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2 | PLASTICS ENGINEERING | JUNE 2019 | www.4spe.org | www.plasticsengineering.org
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www.plasticsengineering.org JUNE 2019 | PLASTICS ENGINEERING | 1
CONTENTS
VOLUME 75 NUMBER 6 JUNE 2019
SPME
6
Focus on: Kristina Queen
Meet SPE’s Sales Support Associate, Kristina Queen.
SPE Podcast
8
New Plastics Podcast
PlastChicks: The Voices of Resin 8 Hosted by Lynzie Nebel and Mercedes
Landazuri, the podcast will feature guest
interviews, popular plastics topics, trends
and the people that inspire our industry!
Adulting 101
12
Adulting 101: Social Do’s and Don’ts at
Professional Events
By Lynzie Nebel
Medical 3D Printing
14
3D Printing the Future of Healthcare
By Geoff Giordano
14 A “smart” medication monitoring pill
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is fast-tracking bottle made with Carbon’s MPU 100 medical
developments in the medical device industry. polyurethane.
Design Notes
18
Adapting to Fast-Changing Product Sectors
By Robert Grace
Covestro is designing its materials portfolio to address
needs in mobility, healthcare, energy storage, appliances,
lighting, and other emerging markets.
18 As ride-sharing and self-driving cars

become more prevalent, vehicle interiors
will become increasingly like mobile living
rooms, needing cleanable, durable materials
and lighting that can be personalized.
Cover Story JUNE 2019
24
Stabilizing Recyclables Building Greener
Plastics
By Geoff Giordano Additives Produce More
Recycled plastics are subjected to chemical processes that weaken them

Durable Recycled Plastics
over time. Some additives, however, can enhance the durability and
strength of these sustainable goods time and time again.
About the cover:
Stabilizers help make recycled plastics more durable—process after
process.

CONTENTS
VOLUME 75 NUMBER 6 JUNE 2019
Sustainability
28
Almost Like New
By Pat Toensmeier
Recyclers rely on stabilizers to rebuild properties of
reclaimed resins. If PCR demand accelerates, a new
generation of additives could remake the market.
Sustainability
28 Baeropol stabilizers improve melt
32
stability, color, and solubility of polyolefins Prepare for Round Three of the Plastic Waste Trade War
in deck boards and other applications By Doug Woodring & Trish Hyde
After China closed its doors to scrap plastic imports and
Westerners scrambled to find other export targets, diplomats
chew on a proposal to add mixed plastic waste to a list of
materials that require the receipt of a country’s informed
acceptance of this type of trade under the Basel Convention.
As I See It
36
Destination Düsseldorf
By Pat Toensmeier
32 The heady mix of plastic waste, global The K Show in Germany will attract more than 3,000 exhibitors
damage, and national interest has already from 60 countries. Petra Cullmann, Messe Düsseldorf, talks
sparked two sparring matches, and another
about why K 2019 is so important to the industry.
is set to begin.
42 Q & A with Petra Cullmann, global

portfolio director for plastics and rubber at
Messe Düsseldorf.
Departments
38 46 52
Industry News Patents Market Place
In this issue’s roundup Our regular roundup
of industry news, we of notable patents.
explore developments By Dr. Roger Corneliussen
54
from ExxonMobil, and
Editorial Index
50
more. Events
SPE and Partnered
43 Energy-Saving Tip
Extrusion Blow Molding
Conferences, SPE Meetings,
Non-SPE Events and
56
– Insulation Webinars Advertiser Index
By Dr. Robin Kent
www.plasticsengineering.org | www.4spe.org | JUNE 2019 | PLASTICS ENGINEERING | 3

Advertising Sales
ADVERTISERS INDEX
For print and online digital

Aaron Equipment Company, www.aaronequipment.com/sniff...............52 advertising sales in Plastics
Engineering magazine, please
Allgrind Plastics, www.allgrind.com......................................................53
contact:
Bruker, www.bruker.com/optics.................................................... Cover 4
BYK, www.byk.com.................................................................................13
Global Sciences Sales Director
Ewikon, www.ewikon.com......................................................................45 Dan Nicholas
ID Additives, www.iDadditives.com........................................................27 Tel: +1 716-587-2181
IMS Company, www.imscompany.com/G27................................... Cover 3 E: dnicholas@wiley.com
J.P. Curilla Associates, email: jpcecl@aol.com........................................52
Japan Steel Works, www.jswamerica.com...................................... Cover 2 Sr. Account Manager

John Anderson & Associates, www.plasticsjobsearch.com....................52 Print & E-Media Advertising
Konica Minolta, sensing.konicaminolta.us/products/colibri-color-software.....1 Roland Espinosa
LSR, www.executive-conference.com......................................................11 Tel: 1+ 201-748-6819
Plastic Flow, www.plasticflow.com.........................................................52

E: respinosa@wiley.com
Polyhedron Laboratories, Inc., www.polyhedronlab.com.......................52
Process Design & Technologies, www.processdesigntech.com.............52

Product and news releases for Plastics
Recycled Fillers.....................................................................................53
Engineering can be sent directly to:
Rheo-Plast Associates, Inc., www.rheoplastusa.com..............................52 PEreleases@wiley.com
Roscom, Inc., www.roscom.net...............................................................53
Sam North America, www.sam-na.com..................................................52
Shepherd, www.shepherdcolor.com.........................................................5
SPE, www.4spe.org............................................................................. 4, 44
SPE ANTEC®, www.4spe.org/antec.........................................................49
SPE ACCE, www.speautomotive.com/acce-conference.............................35

111 River Street
SPE CAD RETEC, www.specad.org..........................................................49 Hoboken, NJ 07030 USA
SPE IAG, www.speautomotive.com/innovative-awards-gala.....................35
SPE Preferred Partner Program, www.4spe.org.....................................55
SPE Thermoforming, www.thermoformingdivision.com/conference.......55
Struktol, www.4struktol.com..................................................................33
Tangram Technology, www.tangram.co.uk............................................53
6 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 306

Bethel, CT 06801 USA
www.4spe.org

Editorial & Publishing Staff
sp e
Sheri Kasprzak Contributing
Editor-in-Chief
Editors CRICKET PLAYER, RESEARCH
(201) 748-8713
skasprzak@wiley.com ENGINEER... AND MY FAVORITE
Robert Grace SPE BENEFIT IS...
Ryan Foster bob@rcgrace.com
Art Director
(203) 740-5410
NETWORKING!
Geoff Giordano
rfoster@4spe.org
geoffgio@verizon.net
Roland Espinosa
“Being on several
Senior Account Manager Patrick Toensmeier boards within SPE
toensmeier@sbcglobal.net
Print & E-Media has helped me to stay
Advertising
(201) 748-6891 Dr. Roger Corneliussen in touch with a lot
respinosa@wiley.com Patents of people and given
cornelrd@bee.net
Lisa Dionne Lento me a chance to learn
Publisher Matt Bechtel from them.”
ldionnelen@wiley.com Industry News
bechtel.matt@gmail.com
Sue Wojnicki
Director of
Dr. Robin Kent
Communications ABHISHEK AMBEKAR
(203) 740-5420 Energy Saving Tips member since 2007
swojnicki@4spe.org rkent@tangram.co.uk
SPE 2019-2020 Executive Board
President Vice President –

Brian Landes Marketing &
Communications
CEO Conor Carlin
Patrick Farrey
Vice President – Sections
President-Elect Scott Eastman
Jaime Gómez
Vice President –
Vice President –
Young Professionals
Business & Finance
Lynzie Nebel
Jeremy Dworshak
Vice President – Vice President –

Divisions Technology & Education
Jason Lyons Raymond Pearson
Vice President – Events Past-President

Want to connect with people like Abhishek?
Bruce Mulholland Brian Grady
Join SPE! No matter where you work in the plastics
industry value chain-a scientist, engineer, technical
personnel or a senior executive-joining SPE
can help you succeed.
VISIT 4SPE.ORG TO JOIN TODAY!

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“WE HAVE MADE SOME GREAT CHANGES FOR
ANTEC® 2020 THAT WILL OFFER EXHIBITORS MORE
DEDICATED HOURS AND NEW FOOD & BEVERAGE
EVENTS IN THE HALL. OUR GOAL IS TO INCREASE
THE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AT ANTEC®
AND OFFER MORE TARGETED EXHIBIT HOURS.”
I was born in Denmark and spent my childhood as an Army brat, moving

around from New England to North Carolina and two tours in Germany (which
we loved—because we were close to Denmark). My degree is in International
Trade/Communications and I studied at Vejle Commercial College in Denmark
and Hammersmith & West London College in London, England. With that, I have
traveled all over the world and settled in Annapolis, Md., with my partner Will.
We have one child, one cat, and one dog. I began working for an association
management company in 2008 and wore many hats within that organization.
WHY SALES AS A CAREER CHOICE?

I decided I wanted to make a job change to find something new and more flexible.
When I read about the position at SPE and learned that they were growing their sales
department, I was excited to take on a new challenge.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT SPE?

I am the sales support associate and came on board to work with the senior sales director,
Stephanie Clark. SPE needed a person to handle exhibitor, advertising and sponsor servicing.
I have been very lucky that the position has been a perfect fit, and I have had the opportunity
to learn from Stephanie about sales strategies.
BEST ADVICE SOMEONE GAVE YOU ABOUT WORKING IN SALES?

Follow up. It may take some time to get people to respond, but don’t give up. Also, I have learned
to view every interaction as a potential sale.
BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN SALES?

My mother once said that I could talk to the doorman as well as I can the CEO. I think that it is
important that you treat people with respect—no matter what position they are in—we are all here to
get the job done. Build personal connections with people. Don’t discriminate.
YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE FAMOUS SALES PERSON AND WHY?

I have a friend who sold Mary Kay, and she was very good at it. Mary Kay’s philosophy was “Pretend every
person you meet has a sign on them that says—Make me feel important—and you will not only succeed in
sales, but also in life.” I agree wholeheartedly with that philosophy.
SO, YOU JUST ATTENDED YOUR FIRST ANTEC®. WHAT DID YOU THINK? FAVORITE MEMORY?
I thought it was fantastic! I cannot even remotely begin to count how many trade shows I have worked in the last
10 years in association management, and this one was great! My favorite memory was a dinner I had at a local
brew pub with the SPE staff. This was the first time I had met the SPE team. Everyone was fun and open, and I
felt very comfortable.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST AT ANTEC® 2020?

Selling out the exhibit hall! I definitely feel more confident now that I have one ANTEC® behind me, and we
have made some great changes for ANTEC® 2020 that will offer exhibitors more dedicated hours and new food
& beverage events in the hall. Our goal is to increase the networking opportunities at ANTEC® and offer more
targeted exhibit hours. I also look forward to getting together with the SPE staff.
FAVORITE PLASTICS PRODUCT?

My favorite plastics product, which I use all the time, is a bag that I have by a Danish company called Skagen.
The bag is made of recycled plastic, and it has the Danish alphabet printed all over it. It just makes me happy.

MOM/DOG MOM, NEW AMATEUR CHEF,
REALITY SHOW ENTHUSIAST,
sp e
SALES SUPPORT ASSOCIATE...
KRISTINA QUEEN
Sales Support Associate
SPE PODCAST
New Plastics Podcast

PlastChicks: The Voices of Resin
H Was there a goal you had in mind for

osted by Lynzie Nebel and Mercedes Landazuri,
the podcast will feature guest interviews, popular
plastics topics, trends, and the people that inspire
the podcast?
our industry! L: Well, yeah. We wanted to be cool and talk about plas-
tics. Is that not what we’re doing?
Their first live episode was launched at ANTEC® 2019 in M: Yes. #1, absolutely. #2, I just wanted to spend more
Detroit. David Kusuma, vice president of research and time with you. I was like, “What project can we work to-
innovation at Tupperware Brands was their first guest. gether on?” #3, I know that you and I had been talking
He spoke to them about sustainable cutlery, and joint about the negative publicity that plastics get in the me-
NASA projects. dia and social media.
We recently connected with L: That’s true. Because I

Lynzie (L) and Mercedes (M) go on those deep dives
to find out more about their where I click those neg-
podcast. ative hashtags about
plastic and then I get
very upset.
How did the idea of
M: You can’t stop
starting a podcast yourself, and you just
together come spiral. And then you
up? Who’s just start texting me
about how mad you
idea? are.
L: I think it was my L: Exactly. So,
idea? I think I was it’s for the best
thinking about it that we’re doing
at the White Plains something posi-
Executive Board tive because the
(EB) meeting in alternative was
December. very unhealthy.
M: We had already said we were going to do one and M: Right. And I was talking to Steve Russell from ACC
then you pitched it to Pat at the EB meeting. I know for (American Chemistry Council) about these images like
me it was that you had already been on a podcast, so I the turtle with the plastic straw in its nose. A picture tells
had in the back of my head for a long time that I needed a thousand words; they tell a story. And stories are what
to get on a podcast. stay with people—stories are what changes peoples’
minds. So why not replace those images and those
L: Fair enough. stories with new stories that people will remember and
M: And then you got me hooked on the My Favorite which will change the narrative so that it encompasses
Murder podcast, and it was like, “Oh, two girls who talk the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
about murder. We could be two girls who talk about L: Yeah. That is a very nice way to look at it instead of it
plastics.” just being fueled by my anger.

And the cacophony of
the thunderous laughter
and applause might be
distracting for some
listeners. But I think that
as we keep doing them,
we’re going to have some
exciting guests on, and
we’re going to keep getting
better, because that’s who
we are. Right?
M: Yeah like, “I spiraled one day and I just wanted peo- M: I think that any publicity is good publicity. Give me
ple to listen to me.” some haters. Give me some mean ones.
L: Like, “I was just really mad and I needed people to L: Alright, then let’s get ready, ‘cause I’m gonna start
understand that they are wrong.” something.
How do you decide the subject matter How do you prepare for a podcast?
of your podcast episodes? Any special prep?
L: It was very much trial and error, because our original M: Well, I for one like to get a full night’s sleep. Like a
two episodes were not the same. It was trying to figure full 14 hours.
out what our audience would want to hear from us with- L: Which starts with you not sleeping.
out making it just straight facts in your face. I think a
lot of that had to do with the people we wanted to have M: Yeah. I dunno. Do you prepare for a podcast?
speak. L: I usually look at their LinkedIn to make sure I have the
highlights, but I kind of prefer a little bit of surprise.
M: I think we’re still deciding what we want the subject
matter to be. M: Yeah. I mean I think our whole friendship has been
preparation for this podcast. I feel good and confident
L: I’m sure we’ll evolve.
about that. Like I don’t really need to do anything else
M: Yes, on a case-by-case basis. On a “we need to do as long as I know how to pronounce our guests’ names.
something now” basis. Any preparation that we do, other than scheduling the
L: Exactly. My favorite way to operate. guests, would be done day-of. If not a couple hours be-
fore, then a few minutes before.
Will the themes (other than plastics) be L: Certainly not our IT. We don’t prep our IT at all. Be-
cause that goes bananas every time.
intertwined?
L: Yeah. What type of guests do you usually
M: We’ll have callbacks to past episodes for sure. look for?
L: And if we’re at SPE events or conferences, that kind M: Most of the people we’ve solicited to be guests we
of drives the subject, and it could vary from what the know through SPE.
speaker has to say.
L: Well, we have a pretty big pot to choose from right
M: Maybe if we get more feedback from our listeners, we now. I could probably name you 10 more people from
could incorporate that. SPE that I want to talk to off the top of my head.
L: Maybe if we get some reviews. But just the nice ones. M: I think we’re looking for guests that have something
I don’t want the mean ones. new and interesting that they are allowed to talk about.

