Issue 04 October 2013
www.plastribution.co.uk
the magazine
Supporting
UK Plastics
0845 34 54 560
In this issue
Delivering excellence
06
Granic ® expansion
10
Carbon black magic
22
Metal replacement
26
Did you know...
Plastic and plastics
products exported
Companies in the plastics industry
7,500
MILLION TONNES
Material Processed
People employed
BILLION
Value of exports
Issue 04 – October 2013
Welcome
to know-how
Mike Boswell
Plastribution Limited
Managing Director
PO Box 7743
5 Ashby Park
CEVA House
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Leicestershire
LE65 1XY
Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560
Fax: +44 (0) 1530 560303
Email: sales@plastribution.co.uk
www.plastribution.co.uk
Welcome to the fourth edition
Back to this edition. You will read in
customers. Even the much
of know-how magazine and we
the following pages how we continue
beleaguered construction sector,
hope that you continue to enjoy
to increase the range of products and
which has benefited little from
this publication as a valuable source
services available to our customers,
exchange rates, looks to be facing
of information.
and make a further commitment to
better prospects as in particular the
providing technical resources that
private housing sector starts to recover.
Understandably, many will question
the rationale behind producing a
magazine in this ‘always on’ age and
in particular the justification of printing
hard copy alongside publishing an
In Momentum
In this issue
have the capability to support
increasingly sophisticated products
which offer even greater scope in
terms off applications and efficiency.
to the continuous development of our
expertise through training and
You will also see that from June, I have
development. It is also due to the
that the internet has significantly
been elected as President of the British
encouragement of our employees to
impacted on speed, quantity and
Plastics Federation and expect to
innovate improved services, and the
availability of information, but it
serve a two-year term in this voluntary
investment in robust processes. In this
appears that readers are becoming
position. This is the first time in its 80-year
magazine you will see evidence of this
more discerning in their choice of
history that the president has come
through activities such as our internal
media platforms. In fact the expected
from the distribution sector, and is clear
training programmes, continuous
demise of printed text books has simply
recognition of how significant this part
improvement projects and investment
not happened. Consumers continue
of the industry has become in recent
in IT infrastructure.
to display a preference for the printed
years. Having started my career in the
medium, and there has been a
plastics industry over 30 years ago, and
marked increase in the sales of weekly
having spent 25 years at Plastribution
review magazines as consumers
it is a great honour to be of service
struggle with ‘information overload’.
and in this role represent the whole UK
Finally we see that paperbacks
plastics industry. You can gain a
remain highly popular despite the
greater insight into what I hope to
Please contact me or any member
convenience offered by e-readers.
achieve during my term in office in a
of the Plastribution team to discuss
more detailed article within this edition
how we can support your business
of know-how magazine.
success.
02
Granic ® in film
04
Little Hearts Matter Charity
04
Delivering excellence
06
Sarah Minshaw
06
Dear Dan
08
A sustainable plastics industry
08
Granic ® expansion
10
Richard Cudd
12
Technical support for film
12
Here come the girls
14
Briefing governments on plastics
14
25 years at Plastribution
16
Carmel new grades
16
New IT platform
18
New Plexiglas ® brochure
17
Your mission...
20
Nail Buddy
18
Our vision and values
20
UK Plastics – The enabler of manufacturing and distribution
20
Plastribution is on the move
22
Carbon black magic
22
In response to these changes we
Iupital F20-EW
24
plan to take a more hybrid approach
Enzymoplast new grade
25
by distributing topical articles more
From a business perspective these are
Metal replacement
26
quickly through the use of electronic
interesting times. There is no doubt that
Product list
30
media and industry press. We also plan
high polymer prices are a significant
to compile relevant information into
challenge, but a more competitive
an annual edition of know-how
exchange rate coupled with a
magazine incorporating our annual
pro-manufacturing agenda from
Product Portfolio. That way we hope
government appear to have put
you will enjoy the ‘best of both worlds’
many sectors of the industry on a
from the end of this year when we
stronger footing, and we note the
launch our hybrid publication.
bullish attitude of many of our
Design: voice
www.realworldthinking.co
enjoy strong growth. This is largely due
electronic edition. There is no doubt
Knowledge is everything
This magazine is printed using
vegetable oil based inks on paper
that contains fibre from sustainably
managed forests.
Here at Plastribution we continue to
We hope that you will enjoy this latest
edition of know-how and through its
pages learn more about how the
products and services that Plastribution
offer can benefit your business.
Regards,
Mike Boswell
3
Issue 04 – October 2013
Issue 04 – October 2013
Technical fillers for cost
reduction in film extrusion
Unfortunately, due to the complexities
It has long been
recognised that adding
fillers to plastic can act
in a reinforcing manner,
that is to say that
physical properties can
be improved leading to
either a better quality
product, or to cost
reduction by down
gauging to maintain
existing property levels.
in production of these master
batches, the industry has been
lacking the right quality of product
to enable these avenues to be fully
explored in extrusion processing.
Film producers have tried adding
large (+10%) addition rates of typical
anti-block type master batches,
and have found that rather than
obtaining a reinforcing benefit, film
properties are - disproportionately negatively affected, and processing
becomes incredibly difficult or
impossible. There are, however,
very specific reasons for this.
These are:
Technical Fillers for cost
reduction in film extrusion
Granic Calcium
Carbonate master batches
®
Due to the bespoke processing
method employed by Gestora,
production of Granic ® is able to
utilise very low melt flow polymers,
the standard film grade being based
on a MFI 1.1 LLDPE. This means that
at higher loadings the carrier resin
will not adversely affect processing
or physicals properties. Moreover, a
very high quality C8 LLDPE is used. This
highly elastic resin compensates for the
lack of elasticity in calcium carbonate,
and further boosts properties.
Gestora also use a highly controlled,
ultra-fine grade of calcium carbonate,
The very high melt flow of the
limit the maximum particle size and
carrier resin starts to adversely
publish this data on their data sheets.
affect the processing and physical
This ensures that all the particles
properties at higher loadings.
included are of the right size to act
The average particle size of the
filler used is too large to act in a
reinforcing manner.
The maximum particle size is never
published. Essentially these large
particles act as contaminants and
sites of weakness in the film. In thin
gauge films these can also cause
‘fish eyes’ or similar.
in a reinforcing manner and that
there are no large particles to
reduce properties and cause
processing issues in thin film.
These particles are also treated with a
heat stable coating. This improves the
affinity between the particle and the
polymer and eliminates any moisture
absorption, further boosting properties.
The grade of calcium carbonate
The surface of the particle has little
used is also very pure, enabling a high
affinity for polymer.
level of whiteness to be achieved
The filler absorbs moisture – at
higher doses and this can cause
issues.
The filler used is often highly
and allowing approval for food use.
Granic in use
Carbon footprint
®
For initial trialling of Granic ®, it is
To fully optimise potential material
A further benefit of using Granic ®
recommended that the quantity of
savings using Granic , it is
is that the carbon footprint of the
master batch be gradually increased
recommended to reduce the film
material has been independently
so that the operator gets a better
gauge after increase in addition rate
assessed and verified by TUV,
understanding of how the new blend
to bring the weight per metre of the
Germany. This enables carbon
behaves in processing. Typically as the
film back to the original level. Further
footprint values to be accurately
percentage Granic ® increases, the
testing of the film will show the physical
assigned to Granic ®. With values
stability of the bubble will improve
properties stay constant when keeping
of approximately 25% of standard
resulting in the possibility of faster
the section weight constant.
polymers, the use of Granic ® can
machine speeds. The film will also
become more uniform and the weight
will increase at the same gauge.
®
Blow ratios should be kept above
1:1.8 to produce film with good
biaxial properties. Less than this and
significantly reduce the carbon
footprint of the end product whilst
achieving cost reduction.
Therefore it is recommended to start
the film will have very high strength in
Specific approved logos are
at a 10% addition rate, and increase
transverse direction (TD) and very easy
available for incorporation into the
this in 10% stages, up to a maximum
tear in machine direction (MD).
product, along with the TUV stamp
of 60%. The material should ideally be
added by a gravimetric system directly
above the extruder.
For trial purposes material can be
remotely mixed but separation is a
When the desired filler loading is
chosen, further savings can usually be
of certification and the specific
carbon saving obtained.
achieved through the reduction in
For further information on the full
barrel temperatures. This is normally
Granic ® range of products, please
o
found to be approximately 10 C.
contact Plastribution on 01530 560 560.
possibility if a vacuum system is used
to convey the blend due to the
difference in densities.
contaminated by iron oxide
and dirt (causing discolouration).
4
5
Issue 04 – October 2013
Issue 04 – October 2013
Delivering excellence
Improving on-time delivery performance
OTIF is an acronym for on-time and
The subsequent corrective and
in-full and measures a business’s
preventative actions ensure that
performance in getting customers
the situation is put right and steps
what they want when promised.
are taken to ensure the same issues
Getting it right first time drives down
do not repeat.
costs and improves customer
The introduction of the OTIF measure
satisfaction and as today’s margin
and identifying the causes of failures
pressure forces business improvements
has enabled us to consistently achieve
across the board, there is a renewed
excellent results, with our rolling 1-year
emphasis on service.
average currently standing at 99.0%.
At Plastribution, we understand that
whilst every penny matters and pricing
has to be competitive, service can
be an order winner. If we can get the
right product to the right place at the
right time in the right condition, the
reputation for reliability can give us a
competitive edge.
We hold the OTIF measurement
with such importance as it is not purely
a delivery scorecard. It measures our
entire organisation – sourcing, receiving,
storing, the sales order, picking, loading
So what does this mean
to our customers? With
fewer picking errors,
accurate inventory and
higher order fill rates we
can meet expectations
and give outstanding
customer service.
“We want to set the
benchmark for where
service levels in our
industry should be.
Our challenge is to
ensure our resources
and expertise are
always on hand, exactly
where they need to
be to meet customers’
expectations.”
– Craig Share
and delivery.
