GF Piping Systems to outlay EUR 21 mln in distribution, production capacityGF Piping Systems to outlay EUR 21 mln in distribution, production capacity

Swiss headquartered GF Piping Systems will make an investment of CHF (Swiss francs) 21 mln (EUR 13 mln) at its Schaffhausen, Switzerland location in order to expand distribution and production. CHF 144 mln of this amount will be invested in expanding the current distribution centre and improving its efficiency, while CHF 7 mln will be spent to expand manufacturing capacity at the Schaffhausen plant.

For more details on GF Piping Systems to outlay EUR 21 mln in distribution, production capacity click here

Markets for non-metallic materials in Oilfield Engineering

As oil exploration reaches new water depths and extremes of temperature, there is a need to validate high performance materials for key functions. The recent MERL Oilfield Engineering with Polymers cconference, organised by Applied Market Information and held in London, 7-8 October, had record breaking numbers, reflecting the high level of interest in the use of non-metallics in this field.

For more details on Markets for non-metallic materials in Oilfield Engineering click here

Polypropylene markets of Asia fail to take off post-Chinese holidays

Asian polypropylene demand that had come to a standstill before the week long Chinese national holidays, has failed to take off. PP market outlook continues to be pessimistic due to listless demand frrom China.

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Crude oil plunges to US$78-the year's lowest level

Crude oil for November delivery fell by 10% to US$77.70 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the lowest settlement since Sept. 10, 2007. Brent crude oil for November settlement also dipped byy 10% to settle at US$74 a barrel on London's ICE Futures Europe exchange, the lowest settlement since Sept.

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Falling SM, ACN and Butadiene values undermine ABS prices in Asia

As feedstock SM, ACN, butadiene prices continue to fall, they have brought down downstream ABS prices. CFR China ABS prices have dipped to US$1900 even as most sellers have quoted offers for October sshipment at US$1930-1950/MT.

For more details on Falling SM, ACN and Butadiene values undermine ABS prices in Asia click here

A low molecular weight modified polymer as active ingredients for liquid detergents

BASF is adding a low molecular weight modified polymer to its range of active ingredients for liquid detergents. The new additive Luvipur® 10 enhances the detergent power of liquid detergents for end consumers and will be supplied from 2009.

For more details on A low molecular weight modified polymer as active ingredients for liquid detergents click here

Unenthusiastic buying keeps outlook in PVC markets of Asia pessimistic

Unenthusiastic buying and lack of deal conclusion has kept outlook for PVC pessimistic in Asia in the week of October 13, 2008. Sellers, who have reduced CFR China offers for October shipment to US$9220/MT, are encountering a further decline of twenty dollars in buying intentions.

For more details on Unenthusiastic buying keeps outlook in PVC markets of Asia pessimistic click here

VCM prices fall on damp Chinese buying

A persistent fall has been witnessed in VCM prices to US$700/MT in Asia in the week of October 13, 2008, in line with falling input values, restrained demand from China and declining downstream PVC maarket sentiments.

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A styrenic material that has the property to kill microbes

A material belonging to the styrene plastic product line that has the property to kill microbes has been launched by BASF. Named Luran® S BX 13042, it is currently the only ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene--acrylate copolymer) with an antimicrobial effect.

For more details on A styrenic material that has the property to kill microbes click here

Asian MEG producers cutback operating capacities

MEG offers are being heard at US$740/MT in Asia this week, while buyers continue to scout for offers that lower by about 15 dollars. Prices being negotiated for spot MEG cargoes continue to deterioratte in the import market of Asia as market outlook continues to be listless.

For more details on Asian MEG producers cutback operating capacities click here

Ethylene markets in Asia crumble, prices cave in, as panic spread amongst sellers

Ethylene prices in Asia have sunk by almost US$190/MT in the week. Several factors are responsible for this collapse: Naphtha prices nose dived by about 30 dollars, as crude dipped by about five dollaars on Friday.

For more details on Ethylene markets in Asia crumble, prices cave in, as panic spread amongst sellers click here

Lackluster buying flattens propylene prices in Asia by over US$150

Deficient downstream demand in Asia coupled with mounting inventories have been responsible for pulling down propylene prices by over US$150/MT to US$900/MT FOB Korea. Buying interest continues to wanne as players prefer to wait and watch for yet another price dip in line with plummeting feedstock naphtha prices that sunk lower than US$600/MT.

For more details on Lackluster buying flattens propylene prices in Asia by over US$150 click here

PetroChina postpones new CDU and ethylene project start-up to next year

PetroChina has deferred start-up of its new 100,000 bpd crude distillation unit (CDU) and 1 mln tpa ethylene project at Dushanzi refinery situated in Xinjiang province to 2009. Both the projects were planned to be constructed by the end of 2008.

