Kureha Corp unveils new polyglycolic acid plant at Belle

Kureha Corp has inaugurated and opened it's new polyglycolic acid (PGA) plant in the Kanawha Valley built at an outlay of US$150 mln. The plant is located on DuPont's property in Belle.
Also known ass polyglycolide, PGA resin is a biodegradable, thermoplastic polymer used to produce specialty plastics.

For more details on Kureha Corp unveils new polyglycolic acid plant at Belle click here

CPC restart No. 5 steam cracker at 85-90% run rates

Following a restart over the weekend, Taiwan's state-owned CPC is running its No. 5 naphtha-fed steam cracker in Kaohsiung at around 85-90% of capacity, as per Platts. The cracker, with capacity to prroduce 500,000 tpa of ethylene and 250,000 tpa of propylene, was shut August 10 for a scheduled turnaround.

For more details on CPC restart No. 5 steam cracker at 85-90% run rates click here

Jacobs wins EPCM contract for chlorine plant from Sadra Chemical

US based Jacobs Engineering Group has won EPCM contract from Sadara Chemical Co., a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Dow. Jacobs will provide engineering, procurement, construction, and managemeent services for Sadra’s US$20 bln chlorine plant located on the petrochemical complex in Jubail Industrial City, as per US-Saudi Arabian Business Council.

For more details on Jacobs wins EPCM contract for chlorine plant from Sadra Chemical click here

TCI Sanmar kicks off Phase 2 of Egpytian PVC project

After successful completion in Q4-2010 of Phase-1 of its new PVC complex in Port Said, Egypt, TCI Sanmar Chemical has kicked off the next phase, as per Plasteurope. The group plans to set up a captivee ethylene plant to feed the PVC line by mid-2013.

For more details on TCI Sanmar kicks off Phase 2 of Egpytian PVC project click here

LyondellBasell to shut France refinery, to focus resources on petrochemical operations at the site

LyondellBasell Industries has announced plans to shut its French refinery, and will begin talks to cease operations after its offer to sell the 105,000 bpd operation failed to attract any buyers.
It will focus its resources on petrochemical operations at the site, which include polypropylene and polyethylene plants.

For more details on LyondellBasell to shut France refinery, to focus resources on petrochemical operations at the site click here

Huntsman to invest US$40 mln in technology centre at Shanghai

Huntsman Corporation announced that it will invest approximately US$40 mln to build a new Asia Pacific Regional Technology Center (ATC) in Shanghai’s Minhang Economic & Technological Development Zone,, to support the rapidly growing demand for world-class technology and innovation from customers across the Asia Pacific region.

For more details on Huntsman to invest US$40 mln in technology centre at Shanghai click here

Import PVC prices plunge to 2011 low in SEA

Import PVC prices are moving lower for the fourth consecutive week in Southeast Asia as persistently weak demand along with tumbling upstream costs pushed sellers into agreeing to further reductions oon their October prices per the plastics pricing service ChemOrbis.

For more details on Import PVC prices plunge to 2011 low in SEA click here

Styrene prices tumble down in Asia and Europe

Styrene costs indicate decreases since the beginning of September both in Asia and Europe, in line with declining upstream costs as per the plastics pricing service ChemOrbis. Meanwhile, the largest ppart of these decreases occurred last week.

For more details on Styrene prices tumble down in Asia and Europe click here

Turkish LDPE falls, nears par with HDPE

Turkey’s domestic producer Petkim lowered their LDPE prices for the second time in September this week, bringing the company’s new LDPE prices close to par with their HDPE prices, which have not been changed since August 1 as per the plastics pricing service ChemOrbis.

For more details on Turkish LDPE falls, nears par with HDPE click here

Polymer based window darkens to save air conditioning in summer, returns to crystal clarity in winter

A new polymer based smart window system has the unprecedented ability to inexpensively change from summer to winter modes, darkening to save air conditioning costs on scorching days and returning to ccrystal clarity in the winter to capture free heat from the sun, scientists are reporting.

For more details on Polymer based window darkens to save air conditioning in summer, returns to crystal clarity in winter click here

Coca-Cola-Eco Plastics JV to recycle plastic bottles in Great Britain

Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd (CCE) and ECO Plastics have formed a pioneering joint venture - a first for the UK recycling and beverage industries, the new business will be known as Continuum Recycling Liimited.

For more details on Coca-Cola-Eco Plastics JV to recycle plastic bottles in Great Britain click here

Sasol, Uzbekneftegaz, Petronas agree to install gas-to-liquids (GTL) project in Uzbekistan

South Africa-based petrochemicals group Sasol Ltd. along with its partners Uzbekneftegaz and Malaysia’s Petronas, has agreed to install a gas-to-liquids (GTL) project in Uzbekistan, signing an invesstment deal with the country’s Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade.

For more details on Sasol, Uzbekneftegaz, Petronas agree to install gas-to-liquids (GTL) project in Uzbekistan click here

August ethylene output rises in Japan

Ethylene production in August 2011 rose by 1.9% year on year and 8.2% month on month, in Japan to 612,400 tons. This is the first increase in two months as reported by the Japan Petrochemical Industryy Association.

For more details on August ethylene output rises in Japan click here

Formosa restarts 700,000 tpa No. 1 naphtha cracker at 65% capacity

Formosa Petrochemical Corp has restarted operations at its 700,000 tpa No. 1 naphtha cracker at 65% capacity. The cracker has been shut down since a fire on May 12, as per Reuters. It will a matter off a less than a week that the cracker will start running at full tilt.

For more details on Formosa restarts 700,000 tpa No. 1 naphtha cracker at 65% capacity click here

Federal Reserve announces stimulus plan, oil falls, dollar strengthens

The US Federal Reserve unveiled a stimulus plan seeking to lower lending rates and spur economic growth with a US$400 bln program to sell short-term Treasury bills and buy long-term debt . However, annalysts feel the paln falls short of 2010’s US$600 bln bond-buying program that ended this year.

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Environment Dept proposes blanket ban on all plastic carry bags and covers in Delhi

Delhi government’s ban on the use, sale and storage of plastic bags in 2009 shows signs of failure two years on, mainly due to the shoddy implementation. This has prompted the environment department tto propose a blanket ban on all plastic carry bags and covers, including manufacture and import of plastic bags into the city.

For more details on Environment Dept proposes blanket ban on all plastic carry bags and covers in Delhi click here

Lanxess plans to produce world’s firs bio-based EPDM

LANXESS is strengthening its commitment to produce premium synthetic rubbers from bio-based raw materials. The German specialty chemicals company aims to commercially produce ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) from bio-based ethylene by the end of the year.

For more details on Lanxess plans to produce world’s firs bio-based EPDM click here

Second price cut by Sinopec for East, South China butadiene

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) has reduced by 4%, ex-works prices for butadiene in East and South China for the second time in September by Yuan 1,000/mt (US$157/mt) to Yuan 26,000/mt, effeective Wednesday, as per Platts.

