Specialty Packaging Conference Comes to the USA

Demands for sustainability and higher shelf life in packaging are pushing the film industry in two directions – towards biodegradable barrier films and to long-life films that extend product life and reduce waste.

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No immediate plans by Braskem to affect Sunoco’s La Porte facility

Braskem SA, that agreed to acquire Sunoco Inc.’s US polypropylene business, has no immediate plans affecting the company’s La Porte facility. La Porte is Sunoco Chemicals’ largest plant and the one wiith the most competitive raw material contract, sourcing feedstock from Equistar.

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Indian composites market poised for growth

Composites industry in India, after recording impressive growth during last 5 years is now poised for a take-off as per reportlinker. In the past few years the industry has witnessed a growth rate of more than 15% while developed markets in N.

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Approval from Brazilian antitrust regulators likely for Braskem’s acquisition of Quattor

Latin America’s biggest petrochemicals producer Braskem SA is likely to get approval from Brazilian antitrust regulators to buy Quattor Petroquimica SA. Brazil’s antitrust agency, known as Cade, is liikely to approve the deal because both companies compete in a global market, with little effect on domestic prices to consumers.

For more details on Approval from Brazilian antitrust regulators likely for Braskem’s acquisition of Quattor click here

Oltchim agrees to acquire the petrochemicals business of Romania’s oil major Petrom

After months of negotiations, state-owned Romanian chemicals producer Oltchim has finally agreed to acquire Arpechim, the petrochemicals business of Romania’s biggest oil and gas group Petrom, along wwith its workforce of 560 at Pitesti, as per prw.

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Chandra Asri, Dow, Pertamina, Polytama, Try Polyta to invest US$1.12 bln in Indonesia

Chandra Asri, Dow Chemicals, Pertamina, Polytama and Try Polyta plan to invest a total of US$1.12 bln in 2010 in Indonesia as per an association of olefin and plastic industries. The projects planned by the five Indonesian petrochemical companies are expected to reduce a deficit in the supplies of petrochemical products.

For more details on Chandra Asri, Dow, Pertamina, Polytama, Try Polyta to invest US$1.12 bln in Indonesia click here

Upward pressure in local and import markets in Egypt despite poor demand

Upward pressure prevails in the local and import markets in Egypt despite poor demand, as per Chemorbis. Most buyers prefer to defer fresh purchases, or meet their requirements in small volumes. This situation is seeing support from the impending Chinese New Year as players want to wait until the holiday period is over in order to be clear regarding the market direction.

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High offers for Asian PVC see resistance in buyers from Turkey

Under upward pressure from Asia, the Turkish market had seen a noticeable jump in Asian offers, with prices for February cargoes rising to US$1120/MT CFR Turkey at the end of January, as per Chemorbiss.

For more details on High offers for Asian PVC see resistance in buyers from Turkey click here

ONGC Petro-Additions Innovene PP Process for Dahej Complex

INEOS Technologies has licensed its ‘Innovene PP Process’ for the manufacture of polypropylene homopolymers, random and impact copolymers and the ‘Innovene G Process’ for the manufacture of linear loww density and high density polyethylene to ONGC Petro additions Limited (OPaL).

For more details on ONGC Petro-Additions Innovene PP Process for Dahej Complex click here

Court approval sought for test runs of 16 suspended projects at Map Ta Phut

The Thai government plans to submit a new petition within a week seeking court approval for test runs for 16 of the suspended Map Ta Phut industrial projects. Most of the projects are linked with subssidiaries of the Siam Cement Group such as Thai Polyethylene, Thai MMA and BST Elastomers
Last month was disappointing for the suspended projects whose petition was rejected by the Administrative Court.

For more details on Court approval sought for test runs of 16 suspended projects at Map Ta Phut click here

Global Electroactive Polymers Market to grow to US$2.78 bln in 2014

Technological developments in the electronics and semiconductor industries have led to the creation of polymers that change shape on the application of voltage. The biggest application for electroactiive polymers (EAPs) lies in their future use as actuators and sensors, which in turn opens up a huge spectrum of applications in the fields of electronics, healthcare, sensing, and solar energy generation.

For more details on Global Electroactive Polymers Market to grow to US$2.78 bln in 2014 click here

Aromatics in Asia on downtrend

Reflecting weaker sentiment, spot paraxylene (PX) prices dropped almost 12% in the past month and breached the psychologically mark of US$1000/ton, as most end-user requirements for the month of Marchh has been covered, as per ICIS.

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Increasing demand for bioplastics flout trends by other plastics in the economic downturn

The market for bioplastics is defying the economic downturn as brand owners worldwide continue to invest in the technology, according to the chairman of the European Bioplastics board in prw.com. Accoording to European Bioplastics, growth will continue over the next four years.

