Company Profile

BO

RSATO PRO

FILI

15° ANNIVERSARIO

Borsato Profili is proud to celebrate its first 15 years of business

in the new plant of Maerne. The new structure has made possible

important technological developments over these years, in the sector

of thermoplastic profiles extrusion.

That is because our operating structures,

our systems, our machinery and our

equipments are the maximum in technology

and high performance currently available

on the market.

1993 - 2008

Company Certified ISO 9001:2000

The first extrusion line First production die

1967 – 1993 Our experience goes much farther back, however, because in 1967 the company first started extruding

“rain gutters” in PVC.

1993 - Corporate restructuring: new operating and logistics structures, new systems and the latest

generation of machinery with a view to achieving high productivity and high quality standards.

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PROFILES FOR THE FURNITURE’S SECTOR

Profiles in single extrusion or co-extruded in thermoplastic materials of

various kinds depending on the application and characteristics required.

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Finished profiles for application on

furniture for interiors.

Co-extruded profiles with brush inserted and anchored on

the support, available in various colors and sizes.

6

PROFILES FOR THE REFRIGERATION’S SECTOR

Extruded profiles in non-toxic thermoplastic materials, compatible with

foods and ecological for the sector of industrial refrigeration, “satin-

finished”, “metallized”, “polished”, “high gloss” and “pearl-finished”,

in a wide range of colors that can also be customized to the clients’

requests.

7

Co-extrusion and triple extrusion for

refrigerated cabinets.

Profile of protection for the corners of

cold rooms in thermoplastic foam.

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PROFILES FOR SHOWER BOX

Borsato Profili recently developed a complete range of profiles for

application in the hydro-sanitary sector with the design and production

of a series of profiles and gaskets for specific use in shower box.

The Crystal line of modular profiles for special compositions.

9

Profiles for closure,

compensation, drip

trays.

1010

PROFILES FOR ILLUMINATION

Technical profiles for application in the screening and protection of

lighting systems. Materials used: Styrofoam, Polymethylmetacrylate,

Polycarbonate, in “polished crystal” or “translucent” finish.

1111

Profiles in PMMA and PC

for the protection of light

fixtures.

1212

PROFILES FOR INTERIOR DESIGN RETAIL CHAINS

Borsato Profili has always been active in the field of furnishings for

stores and retail chains, producing price holders for any type of

assembled shelves. The new materials developed recently improve

quality and duration in time.

1313

PROFILES FOR INTERIOR DESIGN RETAIL CHAINS

Bi-extruded price holders.

Tri-extruded price holders.

Price holders in PVC for

assembled shelving.

1�

WOOD GASKETS

Production and sales of a complete range of profiles and gaskets for

application on wood doors and doorways; products using the most

modern, high performance thermoplastic alloys.

15

Profiles in PVC for

application on doors.

Gskets for doors.

Gskets for sliding doors.

SELECTION OF PLASTIC MATERIALS

16

THE KOALA HABITUALLY EATS ONLY THE YOUNG

LEAVES AND BUDS OF EUCALYPTUS, CONSUMING

ABOUT 900 GRAM A DAY.

ONLY RAW MATERIALS OF THE

HIGHEST QUALITY TESTED IN

OUR INTERNAL

LABORATORY

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PRODUCTION QUALITY

1�

THE PURE IVORY TUSKS OF THE ADULT MALE

AFRICAN ELEPHANT WEIGHT ABOUT 27 KILOS

EACH.

ONLY EXTRUDED

PROFILES OF THE

HIGHEST QUALITY PASS

OUR STRICT INTERNAL

INSPECTIONS.

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EXTRUSION TECHNOLOGIES

20

THE ACRIDA UNGARICA MEDITERRANEA IS A

GRASSHOPPER THAT CAN CAMOUFLAGE ITSELF

AS A TWIG, AND CAN ADAPT ITS COLORING TO

THE PLANT ON WHICH IT LIVES.

ONLY THE LATEST

GENERATION OF

MACHINERY AND

EQUIPMENT ARE USED AND

HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO

PROCESS DIFFERENT

TYPES OF MATERIALS.

