WorleyParsons awarded US$200 mln contract for refinery and petrochem project in Ecuador

Australian engineering and services company WorleyParsons has been awarded a US$200 mln contract for project management consultancy at the US$12 bln Refineria del Pacifico refinery and petrochemicals project in Ecuador, as per Platts.

For more details on WorleyParsons awarded US$200 mln contract for refinery and petrochem project in Ecuador click here

PTA, polyester market balance in China key to restoring confidence

Price stability and an equilibrium between supply and demand are key to restore confidence in the Chinese purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and polyester industry, as per market participants in Platts..

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Mediterranean PVC markets see higher offers out of the US

Recently, several major Mediterranean markets have been seeing higher import offers for American PVC, as per ChemOrbis. This is being attributed to rising export PVC prices from the US and greater buyying interest from PVC buyers in Southeast Asia and India, following the news of Tosoh’s shutdown at its VCM plant in Japan, which has prompted speculation that VCM and PVC supply might tighten in the region.

For more details on Mediterranean PVC markets see higher offers out of the US click here

Naphtha/Gasoline cracks in Asia at highest level in the month

Naphtha cracks in Asia have peaked to their highest level in a month but weak fundamentals kept the physical timespreads at parity. Traders continue to struggle with a lack of clear direction, as futuure Chinese petrochemical demand remained unclear to most, as per Reuters.

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Idemitsu Kosan plans scheduled maintenance on two naphtha crackers at Tokuyama in 2012

Idemitsu Kosan Co plans to conduct scheduled maintenance on its two naphtha crackers at its Tokuyama plant in September 2012, as per Reuters. The duration of the shutdown has not been set but it will likely be a little less than two months.

For more details on Idemitsu Kosan plans scheduled maintenance on two naphtha crackers at Tokuyama in 2012 click here

Further dip in European polyethylene contract prices follows spot prices

European polyethylene contract prices for November fell further this week as converters tried to narrow the gap between contract and spot prices, as per Platts. However, net contract prices are still higher than spot material available.

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Softer domestic PP, PE prices put pressure on imports to China

Domestic PP and PE prices are tracking a softening trend inside China as the Chinese economy shows signs of cooling down, while overseas demand remains discouraging and confidence in the global econommic outlook weakens, as per ChemOrbis.

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Polyethylene imports in China fall in October, rise on year

China’s polyethylene imports rose for the year. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) witnessed the sharpest gains of 47.6%, according to data released by the Customs Service. As reported by Platts, China iimported 122,827 tons of LDPE in October, up 39,635 tons over the same period last year.

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Shell on verge of commercializing phosgene-free feedstock link-up with polycarbonate major

Shell is on the verge of commercialising a technology for the production of diphenyl carbonate (DPC) as a feedstock for the production of polycarbonate, as per theengineer.co.uk. Over recent years, Shhell has been in talks with major manufacturers of the engineering polymer, for whom DPC offers a potential replacement to phosgene - a highly toxic feedstock precursor.

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SABIC’s new US based PP compounding operation opened to meet rising automotive OEM demand

SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business celebrated a major milestone with the official opening of its specialty polypropylene (PP) compounding operation at its Bay St. Louis, Mississippi manufacturing siite.

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BP, IOC ink MOU for 50:50 JV in Gujarat

UK-based British Petroleum (BP) and Indian Oil Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to set up a 50:50 joint venture for a 1 mln tpa acetic plant in Gujarat. The plant will come up with associated gassification facilities for production of synthesis gas.

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ONGC sells second December loading cargo from Hazira at marginally higher premiums

Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd (ONGC) has sold a second cargo for December loading from Hazira at marginally higher premiums, as per Reuters. ONGC sold the 35,000 tons for Dec. 17-18 loading at premiums oof US$17-18/ton to Middle East quotes on a free-on-board (FOB) basis.

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Chang Chun Petrochemical Group to budget NT$50 bln in massive overseas expansion

Chang Chun Petrochemical Group will budget NT$50 billion in massive overseas expansion, including setting up new plants in Singapore, Changshu, Jiangsu province and Panjin, Liaoning province, China, aas per CENS.

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US sanctions unlikely to impact Iran’s petrochemical sales to Europe

The fresh sanctions on Iran’s petrochemical sector will not stop it selling to European markets but would push up global market prices and generate more export revenues, as per Fars news agency.
"(SSanctions) will certainly lead to an increase in the price of petrochemical products in the global markets and it might unwillingly be a significant contribution to our foreign exchange revenues because Iran will never lose its target markets," Deputy Oil Minister Abdolhossein Bayat told Fars.

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Fall in Q3-2010 petrochemical production in Taiwan

Taiwan's petrochemical production value totaled NT$462.8 billion during Q3 according to a report by Industry and Technology Intelligence Services (ITIS), under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA)..

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Oil prices fall on Europe's persistent debt problems, weaker US economic growth, fresh sanctions against Iran

Oil prices fell hover near US$96 on Europe's persistent debt problems, weaker economic growth in USA and fresh sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program.
Benchmark crude on the Nymex for Januarry delivery dipped to US$96 after rising to US$98 in New York on Tuesday.

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Formosa Petrochemical plans 80% run rates in Dec-Jan at three Mailiao steam crackers

Taiwan's Formosa Petrochemical plans to operate its three naphtha-fed steam crackers at Mailiao at about 80% of their capacities in December and January, as per Platts. The runs were reduced to 80% frrom 100% at the end of October due to poor downstream derivative demand and production margins.

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Perstorp, PTT Global Chemical plan JV to serve polyurethane industry

Specialty Chemicals company Perstorp and PTT Global Chemical plan to launch a joint venture dedicated to the manufacturing and sales of aromatic (TDI) and aliphatic (IPDI, HDI & derivates) isocyanatess; serving the polyurethane industry.

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Downward correction in styrene leaves European PS producers without support

The earlier gains in European spot styrene prices had caused sentiment in Italy’s PS market to firm up last week, with several European PS sellers voicing hike targets for December, as per ChemOrbis. An earlier jump of around US$150/ton (€112/ton with the recent parity) in spot styrene prices compared to the early November level had encouraged PS sellers to attempt to pull the market out of a three-month long bearish trend last week.

For more details on Downward correction in styrene leaves European PS producers without support click here

CP Chem restarting Sweeny olefins complex after power and steam outage

Restart of ChevronPhillips Chemicals’ ethylene production at its olefins complex in Sweeny, Texas, is underway. The complex was shut following a power and steam outage overnight, as per Platts. It is unclear how many crackers were in restart mode.

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Naphtha price in Asia rebounds from 11 month lows, cracks surge by 22%

Naphtha price in Asia rebounded from an 11-month low to reach a two-session high on Tuesday, while cracks surged by about 22% to a three-week high, as per Reuters. However, current levels still signall a frail market, as Japanese inventories continue at a very high level.

