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Soft contact lenses (see photo on the cover) were invented by the Czech scientistOtto Wichterle in 1953

Plastics andRubber Industry – an ImportantElement of theCzech Economy

Jiří Chroustovský, Ministry of Industry and Trade, e-mail: chroustovsky@mpo.cz, www.mpo.cz

The economic results of the manufacture of rubber andplastic products (NACE 25) have been above the averageof the manufacturing sectors for many years, and 2006was no exception, as revenues from the sale of itsproducts and services were preliminarily estimated atalmost 21% higher in constant prices than in theprevious year. The dynamic growth of the sector, whichis supported by investment incentives that go primarilyto the plastics industry, is closely l inked withdevelopments in other manufacturing sectors, especiallythe automobile industry, manufacture of electricalmachinery and equipment, the building industry,engineering and the food industry, i.e. sectors which areusing increasing amounts of rubber and plastic products.

Trade and Investment Remain HighThis sector also has good results in foreign trade. In2006, it accounted for 4.7% of total Czech exports and5.2% of total imports. The permanently largest tradingpartner of the Czech Republic in the rubber and plasticproducts is the European Union. In the Czechmanufacturing industry, NACE 25 ranks among theinvesting sectors. It is noteworthy that the number ofenterprises specialising in the manufacture of plasticcomponents for the automobile industry is on a constantrise in the Czech Republic. This is evident from thedatabase of Czech suppliers, which is available, free ofcharge, in three language versions on the CzechInvestwebsite: http://suppliers.czechinvest.org/. Their numbercan be expected to continue rising in view of theanticipated development of the sector. The state hasbeen supporting the development of NACE 25 in recentyears with numerous investment incentives. By the endof 2006, the Ministry of Industry and Trade had issuedmore than twenty decisions promising investmentincentives in this sector, and other applications are in thepipeline.

Nearest Prospects of the SectorThe rubber and plastics industry in the Czech Republichas a number of favourable prerequisites for itsdevelopment. It has a solid crude material base, and is

CZECH PLASTICS AND RUBBERINDUSTRYSupplement of:Czech Business and Trade 05-06/2007

C Z E C H P L A S T I C S A N D R U B B E R I N D U S T R Y

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MK ČR E 6379

This magazine is published as a supplement to the economic bi-monthly issued in English(Czech Business and Trade), German (Wirtschaft und Handel in der TschechischenRepublik), French (Industrie et commerce tchèques), Spanish (Empresas y negocios en laRepública Checa), and Russian (óe¯cÍafl Úop„o‚Îfl Ë Ôe‰ÔËÌËÏaÚeθcÚ‚o).

Managing Editor: Jana VápeníkováEditor: Naďa VávrováGraphic Design: Helena Dvořáková, Miloslav Bucvan

Address: PP Agency, s.r.o., Myslíkova 25110 00 Praha 1, Czech RepublicPhone: +420 221 406 623, 221 406 626Fax: +420 224 934 383E-mail: journal@ppagency.czwww.ppagency.czwww.mpo.cz/cbt

Deadline: 23/3/2007

Attitudes expressed by the authors of articles in this magazine are not necessarilyconsistent with the viewpoint of the Publisher.

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CONTENTS:INTRODUCTION

3 Plastics and Rubber Industry – An Important Element of the Czech Economy

ANALYSIS4 Plastics and Rubber Industry Ranks among Most Dynamic Sectors

LEGISLATION6 Environmental, Economic and Legislative, Aspects of Plastic Waste

INVESTMENT8 Cluster Increases Plastics Competitiveness

EDUCATION10 Tradition of Research, Development, and Education in Plastics and Elastomers Technology

ENTERPRISE14 Company Motto "Our Customer Is Always Right"

WE ARE INTRODUCING16 Leading Petrochemical Company in the CR

CZECH TOP18 Leader in Czech Production of Polyethylene Foil Films20 GUMOTEX Mattresses Go to the USA21 MITAS a.s. – Second in Europe for Agricultural Tyres22 Barum Supllies Tyres to Whole Europe23 Excellent Standard of Tomáš Baťa UInviersity Polymer Centre

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT24 Research Proves Manifold Use of Silicon

SURVEY25 Poll of Successful Companies Operating in the Plastics and Rubber Industry

INFORMATION30 Exhibitions and Fairs in the Plastics and Rubber Industry in the Czech Republic in 2007 and 200830 Important Contacts

PRESENTATION OF COMPANIES:2 VINYL-FLEX, s.r.o.7 Plastové Přepravní Obaly s.r.o.17 PLASTIKA a.s.19 GRANITOL akciová společnost31 Likar Holding spol. s r.o.32 Institut pro testování a certifikaci, a.s.

Cadence Innovation k.s.; TS Plzeň a.s.; Plaston AG; Isolit-Bravo, spol. s r.o.; HEKO PLAST PŘÍBRAM spol. s r.o.;ROTAS STROJÍRNY spol. s r.o.; PLASTIK HT a.s.; Plzeňské dílo, výrobní družstvo; fortell s.r.o.; ALEMA Lanškrouna.s.; BB vytlačování plastů spol. s r.o.; RONAS s.r.o.

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Plastics and Rubber Industry Ranks among MostDynamic Sectors

Eva Veselá, Milan Dráždil, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the CR, e-mail: veselae@mpo.cz, drazdil@mpo.cz, www.mpo.cz

The manufacture of rubber and plasticproducts (NACE 25) has been one of themost dynamically developing sectors ofthe manufacturing industry in the CzechRepublic in the last five or six years. Thesector includes two large branches, eachwith revenues ranging around severalbillion EUR. The main products in NACE25.1 – manufacture of rubber products– are tyres and tubes, and the range ofproducts in NACE 25.2 – manufactureof plastic products – is diversified andincludes a broad range of semi-finishedand final plastic products (various partsand components, plates, tubes, hoses,foils, and packaging materials) for theautomobi le industry, e lectr ica lengineering, the building industry,containers and packaging materials forthe food industry and other sectors.

According to preliminary results, thesector accounted for 7.1% in constantprices of the total revenues of the Czechmanufacturing industry in 2006 (for6.9% in 2005). The share of thementioned branches in revenues hasbeen more or less the same for severalyears, and the ratio of the NACE25.1/NACE 25.2 share was 42:58 in2006. Noteworthy is comparison withthe chemical and pharmaceuticalindustry (NACE 24) – the revenues ofthe rubber and plastics industry werehigher for the first time in 2003, and arenow exceeding NACE 24 revenues byapproximately EUR 1 billion a year.

Present Position of the SectorIn contrast to the related chemical andpharmaceutical industry, small andmedium-sized enterprises with up to249 employees are dominant in theplastics and rubber sector. These twogroups account for 46-48% ofrevenues, approximately 48% of theadded book value, and more than 60%of the number of employees. The maincompanies in the NACE 25.1 branchinclude Barum Continental, s.r.o.(www.barum.cz), which is the largestcar tyre factory in Europe, and Českágumárenská společnost, a.s. (ČGS)(www.cgs.cz), which manufacturesmainly tyres for trucks, tractors and off-road vehic les , and other rubberproducts. The number of NACE 25.2entities is much higher, but the revenues

of the most important of them arebelow the revenues of the two abovementioned companies. The main onesinc lude Cadence Innovat ion k.s .( w w w. c a d e n c e i n n o v a t i o n . c o m ) ,Gumotex, a.s. (www.gumotex.cz), andBorges ČS, s.r.o. In terms of revenues,the TOP 100 in 2006 included Barum,ČGS, and Cadence Innovation.

Foreign TradeNACE 25 has an important position inthe foreign trade of the Czech Republic.According to preliminary results, its2006 exports amounted to almost EUR3.7 billion and increased by 16%against the previous year; importsincreased by 14% and exceeded EUR3.9 b i l l ion. S ince exports wereincreasing at a higher rate than imports,

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Main indicators in 2002–2006

million EUR/persons 2002 2004 2005 2006* 06/05* (%)

Revenues for sale (constant prices) 3 620 4 545 6 258 7 565 120.9

Book value added (constant prices) 908 1 369 1 669 2 019 121

Number of employees 64 127 73 192 78 765 85 060 108

Exports (current prices, CPA) 2 025 2 848 3 173 3 685 116.1

Imports (current prices, CPA) 2 316 3 244 3 458 3 943 114

CPA – Classification of Products by Activity*preliminary valueSource: Czech Statistical Office, Panorama, calculation and estimate of the Ministry of Industry and Trade

fully competitive on the internationalmarket due to the commitment of manyforeign firms which are introducingmodern technologies and productiontechniques in the Czech Republic. Closelinks with other manufacturing sectors,

engineering, the building industry,electrical engineering, and the foodindustry ensure its sales on the Czechand foreign markets. Its undoubtedadvantages include the possibilities ofplastics application which are far from

exhausted and continue to expand. Inv iew of these facts , dynamicdevelopment of the sector can beexpected at least in the next three to fiveyears.