SPE PODCAST
You know, a lot of people in our industry aren’t allowed Best advice you’ve gotten from
to talk about what they’re working on.
someone on doing the podcast?
L: So key. There’s a certain boy that works at a certain
company that would be a very boring interview just M: Did we get any advice?
based on how much we’d have to censor. L: I think most of the advice was, “You’re doing a pod-
M: Yeah. Aww, I hope we get to have him on someday. cast?”
M: Well, Pat Farrey was the only one who told us that
Favorite guest so far? rather than diving into history we should take more of
a forward look on things. Let’s talk about the new hot
L: That could get really mean, couldn’t it? topics, which I think was great advice.
M: Depends who’s reading this. Gosh, I think Eric Larson L: Although our history stories were quite fun. I mean,
because you were just so tired. we were talking about whale bone corsets.
L: I was SO out of my element. M: Well, hopefully we’ll be releasing the original two we
M: Not your area of expertise. did as specials.
L: NO.
M: I was nerding out HARD.
L: You guys were talking about language and origins of
words, and I was just ready to take a nap.
M: I think it’s hard to pick who our favorite guest is.
They’ve all been so wonderful. Did we have a least fa-
vorite guest?
L: Comin’ after you, Jeremy Dworshak! Ha. No, Jeremy’s
was really good. I think we let the ratings decide.
A guest you can’t wait to have on?

L: He didn’t agree to it yet, but I think John Beaumont
will be pretty good.
M: And of course, I have to say my plastics fairy
godfather, Glenn Beall, a fellow Plastics Hall
of Famer with John. And you know who I
talked with yesterday that I was really
impressed with was Ryan Howley, the
president of Techmer PM. Talking to
him about the future of the industry
and the future of the company was
really exciting, because he has a very
different take on it than most peo-
ple in our industry. I’m realizing he
would be a great podcast guest. Now,
I have not asked him at all, and I don’t
think he even knows about the podcast, Best advice you could give
but I can’t wait to have him on. someone if they wanted to
L: Again, surprising our guests with the fact that start their own podcast?
they are on a show is really the best.
M: I mean, I don’t want to steal the slogan from a com-
M: “Surprise, you’re on Candid Podcast!”
pany that works with polymers … just do it, lowercase,
L: “Did you know that right now we are doing a podcast? so that it’s not their slogan.
You didn’t? Well, now you do. Enjoy.”
L: It’s just a colloquialism. Yeah, I mean, worst-case sce-
M: “Welcome to the pod!” nario, no one listens—which could be the boat we’re in

for all we know. L: Well, depends. Today I feel like I’m going the opposite
M: Like a sinking ship … moving on! direction. But yes, I’m sure at some point I’ll swing back
around and get better.
Mercedes: rumor has it that you M: Something that I want to share is something that I
wrote and performed the musical heard about you, Lynzie. Something I heard you say to
someone about our nemesis relationship.
introduction to PlastChicks podcast. Is
L: Mhm? I’m sorry, did I accidentally call you my friend
this true? How much time did it take
instead of my nemesis?
you to do this and how did you come
M: No, you ran into a mutual friend of ours, and you told
up with the lyrics? them, “I miss the days before I had a nemesis because I
M: It took me probably a couple minutes. There ar- miss being able to not do things.”
en’t many lyrics. Initially, when we were brainstorming L: It was A LOT easier.
names for our podcast, “The Voices of Resin” was one of
the many hilarious names we threw out there. And then M: But I mean that’s what I’ve always loved about our re-
we decided on PlastChicks day of. So, it wasn’t a lot of lationship. We are very good friends. We’re competitive
lyrics, and we kind of came up with them beforehand. in a really fun way that enables us to achieve and take
on projects like this podcast.
Lynzie: do you like it? L: Yeah. I mean, I think they’re always for the better.
Anytime I’m tired I think, “Darnit! Mercedes would do
L: Yes, especially because I didn’t have to do anything
for it. this, and she would do it before me if she could, right?
I better do it.”
M: Ha!
M: So that’s all I have to share—a quote from you.
L: Key element in my enjoyment.
L: Perfect. See, there you go. One point for me.
M: Originally, I wanted you to play viola backup on that
track. That’d be a really hot track. M: Darnit!
L: Definitely. I don’t see why we didn’t do that. Look at New episodes streaming the first Friday of every month
me. Boy, do I have egg on my face. beginning May 1! Sponsored by SPE
When you first noticed the

PlastChicks podcast on Spotify, how
did you feel?
L: I was so excited. If I was the one editing this and
putting everything up, we would never have this pod-
cast up, so I was really excited when I actually saw it
as a final thing, and it wasn’t me just talking about
it and people being like, “You’re insane.” It was real.
M: Yeah, I was on a plane, waiting on the tarmac
when I saw it up on iTunes, and I freaked out very
quietly and screenshotted it. It was so cool to see
our logo up there and us specifically in cartoon form.
Anything else you want share?

L: Maybe these first couple episodes have a similar
flow to them because they were at ANTEC® and they
were all done in a few days, but our episodes are only
gonna get better and cooler.
M: Yeah. And especially the first one we released was
the loudest one. It was done with a live audience.
L: It was definitely weird to have people watching us.
M: And the cacophony of the thunderous laughter
and applause might be distracting for some listen-
ers. But I think that as we keep doing them, we’re
going to have some exciting guests on, and we’re
going to keep getting better, because that’s who we
are. Right?

ADULTING 101
Adulting 101: Social Do’s and Don’ts at

Professional Events
By Lynzie Nebel
Y
ou can’t swing a business card these days without Another way to move the conversation into a topic you’re
hearing how important networking is to your more comfortable with is to come prepared with a few
career. Sure, that’s great in theory, but how does generic questions. They can be industry specific or just
one actually “network?” There’s the awkward small talk, general small talk questions.
the uncomfortable questions, and the all too important
question of what’s the drinking etiquette. We’ve gathered Relax. At the end of the day, unless you personally
a few pieces of advice to walk you through your next insult someone, the worst-case scenario is that your
networking event so that you can actually enjoy it for the conversation is forgettable. That happens sometimes.
fun opportunity that it is. Find another person and start up a new conversation.
Rinse and repeat throughout the evening until you find a
great conversation.
Have a goal (or two) in mind. They can be lofty (like

landing a new client) or as simple as meeting a few new
contacts. Keeping in mind what you want to get out of
the night can help drive your conversations in the right
direction or guide you to the right people.
Feel free to get yourself a drink. Many of these events Take notes. Not in a weird and creepy 1940s journalist
are open bar. Just remember this is absolutely the time way, but if you had a great conversation with someone or
to sip. Pick something delicious that takes you awhile they mentioned any noun (person, place, or thing) that
to get through. If you don’t drink, that’s fine too; you can help you, then make a note on the aforementioned
can always grab a water because it gives you something business card.
to do with your hands. (Seriously, what are your hands
supposed to do!?) As long as you always keep things There’s no set formula on what you’re supposed to get
professional, feel free to visit the bar! out of a networking event, but keep in mind networking
events are supposed to be the easy part of your day.
Make sure to keep your cards handy. Don’t just pass
them out willy nilly or the very first second you meet
someone, but cards do have a value. Personally, after a ABOUT THE AUTHOR
show/conference, I like to go through the cards and add
those people to my LinkedIn. This way, I maintain the Lynzie Nebel is SPE’s VP-Young
connection but can ditch the physical cards. Professionals and a Plastics Engineer
at Tech Tank. She graduated from Penn
State-Erie with a B.S. in Plastics & Polymer
There’s always going to be the awkward “So what do you Engineering Technology/Technician. She
do?” question. It just happens. The best plan for this is to lives in Pennsylvania with her husband,
Daniel, son, Henry Ulysses, and 2 very fat
have a strong defensive game. Have a quick sentence or ginger cats-Richard Dreypuss & Ralphie
two prepared about what your company does and what Templeton. She is expecting her second
you do there. It doesn’t have to be the best bio of the child in August.
year; your only goal here is to move the conversation
into a more interesting territory.

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Moving modern markets
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MEDICAL 3D PRINTING
3D Printing the Future of Healthcare

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is fast-tracking
developments in the medical device industry
By Geoff Giordano
T
he escalating adoption of 3D printing (3DP) is conference in Anaheim, Calif., on Feb. 5.
spurring increasing development of new plastics,
some of them specifically for medical and dental “Manufacturers who use plastic for production—molding,
applications. extrusion machining—are finding opportunities and de-
mand to explore using 3D printing, and there is appeal to
In its earlier days, 3D printing, also known as additive having the materials used for 3D printing match up with
manufacturing, relied largely on generic resins developed materials being used for conventional processes,” Kawola
for pre-3DP applications. But as 3DP gains a firmer adds.
foothold in manufacturing beyond the rapid generation of
part prototypes, industry-leading companies are crafting Generally, he says, plastics for 3DP are quite similar at the
plastics for specific medical uses. chemical level to resins for traditional processes. In the
case of filament used in the fused deposition modeling
Plastics companies have begun pursuing collaborations process Ultimaker employs, additives akin to lubricants, as
with these 3DP leaders to invent materials that can be well as others materials, are incorporated to improve
used throughout the entire product development flow during extrusion.
cycle, according to John Kawola, president of
Ultimaker North America. New Material for
a New Part
“Numerous plastics/resin companies have
entered the 3D printing space in the fast few When healthcare giant
years … due to demand from their customers Becton, Dickinson and
and the fact that a portion of the equipment Co. of Franklin Lakes, N.J.,
market is now open to third-party materials,” needed an alternative to
says Kawola, interviewed a few weeks before injection molding to make a
his scheduled discussion of these trends at critical component of a gene-
the Medical Device and Manufacturing West analysis system, Carbon of
Redwood City, Calif., had the
answer.
This hemocytometer adapter for Carbon has pioneered a pro-

Becton Dickinson’s Rhapsody prietary additive manufacturing
single-cell genomic analysis method called Digital Light Syn-
system went through sev-
thesis (DLS). Unlike other common
eral design iterations
to optimize it for 3D additive methods that build parts
production using by depositing powder or filament
Carbon’s MPU 100 layer by layer, DLS builds parts from
medical polyure- a pool of resin that is subjected to
thane. Courtesy of projected light and saturated with
Carbon oxygen to manipulate polymerization

A “smart” medication monitoring pill bottle made with
Carbon’s MPU 100 medical polyurethane (above). A
surgical tool handle, left, and ligating clip holder made
with Carbon’s MPU 100, a medical polyurethane (left).
Courtesy of Carbon
and create an overlapping continuum of material. working on the BD Rhapsody single-cell genomic analysis
system, one of the toughest parts to produce was the
In September, the company introduced a new material hemocytometer adapter. The microfluidic holder is made
for life sciences applications called MPU 100, a medical up of numerous square recesses set at 90º angles and
polyurethane. requires trapped negative space for the slide holder,
undercut structures, and a window for optics.
One struggle in growing adoption of its resins for medical
manufacturing was that they were black to facilitate With this system, genomic sequencing can be done cell
Carbon’s photochemical process, explains Steven Pollack, by cell. “You’re not just taking a tumor or other biopsy
Carbon’s senior staff research scientist. “When you use sample and averaging the genomics over all the cells of
light as your chisel, you’d like to be able to control how the sample,” Pollack explains. The BD system isolates cells
deep the light gets into the part—and black is a great in the hemocytometer adapter’s microwells, each of which
light-stopping pigment.” is bar coded. The adapter then slides into the reader.
MPU 100 took about a year to develop and addressed Given the limited number of adapters that made to be
concerns such as use in a surgical environment, where made, 3D printing was the ideal process. And MPU 100
healthcare personnel would not know if a black-pigment was the perfect material. “It’s got the right mechanical
device had been cleaned or not. Once this new white resin properties, surface feel and texture,” Pollack notes.
was developed, Carbon sent it to BD to see what they
could achieve with it. BD and Carbon experts worked together to refine the part’s
design to minimize resin use and maximize print speed.
More importantly, MPU 100 possesses the temperature Rotating the honeycomb structure by 45º, for instance,
made the walls self-supporting and reduced resin usage
and solvent resistance, smooth surface and non-porous
by 7 percent per build. A custom print script reduced print
properties ideal for a hospital setting, unlike other resins
time by 55 percent.
3D printed with photochemistry.
Ultimately, the project was successfully completed from
“In our dual cure concept, we use photochemistry to create development to part production using the same Carbon
the shape, then use a thermosetting chemistry to create printers. Injection molding the part would have entailed
the mechanical properties,” Pollack says. “After the part prohibitive costs for complex molds to produce about
is built, you bake it—and that baking essentially turns on 1,000 parts a year.
a thermosetting reaction. You can make a polyurethane,
a polyepoxy, a silicon chemistry. MPU has a latent MPU 100 has also been used by Biolase of Irvine, Calif., as a
polyurethane chemistry; baking turns it on, and it goes replacement material for cast urethane parts and reduced
from a material that is mechanically weak to a material by 70 percent the time between design and final part.
with the mechanical properties of ABS or unfilled nylon.”
BD has been one of Carbon’s earliest adopters since the

Dental Discovery
latter’s founding in 2013. When the BD Life Sciences— In recent months, dentistry-specific materials have also
Genomics group based in Menlo Park, Calif., began some to the fore. Dental applications have long been

MEDICAL 3D PRINTING
suited for 3D printing to perfectly customize implants and working toward creation of the final product,” he notes.
surgical guides for patients. “With 3D printing—specifically the NextDent solution—
the entire process can be accomplished up to four times
3D Systems of Rock Hill, S.C., has bet big on demand for faster than other available solutions while reducing
digital dentistry, launching the NextDent 5100 printer material waste and capital equipment expenditure as well
in 2018 to accompany its portfolio of 30 dental resins. as reliance upon milling centers.”
Offered in a range of colors, the resins can be used by
dental labs and clinics to closely match patients’ teeth and At press time, 3D Systems was planning to add NextDent
gums. Denture 3D+ to its dental repertoire by the first quarter
of this year. The material, aimed at producing removable
“All of our NextDent materials are biocompatible as well dental bases, could secure Class IIa certification by March.
as FDA listed and CE-certified, making them suitable for a “This material has significantly lower shrinkage compared
wide range of prosthodontic and orthodontic applications,” to standard denture base materials resulting in production
says Rik Jacobs, vice president and general manager for of excellent-fitting denture bases,” Jacobs says.
3D Systems dental operations.
Continued development of dental-specific 3DP resins is
Several of the company’s dental resins have earned Class not only a function of manufacturing efficiency but patient
IIa certification, which Jacobs says means that “for the first safety, Jacobs adds. Allergic reactions are a danger.
time in dental history” multiple long-term applications such
as splints, denture bases, crowns and bridges can now be “The biggest challenge experienced with traditional
manufactured for long-term use in the oral photopolymer resins are allergic
cavity using 3D printing technology. reactions resulting from cytotoxicity,”
he explains. “When a traditional
“NextDent Ortho Rigid material enables dental photopolymer reacts with a
production of splints for long-term use patient’s saliva, the resin can begin
in the patient’s mouth,” Jacobs explains. to break down and release monomers
“NextDent Base material was specifically (the individual molecules that create
developed for the printing of denture the photopolymer). These monomers
bases.” Mostly recently, NextDent C&B MFH can cause soreness and a burning
(Micro Filled Hybrid), developed to produce sensation in the mouth.”
crowns and bridges with high strength and
wear resistance, received the certification. 3D Systems’ new dental biocompatible
photopolymers are monomer-free
Increased manufacturing speed and and being validated with testing
minimizing human error are key drivers institutions. “From early results, we
in developing these new resins, Jacobs anticipate almost no allergic reactions
explains. For example, it can take 14 hours to the materials.”
of lab work to go from an initial impression
Carbon, too, has seen a surge in
of a patient’s mouth to a final set of
dental demands for new additive
dentures. After that, models are shipped
materials, Pollack notes. Dental
back and forth between the lab and
applications have grown to such an
dentist’s office. Patients make an average
extent that Carbon has broken out
of five visits to be fitted for the device,
a growing team specifically to meet
Jacobs adds.
those needs.
“The process also results in significant “We are seeing a huge uptick in
material waste in the form of plaster and wax adoption of our machines in dental
that is used in all iterations of the models laboratories by the people who
fabricate things like dental models,
surgical guides for patients
The NextDent 5100 high-speed 3D who need implants, and more
printer from 3D Systems is pow- recently a huge growth in
ered by Figure 4 technology com- digitally fabricated dentures
bined with the broadest portfo- at lower cost than typical
lio of dental materials. Courtesy devices,” Pollack explains.
of 3D Systems

