Israeli plastics industry enters nanotechnology era

Israel Plastics and Rubber Society managing director Meir Bar-El: The Israel Plastics and Rubber Center at the Shenkar School gives Israel an advantage in nanotechnology.

7 February 06 13:06, Hadas Manor

Israel’s plastics industry is beginning to use nanotechnology the use of extremely tiny particles -- to improve its products. Senior industry sources said that 10% of Israel’s major plastics and rubber enterprises would begin using nanotechnology within two years.

The sources expect exports of plastics and rubber products made with nanotechnology to grow by $80 million. Plastics and rubber manufacturers in Japan, Europe, and the US already use this technology. Nanotechnology will improve the competitiveness of Israeli industry, make it easier to market new products, and achieve the projected export growth.

Manufacturers Association of Israel deputy managing director and Society of Israel Plastics and Rubber Industry managing director Meir Bar-El said that nanotechnology was being used to make plastic products for homes, in packaging, for agriculture and construction, and in the auto, aerospace, and medical industries.

Barel added that the Israel Plastics and Rubber Center at the Shenkar School of Engineering and Design had accumulated a great deal of know-how in nanotechnology, which was very helpful to the plastics industry, and gave it an important advantage.

Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on February 7, 2006