the preferred choice for UK plastics processors · 2019-07-23 · +44 (0)1530 560560 @plastribution plastribution.co.uk 3 An introduction to Plastribution As the UK’s leading plastics

Welcome to Plastributionthe preferred choice for UK plastics processors

plastribution.co.uk+44 (0)1530 560560

3 @plastribution plastribution.co.uk+44 (0)1530 560560

An introduction to Plastribution

As the UK’s leading plastics raw materials distributor, we are the preferred choice for plastics processors.

With an extensive portfolio of over 5000 grades sourced from over 35 global polymer suppliers, we have evolved our distribution model to be supportive, sustainable and secure.


Our success is driven by conversations.

The right conversations with the right people:suppliers and customers.

Our markets Packaging Automotive Medical Electrical Electronics Industrial Construction

Our customers Processors

Injection Moulding Extrusion Film Profile Compounding & Masterbatch Blow Moulding

Specifiers OEMs Designers


We understand your business, delivering ourexpertise in an intelligent way and providing the services that you have told us matter.

We do what we say we are going to do

We take ownership of problems

If there is bad news to be shared, we won’t hide it

We are confident that every contact with Plastribution will be positive

Jon King, Essex Injection Moulding Ltd

Excellent relationship

and customer service. Very

knowledgeable about

applications and the materials

we use in our business.

Polymer related degrees

No.1Distributor in the UK

UK based stafftimes winner of a PIA2

A distributor of substance

Source: AMI European Polymer Distribution Survey 2014

925UK Customers

3500TUK Stock

UKwarehouses

Global Suppliers

yearsof management team polymer industry experience


Our connections

Officially connecting businesses with the world’s leading polymer suppliers.

Visit the industry’s most comprehensive product database

Interactive link available

http://www.plastribution.co.uk/product-search


Value = Price + Service + Reliability

Founded on the strength of our relationships, we create lasting partnerships with our customers by delivering value.

We add value by being trusted advisors, unrivalled at sourcing product, identifying new markets, and providing commercial and technical support.

I like the way Plastribution

do business. It is not just all

about selling plastic, they add

value to our business.

Graeme Purves. Production and Supply Chain Manager. Mainetti UK ltd.

price

November 2015Is the Disconnection Between Polymer and Oil Prices Sustainable?

0845 34 54 560www.plastribution.co.uk

4www.plastribution.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560 Email: [email protected] and feedstock price data provided by PIE. www.pieweb.com

Is the Disconnection Between Polymer and Oil Prices Sustainable?

Whilst it is not clear if the current dichotomy is sustainable in the long-term, the current market situation in which polymer producers are increasing prices and closing order books prematurely is almost unprecedented at a time of year that typically special deals are being done in order to optimize inventory in preparation for the seasonal December shutdowns in Western Europe.

Monomer Prices (£ GBP per tonne)

Feedstock Change (Contract)

C2 (Ethylene) £0.00

C3 (Propylene) -£28.85

Styrene -£21.64

Benzene £44.72

Brent Crude -£7.56

Price Index 2008 - 2015 GBP Based

120%110%100%

90%80%70%60%50%40%30%

Brent CrudePolyole�n Basket

Jul -

08

Mar

- 09

Nov

- 09

Jul -

10

Mar

- 11

Nov

- 11

Jul -

12

Mar

- 13

Nov

- 13

Jul -

14

Mar

- 15


Polyolefins

LDPEOctober prices initially followed the

reduction in the Ethylene price, although

some producers offered further reductions

to stimulate demand, reflecting improved

availability. However, as the month

progressed the market seemed to tighten

and rumours of a change in pricing

trend prevailed. Whilst in November the

Ethylene price rolled over, many producers

implemented price increases of up to

€50 citing improved demand in Europe

and balanced/tight supply. In the UK

though, the strength of Sterling versus

the Euro minimised the impact. At the

time of writing, many producers have

closed November order books, although

so far supply has largely met demand.

There is talk of feedstock increases

in December due to an unplanned

outage at a large European cracker.