NextDent C&B Micro Filled Hybrid is developed to produce crowns and bridges with high strength and wear resistance (left).
3dsystems-NextDent-Denture3D-Plus: NextDent Denture 3D+ is suitable for printing all types of removable denture bases and
has significantly lower shrinkage versus standard PMMA denture base materials and is available in multiple colors (center).
3dsystems-NextDent-OrthoRigid: NextDent Ortho Rigid from 3D Systems is developed for digital manufacturing of splints
(right). Courtesy of 3D Systems
Plastics in the dental space are “a very odd thing,” he says, qualified and tested for these materials.”
because the FDA regulates the liquids or solids that become
devices. Generally, the FDA regulates the final product. That collaboration is helping bring new investment and
(Pollack came to Carbon after 10 years running the FDA’s brain power from more established plastics and chemicals
Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories.) giants like BASF, Dupont, Clariant, and SABIC into the
heretofore more insular world of 3DP startups.
Carbon has partnered with a number of companies that
have developed 3D-printable resins and has validated “3D printing has matured over the years without the
those resins to work on Carbon machines to produce participation of the large plastics companies,” Kawola
dental models. Those companies includes Dentca of explains. “The nature of closed hardware platforms meant
Torrance, Calif., and its denture resins; Germany’s Dreve that these companies were rarely part of the ecosystem.
and its gingiva guide; and Whip Mix of Louisville, Ky., and
Now that the market is more open, we are starting to see
its surgical guide-compatible resin.
much faster innovation and application development.
In the past, the 3DP hardware companies had materials
“We’ve opened the resin store for third-party resins in the
dental space,” Pollack concludes. science capability and developed their own materials.
These products were good, but the scope of investments
and the collective people working on it in the industry was
Future Applications limited.”
While 3DP is gaining ground in numerous industries,
traditional manufacturing processes dwarf its impact. But With 3DP, “simulation is evolving and processes are
Ultimaker’s John Kawola foresees huge opportunity in the improving,” he says. “The goal is that engineers in the
next five or more years. future will be able to accurately predict and design the
(material) properties required.”
“If you take just take one segment—medical devices—
including all the plastic components being used in probes
or medical equipment or other such equipment, the
percentage being produced using 3DP in the world today ABOUT THE AUTHOR
is much less than 1 percent in terms of end-use parts,”
he explains. Injection molding output, by comparison, is Geoff Giordano has been a contributor to
Plastics Engineering since 2009, covering
worth “hundreds of billions of dollars of plastic parts… a range of topics, including additives,
That’s why most of us are optimistic that there’s real infrastructure, flexible electronics,
opportunity (to grow 3DP) from 1 percent to 5 percent.” design software, 3D printing and
nanotechnology. He has served as editor-
in-chief of numerous industry magazines
To that end, Ultimaker has started a Materials Alliance and is founder and chief creative officer
Program with a number of plastics companies. “We have a of content marketing firm Driven
platform that allows quick development of the parameters Inbound. He can be reached at geoff@
and profiles that are needed for specific materials,” Kawola driveninbound.com.
says. “The customer benefits by having an expanding

choice of materials to use and equipment that has been

DESIGN NOTES
Adapting to Fast-Changing Product Sectors

Covestro is designing its materials portfolio to address needs in mobility,
healthcare, energy storage, appliances, lighting, and other emerging markets
By Robert Grace
A
s a supplier of advanced polymer materials, That said, he notes, the
Covestro finds itself on the front lines of numerous growth ventures portfo-
emerging and evolving industries. Work must lio functions like an incu-
be done to stay one step ahead of both customer and bator and helps the busi-
consumer needs. ness in question grow till
it reaches a critical mass.
Recent interviews with three of the group’s business
leaders shed light on key industry trends and on where Serving the
they see some of the best growth opportunities in the
Connected-
foreseeable future. Two of those executives—Shanghai-
based David Hartmann and Leverkusen, Germany- Healthcare Space
based Phillip Polenz—were elevated into new roles just “The largest [sector] for
last September. The third—Shanghai-based Andreas me is our global health-
Brandt—has held his position as vice president of care business and that’s
marketing for electrical and electronics, and appliances really an exciting space,” Hartmann: steering Growth
for polycarbonates, for the past two-plus years. he says. There is an ex- Ventures. All photos courtesy of
plosion of wearable Covestro
Hartmann, a New Zealand native, has assumed the devices that feature in-
recently created role of senior vice president for growth tegration between elec-
ventures, which represents a much broader portfolio tronics and digitalization
than his previous focus on the firm’s Maezio™ brand and healthcare—for example, the Apple Watch with an
for continuous fiber-reinforced, thermoplastic (CFRTP) ECG (electrocardiogram) function. “You see unbelievable
composites. As such, he now oversees efforts across opportunities for improving people’s lives, on a day-to-
a diverse set of ventures and entrepreneurial activities day basis.”
where Covestro projects significant growth. These
include CFRTP plus aspects of mobility, electric vehicles Technology has always played a central role in healthcare,
(EVs) and energy storage, global healthcare, non- but today the soaring popularity of connected medical
automotive LED lighting, business model innovation, devices is transforming how healthcare is delivered. And
and work on a brand-new polymer that Hartmann says these changes have huge implications for both product
is being developed as we speak. design and the materials used to make those devices.
“I now oversee seven different businesses around the Connected health is a healthcare management and delivery
world—each needs different types of tools, so it’s an system that relies on information and communications
interesting challenge. I also get a chance to work with core technology. Essentially, this technology is transforming
businesses at PCS (Covestro’s name for its polycarbonates care delivery by making it simpler, more collaborative,
business), for example, in mobility,” he says. and more data-driven. Digital technologies included in

the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) universe that are
the foundation of connected health include:
»» Sensors
»» Voice recognition technology
»» Wireless connectivity (to be advanced by the adoption
of 5G wireless networking)
»» Mobile devices and applications
»» Videoconferencing platforms
»» Big Data analytics, and
»» Cloud computing
In its own assessment of this burgeoning sector,

Covestro has noted that “developing and manufacturing
the innovative technologies that enable connected The soaring popularity of wearables and connected medical
health calls for versatile materials that can meet a broad devices is revolutionizing the healthcare sector, with major
list of requirements.” These materials should enable impacts on the materials used.
designers to create devices with:
»» Easy and intuitive user-friendly operation

It’s clear that materials technology has a vital role
»» Attractive aesthetics and stylish designs that echo to play in helping to ensure that proponents of the
consumer preferences growing connected-healthcare revolution can deliver the
»» Ability to be miniaturized for portable or on-body use products and services that are sure to be demanded in
the coming years.
»» Ergonomics for comfort and safety
»» Support for connectivity, including the latest Keeping Pace with the New Mobility
developments with 5G networks
Polenz, meanwhile, also moved into his new, broader
»» Support for power challenges, whether through use of role with mobility last September as part of a global
battery or plug-in restructuring. Before that, he headed polycarbonates for
»» Practical performance, such as toughness and the North American region.
chemical and scratch resistance
»» Biocompatibility for skin-adhered and subcutaneous “My new role is truly global and is geared toward our
devices (FDA Class I and II) mobility customers worldwide. Before, my focus was on
many industries in a given region,” he says.
Key factors for future
medical devices will in- The whole automotive industry is going through a
clude aesthetics (color huge change, he notes. It hasn’t experienced anything
and finish); miniaturiza- similar to this for decades. Some of mobility’s biggest
tion (both thin wall and themes involve electrification, autonomous driving, and
lightweight); and ergo- connectivity. Other key trends in that sector include:
nomics (comfort and
»» seamless integration of sensors and infotainment
safety). Additionally,
features;
there will be growing de-
mand for polymers that »» new ownership models beyond personal ownership,
provide radiofrequency which changes things from a “one design fits multiple
(RF) transparency (for an- use cases” model to a “designing for single-use cases”
tennas and 5G adoption); model;
flame retardance (for »» ride sharing—itself a type of new ownership model,
devices with batteries but one that for materials suppliers such as Covestro
Polenz: tracking future
or connected to power); drives durability, modularity, multiuse features (aka
mobility
and heat management electronics)
(for thermally conductive
materials that maximize Mobility is rapidly beginning to realize a future where
design options to cool chips and sensors). And final- individuals will no longer need to drive themselves,
ly, medical devices also will require chemical and dis- but rather be transported via autonomous vehicles. “If
infectant resistance; practical performance (to include you want to make it real, you have to make it real with
polymer additives that can boost properties such as UV materials,” Polenz says, noting that this offers huge new
resistance, toughness or antimicrobial action); and bio- challenges for all material classes.
compatibility (especially for devices that will be worn
against the skin). “We do have very durable, weatherable, sustainable

DESIGN NOTES
company’s booth get to strap on

a VR headset and take a virtual
journey through autonomous
vehicles that highlight the key
role the firm’s materials play in
designing future vehicle interiors.
This includes a wide selection
of PC resins, thermoplastic
polyurethanes (TPUs), and various
coatings, sealants, and adhesives
that contribute to numerous
lightweight, durable applications,
including both interior and
exterior lighting, integrated
electronics (in components such
as touchscreens), seat cushions,
sound-deadening foam, and
more.
The ever-evolving automotive

sector is creating new business
possibilities in the area of electric
The rise of 5G wireless networks will help to enable the Industrial Internet of Things and vehicle batteries and energy
overall connectivity within factories and throughout supply chains. storage. Strong growth in the
fledgling, dynamic EV segment
places it squarely in the growth
ventures portfolio.
materials, and we continue to push the boundaries
of these materials,” he says. With ride-sharing, for “We’ve seen the exponential takeoff of EVs over the last
example, the demands for all materials will increase in year, especially driven by the Tesla Model 3,” Hartmann
the car. In the past, automakers sometimes could get says. “Tesla just did the groundbreaking of its Giga
by with using cheaper, less durable, lower-performing Factory 3 in Shanghai.” Additionally, he notes, Chinese
polymers. But shared vehicles will require hard-wearing, battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.
cleanable, high-performance polymers. “We do see a lot Ltd. (CATL) is actively signing deals in Europe. “There
of opportunities there.” are just a lot of super-ambitious players in that field.
We’re providing materials to many of them, and we’re
In addition to collaborating with partners up and down talking to all of them.”
the value chain, the firm sees the possibility for new
functional cooperation between, say, special coatings The key point, according to Hartmann, is understanding
and other material classes to get at least as close as the market’s needs and being able to define what
possible to the type of self-healing properties many in that industry chooses as material standards. Doing so
the industry would love to have. requires a global perspective. The Germans and the
Japanese are doing a lot of EV research, “but the largest
Polenz, meanwhile, envisions user experience as the EV market in the world today is China—and they are
key factor in future mobility. “Once the car becomes super-committed to lithium ion,” he notes.
autonomous,” he notes, “the whole interior is going to
change, and with that, the materials that will be used As a result, Covestro for now is focusing on lithium ion
will be different. You want bigger displays. You don’t energy storage in vehicles, as well as on home storage
have to look at the street anymore, so you may want to and EV charging stations.
play games, read a book, interact with other people who
aren’t in the car.” Connectivity to Impact Vehicle Design
Also, as regards the vehicle’s exterior, once it is driven
Virtual Reality Gets Real autonomously, it will need to communicate more with
At various trade shows this this year, Covestro has things on the outside. Lighting and lenses will become
been showcasing its new “Future of Mobility Virtual even more important. The auto industry refers to this
Reality Experience,” through which visitors to the as vehicle-to-pedestrians (V2P), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V),

and vehicle to-everything (V2X) communications. For that is generated in tight spaces.” He touts Covestro’s
materials suppliers, this means more high-end sensors Makrolon TC (thermally conductive) polycarbonate as an
embedded both behind and inside their materials. It is also example of a product that can aid heat transfer, enable
likely to stimulate the development of large, seamless, smaller packaging, and promote less active cooling
glasslike surfaces that may integrate sensors. strategies.
This opens up yet more opportunities related to Mobility Beyond the Vehicle
exterior styling and illuminated branding features. Such
Hartmann points out that other aspects of the future
aesthetics are increasingly important in mobility, as
of mobility also hold promise. He says firms like his
users strive to personalize their rides. need to be asking, “What’s next? How will smart cities
really integrate solutions? Where are some of the best
“It’s all about integrating those obtrusive Lidar radar
practices in the world?”
[cameras and lenses] that are sometimes sitting on top
of the car, into the body panels,” Polenz says. “Then
Interestingly enough, he says, an automotive designer
you also need materials that the Lidar radar can pass
in China recently told him that his benchmark in this
through and still fully function while also being scratch- regard was Tokyo. The designer said, “China may have
and impact-resistant. And you don’t need the front grille better rail systems, and Hong Kong may have fantastic
anymore, so again you can use different materials.” small connectivities, but when you look at the timing of
the public mobility in Tokyo, it’s impeccable. You arrive
And still, Polenz stresses, the growth of autonomous
from a small bus and it gives you just enough time to
vehicles (AV) and advanced driver assistance systems go up to your rail platform to catch your train, then you
(ADAS) means not only a need for more sensors but also go from a long-range train to a local subway, and it’s all
for artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the reams of timed perfectly. It’s this kind of integration that’s the
data being captured. next wave, and we’ve got a team studying that.”
“AI means dramatically higher computational power will As for other parts of Hartmann’s portfolio, he notes the
be required. More computations mean more heat—heat global LED lighting business is growing quickly.
Digital displays and touchscreens in vehicles are getting larger and more functional while driving advances in the integration of
polymers and electronics.

DESIGN NOTES
“There are really interesting luminaires being developed, expect bigger visions and bigger thought leadership.
as architects and designers start to realize that, wow, we They can’t just follow the wisdom of the herd, that’s not
don’t need to just retrofit fluorescent or incandescent. a winning strategy.
We can design completely new stuff. They’re starting to
get that, so we’re beginning to see new solutions being “That’s also why,” he adds, “when you look at our
rolled out. We want to participate in that wave and get new setup, at Covestro we’re trying to build a really
the right materials for that.” agile business, because we understand that things
are changing super-fast, and we can make a positive
Hartmann also is charged with exploring new contribution—but only if we have the capability to
organizational strategies, which he says includes change quickly and help our customers drive new things
seeking ways to pivot existing operations to new
forward, even before they know that they want it.”
business models, or to brand entirely new businesses.
Developing a Whole New Polymer Electronics Get a Housing Upgrade

Andreas Brandt, based in China, is another Covestro
As for the new polymer that Covestro is developing,
the executives were cagey. “It’s very exciting. We’ll be official who is busy living with fast-paced change,
rolling it out in the next 18 to 24 months,” Hartmann steering marketing efforts for the company’s PCS
said in January. Polenz adds: “This polymer is there, and business in the E&E and appliances sector.
David’s team’s task is to grow it and commercialize it.”
Work on it is being done predominantly in Europe, but “An old paradigm,” Brandt recounts, “was that you have
given that Asia will be a key target market, some work smart and expensive electronics on the inside, and you
also is taking place now in China, he notes. have a cheap box around it, and therefore you need
plastics materials. I think this paradigm is changing.”
Reflecting back on some of the cool stuff he saw at
the CES 2019 consumer electronics show earlier this Brand owners are shifting away from the concept of
year, Polenz says, “Many of these concept vehicles ... cheap housings to much higher-performance, more
are becoming real. A lot of them will be on the road, functional housings. “You still have the smart, expensive
starting this or next year. That’s very exciting.” electronics inside, but everything gets smaller and
dense and hot and high energy. Since there is not much
Hartmann, meanwhile, stresses the need for leading space, the requirements for materials are increasing.
tech and consumer electronics companies to be
What you will find in the housing is much more function
more proactive when it comes to sustainability.
than simply protection of the electronics inside.”
While sustainability is a big focus within Covestro’s
polycarbonates business, he says, it does not yet seem
The result is many more integrated housings, which
to be a priority with some others.
may also include built-in antennas, for example, as well
“It’s an unbelievable challenge that humanity is facing, as other features—all with aesthetically attractive exteri-
and if this [high-tech-focused] community of people ors that not only look great, but also are
is not seeing that at the top pleasing to the
of their agenda, then what touch.
kind of chance do we
have, because they’re at
the forefront of what’s
happening? From lead-
ing companies,” Hart-
mann continues, “I
would expect more. I
As ride-sharing and self-

driving cars become more
prevalent, vehicle interiors will
become increasingly like mobile
living rooms, needing cleanable, durable
materials and lighting that can be personalized.