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Pune gets its first road made from plastic waste

The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) recently repaired half a km of the road outside Hutchings High School by integrating plastic with tar known as polymer-modified bitumen, thus making good use of discardded plastic and preventing further damage to the environment.

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Amerind Petroleum to relocate US refinery, to set up INR 12,000 crore refinery complex at PCPIR near Vizag

Amerind Petroleum Pvt. Ltd. has inked an MOU with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish an INR 12,000 crore refinery complex near Visakhapatnam in the PCPIR, BL reported. The company plans to rellocate an existing US refinery.

For more details on Amerind Petroleum to relocate US refinery, to set up INR 12,000 crore refinery complex at PCPIR near Vizag click here

Idemitsu Kosan naphtha cracker runs at 60% on unplanned shutdown at Tosoh

Idemitsu Kosan Co. is running its 623,000 tpa Tokuyama naphtha cracker at an operating rate of 60% after an unplanned shutdown at a customer, ICIS reported. Idemitsu supplies ethylene feedstock to Tossoh Corp.

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Strong demand propels YNCC's Q3 net profit by 79%

Yeochun Naphtha Cracking Center (YNCC)’s Q3 net profit surged 78.7% year-on-year to Won 129 bln (US$112.6 mln) due to solid demand for its products, as per Platts. YNCC is South Korea's largest produccer of ethylene.

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Global spot VCM prices firm on plant issues in Japan, Mexico

Spot VCM prices firmed in Europe, Asia and USA over the past week as some production issues in Japan and Mexico led to greater VCM demand from Asian and Mexican buyers, spurring demand for spot VCM, aas per ChemOrbis.

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New measures announced by USA, Canada, Britain to increase economic pressures against Iran

New measures have been announced by USA, Canada and Britain to increase economic pressures against Iran as international concerns grow in context to nuclear weapon development there. The Internationall Atomic Energy Agency released a report citing intelligence about Iranian efforts to develop technology needed to build nuclear weapons.

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Naphtha in Asia at its lowest in about 11 months

Naphtha price in Asia was at its lowest in about 11 months on weaker Brent crude, as limited spot buying interest from Japan and Taiwan continued to put pressure on cracks and timespreads, as per Reutters.

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Naphtha spot prices likely to remain unchanged in Asia this week

Naphtha spot prices are likely to move sideways in Asia this week amid weak demand, ample supply from Indian refiners and negative petrochemical margins, as per ICIS. Japan and Taiwan are not buying aany spot naphtha, only South Korean cracker operators s are making small purchases.

For more details on Naphtha spot prices likely to remain unchanged in Asia this week click here

Mediterranean markets see more European LDPE, lower Turkish offers

Mediterranean PE markets including Turkey and Egypt started to welcome more European LDPE offers following the Eid holiday due to the approaching holidays in Europe. The approaching holiday season in Europe contribute to the already slow demand in the region, triggered by concerns regarding the region’s debt crisis, as per ChemOrbis.

For more details on Mediterranean markets see more European LDPE, lower Turkish offers click here

Polymer exports from Thailand hampered by port congestion, production issues

Polymer exports from Thailand have been hampered by congestion of Main port at Bangkok as a result of the recent floods that hit the country, as well as production issues, as per Platts.
Bangkok's maain port has been shut after the devastating floods that hit the country in October.

For more details on Polymer exports from Thailand hampered by port congestion, production issues click here

SMA boosts thermal performance of ABS

Because XIRAN® SMA has a high glass transition temperature, it is able to significantly boost performance and value of various virgin and recycled resins, particularly acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

For more details on SMA boosts thermal performance of ABS click here

Shell to announce location of its much-anticipated ethane cracker in January 2012

Shell Chemicals will announce the location of its much-anticipated ethane cracker in January 2012. The company set that timeline at the Developing Unconventional Gas East Conference and Exhibition in Pittsburgh, according to a Nov.

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Construction commences on Sinopec-KPC joint petrochemical complex in Guangdong

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) and Kuwait Petroleum Corp have embarked upon construction of their 59 billion yuan (US$9.3 bln) joint refining and petrochemical complex in the southern Chineese province of Guangdong, as per Reuters.

For more details on Construction commences on Sinopec-KPC joint petrochemical complex in Guangdong click here

NWE polypropylene prices continue to dip on oversupply, low demand

Contract and spot prices for polypropylene in Northwest Europe continued on their downward spiral this week, due to an inventory overhang and low demand, as per Platts.
Gross contract values for Noveember consolidated at Eur 1255-1260/mt FD NWE for homo injection and Eur1305-1310/mt for copolymers.

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Showa Denko plans maintenance at Oita naphtha cracker in March 2012

Showa Denko K.K. has plans to shutter its 200,000 tpa naphtha cracker at Oita for 45 days starting in mid or late March 2012, for planned maintenance.

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Tosoh plans maintenance shutdown at 527,000 tpa naphtha cracker for Q1-2012

Tosoh Corp plans to shut its sole 527,000 tpa naphtha cracker for scheduled maintenance for about 4 weeks from mid-March to mid-April, as per Reuters.
Its fire-hit No.2 vinyl chloride monomer plant at the Nanyo complex is under inspection from the police and the fire department.

For more details on Tosoh plans maintenance shutdown at 527,000 tpa naphtha cracker for Q1-2012 click here

PVC import prices firming in SE Asia, trend yet to appear in China

Import PVC prices in Southeast Asia have firmed up over the past two weeks as prices at the lower end of the range have disappeared and producers have started to nominate their offers and sell ideas ffor December with increases from November, as per ChemOrbis.

For more details on PVC import prices firming in SE Asia, trend yet to appear in China click here

Titan Chemicals’ steam crackers unlikely to be shut for turnarounds in 2012

Malaysia's Titan Chemicals has decided that it will not be taking its two naphtha-fed steam crackers at Pasir Gudang down for maintenance in 2012, as per Platts.
Its No. 1 cracker, with capacity to produce 260,000 tpa ethylene and 160,000 tpa propylene, went through a 4 week maintenance shutdown from June 26-July 23 this year.

For more details on Titan Chemicals’ steam crackers unlikely to be shut for turnarounds in 2012 click here

Looming holidays dampen demand in Italy’s polymer markets

Trading activity in recent days has fallen in Italy’s polymer markets as the looming end-year holidays, imminent winter season, as well as the recent political and financial turmoil in the country dammpened demand, which had already been slow for some time due to buyers’ expectations of further price cuts, as per ChemOrbis.

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World's largest methanol supplier to shut down plant in Egypt due to political unrest

Canada's Methanex Corp, the world's largest methanol supplier, said it will shut down its plant in Egypt due to political unrest in the country, as per Reuters. The Egyptian facility started commerciaal operations in March.

