Syensqo introduces Kalix® LD-4850, a next-generation low-density structural polymer for consumer electronics

New high-performance polymer cuts component weight by over 30% while maintaining strength and premium aesthetics

#Syensqo, a global leader in advanced materials and specialty chemicals, announces the launch of Kalix® LD-4850 BK000, a new low-density #highperformancepolyamide (HPPA) developed to address the evolving demands of the consumer electronics industry. 

#Kalix® LD-4850 enables manufacturers to achieve substantial lightweighting of structural components in devices such as smartphones, AR/VR headsets, and other smart #electronics. The new grade delivers over 30% weight reduction compared to conventional structural #polyamides and polycarbonates, while maintaining excellent mechanical strength and premium surface #aesthetics. 

Engineered for applications where reduced weight is essential, such as brackets, frames, speaker housings, and AR/VR glass legs, Kalix® LD-4850 combines high stiffness and strength with minimal warpage and low dielectric properties. This unique balance supports the development of slimmer, lighter, and more comfortable devices, in line with current hardware trends. 

source : Syensqo

New TPE with adhesion to polar thermoplastics for applications involving contact with fatty foods

The new series was developed specifically for contact with fatty foods and is also characterized by a pleasant feel and improved organoleptic properties. Target applications include reusable food packaging, cosmetic applications, and hoses and conveyor belts in food processing.

 

Increased consumer awareness of environmental and sustainability issues has led to steadily rising demand for reusable products in many areas. Typical examples include food containers such as lunch boxes, mixing bowls, and sealable bowls, where the seals in the lids are often made of thermoplastic elastomers.

However, the use of these end products requires reliable materials to ensure long-term physiological safety. The relevant regulations for plastic applications that come into direct contact with food—Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 and Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR §177. 2600) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA define strict limits for the permissible migration of ingredients from the materials in this context. In addition, KRAIBURG TPE meets the requirements that both regulations place on compound compositions. The prerequisites for complying with the legal migration limits are the combination of the new formulation of the FC/CM3/AD1 series with a well-thought-out design of the end product.

“We have been working intensively on this topic in recent years and have invested heavily in the development of new TPS compounds for safe applications in food contact. Through comprehensive analyses and migration studies, we have succeeded in determining precise calculation bases for migration properties and transferring them to the formulation of commercial TPS types.

Olberding also points out in this context that TPE compounds can exhibit very complex migration behavior due to their variable combinability. "The ideal solution is therefore to tailor the TPE formulation of the individual series as precisely as possible to the expected contact media – usually high-fat foods such as meat, cooking oils, dressings, or sauces. To ensure this, we took two different approaches when formulating the materials, examining the individual raw materials and their interaction on the one hand, but also keeping an eye on the end product in terms of its migration potential on the other.

Thanks to their resistant surface and outstanding mechanical properties, the new materials from #KRAIBURGTPE significantly increase the service life of reusable containers and lids. Adhesion to various polar thermoplastics such as Tritan (PCT-G), PET, SAN, PC, ABS, PA6, and PA12 has been successfully tested across the board. Due to their very good resilience proven by hysteresis tests and excellent tear strength and tear resistance values, they are also ideal for cosmetics and food packaging.

source : KRAIBURG TPE

Non-binding offer to buy all shares of Grupa Azoty Polyolefins

ORLEN S.A. informs that on 15 October 2025 it made a non-binding offer to Grupa Azoty S.A. (“Offer”) to buy all shares of Grupa Azoty Polyolefins S.A. (“GAP”). ORLEN holds currently 17,3% of GAP’s shares.

The Offer assumes the purchase of all GAP shares, including GAP assets, cash free debt free.

The Offer is non-binding and subject to the following conditions precedent, among others:

·        Completion of the restructuring proceedings of GAP, conducted by GAP, aimed at repaying all debts and claims according to the agreed reduction and final settlement of the EPC construction contract,

·        Agreement on the terms of GAP shares acquisition by ORLEN within the share purchase agreement with all GAP shareholders,

·        Satisfying for ORLEN, results of GAP due diligence process,

·        Complete corporate and administrative approvals required for transaction finalization.

The Offer made by #ORLEN today is valid until 31 December 2025 and finalization of the transaction is expected by 30 June 2026.

The Offer involves ORLEN delivering to #GAP financing necessary to proceed with restructuring of all debts, claims and purchasing all GAP shares from the other shareholders. The Offer has been submitted for a total consideration of PLN 1,022 bn.

