India's Uflex selects Mexico for its US$108 mln polyester film project

Uflex, India's packaging producer has selected Mexico for installation of its US$108 mln polyester film project. The company said that the 125,000 tpa flexible plastics film plant will be erected in AAltamira, located in northeastern Mexico's Tamaulipas state.

For more details on India's Uflex selects Mexico for its US$108 mln polyester film project click here

Huntsman shareholders offer capital on merger closing

Huntsman Corporation announced that it received notice of an independent shareholder initiative to invest at least US$500 mln in Hexion on the closing of the merger between Hexion and Huntsman Corporaation.

For more details on Huntsman shareholders offer capital on merger closing click here

S. Korea's SK Energy to curtail op rates by 20-25% at its naphtha cracker

Following the reduction in operating rates by several Japanese petrochemical firms, South Korean energy firm, SK Energy has decided to curtail the operating rates by 20-25% at its No.1 naphtha crackerr having a total capacity of 185,000 tpa.

For more details on S. Korea's SK Energy to curtail op rates by 20-25% at its naphtha cracker click here

Petrochem companies to be subject to 20% on profits in Egypt as per new legislation

The change in legislation of Egypt's energy sector strategy has perplexed the major international oil companies. Among other sector companies, petrochemical companies will be subject to a 20% tax on pprofits as per the change in legislation in Egypt.

For more details on Petrochem companies to be subject to 20% on profits in Egypt as per new legislation click here

New grades of Engineering Plastics for contact with food products

Since August 2008, which is when the European Union's GMP (Good manufacturing Practice) regulations for materials that come into contact with food products have gone into effect, BASF will be offeringg several new grades in its range of Engineering Plastics in Europe specifically for food contact.

For more details on New grades of Engineering Plastics for contact with food products click here

New grades of Engineering Plastics for contact with food products

Since August 2008, which is when the European Union's GMP (Good manufacturing Practice) regulations for materials that come into contact with food products have gone into effect, BASF will be offeringg several new grades in its range of Engineering Plastics in Europe specifically for food contact.

For more details on New grades of Engineering Plastics for contact with food products click here

SEPC's 107m high Propylene Fractionation Column sees a successful lift

Propylene Fractionation Column (PFC), the tallest column in the Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex (SEPC) project's entire infrastructure was safely and successfully lifted into place at the end of July, according to Shell Chemicals' media release.

For more details on SEPC's 107m high Propylene Fractionation Column sees a successful lift click here

China's No.3 oil producer to outlay US$6.6 bln in new Huizhou oil refinery; also plans to invest in downstream projects in two regions

China's third largest oil producer, CNOOC (China National Offshore Oil Corp) has decided to outlay CNY 45 bln (roughly US$6.6 bln) for expansion of its new Guangdong-based Huizhou oil refinery projectt set to start operations this October.

For more details on China's No.3 oil producer to outlay US$6.6 bln in new Huizhou oil refinery; also plans to invest in downstream projects in two regions click here

New electric, energy efficient injection moulding machine range

KraussMaffei is unveiling a new, electric, energy-efficient injection moulding machine range - the AX - and setting new standards for sustainable production systems. The new machine range of KraussMafffei, the world's largest selling supplier of machinery for plastics and rubber processing promises to sharply reduce energy consumption - in some cases by up to 75%.

For more details on New electric, energy efficient injection moulding machine range click here

Domestic PP market in China remain gloomy

Polypropylene sentiments continued to be gloomy in markets of China in several provinces. A section of domestic sellers who have run out of stocks prefer to be in the sidelines, while another section that views market outlook as pessimistic has reduced offers in a bid to encourage sale.

For more details on Domestic PP market in China remain gloomy click here

Mitsubishi Chemicals to cut naphtha cracker runs from Sept

Following its Japanese counterparts -Sumitomo Chemical Co, Mitsui Chemicals Inc and Asahi Kasei Corp, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp plans to lower production at its naphtha crackers. Sumitomo Chemical and Asahi Kasei have cut ethylene output by about 5% since July and Mitsui Chemicals plans to reduce output by 10% between August and September.

For more details on Mitsubishi Chemicals to cut naphtha cracker runs from Sept click here

Shutdowns at Styrene Monomer plants across Asia

Several SM plants across Asia had cutback operating rates last week- The recently restarted Styrindo Mono Indonesia's 100,000 tpa SM plant is operating at 80-90% capacity. S.Korea's Lotte-Daesan's 5000,000 tpa plant is running at 95% capacity, planned to get trimmed down by an additional 15%.

For more details on Shutdowns at Styrene Monomer plants across Asia click here

Polystyrene prices dip in Asia despite firmer SM values

Despite firmer prices of feedstock Styrene Monomer, Polystyrene offers in Asia have dipped to lows of US$1650/MT CFR China, as many sellers face increasing pressures to sell. Even at these reduced rattes, the buyers seem unwilling to accept seller's offers, and are scouting for prices about fifty dollars lower.

For more details on Polystyrene prices dip in Asia despite firmer SM values click here

Restricted avails and fresh demand firms up ethylene offers in SE Asia

Ethylene suppliers in Asia dropped prices by over fifty dollars last week in response to continuous lackluster buying that increased pressures to sell. Prices this week have maintained at US$1300/MT CCFR SE Asia as markets in this region stabilized as a result of restricted avails and fresh downstream demand.

For more details on Restricted avails and fresh demand firms up ethylene offers in SE Asia click here

Titan Chemical posts 25% increase in revenues for Q2 : plans to raise PE production

Titan Chemicals Corp. Bhd. Has posted RM 3.7 billion in revenue and RM 206.7 million in profit after tax (PAT) for Q2 of this year as a result of the contribution of Butadiene, a new product, and incrrease in selling prices and sales volume of existing products.

For more details on Titan Chemical posts 25% increase in revenues for Q2 : plans to raise PE production click here

PVC price drop of fifty dollars meets with little enthusiasm from Asian buyers

PVC prices ebbed to 9 week lows of US$1250/MT FCR China last week, mainly on bearish demand from China. As demand from China continues to be unenthusiastic and bearishness persists in the market outloook, PVC prices in Asia have sunk further by about fifty dollars.

For more details on PVC price drop of fifty dollars meets with little enthusiasm from Asian buyers click here

Iran to outlay US$30 bln in South Pars petrochem project; NIPC output to reach 68 mtpa by 2024

Iran, the second largest producer of petrochemicals in the Middle East is expected to outlay close to US$30 bln in the South Pars petrochem projects, according to a senior executive in National Iraniaan Petrochemical Company (NIPC).

For more details on Iran to outlay US$30 bln in South Pars petrochem project; NIPC output to reach 68 mtpa by 2024 click here

Battenfeld Extrusion Group and Cincinnati Extrusion join forces

Cincinnati Extrusion and the Battenfeld Extrusion group, both part of the privateequity investor Triton's portfolio since the beginning of 2007, will be united under a single leadership in future. Efffective September 01, 2008 Wolfgang Studener, Managing Director of Battenfeld Extrusionstechnik for many years, will take over the management of both groups of companies, which, in addition to the two parent companies in Bad Oeynhausen and Vienna, include American Maplan, USA, B+C Extrusion Systems, PR China, Extrusion Kempen, Germany and the Cincinnati Extrusion subsidiaries in Japan and the USA.

For more details on Battenfeld Extrusion Group and Cincinnati Extrusion join forces click here

IPCC calls for fresh proposals on its ethylene cargo owing to delay in loading dates

Iran Petrochemical Commercial Co (IPCC) has called for new proposals from potential bidders for the 4500 ton ethylene (C2) tender cargo owing to the delay in loading rates. The loading dates for IPCC''s 4,500 ton ethylene (C2) tender cargo which was slated to be loaded from Assaluyeh and/or Bandar Imam Khomeini during September 1-2 has been delayed to September 19-20 owing to the clogging at the last discharge port of the vessel, as per a source from National Petrochemical Co (NPC).

For more details on IPCC calls for fresh proposals on its ethylene cargo owing to delay in loading dates click here

World's first car to use 100% thermoplastic paintfilm for its exterior body

Soliant, LLC which won an environmental award for its Fluorex® bright film (chrome alternative) at the March 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers-Global Plastics Environmental Conference (SPE GPEC) willl see world's first car having 100% paintfilm thermoplastic exterior developed with its Fluorex® Paintfilm.

For more details on World's first car to use 100% thermoplastic paintfilm for its exterior body click here

Malaysia's Titan Chemicals show strong growth for Q2; firm's PE production to see expansion in Indonesia

In Q2 2008, Malaysia's Titan Chemicals Corp. Bhd. exhibited a RM3.7 bln (approx. US$1.096 bln) in revenue and RM 206.7 mln (approx. US$61.25 mln) in profit after tax (PAT) due to the addition of Butaddiene, a new product, and increase in selling prices and sales volume of existing products.

For more details on Malaysia's Titan Chemicals show strong growth for Q2; firm's PE production to see expansion in Indonesia click here

Malaysia's Titan Chemicals show strong growth for Q2; firm's PE production to see expansion in Indonesia

In Q2 2008, Malaysia's Titan Chemicals Corp. Bhd. exhibited a RM3.7 bln (approx. US$1.096 bln) in revenue and RM 206.7 mln (approx. US$61.25 mln) in profit after tax (PAT) due to the addition of Butaddiene, a new product, and increase in selling prices and sales volume of existing products.

For more details on Malaysia's Titan Chemicals show strong growth for Q2; firm's PE production to see expansion in Indonesia click here

Rising for the third consecutive day, oil prices touch US$118

As the fast approaching Tropical Storm Gustav poses the biggest threat to Gulf Coast energy production since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, oil prices have risen for the third-consecutive day. AA barrel of crude oil trading for delivery in October rose to US$118.

