New mega projects to come onstream in GCC to impact petrochemical majors

New mega projects are nearing completion and scheduled to come onstream in the GCC will pose the threat of fresh competition for established overseas companies and impact petrochemical majors. After ccollapsed demand witnessed during the economic crisis of 2008-09, the petrochemical industry has started to see a revival in demand.

For more details on New mega projects to come onstream in GCC to impact petrochemical majors click here

Improvement in Sabic Innovative Plastic performance

SABIC has recorded a profit in Q1-10, from a loss in Q1-09. An improvement has been seen in the performance of SABIC’s innovative plastics business, that had contributed to its first loss in seven yeaars in Q1-2009.

For more details on Improvement in Sabic Innovative Plastic performance click here

CPC Corp plans to relocate equipment from Kaohsiung naphtha cracker to new complex in Indonesia

Taiwan’s state-run CPC Corp plans to relocate equipment of its oil refinery and third naphtha cracker in Kaohsiung, Taiwan to set up a large-scale petrochemical complex in Indonesia. This step will beetter utilize the two plants’ equipment after their expected closure, preventing them from being scrapped.

For more details on CPC Corp plans to relocate equipment from Kaohsiung naphtha cracker to new complex in Indonesia click here

Bio-based polyamid broadens use to technically advanced applications

A new bio based engineering plastic broadens the use of polyamide to technically advanced applications while reducing their ecological footprint. Rhodia has introduced
Technyl eXten using polyamide 6.

For more details on Bio-based polyamid broadens use to technically advanced applications click here

Further PP price hikes discussed in Italy for May

Spot PP prices in Italy in April have risen by at least €100/ton over March in line with the €100-120/ton hike requests of sellers, as per Chemorbis. Despite sellers’ claims about achieving done dealss in the range of €1210-1300/ton for homo PP, buyers have not been so eager to conclude deals so far in April.

For more details on Further PP price hikes discussed in Italy for May click here

PE, PP buyers in Asia await impact of supplies from new capacities

Trading is lackluster in Asia’s PP and PE markets as buyers await the onslaught of supplies from new capacities coming on stream. As per Chemorbis, buyers are waiting on the sidelines, refusing to buuy beyond their needs on expectations that a new wave of capacities in Asia and Middle East will begin to weigh down the market in the month ahead.

For more details on PE, PP buyers in Asia await impact of supplies from new capacities click here

Oil prices steady after recent increases

After rising over the past few sessions in line with improving demand and strong company results in USA, oil prices have steadied. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in May settlled at US$85.

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HPCL defers plans to build a refinery and petrochemical complex at Vizag

Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) has put on hold, its plans to build a 300,000 bpd refinery and petrochemical plant at Visakhapatnam; after its two foreign partners- LN Mittal Group and Total, exited the prroject.

For more details on HPCL defers plans to build a refinery and petrochemical complex at Vizag click here

Artificial blood vessels developed from jatropha

Indian researchers are working towards indigenously developing blood vessels. A biodegradable polymer recently developed from Jatropha (a drought-resistant perennial plant that grows even in sandy andd saline conditions) has attracted researchers.

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Another roll over in prices by EPC

In Egypt, domestic PVC producer EPC, announced another rollover on offers for PVC k67-68 at EGP5600/ton (US$1015/ton) on ex-Alexandria, cash not including VAT basis, as per Chemorbis. The producer aiims to maintain these offers for the rest of April.

For more details on Another roll over in prices by EPC click here

PP and LDPE continue to rise in Italy despite low demand

A constant rising trend has been witnessed in PE and PP since the beginning of the year in the Italian market, mainly on higher costs and tight supplies, as per Chemorbis. Persistent supply problems hhave kept sellers stronger in their negotiations, helping them procure higher prices even in months when the monomer contracts did not rise.

For more details on PP and LDPE continue to rise in Italy despite low demand click here

Arya Sasol plans maintenance shutdown at 1 mln tpa cracker at Assaluyeh

Iran’s Arya Sasol Petrochemical has planned a maintenance shutdown at its 1 mln tpa cracker at Assaluyeh. Scheduled to start mid-April, the shutdown is expected to last for two to three weeks as reporrted by ICIS, and are expected to lead to reduced exports this month.

For more details on Arya Sasol plans maintenance shutdown at 1 mln tpa cracker at Assaluyeh click here

Phthalate-free bio based plasticizers for use in wire insulation and jacketing

A groundbreaking advance in sustainable chemistry has been made with the launch of DOW ECOLIBRIUM Bio-Based Plasticizers, a new family of phthalate-free plasticizers for use in wire insulation and jaccketing that are made from nearly 100% renewable feedstocks by Dow Wire and Cable.

