KraussMaffei and RAMPF Giessharze in strategic partnership

KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH and RAMPF Giessharze have formalized their worldwide cooperation in the field of high-pressure polyurethane processing by signing a cooperation agreement. The long-awaitted, single-sequence process to injection mold a part and immediately add a PUR seal is now a reality.

For more details on KraussMaffei and RAMPF Giessharze in strategic partnership click here

Specialty chemicals from algae

BASF SE and Solix Biofuels, Inc. have signed an agreement to investigate the use of algae to produce certain chemicals for BASF. Solix is a leading developer of algae cultivation technology systems annd will test multiple algae species in its proprietary growth system, AGS™, for BASF.

For more details on Specialty chemicals from algae click here

Idemitsu Kosan Co expects to restart naphtha cracker at Tokuyama in early October

Japanese refiner Idemitsu Kosan Co expects to restart a naphtha cracker at its Tokuyama plant in early October, as per Reuters. The 256,000 tpa naphtha cracker has been shut on Sept. 6 for scheduled mmaintenance for about a month.

For more details on Idemitsu Kosan Co expects to restart naphtha cracker at Tokuyama in early October click here

Len Blavatnik refutes claims by creditors

Investor Len Blavatnik and his company Access Industries have refuted claims that he was aware of a US$12 bln leveraged buyout in 2007 that created LyondellBasell would fail, as per Reuters. They claiim that they had every reason to believe the merger between Basell and Lyondell would succeed.

For more details on Len Blavatnik refutes claims by creditors click here

Gasoline being produced in five of Iran’s petrochemical plants to counter international sanctions

Iran is producing gasoline in five of its petrochemical plants as part of a plan to halt imports and counter international sanctions, as per Mehr news agency. Iran faces international sanctions over iits nuclear program, which the US and its allies accuse of being a cover for the development of atomic weapons.

For more details on Gasoline being produced in five of Iran’s petrochemical plants to counter international sanctions click here

Keyuan Petrochemicals commences construction of first SBS facility in Ningbo

Keyuan Petrochemicals, Inc. has commenced construction of its first Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene ("SBS") production facility in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, which will be adjacent to its current productionn facility.

For more details on Keyuan Petrochemicals commences construction of first SBS facility in Ningbo click here

Innovation in multiserve beverage packaging combines clarity and strength

Combining clarity and strength, the most recent innovation in multiserve beverage packaging from Eastman Chemical Company Aspira™ copolyester EN177, allows increased design and processing opportunitiees for large-volume refrigerated beverage, spirit and dairy handleware applications manufactured on high-output platforms.

For more details on Innovation in multiserve beverage packaging combines clarity and strength click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended September 27, 2010

CRUDE OIL
Crude oil prices ended the week of September 27, 2010 at US$76.4 on the weakening US dollar and optimistic economic indicators. As the US dollaar drops against the euro, it strengthens the appeal of commodities as an alternative investment.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended September 27, 2010 click here

Asian PET prices move higher on rising feedstocks

PET sellers in China have begun the week by announcing significant increases on their offers for both the local market and the export market, pointing to rapidly rising feedstock costs, as per Chemorbbis.

For more details on Asian PET prices move higher on rising feedstocks click here

Borouge launches marketing and sales company in Beijing

Borouge has launched a marketing and sales company in Beijing in a bid to increase sales of compounded plastics in automotive and white goods sectors. Five months ago, it opened a compounding facilityy in Shanghai, and four months ago it revealed plans to build a second plant in Guangzhou.

For more details on Borouge launches marketing and sales company in Beijing click here

KPC keen to pick up strategic stake in Indian Oil Corporation

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation is keen to pick up strategic stake in Indian Oil Corporation, which is preparing for a follow-on public offer later this fiscal. The government, however, is planning to seell 10% of its stake in the company to the public through a follow-on offer and not a strategic sale.

For more details on KPC keen to pick up strategic stake in Indian Oil Corporation click here

MEG prices spike in line with rising ethylene as NE Asia return from holidays

Monoethylene glycol (MEG) prices have spiked in line with soaring ethylene prices as the Northeast Asian market returned to work after last week’s holidays, as per Platts. On Friday, MEG prices were aassessed at US$804/MT CFR China, but on Monday afternoon bids were at US$830-845/MT CFR China.

For more details on MEG prices spike in line with rising ethylene as NE Asia return from holidays click here

Ethane fed cracker restarts at Yansab after an unplanned shutdown

Yansab’s ethane fed cracker has been restarted after an unplanned shutdown. The unit went offline on Sept. 10 due to a technical glitch, as per Reuters. As a result, production dropped at some downstrream units that use ethylene and propylene as a feedstock.

For more details on Ethane fed cracker restarts at Yansab after an unplanned shutdown click here

RIL plans Rs 40,000 crores in petrochemical investment

Reliance Industries plans to invest Rs 40,000 crores in petrochemicals by 2014 to expand the world’s biggest refining complex at Jamnagar, Gujarat. Rs. 16,000 crore has been earmarked to set up a craccker unit as part of a proposed petrochemicals project in Jamnagar.

For more details on RIL plans Rs 40,000 crores in petrochemical investment click here

Asian naphtha cracks at four-session low, naphtha prices recover

The last day of the week saw naphtha prices in Asia recover to a two-session high after ebbing to a two-week low on the previous day. Naphtha cracks were at a four-session low on muted spot demand froom North Asia amid ample supplies.

For more details on Asian naphtha cracks at four-session low, naphtha prices recover click here

British-Pakistani JV to build polyethylene (PE) plant in Karachi

Trans Polymers Ltd. - a British and Pakistani joint venture is in the process of finalizing plans to build a 350,000 tpa polyethylene (PE) plant near Port Qasim in Karachi, Pakistan, at cost of US$7011 mln.

For more details on British-Pakistani JV to build polyethylene (PE) plant in Karachi click here

PT Tri Polyta Indonesia to acquire PT Chandra Asri in a share-swap deal

Indonesia’s largest PP maker- PT Tri Polyta Indonesia will acquire petrochemical firm PT Chandra Asri in a share-swap deal worth about US$1.2 bln. Tri Polyta will issue 2.93 bln new shares to Chandra Asri's shareholders in exchange of it’s US$1.

For more details on PT Tri Polyta Indonesia to acquire PT Chandra Asri in a share-swap deal click here

Styrene oversupply persists in Europe despite plant shutdowns

Styrene oversupply persists in Europe despite the recent shutdowns at BASF and Polimeri. European styrene monomer supplies are so ample that shutdown of BASF's 550,000 tpa Ludwigshafen unit and its 5000,000 tpa Antwerp unit shut since September, and Polimeri’s 600,000 tpa Mantova, Italy, have failed to tighten supplies.

For more details on Styrene oversupply persists in Europe despite plant shutdowns click here

Spot ethylene peak to four month highs in Asia despite the approaching holidays in China

Asian spot ethylene prices reached a four month high on the last working day of last week, as per Chemorbis. Spot prices both in Northeast and Southeast Asia recorded significant increases during thiss past week while strong demand, triggered by shutdowns, was the main driver behind this rise despite the approaching National Day holiday in China.

For more details on Spot ethylene peak to four month highs in Asia despite the approaching holidays in China click here

More heat-tolerant corn-derived plastics

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) chemist William J. Orts and a team of collaborators from Lapol, LLC, hope to derive a corn based plastics that is more heat-tolerant. By boosting the bioplasticcs' heat tolerance, the collaboration, under way since 2007, may broaden the range of applications for which corn-derived plastics could be used as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

For more details on More heat-tolerant corn-derived plastics click here

US steam cracker margins see marginal dip despite escalating ethane prices

US steam cracker margins saw a marignal dip in the week despite a run in feedstock ethane prices, as per Platts. Spot ethane values jumped roughly 4.5 cents, as ethane was assessed as high as 57.25 ceents/gallon on the back of improved chemical demand and limited fractionation capacity shrank further week on week as spot ethane.

