Sipchem to use ExxonMobil's HPPE technology for 200,000 mtpa EVA plant

ExxonMobil Chemical Technology Licensing, LLC has signed an agreement with Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) to license ExxonMobil's tubular high pressure low density polyethylene prrocess (HPPE) technology for Sipchem's new world-scale 200,000 mtpa ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) plant.

For more details on Sipchem to use ExxonMobil's HPPE technology for 200,000 mtpa EVA plant click here

LyondellBasell launch HDPE resins for film and food packaging applications

LyondellBasell has launched two new medium molecular weight (MMW), high density polyethylene (HDPE) resins. The new grades expand the company's range of materials sold to customers for use in a varietty of film applications, including food packaging.

For more details on LyondellBasell launch HDPE resins for film and food packaging applications click here

ChemaWEyaat, Neste Jacobs ink Frame Work Agreement for integrated chemical complexes

Abu Dhabi National Chemicals Company (Chemaweyaat) recently signed a long term Frame Agreement with Neste Jacobs, who will perform Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) for the development of the inntegrated chemicals complex by the name of ChemaWEyaat Industrial City (Madeenat ChemaWEyaat).

For more details on ChemaWEyaat, Neste Jacobs ink Frame Work Agreement for integrated chemical complexes click here

Coperion responds to growing demand for standardized filters and separators

Coperion GmbH (Germany), technology leader in compounding systems, now supplies filters and separators, produced at its own premises, as individual units for use in industrial pneumatic systems many oother areas of application.

For more details on Coperion responds to growing demand for standardized filters and separators click here

BPCL awards contracts to CB&I for new ethylene and polypropylene plants

Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BPCL) has awarded contracts for the license and basic engineering of two new chemical plants to Lummus Technology, a part of global EPC firm CB&I. BCPL is a jooint venture company of GAIL India Ltd.

For more details on BPCL awards contracts to CB&I for new ethylene and polypropylene plants click here

Dow to shut Spain-based PS plant in Q3

As a result of shrinking margins and low demand for polystyrene (PS) in Europe, The Dow Chemical Company announced to permanently close its polystyrene plant in Bilbao, Spain, during the third quarterr of 2009.

For more details on Dow to shut Spain-based PS plant in Q3 click here

Foamex receives court approval for sale of assets to MatlinPatterson/Black Diamond

Foamex International Inc. (USA), a leading producer of polyurethane foam-based solutions and specialty comfort products, announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has enterred an order approving the sale of substantially all of Foamex's assets as a going concern to a group comprised of certain affiliates of MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners III L.

For more details on Foamex receives court approval for sale of assets to MatlinPatterson/Black Diamond click here

World's first single-piece thermoforming packaging system for electronic items

3M recently introduced the world's first single-piece thermoforming packaging system called 'Protective Packaging' for electronic items like clean-room semiconductors, component packaging, semi finishhed goods, assemblies and other consumer hand held devices.

For more details on World's first single-piece thermoforming packaging system for electronic items click here

Borealis increases PE and PP prices

Borealis, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, will increase all polyethylene and polypropylene prices by EUR 60/tonne as of June 1, 2009. "This increase is necessary tto preserve sustainable margins and to ensure our innovation programmes," comments Lorenzo Delorenzi, Executive Vice President Polyolefins, Borealis.

For more details on Borealis increases PE and PP prices click here

Unique polymer/LED technology relies on polycarbonate from Bayer MaterialScience

Due to a number of benefits offered by light emitting diode (LED) lighting in comparison to traditional incandescent bulbs, LED lighting is increasingly getting popular. Some of the benefits include ttypical lifecycle of 50,000 hours, low maintenance and low energy consumption.

For more details on Unique polymer/LED technology relies on polycarbonate from Bayer MaterialScience click here

New metal-effect polymers enhance design aesthetics while trimming costs

Ticona Engineering Polymers recently unveiled its metal-effect engineering thermoplastics which they say can reduce costs and eliminate chemical pollutants associated with painting and, at the same tiime, achieve the aesthetics of a metallic look with plastics.

For more details on New metal-effect polymers enhance design aesthetics while trimming costs click here

Clariant expands global reach in defoamer products market by strategic acquisition

Clariant, manufacturer of pigments, additives and masterbatches among other specialty chemicals, has acquired XL Performance Chemicals (USA) from Fibro Chem LLC and its affiliates. The acquisition commes three months after embarking on an exclusive strategic alliance to serve the US$2-billion-plus worldwide foam-control market with the company.

For more details on Clariant expands global reach in defoamer products market by strategic acquisition click here

Germany's KIEFEL opens subsidiary in Brazil

KIEFEL GMBH, Germany-based manufacturer of plastic processing machinery and a part of Brückner Group, is now represented by its own subsidiary, KIEFEL do Brasil in the Latin American nation of Brazil..

For more details on Germany's KIEFEL opens subsidiary in Brazil click here

Unipetrol announce unscheduled steam cracker shutdown

Unipetrol Group, a leading refinery and petrochemical group in the Czech Republic, has announced a 16-day irregular shutdown of its Litvinov steam cracker. As per announced on its website, the reason for the shutdown is repair of propylene refrigerant system.

For more details on Unipetrol announce unscheduled steam cracker shutdown click here

BASF to increase prices for acrylic monomers

Effective June 1, 2009 BASF will increase its prices for acrylic acid and acrylic esters (glacial acrylic acid; methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate) in Europe/Afrrica/Middle East by EUR100 per metric ton and in North and South America by 5 cents/lb (US$110 per metric ton) as far as existing contracts permit.

For more details on BASF to increase prices for acrylic monomers click here

Cristal Global announces titanium dioxide price increases

Cristal Global (Saudi Arabia), world's second largest producer of titanium dioxide, announced that it will increase prices on all of its anatase and rutile Tiona® and Cristal titanium dioxide (TiO2) pproducts sold in the Middle East, Europe and North America.

For more details on Cristal Global announces titanium dioxide price increases click here

Indian Plastics Institute conducts one-year part time Diploma & Certificate course in Plastics Technology

Indian Plastics Institute (IPI) Mumbai Chapter conducts One year part-time Diploma (DIPI) & Certificate course in Plastics Technology at UICT, Matunga (Mumbai) between 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (Monday tto Friday).

For more details on Indian Plastics Institute conducts one-year part time Diploma & Certificate course in Plastics Technology click here

Ticona expands portfolio of V-0, halogen-free engineering thermoplastics for E/E applications

Ticona Engineering Polymers recently announced the addition of a new low-chlorine Vectra® liquid crystal polymer (LCP) alloy grade to its portfolio of V-0 halogen-free polymers. The new low-chlorine VVectra alloy grade, V143LC, is a high-performance inherently flame resistant (FR) thermoplastic without the need for FR additives.

For more details on Ticona expands portfolio of V-0, halogen-free engineering thermoplastics for E/E applications click here

New eco-conscious alternatives to flexible PVC in power cords for consumer electronics

GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers, a PolyOne business and global leader in high-performance thermoplastics elastomers (TPEs), recently announced a new family of halogen-free, flame-retardant (HFFR) TPEs thhat provide an alternative to traditional flexible vinyl jacketing and insulation for consumer electronics applications.

For more details on New eco-conscious alternatives to flexible PVC in power cords for consumer electronics click here

Kuwait Paraxylene's aromatics plants to come on stream in Q3

Kuwait Paraxylene Production Company (KPPC) recently announced that its newly planned 822,000 mtpa paraxylene and 370,000 mtpa benzene plants will come on stream by third quarter of 2009. The two highhly advanced aromatics plants will be located at Kuwait's Shuaiba Industrial Area and operated by EQUATE Petrochemical company.

For more details on Kuwait Paraxylene's aromatics plants to come on stream in Q3 click here

Dow announced start-up of expanded MDI plant in Portugal

Dow Polyurethanes, a leading producer of quality aromatic isocyanates, has recently announced successful start-up of its newly expanded diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) plant in Estarreja, Portugal..

For more details on Dow announced start-up of expanded MDI plant in Portugal click here

Taiwan's state-owned CPC to outlay US$26 bln on fuels, chemicals by 2019

Taiwan's government-owned oil refiner, CPC Corp. has announced to outlay US$ 1.4 bln to upgrade existing facilities as well as construct new petrochemical plants over the next 10 years including a 6000,000 mtpa ethylene unit in southern Taiwan.

For more details on Taiwan's state-owned CPC to outlay US$26 bln on fuels, chemicals by 2019 click here

First truly flexible large bore hose for high volume offshore LNG transfer

Bluewater Energy Services B.V., a member of the Bluewater group of companies, has introduced a Composite Cryogenic Hose made with Dyneema® fiber which is the first truly flexible large bore hose for hhigh volume offshore LNG transfer.

For more details on First truly flexible large bore hose for high volume offshore LNG transfer click here

LyondellBasell launches new high-performance PP resin for blown film applications

LyondellBasell has unveiled a new polypropylene resin -- Adflex 7492 XCP -- based on its proprietary Catalloy technology for a wide range of blown film applications. The new grade is said to provide ooutstanding combination of transparency and superior resistance to impact, puncture and tear propagation.

For more details on LyondellBasell launches new high-performance PP resin for blown film applications click here

Ticona continues backbone modifications to expand family of high-impact Hostaform® POM

Ticona Engineering Polymers expanded its family of high-impact modified Hostaform® acetal copolymer (POM) at recently concluded ChinaPlas 2009 with the introduction of a next generation that offers neew levels of performance previously unavailable in impact modified POM and nylons.