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Natural gas liquid production in USA to increase over 40% by 2016

US gas plant natural gas liquids (NGL) production is expected to increase more than 40% over the next five years, as per a joint market study from BENTEK Energy and Turner, Mason & Company (TM&C). Thee increase will total approximately 950,000 b/d, with volumes reaching at least 3.

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Cabinet Committee approves revised cost estimates of Assam Gas Cracker Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved the revised cost estimates of the Assam Gas Cracker Project to the tune of Rs 8,920 crore (on as-built-basis). The project schedule has also been revised with mechanical completion by July 2013 and commissioning by December 2013.

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Oil prices cross the 100 dollar threshold

Oil prices, that have been persistently rising for the past 6 weeks, touched the US$100 threshold, rising 30% more since early October. The price run-up has led to increasing numbers of investors to fflood back into commodities markets.

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Toray succeeds in production of the world's first fully renewable, biobased PET Fiber

Toray Industries, Inc. has succeeded in producing laboratory-scale samples of the world's first fully renewable biobased PET fiber by using fully renewable biobased PET derived from biobased paraxylenne from Gevo, Inc.

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Asahi Kasei wins SPE® Innovation Award for “Most Innovative Use of Plastics"

Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc. and Penda Corp. shared the stage in Livonia, Mich. at the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE®) Automotive Innovation Awards Gala with Chrysler Group LLC, winniing the "Most Innovative Use of Plastics" award in the Body Exterior category for the Dodge RamBox® assembly.

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Sumitomo Chemical plans to skip 2012 cracker turnaround

Sumitomo Chemical Co plans to skip maintenance work at its sole naphtha cracker in 2012, as per Reuters. It has lowered the cracker's utilisation rate to around 90% this month due to weakening ethylenne demand in Asia.

For more details on Sumitomo Chemical plans to skip 2012 cracker turnaround click here

Weak demand from China, increased imports keeps ethylene output down in Japan

Lackluster demand from China has impacted ethylene output in Japan, as producers reduce run rates to cope with the weak markets. Overall, the industry's utilization rate for ethylene plants has likelyy sank below 90% in October.

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Marubeni mulls building a petrochemical complex with Gazprom in Russia

Marubeni plans to build a large petrochemical complex with Russia’s Gazprom in the Russian city of Nakhodka, Primorsky Krai, according to local media reports. Japan’s Marubeni is one of Asian's largesst general trading companies, while Gazprom is the world's largest producer of gas.

For more details on Marubeni mulls building a petrochemical complex with Gazprom in Russia click here

Import PP prices in Asia firming on higher costs

After a prolonged period of steady price decreases mainly due to lackluster buying interest, import PP prices in Asia have started to firm up, as per ChemOrbis. Higher crude oil and spot propylene priices pushed import PP prices up on the lower end of the overall import range in China this week.

For more details on Import PP prices in Asia firming on higher costs click here

Damietta locals to continue protest : demand shutdown of MOPCO petrochem plant

After a six-day strike across the governorate, Damietta locals vow to continue their sit-in against MOPCO petrochemicals company despite a decree by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to sshut down the plant, as per the dailynewsegypt.

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Honam Petrochemicals buys H2 December naphtha at 4 month lows

Honam Petrochemical has concluded purchase of H2-December naphtha at about minus US$3/ton to Japan quotes on a cost-and-freight (C&F) basis to Daesan, lowest price paid in South Korea in about four moonths, as per Reuters.

For more details on Honam Petrochemicals buys H2 December naphtha at 4 month lows click here

Naphtha cracks in Asia drop to 34 month lows

As a reflection of the persistently weak market, naphtha prices in Asia fell to 1-1/2 week lows, while cracks hovered at a 34 month low with physical time spreads in discount, as per Reuters.
Honam PPetrochemical purchased around 50,000 tons of open-spec naphtha for H2-December arrival at Daesan at a discount of about US$3/ton to Japan quotes on a cost-and-freight (C&F) basis, making this the lowest price paid in South Korea in about four months.

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Q3 operating profit of South Korean refiners’ petrochemicals segment sky rockets

GS Caltex’s operating profit of its petrochemicals segment soared 125.3% year on year to Won 199.9 bln (US$177.7 mln) in Q3-2011, from Won 88.7 bln a year ago, as per Platts. GS Caltex, South Korea's second-largest oil refiner, attributes the profit to strong demand for its petrochemical products.

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2012 : a challenging year for Taiwan’s petrochemical industry

2012 will be a challenging year for Taiwan’s petrochemical industry amid rising crude oil prices, the macroeconomic slump and increased production capacity from rivals in China and the Middle East, ass per a market researcher in Taipeitimes.

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PC films for secure ID cards to guard against identity theft, damage, premature replacement

Two new breakthrough Lexan* polycarbonate (PC) film technologies for identification (ID) cards that help simplify integration of additional security features needed to combat identity theft and counteerfeiting have been introduced by SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business.

For more details on PC films for secure ID cards to guard against identity theft, damage, premature replacement click here

Tosoh shuts all monomer plants after fire at No.2 VCM plant

Tosoh Corp has shut three vinyl chloride monomer plants at its Nanyo complex in Yamaguchi prefecture, after a fire at its No 2 VCM plant, as per Reuters. The fire lasted for around a day in which a maale employee is missing.

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Benalec to secure first offtaker for proposed petroleum and petrochemical hub in Malaysia

Benalec Holdings Bhd is likely to secure its first offtaker for its proposed petroleum and petrochemical hub and maritime industrial park, as per the star.com.my. Benalec is likely to undertake a privvate placement to fund its reclamation contracts for developing the park.

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Dow to restart two olefin units at St. Charles

A plant shut down in 2009 by Dow and scheduled for demolition is on its way to get reopened by end-2012. Dow has refurbished the facility that involves a restart of two olefin units operated by Dow Stt.

For more details on Dow to restart two olefin units at St. Charles click here

Pak approves expansion of positive list, allows import of 18 more items from India to include polymers of ethylene

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved expansion of positive list by allowing import of over 18 more items from India, including ethylene derivatives. The list include
(i)

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US Nov propylene contract prices drop from October on high inventory levels

US propylene contract prices for November settled lower at 6 cents/lb (US$132/ton, €95/ton) from October as inventory levels remain high, as per ICIS. The decline pulled down polymer-grade propylene ((RGP) contracts to 58 cents/lb, and chemical-grade propylene (CGP) contract down to 56.

For more details on US Nov propylene contract prices drop from October on high inventory levels click here

Higher energy costs push spot ethylene prices higher across the globe

Spot ethylene prices in Asia, Europe and the US gained ground over the past week as rising energy costs and poor margins on ethylene production pushed sellers to raise their prices, as per Chemorbis. Ethylene demand was still described as sluggish in most regions, with some players commenting that supply and demand might begin to move back into balance as weak margins have pushed cracker operators to reduce rates.

