New methods to measure and optimize hard-coats for automotive PC glazing

SABIC Innovative Plastics' Exatec organization has recently introduced new testing methods that can help to optimize the application of poly-siloxane nano-composite coatings which are used in combinattion with Lexan* polycarbonate to enhance its ability to withstand long-term weathering in automotive environments.

For more details on New methods to measure and optimize hard-coats for automotive PC glazing click here

New cost effective PUR spraying process for soundproofing in automotive components

KraussMaffei's PUR spraying process has been recently employed by a German automotive component supplier, Duramotive Bayern GmbH to make acoustic carpet elements-used for soundproofing in passenger coompartments-for cars and trucks.

For more details on New cost effective PUR spraying process for soundproofing in automotive components click here

New polymer for use in solar cells with higher efficiency levels

A research team at America's UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science have designed and synthesized a new polymer for use in solar cells which leads to significantly greater sunligght absorption and conversion capabilities than previous polymers, reports the Nov.

For more details on New polymer for use in solar cells with higher efficiency levels click here

India's 5 pronged refinery-cum-petrochem venture to witness delay

India's proposed 15 mln tpa refinery-cum-petrochemical project in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) may witness delay as Mittal Energy Investments-part of the five-way JV-have reportedly deferred its invvestment in the project.

For more details on India's 5 pronged refinery-cum-petrochem venture to witness delay click here

Petron Corp. to pre-schedule month long refinery shut down

Philippines' largest oil refining company, Petron Corp. has opted to go for a pre-scheduled 30-day close down of its 180,000 bpd oil refinery in December. Citing regular maintenance as the reason for the same, the refinery close down will speed up the linkage of its petrochemicals unit with its catalytic regenerator by February, 2009.

For more details on Petron Corp. to pre-schedule month long refinery shut down click here

Solutia to restructure Nylon business by production cuts, provisional shut downs

American performance materials and specialty chemicals provider, Solutia Inc. is planning restructuring its Nylon business to align production and inventories with the current economic environment. Ass per the company release, the plan is expected to cut the annualized fixed cost across Nylon business by roughly US$40 mln, or 10%.

For more details on Solutia to restructure Nylon business by production cuts, provisional shut downs click here

Despite hydrocarbon reserves, Central Asian countries have underdeveloped petrochem sector

Despite hosting considerable hydrocarbon reserves, many Central Asian countries have relatively underdeveloped petrochemicals industries as per BMI's latest report. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are the ttwo exceptions.

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Several projects involving development of indigenous refining capabilities and petrochemicals complexes initiated in Mexico

The Mexican petrochemicals industry has not managed to attract adequate investment from either private or public sources, as per BMI's latest report. Furthermore, despite housing substantial indigenouus oil resources, the country is heavily reliant on the US for feedstock supply.

For more details on Several projects involving development of indigenous refining capabilities and petrochemicals complexes initiated in Mexico click here

German petrochem sector to face difficult times ahead

German petrochemicals companies have so far managed to hold up in the face of economic slowdown and rising raw materials costs. However, BMI's latest Germany Petrochemicals Report envisages more diffiicult times ahead owing to the effect of decline in construction activity worldwide, lower rates of economic growth in both the domestic and export markets, and increased competition from Asian and Middle Eastern producers as a result of an expansion in capacity and the appreciation of the Euro.

For more details on German petrochem sector to face difficult times ahead click here

PP prices in North America sink to lows seen last towards middle of 2002

As demand collapses, feedstock costs deteriorate and global stockpiles rise, analysts are suggesting that injection-molding grade polypropylene prices will have crashed by 43¢ to a market average of 339¢/lb by January- as per Purchasing.

For more details on PP prices in North America sink to lows seen last towards middle of 2002 click here

Additive boosts green potential of PET

A new additive renders polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles biodegradable over time, particularly if they are inadvertently disposed of or littered outdoors. BioSmart said PET bottles using its addditive, Bi-X007, are thermally stable, and have excellent storage and shelf life as well as good transportation stability.

For more details on Additive boosts green potential of PET click here

Board of Directors at Supreme Petrochem to consider share buy-back

Supreme Petrochem Ltd. has announced that a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company will be held on December 05, 2008, inter alia, to consider the buy back of Company's equity shares to such extent [not exceeding 10% of the networth (paid-up equity capital and free reserves) of the Company] on such terms and conditions as the Board may decide.

For more details on Board of Directors at Supreme Petrochem to consider share buy-back click here

Mittal to defer investment in proposed Rs 50,000 crore JV refinery project at Vizag

UK-based LN Mittal's company Mittal Energy Investments has decided to put on hold its investment in the proposed 15 mln tpa refinery to be built at an outlay of Rs 50,000 crore at Visakhapatnam, beingg planned by a five-way joint venture involving HPCL, French oil major Total SA, Mittal Energy, Oil India and GAIL (India).

For more details on Mittal to defer investment in proposed Rs 50,000 crore JV refinery project at Vizag click here

DSM Composite Resins, BÜFA to collaborate their European businesses, distribution activities

DSM Composite Resins AG, European market leader in unsaturated polyesters (UPE) and BÜFA GmbH & Co. KG, Europe's leading suppliers of resin specialities in the composite market have expressed intent tto start up a strategic cooperation by January 2009 in form of two joint venture agreements.

For more details on DSM Composite Resins, BÜFA to collaborate their European businesses, distribution activities click here

Oil dips to near US$53/barrel due to released demand data

Oil prices dipped to near US$53/barrel as a result of information released by America's Energy Information Agency (EIA) on oil demand and underperforming US stock market. This decline is near US$100/bbarrel reduction in oil rates since July.

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Polymer emulsion defoamer for waterbased PVC paints

Germany-headquartered Cognis, a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals, has unveiled Dehydran SE 1, a polymer emulsion defoamer for high PVC waterbased paints for the European market. Ass per the company, the new defoamer will stand as a 'green' alternative to mineral-oil based defaomers for PVC water-based paints.

For more details on Polymer emulsion defoamer for waterbased PVC paints click here

New stretch blow-moulding machine in modularised construction offers considerable cost savings

Germany's Krones AG, a leading provider of beverage filling and packaging technology, exhibited a Contiform stretch blow-moulding machine, featuring a newly developed oven in modularised construction at the Pack Expo in Chicago.

For more details on New stretch blow-moulding machine in modularised construction offers considerable cost savings click here

New low-chlorine PPS resin grades for electronics & electrical industry

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP's (Chevron Phillips Chemical) Engineering Polymers group has introduced two new Ryton® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin grades with chlorine content of less than 900 parts per million in anticipation of low halogen content standards for the electrical, electronics and semiconductor industry.

For more details on New low-chlorine PPS resin grades for electronics & electrical industry click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of November 24, 2008

CRUDE OIL
Crude oil prices dropped below US$50 a markets remained bearish on worries that a recession in the U.S., Europe and Japan will severely reducee global energy consumption.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of November 24, 2008 click here

New biopolymer-based extruded net tubing unveiled

Australia's BioPak, a supplier of biodegradable packaging has unveiled new compostable extruded net tubing named BioNet which is manufactured from starch based biopolymer. The material, which took twoo years to develop, is certified compostable and complies with European Standard EN13432 and will decompose into CO2, water and biomass in a compost facility within 180 days, the company asserts.

For more details on New biopolymer-based extruded net tubing unveiled click here

New oxo-biodegradable air pillow

North America-headquartered Intertape Polymer Group, a provider of polyolefin plastic packaging has added a biodegradable film to the iCushion™ Air Pillow Protective Packaging product offering as partt of the Company's new environmental stewardship program, low environmental impact line.

For more details on New oxo-biodegradable air pillow click here

UK's BPI to close Northeast England facility

UK's British Polythene Industries PLC (BPI) will shut operations at its Stockton-on-Tees facility in Northeast England due to repeated losses in the previous two years, coupled with the drastic declinne in demand from the UK's construction sector.

For more details on UK's BPI to close Northeast England facility click here

'Lemon Top' PET juice package for USA's private juice provider

Australia-headquartered Amcor PET Packaging, a leading manufacturer of PET packaging has devised an innovative lightweight 'Lemon top' PET juice package design for USA's leading private label juice prrovider, Cliffstar Corporation.

For more details on 'Lemon Top' PET juice package for USA's private juice provider click here

First plastic compressed-air tank for truck trailers replace metal

Europe's leading manufacturer of trailers for commercial vehicles, Schmitz Cargobull showcased the first compressed-air tank made of plastic for truck trailers at the International Motor Show (IAA) foor Commercial Vehicles in Hannover, Germany replacing the metal compressed-air tank.

For more details on First plastic compressed-air tank for truck trailers replace metal click here

New process leads to highly versatile polymer latex for self healing paints, clever packaging

Research chemists at UK's University of Warwick have developed a unique process to cover small particles of polymer with a layer of silica-based nanoparticles. The research, led by Dr Stefan Bon of Unniversity of Warwick's Department of Chemistry, has created a "soap free emulsion polymerization process" which makes colloid particles of polymer dispersed in water and in one simple step introduces nanometre sized silica based particles to the mix.

