Editorial
By Ahmed Qaiser
C
hristopher Columbus sailed from
Spain to find sea route to East
Asia but inadvertently discovered
what is now called Americas. This
discovery precipitated a bloody
race among European powers to
colonise the “New World”.
This is seen as the starting
point of colonial era in the world. The ultimate pur-
pose of colonial wars was to physically occupy other
people’s land and their resources and control the trade
routes for economic benefits. Starting from Americas,
colonialism spread to Africa and Asia, also including
sub continent until, at last, World Wars I & II brought
historic destruction for Western nations.
Interestingly, while European nations fought and
killed each other they had one positive thing in com-
mon, i.e. the Renaissance movement. Their thinkers
and philosophers vigorously urged them to reject old
superstitions and unfounded dogmas, and struggled
to unshackle the society from the clamps put in place
by their clergy for centuries.
Europeans savagely shed each other’s blood in
battlegrounds but they also continued to make ad-
vances in the fields of old and new sciences, technolo-
gies and industrialisation. From 1601, the age of Trade
and Empire began and so did the industrialisation pro-
cess later, taking its start from English soil and spread-
ing across European continent.
Two great wars caused such large scale death and
destruction for the warring nations that they were
forced to replace their methods of imperialism and
controlling the trade by building industrial empires.
Following World War II and formation of UNO in 1945,
a modern world began to take shape since 1950. It
gradually saw a global shift from physical occupation
to industrial supremacy as more convenient and more
sustained means of ruling the world.
Starting from 1950s until second decade of 21st
century, the Western nations have been leading the
world by exploiting their power of industrial domi-
nance over non-industrialised and under-industrialised
nations without inviting trouble for themselves. The
key to sustain their industrial domination is their inces-
sant advancement in science and technology.
The lesson to learn from this very brief but mean-
ingful account of their history is simple. That, no nation
can prosper and be truly sovereign and self sufficient
until and unless it industrialises itself. Taking world
known measures for promoting industrial culture
and supporting its business community is recipe of
national development and prosperity for any country.
Latest example has been set by our closest friend,
China, the only robust challenger to the Western su-
premacy. The story of China’s dazzling development
and progress is the story of their industrialisation.
Chinese leadership could build their country and the
nation only when they built their industry.
That is what I mean to point out to our leadership,
the business community and all concerned: if you want
to build the country and the nation, you can do it only
by building your industry.
Do not forget the lesson from history: Industry
Builds the Nation!
7
 Issue
PAKPLAS MAGAZINE COMMITTEE Inside
Imran Ghani, Convener this
S. M. Noman, Member
Irfan Sabir, Member

2018
A Publication® of PPMA

Chief Editor: Ahmed Qaiser

OFFICE SECRETARIAT
Rashid Mehmood: Secretary General
Syed Ahsan Ali: Office Coordinator

Printed at: Times Press (Pvt) Ltd. Karachi,

Pakistan

DISCLAIMER
Pakplas and PPMA do not take any guarantee
and responsibility on the accuracy of
the information. The PPMA does not
necessarily agree with the views expressed
by contributors/interviewees nor do they
accept any responsibility for any errors. The
information, addresses and computer linkage
and materials are published without any
PAKPLAS is Ultimate Choice of Local &
responsibility. Neither the publisher, nor the International Machinery, Raw Material
association take any responsibility for any Suppliers in Pakistan: Zafar Saeed
individual or any entity for any loss or damages
arising from the information contained therein.
Innovation: PEF, a New
Polymer to Enter the Market
57

PAKISTAN PLASTIC
55
MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

HEAD OFFICE
Suite # 8, 2nd Floor, B-9/B-2, Estate Avenue,
Metro Chowrangi, S.I.T.E., Karachi.
Tel: 92-21-32585050 - 36040111
Fax: 92-21-32585050
Email: ppma@pakplas.com.pk 73
NORTH REGIONAL OFFICE:
Suite # 6, 3rd Floor, Leeds Centre, Gulberg III, Tariff Reduction for Power, GST
Lahore-Pakistan. can Cultivate Export Culture in
Tel: (92-42) 35213522 Plastics Industry – Farid A. Vawda
Email: ppma.north@pakplas.com.pk

8
 Chairman’s Profile Cover Story –
Plastics Industry in
Pakistan – An Overview CPEC and the
Shoaib Munshi Plastic Industry:
Chairman’s Review
Zakaria Usman 27 37 Analyzing the
Potential Trading
Patterns
Dr. Aadil Nakhoda
21
29

7 Massive Potential
for Growth of
Petrochemicals
Industry Exists in
Pakistan: Abdul
Qayoom Sheikh
44 Article: Benefits of 48
Editorial Investing in Recycling
Ahmed Qaiser Manufacturing Set-
ups in Pakistan
Dr. Mehr Nigar

Govt Support is Mandatory to

Boost the Export: Syed Haider Ali

65
Article: How to
69 Prevent Stress
Whitening in PP
Copolymers
Irfan Sabir

81
59

Article: 84
Compressed
Air for Food &
77 Joint Study Project:
Compatibilizers in
Pharma Grade Polymers Products
Plastics Development
Imtiaz Rastgar Ayesha Afzal, Asra Tariq, There is a Need to Lay
Prof. Dr. Nasir M. Ahmad Exphasis on Export
Discussing Growth Opportunity: Marketing: Imtiaz Rastgar
PET Recycling in Pakistan
Ilyas Vohra

9
 Issue
Inside Article: Coating Plastics /
this Plastic Coatings
Zaid Faridi

2018
89

Article: Understanding Your

Materials In Processes for
Enhanced Productivity
Dr. Asif Ali Qaiser

Article: Synthetic and Natural

Polymer Blends
Tehreem Anwar, Dr. Shahzad
Maqsood Khan
Research Analysis: Plastics Solid
Waste Management In Pakistan
Dr. Yasir Qayyum Gill
115

110

119
133
Study Shows
Plastic Packaging
a Better
Asia Pacific is the Next Wealth Alternative for
Hotspot Environment

10
 Development: Polymer Academic Update: NED
Bone Graft Substitute Lab Upgraded – New Test
Receives FDA Clearance Equipments Procured to
Raja Omer Nawaz 103 Offer Additional Facilities

96

101

Write Up: 3D Printing

Technology for Polymer
Industry
Engr M. Kashif Naseem

107 109
PPMA is Making
Headway to Have
Effective Linkage with
Academia: S. M. Noman

Research Analysis: Biomedical Plastics

Market for Future Healthcare
Dr. Sumera Khyzir, Prof. Dr. Nasir M. Ahmad

121 Article: Advance

Applications of Plastic
Materials
Asra Tariq,
131 Prof. Dr. Nasir M. Ahmad

125

Polymer Additives:
136
Materials that Impart
133 Customer Desired
Properties to Your
Plastic Products
Dr. Rafiq Ahmed Hydrogels as Drug Haulier for
Biomedical Applications
Nafisa Gull, Dr. Shahzad Maqsood
Plastic Products’ Production in China Rose 5.6% Khan, Colleagues
in 2017 First Three Quarters

11
 Issue
Inside
this

2018
Decoding the
Buzzwords like
‘Degradable’,
‘Bio-
Degradable’,
145 and ‘Oxo-
Biodegradable’
Dr. Mehr Nigar
143

Celebrating 80 years
of Polyurethane
Development

151
Award-Winning
153 Spoon-in-the- Multi-Chamber
Blister System
Lid Solution
Introduced for Ensures Safe
Plastic Mulches in Dairy Products Medicine
Pakistan 157 and Vaccine
Packaging
Dr. Yasir Qayyum Gill,
Hira Ehsan, Colleagues without Cold
Chain

Sustainability in Plastic Industry

Moazzam Rasheed

164

159
Advertisements
Directory
PPMA Members’
169 List 2017-18
Rashid Mahmood,
Syed Ahsan Ali

12
 Office Bearers for the year 2017-18

Mr. Zakaria Usman R.C.C. Shed No.14, Estate

Chairman Avenue
SITE
Chief Executive Karachi
Perfect Engineering Works

Mr. Zakaria Usman says:

PPMA is the exclusive voice of Pakistan Plastics Industry. It represents and safeguards their interests at every forum, be it local or
international to the full satisfaction of its all members and stake holders.

Mr. S. M. Tariq
9 – Ravi Road, Senior Vice Chairman
Near Baba Chatriwala Yadgar
Lahore Chief Executive
Tariq Plastico (Pvt) Ltd

Mr. S. M. Tariq says:

Polymer is a wonder material which has unmatchable characteristics to offer to the consumers. The main reason for its ever increasing popularity
among the consumers is the unique convenience and economy.

Mr. Asif Rasheed Khushal House

Vice Chairman Opp. The News Building
I. I. Chandrigar Road
Chief Executive Karachi
Rasheed Sons

Mr. Asif Rasheed says:

Plastics Industry is a fast growing industry of Pakistan. It carries immense potential for further continuous growth in the years to
come. PPMA is delivering great services to the Industry and will continue to do so.

13
 Executive Committee for the year 2017-18

Mr. Zakaria Usman Mr. Shakil Ahmed

M/s. Perfect Engineering Works M/s. Mehran Plastic Ind. (Pvt.) Ltd

Mr. M. Siddiq Adam Mr. Asif Rasheed

M/s. ABS Plastic M/s. Rasheed Sons

Mr. S. M. Tariq Mr. Akhlaq Ahmed

M/s. Tariq Plastico (Pvt) Ltd M/s. Sunny Co

14
 Executive Committee for the year 2017-18

Mr. Ehtesham Uddin Mr. Shoaib Munshi

M/s. Full Brite Plastic Industries M/s. Vinmar Polymers

Mr. Mustafeez Uddin Mr. Danishmand Khan

M/s. Mashal Plastics M/s. Super Industries

Mr. Qamar Uz Zaman Mr. Khalid Masood

M/s. Rehan Can (Pvt) Ltd M/s. Plastiform

15
 PPMA-Zonal Office (Lahore)
Office Bearers & EC Members 2017-18

Mr. S. M. Tariq Mr. Khalil Ahmed

President /Chairman Senior Vice President
Tariq Plastico (Pvt) Ltd Khalq Trading Company

Mr. Rizwan Aslam Syed Nabeel Hashmi

Treasurer/ EC Member EC Member/Chirman PAKPLAS
King Plastic Industries Thermosole Industries

Mr. Akhlaq Ahmed Mr. Muhammad Shoaib

EC Member EC Member
Sunny Co. Al-Munawar Pvt Ind. (Pvt) Ltd

16
 PPMA-Zonal Office (Lahore)
Office Bearers & EC Members 2017-18

Mr. Ejaz Ali Mr. Iqbal Baig Chughtai

EC Member EC Member
Agha Plastics Plaspack

Mr. Irfan Aslam

EC Member
King Pack Industries

Mr. Tanseer Asghar Malik

EC Member Mr. Qamar uz Zaman
Spell Petrochemicals (Pvt) Ltd EC Member
Rehan Can (Pvt.) Ltd.

17
 Past Presidents

Bashir Maniar Ajaz Mohammad Ejaz A. Shafi (Late)

Shaukat Ahmed Liaquat Ali (Late) Zakaria Usman

Zafar Saeed Iqbal Lakhani Idress Chottani

Ehtesham Uddin Shakeel Ahmed Imran Ghani

18
 Committees for the year 2017-18

Mr. Zahid Ahmed, Convener Mr. Zafar Saeed, Convener

Mr. Asif Rasheed, Convener Mr. Ehtesham Uddin, Member
Mr. Nabeel Hashmi, Member (LHR)
Mr. Mustafeez Uddin, Member Mr. Shakil Ahmed, Member
• To endeavor to improve the working Mr. Shoaib Munshi, Member
conditions and facilitate effective input • Liaison with FBR, SRB and LRB for matters
for achievement of objectives for which put forward by members.
the Association has been established. • To prepare budget proposals for the year 2017 -18.
• To check and sign books of account of • Coordinate with office secretariat to circulate all important circulars
Association. regarding taxation.
• To approve all internal requisitions. • To issue and sign Plastic Raw Material Valuation Chart.
• Administration • To sort out all valuation matters as put forward by members of
• Finance Association.

Mr. Nabeel Hashmi (Convener LHR) Mr. Haider Ali, Convener

Mr. S. M. Tariq (Deputy Convener LHR) Mr. Zahid Ahmed, Member
Mr. Akhlaq Ahmed Member (LHR) Mr. Mahmood Ghaznavi,
Mr. Khalil Ahmed Member (LHR) Member (LHR)
Mr. Rizwan Aslam (LHR) Mr. Iqbal Lakhani, Member
Mr. Tariq Abdullah (LHR) • To pursue relevant
Mr. Ali Kunji, Convener (KHI)
Mr. Imran Ghani, Member (KHI) Ministries and Government
Mr. Shoaib Munshi, Member (KHI) bodies for enhancement of
Mr. Zafar Saeed, Member (KHI) plastics trade in general and
Mr. Shakil Ahmed, Member (KHI) specifically for exports.
Mr. Asif Rasheed, Member (KHI) • To give awareness on taxation to
• Arrangement, Planning, Organizing and Implementation members through seminars and
• To present pre and post emails.
exhibition reports to the EC.

Mr. Imran Ghani, Convener Mr. S. M. Noman, Convener

Mr. Irfan Sabir, Member Mr. Ali Kunji, Member
Mr. S. M. Noman, Member Mr. Nabeel Hashmi (LHR)
• To publish Pakplas Annual Magazine • To increase technological level
of members through training/
and Annual Report.
seminars.
• Website • To disseminate statistical and
• To increase membership (eligible / non technical knowledge among
eligible) from current 225 to 1000. members to help them in
business decisions.

Mr. Asif Rasheed, Convener

Mr. Zafar Saeed, Member Mr. Rashid Mahmood, Secretary General
Mr. Shoaib Munshi, Member
Mr. Zahid Ahmed, Member Mr. Syed Ahsan Ali, Office Coordinator
Mr. S. M. Tariq, Member

19
Chairman’s
Review
Dear Members & Readers

Assalam Alaikum

What can be more delighting than to have the opportunity of speaking to

the valued members on behalf of myself and the Executive Committee of
Pakistan Plastic Manufacturers Association (PPMA) and present an over-
view for our members and the readers of PAKPLAS 2018, the magazine of
Pakistan’s Plastics Industry.

Pakistan Economy – The Scenario

Whatever the industry it cannot be unsusceptible to happenings and de-
velopments taking place on the overall economic front of the country. The
Plastics Industry is no exception, either. Therefore, it is advisable to start by
briefly commenting on national economic scenario.
Pakistan’s economy, as is known by all, has been subject to extremely un-
favourable circumstances over the decades with terrorism on top of everything.
For quite a long period, the country had been plagued by the menace of terror-
ism in many parts of the land which had had its typical negative impacts on the
growth and performance of the economy. In a particular context, an almost equally
detrimental issue which also continued to haunt the industries was the worst kind
of energy crisis.
These menaces did not allow the economy in general and the industries
in particular, to function smoothly, let alone the growth and develop-
ment as both factors kept the business and industrial atmosphere
and activities under constant damaging pressure.

Credit Goes to Government, Apex Institutions

The credit must go to the government which put
its foot firmly down and took the much awaited
steps with full support and cooperation from
the security organizations to take the bull by
its horns and work positively to get rid of ter-
rorism and the energy crisis. In order to cut a
long story short, it should suffice to say that
with good strategy, display of political will and
the resolve to end the crisis, the government
and our apex institutions worked in the right
direction to minimize these problems. Though
it cannot be said that all problems have been
resolved but it is very satisfying to see that
after excellent operation Zarb e Azb, another
well directed and well designed operation
Radd ul Fasad is going on in full swing to
eradicate the remaining roots and causes
of terrorism from all over the country. It
is rightly expected that once this task is
achieved, the country will reverse to its
pre-terrorism peaceful state which will
generate once again the promising
and business friendly conditions for
the industries and trade to thrive and

21
Plastics Industry of further strengthen the national economy. It is safe to say
Pakistan is on the that overall law and order situation and energy supply
growth trajectory have shown great improvements lately, thus contribut-
ing towards rebuilding the confidence of local as well
with very positive
as international businessmen to renew their interests
signs in tandem in the economy of Pakistan.
with CPEC related
infrastructure Due Tribute to Business Community
and development Here, the tribute must be paid to our business com-
projects. Its current munity, too, which exhibited their incredible will and
growth rate is unwavering resolve to survive notwithstanding several
unfavourable conditions. For showing their iron will to
estimated to be
survive and continuing to make very positive contri-
around 8% per butions to the national economy in terms of revenue
annum while further generation, creation of employment opportunities and
growth @10% has making untiring efforts to save the foreign exchange by
been projected. reducing imports as a result of indigenous production,
Plus, an estimated they must be applauded.
shortage of around
The Economy Today
9-10 million housing Defying all odds and surprising many critics the Pakistan
units also calls for Economy has shown encouraging performance during
intense development the first quarter of prevailing financial year as stated in
activities and the State Bank of Pakistan’s first quarterly report of fiscal
investment in the year 2017-2018. The preliminary data on key macroeco-
housing sector nomic indicators suggest that the growth momentum
which will incite remained strong in the first quarter of current fiscal year
while what is seen as promising is the apex economic
consumption and body’s observation that several coincident indicators
production of plastics point to a further strengthening of aggregate supply
products. and demand in the economy.
The large-scale manufacturing also experienced
a 10 percent high growth which is the highest quar-
terly growth since FY09. This is an encouraging per-
formance as all sectors, barring fertilizer, contributed
positively. News from agricultural front is also positive
since with the exception of cotton, other major kharif
crops achieved or surpassed the FY18 targets. This im-
provement is supported by sufficient water availability
coupled with other factors.
This broad-based growth can be attributed to bet-
ter energy availability and improved security situation.
Besides, rising consumer demand on the back of higher
purchasing power and access to affordable credit facili-
ties is also playing a positive role in better economic
performance as the healthy performance of commodity
22
producing sectors had a positive impact on the services
sector as well.
FBR revenues are also showing improvement on the
back of increased economic activity mainly due to new
infrastructure projects, surge in imports, higher con-
sumption of consumer durables, and increased prices
and consumption of POL products which significantly
contributed to both direct and indirect taxes. But the
need still exists for more concerted efforts aimed at ex-
panding the tax base by bringing the untaxed sectors
in the tax net.
There is no second opinion that the recent signifi-
cant gains in export growth and foreign direct invest-
ment are welcome developments as reported by SBP.
However, these gains are not enough to contain the
overall balance of payments deficit as import payments
far exceed the aforementioned positives, keeping the
external sector under pressure. In short, Pakistan’s
economy is well poised to continue on its growth mo-
mentum for FY18.
Plastics Industry - The Future
The Plastics Industry of Pakistan is on the growth trajec-
tory with very positive signs for its growth and expan-
sion in the coming years in tandem with CPEC related
infrastructure and development projects.
Its current growth rate is estimated to be around
8% per annum while further growth has been projected
for next 6-7 years which may go upto 10% per annum.
Such growth rate is foreseen in view of heavy construc-
tion and development activities taking place as part of
CPEC agreement. Plus, there is an estimated shortage of
around 9-10 million housing units in the country which
calls for intense development activities and investment
in the housing sector. This potential also entails oppor-
tunities for growth in the consumption and produc-
tion of plastic products to meet the increasing demand
in the construction sector. Besides, the use of plastic
products is also on the rise in other sectors including
the pharmaceutical, food & beverages, consumer items,
automobile, textiles, disposable plastic products in
medical sector, agriculture etc. Such a rise is also due to
the convenience and economy associated with plastic
products and there is an increasing trend of switching
over to plastic as a preferred material in different sectors
of the economy. These all factors are working together
to pave the way for continuous growth and expansion
opportunities in the Plastics Industry of Pakistan.
CPEC – The Game Changer for Pakistan and the Region
At the time of signing of CPEC, the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor, back in 2014, it was seen with great
amount of hope and expectation for the development
and prosperity of Pakistan in particular and of the region
in general. But, at that time the law and order situa-
tion and acute energy crisis were two major negative
factors which caused some people to express doubts
whether or not its potential would be materialized. But,
the industry and business community were completely
convinced that this great initiative would pave way for a
more prosperous, more developed Pakistan.
And, now when both negative factors have been
significantly addressed, the time is proving that we
were right to believe in the potential offered by CPEC,
thanks to the initiatives taken by the government and
the improvement in law and order brought about by the
government and our highly professional and competent
security organizations. The CPEC is rapidly becoming matter with concerned government organizations to
a source of national integration, economic prosperity curb this menace. It is noted with satisfaction that as a
and regional stability. result of constant efforts made by PPMA, positive and
We believe that the CPEC is a win-win project for rightly directed steps have been taken by the govern-
Pakistan and it can change the fortune of the 208 mil- ment organizations and concerned law enforcement
lion Pakistanis by making Pakistan an economic and a agencies to curb the smuggling of raw material and
trade hub and a high middle income country. According finished goods into Pakistan. Positive improvements
to the Water and Power Ministry, 25000 MWs of energy have been witnessed in the situation as the unchecked
are identified and possibly 10400 MWs would be added smuggling activities are being curbed and some effec-
to the system by 2020 tive measures have been
whereas, soon after that taken by the government.
6600 MWs would be added Recent significant gains in However, some more
to the national grid. Apart export growth and foreign work still needs to be done
from the above mentioned direct investment are welcome on this front to get rid of
prospects, the official esti- this menace completely
developments as reported by
mates say that the CPEC so that the local industry
would possibly create 02 SBP. However, these gains are can flourish which will ul-
million jobs, enhance basic not enough to contain the overall timately be beneficial for
infrastructure, improve balance of payments deficit as the national economy. If
people to people contacts, import payments far exceed the the local Plastics Industry
overcome governance cri- aforementioned positives. In flourishes and gets con-
sis, alleviate the menace short, Pakistan’s economy is well ducive and supporting
of poverty, bring dramatic environment from the gov-
poised to continue on its growth
change in education sys- ernment, it has got enough
tem and would flourish our momentum for FY18. potential to work to meet
tourism industry. the local demand of fin-
And for these very ished goods by producing
reasons, the CPEC is rightly termed as ‘Fate Changer’ high quality products for many sectors. We would re-
or the ‘Game Changer’. As stated above, the CPEC will quest the government to continue their appreciable
also entail lot of growth and expansion opportunities efforts and take further necessary measures to eradicate
in Plastics Industry. this damaging phenomenon in order to provide healthy
conditions for the local industry which will also encour-
Raw Material Production in Pakistan age the plans for further expansion of production ca-
We appreciate the efforts of indigenous raw material pacities to meet the growing local demand.
producers generously, but the fact is that Pakistan lags
quite behind in this area of industrial activity. The raw
material production is quite meager with regard to the
total requirement of the industry. It is estimated that
hardly 10% of raw material is locally produced while
the rest is being imported from different countries. This
situation shrieks for steps to be taken towards invest-
ments in raw material production.
One good thing to be noted is the recent expansion
plan announced by Engro Polymers and Chemicals Ltd
worth over 10 billion rupees. On completion, they will
be producing an additional 100,000 MT of PVC annu-
ally besides other features of their expansion project.
Such an initiative is highly welcome move for local
industry. It also confirms the feasibility of not only this
investment but for many more such investments in PPMA Activities - What PPMA Stands for
raw material production sector since there still remain PPMA – the abbreviation of Pakistan Plastic
huge gaps between the demand and supply from in- Manufacturers Association – is the exclusive repre-
digenously production units. sentative body of Pakistan’s Plastics Industry, which is
second only to India in South Asia. It is the mandate of
Menace of Smuggling PPMA to safeguard the interests of our Plastics Industry,
Smuggling of raw material and finished goods has been to continue to take steps towards its growth, better-
a great source of concern for all industries including the ment and development, to continue endeavours for
Plastics Industry as well. This menace badly damages resolving the issues and challenges it is, or it may be
the local industry and their interests as they have to faced with in future, to continue to diligently work for
suffer multiple losses in terms of sales, revenue, meeting protecting and promoting the interests of its members
overheads and financing their ongoing development and all stake holders, to constantly keep resolving its
and expansion activities. Besides, it also affects nega- issues concerned with government organizations, to
tively the revenue generation for national exchequer, portray its factually positively image locally and at in-
thus making detrimental impacts on overall state of ternational forums, to continue its persistent efforts to
economy. see that the industry is modernized and works on mod-
PPMA has always taken this matter of grave con- ern lines, to continuously guide and assist its members
cern with due seriousness and constantly takes up the in their efforts to stay abreast with latest trends and

23
 Hashmi, Mr. Ali Kunji, Mr. S. M. Tariq, Mr. Zafar Saeed, Mr.
Shakeel Ahmed, Mr. Imran Ghani, Mr. Akhlaq Ahmed,
Mr. Shoaib Munshi, Mr. Khalil Ahmed, Mr. Asif Rasheed,
Mr. Rizwan Aslam and Mr. Tariq Abdullah, all of them
have been doing remarkable job collectively to make
sure that PAKPLAS 2018 touches even greater marks
of success and grows in size and capacity even further.
I am fully confident that such well directed collec-
tive efforts will take PAKPLAS 2018 to greater heights
and soon it will be able to stand out as the unified plat-
form for entire Plastics Industry of Pakistan. Well done!

PAKPLAS Magazine 2018

PAKPLAS has always received warm support from all
the members and other stake holders of the industry.
Since its beginning, PAKPLAS has been making constant
efforts to keep improving its well-maintained high stan-
dards for the contents and editorial. The Convener of
our PAKPLAS Magazine Committee, its members and I
were quite confident that after having achieved many
milestones of success, PAKPLAS now offers an oppor-
tunity for further widening of its scope and induction
of professional editorial team to serve the industry in
technological advancements and developments that even more professional manner and style.
keep taking place globally, and continue to work for Hence, we all felt delighted to take the initiative
organizing the unorganized sector and spread aware- and obtain the services of Mr. AHMED QAISER, a sea-
ness among them in their own interests etc. In short, soned and highly professional journalist. Mr. Qaiser is
PPMA stands for collective betterment and prosperity enriched with experience of working in senior positions
of the Plastics Industry of Pakistan and all its members with leading media outlets of Pakistan, including DAWN
and stake holders. News and Daily Times.
We are extremely glad to have him as the Chief
PAKPLAS Exhibition 2018 Editor of PAKPLAS and note with pleasure that all
It makes me delighted to comment on the amazing stake holders have welcomed him and extended their
success of PPMA’s initiative of organizing a profes- every possible cooperation to him in discharging his
sional Exhibition “PAKPLAS” for the Plastics Industry responsibilities. I note with great satisfaction that
of Pakistan. The aims and under the Chief Editorship
objectives of organizing of Mr. Ahmed Qaiser,
the PAKPLAS Exhibition The Convener of our PAKPLAS PAKPLAS has acquired
included among oth- Magazine Committee, its the well deserved and
ers to promote the busi- members and I were quite much desired professional
ness activities from one standards for which I
confident that after having applaud Mr. Imran Ghani,
unified platform for the
achieved many milestones of Mr. S. M. Noman, Mr. Irfan
Pakistani Plastics Industry
where all stake holders success, PAKPLAS now offers an Sabir and Mr. Ahmed
can meet under one roof opportunity for further widening Qaiser for putting up
to share and exchange of its scope and induction of fine collective effort. The
ideas, knowledge, techni- professional editorial team to Magazine Committee
cal expertise and get the serve the industry in even more has taken a great leap
convenient chances of forward to turn PAKPLAS
professional manner and style. into a truly professional
business networking in a
professional environment. publication. The credit
The feedback which goes to the whole Public
we continuously receive from the Exhibitors and the Relations Committee, especially to its Convener, Mr.
Visitors is very encouraging and promising for the future Imran Ghani who worked diligently to turn his vision
of PAKPLAS. Every year, the Exhibition is gaining in size of a truly professional publication into reality.
and scope, and a lot of further growth potential has
become visible as a result of the laborious efforts of all Budget Proposals 2017-2018
my colleagues who work as an integrated body towards PPMA submitted specific budget proposals related to
achieving collective goals in the greater interests of the Plastic Sector. The withholding tax reduction proposal
Plastics Industry. from PPMA was upheld in the Budget 2017-18. One
Our Exhibition Committee has been making untir- key proposal was to remove the disparity of taxes be-
ing and ceaseless efforts to make PAKPLAS 2018 even tween commercial and industrial importers especially
more successful than the previous editions. The same in the case of raw materials which are mainly used in
motto was also pursued by the Exhibition Committees industries.
of previous editions as all of them put in laudable efforts
in making every edition more successful than the last Withholding Tax rates stand as follows
one. The Exhibition Committee convener Mr. Nabeel Reduced rates stand as 1.75% (minimum) on Industrial

24
The aims and
objectives of
organizing the
PAKPLAS Exhibition
are to provide one
unified platform for
Pakistan Plastics
Industry where all
stake holders can
gather under one roof
to exchange ideas,
knowledge, technical
expertise and ensure
business networking
in a professional
environment. The
feedback from the
Exhibitors and the
Visitors is very
encouraging and
promising. Every and 4.50% (final) on Commercial Importers on Plastics Exhibitors and the Visitors was very healthy who said
year, the Exhibition Raw Materials. The matter was successfully pursued they were very impressed with the performance of the
is gaining in size and by then Chairman Mr. Ehtesham Uddin along with Exhibition Committee. It was an undeniable evidence
scope. Further growth Mr. Zafar Saeed, Convener Taxation Committee in the of their satisfaction that they registered their interest to
is quite predictable as meetings of Parliamentary Committee and Standing book spaces in advance for Pakplas 2018. Mr. Ehtesham
a result of laborious Committee which were held on 13th June, 2017 in while expressing his feelings said he could not find
Islamabad. The meetings were presided over by Mr. enough words to thank the remarkable performance
efforts of all my Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Chairman Standing Committee of the whole team, particularly in view of the fact that
colleagues. of National Assembly on Finance Revenue, Economic they had to face number of obstacles and challenges
Affairs, Statistics and Privatization and Mr. Saleem H. in undertaking their mammoth task. As a fruit of their
Mandviwala, Chairman Standing Committee on Finance sincere efforts all major brands of Machinery and Raw
& Revenue of Senate of PAKISTAN, and also attended Material producers exhibited in Pakplas 2017, which is
by Dr. Mohammad Irshad, Chairman FBR and Mr. doubtlessly a huge success.
Mohammed Zahid, Member Customs.
PPMA Delegation at Chinaplas 2017
PAKPLAS Exhibition 2017 A PPMA delegation of around 20 members led by
It was informed with pleasure by then Chairman Mr. Chairman Ehtesham Uddin visited Chinaplas 2017 on
Ehtesham Uddin that Pakplas Exhibition 2017 recorded the invitation of Adsale, the event organizer. This visit
overwhelming success by the grace of God. He specially proved fruitful to boost the international image of PPMA
appreciated the efforts of Mr. Ali Mohammed Kunji, Mr. at Asia’s largest Plastics & Packaging exhibition. Fine hos-
Shoaib Munshi, Mr. Zafar Saeed, Mr. Shakeel Ahmed, Mr. pitality and support was extended by Adsale Exhibition
Imran Ghani and the whole team. The feedback from Services Ltd to the delegation throughout their visit. An
important business meeting also took place between
the chairmen of PPMA and Chinese Plastic Machinery
Industry Association. Both the chairmen discussed vari-
ous issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on
different options to establish channels of cooperation
and communication between the two important asso-
ciations. Both Associations also agreed to hold visits on
delegation level to explore further business opportuni-
ties to their mutual benefit and identify the avenues for
possible increase in existing trade between the two in-
dustries. Besides, the Chairman also held meetings with
the top office bearers of other important associations.

Classification of Polymeric Diphenyl Methane

Diisocynate (MDI)
After due consultations with all stakeholders, this matter
was initiated from the platform of PPMA and resolved as
per the wishes of all stakeholders and PPMA.