Each aspect of this supply chain
has to be right to achieve the
commitment given to our customer
and on the occasions we do fail, we
can pinpoint which part of the process
caused the breakdown and address
the root causes.
6
7
Issue 04 – October 2013
Iss
Issue
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Octo
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2013
013
3
Dear Dan
Q1
Q4
Dan Jarvis
I am trying to mould a component
products shrinkage values. In fact
I hope you can help – I am currently
Technical Manager
with PMMA but even though I think
the end products shrinkage will vary
designing a bracket component that
I am drying the material thoroughly,
across the part and also when the
will be used in a blast furnace. It has
I am still getting visual defects.
measurements are taken. There
to withstand peak temperatures of
Can you offer any advice?
is a small but not insubstantial post
1000 oC whilst holding a load of up
mould shrinkage for polypropylene
to 25 kg. I would like the manufacturing
which is a particularly significant for
and component costs to be as low
close tolerance mouldings. I hope
as possible and so I would like to use
this helps to answer your question.
that cheap plastic I hear so much
“Plastics are amazing
materials and can
be used in many very
demanding applications,
often at a lower weight
and manufacturing
costs and should not
be underestimated.”
This is a common issue with PMMA.
Even though on the face of it the
material seems dry it can often not
be at the required maximum residual
moisture content to produce visually
perfect parts. As a rule of thumb for
optical parts or thick walled mouldings,
the residual moisture content should
be no more than 0.04%. The best way
of ensuring the material is dry is to use
the highest possible temperature to
remove the moisture as quickly as
possible – typically the Vicat softening
point of the grade in question minus
20oC for 2 to 4 hours. If possible also
use a dry-air drying system.
Q2
I have been trawling the internet
and have rung several suppliers in an
about. Can you recommend
Q3
I have just started to mould a new
job and I am having problems with
inconsistent shrinkage. The parts
like components which are
can be used in many very demanding
masterbatched in several colours
applications, often at a lower weight
including white, black, red, yellow
and manufacturing costs and should
green and blue. The only two colours
not be underestimated.
I seem to be having a problem with
are the green and blue which are
giving me different shrinkage values
compared to the other colours.
Is there anything that I can do to
supplier a call and ask if the green
getting various answers. Can you
and blue formulations contain
help at all?
phthalocyanine pigments. If they do,
your question. Shrinkage rates are
influenced by many factors which is
why you are generally given a range
to work with. Processing temperature,
mould temperature, tool design, MFI
and injection speed and pressure all
However, sometimes other more
traditional materials are still more
suitable and in your case I would
certainly use metal!
resolve this issue?
value for polypropylene but keep
for as there is no definitive answer to
for you – Steel!
Plastics are amazing materials and
My advice is to give your masterbatch
you cannot find what you are looking
I certainly can recommend a material
I am moulding are small HDPE cap
attempt to get a definitive shrinkage
Yes I can. I am not at all surprised that
a material for me?
then ask if it is possible to reformulate
the green and blue without them.
Phthalocyanine pigments have
a nucleating effect on HDPE and
PP which will cause differential
shrinkage when compared to your
other colours (which do not contain
them). I am fairly confident that this
will be the case.
play a significant role in the final
8
9
Issue 04 – October 2013
Issue 04 – October 2013
GCR Group expansion
GCR Group is the new
company name for the
producer of the Granic ®
range of masterbatch.
The company formerly known as
largest source of high quality plastic
processing. This surface treatment
fillers as an antiblock are often
range that covers the film, pipe, sheet
Gestora de Catalana de Residuos
grade calcium carbonate (7km).
also significantly reduces abrasivity
surprised to find that they can utilise
and automotive industries. These
started production in 2001 locally
In addition the world’s largest talc
and gives a product which is no
the Granic ® material in much higher
products have been produced to
recycling PE and PP. The company
mine is less than 200km away.
more abrasive than virgin HDPE.
dosages than 5%. In fact addition
exacting standards with the express
This is an important consideration
rates in film of up to 60% have been
purpose of replacing virgin polymer
when processing polymers with
achieved successfully.
and has recently gained a lot of
had three distinct business areas
namely Granic , Ciclic and Irtion and
®
the name change brings them all
under the GCR Group.
of the plastics converters regarding
plastic reinforcement, oil based
high levels of mineral fillers.
Production is highly automated with
interest from the automotive sector.
polymer replacement, lowered
Probably one of the most important
closed loop operation enabling the
Irtion is the technological unit of the
Granic is the largest producer
environmental impact, carbon
differences from Granic materials and
Granic products to be produced to
GCR group where a patented new
of filler masterbatches in Europe.
footprint reduction (through
others on the market is the grading of
the highest specification. Extensive
way of mixing, drying and coating
With a compounding capacity
certification), reduced energy
the calcium carbonate. Granic pay
post blending is carried out to ensure
materials is giving the company the
of 110 000mT the company will
consumption and help converters
close attention to the quality and
that each batch is completely
ability to improve the quality of the
have doubled this to 220 000mT
achieve a reduction in the cost
grade of calcium carbonate used in
consistent and product is regularly
environmentally friendly plastics
by the end of the year. By the end
of their finished goods” comments
the production of their masterbatch.
sampled to ensure that moisture, top
that Granic ® and Ciclic produce.
of Q2 2013 Granic will start up their
Victor Oliva the commercial
Average particle size (top cut)
cut, average particle size, loading,
The company is currently looking
3rd compounding line with its own
director at GCR.
distribution is absolutely paramount
colour and specific gravity are all
for strategic partners for this
when producing a filler that will not
within tolerance.
technology.
®
®
Irtion technology.
10
“Granic’s aim is to fulfil the needs
The extremely pure, ultra-fine calcium
®
®
compromise mechanical properties.
®
This will be further complemented
carbonate that is used in production
by a 4th line in early 2014 and this
of Granic materials is surface treated
is expected to be at full capacity
and carries certification to that effect.
by the summer. The plant, which is
This ensures that these products do not
ideally situated locally to its polymer
absorb moisture and therefore require
Due to the differences documented
the petrochemical industry and
feed stock supplier (20km) and the
no drying and provide trouble free
above many producers who use
converters. Ciclic have a product
®
In fact in many cases it actively
improves certain mechanical
properties.
Ciclic is the recycling arm of GCR
business. Today Ciclic have a recycling
capacity of 35 000mT and it specialises
in PE and PP post industrial waste from
“Environmentally friendly
plastics solutions”
11
Issue 04 – October 2013
Issue 04 – October 2013
Technical support
for film
During the time I
have spent in the
polyethylene film industry,
the emergence of
metallocene-catalysed
polyethylene has led to
significant advances in
film performance,
particularly with regards
to mechanical
properties, sealing
performance and
optical properties.
Whilst the first generation of
attractive, offering the same or
Richard Cudd
metallocene grades were difficult
better performance as thicker film
Technical Executive
to extrude, advances in catalyst
and the potential for promoting
and process technology has given
more sustainable products based on
rise to metallocenes which combine
reduced packaging weight and film
the high mechanical strength of
consumption. Additional advantages
LLDPE with near-LDPE extrudability.
along the supply chain could be
Understanding how these high
performance materials can be
lower costs of raw material inventory
holding, delivery and disposal.
exploited whilst keeping blend costs
My role within Plastribution is to
under control can be a challenge,
offer our customers the technical
particularly for companies with limited
support they need to develop
technical or marketing resources.
and improve their film products.
The key is to determine what the
Plastribution supplies a wide
main drivers are along each particular
range of polyethylene grades
value chain, i.e. what are the most
for film extrusion, including Exceed
important performance criteria for
and Enable metallocenes from
the end-user, how can metallocene
ExxonMobil, C4-LLDPE from Sumitomo
products be used to improve this
and autoclave LDPE from Carmel.
performance and how can the
Also available for film extrusion
value of this improvement be shared.
are Vistamaxx propylene-based
Reducing film thickness whilst
maintaining (or even improving
on) existing mechanical properties,
increasing seal strength to allow for
lower sealing temperatures and/or
elastomers for polymer modification,
high quality Granic ® calcium
carbonate masterbatches for
blend cost reduction and a range
of functional additives from Kafrit.
higher line speeds, increasing clarity
Being able to offer our own,
and gloss to improve film aesthetics
dedicated technical support,
are all benefits of using metallocene.
means Plastribution can provide
Downgauging can sometimes be
a difficult concept to promote,
particularly where extruders sell their
film by weight; reducing film thickness
will mean more metres of film per reel
if reel weight is kept constant and
therefore the end-user will re-order
less frequently. If, however, end-users
can be persuaded to buy film by the
“My role within
Plastribution is to
offer our customers the
technical support they
need to develop and
improve their film
products.”
a faster response to technical
enquiries, help with day-to-day
problem solving, recommend the
most suitable product for a specific
application and have someone on
site to support trials of new products,
ensuring the optimum processing
conditions are used to maximise
the benefits of the product.
metre, then downgauging becomes
12
13
Issue 04 – October 2013
Issue 04 – October 2013
Briefing governments
on plastics
Plastribution’s Managing
Director, Mike Boswell,
recently met Michael
Fallon MP, Minster
of State for Business
and Enterprise, and
impressed upon him
the importance of the
UK plastics industry to
the UK economy and
society.