The submission of the Offer is consistent with ORLEN Strategy 2035 in terms of selective investments in polymers and petrochemicals value chain.

source : Orlen

LG Showcases PuroTec™ Antimicrobial Material at K Show in Germany

 LG Electronics (LG) is presenting a comprehensive lineup of LG PuroTec™ antimicrobial additive solutions at K 2025 one of the world’s leading plastics tradeshows taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany (October 8-15).

Making its debut at K show, #LG is accelerating the global expansion of its advanced materials business. This year, the company has established a strong global presence by participating in all three of the world’s major plastics exhibitions: Chinaplas in China, National Plastics Exposition in the U.S., and now K show in Europe.

Underscoring LG’s leadership in advanced material technologies, PuroTec solutions are suitable for a wide range of applications spanning diverse industries, including home appliances, healthcare, construction materials, packaging and automotive. Along with the complete #PuroTec portfolio, LG’s showcase at K show also features #antibacterialplastics co-developed with #LGChem, a global leader in chemical and materials innovation.

Demonstrating the depth and diversity of its offerings, LG unveiled five core PuroTec product lines at the show. LG PuroTec is a #glassmatrix–based #antimicrobialadditive that can be incorporated into plastics, coatings, powder coatings and textiles, delivering both antibacterial and #antifungal properties. Effective at preventing odors and contamination caused by microorganisms, it helps maintain product cleanliness and durability. Built on LG’s decades-long expertise in glass powder R&D – and following its successful application in home appliances – PuroTec has rapidly emerged as a key growth driver in LG’s B2B portfolio, with annual sales more than doubling year-over-year.

To increase the footprint of its advanced materials business, LG is exploring new applications for its glass powder innovations. These include Marine Glass, designed to support marine ecosystem restoration and carbon reduction, and Mineral Wash, an eco-conscious laundry technology that cleans fabric without surfactants. LG currently holds 420 patents related to glass powder technology and operates a manufacturing facility at LG Smart Park in Changwon, South Korea, with an annual production capacity of 4,500 tons.

In September, LG signed a memorandum of understanding with SGS Korea, a global certification organization, to co-develop international antimicrobial certification standards for PuroTec. Under the agreement, LG will provide technical expertise related to antimicrobial technologies for certification design, while SGS Korea will develop certification procedures aligned with global standards. Products certified under this partnership will bear the SGS Global Performance Mark, clearly signaling transparency and reliability to global customers.

source: LG

Polyplastics’ DURAST® Fine Powder Technology Unleashes New Manufacturing Possibilities for Engineering Plastics

#PolyplasticsGroup, a global leader in engineering thermoplastics, has announced the introduction of DURAST® Powder technology which transforms high-performance resins into fine powders, enabling the use of diverse manufacturing processes from prototyping to #3Dprinting and mass production.

#DURAST® Powder technology successfully micronizes high-strength, high-molecular-weight resins which were previously difficult to powder into various shapes such as spherical or fibrous forms based on application requirements. In particular, high-performance resins like #liquidcrystalpolymer (LCP) and #polyphenylenesulfide (PPS) faced challenges with conventional grinding methods, such as particle agglomeration and reduced flowability. Using Polyplastics’ proprietary technology, DURAST® Powder achieves uniform powderization with an average particle size of approximately 1~100 μm for LCP. This powder exhibits excellent powder flowability and mixing dispersibility, contributing to process stability and improved quality.

 

Resins such as #polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT) and #polyacetal (POM) pose significant challenges in terms of micronization due to their low glass transition when processed via conventional grinding methods. In the case of PBT and POM, the glass transition temperature (the temperature above which resin softens) is low, causing the material to easily agglomerate due to friction heat during grinding. The new technique has successfully enabled the powderization of these high-molecular-weight resins. When considering the thermal and mechanical properties of these resins and selecting powderization methods suited for each, the technology produces powders with particle sizes ranging from 20μm to 100μm with a narrow particle size distribution.

 

DURAST® Powder is suitable for #additivemanufacturing using 3D printers and powder sintering, enabling the production of complex shapes and high-precision parts. Additionally, it is expected to be utilized as a matrix resin for carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and as an organic filler or reinforcing material.

source : Polyplastics

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : The Hidden Cost of Aramid Fiber

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

The Hidden Cost of Aramid Fiber:

37 kilograms. That's how much raw material it takes to produce just 1 kg of #aramidfiber, the high-strength material used in protective garments like bulletproof vests, firefighter suits, FR coveralls, and cut-resistant clothing.