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Azerbaijan seeks adviser to secure finance for US$15 bln petrochem complex from overseas

Azerbaijan is scouting for an adviser to help secure two-thirds of the US$15 bln needed to build a planned petrochemicals complex, from foreign lenders, as per Bloomberg. The country is expected to shhortly tender for the post, which will involve negotiating with lenders over the complex.

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Fire at Tosoh’s No.2 vinyl chloride monomer plant

A fire broke out after an explosion shortly at a 550,000 tpa vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) plant at Tosoh Corp's Nanyo complex in Yamaguchi prefecture, as per Reuters. The cause has not been discoveredd.

For more details on Fire at Tosoh’s No.2 vinyl chloride monomer plant click here

Indian rotomolder joins hands with Thai companies: donates flood relief boats

Leading Indian rotomolder, Fixopan Machines Pvt Ltd, joined hands with Srithai Superware PCL, SCG Chemicals and Thai National Shippers Council to manufacture and donate Flood relief Boats to assist tthe Flood relief agencies in Thailand.

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Stolt-Nielsen opens chemical storage terminal on Jurong Island

Stolt-Nielsen Limited has announced the formal opening of its new petrochemical terminal in Tembusu on Jurong Island, Singapore. The terminal has commenced operations with three gas spheres, with planns for a total of 300,000 cbm of storage to be built over the next two-to-three years.

For more details on Stolt-Nielsen opens chemical storage terminal on Jurong Island click here

Oil price near US$100 on retreat of US recession and European debt crisis concerns

As concerns that Europe’s debt crisis will spread and trigger another recession fade, oil prices hover around US$100 per barrel for the first time since the summer. Rising by over a dollar, crude on tthe Nymex jumped to US$98.

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KPIC and Honam on verge of concluding 2012 naphtha deals at higher prices

South Korea's KPIC and Honam Petrochemical are on the verge of finalising 2012 naphtha deals at higher prices, as sellers are unwilling to release cargoes at low prices to combat previous sharp lossess, as per Reuters.

For more details on KPIC and Honam on verge of concluding 2012 naphtha deals at higher prices click here

Italian PS market defies the increases in spot styrene costs

In Europe, spot styrene prices are US$20/ton higher when compared to the beginning of October but the increase amount is heftier at US$145/ton (€107/ton) with respect to the beginning of November, as per ChemOrbis.

For more details on Italian PS market defies the increases in spot styrene costs click here

Total Petrochemicals to permanently shut a 200 mln lbs polystyrene unit at Carville

Total Petrochemicals USA Inc. plans to permanently shut down a 200 mln lbs pa polystyrene unit at its Carville, La. styrenics site, as per PlasticsNews. The polystyrene unit has been idle since H2-20110, because the balance of supply and demand in North American polystyrene has shifted over the last decade, making the unit no longer viable in the current market conditions.

For more details on Total Petrochemicals to permanently shut a 200 mln lbs polystyrene unit at Carville click here

Low demand, high feedstock cost squeeze MMA production margins in Asia

Low demand and high cost of feedstock MTBE has squeezed margins of methyl methacrylate (MMA) producers in Asia, leading to reduced revenues, as per Platts. MMA has slumped by 20% to US$2,000/mt CFR Sooutheast Asia since Q1-2011.

For more details on Low demand, high feedstock cost squeeze MMA production margins in Asia click here

GAIL evinces interest in acquiring stake in HPL

Indian PSU GAIL India has expressed an interest to the West Bengal government to acquire an equity partnership in a downstream project Haldia Petrochemicals (HPL). A Rs 4,000 crore investment plan in eight different projects was announced by The Chatterjee Group (TCG) chairman.

For more details on GAIL evinces interest in acquiring stake in HPL click here

Samsung Total plans one month maintenance shutdown at paraxylene plant in 2012

Samsung Total Petrochemicals Co. plans to shut a 600,000 tpa paraxylene plant in Daesan, for a month starting in May 2012, as per Bloomberg.


For more details on Samsung Total plans one month maintenance shutdown at paraxylene plant in 2012 click here

Sentiment firmer after Diwali holidays in India’s polymer markets

Buying interest in India is reported to have picked up somewhat following theend of October Diwali holidays, as per ChemOrbis. Domestic producers lifted their prices for PP, HDPE and LLDPE this weekk while players in the PVC market report firmer import prices this week.

For more details on Sentiment firmer after Diwali holidays in India’s polymer markets click here

Is the recovery in naphtha cracks in Asia temporary?

Asia's naphtha price was at a three-session low on Thursday, while cracks were at a three-session high with physical timespreads flipping into a slight premium from parity levels as buyers emerged, ass per Reuters.

For more details on Is the recovery in naphtha cracks in Asia temporary? click here

Cash-starved West Bengal plans to offload 10% residual stake in Haldia Petrochemicals

Cash-starved West Bengal plans to raise approximately Rs 450 crore by offloading its balance 10% stake of 155 mln shares in Haldia Petrochemicals (HPL) back to the company, as per Financial Express. TThis will leave majority shareholder Purnendu Chatterjee-led TCG with two options of either significant cash outgo to buy the 10% stake or letting the stake be snapped up by competitors.

For more details on Cash-starved West Bengal plans to offload 10% residual stake in Haldia Petrochemicals click here

ConocoPhillip to rename new independent downstream spinoff Phillips 66

ConocoPhillips announced that the new independent downstream company created through its previously announced strategic repositioning will be named Phillips 66 and will be headquartered in Houston. Phhillips 66 will have leading businesses in refining, marketing, midstream and chemicals.

For more details on ConocoPhillip to rename new independent downstream spinoff Phillips 66 click here

Borealis Schwechat celebrates 50 years of Polypropylene production

In October, Borealis, a leading supplier of innovative solutions in the areas of base chemicals and plastics, celebrated an important anniversary with the 50th anniversary of polypropylene (PP) producction at its Schwechat location.

For more details on Borealis Schwechat celebrates 50 years of Polypropylene production click here

MRPL sells third naphtha cargo for December lifting to Cargill at largely steady premiums

India's Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) has managed largely steady premiums for December lifting cargo, as per Reuters. MRPL sold a cargo of 35,000 tons for Dec. 28-30 loading from Neew Mangalore to Cargill at premiums of about US$14/ton to Middle East quotes on a free-on-board (FOB) basis.

For more details on MRPL sells third naphtha cargo for December lifting to Cargill at largely steady premiums click here

Honam to expand in China, USA to bring newly developed fiber and nanocomposite plastics to global markets

Honam Petrochemical Corp. plans to expand its compounding capacity in China and also add long-fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite manufacturing in the United States, as part of a push to bring neewly developed fiber and nanocomposite plastics to global markets, as per PlasticsNews.