Data provided by PIEwww.pieweb.com

LLDPEReductions of at least the Ethylene

settlement were applied in October.

However, the market for LLDPE products is

highly variable according to the product

type. Traded C4 LLDPE for film is readily

available and here pricing was weak.

However, C4 injection grades have

remained tight and therefore pricing

is much firmer. Supply of Metallocene

products has also been balanced/tight.

For November, whilst Ethylene rolled over,

many producers implemented price

increases in Euro terms, although these

were offset somewhat by the strength of

Sterling. As with all Polyolefin products,

many producers have closed order books

early citing strong demand and the need

to protect stocks for December sales.

HDPEAs with the other Polyethylene families,

reductions of at least the Ethylene settlement

were applied in October. However, the

market situation on HDPE products was,

and remains, highly variable according to

the product type. Standard blow moulding

grades are in abundance and therefore

pricing has been weak. However, injection

moulding grades remain extremely tight and

therefore pricing has been much firmer.

For November, most producers implemented

price increases in Euro terms, although these

were offset somewhat by the strength of

Sterling. Many producers have now closed

order books citing strong demand and

the need to protect stocks for December

sales. The surge in spot feedstock costs

due to the unplanned outage at a

large European cracker means that an

increase is anticipated for December.

PPThe significant reduction in C3 costs was

passed on in October, although some

producers applied further reductions

to reflect the market conditions. The

availability picture was very mixed

with some suppliers still affected by

availability issues, but overall the

market was in surplus. However,

during the month the climate started

to change and many producers

reported strong demand, particularly

in Europe, tightening availability. As

a result, the feedstock reduction in

November was not passed on and most

producers rolled prices over. As with

Polyethylene, most PP order books were

closed early this month. The outage

at the large European cracker could

affect propylene feedstock prices

for December and any feedstock

increases are likely to be passed on.

Other PolyolefinsMetallocene products

are discussed in the

section on LLDPE.

EVA pricing and

availability is very

mixed with surplus

availability from certain

manufacturers and

shortages of specific

grades from others.

Supply Supply Supply Supply

Demand Demand Demand Demand

£1,400.00

£1,200.00

£1,000.00

£800.00

£600.00

£400.00

£200.00

£ p

er t

onn

e

Brent Crude

Naphtha Spot

Ethylene (C2) Spot

Ethylene (C2) Contract

Propylene (C3) Spot

Propylene (C3) Contract

Polyolefin Basket

Oc

t -

14

No

v -

14

De

c -

14

Jan

- 1

5

Feb

- 1

5

Ma

r - 1

5

Ap

r - 1

5

Ma

y -

15

Jun

- 1

5

Jun

- 1

5

Au

g -

15

Sep

t -

15

Oc

t -

15

£1,400.00

£1,200.00

£1,000.00

£800.00

£600.00

£400.00

£200.00

£ p

er t

onn

e

Brent Crude

Naphtha Spot

Ethylene (C2) Spot

Ethylene (C2) Contract

Propylene (C3) Spot

Propylene (C3) Contract

Polyolefin Basket

Oc

t -

14

No

v -

14

De

c -

14

Jan

- 1

5

Feb

- 1

5

Ma

r - 1

5

Ap

r - 1

5

Ma

y -

15

Jun

- 1

5

Jun

- 1

5

Au

g -

15

Sep

t -

15

Oc

t -

15

price


Fundamentals

price

Topic Item Date % Trend

GDP Real GDP (Q on Q) Q2 2015 0.4

GDP Real GDP (Y on Y) Q2 2015 1.6

UK Output Manufacturing (M on M) Aug 0.5

UK Output Manufacturing (Y on Y) Aug -0.8

Sales New Car Registrations (Y on Y) Sep 8.6

Sales Retail Sales (M on M) Sep 1.9

Labour Unemployment Rate July 5.4

Prices CPI (Y on Y) Sep -0.1

Prices RPI (YoY) Sep 0.8

Interest Rate Bank of England Base Rate November 0.5

The proposed lifting of sanctions against Iran has put downward pressure on price in anticipation of increased supply.

