Lucite to discontinue manufacturing methacrylic acid at West Virginia facility

Lucite International, Inc., world's leading supplier of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and part of the Lucite International group of companies, announced to cease manufacturing Methacrylic Acid (MAA) at itts facility in Belle, West Virginia, at the end of the first quarter of 2010 due to non-viability of business in the present tight economic market.

For more details on Lucite to discontinue manufacturing methacrylic acid at West Virginia facility click here

Ford Fiesta's vacuum brake tubes get Arnitel® thermoplastic copolyester advantage

Ford's recently launched Ford Fiesta will feature Arnitel thermoplastic copolyesters from DSM Engineering Plastics for the production of vacuum brake tubes. As per the company, the material was selectted owing to its performance, processability and design freedom - very important requirements for hoses and tubes in automotive engineering.

For more details on Ford Fiesta's vacuum brake tubes get Arnitel® thermoplastic copolyester advantage click here

Economic crisis squeezes workforce at Klöckner's US plant

Klöckner Pentaplast, one of world's leading manufacturers of plastic films for diverse markets, reportedly trimmed its workforce by 38 at its Gordonsville production plant in Virginia, US. As per the local media reports, the reduction in workforce was a cost reduction measure to stay in line with the declined product demand in the region.

For more details on Economic crisis squeezes workforce at Klöckner's US plant click here

Economic crisis squeezes workforce at Klöckner's US plant

Klöckner Pentaplast, one of world's leading manufacturers of plastic films for diverse markets, reportedly trimmed its workforce by 38 at its Gordonsville production plant in Virginia, US. As per the local media reports, the reduction in workforce was a cost reduction measure to stay in line with the declined product demand in the region.

For more details on Economic crisis squeezes workforce at Klöckner's US plant click here

BASF receives FDA notification to extend use of functional additives

BASF recently received a new Food Contact Notification (FCN) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that broadens the use of Joncryl ADR4368-C and Joncryl ADR4368-CS functional additives in packaging applications.

For more details on BASF receives FDA notification to extend use of functional additives click here

Shaw steps up presence in Middle East due to increased petrochem activity

The Shaw Group Inc., a leading provider of EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) services, announced it has opened an office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to support its increasing acttivity throughout the Middle East.

For more details on Shaw steps up presence in Middle East due to increased petrochem activity click here

Eastman's BPA-free Tritan™ copolyester replaces PC in a new serving ware line

Eastman Chemical Company's Tritan™ copolyester will replace polycarbonate and styrene based copolymers to manufacture Cox Culinary Emporium's (US) new line of serving ware due to clarity, toughness, hheat and chemical resistance.

For more details on Eastman's BPA-free Tritan™ copolyester replaces PC in a new serving ware line click here

New low emission silicones unveiled for polyurethane flexible foam

Momentive Performance Materials, a specialty materials company, recently introduced a new line of low emission silicones that may help manufacturers of polyurethane flexible foam improve production prrocesses, reduce emissions and enhance the performance of their products.

For more details on New low emission silicones unveiled for polyurethane flexible foam click here

New PA reinforcement beam for truck radiator grilles cuts costs & weight

In order to achieve weight savings and cost reduction in producing truck radiator grilles, Rhodia and Inoplast have broken ground by creating the first polyamide reinforcement beam for this structurall element of the truck.

For more details on New PA reinforcement beam for truck radiator grilles cuts costs & weight click here

Indian sanitation spearhead bags 2009 Stockholm Water Prize

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh Sanitation Movement in India, has been awarded the 2009 laureate by the co-founders of the Stockholm Water Prize, initiators of Water for the World programme aand two leading plastics companies - Borealis and Borouge.

For more details on Indian sanitation spearhead bags 2009 Stockholm Water Prize click here

New production process for automotive gears using Stanyl PA46 annealing technology

Bauser, an injection molding company specialized in precision parts located in Wehingen, Germany, has successfully introduced a production process for automotive gears, using DSM Engineering Plastics Stanyl PA46 annealing technology.

For more details on New production process for automotive gears using Stanyl PA46 annealing technology click here

High polymer content binder to enhance durability & safety of porous asphalt roads

Three companies have jointly unveiled a first high polymer content binder specifically designed to enhance durability and safety of porous asphalt roads. KWS Infra BV (Netherlands), a construction commpany; Latexfalt (Netherlands), a producer of bitumen modified polymer binders and Kraton Polymers (US), a global producer of engineering polymers, have developed a new tough binder that has the capability to reduce aggregate loss (also known as raveling) which often results in increased road noise and damage to cars caused by debris.

For more details on High polymer content binder to enhance durability & safety of porous asphalt roads click here

Toyota Tsusho's antistatic additive get FDA go-ahead

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given a green signal to Toyota Tsusho's Pelestat antistatic additive for use in food contact applications. Pelestat is the permanent, Inherent Dissipativee Polymer, non-migratory antistatic agent, produced by an associate company, Sanyo Chemical Industries, but exclusively distributed by Toyota Tsusho.

For more details on Toyota Tsusho's antistatic additive get FDA go-ahead click here

Arkema to launch fourth generation blowing agents to replace HFCs

French company Arkema, a major player in blowing agents for polyurethane and polyisocyanurate insulating foams in construction, is in the process of developing hydrofluorolefins (HFO), fourth generatiion blowing agents to replace hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs).

For more details on Arkema to launch fourth generation blowing agents to replace HFCs click here

QAPCO opens representative office in Thailand

Thailand recently witnessed the opening of Qatar Petrochemical Company's (QAPCO) representative office in Bangkok as an effort to step up its already robust marketing network spanning 85 nations. Thiss makes the company's Global Marketing Network total 26 self operated representative offices and 5 regional warehouses.

For more details on QAPCO opens representative office in Thailand click here

Myers Industries to put Ohio manufacturing facility for sale

Myers Industries, Inc. an international manufacturer of polymer products for industrial, automotive among other products, announced that it is closing its Fostoria, Ohio manufacturing facility by Q2 22009 due to weak industrial and heavy truck markets and will put the same for sale.

For more details on Myers Industries to put Ohio manufacturing facility for sale click here

FTC approves new name for fiber made from DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ruled that fibers made from PTT1, the latest polymer innovation from DuPont, offer a unique combination of attributes which merit a new generic name, triextta.

For more details on FTC approves new name for fiber made from DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer click here

BASF's PA 66 plastic makes dual-clutch automatic transmission possible

Continental, a leading automotive supplier, has employed BASF's proven PA 66 - Ultramid® A3WG6 - for the plastic parts of the integrated control units for the highly advanced dual-clutch transmissionss used at VW, Audi, Ford and BMW.

For more details on BASF's PA 66 plastic makes dual-clutch automatic transmission possible click here

Oil prices dip on concerns of short-term performance of equity markets

New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in May dipped by over a dollar to US$51.25 a barrel, while Brent North Sea crude fell to US$51. Oil futures have dipped on concerns of short-term performance of the equity markets.

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Port infrastructure, synergies with petrochemicals to influence Tamaulipas refinery site

State oil company Pemex's new refinery would require construction of a 400 km, US$565 mln multipurpose pipeline running to the city of San Luis Potosí. Another US$6 mln would be needed for an oil pipeeline, US$500,000 for a gas interconnection and US$15 mln for a dock.

For more details on Port infrastructure, synergies with petrochemicals to influence Tamaulipas refinery site click here

Global financial crisis casts shadow on Vietnam’s mega petrochem complexes

A shadow has been cast on plans by Vietnam to construct two world-scale petrochemical complexes by 2013. The financial crisis that led to the global economic meltdown has impacted the company’s abilitty to secure multi-billion dollar funding.

For more details on Global financial crisis casts shadow on Vietnam’s mega petrochem complexes click here

Turkish petrochem major Petkim plans giant projects post-privatization

Turkey’s recently-privatized petrochemicals major Petkim awaits approval from the Energy Market Regulatory Agency to accomplish several planned projects. Owned by Turkey’s Turcas and Azerbaijan’s Socaar, Petkim has applied for a licence for a planned refinery worth US$3 bln.

For more details on Turkish petrochem major Petkim plans giant projects post-privatization click here

Enhanced TPU versions unveiled for low coefficient of friction & low-tackiness applications

BASF, the world's largest supplier of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), recently added enhanced versions of Elastollan® LoCoF and Elastollan® Lo-Tac to its line of products. The new Elastollan LoCooF combines increased abrasion-resistance with a low coefficient of friction (LoCoF) while the improved Elastollan Lo-Tac features greater low tackiness (Lo-Tac), without additives.

For more details on Enhanced TPU versions unveiled for low coefficient of friction & low-tackiness applications click here

Borealis meets high standards for Europe's "Car of the Year" Opel Insignia

Borealis' Daplen™ thermoplastic olefin (TPO) delivered benefits from superb aesthetics to raised productivity, to the 2009 European "Car of the Year" Opel Insignia. The company's advanced PP compoundss were opted for the Insignia's bumper fascias, covers and grilles because of their ability to meet the ergonomic, eye-catching design and high-level performance and safety criteria specified for General Motor's flagship," next generation" mid-sized car, based on its Epsilon II platform.

For more details on Borealis meets high standards for Europe's "Car of the Year" Opel Insignia click here

Sidel creates "Engineering & Conveying" business unit to help customers tide over crisis

Sidel Group, the world leading solutions provider for packaging liquid food, has created its new "Engineering & Conveying" business unit, in response to the high customer demand with a focus on the opptimization of existing bottling lines, rather than investment in new production capacity in the time of economic crisis.

For more details on Sidel creates "Engineering & Conveying" business unit to help customers tide over crisis click here

New polyisocyanurate products unveiled for increased insulation and fire performance

The Dow Chemical Company has globally launched VORATHERM™ polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid foam for use in metal-faced sandwich panels. This new product family combines the excellent thermal insulation pproperties of conventional polyurethane (PUR) foam with the enhanced fire resistance of PIR.