For more details on PetroChina postpones new CDU and ethylene project start-up to next year click here

Asian naphtha crackers face uncertainty and a challenging future

South Korea's largest ethylene maker, Yeochun Naphtha Cracking Centre (YNCC) has planned to curtail production rate by about 5-20% at its three naphtha crackers processing 1.8 mln tpa. Another South KKorean naphtha processor, SK Energy will keep running its No.

For more details on Asian naphtha crackers face uncertainty and a challenging future click here

Sipchem Q3 profits rise 52% due to price improvement, sales volume

Saudi International Petrochemicals Company (Sipchem) Q3 profit increased 57% to SR137 million (US$36.5 mln) owing higher volume of sales and prices. The net income in the nine months to September 30 rrose to SR502 mln (approx.

For more details on Sipchem Q3 profits rise 52% due to price improvement, sales volume click here

India to deliver 35,000 tons naphtha to US amidst sluggish Asian demand

Amidst the slump in Asian naphtha demand, 35,000 tons of India's naphtha will reportedly be delivered to the US. The naphtha which is set to load the West coast of India on Oct 18 is been seen as an uunexpected arbitrage owing to the overcapacity of naphtha in Asia.

For more details on India to deliver 35,000 tons naphtha to US amidst sluggish Asian demand click here

New cost reducing, resource conserving process unveiled to manufacture MMA

German industrial group, Evonik Industries has developed a new, pioneering manufacturing process for methyl methacrylate (MMA) under the name AVENEER. The new process is expected to increase the compeetitveness of future methyl methacrylate monomers and polymers.

For more details on New cost reducing, resource conserving process unveiled to manufacture MMA click here

BASF unveils ASA copolymer with antimicrobial effect

BASF, the world's largest chemical company has unveiled Luran® S BX 13042- ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer)-possessing property to kill microbes. The antimicrobial material contains silvver compounds that are incorporated into the plastic in order to impart its surface with a germicidal effect.

For more details on BASF unveils ASA copolymer with antimicrobial effect click here

Exxsol hydrocarbon fluids plant in Singapore sees 130,000 tpa capacity addition

ExxonMobil Chemical have seen successful completion of its 130,000 tpa capacity expansion at its Jurong Island-based Exxsol hydrocarbon fluids plant in Singapore. This capacity increase ups the total capacity to 500,000 tpa.

For more details on Exxsol hydrocarbon fluids plant in Singapore sees 130,000 tpa capacity addition click here

100% post-consumer rPET liquid oval containers to benefit pharmacists

Rexam Prescription Products, a global player in rigid plastic packaging is reportedly first packaging company to develop and market a liquid prescription oval made with 100% post-consumer recycled PETT resin.

For more details on 100% post-consumer rPET liquid oval containers to benefit pharmacists click here

'Car of the Year 2008' features Rhodia Technyl® Polyamides

Rhodia Polyamide's Technyl® Polyamide Engineering Plastics have been used for a number of components in the new super compact Fiat 500 city car - voted 'Car of the Year 2008'. Technyl® Polyamide Enginneering Plastics offered significant benefits including weight reduction, the design of compact parts with function integration and cost reduction for the Fiat's super compact car.

For more details on 'Car of the Year 2008' features Rhodia Technyl® Polyamides click here

Rhodia to make changes to its Polyamides R&D, production resources in Europe

In a bid to adapt itself to the changes in the global polyamides marketplace, engineering polymers group-Rhodia is planning to optimize the research, development and production resources of its Polyammide businesses in Europe.

For more details on Rhodia to make changes to its Polyamides R&D, production resources in Europe click here

BASF ups prices for acetylene-based specialty intermediates and carbonates

BASF increases the sales prices globally for acetylene-based specialty intermediates and carbonates by up to 10% with immediate effect or as contracts allow. The products are as follows:
- acetylene alcohols, such as propargyl alcohol, as well as other products within this product range;
- vinyl monomers, for example vinyl caprolactam; triethylene glycol divinyl ether as well as other product within this product range;
- carbonates, including Propylene carbonate S, Ethylene carbonate S and carbonate mixtures.

For more details on BASF ups prices for acetylene-based specialty intermediates and carbonates click here

Fujian ethylene project to start operations by start March 2009

The Fujian ethylene project-a JV of Sinopec, Exxon Mobil and Saudi Arabian Oil- is expected to start operations in the Q1 of 2009. The project's construction will see completion by end of 2008. Sinopeec earlier planned to double the project's capacity between 2010 and 2015 to meet China's growing oil demand.

