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Intech, a Korean firm changing the paradigm of the facial mask market

Now it’s time to take a close look at a small but competitive business making a difference for the Korean economy. With repeated attacks of fine dust and yellow dust from China every year, masks are increasingly becoming a necessity for people’s health in Korea. The local dust mask market continues to grow, and has already reached over 15 billion won in size. Meanwhile, a Korean SME is drawing attention with a newly developed mask that’s different from the rest. “Intech” is the first company in the world to have developed a plastic mask made by injection molding, with replaceable filters. Intech’s CEO Lee Chang-sun tells us more. Plastic injection molding may sound hard, but this mask is made of plastic that’s very soft, harmless and eco-friendly. It’s made with the same material that’s used to make the urethane tube in syringes or babies’ teething toys. The mask that I’ve developed comes with replaceable filters. Generally, masks are expensive yet disposable. They usually cost between 3,000 and 5,000 won, and those for kids can cost up to 8,000 or 10,000 won. It’s supposed to be thrown out at the end of the day, but people don’t do that. So, we made the filter in our mask replaceable so that consumers can use high-function masks without the burden of the high price. It’s made with Intech’s original technology. Intech’s mask is not made of cloth or felt, but with plastic. Injection molding is a plastic manufacturing process where plastic is melted and then injected into a mold to form the desired shape. Intech is the first company in the world to use this method to make a mask with plastic that’s harmless to human health. This product is not only convenient to use, but also economical. A filter is attached inside the soft plastic mask with Velcro to block as much as 94% of the ultrafine dust or PM2.5, which was declared a group 1 human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. The mask can be used again repeatedly just by replacing the filter. Intech may have reformed the paradigm of masks, but the company did not start out as a mask maker. Intech was founded in July 2013 to make general consumer goods based on our molding or injection molding technology. I was not a mask maker at first. I started working in the molding industry as soon as I graduated from high school, and have been ever since. I started making masks because I was always interested in it, especially since the SARS scare. That’s why I decided to try developing a mask using the injection molding technology. Intech CEO Lee Chang-sun has been working in the injection molding industry for nearly 20 years, and he had always been interested in developing new items using the injection method. He came up with the idea to make a mask using the technology in the early 2000s when Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS was a major public issue. He founded the company in 2013 with the support of the Small & Medium Business Corporation, and put his thoughts into action. But even if a plastic mask is harmless to the human body, wouldn’t it feel restraining and stifling to wear one so tightly wrapped around one’s face? We designed the mask to completely block any external air pollutants. But we also wanted to make it comfortable for the wearer. We have a patent for valve masks, so with the technology, we made sure that the inhaled air is completely filtered, while the exhaled breath is let out through the valve. That’s why our mask is very comfortable to wear without any discomfort caused by moisture or the wearer’s own exhaled breath, even if they keep it on for a long time. It’s a mask that’s pleasant to wear. Made with the injection molding method, Intech’s mask is designed to fit the Korean facial features, making it sit snugly around the face. But at the same time, it’s not too tight or stuffy to wear. It’s because a valve is built inside the mask to easily and conveniently let out the exhaled breath. Intech named its mask “Hoooah Mask” to represent easy breathing. With its innovative technology and advantages Intech became the first mask maker to earn the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s NET-New Excellent Technology certificate in 2015. It also holds international patents in 11 different countries around the world. However, the market response wasn’t what the company had hoped. There were many complications and many trials and errors. I had been working in the basic manufacturing business ever since I was young, so I was completely ignorant when it came to marketing or designs. So I put my faith in the technology and made the first product, only to be met with very harsh criticism. Intech’s first mask was released in December 2013. Critics said while the mask is very functional, it reminded them of characters from horror films. That’s when Lee joined hands with expert designers. After improving the mask’s structures and remodeling the mold three times, Intech was able to finally come up with a product that would satisfy any consumer with varying shapes, sizes, colors and functions. Once I had the prototype in my hand, I packed my bags and went everywhere I could. I didn’t even know what an exchange rate was back then. I just went in, head first. I learned everything by just running in headfirst, and figuring out later if it was a wall, a door, or a path. Fortunately, I made inroads in Japan, Russia, Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Singapore. It feels like I went pretty much everywhere aside from Europe and South America. Intech released the new product in the international market first in 2015. Currently, it exports to 9 countries. It’s also working on a collaboration project with the global fashion brand Boy London. At home, Intech’s masks will hit the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies this month. The company, which has changed the face of protective masks, has only just taken its first step. http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/program/program_economysmall_detail.htm?no=10068815

Ms. Kang 2017-04-07

TALKING TRASH: Which plastics are recyclable and why?

