MAGNA

Collaboration with Italian biotechnology group bio-on / Researching the use of PHA for automotive interior parts

RESEARCH

Clariant's non-halogenated flame retardants provide protection in renewable polymers / Research involves utilisation of oyster shells / Green PP compound from Eurostar

EVONIK

Research cooperation with LanzaTech / Project involving plastic feedstocks made from synthetic gas

NANOTECHNOLOGY

German scientists create a nanocrystal from PE

RESEARCH

BASF, Linde and ThyssenKrupp in sustainable syngas process / CO2 reduction

BIO-BASED PRODUCTS

EU project group KBBPPS discusses certification and biodegradability / Over 2 years of research

COMPOSITES

French consortium surrounding Cetim starts producing CFR suspension for automotive use / Less than two minutes of cycle time

BIOPLASTICS

Novamont-coordinated ReBioFoam project publishes findings / Microwave process to manufacture 3-D components

RESEARCH

Finnish centre develops new technique for sugar-based biopolymer / PGA claimed to significantly improve bio-based plastic packaging

APPLIED CLEANTECH

Process for turning sewage sludge into environmentally friendly raw materials / Bio-solids for use by plastics, paper industries / Plans for the EU

RESEARCH

US energy department finds ecological route to ethylene production / Process recycles CO2

RESEARCH

Scientists develop process to turn waste bread into succinic acid / Conversion rate reported to be higher than alternative materials, including corn

BASF

Cooperating with Novozymes and Cargill on bio-based acrylic acid / Dextrose as feedstock

COMPOSITES

New Thermoplastics Composites Research Center opened in Enschede

MECAPLAST

Moulding technology and lightweight fillers could lead to auto component weight reduction of up to 50% / French government-funded project to develop process

SIEMENS

Exhaust gas CO2 as feedstock for new “green” polymer / Cooperation with BASF

AMCOR RIGID PLASTICS

Collaboration with Sacmi on development of compression blow forming / First applications in pharmaceuticals packaging / HDPE bottles in production at US site / Food uses envisaged

PLASMA ETCHING

Anti-reflective films incorporate surface nanostructures / New technology is based on the “moth eye” principle / Continuous process for anti-reflecting polymers

TORAY

Agreement with Ajinomoto to develop bio-based nylon

NATIONAL COMPOSITES CENTRE

Formal opening of focal point for UK composites development / Key resource, says GKN Aerospace / 8% annual market growth forecast