For more details on New process leads to highly versatile polymer latex for self healing paints, clever packaging click here

Nascent recovery in naphtha prices as producers cut run rates: Are further cuts in run rates possible?

In a bid to get the deteriorating naphtha markets on track, several key Asian producers have reduced run rates to 70-80%, or announced plant shutdowns- thereby eliminating over 470,000 ton/month of etthylene output in the region.

For more details on Nascent recovery in naphtha prices as producers cut run rates: Are further cuts in run rates possible? click here

New thermoform filling technology that can curtail need for cutting in plastic beverage cans

A new thermoform filling technology claims it can cut out the need for cutting in plastic beverage cans. The preformed design of its blow moulding PET canning systems can better retain product stabiliity for non-pasteurised beverages as opposed to cutting plastic to make way for metallic closures.

For more details on New thermoform filling technology that can curtail need for cutting in plastic beverage cans click here

Malaysian petrochemicals sector has been growing at an impressive pace

The Malaysian petrochemicals sector has been growing at an impressive pace as per a report by companiesandmarkets.com. The government's investor-friendly policies and easy availability of feedstock haave been chiefly responsible for this growth.

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Japanese chemicals and petrochemicals industry currently in a restructuring phase

The Japanese chemicals and petrochemicals industry is currently in a restructuring phase as per a report by companiesandmarkets.com. Japanese companies benefit from the proximity of a large market in China.

For more details on Japanese chemicals and petrochemicals industry currently in a restructuring phase click here

2009 World Light Olefins Analysis

The massive buildup of ethylene capacity in the Middle East and Asia is progressing at a rapid pace and is sending the industry into another down cycle. From 1995 to 2008, ethylene capacity increased by more than 22 mln metric tons in Asia/Pacific, and by more than 13 mln tons in the Middle East.

For more details on 2009 World Light Olefins Analysis click here

Saudi Aramco mulls joint participation in one of India's largest oil and gas projects at Visakhapatnam

Saudi Aramco- world's leading oil company is mulling prospects of participating as a joint venture partner in one of India's largest oil and gas projects at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The 15 mlnn tpa refinery-cum-petrochemical project is to be built at an investment outlay of over Rs 50,000 crore, and is currently a five-way alliance between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), GAIL, Oil India Ltd (OIL), French energy giant Total and Mittal Investment Sarl.

For more details on Saudi Aramco mulls joint participation in one of India's largest oil and gas projects at Visakhapatnam click here

Oil prices dip, gasoline down to levels of 2004

US government has reported that the nation's GDP has shrunk by mor than expected - about 0.5% in Q3. This has been the worst performance in recent years, matched only by 1.4% contraction of the econommy in Q3-2001.

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America's ECC inks multiyear distribution agreement with Taiwan's Swancor

America's Energy Composites Corporation (ECC) has inked a multiyear agreement with Taiwan's Swancor Industries Co, Ltd. that provides ECC with the exclusive right to distribute an advanced line of epooxy resin systems to manufacturers of wind energy system components in North and South America.

For more details on America's ECC inks multiyear distribution agreement with Taiwan's Swancor click here

SABIC IP broadens Lexan PC product line for superior automotive glazing

SABIC Innovative Plastics have unveiled the new Lexan* ULG1003 112OQ sheet, a new, solid polycarbonate (PC) sheet that offers superior optical quality (OQ) for a range of automotive and transportationn applications.

For more details on SABIC IP broadens Lexan PC product line for superior automotive glazing click here

Braskem PP employed in Unilever's packaging innovation

The new roll-on deodorant packages of the brands Rexona, Dove and Axe, by Unilever, have employed Braskem polypropylene in the composition of its lids and bodies. The innovating design, with highlightt to the package's inverted position, makes the application easier and improves the usage of the product.

For more details on Braskem PP employed in Unilever's packaging innovation click here

Dubai Waterfront employs BaySystems' PU foam system for district cooling applications

BaySystems Pearl, a JV of Bayer MaterialScience and Pearl Insulation LLC have developed suitable polyurethane systems for the insulation of the pipes and pipe joints for the massive Dubai Waterfront pproject.

For more details on Dubai Waterfront employs BaySystems' PU foam system for district cooling applications click here

CB&I to market breakthrough methanol-to-olefins technology

Lummus Technology, a CB&I company, and Shaanxi Xin Xing Coal Chemical Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd. (SYN) have signed a cooperative marketing agreement to globally license DMTO methanol-tto-olefins technology.

For more details on CB&I to market breakthrough methanol-to-olefins technology click here

New silver conductive ink unveiled for printed electronics

DuPont Microcircuit Materials (MCM), part of DuPont Electronic Technologies, has unveiled a new silver conductive ink formulated for use in printed electronics. The new DuPont 5064 silver conductive ink is a polymer thick film technology developed with a unique combination of silver powder and resin that provides superior conductivity, cost-effectively.

For more details on New silver conductive ink unveiled for printed electronics click here

Lummus Technology inks agreement to globally license DMTO methanol-to-olefins technology with SYN

Lummus Technology, a CB&I company and Shaanxi Xin Xing Coal Chemical Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd. (SYN) have signed a cooperative marketing agreement to globally license DMTO methanol-too-olefins technology.

For more details on Lummus Technology inks agreement to globally license DMTO methanol-to-olefins technology with SYN click here

Indian Oil Corp. sells naphtha for December at lower discounts than November

A minimum of 90,000 tons of naphtha for December lifting has been sold at Indian Oil Corp (IOC) at narrower discounts as compared to November values, mainly due to short-covering, wherein traders try to fill short term supply gap.

For more details on Indian Oil Corp. sells naphtha for December at lower discounts than November click here

Green shrink film for frozen food, fruits, vegetables that can oxobiodegrade

A green shrink film for packaging frozen food, fruit and vegetables that can oxobiodegrade has performance at par with conventional films has been introduced by French packaging company Bollore. Thee Bolphane Byo film oxidizes with the effect of light and heat, disintegrating into components that are bio-assimilated by soil microorganisms, leaving only water, carbon dioxide and biomass, whether in normal landfill conditions or when accidentally abandoned in nature.

For more details on Green shrink film for frozen food, fruits, vegetables that can oxobiodegrade click here

Rompetrol Petrochemicals to temporarily layoff 130 employees

Reeling under the impact of the global economic crisis that has shrunk polymer demand, Rompetrol Petrochemicals plans to reduce polymer production for the next two months and temporarily lay off 130 eemployees from production and maintenance division, about 24% of its employees.

For more details on Rompetrol Petrochemicals to temporarily layoff 130 employees click here

PET Oxi-biodegradation technology to cut down waste

As per National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), barely 23.5% of PET bottles were recycled in the USA in 2006, representing a drop of over 16% over 10 years. Introduction of Reverte ttechnology can help countries with conventionally low recycling levels to reduce waste.

For more details on PET Oxi-biodegradation technology to cut down waste click here

Finland's Huhtamaki opens a flexible packaging plant in Thailand; eyes growing Asian retail market

Finland's global consumer packaging company, Huhtamaki has set underway its second state-of-the art flexible packaging plant in Samutsakorn, Thailand. The new plant houses modern manufacturing facilitties for flexible packaging in a world class hygienic environment.

For more details on Finland's Huhtamaki opens a flexible packaging plant in Thailand; eyes growing Asian retail market click here

Bayer MaterialScience plans a chlorine recycling plant in Shanghai to aid TDI facility

Bayer MaterialScience plans to build a chlorine recycling plant at the Bayer Integrated Site Shanghai (BISS). The process for this new unit is based on the catalytic oxidation of hydrogen chloride usiing oxygen.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience plans a chlorine recycling plant in Shanghai to aid TDI facility click here

New cornstarch-based biodegradable shrink film for packaging industry

American manufacturer of high-performance polyolefin films, Clysar has introduced a new, biodegradable shrink film called PLAnet™. The new shrink film is proprietary PLA (polylactic acid) film developped to meet the sustainable demands continuing to grow in the packaging industry.

For more details on New cornstarch-based biodegradable shrink film for packaging industry click here

American Fibers & Yarns closes two US plants; files for bankruptcy protection

American Fibers & Yarns Co. (AF&Y), a major supplier of solution-dyed polypropylene filament yarns has shuttered its two plants in Bainbridge, Georgia, and Afton, Virginia. The reasons cited for the ddecision are the increased outsourcing in upholstery fabrics, high PP resin prices, competition from the polyester products and availability of low cost imports.

For more details on American Fibers & Yarns closes two US plants; files for bankruptcy protection click here

Rhodia new Shanghai-based R&D center to lead innovation in Asia Pacific

French chemical group, Rhodia has recently opened its new International Research & Development Center located in Shanghai which will lead the Group's innovation in the Asia-Pacific zone. The Chinese ccenter is an addition to Rhodia's already established R&D centers in Aubervilliers (France), Lyon (France), Bristol (United States), Paulinia (Brazil).