Jan 3, 2017 at 9:00 AM By Debbie Sullivan Recycling plastics can be confusing. The chasing arrows or triangle with the number in the center is a code that identifies the plastic resin type. Plastics manufacturers use this code, but it does not necessarily mean the plastic is recyclable. Seven basic resin types are used to make thousands of different kinds of plastics. Dyes and other additives are added to basic resin to give the final product a desired color, shape and texture. These additives, along with the way that plastics are formed, impact the ability to recycle the plastic.Recycled plastics must be carefully sorted by type before they can be melted down and reformed into new products. Placing your plastics in a recycling cart is just the beginning of the long process of sorting and reprocessing in order to recycle plastics. Some plastics that can't be recycled, such as polystyrene (Styrofoam) and plastic bags, have limited markets and present haulers and processors with logistical challenges. Wind easily blows these light weight plastics, creating litter problems; they require large amounts of storage space; and they get tangled up in processing equipment. Which plastics can I recycle? Think bottles and containers - all plastic food and beverage bottles under 2 gallons in size. If the bottle contained motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, herbicides, adhesives, paints or solvents, it cannot be recycled. The residue from motor oil and chemicals seeps into the plastic and contaminates it. Styrofoam cups and trays are not recyclable. The only items that should be placed in the recycling cart are plastic containers, plastic and glass containers, paper/cardboard (broken down) and flatten. The items in the cart should not be in a plastic bags; any kind of plastic bag is not recyclable in the recycling cart. All items should be loose in the cart.All containers should be clean before placing in the cart. I will be checking the carts during the next few months to see if you have the your cart filled with recycling materials. For more information regarding your recycling cart, you can go to the Town of Marshfield website, click on Residents, and second link down says trash/recycling. You can contact me, Debbie Sullivan, Enforcement Officer trash/recycling dsullivan@townofmarshfield.org or call 781-831-3134.http://marshfield.wickedlocal.com/news/20170103/talking-trash-which-plastics-are-recyclable-and-why

강민정 2017-01-17

Henkel Presented Bonding Solutions at K 2016

Henkel Adhesives for Multi-Substrate Bonding Meet Needs for High Series Production of Composite PartsDecember 18, 2016Henkel’s fast-curing and reliable adhesives and matrix resins answer the increasing call from the auto industry for high performance continuous fiber-reinforced composites in integrated structural assemblies. At K 2016 in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 19 to 26, the company exhibited on the KraussMaffei booth B27/C24/C27/D24 in Hall 15 showing various assembly solutions for new lightweight materials from its broad materials portfolio.Adhesive bonding is replacing more conventional assembly methods involving welding, riveting and screwing. Not only is it highly effective, but it is also safer and simplifies many processes. Now, latest developments from Henkel make it possible to produce assemblies cost-effectively in volumes that may exceed 10,000 parts per year.During the show, Henkel turned the spotlight on an adhesive for joining a carbon fiber reinforced composite roof to a frame carrier made of thermoplastic. The adhesive, Loctite EA 9065, provides the high shear strength required for joining such important roof parts. It also bonds effectively to many different substrates, including steel and aluminum, as well as fiber reinforced plastics or thermoplastic composites based on polyamides.Loctite EA 9065 provides high crash durability, and it can be formulated for fast curing. Thus it is suitable for the automated application in large automotive series. “With Henkel offering high performance adhesives, we have the right partner for the integration of different composite substrates as thermoplastic and thermosets,” explained Erich Fries, head of the Composites/Surfaces business unit at KraussMaffei. Apart from composite adhesives that can be tailored to specific resins, Henkel also produces matrix resins for various types of fiber and textile-reinforced composites, as well as binders and release agents. It backs up its product offering with in-depth technical service that includes process know-how and engineering as well as in-house testing capabilities for composites production.“Henkel is taking a strategic approach to large-series automotive composites production,” said Frank Kerstan, Global Program Manager, Automotive Composites. “We position ourselves as a solution provider of composites materials for structural parts across different automotive segments and tailored adhesives for the assembly of multi-substrate components. Henkel is particularly strong when it comes to providing process and application know-how in Resin Transfer Molding, RTM.”Kerstan also highlighted other strengths at Henkel, including a capability for flexible and specialized solutions for specific customer requests; access to automotive industry via its global automotive OEM/Tier 1 customer base; a global footprint through technical testing centers around the globe; and a strong focus on R&D and innovation. Henkel can also call on a broad partner network covering machines, tools and engineering.Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business units: Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions, both in the consumer and in the industrial businesses, with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 50,000 people and reported sales of 18.1 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of 2.9 billion euros in fiscal 2015. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.