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the deficit of the sector was reduced byEUR 27 million to EUR 258 million. In2006, the EU-25 accounted for morethan 88% of imports to the CzechRepublic, and received 83% of Czechexports. The main trading partner isGermany (share of 45.3% in Czechimports and 35.1% in Czech exports),followed at a distance in 2006 bySlovakia (share of 5.4% in imports and8.1% in exports), Poland (share of 5.7%in imports and 7% in exports), andFrance (share of 5.7% in imports and5.3% in exports).

Economic Development of theSector in 2006Preliminary economic results (see theTable) indicate that 2006 was a goodyear, as dynamic growth continued in allindustrial and financial indicators andmarkedly exceeded the rate of growthin the Czech manufacturing industry asa whole.

Revenues from the sale of productsand services in constant prices showeda year-on-year increase of almost 21%as compared with 14.3% in themanufacturing industry. Noticeable isthe two-th i rd increase in theproductivity of labour from value added(in constant prices) over the period from2002 to 2006. A specific feature of theNACE 25 sector is the permanentincrease in the number of employees –by almost 21 000 since 2002. Thisconfirms that the sector helps to reduceunemployment to a significant extent,especial ly in regions with a lessdeveloped economy. A total of 613enterprises with 20 and more employeeswere operating in the sector at the endof 2006, and the number of theiremployees has been rising by severaldozen annually in the last few years. Thesector is represented (in terms ofrevenues) mainly in the Zlín Region, inwhich Barum Continental, s.r.o., Fatra,a branch of ALIACHEM a.s., and othercompanies are based, followed by theCentral Bohemia and Plzeň Regions. Thedynamic development in recent yearshas been stimulated by the system ofinvestment incent ives which hasattracted a number of renowned foreigninvestors who brought f i r s t - ratetechniques and technologies to theCzech Republic. Besides increasingemployment, this development hasbeen favourably reflected in averagewages, which amounted to CZK 18 329state-wide at the end of 2006, which

was 4.7% more than at the endof 2005.

Investment into the SectorIn the last few years, grossinvestment into the NACE 25sector has been ranging betweenEUR 330 and 370 million a year.I t went main ly to themodernisat ion of o ld andconstruction of new factoriesproducing car and truck tyres,packaging fo i l s , p last iccomponents and items primarilyfor the automobile industry andelectrical engineering. This trendcontinues as confirmed by newinvestment plans announced inrecent months (such asexpans ion of rubber hosemanufacture, manufacture ofplastic window frames, plasticcomponents for automobileinteriors, and the construction ofa factory to make hi-tech flexible hosesof synthetic rubber).

Position of the Sector in the European UnionThe NACE 25 sector has been the leaderof the manufacturing industry for manyyears. According to a study of the"Plastics Europe" association, 1.5million people are employed in thesector in the European Union alone andthousands of others work in relatedsectors, and the number is expected tocontinue rising. In view of the lastinginterest of domest ic and foreigninvestors, the sector is fully competitivewith the EU countries which havea developed automobile industry andelectrical engineering, such as Germany,Italy, and France in terms of bothkilogram prices of imports and exportsand the standard of manufacturingtechniques and technologies. The goodposition of the Czech Republic is evenmore striking in comparison with theCEFTA countries which acceded to theEU in May 2004 and January 2007, asthe Czech Republic has the highestshare in exports to the EU from thesecountries.

Nearest Prospects of the SectorAre PromisingThe prospects of the Czech rubber andplastics industry are very promising atleast in the next three to five years. Theexpected development of theautomobile industry and electrical

engineering is attracting to this countrymany new sub-suppliers to new and oldfactories of these branches. Dynamicdevelopment is also probable, as thepossibilities of plastics application arefar from exhausted. These exist in theautomobile industry (plastic connectors,modules replacing expensive cabling innew designs, oil level measuring sensorsand hi-tech automobile casings etc.),electrical engineering and electronics(for example, plastic electronic chipsmade of organic polymers ) ,engineering, the building industry,packaging manufacture (new plasticpackaging materials with specif icproperties), and leisure time products(mainly sports equipment). The sectorhas a solid crude material base, but theoffer does not include, besides naturalrubber, special engineering plastics andspecial additives. Thanks to the massiveinvolvement of foreign capital which has brought to the Czech Republic top-quality technologies and machinery,the sector is ful ly competit ive ininternational comparison, and impactson the environment (recycl ing ofplastics, the problem of worn tyres) willbe solved in a similar way as in the EU-25. For these reasons, we can assess theprospects of the two branches asfavourable and expect the position ofthe rubber and plastics industry in theCzech manufacturing industry to beever stronger.

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Environmental, Economic, and LegislativeAspects of Plastic Waste

Every technically advanced country mustprevent the adverse consequences ofeconomic development. This also appliesto waste management, and in the caseof polymers mainly to thermoplasticsand rubber. According to processingpossibilities, plastic waste can be eitherupgraded or cleared away.

From an environmental view, the bestform of waste management is recycling,i.e. used and discarded products are notincluded in solid waste but collected,sorted and processed, and the materialthus gained is utilised.

The upgrading of plastic waste, mostlymixed, means its transformation intobasic materials of the chemical industryor into fuel. The energy upgrading ofwaste polymers means the use of theirenergy value by burning (to generateheat or electricity).

Marking of Packaging PlasticsA separate chapter is the marking ofplastics especially on packages. Thismarking is based on the EuropeanCommission Directive establishing theidentification system for packagingmaterials. Pursuant to this Directive, theCommission issued a decision whichclassified the different materials by codesin letters and numbers. Their use isvoluntary in general. In the CzechRepublic, it became compulsory forplastics, metals, and composites by thestipulated duty to mark consumerpackages to inform about their handlingwhen emptied.

Environmental and EconomicAspectsThe environmental and economic factorswhich influence waste management inindustrially developed countries, thusalso in the Czech Republic, can bedivided into three groups, namelylimitation of the adverse environmentalinfluences of waste dumps by privateownership of land, which practicallyexcludes the possibility of uncontrolleddumps; high charges for off ic ia l

dumping; and strict rules of the selectionof localit ies for dumps and theiroperation (and the connected high costsof their founding and running).

Appropr iate waste process ing(recycling) is in the hands of smallenterprises which purchase and processwaste. This enables the use of localsecondary materials and stimulates theconsumption of products made of themin the vicinity of their production. Manyof these small enterprises are furnishedwith old but still functioning machinerywritten off by large firms.

The Government can support wasteprocess ing by a l locat ions fromenvironmental protection funds, credits,and preferential duties on secondarymaterials.

In specific cases, these factors candetermine the manner of waste disposal

and especially upgrading, which iseconomical ly more effect ive thanextensive and permanent devastation ofthe environment, and so there is noreason against their application in theCzech Republic.

ProspectsImprovement in waste management inthe Czech Republic can be expected inthe next decade. At present, almost60% of waste is dumped, 30% burnedand 10% recycled, and at the end of thedecade dumping is to be reduced to20% and burning and recycling are toincrease to 40% each.

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Vratislav Ducháček, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, e-mail: Vratislav.Duchacek@vscht.cz, www.vscht.cz/pol

Plastic waste can be liquidated or upgraded

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Cluster Increases Plastics Competitiveness

Marie Wernerová, CzechInvest, e-mail: marie.wernerova@czechinvest.org, klastry@czechinvest.cz, www.czechinvest.org

A persistent problem of many Czech enterprises consists in theirisolation and insufficient communication and co-operation withscience-and-research sphere. A possible solution conducive totheir development and higher competitiveness is membership ina cluster.

A cluster is a regional co-operating grouping of enterprises ofa part icu lar sector and assoc iated inst i tut ions andorganisations. The participating companies compete with eachother, but tackle similar problems. Co-operation in thesespecific areas allows them to overcome many of their limitationsand gain a competitive advantage that is difficult to copy. Andso it is a multilateral advantageous partnership of enterprises,universities, and regional institutions that benefits all membersin many respects. Through the cluster they can achieveeconomies of scale and cost savings, diminish the limitations ofsmall enterprises and increase their specialisation, andaccelerate the transfer of information and technologies.