For more details on US steam cracker margins see marginal dip despite escalating ethane prices click here

IndianOil launches ‘PROPEL’ range of petrochemicals

IndianOil has launched it’s ‘PROPEL” range of petrochemical products, after successful completion of its world scale petrochemical projects in record time. The company, acknowledged as the leader in tthe petroleum downstream sector in the country, is expected to bring to play its formidable reach, network and infrastructure into the petrochemicals business.

For more details on IndianOil launches ‘PROPEL’ range of petrochemicals click here

On-going investments in CNT capacities will quadruple global capacity in two years

On-going investments in new CNT plants mean that global capacity will more than quadruple over a two-year period. Applied Market Information is holding the first global conference on Commercialising NNanotubes to coincide with a massive expansion in carbon nanotube (CNT) capacity at Düsseldorf, Germany.

For more details on On-going investments in CNT capacities will quadruple global capacity in two years click here

Review of the market recovery for PVC

AMI’s PVC Formulation 2011 Conference will take place at Düsseldorf, Germany in February. AMI consultant, Jon Nash will start proceedings with a review of the market recovery for PVC.
Leading PVC ccompounder, Ineos Compounds, has studied the future alternatives after the move away from dibutyl tin stabilisers.

For more details on Review of the market recovery for PVC click here

Meeting sustainability goals with flexible packaging

In June 2010, AMI organized a conference on the latest developments in materials and production technology for Multilayer Packaging Films, which facilitate low weight product protection with longer shhelf-life, thus reducing waste.

For more details on Meeting sustainability goals with flexible packaging click here

Qatar Petroleum in talks with Itochu and Siam Cement for petrochem JV in Vietnam

Talks are underway between Qatar's state-run petroleum company Qatar Petroleum, Itochu and Siam Cement Public Co., for a petrochem JV in Vietnam, as per Al-Attiyah. The complex is being planned to be built on the island of Long Son and come onstream in 2015, will use natural-gas-derived liquefied petroleum gas from Qatar.

For more details on Qatar Petroleum in talks with Itochu and Siam Cement for petrochem JV in Vietnam click here

PTT mulls bioplastics investment with NatureWorks and Mitsubishi Chemical Corp

PTT is in discussions with NatureWorks and Mitsubishi Chemical Corp to invest in bioplastic plants next year. The cost and production capacity of both facilities are expected to be finalised towards HH2-2010.

For more details on PTT mulls bioplastics investment with NatureWorks and Mitsubishi Chemical Corp click here

CPC mulls relocation of its larger naphtha cracker to Indonesia

Taiwan's state-run CPC Corp is considering relocation of it’s 450,000 tpa No 5 naphtha cracker- one of its largest naphtha crackers, to Indonesia. Part of CPC’s plan is to operate it with a private fiirm.

For more details on CPC mulls relocation of its larger naphtha cracker to Indonesia click here

Indian Oil Corp to double revenues from the petrochem business to Rs 15,000 crore in 2011

Betting on the business that made its private sector rival Reliance Industries (RIL) a behemoth, state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) today unveiled the blueprint for doubling revenues from the peetrochemicals business to Rs 15,000 crore during the next fiscal.

For more details on Indian Oil Corp to double revenues from the petrochem business to Rs 15,000 crore in 2011 click here

SABIC IP boosts Ultem capacity by 35% at Cartagena to meet growing demand

SABIC Innovative Plastics inaugurated its new Ultem* polyetherimide (PEI) resin production facility in Cartagena. This much-anticipated event marks a 35% increase in Ultem resin capacity for European and global customers.

For more details on SABIC IP boosts Ultem capacity by 35% at Cartagena to meet growing demand click here

HPCL plans to revive stalled refinery-cum-petrochemicals project in Vizag

State-run refiner Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd plans to revive the stalled refinery-cum-petrochemicals project in Vizag. The proposed project was put on hold in 2007 when the demand for petrochemicalss was seen as too weak to justify the investment as per Reuters.

For more details on HPCL plans to revive stalled refinery-cum-petrochemicals project in Vizag click here

Medical plastics industry set to expand rapidly over the next decade

The medical plastics industry is set to expand rapidly over the next decade taking up increasing proportions of GDP, as countries provide healthcare to an ageing population, access to medicine expandss in developing regions and new technology is developed.

For more details on Medical plastics industry set to expand rapidly over the next decade click here

Formation of new Executive Committee of Indian Plastics Federation for the term 2010-11

Given below are the names of candidates who have been elected to various categories in 51st Annual General Meeting held on 22nd September 2010 at ICC Auditorium, Kolkata.

A. OFFICE-BEARERS
PRESIIDENT
Shri Sourabh Khemani : M/s National Moulding Co.

For more details on Formation of new Executive Committee of Indian Plastics Federation for the term 2010-11 click here

October expectations falter in Italy’s PP, PE markets

Expectations regarding October have started to surface in Italy’s PP and PE markets. As per Chemorbis, sluggish demand in both markets is weighing down on the market sentiment, causing buyers to wait for softer prices.

For more details on October expectations falter in Italy’s PP, PE markets click here

Umeco in JV to set up vacuum bagging films production to cater to Chinese wind energy market

Umeco plc, an international provider of supply chain services and advanced composite materials primarily to the aerospace & defence industries, announced that its Process Materials business has entereed into a joint venture with its Chinese distributor Shanghai Leadgo Technology Co.

For more details on Umeco in JV to set up vacuum bagging films production to cater to Chinese wind energy market click here

Global market for bioplastics to rise to over 3.2 mln tons in 2015

The global market for bioplastics at almost 572,000 tons in 2010, is expected to increase to over 3.2 mln tons in 2015, for a 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41.4% as per a new technical market research report from BCC Research.

For more details on Global market for bioplastics to rise to over 3.2 mln tons in 2015 click here

Planned maintenance outage at Sasol’s ethylene unit to last till mid-November

A planned maintenance outage of Sasol’s ethylene unit to commence on September 24 will last through the middle of November. The outage is to allow for a large-scale turnaround, that will result in inccreased traffic in Westlake as well as some flaring during the beginning and end of the turnaround.

For more details on Planned maintenance outage at Sasol’s ethylene unit to last till mid-November click here

High performance fiberglass meets demand of several industries

3B the fibreglass company, a leading manufacturer of fibreglass products has recently launched applications that demonstrate how sustainability is driving innovation and growth based on the three dimeensions of eco-responsibility, durability and versatility.

For more details on High performance fiberglass meets demand of several industries click here

Report shows unexpected rise in US crude inventories, oil dips on concerns of slowing economic growth

Oil prices dipped below US$75 a barrel in New York after an unexpected increase in crude stockpiles that raised concerns of slowing economic growth. The Energy Department reported stockpiles to rise bby 970,000 barrels to 358.

For more details on Report shows unexpected rise in US crude inventories, oil dips on concerns of slowing economic growth click here

A reduction expected in polyethylene supplies in October due to multiple plant issues

Polyethylene supplies are expected to be reduced in October, as some producers are faced with technical issues or production cuts at their facilities, as per Platts. These include Middle Eastern produucers SABIC, Equate and Petro Rabigh, Taiwan's Formosa and Malaysia's Titan Chemicals.

For more details on A reduction expected in polyethylene supplies in October due to multiple plant issues click here

Dia-Nitrix amends maintenance schedule for 90,000 tpa acrylonitrile plant at Otake

Japan's Dia-Nitrix has made a minor amendment to the maintenance schedule for its 90,000 tpa acrylonitrile plant at Otake, as per Platts. The plant's smaller 15,000 tpa reactor has been shut from Septtember 1, and will restart November 4- the shutdown is longer than planned because a new catalyst is currently being tested.

For more details on Dia-Nitrix amends maintenance schedule for 90,000 tpa acrylonitrile plant at Otake click here

Mediterranean PP players expect stable prices from Middle East in October

Import PP markets in Turkey and Egypt have been tracking a mainly stable trend since the beginning of September, with sellers maintaining their initial price levels despite slow market activity. In booth markets, where Middle Eastern producers are the main supply sources, players are predicting that import prices will continue to track a mostly stable path next month as well.

