Polymer CIC

McBride is an international company with large manufacturing operations throughout Europe, specialising in private label and contract manufacturing of laundry, household cleaning and personal care products.

The packaging for many of these products is formed by blow-moulding high density polyethylene resins (HDPE). HDPE materials are purchased on the commodity markets where, from time to time, a spot purchase may be made at attractive rates that beat the market price.

However, the quality of these raw materials can vary considerably. McBride approached the Polymer CIC to develop a technical'specification for polymer grades - to create a testing system controlled by the company, which would give an independent assessment of any polymer batch being considered for purchase.

The Polymer CIC's specialist measurement capabilities and high-tech equipment were used to apply rheological, physical and mechanical procedures to selected materials. The results are used to establish testing protocols, which determine quality and suitability for three key aspects of production; processability, fillability and transportability. Samples which pass initial in-house tests can be sent to the Polymer CIC for more detailed examination before a purchase is made.

Costly mistakes from buying unsuitable materials can now be avoided, which is especially important given the large volumes of polymers which the company buys and the quality standards its customers are demanding. Opportunities to buy at spot prices can be maximised with confidence, leading to further cost savings.

Suppliers can be challenged about their costs and quality, and supply can be switched with a higher degree of confidence.

For further information visit:
www.mcbride.co.uk
www.polycic.com

Benefits of Robert McBride's collaboration with the Polymer CIC:

• Price leverage with suppliers in a commodity market
• Increased "right first time" manufacturing and quality control
• Supply secured by confidence and flexibility to switch supply
• Cost savings from reduced waste and spot price buying