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In this issue:
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Thirteen innovation projects receive funding through the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub
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New expertise on board: Synthe6 Materials Accelerator Advisor and PIC Innovation Pilot Facility Manager to accelerate Innovation Hub projects
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Flexsys, one of 5 Tech Hub Component Project companies, develops the world's first viable alternative to 6PPD for use in tires
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Welcome, new PIC members JMP Industries and VentureFuel
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PIC welcomes two international polymer companies choose Akron as "home" for their first U.S. presence
Drawn by the region’s focus on advancing the work of our polymer sector, and the deep industry expertise, collaborative environment, and exceptional access to industry resources in this region, the Polymer Industry Cluster is excited about two international companies who have recently selected Akron as the site of their first U.S. location.
On November 21, we had the pleasure of celebrating the official grand opening of G3 Mixing Technologies’, which will serve as an important reference point for sales, technical support, and the demonstration site of both lab-scale and industrial mixing technologies. An international leader in the design and manufacture of rubber mixing machinery, G3 looked to Akron because of our rich history in rubber backed by leaders like Goodyear and Bridgestone.
We also look forward to welcoming Germany-based MKV's new subsidiary of MKV Polymers, Inc. venture into the U.S. market in January 2026, with an initial presence through a sales office located at Bounce Innovation Hub, with plans for a dedicated production facility in the future. The family-owned and operated company brings with them decades of experience in industrial plastics recycling and polymer compounds, along with a strong commitment to advancing the circular economy.
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Industry Advisor Selected to Guide the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator
Mike Drenski joins Bounce Innovation Hub as the new Synthe6 Industry Advisor. In this role, Drenski will leverage the Polymer Industry Cluster’s strongest resource–its network of corporate partners and industry experts to support startups in gaining customer connections and connecting to industry and technical experts. Drenski has extensive experience with small businesses and startups as a co-founder of both a university research center and a start-up company. He obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics, Astronomy, and Mathematics from Youngstown State University and a Master of Science (MS) in Physics and Polymer Characterization from Tulane University.
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Manager Selected to Oversee the PIC Innovation Pilot Facility
An experienced engineer with 20+ years of experience in polymer research, process development, and advanced materials scale-up, Chad Jasiunas joins the Polymer Industry Cluster to manage and oversee daily operations of the future PIC Innovation Pilot Facility. Jasiunas has designed and commissioned multiple pilot facilities, led cross‑functional technical teams, and safely advanced products from lab to commercialization. An inventor on 20+ U.S. patents, he has held roles at Post Consumer Brands, The J.M. Smucker Company, Michelin/Lehigh Technologies, Synthos, and Goodyear. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon and an M.S.E. from Princeton.
| | | SUSTANABLE POLYMERS TECH HUB UPDATES | | |
Flexsys Develops the World's First Viable Alternative to 6PPD for Use in Tires
Flexsys, one of the Tech Hub project companies, recently announced the development of the world’s first viable alternative to 6PPD, marking a major step forward for tire performance and environmental safety. After years of research and extensive testing with industry partners, their new chemistry delivers the protection and durability tire makers expect—while eliminating quinone formation and meeting applicable environmental and regulatory benchmarks.
Read the full release here
| | WELCOME: NEW PIC INVESTORS | | |
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JMP brings more than 35 years of experience in custom manufacturing and supplying advanced components for industries including aerospace, defense, petrochemicals, and alternative energy. Their team specializes in engineering “exotic materials into world-class components,” with a strong commitment to quality, certified craftsmanship, and innovation.
JMP’s expertise strengthens the Cluster’s growing network of companies advancing polymer science and materials innovation across the region. We’re thrilled to have them on board and look forward to the collaboration and impact ahead.
| | | VentureFuel is a leading corporate-innovation advisory firm that helps organizations accelerate emerging technologies through strategic startup collaborations. With its no-equity accelerator model and global startup network, VentureFuel identifies and pilots breakthrough solutions across materials, sustainability, manufacturing, and AI—aligning closely with the PIC’s mission to drive innovation and industry competitiveness. We’re proud to have VentureFuel join our growing community of investors and innovators strengthening Northeast Ohio’s polymer ecosystem. | | | TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR TEAM | | |
Low-Cost Opportunity to Upskill Your Employees
Did you know you can be reimbursed for up to $180,000 per year in employee training through the State of Ohio? TechCred is an application-based program that provides employers the opportunity to upskill their employees by earning industry-recognized credentials.
Interested in learning more? Join our next Tech Cred webinar on January 26, 2026 from 2:00-3:00 PM. You can also access a step-by-step instructions here or contact Jean Barbato for assistance with the application process.
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Upcoming Polymer Training at UA
The University of Akron’s Akron Polymer Training Services (APTS) delivers specialized workforce training tailored to the evolving needs of the polymer industry through hands-on, on-site training and flexible online courses. Explore upcoming training opportunities to enhance your team’s expertise and drive innovation:
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Language and Matter: Technical Writing for Analytical Scientists and Managers | Jan 16, 2026
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Polymers in Packaging | Feb 5-6, 2026
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RPA Testing of Rubber Processability and Dynamic Properties | Feb 9-10, 2026
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Elastomer Molding Technology | Feb 11-13, 2026
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Polymer Compounding, Formulating, and Testing of Plastics, Rubber, Adhesives, and Coatings | Feb 11-13, 2026
For course details and registration, visit Akron Polymer Training Services.
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Earn Your CEUs with Rubber Division, ACS Training
Rubber Division, ACS offers industry-leading training through free webinars for members and complimentary courses for undergraduate student members, many of which offer CEUs through the University of Akron.
The ACS Training Pass provides unlimited access to courses for individuals or companies looking to invest in their workforce, making it easier than ever to upskill employees and stay ahead of industry trends.
Upcoming Training Opportunities:
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Course: Rubber Manufacturing Economics | Jan 14
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Webinar: Basics of Polymer Testing & Processing | Jan 15
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Course: Essentials of Silicone Rubber | Jan 21
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Course: Scientific Rubber Molding | Jan 22
For course details and registration, visit Rubber Division, ACS Education and Training.
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Green Chemistry's Warner: Sustainable innovation requires academic, industrial shift
Using a pair of scissors as an example, Warner broke down the concepts of green chemistry, deconstructing the lifecycle of a product to demonstrate a truly circular economy—from molecular reprocessing to manufacturing to recycling and eventually safe biodegradation.
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Barberton High School polymer class a hit with students, industry leaders
Veteran chemistry teacher Rick Cardinal researched and developed the polymer science class curriculum much of last year, with 13 students making up the inaugural class. He said he expects that number to grow to at least 15 next year.
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