Plastribution is a UK-based plastics distributor that sources over 5,000 polymer grades from over 35 global suppliers. It serves as the preferred supplier for UK plastics processors in industries such as packaging, automotive, medical, and others. Plastribution prides itself on understanding customer needs and adding value through reliable service, technical expertise, and helping customers identify new market opportunities.

1. Welcome to Plastribution
the preferred choice for UK plastics processors
plastribution.co.uk+44 (0)1530 560560

3. 3 @plastribution plastribution.co.uk+44 (0)1530 560560
An introduction to Plastribution
As the UK’s leading plastics raw materials distributor, we are the
preferred choice for plastics processors.
With an extensive portfolio of over 5000 grades sourced
from over 35 global polymer suppliers, we have evolved our
distribution model to be supportive, sustainable and secure.

5. 5 @plastribution plastribution.co.uk+44 (0)1530 560560
Our success is driven by conversations.
The right conversations with the right people:
suppliers and customers.
Our markets
Packaging
Automotive
Medical
Electrical
Electronics
Industrial
Construction
Our customers
Processors
Injection Moulding
Extrusion
Film
Profile
Compounding & Masterbatch
Blow Moulding
Specifiers
OEMs
Designers

7. 7 @plastribution plastribution.co.uk+44 (0)1530 560560
We understand your business, delivering our
expertise in an intelligent way and providing
the services that you have told us matter.
We do what we say we are going to do
We take ownership of problems
If there is bad news to be shared, we won’t hide it
We are confident that every contact with Plastribution
will be positive
Jon King, Essex Injection Moulding Ltd
Excellent relationship
and customer service. Very
knowledgeable about
applications and the materials
we use in our business.

8. 900UK Customers
Polymer related
degrees
No.1Distributor in the UK
UK based staff
times winner
of a PIA2
A distributor
of substance
Source: AMI European Polymer Distribution Survey 2014

9. Global
Suppliers
3500T
UK Stock
UKwarehouses
years
of management team
polymer industry
experience

11. 11 @plastribution plastribution.co.uk+44 (0)1530 560560
Our connections
Officially connecting businesses with the world’s leading
polymer suppliers.
Visit the industry’s most comprehensive product database
Interactive link available

13. 13 @plastribution plastribution.co.uk+44 (0)1530 560560
Value = Price + Service + Reliability
Founded on the strength of our relationships, we
create lasting partnerships with our customers
by delivering value.
We add value by being trusted advisors,
unrivalled at sourcing product, identifying
new markets, and providing commercial and
technical support.
I like the way Plastribution
do business. It is not just all
about selling plastic, they add
value to our business.
Graeme Purves. Production and Supply
Chain Manager. Mainetti UK ltd.