For more details on Ticona continues backbone modifications to expand family of high-impact Hostaform® POM click here

ISO certification for GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers' China manufacturing plant

GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers, a PolyOne business and global leader in high-performance, custom-formulated thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), recently announced receiving an ISO 13485:2003 certification for its manufacturing plant located in the Suzhou Industrial Park in Suzhou, China.

For more details on ISO certification for GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers' China manufacturing plant click here

Manjushree Technopack announces Awards for Packaging Innovation and Excellence

On the eve of its Silver Jubilee celebrations, Bangalore based Plastic Packaging Group, Manjushree Technopack, has announced 'The Manjushree Awards for Innovation and Excellence' to recognise work andd contributions that have made a significant impact on the plastic packaging industry.

For more details on Manjushree Technopack announces Awards for Packaging Innovation and Excellence click here

BASF ups prices of Butanol and -derivatives

BASF has increased prices for Butanols, Butylglycol and Butylacetat in Europe as part of BASF's alcohols & solvents activities with immediate effect (May 25, 2009) or as contracts allow by EUR30/mt. TThis measure reflects the impact of continuously increasing raw material cost since January 2009.

For more details on BASF ups prices of Butanol and -derivatives click here

Latest KraussMaffei Berstorff twin-screw extruder series stands the test of time

"The ZE Basic compounding extruder is a compact and easy to operate machine offering a perfect cost/performance ratio", summarizes Dr. Jos Janssen of DSM Research after having put the machine to the aacid test with his team in the laboratory in Geelen over eighteen months.

For more details on Latest KraussMaffei Berstorff twin-screw extruder series stands the test of time click here

INEOS ChlorVinyls announces price increase for derivatives

INEOS ChlorVinyls has announced a price increase of EUR 50/ton for Methylene Chloride for June supply. This rise is in response to continued weak margins in Chloromethanes and recent industry restructturing tightening supply.

For more details on INEOS ChlorVinyls announces price increase for derivatives click here

Maguire & Novatec opt to invest in advanced technologies than to exhibit at NPE 2009

North American auxiliary equipment supplier Maguire Products and its affiliate Novatec, Inc. have decided to invest their resources budgeted for NPE 2009 exhibition, in activities that will directly bbenefit their customers.

For more details on Maguire & Novatec opt to invest in advanced technologies than to exhibit at NPE 2009 click here

Borouge's to strategically invest in China and the Middle East; expects high growth level in Asian market

In spite of the current global downturn, Borouge -- a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Borealis -- is continuing with its major investment plans in China, and elsewwhere in the Middle East and Asia.

For more details on Borouge's to strategically invest in China and the Middle East; expects high growth level in Asian market click here

DSM Elastomers unveils new 'KELTAN® 1200A' EPDM grade

DSM Elastomers has introduced a new EPDM (ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber) grade that can be used on the one hand as shear stable viscosity index improver (VII) for the Petroleum Additives (PAA) market and on the other hand as a processing additive for rubber applications.

For more details on DSM Elastomers unveils new 'KELTAN® 1200A' EPDM grade click here

New multifunctional car oil pan made of glass-reinforced DuPont™ Zytel® nylon resin

The German automotive supplier ElringKlinger has developed a production-ready, multifunctional car oil pan made of a grade of glass-fiber-reinforced DuPont™ Zytel® nylon resin optimized for use in enggine compartments.

For more details on New multifunctional car oil pan made of glass-reinforced DuPont™ Zytel® nylon resin click here

Dow Chemcial to increase prices for all acrylic monomers and vinyl acetate monomers

The Dow Chemical Company will increase the off schedule price in all regions for the product lines of both Acrylic Monomers and Vinyl Acetate Monomers effective June 1, 2009, or as contracts allow. Thhe increases are US$0.

For more details on Dow Chemcial to increase prices for all acrylic monomers and vinyl acetate monomers click here

Solvay to issue 6-year bond for EUR 150 mln public offering

Belgium-headquartered Solvay Group, which operates globally in Chemicals, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals sectors, recently announced that it will issue a 6 year bond for a minimum total amount of EUR 1550 mln in the form of a public offering in Belgium and Luxembourg.

For more details on Solvay to issue 6-year bond for EUR 150 mln public offering click here

Lubrizol subsidiary unveils new engineering TPU resins for demanding injection molding applications

Lubrizol Specialty Chemicals (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of The Lubrizol Corporation (NYSE: LZ), recently introduced an expanded portfolio with the addition of Isoplast™ Engineering Thermoplasttic Polyurethane Resins (ETPUs).

For more details on Lubrizol subsidiary unveils new engineering TPU resins for demanding injection molding applications click here

Netstal to exhibit its all-electric ELION injection moulding machine at Plastpol

At this year's plastics exhibition Plastpol in Kielce (Poland), Netstal, the Swiss manufacturer of injection moulding machines, exhibits its well-known and perfectly established all-electric ELION macchine on the stand of its Polish representative MUEHSAM Jan Krzysztof Muehsam.

For more details on Netstal to exhibit its all-electric ELION injection moulding machine at Plastpol click here

Sipchem inks HPPE technology license agreement with ExxonMobil

Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) has recently inked a Technology License Agreement with ExxonMobil Chemical Technology Licensing, LLC (USA) to use ExxonMobil`s tubular high pressuree low density polyethylene process (HPPE) technology for Sipchem`s new world-scale ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) plant.

For more details on Sipchem inks HPPE technology license agreement with ExxonMobil click here

Celanese to up vinyl acetate monomer price globally

Celanese Corporation (USA), a leading, global chemical company, will increase list and off-list selling prices for all grades of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) effective June 5, 2009 or as contracts alloow.

For more details on Celanese to up vinyl acetate monomer price globally click here

New flip straw water bottle line made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester

Eastman Chemical's Tritan™ copolyester has been used in the newly introduced Nathan Performance Gear™ Flip Straw Pure Bottles, a line of premium reusable plastic water bottles from Penguin Brands Inc..

For more details on New flip straw water bottle line made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester click here

Borouge introduces Student Scholarship Programme at Chinaplas 2009

Borouge, a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and plastics solutions, inaugurated the Borouge Undergraduate Scholarship progrramme by signing agreements with the South China University of Technology of Guangzhou and the East China University of Science and Technology of Shanghai.

For more details on Borouge introduces Student Scholarship Programme at Chinaplas 2009 click here

Bioplastics maker Cereplast to focus on product development & marketing; cut in-house manufacturing capacity

Cereplast, Inc. (USA), a leading developer of proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics, recently announced its new strategic plan to focus on proprietary product development capabilities and marketting strengths.

For more details on Bioplastics maker Cereplast to focus on product development & marketing; cut in-house manufacturing capacity click here

BaySystems™, Construction Polymers International ink international agreement

Bayer MaterialScience LLC recently announced an agreement between its BaySystems™ polyurethane systems business and Construction Polymers International (CPi), a leading provider of spray foam equipmennt and turnkey systems, under which CPi will offer parts, equipment, spray foam rigs, and related technical support for BaySystems™ spray polyurethane foam (SPF) customers in the U.

For more details on BaySystems™, Construction Polymers International ink international agreement click here

Borealis presents benefit-packed film innovations at Plastpol 2009

Film innovations packed with converter and product benefits will take centre stage at the stand of Borealis, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, during Plastpol 2009 iin Kielce, Poland.

For more details on Borealis presents benefit-packed film innovations at Plastpol 2009 click here

Hexion-OAO Shchekinoazot JV starts production of phenol formaldehyde resins in Russia

Hexion Specialty Chemicals (USA), one of the world's leading producers of thermoset resins, and OAO Shchekinoazot (Russia), a large industrial chemicals producer, announced that their joint venture coompany has begun manufacture of resins for the forest products and construction markets.

For more details on Hexion-OAO Shchekinoazot JV starts production of phenol formaldehyde resins in Russia click here

ExxonMobil Chemical underlines commitment to butyl rubber production in Japan

Reinforcing its commitment to butyl products, ExxonMobil Chemical's affiliate ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha (EMYK) announced today that Japan Butyl Co. Ltd. will increase its butyl rubber production capacitty by 18,000 tpa at the Kawasaki Plant.

For more details on ExxonMobil Chemical underlines commitment to butyl rubber production in Japan click here

Specialty foam combines sound absorption with freedom of design in Spanish design hotel

BASF's flexible melamine resin foam -- Basotect® -- have employed in the sound absorbers to improve room acoustics of the newly built Barceló Raval design hotel in Barcelona, Spain. The lobby of the tten-story, four-star hotel has around 2200 ceiling baffles which are made from company's flexible melamine resin foam and ensure optimum speech intelligibility.

For more details on Specialty foam combines sound absorption with freedom of design in Spanish design hotel click here

Rexam sets new pharma packaging plant in Bangalore underway

Rexam Pharma Packaging India, a part of world's second largest consumer packaging company, Rexam, recently inaugurated its new plant in Bangalore after 3 years of operations in India. This new facilitty is designed around state-of-the-art 1000 sq.

For more details on Rexam sets new pharma packaging plant in Bangalore underway click here

SIBUR subsidiary completes upgrade of ABS/PC composite manufacturing plant

Plastik JSC, a subsidiary of SIBUR (Russia) and the only ABS manufacturer in Russia, has accomplished up-grade of the plant for the ABS/PC composite material production.
As a result, the company has announced manufacturing ABS/PC compounds corresponding to the world's best analogues.

For more details on SIBUR subsidiary completes upgrade of ABS/PC composite manufacturing plant click here

China Array Plastics to mold high-performance products from Solvay Advanced Polymers' Torlon PAI

Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, recently announced that China Array Plastics, LLC, has been added as a certified injection molder of the company's Torlon® polyamide-imide (PAI) resin in China. China Arrray, based in Pittsfield, Mass.

