Bioformix, a developer of energy efficient sustainable monomer and polymer platforms recently announced that it has closed a $13.6 Mn Series A-1 round of funding. The new round was led by Braemar Energy Ventures and includes Arsenal Venture Partners, Mitsui Global Investment (MGI) and other strategic investors.

The HallStar Company was recently awarded U.S. Patent Number 8,158,731, titled "Biopolymer Compositions Having Improved Flexibility",from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). The patent applies to novel, bio-based polymeric additives, which are derived from renewable feedstocks and provide unique benefits to biopolymer processors.

In cooperation with various project partners, Siemens researchers have developed a new recipe for plastic made primarily of renewable resources and CO₂. The new material is an alternative to standard polystyrene-based acrylonitrite-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer. The new polymer is much "greener" than ABS even though the physical properties of the two materials are similar.

The Munich-based WACKER group is stepping up its cooperation with Italian silicone rubber compounder TSF S.r.l.. According to a recently signed agreement, TSF will receive high-quality silicone raw materials from WACKER, which will be used to produce sophisticated silicone rubber compounds for the Italian market.

NOVA Chemicals Corporation and PFB Corporation, announced recently that they have signed a letter of intent for PFB, through its subsidiary PFB International Corporation, to acquire NOVA Chemicals' Performance Styrenics business, including the expandable polystyrene ("EPS") and ARCEL® resin products.

PolyOne Corporation announced recently at Plast 2012 (Booth 9D06) that it is helping automotive manufacturers and their suppliers to switch from painted plastic parts to molded-in-color versions using OnColor™ FX Smartbatch™ concentrate technology.

Global custom engineered thermoplastics compounder RTP Company has recently announced that it has undertaken an expansion at its Ladenburg, Germany production facility for thermoplastics that will nearly double the locations footprint to 9,700 m² (105,000 square feet).

Solvay is offering to the market Amodel® polyphthalamide (PPA) and Ixef® polyarylamide (PARA) for key fuel line connectors and glycol connectors to automotive tier suppliers and OEMs in the wake of a recent shortage of nylon 12 resin.

Evonik's VESTAMID® Terra, a polyamide product line made from biogenic renewable raw materials was featured at the Bioplastics Compounding and Processing Conference Bioplastics Compounding and Processing Conference (May 8-9)

INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe recently confirmed that it is considering strategic options for the future of its HDPE businesses at Rosignano and Sarralbe, including a divestment to interested third parties. The decision follows a recent strategy review of INEOS O&P Europe.

PolyOne has signed a cooperation and supply agreement with Xenia S.r.l. Unipersonale. The agreement offers customers superior support to successfully transition from metal or thermoset resins to thermoplastic composites in high-end applications, enabling lightweighting, improved process efficiency and productivity.

SABIC and the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, are exploring avenues for future collaborative research in multidisciplinary fields of technology and innovation and knowledge development. SABIC extends an annual grant of SR 3,950,000 to the university to carry its research efforts further, particularly in petrochemicals, material engineering and corrosion control.

A. Schulman, Inc., one of the leading global suppliers of engineered plastics, masterbatches, specialty powders and distribution services presented its latest product innovations for the European market at the Plast 2012 held from May 8-12 in Milan, Italy.

BioTork and The NCERC at SIUE announced recently the successful completion of the first step in a joint development program intended to improve the processes and economics of ethanol production.

The Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE) is partnering with Magna Exteriors and Interiors on a project to integrate wood fiber in auto parts. This initiative will help create jobs in the automotive, pulp and paper, and packaging industries.

Vystar Corporation has announced an agreement with two long time textile industry veterans to launch the Vytex brand into the home textile industry. Vytex NRL is a patented, all-natural raw material that significantly reduces the protein allergens and other non-rubber particles found in natural rubber latex.

SABIC's Innovative Plastics business is showcasing here at ongoing PLAST 2012 its broad and deep portfolio of industry-leading sustainable materials that help customers design, develop and differentiate environmentally responsible products in three key ways.

Scion, which is also sponsoring ABIC 2012, is carrying out a range of cutting-edge research to create new materials, energy products and green chemicals with bio fuels and bio refineries - key elements of the emerging industrial biotechnology sector - a major focus.

Coim is showcasing a wide range of new LARIPUR thermoplastic polyurethanes at the ongoing Plast 2012 event. The new products include LARIPUR 5018B, a soft plasticized TPU that has been developed to satisfy the request of a soft touch and high grip material to be used for toll's handles and footwear application.

Following a comprehensive review of the group's strategy, instigated by the earlier Business Review, CSM announced recently that it intends to transform into a bio-based ingredients company focusing on the Purac and Caravan Ingredients businesses.