CloseT project: chemical recycling of used textiles in a continuous process
SKZ and Fraunhofer IFAM are implementing the CloseT project to develop an industrial continuous chemical recycling process for mixed textile fibers using solvolysis.
Polymer industry
News Plastech
PLA as an alternative to banned single-use products in the UAE
From 1 January 2026, an extended ban on selected single-use plastic products will enter into force in the United Arab Emirates. Plant-based PLA material remains exempt from the regulation as an accepted alternative.
UPM starts biochemical production at the Leuna biorefinery
UPM started commercial production of industrial sugars at its Leuna biorefinery in Germany. The facility, the largest biochemical investment in Europe, uses hardwood to produce advanced renewable feedstocks.
Lake Cable uses Sikora systems for cable quality control
The US wire and cable manufacturer Lake Cable integrates Sikora measuring devices directly into its extrusion lines to ensure full traceability and stable parameters of high‑performance cables.
Fibre-reinforced composites as elements of crash protection
Fibre-reinforced plastics are playing an increasingly important role in lightweight structures and vehicle safety systems, combining high energy absorption with reduced mass and energy consumption.
Borealis rolls out Borstar Digital Twin program globally
Borealis launches the global rollout of the Borstar Digital Twin program, based on artificial intelligence and virtual replication of polyethylene and polypropylene production processes.
Syensqo perfluoroelastomers in semiconductor applications
Syensqo and Korean company Innores are implementing Tecnoflon FFKM NFS perfluoroelastomers in sealing components for semiconductor manufacturing processes, combining high chemical resistance with the elimination of fluorosurfactants from the PFAS family.
New vice president of the management board of Grupa Azoty
The Supervisory Board of Grupa Azoty has appointed Mirosław Ptasiński as vice president of the company’s management board as of 16 December 2025. At the same time, the six-member composition of the 13th term management board was confirmed.
RePlast Eurasia 2026 focuses the recycling sector in Istanbul
RePlast Eurasia 2026, a trade fair dedicated to plastics and fiber recycling, will take place on 26–28 March 2026 at the Tüyap Center in Istanbul, combining a technology exhibition with the PAGÇEV conference and plastics recycling awards.
RecyClass launches TechAp tool for recyclability assessment
RecyClass has introduced the TechAp tool, an online platform for managing recyclability assessments of innovative plastic products in the context of upcoming PPWR requirements.
Syensqo achieves its highest-ever CDP rating for climate action
Syensqo has received an A rating for climate and an A- for water security in CDP’s 2025 assessment, placing the company among global leaders in environmental transparency and impact management.
Finat ELF 2025: label market under regulatory and market change
At the European Label Forum 2025, Finat experts and industry representatives discussed how economic, consumer and regulatory changes are reshaping the label market and outlined innovation directions in materials and packaging design.
Polyplastics expands Laperos LCP portfolio for electronics
Polyplastics has introduced new Laperos LCP LH and TF series, developed for miniaturization, high flowability and increasing design requirements in electronic components.
Borealis and BlueAlp advance chemical recycling of plastics
Borealis will acquire a 10% stake in BlueAlp and transfer its majority share in Renasci to the company to accelerate the development of chemical recycling technology and the production of circular feedstock for the packaging industry.
Tetra Pak launches juice carton with paper-based barrier
Tetra Pak and García Carrión are launching the first aseptic juice carton with a paper-based barrier, reducing the use of fossil-based raw materials and the carbon footprint of the package.
Grupa Azoty submits counteroffer to sell GA Polyolefins shares to Orlen
Grupa Azoty has submitted a counteroffer to Orlen for the acquisition of 100% of Grupa Azoty Polyolefins shares worth PLN 1.022 billion. The proposal is non-binding and subject, among others, to completion of the restructuring proceedings at GAP.
Recycling mixed-fibre garments enabled by Radici InNova technology
Radici InNova, The LYCRA Company and Triumph have developed and validated a recycling process for mixed-fibre garments, enabling the recovery of polyamide and Lycra fibres and the production of underwear in a closed-loop system.
EPBP launches consultation on Design for Circularity guidelines
The European PET Bottle Platform has launched a two-month industry consultation on Design for Circularity guidelines for PET bottles, representing an evolution beyond current Design for Recyclability principles.
ChemCourier: polypropylene market in Poland – summary and price outlook
Several converters have confirmed that they will maintain production on 29–30 December, as they have orders for finished products. As a result, trading companies will be able to continue selling and looking for customers this week, if they deem it appropriate.
