Sustainability and environmental protection are key topics for the plastics and rubber industries. Modern materials have to be produced sustainably and be biodegradable or recyclable. At the same time, they have to meet the high demands made by industry, for example, on mechanical strength. At K 2019 the Japanese speciality chemicals producer Kuraray is presenting its extensive range of brands - Eval, Septon Bio-series TPE raw materials, Plantic, Clarino, MonoSol, Mowital, Septon, Hybrar, Kurarity, Kuraray Poval, Mowiflex and Genestar. Materials like the new EVOH copolymer Eval, which is readily recyclable, and the bio-based TPE Septon Bio-series are unique materials that combine performance with sustainability.

The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) has received commitments from 102 chemical manufacturers to reevaluate the safety data in previously submitted REACH registration dossiers.

On 3 September 2019, Charlie Rogers assumed the new position as President of KraussMaffei Corporation in Florence, KY, USA. He succeeds Paul Caprio, who left the company at the beginning of June 2019. Rogers reports to Michael Ruf, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the KraussMaffei Group.

Covestro announced that several of its Platilon thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film products have recently been certified with Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, which confirms their high level of product safety for consumers. According to the company, the TPU films are ideal for many smart and pollution-free textile applications. They are breathable, waterproof, tear-resistant and skin-friendly. That makes them the material of choice for sports articles and outdoor clothing, but also for furniture and seat covers for cars, said the manufacturer.

The silicone specialist Wacker will be introducing at K 2019 a silicone-based additive for thermoplastic elastomers, especially thermoplastic polyurethanes. The additive is said to lower the hardness of TPUs, while boosting their elasticity and enhancing their properties. The surfaces of moulded parts modified with the additive are pleasantly soft to the touch and more resistant to scratches, abrasion and contamination.

The speciality chemicals company Lanxess announced that it will focus primarily on the topics of new mobility, urbanisation and digitalisation. All in all, six of Lanxess' eleven business units – High Performance Materials, Urethane Systems, Polymer Additives, Rhein Chemie, Inorganic Pigments, and Advanced Industrial Intermediates – will be showcasing their products at K 2019.

Rampf Group, Inc. has developed a fully automated production cell with Cure-on-Demand (CoD) technology for the bonding of car parts. According to the company, the integration of CoD technology into joining tools facilitates the fast and reliable bonding of plastic components. Automotive adhesives are designed for high final strength and elasticity. For an effective application process, they must be flowable and precisely metered. To achieve the required adhesion and internal strength, the adhesives require relatively long curing times, said Rampf.

The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) announced that it has partnered with Ducker Frontier to provide ASC members visibility into market opportunities and growth potential in the building and construction market in North America.

Saudi Aramco and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) regarding a proposed investment in the Oil to Chemicals (O2C) division comprising the refining, petrochemicals and fuels marketing businesses of RIL. Saudi Aramco’s potential 20 % stake is based upon an enterprise value of USD 75 billion for the O2C division. According to RIL, this would be one of the largest foreign investments ever made in India.