Brandt comments that aspects of the “smart” and as likely to be driven by the AI movement, in consumer
connected home can now be seen everywhere. The electronics first. “We have big, powerful players who are
companies that excel in this sector, he contends, are reshaping this quite dramatically, how it’s all connected
those that emphasize high-quality design in their and works.
products and that consider ”smart” features to be almost
a given. “The other aspect is the more industrial side of IoT
[the Internet of Things]—the whole area of smart
“Their products logistics, smart agriculture, smart cities. I’m not even
stand out for being talking about smart manufacturing, and how that will
aesthetically pleasing, dramatically change.”
and they become a piece
of furniture. They’re not
just the next gadget Making Robots Friendly
that you have in your Brandt sees Industry 4.0, for example, as helping to
household. Design is drive the development of autonomous devices and
absolutely playing a robotics.
more important role—
as is integration of “The big change that I’ve seen is that the old robotics
many devices into one.” needed metal—oil, grease, etc. For polycarbonate,” he
Some, such as LG’s admits, “it was a very difficult play.” But now, he notes,
Brandt: addressing E&E needs stand-out Signature line in this social sphere, companies are striving to develop
of appliances, smartly
safe, friendly looking service robots that appear to be as
integrate beautiful LED
human as possible, so as not to seem like an alien. That
lighting to make the
means these robots need to look nice, feel nice, be high
products easy to use, but also make them look to be
quality, sturdy, and flame-retardant.
high-end furniture with a function.
“In that perspective, PC has a lot to offer to this social,
Still, however, Brandt expresses some disappointment
at the lack of major breakthroughs in the smart-home logistics area of robotics. The task for us,” Brandt says,
sector to date. “I didn’t see the revolutionary use case “is to identify the right player and the real needs behind
yet. The vision of the smart, connected home—we are this.”
not yet there.”
A host of major, polymer-intensive sectors are changing
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence at the speed of light, and only agile, innovative firms
will be positioned to make the most of their emerging
When it comes to artificial intelligence and consumer- opportunities. Covestro, with its revamped structure,
focused robotics, Brandt says, “We are just at the aims to be one of those providers.
beginning. As I look into AI ... I’m stunned by how
many attempts there are on the market to come up with
robots and all these nice little gadgets to have in your
household with your children and your pets. Nice ideas,
but they’re just a starting point. They’re still not good
enough to have a major breakthrough.”
With so many big brands and clever entrepreneurs

working tirelessly in this area, however, he expects to
see some really cool things hit the market––likely sooner
than later.
He sees another big growth sector evolving in the

adventure entertainment area—with the next generation ABOUT THE AUTHOR
of Go Pro-type cameras, as well as drones. The industry
Robert Grace is a writer, editor and marketing
is really starting to mature now, he says. “These devices communications professional who has been
are getting very sophisticated now and have improved active in B2B journalism since 1980. He
greatly in terms of noise, range, specialization, etc. This was founding editor of and worked for 25
years at Plastics News, serving as editorial
is not an embryonic industry anymore.” director, associate publisher and conference
director. He was managing editor of Plastics
Drones need high-performing, lightweight, durable Engineering from July 2016 through October
materials, meaning that composites (such as Covestro’s 2017, and is now both editor of SPE’s Journal
of Blow Molding and directing content
Maezio CFRTP materials) potentially have a big role to strategy for SPE. He runs his own firm, RC
play, as do thermoplastic polyurethanes. Grace LLC, in Daytona Beach, FL., and can be
contacted at bob@rcgrace.com.
As for major trends in his sectors, Brandt sees change

COVER STORY
Stabilizing Recyclables
Recycled plastics are subjected to chemical processes that weaken them
over time. Some additives, however, can enhance the durability and
strength of these sustainable goods time and time again
By Geoff Giordano
I
n the emerging world of closed-loop plastics recycling, other AOs in the system. (It) also acts as a lubricant as
resins are going to have to perform double or triple well as an antacid.”
duty—or more. Girding them to tackle such Herculean
feats is a new generation of performance enhancers that Baeropol DRS 6812 is the most recent RST additive. Like
provide strength and stability every step of the way. the full range of Baeropol products, it is meant as a drop-
in replacement for resin makers and compounders. While
Not long after announcing the newest grades of its stabilizers are no mystery to those users, recyclers might
Baeropol Resin Stabilization Technology (RST) at NPE need more guidance. For recyclers having problems
2018, Technical Director Robert Sherman of Baerlocher’s incorporating high levels of reprocessed material into
Special Additives North America group addressed their conversion stream, increased stabilization can
emerging trends in bolstering recycled polymers in a neutralize the acid found in postconsumer recycled
presentation at ANTEC® 2019 in Detroit in March. (PCR) material and bolster resins that weren’t necessarily
designed for multiple extrusions.
Reducing the number of additives required to achieve
various mechanical and aesthetic properties is the goal Unique Solutions
of RST technology, Sherman explained at ANTEC®.
“We work downstream with recycling companies,
RST additives are derived from palm oil-based stearate converters, and brand owners designing, specifying, and
chemistry and emerged from Baerlocher’s investigation delivering stabilization that allows people to recycle,”
into blends of common additives that improve the says Roberto Nunez, business director for specialty
function of antioxidants. Not only do certain blends additives. Consumers, particularly in the U.S., are
improve the performance of commodity phenols and requesting that brand owners avoid single-use plastics
phosphites, but the process by which they are combined “at all costs.”
also boosts their effectiveness.
Providing guidance to stakeholders across the processing
Baeropol stabilizers inhibit the oxidative process to spectrum is a key role Baerlocher plays in ensuring robust
preserve a polymer’s structure. Furthermore, RST “is polymer performance over repeat uses, whether those
specifically composed of additives with the broadest repurposed plastics are industrial or postconsumer. A
global food contact approvals,” Sherman explained in his current priority is replacing phosphites.
presentation. He detailed the history of the creation of
RST, which has produced a range of stabilizing additives “Every solution is a little bit unique,” Nunez says, with
that maintain resin color, improve melt stability and Baerlocher offering “an infinite number” of custom
long-term heat stability, as well as reduce blooming. stabilizers in up to three forms: compacted rod pellet,
prill, or pastille.
RST is being used to stabilize polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene (PE), styrenics, and polyamides, Sherman With the T-Blends stabilizers, “the choice of phenolic AO
noted. RST “helps to boost commodity antioxidants and used in the blend is dependent upon the resin,” like low-

Baerlocher Baeropol stabilizers, in granule and pastille form, include antioxidants to extend the longevity of a range of polymers—
especially through multiple uses. Courtesy of Baerlocher
density, linear low-density, or high-density PE and PP,

Sherman explains. DRS products are designed for users
who require custom formulations and want to dose all
their additives separately in their hoppers.
Further Baeropol blends can incorporate nucleators and

clarifying agents for PP, slip and anti-block agents for
We work downstream linear low-density PP (LLDPP), or UV stabilizers for high-
with recycling companies, density PP (HDPP). Meanwhile, the “neat” RST can be
dosed directly into an AO hopper, Sherman suggests.
converters, and brand
Recent successful users of Baeropol stabilizers include a
owners designing, global manufacturer of polyolefin resins “who has seen
specifying, and delivering very good success for linear low film, specifically when it
comes to being able to reduce additives and the number
stabilization that allows of gels as well as improve gloss and clarity in the resin,”
Sherman notes.
people to recycle,” says
For pipe, “we’ve had excellent acceptance among several
Roberto Nunez, business customers when it comes to using RST as a great way
director for specialty of boosting the oxidation induction time (OIT).” When it
comes to pipe, one of the main test methods, especially
additives. Consumers, in the U.S., is OIT. “We’re able to very easily increase
OIT at lower loadings than normal AOs would allow.”
particularly in the U.S., This results in better processability for products like
are requesting that brand drainage pipe.
owners avoid single-use When working with customers, “we will typically receive
samples of resins, and in our lab, we will go through
plastics “at all costs. multi-pass extrusion and other processes to try to
determine how we can meet the customer’s requirements
for stability,” Sherman explains. “We will take that data

COVER STORY
back to the customer, and from there we work with LLDPE film is “very commonly put back into recycling,”
them to sampling additives they can incorporate into Sherman explains, although post-industrial film is
their resin either in their labor, occasionally, straight still far easier to reuse given how clean it remains in
into production trials.” controlled conditions, as opposed to postconsumer film
that is subject to multiple unknown contaminants.
Stabilizers in Recycling
If postconsumer film “is not properly cleaned, or if there
A significant part of Baerlocher’s role in the recycling
is contamination from cleaning surfactants, that can be
revolution is educating recyclers about how to extend
the longevity of various polymers with stabilizers. very detrimental for the antioxidants when you extrude
it. That’s part of where RST works very well, because
When Baerlocher gets involved in upstream processing many of those contaminants are acidic, and RST is a very
with masterbatchers and converters, that education good antacid.”
might take the form of presentations similar to the
one Sherman gave at ANTEC® 2019, detailing the When RST T-blends are added to post-consumer
performance enhancements RST provides as a drop- polyolefins, the initial properties of the resin are
in replacement for other commercially available retained to such a degree they are similar to prime
additives. resin—allowing for stable rheology and improved long-
term stability.
The various antioxidants in the many grades of Baeropol
prevent changes in rheology and color, as well the That can be particularly important in cases where
formation of gels, Sherman explains. Gels—crosslinked manufacturers are trying to “upcycle” a resin for a
polymers—will give a product like top bags “a texture demanding use than its initial function—for instance,
somewhat like sandpaper instead of being perfectly using a recycled milk jug resin for plastic pipe. “In that
smooth and transparent.” case, you would want a much more robust additive
package. If you’re down cycling by taking some recycled
While of course many products are “a one-and-done
part and turning it into lawn edging, you’re typically less
molding process”—like many pipe resins and injection
interested in long-term stability.”
molded plastics—thermoforming and blow molding
produces a lot of waste. “On a normal basis, about 30 RST greatly improves two key performance parameters
percent of that molded part is sent for regrinding. If you
when stabilizing PCR: melt index and OIT. RST added
are a resin manufacturer, you typically will have a more
to PCR HDPE flake produces nearly the same rheology
robust stabilization package.”
through three extrusions while resulting in better initial
In a case where RST is used as a partial phosphite OIT and retention of OIT through three extrusions. OIT
replacement in high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is extended from about seven to 11 minutes in flaked
Baerlocher can provide data on stabilizer-improved repro to between about 34 to 36 minutes to oxidation
performance through five passes through an extruder— with 2,500 ppm of RST T-blend T-1214.
the equivalent of being recycled four times.
With a group of samples containing contain 500 ppm

of phenolic antioxidant, 500 ppm phosphite antioxidant
and 500 ppm antacid or RST, Sherman notes the
complex rheology of stabilized HDPE run through an
extruder at various frequencies, either “extremely slowly ABOUT THE AUTHOR
or very, very fast.” Preventing crosslinking through five
extrusions, RST ultimately performed nearly identically Geoff Giordano has been a contributor to
to three high-order phosphites. Plastics Engineering since 2009, covering
a range of topics, including additives,
infrastructure, flexible electronics,
When RST is used in cast linear low-density polyethylene design software, 3D printing and
film (LLDPE), it can allow lower phosphite dosage, reduce nanotechnology. He has served as editor-
blooming by reducing additive use, provide better in-chief of numerous industry magazines
and is founder and chief creative officer
melt stability compared to standard formulations, and of content marketing firm Driven
dramatically boost OIT while using less antioxidant. For Inbound. He can be reached at geoff@
instance, 500 ppm of RST can offset the use of 1,000 driveninbound.com.
ppm of the stabilizing phosphite TNPP and 1,000 ppm

of antacid.

SUSTAINABILITY
Almost Like New

Recyclers rely on stabilizers to rebuild properties of reclaimed resins. If PCR
demand accelerates, a new generation of additives could remake the market
By Pat Toensmeier
E
fforts to improve the level and quality of plastics
recycling are growing in many parts of the world as
consumers, business, and regulators seek common
ground in addressing litter, waste disposal practices,
marine pollution, and the need to promote sustainable
lifestyles as effective ways of reducing society’s carbon
footprint and environmental impact.
Recycling plays a major role in this debate. It is the

cornerstone of the “circular economy,” in which the
consumption of mostly commodity plastics (and other
materials) doesn’t end after a product’s use. Advocates
want effective collection and recycling channels developed
for high-volume, single-use plastics like packaging, bottles,
jugs and containers, cups, food utensils, and especially
shopping bags, to guarantee that these materials will be Stabilizers raise PCR properties which suit materials for long-
reclaimed, reused, and removed from the waste stream for term uses like blow molded HDPE stadium seats. Courtesy of
as long as possible, and ideally, for good. Alibaba
Most postconsumer recyclate (PCR), however, lacks the

properties and performance that can broaden its reuse
potential. And this is where additives suppliers see intended or upcycling them into applications with value,”
an opportunity, both for business and for the circular says Robert Sherman, technical director for special
economy. The ability to maintain and possibly upgrade additives, North America, at Baerlocher USA.
the properties of select materials within the PCR stream—
The current PCR stream in the U.S. and elsewhere often
primarily polyolefins, PET, polystyrene, and some
results in potentially high-value materials like HDPE in
polyamides—through use of stabilizers could result in
milk jugs being commingled with other plastics and
growing demand for the additives and for the PCR they
recycled into low-value products such as lawn and garden
enhance.
trim. HDPE could, if properly cleaned and processed
Suppliers are promoting this approach to recycling through in a pristine mono-material stream, retain most of its
recent product developments and at conference and trade original properties with the addition of stabilizers during
show presentations. subsequent compounding and find long-term applications
in products like non-pressure pipe, stadium seating, deck
boards, and storage containers.
Performance Enablers
“Additives have to play a role in sustainability, especially “A drain pipe made of recycled HDPE can last for 50 years,”
if efforts call for reusing plastics as they were originally Sherman notes.