For more details on Honam to expand in China, USA to bring newly developed fiber and nanocomposite plastics to global markets click here

Irregular PP origins in China and Italy pressure on regional sellers to continue reducing their prices

Based on players’ reports, a number of irregular origins have made their way to the PP markets in Italy and China over the week, putting pressure on regional sellers to continue reducing their prices,, which have been tracking a downward trend for the last few months in both markets, as per ChemOrbis.

For more details on Irregular PP origins in China and Italy pressure on regional sellers to continue reducing their prices click here

Samsung Total plans maintenance shutdown at 45,000 bpd reformer, no shutdown planned at 850,000 tpa cracker

Samsung Total has planned a one-month maintenance shutdown at its 45,000 bpd reformer in April or May 2012, as per Reuters. The company however, has no plan to shut down its 850,000 tpa cracker for maaintenance in 2012.

For more details on Samsung Total plans maintenance shutdown at 45,000 bpd reformer, no shutdown planned at 850,000 tpa cracker click here

Petroperu signs accord with Braskem for ethane pipeline, with Repsol for gas distribution

As part of its plan to diversify beyond refining, Peruvian state oil refiner Petroperu has signed separate agreements with Brazi's Braskem to develop a petrochemical industry in Peru and with Spain's Repsol for a joint venture to distribute gas in Peru, as per Platts.

For more details on Petroperu signs accord with Braskem for ethane pipeline, with Repsol for gas distribution click here

The global biodegradable plastic packaging market estimated to reach US$1.85 bln in 2011

The biodegradable plastic packaging market is gradually gaining significance in the vast global packaging industry. Whilst the recession impacted demand for all types of packaging; upcoming environmenntal issues and diminishing fossil reserves have raised concerns, resulting in steady growth for biodegradable plastic packaging.

For more details on The global biodegradable plastic packaging market estimated to reach US$1.85 bln in 2011 click here

Waste PET bottles used as construction material in Nigeria

Waste PET are being used in Nigeria as construction material- an environmentally smart strategy of chipping away at a housing shortage in Africa's most populous nation.
A prototype is underway near tthe northern Nigerian city of Kaduna by an NGO Development Association for Renewable Energies (DARE), that wants to extend its efforts and build more.

For more details on Waste PET bottles used as construction material in Nigeria click here

Cereplast extends supply agreement with ColorTec to markets in Italy and Slovenia

Leading manufacturer of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable plastics, Cereplast Inc., has extended its agreement with Italy-based ColorTec S.r.l to supply bioplastic resin to the Italiann and Slovenian markets.

For more details on Cereplast extends supply agreement with ColorTec to markets in Italy and Slovenia click here

Bayer boosts liquidity buffer to cover the impact of the euro zone debt crisis

Germany’s Bayer has boosted its liquidity buffer to cover the impact of the euro zone debt crisis, which has left it with a significant amount of unpaid bills from clients in Italy, Spain and Portugall, as per Reuters.

For more details on Bayer boosts liquidity buffer to cover the impact of the euro zone debt crisis click here

A chemical process that could produce lighter, stronger plastics

A chemical process that could produce lighter, stronger plastics has been developed by Edinburgh University scientists working in conjunction with researchers at Finland’s Jyväskylä University. The teeam has managed to tie molecules at the nanoscale into complex knots that could give materials increased versatility.

For more details on A chemical process that could produce lighter, stronger plastics click here

Formosa Petrochem plans 40 day maintenance shutdown at 700,000 tpa No. 1 naphtha cracker in September 2012

Formosa Petrochemical Corp has scheduled the closure of its 700,000 tpa No. 1 naphtha cracker for a 40-day maintenance period starting next September, as per Reuters. The smallest of three naphtha uniits was previously shut for about four months from May 12 following a fire at a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline.

For more details on Formosa Petrochem plans 40 day maintenance shutdown at 700,000 tpa No. 1 naphtha cracker in September 2012 click here

Oil prices rise as news from Greece, Italy signal resolve of Eurozone debt crisis

Nymex crude rose to US$94.5, and Brent crude rose past US$112 on hopes that political settlements in Greece and Italy could help resolve the eurozone debt crisis and minimize the chances of a further slowdown in global economic growth.

For more details on Oil prices rise as news from Greece, Italy signal resolve of Eurozone debt crisis click here

ADNOC offers naphtha for January-December 2012 lifting at premium of US$19 to US$21

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) has made an initial offer to Asian buyers for a year’s supply of naphtha starting in January, sources told Bloomberg. ADNOC seeks to sell its Pentane-Plus grade at UUS$21/ton above Middle East benchmark prices, low-sulfur naphtha is offered at a premium of US$20/ton and Splitter grade at a premium of US$19.

For more details on ADNOC offers naphtha for January-December 2012 lifting at premium of US$19 to US$21 click here

Naphtha cracks in Asia plunge to 4 month lows, prices rise

In line with robust Brent crude, naphtha price rose to a three-week high on Tuesday. However, this has hurt the light distillates margins as there is no lack of supplies, making it difficult for selleers to pass on refining costs, as per Reuters.

For more details on Naphtha cracks in Asia plunge to 4 month lows, prices rise click here

European PVC producers complain about unsustainable margins in Italy

Following the gradual decreases seen last month, local PVC prices in Italy are tracking a stable to soft trend for November, as per Chemorbis. Squeezed between high costs vs poor demand, most PVC prodducers prefer to be cautious with November pricing strategies.

For more details on European PVC producers complain about unsustainable margins in Italy click here

Export PET prices from China fall to 2011 low on softer PTA, slow demand

Export PET prices from China have declined to their lowest levels since December 2010 as weaker feedstock prices and slower global demand have pressured sellers to reduce their prices, as per ChemOrbiis.

For more details on Export PET prices from China fall to 2011 low on softer PTA, slow demand click here

Nigeria turns net-exporter of polymers

Nigeria has become a net-exporter of polymers like polyethylene a(PE) and polypropylene (PP), courtesy Indorama-Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited (EPCL). The polymers are being exported to various countries in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.

For more details on Nigeria turns net-exporter of polymers click here

Anchor investors suspend proposed investments in PCPIRs amid weak domestic and overseas demand

Investors in the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIRs) are opting to put their investments on hold for the time being, mainly due to weak demand, in both domestic and foreeign markets.

For more details on Anchor investors suspend proposed investments in PCPIRs amid weak domestic and overseas demand click here

Petronas Rapid complex likely to include power plant to support petrochem industry

Petroliam Nasional Bhd's (Petronas) planned RM 60 bln refinery and petrochemical integrated development (Rapid) petrochemical complex in Pengerang is likely include a power plant that will support thee petrochemical industry there.