14. price
November 2015
Is the Disconnection Between Polymer and Oil Prices Sustainable?
0845 34 54 560
www.plastribution.co.uk
4www.plastribution.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560 Email: report@plastribution.co.uk
Polymer and feedstock price data
provided by PIE. www.pieweb.com
Is the Disconnection Between Polymer and Oil Prices Sustainable?
Whilst it is not clear if the current dichotomy is sustainable
in the long-term, the current market situation in which
polymer producers are increasing prices and closing order
books prematurely is almost unprecedented at a time of
year that typically special deals are being done in order
to optimize inventory in preparation for the seasonal
December shutdowns in Western Europe.
Monomer Prices (£ GBP per tonne)
Feedstock Change (Contract)
C2 (Ethylene) £0.00
C3 (Propylene) -£28.85
Styrene -£21.64
Benzene £44.72
Brent Crude -£7.56
Price Index 2008 - 2015 GBP Based
120%
110%
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
Brent Crude
Polyolefin Basket
Jul-08
Mar-09
Nov-09
Jul-10
Mar-11
Nov-11
Jul-12
Mar-13
Nov-13
Jul-14
Mar-15
5www.plastribution.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560 Email: report@plastribution.co.uk
Polymer and feedstock price data
provided by PIE. www.pieweb.com
Polyolefins
LDPE
October prices initially followed the
reduction in the Ethylene price, although
some producers offered further reductions
to stimulate demand, reflecting improved
availability. However, as the month
progressed the market seemed to tighten
and rumours of a change in pricing
trend prevailed. Whilst in November the
Ethylene price rolled over, many producers
implemented price increases of up to
€50 citing improved demand in Europe
and balanced/tight supply. In the UK
though, the strength of Sterling versus
the Euro minimised the impact. At the
time of writing, many producers have
closed November order books, although
so far supply has largely met demand.
There is talk of feedstock increases
in December due to an unplanned
outage at a large European cracker.
Data provided by PIE
www.pieweb.com
LLDPE
Reductions of at least the Ethylene
settlement were applied in October.
However, the market for LLDPE products is
highly variable according to the product
type. Traded C4 LLDPE for film is readily
available and here pricing was weak.
However, C4 injection grades have
remained tight and therefore pricing
is much firmer. Supply of Metallocene
products has also been balanced/tight.
For November, whilst Ethylene rolled over,
many producers implemented price
increases in Euro terms, although these
were offset somewhat by the strength of
Sterling. As with all Polyolefin products,
many producers have closed order books
early citing strong demand and the need
to protect stocks for December sales.
HDPE
As with the other Polyethylene families,
reductions of at least the Ethylene settlement
were applied in October. However, the
market situation on HDPE products was,
and remains, highly variable according to
the product type. Standard blow moulding
grades are in abundance and therefore
pricing has been weak. However, injection
moulding grades remain extremely tight and
therefore pricing has been much firmer.
For November, most producers implemented
price increases in Euro terms, although these
were offset somewhat by the strength of
Sterling. Many producers have now closed
order books citing strong demand and
the need to protect stocks for December
sales. The surge in spot feedstock costs
due to the unplanned outage at a
large European cracker means that an
increase is anticipated for December.
PP
The significant reduction in C3 costs was
passed on in October, although some
producers applied further reductions
to reflect the market conditions. The
availability picture was very mixed
with some suppliers still affected by
availability issues, but overall the
market was in surplus. However,
during the month the climate started
to change and many producers
reported strong demand, particularly
in Europe, tightening availability. As
a result, the feedstock reduction in
November was not passed on and most
producers rolled prices over. As with
Polyethylene, most PP order books were
closed early this month. The outage
at the large European cracker could
affect propylene feedstock prices
for December and any feedstock
increases are likely to be passed on.
Other
Polyolefins
Metallocene products
are discussed in the
section on LLDPE.
EVA pricing and
availability is very
mixed with surplus
availability from certain
manufacturers and
shortages of specific
grades from others.
Supply Supply Supply Supply
Demand Demand Demand Demand
£1,400.00
£1,200.00
£1,000.00
£800.00
£600.00
£400.00
£200.00
£pertonne
Brent Crude
Naphtha Spot
Ethylene (C2) Spot
Ethylene (C2) Contract
Propylene (C3) Spot
Propylene (C3) Contract
Polyolefin Basket
Oct-14
Nov-14
Dec-14
Jan-15
Feb-15
Mar-15
Apr-15
May-15
Jun-15
Jun-15
Aug-15
Sept-15
Oct-15
£1,400.00
£1,200.00
£1,000.00
£800.00
£600.00
£400.00
£200.00
£pertonne
Brent Crude
Naphtha Spot
Ethylene (C2) Spot
Ethylene (C2) Contract
Propylene (C3) Spot
Propylene (C3) Contract
Polyolefin Basket
Oct-14
Nov-14
Dec-14
Jan-15
Feb-15
Mar-15
Apr-15
May-15
Jun-15
Jun-15
Aug-15
Sept-15
Oct-15
price
9www.plastribution.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1530 560560 Email: report@plastribution.co.uk
Polymer and feedstock price data
provided by PIE. www.pieweb.com
Fundamentals
