Dow Chemical reports loss in this quarter

The Dow Chemical Co. has reported a loss in the second-quarter, mainly due to loss in earnings to the charges incurred by the buyout of rival Rohm & Haas and poor sales for chemicals.
Net sales weree US$11.

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Dow to hive off ownership in OPTIMAL Group to PETRONAS for US$660 mln

In a bid to increase Dow's financial flexibility, improve its cash flow, and pay down its bridge loan, Dow haas planned to divest in OPTIMAL. Dow’s Union Carbide Corporation subsidiary is to sell its entire shares of ownership in the OPTIMAL Group of Companies (OPTIMAL) to PETRONAS for US$660 mln.

For more details on Dow to hive off ownership in OPTIMAL Group to PETRONAS for US$660 mln click here

Energy Efficiency for injection molders

The Mumbai Chapter of The Indian Plastics Institute is to organize a Lecture Meeting on Friday the 31st July 2009 from 3.30 pm onwards. The topics will include: “Energy Efficiency Allround” and “Vertiical Injection Molding”

ARBURG has defined the efficient use of energy as a corporate objective.

For more details on Energy Efficiency for injection molders click here

More accurate, versatile, simple, advanced layer multiplier for cast film and sheet

A completely new layer multiplier enables producers of cast film and sheet to obtain the substantial property enhancements of microlayer structures yet is easier to deploy, more compact, more accuratee, and far more versatile than any other layer multiplier system, including one previously offered by EDI, the company announced today.

For more details on More accurate, versatile, simple, advanced layer multiplier for cast film and sheet click here

Indian Oil’s spot naphtha exports of 30,000 tons for August lifting from Chennai

As domestic demand continues to dwindle, Indian Oil Corp (IOC) has sold 30,000 tons of naphtha for August lifting from Chennai. This is the state run PSU’s fourth spot export from Chennai, as its usuaal exports are from Kandla and Dahej on the west coast.

For more details on Indian Oil’s spot naphtha exports of 30,000 tons for August lifting from Chennai click here

Hindustan Petroleum Corp’s current fiscal naphtha exports estimated at 1 mln tons

Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd. is likely to export 1 million tons of naphtha but no fuel oil in the current fiscal year. Last year’s exports were 200,000 tons of fuel oil and 800,000 tons of naphtha.

For more details on Hindustan Petroleum Corp’s current fiscal naphtha exports estimated at 1 mln tons click here

Quarterly profits of Indian Oil Corp spike 780%

Indian Oil Corp’s net profit for the quarter ended June 30 spiked by 780% to Rs.3,680 crore (US$763 mln) for the quarter compared to Rs.410 crore in the same period last year, on lessened revenue lossses on lower crude oil prices.

For more details on Quarterly profits of Indian Oil Corp spike 780% click here

Self-healing wire technology has been developed as part of an FAA initiative to combat the problems associated with ageing aircraft. As part of a suit

Biopolymers are breaking the mold of environmentally unfriendly plastic materials and fueling future growth, according to Lux Research. A new generation of biologically derived materials and processess promises to break that mold by delivering many of the traditional benefits of plastic materials while closing the ecological loop.

For more details on Biopolymers to grow at double-digits click here

Self-healing wiring to eliminate time-consuming task of tracing wire faults

Self-healing wire technology has been developed as part of an FAA initiative to combat the problems associated with ageing aircraft. As part of a suite of research projects at the University of Daytonn Research Institute (UDRI) aimed at eliminating the time-consuming task of tracing wire faults, wire that can repair its own insulation after it is damaged was developed by research chemist Robert Kauffman.

For more details on Self-healing wiring to eliminate time-consuming task of tracing wire faults click here

Hardest plastic nano composite material is also lightest

The world's hardest plastic nano-composite material has been discovered by a team of five Bangalore researchers headed by CNR Rao. They have created the material by reinforcing ordinary plastic with ddiamonds which are invisible to naked eye, a sheet of layered carbon and tiny carbon cylinders.

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Taiwan’s CPC plans to increase export revenue to 30%

To break away from the saturated domestic market in Taiwan; CPC Corp., Taiwan’s state-owned petroleum and gasoline supplier plans to set up a foreign trade department by the end of the year. The compaany plans to tap the global market, aiming to raise export revenue to 30% of the total in the next 5 to 7 years.

For more details on Taiwan’s CPC plans to increase export revenue to 30% click here

Clondalkin Group acquires leading US producer highly engineered flexible plastic films

Clondalkin Group international producer of flexible and specialist packaging products with 40+ production locations throughout Europe and North America and annual sales in excess of US$1.2 bln has acqquired Ohio-based Cleveland Plastic Films a leading producer of customized and highly engineered flexible plastic films for banner, food and industrial applications.

For more details on Clondalkin Group acquires leading US producer highly engineered flexible plastic films click here

La Seda De Barcelona to close down 5 petrochemical plants, lay off workers

La Seda De Barcelona plans to close 5 plants and raise funds to concentrate on production of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as per it’s restructuring program.
La Seda will lay off over 300 workerss and sell off Simpe plant in Italy, Portalegre in Portugal, Volos in Greece, TurkPet in Turkey and IQA in Tarragona, Spain and raise between €250-320 mln to meet conditions laid out by its banking syndicate to refinance the company.

For more details on La Seda De Barcelona to close down 5 petrochemical plants, lay off workers click here

Glass fiber reinforced polyamide alternative to halogenated polymers

New 25% glass fiber-reinforced polyamide 6 compound provides injection molders with an alternative to halogenated flame retardant (FR) formulations while meeting stringent requirements for flame retarrdance, according to Chem Polymer, a unit of Teknor Apex Company.

For more details on Glass fiber reinforced polyamide alternative to halogenated polymers click here

Tamper-proof color-personalized high-security cards of polycarbonate films

With Innosec Fusion, Bundesdruckerei GmbH (the Federal German Printing Office) has developed a technology that makes it possible to color-personalize high-security cards made of the polycarbonate filmms Makrofol ID with a photo and signature of the holder.

For more details on Tamper-proof color-personalized high-security cards of polycarbonate films click here

Bayer quarterly performance robust in a difficult environment

Bayer's Q2 profits beat analysts' expectations, despite a dramatic 36.4% drop in Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) sales. In Q2-2009 the Bayer Group's businesses turned in a robust performance in a difficullt environment.

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Siam Chemical Group posts better than expected Q2 results

Thailand's Siam Cement Group (SCG) has posted better-than-expected Q2 results, with net profits of 6.83 billion baht. Q2 profits are up by 32% from the previous quarter mainly propped by improving pettrochemical margins.

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Arkema to build Acrylic plant in China

In a move that will aid the company to sustain the growth of the specialty acrylic polymer market in Asia, Arkema plans to set up an acrylic plant at its Changshu site as an outlay of €15 mln. Coatex,, which already has an industrial presence in the United States and in Europe, will now have an acrylic polymer production capacity in Asia from mid-2011 targeting growing markets in paints (coatings), mineral processing, construction and paper.

For more details on Arkema to build Acrylic plant in China click here

Oil prices dip below US$67

As weak US consumer confidence data added to doubts over the pace of economic recovery in USA, oil prices dipped below US$67 a barrel after 9 consecutive sessions of gains. US crude dipped to US$66.5,, while Brent crude dipped to US$69.

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Global polyethylene consumption dips by 3.7% in 2008

Global polyethylene consumption declined by 3.7% in 2008, as per a report by Townsend Solutions. In 2008, 66.7 miln tones of polyethylene were consumed around the globe, down from about 69 mln tons inn 2007.

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Delayed Middle East petrochem projects to come onstream

Delays to projects scheduled to start up in 2009-2010 has been to the advantage of existing players as per ICIS. This added time offers breathing space to major producers, after Q4-08; possibly the woorst quarter in the history of petrochemicals.

For more details on Delayed Middle East petrochem projects to come onstream click here

Iran's National Petrochemical Company in process of total privatization

Iran's National Petrochemical Company (NPC) plans to get totally privatized. For this, the company plans to offer all shares of domestic petrochemical firms to the public in a holding company by the eend of the present Iranian year (March 21, 2010).

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CNOOC, Shell JV plans 1 billion yuan outlay to increase capacity by 20%

CNOOC and Shell Petrochemical Co.’s JV plans to invest 1 billion yuan to expand its capacity by 20%. The expansion is planned for completion by mid-2010. Current capacity includes a 800,000 tpa ethyleene project and a 2.

For more details on CNOOC, Shell JV plans 1 billion yuan outlay to increase capacity by 20% click here

LyondellBasell plans Polypropylene price increase in Europe

In a bid to cope with escalating feedstock cost prices, LyondellBasell Industries plans to increase prices by €70/ton of polypropylene grades sold in Europe, with effect from August 1, 2009.

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Assam Gas Cracker Project unlikely to be delayed

Despite a 4-5 month delay, the Assam Gas Cracker Project is unlikely to suffer time overruns as the company strives to complete the Rs 5,460-crore project as per schedule, within 60 months.
The projject was estimated to suffer a delay of over six months on account of several factors including delay in appointment of key officials of the Brahmaputra Polymers and Crackers Limited (BPCL).

For more details on Assam Gas Cracker Project unlikely to be delayed click here

HPCL-Mittal hand over Bathinda refinery project report to state Government

Company officials have handed over the detailed project report of work in progress at the Guru Gobind Singh Oil Refinery at Bathinda by HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd. (HMEL) to Industries and Commerce Ministter Punjab.