For more details on Mediterranean PP players expect stable prices from Middle East in October click here

PP demand in Mexico’s domestic market strengthens despite increased offers

The month of September saw Polypropylene demand strengthen in Mexico’s domestic market, despite the offer price increases of 2.5 cents/lb over August levels, as per Platts. As per convention, saales volumes increase between July and September as costumers build inventories for end of the year festivities.

For more details on PP demand in Mexico’s domestic market strengthens despite increased offers click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended September 20, 2010

OIL
Restart of the Enbridge pipeline, which carries Canadian crude into the US, has led to a fall in crude oil in the week of September 20, 2010. Oil drropped to US$73.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended September 20, 2010 click here

Asian naphtha prices at one-week highs, cracks at five-session high

Asian naphtha price rose to a one-week high on Tuesday, cracks touched a five-session high and intermonth contango narrowed for the second straight-session despite the weak fundamentals, as per Reuterrs.

For more details on Asian naphtha prices at one-week highs, cracks at five-session high click here

Portugal’s Cabopol commences production of biodegradable compounds at Porto de Mós

Portuguese compounding company Cabopol has commenced production of biodegradable compounds at its Porto de Mós facility, with technology from compounding systems specialist Coperion. Biodegradable commpounds based on compostable polyesters with and without starch are being produced at the unit.

For more details on Portugal’s Cabopol commences production of biodegradable compounds at Porto de Mós click here

Thailand could lose appeal as petrochemical destination on Government blitz

The Government crackdown against this sector could result in Thailand losing some of its appeal as a petrochemicals investment destination. The Thai government has decided to include parts of the secttor in a list of 11 harmful industrial activities, putting upstream and intermediate projects at risk.

For more details on Thailand could lose appeal as petrochemical destination on Government blitz click here

HPCL shortlists Ratnagiri district for setting up a 9-15 mln tpa refinery

In a bid to cater to increasing demand from Western India, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has shortlisted the Lote Parshuram area in coastal Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, for setting upp a 9-15 mln tpa refinery.

For more details on HPCL shortlists Ratnagiri district for setting up a 9-15 mln tpa refinery click here

Market awaits outcome of US Federal Reserve policy meet: crude dip

As housing figures were revealed in USA and the market awaits outcome of the US Federal Reserve policy meet for possible new polices to boost economic growth, crude oil prices dipped. Oil futures ignoored gains in European equities and a firmer euro vs dollar.

For more details on Market awaits outcome of US Federal Reserve policy meet: crude dip click here

Force majeure on polyethylene supplies from Ineos’ Texas site

Ineos has declared force majeure on polyethylene supplies coming from its 1.75 billion lbs/year PE plant at Battleground, Texas site, as per Platts. Ineos communicated that the declaration was triggerred by an unforeseeable manufacturing breakdown.

For more details on Force majeure on polyethylene supplies from Ineos’ Texas site click here

Tightness persists in polyolefin markets in West Europe

Polyolefin markets in West Europe continue to remain tight due to the lasting effects of lack of spending on maintenance, as per ICIS. By late 2008, petrochem makers saw an extreme shortness of cash, leading to a delay in maintenance work such as furnace re-tubing, etc.

For more details on Tightness persists in polyolefin markets in West Europe click here

CPC’s largest of three naptha crackers to resume full operations within a few weeks

The largest of state-owned CPC Corp Taiwan's three naphtha crackers should resume full operations within a few weeks after shutting down because of Typhoon Fanapi, as per Reuters. The 450,000 tpa No. 5 cracker in southern Taiwan has been brought down to check for problems following an outage caused by Typhoon Fanapi on Sunday.

For more details on CPC’s largest of three naptha crackers to resume full operations within a few weeks click here

LDPE retains premium over other polyethylenes in Asia

In Asia, LDPE film continues to trade at a premium when compared with LLDPE film and HDPE film, as per Chemorbi. Most sources attribute this ongoing relative strength to comparatively tight supplies. A large number of new LLDPE and HDPE film capacity has been coming on-line for the past two years, while relatively few additional LDPE film capacities have come on-line over the same period.

For more details on LDPE retains premium over other polyethylenes in Asia click here

New standard for sustainability, performance, cost effectiveness in HDPE pipe applications

Vestolen A RELY family of tough, sustainable and cost-effective bimodal high-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials for pressure pipe applications introduced by Sabic. The SABIC® Vestolen A RELY portfoolio offers converters considerable energy savings and enables environmentally responsible pipe installation.

For more details on New standard for sustainability, performance, cost effectiveness in HDPE pipe applications click here

Iran to boost gasoline production in petrochemical plants, petrochem exports halted

Iran is to halt export of petrochemical products, following the implementation of a program to boost gasoline production in petrochemical plants. Deputy Oil Minister Abdolhossein Bayat explained that the ministry might resume import of gasoline in late September, Mehr News Agency reported.

For more details on Iran to boost gasoline production in petrochemical plants, petrochem exports halted click here

Typhoon Fanapi heads towards China

Typhoon Fanapi, Taiwan's most severe storm of 2010 has wrecked havoc on the island nation. Formosa Plastics Corp. and Nan Ya Plastics Corp. are among more than 30 petrochemical makers in Kaohsiung thaat have halted production because of flooding caused by Typhoon Fanapi.

For more details on Typhoon Fanapi heads towards China click here

Crude falls for fourth consecutive session on restart of a major US pipeline

Restart of the Enbridge pipeline 6A Friday, which carries Canadian crude into the US, has caused crude oil futures to fall for fourth consecutive session. Light, sweet crude for October delivery dippeed to US$73.

For more details on Crude falls for fourth consecutive session on restart of a major US pipeline click here

Higher feedstock costs push Asian PET higher

Trading activities have improved in the Asian PET market over the past week as overall offer levels are supported by the higher feedstock costs, as per Chemorbis. Spot PX gained US$35/ton CFR Northeasst Asia on the week, while prices reached the highest levels reported since May, surpassing the US$1000/ton threshold.

For more details on Higher feedstock costs push Asian PET higher click here

Torrential rains caused by Typhoon Fanapi leads to shut down of major petrochemical complexes in Kaohsiung

Typhoon Fanapi, the first major storm to strike Taiwan this year, had dumped 1120-1140 mm of rain in the Kaohsing-Pingtung area. Torrential rains caused by Typhoon Fanapi has devastated southern Taiwaan and led to shut down of major petrochemical complexes in the county.

For more details on Torrential rains caused by Typhoon Fanapi leads to shut down of major petrochemical complexes in Kaohsiung click here

After a 3 year delay, US$1.56 bln financing package launched for Jurong Aromatics' new petrochemicals project

After a three-year delay caused by the credit squeeze during the global financial crisis, a US$1.56 bln financing package for Jurong Aromatics' new petrochemicals project in Singapore was finally launnched with strong support from Korea.

For more details on After a 3 year delay, US$1.56 bln financing package launched for Jurong Aromatics' new petrochemicals project click here

Saudi Aramco undecided about 60,000 tons naphtha for mid-October loading to Asia

Saudi Aramco, not a regular spot seller until H2-2010, seems undecided about selling 60,000 tons of naphtha for mid-October loading to Asia due to a weak market. Saudi Aramco was initially to sell 45,,000 tons for October 14-16 loading from Rabigh to be co-loaded with 15,000 tons from Jeddah as per Reuters.

For more details on Saudi Aramco undecided about 60,000 tons naphtha for mid-October loading to Asia click here

BCPL’s application for issue of project import certificate cleared

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has cleared an application of Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) for issue of project import certificate. BCPL had applied to DCPC forr issue of project import certificate under Custom heading 98.

For more details on BCPL’s application for issue of project import certificate cleared click here

Despite US$1.4 bln excess cash, LyondellBasell has no spending plans

Due to better than expected business, LyondellBasell Industries NV has about US$4.4 bln of liquidity available, more than the US$3 bln deemed appropriate in its plan for exiting bankruptcy. The companny that emerged from bankruptcy in April, has about US$1.

