PET

Fibre applications compensate for overall slowdown / Surplus tendency with paraxylene / PTA more balanced / Excessive increase in MEG capacities

PLASTIC BOTTLE RECYCLING

US reprocessing flat as exports fall / Industry and government driving reuse

PACKAGING RECYCLING AUSTRIA

ARA achieves record result / Plastic packaging collection continues to grow

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Global stagnation / "The road will be steep, stony and arduous" / New boss of German association receives support from the industry / Favourite cities for IAA to be named by end of January

LOGISTICS

Drastic increase in free capacity for European road freight transport

ALBIS

Compounds developed for fuel cell applications

POLYPLASTICS

Development of blister-resistant liquid crystal polymer grades

BASF

Next-generation "Basotect UF+" insulating foam grade available

STORA ENSO

Pilot plant for PEF precursor in Belgium / Renewable packaging materials

STOROPACK

New recycled polystyrene raw material for protective packaging production

LOGISTICS

New HGV toll system in the Czech Republic / Threat of heavy fines / German environment agency wants to raise toll charges

MANAGEMENT

Insolvencies for Western Europe rise in 2019 / US-China trade war and Brexit key drivers / Nearly 30% of invoices are unpaid at due date / Atradius report

MANAGEMENT

Payment risk in German automotive industry worsens / Margins fall due to higher material and labour costs / Stiff competition challenges SMEs / More European supplier insolvencies expected / Atradius "Market Monitor" 2019

MANAGEMENT

Rising costs and weak profitability greatest challenges for European SMEs / Hong Kong most worried about global economic health / Two surveys identify key warning signs pre bankruptcy

LOGISTICS

Higher rates for heavy goods vehicles in Belgium / Toll system network to expand