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DESIGN ASSISTANCE

22

THE BEAVER CAN DESIGN AND BUILD HIGHLY

FUNCTIONAL DAMS AS LONG AS 300 METERS TO

ENLARGE THE AREA OF SHALLOW WATER NEAR

ITS LODGE

TECHNICAL STUDY FOR

THE DESIGN OF SPECIAL

EQUIPMENT

23

EQUIPMENT FOR EXTRUSION2�

CHIMPANZEES IN THE WILD CAN CUT TWIGS TO

USE AS TOOLS TO FISH TERMITES OUT OF THEIR

NEST. JANE GOODALL 1960

INTERNAL WORKSHOP

FOR THE DEVELOPMENT

OF SPECIAL

EQUIPMENT

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FAST DELIVERIES

26

BEFORE IT STARTS THE CHASE, THE CHEETAH

MOVES TO WITHIN 60 METERS OF THE GAZELLE,

THEN SHOOTS FORWARD LIKE A BULLET, REACHING

65 KILOMETERS PER HOUR IN JUST 2 SECONDS

WE USE OUR OWN VEHICLES

AND RAPID COURIER

SERVICES TO REACH ANY

DESTINATION IN ITALY

WITHIN 48 HOURS

27

OTHER PRODUCTS

2�

A FIXED AUSTRALIAN BEEHIVE CAN PRODUCE

UP TO 130 KILOGRAMS OF PURE HONEY

IN A PLANT OCCUPYING

OVER 7,000 sq.m., 15 LINES

OF HIGH PRODUCTIVITY,

OVER 10 MILLION METERS

OF PROFILES DELIVERED

ANNUALLY IN ITALY AND THE

REST OF EUROPE.

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30

POLYMERSTHERE ARE ONLY 2 TYPES OF PLASTIC MATERIAL ON THE MARKET

Plastic materials soften when heated and harden again when they are cooled.

Some plastic materials, after being shaped, cannot be softened again.

These materials are defined as thermoplastic

polymers as they maintain their plastic

properties.

These polymer molecules consist of long chains

held together by weak bonds.

The bonds between the molecules are weak

enough to be broken by heating.

After heating, the chains are free to move and

join together again in new shapes.

With cooling, the weak bonds are recreated

and the thermoplastic material hardens into the

new shape.

These materials are defined as heat-hardened

polymers as their shape, once created, cannot

be altered again by heating.

These polymer molecules consist of long chains

held together by strong chemical bonds.

The bonds between the molecules are too solid

to be broken by heating the plastic.

Consequently, head-hardened materials main-

tain their original shape forever.

31

This is the most widely used procedure for transforming plastic materials at the present time, though it is not the

only one, for production of continuous products like pipes, profiles (the window-frame sector is an important ap-

plication), thin film, coatings, cables and wires, etc.

The main body of the machine used for this process, called a drawing machine or extruder, consists of a cylinder

holding a revolving wormscrew. To accelerate processing time and improve the features of some products, extrud-

ers with 2 parallel or conical screws are used. In processing, the thermoplastic material is placed in the hopper and

channeled into the cylinder where it is heated to the melting point, also by effect of the mechanical action of the

wormscrew that, as it turns, homogenizes and moves the material towards the outlet opening.

The extruded material, called the matrix or mass, is then shaped into the outline of the finished product: it can have

a flat cross-section when used for the production of film or laminate, or a circular cross-section when used to pro-

duce pipes or tubular film, as well as more complex cross-sections for the production of profiles. At the end of the

process, the product is cooled via refrigerated calibrators so as to harden into its final shape for cutting to size.

EXTRUSION

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PLASTIC (BRIFE HISTORY)from 1835 to the present.

1835

H. Regnault obtains the first substance based on the polymerization principle: PVC.

1846

In Switzerland, Frederick Schoenbein isolates the first artificial polymer, cellulose ni-

trate, a chemical compound similar to amber.

1862

Two American industrialists offer a reward of $10,000.00 to anyone who could invent

a substitute for the ivory used in the production of billiard balls, which were then

very expensive and not always perfectly spherical. Alexander Parks won the award

by synthesizing Nitrocellulose (cellulose nitrate plus camphor), which was similar to

ivory, and called it Parkesina.

1869

in New York a typographer, John W. Hyatt, mixed Parkesina and camphor and in-

vented Celluloid.

1889

Gorge Eastaman was able to use celluloid to produce photographic film.

H. Regnault

Frederick Schoenbein

Alexander Parkes

Gorge Eastaman

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1909Leo H. Baekeland, using synthetic products (phenol and formaldehyde), a by-product of carbon distillation, invented Bachelite: it was the first real plastic.

