K.D. FEDDERSEN

Agreement signed with Plastic Agents for sub-distribution in Spain

EMS

Product range expanded to include polyketone Grinyl K / Compounding of Hyosung base polymer

HYOSUNG

Carbon fibre expansion to include China and Vietnam

HIGH-PERFORMANCE PLASTICS

Global consumption to grow by 5.5% per year to 2024 / Asia Pacific share to reach 54% / E&E makes up one third of consumption / Smithers report

HYOSUNG

Carbon fibre capacity expansion plans to 2028 / Hydrogen cars a major growth driver

POLYMER PRICES

China Standard Thermoplastics April 2016: Ethylene and styrene point down while propylene stays firm / Downtrend for polymers sets in by mid-month / Demand higher in first half of April / Inventory build-up / May business likely to be seasonally normal

PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS

Consolidation of PTA production in South Korea / Hanwha, Lotte and Hyosung want to merge activities

FEEDSTOCK MARKETS

Propylene: New PDH plants in Asia about to be commissioned / Wanhua reports start up / Hyosung's facility also up and running

SOUTH KOREA

Petrochemical industry sets new records in Q2 / High margins drive earnings / Competitive pressure nevertheless likely to rise again soon

HYOSUNG

Korean group to make another large-scale investment in polyketone / Declaration of intent for second plant

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

PIE talks to Stanley Chu, chairman of "Chinaplas" organiser Adsale / Key challenge for mega-fair is to maintain healthy growth amid economic slowdown / Revamping show's image for next year's 30th anniversary / Market sentiment generally optimistic

HIGH-PERFORMANCE PLASTICS

Rising demand for polymeric materials with metal-like properties / Niche products make gains / Automotive, E&E, aviation and medical technology sectors as key drivers / Global capacities exceed 800,000 t/y

LEHMANN & VOSS

New high-performance compound based on polyketone / Multi-use material rivals PA and POM / Former Shell patent

HYOSUNG

New propylene facility to be built in Ulsan

AKRO-PLASTIC

Polyketone compounds return to the market / South Korean producer Hyosung uses former Shell patent