INJECTION MOULDING NEWS

Interior automotive components manufacturer Johnson Controls (JCI) is providing door panels, seat structures and instrument clusters for the new BMW 3 series, made using a combination of natural fibres and PP that is 20% lighter than conventional components. The parts are said to help reduce fuel consumption, while using renewable materials.

The driver’s seat structure saves 3 to 4 kg, depending on the model. And JCI said the instrument cluster features an Automotive Pixel Link (APIX) high-speed, point-to-point connection.

Non-visible door panel elements for the BMW 3 series sedan and sports wagon models are largely made of wood fibre. The natural fibre carrier is directly moulded with PP, which makes the door panel “considerably lighter,” the company says.

A process called groove lamination is used to apply fabric or leather trim to the door panel, with the trim being joined in recesses, eliminating the need for an additional component and further reducing weight.

Strengthening its presence in Asia, Rosti has established a subsidiary, Rosti Integrated Manufacturing Solutions (IMS), located in Senai in southern Malaysia.

Indian firm Jain Irrigation Systems will invest US$375 million over the next few years to build sustainable agriculture that will improve income of small farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

BOPP producer Taghleef Industries has acquired Applied Extrusion Technologies (AET), a US-based manufacturer of specialised BOPP films.

Sabic has shipped its first consignment of ethanolamines and ethoxylates from its manufacturing plant in Jubail, Saudi Kayan, making Saudi Arabia

Rome-based Assobioplastiche and Bangkok-based Thai Bioplastics Industry Association have formed a five-year agreement to carry out R&D of bioplastics.

US-based specialised polymer materials provider PolyOne announced the opening of its innovation centre in Shanghai, China.