1920Formica was invented. It was a plastic laminate made from urea, phenol, formaldehyde and kraft paper, used in furniture.

In the Thirties16 different plastic materials were used, including polystyrol and the polyurethanes.

1935Gibson and Fawcett develop polyethylene.

1938Wallace Hume Carothers produces Nylon, the most important artificial textile fiber obtained by condensation of adipic acid alone (nylon 6) or with hexamethylenediamine (Nylon 6.6).

1948scientists employed by the American Air Force develop plexiglass, initially used for the cockpits of military aircraft.

1954Giulio Natta discovers isotactic polypropylene, an improvement over the characteristics of the earlier polyethylene. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1963.

Leo H. Baekeland

Fawcett

Wallace Hume Carothers

Giulio Natta

3�

RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

Density: 1.38 \ 1.58

Color: Can be transparent, glossy or matt in any color.

Mechanical features: Rigid, hard, sensitive to cutting, high mechanical resistance, addi-

tive for materials, excellent impact resistance.

Electrical features: Good characteristics of electrical insulation.

Thermal features: PVC can be used at temperatures up to 75°, special types up to

110°, becomes fragile at -5°, impact resistant to -25°.

Resistant to: saline solution, diluted acids, alkaline solutions, gasoline, mineral

oil, grease, alcohol.

Not resistant to: chlorinated hydrocarbons, chetons, benzol.

Resistance to fire: self-extinguishing class UL94 V-0.

Uses: it is unrivaled among plastic materials processed by extrusion,

considering its excellent quality/price ratio and extreme versatility,

customizable in the technical features as well as finishing.

Used in the form of profiles in all sectors of industry

(our PVC materials meet all the ROHs standards, as they are free of heavy metals,

lead, cadmium; non-toxic on request).

PVC

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PLASTICIZED POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

Density: 1.18 ÷1.60 3

Color: Can be produced in any color, glossy, transparent, translucent,

satin-finished.

Mechanical features: variable depending on the quantity of plasticizer and charge used,

so the mechanical features can be customized as needed. High

shock absorbing power, good elastic return, low resistance to

tearing, good resistance to wear.

Electrical features: Moderate surface resistance and moderate resistance to

perforation, excellent features in the types for wires.

Thermal features: Can be used with low stresses up to 70°, with the addition of

special plasticizers up to 105°, becomes fragile between -10° and

-50° depending on the content of plasticizer.

Resistant to: saline solutions, gasoline, oil (only if cut with other polymers),

alcohol, good resistance to light and aging.

Not resistant to: organic solvents, benzol.

Uses: used in practically every industrial sector, building, agriculture,

furniture, toys, foods.

PVC

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ABS/PC Blend

Density: 1,20 gr./ cm3

A mixture of polycarbonate and ABS, in different percentages depending on the application, polycar-

bonate contributes in terms of impact and heat resistance, associated with the advantages of ABS in

terms of processability, chemical resistance and price.

This blend is used in structural profiles where a high gloss and heat resistance greater than that of

ABS are required, however with a much lower cost than that of polycarbonate

Mechanical features: Excellent.

Electrical features: Good.

Thermal features: Excellent, can be used up to 112°.

Resistance to fire: Class HB

PVC/NBR Blend

Mixture of PVC and nitrilic rubber (NBR) are used to improve the processability of the product and

obtain better resistance to ozone. Increasing the content of PVC results in decreased elongation to

rupture while increasing the tensile strength at the same time.

• the essential features of this blend are:

• excellent resistance to breakage;

• withstands cold up to -50°;

• good heat resistance up to 100°;

• good resistance to oil;

• permeable to gasoline.

ABS/PC

PVC/NBR

37

Polyamide

Density: PA 6 1,12 gr./ cm3

PA 66 1,13 gr./ cm3

Color:

Mechanical features: high resistance to fatigue, good impact resistance, good resist-

ance to wear. It is possible to improve the mechanical strength by

adding fiberglass or carbon fibers, thus also obtaining a reduction

of shrinkage and clear improvement of dimensional stability in the

presence of heat.

Electrical features: These depend on the percentage of water. Good resistance to

creeping currents.

Thermal features: Can be used at high temperatures, from 80° to 120°, for brief pe-

riods from 140° to 210°.