MOU Between PPMA and PUM

An MOU has been signed by Mr. Frans Friedeman,
Country Coordinator of PUM for Pakistan/Afghanistan

25

and Mr. Ehtesham Uddin, Chairman, PPMA. PUM is
providing hands-on expert advice to SMEs and related
organisations in developing countries on FOC basis to
enable the SMEs to make sustainable growth which
could be economically viable, environmentally sound
and socially responsible.
PUM has carried out over 40,000 advice missions in
70 countries around the world and operates a network
of hundreds of local representatives. Normally, if any
individual would like to hire their expertise they would
charge experts’ fee along with other overheads such as
travelling, accommodation, etc. But if PPMA platform
is used in hiring their services, the aspirant will have to
pay only travelling and accommodation charges and
no expertise fee will be charged from them by PUM.
Supporting the Academia and Establishing Linkage
Effective linkage between the Academia and the Industry
is highly important in the greater interest of both. It is the
Academic Institutes where the professionals are trained
and produced who later make their careers in Plastics
Industry. It is necessary for any industrial representative
body to have interest to see that the institutes have com-
petent and up-to-date syllabi and latest academic and
research facilities to be able to meet the latest require-
ments and cope with the emerging challenges.
We feel that there is a need to establish linkage
between the relevant departments of the Academic
Institutes and the Plastics Industry so that both can
work in the greater interest of the country.
Eid Milan Party
There was a need to organize an occasion for social-
izing among the members where they can meet each
other in a lighter and relaxed atmosphere. Attending
to this need, the PPMA hosted an Eid Milan Party in
the 1st week of July, 2017 at PPMA Head Office. This
event is another addition in the PPMA Calendar. This
initiative has received warm appreciation from most
of the members and they have expressed the desire to
regularly organize this event on yearly basis.
Over 150 Visits to Government Bodies
Besides above activities, during the year PPMA Office
26
Bearers, Conveners of Taxation & Customs Committees
paid more than 150 visits to different government bod-
ies for resolving Association’s issues regarding taxes,
valuation and other government policies and presented
and defended the stance of PPMA effectively.
How PPMA Performs
As Parton-in-Chief, and the Chairman of PPMA, I con-
sider it my utmost responsibility to make sure that
the Association continues to play its remarkable role
in execution of above mentioned tasks to the satisfac-
tion of our valued members and the stake holders.
Without exaggeration, I firmly believe that PPMA, ever
since its inception in 1980, has never let down its mem-
bers whenever it came to putting up its untiring and
well concerted efforts towards achieving its aims and
objectives.
Acknowledgement
Whatever PPMA has achieved so far, could never have
been possible without the collective efforts of its
Executive Committees of past and present, different
Committees tasked with various responsibilities and
objectives, and last but not the least, the invaluable
cooperation and support of its all members and the
stake holders. Each of them has played the assigned
role with laudable sense of responsibility and commit-
ment to work and deliver in the collective interest of
the Plastics Industry. It is because of the commitment
and dedication always displayed by my colleagues that
I rightly feel proud of the Team PPMA. Well done Team
PPMA! Keep it up!
Gratitude
Although, it has always been a concerted and coordi-
nated team effort that enables an organization to de-
liver and achieve difficult tasks, yet there is no denial to
the fact that some members do work extra ordinarily
and dedicate their time and energy more than what
would normally be expected. Such colleagues of mine
are many and though the limited space would not
allow for every name to be mentioned here, I would
still like to pay – on behalf of the Association – grati-
tude to some of them, including Mr. Shakeel Ahmed,
Mr. Zafar Saeed, Mr. Akhlaq Ahmed, Mr. Ehteshamuddin,
Mr. Haider Ali, Mr. Khalid Masood, Mr. Imran Ghani, Mr.
Nabeel Hashmi, Mr. Ali Kunji, Mr. S. M. Noman, Mr.
Shoaib Munshi, Mr. Mustafeez Uddin, Mr. S. M. Tariq,
Mr. Mahmood Ghaznavi, and several others. As I already
pointed out that the space limitation would not allow
for all the names to be mentioned here, however, I
would definitely say that my gratitude is not limited
to only those mentioned herein but it goes to all those
who deserve it.
Invitation to Visit PAKPLAS 2018
I take the opportunity to extend sincere invitation to all
our members, plastics professionals and entrepreneurs,
office bearers and members of trade bodies, officials of
foreign trade missions, manufacturers and processors
of plastics products, academics and researchers, media
persons and business minded citizens of Lahore to visit
PAKPLAS 2018 – the Exhibition of Pakistan’s Plastics
Industry organized by PPMA.
The Exhibition will remain open for visits for three
days including 16th, 17th and 18th March, 2018 at
Lahore International Expo Centre from 10am to 6pm.
Chairman’s Profile
Business Activities
Proprietor M/s. Jakkey Traders Company for imports
& export since 1976 and Plastic Machines & Raw
Materials, SITE, Karachi.
Managing Director, ACME Mills (Pvt.) Ltd, A-3, SITE,
Karachi and Textile Weaving Industry, Manufacturing
of Home Textile.
Partner Perfect Engineering Works, RCC Shed No. 14,
Estate Avenue, SITE, Karachi
Partner Perfect Multiple Industries, B-3, SITE, Karachi
Partner Map Panel & Board
President
PPMA – 1992-93, 1994-95, 1996-97, 1999-2000, 2001,
2003-04, & 2004-05
Cassette Manufacturers Association - 1992-93, 1994-
95, 1996-97, 1999-2000
Society of Young Textile Engg in student life - 1967-68
Federation of Pak Chambers of Commerce &
Industries - 2014
Senior Vice President: Karachi Chamber of
Commerce & Industry 2009-2010
Vice President
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce &
Industry 2009-2010
Justice: Justice of Peace, Karachi Region from 1998
to 2001
Chairman
Council of Karachi’s Industrial Association 2002-03
SITE Association of Industry 2000-2001
Sales Tax Committee of FPCCI
Coordinator Committee with FBR of FPCCI 2012-2013
Taxation Committee of FPCCI 2004-2005, 2005-2006,
2009-2010
Budget Committee of FPCCI 2009-2010, 2011-2012,
2012-2013
Pak-USA Trade Committee of FPCCI 1996-1997
Board of Technical Institute of Technology, Lyari, Govt
of Sindh
Custom Committee of SITE Association 1994-95, 1995-
96 & 1996-97
Visited India as Chairman of Delegation in 1997 of
PlastIndia 1997
Customs Valuation Committee of Pakistan Plastic
Manufacturers Association 1998-99
Senior Vice Chairman: SITE Association 1995-96
Vice Chairman: Import Committee of FPCCI 1993-95,
1995-97
Life Member
Confederation of Asia Pacific Chamber of Commerce
& Industry (CACCI)
Life Member & Member Managing Committee 1988-
99 FPCCI of CBR Food & Agriculture Committee of KCCI
in 1996-97 D-8 Chamber of Commerce & Industry
2012-2013
Advisory Board of PTCL, Board of Governor of Pakistan
Technology Centre, Karachi affiliated with UNIDO
Advisory Committee of CBR for Excise, Sales Tax and
Export, Board of Governor, Govt College of Technology
Member
Human Resource Committee of FPCCI 2009-2010
Labour Committee of FPCCI 2009-2010
Committee formed by TDAP and FPCCI 2009-10
Deputed by Minister of Finance for resolving the
dispute between Importers & PSI Companies (SGS
& Cotecna). Worked for more than 2 years
Visited Kenya as Member delegate under
Chairmanship of Mian Habibullah, Chairman EPB
in 1996. Working Committee of PSI companies
Delegation Leader
Visited Thailand as Leader of Delegation on invita-
tion of Thai Government
Mr. Zakaria Usman
Chairman & Patron-in-Chief
Pakistan Plastic Manufacturers
Association
Visited Turkey as Leader of Delegation on invitation
of Turkish Government
Awards
Received Gold Medal from FPCCI by Acting
President of Pakistan Mr. Wasim Sajjad in 1995
Received Gold Medal from FPCCI by Prime Minister
of Pakistan Mr. Shoukat Aziz in 2006
Received Gold Medal and Award from Jodia Bazar
Traders as Member Working Committee PSI
Received Award as Businessman called “Benazir Talent
Ward” 1995 by Syed Abdullah Shah Chief Minister
Sindh 1995
Received Award from Chen Hong Machinery Co.
Hong Kong for the largest market share achieve-
ment (Marketing of Plastic Machines in 1997)
Received Gold Medal from Minister of Commerce
Mr. Makdoom Amin Fahim in 2010
Received shield from Karachi Club ADBI Committee
as Speaker 2011
Received shield from Karachi Club as Member
Project and Rules Committee 2012
Received shield from CCPTT Sichuan Council of China
Received shield as Speaker by Institute of Cost &
Management Account of Pakistan

Comments
P
akplas magazine has been
published since 2010
annually by Magazine
Committee of PPMA. It
always receives warm support from
PPMA members and stake holders of
the Plastic Industry of Pakistan.
The aims and objectives of
Pakplas include setting up and
maintaining an effective and con-
venient communication channel for
all the stake holders. Pakplas strives
to work as a bridge among industry
and the local and international sup-
pliers and service providers. It also
allows our academia to make their
latest research and developments
known across Plastic Industry.
Pakplas has always preferred to
maintain high standards and wel-
comes suggestions for every pos-
sible improvement. In response to
various suggestions received from
members and stake holders for fur-
ther widening its scope, vision and
circulation network etc. we have
obtained the services of a profes-
sional Chief Editor, Mr. Ahmed
Qaiser to have it produced more
professionally.
Pakplas is currently published
as an annual magazine but it will
be converted into a quarterly Trade
Magazine to promote Pakistan’s
Plastics Industry at local and inter-
national forums. Publication of its
Urdu version is also on the cards.
Pakplas will continue to work as
the image builder for PPMA as well Imran Ghani
as the Plastics Industry, and play its Convener
role in organizing the hitherto un- PAKPLAS Magazine
organized SME sector. Committee

27
Plastics Industry
in Pakistan – An Overview
T
he demand for plastics is seen as Growth Of Pakistan Plastics Industry
ever increasing with every passing The growth rate of Pakistan
day in Pakistan. While there is some Plastics industry is still low as
negativity building up on plastics compared to developed
bags, nevertheless, there is no Asian and European
substitute and cost effectiveness countries, which
for replacing Plastics. suggests that
All alternative materials such there exists lot
as metal, wood, paper, ceramic, glass etc are not of potential for
cost effective replacements and when one under- further growth to
takes an overall comparison of carbon reduc- be realised. The present
tion, the Plastics stand out as the better choice. consumption of Plastics in
It is one of the fastest emerging segments of Pakistan is around 5.5 kg per
Shoaib Munshi
the Pakistani Industry. capita. This consumption is
General Manager The Pakistan Plastic sector promises great growth very likely to register growth
Vinmar Polymers potential as local industry continues to develop qual- due to certain encouraging
(vinmar@vinmar.com.pk) ity products by putting up new investments in latest factors, such as, an increasing
machinery which are more cost and energy efficient per capita income, urbaniza-
and possess state of the art technology. tion which in turn is produc-
Pakistan Plastic Industry is one of the leading in- ing more educated youth
dustrial sectors in the Pakistan economy; the industry population, spreading con-
mainly produces finished products for the local market cept of vast shopping malls
for daily use. on modern lines, increasing
Exports are very limited in this sector because number of big grocery stores,
of which Pakistan is missing out on a major global online shopping as well as
opportunity which needs the focus and support of growing consumer market in
government. There is great potential for export- all segments.
ing Plastics finished products which can bring Another very important
precious and much needed foreign exchange and basic factor which is trig-
while at the same time will generate gering growth in plastics sec-
the employment opportu- tor is unmatchable convenience
nities for people. offered by Plastics products.
Besides, the Plastics Industry is
continuously introducing latest
and upgraded packaging solutions
together with affordability which is also
enhancing Plastics consumption in Pakistan.

Present Plastics consumption

of around 5.5 kg per capita
in Pakistan is very likely to
register growth due to certain
encouraging factors, such as, an
increasing per capita income,
urbanization which in turn
is producing more educated
youth population and spreading
concept of vast shopping malls
on modern lines.

29

Local Raw Materials Production
1. PVC Resin
Engro Polymer & Chemicals Ltd is the only PVC Resin
manufacturer in Pakistan producing 195,000 MT PVC
Resin per annum.
They have announced addition of new PVC Plant of
100,000 MT by Q3 2020. On completion, this will increase
their total production capacity to 295,000 MT per annum.
2. PET Chip Bottle Grade
Gatron (Industries) Ltd / Novatex produces PET Resin
bottle grade for domestic market as well as for exports
worldwide.
Novatex Limited, coupled with Gatron is the larg-
est PET Resin Bottle Grade manufacturer in Pakistan,
with the brand name of “Gatronova.
Their total PET resin bottle grade production ca-
pacity stands at 235,000 MT per annum. Out of this
capacity, more than 50% is available for export.
3. Polystyrene
Pak Petrochemical Industries (Pvt) Limited manu-
factures General Purpose Polystyrene, High Impact
Polystyrene & Expandable Polystyrene.
Pak Petrochemical Industries (Pvt) Ltd has an an-
nual capacity of 63,000 MT for GPPS & HIPS. Also, a
new plant of EPS has started its production at Port
Qasim, having an annual capacity of 14,850 MT. With
the addition of new plant, their total capacity has in-
creased approximately to 100,000 MT per annum. Half
the capacity is exported by them worldwide.
Prospects of Pakistan Plastics Industry
Pakistan has a population of 207.774 million as per
Provisional Results of recently held Census according
to the figures released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
With increase in population of the country, the domes-
tic demand of Plastics is also increasing at an estimated
average of 7–9 %. What may be noted here is that this
demand is without any significant export of finished
products and it has the potential for further growth in
case a conducive environment is provided - and utilized
- for exporting finished products.
We see great potential of double digit increase in the
consumption of Plastics in next three year with particular ref-
erence to the progress in China Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CEC), which is in full swing. Such pace and scale of progress
is going to increase the plastics consumption not only in the
infrastructure projects, but also as a result of many Special
Economic Zones where new production units of plastic
products will be established together with other industries.
Plastic is the ideal choice for packaging needs for
most of the industries and other users. This important
feature of plastics will also increase its consumption in
Pakistan in the future.
Energy crisis was the major hurdle for the production
of plastic products as the industries were quite severely
31
 machinery and availing of modern equipments are the
factors driving the plastic packaging growth in Pakistan.
Recently, huge investments in setting up new ca-
pacities as well as enhancement and machinery upgrada-
tion in BOPP, CPP & PET Film sector have been witnessed.
This confirms the strength and the positive attitude of
Pakistan’s Packaging Industry in response to the chang-
ing needs and requirements of their sector and the
emerging challenges. Now Pakistan’s Packaging sector
should be able to export BOPP, CPP and PET Films in the
wake of capacity installation more than the local demand.
By the end of year 2017, new BOPP and CPP lines
have been installed and new products for packaging in-
dustries have been introduced offering improvement and
innovation in packaging. The increasing competition is
leading towards development of better products which
is also increasing the demand of packaging requirements.
Some big investments in installation of state of the
art printing lines have been made together with new
hit by acute shortage of electricity. One can imagine the multilayer film extruders. In 2018 as well, some new
extremely difficult situation faced by the plastics produc- lines of printing and packaging are expected to come in
ers by the fact that the power shutdowns of 10-14 hrs production with European technology and machineries.
were a normal power supply position for the industry. PP Woven bag sector is the single largest segment of
One must appreciate the iron will with which the industry Plastics’ use and imports in Pakistan. In this sector heavy
survived such extremely unfavourable power crisis until investments have been made by existing producers to
recently overcome by the government. enhance capacities as well as to upgrade old equipment
Nevertheless, the industry is still struggling with an- aimed at improving the quality and efficiency.
other detrimental factor in the face of very high cost of Every year new units also are being installed as at-
electricity which is badly affecting the competitiveness not tracted by high growth in this sector. We can see further
only for the plastics industry but for all other industries of increase in the demand in next two years when CPEC
Pakistan. However, some rays of hope are there in the wake becomes fully operational.
of government’s realization of this negative factor as it is Environmental concerns also are being addressed as
shifting its focus for power Oxobiodegerable additive
production from highly ex- is being added in most of
pensive furnace oil based flexible packaging to pro-
Agriculture sector is also gaining tect the environment.
plants to more economical
options including LNG, coal, strength in Pakistan which is a Rigid packaging de-
hydel and few others. very good sign since Pakistan is mand for various products
Once this process of still lagging behind in it despite of industrial, pharmaceuti-
shifting to more economi- its worldwide development. cal and consumer products
cal power production op- is also showing increase,
tions becomes completely consequently, the invest-
operational, it is highly ex- ment in this sector is con-
pected that the cost of electricity for industrial purposes tinuously on the rise.
will be made so economical as to render the industrial PET bottle consumption and production are also
produce competitive enough not only for increased con- increasing due to rapid growth in the consumption of
sumption in the domestic markets but also to brighten drinking water and beverage products.
up the chances for exports.
The demand for more sophisticated and good quality Plastics in Agriculture
products by a rising middle class, rapid changes in tech- This sector also is gaining strength in Pakistan which is
nology, accelerating globalization, cost efficiency and the very good for the agriculture sector as Pakistan is still
desire and means to improve the quality of life are such lagging behind in it despite its worldwide development.
factors which combine together to necessitate significant The government should focus its development allowing
investments in the Plastics Industry of Pakistan over the advantages and concession and providing support for
next few years. This, when undertaken, will further en- this sector of Pakistan Plastic Industry.
hance the consumption of Plastics products in Pakistan. It is suggested that plastic processors and the gov-
Hence, there is no denying of the fact that there are ernment should focus to develop Plastic Tunnel Farming,
huge opportunities for growth and investments in the Drip Irrigation, Sprinkle Irrigation, Pond & Canals,
Plastics sector due to growth potential provided by exist- Reservoir Linings, Plastic Mulching, Green House etc.
ing very low per capita consumption of plastics in Pakistan
as compared to Asia and other parts of the world. Tunnel Farming
This is gaining popularity and being practiced in many
Packaging Industry of Pakistan areas of Pakistan especially in Punjab but still cultivation
Flexible Packaging Industry is poised for strong growth is not at a level to pave way for exports of vegetables.
due to current economic scenario and diversified con- Farmers, field owners and relevant departments are
sumer base. still unaware of the potential and proper uses of Tunnel
New capacities, innovations, latest technologies & Farming. Government should arrange awareness programs

33
and educate the farmers to use this technology which in
turn can make Pakistan a vegetables exporting country.

Drip Irrigation
Usage of Drip irrigation helps save water and increases
the crop yield per acre. By applying this method the
water can be saved by allowing it to drop slowly,
regularly and frequently as close to the plant roots as
possible through drip pipes and sprinkler network of
Plastic pipes and valves. Water consumption can be
significantly reduced upto 50 to 60% while per acre
yields will increase too.
The government has started subsidizing the total
cost by 50-60%. It requires more awareness and sup-
port from the government as a neighbouring country
which has similar infrastructure but has increased its
cultivation with low water consumption by using this
technology. Drip Irrigation has been accepted world-
wide and its use is being promoted in order to save
the precious water resources.
Our government should implement this, as well as,
other irrigation techniques in agriculture particularly in
view of frequently occurring water shortages.

Plastics in Medical Industry

As technology is improving, usage of Polymers is in-
creasing a lot in the medical sector. Use of many dis-
posable plastics products like Syringes, Eye Droppers,
Canola, Drips, Urine Bags and Oxygen masks etc is
ensuring better hygiene and preventing infections.
The plastics medical products industry is cur-
rently producing many items including Syringes, IV
Solutions, Canola, medical Pipes etc. Besides, hygiene
applications such as fabric for medical gowns, masks
and disposable bed sheets are also being produced
for use in hospitals and clinics.
This segment is also expanding with increase in
population because of the convenience, economy and
other advantages offered by medical plastic products.

Potential Offered by Automobile Sector

Much potential for growth of plastics products exists
in automobile sector since new auto companies have
been showing their willingness to invest around US$
2 billion in Pakistan automobile industry for putting
up assembly plants.
According to the reports, total nine companies
have applied for setting up new auto assembly man-
ufacturing plants, out of which four companies have
been granted the necessary permission.
The production by existing assemblers has also
increased in 2017 with good forecast for 2018/2019. As
a result, the consumption of plastics is also increasing
in auto sector owing to increasing use of locally pro-
duced plastic parts and reducing CKD imports.

Conclusion
Pakistan Plastic Market is on the growth trajectory and
in response to the potential clearly in the sight, the
entrepreneurs are making investments in latest tech-
nologies as is reflected by machinery imports statistics.
Now it is upto the government to act swiftly to
provide much needed support and pursue right poli-
cies in order to boost the plastics industry of Pakistan
enabling it not only to cater for domestic requirements
but to compete in the export markets as well to fetch
much needed foreign exchange.

35
COVER STORY

SBP Identifies Plastic Industry’s Potential for Greater Contribution towards National Economy

CPEC Plastic Industry:

and
the
Analyzing the Potential
Trading Patterns
Domestic plastic Pakistan can double
industry can grow and its exports in plastic
contribute positively to materials even if 0.5%
the generation of much of the world exports
needed foreign reserves from China are rerouted
through Pakistan
Much needed support from the government is
necessary to realize the potential

T
he State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
released a special section on
‘CPEC and Potential Opportunities
for Industrial Transformation in
Pakistan’ in its First Quarterly
Report 2017-2018, in which it
discusses the opportunities for
Pakistani industries in terms of fa-
vorable industrial transformation that is likely to take
place under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The report focuses on how the industrial transforma-
tion can create potential opportunities for Pakistan as
well as on the preparedness of the economy to benefit
Dr. Aadil Nakhoda from such opportunities.
Ph.D. – International Economics
The report mentions the path for industrial mod-
Institute of Business
ernization in China under the ‘Made in China 2025’
Administration
Karachi slogan. The basic objective of the Chinese plan is to
move away from mass-produced low-value products
to specialized high-value products. It is believed that
with this advancement in China, several of its currently
used equipment and infrastructure will become obso-
lete. This can provide Pakistani industries an oppor-
tunity to expand production in low-value consumer
goods that are likely to become obsolete in China. The
report by State Bank of Pakistan lists the petrochemical
and plastic industry in Pakistan as a major beneficiary
as CPEC not only provides opportunities for joint ven-
tures in Pakistan but also increases the potential to
set up basic building blocks in the industry with an
increasing ability to process the raw materials and the
intermediate goods within Pakistan.
Analyzing the data available at UN Comtrade,
the exports of plastic products (HS Chapter 39) have
fallen from more than US$ 449 million in 2013 to US$
267 million in 2016, showing a 40.5% decline. On
the other hand, the imports into Pakistan of plastic

37

What SBP Report says
• Under ‘Made in China 2025’,
China plans to move away
from mass-produced low-
value products to specialized
high-value products.
• Several of its currently used
equipment and infrastructure
to become obsolete.
• Opportunities for Pakistani in-
dustries to expand production
in low-value consumer goods.
• Petrochemical & Plastic
Industry in Pakistan a major
beneficiary for two reasons:
1. Opportunities of Joint
Ventures & creation of
production linkages.
2. Increased potential to set
up basic building blocks
with increasing ability
to process raw materials
& intermediate goods
within Pakistan.
A Win-Win Equation
• Chinese firms can benefit from
the GSP Plus status awarded
to Pakistan by EU.
• Pakistani firms can take ad-
vantage of technology trans-
fer as Chinese firms shift their
production into Pakistan.
products increased from US$ 1.57 billion in 2013 to
US$ 1.94 billion in 2016, an increase of 23.6%, between
the same period. As was observed for the aggregate
economy, exports declined during the last few years
while imports have increased to the highest level.
This suggests that Pakistan is increasingly becoming
dependent upon imported inputs. However, the
recent depreciation of the Pakistani rupee and
export subsidies to major export sectors may have
contributed positively to exports of plastic materials as
well. Although, not considered as an export-oriented
sector in Pakistan, exports of plastic materials increased
from US$ 176 million between July and December in
FY16 to US $ 203 million between July and December
in FY17, an increase of more than 15%, according to
the data on trade published by SBP. On the other hand,
the imports of plastic materials increased from US$
858 million between July and December FY16 to US$
1.052 billion in the aforementioned period in FY 17,
an increase of 22.6%.
The global exports from China have increased from
US$ 61.8 billion in 2013 to US$ 62.4 billion in 2016,
an increase of 0.1%. This negligible increase could be
explained by the suppressed prices of oil during this
period, an important input in the petrochemical indus-
try. The global imports into China had fallen from US$
72.4 billion in 2013 to US$ 61.1 billion in 2016, an 18.4%
decrease. With lower prices of intermediate goods and
raw materials in the petrochemical industry, the net
trade balance of China has improved considerably.
The share of imports into and exports from China
as a percentage of world trade in 2016 is presented in
Figure 1a and Figure 1b. The share is similar in both
figures, suggesting that China imports and exports
similar amount. If manufacturing process leads to
value addition and China is dependent upon imported
inputs in the petrochemical industry, it is likely that
China is supplying a large quantity of its manufactured
plastic products to its domestic market as well.
Classifying the products according to their produc-
tion stage, namely raw materials, intermediate goods,
and consumer goods as determined by the product
classification available from World Integrated Trade
Solution (WITS), more than 90% of the imports into
Pakistan in 2016 were in the form of intermediate goods
and more than 67% of the exports were in the form
of intermediate goods. On the other hand, 24% of the
exports of plastic products in 2016 were in the form of
consumer goods, while 9% of the imports were in the
form of consumer goods. Similarly, approximately 9% of
the exports from Pakistan were in the form of raw mate-
rials, such as waste and scrap of polymers of ethylene,
while less than 0.5% of the imports were in the form of
raw material. It is clear that Pakistan primarily exports
intermediate goods of plastic products, such as polyeth-
ylene in primary form worth US$ 135 million. Further, it
also exported plates and sheets of polyethylene as well
as polystyrene in primary form. Pakistan also exported
more than US $34 million worth of consumer goods in
the form of household articles and toilet articles.
On the other hand, 66% of the exports from China
of plastic products were in the form of consumer
goods, while 34% were in the form of intermediate
goods. However, 84% of the imports into China were
in the form of intermediate goods and 10% were in
the form of consumer goods. Therefore, China relies
on the imports of intermediate goods and exports
consumer goods of plastic products. This clearly sug-
gests that China processes unfinished plastic prod-
uct into finished forms. If China is to move towards
more high-value goods, as suggested by the report
by SBP, it may move away from production of plas-
tic consumer goods. This can provide countries like
Pakistan an opportunity to increase its own produc-
tion of plastic products. For instance, China exported
more than US$ 2.8 billion worth of household products
(excluding tableware and kitchenware) as well as US$
4.7 billion worth of tableware and kitchenware in 2016.
In essence, China primarily imports unfinished goods,
39
processes it into finished goods and then exports as
well as sells them domestically in the form of con-
sumer plastic articles.
The proportion of total exports of plastic materials ex-
ported from Pakistan to China and the proportion of total
imports into Pakistan imported from China are presented
in figures 2a and 2b respectively. This is similar to the pat-
tern observed for total aggregate exports and imports from
Pakistan. Pakistan imports more from China than it exports
to it and a larger proportion of the imports originate from
China than exports destined to it. Pakistan primarily exports
raw materials of plastic products to China in the form of
waste and scrap of plastic materials, while imports interme-
diate goods from China such as polyethers, self-adhesive
plates and sheets and polyvinyl chloride in primary form.
It also imports consumer goods such as articles of plastics
from China. Trade between Pakistan and China in the plas-
tic industry is primarily in the form of intermediate goods.
Therefore, there is potential for joint ventures between firms
and creation of production linkages. For instance, Chinese
firms can benefit from the GSP Plus status awarded to
Pakistan by the European Union and receive concessions
on exports from Pakistan to the European market. Further,
Pakistani firms can take advantage of the transfer in technol-
ogy as Chinese firms shift their production into Pakistan.
In essence, the Pakistani policymakers must pur-
sue joint ventures and greater collaborations between
Pakistani and Chinese producers of plastic materials
as has been suggested in the First Quarterly Report
2017-2018 published by SBP. Pakistan can double its
exports in plastic materials even if 0.5% of the world
exports from China are rerouted through Pakistan,
taking advantage of trade concessions such as GSP
Plus. This will allow the domestic plastic industry to
grow and contribute positively to the generation of
much needed foreign reserves. The potential in the
plastic industry has been identified by one of foremost
economic institutions of the country (SBP). The much
needed support from the government is necessary to
realize the potential.
41
 Benefits of Investing in
Recycling Manufacturing
Set-ups in Pakistan
H
uman history is shaped by the
primary materials used by a civi-
lization. About 5,000 years ago,
humans learned how to convert
Copper and Tin into Bronze; and
thus Stone Age became the
Bronze Age. Nearly two thousand
years later, humans learned to
turn Iron Oxide into Iron and Steel and hence the Bronze
Age was replaced by the Iron Age. Today, we do more than
mixing and modification of natural materials to improve
them. Entirely new materials are being synthesized by
manipulating the structure of chemicals.
This era began in 1907, when Leo H. Baekeland, made
the first synthetic plastic resin, Bakelite. This age can be
named as the “Materials Age”; new and more advanced
materials are frequently being developed and are hitting
the markets. We owe our comfortable lives and connectiv-
ity to the advancement in materials science. Advancement
in materials have completely revolutionized the food,
transportation, healthcare, packaging and communica-
tion industries. This in turn has facilitated many things that
we take for granted; e.g. transportation of goods to far off
places, cleaner practices in healthcare setups, improved
shelf life of foods, better energy efficient vehicles, appli-
Dr. Mehr Nigar
ances and homes, and last but not the least the world
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical &
becoming a global village with the improved connectivity.
Aerospace Engineering However all of this has a cost and the cost is our en-
Air University, Islamabad vironment. Unfortunately, there has been an exponential
rise in generation of non-degradable waste worldwide,
44
with disastrous consequences for the environment. This
unchecked dumping of waste has led to soil, water and
air pollution with far reaching consequences on health of
humans and animals alike. Unfortunately, a major percent-
age of this problematic waste consists of discarded plastics.
Plastics are materials that are most desirable for their light
weight, superior strength and durability. However, once
this plastic is dumped or thrown away carelessly, its du-
rability becomes its biggest disadvantage (Figure 1). This
is due to the fact that unlike natural materials the plastic
does not break down into simpler elements on its own. It
needs to be properly reclaimed, processed and converted
into some other product. In short, the piles of plastic waste
that we see are not waste; rather, they are resource that
needs to be managed and utilized in a proper way.
Unchecked dumping of waste, especially plastic
waste, has become an issue of major concern worldwide.
Another problem which further compounds the envi-
ronmental impact of plastic waste is the unchecked and
open burning of plastics, a practice adopted by the locals
to reduce the waste volume (Figure 2). This practice re-
leases many toxic chemicals in the atmosphere, causing
air pollution, contributing to many respiratory and other
health problems, cancer being the most serious of them.
For the past few years many Pakistani and other Asian cit-
ies are facing severe smog and air pollution issues. The
average Pakistani, who is not familiar with the nuances
of environmentalpollution, is familiar with the words like
“smog” and is, exposed it on a daily basis. We now know
that the disastrous consequences of environmental pollu-

Figure 2: Open burning of
trash which is a major health
and environmental hazard.
blem
me a pro
co
s be
: Plastic
re 1
Figu
tion are very real and that they are being experienced by
the rich and poor alike.
Recycling
Recycling is an activity that has been reported through-
out human history since the time of Plato when humans
re-used broken tools and pottery when materials were
scarce. However, today, not only the list of items that can
be recycled is extensive, their benefits are also multi-varied.
Having good recycling programs/practices leads to cleaner
communities, pollution free cities, economic prosperity,
reduces need for virgin raw material, energy, and fuel and
water savings.
Formal collection and recycling of waste actually
started as a feel-good activity by a handful of environ-
mental activists in the US in 1960’s. However, today the
same recycling activity that started as an environmental
movement is now a multi-billion dollar industry in the
USA alone: The editor of Recycling Resource Magazine
stated that:
“Without recycling, given current virgin raw material sup-
plies, we could not print the daily newspaper, build a car, or
ship a product in a cardboard box. Recycling is not some feel-
good activity; it is one of the backbones of global economic
development. [Recycling] is a key ingredient to industrial
growth andstability.”
What is Recycling
A generic definition of recycling that can be found on the
internet is:
.
ture
dable na
egra
ir non-d
e
to th
ed due
mp
n du
whe
“Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into re-
usable objects to prevent waste of potentially useful materials,
reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, energy usage,
air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from
landfilling)by decreasing the need for “conventional” waste
disposal and lowering greenhouse gas emissions compared
to plastic production. Recycling is a key component of modern
waste reduction and is the third component of the “Reduce,
Reuse and Recycle” waste hierarchy.”
At roughly $236 billion in annual revenue in the US
alone, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), the recycling industry has grown to become
a significant and vital part of the global economy today.
Major industries, such as steel, paper and plastics, depend
on recycled materials to meet growing global demand for
awide range of products.
Closed Loop Recycling
“Closed loop” recycling is basically a process in which
post-consumer waste is collected, recycled and used to
make new value added products. This process may be as
simple as using recycled aluminum to make new cans, or
as complicated as weaving reclaimed plastic bottles into
polyester for clothing and other products. This step is the
most technical process where the industrial stakeholders
step in. They take the sorted and processed waste and
convert it into a value added product depending on its
chemistry, properties and market demands.
The successful working of a “closed loop recycling”
program is a community effort, where consumers, recy-
clers and manufacturers must work together to reclaim
valuable materials from the waste stream and use them
to make value added products. (Figure 3)
How Does the Recycling Industry Work
Unlike conventional industries, the Recycling industry
consists of 4 tiers or layers, all of which have to work in
coordination to maximize the economic potential of recy-
cling. This is an activity which cannot be carried out by the
industrial stake holders alone as the government, munici-
palities and the society as a whole have to be involved to
support this very important sector. The 4 tiers are:
1. Recycling Collection: This step involves the sorting and
collection of recyclables from the waste stream. There are
various strategies that can be employed for effective col-
lection of waste depending on what will be practical for a
given country/society. At this step the local environment/
culture has to be taken into account. For example, what
may be a very effective strategy for garbage collection in
US or Japan may not work for Pakistan and vice versa.
2. Recycling Processing: In this step, depending on the
nature of the recyclable waste, it will be subjected to some
physical treatment which may include sorting, washing
and compaction etc. Used beverage bottles for example
are compacted and converted into bales or flakes for ship-
ping and remanufacturing. (Figures 4&5)
45
Pakistan is lagging
behind in availing
the full economic
potential of recycling
despite effectively
executing the first
3 layers. In fact, we
are missing out on
the three fourth of
the whole pie! The
ground reality is that
we export our sorted
and processed waste
to industrialized
nations who in turn
manufacture quality
consumer goods and
export back as value
added products to
Pakistan. Pakistan
will make much
more revenue if the
waste is reclaimed,
processed and
recycled into value
added products at a
local level.
Figure 3: Closed Loop Recycling
Figure 4: Color sorted PET beverage bottle flakes.
3. Reuse & Remanufacturing: This step involves the reuse
of the collected scrap in some other form, e.g.reuse of waste
beverage bottles/containers for packaging some other fluid
like oil etc. after minimal processing and no property en-
hancement. Products made from this step are generally
known as “down-cycled” products due to inferior properties.
4. Recycling Manufacturing: This step is the most tech-
nical and the most lucrative in terms of revenue genera-
tion. This step involves acquiring the processed and sorted
waste from steps 1 & 2 and converting it into valuable
products. For example, taking a beverage bottle from the
waste stream and converting it back to a beverage bottle.
Where Do We Stand
The economic feasibility of the recycling industry as to how
it can lead to revenue generation, job creation and a cleaner
environment has been highlighted in these lines. However,
the maximum revenue (76%) of the $200 billion that is gen-
erated in the US is from recycling manufacturing (Figure 6).
Whereas the first three tiers are only responsible for 24% of
the total revenue generated from recycling of waste.
If we look at our local industry we will notice that our
recycling collection, which is considered to be the most
labor intensive, is very efficient for many waste materi-
als such as some plastics (e.g. PET & PP) and metals etc.
Pakistan has a 99% collection rate of PET beverage bottles
which is much higher than most developed countries.
Similarly, there are numerous Recycling processing setups
being run again by the junk dealers, however, they too be-
long to the informal sector in Pakistan. Re-manufacturing
has also been taken up by many small businesses and they
are making significant profit.
If we look at Figure 6, all these three areas contrib-
ute to 24% of the total revenue generation in the US and
other countries running successful recycling programs.
Pakistan is lagging behind when it comes to availing the
full economic potential of recycling despite effectively
executing the first 3 layers. In fact, we are missing out on
the three fourth of the whole pie! What is unfortunate is
that most of this sorted and processed waste is being ex-
ported to other industrialized nations for manufacture of
value added products, which can be carried out locally. The
ground reality is that we export our sorted and processed
waste to these countries, who in turn manufacture quality
consumer goods that are exported back as value added
products to Pakistan. Pakistan will make much more rev-
enue if the waste are reclaimed, processed and recycled
into value added products at a local level.
According to current figures, Karachi generates 12,000
tons of solid waste daily. Countries and communities that
are effective at managing waste are successful because
they think about waste in a systematic way. We as a na-
tion need to take responsibility and ownership of the fact
Figure 5: Compacted PET bottle scrap in the form
of bales.
that what is being produced will one day end in the waste
stream. This means we have to be smart at how much (or
ideally how little) waste we create, how we recycle or reuse
it, and then finally dispose of it. We have to examine the
entire process.
Conclusion
The recycling industry has become an integral part of
modern society not only due to its social and economic
impact but also because it plays a vital role for the future of
our planet. The use of recycled materials directly translates
into fewer natural resources being used and considerably
less energy being consumed when compared to produc-
tion processes using virgin materials. It is about time that
the Pakistani industries realized the economic and environ-
mental advantage of recycling and manufacturing value
added products locally.
References & Related links:
1. https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/
whatischemistry/landmarks/bakelite/bakelite-materi-
als-landmark-lesson-plan.pdf
2. https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/why-is-
recycling-important.php
3. “Green is the Color of Money”; Canaccord Genuity; 2010
4. https://www.sandvik.coromant.com/en-us/aboutus/
lookingahead/articles/pages/the-age-of-new-mate-
rials-is-the-future-now.aspx
5. h t t p s : / / r e c y c l e n a t i o n . c o m / 2 0 1 5 / 0 9 /
inside-recycling-how-does-industry-really-work/
6. http://www.bir.org/industry/
7. https://earth911.com/general/close-the-loop-primer/
8. “Environmental Impact of PET bottles in Pakistan”;
WWF, 2009.
9. “Economic Potential of Recycling Business in Lahore,
Pakistan”; Waste Management, Vol 28, Issue 2, 2008.
10. “Mastering the world of waste” by Kulsum Ahmed;
March 2017; https://www.dawn.com/news/1321525
Figure 6: Recycling Economics: Sales Contributions from
Different Recycling Activities.
47
 Massive
Abdul Potential for
Growth of
Qayoom
Sheikh

Petrochemical
Industry Exists in
Pakistan

Engro Polymers recently announced a huge investment

plan of over Rs.10 billion. Under the plan, EPCL will also add
a new PVC line of 100,000 tons per annum. Abdul Qayoom
Sheikh, the Head of Marketing Division, not only elaborates
the expansion plan but also shares research and insights into
Pakistan’s Plastics Industry, its potential, its future and the
issues facing it, in an Exclusive Interview with Ahmed Qaiser,
Chief Editor, Pakplas.