강민정 2016-12-21

Faraday Future Announces Supply Agreement with LGChem

LGChem to supply battery cells for Faraday Future Faraday Future today(October 3, 2016) announced a partnership with LGChem, the leading manufacturer of advanced battery systems, to supply lithium-ion cells for FF’s electric vehicles. The partnership also represents a joint commitment between both companies to collaborate on the development of EV battery technology, resulting in the world’s highest energy density for a production automotive battery. These cells will be incorporated into Faraday Future’s VPA platform, the company’s universal and scalable modular battery structure. The VPA platform is a critical component to Faraday Future’s future product portfolio. “LG Chem worked closely with Faraday Future to develop a tailored cell chemistry to optimize the range and safety of our mass production battery hardware,” said Tom Wessner, VP of Global Supply Chain, Faraday Future. “At FF, we are working with world-class suppliers to advance our technological innovations, and we look forward to our relationship with LGChem as we push towards our vision of future mobility.” “As a leading supplier of automotive cells and batteries, we are proud to work alongside Faraday Future as we work together to create the next generation of electric vehicles,” said UB Lee, the President of Energy Solution Company, LGChem. “Our progress so far represents a major step forward in battery technology, and we look forward to growing our partnership and co-developing hardware into the future.” With a customer base of more than 20 global automakers, LGChem’s leadership in the EV space makes it a strong partner for Faraday Future as both companies build towards the future of EV mobility.

Jennifer 2016-10-19

Rubber Raw Materials – Focussing on Security of Supply

"Diminishing natural rubber prices and well working supply with rubber raw materials are at a first glance drawing a picture of an overall relaxed situation,"Boris Engelhardt, Secretary General of the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk, Wirtschaftsverband der deutschen Kautschukindustrie e. V.) stated on June 27th 2016 in Dusseldorf, on the occasion of the K 2016 preview. Restrictively Engelhardt observed, gin deeper detail however there are developments rubber industry has to keep an eye on."One element of the overall positive raw material situation is the constant decline of natural rubber prices in the past, which now consolidate at a reasonable level. Engelhardt remarked additionally: “The sustainable reduction of crude oil prices led to a relief of raw material costs for synthetic rubber and carbon blacks. A slighter relief was also experienced by rubber converters.”“Despite of the positive general picture“, Engelhardt said, “it can’t be ignored that we have to consider a substantial cutback of raw material capacities in Europe. The closing of Marl EPDM site, the end of carbon black production in Hannover and the announced shut down of the carbon black facility in Ambès (France) just in the running year is not simply a loss of capacities. In most cases it means simultaneously a loss of specific grades and raw material qualities too.”In this respect Engelhardt pointed out that ”the resulting effort to be made for the necessary modification of rubber compounds, additional testing procedures and approvals are challenging rubber industry from a technical point of view and from an economic perspective as well.” The third and last registration phase for chemicals according to the EU Chemical Regulation REACh, with the deadline 31st of May 2018, might become thrilling to a certain extent. “In particular producers of general rubber goods have no sufficient evidence whether suppliers of small volume chemicals will actually go for registration at the European Chemical Agency ECHA”, Engelhardt described the current situation. “Especially chemicals designed for applications in the rubber sector are used in small quantities and they are essential for the production of technically advanced rubber articles,” Engelhardt emphasised. Therefore he reminded: “An open exchange of information in the production chain is vital to avoid any confusion and short term occurring interruption in the supply chain.”Finally Engelhardt said:” There are indications that in the near future raw material prices in general will most probably move sidewise.”http://www.k-online.com/cgi-bin/md_k/lib/pub/tt.cgi/Rubber_Raw_Materials_-_Focussing_on_Security_of_Supply.html?oid=90868&lang=2&ticket=g_u_e_s_t

