German researchers report in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology that they have identified and characterized a strain of bacteria capable of degrading some of the chemical building blocks of polyurethane.

Europur, the European Association of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Blocks Manufacturers, carries out continued interviews with foam producers and suppliers on the situation in Europe’s foam industry. In an update from 7 April 2020 it said that in most of Europe, there have been no government orders demanding the closure of foam plants and normal operation would be allowed as long as measures to protect the workforce are taken. Production is, however, drastically reduced due to lack of demand for foam and closure of many companies further down the supply chain.

According to the Belgium-based company Materialise, 3D printing technology may lend a hand in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. The 3D printing specialist has designed a 3D printed door opener that makes it possible to open and close doors with your arm, removing the need for direct contact with door handles. The company is offering the printable design for free and calling upon the global 3D printing community to 3D print the door opener and make it available all around the world.

Europur and Euro-Moulders announced that due to the Covid-19 epidemic in Europe, the associations are forced to reschedule their annual conference to 24 and 25 November 2020, in the same venues in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The conference will take place in the Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport Hotel and a dinner will take place at the Scheepvaartmuseum in the evening of 24 November. The programme of the event will be slightly amended and will be communicated shortly, the associations said.

Covestro announced that is has signed a contract with its 16 core banks for a new syndicated revolving credit facility for EUR 2.5 billion with a term of five years plus two one-year extension options, effective as of 17 March 2020. The facility can be drawn in different currencies and will be used as a standby backup liquidity reserve, the company said.

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.