For more details on Second price cut by Sinopec for East, South China butadiene click here

All eyes towards US Federal Reserve meeting-oil hovers around US$87

As the market awaits results of a US Federal Reserve meeting for possible stimulus measures to spur economic growth, oil prices lingered at US$87. Benchmark oil for October delivery dipped to US$86.766 on the Nymex, while in London, Brent crude for November delivery rose to US$110.

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Barito Pacific sells 7.13% stake in CAP to Thai’s SCG

PT Barito Pacific Tbk (BRPT) has sold 7.13% of its stake in Chandra Asri Petrochemical (CAP) to SCG Chemicals Co., Ltd. (SCG), along with Apleton Investment Ltd (a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings) thatt has released its 22.

For more details on Barito Pacific sells 7.13% stake in CAP to Thai’s SCG click here

SK Engineering & Construction Co awarded contract to build 1.35 bln tpa ethylene plant in Egypt

South Korea's SK Engineering & Construction Co. (SK E&C) has secured a US$3.5 bln contract to build a petrochemical plant in Egypt. The agreement has been made with Egypt private company Carbon Holdinng- a JV between SK E&C and U.

For more details on SK Engineering & Construction Co awarded contract to build 1.35 bln tpa ethylene plant in Egypt click here

Williams to expand ethylene production capacity at Geismar

Williams’ Board of Directors has approved an expansion of its Geismar olefins production facility. The expansion will increase the facility's ethylene production capacity by 600 mln lbs pa to annual ccapacity of 1.

For more details on Williams to expand ethylene production capacity at Geismar click here

Indorama to move into European recycling, to acquire Wellman International's Recycling and Fiber Business

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, the world’s leading vertically integrated Polyester Value Chain producer, has signed an agreement to acquire Wellman International’s recycling business in Eurrope from AURELIUS AG, to pursue customers’ sustainability needs and meet the demands of consumers for more recycling of post consumer products.

For more details on Indorama to move into European recycling, to acquire Wellman International's Recycling and Fiber Business click here

Sellers start to pronounce fresh October import PVC prices to China

Sellers started to pronounce fresh October import PVC prices to China, in line with the previous market expectations focused on lower levels due to the weak demand, as per ChemOrbis. For the past two weeks, September PVC deals in China have been indicating a decreasing trend in line with consistently thin demand amidst softening feedstock costs.

For more details on Sellers start to pronounce fresh October import PVC prices to China click here

Asian toluene prices supported by limited supplies due to turnarounds

Toluene prices in Asia have been supported by limited supplies due to turnarounds at major players. South Korea's Honam Petrochemical will shut its 120,000 tpa Daesan toluene unit from October 10 to NNovember 8 for a planned turnaround, as per Platts.

For more details on Asian toluene prices supported by limited supplies due to turnarounds click here

Benzene discount to toluene in Asia widens to 30 month low

Asian benzene's discount to toluene sank widened to a 30 month low on Tuesday morning, with the spread pegged at -US$44/mt, lower than on the previous day by US$17/mt, as per Platts. On March 25, 20099, the discount was assessed at -$62.

For more details on Benzene discount to toluene in Asia widens to 30 month low click here

Hanwha Chemical calls off plan to buy Indonesian chemical producer Sulfindo Adiusaha

South Korea's Hanwha Chemical has decided to abandon a plan to buy Indonesian chemical producer Sulfindo Adiusaha, in a potential US$700 million deal, as per Reuters. The potential deal was suspended either due to differences of opinion or pricing issue.

For more details on Hanwha Chemical calls off plan to buy Indonesian chemical producer Sulfindo Adiusaha click here

Thai SCC to acquire 30% stake in Indonesia's Chandra Asri as part of SE Asian expansion

Thai SCC is to acquire a 30% stake in Indonesia's Chandra Asri Petrochemical Tbk (CAP) for 13.5 billion baht (US$442 million) as part of its Southeast Asian expansion drive, as per Reuters. Siam's whoolly-owned unit, SCG Chemicals Co Ltd, has signed agreements to acquire 218.

For more details on Thai SCC to acquire 30% stake in Indonesia's Chandra Asri as part of SE Asian expansion click here

Formosa’s new chairman to stress on safety measures

Newly appointed chairman Chen Bao-lang of Formosa Petrochemical Corp. (FPC) held a series of meetings with senior executives on improving the administrative system and plants of Formosa Plastics Groupp (FPG) in Yunlin County, as per a report published on The China Post.

For more details on Formosa’s new chairman to stress on safety measures click here

S&P downgrades Italy’s sovereign debt rating: crude dips on the Nymex

Oil prices were mixed in Asian trade after Standard & Poor's downgrade of Italy's sovereign debt rating, which raised nervousness in the market. The US credit ratings firm cut Italy's sovereign debt rrating to "A/A-1" from a "A+/A-1+", because of weak economic growth and high government debt levels.

For more details on S&P downgrades Italy’s sovereign debt rating: crude dips on the Nymex click here

Saudi ethylene and propylene capacities to reach 16.52 mln tpa and 6.55 mln tpa by 2015

As compared with 2010, Saudi Arabia’s total PE capacity will rise 20% to 8.86 mln tpa, PP capacity will rise 11%, and PS, PET and PVC capacities will remain unchanged, as per Business Monitor Internattional's (BMI) Saudi Arabia Petrochemicals Report (Q4-2011).

For more details on Saudi ethylene and propylene capacities to reach 16.52 mln tpa and 6.55 mln tpa by 2015 click here

Polymers that fluoresce help detection of bacterial infection

Polymers that fluoresce in the presence of bacteria have been developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield. This will pave the way for the rapid detection and assessment of wound infectionn using ultra-violet light.

For more details on Polymers that fluoresce help detection of bacterial infection click here

PET prices in Asia continue to climb on firmer feedstocks

Spot PET in Asia has posted four consecutive weeks of rising prices even as most other polymer prices in the region have declined, as per ChemOrbis. Sources attribute the steady rise in PET prices to firmer feedstock costs and the resultant margin pressure on producers.

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No clear evidence that exposure to bisphenol A is related to the risk of diabetes

A study has revealed that it finds no clear evidence that people's exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is related to their risk of diabetes, as per Reuters Health.
In a study of 3,400 Chinese adults age 440 and up, researchers found no clear connection between people's urinary levels of bisphenol A and their odds of having diabetes.

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Market awaits restart of Formosa’s No. 1 700,000 tpa naphtha cracker

Formosa Petrochemical Corp has not restarted its 700,000 tpa No. 1 naphtha cracker as expected, likely due to ongoing repair work, as per Reuters. This is contrary to the expectation of many players tthat the cracker, shut on May 12 after a fire hit a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline, will restart over the weekend.

For more details on Market awaits restart of Formosa’s No. 1 700,000 tpa naphtha cracker click here

Despite falling naphtha prices, naphtha cracks rise to three week highs in Asia

Naphtha prices in Asia dropped to a two-session low on Monday due to lower Brent crude prices, but cracks hovered around a three-week high on persistent healthy demand on the back of tighter supplies,, as per Reuters.