For more details on New polyisocyanurate products unveiled for increased insulation and fire performance click here

Gloucester Engineering to deliver cast stretch film line to Spain's largest PE converter

Gloucester Engineering, a leading extrusion technology provider, recently announced receiving an order from Spain's Grupo Armando Alvarez for their 3rd 3000mm, 5-Layer Cast Stretch Film Line for its SSilvalac division.

For more details on Gloucester Engineering to deliver cast stretch film line to Spain's largest PE converter click here

SABIC opens new logistics hub in Greece; fortifies supply chain in South East Europe

SABIC recently opened the new logistic Hub in Thessaloniki, Greece which it says will act as distribution base for the South East European markets including Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. The ccompany will supply the key markets such as the food packaging industry and the pipe sector with a comprehensive polymer portfolio which spans LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PET, PVC and PS grades.

For more details on SABIC opens new logistics hub in Greece; fortifies supply chain in South East Europe click here

Bimodal PE selected for use at nuclear power plant

Marking the first use of polyethylene in a nuclear safety related application, Dow Chemical's bimodal PE resin has been opted by AmerenUE (US) for its Callaway Nuclear Power Plant. DOW CONTINUUM(TM) DDGDA-2492 BK Bimodal Polyethylene Resin will substitute carbon steel in the plant's buried essential service water (ESW) pipe system.

For more details on Bimodal PE selected for use at nuclear power plant click here

Bayer MaterialScience to invest in polyisocyanate manufacturing facility in India

With an aim to become the leading polyurethane raw material supplier in India, Bayer MaterialScience will outlay EUR 20 mln to establish a new aromatic and aliphatic polyisocyanate manufacturing facillity in India.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience to invest in polyisocyanate manufacturing facility in India click here

New CNT-infused conductive plastic used for Audi's fuel filter housing

BASF has unveiled new plastic material, Ultraform® N2320 C (polyoxymethylene) containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) for use in pump and supply units of fuel supply modules in automotives. The material, coompany claims, acquires a high level of electric conductivity without much of a decrease in toughness and is less costlier than other conductive plastics.

For more details on New CNT-infused conductive plastic used for Audi's fuel filter housing click here

Child Resistant packaging overwrap films for OTC pharma applications unveiled

Ampac Flexibles, the flexible packaging division of North America-based Ampac Packaging LLC, announces the availability of a new line of Flexi-Free® Child Resistant barrier overwrap film products for over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical and consumer products industries.

For more details on Child Resistant packaging overwrap films for OTC pharma applications unveiled click here

SABIC-IP, Hyundai jointly design 3D backlight for 'ix-onic' concept SUV using PC glazing

Hyundai Motor Company collaborated with SABIC Innovative Plastics to use latter's Exatec* E900 glazing featuring Lexan GLX* polycarbonate resin to create a distinctive 3D backlight for its new compactt "ix-onic" SUV concept.

For more details on SABIC-IP, Hyundai jointly design 3D backlight for 'ix-onic' concept SUV using PC glazing click here

INEOS wins LL/HDPE technology licence contract in India

INEOS Technologies has reached agreement with Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) to license the InnoveneTM G process for the manufacture of polyethylene in a plant to be built at Lepetkataa, District Dibrugarh, Assam in north east India.

For more details on INEOS wins LL/HDPE technology licence contract in India click here

NOVA Chemicals streamlines EPS capacity to focus on best performing product line

Canadian plastics producer, NOVA Chemicals, has announced to curtail expandable polystyrene (EPS) capacity at its Monaca site (Pennsylvania, US) from 285 to 180 mln lbs /year and up the capacity at itts Painesville site (Ohio, US) from 85 to 100 mln lbs/year to focus on best-in-class EPS product line.

For more details on NOVA Chemicals streamlines EPS capacity to focus on best performing product line click here

Ashland expands leading corrosion resistant resin line

Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., has recently expanded its leading corrosion-resistant resin line, Derakane® epoxy vinyl ester resins. The new corrosion resistance linne card includes Derakane 451-400 and Derakane 515-400 resins, which were derived from Ashland's Hetron® corrosion-resistant resins, in addition to industry-standard Derakane Momentum® 411-350 resin and the proven Derakane Momentum 510C-350 resin.

For more details on Ashland expands leading corrosion resistant resin line click here

Plastindia 2009 - a thumping success

PLASTINDIA 2009, the 7th International Plastics Exhibition & Conference organized by Plastindia Foundation, the apex body representing India's plastics industry has witnessed a thumping success: unpreecedented in the annals of Plastindia Exhibition & Conference.

For more details on Plastindia 2009 - a thumping success click here

Idemitsu declares force majeure at 374,000 tpa Chiba naphtha cracker

Idemitsu Kosan Co. has declared force majeure at it’s 374,000 tpa naphtha cracker which it has shut down for maintenance and repair work. Shutdown is planned for about 5-6 weeks.

For more details on Idemitsu declares force majeure at 374,000 tpa Chiba naphtha cracker click here

REACH regulation of monomers in polymers required

A preliminary ruling by the European Court of Justice would require registration under REACh of reacted monomers in polymers. Juliane Kokott one of the Advocate Generals at the European Court of Justiice (ECJ) issued an opinion rejecting the claim made by four companies that such a registration requirement is unlawful.

For more details on REACH regulation of monomers in polymers required click here

South Korea had 13.16 mln tpa of olefins production capacity

Over-capacity will become increasingly problematic at a time of depressed product prices and high feedstock costs, which are the results of the global economic downturn and a massive increase in capaccity in Asia and the Middle East, according to BMI’s latest South Korea Petrochemicals Report.

For more details on South Korea had 13.16 mln tpa of olefins production capacity click here

Crude prices weaken as US inventories rise to 1993 levels

Crude oil prices have weakened by over one dollar to US$52.7 on the Nymex, on release of report showing a rise by 3.3 million barrels, increasing crude inventories to 1993 levels. The EIA has reportedd crude inventories rose to 356.

For more details on Crude prices weaken as US inventories rise to 1993 levels click here

Consortium plans to infuse 10,000 cr for downstream petrochem projects

A Consortium of Gujarat government promoted companies of Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd (GACL), Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals (GSFC) and Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizer Company (GNFC) have formed a joint venture to float a new chemical project at Dahej.

For more details on Consortium plans to infuse 10,000 cr for downstream petrochem projects click here

Petron plans to raise P10 bln from debt and equity sales in 2009

Philippine’s oil refiner Petron Corp., plans to raise a minimum of P10 bln from debt and equity sales this year to upgrade a refinery and build a power plant. The borrowing is expected to commence in Q2, and the amount could increase, but will be dependent on market conditions.

For more details on Petron plans to raise P10 bln from debt and equity sales in 2009 click here

QAPCO’s new representative office in Singapore

As part of the company's drive to structure one of the most competent global marketing network, Qatar Petrochemical Company has inaugurated its representative office in Singapore. QAPCO has been activve in establishing regional warehouses in Syria, Egypt and one each in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Qingdao, China.

For more details on QAPCO’s new representative office in Singapore click here

LyondellBasell plans to shut Equistar Chemicals’ Chocolate Bayou complex

With effect from August 2009, LyondellBasell plans to permanently shut its subsidiary Equistar Chemicals’ Chocolate Bayou complex.
With the slump in global petrochemical demand at the end of last yeaar, a temporary shutdown was announced at the site.

For more details on LyondellBasell plans to shut Equistar Chemicals’ Chocolate Bayou complex click here

Naphtha crackers expected to run full throttle in South Korea next month

Five South Korean naphtha crackers are currently operating at 95-100% capacity. As the won weakens making Korean imports, particularly into China, more attractive, and the subsequent improvement in deemand could prompt South Korean petrochemical makers to run their plants at full throttle in the next few weeks.

For more details on Naphtha crackers expected to run full throttle in South Korea next month click here

BASF to provisionally shut down 220,000 mtpa steam cracker on low demand

Affected by a weakening demand, BASF announced a minimum 3-month provisional shut down of its 220,000 mtpa capacity steam cracker at Ludwigshafen site starting mid-April. Dr. Albert Heuser, President of BASF's Petrochemicals division, commented, "We do not expect any improvement in the foreseeable future, for example for production lines that serve the automotive industry.

For more details on BASF to provisionally shut down 220,000 mtpa steam cracker on low demand click here

PepsiCo launches lightest half-liter bottle in US market

PepsiCo's Aquafina, the leading brand of bottled water, unveiled its Eco-Fina Bottle, the lightest half-liter bottle of any distributed bottled water brand in the US market. The new bottle weighs 10.99 grams, and is made with 50% less plastic, eliminating an estimated 75 mln pounds of plastic annually.

For more details on PepsiCo launches lightest half-liter bottle in US market click here

Solvay Advanced Polymers' Greenville, SC plant wins ISO/TS 16949 registration

Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, announced that its Greenville, S.C. plant has earned ISO/TS 16949 registration - the automotive industry's top quality management system standard for suppliers. At the SSouth Carolina plant, the company manufactures a full range of Torlon® polyamide-imide products including glass-reinforced, carbon fiber-reinforced, and wear-resistant grades for automotive and other key markets such as industrial, semiconductor, aerospace, and oil and gas recovery.

For more details on Solvay Advanced Polymers' Greenville, SC plant wins ISO/TS 16949 registration click here

RTP Company unveils RoHS compliant flame retardant TPE compounds

RTP Company, US-based global custom engineered thermoplastic compounder, has developed a line of decaBDE-free, flame retardant thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds that are RoHS compliant. These prroducts address the needs of electrical and electronics and other component manufacturers following the European Union's repeal of the decaBDE exemption under the RoHS Directive.

For more details on RTP Company unveils RoHS compliant flame retardant TPE compounds click here

Extrusion majors Greiner Extrusion, KraussMaffei Berstorff step up cooperation

Two leading extrusion players, Greiner Extrusion (Austria) and KraussMaffei Berstorff (Germany), have agreed to intensify their long-term cooperation in negotiations held in Munich, Germany in Februarry.