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Operators of 7 petrochem plants in Houston and Texas Gulf Coast reach a settlement for pollution matters

Operators of seven petrochemical plants in Houston and along the Texas Gulf Coast have reached a settlement with the state attorney general's office regarding pollution issues. The agreement, subject to approval by a judge, calls for Equistar and Millenium to each set aside US$500,000 to fund supplemental environmental projects identified by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

For more details on Operators of 7 petrochem plants in Houston and Texas Gulf Coast reach a settlement for pollution matters click here

Huntsman to increase TPU prices in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Indian subcontinent

With effect from October 1, 2008, or as early as contracts allow, the Polyurethanes division of Huntsman Corporation, a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals, will increase the prices of its IROGRAN, KRYSTALGRAN and KRYSTALFLEX thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent by between five and 15 %.

For more details on Huntsman to increase TPU prices in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Indian subcontinent click here

Battenfeld Extrusion MD to take over management of Cincinnati, wef 1 September

To cope with slowing market demand triggered by global economic downturn, Battenfeld Extrusion (BEX) MD Wolfgang Studener, will take over management of Cincinnati (CET), With effect from September 1, 2008.

For more details on Battenfeld Extrusion MD to take over management of Cincinnati, wef 1 September click here

ExxonMobil's new plant for specialty compounds for energy efficient tires

ExxonMobil Chemical has announced the start-up of a manufacturing facility at its existing site in Pensacola, Fla., that provides new capacity for the production of a revolutionary new tire material ttechnology that can improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

For more details on ExxonMobil's new plant for specialty compounds for energy efficient tires click here

Bayer MaterialScience's plans to construct TDI plant in Shanghai on track

Bayer MaterialScience has received permission from relevant Chinese authorities to construct a state-of-the-art world-scale facility for polyurethane feedstock - toluene diisocyanate (TDI) at the inteegrated production site in Shanghai.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience's plans to construct TDI plant in Shanghai on track click here

Borealis and Mitsubishi in agreement to improve supply of PP compounds to the automotive industry

Borealis AG, a leading supplier of innovative value creating plastics solutions, and its U.S. subsidiary, Borealis Compounds LLC, have entered into manufacturing and supply agreements with affiliates of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) to improve the supply of polypropylene compounds (PP/CP) to the automotive industry in Europe and the United States.

For more details on Borealis and Mitsubishi in agreement to improve supply of PP compounds to the automotive industry click here

A new nanomaterial to increase rigidity, lightness and strength in plastics

Lawrence Drzal, University Distinguished Professor of chemical engineering and materials science at Michigan State University (MSU) along with his students have unearthed a nanomaterial 'Exfoliated Grraphite NanoPlatelets (xGnP)' which is about to go a long way in increasing plastic's rigidity, lightness and strength.

For more details on A new nanomaterial to increase rigidity, lightness and strength in plastics click here

Brazil to be the first maker of PE from sugarcane in coming three years

The surging price of crude oil coupled with the growth in sugarcane plantations in Brazil has evoked the development of bioplastics from sugarcane. Brazil's two largest ethanol players, Dow Chemical aand Crystalsev will join hands to build a 350,000 tpa polyethylene from sugarcane, as per a Mexican newspaper.

For more details on Brazil to be the first maker of PE from sugarcane in coming three years click here

DSM Engg Plastics reaches agreement on acquisition of polymerization assets of Diolen Industrial Fibers BV

DSM Engineering Plastics announced that it has reached an agreement on the acquisition of the polymerization assets of Diolen Industrial Fibers BV. These include the facilities for polyester polymer pproduction in Emmen (Netherlands), which will now be integrated with DSM's polyester compounding facility in Emmen.

For more details on DSM Engg Plastics reaches agreement on acquisition of polymerization assets of Diolen Industrial Fibers BV click here

Venezuela to see huge investments in petrochemicals; aims PE output to reach 2 mln tpa by 2012

Seeing a staggering 81% rise in Venezuela's plastic resin consumption from 2002 to 2007, nation's President Hugo Chavez has announced an investment of US$950 mln for petrochemicals, particularly for eethylene, polyethylene and PVC production facilities.

For more details on Venezuela to see huge investments in petrochemicals; aims PE output to reach 2 mln tpa by 2012 click here

Hurricane Gustav approaches the Gulf of Mexico: oil prices rise by a dollar

Hurricane Gustav has struck Haiti, and is fast approaching the Gulf of Mexico, increasing concerns of production and supply disruption in major oil operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The Miami-based Naational Hurricane Center said Gustav could gather strength over the Gulf's warmer-than-usual waters.

For more details on Hurricane Gustav approaches the Gulf of Mexico: oil prices rise by a dollar click here

Asian polyethylene majors drop HDPE offers for September shipment

Polyethylene majors from Taiwan and India have slashed offers for next month in the face of feeble demand from China. Fresh HDPE offers from Taiwan, cut by almost fifty dollars, are being observed at US$1760/MT CFR China, with deals being concluded about 15-20 dollars lower.

For more details on Asian polyethylene majors drop HDPE offers for September shipment click here

ABS prices in Asia fall further by sluggish demand

ABS prices in Asia have seen a further downward revision by about twenty dollars more, upto US$2080/MT levels, as demand from China continues to be lackluster. Typical offers for September shipment haave been slashed on a hundred dollar dip in feedstock butadiene prices.

For more details on ABS prices in Asia fall further by sluggish demand click here

LyondellBasell introduces production technology for Specialty LDPE and EVA products

LyondellBasell Industries has announced the launch of Lupotech A technology for the production of specialty low density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) products. This high-pressurre autoclave process technology is optimized for the manufacture of advanced products with demanding processing requirements, such as adhesives and sealants with vinyl acetate content of up to 40 percent, or LDPE chemical structures with unique properties.

For more details on LyondellBasell introduces production technology for Specialty LDPE and EVA products click here

Venezuelan president approves US$950 mln investment in petrochemicals

Venezuelan President has approved a US$950 mln investment for petrochemicals projects in ethylene, polyethylene and PVC installations. This announcement is concurrent with expansion of the polyethylenne plant of manufacturer Polinter, a subsidiary of state petrochemicals company Pequiven, located in the Ana María Campos petrochemicals complex in Zulia state, scheduled for completion in 10 months and at a cost of US$75 mln.

For more details on Venezuelan president approves US$950 mln investment in petrochemicals click here

Panipat petrochem hub in jeopardy on pending approval from IOC's board for 4 years

A petrochem hub in Panipat planned at an outlay of Rs 30000 cr in partnership with IOC seems to be in jeopardy. Plans of the Haryana Government to house the project in the state, seem to be faced withh a major hurdle.

For more details on Panipat petrochem hub in jeopardy on pending approval from IOC's board for 4 years click here

New microwavable tray package for steaming produce targets convenience and health market

A new microwavable tray package for steaming produce that can be used to market healthy, convenient meals has been introduced by US packaging firm Sealed Air as part of the Cryovac brand. The packagess have a shelf-life of 10-14 days.

For more details on New microwavable tray package for steaming produce targets convenience and health market click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of August 25, 2008

CRUDE OIL
Instability prevailed in crude oil movement in the week of August 25, 2008. The week witnessed a five dollar leap in prices on signs of a weakenning dollar and on news of a missile-shield agreement between USA and Poland that has intensified fears that Russia may disrupt oil flow.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of August 25, 2008 click here

China's yet-to-be largest PVC facility to be complete by 2015

Chinese firm Henan Pingdingshan Coal Group has set underway the construction of a 1 mln tpa capacity PVC plant with an outlay of RMB 8 bln (US$1.17 bln). The project slated to be complete by 2015 willl be the China's largest PVC facility in the world.

For more details on China's yet-to-be largest PVC facility to be complete by 2015 click here

Czech firm Unipetrol Q2 net profits in petrochemicals softens due to rising naphtha costs and rising currency v/s Euro

Czech Republic's Unipetrol Group reported a net profit of CZK 708 mln (US$42.4 mln) for the H1 of 2008 and CZK 302 mln (US$18.1 mln) for the Q2 of 2008. Like Q1, UNIPETROL again felt the pinch from faactors like high crude oil prices, very low petrochemical margins, and rising Czech currency in Q2.

For more details on Czech firm Unipetrol Q2 net profits in petrochemicals softens due to rising naphtha costs and rising currency v/s Euro click here

Octal global sales to touch US$450 mln on completion of integrated site in Salalah by year end

Octal Petrochemicals, one of the world's largest producers of PET sheet based in Oman announced that the firm's annual global sales are expected to reach US$450 mln by end of 2008 when its PET resin pplant will commence operations.

For more details on Octal global sales to touch US$450 mln on completion of integrated site in Salalah by year end click here

Formosa's capital expenditure for 2009 to decline as it waits for a new project approval

Formosa Petrochemical Corporation of Taiwan, the top ethylene producer in Asia with a total production capacity of 2.93 mln tpa has announced to slash its capital expenditure from TWD 14 bln for 2008 to TWD 4 bln in 2009.

For more details on Formosa's capital expenditure for 2009 to decline as it waits for a new project approval click here

Use of olefin block copolymer TPE enhances vacuum delivery system for newborns

The replacement of TPE with DYNALLOY™ olefin block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers (OBC TPEs) from GLS, in self-contained Mystic® II vacuum delivery system has enhanced CooperSurgical's vacuum deliivery system.

For more details on Use of olefin block copolymer TPE enhances vacuum delivery system for newborns click here

Cost savings in thermoset brake pistons production : Thermoset screw with maximum wear protection

Thermoset resins are the material of choice for many engine compartment components. Among their outstanding properties are dimensional stability, chemical resistance (eg, to brake fluid, gear oil and fuel) and temperature stability.

For more details on Cost savings in thermoset brake pistons production : Thermoset screw with maximum wear protection click here

Cost savings in thermoset brake pistons production : Thermoset screw with maximum wear protection

Thermoset resins are the material of choice for many engine compartment components. Among their outstanding properties are dimensional stability, chemical resistance (eg, to brake fluid, gear oil and fuel) and temperature stability.

For more details on Cost savings in thermoset brake pistons production : Thermoset screw with maximum wear protection click here

Cost savings in thermoset brake pistons production : Thermoset screw with maximum wear protection

Thermoset resins are the material of choice for many engine compartment components. Among their outstanding properties are dimensional stability, chemical resistance (eg, to brake fluid, gear oil and fuel) and temperature stability.