Enterprise Mapping ProjectPlastikářský klastr z.s.p.o. (Plastics Cluster) was established inthe Zlín Region in February 2006. It resulted from an eight-month project of Identification of a Possibility of Plastics ClusterEstablishment. The search for suitable enterprises for theCluster was initiated by Technologické inovační centrum s.r.o.Zlín (Technology Innovation Centre). The Centre co-operatedwith Mintzberger s.r.o. consultants on a project of mappingcompanies of the rubber and plastics industry. The project wassubsidised from the Operational Programme Industry andEnterprise Clusters. However, the mapping made it evident thatin view of the specific differences between the two branches itwould be relevant to address only enterprises of the plasticsindustry. At present, the cluster comprises 19 manufacturingcompanies, of which almost 75% are small and medium-sizedenterprises and 5 large companies. Its partners from thescience-and-research sphere are Tomáš Baťa University in Zlínand Technologické inovační centrum s.r.o. Zlín. The PlasticsCluster project was also successful in the second phase, inwhich its subsidy of approximately EUR 638 000 was approved.

(www.ticzlin.cz)

Cluster ActivitiesThe cluster activities are focused on enhancing competitivenessand performance of the sector in the Region, as its vision isbecoming the centre of innovative plastics processing in theCzech Republic. The objective is to create a representativeforum, establish an efficient network of plastics processors forthe use of selected services and products, and ensurea background for the preparation of joint development projects.The Cluster Manager, Mr Toufar, regards the creation ofa representative plastics forum, which is designed to assert theinterests of the cluster members, as the biggest benefit of thegrouping. In general, the cluster activities are divided into fourpriority areas: cluster presentation and publicity, humanresources development, research and development, and joint

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List of MembersName operates inAZ Plast s.r.o., Moravský Žižkov PVC processing, extrusion of profiles

for manufacture of plastic fences,gates, and railings

D Plast spol., Zlín Manufacture of PVC plastisols forrotary casting for technical and foodindustry applications, manufacture ofPVC sheets for roof hydro-insulation

DURA-LINE CT s.r.o., Tlumačov Manufacture of optical cable ductsand piping systems

Ekotrend Ludky s.r.o., Ludkovice Waste management – manufactureof rubber and plastic rubble

Form, s.r.o., Horní Lideč Manufacture of composite andvacuum shaped thermoplasticproducts, development of newproducts, manufacture of models,moulds, and prototypes

Frema, s.r.o., Zlín Manufacture of moulds and simplemachines and their components forthe plastics, rubber, and footwearindustries, plastic products andrubber mixtures

Greiner packaging Manufacture of plastic packages and Slušovice s.r.o., Slušovice plastic technical components HANHARTPLAST, s.r.o., Chropyně Manufacture of precise plastic

mouldings including large standardinjection-moulded ones

IINVOS, spol. s.r.o., Březolupy Manufacture of membranes for foodindustry and medicine, foils forautomated packaging machines, foilsfor agriculture and building industry,etc.

IRISA, výrobní družstvo, Vsetín Manufacture of thermoplasticsinjection and vacuum moulds,cutting and bending tools

Kasko spol. s.r.o., Horní Němčí Development and injection mouldingof plastic pieces, designing andmanufacture of moulds and tools

MEGAT – výroba z plastů Plastics processing by extrusionZlín spol. s.r.o., Zlín PLASTIKA a.s., Kroměříž Manufacture and assembly of plastics

based on injection moulding, hotshaping, extrusion, and welding

Ploma, a.s., Hodonín Manufacture of large-sized woodenmaterials and plastic boards and foils

Retrim CZ a.s., Zlín Manufacture of glass safety PVB foilsby recycling laminated glasstrimmings

SPUR, a.s., Zlín Manufacture of HDPE cable ducts for telecommunications, PE – TUBEXexpanded insulating materials andcolour concentrates for plastics andresearch, development, and testing of rubber and plastics technology

VETA ZLÍN, s.r.o., Zlín Manufacture of adhesive bands andadhesive materials

ZÁLESÍ ZL a.s., Luhačovice Manufacture of plastic components,technical mouldings, tube and bottlecaps, injection moulds, andlaminated tubes

Zlín Precision, s.r.o., Zlín Manufacture of technical precisionparts by injection moulding ofplastics with surface treatment

More at: www.plastr.cz, www.klastr.cz

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purchase of products and services.Effort is exerted to increase the numberof members and expand co-operationwith other Czech and foreign clusters.

Plastics Technical FacilityThe chief joint project of the cluster isbuilding of a Plastics Technical Facility asa combination of a development andtraining centre. Besides professionaleducation and training of personnel, itwould deal with partial and completematerial, technological, economic, anddesigning requirements of members inthe form of projects. It will test rawmaterials, technologies and workprocedures, solve innovation tasks,monitor development and topical aswell as long-term request, etc. The

expected results of the project are anincreased innovation potential ofmembers and improved qualification ofemployees of plastics companies.

Realised ProjectThe Plastics Cluster has already realisedone of its partial projects: joint purchaseof electricity. The members jointlypurchased electricity at a lower pricethan each company would payseparately. This was very good use ofthe potential of the cluster as a form ofco-operation. Then there was co-operat ion with the Univers i ty ina benchmark ing analys i s of theeconomic performance of the clusterwhen it came into operation. This willbe periodical ly updated to al low

cont inuous assessment of theeffectiveness and performance of thewhole cluster. Talks are underway on thepurchase of machines for research anddevelopment, and a tender for theexecutive project is in process. In thenetworking area, the basic principleshave been set for co-operation withpartner c lusters abroad. Worthmentioning is the fact that the quality ofthe P last ics Cluster has beenacknowledged by the nomination forEnterprise Project of the Year 2006 inthe Cluster of the Year category.

Tradition of Research, Development, andEducation in Plastics and Elastomers Technology

Vratislav Ducháček, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, Department of Polymers, e-mail: Vratislav.Duchacek@vscht.cz, www.vscht.cz/pol

The research and development of thesynthesis, processing, and application ofpolymers are traditional in the CzechRepublic. Its examples include thepolyamide 6 (Silon), the development ofwhich began in the Baťa ResearchInstitute in Zlín in the 1940s, and siliconrubber manufacture, developed in theDepartment of Rubber and PlasticsTechnology of the Institute of ChemicalTechnology Prague in the 1960s, whichranked the then Czechoslovakia amongits few producers worldwide. Anotherexample is the soft contact lenses whichmade the Institute of MacromolecularChemistry of the then CzechoslovakAcademy of Sciences famous at aboutthe same time. Research establishmentsare co-operat ing with industr ia lenterprises and other institutions whichare many and their list would take toomuch space. They include Kaučuk, a.s.Kralupy nad Vltavou, Mitas, a.s. Praha,Tanex, a.s. Jaroměř, Fatra, a.s. Napajedla,Moravské chemické závody, a.s. Ostrava,

Paramo, a.s. Pardubice, and Synpo, a.s.Pardubice, and foreign enterprises, suchas DuPont of the USA and DSM Researchof the Netherlands.

Institute of Chemical TechnologyPrague, Faculty of ChemicalTechnologyResearch in the Department of Polymersfocuses on the study of polymerisingmechanisms, syntheses of macro-molecular substances and their physicaland chemical characteristics, includingpolymers for medical application andbiologically decomposable polymers,such as those which can be composted.It also specialises in relations betweenthe processing, structure, and propertiesof polymers with focus on targetedmodification of polymer properties bycrosslinking, additives, formulation ofpolymer blends and composites,including their application in humanmedicine, and the development of newtypes of additives allowing appropriate

evaluation of polymer waste. Studentswho work regularly in laboratories of theDepartment of Polymers in the capacityof "student scientists" receive monthlyfinancial contribution from the "Plasticsand Rubber" Endowment Fund.

The Department of Solid MaterialEngineering studies biomaterials fort issue engineer ing, mater ia ls forelectronics and optoelectronics, andlooks into laser chemistry andtechnology, and environmental pollutiondetectors.

Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín,Faculty of Technology The Polymer Centre studies chemicalreactions and physical processes whichmake i t poss ible to set se lectedproperties of polymer systems duringpreparat ion and process ing. Theknowledge is used in applied and basicresearch. The results are applied mainlyin the rubber and plastics industry, thebui ld ing industry, medic ine, the

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automobile industry, agriculture, and thefootwear and textile industries.

The Department of PolymerEngineering studies the properties ofnanocomposite systems of thepolymer/clay type, the correlation of thetechnological conditions of processingwith the structure and properties ofpolymer systems and their application.

Emphasis i s a lso placed onunconventional methods of polymerprocessing, the role of fillers in polymersystems, the unstable flow of polymers,thermomechanical analysis of polymersystems, structure and properties ofliquid crystals, and smart polymericmaterials.

Scientific research activities of theDepartment of Production Engineeringcover a large area connected withteaching: the design and measurementof polymer products and compositeswith polymer matrices, modelling of themechanical behaviour of polymer

products and composites with polymermatrices, instruments for polymerprocessing including analyses of the flowof polymers, working on polymers andcomposites with polymer matrices, thesurface treatment of moulds, and othertools for polymer processing.

Pardubice University, Faculty ofChemical TechnologyThe Department of Polymeric Materialsdeals with the preparation and use ofalkyd and epoxy resins, non-saturatedpolyesters , acry l ic emuls ions ofcopolymers and other polymers asmatrices for composites and binders forpaints, research of paints and organiccoatings, study of polymer kinetics inhomogenous environment andheterogeneous systems, crosslinking andproperties of polyurethanes, polyesterand epoxy resins, phase changes inpolymers, synthesis, application andassessment of new textile dyes and

pigments and means of sequestrationfor preparatory treatment, dyeing andwashing of textiles.

Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of MechanicalEngineeringIn its research and development of newmaterials and their application, theDepartment of Materials Engineeringstrives for their optimum use in technicalpractice. As regards polymers, research isfocused on the microstructure andbreakage behaviour of polymers andcomposites with polymer matrices,assessment of the orientation, lengthdistribution of fibres and slip resistanceon the f ibre-matrix dividing l ine,influence of the processing and runningconditions and the modification of fibresand matr ices on the mechanicalproperties and assessment of corrosionand degrading processes, and non-homogenity.

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Institute of MacromolecularChemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the CRThe task of the institute is basic,oriented, and applied research in thephysical chemistry of polymers. Thisresearch includes three main areas:biomacromolecular systems, thedynamics and self-organisation ofmolecular and supermolecular polymerformations, and the preparat ion,specification, and use of new polymersystems with controlled structure andpropert ies. The latter inc ludespolymerisation processes, polymernetworks, optoelectronic phenomenaand material research concerning thecontrol and modification of the structureof polymer blends in the course of theirpreparation, processing, and recycling,the dispersion of nanoparticles in thepolymer matr ix and control ofmechanical and processing properties ofnanocomposites, control of crystal-l isation and crossl inking of semi-crystalline polymers and their blends,and possibilities of influencing changesin the structure of polymers by theexternal environment and stabilisation.

The consumption of polymers andconsequently their production areincreasing much more rapidly than in thecase of other materials. This is why thedemand for specialists in the branchwith a university background is risingvery quickly and exceeding the offer ofthe relevant universities.

Institute of Chemical TechnologyPrague, Faculty of ChemicalTechnologyThe principal establishment whichprovides education in the productionand processing of polymers is theDepartment of Polymers. It offerseducation focused on "PolymericMater ia ls" within the BA branch"Chemistry and Technology ofMaterials" in the "Applied Chemistryand Materials" programme, "PolymericMaterials" within the MA programme"Chemistry of Materials and MaterialsEngineer ing", "MacromolecularChemistry" within the MA programme"Inorganic, Organic, and Macro-molecular Chemistry" and "Macro-molecular Chemistry", and "Technologyof Macromolecular Substances" withinthe doctoral programmes "Chemistry"and "Chemistry and Technology ofMaterials".

The Department of Sol id State

Engineering provides education in"Chemistry and Technology ofMaterials" within the BA programme"Applied Chemistry and Materials" andthe follow-up branch "Materials forElectronics" within the MA programme"Chemistry of Materials and MaterialsEngineering". The main subjects of thelatter include "Structure and Propertiesof Polymers".

Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín,Faculty of Technology Education in polymer processing isprovided mainly by the Department ofPolymer Engineering. Its teaching isoriented on engineering of polymerprocessing, the basic theory andappl icat ion of macromolecularchemistry, the rheology of polymers, theproperties of polymers, and the testingof polymer materials and products. TheDepartment offers regular and combinedstudies, part icular ly within the"Chemistry and Technology ofMaterials" programme in BA, MA, anddoctoral studies. In the "Chemistry ofProcessing Engineering" it offers the MAbranch "Processing Engineering andManagement of Polymer Engineering".

The Department of Product ionEngineering educates specialists in thedesign and measurement of polymerproducts, and the design of structuresand production of instruments forpolymer processing.

Pardubice University, Faculty of Chemical TechnologyThe Department of Polymeric Materials isthe centre of research and teaching ofmacromolecular chemistry and thetechnology of macromolecularsubstances, and the technology of

chemical fibres and textile chemistry atthe Pardubice University, Faculty ofChemical Technology. It offers MAstudies in the "Chemistry and TechnicalChemistry" programme for the branches"Technology of Polymer Production andProcessing" (block A – Technology ofPolymers, block B – Technology ofCoating Materials) and "Fibres andTextile Chemistry", and doctoral studiesin the "Chemistry and Technology ofMaterials" programme for the branch"Technology of MacromolecularSubstances".

Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of MechanicalEngineeringThe main branch of the Department ofMaterials Engineering in MA studies is"Materials Engineering", which includesthe subjects "Engineering Application ofMaterials", "Non-metal Materials","Composites", and "Corrosion andCorrosion-resistant Materials", in whichpolymers are playing a significant role.The Department also offers a number ofsubjects in other MA branches,especially "Engineering Technology",and in BA branches. The main doctoralstudies subjects in the "MaterialsEngineer ing" programme include"Physics of Non-metal Materials in SolidState", "Mechanics of Materials","Experimental Methods in the MaterialsScience" and "Processing of Non-metalMaterials and Composites". The offeralso includes life-long education coursesin "Plast ics and Composites inEngineering" and "New Materials andtheir Application in Engineering".

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Doctoral student in the Department of Polymers rheological laboratory

Company Motto "Our Customer Is Always Right"

Isolit-Bravo, spol. s r.o., is a Czech companyand a recognised supplier to Czech and foreignclients. It has some 550 employees, its annualturnover exceeds EUR 40 million, and morethan 70% of products are exported.

The company focuses on completedevelopment of products or sets, design andmanufacture of tools and moulds,development of most efficient technologies,product tests and certification, and finallyseries production and deliveries to ordereddestinations. We interviewed Mr KvidoŠtěpánek, General Manager of the company,about business in this branch in the CzechRepublic.

Can you give a brief history of thecompany?The company was established in 1921 tomanufacture Bakelit products for households.After World War II, it was integrated intoZávody silnoproudé elektrotechniky andmanufactured Bakelit mouldings for electricalengineering. It was privatised in 1993 anddeveloped a technology for injection mouldingof technical and highly visual plastic parts forautomotive industry, the manufacture ofinjection moulds, and the manufacture ofkitchen and household appliances.

How do you see the businessprospects in the branch of plasticsand rubber in the Czech Republic?I believe that they are not bad at all in the nextfew years, mainly due to the involvement ofmany world producers of automobiles andtheir Tier 1 suppliers. But they are strongly andone-sidedly dependent on the automotiveindustry.

Your company received a subsidy for the educationof your employees. How did you use the money?We used it for technical training, primarily in the adjustment andprogramming of injection moulds and their maintenance. Thehigh standard of our team is our main competitive advantage.

Your success rests on "Total Marketing Support".What does it mean?We conform to the specific requirements of clients. Our co-operation is flexible. If firm B has a very different idea than firmA about the form and content of co-operation, we can satisfyboth.

Can you mention your most important foreigncustomers?The most important customers include Philips, Ikea, Volkswagen,Grupo Antolin, Automotive Lighting, ABB, and Škoda-Auto. We

supply them with injection moulds, mouldings, subsets, andcomplete products which we develop for them, andmanufacture them in accordance with the philosophymentioned above.

What innovations have you planned for 2007?Our main innovations rest in the improvement of our services intwo interlinked areas – upgrading of our technological standardby investment into new progressive machinery and equipment,and improvement of the standard of our staff.

