ETHYLENE

First major cracker complex based on US ethane planned on east coast of China

AGRICULTURAL FILM RECYCLING

German initiative increases collection volume by 30.5%

PLASTICS INDUSTRY

Global plastics production benefits from healthy economy / Output in 2017 rises 3.8% to 348m t / Solid growth expected for 2018 / PlasticsEurope report

UK PLASTICS INDUSTRY

Experts assess what domestic plastics sector might face upon leaving the EU / BPF Brexit seminar in London

AGRICULTURAL FILMS

Global greenhouse films market forecast for expansion to 2025 / Asia-Pacific region expected to keep its lead / TM Research

VELOX

New SK Chemicals "Ecozen" co-polyester has improved transparency

CARBODEON

Nanodiamond-enhanced filaments for 3D printing launched

DOWDUPONT

Anti-squeak additive launched at "Chinaplas"/ New range of silicone-based additives

A. SCHULMAN

Flame retardant PA launched for electrical connectors

TRINSEO

Soft-touch TPE products for automotive applications launched

MANAGEMENT

Germany and UK bank on professional development to increase productivity / France favours IT improvements

MANAGEMENT

Industry 4.0 spreads slowly in UK, Switzerland and Germany / Companies often lack money and staff / E&Y and Censuswide survey reports

MANAGEMENT

Poor payment behaviour continues in Asia-Pacific / Average payment term fell slightly to 55 days in 2017 / Atradius report

BIO-BASED PRODUCTS

BIC publishes guide to help investors in the bio-economy / Discussion of various grants and funds available in Europe

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

20% of revenues generated with products for low-carbon economy / Carbon Disclosure Project report