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K 2013

News A. Schulman

Passion for Plastics Passion for Innovations For 85 years A. Schulman has served a world of ever-changing markets by bringing innovation to life.

Passion for Sustainability A. Schulman puts people and the environment first by helping customers reach their goals, by optimi-sing employee safety, and by conserving resources.

Passion for Customers A. Schulman focuses on customer needs by anticipating trends and delivering the right products right away!

85 YEARS

A. Schulman

A. Schulman News 20132

85 YEARS

A. Schulman

PressAnette Tomann, Marketing Email: [email protected] Klaus Sampels, Marketing Email: [email protected]

AddressA. Schulman GmbH Hüttenstrasse 211 50170 Kerpen Germany

Imprint

Contact Telephone: +49 (0) 22 73 56 10 Telefax: +49 (0) 22 73 56 13 50 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.aschulman.com

A. Schulman is a global distributor and compounder of engineering plastics, master-batches, standard polymers and specialty powders. As such, we invite you to think of us as a reliable and credible partner standing firmly by your side. For 85 years we have constantly kept pace with ever-changing global markets. In the future as well, A. Schulman will continue to pursue sustainable growth in all areas.

Thanks to our farsighted strategy, we can satisfy future market requirements already today. Our flexible production capabilities, for example, enable us to meet an increased demand for smaller delivery quantities and shorter lead times. The acquisitions of Elian and ECM Plastics in 2012 have also further enhanced our market-leading position for masterbatches. Among others, the recent acquisition of the Perrite Group supports our goal for Engineering Plastics to become more and more a sophisticated niche player with a wide range of custom-oriented compounds and services.

A. Schulman attaches great importance to progress. Through strategic innovations we are able to anticipate future market requirements and develop appropriate solutions early on. We are also known for meeting individual customer requirements. As a result, we constantly produce innovative compounds for new applications or customised sys-tem solutions for our customers.

Long-term sustainability – coupled with environment-protection activities – is anoth-er one of our major goals. And, to ensure highly effective solutions, we invest in our most vital resource: A. Schulman employees. On their behalf we create opportunities and implement health and safety programs. A. Schulman also recognises the impor-tance of grooming long-term relationships with partners, suppliers, and customers. We’re all part of a winning team!

We look forward to seeing you at the K 2013. We are glad to show you numerous new products that are setting standards in reliability, design, efficiency, and resource con-servation. By talking together, we can lay the foundation for a successful and growing partnership with you!

Sincerely, Heinrich LingnauVice President & General Manager EMEAA. Schulman Europe

Dear customers and partners,

A. Schulman Values and Vision

4 Our pioneering spirit gives customers what they want How we shape the future

5 Stability through customer service A. Schulman adapts itself to a changing world

Safety first! A. Schulman promotes health and safety in the workplace

Engineering Plastics

6 Charged up to conserve energy A. Schulman helps to ensure a sustainable energy supply

7 We even make the garden greener Our successful development part-nership for garden equipment

The best gets better The new high-performance polymer blend is not only for vehicle interiors

8 A. Schulman’s lightweight Schulamid® – weight reduction and excellent functionality all in one!

Masterbatch

10 Paper is (plastic) art! Learn all about the diversity of synthetic paper

11 Your safety, our concern A joint, pro-active approach is used to replace HBCD-based flame-retardants

12 Quality reaches new heights A. Schulman polymer processing additives provide lots of advantages

13 Thermoplastics that outshine steel Introducing the Polybatch® POM masterbatch product family

Specialty Powders

14 We take the grind out of selecting specialty powders Cryogenic grinding systems guarantee powders to below 100 µm in size

15 New horizons for Solvay Specialty Polymers A. Schulman now distributes Algoflon® L and Polymist® PTFE powders

Content

16 Have a drink on us! Cotene™ BPA-free TP coating powders are ideal for drinking water applications

Simply the best Icorene® surpasses new European EN standard for plastic tanks

Distribution Services

18 An open and shut case for Elian and A. Schulman The masterbatch and resin product range for caps and closures appli-cations

19 NATPET & A. Schulman A joint venture with clear benefits for you

20 Packaging solutions just got more flexible A. Schulman delivers the advan-tages of Exceed™, Enable™, and Vistamaxx™

21 Meet the versatile hero of the soft-packaging market Copolyester PETG from A. Schulman fulfils the highest expectations

22 A. Schulman worldwide Contacts

A. Schulman News 20134 5

A. Schulman is inspired by your visions. That is why we are good at making them come true. How? By offering you high-performance plastic compounds and resins that are used as raw materials in numerous markets all over the world.

A. Schulman Values and Vision

Adapting to market changes is one thing – creating those changes is another altogether. A. Schulman does both. We know the importance of innovation and we have always placed great emphasis on anticipating trends. Just as impor-tantly, however, we are inspired by the specific needs and vi-sions of our customers.

Identify needs before they become problemsA. Schulman uses strategic innovation to anticipate market requirements and to develop solutions that will meet future demand. We realised early on, for example, that the need for lighter -weight components would increase significantly over time. This is why we developed the Schulamid® TC Series, which offered high-impact strength with less weight, long before it was fashionable to do so. And even though they were devel-oped nearly 10 years ago, these materials are still a top seller.

Another example of A. Schulman innovation is the strategic Papermatch® portfolio for synthetic paper. Today, this progres-sive wide range of products, featuring optical and haptic design diversity, fulfils ever-increasing demands for aesthetically pleas-ing, customised films.

Meet needs right awayOther developments from A. Schulman’s are the direct result of actual customer requirements. They can include, for exam-ple, innovative compounds for a new application or optimised machine settings that result from the advice of our application engineers. Just three of the countless examples of Customised Solutions are:• Customer request: “A compound that withstands high-voltage

currents” Our solution: Schuladur® MV 14 SHI FR1 - an extremely pow-

erful compound for the AC/DC charging plug (for various automotive OEMs)

• Customer request: “Compounding instead of painting” Our solution: Schulablend® M/MW UV and Polyman® ASA E/

MI 0515 H UV – compounds that make it possible to produce perfect coloured surfaces – even in metallic, such as the elec-tromotor housing for e-bikes

• Customer request: “Replace metals but still meet specific standards”

Our solution: Icorene® 1613 BK 85 LMDPE – rotomoulding plastics (for the manufacturing of single-layer fuel tanks) that easily satisfy emissions regulations

A customer orientation systemWe can realise our customers‘ visions in this unique way be-cause, amongst other things, we meticulously combine the fol-lowing three factors: • We continuously exchange knowledge and experience with our customers, partners and suppliers.

