EDITORIAL

T
his year you are going to enjoy
reading Pakplas as the magazine
is full of informative and thought
provoking articles and news.
You cannot plan better for your future
unless you are aware of the history of what
your field is. As an industry, everybody
needs to learn the history of Pakistan’s
Industrial Journey. This is exactly what
the cover story of Pakplas 2019 deals
with. Professor Raza A. Khan, the Head
of Economics & Management Sciences
Department, NED University, has discussed
the industrial story of seven decades
of Pakistan. You will find the story very
comity of nations. We have included two
very informative articles on the topic of
exports: one by Dr. Aadil Nakhoda which
discusses the great potential of exports
in plastic industry while the other article
by Imtiaz Rastgar has discussed the
progress and development of European
Economic Powerhouse, Germany. Mr.
Rastgar has also expertly analysed the
key factors behind the German economy’s
development, growth and sustainability.
Readers will be happy to see interviews
of two very important personalities. They
include the interview of Ashraf Shaikh, the
Chairman, PAAPAM, and Imran Anwer, the

Ahmed Qaiser
interesting and full of learning as the writer
begins from the inception of the country in
1947 and takes you along with him till 2018.
Environment carries such importance
that no industry can afford to ignore it.
Same is the topic of Dr. Mehr Nigar’s article
Environment and Sustainability. She has
covered the subject with unmatchable flow
of writing, making the issues related to
environment more easily understandable
for the readers.
Increasing the exports and reducing
the volume of imports is the right approach
for any country to embrace if it wants an
honourable and prosperous position in the
CEO of Engro Chemicals & Polymers Ltd.
Besides, Pakplas 2019 is full of other
technical articles, research papers, news,
insights, innovations, forecast, analysis and
other issues of value to the industry.
I wish to thank our valued contributors,
advertisers and readers for their
overwhelming response for Pakplas 2018
and their contribution and advertisements in
Pakplas 2019. I look forward to their great
support and cooperation this year too as
always.
Enjoy reading Pakplas 2019!

Comments
T
his year we are going to meet a growing
demand from the stake holders of Plastic
Industry of Pakistan regarding organizing
two exhibitions in one year, i.e in Karachi
and in Lahore in the same year. After due
consideration of their demand, PPMA decided
to hold two editions of Pakplas in one year.
The response from the exhibitors is
overwhelming and we are going to have
wonderful and crowded Pakplas exhibitions
in Karachi and Lahore in the months of March
and October, 2019 respectively. We expect
even greater response from the visitors as
well.
In the year 2018, our Chief Editor
conducted a survey during Pakplas exhibition
held in Lahore regarding the frequency of
Pakplas magazine. He interviewed most
of the important exhibitors, visitors and
PPMA members and asked them the same
question whether the magazine should remain
as Annual or it should be published as a
Quarterly or Half Yearly issue.
Those interviewed also included Mr.
Haider Ali of Pak Petroleum, Mr. Atba Farooqi
of Clariant, Mr. Al Gharawi of Sabic, the
representatives of House of Amin, Gatronova,
Sunny Co, Mr. Ehteshamuddin, Mr. Farid A.
Vawda, EC members and other members
of PPMA, many of the visitors and other
exhibitors. Their response was that either the
Pakplas magazine should be published as a
Quarterly magazine, and if this is not possible
immediately, then it must be published as a
Half Yearly magazine.
In view of their identical response, the
proposal to publish Pakplas magazine as
a Half Yearly issue has been under active
consideration and the organization of two
editions of Pakplas exhibition in the same
year has offered a most ideal and absolutely
natural opportunity to meet the growing
demand of readers and advertisers to publish
it as a Half Yearly magazine.
The feasibility of Pakplas as a Half Yearly
issue is under active consideration. In the
meantime, we wish to request our valued
contributors and advertisers to prepare
Imran Ghani
themselves to contribute on twice a year basis Convener
so that we all can make Pakplas Healf Yearly PAKPLAS Magazine
magazine even more successful than Pakplas Committee
as an Annual issue.
Here, in the end, we wish to appreciate
the sincere efforts and hard work by our Chief
Editor, Mr. Ahmed Qaiser who worked day in
day out to make Pakplas 2019 possible. The
way he conducted all interviews, surveys, and
wrote and compiled other news items etc is
really laudable and we acknowledge all of his
efforts.
Happy reading!

7
 Issue
PAKPLAS MAGAZINE COMMITTEE
Imran Ghani, Convener
Inside
S. M. Noman, Member this
Zahid Ahmed, Member

2019
A Publication® of PPMA

Chief Editor: Ahmed Qaiser

OFFICE SECRETARIAT
Rashid Mehmood: Secretary General
Syed Ahsan Ali: Office Coordinator
Editorial
Printed at: Times Press (Pvt) Ltd. Karachi, Ahmed Qaiser
Pakistan

DISCLAIMER
Pakplas and PPMA do not take any guarantee
and responsibility on the accuracy of
the information. The PPMA does not 7
necessarily agree with the views expressed
by contributors/interviewees nor do they
accept any responsibility for any errors. The
information, addresses and computer linkage
and materials are published without any
responsibility. Neither the publisher, nor the
association take any responsibility for any
The New Plastics
individual or any entity for any loss or damages Economy
arising from the information contained therein. Dr. Nasir Mehmood
Ahmad
How Germany
Became
an Export
Powerhouse
Imtiaz Rastgar
51

PAKISTAN PLASTIC
MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

HEAD OFFICE 45
Suite # 8, 2nd Floor, B-9/B-2, Estate Avenue,
Metro Chowrangi, S.I.T.E., Karachi.
Tel: 92-21-32585050 - 36040111
Fax: 92-21-32585050
Email: ppma@pakplas.com.pk

NORTH REGIONAL OFFICE: 49

Time to Regulate
Suite # 6, 3rd Floor, Leeds Centre, Gulberg III, Plastic Recycling
Lahore-Pakistan. in Pakistan
Tel: (92-42) 35213522 Ilyas Vohra
Email: ppma.north@pakplas.com.pk

8
 Cover Story
Pakistan’s Industrial Environment and
Journey Policy Initiatives to Meet Sustainability
Dr. Raza Ali Khan Economic Challenges Dr. Mehr Nigar

21
Mohammad Ibrahim
Kasumbi 37

33

13 Huge Potential for

Expansion Exists in
Plastic Industry of
Pakistan:
Ashraf Shaikh

29
Export Potential 41
Overview of for Pakistan
Pakistan Plastic Plastic Industry
Industry Manufacturers
Shoaib Munshi Aadil Nakhoda

Nanocellulose: A Measuring Melt

Potential Natural Rheology Using
Material with Huge Internal Mixer
Applications
Dr. Syed Danish Ali
69 Dr. Asif Ali Qaiser

Investing $100M in
Asian Recycling may be
Easier Said than Done
59 Raja Omer Nawaz

73

63
55
77
Plastic Industry Efficient Utilization
of Pakistan can
Grow to US$ 10 82 of Plastic Waste
in Construction of
Why Choose PE
Compounds for
Billion: Green Roads Pressure Pipe
Imran Anwer Yasir Qayyum Gill Irfan Sabir
Plastic Flow Simulation
Dr. Muhammad Shafiq Irfan

9
Issue
Inside
this Multilayer Packaging:
Current Challenges
in Recycling

2018
Dr. Yasir Qayyum Gill

85

Washing Lines
for Plastic
Juergen Schnitzer

91
95
Think out of
the Box
Muhammad
Mubashir Rasool

99

107 Marine Plastics

Pollution:
Reversing
the Tide Automotive
Dr. Mehr Nigar 111 Plastics Market
to Exceed US$ 50
Chinaplas 2019 to
Tap into Emerging Billion
Regions

Glimpses

151
150

Pakplas has been on

the Growth Trajectory
Syed Nabeel Hashmi
& Ali Kunji
157
Ads Directory

10
OVERVIEW OF PAKISTAN
PLASTIC INDUSTRY

By: Shoaib Munshi

General Manager
Vinmar Polymers
Karachi

P
lastic is an ever green product and substituting other
products worldwide as well as in Pakistan. The
consumption of Plastics is increasing day by day as
it is directly related to the life style. Inspite of difficulties in
doing business during last couple of years due to instability,
security, law & order, political and financial situation,
Pakistan’s plastic industry continued growing and creating
job opportunities, depositing goverment revenue and
producing better products for all other industries which
required packaging and parts for their usage due to unique
qualities of plastic being competitive, possessing better
presentation, easy handling, enhancement in products’ shelf
life and durability compared to other alternate materials.

Plastic consumption has also been increasing due

to rising rate of urbanization, changing life style, more
youth population, emergence of big shopping malls and
grocery stores, ease of life and awareness, usage of social
media and global exposure which helped to increase the Source: Federal Bureau of Statistics Pakistan
consumption of plastic in Pakistan. The rising demand from
middle class population is always there which is a major
consumer of plastic products.
RAW MATERIAL IMPORT
STATISTICS BY COUNTRY
Pakistan plastic raw material manufacturing as well as
finished plastic products processors promise a great growth
potential as they are continuously developing, growing and
expanding existing units as well as putting up new lines
to cope with the demand of plastic products in Pakistan.
Plastic plays a key role in developemnt of economy in Asian
countries. Pakistan has enormous potential for growth as
polymer use in Pakistan is still far below than the world level.
In an emergign market the demand for growth of plastic is 2
to 2.5 times to GDP growth. Unfortunately, it is not the case
in Pakistan.

The current consumption of plastic in Pakistan is 6.5kg

per capita which is a lot lower than the world average of 38.

POLYMERS’ IMPORTS IN PAKISTAN

2016 – 2017 2017 – 2018

PRODUCTS QUANTITY (MT) QUANTITY (MT)
Polyethylene 476062 544641
Polypropylene 482543 524033
Ackrylonitrile Butadiene 23855 25796
Styrene (ABS) Copolymer
PVC, EVA, Engineering 65292 86839
Plastics & other Polymers
TOTAL 1047752 1181309

13
 RAW MATERIAL MANUFACTURER AND
THEIR PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN
PAKISTAN:

Company Product Capacity (Tons) Remarks

Engro Polymer PVC 295,000 Expansion
& Chemicals Ltd of 100,000
MT by 2020
Pak Petro- GPPS 100,000 Plan to
LOCAL POLYPROPYLENE AND
POLYETHYLENE PRICES IN PAK RUPEES IN chemical & HIPS produce ABS
COMPARISON WITH CRUDE OIL Industries
Local trading in Pakistan is done in Pak Rupees and on (Pvt) Ltd.
per pound basis.
Gatron PET 235,000
Local prices fluctuation is recorded almost on daily basis (Industries) Chip
due to supply/demand, international market trend, prices and
Ltd/Novatex Bottle
other factors. It is a commodity product.
Dynea Pakistan Urea & 50,000
Melamine

LOCAL RAW MATERIAL PRODUCTION

1. PVC RESIN
Engro Polymer & Chemicals Ltd is the only PVC Resin
manufacturer in Pakistan producing 195,000 MT PVC Resin
per annum.

They have announced an addition of new PVC Plant of

100,000 MT making total capacity to 295,000 MT per annum
by Q3 2020.

Engro Polymer is focusing on new PVC products

segments, including PVC foam board, PVC wood plastic and
PVC wall panels to capitalise on the increasing size of the
market. Moreover, regional PVC demand has outpaced their
production capacity, giving an opportunity to the company to
export their products into the regional market.

2. PET CHIP BOTTLE GRADE

Gatron (Industries) Ltd / Novatex produces PET Resin
bottle grade for domestic and export the same worldwide.

15
 The total PET resin bottle grade production capacity MACHINERY IMPORT STATISTICS BY
is 235,000 mt/annum, out of which more than 50% of the COUNTRY
quantity is available for export.

Novatex Limited along with Gatron (Industries) Limited

is the largest PET Resin Bottle Grade manufacturer in
Pakistan, with the brand name of “Gatronova.

3. POLYSTYRENE
Pak Petrochemical Industries (Pvt) Limited manufactures
General Purpose Polystyrene, High Impact Polystyrene and
Expandable Polystyrene.

Pak Petrochemical Industries (Pvt) Ltd has an annual

capacity of 63,000 M. Tons for GPPS & HIPS. A new plant
of EPS also started its production at Port Qasim with the
annual capacity of 14,850 M. Tons. So the total capacity is
approximately 100,000 M. Tons/ annum. They export about
50% of their total production.

4. UREA & MELAMINE

Incorporated in 1982, Dynea Pakistan Limited engaged
in the manufacturing of formaldehyde, urea/melamine
formaldehyde and aminoplast compound.

The plant capacity is 50000 MT and they are planning for

expansions.

MACHINERY IMPORT STATISTICS

Pakistan Plastic Industry mostly imports machinery from
world renowned plastic machinery manufactures.

Almost all reputed and well known plastic machinery

is being imported in Pakistan and the below figures reflect
the same fact. In Pakistan some manufacturers do produce
extruder for PE film manufacturing like shopping bags.

There are also manufacturers of other accessories and
auxiliaries for plastic industry.
Description 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018
Injection 8375 16044 15711
Moulding
Extruders 493 787 1747
Blow Moulding 382 517 494
Total 9250 17348 17952
Source: Federal Bureau of Statistics Pakistan
PROSPECTS OF PAKISTAN PLASTIC
INDUSTRY
Pakistan Plastic Industry has been growing at an
average rate of 7 – 9% annually. The major consumption
is for domestic use. New Government started to facilitate
for export of plastic goods and recently duty on plastic raw
material has been reduced to 3% from 5%.
In Pakistan electricity charges are very high as compared
to neighbouring and other Asian plastic exporters which
is the main hurdle in export competitiveness. Government
should also support on utilities as they provide support to
other export industries of Pakistan to be competitive for
export in international market.
CPEC projects will enhance plastic consumption in
Pakistan and the industry feels if right Government policies
come in place to protect the local industry it will bring
revolution in Pakistani industry and plastic being the mother
of all industries will get its due share as the plastic industry
provides parts, packaging and accessories to other industry
for their production and packaging for domestic as well as
export market.

Pakistan plastic industry has been looking forward and

growing to fulfill the demand and requirements of plastic
products in Pakistan and is ready to play its positive role in
the development of Pakistan economy.

17
PACKAGING INDUSTRY
Huge investment has already been made in BOPP, CPP,
PET multilayer Film as well as rigid packaging manufacturing
to fulfill the packaging requirements. At present, all plants are
fully operational.
increased with low water consumption. Worldwide it is being
accepted and promoted to use for saving water.
Pakistan Government should focus and implement such
systems in agriculture so as to overcome the current water
crises as it can save water by using such techniques.

The rapid and most significant growth has been seen
in packaging sector in the last two years in Pakistan. About
three CPP, one BOPP and several multilayer and woven
bags plants have been installed to full the requirements.
New capacities and expansion by using latest state
of the art technologies have been imported from world
renowned producers of machinery which will provide latest
and international standard packaging products in Pakistan for
domestic as well as export market.
These new technologies are cost effective, high speed
production and carry low electric consumption which will fulfill
the demand of quality packaging.
PP woven bag segment is the largest importer and
consumer of Polypropylene in Pakistan. Now BOPP and
CPP film production requirements of polypropylene have also
been increased and total import of polypropylene has been
increased significantly.
PLASTIC IN AGRICULTURE
NEEDS GOVERNMENT HELP AND SUPPORT
This sector also is growing in Pakistan which is very good
for the Pakistan agriculture sector. It is need of the present
development worldwide and Pakistan is still lagging behind
in this sector and the government should focus it and provide
advantages, required concessions and support for this sector
of Pakistan Plastic Industry so that our agriculture industry
and Pakistan economy get the real fruit and benefits.
Plastic processors and the Government should focus
to develop Plastic Tunnel Farming, Drip Irrigation, Sprinkle
Irrigation, Ponds & Canals, Reservoir linings, Plastic
Mulching and Green House etc.
TUNNEL FARMING
Tunnel Farming is a profitable business but many farmers
neither use it nor are they aware of the benefits of using it.
This technique yields more production than traditional
agriculture as it boosts yield and produces high quality
vegetables. In this technique the plastic sheets are used to
make it like a tunnel hut structure on the crops to control the
environment.
MULCHING FILM
They are commercially used for Fruits & Vegetables.
Plastic mulch is used with and without drip tape irrigation
in vegetable production to promote early and improved
cropping by:
1) Maintaining a good root zone,
2) Suppressing weeds, and
3) Regulating and conserving soil moisture.
Mulch is available in several blends of polyethylene
resins (linear, low density, high density, etc.). Different blends
produce different strengths and abilities, e.g., how well it
holds fumigants.
ADVANTAGES OF POLYETHYLENE MULCH
FILM
• Maintains a good root zone
• Enhances/maintains soil structure
• Black promotes earlier cropping by heating the soil
• White and silver keep soil cooler
• Regulates and conserves soil moisture
• Deters pests
• Increases pesticide (e.g., fumigants) efficiency
• Keeps fruit clean and suppresses ground rotting
• Minimizes leaching of fertilizers and other chemicals
• Decreases both horizontal and vertical erosion
CONCLUSION
Pakistan Plastic Industry is heading in right direction and
local manufacturers and processors are continuously making
investments as they see good potential in the coming years
which is reflecting from machinery import statistics.
If Government provides right direction by providing
good policies for Plastic Industry then export of plastic raw
material and finished products will soon get its due share in
international market.
GOD BLESS PAKISTAN!!

DRIP IRRIGATION
Usage of drip irrigation helps save water and increases
the crop yield per acre. Drip irrigation saves water by allowing
water to drop regularly but slowly and frequently as close to
the plant roots as possible through drip pipes and sprinkler
network of plastic pipe and valves.

Water requirements can be reduced by 50 to 60% and

yields of crops and plants will increase too.

It requires more awareness and support from

Government as this technology is being used by
neighbouring country having same infrastructure but they
have adopted this technique and their cultivation has

19
By Dr. Raza Ali Khan
Chairman
Department of Economics & Management Sciences
NED University of Engineering & Technology

21
 The purpose of this article is to review what economic
and industrial development has meant in Pakistan in the
past seventy years. Since independence, industrials sector
of Pakistan has gone through various vicissitudes, with the
minimum contribution of 9.63% to maximum contribution of
27.1% to total GDP. However, the prime factors that influenced
the economic growth includes but not limited to Monetary
Policy, Financial Discipline, Consistency and Continuity of
Development Policies, Strengthening of Domestic Demand,
Continuously Improving Macroeconomic Environment, Stable
interest and inflation Rates and Global Expansion of Markets
due to trade liberalization. Despite all the challenges of
developing country, these factors allow industrial sector of
Pakistan to grow relentlessly.
The production of industrial sector of Pakistan over the
Figure-1: Industrial Output 1950-2018
period from 1950 to 2018 as a whole is shown in Figure 1.

In order to discuss the contribution and performance of

Pakistan industrial sector in the past seventy years it is useful
to revisit the industrial development history, a history which
can be divided into the following periods.

GROWTH OF INDUSTRIAL SECTOR FROM 1947

TO 1950
Pakistan with its independence got comparatively small
size industries than India that including rice husking mills,
cotton ginning factories, sugar mills, canning factories and few
others which mainly provided raw material. The country started
with almost no industrial base and no institutional or financial
institutions. One misfortune on the heels of another was that
India decided to impose a trade embargo on Pakistan. This
Figure-2: Contribution of Industrial Sector 1950-1959
menacing forced Pakistan to invest in consumption goods
from the very beginning to avoid heavy reliance on any state.
This rationality along with protection form external competition
encouraged investment. In order to provide financial
assistance, Industrial Finance Corporation and an Industrial
Investment and Credit Corporation were established in 1948.
However, the beginners attracted investors who nurtured this
sector while earning high profits from 1947 to 1950 during
which its contribution to GDP had become 6.9%.

GROWTH OF INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN 1950’S

The composition of industries was, then after 1950,
enhanced to include industries with heavy investments for
which the Government of Pakistan initiated Pakistan Industrial
Development Corporation (PIDC) in 1952. This establishment
was aimed to invest in cement, fertilizer and paper industry and
in Sui Karachi gas pipeline. This institution worked so well that
within a span of 19 years, it had completed 59 industrial units
and perpetuated self-sustained growth of the industrial sector.
Furthermore, the reduction in export duties and the initiation
of Export Bonus Scheme helped in increasing the exports of
manufactured products, particularly. This era showed rapid
growth in industrial sector during which its contribution to
GDP went from 9.7% to 11.9%. Figure 2 below illustrates
the contribution of Industrial Sector to Total GDP of Pakistan
during 1950 to 1959:
PERFORMANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN
1960’S
The military coup started in Pakistan can be compared with
that of South Korea as economic experiments of coup related
to industrialization brought similar outcomes in both states
leading towards state-led industrialization. This era was part of
the five year plans of President Ayub Khan, which employed
licensing in the industrial sector to diffuse the ownership.This
regime also brought development finance organizations like
Industrial Development Bank of Pakistan (IDBP) and Pakistan
Industrial and Commercial Corporation (PICIC) on board
under the umbrella of World Bank. This brought shift in the
Figure-3: Industrial Sector in 1960s
industrialization from majorly consumption based productions
to heavy industries like iron and steel, petro-chemical, electrical
complex and some others.
Although, dozens of spinning mills were established but
they were operating below their optimum capacity. The share
of this sector remained stagnant during this era as the policies
provided distortive protection to industries, particularly textile
sector. Figure 3 below illustrates the contribution of Industrial
Sector to Total GDP of Pakistan during 1960 to 1969:
PERFORMANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN
1970’S
The era of socialism began with the nationalization of
large scale manufacturing. The deep rooted poor governance
that we witness till today was initiated in this era with the
establishment of public sector corporation that had to finance
nationalized industrial sector. The projects started to be chosen
on the basis of political grounds rather than meritorious. The
Board of Industrial Management (BIM) was controlling 10 sub-
sectors composed of 32 manufacturing enterprises. During
the military regime of President Zia-ul-Haq, a recommendation

23
was passed to abolish Ministry of Production, BIM and sector
specific entities involved in commodity operations. This order was
recommended by Implementation committee on reorganization of
State Industrial Enterprises which was previously named as State
Enterprises Review.

During the 1970’s decade, the industrial performance was

severely hurt in terms of growth, export and production due to
a large number of unfavorable circumstances in manufacturing
sector including separation of East Pakistan, war with India,
suspension of foreign aid, loss of East Pakistan market, fall
in exports, devaluation, unfavorable investment climate,
floods, recession in world trade and reduction in investment
incentives. All these circumstances became a major hurdle in
Figure-4: Industrial Growth 1970-79
the industrial sector, thus, annual growth rate dropped to 2.8%.
The Government in 1977 took various measures to revise
economic situation. Few of the industries were denationalized
including cotton ginning, rice husking and flour milling. Incentives
were made to encourage private sector to invest in Large Scale
Industries. The annual growth rate in manufacturing sector rose to
8.2% in 1989 followed by decreasing trend during 1990’s by 4.7%
in first half and 2.5% in second half. Figure 4 below illustrates the
contribution of Industrial Sector to Total GDP of Pakistan during
1970 to 1979:

PERFORMANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN

1980’S
The fourth wave of industrial policy started with the return of
democratic era in 1989 with three major components, namely;
deletion policy, deregulation measures and privatization. The
aim of the deletion policy was to foster self-reliance in the
engineering sector. The privatization of banks was started but it
did not give fruitful results due to absence of competitive laws,
thus, the privatization did not improve industrial activity with
respect to value addition. The establishment of Small and Medium
Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) was the major
development of that era for improving products, management
practices and adopting new technologies. Figure 5 below
illustrates the contribution of Industrial Sector to Total GDP of
Pakistan during 1980 to 1989.
PERFORMANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN
1990’S
The private sector gained a prominent role in the fifth wave
(1999-2008). The major development came in automobile
and consumer electronic industries due to deregulation and
adjustments to the tariff regime. Macroeconomic stabilization was
carried out in 2002-03 via prudent fiscal and monetary policies
followed by structural reforms. As a result of these policies,
the GDP growth rate rose to 5.1%in 2002-03, 6.4% in 2003-
04, and 9.1% in 2004- 05. The agriculture and manufacturing
also displayed an increasing trend, hence, the overall growth
rate still remained lower as compared to other Asian countries.
Pakistan’s ranking in the human development indicators and other
technological development also remained low. Figure 6 below
illustrates the contribution of Industrial Sector to Total GDP of
Pakistan during 1990 onwards.
Figure-5: Industrial Progress During 1980s
causing widespread discontentment in the business circles.
Resultantly, various industrial units have closed or restricted
their operations causing unemployment and loss in industrial
production, which is triggering at least 2% loss of GDP growth
annually due to the power shortages.
Lack of administrative controls and planning also allow circular
debts to keep accumulating, which have reached to Rs.400 billion.
This problem caused because government has to subsidize
the energy tariff to lighten the burden of high production cost of
electricity. However, government has failed to bring any reform
or plan to reduce the power production costs so that subsidizing
could be avoided. One of the main reasons of high production cost
is cost of furnace oil, which is mainly imported and affected by
fuctuation in exchange rate. Charging high prices to commercial
and industrial sectors has further fueled the inflation and increase
in production cost for industries.
b) Unstable Interest rate
We may not realize the impact of Interest rate, but it plays the
vital role in the economic activity and it also either uplifts or drops
the growth of various economic sectors. The one of the major
reasons behind the fall in the country’s industrial output is higher
interest rate that increases cost of borrowing and investment. The
reduction in discount rate to single digit could provide some relief
to the ailing industry.

CHALLENGES FACED BY INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
OF PAKISTAN
a) Energy crisis
Energy is one of the main ingredients to industrial productions.
However, industries in Pakistan face huge energy crisis including
gas load shedding, which has become a routine in major industrial
cities of Pakistan. The projected shortfall of gas was reported
in 2015 to be 10.34 billion cubic feet per day and the situation
is getting worst. The estimated increase in energy demand is
10% to 12% per annum; however, additional production is not
compensatory for the estimated future demand. Because of these
circumstances, industries in Pakistan are virtually suffocated,
The industrialization heavily depends on the private investment
including local and foreign capital. Strict monetary policies of the
State Bank are not allowing private sector to freely contribute in
the growth of industrial sector of Pakistan. Higher interest rate not
only increased the cost of doing business but also marginalized
the private sector. High borrowing costs discouraged the demand
for private sector credit, which in turn decreased private investment
adversely affecting the prospects of economic growth.
c) Poor Administration
Quality of governance in Pakistan is not only slipped but it
is also distorted due to the crippling failure of law enforcement

25

Figure-6: Industrial Performance 1990 - 2018
and poor administrative control. Good governance is supposed
to ensure the transparency, efficiency and rationality in the
utilization of public funds and national resources; however,
governance institutions in Pakistan, themselves, have become
treating to industrial safeguard. The Lack of good governance
discourages growth of the private sector, demotes effective
delivery of public services and discomforts the rule of law.
d) Law and Order Situation
Pakistan is in dire need of overseas investment to bolster
industrialization process. However, poor governance also
causes security concerns, which have become one of the top
most issues and the primary reason raising concern among the
foreign firms that have already invested in the country. Increase
in crime and terrorism would not only hamper the efforts of state
to attract foreign investment but also hit industrialization in the
country. This also pushed foreign firms to move their operations
to other countries.
Since Karachi is the main industrial hub of the country,
therefore, unstable law and order situation in Karachi also
affects the exports. Extortion, target killing and kidnapping for
ransom has turned Karachi from industrial hub to crime hub.
All these crimes have increased the cost of doing business
in Karachi, which has affected the business and industrial
activities causing a slump in overall economic growth. If a
business refuses to adjust with the prevailing crime, they have
to suffer the extreme consequences, resulting in decline in
industrial growth or relocation of business unit, which itself is
costly in numerous cases.
e) Inconsistent Industrial Policy
One of the main reasons of unstable growth in industrial
sector is the frequent change in government and administrative
regimes that effect the development policies and planning.
Accordingly, the policies and planning have failed to address
the key issues like sectorial balance between agricultural and
industrial sector, balanced regional development, growth versus
distribution strategy, small scale versus large scale, capital-
intensive versus labour intensive, public sector versus private
sector, rural versus urban, nationalization of industries and
Import substitution versus export promotion.
f) Shortage of Capital
Capital is fueled either by foreign investment or public
savings; however, in Pakistan, public saving is very low,
resulting in high consumption, which increases the market
demand and worsen the economic condition. Sole reliance on
private foreign investment and foreign aid is not an option due
to conditions and strings attached to it. Further, unavailability of
adequate facility of industrial credit also restricts the expansion
of industries in Pakistan.
g) Limited Size of Markets
The local production is often of low quality, sub-
standardized and below international par, therefore, majority
of industries are unable to explore beyond border market.
Even local consumption of inadequate quality products is
very low. Due to limited domestic market and increasing
foreign competition, industrial development is facing obstacles
in growing at rapid pace. Accordingly, demand of locally
manufactured goods is not favourable for industrial growth.
h) Lack of Technical & Skilled Labour
Skilled and trained labour is the key to reducing wastage
and increasing efficiency by utilizing modern and advance
technology in production. However, in Pakistan, due to
illiteracy and low educational standards, rapid industrialization
is fractionized by lack of skilled and trained labour. Modern
equipment requires properly trained and technical workforce.
h) Insufficient Infrastructure
Industrial development is heavily supported by upstream
and downstream, such as transportation infrastructure,
communication infrastructure, power infrastructure and
trading ports. Existing transportation infrastructure of Pakistan
is not capable to cope with the industrial and commercial
requirements. Pakistan is not fully developed in exploiting
renewable energy resources. These all are also the reason for
slow and restricted development of industrial zones in Pakistan.
i) Lack of Industrial Research
High production cost is overcome through development
of new methodology. However, in order to develop new
techniques, investment in research is inevitable. Industrial
research discovers new techniques of production and
introduces new varieties of products. Research at industrial
level is not very much invested in Pakistan; which is
responsible for inability to develop technology instead new
technology is usually imported from other countries that also
increases the production cost.
As a matter of fact, lack of industrial research is also the
basis for no competing in international market.
j) Dissatisfaction of Labour
Inequality in the society leads to dysfunctional behavior.
Pakistan’s rank in HDI index is declining every year, which is
evident of the fact that labour class is not fully enjoying the
fruits of economic growth. Industrial sector accommodates
large number of labour force of Pakistan but due to low
bargaining power of labour force, they are not fairly and evenly
compensated. Accordingly, their standard of living of the labour
force and the real wage did not increase. This also promotes
trade union movements and strikes, resulting in tension between
industrialists and labours, which disturbed industrial production
and efficiency.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Above discussed complications and problems being faced
by industries in Pakistan are required to be addressed in order to
provide proper growth to industrial sector of Pakistan. This is not
an easy task to undertake nor is there any quick solution to this.
However, provision of cheap and uninterrupted supply of energy
to the industrial sector on preferential basis along with easy credit
facility, maximum extraction and utilization of indigenous mineral
resources, provision of necessary healthcare facilities for the
labour, eradication of the scourge of terrorism, research-based and
workable industrial policies, sustenance of democracy and political
stability, promotion of public-private partnership, improved law
and order situation, protection of property rights and reservation
of substantial budget for research and development are such
promising steps that could be undertaken by the stakeholders to
ensure sustainable growth of industrial sector.
27
 By: Aadil Nakhoda
T
he trade war between United States of America
and China will not only pose challenges but also
opportunities for developing countries that have
potential in exports of plastic products. Tariffs on trade
between the largest trading partners can divert trade in favor
of the smaller countries. Total exports of plastic products
and articles from Pakistan have been less than $300 million
since 2015. The data is extracted from International Trade
Centre’s (ITC) Trademap.org. However, between 2010 and
2013, Pakistan had exported more than $400 million worth of
plastic articles, peaking at $544 million in 2011. Even though
the exports were less than 2% of total exports of Pakistan
in 2011, the decline is disconcerting in recent years as this
industry has tremendous potential in employment generation
and opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
in the country.
On the other hand, Pakistan imported $2.3 billion worth of
plastic articles in 2017. In 2010, it was less than $1.5 billion.
The demand for polymers of ethylene and for polymers of
propylene in primary form has increased in Pakistan in the
last few years. The large share of imports of plastic articles in
the primary form signify the presence of substantial domestic
manufacturing activities in Pakistan. The lack of exports
of plastic articles suggests that the production in Pakistan
is typically for domestic consumption of plastic articles.
However, with proper policies in place it is possible that the
plastic industry can become an important export-oriented
sector.
PAKISTAN IMPORTED $2.3
BILLION WORTH OF PLASTIC
ARTICLES IN 2017. IN 2010, IT
WAS LESS THAN $1.5 BILLION.
29
 China exported more than $70 billion worth of plastic
articles in 2017. More than $15 billion were destined to the
United States of America, which was higher than $13 billion
in 2016. Comparatively, the exports from China to the US
in plastic articles were less than $10 billion in 2010. Exports
to other destinations were below $5 billion, signifying the
importance of the US market for Chinese plastic products.
On the other hand, China imported almost $69 billion worth
of plastic products, mainly from Republic of Korea, Japan,
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) and the United States.
China exports mainly finished articles of plastics such
as tableware, kitchenware, floor coverings, household and
toilet article as well as statuettes and ornamental articles. Its
exports of intermediate good are significantly lower. On the
other hand, its imports are mainly of polyethylene, ethylene-
alpha-olefins copolymers, polycarbonates and polypropylene
in primary forms. Unlike the trend in Pakistan, China is more
likely to convert imported inputs of intermediate goods in the
plastic industry into products that are eventually exported.
On the other hand, the top exporters to the US for plastic
products are China, Canada and Mexico. China has almost
1/3rd of the market share in the US, making it a significant
player. The total imports into the US of plastic products have
increased from $37 billion in 2010 to $55 billion in 2017. US
imports primarily finished products of plastic articles.
Majority of the US exports of plastic products are
destined to Mexico and Canada. However, unlike the
composition of exports from China, intermediate goods
constitute a large proportion of the exports from the US.
Therefore, producers in the US and China are likely
to participate in global value chains, increasing the
dependence on each other as well as on other large
trading countries. As expected China is the largest source
for several finished products of plastic articles mentioned
above. On the other hand, the US is also one the largest
exporters of several intermediate products of plastic articles.
Any trade restrictions imposed by the US on Chinese
products that are likely to be met with retaliation, will be
reducing bilateral trade between them but creating trade
for other countries. Although, the recent growth in trade
may not indicate the imposition of trade restrictions,
the call for more protectionism creates uncertainty
in developing trading relationships. Hence, such
challenges can create opportunities for exporters in
other countries, such as Pakistan.
The exports from Pakistan are concentrated in primary
forms of polyethylene terephthalate. Other plastic products
constitute a much small share. Pakistan is neither considered
a large exporter nor a large importer of plastic products. Its
share of global trade in plastic articles in negligible. However,
one of the salient features of the Finance Supplementary
(Second Amendment) Bill 2019 is the reduction of customs
duty on the import of plastic molding compound from
5% to 3%. Incentives are being provided to encourage
industrialization in Pakistan through exemptions on sales tax
on imported plant and machinery. Further, easier conditions
on loans to SMEs will increase access to finance for smaller
businesses. The government must ensure that the plastics
industry develops into a globally competitive industry as it is
not only labor intensive but manufacturing units can be set up
in small scale across various cities of Pakistan, creating jobs
for several thousand workers across the country. According
to ITC’s Export Potential Map, Pakistan has approximately
$400 million worth of export potential in plastic products
given its current supply, demand and market conditions.
Therefore, the current exports of plastics articles can be
increased by 30% within a short time period if provided a
favorable business environment.
HIGHLIGHTS
ACCORDING TO ITC’S EXPORT POTENTIAL
MAP, PAKISTAN HAS APPROXIMATELY
$400 MILLION WORTH OF EXPORT
POTENTIAL IN PLASTIC PRODUCTS
GIVEN ITS CURRENT SUPPLY, DEMAND
AND MARKET CONDITIONS. THEREFORE,
THE CURRENT EXPORTS OF PLASTICS
ARTICLES CAN BE INCREASED BY
30% WITHIN A SHORT TIME PERIOD IF
PROVIDED A FAVORABLE BUSINESS
ENVIRONMENT.
31
POLICY
INITIATIVES TO
MEET ECONOMIC
CHALLENGES By Mohammad Ibrahim
Kasumbi