For more details on HPCL-Mittal hand over Bathinda refinery project report to state Government click here

Sinopec Maoming plans month long turnaround

Sinopec Maoming plans to shutter its petrochemical complex at Maoming for a month long maintenance shutdown in October, bringing forward the date from August. This will be in tandem with the shutdown of its upstream 3 mln tpa crude distillation unit and 900,000 tpa FCC at the 13.

For more details on Sinopec Maoming plans month long turnaround click here

Romania’s Oltchim approves plan to borrow €62 mln to acquire Petrom assets

Romanian chemical plant Oltchim has approved plans to borrow €62 million (US$88 million) to buy petrochemical assets of Petrom's Arpechim Pitesti (refinery), as well as for working capital. About 80% of the loan, which was approved in a general shareholders meeting on Friday, will be guaranteed by the state-owned bank Eximbank.

For more details on Romania’s Oltchim approves plan to borrow €62 mln to acquire Petrom assets click here

Mixing PET and PLA during recycling not recommended

The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) has countered the idea that polylactic acid (PLA) containers can be successfully mixed with the existing stream of recycled polyethylene tterephthalate (PET) containers.

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Investments in MENA's Downstream Sector

The Middle East and North Africa region has embarked on an ambitious drive to expand its downstream footprint, investing heavily in refining expansions and greenfield projects, and ploughing capital iinto a clutch of petrochemicals schemes, as per writes James Gavin.

For more details on Investments in MENA's Downstream Sector click here

Formosa renews commitment to develop petrochem and oil refinery project in Vietnam

Formosa has renewed its commitment to develop a petrochemical and oil refinery project in Vung Ang Economic Zone in Vietnam’s central province of Ha Tinh. The US$12.4 bln project had received governmeent approval in principle after the proposal had been passed to the Government by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ha Tinh province.

For more details on Formosa renews commitment to develop petrochem and oil refinery project in Vietnam click here

Outlook for the Global Composites Industry

Economic recovery holds the key to global US$19 billion composites industry regaining a positive growth trajectory, as per a report by Lucintel. There were dramatic changes in the composites market inn 2008 with prominent segments such as construction, automotive and marine suffering double-digit declines in demand for composites due to economic downturn in the US and Western European nations.

For more details on Outlook for the Global Composites Industry click here

LANXESS increases EPDM prices

The Technical Rubber Products (TRP) business unit of specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG is to increase its prices for ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) globally effective August 1, 2009. Dependdent on regions and rubber grades the price adjustment per metric ton will comprise up to EUR 150 / USD 250.

For more details on LANXESS increases EPDM prices click here

Record high Q2-09 earnings by SK Energy Petrochemical

SK Energy has announced its Q2-09 earnings results. Amid continued volatile business environment and global economic slowdown, the South Korean major has recorded a rise in net income by 16% yoy due tto the foreign exchange gain, despite of drop in operating profits.

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GAIL net dips 27% in the quarter ended 30 June

Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) has reported a 27% drop in net profit for Q1 of the current fiscal due to lower realisation from LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and liquid hydrocarbons and petrochemiccals business.

For more details on GAIL net dips 27% in the quarter ended 30 June click here

Styrenic block copolymer production increase at Dexco Polymers

Dexco Polymers LP, a 50:50 joint venture of The Dow Chemical Company and ExxonMobil Chemical, has completed a significant investment to increase production capability at its Plaquemine LA facility. Thhe plant has enhanced capability to produce a broad range of SIS, SBS and SIBS polymers at high levels of quality to serve our customers in demanding applications including personal care, adhesives, polymer modification and other end uses.

For more details on Styrenic block copolymer production increase at Dexco Polymers click here

Oil prices end the week on a higher note on brighter economic outlook

Several positive corporate earnings reports has infused optimism about the recovery of the US economy, propping up oil prices at the end of last week. Positive data from the economies of the eurozone and Germany also gave oil a lift.

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US demand for active and intelligent packaging to rise by 8.3% pa through 2013

US demand for active and intelligent packaging will climb 8.3% pa through 2013, driven in part by food safety concerns and losses in perishables as per Freedonia. Intelligent packaging will grow the ffastest, propelled by time-temperature indicators and other products that offer product differentiation, traceability and interactive features.

For more details on US demand for active and intelligent packaging to rise by 8.3% pa through 2013 click here

Natpet gets nod from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) for additional US$75 mln loan

Saudi Alujain’ subsidiary, National Petrochemical Company (Natpet), has received nod of approval from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to procure additional financial loan of US$75 mln to financce its propylene and polypropylene complex located in Yanbu.

For more details on Natpet gets nod from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) for additional US$75 mln loan click here

New PPS grades with low chlorine content for Electronic/Electrical applications

As low halogen content standards become common in the electronics industry, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP’s (Chevron Phillips Chemical) Engineering Polymers group has unveiled several new Rytonn® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin grades with chlorine content of less than 900 parts per million.

For more details on New PPS grades with low chlorine content for Electronic/Electrical applications click here

Naphtha prices in Asia at two week highs

Approximately 1.7 mln tons of spot naphtha will be delivered to Asia next month from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Europe, the United States, Mediterannean and India, as against last month’s 1.4 mln tons of sspot naphtha from the West, Kuwait and India for July deliveries.

For more details on Naphtha prices in Asia at two week highs click here

Government rejects petrochem makers’ proposal for duty differential

Petrochem makers in India have been canvassing for a duty differential between naphtha and polymers. But the Government has reiterated that there was no duty inversion when customs duty on naphtha, aand that of polymers were kept at same level of 5%.

For more details on Government rejects petrochem makers’ proposal for duty differential click here

Exxon, SABIC looking for interested plant bidders

Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) and Exxon Mobil Chemical signed a preliminary agreement in November to establish the multi-billion dollar synthetic rubber joint venture at the based at the Kemya ccomplex in Jubail and the Yanpet complex in Yanbu.

For more details on Exxon, SABIC looking for interested plant bidders click here

Lyondell creditors file fraud suit against leveraged buyout of the company by Basell in 2007

The official committee of creditors for bankrupt petrochemicals maker Lyondell Chemical Co has filed a lawsuit seeking to recover US$22 billion from the banks, advisers and executives who arranged thee 2007 leveraged buyout of the company by Basell.

For more details on Lyondell creditors file fraud suit against leveraged buyout of the company by Basell in 2007 click here

Japanese petrochem makers mull added imports of naphtha

Poor refining margins have forced Japanese refiners to cut crude runs, while increased demand for naphtha from petrochemical firms has lead to lower inventories. Though Japan's naphtha stocks that hadd dipped to 11 year lows, have risen, inventory levels continue to be low.

For more details on Japanese petrochem makers mull added imports of naphtha click here

Reliance sells 80,000 tons of naphtha for H2 Aug at lower premiums

Naphtha prices in Asia continue to dampen as supplies strengthen. Reliance Industries has sold 80,000 tons of naphtha by tender for Aug 16-21 lifting from Sikka to Vitol a per ton premium of US$15 to Middle East quotes, on a free-on-board (FOB) basis.

For more details on Reliance sells 80,000 tons of naphtha for H2 Aug at lower premiums click here

Plastic products market in UK dipped by 2% to £15.1 bln in 2008

The UK plastic products market declined by 2% to £15.1 bln in 2008, as demand was affected by the economic downturn as per Market & Business Development. In a five-year review from 2004 to 2008, MBD ffound the UK market grew until a peak of £15.

For more details on Plastic products market in UK dipped by 2% to £15.1 bln in 2008 click here

CO2 as physical blowing agent cuts costs in PUR foaming

There is a steady trend towards using CO2 as the physical blowing agent in flexible foam production. CO2 nucleation is already being used successfully in series production of back-foamed carpets. CO2 is also increasingly the option of choice in producing flexible foam seat elements for the automotive and furniture industries.

For more details on CO2 as physical blowing agent cuts costs in PUR foaming click here

Technip awarded two contracts for Satorp refinery

French engineering contractor Technip has been awarded two lump sum turnkey contracts for a new refinery to be built by Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Company (Satorp). SATORP is a 62.55:27.

For more details on Technip awarded two contracts for Satorp refinery click here

Board of Supreme Petrochem to consider dividend for 2009

The Board of Directors of Supreme Petrochem Ltd is mulling dividend for 2009. SPL is to hold a meeting of the Board of Directors on July 29, 2009, inter alia, to approve and take on record the auditedd financial results for the year ended June 30, 2009.

For more details on Board of Supreme Petrochem to consider dividend for 2009 click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended July 20, 2009

CRUDE OIL
Falling weekly inventories, healthy pace of economic growth in China and healthier Q2-09 company results helped boost investor optimism, pushingg up oil prices past US$64 a barrel in Asia.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended July 20, 2009 click here

LG Chem considers expansion of cracker at Daesan

LG Chem is mulling the expansion of its 800,000 tpa naphtha cracker at Daesan by 100,000 tpa. LG Chem is also expanding its 900,000 tpa naphtha cracker at Yeosu by 100,000 tpa, scheduled for completioon by April 2010.

For more details on LG Chem considers expansion of cracker at Daesan click here

Schedule of naphtha cracker maintenance and shutdown

The following table lists recent and upcoming naphtha cracker shutdowns in Asia as per Dow Jones.

Country Company Location Tons/Yr Shutdown Period

China SECCO Shanghai 900,000 May 20-End Jul
India Haldia Petchem Haldia 520,000 Jul 2-9
Japan Mitsubishi Chem Mizushima 450,000 Mid May-Mid Jul
Japan Mitsubishi Chem Kashima 375,000 Early May-End Jun
Japan Mitsubishi Chem Kashima 476,000 End Jun-Mid Aug
Japan Mitsui Chemicals Chiba 600,000 Jun 25-Aug 6
Japan Idemitsu Kosan Chiba 374,000 Mar 24-late Apr
S.

