Reusable plastics gain market attention

The campaign towards environment-friendly production has created sweeping changes in the operations of many companies especially in the plastics industry. In Asia, the packaging sector has spearheaded this worthwhile shift with the move towards bigger production of bioplastics, while recycling has become a relevant trend. International Plastics News for Asia (IRNA) talked to Iship Logipack Inc抯 President, Ms. Imelda Pechera, and General Manager, Mr. Rommel Hermoso, on the company抯 rapidly expanding line of reusable products.

IRNA

: What are the main products and thrusts of I ship Logi pack and how do these comply with the current trend for environment friendly products? Pechera: Iship Logipack, Inc. was established in December 2003. Iship provides solutions covering a wide range of services from production to packaging to logistics. We help our customers maxi mise their workspace and meet their customised needs through applicable designs. Hermoso: Iship specialises in plastic corrugated sheets or pladan which is basically a plasticised cardboard integrally structured using the extrusion method. In addition, we offer plastic moulded boxes, plastic moulded trolleys, collapsible shipping boxes, and plastic moulded pallets. We are also a provider of environment friendly and renewable energy (RE) products such as customized perimeter and street lightings which a choice to use our wind and solar generator or photovoltaic modules. These products are intended for both local and export markets. Ever since, our products have always been environment-friendly, processed under ISO standards & using ROHS compliant materials.

IRNA

: What factors affect Iship抯 production capacity and overall operations? Pechera: We look at two factors in our operations. First, we consider the projected demand or orders from our regular and existing customers which serve as basis for our production volume. We also consider the prevailing market price of fuels since our PP resin material is petroleum-based.

IRNA

: What are the steps Iship has taken to meet current production trends? Hermoso: We believe that there is no reason for the Philippines to stay behind particularly in offering packaging solutions to global buyers. Our facility uses CAD and advanced applications and equipment to develop unique, applicable and innovative designs and we ensure satisfaction with quality outputs. Our product ion input s , such as machines and technology, turn out products that meet the safety and quality standards. These are sourced by our mother company in Japan and also from Asia-Pacific trade shows that we attend. As for staffing, we have 42 regular staff.

IRNA

: How do you prepare for competition posed by the elimination of tariffs under the Common Effective Preferential Tariffs for Asean Free Trade Area (CEPT-AFTA)? Are there any future plans to expand? Pechera: We strive to remain competitive. Cost increases for raw materials are inevitable, so we focus on lowering our production cost without compromising the quality of our products. With continuous improvement in our operations and processes by minimising wastages and simplifying work processes, we are able to save time and energy. The plan to set up additional facility in Cebu is in the works. Aside from future operations in Cebu, we are also joining trade shows, We are also into renewable energy products and our RE products were launched during the Eco-Products last March 2009. Iship Logipack, Inc. Tel: +63-49 541 0877 Fax: +63-49 541 1542; 5411647 E-mail: ishipsls@iship.com.ph Website: www.iship.com.phAir Zoom Pegasus 34 Leather