For more details on Rhodia new Shanghai-based R&D center to lead innovation in Asia Pacific click here

THAI PT plans US$571 mln spend to stabilise share price

State-controlled PTT's shares have dropped 60% in the last 12 months. In the wake of the global financial crisis, Thailand's largest energy firm plans to spend up to US$571 mln (20 bln baht) in an efffort to stabilise its share price.

For more details on THAI PT plans US$571 mln spend to stabilise share price click here

KBR awarded pre-FEED contract by Egypt Hydrocarbon Corporation (EHC) for PE units

KBR has been awarded a contract by Egypt Hydrocarbon Corporation (EHC) to complete a pre-Front End Engineering Design (pre-FEED) study for two polyethylene units at its proposed Petrochemical Complex..

For more details on KBR awarded pre-FEED contract by Egypt Hydrocarbon Corporation (EHC) for PE units click here

Novatek launches plant to enlarge Russia's gas condensate output by 20%

Russia's biggest independent gas producer Novatek has boosted Russia's gas condensate output by 20% with the launch of the second phase of the Purovsky refining plant in the Urals region. As global peetrochemical giants cut output, Novatek Novatek's new plant will be able to double its gas condensate output in about 2 or 3 years.

For more details on Novatek launches plant to enlarge Russia's gas condensate output by 20% click here

Chemical majors mull shutdowns, cut in run rates as Germany enters recession in Q3

Accounting for 25% of the region's chemical output, Europe's largest chemical producer- Germany has entered into a recession in the third quarter of this year. Also, 10% of their sales are from the gllobal automotive industry alone that is currently staggering under the global economic crisis, the industry players will be compelled to reconsider production.

For more details on Chemical majors mull shutdowns, cut in run rates as Germany enters recession in Q3 click here

Oil prices rebound: rise above US$50

A rally in equity markets in Europe and Asia on news that China may cut interest rates later in the day, has propped up oil prices, as they rise from 3.5 year lows. U.S. light crude for January deliveery moved up to US$50.

For more details on Oil prices rebound: rise above US$50 click here

SABIC to shutter Dutch naphtha cracker for repairs

A compressor fault discovered earlier this week had caused a shutdown of one of SABIC's naphtha crackers at Geleen, Netherlands. The company had to flare as a result of the incident. The company planss to further the shutdown to repair the naphtha cracker.

For more details on SABIC to shutter Dutch naphtha cracker for repairs click here

Temporary shutdown of NOVA's Beaver Valley site in Pennsylvania

Weak market conditions through last year that have deteriorated further as global economy sinks into recession, has forced NOVA Chemicals to mull a temporary shutdown of its styrenic unit at Beaver Vaalley site in Monaca, Pennsylvania.

For more details on Temporary shutdown of NOVA's Beaver Valley site in Pennsylvania click here

Petrochem MOU inked between Oil Search, Papua New Guinea govt, Itochu, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co

Oil Search has inked an MOU with the Papua New Guinea government, Itochu and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co to update a study on the feasibility of a petrochemical project in Papua New Guinea. The companiies will work together and co-ordinate with the govt.

For more details on Petrochem MOU inked between Oil Search, Papua New Guinea govt, Itochu, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co click here

SABIC to shutter Dutch naphtha cracker for repairs

A compressor fault discovered earlier this week had caused a shutdown of one of SABIC's naphtha crackers at Geleen, Netherlands. The company had to flare as a result of the incident. The company planss to further the shutdown to repair the naphtha cracker.

For more details on SABIC to shutter Dutch naphtha cracker for repairs click here

Temporary shutdown of NOVA's Beaver Valley site in Pennsylvania

Weak market conditions through last year that have deteriorated further as global economy sinks into recession, has forced NOVA Chemicals to mull a temporary shutdown of its styrenic unit at Beaver Vaalley site in Monaca, Pennsylvania.

For more details on Temporary shutdown of NOVA's Beaver Valley site in Pennsylvania click here

Petrochem MOU inked between Oil Search, Papua New Guinea govt, Itochu, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co

Oil Search has inked an MOU with the Papua New Guinea government, Itochu and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co to update a study on the feasibility of a petrochemical project in Papua New Guinea. The companiies will work together and co-ordinate with the govt.

For more details on Petrochem MOU inked between Oil Search, Papua New Guinea govt, Itochu, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co click here

SABIC IP, LPKF collaborate to maximize functionality in miniature electronics

SABIC Innovative Plastics and LPKF Laser & Electronics AG have worked together to develop a new approach to help electronics device manufacturers miniaturize. By combining LPKF's Laser Direct Structurring (LDS) technology with specialized SABIC Innovative Plastics materials, it is now possible to integrate electronic and mechanical functionality - such as a mobile phone antenna - in a single module, saving space and reducing manufacturing costs and development lead time.

For more details on SABIC IP, LPKF collaborate to maximize functionality in miniature electronics click here

Popular Science honours hurricane-resistant curtain containing Honeywell Spectra® Fiber

Hurricane-resistant curtains containing Honeywell's high-strength Spectra® fiber has been awarded Popular Science Magazine's 2008 Best of What's New Grand Award. The curtains were named the top innovaation in home technology.

For more details on Popular Science honours hurricane-resistant curtain containing Honeywell Spectra® Fiber click here

NOVA Chemicals halts US styrenic polymer plant on poor demand

Canadian company NOVA Chemicals have halted operations at its Beaver Valley site in Monaca, Pennsylvania, US. The Beaver Valley site which produces styrenic polymers for several markets was shut due to dramatic decline in demand.

For more details on NOVA Chemicals halts US styrenic polymer plant on poor demand click here

Russia's Novatek boosts gas condensate production

Russia's largest autonomous gas producer, Novatek has started Phase-2 of its Purovsky refinery in Urals region of Russia amid others including energy giant Sibur taming production due to decline in deemand.

For more details on Russia's Novatek boosts gas condensate production click here

New standard-compliant TPE compounds for insulation, jacket, and molded applications

American company specializing in compounding of advanced polymer materials, Teknor Apex recently unveiled its New Elexar® Compounds-a new class of TPE compounds-for wide range of insulation, jacket, aand molded applications meet stringent UL criteria while providing rubber-like flexibility and toughness.

For more details on New standard-compliant TPE compounds for insulation, jacket, and molded applications click here

Solvay Advanced Polymers' PPA resins get hot potable water certifications

Belgium's Solvay Advanced Polymers have recently obtained hot potable water certification for two new grades of Amodel® polyphthalamide (PPA). This will help OEMs expedite the approval process requireed for components used in boilers, valves, meters and other equipment that comes in contact with hot potable water.

For more details on Solvay Advanced Polymers' PPA resins get hot potable water certifications click here

DuPont™ Zytel® nylon used in Daimler's award winning polymer oil pan module

Two automotive components using DuPont Engineering Polymers have won accolades at the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Division's "Most Innovative Use of Plastics" awards in recently helld ceremony in Livonia, Michigan.

For more details on DuPont™ Zytel® nylon used in Daimler's award winning polymer oil pan module click here

SABIC, ExxonMobil ink agreement for massive elastomer project

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and affiliates of ExxonMobil Chemical have signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) and are progressing detailed studies for a new Elastomers project at their petroochemical joint ventures, Kemya* and Yanpet*.

For more details on SABIC, ExxonMobil ink agreement for massive elastomer project click here

Asian term naphtha offers slide amid petrochem glut

The petrochemical glut in the Asian region has resulted in sliding term naptha premiums relative to previous offers. Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC), Asia's no. 2 naphtha supplier had recently arrived at a premium of US$2/ton relative to Middle East quotes on FOB basis for December 2008 - November 2009 naphtha supply contract.

For more details on Asian term naphtha offers slide amid petrochem glut click here

New convenient noise reducing solution unveiled for moulders and OEMs

Swedish world leader in plastics granulation technology, Rapid Granulator AB recently introduced the Rapid Silencing System (RSS) at Fakuma 2008 to provide moulders and OEMs an innovative noise reduciing solution.

For more details on New convenient noise reducing solution unveiled for moulders and OEMs click here

American life science leader unveils first bioplastic device

Leading US company involved in technologies, tools and services for bioscience research and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, Millipore Corporation has unveiled its first biodegradable and compostable product-the EcoStand tube holder-made from environmentally responsible bio-based plastic resin.

For more details on American life science leader unveils first bioplastic device click here

Solutia to shutter production of PVB interlayers at US plant

US maker of performance materials and specialty chemicals, Solutia Inc. has announced to shutter production of its Saflex(R) polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers at its Trenton-based Saflex plant in Miichigan effective March 31, 2009.

For more details on Solutia to shutter production of PVB interlayers at US plant click here

New PMMA grade contains 20% carbon sourced from biomass

French chemical major Arkema Group's subsidiary, Atulglas International has recently unveiled a new PMMA grade under the name Altuglas Rnew which is based on one-fifth of carbon derived from biomass. The new PMMA grade has can be employed in cosmetic packaging, electronics industry and number of other markets due to its noteworthy optical and visual qualities, durability and exceptional surface hardness.