For more details on Schedule of naphtha cracker maintenance and shutdown click here

Fed Govt and Indorama talks on Port-Harcourt Refinery takeover progress

In a move to put Nigeria’s refineries back in shape, the Federal Government and Indorama continue their negotiations for takeover of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRCL). Indorama, the ccurrent owner and operator of Eleme Petrochemical Company Limited (EPCL), acquired 75% stake in 2005 of the PHRC for US$225 million after a tendering process.

For more details on Fed Govt and Indorama talks on Port-Harcourt Refinery takeover progress click here

LG Chem and CNOOC to invest US$370 mln in ABS plant in China

LG Chem posted a record quarterly profit because of increased exports to China. In a bid to draw on demand from China, LG Chem Ltd. and CNOOC Ltd. plan to invest US$370 mln to build an acrylonitrile bbutadiene styrene (ABS) plant in South China.

For more details on LG Chem and CNOOC to invest US$370 mln in ABS plant in China click here

Retailers in UK to test reusable packaging

The United Kingdom's Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has unveiled a series of pilot programs designed to test reusable packaging for retail items. The trials are intended to explore the coommercial viability of the reusable packaging to determine the amount of materials needed for their use and the amount of waste generated.

For more details on Retailers in UK to test reusable packaging click here

New Fireproof Coatings can withstand temperatures of over 1000°C

A Heat Tough new fire-resistant coating materials called HIPS (‘hybrid inorganic polymer system’) are being developed by CSIRO researchers in Melbourne. HIPS coatings can withstand temperatures of oveer 1000°C compared to current commercial coatings used on building materials and structures which break down at between 150-250°C.

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Oil prices dip on caution exercised by traders

New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in August dipped to US$63.91 while Brent North Sea crude for September delivery dipped to US$66.3. Oil prices have dropped on caution eexercised by traders as they took profits after recent gains.

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PetroRabigh posts US$63 mln net loss in Q2

Rising costs and weak demand has pulled down profits at Saudi-based Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co (PetroRabigh). PetroRabigh losses have increased more than two fold in Q2. The Saudi Aramco, Suumitomo Chemical JV has posted a net loss of 236 mln riyals (US$62.

For more details on PetroRabigh posts US$63 mln net loss in Q2 click here

Indian Oil Corp. premiums on August lifting naphtha halve

Increasing supplies in the region have pulled down naphtha prices in Asia. Indian Oil Corp (IOC) has sold 15,000 tons of naphtha for lifting in August from Haldia at half the premium it fetched for a July cargo.

For more details on Indian Oil Corp. premiums on August lifting naphtha halve click here

Ineos gains support of lenders for new terms on its debt

British petrochemicals company Ineos has secured support of 96% lenders for new terms on its debt. Ineos Group Ltd. has reached agreement with senior lenders to reset the terms of its €7.5 billion debbt pile, bringing an end to one of the largest debt renegotiations of a UK company.

For more details on Ineos gains support of lenders for new terms on its debt click here

Neighboring chemical companies oppose LyondellBasell's closure plans in Texas

Neighboring chemical companies have objected to LyondellBasell Industries’s closure of plant at Chocolate Bayou, Texas. Ineos, adjacent to a Lyondell high-density polyethylene plant, has filed an objeection to its closure and says it has the right to purchase the facility.

For more details on Neighboring chemical companies oppose LyondellBasell's closure plans in Texas click here

Robust demand props Brazil’s petrochemicals production, uncertainties abound

An upturn in domestic and external demand has lifted Brazilian petrochemicals production, but uncertainties remain and investors are delaying capacity additions as per a report by Companiesandmarkets..

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Corporates post healthier results in Q2-09, oil rises past $64

Healthier Q2-09 company results helped boost investor optimism, pushing up oil prices past US$64 a barrel in Asia. Better than expected earnings from Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Intel Corp. and JPMorgann Chase & Co.

For more details on Corporates post healthier results in Q2-09, oil rises past $64 click here

Promoters to hive off 63% stake in Gharda Chemicals promoters to encourage research, philanthropy

Gharda Chemicals, the second-largest domestic agro-chemical company, in talks with private equity funds like Carlyle, Kotak and Blackstone and Agrochemical majors United Phosphorous to sell the promotter stake of 63% in the Rs 950-crore turnover company.

For more details on Promoters to hive off 63% stake in Gharda Chemicals promoters to encourage research, philanthropy click here

Lenders headed by IDBI compel Haldia to audit expansion program

Haldia has approached its lenders for financial support of Rs 400 crore for completion of its expansion project - Project Supermax. Supermax was to originally cost the company Rs 675 crores, but will now cost Rs 1,100 crore due to delays.

For more details on Lenders headed by IDBI compel Haldia to audit expansion program click here

Poor performance in Q2 drives SABIC to boost petrochem output

After posting a 76% drop in Q2 profit, Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) plans to raise its petrochemicals output by about 12 mln tons by the start of 2012. Lower petrochemicals and metals prices leed to a sharp drop in Q2 net profit compared to the same period in 2008, although it reversed a net loss posted in Q1-09.

For more details on Poor performance in Q2 drives SABIC to boost petrochem output click here

GAIL to focus on petrochem, gas network and distribution for future growth

GAIL India has outlined natural gas (transmission), petrochemicals and city gas distribution (CGD) as focus areas of future growth, to achieve the revenue target of over Rs 50,000 crore by 2011-12.

On the petrochemicals front, GAIL India is expanding the capacity of its petrochemical plant at Pata in phases, from the initial 5,00,000 tpa to 8,00,000 tpa.

For more details on GAIL to focus on petrochem, gas network and distribution for future growth click here

GAIL to focus on petrochem, gas network and distribution for future growth

GAIL India has outlined natural gas (transmission), petrochemicals and city gas distribution (CGD) as focus areas of future growth, to achieve the revenue target of over Rs 50,000 crore by 2011-12.

On the petrochemicals front, GAIL India is expanding the capacity of its petrochemical plant at Pata in phases, from the initial 5,00,000 tpa to 8,00,000 tpa.

For more details on GAIL to focus on petrochem, gas network and distribution for future growth click here

Cargill introduces bioplastics from NatureWorks in Brazil

Cargill is to introduce its Ingeo™ bioplastics from NatureWorks to Brazil. Ingeo biopolymers are derived from sugar. The production process for Ingeo products generates 60% less green house gas and reequires 50% less fossil fuel compared to production of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).

For more details on Cargill introduces bioplastics from NatureWorks in Brazil click here

Open-spec naphtha rises in the week, but markets continue to soften

Open-spec naphtha prices have risen for the fourth-straight session, hitting their highest level in one week, while cracks recovered marginally. However, increased supplies have made it challenging foor prices to attain levels reached at the start of the month.

For more details on Open-spec naphtha rises in the week, but markets continue to soften click here

Borealis declares force majeure on olefins output from Stenungsund cracker

Austrian OMV's subsidiary Borealis has suspended operations at its 620,000 tpa cracker Stenungsund, Sweden following a technical fault. Restart date is still unclear, and a prolonged shut down could wweigh on prices for both products going forward.

For more details on Borealis declares force majeure on olefins output from Stenungsund cracker click here

KPC concludes two more naphtha deals, total August spot exports rise above 270,000 tons

At a time when the market is under the influx of August supplies from the West, Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) has sold 75,000 tons of full-range naphtha to two buyers, bringing its total August spot expports to over 270,000 tons, albeit at lower premiums.

For more details on KPC concludes two more naphtha deals, total August spot exports rise above 270,000 tons click here

Outages at crackers in France, Italy, Sweden and Norway to impact C2, C3, BD markets

Sudden shutdowns at European crackers in France, Italy, Sweden and Norway, will heavily impact the ethylene (C2) propylene (C3) and butadiene (BD) markets, as per ICIS news. Crackers that hade been opperating at 75% for the first six months of the year, hiked run rates to almost 85-90% in July.

For more details on Outages at crackers in France, Italy, Sweden and Norway to impact C2, C3, BD markets click here

June petrochem naphtha imports in Japan dip by 18%

Japan's naphtha imports for the petrochemical sector fell 18 percent in June from the previous month as per the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Imports of naphtha for ethylene production ammounted to 960,823 tons (1,399,098 kilolitres) last month, compared with 1,169,478 tons (1,696,561 kl) in May.

For more details on June petrochem naphtha imports in Japan dip by 18% click here

Sharply lower premium realized on naphtha cargoes by IOC, ONGC cancels tender on low bids

An influx of spot barrels arriving from Kuwait and the West next month is to create a supply glut in naphtha markets of Asia. As a result, India majors IOC and ONGC gains have been hit. Indian Oil Corrp (IOC) has sold an August naphtha parcel at a sharply lower premium an expected tand Oil & Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has cancelled a tender due to low bids, as bids have been deemed too low.

For more details on Sharply lower premium realized on naphtha cargoes by IOC, ONGC cancels tender on low bids click here

Bomb blasts in Indonesia pull down oil prices

Bomb blasts rocked the capital of Indonesia have pulled down oil prices. Crude prices weakened in Asia, dipping below US$62 a barrel after rising overnight in the US. However, though prices are a litttle bit softer, they continue to persist range-bound.

For more details on Bomb blasts in Indonesia pull down oil prices click here

Impact accident at Total’s Carling site on Arkema activities

Following the accident which occurred yesterday on Total’s petrochemicals platform at Carling (Moselle, France), the Arkema Group wishes above all to express its solidarity and deepest sympathy to alll the victims at the TPF Carling site and their families, and to all the TPF Carling personnel.