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Advanced medical-grade elastomers provide first fully practical alternative to PVC for tubing

A series of advanced medical-grade elastomers that provide the first fully practical alternative to PVC for many tubing applications has been introduced by Teknor Apex Company. The Medalist MD-500 Serries compounds exhibit crystal clarity and mechanical properties comparable to those of PVC; provide similar clamp resilience and resistance to kinking and necking; have a PVC-like "feel"; and are substantially more flexible and significantly less dense.

For more details on Advanced medical-grade elastomers provide first fully practical alternative to PVC for tubing click here

Unplanned shutdown at PTT Chemical to affect 700,000 tons of olefin production

An unplanned shutdown at Thailand’s PTT Chemical PCL’solefins plant due to power problems, will affect about 40% of its total production, amounting to 700,000 tons. The company needs a couple of days for inspection of the problem that occurred around the middle of last week.

For more details on Unplanned shutdown at PTT Chemical to affect 700,000 tons of olefin production click here

6 petrochemical projects with 3.14 mln tps capacity to open at Assaluyeh, Iran

Six important petrochemical projects, with 3.14 million tpa capacity is to be inaugurated in Assaluyeh, Iran. Built at an investment outlay of US$2 bln, most of the projects will focus on the petrocheemical sector.

For more details on 6 petrochemical projects with 3.14 mln tps capacity to open at Assaluyeh, Iran click here

Is the masterbatch industry ready for recovery?

Economic analysts are pointing to the recession drawing to a close in Europe driven by fiscal and monetary stimuli together with relatively resilient growth in Asia and Latin America. However, having survived the recession thus far, plenty of challenges still lie ahead for the masterbatch industry.

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Twelve new grades of engineering polymers for use in health care

Twelve new grades of DuPont engineering polymers that meet demanding requirements for use in health care products and equipment are making their debut. The materials are being introduced in addition tto existing products making the DuPont offering one of the broadest portfolios of engineering plastics and thermoplastic elastomers for medical devices, surgical devices and for diagnostic or pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment.

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New composite material that could revolutionise car design and manufacturing

Parts of a car's bodywork could one day double up as its battery, according to the scientists behind a new €3.4 mln project. Researchers from Imperial College London and their European partners are deeveloping a prototype material which can store and discharge electrical energy and which is also strong and lightweight enough to be used for car parts.

For more details on New composite material that could revolutionise car design and manufacturing click here

LyondellBasell declares FM on US olefins

LyondellBasell has declared a force majeure (FM) on US olefins, on supply restrictions possibly due to a rumoured delay in the restart of the company’s Corpus Christi cracker in Texas. However, the coompany maintains that the restart at Corpus Christi remains on schedule for February.

For more details on LyondellBasell declares FM on US olefins click here

Thai producer’s March PVC offers to SEA rise by US$30

A Thai producer announced March PVC offers this week at US$1050/ton CIF SEA, cash, an increase of US$30/ton when compared with their February done deal levels, as per Chemorbis. The producer commentedd that they do not expect to be able to conclude many deals given the short time remaining before the Chinese New Year holidays, although they added that they have no intentions of agreeing to any discounts on their new offers over the short term.

For more details on Thai producer’s March PVC offers to SEA rise by US$30 click here

PE demand better than PP in Italy

Although both PP and PE markets are under upward pressure from rising monomer costs and limited availability in Italy, PE demand is performing much better than that of PP as per Chemorbis. Both the maarkets have seen large price hikes of €80-100/ton; however, many sellers affirm that PP demand is slow.

For more details on PE demand better than PP in Italy click here

Asian producers await onset of Lunar New Year Holidays on a cautious note

Polymer market in Asia generally tends to slow down ahead of the Chinese New Year, with a chunk of the players preferring to wait in the sidelines. As a result of slower trading activities, the markett sentiment traditionally softens, leading buyers to look for some discounts from sellers, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on Asian producers await onset of Lunar New Year Holidays on a cautious note click here

Downward pressure on benzene price to continue in Asia

Weakness in crude futures amid robust benzene supply in Asia will continue to exert pressure on regional prices of the aromatics product in the near-term. As per ICIS, a near 5% fall in crude prices tto US$73/bbl overnight, shook the market in Asia on Friday, sending benzene prices crashing down by US$30-40/ton to US$915-930/ton FOB Korea at midday.

For more details on Downward pressure on benzene price to continue in Asia click here

Unclear direction of naphtha markets in Asia

The direction of naphtha markets in Asia is currently confusing - some traders are bidding up prices because of a lack of arbitrage material, while C2, C3 and aromatics prices are coming down, as per ICIS.

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Naphtha prices and crack spreads dip to this week’s lows in Asia

Naphtha prices and crack spreads have dipped to their lowest level this week as buyers refrain from concluding deals on rising concerns of deteriorating petrochemical demand and bearish market outlookk in China ahead of the Lunar New Year Holidays.

