News
Current News
Kibosh wins UK competition for best innovation pitch
Ross Dickinson received two awards at the UK finals of The Pitch competition for entrepreneurs for his novel Kibosh Emergency Pipe Repair device, which has been designed by Ross and manufactured by Scottish plastics companies.
LiceComb Engineering Limited is the new trading name for The Health and Beauty Company
The Health and Beauty Company, an Aberdeen based company, with links back to the early days of the plastics industry and beyond, has changed its trading name to LIceComb Engineering to reflect more closely its presence as the leading lice comb supplier.
Energy Management for Plastics Processors
Dr Robin Kent, Tangram Technology, provided a practical guide for plastics processors on how to gain control over energy management and to reduce energy costs.
SPRA Student Member receives Gold Medal for Best Student
Edinburgh Napier University Polymer Engineering student, Parmar Rushabh Rajendrakumar has been awarded a gold medal for his performance on the Diploma in Polymer Engineering course which he had completed in India.
SPRA Exhibits at Technology Teachers’ Association Conference.
SPRA had an exhibition stand at the Technology Teachers’ Association annual conference in Edinburgh to alert teachers to SPRA’s support for teaching polymers in schools.
Real Time Monitoring in Plastics Processing
Andy Jewell (Solarsoft) explained the operation of real time monitoring systems for plastics processing and the benefits arising from their application.
SPRA Corporate Members, Rosti UK Ltd, Engel UK Ltd and Summit Systems Ltd pick up Industry Awards
Rosti UK Ltd has scooped the Energy and Environmental Award and Engel UK Ltd won the Machinery Supplier Partnership category at the 2011 Plastics Industry Awards while Summit Systems has been recognised as Supplier of the Year by EPPM Magazine.
Optimised Plastics Part Design and Moldflow Workshop
Eric Henry, Autodesk Ltd, gave a lecture on Optimised Plastics Part Design, Manufacture and Performance using Digital Prototyping and also facilitated a hands-on Workshop on injection moulding simulation using Moldflow.
Interplas 2011
The triennial International Plastics exhibition, Interplas 2011, held in Birmingham in September, was well attended and had a more optimistic mood than three years ago.
Be Inspired to Innovate for Your Future
The EDTC event ‘Be Inspired to Innovate for Your Future’ gave an insight into the experiences of a number of entrepreneurs in bringing their product from concept to market.
Nuffield Bursary Celebration Event
Callum Magill, a student at Douglas Academy, displayed the results of the project he undertook at Rolls-Royce in Inchinnan under the Nuffield Foundation Science Bursary scheme
Education and Training for the Polymer Sector in Scotland
The Scottish Polymer Employer Network meeting addressed the diminishing opportunities for polymer specific education and training and explored possible solutions to the situation.
2011 R W Thomson Lecture: Materials in Action
Dr Diane Aston, IOM3, delivered the second R W Thomson Lecture on Materials in Action at Techfest in Aberdeen
Freedom Award for Ralph McNeill
SPRA Past President Ralph McNeill received the Freedom of the City of London.
Fantastic Plastic : A Masterclass in Science Communication
Professor Averil Macdonald explains to SPRA members and other science and engineering professionals how she uses polymers in her Fantastic Plastic lectures to make science and technology more interesting to school pupils.
SPRA Schools Lecture 2011: ‘Fantastic Plastic’
Prof Macdonald informed and entertained a total of 650 pupils and teachers with her lecture demonstration ‘Fantastic Plastic’, demonstrating the potential of careers in science and technology.
Research Funding for SMEs
Pera is identifying companies eligible to benefit from the latest round of EC Research funding, particularly small to medium sized enterprises (SME).
Innovation in Plastics Design: ‘What it Takes to Win the Horner’s Award’
At the June SPRA meeting, John McLoughlin, POLYnnovation consultancy, described the design development of Durakerb®, a kerbstone made from recycled polyethylene and polypropylene. It was the 2008 winner of the Horners’ Award for Plastics Innovation and Design.
Plastics in Marine Litter
SPRA was represented by Peter Davis, Director General of BPF, at two workshops on marine litter, in Aberdeen and Dundee.
IOM3 Scottish Local Society Award Winners
The Mining Institute of Scotland (MIS) has picked up two awards, Dr Graham Smith receiving an Outstanding Contribution Award and David Seath accepting the trophy for IOM3 Local Society of the Year.