This was in Mike’s role as President
£19 billion. Most settlements in the
of the British Plastic Federation (BPF)
UK and certainly all Parliamentary
and the encounter took place on
constituencies will have at least
July 22nd at the special exhibition
one plastics operation within their
on the industry mounted by the
boundaries, a fact, which significantly
BPF in the foyer of the Department
assists the BPF’s lobbying power.
of Business Innovation and Skills on
Mike explained to Mr Fallon that it
London’s Victoria Street, very close to
was the UK which had launched
Westminister. Mike spent thirty minutes
the commercial plastics industry
giving Mr Fallon a tour of the exhibition
with the introduction of ‘Parkesine’
and was able to explain the role of
in 1862. The contribution of the UK
plastics in supporting the business and
to the industry since that date was
profitability of a wide range of sectors
documented on the BPF’s Time-Line
not just in manufacturing but also in
which was on prominent display
retail, distribution and healthcare.
at the exhibition. Key landmarks
The BPF exhibition made the point that
the industry is a significant employer
of some 180,000 workers and has a
sales turnover of approximately of
included the UK’s role in the discovery
of ‘Polyethylene’ by ICI in 1933, the
The Museum of Design and Plastics, a
already evidence of civil servants
early exploitation of the PET bottle
part of the University of Bournemouth,
having digested the messages
in the late 70’s and the preparation
had curated display cabinets for
and using them in their work.”
of PEEK, again by ICI, in 1977.
the BPF adorned with iconic plastics
products made in the UK and which
illustrated some of the key benefits of
using plastics such as their ability to
be recycled. The BPF also designed
a number of street- facing images,
focusing on the theme of ‘Fantastic
Plastic’, illustrating how the materials
can help ‘keep food fresher for
longer’ and how they reduce vehicle
weight and hence fuel consumption
when used as components in cars.
“The exhibition”, said Mike, “was the
combination of a whole series of
contacts made by the BPF and its
members over the previous year and
we had Vince Cable’s video message
of congratulations to the BPF on its
80th Anniversary playing continuously
alongside the display. Taken together
“The BPF exhibition
made the point that the
industry is a significant
employer of some
180,000 workers and
has a sales turnover of
approximately of £19
billion.”– Phillip Law
with David Cameron’s more recent
letter of congratulations, this is a
terrific governmental endorsement of
the UK plastics industry. As the Prime
The exhibition was visible to the
Minister said, the plastics industry
many civil servants who were passing
‘is contributing enormously to our
through the foyer, many of them
transition to a green economy’ and
policy-makers on issues affecting
our exhibition at the Department of
the industry, and passers by on their
Business Innovation and Skills showed
way to the tourist sites close by.
exactly how we are doing this.”
Mike said “The feedback was very
positive indeed and that there is
14
15
Issue 04 – October 2013
Carmel new grades
Exciting new grades
from Carmel Olefins.
A batch of four new speciality polymer
Carmel Olefins Ltd. manufactures
products has been developed
and sells 165kTPA of Low Density
and released by Carmel Olefins
Polyethylene (LDPE) under the
and is now available to processors
name Ipethene®. A broad range
in the UK through Plastribution.
of Ipethene® products have been
TP50V is a very high flow heterophasic
copolymer with exceptional impact
properties. It has been designed for
injection moulding applications with
thin walls, complex design or long
flow lengths. This grade will also be
of interest to compounders or other
produced since 1964 (formerly by
Israel Petrochemical Enterprises
Ltd.), and there are now four lines
consisting of high pressure autoclave
reactors. The technology was originally
licensed from ICI Ltd. – the inventors
of high pressure LDPE technology.
converters using reprocessed or
Carmel Olefins Ltd. also manufactures
recycled materials to enhance the
and sells 450 kTPA Polypropylene
mechanical performance of the
(PP) under the name Capilene®. The
overall product or allow increased
range of Capilene® PP products are
incorporation of recyclate.
manufactured in two production lines
Carmel has also introduced a
unique range of transparent impact
based on Spheripol and Spherizone
technology under license from Basell.
copolymers which are intended to
Carmel Olefins is committed to
solve the traditional Polypropylene
developing and extending its
trade off between impact and
product range by extending the
clarity, and also offer excellent
property window of available
resistance to stress whitening.
polymers and providing solutions
CT80A – MFR (25) and CU80AV –
to today’s plastics processor.
High MFR (35) are intended for the
Plastribution’s technical resources,
injection moulding of thin walled
in the form of Dan Jarvis (please
packaging, clear containers for
see inside back page spread) are
deep-freezer storage, caps and
available to help processors select and
closures, pails and crates or any
work with these new Carmel grades.
applications where both clarity and
impact properties are required.
The final addition to the range is
Capilene U12EV a polypropylene
hompolymer with a high MFR (37)
intended for Non-Woven applications.
Please contact your Plastribution
sales representative for more details.
Evonik Industries
new PLEXIGLAS® brochure
It is specifically aimed at helping with the processing of Plexiglas ® and
Evonik have produced
a new brochure which
details all aspects of
injection moulding with
PLEXIGLAS PMMA.
contains detailed information on:
Product range
Physical properties
Technical requirements
including the moulded part,
the moulding process, the
mould and moulding machine
16
Processing
Injection moulding defects,
causes and remedies
Product handling
Issue 04 – October 2013
Nail Buddy –
a recipe for success
Take a young beauty
therapist with a clever
concept, combine
some good old
fashioned product
development expertise
with lashings of
collaboration, add
the effective use of
complementary
materials and you
have the hallmarks
of a Dragon’s Den
success story.
Nail Buddy is, seemingly, every
The material selection for the main
girls’ best friend. The product is
body of Nail Buddy required a high
a professional, handy and new
gloss, durable finish, capable of
portable fashion accessory,
looking fashionable whilst maintaining
designed to hold nail polish bottles
functionality. With its high rigid,
securely, leaving both hands free
medium impact strength, Plastribution
to apply nail polish and achieve
recommended ABS Polylac® PA-757
professional looking results whether
ABS, which provided an ideal balance
at home or on the move.
of properties combined with ease of
Developed on the back of requests
from professionals and customers alike,
processing, and the ability to be
coloured using masterbatch.
Nail Buddy is designed to sit perfectly
And to keep nail varnish bottles of
between your knees or on any flat
all shapes and sizes secure, a rubber
surface. And by being able to hold
cage was developed that sits inside
all shapes and sizes of bottle, Nail
the main body of the product.
Buddy is simple to use and effective.
A variety of grades of thermoplastic
Nail Buddy has recently entered
vulcanizates (TPVs) were trialled,
the fashion and beauty markets
with Santoprene™ offering the
and is currently enjoying a positive
best performance, together with its
reception. The product currently
inherent manufacturing flexibility,
retails at £9.99 and is available
ease of processing and consistent
in two fashionable shades –
durability. A non slip rubber base
Honeysuckle Rose or Silver Peony.
completed the design.
The initial concept for Nail Buddy
In production, the moulding, assembly
provides an excellent example of
and pack-out of the product was
product development synergy.
carried out by Dugdale Plastics.
The three ‘players’ in this product’s
development included Ramsgate
based Dugdale Plastics, UK based
offshore manufacturing and
injection moulding tooling project
management specialists, Protek and
materials supplier, Plastribution.
Both Dugdale Plastics and Protek
created aesthetic and functional 3D
designs, from which prototype tooling
was manufactured and assessed
to check form, fit and function. With
support from Plastribution, varying
Nail Buddy was launched exclusively
into Boots UK in December 2012
through High Street TV. The product is
currently on sale through other major
retailers, distributors, shopping
channels and airlines.
To further promote Nail Buddy, a
company known as Majique Ltd was
formed in November 2012 to market
and distribute the product, along with
a range of beauty products and gift
sets.
grades of materials were also trialled,
with the emphasis being on balancing
cost with performance.
19
Issue 04 – October 2013
Issue 04 – October 2013
UK plastics
UK plastics industry:
Key facts
The enabler of manufacturing and distribution
The plastics industry
is an industry that
employs more than
180,000 people.
This is more than the pharmaceutical
We all recognise modern life would
industry, oil and gas industry, nuclear
not be possible without plastics. It is
industry, video game industry and
essential that both the government
the film industry combined.
and banking sector fully understand
Yet the size and importance of
the industry is difficult for many to
comprehend as the first image that
often springs to mind is the sector as
the producer of toys and bags. The
the vital role our industry plays in the
ongoing recovery of our economy and
the need to rebalance our priorities
BILLION
Companies in the plastics industry
7,500
Value of exports
to reduce the current dependence
on retail and service sectors.
MILLION TONNES
full range of applications and the
industry’s role in supporting almost
19
every branch of the economy
is frequently overlooked.
In considering the full range of applications, plastics is an essential, enabling
industry for almost every sector of our economy, including:
4.8
Plastics materials produced
Plastics industry
turnover
MILLION TONNES
Food & agriculture
Infrastructure
Medical & healthcare
Manufacturing
Transport
Electrical & electronics
Material processed
People employed
Plastic and plastics products exported
Sport & leisure
13.1
Number of primary processors
Processorover
sales turn
20
21
Issue 04 – October 2013
Issue 04 – October 2013
Carbon black magic
Turning electrically conductive plastics into products
Carbon black magic
This is the first instalment
in a series of articles
on the processing of
Premix’s electrically
conductive plastics.
The series kicks off
with a look at the key
element of conductive
compounds – carbon
black – and how it is
used for creating the
perfect compound mix.
Conductive carbon black is the most
reliable and cost-efficient choice for
conductivity:
black type for the purpose
branched chains. Such a structure
technique
is ideal for conductive compounds
Small particle size: smaller
used in countless processing methods
conductivity. If the particles are
and final applications. The role of
small and relatively uniform in
the compounder is to ensure that
shape, their surface area is larger
above factors are executed correctly
than otherwise. Extra conductive
and to help the customer take full
carbon blacks, with the smallest
advantage of the compound in the
particle size, provide the highest
manufacturing process. Together,
electrical conductivity.
Step 1: Picking the right
carbon black
Carbon black comes in many
different varieties. The carbon black
that works perfectly in truck tyres is
not the right choice for conductive
compounds. Selecting the carbon
black with just the right features is
the first important step towards a
successful end product.
Strong bonds between primary particles
Agglomerate
<102 ohm.cm
CB Loading (W%)
Size: >0.1mm
Weak bonds between aggregates
reached with lower loading levels.
size means higher electrical
are met successfully.