For more details on Naphtha prices and crack spreads dip to this week’s lows in Asia click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended February 8, 2010

CRUDE OIL
Crude oil prices have fallen to US$71 per barrel in the week of February 8, 2010. After briefly rising above US$77/barrel earlier last week, ccrude oil futures plunged by over six dollars in just three days, plummeting to their lowest point since December 2009.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended February 8, 2010 click here

Domestic PP prices rise for second time in Feb in Indonesia

Domestic producers have announced their second PP price increase for February this week, raising prices by US$20/ton for all PP products in Indonesia due to persistently limited supply in the local maarket, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on Domestic PP prices rise for second time in Feb in Indonesia click here

Asian spot monomers weaken on drop in crude oil, slowing demand at the onset of Chinese holidays

Spot prices for most monomers are retreating in Asia in the final week before the Chinese New Year holidays, due to the holiday lull in Asian demand as well as softening crude oil prices. As per Chemmorbis, after briefly rising above US$77/barrel earlier last week, crude oil futures on the NYMEX were at US$71.

For more details on Asian spot monomers weaken on drop in crude oil, slowing demand at the onset of Chinese holidays click here

Asia-Pacific and Middle East to account for over 80% of planned PE capacity additions to 2015

Enormous demand in countries such as China and the feedstock cost advantages of the Middle East mean the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions will account for more than 80% of planned PE capacity addiitions to 2015, according to a report by Global Markets Direct.

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Saudi Aramco to invest US$120 bln over next 6 years in oil and petrochemicals sectors

State-owned Saudi Aramco plans to invest approximately US$120 bln over the next 5-6 years in developing projects in the oil and petrochemicals sectors. With completion of several refinery expansions, the state owned company is now working to meet the country's gas demands as it moves downstream into production of petrochemicals.

For more details on Saudi Aramco to invest US$120 bln over next 6 years in oil and petrochemicals sectors click here

SABIC to continue with expansion

Backed by abundant feedstocks at economic rates, higher profits and increased market share, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) continues to expand even as rivals such as BASF and Dow Chemical struggled with rising raw material costs last year.

For more details on SABIC to continue with expansion click here

JG Summit’s long delayed naphtha cracker subject to government inspections amid a review of tariff protection

JG Summit Petrochemical Corp.’s long delayed naphtha cracker will be subject to government inspections amid a review of the company's tariff protection. JG Summit, represented by the Association of Peetrochemical Manufacturers of the Philippines, is opposing the downstream plastic industry's petition to eliminate tariffs on imported resin, which competes with JG Summit Petrochemical's output- claiming that the protection is necessary to make the proposed naphtha cracker.

For more details on JG Summit’s long delayed naphtha cracker subject to government inspections amid a review of tariff protection click here

Dollar weakens, equities strengthen, oil rises from 7 week lows

Crude oil for March delivery rose by over a dollar to US$72.3 a barrel on the Nymex, and to US$71.6 in London. Late last week, the contract fell to the lowest settlement since Dec. 15, as higher-than--forecast job losses in USA depressed global stock markets and commodity prices.

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Mitsubishi and Asahi Kasei delay integration of operations of ethylene plants in Okayama

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp and Asahi Kasei Corp had announced plans to integrate operations of their plants in Okayama Prefecture, in April 2009. The merger was planned to meet the glut in demaand of ethylene derivatives.

For more details on Mitsubishi and Asahi Kasei delay integration of operations of ethylene plants in Okayama click here

Speculations for further hike in March PE prices in Italy

In view of robust demand and ongoing supply issues, some players have started to express bullish expectations for March in Italy’s PE market, as per Chemorbis. Minimum price hikes of €100/ton have alrready materialized for PE in Italy’s spot market for February, over and above the €60-100/ton increases in January.

For more details on Speculations for further hike in March PE prices in Italy click here

Domestic LLDPE, LDPE prices rally in Egypt as import stocks dwindle

Price of domestic LDPE film has spiked up to EGP1400/ton (US$256/ton) in Egypt since the beginning of January. This situation is mainly attributed to limited import availability from mainstream Middlee Eastern producers as per Chemorbis.

For more details on Domestic LLDPE, LDPE prices rally in Egypt as import stocks dwindle click here

Sunoco to sell Marcus Hook facility including PP unit to Braskem

Sunoco is selling its Marcus Hook subsidiary, Sunoco Chemicals Inc along with its polypropylene unit for US$350 mln to Braskem. Located adjacent to Sunoco refinery, the unit is operational. The sale iincludes units in manufacturing facilities in La Porte, Texas, and Neal, W.

