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Formosa Plastics Corp. USA has commissioned what the firm said is North America’s largest horizontal polypropylene resin reactor.

Plastics News is reporting that polyethylene resin prices were flat in August, following months of market uncertainty.

B. Braun Medical Inc. is investing $20 million to expand its Bethlehem, Pa., manufacturing plant, a project that will add 200 jobs, retain more than 1,700 positions and include a new workforce training center.

Vangest SA has acquired U.K.-based Micro Systems Ltd. and Optimold Ltd. to grow its global footprint in precision medical molding and clean room manufacturing.

New U.S. tariffs on imported plastics machinery, molds and recycled resins offer potential gains for domestic mold makers and recyclers but leave many processors facing costly delays and deep uncertainty.

Niche Polymer LLC’s recent acquisition of four U.S. resin powder plants from LyondellBasell Industries offers a look at the roller-coaster nature of the plastics M&A world.

Mike Radossich will become CEO of materials maker Syensqo on Jan. 1, taking over from Ilham Kadri, who oversaw the company’s spinoff from Solvay SA two years ago.

The eQ80 injection molding machine comes clean-room ready for applications that demand precise process control, high-speed injections and consistent repeatability.

Senior reporter Frank Esposito said polypropylene supply improved in August as production units ramped up and inventories rose by almost 70 million pounds. He noted that while some expect calmer markets ahead, polypropylene has a history of volatility. With demand softening, Esposito added that analysts see room for more price pressure if feedstock costs keep sliding. Sign up for the next Polymer Points Live, Tuesday, Sept. 16, for more resin…

PET recycler rPlanet Earth, which also made recycled-content food packaging, is shutting down amid difficult economic conditions. It was the main company focused on recycling dirtier materials from curbside collection in California.