Ms.Kang 2016-10-17

Addivant to highlight 'Solutions to Breakthrough' additives at K 2016

http://www.adsalecprj.com/Publicity/MarketNews/lang-eng/article-67024129/tc-en_CPRJ_EN_20160921/NewsArticle.aspx

Ms.Kang 2016-10-17

At the K Trade Fair Sesotec Focuses on Contaminant Detection and Material Sorting

Increase in efficiency and quality for the plastics industry and for plastics recyclingAt the K 2016 plastics trade fair (hall 10, stand E60) Sesotec GmbH as highlights presents the RAPID PRO-SENSE metal separator and the RAYCON D x-ray inspection system – both fit for “Industrie 4.0” - to trade visitors. The Sorting Recycling business unit for the first time presents the modular FLAKE PURIFIER+ system for the sorting of plastic flakes.“Industrie 4.0” a major topic in the plastics industry The German VDMA association of the plastics and rubber machinery industry and its member companies, which also include Sesotec GmbH from Schönberg, at the K 2016 trade fair want to demonstrate “Industrie 4.0” by way of concrete practical examples. They want to show to the trade which “Industrie 4.0” technologies are already successfully used to improve production efficiency in plastics and rubber machinery production, and what their advantages are for users.Contaminant detectors networked in production facilities Sesotec GmbH at the K trade fair presents the fit for “Industrie 4.0” RAPID PRO-SENSE high-performance metal separator. RAPID PRO-SENSE reliably detects and separates magnetic and non-magnetic metal particles even if they are enclosed in granulate and thus ensures the quality of plastic granulate and protects plastics-processing machines against damage and clogging. In terms of a "Smart Factory" the system can be integrated in networked production facilities.For the quality inspection of finished plastic products Sesotec GmbH furthermore presents the newly developed RAYCON D x-ray inspection system. This system x-rays injection moulded parts and inspects them for contaminations, incorrect shape, air inclusions, or missing components. The RAYCON D system also can be integrated in networked production facilities. New generation of multi-sensor sorting system At Sesotec's trade fair stand the new FLAKE PURIFIER+ sorting system is presented for the first time. Based on a modular concept this system allows the combination of all available sensors for contaminant detection: Sensors for metal separation, sensors for colour separation / sorting, and sensors for the separation and sorting by plastic types.The "+" in the FLAKE PURIFIER+ system stands for optimised material infeeding for a more evenly distributed material flow and increased material throughput. The system also allows easier maintenance and integration. The "+" furthermore stands for the dust-proof system design and for the integrated dust and label extraction which all provide increased efficiency in the recycling process.Comprehensive information about Sesotec at the K 2016 trade fair can be found athttp://www.sesotec.com/en/k2016The RAPID PRO-SENSE metal separator and the RAYCON D x-ray inspection system that are presented at the K trade fair both are fit for “Industrie 4.0”(Photos : Sesotec GmbH) The new Sesotec FLAKE PURIFIER+ multi-sensor sorting system is available with all sensorcombinations and increases efficiency in the recycling process(Photo : Sesotec GmbH)Sesotec - an overviewWith a turnover of more than EUR 60 million the Sesotec group is one of the leading manufacturers of machines and systems for product inspection and for the sorting of material flows. Product sales primarily focus on the food, plastics, chemical, pharmaceutical, and recycling industries. Sesotec's global presence includes subsidiaries in Great Britain, France, Italy, China, Singapore, India, Canada, and in the USA, a representative office in Turkey, and more than 40 agencies all over the world. The Sesotec group presently has 500 employees, about 400 are working at the main factory in Schönberg. For further information please contactSesotec GmbHBrigitte RothkopfRegener Straße 130D-94513 SchönbergTel. +49-(0)8554-308 2100Fax +49-(0)8554-2606E-mail: brigitte.rothkopf@sesotec.comwww.sesotec.com