For more details on Sunoco to sell Marcus Hook facility including PP unit to Braskem click here

A new Composite Polymer which is the hardest and stronger than the strongest metal

A new Composite Polymer claimed to be the hardest and stronger than the strongest metal as been unveiled by chemists at the Bangalore-based Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNNCASR).

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Global biodegradable polymers market doubled from 2005 to 2009

Growth has been forecast for biodegradable polymer markets as per a report by SRI Consulting (SRIC). The report states that global biodegradable polymers market doubled from 2005 to 2009. The consultiing and business research service noted that this growth occurred despite global economic slowdowns.

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Crude oil weakens, naphtha nears US$700/MT in Asia at end of week

Crude futures weakened on Friday, after sharp fall of around 5% on Thursday, amid a strengthening in the US dollar, unemployment worries, and concerns over the strength of the Euro zone economies. As per ICIS pricing, Crue Mar WTI US$72.

For more details on Crude oil weakens, naphtha nears US$700/MT in Asia at end of week click here

Formosa to invest NT$650 bln in 2010 in 3 major petrochemical and steel projects

Taiwan’s Formosa Plastics Group plans to invest NT650 bln in three major petrochemical and steel projects at home as well as overseas in 2010. These include:
The fifth-phase expansion of it`s naphthha cracking complex at Maoliao Offshore Industrial Zone in Yunlin County at an investment of NT$280 bln
A major steel refinery in Vietnam at NT$280 bln A stainless steel plant in Xiamen, China, at NT$90 bln
Uncertainty shrouds the groundbreaking of the fifth-phase expansion of the Mailiao naphtha cracking complex, since its environmental impact statement is still undergoing the review by Environmental Protection Administration, under the Executive Yuan.

For more details on Formosa to invest NT$650 bln in 2010 in 3 major petrochemical and steel projects click here

IRPC plans to shift focus from commodities to specialty plastic for higher profit margins

In a bid to gain from higher profit margins, Thailand’s IRPC Plc plans to change its focus from commodities to specialty plastic. This step will move IRPC (Southeast Asia's number one integrated petroochemical complex) closer towards a leading position in petrochemicals in Asia by 2014.

For more details on IRPC plans to shift focus from commodities to specialty plastic for higher profit margins click here

SEAsia receives offers from new PP and PE capacities in UAE and Thailand

Players in South East Asia have started to receive offers from new PP and PE capacities belonging to Borouge and the Siam Cement Group (SCG). A converter in the Philippines reported that they purchaseed two containers of Northwest European homo-PP injection offered as part of a pre-marketing campaign for Borouge’s new 800,000 tpa PP plant in the United Arab Emirates.

For more details on SEAsia receives offers from new PP and PE capacities in UAE and Thailand click here

Spot prices of styrene and derivative PS moving in opposite directions

The spot markets for styrene and derivative PS are moving in opposite directions this week in Asia as per Chemorbis. Spot PS prices are slipping even as feedstock SM prices are rising to regain all thhe losses of the previous week.

For more details on Spot prices of styrene and derivative PS moving in opposite directions click here

Trade barriers could tame Chinese petrochem demand post Lunar New Year break

Prices of select petrochemical products in Asia have been on a downtrend in the absence of a major demand. China’s petrochemicals markets were lacklustre ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations. Though mmarket demand is expected to revive post-holidays towards late February, it may be subdues as compared to the recent past as trade barriers get raised.

For more details on Trade barriers could tame Chinese petrochem demand post Lunar New Year break click here

Eastman considers exit from PET business

From World No 1 supplier of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Eastman Chemical Co. seems on the verge of exit from the business. The company’s performance polymers business has been a non performer for the past 4-5 years and has drawn on earnings from other performing sectors of the company.

For more details on Eastman considers exit from PET business click here

JBF Industries signs MOU with OOC for PTA plant at Port of Sohar

Indian petrochemicals manufacturer JBF Industries Ltd. has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with state owned Oman Oil Company SAOC (OOC) to jointly build a major purified terephthalic acid (PTA) pllant at Port of Sohar.

For more details on JBF Industries signs MOU with OOC for PTA plant at Port of Sohar click here

Price hikes in PVC and PET continue since beginning of year in USA

PVC and PET prices have been on the rise in North America since the beginning of the year. Suspension PVC prices have risen by an average of 5 cents/lb and by 3 cents/lb for PET bottle resin in the reegion as per Plastics News.

For more details on Price hikes in PVC and PET continue since beginning of year in USA click here

Bayer MaterialScience unveils worlds’ largest carbon nanotubes facility

Bayer MaterialScience has opened a new pilot facility for manufacture of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at CHEMPARK Leverkusen. With a 200 tpa capacity, this facility is the largest of CNT plant in the worldd, built at an investment outlay of €22 mln sent for planning, development and construction of the facility.