For more details on Impact accident at Total’s Carling site on Arkema activities click here

Resin offers eco performance, permanent stain resistance, top color pop for new PCR carpet line

At SABIC Innovative Plastics, customer focus, collaboration and application co-development are an integral part of the company’s business strategy. So when Interface Americas, Inc., the world’s largesst manufacturer of modular carpet and a leader in the sustainability movement, created its new Convert™ carpet line to leverage the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) nylon fiber.

For more details on Resin offers eco performance, permanent stain resistance, top color pop for new PCR carpet line click here

Shanghai SECCO completes capacity increase: becomes China’s largest single ethylene producer

Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Co Ltd, a 50:30:20 joint venture between Chinese subsidiary of BP Plc, Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co Ltd and Sinopec has completed the expansion of its ethylene plant,, ramping up capacity to 1.

For more details on Shanghai SECCO completes capacity increase: becomes China’s largest single ethylene producer click here

Shell schedules shutdown to upgrade Singapore Refinery

Royal Dutch Shell plans to upgrade plant and build links to a proposed petrochemical complex, for which it will have to shut a gasoline unit at its Singapore oil refinery. Shell plans to idle and overrhaul a hydrocracker unit as part of plans to start its Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex, which will include an ethylene cracker on Pulau Bukom and facilities on nearby Jurong Island.

For more details on Shell schedules shutdown to upgrade Singapore Refinery click here

Successful introduction of new technology platforms and biopolymer solutions by Polyone

Polyone Corp’s recent introduction of new technology platforms and biopolymer solutions helped capture several hundred qualified sales leads within a week of launching. PolyOne unveiled a wide range oof innovative solutions at NPE to improve customers' ability to win business, differentiate products, and reduce systems costs, such as:

BPA-free EdgetekTM made with Eastman Tritan
PolyOne has expanded its bisphenol-A (BPA) free product line to include opaque blends used to manufacture aesthetically pleasing and durable housings for products such as sporting goods, house wares and battery-operated power tools.

For more details on Successful introduction of new technology platforms and biopolymer solutions by Polyone click here

Performance Reinforcing Agent for Polyolefins

Due to the recent introduction of more stringent federal standards for improved vehicle fuel efficiency, weight reduction promises to become even more imperative for the automotive industry. To help aautomakers and suppliers achieve greater weight-out, Milliken Chemical, a division of Milliken & Company, is introducing Hyperform HPR-803 high performance reinforcing agent for polyolefins.

For more details on Performance Reinforcing Agent for Polyolefins click here

Sipchem inks JV pact with Hanwha for new petrochemical company in Al-Jubail

Saudi International Petrochemical Co (Sipchem) has inked a joint venture agreement with South Korea’s Hanwha Chemical Corp to establish a new petrochemical company in Al-Jubail Industrial City. To be build at an estimated outlay of US$1.

For more details on Sipchem inks JV pact with Hanwha for new petrochemical company in Al-Jubail click here

Serbian key petrochem maker Petrohemija to halt production

Serbia's main petrochemicals producer Petrohemija plans a one month pause in its production due to an interruption in gasoline deliveries because of a dearth of funds to procure feedstock gasoline. Sttate-run Petrohemija owes about €200 mln to its suppliers, including Russian-owned Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) and Serbia's branch of Lukoil.

For more details on Serbian key petrochem maker Petrohemija to halt production click here

Implantable collagen-like polymer lens corrects Myopia

A new type of implantable contact lens made of a collagen-like polymer substance may offer an alternative to glasses or regular contacts for people with moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia). Thhe first long-term study of the lenses shows they were safe and effective at correcting myopia in the majority of recipients for up to four years.

For more details on Implantable collagen-like polymer lens corrects Myopia click here

SABIC's Yansab starts up Yanbu plant

The start up of SABIC’s Yanbu National Petrochemical Company 's (Yansab) petrochemical complex that was delayed from a previously scheduled start up in 2008, has materialized. Saudi Basic Industriess Corp’s (SABIC) Yansab has started production at its 18.

For more details on SABIC's Yansab starts up Yanbu plant click here

Blast at Total Petrochemicals’ French facility

A blast occurred at a plant belonging to the French oil and gas giant Total in Carling-Saint-Avold, near the German border. Two persons are reported to have been killed and five persons injured. The ffactory is linked by a pipeline network to most of Totals’ refineries.

For more details on Blast at Total Petrochemicals’ French facility click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended July 13, 2009

CRUDE OIL
Concerns over the retarded pace of the economic recovery have pulled down oil prices below US$60 at the end the week of July 13, 2009. Increassing unemployment amid the global recession is expected to constrain demand, as stocks in USA remain abundant.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended July 13, 2009 click here

STEER breaks barriers, makes compounding history

STEER, a globally acknowledged force in polymer processing machinery announced that a world record output of 900 kg/hour has been achieved with a formulation containing 40% talc in Polypropylene durinng melt compounding on the co-rotating intermeshing Omega H-40 twin screw extruder.

For more details on STEER breaks barriers, makes compounding history click here

Celanese announces price increases

Celanese Corporation, a leading global chemical company, will increase list and off-list selling prices for acetic acid (all grades), butyl acetate, ethyl acetate and dimethylamine effective July 15, 2009, or as contracts allow.

For more details on Celanese announces price increases click here

Saudi Polyolefins Company's hydrogen gas purification plant successfully commissioned

US-based H2Gen Innovations, Inc. has successfully completed commissioning of a 1.5 mln scf/day (1500 Nm3/hr) hydrogen gas purification plant for Saudi Polyolefins Company (SPC) at its Tasnee Polyolefiins Complex in Al Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia.

For more details on Saudi Polyolefins Company's hydrogen gas purification plant successfully commissioned click here

Teijin expands hygrothermal resistance of PLA bioplastic; high durability comparable to PET

Japan's Teijin Limited has upgraded its BIOFRONT bioplastic with substantially improved resistance to hydrolytic degradation in hot and humid conditions, creating new opportunities for the plant-basedd material's use in high-heat and high-humidity applications, such as automotive and electronics.

For more details on Teijin expands hygrothermal resistance of PLA bioplastic; high durability comparable to PET click here

New ASA grades for food contact applications that comply with EU's GMP regulation

BASF is offering three new Luran S (ASA) grades in Europe in its line of styrenic specialties approved specifically for food contact applications. The new grades -- Luran® S 777 K FC, Luran S 757 G FCC and Luran S 797 S FC (ASA: acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic ester copolymer) - have been introduced keeping in mind GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) regulations established by the EU for materials that come into contact with food and which went into effect in August 2008.

For more details on New ASA grades for food contact applications that comply with EU's GMP regulation click here

Tekfen awarded US$165 mln contract for LDPE plant for QAPCO

Turkish construction company Tekfen Construction has been awarded a US$165 million contract to build a low density polyethylene plant for the Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) in a 30 month contractt.

For more details on Tekfen awarded US$165 mln contract for LDPE plant for QAPCO click here

August naphtha exports from India to rise to record highs

As domestic naphtha consumption falls as fertiliser plants are increasingly switching to gas as feedstock, the surplus naphtha from India is finding its way into the export markets. August exports aree estimated to increase to at least 800,000 tons, the highest this year.

For more details on August naphtha exports from India to rise to record highs click here

Indian producers can export PET resin to the US duty-free

Indian producers of polyethylene terephtalate (PET) can export resin to the US duty-free. Major Indian players are Reliance Industries Ltd, SPIC Petrochemicals and Indian Organic Chemicals. A US-basedd law firm, Steptoe & Johnson LLP has won approval to continue exporting Indian PET resin to the US market free of duty.

For more details on Indian producers can export PET resin to the US duty-free click here

NDRC grants approval to SABIC to participate in Tianjin with Sinopec in joint venture

The Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has granted approval to SABIC to jointly participate with China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) in the petrochemical complex unnder construction in Tianjin.

For more details on NDRC grants approval to SABIC to participate in Tianjin with Sinopec in joint venture click here

Fujia Dahua’s integrated aromatics complex comes onstream

As part of China’s northeastern coastal region’s initial foray into industrialization, Fujia Dahua Petrochemical’s integrated aromatics complex has come on stream at Dalian. The facility, with capacitty to process 2 mln tpa of naphtha has been built with an investment outlay of €470 mln.

For more details on Fujia Dahua’s integrated aromatics complex comes onstream click here

Styrenic specialty grades approved specifically for food contact applications

BASF has introduced three new products in Europe in its line of styrenic specialties approved specifically for food contact applications, ASA grades Luran S 777 K FC, Luran S 757 G FC and Luran S 797 S FC (ASA: acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic ester copolymer).

For more details on Styrenic specialty grades approved specifically for food contact applications click here

Breakthrough bio-based, high performance engineering plastic with 'zero carbon footprint' unveiled

DSM Engineering Plastics has introduced EcoPaXX™, a bio-based, high performance engineering plastic based on polyamide (PA) 410, the company announced. Polyamide 410 is a "long-chain polyamide". It paairs typical long-chain polyamide properties, such as low moisture absorption, with high melting point (highest of all bio-plastics) and high crystallization rate (typical for engineering plastics such as polyamide 66 and Stanyl polyamide 46).

For more details on Breakthrough bio-based, high performance engineering plastic with 'zero carbon footprint' unveiled click here

A. Schulman bags SPE Central Europe Division's award in automotive body exterior category

A. Schulman, Inc. recently received the 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers Central Europe Division's award in the automotive body exterior category for its innovative technology solution used in the MMercedes-Benz CLS radiator grill.

