The trial of four former managers of petrochemicals and plastics producers Syndial (Milan / Italy; www.syndial.it), Sasol (HQ: Johannesburg / South Africa; www.sasol.com) and the former Ineos Vinyls Italia (Porto Marghera / Italy) accused of polluting the waters of the Gulf of Asinara on the Italian island of Sardinia – see Plasteurope.com of 05.08.2011 – got under way on 5 March in a regional court in Sassari, also on Sardinia. However, the proceedings were adjourned until 27 April because the court had failed to file papers on all parties within the legal time limits.

In addition to criminal charges, the four managers of the companies with production facilities at Porto Torres face civil suits from a number of local authorities, organisations, fishermen and environmental groups. The company representatives are being charged with intentional polluting and could face imprisonment of up to 15 years.