Size: 0.1 -0.5 microns
– the required conductivity can be
Electrically conductive plastics are
desired goals for the end products
High Structure
Aggregate
means that the carbon black
agglomerates form long and
Optimising the compounding
108 ohm.cm
High structure: high structure
Selecting the optimal carbon
Formulating the compound
1014 -1018 ohm.cm
Size - 0.01 microns
plastic compounds. The secret behind
lies in three important factors:
Primary Particles
conductive compound.
Factors that improve electrical
the perfect carbon black compound
Volume Resistivity(ohm.cm)
electrical behaviour of the electrically
producing electrically conductive
these measures guarantee that the
Low Structure
porosity also have an impact on the
Premix’s R&D specialists can select
The carbon black content and the
The Premix compounding lines have
just the optimum carbon black load
production process require careful
been optimised for the production
needed to achieve the required
control and monitoring.
of electrically conductive plastics.
electrical properties. Finding the
correct loading level is extremely
important: too high a carbon black
load has a negative impact on the
compound’s mechanical properties.
It also increases viscosity, causing
High porosity: higher particle
problems in the injection moulding
porosity enables better
process, for example.
electrical conductivity.
Step 2: Formulating
the right mix
The percolation curve illustrates the
relationship between the quantity of
added carbon black (CB load) and
the achieved electrical resistivity.
After exceeding a certain loading
Note the narrow threshold in which
level, carbon black changes the
the electrical resistivity dramatically
electrically insulating base polymer
drops. After this threshold level,
into electrically conductive plastic.
increasing carbon black will no longer
The decrease in electrical volume
improve the electrical properties.
resistivity due to the increased
amount of carbon black can be
described using a percolation model.
The most important factor affecting
The percolation behaviour of carbon
the electrical performance of carbon
black depends on the qualities
black is its structure. Particle size and
mentioned in step 1: particle size,
structure and porosity.
Usually the steepest part of the
curve hits the static dissipative
resistance levels (106–109ohms).
This makes the development and
production of dissipative carbon
black compounds very challenging.
Choosing the right carbon black also
depends on how the material will
be processed. For example, during
the injection moulding process, the
compound is subjected to different
For each formulation and base
polymer, our processing engineers
select the right machinery with
optimal screw geometry and
granulation technology.
processing conditions than during the
Carefully defined processing
extrusion process. For each process,
parameters ensure that the shear
roughly speaking, there is a matching
forces and process temperatures
type of carbon black.
are at the ideal level. In optimal
Premix has accumulated 30 years
of expertise in formulating and
manufacturing electrically conductive
compounds. Based on our research,
experience and years of product
development, we have found the
perfect mix for any requirement.
conditions, the carbon black
agglomerates are separated into
aggregates which are then dispersed
and distributed evenly within the
compound. This is done without
breaking the carbon black’s structure.
Continuous quality control
throughout the process and seamless
Step 3: Optimised
compounding process
The final piece of the puzzle for
creating a perfect electrically
cooperation between the production
and quality assurance departments
are the final checkpoints on the way
to the perfect outcome.
conductive compound is finding the
optimal technique for dispersing the
carbon black to the base polymer.
22
23
Issue 04 – October 2013
Issue 04 – October 2013
Enzymoplast™
new grade
Mitsubishi Engineering
Plastics Corporation
Mitsubishi Engineering
Plastics Corporation
launches new grade
of POM for water
fitting applications.
MEP have announced a new grade
Iupital POM has good mechanical
Advanced Enzyme Science Ltd is
flexible and industrial packaging and
of acetal, Iupital F20-EW, which is a
properties as well as:
proud to announce an addition to
agricultural films including mulch and
their range of additive master batches
silage. All products will also retain US
which biodegrade polyethylene.
FDA approval.
Enzymoplast ENZO0900
AESL’s master-batches can be easily
Biodegradable uses similar
incorporated into standard PE film
enzyme based bio-technology to
production lines with only minor
that which is used in the original
changes to settings. ENZO0900 has
ENZO0001 Compostable grade,
been independently tested by a
albeit with modifications to better
reputable European Laboratory in
suit environments where industrial
accordance with ISO 14855-1:2005.
composting facilities are not available
The product is certified aerobically
or applicable, or in developing
biodegradable within a defined period
markets or where there is no end
1-3 years at end of its life, depending
of life solution other than landfill.
on prevailing environmental
modified version of F20-03 and meets
all the requirements for potable water
High fatigue resistance
uses in various European countries.
Excellent anti-creep properties
Iupital F20-EW is a general purpose
Excellent low friction and
POM copolymer suitable for all
anti-wear properties
water fitting applications and
meets the approval requirements
in various countries as follows:
UK – WRAS (BS 6920, for use
with water up to 85°C)
USA / Canada – NSF 14 (NSF 61)
Germany – KTW (23°C and 60°C)
France – ACS (XP P 41 250)
Wide range of operating
temperatures
High oil and organic
chemical resistance
Excellent thermal stability
in moulding
Natural, black, coloured and
glass filled grades available
AESL- Enzymoplast
announces the
launch of its new
technological
innovation in
biodegradable
PE formulation
ENZO0900.
Products incorporating ENZO0900
conditions.
exhibit excellent mechanical
Of course, like all polyethylene film
properties, and have been found
treated with AESL master batches, the
to increase film tensile strength in the
finished product is 100% recyclable
final product by approximately 2-3%.
and will not adversely affect the
ENZO0900 technology has also been
recycling stream.
targeted to reduce cost compared
to other degradation systems, such
as those containing metal ions,
therefore making it a more affordable
proposition with nominal cost. A further
The active ingredients in ENZO0900
come from renewable sources and do
not adversely affect or rely on the food
supply chain.
benefit when compared to these other
For further information please visit:
systems is, just like ENZO0001, ENZO0900
www.enzymoplast.com
leaves no contaminants in the soil
after degradation.
The product applications are many
and varied, and the master-batch
may be added into the production
of all types of polyethylene flexible film
where single use of the end product
is normal such as disposable bags,
24
25
Issue 04 – October 2013
Issue 04 – October 2013
Metal replacement
Plastribution are
proud to announce
the introduction of a
brochure detailing
their metal replacement
range of thermoplastics,
along with the creation
of a website designed
to help to guide
designers and engineers
through the complex
choices to select the
best material for their
desired applications.
The manufacturing benefits of using
polymers from the industry’s leading
plastics instead of metals have long
producers, we are able to offer
been recognised, however the
realistic and workable solutions to
technical capabilities of products
most metal replacement issues.”
have not been able to match
environmental demands. With
weight reduction, performance
enhancement and cost reduction
all major drivers in today’s markets,
particularly in the automotive sector,
metal replacement has never been so
high a priority. Engine downsizing and
fuel efficiency, reduced under bonnet
space and longer vehicle life time
requirements are providing increasing
demands on existing and historically
acceptable solutions to part designs.
of the world’s largest producers of
means that higher productivities can
be achieved, along with improving
properties of weld line resistance.
Underlining their commitment to
environmental concerns, Radici
Group are proud to have developed
backwards integrated producer
makes it the ideal choice for metal
Radilon D, a new family of PA610
of both PA 6 and PA 6,6. This
replacement where impact strength
engineering plastics for injection and
Developed by Idemitsu, XAREC,
integration allows them the scope
and vibration resistance are key
extrusion moulding, produced in
with a melting point of 270oC,
and diversity to be the world’s
factors. Such areas include engine
part using polymer from renewable
demonstrates an exceptional level of
most dynamic and inventive
mountings, oil pans and seat frames.
sources. Compared to petroleum-
high heat resistance and is therefore
producer of nylon resins. Several
suitable for many lead free soldering
new developments are targeted
applications. Also, thanks to its low
at high end engineering plastic
density, it can represent a part
applications for metal replacement
weight saving against other high
and automotive environments.
XAREC SPS: Syndiotactic
Polystyrene from Idemitsu
temperature plastics such as PPS.
built with not only straight metal
excellent resistance to a wide
replacement in mind though. With
range of chemicals and oils
very high modulus, high temperature
including automotive under bonnet
resistance and ultra-low fogging
fluids, and show a very high hydrolytic
properties as examples, another
stability, low water absorption (0.01%)
key target area is performance
coupled with excellent electrical
enhancement of products
properties. It is easy flowing and shows
already produced in polymers.
high weld stability even at elevated
temperatures in water and glycol.
Radilon A RV500RW and
Radilon S URV: High glass
fibre and high flow nylon
based products, these materials
Radilon HHR PA 6,6 for high
temperature applications
Radilon HHR has been developed
for blow moulding and injection
moulding applications to produce,
o
can not only reduce dependency
on fossil resources but also lower
greenhouse gas emissions and energy
consumption in production processes.
Radilon® D materials show reduced
at a continuous operation of 210 C
moisture uptake and a smaller
in air, the best performing material
loss of tensile strength and tensile
in its class. Due to the original heat
modulus under wet conditions.
Radici Group’s highly filled range
protection technology employed
of nylons offer higher stiffness,
by Radici group in their HHR resins,
deformation at break, weld line
a high retention of tensile strength
strength and impact resistance
and impact properties after heat
when compared with standard
ageing at 210oC means these
grades of PA 6,6 50% GF. These
grades are aimed at areas of
enhanced product families also
metal replacement and property
have comparable tensile strength
improvement. They can also
Manager at Plastribution said
This blend of properties makes
at break compared with light metal
often replace special polymers
“We have worked tirelessly to
XAREC an ideal choice for today’s
alloys and demonstrate much better
such as PPA, PPS and PA 4,6.
ensure we are able to offer a
modern high temperature and
fatigue behaviour. These product
comprehensive range of materials
pressure engine environments
benefits come at a lower density
to cover most applications.
including, amongst others, control
than light metal alloys, allowing for
units, housings, fuse links, lamp
performance increases at a reduced
sockets, connectors (including PCB’s),
part weight, so aiding fuel efficiencies.
range of high end engineering
Radilon D: Eco
sustainable PA6.10
This unique balance of properties
Parts made in XAREC offer
We feel that, with our current product
26
Based in Italy, Radici Group are one
The ease of processing these resins
nylon, and they are the only fully
Plastribution’s portfolio has been
Peter Tillin, Engineering Product
Radilon: Specialist nylon
grades from Radici
Typical applications include charge air
coolers, resonators and turbo air ducts.