Jennifer 2016-10-13

K2016) CHINAPLAS positioned to capture Asia’s enormous market potential

China remains at the epicenter of the global plastics industry. Its domestic plastics and rubber sectors continue to experience stable growth, while benefiting from government support and from its location in the heart of Asia. Across the region, which already represents a significant percentage of the world’s GDP, a strong middle class is emerging, along with a huge appetite for consumer goods, vehicles, housing and the like. This positions the annual CHINAPLAS trade fair as the perfect platform for showcasing all that the polymer industries have to offer. China's plastics industry has expanded tremendously in the past three decades. It even experienced steady growth during the past five years, while China's annual economic growth rate slowed to a 25-year low of 6.9 percent in 2015. In this “new normal”, China’s economy is projected to grow at an even slower rate in the coming years. But the country’s economy remains massive, and some enterprises now see this as the right time for them to focus on enhancing productivity, efficiency and competitive advantages. On October 20 in Düsseldorf, Germany, at the K 2016 trade fair, Mr. Stanley Chu, Chairman of Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., organizer of CHINAPLAS, will deliver a forward-looking presentation titled “China’s Plastics Industry Development in the Coming Five Years” at the KI Group Polymer Summit. “China is now the No. 1 producer and consumer of plastic resins in the world,” according to Mr. Chu. “Its continued expansion is riding not only on the general GDP growth, but on the fact that plastics, as an advanced material, is widely used and increasing its penetration into the automotive, electrical and electronics, packaging, building, and medical industries, as well as into many other hi-tech sectors in China. This provides a favorable platform not only for further development of the plastics industry, but also for growing the scale of CHINAPLAS.” CHINAPLAS 2017, to be held next May in Guangzhou, in southern China, is expected to set a record in terms of its scale, reaching 250,000sqm of exhibition area. While expanding its size, the organizer also is dedicated to developing CHINAPLAS as a technology-oriented show with a focus on key topics of “Intelligent Manufacturing”, “High-tech Materials” and “Green Solutions”. This matches up well with the key development directions of the plastics processing industry set under the China’s 13th Five-Year Plan, including developing multi-functional, high-tech materials and additives, accelerating the market share of high-end products, speed up research and development of plastics equipment as well as green, energy saving and high efficiency new processing technologies. As for plastics machines, Mr. Chu points out that while China has imported a lot of advanced technology from Europe, many major European plastics machinery suppliers have set up their production facilities in China either through wholly owned subsidiaries or through joint-venture companies. Such strategic investments underscore the increasing importance of the China market on the global stage. Moreover, with years of development, China's plastics machinery suppliers have also geared up. In terms of volume, China has been the largest plastics machinery manufacturing country in the world for more than 10 consecutive years. Some of the country’s top brands are now actively building up their overseas plants and networks to support aggressive export drives. Chinese-made machines are very popular throughout Asia. In 2015, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, South Korea and Malaysia were among the top 10 export markets for China’s plastics machines. Asia-Pacific represents the world's fastest-growing consumer market, and experts predicted that by 2030 this region will account for two-thirds of the global middle class and more than 40% of worldwide GDP. Mr. Chu said, “The rise of the middle class in the region will generate huge demand for automobile, electronic devices and consumer goods, such as healthcare, cosmetic products and sportswear etc. which in turn will create enormous market opportunities for the plastics and rubber industries. Each year, 60% overseas visitors of CHINAPLAS are from Asia. We believe that Asian buyers’ future purchasing power will be beyond our expectations.” CHINAPLAS 2017 will take place from 16-19 May 2017 at the China Import & Export Fair Complex, Pazhou, Guangzhou, PR China. As Asia’s No.1 plastics and rubber trade fair, the show will bring together the most ground-breaking plastics and rubber technologies, a wide array of raw materials, and extremely cost-effective processing and management solutions from 3,300 Chinese and overseas exhibitors. This will include 12 country and regional pavilions, including large groups from Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and the USA. Buyers from companies of all sizes will discover advanced solutions to cope with their challenges, ranging from operation optimization and cost savings to sustainability and new-product development. Follow CHINAPLAS on social media and stay tuned You are welcome to follow CHINAPLAS on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn where you can share your questions, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and get the first-hand tips for visiting CHINAPLAS. For more information about CHINAPLAS 2017, please visit the official show website at www.ChinaplasOnline.com

Ms.Kang 2016-10-13