Extrusion International 4-2018

18 Extrusion International 4/2018 INDUSTRY NEWS NewProduct Range introduced VELOX GmbH, one of Europe’s leading solution providers of raw material specialities for the plastics, composites, additives and paint & coatings industries, and its long-term partner SK Chemicals Co., Ltd. (South Korea) are presenting Skyplete, a new plastics material range with some unique products for the 3D industry. VELOX has been chosen as distribution partner in Europe by SK Chemicals. “We are excited to be working together with our long-term part- ner, VELOX, in developing the 3D printing industry in Europe. We believe that VELOX is the most suitable partner to meet our stra- tegic objective to expand the market share in Europe because they have experience in 3D printing industry as well as technical knowl- edge on SK Chemicals products”, commented Brian Oh, business development team leader at SK Chemicals. “3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) has become indis- pensable for design and manufacturing in different industries. Its widespread use is creating the need for specialised materials like the Skyplete range by SK Chemicals”, says François Minec, General Manager at VELOX. Specialities to be highlighted within the Skyplete products are e.g. the EN100, a PLA-based biodegradable type with a heat resistance (HDT) of 100°C, that is up to twice as high as theHDT of competitive products on the market. But also the Skyplete E-Series, bio-copoly- ester types with higher impact and temperature resistance than the widely usedABS and PLAmaterials, aswell as copolyester types that combine the advantages of PLA and ABS – e. g. food approval, low- odour, easy to print on, good adhesion of the individual layers – are to be emphasised. “The Skyplete range is one of the most innovative 3D printing ma- terials in our portfolio and an excellent choice for filament manu- facturers looking for enhancement of temperature resistance for easy-to-print materials and the refinement of common compounds to improve impact resistance and engineering performance”, com- ments Manuel Delgado, 3D printingmarket manager at VELOX. VELOX’ target group for the new Skyplete range are filament pro- ducers and compounders looking for innovative and specialised 3D printingmaterials with a great range of properties. VELOXprovides the new product range in all European countries. VELOX GmbH www.velox.com Bioplastics Report In a PlasticsMarketWatch report released –Watching: Bioplastics – the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) reports bioplastics are in a growth cycle stage and will outpace the economy as a whole by attracting new investments and entrants into the sector and bringing new products and manufacturing technologies to make bioplastics more competitive and dynamic. The report finds growing interest in bioplastics, but also a contin- ued need for education. According to a survey PLASTICS conducted of U.S. consumers in January 2018, more consumers are “familiar” or “somewhat familiar” with bioplastics compared to a survey con- ducted just two years ago; 32%of consumers are familiar with bio- plastics in2018 compared toonly 27% in2016. The PLASTICS survey also indicated 64 % of consumers would prefer to buy a product made with bioplastics – and expect to see bioplastics in disposable plastic tableware, plastic bags, food and cosmetic packaging, and toys. As bioplastics product applications continue to expand, the growth dynamics of the industry will continue to shift. Looking at industry studies on market segmentation, packaging is the largest segment of the market at 37 % followed by bottles at 32 %. Growth oppor- tunities in bioplastics manufacturing are expected to continue from the demand and supply side. While in the past growth in bioplastics was primarily driven by higher petrol-based polymers, changes in consumer behavior will be a significant factor for higher demand of bioplastics. “Changes in U.S. tax policy, particularly the full expensing of capital expenditure, should support research and development in bioplas- tics. The overall low cost of energy in the U.S. complements nicely with research and development activities and manufacturing, which generates a stable supply of innovative bioplastic products,” said Perc Pineda, PhD, chief economist at PLASTICS. The research and partnerships with bioplastics is exemplified by the efforts to develop a 100%biobased PET (Polyethylene Terephthal- ate) bottle. Most PET bottles currently have approximately 30 % biobased material, but a number of companies and collaborations are working to develop and launch, at commercial scale, a PET plas- tic bottle made from 100%biobasedmaterial. Despite the industry’s embrace of bioplastics and their expanding presence in a wide range of products, PLASTICS’ Pineda noted, “A high percentage of surveyed respondents believe they have not seen or used a product made from bioplastic - either biobased or biodegradable. Continuing to educate consumers on bioplastics would go a long way.” The report is available for download to members and non-mem- bers: https://plasticsindustry.imiscloud.com/ItemDetail?iProductCode=P MW009&Category=PUBLICATIO Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) plasticsindustry.org With Skyplete, VELOX offers filament producers a unique range of 3D printingmaterials