For more details on Extrusion majors Greiner Extrusion, KraussMaffei Berstorff step up cooperation click here

Japan's Aicello to acquire PVA film business from Tohcello

Aicello, Japan-headquartered global specialty packaging manufacturer has recently inked an agreement to acquire polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film product line and assets of Tohcello Company (Japan). By thiis deal, Aicello aims to step up its PVA film business as a core product offering, by increasing production capacity and leveraging the assets and technology included in the acquisition.

For more details on Japan's Aicello to acquire PVA film business from Tohcello click here

NOVA Chemicals receives interim order for plan of arrangement involving IPIC

Canada's petrochemical major NOVA Chemicals recently announced that it obtained an interim order of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta related to its proposed US$2.3 bln acquisition by Abu Dhabi's International Petroleum Investment Co.

For more details on NOVA Chemicals receives interim order for plan of arrangement involving IPIC click here

Dow introduces new PP grades for rigid packaging converters

Dow Europe GmbH today announced the commercial availability of four polypropylene-based products for rigid packaging converters in Europe, expanding its family of INSPIRE™ Performance Polymers with diifferentiated grades that offer performance and processing advantages for specific rigid packaging applications.

For more details on Dow introduces new PP grades for rigid packaging converters click here

SABIC Europe to up PE prices for April delivery

SABIC Europe recently will increase in Europe the price of all SABIC LD, LLD and HDPE materials by 80 euro/mt for deliveries from April. The company indicated that the industry prices went down duringg the end of 2008 due to highly plummeting global demand.

For more details on SABIC Europe to up PE prices for April delivery click here

Borealis to debut random copolymer for medical film industry at Milan

Borealis is set to debut its new cast film grade from the Bormed™ polypropylene (PP) family at Plast'09 (Milan) that it says offers best-in-class transparency for medical packaging applications. Bormeed RE806CF, the new medium ethylene random copolymer, is said to produce cast films with an optimal balance of superior optical properties even post steam sterilization in addition to offering high purity and good sealability.

For more details on Borealis to debut random copolymer for medical film industry at Milan click here

Eastman Tritan™ copolyester employed in innovative plastic beverage system

Polar Plastech, Inc., a high-end plastic technology company, has introduced an innovative plastic beverage system, Polar Pitcher®, made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester. The new system is a 60-ounce cclear plastic beverage pitcher with a built-in cooling cylinder that holds ice and keeps beverages chilled in a sanitary manner without dilution or contamination.

For more details on Eastman Tritan™ copolyester employed in innovative plastic beverage system click here

BASF's high elastic SBC now in serial production of films for stretch hoods

The highly elastic styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBC) Styroflex® 2G66 made by BASF, is now going into the serial production of films for stretch hoods by several industrial users. BISCHOF + KLEIN, a maanufacturer of packaging material with worldwide operations, is now using Styroflex to produce the stretch hood films of its SmartFlex® SE series, and at almost the same time, two of its major international customers as well as the German company PCI Augsburg have switched over to this film for packaging their cargo.

For more details on BASF's high elastic SBC now in serial production of films for stretch hoods click here

Perstorp to increase prices of Trimethylolpropane and Neopentyl Glycol

Citing higher cost of operation particularly related to raw materials, Perstorp will increase the price for Trimethylolpropane (TMP) and Neopentyl Glycol (Neo) effective April 1st, 2009 or as existingg contracts permit.

For more details on Perstorp to increase prices of Trimethylolpropane and Neopentyl Glycol click here

LyondellBasell to indefinitely shut Texas-based olefins complex by August

LyondellBasell Industries will indefinitely shut its Chocolate Bayou olefins complex near Alvin, Texas, by Aug. 4, 2009. The decision has said to be arrived after an viability assessment of the plant by the company which is presently restructuring under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

For more details on LyondellBasell to indefinitely shut Texas-based olefins complex by August click here

Remarkable PU foam-based heat insulation system for Scandinavian wooden houses

With a bid to control the heating costs while providing ideal insulation for Scandinavian detached wood houses, two companies have jointly devised a solution based on polyurethane rigid foam. MjøsCon AS - a subsidiary of Mjøsplast AS based in Moelv, Norway - has been working in cooperation with Bayer MaterialScience's Nordic BaySystems polyurethane systems house in Otterup, Denmark, to develop an intelligent solution for the year-round usage of wooden houses.

For more details on Remarkable PU foam-based heat insulation system for Scandinavian wooden houses click here

LANXESS to showcase special ion exchange resins for biodiesel industry at 1st Biofuels Roundtable Malaysia

The Ion Exchange Resins business unit of specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG will be showcasing its premium products for biodiesel production at the 1st Biofuels Roundtable Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur oon March 24 to 25.

For more details on LANXESS to showcase special ion exchange resins for biodiesel industry at 1st Biofuels Roundtable Malaysia click here

Industry's first UV resistant clear PVC piping unveiled

Harvel® Plastics, Inc., an US-based PVC and CPVC pipe extrusion company, has recently launched EnviroKingUV™, a clear PVC piping that is suitable for exposure to sunlight. Unique UV blocking technologgy reduces harmful ultraviolet light wavelengths from penetrating the plastic while allowing beneficial wavelengths through.

For more details on Industry's first UV resistant clear PVC piping unveiled click here

SEPC to complete ethylene cracker commissioning, commercial production to commence

Saudi Ethylene and Polyethylene Company (SEPC) has come to the end of a successful commissioning period of its 1.285 mln tpa ethylene cracker, running at over 100% of the designed capacity during the test period.

For more details on SEPC to complete ethylene cracker commissioning, commercial production to commence click here

Start-up of new PP plant delayed at Kashima

Japan Polypropylene Corp. is reported to have delayed the start-up of its new 300,000 tpa polypropylene (PP) plant at Kashima. The Japanese major currently operates 12 PP plants with a combined capaciity of 1.

For more details on Start-up of new PP plant delayed at Kashima click here

Haldia Petrochemical to defer naphtha cracker maintenance till Q4

India's Haldia Petrochemicals has pushed forward its naphtha cracker maintenance by two quarters until after October. Due to the uncertain economic conditions, Haldia will delay maintenance and expanssion works at its 520,000 tpa naphtha unit until Q4-09.

For more details on Haldia Petrochemical to defer naphtha cracker maintenance till Q4 click here

Idemitsu Kosan shuts 374,000 tpa Chiba naphtha cracker

Japan's Idemitsu Kosan has shuttered its Chiba based 374,000 tpa naphtha cracker for maintenance and repair work for about four weeks.





For more details on Idemitsu Kosan shuts 374,000 tpa Chiba naphtha cracker click here

China will be principal driver for global polyethylene demand to 2020

China is the most attractive market for polyethylene in the world and will be the principal driver for global polyethylene demand to 2020 as per a report by Global Markets Direct . The Chinese polyethhylene market size was US$13,865 mln in 2008 and is forecast to grow by more than 8%, accounting for nearly 17% of the global polyethylene demand in 2020.

For more details on China will be principal driver for global polyethylene demand to 2020 click here

Oil prices linger around US$53 in anticipation of swift recovery of US economy

Rising by 30% this month, oil prices in Asia continue to hover around US$53 per barrel. Benchmark crude for May delivery is at US$53.5 on the Nymex. Oil prices have started inching up in anticipation of a speedy recovery if the US economy triggered by the government's move to rid ailing banks of upto US$1 trillion of toxic assets.

For more details on Oil prices linger around US$53 in anticipation of swift recovery of US economy click here

ChemChina mulls acquisition of LyondellBasell PP plants

China’s China National Chemical Corp (ChemChina) is mulling acquisition of LyondellBasell’s polypropylene plants. The likely acquisition will align with the country’s policy of acquiring overseas asseets amid the global economic meltdown.

For more details on ChemChina mulls acquisition of LyondellBasell PP plants click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended March 23, 2009

CRUDE OIL
US light, sweet crude prices that surged by 7% on Thursday, saw a marginal dip to end the week of March 23, 2009 at US$51. The dip was triggeredd by yo-yoing stock markets and expiry of April contract.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended March 23, 2009 click here

Solar module with PU sheathing achieves simplicity of use, durability benefits

Germany-based SOLON SE, one of Europe's leading solar module producers, has achieved a breakthrough in the development of simpler and faster fitting processes. During the "Symposium on Photovoltaic Soolar Energy" in Bad Staffelstein, Germany, the company was awarded a prestigious innovation award for its SOLON Black 160/05 in-roof module.

For more details on Solar module with PU sheathing achieves simplicity of use, durability benefits click here

LyondellBasell's Hostalen ACP technology for high-performance HDPE available for license

LyondellBasell announced recently that its breakthrough Hostalen Advanced Cascade Process (Hostalen ACP) technology is now available for license to third parties. The technology's enhanced multi-modallity enables the production of high-performance HDPE resins used in demanding film, blow molding and pipe applications.

For more details on LyondellBasell's Hostalen ACP technology for high-performance HDPE available for license click here

Renault Laguna Coupé bumpers to feature ExxonMobil Chemical's Exxtral performance polyolefins

The front and rear bumpers of Renault's new offering, Renault Laguna Coupe, features ExxonMobil Chemical's Exxtral™ performance polyolefins. Exxtral BMU131 performance polyolefin is being used for thee front bumper, front grille and headlight trim, and Exxtral BMU133 polyolefin for the rear bumper.

For more details on Renault Laguna Coupé bumpers to feature ExxonMobil Chemical's Exxtral performance polyolefins click here

Associated Packaging Technologies plans multi-million dollar expansion of PP thermoforming in Ontario

Associated Packaging Technologies (APT), one of the world's leading suppliers of food trays based in North America, has announced plans to significantly expand its existing polypropylene and multi-layyer thermoforming capabilities.

For more details on Associated Packaging Technologies plans multi-million dollar expansion of PP thermoforming in Ontario click here

Chemson, A.L.A. into lead-free PVC stabilizer manufacturing agreement

Austria-based Chemson Polymer - Additive AG, one of the world's leading producers for PVC stabilizers, and Mumbai-based manufacturer of PVC stabilizers, A.L.A. Chemicals, have entered into an agreemeent wherein the latter will produce in India lead free PVC stabilizers for PVC Cables, Pipes etc, based on Chemson's technological know-how.