For more details on Fujian ethylene project to start operations by start March 2009 click here

Mitsubishi Chemical's naphtha cracker faces unexpected shut down

Japan's leading petrochem company, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. shuttered a naphtha cracker at Mizushima in Western Japan. The cracker-which has ethylene production capacity of 496,000 tpa-was unexpecteddly shut down led by an immediate inspection after sensing an unusual odour from the cracker.

For more details on Mitsubishi Chemical's naphtha cracker faces unexpected shut down click here

Korean company to shut 1 mln tpa PTA plant for week-long maintenance

Korean company, Taekwang Industrial is planning to go for a week long maintenance shut down for its 1 mln tpa purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant at Ulsan from Oct 16. However, the supplies to conttract customers are not likely to be affected.

For more details on Korean company to shut 1 mln tpa PTA plant for week-long maintenance click here

BASF Catalysts' up production at Spain facility to meet global PP catalysts demand

BASF Catalysts has completed a significant debottlenecking project increasing capacity at its production facility in Tarragona, Spain by 25% to help meet growing global demand for polypropylene catalyysts.

For more details on BASF Catalysts' up production at Spain facility to meet global PP catalysts demand click here

New PE adhesive resin unveiled for pipe coatings industry

LyondellBasell Industries has unveiled a new polyethylene adhesive resin, Lucalen G3710E to address customer needs in the rapidly-expanding pipe coatings industry. The new resin is used as an adhesivee layer in three-layer coating applications between fusion bonded epoxy resins and an HDPE top coat material.

For more details on New PE adhesive resin unveiled for pipe coatings industry click here

Status of benzene plants across Asia

In response to deteriorating SM demand and meager profit margin realization, upstream benzene producers are also reducing operating rates. Japan Energy Corp. has reduced run rates at benzene plants att its 207,000 tpa Chita unit and 100,000 tpa Mizushima by half.

For more details on Status of benzene plants across Asia click here

ONGC to borrow $1bn to fund proposed Rs 6400 cr aromatic complex at Mangalore

ONGC plans to borrow US$1 bln to fund its proposed Rs 6400 crore aromatic complex at Mangalore. ONGC Mangalore Petrochemicals Ltd (OMPL), a special purpose vehicle the state-run firm created for the pproject, has mandated SBI Caps to arrange for the funds for the US$1.

For more details on ONGC to borrow $1bn to fund proposed Rs 6400 cr aromatic complex at Mangalore click here

Hexion parent contributes US$540 mln to complete takeover of Huntsman

Apollo Management LP, the parent company of Hexion Specialty Chemicals Inc. has contributed US$540 mln in capital to help complete the takeover of Huntsman Corp. Hexion's attempt to cancel the US$6.5 bln Huntsman merger has been recently been thwarted when a Delaware judge ordered it to honor the buyout agreement, failing which Huntsman would seek at least US$3 bln in damages.

For more details on Hexion parent contributes US$540 mln to complete takeover of Huntsman click here

Panel rejects CPC's renewal plan for third naphtha cracker in Linyuan

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) panel of the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has ruled that if CPC Corp wished to move ahead with its NT$46 bln (US$1.4 bln) construction plan oof its third naphtha cracker, it would need to go through the EIA process with a new case committee.

For more details on Panel rejects CPC's renewal plan for third naphtha cracker in Linyuan click here

Lower weight and unmatched FST performance for aircraft interiors

In the quest to reduce fuel costs, airlines are scrutinizing every component of a plane for potential weight reduction. With the launch of Ultem* foam from SABIC Innovative Plastics, aircraft designerrs can leverage the best-in-class flame, smoke, toxicity (FST) performance of Ultem polyetherimide resin in a new product that is 10 - 20 times lighter than traditional plastic components.

For more details on Lower weight and unmatched FST performance for aircraft interiors click here

Rhodia to polyamide plant at Ceriano in Italy by mid-2009

As part of a €40 mln cost reduction program to improve the competitiveness of its polyamide businesses in Europe, Rhodia plans to shutter a polyamide plant at Ceriano in Italy by mid-2009. Slower growwth of polyamide in Europe as compared with quicker expansion in Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia has triggered this decision.

For more details on Rhodia to polyamide plant at Ceriano in Italy by mid-2009 click here

Demand for sterile medical packaging in USA to reach US$6.5 bln in 2012

Demand for sterile medical packaging products is projected to reach $6.5 billion in 2012, as per a report by reportlinker.com. Growth will be driven by the shift to an older demographic, which will leead to a rising incidence of acute and chronic conditions and an increasing volume of patient activity.