For more details on Cost savings in thermoset brake pistons production : Thermoset screw with maximum wear protection click here

Global market for thin films in energy applications to see CAGR of 23.5%

Global market for thin films in energy applications is currently worth US$1.1 bln in 2007, expected to increase to US$1.4 bln in 2008. By 2013, it will increase to US$3.9 bln at a compound annual groowth rate (CAGR) of 23.

For more details on Global market for thin films in energy applications to see CAGR of 23.5% click here

Samsung awarded US$1 bln order by S-Oil Corp for petrochem expansion

South Korea's third-largest refiner: S-Oil Corp has shortlisted Samsung Engineering to carry on petrochem expansion work at Onsan refinery. S- Oil has awarded an order worth US$1 billion to Samsung Enngineering to expand its petrochemical plant in Onsan refinery, as part of a scaled-back expansion plan announced in November.

For more details on Samsung awarded US$1 bln order by S-Oil Corp for petrochem expansion click here

BTX plant in Indonesia shuttered

PT Trans Pacific Petrochemical Indotama (TPPI)'s BTX plant, including PX and benzene units have been shuttered. Start up is planned towards the second half of October or early November. Nameplate capaacity at the paraxylene (PX) plant is at about 600,000 tpa, at the benzene plant is at 4,00,000 tpa and the OX plant at 120,000 tpa.

For more details on BTX plant in Indonesia shuttered click here

Performance Fibers to augment its capacity for HMLS polyester fibre and fabric in China

Answering to the rising demand from the Chinese tyre industry, US-based Performance Fibers have announced another capacity expansion plan for the high modules, low-shrinkage (HMLS) polyester fibre andd fabric at its Kaiping-based plant in China.

For more details on Performance Fibers to augment its capacity for HMLS polyester fibre and fabric in China click here

Upsurge in naphtha prices affirm Japanese firms to switch to alternative raw materials for plastics

The chemical makers in Japan including Sumitomo Chemicals, Asahi Kasei Corp. and Mitsui Chemicals Inc. are increasingly softening their dependence on naphtha in light of persistently rising crude costts to achieve steady production levels.

For more details on Upsurge in naphtha prices affirm Japanese firms to switch to alternative raw materials for plastics click here

UAE-based DGCX to commence 12 futures contracts for plastics covering PP, LLDPE, LDPE and HDPE

To offer protection against the instability of prices in cyclical petrochemicals market, UAE-based Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (UGCX) has disclosed its plan to commence the Middle-East's first ffutures contracts for plastics this year.

For more details on UAE-based DGCX to commence 12 futures contracts for plastics covering PP, LLDPE, LDPE and HDPE click here

Bayer to set up 250,000 tpa TDI plant in Shanghai as a part of its integrated site plan

Bayer, a German firm operating businesses in chemicals, drugs and agrochemicals has come to a decision of building a toluene diisocyanate (TDI) plant in Shanghai this year, affirming its commitment too the world's biggest market.

For more details on Bayer to set up 250,000 tpa TDI plant in Shanghai as a part of its integrated site plan click here

India's SAPL to enjoy 7-year exclusive license of AKC's green technology for PC manufacturing

Haldia-based Indian PET maker, South Asian Petrochem Ltd (SAPL) has announced a formation of a license agreement with Japanese firm, Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation (AKC) to build a polycarbonate maanufacturing plant incorporating AKC's environment friendly green technology.

For more details on India's SAPL to enjoy 7-year exclusive license of AKC's green technology for PC manufacturing click here

Sinopec initiates ethylene capacity expansion study at Fujian

Sinopec Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sinopec Group has plans to increase the capacity of its Fujian refinery by 100% to 480,000 bpd between 2010 and 2015. The JV between Sinopec, Exxon Mobiil Corp and Saudi Aramco worth US$5 bln is currently undergoing an expansion of capacity from 80,000 bpd to 240,000 bpd by late this year.

For more details on Sinopec initiates ethylene capacity expansion study at Fujian click here

Japan's naphtha and gasoline imports rise 9.4% YOY in July

According to Japan's Ministry of Finance, the country's crude oil imports jumped 2.8% YOY in July amounting to 20.3 mln kiloliters, as of Thursday. July imports of naphtha and gasoline increased 9.7% YOY to 2.

For more details on Japan's naphtha and gasoline imports rise 9.4% YOY in July click here

Largest Thai petrochem maker to outlay US$70 mln for ABS plant and US$88 mln for PP plant

IRPC, Thailand's largest petrochemical maker by sales has decided to keep aside an outlay of US$158 mln for the capacity expansions of its two specialty grade petrochemicals-ABS and PP-thereby focusinng on high value products.

For more details on Largest Thai petrochem maker to outlay US$70 mln for ABS plant and US$88 mln for PP plant click here

Mitsubishi Electric to separate and recover PP, PS, ABS with 99% purity

Mitsubishi Electric Corp plans to separate and recover polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with a purity of 99% or higher from the plastic mixture produced dduring the recycling of household appliances.

For more details on Mitsubishi Electric to separate and recover PP, PS, ABS with 99% purity click here

ONGC, MRPL sells 65,000T for Sept

Notwithstanding weak sentiments, Indian majors Oil & Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) have managed a double digit premium on naphtha for September lifting. Together, the two companies have sold 65,000 tons of naphtha.

For more details on ONGC, MRPL sells 65,000T for Sept click here

Polymer nanocomposite market in USA to double by 2011

Although the hype surrounding polymer nanocomposites has been in full-throttle for over a decade, so far the market for these new materials has been relatively slow to develop. However, as commercial interest has moved beyond pilot programs and niche applications, it appears that nanocomposites are finally ready for a breakthrough in markets such as motor vehicles and packaging.

For more details on Polymer nanocomposite market in USA to double by 2011 click here

DSM Engineering Plastics new says acquisition to assure material supply

In a move that will secure material supply, DSM Engineering Plastics plans to acquire the polymerisation assets of Diolen Industrial Fibres BV, including polyester polymer production unit in Emmen, thhe Netherlands.

For more details on DSM Engineering Plastics new says acquisition to assure material supply click here

South Korea's YNNCC partially restarts no.2 cracker

South Korea's largest ethylene producer Yeochun NCC Co. (YNCC) has partially restarted its 555,000 tpa No. 2 plant. The unplanned shutdown was caused on the same morning by a compressor fault. The ethhylene cracker was shut in the early hours of the day and resumed operations in a few hours.

For more details on South Korea's YNNCC partially restarts no.2 cracker click here

SAPL's Polycarbonate plant to use Asahi Kasei's environmental friendly technology

South Asian Petrochem Ltd has entered into a License Agreement with Japan's Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation (AKC) to construct a 1,30,000 tpa Polycarbonate plant using AKC's environmentally friendlyy technology.

For more details on SAPL's Polycarbonate plant to use Asahi Kasei's environmental friendly technology click here

A self-disinfecting polymer, effective against pathogenic bacteria

A team led by Wendelin Stark, assistant professor at the Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering of ETH Zurich has developed a self-disinfecting polymer that is effective against pathogenic bacteriaa and only becomes active in a targeted manner if bacteria are growing in the vicinity, making it cost effective.

For more details on A self-disinfecting polymer, effective against pathogenic bacteria click here

Amcor adds to profits as PET packaging segment has an outstanding year

Australian packaging company Amcor has announced a 9.4% increase in profit after tax and before significant items (PAT) of AUS $369 mln for the year ended June 2008. This increase carries forward the positive momentum established over the past 18 months.

For more details on Amcor adds to profits as PET packaging segment has an outstanding year click here

Insulation systems for perfect acoustics and comfort in vehicles launched

Swiss manufacturer of polyolefin foams, Sekisui Alveo along with Foam Techniques Ltd. has come out with a new insulation system for reducing the engine and noise reduction for vehicles. The laminate iis made of the heavy layer foam Alveolen NFF E, the soft foam Alveo-Soft and a metallised film.

For more details on Insulation systems for perfect acoustics and comfort in vehicles launched click here

Packaged food major to make frozen meal trays from recycled plastic in a step towards sustainability

Taking a vital step towards sustainability, ConAgra Foods - one of North America's leading packaged food companies has decided to use the post-consumer recycled plastic in its frozen meal trays for itts product.

For more details on Packaged food major to make frozen meal trays from recycled plastic in a step towards sustainability click here

Tank containing 8000 cu.m naphtha set ablaze in Malaysia

Malaysia's Tanjung Langsat Oil Port Terminal near Pasir Gudang has two of its eight petrol tanks ablaze with fire. As per a police chief, one of two tanks (tank one) containing 17,800 cubic metres of gasoline struck fire on Sunday evening while the other (tank two) containing 8,000 cubic metres of naphtha caught fire on Monday evening.

For more details on Tank containing 8000 cu.m naphtha set ablaze in Malaysia click here

Slowing Chinese demand triggers US$300 drop in Asian PP prices post-July

Record high Asian PP prices which surged past US$2000/MT in the first week of July, have witnessed a major drop of US$300 since then. Owing to transportation curbs in China during the Olympics, the PPP inventories are oversaturated thereby softening the week-on-week price by fifty dollars.

For more details on Slowing Chinese demand triggers US$300 drop in Asian PP prices post-July click here

Borealis and Uponor launch first water footprint initiative in the plastics industry

Borealis, a leading provider of innovative value creating plastic solutions and Uponor, a leading supplier of plumbing and heating systems, have announced at the World Water Week in Stockholm a joint initiative to pilot for the first time the concept of water footprint to the manufacturing of a plastic application.

For more details on Borealis and Uponor launch first water footprint initiative in the plastics industry click here

PetroChina Sichuan selects Dow Technology and Aker Solutions for 450000 tpa PP facility in Chengdu

PetroChina Sichuan Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (PetroChina Sichuan) has selected UNIPOL ™ Polypropylene Process Technology from Dow Technology Licensing for its new 450,000 tpa polypropylene facility in CChengdu, Sichuan Province, and Aker Solutions will provide the process design and technical advisory services.