For more details on New PMMA grade contains 20% carbon sourced from biomass click here

Polymer films that change color in response to tension

Senior Research Scientist at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has developed polymer films that change color instantaneously and reversibly in response too changes in the tension applied.

For more details on Polymer films that change color in response to tension click here

Waterproof Membranes - from Russia to the Middle East

Waterproof membranes are used in a wide range of civil and building applications. Around 750,000 tonnes of polymer will be used in building membranes in Europe in 2008 according to Jon Nash, Strategicc Research Manager at Applied Market Information.

For more details on Waterproof Membranes - from Russia to the Middle East click here

Low stockpiles increase buying in China: prop up DPE prices in Asia

LDPE as well as LLDPE markets gained strength in Asia as buyers have returned to the markets. Demand revived in China, as finding themselves with low inventory levels, many buyers came back to the marrkets.

For more details on Low stockpiles increase buying in China: prop up DPE prices in Asia click here

Crude oil drops below US$50- sees a hundred dollar fall in hundred days

As recession in USA, Europe and Japan begins to set in, depressing global energy demand, crude oil has dipped to less than US$50/barrel in New York. Oil has ebbed to this level for the first time in aalmost two years, as the global economic crisis has cut back demand growth to its weakest in 23 years.

For more details on Crude oil drops below US$50- sees a hundred dollar fall in hundred days click here

Adnoc sets term naphtha premium 75%-80% lower

Asia's third-largest supplier - Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc) has announced its January-December 2009 term naphtha premium at $3-5/ton FOB Middle East. Adnoc's pentane-plus naphtha has been offereed at US$5/ton premium, low-sulphur naphtha at US$4/ton premium and splitter naphtha at US$3/ton premium.

For more details on Adnoc sets term naphtha premium 75%-80% lower click here

Formosa mulls restart of No.3 naphtha unit in January, YNCC shutters cracker

Formosa's 1.2 mln tpa, No. 3 naphtha unit that has been shuttered since September, may restart. Formosa Petrochemical Corp has deferred restart several times since the shutdown because of persistentlyy failing naphtha demand.

For more details on Formosa mulls restart of No.3 naphtha unit in January, YNCC shutters cracker click here

Run rates at SK Energy's PP and LD/HDPE plants down by 20%

Global economic crisis that has translated into a recession in USA, Europe and Japan, has caused polymer demand to sink over the past few weeks. As demand continues to be weaker, several producers acrross Asia have reduced run rates, in a bid to reduce inventory pressures.

For more details on Run rates at SK Energy's PP and LD/HDPE plants down by 20% click here

With investments of US$5 bln last year, plastic industry in GCC sees steady growth

With a total of 1,223 industrial units and investments worth $5bn in last year, the plastic industry in the GCC has been witnessing steady growth in the last few years, as per the Gulf Organization foor Industrial Consulting (GOIC).

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DuPont Teijin joins Holst Centre for plastic electronics research program

DuPont Teijin Films, the world's leading differentiated producer of PET and PEN polyester films, have recently joined Systems-in-Foil program of Holst Centre, a research initiative of the Flemish and Dutch research centers IMEC and TNO.

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Pebax® elastomer takes tennis rackets to a next level

High-performance thermoplastic polymers producer Arkema and French leading tennis rackets manufacturer Babolat have worked together to design the grommet systems of the new XS line of tennis rackets. Babolat Xtra Sweetspot Technology employs Pebax® elastomer to enhance lightness, comfort and tolerance of the game.

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Innovative 'capless' fuel filler system protects vehicles from scratches, reduces emissions

A new "capless" fuel filler system for the 2008 Ford Flex, Escape, F150, Expedition and Lincoln MKS vehicles is honoured as a finalist in the Society of Plastics Engineers Most Innovative Use of Plasttics Award in the chassis/powertrain category.

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New blast protection system absorbs energy and mitigates debris hazards

US manufacturer of flexible films and tapes, Berry Plastics Corporation has unveiled X-FLEXTM Blast Protection System, an innovative, peel-and-stick solution that is designed specifically to absorb ennergy and mitigate debris hazards during a significant blast event.

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India's Punjab-based refinery extends start-up date to Feb 2012

India's 9 mln mtpa refinery commissioned in Punjab-Guru Gobind Singh Refineries Ltd (GGSRL) has extended the expected start date by one year to February 2012. The HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd JV promoted prroject worth Rs.

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BASF to take 80 plants off steam, curtails production at 100 plants amid sliding demand

In an effort to avoid capacity glut amid the drastic decline in demand, BASF has curtailed production at 100 plants and provisionally shut down 80 plants worldwide following a similar announcement forr polystyrene and caprolactum facilities.

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Delamine ramping up ethylene amines capacity by 35% in Netherlands

Delamine, a maker of ethylene amines and 50:50 joint venture between Akzo Nobel and Japan's Tosoh Corporation is ramping up the capacity expansion at its Delfzijl plant in Netherlands by 35%. This exppansion will render the total capacity of the Dutch unit to reach 55,000 mtpa by 2010 thereby making it the single largest ethylene amines production unit in the world.

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The slide in oil prices continues

Oil prices have fallen again - on the Nymex, light sweet crude for December delivery dipped to US$53.6, and Brent North Sea crude for delivery in January dipped to US$51.7. Oil futures' four-session lloss totaled to almost 8%, natural-gas futures settled 3.

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Revenues in Nanoparticles in composites to grow to US$144.6 mln in 2013

The World Nanoparticles In Composites Market earned revenues of US$33.7 mln in 2006 as per Frost & Sullivan, and estimates to touch US$144.6 mln in 2013. The entry of new participants and the additionnal capacity that they generate has the potential to bring down prices and drive up volumes in the world nanocomposites markets.

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Sellers raise offers for HDPE in Asia as demand from China picks up

Demand from China has started showing signs of improvement as inventory levels with buyers dip, and also on optimistic market outlook on news of the US$586 bln economic stimulus package announced by tthe Chinese Government to boost its floundering economy.

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Ineos to unite management of European Olefins and Polyolefins businesses

With effect from December 1, 2008, Ineos plans to bring together the management of its European Olefins and Polyolefins businesses into a new combined entity- to be known as Ineos Olefins & Polymers EEurope, making it the largest business within the Ineos Group with the scale and diversity necessary to enable it to compete in the current turbulent economic climate.

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La Seda agrees to 15-year finance package for PTA project in Portugal

La Seda de Barcelona - a principal European PET producer has agreed for long term finance of €320 mln for its planned PTA project in Portugal. The company has plans to build a plant in Sines, south off Lisbon, a 700,000 tpa purifed terephthalic acid (PTA) plant.

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LyondellBasell introduces Alastian -a no-frills online polyolefins business in China, India and Vietnam.

Provider of plastics solution based on PE and PP, LyondellBasell Industries, has introduced Alastian, its no-frills online polyolefins business, in China, India and Vietnam. Being the first supplier tto offer a completely online service in the region, the web-based channel will offer easy, convenient and reliable way to buy PP and PE.

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Global Cumene/Phenol & Polycarbonate Analysis

The recent extremes in global energy prices have impacted the petrochemical industry and the cumene/phenol chain in particular. These uncertainties make this analysis a necessary resource for businesss planning professionals and strategic decision makers.

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BASF lowers profit forecast again and mulls redundancy of 80 factories

As chemical users from automotive, construction and textile industries curtail orders in view of reduced demand triggered by deterioration of the global economy, World Number 1chemical maker BASF SE hhas reduced once again, its forecast for profits - calling off its objective to match last year's profit.

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New inorganic, UV absorbers for transparent film, bottle packaging applications

UK's Croda Polymer Additives, a leading provider of additives for plastics has unveiled Solasorb, a novel inorganic UV absorber that delivers UV protection and improved transparency compared to tradittional nano-powders.

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DSM Engineering Plastics, Valeo join forces to develop fuel-efficient, low emission auto components

DSM Engineering Plastics announced the expansion of its longstanding partnership with French firm Valeo to develop enhanced technologies for reducing the environmental impact from vehicles. Valeo Engiine Management Systems, a division of Valeo, is using Arnite polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polybutylene terephthalate/polyethylene (PBT/PET) resins from DSM Engineering Plastics in several innovative engine systems: electronic throttle control (ETC) exhaust gas recirculation (EGR); and ignition systems.

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New vacuum cups provide elasticity of rubber, wear resistance of plastic

Germany's FIPA GmbH has developed highly stable, wear resistant and high performing vacuum cups made of Tepuflex especially for use in vacuum technology in the packaging industry. Tepuflex, the new maaterial is a polyurethane mixture that exhibits both the elasticity of rubber and the wear resistance of plastic.

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Octal Petrochemicals' integrated PET & APET facility on verge of completion

Oman's leading petrochemical company, Octal Petrochemicals' proposed integrated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) facility at Salalah Free Zone, is on veerge on completion, Trade Arabia reported.

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New collaboration to further broad commercialization of high quality, 3D image holograms

Bayer MaterialScience, one of the leading polymer companies and Ultimate Holographic Reproductions Inc. (UHR), Canada-based leading developer of full-color hologram technology have entered into a joinnt development agreement to advance the broad commercialization of high-quality, true-color holographic images.