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BPCL mulls investment in Mozambique LNG project and petrochemical complex at Kochi

India’s state-owned BPCL plans to invest US$400 mln for a 10% stake in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Mozambique, as well as invest US$1.3 bln in a greenfield petrochemicals complex, adjaccent to its Kochi refinery.

For more details on BPCL mulls investment in Mozambique LNG project and petrochemical complex at Kochi click here

Ethylene leak that shut a portion of a Texas highway under control

Targa Resources storage and shipment center in Mont Belvieu, Texas reported an ethylene leak. As a result, this led to temporary closure of a one-mile-long stretch of Texas Highway 146 for about an hoour.

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Matrix, Marubeni buy naphtha for Q3 from BPCL at premiums of US$20

Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) has sold a total of 210,000 tons of naphtha for third-quarter lifting from Mumbai to Matrix and Marubeni at premiums of US$19.50-$20.50/ton to Middle East quotes on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, as per Reuters.

For more details on Matrix, Marubeni buy naphtha for Q3 from BPCL at premiums of US$20 click here

Oil plunges below US$87 in Asia

Asian crude oil prices plunged below US$87 a barrel with investors' worries about the debt crisis in the Eurozone fueling a stronger U.S. dollar. The euro has weakened this month amid growing fears thhat a possible debt default in Greece could trigger similar moves in Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Spain as well as a banking crisis.

For more details on Oil plunges below US$87 in Asia click here

BPCL to invest Rs 40,000 crore to venture into niche petrochemical

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) is planning to invest Rs 40,000 crores to venture into the niche petrochemical segment. With this, India's second biggest oil marketing company will diversify iits business portfolio and de-risk its business model, as per a DNA report.

For more details on BPCL to invest Rs 40,000 crore to venture into niche petrochemical click here

Wison Engg to further expand petrochemical, coal to chemical, refining engineering services with new office at Jakarta

Wison Engineering Ltd. has officially opened the doors to its brand new overseas representative office in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is the company's second office in Southeast Asia, following the launch of its subsidiary in Singapore.

For more details on Wison Engg to further expand petrochemical, coal to chemical, refining engineering services with new office at Jakarta click here

Graham awarded US$4.3 mln orders for 3 surface condensers

Graham Corporation has been awarded orders for three steam surface condensers, two for the Chinese market and one for the U.S. market, totaling US$4.3 mln. The company is a global designer and manufaccturer of critical equipment for the oil refining, petrochemical and power industries, including the supply of components and raw materials to nuclear power plants.

For more details on Graham awarded US$4.3 mln orders for 3 surface condensers click here

PKN Orlen aims to expand value chain in petrochemicals, mulls downstream PET production

Polish oil group PKN Orlen is aiming to expand its value chain in petrochemicals still further and is considering heading downstream into PET polymer production, as per European Plastics News staff. EEarlier this year, Plock-based Orlen launched a €1 bln industrial complex in Wloclawek, Poland, producing the key PET polymer feedstock terephthalic acid (PTA) and paraxylene (PX).

For more details on PKN Orlen aims to expand value chain in petrochemicals, mulls downstream PET production click here

Naphtha prices in Asia peak to its highest in a week on Friday

Asia's naphtha price was around its highest in a week on Friday and cracks were at a three-week high as demand steadied amid tighter supplies due to a persistent lack of European imports.
South Koreea's Honam Petrochemical was seen seeking volumes for H2 October arrival, a day after LG Chem, Samsung Total and Japanese Idemitsu having bought up to a total of 125,000 tons for the same arrival period at premiums of US$4-8/ton to Japan spot quotes on a cost-and-freight (C&F) basis.

For more details on Naphtha prices in Asia peak to its highest in a week on Friday click here

Foster Wheeler subsidiary awarded EPCm contract by Sasol for Utilities Expansion Project

Subsidiary of Foster Wheeler AG's Global Engineering and Construction Group has been awarded a contract by Sasol Chemical Industries Ltd to provide engineering, procurement and construction managementt (EPCm) services for the Sasolburg Utilities Expansion Project at Sasolburg, South Africa.

For more details on Foster Wheeler subsidiary awarded EPCm contract by Sasol for Utilities Expansion Project click here

Egypt faces tightness in HDPE b/m, HDPE injection and GPPS markets

In Egypt, players in the local PE and PS markets have been suffering from a pocket of tightness for despite overall slow demand, as per ChemOrbis. The products facing supply issues are HDPE injection,, HDPE blow moulding and GPPS injection.

For more details on Egypt faces tightness in HDPE b/m, HDPE injection and GPPS markets click here

First batch of ethylene from China arrives in Taiwan

In a move that will help it cope with an ongoing ethylene supply shortage, Taiwan's state-owned oil refiner CPC Corp has imported its first batch of ethylene from mainland China, as per CNA. The 6 weeek annual maintenance and repair shutdown started on Aug.

For more details on First batch of ethylene from China arrives in Taiwan click here

2-3 week time lag in restart of Shanghai Secco's SM, ACN units

Shanghai Secco Petrochemical's styrene monomer (SM) and acrylonitrile (ACN) plants could take an additional two to three weeks to restart after they were shut September 8, as per Platts. The company sshut all its production units following a fire at a tank farm, and force majeure was declared on SM and ACN supply.

For more details on 2-3 week time lag in restart of Shanghai Secco's SM, ACN units click here

LUKOIL to invest US$3 bln in petrochemical complex in Stavropol Territory

Russia's largest oil company LUKOIL plans to start construction of a petrochemical complex in Stavropol Territory in October, as per Russia 24, at an investment outlay of US$$3 bln.
As per a 112 billlion rubles construction deal inked by LUKOIL and the Stavropol Territory in Q3- 2009, the complex will be built in Budyonnovsk, with initial production scheduled to launch in 2015-2016.

For more details on LUKOIL to invest US$3 bln in petrochemical complex in Stavropol Territory click here

Polymer imports get dearer in India as rupee weakens vs dollar

The Indian Rupee has seen sharp declines vs the US dollar over the past 5-6 weeks. From a high of 43.855 vs the dollar on August 1, the rupee has weakened to 48.1258, as per Platts. This 7-9% depreciaation in the currency has contributed to rising costs of polymer imports.

For more details on Polymer imports get dearer in India as rupee weakens vs dollar click here

PTTMCC Biochem agrees with BioAmber for construction of Thai polybutylene succinate plant

PTTMCC Biochem (PTTMCC), a joint venture between PTT PLC and Mitsubishi Chemical, has selected BioAmber Inc. as its partner for a polybutylene succinate (PBS) plant that will begin construction in Thaailand in 2012.

