NEWS


Hefestos initiative to build BFR substitution framework


Aimplas in Spain is leading the Hefestos Hub, a new EU-funded initiative designed to support the transition away from brominated flame retardants (BFRs) towards alternative fire safety chemistries. Promoted and financed by the


European Commission and awarded to Aimplas through a competitive tender, Hefestos will act as a pilot cooperation framework to explore the feasibility of an EU-level Substitution Centre focused on BFR additives. BFRs have been widely used for decades to meet fire safety require- ments in construction, automotive, cables, and other polymer-intensive applications. However, regulatory pressure based on their persistence, toxicity, and potential for bioaccumula- tion has accelerated their substitution. Supplier companies have been


IN BRIEF...


German company Poly- tives is partnering with Simcoe Plastics which will take over the distribution of Polytives additives in Canada with immediate effect. Further activities are planned. https://polytives.com www.simcoeplastics.com


Polyamide compounder RadiciGroup, headquar- tered in Italy, has launched a new website built on a customer-oriented approach and a redesign of its content architecture, with the aim of simplifying access to information and improving the overall user experience. www.radicigroup.com


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exploring alternatives to BFRs but there have been challenges such as inconsistent methodologies, limited access to reliable data, and the lack of a secure environment for cross-sector collaboration.


Hefestos aims to address these issues by developing and testing a harmonised, transparent, and sci-


ence-based framework that enables structured information exchange


while respecting confidentiality and EU competition law. The initiative will identify technical and information gaps and support the development of a European BFR Substitution Action Roadmap. �www.hefestoshub.com


Polykemi expands into Thailand


Polykemi announced it has established an office in Rayong, Thailand, adding that it “is continuously evaluating the possibilities for a future production facility for plastic com- pounds based on high-qual- ity virgin and recycled raw materials”.


Magnus Lindahl, CEO for


Polykemi Asia, said: “We have established a local office in Thailand and will supply materials from our factory in Kunshan, China. Depending on how our local sales in the region develop, a future produc- tion facility in Thailand may


become a possibility.” He said that the Rayong


location gives Polykemi the opportunity to strengthen its position with Japanese end customers, especially plastics processors which supply to the Japanese automotive industry. �www.polykemi.se


Avient’s new BOPP film additive


Avient has launched Hiformer Slip + Antistatic in Latin America, a new additive for biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films that balances multiple property improve- ments while maintaining production efficiency.


COMPOUNDING WORLD | June 2026 The new, super-concen-


trated liquid additive combines migratory slip and antistatic agents in a single formulation with this consolidation reducing production complexity while delivering consistent performance.


“Latin American BOPP film manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve efficiency while maintaining the highest quality standards,” said Adriano Muzzi, General Manager, Latin America. �www.avient.com


www.compoundingworld.com


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