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New halogen-free, high-heat grades of TPUs for wire & cable applications

The thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) business unit of BASF Corporation has unveiled two new tough, halogen-free, high-heat grades of TPU for wire and cable jacketing applications at the annual 2008 IIWCS (International Wire and Cable Show) held in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

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Ineos forced to seek a waiver on banking covenants to avoid potential breach of terms

The UK's largest private company, Ineos, has been forced to seek a waiver on its banking covenants for the next two quarters to avoid a potential breach of those terms. The chemical company, that is hhigh in debt, is struggling with a loss on its large inventory of oil following the decline in petrochemicals prices.

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Brazilian petrochem maker Unipar reports Q3 net loss of 140 mln reais

Brazilian petrochemicals group Unipar ha sreported a net loss of 140 mln reais (US$61mln) in Q3-08, mainly due to depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar during the period. In the firrst nine months of 2008, the group made a net loss of 102 mln reais compared to a net profit of 129 mln reais a year ago.

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Concerns of deteriorating demand amid slow global growth depresses oil below US$55 a barrel

Oil prices recoiled after surprisingly good US industrial output figures, but later fell amid more warnings of layoffs and reduced demand. As concerns of deteriorating demand amid slowing global growtth rise, oil prices have dropped.

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PVC prices expected to perk up in Asia

PVC prices are expected to pick up in Asia as the market awaits next month offers. Most PVC deals for the month have been concluded and sellers prefer to wait and watch for effects of the economic sttimulus package announced in China, before they quote for December.

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Haldia keeps volume at 300000 tons for Dec 08-Nov 09 naphtha from KPC

India's Haldia Petrochemicals will lift 300,000 tons of naphtha for December 2008-November 2009, accepting KPC's US$2/ton premium to FOB Middle East quotes. With this, HPL becomes KPC's largest term lifter for the 12-month period, an interesting phenomenon at a time when Asia's top ethylene producer Formosa has cut volumes by 50% for the same period.

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4 contracts worth Rs1637 crore awarded to L&T

India's engineering and construction major - Larsen and Turbo has been awarded a total of 4 EPC contracts worth Rs1,637 crore in this year. The projects include two water supply projects, a drainage pproject and a refinery project.

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Asian polypropylene rises in line with increased propylene values

This week, propylene prices strengthened by almost US$150/MT in Asia, as demand in China improved. FOB Korea December shipment propylene was up to levels of US$425/MT. Polypropylene prices also rose iin line with increasing input costs and improving demand.

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Will recovery in China's energy demand initiate by year end?

China has announced an unprecedentedly huge economic stimulus package worth 4 trillion yuan (US$586 bln) to be infused by the end of 2010. The package is aimed at boosting domestic demand by providingg financing to 10 major infrastructure programs over the next two years, including transportation, rural projects, low-cost housing, environmental projects and post-disaster reconstruction.

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Lacking in world scale plants and domestic feedstock, petrochem makers in Japan and Taiwan at a disadvantage

The massive buildup of ethylene capacity in the Middle East and Asia is progressing at a rapid pace initiating another down cycle. From 1995 to 2008, ethylene capacity increased by over 22 mln metric tons in Asia/Pacific, and by more than 13 mln tons in the Middle East.

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Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of November 17, 2008

CRUDE OIL
Crude oil futures dipped below US$56 in the week of November 17, 2008, as OPEC's plans of another output cut currently seem confounded amid a bleak economic scenario.

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New enzyme could assist production of PMMA from sugars

Scientists at Germany's University of Duisburg-Essen and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) have found an enzyme which could be used for the biotechnological production of a precurssor of MMA.

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Oxea shuts down oxo production at Oberhausen, Germany due to damage

Oxea, a global supplier of oxo products and olefin derivatives has shut down its entire oxo production at its Oberhausen-based plants in Germany due to a discovered damage in the plants. The productioon will be discontinued from November 17 to November 26, 2008 due to immediate repairs in the plants and is set resume operations thereafter.

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First Clear Coat Moulding system to go into operation in Japan

KraussMaffei, a leading provider of plastics processing machinery have recently supplied the metering machine, mixing heads, robot, moulds and tooling for the first Clear Coat Moulding (CCM) system too go into operation in Japan.

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Outlook for HDPE seems positive, LDPE and LLDPE continue to weaken due to pessimism

China, a key player in the world economy has announced a US$586 bln economic stimulus package to boost its floundering economy. The sentiments in polyethylene markets have been mixed.
After successsful conclusion of CFR China deals at US$775/MT, HDPE prices firmed by about twenty dollars, despite availability of cargoes lower than US$750/MT.

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Economic stimulus package fails to lift PS demand and price in China

GPPS prices witnessed a hundred dollar fall to dip to levels below US$795/MT CFR China. The economic stimulus package announced in China has failed to lift demand and prices for polystyrene. As outloook continues to be pessimistic, CFR China deals were heard concluded almost fifty dollars lower for GPPS and at US$900/MT for HIPS.

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Oil prices slip below US$56 as OPEC output cut plans seem confounded

As OPEC's plans of another output cut currently seem confounded amid a bleak economic scenario, oil prices have slipped below US$56 levels in Asia on Monday. New York's main futures contract, light swweet crude for delivery in December, fell to US$55.

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Deteriorating fuel demand drives Sinopec to mull 10% reduction in run rates

Driven by an economic slowdown that has depressed fuel demand, Asia's biggest oil refiner China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (Sinopec) will bring down by 10%, its crude processing rates in November fromm peak levels of July.

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Czech Unipetrol expects petrochem margins to be favourable in Q4

Despite doubts about petrochemical demand, Czech Unipetrol expects margins in its key petrochemical segment to be favourable in Q4. Poland's PKN Orlen holds majority stake in the company. Unipetrol reeported its operating profit (EBIT) fell 24% in Q3 from a year ago levels 772 million crowns (US$38.

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Arkema's subsidiary to divest Sanitary & Heating Pipes business

Alphacan, a subsidiary of the Arkema Group, has recently proposed to divest its Sanitary and Heating Pipes business to the French company COMAP, a subsidiary of the Dutch group Aalberts Industries NV,, according to a release.

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Ara Ashland unveils soybean-based composites at an exhibition in Brazil

Ara Ashland, a partnership between US' Ashland Inc and Brazil's Ara Química, has unveiled ENVIREZ®-a family of soybean-based composites products at Feiplar composites exhibition in São Paulo, Brazil. Containing soybean-based glycol and having the same characteristics as petroleum-based resins, ENVIREZ can be employed in open moulding, closed moulding and spray-up processes.

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DuPont Nonwovens appoints Laird Plastics for distribution of its graphics products

DuPont Nonwovens recently announced Laird Plastics, North America's leading independent plastics distributor, as a new distributor for DuPont Graphics products. Laird Plastics will help expand distribbution of DuPont Graphics products with a focus on DuPont™ Tyvek® print media in the wide-format marketplace.

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BASF's Luran S employed in protective road barrier reflectors

The Polish company Wital has recently employed styrene-based specialty plastic Luran® S 778T from the BASF range in protective road barrier reflectors. In doing so it has been able to replace the steeel previously used for the mountings by a steel-gray colored variant of this acrylate-styrene-acrylonitrile polymer (ASA).

For more details on BASF's Luran S employed in protective road barrier reflectors click here

New 2009 Renault Mégane R26.R employs SABIC IP's PC sheet & blackout ink technology

French automaker Renault Sport has used SABIC Innovative Plastics' Lexan* polycarbonate (PC) sheet and a proprietary Exatec* blackout ink technology in its new Mégane Renault Sport R26.R-a limited ediition of its turbocharged Mégane R26 by to replace the glass backlight and quarter windows of the new vehicle.

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Netstal to demonstrate its new IMM model in area of medical moulding at Plastindia

At forthcoming international plastics exhibition, Plastindia 2009 in New Delhi, Netstal- the Swiss manufacturer on injection moulding machines- will demonstrate its highly durable SynErgy machine apprropriate in the area of medical moulding.

For more details on Netstal to demonstrate its new IMM model in area of medical moulding at Plastindia click here

Mitsubishi Chem's PP unit halted due to fire

Japan's Mitsubishi Chemical has brought to halt operations at a polypropylene unit at its Mizushima plant when some pipes at the unit were caught in fire. The incident took place at Friday midnight annd there are no reports of any injuries at the plant, industry sources confirmed.

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New fully automated GPC mass spectrometer trims analysis time of Plastics, Synthetic Polymers

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, North American subsidiary of Japan's Shimadzu has unveiled a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) mass spectrometer for quick analysis of ultra-trace substances such ass impurities and additives in plastics and synthetic polymers.

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New fully automated GPC mass spectrometer trims analysis time of Plastics, Synthetic Polymers

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, North American subsidiary of Japan's Shimadzu has unveiled a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) mass spectrometer for quick analysis of ultra-trace substances such ass impurities and additives in plastics and synthetic polymers.

