NEWS


New PC copolymer plant


Covestro has inaugurated a plant at its site in Antwerp, Belgium, that can produce polycarbonate copolymers on an industrial scale. The new platform technology, which the company developed itself, is based on a solvent-free melt process in combination with a new reactor concept. The investment is in the mid double-digit million euro range, and covers both a pilot and a produc- tion plant. “Compared to pure polycarbonates, the copolymers open up new possibilities for us to integrate further function- alities and properties into our materials,” said Lily Wang, Global Head of the Engineering Plastics business unit. These functions range


from improved mechanical properties and a higher resistance against chemi- cal attack, to enhanced flame retardancy. Covestro will focus first on materials for the electrical, electron- ics and healthcare indus- tries, while future innova- tions might focus on mobility and other trends. �www.covestro.com


Bold action needed for circularity, says EEA


A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) says achieving a circular economy will require further and more consistent action. The report, which analyses the EU’s progress in the transition to a more circular economy and the policy push under the EU’s Green Deal, examines and evalu- ates options whereby it can be further accelerated. Europe’s heavy reliance


on natural resources comes with significant environ- mental and climate impacts. However, the EEA report claims this trend has stabilised in recent years. A modest decoupling of EU resource consumption from economic growth has been observed, with total use of materials dropping


slightly while EU gross domestic product (GDP) has increased. The report also examines


future actions, such as setting targets and promoting higher quality recycling to foster EU resource independ- ence and lower imports. In addition to implementing eco-design principles, increasing circularity by


maximising the lifespan of products through reuse, repair, and remanufacturing, is also deemed critical. According to the report,


it is unlikely a significant reduction in waste genera- tion can be achieved by 2030. Recycling has in- creased, but rates have stagnated in recent years. �www.eea.europa.eu


New Trinseo flame-retardant


Trinseo has announced a new offering of flame-retard- ant Emerge PC 8600PV and 8600PR resins and Emerge PC/ABS 7360E65 resins, manufactured without the use of per-and polyfluoro- alkyl substances (PFAS) or halogenated additives.


PFAS chemicals are commonly used for their flame-retardant properties and resistance to heat, oil, stain, grease, and water. The new products, suitable for applications in fields such as IT equipment, electronic and electrical products,


battery chargers, and voltage stabilisers, maintain those performance attrib- utes while addressing growing regulatory pressure to reduce the use of PFASs. The products will first be launched in the Asia-Pacific. �www.trinseo.com


Mitsui Chemicals to close phenol plant


Mitsui Chemicals is to close the phenol plant at its Ichihara works in Chiba by 2026. The company currently produces


phenol at three locations; Ichihara, Takaishi in Osaka, and Shanghai in


6 COMPOUNDING WORLD | May 2024


China. Since 2022, however, a range of factors have made the business environment more difficult including falling domestic demand and a drastic oversupply because of new production facilities launched in other parts of Asia.


Mitsui Chemicals says it intends to maintain a steady supply of products to its customers by building a phenol chain with high capital efficiency and stable profitability. � www.mitsuichemicals.com


www.compoundingworld.com


IMAGE: EEA


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