This thesis examines the management of post-consumer plastics waste recycling in the UK. It brings together information and approaches from a number of disciplines in order to present a comprehensive view of the post-consumer plastics waste recycling industry and provide insight into participation issues. Two Scottish collection schemes are utilised as case studies throughout. The thesis summarises current practice in post-consumer plastics recycling and describes the processes associated with it. It also presents a summary of legislation relevant to plastics recycling in the UK, EC and US in particular. The thesis includes a quantitative survey of 500 members of the public that analyses their recycling behaviour and factors that affect motivation. It also looks at public perceptions of plastics. This is complemented by a qualitative study of plastics recyclers that examines recycling routines in more detail, and explores issues that affect the participation, and quality of donation, of individuals. The evaluation of post-consumer plastics recycling schemes is discussed, and models are developed in order to assessth eir financial viability. The lessons gained from this programme of research are then summarised in a policy framework.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references.

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it is to present evidence of the ever-increasing development and use of plastics by industry. A second purpose after presentation of evidence, is to propose that industrial arts must adapt work with plastics as a phase of its program in order to meet present-day needs of the growing generation.

En el contexto actual, las pymes peruanas que pertenecen al sector plástico tienen un indicador de utilización de la capacidad instalada de alrededor del 71,45%. Este mide el grado de uso del potencial de producción, el cual se ve disminuido por problemas de eficiencia. En la empresa en estudio este indicador está por debajo del promedio del sector, con una baja eficiencia de 78%, la misma que es causada por averías, reprocesos y tiempos de setup generados en las máquinas extrusoras. En este sentido, el presente artículo propone un modelo para mejorar la eficiencia en el área de extrusión que consiste en la aplicación integrada de herramientas Lean Manufacturing: 5s, SMED y mantenimiento autónomo. La primera de ellas se utilizó como herramienta de apoyo para la ejecución de SMED y mantenimiento autónomo. La herramienta SMED se utilizó para reducir el tiempo setup mientras que el mantenimiento autónomo tuvo como finalidad reducir la cantidad de reprocesos y averías en el proceso de extrusión. Este modelo fue validado mediante la implementación de un piloto de la propuesta de solución. Los resultados obtenidos fueron el aumento de la disponibilidad en 3% y la calidad en 3%. Estos resultados en conjunto representan un incremento en la eficiencia de 78% a 83%. / In the current context, Peruvian SMEs that belong to the plastic sector have an indicator of installed capacity utilization of around 71.45%. This measures the degree of use of production potential, which is diminished by efficiency problems. In the company under study this indicator is below the sector average, with a low efficiency of 78%, which is caused by breakdowns, reprocesses and setup times generated in the extruder machines. In this sense, this article proposes a model to improve efficiency in the extrusion area consisting of the integrated application of Lean Manufacturing tools: 5s, SMED and autonomous maintenance. The first one is used as a support tool for the execution of SMED and autonomous maintenance. The SMED tool can reduce the configuration time while the autonomous maintenance had as a reduction the amount of reprocesses and breakdowns in the extrusion process. This model was validated by implementing a pilot of the solution proposal. The results obtained were the increase in availability in 3% and quality in 3%. These results together represent an increase in efficiency from 78% to 83%. / Trabajo de investigación

This was a comparative study in which Texas teachers of industrial plastics and the employers of Texas plastic industries were surveyed in order to evaluate the need for various knowledge and skills of the plastics industry. The respondents believed that basic knowledge of plastics was much needed, and knowledge of the thermoplastic family is of more importance than of the thermoset family. It was also concluded that knowledge of demonstration skills is of only average or lesser importance than knowledge of other areas.

