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Zeon Corporation has started construction of a bench-scale facility at its Tokuyama Plant (Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) to demonstrate technology for the highly efficient production of butadiene from ethanol derived from plant-based and other sustainable materials. The facility is scheduled to begin operating in 2026, after which Zeon will use the butadiene produced at the facility to make prototype polybutadiene rubber (butadiene rubber) and advance efforts toward the social implementation of the technology.

Akron, OH – Take your expertise to the next level at the Global Polymer Summit. Alongside the robust Technical Meeting

The International Carbon Black Association (ICBA), which recognizes and celebrates safety achievements within the carbon black industry, has honoured 13 Birla Carbon sites with Gold-level recognition under its Safety Performance Recognition Program, the highest accolade conferred by the association. Among the 13 awarded Birla Carbon locations are 11 manufacturing facilities and 2 R&D Centers spread across North and South America, Europe, and Asia

Traditional injection molding machines use tie-bars to stabilize the mold area. ENGEL’s tie-bar-less design eliminates these bars, creating a completely open and accessible mold space. This not only simplifies mold changes and automation but also allows for larger or more complex molds to be used on smaller machines.

Lehigh University and the Mid Atlantic Rubber and Plastics Group (MARPG) have announced a special joint event to mark a significant milestone in the field of polymer science and engineering. The 2025 MARPG Educational Symposium will take place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Lehigh University’s Iacocca Hall, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Lehigh’s Polymer Science & Engineering (PSE) Department.

Mike joined ACE in January 2025 as Business Development Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience across elastomers, plastics, and distribution. His background includes leadership roles in specialty polymers, custom mixing and laboratory services, with a reputation for building strong relationships and delivering results.

RDAbbott is set to host its highly anticipated workshop, “Manufacturing with Silicone Rubber,” from August 26 to 28, 2025, in Barberton, Ohio. Now in its fourth year, this hands-on event offers a comprehensive look at silicone rubber processing from a fabricator’s perspective.

Designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding or refresh their skills, the workshop covers both liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and high consistency rubber (HCR) materials. Attendees will benefit from a blend of classroom instruction and interactive sessions led by seasoned industry experts. Topics include practical processing techniques, testing methods, and equipment troubleshooting

Reed brings more than 15 years of experience in investor relations, corporate development and financial planning and analysis to Goodyear. He most recently served as vice president, Corporate Development, Investor Relations, and FP&A at Wabash National. Prior to Wabash, Reed held senior roles at Parker Hannifin, including director of Investor Relations and corporate economist. Reed holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Baldwin Wallace University and a master’s degree in economics and finance from the University of Leeds.

The inaugural Global Polymer Summit (GPS) 2025 unveiled its distinguished keynote speakers, who will bring powerful insights and industry expertise to this premier event. Set to take place this fall, GPS 2025 promises to be a landmark gathering for professionals across the polymer and rubber industries.

Attendees are encouraged to register early—conference pricing increases on August 1, and housing reservations close August 15. Book your room within the official hotel block for a chance to win a $500 Visa gift card.

The Greater Akron Chamber and Polymer Industry Cluster announces Dr. Hans Dorfi as the Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of The Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC). Dorfi will assume the role and responsibilities immediately.
In this role, Dorfi will be responsible for leading the work of the Polymer Industry Cluster on behalf of a broad group of industry, education, government and economic development collaborators with a focus on sustainable and advanced polymer solutions that can drive economic growth and employment for Greater Akron and the Northeast Ohio region. Dorfi will be the region’s designated leader to shape a globally influential ecosystem through partnerships, and innovation to guide the cluster’s trajectory, secure funding, and lead initiatives that support R&D, workforce development, sector-wide collaboration and capture the future opportunity of the industry on behalf of Greater Akron.