For more details on Chemson, A.L.A. into lead-free PVC stabilizer manufacturing agreement click here

Rhodia announces job cuts, production streamlining at French Polyamide sites

Rhodia, the French chemical maker, will present plans related to restructuring of its Polyamide and Novecare enterprises in France during a Central Works Council meeting on March 27. Related to Rhodiaa's Polyamide enterprises, the activities decided for company's Belle-Etoile site (Rhône-Alpes) will result in loss of 40 positions and the creation of 4 new jobs.

For more details on Rhodia announces job cuts, production streamlining at French Polyamide sites click here

China's Fuwei Films announces initial verdict of major shareholders case

Fuwei Films (Holdings) Co. Ltd., China-based BOPET plastic films manufacturer recently informed of the initial verdict issued by the Jinan Intermediate People's Court in the city of Jinan, Shandong Prrovince, concerning the Company's three major shareholders, Mr.

For more details on China's Fuwei Films announces initial verdict of major shareholders case click here

Ethylene capacity set to double in Saudi Arabia by 2013

Saudi Arabia’s ethylene capacity is forecast to almost double the level achieved in 2008 by end-2013 to18.2 million tpa. The capacity projections are based on currently planned projects, few of which may not be realized due to the restriction on ethane feedstock and a possible downturn in the Chinese market at a time of rising Chinese capacities.

For more details on Ethylene capacity set to double in Saudi Arabia by 2013 click here

Kuwait Styrene continues to make progress with Ethyl Benzene-Styrene Monomer unit

The Kuwait Styrene Company (TKSC) continues to make progress in completing its Ethyl Benzene-Styrene Monomer (EBSM) Unit, part of the Greater Equate project. The commissioning and start-up are on tracck as planned, with start-up scheduled for Q2-2009.

For more details on Kuwait Styrene continues to make progress with Ethyl Benzene-Styrene Monomer unit click here

Saudi Aramco to ink deal with Sumitomo for Petro Rabigh expansion

Saudi Aramco plans to ink a deal with Sumitomo Chemical Co. for expansion at PetroRabigh. The Saudi major plans to develop Phase 2 of its refinery and chemicals complex in the port city of Rabigh on tthe Red Sea.

For more details on Saudi Aramco to ink deal with Sumitomo for Petro Rabigh expansion click here

Oil Refineries and Israel Petrochemicals Enterprises to resume talks on Carmel Olefins

Negotiations between Oil Refineries and Israel Petrochemicals Enterprises came to a standstill about three months ago. Recently the two will resume talks for Oil Refineries to buy Carmel Olefins from Israel Petrochemicals Enterprises.

For more details on Oil Refineries and Israel Petrochemicals Enterprises to resume talks on Carmel Olefins click here

Berry Plastics to expand thermoform operations in Indiana; start up set for Q1 2009

Berry Plastics Corporation, a leading US-based plastic packaging provider, has decided to expand its thermoforming operations at Evansville, Indiana, the company's corporate headquarters. The company will invest about US$150 mln in building and equipment over seven years and will create more than 360 new production related jobs.

For more details on Berry Plastics to expand thermoform operations in Indiana; start up set for Q1 2009 click here

Braskem completes first phase of REACH legislation; enters next phase

Braskem, the Brazil's leading petrochemical companies has completed with the first phase of the European standard, called Reach (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals), which went innto affect in June 2007 and demands the identification of all the substances that compose chemical products exported to the continent.

For more details on Braskem completes first phase of REACH legislation; enters next phase click here

Cincinnati Extrusion unveils smaller version of proprietary high-speed single-screw extruder concept

Cincinnati Extrusion GmbH (Austria) is demonstrating once more its innovative leadership with the world premiere of the new, smaller version of its unique, proprietary high-speed single-screw extruderr concept with a direct drive at Plast 09, Milan (hall 13, A01).

For more details on Cincinnati Extrusion unveils smaller version of proprietary high-speed single-screw extruder concept click here

QAPCO eyes JV in Thailand to fuel local demand

Expecting an extensive rise in use of ethylene in Thailand over a few years, Qatar Petrochemical Co Ltd (QAPCO) - an 80:20 venture between Qatar Industries (IQ) and Total Petrochemicals (France) - hass started its representative office in the country.

For more details on QAPCO eyes JV in Thailand to fuel local demand click here

Dow Epoxy Systems to locally manufacture formulations for wind energy in China & South Korea

Taking note of the ambitious targets set by China and South Korea in the wind energy sector, Dow Epoxy Systems (DES) announced that it has established an on-the-ground manufacturing facility in China and will accordingly start producing blends in company's site in South Korea.

For more details on Dow Epoxy Systems to locally manufacture formulations for wind energy in China & South Korea click here

Work on Kuwait's al-Zour refinery asked to be stalled

Fluor Corporation recently announced that it has received notification from Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) to stop work on the utilities and offsites for the al-Zour refinery. The remaining contract value of approximately US$2.

For more details on Work on Kuwait's al-Zour refinery asked to be stalled click here

Australia's Biograde supplies compostable shopping bags to KMART stores

Biograde Limited, an Australian international supplier of packaging resins derived from renewable resources, has been appointed as supplier of compostable shopping bags for Kmart stores. The decision comes after South Australian Minister for Environment and Conservation Jay Weatherill launched the customer trial, which is being conducted at 12 Kmart stores to find alternative options once the South Australian Government's ban on plastic checkout bags takes effect on 4 May 2009.

For more details on Australia's Biograde supplies compostable shopping bags to KMART stores click here

Oil prices dip to hover around US$51

US light, sweet crude prices that surged by 7% on Thursday, saw a marginal dip the subsequent day, to end the week at US$51. The dip was triggered by yo-yoing stock markets and expiry of April contracct.

For more details on Oil prices dip to hover around US$51 click here

LyondellBasell confirms continuing participation in Kazakhstan

LyondellBasell has confirmed its continuing participation in the development and construction of an integrated petrochemical complex and a gas separation unit by Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries (KKPI) in the Atyrau region.

For more details on LyondellBasell confirms continuing participation in Kazakhstan click here

Ineos licenses 'Innovene S Process' for use at Sinopec Wuhan Company

INEOS Technologies has licensed its 'Innovene S Process' for the manufacture of HDPE and MDPE to China Petrochemical International Co. Ltd. The process is to be used at Sinopec Wuhan Company's 300,0000 tpa plant that will produce a full range of Ziegler-Natta and Chrome monomodal and bi-modal products.

For more details on Ineos licenses 'Innovene S Process' for use at Sinopec Wuhan Company click here

IOC plans to raise Rs 4,000-5,000 crore through external markets

The board of Indian Oil Corp has approved a final investment of Rs 29,777 crore for a 15 mln ton refinery project. Rs 9,800 crore will be funded domestically by a SBI-led consortium of 20 banks, Rs 4,,000-5,000 crore will be raised through foreign funds.

For more details on IOC plans to raise Rs 4,000-5,000 crore through external markets click here

Total plans new refining and petrochemicals projects China

To benefit from the advantage of a new system in China permiting competitive pricing and an appropriate profit margin for oil refiners, Total plans to establish new refining and petrochemicals projectts in the country.

For more details on Total plans new refining and petrochemicals projects China click here

Eastman Tritan™ Copolyester approved by Japan Hygienic Olefin and Styrene Plastics Association

Eastman Chemical Company recently announced that the Japan Hygienic Olefin and Styrene Plastics Association (JHOSPA), which publishes voluntary standards for certain polymeric materials and products ffor use as food containers, packaging materials and utensils, has amended its list of certified polymers to include the composition of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester.

For more details on Eastman Tritan™ Copolyester approved by Japan Hygienic Olefin and Styrene Plastics Association click here

Germanys's KRAHN CHEMIE to distribute Braskem's EVA copolymers in Europe

Braskem Europe BV recently granted Hamburg (Germany) distributor KRAHN CHEMIE GmbH the sales rights for ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) of the Brazilian holding company Braskem S.A. The agreemment follows the successful partnership of the two companies for marketing and distributing of UTEC® UHMW-PE.

For more details on Germanys's KRAHN CHEMIE to distribute Braskem's EVA copolymers in Europe click here

Arkema launches Altuglas® 'Think Thick' line of PMMA blocks

Altuglas®, the leading brand in PMMA from Arkema, has recently launched its new "Think Thick" line of Altuglas® blocks on the European market this month. This line of thick acrylic panes (called blockks in the profession) is being produced in a new European workshop in Saint-Avold, France, which opened its doors in early February.

For more details on Arkema launches Altuglas® 'Think Thick' line of PMMA blocks click here

Getting through tough times is focus at 5th REACH conference in Amsterdam

iSmithers, a subsidiary of U.S.-based independent testing, research and consulting organisation, The Smithers Group, has announced the programme for the next in the series of technical conferences devvoted to the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH).

For more details on Getting through tough times is focus at 5th REACH conference in Amsterdam click here

FPC to process more crude, lessen maintenance turnarounds for 2009

Taiwan's Formosa Petrochemical Corp. has recently confirmed to start its 1.2 mln tpa capacity No.3 ethylene plant which was pulled off stream due to a mechanical slip in second week of March. Additionnally, the public traded company will reportedly process 490,000 bpd of crude oil in 2009, a 9% increase compared to crude processed for the year 2008 and also opt for fewer maintenance turnarounds this year.

For more details on FPC to process more crude, lessen maintenance turnarounds for 2009 click here

DSM's new high-performance polymer used in unique SMT rast connector application

DSM's new high performance polymer Stanyl® ForTii™ has been employed by one of Europe's leading manufacturer of electro-mechanical components to design two new series of SMT pin connectors for unattennded domestic appliances, thereby extending its SMT RAST connector portfolio.

For more details on DSM's new high-performance polymer used in unique SMT rast connector application click here

Chemtura's US operations to restructure under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Specialty chemicals maker Chemtura Corporation has announced that the companies along with 26 of its U.S. affiliates have filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Howeveer, the company's non-U.