Chinaplas 2011
Ralph McNeill, SPRA Council Member, describes his visit to Chinaplas 2011, Asia’s No. 1 Plastics and Rubber Trade Fair.
SPRA Student Members graduate from Edinburgh Napier University
SPRA student members and SPRA scholarship winners featured in the June graduation ceremony at Edinburgh Napier University.
Polymer Study Tour 2011, Residential Course for Teachers
The residential course for teachers of science, design and technology at Edinburgh Napier University again proved a successful initiative for enhancing the understanding of polymeric materials and awareness of the plastics and rubber industry at school level.
Polymers in pipeline stopping solutions from Sarco Stopper Limited
SPRA Corporate Member, Sarco Stopper Ltd, has developed a range of pipe stopping solutions for gas, oil, water and foodstuff pipelines using inflatable devices produced from rubber latex by dipping and coating techniques.
Message from the new SPRA President, Barry Coughlan
Newly elected SPRA President, Barry Coughlan, sets out his objectives for his term of office.
Bioscience Company Lab901 acquired by Agilent Technologies
Edinburgh bioscience company, Lab901, developers and manufacturers of the ScreenTape System for rapid analysis of DNA and protein, has been acquired by Agilent Technologies Inc, the world’s premier measurement company.
SPRA Annual General Meeting 2011
SPRA President, Fergus Hardie reported progress on several fronts, with record membership numbers and a number of new initiatives.
Cogent Sector Skills Council proposals on Skills Development
Cogent SSC held talks with employers and providers about provision of education and training for the polymer sector in Scotland.
Potential for Plastics and Rubber in Low Cost Solar Thermal Collectors
George Loumakis provided and overview of solar thermal collectors and explored the potential for polymeric materials in the design of low cost solar thermal collectors.
Engineering Thermoplastics: families, properties, applications and selection
Peter Burke outlined the properties and applications of a range of engineering thermoplastics available from Ticona UK, identified their potential in solar energy collectors and demonstrated materials selection procedures.
Retiring SPRA President, Fergus Hardie reflects on another good year for the SPRA
Fergus Hardie, SPRA President 2009-2011, outlines the activities and achievements of the SPRA in the last twelve months.
3D-forming Process: Plastics Injection Moulding
Colin Hindle traces the evolution of plastics injection moulding, explains the main principles and suggests why the process has been so successful.
3D-forming Process: Metal Injection Moulding
Andrew Russell shows how the plastics moulding process can be adapted to produce complex 3D components in metal.
SPRA Dinner Dance 2011
A great turnout once again made their way to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow, for the 37th Annual SPRA Dinner Dance.
Ban on infant feeding bottles produced from polycarbonate
Following an EU Directive, the Scottish Government has introduced a ban on infant feeding bottles manufactured from polycarbonate, contrary to the scientific opinion of the European Food Standards Agency.
SPRA Technical Meeting on Materials and Design
Tony Shelmerdine of Monosol Limited described the grades and applications of water soluble materials based on poly(vinyl alcohol) which being biodegradable have potential for 'green' products. In the second presentation, entitled 'Returning Investment throughout the Design Process', James McLusky and Allan McDougall explained how Shore Design view the key stages of a design project.
Mackintosh Rainwear Alive and Well after 175 Years
Mackintosh rainwear, invented and produced in Scotland, opened a fashion boutique in London 175 years after Charles Macintosh patented his rubberised fabric.
Plans to Enlarge the Production of Car Tyres at Michelin’s Dundee Plant
Plans have been announced which will safeguard jobs and create new jobs at the Michelin tyre manufacturer’s plant in Dundee.
SPRA’s STEM Ambassador, Chris Clark, and the Institute of Physics “Lab in a Lorry”
Chris Clark describes his experiences as a STEM Ambassador, visiting schools with the “Lab in a Lorry” project to encourage interest in science and engineering.
Rosti UK bring STEM to Hareleeshill primary school
Rosti UK, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility has been carrying out projects with local primary schools to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Scottish rubber company forms a joint venture to manufacture rubber covered rollers for the paper industry
Scottish company, Regal Rubber Ltd has formed a joint venture with French company, Kalker Paper, to manufacture rubber covered rollers for the UK paper industry.