For more details on Petronas Rapid complex likely to include power plant to support petrochem industry click here

Flat PP demand forecast in Mexico for 2012 despite reduced demand from USA

Polypropylene demand in Mexico is forecast to be flat year on year in 2012, a source from Indelpro said on the sidelines of the 31st Latin American Petrochemical Association annual meeting, as per Plaatts.

For more details on Flat PP demand forecast in Mexico for 2012 despite reduced demand from USA click here

PVC / TPU jacketing compounds for industrial data and control cable

IMCD Business Group Plastics announces extension of its current product portfolio with the two new compounds from Teknor Apex Company. Apex® P-55003 and P-55004 are jacketing compounds based on blendss of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that provide outstanding resistance to the aggressive end-use conditions often encountered by industrial cables.

For more details on PVC / TPU jacketing compounds for industrial data and control cable click here

Proposed pipeline to transport ethane from Marcellus and Utica shale formations to Gulf Coast

A pipeline is being planned to transport a key industrial liquid from newly drilled Marcellus and Utica shale formations through Ohio and Miami Valley counties on its way to Gulf Coast petrochemical pplants.

For more details on Proposed pipeline to transport ethane from Marcellus and Utica shale formations to Gulf Coast click here

GAIL’s new Singapore office to secure LNG, petrochemical cargoes for delivery to India

GAIL (India) has earmarked US$400 mln for its new Singapore trading office to secure LNG and petrochemical product cargoes for delivery to India in 2012.
The Singapore office will begin trading next month on getting all formal approvals.

For more details on GAIL’s new Singapore office to secure LNG, petrochemical cargoes for delivery to India click here

Arab Petroleum Investments Corp sells 12.5% stake in Banagas to Boubyan Petrochemical Co.

Arab Petroleum Investments Corp., the multilateral development bank of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, has sold 12.5 percent of its stake in the Bahrain National Gas Co. (Banaggas) to Kuwait-based Boubyan Petrochemical Co.

For more details on Arab Petroleum Investments Corp sells 12.5% stake in Banagas to Boubyan Petrochemical Co. click here

Lubrizol inks agreement to purchase specialty TPU Merquinsa

The Lubrizol Corporation has signed an agreement to purchase Merquinsa, a leader in specialty thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). This acquisition will expand Lubrizol's Engineered Polymers business aand strengthen its ability to meet the needs of its global customers.

For more details on Lubrizol inks agreement to purchase specialty TPU Merquinsa click here

Mergers and acquisitions abound in Europe as flexible packaging companies try to compete with Amcor

Amcor now controls around a quarter of the €11 bln European flexible packaging market, prompting a gold rush of companies trying to beef themselves up to compete or just to be seen as credible second suppliers.

For more details on Mergers and acquisitions abound in Europe as flexible packaging companies try to compete with Amcor click here

Will Asian styrene catch up with firming oil prices?

Spot styrene prices softened on a week over week basis last week, as they remain below October levels, as per ChemOrbis. Despite a slight recovery of US$10/ton at the end of last week, the styrene marrket did not seem to react strongly to the firmer oil prices, which have been hovering above the US$90/bbl threshold since October 24.

For more details on Will Asian styrene catch up with firming oil prices? click here

PE prices move higher in China this week- has China’s PE market turned the corner?

PE prices moved higher in China this week on the strength of firmer energy prices and reduced inventory pressure on the part of sellers. Inventory pressure has reduced following last week’s brisk salees reported after Middle Eastern producers announced initial November prices, as per ChemOrbis.

For more details on PE prices move higher in China this week- has China’s PE market turned the corner? click here

Idemitsu Kosan to restart Chiba naphtha cracker

Japan's Idemitsu Kosan Co prepares to restart the 374,000 tpa naphtha cracker at its Chiba plant. The cracker has been shut since Oct. 23 due to an unspecified problem, as per Reuters.

For more details on Idemitsu Kosan to restart Chiba naphtha cracker click here

Naphtha cracks in Asia fall on weak demand

Naphtha cracks in Asia fell, while gasoline cracks slipped to the lowest in five months on adequate supply and lackluster petrochemical demand in China, as per Reuters. Recent naphtha tenders in Indiaa showed a further weakening in the market with premiums decreasing for November and December.

For more details on Naphtha cracks in Asia fall on weak demand click here

Green Paper on packaging and sustainability

A Green Paper resulting from a broad stakeholder consultation on the topic of Packaging and Sustainability has been published today by EUROPEN (The European Organization for Packaging and the Environmment).

For more details on Green Paper on packaging and sustainability click here

Polypropylene prices plunge in Europe to lowest level in 20 months

Polypropylene (PP) prices in Europe are under downward pressure after November propylene contract price was fully settled at €1013/ton FD NWE, down by €55/ton from October settlement of the November ppropylene contract price, as per ICIS.

For more details on Polypropylene prices plunge in Europe to lowest level in 20 months click here

PE converters in Europe seek reductions in Nov contract prices in line with falling ethylene

European polyethylene converters are seeking a reduction in contract price for November, in line with a fall in the feedstock ethylene, as per Platts.
Falling by twenty dollars, ethylene CP fully seettled last week at €1095/mt (US$1510/mt) FD NWE, on the back on softer naphtha costs and a slow ethylene-derivative offtake.

For more details on PE converters in Europe seek reductions in Nov contract prices in line with falling ethylene click here

SABIC and Chongqing Government ink MoU to build engineering thermoplastics compounding plant

SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business, Chongqing Xiyong Micro-electronics Industrial Park, and the Chongqing Economic and Informatization Commission announced a memorandum of understanding where SABIC would establish an engineering thermoplastics compounding plant in Chongqing, China.

For more details on SABIC and Chongqing Government ink MoU to build engineering thermoplastics compounding plant click here

Rollover in November ethylene contract prices in Brazil

Ethylene contract prices in Brazil for November have been rolled over from October levels following stability in European price, as per Platts. October contract price for Brazilian domestic market wass at around US$1650/mt FOB, and US$80/mt lower for September.

For more details on Rollover in November ethylene contract prices in Brazil click here

GAIL to invest US$1 bln to acquire larger shale gas assets, primarily in USA and Canada

GAIL India is evaluating opportunities to invest at least US$1 bln over the next year or so to acquire larger shale gas assets, primarily in the US and Canada. The state run oil major could conclude aa deal in the next six months.

For more details on GAIL to invest US$1 bln to acquire larger shale gas assets, primarily in USA and Canada click here

IRPC plans 45 day maintenance shutdown: expects Q4 revenue to fall 30% from 2010

Thai refiner and petrochemical producer IRPC PCL is expecting a 30% drop in Q4 revenue from 2011, due to a planned 45-day maintenance shut down, as per Dow Jones. The planned shutdown coincides with sslowing local demand triggered by worst floods faced by the country in decades.