For more details on China Array Plastics to mold high-performance products from Solvay Advanced Polymers' Torlon PAI click here

Spanish PVC maker Ercros takes drastic cost reduction measures amid low demand

Ercros (Spain), a chemical maker also active in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) market, has announced restructuring plans which it says will save expenditure by EUR 48 mln per year and reduce 410 employmment positions (22%) amid the steep decline in demand led by economic crisis.

For more details on Spanish PVC maker Ercros takes drastic cost reduction measures amid low demand click here

Elastogran ups MDI and TDI prices in Europe

Elastogran has increased prices for diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) basic products in Europe. The price adjustments are related to the unsatisfactory growth in earninngs of both raw material products.

For more details on Elastogran ups MDI and TDI prices in Europe click here

BASF introduces new open-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation

BASF, the global leader in polyurethane foam insulation, introduces ENERTITE® spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation as a complement to its complete line of SPF products. ENERTITE is an open-cell foam that insulates while providing other high-performance benefits, including sound absorption, healthier indoor air quality, and protection from thermal leaks.

For more details on BASF introduces new open-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation click here

Ashland to bring European modified acrylic resins production in-house

Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., will transfer the European production of its Modar® modified acrylic resins into its wholly-owned manufacturing facility in Sauveterree, France.

For more details on Ashland to bring European modified acrylic resins production in-house click here

Anti-dumping duty imposed on imports of injection moulding machines from China

Following is the Customs Notification No. 47/2009 from MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE), GOVERNMENT OF INDIA regarding the imposition of anti-dumping duty on imports of injection mouldingg machines from China:

Whereas, in the matter of import of all kinds of plastic processing or injection moulding machines, also known as injection presses, having clamping force not less than 40 tonnes (hereinafter referred to as the subject goods), falling under tariff item 8477 10 00 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975), originating in or exported from, People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the subject country), the designated authority, in its preliminary findings vide notification No.

For more details on Anti-dumping duty imposed on imports of injection moulding machines from China click here

Fujian Refining & Petrochemical announce refining unit start-up

Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Company Limited (FREP) announced the start-up of its 8 mln tpa Crude Distillation Unit/Vacuum Distillation Unit in its new integrated refining and petrochemical complexx.

For more details on Fujian Refining & Petrochemical announce refining unit start-up click here

Braskem to shelve caprolactam production

Brazilian petrochemical major Braskem has announced to shelve the production of caprolactam, a raw material used to manufacture nylon 6, and provisionally shut the product's industrial unit located att the Camaçari Complex in Bahia (Brazil).

For more details on Braskem to shelve caprolactam production click here

Fully biodegradable plastic material made from recycled plastic and proprietary blend of additives

Thermoformed plastics products manufacturer American Trade Products (ATP) recently unveiled Earth Plastic™, a completely biodegradable plastic material made from recycled plastic and a proprietary bleend of additives.

For more details on Fully biodegradable plastic material made from recycled plastic and proprietary blend of additives click here

PolyOne and Zyvex Performance Materials awarded grant to develop the next generation of thermoplastics

PolyOne Corporation and Zyvex Performance Materials have jointly received US$4.9 mln grant from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission that will fund the further development and production of carbon-nanottube (CNT) composites.

For more details on PolyOne and Zyvex Performance Materials awarded grant to develop the next generation of thermoplastics click here

Dow Chemical to raise prices globally for Acrylic Monomers and Vinyl Acetate Monomers

The Dow Chemical Company announced that it will increase the off schedule price in all regions for the product lines of both Acrylic Monomers and Vinyl Acetate Monomers effective June 1, 2009, or as ccontracts allow.

For more details on Dow Chemical to raise prices globally for Acrylic Monomers and Vinyl Acetate Monomers click here

Ticona's PPS-based thermoplastic reinforces carbon composite tape for new braided fabrics

A high-quality carbon composite tape made with Fortron® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) engineering thermoplastic from Ticona Engineering Polymers is adding strength and taking the weight out of braided ffabrics preforms manufactured by A&P Technology Inc.

For more details on Ticona's PPS-based thermoplastic reinforces carbon composite tape for new braided fabrics click here

INEOS Olefins & Polymers to up prices of HDPE pipe grades

INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe announced plans to increase prices for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe grades by EUR 70/ton, in addition to movements in monthly ethylene pricing. New prices for PE80, PE100 and PEX grades will come into effect on June 1, 2009.

For more details on INEOS Olefins & Polymers to up prices of HDPE pipe grades click here

Songwon establishes presence in Japan; sets up Songwon Japan KK

Leading plastics additive manufacturer Songwon (Korea) recently announced the establishment of Songwon Japan KK to confirm its position as global contender and regional leader in the polymer additivess market.

For more details on Songwon establishes presence in Japan; sets up Songwon Japan KK click here

Merquinsa launches new MAXI TPU range at CHINAPLAS 2009

Merquinsa (Spain), a leading producer of thermoplastic polyurethane specialty products, launched a new Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) range: PEARLTHANE® MAXI at the ongoing CHINAPLAS 2009 exhibitionn in Guangzhou.

For more details on Merquinsa launches new MAXI TPU range at CHINAPLAS 2009 click here

Punj Llyod records loss in Q1-09 on impact of SABIC litigation

Engineering firm Punj Llyod has reported a loss of Rs 253 crore in Q1-09 due to the negative impact of around 28.5 mln ponds (Rs 220 crore) incurred on a litigation between UK-based subsidiary Simon Carves and SABIC Petrochemicals.

For more details on Punj Llyod records loss in Q1-09 on impact of SABIC litigation click here

Crude & Vacuum Distillation Unit in Integrated Refining at Fujian starts up

Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Company Limited (FREP) – a joint venture between Exxon Mobil, Saudi Aramco and China's Sinopec Corp, has started trial runs at its new Fujian refinery on China's southeeastern coast.

For more details on Crude & Vacuum Distillation Unit in Integrated Refining at Fujian starts up click here

China unveils details of stimulus package for the oil and petrochemical industry initiated in February

In a bid to maintain the industry's stable development during the global economic slowdown and speed up structural changes to improve overall competitiveness,
China has unveiled details of a stimuluus package for the oil and petrochemical industry—initiated by the Centre in February of this year.

For more details on China unveils details of stimulus package for the oil and petrochemical industry initiated in February click here

GCC governments endeavour to expand polyolefins market

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has embarked on a capacity-expansion drive in the polyolefins market to realize its ambition of becoming a major global polyolefins production hub as per Frost & Sulllivan.

For more details on GCC governments endeavour to expand polyolefins market click here

Commercial operation of Aromatics Oman project in December 2009

Aromatics Oman’s project at Sohar Industrial Port is currently under commissioning, and all phases are expected to be completed for commercial operation by December 2009. The project contractor is GSEE&C and Axens is the technology provider at the plant planned with capacity to produce 819,000 tons of paraxylene and 198,000 tons of benzene along with Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Light Naphtha, Raffinates and Heavy Aromatics.

For more details on Commercial operation of Aromatics Oman project in December 2009 click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended May 18, 2009

CRUDE OIL
Crude oil settled at US$59 at the end of the week of May 18, 2009, as Nigerian militants threatened to block waterways used for energy exports aand an explosion and fire affected production at Sunoco Inc.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended May 18, 2009 click here

Graham Packaging's new lightweight hot-fill PET Escape bottle

Graham Packaging Company, L.P. (USA), leading blow molded plastic container manufacturer, has introduced what it claims is the 'lightest-weight bottle' in the smooth-walled, hot-fill category, the perrfect match for teas, juices, and isotonic drinks.

For more details on Graham Packaging's new lightweight hot-fill PET Escape bottle click here

Arburg expands Allrounder A series at both ends of size spectrum

German injection molding machine manufacturer Arburg is expanding its electric Alldrive machine series in a logically consistent manner. At the 2009 Technology Days, visitors were presented with two nnew sizes -- Allrounder 270 A and 720 A -- which are a natural extension to the Allrounder A series at both ends of the size spectrum.

For more details on Arburg expands Allrounder A series at both ends of size spectrum click here

BASF to increase prices for Polyamide 6 polymer in North America

BASF will increase the price for Polyamide polymer in North America by US$0.12 per pound, or as contracts allow, effective June 1, 2009. This increase covers neat resin for Polyamide 6 and copolymers..

For more details on BASF to increase prices for Polyamide 6 polymer in North America click here

LyondellBasell to ramp up polyolefins supply network in Turkey

LyondellBasell Industries will be expanding its polyolefins supply network in Turkey by opening additional product distribution facilities throughout the country. The network expansion is scheduled too start in July 2009 and to be completed by September of this year.

For more details on LyondellBasell to ramp up polyolefins supply network in Turkey click here

Alcan Packaging divests Turkish PVC films business

Alcan Packaging - a business unit of Rio Tinto Alcan - has sold Rotopas, its unprinted PVC films business located in Istanbul, to Yildiz Holding A.S., one of Turkey's largest food and consumer goods ccompanies.

For more details on Alcan Packaging divests Turkish PVC films business click here

Huntsman to increase prices for MDI products in Europe

The Polyurethanes division of Huntsman Corporation announced that it will increase the price of all methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) products and MDI-based systems by EUR 200/ton in the European region, effective July 1, 2009.

For more details on Huntsman to increase prices for MDI products in Europe click here

STEER powers into China; acquires Zheng Feng, a single screw pipeline manufacturer

STEER (India), a globally acknowledged force in polymer processing machinery has made a significant acquisition to strengthen its position as a leading extruder designer and manufacturer with the acquuisition of China-based Company Zheng Feng, a single screw pipeline manufacturer.

