Annual Report 2010 - Plastics New Zealand

Plastics Centre of ExcellenceLen HarveyChief Executive OfficerPlastics Centreof ExcellenceLike many New Zealand businesses inthe Industrial and Manufacturing area,we have had a full year of challenges andopportunities. As the year progressed wesaw evidence of belt-tightening reflectedin our Contract work. However, despitethat, PCoE has had a successful yearin expanding its reach across a widesegment of the New Zealand PlasticsIndustry. We carried out a range ofanalytical work; meetings with clients onprocessing issues and polymer selectionthat covered a number of different marketsegments. As our Industry reach grows,there are gaps appearing on our abilityto provide the full range of service. Thiswill need to be addressed in 2010. Itwas disappointing that the Industry didnot use a period of economic downturnto discuss their research needs goingforward given that our facility can be usedas an extension to a company ‘s productdevelopment programme.On the two major research fundedprogrammes we are currently carrying out forPlastics New Zealand, we have applied foran IP on the development work completedto date with the PLA programmne and asuccessful conversion into an end product.The next step is for the Industry Partners tocommence the commercialization phase.The second research programme to finda PVC replacement is progressing welland we are now at a stage of developingthe product characteristics needed tomeet the defined spectrum of the end-useperformance goals.In July we hosted the Prime Minister JohnKey at the Centre. His visit coincided with thelaunch of the Plastics Industry DegradablePlastics Guide. Also in the same month aluncheon was held and was well attendedby the Plastics Pioneers Group.In November we celebrated our 1st YearBirthday with a visit by the Hon. WayneMapp, Minister for Science and Technology.At the same time we opened the Centre tothe public to view a travelling worldwideexhibition of Italian designed rotationalmoulding items along with a two-daySeminar run by the Association of RotationalMoulders (ARMA).Prior to the visit by Wayne Mapp, meetingshad been held with him to ensure ourresearch needs are met in the currentGovernment review of Research for Industryfunding.Future OutlookAs the Centre provides access to Industry andacademic specialists capable of providingeducation and training in 2010, we will seethe commencement of a PostgraduateCertificate in Engineering (Plastics). Thisprogramme will also be open to personnelwho have not completed a Bachelor ofEngineering or equivalent qualification.Operational Income in what are the start-upyears of the Centre’s history is proving to bea challenge and in 2010 will see the PCoEbecoming more aligned to the strategicdirection and culture of the University.It is up to the total Plastics Industry tochallenge, support and participate in thePCoE development. Failure to do so willmean that this vital avenue to grow anddevelop the New Zealand economy will belost. At present there is indication that thisCentre will become part of academia.There is some $4.2 million of CapitalFunds remaining under the PartnershipAgreement for the expansion of the Centrethat can be used to purchase additionalresearch equipment. Discussion with theGovernment and the Funding bodies hasconfirmed, that future funded Industryresearch programmes have to clearlydemonstrate and achieve a commercialoutcome. This is good news for the totalPlastics Industry, especially for those thatoperate at the coalface and are in directcontact with the brand owners. Also thispolicy change fits well into the currentoperational model of the PCoE.The challenge going forward is to haveIndustry lead and drive funded researchprogrammes through the Plastics Centre ofExcellence. If this is not forthcoming earlyin 2010, this at present easy access to anavenue to growth, will be lost.For more information contact Len Harvey,Director, Plastics Centre of Excellence, email:l.harvey@auckland.ac.nz nANNUAL REPORT 2010I16PLASTICS NEW ZEALANDCORPORATE ACTIVITY