The Sterling/Euro exchange rate is a key factor in determining polymer prices, since most materials are Euro denominated. At current price levels, each Euro Cent change in price represents a £10 per tonne impact on our polyolefins materials basket. The Sterling/USD exchange rate tends to be more influential on the price of ABS, PC and POM.

Currently Sterling is sat between an appreciating USD and depreciating Euro. Although significant, these changes remain subtle compared to the more dramatic changes in feedstock prices.

UK Economic DataBrent Crude Oil Price per tonne

Exchange Rates

USD per tonne GBP per tonne

900.00

800.00

700.00

600.00

500.00

400.00

300.00

200.00

No

v –

14

De

c –

14

Jan

– 1

5

Feb

– 1

5

Ma

r – 1

5

Ap

r – 1

5

Ma

y –

15

Jun

e –

15

July

– 1

5

Au

g –

15

Sep

– 1

5

Oc

t -

15

Au

g –

14

Sep

– 1

4

Oc

t –

14

No

v –

14

De

c –

14

Jan

– 1

5

Feb

– 1

5

Ma

r – 1

5

Ap

r – 1

5

Ma

y –

15

Jun

– 1

5

Jul y

– 1

5

Au

g –

15

Sep

- 1

5

Oc

t -

15

1.80

1.70

1.60

1.50

1.40

1.30

1.20

1.10

USD Monthly

Euro Monthly

www.plastribution.co.uk@plastribution

0845 34 54 560

Interplas Show Edition 2017

the magazine

Celebrating 30 years of Engineering Polymers

Solutions to beat supplychain disruption Find out more on Page 12

www.plastribution.co.uk@plastribution

0845 34 54 560

Issue 07 November 2016

the magazine

Introducing the new know-how hubOur online content resource goes liveTurn to page 20

Still the preferred choice for plastics processors

In this issue

Forward pricing for stability of supply 14

Ethydco 18

Colour Tone Masterbatch 36

industry

Plastribution is the UK’s leading distributor of plastics raw materials, delivering reliability, know-how and true business partnership to the world’s best polymer suppliers and our UK customers.

In the event that you require further information about packaging formats please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Plastribution team for further information by emailing [email protected] or phone 0845 3454560

Pallet SizeOriginally pallets were 1,000kg, although in order to achieve better pallet utilization and transport effi ciency, pallets are now typically 1,375 kg (55 x 25kg bags).

Pallet DimensionsThese are typically determined to enable a fi ve-bag-per-layer confi guration that provides maximum stability.

advertorial advertorial

Raw material packaging formats explainedThere is some confusion as to which materials are supplied in what packaging formats, why this is done and - if required - how it can be changed.

As shown in the table below, the default packaging format is 25kg bags with the exception of PVC Resin and PET Resin (APET).

Pallet Wrapping: One of the following forms of wrapping is typically used:

1. Stretch HoodsA large plastic bag is physically stretched and then placed over the bags on the pallet.

2. Shrink hoodsAs above with the additional application of heat so that the wrapping shrinks to adopt the shape of the bags on the pallet.

3. Machine Stretch WrapA tacky, pre-tensioned plastic fi lm is wound around the bags on the pallet.

4. Hand Stretch WrapA tacky plastic fi lm is wound around the bags on the pallet.

Industry know-how is a series of articles that provide essential background to the industry, terminology and practices.

In some cases there is a high level of assumed knowledge, in other cases terms of reference lack clarity – Industry know-how aims to provide clear explanation and where appropriate thought leadership to support our industry.

Types of 20 & 25kg bagsVarious types of bags are used depending upon type and origin of the polymer. The variants can be summarised as follows: -

Bulk DensityIn addition to variations in actual density of different thermoplastics and formulations, pellet/granule geometry will also affect the mass of material that can be contained within a specifi c volume – the bulk density. Bulk density is particularly important when calculating the volume of tanks and silos so as to ensure that their capacity is suitable for the intended weight of polymer granules.