For more details on PetroChina Sichuan selects Dow Technology and Aker Solutions for 450000 tpa PP facility in Chengdu click here

A Schulman to expand North American manufacturing operations

A Schulman Inc. plans to expand its North American Polybatch® manufacturing operations with a new plant at the site of its existing distribution warehouse in Akron, Ohio. With the setting up of this pplant, the company plans to attain a leadership position for Polybatch® in USA akin to its position in Europe and Mexico.

For more details on A Schulman to expand North American manufacturing operations click here

Revival of US PS and PU foam expected as a step ahead toward sustainable products

Weakened by a down economy, the nearly $14 billion market for polystyrene and polyurethane foam may see its resurrection in the move toward sustainable and green construction products, according to a study from SBI.

For more details on Revival of US PS and PU foam expected as a step ahead toward sustainable products click here

Production cuts by Sinopec unsuccessful in raising domestic market outlook

Sinopec has embarked on a strategy to elevate market sentiments in China by introducing production cuts this month. This move, aimed to shrink polyolefins inventories through production cuts has been unsuccessful in elevating the market outlook.

For more details on Production cuts by Sinopec unsuccessful in raising domestic market outlook click here

Extremely durable, high insulation EPS shipping container revealed

Denver-based ACH Foam Technologies, a provider of custom-molded packaging solutions has come up with an extremely durable shipping container with brand name, 'DuraTherm.' DuraTherm is a shape molded eexpanded polystyrene (EPS) shipping container with extensive shock absorption and insulation properties better than alternatives like corrugated or molded pulp.

For more details on Extremely durable, high insulation EPS shipping container revealed click here

Fluor and P2S Win NPRA Safety Awards

Fluor Corporation announced that along with P2S, a unit of its Global Services Group, it has received 10 awards for "Meritorious Safety Performance" from the National Petrochemical and Refiners Associiation (NPRA) for projects the company worked on throughout 2007.

For more details on Fluor and P2S Win NPRA Safety Awards click here

Tight regulations to hinder China's PVC production causing a surge in prices

The PVC production regulations imposed in China with a view to control pollution levels and reduce electricity and coal consumption are set to continue even after the closure of the Beijing Olympics oon August 24, which will hamper production, thereby causing a surge in PVC prices.

For more details on Tight regulations to hinder China's PVC production causing a surge in prices click here

RIL & Petrobras likely to form a JV for Suape port-based petrochem unit

Brazilian state-owned energy firm, Petrobras and India's largest polymer firm, Reliance industries Ltd. (RIL) are in discussions for a possible joint venture involving construction of a petrochem unitt in Suape port in Pernambuco state, as well as Comperj - a petrochemical complex in Rio de Janerio due to start operations from 2012.

For more details on RIL & Petrobras likely to form a JV for Suape port-based petrochem unit click here

July naphtha imports in Japan steeply hike

As per the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the July imports for naphtha soared 10.3% compared to the figures for June. Total volume of July imports for ethylene production reached 1,,191,192 tons from 1,077,685 tons imported in June.

For more details on July naphtha imports in Japan steeply hike click here

PolyOne Announces Share Repurchase Program

PolyOne Corporation, a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, announced that the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 10 mln sshares or approximately 10.

For more details on PolyOne Announces Share Repurchase Program click here

Styrene Monomer supply status on plant startups, delayed turnaround

Jubail Chevron Phillips Co, a Chevron - SIIG (Saudi Industrial Investment Group) JV has commenced production at its plant. The JV has kicked off the production of styrene and polypropylene at its Jubaail-based plant and start exporting the same by September, as initial production will be stocked as inventory.

For more details on Styrene Monomer supply status on plant startups, delayed turnaround click here

Influx of supplies from new plants to prolong pessimism in benzene markets

Thai PTT Aromatics and Refining PCL (PTTAR)'s No.2 BTX petrochemical complex is to come onstream with commercial production within one month. Capacities at the plant include 360,000 tpa of benzene of which about 20-50% will be allocated by contracts.

For more details on Influx of supplies from new plants to prolong pessimism in benzene markets click here

Scarce demand leads to absence of deals in acrylonitrile markets globally

Weak buyer sentiments prevented conclusion of deals and kept acrylonitrile markets across the globe limp.
As global oil and feedstock markets continue to decline, Asian buyers are in no hurry to connclude deals in anticipation of a further price down revision.

For more details on Scarce demand leads to absence of deals in acrylonitrile markets globally click here

Haldia Petro plans INR 70 crore investment in power venture

After acquisition of the captive power JV- HPL Cogeneration Limited, Haldia Petrochemicals Limited is planning a INR 70 crore investment in the power plant to cut down on energy bills; by reducing thee use of high cost naphtha with petrochemicals gas and several low cost petrochemical by-products as feedstock to produce power.

For more details on Haldia Petro plans INR 70 crore investment in power venture click here

KNM units to buy Brazilian companies to enhance presence in oil, gas and petrochemicals

KNM Group Bhd's subsidiaries- KNM International Sdn Bhd and KNM Process Systems Sdn Bhd have entered into three share sale and purchase agreements to acquire 80% each in HZM Industrial Ltda, HZM Serviicos Ltda and HZM S.

For more details on KNM units to buy Brazilian companies to enhance presence in oil, gas and petrochemicals click here

Petrobras and Reliance mull petrochemical JV

Brazilian energy giant Petroleo Brasileiro SA and Indian petrochem major Reliance Industries, are considering a petrochemical joint venture in the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco and in thee southeastern state of Rio de Janeiro.

For more details on Petrobras and Reliance mull petrochemical JV click here

Oil prices jump as Venezuela mulls OPEC output cut

OPEC member Venezuela plans to appeal for a production cut if oil continues to slide. The appeal is expected to be made at an OPEC's meet in September. News of an anticipated supply cut has raised conncerns and spiked up prices.

For more details on Oil prices jump as Venezuela mulls OPEC output cut click here

40 day maintenance turnaround planned by Nippon Oil at its ethylene cracker

Nippon Oil plans to shutter its ethylene cracker at Kawasaki for 40 days for a maintenance turnaround. The turnaround at the 450,000 tpa ethylene cracker is scheduled to begin on August 21.

For more details on 40 day maintenance turnaround planned by Nippon Oil at its ethylene cracker click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of August 18, 2008

CRUDE OIL
After dropping below US$114 over the weekend, as OPEC lowered its forecast for oil demand growth due to weak global economy, oil prices rose tto US$114.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of August 18, 2008 click here

Dearth of raw material supply shutters aromatic unit in China

Effective August 11, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has halted production for fifteen days at its Huizhou-based aromatics plant capable of producing 110,000 mtpa of toluene, 100,000 mmtpa of off-spec isomer-grade mixed xylenes and C9 heavy aromatics, owing to the dearth of raw material supply.

For more details on Dearth of raw material supply shutters aromatic unit in China click here

Polyolefin prices in Europe show signs of steady rise following H1 slump

Standard thermoplastics procurers have expected August to be a steady and strengthening phase following the sudden and immediate price increases in July. Following a slump in H1 of 2008, polyolefins iin Europe are seeing a steady rise in prices with the PP grades increasing about 65 Euros/ton, LLDPE augmenting about 60 Euros/ton and HDPE grades increasing by 55 Euros/ton.

For more details on Polyolefin prices in Europe show signs of steady rise following H1 slump click here

CPC's maintenance turnaround at Kaohsiung PX plant unlikely to influence markets

Taiwan's Chinese Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has shuttered its 260,000 tpa No.3 PX plant in Kaohsiung earlier this month for about a month. The shutdown has been triggered by the outage at its No. 6 rreforming unit.

For more details on CPC's maintenance turnaround at Kaohsiung PX plant unlikely to influence markets click here

Chevron-SIIG JV to produce and export styrene & PP

Middle East is witnessing a significant rise in petrochemical capacity due to its benefits of lower feedstock costs compared to other regions. Jubail Chevron Phillips Co., a Chevron - SIIG (Saudi Induustrial Investment Group) JV announced that it will kick off the production of styrene and polypropylene at its Jubail-based plant and start exporting the same by September.

For more details on Chevron-SIIG JV to produce and export styrene & PP click here

Asian LDPE makers maintain switch to EVA production: prevent price erosion

As LDPE market sentiments continue to be lackluster, producers in Asia, who had switched to EVA production at their swing plants, continue to produce EVA. LDPE market outlook that has been sluggish iin absence of sellers offer sand buyers bids, has not affected markets to a great extent as production and supply has been curtailed to make way for EVA.

For more details on Asian LDPE makers maintain switch to EVA production: prevent price erosion click here

Propylene plunges by hundred dollars in Asia

A hundred dollar drop was seen in propylene prices in Asia in the week of August 18, 2008. Prices have dipped below the 1500 dollar mark as downstream market of polypropylene, ACN continue to maintainn a gloomy outlook.

For more details on Propylene plunges by hundred dollars in Asia click here

Hamworthy to build ethylene reliquefaction systems carriers in Japan

Hamworthy Plc., which manufactures marine fluid handling systems for shipping and offshore oil and gas facilities has been awarded a contract to supply LPG reliquefaction systems on four Dual Fuel Dieesel Electric powered ships and a contract for ethylene reliquefaction systems for two liquefied ethylene gas carriers in Japan.

For more details on Hamworthy to build ethylene reliquefaction systems carriers in Japan click here

Omans' O&E and CIPET ink agreement

Oman & Emirates Investment Holding Co. SAOG (O&E) signed a working relationship agreement with India's Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET) for establishing a College for Plaastics Engineering and Technology in Sohar.

For more details on Omans' O&E and CIPET ink agreement click here

Thailand's IRPC plans ABS and propylene capacity addition at US$158 mln outlay

As part of its strategy to focus more on high-value products, Thai petrochemicals conglomerate IRPC Plc plans to invest a total of US$158 mln in ABS and propylene capacity expansion.
The board had aapproved an outlay of US$70 mln for a sixth acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) line that will augment capacity to 220,000 tpa from 120,000 tpa.

