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A review is offered for two Recycled PolyEthylene Terephthalate (RPET) packaging companies from Southern California, namely, Peninsula Packaging and Global PET.

The article evaluates extrusion machinery shown at the June 2009 NPE show in Chicago, Illinois which includes Welex's HS 300 high-speed sheet extruder, High Efficiency Mixing section from Kiefel Extrusion and automatic gauge-control air rings from Jin Ming Plastics equipment from China.

The article provides an overview of several thermoforming equipment that will be introduced in the National Plastics Exposition (NPE) 2009. One commercial application of the composite thermoforming system introduced by Geiss AG in Germany is for carbon-fiber reinforced polyurethane soles for running shoes. Maac Machinery has launched a range of quick-change tooling option for both shuttle and rotary forming. However, the RDK 90 model from Illig is a high-speed roll-fed thermoforming machine.

The article focuses on the development of durable biopolymers based on polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxy alkanoates (PHAs) such as polyhydroxybutyrate valerate (PHBV), and industrial starch. Polymaterial Technology Co. of Thailand introduced heat-resistant PLA/PHA and PLA/PHBV compounds for durable applications including injection molded dishes and housewares. It cites that Cereplast compounds starch with polypropylene (PP) into four grades of BioPP for durable applications.

The article highlights some developments and the rapid expansion of polylactic acid (PLA) into the family of biomaterials with a wide range of properties. Etten-Leur, Netherlands-based Synbra Technology BV has acquired the first license for a new PLA reactor technology from Purac and Sulzer Chemtech AG. Furthermore, Pyramid Technologies Ltd. plans to establish an operating firm to be called Pyramid Bioplastics to use a PLA polymerization process it has licensed from Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH.

The article reports that about three dozen processors who are mostly Europeans are backing up the commercial development of highspeed single-screw extrusion. More than 100 of this kind have already been installed whose screws turn at up to 1500 rpm. The cost benefit and features of this machine is provided. Meanwhile, the creation of a machine that will go to 2000 rpm without increasing the size of extruder is underway and being developed by two German machine builders.

The article evaluates a variety of composite products for plastic production including Innegra S fiber from Innegrity LLC, Digimat simulation and prototyping software from e-Xstream Engineering and Sphericel 25P45 hollow glass microsphere by Potters Industries.

This article highlights the 2008 JEC Composites Show held in Paris, France. One of the main focus at the show was adapting existing processes and materials for mass production. Some of the improved techniques presented at the event were for spray up, resin infusion and prepreg laminating. At JEC, Matrasur Composites showcased its first complete commercial plants that features discrete robotic work cells. A robot polyurethane (PUR) spray cabins was introduced by Sirtek Srl at JEC.

The article evaluates various granulators for the plastics technology industry including the model 600 series from Rapid Granulator, the model 80160 from Herbold Meckesheim GmbH, and the CentriCut single shaft model from Nuga AG.

The article discusses recycling technologies implemented in plastic technology plants. The entry notes that the new recycling operations will use processes for clean polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle-to-bottle processing. The drivers for recycling activity are identified as economical due to rising costs of resins and fuel, and ecological due to the need for corporations to seek renewable resources. Featured recycling plants include the United Resource Recovery Corp., Plastic Environmental Technology LLC and Erema.

The article focuses on several machine builders in expandable bead molding that address the market for rapid construction of shelters. Hirsch Maschinenbau GmbH built its first plant in Lumberton, Mississippi in 2007 which molds ICF blocks and roof and ceiling panels. In the same year, Promass Srl installed its plant in Iran, equipped with a patented automatic mold-change system, robotic insert feeding, and automatic parts unloading, while Kurtz's plant in Germany consisted of containerized equipment and does not include a building to house it.

The article discusses the trend towards sustainability and green engineering in the chemicals industry. Companies like Cereplast, Dow Chemical, and BASF are pushing towards sustainability by using unconventional feedstocks and renewable raw materials. Biopolymers are increasingly used in plastics production in spite of the fact that many biomaterials are expensive. Meanwhile, governments and large end-users of plastics create and drive demand for renewability through policy formation.

The article evaluates several equipment for plastic compounding introduced at the K 2007 tradeshow which include the Cinegram material flow meter from Maillefer, the Nexxus Channel Fiber disk pump from R.C.T. Srl, and the Multi Rotation System (MRS) 8-screw mixing and venting section from Weber Maschinenfabrik.

The article evaluates several plastic extrusion machinery introduced at the K 2007 tradeshow which include the high-torque (HT) extrusion motors from Parker Hannifin, the 1FW3 line of syn-torque motors from Siemens and the DST 315 syn-torque motor from Baumuller Nuernberg GmbH.

The article offers a look at the growth of foamed food trays made of polylactic acid (PLA) resin in Europe. Such food trays are used to package meat or fish at the Finiper SpA supermarket chain in Italy. Also, PLA meat trays appeared in a market test at Wild Oats markets in Colorado. It notes that the major hurdles in foaming PLA are its low melt strength, high shear sensitivity and high heat retention.