For more details on IRPC plans 45 day maintenance shutdown: expects Q4 revenue to fall 30% from 2010 click here

Asian naphtha bearish on unenthusiastic news from market

A term tender for 600,000 tons of naphtha for January to December 2012, has been concluded at levels lower than previous ones, keeping Asian naphtha market bearish, as per Reuters. South Korea's Samsuung Total Petrochemicals bought open-spec naphtha at a discount of US$1/ton to Japan quotes on a cost-and-freight (C&F) basis and heavy naphtha at US$1/ton above Japan quotes C&F basis.

For more details on Asian naphtha bearish on unenthusiastic news from market click here

Russian concludes planned full takeover of Russia’s leading polymer and petrochem maker Sibur

Russian billionaire Leonid Mikhelson has concluded his planned full takeover of Russia’s leading polymers and petrochemicals company Sibur Holding, through his investment firm Dellawood Holdings, as pper EuropeanPlasticsNews.

For more details on Russian concludes planned full takeover of Russia’s leading polymer and petrochem maker Sibur click here

Thailand’s surplus of light and heavy naphtha reflects “stagnant” demand for gasoline

Thailand’s surplus of light and heavy naphtha reflects “stagnant” demand for gasoline, according to PTT Energy Solutions Co., as per Bloomberg. “Thailand is more stagnant in gasoline demand,” said Bhaawana Suphavilai, president of PTT Energy Solutions Co.

For more details on Thailand’s surplus of light and heavy naphtha reflects “stagnant” demand for gasoline click here

Uncertain outlook for European plastics industry: demand recovers in 2010 and 2011

2010 saw a recovery in demand for most thermoplastics, after two of the worst years the industry has seen since the oil shocks of the 1970s, as per AMI's European Plastics Industry Report 2011. After a drop in demand of over 15% over the period of the recession, volume demand showed a modest 4% recovery in 2010 bringing total demand to just over 37 mln tons.

For more details on Uncertain outlook for European plastics industry: demand recovers in 2010 and 2011 click here

Italy’s PS market signals further softening for November

The past few months have seen reducing polystyrene prices in Italy. Although European PS sellers tried to limit the size of October price decreases to save their margins, they couldn’t maintain their initial price targets, as per ChemOrbis.

For more details on Italy’s PS market signals further softening for November click here

Cabot adds graphene to its portfolio

Cabot has added this emerging performance technology to its portfolio through an intellectual property licensing agreement with XG Sciences, Inc. Under the agreement, Cabot will license intellectual pproperty rights to XG's xGnP graphene nanoplatelets technology, including detailed know-how regarding the manufacturing process.

For more details on Cabot adds graphene to its portfolio click here

Idemitsu to scrap 120,000 bpd Tokuyama refinery by March 2014, continue petrochem operations

Instead of upgrading the plant to meet government regulations, Idemitsu Kosan Co has decided to scrap its 120,000 bpd Tokuyama refinery by March 2014, as per Reuters. With this, the 640,000 bpd refiniing capacity of Japan's third-largest oil company will be reduced by nearly 20% from four plants.

For more details on Idemitsu to scrap 120,000 bpd Tokuyama refinery by March 2014, continue petrochem operations click here

Oil prices plunge more than a dollar

U.S. December crude plunged by over a dollar to US$92. Crude in USA surged 17.7% in October, the biggest percentage gain since May 2009.
Oil prices fell by over a dollar as the US dollar strengtheneed amid continuing uncertainty about the resolution of the euro zone's debt crisis.

For more details on Oil prices plunge more than a dollar click here

SABIC sets up a new venture capital arm to invest in innovative technology

Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) has set up a new venture capital arm to invest in innovative technology and companies as it seeks to expand beyond petrochemicals, which have made it one of the worrld's largest chemicals companies, as per Reuters.

For more details on SABIC sets up a new venture capital arm to invest in innovative technology click here

LG Chem buys H1-December naphtha at discount

Reflecting a persistently weak market, South Korea's LG Chem has purchased H1-December naphtha at a discount of US$1.25/ton to Japan spot quotes on a cost-and-freight (C&F) basis, as per Reuters. A meedium-range cargo for Daesan was bought at a discount of US$1.

For more details on LG Chem buys H1-December naphtha at discount click here

Plastics that repairs itself

A plastic that could repair itself when broken without using glue has been developed. Called supramolecular polymer, the new type of plastic is being developed by the chemical company AkzoNobel in colllaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands.

For more details on Plastics that repairs itself click here

Lummus Technology awarded contract for license and engineering design of 2 light olefins recovery units in China

CB&I announced that Lummus Technology has been awarded a contract by China Coal Shaanxi Yulin Energy & Chemical Co. Ltd. for the license and engineering design of two light olefins recovery units. Thee plants will be located in Yulin, Shaanxi Province, China.

For more details on Lummus Technology awarded contract for license and engineering design of 2 light olefins recovery units in China click here

Plastics and rubber industry heads to Uzbekistan

The Uzbek packaging industry will converge at the 2nd Plastex Uzbekistan Exhibition, From November 16-18, 2012 at the Uzexpocentre in Taskent, Uzbekistan.
lastex Uzbekistan attracts decision-making buyers from the chemistry, plastic, oil and gas, construction, mining, metallurgy and transport industries seeking international equipment and technologies for manufacturing and processing plastics and rubber.

For more details on Plastics and rubber industry heads to Uzbekistan click here

Green Polymer Chemistry

The term Green Polymer Chemistry is being used here to describe the production of established thermoplastics and elastomers from renewable sources, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), pollyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), epoxy resin and polyurethane.

For more details on Green Polymer Chemistry click here

Saudi Bin Laden Group to invest in expansion of naphtha output in Senegal

Petroleum, Chemicals and Mining Co (PCMC)., a unit of Saudi Bin Laden Group, plans with partners to invest US$1.2 bln (Dh4.4 bln) to expand a 30,000 bpd refinery in Senegal to export naphtha to the USS and Brazil, as per Bloomberg.

For more details on Saudi Bin Laden Group to invest in expansion of naphtha output in Senegal click here

West Bengal to act on Supreme Court verdict on share pattern of Haldia Petro

The West Bengal government plans to take further steps after getting legal opinion on the aspects of the Supreme Court verdict on the share pattern of the company. With this the state government asserrts that revival of the cash-starved Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) is its top priority, as per IANS.

For more details on West Bengal to act on Supreme Court verdict on share pattern of Haldia Petro click here

Formosa plan for safety checks at Mailiao complex to be complete by August 2012

Taiwan's government has accepted a plan by the Formosa Plastics group for safety checks at its fire-hit Mailiao complex that will see operations suspended in stages until the end of August 2012, as peer Reuters.