For more details on Despite US$1.4 bln excess cash, LyondellBasell has no spending plans click here

Reliance to export over 80% of output from new MTBE plant coming up at Hazira

Reliance Industries plans to export 80-90% of output from its new 144,000 tpa MTBE plant in Hazira, after it starts up in June 2011, as per Platts. The MTBE produced at the plant will have a minimum ppurity of 98.

For more details on Reliance to export over 80% of output from new MTBE plant coming up at Hazira click here

Asian naphtha dropped amid rising inventories, concerns over possible fall in demand

Asian naphtha declined for the first time in three weeks amid rising inventories and concerns over falling demand for petrochemicals. Open-specification naphtha for delivery to Japan was down 0.2% thiis week.

For more details on Asian naphtha dropped amid rising inventories, concerns over possible fall in demand click here

Solvay Advanced Polymers to suspend production at Bay St. Louis

Solvay Advanced Polymers will suspend production at its facility in Bay St. Louis, Miss., manufacturing PrimoSpire SRP (self-reinforced polyphenylene). PrimoSpire SRP is one of the stiffest and stronggest unreinforced plastics in the world and is unique in its ability to deliver extremely high compressive strength and heat resistance without reinforcement.

For more details on Solvay Advanced Polymers to suspend production at Bay St. Louis click here

US PVC regaining competitiveness in global markets

Lower offers for American PVC emerged in several major global markets this week, while players in other markets anticipate reduced offers in the coming weeks. As per Chemorbis, players attributed the downward movement in US PVC prices to a desire to increase export sales in the face of persistently poor demand from the domestic housing sector.

For more details on US PVC regaining competitiveness in global markets click here

PTT opens ASEAN’s largest logistics centre to distribute group’s petrochemical products

In a bid to control logistics activities and strengthen its competitive advantage, PTT has inaugurated ASEAN’s largest logistics centre worth Bt2.7 bln to distribute petrochemical products. PTT Polymeer Logistics Co was established to provide full logistics service for the group’s petrochemical companies that have an annual production capacity of 1.

For more details on PTT opens ASEAN’s largest logistics centre to distribute group’s petrochemical products click here

Shortage of feedstock ethylene compels shutdown of Nan Ya’s MEG plant

One of its four Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) plants at Mailiao, has been shut by Nan Ya Plastics due to a dearth of feedstock ethylene. The 350,000 tpa No. 1 MEG plant is to be shuttered for about eight weeks.

For more details on Shortage of feedstock ethylene compels shutdown of Nan Ya’s MEG plant click here

A burst of nitrogen gas results in multiple deaths at Sinopec Qilu

A burst of nitrogen gas at Sinopec Qilu Company Ltd. in China's Shandong province has killed about five perons and injured one as reported by rttnews.com. The accident occurred at 8:38 p.m. when workeers were filling production facilities with nitrogen gas during routine maintenance work caused by a dislodged pipe.

For more details on A burst of nitrogen gas results in multiple deaths at Sinopec Qilu click here

Pucheng selects LyondelBasell Spheripol Process Technology for 400000 tpa PP plant

Pucheng Clean Energy Chemical Company Ltd. has selected LyondellBasell’s Spheripol process technology for a new 400000 tpa polypropylene plant to be built in Pucheng County, Weinan City, Shaanxi Proviince, PRC.

For more details on Pucheng selects LyondelBasell Spheripol Process Technology for 400000 tpa PP plant click here

Yunlin County government issued a fine of NT$1 mln to Formosa Plastics Group

The Yunlin County government has issued a NT$1 mln (US$31460) fine to Formosa Plastics Group after almost 100 people got sick due to an allegedly leaked gas at it’s petrochemical complex. An odor pervvaded the air on Sept.

For more details on Yunlin County government issued a fine of NT$1 mln to Formosa Plastics Group click here

Completion of repairs to key oil pipeline from Canada to USA brings down oil

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in October has fallen by over a dollar to US$75.5, while Brent North Sea crude has settled at US$78.7. News of repairs to the key Line 6A Canaddian-US pipeline nearing completion has brought down oil prices amid weak manufacturing figures.

For more details on Completion of repairs to key oil pipeline from Canada to USA brings down oil click here

Soaring polystyrene prices regain premium over PP in Italy

Spot homo PP prices in Italy moved above GPPS in the month of July right before players were sidelined for summer holidays as can be seen on ChemOrbis Price Wizard. This was the first time GPPS lost iits premium and even traded at a discount compared to homo PP prices since the beginning of 2008, mainly due to a steadily decreasing trend starting from mid-April to end-July as a result of the consecutive falls registered in monthly styrene contract settlements, which was also contributed to by the ongoing sluggishness of demand.

For more details on Soaring polystyrene prices regain premium over PP in Italy click here

Asia naphtha industry to finalize inclusion of ship-to-ship transfer details into OSN

Four years after being tabled, the Asian naphtha industry is closer toward finalizing the inclusion of STS, or ship-to-ship transfer details into the open spec naphtha (OSN) contract with the draftingg of an addendum which will be disseminated to the industry as per Platts.

For more details on Asia naphtha industry to finalize inclusion of ship-to-ship transfer details into OSN click here

Arkema and Purac collaborate for functional Lactide-based block copolymers

Arkema and Purac on Monday have collaborated for functional Lactide-based block copolymers. These innovative block copolymers reportedly will enhance the thermo-mechanical and physical properties of mmany biobased polymers like Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), resulting in a wider range of applications opportunities.

For more details on Arkema and Purac collaborate for functional Lactide-based block copolymers click here

Thai olefin major PTT Chemical seeks opportunity to invest in China

In a bid to exploit rapid demand growth in China, Thailand’s PTT Chemical is seeking an opportunity to invest in new chemical production in the country. The company, South East Asia’s largest olefin mmaker views China as its largest export market, and wishes to join the ranks of the major global petrochem makers who have a presence in China.

For more details on Thai olefin major PTT Chemical seeks opportunity to invest in China click here

Fire at GAIL`s Pata plant under control

A fire broke out over the weekend at GAIL’s Pata plant during a routine maintenance operation in the Crude Hexane Reboiler of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plant Unit - I. The fire was brought undeer control within an hour, one engineer succumbed to the injuries and two persons sustained minor burn injuries.

For more details on Fire at GAIL`s Pata plant under control click here

Green shoe that uses sustainable materials and technologies

Bayer MaterialScience has developed a unique concept for a “green shoe” that uses a whole host of sustainable materials and technologies. These include renewable polyurethane feedstocks, raw materialss for solvent-free coatings and adhesives, and a polycarbonate blend and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based on renewable resources.

For more details on Green shoe that uses sustainable materials and technologies click here

Russian petrochemical companies to resolve dispute over ethylene prices

Russian petrochemical companies Salavatnefteorgsintez and Kaustik will resolve their dispute over ethylene prices within two months. In the interim Kaustik will receive ethylene at 19,000-19,500 rublees (US$633-650) per ton until the price row is settled, as reported by RIA Novosti.

For more details on Russian petrochemical companies to resolve dispute over ethylene prices click here

Formosa restarts 80,000 bpd residual desulphurization unit, raises run rates at Mailiao refinery

After a week long disruption, Formosa Petrochemical has restarted an 80,000 bpd residual desulphurization unit and increased run rates to 95% at its 540,000 bpd Mailiao refinery, as reported by Argus..

For more details on Formosa restarts 80,000 bpd residual desulphurization unit, raises run rates at Mailiao refinery click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended September 13, 2010

CRUDE OIL
Oil prices have risen to US$76.4 in the week of September 13, 2010 in New York. Shutdown of a major US pipeline delivering oil to the Midwest reegion has led to supply concerns, pushing prices higher by about two dollars.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended September 13, 2010 click here

Asian PP buyers head to the sidelines

In Asia, trading activity has fallen recently as the upcoming National Day holidays in China, along with the anticipated increase in supply levels; has led many buyers to conclude that they will be abble to obtain some discounts on their purchase prices over the near term, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on Asian PP buyers head to the sidelines click here

Purac to binvest in biomedical resorbable polymer plant in USA

Purac announces the investment in a new manufacturing facility for its biomedical polymers. The plant is meant to support the growing resorbable polymers business of Purac Biomaterials. Purac currentlly operates a plant for biomedical polymers in The Netherlands.