The commodity plastics industry is dominated by semicrystalline polymers, which generally display high toughness relative to amorphous polymers but typically suffer from low strength and modulus. Researchers have shown that the addition of nanoparticles (NPs) to these semicrystalline matrices can result in materials with enhanced properties relative to the neat systems. The arrangement of these NPs into anisotropic sheet-like structures appears to endow these processed polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) with further improved mechanical properties relative to PNCs where the NP morphology remains well-dispersed. However, there is currently no appropriate methodology in the literature with which to quantitatively correlate the extent of NP organization to the enhancement in mechanical properties. Additionally, isothermal crystallization (the current processing technique of choice for this class of PNCs) results in numerous grain boundaries. While entanglements across grains can limit issues associated with failure, grain boundaries can also be undesirable for the modulus of the material. In this dissertation, we methodically investigate several key topics related to the above. We first present our modifications to the correlation function approach of Strobl and Schneider, which was originally developed to characterize the structural parameters of neat semicrystalline polymers and their blends, that allow us to apply it to isothermally crystallized poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) PNCs. We select PEO due to the relative ease with which mobile silica NPs can be dispersed within the matrix. Next, we characterize these materials using the generally used large beam size typical of laboratory-scale and synchrotron X-ray scattering instruments. In this study, we show that our adaptations to the correlation function approach allow for the quantitative evaluation of the NP ordering process as a function of isothermal crystallization temperature. The same systems are then characterized with a microfocus synchrotron X-ray scattering beam guided by an autonomous experimentation protocol, which allows for a detailed, granular mapping of the structural parameters of these materials. The much smaller beam reveals spatial morphological heterogeneity in both the neat and PNC systems due to the grain size being on the order of the dimensions of the microbeam as opposed to those of the larger beam. Hence, the combination of the large and microfocus beam provides a comprehensive view of these systems, with varying degrees of granularity. We also find quantitative evidence that demonstrates that NPs organize parallel to the direction of polymer crystal growth, a phenomenon which has previously only been shown in the literature in a qualitative fashion. Having established the physics of the NP ordering process in isothermally crystallized PNC systems, we turn to the zone annealing (ZA) technique as inspiration to approach more uniform, unidirectionally oriented NP morphologies. ZA, which has found extensive use in the production of ultra-pure semiconductors for electronics applications, proceeds by translating a sample at a constant velocity over a well-defined temperature gradient. This directional processing technique has been shown to result in the reduction of grain boundaries when applied to semicrystalline polymers. Since the PNC is a more complicated system than the neat matrix, we first perform studies of zone annealed neat PEO. Our experimental, analytical, and numerical investigations validate a crucial directional crystallization theory proposed by Lovinger and Gryte, who were among the first to apply ZA to semicrystalline polymers; our experimental evidence confirms the existence of a critical ZA velocity (v_crit) below which directional crystallization occurs and above which the process is closer in spirit to isothermal crystallization. Having determined the mechanism driving the ZA of neat PEO, we then turn to the ZA of PEO-based PNCs. Through our studies, we find that it is imperative to minimize or eliminate sample flow during the procedure, as otherwise the NPs order in disparate directions. Our subsequent redesign of the sample preparation protocol, such that the material is pressed between two glass coverslips separated by Teflon spacers, leads to extensive unidirectional organization of NPs that persists throughout the film at slow enough ZA velocities, as evidenced from X-ray scattering experiments. Hence, this dissertation systematically examines questions relevant to understanding how to obtain uniform, unidirectional NP organization in semicrystalline PNCs, with relevance to applications requiring enhanced properties.

The plastics industry is one of the fastest growing major industries in the world. There is an increase in the amount of plastic used for all types of products due to its light weight and ability to reprocess. For this reason, the reprocessing of thermoplastics and the usability of reprocessed materials are gaining significance, and it is important to produce and consume plastic materials in an environmentally friendly way. In addition, rising raw material cost linked to the increased oil prices encouraged for reusing of the plastic materials. The aim of this research was to study and optimize the injection moulding process parameters to achieve a trade-off between the product cost and product quality, measured through mechanical properties and geometry, based on using regrind ratios. The work was underpinned by a comprehensive study of multiple reprocessing effects in order to evaluate the effect of process parameters, material behaviour, reprocessing effects and possible links between the processing parameters and key properties. Experimental investigations were carried out, in particular, focused on the melt preparation phase to identify key process parameters and settings. Multiple reprocessing stages were carried out; using two types of PP material: unfilled and short glass filled. A series of tests were used to examine product quality (mass, colour and shrinkage) and physical properties (density, crystallinity, thermal stability, fibre length, molecular weight, in-line and off-line viscosity, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation (%) and flexural strength). This investigation showed that the mouldability of the filled and unfilled PP materials, through the successive reprocessing stages (using 100 % regrind), was observed to be relatively consistent. Given the link between the processing parameters and key product and material properties, it is possible to manufacture products with minimal loss to part quality and mechanical properties. The final phase of the work focused on process optimisation study for short glass fibre filled PP material and the identified key process parameters (melt temperature, screw rotational speed, holding pressure, holding time and injection rate). A response surface experiment was planned and carried out for three reprocessing stages (0 %, 25 % and 50 % regrind). The fitted response surface models were utilised to carry out the trade-off analysis between the operating cost (material cost, energy cost and labour cost) and product quality (dimensions and tensile strength) Based on the optimal moulding conditions, the operating cost was reduced (from stage I as a reference), by 24% and 30 % for stage II and stage III respectively. A small, perhaps undetectable, change in product dimensions was noted. In addition, a small reduction in tensile strength was noted (from stage I as a reference), by 0.4% and 0.1 % for stage II and stage III respectively. The same data was applied in other countries (Australia, USA, Brazil, Libya and China) to manufacture the same product; and it was observed that the cost was reduced with increasing of regrind ratio. But the significant reduction of the cost, essentially, depended on those countries which have low wage rates (e.g. Brazil, Libya and China). For example, the cost of moulded product manufactured in China is £ 0.025 (using 50% of regrind), while the cost of the same product produced in Australia is £ 0.12, hence giving a total saving of 79 % and making it a valuable issue to be considered in industry. / Libyan Embassy