By Ahmed Qaiser

48

Please tell us something about yourself in detail?
I did my masters in Chemical Engineering and started the
career at Engro Polymers and Chemicals Limited (EPCL)
as a Graduate Trainee. At Engro, I got ample opportuni-
ties for learning and self grooming by having to manage
quite diverse roles in the organization, especially on the
manufacturing side. Engro provides very conducive en-
vironment to its employees for career development and
enhancement and utilization of individual talents, and
this environment coupled with my own enthusiasm and
commitment to serve the organization and play my role
in a positive and productive manner helped me a lot.
Since 2015, I have been heading the Marketing division
and leading a very energetic and competitive team.
Engro is a very important player in the Plastics Industry
of Pakistan. When did Engro commence its operations
in Pakistan?
EPCL was set up in 1997 by the name of Engro Asahi
Polymer and Chemical Ltd as a joint venture between
Engro Chemical (50%), Asahi Glass Company (30%) and
Mitsubishi Corporation (20%) with a capacity to produce
100,000 tons of PVC Resin at Port Qasim. The plant came
into commercial operation in 1999.
In 2006, Asahi Glass divested from the business and Engro
Chemical acquired its shareholding and company’s name
was changed to Engro Polymer & Chemicals Limited.
How do you describe Engro’s journey to the existing
market position?
Pakistan has traditionally had the lowest per capita of
plastic consumption in the region and one of the lowest
in the world. EPCL plant was set up with the aims and
objective to help boost the domestic consumption and
ensure availability of good quality resin locally versus
low-quality imported scrap. A lot of effort was put by
the company to create awareness and boost PVC demand
in the country. The efforts of EPCL and their results can
be witnessed at a glance through a table showing the
progress year by year.
Once into running the PVC operations smoothly, the
company, in 2007, decided to undertake an expansion
and back integration project to enhance the PVC ca-
pacity to 150 KT and set up a EDC-VCM and Chlor-alkali
plants. This was necessitated in order to meet the grow-
ing local demand as despite EPCL being the dominant
player, the market demand remained unfulfilled as well
as to add cost efficiencies in the business and diversify
the operations. As a result of these initiatives, today, EPCL
is manufacturing PVC, VCM, EDC, Caustic Soda, Sodium
Hypochlorite, and HCL locally.
Success never comes without meeting hurdles. How far
is it true with Engro?
Very true. Given that any country’s economic and political
situation can have a huge bearing on the companies oper-
ating in the country, this could be a major challenge in the
emerging market economies especially when the socio
economic or political factors are not very favorable. EPCL
expansion and backward integration project also had its
share of uncalled-for challenges. Due to political instabil-
ity during the period of 2008-2010, the technical support
providers could not visit Pakistan which led to start up de-
lays and issues at the VCM plant. VCM Manufacturing is a
very complexed operation and has very limited expertise
available worldwide. Nevertheless, with God’s grace and a
great team behind us, albeit all issues we, Alhamdulillah,
managed to run the plant smoothly in 2011.
Plastic industry is on a growth
trajectory. The signing of CPEC
agreement and improvement in
the security situation have been
quite instrumental in giving boost
to the construction industry, which
in turn is playing its role as a
major driver for growth in plastics.
What challenges do you think are faced by the industry?
Another major challenge to our industry, historically, has
been dumping of resin and import of low quality scrap,
due to weak implementation of policies in this regard.
This was a major reason that despite smooth plant opera-
tions in 2013-2015, dumping of PVC resin and unchecked
import of scrap posed a serious competition that affected
our profitability, but also a great hazard for the society.
We are grateful to all GoP machineries who have over the
years taken serious actions to curb this menace.
Would you share some words about the expansion plan
recently announced by EPCL?
Like all commodity businesses, the business is susceptible
to international demand-supply dynamics; we therefore
have been focusing on identifying and removing inef-
ficiencies and vulnerabilities to minimize the impact of
cyclicity and international events.
One such step towards this goal is the recent announce-
ment related to expansion of Rs. 10.3 billion. Through
this, EPCL will add a new PVC line of 100,000 tons per
annum along with debottlenecking of VCM; the project is
expected to be completed by 2020. Additionally, the ex-
pansion also entails launching of Caustic Flaker to better
position EPCL in Chlor Alkali business, debottlenecking
49
 PP 350KTA
PE 450KTA
PET 400KTA
PVC 280KTA
PS 50KTA

How would you comment on the raw materials’

production in Pakistan?
Plastics raw material production in Pakistan is at low scale
and does not meet the required demand. Pakistan was
meeting its entire plastics raw material needs through
imports till 1994 and gradually with local manufacturing
coming in, the import dependency has been reduced.
Presently, the total combined annual production capac-
ity of four leading plastic resins producers stands at a
little over 0.6 million tons as given below:
PVC 195KTA
PS 45KTA
PET 350KTA

Do you think there is potential for growth of Plastics

Industry?
The plastics industry in Pakistan has been showing
growth and has a great potential to grow even more
since plastic consumption per capita is very low com-
of sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid plants pared to other nations. For example, PVC consumption in
for local and export market; membrane replacement of Pakistan is still around 1kg per capita, which is just 50%
existing caustic soda plant, upgradation of Gas Turbines compared to India, and only 5-10% compared to other
and other projects for operational excellence. developed nations. EPCL believes the Plastic demand in
Pakistan will grow on an average of 8-10% every year,
How do you see the existing state of Plastics Industry given further development in Housing, Infrastructure
in Pakistan? and Agriculture sectors.
The plastic resin industry produces resins which are
further treated in plastics processing facilities and sold What has contributed for the growth which you just
largely to the building and construction, packaging and mentioned? Secondly, what issues do you believe need
consumer markets. to be taken care of in order to have growth potential
Pakistan possesses a narrow petrochemical base produc- realized?
ing limited number of polymers including Polystyrene Obviously, the above progress which has been made
(PS), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene Terephthalate over the years is credited to the support of the
(PET) and Urea/Melamine Formaldehyde. An attempt to Government and other national and apex institutions.
set up the first PVC plant However, there are some
in Pakistan was made by issues which, if and when
the Federal Chemicals Obviously, the progress made over resolved, can take the in-
and Ceramics Corporation the years is credited to the support dustry to its real potential
Limited (FCCCL) when it much faster. Most of the
of the Government and other
planned to set up a 20,000 downstream producers
tons per annum capacity national and apex institutions.
are in the SME sector and
plant in Kala Shah Kaku way However, there are some issues are usually family-owned
back in 1994. This plant, un- which, if and when resolved, or self-established with
fortunately, did not come can take the industry to its real members of one family
online. Later in 1999, EPCL potential much faster. serving different func-
started operations of a 100 tions of business. This
KTA tons PVC plant for the sector as a whole requires
first time in Pakistan. hand holding from the government and a few of the
At present, no facilities for the production of two basic issues inherent in the SME sector are also hampering
polymers - polyethylene and polypropylene - exist in the growth of the overall plastic downstream indus-
the country with the result that these two constitute the try. Understanding of these issues exists at the high-
bulk of Pakistan plastic resins imports. We estimate that est level of economic management as some of them
Pakistan’s annual consumption of plastic resins is approx- have been highlighted by SBP in its Research Report
imately 1.5 Million tons as of today and the demand may on ‘Plastic Products’ Segment’. They include but are not
further grow on the back of new developments in plastic limited to: 1) Inability to assemble and deploy intel-
technologies and a rapidly expanding market for plas- lectual, human and financial resources effectively; 2)
tics due to its ever widening use and application in the Restricted funding sources; 3) Inability to identify and
building and construction, transportation, packaging, explore new ideas; 4) Lack of Government initiatives
electrical and electronics, furniture and furnishings and and policies; 5) Lack of technical institutions and skill
household appliances industries. The rough breakdown development programs; 6) Quality certification and
of the consumption of 1.5 Million tons is as follows: testing facilities, and, 7) Lack of updated technology.

51
What impact can CPEC have on the growth of Plastics
Industry?
On the whole, Plastic industry is on a growth trajectory
and with the ongoing construction and infrastructure re-
lated activities the overall growth is expected to continue.
The signing of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) agreement and improvement in the country’s se-
curity situation have been quite instrumental in giving
boost to the construction industry, which in turn is play-
ing its role as a major driver for growth in plastics. Recent
(provisional) estimates published in the Economic Survey
of Pakistan show that the industry grew 9.1% in FY17 and
contributed 2.7% to the country’s gross domestic product
(GDP). Various research estimates suggest that this sector
is expected to have a growth rate of around 10% until
2025, mainly to be triggered by the initiatives to meet
the shortage of approximately 10 million housing units
in Pakistan.
What approach does EPCL have for future?
To grow market along with ensuring quality PVC based
product availability, EPCL has a dedicated technical ser-
vices and market development team. Furthermore, as
mentioned earlier, EPCL has announced another 100KTA
expansion to increase PVC production to be able to meet
the market demand.
How would you comment on the importance of govern-
ment support for realization of industry’s potential?
We would like to request the government for their proac-
tive support on developing the petrochemical industry
in particular. There is massive potential for investment of
billions of dollars and thousands of additional employ-
ment generation opportunity. Timely support of the gov-
ernment will not only ensure realization of this potential
but also position Pakistan among the exporting nations.
PPMA has been organizing the PAKPLAS exhibition
for some years. In your opinion, how has PAKPLAS
been impacting the industry?
Events like PAKPLAS Exhibition are much needed for a
country like Pakistan. Such events are a great platform
for the industry players to grow in a dynamic market.
PakPlas is a great platform being provided by PPMA
where both local and international manufacturers
associated with plastic industry come and showcase
their products, latest developments both in products
as well as machinery and share new initiatives where
efficiencies and throughput can be improved.
As Pakistan has great potential in terms of plastic
consumption, going forward, creating awareness and
showcasing new technologies is the key for our suste-
nance and growth in years to come, In Shaa Allah. In
doing so PPMA is doing an outstanding job in Pakistan
to create that awareness and thrust.
How does EPCL as an organization see the role being
played by PPMA?
We as an organization highly appreciate the com-
mendable work PPMA has been doing for the country
and wish them very best in all they do in future as well.
53
 PEF, a New Polymer
to Enter the Market Global Bioplastics Market to Grow by 20% till 2022

T
he results of European Bioplastics (EUBP)’ annual
market data update, presented on November 29 at
the 12th European Bioplastics Conference in Berlin,
Germany, confirm a stable growth of the global bio-
plastics industry.
“The global market for bioplastics is predicted
to grow by 20% over the next five years. The transi-
tion to a low-carbon and circular economy, stron-
ger policy support for the bio-economy, and an increased consumer
awareness for sustainable products and packaging are driving the
expansion,” said François de Bie, Chairman of EUBP.
The global bioplastics production capacity is set to increase from
around 2.05 million tons in 2017 to approximately 2.44 million tons
in 2022. Innovative biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and
polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are the main drivers of this growth in
the field of bio-based, biodegradable plastics.
PHAs are an important polymer family that has been in develop-
ment for a while and that now finally enters the market at commercial
scale, with production capacities estimated to triple in the next five
years. These polyesters are 100% bio-based, biodegradable, and fea-
ture a wide array of physical and mechanical properties depending
on their chemical composition.
Production capacities of PLA are also predicted to grow by 50%
by 2022 compared to 2017. PLA is a very versatile material that fea-
tures strong barrier properties and is available in high performance With a view to regional capacity development, Asia remains a
PLA grades that are an ideal replacement for polystyrene (PS), poly- major production hub with over 50% of bioplastics currently being
propylene (PP), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in more produced there. One fifth of the production capacity is located in
demanding applications. Europe. This share is predicted to grow to up to 25% by 2022, with the
Bio-based, non-biodegradable plastics, including the drop-in European Commission’s commitment to the transition to a circular
solutions bio-based polyethylene (PE) and bio-based polyethylene economy model expected to accelerate the momentum of growth
terephthalate (PET), as well as bio-based polyamides(PA), currently and development of the bioplastics industry in Europe.
make up for around 56% (1.2 million tons) of the global bioplastics The land used to grow the renewable feedstock for the produc-
production capacities. tion of bioplastics amounted to approximately 0.82 million hectares
The production of bio-based PE is predicted to continue to grow in 2017, which accounted for less than 0.02% of the global agricul-
as new capacities are planned to come online in Europe in the com- tural area of 5 billion hectares, 97% of which were used for pasture,
ing years. Intentions to increase production capacities for bio-based feed and food.
PET, however, have not been realized at the rate predicted in previous Despite the market growth predicted in the next five years, the
years. Instead, the focus has shifted to the development of polyeth- land use share for bioplastics will remain around 0.02%. This shows
ylene furanoate (PEF), a new polymer that is expected to enter the that there is no competition between the renewable feedstock for
market in 2020. food, feed, and the production of bioplastics, according to EUBP.
PEF is comparable to PET but 100% bio-based and is said to “Over the past ten years, the bioplastics industry has flourished
feature superior barrier and thermal properties, making it an ideal and developed into a fast-growing innovative sector,” commented
material for the packaging of drinks, food and non-food products. de Bie. “We are witnessing a growing number of major brands
In 2022, bio-based PP is expected to enter the market on a com- switching from fossil-based to bio-based materials or to offer bio-
mercial scale with a strong growth potential due to the widespread degradable solutions for their products in response to the increased
application of PP in a wide range of sectors. consumer demand for more sustainable products and an overall
Packaging remains the largest field of application for bioplastics change in awareness about the impacts of consumption choices on
with almost 60% (1.2 million tons) of the total bioplastics market in the environment.”
2017. The data also confirms that bioplastics materials are already The market data update 2017 has been compiled in cooperation
being used in other sectors, including textiles, consumer goods and with the research institute nova-Institute GmbH. The data for the
applications in the automotive and transport sector and the agricul- global production capacities of bioplastics is based on the market
ture and horticulture sector. study “Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers” by the institute.

55
 PAKPLAS 2018

PAKPLAS is Ultimate Choice of Local &

International Machinery, Raw Material
Suppliers in Pakistan: Zafar Saeed
PAKPLAS, the Plastics Show organized by Pakistan
Plastic Manufacturers Association (PPMA) has
some exceptional features to stand out as the
ultimate choice for exhibitors and visitors. Zafar
Saeed, a leading figure of Plastics Industry and
senior member of Exhibition Committee of PPMA
shares PAKPLAS story of fast success with Ahmed
Qaiser, Chief Editor, Pakplas magazine.

By Ahmed Qaiser

What made PPMA launch its show PAKPLAS?

Initially, there was one exhibition organized in
Pakistan for the plastics industry. Later, due to some
reasons multiple exhibitions started to take place
which incidentally confused the exhibitors, both
local and international, as they were unable to ex-
hibit in multiple shows in view of market size. They
contacted PPMA and sought Association’s recom-
mendation to make a decision.
What advice did PPMA issue to them?
It was difficult to recommend one organizer and
reject other since both were doing their business.
Therefore, PPMA brokered dialogue with both orga-
nizers, urging them to sit together and work out an
amicable strategy that should suit the interests of all
concerned. We also suggested both parties to either
jointly organize the event or agree to individually
organize it every other year in alternate stations.
Did these proposals meet any success?
The organizers did not agree with these suggestions
which, we feel, reflected their respective business in-
terests. However, we persisted with them to ensure
only one show annually for many years but in vain.
Consequently, the stake holders became convinced
that PPMA would have to take the initiative and or-
ganize the exhibition from its platform.
When did PPMA launch its exhibition?
In 2015, PPMA itself launched an exhibition under
the name and style of PAKPLAS. The first edition was
Plastic Products Show while in 2016, a Trade Show
was added to it in Lahore.
What response did these shows receive?
They received overwhelming response from all
quarters. Exhibitors were satisfied with the response
at B2B feature and requested for a full-fledged B2B
event. Therefore, in 2017 PPMA organized two
events in a month including a Product Show and
a separate B2B event.
What was the feedback after an exclusive B2B event?
The exclusive B2B event received wonderful sup-
port from Exhibitors as they were very pleased
with the number of trade visitors and meaning-
ful meetings and networking opportunities. Now,
PPMA is hosting PAKPLAS 2018 in Lahore and 80%
space has been booked one month before the
event’s date which highlights the level of interest
from exhibitors.
What special features are there to talk about
PAKPLAS 2018?
PAKPLAS is the only event in Pakistan where Raw
Material and Machinery suppliers exhibit under one
roof. Also, it is the only exclusive Plastics Trade Show
which is free from any non-plastic activity. These
unique features are self explanatory for current sig-
nificance of PAKPLAS while they also speak volumes
about the future prospects.
It is a significant development to have raw
material suppliers exhibiting in Pakistan. Could
you name a few of them?
Raw material suppliers from Gulf and India include
Exxon Mobil, Orpic and Reliance. Besides, Pakistani
raw material suppliers such as Pak Petrochemical
Industries and Gatron/Novatex will also exhibit at
PAKPLAS.
How do you interpret these remarkable
developments?
Such developments and unique features practically
endorse the fast emergence of PAKPLAS as a suc-
cessful and promising Trade Show. People may like
to interpret it as demonstration of actual strength
and potential of Pakistan’s Plastic Industry which
has begun to receive due recognition locally and
internationally alike.

57
Compressed Air
for Food &
Pharma Grade Plastics
A
ccording to a recent report, global
demand for plastic packaging was
valued at $270 billion in 2014,
and is expected to reach $375 bil-
lion in 2020, growing at a CAGR
of 4.8% between 2015 and 2020.
In terms of volume, the global
plastics packaging market stood
at 81,750.0 kilo tons in 2014.
Published by Zion Research (Deerfield Beach,
FL), the report titled, “Plastic Packaging (Rigid Plastic
Packaging and Flexible Plastic Packaging) Market for
Food & Beverages, Industrial, Household Products,
Personal Care, Medical and Other Applications—Global
Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and
Forecast, 2014-2020,” said that among all applications,
food & beverage was the largest application segment
for plastic packaging market in 2014. It accounted for
over 50% share of the entire volume consumption in
2014. Moreover, pharmaceuticals and medical applica-
tions are also projected to have growing demand from
the end-user application during the years to come.

high-quality materials, such as the medical or food pro-

cessing industries, the compressed air used to produce
these materials must be clean and reliable.

What Makes a Plastic Food Grade?

Rigid packaging was by far the most important
product segment, which accounted for largest market
share in 2014. Rigid packaging is believed to continue
this trend due to the increasing demand from pharma-
ceutical sector. Flexible packaging is also important type
of packaging that is expected to have promising market
during the forecast period.
Superior aesthetic value and excellent barrier prop-
erties of plastic against moisture and air are another
important factor driving demand for plastic packaging.
However, fluctuating prices of raw materials are one of the
major challenges for plastics packaging manufacturers.
Plastics are used in almost every facet of modern
life and due to high demand, plastics manufacturers
Imtiaz Rastgar are challenged to keep their operations running 24/7
CEO, Rastgar & Co. while minimizing costs. Since vast majorities of plastic
products are used in applications that require clean,
What is the difference between the plastics in an every-
day household item and the type of material we might
see going into a food application? Food grade does not
mean that it is edible. It also is different from environ-
mentally friendly, sustainable, or biodegradable material.
Food grade means the material (like plastics) can come
in direct contact with the food we consume as part of
the harvesting, processing, or packaging of the food.
There are several things that go into qualifying
plastics as a food grade material. An item can be certi-
fied by the FDA, NSA, or 3A Dairy as some examples. A
compliance agency like the FDA takes a close look at
the chemical composition of the plastic material. They
want to make sure there is nothing in the material that
can harm the food supply. In addition, if anything affects
the color, odor, or taste of the food, it will automatically
fail the compliance rating. Next they take a close look
at how the plastic material performs from conditions
of use standpoint. Things like how the material handles
temperature ranges, alcohols, and greases are evalu-
ated and documented. Conditions that may limit use

59
are noted and cataloged for future reference.
Once a material has been approved for direct food
contact or food grade use, now the plastic material
needs to be run by a reliable manufacturer who is ISO
9000 certified and practices good manufacturing pro-
cesses. This ensures that they are not only using high
quality materials but are also processing them via a high
quality process that will provide a safe product. Once a
material is manufactured to the required specifications,
certifications are generated and the final material sup-
plier must be capable of maintaining chain of custody
between the material and its applicable certifications.
Food Grade Plastic Processes Using Compressed Air
Compressed air contamination is a real problem for the
food industry.
In today’s modern production facilities, the use
of compressed air is often pivotal to manufacturing
processes. Irrespective of whether the compressed air
comes into direct contact with the product or is used
to automate a process, provide motive power, pack-
age products, or even to generate other gases on-site, a
clean, dry, reliable compressed air supply is essential to
maintain efficient and cost effective production.
Once hazards are identified, measures must be put
in place to remove the hazards or reduce them to ac-
ceptable levels. So what level of compressed air con-
tamination is deemed acceptable in the food industry?
Unlike compressed air that is used for breathing or
medical purposes, NO standards or laws exist that define
a minimum acceptable level of cleanliness (quality) when
the compressed air is used for food manufacture. As food
manufacturers have a duty of care to protect the consumer
and compressed air systems are known to carry large quan-
tities of contamination, what actions should be taken?
Introducing the Food Grade Compressed Air Code of
Practice In the United Kingdom, the British Compressed
Air Society (BCAS) who are the governing body for com-
pressed air and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) who
represent the retail industry, have jointly developed a
Code of Practice for Food Grade Compressed Air in order
to assist the food manufacturers. This Code of Practice
evolved because of the absence of compressed air qual-
ity standards or legislation specific to the food manufac-
turing industries. The Code of Practice gives minimum
purity (quality) standards for compressed air and defines
allowable levels for dirt, water and oil, in line with air
quality levels specified in ISO8573-1, the International
Standard for compressed air quality.
Food Grade Plastic Compressed Air Code of Practice
The code of practice references complimentary interna-
tional standards for air purity, gives recommendations
on installation, testing and maintenance of compressed
air systems, but most importantly, defines a minimum
acceptable purity (quality) for compressed air used in
the food related industry.
To comply with food hygiene legislation, the food
manufacturer is required to follow the principles of
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) and
a risk analysis must be carried out on the entire manu-
facturing process.
61
 As compressed air is seen as a utility, it is often
missed as a potential source of contamination. To
be fully compliant, the compressed air system must
be included as part of the hazard analysis and any-
where compressed air is used, classified as a Critical
Control Point and subject to the air purity (quality)
recommendations.
Contact: Air that comes into direct contact with
ingredients, finished food, packaging materials, storage
vessels or the manufacturing machinery.
Non-Contact: Air that will never come into contact
with ingredients, finished food, packaging materials,
storage vessels or the manufacturing machinery.
Non-Contact High Risk: Air that is not supposed
to come into contact with ingredients, finished food,
packaging materials, storage vessels or the manufactur-
ing machinery, but may inadvertently do so.

Cost Effective System Design

To achieve the stringent air quality levels required for
today’s modern food manufacturing facilities, a careful
approach to system design, commissioning, installa-
tion and operation must be employed. Treatment at
one point alone is not enough and it is highly recom-
mended to treat compressed air prior to entry into the
distribution system (usually in the compressor room or
at point of generation) to a specification that will pro-
vide contaminant free air.

Grade Compressed Air Code of Practice is identical.

As Compressed air comes into direct contact with
many plastics manufacturing applications, to ensure
the finished product maintains the high-quality
standard the customer requires, CompAir offers
plastics manufacturers the Oil-Free Pure air compressor
series, which provides ISO 8573-1 Class 0 oil-free air. A
robust compressor design paired with low lifecycle
operating costs ensures plastics manufacturers receive
a reliable and cost-effective compressed air supply. For
more information please visit http://rastgar-co.com/
Air-Quality/

The Code of Practice does not make any specific rec-
ommendations regarding compressor type with both oil
lubricated and oil-free compressors being acceptable
choices. Regardless of whether oil lubricated or oil-free
compressors are installed, the purification equipment
required to achieve the purity levels stated in the Food
Industry Solution
Oil-free compressed air allows plastics
manufacturers to maintain high-quality standards
and minimize operational spending.

63
 Govt Support is Mandatory to
Boost the Export: Syed Haider Ali
PPCIL is the only Pakistani company that represents
Pakistan at K-Show, the world’s largest show of
Plastic. By virtue of maintaining high standards
and putting in untiring efforts, PPCIL has won a
competitive place in international markets for
made-in-Pakistan raw material which is a matter of
pride for Pakistani Plastic Industry. It successfully
competes with global giants despite facing many
challenges locally including high cost of local
production and inadequate infrastructure and holds
the green and white flag of Pakistan high with pride.
Pakplas interviewed Haider Ali, their Marketing
Director who is full of patriotism and enthusiasm
to continue winning respect for made-in-Pakistan
raw material no matter how tough the conditions
may be for Pakistani exporters locally and abroad.

By Ahmed Qaiser

Would you please share some details about

yourself?
I am currently serving Pak Petrochemical Industries
(Pvt) Ltd (PPCIL) in the capacity of Sales and Marketing
Director. After completing my education from Karachi
I began my career in 1986 alongside my uncle in the
trading business. I then joined PPCIL in 1994 when
my uncle established the business. Besides work I
take keen interest in swimming, gym, travelling and
spending time with my family and friends.
When did PPCIL commence its manufacturing
The government and supplies of raw materials to Pakistani Plastic
needs to take certain Industry?
measures to facilitate Pak Petrochemical Industries (PPCIL) was estab-
the export sector. lished in 1994 to cope with the ever increasing de-
mand of Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) in Pakistan.
Our exports are
The company started with a production capacity of
restrained due to 3,600 MT per year to deliver customers with innova-
lack of government tive solutions for the packaging sector.
support for plastic In 1999, another manufacturing plant was added to
industry exporters. the existing production facility to produce General
We have to face Purpose (GPPS) and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
various bottlenecks resin with a total capacity of 33,000 MT per year.
In 2010, we increased our production capacity to 55,000
and cumbersome
MT to serve the growing need of insulation and packag-
procedures and ing sector in Pakistan. In 2011, we further enhanced our
requirements by production capacity to 100 KMT per annum to capture
multiple government the huge potential of export markets.
departments before
and after export of How do you describe PPCIL’s journey to the existing
our material. Also, market position?
We started our operations in 1994 and have been
high local cost of
serving the Pakistani nation for the past two de-
production and lack cades. During this time we introduced the product
of infrastructure to the local sector by personally visiting each and
makes exports every manufacturer/trader and spending countless
difficult at times. man hours at their factories to successfully run and
try out our material on their applications. We also
had to face the challenges of converting local indus-
try to quality polystyrene resin from using imported
resin and at times low quality scrap material which
is not only hazardous for human consumption but it
also damages the machines and causes unforeseen
losses to the local businesses in the long run.
We also worked towards convincing local investors
and businessmen to diverse their businesses and
started producing products in Polystyrene resin
which expanded the local market within these years.
Now the manufacturers enhance their product and
production lines on yearly basis.
When did PPCIL enter export market?
We started exporting our products in 2001 and now
our brand is recognized in most industrial countries
in the North & South America, Europe, Middle and
Far Eastern regions.
Would you describe some of the efforts that you
undertook to be able to export indigenously manu-
factured raw material to foreign customers?
We started focusing on export sector in 2001.
Initially, we had to face stiff competition to introduce
our brand globally as our material had to be at par
with brands like BASF, DOW, LG, SABIC etc. Also, to
have our product accepted in different regions and
industries we had to acquire global certifications
from bodies like FDA, REACH, and ROHS etc.
For this purpose we visited and participated in key
industry exhibitions over the years such as K-Show,

65
 departments. Although the industry is as old as
Pakistan itself it is still considered a cottage industry
due to lack of development and innovation by the
local industrialists who are still using the obsolete
production procedures and ill trained staff. Since, we
are not able to streamline our local plastic product
manufacturers we are unable to compete globally
and fall short of meeting the global challenges in
plastic industry.
The industry still lacks updated technology and
skilled manpower to improve local production ef-
ficiency and quality of the finished goods. Also, lack
of infrastructure and lackluster certain government
laws hamper modernization and up-gradation of
the local industry despite having huge potential to
locally enhance the usage of quality products but
also to export the finished goods globally.

How do you see the market position of PPCIL

locally and abroad?
PPCIL enjoys a unique position in the local plastic
industry as being a sole polystyrene manufacturer
in Pakistan. We have developed and continue to
cater the local as well as international polystyrene
users by offering new and upgraded product vari-
ants and full technical support to all our custom-
ers. Also, we support the local industry in improving
their efficiencies and training their staff as and when
Plast Eurasia, and Plast Milan etc., to name the few. In required by our customers.
fact, we have the honor of being the only company
representing Pakistan in K-Show which is the most As a major player in the business, what future do
prominent and largest plastic industry fair in the world. you see for Plastic Industry of Pakistan in general
We made untiring efforts to win our share for as well as with reference to CPEC?
Pakistani raw material in the export markets. We We see a bright future for the local plastic indus-
had our material trialed at all our export customers’ try as the awareness in the masses about hygienic
factories under supervision of our trained techni- and safe use of plastics in various sectors is increas-
cal staff so that they can ing. Also, a lot of metal-
shift smoothly to our lic products are being
products without losing Plastic industry will play a very replaced by plastic glob-
production. ally and the same trend
crucial role in CPEC projects is being followed in
such as development of Pakistan.
How would you com-
ment on support from infrastructure, new commercial Plastic industry will also
the government orga- and private buildings, play a very crucial role in
nizations for increasing automotive sector etc in CPEC projects such as de-
the export of Pakistani coming years. velopment of infrastruc-
raw material in interna- ture, new commercial and
tional markets? private buildings, auto-
The government needs motive sector etc in com-
to take certain measures to facilitate the export ing years. In our opinion plastic industry can grow
sector. Our exports are restrained due to various tremendously if government could ease their finance
factors such as lack of support from government and custom processes and facilitate the exporters by
for plastic industry exporters as we have to face vari- offering facilities for local production and sponsoring
ous bottlenecks and cumbersome procedures and them on global forums to promote their products.
requirements by multiple government departments
before and after export of our material. Also, high How would you comment on the performance
local cost of production and lack of infrastructure and contribution of PPMA towards betterment of
makes exports difficult at times. We think the gov- Plastic Industry in Pakistan?
ernment should support the export sector by taking PPMA has been the major voice of plastic manufac-
measures in order to minimize the existing high cost turers in Pakistan and works for safeguarding the
of production and improving the infrastructure. interests of plastic industry on various public and
private forums. We have been a part of PPMA for a
You are a leading indigenous producer of raw very long time and we are very impressed with their
material in Pakistan. How would you comment professional staff and their efforts for facilitating the
on the Plastic Industry of Pakistan? industry. We hope that they will continue working
Pakistan Plastic Industry is still considered in its for the betterment of the local industry and wish
infancy due to lack of focus by the government their team very best for all their efforts.