For more details on STEER powers into China; acquires Zheng Feng, a single screw pipeline manufacturer click here

Israel Petrochemical Ent profits hit by dismal performance of Carmel Olefins

Dismal performance of Carmel Olefins has dragged down revenues of Israel Petrochemicals Enterprises. Q1 revenue was NIS 341.9 mln in Q1-09, a drop of 12.5% compared with the corresponding quarter of 22008, when revenue was NIS 390.

For more details on Israel Petrochemical Ent profits hit by dismal performance of Carmel Olefins click here

ONGC sells naphtha at lower premium as compared with May

Oil & Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has sold 35,000 tons of naphtha for June lifting at a premium of US$3-4/ton to Middle East quotes, on a free-on-board (FOB) basis. These premiums are much lower than preemiums of US$16/ton realized for sales for a May cargo, mainly due to reduced demand and unusually high spot exports from Europe and the Middle East to Asia.

For more details on ONGC sells naphtha at lower premium as compared with May click here

Short-time work to be introduced by BASF at Ludwigshafen

Deteriorating global demand amid an economic downturn has urged BASF to consider introduction of reduced work hours. BASF plans to introduce short-time work by between 20 and 100% at 20 production plaants and associated service units at Ludwigshafen for up to 4 months.

For more details on Short-time work to be introduced by BASF at Ludwigshafen click here

Blast at Sunoco refinery rocks ethylene unit

A blast in the ethylene unit of Sunoco Inc's oil refinery in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, has led to a fire and forced the unit shut and other operations to slowdown. Fuel production has been affected aand gasoline prices are beginning to move up.

For more details on Blast at Sunoco refinery rocks ethylene unit click here

DSM to ramp up production capacity for halogen-free, FR, high-temperature polyamide

Royal DSM N.V. (Netherlands), the global Life Sciences and Materials Sciences company, recently announced to quadruple production capacity for Stanyl® ForTii™ polyamide in order to meet market demand..

For more details on DSM to ramp up production capacity for halogen-free, FR, high-temperature polyamide click here

Eastman increases OXO Alcohol prices on June 1

Eastman Chemical Company, manufacturer of chemicals, fibers and plastics worldwide, is increasing prices on the following products effective June 1, or as contracts allow. These increases are due to eelevated operating costs, particularly in raw materials.

For more details on Eastman increases OXO Alcohol prices on June 1 click here

DuPont commercializes expanded portfolio of renewably- sourced polymers

In response to increasing demand for eco-friendly polymers, DuPont Engineering Polymers announced the full commercialization of several families of high-performance renewably sourced engineering polymmers.

For more details on DuPont commercializes expanded portfolio of renewably- sourced polymers click here

Huntsman to showcase innovative TPUs at NPE 2009

The Polyurethanes division of Huntsman Corporation (USA) will be showcasing its innovative thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) products at the forthcoming NPE, The International Plastics Showcase, to bee held in Chicago, Illinois, USA between June 22 - 26 (Huntsman stand 111055, West Hall).

For more details on Huntsman to showcase innovative TPUs at NPE 2009 click here

New 100% degradable metalized polypropylene packaging launched by Mexican food major

Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc (UK), the degradable plastics and waste-to-energy Group, is recently announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Symphony Environmental Limited, has launched thhe World's first d2w™ 100% degradable metalized polypropylene film for snack foods, in conjunction with Organizacion Barcel, a subsidiary of Grupo Bimbo Mexico.

For more details on New 100% degradable metalized polypropylene packaging launched by Mexican food major click here

Resin supplier AOC to increase prices from June onwards

AOC, LLC (USA) has announced to increase prices on all resin and gel coat products by US$0.05 per pound in the United States, and CN $0.13 per kilo in Canada. The company will also up prices on all prroducts by EUR 0.

For more details on Resin supplier AOC to increase prices from June onwards click here

Mitsubishi and Asahi Kasei to merge ethylene production at Mizushima

Mitsubishi Chemical Corp and Asahi Kasei Corp have agreed to combine their ethylene production at Mizushima industrial complex in Okayama Prefecture. A joint venture has been planned to be set up to ooperate the two ethylene crackers at Mizushima in this year.

For more details on Mitsubishi and Asahi Kasei to merge ethylene production at Mizushima click here

SABIC says domestic economy helping it cope

Domestic demand is helping Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) cope better than other petrochemical companies with a global recession.
However, an oil price at US$70-75 was necessary to help the kinngdom sustain investments in petrochemicals- to fund a US$400 billion public spending spree for the next 5 years.

For more details on SABIC says domestic economy helping it cope click here

Jiangsu Province plans investment outlay of U$12.2 bln in petrochemical projects

Jiangsu Province plans to invest a total of US$ 12.2 bln (RMB 83.1 bln) in nine petrochemical projects over the next three years. Jiangsu oilfield contributes largely to the output of the petrochemicaal industry of the Province, producing 420,800 tons of crude oil and 13.

For more details on Jiangsu Province plans investment outlay of U$12.2 bln in petrochemical projects click here

Lukoil recommences polypropylene production at Stavrolen after a year

Russia's Lukoil Group oil and gas company has resumed commercial polypropylene production at the Stavrolen petrochemicals plant almost a year after fire and an explosion in April 2008. The PP unit at the Stavrolen subsidiary's site in Budyennovsk, Russia was closed after an explosion in a propylene container that led to a fire in the propylene polimerisation reactor.

For more details on Lukoil recommences polypropylene production at Stavrolen after a year click here

Saudi to slash naphtha term volumes to Asia

A maintenance shutdown at Saudi Aramco’s hydrocracker has led to supply constraints and reduced exports from the producer. Supply problems have been compounded by rising domestic demand. In a bid to ccope with limited supplies, Asia’s top term supplier of naphtha plans to reduce volumes of A180 light and A310 naphtha grades from Ras Tanura in its H2-09 contracts as compared to the same period last year.

For more details on Saudi to slash naphtha term volumes to Asia click here

Oil ends the week around US$58 on signs of weakness in US economy

The US Labor Department reported that new jobless claims rose to a seasonally adjusted 637,000 last week, above analysts' expectations of 610,000. Continuing jobless claims rose to 6.56 mln from 6.36 mln- higher than analysts expectation.

For more details on Oil ends the week around US$58 on signs of weakness in US economy click here

New green alternative to PVC for medical applications

Kraton Polymers LLC (USA), a leading global producer of engineered polymers, announces its commercialization of Kraton G1645, a polymer that creates new opportunities to replace PVC in medical applicaations in response to increased increased demand for eco-friendly, better performing products verses conventional elastomers.

For more details on New green alternative to PVC for medical applications click here

Coca-Cola unveils recyclable plastic bottle partially made from plants

The Coca-Cola Company recently unveiled a new fully recyclable plastic bottle -- PlantBottle(TM) -- made from a blend of petroleum-based materials and up to 30 percent plant-based materials. The new pplastic bottle is made through an innovative process that turns sugar cane and molasses, a by-product of sugar production, into a key component for PET plastic.

For more details on Coca-Cola unveils recyclable plastic bottle partially made from plants click here

Petro Rabigh awards GES contract to Jacobs ZATE for its oil refinery and petrochem complex

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (USA) announced that its local subsidiary in Saudi Arabia, Jacobs ZATE, has been awarded a General Engineering Services (GES) contract by the Rabigh Refining and Petrocheemical Company (Petro Rabigh) for its $15 billion facility.

For more details on Petro Rabigh awards GES contract to Jacobs ZATE for its oil refinery and petrochem complex click here

MCI to exit C9 petroleum resin business; expand its functional polymer business

Japanese chemical company Mitsui Chemicals Inc., (MCI) recently announced to exit sales and production of C9 petroleum resin (trade name: PETROSIN) by March 2010. The activities of C9 petroleum resin are currently being conducted under the Coatings & Engineering Materials Division of the Performance Materials Business Sector.

For more details on MCI to exit C9 petroleum resin business; expand its functional polymer business click here

Borealis showcases performance-enhancing innovations at ENGEL Symposium

Material innovations designed to boost moulder productivity and enhance the performance of automotive parts, healthcare applications, appliances and packaging will be showcased by Borealis, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, at the ENGEL Symposium 09 in St.

For more details on Borealis showcases performance-enhancing innovations at ENGEL Symposium click here

Bayer MaterialScience and Nano Terra, Inc. announce collaboration in surface engineering on films

Bayer MaterialScience, a global leader in high-value polymers, recently announced an alliance with Nano Terra Inc. (USA), a leading surface engineering and nanotechnology co-development company. Nano Terra will apply its unique surface engineering expertise to Bayer's materials to create new surface functionalities.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience and Nano Terra, Inc. announce collaboration in surface engineering on films click here

New all-polymeric wear additive compounds with improved properties

Engineering thermoplastic compounder RTP Company (USA) recently commercialized a new line of all-polymeric wear additive (APWA) compounds offering improved wear resistance. According to the company, tthe RoHS-complaint and non-halogenated materials provide excellent plastic-on-plastic performance without sacrificing properties inherent to the host resin like strength, impact resistance, and specific gravity.

For more details on New all-polymeric wear additive compounds with improved properties click here

BASF to introduce short-time work for 1000 employees at Ludwigshafen, Germany

BASF SE announced that it will introduce short-time work in the coming months for about 1,000 employees in 20 production plants and associated service units at its site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Thesee measures are necessary mainly at production units for pigments, intermediates, petrochemicals and inorganics.

For more details on BASF to introduce short-time work for 1000 employees at Ludwigshafen, Germany click here

New materials protect solar cells, enable increased efficiency and reduce cost-per-watt

In an effort to help development of reliable and cost-effective solar power, DuPont announced the commercialization of two new families of photovoltaic encapsulant sheets -- DuPont™ PV5300 Series and DuPont™ PV5200 Series.

