Haldia is already a licensee of Basell's technology in commodity plastics, and might fancy direct access to Basell's wide expertise in more upmarket stuff.

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As for Mr McKenna, he plans to launch a venture with another technology: a way of repairing plastics without remoulding them.

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With millions being spent on litigation, it is little wonder that plastics makers have been reluctant to license one metallocene technology rather than another.

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These entrepreneurs are trailblazing into areas of clean technology that will ultimately be integral and fundamental aspects of the plastics, chemicals and fuel industries.

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Cruz says a series of companies have already invested in automotive technology projects there, including US Farathane, a leading source of plastics for the auto industry.

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Their production is not a high-technology enterprise: a factory or laboratory that makes fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, or plastics can readily be adapted for the purpose.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Chemical Reaction