Wavin to produce PVC drain and soil pipe incorporating a core of recycled polymer

(Plasteurope) -- Pipe and systems manufacturer Wavin Ltd, the UK subsidiary of Wavin (Zwolle / the Netherlands), is now producing PVC drain and soil pipe incorporating a core of recycled polymer. It has termed the three-layer coextrusion process ⌠Recycore Technology and says it contains at least 50% recycled material. The inner and outer layers of the pipe are both produced in virgin PVC; the internal layer to ensure a smooth surface and the outer layer as it is easier to colour. The resulting composite pipe looks and performs identically to one produced entirely from virgin material.


The development of Recycore has involved an investment of GBP 3m (EUR 3.4m) and was a joint operation between the parent company and its UK offshoot. The process will initially be used at the Chippenham site to produce two sizes of pipe, 110mm diameter and 160mm. Their recycled content is slightly above 50% and Wavin UK says it hopes to increase the level as long as the pipe's properties can be maintained. The recycled polymer is being bought in, primarily from window and door fabricators.


MRC

Pepsi and Coca Cola argue on bioplastics

(Ceepackaging) -- As if a legal case between Coca-Cola and Pepsi was not enough, the two rivals who have been fighting it out for as long as anyone can remember are not just competing on the taste in the bottles but are now competing about what is in their packaging.


In 2009, the Coca-Cola Co. said it would sell its Dasani water products in bottles containing up to 30 percent sugarcane-based polyethylene terephthalate plastic. It touted the ⌠PlantBottle as the latest in eco-friendly food packaging. Then PepsiCo said it had developed PET containers that were 100 percent petroleum-free.


According to the San Francisco Chronicle on 27 September, the beverage industry is not alone in the race to produce the greenest consumer product packaging. The trend has spread across grocery shelves to ketchup bottles, shampoo containers, chip bags and even cell phone accessories.
The most common forms of plastic packaging are crafted from natural gas and crude oil, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Plastics account for about 4 percent of the world's petroleum use, according to the PET Resin Association. The petrochemical industry uses a chemical process to turn petroleum gases and liquids into solid plastics that offer a spectrum of thickness and durability, from plastic bags to milk jugs.


So far, the nascent bioplastics industry has hardly encroached on that petroleum dependency. Less than 1 percent of plastics used in the USA come from biological sources like sugarcane and corn, said Melissa Hockstad, vice president of science technology and regulatory affairs for the Society of the Plastics Industry and quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle.


MRC

Sabic's Cycoloy and Lexan resins to enhance performance of new ResMed S9 sleep apnea devices

(Sabic) -- SABIC's Innovative Plastics strategic business unit today announced that ResMed - a global leader in medical products for treating and managing respiratory disorders - has selected Cycoloy and Lexan resins to enhance the performance, aesthetics and sustainability of the new ResMed S9 series of sleep apnea devices. SABIC's Cycoloy polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) resin, featuring non-halogenated flame retardance and high flow, is used to mold the complex, thin-wall S9 chassis. Lexan resin, a tough, biocompatible material with exceptional surface finish, is used for the S9 top case and H5i humidifier flip lid. Both materials helped ResMed create a sleek design and outstanding aesthetics for consumer appeal. The next-generation ResMed S9 device series demonstrates how SABIC's broad and growing portfolio of high-performance materials and value-added services help healthcare customers create new, innovative technologies.


MRC

Clariant added anti-microbial masterbatches to Mevopur family

(Clariant) -- Clariant announces the addition of anti-microbial masterbatches based on MedX anti-microbial agents from SANITIZED AG to its dedicated MEVOPUR range, to support the development of medical devices with surfaces that are active against bacteria. Independent testing of the active ingredients by Sanitized has shown them to be effective against antibiotic resistant strains.


The development responds to the increased need for anti-microbials in applications such as surgical instruments, catheters, connectors for tubing, and in-line filters to help reduce the transmission of bacteria that are potential causes of secondary infection. It has been noted in publications that there is a serious risk of death from catheter-related nosocomial infection. There is also increasing interest in evaluating anti-microbials for pharmaceutical packaging, such as inhalers and ophthalmic solutions.


Clariant's long-standing partnership with Sanitized benefits customers in a range of application sectors, including textiles and consumer goods.


For the new MEVOPUR masterbatches, Sanitized manufactures the active MedX anti-microbial ingredient - silver on a glass carrier - according to the strict quality control and impurity check requirements stipulated by Clariant.


MRC

In August PE imports in Russia increased by one third

(MRC) -- In August, there was a slight decline of PE imports in Russia. In general, following January - August results, the total PE import to the Russian market increased by one third and exceeded 350 KT, acсording to MRC ScanPlast.


Following August results, total import volume exceeded 45.6 KT. HDPE supplies reduced by almost 2KT and EVA copolymer - by 20%.


In August, HDPE imports dropped to 22.8 KT. Deliveries of HDPE for extrusion coating of large diameter steel pipes decreased to 5.3 KT. Also supplies of blown PE from external markets significantly dropped, in particular, from Shurtan GhK, Uzbekistan. In general, over the first eight months, total HDPE imports to the Russian market have grown by 36% year on year and made 194.5 KT.


Despite the increase of pipe HDPE production in Russia, import remains high. This summer, pipe PE imports to Russia exceeded 7 KT. Main volumes fall at producers from South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan, the share of European material does not exceed 30%.

Last month linear polyethylene imports actually remained at July's level - slightly more than 14 KT. Reduction of film PE imports for extrusion sector was compensated by increased LLDPE imports for rotational molding from Asia. In general, following January - August results, total LLDPE imports to the Russian market made nearly 93 KT, that was by 34% more year on year.


Following January - August results, total PE and its copolymers imports to the Russian market exceeded 350 KT, that was by 33% more year on year. Over the eight months, the total PE production in Russia exceeded 1 mln tons.


MRC