Student Placement in Polymer Engineering
SPRA student member, Conan McLaren, describes his experiences of an industrial placement at James Walker, specialists in fluid sealing technology, as part of his studies in polymer engineering at Edinburgh Napier University.
SPRA travel assistance for Edinburgh Napier University student to test polymer based rocket fuel
SPRA provided travel assistance to allow a student on the MSc Advanced Materials Engineering programme at Edinburgh Napier University to travel to Italy to test rocket fuel formulations based on polybutadiene.
ARBURG sponsored meeting: From Design to Dragons' Den
The ARBURG sponsored meeting in November started with a presentation on the design process “From Design to Dragons’ Den” by William Mitchell of 4CDesign followed by a summary of “Innovations inn Injection Moulding” by Simon Wrighton from ARBURG.
ARBURG sponsored meeting: Innovations in Injection Moulding
The ARBURG sponsored meeting in November ended with a summary of “Innovations in Injection Moulding” by Simon Wrighton from ARBURG.
The R W Thomson 2010 Lecture "Engineering the Future: learning from past innovators"
With the support of other local societies in the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, the SPRA organised a public lecture in memory of the prolific Scottish innovator, Robert William Thomson. The inaugural lecture, “Engineering the Future: learning from past innovators”, was delivered by Prof William M Banks, President of the Engineering and Technology Association (Scotland) (SCOTETA)
Archived News
To access News reports by date click on the links below.
2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
SPRA News
SPRA Corporate Members, Rosti UK Ltd, Engel UK Ltd and Summit Systems Ltd pick up Industry Awards
Rosti UK Ltd has scooped the Energy and Environmental Award and Engel UK Ltd won the Machinery Supplier Partnership category at the 2011 Plastics Industry Awards while Summit Systems has been recognised as Supplier of the Year by EPPM Magazine.
Message from the new SPRA President, Barry Coughlan
Newly elected SPRA President, Barry Coughlan, sets out his objectives for his term of office.
SPRA Annual General Meeting 2011
SPRA President, Fergus Hardie reported progress on several fronts, with record membership numbers and a number of new initiatives.
Retiring SPRA President, Fergus Hardie reflects on another good year for the SPRA
Fergus Hardie, SPRA President 2009-2011, outlines the activities and achievements of the SPRA in the last twelve months.
SPRA wins the Local Society of the Year Award
Fergus Hardie, SPRA President, received the award of Local Society of the Year from Barry Lye, President of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, at a dinner in London.
SPRA President’s Report
SPRA President, Fergus Hardie summarised his first year in office as a positive year, with increased membership, a strong technical programme and the introduction of a Schools Lecture "Fantastic Plastics".
SPRA Annual General Meeting 2010
SPRA Council Officers reported a strong year for the SPRA with increased membership, particularly Corporate Membership, a strong technical programme, healthy finances and several initiatives to support teachers.
Other Items on SPRA Business, Members and Activities from the SPRA Archives
News reports in the SPRA Archives on SPRA business, SPRA Members and SPRA activities.
Company News
Kibosh wins UK competition for best innovation pitch
Ross Dickinson received two awards at the UK finals of The Pitch competition for entrepreneurs for his novel Kibosh Emergency Pipe Repair device, which has been designed by Ross and manufactured by Scottish plastics companies.
LiceComb Engineering Limited is the new trading name for The Health and Beauty Company
The Health and Beauty Company, an Aberdeen based company, with links back to the early days of the plastics industry and beyond, has changed its trading name to LIceComb Engineering to reflect more closely its presence as the leading lice comb supplier.
SPRA Corporate Members, Rosti UK Ltd, Engel UK Ltd and Summit Systems Ltd pick up Industry Awards
Rosti UK Ltd has scooped the Energy and Environmental Award and Engel UK Ltd won the Machinery Supplier Partnership category at the 2011 Plastics Industry Awards while Summit Systems has been recognised as Supplier of the Year by EPPM Magazine.
Nuffield Bursary Celebration Event
Callum Magill, a student at Douglas Academy, displayed the results of the project he undertook at Rolls-Royce in Inchinnan under the Nuffield Foundation Science Bursary scheme
Polymers in pipeline stopping solutions from Sarco Stopper Limited
SPRA Corporate Member, Sarco Stopper Ltd, has developed a range of pipe stopping solutions for gas, oil, water and foodstuff pipelines using inflatable devices produced from rubber latex by dipping and coating techniques.