For more details on Chemtura's US operations to restructure under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection click here

Japan's SunAllomer breaks ground for PP expansion project

SunAllomer Ltd., a joint venture of LyondellBasell Industries, Showa Denko K.K. and Nippon Oil Corporation, has recently broke ground in Oita (Japan) to start of construction of the company's polyproppylene (PP) plant capacity expansion and improvement project which was announced last year.

For more details on Japan's SunAllomer breaks ground for PP expansion project click here

Coperion to use IT- assisted bulk material management for the entire logistics chain

The Materials Handling Competence Center of Coperion GmbH, formerly Coperion Waeschle, has signed a mutually exclusive cooperation agreement with a Germany-based software company inconso AG. The coopeeration will enable Coperion to offer its customers solutions from one single source, covering all process stages along the process chain from the reactor through to shipping logistics, including the logistics management system.

For more details on Coperion to use IT- assisted bulk material management for the entire logistics chain click here

Radiation-curing PU dispersions to retain a long term gleaming look for electronic devices

Bayer MaterialScience has announced development of new radiation-curing polyurethane dispersions free of solvents for maintaining a long-term polished look in devices like cell phones, MP3 players andd laptop housings.

For more details on Radiation-curing PU dispersions to retain a long term gleaming look for electronic devices click here

Steady figures for the international triennial show PLAST'09 - Milan, March 24-28

Facing not easy time, the plastics and rubber industries - throughout the relevant chain and in most markets around the world affected by the economic crisis - get ready for a rendezvous that will alllow operators to compare their experiences and strategies.

For more details on Steady figures for the international triennial show PLAST'09 - Milan, March 24-28 click here

Dow's Dalton facility starts zero ozone-depleting foaming agent technology

The Dow Chemical Company recently succeeded in converting its first facility that manufactures STYROFOAM™ Brand Insulation (extruded polystyrene foam) in Dalton, Georgia, to its new zero ozone-depletiing, no-VOC foaming agent technology.

For more details on Dow's Dalton facility starts zero ozone-depleting foaming agent technology click here

Dedicated website for World Rubber Day

To honor Hofmann's revolutionary invention as synthetic rubber reaches its 100th anniversary, LANXESS has founded the first ever World Rubber Day. Says Breuers: "Rubber, the all-rounder, is to finallyy step out from the wings and take center stage.

For more details on Dedicated website for World Rubber Day click here

From chain molecules to high-tech material: 100 years of synthetic rubber

In 2009, synthetic rubber will be 100 years old - a date that is not just significant for the history of chemistry but also for technology in general, and it is still relevant to this day. Synthetic rrubber was invented by chemist Fritz Hofmann, at that time employed at Elberfelder Farbenfabriken Friedr.

For more details on From chain molecules to high-tech material: 100 years of synthetic rubber click here

SABIC-IP's Xenoy resin key to Hyundai i10's energy absorber for enhanced pedestrian safety

SABIC Innovative Plastics' Xenoy* PC/PBT alloy resin helped designers of Hyundai i10, an export-oriented city car by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), to produce energy absorber (EA) that complied wwith the strict European Union's safety regulations for pedestrian lower leg impact.

For more details on SABIC-IP's Xenoy resin key to Hyundai i10's energy absorber for enhanced pedestrian safety click here

SABIC-IP's Xenoy resin key to Hyundai i10's energy absorber for enhanced pedestrian safety

SABIC Innovative Plastics' Xenoy* PC/PBT alloy resin helped designers of Hyundai i10, an export-oriented city car by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), to produce energy absorber (EA) that complied wwith the strict European Union's safety regulations for pedestrian lower leg impact.

For more details on SABIC-IP's Xenoy resin key to Hyundai i10's energy absorber for enhanced pedestrian safety click here

Momentive starts Urethane Additives R&D laboratory in Germany

Specialty materials company, Momentive Performance Materials, is set to open its fifth R&D and technical service laboratory for Urethane Additives (UA) in Leverkusen, Germany. The new UA R&D laboratorry will be physically integrated with the other R&D groups of Momentive Performance Materials in Europe including those active in silicone polymers, silicone surfactant and silanes.

For more details on Momentive starts Urethane Additives R&D laboratory in Germany click here

Chemtura files for bankruptcy protection for US operations

After it failed to sell enough assets to raise cash for its debt obligations, Chemtura has filed for bankruptcy protection for its United States operations. It has obtained a commitment for US$400 mlln in debtor-in-possession financing from Citigroup.

For more details on Chemtura files for bankruptcy protection for US operations click here

Integrated refining and ethylene project at Fujian likely to come onstream in H2

The integrated refining and ethylene project at Fujian, being built at an investment outlay of 30 billion yuan, is likely to come onstream in May. Capacities include a 800,000 tpa ethylene unit, a 6500,000 tpa polyethylene unit, a 400,000 ton polypropylene unit and a 1 mln tpa aromatic unit.

For more details on Integrated refining and ethylene project at Fujian likely to come onstream in H2 click here

Oil prices spike past US$50

The US Federal Reserve has announced a plan to pump in another US$1 trillion into the US economy by buying long-term government debt for the first time since the 1960s and by expanding purchases of moortgage bonds.

For more details on Oil prices spike past US$50 click here

200,000 tpa MEG unit to come onstream in China in Q3

The construction of the first phase of Tangliao’s 200,000 tons MEG project has entered a crucial phase, with production estimated to start up in August or September this year. When the first phase witth 2,00,000 tons come onstream, Gem Chemical will be counted among China's top five MEG suppliers and start up of the 1.

For more details on 200,000 tpa MEG unit to come onstream in China in Q3 click here

Formosa Plastics fined by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Formosa Plastics’ Point Comfort plant has been fined US$7,425 by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for failure to route displaced vapors from the marine loading of ethylene dichloride to tthe dock incinerator/scrubber on Feb.

For more details on Formosa Plastics fined by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality click here

Initial talks between India and Kazakhstan to explore joint petrochem and fertilizer complex

India and Kazakhstan have started the first round of talks to explore prospects of jointly building a petrochemicals and fertilizer complex in Kazakhstan. The possible location could be at the Caspiann harbour-city of Atyrau along the North-South energy and trade corridor spanning Russia to the Indian Ocean.

For more details on Initial talks between India and Kazakhstan to explore joint petrochem and fertilizer complex click here

INEOS Technologies wins HDPE technology license contract in China

INEOS Technologies, a leading developer and licensor of technologies for the global petrochemicals industry, has licensed its 'Innovene S Process' for the manufacture of HDPE and MDPE to China Petrochhemical International Company Limited for use at Sinopec Wuhan Company in Wuhan, China.

For more details on INEOS Technologies wins HDPE technology license contract in China click here

Wittmann Battenfeld opens sales office in Budapest

Acknowledging the market potential in Hungary while strengthening its market base, the Wittmann Group has opened its new sales office in Pilisszentiván on the outskirts of Budapest. According to the ccompany, the sales and service network will cover the whole Country while assuring optimum customer service acting as a 'logical step' to expand in Hungarian market.

For more details on Wittmann Battenfeld opens sales office in Budapest click here

EQUATE bags prestigious international HSE Gold Award

EQUATE Petrochemical Company, one of the leading polyethylene and ethylene glycol producers, emerged as the Gold Award winner in the Manufacturing (Hydrocarbon) Category of the prestigious Gulf Cooperration Council (GCC) Healthy, Safety and Environment (HSE) Excellence Award 2009.

For more details on EQUATE bags prestigious international HSE Gold Award click here

Alcan Airex and Armacell agree on license for foamable PET technologies

Alcan Airex AG, part of Alcan Engineered Products - a business unit of Rio Tinto Alcan - has reached agreement with Armacell GmbH about a license for foamable PET (polyethylene terephthalate) technoloogies.

For more details on Alcan Airex and Armacell agree on license for foamable PET technologies click here

Menzolit unveils method to integrate heating wires into SMC slabs for moulding heated rays

Menzolit, a leading provider of sheet moulding compounds (SMC) and bulk moulding compounds (BMC), unveiled a method to incorporate heating wires into slabs of SMC to make integrally moulded heated traays, heating elements or similar items to heat electrically.

For more details on Menzolit unveils method to integrate heating wires into SMC slabs for moulding heated rays click here

New "good taste" organoleptic PE grades for botlle caps & closures

Borealis has unveiled the new BorPure™ multimodal HDPE grades to develop screw caps with high organoleptic performance for bottled water and soft drinks. The company claims the new grades retains 'as bottled' taste without compromising on cap quality, aesthetics or converters' demands for higher productivity with manufacturing cost reductions.

For more details on New "good taste" organoleptic PE grades for botlle caps & closures click here

Ford's body panel application uses LyondellBasell's compounded PP resin

LyondellBasell Industries' Hifax TRC 280X compounded polypropylene (PP) resin is being used to produce the tailgate outer panel and the roof spoiler for the Kuga, Ford's new crossover model. It is thee first time Ford in Europe has used an advanced polyolefin in a body panel application.

For more details on Ford's body panel application uses LyondellBasell's compounded PP resin click here

PTT could modify plans to construct natural-gas separation unit and a related petrochemical project

Earlier this month, a ruling was passed by the Rayong Administrative Court to turn Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate and its environs into a pollution-control area, requiring stricter enforcement of enviironmental measures and toxic-control solutions.

For more details on PTT could modify plans to construct natural-gas separation unit and a related petrochemical project click here

Brazil’s Unigel plans to invest US$44 mln in styrene plant expansion

Unigel, Brazilian petrochemical group, plans to invest US$44 mln (100 mln reais) in 2009 in capacity increase and upgradation at its Estireno do Nordeste plant, at the Camaçari petrochemical hub in Baahia state.

For more details on Brazil’s Unigel plans to invest US$44 mln in styrene plant expansion click here

Manjushree Extrusions in talks with manufacturers to introduce liquor in PET bottles

In a bid to meet the shortage of glass bottles in India, Manjushree Extrusions Ltd. has developed special plastic bottles for storing liquor. The company is in talks with a host of liquor manufacturerrs in India, including UB Group to introduce liquor in their PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) bottles.

