Japan’s chemical giants join plastic arms to ride out tough times

Three of Japan’s largest chemical companies are preparing to combine parts of their plastics operations in an ambitious effort to strengthen their position in a struggling global market. Mitsui Chemicals, Idemitsu Kosan and Sumitomo Chemical have signed a memorandum of understanding that could see their businesses integrated into a single, more competitive entity. The plan centres on polyolefins, a family of versatile plastics that make up the backbone of modern manufacturing. Used in everything from pac ...