Resistant to: gasoline, oil, grease, chetons; fair resistance to aging; good resist-

ance to weather.

Not resistant to: concentrated acids.

PA

3�

ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE (ABS)

Density: 1,03\ 1,08 gr./ cm3

Color: Can be tinted in all the usual covering colors, excellent metallized

coloring.

Mechanical features: Rigidity, high surface hardness, good resistance to gliding, good

tenacity in the presence of low temperatures to -4°.

Electrical features: Very good

Thermal features: Can be used up to 85°, good resistance to temperature variations,

burns without dripping, there are also flame retardant products.

Resistant to: Water, alkaline solutions, diluted acids, gasoline, mineral oil, animal

and vegetable grease.

Not resistant to: Concentrated mineral acids, chlorinated hydrocarbons and

chetons.

Uses: everywhere in extrusion where good mechanical rigidity and

esthetic features are required.

ABS

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POLYSTYROL/POLYSTYRENE

Density: 1,05 gr./ cm3

Color: Clear with high surface gloss, can be tinted for a translucent or

matt finish in any shade.

Mechanical features: Rigid, very hard, fragile, easily dented, poor glide.

Electrical features: Good, but with negative effects due to surface wetness.

Optical features: if used outdoors, tends to lose its surface gloss and to yellow

with age.

Resistant to: Concentrated and diluted mineral acids, alkaline solutions,

alcohols, water.

Not resistant to: gasoline, chetons, chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Uses: lighting sector (glass effect) only for indoor use, packaging, not

suitable for products that require high impact resistance and

aging.

PS

�0

POLYMETHYLMETACRYLATE

Density: 1,16 / 1,18 gr./ cm3

Color: Clear with high surface gloss, high brilliance and crystalline trans-

parency, can be tinted in all transparent and covering colors.

Mechanical features: Rigid, hard, good tensile strength, highly resistant to scratching,

good compression and bending.

Electrical features: Good surface resistance, electrostatic charge.

Optical features: Highly prized for its esthetic aspects, considering its absolute

transparency (identical to crystal).

Thermal features: Maximum temperature of use 95°, good resistance to abrupt tem-

perature changes and low temperatures.

Resistant to: acid and alkaline solutions, grease, alcohol at 30%, good fastness

to light, aging and weather.

Not resistant to: alcohol over 30%, gasoline, nitro and diluted paints, concentrated

acids.

Uses: Wherever high transparency is needed (similar to glass).

Moderately high thermal features.

PMMA

�1

POLYCARBONATE

Density: 1,20 gr./ cm3

Color: Clear, can be tinted in all transparent and translucent colors, high

surface gloss.

Mechanical features: High mechanical resistance and hardness with good tenacity,

very good dimensional stability, high resistance to impact, excel-

lent wear resistance, good absorption of impact load.

Electrical features: Good characteristics of electrical insulation.

Thermal features: High heat resistance up to 130°, very high resistance to low tem-

peratures, becomes fragile only below -190°.

Low coefficient of thermal dilation.

Resistant to: diluted mineral acids, gasoline, oil, grease, water (up to 60°).

Not resistant to: ammonia, ethylene chloride, alkaline solutions, ozone, and water

(over 60°) when there is a gradual chemical breakdown.

Uses: Wherever high transparency and high resistance to heat are re-

quired. Excellent in the lighting sector for canopy lights, parabo-

las and reflectors.

PC

�2

POLYETHYLENE

Density: LDPE 0,92 / 0,94 gr./ cm3

HDPE 0,94 / 0,96 gr./ cm3

Color: Colorless, matt, can be tinted in any shade.

Mechanical features: They depend on the degree of polymerization and crystalline qual-

ity. This means that PE can be produced in a wide range of per-

formance with respect to the required features, and can have any

consistency, from flexible to rigid.

Electrical features: Excellent characteristics of electrical insulation, characterized by a

strong electrostatic charge that attracts dust.

Thermal features: LDPE maximum temperature of use 80°/95°, HDPE up to 105°;

becomes fragile below -50°.

Resistant to: Acids, alkaline solutions, saline solutions, water, alcohol, oil. Below

60° is insoluble in almost all organic solvents.

Not resistant to: Strong oxidizing agents, especially in the presence of heat.

Uses: In all those products where a good quality/price ratio is essential,

generally not used in profiles with high esthetic value.

