DSM ENGINEERING PLASTICS FOCUSES ON LIGHTING SEGMENT, ENERGY-SAVING LAMPS BENEFIT FROM ENHANCED RESOURCE

DSM Engineering Plastics has enhanced its focus in the Electrical Lighting Segment by appointing a dedicated resource to coordinate its activities. The refined approach in this segment is intended to improve the coordination with customers in the development of new and improved applications across a wide range of materials. Furthermore, by establishing this segment focus, DSM Engineering Plastics expects to significantly benefit from high growth rates of the burgeoning European and Chinese energy-saving lighting (ESL) markets.

In this market, DSM offers Arnite® polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) formulations, Xantar® polycarbonate (PC), and Stanyl® and Akulon® polyamides (PA). “We are also developing halogen-free formulations in anticipation of the WEEE directives due in 2005,” said lighting market segment manager Francis van Vehmendahl. “Thanks to our close ties with major lighting manufacturers, we are well-positioned to stay abreast of market needs and regulatory mandates.”

WEEE is the acronym for the EC Directive 2002/96/EC on waste from electrical and electronic equipment, issued by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. WEEE is designed to minimize hazardous substances in products while maximizing their recyclability.

The new DSM Engineering Plastics Lighting Segment Manager is the primary point of contact in DSM’s relationships with manufacturers. DSM Engineering Plastics is a key supplier for all three global suppliers of energy-saving lights, Philips Lighting (where DSM is the sole supplier), General Electric Lighting (approved supplier), and Osram (technical and commercial approved supplier).

Of its product offerings, DSM’s Arnite® PBT is used for lamp bases of energy-saving lights because it meets the toughness requirements for snap-fit designs, and it offers color-fast, high-temperature performance throughout the life of the lamp. Xantar® PC is used for lenses, especially traffic light lenses, where its high light transmission, stability of resin and colours, and resistance to vandalism, all are advantages. The Stanyl® and Akulon® PA's provide heat resistance, high strength, and dimensional stability for housings, connectors & lamp bases, and other demanding applications.