Quantities less than one palletOften customers require quantities of less than one pallet and denominations of 25 kg (20kg) are available. A premium is charged to cover the additional costs and this may include:

< 100kg – courier service, boxes, picking charges

>100kg < 500kg – cost of pallet, pallet wrapping, picking charges, delivery premium (delivery charges from logistics companies are based upon number of pallets rather than weight, with a minimum charge of one pallet).

>500kg < 1,000, 1,250, 1,375 - (depending upon original packaging) cost of pallet and picking charges.

Ocatbins, Otaboxes & GaylordsThis packaging allows quantities greater than 25kg bags to be shipped in one container on a pallet. Weights range from 900 to 1,250 kg depending on material type and supplier. ‘Gaylords’ are designed for use in shipping containers where they offer better stability and more effi cient use of space.

Big Bags FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers)These are woven PP raffi a sacks which can be either lifted by means of loops at the top of the bags or are supplied on pallets. The weight of polymer supplied in each bag is typically 1,000 kg. In addition to extensive use for PET and PVC resin, this format is often used in the compounding and recycling sectors.

Bulk Supply OptionsBulk is a term used to refer to materials that will be stored in silos. Historically road tankers were used to collect material from a polymer producer’s silo and deliver it directly to a customer’s silo. The need for dedicated vehicles with low utilization (due to return journeys being empty) has restricted the ability of high-usage customers to take advantage of this option. Options to overcome these restrictions and enable access to overseas sources include:

1.‘Rip & Tip’In this operation 20, 25 kg bags, big bags or octabins are emptied into a road tanker for onward delivery to a customer. In effect the raw material supplier takes on responsibility for materials handling, and so overcomes the issues of geographical restrictions.

2. Sea BulkThis type of packaging involves the use of shipping containers which are often modifi ed to facilitate fi lling and emptying. The containers are lined with a plastic bag to remove any risk of contamination. The containers are suitable for ‘multi-modal transport’ (sea, rail and road), and can be also used as storage vessels. A specialist trailer is only required for the fi nal journey to enable the material to be transferred into a silo.

© Plastribution Limited. All rights reserved. 2011

Y = Available. N = Not Available. S = Sometimes Available

Material 20kg bags

25kg bags

Pallet Size kg

Pallet Size kg Gaylords Octabins Big Bags Bulk

PVC Resin N N N/A N/A N N Y Y

PET Resin N N N/A N/A N N Y Y

Polyolefi ns N Y 1,250 1,500 N S N S

Styrenics N Y 1,000 1,375 N S N S

Masterbatch Y Y 1,000 1,000 N S N S

Engineering Polymers N Y 1,000 1,250 S S N S

Compounds S Y 1,000 1,375 Y Y Y S

Stability Weather Resistance

Risk of Adhesion to bags*

Stretch Hoods Excellent Good None

Shrink Hoods Good Good High

Power Stretch Wrap

Good Poor None

Hand Stretch Wrap

Poor Poor None

Type Strength Material Types

PE Good All

Paper Reasonable Mainly Engineering Plastics & ABS

PP Raffi a Excellent All

Laminated Good Hydroscopic

*The process of heating results in the Shrink Hood becoming welded to the material bag. Not applicable to paper bags

knowhow injection DPS final.indd 1-2 14/12/2011 08:22

processing

Polypropylene (PP), PPHP (Homo-Polymer), PPCP (Co-Polymer), PPRCP (Random Co- Polymer)General Description

A light weight semi crystalline material. In its 3 forms and when modified with additives and fillers polypropylene has a broad range of properties.

In Summary

• PPHPisstiffandrelativelybrittle.

• PPCPflexibleandtoughevenatlowtemperature

• PPRCPphysicalpropertiesfallbetweenPPHP&PPCPbutthematerialisclear,

• Averywiderangeofapplications,thinwallpackaging,cap&closures,disposablemedicalequipment.Will need to be UV stabilized if used outside

Pre-Production

PPisnothygroscopic,sodryingshouldnotbenecessary.Materialshouldbestoreddryenvironmentawayfromstrongsunlight,stockrotationshouldbeenforced.

