Dow Chemical plans JV in Brazil to make PE from sugarcane

Dow Chemical Co plans a joint venture with ethanol producer Crystalsev to manufacture polyethylene from sugar cane. Dow and its Brazilian partner plans to design and build a manufacturing facility in Brazil that will use ethanol derived from sugar cane to produce ethylene. Production is slated for commencement in 2011. The partners have launched a feasibility study for the project, scheduled for completion in about one years' time.