Naďa Vávrová

More at www.isolit-bravo.cz

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Leading Petrochemical Company in the CR

René Keller, KAUČUK, a.s., e-mail: rene.keller@kaucuk.cz, www.kaucuk.cz

KAUČUK, a.s. is a chemical enterprisewith a long tradition. Its construction inKralupy nad Vltavou was decided in1954 and the foundations were laid inthe same year. The manufacture ofsynthetic rubber was launched in 1963and in the following years expandedwith polystyrene plastics. A boom in thecompany came in the mid-1980s, when

an oil refinery unit went into operation.In addition to propellant fuels and liquidgases, it manufactured several basiccomponents for the KAUČUK, a.s.production programme. Within therestructuring of the Czech petrochemicalindustry, the refinery was separated andjoined with the newly established ČeskáRafinérská, a.s. in 1996. The remainingpetrochemical part became member ofthe UNIPETROL group one year later. Theyear 1998 was an important milestone inthe company’s development – theoriginal styrene production unit wasreplaced with a new modern one witha larger capacity, and a new block crystal

polystyrene unit was opened. At the endof the same year, the last coal-burningboiler was laid off and the energy systemwas switched to environmentally friendlyfuels. In 2003, an ethyl benzene unit was opened in the CHEMOPETROL, a. s.complex in Litvínov. In June 2005, theUNIPETROL group became a part of PKNORLEN.

Production ProgrammeStyrene-butadiene rubbers aremanufactured under the KRALEX tradename. They are mainly used in therubber and footwear industries, and inthe manufacture of small householdaccessories and sports equipment. Themajor customers are tyre producers.

KRASTEN® has manypossibilitiesKRASTEN® is a registered trademark forstyrene polymers, offering a wide rangeof products for use as raw materials invarious branches. Styrene polymers areused as raw materials primarily in food

and beverage packaging, disposable fastfood kitchenware, consumables andtheir packaging. They are also found inconsumer e lectronic products,electronics and the packaging of audioand video carriers, laboratory equipmentand medical devices. Krasten can beused as a bas ic mater ia l in theproduct ion of toys and parts offurniture, and in the automobile,electrical engineering, and mechanicalengineering industries.

KOPLEN® for the buildingindustryKOPLEN® is a registered trade name forexpandable polystyrene (EPS). EPS isa white polymer made of styrenecontaining different amounts ofa hydrocarbon blowing agent accordingto type. It is mainly used as a material forvarious EPS products in building andpackaging. EPS products have a foampolymer structure of c losed cel lscontaining air, which gives themexcellent thermal and sound insulationand shock-absorbing properties. Theproducts are self-extinguishing, containa f lame retardant and meet therequirements of f lammabi l i ty, inaccordance with DIN 4102 - B1 and ENISO 11925-2, E. KOPLEN® is distributedin recyclable octagonal wrappings, so-called octabins, of a net weight of 1 100kg.

FORSAN mainly for automobilesFORSAN is a registered trade name ofacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer(ABS), which is used in the manufactureof automobile interiors and exteriors.FORSAN can also be used in theconsumer industry and electr ica lengineering.

The Company Has a New OwnerIn January 2007, a contract was signedon the sale of 100% KAUČUK stock tothe Polish company Dwory, whichbecame its sole owner after the relevantauthorities of the two countries gavetheir consent. Chemiczne Dwory, S.A.has a similar production programme asKaučuk. ■

Granulate from Kaučuk production

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Leader in Czech Production of Polyethylene FoilFilms

Granitol has a more than 110-yearhistory. Its present annual production of28 000 tonnes makes it the largestmanufacturer of polyethylene foils filmsin the Czech Republic. Approximatelyone half of the products are exported tomore than 30 countries includingAustria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,Denmark, France, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Kazakhstan,Latv ia, Lebanon, L i thuania, theNetherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia,Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Syria,Tajikistan, the Ukraine, the UnitedKingdom, and Yemen. Granitol ranksamong the most modern enterpriseswith top-quality production equipment.

Production ProgrammeThe main products are shrinking foilfilms for group packaging (LDPE). Thepropert ies of this product wereacknowledged with the national awardfor Package of the Year 2006. Theprogramme includes shrinking and self-shrinking foils films and bags (LDPE),polypropylene binding bands (PP),perforated foil films for boiling bagmanufacture (HDPE), hydro-insulatingfoil films for the building industry (LDPE),packaging foils with print (6.8 colourflexoprint), special high-tech foil film forthe manufacture of hygienic articles,nappies, ladies’ hygiene needs, bags andcarrier bags.

Investment into ProductionTechnologiesGranitol development is based oninvestment into new product iontechnologies. A new production linewent into operation at the end of 2006to manufacture laminated shrinking foilfilms for group packaging of beveragesin PET bottles, tins, chemist’s goods, andother products.

A new type of shrinking foil wasdeveloped specially for this line in theGranitol technical developmentdepartment in co-operation with thesupplier of the line and European

suppliers of raw materials. Besidesexcellent optical properties, the new foilfilm is stronger and can be used in lowerweights. In addition to lower transportcosts, it reduces the weight of waste andis thus environmentally friendly. The foilfilm was awarded the title Package ofthe Year 2006 by the SYBA Association.Besides the new shrinking foil film, thenew line will turn out non-shrinking foilfilms for the manufacture of specialtypes of polypropylene foil films forhigh-tech packaging.

Investment into New LogisticCentreThe new logistic centre has technicalconditions for modern continuousacceptance and dispatch of goods, theirproper storage, and on-line electronicregistering. Its progressive technicalarrangement was chosen on the basis ofanalysis of simulation models. It isa combination of stationary and mobile

stands with a total storage capacity of 4 500 pallets.

Line of World StandardGranitol has invested into a newproduction line with state of the arttechnical equipment. This means thatthe line has automated material dosing,automated regulation of the thicknessand thickness prof i le of themanufactured foil, film and diagnosingof possible faults and their remoteremoval by modem.

The line is equipped with the patentedMaximazer system of molten masscooling. Intensive cooling of the moltenmass also has a favourable effect on theoptical qualities of the foils film. This isparticularly important in the manufac-ture of packages with defined opticalproperties.

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Granitol, a.s., e-mail: marketing@granitol.cz, www.granitol.cz

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Granitol is a specialist in polyethylene foils

GUMOTEX Mattresses Go to the USA

Josef Horníček, GUMOTEX, a.s., e-mail: hornicek@gumotex.cz, www.gumotex.cz

GUMOTEX, a.s., is the successor to anenterprise which began manufacturingprotective clothing of rubber-coatedtextile in Břeclav in 1950. It becameindependent and adopted the nameGUMOTEX in 1952. In i t ia l ly, i tmanufactured rubber-coated materialsand later expanded its production withinflatable beach mats, boats, and kayaks.Its boom came with the introduction ofthe technology of polyurethane foammanufacture in the 1960s and especiallythe 1970s, when the company becamethe largest producer of this type of foamin the Czech Republic and has retainedthis position to the present day. Its mainpartners are customers in the furnitureand automotive industries.

Products for Furniture andAutomotive AccessoriesGUMOTEX manufactures polyurethanefoam plates, bed mattresses and shapedpieces for furniture producers, andmoulded seat cushions, head rests, sunvisors and other small interior pieces forthe automotive industry. Importantproducts inc lude inf latable bedmattresses, surface finish textiles withspecial plastomer and elastomer coating,inflatable tents, rescue system elements,and inflatable systems for emergencysurvival after accidents on water.

Largest Czech Manufacturer ofPolyurethane FoamsGUMOTEX is the largest Czechmanufacturer and processor ofpolyurethane foams which it sells under the trademark MOLITAN®. It manufactures products of reboundedpolyurethane foam (RE foam), andoperates in the rubber and plastics

business. The company’s annual turnoverranges around EUR 88 million andforeign markets account for almost 60%of revenues. GUMOTEX has been rankedamong the largest exporters for a longtime. A major trading partner is the USA,where the company exports mainlyinflatable bed mattresses. Exports to theUSA exceeded EUR 21 million in 2006.Products are also exported to EuropeanUnion countries such as Germany,Slovakia, the Netherlands, France, andsoutheast European countries.

GUMOTEX commercial activities aresupported by trade and distributioncentres in the Czech Republic, Slovakia,Hungary, and Poland.