• We develop pioneering plastics and plastic compounds that are created according to specific market and customer re-quirements. In addition to this, we develop complete appli-cation solutions that are intended for automotive, consumer, off-shore, and many other applications.

• In addition, we have advanced technology and machine test-ing centres that can be reserved by our customers. Here, for example, customer prototypes can be produced, applications can be developed, materials can be tested, and various ma-chine setups can be facilitated.

Contact us today. We look forward to turning your vision into another efficient innovation!

Our pioneering spirit gives customers what they wantHow we shape the future


The world is constantly in motion. And the plastics market in recent years has been in a virtual state of uproar. Since the eco-nomic crisis starting 2007, significant changes have presented many companies with major challenges. Early on A. Schulman recognised that profitable growth is only achievable for those who can adapt to the new circumstances. As a result, we have consistently pursued a strategy in which mobility plays a central role.

What does this mean for customers? Better products and more flexible solutions! Many companies want to keep their stocks as low as possible. For this reason, all along their value chains purchases are made on an as-needed basis. The demand for smaller, timely deliveries now dominates customer-supplier relationships. As a matter of fact, when it comes to awarding contracts, these factors are often more im-portant than price. By focusing our attention on these require-ments, we’ve achieved a higher degree of flexibility and can more easily meet the new customer requirements.

Astute acquisitions have made us strongerAs in the past, strategic acquisitions in 2012 and 2013 have strengthened A. Schulman’s position in today’s market.

Thus, we have strengthened our leadership role in the area of masterbatches even further. And, for EPs, we have become a sophisticated niche provider offering a wide range of com-pounds. Recent acquisitions include: • Elian – a highly flexible French manufacturer of colour masterbatches that can offer delivery times of up to one week.

• ECM Plastics – a North American producer of masterbatches and engineering plastics

• the Perrite Group – a manufacturer of thermoplastics with operations in Malaysia, England, and France

Acquisitions and production changes have increased our ability to fulfil customer requests rapidly, appropriately, and at the high-est standards – thus securing sustainable, profitable growth.

Stability through customer service A. Schulman adapts itself to a changing world

Quality and productivity are essential traits of a successful com-pany. But, is there anything that is even more important than these factors? Of course, safety! “For me, it is most important that every employee leaves his workplace in the same condition as he entered it,” says Joe Gingo, Chairman, President & CEO of A. Schulman. Consequently for several years now, the company has greatly improved its processes and tools to eliminate the risk of accidents.

As a result, as the safety awareness of our employees has in-creased, the number of accidents has significantly decreased. To achieve the ideal target of zero accidents, a pilot project called “Behavioural Safety” has been initiated.

Crucial safety aspectsGenerally speaking, there are three ways to improve safety: aids, processes, and behaviour. This can be illustrated with a simple example: going up and down a staircase. Very few peo-ple use the handrail when climbing stairs. Handrails, however, are there to reduce the risk of accidents (aids).

That’s why it is recommended to use handrails when climbing stairs (process). The goal now is to improve behaviour. Why? Even though most people know that they should hold the hand-rail when climbing stairs, many don’t (e.g., out of habit).

Start of a success-ful pilot projectWe have already op-timised our process-es and aids. At the beginning of 2013, we also launched a pilot project in Ker-pen, Germany, and Bornem, Belgium, that is designed to improve be-havioural safety. Teams and moderators at both sites have been trained to improve the safety be-haviour of our employees. External experts will shadow these A. Schulman employees for one year. The response has been very positive. And now, for example, more and more people use the handrail when climbing stairs. We are confident that this pi-lot project will help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a more secure workplace for our employees.

Safety first!A. Schulman promotes health and safety in the workplace


A. Schulman Engineering Plastics develops customised solutions worldwide for applications with all sorts of polymers, while providing excellent technical support and advisory services. A. Schulman integrates its global know-how to generate customer solutions and innovative applications.


Charged up to conserve energyA. Schulman helps to ensure a sustainable energy supply

The so-called “energy revolution” is all the rage. Its goal? To achieve a sustainable energy supply for electricity, heating, and mobility. It is the German Government’s plan to put one million electric vehicles on Germany’s roads by 2020. This can only succeed, if, amongst other things, an appropriate charging infrastructure is made available. To achieve this objective, our partner Phoenix Contact has founded a subsidiary known as Phoenix Contact E-mobility GmbH. It intends to generate deci-sive market impulses and standards in Europe and other parts of the world such as China, Japan, and America.

An electrifying 2 in 1 solutionPhoenix Contact E-mobility GmbH has developed, amongst other things, an AC charging-plug system which, for the first time, makes it possible to charge vehicles either overnight in the garage or within 20 minutes at special charging stations. So

far, this is the only commercially available solution that com-bines both options in a single plug! Due to high electrical currents of up to 200 amps and 850 volts, the safety is-sue is naturally of paramount importance. For these rea-sons, the charging socket is made of a flame-retardant PBT f rom A . Schulman: Schuladur® A MV 14 SHI FR1.

Reliable under extreme conditionsComponent requirements are intense and range from the flame-retardant class UL 94 V-0 to a comparative tracking index of 600 V, a relative temperature index (RTI) of 140 °C, and a UL f1 outdoor standard that meets UL 746-C limits. Thus, the ma-terial is UV-radiated for 1,000 hours, afterwards placed for se-ven days in a 70 °C water bath, and then tested for mechanical

and FR properties. At the end of these tests the material must still retain at least 70 % of its initial strengths. No problem for Schuladur® A MV 14 SHI FR1.

In addition to this, the material processes all required mecha-nical properties. The plastic compound, for example, easily withstands a vehicle drive over test, which is possible due to its specific impact strength. And, in terms of chemical resistance, Schuladur® A MV 14 SHI FR1 has also passed stringent expo-sure tests with various fuels and other media.

Other flame-retardant products – such as the halogen-free Schuladur® A GF 30 FR2 and the anti-warp PBT/ASA compound Schuladur® A3 GF 30 FR 1 – are waiting in the wings and will soon be implemented in other applications.

A plug for our designIn addition to white and black, several other colours have been chosen to provide “branding” for different utilities or OEMs. Fortunately, for this purpose, the plug doesn’t have to be pain-ted. It has an attractive surface that in spite of its flame-re-tardant content easily satisfies aesthetic requirements as well. For haptic-related qualities, the compound’s effective adhesi-on to elastomers has made it possible to achieve a good 2K solution.

Take a look!OEM‘s such as Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, and Audi have helped develop the charging system described above. You’re invited to take a look at the charging station and sockets at the K2013 at our stand D12 in Hall 8a.