For more details on Purac to binvest in biomedical resorbable polymer plant in USA click here

Oil prices linger at US$77 as US pipeline leaks disrupt supplies

US pipeline leaks disrupted supplies and have kept oil prices hovering around US$77. Benchmark crude for October rose to US$77.2 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. In London, Brent crude rose to USS$79.

For more details on Oil prices linger at US$77 as US pipeline leaks disrupt supplies click here

Albemarle invests to serve metallocene polyolefin and high brightness LED market

Albemarle Corporation announced that it has begun its largest capital investment in the fast growing Asia Pacific region of Yeosu, South Korea. The Yeosu site will be capable of producing mPO catalysst lab samples followed by pilot samples for qualification trials with local customers this year.

For more details on Albemarle invests to serve metallocene polyolefin and high brightness LED market click here

Safety experts from Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center to probe Mailiao complex fires

Six industrial safety experts from USA's Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center have arrived on invitation in Taiwan to help probe the causes of two fires that broke out its naphtha cracker complex iin July.

For more details on Safety experts from Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center to probe Mailiao complex fires click here

Indian Oil Corp plans to revive shelved petrochemical and liquefied natural gas

Indian Oil Corp., India's largest listed company by sales, is planning a follow-on public offering by January, through which it will sell fresh shares equivalent to 10% of its equity to raise about Rss 100 bln (US$2.

For more details on Indian Oil Corp plans to revive shelved petrochemical and liquefied natural gas click here

Use of films and netting in agriculture and horticulture rises in South America, Africa and Eurasia

The use of films and netting in agriculture and horticulture is increasing across South America, Africa and Eurasia, from greenhouses, tunnels, floating covers and mulch, to silage and storage bags. IIt is being used in cold climates for winter protection and warmth, and as shade and for water conservation in hot seasons.

For more details on Use of films and netting in agriculture and horticulture rises in South America, Africa and Eurasia click here

Braskem inaugurates green ethylene plant

Braskem inaugurated today operations of its green ethylene plant, taking an important step forward in its strategy of becoming the global leader in sustainable chemicals. The ethylene was specified appproximately 12 hours later, which means that it presents adequate conditions for conversion into green polyethylene (green plastic).

For more details on Braskem inaugurates green ethylene plant click here

Plastic Tube and Hose market in Europe

A new report from Applied Market Information provides details on the complex and varied plastic tube and hose extrusion sector in Europe with information on more than 670 companies in a sector of the plastics processing industry estimated to account for approximately 700,000 tpa of polymer material.

For more details on Plastic Tube and Hose market in Europe click here

Global Polypropylene Market is Expected to Grow at a Healthy Rate from 2009 to 2020

In 2000, global polypropylene demand was 26.6 mln tons. Demand grew at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from the year 2000 to 2009 as per gbiresearch.com. The global polypropylene demand iin the year 2009 was 36.

For more details on Global Polypropylene Market is Expected to Grow at a Healthy Rate from 2009 to 2020 click here

Europe’s 900 thermoplastic profile extruders account for around 5% of total polymer demand in Europe

Europe’s thermoplastic profile extruders accounts for around 5% of total polymer demand in Europe involving nearly 900 companies as per a plastics industry consultants, Applied Market Information Ltd..

For more details on Europe’s 900 thermoplastic profile extruders account for around 5% of total polymer demand in Europe click here

US demand for pharmaceutical packaging to grow 5.5% pa through 2014

Demand for pharmaceutical packaging in the US (including Puerto Rico) will increase 5.5 percent annually to US$18.4 bln in 2014. Recently upgraded regulations and standards that address such issues ass barrier protection, infection control, patient drug compliance, drug dispensing errors, and drug diversion and counterfeiting will underlie growth.

For more details on US demand for pharmaceutical packaging to grow 5.5% pa through 2014 click here

Rapid capacity expansion in the Middle East to exert considerable influence on China’s ethylene market

Before 2009, the global ethylene capacity had mostly been concentrated in developed countries such the United States and European countries, while recent years have seen soaring capacity in Asia and tthe Middle East.

For more details on Rapid capacity expansion in the Middle East to exert considerable influence on China’s ethylene market click here

Bio compatibilizer for production of biopolymers with PHA/PHB copolymers cut costs by 25%

Biopolymer Technologies’ “Biopar” VT 40 compatibilizer in the production of biopolymers with PHA/PHB (polyhydroxyalkanoate / polyhydroxybutyrate) copolymers can reduce costs by 25%. By using the addittive in the production of Biop’s Biopar biopolymer, the starch becomes an important polymer phase rather than simply a filler material.

For more details on Bio compatibilizer for production of biopolymers with PHA/PHB copolymers cut costs by 25% click here

Uhde Inventa-Fischer awarded contract for 550,000 tpa PET plant for OCTAL Petrochemicals

Germany’s Uhde Inventa-Fischer has been awarded a contract to build a 550,000 tpa polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin plant for OCTAL Petrochemicals alongside its existing PET facility at the Salallah Free Zone.

For more details on Uhde Inventa-Fischer awarded contract for 550,000 tpa PET plant for OCTAL Petrochemicals click here

Decline in Asian naphtha prices amid surplus stock and dwindling demand

Amid surplus stock and dwindling demand, Asian naphtha prices are beginning to decline. Demand has dwindled as Asia’s top spot naphtha buyer, Formosa Petrochemical Corp, did not issue a tender to seekk the petrochemical feedstock ahead of a major cracker shutdown.

For more details on Decline in Asian naphtha prices amid surplus stock and dwindling demand click here

NKID inks MoU with Air Liquide of France for laying a pipeline at Nayachar PCPIR

New Kolkata International Development (NKID) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Air Liquide of France for laying a pipeline in the proposed Petrochemicals, Chemicals and Petroleum Inveestment Region (PCPIR) at Nayachar.

For more details on NKID inks MoU with Air Liquide of France for laying a pipeline at Nayachar PCPIR click here

With economic recovery, investments in Russia's petrochem industry rise up to US$3 bln pa

Russia sees investment in the petrochemicals industry rise up to US$3 billion a year as the industry recovers from the economic crisis, as reported in Reuters. Currently, Russia is the world's top oill producer with a 13% share of the global oil output, but it accounts for only 2% of petrochemical production.

For more details on With economic recovery, investments in Russia's petrochem industry rise up to US$3 bln pa click here

Propylene slips in Asia and Europe, on the rise in USA

Spot propylene prices lost ground over the past week in Europe and in Asia owing to limited buying interest and lack of supply concerns, as per Chemorbis. Interestingly, the September propylene conttract was settled
with increases in the US, with spot prices expected to move higher over the near term in line with increases in the September contract level.

For more details on Propylene slips in Asia and Europe, on the rise in USA click here

Shutdown of a major US pipeline supplying to the Midwest pushes up oil prices

Reports of shutdown of a major US oil pipeline delivering oil to the Midwest region has led to supply concerns, pushing oil prices higher. Light sweet crude for October delivery spiked by over two dolllars to US$76.

For more details on Shutdown of a major US pipeline supplying to the Midwest pushes up oil prices click here

Mitsui Chemicals restarts naphtha cracker at Chiba

Mitsui Chemicals has restarted its naphtha cracker in Chiba, shut due to mechanical problems, since August 26. The naphtha cracker, with capacity to produce 553,000 tpa of ethylene has been shut due tto problem with equipment.

For more details on Mitsui Chemicals restarts naphtha cracker at Chiba click here

Maintenance shutdown at Chevron Phillips’s feed gas compressor in Port Arthur ethylene unit

Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. plans a maintenance shutdown at a feed gas compressor in an ethylene unit at its Port Arthur chemicals complex, Texas, as per Bloomberg. The shutdown will lead to flaringg until Sept.