For more details on New materials protect solar cells, enable increased efficiency and reduce cost-per-watt click here

13 units at CNOOC’s Huizhou Refinery commence operations

13 units at China National Offshore Oil Corp’s (CNOOC) 12 mln tpa Huizhou Refinery Project have commenced operations allowing the company to begin supplying products to the market. After more than 3 yyears of construction, the mechanical completion of Huizhou refinery was accomplished in March 2009.

For more details on 13 units at CNOOC’s Huizhou Refinery commence operations click here

ExxonMobil sued for emissions including propylene, ethylene and flammable vapors

The Louisiana Environmental Action Network is suing ExxonMobil, for releasing 89,700 pounds more air pollution than is allowed by its permit. ExxonMobil released emissions including propylene, ethylenne and flammable vapors that aren't covered by the permit.

For more details on ExxonMobil sued for emissions including propylene, ethylene and flammable vapors click here

Mitsui supervisor sentenced to 20 weeks

Takayoshi Wada, 46, Mitsui Oil (Asia) supervisor, convicted of making false entries resulting in losses of US$81 mln was sentenced to 20 weeks' jail for his part in aiding the scam. He has until May 225 to appeal his punishment meted in the Subordinate Court.

For more details on Mitsui supervisor sentenced to 20 weeks click here

IOC seals first term naphtha deal with Taiwan’s CPC

Taiwan's CPC Corp has bought 210,000 tons naphtha for June-December 2009 lifting from Indian Oil Corp (IOC), concluding its first-ever term naphtha contract with IOC. Per ton premium of US$7-8 was paiid to IOC's pricing formula on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, terms similar to what CPC manges with its regular supplier.

For more details on IOC seals first term naphtha deal with Taiwan’s CPC click here

LyondellBasell plans HDPE plant closure at Texas by July 31

In a bid to rationalize capacity to cope with deteriorating PE demand in USA and shrinking exports, LyondellBasell Industries plans to discontinue high density polyethylene (HDPE) production at its 4880 mln pounds pa Chocolate Bayou plant at Texas by July 31.

For more details on LyondellBasell plans HDPE plant closure at Texas by July 31 click here

Arkema restructures North American operations to reduce costs

France's leading chemical producer Arkema has announced cost cutting measures and restructuring for its North American activities to improve its costs basis by US$40 mln in 2010 and achieve a total annnual savings of US$50 mln by 2012.

For more details on Arkema restructures North American operations to reduce costs click here

Bayer MaterialScience unveils new post consumer recycled- and bio-content polycarbonate blend resins

Bayer MaterialScience LLC has introduced several new eco-friendly high-quality grades of its Makroblend® and Bayblend® polycarbonate blend resins in response to increased demand for sustainable produccts.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience unveils new post consumer recycled- and bio-content polycarbonate blend resins click here

Oxea to acquire ester plant in Netherlands from ExxonMobil

Oxea (Germany), a global supplier of solvents, polyols and oxo derivatives, signed an agreement to acquire ExxonMobil's ester plant in Amsterdam (Netherlands). The acquisition, expected to be closed iin July 2009, will significantly strengthen Oxea's position in specialty chemicals and provide both an extension of its value chain as well as broadening its application basis.

For more details on Oxea to acquire ester plant in Netherlands from ExxonMobil click here

LANXESS set to start its largest production site in India

LANXESS India Private Limited, the Indian subsidiary of specialty chemicals company LANXESS, is on track to start up its largest production site in India at Jhagadia, Gujarat state by 2010. With an innvestment of around EUR 50 million, the site will have a new ion exchange resins plant and a rubber chemicals plant, which is being relocated from Thane, Maharashtra state.

For more details on LANXESS set to start its largest production site in India click here

DAK Americas, Shaw join forces for PET recycling in North America

DAK Americas, LLC and Shaw Industries Group, Inc. will form a new joint-venture company, Clear Path Recycling, LLC, to produce Recycle PET (RPET) from post-consumer PET bottles. DAK, the second largesst PET Resin and largest Polyester Staple Fiber producer in the Americas and Shaw, the world's largest carpet manufacturer and leading floor covering provider, will both utilize the RPET material as a feed stock to enhance the value and sustainability of their offerings.

For more details on DAK Americas, Shaw join forces for PET recycling in North America click here

Solvay's Plastics business post 34% YOY decline in Q1 sales; operating result better than previous quarter

Solvay's Plastics business posted a 34% year-on-year decline in first quarter sales in 2009 to EUR 629 mln owing to customer destocking and downturn in automobile, construction and electronics sectorss.

For more details on Solvay's Plastics business post 34% YOY decline in Q1 sales; operating result better than previous quarter click here

American plastic bag manufacturers pledge to use 40% recycled content in all bags by 2015

The Progressive Bag Affiliates (PBA) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) recently announced a landmark effort to dramatically step up recycling of plastic bags. The Full Circle Recycling Initiativve sets an aggressive goal of 40% recycled content in all plastic bags by 2015, including at least 25% postconsumer recycled plastic.

For more details on American plastic bag manufacturers pledge to use 40% recycled content in all bags by 2015 click here

Neste Jacobs inks agreement for engineering services for construction of chemicals industrial city in Abu Dhabi

Neste Jacobs has signed a long-term framework agreement with Abu Dhabi National Chemicals Company (ChemaWEyaat) covering engineering services for construction of one of the world's largest chemicals iindustrial cities.

For more details on Neste Jacobs inks agreement for engineering services for construction of chemicals industrial city in Abu Dhabi click here

State Development Corp to continue with development of Panipat petrochem hub if IndianOil quits

The Panipat petrochem hub is reported to be delayed further as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has decided to quit as an equal partner with HSIIDC. The Haryana State Infrastructure and Industrial Developpment Corporation (HSIIDC) plans to go ahead with the development of the proposed petrochemical hub at Panipat if IndianOil Corp quits.

For more details on State Development Corp to continue with development of Panipat petrochem hub if IndianOil quits click here

Investigations into leak continue at Total Petrochemicals at Port Arthur, Texas

Investigations continue at Total Petrochemicals regarding reports of a gas leak that sent three contract workers to off-site medical facilities. The refinery is working to recreate the events, but hass not filed an incident report with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, unless a leak is confirmed.

For more details on Investigations into leak continue at Total Petrochemicals at Port Arthur, Texas click here

Rosneft mulls US$14 bln petrochemical plant in Far East

Russia’s biggest crude producer - OAO Rosneft, is considering plans to construct a refining complex in the Far East country at an investment outlay of $14 bln. Construction is being planned to commencce in September as the oil major plans to extend an oil pipeline to the Pacific Ocean to increase sales in Asia.

For more details on Rosneft mulls US$14 bln petrochemical plant in Far East click here

Saudi Sahara commissions propylene plant

The Saudi Sahara petrochemical company has embarked upon the commissioning of its propylene plant in Al-Jubail industrial zone in Saudi Arabia. The plant, a 75:25 JV between Saudi Sahara and Lyondell,, has been completed at an investment outlay of US$666.

For more details on Saudi Sahara commissions propylene plant click here

GE unit awarded contract to design Shanghai petrochemical reclamation plant

Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Co., Ltd. has selected GE Water, a business unit of GE Energy, to design and construct a high-efficiency water reclamation plant. The plant is planned to commence operatinng in Q4-2009.

For more details on GE unit awarded contract to design Shanghai petrochemical reclamation plant click here

Petron Corp’s US$1 bln upgrade plans to be part funded by bonds and preferred shares

Petron Corp., largest oil refiner in the Philippines, plans to spend US$1 bln to upgrade its facilities for additional facilities to enable the full conversion of residual products to more valuable gaasoline, diesel, LPG and propylene.

For more details on Petron Corp’s US$1 bln upgrade plans to be part funded by bonds and preferred shares click here

LANXESS clocks 31.3% decline in Q1 sales on low demand; expects improvement in Q2

Specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG (Germany) posted a net loss of EUR 14 mln for Q1 - 2009 against net income of EUR 104 mln for the prior-year period on a steep decline in demand led by economic doownturn.

For more details on LANXESS clocks 31.3% decline in Q1 sales on low demand; expects improvement in Q2 click here

Innovative line concept for production of 2-component profiles for automotive applications

Leading plastics processing machinery manufacturer KraussMaffei Berstorff GmbH (Germany) has developed an innovative line concept for the production of 2-component profiles made of polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPE-V).

For more details on Innovative line concept for production of 2-component profiles for automotive applications click here

BASF introduces styrene-acrylic high gloss emulsion for overprint varnishes

BASF, the market leader in resins and emulsions for the water-based ink and overprint varnish markets, is introducing Joncryl® 1610, a styrene-acrylic, non-film forming emulsion that exhibits high glooss and excellent clarity in overprint varnishes and can be used in many paper and paperboard applications.

For more details on BASF introduces styrene-acrylic high gloss emulsion for overprint varnishes click here

Bayer MaterialScience starts construction of new CNT production facility in Germany

Polymers and high performance plastics producer Bayer MaterialScience AG has begun construction of a new facility for the production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in Chempark Leverkusen, Germany. The neww plant will have a capacity of 200 tons/year.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience starts construction of new CNT production facility in Germany click here

Ashland begins in-country production of polyester resins and gelcoats in India

Composite manufacturers in India and neighboring countries have a new locally-produced source of high-performance polyester resins and gelcoats. Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashhland Inc.

For more details on Ashland begins in-country production of polyester resins and gelcoats in India click here

German group WACKER expands Shanghai Technical Center

Germany-based chemical group WACKER has recently finished expansion of its Shanghai Technical Center located at Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, China. The facility worth EUR 1 mln in investment has more than ten labs for WACKER's silicone and polymer activities, serving a wide range of industries from construction, coatings and adhesives to electronics, textile, cosmetics and home care.