For more details on Demand for sterile medical packaging in USA to reach US$6.5 bln in 2012 click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of October 6, 2008

CRUDE OIL
A $10 dip was witnessed in crude oil values in the week of October 6, 2008. Falling for the fourth consecutive day, oil prices ended the week at US$91 a barrel, on concerns that efforts to restrain the spreading financial crisis will not be successful in avoiding a further decline in oil demand.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of October 6, 2008 click here

Breakthrough research to repair spinal cord injuries using polymer coated nanoparticles

Purdue University researchers have developed a method of using nanoparticles to deliver treatments to injured brain and spinal cord cells. A team led by Richard Borgens of the School of Veterinary Meddicine's Center for Paralysis Research and Welden School of Biomedical Engineering coated silica nanoparticles with a polymer to target and repair injured guinea pig spinal cords.

For more details on Breakthrough research to repair spinal cord injuries using polymer coated nanoparticles click here

BASF's Ultramid selected for new Peugeot 308 sw's structural inserts

The new Peugeot 308 sw will exhibit its bodywork structural inserts manufactured using BASF's Ultramid® A3WG10 CR, new class of special polyamides which are reinforced with 50% glass fibers for high ddurability and strength.

For more details on BASF's Ultramid selected for new Peugeot 308 sw's structural inserts click here

PolyOne to manufacture PSG's Kostrate® Edge terpolymer in China

In addition to marketing and distribution in Asia Pacific region, PolyOne Corporation will start manufacturing of PSG's Kostrate® Edge brand terpolymer from its Shenzhen, China manufacturing facility..

For more details on PolyOne to manufacture PSG's Kostrate® Edge terpolymer in China click here

New nano-modified tooling prepreg for increased surface flatness & pin-free molds

UK-based Amber Composites recently unveiled a new nano-modified tooling prepreg called HX90N, a low temperature curing epoxy resin system. The new nano-modified tooling improves the surface flatness aand finish of tools made from various pattern materials including aluminum or epoxy tooling board.

For more details on New nano-modified tooling prepreg for increased surface flatness & pin-free molds click here

DSM Engineering Plastics to hike prices for from Jan 1, 2009

Effective January 1, 2009 or as per the contracts permit, DSM Engineering Plastics has announced a price increase for a number of its polymer materials in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Akulon PA 6 aand PA 6.

For more details on DSM Engineering Plastics to hike prices for from Jan 1, 2009 click here

EC fines 9 petrochemical companies US$955 mln for forming paraffin mafia

The European Commission has fined 9 petrochemical makers, including Sasol, Exxon Mobil, RWE, ENI, Hansen & Rosenthal, Repsol and Tudapetro a total of €676 mln for forming a paraffin mafia to fix pricees and portion out markets for wax.

For more details on EC fines 9 petrochemical companies US$955 mln for forming paraffin mafia click here

Coatings for Pipeline Protection

Pipeline operators are dependent on pipe coating integrity for fuel transport. Denis Melot of Total, Andre Koebsch of Petrobras, Mohamed Daoud of Abu Dhabi Co. for Onshore Oil Operations and John La Fontaine of ExxonMobil Development will be talking about their experience with pipe coatings at a conference organised by Applied Market Information: Pipeline Coating 2009 takes place 26-28 January at the Renaissance Hotel in Vienna, Austria.

For more details on Coatings for Pipeline Protection click here

Air Liquide invests €45-million in new air separation unit for supplies to Indian Oil

Malaysia's Air Liquide group - global supplier of industrial and medical gases, plans to invest €45 mln (Rs 300 crore) in India on a new air separation unit. This unit will meet the needs of Indian Oiil Corporation's 3 mln tpa Naphtha Cracker complex.

For more details on Air Liquide invests €45-million in new air separation unit for supplies to Indian Oil click here

Ethylene output for September loses 14% yoy in Japan

In the month of September, Japanese ethylene production dipped by 14% from the same month a year ago, as per government data. Ethylene output summed up to 528,400 tons in September this year, as againnst 614,100 tons in September 2007.

For more details on Ethylene output for September loses 14% yoy in Japan click here

Marginal recovery in oil prices after a drop below US$90

After plummeting for four consecutive days, oil prices have risen by over two dollars to US$90.06 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Forecast to plunge further, oil prices have risen as invvestors have taken a brief halt from a selling frenzy to review the possibility of a global revival after the US government's sweeping economic bailout.

For more details on Marginal recovery in oil prices after a drop below US$90 click here

New transparent PP grade with superior optical properties for use in sterilizable applications

Borealis has introduced a new grade of Borclear™, a unique random copolymer family for highly transparent polypropylene (PP) blown and cast films. Borclear RE936CF was developed for use in food packagging and medical applications and offers film converters and cast film producers a product that provides cost-effective processing and significant end-user benefits including superior optical properties.

