Sabic has unveiled its first PC building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels for roofing, cladding and glazing applications. Sabic worked with SolbianEnergie Alternative, a flexible PV production company.

Lexan BIPV panels combine Lexan Thermoclear PC sheet with flexible PV laminated crystalline cells from Solbian and are available in a broad range of structures, configurations and colours.

In other news, customers in the future will benefit from lighter weight, more efficient and lower cost solar thermal panels as a result of a worldwide agreement between Sabic and VU University Amsterdam (VU). The objective of the collaboration is to develop and commercialise the university’s technology invention to keep the temperature in solar energy collectors under control.

The concept developed and patented by VU University uses an “optical switch” by creating a prismatic structure of the thermoplastic panels made from Lexan PC sheet in such a way that, the sunlight can be reflected before the panels get too hot. Besides its use in replacing metal to consolidate parts, this technology can also be applied to greenhouses.

The concept has already been awarded the EUREKA Climate prize by the province of North Holland in 2009, which contributed to funding further development together with The Institute for Fundamental Research on Matter (FOM).

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.