Furthermore, PA610 products have
better chemical resistance in contact
with zinc chloride and calcium
chloride solutions and better glycol
resistance. Compared to PA11 and
PA12, the new Radilon® D products
have improved thermal resistance and
reduced hydrocarbon permeability
Typical applications include injection
moulded components, vapour, fuel
and brake lines, pneumatic pipes,
connectors, high stiffness parts,
pipe fittings and monofilaments.
antennas and high voltage parts.
27
Issue 04 – October 2013
Issue 04 – October 2013
Metal replacement
Pre-Elec and PRESEAL:
Conductive polymer
solutions from Premix OY
Vaporised fuel and air mix together
to form an explosive atmosphere and
then in order to make environments
safe, all ignition sources must be
removed, including static electricity.
The best way to control electrostatic
Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics have
set of advantages. Grades are also
injection and extrusion, one of the
has enabled Thermofil to replace both
resin that is tailored to achieving high
further enhanced their acetal (POM)
available unfilled and in variety of filler
most diverse ranges on the market,
metals and higher end engineering
quality results with electroplating.
range with the development of a
loadings, and Plastribution are able to
enabling its use in a number of
plastics in a variety of applications,
The new material - Polylac® PA-726M
low formaldehyde emission grade
offer all.
high performance environments.
including engine cooling fans, shrouds,
- is intended for use in automotive
manifolds, internal automotive door
parts and components, particularly
parts, pedals and housings.
front grilles, and is already approved
to combat anti-fogging issues and
chemical irritation that can be
encountered with standard grades.
This is achieved with no reduction
in properties from standard acetal.
PPS is used extensively in the
Typical applications for VESTAKEEP
automotive sector and is currently
include gears, high rigidity machinery
found in alternator parts, power
parts, housings, bearings and
modules, sensors, electric coils,
self-lubricating parts. These can
capacitors, connectors, housings, hot
generally be found in the medical,
build-up in fuel systems is to use
In routine automotive emission
water systems, pump parts and many
film, sheet, cable, automotive
conductive plastic materials in
tests, standard acetal emitted
other applications.
and aerospace industries.
direct contact with the fuels.
approximately 14 times the amount
Vestakeep:
High performance
PEEK from Evonik
Thermofil HP: High performance
glass filled Polypropylene
Premix are the industry leaders on
providing solutions to the automotive
of formaldehyde compared
to the Iupital LF series.
Thanks to Sumika’s unique processing
for use by some automotive OEMs.
Evonik: Plexiglas replaces
metal for enhanced surface
finish
Meeting the high demands
of the automotive sector
Evonik Industries are the global leader
Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics’
in Acrylic (PMMA) materials, offering a
comprehensive portfolio of
diverse range of speciality PMMA
XANTAR polycarbonate and
materials for use in the Automotive
blends offer new opportunities
and Electronics industries.
for the automotive industry. The
industry in fuel lines. They offer a
This makes it ideal for products used
unique range of products for both
in vehicle interiors and confined
Polyether ether ketone, or PEEK,
technology, Thermofil HP grades
Plexiglas Hi-Gloss NTA-1 offers an
extrusion blow moulding and injection
spaces, or general acetal mouldings
is being produced by Evonik for
are able to offer performances not
excellent surface finish and a very
moulding applications, providing
where residual smell from, for example,
applications where, historically,
previously achievable in glass filled
high level of black gloss (class A)
significant cost savings in the overall
storage in sealed bags, is an issue.
the use of plastics struggled due to
polypropylene (GF PP). This, along
surface finish. It also benefits from its
extremes in environment. VESTAKEEP
with their improved glass coupling
ability to resist scratching, and, where
grades demonstrate particularly
methods, results in significantly higher
damage occurs, its ability to be
high rigidity and strength, and with
tensile strength, tensile modulus,
polished back to its original condition.
Vicat softening temperatures of over
elongation at break, creep resistance,
300oC, this is coupled with exceptional
impact resistance and heat distortion
resistance to high temperatures.
temperature when compared
Also of note is VESTAKEEP’s very low
with equivalent standard GF PP.
fuel system. And as the materials have
a constant electrical conductivity
over time, safety is assured.
Typical properties include excellent
processability and weldability
providing lower production costs.
Also since the products are high gloss
with very smooth surfaces, less fuel
turbulence is encountered through
the systems. The products are suitable
for mono-layer and multi-layer systems
and are also bio-fuel compatible.
Iupital LF Series: Low
formaldehyde emission
acetal for excellent
antifogging properties
Typical products include clips, seat
belt guides and trim parts.
PPS: Polyphenylene Sulphide
for high temperature and
stiffness appications
PPS is a unique material which
water absorption, giving the benefit
offers excellent resistance to high
of a very high dimensional stability.
temperatures, coupled with flame
retardancy and excellent electrical
properties. This blend of properties
makes PPS suitable as both a metal
replacement and a thermoset material
replacement.
PPS is available in Linear and Branched
or Cross Linked and Elastomer Modified,
with each material offering a distinct
28
developed grades offer solutions for
demanding applications such as air
conditioning and venting nozzles,
steering column claddings, dashboard
components and interior lighting.
temperature and its excellent
mouldability has lead to it being
successfully used in a variety of
internal and external automotive
Other properties include excellent
to replace glass filled nylon (GF PA)
components. These include external
chemical resistance, electrical
applications, where their use offers
trim parts for Lotus and Jaguar Land
properties and hydrolytic stability.
higher tensile strength and tensile
Rover.
This balance in properties makes
modulus. When also considering
VESTAKEEP and ideal metal
the much lower density of Thermofil
replacement material.
compared to GF PA, significant
and filled grades for processing by
such as instrument panels. Specially-
resistance, good heat deflection
the products are finding their way
cost savings can be achieved.
in automotive interior applications
This coupled with good impact
The properties are such improved that
VETAKEEP offers, with both unfilled
materials are predominantly used
Chi Mei ABS: Enhanced finish
Electroplating Grade
Taiwanese plastics producer Chi
This unique blend of excellent stiffness,
Mei has introduced a new grade of
creep resistance and impact resistance
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
29
Issue 04 – October 2013
Product list
Supplier
Material
Brand Name
Engineering polymers
The Plastribution team is always
available to provide advice on
all aspects of grade selection
including design, processing
and properties. So please do
not hesitate in contacting us to
discuss your specific requirements.
Please remember that, despite our best efforts
to do so, it is almost impossible to cover every
request for information on the website or
through the new portfolios, particularly as new
developments are happening all the time.
If you should be unable to find what you require,
just get in touch on the phone, email or through
the website and, if we really can’t help, we will do
our utmost to point you in the right direction.
Plastribution Limited
PO Box 7743,
CEVA House,
5 Ashby Park,
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Leicestershire LE65 1XY
Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560
Fax: +44 (0) 1530 560303
Email: sales@plastribution.co.uk
www.plastribution.co.uk
Material
Brand Name
Specialities
Bioplastic
Apinat
TPE
Megol
TPO
Apigo
TPV
Tivilon
TPE
TPU
PP Recycled
Aurapene
Barrel Blitz Universal
Raplan
Biohybrid
Cardia Biohybrid
Apilon 52
Biodegradeable
Wonderlite
PMMA
Plexiglas
Cyro XT
Clear Polymer
Cyro
Cyrolite
PEEK
Vestakeep
SPS
Xarec
Polycarbonate
Tarflon
PC/ABS
Xantar C
PC/PET
Xantar E
POM (Acetal Copolymer)
Iupital
Polycarbonate
Iupilon
PBT
Ramster
PA6.6
Plustek
PA6 Prime
Plustek
PA12
Plustek
TPE – Highly Conductive
Preseal TPE
Thermally Conductive
Compounds
Pretherm
Static Dissipative Compounds
Pre-Elec ESD
Conductive
Pre-Elec
TPEE/TPE/TPV
Heraflex
PETG
Raditer E
PBT
Raditer
PBT
Radiflam B
PA6.6 Prime (Italy)
Radilon A
PA6.6 Prime (Germany)
Radilon A
PA6.6 Industrial (Italy)
Heramid A
Material
Brand Name
PPRCP
Capilene
PPHP
Capilene
PPCP
Capilene
LDPE
Ipethene
PPHP
Ducor
PPCP
Ducor
Masterbatch – UV Stabilisers
Colourtone Masterbatch
PPHP
ExxonMobil PP
Masterbatch – Universal
Colourtone Masterbatch
PPCP
ExxonMobil PP
Masterbatch – PVC
Colourtone Masterbatch
PP Plastomer
Vistamaxx
Masterbatch – POM
Colourtone Masterbatch
mPE
Exceed
Masterbatch – Polycarbonate
Colourtone Masterbatch
mPE
Enable
Masterbatch – PBT
Colourtone Masterbatch
LLDPE
ExxonMobil LLD
Masterbatch – Nylon
Colourtone Masterbatch
LLD Plastomer
Exact
Masterbatch – Blowing Agents
Colourtone Masterbatch
LDPE
ExxonMobil LD
Masterbatch – Anti-static
Colourtone Masterbatch
HDPE
ExxonMobil HD
Biodegradeable
Enzo
EVA
Escorene
EAA
Escor
Functional Polymers
Exxelor
PP Compounds
Exxtral
PP Compounds
Thermofil
Calcium Carbonate Compounds Granic
Masterbatch Slip/Anti-block
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch Colour Universal
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch Anti-block
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch – UV Stabilisers
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch – Slip Agent
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch – Process Aids
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch – Flame Retardant
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch – Blowing Agents
Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Functional Polymers
Modic
Functional Polymers
BondyRam
Styrenics
PA6.6 FR (Italy)
Radiflam A
PA6.6 (Industrial) Germany
Heramid I/A
SAN
PA6.10
Radilon D
PC/ABS
Wonderloy
PA6 Prime FR (Italy)
Radiflam S
BDS
Kibiton
PA6 Prime (Italy)
Radilon S
ASA
Kibilac
PA6 Prime (Germany)
Radilon B
ABS
Polyac
Polylac
PA6 Industrial (Italy)
Heramid S
SMMA
Acrystex
PA6 Industrial (Germany)
Heramid I/B
SMMA
Styrilic
PA6
Radilon S
PA6
Heramid B
Susteel
Supplier
Polyolefins
Purging Agent
Polycarbonate
PPS
30
Supplier
DELTECH
CORPORATION
Kibisan
HIPS FR
Total HIPS FR
HIPS Alloys
Total HIPS Alloys
HIPS
Total HIPS
GPPS
Total GPPS
PPCP
Sumitomo
LLDPE
Sumitomo
HDPE
Sumitomo
PPRCP
Total PP
PPHP
Total PP
PPCP
Total PP
mPPRCP
Lumicene
MDPE
Total MD
LLDPE
Total LLD
LDPE
Total LD
HDPE
Total HD
EVA
Total EVA
PP Compounds
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Our expertise
0845 34 54 560
www.plastribution.co.uk
Plastribution is working hard to evolve
materials, the best at identifying new
the distribution model to be supportive,
markets and the best at managing and
sustainable and secure. Our expertise is
advising on raw materials and pricing.