For more details on A. Schulman bags SPE Central Europe Division's award in automotive body exterior category click here

Americhem unveils family of high-performance UV stabilizers

Americhem, Inc., a global provider of custom color and additive solutions for polymer- based and synthetic-fibers products, recently introduced nDuramax™, an advanced family of high-performance UV staabilizers.

For more details on Americhem unveils family of high-performance UV stabilizers click here

PepsiCo and Pepsi Bottling Group to invest US$1 bln in Russia

PepsiCo, one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, has announced to invest US$1 bln in Russia over three years, together with its partner The Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG). The investment iin Russia is funding various programs to expand manufacturing and distribution capacity.

For more details on PepsiCo and Pepsi Bottling Group to invest US$1 bln in Russia click here

Reichhold to up prices on all products for European composites industry

Leading manufacturer of unsaturated polyester resins Reichhold (USA) recently announced a EUR 100/MT price increase effective as of August 01, 2009 on all its Products sold in Europe. The company saidd the increase in prices is a result of further significant escalation of prices of all key feedstock and raw materials utilized to manufacture polyester resins and related products.

For more details on Reichhold to up prices on all products for European composites industry click here

Sipchem, Hanwha Chemical ink 75:25 JV agreement for Saudi petrochemical project

Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) and Hanwha Chemical Corporation of South Korea announced signing a Joint Venture Agreement to establish a new petrochemical company in Al-Jubail Inddustrial City, Saudi Arabia.

For more details on Sipchem, Hanwha Chemical ink 75:25 JV agreement for Saudi petrochemical project click here

Ferromatik Milacron bags large order from Hong Kong

Injection molding machine manufacturer Ferromatik Milacron has recently bagged a large order for 14 machines this month from Hayco, a customer based in Hong Kong. The first half of the order, comprisiing seven machines will be delivered this year to the company's factory in Shenzhen, China where they will be used to produce and extend the company's presence in categories such as liquid purification and dispensing.

For more details on Ferromatik Milacron bags large order from Hong Kong click here

Polypropylene Industry to 2015

The Asia Pacific region has more than ten million tons of planned capacity additions accounting for more than 50% of the global planned capacity additions until 2015, as per Global Markets Direct. Thee demand growth in rapidly developing economies of China and India are the reasons for the rapid capacity build up in the region.

For more details on Polypropylene Industry to 2015 click here

Low premiums paid by LG Chem for 30,000 tons of naphtha for late August arrival

LG Chem has paid lower premiums on 30,000 tons of naphtha for late August arrival, as supply eased on arbitrage. The South Korean petrochem major has paid a premium of US$3/ton- less than half the preemium that it shelled out for end-June.

For more details on Low premiums paid by LG Chem for 30,000 tons of naphtha for late August arrival click here

IRPC to revamp production to improve overall efficiency

In a bid to improve production efficiency and company bottom line, Thailand’s IRPC Plc has planned a major overhaul in its production lines, administration and asset management. Details of the plan arre to be placed before the executive board on July 21 for their approval.

For more details on IRPC to revamp production to improve overall efficiency click here

Clothes using polymer strands could click pictures

A research team from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, has developed a smart fabric that can detect the wavelength and direction of light falling on it, by accurately placing sensors in eachh fibre and co-ordinating the electrical signals they send when light falls on them.

For more details on Clothes using polymer strands could click pictures click here

Oil prices end below US$60 in previous week

Concerns over the retarded pace of the economic recovery have pulled down oil prices below US$60 at the end of the previous week. Increasing unemployment amid the global recession is expected to consttrain demand, as stocks in USA remain abundant.

For more details on Oil prices end below US$60 in previous week click here

Tight supplies fetch IOC increased premiums Sept-Dec lifting naphtha from Dahej

Indian Oil Corp (IOC) has sold 126,000 tons of naphtha for September-December lifting from Dahej at premiums due to the tight supply scenario in the region. The premiums of US$25/ton, for this deal iss practically twice that of a previous term deal.

For more details on Tight supplies fetch IOC increased premiums Sept-Dec lifting naphtha from Dahej click here

Haldia restarts naphtha cracker

After about a week, Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd. has restarted a naphtha cracker shuttered due to a fire. Two out of seven furnaces are under inspection, as capacity is slowly being raised with the otheer five operational units.

For more details on Haldia restarts naphtha cracker click here

Romanian government to fund Oltchim’s acquisition of Petrom assets

The Romanian government plans to aid the funding of Oltchim’s acquisition of Petrom's petrochemicals plant by next month. Oltchim was in talks with several banks for a €70 million (US$100 mln) loan too fund the acquisition, which it was finding difficult to get as the company is debt-laden at the time of a global cash squeeze that has also affected demand.

For more details on Romanian government to fund Oltchim’s acquisition of Petrom assets click here

Start-up Kuwait Styrene Co.’s ethyl benzene styrene monomer unit delayed

A 4-8 week delay has ensued in the start up of Kuwait Styrene Co.’s ethyl benzene styrene monomer unit due to a technical problem with an intermediate storage tank used in the production of styrene moonomer.

For more details on Start-up Kuwait Styrene Co.’s ethyl benzene styrene monomer unit delayed click here

Improved Q2 earnings by Asian petrochem makers may be the high point for 2009

Q2 earnings have improved for Asian petrochemical makers, but the unclear outlook for global economic recovery as well as increased capacities coming on stream in China and Middle East in H2-09 makes it difficult for the companies to persist with healthy sales and profits.

For more details on Improved Q2 earnings by Asian petrochem makers may be the high point for 2009 click here

Manjushree to host FuturePac 09 and Packaging Excellence Awards

Bangalore based plastic packaging group, Manjushree Technopack Ltd, will be celebrating its Silver Jubilee by conducting a pan-India FuturePac Conference and hosting the Packaging Innovation and Excelllence Awards ceremony, on July 13th, 09.

For more details on Manjushree to host FuturePac 09 and Packaging Excellence Awards click here

Chevron Phillips Chemical's new Texas PPS plant completed

With the completion of a new 10,000 mtpa polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) plant in Borger, Texas, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP (Chevron Phillips Chemical) offers the widest array of PPS polymer typpes and the world's largest PPS capacity available in the plastics industry.

For more details on Chevron Phillips Chemical's new Texas PPS plant completed click here

Technip bags two major contracts for Jubail export refinery in Saudi Arabia

Provider of engineering and construction services for oil and gas industry Technip has been awarded two major lump sum turnkey contracts by the Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Company* ((SATORP).

For more details on Technip bags two major contracts for Jubail export refinery in Saudi Arabia click here

INCOE® introduces patented* laminate manifold technology

US-based hot runner systems manufacturer INCOE® has developed a patented* manifold technology featuring a laminate construction. The manifolds are an addition to INCOE®'s current range of Standard, Cuustom and Opti-Flo® manifold designs.

For more details on INCOE® introduces patented* laminate manifold technology click here

Evonik to up prices for carbon black pigments

The Inorganic Materials Business Unit of Evonik Industries (Germany) has announced to increase prices for carbon black pigments by up to 9% depending on the product. The price increase will be effectiive for all deliveries on or after August 1, 2009.

For more details on Evonik to up prices for carbon black pigments click here

Arkema appoints Velox as European distributor for its multiwall carbon nanotubes

French chemical maker Arkema has appointed Hamburg-based Velox GmbH as distributor for its Graphistrength® multiwall carbon nanotube products. Velox will offer the full Graphistrength® product range aacross Europe (except in the UK where Hubron Specialty Limited is the appointed distributor).

For more details on Arkema appoints Velox as European distributor for its multiwall carbon nanotubes click here

New PEEK film lamination without use of adhesives

To further enhance its position as the leading manufacturer of PEEK-based films, Victrex has installed a new high temperature vacuum laminating press system at its manufacturing facility in the Lancasshire, United Kingdom.

For more details on New PEEK film lamination without use of adhesives click here

PLEXPOINDIA 2010 - AT NEW VENUE: GUJARAT UNIVERSITY EXHIBITION CENTRE

Plexpoindia 2010 - 5th National plastics and packaging exhibition with overseas participation organized by Gujarat State Plastic Manufacturers' Association (GSPMA) & Plastindia Foundation shifts its location to a newly constructed conventional centre in the heart of Ahmedabad city.

For more details on PLEXPOINDIA 2010 - AT NEW VENUE: GUJARAT UNIVERSITY EXHIBITION CENTRE click here

PLEXPOINDIA 2010 - AT NEW VENUE: GUJARAT UNIVERSITY EXHIBITION CENTRE

Plexpoindia 2010 - 5th National plastics and packaging exhibition with overseas participation organized by Gujarat State Plastic Manufacturers' Association (GSPMA) & Plastindia Foundation shifts its location to a newly constructed conventional centre in the heart of Ahmedabad city.

For more details on PLEXPOINDIA 2010 - AT NEW VENUE: GUJARAT UNIVERSITY EXHIBITION CENTRE click here

Korea's Songwon commissions new 30,000 tons capacity isobutylene facility

Korea's Songwon Industrial Co. Ltd. recently commissioned its new US$20 mln isobutylene (IBL) production facility, located at the Maeam site in South Korea. The facility represents first large scale iisobutylene (IBL) production facility globally (30,000 tons capacity) which is based on proprietary TBA (t-butanol) cracking technology.

