TPT September 2024

INTERVIEW

Orbia Polymer Solutions (Alphagary)

• Trends in halogen-free compound demand and its advantages, such as flexibility for high-bend requirements (such as data centre cables) In the healthcare sector, traditionally, vinyl compound performance against the ever-increasing regulatory requirements is top-of-mind, and we’re also focused on TPE compounds for applications that replace rubber, for example. Overall, we’re formulating materials with reduced carbon footprint that perform as well as their traditional counterparts. Many customers are working closely with us to achieve their sustainability targets with materials that perform optimally in the intended applications. n What are the future plans for your company? Do you see a lot of potential for growth in the regions and markets that you deal with or in new areas? Our future plans include capacity expansion. Several projects are ongoing now. We are increasing capacity because we see growth potential especially in the wire and cable area as our world becomes more automated, but also in sectors such as piping as infrastructures are developed and refined. We are investing in new capacity also for safety and efficiency reasons as we are mindful of our vastly important human capital as well as our carbon footprint and our role in sustainability. Key factors we are watching include: • Increasing demand for data, video and energy transmission is expected to continue driving growth, with the proliferation of smart devices, cameras and high-definition TVs in industrial, commercial and consumer applications. The advent of new category cables designed to accommodate these diverse needs will likely gain significant traction as consumers and industries alike seek efficient and high speed connectivity solutions.

delivery demands – is typically inventive and resourceful and not bound by conventional practices. In today’s fast-paced business world, it is critical to remain agile and approachable, and I find that by treating each situation respectfully, we can solve even the most challenging problems. It’s very gratifying to work with such a responsive team. And the fact that we have many solutions and an innovative attitude that helps customers achieve their goals is very satisfying as well. n What does your company specialise in and why is it the best at what it does? Orbia Alphagary specialises in formulating and manu- facturing compounds, plasticsers, stabilisers and colourants with properties that are specifically needed for the intended market sectors. Many formulations are bespoke to meet customer requirements. Our service strategy is simple – we aim to listen to our customers and to the marketplace: • Formulations are created specifically for market sector performance (off-the-shelf and customised) • We’ve earned huge amounts of knowledge over the decades that we’ve been in business, and we have an appetite for innovation • Vertical integration gives us a platform to innovate and resources for supply assurance • We consider our customers’ challenges to be our challenges, and we work shoulder-to-shoulder to solve them • We provide hands-on support before, during and after the sale • We offer regulatory expertise and assistance • We continue to invest in technical and operating proficiency. n What are the main projects or innovations you are working on at the moment? For industrial tube and pipe applications, we’re working closely with our sister company Orbia Building & Infrastructure (Wavin) and other companies on innovative

materials such as TPE compounds for pipe seals that reduce cycle time and ensure optimal operation by providing a secure connection between pipes, thus preventing leaks and eliminating the need for costly repairs. In other market sectors – such as wire and cable – we’re working on materials for renewable projects such as solar power that withstand punishing outdoor conditions. Some of our other projects include: • Achieving high-level global fire performance for data centre cables while maintaining robust data transfer capability • Innovations in materials for electric vehicle charging cables that set the bar for global performance standards and withstand punishing outdoor weather conditions while maintaining flexibility

The Melton New Line located in Melton Mowbray, UK

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SEPTEMBER 2024