PE

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POLYPROPYLENE

Density: 0,90 gr./ cm3

Color: Colorless, weakly transparent to opaque, can be tinted in many

covering colors with good surface gloss.

Mechanical features: Greater rigidity, hardness and mechanical resistance than PE, but

lower resistance to impact.

Electrical features: Identical to those of PE.

Thermal features: Maximum temperature limit for use in air 110°, becomes fragile at 0°.

Uses: Mainly used in construction for pipes, joints, fans and in the house-

wares sector.

PP

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VULCANIZED RUBBERTerpolymer/ethylene/propylene/diene-conjugate

Density: 1,02 / 1,40 3

Color: Generally black, may also be brown and white in special formula-

tion.

Mechanical features: Ultimate tensile strength, elongation, resistance to tearing from

good to excellent, resistance to permanent deformation from fair

to excellent, resistance to abrasion from fair to good.

Electrical features: Excellent dielectric properties.

Thermal features: minimum working temperature -20°, maximum working tempera-

ture 130°, no resistance to fire.

Resistant to: water and steam up to 130°, saline solutions, alcohols, chetons

and atmospheric agents.

Not resistant to: Mineral oil and grease, chlorinated hydrocarbons, polar liquids in

general.

Absolute resistance to oxidation, atmospheric agents, ultraviolet radiation, ozone, even at high

temperatures.

Types of EPDM: full black or colored rubber;

black or colored foam rubber;

co-extruded (full + foam) rubber.

Applications: Gaskets for car windows, outdoor uses, construction.

Expansion joints for bridges and viaducts, fenders and bumpers.

EPDM

�5

SEBS-based thermoplastic elastomers(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene)

Density: 0,90 / 1,15 gr./ cm3

TPE is a thermoplastic rubber with behavior characteristics very similar to those of a conventional

(non-extrudable) heat-hardened rubber.

In terms of functional properties and uses, TPE behaves like a rubber, while in terms of processing

and transformation, it behaves like a thermoplastic material.

The strong points of TPE are abrasion resistance, excellent flexibility, excellent compression set,

resistance to tearing, ultimate elongation.

Main features:

- Can be tinted in many covering colors, or transparent;

- Excellent resistance to UV radiation and aging;

- Working temperature range -40° to + 120°;

- Excellent resistance to fatigue and traction;

- Good resistance to acids, alcohols, detergents and water solutions;

- High elastic return;

- Adhesion with heat to PA - PC - ABS - PMMA - PS - SAN - TPU;

- High degree of thermal and electrical insulation.

Versatility of application: with its excellent physical mechanical features, TPE can be used

in many sectors where excellent resistance to aging and atmos-

pheric agents are required.

Excellent for gaskets.

TPE

�6

SILICONE RUBBER

Density: 1,86 gr./ cm3

Color: Transparent, grey, black or colors on request.

Mechanical features: Exceptional resistance to abrasion and atmospheric agents. High

durability.

Electrical features: high dielectric resistance and is a highly effective electrical insulator

even when used in thin layers.

Thermal features: Excellent resistance to high and low temperatures, from -50° to +

300°.

Resistant to: Excellent resistance to compression and pressurization.

Uses: Often used for the passage of liquids in a watery solution (in view

of its good performance with water-based solutions).

It is totally inoffensive and in particular formulations can be self-extinguishing and fire-resistant.

Si

�7

THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE

Density: 1,00 gr./ cm3

Color: Polyurethane bonds easily with hydrogen and thus can be highly

crystalline, glossy, matt or satin finished.

Mechanical features: High elasticity, good resistance to abrasion and excellent resist-

ance to impact.

Esthetic features: Excellent for welding, excellent resistance to atmospheric agents,

can be tinted and is compatible with other materials.

Thermal features: High resistance to high and low temperatures.

Uses: Automobile sector, various sports applications, profiles and gas-

kets for shower stalls.

PUR

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Vulcanized thermoplastic rubber

Density: 0,94 / 0,97 gr./ cm3

Color: Natural, black or customizable via master batch.

Mechanical features: Excellent compression set, excellent dynamic characteristics and

resistance to bending and fatigue, good resistance to abrasion and

laceration, excellent resilience.

Electrical features: Excellent dielectric rigidity, excellent electrical insulation.

Thermal features: Minimum working temperature -40°, maximum working tempera-

ture +130°.