The strong trend towards using recycled materials is not only attractive for the automotive industry. More and more premium manufacturers of garden equipment, such as Stihl, are going “green” as well. As a Stihl production partner, Mogatec has de-veloped an electric hedge trimmer that is based on expertise from A. Schulman. Our wide product range, innovative know-how, competent technical project support, reliable pricing and delivery conditions, made us the obvious choice.

Just what the customer wantedThis specific application involved the development of a safe-ty handle for an innovative new electric hedge trimmer. And the customer’s material requirements were extensive: high mechanical strength, good impact resistance, excellent dimensional stability, and reliable temperature resist-ance – all at an attractive price. A polyester-blend from A. Schulman – Schuladur® PCR GF 45 – met all these requirements.

Environmental friendliness and a high-quality blendSchuladur® PCR GF 45 is made from PBT, new glass fibre, and a high-quality, recycled PET. 100 % of the recycled material is made from PET bottles that offer a very consistent specifica-tion profile. Precision material recycling maintains the excellent

quality. This allows the recycled materials to be used as out-standing blending components for compounds in technical ap-plications.

A combination of unique featuresOptimum impact strength and low water absorption fulfilled all of the mechanical and dimensional requirements. Good surface characteristics combined with high UV stability also made out-door usage possible without the need for additional painting. This combination of advantages gives customers a long-term USP as well as a distinctive edge in the market.

Ideal for household usageSchuladur® PCR is also perfect for home appliances that de-mand aesthetic features that can be exposed to high tempera-tures and abusive forces. Some examples include: oven frames, handles manufactured using a GIT process, or simple rotary switches.

A winner in the automotive sector, tooDue to a high number of approved standards and UL listings, this material is also ideal for usage in the automotive indus-try. As a result, it is used as filler content from GF 15 to GF 45. Housing components, wiper arms, and structural components for lorries are other application examples.

We even make the garden greenerOur successful development partnership for garden equipment

We are pleased to introduce a new high-performance polymer blend made by A. Schulman. Thanks to the new Schulablend® M/MW (ASA/PA) UV K2325 we now offer a significantly improved product – that has evolved out of our successful polymer blends based on ASA and PA. The new Schulablend® M/MW (ASA/PA) UV K2325 is perfect for components that must endure a lot of wear and tear (e.g., car seat belt guides).

High stress leaves us coldThe new Schulablend® M/MW (ASA/PA) UV K2325 easily meets all market demands and needn’t shy away from the competition. Why? This innovative product combines high nominal tensile strain at break and impact resistance levels – even at low tem-peratures. Thus, it is a real “problem solver” for high-precision and extremely rugged components that are also exposed to in-tense UV exposure.

The advantages of Schulablend® M/MW (ASA/PA) UV K2325 at a glance: • high impact strength and tensile strain at break even at low temperatures

• high-quality gloss and scratch-resistant surfaces without additional painting

• excellent UV resistance • improved odour- and emission-behaviour • good chemical and/or media consistency • no charging of the mould parts (depending on the moisture content of the PA component)

• excellent acoustic damping properties • pleasant to the touch • high dimensional stability

The best gets betterThe new high-performance polymer blend is not only for vehicle interiors

Seat belt guides made of Schulablend® M/MW (ASA/PA) UV K2325



Most businesses have a common goal: increased efficiency! In the mobility sec-tor it means going further on less fuel or producing less CO2 per kilometre. In the future, vehicle manufacturers must also meet ambitious, government-initiated, car-fleet emission standards. Since 65 % of a car’s energy consumption is mass related, areas of possible weight reduc-tion are becoming more and more signif-icant. This is especially true for e-based mobility. By reducing an electric vehicle’s weight, it is possible to increase the effi-ciency of its expensive batteries.

Lightweight, win-win componentsWith our density-reducing Schulamid® TC product range, we offer you the sim-plest solution to reducing vehicle weight in a sustainable way. When Schulamid® 6 GF 30 TC is used to make parts from stan dard PA6 GF30, a 9 % reduced com-ponent weight – and an equivalent me-chanical performance increase – can be achieved. Today, our portfolio includes pure fibre-reinforced grades as well as low distortion products with mineral modifiers. • Schulamid® 6 GF 30 TC • Schulamid® 6 GF 15 TC • Schulamid® 6 MT 30 TC SF • Schulamid® 6 MNF 2510 H TC • Schulamid® 6 6 GF 30 TC HR

Schulamid® TC components stand out from the crowd. Why? They can be pro-duced in a way that is less expensive and

the components are lighter than identical components made us-ing competitive products. This results in a win-win situation for both you and the OEM!

Metal substitution – potential through functional integrationFurther potential for weight loss is found under the “metal substitution” heading. In most cases, replacing metal parts with plastic parts requires some rethinking. This is especially true when it comes to the areas of product con-struction and manufacturing. Functional integration, for example, is a process that can hardly be implemented using metal parts. But for plastic parts, it represents a sustainable innovation potential. With this in mind, our Schulamid® X-products boast an excellent range of charac-teristics – each of which can meet ex-treme-demand requirements.

Schulamid® XM: outstanding and stable characteristicsPolyamide is the most robust and com-monly used plastic for producing high stress parts. Products reinforced with in excess of 50 % glass fibre are made from both PA6 and PA66. These classic PA materials – under normal conditions – absorb moisture from the air, which in turn affects their sensitive mechanical attributes. Because of this – and despite fibreglass content of 50 % or more – a product’s stiffness and tensile strength

will be reduced by up to 30 %. In addition to this, the material will become softer, while simultaneously providing greater toughness and elongation. Often – when metal components are being planned and designed – such climate-related changes are not taken into account.

During moisture absorption, the semi-aro-matic and highly reinforced polyamides in the Schulamid® XM Series hardly change their properties at all. Across a wide range of temperatures they also demon-strate constant mechanical stability.

With the Schulamid® XM Series, great-er strength and elongation are achieved than with conventional polyamides. This innovative compound also offers flow-ability and surface advantages during processing procedures, even when mod-erate moulding temperatures (e.g., in the 80 °C range) are used.