For more details on PTTMCC Biochem agrees with BioAmber for construction of Thai polybutylene succinate plant click here

Leading Indian rigid plastic packaging company to invest in two plants in India and one in Dubai

Moldtek Packaging Ltd., leading Indian rigid plastic packaging company, has finalized expansion plans, at an investment outlay of Rs 40 crore (approx US$9 mln). The plans include:
* Two new manufactuuring facilities in India by 2012: one in Pune with an initial capacity of 3,000 tpa to be expanded to 4,000 tpa.

For more details on Leading Indian rigid plastic packaging company to invest in two plants in India and one in Dubai click here

Mitsubishi Polyster’s US$20 mln upgradation at South Carolina to increase capacity

Officials at Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc. have initiated another major capital upgrade at its location in Greer, South Carolina. The US$20 mln project will increase capacity as well as provide enhaanced capability to produce innovative new products.

For more details on Mitsubishi Polyster’s US$20 mln upgradation at South Carolina to increase capacity click here

Innovation in sustainable packaging: a bottle made of plastic collected from ocean garbage

Leading innovator in premium, eco-conscious household and personal care products, Method, has unveiled its latest innovation in sustainable packaging - a bottle made of plastic collected from the Nortth Pacific Gyre, often referred to as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

For more details on Innovation in sustainable packaging: a bottle made of plastic collected from ocean garbage click here

Turkey’s domestic producer Petkim offering LDPE and homo-PP at prices close to par

Turkey’s domestic producer Petkim is currently offering LDPE and homo-PP at prices close to par after the company’s PP prices had traded with a large premium above LDPE from late June to mid-August, aas per ChemOrbis.

For more details on Turkey’s domestic producer Petkim offering LDPE and homo-PP at prices close to par click here

A recycling technology turns food waste into plastic

A recycling technology that turns plant based waste such as orange peel or coffee grounds into a plastic, has been developed by Prof James Clark of the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the Univversity of York and his team.

For more details on A recycling technology turns food waste into plastic click here

Oil prices slide on lower consumer spending and growing stock reserves in USA

World oil prices dropped followed by reports of lower consumer spending in USA and pile up in US oil inventory. Americans spending was less on autos, clothing and furniture last month, according to a report from the Commerce Department.

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Invicta to launch sustainable packaging products based on low carbon polymer

Leicester based injection moulder, Invicta Plastics' plans to launch shortly, products made from a low carbon polymer material, are expected to impact the sustainable packaging market. The products arre made from Cardia biohybrid resin that can reduce a product's carbon footprint by up to 50%, as per PRW.

For more details on Invicta to launch sustainable packaging products based on low carbon polymer click here

Approval of plastic bags ban, fee on paper bags in Santa Cruz awaits second hearing for final decision

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to ban the use of plastic bags and place a 10-cent fee on paper bags that will increase to 25 cents after the ban is in effect for one year.

For more details on Approval of plastic bags ban, fee on paper bags in Santa Cruz awaits second hearing for final decision click here

Enerkem inks offtake agreement with Methanex Corp to produce methanol in Alberta

Enerkem Inc., a waste-to-biofuels and chemicals company, announced that it has entered into an offtake agreement with Methanex Corporation for the sale of methanol to be produced at Enerkem's facilityy in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

For more details on Enerkem inks offtake agreement with Methanex Corp to produce methanol in Alberta click here

Softening signals in Asia for October PVC business

Producers and traders throughout Asia generally concur with the idea that overall PVC sentiment is not so strong, as per ChemOrbis. This has already found reflection on the region’s local markets inclluding China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, where decreases have been reported so far this month, albeit not in large amounts.

For more details on Softening signals in Asia for October PVC business click here

Suit filed against ExxonMobil for violating Texas Clean Air Act

Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan has filed suit against ExxonMobil Chemical Co., alleging that ExxonMobil has violated the Texas Clean Air Act. As per ourhoustonnews.com, the suit alleges that unauthhorized discharge of more than 50 tons of propylene, which occurred between April 12 and June 2, was discovered by ExxonMobil on June 2, but the company failed to report the event until June 9.

For more details on Suit filed against ExxonMobil for violating Texas Clean Air Act click here

Plastic recycling systems offer high quality, reduced CO2 emissions, power consumption and production costs

Thanks to the high-quality processing of plastic waste, people who use EREMA plastic recycling systems have already been able to make a valuable contribution to sustainability. Since the beginning of last year, EREMA's customers have not only had the benefit of high recycled pellet quality, they have also been able to considerably reduce CO2 emissions, power consumption and, as a result, production costs through ecoSAVE® technology.

For more details on Plastic recycling systems offer high quality, reduced CO2 emissions, power consumption and production costs click here

Polyethylene (PE) film extrusion industry in Europe

As expected with recession hitting Europe in 2008, the Polyethylene (PE) film extrusion industry took a downturn, as per AMI. Between 2007 and 2009, PE film production fell by 1 mln tons. About half oof this lost volume was recovered during 2010 and the industry continues to make steady progress in 2011.

For more details on Polyethylene (PE) film extrusion industry in Europe click here

Formosa Plastics to restart LLDPE unit amid feedstock shortage

Taiwan's Formosa Plastics is to restart its 260,000 tpa linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) unit in Mailiao by end of the week, as per Platts. The plant has been restarted to meet domestic demand,, but how long the plant will run remains unclear.

For more details on Formosa Plastics to restart LLDPE unit amid feedstock shortage click here

New additives offer a productivity boost to pharmaceutical packaging converters

Pharmaceutical packaging converters can take advantage of a new range of sector-dedicated MEVOPUR® additives from Clariant to boost their productivity and cost-efficiency, with the assurance of regulaatory compliant ingredients.

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Permanent shutdown of PP assets and wind-up of operations of Phillips Sumika Polypropylene Co

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP (Chevron Phillips Chemical) can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Sumika Polymers America Corporation, a wholly-owned affiliate of Sumitomo Chemical Company, Ltd.

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Songwon completes expansion of polymer antioxidant plant, introduces two enhanced grades

Songwon Industrial Group has announced that the expansion of its antioxidant capacity from 55,000 to 70,000 tons has been completed ahead of time. This is the result of the consolidation of Songnox® 11076 production into Songwon’s new fully backward integrated Maeam plant.

For more details on Songwon completes expansion of polymer antioxidant plant, introduces two enhanced grades click here

Iran's first petrochemical park to be operational by February 2013

Iran‘s first petrochemical park is to be launched in Jam Petrochemical Complex in cooperation with Excenz Company of France, by the end of current Iranian year (started March 2012), with start up of a 100,000 tpa butane-1 unit that has been 90% completed.

For more details on Iran's first petrochemical park to be operational by February 2013 click here

Will firm propylene costs and shutdowns prevent large drops in Asian PP?

In China, import PP offers have been largely following a stable to slightly softer trend this week despite higher propylene costs, which indicate a US$15/ton increase on week over week, and pulled thee theoretical import PP production cost above the current import PP offers to China, as per ChemOrbis.

