JAPAN: SDK decides to cease production and sale of Bionolle biodegradable polyester resin

Showa Denko (SDK) will terminate the production of Bionolle biodegradable polyester resin by the end of December 2016 and will discontinue sale of the product by the end of December 2017.

SDK noted that it is "difficult for the company to continue production and sale of biodegradable plastic, since there has been no sign of improvement in the harsh market environment for biodegradable plastics business because of the delay in permeation of environmental regulations on plastic shopping bags and a fall in market prices of biodegradable plastics."

The company, as part of its medium-term business plan, will continue to focus on accelerating the expansion of its functional chemicals business.

Source: Weekly “PetroChemical News”, Durham, NC, USA; 7 Nov 2016

(Syed Rashid Ali, Karachi, Pakistan)