For more details on Korea's Songwon commissions new 30,000 tons capacity isobutylene facility click here

Owens Corning licenses award-winning reinforcement technology to make co-mingled glass and thermoplastic fibers

Owens Corning, a world leader in glass fiber reinforcements and residential and commercial building materials, announced that it has licensed its award-winning Twintex® reinforcement technology to Fibber Glass Industries, Inc.

For more details on Owens Corning licenses award-winning reinforcement technology to make co-mingled glass and thermoplastic fibers click here

BASF starts new steam boiler plant at its Korean site; to be used for manufacture of polyurethanes

BASF inaugurated a new steam boiler plant at its Yeosu site (Korea), a major facility producing raw materials for polyurethanes. The plant, newly completed with a total investment of US$63 mln, will ddeliver steam to BASF's MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate) and TDI (toluene diisocyanate) plants in Yeosu.

For more details on BASF starts new steam boiler plant at its Korean site; to be used for manufacture of polyurethanes click here

40-50 workers to lose jobs as Sunoco plans closure of ethylene unit at Claymont refinery

Sunoco plans closure of the ethylene unit at Claymont refinery that was damaged in an explosion due to pipe failure in May. The pipe failure led to release of combustible ethylene unit feed gas. The cclosure of the unit due to insufficient demand will result in lay offs of 40 to 50 workers.

For more details on 40-50 workers to lose jobs as Sunoco plans closure of ethylene unit at Claymont refinery click here

Saudi cautions India of possible action against increased tariffs on PP exports

Saudi Arabia has warned India of possible action against India for levying upto 50% customs tariffs on its polypropylene exports. The resultant action could be similar to what the Kingdom plans againsst China after it introduced tariffs on Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical exports with the aim of protecting its own products.

For more details on Saudi cautions India of possible action against increased tariffs on PP exports click here

SABIC expects to see a drop of 78% in Q2 net profits

Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) is expected to post a 78% drop in Q2 net profit to 1.67 billion riyals (US$445.3 mln), compared with 7.55 billion riyals in the same quarter of 2008. Lower petrocheemical prices and the enduring effects of a 2007 GE Plastic acquisition have taken their toll on the company’s performance.

For more details on SABIC expects to see a drop of 78% in Q2 net profits click here

Sumitomo Demag to shutter injection press assembly in USA, invest in Germany

Sumitomo Demag is closing its US injection press assembly factory in Georgia, and makes a major investment at its two plants in Germany as per a report in PRW. The factory was set up in 1998 by Sumittomo Heavy Industries to get a foothold in US press assembly.

For more details on Sumitomo Demag to shutter injection press assembly in USA, invest in Germany click here

Japan’s ethylene output in June dips by 3% as compared to last year

Japanese ethylene production dipped 3% in June 2009 as compared to figures for June 2008. Data from government indicates declines for the third consecutive month restricted to single digit on increaseed demand and increased output.

For more details on Japan’s ethylene output in June dips by 3% as compared to last year click here

Invista mulls nylon production

Invista plans to produce nylon at Chattanooga. The company’s decision still seems unclear about the location of the operation, and could be guided after meeting with customers to determine their speciific needs.

For more details on Invista mulls nylon production click here

Machino Polymers to expand its capacity in India by 10,000 tpa

Machino Polymers plans to expand its Polypropylene compounding facility by 10,000 tpa from the current 40,000 tons with the setting up of two new units at Chennai and Pune. Machino expects to get its plant in Chennai operational by December 2009, while the Pune unit would be ready by Q2-10.

For more details on Machino Polymers to expand its capacity in India by 10,000 tpa click here

Reliance offers 80,000 ton for August lifting, IOC offers prompt cargo

Reliance has offered spot naphtha cargo of 80,000 tons for August 6-10 lifting from Sikka. August exports are expected by many market players to be more than the previous months because of additional output from the newly started up crude distillation (CDU) unit at the newer refinery.

For more details on Reliance offers 80,000 ton for August lifting, IOC offers prompt cargo click here

Polyscope's SMA products fills void for automotive industry

Economic turbulence has made a more visible impact on the automotive industry than any other. One of the most recent effects is the decision by Nova Chemicals to discontinue production of its Dylark® styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) engineering resins, important materials for dashboard carriers and other car components.

For more details on Polyscope's SMA products fills void for automotive industry click here

Samsung Engg bags major contract from Algeria's National Oil Co. Sonatrach

Korea's Samsung Engineering has bagged a major contract worth US$2.6 bln from Algeria's National Oil Company Sonatrach for the modernization of its oil refinery, located in the Skikda region. This is the largest plant order to be given to a Korean contractor from North Africa's resource abundant country Algeria.

For more details on Samsung Engg bags major contract from Algeria's National Oil Co. Sonatrach click here

BASF's Ciba integration plan includes 3700 job reductions

BASF has finalized its plans for the integration of Ciba Holding AG, which it acquired in April 2009. Under the plans, former Ciba businesses are to be integrated into the operating divisions in BASF''s Performance Products segment.

For more details on BASF's Ciba integration plan includes 3700 job reductions click here

Hexion Specialty Chemicals launches bio-based low temperature cure powder coating resins

Hexion Specialty Chemicals has launched Albecor-Bio™, a family of bio-based, low temperature cure powder coatings. The Albecor-Bio modified polyester technology, derived from renewable resources, resuults in powder coatings that are curable at low temperatures while retaining excellent durability and performance characteristics.

For more details on Hexion Specialty Chemicals launches bio-based low temperature cure powder coating resins click here

Dow completes specialty polyols capability expansion at its Texas facility

The Dow Chemical Company recently announced that it has further developed its specialty polyols manufacturing capability at the Freeport, Texas, plant to meet the demand for differentiated polyurethanne products from customers in the automotive, coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers, and furniture and bedding industries.

For more details on Dow completes specialty polyols capability expansion at its Texas facility click here

IPIC, NOVA Chem close transaction

Abu Dhabi government-owned International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) has completed the acquisition of Canadian plastics maker NOVA Chemicals, the two companies jointly announced. NOVA Chemicalls will continue to operate its chemicals and plastics business from its North American base.

For more details on IPIC, NOVA Chem close transaction click here

Flexible packaging supplier Bemis to acquire division of Alcan Packaging

US-based leading supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials, Bemis Company, Inc., has agreed to acquire the Food Americas operations of Alcan Packaging, a business unit of internaational mining group Rio Tinto plc, for US$1.

For more details on Flexible packaging supplier Bemis to acquire division of Alcan Packaging click here

Gloucester Engineering's 5-layer agricultural stretch line bought by Sigma Stretch Film

Sigma Stretch Film, a division of Sigma Plastics Group (US), has purchased Gloucester Engineering's first 5-layer agricultural stretch line for their plant in Canada. This line is scheduled to be shippped in October 2009 and producing film by end of the year.

For more details on Gloucester Engineering's 5-layer agricultural stretch line bought by Sigma Stretch Film click here

Tecnimont awarded FEED contract by Borouge

Borouge has awarded three main contracts worth about US$22 million to Tecnimont (Maire Tecnimont Group) for the front-end engineering and design (FEED) stage of Borouge 3 plant expansion in Ruwais, Abbu Dhabi.

For more details on Tecnimont awarded FEED contract by Borouge click here

YNCC to expand capacity at No.3 naphtha cracker to 450,000 tpa

Yeochun Naphtha Cracking Centre (YNCC) plans to expand capacity at its No.3 naphtha cracker by 50,000 tpa to 450,000 tpa by next May. The South Korean ethylene maker is considering a plan to increase the capacity of its No.

For more details on YNCC to expand capacity at No.3 naphtha cracker to 450,000 tpa click here

BASF and Sinopec to invest US$1.4 bln in expansion at Nanjing

Overshooting the original budget by about 40%, BASF and Sinopec plan to invest US$1.4 bln to expand capacity at Nanjing. Capacity at the steam cracker will be increased to 740,000 tpa by 2011 from thee current 600,000 tpa.

For more details on BASF and Sinopec to invest US$1.4 bln in expansion at Nanjing click here

Sales volumes of ethylene and derivatives to remain low

Absence of clear signs of a rebound in cyclical end-user markets such as construction and housing, automotives, and those markets depending on discretionary consumer spending, Fitch Ratings expects loow sales volumes of ethylene and its derivatives for the remainder of 2009, as detailed in a report.

For more details on Sales volumes of ethylene and derivatives to remain low click here

Sunoco to shutter ethylene complex at Marcus Hook

Weeks after Sunoco shut its ethylene complex at Marcus Hook due to an explosion and fire, the company has arrived at a decision to permanently shutter the complex. Insufficient demand for ethylene, etthylene oxide and cyclohexane has acted as a hinderance to repairing or replacing equipment that was damaged in the explosion that took place on May 17.

For more details on Sunoco to shutter ethylene complex at Marcus Hook click here

Highlights of the Union Budget 2009-10

Highlights of the Union Budget 2009-10 are

No change in Customs Duty and Central Excise Duty on Polymers and Articles thereof

Fiscal stimulus of Rs. 1,86,000 crores provided
Market developmentt assistance scheme for exporters increased by 148% to Rs.

For more details on Highlights of the Union Budget 2009-10 click here

Practical wear resistance tests developed for coated polycarbonate automotive glazing

Bayer MaterialScience's technical service center has developed a practical wear resistance tests for coated polycarbonate automotive glazing. The newly developed windshield wiper test checks the scrattch and abrasion resistance of the polycarbonate glazing to see whether it can withstand a car wash and windshield wiper usage.