Bioscience Company Lab901 acquired by Agilent Technologies
Edinburgh bioscience company, Lab901, developers and manufacturers of the ScreenTape System for rapid analysis of DNA and protein, has been acquired by Agilent Technologies Inc, the world’s premier measurement company.
Plans to Enlarge the Production of Car Tyres at Michelin’s Dundee Plant
Plans have been announced which will safeguard jobs and create new jobs at the Michelin tyre manufacturer’s plant in Dundee.
Mackintosh Rainwear Alive and Well after 175 Years
Mackintosh rainwear, invented and produced in Scotland, opened a fashion boutique in London 175 years after Charles Macintosh patented his rubberised fabric.
Rosti UK bring STEM to Hareleeshill primary school
Rosti UK, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility has been carrying out projects with local primary schools to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Scottish rubber company forms a joint venture to manufacture rubber covered rollers for the paper industry
Scottish company, Regal Rubber Ltd has formed a joint venture with French company, Kalker Paper, to manufacture rubber covered rollers for the UK paper industry.
Plastic Industry Awards 2010
It was a night of celebration for SPRA Corporate Member,Rosti UK at the Plastics Industry Awards 2010. Enjoying its 10th year as a social and business highlight of the UK plastics industry, this year's awards were held at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane on Friday 1st October 2010.
British Polythene Industries celebrate their centenary
British Polythene Industries can trace its origins over the last 100 years from jute weaving and sacking to one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of polyethylene film and bags and the largest film recycler in Europe.
Clean Break for Hoover Research and Development
The R&D arm of Hoover Candy has moved from Cambuslang to new laboratory facilities in Uddingston and strengthened its ties with academia.
Plastech Group Ltd, Glenrothes, Reorganises into Three Divisions, Packaging, Mouldings and Healthcare
Plastech Group has reorganised its long standing plastics businesses in Glenrothes into three Divisions: Plastech Mouldings, specialising in electrolytic capacitor covers; Plastech Packaging, mainly luxury packaging; Plastech Healthcare, in medical products and medical packaging.
Other Items on Company News from the SPRA Archives
News reports in the SPRA Archives on SPRA Corporate Members and other Companies in the polymer sector in Scotland.
Organisation News
2011 R W Thomson Lecture: Materials in Action
Dr Diane Aston, IOM3, delivered the second R W Thomson Lecture on Materials in Action at Techfest in Aberdeen
IOM3 Scottish Local Society Award Winners
The Mining Institute of Scotland (MIS) has picked up two awards, Dr Graham Smith receiving an Outstanding Contribution Award and David Seath accepting the trophy for IOM3 Local Society of the Year.
SPRA’s STEM Ambassador, Chris Clark, and the Institute of Physics “Lab in a Lorry”
Chris Clark describes his experiences as a STEM Ambassador, visiting schools with the “Lab in a Lorry” project to encourage interest in science and engineering.
The R W Thomson 2010 Lecture "Engineering the Future: learning from past innovators"
With the support of other local societies in the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, the SPRA organised a public lecture in memory of the prolific Scottish innovator, Robert William Thomson. The inaugural lecture, “Engineering the Future: learning from past innovators”, was delivered by Prof William M Banks, President of the Engineering and Technology Association (Scotland) (SCOTETA)
SPRA hosts a meeting with Shanghai Society for Advanced Materials
SPRA hosted a meeting for a delegation from the Shanghai Institute of Advanced Materials to discuss a range of topics including rubber devulcanisation, the Scottish chemical/polymer industry and industry-academic interface.
SPRA wins the Local Society of the Year Award
Fergus Hardie, SPRA President, received the award of Local Society of the Year from Barry Lye, President of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, at a dinner in London.
Cogent Sector Skills Council appoints a new Director of Skills for Scotland
Paul Coffey becomes the new Skills Director (Scotland) for Cogent Sector Skills Council.
Other Items on Organisations from the SPRA Archives
News reports in the SPRA Archives on the activities of organisations with similar objectives to the SPRA.