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African business environment is undergoing drastic changes. Unemployment is on the increase, globalisation is becoming a serious factor to contend with, competition in many industries is increasing and the South African government is pursuing more international investments. All these factors contribute to these changes. Many companies are rationalising to ensure competitiveness within the South African economy and to ensure that products are competitive with international brands entering South Africa. Increasing unemployment in South Africa is forcing individuals to develop an entrepreneurial spirit. The only method to curb this wave of unemployment is to invest in a small to medium size enterprise. Entrepreneurs in the USA have permanently altered the economy of the USA in the past 30 years. It is felt that this entrepreneurial spirit will also change the South African economy in years to follow. This research project analysed and discussed the window of opportunity for a small to medium size enterprise manufacturing plastic wrapping. The Plastics Industry Analysis Framework was developed to ensure a comprehensive insight into the plastics industry of South Africa. This framework is the combination of the Five Forces Model of Competition and the General Framework for an Industry Analysis, both developed by Michael Porter. The research found that the plastics industry is currently undergoing drastic changes, specifically in regard to South African legislation. It was also found that the plastics industry historically grew by 5% per annum, however, in recent years this growth was negative. Since 1998 the plastics industry reduced in size by 7,1%. Legislation in regard to plastic bags has had a major impact on the plastics industry. The research found that nearly 2000 additional jobs have been lost. The research found that the window of opportunity for a small to medium size plastic wrapping enterprise is limited. The effect of the new legislation on plastic bags is not clearly known, however, it has already negatively influenced the plastics industry. Opportunities do exist within other market sectors of the plastics industry of which recycling and export market sectors are prime examples. Future opportunities within the plastics industry will have to be carefully analysed to ensure success of any new venture. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Suid-Afrikaanse sake-omgewing ondergaan tans drastiese veranderinge. Verhoogde vlakke van werkloosheid, die bedreiging van globalisering, die kompetisie tussen industrieë, sowel as die Suid-Afrikaanse regering se strewe na internasionale beleggings, dra alles by tot hierdie veranderinge. Suid-Afrikaanse maatskappye rasionaliseer nie nét om kompeterend te bly binne die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie nie, maar ook dat hulle produkte kompeterend moet wees teenoor internasionale handelsmerke wat Suid-Afrika binnekom. Die verhoogde vlakke werkloosheid forseer individue om 'n entrepreneuriese denkwyse te ontwikkel. Belegging in 'n klein tot medium grootte besigheid is die enigste manier om werkloosheid teen te werk. Entrepreneurs in die VSA het dié land se ekonomie in die laaste 30 jaar permanent verander. Daar word gespekuleer dat hierdie entrepreneuriese denkwyse in die toekoms kan bydra tot veranderinge in die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie. Hierdie studie het die geleentheidsvenster van 'n klein tot medium grootte vervaardiger van plastiekfilm ondersoek. 'n Analitiese raamwerk is ontwikkel om 'n volledige begrip van die Suid-Afrikaanse plastiekbedryf daar te stel. Die raamwerk is saamgestel uit navorsing van Michael Porter, met spesifieke verwysing na kompetisie binne industrieë en 'n algemene raamwerk om industriëe te analiseer. Die ondersoek het getoon dat die plastiekbedryf tans drastiese veranderinge ondergaan, met verwysing spesifiek na Suid-Afrikaanse wetgewing. Histories het die plastiekbedryf jaarliks met 5% gegroei, maar negatiewe groei is die afgelope jare waargeneem. Sedert 1998 het die plastiekbedryf met 7,1% in grootte gekrimp. Wetgewing, met betrekking tot plastieksakke, het 'n groot impak op die plastiekbedryf gehad. Navorsing het getoon dat ongeveer 2000 bykomende werkgeleenthede verlore gegaan het. Die ondersoek het bewys dat die geleentheidsvenster vir die klein tot medium grootte plastiekfilm vervaardiger, beperk is. Hoewel die totale uitwerking van die nuwe wetgewing op plastieksakke nog onbekend is, is daar reeds 'n negatiewe tendens in die plastiekbedryf waargeneem. Geleenthede bestaan egter in verskeie ander marksektore binne die plastiekbedryf waarvan herwinning- en uitvoermarksektore voorbeelde is. Deeglike analise van geleenthede in die plastiekbedryf kan sukses in 'n toekomstige besigheid verseker.