Project Electro: recycling challenging waste with Borealis
Borealis is a partner in the EU-funded Electro project, which aims to develop electrified thermochemical processes to convert hard-to-recycle plastic waste into high-quality olefins.
New SABIC PC copolymer without PFAS for medical devices
SABIC has introduced LNP ELCRES NPCRX9612U, the first fluorine-free, PFAS-free polycarbonate copolymer with UL746G certification, offering chemical resistance and UL94 V0 flame retardance at 1.5 mm for thin-wall medical applications.
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and Mapag to show medical cell at Swiss Plastics Expo
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and Mapag Maschinen AG will present a fully electric IntElect S injection moulding cell with real-time quality prediction for insulin cap production at Swiss Plastics Expo 2026, highlighting automation, digital connectivity and MES integration.
Ipsos survey ranks Envalior top in services excellence
A global Ipsos survey among 149 material engineering professionals ranks Envalior first among 13 international material suppliers in delivering added value through high‑quality development services and accessible material science expertise.
Dassault Systèmes and Mistral AI advance sovereign AI on Outscale cloud
Dassault Systèmes and Mistral AI have made the Le Chat Enterprise and AI Studio solutions available in the sovereign Outscale cloud, targeting public administration and regulated sectors in Europe. The offer is aimed at entities that need to combine data protection with the use of generative AI.
SABIC increases PPE oligomer capacity for AI and 5G PCBs
SABIC has announced a further expansion of its polyphenylene ether (PPE) oligomer capacity to support growing demand for high‑performance printed circuit boards in AI and 5G data centers, with completion planned for the second half of 2026.
Lifocolor presents Shades of Inspiration 2027 collection
Lifocolor is launching the Shades of Inspiration 2027 collection, comprising 54 shades for plastic products. The new trend color line supports product design in the home, sports, children, and beauty & care segments.
First PA66 spinning plant with EvoQuench success-fully commissioned
Chinese textile producer Shandong Nanshan Fashion Technology has commissioned the first PA66 spinning plant equipped with an EvoQuench radial quenching system, integrating microfiber yarn production into its textile value chain.
NexKemia expands EPS capabilities with ZSK twin screw extruders
NexKemia Petrochemicals uses Coperion ZSK twin screw extruders to produce EPS, graphite-enhanced polystyrene and EPS with up to 30% recyclate in a single-step process, combining process simplification with reduced emissions and wastewater.
ENGEL showcases inject AI at Swiss Plastics Expo 2026
At Swiss Plastics Expo 2026 in Lucerne, ENGEL will present its inject AI framework and the world’s first autonomous injection moulding cell, targeting the Swiss precision market’s requirements for zero-defect production, efficiency and skills shortage mitigation.
Avient presents ColorForward 2027 color trend palette
Avient has introduced ColorForward 2027, the 21st edition of its annual color trend forecasting tool for the plastics industry, translating four identified societal trends into 20 color and effect concepts for thermoplastic polymers.
Arnitel Performance foam in next‑generation trail running shoes
Arnitel Performance, a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer from Envalior, is used as a 100% foam midsole in the norda 005 trail running shoe, combining high rebound, durability, climate stability and recyclability as an alternative to EVA, TPU and PEBA foams.
Pacprocess MEA to be rebranded as interpack MEA from 2026
Pacprocess MEA will operate under the interpack MEA name from 2026, strengthening its role within the interpack alliance and its positioning as a regional hub for processing and packaging in the Middle East and Africa.
Coperion showcases compounding and recycling solutions at PlastIndia 2026
At PlastIndia 2026 in New Delhi, Coperion will present systems and components for plastics compounding, recycling and polyolefin manufacturing, focusing on efficient operation, high product quality and resource-conscious processing.
Technical conference to spotlight plastics innovation at Plastex 2026
The Plastex 2026 technical conference in Cairo will bring together more than 50 speakers from industry and research to present new technologies, case studies and developments in plastics and rubber processing, with a strong focus on recycling, materials performance and circular economy.
Sanner introduces tethered cap and expanded CDMO services
At Pharmapack 2026 Sanner will present a new tethered cap solution for effervescent tablet packaging and highlight its expanded global CDMO capabilities following recent acquisitions and site investments.
Ozer strengthens its Bubble Guard Board production with a new retrofit by Colines
Turkish company Ozer has upgraded its polypropylene bubble guard board extrusion line from Colines with a retrofit package designed to improve efficiency and broaden the range of alveolar sheet products.