A month after Russia invaded Ukraine, we're getting more insight into what the continuing war means to plastics firms in the country. And much of what that looks like depends on where those operations are based.

OSV Technology, a polyurethane supplier headquartered in Oleshky — just across the river from Kherson, one of the major battle zones — had to abandon the site. Three company leaders have made their way to Poland, where OSV is now selling products from its warehouse there.

Those sales are helping to support OSV workers still harboring in Oleshky, which is under Russian occupation.

But in Western Ukraine, German auto supplier Leoni AG, a maker of wiring harnesses, has been able to ramp up production again after slowing immediately after the invasion began.

Not that it's been easy, of course.

Workers at Kolomyia and Nezhukhiv have had to flee to on-site bunkers on multiple occasions, Leoni CEO Aldo Kamper told our sister paper Automotive News Europe.

It is now at 40 percent of capacity but hopes to bring that up to 70 percent by adding a night shift.

"It is both impressive and moving how our employees are determined not to let the situation get the best of them but stand up for their country and for their way of life. Their safety and their lives are a top priority for us," Kamper said.

French automaker Peugeot is adding some 3D printed accessories for its 308 passenger car, using a proprietary thermoplastic polyurethane, Ultrasint, developed by BASF and printed on HP Inc. equipment.

The optional soft and flexible holders for cellphones, sunglasses and beverages are the first 3D printed items available to Peugeot drivers through its aftermarket sales business.

Using 3D printing, the company says it can offer the holders with less overall waste, since buyers order what they want, when they want it.

The carmaker, part of the Stellantis auto group, says the accessories are just the beginning for the technology in its vehicles.

"3D printing is still in its infancy in the automotive industry," Peugeot said in a news release. "This technology is intended to be developed in series, not only on the range of accessories, but also on more technical parts of the next Peugeot models. The advantages of this technology offer infinite possibilities."

The latest round of closures related to a surge in COVID-19 cases in China is now forcing organizers of the Beijing Auto Show to postpone the event that had been slated to begin April 21.

The decision comes less than a week after organizers of Chinaplas said they would postpone the show, set for April 25-28 in Shanghai. A new schedule for the show — the largest plastics trade show in China, drawing 150,000 people each year — has not been set.

Officials with the Beijing Auto Show have not formally announced the change there, but they told our sister paper Automotive News China that discussions are underway for new dates for the event.

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