67
 How to
Prevent Stress Whitening
PP Copolymers
in
A look at causes, detection and prevention
D
eciding on and creating ideal col-
oration is a key part of any product
design challenge, but it doesn’t end
there. Steps frequently need to be
taken to ensure that color will not
become compromised over time
as a result of environmental factors.
Stress whitening is one type
of discoloration that can occur in certain plastics, such
as polypropylene, particularly in automotive. We see
stress whitening in some PP copolymers and while PP
homopolymer usually does not exhibit stress whitening
when combined with certain elastomers to give it more
flexibility and impact resistance, a side effect may yet be
stress whitening.
How can we best prevent stress whitening? The key
is really a combination of color masterbatch, PP
copolymer, and the molding process.
There are certain factors that affect stress whitening
as discussed below. How can we best prevent it? The good
news is there are a number of ways you can test materials
early in the design process to minimize the risk of whiten-
ing. Based on your findings, you can tweak the copolymer
composition, processing methods, or product design.
Ultimately, the key is doing comprehensive testing re-
garding the color masterbatch, PP copolymer, and mold-
ing process. Does testing show that a certain masterbatch
formulation is causing stress whitening? Does resin choice
seem to be the culprit? Consider the part’s design and
processing as part thickness or significant force during
processing have significant effects on stress-whitening
potential. Whatever the case may be, testing is crucial to
isolate material variables making a product most prone
to stress whitening.
What is stress whitening?
Stress whitening starts when stress is created by impact
or tension upon a polymeric surface. This stress leads to
the creation of microcrazes and/or microvoids, essentially
the microscopic beginnings of cracks that result when
stresses overcome the forces bonding particles together.
Unlike surface cracks you cannot feel microcrazes or mi-
crovoids, but you can see them. This is because these
Irfan Sabir
SABIC Pakistan
tiny aberrations reflect light slightly differently than the
surfaces around them, which in turn gives them different
coloration as perceived by the human eye.
How does this work and why does it happen in PP?
First, realize there are various ways to compound a poly-
mer and PP is not always the same. PP copolymers are
much more susceptible to stress whitening. They boast
a better balance of impact and stiffness than basic homo-
polymer which does not typically exhibit stress whitening.
When a piece of PP material is impacted or deformed,
microcrazes or microvoids tend to form where elastomer
particles in the PP matrix interface with one another. The
resulting change in the refractive index (RI) of the mate-
rials causes light scattering in the stressed areas of the
polymer. The light scattering causes the perceptible color
change of whitened appearance at the surface of the part.
Stress whitening does not
necessarily show up immediately
after impact or tension is applied
to a material, in fact, it can take
days to fully appear. While results
may not be immediate, testing
has shown that PP tends to be
95% stable 24 hours after impact.
RI is a measurement used to describe the bending of
light through a medium and values typically range from 1
to 5 on the RI scale. Values correspond to how quickly light
travels through a material compared with how fast light
travels in a vacuum. On this scale, the speed of light in a
vacuum is equal to 1 and higher values indicate slower
speeds. An RI value of 1.5, for instance, corresponds to
light travelling 1.5 times slower than the speed of light
in a vacuum. Differences in RI values can result in light
scattering, or the deflection of visible light rays which in
turn affects human perception of colors.
Since our perceptions of color are dependent on
certain wavelengths of light being reflected off a surface
into our eyes, when aberrations—such as microcrazes,
microvoids, or cracks— start to form, they can change the
RI of the material, and in turn, they can scatter reflected
light in a way that makes it appear as though there is a
color discrepancy around the site. The result is whitening
or “blushing” around an area.
Stress whitening does not necessarily show up
69

In large parts, such as car door panels,
nucleating agents can affect mold
shrinkage which may require more
pack-out to fill the mold. That, in turn,
can require more ejection force, which
can cause stress whitening where the
ejector pins contact the part.
Ways to test for stress whitening
In order to find out what sort of color changes in material,
design and processing of PP copolymers result in the least
stress whitening, testing must first take place to determine
the success of tweaking independent variables. There
are a variety of tests for stress whitening beyond simply
looking at a piece of material, but there is no “go-to” test
method that is clearly accepted in the industry.
Impact testing: This method compares the color of
an area of material before and after an impact. Color is
measured in the same area before and within a specific
time after impact, and an equation is used to determine the
amount of change in the color: Delta L = L (elapsed) – L (ini-
tial). L corresponds to lightness, or “whiteness” in this case.
Grayscale testing: Similar to impact testing, this
method measures difference in grayness levels by using
imaging software.
Blush testing: Dart impact testing is conducted to
create a white ring on the surface of the polymeric part.
One of two methods is then used to calculate the amount
of blushing that occurs as a result of the impact: blush
factor and blush index. Blush factor is calculated by mul-
tiplying Delta L by the blush diameter, and blush index is
calculated by dividing the diameter of a created whitened
ring by the diameter of the dart used to create the impact.
Bending test: This test takes an optical measurement
immediately after impact or tension is applied to a of light transmission during the bending of a tensile bar
material, in fact, it can take days to fully appear. While or flex-modulus bar. The higher the light transmission,
results may not be immediate, testing has shown that the less the micro-cracking, and therefore the less stress
PP tends to be 95% stable 24 hours after impact. Minimal whitening that occurs. Conversely, the lower the light
whitening is likely to occur after that period but it is transmission, the more cracking that takes place causing
a higher degree of stress whitening.
important to remember this time span when deciding
how to address stress-whitening problems.
There are many factors to consider when seeking a robust
What affects stress whitening? solution to stress whitening
Testing has shown that several factors can affect a materi-
al’s propensity to display stress whitening. These factors are
related to material choice, product design and processing.
Color masterbatch formulation: When holding con-
stant the PP copolymer type used and testing within the
same color space, tweaking color masterbatch formula-
tion as an independent variable can lead to substantial dif-
ferences in material stress-whitening propensity. Changes
to the masterbatch might include use of different pigment
types, particle sizes, or pigment levels—all affect stress-
whitening potential.
Copolymer resin: When masterbatch formulations
are held constant and the same color space is utilized, we
find that differences in PP copolymer resin choice can also
lead to variances in stress-whitening potential. Even dif-
ferent PP copolymers specified in the construction of the
same part can yield large differences in stress whitening.
Part thickness: The thickness of parts being pro-
duced can also factor into stress-whitening potential.
The chart shows a thinner part has worse stress whiten-
ing than a thicker part using the same PP copolymer and
color masterbatch. Our experimentation has shown that
as thickness decreases, more pigment will be needed to
minimize the visible stress whitening (see Fig. 3).
Nucleation in large parts: Nucleating agents and
certain pigments can affect mold shrinkage during injec-
tion molding. This shrinkage may require more pack-out
to fill the mold. The result can be a tendency for materials
to stick to the mold which requires more ejection force to
be exerted on the part to free it from the mold. This added
ejection force can be enough to cause stress whitening, es-
pecially in the area where the ejector pins contact the part.
71
 Tariff Reduction for Power, GST
can Cultivate Export Culture in
Plastics Industry: Farid Vawda
Nobody took it seriously when a lean boy of 22
put a humble step into dyes trading in 1982. But
he persevered until his time came in 1991 to show
what he was capable of. Textile sector was taken by
surprise when he delivered them the required quality
at incredibly low prices, giving boost to their sales
across Sindh. Since then he did not stop for a single
day to look back and today, his once small business
has grown into a Group of Companies, operating
19 different businesses under one umbrella. Farid
Ahmed Vawda, the Chief Executive of FAV Group
of Companies (including FAV Plastico), talks to
Ahmed Qaiser, Chief Editor, Pakplas and shares his
executable, optimistic ideas spreading from Plastics
to overall economic uplift of his beloved motherland.

By Ahmed Qaiser

Please describe how you began your career in your

words.
I started doing business in 1982 in the field of textile chem-
icals and dyes and then came in other fields as well. We had
a vision that we wanted to deliver something particularly
beneficial to our industry. After meeting desired success
in the textile sector we gradually diversified our business
and progressed towards becoming a group of companies.
Alhamdulillah, today there are 19 different businesses op-
erating under the umbrella of FAV Group of Companies.
What are your other businesses than textiles and
plastics?
Our businesses include the Lab Equipment, Compressors
for industrial purposes, Toners for HP printers and copiers,
CCTV camera network, Security Equipment supply and in-
stallation, Information Technology, Food products, Shelving
for Industrial Warehousing, Manufacturing of textile pig-
Plastics Industry ments for local industry etc. Recently, we have also started
has got a very local production of some chemicals for textile industry.
Here, I would like to speak some words about food
encouraging future. products. I used to observe parents going for imported
A big multinational candies whenever it came to good quality food products
company is investing for children. This prompted me into starting locally pro-
over 10 billion rupees ducing good quality candies and wafers for our kids and
for expansion of their now Alhamdulillah, our indigenous products have won
production capacities. parents’ confidence across the country. We produce 100%
gelatin free, pectin based candies with the result that no
Another multinational
matter how many candies a child consumes at a time, he
company is going remains safe from contracting such diseases otherwise
to set up a large caused due to consumption of sub standard items. My
masterbatch plant to vision was to provide our children with indigenous fine
cater for growing local quality food items to let them enjoy the taste without
demand. fear of harm or disease.
How did you grow from a small trading company to
a group of companies?
I made a very humble start in 1982 and the industry
would not take me seriously as I was quite young then.
It took them eight to nine years to put their confidence
in me until 1991 which proved as a turning point in my
business career.
By 1991, the local industry would procure acrylic dyes
at quite high rates but I delivered the desired quality at
incredibly low prices. Initially, they would not believe it
owing to such an inordinate cut in the price, but later
as the quality we supplied met their standards we were
able to enjoy 90% market share of green acrylic dyes
across Sindh.
When did you start materbatch production?
We started the production of masterbatches in 2011.
Although I had plans to come into plastics field since
the year 2000 but it took me a decade to implement the
plans only because I wanted to start it with own resources
instead of going for bank financing.
What response did you receive from the customers?
We received customers’ response much better than what
we initially expected. People gradually learnt about our
products and became satisfied with the quality we of-
fered them. With the passage of time our clientele is con-
tinuously expanding across the country and our samples
are continuously being trialed in various companies with
satisfactory response.

73
 Are you satisfied with the progress made so far?
We have made very good progress and Alhamdulillah,
we are completely satisfied with the pace of sustained
growth as we pursue a policy of giving importance to
the quality with economy. Consequently, it gives me
pleasure to mention that a giant multinational com-
pany has approved the use of our products while in
the oil sector big brands are using our masterbatches
in different colours with satisfaction.
We work with low margin to benefit our customers as
we wish the industry to look for exporting plastic prod-
ucts abroad. I started my business career in the textiles
but I feel there is a need to have our export agenda
diversified to increase overall export volume. The gov-
ernment should continue to support the textile sector
but simultaneously it should work to develop other
sectors for export as well.
What potential do you see for exports of plastics
products from Pakistan?
We are convinced that there is great potential for ex-
ports in different sectors of the economy including the
plastics products subject to government playing a role
of patron. What plastics industry needs from the gov-
ernment is due support and guidance in this regard.
What kind of support do you think should be
provided by the government?
The government can organize international events
to facilitate Pakistani businessmen. There are many
countries which are pursuing aggressive strategy to
enhance their exports. They book space at different
international forums and offer it free to their busi-
nessmen, urging its use as springboard for export
marketing. They also arrange low cost travelling and
accommodation to facilitate their businessmen. Such
supportive measures help their businessmen to in-
crease their exports to benefit their governments in
return since increase in export earns foreign exchange
and promotes local production which also generates
revenue and employment opportunities. This is a win-
win strategy and I recommend our government also
work on these lines to pave way for enhancing the
Fixing GST rate at 7% exports of indigenous products.
will spur great surge
Are such measures by other countries bearing fruits
in local consumption for them?
and production of Positive measures always bear fruits for the economy. It
plastic products. We makes me regret when I look at countries like Vietnam
should understand which won independence in 1964 and today, in just 54
that by supporting years with a population of only 95 million their exports
the local industry we stand at 163 billion US dollar. We can compare their per-
formance with our economy. We are a country with 208
can reduce imports million people and our exports are only around 21 billion
which are much more US dollar even though we have great potential and our
than the exports. exports should have been much more. Even Bangladesh
Reducing local cost of which became a separate country only 47 years ago can
production can turn be looked at as their exports have surpassed ours.
indigenous products
competitive enough As a seasoned businessman what future do you see
for Pakistan economy?
to explore export I see a very bright future for Pakistan economy as there
opportunities which exist several positive factors. Our country is rich in re-
can improve quite sources and has a talented manpower of 208 million
negative balance which can do wonders. Economic indicators are also
of payments and showing positivity. We just need to successfully pass
increase revenues. through the phase of war on terror and have politi-
cal stability as well as introduction and pursuance of
consistent and business friendly policies. If these things
are taken care of, I am confident that Pakistan economy
can surpass many regional economies within a decade.
How would you comment on plastics industry of
Pakistan?
Plastics Industry has flourished over the years and it
can flourish even further provided it gets requisite sup-
port from the government and certain issues faced
by it are resolved. It has got very good potential for
grooming into an export industry; it only needs reso-
lution of its problems which can be resolved by the
government if they consult the Association and act
with a will to support the industry.
You talked about certain issues faced by the plastics
industry. Could you elaborate?
No doubt, the law and order situation and the power
supply have shown considerable improvements but
the electricity tariff is quite high which leads to high
cost of local production. The import tariff is also high
and should be reduced as the plastic industry depends
on imported raw material. Another issue that works as
obstacle for local industry is the rate of sales tax which
being 17% is very high. I think if the GST rate is fixed
at 7%, it will spur great surge in the local consump-
tion and production of plastic products. We should
understand that by supporting the local industry we
can reduce imports which are much more than the
exports. If we talk about the export sector, there are
many problems associated with the export refund pro-
cedure which is very lengthy and complicated. If the
government introduces one window operation with a
one week time stipulation for processing export refund
claims, this will greatly help the export sector and also
encourage others to plan for exports.
Secondly, by bringing down the high local cost of
production we can turn our industrial products com-
petitive enough to explore export opportunities in
international markets. This will improve quite nega-
tive balance of payments and increase revenues for
the government.
What future do you see for plastics industry?
The Plastics Industry has got a very encouraging future
as can be seen from the fact that a big multinational
company is investing over 10 billion rupees for expan-
sion of their production capacities. Besides, I under-
stand another multinational company is going to set
up a large masterbatch plant to cater for local demand
which is continuously growing. Consumption of plastic
products is constantly increasing which will work as
catalyst for further huge investments in the plastics
industry in the years to come.
Does FAV also have plans for further expansion?
We are also cognizant of the increasing demand incited
by fast increasing consumption. We started production
in 2011 and in just seven years we have doubled our
production capacity. Further expansion also seems vi-
able in view of increasing demand for our products. We
receive very positive feedback from the customers who
tell us that they rate our products second only to the
multinational source in terms of quality. This is because
indigenous producers including us are doing fine jobs
by concentrating on quality and economy.
75
 PET in
Recycling Pakistan:
An
Industry
whose
Great
Potential
Calls for
Realisation

O
ver the past 2 decades Recycled
PET industry of Pakistan has
moved from a low scale output
industry to a vibrant one yet it
remains a neglected industry.
Recycling of post consumer
Pet Bottles of mineral water,
soft drinks, juices, oil and other
edibles till late 90s was almost nonexistent in Pakistan and
most of the waste could easily be seen scattered on the
streets. However, with the passage of time it gradually
reached its peak in the last 10 years.
Pet Bottle Flakes is the basic raw material for produc-
ing Recycled Polyester Fiber, and other allied sectors be-
came the most in demand recycled material all over the
world. Particularly, the demand from the Chinese Fiber
Producers remained sky high which actually triggered the
growth in PET recycling industry all over Pakistan, even in
Ilyas Vohra the far located rural areas of KPK and Baluchistan.
Managing Director With regular exports on an average of 5000-6000
Shazil Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd tons per month, the industry continued to flourish on
Karachi locally manufactured machines as well as on imported
automated recycling plants imported. The growth in re-
cycling industry also played another important role in the
economy as being a labor intensive industry it created nu-
merous new job opportunities for skilled and unskilled
workers alike.
Creating numerous new job slots is just one aspect of
PET Recycling industry’s silent contribution towards na-
tional economy; the PET bottle Flakes have also proved
their worth as a good source of earning highly precious
foreign exchange. This can be witnessed by looking at the
export figures in this industry which were recorded around
USD 40-45 millions per annum till the end of 2017. Most
noteworthy side of these exports is that almost 90% of
the exports were shipped to China with whom the trade
balance is highly unfavourable.
Although, China has very recently taken steps with re-
gard to environmental compliances and imposed a ban on
importing all kinds of waste and scraps. This ban is not only
applicable for waste and scrap imports from Pakistan but
also from other countries including Europe. This develop-
ment has significantly reduced exports from Pakistan, but
surprisingly, no sign of any negative impact on the growth

77
 cities of China for 20 years, thus becoming a success story
of economic turnaround in the region. If our best friend
China can adopt such conducive policies for its industries
for a certain period and allow them to grow notwithstand-
ing pressure from many quarters, then why not Pakistan?
In the wake of Chinese ban on import of all types
of waste and scrap there is a loud knocking on Pakistani
doors for the relocation of Recycling Industry from China to
Pakistan. In this connection, it is learnt that many Chinese
companies have privately visited Pakistan in the last few
months intending to make immediate investments for es-
tablishing the industry. Unfortunately, instead of capital-
izing on such lucrative opportunities for the growth and
development of local industry, strict import laws, high
import duties and non tariff barriers are not allowing to
materialize the opportunities of direct foreign investment
and technology transfer. Consequently, there is no wonder
these lucrative opportunities seem to be diverting towards
other countries including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka just
because such investment opportunities only seek the
feasible and conducive policies. The opportunities for re-
location of Chinese recycling industry are still present, in
of this industry in Pakistan has been witnessed so far. order to capitalise on them investment-friendly laws and
In the last few years, Pakistan has leapt forward in policies are the need of the hour.
the field of producing value added end products like What is needed at the moment is a more objective
PSF, Pet Strapping Bands, PET Sheets for packaging and approach by the government which can turn this industry
thermoforming, Unsaturated Polyester resin and few into one of the bright prospects for exports, local growth
other products. Ironically, with reduced exports in the and a new sector for creating employment opportunities
wake of Chinese ban on imports of waste and scrap from all over the country. Being a niche industry yet not a small
Pakistan, the local industry which was supposed to cash one, it is imperative that the concerned government de-
in on availability of low priced raw materials is faced with partments hold dialogues with the experienced compa-
an altogether reverse situation. Due to the rapid expan- nies and stake holders who are involved in the business to
sion in value added industry, the raw material is still seen learn the ground realities and work in the right direction
as scarcely available and the gap between supply and before the highly bright prospects for the growth and ex-
demand is highly tilted in favor of suppliers. As a result pansion of this industry worth billions are diverted towards
of scarce availability of its raw material, the installed pro- other destinations. The government departments should
cessing capacities in the industry are working on less than consider the reality that opportunities knock at your doors
50% production. but if the doors are not opened they do not waste time
The current demand and supply situation can eas- in finding others which are willing to open themselves at
ily be met by importing the food grade, clean, non toxic their first knock.
and non hazardous waste from all over the world at very
The Chinese ban on low prices, which is capable of giving tremendous value
import of waste has addition in return.
presented prospects Unfortunately, an industry that has great potentials
for relocation of of value addition, earning precious foreign exchange
Recycling Industry for the country through exports, creation of numerous
from China to employment opportunities, reduction in imports and
technological development, is pitched against otherwise
Pakistan. Chinese easily avoidable non tariff barriers on account of environ-
companies have mental issues. There exists great potential for the growth
privately visited and development of PET recycling industry which can be
Pakistan to easily utilized provided some environmental laws currently
make immediate applicable at import stage coupled with few other such
investments. restrictions are either relaxed or modified to help the in-
Unfortunately, some dustry realize its potential and thus be able to additionally
contribute towards the national economy.
factors including Relaxing or modifying few restrictions to support
strict import laws, local industry for a certain period is not an unprecedented
high import duties practice. Pakistan enjoys the most exemplary friendly re-
and non tariff barriers lationship with China and we can conveniently refer to a
are likely to push the relevant situation there. China before putting an import
prospects of DFI & ban on waste and scraps on plastics and other materials,
adopted a very liberal import policy for almost 25 years
technology transfer
and allowed the industry to develop and prosper. In fact,
to other countries like a city in China called Jiyangyin in the Jiangsu Province is a
Bangladesh and recycling hub for the Polyester Fiber and Plastic Recycling
Sri Lanka. Industry which remained as one of the fastest growing

79
Compatibilizers in Polymers
Products Development

Ayesha Afzal Asra Tariq Prof. Dr. Asad U. Khan Prof. Dr. Nasir M. Ahmad,
Department of Polymer Department of Polymer Chairman, Department of Incharge Polymer Research Lab
Engineering Engineering Chemical Engineering Focal Person Polymers and
National Textile University National Textile University COMSAT, Composites Research Group
Faisalabad Faisalabad Lahore SCME, NUST, Islamabad

improve the morphology and resulting characteristics

of the blend. Similarly, in composites it is a challenge
to adhere layers of polymer material to other material
(glass or metal), similarly effective dispersion of fillers
in the matrix polymer becomes difficult.
Development of compatibilization technologies
are in progress, and are at the stage of enabling the
polymer industry to reap the complete benefits of poly-
meric materials in optimizing their performance, cost
and characteristics.

Table 1: Types of Compatibility in Polymeric blends and

composites

N
owadays, the field of polymer sci-
ence and engineering is emerging
rapidly, polymeric materials have
been a source of attraction for
last three decades and by virtue
of their use and ease of manufac-
turing they are replacing conven-
tional materials. Each polymer has
its unique property and also lacks in other properties
because of which the polymer blends, composites and
laminates are developed that have become active area
of science, engineering and technology and possess
commercially great economic importance.
Blends of two or more polymers sometimes are im-
miscible with each other. To make polymer blends more
compatible and useful, the compatibilizers are often
utilized. Compatibilizers are used as additives to raise
the compatibility of immiscible polymers and also to
Miscible
Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC), Poly(Styrene-co-
Acrylonitrile) (SAN, 24% to 29%), Poly(Acrylonitrile-
co-Butadiene-co-Styrene) (ABS), Polydroxyether
of Bisphenol-A, Phenoxy Resin, Polycarbonate,
Nitrocellulose, Cellulose Butyrate, Cellulose
Propionate, Chlorinated Polyether, Styrene/allyl
Alcohol Copolymers
Mechanically Compatible
Polypropylene, Poly(1-butene), Polyethylene,
Natural Rubber, Styrene/Butadiene Elastomers,
Styrene/Butadiene Block Copolymers, Unsaturated
Polyesters, Epoxies, Phenolics, Poly(Vinyl
Acetate), Poly(Vinyl Butyral), Polybutadiene,
Ethylene/Propylene Rubber, Polyisobutylene,
Polyoxymethylene, Polyoxyethylene.

81
 Advancement in modification techniques of polymer
has rapidly been witnessed during the last two decades
to improve the performance and price balance by altering
and functionalizing the chemical structures of polymers.
The objective of adding compatibilizers during
processing of polymer is to attain good performance
without increasing cost or maintain acceptable proper-
ties at lower cost. Polymeric compatibilizers are poly-
mers that can be employed as additives to assemble
dissimilar polymers into polymer blends, composites,
laminates and multi film food packaging with improved
properties. To achieve homogeneity in final part, the
compatibilizers help to generate interaction between
the components of blends.
The major factors that every polymeric product de-
veloper must pay attention to in order to achieve the
technical and commercial success are following:
1. Performance in comparison of price
2. Metastable morphologies that is often induced by
processing conditions
3. Practical implications
4. Morphology to property connections
Modification of an inexpensive polymer (e.g. poly-
olefin) has become competitive with other expensive
engineering plastic, having new potential applications.
Many industries are preparing polymeric compatibilizers
that lie into two major classes, namely, modified poly-
olefins and styrenic block copolymers. These companies
are competing for same types of applications.
83
There is a Need to Lay Emphasis on
Export Marketing: Imtiaz Rastgar

He is bookish with diversified interests in languages, history, geography, industrial processes and development economics; a trained athlete, optimistic,
resilient, and able to think out of box. Hailing from an Arain family of Jullundur, he became Pakistani as early as an infant and completed his
education from different institutes of Rawalpindi, Sargodha and Lahore, with a diploma in Metal Casting from PITAC. In 1966, his university invited
him to receive his degree but being busy with establishing his business, he wrote back for a dispatch. He did get it by post, only 46 years later in 2013!
In 1994, auto industry saw it plunged into crisis following an economic crush. While many of his fellow businessmen quit or cried, our undaunted
athlete chose to be led by true sportsman spirit took his products to AutoMechanika 1994, Germany, and returned as an exporter!
Meet Imtiaz Rastgar, as he opens up the book of his life – full of jewels collected during half century of eventful journey in business - and tells some
thought provoking and inspiring excerpts in an interview with Ahmed Qaiser, Chief Editor, Pakplas.

By Ahmed Qaiser

Would you like to start by giving a brief account about
yourself?
I was born in Jullundur and my parents migrated to
Pakistan when I was an infant. I started my school-
ing from Rawalpindi and Sargodha. During school
days I trained as glider pilot, long distance swimmer
and cross country runner. Dedicated teachers gifted
me good grounding in sciences, languages, history
and geography which became building blocks for
my personality. My hobbies included aero-modeling
and photography.
I did B.Com Honours in 1966 and by virtue of access
to several libraries got a deep insight into subjects like
Development Economics, Industrial Processes and
Business Biographies, not forgetting Urdu literature.
When did you begin your career in business?
I was still a college student when I got a P.O. Box from
Lahore GPO to serve as a business address and started
a small business using my father’s old typewriter for
correspondence. I only waited till my exams were over
and in July 1966 pursued full time career as a young
business man.
Did you not wait to get the formal degree for stepping
into practical life?
Well, no. And it is an interesting memory to share. Some
months after final exams I received invitation from
Punjab University to attend the convocation but I wrote
to request them for a degree by post. They were kind
enough to grant their student’s request by dispatching

84
 my degree in 2013, only 46 years later.
What was the business that you started then?
My chosen field of business was metal casting. The
very first quarter of practical life convinced me that I
would have to learn a lot to be successful in this field.
Besides establishing lifelong friendship with books
on topics of business and other subjects, I also com-
pleted a Diploma in Metal Casting at Pakistan Industrial
Technical System Center, commonly known as PITAC.
This diploma equipped me with needed exposure to
Metal Casting Techniques, Pattern Making Techniques,
Heat Treatment, Designing and Drafting and whatever
else it takes to produce good casting. On my return
from there we started a small foundry in I-9 Islamabad
and that company continued to grow, by Grace of
Allah, during the last 50 years of my life as Rastgar
Engineering Company.
How was the journey to success?
Those were early decades after creation of Pakistan
and modern foundry technology was not well known.
But I was lucky to spend some time at BECO which
was the only well organized company in our sector
and the time I spent with them helped me to run my
business. Our company grew at a stable fluent pace
since I always endeavoured to learn and bring in
newer and better technology. For this purpose I also
became a member of Institute of British Foundrymen
and American Foundrymen Society. I started making
abrasion resistance casting like cylindrical pebbles,
grinding balls and mill liners for the cement industry.
Did library culture play any beneficial role in growing
your business?
I will say it proved very beneficial everywhere. Being
a business student, I not only attended to technology
needs of my company, but also created own logo for
the material we developed, RASTALLOY. This could
happen because I was aware of the importance of
selling techniques and out of box thinking.
Although RASTALLOY became very popular grinding
media for cement industries yet the first 18 years were
very tough as we would make little profit from small
sales. But I persevered with the investment in marketing
and technology which finally started to yield the de-
sired results, paving way for company’s stable growth.
Our economy
needs to focus You mentioned about the importance of out of box
thinking. Could you share any example to describe it?
on miserably low There are many such examples but I would like to
exports. Current share just one of them to show how out of box think-
export volume of 20 ing can help in turning problems into opportunity.
or 21 billion dollar In 1994, the auto parts industry plunged into crisis
does not represent due to infamous economic crash. It made many fel-
our actual potential low businessmen either quit or cry but I took my
because our industry products to AutoMechanika 1994 in Germany and re-
turned with export orders. By end of 1994, we made
is capable of much our first export of truck Wheel Hubs and Brake Drums
higher volume. to Indonesia. Now, we are exporting about 70 percent
But industry alone of our products.
cannot do the job as
it requires support You have been in business for a half century now.
and facilitation from How do you describe the existing state of economy?
In my opinion the existing state of Pakistan economy
the government and
is quite good. Thanks to large scale motorisation,
pragmatic policies.
Pakistan has been able to create an upwardly mobile
lower middle class which is reflected by the figure of
2.2 million motorbike sales. The demand for consumer
goods has grown fast leading to retail sector growth
of more than 8% per annum. Auto sector also is doing
well which is an indicator of increasing buying power
of consumers. Our balance of payments does paint a
gloomy picture but it is partly due to import of capital
goods which in my opinion should impact the econ-
omy for better in the years to come.
What major challenges do you think are faced by the
industry?
Based on my experience of over 50 years in dealing
with certain departments I strongly feel that the big-
gest challenge is the lack of business friendly mindset
and ignoring the merit system which works as impedi-
ment in the realization of growth potential in indus-
trial sector. Organizing the SME sector and introducing
proper documentation system also is a big challenge
which needs to be tackled without losing much time.
I think the solution is to introduce E-government as far
as possible and adherence to the merit system which
can ultimately result in development and betterment
of our industrial sector.
In your opinion what does our economy need to focus
on?
The most important aspect our economy needs to
focus on is miserably low exports. Current export
volume of 20 or 21 billion dollar does not represent
our actual potential because our industry is capable
of much higher volume. But industry alone can-
not do the job as it requires support and facilitation
from the government and pragmatic policies. Cost
of doing business also is very high as compared to
other regional countries and the government should
introduce certain measures to minimise it. Productive
use of higher percentage of young population is very
important and they should be provided with oppor-
tunities for quality education with globally competent
syllabi at affordable cost.
How do you look at the future of economy?
In spite of all the challenges faced by the Pakistani
economy, the high IQ levels, hard working habits of our
population and several steps taken by the incumbent
government make the prospects look good. Large
scale investments in energy, extension of world class
road network, addressing the gas crisis, investments
in higher education are such positive measures which
will start giving results in the next four to five years.
How would you comment on the performance of
PPMA?
It is very heartening to note how the Pakistan Plastic
Manufacturers Association has flowered as a trade
body and its trade fair, the PAKPLAS, has also pro-
gressed to be recognised as an international trade
event. PPMA is on its way to becoming a real BSO -
Business Support Organisation.
I suggest PPMA should work in collaboration with
TEVTA as well as technical universities for improve-
ment in syllabi to ensure better qualified professionals
for industry and urge its members to lay emphasis on
Export Marketing.
85
 Understanding Your
Materials in Processes for
Enhanced Productivity
Prof. Dr. Asif Ali Qaiser
Chairman Deptt of Polymer &
Processing Engineering
University of Engineering &
Technology, Lahore
P
lastics are very versatile materials used
in many products both in commod-
ity and specialty applications such
as structural load bearing materials.
The specific advantages of plastics
over non-polymeric materials such as
metals, ceramics etc. are low density,
tune-ability of mechanical proper-
ties from flexible to high rigidity (modulus) materials,
adaptability to mass production processes, consolida-
tion of various functions in a single product (e.g., snap-
fit assembly, controlled permeation etc.) and colouring
and finishing in a single operation (Injection Molding).
The product design features (e.g., part thickness) and
selection of processing operation and conditions de-
pend on the properties of the materials evaluated at
certain standard conditions. Usually these properties
testing is done by the resin manufacturer and provided
to the plastics processor through material supplier in
the form of Materials Data and Safety Sheet (MSDS).
Commonly, either the machine or material suppliers
suggest the particular resin for a product and also the
processing conditions during product manufacture.
In this situation, the plastics processor cannot explore
the full potential of the similar materials available in
the market being unaware of the significance and im-
plication of properties data in product function and
processing. Moreover, by undermining the importance
of materials’ properties evaluation and their applica-
tions in product design and processing, the processor
is unable to get the advantage of material replacement
for better price, energy saving and enhanced product
life/functionality. Therefore, the better understanding
of plastic materials properties needs not to be over-
emphasized and bears a direct relationship with in-
creased productivity and product quality.
89

Figure 1: Classification of
Plastics based on Application
Temperature (Courtesy: www.
Omnexus.specialchem.com)
Plastics though appear solids, are viscoelastic materi-
als in reality and their mechanical properties depend on
temperature, stress and time unlike non-polymeric ma-
terials where temperature is the only influencing factor.
Viscoelasticity means that at a given combination of tem-
perature and time, plastics may show both solid-like and
liquid-like properties simultaneously and one can shift the
behaviour by carefully selecting plastics, molecular weight,
molecular weight distribution and additives package.
Based on the applications, thermoplastics can be clas-
sified into commodity, engineering and specialty ther-
moplastics using famous triangular diagram (Figure 1).
As we go on towards top of the triangle, the application
temperature increases along with cost of the material.
The first set of information that a plastic product
designer or processor encounters about a material is
Materials Data and Safety Sheet (MSDS). These are nomi-
nal values of a few selected properties measured by
resin producer under certain testing standards. A typical
Technical Data Sheet (TDS) of Low Density Polyethylene
(LDPE) is shown in Table 1. In this typical TDS, density,
flowability and selected mechanical and thermal proper-
ties are given. In “Polymer Properties” section, virgin resin’s
density and fluidity index in terms of Melt Flow Index (MFI)
and Melt Flow Rate (MFR) are shown. The resin density
is important for bulk solid handling and conveying and
benchmark the filler content of compound resin and
packing density in case of injection moulding product.
MFI shows how easy the resin can flow in its molten state.
It should be noted that it is a single point fluidity value at
a stipulated temperature, extrusion force through a stan-
dard extrusion (capillary) die and can never replace viscos-
ity. Polymer melt viscosity is measured in a viscometer/
rheometer with well-defined and measured geometry,
strain rate and shear stress. Moreover, the melts are pseu-
doplastic in nature that means the viscosity decreases
by increasing shear strain rate at constant temperature
and viscosity is not a constant property (Melts are non-
Newtonian fluids). In an MFI apparatus, MFI is calculated
by weighing extrudate weight and MVR is calculated by
incorporating melt density in the formula. The MVR gives
an idea of volumetric flow rate at stipulated conditions.
MFI can be only used for lot/batch qualification and can-
not be used in place of viscosity. MFI depends on average
molecular weight of the resin and is always questioned
for its measurement accuracy.
Table 1: Technical Data sheet for Low Density
Polyethylene. (Courtesy: www.globexvn.com)
Under Mechanical Properties, short-term mechanical
properties are measured either in Tensile (elongation) or
Flexural (bending) mode depending upon the intended
application of the resin in terms of final product. Being vis-
coelastic in nature, plastics properties are highly sensitive
to tensile (or flexural) strain rate in addition to temperature
and under ISO 572-2 testing standard, both temperature
and elongation rate are fixed thus yielding only single
point data useful only for comparison purpose. At least,
one should insist on the complete stress-strain curves at
varied temperature and strain rate to assess complete me-
chanical behaviour of the material (Figure 2). The Creep
data shows long term behaviour of plastic materials and
products. Creep Modulus is calculated by imposing a
constant load (stress) at specified shaped specimen and
measuring strain (elongation) with respect to time. Creep
Modulus is calculated as the ratio of strain at 1 and 1000 h
to the applied stress. These Moduli show how fast the resin
loses its stiffness with respect to time at a given tempera-
ture. The question arises: how useful are these properties
for product design and processing parameters selection?
“Izod Impact Notched” values show the energy ab-
sorption under sudden load. This property shows resil-
ience to shock loads that are applied at very high rates.
Usually, either Izod or Charpy impact methods are used
under ISO and ASTM standards where a rectangular speci-
men either with or without a small cut (notch) is fixed in
an anvil and a hammer equipped with a weight is struck
to the specimen. The energy to break the specimen is
recorded and quoted as toughness.
91
Figure 2: Stress-Strain curve for LDPE at
varying temperature (Courtesy: Jordan
et al., J. dynamic behavior mater. (2016)
Surface hardness is measured in Shore A in rubbers
and Shore D in soft thermoplastics scales. Hardness is a
surface property that tells about the “softness” of the sur-
face. An indentation needle is pressed against the surface
with a prescribed load and indentation is measured.
In Thermal Properties, Heat Deflection Temperature
(HDT) measurement guides about the maximum appli-
cation temperature whereas Vicat Softening point shows
softening temperature. Based on these tests, one cannot
determine maximum application temperature. For this, the
decrease of a specific mechanical property (e.g., Modulus)
is measured at increasing temperature in another test.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) test measured
thermal transitions such as Glass Transition Temperature
(Tg) and Melting point (Tm) along with degree of crystal-
linity and blend composition etc. Enthalpy change during
melting point measurement can indicate the heat absorp-
tion till all crystallinity in a polymer is destroyed. However,
this energy does not correlate to the heat absorption
under load in an extruder where viscous heat generation
is mainly responsible for resin melting and plasticisation.
To simulate melting behaviour in an extruder barrel, de-
termination of fusion behaviour in a Measuring Mixer (e.g.,
Brabender ® Measuring Mixer) can be helpful.
Polymeric resins are never used in N.E.A.T (Nothing
Else Added To) condition and are always used in com-
pound form where other components such as filler,
processing aids, plasticisers, heat stabilizers, rubbers
etc. are added to achieve desired properties. Moreover,
the stipulated conditions in these testing standards sel-
dom simulate the application conditions of the product
therefore tell a little about a successful product design
and application. For a better productivity and product
quality, additional instrumental tests and long term
property evaluation are needed and the values given
in TDS are useful only for batch qualification and com-
parison purpose.
Prof. Dr. Asif Ali Qaiser is currently working as Chairman
of Polymer & Process Engineering Department, UET
Lahore. He is actively involved in academic and in-
dustrial research, new developments, characteri-
zation and a lot more. He got his PhD degree from
University of Auckland, New Zealand in Chemical
and Materials Engineering in 2011. Prof. Qaiser’s re-
search interests include Polymer Membranes, Polymer
Characterization, and Rheology. He has published his
research in a number of well-reputed journals and also
presented his work in many conferences/symposia.
93
Coating Plastics/
Plastic Coatings

H
ow many of us know that plastic,
even after going through a com-
plex process of being colored,
still sometimes has to be further
coated with paint. Why? Good
question, but before we go into
the topic of coloring plastic, let
us analyze what plastic really is.
Plastic can commonly be defined as “any natural or
synthetic material that can be softened by applying heat
two chemicals is called Thermoset. Polyurethane car
but reverses back to its hardened state upon cooling”.
bumpers are formed by the chemical reaction of liquid
However, this is the definition of only thermoplastic only.
monomer, isocyanate with the liquid polyol. (Polyol is a
We also have another form of plastic, called thermoset, un-
product that contains multiple -OH groups, like glycerin).
like thermoplastic, thermoset once hardened is irreversible.
With a few exceptions, thermoset is generally used to
An example is the thermoset polyurethane car bumpers.
formulate paint and coatings. Latex paints are made from
acrylics or vinyl. Epoxy is another example of thermoset
Thermoplastic
plastic. Polyamide, a Nylon of low molecular weight, is
It is a plastic consisting of very high molecular weight
used to make flexographic ink.
polymer. Examples include polyethylene, polypropylene,
polystyrene and so on. Thermoplastic is normally used to
Coating Plastic
mold products like plastic buckets, toys, auto tail lights,
Coating Plastic is too broad a subject to be comprehen-
dinnerware, bicycle helmets.
sively covered in one go for any magazine. Space limi-
Zaid Faridi tations linked with writing such articles for a magazine
Thermoset
ChemConsult International necessitate most of the discussion to be concentrated on
A plastic that is formed by a chemical reaction between
plastics used in automobiles.

