In recent years, South Korea has emerged as a global leader in the polymer industry. Whether it’s electronics, automotive, or packaging, the South Korean polymer industry is expanding every day. With huge profit potential, these industries are expanding their network across the world. However, behind profits is a major challenge—rising raw material costs.
Korean manufacturers are facing certain challenges in maintaining the quality of the polymer while staying cost-competitive.
If you are also looking to reduce the production cost of polymer goods, worry less; you are not alone. The challenge is universal, and there is only one solution to it: strategic mineral filler integration.
But, First, Why Is Polymer Production Expensive
While it is cheaper in low-grade polymers, high-grade polymers are often expensive. These polymers are used in films, injection molding, thermoforming, and blow molding, which is why they require premium and pure resins like PE, PP, PET, and ABS. Furthermore, high-grade polymers are derived from petrochemical sources that have limited geological presence and are often exported. Therefore, the final prices are sensitive to global price fluctuations.
Therefore, polymer manufacturers in South Korea, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are facing the same concern: how to reduce the costs of polymer production without compromising the quality.
Let’s explore the solutions in detail by exploring the production challenges in the polymer industry.
High Resin Consumption in Packaging & Film Applications
South Korea’s packaging industry heavily relies on polyethylene and polypropylene for film production. However, thin yet durable film production requires bulk resin as a raw material. Resin, often used as a building block in the polymer industry, is also responsible for the product’s thickness and strength. It raises the cost of final products, including packaging films, stretch & shrink wraps, and shopping bags.
Solution: Using Calcium Carbonate & Dolomite Fillers
Dolomite and Calcium Carbonate powder manufacturers and suppliers support the polymer industry by providing lower-cost fillers and extenders. Adding Calcium Carbonate powder or Dolomite powder to the masterbatch can reduce the resin consumption by 10-30%. Calcium Carbonate powder improves the durability and stiffness of the polymer films, enhancing the printability. On the other hand, Dolomite powder adds to the opacity and smooth texture of final products, beyond reducing raw material costs.
High Energy Consumption & Temperature Fluctuations
Another challenge that polymer suppliers face while producing or processing is energy efficiency. For producing injection molding and thermoforming, automotive and electronic goods, the polymer industry requires a stable environment. Temperature fluctuation can affect the consistency of the final goods. Additionally, high-end polymers for the given purposes demand prolonged cycle times that increase energy consumption and production cost.
Solution: Using Micronised Fillers Like Talc and Dolo Talc
By using micronized fillers, like Dolo Talc and Talc in plastics and polymers, manufacturers can enhance the production process. Talc can lower the crystallization temperature of raw materials, reducing processing temperature requirements. Additionally, Dolo Talc improves the heat resistance which shortens the cycle times. By partially replacing the raw material with Dolo Talc and Talc, manufacturers can lower power consumption and increase production output.
Color Aesthetic and Appeal
For electronic appliances and automotive interiors, it is important to produce polymers in different color bands. For instance, white, glossy, and custom-colored polymers are in high demand across South Korea and other countries. However, the drawback is that color matching with masterbatches is expensive, especially when relying on pure resins or high loads of titanium dioxide.
Solution: Adding Talc and Calcite Fillers
By using Talc and Calcite Fillers in plastics or polymers, manufacturers can improve the color consistency. It also reduces the dependence on costly white pigments, optimizing production costs. The best part is adding UV and thermal stability in the polymer molding.
Sustainability and Environmental Limitations
Today, the globe is focusing on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. However, polymer production poses significant environmental threats. This is not a major concern only in South Korea, but also in Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UAE, and Vietnam. While it is possible to switch to eco-friendly alternatives, the final products often lack strength and durability.
Solution: Add Dolomite and Calcium Carbonate Powder to Polymers
For developing biodegradable polymer products, without compromising durability and longevity, manufacturers must use mineral fillers. Dolomite and Calcium Carbonate Powder in paint and polymers can significantly impact the tensile strength and impact resistance. It improves the durability of final products without affecting the smooth texture. It also opens the door to sustainability, contributing to your role as a green leader.
If you are a polymer producer in South Korea or the Middle East, you can connect with the Dolomite, Talc, Calcium Carbonate, and Dolo Talc supplier and manufacturer, Silver Stone Industries, to reduce your final production costs.