For more details on Bayer MaterialScience unveils worlds’ largest carbon nanotubes facility click here

Sinopec to shift Beihai refinery to Tieshan Port, to add polypropylene plant

Shrouded by tighter environmental regulations, Sinopec is shifting its 12,000 bpd Beihai refinery from the Guangxi province near Vietnam, to Tieshan Port. Tieshan Port is about 40 kms from Beihai. At the new site, Sinopec has plans to build a major refinery of 200,000 bpd, a 200,000 tpa polypropylene plant by 2011, along with a 20 mln barrel commercial crude oil storage base.

For more details on Sinopec to shift Beihai refinery to Tieshan Port, to add polypropylene plant click here

Sinopec to shift Beihai refinery to Tieshan Port, to add polypropylene plant

Shrouded by tighter environmental regulations, Sinopec is shifting its 12,000 bpd Beihai refinery from the Guangxi province near Vietnam, to Tieshan Port. Tieshan Port is about 40 kms from Beihai. At the new site, Sinopec has plans to build a major refinery of 200,000 bpd, a 200,000 tpa polypropylene plant by 2011, along with a 20 mln barrel commercial crude oil storage base.

For more details on Sinopec to shift Beihai refinery to Tieshan Port, to add polypropylene plant click here

US EPA updates renewable fuel standards

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated renewable fuel standards (RFS2), - leading to a major increase in the use of biofuels in the nation’s fuel supply. The update mandates that more thhan 15 bln gal pa of renewable fuels enter US fuel tanks by 2012.

For more details on US EPA updates renewable fuel standards click here

KPC brings down premium on April-March naphtha offers to US$24

Leading Middle Eastern naphtha supplier Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) had proposed a premium of US$26 above Middle East quotes on FOB basis for its April 2010-March 2011 cargoes. The best bid heard for this was at much lower level of US$18/ton premium.

For more details on KPC brings down premium on April-March naphtha offers to US$24 click here

SEA PVC exports fall, China fades, Italy disappears in Turkey

Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam had been major contributors to Turkey’s PVC market in 2008 with a total of 142,739 tons. Their contribution in 2009 dropped conssiderably as per Chemorbis.

For more details on SEA PVC exports fall, China fades, Italy disappears in Turkey click here

Qatofin plans to offer larger LLDPE volume for March shipment

Qatofin plans to offer additional volumes of LLDPE for March. Qatofin plans to announce offers for March shipment to Asian markets towards the end of February as per Chemorbis. Qatofin’s new 450,000 ttpa LLDPE plant in Qatar is expected to reach full production rates in mid-February, allowing the company to offer full allocations to their target markets for March shipment.

For more details on Qatofin plans to offer larger LLDPE volume for March shipment click here

IOC to start work on Paradip petrochem complex along with refinery project in second phase

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) plans to commence work for its proposed petrochemical complex along with its refinery project in Paradip in the second phase of construction, along with a pipeline betweenn Paradip and Raipur.

For more details on IOC to start work on Paradip petrochem complex along with refinery project in second phase click here

Sinopec and TPG Capital plan joint bid to acquire LyondellBasell?

Sinopec and TPG Capital, L.P. are reported to be planning a joint bid to acquire LyondellBasell Industries. Other details are not known.


For more details on Sinopec and TPG Capital plan joint bid to acquire LyondellBasell? click here

MRPL sells March naphtha cargo for lower premium

India's Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) has sold March naphtha cargo for a lower premium amid expectations of lower demand because of cracker maintenance next month. A parcel of 35,0000 ton for March 14-16 loading to Shell was sold at a premium of about US$26/ton to Middle East quotes on FOB basis, as compared to a US$31.

For more details on MRPL sells March naphtha cargo for lower premium click here

Naphtha prices rebound in Asia

Naphtha prices in Asia have rebounded from very low levels seen earlier in the week to a two-week high. Open spec naphtha for H2-March spiked by US$37 to US$712/MT CFR Japan. Naphtha cracks have also rebounded to a three-session high after dropping to their lowest in two months.

For more details on Naphtha prices rebound in Asia click here

Honam Petrochemical to expand naphtha cracker capacity by 250,000 tpa

Honam Petrochemical plans to augment naphtha cracker capacity by 250,000 tpa by October 2012 at an investment outlay of 520 bln won (US$453.1 mln). With this, the company will have a total cracking caapacity of 2 mln tpa, making it South Korea's largest producer.

For more details on Honam Petrochemical to expand naphtha cracker capacity by 250,000 tpa click here

Kabra Extrusiontechnik plans capacity expansion at Daman to the tune of Rs 85 crores

Kabra Extrusiontechnik has announced plans to expand capacity at Daman at an outlay of Rs 85 crores. The expansion involves investment in machinery and other utilities but it does not include investmeent in land and building.