I
n a little over five months of assuming power, the newly
elected government has focused on rectifying macro-
economic fundamentals namely the current account deficit,
trade imbalances and fiscal deficit inherited from previous
government.
The biggest challenge was to avert a sovereign default on
international obligations which seemed imminent in the face
of rapidly declining forex reserves at the time the government
of Prime Minister Imran Khan took over. Turning to the IMF
for a bailout package appeared inevitable. It looked as if the
only option was to accept the harsh conditionalities of IMF
program that border on infringement of national sovereignty.
It is however commendable that the Prime Minister and
his finance team decided to explore other options before
entering into another IMF program.
The whirlwind trips of Prime Minister and his Finance
team, to friendly countries to seek economic assistance
were very successful. Response from countries such
as Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. and China was overwhelmingly
positive and the government not only managed to secure
loans approximately amounting to $6.0 to 7.0 Billion without
stringent conditions, but was also successful in concluding
agreements to import crude oil on deferred payments of up
to 3 years relieving a great deal of pressure of Pakistan’s
dwindling reserves. This averted a looming financial crisis
and possible default.
consumer goods and squeezes the purchasing power of low
and middle income segments of population.
Finance Minister Asad Umar vehemently defends these
actions which will have a long lasting impact on overall
economy, growth and quality of life for common man.
Devaluation and high interest rates are similar to broad
spectrum anti-biotics which kill the useful bacteria along with
the harmful ones. The side effects are rather painful.
Increase in interest rates is certain to have adverse
impact on industry and trade as well as consumer financing,
due to higher cost of working capital. In developed
economies, the interest rates are lowered in response to
a slow-down in economy and provide a stimulant to spur
growth, whereas response to such slow-down is opposite
in Pakistan. Economists may differ on approach to the
challenges of slow growth and inflation but in Pakistan, past
experience shows that higher interest rates have always
resulted in stifled economic activity and unemployment. It is a
sure recipe for a decline in GDP growth rate.
Clearly there are more effective tools of management
available, other than devaluation and higher interest rates.
Rather than managing the demand side of economy,
government could do well to manage the supply side
economics, that can take care of the inflation while
stimulating growth.

The much needed assistance provided a breathing space Although one may safely assume that overall direction of
to the government in managing the current account deficit economic management is correct, yet Asad Umar appears to
and payment obligations enabling it to delay the agreement be on the back foot when it comes to taking bold and difficult
with IMF which has allowed greater flexibility and negotiating decisions. Clearly the Finance Minister is reluctant to annoy
room to obtain softer terms from the fund. To that extent
the Prime Minister and his team deserve credit in averting a
major crisis.

However certain other measures that were taken to

narrow the current account deficit and trade imbalances, are
debatable and a number of seasoned economists as well
as those in trade and industry differ with the finance whiz
kids in the government. Sharp devaluation of Pak Rupee
and increase in raising the interest rates, is an age-old and
classic IMF prescription to control inflation, curtail imports
and increase exports, which in the case of Pakistan has been
more damaging than beneficial to the economy.

Devaluations are based on the theory that these will result

in higher exports when goods produced in Pakistan become
cheaper for foreign buyers. This however is a flawed theory
because a substantial volume of inputs such as raw materials,
machinery and utilities become costlier with each devaluation.
Hence any advantage gained through devaluation is short
term and is offset by higher cost of inputs. On the flip side,
an across the board increase in cost of imports especially
the essential commodities, has a direct impact on prices of

33
the elite class and conglomerates which have been pampered
and spoon fed over the decades and responsible for chronic
fiscal deficit which has become an integral feature of every
budget.
Examples are subsidies to Sugar industry, reduced gas
tariff for fertilizer industry, protective tariffs and a captive market
for auto assemblers who have failed to comply with deletion
programs and across the board concessions to five zero rated
sectors resulting in serious distortions in overall tax policy and
structure.
In the supplementary Finance Bill presented in January
2019, further restrictions have been imposed on import of used/
reconditioned cars which are more than 2 years old model,
giving more protection to local auto assemblers. Consequently,
the landed cost of smaller 600cc to 800cc used and
reconditioned cars has sharply increased because the models
which are less than 2 years old will have a higher import price
as well as duties and taxes. These smaller but good quality
cars are now out of reach for the middle income groups who
cannot afford locally assembled cars which now cost anywhere
between Rs.2.5 to 3.5 Million for a sedan.
With a precarious reserve position and wide trade deficit,
Pakistan should be better off importing lower capacity
reconditioned cars from 600cc to 800cc for the largest segment
of the market. In fact the CKDs imported by assemblers
have nearly the same import price as the fully assembled
automobiles sold in other countries by the same brand
manufacturers, draining Pakistan’s meagre forex reserves.
Likewise other interest groups too have successfully
protected their business interests through lobbying in power
centers whereas the SMEs which contribute over 35% to GDP
are left out in the cold. Entrepreneurs associated with small
and medium sized businesses had high expectations with new
government but they have been disappointed as they do not
find SMEs in the priority list of economic managers in the new
set up.
SMEs have been the driving engine in economies which
have achieved high rates of growth, such as China, South
Korea, Malaysia and lately India. In Pakistan SMEs are
crowded out by conglomerates, corporate sector and agro-
based industry such as Sugar. SMEs have limited access to
bank credit because it is highly collateralized and banks are
averse to entertain small businesses. Rather they prefer to
apply funds in retail and consumer lending or the corporate
clients.
A complex and coercive tax regime which favors the mighty
and squeezes the weak has prevented broadening of tax base
and stifled a sector which has tremendous potential for growth.
SMEs not only contribute a significant share to GDP but also
generate employment for nearly 3.5 Million youth who come
to the job market every year. With much needed facilitation,
ease in availability of credit by relaxing prudential regulations,
and reforms in tax regime, laws and structure SMEs have the
capacity to accelerate economic growth.
Once the economic fundamentals are stabilized,
government should focus on resolving the issues of SME
sector and create a conducive business environment through
incentives, facilitation and prevent harassment by curtailing the
discretionary powers of the tax authorities.
It is disappointing that the business advisory council formed
by the government does not have any representations of SMEs.
Rather the composition of the council is such that it appears
more like a tycoons’ council. This will erode the support base of
new government, unless corrective measures are taken.
So far the statements emanating from Ministries of Finance
and Commerce as to the role of SMEs are ambiguous while
also the two supplementary budgets did not deviate much from
the policies of previous government and carried little or no good
news for SMEs. A clear road map is missing as far as SMEs
and undocumented businesses are concerned. Out of box
thinking is required on the part of policy makers to bring these
important players into the economic mainstream.
The IT sector and start ups carry a huge potential for export
and employment of educated youth. Here too the government
needs to set priorities and develop a support model involving
banks and financial institutions for funding of this budding
segment and create incubators to support and nurture the
startups.
Ironically, the young supporters who are largely credited
for bringing the new government to power, are waiting to be
rewarded and become part of the economic mainstream. Prime
Minister in his election campaign challenged the status quo
and promised to rid the country of elitist economic policies. So
far the policy measures taken by the economic whiz kids do
not point in that direction which is likely to cause dismay and
disappointment among the young supporters who form more or
less 70% of Pakistan’s population.
The upcoming budget for the year 2019-20 therefore carries
enormous importance and will be a litmus test for the party
which has come to power by winning the elections of 2018.
Budget for FY 2019-20 will have to be outside the old and
established template designed by bureaucracy and exploited by
interest groups for decades. Out of box solutions and measures
will be required to liberate the economy from exploitative forces
and ensure equitable distribution of resources, employment
creation and economic opportunities for bulk of the population.
Now is the time to take the bold initiatives and take the country
on a growth trajectory.
Writer is a Member of PPMA & former Senior Vice President,
Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
HIGHLIGHTS
SMEs not only contribute a significant share to GDP but
also generate employment for nearly 3.5 Million youth who
come to the job market every year.
With much needed facilitation, ease in availability of credit
by relaxing prudential regulations, and reforms in tax regime,
laws and structure SMEs have the capacity to accelerate
economic growth.
SMEs have been the driving engine in economies which
have achieved high rates of growth, such as China, South
Korea, Malaysia and lately India.
In Pakistan SMEs are crowded out by conglomerates,
corporate sector and agro-based industry such as Sugar.
Entrepreneurs associated with small and medium sized
businesses had high expectations with new government but
they have been disappointed as they do not find SMEs in the
priority list of economic managers in the new set up.
Government should focus on resolving the issues of SME
sector and create a conducive business environment through
incentives, facilitation and prevent harassment by curtailing the
discretionary powers of the tax authorities.
35
ENVIRONMENT AND
SUSTAINABILITY:
ASSESSING THE RISKS
Dr. Mehr Nigar
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace
Engineering
Institute of Avionics & Aeronautics
Air University
Islamabad
INTRODUCTION:
With the recent debates regarding plastics pollution it
has become very easy to perceive plastic bags as the most
harmful option in terms of environmental impact. Paper bags,
with their biodegradable materials and recyclable disposal,
are often considered to be the environmentally friendly
choice when compared with the other types of plastic bags,
including reusable bags. The fact of the matter is that this is a
common misconception; overall paper bags are more harmful
to the environment than disposable plastic ones. In fact, it
actually is ironic that the plastic bags were introduced as
the “environmentally friendly” alternative to paper, to reduce
deforestation and to conserve the large quantities of water
that were required for paper production.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT / SUSTAINABILITY:
The fact is that our growing population has led to an
increased demand of everything, be it food, or water or
clothing or packaging materials. Consumers fail to realize
that every product they are using whether natural or synthetic
carries an environmental impact. Whether it is the food we
eat, or the clothes we wear or the cars we drive. Each and
every item consumed by us has an environmental cost
in terms of resources used in the production, processing,
transportation and disposal of that object. For example
cotton which is a common textile material is a favorite
choice of many due to it being “natural”. However, what
consumers fail to realize is that cotton is a crop that requires
a large quantity of water, and unless grown organically
(which it is not), it is leaching out pesticides into the land
and aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, some basic knowledge
and importance of “Life Cycle Analysis” (LCA) is of utmost
importance to policymakers. Some of the factors that must be
kept in mind while choosing a material are discussed below.
The comparison of paper vs plastic bags is chosen as an
example in this paper, similar considerations should be kept
in mind, when consuming or designing any material.
PRODUCTION
Production of paper bags requires significantly more
resources than plastic bags. Paper bags require roughly
4 times more water than the manufacture of plastic, and
produce 3.1 times more greenhouse gases. Additionally,
plastic bags are created from polyethylene, which originates
as a by-product of refining natural gases. This material
would otherwise be burned off and discarded with no
positive use. This is in stark contrast to paper bags, which
require large quantities of paper, the source of which
originates from forest clearing.
USABILITY
Another important aspect of sustainability is the ability
to reuse a bag as many times as possible before it needs to
be disposed off. Paper bags tend to fall behind their plastic
competitors in this regard, as they are not waterproof and
can tear easily under moderate weight. Some paper bags
are made water-proof by a chemical treatment, which carries
its own environmental burden in terms of soil and water
pollution, once it is disposed off. Those paper bags that are
designed to stand up under more weight represent a much
larger usage of paper resources. Conventional plastic bags
outperform paper bags in this regard, as they can be stored
easily without compromising the bag, store a wider variety of
goods successfully, and do not tear as easily as paper under
pressure.
RECYCLABILITY
Because paper bags are biodegradable, it is easy to
assume that they are much easier to recycle than plastic
bags, or have a lower carbon footprint, this however is not
true. Paper bags weigh roughly 8 times more than plastic
bags, meaning that it is significantly more difficult to transport
them due to increased volume. For example, transporting 2
million paper bags to a recycling facility will require 7 times as
many trucks as 2 million plastic bags! The emission impact of
this difference becomes massive in the long run. Additionally,
plastic bags do not suffer from ‘down cycling’, which means
they can be reproduced from the same materials indefinitely.
Paper has a limited lifespan because its fibrous structure
breaks down towards the end of its recyclable lifespan.
DISPOSABILITY
How we dispose of these bags contributes greatly to
our opinions/perceptions of them. Most people see plastic
bags as an issue because when littered and disposed off
irresponsibly, plastic bags harm wildlife. Also they are the
most visible item in tourist spots and lakes, frequented by
tourists. In addition to this, when disposed off irresponsibly,
plastic bags tend to choke drains, making natural disasters
like floods even worse. In addition to this due to their
waterproof nature, if rain falls on openly dumped plastic, they
hold water and become breeding grounds for mosquitos and
are known to cause an increase in illnesses like malaria.
37

However, with proper disposal, they represent a safely
reusable resource. Additionally, the irresponsible disposal
of paper bags is actually a devastating contribution to
greenhouse gas emissions. Just because paper is a natural
material, made from wood pulp, people often assume that
paper bags are harmless when placed with landfill garbage.
However, this is another misconception – biodegradable
materials do not properly break down in landfill.
Biodegradable materials require the action of sunlight,
oxygen and micro-organisms to break down properly. If
any one of these is missing, paper will not biodegrade - an
evidence of this is that paper bags are in the list of 10 most
common litter items found during beach clean ups. It is
expected that the trend on land will be similar, as oxygen is
not present in landfills. Without this, they break down into
methane which is one of the most harmful greenhouse gases
in our atmosphere.
Regardless of your bag preference, there are a few solutions
you can use to minimize their environmental impact.
• Try reduction, by getting the most life out of your bags.
Reuse them as many times as possible, and do not be
afraid to use ripped or torn bags to carry clothes and other
light objects.
• When it is time to dispose off your bags, dispose them
responsibly, by taking them to a junk dealer or a bag
collection point.
• Think about actions that will minimize your bags from
ending up into a waste dump, support local bag recycling
efforts and other green initiatives.
• Use Reusable bags for carrying dry items, however,
before switching to reusable, familiarize yourself about the
environmental impact of the reusable bag. For example, a
cotton bag needs to be reused at least 52 times for climate
change, and 7100 times to cover all other associated
environmental indicators.
• Remove bin liner bags from your bins used for dry waste.
• When possible refuse a bag. Watch your bag usage when
shopping; each and every item does not have to be packed
in a separate bag. Small changes like this can have a huge
impact on our environment.
• Educate yourself about the environmental issues. Be a
responsible citizen of Pakistan and planet Earth.
REFERENCES:
1. https://cncf.com.au/carbon-myths-paper-vs-plastic/
2. Life Cycle Assessment of Grocery and Carrier bags;
Ministry of Environment & Food; Denmark Environment
Protection Agency; 2018
w Simple LDPE bags: Can be directly reused as waste bin
bags for climate change, should be reused at least 1 time
for grocery shopping considering all other indicators; finally
reuse as waste bin bag.
LDPE bags with rigid handle: Can be directly reused as
waste bin bags considering all indicators; finally reuse as
waste bin bag.
 Recycled LDPE bags: Reuse for grocery shopping at least
1 time for climate change at least 2 times considering all
indicators; finally reuse as waste bin bag.
 PP bags, non-woven: Reuse for grocery shopping at least
5 times for climate change, at least 45 times considering all
indicators; finally dispose with recyclables, otherwise reuse
as waste bin bag if possible, lastly incinerate.
 PET bags: Reuse for grocery shopping at least 8 times for
climate change, at least 84 times considering all indicators;
finally dispose with recyclables, otherwise reuse as waste
bin bag if possible, lastly incinerate.
 Polyester bags: Reuse for grocery shopping at least 2
times for climate change, at least 35 times considering all
indicators; finally dispose with recyclables, otherwise reuse
as waste bin nag if possible, lastly incinerate.
 Biopolymer bags: Can be directly reused as waste bin
bags for climate change, should be reused at least 42
times for grocery shopping considering all other indicators.
Finally reuse as waste bin bag if possible, otherwise
incinerate.
 Unbleached paper bags: Can be directly reused as waste
bin bags for climate change, should be reused at least
43 times considering all other indicators. Finally reuse as
waste bin bag if possible, otherwise incinerate.
 Bleached paper bags: Reuse for grocery shopping at least
1 time for climate change, at least 43 times considering all
indicators; reuse as waste bin bag if possible, otherwise
incinerate.
 Organic cotton bags: Reuse for grocery shopping at
least 149 times for climate change, at least 20000 times
considering all indicators; reuse as waste bin bag if
possible, otherwise incinerate.
 Conventional cotton bags: Reuse for grocery shopping
at least 52 times for climate change, at least 7100 times
considering all indicators; reuse as waste bin bag if
possible, otherwise incinerate.
- The number of times for “all indicators” refers to the highest
number of reuse times among those calculated for each impact
category. For light carrier bags (LDPE, PP, PET...) the high
numbers of reuse times are given by a group of impact categories
with similar high values. Conversely, for composite and cotton
the very high number of reuse times is given by the ozone
depletion impact alone. Without considering ozone depletion, the
number of reuse times ranges from 50 to 1400 for conventional
cotton, from 150 to 3800 for organic cotton, and from 0 to 740
for the composite material bag. The highest number is due to
the use of water resource, but also to fresh water and terrestrial
eutrophication. Results for the number of reuse times for impact
category, minimum-maximum ranges and average number of
reuse times are provided in Appendix C.
39
HUGE POTENTIAL
FOR EXPANSION
EXISTS IN PLASTIC
INDUSTRY OF
PAKISTAN:
ASHRAF SHAIKH, CHAIRMAN,
PAAPAM
By Ahmed Qaiser
Q: PLEASE TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT
YOURSELF IN DETAIL?
A: Yusuf Industries was established soon after the creation of
Pakistan in 1948 by my father. In fact, my father was one of the
pioneers of auto parts manufacturing in Pakistan. I wanted to
join the company as early as possible, however, my father only
allowed me after I completed my Graduation in the year 1973
as a full time worker.
As far as products are concerned, in the early period of its
establishment the Yusuf Industries began with manufacturing
of Drums/Barrels for Pakistan Army and Oil Companies.
Production of Drums/Barrels continued for sometime and later
the Company also started the manufacturing of LPG tanks.
Since 1948, this went on for more than a decade, then
we decided that we should begin auto parts manufacturing
indigenously. During that time there was either no such activity
or if some activity was there it was not really mentionable.
It was an industry friendly era and lot of new industries
were being established in the country. Therefore, in the early
60’s we began the manufacturing of Parts & Components
for Auto Sector. Our Initial customers were Ali Autos, Wazir
Ali Industries and Haroon Industries. After catering to the
requirements of these customers for sometime, we decided to
enlarge the scope of our clientele and, thus, we started to serve
the needs of many other customers who included Ghandhara
Industries, Millat Tractors, Al-Ghazi Tractors, Master Motors,
Dewan Motors and finally Pak Suzuki and Atlas Honda
Motorcyles.
Q: WHEN DID YOU TAKE CHARGE AS
CHAIRMAN OF PAPAAM?
A: Until mid 80’s there was no association in our industry and,
as such, no organized, unified efforts could be made to cater
to the needs of Auto Parts Manufacturing Industry. If some
efforts were there, they, too, were being made on individual
basis. Realizing the fact that the industry really was in need of
organized efforts as one body, as one voice, people came up
with the idea of forming an Association. Therefore, in 1988,
the industry took a joint decision and Pakistan Association
of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers
(PAAPAM) was founded to represent and serve the Auto Parts
Manufacturers.
PAAPAM did not make progress in just a year or two, we all
made immense efforts and hardwork to take the Association at
a reputable point where it stands now as we have 400 tier one
members providing direct and indirect livelyhood to more than
3.5 million people of Pakistan. Today, PAAPAM is regarded
as one of the most organized and prestigious associations in
Pakistan.
It is an honor for me to be a founder member of PAAPAM
and have been elected as Chairman for the second time. My
earlier tenure was during 2002-2003.
Q: HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY
TO THE EXISTING POSITION?
A: I am an example of the fact that success has no short cut as
it is a long journey. Being the eldest son, my father S. M. Yusuf
made me Partner in Yusuf Industries while I was in college. My
father was my mentor, what I am today is because of him; he
started my professional training with several responsibilities.
The very first step was during my education days (1971-72,)
when I was given a car but with certain conditions which
included pick and drop of siblings from home and school and
collecting lunch on the way for father. Gradually, I was exposed
to technology. The first teaching for me was to get the feel of
responsibility and hard work. I proved myself as a quick learner
and gained experience in various aspects of business such as
Engineering, Finance, Taxation and HR.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY ACTIVITIES OTHER
THAN CURRENT POSITIONS?
A: In 1992 I joined Lions Club International, one of the largest
41
NGOs. By 2010, I had worked on many posts at Club and
District level. In 1993-94, I was declared as the best President
of the Club. I have been associated with PAAPAM since its
inception and remained the member of its Managing Committee
several times.

I also served as a member of Indigenization Committee

of Engineering Development Board for several years. I also
remained a member of ADP during 2006-2011 and am still their
member for the tenure of 2017-2021.

During the course of time I also attended various

international and locally held seminars and workshops and
gained in depth knowledge in many areas which included
Finance & Taxation, Personal Management & Industrial
Relations, Marketing Principles & Concepts and Quality
Management & Strategies for SMEs.
Q: HOW DO YOU COMMENT ABOUT THE
PLASTIC INDUSTRY OF PAKISTAN?
A: Consumption of plastic raw materials in Pakistan is recorded
as the lowest per capita in this region, as such, there exists a
huge potential for expansion. However, the industry is highly
dependent on imports particularly for their raw material which
needs to be corrected.
capabilities and capacities to manufacture Molds & Dies locally.
They also have ventured into processing of engineering plastics
due to their customer demands and maintain high quality
standards. Even, some of PAAPAM members export the auto
parts to several countries and this fact confirms that a high
technological competence exists within these organizations.
These are some examples of the positive developmental role
that PAAPAM members have already been playing in the
plastic industry.
Q: WHAT KIND OF COOPERATION DOES
PAPAAM NEED FROM THE INDUSTRY?
A: The associations can work together at Federal level on
policy making and ensure reduction of input costs of raw
materials and cost of doing business at provincial levels.
Upcoming environmental considerations is also an area where
both associations can collaborate in future for mutual benefits.

Q: HOW BENEFICIAL CAN SUCH TWO-WAY

Q: IN YOUR OPINION WHAT CHALLENGES ARE
BEING FACED BY THE INDUSTRY AND WHAT
COULD BE THEIR POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS?
A: Imported raw materials, plant and equipment put the industry
in a disadvantageous position, particularly against the imports
of cheap finished goods. Non-existence of common facility
centers for R&D and industry support, non-availability of skilled
work force and weak export base are such other issues which
need to be resolved.
As for their solution, in my opinion either the association
can work towards the creation of such support basis or develop
a strong lobbying activity with the Government to make such
support platforms and facilities available.
COOPERATION BE?
A: Cooperation and exchange of information is always
beneficial. Apart from policy cooperation B2B contacts can
be developed amongst both our members for their own
procurements and sourcing in Pakistan. Another important
area where the associations can cooperate with each other is
support of the PAKPLAS Expo and PAPS Expo.
Q: HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF
PLASTICS INDUSTRY?
A: As pointed out earlier in the consumer as well as automotive
industry the usage of plastics in Pakistan is still at an infant
stage. Pakistan needs to push policies that will ensure the
development of its plastic machinery and raw materials demand
locally if it wants to become a world leader. With a population of
220 million the potential for such development is extremely high
if the right policies are put in place.

Q: IS THERE ANY LINKAGE AVAILABLE

BETWEEN PPMA AND PAPAAM?
A: PPMA and PAAPAM are trade associations of their
respective sectors. Many of PAAPAM members are also
members of PPMA, so a linkage already exists.

Q: WHAT ROLE CAN PAAPAM PLAY IN THE

DEVELOPMENT OF PLASTIC INDUSTRY IN
PAKISTAN?
A: PAAPAM members who process plastics are amongst
the few in Pakistan who have evolved and developed their

44
 HOW
GERMANY
BECAME
AN EXPORT
POWERHOUSE
GERMAN SMES’ COMMON
SENSE APPROACH TO
EXPORTS

By Imtiaz Rastgar

M
any people talk about Germany, the German
Government and how they work to make
German Economy so prosperous. They compare
how Pakistani Government is not supporting its own
businessmen.
There are, however, other ways of looking at Germany,
and that is to see the character and the DNA of the German
Businessmen. It is important to see this phenomena because
the real strength of the German economy is in the ambition,
passion, initiative, foresights, marketing skills and distribution
skills of its average businessman, since SME’s (family
businesses) comprise almost 75% of the German economy.
German family businesses dominate the world, in
products ranging from Board Markers to Aspirin, to Candles,
Honey, Heavy machinery etc. When one looks around, there
are many famous brands, like Grohe, Langanese, Adidas,
virtually in every walk of life and meeting many kinds of
demand.
One finds German Family businesses dominating the
world stage for a long time and continuing their life in the face
of competition from the likes of Japan, Korea, Singapore,
Taiwan, and China; these companies continue to flourish and
dominate the world scene.
LET US SEE HOW THEY DO IT.
1- Products manufactured by the German businessmen
are created on a basis that they go beyond being a
commodity. Usually, the products bring very high level
of specialization and a certain attention to details and
a certain amount of extra benefits for the customers
from the point of quality, taste or ease of using it. This
puts it a step higher than the rest of the crowd and then
the product is continuously updated with the emerging
technologies around in the world - be it the product itself,
or its packaging or its just opening the can, for example.
To stay ahead of the competition, Germans pay great
attention to all details of their products.
2- Continuously adding more Technology to the product
is the hallmark of the German industry. Usually SMEs
collaborate with their universities and try to link up with
the knowledge professionals in their fields. Also in fields
surrounding their core processes. For example, if there is
a food product, the industry maybe working together with
a research institute, agriculture university or with a design
school for creating a right logo, or the right container.
Technology is regularly upgraded through interaction with
the surrounding knowledge platforms till most German
companies are already way ahead in adopting Industry
4.0!
3- Global Marketing: Companies aim to fill their order book
in a way that their marketing and sales push create an
order book, based on some simple principles.
TO STAY AHEAD OF THE
COMPETITION, GERMANS
PAY GREAT ATTENTION
TO ALL DETAILS OF THEIR
PRODUCTS.
3.1 The first one is to create inquiries which are around
three times higher than their capacity to fulfill. The large
number of inquiries places them in a seller’s market
position. In such a situation, they do not need to reduce
prices. While German products are not the cheapest on

45
 the market, exporters usually do not reduce prices. On
account of quality and their excellent marketing and sales
techniques, they are able to generate enough sales to be
in a position where they do not need to reduce prices to
make sales.
3.2 Marketing is King: Such success happens because
German SMEs put in a lot of effort into their marketing
department. A typical German company seeks to export
to a minimum of 70 countries. Most of them end up
marketing to all five continents or more through their
good marketing techniques. This happens because
German companies do not consider Germany alone as a
market. Germans consider the world as their market.
3.3 Export strategies are created and maintained on a
professional basis in all companies. There is a deep
understanding in German society how the global exports
work, and this is not just theory.
3.4 There are people coming out from German universities
who know how to handle various aspects of the export
trade. Business schools teach not only the theory of
export, but also the practice of the export. While starting
their careers, German business graduates have some
hand-on skills on the processes and they are also ready
to pack up their bags and travel around the world as
salesman, sales executive, sales manager or global
sales directors. As a result, they are being able to train
their own staff as well as the staff of their distributors,
worldwide.
3.5 Export Organisation: Quite often, marketing departments
are well stocked with appropriately skilled people.
Within the marketing department print media, IT, social
media, print media are attended by different sections or
adequately outsourced.
3.9 The distributor is treated as an important part of the
family and always his interest is kept in mind and with
patience he is nurtured into making a profitable entity
who depends on German products for making sales and
good livelihood in his own country. Even if there are direct
inquiries coming from the same country, there is never a
direct sales made and the distributors’ interest is always
looked after.
All this results in having a profitable operation and the
profits coming in the operation usually will go back into
developing the company further. Unlike Pakistan, where
people blow their profits into plazas and building real estate
German companies grow the strength of their manufacturing
and marketing so as to be poised for future competition and
they stay ahead of the competition because of this and they
rule the world.
Interestingly social values in Germany have been
cultivated in a way that the businessman is the hero and
he is treated like Pakistanis treat their sons-in-law. The
government and the society look after the businessmen to
create the economy to create economical leadership for
Germany this results in a situation where young people want
to grow up and become a businessman.
Germans enjoy building their companies as well as their
life. Most business people enjoy their life with the style which
wealth gives them, but retain the personal discipline required
to provide leadership, foresight and initiative to these
enterprises.
There is a lot to learn from German SMEs. If Pakistan
wants to emerge on the global scene, its businessmen will
need to come out of their comfort zone.