For more details on New transparent PP grade with superior optical properties for use in sterilizable applications click here

Ashland extends distribution for high performance composites in South African region

Ashland Performance Materials, a division of Ashland Inc., has reached a new distribution agreement for its high-performance composites products in the South African region. Effective Oct. 1, distribuution firm A.

For more details on Ashland extends distribution for high performance composites in South African region click here

Cereplast to supply Compostables® resin to Brazilian markets

Cereplast Inc., manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics, recently announced the signing of a two-year contract to supply a total of 2 mln pounds of Cereplast Compostables® resin too two companies in Brazil.

For more details on Cereplast to supply Compostables® resin to Brazilian markets click here

Alcan Packaging acquires Associated Capsules' flexible packaging unit in India

Alcan Global Pharmaceutical Packaging, a division of Alcan Packaging has acquired the Chakan flexible packaging plant from Associated Capsules Private Limited in India. Chakan's integration into the AAlcan Packaging group is expected to be completed early in 2009.

For more details on Alcan Packaging acquires Associated Capsules' flexible packaging unit in India click here

China's leading PTA producer on brink of insolvency; PTA production held up

Zhejiang Hualian Sunshine Petrochemicals, China's leading producer of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and an affiliate of China Union Holdings, has reportedly brought the PTA production to a standstiill owing to a huge loss it incurred in the trading PTA futures contracts on Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange.

For more details on China's leading PTA producer on brink of insolvency; PTA production held up click here

Petrobras' 250,000 bpd Revap refinery goes offline for maintenance shut down

Petrobras, Brazil's state-owned oil refiner has announced the company's Sao Jose Campos-based Revap refinery has been temporarily shut down for 46 days due to maintenance and upgradation works. The coompany will outlay US$79 mln in maintenance and upgrades of its 250,000 bpd Revap refinery including its distillation unit.

For more details on Petrobras' 250,000 bpd Revap refinery goes offline for maintenance shut down click here

Ticona sets construction of the new polymer works plant underway in Germany

Global engineering polymer group, Ticona has recently set the construction work of its new Hostaform Polyacetal and Celstran plant underway at Höchst Industrial Park in Germany. The new polymer plantss expected to be operational by 2011, will reportedly substitute company's current polymers production in Kelsterbach.

For more details on Ticona sets construction of the new polymer works plant underway in Germany click here

Ethylene prices dip below the thousand dollar mark in Asia

Falling crude and naphtha values and deteriorating downstream demand continues to exert pressures on ethylene prices, keeping market outlook persistently gloomy. FOB Korea ethylene prices dipped beloww US$1000/MT in Asia even as the Chinese return to the markets after a week long break.

For more details on Ethylene prices dip below the thousand dollar mark in Asia click here

PNOC offers Petron stake to Ashmore

State-owned Philippine National Oil Co. has offered the sale of 40% stake in Petron Corp. to London-listed fund manager Ashmore Group for P6.85 per share, totaling to P25.69 bln. Petron said in a stattement that PNOC disclosed its intention to sell its 3.

For more details on PNOC offers Petron stake to Ashmore click here

PVC prices expected to weaken further once Chinese buyers return to the market

A pessimistic outlook prevailed in PVC market of Asia due to a dearth on concluded deals last week as the major buyers in the continent- the Chinese, were on a week long break. Though sellers have lowwered offers to US$970/MT CFR chine, buyers have expressed an interest to buy almost seventy dollars lower.

For more details on PVC prices expected to weaken further once Chinese buyers return to the market click here

HIP Petrohemija to invest US$204 mln in new polypropylene line

Serbia's largest petrochem group - HIP Petrohemija, plans to invest €140 mln (US$204 mln) in construction of a new polypropylene (PP) line. The Serbian major also plans to augment HDPE and LDPE producction.

For more details on HIP Petrohemija to invest US$204 mln in new polypropylene line click here

Weak polypropylene demand in Asia sways propylene values

Lack of ample transactions influenced by weak downstream polypropylene demand and falling feedstock costs, marked the propylene markets of Asia. A quietude prevailed as naphtha prices in the continentt dipped to hover around US$750/MT CNF Japan.

For more details on Weak polypropylene demand in Asia sways propylene values click here

Repsol plans to invest €1 bln in expansion at Sines

Repsol plans to invest €1 bln in an expansion project at its petrochemical complex -Repsol Polimeros at Sines, Portugal. Included in the expansion plan is an increase by 40% in cracker output to 570,0000 tpa, construction of new PE and PP plants with 300,000 tpa capacity each.

