Japanese firm Kuraray has set up its new PVOH (Polyvinyl Alcohol) resin production facility at its US subsidiary Kuraray America (a wholly owned subsidiary in Houston, Texas).

The establishment of this new facility is in line with the Kuraray’s global strategies for its core business of vinyl acetate and PVOH-related products. Following on business expansion in Japan, Singapore and Europe (Germany), this move will secure a fourth advantageously situated production base for the group, in this case, in the US where shale gas is easy to procure.

Based on proprietary Kuraray production techniques, the four production bases can sustainably offer products on a global scale. The new facility will be able to meet demands for markets in North America and burgeoning Central and South America.

Strengthening its presence in Asia, Rosti has established a subsidiary, Rosti Integrated Manufacturing Solutions (IMS), located in Senai in southern Malaysia.

Indian firm Jain Irrigation Systems will invest US$375 million over the next few years to build sustainable agriculture that will improve income of small farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

BOPP producer Taghleef Industries has acquired Applied Extrusion Technologies (AET), a US-based manufacturer of specialised BOPP films.

Sabic has shipped its first consignment of ethanolamines and ethoxylates from its manufacturing plant in Jubail, Saudi Kayan, making Saudi Arabia

Rome-based Assobioplastiche and Bangkok-based Thai Bioplastics Industry Association have formed a five-year agreement to carry out R&D of bioplastics.

US-based specialised polymer materials provider PolyOne announced the opening of its innovation centre in Shanghai, China.