News
3D-printed hands-free door opener combats spread of COVID-19
by Canadian PlasticsDeveloped by Materialise NV, the door opener is being offered as a free printable download in hopes that it catches on worldwide.
TC Transcontinental Packaging working to support “critical” food sector during COVID-19 crisis
by Canadian PlasticsThe Montreal-based company said that it’s meeting the requirements of government guidelines, and adjusting its safety practices to ensure continuity of operations as a vital packaging provider to essential services and industries.
Moldmakers list their COVID-19 anxieties in new CAMM survey
by Canadian PlasticsThe survey shows that employee anxiety, project cancellations or delays, employee protection, and declining sales are the biggest concerns about COVID-19 among respondents.
U.S. lost 701,000 jobs in March as COVID-19 devastates economy
by Canadian PlasticsThe 701,000 payroll losses are the most since 800,000 jobs were lost in March 2009, and they end a record 113-month streak of gains dating to October 2010.
Synthomer completes acquisition of specialty chemical maker Omnova Solutions
by Canadian PlasticsFirst announced in July 2019, the deal strengthens UK-based polymer maker Synthomer’s global positioning in water-based polymer products.
Wales announces plan to ban single-use plastics
by Canadian PlasticsPlastic straws, cotton buds and balloon sticks are among the items set to be outlawed in the UK country from 2021, or subject to sales restrictions.
Consulting firm Wood Mackenzie discusses coronavirus and the petrochemicals industry
by Patrick Kirby, Wood Mackenzie Principal Analyst, and Matthew Chadwick, Vice President - Global Head of PetrochemicalsTwo immediate major COVID-19 shockwaves are linked to economic activity and feedstock pricing: a sudden freeze in economic activity, and volatile feedstock pricing following the oil price crash.
Mercedes-Benz offers its 3D printing capabilities for medical devices
by Canadian PlasticsThe German automaker, which normally uses its 3D printing technology for prototype construction and small-series production for its passenger cars, can print individual medical components to help against the COVID-19 pandemic.
European factory output plummets due to COVID-19 shutdown, report says
by Canadian PlasticsThe IHS Markit manufacturing purchasing managers’ index for the eurozone also reports that Italy is enduring its sharpest contraction on record.
Tetra Laval Group donating 10 million euros towards COVID-19 relief efforts
by Canadian PlasticsThe Swiss-based multinational conglomerate is donating to various voluntary organizations that support healthcare systems across the countries it operates in.
Tank Holding acquires rotomolder Meese
by Canadian PlasticsFormerly MODRoto and Meese Orbitron Dunne, Meese is a manufacturer of bulk laundry and linen carts, material handling bins and containers, recycling bins, and recreational products.
Economic growth in January slowed to 0.1 per cent, StatsCan says
by Canadian PlasticsReduced trade with China affected potential growth in January, the agency said, and the COVID-19 pandemic and a collapse in oil prices has hurt the economy since then.
Dow expands hand sanitizer production at five sites
by Canadian PlasticsThe five sites in Europe and the Americas are expected to produce more than 200 metric tons of sanitizer, which will be donated to local health systems and government agencies.
Tech community calls for swift action during COVID-19 crisis in open letter to Ontario government
by Canadian PlasticsMore than 230 tech CEOs and innovation hubs are calling for the provincial government to maintain top talent and jobs threatened by the virus outbreak.
Airlite Plastics expands capacity with Davis-Standard sheet line
by Canadian PlasticsThe new line, installed in 2019, supports Airlite’s thin-gauge sheet production for products of various thicknesses and textures, including proprietary Orthoform sheet.
Canadian auto sales face “tough year” in 2020, Scotiabank says
by Canadian PlasticsThe outlook for Canadian auto sales has weakened substantially in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak and policy responses, a new report from the bank says.
Ford making 50,000 ventilators with GE Healthcare in next 100 days
by Canadian PlasticsThe ventilators are less complex than others, and are designed by Florida-based Airon Corp., a company that specializes in high-tech pneumatic life support products.
2020 North American International Auto Show in Detroit cancelled
by Canadian PlasticsThe TCF Center, where the event was to have been held in June, will likely be repurposed into a temporary field hospital in preparation for the increased need for urgent health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Feds offer new COVID-19 relief measures for small businesses
by Canadian PlasticsThe federal government will cover 75 per cent of salaries for workers of qualifying small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Magna provides COVID-19 update, withdraws outlook
by Canadian PlasticsThe Aurora, Ont.-based auto parts supplier has established “internal task forces” to deal with the potential impact of COVID-19 on its business.