Baeropol stabilizers improve melt stability, color, and solubility of polyolefins in deck
boards and other applications (above). Baeropol DRS 6812 antioxidant, shown in prill form,
can replace phosphites or reduce their loading (right). Courtesy of Baerlocher USA
Baerlocher is among the companies that actively promote formulations that could become more common as
stabilizer use as a way to improve recycling. Products regulatory pressures grow on resin producers and product
include Baeropol T-Blends, which boost the stabilization brandholders to improve the efficiency and effectiveness
of recyclate by combining multiple stabilizers to capture of recycling.
free radicals, eliminate hydroperoxides, and neutralize
acidic species, all of which, if untreated, would reduce the “As customers require more and more recycled content,
properties of PCR. additives will be needed to allow resins to retain their
properties,” Sherman says.
The T-Blends retain PCR’s initial aggregated properties,
said Sherman in an ANTEC presentation earlier this year, Recycling could evolve into big business, though not in all
and maintain stability similar to that of prime resin, as regions. Europe appears to have the broadest programs in
well as long-term control over properties. During the the world, experts say, primarily because of regulations
presentation, he noted that while HDPE flake has poor and laws that increasingly focus on product redesign to
optimize PCR content.
OIT (oxidation induction time), the addition of a T-Blend
stabilizer improved initial OIT in tests and retained it Recycling in the U.S. lags the European model. As a result,
during three extruder passes. “It is generally rare in the U.S. to find someone that uses
stabilizers when recycling resins,” Sherman remarks.
The company also supplies Baeropol RST (resin stabilization
technology) grades, which blend additives in a balanced
formulation that contains multiple antioxidant as well Finding Markets
as antacid chemistries for polyethylene, polypropylene, One analyst explains that the U.S. recycling rate is declining
polystyrene, and low-temperature polyamides. RST after the overseas market for post-consumer plastics
chemistry is generally recognized as safe for indirect food collapsed following the 2018 ban by China on imports of
contact. plastics waste. In 2016, China took 51 percent of global
plastics waste shipments, most of which were from the
Recent additions to the RST line include Baeropol DRS U.S. China’s ban on imports led to many collection and
6812, an antioxidant that is formulated to improve melt recycling programs being abandoned in the U.S. and
stability, color, and solubility in polyolefin PCR. The offsetting demand for PCR has yet to develop.
stabilizer replaces phosphite on a 1:1 drop-in basis, acts
as a synergist to reduce phosphite loading, and allows the Recycling is a more profitable business in Europe due
use of lower-cost phosphite without affecting properties. to regulations that cover European Union members.
Automotive is an important outlet for PCR, which is used
These stabilizers demonstrate some of what’s available in blends or as core layers in parts. Even so, the European
for recycling. They also represent the types of additive Commission reports that only 6 percent of new plastics in

SUSTAINABILITY
to concentrate production on a handful of grades in order

to streamline inventories and lower manufacturing costs.
Analysts say that under these conditions it’s not unusual
for PCR grades to cost more than prime polyolefins, with
the result being that most buyers opt for virgin resins.
Many analysts believe that in the future, resin producers,

compounders, and of course recyclers will move
aggressively into PCR supply if demand warrants it.
Recycling could be a major business opportunity, one that
spurs developments in stabilizer chemistry. Right now,
the consensus is that markets are getting by with existing
chemistries. But if PCR demand ramps up, materials
producers, compounders, recyclers, and end-users will
identify evolving performance needs and expect suppliers
to meet them.
Biodegradable ecovio polymer from BASF is a dual-use retail and

Restoring Properties
compostable bag. Courtesy of BASF Examples of how existing products have been formulated
to meet current needs were discussed at the Plasticon
Sustainable Plastics Innovation conference in Dubai last
year. Talke Schaffrannek, director of applied sustainability
Europe currently comes from recycled material, a number at BASF, spoke about additive approaches to restoring PCR
the EC wants to increase. properties in order to create viable post-use resins.
Another factor affecting recycling in the U.S. is the lack One technique involves BASF’s Joncryl ADR functional
of a broad and effective system of collection, sortation, additives which, when used in reactive extrusion, restore
and processing. America needs to increase investments mechanical properties by rebuilding molecular weight and
in infrastructure to support recycling, analysts say, so chain branching in thermoplastic polyesters (PET and PBT),
that PCR is not only collected and processed, but the polycarbonate, polyamide, thermoplastic polyurethane,
system generates viable products for many markets. One and polylactid acid (PLA) resins.
approach that may become common is to reduce the types
and amounts of plastics collected. By focusing on products Schaffrannek also cited Recycloblend 660 and Recyclostab
with high-demand resins such as HDPE, PET, and 451 additives, both from Byk, which repair and upgrade
polyamides, and establishing mono-material the properties of recycled plastics. Loadings of 0.7 to
processing streams, quality recyclate 1.2 percent of Recycloblend 660 neutralizes solid
could be produced that would, with impurities and retains mechanical properties
stabilization, attract users. in polyolefins and TPOs. Typical appli-
This will likely happen as cations include vehicle bumpers,
more brandholders demand filled PP systems, and roto-
PCR content in their products. molded parts. Recyclostab
451, in 0.2 to 0.5 percent
A third factor, at least for now, loadings, improves the
is the low price of virgin resins, long-term stability of re-
notably polyolefins. Analysts cycled PP from automotive
attribute part of this to frack- battery cases and minimiz-
ing, which is increasing U.S. oil es the effects of acidic resi-
and natural gas production and due.
consequently depressing these
prices. A related price influence is Stabilizing PCR from PP battery
an effort by some large resin suppliers cases is especially important
because the application comprises
a model for future recycling: a
relatively pristine, mono-material
PP battery cases are recycled in mono-material streams
stream. In the U.S., estimates are that
and used in high-value recycling applications. Courtesy of
Scrap Mart Metals
90 percent of all automotive battery

Plastic marine waste fouls oceans and coastlines like this beach in Tanzania. Courtesy of Loranchet
cases are recycled, with the PP reused in new cases and well, in Europe and lately the U.S. While it’s unlikely that the
other high-end applications, Schaffrannek says. bags will be effectively collected and recycled, alternative
approaches are appearing. BASF, for example, offers a
BASF supplies additional stabilizers for recycling. compostable, bio-based polymer called ecovio FS, which
These include Irganox, an antioxidant; Irgafos, a high- can be used as a retail bag and then for organic waste. The
performance organo-phosphite that acts as an antioxidant product runs on LDPE blown film lines, is moisture and
in some versions; and Chimasorb and Tinuvin, hindered tear-resistant, and designed for effective composting.
amine light stabilizers that prevent UV degradation
and maintain the chemistry, physical properties, and For the foreseeable future, stabilizers will be an important,
appearance of polymers. if underused, means of increasing PCR performance. If the
market for PCR is to develop in the U.S., or expand in Europe,
Image and Reality resin producers, recyclers, and product brandholders will
need an infrastructure that guarantees the collection of
The success rate of recycling will be decided as much specific materials for cleaning, compounding, and reuse in
by consumer opinion and regulation as by product high-volume, high-value applications. Commingled waste
development. One issue that provokes controversy is streams and low-performance PCR will not build a viable
marine litter, notably the amount of plastics waste in recycling business. Current stabilizers are necessary
global waterways and oceans and washed up on beaches. for immediate recycling needs. In the future, growing
Estimates put the amount of plastics dumped in oceans performance demands and application options will likely
yearly at 8.8 million metric tons. China alone accounts for generate entirely new classes of stabilizers.
2.4 million metric tons of plastics ocean waste every year.
As a result, marine litter is a powerful image and incentive
for recycling. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
European countries, the U.S., and other nations are Pat Toensmeier is a Hamden, Conn.-based
working to reduce this pollution, most of which originates freelance writer and reporter with more
than 35 years of business journalism
in Asia. The European Parliament (EP) seeks aggressive experience, much of it with Modern
rules that limit the amount of single-use plastics for sale Plastics and Aviation Week. Over the
and increase the collection rate of PET bottles as one way years he has specialized in writing about
manufacturing, plastics and chemicals,
of keeping these products from becoming marine litter. By technology development and applications,
2029, the EP wants a 90 percent collection rate for plastic defense, and other technical topics.
bottles in Europe. By 2030 it seeks a 30 percent recycle-
content rate for PET and other bottles.
The ubiquitous LDPE retail bag is a target of regulation as

SUSTAINABILITY
Prepare for Round Three of the

Plastic Waste Trade War
After China closed its doors to scrap plastic imports in 2017 and Westerners
scrambled to find other export targets, diplomats chew on a proposal to add
mixed plastic waste to a list of materials that require the receipt of a country’s
informed acceptance of this type of trade under the Basel Convention
By Doug Woodring & Trish Hyde
T
he heady mix of plastic waste, global damage, and In 2018, China formalized its plan, and ceased importing
national interest has already sparked two sparring a number of materials, for recycling, including all
matches, and another is set to begin. At the heart unprocessed plastic––leaving plastic exporting nations
of the issue is that much of the planet relies heavily on with enormous volumes of waste on their own front doors
global trade––exporting and importing what we value. The and declaring a plastic waste crisis. China’s border closure
trading of plastic waste can fit these criteria. However, was the modern day “shot heard around the world” in terms
the exported value often comes with a toxic cost. Finding of Western countries and their abilities to easily offshore
the value in circular economy trading can help negate the their domestic plastic waste liabilities. Lack of homegrown
need for some of these plastic waste trade wars. capacities and high labor costs helped to shut the door on
value-adding opportunities for many developed markets,
The increased inability to easily move commodities, which while “commodity traders” often grabbed the resources
properly processed plastic resources are, is part of the from domestic processors as the buyers in China paid
reason for the world’s plastic pollution problem. The other more, for lower quality material.
significant issue is the lack of local capacity for proper
With China’s borders closed, Round 2 of the plastics
collection, sorting, and basic processing for material
challenge resulted in Western countries turning quickly
recovery, across communities of all levels of economic
to find new export markets. Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam,
advancement, including both Hong Kong and Singapore,
and Indonesia became the targets. Joining legitimate
which are two of the wealthiest cities in the world. and responsible processors of these resources was a
groundswell of illegal and irresponsible businesses.
In Round 1 of the plastic pollution fight, China announced
Like China, these countries felt, and feared, the harsh
its intention to cease the acceptance of scrap plastic
impacts of poor quality, contaminated imported plastics
imports in early 2017. Western industry insiders said which had nowhere to go except into the environment.
it would never happen. They trusted market forces, Their relatively quick actions to slow plastic imports for
expecting that such a ban would be viewed as an economic recycling, following China’s lead, means most exporters
trade barrier. did not find quick solutions for re-routing their previously
China-bound exports.
This was a grave miscalculation. We now know China’s
application to the World Trade Organization also opened the Round 3 is on the way, as diplomats have been considering
door to human and environmental damage. This created the a proposal to add mixed plastic waste to a list of materials
need to manage and limit the importation of plastic waste, where that require the receipt of a country’s informed acceptance
up to 40 percent of a bale shipped to China was unrecoverable, of this type of trade under the Basel Convention. If
due to contamination and poor material quality. successful, trading mixed plastic waste resources will

change from being business-led buying and selling to waste recovery facilities are frequently outdated and built
one of government determination. Plastic waste exporting for paper, glass, and metal.
countries will need the informed consent from recipient
countries (like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, or China) in Far from shunning the complexity of the issues, many
order for importation to be approved. businesses recognize the implications of pleading
ignorance and instead have committed to being leaders
A Shifting Problem: Sustainable Trade in the solution, even if that solution has yet to be defined.
Recycling for resource reuse is of paramount importance.
These topics were among some of those addressed
across the world both in Nairobi at the United Nations Given that no single company or nation can possibly reuse
Environmental Assembly (UNEA) and at Plasticity Pacific in all consumed resources, trade is essential. Trade, however,
Fiji. Cutting across the localized need for solutions include needs to be responsible, and it needs to be the trading of
the macro questions of whether recycling is really about resources that will be completely used and managed.
sustainability, or if it’s a means for richer nations to shift
a problem? The challenge we face is not whether plastic waste resources
should be moved between countries for economies of scale
Today, the trade of plastic waste hides under the banner and reuse, but instead, it is the question of how do we
of doing environmental good at home without having to shift from thought to action, from principle to practical,
consider the impacts on recipient nations. and from me to we?
With the high publicity and visibility of plastic waste issues
today, we all face much tougher questions than trying
From Me to We: Shifting the Focus
to decide which recycling bin to use for which type of Over the past eight years we have held the Plasticity Forum
material. We need plastic to maintain our modern lifestyles around the world on the topic of plastic circular economies.
(think mobile phones, credit cards, auto parts, and medical We have engaged thousands of people from all parts of the
equipment, among others), and the original concept behind value chain for industry-led, fit-for-purpose solutions. From
recycling is still valid––to continually reuse materials for the this diverse and deep exploration, we offer some thoughts
ongoing benefit of all. However, the mechanics of recycling on solving the key question: How do we optimize value for
are trapped in the Industrial Age where production was plastic in its second life with localized processing while
optimized with little thought for future consequence, while allowing the transfer of materials only if needed for creating
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SUSTAINABILITY
economies of scale from smaller markets to larger ones and resources through collection, sorting, and processing
transferring only value, instead of burden (waste). should take priority over downcycling the materials.
1. Continue the pressure: With the disruptive forces Yet, the greater challenge is what to do with the rest––
already in play, countries that have been a dumping the dirty mixed plastics where it is hard to derive
ground should continue putting pressure on waste- value. These materials can be converted from waste
exporting nations so that only recovered plastic to energy, but increasingly entrepreneurs, scientists,
feedstock is exported. In other words, only high- and researchers are looking beyond the calorific value
quality, fit-for-purpose material that has a second life and using dirty plastic’s embedded characteristics; for
in the recipient country. example, extracting the aluminium from chip packets
and using a processed form to create a higher-
2. Business focus on sustainable market opportunities: performing building aggregate. Chemical recycling
One Plasticity alumnus recently said that, despite the is also a new opportunity which can yield a pure,
fact that his business collects and processes used high-quality polymer as a byproduct, without the
materials and then manufactures new goods for sale, contamination burdens with which some mechanical
his business is not that of a recycler. Rather, he says recycling processes contend.
his business is a plastics engineering, design, and
product manufacturer that happens to specialize in 6. Innovative substitutes for non-recoverable
using recovered plastic. hazardous plastics: There are more than 43,000 types
and combinations of plastics. While all are technically
Like many entrepreneurs in this space, he starts recoverable and reusable, it is simply not viable to do
with his customers, combining their needs with his so for many of them with today’s technologies and
strategic strengths to determine which profitable economies of scale in sorting and collection. Where
products to make and sell within the specialty market there is no value, and not even energy, the innovation
he serves (in this case, agricultural and aquaculture challenge should be set globally to identify substitutes
products where there is good market turnover and or recovery solutions. Over time, the “too-hard basket”
margin for profit). of plastics will diminish.
It is only after this analysis that he turns his mind 7. Engage in the conversation: It is easy to want to
to where he can source suitable waste plastic, its blame others for the global plastic waste problem––
costs, and the processes needed to transform it. should governments have done more, are community
Interestingly, he found that his customers are a great attitudes the cause, or are corporates ones at fault?
source of the very waste plastic he needs. The problem with the blame game is that, once
started, the finger pointing rarely ends.
3. Collaborating for competitive advantage markets:
The market disruption currently being experienced Above all else, new collaborations and shared
globally is an opportunity for industries, countries, and responsibility created across business sectors can help
regions to apply this thinking from above. Each group shift thought to action, embed principle to practice,
knows its manufacturing strengths and weaknesses and help change the focus from me to we.
and where it has strategic opportunity.
The only part missing is determining where there are viable

opportunities to replace virgin plastic with recovered ABOUT THE AUTHORS
plastic, in order to ensure clear pathways for plastic waste Douglas Woodring is founder of Plasticity Forum (the global forum
to be transformed into feedstock for reuse. bringing about applied plastic circular economies) and founder of
Ocean Recovery Alliance (a solutions-focused non-governmental
4. Walking the talk: Governments and businesses wield organization dedicated to better oceans). He is a sustainability
economist with more than 20 years of experience in business,
huge buying power through their own procurement. finance, and circular economy across the globe but with deep roots
Adopting policies favouring recovered content, is in Asia where he is based.
a powerful demand catalyst to stimulate product Trish Hyde is founder of The Plastics Circle (a circular economy
development using recovered plastic. innovation and application firm) and founder of PlastX (a tech startup
for businesses to buy the specific recovered plastics they need,
5. Extract value from all plastic: There are some plastics direct from a community of paid collectors). She is an accomplished
business leader and adviser with global knowledge and expertise in
(such as clean, clear PET) that are highly valuable as circular economies and operational performance.
recovered plastic, yet there are many that, either
Douglas and Trish invite readers to join industry leaders and
through lack of volume or high contamination, are influencers at the next world-leading action-based plastic circular
perceived as worthless. economy forum––Plasticity Amsterdam, on June 19, 2019, in The
Netherlands (www.plasticityforum.com).
It is obvious that extracting valuable used plastic