GERMANS ENJOY BUILDING

THEIR COMPANIES AS WELL
AS THEIR LIFE.
3.6 Usually the World is divided into four or five
continents and with one executive looking after
whole continents. The executive has help from
an equally good assistant who looks after the
territory from the desk while the executive is
travelling.

3.7 Exports to each group of countries are

attended by an export manager. He works
hard to find good distributors in his territory.
German companies have a knack of finding good
and “hungry” distributors. Once they are found,
a permanent relationship is built with them and the
distributor is never short-changed; no direct sales are
made in his territory, so as to ensure that the distributor
also makes a reasonable profit.

3.8 Distributors are properly trained and very often training

seminars are held both in Germany, or in the Gulf
countries so that distributors are brought together
where they also learn from each other. When they learn
from each trainer from the companies into the product
trainings and there are distribution techniques and there
is support marketing for the distributors.

47
TIME TO REGULATE
PLASTIC RECYCLING
IN PAKISTAN
By Ilyas Vohra
Managing Director
Shazil Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd
Karachi
O
ut of the numerous standing problems of quality
control in Pakistan, lack of regulations and their
enforcement on plastic recycling is serious serial of
neglect leading to multiple issues including counterfeiting.
It is so easy to become a recycler in Pakistan and collect
packaging material from anywhere and do the counterfeiting
of brands which spend millions to maintain their standards.
This not only leads to a serious reputation challenge to
quality conscious companies producing hygienic products
for direct human consumption like bottled water, cooking oils,
soft drinks, medicines etc. but in fact it goes a long way to a
very serious health issue to everyone.
To become an approved recycler elsewhere in the
responsible economies one needs to pass through serious
compliance procedures which ensures Recycling which
means 3Rs. (Reduce, Recycle and Re Use) but unfortunately
tricking of 3Cs (Collect, Conceal and Counterfeit ) seems
rampant in our country.
We often hear the “Breaking News” of raids on illegal
factories filling and selling branded bottled water, soft drinks,
shampoos etc. but we are not addressing the root cause of
this counterfeiting.
Pakistan’s recyclable materials have a road map and this
mapping is the brainchild of Pakistan’s most illiterate sector
“The Kabari Sector” (scrap dealer). The scavenger wakes
up at 5 am in the morning and collects all the recyclables
from every nook and corner of the streets when most of the
organized sectors are sleeping. The scavengers sell these
precious recyclables to the local Kabari Shops where these
recyclables are sorted carefully. Packaging materials in good
shape are kept for selling to the counterfeiters while rest of
the materials is being sold to the transporters for onwards
supply to the Recycling Industries.
Now in this entire Cycle, there is nothing wrong with
the profession, its pure hard work leading its way to
economic results specially in countries like us where earning
opportunities are lacking but it has its consequences
depriving bigger opportunities, causing health issues,
untaxed businesses, community based cartel businesses
leading to supply chain problems to the industry and many
others .
This billions of Rupees trade at the lower Kabari Level is
untaxed, unchecked which finds its way across the border
having its own and known consequences.
Like many other departments and with EPA also, we have
all the regulations written in the book, the only thing needed
is the enforcement. Recycling Industry in Pakistan is
growing rapidly with China getting out of the Recycling
Business due to its strict environmental compliances
Pakistan is ideally placed to take a big leap:
PAKISTAN’S OPPORTUNITY
Chinese companies are looking for an opportunity to
relocate these industries outside China to produce the
required raw materials and ship back to China. Pakistan
can avail this opportunity of bringing in the industry at very
low cost. In fact, many Chinese companies are ready to
send the machines at minimal cost and looking for Joint
Ventures to produce the raw material in Pakistan for
importing back to China.
Moving forward, considering the fact that the situation is
too complex to reach on desirable standards and in order to
make recycling as a recognized industry and an investment
attractive segment, it is high time to regulate the industry with
some following basic laws in addition to the existing EPA
the laws.
1. Kabari shops should be registered with a license to store
recyclable materials.
2. Sale of Recyclable materials should be allowed only to
Qualified Recyclers or Industries processing recyclable
materials.
3. Most of the slums which are enriched with loads of
precious recyclables should be checked on regular
basis. Besides the revenue loss to the government these
hoarders and stockists are the main cause of artificial
shortage and make industry uncompetitive due to serious
supply chain issues.
4. Poly bags the most commonly used plastic packaging
and also the main cause of pollution needs to be
standardized with a minimum thickness standard to make
it a feasible and economically viable collectable and
recyclable product.
Streets are the first impression of any country to describe
a nation and a government. Regulating this industry may
sound as an uphill task, but someone has to lay this
foundation. It is not only a matter of earning revenue it is
a way forward to make our country look disciplined and
organized.
49
 T
he vision of the New Plastics Economy must be

THE NEW well understood and implemented. This will base on

that there is no plastic waste, but its re-entry into
the economy in the form of either valuable technically

PLASTICS
redesigned products or degradation into useful biological
nutrients. The New Plastics Economy involves novel
mechanism to produce plastics from newer renewable
feedstocks raw materials by overcoming environmental

ECONOMY
constraints outcomes through their multiple end/
re-usefulness. This, for example, will involve drastic
reduction of plastics leaking into natural systems
including ocean.
CAPTURING THE
OPPORTUNITY CIRCULAR ECONOMY THROUGH NEW
PLASTICS ECONOMY
The New Plastics Economy builds on and aligns
with the principles of the circular economy as outlined
in Figure 1. For circular economy, one needs to adopt
industrial system inclusive of restorative and regenerative
Dr. Nasir Mehmood Ahmad designs. The New Plastics Economy has three main
Professor ambitions in accordance with Ellen Macarthur Foundation
Head of Research report:
SCME
National University of 1. First priority and cornerstone of new plastics economy
Sciences and Technology enable economics of improved plastics recycling,
(NUST) its reuse and optimize biodegradation for practical
Islamabad, & applications would create an effective economy. All
this helps to achieve following ambitions.
Dr. Waqas Cheema 2. Significant reduction in leakage of plastics into natural
Head IPO reservoir including the ocean to mitigate the negative
National University of effect.
Sciences and Technology 3. Explore potential of decoupling plastics from fossil
(NUST) feedstock through exploring renewable feedstock
Islamabad. for basic monomers and polymers to make plastics
products.

51
 These ambitions be realized from consideration of take many years to carry out materials’ redesigning with new
present day’s technologies. One message is clear to suggest technologies in evolving global value chains. In any case this
opportunities to be captured today – and in certain cases would not discourage stakeholders but there is time now to
this will entirely not be feasible presently. However, this may act to bring substantial benefits to plastic industry.

Figure1: Overview of Circular economy in accordance with Ellen MacArthur Foundation, SUN, and McKinsey Center for
Business and Environment; Drawing from Braungart & McDonough, Cradle to Cradle (C2C).

FIGURE 2: Ambitions of The New Plastics Economy illustrated in accordance with Ellen Macarthur Foundation and Project
Mainstream analysis.

53
PLASTIC
INDUSTRY
OF PAKISTAN
CAN GROW
TO US$10
BILLION:
IMRAN ANWER,
CEO, ECPL
By Ahmed Qaiser

Q: PLEASE TELL US SOMETHING

ABOUT YOURSELF?
A: My birth city is Karachi, which is where I
pursued my education. After concluding my
qualification of Chartered Accountancy from
A.F. Ferguson & Co, I worked with different
institutions in varying capacities which
include Ferguson Karachi, Deloitte & Touche
Jeddah, Engro Foods, Fertilizer and finally
Engro Polymer & Chemicals Ltd (EPCL). In
retrospect each phase of my career played
a crucial role in developing me personally
and professionally. Even today I consider
myself a business student of value creation
and I strive to enhance that value on all fronts
whether they be our customers, employees
or shareholders. Personally, I am an avid
follower of current affairs and sports.

Q: WHEN DID YOU TAKE CHARGE

AS CEO OF ENGRO?
A: I was given this responsibility in July 2015.

Q: HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR

JOURNEY TO THE EXISTING
POSITION?
A: My career has spanned for about three
decades during which I was graced with
different opportunities to learn and develop on
multiple fronts. I worked with many talented
individuals who helped me in developing
business acumen, opportunity identification
and ability to take decisions. There are
instances of my professional life which I fondly
recall, for instance when I was charged as the
CFO for Engro Foods it was close to being just
a startup and we had a wonderful team which
made it possible for the company to stand as
an industry giant in its space. Having said all
this, I strongly believe I have the Almighty to
thank first for His Mercy and Blessings.

55
Q: HOW WOULD YOU COMMENT ABOUT
PLASTIC INDUSTRY OF PAKISTAN?
A: Plastic industry anywhere in the world is closely related to
the performance of the economy. Given the good performance
of Pakistan economy in the last five years, plastic industry
witnessed strong growth rates. However, some concerns on
that front have emerged. With steep currency devaluation and
weakening domestic consumption, plastic industry faces a
challenge going forward. I am hopeful that strong government
policies will translate into a better landscape for growth. The
plastic industry of Pakistan has immense potential, given the
current annual business size of US$ 2 billion, we see further
space for the industry to grow. Plastic consumption in Pakistan
has yet to reach its regional per capita consumption.
Q: IN YOUR OPINION WHAT CHALLENGES ARE
BEING FACED BY THE PLASTIC INDUSTRY
AND WHAT COULD BE THEIR SOLUTIONS?
A: There are a few key concern areas where we need to
collaborate to ensure long term sustainability. Improving the
quality of the finished product and recognizing the role of
PSQCA for better regulation is very important for this industry.
Another challenge is that, Pakistan does not have a naphtha
cracker, so all PE and PP are imported.
Q: HOW IS THE LINKAGE BETWEEN PPMA AND
ENGRO?
A: Engro and PPMA both have the same objective to further
contribute in value addition of the plastic industry in Pakistan.
There are some members of PPMA who do business with
Engro regularly. EPCL strives to deliver quality product to its
customers so that our final consumers may benefit.
Q: WHAT ROLE CAN ENGRO PLAY IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF PLASTIC INDUSTRY IN
PAKISTAN?
A: We are the only local raw material supplier to plastic industry
which is PVC resin. All other raw materials - PE and PP - are
imported which results in outflow of precious foreign exchange.
PVC customers do not need to carry large inventory which is
required by PE/PP application manufacturers. We have played
a vital role in supporting customers to develop expertise in water
conservation products like Geo membrane and Spiro pipes. We
also have a technical department which focuses on final product
quality and in helping customers develop quality expertise.
Going forward, we aim to develop an informed market base
with easy access to many innovative, cost effective and durable
plastic products. By collaborating with our customers, we are
in the process of executing a branded PVC product store
which under one roof will showcase many PVC products. This
is a step towards bringing exposure to plastic products to the
downstream consumers.
Q: HOW BENEFICIAL CAN TWO-WAY
COOPERATION BE?
A: I think PPMA should push for local raw material
manufacturing so PE/PP can be made available at customer’s
door step as is the case for PVC customers in Pakistan. We are
available to provide all support in this regard.
Q: HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF
PLASTIC INDUSTRY IN PAKISTAN?
A: I see this industry grow to US$ 10 billion from today’s
around US$ 2 billion provided, we improve our product quality
to international levels. However, real growth in PE and PP
applications will come when we will have our own raw material
manufacturing.
Q: WOULD YOU SHARE YOUR ANALYSIS
ABOUT PAKISTAN ECONOMY?
A: Pakistan economy is facing strong headwinds right now on
multiple fronts which include dollar account reserves, currency
devaluation, inflation and deteriorating domestic consumption.
These are some of the challenges that our economy is
confronting as we speak. However, I have strong conviction
in our talent to reform the economy with tangible policies and
inculcate optimism going forward.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU COMMENT REGARDING
PPMA?
A: PPMA has played a crucial role in developing the plastic
industry in Pakistan. I am hopeful that PPMA will continue to
add value in the years to come. PPMA can push for local raw
material manufacturing. This is a big step which should be
taken now.
I would like to conclude with a piece of advice. We should work
together to raise the quality level of our finished goods to European
and Japanese standards. This will help in industry growth.
57
NANOCELLULOSE:
A POTENTIAL
NATURAL
MATERIAL
WITH HUGE
APPLICATIONS
Dr. Syed Danish Ali
Senior Scientific Officer
Nanoscience and Technology Department
National Centre for Physics
Islamabad

C
ellulose is one of the most important
natural polymers, an almost
inexhaustible raw material, and a key
source of sustainable materials on an industrial
scale. The total production of cellulose is
more than 7.5 × 1010 tons per year which
makes it the most abundant natural organic
polymer produced in the world. For millennia,
cellulose has been used in the form of wood
and plant fibers as an energy source, for
building materials, and for clothing. Currently,
the isolation, characterization, and search
for applications of novel forms of cellulose,
variously termed crystallites, nanocrystals,
whiskers, nanofibrils, and nanofibers, is
generating much activity. Cellulose fibrils with
widths in the nanometer range are nature-
based materials with unique and potentially
useful features. Most importantly, these
novel nanocelluloses open up the strongly
expanding fields of sustainable materials
and nanocomposites, as well as medical and
life-science devices, to the natural polymer
cellulose. Nanocrystalline cellulose is the
material of the future which can be synthesized
from wood, agricultural wastes like wheat straw
and rice husk, and recycled from paper, which
makes it highly affordable.

59
Figure: Synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals from wood
NANOCELLULOSE IN PACKAGING
MATERIALS
Plastic is in many ways a wonder material. It is easy
to shape, and it is strong and cheap to produce. But
plastics have also become a major environmental problem.
A staggering 322 million tons of the stuff is produced
every year. Much of this plastic ends up as waste in the
environment, especially in the ocean. Packaging makes
up about 40 percent of the total amount of plastic waste.
In order to reduce the amounts of plastic waste ending up
in the oceans, it is important to replace plastics in as many
applications as possible. A biodegradable and natural
material could replace plastic packaging and eliminate this
problem. Nanocellulose is totally biodegradable, non-toxic,
and biocompatible material and a good choice for raw
material to replace plastic film and insulating foam used for
packaging materials. Nanocellulose can be used to develop
biobased packaging that can be used in the transportation
of goods over long distances, e.g. for the transportation of
fish. The packaging is coated with a thin film of plasticized
cellulose and nanocellulose, providing a barrier against
oxygen, while a foam core of plasticized cellulose and
nanocellulose provide insulation able to maintain a low
temperature in the packaging during transportation.
NANOCELLULOSE IN POLYMER
COMPOSITES
Nanocellulose is extensively used as a filler in
polymeric matrices to produce cost-effective, highly durable
nanocomposite materials, with a ‘greener’ footprint.
Theoretically, cellulose nanocrystals have the axial
Young’s modulus equal to that of Kevlar but higher than
steel. A theoretical study shows that a perfect crystal of
cellulose has Young’s modulus value of 167.5 GPa. The
native crystallinity, high strength, and moderate to high
aspect ratio
(ca. 10–1000 length/diameter; type dependent) of
nanocellulose are relevant for stress-transfer and load-
bearing in thermoplastics, such as starch, polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA), poly lactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate
(PC), polyurethane (PU), and polymethyl methacrylate
(PMMA). The low density and high mechanical properties of
nanocellulose make it a potential reinforcing filler in tire and
rubber industry as well. In some composites, nanocellulose
becomes transparent, so it might well be used for protective
glazing.
NANOCELLULOSE IN ELECTRONICS
Nanocellulosic materials have received increasing
attention in the field of organic electronics and energy
storage.
Nanocellulose’s properties allow it to be effectively
applied in flexible electronics. In this case, cellulose
nanofibrils can be used as substrate for electronic
components. For instance, one can produce a hybrid material
that can be used as an electrode for a superconductor
by means of layer-by-layer deposition of gold and oxide
nanoparticles on cellulose fibers. Superconductors are used
as voltage sources and may well become an alternative to
batteries.
NANOCELLULOSE IN MEDICAL
APPLICATIONS
Nanocellulose is a promising biomaterial for medical
applications owing to its good biocompatibility and
relatively low toxicity, as well as distinct geometry, surface
chemistry, rheology, crystallinity and self-assembly behavior.
Nanocellulose finds its application in tissue engineering
scaffolds, wound dressing, controllable drug delivery systems
and biomarkers and sensors. Tissue engineering entails
repairing tissues that are damaged by disease or injury.
Three things are needed to help the body repair damaged
tissues: living cells from the patient, nutrients for the cells and
a scaffold for the cells to attach to so that they can form new
tissue. Nanocellulose is used to construct this scaffold.
61
EFFICIENT UTILIZATION
OF PLASTIC WASTE IN
CONSTRUCTION OF GREEN
ROADS
Yasir Qayyum Gill 1, Umer Abid 2

1: Assistant Professor
Department of Polymer and Process Engineering
University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore
2: Undergraduate Student
Department of Polymer and Process Engineering , UET, Lahore

INTRODUCTION
Plastic waste is currently a leading matter of concern as
far as environmental and health belongings are concerned.
Environmental issues related to plastic products are
pandemic due to declaration of plastic as a crucial cause
of pollution. This declaration is wrong because all the
environmental issues related to plastics are just because of
improper and inefficient utilization of plastic products in even
those applications where the alternative is more ecologically
feasible. Also the illegal production of cheap and low grade
plastic items, for single use, are the major contributing factor
in environmental issues. Therefore, all these consequences
are the results of utilization of plastics in inefficient way by
mankind. Although it is quite difficult to remove the plastic
traces utterly due to its non-biodegradable nature but all
these consequences are outcomes of utilization and handling
of plastic wastes by mankind. Plastic wastes therefore
resultantly occupy acres of agricultural
lands and cause significantly
increased death rate
among marine
life as well as
result in

ABSTRACT
Littering of plastic wastes, which are generally in the
form of non-biodegradable plastic beverage, containers,
plastic bags, cups, plates, and various other luxurious
items, is mainly contributing in environmental deterioration
due to improper and inessential utilization of plastic
products as a luxurious items by entire humanity. Keeping
in view all the essentials of discarding plastic waste,
various methods like incineration and dumping has been
devised. These techniques however are less frequent in
use throughout the world because of their self-contribution
to environmental hazards. Therefore, comparably
more preferable technique is to utilize plastic waste in
construction of flexible high strength pavements with
plastic modified bitumen which consumes major portion of
plastic waste as well as serves as longer lifespan green
roads as compared to the standard bitumen roads. Several
characterization tests assure green roads to be cost
effective with high durability, higher water resistance, higher
flash point, and higher softening point properties.

63
shockingly and considerably high quantity pacific garbage [1].
Various attempts were accomplished in literature and various
techniques have been devised by scientists and researchers
for the efficient and fascinate utilization of plastic wastes which
can reduce noteworthy higher fraction of plastic wastes to avoid
the accumulation of plastic piles [2][3].
One of the splendid techniques to consume plastic waste
in order to provide positive ecological impact on environment
is the blending of bitumen with plastic polymer waste which
not only provides strengthen and durable bitumen pavements
but can also consume a major fraction of plastic trash [1][4].
Currently polymeric bitumen blend is supposed to be preferably
advantageous as far as high strength and durability belongings
are concerned to provide ecologically effective green bitumen
roads. The conception of green polymeric bitumen road
construction was firstly initiated in India in year 2000 [2].
Bitumen as a binder is used in holding of aggregates. The
addition of plastic waste cannot only enhance the adhesion
between aggregates but can also provide required amount of
strength and flexibility of plastic pavements which significantly
reduces crack propagation in pavements as well as provides
enduring green roads.
Techniques like dry process and wet process are quite
serviceable for blending of various polymers like polystyrene
(PS), polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS), polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
and rubber crumbs with different grades of bitumen to provide
high strength polymeric-bitumen blended pavements but
attention and care should be taken to remove PVC from the
plastic wastes as heating of PVC releases toxic gases (noxious
gases) [5]. These processes involve the mechanical agitation of
plastic waste with bitumen and aggregates at considerably high
temperature conditions to provide fine polymer-bitumen blend.
The concept of green roads is practicable in several countries
like UK [6], Oman [4], and India [1][2] for manufacturing of
flexible plastic pavements which can bear high traffic intensity.
(a) (b)
Figure 1: (a) Crack due to unbinding of bitumen and
aggregates. (b) Crack resistant stable plastic roads constructed
in UK.
GREEN PLASTIC ROADS MANUFACTURING
TECHNIQUES
Two dominant processes, wet process and dry process
are most commonly and frequently discussed in literature for
the high strength, durable and flexible plastic waste blended
bitumen roads.
THE WET PROCESS
Wet process requires a high speed mechanical agitator for
rigorous mixing of plastic waste at 160-170oC with preheated
bitumen and with hot aggregates added later on which ensures
captivatedly proper mixing of plastic with molten bitumen
and proper coating of plastic and bitumen on aggregates [7].
Likelihood of getting air sacks can be eliminated with adequate
cooling and stabilizers can be added in order to obtain high
properties. The figure 2(a) shows the flow diagram of wet
process. Wet process is less commonly used as compared with
dry process when focusing on the factors of bigger plants and
higher energy values in case of wet process. Maximum of 8%
plastic waste is consumable in wet process [1].

According to literature 1.5 tons of plastic waste is utilized THE DRY PROCESS
in construction of 1 km length of plastic road which can Wet process involves dry plastic waste shreds mixing
undoubtedly reduce higher fraction of plastic waste [5]. Several with preheated proper sized aggregates prior to addition of
tests and analysis on green roads proved the green roads molten bitumen. Plastic wastes like polymer bags, plastic
to have high strength and significantly better durability in beverages, and disposables collected from various pacific and
comparison with standard and simple bitumen roads. Several land sites are segregated, cleaned, and dried for removal of
roads have been constructed using the above mentioned entire water content and other contaminations. Cleaned plastic
techniques as plastic waste consumption in pavement waste is then shredded with scrap grinders and mixed with
construction reduces 10% bitumen requirement from the hot aggregates and the mixture is then blended with molten
desired level which reduces replenishing of naturally extracted bitumen at 160oC. Dry process flow diagram is shown in figure
bitumen from crude oil. 2(b). Dry process usually consumes 15% of plastic waste and
is frequently used due to low energy investment [8][1].
GREEN PLASTIC ROADS
Plastic-bitumen pavement construction with plastic coated
aggregates is one of the well organized and systematic ways to
eradicate major portion of plastic waste which not only provides
strengthened roads with less maintenance but also lessens
pavement costs. Standard and ordinary roads constructed from
asphalt concrete when compared with fexible plastic roads
ensures plastic roads to be more suitable as they acquired
various fascinating features of high stability, cost effectiveness,
eco-friendliness, higher water resistance, higher stability, and
better binding properties [2]. Figure 1(a) shows the unbinding of
bitumen and aggregates in standard roads where as figure 1(b)
shows comparably fracture resistant plastic roads in UK due to
plastic waste which orderly binds the aggregates together with
bitumen [6]. The usage of modified bitumen (plastic blended
bitumen) with 5 to 10% of polymer waste by weight also
improves the Marshall Stability (ability to carry maximum load (a) (b)
and to resist rutting) and fatigue strength of plastic roads [1]. Figure 2: (a) Dry and (b) Wet process for plastic roads
manufacturing

65
TESTING OF GREEN PLASTIC ROADS
Various characterizations performed to evaluate the
performance of green plastic roads are discussed in literature
[9][1]. Figure 3 shows characterization test required to
analyze the plastic modified bitumen properties.
Figure 3: Major testing of plastic modified bitumen
MODIFIED BITUMEN PROPERTIES:
Bitumen modified with plastics waste including HDPE,
LDPE, PP and other different polymers provide high
performance properties as discussed in literature [4].
Penetration and softening point data as a function of weight
% of various plastics for plastic modified bitumen as provided
in literature are shown in table 1 [7]. Softening point of the
blended bitumen increases as the weight % of plastic waste
increases which shows the high temperature stability of
plastic roads that can bear extreme temperature conditions
whereas penetration of blended bitumen pavements
decreases as weight % of plastic waste is increased which
reduces water absorption.
Table 1: Plastic waste modified bitumen
Plastic Wt. % Softening Penetration
waste Point (oC) (mm)
High density 2 48.2 68
polyethylene 4 52.5 66.3
(HDPE) 6 55.3 62
Low density 2 47 66
polyethylene 4 51 64
(LDPE) 6 53 60
Polypropylene 2 54 68
(PP) 4 56 67
6 59 64
SUGGESTED PROCESS FOR GREEN PLASTIC
ROADS MANUFACTURING IN PAKISTAN
The dry process for manufacturing plastic modified
bituminous concrete pavements when compared with wet
process is suggested to be systematically more serviceable
as far as cost effectiveness and utilization of major plastic
waste fraction is concerned in Pakistan. Air void % with the
addition of 8% of plastic waste in modified bitumen (Wet
process) is observed to be 3.6 whereas air voids % with the
addition of 15% plastic waste (Dry process) is observed to
be 2.9 which shows the lesser percentage of air voids for
the latter process which resultantly provide better resistant
properties and better stability of flexible plastic pavements
[10]. Low energy investment required for dry process with
utilization of 15% weight fraction of polymer waste as
compared to wet process which utilizes 8% weight fraction
of plastic waste not only confirms the cost effectiveness of
dry process but also confirms dry process to be favorable for
consumption of higher fraction of polymer waste in Pakistan
[11].
REFERENCES:
[1] Amit Gawande, G. S. Zamre, V. C. Renge, G. R.
Bharsakale and Saurabh tayde, Science Reviews &
Chemical Communication 2 (2012) 147-157
[2] Minakshi Singhal, Yudhvir Yadav, and Ranadip Mandal,
IJIRST –International Journal for Innovative Research in
Science & Technology 2 (2016) (online) 2349-6010
[3] King, G. N. and H. W. King, Polymer Modified Asphalts,
an Overview. American Society of Civil Engineering
(1986) 240‐254
[4] Sukaina Kazmi, Dubasi Govardhana Rao, Scholars
Journal of Engineering and Technology 3 (2015) 9-13
[5] Shweta N. Rokdey, P. L. Naktode, M. R. Nikhar,
International Conference on Quality Up-gradation in
Engineering, Science and Technology (ICQUEST2015),
International Journal of Computer Applications
[6] UK startup uses recycled plastic to build stronger roads.
(2017, Apr 26). Retrieved from https://www.curbed.
com/2017/4/26/15428382/road-potholes-repair-plastic-
recycled-macrebur
[7] Shirish N. Nemade and Prashant V. Thorat, Science
Reviews & Chemical Communication 3 (2013) 198-213
[8] Yash Menaria, Rupal Sankhla, Open Journal of Civil
Engineering 5 (2015) 299-311
[9] Johnson Kwabena Appiah, Victor Nana Berko-Boateng,
Trinity Ama Tagbor, Case Studies in Construction
Materials 6 (2017) 1–7
[10] Sabina, Tabrez A. Khan, Sangita, D. K. Sharma and B.
M. Sharma, Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research 68
(2009) 975-979
[11] Amit Gawandea, G. Zamarea, V.C. Rengea, Saurabh
Taydea, G. Bharsakale, Journal of Engineering Research
and Studies, E-ISSN0976-7916
67
MEASURING MELT RHEOLOGY
USING INTERNAL MIXER:
A USEFUL TOOL FOR PLASTICS PROCESSING

By Hamza Malik & Dr. Asif Ali Qaiser

Department of Polymer and Processing
Engineering
University of Engineering and
Technology (UET), Lahore

WHAT IS RHEOLOGY? are of crucial importance and these properties must be

Rheology is a science that deals with the flow and taken into account for the selection of operating conditions
deformation of matter. It is mainly related to the fluids but and in designing the processing equipment. For the resin
also to the solids or some soft solids under some particular manufacturers or selector, the ease with which a polymeric
conditions in which they flow rather than they deform material can be processed is very important in developing
elastically. It mainly deals with the substances which have a new product. For example, in an extruder, the viscosity
an intricate structure, such as, polymers, suspensions, dependence on temperature and shear rate (i.e., RPM) is
sludges, muds, many bodily fluids, foods and other biological important, but as it leaves the die, the viscoelastic nature
materials [1]. governs its behavior (Die swelling). Similarly, rheological data
can be helpful in characterizing the polymer, i.e., to find the
There are two basic principal aspects of rheology. The molecular structure. The viscoelastic behavior of polymer
first one is the development of the quantitative relationships melt is sensitive to branching structure and molecular
between force and deformation for the material of interest. weight distribution. Indeed, melt rheology can even provide
The data for this development is collected from the more clear or accurate picture of the structure than the gel
experimental results for such type of relationship. The chromatography.
second aspect is the development of such a relationship that
shows the change in rheological properties due to change in INTERNAL MIXER AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN
the composition and structure of the material and pressure PROCESSING
and temperature [1]. This lab scale equipment also known as a batch mixer is
used for production of homogeneous elastomers, polymers,
There are some terms, such as, viscosity, pseudo- ceramics and many other materials at lab scale. Raw
plasticity and dilatancy that play an important role in material from the top is loaded into the opening of a heated
measuring the rheological behavior of polymeric materials. mixer bowl in which these materials are homogenized by the
Viscosity is the resistance to flow whereas pseudo-plastic specially designed blades [2]. The famous brand of internal
behavior of the material is the decrease in the viscosity mixer is Brabender® measuring mixer that is equipped
of the material with the increase in the stress or the shear with precise torque and temperature measuring system to
rate. Dilatant behavior of the material is the increase in the interpret the rheological behavior of thermoplastics, rubbers,
viscosity of the material with increase in stress or shear rate. thermosets and many other materials (Figure 1). A few of
these specific applications of the measuring mixer in polymer
APPLICATION OF MELT RHEOLOGY IN processing as discussed below [3].
PLASTICS PROCESSING
Rheology is predominantly used as a processing control
tool. A successful and optimum processing of the materials
requires a clear understanding of their rheological behavior
and there is a relationship that exists between the polymer
processing and the rheology. Rheological behavior of these
materials is mainly influenced by the composition, structure,
pressure and temperature [1].
Polymer rheology may be divided into various categories
according to the nature of the materials. Each material shows
its own rheological behavior or rheological characteristics.
Various theories or models are required to interpret the
experimental results of some different materials and rheology
falls basically in between classical Elasticity and Newtonian
mechanics.
Polymer that is processed as melt is called thermoplastic
polymer, and it is always converted into end product by
means of melt forming operations including extrusion and
various molding techniques. The rheological properties for all
these processes and for all these molten polymeric materials Figure 1: Brabender® measuring mixer