A. Schulman‘s lightweightSchulamid® – weight reduction and excellent functionality all in one!

charpy,notched

charpy,unnotched

tensilemodulus

stressat break

strainat break

dryconditioned

Influence of moisture, scaled to PA 66 GF50 dry (100 %)

charpy,notched

charpy,unnotched

strainat break

tensilemodulus

stressat break

dryconditioned

Schulamid® XM GF50

Influence of moisture, scaled to Schulamid® XM GF50 dry (100 %)

PA 66 GF50


Schulamid® XM offers the following benefits: • high stiffness and strength • moisture-resistant properties • high surface quality • simple processing

Schulamid® XT: for extremely hot temperaturesPartially due to limited installation space, today’s modern, efficient systems gener-ate high energy densities. While classical PA66 compounds can be used in appli-cations of up to ±150 °C, higher operating temperatures were previously only pos-sible by using high-performance materi-als such as PPS and LCP. Such extreme demands are placed on components, for example, in turbocharging applications where continuous operating tempera-tures of 200–220 °C are common.

Thanks to their unique stabilisation tech-nology, products in the Schulamid® XT Series maintain their usefulness for an exceptionally long time. Even after 3,000 hours of storage at 220 °C, their mechan-ical performance is still at about 70 % of

the original – while the values of normal heat-stabilised polyamide 66 compounds fall to 15–20 %.

The micrograph above shows how this can work: under extreme heat a thin pro-tective layer is produced on the surface. This prevents further thermo-oxidative degradation of the component’s interior.

Thus, the material’s strength and tough-ness can be preserved. Component func -tion is maintained even under these ex-treme conditions.

Contact us today. We look forward to dis-cussing this subject with you in detail.

Tension rod, Schulamid® XT200 GF30 after 3,000 hours at 200 °C

Tension rod, PA 66 GF30 heat stabilised after 1,750 hours at 200 °C

A ribbed construction component made of Schulamid® XM

Tensile strength of Schulamid® XT200 Elongation at break of Schulamid® XT200

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Masterbatch


A. Schulman is a leading global developer and provider of high-quality, custom-matched, and standard colours, whites and blacks. We also deliver additives for all polymers, while providing a comprehensive technical service for applica-tions and processes. A. Schulman integrates its global know-how to generate customer solutions and innovative applications.

Paper is (plastic) art! Learn all about the diversity of synthetic paper

In more and more applications, paper is being replaced by plastic. No wonder: synthetic paper shines with excellent physical properties such as resilience, durability, and longevity. With the Papermatch® and Polybatch® DUL series, A. Schulman offers an amazing product and design range for a wide variety of ap-plications!

Advantages that inspirePapermatch® is the perfect solution for paper replacement. It ensures that your film looks and feels like paper. You’ll also benefit from many other convincing ad-vantages: • excellent printability • cost-effective recycling • excellent toughness • lightweight • ease of use • food-contact neutrality • insensitivity to moisture, fats, and oils

Tailor-made solutions for the exact applications you wantA. Schulman already offers a versatile product portfolio for applications, such as: • food packaging • labels • brochures and advertising materials • maps • banners and posters • book covers and much more

If you need an individual profile of char-acteristics for a specific application, contact us today. Thanks to our excel-lent know-how as well as our advanced production and research facilities, we can team up to create you a tailor-made solution.

Experience our new products at the K Trade Fair!At K 2013 we will present a new film cat-alogue in which you can examine the in-teresting effects that are possible thanks to the combined influence of Papermatch® and Polybatch® DUL. In addition, we will show you film patterns that have been produced using different extrusion methods (blown and cast film, as well as BOPP).

Let our staff of experts escort you to the new world of artificial paper!

11

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is used as a very efficient flame-retardant in extruded polystyrene (XPS), expandable poly styrene (EPS), and HIPS. However, due to its persistence and ecotoxicity (e.g., the accumulation in fish, birds, and mam-mals), HBCD is subject to authorisation under the European Union’s REACH legislation. And it is expected to be banned by August 2015.

Innovation at work … for youAt our Engineering Polymer (EP) and our Masterbatch Solutions (MBS) business units, A. Schulman researchers are closely working with suppliers to develop a timely replacement for this “Substance of Very High Concern.”

Polyflam® SDR 5005, 50750 and 50850Last year our EP business unit successfully launched the com-pound Polyflam® SDR 5005. This year we are adding two new FR-concentrates – Polyflam® SDR 50750 and 50850 – to that product line. These flame-retardants meet 750 °C to 850 °C glow wire requirements – whilst the SDR 5005 compound satisfies the highest pre-requisites in the GWFI 960 °C category. The FR-con-centrates are free of HBCD and antimony. And both maintains excellent mechanical properties as well as robust processing capabilities. The EP team has successfully matched maximum performance with impending environmental standards!

Halogenated flame-retardant masterbatchesAll polyolefin plastics are based on combustible hydrocar-bons. But the increased ignition resistance provided by our Polybatch® flameretardant make polymer articles difficult to ignite and help prevent fires from spreading. Plastics contain-ing flame-retardants are widely used in automotive, building, furnishings, household applications and textiles. And of all the additives available, halogenated flame-retardants are most commonly used in plastics, offering the most cost-effective performance.

Research and sustainable solutions Intensive research is also ongoing at our Masterbatch Solution business unit. The goal? To compound available alternative sub-stances into a reliable, easy-flowing masterbatch. It should meet the highest thermal stability requirements for flame-retardants used in both extruded and expanded polystyrene foam. Our R&D lab has succeeded in compounding materials that show less than 2 % weight loss at 290 °C. As our customers know, an ideal baseline has been set for successful result. With this work well under way, we expect to repeat our engi-neering polymer performance results and to match efficiency and environmental standards that will continuously provide sus-tainable solutions.

Your safety, our concern A joint, pro-active approach is used to replace HBCD-based flame-retardants


Masterbatch

July 2013. Bondarenko takes flight … and soars a stunning 2.41 meters up into the air! Was it a lucky jump? On the contrary, it was the result of continuously search-ing for new ways to achieve greater heights. At A. Schulman we understand the “Bondarenko feeling”. That’s because we too have reached the highest stan-dards in the area of polymer processing additives. Yes, it’s a competitive market out there. But reducing costs and quality don’t have to go hand in hand. Our team has the knowledge it takes to help you improve product excellence and process efficiency – on a continuous basis.

And we can prove it! Just recently we launched our new polymer processing additives based on 3rd generation fluoro-polymer technology. Polybatch® AMF 706, Polybatch® AMF 708, and Polybatch® AMF 906 are now at your service!

Increase outputIncreasing the throughput of high-perfor-mance plastics has limits. To overcome them, our range of processing additives avoids the excessive die build-up and the melt fracture that can occur. Our technical team will assist you in defin-ing the settings of your production line in relation to your die configuration. One recommendation might be our Polybatch® AMF 905. It is frequently used in HDPE pipe compounds and ensures a smooth inner surface without increas-ing process temperatures. Thus it helps to avoid pressure drops when fluids are moved through the pipe.