19TH ANNUAL
COMPOSITES: Forming the Future of

Transportation Worldwide
SEPT 4-6, 2019
CALL FOR
PAPERS
ATTEND THE WORLD’S LEADING AUTOMOTIVE COMPOSITES FORUM You’re invited to attend the 19th
Annual SPE Automotive Composites Conference and Exhibition (ACCE), September 4-6, 2019 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in
Novi, MI. The show features technical sessions, panel discussions, keynotes, receptions, and exhibits highlighting advances in materials,
processes, and equipment for both thermoset and thermoplastic composites in a wide variety of transportation applications.
PRESENT BEFORE A GLOBAL AUDIENCE The SPE ACCE draws over 900 attendees from 15 countries on 5 continents
who are interested in learning about the latest composites technologies. Few conferences of any size offer such an engaged, global
audience vitally interested in hearing the latest composites advances. Interested in presenting your latest research? Abstracts are due
ASAP and papers on June15, 2019 to allow time for peer review. Submit abstracts viawww.SubmitACCEPapers.com.
EXHIBIT / SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES A variety of sponsorship packages are available. Companies interested in
showcasing their products and / or services should contact Teri Chouinard of Intuit Group at teri@intuitgroup.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SPEautomotive.com/acce-conference +1.248.701.8003
49TH ANNUAL
PLASTICS –> Advancing Mobility

NOVEMBER 6
2019
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

–> HALL OF FAME AWARD INNOVATIVE PART
–> MOST INNOVATIVE USE OF PLASTICS AWARDS COMPETITION
CATEGORIES:
The Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE®) is announcing a “Call for Nominations” for its 49th-annual • Additive
Automotive Innovation Awards Gala, the oldest and largest recognition event in the automotive and plastics industries. This Manufacturing
year’s Awards Gala will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the Burton Manor in Livonia, Mich. Winning part nominations • Aftermarket
(due by September, 15, 2019) in 10 different categories, and the teams that developed them, will be honored with a Most • Body Exterior
Innovative Use of Plastics award. A Grand Award will be presented to the winning team from all category award winners. • Body Interior
An application that has been in continuous use for 15 years or more, and has made a significant and lasting contribution to the • Chassis/Hardware
application of plastics in automotive vehicles, (nominations due by May 31, 2019) will be honored with a Hall of Fame award. • Environmental
• Materials
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES This annual event currently draws over 800 OEM engineers, automotive • Process, Assembly &
and plastics industry executives, and media. A variety of sponsorship packages - including tables at the banquet, networking Enabling Technologies
receptions, advertising in the program book, signage at the event and more are available. Contact Teri Chouinard of Intuit • Powertrain
Group at teri@intuitgroup.com. • Safety
For more info and to submit nominations, go to: www.speautomotive.com/innovation-awards-gala. & Hall of Fame
IAG19_CFN_Hlf_PE_May.indd 1 4/10/19 12:24 PM

AS I SEE IT
Destination Düsseldorf
The K Show in Germany will attract more than 3,000 exhibitors from 60
countries. Petra Cullmann, global portfolio director for plastics and rubber at
Messe Düsseldorf, talks about why K 2019 is so important to the industry
By Pat Toensmeier
T
he triennial K Show will be the center of the global plastics industry for eight days this
fall. More than 3,000 exhibitors from over 60 countries will fill the massive fairgrounds
(175,000 square meters) of organizer Messe Düsseldorf in Germany between Oct. 16 and
23, presenting the latest technology, machinery, materials, and applications to attendees from
161 countries. Petra Cullmann is the global portfolio director for plastics and rubber at Messe
Düsseldorf. She discusses why K 2019 is so meaningful for business and what attendees will
see there.
Why should plastics professionals attend K

2019?
K has been the most important meeting place of the
international plastics industry for 67 years. For eight days, the
“Who’s Who” of the plastics world will meet in Düsseldorf to
demonstrate the industry’s capabilities, discuss trends, and
set the course for the future. Only at K will visitors have a
complete overview of where the industry is heading because
they can experience innovations throughout the value chain.
What new areas of technology and

manufacturing will be highlighted?
Our core strength is putting on a service-oriented event, so
for technology input, it is important to get the right partners
onboard. We work closely with groups like the German
Association of Plastics Converters and the German Plastics
and Rubber Machinery Association. The trade fair is also
under the patronage of Euromap, the European Committee of
Manufacturers for the Plastics and Rubber Industry. Another
key association that we rely on is the Scientific Council, a group
of professors of polymer science and plastics technology at Petra Cullmann, global portfolio director for plastics and
scientific institutions. rubber at Messe Düsseldorf

Together with our German and European
association partners, we have developed
four key topics for presentation:
1. Plastics for sustainable development
and the circular economy.
2. Digitalization of the value-added
chain/Plastics Industry 4.0, which
includes platform economy and value-
added networks.
3. System integration, which covers
functionality through material,
process, and design, and covers
new materials and additives,
additive manufacturing, lightweight
engineering, mobility and e-mobility,
and bioplastics.
4. Promotion of young professionals for
the industry.
In addition, the following trends will

be highlighted: modification, additive
manufacturing, and functionalization of
polymer raw materials; resource efficiency; Courtesy Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann
material efficiency and availability;
reduced mold changeover times; and
zero-waste production.
Will there be outreach to regulatory and
A special show, “Plastics Shape the Future,” a project of the political bodies at K?
German plastics industry spearheaded by PlasticsEurope
Deutschland and Messe Düsseldorf, will include keynote This year again, government and institutional
speeches and discussions of relevant topics. A joint representatives from all over the world will come and see
presentation of the VDMA (German Engineering Federation) where the industry stands and how it is facing challenges.
and its member companies will focus on sustainability Especially against the background of discussions about
and the circular economy. And the Science Campus will plastics and the environment, which can only be addressed
encourage dialogue between research and industry and and resolved globally, the meeting of representatives from
provide exhibitors and visitors with a comprehensive view politics and industry at K is very important.
of scientific activities and results in plastics research.
The key is circular economy. The devastating effects of
What types of developments will K littering in the oceans must lead to a process of change
in society and industry. Plastics are too valuable to be
display? carelessly thrown away. The EU is setting an example with
K is structured in three main categories: machines and its new plastics recycling strategy. Exhibitors will highlight
equipment; raw materials and auxiliaries; and semi- these issues at their booths, and “Plastics Shape the
finished products, technical parts, and reinforced plastics Future” will address marine litter, packaging waste, and
products. K 2019 represents the industry’s complete climate change as well as resource conservation, energy
production chain in unparalleled depth and breadth. efficiency, and recycling.
Exhibitors of all categories will present world premieres
during the show. Only K features such a high density of
international product launches.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
How will K highlight the impact of
Pat Toensmeier is a Hamden, Conn.-based
plastics on global societies? freelance writer and reporter with more
than 35 years of business journalism
Polymer materials deliver impressive results in almost all experience, much of it with Modern
areas of application. Plastics are indispensable for many Plastics and Aviation Week. Over the
applications. While the questions of proper disposal and years he has specialized in writing about
manufacturing, plastics and chemicals,
reuse pose significant challenges for global societies,
technology development and applications,
plastics are valuable materials which ought to be produced defense, and other technical topics.
in a sustainable manner and reused to create high-quality
products. K 2019 will show an overview of the possibilities
and insight into the industry’s cooperation with different
institutions.

INDUSTRY NEWS
ExxonMobil Completes Elastomers Expansion in

Wales, Announces Expansion in Texas
E
xxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international “Our substantial investments in the United States support
oil and gas company, has completed an expansion ExxonMobil’s long-term growth plans and will result
of its specialty elastomers manufacturing plant in in thousands more high-paying jobs,” says Darren W.
Newport, Wales, doubling the plant’s manufacturing Woods, ExxonMobil chairman and chief executive officer.
capacity and increasing global manufacturing capacity “Through the billions of dollars that we’re investing in
of Santoprene™ thermoplastic elastomers by 25 percent. the Permian Basin to increase oil production and the
The company also announced a $2 billion investment to expansion at our operations along the Gulf Coast, our
expand its Baytown, Texas, chemical plant, which will company is making significant, lasting contributions to
create approximately 2,000 jobs during construction the U.S. economy and the many communities where we
and contribute to the approximate 15 percent return the operate.”
company expects from its chemical investments.
ExxonMobil’s Baytown facility is the largest integrated
Regarding the Welsh plant expansion, Karen McKee, petrochemical complex in the U.S. Founded in 1919, the
president of ExxonMobil Chemical Co. says, “ExxonMobil’s complex is located on approximately 3,400 acres along
high-performance plastics help make automotive and the Houston Ship Channel, about 25 miles east of the city.
consumer products lighter, resulting in improved fuel The facility includes a refinery, chemical plant, olefins
efficiency and higher performance, compared with plant, plastics plant, and global technology center. Its
products made with traditional materials. This Newport expansion, expected to begin in 2022, includes a new
investment doubles the site’s manufacturing capacity of Vistamaxx™ performance polymer unit, which produces
higher-value products.” products that offer higher levels of elasticity, softness,
and flexibility. These attributes contribute to a reduction
Santoprene thermoplastic elastomers are engineered in materials used and increased performance, and the
to perform like vulcanized rubber and can be re- new unit will produce about 400,000 tons of Vistamaxx
used and re-engineered, leading to reduced shipping polymers a year. The Baytown project will also enable
weights, improved recycling capabilities, and more- ExxonMobil to enter the linear alpha olefins market.
sustainable manufacturing. The Newport project Linear alpha olefins are used in numerous applications,
created approximately 35 full-time production jobs including high-performing engine and industrial oils,
and supported 130 jobs during construction. The waxes and building blocks for surfactants, polyethylene
announcement of its completion followed ExxonMobil’s plastic for packaging, and other specialty chemicals. The
recently announced plans to expand its Fawley refinery new unit will produce about 350,000 tons of linear alpha
in the United Kingdom to increase production of ultra- olefins a year.
low sulfur diesel by almost 45 percent, or 38,000 barrels
per day. “Our Baytown chemical expansion will put us in a solid
position to maximize the value of increased Permian
The Baytown expansion is in addition to the company’s Basin production and will deliver higher-demand, higher-
2017 Growing the Gulf initiative, which outlined plans value products produced at our Gulf Coast refining and
to build and expand manufacturing facilities along the chemical facilities,” says Woods. “Global demand for
U.S. Gulf Coast, creating more than 45,000 jobs across chemicals is expected to be greater than energy demand
the region. growth and GDP growth over the next 20 years.”

Tupperware Brands to Introduce Circular Material
Made from Mixed Plastic Waste
T
upperware Brands Corp., a global marketer of reusable, safe, and environmentally responsible products
food preparation, storage, and serving solutions, that help consumers store, prepare, and cook food.
announced its collaboration with SABIC, a Introducing polymers from recycled material reflects
petrochemical company and one of its long-term Tupperware’s commitment to sustainability. Starting in
suppliers, for the introduction of certified circular the summer of 2019, Tupperware will begin introducing
polymers into its products. This collaboration highlights the certified circular polymers in new products that aid in
both companies’ commitment to advance a circular the reduction of single-use plastics, including a portable
economy where plastic waste and materials are used, reusable straw and an on-the-go coffee cup.
reused, and repurposed.
“We are pleased to extend our collaboration with
“Tupperware Brands is committed to meeting the
Tupperware Brands, as we are unified in our goal to
needs of today’s consumers, who are increasingly
deliver high-quality solutions made from advanced,
asking for solutions that mitigate waste and advance
recycled materials that address consumer needs and
a more circular economy. The introduction of this new
material, and the products in which they will be used, safety standards,” says Sergi Monros, vice president,
reflect our continued dedication to further reduce our performance polymers and industry solutions at
environmental footprint at all levels of the product SABIC. “We continue to innovate with materials and
lifecycle—from design, production, and distribution look to create more sustainable and environmentally
to products’ use and reusability—and also reflects our responsible solutions to support a circular economy.
heritage of innovation and sustainable design,” says Bill Our material is made through a process that takes mixed
Wright, Tupperware’s executive vice president, product plastic waste destined for disposal, breaks it down to its
innovation, and supply chain. original raw state, and recreates high-quality plastic that
maintains the purity and quality that are the hallmark of
For more than 70 years, Tupperware has provided Tupperware products.”
David Stasse Named Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer of Trinseo
T
rinseo, a global manufacturer of plastics, latex compliance programs, and operational discipline during
binders, and synthetic rubber, named David Stasse his tenure as Trinseo’s CFO. We will miss his counsel
its executive vice president and chief financial and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved
officer effective July 1. He will replace Barry Niziolek, retirement.”
who earlier this year announced his plans
to retire. Stasse, the company’s current Stasse joined Trinseo in 2013 from
vice president, treasury and investor Freescale Semiconductor Inc., where he
relations, will also join its executive served as vice president and treasurer
leadership team. from 2008 to 2013 and as assistant
treasurer from 2006. He previously
“We are extremely pleased to name an served as first vice president, debt
executive the caliber of Dave Stasse as capital markets, at MBNA Corp., as
CFO,” says Frank A. Bozich, president and treasury manager of SPX Corp., and held
chief executive officer of Trinseo. “His numerous financial leadership positions
track record at Trinseo, his strategic and at Honeywell International from 1998 to
financial acumen, and his credibility with 2004, last serving as director of corporate
investors make him ideally suited to take finance. Stasse, who holds a master’s
on this role. Dave has worked closely with degree in business administration in finance from the
Barry Niziolek throughout his tenure, which will enable University of Maryland and a bachelor of science degree
a smooth and seamless transition. On behalf of the in business logistics from Penn State University, will
board, I want to thank Barry Niziolek for his leadership continue to be located at Trinseo’s global operating
in strengthening the company’s financial performance, center in Berwyn, Pa.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Jerry MacCleary to Retire from Covestro
C
ovestro LLC announced that Jerry MacCleary will from Bayer AG and establishment as an independent
retire from his current position as chief executive company in 2015, and was named to his current position as
officer and chairman of the board, effective Dec. 31, chief executive officer and chairman in 2018. MacCleary’s
2019. leadership extends into the chemical industry as well,
where he serves as chairman of the American Chemistry
“I’ve had a long, fulfilling career with this company, and Council’s board of directors and chairs its sustainability
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished over committee. He also serves on the board of directors
the years,” says MacCleary. “Covestro has a vibrant new for the National Association of Manufacturers and the
culture, a strong, diverse leadership team, and a promising executive committee for the Society of Chemical Industry.
Both inside and outside Covestro, MacCleary is known for
future here in the region—I can’t think of a better time
championing initiatives that help to advance sustainability,
to retire. Saying goodbye to my Covestro family won’t be
innovation, and diversity and inclusion.
easy, but I’m looking forward to starting this next chapter
of my life.”
“Our team, our business, and our reputation in North
America have thrived under Jerry’s leadership, and we’re
MacCleary’s retirement caps a 40-year career at Covestro. grateful for his many contributions over the years,” says
He first joined the company in November 1979 as an Dr. Markus Steilemann, chief executive officer of Covestro
accountant, and he has held roles in sales, marketing, AG. “While Jerry will retire at the end of 2019, the impact
general management, and strategic leadership. In 2004, he’s had on our culture, community and industry will be
MacCleary was named head of the North American felt for years to come.”
Polyurethanes business, a responsibility he maintained
even after taking the helm at Covestro LLC in 2012. He Covestro’s North American polyurethanes division
led the North American organization through a number of produces high-performance polymers as part of the global
transformative changes, including Covestro’s separation Covestro business.
Kraton Appoints Atanas Atanasov

Chief Financial Officer
K
raton Corp. announced that its board of directors Partners. Atanasov also spent nine years with GE Capital
appointed Atanas H. Atanasov senior vice president in various finance roles of increasing responsibility. He
and chief financial officer, effective May 6, 2019. holds a master’s degree in business administration from
Atanasov will assume the role from Christopher H. the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa
Russell, the company’s chief accounting officer, who and a bachelor of science in accounting, summa cum
has also served as interim chief financial officer since laude, from Oral Roberts University.
November 2018.
Fogarty also noted the contributions Russell made in his
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Atanas to Kraton. capacity as interim chief financial officer. “On behalf of
We believe his background, experience, and leadership our board of directors, I want to thank Chris Russell for
approach will be instrumental as Kraton continues to
his commitment and significant contributions during
execute on its innovation-led growth strategy to deliver
exceptional value for our shareholders, customers, the past six months. His leadership ensured continuity
and employees,” says Kevin M. Fogarty, the company’s in all critical activities our CFO organization supports.
president and chief executive officer. “Atanas brings to Moreover, Chris was a willing and able thought partner
Kraton over 20 years of disciplined financial leadership to our leadership team, our board of directors, and me,
experience, with proven expertise in accounting, tax, personally, as we closed 2018, built our plans for 2019,
financial planning and analysis, banking, and capital and evaluated a number of strategic considerations. As
market transactions.” chief accounting officer, Chris remains a valued Kraton
senior leader.”
Atanasov most recently served as a chief financial officer
of Empire Petroleum Partners, LLC. Prior to joining Kraton produces styrenic block copolymers, specialty
Empire in 2016, he served as executive vice president, polymers, and high-value performance products derived
chief financial officer, and treasurer of NGL Energy from pine wood pulping co-products.