Chemical features: Good resistance to hydrolysis, excellent resistance to acids and

alkalis, fair resistance to oil and grease, excellent resistance to ag-

ing, excellent resistance to atmospheric agents.

Uses: in various industrial sectors, in food processing, excellent steriliza-

tion capability and excellent appearance of the finished product.

TPV

�9

ABS Acrylonitrile - butadiene - styrene

EP Epoxy resin

EVA Ethylvinylacetate

PE Polyethylene

LDPE Low density polyethylene

HDPE High density polyethylene

MF Melamine resin

PA Polyamide

PBT Polybutylenerterephthalate

PC Polycarbonate

PET Polyethyleneterephthalate

PF Phenolic resin

PMMA Polymethylmetacrilate

PLASTIC MATERIALS

POM Polyacetals

PVA Polyvinylacetates

PP Polypropylene

PS Polystyrol

EPS Polystyrol foam

XPS Extruded Polystyrene

PSU Polysulfone

PUR Polyurethane

PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene

UPR Unsaturated polyester resin

UR Ureic resin

PVC Polyvinyl chloride

SI Silicone rubber

50

PLASTIC AND THE ENVIRONMENTThe use of plastic materials, despite common belief, can serve to obtain highly interesting results from the environmental viewpoint.

CONSTRUCTIONUsing insulation in plastic material, for every kilo of plastic we can save 75 kilos a year of heating fuel.A recent European study has shown that the use of 50 kilos of foam to insulate a house saves 3770 liters of heating fuel in 25 years, or 150 liters a year.

TRANSPORTATION

Plastic improves the aerodynamic features of a car, reducing the CX (coefficient of air penetration), and reducing the weight: this leads to lower fuel consumption (on average now about 4% less than a car made of metal

only) and a reduction in polluting emissions.The automotive sector is also the field in which there is the highest use of recycled material: some parts such as bumpers are now recycled directly in

a closed circuit.

PACKINGA recent study carried out in Germany showed that without plastic packaging the weight of the product plus packaging would increase by 291%, the energy used for production by 108% and the volume of waste by 158%.In the food processing sector, the use of plastic packaging serves to reduce to 2% the non-usable volume, that would otherwise amount to 50%.In terms of mechanical recycling, the plastic used in this sector is usually clean and uniform, and can be recycled in closed circuit to obtain a high quality material with a vast market.

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After use, plastic does not become unusable, and can be reused in three fundamental ways: through mechanical recycling,

chemical recycling or recovering the energy it contains.

Mechanical recycling means transforming it from one material to another: plastic waste becomes the starting point for new

products. The technique consists generally of mechanical or thermal processing of plastic waste. If it is thermoplastic

material, it is converted in to granules which can be used to product other products after being reprocessed. If it is heat-

hardened, it is ground for use as the inert charge in virgin thermoplastic polymers. This method of recycling obtains the

best results if the plastic treated is homogeneous.

Chemical recycling returns the waste to its basic raw material form through transformation of the plastics used into monomers

with the same quality as virgin material, to be used in new production. There are four possible methods: pyrolysis, that

breaks down the molecules by heating in a vacuum: the result is a blend of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons similar to

petroleum; hydrogenation, a process involving hydrogen and heat: the polymers break down and are transformed into

hydrocarbons; massification, a process based on heating in the absence of air so as to reproduce a mixture of carbon

monoxide useful for processing other materials; chemiolysis, that processes the waste materials and transforms them

into the original raw materials.

Energy recovery means reusing the energy contained in plastic waste, that derives from petroleum and is 100% usable:

plastic has the same heating value as coal and, although it totals only 7% of urban waste, it produces 50% of all the

energy generated by incinerating it. The recovery of this energy and its use for civilian and industrial purposes can be

obtained by: direct waste combustion. In Europe we currently incinerate 27 million tons of waste (16% of the total), and

we produce energy in this way for heat and lighting.

If all the waste on our continent were used to generate energy, it would cover almost 4% of European needs for domestic

electricity via Package Derived Fuel (PDF).

This is fuel derived from the packaging contained in solid urban waste (SUW) and studies carried out in Scandinavia have

shown that PDF can substitute the equivalent of 14 million tons of industrial fuel a year in power plants.