96
Another extremely When we enter our cars, we notice that the entire
important part of interior of the car is made up of plastics of various types.
an automobile is Not only the interior, but the exterior of the car also has
many parts that are made from plastic. Almost 40% of
its tail light. By the
exterior (automobile) parts are made from plastic. Plastic
Western standards, bumpers, facias, hub caps, body ding and scratch pre-
the tail lights must venting body molding strips, side mirror casings, noise
be visible from at deafening/acoustic foam lining around the windows,
least two miles with wind shield wipers, tail lights, head lights housing,
the same shade the front grill and others, all are made from plastics.
of red. In many Nevertheless, every plastic has a function in an automo-
bile. Interestingly, each of these plastic parts is coated
countries there are
with special paint for specific reasons.
no standards and
auto safety is laxed, Color Matching
the shade of red Companies that manufacture plastic parts know very
may vary, especially well, regardless of how hard they try, they cannot match
aftermarket lights. the color of two different plastic types. As discussed ear-
A transparent lier, interior of an automobile is composed of many dif-
ferent plastics. The top of dashboard and seats are made
acrylic coating is from vinyl. The sides are made from ABS. The gear shift
applied inside of the cover is made from acrylic or polycarbonate. There are
light to achieve the also nylon, polystyrene (airbag compartment), and other
same shade of red. plastics involved. Now to make the interior appealing,
after the inside of the car is assembled, it is coated with a
special coating to get same shade and hue of a particular
color. The coating usually is acrylic for the economy cars
and polyurethane for the mid cost to upscale cars that
do not have leather seats and dashboard. Aesthetics
Another important part of an automobile to be color We all appreciate beautiful things that surround us, and
matched is its bumper. The bumper is usually made from that is also true for a car. A car is one possession that
PU (casting polyurethane) or TPU (casting thermos poly- we all appreciate and admire greatly, and sometimes it
urethane). Sometimes plastic bumpers are also made is the second biggest investment in our lives after our
from polypropylene, but this is not customary in Western homes. We want the best for our money. In that respect,
countries for two reasons: it is neither as durable as PU if the auto manufacturer had thrown in various plastics
nor does it allow the paint stick to it. together, the interior of the car would be very unattract-
Anyhow, there is a world of a difference between the ive. Polystyrene would show mold marks with extremely
righty of steel body of an automobile and the flexible low gloss. ABS and vinyl would be very dull, while poly-
plastic bumper’s physics. That makes the color matching carbonate would have a gloss so bright that it would hurt
of the two substrates very difficult. The reflection of light your eyes when the light is reflected from it. The plastics
(color absorption and color reflecting) from the two sub- in the car are therefore coated with a coating to get a
strates has different DELTA values (Delta value is a term uniform gloss and look.
of physics for color measurement). The paint, when ap- As the cost of fuel is going up, the weight of auto-
plied over the two substrates, therefore, overcomes this mobiles is being reduced. Just as chrome bumpers are
difficulty. The paint used is crosslinked polyurethane or replaced with plastic bumpers, the front chrome grill is
crosslinked polyester melamine system. Both give excel- replaced with a polycarbonate grill. The grill is subjected
lent scratch and crack resistance to paint film up to five to vacuum metalizing to imitate a chrome finish.
to ten miles an hour collision (normally the speed of the Vacuum metalizing is quite similar to electroplating
automobile during parking). except here aluminum metal is liquefied and vaporized
in a vacuum chamber. The electrostatic electric charge is
Protection created in the chamber that forces the liquid aluminum
The dashboard and the ceiling of a car are laminated with vapors to travel to the plastic object in the chamber. The
vinyl skin. Vinyl, also called the PVC, is an inexpensive plas- micro droplets of aluminum, after being collected on the
tic, but, unfortunately, it does not have UV resistance to plastic grill, coalesce and form an imitation chrome film.
sun light. In a very short time, the plastic changes color This method is also used on toys, jewelry, plastic door
and then starts to crack. The skin is coated with opaque handles, photo frames, Mylar (polyester film) and many
acrylic or polyurethane paint. These paints block the UV other objects.
rays that would otherwise attack vinyl. Similarly, the acous- Auto hubcaps are no longer made from steel but
tic and water proofing window foam lining is also pro- ABS. This choice of plastic is due to ABS (Acronitrile butyl
tected from the sun’s harmful rays by a protective paint. styrene) being much lighter than steel. ABS is not a true
Another extremely important part of an automobile is plastic but an alloy and exhibits some great physical and
its tail light. By the Western standards, the tail lights must chemical properties. ABS is hard, rigid, inexpensive, and
be visible from at least two miles with the same shade of requires low maintenance; however, it is not UV resistant.
red. In many countries there are no standards and auto Therefore, when coated with a bifunctional coating; it
safety is laxed, the shade of red may vary, especially af- protects the cap from the harmful UV rays of the sun and
termarket lights. A transparent acrylic coating is applied gives a metallic look. A very inexpensive acrylic lacquer
inside of the light to achieve the same shade of red. serves a bifunctional coating.

97
 Wood Replacement
To preserve Green Earth, a keen interest is taken in the
West to preserve trees. More and more doors and win-
dows are manufactured using vinyl, ABS, acrylic and
polystyrenes. These wood replacement materials are
colored during the injection molding process but still
require a paint film for esthetic reasons. Acrylic or ure-
thane paint is applied.

Fiberglass
Fiberglass is used in automobiles, doors, roofing, green-
houses, airplanes, trains, boats and others. This material
is made with thermoplastic polyester, also called BMC
(bulk molding compound) reinforced with glass strands.
Color is added during extrusion, but with high UV rays
from the sun, soon shows color fading. An aftermarket
transparent acrylic coating brings back the luster.

Aerospace
Space shuttles and capsules move with tremendous
velocity which generates the high heat. Plastics used
in this industry are technically advanced plastic alloys,
So far, we have discussed plastics used in an auto- i.e. thermoset casting materials along with carbon fiber.
mobile, but there a few more important plastic prod- These materials are further coated with coatings that
ucts that have become integral parts of our daily life and have high heat resistance. Among the polymers used
need to be mentioned here. in these coatings, silicone resin is the main component
to reinsure safe re-entry of the shuttle into the earth’s
Television atmosphere. The coating used not only has high heat
As pricing for televisions is dropping, their electronic resistance, but also exhibits very advanced EMI/RFI
properties cannot be sacrificed, but other aspects (of properties.
the physical building) of the televisions can and are
changing. The television housing where the entire Plastic Coatings
monitor sits is made from HIPS (high im- Plastic is just not coated over with paint and
pact polystyrene). HIPS have the im- coatings, but plastic is also coated
pact resistance, but uncoated, it over non-plastic materials to at-
does not reflect eye appeal. tain certain properties. They
It can have mold marks, are as follows:
sometimes sink marks, • P T F E
or slight irregularities (Polytetra fluoroeth-
in the outer surface. ylene) coated cook-
These housings ware and tools
are therefore sub- • P o w d e r
jected to acrylic coated office
lacquer be- cabinets, cook-
Auto hubcaps are no cause of which ing range, refrig-
longer made from it acquires its erator, washing
steel but ABS. This accepted look. drying machines
• S i l i c o n e
choice of plastic is due resin coated oven
to ABS being much Computers,
Mobile Phones (inside), barbeque
lighter than steel. These items have grills and restau-
ABS is an alloy and become such im- rant equipment
exhibits some great portant parts of our • Automobile
physical and chemical lives that it seems as if we under the hood where
are born with them. Plastics the engine is
properties. It is hard,
used in these items are acrylic, • Penetrating vinyl,
rigid, inexpensive, acrylic and PU coatings for wood
and requires low ABS, polystyrene and polycarbonate.
One of the physical characteristics of these • Concrete coatings
maintenance but it plastics is that they develop an electrostatic charge • Casting epoxies
is not UV resistant. from the atmosphere, especially in a non-human envi- • House paint
Therefore, it is coated ronment. This charge would interfere with both items’ • Bowling balls
with a bifunctional operations. The housing therefore is coated with an • Hardwood floors
EMI/RFI (electromagnetic interference/radio frequency • Screen printing
coating to protect the
interference) depleting coatings. The coatings dissi- Plastic coatings are a separate subject. As said ear-
cap from the harmful lier, the space limitation in this magazine would not
UV rays of the sun and pate the electrical charge and allow interference free
communication. allow it to be discussed fully. It can be discussed at
give a metallic look. length at another time.

99
Polymer Bone Graft Substitute
Receives FDA Clearance
O
steo-P is a synthetic bone graft
substitute that supports and
guides the growth of new
bone and is resorbed and re-
placed with the patients’ own
bone during the healing pro-
cess. Charles Lee, the founder
of Molecular Matrix and also
an assistant adjunct professor in the Department of Cell
Biology and Human Anatomy at the UC Davis School
of Medicine, expects to bring the biomaterial to market
within the next couple of months. “What began as an idea
from UC Davis has reached all the way to FDA clearance,”
Lee told Lisa Howard, who reported on the achievement
on the UC Davis news page.
The bone graft substitute is a non-mineralized,
synthetic bone void filler made of a hyper-cross-linked
carbohydrate polymer (HCCP). It is highly porous, bio-
compatible, biodegradable and has shown exceptional
capabilities of bone repair, according to a press release
from the company.
The polymer technology reportedly offers several ad-
vantages over current bone graft substitutes, including
exceptional bone formation and implant resorption, real
time fusion monitoring and the ability to hold a suture.
Raja Omer Nawaz Based on proprietary research, Osteo-P is intended
Managing Director for the filling of bone defects created surgically or through
RON Extrusions Engineering, traumatic injury. When placed or gently packed into bone
Lahore voids, Osteo-P supports and guides the in growth of new
omer.nawaz@ronextrusions. bone across the graft site, after which it is resorbed and re-
com placed by newly formed bone during the healing process.
Bringing this product to market is the culmination of
Lee’s years-long fascination with stem cells, which began
when he was an undergrad at the UC Davis School of
Medicine. “I fell in love with those cells,” Lee told Howard.
“That’s how I got into stem cell biology. There was nothing
else I wanted to do than study and research them.”
The stem cells he worked with were grown in a single
layer, but Lee began thinking about new ways to grow them.
“Stem cells behave much differently when they are
grown in an aggregate as opposed to a monolayer,” he
said. “But building up stem cells is not easy. It requires a
scaffold—a matrix or structure—to help support the cells
to grow into an organoid.”
Lee specifically wanted to use a carbohydrate, a sugar,
for scaffolding that would be degradable and nontoxic.
The breakthrough came with the invention of a hyper-
cross-linked carbohydrate polymer technology that pro-
vides a platform for stem cells to grow both in vitro and
in vivo. By extreme cross-linking of the molecules, the
structure is able to hold its shape under heat and pres-
sure, Lee explained. He founded Molecular Matrix, with
significant support from UC Davis through its technology
commercialization program, in 2011.
“The need for bone substitute products is expected
to expand,” Jim Keefer, COO of Molecular Matrix, told UC
Davis. “The global bone graft and substitutes market was
estimated at $2.1 billion in 2013 and is expected to grow
to $2.7 billion by 2020.”
The Osteo-P biomaterial is expected to be available
in the form of large pore granules, sheets, cubes, wedges
and cylinders or in custom sizes starting in March 2018.
101
NED Lab Upgraded
New Test Equipments
Procured to Offer
Additional Facilities

ED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi has announced to have upgraded their laboratory of
Polymer Department. According to the detailed provided by them, the University has procured several
new Test and Analytical Equipments to upgrade its laboratory, thus being in position to offer additional
testing facilities for polymer materials and products. The University believes by equipping their lab with
further technology, they will be able to conduct some of those tests as whose facilities were not avail-
able previously.
Given below are the details of recently added facilities and the scope of the equipment, as provided
by the University to Pakplas.

103
105
 PPMA is Making Headway to Have Effective
Linkage with Academia: S.M. Noman
NED University of Engineering & Technology recently organized
2nd International Conference on Advance Materials & Process
Engineering. The conference was co-sponsored by PPMA and
represented by Mr. S. M. Noman, Convener, Training & Development
Committee. Pakplas spoke to Mr. Noman to have his views
regarding the conference and on the efforts being made by PPMA
to strengthen linkage between the Industry and the Academia.

By Ahmed Qaiser

You have been an active member of Training & Development side of

PPMA. How do you describe your role?
Ever since I joined PPMA as a member my role has been to strive to
ensure that the plastics industry and the relevant institutes - be they
academic or professional - coordinate with each other to their mutual
benefit. On behalf of PPMA, I undertake various tasks which are aimed
at upgrading the technical skills and technological knowledge of our
members. In this regard holding seminars and training workshops are
also seen as useful activities.

What is the focus of your activities?

Plastic technology has improved our prospects as an industry and
opened up many avenues for growth and development. We aim to el-
evate the status of the industry from that of a household plastic industry
to the one having diversified production capacities and capabilities in
line with innovations that frequently take place in the world of plastics.
The industry constantly needs well educated and well trained profes-
sionals and it is imperative that academic and professional institutes are
sufficiently equipped to educate and train their students in accordance
with the prevailing demand of industrial manpower.

How important is the linkage with Academia? What headway has
been made in this direction?
It is observed that academic institutes lack adequate funds from the
government and have to manage with outdated syllabi with less em-
phasis on practical implementation of knowledge. Linking industry to
academia allows research and study to be based on practical applica-
tions to ensure solution of such problems in less time.
I believe it is high time for both industry and the academia to establish
closer links with each other to secure better results. PPMA is making
headways towards achieving these goals by also having its members
participate in the academic boards of different institutes.
You represent PPMA on the advisory board coordinating with NED
University. What are its aims and objectives?
The Polymer and Petrochemical department of NED University has
some of the best research and testing equipment and machinery
available. Recently, they have equipped their laboratories with further
testing equipment and facilities which is appreciated by the industry.
The advisory board which you mentioned makes efforts to utilize their
coordination in respect of their curriculum and testing facilities not only
for the benefit of the Plastic Industry but also to benefit their faculty
and students by providing them with opportunities of interaction with
the industry.
Do you also involve the public sector in the growth and development
of Plastic Industry?
PPMA also works on this side and on its behalf I play my role as a
senior member of Board of Management of Pak Swiss Training Centre
(PSTC). PSTC was established in 1965 with the collaboration of Swiss
Government under the umbrella of PCSIR. It has the privilege of
being the first institute which introduced Dyes & Mould Technology
in Pakistan and its graduates are serving the plastic industry world-
wide. Besides, PPMA members played significant role in the estab-
lishment of Plastic Technology Centre (PTC), Karachi in early 90’s.
The Chairman, PPMA acts as its Board Member by default and I have
also attended some of their meetings and seminars. However, I must
point out here that such centres should run with close coordination
with the concerned Association whose suggestions and recommen-
dations should be considered before implementing any decisions.
Moreover, during last few years Skill Development Cells have also
been set up to train the less privileged ones and those with limited
knowledge of Plastics so that they can learn the requisite skills to
be an effective part of the industry.
PPMA recently co-sponsored an International Conference orga-
nized by NED. How do you comment on it?
The 2nd International Conference of NED is a welcome initiative and
PPMA is proud to be one of its sponsors. The research and theoretical
papers presented at the two conferences presented ideas on inno-
vations of different materials and processes in petrochemicals field
which can be implemented on industrial basis.
Such conferences were very beneficial for the students and all the
speakers had vast experience in their subjects but it was noted that
the participation from industries was little. In my opinion the industry
should come forward and join such academic initiatives which will
be beneficial for them.

107
3D Printing
Technology
for
Polymer Industry

P
olymer industries of Pakistan have very
good growth rate over the last decay as
well as a great contribution to the econ-
omy of country. Polymer industry is mostly
using conventional processing methods,
for example, injection molding, blow
molding extrusion or blown film tech-
niques for mass production of various
polymeric products. The industry works a lot to find out the
cheaper raw materials sources to reduce energy costs, to cut
transportation bills etc, but does not seem to focus emerging
technologies. These new technologies can certainly benefit our
businesses and community.
One of these emerging technologies is 3D Printing. This Muhammad Kashif Naseem
technology is one of the extra ordinary ideas to develop the Polymer Engineer
new design at cheapest price. How these printers work and Islamabad
how cheaply these machines are available in market, is an open
secret. The idea of 3D printing technology has not garbed the
attention due to various reasons. One of those reasons may be that it was thought earlier that it can be
used for prototyping only. Now this technology is not confined to prototyping. This technology is
being adopted for production of high value and unique products. It has recently been used for
fancy and custom made products. That is one of the good return markets as well.
Users can process materials up to 300°C – making it possible to manufacture polymer
material classes such as PA6, PBT, PET, PPS, PEKK and others.
Modern machines have three stage filter unit consisting of a cooling trap, fines filter
and reactive coal filter to counter material out gassing and particle contamination, es-
sential for manufacturing high quality products. 3D printing has enabled to handle high
performance polymer materials like PEKK, known for its high thermal stability, inherent
flame retardancy and high chemical resistance, which makes it a lightweight alternative
to metal. The goal of these new polymers is to provide alternate to metals at a competitive
cost per part, enabling an industrial application that was not feasible until now.
In modern machines, FDM Technology works for production grade thermoplastics to
build strong, durable and dimensionally stable parts with the best accuracy and repeat-
ability of any 3D printing technology.
3D printing materials just keep getting cooler. The introduction of polymers with
conductive, magnetic, and glow in the dark properties, now comes shape memory
filament which has led to the concept of 4D.
3D Printing goes 4D with smart memory materials which self-assemble.
The concept of 4D printing was developed to create materials that could be
manufactured or assembled in one configuration and then alter themselves
by self-assembling into a pre-programmed configuration. The transformation
could be controlled using smart materials that alter themselves. These unique
and most advanced outcomes are being possible by using 3D printing tech-
nology in the industry. Further robotics, Medical, Dental & genetic engineering
and space technology are also being enriched by the 3D Printing Technology
throughout the world.
Two-thirds of European industrial manufacturers use 3D printing technology,
as it can handle multiple materials and with faster processing, they have found its use
beyond rapid prototyping. According to various newsletters based assumptions and
predictions, revenue worth billions will be generated from thermo-polymers and other
formulated materials used for printing after 10 years.

109
Plastic Solid
Waste Management
Pakistan
in

W
ith the advent of 21st cen- to plastic waste.
tury a global increase in Plastic waste makes up 10% of the total global
population, strengthen- municipal solid waste and this percentage is expected
ing of economy, techni- to increase with the passage of time [3].
cal prosperity and rapid
industrialization were
observed that lead to an
increase in urbanization
and overall improvement in the standard of living [1]. But
on the other hand they also exposed the consequences
of increased generation of municipal solid waste (MSW).
On a global scale over 1.3 billion tonnes (1.2kg per
person per day) of MSW is generated annually. With the
increase in rate of waste generation, the development
Dr. Yasir Qayyum Gill, of an effective and efficient system for solid waste
Assistant Professor,
management has emerged as a challenging issue for
Semester Coordinator
Deptt of Polymer and Process
all municipalities around the world [2]. An important
Engineering, aspect of MSWM that needs to be urgently addressed Figure 1: Waste Management Hierarchy
University of Engineering and is that of plastic waste management (PWM). Due to
release of toxic gases upon incineration, life expectancy In the light of current waste generation, trends and fu-
Technology,
of plastics that range from hundreds to thousands of ture estimates, most of the countries have come up with the
Lahore
Email: yqgill@uet.edu.pk years, traditional practices of MSWM such as landfill, concept of Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) for
incineration or composting cannot be directly applied the proper handling of MSW. The ISWM is based upon the

110

Figure 2: Flow of Waste in Lahore
Waste Management Hierarchy and it comprises of two
parts: Waste Diversion and Waste Disposal [3]. The stages
of ISWM as proposed by the waste management hierar-
chy include separation of waste from source, collection
and transportation of waste, transfer stations, recovery
of salvageable material, waste treatment leading to re-
source recovery and finally ending at the disposal [4].
Another approach of the ISWM followed globally is
the 3R i.e. reduce, reuse and recycle. The 3R approach
(sometimes the 4R, fourth being ‘recovery’) acts as waste
diversion and reduces the amount of waste entering
the waste stream requiring disposal and maximizes the
material and energy recovery from waste. By following
the 3R approach countries have reduced their waste by
reducing, reusing and recycling it [4]. For PWM the same
ISWM and 3R approaches can be applied effectively for
the reduction of plastic waste entering the waste stream.
The total global municipal solid waste contains 10%
plastic waste out of which only 14% is recycled while
40% ends up in landfill, 32% goes to oceans or land and
14% is burnt or incinerated [5].
Less developing countries including India, Sri-Lanka,
Bangladesh and Iran [3] have the highest plastic waste
composition of 12% in their MSW streams which will
become 13% if projected to 2025. Bangladesh has 7%
plastic waste in its MSW [3], while India, Iran, Sri Lanka,
Pakistan have 2%, 11%, 6% and 18% respectively.
Sweden and Denmark who have relatively well estab-
lished and effective MSWM practices have 2% and 1%
plastic respectively in their waste streams [3].
In Pakistan, Municipal Solid Waste Management and
Plastic Waste management are relatively unknown con-
cepts. The municipalities do not have a proper system for
the management of solid waste generated. There is lack
of long term planning resulting in counter-productive
plans and policies [6]. Although, the municipalities are
responsible for collection, transportation and disposal of
all kinds of waste, MSWM is still defunct in Pakistan [7].
Based on current data, Pakistan produces 50,438
tonnes/day of MSW, i.e. 0.84 kg/capita/day. This could
rise to 1.05 kg/capita/day till 2025. Of the total MSW
produced, 67% is organic, 5% paper, and about 18% is
Plastic. This is a considerably high percentage of plastic
waste when compared to other countries of comparable
population and income level [3]. This staggering per-
centage of plastic waste in MSW of Pakistan presents
an impending problem to the country. Inadequate and
inefficient plastic waste management policies can result
in serious consequences for Pakistan in future.
The three metropolitan cities of Pakistan, Lahore,
Karachi, and Islamabad are the only municipalities with
a working model for the management of municipal
solid waste. In Karachi, the responsible organization
is Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). In Lahore,
Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) is respon-
sible for waste collection while in Islamabad, Capital
Development Authority (CDA) deals with MSWM.
111
Figure 3: Collection Bins in Lahore
Regarding Pakistan’s
perspective about
plastic waste
management, landfill
is not a feasible choice
due to less availability
of land in urban areas
whereas moving it
to the surroundings
is economically
infeasible for higher
transportation cost.
Biodegradation is
economically infeasible
while incineration is
infeasible too since it
turns the waste moist
enough to require
pretreatment which
renders this technique
very expensive. Hence,
recycling and reusing
of waste qualifies
as the most feasible
choice according to
conditions of Pakistan.
Although, KMC is responsible for waste collection and
disposal in Karachi, yet the city suffers from a waste epi-
demic. The city spends about in excess of a billion rupees
annually in solid waste management but still it is ineffective
[8]. The city is littered with solid waste and both the public
and private sector are unable to cope up with the problem.
In Islamabad, CDA is responsible for municipal duties [9].
CDA has effectively countered the solid waste and plastic
waste problem in the city. Recycling is practiced efficiently
throughout the city and private sector also is employed in
this regard, mainly the independent waste pickers [10].
Lahore is the only city in Pakistan which has modeled
its MSWM system according to the modern needs. Its waste
management system is effective in collecting and dispos-
ing off the waste generated within the city. The system ef-
fectively deals with both the organic and inorganic waste
especially plastics [1].
The common practices in Pakistan to deal with plastic
waste are landfills, compositing, incineration and recycling.
Each has its own pros and cons but some of these have
more disadvantages than benefits. Landfill sites are unavail-
able in most of the cities of Pakistan. Even mega cities like
Lahore and Karachi have just a single landfill site each for
their needs [1]. In Pakistan, open dumping is more practiced
than proper engineering and sanitized landfill sites. These
landfill sites lead to even more pollution by releasing toxic
gases, thus contaminating the underground water supply.
Furthermore, the cost of transporting the waste to these
landfill sites is immense and cannot be afforded by the mu-
nicipalities which are on a tight budget.
Composting of plastic waste is almost non-existent
in Pakistan. A sole compositing plant is being operated in
Lahore under LWMC which composts about 8% of the total
organic compost produced by the city. Incineration is an
organic waste treatment technique by the means of the
combustion process. Incineration is referred as a thermal
treatment process. It converts the waste into thermal en-
ergy which is then converted to electrical energy. China has
incinerated its 29.84% of total solid waste in 2016 to meet
its energy demands. The basic drawbacks of this technique
include production of ash and flue gases during waste com-
bustion that possess serious environmental concerns. Also,
it requires the waste in dry form wherefore wet waste turns
costly as it requires pre-treatment.
Regarding Pakistan’s perspective about plastic waste
management we infer that due to less availability of land
in urban areas, landfill is not a feasible choice for managing
plastic waste. Moreover, if we want to move the urban waste
to the surroundings (buffer zone) it will not be economically
feasible because of higher transportation cost. Incineration,
on the other hand, is also not suitable choice due to mois-
ture content in Pakistan. It turns the waste moist enough
to require pretreatment which renders this technique cost
wise infeasible. Biodegradation can be done by using bio-
degradable resins but it is economically infeasible too due to
their highly expensive formation. Besides, various toxic gases
are emitted during biodegradation causing environmental
issues like global warming. Hence, recycling and reusing
of waste qualifies as the most feasible choice according to
conditions of Pakistan.
One needs to understand the slight difference between
recycling and re-use. In re-use the end use application of
the product remains same while in the case of recycling
although the material remains same but its end use applica-
tion is changed due to its modification by various processes.
Recycling technique is beneficial because it can reduce the
waste production efficiently. Recycling also has the potential
to check over consumption of natural resources due to less
consumption of energy as compared to production from
virgin materials. If everyone starts recycling at individual
level it will not only reduce the total waste volume but will
cut unnecessary repeat purchases as well.
References
1. Masood, M., Barlow, C. Y., & Wilson, D. C. (2014). An as-
sessment of the current municipal solid waste manage-
ment system in Lahore, Pakistan. Waste Management &
Research, 834.
2. Sujauddin, M., Huda, S., & Hoque, A. R. (2008).
Household solid waste characteristics and manage-
mentin Chittagong, Bangladesh. Waste Management,
1688-1695.
3. Hoornweg, D., & Bhada-Tata, P. (2012). What a Waste:
A Global Review of Solid Waste Management. Urban
Development Series Knowledge Papers. Washington
DC: World Bank
4. Memon, M. A. (2010). Integrated solid waste manage-
ment based on the 3R approach. J Mater Cycles Waste
Manag, 30-40.
5. Macarther, E. (2012). The New Plastics Economy. Ellen
Macarther Foundation.
6. Anwar, F. (2000). Institutional Assessment and Evaluation
of Public Facilities Management Practices in Local
Government Solid Waste Management Sector of Karachi.
Karachi: Shehri-CBE.
7. Noman Ahmed, C. Z. (2002). URBAN ORGANIC WASTE
MANAGEMENT IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN. 28th WEDC
Conference . Kolkata
8. Hasan, D. M. (2001). INTEGRATING RECYCLING AND
DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
IN KARACHI. Karachi: Urban Resource Centre.
9. http://www.cda.gov.pk/documents/docs/sop-sanitation.
pdf
10. Muhammad Qasim, N. A. (n.d.). CHARACTERIZATION OF
HOUSEHOLD WASTE IN ISLAMABAD AND EXPLORING
POSSIBLE REUSE AND RECYCLING OPTIONS.
113
 Syntheticand
Natural Polymer
Blends
Tehreem Anwar1, Dr. Shahzad Maqsood Khan1, Prof.
Dr. Muhammad Taqi Zahid Butt2, Dr. Atif Islam1,
Nafisa Gull1, Muhammad Shafiq1, Saba Zia1, Dr. Sadia
Sagar Iqbal1, Adnan Ahmed1, Fahd Jamshed1
1
Department of Polymer Engineering & Technology
2
College of Engineering & Emerging Technologies
University of Punjab, Lahore
P
olymeric materials have captivated
the sight of scientific and techno-
logical researchers over other com-
modity materials. This is because of
their specified attributes as being
light weight, having exceptional
mechanical strength and optical
properties, which make them mul-
tifunctional constituents. ‘Polymer’ refers to long chain
compounds that comprise molecule subunits. Polymers
are one of the ubiquitous classes of materials discussed
so far. They can be classified into natural and synthetic
types owing to the sources of production. Since a major
class of polymers is extracted from their natural resources
i.e. animals and plants, therefore, they possess certain
properties including biocompatibility and biodegrad-
ability that are lacked by certain synthetic materials.
Among the natural polymers chitosan, alginate,
starch, collagen and gelatin are widely used in vast ap-
plications after being modified. They are of particular
interest due to their wide abundance in nature, low
cost and being biodegradable. Whereas if we discuss
synthetic polymers which possess good mechanical
properties along with thermal stability, that is of course
faraway better than several natural polymers. In contrast
to synthetic polymers, natural polymers show limitation
in performance, which is why the blending of natural and
synthetic polymers is employed to attain such material
having biocompatibility, strength, and thermal properties
which will prospect in various fields.
Therefore, a whole group of such biopolymers is ex-
tracted from plants and animals and further blended with
synthetic polymers. Biopolymers can only be extracted
from their natural resources i.e. plants and animals. A
few major noticeable groups include polysaccharides,
proteins, lipids and their derivatives. Among the featured
attributes a biopolymer shows non-toxicity, non-antige-
nicity, non-irritancy, non-carcinogenic behavior which
enhances their efficiency in many applications.
The term ‘biopolymer’ covers polymers that are ei-
ther renewable based, biodegradable or both. They often
show menial properties compared to synthetic polymers.
Thus, the evolution of biomaterials using natural polymers
is foremost and promising area of research. Biopolymers
show biocompatibility and biodegradability but show
inferior mechanical properties. Therefore, blending of
these polymers with synthetic polymers has given us a
new class of biomaterials that have gained much atten-
tion in the field of industry. Many commercially available
synthetic polymers lack the prospect of biocompatibility.
While using indigenous biological polymers as bio-
materials has been precluded by inadequate mechanical
properties, they are an interesting class of materials that
can decompose into non-toxic products and therefore
they have gained attention in certain applications. Due to
this feature of biodegradability these biopolymers have
gained much attention over synthetic polymers as they
are of keen interest regarding environmental stability.
We have executed such a project in the Department
of Polymer Engineering & Technology to study the blend-
ing of Gelatin a natural polymer, and Polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA) a synthetic polymer. Natural and synthetic polymers
are blended in various concentrations and by using cross-
linker for increasing mechanical properties.
Resulting blended polymers were cast in the form of
membranes and analyzed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red
115
 The evolution of
biomaterials using natural
polymers is foremost
and promising area of
research. Biopolymers
show biocompatibility
and biodegradability but
show inferior mechanical
properties.

