ALBIS

Separation of distribution and compounding business / More competencies for the new divisions / Weak automotive industry depresses sales

BRASKEM

European HQ in Rotterdam takes over business in Asia and bio-based polyethylene / Closure of Frankfurt office

KRAUSSMAFFEI

Technical expertise is at the heart of "Polymore" trading platform / Interview with Nadine Despineux on launch of European online portal for compounds and recyclate

CLARIANT

Sustainability projects and bio-based additives at "K 2019" / Partnership with Neste for olefins from renewable raw materials / Pilot recycling plant in Italy

SPARTECH

Acquisition by Nautic and management / Formerly part of PolyOne

CARTONPLAST

Expansion of washing capacity for plastic layer pads in Poland / Plans for international growth

BOREALIS

Expansion of "STOP" initiative against marine litter with Borouge and Nova / New partnership with AEPW / Bio-propane from Neste / Pellets with a high recyclate content and mono-materials added to portfolio

LYONDELLBASELL

New catalysis-based chemical recycling scheme / Pilot plant at Ferrara / First samples of Samsonite suitcases made with recycled plastics at "K 2019"

NOVARES

Expansion of injection moulding plant in Portugal complete

LIQUI-BOX

Sale of UK bag-in-box business to win approval for DS Smith purchase

MERAXIS

Elmar Schröter is new executive director for recycled materials

PLASTIC OMNIUM

Laurent Favre and Félicie Burelle team up to lead French automotive supplier

SÜDPACK

Erik Bouts is new management spokesperson for German films manufacturer

DSM

Shruti Singhal will be DSM's next president of engineering plastics

SONGWON

CEO Maurizio Butti passes away

PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT

Plastics industry establishes clarity on global plastics flows for the first time / Study based on data from 44 countries shows differentiated picture / Measures should be planned more specifically

WORLD PLASTICS COUNCIL

International alliance meets at "K 2019" / Advocacy is the priority / China's circular plans focus on technology and biopolymers / EPR schemes controversial

MARINE LITTER

Study shows ships are a far higher source of plastics waste than previously assumed / More stringent monitoring required

INDIA

Government shelves binding nationwide phase-out of single-use plastics by 2022 / Target "recommended" / Industry slams lack of clarity over rules

AUSTRIA

Over half of companies see circular economy opportunities / Waste prevention and recycling are most important measures / ARA survey