automotive

EU clears Forvia Interiors sale

July 10, 2026 - The Commission has approved Apollo’s acquisition of the automotive interiors business under the simplified procedure.

BASF brings PA foam to automotive

June 25, 2026 - The German group presented Ultramid Expand at Plast, highlighting potential uses in impact and energy-management components.

New EU rules for circular vehicles

June 18, 2026 - Within six years, recycled content will become mandatory for plastics used in vehicles, with part of it also required to come from closed-loop sources.

Vulcaflex expands into North America

June 18, 2026 - The Italian company will produce synthetic leather materials in Alabama while keeping design and R&D in Italy.

Apollo funds to acquire Forvia Interiors

April 28, 2026 - The automotive interiors business generated around €4.8 billion in revenue in 2025 and employs more than 31,000 people.

Magna to divest Lighting and Rooftop businesses

April 9, 2026 - European automotive lighting operations will be transferred to Bavarian holding company Mutares.

Chemical recycling for end-of-life vehicles

March 3, 2026 - The latest draft ELV Regulation opens the door to recycling routes other than mechanical, with allocation via mass balance.

The Future is Neutral appoints new CEO

February 17, 2026 - Renault–SUEZ joint venture strengthens leadership to scale dismantling, remanufacturing and recycling operations.

BMW and PreZero team up for circular cars

February 13, 2026 - A strategic partnership has been forged to promote the reuse or recycling of components from end-of-life vehicles.

VW ramps up circular economy at Zwickau

January 26, 2026 - Up to €90 million will be invested over the coming years at the German plant to recover vehicle components and materials.

LAST NEWS

Low Rhine levels squeeze transport capacity

August 7, 2026 - Barges are operating with sharply reduced loads as drought affects one of northern Europe’s main logistics corridors.

UK probes polymer imports

August 7, 2026 - The TRA has opened investigations into PET and S-PVC imports following applications from two UK producers.

Plastic Energy relaunches under Monreal

August 7, 2026 - With a new ownership structure following administration proceedings, the UK recycler is preparing to relaunch its activities under the leadership of its founder.

Italy presses ahead on compostables mandate

August 5, 2026 - The Council of Ministers has approved a decree-law introducing mandatory compostability requirements for certain types of single-use packaging. Assobioplastiche has welcomed the decision.

Sinopec expands PVA capacity

August 5, 2026 - A new 50,000-tonne-per-year facility has increased the Chongqing site’s total capacity to 210,000 tonnes per year. The first batches have already been shipped to Europe.

NexPoint emerges from Sabic’s ETP

August 4, 2026 - The new engineering thermoplastics company was created following Mutares’ acquisition of the Engineering Thermoplastics business.

MOST POPULAR

UBE restructures nylon supply chain

February 11, 2025 - Production closures announced in Japan, Spain and Thailand as the company shifts focus from basic chemicals to specialties.

Marelli to stay in lenders' hands

July 30, 2025 - Search for a buyer falls through; Chapter 11 exit slated for 2026 under the ownership of its principal lenders.

COIM sets sights on Notedome

October 20, 2025 - Agreement with Manali Petrochemicals to acquire the UK-based manufacturer of elastomeric polyurethane systems.

Shell to shut down plants in Europe

March 28, 2025 - Capital Markets Day 2025 unveils restructuring plan for chemical operations in the U.S. and Europe.

Klöckner Pentaplast exits Chapter 11 with new owners

February 2, 2026 - Financial restructuring completed under Redwood Capital’s control, with approximately €1.3 billion of debt eliminated and €349 million in fresh capital to support operations and future growth.

EVENTS

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

WPO launches World Packaging Day

The World Packaging Organisation has established an annual event to highlight packaging’s contribution to safety, sustainability and economic development.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

interpack moves to June and trims format

The Düsseldorf packaging trade fair will return in 2029 with a six-day format running from Sunday to Friday.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

PRS Europe marks its tenth edition with solid numbers

The plastics recycling exhibition and conference brought together industry players, policymakers and technology suppliers at RAI Amsterdam.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

German plastics output keeps falling

All key indicators remained negative in 2025, underlining the depth of the crisis facing the country’s plastics industry.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

Plast 2026: free registration opens 2 March

Visitor sign-up for the Milan triennial on plastics, rubber and composites begins in ten days.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

PRS Europe 2026 agenda unveiled

A two-day programme in Amsterdam will address EU regulation, investment conditions and emerging markets, including polyurethane recycling.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

Plastics fair Fakuma confirms Friedrichshafen

With strong exhibitor interest and regional support, the event will remain at its traditional Lake Constance location for at least five more years.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

Petcore chooses Rome for annual PET event

The ‘save the date’ has been launched for the annual industry gathering, which for the first time will not be held in Brussels.