Europe's flexible polyurethane foam makers expect production to fall between 30-80% compared to normal conditions over the next few weeks, as the effects of the Coronavirus crisis and national lockdowns hit the industry.

ISPA says many of its members are using their manufacturing resources to help meet supply challenges in US hospitals. In addition to making hospital beds and other mattresses, some are converting their sewing operations to safety mask production. 

National polyol and diisocyanate producers and India's only listed flexible foam maker have all announced production shutdowns.

Temporary layoffs and a 30% cut in management pay are two of Recticel's responses to the coronavirus outbreak at its plants in Europe.

Nike, the global footwear company, had total net sales of $10.1 bn in the third quarter 2019 up 5.13% on the same period last year.

While much of the world's output is grinding to a halt because of coronavirus, China is slowly emerging from its shutdowns by restarting production at factories and resuming some flights.

Amaplast, the Italian plastics and Rubber machinery makers association said that companies operating in these businesses have been exempted from Italy's coronavirus lockdown.

Kingspan has withdrawn its proposed dividend and is cutting wages of staff by 40-50% to help it get through the coronavirus slowdown.

Unless polyurethane machinery is exempted as necessary, manufacturers in Italy will be forced to close from end of business on Tuesday 24 March.