For more details on Maintenance shutdown at Chevron Phillips’s feed gas compressor in Port Arthur ethylene unit click here

Ample supplies hit markets, KPC sells 150,000 tons of spot naphtha for October at lower premiums

Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) has concluded deals for 150,000 tons of spot naphtha for October loading at lower premiums amid ample supplies. Deals were concluded with a Japanese as well as a Western trrader at premiums of US$11-12/ton to Middle East quotes on a free-on-board (FOB).

For more details on Ample supplies hit markets, KPC sells 150,000 tons of spot naphtha for October at lower premiums click here

Crude inventories have unexpected fall, total oil supplies rise, crude oil prices slip

US crude oil futures dipped lower on Thursday after volatile trading session. Release of government report that showed crude inventories fell unexpectedly last week propped up oil prices to a three-weeek high.

For more details on Crude inventories have unexpected fall, total oil supplies rise, crude oil prices slip click here

Strong domestic demand growth, ample feedstock, proximity to markets, to drive investment in Indonesia’s petrochem sector

Indonesia's strong long-term domestic demand growth, ample raw material resources and proximity to Chinese and ASEAN markets will drive investment in the petrochemicals sector in coming years, accordiing to Business Monitor International's Indonesia Petrochemicals Report.

For more details on Strong domestic demand growth, ample feedstock, proximity to markets, to drive investment in Indonesia’s petrochem sector click here

Phthalate-free additives to replace the plasticizers DBP and BBP

Specialty chemicals group Lanxess offers a range of products enabling users of phthalate-based additives to switch to alternative safer products. Along with the well established plasticizer Mesamoll, these include the new product Mesamoll TP LXS 51067 and the phthalate-free bonding agent TP LXS 51099.

For more details on Phthalate-free additives to replace the plasticizers DBP and BBP click here

Shutdown planned at No 2 plant by Formosa: naphtha for H1-Oct delivery impacted

Formosa Petrochemicals’ No. 2 plant with a capacity to produce 1.035 mln tpa of ethylene, is scheduled to halt production for 40 to 45 days. As a result, the Taiwanese major will not buy any naphtha ffor delivery in H1-October.

For more details on Shutdown planned at No 2 plant by Formosa: naphtha for H1-Oct delivery impacted click here

Shutdown planned at No 2 plant by Formosa: naphtha for H1-Oct delivery impacted

Formosa Petrochemicals’ No. 2 plant with a capacity to produce 1.035 mln tpa of ethylene, is scheduled to halt production for 40 to 45 days. As a result, the Taiwanese major will not buy any naphtha ffor delivery in H1-October.

For more details on Shutdown planned at No 2 plant by Formosa: naphtha for H1-Oct delivery impacted click here

South East Asian players predict post-holiday conditions

In Southeast Asia, current trading activity in most polymer markets is limited due to the Ramadan holidays, which is keeping many players in Indonesia and Malaysia out of the market, as per Chemorbis..

For more details on South East Asian players predict post-holiday conditions click here

DuPont launches new family of products for use in food contact applications

DuPont Performance Polymers is launching a new family of products, designated "FG" (Food grade) that meet demanding requirements for use in food contact applications. The materials being introduced maake the DuPont offering one of the broadest portfolios of engineering plastics and thermoplastic elastomers for food contact applications.

For more details on DuPont launches new family of products for use in food contact applications click here

Dow, Saudi Aramco finalize design plans for Al-Jubail Petrochemical Complex

Saudi Aramco, state-owned oil company of Saudi Arabia, and the Houston, Texas, offices of Dow Chemical Company are moving ahead with plans to construct a petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia. Originaally planned for Ras Tanura, which is approximately 400 kms northwest of Riyad, Saudi Aramco and Dow decided to move the project to Al-Jubail for financial reasons.

For more details on Dow, Saudi Aramco finalize design plans for Al-Jubail Petrochemical Complex click here

A breakthrough in high-gloss reinforced Polyamide

A breakthrough in engineering thermoplastics for high aesthetic structural components has been delivered by 3B-the fibreglass company together with Lati, one of the most important independent Europeann compounders.

For more details on A breakthrough in high-gloss reinforced Polyamide click here

Formosa plans to restart residue processing unit at Mailiao Refinery

Formosa Petrochemical Corp. plans to restart a residue processing unit that was shut Sept. 2 at its Mailiao refining complex. A suspected flaw in piping design at the 80,500 bpd No. 1 residue desulfurrization unit is being corrected.

For more details on Formosa plans to restart residue processing unit at Mailiao Refinery click here

US spot ethylene prices continue to fallUS spot ethylene prices continue to fallUS spot ethylene prices continue to fall

US spot ethylene prices continued to slide, largely due to improved supply and associated outages that was replenished with Dow's restart at Freeport, Texas, in mid-August and Shell's restart at Deer Park, Texas in late August.

For more details on US spot ethylene prices continue to fall click here

World's first methanol-to-olefins unit operated on a commercial scale, starts up in BaotouWorld's first methanol-to-olefins unit operated on a commerc

The world's first methanol-to-olefins unit to be operated on a commercial scale has started up in China. The plant using the combined DMTO methanol-to-olefins technology of SYN Energy Technology Co. LLtd.

For more details on World's first methanol-to-olefins unit operated on a commercial scale, starts up in Baotou click here

South Korea's auto industry driving MEG demand in Asia

Strong growth in sales figures in South Korea's automobile industry is driving demand for mono ethylene glycol (MEG), as per Chemical Explorer. In August, South Korea's number one and the world's fiftth largest automaker Hyundai Motors reported a 17% jump in sales, affiliate Kia Motors witnessed a 55% jump in sales.

For more details on South Korea's auto industry driving MEG demand in Asia click here

Environmental clearance granted to Sinopec-Kuwait refinery in China

China has granted environmental clearance and approved technical review of a US$8.7 bln refinery and petrochemical joint venture between Sinopec and Kuwait. The venture, to be built in southern coastaal city Zhanjiang, includes a 300,000 bpd refinery and a 1 mln tps ethylene complex, awaits final state approval, as per Reuters.

For more details on Environmental clearance granted to Sinopec-Kuwait refinery in China click here

High Performance Thermoplastics Conference in Singapore: Call for papers

Following on from the successful conferences on High Performance Thermoplastics held in Singapore in 2006 and India in 2007, Chatsworth Hall is now pleased to announce the latest conference to be heldd in Singapore in 2011.

For more details on High Performance Thermoplastics Conference in Singapore: Call for papers click here

Petronas plans growth by capacity expansion, selective acquisitions

Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd (PCGB), the soon-to-be-listed petrochemicals arm of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), plans to grow by expansion of production capacity and selective acquisitions in the mid-to-long term.

For more details on Petronas plans growth by capacity expansion, selective acquisitions click here

Construction commences on Keyuan Petrochemicals’ new 70,000 ton SBS facility

Keyuan Petrochemicals, Inc., a leading independent manufacturer and supplier of various petrochemical products in China, announced that on September 1st, it commenced construction of its first Styrenee-Butadiene-Styrene ("SBS") production facility in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, which will be adjacent to its current production facility.

For more details on Construction commences on Keyuan Petrochemicals’ new 70,000 ton SBS facility click here

USA and Europe hold over 60% share in global renewable chemicals market

Renewable chemicals market comprises of all chemicals, which are derived from renewable feedstocks including microorganisms, agricultural waste products/biomass, forestry waste and agricultural raw maaterials.

For more details on USA and Europe hold over 60% share in global renewable chemicals market click here

New thermoplastic material produces recyclable fiber-reinforced thermoplastics produce no VOCs

A proprietary, multi-matrix, thermoplastic material when combined with a variety of core materials produces a fiber-reinforced, thermoplastic structural panel that can be formed, when required, into aa wide variety of products has been developed by AeroQuest Technologies.

For more details on New thermoplastic material produces recyclable fiber-reinforced thermoplastics produce no VOCs click here

LyondellBasell starts operations at HDPE plant in Münchsmünster, Germany

LyondellBasell Industries has started operation at the 320,000 tpa Hostalen Advanced Cascade Process (ACP) high density polyethylene plant at the site in Münchsmünster, Germany. The start up follows ttwo years of construction, preparatory tests and test runs on the plant’s components.