price
Topic Item Date % Trend
GDP Real GDP (Q on Q) Q2 2015 0.4
GDP Real GDP (Y on Y) Q2 2015 1.6
UK Output Manufacturing (M on M) Aug 0.5
UK Output Manufacturing (Y on Y) Aug -0.8
Sales New Car Registrations (Y on Y) Sep 8.6
Sales Retail Sales (M on M) Sep 1.9
Labour Unemployment Rate July 5.4
Prices CPI (Y on Y) Sep -0.1
Prices RPI (YoY) Sep 0.8
Interest Rate Bank of England Base Rate November 0.5
The proposed lifting of sanctions against Iran has put
downward pressure on price in anticipation of increased
supply.
The Sterling/Euro exchange rate is a key factor in
determining polymer prices, since most materials are Euro
denominated. At current price levels, each Euro Cent
change in price represents a £10 per tonne impact on our
polyolefins materials basket. The Sterling/USD exchange
rate tends to be more influential on the price of ABS, PC
and POM.
Currently Sterling is sat between an appreciating USD and
depreciating Euro. Although significant, these changes
remain subtle compared to the more dramatic changes
in feedstock prices.
UK Economic Data
Brent Crude Oil Price per tonne
Exchange Rates
USD per tonne GBP per tonne
900.00
800.00
700.00
600.00
500.00
400.00
300.00
200.00
Nov–14
Dec–14
Jan–15
Feb–15
Mar–15
Apr–15
May–15
June–15
July–15
Aug–15
Sep–15
Oct-15
Aug–14
Sep–14
Oct–14
Nov–14
Dec–14
Jan–15
Feb–15
Mar–15
Apr–15
May–15
Jun–15
July–15
Aug–15
Sep-15
Oct-15
1.80
1.70
1.60
1.50
1.40
1.30
1.20
1.10
USD Monthly
Euro Monthly
www.plastribution.co.uk@plastribution
0845 34 54 560
Issue 06 July 2015
the magazine
In this issue
Best Companies One Star Award 06
Metal replacement 22
Apigo Bio 34
Supply chain solutions
& value-added services
Turn to page 18
Still the preferred choice
for plastics processors
PLA0181_KH6_01.indd 1 08/07/2015 16:33
www.plastribution.co.uk
0845 34 54 560
Issue 01 September 2011
the magazine
In this issue
Because business is changing 04
A new look for Plastribution 10
Managing the supply chain 14
Our product list 20
Plastics design workshops 32
A successful
cover story
Our Innovation. Turn to page 22
Issue 1_Plastribution_2.indd 1 14/09/2011 16:59
industry
Plastribution is the UK’s leading distributor of
plastics raw materials, delivering reliability,
know-how and true business partnership to
the world’s best polymer suppliers and our
UK customers.
In the event that you require further information about
packaging formats please do not hesitate to contact a
member of the Plastribution team for further information by
emailing sales@plastribution.co.uk or phone 0845 3454560
Pallet Size
Originally pallets were 1,000kg,
although in order to achieve better
pallet utilization and transport
efficiency, pallets are now typically
1,375 kg (55 x 25kg bags).
Pallet Dimensions
These are typically determined
to enable a five-bag-per-layer
configuration that provides
maximum stability.
advertorial advertorial
Raw material packaging formats explained
There is some confusion as to which materials are supplied in what
packaging formats, why this is done and - if required - how it can
be changed.
As shown in the table below, the default packaging format is 25kg
bags with the exception of PVC Resin and PET Resin (APET).
Pallet Wrapping:
One of the following forms of
wrapping is typically used:
1. Stretch Hoods
A large plastic bag is physically stretched and
then placed over the bags on the pallet.
2. Shrink hoods
As above with the additional application of
heat so that the wrapping shrinks to adopt
the shape of the bags on the pallet.
3. Machine Stretch Wrap
A tacky, pre-tensioned plastic film is
wound around the bags on the pallet.
4. Hand Stretch Wrap
A tacky plastic film is wound around
the bags on the pallet.
Industry know-how is a series of articles that provide essential
background to the industry, terminology and practices.
In some cases there is a high level of assumed knowledge,
in other cases terms of reference lack clarity – Industry
know-how aims to provide clear explanation and where
appropriate thought leadership to support our industry.
Types of 20 & 25kg bags
Various types of bags are used depending upon type
and origin of the polymer. The variants can be summarised
as follows: -
Bulk Density
In addition to variations in actual density of different
thermoplastics and formulations, pellet/granule geometry
will also affect the mass of material that can be contained
within a specific volume – the bulk density. Bulk density
is particularly important when calculating the volume
of tanks and silos so as to ensure that their capacity is
suitable for the intended weight of polymer granules.
Quantities less than one pallet
Often customers require quantities of less than one pallet and
denominations of 25 kg (20kg) are available. A premium is
charged to cover the additional costs and this may include:
< 100kg – courier service, boxes, picking charges
>100kg < 500kg – cost of pallet, pallet wrapping, picking
charges, delivery premium (delivery charges from logistics
companies are based upon number of pallets rather
than weight, with a minimum charge of one pallet).
>500kg < 1,000, 1,250, 1,375 - (depending upon original
packaging) cost of pallet and picking charges.
Ocatbins, Otaboxes & Gaylords
This packaging allows quantities greater than 25kg bags to
be shipped in one container on a pallet. Weights range from
900 to 1,250 kg depending on material type and supplier.
‘Gaylords’ are designed for use in shipping containers where