Reduce energy consumptionUse A. Schulman polymer processing additives to keep your production costs as low as possible. Even if your through-put is at very acceptable levels, there is

still room for improvement. Our addi-tives, for example, can help lower gate pressure while reducing the extruder’s energy consumption. You may also want to reduce processing temperatures. Again, our additives can help.

They will reduce the cycle times of your blow-moulding lines and assist in avoid-ing deformation during the cooling phase of the pipe extrusion process.

Quality reaches new heightsA. Schulman polymer processing additives provide lots of advantages

Polymer processing additives selection guide

Polybatch® Recommendation

Conversion Process

Converted Polymer

Highly Filled Formulations (TiO2, Antiblock, Carbon Black)

No Fillers Primary Converter‘s Benefits

Blown Film HDPE Polybatch® AMF 905 Polybatch® AMF 3000 (melt fracture)Polybatch® AMF 702 (die build up)

gate pressure reduction, die build-up elimination, increased output rates, narrower die gaps, melt fracture elimination, increased gloss value

LLDPE/mLLDPE Polybatch® AMF 705 HF/Polybatch® AMF 708/Polybatch® AMF 706/ Polybatch® AMF 808/Polybatch® AMF 702

High-Tech Film General Purpose Film

gate pressure reduction, die build-up elimination, increased output rates, narrower die gaps, melt fracture elimination, increased gloss value

PA6/PA66 Polybatch® PA AMF 105 die build-up elimination, gate pressure reduction

Cast Film LLDPE/mLLDPE Polybatch® AMF 905Polybatch® AMF 906

Polybatch® AMF 906Polybatch® AMF 3000

die build-up elimination, gate pressure reduction

PA6/PA66 Polybatch® PA AMF 105 die build-up elimination, gate pressure reduction

PS Polybatch® PS AMF 2002 die build-up elimination, gate pressure reduction

hPP/cPP Polybatch® P AMF 905 (SC) Polybatch® P AMF 3000 die build-up elimination, gate pressure reduction

High-Pressure Pipes

HDPE Polybatch® AMF 905 increased output rates, lower pressure drops in the pipes, die build-up elimination

Tubing HDPE Polybatch® AMF 3000Polybatch® AMF 906

increased output rates, lower pressure drops in the pipes, die build-up elimination

Blow Moulding HDPE Polybatch® AMF 705 HF Polybatch® AMF 905

Polybatch® AMF 3000 increased gloss value, shorter cycle times, increased output


Assure sustainable solutionsDue to cost and environmental reasons, it is important to use the smallest gauges possible. After all, the goal is to produce thinner films without sacrificing desired properties. This is why A. Schulman de-veloped the Polybatch® AMF 705 HF. To this day it is the European standard.

All you need to succeed All of our many products have been developed to satisfy market trends and to meet customer expectations. At A. Schulman we believe in a strong partnership with both our customers and suppliers. As a result, our applica-tion specialists will be there to help you choose the exact product you require

to meet your specific process condi-tions. The table on the left page provides guidelines for selecting our products. Options are based on the possible con-verting processes and the polymers that could be used. Thus, you need to careful-ly consider which formulation is best for your needs before selecting the proper A. Schulman fluoropolymer masterbatch additive. Ideally, this assessment is made by cooperating with our team to get the optimum price-performance solution.

New trends and needs have stimulated development activities that are designed to replace materials such as metal. Take the conveyor belt application sector for example. Here metal-based belts have been successfully replaced with materials made of acetyl polymers (POM).

But, until recently, the market mainly used masterbatches that contained a universal carrier for colouring manufactured articles based on POM.

Times have changedA. Schulman understands market requirements. As a result, we have closely cooperated with our customers to develop a new Polybatch® POM product family. Primary characteristics include: • especially low coefficient of friction • outstanding durability • excellent resistance to fatigue stress • good dimensional stability • very low density compared to iron • many economic advantages

Food for thoughtBecause we realise that end users of this masterbatch will often be found in the food, tobacco, and industrial sectors, we have also developed the new Polybatch® POM to satisfy a wide range of market needs in these areas. This is why, for example, it is suited for products regulated by strict food-processing laws.

The main benefits of Polybatch® POM: • high thermal resistance • high resistance to fatigue stress

• approved (e.g., by the EC and FDA) for food contact applications

• higher compatibly with user-based polymer • high mechanical resistance

Polybatch® POM products are capable of withstanding situa-tions calling for an extended shelf life. And they easily fulfil other market requirements and expectations, such as running quietly in conveyor belt operations.

Primary Polybatch® POM based masterbatches include: • Polybatch® white POM • Polybatch® yellow POM • Polybatch® grey POM • Polybatch® blue POM

Thermoplastics that outshine steelIntroducing the Polybatch® POM masterbatch product family

Use of Polybatch® AMF 705 HF in LLDPE-rich formulations: without (left) and with (right)

Application example of Polybatch® POM in a conveyor belt


Specialty Powders

We take the grind out of selecting specialty powdersCryogenic grinding systems guarantee powders to below 100 µm in size

Producing powder is the primary task of the Specialty Powders Business Divi-sion of A. Schulman. As Europe’s leading manufacturer of polymer powders, our cryogenic grinding toll service produces powders with particle ranges between 2,000 and a mere 10 microns in size.

By investing in an innovative new milling system, we have promptly responded to increased market demands for improved capabilities that can manufacture fine powders below 100 µm in size (max).

More control with self-cleaning pow-der classificationIn 2011, we began investing in a two-year development programe to create a brand new freeze grinding system. Working with leading equipment vendors, our en-gineers devised a concept that boasts a number of unique innovations and a spe-

cial design. The system’s quick cleaning and defrosting mechanisms, for exam-ple, enable it to run in short or long op-erations producing between 10 kg and 10,000 kg of powder.

The unit’s improved coolant control qual-ities also mean that it consumes less liq-uid nitrogen. This minimises the impact on the environment and the clients’ op-erating costs!

Special high-speed cutting technologyTo pulverise polymers properly, it is im-portant that one is able to control them and to achieve incredibly high operating speeds. This makes it possible to op-timise the grinding process for various poly mers with different elasticity char-acteristics. ICO Polymers also rede-signed the freezing unit. It now uses a super-deep cooling mechanism, which

ensures that the polymer has consistent physical properties. This is important for breaking down pellets into powder within the impact zone.

Better particle shape = Better FLOW-abilityAt A. Schulman we understand that cus-tomers have different requirements when it comes to particle size, distribution, shape and aspect ratios. We also know that the difference between an average product and a specialty product depends on its ability to achieve consistent pow-der particle flow properties.