one of the things allowing us to do so.
By delivering reliability, know-how and
Expertise is something that all of our
true business partnership to the world’s
suppliers and customers know they
best polymer suppliers and our UK
can rely on. Differentiating us as truly
customers; our expertise is helping the
consultative business partners,
industry get better, smarter and faster.
making us the best at sourcing
Momentum – October 2013
Knowledge
is everything
At Plastribution we
are always looking for
new ways to improve
the service we offer
to our customers and
make their experience
of dealing with us
a positive one.
“I found it simple to
follow, informative
and easy to
understand. Which
I think was the plan.”
“Personally I
thought it was fab!”
One of the areas that we identified
and Specialities) decided to
out as clearly and concisely as
as an area for improvement was
construct a suitable training
possible with eight modules in total
the general polymer knowledge
course.
covering such topics as ‘what is
of our staff. Although the general
level was fairly good, we thought
we could make it better. This would
not only help us to deal with our
customers more effectively but
also help stimulate and motivate
our staff.
Understandably, there is a mix of
backgrounds within Plastribution.
Some staff have been educated
to degree level and beyond in
polymer science and engineering,
whilst others have not had any
formal polymer science training at
“I look forward
to learning
more!”
The course was made available to
everyone in the company whether
or not they were directly involved
in the sale of polymers or providing
a supporting role.
To gain an insight into the
overall levels of knowledge, all
prospective students completed
a test comprising of 30 questions.
The results of the test highlighted
areas that needed attention, whilst
also giving a base line from which
to measure future progress.
all, particularly the newer members
The course content was designed
of staff and support staff. To redress
to be delivered in short 30 minute
that balance and bring everyone’s
segments, which could be
polymer knowledge up to a similar
delivered during a lunch hour
standard, Dan Jarvis (Technical
(lunch provided of course!) to
Manager) and Martin White
avoid any disruption to normal
(Product Manager for Styrenic’s
office cover. The modules were set
a thermoplastic’, Amorphous and
Crystalline, Compounds and
Masterbatch and structure
property relationships.
To date four modules have been
delivered to 25 members of staff.
Successive modules will be
delivered monthly until the full
course of eight modules is
complete. It is early days yet, but
if the first Plastribution Polymer
Course is a success then further
instalments will follow.
Given the positive comments
to date, we should be able to
produce some very knowledgeable
employees for the future. Watch
“It was light-hearted,
engaging and very
useful – whilst not
covering too much
at any one time.”
this space!
3
Momentum – October 2013
Momentum – October 2013
Plastribution raise over £350
for the Little Hearts Matter charity
Plastribution’s social
committee ran their
second charity food
day in aid of the Little
Hearts Matter charity.
The event produced
a mouth watering
display of cakes and
savouries, which
were purchased
(and consumed!) by
Plastribution staff and
other employees from
the office complex.
All manner of delicacies were
A year later William had his
Little Hearts Matter offers a
on offer, including: Multi-layer
second open heart surgery to
telephone support line 24/7,
cakes, chocolate cakes, lemon
boost his growth and appetite.
support literature for families
meringue pie, chocolate chip
The latest surgery will see William
and schools. They also help with
cookies, Bakewell Tart, Chilli Con
continue through to adulthood
DLA, dental visits, medications,
Carne, Lasagne and Chicken
and develop as best he can. The
lifestyle choices as well as running
Tikka Masala - all produced by
surgeries are palliative meaning
workshops and trips out from time
the talented Plastribution chefs.
that these are non-curable
to time. More can be found on
corrections and William will need
their website www.lhm.org.uk
Andrew Diamond explains the
story behind the charity food
day and the Little Hearts Charity
We were introduced to Little Hearts
is centered on my son, one of
Matter who helped and guided
a pair of twins, who suffers with
us before, during and after surgery.
a complex heart condition.
They provided us with a cardiac
On the 29th July 2008, my wife
and I became parents for the first
time. We knew we were having
twins and the excitement of their
impending arrival was, quite
liaison nurse who made sense of all
the surgical team’s jargon and talk.
At each step Little Hearts Matter
were there for us. Without them
we would have been very lost.
literally, the best moment of our
The charity, which is based
lives. Two weeks later I rushed one
in Birmingham, West Midlands,
of the twins, William, to Wigan A&E
supports parents of children who
knowing something terrible was
have been diagnosed with a
wrong with him.
complex heart condition and is
It turned out that William was
suffering from tricuspids atresia,
transposition of the great arteries
and ventricular septal defect.
funded entirely by donations.
It requires a minimum of £250,000
each year to continue to provide
an essential support service.
In layman’s terms, this means that
Williams’s recovery has been
the plumbing of his heart is back
nothing short of fantastic. Having
to front and that oxygenated
been discharged within two
blood is not pumped around
weeks of his last operation, five
his body as it should be.
weeks later he is out and about
That evening, William had the first
Andrew Diamond
a heart transplant in later life.
of three open heart surgeries with
“We were introduced to
Little Hearts Matter who
helped and guided us
before, during and after
surgery. They provided
us with a cardiac liaison
nurse who made sense
of all the surgical teams
jargon and talk. At
each step Little Hearts
Matter were there for
us. Without them we
would have been very
lost.” – Andrew Diamond
on his ‘early rider’ and keeping up
with his twin brother Oliver!
the sole aim of continuing his life.
4
5
Momentum – October 2013
Momentum – October 2013
Sarah Minshaw
Customer Service Representative
I decided to return to
full time work after my
3rd child turned six,
and after spending
the last 5 and a half
years running my
own fitness business.
Prior to this I was a
technical author for
a shop fitting firm,
writing operating
and maintenance
manuals.
Family constraints were the catalyst
Plastribution look after their staff
for the career change and my
really well and people seem
involvement with fitness training.
genuinely happy in their work
I studied the theory whilst on
and work environment which
maternity leave and then went on
reflects in how we engage with
to pass various courses including
customers. I have settled in
fitness pilates, kickboxing, hula
really quickly and have been
hooping, burlesque, zumba and
made to feel very welcome.
the latest being kettlercise in 2011.
I have even appeared in the Mail
on Sunday twice with write ups
from a drastic change in career!
I find the variety of my role at
Plastribution very satisfying. Being
able to build a rapport and a solid
relationship with my customers
I still run classes alongside my
is very rewarding and with the
full time position at Plastribution
experience of running a business
and enjoy the variety that this
myself I can understand their
brings to my working life.
needs and know how important it
I was offered two positions of
employment during the same week
is having a reliable, dependable,
friendly supplier at hand.
and I chose to go with Plastribution
as I felt it would be a great place
to work. Everybody came across
as really friendly when I came for
“I find the variety of
my interviews and it also helped
my role at Plastribution
very satisfying. Being
able to build a rapport
and a solid relationship
with my customers is
very rewarding.”
– Sarah Minshaw
that I already knew a couple
of people that worked here.
6
7
Momentum – October 2013
A sustainable plastics industry
A strategic asset in our manufacturing economy
“I want to focus on
realising our industry’s
growth and innovation
potential; and
securing investment
in UK plastics
manufacturing....”
BPF President,
Plastribution’s Mike
Boswell, believes these
aims are achievable
by working to meet
the industry’s needs in:
finance; energy; skilled
staff; and a stimulus
for construction
Finance –
Why is this important?
The Governor at the Bank of
England, Mark Carney, signalled
now look questionable as a result of
more realistic exchange rates and
rapid inflation in these countries.
a change of strategy at the
It is vital that the correct economic
Monetary Policy Committee
conditions persist on a long-term
(MPC) meeting on 4 July 2013,
basis, thereby ensuring both
by providing ‘forward guidance’
the increased availability of
on policy including interest
competitively priced finance and a
rates. Whilst this creates a stable
stable situation on exchange rates.
environment in terms of base
rates, the margin and terms for
borrowing are limiting investment.
Along with the BPF, I will continue
to push for the best financial
position for UK plastic processors.
As a key enabling industry,
plastics, so far, has mainly been
able to accommodate increased
demand by increased capacity
utilisation. However, there is a
very real risk that if companies
do not have the confidence
and ability to invest, there will be
strong implications for the wider
As his theme for his
two year Presidency,
he explains all.
manufacture to Eastern Europe
economy as the availability of key
components becomes restricted.
Energy –
Why is this important?