For more details on Manjushree Extrusions in talks with manufacturers to introduce liquor in PET bottles click here

Products designed to enhance molding process of aromatic polyurethane spray-skin technology

Manufacturer of release agents and other process chemical specialties for the polyurethane and other manufacturing industries Chem-Trend, has introduced the Pura® 1500 family of products designed to eenhance the molding process of aromatic polyurethane spray-skin technology.

For more details on Products designed to enhance molding process of aromatic polyurethane spray-skin technology click here

LyondellBasell to not pay interest on European bonds due in 2015

LyondellBasell will not pay interest on its European bonds due in 2015 due to legal matters and intercreditor agreements. The company is already under chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the USA, howeever, its European operations have not filed for bankruptcy protection.

For more details on LyondellBasell to not pay interest on European bonds due in 2015 click here

New pond and lake treatment system to get biodegradable plastic encasement

Metabolix, Inc., an US-based bioplastics maker announced to supply the injection molding-grade of corn-based Mirel(TM) bioplastic resin to Bioverse, a developer of natural products to assist bioremediiation of commercial and residential water features.

For more details on New pond and lake treatment system to get biodegradable plastic encasement click here

Borealis to present film & moulding grade additions offering processing benefits at Plast 09

Borealis, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, will demonstrate the performance and processing benefits offered by the latest film and moulding grade additions to its ppioneering ranges of polyolefins for the pharmaceutical, food packaging and white goods industries at Plast '09 in Milan (Pavilion 20 Stand B24, March 24-28, 2009).

For more details on Borealis to present film & moulding grade additions offering processing benefits at Plast 09 click here

BASF sets 90,000 mtpa EPS plant underway in Germany

BASF has recently announced start up of its new 90,000 mtpa plant to produce expandable polystyrene (EPS) insulation material Neopor® in Ludwigshafen, Germany. In contrast to the suspension method empployed so far, the new plant uses extrusion process which the company says will yield more uniformly sized granules and permit a targeted setting of the panel properties, e.

For more details on BASF sets 90,000 mtpa EPS plant underway in Germany click here

Successful Arkema & hte research project in glycerol to acrolein and acrylic acid conversion

Arkema, a leading acrylics player, and hte Aktiengesellschaft, the high throughput experimentation company, have announced the successful conclusion of a research collaboration on catalysis for glycerrol to acrolein and acrylic acid conversion.

For more details on Successful Arkema & hte research project in glycerol to acrolein and acrylic acid conversion click here

Brazil's Indústrias Romi to launch first electric IMM at Plast 09

Indústrias Romi S.A., Brazil-based leading plastics injection molding machine maker, will unveil its first Sandretto electric injection molding machine - EL150 at Plast 2009 (March 24 - 28, Milan). Saandretto EL150 was jointly developed by the company's teams in Brazil and in Italy.

For more details on Brazil's Indústrias Romi to launch first electric IMM at Plast 09 click here

DSM bags worldwide license for unique biopolymer drug delivery technology

Royal DSM N.V., the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company headquartered in the Netherlands, today announces that DSM Biomedical obtained an exclusive world-wide license for a unique drugg & biologics delivery system developed by MediVas LLC.

For more details on DSM bags worldwide license for unique biopolymer drug delivery technology click here

European Commission clears proposed acquisition of Ciba by BASF

Satisfied that divestments offered by BASF will ensure that its takeover of Ciba will not harm competition in markets, the acquisition has been cleared. The European Commission has cleared the proposeed US$2.

For more details on European Commission clears proposed acquisition of Ciba by BASF click here

Chemtura struggling to avoid default

Chemtura Corp. is struggling to stay out of default and needs to raise cash by July 15 to make payment on US$370 mln in notes. In Chemtura's annual report released last week, auditors KPMG warned thatt Chemtura's operating losses, debt and limited liquidity "raise substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.

For more details on Chemtura struggling to avoid default click here

Formosa's net profit for 2008 plunges by 78%

Formosa Petrochemical Corp.'s net profits for the year ended December 2008 have fallen by 78%, to NT$15.19 bln down from last years record profits of NT$69.61 bln..
Revenue rose 25% to a record NT$8875.

For more details on Formosa's net profit for 2008 plunges by 78% click here

Oil rises prior to OPEC meeting

Crude oil for April delivery rose to US$48.14 a barrel on the Nymex over the weekend, after rising by almost US$5 to US$47.03 - the most since February 19. Crude oil prices moved up for the second connsecutive day on the eve of this weekends' OPEC meet to consider a production cut in Vienna on March 15.

For more details on Oil rises prior to OPEC meeting click here

Sunoco to shrink workforce by 20%; plans to reduce US$300 mln cost by year end

Sunoco, Inc. has announced to reduce its salaried workforce by approximately 750 positions in 2009, which represents about 20% of the workforce included in the first phase of the company's Business Immprovement Initiative.

For more details on Sunoco to shrink workforce by 20%; plans to reduce US$300 mln cost by year end click here

Korea's Songwon starts dedicated warehousing facilities, packaging line at Antwerp

Songwon, South Korean leading producer of additives, intermediates and resins for plastics industry, has recently started a dedicated extensive warehousing facilities and a packaging line at Antwerp ((Belgium), one of the most strategic distribution points in Europe.

For more details on Korea's Songwon starts dedicated warehousing facilities, packaging line at Antwerp click here

Arkema plans to close down French methyl ethyl ketone site

France's leading chemical producer, Arkema recently presented to the Central Works Council a plan to close down production at the La Chambre (France) industrial site by end 2009. The site specializes in the production of various amines and oxygenated solvents, including methyl ethyl ketone used primarily in paint and varnish manufacture.

For more details on Arkema plans to close down French methyl ethyl ketone site click here

DuPont to provide 100% bio-based propanediol to leading urethane Company

DuPont Tate & Lyle BioProducts (DT&L), a joint venture between global sciences company DuPont and global renewable ingredients manufacturer Tate & Lyle, recently inked a contract to provide its Susterrra® propanediol, a 100% bio-based ingredient, to ITWC, Inc.

For more details on DuPont to provide 100% bio-based propanediol to leading urethane Company click here

Bayer MaterialScience, Conforce International join hands for composite PU marine application

Bayer MaterialScience LLC has joined forces with Conforce International, Inc. for development and production of Conforce's line of EKO-FLOR™ composite polyurethane flooring and racking systems for marrine containers.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience, Conforce International join hands for composite PU marine application click here

Milacron resorts to Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Injection molding machine manufacturer Milacron Inc. recently filed for voluntary Chapter 11 protection to make the sale to an investor group possible. The Chapter 11 protection is strictly limited too the US and Canadian Milacron Companies; thus, Milacron BV Netherlands, the holding company owning all European businesses is not affected.

For more details on Milacron resorts to Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection click here

SABIC posts 95% decline in profits in Q4 results

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), the largest petrochemical and fertilizers producer in the Middle East and the largest producer of steel in the region, has posted 95% decline of the fourth quarter profits to US$82.

For more details on SABIC posts 95% decline in profits in Q4 results click here

Petition to freeze 35 petrochemical projects planned for Map Ta Phut and Ban Chang in Rayong

The Lawyers Council of Thailand and the Environmental Network plan to petition the Central Administrative Court to freeze 35 petrochemical projects planned for Map Ta Phut and Ban Chang in Rayong. Thee main reason for this is the environmental-impact assessments (EIAs) of these projects had not yet been sanctioned by an independent environmental and health body.

For more details on Petition to freeze 35 petrochemical projects planned for Map Ta Phut and Ban Chang in Rayong click here

Total announces force majeure for LDPE from Gonfreville

Total Petrochemicals France has declared force majeure on 9 March for low density polyethylene (LDPE) supplies from its Gonfreville site in northwestern France. LDPE “line 2” was shut down due to techhnical problems, and the duration of the shutdown is unknown.

For more details on Total announces force majeure for LDPE from Gonfreville click here

BASF mulls delay of MDI plant in China

BASF AG, the world’s biggest chemical producer, could postpone building schedule in Chongqing, China, of a project to produce methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), in anticipation of a decline in gloobal demand this year.

For more details on BASF mulls delay of MDI plant in China click here

Petro Rabigh mulls construction by year-end for second complex planned to come online in 2013 or 2014

Petro Rabigh Co., the joint venture between Suitomo Chemical Company and Saudi Aramco plans to build another large petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia. The complex is planned to be located adjacent to the one scheduled to start up at the end of the month.

For more details on Petro Rabigh mulls construction by year-end for second complex planned to come online in 2013 or 2014 click here

Crude drops to US$42.33

Oil prices dropped by over 7% on rising inventories in USA and doubts about OPEC’s decision to cut production further. Benchmark crude for April delivery fell by over three dollars to $42.33 a barrel in New York.

For more details on Crude drops to US$42.33 click here

PolyOne, Zyvex Performance Materials to jointly develop CNT thermoplastic composites

PolyOne Corporation, a provider of specialized polymer materials, and Zyvex Performance Materials, a recognized worldwide leader in carbon nanotube-enhanced applications, announced a joint developmentt agreement to provide carbon nanotube-filled polymer materials for structural and electrically conductive applications.

For more details on PolyOne, Zyvex Performance Materials to jointly develop CNT thermoplastic composites click here

Cereplast to supply bioplastics for "Bio-Bones" bone replacement prosthetics

Leading American manufacturer of bio-based plastics, Cereplast, Inc., has recently announced to supply its bioplastic resin to Absorbent Specialty Products for its new "Bio-Bones" bone replacement proosthetics.

For more details on Cereplast to supply bioplastics for "Bio-Bones" bone replacement prosthetics click here

Biodegradable plastic Ecovio used in German supermarket chain's shopping bags

BASF's biodegradable plastic Ecovio® is used to produce the shopping bags provided by large German discount supermarket chain ALDI SÜD. The plastic Ecovio consists of Ecoflex® and of polylactic acid (PLA), which is obtained from corn, a renewable raw material.

