LATIN AMERICA

Numerous countries and municipalities take steps to restrict single-use plastics / Bans on plastic carrier bags and straws

GLOBAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

Alarming levels of waste generation / Plastics accumulation noted by World Bank report / G7 meeting in Canada highlights marine litter

EUROPEAN TUBES MARKET

Production flat in H1 with slight growth for laminate and plastic tubes / Stable demand to continue in 2018

FRANCE

Slowdown of plastic packaging market / Elipso sees only slight growth in 2018 so far

INJECTION-MOULDED PLASTICS

PP to outpace growth of other polymers / Packaging to remain dominant end-use market / Volatile feedstock costs and sustainability issues are challenges / BCC Research study

VICTREX

Introduction of food-grade PEEK range

EQUIPOLYMERS

New PET for food and beverages uses up to 25% recyclate

MONDI

Resealable packaging for Norwegian food supplier Orkla

BASF

Particle foam based on polyethersulphone / Suited for complex components in cars, aircraft and trains

DSM

3D printing one step closer to industrial production with new carbon fibre filament

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

Waste feedstocks, product performance and digital tools offer opportunities for successful commercialisation of "green" materials / Lux Research report

MANAGEMENT

Payment duration rises to 63 days in Americas / Over 90% of respondents dealt with late payments / Half of invoices unpaid by due date / Atradius report

BASF

Dry summer slows down transport on Germany's Rhine river / Restrictions at facilities

FRANCE

Largest regional plastics association and employment agency collaborate / Recruitment of more skilled workers

MANAGEMENT

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