For more details on Kabra Extrusiontechnik plans capacity expansion at Daman to the tune of Rs 85 crores click here

Total ethylene consumption will return to 115 mln tons by end of 2010

Total ethylene consumption will return to 115 mln tons by the end of 2010, resulting in zero demand growth for the 2008-2010 period as per a report by MarketPublishers.com.
In 2010, chemicals demand recovery will differ significantly in terms of end-market and geographic region.

For more details on Total ethylene consumption will return to 115 mln tons by end of 2010 click here

BASF restarts its smaller steam cracker in Ludwigshafen

A fire forced BASF to shut down its smaller steam cracker in Ludwigshafen just before Christmas 2009. BASF has announced the restart of the affected cracker. The restart is expected to ease the tight supply situation in the ethylene market in Europe.

For more details on BASF restarts its smaller steam cracker in Ludwigshafen click here

Environment friendly sleeping mattresses

In the quilted top layer of almost all its mattresses, US based Denver Mattress uses 1-3 inches of soy-based foam, called BioFlex™ Hybrid Foam, that is made from Cargill's BiOH® soy-based polyol. Thiss high-density foam achieves a perfect balance between biobased content and performance including support factor ratio; tensile, tear and elongation strength; height loss; and indentation force deflection.

For more details on Environment friendly sleeping mattresses click here

PTT Plc to negotiate with contractors of its 18 suspended projects for settlement of penalties

With Siam Cement, Thailand’s PTT Plc is one of the two hardest-hit businesses in the Map Ta Phut suspension case. The two majors each own 18 of the 64 suspended projects that are now facing constructiion delays caused by the Administrative Court's order to suspend work.

For more details on PTT Plc to negotiate with contractors of its 18 suspended projects for settlement of penalties click here

Crude demand expected to rise: prices linger at US$77 in Asia

Benchmark crude for March delivery dipped to US$77.06 at midday Bangkok time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange., after spiking by two dollars on the previous day. In London, Brrent crude dipped to US$75.

For more details on Crude demand expected to rise: prices linger at US$77 in Asia click here

PET prices continue to be linked to input costs in Europe

PET prices in Europe have increased in January 2010 in line with rising input costs. As per Plastics Information Europe, feedstock MEG prices increased by €125/ton to levels of €785/ton as supply getss increasingly stringent.

For more details on PET prices continue to be linked to input costs in Europe click here

Sluggish demand, lower input costs pull down GPPS and HIPS offers in China

Several producers and distributors in China continue to reduce offers for GPPS and HIPS this week yielding to lower styrene feedstock costs as well as persistently sluggish end demand, as per Chemorbiis.

For more details on Sluggish demand, lower input costs pull down GPPS and HIPS offers in China click here

Maintenance at Sulfindo’s 80,000 tpa PVC plant in Indonesia: March PVC exports suspended

Indonesia’s Sulfindo Adiusaha plans to suspend its PVC export offers for the coming month due to an ongoing maintenance at its 80,000 tpa PVC plant in Indonesia. The plant, scheduled to restart in latte January following a two-week maintenance shutdown, continues to be off-line, and could resume production later this week.

For more details on Maintenance at Sulfindo’s 80,000 tpa PVC plant in Indonesia: March PVC exports suspended click here

PP moves up again in Italy as propylene rises

As February propylene contract price in the European market settled last week with an additional increase of €85/ton (US$118/ton) from January levels, PP price hikes seemed inevitable. As per Chemorbiis, price hikes have emerged for homo-PP from €80-120/ton for February.

For more details on PP moves up again in Italy as propylene rises click here

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan set to develop world class petrochemicals industry in Central Asia

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are set to leverage their strength in oil and gas resources to develop a world class petrochemicals industry in Central Asia, according to a report by Business Monitor Internnational.

For more details on Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan set to develop world class petrochemicals industry in Central Asia click here

Dow CEO predicts better prospects in 2010

Dow Chemical Co. reported a fall in Q4 sales in North America and Europe as growth in those regions may be eroded by high unemployment. North American revenue tumbled 19% to US$4.12 bln as volumes felll 11% and European sales dropped 3.

For more details on Dow CEO predicts better prospects in 2010 click here

Naphtha prices firm up in Europe

Naphtha prices in Europe have risen, marginally exceeding gains in crude oil prices. Restart of petrochemical crackers supported naphtha prices, offsetting the limited arbitrage to Asia. All three of BASF's European petrochemical steam crackers are now online after two plants restarted after being shut down due to damage by two fires.

