Monday, 01-Jun-09

Bioplastics companies keep a wary eye on oil
GUANGZHOU (June 2, 2009) -- A year ago, at the 2008 CMT Bioplastics Markets Conference held in Guangzhou, the rising price of oil was giving the industry a boost. With oil prices heading toward their peak that summer, plastics derived from non-petrochemical sources were becoming cost-competitive. At the 2009 conference, however, the situation had changed, prompting bioplastics companies to pin their hopes on other market drivers.

PolyOne moving ahead with Asia strategy

Ximena

GUANGZHOU (June 2, 2009) -- Despite the economic slowdown, PolyOne Corp. is taking steps to push forward with its previously announced, two-pronged strategy of globalization and specialization by expanding in Asia and extending its portfolio of colorants, additives and various polymer materials. Philippe Ximena, the firm’s Singapore-based general manager for engineered materials in Asia, and other company representatives provided a brief update May 19 at the Chinaplas show in Guangzhou.

GLS Corp. targets safety with new products

Noller

GUANGZHOU (June 2, 2009) -- In response to growing concerns about the quality and safety of goods manufactured in China, GLS Corp. said that the company’s plant in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, has achieved a new level of ISO certification for its medical-grade thermoplastic elastomers. “In this market you have to differentiate yourself,” said Rick Noller, GLS’ director of global marketing. “We’ve already differentiated ourselves with our products, but it’s not enough.”

Global economic crisis deals China suppliers new hand

Lu

GUANGZHOU (June 2, 2009) -- While Beijing’s strong stimulus policies bolster demand for materials used in the automotive, appliance and electronic sectors, the global downtown also is creating opportunities for local suppliers in China and changing the market dynamics. That’s according to leading compounder Kingfa Science & Technology Co. Ltd., a Guangzhou-based firm that says it is preparing for a market comeback. At the recent Chinaplas trade fair in Guangzhou, Kingfa’s president of global sales and marketing, Robert Lu, said the publicly traded firm is showing healthy first-quarter growth.

Friday, 29-May-09

Chinaplas turnout lags 2008, but show stresses positives
GUANGZHOU (June 2, 2009) -- Organizers of the Chinaplas 2009 trade show said final attendance figures this year fell about 4 percent from 2008 levels, but said overall they were pleased with turnout and show activity amid the economic slowdown. The drop in attendance is partly because of the economic crisis, an Adsale Exhibition Serivices Ltd. representative said, but also the Shanghai show tends to attract more interest. The yearly event alternates between Guangzhou and Shanghai.

Tuesday, 26-May-09

Opinion: Taking the temperature of the flu scare

Grace

On a trip to Guangzhou to attend this year’s Chinaplas show, Plastics News editor Robert Grace gets a first-hand view of how seriously Chinese officials are taking the H1N1 flu virus -- and how perceptions could impact business. Upon landing in Shanghai, Grace’s flight was boarded by health-care workers who took the temperatures of passengers, checking for anyone who might have a high fever. Similar steps were taken upon entering the Chinaplas show floor. But the show seemed to go on as usual, with its organizer Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd. reporting more than 49,000 unique visitors in the first two days.

ACS buys dryer line of machines from Walton/Stout
GUANGZHOU (May 26, 2009) -- Auxiliary equipment maker ACS Group on May 19 told Plastics News at the Chinaplas show that it has purchased dryer maker Walton/Stout Inc. in a move the company said will expand its product line and take advantage of the economic downturn to better position itself. ACS plans to move production of Walton/Stout’s line of equipment from the company’s Lithonia, Georgia, factory to ACS’ recently revamped facility in New Berlin, Wisconsin.

Ashland Distribution continues to grow in China
GUANGZHOU (May 26, 2009) -- After weathering a difficult first year in China, Ashland Distribution arrived at Chinaplas 2009 last week with a growing list of distribution agreements in the region. In an economic downturn, a company official said, there are some advantages to being a new arrival.

PTI develops system for making foamed PET bottles

oPTI bottle technology

HOLLAND, OHIO (May 26, 2009) -- Plastic Technologies Inc. (PTI) has developed a system to make foamed PET bottles and jars that fit existing recycling programs. The oPTI bottle technology produces a white or silver bottle wall without the use of pigments that can contaminate a recycling stream. Besides recycling benefits, the oPTI bottle promises shelf appeal and product differentiation. Swirls and streaks on the bottle exterior can be controlled and can improve grip of the bottle.

Synventive adapts its equipment to Chinese market

Moss

GUANGZHOU (May 26, 2009) -- Facing down financial challenges around the globe, Synventive Molding Solutions is adapting its products for new applications and new markets as the company looks for growth opportunities. At Chinaplas 2009, the company featured a new Asia-specific product, called the Asia Hot Runner. “With the financial crisis we needed to find other markets to continue our growth,” said Mark Moss, executive vice president of market and product strategy.

Rapra recruits China-based membership
GUANGZHOU (May 26, 2009) -- Looking to attract Chinese companies interested in self-improvement, the arrival of Rapra Ltd. at Chinaplas 2009 signaled the organization’s belief that Chinese plastics companies will soon be on the move. Rapra, or Rubber and Plastics Research Association, has been operating in Europe since 1919, offering plastics and rubber companies assistance with research, product testing, training and information. In 2002, Rapra split, separating its research and membership arms into two different entities. Eventually, in 2006, Smithers Group acquired the research and consulting arm and formed Smithers Rapra Technology.

Plastics companies look to China's auto industry
GUANGZHOU (May 26, 2009) -- For plastics manufacturers around the globe, the financial crisis continues to cast a long shadow. Export markets are down globally, and the purchase of consumer goods and construction has slowed. At Chinaplas 2009, however, many companies were starting to see a silver lining in the domestic market.

Cosmos to expand, touts energy-efficient presses
GUANGZHOU (May 26, 2009) -- Hong Kong’s Cosmos Machinery Enterprises Ltd. had a tough 2008, like many in China’s plastics equipment industry, but the company said at the Chinaplas 2009 show that it is pressing ahead with investments in new facilities in China and pushing energy-saving models that increasingly are becoming standard there.

Press maker Milacron hits some ‘firsts’ in China

Woerner

GUANGZHOU (May 26, 2009) -- China’s price-sensitive press buyers have taught U.S. machine maker Milacron Inc. a few tough lessons, but the company hopes a series of firsts for its China operations can give its efforts there a boost.

Nanocyl technology helps make plastics electric
GUANGZHOU (May 26, 2009) -- Displayed inside a glass case at the Nanocyl SA’s booth at Chinaplas was a large-scale model of the company’s product -- a bunch of white tubes connected at the tips to form a web. It could have been an anonymous model inside a high school science lab, but for Nanocyle, the potential of its product depends entirely on its shape.

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