52

PLASTICS AND HEALTH

PLASTICS, HEALTH AND WELL BEING:IT’S A MATTER OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE

From operating rooms to the disposable we have in the home, from artificial

cardiac valves to blister packages for pills, from complex equipment like CT

scans to biotechnologies: in all these areas that concern our health, we can find

products and parts designed and made of plastic materials, that are not limited to

our health but that contribute to make life longer and better.

The progress in medical science in the last 30 years has moved in step with that

of plastic materials. Frontiers that once seemed limits have now opened the way

toward even more ambitious goals.

Every day innovations are announced as front pages news, and plastic materials

often have an irreplaceable role in them: to the point that they have become a

systematic basis for our future well being, adequate to excellent sustainable

development of health.

WITH A LIGHT HEART

The artificial heart, prototypes of which have

been made in metal and plastic, weighed 680

grams at the outset, back in the Nineties. Now,

thanks to more extensive use of plastics, its

weight has been reduced to about a quarter of

that, and in the future it will be even lighter.

53

BIOMATERIALS AND MEDICAL-SURGICAL PRODUCTS FOR HEALTH

IT’S A MATTER OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE

AND PLASTIC IS IDEAL FOR:

The disposable green coats worn by doctors and hospital

personnel more and more: plastic is more reliable because it

traps fewer mites and bacteria.

Wall and floor coverings, treated with antibacterial products

are more hygienic, easier to clean and disinfect.

In biomaterial, plastics are giving important results.

There are many current applications and others foreseeable

for the medium/long term: artificial organs (heart, kidneys,

liver, pancreas, lungs), artificial blood vessels and valve

prostheses for the cardiovascular system, orthopedic

applications (prostheses and casts), in dentistry (impressions,

prostheses), in ophthalmology (contact lenses, intraocular

lenses).

Implantable materials to repair, replace or improve organs

or tissues.

Materials for extracorporeal use for circuits and organs for

extracorporeal applications that have contact with the blood,

tissues or biological liquids.

Materials for the production of medical and surgical

devices.

Materials for the production of containers to hold, store and

preserve blood or biological liquids.

Materials for the production of masks and oxygen tents and

for isolation.

5�

PLASTICS AND SAFETY

Firefighters, operators in the oil refining industry, pilots and

astronauts wear suits made from fabrics whose fibers are

extremely stable and capable of withstanding temperatures of over

350°C.

Safety glass on farm machinery and

road building equipment, hard hats

for those who work with machine

tools are now made with new plastics

that are extremely reliable. Perfectly

transparent, highly resistant to fire and

UV rays, these materials are also used

in banks and armored cars.

Our health and well being depend to a large extent on the safe conditions of the environment in which we live. Plastics go fully in this direction and meet the widest range of safety needs: at work, in the home, in sports and on the road. Here are a few examples:

55

In the world of sports, plastic meet safety needs in many ways.

They protect vital parts of the body (helmets) and other zones

(kneepads) and are used in equipment that safeguard the users,

such as ropes for mountain climbers and parachutes, ensuring

their reliability. Plastics are also an essential element for taking

sports to new levels. For example foils and swords that never

injure fencers.

Speaking of health and driving, the airbag immediately comes to mind. But there are many

other decisive innovations in the automobile industry, like seat belts and high stability tires. The

road has other equally important users: pedestrians, who can wear reflecting elements on their

clothes to ensure visibility in the dark. The same principle is used to make plastic materials that

create effective signs on dangerous roads.

56

PLASTICS and WASTE MANAGEMENT

As much as we try to limit the quantity of waste by reusing substances, we will always have to find ways to manage it, whatever the material is.

A code is printed on modern plastic products to facilitate identification of the type of plastic during manual sorting of

waste.

In many European countries, including Germany and France, a labeling system is in use called “green dot” to indicate that

a sum of money has been devolved to the national recycling system.

To encourage recycling products when they are no longer useful, the producers are asked to consider recycling in the

design stages, for example, by using labels that are easier to remove from packages, using water soluble glues.

Recycle plastics are often used in completely different applications. For example, beverage bottles are mainly recycled and

reused as fibers. For sorting, other methods are also used:

Analysis of the elements used in the plastic. PVC, for example, is readily distinguishable because it contains atoms of chlorine in the molecules; there are automatic systems that can identify and divide the different types of plastic bottles.

Separation by density. The plastic is cut into flakes and immersed in a liquid to divide the fragments that float from those that sink, or to send them to a centrifuge.

Electrostatic separation. Can be used with types of plastic that acquire different electrical charges, such as PET and PVC.