BPF CCA Agreement
As you are already aware, the BPF
has successfully negotiated a new
agreement for the plastics sector
with targets that are realistic and
achievable. We should remember
that the CCA not only provides a
tax discount for members of the BPF
With exchange rates, sterling is
Energy CCA, but is also a tangible
25% cheaper today on a trade-
demonstration of our sector’s
weighted average basis than it was
commitment to reducing energy
in 2008. There is little doubt that the
consumption and to supporting
devaluation of sterling following
wider sustainability themes.
the banking crisis has been a key
factor in enabling the current
resurgence in British manufacturing.
Reliable, secure and affordable
energy supply
The BPF has long been pressing
Prior to 2008, the UK plastics sector
government on the issue of
was ravaged by the move to Asia
energy supply and, in particular,
of the manufacture of products
raising concern with regard to
containing a high plastic content,
electricity generating capacity.
and thereafter by the manufacture
Despite previous denials by
of components and sub-assembles
Government, on 28th June, a
emigrating to Eastern Europe. The
statement by Michael Fallon MP
economics of decisions to move
(Minister of State for Energy),
Momentum – October 2013
Momentum – October 2013
confirmed that the government
(for example small or thin films),
becomes a crisis and the skilled
was fully behind a National Grid
or availability of secondary market
and experienced element of our
consultation that could see big
(mixed plastics). On this basis,
industry workforce retires and
businesses being paid to cut
Energy from Waste (EfW) clearly
cannot be replaced.
energy consumption on weekdays,
represents the most efficient use
between the hours of 4-8pm.
of resources. Resource efficiency is
This followed a warning by Ofgem
that the risk of power cuts has
increased in the UK and that spare
electricity production capacity
could fall to 2% by 2015. This is a
matter of grave concern to the
UK plastics industry, particularly as
many processes cannot easily be
interrupted for 4-hour periods.
The BPF welcomes the possibility
a winning argument and one that
the BPF will continue to promote.
EfW also has the capability to be
brought on-stream quickly, thus
helping to reduce pressure on
existing generating capacity.
By using unrecyclables it saves fossil
fuel consumption. Going forward,
the government needs to tackle
the issue of ‘nimbyism’ to enable
EfW to increase momentum.
of the UK developing shale gas as
both an energy resource and also
a feedstock for polymer production.
However, it is unlikely that
commercial production of shale
gas will occur before the end of this
decade and should not be used
as an excuse for not addressing
the critical issues of today.
Skilled Staff –
Why is this important?
The availability of skilled staff for the
plastics industry is a matter of grave
concern. Almost without exception,
all parts of our industry are focussed
on securing the resources necessary
to meet the needs of their business
Whilst plastics is a diverse subject,
I do believe that through the BPF
we have the capability, the power
and the influence to persuade the
educational system to deliver what
this key industry requires. I especially
welcome the initiative put forward
by Phillip Watkins, my predecessor,
in becoming an active member of
the Cogent Board of Directors and
would encourage every member
“We plan to push the
government to invest
in new infrastructure The National
Infrastructure Plan
announced as part
of the recent budget
offers some cause for
celebration, but more
needs to done.”
– Mike Boswell
company to support him in this bold
move.
We need more people to consider
We plan to push the
government to:
a career in plastics and also
export potential has suffered
encourage more women to come
the effects of the recession most
into the sector. As an 18 year-old,
severely. Although there are now
I was introduced to the plastics
promising signs of a recent upturn
industry through a holiday job and
of activity. The consumption of PVC
have gone on to enjoy a career
resin, used directly in construction
Introduce a 5% VAT rate
that has lasted 3 decades so far;
for windows, pipes and soffits and
on Green Deal Products.
I can personally testify that it is
indirectly for cables, fell. However
a great industry to be part of.
the overall image of PVC is
Stimulate property buying
and building.
Invest in new infrastructure -
Summary
Our goal: To contribute towards
building a sustainable plastics
industry by being a strategic asset
in our manufacturing economy.
How:
Energy from Waste
today and for the future. As far
In performance terms, the UK
as I am aware, Edinburgh Napier
virtually sits at the bottom of the
is the only UK University to still
Alongside Energy and Finance,
European league table in terms
run an undergraduate course in
HR is a vital pillar for our sector’s
of how much energy it generates
polymer technology, albeit mainly
success. It is vital that we tackle
The level of house building is a
cause for celebration, but more
from waste.
studied by overseas students.
this issue now, so that our sector
matter for real concern given the
needs to done.
This situation needs to change,
Many of us look to our own
can continue to realise the
increasing population and need for
finance, energy, skilled staff,
not only because the UK is running
induction to the plastics industry,
outstanding opportunities ahead.
more housing for single and elderly
construction stimulus.
out of landfill capacity, but for the
which typically involved
simple reason that we are
apprenticeships and part-time
squandering a valuable resource.
study - the so-called ‘earn-while-
Our first priority is to recycle used
plastics products but as we are all
aware, some elements of plastics
waste cannot be beneficially
recycled on account of difficulty
10
0
benefiting from the excellent
VinylPlus initiative.
people. Traditionally, it has been a
Construction –
Why is this important?
you-learn approach’. However,
I have chosen to single-out the
we should not necessarily take
construction sector as a theme for
a romantic view of what worked
my presidency. There is no doubt
in the past should work in the future.
that this area of membership
But we do need to find a solution
feeding into a largely self-
for the future before a concern
contained market with limited
driver for the economy as a whole,
pulling through not just building
products but also domestic
appliances and furnishings. More
The National Infrastructure
Plan announced as part of
the recent budget offers some
By realising our growth
and innovation potential
and investing in UK plastics
manufacturing.
By working to meet our needs:
By continuing to promote the
factual benefits of our industry
to all the key stakeholders and
influences.
affordable housing needs to be
I look forward to supporting you
built, whilst the government should
and the UK plastics sector through
ensure that buyers are able to
my presidency.
move onto the property ladder.
11
Momentum – October 2013
“My role will be to
work with customers
to ensure the best
product is selected
for their application
in order to exploit
these benefits fully.”
– Richard Cudd
Momentum – October 2013
Richard Cudd
Technical Executive
I joined Plastribution
in March this year as
Technical Executive in
the Direct Sales team.
This is a new role created to
More recently I held technical
provide technical support to
management positions at two
customers and direct sales staff,
of the largest UK blown film
particularly in the area of blown
extrusion companies, gaining
and cast film extrusion. Many of
valuable experience in utilising
the polymer grades we supply offer
a range of polymers to develop
specific technical benefits and my
new film products.
role will be to work with customers
to ensure the best product is
selected for their application in
order to exploit these benefits fully.
If you are looking to promote new
products for your current customer
base or are looking to develop the
latest materials to enable you to
I have spent the last 15 years
enter new markets, then please
working in the polyethylene film
get in touch with us and we will
industry, the first 11 for global
do our best to assist wherever
petrochemical producers BP &
possible. I can also advise on
Ineos, providing technical service
general process optimisation and
to key film customers across Europe
offer advice on cost/performance
and working on the development
ratios to enable you to get the
of a range of high performance,
very best from your raw materials
metallocene-based polymers.
and in turn produce the very
best products that you can in the
most economical manner.
12
Momentum – October 2013
Momentum – October 2013
Here come
the girls...
Plastribution’s product
director, Katherine
White, was promoted
to commercial
director in March
this year.
The appointment includes
Commenting on her appointment
the additional focus of the
Katherine said: “I am delighted
thermoplastics side of the
to be taking up the role of
business, together with providing
commercial director for the
a supportive role to the company’s
company. We have an exciting
senior management team.
future ahead of us and I am very
With her ‘product management’
hat on, Katherine continues her
“I am delighted to be
taking up the role of
commercial director
for the company.
We have an exciting
future ahead of us and
I am very much looking
forward to being part
of it.”– Katherine White
much looking forward to being a
part of it.”
polyolefin materials responsibilities,
In June 2013, the Leicestershire
as well as supervising the
Mercury spotlighted Plastribution’s
company’s Knowledge Transfer
significant jump from 74th position
Partnership (KTP) supply chain
in 2012 to 46th position in 2013 in
management project. The project
their ‘Leicestershire’s Top 200
was officially completed in August
Businesses’ feature.
2012, although there is a strong
legacy factor.
Katherine was promoted to
product director in 2011, a board
level position that made her one
of a small number of senior women
directors within the plastics industry.
15
Momentum – October 2013
Momentum – October 2013
25 Years at
Plastribution
(and counting)!
I have a very clear
recollection of joining
Plastribution on 19th
September 1988 at
the age of 24.
In the previous year I was studying
Plastribution and other players
In the 1990’s I moved from external
I can say that the time has passed
continues to move away from
full-time towards my Polymer
around at that time were very
sales into product management
incredibly quickly, and whilst by
Western Europe we see increasing
Technology qualifications and had
much in their infancy. It was
and in 1988 was appointed to
European standards this would
opportunities as a distributor to
completed my HNC and the first
often difficult to convince
the board in the capacity of
be viewed as a very long time
support UK plastic processors.
year of my Grad. PRI (Graduate
customers why they would want
business development director.
to stay in the employment of
of the Plastics & Rubber Institute).
to buy from what was sometimes
Prior to that I had worked in
described as a ‘middleman’.
various technical, quality and
In 2000 I was fortunate to become
managing director, and at the end
one company, my Japanese
colleagues from our parent
company who routinely spend
The economic situation was also
of 2001 instigated the full merger
pretty tough. Following the big
with Anglo Polymers, which had
1980 recession UK manufacturing
been acquired in 1994 and, until
When I started my first role at
was undergoing massive reform,
then, run as a separate entity.
It is also worth mentioning that
Plastribution as a Technical Sales
and the penetration of lower
With this combined resource we
Veronica Mee ‘Vee’ now has
Representative I remember that
cost goods from Asia was rapidly
pursued a strategy to become one
over 26 years service and we
the very commercial role came
gaining momentum. Also with
of the UK’s leading distributors and
have a significant number of
as quite a shock, and it was not
the government’s attempts
we were incredibly proud to learn
employees who have already
until I attended a TACK sales
to stay within the ERM, interest
from the 2009 AMI European
celebrated 20, 15 and 10 years
course early the following year
rates increased rapidly and
Polymer Distribution study, that
with the business. We think that
that I started to settle into the
borrowing costs soared to 15%!