For more details on Will firm propylene costs and shutdowns prevent large drops in Asian PP? click here

Oman Refineries and Petrochemicals Co. awards contract for solvent deasphalting unit at Sohar Refinery

Foster Wheeler AG’s Global Engineering and Construction Group, through a collaborative agreement with Honeywell's UOP, was recently awarded a contract by Oman Refineries and Petrochemicals Co. (Orpic)).

For more details on Oman Refineries and Petrochemicals Co. awards contract for solvent deasphalting unit at Sohar Refinery click here

BASF breaks ground at world class plastic additives facility in Bahrain

BASF broke ground at a site at Bahrain International Investment Park where it will construct a world class multi-million dollar plastic additives facility. The new BASF facility, a modern, world-scalee production plant for customer specific antioxidant blends (CSB) in the Middle East, is expected to come on stream in 2012.

For more details on BASF breaks ground at world class plastic additives facility in Bahrain click here

US$962 million in contracts to bolster security build up in Houston

Houston metropolitan region has received nearly US$962 mln in contracts to bolster local law enforcement, aid hurricane victims and protect the cornerstones of the local economy, as per chron.com. Amoong the biggest beneficiaries, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis, are the 52-mile Houston Ship Channel and Bush Intercontinental Airport.

For more details on US$962 million in contracts to bolster security build up in Houston click here

Cheaper lithium batteries without compromise on performance made from a new polymer gel

A new type of polymer gel that can be used to manufacture cheaper lithium batteries without compromising performance has been invented University of Leeds scientists. The technology, developed by Proffessor Ian Ward FRS, a Research Professor of Physics, has been licensed to the American company Polystor Energy Corporation, which is conducting trials to commercialise cells for portable consumer electronics.

For more details on Cheaper lithium batteries without compromise on performance made from a new polymer gel click here

September PP, PE prices announced by Middle Eastern producers to Egypt

Post a one month long Ramadan holiday, Middle Eastern producers have started to offer their new September PP and PE prices to Egypt, as per ChemOrbis. New offers indicate stable to softer levels for PPE when compared to August, while the PP market saw regional producers follow mostly a stable to firmer pricing policy.

For more details on September PP, PE prices announced by Middle Eastern producers to Egypt click here

Oil prices end previous week on a low note amid economic concerns

Last week saw oil prices take a plunge along with stock markets, on deepening concerns about the health economies in Europe and USA.
A lukewarm reaction was seen in the New York futures market to USS President Obama's proposed jobs plan as the market is doubtful about how many jobs will actually be created and what the Congress will ultimately pass.

For more details on Oil prices end previous week on a low note amid economic concerns click here

Strict controls on new petrochemical projects around Bohai Bay

The government plans to strictly control new petrochemical projects around Bohai Bay, as per CNTV.cn as it strives to cut pollution in and around the bay to ensure protection of the marine environmentt and life near the shore.

For more details on Strict controls on new petrochemical projects around Bohai Bay click here

Fire at Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Co extinguished after 10 hours

It took ten hours to extinguish a fire at Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Co in the city's Jinshan District, caused when a section of a pipeline transporting ethylene exploded. Cause of the fire is curreently under investigation.

For more details on Fire at Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Co extinguished after 10 hours click here

Gulf Petrochem to expand in Asia with a trading and bunkering desk in Singapore

UAE based trader Gulf Petrochem is looking to expand into the Asian market by end 2011, with the setting up of a trading and bunkering desk in Singapore, as per Reuters. At a time when economic gloom continues to encompass Europe and USA, strong demand for oil continues in Asia.

For more details on Gulf Petrochem to expand in Asia with a trading and bunkering desk in Singapore click here

Oil rises after Obama’s US$447 bln jobs plan and amid supply fears due to Tropical Storm Nate

Oil spiked as investors look forward to the rise in demand for fuel after President Barack Obama’s US$447 bln job-creation plan, and as Tropical Storm Nate, close to becoming a hurricane, nears the Guulf of Mexico.

For more details on Oil rises after Obama’s US$447 bln jobs plan and amid supply fears due to Tropical Storm Nate click here

Healthy demand for HDPE injection and blow moulding grades reported in SE Asia

Players in Southeast Asia report that demand for HDPE injection and blow moulding has been healthy this week despite disappointing demand for other PE products, as per ChemOrbis. Comparatively strong demand for HDPE injection and blow moulding was attributed to tight supplies within the region.

For more details on Healthy demand for HDPE injection and blow moulding grades reported in SE Asia click here

Sipchem postpones shutdown of its VAM plant to Q4

Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) has delayed shutdown plans for its 330,000 metric tpa vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) plant in Jubail, as per Platts. As per original plans, the companyy had scheduled to shut the plant for 15-20 days in August or September to replace the plant catalyst, and then postponed the shutdown to September or October.

For more details on Sipchem postpones shutdown of its VAM plant to Q4 click here

Fiat approves Borealis and Borouge’s high-performance materials for bumper and dashboard innovations

The new generation Lancia Ypsilon is the latest high-style vehicle model from Fiat Group to embrace bumper and dashboard material innovations from Borealis and Borouge, to support its drive for high qquality across its vehicle ranges.

For more details on Fiat approves Borealis and Borouge’s high-performance materials for bumper and dashboard innovations click here

Technology improves energy efficiency of household refrigerators by up to 10%

Dow Polyurethanes, in cooperation with Cannon SpA, will officially launch PASCAL™ Technology.

PASCAL™, a new polyurethane foam insulation technology that improves energy efficiency of refrigeratorrs and freezers by up to 10%, was first featured in household refrigerators and freezers by Haier and is now commercially available to appliance manufacturers.

For more details on Technology improves energy efficiency of household refrigerators by up to 10% click here

European Union continues as world leader in chemical production, despite pressure from new markets

Traditionally, the European chemicals industry is the world leader in chemical production.
More recently, this role has come under pressure, mainly through the emergence of new markets in Asia and thhe development of new petrochemical sites in the Middle East.

For more details on European Union continues as world leader in chemical production, despite pressure from new markets click here

Fujian Meide selects Honeywell’s UOP’s Oleflex™ technology for propylene production in China

UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, announced that Fujian Meide Petrochemical Co. Ltd. has selected it to provide key technology to help meet the growing Chinese demand for propylene.
The new propane dehyddrogenation unit at the facility will use UOP’s C3 Oleflex ™ technology to produce propylene, a material used in the production of materials such as films and packaging.

For more details on Fujian Meide selects Honeywell’s UOP’s Oleflex™ technology for propylene production in China click here

PVC and TPU based jacketing compounds provide resistance to aggressive environment

Two jacketing compounds based on blends of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) provide outstanding resistance to the aggressive end-use conditions often encountered by industtrial cables have been introduced by Teknor Apex Company.

For more details on PVC and TPU based jacketing compounds provide resistance to aggressive environment click here

Operations at Total Petrochemicals’ 232,000 bpd Port Arthur refinery reach normal rates

Operations at Total Petrochemicals USA’s 232,000 bpd oil refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, has reached normal rates following an operational upset earlier in the day at its sulfur recovery area, as per Dow Jones.

