Material Insights: June 25, 2012

PolyOne's opening of its third and largest Asian innovation center is featured in this week's Material Insights video. The $8 million facility covers 108,000 square feet and is located in Shanghai. The center employs 200 and contains 55 different kinds of processing and testing equipment. R&D work done at the Shanghai site will focus on green packaging, health care, automotive and green construction. Last year, PolyOne generated 9 percent of its $2.9 billion sales total from Asia, and officials said the firm is hoping to increase sales in the region. A lawsuit filed by the Vinyl Institute against new EPA regulations also is featured in this week’s video. Washington-based VI claims that the new regulations surrounding emissions from PVC production will hamper facility operations and manufacturer compliance. VI represents makers of PVC resin, additives and modifiers, as well as PVC packaging materials and makers of vinyl chloride monomer feedstock. The video wraps up with news that flexible PVC compounder Manner Plastics is adding warehouse and office space as well as a new extrusion line at its plant in McKinney, Texas. The new line is needed because of increased demand. The expansion includes almost 33,000 square feet of warehouse space and 3,500 square feet of office space. It's expected to be complete in early 2013 and should create 8-10 new jobs.