For more details on Thailand's IRPC plans ABS and propylene capacity addition at US$158 mln outlay click here

Norsk Hydro ASA to hive off 29.7% stake in Qatar Vinyl Company to Qatar Petroleum

Norsk Hydro ASA has completed the divestment of Hydro's Polymers activities, with the sale of its 29.7% ownership interest in Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC) to Qatar Petroleum, at US$136 million.
Hydro eentered into an agreement to sell its Polymers activities to INEOS in late May 2007, consisting of production facilities in Norway, Sweden and the UK, and the 29.

For more details on Norsk Hydro ASA to hive off 29.7% stake in Qatar Vinyl Company to Qatar Petroleum click here

BASF adds more businesses for sale in divestment of global styrenic business

Faced with menacing petrochemicals supply glut in the Middle East and rising feedstock prices, BASF put more of its plastics business up for sale. In January 2009, BASF will complete the divestment prrocess of its global styrenic business and reorganize the business into new subsidiaries.

For more details on BASF adds more businesses for sale in divestment of global styrenic business click here

LyondellBasell's PP compounding facility in Mexico comes on stream

Rotterdam headquartered LyondellBasell has started up its 30,000 tpa polypropylene (PP) compounding facility in Altamira, Mexico. The new facility will be adjoining the existing PP manufacturing facillity operated by Indelpro, a JV of LyondellBasell.

For more details on LyondellBasell's PP compounding facility in Mexico comes on stream click here

Polymer gel that mimicks biological peristaltic motions

Large or small, machine parts only move when controlled by an external impulse. Biological systems, on the other hand, are capable of autonomous movements that continuously follow their own rhythms annd spatial patterns.

For more details on Polymer gel that mimicks biological peristaltic motions click here

Overseas investment in Iran's petrochem on a record high; more than 40 projects in the making

As per the Oil ministry of Iran, the total foreign investment in the National Petrochemical Company of Iran (NPC) in the previous three years has touched a record US$4.5 bln. The senior authority saidd that the Iranian involvement is based on the 50-50 deals in which half of the total shares are owned by NPC and the reaming are jointly owned by the foreign companies from Philippines, Indonesia, Oman, Singapore, India, Venezuela and the United Arab Emirates.

For more details on Overseas investment in Iran's petrochem on a record high; more than 40 projects in the making click here

To benefit from cheaper LPG relative to naphtha; Formosa to more than double LPG storage

Recently, the cheaper LPG prices relative to naphtha have led to a lot of Asian petrochemical firms to switch to LPG (Propane or Butane) as a raw material against naphtha. On Friday, propane was assesssed at US$860/mt and butane at US$890/mt CFR Japan.

For more details on To benefit from cheaper LPG relative to naphtha; Formosa to more than double LPG storage click here

PSUs including GAIL, Petronet LNG evince interest to buy OPaL stake

India's Public Sector Units, GAIL and Petronet LNG (PLL) have expressed interest to buy a 10% for (Rs.1500-2000 cr) and 5% stake respectively in ONGC Petro Additions' (OPaL) petrochem complex in Dahejj.

For more details on PSUs including GAIL, Petronet LNG evince interest to buy OPaL stake click here

Production outages, lack of cargoes from US & Europe to keep MMA prices up in Asia

The scheduled shutdowns, production outages of regional plants, shortage of cargoes coming from US and Europe have led to low inventory levels for methyl methacrylate (MMA) in Asia. Despite rising ressistance from downstream buyers, these factors may eventually lead to the MMA prices to hover at record highs for the next couple of months.

For more details on Production outages, lack of cargoes from US & Europe to keep MMA prices up in Asia click here

3-day strike at HPL to be called off; employee-management negotiations on

Centre for Indian Trade Union (CITU) has called off a three day strike demanding permanent employment for the 183 contract workers at Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd. (HPL) which was to take place from Auggust 18 to August 20.

For more details on 3-day strike at HPL to be called off; employee-management negotiations on click here

Kuwait's investment in Chinese JV could increase to US$9 bln

Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) has formed a oint venture with China's biggest oil refiner Sinopec Corp. at an initial investment of US$5 bln in the Nansha, Guangzhou. The investment outlay is esstimated, at this stage, to spike to US$9 bln.

For more details on Kuwait's investment in Chinese JV could increase to US$9 bln click here

Plastics, moulding and packaging companies in UK challenged by 100% energy price hikes

Flaws in the country's energy regulations are posing challenges to UK's plastic industry. Plastics, moulding and packaging companies in the UK are being challenged with a 100% energy price hike. This quantum jump in the energy bills will have a severe impact on plastic businesses that are already facing brutal hikes in feedstock bills.

For more details on Plastics, moulding and packaging companies in UK challenged by 100% energy price hikes click here

Indo Rama to invest Rs 400 cr in spandex manufacturing plant

Indonesia-based Indo Rama SPL group has decided to set up a stretch fabric manufacturing unit in Himachal Pradesh. The group plans to invest Rs 400 crore for setting up the spandex manufacturing plantt, a first of its kind in the country.

For more details on Indo Rama to invest Rs 400 cr in spandex manufacturing plant click here

3 CDM projects planned at Haldia by IOC at an investment of Rs 24 cr

IndianOil Corp (IOC) is planning to set up three CDM (clean development mechanism) projects to reduce refinery flare, vent air emission and steam consumption as a measure to protect the environment, ggenerate carbon credits and promote the captive use of waste energy.

For more details on 3 CDM projects planned at Haldia by IOC at an investment of Rs 24 cr click here

Tropical storm poses risks to oil facilities in Gulf of Mexico : oil prices rise

After dropping below US$114 over the weekend after OPEC lowered its forecast for oil demand growth due to weak global economy, oil prices rose to US$114.51 in Asia this morning, on concerns of perils posed by a tropical storm to oil facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.

For more details on Tropical storm poses risks to oil facilities in Gulf of Mexico : oil prices rise click here

Two POM compounding lines delivered in China

German-based international developer of compounding and bulk-material systems, Coperion Werner & Pfleiderer GmbH & Co. KG has completed execution of its two biggest compounding lines for polyoxymethyllene (POM) which are used for the compounding, degassing, stabilizing and pelletizing of the raw POM polymer to a company in eastern China.

For more details on Two POM compounding lines delivered in China click here

SPE to hold its inaugural technical conference in Europe in Sep 2009

Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) will hold an opening European Technical Conference (Eurotec) in Marne-la-Vallee (near Paris), France from September 28-October 3, 2009. The conference will be offerring the European plastics processors a similar technical program on the lines of Antec which is displayed annually in North America, thus enabling the European industry professionals to stay current with the latest global technical developments.

For more details on SPE to hold its inaugural technical conference in Europe in Sep 2009 click here

Oil prices slide to $114.45 a barrel

After dipping to US$113 levels, crude oil prices have settled at US$114.45 a barrel in New York. Concerns abound in the markets about weakening demand particularly in the EU and in China. Recent data has shown a sharp fall in Chinese oil imports.

For more details on Oil prices slide to $114.45 a barrel click here

Polypropylene demand from China subdued as inventory piles on manufacturing curbs

The Chinese government has implemented rigorous cuts in processing and manufacturing activities during the Beijing Olympic Games. Many thousand diverse manufacturing facilities have been compelled to reduce production or completely halt operations in a serious bid to improve local air and water quality and public security during the games.

For more details on Polypropylene demand from China subdued as inventory piles on manufacturing curbs click here

Ticona to extend cooperation with distributor to Benelux, Ireland, UK

After a year long successful co-operation partnership in central and eastern Europe, polymer producer Ticona will extend cooperation with Resinex, international distributor of plastics, rubber and cheemical raw materials.

For more details on Ticona to extend cooperation with distributor to Benelux, Ireland, UK click here

EU grants approval to Total for polyethylene and ethylene JV in Algeria

French oil group Total has got the nod of approval from the European Union (EU) to form a joint venture in Algeria with state-owned gas giant Sonatrach. The European Commission has granted approval too the deal under simplified procedure which applies to cases the commission believes do not pose competition concerns.

For more details on EU grants approval to Total for polyethylene and ethylene JV in Algeria click here

ABS prices tumble in Asia on lackluster demand from China

Bulk production cuts from a spectrum of downstream processors has pressured ABS prices in Asia, despite a recent price down adjustment by about twenty dollars. As ABS demand continues on a downtrend iin China and market outlook continues to be gloomy, and input SM and butadiene prices also continue to descend, prices for ABS have dropped in Asia.

For more details on ABS prices tumble in Asia on lackluster demand from China click here

Developments in Specialty Films

Combined with commodity plastics, micro-layers of high performance plastics can provide the optimum qualities for the wide range of packaging requirements from oxygen and vapour barrier to extend shellf-life to product protection from rough handling in the retail environment.

For more details on Developments in Specialty Films click here

PEEK replaces metal poppets to enhance functioning in compressors

In order to achieve improvements such as reduced fluid leakage, noise reduction, longer valve life, and cost reduction, a number of check valves and pressure relief valve manufacturers for hydraulic aand pneumatic compressors are replacing the metal poppets in the valves with poppets made of VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, a high performance thermoplastic.

For more details on PEEK replaces metal poppets to enhance functioning in compressors click here

600,000 tpa PTA plant construction goes underway in Poland

As the demand for purified terephthalic acid (PTA) in western Europe is set to augment by 6% through 2010, Poland's PKN Orlen has initiated the construction of 600,000 tpa plant for PTA. To be built aat an investment outlay worth Euro 1.

For more details on 600,000 tpa PTA plant construction goes underway in Poland click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of August 11, 2008

CRUDE OIL
On Friday, crude oil prices plunged to hover above US$115 - their lowest since May 2 as the US dollar strengthened further, affecting demand ffor commodities.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of August 11, 2008 click here

Two dollar drop in oil prices, notwithstanding Georgia crisis

As the market shakes off supply concerns caused by fighting between Georgia and Russia, oil prices have dropped by two dollars. Brent North Sea crude for September delivery sank 1dipped to US$111 perr barrel, while New York's main contract, light sweet crude for September delivery, plunged to US$112.