For more details on Naphtha prices firm up in Europe click here

Foster Wheeler and SOFCON ink deal to form joint regional engineering hub in Saudi Arabia

Foster Wheeler AG’s subsidiary of its Global Engineering and Construction Group has signed a Joint Venture Agreement to form a Saudi Arabian entity with A. Al-Saihati, A. Fattani and O. Al-Othman Conssulting Engineering Company (SOFCON) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

For more details on Foster Wheeler and SOFCON ink deal to form joint regional engineering hub in Saudi Arabia click here

Ineos hives off fluorochemicals unit to Mexican conglomerate

In a bid to ease its debt burden, World No 3 chemicals group Ineos, has sold its fluorinated chemicals unit - Ineos Fluor, to Mexican conglomerate Mexichem. The fluorochemicals unit is no longer deemeed as part of the core to the group.

For more details on Ineos hives off fluorochemicals unit to Mexican conglomerate click here

HPCL naphtha premiums plunge by more than 65% for February

Premiums on February cargoes have plunged by over 65% for India's Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) amid lackluster sentiment hampered by demand cuts, due to heavy cracker maintenance in March in Jaapan and South Korea.

For more details on HPCL naphtha premiums plunge by more than 65% for February click here

German FKuR GmbH to produce Bioplastics in North America

FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, manufacturer of tailor-made biopolymer specialties on the basis of Polylactic acid/Copolyester (Bio-Flex), cellulose ester (Biograde) and WPC (Fibrolon), has commenced operationss of FKuR Plastics Corporation, in Texas, a newly founded subsidiary.

For more details on German FKuR GmbH to produce Bioplastics in North America click here

Braskem acquires Sunoco Polypropylene business for US$350 mln

Braskem SA, leading producer of petrochemicals and thermoplastic resins in the Americas, has acquired Sunoco Chemicals, Inc. The deal comprises of its polypropylene business, to Braskem for approximattely US$350 mln in cash.

For more details on Braskem acquires Sunoco Polypropylene business for US$350 mln click here

Indian Co acquires Specialty Catalysts Business from DuPont

Dorf Ketal Chemicals (India) Pvt Ltd headquartered in Mumbai, is a global player in process chemicals, and additives for refineries, petrochemicals, fuels, plastics, lubricants and oilfield industriess.

For more details on Indian Co acquires Specialty Catalysts Business from DuPont click here

Domestic producers announce February PP and PE offers with further increases

Players in Malaysia report that domestic producers have announced their February PP and PE offers with further increases from the late January offer levels as per Chemorbis, triggered by higher producction costs along with limited availability.

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Propylene outlook firm globally as Feb contracts settle higher

An €85/ton increase month on month, was witnessed in Europe for February polymer grade propylene contract that settled last week at €875/ton FD NWE, as per Chemorbis. Price hike was triggered by poor cracker margins caused by higher naphtha prices amid a reduction in supply caused by lower operating rates at fluid catalytic converters because of poor refining margins.

For more details on Propylene outlook firm globally as Feb contracts settle higher click here

Arkema completes acquisition of Dow's Acrylic Monomers and Acrylic Latex Polymers business in North America

Arkema has formally completed its acquisition of Dow's Acrylic Monomers and Acrylic Latex Polymers (UCAR Emulsion Systems) business in North America. Following this acquisition, the Clear Lakes (Texass) Acrylic Monomers production site is being integrated into the existing Acrylics business unit, within the Industrial Chemicals business segment.

For more details on Arkema completes acquisition of Dow's Acrylic Monomers and Acrylic Latex Polymers business in North America click here

KPC plans to raise term naphtha price

Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) is currently in talks with Asian buyers to renew the April 2010-March 2011 term contract. KPC is expected to raise the premiums to US$20/ton to benchmark Middle East pricess for naphtha term shipments during negotiations next week.

For more details on KPC plans to raise term naphtha price click here

Naphtha prices in Asia plunge to 14 week lows

Naphtha prices in Asia have plunged to 14 week-lows as cracks hit their lowest in two months amid pressures from demand cuts triggered by maintenance shutdowns at petrochemical plants.

South Korea''s Honam bought three cargoes of 67,500-90,000 tons for March arrival at premiums a tad over US$7/ton to Japan spot quotes on C& basis.

For more details on Naphtha prices in Asia plunge to 14 week lows click here

Wide Spread between naphtha and ethylene in Asia reaches 2007 levels

Ethylene prices have spiked to a 17-month-high, creating the widest spread between naphtha and ethylene since 2007, as per ICIS. End of last week, ethylene was pegged at US$1310/MT FOB Korea, while naaphtha stood at US$690/MT CFR Japan.

For more details on Wide Spread between naphtha and ethylene in Asia reaches 2007 levels click here

Dow attracts bids for styrene unit from buyout firms to a competing business, BASF to follow

Dow Chemical Co. aims to sell Styron Inc, its styrene business by the end of March after an eight-month process by getting private equity approaches. After holding second-round bids last month, Dow iss opening Styron’s books for further due diligence to whittle down the number of remaining suitors.