For more details on Formosa plan for safety checks at Mailiao complex to be complete by August 2012 click here

Naphtha prices and cracks rise in Asia, may not last

Asia's naphtha price rose to a week high, and cracks have spiked nearly 57% to reach their highest in five sessions although values were still sharply below the January-September average of US$122.30//ton, as per Reuters.

For more details on Naphtha prices and cracks rise in Asia, may not last click here

Government asks Formosa to shut facilities at Mailiao in phases

The government has asked Formosa Plastics Group to implement rotating shutdowns of facilities at Mailiao petrochemical complex, as per Dow Jones Newswires. Though this will allow the Taiwanese major tto complete safety checks by next August, the process that will likely dent the company's output in the coming months.

For more details on Government asks Formosa to shut facilities at Mailiao in phases click here

Kuraray America to expand ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer production capacity

Kuraray Co. Ltd. will boost the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer production capacity by 12,000 tpa of Kuraray America, Inc., a wholly owned Kuraray subsidiary located in Pasadena, Texas. The facility,, to be expanded by 4 bln yen, is scheduled to start operations in January 2014.

For more details on Kuraray America to expand ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer production capacity click here

Reliance Industries denies move to buy Valero Energy Corp

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has denied news that it is looking to buy Valero Energy Corp, as per BusinessStandard.
“While it is, and will remain, the policy of Reliance not to comment on market ruumors, in light of the materiality of the rumored transaction, Reliance wishes to dispel the rumors and announce that it is not in discussions with Valero nor otherwise considering an acquisition of Valero,” RIL said in a statement.

For more details on Reliance Industries denies move to buy Valero Energy Corp click here

November propylene contracts soften globally, spot prices firm in Europe, USA

Global propylene prices continued to soften this week as spot propylene prices lost ground in Asia, and November contract prices were nominated with decreases in USA and settled lower in Europe, as peer ChemOrbis.

For more details on November propylene contracts soften globally, spot prices firm in Europe, USA click here

Producers from Middle East disclose new November PP, PE prices to Egypt

Towards the end of last week, Middle Eastern producers started to announce new prices for November shipment PP and PE cargoes in Egypt, while the regional suppliers’ new offer levels were in line withh the globally bearish trend as well as the market’s expectations, as per ChemOrbis.

For more details on Producers from Middle East disclose new November PP, PE prices to Egypt click here

China Coal Shaanxi to start up light olefins recovery unit in 2013

China Coal Shaanxi Yulin Energy & Chemical plans to start up one of its two new light olefins recovery units at Yulin, Shaanxi province, in 2013, technology provider Lummus Technology said to Platts. The units are expected to have a combined capacity of 300,000 tpa of ethylene and 300,000 tpa of propylene.

For more details on China Coal Shaanxi to start up light olefins recovery unit in 2013 click here

Haldia Petrochemicals mulls two projects to beat financial crisis

In a bid to come out of its financial crisis, India’s second largest PE maker Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) plans to invest in plants to produce Butiene-1 and Styrene-Butadiene-Rubber (SBR).
The ccash-starved company, co-promoted by the West Bengal government, may float a request for a proposal from global firms for project Butiene-1 by Friday, as per a company official.

For more details on Haldia Petrochemicals mulls two projects to beat financial crisis click here

BASF to expand its polyurethane systems and specialties business in Brazil

BASF has announced that it will invest to expand its polyurethane (PU) systems and specialties business in Brazil. The production facilities for PU systems, polyols, TPU and Cellasto® will be enlargedd and established at BASF’s Verbund site in Guaratinguetá.

For more details on BASF to expand its polyurethane systems and specialties business in Brazil click here

Explosion at Polimeri forces shutdown of steam cracker, two PE plants: unlikely to impact supplies

An explosion at Polimeri's petrochemicals site in Dunkirk, France has forced shutdown of steam cracker operations and closure of its two polyethylene plants. However, it is not expected to greatly imppact PE supplies, as per Platts.

For more details on Explosion at Polimeri forces shutdown of steam cracker, two PE plants: unlikely to impact supplies click here

Import LDPE prices losing premium over HDPE in China

Steadily declining import LDPE film prices in the Chinese market have brought down premium for LDPE over HDPE film to its lowest level since the closing weeks of 2009, as per ChemOrbis. HDPE film priices have posted relatively smaller decreases as compared to LDPE or LLDPE film prices over the past several weeks, as HDPE supply has not been as loose in the country.

For more details on Import LDPE prices losing premium over HDPE in China click here

PVC advancing with the times

A key focus at AMI’s at networking event on PVC Formulation is improving the sustainability of the industry starting with a look at the European PVC markets and recycling targets by the CEO of Vinnoliit, Dr.

For more details on PVC advancing with the times click here

China’s total polymer imports retreat in September

According to the recent data released by the Chinese Customs Agency, China’s total plastics imports posted a monthly drop in September 2011, falling from the 1.51 mln tons in August to 1.41 mln tons iin September, as per ChemOrbis.

For more details on China’s total polymer imports retreat in September click here

Low moisture absorption foam offers major weight-out, performance & cost benefits for aerospace

Low moisture absorption of Ultem* polyetherimide (PEI) foam for composite aircraft structures has been unveiled bySABIC’s Innovative Plastics strategic business unit. Ultem resin’s low-moisture absorpption is critical in that it helps address two major aircraft OEM challenges: reducing weight for fuel conservation and emissions reduction, and lowering systems costs while delivering equal or better performance than traditional materials.

For more details on Low moisture absorption foam offers major weight-out, performance & cost benefits for aerospace click here

HDPE players report tight prompt supply in Turkey

In Turkey’s PE market, an increasing number of players has been reporting tightness on prompt HDPE availability, as per ChemOrbis. Distributors, who didn’t stock up in previous months due to slow demaand and bearish price trends, report that they have limited HDPE availability especially for film grade.

For more details on HDPE players report tight prompt supply in Turkey click here

S Caltex completes polymer compound plant in East China

South Korea’s second-largest refiner -S Caltex Co. has completed a polymer compound plant in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, eastern China. Commercial operations have commenced with an annual output of 37,0000 tons of polymer compounds widely used for making cars and home appliances.

For more details on S Caltex completes polymer compound plant in East China click here

Colorants meet requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration

Macrolex colorants from LANXESS have once again proven themselves in the plastics sector: The renowned U.S. legal firm Keller & Heckman LLP based in Washington, D.C., has certified that Eastman Tritann colored with Macrolex colorants meets the requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more details on Colorants meet requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration click here

A certified unidirectional UHMWPE fiber grade certified for use in ballistic vests

Dyneema SB71, a unidirectional (UD) grade of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber designed for use in ballistic vests certified under National Institute of Justice (NIJ) 0101.06 andd other law enforcement and military standards has been introduced by DSM Dyneema.

For more details on A certified unidirectional UHMWPE fiber grade certified for use in ballistic vests click here