Robert Langer Wins 2019 Dreyfus Prize for
Chemistry in Support of Human Health
T
he Camille and Henry Dreyfus
Foundation announced that Robert
Langer, institute professor at
Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
won the 2019 Dreyfus Prize in the
Chemical Sciences. The biennial prize,
which includes a $250,000 award, is
being conferred this year in Chemistry
in Support of Human Health. The award
ceremony will be held at MIT on Sept. 26
and will include a lecture by Langer.
“It’s always been a dream for me to be

able to use my scientific background
to help prolong life and relieve human
suffering,” says Langer. “When I look at
the remarkable individuals in chemistry
and chemical engineering around the Robert Langer, winner of the 2019 Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences.
world, including the people who have Courtesy of Science History Institute/Wikimedia Commons
won the Dreyfus Prize previously,
receiving this award is truly humbling,”
Langer is being honored for discoveries provide to society than the many profound contributions
and inventions of materials for drug delivery systems to the science and technology of human health,” says
and tissue engineering that have had a transformative Matthew Tirrell, chair of the Dreyfus Foundation
impact on human health through chemistry. His work Scientific Affairs Committee and director of the Institute
on drug delivery is at the interface of biotechnology and for Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago.
materials chemistry, with a strong focus on the study and “Bob Langer created two rich fields at the intersection
development of polymers to deliver drugs continuously of chemistry and medicine: controlled release materials
and at controlled rates for prolonged periods. His for delivery of therapeutic macromolecules and tissue
innovations have been lauded as the cornerstone of engineering. His discoveries have been translated, often
that industry and translated into commercial products by Langer himself, to many products that profoundly
used in the treatment of brain and prostate cancer, impact human health. In a diverse field of chemists and
macular degeneration, and a variety of mental health chemical engineers with many powerful contributors,
disorders, including schizophrenia and opioid addiction. the enormous body and influence of Bob Langer’s work
His pioneering work with Joseph Vacanti in tissue stands out in a singular way.”
engineering has led to the creation of new skin, cartilage,
bone, corneas, and blood vessels in humans. Langer is Initiated in 2009, the Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical
further renowned as a mentor, with nearly 1,000 former Sciences is conferred in a specific area of chemistry
students and postdocs becoming established leaders in each cycle and is the highest honor of the Camille
in academia, industry, and government. His papers and Henry Dreyfus Foundation. Based in New York
have been cited in scientific publications more than any and established in 1946 by chemist, inventor, and
other engineer in history, and his leadership in both businessman Camille Dreyfus, the foundation is a leading
the underlying science and its applications have given non-profit organization devoted to the advancement
rise to entirely new fields of the chemical sciences and of the chemical sciences. Its mission is to advance the
engineering. science of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related
sciences as a means of improving human relations and
“There is no greater benefit that the chemical sciences circumstances throughout the world.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Westfall Technik Acquires Delta Pacific Products

and Its Subsidiaries
W
estfall Technik, Inc., a global holding company company plans to expand Delta’s current footprint to
that provides plastics manufacturing solutions allow the business to scale alongside its customers.
to the medical, packaging, and consumer goods
industries, acquired Delta Pacific Products and its wholly “We chose to join Westfall Technik because we knew
owned subsidiaries, Prism Plastics Products and NxTBio Westfall would expand the services and production
Technologies, each of which operate on a standalone capacity we offer to the medical device community in the
basis. This acquisition marks a significant investment in Bay area and greater Minneapolis. We can now offer our
the medical/healthcare space for Westfall. customers high-volume production, device assembly, and
rapid precision toolmaking throughout the United States
As an injection molding company with over thirty years and, through Westfall’s extensive sales team, can offer our
of operating experience in the San Francisco Bay Area, services to customers we could never previously reach,”
Delta serves the large and growing medical device startup says Yuan Tian, Delta’s president and chief executive
community in that region, working with med-tech research officer.
and development professionals from the prototyping
phase through FDA approval and full production. Prism, Westfall also acquired NxTBio Technologies, a developer,
located outside Minneapolis, also marks a strategic marketer, and distributor of branded bioscience laboratory
investment for Westfall as the company looks to expand its consumables including pipette tips, filter tips, tubes and
presence and provide additional capacity and capabilities strip tubes, vials, multi-well plates, and related racking
to its customers in the Midwest. On a combined basis, systems. Westfall’s ability to engineer and build high-
the additions of Prism and Delta add over 50,000 square volume production systems will accelerate the growth of
feet of production space to Westfall’s capacity, and the NxTBio’s product portfolio.
SC Johnson Expands Offerings of Concentrate

Products to Combat Plastic Waste
S
C Johnson is continuing to address the plastic refills, including Scrubbing Bubbles, Windex, and Mr
waste crisis by expanding and widening access to Muscle®, will be available for purchase online in Mexico
its concentrate offerings. this July, in the United Kingdom starting in August, and
in China and Japan beginning this September.
“Plastic waste is becoming a bigger and bigger
environmental problem,” says Fisk Johnson, chairman
The benefits of concentrate refills are primarily
and chief executive officer of SC Johnson. “We hope
environmental and in line with the steps SC Johnson
more people can give concentrates a try, as every single
has taken regarding waste reduction and the circularity
time you use a concentrate bottle you [create] nearly 80
of its products. For example, the company’s trigger
percent less plastic waste.”
bottles deliver more than 10,000 sprays and can be
Since the unveiling of Windex® concentrates in 2011, refilled dozens of times; by purchasing bottles with a
SC Johnson has expanded its refill options to other long lifespan, millions of pounds of plastic waste can be
popular cleaning brands, including Pledge®, Scrubbing stopped from ending up in landfills.
Bubbles®, Shout® and fantastik®. The new line of SC
Johnson concentrates will begin rolling out in the “Refilling with a concentrate is a small change that could
U.S. and Canada, when Scrubbing Bubbles, Windex, make a real difference in minimizing plastic waste,”
and fantastik bottles, and two-count refill sets hit Johnson says. “Together, we can reduce plastic waste
e-commerce retailers. The next wave of concentrate and work towards a cleaner planet.”

SOCMA: Increase in China Tariffs to
Place Disproportionate Burden on
Specialty Chemical Manufacturers
T
he Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates executive officer of SOCMA. “Whether it is pigments,
(SOCMA) says the Trump administration’s decision agrochemicals, or pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals
to raise tariff rates from 10 to 25 percent on $200 are vital inputs to critical sectors of American industry.
billion in Chinese imports will disproportionately burden These sectors are thriving, but cannot continue to
specialty chemical manufacturers. The U.S. Trade sustain the volatility introduced by these actions. We
Representative (USTR) notice of the tariff increase was have illustrated the interdependency of these supply
published in the Federal Register on May 9 and went into chains to USTR at every opportunity and have stressed
effect at 12:01 a.m. May 10. the need for a product exclusion request process for List
3. The promised exclusion process in today’s Federal
Specialty chemical supply chains are particularly Register notice acknowledges this, and SOCMA looks
dependent on China because, in many cases, China is forward to working with the administration towards an
the sole supplier of raw materials and building block expeditious and transparent process for evaluating List
chemicals. The fact that chemical tariff lines made up 3 exclusion requests.”
nearly half of the delistings for List 3 (the products
effected by the tariff increase) speaks volumes regarding To date, the U.S. has levied tariffs on 1,517 Chinese-
the degree to which certain inputs are simply unavailable origin chemical products valued at roughly $15.4 billion.
outside of China at reasonable costs and in sufficient China has levied retaliatory tariffs on more than 1,000
quantities, if at all. chemical and plastics products valued at roughly $10.8
billion. As the U.S. and China negotiate the sequencing
“While SOCMA supports the administration’s end goal of tariff removal, SOCMA is proactively monitoring and
of zero tariffs and improved IP protection in China, a advocating on behalf of the specialty chemical industry,
25 percent tariff on $250 billion in Chinese imports particularly advocating for the USTR to roll back tariffs
will place a significant burden on our members and on chemical products in Harmonized Tariff Schedule
the industry,” says Jennifer Abril, president and chief chapters 28, 29, 32, and 38, as soon as possible.
#92
Extrusion Blow Molding – Insulation

Heating Action:
As with conventional extruders, shear heat will be negligible »» Only attempt insulation where it is easy and practical to apply.
downstream of the screw tips, and almost all of the material
»» Check the thermal isolation of the parison heads from the
flow components downstream of the screw tips will benefit
main machine and improve.
from insulation. The area downstream of the screw tips is
often crowded and insulation is difficult to fix and retain. »» Insulate cooling water hoses.
»» Insulate flat surfaces of the mold block with flat insulation
Cooling board to reduce parasitic heat gain to the chilled water system.
Parasitic heat gain in EBMMs is often significant. Cooling
»» Use insulation between the mold and the machine platens to
water hoses are rarely insulated and will suffer from parasitic
prevent heat transfer between the cold mold and the machine.
heat gain, but the major cold surface area is the mold itself.
»» Increase the demolding temperature until the maximum for
Molds are rarely insulated, even though they are mainly flat good product is reached––with good parison control there will
surfaces and can be fitted with simple, flat insulation on the be limited differential shrinkage and de-molding is possible at
outer faces to dramatically decrease the amount of parasitic higher temperatures.
heat gain to the cooling water system. The mold will not »» It is possible to demold quickly from the main mold and use
only gain heat from the atmosphere but also from the main post-cooling with water-cooled contour clamps in critical
machine if it is not insulated from the rear platen. areas.
Dr. Robin Kent - ©Tangram Technology Ltd. (www.tangram.co.uk)

SOCMA: Increase in China Tariffs to
Place Disproportionate Burden on
Specialty Chemical Manufacturers
T
he Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates executive officer of SOCMA. “Whether it is pigments,
(SOCMA) says the Trump administration’s decision agrochemicals, or pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals
to raise tariff rates from 10 to 25 percent on $200 are vital inputs to critical sectors of American industry.
billion in Chinese imports will disproportionately burden These sectors are thriving, but cannot continue to
specialty chemical manufacturers. The U.S. Trade sustain the volatility introduced by these actions. We
Representative (USTR) notice of the tariff increase was have illustrated the interdependency of these supply
published in the Federal Register on May 9 and went into chains to USTR at every opportunity and have stressed
effect at 12:01 a.m. May 10. the need for a product exclusion request process for List
3. The promised exclusion process in today’s Federal
Specialty chemical supply chains are particularly Register notice acknowledges this, and SOCMA looks
dependent on China because, in many cases, China is forward to working with the administration towards an
the sole supplier of raw materials and building block expeditious and transparent process for evaluating List
chemicals. The fact that chemical tariff lines made up 3 exclusion requests.”
nearly half of the delistings for List 3 (the products
effected by the tariff increase) speaks volumes regarding To date, the U.S. has levied tariffs on 1,517 Chinese-
the degree to which certain inputs are simply unavailable origin chemical products valued at roughly $15.4 billion.
outside of China at reasonable costs and in sufficient China has levied retaliatory tariffs on more than 1,000
quantities, if at all. chemical and plastics products valued at roughly $10.8
billion. As the U.S. and China negotiate the sequencing
“While SOCMA supports the administration’s end goal of tariff removal, SOCMA is proactively monitoring and
of zero tariffs and improved IP protection in China, a advocating on behalf of the specialty chemical industry,
25 percent tariff on $250 billion in Chinese imports particularly advocating for the USTR to roll back tariffs
will place a significant burden on our members and on chemical products in Harmonized Tariff Schedule
the industry,” says Jennifer Abril, president and chief chapters 28, 29, 32, and 38, as soon as possible.
#92
Extrusion Blow Molding – Insulation

Heating Action:
As with conventional extruders, shear heat will be negligible »» Only attempt insulation where it is easy and practical to apply.
downstream of the screw tips, and almost all of the material
»» Check the thermal isolation of the parison heads from the
flow components downstream of the screw tips will benefit
main machine and improve.
from insulation. The area downstream of the screw tips is
often crowded and insulation is difficult to fix and retain. »» Insulate cooling water hoses.
»» Insulate flat surfaces of the mold block with flat insulation
Cooling board to reduce parasitic heat gain to the chilled water system.
Parasitic heat gain in EBMMs is often significant. Cooling
»» Use insulation between the mold and the machine platens to
water hoses are rarely insulated and will suffer from parasitic
prevent heat transfer between the cold mold and the machine.
heat gain, but the major cold surface area is the mold itself.
»» Increase the demolding temperature until the maximum for
Molds are rarely insulated, even though they are mainly flat good product is reached––with good parison control there will
surfaces and can be fitted with simple, flat insulation on the be limited differential shrinkage and de-molding is possible at
outer faces to dramatically decrease the amount of parasitic higher temperatures.
heat gain to the cooling water system. The mold will not »» It is possible to demold quickly from the main mold and use
only gain heat from the atmosphere but also from the main post-cooling with water-cooled contour clamps in critical
machine if it is not insulated from the rear platen. areas.
Dr. Robin Kent - ©Tangram Technology Ltd. (www.tangram.co.uk)

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PATENTS
Our Regular Roundup of Notable Patents
By Roger Corneliussen
Water Purfication to further expand the potential microlayer geometries.

