistan are showing their seriousness to resolve this issue. Despite their good intentions, Government authorities seem to be taking steps in haste without much of intellectual exercise of the professionals and open debate of all the stakeholders. Though prohibiting the use of Polyethene shopper bags can help overcome this problem of sewerage choking but banning the whole category of plastic bags like PP woven bags would deprive the business and consumers of a viable economical packaging solution. Government has made it mandatory to use oxo-degradable material in shopper bags but this too seems not working as this does not completely dissolve the bag immediately after getting in touch with water and choking of the sewerage is still common. As such banning single use plastic bags can be a viable option as being practiced internationally. Moreover, giving incentives to the recycling industry would not only help resolve the issue of plastic waste but would also make the plastic packaging even cheaper. The working of the waste management companies in Punjab can be a good business model for the plastic waste companies to collect end-of-life plastic waste from the doorstep of the persons disposing plastic waste. These recovery strategies would remove some burden from the associated lifecycle cost and reduce environmental impact by eliminating the need to use virgin materials and reproduce components on future product.

Among various solutions to plastic waste problem ranging from recycling, using additives to a complete ban, the world authorities should be very vigilant and sober while adopting one or more of such solutions. Alternatives like cotton tote bag or steel water bottle may generate higher carbon emissions over its lifetime. Similarly adopting bio-derived plastics may, as with biofuels, increase land cleared for crops. Plastics that degrade faster can result in the scourge of micro-plastic in the environment if not coupled with better waste management (source: The NewScientist e-magazine).

Infact there is strong incentive for using plastic products including plastic packaging. It costs significantly low, it provides better hygiene and most importantly plastic packaging reduce food wastes. The industry, Government and consumers should work together to find a practical solution to the plastic waste problem to come up with a win-win solution for the people and the environment. Fixing the plastic waste crisis would require to take some seriously joined-up thinking. Taking a wrong decision would pose risk of making the problem even worse.

The writer is a business professional based in Islamabad and can be reached at

[email protected]

Plastic Packaging

Boon & BaneBy: Muhammad Nadeem Malik

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Pharmaceutical packaging is an industry going from strength to strength and its shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, by 2025 the market is expected to be worth $128 billion.

The main drivers of this growth are: increased global demand for medication from emerging economies; an ageing population; an increase in chronic diseases; antimicrobial resistance and stricter environmental and medical regulation. A key priority for the Pharma packaging industry will be to continue to support the wider health sector in promoting medication adherence.

Smart packaging - like technology to track and accurately monitor dosage information and give patients timely reminders – is the future of Pharma, increasing patient compliance and providing valuable digitized feedback to healthcare professionals. It can also help solve problems of unauthorized access to medicines, including promoting child-resistance. Tamper-evident packaging and pre-filled syringes are examples of innovations expected to become more mainstream.

Pharma packaging brands could reap the rewards of pioneering child-friendly packaging. With some companies achieving child-resistance levels of F4 to F1, attitudes are changing. F8 will become less unacceptable and those leading the way in terms of safety will see rising demand.

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are the world’s largest fraud market, worth over $200 billion per year and it’s not just the matter of lost earnings for legitimate manufacturers that’s the issue. Those consuming fake products have no guarantee what they’re taking is what it claims to be, which in some cases can contribute to the spread (rather than cure) of illnesses and antimicrobial resistance. Digital watermarks will also become more widely used, offering an extra layer of protection by providing invisible, encoded data on packaging that can only be verified by specialized software. It can be captured using webcam, mobile phones and other scanning equipment, but is invisible to the human eye.

Biologics are undoubtedly the future of medicine. These complex medicines aren’t like traditional drugs as they aren’t chemically synthesized and so can’t be mass-produced. As such, biologic medicines can only be produced in small batches. They’re also temperature sensitive and vulnerable to contamination, making packaging design more difficult as it must stop any contamination

or degradation. Traditional materials like glass, plastics and rubber aren’t suitable materials, due to the ability of metals to be extracted, which could degrade the biologic protein structure. For this reason, we’ll see a greater use of fluoropolymers and cyclic olefin plastics, which don’t use any degradable stabilizing agents and therefore provide a protective barrier between the product and environment.