69
reaches its optimum ductility but then becomes brittle
Figure 4: Fusion of PVC resin [4].
because of the higher entanglements of three
dimensional network. In order to overcome this problem
material should be fused according to the required properties
of the materials [4].
COLOR-HOLD STABILITY OF
THERMOPLASTICS
Color hold stability is the ability of a material to resist
the decomposition of the material or to resist the changes
in color of the material at very high temperature and under
UV light or even under the sunlight and this can be avoided
by adding some stabilizers in the compound and to test this
resistance of the material [5]. A standard, ASTM D-2538, is
available which can be used for the determination of color
hold stability.
THERMAL STABILITY
Thermal stability is the ability of a compound to resist its
decomposition at high temperature. Thermal stability is very
important especially for chlorine containing polymers like
PVC which can release hydrochloric acid and decomposes
at higher temperature [6]. There are some standards, such
as DIN EN ISO 182, ASTM D-2538 and DIN 53381, which
can be used to find out the thermal stability of these sort of
compounds.
SHEAR STABILITY
Shear stability is a resistance of a compound or a
material to change its viscosity under the application of
mechanical stresses or high shear stress/rate. Shear stability
of materials is important as it can affect the properties of the
materials and different types of additives or blends are used
to increase the shear stability of materials or compounds [7].
There are various standards, such as, ASTM D-2538, ASTM
D-6278 that can be used to find the shear stability of different
compounds or materials.
70
RUBBER PROCESSING
Internal measuring mixers are mainly used for rubber
processing and may also be used to find their rheological
behavior by interpreting the experimental results. There
are some standards available e.g. ASTM D-3186, D-3187,
D-3188, D-3189 & D-3190 can be used for rubber
compounding or to find the rheological behavior of different
kind of rubbers.
The rotors in the internal mixer produce kneading effect
while at the same time the chamber of the internal mixer
ensures that all the other materials or additives which are
added reside in place. Mostly, carbon black is used as a filler
for rubber compounding because it enhances the properties
of rubber but these fillers provide very high wear which can
damage the mixer chamber therefore to avoid this damage,
the surface of the mixer chamber should be according to
compound being used or normally the material for the mixer
chamber, such as, iron, stellites or cobalt-based compounds
are used for the compounding of rubber or these type of
materials [6].
REFERENCES
[1] H. W. D.Vader, “Introduction to Rheology.”
[2] M. U. N. D. Anlagen, “Application and Advantages of
Internal Mixers in Friction,” no. April, pp. 139–142, 2010.
[3] Brabender® GmbH & Co. KG, “Brabender ® Measuring
Mixers for Material Research,” p. 12, 2017.
[4] C. Chen, “The Studies of Rigid PVC Compounds:
Morphology, Rheology, and Fusion Mechanism.,” vol.
Doctorate, p. 231, 1994.
[5] E. Yousif and A. Hasan, “Photostabilization of poly(vinyl
chloride) – Still on the run,” J. Taibah Univ. Sci., vol. 9,
no. 4, pp. 421–448, 2015.
[6] C. P. Li, J. P. Zhong, L. Yang, S. D. Li, L. X. Kong, and
T. T. Hou, “Studies on the properties and the thermal
decomposition kinetics of natural rubber prepared with
calcium chloride,” E-Polymers, no. 072, pp. 1–9, 2010.
• Internal mixer is perfectly suitable for wide range of
applications. It can be used for compounding and
ample preparation when we need a sample material in
small batch. In short time with minimum wastage of raw
material, we can produce several different batches and
compounds for subsequent characterizations by using
internal mixer.
• It is used to simulate all the parameters for processing
and production of polymer and other materials on
laboratory scale. It is used to test the materials
characteristic and processibility of elastomers,
thermoplastics, ceramics, thermosets, pigments,
molding materials and many other plastifiable and plastic
Figure 2: Different types of blades used in internal mixer [3].
substances.
• Proper selection of blade geometry is very important. Table 3: Standards to evaluate the behavior of polyvinyl
Blade geometry selection depends on its specific chloride
application and measurement. Different blade geometries
are shown in the Figure 2.
Standards Purpose
• Industrial experience has shown that some particular
blade geometries are suitable for particular applications DIN EN ISO 4612 Preparation of paste from PVC
for example for thermoset application delta blades are paste resin
well suited. Similarly, Sigma, Banbury, Roller and Cam DIN 54802 Determination of plasticizer sorption
blades are suitable for elastomers and thermoplastic and rate of plasticizer sorption in vinyl
applications. Some of the applications of these different
chloride polymer heat
types of blades are shown in the Table 1.
ASTM D-2396 Standard test method for powder
Blade Type Application Examples mix time of PVC resin using torque
Roller (W) Thermoplastics rheometer
Cam (N) Caouthouc, elastomers
MEASURING MIXER AND PVC PROCESSING
Banbury (B) Caouthouc, elastomers
Sigma (S) PVC dry blends Internal mixers are useful to process PVC compounds,
because of their superior heat transfer, flexibility especially
Delta (MB) Thermosets
when continuous formulation changes and products are
encountered and in relatively short mixing cycles. Mixed
Table 1: Applications of the various types of blades [3]
powder compound of polyvinyl chloride is added to the
mixer chamber of heated rollers and converted into a fused
ASTM STANDARDS TESTING mass. The resulting torque is used to find out the fusion
characteristics and relative fusion time [4].
The measuring mixer complies with various ASTM/
DIN/ISO/BS standards for thermoplastics, rubbers and
ISO 4612 may be used for the formation of the PVC
thermosets as shown in Tables 2 and 3.
pastes. ASTM D-2538 is mostly used for polyvinyl chloride
compound’s fusion by using Brabender® measuring mixer.
Table 2: Standards to evaluate the behavior of natural
This standard covers the following tests
and different kind of synthetic rubbers
1) Fusion test
Standards Purpose
ASTM D-3185 Evaluation of SBR including mixtures 2) Thermal stability test
with oil 3) Color-hold stability test
ASTM D-3186 Evaluation of SBR mixed with carbon 4) Shear stability test
black and oil or carbon black
Similarly, there are some other standards, such as,
ASTM D-3187 Evaluation of NBR DIN EN ISO 4612, DIN 54802 and ASTM D-2396 that can
ASTM D-3188 Evaluation of IIR be used for PVC processing or can be used for measuring
ASTM D-3189 Evaluation of solution BR the rheological behavior of PVC. In the following, various
standards test methods using measuring mixers are
ASTM D-3190 Evaluation of CR discussed.
ASTM D-3191 Standard test method for carbon
black in SBR FUSION BEHAVIOR OF PVC
ASTM D-3192 Standard test method for carbon black Fusion is actually a phenomenon of breaking down of
evaluation in NR larger size particles into very small size uniformly, dispersed
ASTM D-3408 Evaluation of IR and distributed particles, to form a three dimensional network
structure. Fusion of PVC resin is also shown in the Figure 4.
ASTM D-3484 Evaluation of oil extended solution BR
ASTM D-3848 Evaluation of NBR mixed with Figure 4: Fusion of PVC resin [4].
carbon black
ASTM D-3568 Evaluation of EPDM including Fusion sometimes can be found dangerous. Benjamin
in 1978 suggested that with the decrease in the degree of
mixture of oil fusion, the strength increases monotonically and the material

71
INVESTING $100M IN
ASIAN RECYCLING
MAY BE EASIER SAID
THAN DONE
By Raja Omer Nawaz
Managing Director
RON Extrusions Engineering, Lahore
O
ne of the high profile elements of the industry’s new $1
billion Alliance to End Plastic Waste is the $100 million
philanthropic investment fund Circulate Capital.
Circulate wants to pump that $100 million, which comes from
large consumer product companies and Dow Chemical Co.,
into plastic recycling projects in developing economies in
Asia, where the ocean pollution problem is most severe.
It’s a sizable amount of money, but Circulate’s top
executive cautions it should be thought of more like a
down payment toward what will ultimately be needed,
rather than a solution.
This challenge is really going to take billions and billions
of dollars, during the mid-January launch of the alliance. “It’s
more than a hundred million, it’s more than the billion that the
alliance is announcing.”
The New York-based fund, which featured prominently
in the unveiling of the alliance, plans to make its first two or
three investments this year and deploy its full $100 million
over the next five years.
It aims to focus that money in developing countries
in Asia that lag in waste management systems. Studies
estimate that more than half the plastic flowing into the
oceans comes from China and Southeast Asia.
Circulate says it can provide seed capital to demonstrate
to larger investors that they can make money in the
fragmented and sometimes opaque plastics recycling
markets in Asia.
That needs large scale institutional investors. This is
the start of building those on ramps for those large scale
institutional investors... that will be bringing together the
capital for the future of infrastructure in Southeast Asia.
While there are many creative companies in recycling in
the region, they generally lack the ability to scale up quickly.
That creates a shortage of investment opportunities and
prompted Circulate last year to start an incubator program
with consulting firm SecondMuse and environmental group
Ocean Conservancy, to better support entrepreneurs.
In many cases it is often harder to deploy the capital
than it is to raise it. Part of the reality of why we have this
problem today is there have not been enough investments
in basic infrastructure across the board and recycling is just
one key example.
The small size of individual plastics recycling companies
in Asia is a practical problem for investors because it
is essentially the same effort for funds like Circulate to
evaluate a company, whether the ultimate investment is for
$100,000 or $10 million.
Size is definitely part of the challenge to get to
investability.
Circulate will follow a similar model to the Closed Loop
Fund in North America, which took $.40 million in funding
from consumer product companies and retailers in 2015
and used that to unlock about $125 million to invest in
recycling in the United States.
“But I think that’s just a beginning, Even if we were
successful in that and at the end of the day we talked about
$500 million, that’s still just a drop in the bucket of the
billions that are needed.”
David Taylor, the chairman of the AEPW and the
chairman, president and CEO of consumer products
giant Procter & Gamble Co., said Circulate’s model of
“catalytic capital” is important to directing money to the right
organizations at early stages, when investing is riskier.
“IT’S ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL,” SAID
TAYLOR. “IN ORDER TO DE-RISK
SOME OF THE INVESTMENTS THAT
ROB TALKED ABOUT, WE’RE GOING
TO HAVE TO PUT SOME MONEY IN
UP FRONT, WHILE WE STILL DON’T
KNOW THE SOLUTION, TO LET THESE
ENTREPRENEURS GO INVENT NEW
SOLUTIONS.”
73
 While Circulate was featured prominently in the alliance’s
unveiling, its $100 million in investment capital is not directly
funded from the AEPW, Kaplan said.
Rather, AEPW is directly funding Circulate’s incubator
network, while alliance leaders P&G and Dow contribute to
Circulate’s $100 million.
The AEPW commitment is an amazing and
unprecedented start, but, it is not the entire solution. We
need many different forms of capital over the coming years
— philanthropic, investment, human [and] technology.”
As an example of the kind of support companies need,
we pointed to an Indonesian PET recycler, PT Tridi Oasis
Group, which has had to engineer its own recycling lines as
it is grown. It can be difficult for larger investors to evaluate a
company like that.
There are not enough investors and the ones that are
in the space are looking for more technology, Silicon Valley
style opportunities. “I think you’ll find that a lot of companies...
are really struggling to find investors.”
If a company is raising $10 million, we can that first
$3 million or $4 million, which helps give other investors
confidence when they do not have experience in this sector.
Indonesia and India are early targets for Circulate’s
investments — Indonesia in part because some landmark
studies have said it is the second-largest source of plastic
marine litter, behind China.
At the end of the day, we are trying to make an impact
on this issue by taking capital off the table as a barrier for
making change, so we are going to a place like Indonesia,
where entrepreneurs are struggling to raise capital.
Studies peg China as the largest source of plastic ocean
pollution, but it as a more challenging place to invest, and
Kaplan said he is not sure $100 million would go as far there
as elsewhere in Asia.
“In China, I think you could make a pretty good case that
capital is not the barrier,” he said. “Our strategy is more about
can we prove and demonstrate models that work in Asia and
then bring them to China and the Chinese government to
show them what could work.”
After China and Indonesia, the remainder of the top five
nations that studies say are the largest sources of marine
plastic pollution are also in Asia: Vietnam, the Philippines and
Thailand.
THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH
INVESTORS AND THE ONES THAT
ARE IN THE SPACE ARE LOOKING
FOR MORE TECHNOLOGY.
75
WHY CHOOSE
PE COMPOUNDS
FOR
PRESSURE
PIPE?
By Irfan Sabir
Sabic Pakistan
SIMPLICITY OR CONSISTENCY
The simplest way for any polymer producer to operate
is to produce natural pellets for a wide range of applications
(including pressure pipes) and ship them to the transformers
who add the coloured masterbatch during the manufacture of
the products.
So why do all the members of the PE100+ Association
promote the use of fully compounded materials for pressure
pipe manufacture?
Put simply – using PE compounds for pipe production
provides a high level of consistency in pipe quality and
performance with lowest effort on the pipe producer’s side.
DURABILITY OF PIPE SYSTEMS
PE pressure pipes are designed for a long lifetime (in
excess of 100 years) in the underground infrastructure.
Indeed installing the pipe in the ground is the most expensive
part of operation (typically 85 – 90% of the project costs) so
the last thing a gas or water engineer wants to do is replace
the pipes within their working lifetime.
This “Peace of Mind” demands consistent materials and
products which can only be achieved if the carbon black or
pigment and other essential additives are correctly dispersed
in the polymer matrix.
COMPOUND APPROACH
The PE compound approach has been successfully
applied in Europe and leads to high penetration of PE in both
gas and water distribution. In gas penetration levels are close
to 100% and 70% of all new water pipes installed in Europe
are produced from PE compounds.
European specifications are set at a high level and
include all the key properties to provide a long leak free
life. These requirements have now been adopted by the
International Standards Organisation in ISO 4437 (2007) and
ISO 4427 (2007) for PE gas and water pipes respectively.
The level of dispersion of carbon black is one essential part
of the standards. Because these requirements are high it
means that the minimum design factors can be set low at
2.00 for gas and 1.25 for water. This ensures high quality at
an acceptable price for the pipe.
Recently published failure data from the UK (1) and
Danish (2) water industry confirm that this quality approach is
the right one – PE demonstrates the lowest failure rate for all
materials used for water mains.
NATURAL AND MASTERBATCH APPROACH
In some countries natural PE polymers and masterbatch
methods are used to produce gas and water pipes. However,
these systems require a completely different approach to
77
the quality assurance system and more different processing PE pipe compounds are usually produced on line using
equipment than it is used elsewhere in the world. specialised equipment during the pelletisation process. This
Pipe producers are then responsible for controlling additive creates a consistent raw material to be used for quality pipe
addition levels and dispersion. To achieve this they will production thus providing this important “peace of mind” for
use extruders specially designed to give good mixing and the network owner.
dispersion.
What is the meaning of the designations PE80 and
In taking the natural and masterbatch route many issues PE100?
have to be considered: The designations PE80 and PE100 are based on the
long term strength of the respective materials, known as the
1. If the natural PE material is a PE100 it does not minimum required strength (MRS) in accordance with ISO
mean that the pipe made from the natural PE and a 12162.
masterbatch is a PE100 pipe. In some countries we have
observed LDPE or LLDPE carriers used to help disperse The designations are:
the additives which will inevitably reduce the 50 year
strength of the blend. Material Designation Minimum Required Strength
2. Similarly if the natural material passes the stress crack (MRS)MPa
resistance of the PE100 specification the pipe may not
as the same carrier material will reduce the stress crack PE 100 10.0
resistance of the blend.
3. Good dispersion of the pigment and additives is essential PE 80 8.0
for long te rm pipe performance. It is particularly
difficult to disperse 2 – 2.5% carbon black without large
agglomerates using a standard single screw extruder. The MRS is determined by performing regression
These agglomerates may provide an initiation site for a analysis in accordance with ISO 9080 on the test data from
crack which can cause premature failure of the pipe (see the results of long term pressure testing. The regression
fig). analysis allows for the prediction of the minimum strength for
4. To reduce agglomeration we have observed that some a specific service lifetime. The data is extrapolated to predict
pipe producers reduce the amount of carbon black the minimum strength at 20°C and at the specified 50 year
but this means that the u.v. stability of the pipe will be design lifetime. Full details of the analysis can be found in
sacrificed as a minimum level of 2% is required to protect ISO 9080 .
the pipe over its lifetime.
5. Also to help improve dispersion and reduce costs some References
use a carbon black with a larger particle size. This will PE100+Associatioin
also reduce the protection of the pipe as a carbon black
with a particle size below 25nm is required to achieve
good u.v stability (3).
6. The correct choice of additives also requires considerable
knowledge and extensive testing to ensure that the
finished product meets the long term performance
requirements and the different organoleptic and food
approval requirements around the world.
7. Clearly using the natural and masterbatch it is the pipe
manufacturer who takes over the complete responsibility
for the pipe quality since it is them that control all the
above critical items.

79
 PLASTIC FLOW
SIMULATION:
A USEFUL TOOL FOR
INJECTION MOLDERS

Omer Khalid &

Dr. Muhammad Shafiq Irfan
Department of Polymer and Process Engineering
University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore

I
njection molding is a processing technique used to produce temperature on the volumetric shrinkage of polypropylene
identical parts for mass production by subjecting polymer stool is investigated. This study is conducted with the help of
melt to a cavity which is usually at low temperature (below AutoDesk Moldflow Insight (AMI) injection molding simulation
solidification temperature) [1]. From injection molding software. SolidWorks drawing package was used for
one can produce each type of parts ranging from basic designing the part.
to complex. As compared to other polymer processing
techniques injection molding technique is the most complex Polypropylene trade name Sumitomo Mitsui Polypro
as it requires a huge amount optimization of very large J679 of Prime Polymer Co Ltd was selected for the analysis
number of processing parameters. Deviation from these having density 0.915g/cm3 and Melt flow index 82g/10min.
optimal levels can cause various defects in the production By the direction of Moldflow insight material’s appendix melt
that includes shrinkage, flashing, warping, sink marks, jetting temperature was varied from in 180°C to 250°C. While mold
etc. Once these defects are eliminated from the production temperature, cooling time and injection pressure were 45°C,
by optimizing of processing parameters injection molding 20 sec and 50 MPa respectively. Results obtained from
is the most profitable process as compared to others. For injection molding simulation are depicted in figure 2.
the optimization of this process both technical knowledge
and practical experience are required. And the effects of
various parameters need to be studied and compared. For
this, a number of experiments are required to be performed.
Sometimes, it is not possible to keep on changing variables
again and again and then study their effects. It also makes
this process limited and cost inefficient. To resolve this issue
various simulation software are used.

FLOW SIMULATION IN INJECTION MOLDING

Injection molding simulation software packages are now
widely used all over the world to optimize injection molding
process. Being an injection molder it is necessary to optimize
the process and making it cost effective in order to compete
with other competitors and to stay alive in the market. These
software packages enable to understand the process of
injection molding without any experimentation and save a
lot of material from wastage. Moldex3D, SolidWorks Plastics
and Mold flow® Insight are commonly used injection molding
simulation software. These software packages revolutionized
the injection molding technique by opening up a new scope
of research in this field.
CASE STUDY
In injection molding technique the critical parameters
in determination of the final dimensions of the polymeric
part is its shrinkage behavior [2]. Various studies have
shown that the processing conditions affect volumetric
shrinkage of the product. These factors include holding
pressure, holding time, injection pressure, mold temperature
and melt temperature [1]. In this study the effect of melt
Figure 1. Melt temperature vs average volumetric shrinkage
These effect of increase in volumetric shrinkage with
respect to the melt temperature is due mainly due to density
variations that occurs as a result of temperature change.
With the increase in temperature the density could reduce
up to 25% of initial density at ambient conditions [3]. Due to
reduction in density the material occupies more volume in the
mold and consumes less material. It looks quite beneficial
at first glance from economics point of view. But when the
part/product cools its density increases. This increase in the
density can cause contraction in material due to reduction in
its volume. It can be compensated by using high mass flow
rate of the melt, by application of extra injection pressure, by
increasing cooling time or by increasing cooling time.

82
REFERENCES
[1] F.Dupret. 1999. Modelling and simulation of injection molding. Rheology Series, Volume 8, pp. 939-1010.
[2] Tao. C. Chang, Ernest Faison. 2001. “Shrinkage behaviour and optimization of injection molded parts studied by Taguchi
method.” Polymer Engineeering & Science 41 (5): 703-701.
[3] Jay Shoemaker. 2006. Mold Flow Design Guide: A Resourse For Plastic Engineers. Hanser, Germany.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 1. Average volumetric shrinkage at melt temperature

(a) At 180°C (b) At 200°C (c) At 215°C (d) At 230°C (e) At
250°C.

Dr. Shafiq Irfan is an Assistant Professor at the Polymer

and Process Engineering Department of University of
Engineering and Technology, Lahore.

Mr. Omer Khalid is a final year student of BSc., Polymer

Engineering of University of Engineering and Technology,
Lahore.

(e)

83
MULTILAYER
PACKAGING:
CURRENT CHALLENGES
IN RECYCLING
Dr. Yasir Qayyum Gill
Assistant Professor
Department of Polymer and Process Engineering
University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore
Syed Muhammad Hassan Mehdi
Undergraduate Student
Department of Polymer and Process Engineering UET, Lahore
T
he multilayer packaging has enabled perishables
to reach customers with the quality and taste
never achieved before. However, these liberties
have set another challenge in terms of after-use disposal
of multilayer packaging material. Consumers have become
ignorant of the waste they are producing by consuming
these products. With the expansion of plastic solid waste
disposal and global warming awareness in public, more
sustainable recycling approaches familiar to the plastic
industry are needed today.
Pakistan has been one of the fast developing economies
in Asia and the world. Its GDP growth rate is forecast to
be 5.1 in 2019 (Asian Development Bank). This in turn
increases the industrialization and the utilisation of the
household commodity items. The solid waste management
system of Pakistan is not effective enough to collect the
household waste and dispose it off properly (Pakistan
Environmental Agency). The developed countries have
initiated innovative methods for the collection of the
household waste and their recycling. The curb side blue
box scheme efficiently collects the waste in the province
of Ontario, Canada (Recaly Steward Edge). Karachi, the
largest city of Pakistan, produces 2420680 tons waste per
year (Ali). This percentage represents the direct plastic
waste and does not consider other commodity items which
use plastic as a composite material (Pakistan Environmental
Agency). The multilayer thin filmed flexible packaging
has been quite popular for the lightweight packaging
applications. According to a conservative estimate UK
alone produces 139000 tonnes of multi-layered laminated
packaging (Crichton).
Multilayer packaging can be referred to as the series
of layers of different polymers arranged to achieve desired
permeation and oxygen barrier properties. The layers of
materials can range from three to up to fifteen layers. The
number of layers are always an odd number due to the
fact that the adhesive used to join these layers is usually a
polymer, Polyethylene to be specific. Hence, these layers
can be assembled and the layer material be chosen such
that the material it houses remains consumable for an
extended period of time.
The polymers used for the layer material are:
Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and
Nylon. Aluminum has been used along with Polypropylene
to form metallised sheet which has better oxygen barrier
properties than the virgin polymers mentioned above.
The wrap for fried chips contain an external layer of PET
with a middle layer of aluminum for oxygen barrier and
the interior most layer of PE. This is a simple example of
multilayer packaging. Milk cartons and toothpaste have more
complex packaging. The Tetra Pak™ packaging cartons
have 2 layers of Polymer laminate, Paper, Adhesive(PE)
and Aluminum. The all polymer based milk packaging is
shown in fig1. The outer layer of PP prevents the contact
of micro-organisms with the milk. The mineral filled PP and
EVOH layer acts as oxygen barrier. The carbon-black layer
provides light barrier. Thus all the components leading to
spoiling the milk are inhibited. The PE contact layer avoids
the milk to be in contact to the carbon black or any other
external materials. The polymer laminate is primarily of
Polyethylene. While toothpaste packaging has several
alternating layers of polymer and aluminum recycling of
these sort of materials require different parameters for
each layer. As the layer materials range from paper, metal
to polymer, there are different melting temperatures and
recycling conditions. This adds to the challenge of recycling
these materials with sustainable procedures.
85
Sr# Strategy Materials Reference

1 Depolymerisation of PET PET, PE, Aluminum (S.L.Fávaro)

using supercritical ethanol

2 Solvent separation of N,N-dimethyl cyclohexylamine, (Chiara Samorì)

multilayers Multilayer packaging

3 Microwave assisted Beverage packaging (Andrea Undri)

pyrolysis

4 Solvent separation Toluene, Xylene, Hexane, (Alejandro Table 1:

Multilayer packaging Cervantes-Reyes) Summary
for recent
5 Chemical ultrasonication Hydrophilic solvents, Multilayer (Tamari Mumladze) developments
flexible packaging technique in recycling
approaches
6 Pyrolysis in Fluidized Bed Waste material (F.Di Gregorio) for multilayer
gasification reactor packaging

Figure 1: Multilayer structure of UHT-Milk packaging
The current trend in the world is to effectively collect
these waste material, segregate it and either incinerate
or dispose-off in landfill. Researchers and pioneers of
sustainable approach, in the world, have developed newer
and better methods which aim to recycle these sorts of
plastic waste. One of the devised methods is microwave
pyrolysis. The method is developed by Enval™ which
converts the polymer portion of the packaging into fuel for
power generation to run the plant (Totton). The metallic
portion of the packaging is extracted back and recycled as
a metallic waste. But the main issue is the treatment of the
effluent gases. The treatment of the effluent gases before
releasing them to the atmosphere has been a dilemma on
its own. Moreover, the simple incineration or dumping in
open spaces are just a temporary solution to this problem.
Canadian province, Ontario, started a blue box curb side
collection scheme which aims at collecting solid waste from
the local community separated by the people themselves
into predefined categories. This approach has made people
aware of the magnitude of waste they are producing. This
led to a behavioural change, causing people to reduce their
carbon footprint (Recaly Steward Edge).
Pakistan has shown a primitive response towards the
recent environmental conditions being faced by the country.
The continuous utilisation of resources and exploiting the
needs of the people into profits have made many blind
towards the hidden price they have to pay in the coming
years. Most of the packaging in Pakistan has been recycled
just by shredding the sorted waste and then extruding it to
achieve a recycled, very poor quality product having low
mechanical and service properties. These waste materials
are than mixed with virgin material to reduce cost of the final
product with a compromise on the quality which they are
providing to their customers.
A better approach can be to separate the multilayers
into individual layers which can then be recycled as per the
conditions of that material. Concentrated alkaline solution,
has demonstrated in lab to be an effective solvent used
to separate the layers. Aluminum dissolves in the solution
forming alkaline salts. Dissolved aluminum can be recovered
from this solution by salt metathesis reaction. The recycling
of printed packaging would require the removal of the ink
first. Otherwise the ink would degrade while recycled in
extruder. The suitable solvent for the removal of ink is ethyl
acetate.

87

The proposed method above is systematic approach
of waste collection and segregation into individual product
categories. The ink removal step helps in avoiding any
ink contamination in latter recycling in extruders providing
freedom for utilisation of their own masterbatches. The
separation of layers and sorting of each layer of polymer into
each polymer type enable to choose the optimum processing
parameters required for the polymer processing leading to
the recycled products to be of better quality both aesthetically
and in terms of its mechanical performance. This would
help in breaking the cliché surrounding the use of recycled
products.
With respect to the recycling of multilayer packaging
in Pakistan the proper segregation and identification
of the material is one of the beginning steps towards a
better recycling approach of educating people to be a
responsible citizen of the country by separating their waste
at their premises before sending over to the landfill. The
improvement in the purification process of the effluent gas
from an incinerator would be the only solution to the problem
until we shift towards biodegradable alternatives.
In conclusion, the recycling of multilayer packaging
can be enabled by taking society based initiatives such as
evoking the feeling in people about the harm they are doing
to the environment and trying to make them recognise their
responsibility towards environment. This could be achieved
by less usage of plastic products and reusing them as many
times as possible. The sorting of waste should be focused
at the disposers’ end. People should be separating their
waste into recyclable and non-recyclable. The pre-sorted
waste would save time and money for the recyclers. Codes
and identification for the multi-layer plastics be devised by
manufacturers which would enable sorting and recycling
easy for the disposers and recyclers. Recyclers should
come up with better recycling methodologies and technology
to recover as much energy resources and materials as
possible. We all should play our little part to solve the issue
we all are part of.
Figure 2: Flow sheet of
the proposed recycling
strategy for Multilayer
Packaging
REFERENCES:
• Alejandro Cervantes-Reyes, Alejandra Núñez-Pineda,
Carlos Barrera-Díaz, Víctor Varela-Guerreroa, Gonzalo
Martínez-Barrerac, Erick Cuevas-Yañez. “Solvent
effect in the polyethylene recovery from multilayer
postconsumer aseptic packaging.” Waste Managment
(2015): 61-64.
• Ali, M. Jibran S. Zuberi and Shazia F. “Greenhouse effect
reduction by recovering energy from waste landfills in
Pakistan.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
(2015): 117–131.
• Andrea Undri, Luca Rosi, Marco Frediani, Piero Frediani.
“Fuel from microwave assisted pyrolysis of waste
multilayer packaging beverage.” Fuel (2014): 7-16.
• Asian Development Bank . “Asian Development Bank.”
22 1 2019. Asian Development Bank. <https://www.adb.
org/publications/asian-development-outlook-2016-asia-
potential-growth>.
• Asian Development Bank. Pakistan Economy. April
2018. <https://www.adb.org/countries/pakistan/
economy#tabs-1-0>.
• Chiara Samorì, Daniele Cespi, Paola Blair, Paola Galletti,
Danilo Malferrari, Fabrizio Passarini, Ivano Vassura and
Emilio Tagliavini. “Application of switchable hydrophilicity
solvents for recycling multilayer packaging materials.”
Green Chemistry (2017): 1714-1720.
• Crichton, Stephen Slater and Trevor. “Recycling of
laminated packaging .” 2011.
• F.Di Gregorio, Lucio Zaccariello. “Fluidized bed
gasification of a packaging derived fuel: energetic,
environmental and economic performances comparison
for waste-to-energy plants.” Energy (2012): 331-341.
• Pakistan Environmental Agency. Guideline for Solid
Waste Management. Islamabad: Pakistan Environmental
Agency, 2005.
• Recaly Steward Edge. Analysis of Flexible Film Plastics
Packaging Diversion Systems. Toronto: Product
Stewardship Solution, 2013.
• S.L.Fávaro, A.R.Freitas, T.A.Ganzerli, A.G.B.Pereira,
A.L.Cardozo, O.Baron, E.C.Muniz, E.M.Girotto,
E.Radovanovic. “PET and aluminum recycling from
multilayer food packaging using supercritical ethanol
Author links open overlay panel.” The Journal of Super-
critical Fluids (2013): 138-143.
• Tamari Mumladze, Samy Yousef, Maksym Tatariants,
Rita Kriūkienė, Vidas Makarevicius, Stasė-Irena
Lukošiūtė, Regita Bendikiene and Gintaras Denafas.
“Sustainable approach to recycling of multilayer flexible
packaging using switchable hydrophilicity solvents.”
Green Chemistry (2018): 3604-3618 .
• Totton, Timothy. “Degradation of Active Ingredients by
Microwave Induced Pyrolysis.” Degradation of Active
Ingredients by Microwave Induced Pyrolysis. Cambridge:
Trinity College, May 2008.
89
By Muhammad Mubashir Rasool

J
ust a couple of years ago, 3D printing felt like FOLLOWING ARE THE MAIN AREAS WHERE
something we might have seen on “Back to the Future”. WE CAN INVEST IN 3DP,
But so much has happened in the industry in just a few
years. Today, you can build a thriving business with your PROTOTYPING
3D printer. In fact, lots of people are doing just that. And Many designers
no wonder: 3D prefer to focus on
printing could designing process and
become a $20 do not need to buy and
billion industry by operate 3D printer but
2019. would like to check their
ideas on real models.
The annual
revenues from Offering prototyping
the global 3D services you will probably
printing market find many clients who
were around would like to get rid of manufacturing phase. As costs of
14 billion U.S. production are not huge, your 3D printing profit margin
dollars in 2018 should be satisfactory. 3DP on the other hand, enables
and the source companies to reduce time and costs, allowing for flexible
expects 3D design iterations.
printers and materials to represent almost half the total
revenues over the next four years, but says that software 3D SCANNING
and related services will also experience significant growth.
Computer-aided design (CAD) software and the market for 3D scanning is
on-demand parts services are expected to almost triple. supplementary service to
Discrete Manufacturing is seen as the dominant industry for 3D printing. This will help
3D printing. service provider to offer
quick solution instead to
Globally accelerating product development were the create the digital model
highest priority companies relying on 3D printing are jumping from scratch.
from 29% in 2017 to 39% in 2018. Prototyping (55%),
production (43%) and Proof of Concept models (41%) were Many people would like
the three most popular 3D printing applications in 2018. to copy shape of favorite objects or living creatures. Favorite
animals, friends, cars, boats, etc. If you scan them then you
Using 3D printing can be a great asset no matter what can scale, modify, join with other objects and 3D print it. It’s
is your sector. Indeed, it can help you on many levels that is like a picture but fancier.
why more and more 3D printing businesses are appearing
on the market. Actually, the 3D printing technology can help MASS CUSTOMIZATION
you to develop any kind of project. Do you know about all the
opportunities that 3D printing could offer? I am going to show One of the most important possibilities offered by the
you how you could create your own 3D printing business, 3D printing technology is mass customization (marketing
innovate, iterate and be part of this amazing success. and manufacturing technique which combines the flexibility

91
 and personalization of
custom-made products • Polymer grade nylons utilized in 3D printing build tough,
with the low unit costs durable parts that are accurate, repeatable and stable
associated with mass over time. Additive manufacturing nylons create tough
production). and geometrically complex components in a wide variety
of applications. Nylon parts tend to be strong and heat
• Octobre71 is resistant.
a French company
manufacturing light GROWTH BENEFITS OF 3DP.
glasses and for them,
additive manufacturing The greatest benefits come when 3DP is applied as a
is amazing to create customizable glasses. For fashion, direct manufacturing technology, to create end products and
products often need to be custom made, that is why 3D components. This enables companies to optimize product
printing is a great new tool for fashion designers. design, gain additional customer value, create new products or
improve existing ones. This opens new revenue sources and
3D printing can allow to manufacture glasses adapted to markets, so can be seen as a growth strategy.
the morphology but also to the style of any person. But this
amazing benefits can be profitable for many other businesses. • Just a decade ago, an average 3D printer cost more than
$100,000. Today you can easily find a good cheap 3D
• Adidas Future craft 4D shoe printer for under $500, $300, even $200.
with a midsole using a new
3D technology may well be In 2019 to onward, additive manufacturing will be the
the first of millions to come. force pulling back the curtain on the inner workings of
Adidas will have access to disruption. The game changers, in other words, will be
enough printers from Carbon the forces behind the games.
to make one million pairs
of 3D-printed sneakers The more unique 3D printing solution you will find the
annually. bigger the chance you will succeed and start ahead of
your potential competition cannibalizing the market.
We just saw that 3D printing
allows mass-customization. But it could also be the perfect The beauty of this all is that traditionally for a startup to
manufacturing technique to actually turn your product into a change what they do would take considerable investment. If
service. you create a business that people do not have a need for, just
change it and create something else - because you have not
CREATE SPECIAL AUTO AND MACHINE SPARE invested tens of thousands in a 40’ shipping container of stock
PARTS from China, you can just change your designs and you have an
entirely new business plan for your 3d printer.
Similar to machine part prototypes, parts for special
machines are often “lot size one” and would traditionally
require expensive tooling and a long lead-time. Due to
their low volume, they are particularly suitable for additive
manufacturing. These parts also have higher quality
requirements, since they are end-use parts. The part is quicker
and more cheaply than with traditional manufacturing methods.