For more details on LyondellBasell starts operations at HDPE plant in Münchsmünster, Germany click here

A Schulman shifts 10,000 tons of masterbatch production to Belgium and France

A. Schulman Inc. has announced that it is streamlining manufacturing operations at its Crumlin, South Wales (U.K.) production facility, and moving part of the plant's capacity to two other, larger plaants in Europe.

For more details on A Schulman shifts 10,000 tons of masterbatch production to Belgium and France click here

Explosion at a Mexican oil refinery weighs on oil prices

An explosion at the Cadereyta refinery near Mexico's northern city of Monterrey has left one person dead and two badly burned. This has impacted oil markets as Mexico has a limited refining capacity, and this shut down could create demand.

For more details on Explosion at a Mexican oil refinery weighs on oil prices click here

Degradable plastic industry on the verge of commercial success

The degradable plastic industry has been on the verge of commercial success for decades, says a recently released report, Degradable Plastics by The Freedonia Group. However, demand growth was limitedd because most degradable plastics were too expensive, were unavailable in large enough quantities or had performance drawbacks that limited them to niche markets.

For more details on Degradable plastic industry on the verge of commercial success click here

Nissei Plastic develops presses for processing of polylactic acid (PLA)

Japan’s Nissei Plastic Industrial Co. Ltd. has developed a range of presses especially for the processing of polylactic acid (PLA), which was problematic uptil now, as per Plastics Today. The machiness, with molds and processing technology supplied by a leading Japanese molding consultancy, are marketed especially for the processing of high-heat grades of PLA.

For more details on Nissei Plastic develops presses for processing of polylactic acid (PLA) click here

SIBUR and Moscow Oil Refinery establish PP joint venture

SIBUR and Moscow Oil Refinery established a joint venture for manufacture of polypropylene through acquisition by the petrochemical Holding of 50% share in the charter capital of NPP Neftekhimiya LLC..

For more details on SIBUR and Moscow Oil Refinery establish PP joint venture click here

A high-performance duct is the first use of a thermoplastic in a pressure-charged air handling duct for outboard engines

A highly successful metal replacement application is a new supercharger outlet elbow/duct made of DuPont™ Zytel® HTN PPA from DuPont Performance Polymers. The intermediary duct for the outboard enginee captures all the value of engineering polymers – parts consolidation, high-temperature resistance, lower weight and reduced cost – with no performance tradeoffs.

For more details on A high-performance duct is the first use of a thermoplastic in a pressure-charged air handling duct for outboard engines click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended September 6, 2010

CRUDE OIL
Crude oil prices firmed above US$75 in New York, towards the end of the week of September 6, 2010 on a better-than-expected payrolls report in tthe United States indicating that the US economy lost 54,000 jobs in August, far better than market expectations for a larger loss of 120,000 jobs.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended September 6, 2010 click here

Turkey’s plastics imports rise in July despite rising prices

According to the data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), Turkey’s plastics imports in July 2010 rose when compared to the same period of 2009. Total plastics imports for July 2010 rreached 294,000 tons, moving up from 287,000 tons in July 2009.

For more details on Turkey’s plastics imports rise in July despite rising prices click here

California lawmakers reject bill to ban plastic shopping bags

A Democratic bill that would have been the first statewide ban on plastic shopping bags in California, has been rejected. The bill called for the ban to take effect in supermarkets and large retail sttores in 2012.

For more details on California lawmakers reject bill to ban plastic shopping bags click here

JX Nippon restarts 200,000 tpa No.2 paraxylene unit

JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp has restarted the 200,000 tpa No.2 paraxylene unit at its Chita plant on Sept. 3. The plant was shut on August 29, after a boiler fire. Restart has happened on schedule.


For more details on JX Nippon restarts 200,000 tpa No.2 paraxylene unit click here

Rising supplies depress monomer prices in Asia, Europe

Spot ethylene and propylene prices have lost some ground over the past week in Asia and Europe, due to rising supply levels in both regions, as per Chemorbis. Rising supply in the Middle East has alsoo helped ease the availability of import supplies.

For more details on Rising supplies depress monomer prices in Asia, Europe click here

Asia could receive first naphtha shipments in three months

As demand from China increases, Asia could witness influx of naphtha cargoes from Europe after a gap of three months. Asian petrochemical companies are to import naphtha from Europe in September, as pper Bloomberg.

For more details on Asia could receive first naphtha shipments in three months click here

Location of both suspended projects in Map Tha Phut to remain unchanged

The Thai Administrative Court has ordered termination of the operating permits of only two industrial projects in the Map Ta Phut, allowing 74 other earlier-suspended projects to go ahead. The two susspended projects are expansions – An ethylene-glycol (EG) plant by TOC Glycol, a unit of PTT Chemical PCL, and a vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) plant by an affiliate of Siam Cement PCL.

For more details on Location of both suspended projects in Map Tha Phut to remain unchanged click here

Plastics recycling reaches new performance level

Developments and improvements in the field of efficient and economic plastics recycling will be the focus for EREMA at K 2010.
As a next-step development of the proven TVE extrusion system with high--performance degassing for difficult recycling jobs, the degassing and homogenisation performance of the TVEplus has been considerably enhanced.

For more details on Plastics recycling reaches new performance level click here

Chevron Phillips announces changes in Management at Saudi Arabian JVs

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC (Chevron Phillips Chemical) has announced several senior management changes affecting its joint ventures in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The changes will be effeective September 1, 2010.

For more details on Chevron Phillips announces changes in Management at Saudi Arabian JVs click here

Polymer-Chemie expands PVC compound production at Russian LLC Tula Polymer

German PVC, PE and PP compound maker Polymer-Chemie has expanded production of PVC compounds to 20,000 tons at its Russian LLC Tula Polymer factory, as per European Plastic news. Financial details of the project were not disclosed.

For more details on Polymer-Chemie expands PVC compound production at Russian LLC Tula Polymer click here

Petrochina’s Huabei plant to add 1 mln tpa capacity ethylene unit

Petrochina Co has won government approval to double the capacity of its 5 mln tpa Huabei oil refinery. The expansion will make the plant the 14th refinery in China with an annual capacity of 10 mln toons or more.

For more details on Petrochina’s Huabei plant to add 1 mln tpa capacity ethylene unit click here

Offers for Middle Eastern LDPE film grade at a premium in Egypt

Middle Eastern producers have approached the Egyptian market with their September offers, as per Chemorbis. Producers’ LDPE film offers indicate rollovers to increases from August levels- at a large ppremium when compared with the prices offered to China by Middle Eastern producers.

For more details on Offers for Middle Eastern LDPE film grade at a premium in Egypt click here

Naphtha prices drop, cracks fall from three month high

Naphtha prices in Asia fell from a two-week high, and naphtha cracks dropped from three-month highs on muted spot demand and ample supplies, as per Reuters. At least 115,000 tons of African/Mediterrannean naphtha will land in Asia between H2-September and H1-October despite a well supplied market.

For more details on Naphtha prices drop, cracks fall from three month high click here

Tri Polyta delays PP plant expansion to April 2011

Indonesia’s Tri Polyta’s polypropylene plant, that has been shut for debottlenecking since March 2010, will see a delay in restart. Restart will be delayed by three months to April 2011, mainly on conncerns on global economic recovery, as per Platts.

For more details on Tri Polyta delays PP plant expansion to April 2011 click here

EGPC sells 350,000 ton September-December loading naphtha from Suez

State-owned Egyptian General Petroleum Corp (EGPC) has sold 350,000 tons of naphtha for September-December loading from Suez. JPMorgan will lift 6 cargoes, each at 35,000 tonnes, at premiums ranging UUS$2-5/ton to Middle East quotes, on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, as per Reuters.