Spectrophotometer (FTIR), Thermo-gravimetric Analysis works on research and development of Polymers and
and Mechanical Testing. The objective of this study was Textile materials formation to help the industry with the
to develop PVA-gelatin based packaging materials. PVA- objective of boosting the national economy by reduc-
gelatin blends were prepared owing to their properties of ing imports and increasing the exports of indigenously
being biodegradable. Polyvinyl alcohol blended with gel- produced materials.
atin without addition of any additive showed enormous *Ms. Tehreem Anwar; M.Phil Polymer Technology stu-
efficiency in respect of its properties which are of more dent worked on this research.
interest in regard of bio degradable food packaging. **Dr. Shahzad Maqsood Khan, Incharge/Chairman,
Finally, the change in film properties due to various Department of Polymer Engineering & Technology super-
concentrations of PVA and gelatin was analyzed via FTIR, vised this project.
TGA and mechanical testing. FTIR analysis verified the
blending between the gelatin and the PVA depending
on the PVA concentration and effect on the crystallin-
ity of the films was observed by the TGA analyses.
Mechanical testing showed the elongation at break
and extension of the blends was immensely in-
creased due to increase in the PVA concentration
which mainly provides the strength.
Thus blending processes enhances the
properties of polymers in comparison to raw
polymers which are being blended and new
product with new properties was synthesized.
Such projects can be initiated to utilize poly-
mers and to make combination of natural and
synthetic polymers. The products thus can be
used for biodegradable applications for medical
purposes and also for packaging applications.
Such diverse studies with different polymers can
be helpful for the formulation of different types of poly-
meric materials for multiple applications, thus supporting
the indigenous polymer production in Pakistan. In this
perspective the Department of Polymer Engineering
& Technology is not only providing education but also Figure: PVA-Gelatin blend film

117
 Study Shows Plastic
Packaging a Better
Alternative for Environment
A
study, “Impact of Plastics Packaging on Life Cycle Energy
Consumption & Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the US
and Canada”, showed that six major categories of plastic
packaging help to significantly reduce energy use and
greenhouse gas emissions compared to other materials.
These categories include caps and closures,
beverage containers, other rigid containers, carrier
(or shopping) bags, stretch/shrink wrap, and other
flexible packaging.
“Plastic packaging enables the safe and efficient delivery of various products
which form part of our daily lives, everything from food to essential health and
safety aids. However, many are unaware that plastics carry out these functions
while at the same time conserving energy and lowering greenhouse gas emis-
sions. This study clearly articulates these benefits to sustainability,” noted Carol
Hochu, President & CEO of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA).
Study authors used life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to compare
current amounts of various plastic packaging products to packaging made with
alternative materials.
The assessment found that for the baseline year, replacing all plastic
packaging with non-plastic alternatives for these six types of packaging
in Canada would:
- require almost 4.4 times as much packaging material by weight, increasing
the amount of packaging used in Canada by nearly 5.5 million tons or 5.5
billion kg;
- increase energy use by 2.0 times, equivalent to the amount of oil transported
by 18 supertankers; and
- result in 2.3 times more global warming potential, equivalent to adding 3.3
million more cars to our roads.
Highly engineered plastics packaging results in enormous sustainability
benefits throughout the entire life cycle, this study showed.
After use, plastics make further contributions to sustainability by being
re-purposed through recycling or recovered for its energy value and converted
into a liquid oil, electricity and into other fuels.
In a Report on Canada’s Access to Residential Recycling of Plastics released
in 2016, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottles show an access to
recycling rate of 99%; plastic containers made from PET, high and low density
polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) show access rates of 90%
or higher.
The access rate for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other (#7) types of plastic
containers have risen to 88% and 91% respectively. Rates for containers made
of polystyrene (PS) have increased from 63% in 2014 to 70% in 2015. As well
there was significant access rate increases in the film and bags categories (from
55% in 2014 to 65% in 2015).
A Study on Post Consumer Plastic Recycling in Canada released in March
2017, shows that for a sixth year in a row, the amount of post-consumer plastic
material being recycled across Canada has increased. In total, over 322 million
kg of post-consumer plastic material was collected for recycling in Canada.
Plastic packaging collected for recycling includes plastic bottles, non-bottle
rigid plastics such as deli and dairy containers, bakery, vegetable, fruit containers,
and plastic film, bags and outer wrap. They are reused to make, for example,
fleece jackets, new plastic bottles, pipe, pallets, crates and buckets, decking and
other lawn and garden products.
119
Biomedical Plastics Market
for Future Healthcare

The polymers based medical equipment have started to get preference relative to traditional materials because of their
significant advantages including low cost, design, light weightiness, processing ease, raw materials and easy availability.

T
he global medical polymers market size was
estimated in 2013 at around US$ 9.69 billion
and has been forecast to continue to grow
at a Compound annual growth rate, CAGRof
8.4% from 2014 to 2020. This specific and
specialized market growth is due to increas-
ing demand for lightweight polymer-based
equipment and utilities demand by health
care industry. Since by 2050, 16% of population will be around
65 years of age, thus, growing geriatric population, particularly in
the developed countries will also provide support for the growth
of the biomedical polymers and plastics industries all around
the world. North America medical polymer market by products
Dr. Sumera Khyzir, Dr. Prof. Nasir M. 2012-2020 in US$ Millions is presented in Figure 1[1].
Ph.D. Ahmad, Ph.D. It is important to mention that the polymers based medical
equipment have started to get preference relative to traditional
Incharge Polymer Research Laboratory materials because of their significant advantages including low
Focal Person Polymers and Composites Research Group cost, design, light weightiness, processing ease, raw materials
SCME, NUST, Islamabad and easy availability. Emerging economies of Asia Pacific have
E-mail: nasir.ahmad@scme.nust.edu.pk
greater potential markets due to the rise in medical tourism in
sumera.phd@scme.nust.edu.pk
that region.

121
Developments in in tissue engineering drug delivery applications.[2].
polymer technology Developments in polymer technology have enabled
have enabled plastics to be used in healthcare applications that demand
high consistency, reliability, performance, precision and
plastics to be
regulatory compliance. Inventions and novelties in the
used in healthcare field of plastics have contributed to the development
applications. The of medicine, including advances in surgical equipment
application of plastic and techniques, critical care and life support hardware.
technology has The application of plastic technology to medicine
also contributed to has also contributed to decreasing rates of infection
decreasing rates and medication-related error. As plastic technologies
progress, medical device designers and engineers are
of infection and
choosing plastics over conventional materials, such
medication-related as metals. Improvements in sterilization techniques, a
error. Medical shift towards disposable devices, and technological
device designers innovations are driving global market growth and
and engineers are expansion. The advancement of novel materials, such
choosing plastics as biocompatible and biodegradable polymers for use
over conventional in medical implants, will provide further momentum to
the flourishing global medical plastics market.
materials. Nanotechnology has been continuously
Improvements contributing to the fast development of diagnostic
in sterilization Figure 1: North America medical polymer market by and therapeutic agents. There are ongoing efforts
techniques, a products 2012-2020 in US$ Millions. on simultaneous delivery of therapeutic agents
shift towards as well as molecular imaging of biomarkers along
disposable devices, Biomedical plastics market is significant and with monitoring of therapy response. Among these
attractive as biomaterials for researchers and medical inventions, polymer/plastics-based theragnostic agents
and technological
applications due to the ease of tailoring their chemical, hold great potential for the design and fabrication of
innovations are driving physical and biological properties for target devices. multifunctional agents for translational medicine.
global market growth Due to this diversity and capacity for customization, Using the diagnostic polymeric nanoparticles enable
and expansion. such plastics are rapidly replacing other classes of simultaneous therapeutic and diagnostic functions to
biomaterials including ceramics or metals. As a result, boost the biomedical field towards future efficient and
the demand for biomedical polymers and plastics has personalized medicine. [3]
grown exponentially and supports a diverse and highly Plastics experts have been trying to mimic behavior
monetized research community [1]. of biological systems to external stimuli for the last
Applications of biomedical plastics have a twenty years creating the so called smart polymers.
profound influence on modern healthcare as shown These are defined as polymers that undergo reversible
in Figure 2. Specifically, polymeric biomaterials that are large, physicochemical changes in response to slightly
biodegradable provide the substantial advantage of applied external changes in the environmental
being able to be broken down and removed after they conditions, such as temperature, pH, light, magnetic
have served their function. Fortunately, an extensive or electric field, ionic factors, biological molecules, etc.
range of natural and synthetic degradable polymers Smart polymers have very promising applications in
has been extensively investigated for biomedical the biomedical field as delivery systems of therapeutic
applications with new and different functionalities with agents, tissue engineering scaffolds, cell culture
controlled macromolecular characteristics to meet new supports, bioseparation devices, sensors or actuators
challenges.The most recent advances in the field over systems. Dual-stimuli-responsive materials have also
the past 4 years, highlights novel and exciting discoveries been developed and attracted in the biomedical context
because of their high potential in the biomedical field.[4]
Due to ‘unique and intelligent’ characteristics of
stimuli-responsive polymers and plastics, they have
found a wide variety of applications in biomedical and
nanotechnological fields such as intelligent hydrogel
systems, intelligent drug delivery systems and intelligent
molecular recognition systems. Polymers with molecular
recognition ability can be attained by introducing
bioactive molecules to the polymer backbone, and
then can be applied in different biomedical fields such
as bio affinity separation and molecular diagnostics.
Although well-defined polymer protein conjugates have
provided the opportunities to synthesize the excellent
intelligent polymers with molecular recognition ability,
the preparation methods and applications of such
functional polymers are still limited at present. The
synthesis of bioconjugated polymers with controlled and
Figure 2: Applications of biomedical well-defined structures is full of challenge. It is believed
plastics have a profound influence on that with the development of the biotechnology,
modern healthcare. molecular biology and polymer chemistry, more and

123
 more polymers with molecular recognition ability will be
synthesized and widely applied in biomedical fields.[5]
Few of the plastics with some biomedical
applications are summarized as below in Table 1.
Global demand of one of the common plastics, styrene-
block copolymers as used in medical equipment and
diagnostics is presented in Figure 3.[6]
Figure 3: Global demand of styrene-block copolymers
for medical equipment and diagnostics [6].
xxxx
Table 1: Common plastics with some biomedical applications.
124
References
[1] Source/adopted from: Medical Polymers Market
Analysis By Product (Resins & Fibers, Elastomers,
Biodegradable Plastics), By Application (Devices
and Equipment, Packaging) and Segment
Forecasts To 2020 [Medical Research Report, Aug,
2015].
[2] Bret D. Ulery, Lakshmi S. Nair, and Cato T. Laurencin,
Biomedical Applications of Biodegradable
Polymers, J Polym Sci B Polym Phys. 2011 Jun 15;
49(12): 832–864.
[3] Wang Z1,Niu G, Chen X, Polymeric materials for
theranostic applications, Pharm Res. 2014 Jun
31(6):1358-76. doi: 10.1007/s11095-013-1103-7.
Epub 2013 Jun 14.
[4] M.R. Aguilar*, C. Elvira, A. Gallardo, B. Vázquez, and
J.S. Román Smart Polymers and Their Applications
as Biomaterials.
[5] XIAO Chun Sheng, TIAN Hua Yu , ZHUANG Xiu Li,
CHEN Xue Si & JING Xia Bin, Recent developments
in intelligent biomedical polymers, Sci China Ser
B-Chem | Feb. 2009 | vol. 52 | no. 2 | 117-130.
[6] Sourse/adopted from: Medical Design, Plastemart
Magazine, Plastics Today Magazine, Medical
Plastics News, Primary Interviews, Transparency
Market Research.

Dr. Rafiq Ahmed
Assistant Professor
Polymer & Petrochemical
Engineering Department
NED University of Engineering
& Technology
Karachi
Email: ahmedr@neduet.edu.pk
l s d u
r ia ire od
t e s Pr
a De c
: M r ti
e s me las
ti iv sto r P
d d Cu ou
A t Y
r
er pa s to
l ym Im tie
Po hat per
t ro
P
What is Additive Anyway
An auxiliary material that is combined with a matrix material
to provide distinctive properties is called Additive. Currently,
all natural and synthetic polymers need additives to ease
their processability, enhance their performance, render at-
tractive appearance and precisely tailor the product for the
respective application. An efficient additive is stable under
processing and service conditions, does not bleed or bloom,
nor does it have adverse effects on the matrix properties.
Why Additives are Important
The Additives are so important that in almost all cases the
polymerization reactor product is of no use without the ad-
dition of polymer additives. The use of polymer additives
depends on the nature of polymer and its application.
Appropriate use of polymer additives confers countless char-
acteristics to the matrix polymer such as durability, thermal
stability, stiffness, clarity, weatherability, chemical resistance,
resulting in creating a product that has higher value.
Classification of Additives
Addition of additives is vital to the production of poly-
mers to maximize the profit, performance of the prod-
uct and meet the customer demand. In most cases more
than 10 different kinds of additives, ranging from 50 ppm
to various weight percentages, are used to adjust melt
viscosity, thermal stability, specific gravity and the desired
product properties. Following are few types of additives
with their brief function.
t s
c
Stabilizers
This term is applied to those chemicals which are added to
plastics to assist in maintaining the physico-chemical proper-
ties of the polymer at suitable values throughout the process-
ing and service life of the plastic and articles made therefrom.
Examples of stabilizers are antioxidants, antiozonants, light
stabilizers, flame retardants, and anti-bacterial additives etc.
Processing Aids
A substance added to a polymer matrix to optimize the
flow behavior during processing and which shortens
the flow cycle times is termed as Processing Aids. The
Processing aids may include heat stabilizers, nucleating/
clarifying agents (e.g. 1,3:2,4-bis (3,4-dimethylbenzyli-
dene) sorbitol), plasticizers, and lubricants (e.g. polyethyl-
ene waxes, oxidized polyethylene waxes, paraffins, metal
soaps, esters, amides, fatty acids).
Plasticizers
A substance of low or even negligible volatility incorpo-
rated into polymer matrix to increase its flexibility, work-
ability, or extensibility is called Plasticizers. For example,
orthophthalate plasticizers, paraphthalate plasticizer,
phosphate plasticizer, phthalate ester are well-known
classes of plasticizers in plastic and rubber industries.
Fillers
A substance added to polymer in order to improve its
mechanical properties, thermal properties and other
125

Figure 1: FTIR spectrum of
PP and its composite with qualities is called Fillers. The Fillers are also added to re-
CaCO3. Arrows show the duce the cost of the product. Calcium carbonate, silica,
characteristic peaks. organically modified clays, graphene, carbon nanotubes
are some examples of the fillers.
Coupling Agents
These are the chemical substances that improve the
adhesion by creating chemical bonding within the
combining molecules, between the polymer matrix and
the filler. Silane coupling agents, maleic anhydride, and
isocyanates are long-familiar coupling agents in polymer
community.
Anti-statics
A chemical that prevents the accumulation of electro-
static charges on plastic products by imparting slight
electrical conductivity to plastics is called Anti-static.
The right choice of anti-static material is essential and
is the function of many factors such as polymer type,
process variables and end application. Examples of anti-
static agents are long‐chain aliphatic amines and amides,
phosphate esters, quaternary ammonium salts, polyeth-
ylene glycols, polyethylene glycol esters and ethoxylated
long‐chain amines.
Characterization of Additives
The desired properties of polymeric materials (plastics)
are not only influenced by the nature of matrix polymer
and processing but also by the chemistry of the addi-
tives and their weight percent. If the additive choice and
composition is not precisely administered as aimed, it is
most likely that the originally intended polymer proper-
ties will change. Therefore, characterization of the nature
and percent composition determination of additives is
vital for the plastic product, notably where the nature
of the additives is lacking or replacement of existing ad-
ditives is desired with better additives or to reduce the
cost of the additives.
The additives can be determined directly or indirectly
in the polymer matrix or can be characterized as a sepa-
rate substance. Following are the possible determination
methods.
Direct Determination of Additives in Plastics
Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation (FTIR), Thermal
Analysis (Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)), X- Ray
Diffraction (Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD)
and Small Angle X-ray Diffraction (SAXS)), Dynamic
Mechanical Thermal Analyzer (DMTA), Nuclear Magnetic
Resonance (NMR) and many more.
Extraction Techniques for Additives in Polymers
Solvent, Fractional Precipitation and Extraction,
Separation by Diffusion Methods, Dialysis or Electro-
dialysis etc are among those mostly applied.
Chromatographic Techniques
They include Paper, Thin layer, Liquid, Gas, and
Supercritical Fluid Chromatographic Techniques.
Some of the major advantages of the direct deter-
mination of the additives in polymer matrix are less time
consuming, small amount of sample and reproducibility.
The limitations of the direct determination methods are
that the determination of some additives is not always
possible due to the interference from other additives,
very low concentration (< 50 ppm) of the additives, mass
matrix oligomers and low relative molecular weight.
Characterization methods of additives depend on
their nature and content in the polymer matrix. Examples
of two different fillers, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and
clay are shown below. The Figure 1 shows the FTIR
spectrum, measured on Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS50
FT-IR, USA, of polypropylene (PP) and its composite with
CaCO3 while the Figure 2 shows the effect of clay on the
thermal stability, measured on TGA/DSC 3+ Star System
Mettler Toledo, Switzerland, of PP. Both of the character-
izations were performed in the Polymer & Petrochemical
Engineering Department, NED University of Engineering
& Technology laboratories.
The purpose of CaCO3 addition was to reduce the
cost and determine the nucleation effect on the crystal-
lization behavior of PP. The Figure 1 clearly shows the
incorporation of CaCO3 as is evident by the CaCO3 char-
acteristic absorbance peaks, marked with arrows, at 712
and 870 cm-1, respectively. The Figure 2 shows enhanced
thermal stability, more than 50 °C higher than the virgin
polymer, of PP by the addition of only 5% clay. In near
future, nucleation effect of the fillers, dispersion of the
fillers, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of
both the samples will be carried out in the Polymer &
Petrochemical Engineering Department Laboratories
using DSC, DMTA, and X-Ray Diffraction.
Figure 2: Effect of Clay on the thermal stability of PP of
CaCO3.
127
New Thermoset Plastics Introduced that
Meet New European Railway Standard

A
German company has developed new thermosetting
plastics that comply with the new European railway
standard DIN EN 45545-2, which addresses the fire be-
havior of the materials and components used.
The new DIN EN 45545-2 shall now regulate and
standardize the fire protection requirements on a
European level so that the interoperability in the trans-
European high-speed traffic as well as the safety of rail
passengers is being guaranteed.
Common causes of fire in trains are intentional or negligent arson as
well as malfunctions of the electric system. The possibility to exit railway
vehicles in the case of fire as safely as possible is a decisive factor of safety.
“Other requirements apply in railway vehicles than in buildings, other
plastics have to be used,” explained the company’s MD. “These fire protection
standards pose difficulties for manufacturers of material and components.”
The thermosets have been designed to the broad range of new require-
ments in rail vehicle construction with regard to their mechanical properties
and flame retardant behavior and as one of the first passed the fire protec-
tion test in conformity with CEN/TS 45545-2.
In the focus of the new material test procedures are – next to the flam-
mability and flame dispersion – in particular, the inspection of the develop-
ment of smoke gas, the density of smoke and the toxicity of the smoke.
According to the company, thermoplastics, the most commonly used
material in rail vehicle construction, will not fulfill the high standards in all
areas due to their poor mechanic and thermic properties.
To calculate the Hazard Level (HL), on which the requirements of the
classification system are oriented, the operating and construction categories
in conformity with DIN EN 45545-2 are being used. Currently, the require-
ments are being assigned in 26 tiers (R1-R26).
Depending on the range of application of the material or parts within
a construction, the form and the arrangement of the material as well as the
directly exposed area various fire protection tests and results are required.

New Automated
Solution for Improving
Extrusion Productivity

A
Swiss Group is introducing an automated expac sys-
tem, which comprises an extrex gear pump, screen
changer, automation solution, and drive unit, for
improving productivity of the extrusion process.
A 12” monitor variant is now available follow-
ing the introduction of the enhanced extrusion
controller.
The new expac system can control up to four
variable-speed drives, and can be upgraded up to a maximum of 32 heat-
ing/cooling zones (in the basic software configuration). It retains the in-
tuitive user control, screen page layout and color concept of the existing
controllers, which enables customer-specific requirements, such as page
layout, additional pages or special component control, to be met within
certain bounds.

129
Advance Applications
of Plastic Materials
P
lastics are favorable material for
their unique properties of moldabil-
ity, high specific strength, corrosion
and moisture resistance, and other
adjustable characteristics. It is a quo-
tidian material that covers almost all
the applications in packaging mar-
ket; as automobile components,
light machinery, usage in biomedical devices, electronic
devices, in adhesive, paints and coating substance and
innumerable other applications. The production of plastics Figure 2: Graphene and polymer based sensitive
has long ago surpassed steel in terms of volume in 1982. electrode.
The annual consumption of plastic all over the world is in
excess of 500 billion lb. material can recover its original shape. These kinds of
One can find polymer sand plastic everywhere from a polymers can be specifically applied in biosensors.
very simple item like shirt buttons to a very sophisticated The application of nanoparticles to plastics is the
one like heart valves which are now made of plastics. For opportunity to amplify the performance of a plastic resin
example, KAUST researchers have developed sensitive at the molecular level. This kind of precise engineering
electrodes based on graphene patterned into a polymer amendments has developed materials with characteristics
for the detection of biological molecules. There is a such as greatly enhanced flame retardancy, dent and
development of smart polymers that respond in shape, scratch resistance. There can also be an increase in
color and displacement to alterations in the environment, dimensional stability, stiffness, electrical conductivity,
such as temperature, amount of light, presence of any number of adjustable properties. Materials that are
moisture or pH. In many cases it is a non-linear reply being added to polymer based nanocomposites include
such that the shape change can be notable based on nanoclays, nanotalcs, carbon nanotubes, other minerals
a minimal stimulus. When the stimulus is removed, the and related materials.

Asra Tariq, M.S., &

Dr. Prof. Nasir M. Ahmad,
Ph.D.
Incharge Polymer Research
Laboratory
Focal Person Polymers and
Composites Research Group
SCME, NUST, Islamabad
E-mail: nasir.ahmad@scme.nust.
edu.pk
asra_nse3@scme.nust.edu.pk
Figure 1: Market share of food packaging materials. (Source: Polymers and Composites Research Group, SCME, NUST)

131
 Although the production of plastic is increasing
dramatically but it has some serious issues. This high
consumption of plastic leads the environment towards
high risks. There is a big challenge to develop efficient
polymer blends for enhanced performance. There is a need
to make a blend by recycling different kinds of plastics
wastes. In considering all these challenges researchers
developed efficient compatibilizers like PP grafted maleic
anhydride and LDPE grafted maleic anhydride. Multi
performance with improved gas barrier blended films
of PET with polyolefin were developed with the help
of these compatibilizers to be utilized for multipurpose
applications. Reactive extrusion process can be done in
single screw, twin screw extruder, batch mixer and torque
rheometer for the development of compatibilizer.
Surface functionalized polymer were used to improve
adhesion of polymer with fillers.
The plastics industry is working on resin
manufacturing and compounding, polymer processing Figure 5: Surface functionalization of polymer resin.
and metal fabrication of molds, the actual manufacturing
of plastic products and parts, blending of different current data shows some very promising breakthroughs in
polymers, and the distribution of resins and shapes. plastics technology. The pot life of any type of plastic product
Although the demand will experience downward will be high and the production stages will continue to be
or upward variations depending on the performance of shortened. To sum up all above mentioned perspective, it is
economy but the plastics are not going to disappear. The true to say that: “There is a great future in plastics.”

Figure 6: Polymer
nano composite
applications.

Figure 4: Compatibilizer development

in melt extrusion process.

132
Asia Pacific is the Next Wealth
Hotspot, Says GlobalData

T
he value of liquid assets held by the global population will
exceed US$100 trillion by the end of 2017, with frontier
and emerging economies leading the way in terms of fu-
ture growth according to analytics company GlobalData.
The company’s latest report, The Global Wealth Market in
2017, which analyzes the current dynamics of 71 wealth
markets, estimated that the global wealth market stood
at just below US$100 trillion as of December 2016, but
will surpass this mark by the end of 2017.
However, the pace of growth is forecast to slow down, recording a compound
annual growth rate (CAGR) of just above 5% over 2017 to 2021, down from
7% over the previous five-year period. With giants like China and India, Asia
Pacific will be the best-performing region with growth of over 8%, contrast-
ing with a slow performance in Europe.
Asia Pacific frontier markets are forecast to outperform emerging and mature
markets. Countries such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan lead the rankings in
terms of forecast CAGR for 2017–21, both in nominal and real terms. However
GlobalData also forecasts that inflation will continue to erode a large portion
of frontier markets’ fortunes.
GlobalData Wealth Management analyst Silvana Amparbeng commented,
“This is just one of the reasons why wealth managers should be careful when position.”
considering expanding in these markets.” Despite being small in size, the populations of Singapore and Hong Kong
“Despite being the fastest-growing they are still small in terms of aggregate remain affluent and enjoy an even distribution of wealth. Most individuals
assets. Moreover, stark wealth distribution inequalities and other local eco- in these two markets are richer than in other developed economies. By 2021
nomic factors reduce wealth managers’ opportunity further.” the average Hong Kong citizen will hold more assets than an individual in
On the other hand, Asia Pacific still hosts most of the 2016 success stories. Switzerland.
Amparbeng continued, “China is second only to the US in the global wealth Nonetheless, Asia Pacific is known to be a competitive market. According to
market rankings and is forecast to maintain this position up to 2021. GlobalData’s 2016 and 2017 Global Wealth Managers Surveys, most clients
Meanwhile India is expected to surpass France by 2021, reaching eighth in this region already work with two or more wealth managers.

Plastic Products’ Production in China Rose

5.6% in 2017 First Three Quarters

I
ndustrial added values of enterprises above designated
sizes in China rose 6.7% in the first three quarters of
2017, according to the latest figures of National Bureaus
of Statistics of China (NBSC).
Plastic products production in the first three quarters
amounted to 60.52 million tons, up 5.6% Year on Year
(YoY); volume of plastic in primary form was 64.73 mil-
lion tons, up 6% YoY; production of synthetic rubber
amounted to 4.32 million tons, grew 2.3%.
As for exports, 8.58 million tons of plastic products were shipped in the
first three quarters at a value of RMB 194.1 billon, up 12.7% and 15.2%
YoY respectively.
Imports of primary-form plastics amounted to 21.12 million tons, grew
12.9% compared with the prior year period. Import price of RMB 242.2
billion rose 23.8% YoY.

133
 Boeing Signs
Materials Supply
Agreement for
777X Program

B
oeing has signed an agreement with a leading Belgian
company to procure the supply of advanced compos-
ites and adhesives in support of the 777X airplane
production.
The company will be supplying a range of mate-
rial technologies including out-of-autoclave structural
carbon fiber epoxy prepreg, flame resistant interior phe-
nolic prepreg, lightning strike protection surfacing film
and structural bonding adhesive.
These materials will support applications across the entire 777X including
the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, the nacelle, landing gear doors, wings
and interior structures.
“Boeing is one our key strategic partners and the signature of this agree-
ment demonstrates our ability to develop material solutions that meet
Boeing’s technical, supply and cost challenges,” said the president of company’s
Composite Materials Global Business Unit.

New Lexan CXT Resins with High-Clarity

and High-Heat Properties Unveiled

S
abic has unveiled the LEXAN CXT resins, a new line of high-
clarity, high-heat, injection moldable polycarbonate copoly-
mer resins. It can offer a unique balance of high temperature
resistance, high flow and excellent color stability under ex-
treme molding conditions, together with a high refractive
index.
The potential applications of LEXAN CXT resins include
optical applications in the electronics, consumer & industrial,
and healthcare industries.
Typical products in the first two areas include lenses and small sensors that
detect visible light; in healthcare, the materials answer the call for excellent optical
quality and the ability to resist high temperatures involved, for example, when
over-molding clear face shields with silicone rubber.
Global industry trends such as miniaturization and the need to integrate more
functions into less space are driving a growing demand for the level of perfor-
mance offered by LEXAN CXT resins, according to the company. development of LEXAN™ CXT resins indicates numerous other potential benefits.
With Vicat B120 softening temperatures as high as 190°C and glass transition These potential benefits include: improvements in productivity and system costs
temperatures (Tg) of up to 195°C, LEXAN CXT resins can provide converters with through shorter cycle times; improved dimensional accuracy; fewer production
the potential to injection mold parts that can withstand demanding assembly stoppages and lower reject levels; and the potential to create components with more
processes, such as cold reflow or wave soldering onto printed circuit boards. Parts complex geometries, thinner and longer walls, and improved textural definition.
will also stand up to prolonged exposure to high service temperatures. “The launch of this new portfolio is the result of us taking heed of the current
LEXAN CXT resins, which can have a refractive index (RI) over 1.6 as well as high and future needs of our key customers in different segments and then imple-
transparency (greater than 89% in the visible and infrared spectra at a thickness of menting key innovations in resin and product technology to respond to these
1 mm), can help enable the production of very small lenses (such as those used in challenges,” said the company’s official.
mobile phones) that can be assembled onto a PCB that then goes through various The new LEXAN CXT resins will complement existing LEXAN™ polycarbonate
soldering operations. The very good thermal stability of the LEXAN CXT resins can copolymer specialty resins, which include EXL, XHT and SLX resins. These can be
help prevent deformation or discoloration. distinguished, respectively, by particularly good low-temperature impact resis-
According to the report, the feedback from customers over the course of the tance, heat resistance in clear and opaque forms, and high weatherability.

135
Hydrogels as
Drug Haulier
for
Applications
Biomedical

Nafisa Gull1, Dr. Shahzad

T
Maqsood Khan1,
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Taqi
Zahid Butt2,
Dr. Atif Islam1, Muhammad here is a clinical need for more effective and new treatment of debilitating and chronic diseases
Shafiq1, Dr. Aneela Sabir1, which cure by high potential antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs. To get potent
Sadaf Hafeez1, Saba Urooj drug right to the site of infection and inflammation, hydrogel loaded drugs are required that
Khan1, Sehrish Jabeen1 could self-assemble and deliver that particular drug directly to the infected area of the body.
1
Department of Polymer Hydrogels are receiving much attention in the past few years, as intelligent materials due to their
Engineering & Technology,
properties for biomaterials. Crosslinking in hydrogel is crucial to improve the different properties
2
College of Engineering &
Emerging Technologies,
of hydrogels like elasticity, decrease in viscosity, enhanced strength and toughness of hydrogels,
University of Punjab, Lahore etc. The novel crosslinkers help to fabricate hydrogels by blending natural and synthetic polymers.
Hydrogels are cross-linked, three-dimensional hydrophilic networks that swell but do not dissolve when brought

136
into contact with water. The hydrophilicity of the network
is due to the presence of chemical residues such as hy-
droxylic, carboxylic, amidic, primary amidic, sulphonic and
others that can be found within the polymer backbone or
as lateral chains. Hydrogels can be formulated in a variety
of physical forms, including slabs, microparticles, nanopar-
ticles, coatings, and films. Their ability to swell, under
physiological conditions, makes them an ideal material for
biomedical applications. As a result, they are commonly
used in clinical practice and experimental medicine for a
wide range of applications, including biosensors, tissue
engineering and regenerative medicine, separa-
tion of biomolecules or cells and barrier
materials to regulate biological
adhesions.
A m o n g
these applications, hy-
drogel-based drug delivery devices
have become a major area of research interest.
Hydrogels can protect drugs from hostile environments,
e.g. the presence of enzymes and low pH in the stomach.
Their porosity permits loading of drugs into the gel ma-
trix and subsequent drug release at a pre-designed rate.
Hydrogels can also control drug release by changing the
gel structure in response to environmental stimuli, such
as pH, temperature, ionic strength and electric field. They
are of special interest in controlled release applications
because of their soft tissue biocompatibility, the ease
with which the drugs are dispersed in the matrix and the
high degree of control achieved by selecting the physical
and chemical properties of the polymer network. They
consist of polymer chains cross linked to each other to
create a tangled mesh structure, providing a matrix for
the entrapment of drugs.
It is also possible to produce hydrogels containing a
significant portion of hydrophobic polymers, by blending
or copolymerizing hydrophilic and hydrophobic poly-
mers, or by producing interpenetrating networks (IPN)
or semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (s-IPN) of hy-
drophobic and hydrophilic polymers. These are actually
cross linked polymers, which can swell considerably in
aqueous medium without dissolution. Crosslinks within
polymeric hydrogels can be created either chemically or
physically. Since hydrogels are the polymers which swell
in presence of water and they entrap drug within their
pores; therefore, to impart sufficient mechanical strength
to these polymers, cross linkers are incorporated like glu-
taraldehyde, calcium chloride and oxidized konjac gluco-
mannan. These cross linkers prevent burst release of the
medicaments. The crosslinked polymer network makes
hydrogels solid like, and they can possess a wide range
of mechanical properties. For example, their stiffness can
be tunable from 0.5 kPa to 5 MPa, allowing their physical
properties to be matched with different soft tissues in
the human body.
Although hydrogels made from natural polymers
may not provide sufficient mechanical properties and
may contain pathogens or evoke immune/inflammatory
responses, they do offer several advantageous properties
such as inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and
biologically recognizable moieties that support cellular
activities. Synthetic hydrogels, on the other hand, do not
possess these inherent bioactive properties. Fortunately,
synthetic polymers usually have well-defined structures
that can be modified to yield tailorable degradability and
functionality. The physical properties of a polymer can
also be altered by introducing a second polymer that
improves the properties of the original polymer in certain
aspects, such as hydrophilicity, melting temperature, and
glass transition temperature.
They are a class of highly hydrated biomaterial,
usually produced from natural or synthetic polymers.
Polysaccharides such as alginate, dextran, and chitosan,
along with the proteins gelatin and fibrin, are exam-
ples of natural polymers that form well-studied hy-
drogels. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide
(PEO), and polyacrylic acid (PAA) are examples of
hydrogel-forming synthetic polymers. Additionally,
hydrogels can also be obtained from synthetic
peptides and polypeptides. Many hydrogels are
biocompatible and can be designed to have me-
chanical properties similar to natural tissues, and thus
have been used in a myriad of applications including
drug delivery, healing of chronic and traumatic wounds,
surface coatings for implants, encapsulation of cells for
three-dimensional cell culture, and tissue engineering,
to name a few.
Hydrogels are the polymers
which swell in presence of water
and they entrap drug within
their pores, therefore, to impart
sufficient mechanical strength
to these polymers, cross linkers
are incorporated which prevent
burst release of the medicaments.
The crosslinked polymer network
makes hydrogels solid like and
they can possess a wide range of
mechanical properties.
A research project was initiated in the Department of
Polymer Engineering & Technology to fabricate hydrogels
based on chitosan and polyvinyl pyrollidone for control
drug delivery applications. Hydrogels prepared from
chitosan and polyvinyl pyrollidone using different novel
crosslinkers showed the high swelling index in distilled
water, different buffer and electrolyte solutions. These
hydrogels also demonstrated antimicrobial behaviour
against E.coli and non-toxic and biodegradable response.
These hydrogels presented best properties at optimum
concentration of all ingredients including natural poly-
mer, synthetic polymer and crosslinker. On the basis of all
results of prepared hydrogels, these are suitable for the
release of different drugs like anti-septic, antibiotic and
pain killer which may be used through oral or injectable
administration. Hence these hydrogels are recommended
to be used as drug haulier in different biomedical applica-
tions like controlled drug delivery, targeted drug delivery,
wound healing and scaffolds.
137
 Global Passenger
New Base Polymer Car Market Grew
Developed with 2% to 84.6 Million
High Temperature Units In 2017
Resistance

A
new base polymer distinguished by sta-
ble mechanical properties at sustained
high temperatures has been developed.
The new high temperature poly-
mer VESTAMID HTplus TGP3717 can
withstand mechanical stress up to
135°C; the glass transition temperature
is 155°C. While the modulus of elasticity
of a standard product falls by approximately 80% at 120°C,
the decrease for new base polymer is only 15%.
Thanks to its high crystallinity, the company Evonik said
this new plastic material has the properties typical of the
VESTAMID HTplus product range such as very good chemical
resistance and dimensional stability and simple processing.