For more details on Two dollar drop in oil prices, notwithstanding Georgia crisis click here

Copolyester approved by Canadian Government for food contact applications

The Eastman Chemical Company's copolyester, Eastman Tritan, has been approved for use in food contact applications by the Canadian government. The material has cleared the stringent safety testing andd procedures required by products that come into contact with food and beverages prior to clearance for use.

For more details on Copolyester approved by Canadian Government for food contact applications click here

BASF introduces several new Engineering Plastics for food contact in Europe

BASF will be offering several new grades in its range of Engineering Plastics in Europe specifically for food contact. As stipulated in the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) regulations for plastics tthat come into contact with food, there is now a requirement for an enlarged quality-assurance and process-control system.

For more details on BASF introduces several new Engineering Plastics for food contact in Europe click here

Borouge awards contract to Agility (Abu Dhabi) PJSC for CMU and Logistics Hub in Shanghai

Borouge, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, has today awarded a service contract to Agility (Abu Dhabi) PJSC to build the Borouge Compound Manufacturing Unit (CMU) annd Shanghai Logistics Hub in Shanghai, China, and to provide local logistics services for Borouge's customers in Asia for a duration of 10 years with effect from its operational start up date in 2010.

For more details on Borouge awards contract to Agility (Abu Dhabi) PJSC for CMU and Logistics Hub in Shanghai click here

Texas Petrochemicals hikes prices of Polyisobutylene product line

Houston based Texas Petrochemicals Inc. (TPC) announced a price increase on its polyisobutylene product line. TPC provides a diverse range of quality products and services into performance, specialty and intermediate manufacturing markets worldwide.

For more details on Texas Petrochemicals hikes prices of Polyisobutylene product line click here

Q2 net profit for Industries Qatar up more than twice to US$736.7 mln

Industries Qatar, second-largest chemical maker in the Gulf after SABIC by market value, posted its fifth consecutive record quarterly net profit which doubled to about 2.68 billion riyals (US$736.7 mmln) from 1.

For more details on Q2 net profit for Industries Qatar up more than twice to US$736.7 mln click here

Earthquake and typhoon resistant PS foam homes pioneered in Japan

Japan Dome House Co., Ltd has created modular home kits (igloo shaped) using expanded polystyrene foam which boast of high energy efficiency and resistance to earthquakes and typhoons. Being 25 feet wwide, 13 feet tall with 475 sq ft of floor space, the prefabricated pieces only weigh 175lbs thereby enabling people to carry the home around and assemble it in a convenient manner.

For more details on Earthquake and typhoon resistant PS foam homes pioneered in Japan click here

India to become Asia's biggest importer of PTA after China

Looking at the India's current demand and future projects for purified teraphthalic acid (PTA), it is poised to be second only to China in Asia when it comes to imports of PTA. In the recent years, Inndia's polyester industry has exhibited a consistent growth, sourcing PTA from players including Reliance, Mitsubishi Chemical and Indian Oil Corp (IOC).

For more details on India to become Asia's biggest importer of PTA after China click here

Egypt's feedstock price revision to hamper RIL's US$10 bln proposal for petroleum refinery and petrochem & plastics industries

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), India's petrochemical giant will be coerced to delay its plan to set up a US$10 bln petroleum refinery, petrochemicals and plastics industries. Investments in oil and gaas exploration sector in Egypt will also be hampered owing to the increased feedstock prices in the country.

For more details on Egypt's feedstock price revision to hamper RIL's US$10 bln proposal for petroleum refinery and petrochem & plastics industries click here

Restrained market outlook for LDPE, LLDPE moves up marginally

As both buyers and sellers have adopted a wait and watch policy, LDPE market outlook continues to be restrained on muted transactions. August shipment offers from the Middle East were heard at a subduued US$1930/MT CFR China, but typical offers in Asia continued to hover at least at least thirty dollars higher.

For more details on Restrained market outlook for LDPE, LLDPE moves up marginally click here

Styrene Monomer capacity scheduled to come ontsream in China

The construction of Sinochem Oil and Gas General Co’s Daqing subsidiary’s 80,000 tpa SM plant has drawn to a completion. Finished at an investment outlay if 700 million Yuan, the project will utilize dry gas (which contains 55% ethylene) from the DCC unit of the company and outsource the feedstock benzene.

For more details on Styrene Monomer capacity scheduled to come ontsream in China click here

Crude values spike by one dollar as tensions between Georgia and Russia intensify

Possible supply disruptions anticipated to be caused by escalating tensions between Georgia and Russia has spiked world oil prices by over a dollar in Asian trade. As exports have been halted via two Georgian ports due to the fighting, New York's light sweet crude for September delivery, rose to US$116 a barrel, while London's Brent North Sea crude for September delivery was up at US$114.

For more details on Crude values spike by one dollar as tensions between Georgia and Russia intensify click here

Nippon Oil plans 40 day turnaround at Kawasaki benzene plant

Japan’s Nippon Oil Corporation (NOC) plans to down the shutters for 40 days at its Kawasaki benzene plant later this month. As the 96,000 tpa benzene plant shuts down for a routine turnaround Asian beenzene supply could get squeezed, in the absence of spot cargoes for supply during the 40 days.

For more details on Nippon Oil plans 40 day turnaround at Kawasaki benzene plant click here

Restrained downstream markets spell gloomy outlook for Asian ethylene

Persistent lackluster demand from downstream industry has continued to dampen sentiments in the ethylene markets of Asia. Downcast end user demand has pressured sellers to down adjust ethylene CFR Asiia offers below the 1500 dollar mark.

For more details on Restrained downstream markets spell gloomy outlook for Asian ethylene click here

Dollar's depreciation, tax regulations and high lending rates to pose turmoil for Brazil's plastics industry

Looking at the trade scenario of Brazil's plastics industry particularly imports, the industry claimed to be a third generation industry will subside owing to the mounting trade deficit, a senior offiicial of Abiplast (Plastic product producers) expressed.

For more details on Dollar's depreciation, tax regulations and high lending rates to pose turmoil for Brazil's plastics industry click here

Shell's new process for FCC to augment PP production by two times

The Middle Distillates and Lower Olefins Selective process (Milos), a new process started by Shell Global Solutions introduces an additional riser to the Fluid Catalytic Cracker (FCC) column to maximiise the yield of the diesel and propylene fractions.

For more details on Shell's new process for FCC to augment PP production by two times click here

Dow and Davy form PTA Technology Marketing and Sales Agreement

Dow Technology Licensing and Davy Process Technology Limited have reached a cooperation agreement for the engineering, R&D, marketing and sales of Dow's PTA Process Technology. PTA production is inteegral to the manufacture of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a performance polymer used in fiber, film, packaging containers, engineering resins and binder resins.

For more details on Dow and Davy form PTA Technology Marketing and Sales Agreement click here

Composites industrComposites industry to benefit from advancement in resin cComposites industry to benefit from advancement in resin chemistryhemistry

Announcing a long awaited innovation in resin chemistry for composites industry, a new resin trade named PULTREAT has been revealed after a 10 year R&D effort by Zeon Technologies and Kusek and Associiates.

For more details on Composites industry to benefit from advancement in resin chemistry click here

A fully recyclable PP bicycle

Matt Clark, South California-based industrial designer has come out with a unique bicycle 'Innervision' which is fully recyclable, using virgin polypropylene (PP) to make a prototype. Hereafter, the pplan is to make use of discarded containers and other PP waste to design the bicycle.

For more details on A fully recyclable PP bicycle click here

Arkema exhibits strong overall Q2 performance; EBITDA for Vinyl segment falls on ethylene price hike in Europe

Arkema's sales in the Q2 2008 rose 1.3% to €1,509 mln, against €1,489 mln in Q2 2008. Excluding the impact of exchange rates (-4.6%) and variations to the scope of business (-0.5%), sales rose by 6.4%%, sustained primarily by price increases (+5.

For more details on Arkema exhibits strong overall Q2 performance; EBITDA for Vinyl segment falls on ethylene price hike in Europe click here

Highly conductive TPV-based TPE compounds

A newly developed electrically conductive TPV-based (Thermoplastic Vulcanazite) TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) compounds have been launched by RTP will serve as alternatives to conductive EPDM (Ethylenne Propylene Terpolymer Rubber) with a volume resistivity of 100 ohm-cm and consistent wide processing window across a Shore A hardness range of 55-85.

For more details on Highly conductive TPV-based TPE compounds click here

Ethylene supply agreement inked between Petroquímica União and Oxiteno

As per a statement by the Oxiteno's holding group - Ultrapar, a contract has been inked between the Brazilian petrochem producer, Petroquímica União (PQU) and specialty chemical firm, Oxiteno in whichh PQU will supply ethylene to Oxiteno.

For more details on Ethylene supply agreement inked between Petroquímica União and Oxiteno click here

Mounting naphtha prices, appreciation in Yen plague Japan's key chemical makers; firms repeatedly post profit decline

Skyrocketing prices of naphtha has led to a bleak scene for large Japanese chemical firms which have faced repeated downfalls in net profits, this time for the period of April-June, 2008. Among the fiirms unable to increase their net profits for the period include Sumitomo Chemical Co.

For more details on Mounting naphtha prices, appreciation in Yen plague Japan's key chemical makers; firms repeatedly post profit decline click here

PP resins exhibiting high transparency & high fluidity

South Korea-based Polymirae, a LyondellBasell-Daelim JV, has unearthed two new Polypropylene resins - Clyrell RC5003 and Moplen RP5007 - and will make them commercially available in Asia Pacific, Afriica and Middle East regions.

For more details on PP resins exhibiting high transparency & high fluidity click here

US report reveals a rise in crude inventories: oil prices fall below US$119

US inventory report revealed a rise in crude and other fuel stockpiles on belief that high energy prices are eroding demand. Light, sweet crude for September delivery settled at US$118.58 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, after briefly dipping below US$118 a barrel yesterday.

For more details on US report reveals a rise in crude inventories: oil prices fall below US$119 click here

HDPE markets quieter as Beijing Olympics just around the corner

As the Beijing Olympics get scheduled to start today, HDPE demand from China was extremely dull, pressing down prices below the 1800 level. As the prices dip to below US$1800/MT CFR China, and demand from China continues to be lackluster, sellers are trying to divert cargoes to countries with better price realization- like those in Latin America, Africa and Europe.