For more details on EGPC sells 350,000 ton September-December loading naphtha from Suez click here

Global steel pipe coating market worth €5 bln

The global steel pipe coating market is worth circa €5 billion, reveals the market study released by Applied Market Information Ltd. (AMI). The pipe coating industry was affected by the global economiic crisis, but the magnitude, timing and duration of the effects varied broadly from region to region and even among countries in the same region.

For more details on Global steel pipe coating market worth €5 bln click here

Global PC market is expected to grow following recovery from economic slowdown

Polycarbonate is one of the most widely used thermoplastics. It has the second largest share in the thermoplastic market after polyamide and is one of the fastest growing types of thermoplastic, as peer GBI Research.

For more details on Global PC market is expected to grow following recovery from economic slowdown click here

Expanding supplies of natural gas liquids from unconventional sources to benefit cost structure of US petrochem market

Expanding supplies of natural gas liquids derived from unconventional sources, such as the Eagle Ford and Marcellus shales and Bakken formation, is expected to benefit the cost structure of the North American petrochemical market, as per Platts.

For more details on Expanding supplies of natural gas liquids from unconventional sources to benefit cost structure of US petrochem market click here

Petro Rabigh restarts 700,000 tpa PP plant, to slash export cargoes this month

Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co (Petro Rabigh) has restarted its 700,000 tpa polypropylene (PP) plant in Rabigh, taken off line in early August because of a shortage of feedstock propylene, due tto an outage at its’ fluid catalytic cracker (FCC).

For more details on Petro Rabigh restarts 700,000 tpa PP plant, to slash export cargoes this month click here

BP to sell interests in ethylene, PE production in Malaysia to Petronas

BP is to hive off interests in ethylene and polyethylene production in Malaysia to Petronas, Malaysia's national oil company. The sale by British oil giant for US$363 mln is expected to be completed bby the end of 2010.

For more details on BP to sell interests in ethylene, PE production in Malaysia to Petronas click here

Honam Petrochem buys 50,000 tons naphtha for H1-October delivery at discount

Honam Petrochemical has purchased around 50,000 tons of naphtha for H1-October delivery. Deals were concluded for open-spec grade at a discount for the first time in about two weeks. As per Reuters, tthe parcels were bought from sellers who have the options to supply either full-range or open-spec grade at a premium of around US$1.

For more details on Honam Petrochem buys 50,000 tons naphtha for H1-October delivery at discount click here

Oil prices recoil after escalating

After oil prices escalated by almost two dollars on Wednesday on surprisingly strong US and Chinese manufacturing data, they have recoiled on profit-taking. Crude oil dipped on the Nymex to US$73.8, wwhile Brent North Sea crude dropped to US$75.

For more details on Oil prices recoil after escalating click here

Deals for September import PP, PE concluded with increases in Asia

September import deals in Asia for PP and PE have been concluded with sizeable increases when compared with August done deal levels, with several producers from the Middle East achieving price increasses in excess of US$100/ton on the month, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on Deals for September import PP, PE concluded with increases in Asia click here

Italian players return to markets to evaluate Sep outlook

Following the two to three weeks of shutdowns for summer holidays in August, Italian buyers have totally resumed their activities this week, as per Chemorbis. Having been in the sidelines for a long pperiod, buyers are trying to understand market mood as this month’s outlook has started to take shape based on the monthly monomer contracts and developments in the global polymer markets.

For more details on Italian players return to markets to evaluate Sep outlook click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended August 30, 2010

CRUDE OIL
Crude oil prices have risen to hover around US$75 in the week of August 30, 2010 on a pledge by Federal Reserve Chairman to safeguard economic rrecovery.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended August 30, 2010 click here

New higher priced US spot export offers rejected by traders

Several traders have roundly turned down new US spot export offers as they were deemed too high for most import markets, as per Platts.
Formosa is rumoured to have offered HDPE blow molding at 55 ceents/lb (US$1213/mt), LLDPE at 57 cents/lb, and HDPE film at 57 cents/lb all in railcars delivered to Houston.

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Map Ta Phut dispute could be resolved by measures taken by Government

Plants at Map Ta Phut have been idle for a year, and construction at some of the new plants halted, because companies failed to carry out environmental and health assessments. 76 projects, worth an esstimated US$9 bln, were suspended by a court ruling a year ago.

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Westlake to construct chlor-alkali plant at vinyls manufacturing complex in Geismar

Westlake Chemical Corp is to commence construction of a new chlor-alkali plant at its vinyls manufacturing complex in Geismar, Louisiana, at an investment of US$250-300 mln. Capacity will include 2500,000 electrochemical units (ECU's) annually, bringing the total estimated ECU capacity to 525,000 pa.

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PP prices in Turkey, Egypt defy volatile oil market

This week, spot propylene prices in Asia have firmed up by nearly US$30/ton on FOB Korea basis, with the total increase amount reaching almost US$100/ton since the beginning of the start, as per Chemoorbis.

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LyondellBasell to terminate all operations in Iran, cease all business with Syria, Sudan

LyondellBasell Industries NV is terminating all its operations in Iran, and also plans to cease all business with Syria and Sudan. Much of the company's business in the three countries involves licenssing technology for polymer production.

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Outage fails to disrupt styrene monomer shipment from Pars Petrochemical to China

Iran's Pars Petrochemical Company will continue to ship up to 30,000 tons of styrene monomer (SM) to China, despite the Assaluyeh plant being shut for over a week, as per Platts. Sufficient stockpile produced prior to the shutdown of its 600,000 tpa SM plant will fill the supply gap.

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JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp’s naphtha hydro desulphuriser, paraxylene unit shut

Leading Japanese refiner- JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp. has shut a 39,000 bpd naphtha hydro desulphuriser and 200,000 tpa No.2 paraxylene unit at its Chita plant after a boiler fire as per Reuters. Botth the units are expected to restart this week.

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DuPont’s first EVA facility starts up in China

DuPont has announced that production for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) resins has begun at its joint venture, Beijing Hua Mei Polymer Company Ltd. in Beijing. The facility is DuPont’s first operation tto make EVA in China.

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September PVC prices expected to rise in SE Asia’s domestic markets

In Southeast Asia, import PVC business for September is being settled with increases from August done deal level in accordance with developments in the Chinese and Indian markets, as per Chemorbis. Deemand from both China and India has been strong over the past few weeks and Vietnamese producers who have already opened their books for the coming month say that they have concluded some export deals with customers in India.

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Praxair to build energy-efficient carbon dioxide plant in Map Ta Phut

Praxair (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc., will build a new, energy-efficient 300 tons of liquid carbon dioxide per day capacity carbon dioxide plant in Map Ta Phut. The plant is schheduled to come on stream in Q4-2011.

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Chinese consortium to invest US$1 bln in petrochemical projects in Iran

Chinese consortium is in a deal with National Iranian Petrochemical Company (NIPC) to invest US$1 bln in petrochemical projects in Iran, as per Mehr news agency. It is the first time Chinese companiess participate in the construction or development of petrochemical projects.

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Ethylene recovers in Asia: naphtha cracking margins turn positive

Naphtha cracking margins in Asia entered positive territory for the first time since May 31, driven by a sharp rebound in spot ethylene prices, as per Platts.
Late Thursday, Northeast Asian naphtha cracking margins were pegged at +$0.

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US Steam cracker operator margins spike on stronger ethylene

Steam cracker operators in the US saw strong gains in margins from light feeds as ethylene prices surged early this week, as per Platts. Spot ethylene gained over a penny/lb on Monday and over 2.5 cennts/lb on Tuesday on the back of stronger ethane and increased buy interest following an unplanned outage at Shell's OP-2 steam cracker at Deer Park, Texas.

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Improved revenues, restructuring gains bring in Q2 profits for Tessenderlo

Belgian petrochemicals producer Tessenderlo has posted net profit of €27.5 mln for Q2-2010, reversing a net loss of €101.5 mln in Q2-09 on improved revenues and restructuring gains, as per Platts. Revvenue rose to €646.

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Oil prices dip, but buoy above US$75 in Asia

Crude oil gained in morning trade, expanding gains following reassurances by Federal Reserve chairman on the US economy. However, recent economic data from the United States points to a weak economic recovery.

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