For more details on German group WACKER expands Shanghai Technical Center click here

BPCL offers 160,000 tons naphtha for June-March

India's BPCL has offered 160,000 tons of high-aromatic naphtha in six different shipments between June 2009 and March 2010. The first shipment is set for the H2 June.

For more details on BPCL offers 160,000 tons naphtha for June-March click here

Supreme Petrochem reports net profit for Q3 09

India’s leading polystyrene producer Supreme Petrochem Ltd (SPL), has reported a net profit of Rs. 34.19 crore for Q3 ended 31st March, 2009, up by 462% as compared to Rs.6.08 crore for the correspondding quarter, a year ago.

For more details on Supreme Petrochem reports net profit for Q3 09 click here

SP Chemicals writes off petrochem project in Vietnam

Poor economic conditions have forced China’s SP Chemicals to abandon plans to construct a US$1.5 bln naphtha cracker project in Vietnam. Also the plant was with feedstock supply from the company’s Chiinese facility.

For more details on SP Chemicals writes off petrochem project in Vietnam click here

More than 3% drop in ethylene output of Japan in April

Ethylene output totalled 551,200 tons in April in Japan, compared with 570,000 tons a year earlier, as per the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Ethylene production in Japan dipped by 3..

For more details on More than 3% drop in ethylene output of Japan in April click here

New smart polymer that reduces radioactive waste

Scientists in Germany and India are reporting development of a new “smart” polymer that reduces the amount of radioactive waste produced during routine operation of nuclear reactors.
Structural mateerials such as carbon steel in power plants’ water cooling systems form deposits of metal oxides when they interact with coolants.

For more details on New smart polymer that reduces radioactive waste click here

Lotte Group mulls entry into refining sector

In a bid to accelerate a synergetic effect with its petrochemical affiliates, Korea's eighth-largest conglomerate- Lotte Group is planning its foray into the oil refining business by taking over Hyunddai Oilbank.

For more details on Lotte Group mulls entry into refining sector click here

5 consecutive years of profit at Haldia Petrochemicals ends in losses

Haldia Petrochemicals Limited (HPL) has reported a loss of Rs 275 crore in 2008-09 (unaudited) as compared to a profit of Rs 279 crore a year ago. HPL has suffered its first losses after five consecuttive years of profits, mainly due to a 5% import duty imposed on naphtha in the 2008 budget, coupled with deteriorating polymer prices that have hit profitability.

For more details on 5 consecutive years of profit at Haldia Petrochemicals ends in losses click here

Mitsui Chemicals and Idemitsu Kosan mull integration of Chiba operations

Japan’s Mitsui Chemicals Inc and third-largest refiner Idemitsu Kosan Co are considering integration of oil refining and ethanol production at Chiba. The two majors plan to partner by setting up a limmited liability partnership towards the joint management of Idemitsu refinery and ethanol plants of both companies in Chiba.

For more details on Mitsui Chemicals and Idemitsu Kosan mull integration of Chiba operations click here

Oil prices recoil after touching US$60

Light, sweet crude for June delivery rose to US60 per barrel before settling at US$58.8. Earlier in the day, oil prices rose to six-month highs, early signals of a recovery in global economy was offseet by weak energy demand and record-high crude inventories in USA.

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Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended May 11, 2009

CRUDE OIL
Crude oil for June delivery ended the week of May 11, 2009 at US$58 on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude settled at US$57.60 oon London's ICE Futures Europe exchange.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended May 11, 2009 click here

Celanese to augment acetic acid production using new technology at China facility

Global chemical company Celanese Corporation (USA) recently announced to increase its cost savings estimates to approximately US$250 mln by 2010, compared with its previously announced estimates of beetween US$100 - 120 mln.

For more details on Celanese to augment acetic acid production using new technology at China facility click here

UK's LINPAC Packaging doubles investment in post-consumer recycled packaging line

LINPAC Packaging (UK) has announced to double its investment in production equipment for its Rfresh® range due to increased demand for packaging with recycled content. LINPAC will invest in two additiional rPET (recycled PET) sheet extrusion lines at its Featherstone site to complement two ground-breaking lines installed in early 2008.

For more details on UK's LINPAC Packaging doubles investment in post-consumer recycled packaging line click here

Negri Bossi to be delisted from Italian Stock Exchange; have 100% private ownership

Sacmi Group recently announced that its parent holding company, H.P.S. S.p.A has acquired more than 95% ownership of Negri Bossi capital. Negri Bossi is Italy's leading plastic-injection moulding manuufacturer and belongs to the Sacmi Group.

For more details on Negri Bossi to be delisted from Italian Stock Exchange; have 100% private ownership click here

Dow & Rohm and Haas form Dow Water & Process Solutions business

Dow Water Solutions and Rohm and Haas Ion Exchange Resins have combined their respective businesses, forming Dow Water & Process Solutions, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company. This new busineess entity, based in Edina, Minnesota, USA comes as a result of Dow's acquisition of Rohm and Haas, which was completed
April 1.

For more details on Dow & Rohm and Haas form Dow Water & Process Solutions business click here

Hexion to shut BPA production at Texas unit on low demand

Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc. (USA) has announced to indefinitely shut its BPA3 production unit, part of its manufacturing complex in Deer Park, Texas citing shortfall of demand led by downturn. Thhe unit has rated capacity of 190 mln pounds per annum of BPA, or bisphenol-A, which is used as a raw material in producing epoxy resins, certain plastics and other products.

For more details on Hexion to shut BPA production at Texas unit on low demand click here

Bayer MaterialScience, BMW collaborate for advanced car display panels

Bayer MaterialScience and the BMW Group, together with a number of partners, have collaborated to develop car display panels in the latest BMW 7 Series. The advancement which they call 'black panel teechnology' are based on surfaces made of Marnot® polycarbonate films and make the displays and controls visible only when needed by the driver.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience, BMW collaborate for advanced car display panels click here

SABIC, Sipchem ink MoU for new petrochemical projects in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and the Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) announced signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up of new projects in the ccity of Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

For more details on SABIC, Sipchem ink MoU for new petrochemical projects in Saudi Arabia click here

Bayer MaterialScience steps up polycarbonates distribution network in Eastern Europe

Bayer MaterialScience is stepping up its activities in Eastern Europe by expanding its cooperation with the ALBIS Group, Hamburg as the region is an attractive growth market for many industries. The GGerman polymer company has added ALBIS to its existing partners in Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania for the distribution of the high-performance plastics Makrolon® (PC), APEC® (PC-HT), Bayblend® (PC/ABS) and Makroblend® (PC/PBT) from its polycarbonates portfolio.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience steps up polycarbonates distribution network in Eastern Europe click here

Norner, Hosokawa Alpine develop world leading innovative flexible packaging

Norner Innovation AS (Norway) has entered into an agreement with Hosokawa Alpine AG (Germany) to install a MDO line (Mono Directional Orientation) for development of plastic films for flexible packagiing and industrial applications at its Strathelle-based development center in Norway.

For more details on Norner, Hosokawa Alpine develop world leading innovative flexible packaging click here

DSM Composite Resins to increase price on entire product range

DSM Composite Resins, the European market leader in unsaturated polyesters (UPE), announced a 3 - 5% price increase on its entire product range globally with effect from 15 May 2009, or at the earliesst time possible, depending on existing individual contracts.

For more details on DSM Composite Resins to increase price on entire product range click here

Süd-Chemie, Linde to start biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass

Süd-Chemie AG (Germany), a leading manufacturer of catalysts and adsorbents, and The Linde Group (Germany), a leading global company in the sector of gases and engineering, have launched the productioon of climate-friendly biofuels based on lignocellulosic biomass in Munich.

For more details on Süd-Chemie, Linde to start biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass click here

Uhde Inventa-Fischer AG, FRX Polymers ink joint agreement

Uhde Inventa-Fischer AG (UIF), one of the world's leading specialists for engineering of polycondensation plants, has completed an agreement with FRX Polymers, Inc (USA) to build and operate a pilot pplant at UIF's Domat/Ems Switzerland facility.

For more details on Uhde Inventa-Fischer AG, FRX Polymers ink joint agreement click here

Petrochemical projects with EIA approval get nod to proceed in Rayong

Petrochemical projects in Rayong that have passed an environmental impact assessment (EIA) can move ahead with their investment, since a new pollution-reduction plan is not expected to affect them. Hoowever, projects awaiting EIA approval will need to be delayed until the pollution-reduction plan is completed.

For more details on Petrochemical projects with EIA approval get nod to proceed in Rayong click here

Sinopec and Kuwait Petroleum plan to move US$9 bln refinery and petrochem complex to Zhanjiang

Sinopec (China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.), Kuwait Petroleum Corp. and an overseas oil producer plan to build a US$9 billion refining and petrochemical plant in southern China’s Guangdong province. Thhe project’s location may be moved to Zhanjiang from an earlier plan of Guangzhou.

For more details on Sinopec and Kuwait Petroleum plan to move US$9 bln refinery and petrochem complex to Zhanjiang click here

Oil prices dip from six month highs on reports of mounting supplies

Crude oil for June delivery has dipped to US$57.95 on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for June settlement fell to US$57.60 on London’s ICE Futures Europe exchange. On the last day of the previous week, oil prices spiked to six month highs to US$58.

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LyondellBasell adds 13 U.S. entities to Chapter 11

LyondellBasell Industries has added 13 non-operating entities to the Chapter 11 filing. The company’s US operations are under bankruptcy protection, and the recently added entities are US companies addded to the original bankruptcy filing for administrative purposes.

