NEWS


Pressure is on German


processors Sales by German plastics processors during 2021 increased by 12% to reach a value of €69.4bn, accord- ing to the General Associa- tion of the Plastics Process- ing Industry (GKV). However, it said the sector is “under a lot of pressure” from hugely increased raw materials and energy costs, delayed deliveries and resulting order suspen- sions, particularly in the automotive market. In all, the association


estimates that 15m tonnes of plastics were processed in Germany in 2021, 5.6% up on 2020, of which 2.2m was recycled material. Em- ployment levels remained stable at just under 322,000. GVK President Roland


Roth said that the econom- ic outlook for 2022 is mixed. Half of its member companies expect sales growth, but around 25% expect further falling results and some are thinking about relocating or terminating their production. “Politicians urgently


need to reduce govern- ment surcharges on energy prices,” Roth said. �www.gkv.de


Repsol and Ravago to compound in Morocco


Spanish petrochemicals and plastics giant Repsol has reached an agreement with polymer compounder, recycler and distributor Ravago to build what it claims will be the largest PP automotive compounds plant in Morocco. The new plant will be


located in the Tangier free zone and will have a production capacity of 18,500 tonnes/yr when it


starts up in mid-2023. It will be operated by Ravago using material supplied by Repsol. The facility will produce compounds for interior and exterior applications, including door and instrument panels, consoles, bumpers and under-bonnet components. Under the agreement,


most of the plant’s PP production will be marketed under Repsol’s Isplen and


Repsol Impacto brand names. Ravago will also manufacture some PA, PC/ ABS and PBT compounds for the automotive sector at the facility. The project is sponsored by the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and supported by several local OEMs, as well as Renault Group, and Stellantis Group. �www.repsol.com �www.ravago.com


Borealis hopes for PP batteries


Borealis and German battery firm Ansmann are working together on the development of a second generation of the latter’s GreenPack exchangeable battery system. Borealis is providing


material selection advice, simulating performance such as battery drop tests, and optimising the conver- sion process with the aim of creating a PP housing and cell holder system for the lithium-ion battery. It believes the lower density and processing tempera- tures of PP will help contrib- ute to production energy


savings and reduced CO2 emisssions compared to


Above: Ansmann’s GreenPack exchangeable battery system could use PP structural parts


alternatives. The first GreenPack design offers 48V nominal voltage, 1,400 Wh capacity and a maximum continuous current load of 25 A. The concept employs intelligent communication and standardised interfaces to


support use in multiple devices from different producers. They can be found in lawn mowers, snow blowers and weed trimmers used in gardening and landscaping. �www.borealisgroup.com �www.ansmann.de


Renewable partnership to target PA66


Biotechnology company Genomati- ca and polymer producer Asahi Kasei have established a strategic partnership that aims to commercialise renewably-sourced PA66 made from


10 COMPOUNDING WORLD | April 2022


Genomatica’s bio-based hexamethyl- enediamine (HMD). Asahi Kasei intends to apply the Geno HMD process technology, which uses renewable feedstocks such as


plant-based sugars, to produce a more sustainable PA66 material for use in products. �www.genomatica.com �www.asahi-kasei.com


www.compoundingworld.com


IMAGE: BOREALIS/ANSMANN


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