For more details on Repsol plans to invest €1 bln in expansion at Sines click here

Gloucester Engineering's 7-layer co-ex film line set up by Accutech Films

Accutech Films, Ohio-based blown film solutions provider has recently installed a new 7-layer co-extrusion line from supplier Gloucester Engineering. The seven layer film line will contribute to Accuttech's hi-tech coextrusion and specialty-film production facility and increases its production line tally to 15.

For more details on Gloucester Engineering's 7-layer co-ex film line set up by Accutech Films click here

BPA-free Tritan™ copolyester to offer design flexibility, product performance for baby care products

Eastman Chemical Company has reportedly announced that its Eastman Tritan™ copolyester will offer extensive design flexibility and increased product performance for the products in the baby care markeet including baby bottles, pacifiers and the like.

For more details on BPA-free Tritan™ copolyester to offer design flexibility, product performance for baby care products click here

New coated film product suited for food packaging unveiled

A new coated film product expected to be launched within 6 months in the global marketplace by Shiner International, Inc., a market leader in China's packaging and anti-counterfeiting plastic films inndustry.

For more details on New coated film product suited for food packaging unveiled click here

Wellman to increase PET packaging resin production and bid adieu to PSF, engineering resins business

Wellman Inc., South Carolina-based manufacturer of polyester staple fiber (PSF), engineering resins and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging resins have reportedly announced to shut doors at itss PSF and PET resin manufacturing operations at its Darlington-based plant and engineering resins operations at its Johnsonville-based plant.

For more details on Wellman to increase PET packaging resin production and bid adieu to PSF, engineering resins business click here

DSM Dyneema to invest in manufacturing of medical grade UHMWPE fiber

DSM Dyneema, the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®-world's strongest fiber-has recently announced to create its first line for manufacturing Dyneema Purity® fiber at its Greenville-based facility in North Carolina.

For more details on DSM Dyneema to invest in manufacturing of medical grade UHMWPE fiber click here

Styrochem Finland plans to terminate production at Kokemäki

In a bid to minimize rising losses, leading European expanded polystyrene (EPS) producer Styrochem Finland plans to terminate production at its plant at Kokemäki next April. A 20% reduction is cost iss expected with this termination.

For more details on Styrochem Finland plans to terminate production at Kokemäki click here

Oil falls for fourth day on fears of deeper decline in oil demands

Falling for the fourth consecutive day, oil prices have dropped to US$91 a barrel, on concerns that efforts to restrain the spreading financial crisis will not be successful in avoiding a further declline in oil demand.

For more details on Oil falls for fourth day on fears of deeper decline in oil demands click here

GAIL board approves doubling of Pata capacity

GAIL (India) Ltd. has received approval from its board to double capacity at the Pata petrochemical complex in Uttar Pradesh to 800,000 tpa. A detailed report will be made, based on which the company will work out the investments required for doubling capacity at Pata.

For more details on GAIL board approves doubling of Pata capacity click here

Green polypropylene that is 100% renewable

Brazil-based manufacturer, Braskem, claims to have successfully produced the first samples of polypropylene from 100% renewable feedstock with international certification. The samples were first obtaiined on laboratory scale and then in a pilot plant, where homopolymers and copolymers were produced.

For more details on Green polypropylene that is 100% renewable click here

BASF to shutter Decatur plant

125 employees and 20 contract employees of BASF Corp. plant in Decatur will lose their jobs, when the plant closes within a year.
The closure is being caused because PPG Industries is buying BASF's North American coil and extrusion coatings business.

For more details on BASF to shutter Decatur plant click here

Environmental Warranty and GreenHeart™ Phone launched by Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson's environmental warranty, and the concept of Sony Ericsson GreenHeart™ phones, have been launched - initiatives the company is taking to further its commitment to a sustainable future annd continually reducing its impact on the environment.

For more details on Environmental Warranty and GreenHeart™ Phone launched by Sony Ericsson click here

Sharp drop in prices of imported Polyethylene into Europe

As the volume of imports into the continent swells in the face of a dearth of buying in a lacklustre market, Polyethylene (PE) prices into Europe are falling sharply. PE demand in the month of August was the lowest on record- piling up producers inventories despite improved volumes in September.

For more details on Sharp drop in prices of imported Polyethylene into Europe click here

Indian petrochem majors face deteriorating domestic and export demand

Falling for the fourth consecutive day, oil prices have dropped to US$91 a barrel. Suspension of buying activities in anticipation of a further price decline has led to India petrochem majors; Reliancce Industries, GAIL Ltd.

For more details on Indian petrochem majors face deteriorating domestic and export demand click here

Makers of soya-based BiOH® polyols start European sales office

Cargill's biobased polyurethanes business-the developer of BiOH® line of soya-based polyols-has opened a sales office in France to serve its fast-growing European customer base. The office will managee ordering, customs clearance and delivery logistics for the company's BiOH® line of soya-based polyols used in manufacturing flexible foam for the furniture, bedding and automotive industries.