For more details on LyondellBasell adds 13 U.S. entities to Chapter 11 click here

Additive shows biodegradation of conventional plastics by ASTM standards

A new round of testing on biodegradable plastic solution EcoPure, has been completed by Bio-Tec Environmental. EcoPure is its second generation additive that makes green products by turning regular pllastic into biodegradable plastic, resulting in environmentally sustainable products.

For more details on Additive shows biodegradation of conventional plastics by ASTM standards click here

Rhodia to cease operation at its Canadian polyamide production line

Specialty chemicals maker Rhodia announced to discontinue operation of its polyamide-based engineering plastics production line in Mississauga (Ontario, Canada) as the firm grapples with reduced demannd and capacity glut worldwide.

For more details on Rhodia to cease operation at its Canadian polyamide production line click here

ExxonMobil breaks ground on technology center in China

Petrochemicals manufacturer ExxonMobil Chemical has begun construction of its technology center in Shanghai, China reinforcing the importance of the region for its business growth. The new technology center for polymer production will come at Shanghai Zizhu Science-based Industrial Park, Shanghai and is expected to start operations by 2010.

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First trial of ethylene unit’s cracking gas compressor at Dushanzi Petrochemical succeeds

China National Petroleum Corp.’s (CNPC) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dushanzi Petrochemical Company’s cracking gas compressor for 1mln tpa ethylene unit at was successfully put into triial operation.

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Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation’s Vietnam PA6 plant to come onstream by 2010

The new polyamide 6 plant in Vietnam planned by Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation (Taiwan) is set to come on stream by 2010. In June 2008, Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation (FCFC) and Uhde Invventa-Fischer (Germany) signed a contract for a 47,000 mtpa polyamide 6 plant to be located in the south of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

For more details on Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corporation’s Vietnam PA6 plant to come onstream by 2010 click here

Low demand, overcapacity prompt LyondellBasell to discontinue HDPE production at Texas plant

LyondellBasell Industries, one of the world's largest polymers, petrochemicals and fuels companies, will discontinue production at its 480 mln pounds per year high density polyethylene (HDPE) site in Chocolate Bayou plant near Alvin, Texas by July 31, 2009.

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Ashland expands offerings for wind energy market

Ashland Performance Materials (USA), a global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy vinyl ester resins, has expanded its product offerings for the wind energy market. In order to assist thee rapidly growing wind power market, the company has added Derakane® 601-200 epoxy vinyl ester resin, Envirez® unsaturated polyester resin from renewable and recycled resources, Pliogrip® structural adhesive, and Enguard® bonding paste.

For more details on Ashland expands offerings for wind energy market click here

BASF polyurethane technology helps to insulate deepest subsea flowlineBASF polyurethane technology helps to insulate deepest subsea flowline

BASF, leading provider of polyurethane specialties, recently collaborated with Perma-Pipe Oil and Gas (USA), under contract to The Bayou Companies, to supply glass syntactic polyurethane (GSPU) insulaation for the deepest subsea insulated flowline installed in the world to date.

For more details on BASF polyurethane technology helps to insulate deepest subsea flowline click here

PLASTI&PACK PAKISTAN 2009 - Post Show Report

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Pakistan has a growing consumer market with per capita income of US$ 1085, which is moving towards sophisticated consumption habits. These factors have contributed to the expansioon of integrated plastic, printing and packaging industries, as the manufacturers are incorporating latest machinery and equipment for the packaging of their products.

For more details on PLASTI&PACK PAKISTAN 2009 - Post Show Report click here

World's first one piece packaging system to provide impact absorption for electronic items

3M, the diversified technology company, has unveiled Protective Packaging, the world's first one-piece thermoformed packaging system that eliminates the need for other packaging parts to protect electtronics items.

For more details on World's first one piece packaging system to provide impact absorption for electronic items click here

Soya oil-derived resin used in bio-based urban hybrid concept car

A student project team at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm (Sweden) built a racing car incorporating the one-component resin system Tribest from global specialty chemicals supplierr Cognis (Germany).

For more details on Soya oil-derived resin used in bio-based urban hybrid concept car click here

New RoHS-compliant TPE compounds provide UL94 V0-rated flame retardance for high-performance cables, connectors

The Thermoplastic Elastomer Division of Teknor Apex Company is unveiling its new series of TPE compounds that are fully RoHS-compliant and meet stringent UL criteria for flame retardance while providiing flexibility and toughness over a broad temperature range.

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DuPont to eliminate 2000 more jobs to further cost reduction, strengthen cash position

Chemical company DuPont announced to eliminate roughly 2000 employees as a part of its plan to increase 2009 fixed cost reduction from US$730 mln to US$1 bln. In December 2008, the company said it wouuld trim workforce by 2500 as cost cutting initiative to preserve cash.

For more details on DuPont to eliminate 2000 more jobs to further cost reduction, strengthen cash position click here

Ashland announced collaboration for wind power market

Ashland Performance Materials (USA), a global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy vinyl ester resins, announced collaboration with Amtech, LLC (USA) and Endurance Wind Power (USA) to prodduce wind turbine blades at Amtech's North American manufacturing facility in Washington state.

For more details on Ashland announced collaboration for wind power market click here

Borealis posts Q1 net loss; witness 54% quarter-on-quarter improvement

Borealis, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, posted a net loss of EUR 56 mln for Q1 - 2009, a 54% improvement compared to the Q4 - 2008 as the company quickly reacts to the most significant global demand shock in decades.

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Unenthusiastic market outlook for Polypropylene in Asia

Under the dual pressures of subdued demand from China and estimated increased volumes of supplies from India and Middle East, has dampened market outlook for polypropylene in Asia. Supplies are expectted to increase from India and Middle East in June, as Reliance plans to commence commercial production at its 900,000 tpa plant, along with scheduled start up of the 270,000 tpa plant in Saudi Arabia.

For more details on Unenthusiastic market outlook for Polypropylene in Asia click here

Ministry of Economy to takeover petrochemical division of Petrom

Romania’s Economy Ministry will pay Petrom €150 mln to take over the petrochemical division Petrochemicals Arges (formerly known as Arpechim).

Petrom’s solitary condition in handing over the petroochem division was to pay the debts of €150 mln that Arpechim had to repay to state-run chemical producer Oltchim.

For more details on Ministry of Economy to takeover petrochemical division of Petrom click here

Styrene monomer prices rise in Asia after three consecutive weeks of losses

After three consecutive weeks of losses, Styrene monomer (SM) prices in Asia rose by 10%, amid renewed buying interest as oil prices rise, indicating a possible beginning of the end of the global econnomic downturn.

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First FOB naphtha deal concluded on discount in 2009

A regional supply glut has led to the first discount on a naphtha deal. Indian Oil Corp (IOC) has sold via tender, 15,000 tons of naphtha at a discount of US$7/ton to Middle East quotes to Glencore. TThe parcel is slated for May 19-22 lifting from Haldia.

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Plastics that change color under mechanical stress

Researchers have created solid plastics that change color under mechanical stress. Further research could lead to plastics that signal when they are about to break or trigger a chemical reaction desiggned to toughen them where they are under the most stress.

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Crude oil rises to six month highs, hover around US$57

As the market surged on hopes of an increase in energy demand amid signs of economic recovery, crude oil futures hovered around US$57 after a round of short covering from Japanese traders who returnedd to the markets after the Golden Week break.

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Mitsubishi Plastics, QUADRANT in strategic alliance to intensify engineering plastic products business

Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc. (Japan) recently announced that it has entered into a strategic alliance with certain members of the board of directors of QUADRANT AG (Switzerland), the world's largest manuufacturer of engineering plastic products (EPP).

For more details on Mitsubishi Plastics, QUADRANT in strategic alliance to intensify engineering plastic products business click here

Coatings for deep-water pipelines can be mixed on-site by new mobile technology

Dow Hyperlast has engineered a technology to blend glass syntactic polyurethane (GSPU) coating and insulation systems for deep-water pipelines on site in remote locations. ETNAFLOW™ Portable Mixing Pllant from Dow Hyperlast, a division within Dow Polyurethane Systems, allows for safe and efficient mixing of materials, while an advanced process control ensures formulation accuracy and the quality and consistency of the finished product.

For more details on Coatings for deep-water pipelines can be mixed on-site by new mobile technology click here

Ashland furthers distribution relationship with Eurotec for Nordic region

Ashland Distribution, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (USA), has expanded its relationship with Eurotec Engineering Plastics (Turkey), by signing a new agreement, to distribute their polyamide (PA),, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) compounds and blends in Sweden, Norway and Finland.

For more details on Ashland furthers distribution relationship with Eurotec for Nordic region click here

PolyOne posts Q1 loss on low demand, special items

Specialized polymer materials provider PolyOne (USA) reported a net loss of US$9.3 mln (US$0.10/share) in the Q1 - 2009 against the net income of US$6.5 mln (US$0.07/diluted share) in the same period last year.

For more details on PolyOne posts Q1 loss on low demand, special items click here

Cereplast to supply bio-plastic resin for leading juvenile products manufacturer

Cereplast, Inc. (USA), a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics, will supply Dorel Juvenile Group (USA), a division of Dorel Industries Inc, with bio-plastic resin for itss Safety 1ST Nature Next™ brand, a new line of reduced carbon footprint juvenile products.

For more details on Cereplast to supply bio-plastic resin for leading juvenile products manufacturer click here

BASF's styrenic plastic specialty used for ski-hatch opening in new Opel Insignia

BASF's acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/polyamide blend, Terblend® N NG?02 is being used for the first time for a ski-hatch opening in the new Opel Insignia. In spite of its glass fiber content, this AABS/PA plastic can be used for visible parts without having to be coated.