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

Submitted by Filipe dos Santos (fsantos@pucsp.br) on 2017-08-31T12:53:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Luciano Ferreira da Silva.pdf: 3752316 bytes, checksum: fedfe9cca291bcd7b765f829c332dc92 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-31T12:53:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luciano Ferreira da Silva.pdf: 3752316 bytes, checksum: fedfe9cca291bcd7b765f829c332dc92 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-23 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The main objective of this research was to present evidence of how organizations decide on their routines influenced by the social demands related to the preservation of the environment. It is worth mentioning that the theoretical lens used was the Evolutionary theory, being useful to understand the social dynamics of organizations according to historical dependence (Path Dependence). In this study the routines were categorized as evolutionary and isomorphic. It is worth noting that the main assumption of this research is that the survival of companies is directly related to the fulfillment of social demands related to the preservation of the environment. It is also worth mentioning that the locus of research was the plastic transformation industry. As for the methodological procedures, the qualitative approach was adopted because it seeks to understand the meaning of management choices. The subjects of the survey for data collection were 107 companies (secondary data) and 6 interviews (primary data). In addition, as a procedure of analysis, this research adopted the technique of constant comparison of the empirical corpus, being understood as a hermeneutic exercise. The main contributions are the discussion about a circular relationship between the survival of companies and the fulfillment of social demands, as well as the evidence that companies adopt proactive and reactive positions to choose routines in the face of changes in the external environment. A relevant aspect in this research is that the search for evolutionary routines rescues the principles of Schumpeterian competition. On the other hand, it was noted the use of isomorphism as protection by companies that adopted a reactive attitude, and also by sector to promote their survival. It should be emphasized that the isomorphic routines, represented by those activities or conventional processes, can transmit some security when it is adopted. However, this sense of security over time becomes counterproductive by the adoption of a stagnant isomorphism. In fact, it can be said that the adoption of one or another routine may be associated with the company's posture being reactive or proactive, but that this posture that leads to managerial decisions can lead to inertia and entropy of the organizational system. In addition, it was noticed in the studied companies a movement toward evolution to meet a sustainable management, which incorporates an economic-productive-social perspective for decisions on the allocation of resources in a circular flow / O objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi apresentar evidências de como as organizações decidem sobre suas rotinas influenciadas pelo atendimento das demandas sociais relativas à preservação do meio ambiente. Vale destacar que a lente teórica utilizada foi a teoria Evolucionária, sendo ela útil para compreender a dinâmica social das organizações de acordo com a dependência histórica (Path Dependence). Neste estudo as rotinas foram categorizadas como evolucionárias e isomórficas. Destaca-se que o pressuposto principal desta pesquisa é que a sobrevivência das empresas está diretamente relacionada ao atendimento das demandas sociais relativas à preservação do meio ambiente. Vale ainda explicitar que o lócus da pesquisa foi a indústria de transformação do plástico. Quanto aos procedimentos metodológicos adotou-se a abordagem qualitativa por buscar compreender o significado das escolhas gerenciais. Os sujeitos da pesquisa para coleta de dados foram 107 empresas (dados secundários) e 6 entrevistas (dados primários). Além disso, como procedimento de análise foi adotado a técnica de comparação constante do corpus empírico, sendo esse entendido como um exercício hermenêutico. Como principais contribuições destaca-se a discussão sobre uma relação circular entre a sobrevivência das empresas e o atendimento das demandas sociais, além da evidência de que as empresas adotam posturas proativas e reativas para a escolha de rotinas diante das mudanças no ambiente externo. Um aspecto relevante nesta pesquisa é que a busca por rotinas evolucionárias resgata os princípios da concorrência Schumpeteriana. Por outro lado, notou-se o uso do isomorfismo como proteção tanto das empresas que adotam uma postura reativa, quanto do setor para promoção de sua sobrevivência. Destaca-se que as rotinas isomórficas, representadas por aquelas atividades ou processos convencionais, podem transmitir certa segurança quando da sua adoção. Contudo, essa sensação de segurança ao longo do tempo se torna contraproducente pela adoção de um isomorfismo estagnado. Aliás, pode-se dizer que a adoção de uma ou outra rotina pode estar associada à postura da empresa ser reativa ou proativa, mas que essa postura que conduz as decisões gerenciais pode levar a inércia e entropia do sistema organizacional. Além disso, se percebeu nas empresas estudadas um movimento em direção à evolução para uma gestão sustentável, que incorpora uma perspectiva econômico-produtivo-social para decisões sobre a alocação de recursos em um fluxo circular