For more details on Biodegradable plastic Ecovio used in German supermarket chain's shopping bags click here

SolVin starts new production capacity for PVDC latex in France

SolVin, a joint venture of Solvay (75%) and BASF (25%), recently announced the successful startup of new production capacity for DIOFAN® polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) latex at its Tavaux (France) plaant.

For more details on SolVin starts new production capacity for PVDC latex in France click here

DAK Americas acquires technology to manufacture 2GT- based polyester resin products

DAK Americas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alfa S.A.B. de C.V., recently signed a definitive agreement with DuPont to acquire the technology to manufacture a select group of 2GT- based Polyester Resinn Products formerly produced under the Crystar® trade name.

For more details on DAK Americas acquires technology to manufacture 2GT- based polyester resin products click here

Lubrizol extend TPU product offering at BrasilPlast

US-headquartered specialty chemical company Lubrizol Corporation recently announced the introduction of Isoplast and Pellethane Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPUs) at the 2009 BrasilPlast tradeshow in Sao Paulo.

For more details on Lubrizol extend TPU product offering at BrasilPlast click here

Dow in negotiations to revive Kuwait deal with Petrochemicals Industries

Dow Chemicals is reported to be in negotiation to revive a proposed joint-venture with Kuwait's Petrochemicals Industries to build a new petrochemicals plant. In a move that shocked the industry, Petrrochemical Industries walked away from a deal in December when it backed out of their joint venture because of the global economic downturn.

For more details on Dow in negotiations to revive Kuwait deal with Petrochemicals Industries click here

Production at Formosa's No.1 unit to resume, No.3 unit to get shuttered

This week, Taiwan's Formosa Petrochemical Corp will resume operation of its No.1 naphtha unit after a similar attempt earlier led to an explosion at the 700,000 tpa unit in early March. One worker wass killed in the explosion that destroyed the units control panel.

For more details on Production at Formosa's No.1 unit to resume, No.3 unit to get shuttered click here

Total to invest over €1bln in France in refining, petrochem, solar energy

Total olans to invest over €1 bln in France to adapt and consolidate refining and petrochemicals operations and pursue growth in solar energy.
In its pursuit of growth in solar energy and, in partneership with GDF Suez, it plans to build a plant in the Carling region in eastern France to manufacture silicon wafers for the photovoltaic industry.

For more details on Total to invest over €1bln in France in refining, petrochem, solar energy click here

Glow Energy inks renewal deal with PTT Chemical until 2025

Glow Energy Plc has signed a long-term agreement with PTT Chemical Plc for the renewal of the existing power and steam supply agreements until 2025. Supply will be increased from 22 MW to 24 MW of eleectricity and from 65 tons/hour to 70 tons/hour of steam.

For more details on Glow Energy inks renewal deal with PTT Chemical until 2025 click here

Planning Commission criticises GAIL for shifting focus from core activity

The Planning Commission has criticised Gail India (market leader in gas transportation) for shifting focus from its core activity of gas transmission to non core activities. The government-owned compaany's core business contributed only 10.

For more details on Planning Commission criticises GAIL for shifting focus from core activity click here

OCTAL Petrochemicals and Port Of Salalah ink cooperation accord

In a contract that covers development of the region's first liquid chemicals terminal, senior management of the Port of Salalah and OCTAL Petrochemicals have signed an agreement on storage and transpoort of chemicals at the port.

For more details on OCTAL Petrochemicals and Port Of Salalah ink cooperation accord click here

Japanese ethylene production sinks by 23.7% yoy in February

Deteriorating petrochemical demand has caused ethylene production in Japan to tank by 23.7% year on year in February. With this, Japan's ethylene production has fallen by double digits for the sixth cconsecutive month.

For more details on Japanese ethylene production sinks by 23.7% yoy in February click here

Dow to use asset sales, job cuts and new debt to maintain investment-grade credit ratings after paying for Rohm & Haas

Dow and Rohm & Haas reached an eleventh hour agreement that will finally see the chemicals giant go ahead with its acquisition rather than face off Rohm & Haas in court. The deal is scheduled to closee on 1 April.

For more details on Dow to use asset sales, job cuts and new debt to maintain investment-grade credit ratings after paying for Rohm & Haas click here

Total to slash over 300 jobs in its petrochemical operations

In a bid to counter falling demand for gasoline exports, French oil major Total SA plans to cut 306 in its petrochemical operations, and 309 jobs at its refineries in France. Total will outline a plann to cut jobs through attrition at sites including France's largest refinery- the Gonfreville refinery in Normandy.

For more details on Total to slash over 300 jobs in its petrochemical operations click here

Bayer MaterialScience unveils polycarbonate film with shining edges

Bayer MaterialScience AG has unveiled Makrofol® LISA polycarbonate film which it says will provide designers with enormous scope for creating plastic parts with a highly unusual and very striking coloored light around the edges.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience unveils polycarbonate film with shining edges click here

AkzoNobel, PURAC develop additives for production of PLA on standard processing equipment

AkzoNobel and lactic acid leader PURAC have developed additives through a specific organic peroxide technology for the production of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) a bioplastic made from biorenewable, carbohyydrate-based raw materials.

For more details on AkzoNobel, PURAC develop additives for production of PLA on standard processing equipment click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended March 9, 2009

CRUDE OIL
Benchmark crude for April delivery ended the week of March 9, 2009 at US$43.74 a barrel by midday in Singapore on the Nymex, despite news of bleeak corporate performance.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended March 9, 2009 click here

Daqing Petrochemical to double ethylene production to 1.2 mln tpa

Daqing Petrochemical Co., plans to double ethylene production to 1.2 mln tpa, at an estimated investment outlay of up to CNY15 bln (US$2.2 bln). The project is planned for completion by 2012 despite tthe uncertain outlook for the global petrochemicals industry as mega projects in Asia and the Middle East made during the past few years come online.

For more details on Daqing Petrochemical to double ethylene production to 1.2 mln tpa click here

Contract worker dies at Total Petrochemicals plant in Port Arthur

A contract worker at Total Petrochemical plant in Port Arthur died on Sunday due to injuries he suffered during a crane accident. He was injured at a construction site adjacent to the refinery on Satuurday.

For more details on Contract worker dies at Total Petrochemicals plant in Port Arthur click here

Low price bids compels Reliance to cancel sale tender of 960,000 tons of naphtha for April 2009-March 2010

Premiums for Asian naphtha have dropped over the fortnight as robust Chinese demand started to wane. Inability to meet its price expectations has compelled Reliance Industries to cancel a tender offerring up to 960,000 tons of naphtha for April 2009-March 2010.

For more details on Low price bids compels Reliance to cancel sale tender of 960,000 tons of naphtha for April 2009-March 2010 click here

DuPont's plant-derived polymer debuts in radiator end tank developed by DENSO

DuPont's plant-derived Zytel® 610 nylon resin has been applied for the first time on a new automotive radiator end tank from DENSO Corp. which illustrates the benefits of close collaboration throughouut the value chain.

For more details on DuPont's plant-derived polymer debuts in radiator end tank developed by DENSO click here

LyondellBasell committed to integrated petrochemical complex in Kazakhstan

LyondellBasell Industries, in partnership with SAT &Co. and KMGEP of Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries Ltd. (KPI), reaffirmed its ongoing participation in the development and construction, of an inttegrated petrochemical complex and a Gas Separation Unit in the Atyrau region of Kazakhstan.

For more details on LyondellBasell committed to integrated petrochemical complex in Kazakhstan click here

Eastman Chemical to lay off 200-300 jobs; trim cost by US$100 mln

Eastman Chemical Company, one of the leading manufacturer of chemicals, fibers and plastics, have announced additional cost reductions measures to trim cost by US$100 mln in face of the current deepenning economic crisis worldwide.

For more details on Eastman Chemical to lay off 200-300 jobs; trim cost by US$100 mln click here

SIBUR resumes operations at previously unloaded facilities

Russia's petrochemical major, SIBUR recently announced it has resume operations at facilities which were put off stream in November-December 2008 period due to dearth of petrochemical demand. The unitts for butyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanol production at Sibur-Khimprom (Perm) have started operations at 100% capacity which were earlier running at 60% capacity.

For more details on SIBUR resumes operations at previously unloaded facilities click here

Huntsman launches new bio-based glycerine carbonate product

Huntsman Performance Products, a division of Huntsman Corporation, announced the commercial availability of its new specialty carbonate, JEFFSOL(R) Glycerine Carbonate. Manufactured by Huntsman using the glycerine co-product of bio-diesel, JEFFSOL Glycerine Carbonate is a bio-based specialty chemical useful as a reactive intermediate and as a solvent.

For more details on Huntsman launches new bio-based glycerine carbonate product click here

First bio-based succinic acid plant to be operational by 2009 end

DSM, Netherlands-based global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company and ROQUETTE, the French starch and starch-derivatives company, have jointly announced during the international Life Sciencess Forum, BioVision, that its bio-based succinic acid demonstration plant in Lestrem (France) will be operational by the end of 2009.

For more details on First bio-based succinic acid plant to be operational by 2009 end click here

Arkema clocks Q4 net loss on customer de-stocking and sharp decline in demand

Arkema, France's leading chemical company, swung to Q4 net loss posting EUR 72 mln as against EUR 18 mln net income for the comparable period of the previous year due to a sharp decline in demand in sseveral sectors and unprecedented inventory de-stocking across supply chains.

For more details on Arkema clocks Q4 net loss on customer de-stocking and sharp decline in demand click here

DSM opens new factory for waterborne acrylic resins in the Netherlands

Netherlands-based Royal DSM N.V., the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company has recently opened a new factory for waterborne acrylic resins in Waalwijk (Netherlands) with a total investmment of EUR 30 mln.

For more details on DSM opens new factory for waterborne acrylic resins in the Netherlands click here

Solutia optimistic about divesting Nylon business; confirms adjusted FY-09 EBITDA guidance

Solutia Inc., North American performance materials and specialty chemical manufacturer, recently announced that based on its performance through February, the company is confirming its FY 2009 adjusteed EBITDA guidance from continuing operations of US$325 mln - US$$350 mln.

