Don Loepp

Amid intense lobbying, the California Assembly passed legislation May 27 that would narrow the recycled-content claims allowed for chemical recycling of plastics.

In this week's Material Insights, North American PVC demand continued to strengthen, supported by increased activity in the construction sector. The latest increase marks the fourth consecutive month of gains for PVC, extending a broader upward trend seen across commodity resins, according to senior reporter Frank Esposito.

Arsenal Capital Partners is acquiring a majority stake in Velcro Cos., a global manufacturer whose iconic hook-and-loop fasteners evolved from a nylon-based biomimicry invention into a diversified plastics and engineered materials business.

Clayens continues its transformation from a European molder into a global aerospace supplier, using acquisitions to expand its capabilities in composites, injection molding and lightweight materials.

Zotefoams says growing demand from aerospace, defense and other industrial markets is helping offset a slowdown in footwear sales as the specialty foam maker expands capacity in North America, builds a manufacturing base in Vietnam and pursues additional acquisitions.

Top 20 injection molder OPMobility plans to build a new Ohio automotive parts plant featuring advanced injection molding and paint operations, creating more than 500 jobs as the company pursues an ambitious U.S. expansion strategy.

Plastics News received four awards in the Detroit chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists' annual Excellence in Journalism competition, with

The new plant will begin production in the second half of 2027.

A creditors committee in the First Brands bankruptcy has accused the automotive supplier of operating a years-long financing scheme involving fabricated invoices and double-pledged collateral, offering new details about the collapse of a company that owned plastics manufacturers including Toledo Molding & Die and Jasper Rubber.

American Tool & Mold Inc.'s lender is now asking the court to appoint a trustee to oversee operations.