Lilli Manolis Sherman Contributing Editor

30 Aug 2013

First Biobased PBT Production Underway

Lanxess recently ran a production campaign of bio-based PBT using 20 m.t. of bio-based BDO (1,4-butanediol) made with the commercially-proven process developed by San Diego-based Genomatica.

polyolefins 28 Aug 2013

PP Prices Up, Others Flat or Down

Polypropylene prices have moved up two months in a row and there is potential for further increases, all owing to propylene monomer tightness. PS prices moved lower in July, while attempts to hike prices of PE and PVC appeared to have failed.

Biopolymers 28 Aug 2013

K 2013 Preview: Materials & Additives

The K 2013 show will present a broad range of engineered plastics materials, including thermoplastic composites, as well as additives. Automotive and electronic applications will be the main targets, as well as medical, packaging, lighting, and construction.

28 Aug 2013

DSM Sees UL Standard Change as a Boost to Thermoplastics

DSM says the recent change to a UL standard covering low-voltage switchgear (LVSG) has opened up the way for plastics innovation in electrical applications such as miniature circuit breakers.

27 Aug 2013

First Expandable TPU

BASF Polyurethane, Wyandotte, Mich.,will debut what appears to be the first expandable TPU (E-TPU). Branded Infinergy, it is based on Elastollan TPU which is expanded by using an innovative procedure.

Commodity Resins 29 Jul 2013

PE Prices Firming, Others Flat or Lower

Flat to lower prices are projected for PP, PS, and PVC due to lower feedstock prices and better-balanced supply/demand.

polyolefins 25 Jun 2013

PE, PP Prices Firming, Others Soften

Polyolefin prices appear to have bottomed out, with flat-to-upward pricing expected, while PS and PVC prices are likely to flatten. Prices of ABS, PC, and nylons are soft and going nowhere in the near future.

Postprocessing 28 May 2013

‘Value-Added’ Molder Adds 3D Printing

Wisconsin molder's recent decision to bring water-transfer printing in-house makes it one of the few processors to offer this decorating technology as part of its full-service offering.

polyolefins 28 May 2013

PP, PS Prices Drop; Others Soften

Polypropylene prices have dropped significantly and may have hit bottom, while PE prices flattened out and face downward pressure from increased supplier inventories, lower feedstock prices, and soft demand.