• Jaguar, the famous car

manufacturer is using 3D printing to
create spare parts for its old vehicles.
The company used 3D scanning to
recreate the classic XKSS model from
1957.

3DP is actually the best way to recreate parts that are no

longer manufactured and not available on the market. It is
offering new business possibilities, even for big brands such as
Jaguar! You just have to create 3D files of the unique parts that
you need and print them.

METAL TO PLASTIC
REPLACEMENT
3D printing allows efficient
delivery of polymer parts
in low quantities, meaning
plastic could replace metal for
many machine parts. In fact,
carbon-fiber-filled 3D-printed
polymer can replace even a
hard or strong metal.

93
WASHING LINES
FOR PLASTIC
Recycling has become an important need nowadays.
Components for all types of contaminated plastic waste,
e.g. post- consumer film, agricultural film, HDPE/LDPE bottles,
battery cases and, of course, for post-consumer PET bottles
should be recycled.
A WASHING LINE COULD LOOK LIKE AS
FOLLOWS:
Debaling, basic cleaning and separation steps
A) DEBALING OF THE BALES
This is the first important step which needs to work without
problems. It breaks the bales to allow the further treatment.
B) PRE-WASHING
At this entering stage you have all types of contamination
which you need to get rid of with a minimum numbers of units
and with a minimum of costs due to energy and consumables
like water or chemicals. The surface dirt is washed off by the
feeding/washing screw.
C) SEPARATION, SORTING AND METAL EXTRACTION
Now you can use an NIR system to separate the goods. If
no NIR system is used, it is recommended to install a full size
manual sorting cabin. It is, however, no problem to supply an
open sorting station with conveyor belt and platform instead a
cabin. Either before or after the NIR system metals are taken
out of the bottle stream using overhead magnets, magnet rolls,
eddy current separators or metal detectors in combination with
electro-pneumatic discharge flaps.
BASIC WASHING, SIZE-REDUCTION AND AIR
SEPARATION STEPS
A) BASIC WASHING AND SIZE REDUCTION
Using a so called wash grinder is used as a granulator
for the size reduction with water. The friction in the cutting
chamber of the granulator can ideally be used for the washing.
Continuously water will be flown into the cutting chamber. In
order to keep the consumptions of fresh water low, the water
which is being used is mechanically treated water in a closed
loop, the same water which we use in the first stage. The wet
grinding process removes the dirt. It also increases the lifetime
of the blades considerably, compared to dry grinding.
By Juergen Schnitzer
Sales & Marketing Manager
NEUE HERBOLD Maschinen- u. Anlagenbau GmbH
Germany
B) SEPARATION OF DIRTY WATER, FURTHER CLEANING
AND DRYING
The waste water and the flakes enter a friction washer
through the screen of the wet grinder. The job of the friction
washer consists of separating the dirty water from the flakes
and continuing the washing of the flakes. The flakes are
discharged into a mechanical dryer. The mechanical dryer
uses its centrifugal force to spin off the superficial water from
the flakes and dries the flakes for the air elutriation separation
process.
C) AIR SEPARATION OF DIRT, DUST, REMAINS
At this stage, the flakes still contain remains, dust as well
as loose dirt which have been washed off from the bottle flakes
but could not be spun off through the screen holes of the
friction washer or the
mechanical dryer. In the air separator (elutriator) the
loose dirt, labels, paper remains etc. are now separated from
the flakes by an adjustable air flow. The flakes are now very
clean and in an ideal condition to undergo a basic separation
of PE, PP.
PROCESS STAGE 3
BASIC SEPARATION FROM PE/PP
Separation of the PE/PP from the flakes and as an
additional benefit to clean the flakes further from impurities.
Using a swim sink tank and the second is the hydro cyclone
separation process which follows process. After the wet size
reduction step the flakes are pretty clean but the material
stream still contains PE/PP. These are separated in the swim
sink tank from the flakes. To achieve an optimum separation
result the flakes are force-fed into the tank under water level.
The polyolefines surge up and swim whereas the flakes easily
sink to the bottom of the tank where they are continuously
discharged. The mechanical dryer following the swim sink tank
ensures that the flakes are dry.
FINAL PROCESS STAGE 4
DRYING, AIR SEPARATION AND BAGGING
The flakes are discharged out of the friction washer into a
mechanical drier to produce dry flakes ready for the “polishing”
procedure. The dry flakes could still be ”contaminated” by
traces of impurities and one likes having the flakes free of
these remains. These remains are only present in traces at this
point and you would hardly be able to recognize them if you
looked at the flakes. The air separator (elutriator) is a type of
Zig Zag channel where any loose dust or impurity is taken out
by a frequency controlled air stream at the top and where the
flakes leave the unit at the bottom. The flakes are now ready
for bagging or to be conveyed into a storage silo.
95
MARINE PLASTICS
POLLUTION:
REVERSING THE TIDE
Dr. Mehr Nigar
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace
Engineering
Institute of Avionics & Aeronautics
Air University
Islamabad
INTRODUCTION:
Covering almost 70% of our planet, oceans are among the
earth’s most valuable natural resources. Going through the
hustle and bustle of daily life, we give very little thought to
the importance of oceans in our life. These enormous bodies
of water govern the weather, clean up the air, help feed the
world, and provide a livelihood for millions of people living in
coastal communities. In addition to this, they also are home
to most of the life on earth, from microscopic algae, to many
exotic species of fish, to the blue whale, the largest animal on
the planet.
Instead of cherishing this big blessing and making efforts
to conserve it, we are taking the oceans and all the flora and
fauna in it for granted. Either knowingly or unknowingly we
are bombarding these oceans with various forms of pollution,
plastics pollution being one of them. Environmental activists
and photographers had been raising their voice about it for
years. The world however woke up to this reality, when this
issue was highlighted at the world economic forum (WEF)
that if we do not act quickly to rectify the situation, by 2050
there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. The stats
given by WEF were sobering; without significant action, even
by 2025, the ratio of plastic to fish in the ocean is expected
to be 1:3, as plastic stocks in the ocean are forecast to grow
to 250 million tons in 2025. Currently the amount of plastics
entering our oceans is staggering, it is equivalent to dumping
the contents of one garbage truck into the ocean per minute,
if no action is taken, and this will increase to two trucks per
minute by 2030 and will reach four trucks per minute by
2050!The History of Plastics: Too Much of A Good Thing
Today almost on a daily basis we wake up to
heartbreaking pictures of plastics being ingested by
animals, birds and fish. Each and every one of us who has a
conscience cannot help but look at any plastic item and think
of a dying bird or a turtle or a fish as a result of its misuse.
What is ironic is that in their early applications, plastics
actually were the saviors of wildlife. In the mid-1800s, many
items like piano keys, billiard balls, combs, and many other
accessories were made of a scarce natural material: elephant
ivory. Elephant hunting became so prevalent in quest for
ivory that elephant populations faced extinction. In reaction to
this a billiards company in New York City offered a $10,000
reward to anyone who could come up with an alternative
material that could replace ivory. An amateur inventor named
John Wesley Hyatt took up the challenge. His new material
called celluloid was made of cellulose, the polymer found
in wood and stems of all plants. Susan Freinkel recounts in
her book, Plastic: A Toxic Love Story, that Hyatt’s company
claimed that their novel product will eliminate the need
“to ransack the Earth in pursuit of substances which are
constantly growing scarcer.” World’s first fully synthetic
polymer called Bakelite was synthesized by Leo Baekeland,
who came up with the word “plastic”, due to its capability of
being molded into complex shapes very easily compared to
metals or glass. Rest we all know is history, plastics soon
became the miracle materials that completely revolutionized
our lives.
We can think of so many beneficial examples of plastics
from nylon parachutes or lightweight airplane parts—the
convenience and ease that they have brought into our lives
is unparalleled of any material. Plastics made travel into
space possible and revolutionized medicine and the quality of
healthcare. Even today after getting so much bad press, they
continue to lighten every car and jumbo jet, saving fuel and
reducing pollution. In the form of food packaging, they reduce
contamination and extend the shelf life of fresh food. Plastics
have saved countless lives by inventions like airbags,
incubators, helmets, or simply by delivering clean drinking
99
water to poor people in those now infamous disposable
bottles. We cannot deny the fact that plastics have saved and
continue to save lives daily.
Over the past 30 years or so, plastics became the material of
choice for many applications, fast replacing traditional materials
like metals and glass due to their low cost, light weight, tunable
properties and most importantly their ability to be shaped easily
into complex shapes. All of these desirable properties of plastics
led to the proverbial “too much of a good thing” phenomenon.
The many beneficial properties of plastics became their
biggest vice in the sense that plastics also ushered in the era
of abundance. Many things that were never made before in the
pre-plastics age were soon being made. A disposable culture fed
by consumerism and convenience became the new norm for the
human race. People were so busy buying more and more of the
new trinkets, and tossing the old ones away that failed to realize
or simply ignored the serious impact this era of disposability was
having on the planet ecosystem.
PLASTIC, PLASTIC EVERYWHERE!
Most of us know that plastics are polymers: Long-chain
molecules made up of many repeat units, or monomers.
These polymer chains are strong, light, and durable, which
makes them so useful and so problematic at the same
time, when they are disposed off carelessly. Production of
plastics has grown at such a breakneck speed that virtually
half the plastic ever manufactured has been made in the
past 15 years. Our oceans are being choked because
roughly 40 percent of the now more than 448 million tons of
plastic produced every year is disposable, most of which is
intended to be thrown away within minutes after purchase.
The sudden production of this humongous amount of waste
has led to breakdowns or failures of the centuries old waste
management systems. This mainly consisted of reclaiming
the metal and glass for recycling and bio-degradation of the
rest by action of micro-organisms present in soil. The growth
of plastic production has far outstripped the ability of waste
management to keep up: That is why the oceans are under
assault. According to estimates by UNEP and WEF, just 10
rivers carry 90% of the plastic that ends up in the ocean.
Eight of them are in Asia: the Yangtze; Indus; Yellow; Hai
He; Ganges; Pearl; Amur; Mekong; and two in Africa – the Nile
and the Niger. All these rivers have two things in common;
a high population (into the hundreds of millions) living in the
surrounding region and a primitive or non-existent waste
management system.
The problem with plastic pollution starts long before it
reaches our oceans, rivers and beaches. Piles and piles of
plastic waste on land and in the oceans are actually symptoms
of a broken system in which products are designed and
consumed without giving much thought to what happens
to them after they are used. Ramani Narayan, a chemical
engineering professor at Michigan State University who also
works in his native country India says that: “Let’s say you
recycle 100% in all of North America & Europe, You still would
not make a dent on the plastics released into the oceans. If
you want to do something about this, you have to go there,
to these countries, and deal with the mismanaged waste.”
Other environmental researchers who are working on the
issue of marine plastics also find a direct correlation between
carelessly tossed and mismanaged waste that eventually
leaks from smaller waterways to rivers and is eventually
dumped into the ocean. Also the quantity of plastic waste per
cubic meter of water is greater in larger rivers compared to
smaller ones. The Indus and the Ganges, which flow through
India and Pakistan, carry the second and sixth highest
amounts of plastic debris to the ocean. Major contribution
of plastic debris in Indus has been attributed to India by
international organizations like UNEP and WEF; however
Pakistan too is facing similar issues of lack of a proper waste
management system/strategy and public awareness. Any
effort to stop further flow of plastic debris into the ocean
via our rivers will be a major step in the right direction. This
however will require the strong coordination and participation
of the government, industry, academia and all the citizens
of Pakistan. Effective waste management and disposal is
impossible without the awareness and participation of the
citizens from every walk of life.
THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE
Plastic waste is littering our oceans and threatening the
lives of millions of marine animals which include turtles, seals,
whales, dolphins, seabirds, fish, crabs and many other animal
and plant species. Sea animals are dying daily and becoming
sick due to our negligence and ignorance. A relatively recent
finding highlights the devastating effects of micro-plastics on
the marine animals. Micro-plastics are tiny pieces of plastic
which can come from multiple sources, one of them being
fragments of plastics that have degraded over time due to
chemical action of some additives e.g. Oxo-degradable plastics
that break down into smaller pieces due to the additive and this
is further aided by the mechanical action of waves on beaches.
Both land and marine animals invariably ingest these micro-
plastics because of their small size. Micro-plastics are even
more harmful than larger plastic fragments; this is because due
to their small size they act as magnets for pollutants like PCB’s
(Polychlorinated Biphenyls) and PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons). After ingesting these micro-plastics, seals, fish
and other animals, may suffer for months or years before they
die. The effects on humans are expected to be similar, as they
migrate into our food via meat of fish etc.
CONCLUSION
Due to their non-biodegradable nature, plastics stay
in the environment long after they are disposed off and
if not collected and managed properly, they can cause
severe damage to both land and water ecosystems. A large
contributor to our waste management problems is a complete
lack of public awareness and non-existent or primitive waste
management systems. The industry, the academia, the media,
the government and the civil society should play their roles in
creating awareness and advocating a behavioral change at
the base level.
Despite concerns about the negative effects of plastics
to the environment, plastic still continues to be highly
valued packaging material due to its strong, lightweight,
non-reactive, economical, and shatterproof properties. The
safety of plastics for food, beverage, and personal care,
pharmaceutical and medical applications is acknowledged by
health authorities worldwide.
Globally, environmentalists and policy makers are
demanding bans on plastics and a complete switch over to
alternate materials such as glass and other natural materials.
The reality is that instead of bans, we need to introduce
efficient and sustainable methods of waste management.
Trucost, a sustainability think-tank estimates that substituting
plastic in consumer products and packaging with alternatives
with similar function would increase environmental costs from
$139 billion to a total of $533 billion. Investing in a proper
waste management and a recycling infrastructure will provide
a win win situation for all involved, the governments the
industry the citizens and the environment.
101
 HAZARDS OF MICRO-PLASTIC POLLUTION

102
USEFUL LINKS & REFERENCES:
1. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/ocean-pollution-dirty-facts
2. https://www.unenvironment.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution/
3. https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/how-does-plastic-end-ocean
4. https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/plastics-in-the-ocean/
5. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/ocean-plastic/
6. https://www.earthday.org/2018/04/05/fact-sheet-plastics-in-the-ocean/
7. http://web.unep.org/unepmap/un-declares-war-ocean-plastic
8. http://web.unep.org/environmentassembly/marine
9. http://www.grida.no/publications/60
10. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/06/90-of-plastic-polluting-our-oceans-comes-from-just-10-rivers/
11. https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution
12. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/06/90-of-plastic-polluting-our-oceans-comes-from-just-10-rivers/
13. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/plastic-planet-waste-pollution-trash-crisis/
14. https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/news/how-plastic-pollution-affecting-seals-and-other-marine-
life?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-8PjBRCWARIsADc18TJGVmjfR0zuA-DNHlt9X0gBy0u64PDr8BFTj6B3lX1vvByEd6kR0
IkaAjddEALw_wcB

103
CLARIANT ENJOYED 5% GROWTH IN
SALES IN 2018
Clariant just announced full year 2018 sales of CHF 6.623
billion compared to CHF 6.377 billion in 2017. This corresponds
to 5 % growth in local currency, all of which is organic, driven
by a progression in all Business Areas, particularly in Catalysis.
Both higher volumes and pricing underpinned this expansion.
For the full year, all regions contributed to the sales growth
in local currency. Sales in Latin America grew the strongest,
by 12 %. Sales in Asia increased by 7 %, bolstered by a
particularly positive development in China and India. In North
America, sales rose by 5 %. Both Europe and the Middle East
& Africa increased sales by 2 %.
The improved sales performance for the full year resulted
from growth in all Business Areas with Care Chemicals,
Catalysis and Natural Resources reporting strong expansion.
Sales in Care Chemicals rose by 7 % in local currency primarily
supported by Consumer Care. Catalysis sales improved by an
excellent 11 % in local currency with a strong organic sales
growth amounting to 8 %.
In Plastics & Coatings, sales rose by 1 % in local currency
with particularly strong regional expansion in Latin America.
EBITDA before exceptional items rose by 5 % in Swiss
francs and reached CHF 1.018 billion, compared to CHF
974 million in the previous year. The absolute profitability
improvement was attributable to the positive contributions from
Care Chemicals, Catalysis and Plastics & Coatings.
The corresponding EBITDA margin before exceptional
items advanced to 15.4 % from 15.3 % in the previous year.
Net income climbed by 18 % to CHF 356 million from CHF
302 million in full year 2017. This increase was supported by
the improvement in absolute EBITDA as well as lower one-off
costs and a lower effective tax rate.
IMPROVEMENT IN LOCAL CURRENCY SALES
AND PROFITABILITY IN Q4
In the fourth quarter of 2018, sales rose by 3 % in local
currency to CHF 1.629 billion. This represents a decrease of
3 % in Swiss francs year-on-year due to unfavorable currency
fluctuations. The sales growth in local currency was mainly
driven by Catalysis and Natural Resources.
Almost all regions contributed to the growth. In the Middle
East & Africa, sales in local currency grew by a robust 15 %
driven mainly by Catalysis. Sales in Latin America increased
by 9 % in local currency supported by Oil & Mining Services, in
North America by a solid 3 % and in Asia by 2 % with a slowing
in China.
Only sales in Europe had a negative growth of 2 % largely
due to the particularly challenging comparison base.
OUTLOOK 2021: EXPECTING ABOVE-MARKET
GROWTH AND HIGHER PROFITABILITY
The company confirmed its 2021 guidance to achieve
above-market growth, higher profitability and stronger cash
generation.
“In 2018, Clariant achieved good sales and profit growth
and significantly improved operating cash flow despite an
increasingly challenging environment,” said Ernesto Occhiello,
CEO of Clariant.
“Going forward, we will continue to identify and address
the next challenges and future demands within our respective
businesses and those of our customers. This, coupled with best
customer experience and fast, reliable customer fulfillment will
trigger above-market growth, higher profitability and stronger
cash generation,” Occhiello continued.
105
CHINAPLAS 2019 TO TAP INTO
EMERGING REGIONS
With the unrelenting and extensive globalization of
economy and the continuous adjustment of global industrial
specialization, investment by countries including China in
regions like Southeast Asia has been growing rapidly.
In China, one of the largest manufacturing countries in the
world, the central and western regions are under accelerated
development, proactively undertaking the industrial transfer
from the east coast.
In order to build a wide network of quality resources and
fully explore the new momentum in the industry, CHINAPLAS
2019, the leading plastics and rubber trade fair, is going to
act responsively, embrace new opportunities, and tap into the
emerging regions.
PROMOTING BUSINESS EXPANSION TO
EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD
The assembly of a car requires supply of its parts from
more than 20 countries across four continents. The parts and
components of an aircraft come from 1,500 large companies
and 15,000 SMEs.
Manufacturing nowadays has a high degree of
specialization and an extensive network. From the Canton
Fair to the Import Expo, China is committed to attach same
importance on “reach out” and “bring in”, facilitating global
economic interactions. The manufacturing industry of
China has been increasingly active in outward relocation or
expansion.
The plastics and rubber industries have been putting more
resources overseas, accelerating the pace of investment and
factory establishment. For example, Haitian International
Holding Limited set up its factories in Vietnam, India, and
Turkey in 2010 and 2018, and has application centers all over
Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, and Japan.
In 2017, Guangdong Yizumi Precision Machinery Co., Ltd.
commenced production in its new Indian factory and opened
a showroom in Vietnam. In the same year, Ningbo Shuangma
Machinery Industry Co., Ltd. established its Indian factory.
Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co. Ltd. and Guangdong Liansu
Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. set up factories in India.
Jwell Group has opened overseas offices in Vietnam, India,
Bangladesh, Turkey, and other places.
As for end-user industries, the famous Chinese electronics
company, Xiaomi Corporation, will set up three smartphone
factories in India. Big names in China such as Haier,
Kingclean, Gree and Hisense etc. consider Southeast Asian
and Middle Eastern countries as popular choices for setting up
overseas factories.
Benefiting from the demographic dividend and the
development of labor-intensive industries, Southeast Asian
regions are growing and becoming an investment hotspot.
International big brands are also interested in the numerous
potential markets there.
Huntsman Corporation, a publicly traded global
manufacturer and marketer of specialty chemicals, has opened
a multi-purpose facility in Vietnam, with an aim to efficiently
supply customers across the ASEAN region with high-quality
electrical insulation, coatings and adhesive solutions.
BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, will expand
production capacity of acrylic dispersions in Malaysia, with an
aim to serve growing demand in ASEAN, Australia and New
Zealand markets.
CHINAPLAS always responds to the market changes
promptly. And this year, the show organizer strives to expand
overseas markets, running multichannel and multidirectional
promotion of emerging regions like Southeast Asia through
the collaboration with the media, advertisement and precision
marketing.
The CHINAPLAS team has visited influential associations
in the Southeast Asia, such as the SME Corporation
Malaysia, Thai Housewares Trade Association, Thai Tool
and Die Industry Association, Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers
Association (TAPMA) and Electric Vehicle Association of
Thailand. These associations all agreed to pass on information
about CHINAPLAS to local enterprises.
107
 The team also participated in important local events, such household appliances in China, in which many famous home
as the annual dinner of MPMA Perek Branch of Malaysia, the appliance enterprises like Meiling, Royalstar, Haier, Midea,
annual dinner of the Electrical and Electronics Association and Whirlpool are located, and tablet displays and electronic
of Malaysia, the 28th Asia Plastics Forum & 17th Term information industries are rising quickly and catching up
AFPI Conference, to have a close interaction with attending intensely.
enterprises.
According to statistics, in the first three quarters of
BOOMING MARKET IN CENTRAL AND 2018, the export volume of the central and western regions
WESTERN CHINA TO BUILD UP A STRONG amounted to RMB 1.95 trillion (about USD 280.8 billion), with
MOMENTUM an increase of 13% and a growth rate 6.5% higher than the
overall rate.
In addition to extensive overseas promotion, CHINAPLAS
spares no effort in promoting the local industries. Recently, EXPLORING THE INDUSTRY CLUSTER IN
China Central and Western Regions Plastics Industry CENTRAL AND WESTERN CHINA
Alliance joined as a new member and became a supporter of
CHINAPLAS. The central and western regions are being developed
rapidly, driving a strong demand for plastics and rubber.
It is learnt that the Alliance, which was found in May 2018, According to statistics, in 2017, the growth rates of plastic
thoroughly implements the Belt and Road Initiative suggested product production in Anhui Province and Henan Province
by the country, as well as the principles and policies of were 11.21% and 7.18% respectively. The year-on-year
the “Guiding Opinions of the State Council on Central and growth rate of plastics production in the twelve provinces
Western Regions Undertaking of Industrial Transfer”, fostering and regions in the west was 8.44%. The central and western
communication and interaction among stakeholders in the regions are in the rapid growth stage, with production growth
plastics industry in the central and western regions. rates higher than the national average.
“We have joined hands with the Alliance for the purpose of Gain a foothold in the emerging regions and compete
promoting the development of the plastics industry
in Central and Western China,” mentioned Ada
Leung, General Manager of Adsale Exhibition
Services Ltd., the organizer of CHINAPLAS.
“The coastal regions in the east have a notable
leading role in innovation and development, but
the supply of resources like land is tight and the
labor cost is high, whereas the central and western
regions, after 40 years of reform and liberalization,
have a significantly improved economic level,
rich resources, low factor costs, and optimized
infrastructures and investment environment,
which can be an important force to undertake the
industrial transfer in China. As the manufacturing
industry in the eastern coastal area advances
into the central and western regions, the industry
clusters in the latter are brought to the next
level. We can feel deeply that these regions are
becoming more prosperous and vibrant.”
In recent years, the development performance
of the central and western regions is particularly
notable. In 2017, the export value of laptops of
Chongqing (the largest municipality in Southwest
China) amounted to RMB 128.51 billion (about
US$ 18.5 billion), making the city the world’s biggest cluster for for a place in Central and Western China! The organizer
laptops. It is also where Hewlett-Packard, the world’s biggest of CHINAPLAS has put in additional effort in promotional
PC manufacturer, set up its manufacturing plant. strategies and implementation.
Chongqing is also an industrial base of automotive in China The team has not only attended various important events
with many brands including Changan Automobile, Changan in the central and western regions, but also visited important
Ford, SCMW, Lifan, BAIC Yinxiang, DFSK, etc. Wuhan (a city enterprises, including Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobile
in central China), which is rapidly developing a trillion-dollar Company LTD, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Dongfeng
industry cluster of automotive and parts, manufactured 1.89 Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd, Faurecia,
million passenger vehicles in 2017. The production value of the Haima Automobile Group Co., etc., in pursuit of a deeper
automotive industry reached RMB 360 billion (about US$ 51.8 understanding of their needs and opinions.
billion), which demonstrates a strong momentum. CHINAPLAS 2019 has a continuously expanding network
Henan Province in the central area produced more than of partners. The show will return to the China Import and
250 million smartphones in 2017, becoming the largest Export Fair Complex, Pazhou, Guangzhou and run from May
production base for smartphones. The five major industries, 21 to May 24, 2019 with an exhibition space of more than
including equipment manufacturing, food manufacturing, 250,000 square meters and more than 3,400 leading exhibitors
new materials manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, and from all over the world, attracting over 180,000 professional
automobile manufacturing, have gradually achieved a leading visitors from 150 countries and regions to this international
position, developing a trillion-dollar industry cluster. extravaganza of the plastics and rubber industries.
Hefei city of Anhui Province is a production base for

109
AUTOMOTIVE PLASTICS MARKET TO
EXCEED US$50 BILLION BY 2024
The automotive plastics market is set to grow from its current
market value of more than US$20 billion to over US$50 billion
by 2024, as reported in the latest study by Global Market
Insights, Inc.
Rising passenger cars production along with consumer
demand for fuel efficient, durable and light weight vehicles
should stimulate automotive plastics industry demand.
Rapid industrialization and urbanization in India, Japan,
and China will propel the demand for commercial vehicles,
SUV’s, modern cars and HMV’s. Rising per capita income and
improving living standards will create demand for stylish and
high aesthetics cars thereby stimulating industry growth.
Automotive plastics are preferably used in various auto
bodies and parts including chassis, power train, electronic
components under the hood, exterior and interior furnishings
and fuel systems. It is durable, scratch resistant, abrasion
resistance, allows effective design molding, component
integration and improves vibration and noise control in
automobiles.
Expanding manufacturing hubs along with government
spending for advanced technology may contribute towards
automotive plastics industry growth.
PLASTICS USED IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Major raw materials, PU, ABS, PMMA, PVC, and PP are
used in the manufacturing process of automotive plastics. Lack
of standardization of plastic materials along with sustainability
issues will be a major challenge and may impact industry
growth.
Polyurethane (PU) based automotive plastics industry
demand is predicted to register gains at over 10% owing to
lightweight and excellent durability, increased fuel economy,
corrosion resistance, insulation and sound absorption
properties. PU foams are used for making head rests,
cushioned instrumental panels and arm rests along with
various other car interiors thereby stimulating product demand.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) based automotive
plastics market size is witnessing significant growth at over
9.5% during the forecast timeframe. It is used in manufacturing
cars dashboard, instrument panel, covers, bumpers, and
body panels. Consumer’s inclinations towards stylish vehicles
owing to weight reduction, toughness, flexibility, and corrosion
resistance drives the industry growth.
PMMA based automotive plastics market size is
expected to surpass US$ 1.3 billion by 2024. These are
highly used in creating various interior and exterior panels,
molded parts, trims, number plates along with application
in windows, screens and displays owing to its superior
characteristics such as impact resistance, UV filtering,
chemical resistance, accuracy in color along with weathering
properties ensuring product parts durability and longevity.
PVC based automotive plastics market demand is likely
to surpass US$ 1.9 billion during the foreseeable timeframe.
These are mainly used in underbody coatings, sealants,
door panels seating, dashboard, arm rest, window sealing
profiles, weather strips, and body side protection.
REGIONAL OUTLOOK AND DEVELOPMENT
North America automotive plastics market size, with steady
gains in the U.S. and Canada is poised to exceed US$5
billion up to 2024 owing to rise in consumer preferences for
lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Germany automotive plastics market demand is likely to
register gains close to 8.5% during the forecast timeframe.
Growth in automobile industry and presence of major
industry giants along with high innovations and strategies
will enhance product demand in the region. Meanwhile,
increasing pressure on automobile manufacturers to reduce
GHG emission to comply with EU standards coupled with
high investments in research will drive regional industry
growth.
China automotive plastics market size is likely to register
gains close to 10% owing to rapid industrialization and
increasing number of passenger cars produced. Rising foreign
investment along with increasing demand for passenger
vehicles may stimulate industry growth in the region.
Automotive OEMs are focusing on the online retail channels in
the near future, to help maintain a direct relationship with the
buyers.
India automotive plastics market size from electrical
components application may expect consumption at over
380 kilo tons up to 2024 due to swift increase in passenger
vehicle production and consumer willingness to spend on
stylish cars. In addition, Indian government encourages FDI
in the automobile sector and plans to invest in eco-friendly
cars in the future, thereby promoting automotive plastics
market growth.
111
MASTERBATCH INDUSTRY TO GROW
OVER 5% PER ANNUM
The masterbatch industry is showing strong growth on the (almost two thirds of colour masterbatch demand) there will
back of growing polymer demand and its ability to replace be challenges as the “circular economy” debate influences the
alternative methods of polymer modification. The growth rate of market in all the corners of the world.
the industry will be in excess of 5% per annum for the medium
term, according to a report by AMI Consulting. The market is intrinsically linked to the size, growth and
relative maturity of demand for polymers around the world.
The masterbatch industry continues to outperform both Thus China, as the world’s largest consumer of polymer, is
GDP and polymer demand growth with all regions of the world also the largest individual country market and in total Asia
and all product types benefiting from these trends. accounted for 46% of global masterbatch demand in 2018,
compared with 18% in Europe and 26% in the Americas.
The emergence of global players combined with the active The markets of Asia will continue to be key drivers for the
role played by private equity is driving a revised business masterbatch industry going forward driven by the markets of
structure in all markets. Currently the largest ten global China and India.
producers of masterbatch account for around one third of the
industry, given the pace of this change in the world this share is
forecast to accelerate in the medium-term future.
However, grasping the opportunity is not easy. Growing
competitive intensity, raw material supply and pricing volatility,
increased specifications and heightened customer service
requirements all demand that participants think carefully about
the sectors that they engage in. It is already clear that missteps
are costly to company’s development and profitability.
The over 130,000 injection moulders in the world account
for the largest customer group for masterbatch, however, as
many of these companies are active in packaging applications

ELASTOSKIN BASED PAPER

HONEYCOMB CAR TRUNK FLOOR
DEVELOPED
Green & Light Automotive Components (Green & Light), an “For many years, BASF has been supporting the trend
innovative company based in China, has introduced an easy-to- towards weight reduction in the automotive industry with its
clean surface covering for car trunk floors. honeycomb technology. This development process symbolizes
BASF’s global approach, and this innovative material solution
Using polyurethane paper honeycomb technology, the trunk leads to new possibilities for car interior components,” said
floor surface is covered by Elastoskin, a polyurethane skin Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President of Performance
technology from BASF. Compared to conventional non-woven Materials Asia Pacific. “Our partnership with Green & Light
fabric surfaces, this newly developed product is easier to clean, demonstrates how much we support our customers with in-
offers great freedom in the design process, and has excellent depth expertise in new developments. There could well be
aging and emission properties. more innovations, taking account of global added value.”
The honeycomb structure has been used in trunk covers, The initial laboratory tests and developments were
headliners, and hat racks. A paper honeycomb enclosed by completed at the BASF site in Lemförde, Germany. The
two fiberglass mats is foamed and pressed with the Elastoflex honeycomb components with Elastoskin are produced
E semi-rigid polyurethane foam. This can reduce component by Green & Light Automotive Components at its plant in
weight by 20-30% while retaining the same strength and Suzhou, China. The finished components are then shipped to
stiffness. automotive manufacturers and suppliers worldwide.
In a global project with Green & Light, an Elastoskin skin
was applied on the B-side of a trunk floor. The polyurethane
skin means that dirt can be easily removed and the trunk kept
clean. Whereas non-woven fabric had to be bonded onto the
trunk floor in an additional production step, Elastoskin is poured
on directly.
This technology opens up new possibilities in the design
and conception of the trunk floor. It retains the outstanding
mechanical properties and also reduces emissions and odor.
Elastoskin is pleasant to touch, easily released from the mold,
highly resistant to aging, and reproducible contours.