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Vistamaxx specialty elastomers & resins win FDA approval

Vistamaxx™ specialty elastomers and resins from ExxonMobil Chemical have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Food Contact Notification process. These elastomerrs and resins-based on company's proprietary Exxpol™ metallocene technology-are targeted at flexible and rigid food packaging applications food containers, kitchen tools and utensils, and toys.

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Taiwan's Formosa not resume No.3 cracker until Nov end

Owing to declining demand of petrochemicals amid slowing global economy, Taiwan's Formosa Petrochemical Corporation has decided not to resume operations at its No.3 ethylene cracker until the end of NNovember.

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Iran's NPC to exclude polymer production from planned Assaluyeh-based project

Iran's state-owned National Petrochemical Co (NPC) has decided to exclude polymer production from its proposed Olefins No 12 project in Assaluyeh, to diversify its products, ICIS news reported. The coompany said at the ICIS World Polymers Conference that it would reduce the planned production capacity of ethylene from 1.

For more details on Iran's NPC to exclude polymer production from planned Assaluyeh-based project click here

BioSolar to set pilot runs of bioplastics-based solar module component

American company BioSolar, Inc., developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells, announced that it expects to begin commercial production of its BioBacksheet™ over the next few months, and is gearing up for pre-production runs.

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Oil prices rise by two dollars

Crude oil prices plunged to US$54.67- its lowest level since Jan 2007, on reports that the world's biggest economies are in recession and that energy demand has declined to decade-ago levels. Later, llight, sweet crude for December delivery rose to settle at US$58.

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Start up of Reliance's new refinery increase naphtha exports from India next month

Reliance Petroleum's 580,000 bpd (29 million ton) refinery at Jamnagar, built at an investment of US$6 bln, is scheduled to come ontream next month. Start up of the new refinery will increase naphtha exports from India for the month of December.

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Ineos to combine management of European Olefins and Polyolefins businesses

INEOS has announced that on 1st December, it plans to bring together the management of its European Olefins and Polyolefins businesses into a new combined business, to be known as INEOS Olefins & Polyymers Europe.

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Trends in demand and supply from propylene to intermediate acrylonitrile

Asia dominates the production capacity of propylene, accounting for 36% of the global capacity. On the demand side, it is also the major consumer of propylene. During 2007, it consumed 28.6 million toons of propylene, accounting for almost 39% of global demand.

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EU grants limited approval to use Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals' Nylon MX6 in multi layer containers

Limited Approval has been granted to use Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals' Nylon MX6 in multi layer containers with no tie layer or adhesive for bottle to bottle applications to a maximum of 2% of the collectted bottles stream.

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Developments in PVC additives and compounding

Formulations are changing for PVC due to the phasing out of some plasticisers and lead stabilisers. This is leading to a re-think of the whole formulation to give more cost effective and added value compounds.

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Borealis AG selects LyondellBasell's Lupotech T technology for a new 350,000 tpa LDPE plant

Borealis AG has selected LyondellBasell's Lupotech T technology for a new 350,000 tpa low density polyethylene (LDPE) plant; start-up is expected in 2013."This investment is an important step in our ggrowth strategy and our selection of LyondellBasell's LDPE technology supports this position" said Alfred Stern, Vice President Innovation & Technology at Borealis, during the signing ceremony.

For more details on Borealis AG selects LyondellBasell's Lupotech T technology for a new 350,000 tpa LDPE plant click here

Corn sugar-based bioplastic resin conforms to European fresh water, soil biodegradability certification

American company, Metabolix, Inc. have announced that Mirel™ bioplastic resins produced by Telles™-its JV with Archer Daniels Midland Company, have received the European conformity certification of "OOK Biodegradable Soil" for natural soil biodegradability and "OK Biodegradable Water" for fresh water biodegradability from Vinçotte.

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New biodegradable, compostable film with moisture barrier capability

Innovia Films-a leading global producer of speciality high performance BOPP and Cellulose films for packaging, labels-have launched next generation of its flexible, compostable film under the name, NaatureFlex™ at the European Bioplastics Conference.

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New thermoformable reflector plate made with PP-laminated foam sheet

Japan's Sekisui Plastics Co Ltd has unveiled a thermoformable reflector plate made with polypropylene resin laminated foam sheet, according to report published by Nikkei Business Publication. Sekisui''s new reflector plate named Reftelas can be employed in LCD TV backlights, electric billboards and other products which use light emitting devices.

For more details on New thermoformable reflector plate made with PP-laminated foam sheet click here

Honeywell inks supply agreement with China's Haishun to meet growth in Mainland's pharma packaging

American company, Honeywell has inked a three-year supply agreement with China's Shanghai Haishun Packaging Material Co., Ltd., to provide the Chinese company its Aclar® brand moisture-barrier films ffor pharmaceutical packaging.

For more details on Honeywell inks supply agreement with China's Haishun to meet growth in Mainland's pharma packaging click here

Korea's Songwon receives Growth Strategy Leadership Award

Korean company, Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd. has been awarded 'The 2008 Frost & Sullivan Global Plastic Packaging Additives Market Growth Strategy Leadership Award' for its excellence in growth strateegy and subsequent market penetration.

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Formosa to keep No. 3 ethylene plant shuttered

Persistent weak demand amid a global financial meltdown has taken its toll on petrochem demand in Asia. Formosa Petrochemical Corp., plans to keep its No. 3 ethylene plant, closed on Sept. 3 for schedduled maintenance, shut this month.

For more details on Formosa to keep No. 3 ethylene plant shuttered click here

Falling butadiene and ACN prices, subdued demand, dunk ABS prices in Asia

Butadiene and ACN prices have dropped in Asia again, pulling down ABS prices severely. Lackluster demand from China has also acted on buying sentiments and has also triggered the fall in input costs. CFR CMP offers fro ABS were revised by about $60 to US$1400-1440/MT, even as CFR China deals were concluded below US$1350/MT.

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AWADUKT Thermo ground : ideal renewable energy solution

The worldwide provider of polymer-based innovations and systems, REHAU's AWADUKT Thermo ground - air heat exchanger has been specified for a new Wembley Manor Primary School in the London Borough of BBrent.

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S. Arabia's Tasnee aims to build naphtha cracker complex if offered stake in Jizan refinery complex

Should Tasnee Petrochemicals (Saudi Arabia) be offered a stake in Jizan refinery complex in Saudi Arabia, the company is considering to establish a 1.5 mln tpa naphtha cracker complex by 2013-14. The Jizan refinery complex, in which eight Saudi Arabian players have expressed interest for acquiring stake, is expected to have 400,000 bbl/day output while producing around 500,000 tpa of benzene and xylenes.

For more details on S. Arabia's Tasnee aims to build naphtha cracker complex if offered stake in Jizan refinery complex click here

India's MRPL issue tender to sell 30,000 tons of naphtha for Dec loading; to add to Asia's overcapacity

Adding to the overcapacity of naphtha in the Asian region amid weak petrochem demand, India's Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL) has tendered to sell of 30,000 tons of naphtha for Dec 14 - 16 loading from New Mangalore.

For more details on India's MRPL issue tender to sell 30,000 tons of naphtha for Dec loading; to add to Asia's overcapacity click here

US' Reduction Engineering acquires Scheer Pelletizer business

Reduction Engineering, Inc., American company and a worldwide supplier of pelletizers, pulverizers, and rotational molding equipment has purchased the pelletizer business of C.F. Scheer & Cie, GmbH, tthe world's largest manufacturer of strand pelletizers.

For more details on US' Reduction Engineering acquires Scheer Pelletizer business click here

Thinnest propylene film for hybrid-car capacitors

Japan's Oji Paper Co. has developed the industry's thinnest propylene film for the capacitors used in hybrid cars, reports TradingMarkets.com. The new film is only 2.8 microns thick, versus the convenntionally used films for the capacitors measure 3 microns.

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PP development breakthrough to improve conversion economics in packaging

SABIC has recently announced a polypropylene product development breakthrough by introducing SABIC® PP FPC55 into the European Packaging market during the AMI Thin Wall Packaging 2008 event in Colognee from 28th till 30th October.

For more details on PP development breakthrough to improve conversion economics in packaging click here

SABIC warns that price slide could hit Q4 earnings, demand declines mainly in Europe, USA

Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) expects its Q4 earnings to be hit by a rapid slide in prices and a slowdown in demand due to the global financial crisis.
The world's largest chemicals company by market value posted its first quarterly decline in profits in more than two years in the third quarter.

For more details on SABIC warns that price slide could hit Q4 earnings, demand declines mainly in Europe, USA click here

Ineos plans shutdown of 2 polypropylene units in Texas, USA

Ineos Olefins & Polymers USA plans to shut down two polypropylene (PP) bulk phase units at La Porte, TX by early 2009. One of the two lines at La Porte will close by the end of 2008; the other line wiill close at the end of January 2009.