they offer better stability and more efficient use of space.
Big Bags FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers)
These are woven PP raffia sacks which can be either
lifted by means of loops at the top of the bags or are
supplied on pallets. The weight of polymer supplied in
each bag is typically 1,000 kg. In addition to extensive
use for PET and PVC resin, this format is often used
in the compounding and recycling sectors.
Bulk Supply Options
Bulk is a term used to refer to materials that will be stored in
silos. Historically road tankers were used to collect material
from a polymer producer’s silo and deliver it directly to
a customer’s silo. The need for dedicated vehicles with
low utilization (due to return journeys being empty) has
restricted the ability of high-usage customers to take
advantage of this option. Options to overcome these
restrictions and enable access to overseas sources include:
1.‘Rip & Tip’
In this operation 20, 25 kg bags, big bags or octabins
are emptied into a road tanker for onward delivery
to a customer. In effect the raw material supplier
takes on responsibility for materials handling, and so
overcomes the issues of geographical restrictions.
2. Sea Bulk
This type of packaging involves the use of shipping
containers which are often modified to facilitate filling
and emptying. The containers are lined with a plastic
bag to remove any risk of contamination. The containers
are suitable for ‘multi-modal transport’ (sea, rail and
road), and can be also used as storage vessels. A
specialist trailer is only required for the final journey to
enable the material to be transferred into a silo.
© Plastribution Limited. All rights reserved. 2011
Y = Available. N = Not Available. S = Sometimes Available
Material
20kg
bags
25kg
bags
Pallet
Size kg
Pallet
Size kg
Gaylords Octabins Big Bags Bulk
PVC Resin N N N/A N/A N N Y Y
PET Resin N N N/A N/A N N Y Y
Polyolefins N Y 1,250 1,500 N S N S
Styrenics N Y 1,000 1,375 N S N S
Masterbatch Y Y 1,000 1,000 N S N S
Engineering
Polymers
N Y 1,000 1,250 S S N S
Compounds S Y 1,000 1,375 Y Y Y S
Stability
Weather
Resistance
Risk of
Adhesion
to bags*
Stretch
Hoods
Excellent Good None
Shrink
Hoods
Good Good High
Power
Stretch
Wrap
Good Poor None
Hand
Stretch
Wrap
Poor Poor None
Type Strength Material Types
PE Good All
Paper Reasonable
Mainly Engineering
Plastics & ABS
PP Raffia Excellent All
Laminated Good Hydroscopic
*The process of heating results in the Shrink Hood
becoming welded to the material bag.
Not applicable to paper bags
knowhow injection DPS final.indd 1-2 14/12/2011 08:22
processing
Polypropylene (PP), PPHP (Homo-Polymer), PPCP (Co-Polymer),
PPRCP (Random Co- Polymer)
General Description
A light weight semi crystalline material. In its 3 forms and when modified with additives and fillers
polypropylene has a broad range of properties.
In Summary
• PPHP is stiff and relatively brittle.
• PPCP flexible and tough even at low temperature
• PPRCP physical properties fall between PPHP & PPCP but the material is clear,
• A very wide range of applications, thin wall packaging, cap & closures, disposable medical equipment.
Will need to be UV stabilized if used outside
Pre-Production
PP is not hygroscopic, so drying should not be necessary. Material should be stored dry environment away
from strong sunlight, stock rotation should be enforced.
Colouring is relatively easy, however some pigments can create warping and distortion by promoting
crystallinity.
Processing notes
• Injection Speeds. As high as possible to ensure good surface finish, and strong weld lines.
• Variation in surface finish can be caused by excessive injection speeds, this can alleviated by
profiling the injection cycle
• High holding pressure may be required to avoid voiding.
• Avoid high screw speeds higher than 0.8m/s
• Back pressure to be set as low as possible to achieve consistent shot size and colour dispersion.
• PP is susceptible to oxidation, residence time should not exceed 6 minutes, or 3 min when melt
temperature exceeds 270.
0845 34 54 560
@plastribution
plastribution.co.uk
Tool Temp
–
30-80 °c
Drying
–
N/A
Nozzle
–
220-270°c
Zone 1
–
220-270°c
Zone 2
–
200 -240°c
Zone 3
–
190 -230°c
Throat
–
30-80°c
processing
Tool requirements
• 0.4% -0.8%. Post moulded shrinkage is negligible.
• Gates should be generous due to relatively high melt viscosity.
• Hot runner systems can be used but good temperature control essential.
Post Production
• Purge clean barrel, Flame retardant grades should be purged out completely
using standard grade of ABS.
ABS Portfolio
Disclamier
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc ac nisi dictum, eleifend metus eget, hendrerit lectus.Vestibulum iaculis
tellus ac iaculis fermentum. Aliquam in sodales augue. Phasellus finibus non libero at tristique. Nunc ut neque vitae tortor tincidunt
lobortis. Duis nec interdum lorem. Aliquam erat volutpat. Cras porta augue sit amet justo posuere, a rutrum nisl viverra.
Vestibulum id nulla ante. Praesent molestie ex vitae rhoncus mattis. Vestibulum volutpat, turpis in dictum gravida, sem turpis ornare odio,
ac ultrices elit nibh eget augue. Vestibulum imperdiet ultricies tempor. Proin lacinia ipsum nibh. Phasellus odio justo, fermentum in enim
nec, laoreet dignissim quam. Fusce nec interdum diam.
0845 34 54 560
@plastribution
plastribution.co.uk
Supplier Material Brand Name
PC/ABS Xantar C
PC/ABS Wonderloy
PC/ABS Wonderloy

