GERMANY'S PLASTICS MARKETS

New Conversio study looks at material flows in 2019 / Decline in raw material production and plastics processing / Upward trend for recycling comes to a sudden halt / Corona crisis leaves major scars

PLASTICSEUROPE

Subdued mood among German polymer producers / Economic figures for 2019 and pandemic effects / Germany's processors order less material

PLASTICSEUROPE

Covestro CEO Markus Steilemann is new president

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Start-up mentality in plastics processing sector / Creative solutions to supply bottlenecks for masks and medical supplies / More nonwovens production required

CORONAVIRUS

Chemicals and plastics producers help with hand sanitiser supply / Ineos building new plants for ethanol and isopropanol / North Sea Forties pipeline planned shutdown delayed

TITANIUM DIOXIDE

“Suspected carcinogenic effect” / EU commission classifies white pigment as a danger / VCI fears precedent / No alternative

LOGISTICS

Low water levels along Germany's rivers spreading / German minister of transport presents measures to improve navigability of Rhine

IK

Martin Engelmann to head German plastic packaging association

REACH

ECHA seeks to improve compliance / Cefic launches action plan to help members update dossiers / Industry says NGO criticism is “not helpful”

REACH

Deadline to register chemicals on 31 May 2018 / 80,000 registrations already received

PLASTICS PRODUCTION

Tighter market rules for EU emissions trading after 2021

PLASTICS PRODUCTION

Minimal additional cost from compulsory emissions trading seen for German plastics producers from 2018 / Financial burden mostly from administration

TITANIUM DIOXIDE

ECHA set to classify pigment as category 2 carcinogen / Industry takes issue

TITANIUM DIOXIDE

ECHA verifying classification of white pigment as "a likely carcinogenic" / German industry calls approach “unfounded and inappropriate”

PLASTICS AND HEALTH

EU Commission finally presents proposals for regulating endocrine disruptors / Trade associations critical / Forward strategy based on WHO criteria

SHALE GAS

Germany's new fracking rules pass cabinet / Experts question commercial viability of shale gas in Europe

SHALE GAS

Germany's door to shale gas exploration kicked open slightly / Experts to decide on suitability of geological formations / Industry urges quick start to exploration / Plans still controversial

PLASTICS AND ENERGY

German plastics producers keep renewables surcharge exemption / Compromise with EU

PLASTICS AND ENERGY

European Commission opens proceedings against German price relief for energy-intensive companies / Support for renewables also eyed critically

BASF

Still on target to match 2012 earnings, CEO says / Energy remains hot topic

LEHMANN & VOSS

Masterbatch activities merged under “Luvobatch” brand name / New division management

ASSOCIATIONS

Andreas Amling elected chairman of Euro Chlor