For more details on Operations at Total Petrochemicals’ 232,000 bpd Port Arthur refinery reach normal rates click here

INEOS licenses Innovene PP process to Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group Co. Ltd.

INEOS Technologies has licensed its Innovene PP process for the manufacture of polypropylene homopolymers, random copolymers and impact copolymers to the Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group Company Limited iin Ningxia, China.

For more details on INEOS licenses Innovene PP process to Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group Co. Ltd. click here

As Formosa prepares to restart, another fire breaks out at Mailiao petrochemical complex

A fire, the eight this year, broke out at a refinery on Tuesday at Formosa Plastics Group (FPG)’s Mailiao petrochemical complex, that was put out in about 20 minutes, without affecting any manufacturiing equipment, inflicting no harm to any person and posing no other threats.

For more details on As Formosa prepares to restart, another fire breaks out at Mailiao petrochemical complex click here

Thai IRPC to shut all plants for major maintenance for 40 days from mid-November

Thailand's IRPC Pcl plans to shut all of its plants for major maintenance for 40 days from mid-November to late December, as per Reuters. The company operates Southeast Asia's biggest integrated petroochemical complex, and schedules a major shutdown for maintenance every three years.

For more details on Thai IRPC to shut all plants for major maintenance for 40 days from mid-November click here

Indorama Ventures sees improved demand for spot PET in SE Asia in September

Despite operating its plants in Indonesia, Thailand and China at 100% capacities, Thailand's Indorama Ventures (IVL) has sold out spot polyethylene terephtalate for September, as per Platts. IVL capaccities include a 180,000 tpa plant in Lopburi, Thailand; a 86,400 tpa plant in Tangerang, Indonesia; and a 276,000 tpa plant in Guangdong, China.

For more details on Indorama Ventures sees improved demand for spot PET in SE Asia in September click here

Global markets seeing lower offers for American PVC

Several major global markets have been seeing lower offers for American PVC recently, mainly attributed to globally thin buying interest towards fresh, long distance import cargoes, as per ChemOrbis. PVC buyers from China managed to purchase US origin cargoes with weekly decreases of US$20-30/ton on CFR Chinas basis this week.

For more details on Global markets seeing lower offers for American PVC click here

NOVA Chemicals announces three agreements which support the revamp of Corunna cracker

NOVA Chemicals has entered into three core agreements which support the revamp of its Corunna cracker to utilize up to 100% NGL feedstock. The first one is a transportation service agreement with Sunooco Pipeline L.

For more details on NOVA Chemicals announces three agreements which support the revamp of Corunna cracker click here

Sentiment cools off in Italy's polymer markets

Based on players' reports, there has not been much buying activity in Italy's polymer markets following last month's long summer holidays, as per ChemOrbis. As opposed to sellers' earlier expectationss of relatively better demand in the post-holiday period, buyers avoid committing to new purchases which has led to a stagnant atmosphere in the polymer markets including PP, PVC, PE and PS this month.

For more details on Sentiment cools off in Italy's polymer markets click here

Thai SCC keen to invest US$1.1 bln to acquire stake in Indonesian petrochemical companies

Thailand's top industrial conglomerate, Siam Cement Pcl confirmed an interest in buying stakes in two petrochemical companies in Indonesia worth a combined estimated US$1.1 bln (S$1.3 bln). Other detaails have not yet been disclosed, as per Reuters.

For more details on Thai SCC keen to invest US$1.1 bln to acquire stake in Indonesian petrochemical companies click here

Naphtha prices at 2 week low, cracks fall to a 3 week low in Asia

Naphtha prices in Asia dipped to a 2 week low on Tuesday and cracks fell to a three-week low. However, timespreads stayed unchanged due to limited spot deals, as per Reuters. Naphtha spot deals have bbeen thin due to the annual Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) event in Singapore, that ends late this week.

For more details on Naphtha prices at 2 week low, cracks fall to a 3 week low in Asia click here

Daimler and BASF join forces to pioneer vehicle project for holistic electric mobility

Daimler and BASF have developed a new concept vehicle that combines both companies' ideas for holistic electric mobility. The resulting vehicle is the smart forvision, which has been developed with a special emphasis on energy efficiency, temperature management and lightweight design.

For more details on Daimler and BASF join forces to pioneer vehicle project for holistic electric mobility click here

Pipeline industry grows with the need for increased security

Pipeline operators are renewing and repairing existing pipes and laying new pipelines to secure energy and water supplies across the world. There are also new applications upcoming including carbon diioxide sequestering.

For more details on Pipeline industry grows with the need for increased security click here

New polymer research could boost probiotics industry

A protective delivery vehicle that shuttles friendly bacteria safely through the stomach to the intestines could provide a major boost for the probiotics industry. The new technology could also be useed for the delivery of certain drugs and even increase calcium absorption, according to research presented at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn Conference at the University of York this week.

For more details on New polymer research could boost probiotics industry click here

Shutdowns at Formosa Petrochemical affect sales, revenues of affiliates

Formosa Petrochemical Corp has reported the largest drop in monthly revenue among the Formosa Plastics Group's four core companies, as per stock exchange filing. August revenues fell 56.8% sequentiallly to NT$33.

For more details on Shutdowns at Formosa Petrochemical affect sales, revenues of affiliates click here

Crude oil down on weakening global economic data

Crude oil prices in New York dropped by over two dollars, hit by weak economic data in the US, fears about Eurozone debt crisis and a slowdown in China. US light crude plunged to US$84, while Brent crrude shed over US$1.

For more details on Crude oil down on weakening global economic data click here

Technip awarded FEED contract by Laffan Refinery for Phase 2 expansion

The QatarGas-operated Laffan Refinery Company Limited has awarded a lump sum Front End Engineering Design (FEED) Contract for the Refinery's Phase 2 expansion to Technip. Phase 2 will increase the cuurrent refinery capacity to enable Qatar to meet all of its Naphtha, Diesel, LPG and Kerojet requirements.

For more details on Technip awarded FEED contract by Laffan Refinery for Phase 2 expansion click here

Eastman acquires plasticizer maker Scandiflex to expand in Latin America

Eastman Chemical Company announced acquisition of Scandiflex do Brasil S.A. Indústrias Químicas, a manufacturer of plasticizers located in Mauá, São Paulo, Brazil. The acquired Scandiflex plasticizer business and manufacturing capabilities are now part of Eastman's Performance Chemicals and Intermediates (PCI) segment.

For more details on Eastman acquires plasticizer maker Scandiflex to expand in Latin America click here

Petrochem giants evaluate locations in Appalachian to build world-scale ethylene cracker

Several corporate giants are evaluating locations in Appalachian region to build a world-scale ethylene cracker chemical plant.
In June, Shell Chemical announced plans to construct a plant to processs ethane from Marcellus natural gas to produce ethylene.