113
 5 NEW HEART
HEALTH
INNOVATIONS
MADE
POSSIBLE BY
PLASTICS

Good heart health relies on many factors, such as diet the donor to the time it’s transplanted. Researchers said the
and physical activity. But when our hearts need extra help, “heart in a box” could dramatically increase the availability of
medical advances made tpossible by plastics can help deliver donor hearts.
the often life-saving medical care. Here are five remarkable
new heart health innovations made possible by plastics. 3D PRINTING
PLASTIC PATCH Why is 3D printing with plastics so revolutionary? In large
part because it enables technicians in a range of industries to
Researchers are developing a flexible plastic patch that quickly and easily create fully customizable 3D models.
can help repair the damaged tissue caused by heart attacks.
Since the patch doesn’t require stitches, it’s less invasive What if technicians could apply that technology to
and potentially less damaging to the heart than other surgical create an intricate plastic replica of a patient’s heart that
methods. surgeons could study in advance of an operation? It’s already
happening. Surgeons today can use the plastic model to plan
The patch is still undergoing testing, but researchers out details of the procedure before it even begins, reducing
predict that it may one day help prevent arrhythmias (irregular risk for the patient.
heartbeat) and even aid in regenerating damaged heart
tissue.
DISSOLVING STENT
Heart surgeons have long treated blockages by implanting
a stent—a device that expands a coronary artery and
restores blood flow. However, either the patient has to go
through another surgery to remove the stent, or the artery
remains expanded permanently, which may not be ideal for a
patient long-term.
Thanks to medical plastics that dissolve over time,
recently FDA-approved advanced stents do their job and then
are adsorbed into the body—potentially improving quality of
life for heart patients.
HEART IN A BOX
The primary method for transporting donor hearts is pretty INFLATABLE IMPLANT
simple: the organ is put on ice in an insulated container. Heart surgeons often face a frustrating irony: sometimes
The longer it remains outside a human body, the the sick patients—who need surgery—have been so
increased likelihood the tissue will become damaged. A new weakened by their condition that surgery becomes too risky.
plastic-based device known as “heart in a box” may change But a new inflatable, balloon-like device made with plastics is
all that. helping improve the odds.

This technology lets a donor heart continue beating, After the device is implanted, doctors can inflate or
essentially keeping it “alive” from the time it’s removed from deflate it as needed to control excess blood flow and relieve

115
pressure on the heart. This technique can give a heart the Meanwhile, Ultramid Advanced T1000 is suitable
chance to recover enough to withstand surgery. for processing by injection molding. There are different
possibilities for post-processing such as laser marking
After the market launch of Ultramid Advanced N, BASF or welding with Ultramid Advanced T1000 grades, other
introduced another polyphthalamide (PPA) at the Fakuma polyamides or polyphthalamides.
trade fair in Germany: Ultramid Advanced T1000 – a new
group of compounds based on polyamide 6T/6I. VERSATILE PORTFOLIO FOR BROAD
APPLICATION RANGE
Within the Ultramid family, Ultramid Advanced T1000
is the product group with high strength and stiffness and For a broad application range, BASF offers a versatile
with stable mechanical properties at temperatures of up to range of T1000 compounds. The initial portfolio consists of
120°C (dry) and up to 80°C (conditioned). heat-stabilized, glass fiber-reinforced standard grades with
reinforcement levels ranging from 30 to 60% for different
Due to its partially aromatic chemical structure, it offers stiffness, strength and toughness values.
high resistance to humidity and to aggressive media –
outperforming conventional polyamides and many other Glass fiber-reinforced special grades with
PPA materials on the market. improved hydrolysis resistance with 35 or 45% glass
fiber reinforcement, and a special long glass fiber-
It is a strong and stable material that is suitable reinforced, highly heat-stabilized compound for
for use in a wide range of challenging environments outstanding mechanical performance, especially at
across all industries. Such applications can be found for higher temperatures.
example in the automotive industry, especially in areas
where materials have to remain strong, no matter what Depending on the requirements of individual
temperatures or climates they are exposed to, and in all applications, grades with different heat stabilizers are
other industries where resistance to humidity or chemicals also available.
is required.
“New materials for metal replacement are the key
to developing the next generation of lightweight, high-
performance components,” said Abdullah Shaikh, head of
the global PPA team.
“The demands on the materials have increased
drastically in recent years, mostly because of trends such
as ongoing miniaturization, higher efficiency targets,
and functional integration. BASF is now expanding its
PPA portfolio in order to provide customers with the right
plastics in order to enable them to meet these technical
challenges,” added Shaikh.
FOR SOPHISTICATED TECHNICAL PARTS IN
MANY INDUSTRIES
With these properties, Ultramid Advanced T1000 can
be applied in many technical parts with a challenging
requirement profile: in thermostat housings and water
pumps, in fuel circuits and selective catalytic reduction
systems, for actuators and clutch parts in cars as
well as in coffee machines, as furniture fittings,
and in construction applications such as water
distributors, heating systems and pumps.
In other words, anywhere where
high, constant stiffness and strength
across a broad temperature range
from -40°C to over 80°C (conditioned)
are necessary. The new PPA
also shows higher resistance
to chemicals than conventional
aliphatic polyamides in contact with
many demanding media, including
hot coolants, oils, aggressive fuels,
and solutions of road salts containing
calcium or zinc salts.
It is characterized by a lower water
uptake than many aliphatic polyamides:
this results in high dimensional stability
and to stable physical and mechanical
properties of the components – also in the
presence of humidity.

117
NED TESTING AND ANALYSIS SERVICES
FOR INDUSTRY AND RESEARCHERS
Polymer & Petrochemical Engineering department provides 1. THERMAL ANALYZER (TGA/DSC)
a network of highend analytical laboratory services to a variety To analyze the thermal stability and effect of filler contents.
of industry, government and research customers. All tests are Following thermal properties can also be measured.
performed according to recognized standards such as ISO, a) Sp. heat capacity
ASTM ans PS. In addition to this we provide customized tests b) Crystallinity
as per requirement of customers. c) Melting/processing temperature
d) Glass transition temperature
MECHANICAL TESTING FACILITY e) Temperature stability
f) Oxidative degration, Oxidation stability
1. UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE (5KN&20KN) g) Chemical reactions / Polymerization / Reaction Kinetics
To determine the mechanical properties of polymetric
materials, elastomers, foams, films, textile fibers, geo 2. FTIR
membranes etc. To perform compositional analysis of different materials by
a. Tensile Strength determining the functional groups using Infrared Spectroscopy.
b. Elongation
c. Yield Point POLYMER PROCESING FACILITIES
d. Modulus 1. Two Roll mill with heating and cooling system.
e. Flexural Strength • It is used for the compounding of rubber and plastic.
f. Compressive Strength 2. Single Screw Extruder with blown film.
h. Peel Strength • To determine the effect of extrusion parameters on blown
i. Tear Strength film properties.
• Study the effects of blow ratio.
2. DART IMPACT TESTER. • Preparation of packaging films for consumer products.
To determine the impact behavior of polymers and wide • Preparation of high strength films for industrial packaging.
range of materials such as engineering plastic, fiber-reinforced 3. Twin screw extruder with side dosing system.
polymer, pipes, plastic films and coatings. • To determine the effect of blend ratio, filler dispersion
on mechanical properties, thermal properties and on
3. IZOD/CHARPY IMPACT TESTER morphology development.
To determine the effect of notched and un-notched size on 4. Vacuum forming
the toughness of samples 5. Temperature Control Hot press (Approximately 500oC and
To compare the toughness of notched and un-notched 200 bar)
polymeric samples. • It is used for the compression molding of elastomers,
thermoplastics, thermosets and composites.
4. MELT FLOW INDEX
To determine the relation between the molecular weight and PETROLEUM TESTING FACILITIES
melt flow index of polymer samples. 1. Atmospheric Distillation Unit
To determine the effect of temperature on the flow behavior To determine the IBP and FBP of petroleum products.
of polymer sample. 2. Vacuum Distillation Unit
To distillate heavy oil into different fraction at reduced
5. DYNAMIC MECHANICAL ANALYZER pressure.
To determine the viscoelastic properties of polymers under 3. Smoke Pointer Tester
various elongation, compression of shearing rates, different To check the smoke point of different fuels.
frequencies and temperatures. 4. Cloud Point and Pour Point Tester
Modes: To determine the flow of fuels at diffferent temperatures
• Single Cantilever 5. Anilime Point
• Dual Cantilever To check the miscibility of fuel at different temperature.
• Bending 3-Point 6. Flash Point
• Tension To check the flash point of different fuels.
• Compression, and 7. Penetrometer
• Shear To check the hardness of wax and bitumen at different
temperatures.
6. MOVING DIE RHEOMETER 8. Oxidation Stability Tester
To measure the cure kinetics of rubber. To measure the break point of fuel.
9. Reid Vapor Pressure
7. STRESS RELAXATION To check the vapor pressure of different fuels at 100oF.
To determine the service life of a rubber O-ring seat at 10. Bomb Calorimeter
different temperature. Stress relaxation in compression and To measure the caloritic value of different materials.
tension. 11. Conradson Carbon Tester
To measure the unburnt carbon residue in different fuels.
THERMAL AND CHEMICAL 12. Hydrometer
CHARACTERIZATION FACCILITY To measure the specific gravity and density of fuels.

119
BASF MAKES PRODUCTS WITH
CHEMICALLY RECYCLED PLASTICS FOR
THE FIRST TIME
BASF just announced that it has for the first time manufactured
products based on chemically recycled plastic waste.
The company has begun to produce syngas and oils
from waste plastics using a thermochemical process through
its new ChemCycling project. The resulting recycled raw
materials can be used as inputs in BASF’s production, thereby
partially replacing fossil resources.
FROM WASTE TO CHEESE PACKAGING AND
FRIDGE COMPONENTS
BASF is already developing pilot products, including
mozzarella packaging, refrigerator components and insulation
panels, with 10 customers from various industries.
Manufacturing products that meet high quality and
hygiene standards – which are specifically required for
food packaging for example – is possible because the
ChemCycling products supplied by BASF have exactly the
same properties as products made from fossil resources.
As a next step, the company planned to make the
first products from the ChemCycling project commercially
available.
“With our ChemCycling project, we are using plastic waste
as a resource. In this way, we create value for the environment,
society and the economy,” said Dr. Martin Brudermüller,
Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief
Technology Officer (CTO) of BASF SE. “We have joined forces
with partners throughout the value chain to establish a working
circular model.”
Stefan Gräter, head of the ChemCycling project at
BASF, saw great potential: “This new way of recycling offers
opportunities for innovative business models for us and our
customers, who already place great value on products and
packaging made from recycled materials but who cannot or do
not want to make any compromises when it comes to quality.”
BASF VERBUND OFFERS IDEAL CONDITIONS
FOR CHEMCYCLING
At the beginning of the production chain, BASF feeds
oil derived from plastic waste by an oiling process into the
Production Verbund. BASF gets this feedstock for the pilot
products from the partner Recenso GmbH, Germany.
As an alternative, syngas made from plastic waste can
also be used. The first batch of this oil was fed into the
steam cracker at BASF’s site in Ludwigshafen in October.
The steam cracker is the starting point for Verbund
production. It breaks down or “cracks” this raw material at
temperatures of around 850°C.
The primary outputs of the process are ethylene and
propylene. These basic chemicals are used in the Verbund to
make numerous chemical products.
Under the mass balance approach, the share of recycled
raw material can be mathematically allocated to the final
certified product. Each customer can select the allocated
percentage of recycled material.
TECHNOLOGICAL AND REGULATORY
CHALLENGES
According to Andreas Kicherer, sustainability expert at
BASF, a wide range of recovery options for plastic waste is
needed, since not every solution is suitable for each type
of waste or possible for each product application. The first
choice should always be the solution that performs best in a
life cycle assessment.
However, technological and regulatory conditions must
be met before the project is market-ready. For one thing,
the existing technologies to transform plastic waste into
recycled raw materials such as pyrolysis oil or syngas must
be further developed and adapted so that consistently high
quality is assured.
Furthermore, regional regulatory frameworks will
considerably influence to what extent this approach can
be established in each market. For example, it is essential
that chemical recycling and the mass balance approach are
recognized as contributing to the fulfillment of product and
application-specific recycling targets.
121
INNOVATIVE RECYCLING METHOD
TRANSFORMS OLD PLASTIC
Silicon Valley-based IBM developers recently Because it can use the dirty, low-value post-consumer
invented a pressure reactor that uses a new recycling materials, and the catalyst can be fully recycled, it keeps
method, called VolCat, a catalytic chemical process that costs low. It also uses relatively little energy.
“selectively digests” polyesters (PETs) into a substance
that can be fed directly back into plastic manufacturing The company is currently talking to partners about
machines in order to make new products. running a larger pilot test, to see if the approach is
economical at scale.
Currently, more than 272 million metric tons of plastic is
produced each year around the globe, with one-quarter of that
made up of PET.
VolCat aims to use a precise combination of chemicals,
heat and pressure to reduce this amount of plastic, and
ultimately the amount of waste, produced. This could
completely transform the way people discard and manufacture
plastic in the next five years.
Everything from milk cartons to cookie containers to
grocery bags and cheese cloths will be recyclable, and
polyester manufacturing companies will be able to take in
refuse and turn it into something useful.
As introduced, plastic bottles, containers, and PET-
based fabrics are collected, ground up, and combined with a
chemical catalyst in a pressure cooker set to above 200°C.
With heat and a small amount of pressure, the catalyst is
able to digest and clean the ground-up plastic, and the process
separates contaminants (e.g., food residue, glue, dirt, dyes,
and pigments) from material that is useable for new PET.
The useable matter (called a monomer) takes the form
of a white powder, which can be fed directly into a polyester
reactor to make brand new plastics.
According to IBM, the machine will not require any sorting
or washing at all. Not to mention, VolCat will even be able to
process items that are typically very hard to recycle, including
clothing, carpets, toys, buckets, and more.

GAME-CHANGING NON-HALOGEN FR
TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCED
The Lubrizol Corporation announced the commercial
availability of a novel flame retardant product, Hycar
NH3069, designed to deliver excellent flame retardant
performance without the use of additives or halogenated
materials.
With less additives required, reduced mixing, less
chemical inventories and faster clean-up are possible,
resulting in higher manufacturing productivity. For filtration
applications, Hycar NH3069 provides a lower pressure drop
compared to particulate additives.

Based on new, self-crosslinking, non-halogen polymer
technology, Hycar NH3069 imparts flame retardancy to
cellulosics, making it a powerful protective technology
for paper, cotton, rayon, glass and mixed fiber media
applications.
In addition to flame retardant benefits, Hycar NH3069
offers excellent mechanical performance and improved
clarity compared to particulate-filled coatings. Its inherent
thermal stability during processing provides improved color
over halogenated polymers.
“This new and unique, halogen-free polymer technology
from Lubrizol avoids the need for heavy metals, like antimony
trioxide,” noted Gary Anderle, marketing manager. “It’s a
game changer for many applications, and we look forward to
exploring its full potential by collaborating with formulators to
achieve specific flame retardance needs.”
Hycar NH3069 is part of an exciting new platform that will
evolve into future flame-retardant products. It can be applied
using a broad range of techniques, including knife coatings
(J-box), dip and squeeze (padding), foam, gravure, screen
printing and rod coating.

122
GLOBAL RECYCLED PLASTICS MARKET
TO GROW AT A CAGR OF 6.4%

The global recycled plastics market was estimated at

US$36.93 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach US$50.36
billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2017 and 2022,
according to a study by MarketsandMarkets.
The market is witnessing growth due to the growing
preference for recycled plastics over virgin plastics as a result
of severe pollution caused by the disposal of used plastics in
oceans and the scarcity of landfill areas in many countries.
Factors such as the increasing use of recycled plastics
in many new applications in the packaging, automotive, and
electrical & electronics industries and many favorable initiatives
by governments in many countries promoting the use of
recycled plastics offer lucrative opportunities for the growth of
the recycled plastics market.
High cost of recycled plastics and stringent competition
from virgin plastics in terms of performance are the major
factors restraining the growth of the market.
during the forecast period.
The proposed ban by China on import of certain waste
plastic scraps and irregular collection of waste plastics for its PET segment is expected to have the highest growth as
reprocessing are some of the factors challenging the growth of PET-based plastics are easy to recycle, and PET bottles are
the recycled plastics market globally. the most easily sorted and collected source of used plastics.
PACKAGING TO BE THE FASTEST-GROWING NORTH AMERICA TO RECORD THE FASTEST
END-USE INDUSTRY GROWTH
Packaging is estimated to be the fastest-growing end-use The North America region is estimated to be the fastest-
industry segment of the recycled plastics market during the growing market for recycled plastics during the forecast period.
forecast period. The growth of the recycled plastics market in North America
is growing due to the several initiatives taken in the region to
This growth is attributed to the increasing use of recycled increase the use of recycled plastics.
plastics in food and beverage packaging, as technological
advancements have made recycled resins suitable for food Many companies such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, Walmart,
applications, which was not the case until a few years earlier. Target Corp., Procter & Gamble Co., Ecover, Evian, L’Oréal,
Mars, M&S, PepsiCo, Campbell Soup, Amcor Werner &
PET: THE FASTEST-GROWING TYPE SEGMENT Mertz and Keurig Green Mountain Inc. have pledged to the
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is estimated to be the Association of Plastics Recyclers (US) to increase the use of
fastest-growing type segment of the recycled plastics market recycled plastics in their products.

123
BASF AND ADANI TO INVEST
€2 BILLION PETROCHEMICAL
VENTURE IN INDIA
Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF
BASF SE and Adani Group signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on the eve of the Vibrant Gujarat
Global Summit 2019, to evaluate a major joint investment in
the acrylics value chain.
This would be BASF’s largest investment in India to
date. The designated site would be located at Mundra port
in Gujarat, India. A feasibility study will be completed by the
end of 2019.
According to the MoU, BASF and Adani want to establish
a joint venture with an investment totaling about €2 billion
(approximately INR 16,000 crore), in which BASF will hold
the majority.
The potential investment comprises the development,
construction and operation of production plants including
propane dehydrogenation (PDH), oxo C4 complex (butanols
and 2-ethylhexanol), glacial acrylic acid (GAA), butyl acrylate
(BA) and potentially other downstream products.
The products are predominantly for the Indian market
to serve a wide range of local industries, including
construction, automotive and coatings, whose growing
demand is currently supplied via imports, thus supporting
the “Make in India” initiative.
In line with BASF’s carbon neutral growth strategy, the
chemical site in Mundra would be the company’s first CO2-
neutral production site. The companies have developed an
overall plan including new technologies and the supply of the
site with 100% renewable energy. Therefore, in addition to the
investment outlined in this MoU, BASF plans to co-invest as a
minority partner in a wind and solar park.
On this occasion, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani
Group, said: “Our partnership with BASF is a big step
forward in enabling our country’s ‘Make in India’ program, as
this partnership will allow us to produce in Mundra several
of the chemicals along the C3 chemical value chain that we
are currently importing. Mundra’s infrastructure is ideally
suited to enable chemicals production, and our ability to
deliver renewable power makes this a unique partnership on
several fronts.”
“BASF’s intention to invest in a major new site for the
acrylics value chain in India clearly demonstrates our
strong and long-term commitment to our Indian customers.
Together with the Adani Group, we would have the
opportunity to provide our customers with high-quality
chemicals and support them in growing their business,” said
Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive
Directors, BASF SE.
The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019 was held on Jan
18-20 in Gujarat, India.
125
GLOBAL INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE
MARKET TO EXPAND AT A CAGR OF
3.5%
The global injection molding machine (IMM) market size
accounted for US$ 17.05 billion in 2017 and is estimated to
expand at a CAGR of 3.5% by 2025, according to a report by
Grand View Research.
Growing demand for lightweight and durable products
coupled with increasing adoption from automotive and
packaging industries is likely to driver this growth over the
forecast period (2018 – 2025).
Manufacturers are focusing on developing equipment that
reduce production and maintenance costs, provide production
flexibility, and reduce wastage and production time. Introduction
of new processes, such as gas assisted, foam, co-injection,
and multiple component is anticipated to create demand.
PLASTICS IMM DOMINATES REVENUE SHARE
On the basis of materials, IMM market is segmented into
plastics and metals. Plastics emerged dominant in terms of
revenue share and was valued at US$ 12.99 billion in 2017.
Plastic molded products have numerous applications in
industries, such as, electronics, healthcare, consumer goods
and packaging.
HYDRAULIC IMM HOLDS THE HIGHEST
MARKET SHARE
On the basis of technology, IMM are segmented into
hydraulic, electric, and hybrid.
Hydraulic IMM segment held the highest market share
in 2017. The equipment is best suitable for applications
requiring high clamping force to hold the mold at high
pressure. They are mostly preferred in automobile, mining,
and construction industries where large and heavy parts are
manufactured.
Electric IMM is likely to gain momentum over the forecast
period. These machines are digitally controlled by high
speed servo motors, have high precision, are faster and
highly energy efficient in operations. In terms of revenue, this
segment is estimated to expand at the fastest CAGR of 5.7%
from 2018 to 2025.
Hybrid machines combine the advantages of both hydraulic
and electric molding. It allows high clamping force with high
precision, productivity, and energy efficiency.
AUTOMOTIVE: THE MAJOR END USE SEGMENT
Based on end use, the industry has been segmented into
automotive, consumer goods, packaging and electronics.
The automotive is the major application segment, holding
the highest market share. Rising importance of lightweight
materials in automotive industry is expected to boost use of
plastic materials in automotive component manufacturing,
which, in turn, will drive the market.
In 2017, consumer goods were valued at US$ 3.50 billion.
Rising application for manufacturing convenience goods,
cosmetics products, houseware, and personal hygiene products
is anticipated to bode well for segment growth in near future.
In terms of revenue, electronics was valued at US$ 2.79
billion in 2017, and is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 3.84%
over the forecast period.
ASIA PACIFIC TO LEAD THE GLOBAL MARKET
Asia Pacific is estimated to lead the global market over the
forecast period. The region accounted for 36.81% market share
in terms of revenue, in 2017. China and India are among the
largest regional markets anticipated to influence the global IMM
industry during the forecast period. Growing urban and rural
population, rapid pace of urbanization, and foreign investments
have propelled regional demand for automotive, consumer
goods and electronics industries.
Europe comprises major countries including Germany,
France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Austria. Europe was the
second largest region in terms of revenue, with 29.01% market
share in 2017, owing to high demand from numerous end-user
industries.
In the global IMM market, the US is one of the major
consumers. Demand from import of machinery is majorly driven
by automotive industry, owing to inclination towards producing
advanced and aesthetically improved products.
127
EU POLICIES THAT WEAKEN THE
EUROPEAN CHEMICALS INDUSTRY
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS Chairman, has written an open letter
to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker,
expressing his concerns about the future of the European
chemicals industry.
The letter questioned the EU for its green regulations
and taxes, arguing for a reduction to sustain a competitive
chemicals industry.
“Europe is no longer competitive. It has the world’s most
expensive energy and labour laws that are uninviting for
employers,” Ratcliffe wrote. “Worst of all, it has green taxes
that, at best, can be described as foolish as they are having
the opposite effect to how they were intended.”
“Nobody but nobody in my business seriously invests
in Europe. They haven’t for a generation. Everyone in my
business does however invest in the USA, Middle East or
China, or indeed, all three,” he pointed out.
He said that the USA is “in the middle of a US$200 billion
spending spree” on 333 new chemicals plants. Meanwhile,
China has also spent a similar amount in constructing its own
chemicals building blocks.
Ratcliffe stressed that “Europe ‘going it alone’ with green
taxes” as its main strategy has “got it wrong” and it has pushed
investors to the USA and China. Europe’s share of the world
chemicals market was halved from 30% to 15% in the last 10
years.
“America has welcomed new investment but on
condition that it has the highest possible environmental
standards. It has created investment, new jobs and improved
environmental emissions. Europe has done the opposite on all
fronts,” he commented.
In January 2019, INEOS publicly announced its €3
billion petrochemicals expansion for an ethane gas cracker
and world-scale PDH (propane dehydrogenation) unit in
Antwerp, Belgium.
Ratcliffe explained that thanks to INEOS’s access to
“huge quantities of cheap energy and feedstocks from
the USA”, the company has had “no market risk” as all
the products produced would be consumed by its own
businesses in Europe.
On INEOS’ decision to invest in Belgium, he said: “Don’t
expect others to follow. They will be welcomed by the USA
and China with a warm smile and a good strategy.”

POLYMER POWDER IN HIGHER

TEMPERATURE RANGE FOR 3D
PRINTING UNVEILED
Evonik has developed a new polymer powder for applications in the new temperature-stable material together with Evonik,”
higher temperature range as part of its polyamide 6 series. Mark added.
The product further expands Evonik’s portfolio of The new polymer powder in Evonik’s polyamide 6 series
high-performance materials for powder-based 3D printing with its nearly round grain shape stands out for excellent
technologies. flowability and application properties, making it suitable for
all powder-based 3D printing technologies. A proprietary
Evonik’s new polyamide powder features high mechanical procedure of Evonik is employed to produce the high-
strength as well as excellent chemical and temperature temperature material at the company’s Marl site.
resistance. Its heat deflection temperature (HDT B) is around
195°C.
Moreover, the powder material stands out for its low water
absorption – below 3 percent —, which has a positive effect
on processability in 3D printing and the dimensional stability of
printed 3D components.
INNOVATIVE MATERIALS FOR SERIES
PRODUCTION
“New, ready-to-use materials that are optimally adapted to
the individual printer and expand the range of application to
higher temperatures move the 3D printing industry one step
further toward series production,” said Mark Zhao, founder
and CEO of TPM 3D Chinese technology company for
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
“We are seeing strong demand for 3D solutions in the
higher temperature range – for example in the automotive and
electronics industries. That’s why we were pleased to launch

129
PRODUCTS WITH CHEMICALLY
RECYCLED PLASTICS MAKES FOR THE
FIRST TIME
BASF just announced that it has for the first time manufactured
products based on chemically recycled plastic waste.
The company has begun to produce syngas and oils from
waste plastics using a thermochemical process through its
new ChemCycling project. The resulting recycled raw materials
can be used as inputs in BASF’s production, thereby partially
replacing fossil resources.
FROM WASTE TO CHEESE PACKAGING AND
FRIDGE COMPONENTS
BASF is already developing pilot products, including
mozzarella packaging, refrigerator components and insulation
panels, with 10 customers from various industries.
Manufacturing products that meet high quality and hygiene
standards – which are specifically required for food packaging
for example – is possible because the ChemCycling products
supplied by BASF have exactly the same properties as
products made from fossil resources.
As a next step, the company planned to make the first
products from the ChemCycling project commercially available.
“With our ChemCycling project, we are using plastic waste
as a resource. In this way, we create value for the environment,
society and the economy,” said Dr. Martin Brudermüller,
Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief
Technology Officer (CTO) of BASF SE. “We have joined forces
with partners throughout the value chain to establish a working
circular model.”
Stefan Gräter, head of the ChemCycling project at
BASF, saw great potential: “This new way of recycling offers
opportunities for innovative business models for us and our
customers, who already place great value on products and
packaging made from recycled materials but who cannot or do
not want to make any compromises when it comes to quality.”
BASF VERBUND OFFERS IDEAL CONDITIONS
FOR CHEMCYCLING
At the beginning of the production chain, BASF feeds
oil derived from plastic waste by an oiling process into the
Production Verbund. BASF gets this feedstock for the pilot
products from the partner Recenso GmbH, Germany.
As an alternative, syngas made from plastic waste can
also be used. The first batch of this oil was fed into the steam
cracker at BASF’s site in Ludwigshafen in October.
The steam cracker is the starting point for Verbund
production. It breaks down or “cracks” this raw material at
temperatures of around 850°C.
The primary outputs of the process are ethylene and
propylene. These basic chemicals are used in the Verbund to
make numerous chemical products.
Under the mass balance approach, the share of recycled
raw material can be mathematically allocated to the final
certified product. Each customer can select the allocated
percentage of recycled material.
TECHNOLOGICAL AND REGULATORY
CHALLENGES
According to Andreas Kicherer, sustainability expert at
BASF, a wide range of recovery options for plastic waste is
needed, since not every solution is suitable for each type of
waste or possible for each product application. The first choice
should always be the solution that performs best in a life cycle
assessment.
However, technological and regulatory conditions must
be met before the project is market-ready. For one thing, the
existing technologies to transform plastic waste into recycled
raw materials such as pyrolysis oil or syngas must be further
developed and adapted so that consistently high quality is
assured.
Furthermore, regional regulatory frameworks will
considerably influence to what extent this approach can
be established in each market. For example, it is essential
that chemical recycling and the mass balance approach are
recognized as contributing to the fulfillment of product and
application-specific recycling targets.
131
ECO LUGGAGE COLLECTION MADE
FROM 100% PLASTIC BOTTLES
INTRODUCED
Samsonite has launched an eco luggage collection for Asia. Over the next two years, the company will globally launch
The new collection is made of Recyclex, a material comprising at least 30 product lines made from recycled materials such as
100% post-consumer recycled plastic (PET) bottles. rPET and recycled polypropylene.
It is reported that the new Recyclex is as durable and
reliable as Samsonite’s polyester fabric made from virgin
materials, with the added advantage of reducing plastic waste.
The products consumed more than 400,000 recycled plastic
bottles in Asia. On some items, cork serves as an alternative
for the polyurethane trim on the carry handles, logo, ID tag and
back protection.
Subrata Dutta, president of Samsonite Asia Pacific said
sustainability is a priority that runs through Samsonite’s
products. “We expect to generate stronger awareness of
environmental protection in the market, and will continue
to seek opportunities to maximise the use of recycled and
recyclable materials in our products and packaging.”