For more details on Makers of soya-based BiOH® polyols start European sales office click here

Rohm and Haas starts technical laboratory in Singapore

Rohm and Haas Company, the technology and solution provider to specialty materials industry have opened its new Southeast Asia Technical Laboratory in Singapore to support growth the of paints and coaatings applications.

For more details on Rohm and Haas starts technical laboratory in Singapore click here

Newly developed ion exchange resin with iron oxide to remove arsenic from drinking water

Specialty chemicals group LANXESS has developed Lewatit FO36, an innovative hybrid adsorber consisting of a combination of a polymeric anion exchange resin and an iron oxide with a goethite structure that can reliably remove arsenic from drinking water.

For more details on Newly developed ion exchange resin with iron oxide to remove arsenic from drinking water click here

Asian Propylene demand to witness a steep downfall

Rising inventories across Asia, weak demand from downstream products (polypropylene, acrylonitrile and acrylic acid) and the economic slowdown in the US and Europe is expected to dent the market for AAsian propylene and its derivatives.

For more details on Asian Propylene demand to witness a steep downfall click here

Weak downstream demand defers start-up at CPC's No.5 naphtha cracker

Taiwan's state-owned oil refiner, CPC Corporation has further deferred resumption of operations at its Kaohsiung-based No.5 naphtha cracker. The start-up of the 500,000 tpa cracker, earlier scheduled for Sep 29, will further postpone owing to sluggish demand of downstream products like ethylene and propylene.

For more details on Weak downstream demand defers start-up at CPC's No.5 naphtha cracker click here

Braskem's new green PP receives international certification

Brazil's largest petrochemical company, Braskem has furthered its commitment of developing green plastics by producing the first samples of polypropylene (PP) from 100% renewable raw material with intternational certification.

For more details on Braskem's new green PP receives international certification click here

PE and PP prices tumble by 20% this month: markets at standstill

A 20% fall was witnessed in Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) prices across the Middle East and South Asia - this is quickest drop seen in a single month in almost ten years. The recent developpments make the future direction of polymer prices very unclear, with volatile feedstock and crude values adding to the unstable market conditions.

For more details on PE and PP prices tumble by 20% this month: markets at standstill click here

PolyOne Corp to shutter many North American plants

Staring from the early part of next year, PolyOne Corp plans to shutter several of its plastics compounding plants across North America. Planned to be shuttered are plants in Plaquemine-Louisiana, Susssex-Wisconsin, Macedonia-Ohio and Building 452 of the corporate vinyls complex in Avon Lake.

For more details on PolyOne Corp to shutter many North American plants click here

PolyOne Corp to shutter many North American plants

Staring from the early part of next year, PolyOne Corp plans to shutter several of its plastics compounding plants across North America. Planned to be shuttered are plants in Plaquemine-Louisiana, Susssex-Wisconsin, Macedonia-Ohio and Building 452 of the corporate vinyls complex in Avon Lake.

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Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week of September 29, 2008

CRUDE OIL
Crude oil prices jumped up to US$108 per barrel in New York for November delivery, and to US$104.6 in London in the week of September 29, 2008. This rise was triggered in anticipation that a US$700 bln financial bailout plan will be adopted by the Congress.

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On-spec PE production at Arya Sasol to take off by Oct end

Arya Sasol-a JV between Iran's National Petrochemical Company (NPC) and South African chemicals giant Sasol-are reportedly expected to set the open-spec polyethylene production underway at its HDPE/MDDPE swing plant in Assaluyeh, Iran by October end while the LDPE plant is slated to start a month later.

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INEOS NOVA to curtail Europe PS production by 30% & increase premium for HIPS

Owing to record low margins of Polystyrene in September and a sluggish demand, INEOS NOVA-a JV of INEOS and NOVA Chemicals, has recently announced curtailing of its European Production by 30% in Octobber.

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Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Co. selects UOP to upgrade Ruwais refinery

UOP LLC, a fully owned subsidiary of Honeywell International and headquartered in Illinois has been opted by Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Co. for supplying technology and engineering services for upgradatioon at 120,000 bpd Ruwais refinery in the UAE.

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Pioneering PP solutions for automotive industry

Borealis, a leading provider of value creating plastics solutions, is all set to exhibit pioneering Polypropylene (PP) solutions for automotive industry at IZB, the International Suppliers Fair (Octobber 29 - 31) in Wolfsburg, Germany.

