Extrusion International 6-2025-USA

32 Extrusion International 6/2025 32 INDUSTRY NEWS New Innovation Center Opened SI Group, a leading global develop- er and manufacturer of performance additives, process solutions, and chemical intermediates, announced the of cial opening of its European Innovation Centre (EIC) in Four Ash- es, United Kingdom. This milestone marks an important expansion of SI Group’s global innovation network, strengthening R&D and application development to better serve custom- ers worldwide. The new state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced tools and resources to support a wide range of research activities. With a focus on plastics and rubber application development, as well as analytical characterization, the EIC will serve as a collaborative hub for address- ing technical challenges and driving sustainable innovation in partner- ship with customers and industry leaders. In addition to the new Four Ashes, UK facility, SI Group also operates In- novation Centers in: • Houston, Texas, USA • Rotterdam Junction, New York, USA • Morgantown, West Virginia, USA • Lote, India • Shanghai, China “The opening of the European In- novation Centre represents a signi - U.S. Senate Passage of STEWARD Act Applauded The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) applauds the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Strategies to Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling De- velopment (STEWARD) Act – an im- portant bipartisan milestone that will strengthen America’s recycling infra- structure and advance a more circu- lar, resilient manufacturing economy. PLASTICS commends Senator Shel- ley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) for her continued leadership and unwav- ering commitment to practical, solutions-focused recycling policy. Senator Capito’s work has been cen- tral to elevating national recycling priorities, driving innovation, and expanding access to modern recy- cling systems across the country. “Senator Capito has once again shown what it looks like to lead on so- lutions that deliver real results,” said Matt Seaholm, President & CEO of PLASTICS. “The STEWARD Act moves recycling forward in a meaningful way – improving infrastructure, ex- panding access, and keeping valuable materials out of the environment and in the economy. Strengthening Amer- ica’s recycling capabilities goes hand in hand with strengthening Ameri- can manufacturing, and the Senator has been instrumental in that work.” PLASTICS remains committed to part- nering with Senator Capito and bipar- tisan leaders in Congress to support swift enactment of the STEWARD Act and continue building a stronger, more effective recycling system for all Americans. www.plasticsindustry.org Matt Seaholm Chief Financial Of cer Named Orion announced that Jonathan “Jon” Puckett succeed Jeff Glajch as chief financial officer, effective Dec. 1, 2025. Puckett brings to Orion more than 30 years of financial leadership expe- rience – much of it within the chemi- cal industry. He joins the company after 14 years with Celanese, where he recently served as vice president and CFO for the Acetyl Chain seg- ment. While at Celanese, Puckett also held a series of other senior financial business unit and corporate roles of increasing responsibility. Orion CEO Corning Painter said, “Jon’s broad functional skillset, deep financial expertise and demon- strated success in helping businesses execute on both financial and stra- tegic goals make him an excellent fit for our company, particularly as we navigate our next phase of growth and profitability.” In July, Glajch announced his in- tention to retire as CFO at the end of 2025. He will remain as a full-time employee of Orion through Dec. 31, 2025, and will provide consulting services during the first quarter of 2026 to ensure a seamless transition. Orion S.A. orioncarbons.com Jonathan Puckett