Polymer Industry Cluster

Last week, Elevate Greater Akron unveiled its updated priorities, setting the stage for a stronger, more connected future for our region. This collaborative initiative has been a driving force behind fostering polymer industry growth, particularly in sustainability—an area of key focus for the Polymer Industry Cluster. Here’s how they’re making an impact: 1?? Advancing polymer growth through sustainable innovation. 2?? Driving inclusive economic growth to benefit all. 3?? Cultivating a thriving, connected downtown Akron. 4?? Aligning economic development to support existing regional assets. As partners in innovation, we’re proud to celebrate their efforts and encourage you to follow Elevate Greater Akron for more updates on their vital work. Together, we can build a brighter future! ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/giiWJ-U8 #PolymerIndustry #GreaterAkron #ElevateAkron #Sustainability #InclusiveGrowth #Innovation

The Liquid Silicone Rubber Market Set to Soar! The liquid silicone rubber (LSR) market is on track to reach $5.83 billion by 2031, growing from $3.31 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 8.4%. ?? Key drivers of this growth include the healthcare and automotive sectors, where LSR’s unique properties—heat resistance, biocompatibility, chemical durability, electrical resistance, and transparency—make it indispensable for a variety of applications. ?? The rise of electric vehicles and the demand for eco-friendly, high-performing materials further amplify its importance, with the U.S. leading the charge in North America. ?? Industrial-grade LSR, fueled by OEM demand, is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 8.6%, making it a standout in both the automotive and healthcare industries. Read more here: #PolymerIndustry #LiquidSiliconeRubber #Innovation #MaterialScience #Automotive #Healthcare

??Investor Member Spotlight ?? The Polymer Industry Cluster has over 35 investing members, one of which is Avient Corporation. Avient Corporation is a global leader in specialized and sustainable material solutions. Their innovative products and services enhance performance, reduce environmental impact, and drive innovation across various industries, including healthcare, consumer goods, and transportation. From color and additive masterbatches to high-performance polymers, Avient is dedicated to creating a better tomorrow through material science. We are proud and honored to have this industry leader as a member of the Polymer Industry Cluster! ?? Learn more about Avient Corporation: https://www.avient.com/

"Bridgestone Americas, which employs about 45,000 worldwide, says it has begun work on a new plant in the city, at 381 W. Wilbeth Road, to produce butadiene, a key ingredient in synthetic rubber — and therefore also a key component in nearly all of the tires on the road today, not to mention at mines, farms, racetracks and other places tires are used." Congratulations to Bridgestone for plotting out Akron's first new plant in 70 years! Read more about what this project entails from Crain's Cleveland Business: https://lnkd.in/g2Cyq2hd

The Akron Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) has awarded the Akron Section Award to young chemists or engineering professionals within 500 miles of Akron. This year, the PIC's R&D committee chair Dr. James Eagan The University of Akron was awarded this distinct honor on November 13th. He was also honored at the Greater Akron Chamber's 30 for the Future Awards earlier this year. Congratulations Dr. Eagan!!

The world is changing. Greater Akron is ready. ?? Today, Elevate Greater Akron launched its new set of shared priorities. ?? Communities across the U.S. are in the midst of a massive restructuring. Layer on significant changes like new incoming leadership, transformational polymer industry investments, and a shifting downtown landscape, and it becomes clear - Greater Akron is at a flash point. How we respond now to these shifts will shape the next decade and beyond. Elevate Greater Akron is a collaborative of over a dozen government, business, and civic leaders working together, since 2018, to capitalize on opportunities in this rapidly changing world. Today, we are publicly launching our updated priorities that build on successes to-date while sharpening our focus for 2025 and beyond: 1?? Capture polymer growth opportunities in sustainability 2?? Prioritize inclusive economic growth??? 3?? Build a thriving, connected downtown Akron? 4?? Coordinate economic development intentionally focused on those already in the region? Read more at https://lnkd.in/giiWJ-U8 GAR Foundation Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro Shammas Malik City of Akron, Ohio Greater Akron Chamber Bounce Innovation Hub ConxusNEO Downtown Akron Partnership Knight Foundation Akron Community Foundation Burton D. Morgan Foundation Akron Urban League Team NEO Stark State College United Way of Summit & Medina The University of Akron Fund for Our Economic Future #ElevateGreaterAkron #SharedProsperity https://lnkd.in/g9dg92_a

We are very excited to see polymer studies entering the school system in our region - thank you Barberton City School District and Barberton Community Foundation for supporting our region's workforce needs and influencing the next generation of polymer professionals! Read this article from Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com on the Polymer Pathway: https://ow.ly/8nJc50Uajax

We are incredibly proud to announce that our own Brian Anderson has been named to Crain's Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 list! ?? This honor recognizes his outstanding leadership and impactful work within the Polymer Industry Cluster, driving innovation and growth in Greater Akron. https://ow.ly/Lmhs50UaaaS His dedication, vision, and contributions have left a lasting legacy on our region. Brian, thank you for all you’ve done for the business community, polymer industry, and our region! #40Under40 #CrainsClevelandBusiness #PolymerIndustry #Leadership #CommunityImpact

Big News for Akron’s Polymer Industry! The University of Akron has received $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to revolutionize EV battery recycling. This project will eliminate plastics from battery waste and recycle them into materials for new batteries. ???? Thanks to the DOE’s support, Akron continues to lead in polymers and sustainable innovation while advancing the clean energy transition. Read more: https://ow.ly/vQYr50U9nw7 #PolymerIndustry #GreaterAkron #UniversityOfAkron #EVBatteries #Sustainability #DepartmentOfEnergy

?? What an Incredible Day at the 3rd Annual Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference (PC3)! ?? We are thrilled to share that this year's PC3 was a resounding success and brought together leaders from across the polymer industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, educators, and development partners, and even students from Barberton High School. A heartfelt THANK YOU to our inspiring speakers, generous sponsors, and engaged attendees for making this event possible. Your dedication and collaboration are driving innovation and ensuring a bright future for our region’s polymer industry. Together, we are shaping a shared vision and building a stronger, more connected industry! Speakers/Breakout Session facilitators: Erin Spring Mark Smale Raymond Somich II Steve Millard Brian Anderson Nicki Hershberger Rob McClenaghan Surendra Chawla Jean Barbato Hope Bell Sponsors & Partners: City of Akron, Ohio The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Parker Hannifin Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC Great Work! Employment Services Co Kent State University RDAbbott NovationSi KeyBank Metis Construction Services, LLC Roetzel & Andress Smithers GAR Foundation Team NEO #PolymerIndustry #Innovation #PC3 #Collaboration #NortheastOhio