For more details on BASF's styrenic plastic specialty used for ski-hatch opening in new Opel Insignia click here

Amsterdam-based Aquamit offers to take over the Swiss thermoplastics manufacturer

Amsterdam-based affiliate Aquamit has offered 86 Swiss francs per share to take over Quadrant- the Swiss thermoplastics manufacturer, valuing the company that has 2.75 mln shares outstanding, at 236.55 million Swiss francs.

For more details on Amsterdam-based Aquamit offers to take over the Swiss thermoplastics manufacturer click here

New Quality Protocol to make it easier to incorporate waste plastic into new products

A new Quality Protocol published by the Waste Protocols Project, a joint WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and Environment Agency initiative, will simplify the recovery of waste non-packaging plastic - such as plastic pipes, toys and garden furniture - and make it easier for manufacturers to incorporate the material into new products.

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Braskem reports 88% fall in Q1 profits

As prices for resins in Brazil declined, Latin America’s largest petrochemicals producer Braskem SA, has reported a 88% plunge in Q1-09 profits. Net sales in the quarter fell 28% to 3.16 billion reaiss.

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US$22 bln finncing required by PetroChina to boost cash flow and maintain its capital expenditure and dividend payout

PetroChina Co., the world’s second- largest company by market value, could require 150 billion yuan (US$22 bln) financing this year to boost cash flow and maintain its capital expenditure and dividendd payout.

For more details on US$22 bln finncing required by PetroChina to boost cash flow and maintain its capital expenditure and dividend payout click here

Milacron agrees to sell assets to company formed by its creditors for US$175 mln

After filing for bankruptcy in March this year, plastics processing equipment manufacturer and industrial fluids company Milacron Inc, has agreed to sell substantially all of its assets to a company fformed by its creditors for about US$175 mln.

For more details on Milacron agrees to sell assets to company formed by its creditors for US$175 mln click here

Polyethylene facing a supply glut

A glut of commodity chemical capacity, mainly in the Middle East, has been anticipated for several years, and it would likely have caused a cyclical downturn even if demand for chemical products had rremained robust according to an article by Annie Sorich.

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PetroChina gets nod from government to triple capacity at Hohhot

PetroChina has received the nod of approval from the government to increase capacity three-fold at its small refinery in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia in north China. An investment outlay of 8.3 bbln yuan (US$1.

For more details on PetroChina gets nod from government to triple capacity at Hohhot click here

Dow Polyurethanes raise prices for Polyols and Isocyanates

Dow Polyurethanes, a business group within The Dow Chemical Company and its affiliates including Dow Europe GmbH, will increase prices in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent for its poolyurethanes raw materials.

For more details on Dow Polyurethanes raise prices for Polyols and Isocyanates click here

EcoPure biodegradable plastic additive passes ASTM test on commodity plastics

Bio-Tec Environmental (USA) recently announced completion of a new round of "green products" testing on its biodegradable plastic solution EcoPure, its second generation additive that makes green prodducts by turning regular plastic into biodegradable plastic.

For more details on EcoPure biodegradable plastic additive passes ASTM test on commodity plastics click here

Stanyl® PA46 annealing technology for automotive gears finishes 2-year mark

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 Stanyl® PA46 annealing technology for automotive gears finishes 2-year mark click here

Dow Hyperlast divests two product lines to 'focus on core business'

Dow Hyperlast, a global business unit of The Dow Chemical Company recently announced that its two product lines -- DIOPLEX(TM) polymeric plasticizers and REZILUBE(TM) polymer additives - have been acqquired by The HallStar Company (USA).

For more details on Dow Hyperlast divests two product lines to 'focus on core business' click here

PetroChina gets nod from government to triple capacity at Hohhot

PetroChina has received the nod of approval from the government to increase capacity three-fold at its small refinery in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia in north China. An investment outlay of 8.3 bbln yuan (US$1.

For more details on PetroChina gets nod from government to triple capacity at Hohhot click here

Oil prices dip in Asia prior to report expected to show rising oil stocks in USA

New York's main oil futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in June, dipped marginally to US$53.65, while Brent North Sea dipped to US$53.93.
Oil prices declined in Asia prior to release of report in USA expected to show a rise in oil inventories in the United States as this indicates weak energy demand.

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BASF reviewing commencement schedule of plant in South West China

Restricted demand is compelling Germany’s BASF to review the timing of start up of a new plant in southwestern China. BASF had plans to construct a 400,000 tpa MDI plant in Chongqoing, with startup sllated for 2010, at an estimated investment of US$4.

For more details on BASF reviewing commencement schedule of plant in South West China click here

7 petrochem projects launched in Fars province

Seven petrochemical projects, mainly comprising units for producing polyethylene, urea and ammoniac have been planned in Iran’s Fars Province. Planned with an initial budget of US$3.5 bln, the plants will be located in complexes in Kazeroun, Noudan, Fasa, Darab, Jahrom, Firouzabad, and Farashband constitute the projects.

For more details on 7 petrochem projects launched in Fars province click here

Chemaweyaat awards contract to Neste

Abu Dhabi petrochemical company Chemaweyaat has awarded the front-end engineering contract for an integrated chemical production facility to Finnish engineering company Neste Jacobs.
Chemaweyaat, a 440:20 JV between Abu Dhabi Investment Council and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), is launching a chemical facility at the Khalifa Port Industrial Zone in Taweelah.

For more details on Chemaweyaat awards contract to Neste click here

PKN Orlen’s Q1-09 earnings estimated to be hit

Poland’s largest oil refiner PKN Orlen’s Q1-09 earnings are estimated to be hit by a decline of US$88 mln in the value of oil inventories as well as narrower margins on petrochemical products. Oil stoored in Orlen’s tanks devalued in Q1, reducing earnings by 300 mln zloty (US$88 mln) as compared to a gain of 326 mln zloty in the same period last year.

For more details on PKN Orlen’s Q1-09 earnings estimated to be hit click here

Praxair to partner Sinopec

A subsidiary of industrial gas maker Praxair Inc. has set up a joint venture in Guangzhou, China, with Sinopec. The venture with Praxair (China) Investment Co. Ltd. will produce, sell and distribute iindustrial gases including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon for industrial uses, and also supply nitrogen for Sinopec Guangzhou Co.

For more details on Praxair to partner Sinopec click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended May 4, 2009

CRUDE OIL
Propped by enhanced consumer confidence in USA- as Americans get more confident about the economy, and indications that OPEC is complying with agreed cuts at record levels has pushed oil prices to four week highs.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended May 4, 2009 click here

ExxonMobil's Singapore Chemical Plant to shut down for 8-week maintenance work

ExxonMobil recently announced that its Singapore Chemical Plant (SCP), the company's largest investment in Asia Pacific region, has pulled several operating units off stream due to planned maintenancee.

For more details on ExxonMobil's Singapore Chemical Plant to shut down for 8-week maintenance work click here

STEER's focus on 'small' improvements sets new benchmark in high torque compounding applications

Driven by the quest for innovation and excellence, STEER has designed the Generation Next OMEGA H Class extruder that exhibits enhanced efficiency in High Torque Applications with further reduction inn residence time, thus increasing productivity by over 25% compared to conventional extruders.

For more details on STEER's focus on 'small' improvements sets new benchmark in high torque compounding applications click here

Borealis joins the Business Friends of the Danube partnership

Borealis, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, has joined the Business Friends of the Danube partnership, an initiative to protect the resources and ecosystems of Europpe's second longest river, the Danube.

For more details on Borealis joins the Business Friends of the Danube partnership click here

Solvay Advanced Polymers' polysulfone opted for hot water fittings by Brazil's top plumbing manufacturer

Tigre SA, the largest plumbing manufacturer in Brazil, has developed the first complete line of plastic pipe fittings for pressurized, flexible hot water systems in Brazil. The fittings are made of Uddel® polysulfone (PSU) from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, a tough, hydrolytically stable material suitable for applications requiring continuous exposure to hot chlorinated water.

For more details on Solvay Advanced Polymers' polysulfone opted for hot water fittings by Brazil's top plumbing manufacturer click here

TPV specialist Sarlink sets new production facility underway in Belgium

Sarlink, a specialist in high quality thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) solutions, has officially opened a new production facility in Genk Belgium. The new plant will double Sarlink's global capacity aand provide the company with a timely expansion as Thermoplastic Vulcanisate (TPV) material solutions are becoming more popular than ever, thanks to the material's unique balance of properties and benefits.

For more details on TPV specialist Sarlink sets new production facility underway in Belgium click here

SACMI to present world's fastest compression moulding machine at ChinaPlas 2009

The SACMI Closures&Containers team (Italy), world's leading makers of complete plastic cap production lines, has boosted R&D efforts to develop ever-more advanced techniques and technologies despite aa market downturn.

For more details on SACMI to present world's fastest compression moulding machine at ChinaPlas 2009 click here

Wittmann Battenfeld steps up presence in Eastern Europe; opens new sales subsidiary in Romania

The Wittmann Group (Austria), leading plastic injection molding machinery and auxiliary equipment manufacturer, have expanded within the EU by opening a sales and service subsidiary in Bucharest, Romaania.

For more details on Wittmann Battenfeld steps up presence in Eastern Europe; opens new sales subsidiary in Romania click here

ENOC subsidiary and Korean company open petrochemical terminal in Ulsan

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai-based Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) and Korea's Taeyoung Industries have opened the second largest chemical terminal project in Ulsan, South Korea. Built at aan investment outlay of US$76 mln, the project is a joint venture between Horizon Terminals Ltd and Taeyoung Industries.

For more details on ENOC subsidiary and Korean company open petrochemical terminal in Ulsan click here