The article discusses the different perspectives of customers on the arrival of low-priced Chinese-built plastic extruders in North America. According to the author, these extruders which are used to make pipe, sheet, film and profiles have gained the confidence of some customers. However, experiences of other clients tell otherwise. Also discussed extruders for polyvinyl chloride, corrugators for pipe and foreign alliances.

The article investigates the future business strategy of vinyl siding producers. Under competitive pressure from more wood-like fiber cement siding, vinyl siding extruders are being forced to produce more wood-like and painted materials. Foamed and/or wood-filled siding is being introduced to compete directly with fiber cement on stiffness and low thermal expansion.

The article presents information on methods developed by companies for recycling electronic plastics which contain brominated flame retardants (FR). Axion Recycling Ltd. has developed its own Centrevap method which dissolves the FR polymer in a solvent, then separate the FR agents from the solution before removing the solvent again to precipitate out polymer with low FR levels. Butler MacDonald Inc. has set up systems to separate e-scrap plastic automatically.

The article reports on the reinforcements and plastic materials featured at the JEC international composites show in Paris, France, in April 2007. According to the author, the event reported the increasing use of natural and thermoplastic fibers, hybrid fiber combinations, small-diameter glass fibers and prepregs. The top JEC innovation prize went to F.T.S. Fibre e Tessuti Speciali SpA. Meanwhile, CRST SA showcased unidirectional fabrics that combine long-fiber hemp with thermoplastic fibers.

The article offers information on automated and faster methods of molding composite materials. Surface Generation Ltd. revealed its patented Reconfigurable Pin Tooling, which uses a bed of square pins that are automatically raised and lowered by computer software. FiberCore Europe BV invented a flexible mold system that can change part dimensions. Ingersoll Machine Tools introduced a system to heat thermoset or thermoplastic carbon-fiber prepregs with infrared lamps.

The article provides information on the Society of Plastics Engineers' Global Plastics Environmental Conference (GPEC) held in Orlando, Florida in March 2007. During the event, carpet recycling claimed two of the show's big environmental awards. Also at GPEC, two companies presented new automatic flake-sortation modules for separating undesirable electronic waste (e-waste) fractions.

The article discusses the use of more complex composite tubes as part of the latest trend in medical tubing. The micro-fine products are especially designed to incorporate high-performance engineering resins and wire braiding. The demand for new composites are driven by medicine's preference for minimally invasive surgeries which include wires to regulate heartbeats, wires to stimulate nerves and tubes for urology and vascular access.

The article describes the compounding extrusion system developed by Stratek Plastics Ltd. The compounding extrusion system is a two-stage process that combines extensional flow with vibration. Stratek uses vibrations that are high in amplitude but low in frequency. The combination of vibrations and complex shear thinning disentangles polymer chains thus lowering the melt viscosity of plastics. The advantage of low viscosity is its ability to process compounds at lower temperature.

The article focuses on the use of calcium carbonate by plastic processors as plastic bag filler. Calcium carbonate acts as an extender ingredient in manufacturing plastic bag products such as can liners and T-shirt bags to reduce production costs and maximize product profit. The amount of fillers used in production varies depending on the application of the bag, its physical properties and how the bags are marketed.

The article presents information on products introduced at the JEC international composites show held in Paris, France. Kamenny Vek has partnered with Ahlstrom Glassfibre Oy for the development of basalt fibers. The JEC sports innovation award was given to Schappe Techniques and molder Thermofusion GmbH for an electric-powered golf cart made from a moldable braided preform.

The article presents information on new lightweight ballistic composites launched by several plastic companies. Propex Fabrics Inc. is conducting a test for its Curv homopolymer polyolefins tape in woven fabric. The product is compacted by a patented procedure into sheet that can then undergo a thermoformation process.

The article presents information on new products for film, sheet, pipe and profile extrusion that were exhibited at the National Plastics Exposition 2006. New synchronous-torque motors have been presented by Macchi, Davis-Standard, Addex and Windmoeller & Hoelscher at the event. Reifenhauser has launched a high-performance dual air ring called REI2cool.

Examines the process of scrap recycling in the plastics industry. Demand for Recycled PET; Objectives of the challenge grants program of the California Department of Conservation in 2003; Development of dry cleaning systems for PET technologies.

Provides information on a range of compounding and mixing equipment to be unveiled at the National Plastics Exposition (NPE) in Chicago, Illinois in 2006. Reason for the rise of filler levels; Development in Buss' Quantec high-output kneader; Test devices that will be introduced at the NPE show.

Focuses on the commercial applications of nanocomposites highlighted at the Nanocomposites 2005 Conference in San Francisco, California. Information on how Nanoblend MB concentrate, a nanoclay masterbatch from PolyOne Corp., is used commercially in a thermal polyolefin automotive rocker panel; Development of Elan XP, an alloy of normally incompatible PP and PS, from Sud-Chemie AG and Putsch; Commercialization of a family of nylon Nanoblends made by in-situ polymerization of caprolactam with nanoclay. INSET: NEED TO KNOW MORE?.

