The Plastics Economy of the Future Will Be More Circular Than Ever, Agree Speakers at the 12th GPCA Plastics Conference

The plastics economy of the future will be more circular than ever, agreed speakers at the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Plastics Conference taking place in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia from 14 to 15 May 2023. Now in its 12th edition, the conference is being held under the theme ‘Investing in New Value Creation: A Sustainable Transformation’.

To win in the plastic economy, GCC countries must create global closed loop supply chains and material marketplaces. They must invest significantly to build world-scale recycling infrastructure, acquire circular or recycling assets and supply chain capabilities, and focus on customer driven sustainability initiatives. Finally, regional economies must continue to proactively shape global and regional standards and policies in order to build a regulatory environment that supports the circular economy, speakers said.

GCC countries have the untapped potential to develop the plastic recycling industry – both mechanical and chemical recycling – and can reap significant socio-economic benefits, with plastic recycling estimated to create around 1,500 direct jobs and have a USD 650 million GDP impact 1 per metric ton. Advanced recycling technologies are providing solutions that serve the dual objective of regulators and customers for greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement.

Policies and advanced technologies will be at the heart of setting the framework for economics and successful circular business models, speakers agreed. Increased plastics “policymaking” and goal setting by stakeholders will help in the push towards a circular economy. At the same time, supporting policy and accelerated scaling of assets will be needed to drive change and address trade-offs to carbon emissions.

Setting the scene on day one was Khalid Sultan Al-Kuwari, CEO, Q-Chem and Vice-Chairman, Plastics Committee, GPCA, during the welcome address at the conference. His speech was followed by an inaugural address by Eng. Ali bin Saeed Al-Ghamdi, CEO, National Center for Environmental Compliance, titled ‘The road ahead – Towards an implementable international instrument on plastic pollution’. A strategic panel featuring Harith Al-Qurtas, Chief Advisor, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Saudi Arabia, and Martyn Tickner, Chief Advisor,
Circular Solutions, Alliance to End Plastic Waste, discussed the holistic approach needed to build global plastic governance.

Delegates will return for another jam-packed conference program tomorrow to hear from Nadia Al Hajji, CEO, PIC and Vice-Chairman, Plastics Committee, GPCA, who will deliver the opening remarks, as well as some of the industry’s leading authorities about the macroeconomic trends and their impact on the plastic industry.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: “The GCC region is currently among the least affected regions by plastic pollution in the world and with low levels of municipal plastic waste volume. Nevertheless, the region is home to significant hydrocarbon reserves and is a major producer and exporter of petrochemicals that are used to produce plastic. As such, the GCC countries have a responsibility to take action to address the negative implications of plastic waste and pollution, both domestically and globally.

“The 12th GPCA Plastics Conference opens its doors in Saudi Arabia today to facilitate knowledge sharing and meaningful discussion on how the region can advance action on plastic waste management. Moving to a circular economy will require an enormous effort, collaboration, infrastructure investment and advanced technology adoption, but most of all it will require a culture shift from our existing take-make-dispose approach to a more circular economic and business model that lays the foundations for a more sustainable future for our industry, our communities and the planet.”

Later this afternoon, the conference will host the CIRCUL-A-THON challenge launched by SABIC and Plug and Play to engage with creative and visionary designers in the quest to find solutions facing the future of circularity. The challenge focuses on industrial designs for real-life products having ease of reuse and recyclability of plastics throughout their life cycles.

To learn more, please visit: https://gpcaplastics.com/

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BASF’s Coatings Division Appoints Heads for Global Business Units

Effective August 1, 2023, the Coatings division of BASF will implement global units for its Automotive OEM Coatings Solutions and Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions businesses. With the new organizational setup, BASF better serves its global customers who increasingly ask for global support and services.

Patrick Zheng Yu Zhao will take charge of the new Global Automotive OEM Coatings Solutions business unit, based in Hong Kong. Prior to this role, he was Senior Vice President at Coatings Solutions Asia Pacific. Zhao started his career atBASF in 1999 within the Polyurethane business and held various positions across different divisions. He has an MBA degree from Donghua University and a bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science from East China University of Science and Technology.