PE ACCOUNTS FOR 45% OF THE TOTAL

VOLUME OF HIGH BARRIER FLEXIBLE
FILM FOR FOOD PACKAGING
Demand for high barrier films for food packaging is growing
faster than regular packaging films in almost every part of
the world, according to a new report by AMI Consulting. It is
estimated that 8% of the 20 million plus tonnes of flexible films
used for food packaging in 2018 were high barrier.
Polyethylene (PE) forms the largest volume (45%), thanks
to its use in multilayer coextrusions with EVOH, followed by
PET (36%), which is mainly metallised for high barrier although
the use of vacuum deposition of aluminium oxide or silicon
oxide coatings to provide transparent barrier is growing rapidly.
For BOPP (9%), PVdC coating still provides the main
method for improving oxygen barrier performance while
producers are looking to develop coextruded or metallised
grades to compete with the more widely used polyethylene and
BOPET alternatives.
The demand is being driven by several different drivers
which vary from region to region. One of the most consistent
trends though is the sustainability driver, which is acting as a
key disruptor.
With consumers increasingly questioning the use of plastics
in general and in particular, those not widely recycled such
as multilayer high barrier films, brand owners and retailers
are calling for sustainable and recyclable solutions, which is
influencing the mix of substrates as well as the barrier methods
used for food packaging.
At the same time the prevention of food waste across
the supply chain is also a major global concern. Providing
a sufficient barrier against gases, aromas and flavours is
imperative for the prevention of food waste, product loss in the
supply chain and for maintaining food security.
When provided with sufficient barriers, flexible films
offer food manufacturers and retailers fantastic benefits for
prolonging shelf-life, protecting product quality and easier
transport and distribution thanks to their light weight, clarity and
strength.
Other consumer trends helping to drive the market
include health and wellness. Consumers seeking healthier
food products are increasingly opting for fewer preservatives
and additives. High barrier packaging films provide an
alternative way to preserve the food and avoid the use of such
ingredients.
Film extruders and converters are investing in high barrier
film technologies to capitalise on value-added options in
an otherwise steady market for regular films where some
categories are suffering from overcapacity.
The costs of capital investment in high barrier films are
coming down, making the market more accessible for those
seeking to enter. This will help to drive demand but will also
drive down the cost of films.

132
SABIC, UK-BASED RECYCLER SIGN MOU
FOR SUPPLY OF RECYCLED FEEDSTOCK
SABIC announced that it has signed a memorandum of PLASTIC ENERGY has successfully commercialized a
understanding (MoU) with UK-based PLASTIC ENERGY patented thermochemical conversion technology to convert
Ltd., a pioneer in chemical plastics recycling, for the supply a wide range of end-of-life, dirty and contaminated plastics,
of feedstock to support SABIC’s petrochemical operations in hardly recyclable for conventional processes, into usable
Europe. feedstock.
SABIC and PLASTIC ENERGY intend to build a first Plastics are melted in an oxygen free environment and
commercial plant in the Netherlands to refine and upgrade a then broken down into synthetic oils at which point the oils
valuable feedstock, known as TACOIL, a patented PLASTIC need to be refined and upgraded as feedstock for traditional
ENERGY product, which will be produced from the recycling petrochemical uses.
of low quality, mixed plastic waste otherwise destined for
incineration or landfill .
The plant, which is anticipated to enter commercial
production in 2021, is a significant milestone for SABIC towards
the company’s commitment to establishing a circular economy
and, more broadly, its sustainability goals.
“Sustainability is a core value at SABIC and the circular
economy is a cornerstone of our strategy as evidenced by this
unique agreement”, said Frank Kuijpers, General Manager for
Corporate Sustainability, SABIC. “SABIC is proud to be the first
petrochemical company to implement a project for the chemical
recycling of challenging plastic waste into feedstock for steam
crackers. This exciting project is testament to our commitment
to scale up advanced chemical recycling processes of plastics
back to the original polymer.”
“We have already two industrial plants in Spain operating
24/7 and a technology team with more than 10 years of
experience developing this patented technology. Our advanced
expertise will promote this new opportunity to turn plastic
back into plastic as part of the circular economy,” said Carlos
Monreal, Founder and CEO of PLASTIC ENERGY.

COCA-COLA SIGNS SUPPLY

AGREEMENT FOR 100% RECYCLED PET
Loop Industries, Inc., a technology innovator
in sustainable plastic, recently announced
that they have entered into a multi-year
supply framework with the Coca-Cola
system’s Cross Enterprise Procurement
Group (“CEPG”).
Loop will supply 100% recycled and
sustainable LoopT PET plastic (“LoopT
PET”) from Loop’s joint venture facility with
Indorama Ventures Limited in the United
States to authorized Coca-Cola bottlers who
enter into supply agreements with Loop.
This arrangement continues the rapid
and exciting progress being made by Loop
as it commercializes its breakthrough
depolymerization technology which will help
reduce global plastic waste and enable major
global brands to meet their sustainability
goals.
“Investments like this one with Loop
Industries support our goal to ensure that at
least 50% of the material we use for our PET
bottles comes from recycled plastic, and will
help us divert more materials from landfills
and build a stronger circular plastic economy,”
said Ron Lewis, Chief Supply Chain Officer,
Coca-Cola European Partners, a bottler
member of CEPG.
As the demand for sustainable packaging
solutions continues to grow, Loop Industries
has emerged with transformational technology
that allows no and low value plastics to be
diverted, recovered and recycled endlessly
into new, virgin-quality LoopT PET plastic.
“We are very proud to become a supplier
of LoopT branded PET resin to the members
of the Coca-Cola system’s Cross Enterprise
Procurement Group,” said Daniel Solomita,
Founder and CEO of Loop Industries. “We
are especially pleased to be able to assist
Coca-Cola’s authorized bottlers as they work
to meet their recycled content ambitions.”

133
EUROPE-WIDE RESEARCH PROJECT TO
IMPROVE RECYCLING OF PU PLASTICS
Together with partners, Covestro is investigating how
recycling polyurethane (PU) plastics can be significantly
improved. The materials manufacturer is part of the new
Europe-wide research project called “PUReSmart”, which
comprises nine companies and academic institutions from six
countries.
The goal is to develop a complete
circular product life cycle and turn
polyurethane into a truly sustainable
material. One of the materials made
of polyurethane is soft and hard foam,
which is required for mattresses
and upholstered furniture as well as
for insulating buildings and cooling
devices.
PUReSmart will run for four years
and will receive €6 million from the
European Union under the Horizon
2020 research and innovation
program (grant agreement No.
814543).
The project, coordinated by the
Belgian company Recticel, aims to
recover 90% of the used polyurethane in order to create
building blocks for existing or new products – for example
a new polymer that combines the durability of thermosets
with the recyclability of thermoplastics. Intelligent sorting
methods are particularly important for efficient chemical
recycling.
GLOBAL RIGID PACKAGING MARKET
TO GROW AT A CAGR OF 5.2%
The global rigid plastic packaging market has witnessed
steady growth due to rapid urbanization, rising plastic
production, technology developments driving smart rigid
packaging and increased application in end-use industries
such as food & beverage and pharmaceuticals.
The market is expected to reach US$166.63 billion by
2022, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% between 2017 and 2022,
according to a study by Frost & Sullivan.
To tackle the issue of food safety, food & beverage
manufacturers are developing efficient smart packaging
systems that will ensure safe food supply and long-term
storage, thereby extending a product’s shelf life, said
Prateeksha Kaul, Research Analyst, Visionary Science, Frost &
Sullivan.
Meanwhile, game-changing technologies are being
developed, such as inert barrier, which eliminates numerous
manufacturing processes, equating to reduced cost and
waste, and making the manufacturing process more eco-
friendly.
To gain a competitive advantage in a fragmented market,
players are recommended to emulate market leaders by
establishing an effective and innovative rigid plastic packaging
product portfolio and partnering with or acquiring other
companies to expand their customer base and strengthen their
134
OBTAIN NEW HIGH-QUALITY RAW MATERIALS
Covestro is working on the best possible chemical
recycling of polyurethanes after use during the project along
with the qualitative treatment of the material flows that are
generated during this. The aim is to obtain high-quality raw
materials for new polyurethane applications.
“Polyurethanes are a particularly versatile
and widely used class of plastics that provide
comfort and safety in many applications
worldwide and, as an insulating material,
contribute to energy savings and thus to
sustainability,” said Dr. Nikola Schuck,
who heads Covestro’s contributions to
PUReSmart. “Now it’s time to increase the
sustainable value of the material at the end of
its useful life.”
In addition to Covestro and Recticel,
the companies BT-Wolfgang Binder
(Austria), WeylChem InnoTec (Germany),
Ecoinnovazione SRL (Italy) and Ayming
(France) are involved in the PUReSmart
consortium, which stands for a seamless and
complete value-added chain in polyurethane
reprocessing.
Other academic partners are the University of Ghent
(Belgium), KU Leuven (Belgium) and the Universidad de
Castilla - La Mancha (Spain).
market position.
These strategies will drive new growth opportunities and
attract customers that are focused on higher durability and
environmental sustainability. Further imperatives for success
and growth include:
• Customizing ridged plastic packaging to end-user
specifications such as prolonged shelf life and easy to cut,
open and eat
• Expanding operations to the Asia-Pacific region, which
has high-growth prospects for pharmaceuticals due to
increasing healthcare expenditure
• Focusing on high-growth sectors such as food & beverage
by providing efficient products as there is extensive food
loss during transportation
• Offering better ridge plastic products at lower costs in
developing, economically weak countries to boost revenue
growth
The market is also affected by the presence of competitive
packaging options, such as flexible plastic packaging. To
mitigate these risks, players will need to develop innovative
packaging that conforms to current recycling and re-
usability regulations but also to increasingly stringent future
environment regulations.
FILM SOLUTIONS FOR FORGERY-PROOF
ID DOCUMENTS
Covestro presented an integrated passport concept comprising
innovative technologies based on specialty films at the
TRUSTECH trade fair held from November 27- 29, 2018 in
Cannes, southern France.
ADDITIONAL SECURITY FEATURE: CLEAR
WINDOWS
One of the major features is the new concept for clear
window technology. Such windows present an additional
security feature against counterfeiting attempts. For
the manufacture of ID cards it is essential that the card
construction has a flat surface without irregularities. Covestro
developed a very thin film with extremely high opacity which
is particularly suitable for the seamless integration of clear
window applications.
The innovative film solution enables a new production
method which does not require filling a punched window
inside a polycarbonate card or passport data page with
additional material.
During the lamination process, the transparent layers
merge and the thin hole is filled without any irregularities on
the document’s surface. This innovative construction offers
more space for transparent layers and for the integration of
additional security features.
Complex window geometries are also possible. The
thinner opaque films also simplify the lamination process and
significantly reduce the cycle time as well as the visibility of
integrated antennas and chips.
In conventional manufacturing, die-cut windows are filled with
a transparent polycarbonate film of the type Makrofol ID. This is
punched out of small film strips in order to reduce material waste,
and processed on automated card production lines.
“We are very proud to offer our customers solutions for
reducing complexity in their production processes,” explained
Cengiz Yesildag, Global Segment Head ID/Security at
Covestro. “Makrofol ID thin white high opaque films combine
the advantages of easier construction of clear windows in
security documents with shorter lamination cycles, a clear win-
win situation for our customers.”
Another development affects the interior design of
passports. The data page is laminated onto a thin fold that is
integrated into the passport for a secure fit. The production
process is very efficient and the bond is also durable: the
passports can be opened and closed as often as required
without the flexibility suffering or the fold tearing.
The fold consists of a multi-layer film composite made of
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Compared to individual
films, the layers in the film composite have lower layer
thicknesses and thus allow greater design freedom, especially
for the thinner data page. As a result, the integration of safety
features is simplified and the lower layer thickness saves costs.
135
EREMA PRESENTS NEW VACUNITE
TECHNOLOGY FOR BOTTLE-TO-BOTTLE
PROCESS
EREMA has expanded its portfolio for PET recycling solutions
with the new innovative VACUNITE technology. This new
technology brings together the company’s VACUREMA bottle-
to-bottle process with newly patented, vacuum-supported solid
state polycondensation (SSP) from Polymetrix.
The Austrian producer of plastics recycling machines
presented this newly developed VACUNITE technology at the
PETnology conference in Paris.
This combination is so special because all thermal process
steps take place in nitrogen atmosphere. The result is rPET
pellets which are unique in quality and far exceed all food-
contact requirements.
According to EREMA, VACUNITE is the answer to the
challenges which PET recycling will have to face in the future.
“The growing commitment in society to handling plastics
in a responsible way means that both political requirements
and voluntary pledges of major beverage brands call
for a significant increase in the amount of recyclate in
end products,” said Christoph Wöss, EREMA Business
Development Manager for the bottle sector.
“To fulfil these requirements, even more material in general
and with varying quality due to different collection systems
has to be recycled while, at the same time, the big brands are
becoming even stricter with their requirements regarding the
recyclates produced,” he remarked.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN ONE PLANT
The focus of the next development of the PET recycling
technology was on improving quality even further.
The process is based on the combination of proven
VACUREMA technology which has been enhanced for this
application and the newly patented, vacuum-supported
nitrogen SSP from Polymetrix.
All thermal process stages take place in nitrogen
atmosphere, largely eliminating flake and pellet discoloration
136
and reliably removing additives which could lead to undesired
reactions in the melt.
Another benefit of VACUNITE is that the vacuum support
cleans the nitrogen which means it can be returned to the
previous processing stage and nitrogen consumption is
reduced as a result. Any remaining dust particles are removed
from the pellets before filling to avoid preform contamination.
“Using vacuum support and nitrogen atmosphere creates
rPET recyclates which far exceed all existing food contact
requirements, even those of the major beverage brands,”
explained Christoph Wöss.
Apart from the exceptional quality of the output material,
VACUNITE also stands out through its comparatively compact
build, low energy consumption, and considerably lower
maintenance compared to vacuum SSP systems.
As introduced, depending on machine type, 50-60sqm
of floor space is sufficient for the SSP part. The height and
substructure also have less impact on the dimensions of
the plant building compared to other SSPs. The energy
consumption of VACUNITE for the entire production process
from the flake to the final pellets amounts to a mere 0.35 kWh
per kg.
“With VACUNITE we offer our bottle-to-bottle customers a
new technology in addition to the existing portfolio which sets
new standards at all levels from technical performance to rPET
quality,” concluded Manfred Hackl, CEO EREMA Group.
A first customer in Europe has already decided to invest in
a VACUNITE recycling plant prior to the official product launch,
he added.

INITIATIVE TO
TACKLE OCEAN
PLASTIC WASTE
Dow announced its intention to further invest and develop
new global initiatives and solutions that work to prevent and
remediate plastic waste in the environment.
The initiatives, announced in conjunction with the recent
Our Ocean Conference in Bali, Indonesia, include Dow’s
commitment to join several other major global brands to
become a founding investor in Circulate Capital’s US$100
million effort to incubate and finance companies and
infrastructure that prevent waste in oceans.
The company also announced at the Conference that
it intends to donate an additional US$1 million to Ocean
Conservancy over the next two years to support waste
collection and recycling solutions in Southeast Asian
countries.
This money would be used for projects that build the
capacity of local non-governmental organizations and
partnerships with city leaders to develop, scale and replicate
implementable solutions.
“Dow is leading the way in our industry – by applying
circular economy logic, collaborating across the value chain,
innovating new products, and through the commitment of our
employees and customers – to put an end to plastic waste in
the environment,” said Jim Fitterling, chief executive officer
of Dow.
CIRCULATE CAPITAL
Circulate Capital’s mission is to demonstrate the viability
of investment in the waste management and recycling sectors
to attract the institutional investment capital needed to scale
integrated recycling and waste management companies and
infrastructure across South and Southeast Asia.
US$100 MILLION
The investment model seeks to mobilize institutional
investment capital through financial structures that blend
concessionary and philanthropic funds with market rate
investment capital with a view to mitigating risk and
demonstrating that investment in the resource recovery
sector can ultimately provide attractive financial returns.
Circulate Capital expects to receive US$100 million in
combined funding from a variety of the consumer packaged
goods and chemical companies.
OCEAN CONSERVANCY
Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from
today’s greatest global challenges. Together with its partners,
the organization creates science-based solutions for a
healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend
on it.
Dow’s latest US$1 million donation to Ocean Conservancy
builds upon the more than 20-year relationship between
the organizations. As a major sponsor of the organization’s
annual International Coastal Cleanup, Dow and Ocean
Conservancy founded the Trash Free Seas Alliance (TFSA)
in 2012, a coalition of businesses, academics and NGOs,
to analyze and address upstream causes of ocean plastic
pollution.
“Partnering with organizations such as Ocean
Conservancy are essential to Dow’s commitment to advancing
end-of-life solutions for plastic, as we accelerate innovation
focused on driving new types of recycling processes,
supporting reusability and using fewer resources,” said Mike
Witt, Dow’s corporate director of Plastics Circular Economy.
137
NEW IMPACT COPOLYMER OFFERS
APPEALING SURFACES FOR HOME
APPLIANCES AND CONSUMER GOODS
SABIC recently announced the launch of a new impact at lower mold and barrel temperatures versus ABS.
copolymer (ICP) grade – SABIC PP PPA20 – targeted at
demanding home appliances as well as high-end cosmetics, Low density and high flow also open conceivable new
furniture and other household consumer goods. material and weight saving design opportunities for more
resource-efficient and waste-reducing products, such as
Already available in the Europe, Middle East and Africa from sleek housings with lower wall-thicknesses.
regions, SABIC PP PPA20 is to be phased in commercially in
the Americas in 2019. However, the more important advantage for consumers
may be the phthalate-free polymer technology of SABIC
Apart from its high gloss feature that enables production PP PPA20, which
of aesthetically appealing surfaces, the new compound is answers the need for
developed to offer well-balanced mechanical properties and improved consumer
easy processability, making it a promising alternative to health safety in –
incumbent ABS materials in these markets. for instance - food
contact appliances.
New SABIC PP PPA20 polymer is aimed to provide a
combination of high gloss, high scratch resistance and low Targeted
stress whitening over regular impact copolymers together with applications of the
balanced impact strength and stiffness. new high-gloss impact
copolymer span from
In comparison with other, potentially more costly household appliances and
and overdesigned solutions – high-gloss SABIC PP food storage containers to
PPA20 is engineered to deliver comparable optical toys and furniture. Typical
properties and scratch resistance along with superior examples include coffee
processability. makers, steam irons,
In many application cases, it can offer brand owners, vacuum cleaners,
molders and OEMs a significant cost and energy savings personal hygiene
potential based on its lower density, higher flow and faster appliances and
crystallization than currently used materials resulting in aesthetic fascia
potentially shorter cycle times. for white goods,
such as washing
Further energy savings may be leveraged as the material machines and
eliminates the need for pre-drying and can be injection molded refrigerators.

FIPA PRESENTS NEW VACUUM CUPS

FOR HANDLING FOOD AND MEDICAL
PRODUCTS
FIPA GmbH has just expanded its range of flat vacuum cups The extremely soft sealing lips of the new FIPA Variopack
with the Variopack SL-FP series. The extremely flexible vacuum cups ensure that the cups flexibly adapt to the
sealing lip and inner cleats ensure that these wear-resistant wrinkles of the pouch. Inner cleats accommodate very high
vacuum cups are optimised for the highly dynamic handling lateral forces that affect delta robots and other high-speed
of flowpacks. packaging machines.
The materials used for sealing lip and fittings are The silicone of the vacuum cups and the plastic material
compliant to FDA and EU 1935/2004 and therefore suitable used for the fittings is compliant to FDA and EU 1935/2004.
for direct contact with food. Variopack vacuum cups
are therefore approved for
The packaging industry is increasingly using material- direct contact with food
saving flowpacks for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic and can also handle fresh
products. These have proved invaluable, for example, for fruit, vegetables as well as
liquid soap refill packs. baked goods.
Handling flowpacks is tricky, especially when liquid moves In the medical and
around in the pouch. They are not dimensionally stable pharmaceutical sectors,
and crease on being picked up. Commercially available flat for example, they are used
vacuum cups often leak, which causes the pouch to detach to grip infusion and blood
from the vacuum cup and drop into the packaging machine. plasma bags.
Costly machine downtime is the result.

138
NEW GENERATION OF PET
THERMOFORMING SHEET LINES
INTRODUCED
Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating has just introduced the in the wide product portfolio of Reifenhäuser EDS. For
next generation of the MIREX-MT-V design series after the example, the producer can choose between internal deckling
success of the 2013-release high-performance extrusion for maximum flexibility in the film width, or a lip gap that can
lines for PET thermoforming sheets with the patented be configured during operation for fast thickness changes, as
mechatronic polishing stacks. well as between manual or automatic operation with thermal
expansion bolts.
The tried-and-tested synchronous “REItruder” twin-screw
extruders are now in their third generation. In combination After 5 years of successful worldwide use, the MIREX-
with dry-running high-performance vacuum pumps that work MT-V high-performance polishing stack has also been
with an operating pressure of 5 mbar, and the degassing fundamentally modernized. Depending on the system
units on the REItruder that have continuously been optimized capacity, it has 3 or 4 polishing rolls. Moreover, an axis
through the years, the systems meet the FDA requirements crossing for the first roll is available optionally, for the
(N.O.L for Recycled Plastics #209) for films that are made of production of thin films with large widths.
100% recycled PET and are in direct contact with food.
The entire line has
All required declarations confirming the line technology’s been prepared for the
compliance with EFSA requirements are provided; the implementation
user is responsible for applying for the appropriate EFSA of Industry 4.0
approval. functions that are
being developed
Depending on the customer’s requirements, group-wide by
various different coextrusion feedblocks are available Reifenhäuser
from Reifenhäuser EDS, the youngest member of the Digital. Thanks
Reifenhäuser Group. to the modular
The customers have frequently expressed their desire concept, the
for simple (quasi “plug and play”) production. To meet this customers can
need, feedblocks are now available both for fixed layer decide individually
geometries and for the tried-and-tested and highly flexible which functionalities
REIcofeed 2.1 systems that can be configured during benefit their
operation. business activities and
which are not needed
Additionally, completely modernized dies are available for the time being.

139
PACKAGING IS THE LARGEST DRIVER
FOR FRENCH AND ITALIAN INJECTION
MOULDING SECTORS
Packaging is the largest end use market supplied by French
and Italian injection moulders, accounting for 47% of polymer
usage in Italy and 51% in France in 2017, according to a study
by AMI Consulting.
The findings showed that 304 Italian and 239 French
companies are involved in packaging production with French
and Italian PET preform manufacturers that supply the
mineral water industry.
This includes both companies manufacturing in house
such as S.A. Des Eaux Minérales D’évian in France and
trade suppliers of preforms such as Plastipak Packaging that
operates in both France and Italy.
Italy’s second largest end use sector is the manufacture of
injection moulded furniture with moulders IPAEProgarden &
Scab among some of those listed in the database. furniture moulders with some of the larger consumers being
Accuma S.p.A. and Sigit Sud S.p.A.
In France, the automotive sector is the second largest end
use market accounting for 15% of all injection moulded end Similarly, in France, 62% of all polymer usage is
use markets compared to only 6% in Italy. polypropylene and PET which again are mainly used in
automotive and packaging sectors. Nestlé Waters and
Polypropylene and PET account for 55% of all polymer Schoeller Allibert S.A.S.U. account for some of the largest
usage in Italy, thanks to their use in packaging. Polypropylene volumes used in the injection moulding industry in France.
is also the main material processed by automotive and

NEW POLYAMIDE MOLDING

COMPOUND FOR OPTICAL
APPLICATIONS INTRODUCED
Evonik presented a new polyamide molding compound for that are essential for the optical industry. In addition, the new
optical applications at MIDO 2019 in Milan, Italy from February transparent polyamide by Evonik can be combined with all
23 to 25, 2019. frame materials.
TROGAMID myCX high flow offers crystal-clear TROGAMID stands for a product family of transparent
transparency, excellent wear comfort and high durability along polyamides that have been used in the optical industry
with improved processing capabilities. This unique property for over 20 years. The portfolio includes innovative high-
profile makes the high-performance polymer a preferred performance polymers for lenses and frames as well as
material for high-end lenses and visors, e.g. in sun visors or further materials, including for UV protection or polarizing
ski goggles. films for high-contrast vision.
Compared to similar high-performance materials, the
significantly improved flowability of TROGAMID myCX makes
it possible to process the molding compound at a temperature
profile that is at least 20°C lower. That enables greater energy
efficiency and productivity in processing.
The new molding compound stands out for its excellent
transparency of over 90% and low density of 1.03 g/cm². The
high-performance polymer combines outstanding quality and
freedom of design with maximum wear comfort.
Due to its exceptional mechanical properties, resistance
to stress cracking, and breaking strength, TROGAMID myCX
high flow guarantees the high levels of durability and safety

140
BREAKTHROUGH: ULTRALIGHT
PET AEROGELS MADE OF PLASTIC
BOTTLE WASTE FOR WIDE-RANGING
APPLICATIONS
Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS)
have just developed a way to convert plastic bottle waste into
aerogels for many useful applications.
The PET aerogels developed by the NUS-led research
team using plastic bottle waste are soft, flexible, durable,
extremely light and easy to handle. They also demonstrate
superior thermal insulation and strong absorption capacity.
These properties make them attractive for a wide range
of applications, such as for heat and sound insulation in
buildings, oil spill cleaning, and also as a lightweight lining
for firefighter coats and carbon dioxide absorption masks that
could be used during fire rescue operations and fire escape.
This pioneering work was achieved by a research team
led by Associate Professor Hai Minh Duong and Professor
Nhan Phan-Thien from the Department of Mechanical
Engineering at NUS Faculty of Engineering.
The technology to produce PET aerogels was developed
in collaboration with Dr Xiwen Zhang from the Singapore
Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) under the
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
“Our team has developed a simple, cost-effective and
green method to convert plastic bottle waste into PET
aerogels for many exciting uses. One plastic bottle can
be recycled to produce an A4-sized PET aerogel sheet.
The fabrication technology is also easily scalable for mass
production,” said Assoc Prof Duong.
LIGHTER AND SAFER FIREFIGHTER COATS
A novel application is to harness the heat insulation
property of the PET aerogels for fire safety applications.
When coated with fire retardant chemicals, the novel
lightweight PET aerogel demonstrates superior thermal
resistance and stability. It can withstand temperatures of up
to 620°C – this is seven times higher than the thermal lining
used in conventional firefighter coats, but weighs only about
10% of the weight of conventional thermal lining. The soft
and flexible nature of the PET aerogel also provides greater
comfort.
Prof Nhan explained, “By adopting PET aerogels that
are coated with fire retardants as a lining material, firefighter
coats can be made much lighter, safer and cheaper. It is
also possible to produce low-cost heat-resistant jackets for
personal use.”
2-in-1 Mask that Absorbs Harmful Carbon Dioxide and
Dust Particles
When coated with an amine group, the PET aerogel can
quickly absorb carbon dioxide from the environment. Its
absorption capacity is comparable to materials used in gas
masks, which are costly and bulky.
To illustrate this application, the team embedded a thin
layer of PET aerogel into a commercial fine particle mask to
create a prototype mask that can absorb both dust particles
and carbon dioxide effectively.
As introduced, the carbon dioxide absorption masks and
heat-resistant jackets made using PET aerogels can be
placed alongside fire extinguishers in high-rise buildings to
provide added protection to civilians when they escape from
a fire.
“Masks lined with amine-reinforced PET aerogels can
also benefit people living in countries where air pollution and
carbon emission are major concerns. Such masks can be
easily produced, and can also potentially be made reusable,”
added Assoc Prof Duong.
NUS researchers are also looking into making simple
surface modification to the PET aerogels for absorption of
toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, which is the deadliest
component of smoke.
NEXT STEPS
The research team has filed a patent for its novel
PET aerogel technology, and will continue to enhance
the performance of the PET aerogels and explore new
applications. The NUS researchers are also keen to work
with companies to bring the technology to market.
141
HIGH-PERFORMANCE POLYMERS FOR
3D PRINTING SIMULATION
Solvay adds 10% carbon fiber filled KetaSpire “Our growing range of AM filaments underscores Solvay’s
polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and neat Radel determination to establish itself as an industry leader in this
polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) to e-Xstream engineering’s latest rapidly evolving market,” says Christophe Schramm, Additive
release (2019.0) of Digimat-Additive Manufacturing (AM) Manufacturing business manager in the company’s Specialty
software. Polymers global business unit.
These products complement the neat KetaSpire PEEK “As a result of our partnership, we bridge the gap in
AM filament already available for simulation on e-Xstream simulation engineering between high-performance polymers
engineering’s Digimat-AM platform. and demanding printing processes such as Fused Filament
Fabrication,” adds Roger Assaker, CEO of e-Xstream
These new materials will benefit from e-Xstream engineering and Chief Material Strategist for MSC Software.
engineering’s Digimat-AM Advanced Solver. This software
offers highly accurate, predictive modelling data for Solvay’s
AM filaments over a wide range of critical characteristics,
including detailed warpage and residual stress, to help
designers and engineers optimize the process and minimize
part deformation before printing.
For highly demanding applications, Digimat further
enables design validation by predicting the printed part
performance (stiffness, strength, etc.) as a function of the
material and the printing process parameters.

COSMO FILMS LAUNCHES METALIZED

VELVET LAMINATION FILM FOR
LUXURY PACKAGING
Cosmo Films, a global leader in specialty films for flexible
packaging, lamination and labeling applications as well
as synthetic paper, recently launched a metalized velvet
lamination film for luxury packaging segment.
The newly developed film has been engineered to offer
intense silver colour along with rich velvet touch to the
laminated paper/paperboard or package.
Silver colour is not easy to handle especially when used
as a background during printing. It takes longer to dry and
also has a risk of ink set off during print stacking. Due to
these challenges, printers usually avoid using silver as a
background colour.
However, graphic art designers prefer silver background
as it allows them to make attractive artworks facilitating use
of many other shades and the impact it generates with gold
foil stamping and UV spot coating.
To bridge this gap, the company introduced the metalized
velvet touch film which is glueable, stampable and printable.
The matte silver coloured BOPP based velvet touch
lamination film needs to be laminated to the unprinted paper
before going for printing or post lamination embellishments.
The film is available for both thermal and wet lamination
in 32 and 20 microns respectively and offers excellent
printability with offset, UV offset, screen, UV inkjet and laser
printing.
Apart from providing excellent scuff resistance, the film is
perfect for post lamination operations like UV spot coating,
foil stamping & embossing. It is also ideal for lamination
of premium products like perfume cartons, liquor & wine
cartons, gift & jewellery boxes, shopping bags for luxury
brands and graphic arts industry.

142
SILICONE MARKET TO INCREASE
BY 3.9% P.A.
The global revenues of silicone market amounted to over
US$16.3 billion in 2017, according to a study by Ceresana. The
silicone market is expected to increase further by 3.9% p.a.
until 2025.
DIVERSE APPLICATIONS
A decisive advantage for manufacturers of silicones is the
variety of sales markets: Demand is distributed evenly among
several large sectors. In the construction industry, for example,
silicones are mainly used as sealants, adhesives, and in
coatings.
The electronic industry applies silicones mainly to protect
electronic components from extreme heat, moisture, salt, slightly higher than revenues generated with silicone oils.
corrosion, and contamination. Among others, computers,
telephones, and LED lights contain silicones and the Silicone resins that are for example used for paints and
application areas are being gradually expanded. varnishes have so far been accounting for a much smaller
market share in all regions, but are likely to develop at sound
Silicone demand in the automotive segment will presumably growth rates in the future.
register similarly high growth rates in the upcoming eight
years as in the electrical and electronics industry. Innovative MAJOR PRODUCTION REGIONS
projects such as hybrid and electric vehicles or autonomous The region Asia-Pacific is, by far, the major producer of
vehicles will support this growth. In 2017, however, the silicones worldwide. Ceresana expected the production in this
construction industry was the segment with the highest silicone region to continue to grow.
consumption.
Western Europe accounts for the second highest
DIFFERENT TYPES OF SILICONES production figures, followed by North America. Asia-Pacific,
A large part of the global production and revenues of China in particular, is also the largest consumer of silicones.
silicones is accounted for by silicone elastomers which are, for The gap to the second and third largest sales markets,
example, used in seals, electrical insulations or baking tins. Western Europe and North America, is likely to continue to
A distinction is made between solid and liquid silicone widen in the future. Yet, established industrialized countries
rubber. In regard to silicone elastomers, the highest revenues report a higher market value compared to silicone demand, as
are generated in the region Asia-Pacific. In Western Europe China tends to consume cheaper products instead of high-end
and North America, revenues generated with elastomers are specialty silicones.

