Growth in non-phthalate alternatives seen

Plasticisers remain one of the bestselling chemicals. They are needed to improve the properties of plastics, paints and varnishes, rubber, and adhesives.

The super tough challenge

The demand for high performance materials for packaging has always been a key factor in the research and development for new technologies.

Top print quality at lower costs

In recent years, three important market trends have set seemingly contradictory tasks, not only for printers and converters, but also for machine manufacturers:packaging needs to have an increasingly high-quality look, while at the same timebeing inexpensive to produce and – in the spirit of growing environmental awareness – conserving resources.

Commitment to sustainable recycling - Cheri Scholtz, CEO of PETCO

South Africa has one of the highest recycling rates in the world at 60% The plastics industry is one of the most active endorser of recycling in its high-growth industrial sector. International Plastics News – Middle East and Africa (IRNEA) talks to Cheri Scholtz, CEO of PETCO on the company's operations and how it supports the drive towards sustainable production.

Clariant invests in polypropylene catalyst

Clariant's Business Unit Catalysts has signed long-term cooperation agreements with CB&I's Lummus Novolen Technology GmbH business unit.

DuPont opens Knowledge Centre in India

Expanding its integrated science capabilities at the DuPont Knowledge Centre in Hyderabad, India, DuPont opened an Application Development Centre focused on integrating advanced material science with other scientific disciplines for the automotive industry, enabling solutions for lightweighting, engine performance, comfort and safety.

Thomas Kehl is new President of Coperion

Coperion GmbH has announced that Thomas Kehl will take over as president and chairman of the executive board effective immediately.

Dow expands with 2 new sites

As part of its focused investment strategy on the U.S. Gulf Coast to integrate advantaged shale gas, The Dow Chemical Company announced the locations for expanding four of its leading brand franchises in Texas and Louisiana.

AkzoNobel to phase out production at Deventer site by 2016

AkzoNobel plans to phase out the production of organic peroxides at its site in Deventer, the Netherlands by the end of 2016.

Global electro-active polymers market at $3.4 billion by 2017

According to a new market research report, "Global Electroactive Polymers Market Trends, Applications and Forecasts (2012 - 2017)" published by MarketsandMarkets, the total market for Electro-active Polymers is expected to reach $3.4 billion by 2017.

Little nails, big business

Due to the affordability of nail polish and new product innovations, the nail polish category are especially popular among younger girls.

Global TPE demand rising by 5.5% p.a.

Global demand for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) is forecast to rise 5.5% annually to 5.8 million metric tonnes in 2017, according to a study by the Freedonia Group.