Ideal for the SLS market (3D printing powders)Our ICO Polymers business unit for toll grinding has had a history of success in SLS powder production over the last 10 years. Many different hard polymers have

The Specialty Powders division of A. Schulman (ICO Polymers) is entirely focussed on thermoplastic powders; providing its customers with powder manufac t ur-ing services and ready-to-use powders dedicated to speci-fic markets. A. Schulman integrates its global know-how to generate customer solutions and innovative applications.

Our screening process is specifically adapted to producing fine powders.

Obtaining consistent powders with regular geometrically shaped particles

Clean-cut particles like these are best made using equipment with high-precision control.


been successfully produced for toll ser-vice partners (client confidentiality does not allow us to divulge company names, or the nature of the materials, to which we are referring).

This new milling technology has taken our ability to serve the selective laser sintering (SLS) market to a higher level. We also provide the unique powder post treatments that are needed to produce certain high-tech SLS powders.

Maintaining powder particle size distribu-tion and powder flow properties is vital to achieving good results. And this is what

our high-quality sub 100 µm powders provide. Customers also appreciate the fact that our labs are equipped to pro-duce the commercial quanti-ties they require.

Specialty Powders in Europe operates five powder-manufac-turing sites in France, Nether-lands, Italy, and the United King-dom. For more information about our cryogenic grinding toll services, please contact us at: grinding_service @eu.icopolymers.com

With the addition of seven new PTFE ultra-fine powder grades, A. Schulman’s Specialty Powder business unit (ICO Po ly mers) has extended its range of dis-tributed products from Solvay Specialty Polymers in Europe.

The recently signed small lot distribution agreement with Solvay – covering the EMEA region – perfectly compliments A. Schulman’s own development goal to promote new specialised functional fine powders. Just as importantly, it extends the already established 2012 Halar® coat-ing powders agreement.

Free-flowing advantagesAlgoflon® L and Polymist® are free-flow-ing, micronised powders promoted by A. Schulman for use as additives in a wide range of polymeric materials. These substances include thermoplastics and elastomers to enhance processing or end-use performance characteristics. The fine powders can also enhance some properties of the host material even if only added in small amounts. Why? The chemically resistant fluoropolymer pow-ders resist the effects of hostile process-ing conditions and the powders reside in the host resin where their properties re-main virtually unchanged.

New horizons for Solvay Specialty PolymersA. Schulman now distributes Algoflon® L and Polymist® PTFE powders

Used at low levels, Algoflon® L and Polymist® micro nised powders provide: • internal lubrication • improved mould release • increased processing rates

What about plastics? Here higher contents are requested when low friction, optimum PV value and resis-tance to wear are required. The process-ing conditions for PTFE filled compounds are identical to those of the host material (e.g., plastics, elastomers, etc.). And, the use of Algoflon® L and Polymist® PTFE mi-cronised powders enhances performance of the host material. Advantages include:

• wear, rub and scratch resistance • release properties • anti-stick properties • lubrication anti-friction

For more information about these prod-ucts – and other ICO powders – please e-mail us at [email protected].


Specialty Powders

BPA (Bisphenol A) has been commercial-ly available since 1957. It is used to make certain clear and tough plastics and epoxy resins commonly found in industri-al applications and a variety of consumer goods: • baby and water bottles • sporting equipment • coatings for food and beverage cans • CDs and DVDs • water pipe linings • thermal paper (e.g. used in sales receipts)

Why is BPA in the spotlight?At high dosage levels BPA exhibits hor-mone-like properties. And concerns have been raised about its suitability in con-sumer products. Because of this, BPA has become associated with possible adverse effects on human health, par-ticularly where infants and children are concerned (see www.bpa-coalition.org).

As a precaution, many industries have sought to develop BPA-free coating sys-tems as an alternative to these epoxy and polyester epoxy resins that can come into direct or indirect contact with hu-mans (e.g., food packaging or pipes and tanks used for drinking water).

The solution: Cotene™ BPA-free coating powders from A. SchulmanYou can be sure that the powder coating materials from A. Schulman’s Specialty Powders unit are 100 % BPA-free.

Have a drink on us!Cotene™ BPA-free TP coating powders are ideal for drinking water applications

This is why, for example, our R&D team based in Paris, France, is actively work-ing with leading companies to devel-op BPA-free applications that use Cotene™ coating powders.

Our over-coating work is based around the use of thermoplastic coating pow-de r s conta in ing 10 0 % BPA-free and plasticiser- free modified polyolefin ma - terials. These spray or dip powders are made f rom self-adhesive, tough, abrasion- resistant stabilised polymers, and will actually last longer than the pipes or tanks they coat. Best of all, they easily pass drinking water and/or food testing requirements.

Cotene™: the environmental coating choiceCoatings using some traditional materi-als such as PVC, PU, Epoxy, Polyester, Epoxy-Polyester or wet paint, can release volatile organic compounds or contain harmful substances such as isocyanates and plasticisers.

Dry, self-adhesive thermoplastic coat-ing powders, such as Cotene™, contain none of these substances. And they can be processed without the use of a chem-ical or polymeric surface primer. Coat-ers simply determine the metal-surface pre-treatment approach they want based

on end-user requirements. In addition to this, Cotene™ is currently used as a sin-gle-layer coating for applications where extreme, long-life corrosion protection for steel is a requirement.

We will be happy to analyse your requirementsDo you want more information on our range of coating powders? Contact your local ICO Specialty Powders represen-tative at [email protected] or call your A. Schulman salesperson. Today!

For more than 20 years Icorene® pow-ders have been used by rotomoulders to make all-plastic fuel storage tanks which can vary in size from 500 litres to 50,000 litres. The reason is obvious: these tanks are free from metal corrosion problems common in traditional steel sheet fabri-cated tanks.

But now, tank manufacturers must con-form to strict regulations according to new “EN” European Standard. The

specific standard applicable for above ground storage tanks for heating or die-sel oil was updated in 2011 and classified as EN13341:2005+A1:2011. Due to very high UV (UV 11 ISO test method) and stress cracking performance require-ments, this standard represents a major challenge for rotomoulders and their sup-pliers.

But there is good news too. For all A. Schulman customers, Icorene® 1314

Simply the bestIcorene® surpasses new European EN standard for plastic tanks


Natural and Green rotomoulding powder grade for kerosene and diesel oil storage tanks easily satisfy this new European EN standard!