Visits and Exhibitions
SPRA Exhibits at Technology Teachers’ Association Conference.
SPRA had an exhibition stand at the Technology Teachers’ Association annual conference in Edinburgh to alert teachers to SPRA’s support for teaching polymers in schools.
Interplas 2011
The triennial International Plastics exhibition, Interplas 2011, held in Birmingham in September, was well attended and had a more optimistic mood than three years ago.
Chinaplas 2011
Ralph McNeill, SPRA Council Member, describes his visit to Chinaplas 2011, Asia’s No. 1 Plastics and Rubber Trade Fair.
Oilfield Engineering with Polymers: conference and exhibition
SPRA Corporate Member, Caledonian Industries used their table top exhibition space at the MERL 'Oilfield Engineering with Polymers' International Conference and Exhibition, in London in September, for useful networking between conference sessions.
K2010: International Plastics Fair
A report from SPRA Council Member, Ralph McNeill, on his visit to the international plastics exhibition in Dusseldorf.
Offshore Technology Conference and Exhibition in Houston, Texas
Colin Clements reports on the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in May in Houston, Texas where the Scottish Pavilion was sponsored by Scottish Development International
Other Items on Visits, Exhibitions and Conferences from the SPRA Archives
News reports in the SPRA Archives on visits, exhibitions and conferences relating to plastics and rubber.
People
Kibosh wins UK competition for best innovation pitch
Ross Dickinson received two awards at the UK finals of The Pitch competition for entrepreneurs for his novel Kibosh Emergency Pipe Repair device, which has been designed by Ross and manufactured by Scottish plastics companies.
LiceComb Engineering Limited is the new trading name for The Health and Beauty Company
The Health and Beauty Company, an Aberdeen based company, with links back to the early days of the plastics industry and beyond, has changed its trading name to LIceComb Engineering to reflect more closely its presence as the leading lice comb supplier.
SPRA Student Member receives Gold Medal for Best Student
Edinburgh Napier University Polymer Engineering student, Parmar Rushabh Rajendrakumar has been awarded a gold medal for his performance on the Diploma in Polymer Engineering course which he had completed in India.
Nuffield Bursary Celebration Event
Callum Magill, a student at Douglas Academy, displayed the results of the project he undertook at Rolls-Royce in Inchinnan under the Nuffield Foundation Science Bursary scheme
2011 R W Thomson Lecture: Materials in Action
Dr Diane Aston, IOM3, delivered the second R W Thomson Lecture on Materials in Action at Techfest in Aberdeen
Freedom Award for Ralph McNeill
SPRA Past President Ralph McNeill received the Freedom of the City of London.
SPRA Student Members graduate from Edinburgh Napier University
SPRA student members and SPRA scholarship winners featured in the June graduation ceremony at Edinburgh Napier University.
SPRA’s STEM Ambassador, Chris Clark, and the Institute of Physics “Lab in a Lorry”
Chris Clark describes his experiences as a STEM Ambassador, visiting schools with the “Lab in a Lorry” project to encourage interest in science and engineering.
Rosti UK bring STEM to Hareleeshill primary school
Rosti UK, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility has been carrying out projects with local primary schools to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Student Placement in Polymer Engineering
SPRA student member, Conan McLaren, describes his experiences of an industrial placement at James Walker, specialists in fluid sealing technology, as part of his studies in polymer engineering at Edinburgh Napier University.
Plastic Industry Awards 2010
It was a night of celebration for SPRA Corporate Member,Rosti UK at the Plastics Industry Awards 2010. Enjoying its 10th year as a social and business highlight of the UK plastics industry, this year's awards were held at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane on Friday 1st October 2010.
SPRA Council Member wins a prize from Engel UK
Chris Clark, SPRA Council Member, earned a day out at Knockhill Racing Circuit after winning a competition organised by Engel UK at the PDM conference.
Return to Alma Mater for Polymer Graduates
Sheila Patrick and Grant Leslie return to posts at Edinburgh Napier University 25 years after they were classmates on the BSc Applied Chemistry (Polymer Science and Technology) course.
Hugh Smith is admitted as a Freeman of the Horners
Hugh Smith, an SPRA Past President, is admitted as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Horners in London.
Other Items on People from the SPRA Archive
News reports in the SPRA Archives on SPRA members and students.