A
It is specially developed as a substitute for metal in classic
metal applications such as highly filled molding compounds.
The high temperature stable, semicrystalline material is based ccording to the German Association of the Automotive
on polyphthalamide (PPA). Industry (VDA), global passenger car market has
grown by 2% in 2017 to 84.6 million vehicles.
China, the largest vehicle market in the world,
is expected to rise by 2% to 24.1 million new cars.
The US light vehicle market has contracted
slightly, for the first time after seven years of growth
– by 2% to 17.2 million units.
Europe as a whole has continued to grow in 2017, increasing by 3% to
15.6 million passenger cars.
Of the top five markets in Europe – Germany, France, the UK, Italy and
Spain, only the UK has falling figures, possibly due to initial effects of Brexit,
said VDA. The German passenger car market has increased markedly this
year for the fourth time in succession. The association expects a growth of
at least 3% to 3.4 million passenger cars.
In 2017 the German automotive industry will produce around 16.4 million
passenger cars (+4%) worldwide. While production abroad has added 7% and
climbed to 10.8 million units, domestic production has fallen slightly (-2%) to
5.6 million passenger cars.
Comparatively, 10 years ago France built nearly 2.6 million cars, but only
1.8 million units were built in 2017, down by more than 30%, according to VDA;
In Italy, production has fallen by 17% (from 911,000 units to 756,000 units).
VDA predicts that the global passenger car market in 2018 will increase
by 1% to 85.7 million units. The overall European passenger car market will
maintain its level of 15.6 million units; the US market will continue to lack
dynamism in 2018, achieving sales of just over 16.8 million light vehicles.
China, on the other hand, will remain on its growth path and is expected
to grow by 2% again to 24.6 million passenger cars. Russia and Brazil will also
continue their recovery.
Meanwhile, the Indian market may well expand by 10% in 2018 to 3.6
million passenger cars and thus overtake the German passenger car market
for the first time.

139
Sino-US Plastics Machinery
Trade Tilts in Chinese Favour

E
xports of Chinese plastics processing machinery remain
strong with remarkable increase in volumes and value for
January to November, 2017 when compared to the
same period of previous year.
A total of 737,021 units of plastics m a -
chinery were exported with value
of US$1.991 billion in the
first eleven months
of 2017, according to the report of
China Plastics Machinery Industry
Association (CPMIA).
This represents an increase of 33%
and 11% YoY (Year over Year) on ex-
port volumes and export value respectively.
Meanwhile, the per unit export price was US$3,000.
Injection molding machines, extruders, blow molding machines, bridge-die-
forming machines and calendar forming machines were the major types of
machines being exported. In total, 87,813 units were exported at US$1.717 chinery industry. In November, both income from major operations and profit
billion from January to November, representing 11.91% of the total export increased more than 12% YoY.
volume and 86.23% of the export values.
As a result, China recorded a favorable balance of US$386 million in plastics 2017 Top 10 import destinations of Chinese plastics machinery:
machinery trading.
Of the 10 major export destinations of Chinese plastics machinery, the US,
India, Mexico, Bangladesh and Malaysia experienced a faster growth. In par-
ticular, 259,455 units were exported to the US through January to November,
up 79.21% when compared to previous year’s same period. The Chinese 3D
printers comprised 83.93% of the total export volumes, continuing to take
the US market by storm.

China importing pricier machine units

From January to November, China imported 19,717 units of plastics process-
ing machinery, a drop of 27% YoY. However, import values increased by 31%
to US$1.605 billion. The per unit import price was US$80,000 (US$50,000 in
previous year).
Machines from other Asian countries constituted the major portion of China’s
imports, in which 15,624 units were shipped to China at US$936 million.
They represent 79.28% and 58.09% of the total import volumes and values
respectively.
In particular, imports from Japan grew by 49.96% and 43.20% in volumes and
values compared with the same period of previous year.
Imports from Europe amounted to 2,368 units at US$592 million, representing
12.02% of the total volume and 36.73% of the total values. Germany’s import
volumes dropped 36.36%, but values were increased by 16.36%, while import
volumes from Italy grew 47.15%, but values dropped 0.65%.
There are 402 enterprises above designated size in the Chinese plastics ma-

141
Celebrating 80 Years of
Polyurethane Development
8
0 years ago, Dr. Otto Bayer discovered polyurethane
(PU) chemistry by accident, launching the success of
one of the world’s most versatile plastics.
From energy-efficient refrigerators, comfortable
upholstered furniture, safe car seats to protective coat-
ings and lightweight composites, PU played a huge role
in the modern world.
Dr. Bayer was an important figure in the de-
velopment of I.G. Farbenindustrie, which was later reestablished as
Farbenfabriken Bayer after World War II. Bayer has gradually grown into
a giant chemicals group, spinning off its MaterialScience department in
2015 now known as Covestro.
“We don’t leave anything to chance but are specifically pushing exist-
ing boundaries to make more efficient insulating materials, even lighter
materials, and even more resource-saving products possible,” said the
Global Head of the Polyurethanes segment of the company.
PU makes an important contribution to securing global food supplies:
some 95% of the world’s refrigerators are thermally insulated with rigid
polyurethane foam. New polyurethane system can even raise the insulating
performance by another 10%, meaning greater costs saving and reduced
CO2 emissions.
A method has been developed to synthesize PU components using
CO2. For the production of flexible PU foam, up to 20% of the fossil raw
materials previously used in these products have been replaced by CO2.
Together with industry partners, governments, government agen-
cies and society, new models are being developed for affordable housing
and running specific projects. An innovative technology has also been
developed for manufacturing rotor blades for wind turbines. The rotors
are fabricated in a special process from a PU resin and a fiberglass fabric.
Milestones of polyurethane developments
1937 – Otto Bayer invents polyurethane chemistry
1943 – New brands: Desmodur (isocyanates) and Desmophen
(polyols)
1952 – First flexible foam made of TDI and polyester polyols
1958 – Premium coatings made of Desmodur and Desmophen
(DD coatings)
1962 – Premiere of rigid polyurethane foam as an insulating
material in refrigerators
1967 – First car with an all-plastic body at the K 67 trade show
1970 – Metal-faced sandwich panels for building envelopes
From 1970 onwards – Introduction of Baydur polyurethane
systems for rigid integral foams
1980 – Car seats with various foam hardness levels
1990 – Viscoelastic foams open up a new dimension in comfort
1995 – Blowing agents with no HCFCs
1998 – Introduction of the Baypreg spray system for composites
2000 – Polyols for coatings and adhesives based on Impact
technology
2005 – Advances in polyurethane composites
2012 – Baytherm Microcell for insulating refrigeration systems
– CO2 technology
2016 – Market launch of cardyon
– First rotor blade made of polyurethane resin in Asia
143
 Plastics & the Environment - Decoding
the Buzzwords like ‘Degradable’ ‘Bio-
degradable’ & ‘Oxo-Biodegradable’
Dr. Mehr Nigar
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical &
Aerospace Engineering
Air University, Islamabad
Companies offering
additive-mediated
conventional plastic
materials promise
a “quick solution”
to countries that
have no or nearly no
waste management
infrastructure, but
this promise comes
with great dangers to
the environment. The
bottom line is that
Oxo-fragmentation
and biodegradation
must not be promoted
as excuse to litter!.
Introduction
Plastics have become the ubiq-
uitous material of the modern
economy due to their attractive
properties and low cost. Their use
has increased twenty times in the
past 50 years and is expected to
double again in the next 20 years.
Today nearly everyone comes into
contact with plastics – especially
plastic packaging. While delivering
many benefits, the current plastics
economy has certain drawbacks
and environmental repercussions
that are becoming more and more
difficult to ignore. Currently a total
of 95% of plastic packaging ma-
terial valued at $80–120 billion
annually is lost to the economy
after being used only once. A stag-
gering 32% of plastic packaging
escapes collection systems, gen-
erating significant economic and
environmental costs.
Among the major drawbacks
associated with plastic packag-
ing is the issue of littering, which
is now a global problem. The dura-
bility of plastics which makes them
attractive materials for packaging
is their biggest disadvantage once
they are dumped after use. Plastics
made from conventional materials
and methods can stay intact in land
or water for decades or centuries.
This litter is as ubiquitous as the
plastics packaging itself and the
repercussions of this littering to the
surrounding flora and fauna are se-
vere and cannot be ignored.
Negative Impact of Plastics Waste
Degradation of natural systems as a re-
sult of leakage, especially in the ocean:
At least 8 million tons of plastics
leak into the ocean each year–
which is equivalent to dumping
the contents of one garbage truck
into the ocean per minute. If no
action is taken, this will increase to
two trucks per minute by 2030 and
four per minute by 2050. Estimates
and expert interviews suggest that
packaging represents the major
share of this leakage. Not only is
packaging the largest application
of plastics with 26% of volumes,
its small size and low residual
value also makes it especially
prone to leakage. One indicative
data point is that plastic packag-
ing comprises more than 62% of
all items (including non-plastics)
collected in international coastal
clean-up operations.
Plastics can remain in the ocean
for centuries in their original form
and even longer as small particles.
The best research currently avail-
able estimates that there is over 150
million tons of plastic waste in the
ocean today. Without significant
action, there may be more plastic
than fish in the ocean by weight,
by 2050. Even by 2025, the ratio
of plastic to fish in the ocean is
expected to be one to three, as
plastic stocks in the ocean are
forecast to grow to 250 million
tons in 2025.
Leaked plastics can also de-
grade other natural systems, such
as forests and waterways, and
induce direct economic costs by
clogging sewers and other urban
infrastructure. The economic costs
of these impacts need further
assessment.
Figure 1: Growth in global Plastics Production 1950-2014
Degradable, Bio-Degradable & Oxo-
biodegradable Plastics in Packaging
Many innovations and improvement
efforts aimed at reducing the litter-
ing associated with plastics show
potential. However to-date most
of these efforts have proven to be
too fragmented and uncoordinated
to have impact at a large scale.
Today’s plastics economy is highly
fragmented. The lack of standards
and coordination across the value
chain has allowed the proliferation
of materials, formats, labeling, col-
lection schemes, and sorting and
reprocessing systems, which collec-
tively hamper the development of
effective markets. Other issues, such
as the fragmented development and
adoption of labeling standards, hin-
der public understanding and create
confusion.
Introduction of Bio-degradable and
Oxo-biodegradable Packaging
One such initiative is the introduc-
tion of “degradable, bio-degradable”
and “Oxo-biodegradable” plastics as
potential packaging materials to
reduce littering and environmen-
tal pollution. The manufacturers of
these “degradable” plastics tend to
claim that these plastics will break
down into smaller fragments on
145

Figure 2: Plastics packaging material value loss after 1 use cycle
their own once dumped. They liken
their degradation to decomposition
of organic waste; e.g. paper, veg-
etable and fruit peels etc. If a close
look is taken, it will be observed
that terms such as “degradable”,
“biodegradable”, “Oxo-degradable”,
“Oxo-biodegradable” are used to
promote products made with tra-
ditional plastics supplemented with
specific additives.
Products made with this tech-
nology that are available in the mar-
ket include film applications such as
shopping bags, trash can liners, ag-
ricultural mulch films, landfill daily
The misconception that covers and most recently certain
oxo-biodegradable plastic bottles and food trays. As
is safe for the many companies try to adopt these
environment is leading products in an attempt to reduce
their carbon-footprint, there are seri-
many businesses
ous concerns amongst many plastics,
to promote these
composting and waste management
products, which in experts that these products do not
turn would lead to meet their claimed environmental
increased littering. The promises. In fact the truth is that
industry, government most people even in the plastics in-
and academia dustry do not have complete clarity
over the terminology that is being
should collaborate
used. An attempt will be made here
and try to come
to shed light on some of the pros
up with strategies and cons of introduction of such
for proper disposal plastics as packaging materials.
and management
of plastics waste in Degradable Additives
Pakistan. Terms such as “degradable,” “Oxo-
degradable,” “Oxo-biodegradable,”
“Oxo-green” and “landfill degradable”
are often used to promote products
made with traditional plastics sup-
plemented with specific degradable
additives. The “degradable additives”
are typically incorporated in conven-
tional plastics such as polyethylene
(PE), polypropylene(PP), polystyrene
(PS), polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
during the converting process from
polymer pellets to final products.
Addition rates vary by type of de-
gradable additive and planned use
but are typically below 5%.
These additives are generally
based on chemical catalysts contain-
ing transition metals such as Cobalt,
Manganese, Iron, etc. or organic ma-
terials, which can cause fragmenta-
tion as a result of a chemical oxidation
of the plastics’ polymer chains trig-
gered by ultraviolet irradiation or heat
exposure, or direct biodegradation
of the organic additive. In a second
phase, the resulting fragments are
claimed to eventually undergo bio-
degradation. While in theory a very
slow biodegradation process can take
place, however the absence of light
and oxygen as well as the presence
of moisture or very low temperatures
severely retard the process, resulting
in a very slow or absent chemical pro-
cess. Their affect is similar to putting
water on a fire. In addition to addi-
tives that trigger the fragmentation
process, the “degradable additives”
include stabilizers, which are added
to limit the unwanted fragmenta-
tion of the polymer chains while the
plastic is progressing along the value
chain from production to warehous-
ing to end use. For this reason, differ-
ent storage conditions are required
in order to prevent premature aging
and loss of mechanical properties
for plastics containing “degradable
additives.” To an average consumer
the above mentioned terms sug-
gest that the products can undergo
rapid degradation and biodegrada-
tion under many different end-of-life
conditions. However, the main effect
of oxidation is fragmentation (break-
ing down into very small fragments)
into small particles, which remain in
the environment for an indefinite
amount of time and they cannot be
absorbed by the soil like plant based
organic matter.
Misleading Claims
The SPI (Society of Plastics Industry)
Bio plastics Division considers the
use of terms without reference to
existing acceptable standard speci-
fications misleading that are not re-
producible and verifiable. Also, since
no peer reviewed/published data
has been released publicly relating
to mineralization rates that support
the claims of complete biodegrada-
tion for these additive technologies,
the term “Oxo-biodegradable,” and
more specifically biodegradation in
general, lacks meaning and is not
supported by any recognized indus-
try certifications or third-party peer
reviewed scientific data.
In addition, the term “biodegrad-
able” by itself is no more informa-
tive than when the adjective “tasty”
is used to advertise food products.
The term “Oxo-biodegradable” is an
appealing marketing term that is
very misleading because the “bio-
degradation” part of the adjective
cannot be verified in the absence of
standard specifications (i.e., an ex-
plicit set of requirements with well
defined pass/fail criteria to be satis-
fied by a product).
All of these multi-varied claims by
additive manufacturers have created
so much confusion that in 2012 the
U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC),
which is an organization committed to
curbing consumer fraud by deceptive/
unfair marketing, issued its revised
Guides for the Use of Environmental
Marketing Claims, also known as
the “Green Guides”. The Guides’ sec-
tion on “degradable claims” which
the FTC notes is applicable to Oxo-
degradables, Oxo-biodegradables
and similar claims states that:
(a) marketers may make an
unqualified degradable claim only
if they can provide that the “entire
product or package will completely
break down and return to nature
within a reasonably short period of
time (defined as within one year)
after customary disposal and (b)
“unqualified degradable claims for
items that are customarily disposed
in landfills, incinerators and recycling
facilities are deceptive because these
locations do not present conditions
in which complete decomposi-
tion will occur within one year.” In
October 2013 an article was re-
leased stating, “FTC Cracks Down
on Misleading and Unsubstantiated
Environmental Marketing Claims.”
Additionally, the U.S. National
Advertising Division (NAD) of the
Council of Better Business Bureaus
has recommended that advertisers
discontinue claims such as “100%
Oxo-biodegradable or degradable”
because such statements incorrectly
147

1 Headquarters of the global top 20 FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) companies (measured
by 2014 global net sales)
2 Headquarters of the top 20 plastics and resin manufacturers (measured by 2015 global capacity)
3 Production of plastics material volumes (excluding thermoplastics and polyurethanes)
4 Source of plastics leaked into the oceans (proportion of the total global leakage measured in
million tonnes of plastic marine debris leaked per year)
Source: PlasticsEurope, Plastics - the Facts 2015 (2015); Statista; ICIS Supply and Demand; J.R.
Jambeck et al., Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean (Science, 13 February 2015).
Figure 3: Distribution of Plastics Headquarters; Production & Leakage
suggest that a plastic will quickly or
completely biodegrade with the help
of these additives. In fact, the NAD
and FTC have taken action against
companies using the additive tech-
nology for “Oxo-biodegradables” and
using the word “biodegradable” for
marketing purposes for making false
and unsubstantiated claims.
Other organizations such as the
Bio-degradable Products Institute
(BPI) have tested bottles and
bags,containing degradable addi-
tives, to confirm claims made about
the biodegradability of the prod-
uct. In the case of the bottles that
were tested using relevant ASTM
standards, BPI noted that “after 60
days, the bottle achieved an overall
biodegradation total of only 4.47%
, moreover the results of this test
During the amendment cannot be extrapolated to claim
process of the EU that the bottle will fully biodegrade
in the future.” Similarly, in the case
Directive on Packaging
of the bags that were tested using
and Packaging Waste
the appropriate ASTM standard, BPI
at the end of 2014 / noted that “after 60 days, the bags
beginning of 2015, achieved an overall biodegradation
“Oxo-degradable” total of 0.16% or less.”
plastics were nearly Fragmentation of “degradable
banned in Europe. In additives” for plastics is not the re-
sult of a biodegradation process
summer 2015, the
but rather the result of a chemical
French government reaction. The resulting fragments
positioned itself as will remain in the environment.
a pioneer in this Fragmentation is not a solution to
discussion by banning the waste problem, but rather the
“Oxo-degradable” conversion of visible contaminants
plastics as of 2017. (such as bags, cutlery, other food
packaging) into invisible contami-
nants (plastic fragments). This is
generally not considered a feasible
solution to plastic waste, as the
behavioral problem of pollution by
discarding waste in the environ-
ment could be even stimulated
by these kinds of product claims.
Furthermore, while plastic products
can be collected once in the envi-
ronment, plastic fragments at very
small levels are impossible to collect
or control.
An Answer to Littering or its
Promotion?
“Degradable additives” for plastic
products have been described as
a solution to littering problems
whereby they supposedly frag-
ment in the natural environment.
In fact, such a concept risks increas-
ing littering instead of reducingit.
The United Nations Environment
Program (UNEP) stresses that litter-
ing is a behavioral problem and must
be resolved by raising environmental
awareness and by the establishment
of appropriate waste management
systems.“Degradable additives” for
plastics are not specified as a solu-
tion by UNEP. Long standing efforts
for the prevention of littering could
actually be damaged by giving users
of plastic items the impression that
those items might vanish harmlessly
if discarded into the environment. In
fact, even food waste littering can be
cited in many states and fined, even
though the food waste is completely
biodegradable.
Conclusion
Additive-induced break-down of
plastics increases the problem of
micro plastics in the environment.
Additive-mediated conventional
plastic products such as “Oxo-
degradable” plastics have been
promoted as a solution to the prob-
lems of littering and micro plastics
whereby they supposedly biode-
grade in the natural environment.
In fact, such a concept risks increas-
ing littering instead of reducing it
and leaves tiny fragments in the
environment and worsens the prob-
lem of micro plastics even further.
Companies offering additive-medi-
ated conventional plastic materials
promise a “quick solution” to coun-
tries that have no or nearly no waste
management infrastructure, but this
promise comes with great dangers
to the environment. The bottom line
is that Oxo-fragmentation and bio-
degradation must not be promoted
as excuse to litter!
The United Nations Environment
Program (UNEP) stresses that litterin-
gis a problem of irresponsible behav-
iors and must be resolved by raising
environmental awareness and by the
establishment of appropriate waste-
management systems. Neither bio-
degradation nor additive-mediated
fragmentation should be used as an
excuse to carelessly discard plastics
in the environment. European Bio
plastics advocates a more respon-
sible communication about suitable
waste management options for spe-
cific products and materials.
European Bio plastics strongly
supports legislative proposals to
enforce responsible (marketing)
claims concerning the end-of-life
of products and materials. During
the amendment process of the
EU Directive on Packaging and
Packaging Waste at the end of
2014 / beginning of 2015, “Oxo-
degradable” plastics were nearly
banned in Europe. In summer 2015,
the French government positioned
itself as a pioneer in this discussion
by banning “Oxo-degradable” plas-
tics as of 2017.
Pakistan is one of the fastest
growing consumer markets for
plastics packaging of all kinds. In
2013 legislation was passed that
all manufacturers switch to Oxo-
biodegradable plastics. Many big
companies have embraced this
switch in order to improve the
problem of littering. However, this
approach needs rethinking. The mis-
conception that oxo-biodegradable
is safe for the environment is leading
many businesses to promote these
products, which in turn would lead
to increased littering. We instead,
should be working on effective
waste management, reduction and
recycling strategies. The industry,
government and academia should
collaborate and try to come up
with strategies for proper disposal
and management of plastics waste
in Pakistan.
References:
1. “The New Plastics Economy
Rethinking the future of plastics”;
World Economic Forum; Jan 2016.
2. “Position Paper on Degradable
Additives”; Society of Plastics
Industry (SPI); Feb 2016.
3. “Oxo-biodegradable Plastics
and O ther Plastics With
AdditivesForDegradation”,
European Bio plastics,
October 2015.
149
New Hydrolysis-Resistant PBT Grades Launched
as Alternative to High Performance Polymers

A
leading Dutch company is
adding hydrolysis-resistant
grades of polybutylene
terephthalate (PBT) to its
family of thermoplastic
polyesters.
The new ‘HR’ grades
come in response to in-
creasing calls in the automotive market for mate-
rials that resist hot and humid environments, for
applications that do not necessarily require the
outstanding performance of high temperature
polyamides.
“Our customers are telling us
that with continuous-use and
peak temperatures around the
engine continuing to rise, materials
currently in use including stan-
dard PBT are no longer good
enough for the job in some
applications,” said a high official
from company’s Automotive
Electronics. “Many Tiers see HR
PBT as a bridge between these
materials and more expensive specialty solutions.”
He also points out that PBT scores over stan-
dard polyamides (PA) for automotive electronic
applications because it does not require the use
of heat stabilizers (some of which are the source
of corrosion problems on metal contacts) and be-
cause its lower moisture absorption leads to higher
dimensional stability.
The new grades features their higher reten-
tion of mechanical properties after USCAR Class
3, 4, and 5 temperature/humidity profile exposure
and “85/85” cycles (85°C/85% relative humidity) of
up to 3,000 hours.
The official also notes that performance at
150°C is exceptional. “Our grades will outperform
virtually all the competition in terms of flow, speed
of crystallization – which translates into production
cycle time – and mechanical property retention
over the lifetime of the vehicle.”
The company said the new grades have been
engineered in anticipation of more robust test-
ing and validation standards as the trend towards
electric-powered and autonomous road vehicles
picks up.

Spoon-in-the-Lid Solution
Introduced for Dairy Products

A
new solution is designed for consumers
who eat on-the-go, with the foldable
polypropylene (PP) spoon simple to ac-
cess, assemble and use. The APET lid fea-
tures a fine polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) seal that is easy to tear off. As such,
it represents a significant improvement
over similar lids which are sealed with
aluminum foil, and thus oblige the user to find the spoon with
which to eat the product.
“We have created a lid with a two-piece spoon which matches
the widespread and popular small diameter typically used for a pot
of yoghurt or a chocolate mousse,” explained the Product Portfolio
Manager of the company. “In fact, it is a new option from us.”
Due to the intuitive nature of the seal, there is no need for
instructions, meaning it can be fully exploited for branding mes-
sages with a choice of six colors. In addition, the lid can be specified in any transparent color, giving customers a wide range of design possibilities where the
pot, lid and seal complement each other to create an attractive presence for maximum on-shelf impact.
As well as providing a good-looking alternative to more conventional pots, the lid height of the container has been kept down, creating logistical benefits
and reducing the amount of virgin material. The pot stacks well both filled and empty, and is also available with a diameter of 95mm.
A further option is a combined solution that features both the spoon and topping in the lid – ideal for muesli, for example. This ensures a high level of
hygiene, with the spoon kept separate from the topping.
“We are introducing this spoon-in-the-lid solution so that our customers have the potential to make their products stand out in refrigerated display coun-
ters,” he concluded. “And, as we all know, getting attention is step one for increased sales.”

151
 Plastic Mulches
Pakistan
in

Dr. Yasir Qayyum Gill,
Assistant Professor
Hira Ehsan,
Postgraduate Student, &
Ahmed Shakeel, Omer Khalid,
Undergraduate Students,
Deptt of Polymer and Process
Engineering,
University of Engineering and
Technology, Lahore
Email: yqgill@uet.edu.pk
Abstract
With the rapid increase in population throughout the
world, the demand of crops for fulfillment of food re-
quirements have tremendously been increased. This
requires increased production and protection of food
crops to meet the required needs. Mulches is one of best
methods that not only increase the production of crops
but also protect them from other factors that affect crops
quality and production. Different types of mulches are
available but plastic mulches are most widely utilized
worldwide. Plastic mulches consists a high water resistant
thick or thin layer of material that widely spreads on ag-
ricultural land to prevent the evaporation of water from
soil. Plastic mulches prevent the soil erosion and provide
barrier to soil bacteria. They have excellent weed control
and can be used for a long time. They can be applied
manually but are often applied by machines.
Introduction
Mulch is a material usually spread on the surface of
ground in order to protect plant or plant roots from low
temperature, accidental injury and moisture loss either by
wind or by evaporation in case of extreme temperatures
[1]. Mulching materials can be classified into three main
classes: organic materials that include plant products, ani-
mal wastes etc; inorganic materials i.e. the synthetic ma-
terials; special materials e.g. sand-grave, concrete etc [2].
Plastic mulches are inorganic mulches classified on
the basis of color and mode of extrusion i.e. either blown,
cast or both. These plastic mulches are completely water
resistant and improve the texture of soil by preventing
loss of water by evaporation, preventing soil erosion and
provide barrier. They possess good soil heat retention
and have relatively long life of about 2 or more years. For
better crop production colored plastic mulching is usually
preferred. Selection of color depends on the type of crop
and the environment it needs. Common colors include
white, black, clear, grey etc. These plastic mulches can be
applied manually but are often applied by machines by
making holes to allow the plants to grow through. They
are used for small fruits and vegetable crops [3].
Mulch Installation
Synthetic Mulches
Most widely used plastic mulch is black polyethylene
film. Mulches of such type are simply laid down on seed
bed before transplantation of seed in soil. Seed is then
transplanted in soil through the holes or slits that have
been cut into mulch as shown below. These mulches
block weed emergence, promote soil warming and early
growth of crops. According to National organic program
final rule, these synthetic mulches must be removed from
the fields at the end of growing season [4].
Figure 1: Installation of Synthetic mulches.

153

Figure 2: Installation of Organic
mulches.
Some factors must be
kept in mind before
installation of plastic
mulches. The type of
plastic mulch which
is to be used depends
upon nature of climate,
soil, water quality
etc. For example,
perforated mulch
should be used in rainy
season, thicker mulch
is used for orchards
and plantation, black
mulches are preferred
in case of weed control
or sandy soil, white
film is suitable in
summer for cropped
land while silver
colored film is used
where pesticides are
to be repelled.
154
Organic Mulches
Organic mulches include hay, straws, leaves, chipped
brushes etc. They are usually used when crop is fully
established and soil has achieved its near optimum
temperature. These mulches generally lower the soil tem-
perature and conserve the moisture of soil by reducing
the rate of evaporation. Unlike synthetic mulches these
organic mulches are left in fields after harvesting [4].
A lot of knowledge is required for installing plastic
mulching. Some factors must be kept in mind before
installation of plastic mulches. The type of plastic mulch
which is to be used depends upon nature of climate,
soil, water quality etc. For example, perforated mulch
should be used in rainy season, thicker mulch is used
for orchards and plantation, black mulches are preferred
in case of weed control or sandy soil, white film is suitable
in summer for cropped land while silver colored film is
used where pesticides are to be repelled [5].
Utilization of Mulches in Pakistan
Figure 3: Worldwide production of mulches.
As evident from the above discussion mulches can be
used in areas where there is insufficient water for irriga-
tion, rate of evaporation is high (especially in summer
cultivated crops), for plant type crops like carrot, straw-
berry, tomato etc. A number of polymeric mulches are
already commercially available worldwide and a number
of new polymeric mulches which are also biodegradable
are being developed through research. Listed under Table
1 [6] are most of the commercially available and under
research polymeric mulches.
Table: 1 Polymeric mulch materials commercially
available and currently under research [6].
Types of Plastic Mulch CA or UR Biodegradable
LDPE CA No
LLDPE CA No
EVA CA No
EBA CA No
Blends of LDPE or LLDPE CA No
with EVA
PBAT UR Yes
PLA UR Yes
PHB copolymers UR Yes
Copolymer of PCL and starch UR Yes
Starch based polymer UR Yes
Vegetable oil coated kraft paper UR Yes
CA commercially available, UR under research, LDPE:
low-density polyethylene, LLDPE: linear low-density
polyethylene, EVA: ethylene vinyl acetate, EBA: ethyl-
ene butyl acrylate, PLA: poly(lactide) or poly(lactic acid),
PBAT: poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), PHB:
poly(hydroxylbutyrate), PCL: poly( -caprolactone)
In Pakistan, the sites near Bhalwal, Hafizabad, Pakpatan,
Kot Sumbanwala, Bawalpur and Tando Ghulam Ali can be
used for installation of mulches in fields. These areas are
water deficient as source of water in these areas is only
ground or canal water supply. The site of coastal areas of
Murad Ali Barohi, Thatta, Sawat and Baluchistan plateau
near Quetta; the rainfed areas like Gujar Khan, Kotli can be
selected as ones where utilization of mulches can be expe-
rienced. Jhang, Chiniot and Multan belt can be selected as
best sites for utilization of mulches as they are flood affected
areas. Vehari, Sahiwal and Okara can also be selected for
mulches utilization as these fields are highly fertile and any
kind of crop can be cultivated in such areas. Mulches are
least practiced in Pakistan mainly due to little knowledge on
water saving and productivity. Lack of technical background
among conventional farmers also is a huge hurdle in adopt-
ing such practices of mulches. Cheap and easy availability
of river water is nature’s precious blessing which should be
utilized to increase the quality and quantity of crops by em-
bracing latest facilities. However, lack of awareness keeps the
farmer complacent who, consequently, does not feel excited
about the idea of experimenting with innovative practices
for enhanced productivity. [7]
Conclusions
Because of serious shortfall of river water in Pakistan as
reported 11% in 2004 and expected to be 31% in 2025, it
is the need of hour to implement such measures in order
to fulfill the basic requirements of people. Moreover,
more storage reservoirs are required to overcome this
deficiency of water. Installation of mulches in suitable
areas should be made possible to get improved yield at
low possible cost.
References
1. V.A.Clarkson, W. (1957). Plastic mulches for horicul-
tural crops. Oregon State College.
2. Kader, M. A., Senge, M., Mojid, M. A. & Ito, K. Soil &
Tillage Research on Recent advances in mulching
materials and methods for modifying soil environ-
ment. Soil Tillage Res.168, 155–166 (2017)
3. Tiffany Maughan, D. D. (2016). Use of Plastic Mulch
for Vegetable Production. Utah: Utah State University.
4. Schonbeck, D. M. (2015). Mulching for Weed Management
in Organic Vegetable Production. Extensions
5. https://www.sswm.info/content/mulching
6. Kasirajan, S. & Ngouajio, M. Agron. Sustain. Dev.
(2012) 32: 501.
7: http://www.pcrwr.gov.pk/Publications/Water
Management/Pre-Development Socio-Economic
Report of the, Participating National Integrated Water
Management Programme.pdf
European Biocomposite US Plastics
Production Reached Machinery Shipments
410,000 Tons in 2017 Jumped 20%

U
S shipments of primary plastics machinery
posted a strong Year on Year (YoY) increase
in third quarter of 2017, according to statis-
tics compiled and reported by the Plastics
Industry Association’s (PLASTICS) Committee
on Equipment Statistics (CES).
This marked the second consecutive quar-
terly YoY increase in this data.
The preliminary estimate for shipments of primary plastics equip-
ment (injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding equipment)
for reporting companies totaled US$350.8 million in the third quarter.
This was 20.4% higher than the total of US$291.3 million in Q3 of 2016,
and it was 4.0% stronger than the revised US$337.2 million from Q2 of
2017. This YoY gain in Q2 followed a revised 6.5% YoY increase in the
quarterly total from Q2.
“After hitting a plateau in the second half of 2016, the upward trend
in the shipments data for plastics equipment re-emerged in the third
quarter of 2017. Quarterly gains of 20% will not be sustained going
forward, but the plastics industry is entering the New Year with more
momentum than it did a year ago. I still expect the underlying eco-
nomic fundamentals in the US to push higher, and global demand
will also improve in 2018,” said Bill Wood of Mountaintop Economics
& Research, Inc.
The shipments value of injection molding machinery increased 21%
in Q3 when compared with last year. The shipments value of single-
screw extruders declined by 2%. The shipments value of twin-screw
extruders (which includes both co-rotating and counter-rotating ma-
chines) jumped 61%. The shipments value of blow molding machines
was not reported in Q3.
Demand for auxiliary equipment also appeared to be strong in the
third quarter according to the latest estimate for total bookings. Actual
comparisons in this year’s quarterly auxiliary data to last
year’s quarterly totals are unavailable due to a change
in the number of reporting companies.
The CES also conducts a quarterly survey of
plastics machinery suppliers that asks about their

T
future expectations. According to the Q3 survey,
87% of respondents expect market conditions to
either hold steady or get better during the next year.
he biocomposite production in Europe is estimated to amount This is up slightly from 86% in Q2.
to 410,000 tons in 2017, according to nova-Institute. Global market conditions in the coming year are
Over 30 compound companies produce and trade 80,000 expected to come in steady-to-better. This is a bit
tons of granulate with wood and natural fibers in Europe. In more optimistic than the outlook in
addition to the common petrochemical plastics PE, PP, TPE Q2. Expectations for North America
and PVC, biopolymers such as Bio-PE, PLA, PBS, PBAT or PHA improved slightly. Expectations for
are utilized. Latin America and Europe were lit-
Depending on the target application, wood flour, wood tle changed. Expectations
fibers, cellulose fibers, bast fibers such as hemp, flax, jute or kenaf, but also bamboo, for Mexico declined,
cork or the fibers of the sunflower seed shells are used. but there was a big
The overall annual growth rate of the European biocomposite production is increase in positive
about 3% which is roughly in line with the average growth of the plastics market. sentiment for Asia
Much higher growth rates of up to 30% have been identified in various in- in the com-
novative application fields of biocomposites. These application fields range from ing year.
technical applications over furniture to consumer goods that are produced mainly
with injection molding, 3D and other production methods like roto molding.
Furthermore, in the area of traded granulates the overall growth rate has also
been substantially higher as the average (15%).