GUMOTEX and Foreign InvestorsGUMOTEX was transformed into a joint-stock company in 1991 and privatised bya Czech company. In late 2006, it wastaken over by the Genesis Capital,Expandia, and Milestone Partnersconsortium of financial investors. Thenew owners intend to ensure thecompany’s further development andexpansion to developed foreign markets.

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C Z E C H P L A S T I C S A N D R U B B E R I N D U S T R Y

MITAS a.s. – Second in Europe for AgriculturalTyres

Martin Maňas, MITAS a.s., e-mail: martin.manas@mitas.cgs.cz, www.CGS.eu

MITAS a.s., an established manufacturerof tyres for off-road vehicles, nowcomprises three factories, in Praha, Zlín,and Otrokovice, the Rubber Technologyand Testing Institute (IGTT), and severalsubsidiaries abroad (CGS TYRES). Itsproduct range consists mainly of tyres for agricultural, multipurpose, andconstruction machines, and also includestyres for trucks, high-l ift trucks,motorcycles, aircraft, and rubbercompounds.

In the last few years, MITAS a.s. has beenthoroughly reorganised and modernised,and currently ranks among the topEuropean suppliers.

Past and Present ProductionThe manufacture of tyres for off-roadvehicles in the Czech Republic waslaunched in the late 1970s by MITASPraha, which was equipped withMitsubishi machinery. Since then, theproduct portfolio has been graduallyexpanded and now includes a completerange of diagonal EM tyres for largeconstruction machines. All dimensions ofthese EM tyres are made using a newtechnology on Marangoni machines,which apply the tread and sidewall in onepiece. This new technology has upgradedthe quality of EM tyres, and MITAS a.s.now belongs among the best-knownmanufacturers of tyres for use by thebuilding industry. In 2002, MITAScommenced the manufacture of radialtyres for light construction machines,which it is constantly improving in keepingwith developments in the tyre industryand specific demand on individualmarkets.

Compared with diagonal tyres, thecarcass and the breaker of these radialtyres are made of steel cord, making themmore resistant to fracture and providingbetter grip, a longer service life, anda higher degree of driver comfort.

Similar developments in the agriculturaltyres range followed World War II, and arealso connected with the company’sPrague factory. Manufacturing technology

at the plant has been graduallymodernised, and the range has beenadapted to suit both Czech and foreignmarkets. Production of radial tyres hasalso been introduced. MITAS a.s.continually works on the development ofits agricultural tyres, especially the largeContinental tyres, with the aim ofensuring that Mitas tractor radial tyres andradial float tyres are pioneers in industry-wide developments. As of 2004,agricultural tyres have also beenmanufactured at the Otrokovice factory,which is now one of the most modern ofits kind in the world.

Specialists in Agricultural TyresAccording to available data, MITAS a.s. isthe second largest manufacturer ofagricultural tyres in Europe (after Michelin)and fourth largest in the world (afterMichelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone).The quality of Mitas agricultural and off-road tyres is evident, as they are suppliedfor the first outfit to such prominentproducers as John Deere, CNH, Claas,Caterpillar, Liebherr, Terex, and JCB.MITAS a.s. products also includemotorcycle tyres, at present of the Mitasand Trelleborg brands. The company’srange of motorcycle tyres covers allcategories from moped to sport off-roadtyres. At present, the main products areoff-road enduro trail, enduro FIM, andmotocross tyres. Mitas is the world leaderin standard and long speedway tyres. Thequality of the company’s off-road tyreshave been proven by the results of racerswho use Mitas tyres and regularly finish inthe top places in European and worldmotorcycle competitions.

Holding MemberMITAS a.s. is a member of the Českágumárenská společnost, a.s. (CGS) holding,which represents all rubber manufacturingin the Czech Republic that is fully in Czechhands. Besides MITAS a.s., the holding alsoconsists of RUBENA a.s., the largest Czechmanufacturer of technical rubber andbicycle tyres, and BUZULUK Komárov , a.s.,

which producesa broad range ofmachinery and equip-ment for the rubberindustry and pistonrings of all types andsizes. All CGScompanies co-operate closely witheach other. They alsowork in conjunctionwith universities andscientific establish-ments in research anddevelopment. The CGSGraduate Programme hasbeen a successful initiativewithin the CGS companies forseveral years. It is designed for universitystudents to facilitate their choice ofprofession.

Co-operation with the RubberTechnology and Testing Institute An important part of MITAS a.s. is theRubber Technology and Testing Institute(IGTT), which is a top-rankingestablishment in the world. It conducts allstatic and dynamic laboratory tests oftyres, rims, tubes, liners, repair kits, andpreventive preparations for all on-roadand off-road motor and non-motorvehicles, sport planes, and handcarts inaccordance with Czech, European andworld standards and testing procedures.

MITAS a.s. – ExporterMITAS a.s. ranks among the leadingCzech exporters, as is proven by its severaltop-place finishes in the national"Exporter of the Year" competition.MITAS a.s. exports to the whole world,mainly to Europe and America. Thecompany has been thoroughlyreorganised and modernised to becomea leading partner of the agricultural andindustrial sectors and to provide itspartners with the best technical supportand service.

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Barum Supplies Tyres to Whole Europe

Antonín Vetešník, Barum Continental spol. s r.o., e-mail: info@barum.cz, www.conti-online.cz, www.barum-online.cz

Barum Continental spol. s r.o. is thelargest tyre manufacturer in the CzechRepublic and since 1999 also in Europe.Its success is due to the use of moderndevelopment trends, technologies, andcommercial strategies, and to experiencegained from the long tradition of tyreproduction in the Zlín Region. Therenowned footwear manufacturer TomášBaťa was at the cradle of tyre productionin the Zlín area. He laid the foundationsof tyre production in 1932 when hemade the first car tyre. After World WarII, the Baťa joint-stock company wasnationalised to become Svit Zlín and thefactory continued to manufacture tyres.The Barum trade mark originated in1946 as the acronym of threecompanies: Baťa, Rubena Náchod andMitas. In 1953, the tyre production wasseparated and the Rudý říjen enterprisewas establ ished. Tyres were st i l lmanufactured on the Svit premises untilthe Otrokovice factory was opened in1970.

Company’s PresentThe new history of the companycommenced in 1993 with theestablishment of Barum Continentalspol. s r.o., a joint venture of ContinentalAG and the then joint-stock companyBarum Otrokovice.

The joint venture of the Otrokovice tyrefactory and the German concernContinental proved to be an absolutelycorrect decision. Continental, whichranks among the most importantenterprises in the branch worldwide,brought the latest technology andmachinery, and introduced a newbusiness culture and change in theattitude to work.

Production ProgrammeThe company’s annual productionexceeds 20 million tyres, mainly for carsbut also for trucks, both road and off-road vehicles, and industrial tyres. Themanufacture of car tyres is beingconstantly developed.

Multibrand StrategyThe company’s "multibrand strategy"

range of products suits all clients. Theportfolio of trade marks includesContinental, which is the worldwideleader in tyre quality, Uniroyal, Semperit,and Barum. The products of each ofthem are specific and designed fordifferent clients. Continental uses thelatest production technologies andprocedures, and places great emphasison utmost safety. Uniroyal tyres haveexcellent driving properties especially onwet roads. The Semperit speciality iswinter tyres which dist inguishthemselves by a highly comfortabledrive. Barum tyres rank in the economicsegment of an advantageousquality/price ratio. It is a domestic trademark with a very long tradition.

Novelties in ProductionTwo new products will be placed on themarket in 2007: the Barum Bravuris 2and Continental Vanco 2 tyres.

The Bravur is 2 tyre has a newasymmetric pattern which guaranteesoptimum transmission of the driving andbrake forces, and thus also excellenthandling. The tread is made of a modern

mixture which improves adhesion to wetsurfaces and so shortens the brakingdistance. This tyre is designed forpowerful cars and so it is manufacturedonly in higher inch series and speedindexes.

Another innovative product is theContinental Vanco 2 which is designedfor delivery vehicles. Its new robuststructure and the use of new materialsmake the tyre more res istant tooverloading and increase its mileage byup to 20%. Since the pattern is deeperand made of a new mixture, the tread isvery tough. The result is outstandinghandling and stability in bends. Safetyon a wet surface is ensured by theinnovative lamellar system due to whichthe tyre adheres well to the road.

