Dow to evaluate and optimize plastics operations

Midland, Mich.-based Dow Chemical Company has announced that it is placing a number of its plastics businesses in a new business group called Dow Portfolio Optimization.

The company noted that each of the businesses has been earmarked for strategic evaluation, and may be realigned with Dow’s other businesses, placed in joint ventures or sold.

The portfolio will include Saran Products and Specialty Films, Polycarbonate, Compounds and Blends, Synthetic Rubber, and Specialty Polymers. George Blitz, the current head of the company’s Specialty Plastics and Elastomers portfolio, has been appointed business group president.

“Within and organization, systematic portfolio management is fundamental to a company’s evolution and sits right at the heart of long-term shareholder value creation,” said Dow chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris. “Our newly created portfolio brings this highly important activity squarely into the spotlight, ensuring we drive it forward with discipline, with diligence and with due speed.”