For more details on Practical wear resistance tests developed for coated polycarbonate automotive glazing click here

NPE 2009 highly successful for KraussMaffei; records 60% increase in sales

German plastic processing machinery maker KraussMaffei has posted highly positive sales figures even in turbulent times at the recently concluded NPE 2009 plastics exhibition in Chicago, the company ssaid in a release.

For more details on NPE 2009 highly successful for KraussMaffei; records 60% increase in sales click here

New electro active polymer for pioneering organic electronics applications

Solvay Solexis SpA has announced the launch of solveneTM, the innovative range of electro active polymers for the printed electronics requirements the present and the future. According to the company,, solveneTM is ready to face the Organic Electronics industry's challenges allowing the electronics to spread in new areas, providing an innovative material with outstanding performances for pioneering organic electronics' applications.

For more details on New electro active polymer for pioneering organic electronics applications click here

SABIC-IP unveil new Ultem composites, foam and fiber for extreme performance and weight reduction applications

SABIC Innovative Plastics unveiled the new leading-edge Ultem composite, fiber and foam technologies at NPE 2009 which it says will fulfill new levels of extreme performance. The new materials build oon the company's hugely successful Ultem polyetherimide (PEI) resin, an industry-renowned workhorse thermoplastic for the most demanding and high-heat resistant applications.

For more details on SABIC-IP unveil new Ultem composites, foam and fiber for extreme performance and weight reduction applications click here

Dow's SAMCo JV to play key role in Middle East developmental plans

The Dow Chemical Company announced further progress of the integration of Rohm and Haas in the Middle East with the news that the Saudi Acrylic Monomer Company (SAMCo) will play an integral role in Doow's development plans in the Middle East.

For more details on Dow's SAMCo JV to play key role in Middle East developmental plans click here

DSM's Arnitel TPC scores high for Ford Fiesta vacuum brake tubing

Automaker Ford has selected Arnitel thermoplastic copolyesters (TPC) from DSM Engineering Plastics for the production of vacuum brake tubes for its recently launched new Ford Fiesta. Ford already usess Arnitel in similar applications in a number of its models: Ford Mondeo, Ford S-Max, Ford C-Max, Ford Galaxy and Ford Focus.

For more details on DSM's Arnitel TPC scores high for Ford Fiesta vacuum brake tubing click here

Mitsubishi to restart naphtha cracker

Japan's Mitsubishi Chemical Corp plans an earlier than projected restart of its 375,000 tpa No.1 naphtha cracker at Kashima. The restart was delayed last week to July 5-6 due to an oil leak, which hass been fixed.

For more details on Mitsubishi to restart naphtha cracker click here

IPIC borrows US$5 bln for acquisition of Nova and increase stake in Cepsa

The investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government - International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), has borrowed a US$5 bln syndicated loan to aid in payment for the acquisition of Nova-Canada’s largeest chemical maker and to increase stake in Spain’s Compañia Española de Petroleos (Cepsa).

For more details on IPIC borrows US$5 bln for acquisition of Nova and increase stake in Cepsa click here

Malaysia, Thailand seek compensation from Philippines over petrochem tariff row settlement

The Governments of number two and three supplier of intermediate petrochemical products in ASEAN; Thailand and Malaysia are pursuing their individual demands for compensation from the Philippines. Thee Philippine government has exempted the 11 intermediate petrochemical products (polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and PP with co-polymers, expansible polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plasticized and non-plasticized PVC) from the CEPT under Executive Order 161 issued in January 2003 in an effort to give reprieve to the midstream petrochemical industry.

For more details on Malaysia, Thailand seek compensation from Philippines over petrochem tariff row settlement click here

PEKK to produce injection-moulded components for high-temperature engineering applications

Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) granules that provide significant advantages when used to produce injection-moulded components for high-temperature engineering applications is being offered by Goodfelloww.

For more details on PEKK to produce injection-moulded components for high-temperature engineering applications click here

Oil prices linger above US$66 over weekend

Bleak unemployment figures from USA and Europe has sunk oil prices to US$66/barrel. Weak jobs figures suggest tepid consumption that will dampen crude demand. A Labor Department report indicated 467,0000 jobs were lost in June - a larger-than-expected drop that ahs pushed up unemployment rate to 9.

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Saudi Aramco, Total award EPC contract for Jubail refinery's paraxylene plant; startup scheduled for 2013

Saudi Aramco and Total have awarded the main contract for the construction of a new world-scale paraxylene plant at their future Jubail refinery in Saudi Arabia. The partners have chosen Samsung Enginneering for the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.

For more details on Saudi Aramco, Total award EPC contract for Jubail refinery's paraxylene plant; startup scheduled for 2013 click here

Borouge awards ethane cracker contract to Linde

Borouge has awarded a US$1.075 bln contract to German industrial gas company Linde AG to build an ethane cracker. The cracker output will be about 1.5 mln tpa of ethylene and forms part of a major exxpansion of a production facility at Ruwais.

For more details on Borouge awards ethane cracker contract to Linde click here

Dow Chemical to shutter 3 plants in Lousiana

Dow Chemical Co. plans to shutter three plants in Louisiana that produce ethylene and related products, along with slashing outside ethylene purchases. These steps to reduce ethylene supply have been taken as internal demand has diminished due to last year's restructuring plan.

For more details on Dow Chemical to shutter 3 plants in Lousiana click here

Arkema plans price increase for S-PVC in Europe

Arkema plans to raise its prices for all S-PVC grades by €120/ton with effect from 1 July, 2009 to offset increases in the feedstock costs, including ethylene costs. The downturn in the caustic soda mmarket has also increased pressure on the chlor-vinyl chain.

For more details on Arkema plans price increase for S-PVC in Europe click here

Saudi Aramco, Dow scouting for construction company for petrochem JV

Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical are on the lookout for firms interested in building the first stage of their joint-venture petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia. A solicitation of interest has been issuued a few days ago- an indication that the mega JV will be underway soon and could see a delay of 2 years in start up to 2015.

For more details on Saudi Aramco, Dow scouting for construction company for petrochem JV click here

Altuglas International to centralize and consolidate PMMA Sheet business in Europe

Altuglas International, a fully owned subsidiary of the Arkema Group and a world leader in PMMA (acrylic glass), plans to restructure PMMA Sheet business in Europe. This includes centralising extrudedd sheet production in accordance with the requirements of major commercial partners, and improving the efficiency of cast-sheet logistics.

For more details on Altuglas International to centralize and consolidate PMMA Sheet business in Europe click here

Klöckner Pentaplast outlays US$4.4 mln in new UK-based PET film line

The Klöckner Pentaplast Group, the largest European producer of rigid PET films, will add to its European production capacity for polyester films. Primarily used for food and consumer packaging appliccations, the new capacity will be located at the company's Crumlin, UK, manufacturing facility.

For more details on Klöckner Pentaplast outlays US$4.4 mln in new UK-based PET film line click here

Borouge, Machino Polymers to jointly manufacture advanced PP compounds for Indian Automotive Industry

Borouge, a joint venture between Borealis and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), will enhance the supply of advanced polypropylene (PP) materials to the Indian automotive industry by cooperating with Machino Polymers Limited, a leading supplier of PP compounds to the automotive industry in India.

For more details on Borouge, Machino Polymers to jointly manufacture advanced PP compounds for Indian Automotive Industry click here

Bidding for 400,000 bpd Yanbu refinery re-launched as crude markets see improvement

Seeing improvement in the global crude and refined products markets, Saudi Aramco and ConocoPhillips recently announced the re-launch of the bidding process for the construction of the planned 400,0000 bpd export refinery at the Yanbu Industrial City, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

For more details on Bidding for 400,000 bpd Yanbu refinery re-launched as crude markets see improvement click here

U.S. Bankruptcy Court okays sale of Milacron to investor group

Milacron Inc., a leading global supplier of plastics-processing technologies and industrial fluids, announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in its Chapter 11 proceeding has approved the sale of compaany to a group of existing investors led by Avenue Capital Group and DDJ Capital Management LLC, in keeping with a previously announced agreement.

For more details on U.S. Bankruptcy Court okays sale of Milacron to investor group click here

New TPE grades cut cycle times; broaden applications and processing windows

PolyOne's GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers business unit unveiled new DYNALLOY™ TPE grades at NPE 2009 which it says offer important benefits to injection molders and extruders, including faster cycle timmes compared to unfilled styrenic TPEs.

For more details on New TPE grades cut cycle times; broaden applications and processing windows click here

Cargill-Teijin JV dissolved; NatureWorks to be fully owned by Cargill

Cargill will assume full ownership of NatureWorks LLC, as a part of Teijin Limited's general portfolio restructuring in response to the global economic downturn. NatureWorks, which was previously a 500-50 JV between Cargill and Teijin, is now an independent company wholly owned by Cargill.

For more details on Cargill-Teijin JV dissolved; NatureWorks to be fully owned by Cargill click here

Germany's Gerresheimer divests Technical Plastics business

Gerresheimer AG, a leading manufacturer of glass and plastic products for the pharma & life science industry, has sold its Technical Plastics operations, which are not part of the MDAX company's core business, to the FBH Group, Bad Soden, Germany.

For more details on Germany's Gerresheimer divests Technical Plastics business click here

Dow Europe ups polystyrene price on high feedstock, energy costs

Due to the further increase of raw materials and energy costs for polystyrene and to restore polystyrene margins to minimum sustainable levels, Dow Europe GmbH is announcing a price increase across thhe European, Middle Eastern, African and Indian regions for polystyrene resins.