Colouringisrelativelyeasy,howeversomepigmentscancreatewarpinganddistortionbypromotingcrystallinity.

Processing notes

• InjectionSpeeds.Ashighaspossibletoensuregoodsurfacefinish,andstrongweldlines.

• Variationinsurfacefinishcanbecausedbyexcessiveinjectionspeeds,thiscanalleviatedbyprofilingtheinjectioncycle

• Highholdingpressuremayberequiredtoavoidvoiding.

• Avoidhighscrewspeedshigherthan0.8m/s

• Backpressuretobesetaslowaspossibletoachieveconsistentshotsizeandcolourdispersion.

• PPissusceptibletooxidation,residencetimeshouldnotexceed6minutes,or3minwhenmelttemperatureexceeds270.

0845 34 54 560

@plastribution plastribution.co.uk

Tool Temp–

30-80 °c

Drying–

N/ANozzle–220-270°c

Zone 1–

220-270°c

Zone 2–

200 -240°c

Zone 3–

190 -230°c

Throat–

30-80°c

processing

Tool requirements

• 0.4%-0.8%.Postmouldedshrinkageisnegligible.

• Gatesshouldbegenerousduetorelativelyhighmeltviscosity.

• Hotrunnersystemscanbeusedbutgoodtemperaturecontrolessential.

Post Production

• Purgecleanbarrel,Flameretardantgradesshouldbepurgedoutcompletelyusing standard grade of ABS.

ABS Portfolio

Disclamier

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0845 34 54 560

@plastribution plastribution.co.uk

Supplier Material Brand Name

PC/ABS Xantar C

PC/ABS Wonderloy

PC/ABS Wonderloy


Engagement

Keeping you informed. Plastribution publishes a suite of industry relevant publications.