For more details on Petrochem giants evaluate locations in Appalachian to build world-scale ethylene cracker click here

Formosa Plastics Group not considering investment in Gulei Development Zone, China

Taiwan-based Formosa Plastics Group (FPG) is not considering investing in a petrochemical venture in the Gulei Development Zone in southern China's Fujian Province, as per CNA.
As per president of ggroup subsidiary Formosa Chemicals and Fibre Corp.

For more details on Formosa Plastics Group not considering investment in Gulei Development Zone, China click here

INEOS licenses Innovene PP Process to Shaanxi Yanchang

INEOS Technologies has licensed its Innovene PP Process to the Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum Yanan Energy and Chemical Company Limited in Shaanxi, China. The Innovene PP Process has been licensed for thee manufacture of homopolymers, random copolymers and impact copolymers.

For more details on INEOS licenses Innovene PP Process to Shaanxi Yanchang click here

September PVC prices stable to softer in SE Asia, spot VCM prices moving lower

In Southeast Asia, more local PVC prices for September were announced with rollovers to decreases this week led by a Vietnamese producer who pioneered lower September prices late last month, as per ChhemOrbis.

For more details on September PVC prices stable to softer in SE Asia, spot VCM prices moving lower click here

Rollover to price increases on the cards for PE and PP buyers in Europe

Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) buyers in Europe are faced with announcements of rollovers or price increases for September, following decreases in ethylene and propylene monthly monomer conttracts, as per ICIS.

For more details on Rollover to price increases on the cards for PE and PP buyers in Europe click here

Iran plans to set up JVs with Asia petchem companies for projects at Chabahar

The Iranian government is in talks with investors from Asia to set up petrochemical joint ventures in the southeastern port city of Chabahar, as per Platts. Chabahar is planned to be developed by the Iran government similar to the Pars special economic zone in Assaluyeh, whereby methanol, urea and olefins projects will be set up in association with foreign partners.

For more details on Iran plans to set up JVs with Asia petchem companies for projects at Chabahar click here

Indian Oil Corp sells 64,000 tons of naphtha for loading in September

Indian Oil Corp. has sold 64,000 tons of naphtha for loading in September, as per unidentified traders in Bloomberg. An offer to sell 35,000 tons of naphtha for loading in September from the port of DDahej was cancelled by IOC.

For more details on Indian Oil Corp sells 64,000 tons of naphtha for loading in September click here

Firm paraxylene in Asia propels isomer MX-naphtha spread to 52 month high

The Asian isomer-grade mixed xylenes-naphtha spread spiked to a 52 month high of US$391.12/mt at the end of last week, while isomer-MX prices surged to a 37 week high of US$1365/mt FOB Korea on strongg downstream paraxylene, as per Platts.

For more details on Firm paraxylene in Asia propels isomer MX-naphtha spread to 52 month high click here

CNOOC plans to reopen 800,000 tpa aromatics unit at Huizhou refinery in November

China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) plans to reopen an 800,000 tpa aromatics unit at its Huizhou refinery in November. The refinery was shut after a fire broke out on July 11 due to explosions caaused by a pump leak, and will be reopened after a planned maintenance in October, as per Reuters.

For more details on CNOOC plans to reopen 800,000 tpa aromatics unit at Huizhou refinery in November click here

Dismal US jobs data raises concerns that the country is heading back into recession- oil dips

Job data from USA reported the worst performance since September 2010, leading to a drop in crude oil futures amid a weakening euro vs the dollar as European stock markets slid on growing fears that tthe US is heading back into recession.

For more details on Dismal US jobs data raises concerns that the country is heading back into recession- oil dips click here

Taiwan’s Ministry mulls changes in overseas investment policy: may lift naphtha investment ban

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is mulling a change in its existing overseas investment policy. A ban on Taiwanese companies investing in the naphtha-cracking sector in China may be lifted, bbut with some stipulations.

For more details on Taiwan’s Ministry mulls changes in overseas investment policy: may lift naphtha investment ban click here

Sumitomo, Mitsubishi start planned maintenance work at naphtha cracker

Japan's Sumitomo Chemical Co has started maintenance work as planned on Thursday at its sole naphtha cracker in Chiba, as per Reuters. Maintenance work on the cracker, with ethylene production capacitty of 380,000 tpa, is due for completion on Oct.

For more details on Sumitomo, Mitsubishi start planned maintenance work at naphtha cracker click here

Softer ethylene casts shadow on PE hike targets in Europe

Though the monthly ethylene contract settled with €5/ton decreases, some major European producers including Dow Europe, Ineos and Sabic have talked of price hike intentions upto €50/ton, as per ChemOrrbis.

For more details on Softer ethylene casts shadow on PE hike targets in Europe click here

Eco-friendly polymer-based 'nano intumescent', can be utilised as flame retardants in children wear

New flame retardant coating developed with water-based ingredients is much less toxic to humans than the so-called ‘halogenated’ or ‘brominated’ flame retardants used in the past, and they are more ennvironmentally friendly.

For more details on Eco-friendly polymer-based 'nano intumescent', can be utilised as flame retardants in children wear click here

BioAmber’s first North American biosuccinic acid plant to be located in Sarnia, Canada

BioAmber Inc., through its subsidiary Bluewater Biochemicals has selected Sarnia, Ontario, Canada as the location for its first North American biosuccinic acid plant. The Sarnia plant will have an iniitial capacity of 17,000 MT and will be commissioned in 2013.

For more details on BioAmber’s first North American biosuccinic acid plant to be located in Sarnia, Canada click here

Mexico’s ALFA completes acquisition of Wellman’s PET Resin business

ALFA, S.A.B. de C.V. (ALFA) subsidiary DAK Americas, LLC has completed the acquisition of the PET Resins business of Wellman, Inc. The acquisition is expected to bring DAK’s total PET resin productionn capacity to more than 4.

For more details on Mexico’s ALFA completes acquisition of Wellman’s PET Resin business click here

Markets in Asia react to the news that Formosa may lift force majeure on supplies soon

Gasoline cracks in Asia fell from over two-year highs on Thursday to reach a two-session low, on news that Taiwan's Formosa Petrochemical Corp may be able to lift force majeure on supplies soon if prooduction rises smoothly, as per Reuters.

For more details on Markets in Asia react to the news that Formosa may lift force majeure on supplies soon click here

BP and Reliance Industries commence strategic alliance for India

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and BP have announced the completion of BP's acquisition of a 30% stake in 21 oil and gas production sharing contracts (PSCs) that Reliance operates in India, includiing the producing KG D6 block.

For more details on BP and Reliance Industries commence strategic alliance for India click here

Formosa to restart two crude distillation units at Mailiao refiner

Formosa Petrochemical Corp. plans to restart the No 2 180,000 bpd crude distillation units at its Mailiao refinery. It's No. 3 CDU is scheduled to resume operations on Sept. 3.
Formosa plans to briing all of its CDUs online within about two weeks and then process around 400,000 bpd, or 74.

