GKN Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters sign strategic partnership

During the official visit of the Dutch royal couple to the Airbus site in Toulouse on 1 October, #GKNAerospace and #Airbus Helicopters signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening their industrial collaboration on the H225M Caracal military transport helicopter programme. This multi-role twin-engine helicopter is designed for transport, combat search and rescue (CSAR) and military support missions.

The agreement extends the one signed in 2023 between Airbus Helicopters and GKN’s Dutch subsidiary, GKN Fokker, covering advanced #composite technologies and #electricalwiringsystems (EWIS).

It follows on from the order placed in November 2024 by the Dutch Ministry of Defence for 12 H225M Caracal helicopters. According to the joint press release, it aims to ‘advance the development of critical systems such as onboard electrical networks and advanced composite technologies for the H225M’, while creating a broader basis for cooperation within European defence aeronautics.

The signing also highlighted the strategic importance of industrial links between Airbus, the Netherlands and the Dutch aerospace ecosystem, and represents a concrete step towards European strategic autonomy.

Two complementary players:

The 2025 agreement strengthens the cooperation initiated in 2023 between Airbus Helicopters and GKN Fokker, which already covered the engineering, design and production of EWIS systems and aeronautical structures. It also symbolises the convergence between Airbus’ industrial ambitions and GKN Aerospace’s technological expertise, at a time when European sovereignty in defence and aeronautical innovation is becoming crucial.

Based in Marignane (France), Airbus Helicopters recorded 455 net orders and delivered 361 aircraft in 2024, representing approximately 57% of the global civil market. A Tier 1 supplier specialising in aeronautical structures, engine systems and electrical technologies, GKN Aerospace has a presence in 12 countries with more than 16,000 employees. Its Dutch subsidiary, GKN Fokker, has more than 3,500 employees in the Netherlands, notably in Papendrecht and Hoogeveen. These sites are at the heart of R&D on thermoplastic composites and high-voltage electrical wiring.

source: GKN Aerospace/ Jeccomposites

INEOS to close two Rheinberg plants as Europe’s chemical industry hits breaking point

INEOS has today confirmed its intention to shut two production units in Rheinberg, Germany, with the loss of 175 jobs. The proposed closures are the direct result of crippling energy and carbon costs, and a lack of tariff protection.

The intention to close, which has been shared with employees, reflects a deepening crisis across Europe’s chemical sector.

Stephen Dossett, CEO of INEOS Inovyn, said: “Europe is committing industrial suicide. While competitors in the US and China benefit from cheap energy, European producers are being priced out by our own policies and absence of tariff protection. Meanwhile, high-emission imports flood our market unchecked. It’s completely unsustainable and if not immediately addressed will lead to further closures, job losses and increased dependency on other regions for essential materials.

Both plants produce essential chemicals. The Allylics unit makes the key ingredient for epoxy resins vital in defence, aerospace, cars and renewable energy infrastructure. The electro chemical facility produces chlorine crucial for clean water, medicines, industrial processes and sanitation.

These closures are part of a wider trend as Europe’s competitiveness collapses. Since 2019, output in Germany has dropped by 18%, driving job losses and reduced investment. INEOS has closed plants in Grangemouth (UK), Geel (Belgium). It is closing Gladbeck (Germany), and has mothballed assets in Tavaux (France) and Martorell (Spain).

“We’ve reached the point where well invested, efficient European plants are closing, while global emissions rise,” Dossett said. “It’s not just economic madness. It’s environmental hypocrisy.

INEOS will now focus on preserving its remaining #PVC operations in Rheinberg to support around 300 skilled jobs. This requires urgent state support to help cover significant local transitioning costs.

The business deeply regrets the decision to close Rheinberg’s cell rooms and Allylics operations and is conscious of the impact it will have on staff and wider German supply chain.

#INEOS Inovyn will work closely with partners and employees to minimise the impact.” said Dossett “We are doing everything we can to protect what is still viable, but we can’t do it alone. If governments want to keep strategic manufacturing in Europe, they must help manage this transition and restore competitiveness.

INEOS firmly criticised the EU’s absence of tariff protection. While the US has introduced strong tariffs, effectively blocking the oversupply of commodity chemicals from Korea, Taiwan, and China, some based on cheap Russian feedstocks, Europe opens its doors to displaced local production.

source : Ineos

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Bio-based or recycled plastics?

 Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

♻️ Bio-based or recycled plastics? The debate is heating up in MedTech.

Too often, it’s presented as either/or.

But the truth is: it depends where you are on the plastic pyramid.

⚠️ Mechanical recycling delivers less relative CO₂ savings per kg at the commodity.

✅ Bio-based Commodities, on the other hand, can store 2–3 kg of biogenic carbon per kg – sometimes dropping cradle-to-gate footprints below zero.

As you climb the pyramid, the equation flips.

✅ Mechanical recycling of engineering or high-performance polymers achieves much higher relative savings. Since their footprint is almost constant and not much dependent on the plastic used.

⚠️ Bio-based versions of high performance plastics often cut only 10–15% of the footprint.

So:

For commodities → bio-based has the edge.

For high-performance polymers → recycling makes more sense.

This nuance is missing in most sustainability discussions. And it’s exactly where MedTech plastic selection needs to get holistic and not rely on heuristics.

That’s the kind of holistic analysis we build into our GradeMatch® approach – balancing performance, compliance, and sustainability.

👉 If you are interested in what is the best choice for your device: Let’s talk.

source : Lucas R Pianegonda

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