SABIC next-generation flowpact PP enables downgauging and easier processing for rigid packaging

MOSCOW (MRC) -- The first of a new generation of Flowpact polypropylene impact copolymers from SABIC has been developed to help manufacturers of many types of injection molded rigid packaging make stronger products. It should also help them save money, said the company on its site.

Rigid packaging made with SABIC PP FPC45, including types that can be hot-filled, has considerably higher top-load strength than identical products made with current benchmark materials. This in turn improves stackability, providing better economics in transport and storage. SABIC PP FPC45 incorporates important advances in polymer chemistry that yield a material with a balance in stiffness and impact strength that SABIC believes is unmatched in the market.

The good flow properties of SABIC PP FPC45 further facilitate thin walling and fast injection, and a higher crystallization temperature will enable parts to be demolded faster--reducing energy consumption and increasing productivity at the processor.

SABIC PP FPC45 is developed for production of rigid packaging with volumes ranging from as low as 200 ml to as large as around 10 litres. It can be used for containers intended for packaging foods and non-food products. SABIC PP FPC45 might also be used for caps and closures, as well as for production of housewares.

"We saw a need in the market for a material capable of delivering higher top load strength and superior stiffness in hot filling applications, what we have achieved is significant. SABIC PP FPC45 delivers a top load strength that is some 17% higher than current benchmark materials commercially available today", says Bert Claessens, Polypropylene Business Manager.

SABIC has a strong focus on sustainability in its solutions for the packaging industry, Claessens further notes. "We regard SABIC PP FPC45 as an important step forward that should enable our customers to use less material and less energy to produce rigid packaging with the same or even better properties than before, more quickly than before."

Claessens says, "SABIC plans to debut additional products towards the end of this year. This is the beginning of a new wave of products from SABIC for rigid packaging--and for other segments as well. We are upgrading our full portfolio to cater for unmet needs in the market. This is part of a major innovation drive in the company."

As MRC informed earlier, Saudi Arabian Oil Co. and SABIC are one step closer to building their first plant to process crude directly into chemicals, cutting out a link in the production chain from hydrocarbons to the finished products that go into plastics and other consumer goods.

SABIC is a global leader in diversified chemicals headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We manufacture on a global scale in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, making distinctly different kinds of products: Chemicals, Plastics, Agri-Nutrients, Metals, and Specialties.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. will not appeal the dismissal of its lawsuit against Athena Automation Ltd., said Canplastics.

According to a July 7 news release from Woodbridge, Ont.-based Athena, Husky has now abandoned its appeal of the judge’s decision released April 2016.

On April 22, Justice Frank Newbould on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice found that Robert Schad and Athena – which Schad founded in 2008 – had breached the confidentiality agreement he had in place with Husky, but concluded that Athena didn’t make any material use of the information in developing its own technology. Athena employees had access to new Husky technology at injection molder Niigon Technologies Ltd. in MacTier, Ont., the judge found, but did not make material use of the knowledge.

"I am glad that this stressful period is behind us, and we look forward to competing on a level playing field," Schad said in a statement.

Athena currently builds 150, 300, and 450 metric ton injection molding machines. A new 155,000-square-foot plant for just-in-time manufacturing of machines is ramping up operations. The existing 40,000-square-foot building houses the head office including sales and customer services.

Schad – who is 87 – founded Bolton, Ont.-based Husky in 1953, took the company public in 1998, and sold it in 2007.

As MRC informed earlier, Husky Injection Molding Systems is going to make additional investments to support its continued growth in China with plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in the region of Suzhou.

Husky made thin-wall molds for years, but exited in-house production in the mid-1990s to focus on its growing PET mold and hot-runner operations. In 2011, Husky bought Austrian closure-mold specialist KTW Group.
Now picking up Schottli brings a broader mold focus, but one that is still within Husky's sweet spot of thin-wall, fast-cycling parts.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- With the help of BASF’s versatile plastic materials, the new three-wheeled concept vehicle 05GEN from Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd makes short journeys both comfortable and convenient, said BASF.

This new generation electric-assist vehicle is on display at the Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, Imabari, Omishima Island in Japan from July 14, 2016, until June 15, 2017.

In modern vehicles, tires are key to a comfortable and relaxing ride. BASF’s Infinergy, the world’s first expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, and Elastollan, a thermoplastic polyurethane, are used in the 05GEN’s tires to enhance the overall riding experience. The characteristic cellular structure of Infinergy contributes to its striking design. Additionally, Elastollan makes possible a variety of textures and colors on the surface of the tires.

Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific said, "Yamaha’s new-generation vehicle aims to improve the riding experience and quality for travelers moving short distances. This resonates with us well because at designfabrik, we help translate ideas into daily products that improve people’s quality of life. By offering our consulting services on color, material, and finish development, we helped Yamaha realize their design concept of ‘Refined Dynamism’."

As MRC informed earlier, Aspen Aerogels reached agreement to supply its Spaceloft A2 aerogel insulation product to BASF, for incorporation into BASF’s aerogel enhanced wall system for the building materials market. The companies have also entered into a joint development agreement covering collaboration on the development and commercialization of new products. BASF will fund a USD22-million non-interest bearing advance to support construction of Aspen’s new manufacturing plant in Statesboro, GA. BASF will serve a base load customer for the capacity expansion.

BASF is the largest diversified chemical company in the world and is headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF produces a wide range of chemicals, for example solvents, amines, resins, glues, electronic-grade chemicals, industrial gases, basic petrochemicals and inorganic chemicals. The most important customers for this segment are the pharmaceutical, construction, textile and automotive industries. BASF generated sales of more than EUR70 billion in 2015.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Seed company Monsanto Co (MON.N), which rejected Bayer AG's (BAYGn.DE) buyout offer in May, is exploring various transactions, including the acquisition of BASF's agriculture-solutions unit, Reuters reported.

In return, BASF would likely receive newly issued shares in Monsanto, Bloomberg said, citing people familiar with the matter.

The discussions are at an early stage, and no final decisions have been made, the report said, citing the people. Talks with Bayer are continuing, sources told Bloomberg.

Monsanto and BASF could not be reached for comment outside regular business hours. A Bayer spokesman said the company did not comment on rumors or speculation.

Monsanto's board is split over the merit of potential deals with rivals BASF and Bayer with some executives keen to remain independent and others preferring a takeover, Bloomberg reported, citing a source.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- The Canadian government has signed a free trade agreement with Ukraine, said Canplastics.

The trade deal was signed on July 11 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

In 2015, trade between the two countries totaled USD278 million; the top Canadian exports to the eastern European country include fertilizers, iron and steel, and anthracite coal.

Following the signing, the Canadian and Ukrainian legislatures will begin the ratification and implementation process for the new trade agreement.

As MRC informed earlier, an additional 9% of plastic packaging was recycled in Canada in 2013 compared with 2012, a new report concludes. Complied by Moore Recycling Associates Inc. and released by the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA), the report attributes the increase to more material being collected for recycling as well as more companies providing recycling information. In total, more than 311 million kilograms of postconsumer plastic packaging were collected in Canada in 2013 for recycling.
MRC