Chris Titmarsh will assume responsibility for the new Global Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions business unit, located in Münster, Germany. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions EMEA, based in Germany. Titmarsh studied Chemistry from 1992 and completed his postgraduate studies of Business Management in 1999. In 2006, he started his career at BASF as a polymer research chemist. He held various positions in marketing and business management before moving to the Asia Pacific Automotive business located in Hong Kong in 2015.

Frank Naber will assume responsibility for the Global Surface Treatment business unit, which operates under the Chemetall brand, in Frankfurt, Germany. In this position, he succeeds Christophe Cazabeau who will prepare for a new assignment.

Prior to this role, Naber was Senior Vice President at Automotive OEM Coatings Solutions EMEA. He studied business administration at the University of Münster and began his career at BASF in 2004. He worked in various regional and global roles in the Polyurethane division in Germany and Belgium. In 2012, Naber joined the Coatings division, where he took on various account and business management functions in the Automotive OEM Coatings business unit in Münster and Hong Kong.

www.basf-coatings.com.

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Esmito attains AIS156 Phase 2 Certification for L3 and L5 Category Batteries

• The AIS Phase 2 certification emphasizes Esmito’s compliance with Indian automotive industry regulations
• The attainment of this prestigious certification opens doors to expansion and growth opportunities within the Indian EV market for Esmito
• Esmito establishes itself as a reliable and capable partner, leading to new business prospects and potential joint ventures

Esmito, a leading provider of energy solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), proudly announces the successful acquisition of the highly coveted AIS156 Phase 2 certification for their L3 and L5 category batteries. This achievement further solidifies Esmito’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and compliant energy solutions in the EV industry.

The AIS156 Phase 2 certification represents an exhaustive testing and evaluation process that ensures strict compliance with safety and performance standards, specifically focusing on automotive components, particularly batteries. This certification is a vital requirement for EV manufacturers operating within India. Esmito has successfully completed the meticulous certification process for their L3 and L5 category batteries, which serves as a testament to their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

Commenting on this milestone, Hasan Ali, Co-founder, Esmito, says, “This certification is going to be a significant step in making us one of the larger organized players in EV Batteries ecosystem. Esmito has multiple models of EV Batteries across the 48 to 72V spectrum and such certifications help to bolster customer confidence at a time when the industry is just starting to grow exponentially.”

The acquisition of this certification holds paramount importance for Esmito and the entire industry. Firstly, the certification guarantees the utmost safety of Esmito’s batteries, instilling confidence in customers, EV users, and the public. Through rigorous testing procedures and unwavering adherence to safety standards, Esmito ensures that their batteries meet all necessary regulatory requirements.

Secondly, the AIS Phase 2 certification emphasizes Esmito’s compliance with Indian automotive industry regulations, solidifying their reputation as a responsible and law-abiding entity. By surpassing the stringent criteria set forth by regulatory bodies, Esmito demonstrates its commitment to upholding the highest quality and safety standards.

Furthermore, the certification enhances Esmito’s market credibility and differentiates them from its competitors. Customers seeking reliable and safe battery solutions for their EVs can place their trust in Esmito’s certified L3 and L5 category batteries. The certification strengthens customer satisfaction, fosters brand loyalty, and provides Esmito with a competitive advantage in the rapidly growing EV market.

The acquisition of the AIS Phase 2 certification propels Esmito into a promising future, opening doors to expansion and growth opportunities within the Indian EV market. As customers increasingly prioritize safety and regulatory compliance, Esmito’s certified batteries position the company as a trusted provider in the industry. By meeting the rigorous requirements of AIS Phase 2, Esmito establishes itself as a reliable and capable partner, paving the way for new business prospects and potential joint ventures.

