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NEW GUIDE ADVISES BEST PRACTICE FOR LOW ENERGY PLASTICS PROCESSING
18 July 2007 - Rapra Technology Limited
| There are many reasons for wanting to improve your energy efficiency, however, the most compelling reason for the plastics processing industry is that wasting energy costs money. |
With rising energy costs, soaring raw material prices and the impacts of climate change, the need to reduce energy consumption is more important than ever before. RECIPE, the European project to help the plastics processing industry reduce their energy consumption, has written a ‘Best Practice Guide for Low Energy Plastics Processing’ to help organisations plan and implement an energy efficiency programme. It is aimed at all levels of management and operational staff and provides a structured and practical approach to improving energy efficiency in the processing of plastics. Understanding energy usage is examined first, along with a simple guide to renewable energy sources. Processes covered include injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, rotational moulding, thermoforming, composites and compression moulding. Finally, utilities and energy management are considered. Each chapter contains useful techniques, tools, tips and practical advice along with actions to take and individual case studies. RECIPE project coordinator, Suzanne Wilkinson, says ‘the Best Practice Guide is an important publication for the RECIPE project. It has been designed for use by anyone and can help to identify areas where energy and cost savings can be made most easily. We urge all European plastics processors to examine their current energy management practices and get involved in the RECIPE project. Visit our site, www.eurecipe.com and from there you can download benchmark reports, factsheets, the Best Practice Guide and software tools for energy management.’ There are many benefits to being a part of RECIPE, including software tools and resources, publications, factsheets and events. The FREE Best Practice Guide is available to download from www.eurecipe.com or email info@eurecipe.com to be sent a copy.
http://www.rapra.net
About: Rapra Technology Limited
Rapra Technology is Europe’s leading independent plastics and rubber consultancy. Rapra provides comprehensive consultancy, technology and information services for the polymer industry and industries using plastics and rubber in any component, product or production process.
Company Statistics: Formerly the Rubber and Plastics Research Association (RAPRA)
Established 1919
5,000 clients worldwide per annum
2,000 technical projects each year
World class Information Centre
2 sites in the UK
130 staff Working for industry. Rapra provides specialist plastics and rubber technical, information and commercial services for the polymer industry and end-user industries including the automotive, construction, electrical, medical, offshore, packaging and polyurethane sectors. Rapra has a unique mix of on-site expertise and facilities enabling the application of an integrated approach to problem solving. Its capabilities lie in the skills and experience of its people, many of whom are recognised as leading experts in their field. Clients can commission individual services,specialist consultancy or participate in multi-client research projects, funded by EC and UK government and/or industry, to progress research and development of polymer technology and applications. Testing, analysis and calibration services. Rapra’s physical testing, analytical and chemical laboratories are UKAS accredited to provide UKAS certification and test to a range of national and international standards. Numerous physical tests assess material properties such as abrasion, fatigue, impact and stress and their performance in products in particular conditions. Rapra’s analytical and chemical laboratories undertake materials identification and characterisation etc. using a range of advanced chromatographic, spectroscopic and thermal techniques. Information services. Rapra’s technical facilities are complemented by an extensive polymer Information Centre. The Polymer Library is the world’s most comprehensive plastics and rubber information database in the public domain. Available either in hardcopy, on CD-ROM or via the internet, it contains over 850,000 references which are updated every two weeks. Rapra produces a range of publications including Journals, Industrial Analysis Reports, Review Reports and global Directories, detailed in a Publications Catalogue. Technology services. Rapra’s plastics and rubber technical services can prevent, identify or solve problems and improve on or ensure continuing quality. Supported by comprehensive testing, analysis and information facilities, technologists can tackle most polymer related projects. Whilst details of specialist services are available, the following represents Rapra’s core technical expertise: Materials selection & application support
Product design & development
Manufacturing process development
Prototyping & small scale production
Engineering & tooling
Fault & failure diagnosis
Testing & Analysis
Conferences
Rapra brings together leading academics and industrialists in an annual programme of national and international conferences. Renowned for their quality coverage of polymer topics, Rapra conferences are of interest to polymer processors and industry-wide users. Technology Training Courses
Rapra runs an extensive programme of short technology-based training courses covering materials, product design, processing techniques and environmental considerations. Recognised by the Institute of Materials Continuing Professional Development scheme, they aim to enhance in-house skills, help in identifying problems and to recognise potential opportunities. |
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