#Aramids are modern marvels (five times stronger than steel by weight), but forging these super-fibers is an incredibly resource-intensive and chemical-heavy process. From petroleum-derived precursors to high-temperature synthesis, every step guzzles energy and specialized ingredients. The result? A fiber that’s light as a feather and tough as nails… BUT it has a production footprint that’s anything but light.

Global demand keeps climbing (over 142,000 tonnes of aramid produced annually), which means millions of tonnes of chemicals and feedstocks are consumed each year to feed our need for flame-resistant clothing, aerospace composites, and ballistic armor. It’s a classic case of hidden environmental cost: we get amazing performance materials, but at the expense of significant energy use, carbon emissions, and waste from the manufacturing process.

As a cleantech company, we at General Recycled believe it’s time to pull back the curtain on these impacts. We’re kicking off a series on the global aramid waste problem, starting at the source, how these fibers are made, and what it takes out of our planet.

source : Justin Norton

Geno Announces New Partnership with Sojitz to Accelerate Commercialization of World’s First Plant-Based Nylon-6

Industrial biomanufacturing technology leader Genomatica (“Geno”) today announced that it has entered into a new partnership with Sojitz Corporation (“Sojitz”) to significantly accelerate the commercialization of plant-based nylon-6 based on Geno’s underlying proprietary technology. Sojitz has made a strategic financial investment to accelerate time-to-market, while also contributing its commercial and business expertise. 

Nylon-6 is one of the most widely used materials in the world. Traditionally produced from fossil-derived carbon sources or recycled materials, it can be found in a broad range of everyday products including outdoor gear, apparel, military materials, and automotive components. Geno’s proprietary technology enables 100% renewable carbon-based nylon-6.

“At Sojitz, we believe real progress comes from challenging the status quo. Geno has been a leader in industrial biomanufacturing, continuously striving for innovation, and we look forward to working together with Geno to actively reshape the future of this sector with materials that are both commercially viable and globally responsible,” said Mitsutoshi Takagi, General Manager of Environment and Life Science Department at Sojitz. “The Chemicals Division is actively promoting the development and trade of bio-based chemicals. Leveraging our expertise and global network, Sojitz will further accelerate the development of the world’s first plant-based nylon-6 business.

“Through this collaboration with Sojitz, we’re advancing our mission to enable cost-competitive production of plant-based nylon-6 at industrial scale. This material will be a drop-in replacement for nylon-6 that has traditionally been produced from petroleum-based feedstocks,” said John Gugel, CEO of Geno. “Our collaboration with Sojitz and our other existing partners aims to accelerate commercialization of Geno’s breakthrough technology to provide consumers, and the major brands who serve them, with high-performance materials that are produced from traceable and renewable sources of carbon.

Geno will seek to collaboratively establish a consortium of industry leaders focused on creating a separate entity for the flagship commercial plant with Sojitz. This investment and partnership are part of Sojitz’s long-term “Sustainability Challenge,” a vision to drive sustainable growth for the company and society by advancing decarbonization across its businesses. More information about Sojitz Chemical Division’s business activities can be found on their website.

Geno and Aquafil [ECNL:IM] have successfully partnered to produce 100% renewably sourced, plant-based nylon-6 and plan to continue pre-commercial plant operations to further demonstrate the bioprocess technology and assess plant-based nylon. The multi-tons of material will undergo testing in various established nylon-6 applications. Previous applications include a collaboration with lululemon (NASDAQ: LULU) including for their 2023 Earth Day campaign, as well as several final products presented through Project Effective, such as those by H&M and Vaude.  

Plant-based nylon-6 is merely one of several product lines that Geno is driving on a path to commercialization at industrial scale. Geno also invented, scaled up, and engineered the GENO™ Bio-BDO process now being used by Qore at its new renewable BDO manufacturing facility in Iowa. The plant, part of a joint venture between Cargill and HELM, is the world’s largest manufacturing site using GENO™ Bio-BDO (1,4-butanediol) and will help leading brands replace their fossil-based chemistries with more sustainable, plant-based alternatives. Through its partnership with Geno, Hyosung is building the world’s first fully integrated manufacturing site for bio-based spandex from renewable raw material to fiber. More information on how Geno is accelerating the world’s transformation to sustainable materials can be found on their website.

source :Genomatica