Moreover, the certification aligns Esmito with the government’s emphasis on sustainable mobility solutions. The Indian auto sales for L3 and L5 category vehicles have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to surge, these categories have emerged as significant contributors to the overall sales figures. The availability of affordable and technologically advanced EV models in the L3 and L5 categories has played a crucial role in driving this growth. Government incentives and favourable policies supporting EV adoption have further fueled the sales momentum. Furthermore, improved charging infrastructure, extended driving ranges, and enhanced battery performance have successfully addressed concerns related to EVs’ practicality and range anxiety.

Esmito’s successful acquisition of the AIS Phase 2 certification for their L3 and L5 category batteries exemplifies their dedication to safety, compliance, and superior battery solutions. By meeting the stringent standards set by regulatory authorities, Esmito assures customers of their commitment to delivering products of exceptional quality and reliability. This certification grants Esmito a competitive edge, enhances their market credibility, and positions them for an exponential growth in the thriving Indian EV market. With this achievement, Esmito is poised to make a significant impact on the future of sustainable transportation, actively supporting India’s transition to a greener and more sustainable future.

www.esmito.com

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Acquisition of 3DPRINTUK by Solid Solutions Expands Service Offering for Clients

It was announced today that leading 3D printing service supplier, 3DPRINTUK, has been acquired by Solid Solutions and will become part of the TriMech Group. The acquisition significantly augments 3DPRINTUK’s service offering and allows it to benefit from the resources of a bigger company as it continues to serve its UK customer base.

Nick Allen, CEO at 3DPRINTUK says, “We’re thrilled about the acquisition. For over a decade, the team at 3DPRINTUK has been committed to providing exceptional service to our customers. Throughout the years, we’ve grown organically, expanded our range of services, remained cost-competitive, and set a high standard for the quality of our 3D printed parts. Those who have followed us closely can attest to our consistent investment in technology and personnel, always with the goal of optimising customer outcomes. Joining forces with Solid Solutions is the natural next step, as it will accelerate our growth potential, broaden and enhance our services for our customers, and enable them to benefit from the expertise and resources of a larger group of companies.”

3DPRINTUK, founded in 2011, is a specialist in low-volume production using SLS (selective laser sintering) and MJF (multi-jet fusion) additive manufacturing (AM) systems, along with a range of post-processing capabilities. The company bridges the gap between prototype and injection moulding for clients spanning a range of sectors, from consumer products to marine and aerospace.

Solid Solutions is a UK-based technology and business solution partner for design engineers and manufacturers which was acquired by TriMech in 2022. The acquisition of 3DPRINTUK demonstrates that Solid Solutions continues to focus on building a comprehensive set of services to help support customers from design to production, its overall strategy since the TriMech acquisition being to expand and diversify service offerings.

Alan Sampson, TriMech’s Group CEO says, “Clients are seeking more depth of expertise and a single technology partner who can advise and guide them, while providing products and services that influence all aspects of their business. Professional, reliable services fill clients’ gaps quickly and keep their work on track. Adding 3DPRINTUK alongside other sympathetic acquisitions enhances our ability to always bring the right mix of tools to the job.”

Earlier in 2023, Solid Solutions acquired recruitment specialists Solid People and Solid Print 3D, a reseller of workbench manufacturing solutions. At the same time as 3DPRINTUK also acquired GRM Consulting, which provides design optimisation services. All acquisitions enhance Solid Solutions position as a best-in-class partner to the advanced design, engineering, and manufacturing sectors across the globe.

Allen continues, “One of the most important outcomes of the Solid Solution acquisition is that 3DPRINTUK will maintain business as usual with our current management and staff. We now have the resources to significantly enhance and expand our services. The move aligns with our goal to provide optimal service and remain the go-to resource for our customers for 3D printing endeavours. We all feel very comfortable that working with Solid Solutions helps us to achieve our goals for our customers efficiently and timely.”

3DPRINTUK will serve as the dedicated 3D printing service team for the TriMech Group in the UK. The company will also be able to collaborate moving forward with TriMech’s advanced manufacturing services experts in North America, and to work internationally to deploy best practices and emerging technologies for its customers.

www.3dprint-uk.com

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