For more details on Ineos plans shutdown of 2 polypropylene units in Texas, USA click here

Ethylene plant shutdowns in Asia

Asian processors, who are saddled with huge stockpiles, prefer to draw on their stocks to meet the needs of reduced production as they wait for demand to return to normalcy, demand in Asia has taken aa hit.

For more details on Ethylene plant shutdowns in Asia click here

Weak demand and a supply glut anticipated by Middle East new capacities to keep operating rates at Asian crackers low

Supply constraints and robust demand propelled petrochemical prices to all time highs in July. Concerns of further price hike led to inventory stockpiling with most players. However, the financial criisis triggered an enormous slowdown in demand, plunging prices to near rock bottom in barely 2-3 months.

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PTT shuts MEG plant for capacity expansion

PTT Chemical has shut its 300,000 tpa MEG plant for a month-long scheduled maintenance turnaround to expand capacity by an additional 95,000 tons. Capacity increase is also planned at it's olefins plaant by 150,000 tons to 450,000 tpa.

For more details on PTT shuts MEG plant for capacity expansion click here

China's US$586 bln stimulus package to boost economy propels oil prices by 4 dollars

China, a key player in the world economy has announced a US$586 bln economic stimulus package to boost its floundering economy. This announcement was welcomed with a more than 4 dollar surge in oil prrices.

For more details on China's US$586 bln stimulus package to boost economy propels oil prices by 4 dollars click here

Equistars' Texas olefins unit rendered temporarily inactive by dull demand

Deteriorating demand and pessimistic outlook for polymer markets as US economy heads fro recession, have compelled Equistar Chemicals, a subsidiary of LyondellBasell to idle its olefin unit at La Portte, Texas until early 2009.

For more details on Equistars' Texas olefins unit rendered temporarily inactive by dull demand click here

Is the worse over for businesses in China, as export orders retreat by as much as 30%

Export sales of several Chinese processors is down by about 30%- caused by evaporating orders due to the financial crisis as well as housing calamity in USA and Europe. Many players expect the going tto get tougher in the next quarter as concerns of job security in USA have deteriorated markets sentiments, shrinking consumer buying.

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Exceptionally downcast demand squashes LDPE and LLDPE prices in Asia

A hundred dollar dip was witnessed in LDPE and LLDPE prices in Asia on exceptionally downcast demand that shows no potential to pick up. CFR China LDPE for November shipment was being offered at US$10000/MT, and at US$800/MT for LLDPE- but was met with buying interest about 100 dollars lower, depressing prices a tad lower than US$900/MT for LDPE and lower than US$800/MT for LLDPE.

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Monkey invasion causes security scare IPCL naphtha complex at Vadodara

Faced with the menace of invasion by 250-300 monkeys at IPCL's 1,263 acre petrochemicals complex at Vadodara, Reliance Industries has been forced to beckon professional monkey catchers from Mumbai. Thhe monkeys have literally taken over the pipelines and other structures of the IPCL complex that houses a naphtha cracker and 15 downstream plants.

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SM prices recoil in Asia after a marginal surge

As feedstock benzene price pressures continue and end user demand from China continues to deteriorate, Styrene Monomer producers announced plant shutdowns earlier this week. Changzhou Do How Chemical and Jiangsu Shuangliang Lishide Chemical Co shut SM plants in China.

For more details on SM prices recoil in Asia after a marginal surge click here

Production cuts fail to lift C2/C3 prices in Asia

Ethylene and propylene prices in Asia failed to get revived despite production cuts by key producers. Lackluster demand in the continent has kept ethylene and propylene prices down by about twenty dolllars.

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Centre breathes new life into Rs 10,000 crore petrochemical unit at Barauni

The Centre plans to breathe a new life into the Rs 10,000 crore petrochemicals unit at Barauni. The decision to open a petrochemicals unit at Barauni was initially taken when the oil refinery was estaablished there in 1964.

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Oil prices improve on Friday, despite volatility through the week

Oil prices ended last week at a slightly improved note, despite ups and downs through the week. Light sweet crude for December delivery rose to US$62.9 on the NYMEX, after plunging marginally below USS$60.

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New 9-wall, energy efficient and highly aesthetic sheets for flat glazing solutions to replace multipane glass windows

To address drawbacks associated with installing multipane glass windows, SABIC Innovative Plastics has developed a new 9-wall Lexan* Thermoclear* sheet as an excellent candidate for applications such as flat glazing of sunrooms, conservatories, and rooflights, shopping centers, office buildings, and factories.

For more details on New 9-wall, energy efficient and highly aesthetic sheets for flat glazing solutions to replace multipane glass windows click here

DuPont opens second office in UAE, continues growth strategy in emerging markets

As a part of its continued growth strategy in emerging markets, DuPont recently announced the opening of its second office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Abu Dhabi office will focus specificallly on strengthening the company's relationships with the oil and gas industry.

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Finland's Huhtamaki to shun flexible packaging production at US facility

Finland's Huhtamaki, a global consumer and specialty packaging company, will cease flexible packaging production in Malvern, USA, due to low volumes and unsatisfactory profitability while continuing iits profitable Films production in the same location.

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Milacron posts 4% YOY decline in Q3 sales; to focus on cost reduction in Q4

Milacron Inc., a leading global supplier of plastics-processing technologies and industrial fluids, has posted a Q3-08 net loss of US$2.6 mln, or 93 cents/share, compared to a net loss of US$4.5 mln, or $1.

For more details on Milacron posts 4% YOY decline in Q3 sales; to focus on cost reduction in Q4 click here

Ticona announces enhancement to its XFR® halogen free FR polymers

Ticona Engineering Polymers have announced an addition to its portfolio of XFR® halogen-free flame retardant polymers - the enhanced Celanex® 6842 series with improved processability and equivalent prroperties that give designers and manufacturers a "drop-in" option for use in eco-friendly electrical and electronic components.

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SABIC IP ups investment in research center to develop materials for fluid handling systems

SABIC Innovative Plastics has invested in enhancements to its Fluid Engineering Center of Excellence in Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands to provide most rigorous evaluation of its engineering thermoplaastics in effective water systems and fluid handling systems.

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Rhodia, Dow Corning announce Silica/Silane collaboration for green tyre technologies

French chemical company, Rhodia and America's Dow Corning Corporation have announced an agreement for the development and commercialisation of new silica/silane products to support the tyre industry'ss drive for energy efficient, safer motoring.

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New over-moulding technology to further design potential for thick-wall cosmetic packaging

DuPont Cosmetics Solutions presents a new and innovative moulding technology based on the over-moulding of polymer inserts with DuPont™ Surlyn®. The technology involves the encasing, or over-moulding,, of a hollow polymer insert with a thick, lightweight, exterior wall of durable Surlyn® PC 2000 - well-known in the packaging industry for providing the same transparency and feel as glass excluding its fragility.

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New films for production of ultra-secure tamper proof ID cards

Bayer MaterialScience AG has added two more products to its range of Makrofol® ID polycarbonate films for the production of plastic cards that will make it virtually impossible for forgers to tamper wwith items such as security passes and passports.

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US$2 bln petrochem project in the pipeline for Qatar Petroleum

State-owned Qatar Petroleum is planning to establish a US$2 bln petrochemicals project in partnership with its subsidiary Qatar Petrochemical Company, France-based Atofina Chemicals and the Chevron Phhilips Chemical Company, as per a report by Emirates Business.

For more details on US$2 bln petrochem project in the pipeline for Qatar Petroleum click here

India's Reliance faces uphill task amid nose-diving petrochem prices

As per the industry sources, the prices of petrochemical products including PE, PP and PVC in India have nosedived more than 60% in the recent months, the biggest fall in about three decades. Reliancee Industries (RIL), which is the leading petrochem company in India is feeling the heat which is evident by the shut down of its Jamnagar-based PP plant, the repeated price reduction in previous months and trader reports of the company offering around 10% markdown on petrochem prices for orders acknowledging supplies for two months in advance.

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First bio-based, high performance, transparent polyamide

France's leading chemical maker, Arkema has unveiled the first bio based, fully transparent and high performance polyamide under the name Rilsan® Clear G830. Rilsan® Clear G830 uses 54% of biobased raaw material thus contributing to reduce CO2 emissions.

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Japan's market leader in phenolic resin commences production in China

Japan's market leader in phenolic resin, Asahi Organic Chemical (AOC) has commenced operations at its fully owned Chinese company Nantong based in Jiangsu province. The production capacity at AOC's Chhinese company (worth US$17.

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Crude recoils after dipping to 19 month lows on signs of shrinking demand amid a global economic slowdown

Halting a two day fall, crude oil prices have recoiled near US$$61 a barrel in Asia. But, oil prices do seem to be very precariously poised for another steep fall as evidence of a severe U.S. recessioon continues.

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Asian sellers down revise PP offers in a bid to liquidate cargoes: find few buyers

Polypropylene prices in Asia have dipped by another hundred dollars this week, on a move by sellers to down revise offers in a bid to liquidate cargoes. PP prices in Asia deteriorated below US$700/MT CFR China for November shipment.

