Covestro CEO Dr. Markus Steilemann is the new President of PlasticsEurope, the association of plastics manufacturers in Europe. Steilemann was appointed to the position on 24 June 2020 for three years. He succeeds Javier Constante of Dow Chemical, who oversaw a fundamental reorganisation of PlasticsEurope.

Continental is equipping the wind turbines made by Chinese manufacturer Xinjiang Goldwind Science and Technology with drive belts. In the patented construction, the belts manufactured at Continental’s Dannenberg location in Germany allow the rotor blades to be adjusted at any time without the aid of gears or hydraulics.

RadiciGroup has announced a reorganisation of its sales network in Germany and has appointed B. Bigler AG as the distributor for the German market for a wide product range including the Heraflex TPE portfolio. Bigler, based in Zug, CH, and part of Dolder Group, has a sales net and logistics hub in Weiterstadt.

Wanhua Chemical has donated 400 kg TPU materials to produce 3D-printed face-mask holders for the frontline responders, cooperating with Peak Sports.

PolyOne has announced the launch of Barricade elastomers, the newest addition to its specialty elastomer portfolio. Based on Fortrex technology licensed from Cooper Standard, this crosslinkable elastomer offers according to PolyOne high-temperature compression set performance, easier processing, and a lighter weight solution when compared to conventional TPVs, silicones, and thermoset rubbers.

On 17 June 2020 the Society of Plastics Engineers SPE has announced recently elected Executive Board members as well as a newly appointed President.

European Bioplastics, the association, representing the bioplastics industry in Europe, has announced the appointment of Joanna Dupont-Inglis as Head of European Public Affairs. She assumed her position on 1 June 2020 and will be based in Brussels.

Aramco has announced the successful completion of its share acquisition of a 70 % stake in Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, for a total purchase price of USD 69.1 billion on 17 June 2020.

Azelis has a new partnership with Ocsial, the world’s largest single-wall carbon nanotube manufacturer. Under the agreement Azelis distributes Ocsial’s Tuball range in France and the UK. Tuball single-wall carbon nanotubes can be used to achieve non-black antistatic and conductive applications.