For more details on HDPE markets quieter as Beijing Olympics just around the corner click here

Bearish PVC markets on lackluster demand from China cause VCM price dip

Price of VCM has dipped by almost fifty dollars this week, as downstream PVC demand continues to be lackluster from China. Downbeat markets for naphtha and ethylene are also exerting a pressure on VCMM prices.

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Change in the Global HDPE Market

A new study from Ceresana Research examines the global market for HDPE. Global demand for HDPE is primarily influenced by rapidly growing sectors, such as the packaging and construction industries. Allthough North America and Western Europe accounted for approximately 44% of worldwide consumption during 2007, Asia Pacific leads worldwide growth and, for the most part, will drive future HDPE revenue increases.

For more details on Change in the Global HDPE Market click here

Polymer sorbents to grow globally at 11% pa

The global market for polymer sorbent technology, worth US$3.8 bln in 2007, is expected to increase to US$4.2 bln in 2008. By 2013, the market is expected to be worth over US$7 bln recording a compounnded annual growth rate of 11 %, as per a report by BCC Research.

For more details on Polymer sorbents to grow globally at 11% pa click here

Most ships to be allowed to transit Houston Channel

After being shut on Monday on fears of approaching Tropical Storm Edouard, the Houston and Sabine Pass ship channels have been opened. A total of 33 ships are waiting to enter and two ships were waitiing to exit the waterway.

For more details on Most ships to be allowed to transit Houston Channel click here

SABIC affiliate to use LyondellBasell's Spheripol PP process at Yanbu

LyondellBasell Industries has awarded the license to use its Spheripol process technology for polypropylene production to SABIC affiliate Arabian Industrial Fibres company (Ibn Rushd) at its new Yanbuu-based 525 ktpa PP plant in Saudi Arabia.

For more details on SABIC affiliate to use LyondellBasell's Spheripol PP process at Yanbu click here

Demand for naphtha to weaken in Asia as key crackers plan turnarounds

Naphtha demand in Asia for August and September will considerably weaken owing to the shutdown of key crackers. Amongst the crackers going offline, the major ones include Formosa's 1.2 mln tpa crackerr which closes for a 40 day period in mid-September.

For more details on Demand for naphtha to weaken in Asia as key crackers plan turnarounds click here

Expanding applications of Bioabsorbable Polymers in Medical Sector

Armed with a rich and distinguished history in the field of polymer science, Zeus expands into extruding and customization of bioabsorbable polymers for use in demanding medical applications. With a 440-year history in the design and manufacture of fluoropolymer tubing, Zeus is expanding its operations to include bioabsorbable polymers.

For more details on Expanding applications of Bioabsorbable Polymers in Medical Sector click here

Ineos Vinyls Italia defers decision on PVC output

Ineos Vinyls Italia, a subsidiary of UK based Ineos, has yet again deferred a decision on the future of PVC production at Porto Marghera, Italy. On 29 July, the board of directors arrived at a decisioon to continue tight lipped until end of Q3, following deliberations with other parties.

For more details on Ineos Vinyls Italia defers decision on PVC output click here

EU clears Ineos' acquisition of BASF's UK plant

The European Commission has approved Ineos' proposed acquisition of BASF SE.'s Seal Sands plant in the UK. The commission's market investigation revealed that the proposed acquisition is perceived by market players to have a positive effect because it would bring additional capacities onto the merchant market.

For more details on EU clears Ineos' acquisition of BASF's UK plant click here

Texas Petrochemicals Announces Price Increase on Polyisobutylene

Texas Petrochemicals Inc. (TPC), a Houston based petrochemical company that provides a diverse range of quality products and services into performance, specialty and intermediate manufacturing marketss worldwide, today announced a price increase on its polyisobutylene product line.

For more details on Texas Petrochemicals Announces Price Increase on Polyisobutylene click here

Food manufacturers hit by rising cost of packaging in Europe

Rising crude prices have propelled northwards, prices of naphtha and other petrochemicals. To counter these rising polymer prices, downstream processors are mulling price hikes. Packaging material mannufacturers, no longer able to absorb rising costs, have hiked prices by almost double digits.

For more details on Food manufacturers hit by rising cost of packaging in Europe click here

Dip in SM prices brings down polystyrene offers

Styrene Monomer prices that have dipped to hover around the 1500 dollar mark continue to exert pressures on polystyrene prices in Asia. Being offered at US$1700/MT levels, PS prices have headed south once again on a pessimistic market outlook.

For more details on Dip in SM prices brings down polystyrene offers click here

Construction work on Polyethylene complex at Al Jubail on schedule

Construction work on two new 400,000 tpa HDPE (Hostalen) and LDPE (Lupotech) plants being built at Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia is on track. Start up of the plants is planned by end of the year. The compleex is a JV between Saudi Ethylene and Polyethylene Co (SEPC), a joint venture of LyondellBasell, and Saudi companies Tasnee Petrochemicals and Sahara Petrochemicals.

For more details on Construction work on Polyethylene complex at Al Jubail on schedule click here

Strongest and lightest spikes use liquid crystal polymer-spun multifilament fibre

Claimed as the lightest and the strongest spikes ever, the newly built Zoom Victory Spikes to be used by the American track and field athletes at the Beijing Olympics employed Vectran® fiber manufactuured by Kuraray America.

For more details on Strongest and lightest spikes use liquid crystal polymer-spun multifilament fibre click here

LDPE to remain ahead compared to other materials for plastic films in US

By 2012, demand for plastic film in the US is projected to up 2.8% annually to 17 bln pounds in 2012, worth US$14 bln (resin cost only). Low density polyethylene (LDPE) will remain the leading film, aaccounting for 75% of the total in 2012.

For more details on LDPE to remain ahead compared to other materials for plastic films in US click here

India's naphtha exports to see a 100,000 ton downfall for August; 13% decline for Aug-Sept

India's naphtha exports are set go downhill with at least 100,000 tons slump for August as per Naphtha Information Services (NIS). Against July export volumes of 800,000 tons, August and September arre going to witness export volumes to come down to 700,000 tons registering a significant reduction of 13%.

For more details on India's naphtha exports to see a 100,000 ton downfall for August; 13% decline for Aug-Sept click here

PU arm of Bayer MaterialScience acquires PU systems company

BaySystems™, the umbrella brand for the global polyurethane systems operations of Bayer MaterialScience, has incorporated under itself the polyurethane systems acquired from Stepan Company including iits insulation materials used in appliances, water heaters, doors, roofs, picnic coolers and similar applications w.

For more details on PU arm of Bayer MaterialScience acquires PU systems company click here

Borealis announces a softening of its net profit in Q2- 2008

Borealis, leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, has announced a net profit of EUR 71 mln for the second quarter of 2008, a 48% decrease compared to the EUR 137 mln of the second quarter of the previous year.

For more details on Borealis announces a softening of its net profit in Q2- 2008 click here

Price gap between benzene and SM widens, but not enough for producers to resume 100% operations in Asia

At the beginning of this week, the price gap between benzene and styrene monomer was approximately US$250/MT, rising from last weeks lows by about thirteen dollars. A healthy gap between benzene and SSM, to make production runs viable should be US$350/mt.

For more details on Price gap between benzene and SM widens, but not enough for producers to resume 100% operations in Asia click here

Recovery in benzene markets of SE Asia expected to be marginal

As oil prices dipped, offers for September benzene deliveries were heard down at as low as US$1240/MT in Asia. Marginal recovery is expected in August in Southeast Asia as Thailand's PTT Aromatics & RRefining Public Co has suspended benzene spot cargoes for export.

For more details on Recovery in benzene markets of SE Asia expected to be marginal click here

Consumption and imports of thermoplastics on the rise in Brazil

Consumption and imports of thermoplastics is on the rise in Brazil, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acettate (EVA).

For more details on Consumption and imports of thermoplastics on the rise in Brazil click here

DuPont's Vespel polyimide plant commences production in Singapore

DuPont Engineering Polymers today has started production of its high-growth DuPont™ Vespel® parts and shapes, has begun at its newest facility in Singapore.
"DuPont invested in this expanded capacitty in order to support our customers' growth and market needs," said Y.

For more details on DuPont's Vespel polyimide plant commences production in Singapore click here

Ticona plans new round of price hikes

With effect from 25 August 2008, Germany based Ticona plans to increase by 15%, price of a wide range of engineering plastics products, in all geographical regions. This is the second price hike annouunced by the company since June 2008.

For more details on Ticona plans new round of price hikes click here

PolyOne in exclusive license agreement with Battelle for Bio-Plasticizer Technology

Polyone Corporation, a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions has announced that it has entered into an exclusive license arrangement for a series of bio-based plastticizer technology patents owned by Battelle.

For more details on PolyOne in exclusive license agreement with Battelle for Bio-Plasticizer Technology click here

Crude oil prices plunge to three month lows

Settling at US$119, crude oil have dipped to three month lows on news that the Federal Reserve is holding rates steady at 2%, thus fueling added demand concerns for oil. Crude traded as low as US$118 a barrel before recovering marginally.

For more details on Crude oil prices plunge to three month lows click here

VDE Certification of 10 flame-retardant used in household appliances

To help household appliance manufacturers accelerate time to market by streamlining regulatory approvals, SABIC Innovative Plastics has announced a full portfolio of flame-retardant materials that havve achieved certification from VDE (Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.

For more details on VDE Certification of 10 flame-retardant used in household appliances click here

IOC's naphtha exports to dip in October

With effect from September 18, state-owned Indian Oil Corp. plans to shut half of its 240,000 bpd Panipat refinery for three weeks for maintenance. The state oil company will shut down a 6 mln tons crrude unit as well some secondary units.

For more details on IOC's naphtha exports to dip in October click here

16 bln Yen on upgrades at Idemitsu Kosan's FCC unit at Chiba refinery

Idemitsu Kosan Co. has decided to upgrade the 45,000 bpd FCC (fluid catalytic cracking) unit at its 220,000 bpd Chiba refinery east of Tokyo by 2011 spending 16 bln Yen. In the face of declining markeet rates for its fuel oil, the Idemitsu Kosan aims to increase naphtha and propylene output by 260,000 kl pa, while decreasing production of heavy fuel oil by 200,000 kl pa post-up grading.