15. 15 @plastribution plastribution.co.uk+44 (0)1530 560560
Engagement
Keeping you informed. Plastribution publishes a
suite of industry relevant publications.
price know-how
the magazine
processing
industry
training
Interactive link available

16. Supplier Material Brand Name
Engineering polymers
TPE/SEBS Megol®
TPE/TPO Apigo®
TPE/TPV Tivilon®
TPE/SBS Raplan®
TPE/PVC Apiflex®
TPE/PVC/NBR Apilon 33®
TPE/PVC/TPU Apilon 64®
TPE/EVA Apizero®
TPE/EVA Apifive®
TPU Apilon 52®
COAGULATION TPU Apilon 52 c®
CAST ELASTOMERS PU Apithane®
MASTERBATCHES Apicolor®
TPU BIOPLASTICS Apilon 52 Bio®
BIOPLASTICS Apinat Bio®
POM (Acetal Copolymer) Iupital
Polycarbonate Iupilon
Cyro XT Clear Polymer
Cyro Cyrolite
PMMA Plexiglas
PEEK Vestakeep
PPS
SPS Xarec
Polycarbonate Tarflon
PC/ABS Xantar C
PC/PET Xantar E
Polycarbonate Wonderlite
PC/ABS Wonderloy
Supplier Material Brand Name
Engineering polymers
PP Compounds Exxtral
TPV Santoprene
PA12 Plustek
PA6 Plustek
PA6.6 Plustek
Long Glass Fibre Compounds Polytron
PP Compounds Ramofin
PBT Ramster
Conductive Pre-Elec
Static Dissipative Compounds Pre-Elec ESD
TPEE/TPE/TPV Heraflex
PA6.6 Industrial (Italy) Heramid A
PA6.6 (Industrial) Germany Heramid A
PA6 Industrial (Germany) Heramid B
PA6 Industrial (Italy) Heramid S
PA6.6 FR (Italy) Radiflam A
PBT Radiflam B
PA6 Prime FR (Italy) Radiflam S
PA6.6 Prime (Germany) Radilon A
PA6.6 Prime (Italy) Radilon A
PA6 Prime (Germany) Radilon B
PA6.10 Radilon D
PA6 Radilon S
PA6 Prime (Italy) Radilon S
PBT Raditer
PP Compounds Thermofil
LCP Sumikasuper
PES Sumikaexcel
PPS Susteel
Product List