COSMO FILMS LAUNCHES STERILISABLE

CONDUCTION SEALING FILM
Cosmo Films recently launched sterilisable conduction
sealing film for wad and lidding applications for PP and PE
containers.
The film can withstand high temperatures during
sterilisation process, which is used to increase the shelf-life
of the product.
The newly developed sealing film is a clear, one side
corona treated and other side heat sealable film. It offers
improved convenience to the consumers because it is easy
to open and peel cleanly without splitting. Apart from offering
excellent optical properties and printability, this film is safe
for direct food contact.
In addition, the film can be used as a mono layer or as a and cosmetics industry.
sealant layer in a laminated structure with other substrates
like aluminium foil. It can be used in roll or pre-cut form (after Speaking on the development, Mr. Pankaj Poddar,
lamination with other substrates) based on the requirements CEO, Cosmo Films said: “The uniqueness of the film lies
of the customers. in its endurance to withstand high temperatures during
sterilisation process without affecting its seal integrity. We
The film is used primarily in dairy industry for flavoured are confident of the success of this film and the response so
milk; food & beverage segment for juices, energy drinks, far has been extremely
bakery products; pharmaceutical industry; agro chemicals

143
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS DIRECTIVE FAILS
TO ACKNOWLEDGE POTENTIAL OF
BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS
The European institutions have reached an agreement on
a directive to curb the use of a number of single-use plastic
products in the EU, which aims to prevent and reduce marine
litter of these products.
European Bioplastics (EUBP) fully supports the transition
from a linear to a ‘no-leakage’ circular and bio-based economy
in Europe.
According to François de Bie, Chairman of EUBP,
this directive is a valuable initiative to raise awareness for
consumption patterns and tackle marine pollution. However, it
is necessary to combine ambition and proportionality within the
directive – so that unnecessary single-use plastics are avoided,
while provisions for the circular economy and the EU’s internal
market are safeguarded.
Biodegradable certified compostable plastics fulfill Europe’s
requirements for health and safety and can be recycled
organically together with food waste.
The priority should be the use of multi-use option where
feasible. However, EUBP considers a general restriction of
single-use cutlery and plates an excessive move that will
create negative consequences in contexts where EU legislation
for hygiene and food contact need to be fulfilled, but where no
multi-use options can be deployed.
“When implementing the directive, Member States should
envisage the possibility to create limited, efficient exemptions
for innovative compostable plastic products that facilitate
organic recycling”, said de Bie.
As boosting organic recycling is a major pillar of the
European circular economy, such considerations would
support the European Commission’s commitment towards
a sustainable circular bioeconomy while safeguarding the
investments and the jobs created by the European bioplastics
industry.
On a different note, EUBP fully supports the European
institutions’ decision to restrict the use of oxo-degradable
plastics. Significant evidence suggests oxo-degradable plastics
merely fragment into small pieces, contributing to microplastics
pollution.
In order to ensure the use of biodegradable plastics in the
context of a strong European circular economy, it is important
to clearly define the difference between oxo-degradable and
biodegradable plastics. The directive at hand, therefore, needs
to provide unambiguous definitions.
EUBP looks forward to discussing the use of bio-based
feedstock for the production of plastics as well as the benefits
biodegradable plastics can offer in a circular economy context
with the European institutions and Member States in 2019.

INNOVATIVE LID SOLUTION RECEIVES

WORLDSTAR PACKAGING AWARD
Greiner Packaging’s innovative lid solution was recently
honored with the title of “WorldStar Winner 2019” at the
WorldStar Packaging Awards.
The product – a transparent lid made of polypropylene in
which a spoon is inserted – received the award in the category
“Food”. The lid is produced with the help of thermoforming
technology, in an effort to offer customers a cost and time
efficient solution.
The included spoon makes it practical to enjoy various
dishes on the go. Therefore, the innovative packaging solution
complies perfectly with the current trend for convenience foods.
Every year, in the name of the World Packaging
Organisation, the WorldStar Packaging Awards honor
innovative, sustainable and safe packaging concepts, as well
as successful marketing concepts. In this year, products had
the possibility to be entered into a total of 16 categories and 56
entries were registered in the “food” category alone.

144
 THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS
(TPE) VS. LIQUID SILICONE
RUBBER (LSR)

T
hermoplastic elastomers and liquid silicone rubber have
similar properties and are both ideal for many types of
injection molding projects. They are useful alternatives
to synthetic or natural rubber. However, there are significant
differences between thermoplastic characteristics and those of
a thermoset.
“ hardness values reach up to 85 Shore D, meaning the solid is
Thermoplastic” and “thermoset” sound related but are not
interchangeable. TPE materials are thermoplastics while LSRs
are thermosets. Each has different material properties and
they behave inversely during the molding process. They also
contrast in terms of how they react to heat. For example, TPE
melts while LSR hardens.
Although each material has specific advantages and
disadvantages that impact the moldability of a product, it is
vital to determine which is right for your application. Moldability
is a term that defines how you can transform substances into
customized designs. While both have similar characteristics at
room temperature, it is difficult to tell the difference by physical
appearance alone.
Changing from a liquid to solid state, TPE silicone is
measured in terms of softness and hardness. You can
determine the value using a Shore durometer scale. For
example, soft gel TPE materials range from 20 Shore OO to
90 Shore A. As the hardness of a product increases, so does
the durometer scale. It starts to reach the Shore D level when
very hard.
Regarding more rubbery materials, hardness ranges
from 20 to 95 durometer A. A typical hardness is around 70
durometer A for thermoplastic elastomer products.
WHAT IS TPE PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDING?
The injection molding process of TPE is straightforward.
Thermoplastic elastomers come in the form of pellets which are
added to the injection molding machine via a hopper. Either
the supplier compounds the color into the pellets prior to the
process or the color can be blended in by the machine. The
pellets flow through a hot barrel and inject into a mold that has
temperatures between 70 and 120 degrees F.

WHAT ARE THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS? The machine can mold at low injection pressures often
Also known as thermoplastic rubber, a thermoplastic less than 10,000 psi and the TPE shrinks when cured.
elastomer is a blend or compound of polymers that melt and Manufacturers can also pull undercuts out from the mold
form into plastic when heated. It hardens when cooled, but without mechanical slides.
its chemistry does not change from one form to the next.
Manufacturers shape and fabricate TPE when temperatures
reach its melting point. Although it has a similar elasticity to that
of cross-linked material, like LSR, its elastomeric behavior is
not because of cross-linking properties.

There is no chemical bond within thermoplastic elastomers.

By applying heat to the plastic pellets, they liquefy. They are
then pressure-molded into various components that strengthen
and retain their shape during the curing process. The seven
types of TPE solutions include:
• Styrenic block copolymer
• Melt process able rubber
• Thermoplastic olefinic elastomer
• Thermoplastic polyester elastomer
• Thermoplastic vulcanisate
• Thermoplastic amide elastomer
• Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer

In short, TPE is a class of copolymers, often made with a

mix of plastic and rubber.
TPE CHARACTERISTICS
Because you can melt and mold thermoplastic elastomers,
you can reuse the resin thousands of times if necessary. It is
often beneficial when you need to reverse the molding process
to correct product defects or want to make a new design. With
the freedom to reprocess and remold an infinite number of
times by re-heating, softening and re-hardening, TPE will still
return to its similar or original shape.
ADVANTAGES OF TPE
You can discover many benefits when using thermoplastic
elastomers to construct your products. For instance, they use
less energy during production. Because the process avoids
cross-linking, it achieves faster cycle times — as little as 20
seconds — and makes for a cost-saving process.
TPE also possesses recyclability properties where you
can reprocess scrap or reject parts. The material has a good
compression set and chemical resistance but not at high or low

145
 A thermoplastic elastomer is an exceptional alternative to
using latex, silicone, PVC or rubber — especially in medical
and health applications like gloves.

WHAT IS LSR?
Thermoplastic elastomer vs. silicone is a simple comparison
when you look at how each reacts to heat as well as their
specific properties. While similar in many ways, both materials
are made of different components.

Liquid silicone rubber is a synthetic resin where polymers

temperatures. The material can also be formulated to be non-
tacky, which helps repel dirt and other contaminants. Additional
advantages include:
join together by a chemical bond. Heating the mixture causes
polymer cross-linking which results in a chemical bond giving
the substance permanent strength and shape after the curing
process. When you apply heat to LSR products they harden,
which is the opposite of TPE components. When you heat LSR,
you can’t change its physical or chemical properties.

• Abrasion resistance Another way to formulate LSR is to mix two components

• Excellent colorability
• Good electrical properties
• Heat-sealable
• High elasticity
• High fatigue resistance
• High impact strength
• Low compression set
• Low density
• Low specific gravity
• Moderate UV resistance
• Resilient to chemicals and weathering prior to their reaching the injection mold. One element acts
• Strong and flexible at room temperature as the catalyst that initiates the cross-linking progression.
• Suitable for high-volume injection molding Conventional rubber, like natural or synthetic, undergoes
• Two-shot molding options chemical cross-linking during the molding process, which is
• Various surface characteristics and properties called curing or vulcanization. The vulcanization process takes
time to formulate, anywhere from one minute to several hours.
You also
have hundreds Silicone’s structure has alternating oxygen and silicon
of remolding atoms and can come in many forms, including LSR, heat-cured
opportunities rubber, and room temperature vulcanized rubber. Cured LSR is
because there is no a common choice for molders because it’s easy to process.
chemical change
within TPEs. The LSR SPECIFICATIONS
mix of plastic Liquid silicone rubber forms a permanent shape and you
and rubber even cannot remold it, unlike TPE. It’s a durable material created
upholds resistance through polymer cross-linking, although silicone with a low
to low and high durometer, known as gels, can reach less than 10 durometer A.
temperatures LSR is a cost-effective solution and is becoming a commodity
ranging from -30 to among various industries. It’s often available to replace latex
140 degrees C. materials and is ideal for
human contact products for
The only medical uses.
drawbacks of using
TPE is how it melts The hardness of
when exposed to LSR ranges from 3 to 80
high temperatures — which is a positive in some cases — and durometer A but the most
how it deforms under sustained pressure. common is 50 durometer
A, where it has the best
USES OF THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER blend of tensile and tear
You can implement TPE in a variety of industries for strength. To receive the
different applications. Depending on your requirements and best sealing properties,
environment, uses of TPEs include items such as: many manufacturers create
liquid silicone rubber with a
• Baby bottles hardness of 30 durometer A.
• Bottle caps
• Closure liners THE LIQUID
• Impact-resistant devices and component housing SILICONE RUBBER
• Seal rings INJECTION MOLDING PROCESS
• Seals When forming LSR solutions through the injection molding
• Soft-touch grips process, the procedure requires customized molding equipment
to fit your specific needs. Silicone arrives in drums with equal

146
 parts of component USES FOR LSR
A and component B. LSR is a vital material used in a variety of industries
Each is in separate ranging from medical, auto and consumer goods to optics and
containers to prevent electronics. Healthcare products can include items such as
the chemical reaction catheters, endoscopy and medical tubing, while the automotive
from starting. market can implement LSR to form products like gaskets,
Component A is the O-rings, couplings and LED lenses.
catalyst and B is the
crosslink. Consumer goods made from silicone material can create
items like earbuds, goggles and nose pads. Optics consist of
The next step professional and exterior lighting and electronic solutions can
is to feed both the include protective sleeves. The uses of LSR are not limited to
components into a barrel using a 1:1 ratio using metering the suggested industries or items. Liquid silicone rubber has
pumps for accuracy and for minimal contamination. LSR has thousands of applications such as:
a consistency similar to peanut butter or honey. The A and B
components mix before injecting into the mold and you can • Coverings
add color before it reaches the static mixer. During the transfer • Electronic interfaces
phase, the silicone is chilled and then inserted into the hot • Gaskets and hardware in appliances
mold. LSR molds at low levels of injection pressures, often • Medical implants
below 10,000 psi. • Other auto parts exposed to chemicals and extreme heat
• Pull rings
It’s imperative to make molds with tight tolerances and to • Soft-touch surfaces
use a vacuum for venting. Liquid silicone rubber parts shrink • Stoppers
more than TPEs and you can also pull out undercuts without • Syringe tips
mechanical slides. • Valve components
• Wire harnesses
ADVANTAGES OF LSR
The benefits of Other industries LSR products can serve to include:
implementing LSR products
within your business will • Aerospace
exceed your expectations. • Appliances
When comparing TPE • Defense
vs. silicone, LSR has the • Food
utmost resistance to high • Textile
temperatures. You can use it at 350 to 400 degrees F without
altering its shape. Over a range of extreme temperatures THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER VS. LSR
— whether hot or cold — the material remains stable. For MOLDING PROCESSES
example, it stays flexible and elastomeric even down to The primary difference between TPE and LSR molding
temperatures like -100 degrees F. is that liquid silicone rubber undergoes a chemical reaction
involving cross-linking while thermoplastic elastomer pellets
Because LSR is customizable, you can create thick or simply melt. TPE materials also form when cooled while LSR
thin wall construction for different products. LSR has a high products become workable when heated.
chemical resistance to solvents, oils and others, which is ideal
for the automobile industry. For instance, gaskets and O-rings Over molding is also a popular technique for both
come into contact with various solvents, but by using liquid processes. This is where one product is composed of two
silicone material, it’s resistant to any changes. elastomeric elements or a combination of an elastomer and
plastic. TPEs are easier to work with when it comes to over
Silicone is also impervious to UV rays, which is excellent molding because they bond to common plastic materials while
if your solution will experience long-term exposure to the silicone has difficulties bonding to others that aren’t silicone.
elements. It has a low compression set, which means it However, LSR over molding becomes stronger by applying
returns to its original shape when stretched and is a popular undercuts.
material for products that come in contact with the body. Being
biocompatible makes it possible to form implants and other The method known as silicone over molding is when
items that won’t harm a person’s skin. you preheat the initial shots. Everything is completed in one
Other advantages of silicone include: machine in a continuous process, whereas TPEs do not require
pre-heating.
• Clarity
• Dampens vibrations
• Design flexibility
• Electrical insulation
• Gas permeability
• High light transmittance
• Biocompatibility
• High tear and tensile strength
• Hydrophobic
• Hypoallergenic
• Minimal changes in the structure
• No re-molding after curing
• Odor-free and tasteless
• Resistant to radiation, UV light and bacteria

147
NEW THIN-WALL MEASUREMENT FOR
PET BOTTLES INTRODUCED
Agr has introduced the new Lightweight option for the Process The Process Pilot system is unique in that it manages the
Pilot blowmolder management system. The system, with blowmolder based on direct bottle measurements, on every
the new option, provides assurance that the limited material bottle produced.
available for producing a light weight PET bottle is distributed
exactly where it needs to be, and at the appropriate thickness, By controlling the blowmolder based on direct feedback
to ensure proper performance. from bottle measurements rather than just blowmolder
performance indicators, the Agr system can ensure that the
According to Agr, the Process Pilot system, with Agr final product has the desired quality and performance attributes
Pilot Profiler measurement technology installed inside the in spite of environmental, blowmolder or material variations that
blowmolder, provides a means for manufacturers to accurately can occur during the production process.
measure material distribution on every bottle (to 0.05mm), in
real time, and proactively adjust the blowmolder to maintain The Lightweight option is currently available on all new
proper distribution, countering the effect of process variation. production Process Pilot systems. To achieve these capabilities
on existing systems, Agr also offers an upgrade package that
In the push for more sustainable bottles, weights are being can be easily installed in the field.
reduced even further and, with that, the sidewall thickness
of the bottle. In order to process these bottles effectively and Agr International Inc. develops and manufactures a full line
control the material distribution, additional measurement of laboratory, on-line quality and process management devices
accuracy is required, explained the company. for containers and similar products for the plastic, glass and
packaging industry.
The new Lightweight option, incorporated into the Pilot
Profiler measurement component, offered with the Process
Pilot system was developed to address this need for even
greater measurement accuracy and control on very light bottles.
With this option, a level of control is now available with the
Process Pilot system that extends the measurement range to
0.025mm, with an accuracy of +0.01mm for PET bottle sidewall
material.
This added functionality delivers greater distribution control
on bottles with very thin sidewalls or at specific locations on
other types of bottles where precise material management is
critical to meet performance and quality requirements.
Agr’s Process Pilot automated blowmolder control systems
are operating on over 400 PET bottle production lines.

FOUR PRODUCTS TO UNLOCK THE

POTENTIAL OF BIOECONOMY
In a drive to replace fossil material in a wide variety of end assessments of each resource.
products, Bio4Products is creating four bio-based products
for which at least 30% of the original fossil-based stream is Treatment by a state-of-the-art technique called fast
substituted with sustainable resources, and which deliver a pyrolysis will first convert the solid biomass into a bio-oil, while
75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. largely preserving the original functionalities. The next step
sees the functional groups present in the bio-oil separated by
Bio4Products will demonstrate the integration of these fractionation, obtaining a sugar stream and a lignin stream.
sustainable resources into four end products: roofing material,
phenolic resins, sand moulding resins, and engineered wood An environmental impact assessment will be carried out,
and natural fibre reinforced products. and a detailed economic and market study will be conducted to
develop a strong business case for the four products.
The EU-funded project is currently part of the platform,
BioWatch – the one-stop-shop for the latest research
breakthroughs, news and upcoming events in the bioeconony
sector. It is showing how bio-resources such as straw, bark,
forest residue and sunflower husks can hold the key to a more
environmentally-friendly future for Europe’s process industry.
The bio-resources have been targeted because they are
unsuitable for food production and do not stimulate indirect land
use change, and there is no commercially viable technology
for industry to exploit these resources. Bio4Products aims to
target their long-term sustainability by carrying out in-depth

148
MICRO LED DISPLAY MARKET TO HIT
US$14 BILLION BY 2024
The micro LED display market is set to grow from its current
market value of more than US$ 250 million to over US$14
billion by 2024, as reported in the latest study by Global Market
Insights, Inc.
MARKET DEMAND
Increasing demand for high-performance display solutions
in advanced applications, such as wearable devices and
automotive, will drive the micro LED display market growth.
These energy-efficient devices potentially reduce the size
of the wearable devices, thus encouraging the device
manufacturers to adopt these components.
Furthermore, the technology allows modifications, such as
transparency and flexibility, in display systems, increasing the
market share.
The manufacturers are increasingly investing in the
technology development to enhance the functionality of these
components, thus aiding the micro LED display market size.
For instance, to produce these components, gallium nitride
LED wafers are grown on sapphire substrates. However, some
of the manufacturers are investing in research for developing
gallium nitride on silicon technology to increase the uniformity
in wavelength and lower the inspection costs. This will aid in
the industry growth.
DEVELOPMENT BY PANEL SIZE
The small micro LED display market is expected to
grow significantly with a CAGR of over 105%, owing to
the increasing use in applications including smartwatches,
smartphones, and near-to-eye devices.
These components significantly lower the size of
devices that allow their adoption in small electronics such as
smartphones. Moreover, they have a response time of a few
nanoseconds and are suitable for applications in smartwatches
and AR/VR devices.
The large micro LED display market will experience a rapid
growth to exceed shipments of 35 million units by 2024 due
to the increasing use of the technology in the digital signages,
particularly in indoor applications.
In January 2018, Samsung announced the launch of its
146-inch micro LED modular panels. The size of these panels
can be increased and decreased as per the requirement for
outdoor and indoor public displays.
RESISTANCE OF GROWTH
The lack of awareness and inadequate patents in the
industry are expected to restrict the micro LED display market
growth in the short-term. Inadequate patents in the industry
will lead to the emergence of a large number of counterfeit
products.
Due to the newness of the technology and lack of standard
procedures for manufacturing these components, the threat of
the counterfeit products is low in the short-term but is expected
to increase in the long-term.
In addition, lack of cost-effective procedure for the mass
production of these components is expected to be one of
the major restraining factors in the market. Currently, the
manufacturing process is only cost-effective for the small-size
displays.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Asia Pacific micro LED display market is anticipated
to ship over 250 thousand units in 2018 grow due to the
manufacturers of electronic devices rapidly switching to these
components from the traditional LED or OLED components.
Furthermore, the presence of a large number of electronic
device manufacturers encourages the display manufacturers
in the region to adopt newer versions of technology to remain
competitive in the industry.
The U.S. micro LED display market is expected to witness
a significant growth to reach over US$ 7 billion by 2024. The
growth is attributed to the increasing demand for electronic
devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
In 2017, the smartwatch sales in the U.S. accounted to
approximately US$ 12 million and is projected to increase
further. The increasing usage of these components in wearable
devices will increase the micro LED display market growth over
the forecast timespan.
149
SINCE ITS INCEPTION, PAKPLAS
HAS BEEN ON THE GROWTH
TRAJECTORY

By Syed Nabeel Hashmi Ali Kunji

Convener Convener
Exhibition Committee Exhibition Committee

THE BACKGROUND
Initially, there was one exhibition organized in Pakistan for the plastics industry. Later, due to some reasons multiple exhibitions
started to take place which incidentally confused the exhibitors, both local and international, as they were unable to exhibit in
multiple shows in view of market size. They contacted PPMA and sought Association’s recommendation to make a decision.

It was difficult to recommend one organizer and reject other since both were doing their business. Therefore, PPMA brokered
dialogue with both organizers, urging them to sit together and work out an amicable strategy that should suit the interests of all
concerned. We also suggested both parties to either jointly organize the event or agree to individually organize it every other year
in alternate stations.

The organizers did not agree with these suggestions which, we feel, reflected their respective business interests. However,
we persisted with them to ensure only one show annually for many years but in vain. Consequently, the stake holders became
convinced that PPMA would have to take the initiative and organize the exhibition from its platform.

THE LAUNCH OF PAKPLAS
In 2015, PPMA itself launched an exhibition under the name
and style of PAKPLAS. The first edition was Plastic Products
Show while in 2016 a Trade Show was added to it in Lahore.
They received overwhelming response from all quarters.
Exhibitors were satisfied with the response at B2B feature
and requested for a full-fledged B2B event. Therefore, in 2017
PPMA organized two events in a month including a Product
Show and a separate B2B event.
THE FEEDBACK
The exclusive B2B event received wonderful support from
Exhibitors as they were very pleased with the number of trade
visitors, meaningful meetings and networking opportunities.
PAKPLAS is the only event in Pakistan where Raw Material
and Machinery suppliers exhibit under one roof. Also, it is the
only exclusive Plastics Trade Show which is free from any
non-plastic activity. These unique features are self explanatory
for current significance of PAKPLAS while they also speak
volumes about their future prospects.
Since its inception, PAKPLAS has been on the growth
trajectory which clearly reflects the hard work and untiring
sincere efforts of Exhibition Committee. We share this success
not only with EC members but also with the PPMA as we
believe the success can only be possible through joint efforts.
The performance of Exhibition Committee can be gauged from
the fact that in the last exhibition held in Lahore, over 80% of
the space was booked well before the date.
Encouraged by the growth and expansion of the show, this
year it has been decided to hold two exhibitions in a year;
one each in Karachi and Lahore. Everybody believes that like
previous shows, this year too the exhibition will expand and
continue to grow with the blessings of our Creator.

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GLIMPSES

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 GLIMPSES

152
GLIMPSES

153
GLOBAL DEMAND FOR PE PIPES TO
INCREASE BY 4.3% PER ANNUM
PE pipes can meet the rising requirements and are increasingly In pressure pipes, cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X) is
in demand: Whether it is the protection of newly laid increasingly replacing steel and copper. PE-X is suitable for
communications infrastructure, reliable and hygienic waste a very large temperature range (- 40°C to +60°C). Thus, this
water disposal and potable water supply or more efficient material is used for hot and cold water pipes, heating and
irrigation for agriculture. The global demand for PE pipes is cooling applications as well as thermal activation in particular.
likely to increase by 4.3% p.a. until 2025, according to a report Further application areas are car manufacturing, gas and oil
by Ceresana. pipelines, as well as industrial pipelines, for example for the
transport of chemicals.
PE PIPES GAIN MARKET SHARES
Distinction is made between cross-linking processes that
Polyethylene potable water pipes are highly resistant utilize peroxides (PE-Xa), silanes (PE-Xb), and radiation
to inorganic acids, salt solutions, and alkaline solutions. (PE-Xc). Cross-linking increases temperature resistance and
Additionally, they are temperature-resistant. In contrast to metal stability compared to standard-PE.
pipes, PE pipes are suitable for all water qualities: They are
not susceptible to corrosion and do not release metal ions into The fact that polyethylene is flexible and can be welded
drinking water. as well as processed into coiled pipes is particularly important
for the manufacturing of pipes. For heating and cooling
The legal requirements for potable water pipelines are often applications, PE-X and PE-RT as well as multi-layer composite
very high. Especially in developed industrial countries, PE pipes pipes are used.
and PE multi-layer pipes in the potable water segment are
therefore gaining market shares from PVC pipes, for example MARKET TRENDS
for house connection pipes.
PE pipes are increasingly replacing pipes made of steel or
For floor distribution, pipes made of cross-linked stoneware, and in some segments also pipes made of other
polyethylene (PE-X) or polybutene (PB) are now often used. plastics. However, this trend is being overshadowed by current
Risers and cellar distribution pipes are typical application areas economic developments: Political uncertainties, decreasing
for composite pipes made of PE-X and aluminum. public expenditure, or missing private investments can have
similarly drastic effects on the construction industry and the pipe
In the cable protection segment, PE pipes can also often market as targeted support for single construction segments.
gain market shares at the expense of PVC. Particularly in the
case of broadband expansion and the laying of new fiber optic The investments in the segment irrigation or the expansion
cables, more PE pipes are likely to be used than PVC pipes. of the fiber optic network vary from country to country.
Currently, the outlook for the important markets in China and
A distinction has to be made between various pipe types Russia, for example, has brightened again.
such as fiber optic protective pipes, microtubes, or cable
conduits. The global demand for PE pipes for the cable
protection segment is expected to increase by around 4.8% p.a.
by 2025.
INCREASING NUMBERS OF PE-X, PE-RC
OR PE-RT PIPES
Non-conventional installation techniques
in particular make use of specialty piping
materials, such as PE-100-RC
that is resistant to cracks or
PE pipes with increased
temperature resistance
(PE-RT).

155
PACKAGING EQUIPMENT MARKET TO
HIT US$47 BILLION BY 2024
The packaging equipment market is set to grow from its the market share in 2017. The packaging equipment market
current market value of more than US$38 billion to over US$47 has witnessed a growing demand for new machinery from
billion by 2024, as reported in the latest study by Global Market developing markets, due to the increase in spending on a wide
Insights, Inc. range of processed and ready-to-go food & beverage products.
The growing adoption of automation in several industrial To satisfy this growing demand, several major
sectors is driving the packaging equipment market growth. companies operating in the food & beverage industry
Technological advancements provide several advantages to are looking to expand in untapped markets by building
the application industries using these products. new plants and purchasing new machinery. In addition,
with changing consumer preferences, food & beverage
For instance, implementing smart sensors offers fault companies are anticipated to introduce a wide range of
detection, data collection, mobile connectivity, remote new products that require innovative or newer packaging
monitoring, and controlling features, providing efficiency in the machinery.
processes and operations performed in the factories.
MARKET OUTLOOK AND DEVELOPMENT
Industries using traditional packaging are emphasizing
on substituting the legacy machinery with new innovative The packaging equipment market in Asia Pacific
equipment to enable mass production, thereby propelling the is expected to witness a steady growth and will reach
packaging machinery market growth.
MARKET DEMAND
The demand for the packaging equipment
market is majorly driven by the development of
energy-efficient equipment, increasing the adoption
of automated packaging machines and driving the
demand for personal care goods.
Growing demand for packaging robots from
several end-use industries is also a key factor
fueling the packaging machinery market demand.
These machines play a key role in ensuring product
safety throughout the value chain. Equipment
manufacturers are emphasizing on offering
solutions that have a minimal environmental
impact.
Palletizing equipment is experiencing a high
adoption in several industrial sectors owing to the
automated functions provided by the machines.
These help in handling heavy loads and stacking
cases, bags, bottles, and cartons for packing and
labeling of the products.
US$18 billion by 2024, owing to the rise in the number of
Several advantages of these machines include easy pharmaceutical companies. Countries including India, China,
circulation of commodities, manual & automatic handling, Japan, and South Korea are moving toward automation and
lesser risks of product damage, and worker injuries. Several adoption of smart industrial solutions in the manufacturing
companies are adopting automated palletizing machines to processes.
increase their manufacturing capabilities, deliver high-quality
end-products, and efficiently manage their processes, driving Stringent regulations that mandate pharmaceutical
the packaging machinery market. companies to follow certain standards for the packaging
of drugs are positively driving the packaging machinery
RESISTANCE OF MARKET GROWTH market. Several industrial players in the region are deploying
liquid and solid packaging machinery to fulfill the product
High costs associated with the development and
requirements.
installation of this equipment are restricting the packaging
equipment market growth. Small companies cannot afford to Companies are differentiating their products by developing
purchase these machines, forcing them to implement manual several technologies, which will ease the packaging process
packaging techniques over automated systems, leading to the and improves the productivity. For instance, SIG is planning
adoption of the rental business model. to deploy IoT technology in its offerings to provide intelligent
packaging solutions to its customers. The technology will
In addition, increasing maintenance costs of the equipment
be provided by GE Digital to integrate it into the machines
are further hindering the industry demand. Periodical
provided by the company.
maintenance and checks need to be performed for ensuring the
proper operation of the equipment. This will allow the customers to build an end-to-end digital
platform, which will provide data-driven intelligent monitoring
F&B INDUSTRY ACCOUNTED FOR OVER 55% and controlling of the processes.
OF MARKET SHARE
The food & beverage industry accounted for over 55% of

156
 ADVERTISEMENTS DIRECTORY
Page No. Ad Participants Page No. Ad Participants

120 3f Chandiwala 100 M. A. Raja

84 Abeer Enterprises 106 M. Y. Chandiwala
128 Advance Plastics (Pvt) Ltd. 108 M.R. Consolidated
86 Aftab Sons Writing Instruments 78 MAJ International
20 Al-Huda Plastics 76 Masoom Corporation
24 Ali Bilal Enterprises 110 Metal Plastic Industries
26 Alka (Pvt) Ltd. 52 Millat Industries Pvt. Ltd.
16 Appollo Plastics 68 Modern Plastic
96 Arfeen International (Profile) 36 Pak Petrochemical Ind. (Pvt) Ltd
97 Arfeen International (Profile) 88 Parus Plastic
28 Bank Al-Habib Limited 32 Petro Gulf Polymers DMCC
114 Bombay Automobile & Seals House 118 Plastimakers
03 Brite Trading Agency 118 Plastisol
06 Brite Trading Agency 130 Plastisol
42 Brite Trading Agency (Profile) 56 Polydist (Pvt) Ltd.
43 Brite Trading Agency (Profile) 154 PPMA
48 Brite Trading Agency 160 Precision Polymer
158 Brite Trading Agency 112 R. Muhammad & Sons
22 CBM Plastics (Pvt) Ltd. 46 Rastgar
104 Clariant 74 Rehan Can
124 Cloud Packaging 80 Reliance Petrochemicals
62 Combine Holding (Pvt) Ltd. 81 Reliance Petrochemicals
38 Decent Plastic 66 Ron Extrusion Engineering
14 Dollar Industries (Pvt) Ltd 72 Ron Extrusion Engineering
54 FAV Plastico (Pvt) Ltd. 94 Ron Extrusion Engineering
130 Galaxy Engineering 05 Royal Packages
40 GatronoVa 98 Royal Water Cooler
50 Ibrahim Associates 02 SABIC
159 ICPL 135 Sanaka Plastic
116 Javaid International 90 Shezan Trading Co.
18 Jilani Flexible Packages 30 Shield Corporation
92 Karim Container 128 Sultan Trading Co.
126 Kashif Engineering 04 Sunny Co.
58 K-Group 11 Sunrise Plastic Industries (Pvt) Ltd.
126 Khushal (Pvt) Ltd. 34 Thermosole Industries (Pvt) Ltd.
60 King Plastic 64 Tropical Plastic Industries
120 Kunji Electric Works 12 Vinmar Polymers

157