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ABS crash along with plunging butadiene and ACN

Plunging butadiene and ACN - the feedstocks for ABS, along with shrunken demand from China and bearish market outlook, have brought down ABS prices in Asia. Benchmark offers have seen a further downwaard revision to hover lower than US$1500/MT CFR CMP levels.

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Asian PVC dips below US$600, VCM follows suit

Slow moving PVC sales in China due to subdued demand from buyers coupled with overstocked domestic producers, has pulled down CFR China PVC prices to US$600/MT in Asia for November shipment. Despite llowered offers from domestic Chinese sellers, several Asian sellers are unwilling to lower offers any further.

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Naphtha sellers of Middle East toil to conclude deals, possibly at deep discounts

Producers of naphtha in Middle Eastern countries of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are facing a hard time negotiating with buyers from Taiwan and South Korea for December 2008-November 2009 naphtha supply. AAs demand for plastics products ebbs in USA and Europe plunging polymer demand in China, deals are being reported to be taking more than usual time to conclude, with expectations of deep discounts, as per Reuters.

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ONGC mulls IPO of upto 25% of equity shares in ONGC Petro-additions Ltd (OPaL)

Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) is looking at an initial public offering (IPO) of ONGC Petro-additions Ltd (OPaL) - a the special purpose vehicle formed for setting a Rs 13600 cr petrochemical plant aat Dahej.

For more details on ONGC mulls IPO of upto 25% of equity shares in ONGC Petro-additions Ltd (OPaL) click here

Dow and SABIC announce start up of world's largest UNIPOL™ PP train

Dow Technology Licensing, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated affiliates (Dow), and Saudi European Petrochemical Co. (IBN ZAHR), a Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIIC) Joint Venture, announced the start-up of the world's single largest polypropylene (PP) train.

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Global PTA Consumption to exceed 50.5 mln tons by 2012

Global consumption of Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) is projected to exceed 50.5 mln tons by the end of the year 2012 as per a report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. PTA industry is facing surpluss capacity due to massive capacity expansions taking place in China, driven by the huge capacity additions in Chinese polyester industry.

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African Petrochemical Sector to have a bright future

As the petrochemical industry intensifies its global search for new chemical feedstock sources, a growing number of companies are looking closely at Africa's largely underdeveloped and potentially vasst hydrocarbon and mineral resources as an alternative source of supply.

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SABIC Innovative Plastics Announces Production Cutback

As a result of significantly softening resin demand caused by the global economic slowdown, SABIC Innovative Plastics announced today that it will reduce production across its engineering thermoplastiics portfolio by up to 20 percent, effective immediately.

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Huntsman, PUR-Systems ink JV to manufacture, sell PU systems in Central Europe

Huntsman Corporation and PUR-Systems GmbH & Co. KG have formed a joint venture for making and selling polyurethane systems in Central Europe and elsewhere. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) had beenn signed between the two companies in May, giving Huntsman a majority share.

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Taiwan's FPG to benefit from recent Taiwan-China shipping agreement

The recent agreement signed between Taiwan and China regarding the shipment of commercial vessels is expected to benefit Taiwan's Formosa Plastics Group (FPG) and save company's US$76.05 mln per annumm of delivery and loading costs, reports Taiwan News.

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PolyOne's Q3 sales rise; earnings decline from special charges, tad lower operating income

PolyOne Corporation, a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, reported Q3 2008 sales of US$735.1 mln, a 10.6% increase compared to sales of US$664.8 mln in tthe same quarter previous year.

For more details on PolyOne's Q3 sales rise; earnings decline from special charges, tad lower operating income click here

Rohm & Haas opens plastics additives facility in Turkey

In an effort to become leading provider of plastic additives in Eastern and Central Europe, Rohm and Haas has recently started its manufacturing facility in Gebze, Turkey, for Plastics Additives Acryllic Impact Modifier and Processing Aids.

For more details on Rohm & Haas opens plastics additives facility in Turkey click here

LANXESS opens laboratory for polymer analytical measurements

LANXESS AG's Technical Rubber Products (TRP) business unit has recently opened a laboratory for dynamic-mechanical analyses (DMA) within its Polymer Testing department. The new laboratory will carry oout polymer analytical measurements to enable determination of the properties and characteristics of plastics and elastomers required to optimize the processing properties of rubber compounds or their polymer physical properties for particular applications.

For more details on LANXESS opens laboratory for polymer analytical measurements click here

Safe, standard-compliant thermoformable polymer blends for rail interiors

Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) supplies sheets based on polycarbonate (PC) and acryl butadiene styrene (ABS) under the trade names Bayblend® FR 3030 and Bayblend® MTR for use in interiors of the rail vehhicles including local trams and high speed trains.

For more details on Safe, standard-compliant thermoformable polymer blends for rail interiors click here

Operations at 455,000 tpa Al-Jubail based PP complex set underway

Advanced Polypropylene Company (APPC), a Saudi Arabian joint stock company, and Lummus Technology, a CB&I company, recently announced the commissioning of a polypropylene complex in Al-Jubail, Saudi AArabia.

For more details on Operations at 455,000 tpa Al-Jubail based PP complex set underway click here

Reliance Industries discontinues operations at 5 polyester units near Mumbai

According to a report by Business Standard (India), India's Reliance Industries (RIL) has discontinued operations at five out of seven petrochemicals and polyester plants at its Patalganga division neear Mumbai and given an exit offer to around 800 non-supervisory employees.

For more details on Reliance Industries discontinues operations at 5 polyester units near Mumbai click here

Nova Chemicals posts marginal rise in Q3 income

Nova Chemicals posted a net income of US$98 mln ($1.18/share) for Q3 compared to the previous quarter's US$18 mln ($0.21/share) and US$97 mln ($1.16/share) for Q3 of 2007. Company's adjusted net incomme stood at US$83 mln ($1.

For more details on Nova Chemicals posts marginal rise in Q3 income click here

Huntsman estimates US$49 mln costs, lost margins due to hurricane impact in Q3

Huntsman Corporation announced an estimated US$49 mln of costs and lost profit margin in Q3 2008 as a result of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Excluding the hurricane impact, the company expects its Adjussted EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Income Tax, Depreciation and Amortization) for the Q3 2008 to be greater than the previous quarter and similar to the Q3 2007.

For more details on Huntsman estimates US$49 mln costs, lost margins due to hurricane impact in Q3 click here

Texas Petrochemicals doubles polyisobutylene capacity at Houston plant

Texas Petrochemicals Inc., a Houston based petrochemical company has recently announced completion of commissioning its new polyisobutylene (PIB) production unit at its Houston plant site. The plant sstarted on October 6, 2008 is designed to produce both highly reactive PIB (HR-PIB), and enhanced PIB (E-PIB) using its proprietary technology which substitutes for conventional PIB in many applications.

For more details on Texas Petrochemicals doubles polyisobutylene capacity at Houston plant click here

Evonik's PLEXIGLAS® business on an expansion spree in Russia

As part of its strategy to develop the PLEXIGLAS® business within the Russian Federation (RF), Evonik Industries and its Russian JV DESTEK Ltd. have decided to nearly triple the existing extrusion cappacity at the companies' Podolsk production facility.

For more details on Evonik's PLEXIGLAS® business on an expansion spree in Russia click here

Countdown for plastics recyclers to comply with REACH begins

The European Commission has confirmed the obligation for Pre-registration by recyclers if they want to keep their business running according to the European law. Deadline is on 30th November 2008 midnnight.

For more details on Countdown for plastics recyclers to comply with REACH begins click here

New soft, transparent and high impact resistance PP material for thinwall packaging

Borealis, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, has launched Borsoft™ SG220MO a new soft and very transparent polypropylene (PP) solution for production of high quality,, thinwalled packaging and household containers.

For more details on New soft, transparent and high impact resistance PP material for thinwall packaging click here

1 mln tons of Asian naphtha shipped to Europe and the Mediterranean

About 3 mln tons of naphtha from the Mediterranean and Europe found its way into Asian markets between January to September 2008. South Korea alone needed to import on a monthly basis, around 1.3 mln..

For more details on 1 mln tons of Asian naphtha shipped to Europe and the Mediterranean click here

Oil prices rise to US$70 mirrors as global stock markets strengthen, dollar weakens

Light, sweet crude for December delivery rose by almost six dollars to US$69.88 on the New York Mercantile Exchange after rising as high as US$71.77.
As the US Presidential Campaign and elections drraw to a close, oil prices have risen to US$70 a barrel.

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Eastman pursues new markets in North America for extruded plastic sheet

In pursuit of new markets in North America for extruded plastic sheet using Tritan™ copolyester, Eastman Chemical Company has signed an agreement with Plaskolite Inc.
Mustang™ sheet made from this nnew-generation copolyester offers differentiated performance for fabricators, designers and brand owners.

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Idemitsu Kosan reduces run rates at two naphtha crackers

In a bid to cope with subdued demand amid an imminent economic slowdown, Japan's number 3 refiner- Idemitsu Kosan Co, Japan's has reduced run rates by 20-25% at two naphtha crackers with 997,000 tpa eethylene capacity, since the turn of the month.

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