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Excellent Standard of Tomáš Baťa UniversityPolymer Centre

Jan Malý, Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín, e-mail: maly@rektorat.utb.cz, www.utb.cz

The Polymer Centre (CPM) is a researchunit attached to the Faculty ofTechnology of Tomáš Baťa University inZlín. It was established in 2000 to boostthe research potential of the futureuniversity. Its main purpose is basic,applied and industrial research inpolymer sciences, which have anoutstanding standard in Zlín. The resultsof the research are applied mainly in therubber, plastics, automobile and textileindustries, and in medicine, agriculture,and electrical engineering.

Research ProgrammeThe CPM research programme coversmany areas, such as applied rheology,the development of biodegradablematerials, the electrical and magneticcharacter ist ics of composites,electrorheology, packaging materials,structural re laxat ions of polymermater ia ls , opt ica l and electronicproperties of polymer systems, andpolymers for medicine and the foodindustry.

The quality of CPM work is evident:besides graduates of the Faculty ofTechnology of Tomáš Baťa University, its

members are scientists from Japan,Russia, Sweden, China, Slovenia, India,and other countries. Moreover, CPMtakes care of its aspiring young researchstudents. At present, it is also trainingtwo dozen doctoral students froma number of countries including Russia,Colombia, China, and Mongolia.

Research ProjectsIn 2006, CPM members carried out workon 20 research projects and other grantprojects were approved for solution. Theinteresting ones certainly include thosewhich will be applied in medicine. Theseare the projects Rheology and theTreatment of Medicinal Polymer Systemsaccepted by the Grant Agency of theAcademy of Sciences of the CzechRepublic, and Innovation of Polymer-based Medical Aids accepted by theMinistry of Industry and Trade of theCzech Republic within the EnduringProsperity Programme. CPM research isa lso undertaken in product ionprogrammes of enterprises. In additionto enterprises throughout the CzechRepublic, CPM is co-operating withthose in Copenhagen, Denmark,

Zwijndrecht and Brussels, Belgium, andPainesville and Oakdale, the USA.International co-operation is also goingon in other areas – CPM is in contactwith a number of universities andresearch establishments and institutionsin Europe, Asia and America.

Accomplishments and AwardsCPM members have given a goodaccount of their work. In January 2007,Ms Berenika Hausnerová was awardedthe L’Oréal Scholarship for Women inScience. The scholarship project isorganised by the L’Oréal company in co-operation with the Czech Commissionfor UNESCO and the Academy ofSciences of the Czech Republic tosupport the scientific career of womenaged up to 35 years. Senior lecturerBerenika Hausnerová gained the awardin recognition of her work on theinfluence of pressure on the rheologicalbehaviour of PIM materials.

The work of Mr Vladimír Sedlařík wasrecognised with the Siemens Prize for2007. Siemens awards this prize everyyear in co-operation with the Industryand University Forum of the CR. ■

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Research Proves Manifold Use of Silicon

For many years, a division of theDepartment of Polymers of the Instituteof Chemical Technology Prague, Facultyof Chemical Technology has beenstudying silicon rubber and possibilitiesof its application. Silicon rubber hasa number of exceptional propertieswhich rank it among the group ofrubbers for special uses. It has high andlow temperature stability (ordinary typesof silicon rubber can be used from -60 to180° C, with a short load up to 300° C),electrical insulation properties, and verygood resistance to ultraviolet radiationand ozone ageing. Silicon rubber hasa high selective permeability of gasesand steams, resistance to mineral oilsand many chemicals, repels water, and ischemically inert. Another importantproperty is tolerance to living organisms– biocompatibility which predeterminesthe application of silicon rubber inmedicine.

Application of Silicon RubberThe Department of Polymers has beendealing with many research tasksconcerning the application of siliconrubber in different areas of humanactivity. An example is the improvementof the water-repellent properties ofsilicon rubber surface to gain a materialserving as base for the settling of micro-organisms. It has been established thatthe water-repellence of the substratesurface on which micro-organisms (suchas yeasts) are settled has a majorinfluence on the effectiveness of thesemicro-organisms, for example in theremoval of toxic substances from wastewater. On the contrary, the water-repel lence of s i l icon rubber isundesirable in many applications inhuman medicine. In order to improve thewettability of the silicon rubber surfaceby water and similar substances, theDepartment of Polymers and theInstitute of Macromolecular Chemistryof the Academy of Sciences of the CzechRepublic jointly prepared polymer blendsbased on silicon rubber and a substancethat is super-absorbent in water –hydrogel. These blends are not onlyabsorbent in water, but also permeable

to substances soluble in water,such as medicaments.

Co-operation of ResearchInstitutesThe Department of Polymers co-operated with the NuclearResearch Institute Řež in theapplication of silicon rubber inthe transformation of nuclearwaste into a compact, solidform before it is stored inunderground deposits. Siliconrubber is easily processed andresistant to radioactive radiationand these properties served thepurpose. The use of this methodin the storage of medium-activewaste from nuclear powerplants is being considered.

In another task, theDepartment of Polymers usedscission of the silicon-oxygen bond forchemical regeneration of silicon rubberand this resulted in a blend of mainlycyclic organosilicon compounds. Polymertests proved that the gained low-molecular blends are a suitable materialfor the preparation of silicon rubber. Thismanner of chemical regeneration ofsilicon rubber has been patented.

Project of the Department ofPolymers and Ecosoft s.r.o.The Department of Polymers, theInst i tute of Rock Structure andMechanics of the Academy of Sciencesof the Czech Republic, and Ecosoft s.r.o.jo int ly developed a method andequipment for monitoring the course ofsilicon resin hardening processes withthe use of changes in the electricalproperties of resins which occur duringthis hardening. Among otherapplications, the method is to be used todefine the manner of the preparation ofmaterials on the basis of silicon resinsand glass fibres, and possibly corundumfibres. These materials could be used inproducts resisting temperatures higherthan 600° C.

The Department of Polymers isstudying materials based on liquid siliconrubber and variously surface-treated

silicon fillers with a special structure oflayers. These mater ia ls – nano-composites – have very good mechanicalproperties due to the use of thementioned nanofillers with particledimensions ranging in millionths ofa millimetre! The properties of thesenanocomposites are greatly dependenton the manner of their preparation.

Use of Silicon Rubber inConstructionThe development of silicon rubberapplications in the building industry hasreached the stage of manufacture ofelastic strips to serve the sealing ofexpansion joints in the peripheral panelsof prefabricated structures. The façadestrips must meet many requirements –prevent water penetration into theperipheral walls of buildings andimprove their heat insulation, allowdamaged sealing materials to be left inthe joints, improve the architecturalimpression, and be very resistant to thedynamic stress caused by the thermalexpansion of the prefabricates. Theseelastic strips are industrially manufac-tured by Lučební závody, a.s. Kolín.

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Petr Hron, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, e-mail: Petr.Hron@vscht.cz, www.vscht.cz

Silicon rubber is also used in medicament manufacture

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Poll of Successful Companies Operating in the Plastics and Rubber Industry

Fatra, a.s.

tř. T. Bati 1541, 763 61 Napajedla, phone: +420 577 501 111, fax.: +420 577 502 555 e-mail: info@fatra.cz, www.fatra.cz

Turnover (2006): CZK 3.1 billion – approx EUR 110 millionNumber of employees: 1 400Contact: Mr Daniel Tamchyna, e-mail: info@fatra.czExport: 43 countries worldwide, for example to Germany, Austria,Russia, the Ukraine, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom

Fatra is part of the AGROFERT HOLDING and ranks among mainprocessors of PVC, PE, PP, and PET materials. Fatra traditionallybelongs to the plastics industry in the Czech Republic andCentral Europe. In 2006, revenues from the sale of its productsand services were EUR 110 million and one half of itsproduction went to foreign markets. The basic products are inthe PVC and PO group: floorings, insulating foils, technical foils,extruded profiles, PVC conveyor belts, PVC granulate, syntheticrubbers, BO PET – biaxial oriented polyester foils, PPF and L –vapour permeable membranes and laminates, packagingmaterials, and special products – textured membranes andinjected products.

You rank among the largest plastics processors inCentral Europe, your turnover is huge and morethan one half of your products is exported. What isbehind such success?The essence was Fatra’s restructuring, which began in themiddle of 2005, focussing on products with a higher valueadded and divestment of specific commodity manufacture.Fatra also invested into sale teams on both west and eastmarkets. The key role was played by the tradition of ourproduction, innovation, flexibility, and geographic expansion.