The article focuses on the approaches that can be taken by the plastics industry to reduce the cost of resin. Processors should develop annual resin contracts that can provide better pricing than competitors. Launching over-the-counter forward contracts to buy and sell resin can be beneficial to processors. It is an advantage to use engineered purging agents to clean out equipment while using the least resin and downtime.

Discusses challenges in manufacturing nine-layer blown films and examines what machine suppliers are doing that could make entry easier in 2005. History of nine-layer blown films; Applications of nine-layer blown films; Advantages and disadvantages of stack or pancake-type and spiral-mandrel nine-layer dies.

Presents information on wood-plastic composites (WPC). Difference between the WPC markets in the U.S. and Europe; Methods used to create WPC panels; Companies which offer WPC materials.

Presents information on composite technologies shown at the JEC Composites show in Paris, France in 2005. Description of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner aircraft; Composite technologies for automotive, marine, windpower and electrical applications; Development of the molding process Resin Film Infusion by GKN Aerospace; Presentation of the Super MicMac software for designing composites.

Considers the application of corrugator vacuum forming. Estimated production output using the corrugator forming of automotive, appliance, and medical parts; Reason behind the lack of manufacturers using the corrugator process; Advantages of corrugator forming of parts over blow molding; Applications of corrugators.

Presents several rapid molding technologies presented at the Joliet Equipment Corp. composites show in Paris, France in April 2005. Induction process for rapidly heating and cooling tools from RocTool; Thermoplastic composite parts containing basalt fiber from Structil; Core Infusion technology that improves the speed and efficiency of vacuum resin infusion from Diab AB. INSET: NEED TO KNOW MORE?.

Looks at the designs for capacitance thickness gauges introduced during the K 2004 show in Dusseldorf, Germany. Functions of capacitance gauges; Advantages of capacitance gauges over nuclear gauges; Difference between the non-contacting sensor developed by Kundig and other non-contacting capacitive gauges; Key features of the S-100 Twin gauge launched by Kundig.

Focuses on several expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expandable polypropylene (EPP) moldings that were featured during the K 2004 Show in Dusseldorf, Germany in October 2004. Industrial applications of EPS and EPP moldings; Increase in the demand for EPS in 2004; Highlights of the K 2004 show. INSET: New EPS Materials.

Presents compactor technologies for films and foams that can densify plastic waste for recycling and even mild finished parts. Benefits of Maskinfabrikken RUNI ApS' compactor machine to user of EPS boxes like fish packers and canneries; Features of a compacter machine from Promeco Srl; Information on the Recostar recycling extruder offered by Starlinger & Co. GmbH.

Discusses the challenges being faced by the machine-direction orientation (MDO) market, as of February 2005. Impact of MDO on blown or cast films; Factors to consider in MDO equipment; Difference between cast film and blown film.

Provides information on new generation synchronous torque motors that were presented at the K show in September 2004. Description of a novel stationary die with a rotating core introduced by Dr-Pack II Co.; Features of the revolving die element called "rotating distributor" developed by the University of Paderborn in Germany; Information on the University's "intensive plastifier" extruder called Fimex.

Discusses the benefits of the emerging extruder motors. Categories of extruder motors; Commercial extrusion applications for the extruder motors; Features of the synchronous torque motors.

Presents information on new software for plastic composites design, processing and quality control. Institute for Plastics Processing at the University of Aachen, Germany; MSC.Software Corp.; Vistagy; Polyworx.

Presents information on several plastic extruders that will be displayed during the K 2004 plastics exhibition in Dusseldorf, Germany in October 2004. Synchronous motors in blown and cast film; Four-motor extruders in a single drive; Extruders used for cast film and sheet dies; Pipe and screw profile extruders. INSET: More on Motors.

Reports on the growing trend in injection and compression molding and dual-belt forming of wood composites in the U.S. Trends in extruded profiles reflected by developments at Crane Plastics Manufacturing; List of decking producers in the U.S.; Applications of compression molding.

Reports on the commercial products made from a mixture of recycled polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Application of the industrial equipment from Erema North America in the processing of the alloys; Properties yield from combining PET and PE; Applications of the recycled PET and PE alloys. INSET: 'Beer-Bottle Alloy' of PET & Nylon.

Discusses the increased interest in composite railroad (RR) ties by manufactures of marine pilings. Advantages of composite ties over concrete ties; Statistics on installed RR ties in the U.S.; Information on the operations of the RR tie producer Polywood.

Examines the evolution of the features of winders for blown and cast film. Description of winders; Comparison between AC flux-vector drives and DC drives; Features of the introduced rewinder for gusseted film from Alpha Marathon. INSET: Know Your Basic Winder Types.

Discusses the entry of barrier food wraps producers in the medical films market. Comparison between medical films and food films; Common methods of film sterilization; Introduction of layered films by Winpak Ltd. in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Investments of medical film producers in quality control.

Focuses on the high quality and low cost grocery bags produced in China and exported to the U.S. Information on the complaint filed by North American film and bag producers on the alleged dumping of retail bags from China; Differences between the Chinese and U.S. bag-making operations; Background on Chinese bag makers; Importance of the lower cost of polyethylene resin supply in China; Abundance of labor supply in China.