Plastribution had grown to become
continuity has a great deal to do
the largest distributor in the UK.
with the success of our business.
manufacturing roles in the injection
moulding and extrusion sectors.
role. I also have fond memories of
my first company car - a nordic
blue Vauxhall Cavalier 1.6LX!
Business for Plastribution was
tough and changes in ownership
and management were also a
This is far from being the end of the
story and we maintain very strong
business growth as we continue to
their whole working life in the
company, hardly bat an eyelid.
With regard to the future there
is still more we want to achieve
in terms of Plastics and Distribution,
In terms of the market it was
challenge. However acquisition
an interesting challenge as the
of Plastribution by Itochu (then
concept of distribution in the
know as C.Ito & Co) at the end
polymer sector was relatively
of 1991 was a clear turning point,
As for 25 years at Plastribution,
of this exciting and dynamic
new, and the activities of
and we are grateful to retain the
I am often asked if it has felt like
business. In particular as the
same shareholders 22 years later!
a long time, and honestly speaking
location of polymer production
serve the needs of polymer
producers and our UK customers.
and I am very much planning to
be part of the continuing evolution
“As for 25 years at
Plastribution, I am
often asked if it has
felt like a long time,
and honestly speaking
I can say that the time
has passed incredibly
quickly.” – Mike Boswell
Momentum – October 2013
Momentum – October 2013
Your mission,
should you choose
to accept it, is....
New IT
platform
Ensuring the highest
levels of service
- Investment in IT
infrastructure and
disaster recovery
protection.
Over the last 20 years our IT
This makes us quite vulnerable;
Through recent developments
infrastructure has evolved to
it is a fragility that has long
in server virtualisation and high
become an essential part of our
been recognised and risks
capacity data storage we have,
business operations. Not only
have been mitigated by using
in conjunction with our IT support
is modern computing essential
‘back-up’ solutions of varying
provider, developed a platform
for ever increasing volumes
degrees of sophistication.
that takes advantage of our two
of electronic communication
including email, but within
Plastribution it enables us to process,
analyse and account for a massive
volume of complex transactions.
However today it is not just a
case of having back-up data,
the question for more and more
companies operating at our level,
is in the case of a serious IT system
Not being one to
shy away from
a challenge,
Plastribution’s
Managing Director,
Mike Boswell,
embarked on a Top
Gear styled driving
adventure back
in April - all in the
name of charity.
to put forward a suggestion of an
of the list. Mike did exactly that and
object that can be photographed
ploughed his money into German
inside the car - these were then
engineering and bought a 1997 E36
entered into a draw with two
BMW 323i Auto Touring with 167k
being chosen at random. And in
miles on the clock. He found it in a
true Top Gear fashion, a separate
garage in the Scottish border town
secret challenge contained in
of ’Boswells’ (the name association
a sealed envelope was given
wasn’t one of the challenges -
to every car at the start.
shame though, full marks for trying!).
On completion of the event
Under the event rules and
and with all competitors safely
regulations, decorating the car
returned back to the starting
was ‘encouraged’, so Mike wasted
point at Blidworth, Mike’s trusty
no time in transforming his white
beemer apparently never missed
‘beemer’ into a Plastribution
a beat throughout the journey.
promotional vehicle, complete
And due to some highly proactive
with logo decals covering all
sponsorship efforts, Mike managed
body panels, including the roof.
to raise a very impressive £3373.27
office locations to create a robust
Mike was participating in the
failover solution. This effectively
Fairview Farm Charity Drive
means that should a disaster
Challenge, the gist of which
With the scene set, Mike and
occur, we would have instant
involved driving from Nottingham
ten other ‘competitors’ in their
access to a duplicate system
to John O’Groats and back in a
£300 budget cars set off on Day
and, if necessary, work from a
car that was over 15 years old
1 from the village of Blidworth,
Having thoroughly enjoyed the
temporary office accommodation.
and cost no more than £300.00.
Nottinghamshire on their journey
challenge, Mike commented:
Simple enough, but not entirely that
to John O’Groats. The various
straightforward as the organisers
challenges along the way were
had added some ‘challenges’ to
the main focus for the ‘Days 2
make the task a little more tricky!
and 3’ and included: the shortest
Points were awarded for each
distance covered during the 3
challenge with the eventual winner
days (Mike won this!); the closest
being the car that accrued the
to a Scottish castle (photographic
most points over the whole event.
evidence required); the egg in a
Along with this reliance on PCs,
failure - how long would it take to
servers, routers, switches and other
rebuild the system and become
items of technical wizardry comes
operational again? Following a
Whilst this project involves a
the responsibility to plan for the
recent review with our IT support
significant capital cost the
unexpected – a systems failure.
providers, we determined that
calculated operating costs of
And whilst disaster recovery plans
a serious systems failure would
the solution will result in an overall
must be considered in the wider
take days rather than hours to
cost saving to the business. In
context of other essential elements
recover; servers would need to
summary a better solution at
of our business such as buildings
be acquired, operating systems
a lower cost, providing peace
and inventory, the fact is that we
built and data reloaded. From
of mind to our customers and
are, to a large extent, computer
this evaluation it became obvious
suppliers that in the unlikely event
Prior to the event, Mike’s first job
dependent. Much of the data
that a more robust solution was
of a disaster it will be business as
was to purchase a car. Now, it’s a
contained within our IT system is
required to ensure that in the event
usual here at Plastribution.
known fact that when faced with a
unique to us and our operation.
of a system failure the business can
journey of 1,200 miles and only £300
continue to function normally.
to buy a car to travel in, most of us
18
would be placing ‘reliability’ on top
bucket challenge (full points for the
in support of the Lincolnshire &
Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance the event raised over £5000 in total!
“The event was great fun and the
scenery was epic. I am very grateful
to all those who sponsored me
on the event - their generosity is
much appreciated. We are already
thinking about a 2014 event, which
possibly will have the theme of
plastic cars!” – Mike Boswell
egg being intact at the end); the
closest to the optimum time set by
route planner and lastly the Photo
Challenge - each car was asked
19
Momentum – October 2013
Momentum – October 2013
Our vision
and values
As Plastribution
has grown and
developed from its
humble beginnings
over 30 years ago,
our staff have been
working towards
a common goal
and demonstrating
values and methods
of behaviour
along the way.
This has, by and large, been
and “bottle” the Plastribution feel
By being easy to do business with,
and way of working. The difficult
we bring value to our customers,
process of trying to verbalise and
suppliers and stakeholders, making
condense the large amounts of
every contact with us a positive
data collected then commenced.
one. These are all key factors in
With a lot of hard work, heated
ensuring we are better than our
debate and soul searching, a vision
competition and an integral part of
and set of values eventually
our stakeholders’ success. To deliver
emerged kicking and screaming
this it is vital that we have a strong
into the daylight.
team, so we work to maintain an
So what did we come up with?
environment that respects and
nurtures the individual, with a focus
Vision – what we seek to become
on well-being, engagement and
Our vision is “to be the UK’s
the opportunity to develop through
preferred supplier of plastic raw
company growth.
materials”. In short we want to be
the distributor that customers want
to use time and time again.
We understand that our success will
depend on implementing our plans,
recognising existing strengths and
an organic process and many
We aim to deliver exceptional
reinforcing them, as well as
of our staff have been working
customer service through our
identifying areas where we need to
to unwritten rules and codes
unique combination of industry
develop and meet challenges. All
of behaviour. These have been
expertise, innovative approach to
employees are aware of how their
instrumental to our success in
problem solving and processes that
individual contribution fits within
becoming the UK’s largest polymer
are in place to ensure these are
their department and the wider
distributor and in turn made the
delivered on time and in full. This for
company goals and as a team we
company what it is today.
Plastribution will always be a work
are committed and determined to
in progress as we believe that no
deliver success.
The management team decided
that it was time for this important
aspect of our business to be
matter how good our service is we
will always strive to make it better.
Achieving this aim is no easy task
but we now have a clear strategy
formalised and visible to all of our
Values – who we are
and vision that we want to share.
stake holders whether they are
Our values are our Reputation,
There is nothing secret to what
shareholders, suppliers, industry
Value, Competition and Nurture.
we’re doing, but just in case, this
partners or staff.
We strive to protect the name
Two teams were tasked with the
and reputation of Plastribution at
project of articulating our company
all times through our behaviours,
values and clearly defining our
demonstrating professionalism,
company strategy. A period of
openness and integrity.
article will self-destruct in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
……
consultation was set up with various
parties within the company to try
20
21
Momentum – October 2013
Plastribution
is on the move!
We very much look forward to
plans for future growth, new offices
providing you with an excellent
have been secured on the opposite
service from our new home in 2014.
side of the road, on the first floor
of Clinitron House, Excelsior Road.
With double the floor area to that of
our existing offices, there will be
sufficient space to make further
business expansion possible.
Following refurbishment work to the
new offices, Plastribution will move
A511
A5
Contact details will remain
ad
am
Ro
y
Wa
h
ting
t
unchanged apart from any
No
A42
customers not currently using
Premiier Inn
the P.O. Box 7743 LE65 1XY postal
address.
gham
Nottin
Road
Way
Smithy Road
Since Plastribution
moved to its current
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
headquarters over 9
years ago, the business
has expanded rapidly;
our current premises
on Ashby Park is now
completely full.
To accommodate our ambitious
We will advise of an exact move
McD
Donalds
date nearer the time.
A511
in Q1 2104. A date for the move is
yet to be confirmed, but rest assured,
business will be unaffected during
this transition.
Exce
lsior Ro
Cu
urrent
u
bu
uilding
u
Coa
lfield
Way
ad
A511
Coa
lfield
Way
McDonalds
Lountside
A42
N
W
E
S
22