Materials distributors Nexeo Plastics and Vinmar Polymers America have expanded their product offerings in early 2025.
Nexeo, based in The Woodlands, Texas, has entered into an agreement with Shell Polymers to distribute many of Shell's high density polyethylene grades for injection molding and blow molding as well as Shell's linear low density PE film grades, in the U.S. and Canada. The agreement took effect Jan. 1.
"We're excited about this partnership with Shell Polymers, which strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality [PE] solutions across key industries like health care, packaging and consumer goods," Nexeo President and CEO Kurt Schuering said in a news release.
Schuering, who will present at the upcoming Plastics News Executive Forum in La Jolla, Calif., added the collaboration allows Nexeo to offer materials that provide durability, compliance and processing efficiency.
Officials also said Shell PE grades "focus on creating solutions that meet customers' unique needs."
Houston-based Shell opened a major PE plant near Pittsburgh in 2022. It was the first major U.S. resin operation built outside of Texas or Louisiana in more than 40 years.
Nexeo distributes resins and compounds in North America, Europe and Asia for more than 30 suppliers. The firm has annual sales estimated at around $2 billion.
At Houston-based Vinmar, the firm now is distributing thermoplastic elastomers for Kraiburg TPE in the U.S. and Canada. In a news release, officials with Kraiburg in Waldkraiburg, Germany, said their firm "maintains strategic distribution alliances across the Americas tailored to each region's needs."
"North America is a strong TPE market rich with opportunities across our four main segments," Americas sales and marketing director Alberto Oba said in a news release.
He added that market analysis in the U.S. and Canada "revealed significant demand for TPE products. … To capitalize on this potential and achieve our growth objectives, we sought a strategic partner with a proven track record…Vinmar was the clear choice."
Officials added Vinmar has "a vast North American network" of warehouses and logistics resources and "ensures exceptional service and unique insights into supply and demand dynamics."
VPA is a unit of Vinmar International, a global material supplier that was founded in 1978 and now has more than 50 offices in more than 35 countries, with sales in more than 110 countries.