57

polyethylene-terephthalate

(PET)

high density polyethylene

(HDPE)

vinyl (V)

others

)SPlow density polyethylene(HDPE)

polypropylene (PP) ( polystyrol

HIGH HEAT PRODUCING ALTERNATIVE FUEL

After being separated from other waste, with its high energy content plastics are an excellent substitute for fossil fuels in processes with intense

energy consumption, such as cement

production.

SOLID URBAN WASTE (SUW)

Incineration of plastic waste, with other

materials in the SUW can generate safe, clean heat

and/or energy.

ENERGY RECOVERY

Plastic made from petroleum has a

heating power equal to or better than that of

coal. This energy value can be recovered by

combustion.

MATERIAL RECYCLING

Recycling in the production process of waste plastic for the

same or other purposes, excluding direct energy

recovery.

METHODS

OF

RECOVERY

MECHANICAL RECYCLING

Material recycling of waste plastics using physical means, for

plastic products

CHEMICAL RECYCLING

Material recycling of plastic waste through chemical means into the basic chemical

substances, plastic or hydrocarbon monomers.

Dumping - disposal of residues

5�

PLASTICS AND THE ENVIRONMENTOUR SMALL CONTRIBUTION

Borsato Profili has chosen, for over a year now, to use only “clean” energy from renewable sources for its products, and selects its partners among the companies that share its choice.

We have a strong commitment and economic investment in upgrading our production facilities constantly; the latest generation extrusion plant enables us to increase production considerably while reducing the energy consumption.

We recycle over 87% of processing waste, reducing waste disposal and recovering materials that we can use in the manufacture of new products.

We constantly improve and update the types and methods of packaging our products so as to reduce the packing materials to a minimum and make the most advantageous use of every means of transportation.

59

PLASTICS AND THE ENVIRONMENTOUR SMALL CONTRIBUTION

60

TABLE OF COMPARISON OF RIGID MATERIALS

Material Density ColorabilityMinimum working

temperature

Maximum working

temperature

Impactresistance

Ultimate elongation

Resist-ance

to fireCost

PVC 1,3� / 1,60 •••• -20° C 75° / 105° C •••• ••• V-0 ••••

PA 1,13 ••• -10° C �0° / 120° C •••• ••• V-2 •••

ABS 1,05 ••• -�0° C �5° C ••• •• HB •••

PS 1,05 •• -10° C �0° C •• •• HB / V-2 •••

PMMA 1,1� ••• -50° C 65° / 95° C ••• ••• HB ••

PC 1,20 ••• -190° C 130° C •••• ••• V-2 •

PE 0,92 / 0,9� ••• -50° C �5° C ••• ••• V-0 ••••

PP 0,90 ••• 0° C 70° C •• ••• V-2 ••••

PC/ABS 1,13 ••• -50° C 95° C •• •••• HB ••

61

TABLE OF COMPARISON OF FLEXIBLE MATERIALS

Material Density Colorability HardnessUltimate

elongationCompression

Resistance to fire

Cost

PVC PLAST

1,20 / 1,35 •••• �0 / 90 •• 20 % ••• ••••

EPDM 0,�6 • 65 / 75 •••• 35 % ••• •••

TPE 1,05 ••• 30 / 70 ••• �� % •• ••

SI 1,20 • 20 / 60 ••• 35 % •• ••

TPU 1,20 ••• 30 / �0 •••• 23 % ••• ••

TPV 0,95 •• �0 / 75 ••• 30 % ••• ••

NBR 1,00 •• 30 / 70 ••• �� % ••• •••

NitrileEPDM

PMMA(metacrylate)

PC(Polycarbonate)

PA66(nylon addicted with glass)

Plastic materials are everywhere...

The information provided in this booklet is purely indicative and does not imply any guarantee on our part, considering the impossibility of predicting the infinite variations of use.Moreover, any indication of a technical nature or applications illustrated by use must not in any way be substituted for the declarations made by the producers of the raw materials and do not violate any existing patents.

... imagine what it would like if we didn’t have them!

BO

RSATO PROFILI

15° ANNIVERSARIO

Borsato Profili SrlVia Cacace 8, Z.i. Maerne

Martellago (VE) - Italywww.borsatoprofili.com - info@borsatoprofili.com

tel. +39.041.5030759 - fax +39.041.641799