For more details on Formosa to restart two crude distillation units at Mailiao refiner click here

Sinopec Group, Fujian government, Taiwan consortium ink framework agreement to build US$4.5 bln petrochemical complex in Fujian

Sinopec Group, the Fujian provincial government and a Taiwan consortium have signed a framework agreement to build a US$4.5 bln petrochemical complex in Fujian, as per Reuters. The complex, to be locaated in Gulei of Zhangzhou city, has been initially designed to have crude refining capacity of 16 mln tps (320,000 bpd) and ethylene production capacity of 1.

For more details on Sinopec Group, Fujian government, Taiwan consortium ink framework agreement to build US$4.5 bln petrochemical complex in Fujian click here

Turkey's July polymer imports down from June levels

As per data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), Turkey's plastics imports in July 2011 were down from June levels, but up from levels seen in July 2010, as per ChemOrbis. The countryy imported 316,000 tons of plastics in July, which represents a decrease of 32,000 tons from June levels, falling to the lowest figure since the start of 2011.

For more details on Turkey's July polymer imports down from June levels click here

Mills for masterbatch production easily and efficiently handle all main polymers without special cooling with liquid nitrogen

Clariant Masterbatches is a major producer of masterbatches, with a strong reputation in safety and process excellence. Grinding equipment from leading producer Pallmann provides important assistance in this task.

For more details on Mills for masterbatch production easily and efficiently handle all main polymers without special cooling with liquid nitrogen click here

US$16 bln petrochemical plant planned in Nigeria to be executed by indigenous companies

A petrochemical plant being planned in Nigeria at an investment of US$16billion comprises construction of 1.3 mln tpa polypropylene and polyethylene plant to be built by Xenel in collaboration with NNNPC and others.

For more details on US$16 bln petrochemical plant planned in Nigeria to be executed by indigenous companies click here

September PP outlook changes direction in Italy

Following 2-3 weeks of shutdown for summer holidays in August, Italian buyers have been gradually resuming their activities this week, as per ChemOrbis. After August PP business was mostly wrapped up with rollovers from July, the September PP outlook has started to be shaped by the monthly propylene contracts, which were settled at the end of last week.

For more details on September PP outlook changes direction in Italy click here

Gloves with impressive cut protection do not compromise on light weight or comfort

The latest Dyneema® Diamond Technology – a fiber innovation, is allowing DSM Dyneema’s licensed partners to develop gloves with impressive cut protection, yet without compromising on light weight or ccomfort.

For more details on Gloves with impressive cut protection do not compromise on light weight or comfort click here

India’s first school made with composite materials

August 2011 saw the opening of India’s first school made with composite materials from DSM. The school, situated in the village of Kusgaon, Pune, is a demonstration of DSM’s commitment to using its brright science in both Life Sciences and Materials Sciences to create brighter lives today and for generations to come.

For more details on India’s first school made with composite materials click here

Evonik to raise global output by 50,000 tons through debottlenecking and plant expansion

Evonik Industries, one of the leading suppliers of methacrylate chemistry, is increasing the production capabilities of its Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) plants throughout the world to meet the rising demmand.

For more details on Evonik to raise global output by 50,000 tons through debottlenecking and plant expansion click here

Power outage in Hungary forces petrochem maker TVK to shut down production at al facilities

A brief power outage in Hungary's 120 kV electrical grid forced petrochemical company TVK, a unit of Hungarian oil and gas company MOL, to shut down production at all its production facilities on Mondday, as per bbj.

For more details on Power outage in Hungary forces petrochem maker TVK to shut down production at al facilities click here

September propylene contracts expected to be flat to higher in September

US propylene prices are expected to be flat to higher in September after recent nominations announced by producer amid tight supply, as per Platts. Sources told Platts that at least two producers hadd announced pricing for September.

For more details on September propylene contracts expected to be flat to higher in September click here

Satorp shortlists three banks to arrange a sukuk to finance Jubail refinery complex

Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Co. (Satorp) has selected three banks to arrange a planned Islamic bond (sukuk) issue to help it finance a large refinery complex at Jubail, as per the Saaudi Gazette.

For more details on Satorp shortlists three banks to arrange a sukuk to finance Jubail refinery complex click here

PTT Chemical keen to acquire stake in Chandra Asri, Indonesia's largest petrochemical firm

Thailand’s PTT Chemical is keen to acquire Temasek 23% stake in Chandra Asri, Indonesia's largest petrochemical firm. This acquisition will give PTT more room for growth, as Thailand has limited opporrtunities in the gas-based petrochemical industry, according to CIMB Securities in the nation.

For more details on PTT Chemical keen to acquire stake in Chandra Asri, Indonesia's largest petrochemical firm click here

US ethylene margins lifted by higher ethylene spot prices and softer production costs

Lifted by higher ethylene spot prices and softer production costs margins, ethylene margins in USA rose by 2.7% this week, as per ICIS. Ethylene margins were at 34.27 cents/lb (US$756/ton) for the weeek ended 26 August, using ethane as a feedstock.

For more details on US ethylene margins lifted by higher ethylene spot prices and softer production costs click here

Siam Cement Group keen to acquire Temasek Holdings' 23% stake in PT Chandra Asri

Siam Cement Group (SCG) has confirmed its interest in acquiring Temasek Holdings' 23% stake in PT Chandra Asri, Indonesia's sole cracker for US$400 ml, as per Bangkokpost. SCG and PTT Plc, Thailand's energy flagship, are reportedly among potential buyers of Temasek Holdings' 23% stake in PT Chandra Asri, Indonesia's sole cracker.

For more details on Siam Cement Group keen to acquire Temasek Holdings' 23% stake in PT Chandra Asri click here

Fire at Dalian Petrochemical extinguished with no injuries

A fire that broke out on Monday at PetroChina subsidiary Dalian Petrochemical, has been brought under control and extinguished, with no reports of injuries. Cause of the fire that occurred in a dieseel tank containing 800 tons is under investigation.

For more details on Fire at Dalian Petrochemical extinguished with no injuries click here

Mitsubishi Chemical Corp shuts No 2 naphtha cracker at Kashima for scheduled maintenance

Japan's Mitsubishi Chemical Corp has shut the No. 2 naphtha cracker at its Kashima plant as scheduled for planned maintenance, as per Reuters.

For more details on Mitsubishi Chemical Corp shuts No 2 naphtha cracker at Kashima for scheduled maintenance click here

Siemens to supply core compressor train for China PDH unit

Siemens Energy has received an order from China for the supply of two gas-turbine-driven axial-flow compressors trains for the first propane dehydrogenation (PDH) project in China. The purchaser is Tiianjin Bohai Chemical Industry Group Co.

For more details on Siemens to supply core compressor train for China PDH unit click here

Oil improves on increased US spending and merger between two Greek banks

July saw consumer spending in the US rise at its fastest pace in five months- calming worries that the world's top oil consumer is once again headed towards recession. Brent October crude inched up too settle at US$112.

For more details on Oil improves on increased US spending and merger between two Greek banks click here