For more details on 16 bln Yen on upgrades at Idemitsu Kosan's FCC unit at Chiba refinery click here

Inmould Painting imparts high gloss to fibre-reinforced PUR in LFI process

A new inmould painting process to produce tractor engine covers recently went into operation at Harita TVS Technologies Ltd., Bangalore, India. The covers, made of fibre-reinforced PUR in a LFI processs, are given their high-gloss surface finish inmould.

For more details on Inmould Painting imparts high gloss to fibre-reinforced PUR in LFI process click here

EQUATE to incorporate Tata LMS for workflow process development and employee training

Kuwait's Equate Petrochemical Co will adopt Learning Planet™ , an Enterprise Learning Management System (LMS) from Tata Interactive Services (TIS). According to a senior official in TIS, the Learning Management System will make possible effective training and workflow process development.

For more details on EQUATE to incorporate Tata LMS for workflow process development and employee training click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of August 4, 2008

CRUDE OIL
Slowing global economic growth has affected fuel demand, particularly from the largest oil consuming nation USA. However, even as fuel demand diipped in the USA, a weekly report indicated that gasoline stocks in the country declined.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of August 4, 2008 click here

PetroChina appoints Aker Solutions to supply process design and technical advisory services for new PP plant

PetroChina Sichuan Chemical has appointed Aker Solutions to supply the process design and technical advisory services for its new 45000 tpa polypropylene (PP) production plant in Chengdu. The plant, tthat will use Dow's Unipol process, is scheduled for completion in 2010.

For more details on PetroChina appoints Aker Solutions to supply process design and technical advisory services for new PP plant click here

Unipetrol plans three week shutdown ethylene unit for repair

A turbine fault that has been restricting utilisation at its ethylene unit has pressured Czech oil group Unipetrol to shut down the ethylene unit for three weeks in October.
The company also plans too resolve additional faults that have halted production of injection grade high density polyethylene.

For more details on Unipetrol plans three week shutdown ethylene unit for repair click here

Environmental clearance for ONGC-Mangalore Petrochemicals' Aromatic Complex

Environmental clearance has been received for an Aromatic Complex, to be set up in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by ONGC-Mangalore Petrochemicals Ltd (a Special Purpose Vehicle of ONGC-MRPL). The liceensor's selection for the Aromatics Complex has been completed and basic engineering and design work has commenced.

For more details on Environmental clearance for ONGC-Mangalore Petrochemicals' Aromatic Complex click here

A process that converts PS, PET and mixed plastics into biodegradable polymer

A research group based at University College Dublin claims it can convert plastics such as polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and mixed plastics into a biodegradable polymer. The team has successfully converted PS to a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that is flexible, heat stable and water resistant, using the bacterium Pseudomonas putida CA-3.

For more details on A process that converts PS, PET and mixed plastics into biodegradable polymer click here

Oil prices dip below US$121 on output hike by OPEC

Despite a storm in the Gulf of Mexico that has curtailed oil production, shipping and refining, oil dipped below US$121 a barrel as OPEC increased output and demand from USA and Europe continues to weeaken.

For more details on Oil prices dip below US$121 on output hike by OPEC click here

Gloomy outlook abound in China's ABS market

A downtrend in input costs for ABS continues in Asia, as naphtha and styrene monomer prices continue to fall. ABS market outlook is gloomy both in the domestic Chinese markets as well as for imports iinto the country.

For more details on Gloomy outlook abound in China's ABS market click here

Petron may augment capital expenditure by US$300 mln for phase 2 of Master Refinery Plan

Petron Corp. of Philippines may need to increase capital expenditure by US$300 mln for its refinery expansion program, which is a part of phase-2 of the US$1.5 bln Master Refinery Plan (MRP). The addiitional outlay required is attributed to the rising raw material and construction costs.

For more details on Petron may augment capital expenditure by US$300 mln for phase 2 of Master Refinery Plan click here

Saudi Hollandi bank's US$195 mln Islamic loan to finance Arabian Amines Co in Jubail

Texas-based petrochemicals maker, Huntsman Corp and Saudi-based global industrial and investment conglomerate, Al-Zamil Group have raised US$195 mln through Saudi Hollandi Bank's Islamic loan to finannce the Arabian Amines Co project, a petrochemical plant in Saudi Arabia.

For more details on Saudi Hollandi bank's US$195 mln Islamic loan to finance Arabian Amines Co in Jubail click here

50:50 JV announced by SCG-Dow for specialty elastomers train in Thailand

Global demand for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) is slated to grow by 6.2% in 2009 as per the forecast of The Freedonia Group. China and India will dominate the markets, with demand in these two counntries overshadowing demand in markets of USA, Europe and Japan.

For more details on 50:50 JV announced by SCG-Dow for specialty elastomers train in Thailand click here

As Olympic Games draw closer, PVC demand declines in China

Market demand for PVC has weakened in China and buyers abstain from concluding deals as the Olympic Games draw closer. Slow domestic market sentiments are prevalent in China, driving major Asian selleers to reposition increased number of cargoes to other destinations in Asia as well as the Middle East.

For more details on As Olympic Games draw closer, PVC demand declines in China click here

Lackluster downstream demand keeps ethylene prices down

A close to hundred dollar dip has ensued this week in the price of ethylene in Asia as markets remained downcast on quiet demand from PE producers. An August shipment deal was heard concluded at US$14490/MT CFR Taiwan.

For more details on Lackluster downstream demand keeps ethylene prices down click here

KET announces 31% increase in sales for quarter ended June 30, 2008

Kabra Extrusiontechnik Limited, India's largest manufacturer and exporter of plastic extrusion machinery, today announced results for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
Highlights
o Sales increased byy 31% to Rs.

For more details on KET announces 31% increase in sales for quarter ended June 30, 2008 click here

Honam's Yeosu aromatics plant heading for catalyst change

October will see a seven day shutdown at South Korea's Honam Petrochemicals' aromatics plant at Yeosu for a catalyst change. Total capacity at the site includes 150,000 tpa of benzene, 78,000 tpa of ttoluene and 47,000 tpa of solvent-grade mixed xylenes.

For more details on Honam's Yeosu aromatics plant heading for catalyst change click here

Styrene Monomer plants operating at reduced rates in Asia

Rising cost pressures will keep operating rates down at several plants across Asia. Japan's Idemitsu Kosan plans to bring down operating rates at its styrene monomer plant by 15%. Captive consumption of benzene will come down in August and will reach 9,000 metric ton.

For more details on Styrene Monomer plants operating at reduced rates in Asia click here

Doubling steel prices pressurize Petron to decelerate investment program

Steel prices, which have almost doubled since Petron Corp made its investment estimates, are exerting pressure on Petron to decelerate its investment program. Despite having a new investor willing to infuse more funds, Petron still need US$1.

For more details on Doubling steel prices pressurize Petron to decelerate investment program click here

LyondellBasell Industries Subsidiary Sells Its Sarnia, Ontario, Site to Shell

Basell Canada Inc. has sold the assets and land located at its Sarnia, Ontario, site to Shell's Canadian affiliates, parent company LyondellBasell Industries announced today.

Included in the sale wwas the feed preparation unit, pipelines, propylene storage and all of the land at the site.

For more details on LyondellBasell Industries Subsidiary Sells Its Sarnia, Ontario, Site to Shell click here

LANXESS Testing Center in China receives German test certification

The LANXESS material testing laboratory for plastics at the Wuxi site in China has been accredited to ISO 17025 for the next five years by the DAP (Deutsches Akkreditierungssystem Pruefwesen GmbH - Geerman Accreditation System for Testing).

For more details on LANXESS Testing Center in China receives German test certification click here

Iveco to use LyondellBasell's Softell PP compound for door panels

Italian commercial utility vehicle maker, Iveco is using LyondellBasell's Softell Polypropylene (PP) compound in the door panels of its new truck model named Eurocargo. Besides the aesthetics, softnesss and color consistency, the Softell PP compound also offers useful benefits like design potential, exceptional processability, safety and acoustics properties serving as a good match for use in auto interiors.

For more details on Iveco to use LyondellBasell's Softell PP compound for door panels click here

Total Group's net profit up 39% in Q2; chemicals show a dismal drop of 70% YOY

French oil, gas and petrochemicals group, Total chemicals showed a 70% YOY drop in adjusted net operating income in the Q2 to US$109 mln on narrower margins. The rapidly mounting naphtha prices coupleed with a slowing demand in Atlantic led to feeble margins for petrochemicals for Q2 of 2008.

For more details on Total Group's net profit up 39% in Q2; chemicals show a dismal drop of 70% YOY click here

Foster Wheeler awarded engineering & supply contract for Nizhnekamsk complex

Foster Wheeler Ltd.'s Milan-based subsidiary Foster Wheeler Italiana S.p.A, has been awarded a contract for the supply of fired heaters for the Nizhnekamsk integrated refinery and petrochemicals compllex in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation.

For more details on Foster Wheeler awarded engineering & supply contract for Nizhnekamsk complex click here

New metallocene based PP fiber outsmarts other fibers : to feature in Beijing Olympics

Outsmarting polyester and polyamide fibers on wearability, comfort and weight, a new metallocene-based polypropylene (PP) fiber will be used by Italian sportswear manufacturer to fabricate the jersey for the Italian national sailing team at the Beijing Olympics.

For more details on New metallocene based PP fiber outsmarts other fibers : to feature in Beijing Olympics click here

Sabic's Al Jubail PE and PP plants disrupted by power problems to be on track shortly

Sabic's Al Jubail-based polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) plants which were afflicted with power shortages are believed to return to normalcy in some days. Last week, the power disruption at thhe Al Jubail's PE and PP plant had led to a slight decline in rate of production.

For more details on Sabic's Al Jubail PE and PP plants disrupted by power problems to be on track shortly click here