155
Award-Winning Multi-Chamber Blister System Ensures
Safe Medicine and Vaccine Packaging without Cold Chain

M
edicines and vaccines with unstable and mois- and Development said the system represents a new way to transport vac-
ture-sensitive ingredients can now be trans- cines or sensitive APIs.
ported in one pack, safely and without cool “Products can now be transported to even the most remote locations,
storage, thanks to a solution developed by which increases convenience and improves patient safety,” he said. “The so-
Amcor and Rohrer-Leading Solutions. lution laminates on the bottom and lid foil has special sealing properties
The Multi-Chamber Blister System is a phar- with both a tight seal and easy peel seal. This allows the components to be
maceutical blister that incorporates Amcor’s combined accurately, providing “on-the-spot mixing.”
SafeMix cold form laminate. One chamber can Another official described how his company has brought this innova-
be filled with a dry powder incorporat- tion successfully to market through a combination of different capabilities.
ing an active ingredient, and the other “It was important that we mastered the blister sealing process using this
with a liquid. A frangible seal, once solution to enable frangible, but still tight seals. Even more important was
peeled, opens a channel be- a unique, cost-efficient, in-line sterilization process to enable this tech-
tween the chambers and the nology to be used in sterile applications, where the API would
components are mixed by push- not survive a later sterilization procedure,” he said.
ing on the cavities. The Multi-Chamber Blister System has been
The pack enhances granted a 2018 WorldStar award from the
drug stability and simplifies World Packaging Organization,
the supply chain by eliminat- having already won an
ing cool storage and glass containers. Alufoil Trophy from the
SafeMix can also be used for diagnostics in European Aluminium Foil
situations where a complex laboratory environ- Association in the Technical
ment cannot be set up. Innovation category ear-
A senior Director of the company responsible for Research lier in 2017.

157
Sustainability in
Plastic Industry
W
hile most people un- ponents in complex shapes.
derstand sustainability • This significantly reduces costs associated with as-
only in terms of finan- sembly and the use of fixtures.
cial aspect, in order for
a product to be truly Plastics products also provide whole life cost savings
sustainable it must be • Reduced fuel use in transit due to their lightweight.
sustainable environmen- • Reduced maintenance requirements, for example PVC
tally, socially and eco- windows do not require painting.
nomically. These aspects have become known as the • Reduced energy requirement for heating when plas-
Three Pillars of Sustainability. Plastics make a positive tics insulation is used.
contribution to all three pillars of sustainability. • Reduced food and consumer goods wastage due
to the unparalleled protective properties of plastics
packaging.
• The plastics industry is a leader in research & develop-
Environmental
ment, and innovation.
A viable natural
environment
Plastics materials and applications are constantly
developed and improved
Sustainable
Sustainable
natural and built economic
• Significant industrial research and development is
environment development supported by a University infrastructure of polymer
Sustainable
or polymer engineering departments.
development

Completing the final pillar of sustainability, plastics

Social
Economic
Nurturing Equitable Sufficient
community social
environment
economy
Plastics make an immense contribution to the en-
vironmental sustainability through their energy saving
potential and intrinsic recyclability and energy recovery
options. Economically plastics play an important role in
our economy. Socially the plastics industry is a significant
and inclusive employer with an attention to training and
education.
Plastics have a very good environmental profile. Only
4% of the world’s oil production is used for plastics and
much less energy is used to produce it compared to other
materials. Plastics are durable yet lightweight and thus
save weight in cars, aircraft, packaging and pipework.
When plastics have completed their use phase,
whether as a car bumper or a bottle, they can either be
recycled or if this is not economic or environmentally
beneficial the calorific value of the plastic can be recov-
ered through energy from waste incineration to provide
a much source of home-grown power. As a consequence
plastics can be viewed as ‘borrowing’ the oil.
Mr. Moazzam Rasheed From an economic aspect, Plastics also have a role to
C.E.O play at a micro-economic level
Bin Rasheed Group • Plastics products are very cost effective to produce
and provide the ability to make single moulded com-
are also socially sustainable
• Pakistan’s plastics industry is socially inclusive and
offers a wide range of worthwhile careers with con-
siderable room for career development, progression
and training. The industry is very attentive to training.
• Plastics companies are geographically widely dis-
tributed across Pakistan and provide jobs to some
thousands of engineers and skilled professionals.
Plastics provide unparalleled benefits as a packaging
material. This is because plastics are lightweight, resource
efficient and offer excellent barrier properties. Due to
these properties packaging items in plastics significantly
reduce waste and saves energy.
Plastics packaging reduces waste
On average, ten times more energy goes into the produc-
tion of the food or goods packaging contains than the
packaging itself.
A cucumber loses moisture quickly and would be un-
sellable within 3 days were it not protected by 1.5 grams
of plastic.
Plastics packaging is lightweight and resource
efficient.
If plastics were not used in packaging and other ma-
terials were used instead, then waste and energy con-
sumption would double, and weight and costs would
quadruple.
Plastics packaging has an excellent record of inno-
vation and lightweighting. Between 1991 and 2000 the
average weight of plastics film (g/m2) decreased by 36%
whilst the average weight or bottles and containers de-
creased by 21%.

159
 Plastics have a huge role to play in
sustainable construction, whether
it be PVC windows, plastic
foam insulation or plas-
tic water pipes.
Plastics
pipes
is made from three plastic composite sections. This
serves to reduce fuel burn by as much as 20%.
However, it is also important to realize the ob-
stacles in the sustainability of plastic as a whole.
Some of the major obstacles in this sustainability are:
• Inability to reach export markets
• Relatively small regional markets for recycled
products
• High cost of input material
• Compliance costs
• Limited research & development
• Slow pace of techno-
logical upgradation

use
less en-
ergy to produce
than concrete or iron
and being lightweight
they save on transport costs and
emissions in the building industry.
Furthermore, the replacement of Victorian
pipes in London with new plastic pipes reduces
leaks and saves significant amounts of water with
consequent savings in the energy required to process
and pump the water.
Plastics have a number of inherent properties
which make them an ideal material for modern trans-
port systems. Plastics are lightweight, corrosion free
and easily moulded into complex shapes without the
need for assembly or fastening systems.
The average new car in 1984 contained 8.5%
plastics by weight. A similar car today contains around
11%. The increased use of plastics reduces the weight
of vehicles and consequently emissions. The weight
The average new car in
reductions brought about through the increased use 1984 contained 8.5%
of plastics have also offset the extra weight brought plastics by weight. A
about by improved safety features such as airbags. similar car today contains
Using 100 kg of plastics in a car can replace be- around 11%. The increased use
tween 200 - 300 kg of traditional materials. Over the of plastics reduces the weight
average lifespan of a vehicle every 100kg of plastics of vehicles and consequently
will reduce fuel consumption of the vehicle by 750 litre.
Some 22% of the Airbus A380 (the world’s largest emissions. The weight
commercial aircraft) is built from carbon reinforced reductions have also offset the
plastics. This helps to reduce the fuel burn to a rate extra weight brought about by
comparable to that of economical family car. improved safety features such
The fuselage of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner as airbags.

161
 PPMA Members List 2017-18

A.B.S. PLASTIC 021-32270704, 32276850 info@absholding.biz

ABDULLAH ENTERPRISES +9221-3634217 – 36344471 abdullahenterprise@gmail.com
ABDUL QADIR & CO 042-37357225 qaziaamir@hotmail.com
A.C.C. POLYMERS 042-37378143-4 ahsan@accpolymers.com
ADAMJEE DURABUILT PVT LTD. +9221-32423298 – 32460856 - 32460838-9 info@adamjeedurabuilt.com
AFTAB SONS WRITING INSTRUMENTS INDUSTRIES +9242-36292601-3 36361061 kaa@asignaturepen.com
AGAR INTERNATIONAL 021-32415412 -14 aagar192@gmail.com
AGHA PLASTICS 042-37729612 & 37725393 aghaplast@gmail.com
AHMED PLASTICRAFTS (PVT) LTD 021-32560312-3 info@ahmedplasticrafts.com
AHN SYNTHETIC (PVT) LTD 042-35403591-2 cafahn@yahoo.com
AHR INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 042-35143133 info@ahr-industries.com
A.H.Y. PLASTIC INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 042-35271033-5 ahyplastic@hotmail.com
AL HAMD PLASTIC WORKS 021-36687615 alhamdplasticworks@hotmail.com
AL-HUDA MULTIPURPOSE (PVT) LTD +9221-32551445-6 Ext. 801-811 alhodapp@cyber.net.pk
AL-HUDA PLASTICS +9221-36999137, 36997102 galaxy.noman@gmail.com
AL-HILAL PACKAGING (PVT) LTD 021-32440706 alhilal@khi.comsats.net.pk
AL-KHAIR HMD INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-35055395 - 35069061 alkhair@alkhair.com.pk
ALEENA PLASTICO 042-37150236-7 aleenaplastico@gmail.com
ALKA (PVT) LTD 021-32587602-11 uzair.ahmad@alkachemicals.com
AL-MUNAWAR PVC IND. (PVT) LTD 042-35914084 almunawar@live.com
ALPHA CONTAINER INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD. 021-32561536-8 info@alphacontainer.com.pk
AL-SAEED ENTERPRISES 021-32586000-2 zafarpolyset@gmail.com
Al-SAEED INTERNATIONAL 0321-8471383 cmalsaeed@hotmail.com
ANA & BATLA INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-35012363-4 anabatlaindustries@gmail.com
ANA INTERNATIONAL 021-35053605-6 business@cyber.net.pk
APP (PVT) LTD 021-32593591 amerchant@advancedpack.com.pk
ASIA VINYL & RUBBER INDUSTRY 042-37591576-7 asia.vinyl@yahoo.com
ASTRO PLASTICS (PVT) LTD 021-34311172-5 info@astrofilms.com.pk
A.T.M. INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-35033155 info@atmpk.com
ALSONS AUTO PARTS (PVT) LTD 021-34723622-4 aap@alsonsgroup.com
ARFEEN INTERNATIONAL (PVT) LTD 021-111-273-336 humayunsabir@arfeengroup.com
ARRAX ENTERPRISES 021-35033318, 35040723 arrax@cyber.net.pk
BELTA 042-37928600 waheed@belta.co
BHANJI VELJI KARACHI CO 021-37065598 arm_bv@hotmail.com
BIN RASHEED (PVT.) LTD 111-100-000 service@binrasheed.com
BLOW PLAST (PVT) LTD 021-32562353 blowplast@ymail.com
BOMBAL PLASTIC INDUSTRIES +9221-32563767 – 32563821 bombalplastic@gmail.com
BRITE TRADING AGENCY 021-32007090 info@bta.com.pk
BROTHERS INDUSTRIES +9221-35065590 – 35066699 saleemuddin_dux@hotmail.com
BUSINESS SYSTEM 021-32466931 inquiry@bspkworld.com

163
 PPMA Members List 2017-18

CARVAN PLASTIC INDUSTRY (PVT) LTD 042-37902829 carvanpackages@hotmail.com

CBM PLASTICS (PVT) LTD +9221-32571884 – 32561651 info@cbmplastics.com
CHEMCENTRE INTERNATIONAL 021-32213917--19 mail@chemcentre.com.pk
CHERAT PACKAGING LTD 021-35683566 masihur.rehman@gfg.com.pk
CHERRY PLASTIC INDUSTRIES 021-32563886 / 32564158 tp2002@super.net.pk
CIRRUS TRADING CO. 042-35751641-2 cirrus054@gmail.com
CITI POLY PACK (PVT) LTD 042-111-001-786 cpp@citipolypack.com
CLOUD PACKAGING (PVT) LTD 021-34329040 ir@irgroup.com.pk
COMBINE HOLDING (PVT) LTD 021-34801551-52 combinegroup@live.com
CONTINENTAL PLASTICS INDS 021-36034258 - 35067664 anisakaria@gmail.com
DADEX ETERNIT LTD 021-111-000-789 info@dadex.com
DANIAL PLASTIC INDUSTRY 042-37916955 ishfaqdpi@yahoo.com
DATA PLASTIC 021-36977618
DAWN PLASTIC INDUSTRIES 0300-8743155
DECENT ENGINEERING WORKS 021-36956661 - 36970700 decenten@hotmail.com
DECENT PLASTIC +9221-36951724–36962882 dplastic786@yahoo.com
DEVELOPED TECHNOLOGIES 021-35084605-4705 sales@developedtechnologies.com
DOCTOR PLASTIC INDUSTRY 042-37925850 toazam@gmail.com
DOLLAR INDUSTRIES (PVT) LIMITED +92-21 32563535 - 38 imran.ghani@dollar-stationery.com
DOLLAR STATIONERY (PVT) LTD 021-32585467 tariq.ilyas@dollar-stationery.com
DYNAMIC TOOLING SERVICES + 9251-280 6197 info@dts.com.pk
EASTERN ENTERPRISES 021-32415466 tradeast@cyber.net.pk
ECOPACK LIMITED +92 213 5291051-2 athar_rizvi@ecopack.com.pk
ELECTROL ENGINEERS 021-32214865 - 32631293 electrolengineers@hotmail.com
ELEGANT INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 042-35299425-6 elegantindustries@hotmail.com
EMERAUDS DMCC 042-35295291 k.iqbal@emeraude.international.com
ENGRO POLYMERS & CHEMICALS LTD 021-111-411-411 & 35293871-85 epcl-info@engro.com
ERUM PLASTICS WORKS +9221-36600047 – 36605383 tjamalerum@gmail.com
EURO GULF INDUSTRIES +9221-36881602 – 36880145-6 mails@egpipes.com
EXPRESSPAC (PVT) LTD +9242-35383477 – 37034091 Hussain@expresspac.pk
FALCON ENTERPRISES 091-2560698 hamidbusiness98@yahoo.com
FASNNA IMPEX 042-37283991 fasnna@gmail.com
FAV PLASTICO (PVT) LTD 021-32550093-98 farid@vawda.com
FINE INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 041-8810126-7 farooq@fineindustries.pk
FINE STAR INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-35050106-7 gifto@cyber.net.pk
FULL BRITE PLASTICS INDUSTRIES 021-36834561 eshami60@gmail.com
G. B. COLLECTION +9221-36682466 – 36688236 g.b.collection@hotmail.com
GALAXY ENGINEERING 021-32589721-22 info@galaxyengg.com
GALAXY ENTERPRISES
GLOBAL INDUSTRIES PAKISTAN +9221—36319913 gi.pk@hotmail.com

164
 PPMA Members List 2017-18

GOLDEN ENTERPRISES 021-34122644-5 geplastics@live.com

GOLDEN INDUSTRIES 021-32434690-1 enterprisegolden@yahoo.com
GRACE IMPEX 042-35121974 info@grace-impex.com
GREIF FLEXIBLES PAKISTAN (PVT) LTD 021-34545495 ashraf.khan@greif.com
HAIDERY INCORPORATED 021-35444724 - 32427477 dilawarkirmani@yahoo.com
H. M. ENGINEERING 021-36006437 hmengineering@hotmail.com
HASEEB IMPEX 042-37666591 haseebimpex@yahoo.com
HASEEN POLYMERS IND. (PVT) LTD 042-35299402 salmanhaseen@hotmail.com
H. R. & BROTHERS 021-32566356 786.abdullahferoz@gmail.com
HUB POLY PACKAGES (PVT) LTD +9221-35884246, 35884181 hamidpervaiz@gmail.com
HUSSAIN CAN CO. (PVT) LTD (92-42) 3)-37925137, 37914881-3, mian.tasharraf@hussaincan.com
IAV POLYMERS 042-37929002 awvohra@gmail.com
ILYAS PLASTIC INDUSTRY 055-4222067 / 4232067 ilyasplastic@gmail.com
IMRAN CROWN CORK (PVT) LTD 021-32578593-5 iqbal@imrancrown.com
INDUS PENCIL INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-32573214 deer@induspencil.com
INTERNATIONAL CAPS COMPANY +9221-36825625 – 36825848-9 intlcapscompany@gmail.com
INTERNATIONAL CHEMPLAST (PVT) LTD 021-111-325-325 icplpk@cyber.net.pk
IRSHAD SAEED PACKAGING (PVT) LTD +9242-35323296 – 35323196 cmirshadsaeed@hotmail.com
ISMAIL INDUSTRIED LTD 021-34311172-5 info@astrofilms.com.pk
IZU TRADERS 042-37246615 ifti_che@hotmail.com
JAKKEY TRADERS 021-32427516-18 info@perfectindustries.org
JAVAID INTERNATIONAL (PVT) LTD 042-37720350-51 jehanzebjilani@jilaniplastic.com
JILANI INDUSTRIES 0333-2125845 Jilani.plastic@yahoo.com
KARACHI FOOTWEAR 0321-4154469 kh.jsaeed@gmail.com
KARACHI PLASTIC 021-32579567 aminbilwani64@gmail.com
KASHIF ENGINEERING 021-36931466 kaseng_4@yahoo.com
K. M. FOOD INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 042-37510707 charshad4u@hotmail.com
K.S.F. PLASTIC INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 042-37911295 ksfplastic.shahzad@yahoo.com
KARIM CONTAINERS (PVT) LTD +9221-32572417 – 32578932 karimcontainers@hotmail.com
INTERCOM TRADE SERVICES (PVT) LTD 021-34398500 info@kgroup.com.pk
KHALQ TRADING COMPANY 042-37510116-19  info@klass.pk
KHUSHALS (PVT) LTD 021-32216661-2 khushalscrates@gmail.com
KLASS ELECTRIC COMPANY 042-37510116-19 info@klass.pk
KING PACK INDUSTRIES 042-37903370 kingpackind@hotmail.com
KING PLASTIC INDUSTRIES 042-37903371-2 placon_111@hotmail.com
KRYSTALITE PRODUCTS (PVT) LTD 021-111-241-717 smad@krystalite.com.pk
KUNJI ELECTRONICS 021-34320600 kunjielectronics@gmail.com
KUNJI INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS 021-34320600 alimohd29@gmail.com
LIAQUAT ALI TRADING & CO. 042-37280540 sacolahore@gmail.com
LUCKY PACKAGING INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 009242-37970458 taufeeq@luckypackaging.net

165
 PPMA Members List 2017-18

MAAZ ENTERPRISES 0092-321-4121561 maazkarimiqbal@hotmail.com

MACHINERY ZONE 021-35884181 machineryzone.reg@gmail.com
MACPAC FILMS LTD +9221-32576341, 32579057 macpac@cyber.net.pk
M.A.J. INTERNATIONAL 0092-21-34536897-98 juzar@majpk.com
M. A. POLYMERS 042-35923211 mapolymers@hotmail.com
M. H. PLASTIC INDUSTRIES 042-111-952-952 info@mhplastic.com
M. S. ENTERPRISES 021-36607553-4 faisalbutt@msenterprises.com.pk
MANDVIWALLA MAUSER PLASTIC INDUSTRIES LTD 021-32441116-9 A_mandviwalla@yahoo.com
MARFLEX HOUSE +92-42-37577333, 37566213 marflex2005@gmail.com
MASHAL PLASTICS INDUSTRIES 021-32588919-17-18 mashal_007@hotmail.com
MASOOM CORPORATION 021-32270601-3 hanee@masoomgroup.com
MAXIMA MACHINERY SOLUTION 0321-8821412 maximamachining@gmail.com
MAYA PLUS PLASTIC FABRICATOR 0333-2128520
MEHRAN PLASTIC INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-32569556- 32568467 info@mehranplastic.com.pk
MESHE INTERNATIONAL 021-35888625-35389330 meshe@attglobal.net
METATEX (PVT) LTD 021-32354301-5 comm@metatex.com.pk
MIAN NAZIR SONS IND. (PVT) LTD 021-32412982-85 imran@miannazirsons.com
MILLAT INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-32564030 - 32578657 millatindustries@hotmail.com
MILLAT PLASTICO 042-37702918
MOBIL MASTERBATCH IND. (PVT) LTD 042-37723134 info@mobilmasterbatch.com
MODERN PLASTIC 021-2580806 - 36621316  info@modernplastics.com.pk
MULTI CHEM INTERNATIONAL 042-37322435 iba_313@yahoo.com
MULTI TECK +92-321-9457935, 0323-4020880 shahid.dolphin@gmail.com
MUSTJAB INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 042-35260701 mustjabindustries@gmail.com
NASAR STEELS (PVT) LTD 042-37960204-6 nasarmetal@gmail.com
NATIONAL CARE PACK PVT LTD 021-35057436 ncpltd@cyber.net.pk
NATIONAL COTTAGE INDUSTRIES 021-34136873 penguinstationery@hotmail.com
NEW IDEAL PLASTICS 0092-21-36691648 newideal_plastic@yahoo.com
NOOR ENTERPRISES 0333-2278622 noor@noorenterprises.com.pk
NOVAPLAST CUSTOM MOULDERS 021-36677649 novaplast@hotmail.com
NOVATEX LTD 021-35659502-14 headoffice@novatex.com
PAK PET (PVT) LTD 021-36990468 jhgermany83@gmail.com
PAK PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-35019701-4 info@polystyrene.com.pk
PAN INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-35804571 aman@Pan-Ind.com
PANWELD ENTERPRISES 021-32272221-3 shakeel@panweldenterprises.com
PARUS PLASTIC (PVT) LTD 021-36022761 parusplastic@gmail.com
PARVEZ SONS 042-37665690 parvezsons@yahoo.com
PEARL PETRO INDUSTRY (PVT) LTD +9242-111-952952, 35935564-9 info@pearlpetro.com
PERFECT ENGINEERING WORKS 021-32572828 - 32563653 info@perfectindustries.org
P F AUTO PARTS INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-32595960 pf_autopartsind@yahoo.com

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PLASPACK 042-35115855-57 plas@brain.net.pk

PLASTECH PRODUCTS (PVT) LTD 021-32276711 & 111-742-762 info@plastech.com.pk
PLASTIC MARKEZ 021-32443052 bombalplastic@gmail.com
PLASTICON INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL 0321-4766406 placon_111@hotmail.com
PLASTIFORM 042-35298667 kmch358@hotmail.com
PLASTIKING 021-35067402-3 plastiking@hotmail.com
PLASTI KRAFT +9242-35304977 – 35304918 plasti_kraft@live.com
PLASTIMAKERS 021-36963269 plastimakers@gmail.com
POLY INDUSTRIES 021-32216661-2 786poly@gmail.com
POLYCLOTH (PVT) LIMITED 021-35123123-24 info@polycloth.com
POLYDIST (PVT) LTD 021-32270564-5 plastics@polydist.com
POLYLINKS INTERNATIONAL 021-35653074-5 polylinks@cyber.net.pk
POLYMER MARKETING (PVT) LTD +9242-36308294 – 36372494 polymer1@wol.net.pk
POLYMER ACCESS (PVT) LTD 021-111-052-052 service@polymerxs.com
POLY PACK (PVT) LTD 042-35757491-2 Polypack@brain.net.pk
POLYPLAST CUSTOM MOULDERS 042-37482545 info@polyplast.com.pk
POLYSET INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-32586000-3 zafarpolyset@gmail.com
PRECISION POLYMERS (PVT) LTD (+9221)35246880-81 polymersintl@gmail.com
PREMIER CABLES (PVT) LTD 021-34397771-5 sales@premiercables.net
PREMIER PACKING INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 041-8740131-2 info@ppi.com.pk
PREMIER PLASTIC INDS (PVT) LTD 021-32819055-56 premier_ind@yahoo.com
PRIME CHEM 042-37639348 saqent@gmail.com
PRIME PACKAGES 021-32589166 primepackages@live.com
QUALITY PLAST (PVT) LTD +9241-8810216 – 316 info@pakqualitygroup.com
RASHEED SONS 021-32216661-2 rasheedplastic@gmail.com
REHAN CAN (PVT) LTD 042-35856784 rehancans@yahoo.com
RELIANCE PETROCHEM INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-32474241-2 info@reliancepetrochem.com
ROHMAN AGHA ENTERPRISES 042-37729612 naveedali@hotmail.com
RON EXTRUSIONS ENGINEERING 042-37910766 info@ronextrusions.com
ROYAL PACKAGES (PVT) LTD 021-35147551-3 info@royalpackages.com.pk
SABIC PAKISTAN 021-35633231 sabiri@SABIC.com
SAEED CORPORATION +9221-36826206 – 36826216 saeedco1970@gmail.com
SAIMA PACKAGING (PVT.) LIMITED 021-35050176-9 info@saimapac.com
SANAKA PLASTIC & SCIENTIFIC (92-21) 36312321 info@sanakascientific.com
SAYYED ENGINEERS LTD 042-35177610-14 savail.hussin@gmail.com
SHAHSONS (PRIVATE) LIMITED 111-736-245 info@shahsons.com
SHAHEEN PLASTIC INDUSTRY 042-37723661-2 shahzebayub@yahoo.com
SHARIF AND SONS 042-37913167-9 sharifandsons@gmail.com
SHARMEEN PAKISTAN (PVT.) LTD 32415803, 32427876 info@sharmeengroup.com
SHEZAN TRADING COMPANY (9221) 34313671 – 2 saeed.jawaid@gmail.com

167
 PPMA Members List 2017-18

SHIELD CORPORATION LIMITED 021-34385003-4 naeemkhanani@gmail.com

SHOAIB AMIN +9221-32431540, 34324212-13 info@houseofamin.com
SHOAIBEE INDUSTRIES 021-35063251-53 shoaibees1@yahoo.com
SILVER SURGICAL COMPLEX (PVT) LTD 021-36881432-4 hrm@sscltd.com.pk
SOHAIL PLASTICS WORKS 021-32270557-9 spwunited@gmail.com
SPELL PETROCHEMICALS (PVT) LTD 021-111-177-355 frcables@spellgroup.com
STAR ENTERPRISES 042-37653446
SULTAN TRADING CORPORATION 021-32434959 sultanpc118@gmail.com
SUN PLASTIC 021-36600841 info@sunplastic.com
SUNNY CO +9242-36545050-1 / 36526670 – 1 info@sunnyco.com.pk
SUNRISE PLASTIC INDS (PVT) LTD 0092-21-32578811 muddasar@sunriseplastic.com.pk
SUPER INDUSTRIES +9221-36881378 36881487 info@superindustries.com.pk
SUPER INTERNATIONAL (PVT) LTD 021-36410002-3 info@superinternational.com.pk
SYNTHETIC PRODUCTS ENTERPRISES LTD 042-35115506-7 synthetic@spelgroup.com
TANVIR PACKAGES (PVT) LTD +9221-32575952 – 32581949 - 32564351 polybags@cyber.net.pk
TARIQ INTERNATIONAL 042-37933145 tariqsintl@gmail.com
TARIQ PLASTICO 042-37722043-45 muhammadabdullah.tpl@gmail.com
TARIQ PLASTICO (PVT) LTD 042-37722043-45 muhammadabdullah.tpl@gmail.com
TAWAKKAL PLASTIC WORKS 021-36989375 tawakkalplastic@gmail.com
TECH HOUSE 042-37720950 tech92house@gmail.com
TECHNO PLAST +9221-36880631 – 36880598 tplast@gmail.com
THERMOSOLE INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD +9242-35118512, 35117859 hashmi@thermosole.com
THREE STARS INDUSTRIAL COMPANY 021-36984939 threestars001@gmail.com
TOYO PACKAGING (PVT) LTD +9221 32579057, 32576342 toyo@cyber.net.pk
TRADE POLYMERZ (PVT) LTD 021-34312885 ceo@tradepolymerz.com
TRADE TACTS INT’L (PVT) LTD 042-37498501 info@trade-tacts.com
TRANSPAK PVT LTD +9221-32576914-15 – 32564190 muhammadariftpl@gmail.com
TRANSWORLD MULTIPURPOSE INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD 021-32720459 - 32735431 najmi@tmipackaging.com
TRI PACK FILMS LTD 0092-21-35224336/7 ali@tripack.com.pk
TROPICAL PLASTICS INDUSTRIES 021-32588073-4 tropicalplastic@hotmail.com
UMAIR PETROCHEMICALS (PVT) LTD 021-32418631- 32466981-3 ibrahim@umairpetrochemicals.com
UNITED PLASTIC COMPANY 042-37639362 united.plastic@hotmail.com
VALUE POLYMERS +9221-34982781 marketing@valuepolymers.com
VERSATILE INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING (PVT) LTD +9221-32425852, 32426334 nasir.ali@businesslinks-pk.com
VINMAR POLYMERS +9221-32411606 – 32412621 - 32419285 vinmar@vinmar.com.pk
VITAL POLYMERS (PVT) LTD 021-34326670-71 tahir.latif@vitalpolymers.net
WORLD TECH MACHINERY (PVT) LTD 042-35313601 sales@wtmc.com.pk
YASIR CHEMICALS 021-34543163 yasirchemicals@gmail.com
Z. M. TRADERS 042-37920427 cosmatics.pak@gmail.com
ZAKI SONS 021-36826210 anotherclothing@yahoo.com

168
 Ads Directory
Page No. Company Name
102 3N Prime Aerosole
148 Abeer Enterprises
36 Aftab Sons Writing Instruments
106 Al-Huda Plastics
152 Ali Bilal Enterprises
52 Alka (Pvt) Ltd.
58 Appollo Plastics
92 Arfeen International (Profile)
94 Arfeen International (Profile)
95 Arfeen International (Profile)
62 Bank Al-Habib Limited
158 Bin Rasheed
160 Bin Rasheed
66 Bole
68 Bombay Automobile & Seals House
70 Bridge Power Battery
03 Brite Trading Agency
06 Brite Trading Agency
46 Brite Trading Agency
170 Brite Trading Agency
42 Brite Trading Agency (Profile)
43 Brite Trading Agency (Profile)
74 CBM Plastics (Pvt) Ltd.
30 Clariant
76 Combine Holding (Pvt) Ltd.
78 D.S. Motors
80 Decent Plastic
82 Dollar Industries (Pvt) Ltd
20 Electrol Engineers
50 Engro Polymer
72 FAV Plastico (Pvt) Ltd.
102 Galaxy Engineering
54 House of Amin
156 Hygiene Pack
90 Ibrahim Associates
171 ICPL
98 Javaid International
88 Karim Container
Page No. Company Name
130 Kashif Engineering
104 K-Group
130 Khushal (Pvt) Ltd.
134 King Plastic
38 Kunji Industrial Solutions
32 M. Y. Chandiwala
162 M.R. Consolidated
108 MAJ International
172 Metatex (Pvt) Ltd.
112 Masoom Corporation
114 Mehran Industries
28 Millat Industries Pvt. Ltd.
64 Pak Petrochemical Ind. (Pvt) Ltd
56 Pakplas
118 Parus Plastic
120 Petro Gulf Polymers DMCC
122 Polydist (Pvt) Ltd.
04 Precision Polymer
126 PUMA
134 R. Muhammad & Sons
60 Rastgar & Co.
128 Rehan Can Private Limited
86 Reliance Petrochemicals
87 Reliance Petrochemicals
100 Ron Extrusion Engineering
02 Rootech Pakistan
138 Rootech Pakistan
05 Royal Packages
140 Royal Water Cooler
142 Shezan Trading Co.
144 Shield Corporation
144 Sohail Plastic Works
146 Sultan Trading Co.
34 Sunny Co.
40 Sunrise Plastic Industries (Pvt) Ltd.
116 Thermosole Industries (Pvt) Ltd.
157 Urooj Plastic
150 Wazir Ali & Co.
169