Feica – The Association of the European Adhesive and Sealant Industry announced that a series of its one-component foam (OCF) test methods has been approved as CEN standards. OCF manufacturers representing more than 90 % of the market in Europe have developed, within Feica, standardised test methods which allow the performance of OCF products to be measured, compared and communicated in an accurate manner, allowing customers to buy with confidence.

Huntsman Corporation announced that it has agreed to acquire CVC Thermoset Specialties, a North American speciality chemical manufacturer serving the industrial composites, adhesives and coatings markets. CVC Thermoset Specialties is part of Emerald Performance Materials LLC which is majority owned by affiliates of American Securities LLC.

LyondellBasell announced that it will slow construction of its world-scale propylene oxide (PO) and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) plant. The company said it is limiting non-essential activities at this time due to ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including government orders designed to limit human contact.

Dr. Frank Stieler resigned from his office as CEO of KraussMaffei Group GmbH on 31 March 2020 and Dr. Michael Ruf, former COO of the company, has taken over the position effective from 1 April 2020. The COO position will not be taken again, announced the company.

According to a survey by Europur, the European Association of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Blocks Manufacturers, based on about 30 interviews with foam producers and suppliers, the production of flexible PU foam is as of 30 March 2020 heavily impacted by the present Covid-19 epidemic. The situation is expected to further worsen in April with a reduced production of between 30 % – 80 % of normal.

In March 2020 Amyris, global science and technology company for pure, sustainable ingredients for the health and wellness, cleaning, beauty and flavors and ragrances markets, announced the launch of a new, safe and clean Pipette Baby branded hand sanitizer – that can be used by everyone – to help combat COVID-19. Initial production of its hand sanitizer has started with Allure Labs as its contract manufacturing and packaging partner.

On 26 March 2020, the Bergamo-based company RadiciGroup and the Italian soccer club Atalanta Bergamo announced that they have decided to support the temporary field hospital that the Associazione Nazionale Alpini (National Association of Italian Alpine Soldiers) is building in the premises of Bergamo trade fair, with the aim of responding to the coronavirus emergency.

Deutsche Messe AG announced that Hannover Messe 2020 cannot take place this year due to the increasingly critical situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. The Hanover region has issued a decree that prohibits the staging of the trade show for industrial technology. From now until the next Hannover Messe in April 2021, a digital information and networking offer will provide exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity for economic policy orientation and technological exchange, said the organiser.

Parker Hannifin announced on Friday, 27 March 2020, that effective immediately, all on-site operations at the Adro facility will be suspended from 30 March 2020 until 3 April 2020. This action has been required following new directives from the Italian Government issued on Thursday 26 March 2020 requiring all non-essential manufacturing operations in Italy to cease.