Examples include beams, fiber composites, wood
U.S. Patent 10,231,458 (March 19, 2019), “Nanocomposite plastic composites, clay composites, and nanocellulose
and a Method of Making the Same,” Mohamed Abdel composites.
Salam; Mohamed Abdel, Abdullah Yousef Obaid, Reda
Mohamed El-Shishtawy, and Saleh Ahmed Mohamed
(King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
Surface Porosity
Pathogenic bacteria, the main cause for life-threatening U.S. Patent 10,226,883 (March 12, 2019), “Mold and Pro-
human diseases, have become more resistant to cess for Producing Porous Devices.” Wei-Hsiang Chang,
antibiotics. Research is focused on finding effective Stephen Lee Laffoon, and Christopher S. D. Lee (Vertera,
alternatives for antibiotics, and recent studies have Inc., Atlanta)
revealed that nanomaterials can be effective antimicrobial
agents. Mohamed et al. developed a nanocomposite Polymers have been shown to have many advantages
that includes a silver nanoparticle core surrounded by a such as water resistance, low toxicity, and chemical and
polypyrrole shell with carbon nanotubes. The polypyrrole heat resistance, as well as shape-memory properties.
covers at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes Adding pores to one or more surfaces of a polymeric
and a portion of the core. The high affinity of silver implant may increase friction and promote adjacent
nanoparticles towards sulfur-containing amino acids and tissue growth. Chang, Laffoon, and Lee produced a
the phosphor atoms in the bacterial DNA causes death porous surface from a solid piece of polymer using track,
or inactivation of the bacteria. mold, and press assemblies. The polymer is processed
below the melting point of the polymer to produce a solid
with an integrated porous surface without damaging
Extruded Composites mechanical properties.
U.S. Patent 10,232,540 (March 19, 2019), “Extrudable

Oriented Polymer Composites,” Richard Guillemette,
Robert Peters, and Christopher Hummel (Guill Tool & Virus Adsorbents
Engineering Co. Inc., West Warwick, R.I.) U.S. Patent 10,226,752 (March 12, 2019), “Adsorbent
for Adsorbing Virus and Bacterium, Carbon/Polymer
Nanostructured materials have internal structures on Composite and Adsorbent Sheet.” Hironori Iida, Shun
the order of 1 to 100 nanometers. Metals, ceramics, Yamanoi, Machiko Minatoya, Seiichiro Tabata, and
polymers, and composites may be processed in a variety Shinichiro Yamada (Sony Corp., Tokyo)
of ways to form nanosized features with many improved
properties. Co-extruded multilayer polymers may Activated carbon made from traditional coconut husks
contain tens to thousands of micro- to nano-polymer and petroleum pitches are used as filters with some
layers. These methods are based internal dies splitting ability to adsorb a virus. An adsorbent for a virus or a
and reforming melt streams. Guillemette, Peters, and bacterium must have a specific surface area of 10 m
Hummel developed novel tubular or profile shapes of co- 2/g or more and a pore volume of 0.1 cm 3/g or more.
extruded multilayer polymers. These materials contain Iida et al. developed an adsorbent from carbon/polymer
tens to thousands of layers of milli-, micro- to nano- composites with improved virus adsorption from plant-
polymer layers. These new shapes contain contiguous based material such as rice chaff and straw, barley,
layers of milli- to nano-polymer layers in three dimensions wheat, rye, Japanese or foxtail millet, coffee beans, or tea
and these contiguous layers may be twisted or turned leaves. These candidate materials after processing are

available in large amounts from agricultural cooperatives, industrialization is increasing the emission of toxic
alcoholic beverage makers, food companies, or food gases such as CO, SO2 and NO2 which damages the
processing companies. environment and human health. CO is the most common
and harmful toxic gas. CO emissions mainly come
from car exhaust and inadequate coal combustion. It is
colorless and tasteless, quickly combining with human
Anti-Cancer Agents hemoglobin, excluding oxygen, resulting in human
U.S. Patent 10,231,996 (March 19, 2019), “Biocompatible hypoxia. Removal of CO from the atmosphere is critical
Polymer Coated Silver Prussian Blue Nanoparticles (SPB- for the health of humanity. Lu, Chen, and Jiang developed
NPs: Ag3[Fe(CN)6]) Sudip Mukherjee and Chitta Ranjan mesoporous carbon nanosphere composites loaded with
Patra (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New gold nanoparticles for removing CO. In the presence
Delhi, India) of an initiator, aniline and pyrrole are polymerized in
deionized water containing a surfactant to form hollow
Metal nanoparticles have been explored for the treatment carbon precursors. This is, then, calcined to obtain
of several diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular- hollow mesoporous carbon nanospheres. These hollow
related diseases, diabetes, Parkinson’s, arthritis, HIV, mesoporous carbon nanospheres are immersed in a
hepatitis, tuberculosis, Alzheimer’s, and cirrhosis due chloroauric acid solution, stirred, and centrifuged to
to their unique properties. Recently, scientists have remove the liquid. Finally, hollow mesoporous carbon
discovered new classes of nanoparticles. Metal complex nanospheres, loaded with gold nanoparticles for CO
nanoparticles such as Prussian blue nanoparticles have removal, are formed by reduction.
been tested for heavy metal toxicity, coating medium,
drug delivery vehicles, MRI substance, luminescent
materials, and sensors. Mukherjee and Patra developed
highly biocompatible and nontoxic PVP (poly(n-vinyl-2-
Making Composites by Additive
pyrrolidone) coated silver Prussian blue nanoparticles Processing
(SPB-NPS: Ag3[Fe(CN)6] where PVP acts as stabilizing or U.S. Patent 10,232,550 (March 19, 2019), “Systems
capping agent. These particles are highly stable for more for Additively Manufacturing Composite Parts,” Nick
than two weeks towards different physiological buffers S. Evans, Faraon Torres, Ryan G. Ziegler, Samuel F.
or solutions with different pH and are compatible with Harrison, Ciro J. Grijalva, III, and Hayden S. Osborn (The
normal cells but inhibit different cancer cells in vitro and Boeing Co., Chicago)
tumor growth in mice. Additionally, they show excellent
antibacterial activity towards gram-negative E. coli and Additive formation of composites relies on sequential
gram-positive bacteria.
layering of multiple composite plies with each ply
containing fibers. This limitation prevents application to
advanced composites. Evans et al. developed a system
Electrically Responsive Hydrogels for additively manufacturing advanced composites
U.S. Patent 10,232,144 (March 19, 2019), “Electrically consisting of a delivery assembly, a feed mechanism,
Responsive Hydrogels,” Ross Tsukashima and Heath and a source of curing energy. The delivery assembly is
Bowman (MicroVention, Inc., Aliso Viejo, Calif.) based on a delivery guide delivering continuous flexible
lines along a print path. This delivery assembly further
Blocking blood vessels for the treatment of aneurysms consists of a first inlet receiving a non-resin component
as well as other conditions is a useful medical tool. One and a second inlet receiving a photopolymer. The delivery
treatment involves the insertion of an expansile material, assembly applies the photopolymer to the non-resin
such as hydrogel, for occlusion. Tsukashima and Bowman component. The feed mechanism pushes the continuous
developed implants based on electrically responsive flexible line out of the delivery guide. The energy source
hydrogels. Systems that provide electricity to induce a delivers the curing energy to the continuous flexible line
response in hydrogel-containing implants are described. after it exits the delivery guide.
They contract when exposed to a positive charge and
expand to a negative charge. Thus, they expand when
exposed to blood and shrink when exposed to a positive Vinylidene Chloride Sieves
charge induced by a battery.
U.S. Patent 10,239,043 (March 26, 2019), “Vinylidene
Chloride Copolymer-based Carbon Molecular Sieve Ad-
sorbent Compositions and Processes therefor,” Junqiang
Removing Carbon Monoxide Liu, Douglas E. Beyer, Edward M. Calverley, and Chan
U.S. Patent 10,232,347 (March 19, 2019), “Hollow Han (Dow Global Technologies LLC, Midland, Mich.)
Mesoporous Carbon Banosphere Composite Material
Loaded with Gold Nanoparticles, and Preparation Method Researchers often wish to separate gas mixtures for
thereof and Application in Continuous Processing of CO,” many reasons. One approach uses molecular sieves
Jianmei Lu, Dongyun Chen, and Jun Jiang (Soochow with some success. The key element is pore size which
University, Suzhou, China) must match the size of the molecules involved. Liu et
al. developed useful carbon molecular sieves based
The rapid development of technology and on carbonized vinylidene chloride copolymer with

PATENTS
micropores having an average micropore size 3.0 to 5.0 Injection Molding Thermosets
Angstroms. These materials can separate gas mixtures
including propane/propylene; nitrogen/methane and U.S. Patent 10,239,246 (March 26, 2019), “Injection
ethane/ethylene. Such membranes are prepared from Molding Machine,” John E. Burton and Christopher J.
vinylidene chloride copolymer beads. A melt extruded Burton (Limworks, LLC, Ludington, Mich.)
film or fiber are pretreated to form a precursor that is
finally carbonized at high temperature. Preselection Most injection molding machines are based on molding
based on precursor crystallinity and maximum pyrolysis thermoplastics. Even thermoset injection units are
temperature enables prediction of the average micropore typically built based on a screw-based injection system
size if the crystallinity percentage ranges from 25 to 75 designed for thermoplastic polymers. Burton and Burton
percent and temperature ranges from 800º to 1,700º
developed an injection molding machine with a special
C. The beads, fibers, or film may be ground, post-
injecting and clamping system for thermosets. This
pyrolysis, and combined with a non-coating binder to
form extruded pellets. Alternatively, the fibers may be includes a removable injection module consisting of a
woven, either before or after pre-treatment, to form a moveable valve between fill and injecting positions to
fiber sheet which is thereafter pyrolyzed to form a woven eject material from the injection module into the mold.
fiber adsorbent. The actuators for the injection module are supported
on the machine rather than the injection module. The
clamping system includes a platen linear actuator to
Stretch Molded Containers open and close the mold. The system also uses hydraulic
forces to clamp the mold closed.
U.S. Patent 10,239,267 (March 26, 2019). “Process
for Producing Injection Stretch Blow Molded Polyolefin
Containers,” Mike Rogers and Anja Gottschalk (Basell
Poliolefine Italia S.r.l., Milan)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stretch blow molding is an effective method to produce
polyolefin containers. This is a two-step process of Dr. Corneliussen is professor emeritus of
molding a preform and then stretching the preform. materials engineering of Drexel University
in Philadelphia. He has been an SPE member
Uniform heating of the preform is critical and difficult since 1962 and an active member of the
to achieve. Rogers and Gottschalk developed injection Philadelphia Section serving as president
stretch blow molding process for polyolefin containers and national councilman for several years.
The above patents are selected from the
by preparing a preform by injection molding. This 100 to 400 plastics-related patents found
preform is heated and stretched. They solved the by reviewing 3,000 to 7,000 U.S. patents
uniform heating problem by incorporating a parts-per- published each Tuesday. Readers can
million metal compound such as Cu hydroxy phosphate review the complete list of plastics-related
patents by week at www.plasticspatents.
in the resin. com.

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EDITORIAL INDEX
3D Systems................................................................... 16 Honeywell International................................................ 39
American Chemistry Council........................................... 8 King Abdulaziz University............................................. 46

Kraton Corp.................................................................. 40
Baerlocher.............................................................. 24, 28
Basell Poliolefine Italia S.r.l........................................... 48 Limworks LLC............................................................... 48
BASF....................................................................... 17, 30
Becton Dickinson.......................................................... 14 MBNA Corp................................................................... 39
Biolase.......................................................................... 15 Messe Düsseldorf......................................................... 36
Boeing Co. (The)........................................................... 47
MicroVention Inc........................................................... 47
Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation......................... 41

NxTBio Technologies.................................................... 42
Carbon......................................................................... 14
Clariant......................................................................... 17
PlasticsEurope Deutschland.......................................... 37
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd................. 20
Prism Plastics Products................................................. 42
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research..................... 47
Covestro................................................................. 18, 40
SABIC...................................................................... 17, 45
SC Johnson................................................................... 42
Delta Pacific Products................................................... 42
Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates.......... 43
Dentca.......................................................................... 17
Sony Corp..................................................................... 46
Dow Global Technologies LLC....................................... 47
Soochow University....................................................... 47
Dreve............................................................................ 17
SPX Corp....................................................................... 39
Dupont......................................................................... 17
Techmer PM.................................................................. 10
Empire Petroleum Partners LLC..................................... 40
ExxonMobil................................................................... 38 Trinseo......................................................................... 39
Tupperware Brands Corp.......................................... 8, 39
Freescale Semiconductor Inc......................................... 39

Ultimaker North America............................................... 14
GE Capital..................................................................... 40
German Association of Plastics Converters.................... 38 Vertera Inc.................................................................... 46
German Engineering Federation.................................... 38

German Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association...... 38 Westfall Techik Inc........................................................ 42
Guill Tool & Engineering Co. Inc.................................... 46 Whip Mix...................................................................... 17
Plastics Engineering (ISSN 0091-9578) is published monthly, except bimonthly in July/August and November/December, by Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., a Wiley Company,
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030 USA. The magazine is compiled and edited by the Society of Plastics Engineers, Editorial and Business Office, 6 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 306,
Bethel, CT 06801 USA. Telephone +1 203-775-0471, Fax +1 203-775-8490. SPE Home Page: www.4spe.org. Communications should be sent to the Editor. Send subscription
orders and claims for non-receipt to Wiley Subscription Services at the Wiley address given above. SPE members receive the magazine as a benefit of membership. Subscription
rate for nonmembers is $233 for 1 year; add $100 per year for subscriptions outside North America. Single-issue price is $20. Plastics Engineering is printed by Dartmouth
Printing Co., a Sheridan Group Company. Copyright 2018 by the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. Postmaster: Send all address changes to Plastics Engineering, John Wiley
& Sons Inc., C/O The Sheridan Press, PO Box 465, Hanover, PA 17331 USA. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Plastics Engineering is
indexed by Engineering Information Inc.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Neither Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., nor the Society of Plastics Engineers, nor Plastics Engineering is responsible for opinions or statements of facts expressed by contributors
or advertisers, either in the articles published in Plastics Engineering or in the technical papers that are presented at the meetings of the Society. Editorials do not necessarily
represent the official policy of Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., or the Society. Display and classified advertisements are included as an educational service to readers of Plastics
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Advertising Sales
ADVERTISERS INDEX
For print and online digital

Aaron Equipment Company, www.aaronequipment.com/sniff...............52 advertising sales in Plastics
Engineering magazine, please
Allgrind Plastics, www.allgrind.com......................................................53
contact:
Bruker, www.bruker.com/optics.................................................... Cover 4
BYK, www.byk.com.................................................................................13
Global Sciences Sales Director
Ewikon, www.ewikon.com......................................................................45 Dan Nicholas
ID Additives, www.iDadditives.com........................................................27 Tel: +1 716-587-2181
IMS Company, www.imscompany.com/G27................................... Cover 3 E: dnicholas@wiley.com
J.P. Curilla Associates, email: jpcecl@aol.com........................................52
Japan Steel Works, www.jswamerica.com...................................... Cover 2 Sr. Account Manager

John Anderson & Associates, www.plasticsjobsearch.com....................52 Print & E-Media Advertising
Konica Minolta, sensing.konicaminolta.us/products/colibri-color-software.....1 Roland Espinosa
LSR, www.executive-conference.com......................................................11 Tel: 1+ 201-748-6819
Plastic Flow, www.plasticflow.com.........................................................52

E: respinosa@wiley.com
Polyhedron Laboratories, Inc., www.polyhedronlab.com.......................52
Process Design & Technologies, www.processdesigntech.com.............52

Product and news releases for Plastics
Recycled Fillers.....................................................................................53
Engineering can be sent directly to:
Rheo-Plast Associates, Inc., www.rheoplastusa.com..............................52 PEreleases@wiley.com
Roscom, Inc., www.roscom.net...............................................................53
Sam North America, www.sam-na.com..................................................52
Shepherd, www.shepherdcolor.com.........................................................5
SPE, www.4spe.org............................................................................. 4, 44
SPE ANTEC®, www.4spe.org/antec.........................................................49
SPE ACCE, www.speautomotive.com/acce-conference.............................35

111 River Street
SPE CAD RETEC, www.specad.org..........................................................49 Hoboken, NJ 07030 USA
SPE IAG, www.speautomotive.com/innovative-awards-gala.....................35
SPE Preferred Partner Program, www.4spe.org.....................................55
SPE Thermoforming, www.thermoformingdivision.com/conference.......55
Struktol, www.4struktol.com..................................................................33
Tangram Technology, www.tangram.co.uk............................................53
6 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 306

Bethel, CT 06801 USA
www.4spe.org

Building Greener Plastics: Additives Produce More Durable Recycled Plastics

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JUNE 2019

Twin Screw Extruders

CUSTOM COLOR MATCHING

VOLUME 75 NUMBER 6 JUNE 2019

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Cover Story JUNE 2019

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For print and online digital

Japan Steel Works, www.jswamerica.com...................................... Cover 2 Sr. Account Manager

LSR, www.executive-conference.com......................................................11 Tel: 1+ 201-748-6819

Plastic Flow, www.plasticflow.com.........................................................52

Polyhedron Laboratories, Inc., www.polyhedronlab.com.......................52

Process Design & Technologies, www.processdesigntech.com.............52

Sam North America, www.sam-na.com..................................................52

SPE ANTEC®, www.4spe.org/antec.........................................................49

SPE ACCE, www.speautomotive.com/acce-conference.............................35

SPE Preferred Partner Program, www.4spe.org.....................................55

SPE Thermoforming, www.thermoformingdivision.com/conference.......55

Tangram Technology, www.tangram.co.uk............................................53

6 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 306

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SPE 2019-2020 Executive Board

President Vice President –

Vice President – Vice President –

Vice President – Events Past-President

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