For more details on Dow Europe ups polystyrene price on high feedstock, energy costs click here

Crackers in Asia to run ethylene production at near full rates

Current strong downstream prices have supported ethylene production at crackers in Asia at near full rates for the consecutive month in July, against earlier expectations, as per ICIS. Most of the 67 crackers in northeast and southeast Asia are expected to operate at 90-100% this month.

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Asahi Kasei inks MOU to conduct feasibility study for Thai project

Asahi Kasei Corp. has inked a memorandum of understanding to embark on a study along with JV partners PTT PCL and Marubeni Corp. to study the feasibility of producing 12,000 tpa of acetonitrile. Acetoonitrile is a co-product of the acrylonitrile manufacturing process and finds application as a solvent in the production of pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and other chemicals.

For more details on Asahi Kasei inks MOU to conduct feasibility study for Thai project click here

ExxonMobil to augment PP compounding capacity at France

ExxonMobil Chemical plans to increase polypropylene (PP) compounding capacity and capability at its Lillebonne Polypropylene Plant (LPP), France. Capacity will increase by 45,000 tons and is due for ccompletion by end of 2009.

For more details on ExxonMobil to augment PP compounding capacity at France click here

Machino Polymers to invest in expansion PP compounding capacity

Over the next two years, Auto ancillary Machino Polymers (MPL) plans to invest upto Rs 40 crore to expand capacity of polypropylene compounds to 60,000 tpa from the present 40,000 tpa. Polypropylene ccompounds are used in manufacturing plastic components such as bumpers and dashboards in automobiles.

For more details on Machino Polymers to invest in expansion PP compounding capacity click here

Slow movement of PE, PP in China on importers’ reluctance to accept price hikes

Buyers from China resurfaced to buy cargoes three weeks ago when crude prices spiked past US$70/bbl as per ICIS. Demand for imports of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) from China is beginning to shrink over the past fortnight on buyers’ resistance to price hikes by sellers in line with rising crude and feedstock values.

For more details on Slow movement of PE, PP in China on importers’ reluctance to accept price hikes click here

BASF ups prices for butanediol and derivatives in Europe

BASF has increased the prices for butanediol and butanediol derivatives by EUR 50/metric ton in Europe. This measure applies in particular to 1,4 butanediol (BDO), tetrahydrofuran (THF), gamma-butyrollactone (GBL) and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP).

For more details on BASF ups prices for butanediol and derivatives in Europe click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended June 29, 2009

CRUDE OIL
For the second consecutive week, crude oil prices have finished in the red, settling below US$70 in the week of June 29, 2009. Light sweet cruude oil for August delivery settled at US$69.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended June 29, 2009 click here

Klöckner Pentaplast expands North American blown film capabilities

The Klöckner Pentaplast Group will upgrade its North American production capabilities for blown A/MA/B barrier films (commonly known as Barex® barrier films). The US$500,000 investment is targeted forr completion by September 2009.

For more details on Klöckner Pentaplast expands North American blown film capabilities click here

Evonik's PMMA-based car screens significantly cuts down race car's weight

In a bid to significantly cut down weight, the front and side windows of the British race car, Lotus Exige, were made of PLEXIGLAS®.polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) supplied by Germany's Evonik. The sidde windows have a composite design made of PLEXIGLAS® with a soft inside layer.

For more details on Evonik's PMMA-based car screens significantly cuts down race car's weight click here

LANXESS defers construction of butyl rubber facility in Singapore

Specialty chemicals group LANXESS AG has deferred the construction of its new 100,000 tpa plant butyl rubber facility in Singapore due to the continuing global economic slowdown. Production is now schheduled to start in 2014 as against previously announced 2012.

For more details on LANXESS defers construction of butyl rubber facility in Singapore click here

Solvay's ultrahigh-performance polymers spell success for challenging solar airplane project

Solvay's ultrahigh-performance polymers and know-how have spelt success for the Solar Impulse prototype solar airplane, the group announced. Solar Impulse is an airplane, powered exclusive by photovolltaic cells and capable to fly autonomously, day and night without using any fossil fuels.

For more details on Solvay's ultrahigh-performance polymers spell success for challenging solar airplane project click here

Pilot-scale biorefinery to convert CO2 into ethanol

The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) announced today that it plans to work with Algenol Biofuels, Inc. to build and operate a pilot-scale algae-based integrated biorefinery that will convert CO2 into ethanol.

For more details on Pilot-scale biorefinery to convert CO2 into ethanol click here

ExxonMobil Chemical to up PP compounding capacity at French facility to meet automotive demand

ExxonMobil Chemical is investing in increased polypropylene (PP) compounding capacity and capability at its Lillebonne Polypropylene Plant (LPP), France. Capacity will increase by 45,000 tons to meet growing demand for Exxtral™ performance polyolefins from automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in Europe.

For more details on ExxonMobil Chemical to up PP compounding capacity at French facility to meet automotive demand click here

NOVA Chemicals announce short extension for closing IPIC transaction

Canadian plastics maker NOVA Chemicals Corporation announced that International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) has agreed with the Investment Review Division of Industry Canada to an extension off its review under the Investment Canada Act of IPIC's acquisition of NOVA Chemicals until July 6, 2009.

For more details on NOVA Chemicals announce short extension for closing IPIC transaction click here

BASF reorganizes its Petrochemicals Division

BASF reorganizes its Petrochemicals division effective July 1, 2009. The future organization consists of four (formerly six) business units. The optimized organizational structures will lead to higherr efficiency and effectiveness and will open up potentials to even better serve customers´ needs.

For more details on BASF reorganizes its Petrochemicals Division click here

Global petrochemical industry witnessing a paradigm shift from West to East

The petrochemical industry of today is an indispensable part of the manufacturing and consuming sectors, churning out products which include paint, plastic, rubber, detergents, dyes, fertilizers, texttiles, and even solvents, as per a report by Research and Markets.

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Braskem mulls expansion in North America

Latin America's largest petrochemical company Braskem is in the process of considering an expansion. The company is mulling expansion in North America by acquisitions that would position it for long-tterm growth by opening access to clients, logistics, production and operations.

For more details on Braskem mulls expansion in North America click here

Saudi Arabia's Petrochem IPO to be launched on July 18

Procedures are near completion for Saudi Arabia's National Petrochemicals Co's (Petrochem) share sale scheduled to run from July 18 to July 24. Riyad Capital, the lead manager of the 2.4 bln Saudi riyyals (US$640.

For more details on Saudi Arabia's Petrochem IPO to be launched on July 18 click here

Evonik unveils bio-polyamides based on castor oil

Evonik Industries AG (Germany) has added a group of bio-based polyamides to its VESTAMID® family. The polymers, sold under the VESTAMID® Terra brand name, are based on monomers produced partly or entiirely from fatty acids.

For more details on Evonik unveils bio-polyamides based on castor oil click here

A. Schulman to cease Ohio-based Invision sheet production line

A. Schulman, a leading supplier of high performance plastic compounds and resins, has announced to cease the operation of its Invision sheet production line at its Sharon Center, Ohio manufacturing ffacility, by the end of the Q4 - 2009.

For more details on A. Schulman to cease Ohio-based Invision sheet production line click here

Huhtamaki divests EPS packaging business in Australia

Consumer and specialty packaging company Huhtamäki Oyj (Finland) has divested its EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) packaging business located in Albury, Australia to the Australian packaging company Pact Grroup Pty Ltd.

For more details on Huhtamaki divests EPS packaging business in Australia click here

Arkema announces further price increase for EVA copolymers

French chemical maker Arkema has announced a EUR 50/ton price increase for its Evatane® EVA range (High Content Ethylene Vinyl Acetate copolymers) at the end of May. Effective July 1st, Arkema will upp this increase from EUR 50/ton to EUR 80/ton.

For more details on Arkema announces further price increase for EVA copolymers click here

PolyOne's GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers honoured for medical product line strategy

PolyOne announced its GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers business, a global leader in high-performance, custom-formulated thermoplastics elastomers (TPEs), has received the Frost & Sullivan 2009 North Ameriican Plastics in Medical Tubing & Catheters Product Line Strategy of the Year Award.

For more details on PolyOne's GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers honoured for medical product line strategy click here

Solutia's PVB interlayer technology bags important certification for hurricane protection

Solutia announced that its Saflex® SilentGlass Technology™ polyvinyl butyral (PVB) based acoustic interlayer for laminated glazing has received an important certification for hurricane protection. Safflex SilentGlass Technology has passed the weathering and flammability requirements that have been set and mandated by Dade County Florida to allow the lawful sale of the product in the windborne debris zone.

For more details on Solutia's PVB interlayer technology bags important certification for hurricane protection click here

Honeywell unveils improved ballistic material for military, police vests and soft armor applications

Honeywell, provider of high performance specialty materials, introduced a new Gold Shield® ballistic material with improved ability to stop bullets and fragments in military and police armor applicatiions.

For more details on Honeywell unveils improved ballistic material for military, police vests and soft armor applications click here

First polyester cushioning material to replace urethane in swimwear bra cups

Teijin Fibers Limited announced the world's first polyester-based cushioning material for swimwear bra cups, made with V-LAP, a vertically lapped nonwoven fabric that Teijin Fibers introduced in 2007..

For more details on First polyester cushioning material to replace urethane in swimwear bra cups click here

Alveolar 100% PP sheet developed to combine great versatility and high performance

Colines® (Italy), a manufacturer of extrusion lines, has developed an innovative and technologically advanced project called Bubble Guard®, along with sister company Imballaggi Protettivi. The companyy's new Bubble Guard® is an alveolar 100% PP sheet which combines great versatility and high performances.

For more details on Alveolar 100% PP sheet developed to combine great versatility and high performance click here