Accelerated weathering WOM test results prove exceptionally high UV performance Until today it was not possible for any commercially available Natural Roto-moulding Grade to fully meet the require-ments of the EN 13341 2011 materials test. Now, the process for making the tanks according to the EN 13341 2011 standard is clearly defined. The tanks are tested for impact strength, permeability, pressure leakage, and fire resistance. In addition, the raw materials for the tanks are tested separately for their ability to withstand many conditions. These include the ability to withstand diverse conditions such as: long-term contact with fuel, ri-gidity, impact (even at low temperatures), long-term outdoor exposure, and protec-tion of the oil from sunlight.

For some years, A. Schulman has been able to supply high-quality green com-pounds that meet the EN test standard UV test requirements.In 2012 A. Schulman’s new rotomoulding grade Icorene® 1314 in natural powder was tested at an external laboratory and shown to be fully compliant with the new EN 13341 requirements.

A. Schulman Specialty Powders (ICO Polymers) set the standard for natural and green oil tanks A. Schulman is pleased to announce that in 2013 – during an independent com-mercial customer test – the Icorene® 1314 resin outperformed competitive mate-rials and surpassed the new stringent EN 13341 2011 requirements.

In the test, a 100 kg section of a fully roto -moulded tank was moulded and tested at an EN accredited test laborato-ry: Impact Solutions, Grangemouth, UK. Samples of the tank material in green ef-fortlessly passed the test requirements of less than 50 % elongation after the 10,700 hour UV exposure trial. In fact, only an 18 % drop in elongation was measured, a record low value! The results are shown below.

“This grade rewrites the book!” As a spokesperson noted: “We believe that this material is the best stabilised rotomoulding HDPE in the Global Busi-ness at this time! Mostly roto-polyeth-ylene contains a basic stabilisation for long-term heat and UV exposure. This grade rewrites the book!”

“After more than 445 days in an extreme UV environment as a natural polymer, the PE elasticity was reduced by less than half the original value. Under these

conditions, most standard rotomoulding materials would have become embrittled (degraded more than 50 % elongation) af-ter only 200 days.’’

Rely on Icorene® 1314 for outstanding performanceIcorene® 1314 is a tough HDPE that has been co-developed with Ineos Polyole-fins (UK) to meet the moulding and phys-ical performance requirements of large tanks that are designed to be used out-doors for many years. For customers requir ing granules, A. Schulman also exclusively supplies the base resin Eltex® HD3930UA.

Icorene® 1314 Natural, Eltex® HD3930UA, and selected Icorene® 1314 black and colour compounds are avail able through your local A. Schulman representative: [email protected].

% o

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12,00010,0008,0006,0004,0002,0000

exposed time (h)

Icorene® 1314 Natural

Retained elongation after 10,700 hours of UV exposal trial for an oil tank made of Icorene® 1314 Natural in an independent test lab according to EN13341

% o

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12,00010,0008,0006,0004,0002,0000

exposed time (h)

Icorene® 1314 Green

Retained elongation after 10,700 hours of UV exposal trial for an oil tank made of Icorene® 1314 Green in an independent test lab according to EN13341



Elian and A. Schulman, together with our Distribution Service team, provide comprehensive masterbatch-and-resin solutions for your cap and/or closure ap-plications.

No matter what the challenge – weight reduction, energy savings, safety en-hancements or simply ease-of-use – our solutions will be the beginning of a suc-cess story for your business.

Caps, closures, coloursNeed organoleptic HDPE? How about new bi-modal grades that enhance flowability? Or enhanced environmental stress-cracking resistance (ESCR) prop-erties with lower cycle times? Elian and A. Schulman have a proven track record in providing precisely what customers need to produce the colourful caps and closures they want.

You will especially appreciate our exper-tise in PP, PE, and other state-of-the-art polymers.

Translucent and pearly metallic coloursAlways in tune with customer specifica-tions – and market trends – Elian offers a wide range of colours for your prod-ucts. No wonder so many businesses rely on us to serve their cap-and-closure requirements in business fields such as: cosmetics, food packaging, pharmaceu-ticals, cleansers, and many more.

Your partner for a more colourful life!Established in 1949, Elian has grown to become an international specialist in creating and manufacturing colours that are ideal for all types of plastic process-ing requirements. We are recognised for quality and for prompt responses to customer needs. And we provide both tailor-made and standard options that permit customers to choose from tens of thousands of colours.

Every day, our talented colourists work on dozens of new colours for all types

of polymers. Our production facili-ty easily handles short lead times on a wide variety of lot sizes, from mini-batches weighing only 1–25 kg to large batches weigh-

ing several tons.

Fortunately too, our state-of-the-art lab is backed by powerful formulation software and by an e-match system that allows customers to view colours remotely via the Internet.

Elian and A. Schulman – benefits at a glance: • fast cycle times • sophisticated designs • a dedicated team that thoroughly un-derstands market needs and technical trends

• products that are certified for food contact, etc.

• excellent organoleptic performance grades with mechanical properties that comply with international standards and safety requirements

• sustainable, reliable solutions that leave a small carbon footprint

• solutions that are suited to both CSD and non-CSD applications

• products that are ideal for injection or compression processing

Best of allWhenever necessary, one of our colour-ists will visit your production site to en-sure that your final products always have precisely the colours you want.

The teams of Elian and A. Schulman Dis-tribution Services are your partner for your colourful life!

An open and shut case for Elian and A. Schulman The masterbatch and resin product range for caps and closures applications

A. Schulman Distribution Services provide first-class products and services to the growing distribution market. Thanks to our well-established partners and our broad product portfolio, we can offer solutions ranging from warehousing to training and purchasing recommendations.A. Schulman integrates its global know-how to generate customer solutions and innovative applications.

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National Petrochemical Industrial Co. (NATPET) is a Saudi Arabian joint stock company formed in 1999 having a pro-duction capacity of 400,000 MT/year propylene – polypropylene, located at Yanbu Industrial City on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. NATPET is using oleflex technology to convert propane into propylene – the feedstock to produce polypropylene, engaging the prestigious state-of-the-art and reliable Spheripol® process which employs high yield third generation catalysts. Thus im-parting negligible environmental impact, and with higher control on properties, the process generates superior product range offering low emissions and no undesired by-products to leave behind for disposal.

Taking advantage of this joint venture, A. Schulman is able to provide a wide range of NATPET PP grades (Homo-, Random and Block COPO) reaching locations all over Europe and close to your production sites; thus shortening the dispatch and deliv-ery time based on our warehouse concepts. With a solid tech-nical assistance team of NATPET, A. Schulman would excel in its promptness to provide technical support to its customers.