price know-how know-how hub the magazine processingindustry training

Interactive link available

http://www.plastribution.co.uk/price-know-how

http://www.plastribution.co.uk/price-know-how

http://www.plastribution.co.uk/know-how-magazine

http://www.plastribution.co.uk/industry-know-how

Product List Supplier Material Brand Name

Engineering polymersTPE/SEBS Megol®

TPE/TPO Apigo®

TPE/TPV Tivilon®

TPE/SBS Raplan®

TPE/PVC Apiflex®

TPE/PVC/NBR Apilon 33®

TPE/PVC/TPU Apilon 64®

TPE/EVA Apizero®

TPE/EVA Apifive®

TPU Apilon 52®

COAGULATION TPU Apilon 52 c®

CAST ELASTOMERS PU Apithane®

MASTERBATCHES Apicolor®

TPU BIOPLASTICS Apilon 52 Bio®

BIOPLASTICS Apinat Bio®

POM (Acetal Copolymer) Iupital

Polycarbonate Iupilon, Xantar

PC/ABS Xantar C

PC/PET Xantar E

Medical Acrylic Cyro XT

Medical Acrylic Cyro

PMMA Plexiglas

PEEK Vestakeep

PPS

SPS Xarec

Polycarbonate Tarflon

Polycarbonate Wonderlite

PC/ABS Wonderloy

PP Compounds Exxtral

TPV Santoprene


PA12 Plustek

PA6 Plustek

PA6.6 Plustek

Long Glass Fibre Compounds Polytron

PP Compounds Ramofin

PBT Ramster

Conductive Polymers Pre-Elec

Static Dissipative Compounds Pre-Elec ESD

High frequency Solutions Pre-Perm

TPEE/TPE Heraflex

PA6.6 Heramid A

PA6 Heramid S

PA6.6 FR Radiflam A

PBT FR Radiflam B

PA6 FR Radiflam S

PA6.6 Radilon A

PA6 Radilon B

PA6.10 Radilon D

PA6 Radilon S

PBT Raditer

ABS, ASA, PC & PA Blends Romiloy

PPE Blends Luranyl

PP Compounds Thermofil

LCP Sumikasuper

PES Sumikaexcel

PPS Susteel



Specialities

Purging Agent Barrel Blitz Universal

Biohybrid Cardia Biohybrid

Masterbatch - Colours Colourtone Masterbatch

Masterbatch - Blowing Agents Colourtone Masterbatch

Masterbatch - Nylon Colourtone Masterbatch

Masterbatch - PBT Colourtone Masterbatch

Masterbatch - Polycarbonate Colourtone Masterbatch

Masterbatch - POM Colourtone Masterbatch

Masterbatch - PVC Colourtone Masterbatch

Masterbatch - Universal Colourtone Masterbatch

Masterbatch - UV Stabilisers Colourtone Masterbatch

Masterbatch - Anti-static Colourtone Masterbatch

Functional Polymers Exxelor

Mineral Filled Compounds Granic

Masterbatch - Blowing Agents

Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch

Masterbatch - Flame Retardant


Masterbatch - Process Aids


Masterbatch - Slip Agent


Masterbatch - UV Stabilisers


Masterbatch - Anti-block


Masterbatch - Colour Universal


Masterbatch - Slip/Anti-block


Repro LDPE – Natural/Grey LDPE GREY

Repro LDPE – White LDPE WHITE

Repro LDPE – Black LDPE BLACK

Repro LDPE - Green LDPE COLOUR

Repro HDPE HDPE BLACK

Agglomerated PE PE ECOIN


StyrenicsABS Polylac

SAN Kibisan

ASA Kibilac

PC Wonderlite

PC/ABS Wonderloy

SMMA Kibiton

SBC Kibiton

Q-Resin Kibiton

DELTECHCORPORATION SMMA Styrilic

GPPS Total GPPS

HIPS Total HIPS

HIPS Alloys Total HIPS Alloys

HIPS FR Total HIPS FR

Longlass Fibre ABS Ramshine

Polyolefins

Functional Polymers QueoTM

LDPE Ipethene

PPHP Capilene

PPCP Capilene

PPRCP Capilene

Speciality PP Carmel Clear

PPRCP Duclear

PPHP (Phthalate free) Dupure

PPCP (Phthalate free) Dupure


LDPE ExxonMobil LD

LLDPE ExxonMobil LLD

mPE Enable

mPE Exceed

HDPE ExxonMobil HD

EAA Escor

EVA Escorene

Functional Polymers Exxelor

PPHP ExxonMobil PP

PPCP ExxonMobil PP

PP Plastomer Vistamaxx

PP Compounds Exxtral

TPV Santoprene

LDPE Bralen+

PPHP Tippelen

PPCP Tippelen

PPRCP Tippelen

PP Compounds Thermofil

LLDPE Sumitomo

PPCP Sumitomo

HDPE Sumitomo

LDPE Total LD

LLDPE Total LLD

MDPE Total MD

HDPE Total HD

EVA Total EVA

PPHP Total PP

PPCP Total PP

PPRCP Total PP

mPPRCP Lumicene

PPHP Lumicene

HDPE Aceso Medical

LDPE Aceso Medical

PPCP Aceso Medical

PPHP Aceso Medical

HDPE rPol

PPRCP rPol

PPHP rPol

MDPE Liten

HDPE Liten

PPHP Mosten

PPCP Mosten

PPRCP Mosten

If you would like to know more, please get in touch

Plastribution LimitedClinitron House, Excelsior Road, Ashby Business Park, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1JG

+44 (0) 1530 560560 [email protected] plastribution.co.uk @plastribution bit.ly/1PjDzAi

PLA0346 12/17

http://www.plastribution.co.uk

https://twitter.com/plastribution

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the preferred choice for UK plastics processors · 2019-07-23 · +44 (0)1530 560560 @plastribution plastribution.co.uk 3 An introduction to Plastribution As the UK’s leading plastics

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