Can you mention your present most importantdeliveries abroad?Certainly worth mentioning are the special BO PET foils (biaxialoriented polyester foils) and HIF (hydro-insulation foils) exportedto eastern markets, and vapour permeable membranes andlaminates exported to western markets.

From Fatra Company production

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Fortell, s.r.o.

Opletalova 92, 563 01 Lanškroun, phone: +420 465 323 820, fax: +420 465 323 920, e-mail: fortell@fortell.cz, www.fortell.cz

Turnover: CZK 92.56 million – approx EUR 3.31 millionNumber of employees: 75Contact: Mr Filip Ambrož, e-mail: filip.ambroz@fortell.czExport: 25.32%, for example to Germany, the Netherlands,Finland, Switzerland, Austria, France, and Hungary

Fortell, s.r.o. provides complete services in the branch of injectedthermoplastics. Besides the actual injecting, an advantage is

high-quality manufacture of injection moulds in thecompany’s own tool room. This makes it possible to adaptmoulds and deliver plastic components on schedule. Fortellproducts go to the automobile, electrical, consumer goods, andmedical equipment industries. The construction of a new factorybegan in 2007 and is to be completed in 2008. This will increasethe capacity, especially of the injection moulding of plastics, andthe size of the moulds (investment into new machinery).

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PLASTIKA, a.s.

Kaplanova 2830, 767 01 Kroměříž, phone: +420 573 511 111, fax: +420 573 331 179, e-mail: plastika@plastika.cz, www.plastika.cz

Turnover (2006): CZK 680 million – approx. EUR 23 millionNumber of employees: approx. 400Contact: Ms Monika Vrzalová, e-mail: vrzalova@plastika.czExport: 85%, to Germany, France, the United Kingdom,Switzerland, Slovakia, and Mexico

Plastika, a.s. is an European supplier of complete plasticcomponents with many accompanying services for theautomobile, electronic, and PC industry with manyaccompanying services. Plastika operates on B2B marketsexclusively and its customers are prominent multinationalcorporations.

Can you mention your major foreign customersand the products you supply to them?

Some of our key customers are: Siemens VDO Automotive,which Plastika supplies with dashboard sets for the Opel,Škoda, and Volkswagen cars, fuel system components for Audiand ventilation system components for the Smart. Anotherimportant customer is Magna Slovteca, which purchases wingmirror sets mainly for the Ford, Toyota, and Suzuki cars. For theEissmann Group, Automotive Plastika makes ceiling fittings forMercedes-Benz and Toyota. Then there is TI Automotive, whichbuys fuel system components and sets, and AutomotiveLighting, which Plastika provides with light systems for thebrands BMW, Daimler Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and Land-Rover.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers purchases complete keyboardsincluding our logistic services. The most important customer inthe electrical industry is Schneider Electric, which Plastikasupplies with sets of binding materials.

You introduced new technologies, hot stampingand ultrasonic welding, in 2006. What are theoutstanding features of these technologies?Hot stamping and ultrasonic welding are only two of theinnovations with which we expanded our service offers lastyear. Hot stamping serves for the decorative refinement ofplastic products. This technology upgrades the quality anddurability of the final products. It is used mainly for thedecoration of dashboard apparatus. Ultrasonic welding isa highly efficient technology which allows the connection ofseveral components made of different materials. The companyhas seven welding machines (Branson, Herrmann), which servethe completion of dashboard apparatus sets.

Other innovations include metal injection moulding, nitrogeninjection moulding, mould manufacture in co-operation witha Chinese partner, and preparation of a pure environment forthe manufacture of components of clear materials such asPMMA or PC.

You hold several prestigious awards. Which arethey?In 2004, the company was awarded the DHL Export Award forthe best Czech exporter in the category of small and medium-sized enterprises in the whole Czech Republic (we had a three-fold year-on-year increase in export, which had a share of 40%in revenues). In 2005, the company’s financial standing receiveda very good Dun & Bradstreet rating and placed sixth amongCzech enterprises. In the same year, Fortell became member ofthe CzechTrade Export Club under the auspices of the Ministryof Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.

Can you mention your most important deliveriesabroad?In the last few years, the company manufactured and testedmany moulds for large automobile plants. Most of them weremoulds for interior parts. Fortell also manufactures and sellssome of them. A success was involvement in the medical area,which is very specific and technically complicated.

Measuring of VW Polo Lichtführung components

Fortell - specialist thermoplastics injecting

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Example of Bohemia Bartering products, plastics extrusion

Bohemia Bartering vytlačování plastů, spol. s r.o.

Na Roudné 21, 301 00 Plzeň, phone: +420 378 011 351, fax: +420 378 011 353, e-mail: bbplasty@bbplasty.cz,www.bbplasty.cz

Turnover: CZK 45 million – approx EUR 1.6 millionNumber of employees: 40Contact: Mr Petr Pospíšil, e-mail: pospisil@bblasty.czExport: Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Norway, Slovakia,and Hungary

Bohemia Bartering vytlačování plastů, spol. s r.o. manufacturesextruded plastic profiles for the building industry, medicine,interiors, the automobile industry, and other sectors. Thecompany co-operates with the suppliers of basic materials,manufacturing equipment and universities to optimiseproduction.

You are co-operating with suppliers and institutions.How does it work?We offer solutions. This means that we co-operate in thespecification and manufacture of custom-made profiles, i.e."tailor-made" profiles, and offer plastic profiles for a broad rangeof branches.

Can you mention your most important customersand supplies?Our most important customers include companies such asBRAMAC Dachsysteme Int., BORGERS CZ , ISOLA Holding, REHAU,SKANSKA, STOKVIS TAPES, TYCO Healhtcare Int. and YAZAKI.

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Gumárny Zubří, a.s.

Hamerská 9, 756 54, Zubří, phone:+420 571 662 111, fax: 571 658 735, e-mail: marketing@guzu.cz, www.guzu.cz

Turnover: CZK 7.8 billion – approx EUR 275 millionNumber of employees: 910Contact: Mr Jindřich Vaculín, e-mail: Vaculin@guzu.czExport: 55%, for example to Germany, Poland, Russia, the Ukraine, and Croatia

The enterprise was founded in 1935. During its existence, it hasgained and retained a firm position on the market. The presentproducts include rubber, plastic, and thermoplastic componentsfor the automobile and building industries, engineering andelectrical engineering, and protective masks.

Which of your products are most popular onforeign markets?Most popular are protective masks and rubber car floor mats.Other components are parts of large systems (such asautomobile systems).

What innovations have you prepared for 2007?Our new products include a protective mask for civilian use andnew types of car floor mats.

Car mats manufactured by the company

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I N F O R M AT I O N

PLASTEX 2008

International fair of plastics, rubber, and composites 16–19 May 2008 – Brno – Exhibition GroundsVeletrhy Brno, a.s., e-mail: plastex@bvv.cz, www.bvv.cz

Official Participation of the Czech Republic in InternationalFairs and Exhibitions

HANOI – VIIF

International industrial fair 23–25 October 2007 Hanoi – VEFAC, VietnamE-mail: vefac@netnam.vn, www.vietnamindustrialfair.com

K 2007

International exhibition of plastics and rubber24–31 October 2007 Düsseldorf, GermanyE-mail: mhorakova@bvv.cz, www.k-online.de

Exhibitions and Fairs in the Plastics and RubberIndustry in the Czech Republic in 2007 and 2008

Important Contacts Ministries

Ministry of Industry and Trade of the CR www.mpo.cz mpo@mpo.czMinistry of the Environment www.env.cz info@env.cz

Associations and UnionsAssociation of Plastic Industry – cerny@klok.cvut.cz*Czech Plastics and Rubber Industry Society www.cspg.cz info@cspg.cz

UniversitiesPardubice University, Faculty of Chemical Technology www.upce.cz KDCP.FCHT@upce.czInstitute of Chemical Technology Prague, Faculty of Chemical Technology www.vscht.cz cht@vscht.czTomáš Baťa University in Zlín, Faculty of Technology www.ft.utb.cz info@ft.utb.cz

InstitutesPolymer Institute Brno, spol. s r.o. www.polymer.cz pib@polymer.czPardubice University, Institute of Polymers www.upce.cz KDCP.FCHT@upce.czInstitute of Chemical Technology Prague, Institute of Polymers www.vscht.cz pol@vscht.czPolymer Centre, Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín, Faculty of Technology www.ft.utb.cz saha@utb.cz

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