For more details on Solutia optimistic about divesting Nylon business; confirms adjusted FY-09 EBITDA guidance click here

EQAUTE posts US$683 mln net profit for FY 2008

Equate Petrochemical Co (Kuwait), a company co-owned by Dow Chemical (42.5%), Petrochemical Industries Co (42.5%), Bubiyan Petrochemical Company (9%) and Al-Qurain Petrochemicals (6%), have posted US$$683 mln net profit for FY 2008 as against US$769 mln for FY 2007.

For more details on EQAUTE posts US$683 mln net profit for FY 2008 click here

Borealis to exhibit PP weight saving solutions, supply & support capabilities at VDI

To meet auto industry's manufacturing, performance, weight-saving and fuel-reduction challenges, Borealis' latest polypropylene (PP) innovations for pioneering applications by renowned manufacturers oof automotives BMW and Opel, its technological breakthroughs in single-material solutions, and the company's global investment in new compounding in China will be showcased at the 33rd VDI International Congress "Plastics in Automotive" from March 25-26, 2009 in Mannheim, Germany.

For more details on Borealis to exhibit PP weight saving solutions, supply & support capabilities at VDI click here

Deceuninck to 'streamline' US operations due to building industry slump

Belgium-based integrated manufacturer of PVC-U window systems and profiles, Deceuninck has announced to permanently suspend extrusion activities at Little Rock, Arkansas (USA) and direct all its Ameriican operational activities at Monroe, Ohio-based facility by April, 2009.

For more details on Deceuninck to 'streamline' US operations due to building industry slump click here

Sweden's Plastal Holding AB files for bankruptcy protection due to auto downturn

Plastal Holding AB, a Sweden-based supplier of engineering plastics to automotive market, has filed for bankruptcy at the nation's Mölndal district court owing to severe liquidity crisis led by slump in the automobile industry and difficult credit market.

For more details on Sweden's Plastal Holding AB files for bankruptcy protection due to auto downturn click here

Equate Petrochemical reports 11.2% drop in 2008 net profit

Kuwait’s Equate Petrochemical Co (a joint-venture with US Dow Chemical Co) has reported an 11.2% fall in 2008 net profit mainly because of a slide in the price of chemical products. The company postedd a net profit of US$683 mln in 2008 compared with US$769 mln in the previous year.

For more details on Equate Petrochemical reports 11.2% drop in 2008 net profit click here

US$336 mln subsidy for Sinopec unit to offset refining losses caused by low state-set fuel prices

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co has received over 2.3 billion yuan (US$336 mln) in subsidy in 2008 to help offset refining losses caused by low state-set fuel prices. Though the exact extent of lossses incurred last year are not known, the subsidy normally accounted for less than half of refining losses.

For more details on US$336 mln subsidy for Sinopec unit to offset refining losses caused by low state-set fuel prices click here

GAIL acquires 9% equity stake in Dahej petrochem plant

Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) has acquired a 9% equity stake in ONGC Petro additions Ltd (OPaL)’s petrochemical plant project coming up at Dahej in Gujarat. An additional stake is being consideredd for GAIL, in response to the PSU’s request for 19% stake.

For more details on GAIL acquires 9% equity stake in Dahej petrochem plant click here

Eco-friendly PLA bags from corn to be produced in India

Chandigarh-based NGO, International Society for Cooperation and Development (ISCD) has invited a team of scientists from South Korea that has developed the technology of manufacturing eco-friendly polly-bags from corn to produce them in India.

For more details on Eco-friendly PLA bags from corn to be produced in India click here

Dow and BASF's JV propylene oxide plant in Antwerp completes start-up phase

The world’s largest propylene oxide (PO) plant, with a production capacity of 300,000 tpa, a joint venture between Dow and BASF's in Antwerp, Belgium, has completed its start-up phase. The new Antwerpp unit is the world's largest commercial scale propylene oxide plant, and is expected to consume between 250-300,000 tpa of propylene.

For more details on Dow and BASF's JV propylene oxide plant in Antwerp completes start-up phase click here

Discussions underway between Rohm & Haas and Dow Chemical Co.

Discussions are underway between Rohm and Haas and Dow Chemical Co. regarding litigation over their planned merger.
A synopsis of the scenario so far: Last year, Dow agreed to buy Rohm & Haas for US$$18.

For more details on Discussions underway between Rohm & Haas and Dow Chemical Co. click here

Work to commence on refinery complex in Malaysia, negotiations on for several refinery and petrochem complexes

Work is expected to commence in July on a Malaysian refinery complex planned as part of the Sungai Limau hydrocarbon hub. The environmental impact assessment approval is expected shortly and will be ffollowed by land reclamation work.

For more details on Work to commence on refinery complex in Malaysia, negotiations on for several refinery and petrochem complexes click here

Oil hovers around US$44 at end of week holds, despite bleak news from US businesses

Benchmark crude for April delivery ended the week at US$43.74 a barrel by midday in Singapore on the Nymex, despite news of bleak corporate performance, mainly due to investor optimism that falling USS gasoline could result in an increase in demand for crude oil.

For more details on Oil hovers around US$44 at end of week holds, despite bleak news from US businesses click here

DuPont unveils innovation in cosmetic packaging technology

DuPont Cosmetics Solutions has introduced an innovative new technology that enables broader use of DuPont™ Surlyn® ionomer resins for cosmetics and fragrance containers. Overmolding Surlyn® on polymeer shapes increases design freedom by enabling contrasting designs for the internal and external walls, new decorating techniques and frosted or glossy effects on exterior surfaces.

For more details on DuPont unveils innovation in cosmetic packaging technology click here

KRAIBURG TPE expands portfolio in medical technology sector

KRAIBURG TPE, Germany-based producer of TPE materials for various markets, is expanding its portfolio to include a new product group - "THERMOLAST® M" - directed toward customers in the field of mediccal technology.

For more details on KRAIBURG TPE expands portfolio in medical technology sector click here

Kraussmaffei's SpinForm IMM increase productivity, efficiency of 2C moulding

KraussMaffei, the leading manufacturer of plastics processing machines, supplied a KM 420-1900/700 C W SpinForm injection moulding machine to Germany-based two component injection molder, Veeser Plasttic-Werk GmbH & Co.

For more details on Kraussmaffei's SpinForm IMM increase productivity, efficiency of 2C moulding click here

Downturn not to hamper Gulf Petroleum's Malaysian refinery & petrochem plans

Despite the deepening global financial turmoil worldwide, Gulf Petroleum Ltd. (Qatar) recently stated that the company did not wish to turn down plans of investing US$5 bln in a refinery and petrochemm complex in Perak (Malaysia).

For more details on Downturn not to hamper Gulf Petroleum's Malaysian refinery & petrochem plans click here

Abu Dhabi-based plastics dedicated project to see US$4.5 bln investment by 2015

Abu Dhabi Polymer Park, a massive investment project dedicated for plastics processing companies is projected to witness an outlay in excess of US$4.5 bln by 2015, the company stated at the Abu Dhabi Economic Forum.

For more details on Abu Dhabi-based plastics dedicated project to see US$4.5 bln investment by 2015 click here

Arkema exhibits the first bio-based transparent polyamide for optical market

France's leading chemical producer, Arkema will present its latest development in bio-polyamides, Rilsan® Clear G830 Rnew, the first fully transparent bio-based, high performance polyamide designed foor the optical market such as spectacle frames at 2009 MIDO tradefair from March 6 - March 9, 2007.

For more details on Arkema exhibits the first bio-based transparent polyamide for optical market click here

New BASF and Dow HPPO plant in Antwerp completes start-up phase

BASF SE (BASF) and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) announced completion of the start-up phase of the world's largest commercial-scale propylene oxide (PO) plant and the first based on the innovative hyydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) technology.

For more details on New BASF and Dow HPPO plant in Antwerp completes start-up phase click here

Braskem swings to Q4 net loss due to demand downturn, customer destocking

Braskem, Brazil's largest petrochemical company, posted a Q4 net loss of Brazil Reais BRL 2.1 bln (aprrox. US$878.2 mln) as against BRL 101 mln (US$42.2 mln) for the same period in 2007. The dismal shhow in the quarter was a result of steep decline in petrochemical demand due to lack of financing and prevalent customer destocking activity on the customer's side all along the chain.

For more details on Braskem swings to Q4 net loss due to demand downturn, customer destocking click here

Clariant Masterbatches Canada expands West Coast capabilities

Clariant Masterbatches Canada has expanded laboratory capabilities at its Delta, British Columbia, plant and added two new sales representatives to serve the region. The company has installed a new hiigh-torque lab extruder at the Delta location.

For more details on Clariant Masterbatches Canada expands West Coast capabilities click here

First high-temperature PPA-based material to replace metal in engine-compartment tubing

French company Arkema recently announced that Rilsan® HT is the first polyphtalamide (PPA)-based material to replace metal in high-temperature engine-compartment tubing application for automobiles. Thhe company claims that relative to the metal assemblies, tubing assemblies made from Rilsan® HT lower the overall system cost and ensure longer service life of engine components.

For more details on First high-temperature PPA-based material to replace metal in engine-compartment tubing click here

Switching to biodegradable plastic for Easter egg packaging could power Canberra over Easter: study

A recent environmental study carried out by Melbourne's RMIT University found that a biodegradable plastic, developed biopolymer producer Plantic Technologies Limited (Australia), saves up to 2.5 tonss of carbon dioxide compared with conventional plastics.

For more details on Switching to biodegradable plastic for Easter egg packaging could power Canberra over Easter: study click here

DuPont, Nippon Kayaku to jointly develop new semiconductor packaging technologies

In an effort to develop new semiconductor packaging technologies, DuPont Wafer Level Packaging Solutions, part of DuPont Electronic Technologies, has signed a joint-development agreement with Nippon KKayaku Co.

For more details on DuPont, Nippon Kayaku to jointly develop new semiconductor packaging technologies click here