Researchers believe they have developed a way to ensure phthalate plasticizers become permanently bound within any PVC part in which they are used, with zero migration of the additives. This potentially huge news for processors of polyvinyl chloride appeared first in the latest issue of Macromolecule, a bi-weekly journal of the American Chemical Society.

Acrylic sheet and compounds supplier Evonik Cyro LLC has formed an alliance with 10X Technology LLC (Libertyville, IL), which develops micro- and nano-structured polymer substrates, to commercialize surface-enhanced acrylic materials for the photovoltaic market. First up will be co-development of lenses that improve the performance of energy-related products such as solar energy systems and interior lighting.

Most processors have a purchasing manager designated, but rare is the company that makes space on its payroll for a person whose sole focus is purchasing resin. Yet half or more of a processor's expenses can be traced back to resin. Do you really want a person worrying about ordering pens, hydraulic oil, and paper for the printer when the real value that employee can add is when he reduces your resin purchasing outlay?

Sinoven Biopolymers (Philadelphia) and its proprietary technology for modifying polybutylene succinate (PBS) has been acquired by renewable chemical manufacturer DNP Green Technology (Princeton, NJ), in a bid by that company to "move down the value chain." Jean-Francois Huc, president of DNP Green Technology, said, "With the acquisition of Sinoven, DNP Green can now transform corn and other crops into a diverse range of renewable, biodegradable products, from coffee cup lids and disposable razors to automotive parts."

Teijin Chemicals Ltd., the core company of the Teijin Group’s plastics business, has developed a transparent, flame-retardant polycarbonate (PC) resin capable of producing extruded sheet measuring just 1.5 mm, making this the “thinnest-ever” transparent sheet of its kind.

Rigid packaging manufacturer Silgan Plastics will cease operations at its Port Clinton, OH blowmolding facility, with the site to be completely shut down by the third quarter. Alan Koblin, Silgan Plastics president, said the move will improve the company’s flexibility and increase cost competitiveness. Existing business and equipment will be relocated to other Silgan Plastics plants in the Midwest. Silgan acquired the Port Clinton, OH facility in 1989.

Plastics supplier Polyplastics Co. Ltd. has raised its production capacity for its Vectra-brand of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) by 5000 tons/year, with the expansion coming at the supplier’s Fuji facility.

A mineral/glass-filled polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) with exceptional high-flow properties is targeting applications in the appliance, industrial, and electrical/electronics (E/E) sectors that need high temperature resistance in thin-wall designs.

Profile extrusion machinery and tool manufacturer extrunet GmbH (Kremsmünster, Austria) has opened a new technical center and tool shop that it says will help speed deliveries. The new facility has enough space and equipment available to manufacture the company’s exflex-brand profile tooling components quicker and to ship a complete tool to a processor within 25 workdays.

Mold base and hot runner systems manufacturer PCS Company (Fraser, MI) has hired two new field sales representatives, Paul Graceffa and Vence McBride. Graceffa is responsible for sales in Illinois (outside of the Chicago area), Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas.  Before joining PCS, he spent five years with DME as a field sales representative.