
Welcome to the Schafran Associates blog library. Here you will find a knowledge base of technical and commercial topics including:
Epoxy and polyimide chemistry
Upcycling of waste plastics
Strategic sourcing and security-of-supply challenges
Compliance, ethics, and work culture issues
Best practices for SMBs
Guest authors are featured throughout the library. Readers are welcome to reach out about topics you’d like to see in future postings. Thank you!
Why rLDPE Matters for Flexible Packaging
Learn how Reactive Recycling is the enabling technology for greater rLDPE content in blown film processing.
Technology Spotlight 15: Selecting Polyimide Varnishes
Polyimide varnishes are advanced, high-performance coatings prized for their exceptional thermal stability, robust mechanical properties, and outstanding electrical insulation.
Why Your Polyimide Powder Supplier Matters
Seek out fully-integrated polyimide powder manufacturers to meet the demanding requirements of bearing, bushing, and related part fabrication.
ESG: Intrinsic Value or Stakeholder Punchcard?
ESG frameworks became central to corporate strategy and investor decision making over the past decade. Its implementation delivered either intrinsic value or performative compliance. The reality lies in a nuanced examination of both perspectives.
The Errors of Co-Branding
When McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme teamed up to bring donuts to select McDonald’s locations, it seemed like a no-brainer. Instead of a powerful partnership, the whole thing felt confusing and underwhelming.
“I Was Meaning to Tell You About That”…
Kohls made recent headlines when they abruptly fired Ashley Buchanan just four months into his new CEO role. The reason? Serious business ethics violations.
High Glass-Transition Temperatures from Epoxy-Dianhydride Systems
Returning contributor Dr. Vinay Mishra compares glass transition data for standard epoxy resin cured with different chemistries, and why dianhydrides outperform them all.
Why Multilayer Insulation is Critical to Spacecraft Design
New contributor Dr. Vinay Mishra explains aluminized polyimide film-based Multilayer Insulation (MLI) its importance in spacecraft design.
Adopt a Rescue Dog…Today!
Adopting a rescue dog is one of the most rewarding and life-changing decisions you can make. For those working from home, bringing a rescue into your life can significantly enhance your day.
Return to Office: Workplace Evolution vs. Revolution
The debate surrounding the Return to Office (RTO) workplace policy has been one of the most contentious issues in the corporate world since the COVID-19 pandemic, and has led to a larger discussion about the future of work.
Can an Acquisition with a Toxic Culture Be Successfully Integrated?
When an acquisition with strong financial, technology, or intellectual property assets carries the baggage of a toxic work culture, the integration process becomes more complex, to put it mildly.
How Trump’s Tariff Strategy Impacts Chemical Sourcing
The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico have the potential to significantly impact the fine and specialty chemicals industry.
Monsters of Industry
Purdue Pharma, a pharmaceutical company founded by the Sackler family, became ground zero for the opioid crisis that devastated individuals, families, and communities across the United States.
“We’re Sorry We Got Caught”…
McKinsey & Company’s payout of USD650 million to settle a federal investigation into its involvement in the opioid crisis is yet another case of negligence in responsibility, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
Outlook for Greater Recycling Adoption in 2025
Key consumer and industry trends suggest that 2025 could mark a pivotal year for achieving substantial progress in the adoption of recycling practices worldwide.
Why rPA Matters for Automotive Sustainability
Recycled polyamide offers significant environmental benefits by reducing energy consumption, emissions, and waste. Learn why its cost position and performance limitations restrict its wider adoption in automotive applications.
Why rHDPE Matters for Consumer and Industrial Goods
Increasing the content of recycled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in manufactured goods is strategic to reducing plastic waste, conserving resources, and creating a more sustainable manufacturing economy.
Navigating Performative vs. Productive Work Cultures in the Specialty Chemical Industry
Returning contributor Chris Jones unpacks performative vs. productive work cultures and how they shape the trajectory of companies aiming for sustainable growth and innovation.
Why rPET Matters for Food Packaging
Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) is making big waves in the food packaging industry as companies and consumers alike push for more eco-friendly solutions. Learn more about the circularity of rPET in this familiar application.
Why rPP Matters for Blow Molding
Recycled polypropylene (rPP) is a go-to material in automotive, consumer, and industrial applications, as companies look to go green and cut costs. Learn why rPP matters for blow molding and how it’s being used in these sectors.