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Lightweight, high performance thermoplastic composites for automotives

SABIC Innovative Plastics and SABIC PP Automotive are introducing an expansive, world-class portfolio of lightweight, high-performance thermoplastic composites for automotive applications. These reinfforced materials range from LNP* Thermocomp* and LNP Verton* specialty compounds for demanding interior and underhood applications, to the global introduction of SABIC® STAMAX resins for door modules and instrument panel carriers, to the newly introduced AZDEL IXIS® 157 composite for vehicle hoods and roofs.

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Ticona plans 7000 mtpa Vectra LCP facility in Nanjing, China

Ticona, the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corporation, had recently announced its plans to build a new 7000 mtpa Vectra(R) liquid crystal polymer (LCP) production facility co-located at thhe Celanese integrated chemical complex in Nanjing, China.

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Huntsman emerges victorious in court battle with Hexion

It has been ruled that world´s number one epoxy adhesive maker - Huntsman Corp. can force rival Hexion Specialty Chemicals Inc. to honor a US$6.5 bln buyout agreement.
The judge concluded that Hexioon, a unit of buyout firm Apollo Management LP, does not have sufficient grounds to cancel its offer for Salt Lake City-based Huntsman because of a slump in the chemical markets.

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Inteva, A. Schulman ink licensing agreement to produce custom TPE blend

Inteva's recently developed thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) blend, will provide automakers with a high-quality, durable and environmentally friendly alternative material. Inteva Products, LLC and A. Schhulman, Inc.

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Indian chemical sector, particularly polymers to be exempt from WTO 'sectorals'

The government of India is mulling a proposal to ensure that certain sectors in the chemical sector, particularly polymers, are exempted from the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) market-opening provissions called 'sectorals'.

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BP to renounce trading in most petrochemicals in Asia

Terming the trading of petrochemicals as incompatible with its plans, BP has arrived at a decision to discontinue trading in most petrochemicals. BP's petrochemical trading team will be acquired by Chhina Aviation Oil (CAO).

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Construction of Vietnam's first petrochemical complex set underway

The would-be Vietnam's largest petrochemical complex has reportedly set construction at the Long Son Oil and Gas Industrial Zone in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province underway. The nation's first petroochemical complex is a 4-way JV between Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), Vietnam National Chemical Corporation (Vinachem), Vina SCG Chemicals under the Thailand Cement Group, and Thai Plastic and Chemicals.

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India's RIL sells 80,000 tons of Oct lifting naphtha at US$5/ton discount

After selling 80,000 tons of October lifting naphtha to BP at a higher single digit premium, India's Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) sold and additional 80,000 tons to Koch for October lifting from Sikkka at a US$5/ton discount relative to Middle Eastern quotes on FOB basis.

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Leading European automaker specifies Exxtral performance polyolefins for interiors

PSA Peugeot Citroën Group, a world-class European automobile manufacturer has specified ExxonMobil Chemical's Exxtral™ performance polyolefins for four interior components of its new Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner.

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New nanoscopic materials to mitigate growth of tin whiskers from lead-free solders

The pioneer of POSS® (Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes) - Hybrid Plastics under sponsorship from The National Science Foundation, Electronics Division, has unveiled a first landmark conformal coaating, POSS® Short-Stop which is capable of suppressing tin whiskers from lead free solders and interconnects.

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New high speed TM Xpress series with an IML application

Wittmann Battenfeld will unveil its new, innovative and high speed TM Xpress series in combination with an Inmold Labeling System at Equiplast which is to be held from Oct 20 - 24 in Barcelona, Spain..

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Oil prices plunge 10% as US House of Representatives rejects the US$700 bln bailout of the financial sector

Markets are in a state of frenzy as crude oil have sunk by 10% as the US House of Representatives has narrowly rejected a US$700 bln government bailout of the financial sector. New York's main contracct, light sweet crude for November delivery, fell by over 10 dollars to close at US$96.

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Korean Polymirae selects LyondellBasell's Metocene PP technology

PolyMirae (PMC), a joint venture between Daelim and LyondellBasell, has selected LyondellBasell's Metocene PP technology for one of its Spheripol lines in Yeosu, Korea. The Metocene PP technology liceense to PMC covers a full range of homopolymers, random copolymers and heterophasic copolymers with significantly improved physical properties.

For more details on Korean Polymirae selects LyondellBasell's Metocene PP technology click here

Biobased polymers and plastics from ethylene derived from hydrous sugarcane-based ethanol

Florida-based Industrial Biotechnology Corp., plans to manufacture biobased polymers and plastics from ethylene derived from hydrous sugarcane-based ethanol. The company plans to use preexisting chemiical infrastructure to replace petroleum-based ethylene with hydrous-ethanol-based ethylene.

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