An eco-friendly future - The use and wastage of plastic across the Pharma supply chain will continue to be a major focus in 2019, following a warning by the UN our oceans will contain more plastic than fish by 2050 unless all industries take action. The future of Pharma packaging will see a shift towards more sustainable materials, moving away from plastic which the industry has been so heavily reliant on for design and manufacturing. New techniques are also making it widely possible to reduce waste. For example, 3D visualization techniques eliminate the need for multiple prototype designs and computer-aided manufacturing like 3D printing uses only exact materials, minimizing waste.

Pharma news

Pharmaceutical Packaging

What to Expect in 2019

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p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o mARTICLE

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Q: When did you start Masterbatch production?A: We started the production of Masterbatch in 2011 but the

planning for it started a decade ago. I wanted to come into market with highest quality products backed by proven excellence. For this purpose, I have established a state of the art laboratory based on German standard at my production site.

Q: What potential do you see for exports of plastics products from Pakistan?

A: Pakistan has the resources and immense potential for export at every level especially plastics and packaging but the execution need better planning, support and patronizing by government. Pakistani manufacturers can do wonders if they receive diligent support and active guidance in this regard.

Q: You talk about government guidance & support. Kindly explain your point of view?

A: First, the government should plan single country exhibitions in regional markets and announce subsidy plans for global and regional trade fairs. In this way, our products and services will have better exposure, traders will have the chance to analyze business potential in those markets and establish long term trade relations with potential companies. The government can also announce PAKISTAN PAVILION in major trade events and allow complimentary stalls or on very nominal prices. A travel and accommodation subsidy will also add up to cost efficiency. It will also help exhibiting companies to present themselves in grand manner. Such supportive measures will encourage the businessmen to boost exports which will ultimately result in increasing government revenues, local manufacturing industry will be optimized, more employments will be created, local and foreign investments will also increase and new business opportunities will be created. This is a win-win strategy and I recommend our government

High Import Tariff Leads to High Production Cost

Mr. Farid Ahmed Vawda is the Chief Executive of FAV Group of Companies, which is a group of 19 different businesses including FAV Plastico. He shares his exuberance to contribute for the progress of Pakistan and plastics trade.

also to work on these lines to pave way for enhancing the exports of indigenous products.

Q: You also talked about certain issues faced by the plastics industry. Could you elaborate?

A: Undoubtedly, the law and order situation is getting better. The power supply have considerably improved but high cost of electricity and high Import tariff are the main hurdles in achieving desired results. You are aware that plastic industry heavily depends on imported raw material. High cost of imported raw material leads to high production cost which makes us less competitive in international market.

Another major issue is the rate of sales tax which is 17% right now which is very high. In my opinion, a single digit GST rate will spur a great surge in the local consumption and production of plastic products.

On the other hand, lowering manufacturing cost will have a positive impact on our industrial competitiveness, we will be able to work to improve quality thus making ourselves competitive enough to further strengthen our presence in existing markets and explore untapped international markets. This step will improve negative balance of payments and increase revenues for the government.

Q: Does FAV Plastico also have plans for further expansion?

A: Plastics Industry has got a very encouraging future. A big multinational company is investing over 10 billion rupees for expansion of their production capacities. Another multinational company is going to set up a large Masterbatch plant to cater for growing local demand. Consumption of plastic products is constantly increasing which will work as catalyst for further huge investments. FAV Plastico, as one of the leading organizations in plastic business will definitely going to capitalize on emerging opportunities

FARID AHMED VAWDA

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p o l y m e r a n d p a c k a g i n g . c o mEVENT CALENDAR

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Chinaplas21-24 May 2019Guangzhou, PR China

K-Show16-23 October 2019Dusseldorf, Germany

Interplas Thailand 201919–22 June 2019BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand

Gulfood Manufacturing 29–31 October 2019Dubai World Trade Centre

Iftech Pakistan27-29 August 2019Karachi, Pakistan

SINO PACK 202004-06 March 2020Guangzhou, PR China

Health Asia24–26 September 2019Expo Centre, Karachi

Arabplast2021Dubai, U.A.E.

PLASTEURASIA ISTANBUL 20194-7 March 2019Istanbul, Turkey

Plasti&pack Pakistan27-29 August 2019Karachi, Pakistan

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