NATPET grades serve diversified market segments, such as, rigid and flexible packaging, fiber and raffia, consumer goods, automotive, housewares, articles for food and non-food appli-cations, caps and lids, sports, leisure & toys, TWIM food con-tainers, and consumer packaging where high transparency is required, etc.

NATPET grades are well known for their optimum performance which are tried and tested by renowned top-of-the-line machine builders and acclaimed for the quality. NATPET is competently selling its products worldwide (in more than 65 countries span-ning all continents) owing to the performance and compliance with all applicable international regulatory standards, such as, FDA, EU Food, Chinese, Turkish, REACh, RoHS, SCHC, etc., for intended applications like, food contact, toys, medical dispos-ables, etc.

NATPET production complies with several applicable ISO stand-ards, cGMP, etc. while winning several prestigious industry awards. NATPET’s well-equipped lab has been graded as excel-lent for the past two years by ASTM round robin testing scheme.

NATPET actively engages and promotes higher standards of safety and security by participating in internationally recognised environmental drives such as Responsible Care®, Global Marine Litter initiatives, Clean-up the Gulf, etc.

NATPET & A. Schulman A joint venture with clear benefits for you



Exceed™ mPE, Enable™ mPE, and Vistamaxx™ are the three product families of ExxonMobil’s metallocene grades: • Exceed™ mPE offers superior film per-formance.

• Enable™ mPE is designed to provide an unprecedented combination of easy processing and HAO-LLDPE perfor-mance advantages.

• Vistamaxx™ elastomers are specialty ethylene-propylene copolymers offer-ing effective PE and PP compatibility, excellent elasticity, and strong adhe-sive properties.

High-performance film attributesIn flexible packaging, certain properties of the metallocene raw material lead to high-performance film attributes. And this creates a circle of success. Why? Once you’ve enjoyed these benefits, you will want more. As a result, you will insist on getting even better properties and an even higher performance by combining the a.m. product families.

And right you’ll be. After all, this combi-nation can be a substantial advantage for the future development of your business. But how does one achieve the bene-fits of high-performance polyolefins like Exceed™, Enable™, and Vistamaxx™? In other words, how can you enjoy the sustainable and successful business growth they can help deliver? Call on A. Schulman.

Better performance and added valueTo begin with, you need to examine your different application requirements and determine the kind of benefits you want to achieve. For every application you

have, A. Schulman and ExxonMobil have an economic and efficient recommen-dation that can improve your products’ performance and provide added value. Additionally, we will determine your in-vestment/performance ratio and calcu-late possible savings you may enjoy by using one of the metallocene grades we offer.

Here’s an example of what we mean: • application: Stretchhood • skins: Exceed™ 1018 with 2 % anti-block (e.g., Antiblock F15)

• core: Nexxstar™ 00111 with 30–60 % Vistamaxx™ 3020 or 6102 propyl-ene-based elastomer

We recommend to use e.g. AMF 705 dur-ing the production phase to maximise your processing advantages.

The advantages of this formulation • broad operating window • flexible film for easy application • less holeformation • increased toughness: less tear and puncture

• high snapback

Your benefits at a glance for this spe-cific application:

Inherent safety • No need to use natural gas or open flames for shrink effects

Outstanding aesthetics • a visually smooth surface • superb clarity for optimum brand visi-bility, quality control, and retail display

High package integrity and physical protection • rain-, dirt-, and dust-resistant packag-ing (optional five- or four-side)

• better holding characteristics, even at higher temperatures

• load stability from the factory to the store floor

• excellent seal strength with Exceed™ mPE resin skins

• outstanding tear and puncture resist-ance, that can be further enhanced with the Vistamaxx™ Specialty Elasto-mer modified core

Cost performance and sustainability • 20–40 % cost reduction compared to other conventional stretch wrap/shrink hood film

• up to 20 % higher packaging-line speed from better sealing

• usable over a broad range of initial stretch

• enhanced elasticity and a broadened operating window with Vistamaxx™ Specialty Elastomer modified core

Call on A. Schulman for resultsThanks to our extensive experience in the distribution of metallocene grades and together with our Partner ExxonMobil and our Masterbatch team, we can pro-vide you a complete, economical, and ef-ficient solution for your film applications. Put us to the test. Today.

Packaging solutions just got more flexibleA. Schulman delivers the advantages of Exceed™, Enable™, and Vistamaxx™

21

Over the years, copolyesters have proven themselves to be an ideal solution for a wide range of packaging applications. No wonder! Their toughness, versatility, and chemical resistance al-low manufacturers to use them effectively to produce high-vol-ume, low-cost materials and components of every kind.

It will come as no surprise, therefore, that A. Schulman, your leading supplier of unprecedented solutions in plastics, of-fers a very wide range of these polymers. One of them – PETG Copoly ester – has the fastest growing share in the sophisticated food packaging films.

Here’s why: the unique properties of PETG enable it to fulfil the expectations of converters and customers alike.

Excellent barrier propertiesCopolyester PETG retains its strength, clarity, and other me-chanical properties even when exposed to a variety of chemi-cals that would normally negatively affect many standard mate-rials, such as polycarbonates.

PETG-based plastic remains neutral. Because the products it protects – foodstuffs, for example – are unable to emit odours, they remain fresh and palatable for longer periods of time. As tests at the University of Texas in Austin recently demon-strated, the level of odour permeability for PETG Copolyester was at least several times lower than PVDC. Most amazing of all, it was more than 500 times lower when used with EVOH.

Say cheese!No wonder, PETG is perfectly suited for the blister-type pack-aging films required by products such as yellow cheese. It sat-isfies high standards set by dairy industries. And its “hermetic” sealing properties provide significant chemical resistance to substances – such as yellow fats – commonly found in cheese.

Advantages as clear as glassSelling products in today’s markets is no easy task. If you want your products to stand out from the competition, eye-catching packaging is essential. Fortunately, Copolyester PETG plastics are distinguished by a high-gloss clarity equal to pure glass.

Copolyester PETG provides an excellent printing surface. And – in many cases – it doesn’t need to be pre-treated or laminated. As a result, it can save manufacturers time and money. Best of all, the environment benefits, too. Copolyester PETG is a “pure” material that can be easily recycled.

Processing polymers requires knowledge and experience. That’s why so many A. Schulman customers use our unsur-passed expertise and commitment to succeed. They soon dis-cover that we are as enthusiastic about developing their plastic products as they are. Need proof? Contact A. Schulman today for solutions to your copolyester requirements.

Meet the versatile hero of the soft-packaging marketCopolyester PETG from A. Schulman fulfils the highest expectations

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