For more details on Dow attracts bids for styrene unit from buyout firms to a competing business, BASF to follow click here

Bright prospects for PVC demand in global construction sector in 2010

As housing starts begin to pick up after the recession, the future of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in global construction looks brighter heading into 2010, according to ChemSystems. High consumption growtth in populous nations such as China and India will make Asia the major driver of global PVC consumption growth.

For more details on Bright prospects for PVC demand in global construction sector in 2010 click here

Crude dips in Asia as doubts on global oil demand recovery persist amid weaker regional equities

Light, sweet crude futures for March dipped to US$72.7, while Brent crude on ICE Futures exchange dipped to US$71.2. Prices have dipped marginally on the first day of the week as prices have been weigghed by persistent doubts over global oil demand recovery amid weaker regional equities at a time when the dollar is strengthening as concerns emerge over China’s monetary policy and banking regulations in USA.

For more details on Crude dips in Asia as doubts on global oil demand recovery persist amid weaker regional equities click here

Polystyrene market outlook weakening in China

In China, the prevailing sentiment in the PS market is getting weaker ahead of the approaching Chinese New Year holiday, as per Chemorbis. More buyers show strong resistance towards higher import offeer levels, gaining support from softer upstream markets.

For more details on Polystyrene market outlook weakening in China click here

Offers for February PP in Italy post three digit increases

Following the €50-100/ton increases that materialized in January, sellers are now asking for new hikes of €100-120/ton for February gaining support from the monthly propylene contract settlement, as pper Chemorbis.

For more details on Offers for February PP in Italy post three digit increases click here

Buyers in Egypt caught unawares with large increase in PE offers

Buyers in Egypt have been caught unawares this week at the large increases seen in PE offers for February despite the fact that prices have started to catch up with the Asian market after lagging behiind levels that would have created a balanced market, as per Chemorbis.

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Saudi Aramco plans to invest around US$120 bln over the next 5-6 years

A investment of almost US$120 bln has been planned by state owned Saudi Aramco over the next 5-6 years to develop projects in the oil and petrochemicals sector. Around US$60 bln is planned to be spentt by the oil sector, while the remaining investement would be for the development of petrochemcial projects and foreign investment.

For more details on Saudi Aramco plans to invest around US$120 bln over the next 5-6 years click here

PIC plans to build an olefins complex at US$3 bln

Kuwait's state-run Petrochemical Industries Co (PIC) plans to build a US$3 bln olefins complex – its third. The initial study phase has been initiated and is scheduled for completion by February 2010..

For more details on PIC plans to build an olefins complex at US$3 bln click here

Dow still hoping for 2011 startup: Environmental standards defended

Despite facing suspension after a recent court order, Dow’s Thai unit planned in Map Ta Phut, remains optimistic that its second-phase chemical plant can begin operating in 2011 as scheduled. Dow Cheemical Thailand Co has four projects, part of a total US$3 bln petrochemical investment.

For more details on Dow still hoping for 2011 startup: Environmental standards defended click here

Self-healing polymer “starfish” maintain physical properties of engine oils for longer

Engine efficiency will increase with the introduction of self healing polymers that are suitable to add to lubricants as they could maintain the physical properties of engine oils for longer.
Polymeers are often added to automotive oils to control important physical properties such as viscosity but mechanical and thermal stress can break the polymers decreasing the efficiency and how they affect the oils properties.

For more details on Self-healing polymer “starfish” maintain physical properties of engine oils for longer click here

Polyethylene and polypropylene prices hiked in Europe

In a bid to restore margins and stay in line with its innovation strategy, Borealis has announced an increase in prices of all polyethylene and polypropylene prices by €100/ton, with effect from Januaary 25, 2010.

For more details on Polyethylene and polypropylene prices hiked in Europe click here

China’s petrochem industry expected to post double-digit growth this year

China's petrochemical industry will show better performance this year, as per the deputy secretary general of China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Association. The industry is expected to post doublee-digit growth in output value, revenue and profits this year.

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BPRP running two crackers at Gelsenkirchen at reduced rates

BP Refining & Petrochemical’s (BPRP) is running its two crackers at Gelsenkirchen, Germany, at reduced rates caused by a glitch due to fouling of the internal pipes system, as per ICIS. A 10% reductioon in deliveries to its customers has been announced for an indefinite period.

For more details on BPRP running two crackers at Gelsenkirchen at reduced rates click here

International developments in plastics pipes

Jon Nash of AMI Consulting has been conducting extensive studies on the plastics industry in the Middle East and is presenting a market overview at the international conference, Middle East Plastic Piipes 2010, which takes place from 17-19 May 2010 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Dubai.

For more details on International developments in plastics pipes click here