17. 17 @plastribution plastribution.co.uk+44 (0)1530 560560
Supplier Material Brand Name
Specialties
Purging Agent Barrel Blitz Universal
Biohybrid Cardia Biohybrid
Masterbatch - Colours Colourtone Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Blowing Agents Colourtone Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Nylon Colourtone Masterbatch
Masterbatch - PBT Colourtone Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Polycarbonate Colourtone Masterbatch
Masterbatch - POM Colourtone Masterbatch
Masterbatch - PVC Colourtone Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Universal Colourtone Masterbatch
Masterbatch - UV Stabilisers Colourtone Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Anti-static Colourtone Masterbatch
rPET brighterPET
rPET PurePET
Functional Polymers Exxelor
Mineral Filled Compounds Granic
Masterbatch - Blowing Agents Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Flame Retardant Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Process Aids Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Slip Agent Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch - UV Stabilisers Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Anti-block Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Colour Universal Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Masterbatch - Slip/Anti-block Kafrit/Constab Masterbatch
Repro LDPE – Natural/Grey LDPE GREY
Repro LDPE – White LDPE WHITE
Repro LDPE – Black LDPE BLACK
Repro LDPE - Green LDPE COLOUR
Repro HDPE HDPE BLACK
Agglomerated PE PE ECOIN
Supplier Material Brand Name
Styrenics
ASA Kibilac
SAN Kibisan
BDS Kibiton
ABS Polylac
Polycarbonate Wonderlite
PC/ABS Wonderloy
SMMA Acrystex
SMMA Styrilic
GPPS Total GPPS
HIPS Total HIPS
HIPS Alloys Total HIPS Alloys
HIPS FR Total HIPS FR
Longlass Fibre ABS Ramshine
DELTECH
CORPORATION
Supplier Material Brand Name
Polyolefins
Functional Polymers Queo
LDPE Ipethene
PPHP Capilene
PPCP Capilene
PPRCP Capilene
Speciality PP Carmel Clear
PPHP Ducor
PPCP Ducor
PPRCP Duclear
PPHP (Phthalate free) Dupure
PPCP (Phthalate free) Dupure
LDPE ExxonMobil LD
LLDPE ExxonMobil LLD
mPE Enable
mPE Exceed
HDPE ExxonMobil HD
EAA Escor
EVA Escorene
Functional Polymers Exxelor
PPHP ExxonMobil PP
PPCP ExxonMobil PP
PP Plastomer Vistamaxx
PP Compounds Exxtral
TPV Santoprene
PP Compounds Thermofil
LLDPE Sumitomo
PPCP Sumitomo
LDPE Total LD
LLDPE Total LLD
MDPE Total MD
HDPE Total HD
EVA Total EVA
PPHP Total PP
PPCP Total PP
PPRCP Total PP
mPPRCP Lumicene
MDPE Liten
HDPE Liten
PPHP Mosten
PPCP Mosten
PPRCP Mosten

18. If you would like to know more,
please get in touch
Plastribution Limited
Clinitron House,
Excelsior Road,
Ashby Business Park,
Ashby-de-la-Zouch,
Leicestershire
LE65 1JG
+44 (0) 1530 560560
sales@plastribution.co.uk
plastribution.co.uk
@plastribution
bit.ly/1PjDzAi