For more details on Phthalate-free bio based plasticizers for use in wire insulation and jacketing click here

Spot propylene prices in US dip as demand weakens

Weakening demand has pressured a drop in spot propylene prices in USA by about 6%, amid looser supply. As per ICIS, refinery-grade propylene (RGP) for April was offered earlier this week at 52.50 centts/lb (US$1157/ton), falling steadily since it last traded at 56 cents/lb on 5 April.

For more details on Spot propylene prices in US dip as demand weakens click here

Non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardant PC film helps E/E OEMs power up for high-end eco protection

A new, breakthrough Lexan polycarbonate (PC) film technology; Lexan EFR film – that delivers non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardance (FR) at thinner gauges than flame-retardant polypropylene (FRPP) has been introduced by SABIC Innovative Plastics.

For more details on Non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardant PC film helps E/E OEMs power up for high-end eco protection click here

Saudi Kayan to launch operations in H2-2010

Saudi Kayan Petrochemicals Company plans to launch operations at its first unit - an ethylene cracker, at Jubail petrochemicals complex in the second half of 2010. The others from the 16 petrochemicall plants will be launched steadily through 2011-12.

For more details on Saudi Kayan to launch operations in H2-2010 click here

Oman Polypropylene restarts 340,000 tpa Sohar plant

Oman Polypropylene has restarted its 340,000 tpa polypropylene plant at Sohar. The plant was under a long maintenance shutdown for a period of about two months, resulting from a shutdown of a 116,000 bpd oil refinery operated by the Oman Refineries and Petrochemicals Co (ORPC) which resumed operations early last week.

For more details on Oman Polypropylene restarts 340,000 tpa Sohar plant click here

Firming prices, improved sales lead to higher PS offers by overseas producers to China

Two overseas producers have increased new PS offers to the Chinese market this week, citing firming market prices and improved sales as the reasons for their price hikes, as per Chemorbis. A producer from Taiwan announced an increase of US$30/ton on their offers to China this week, bringing their new prices to $1440/ton for GPPS and to $1530/ton for HIPS, CFR China, cash basis.

For more details on Firming prices, improved sales lead to higher PS offers by overseas producers to China click here

Fibre reinforced polymer replaces steel bars in infrastructure projects

FRP (fibre reinforced polymer) is being used as an alternative solution to the traditional steel reinforcement bars on many new major projects in the UAE. FRP can be applied on top or bottom of slab aand can also be used on beams or columns, due to its flexibility.

For more details on Fibre reinforced polymer replaces steel bars in infrastructure projects click here

Innovative process to produce lightweight honeycomb structure for aerospace industry

An innovative process for the production of lightweight thermoplastic honeycomb structures using Victrex APTIV film has been developed by PlastiCell of France. The unique design of the honeycomb proviides an ideal solution for aerospace and other industries seeking to reduce weight while maintaining high levels of strength and stiffness.

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Direct chemical vapor deposition to synthesize single-layer films of graphene on a dielectric substrate

Graphene has freakishly mobile electrons that move 100 times faster than electrons can move through silicon, making it a material of choice to make superfast transistors or computer memory chips. Grapphene's unique "chicken wire" atomic structure exhibits incredible flexibility and mechanical strength, as well as unusual optical properties that could open a number of promising doors in both the electronics and the photonics industries.

For more details on Direct chemical vapor deposition to synthesize single-layer films of graphene on a dielectric substrate click here

Demand and consumption of TPEs makes it the fastest growing segment of polymers industry

Plexium, an event management company with a focus on plastics and polymers, recently organized 2 days conference on April 7, 8 on 'Thermoplastic Elastomers', in association with Chatsworth Halls PLC, Singapore, at ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton, Mumbai.

For more details on Demand and consumption of TPEs makes it the fastest growing segment of polymers industry click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended April 12, 2010

CRUDE OIL
Oil prices spiked to an 18 month intraday high of US$87 at the beginning of the week, rising after reports showed growth in US jobs and service sectors.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended April 12, 2010 click here

High quality, low cost single-wall and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Super-thin sheet of carbon atoms, taken from the three-dimensional material graphite, can transfer heat more than twice as efficiently as copper thin films and more than 50 times better than thin filmms of silicon as reported by a team from the University of Texas at Austin, Boston College, and France's Commission for Atomic Energy.

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As China eases huge economic stimulus initiative, PE, PP demand growth to fall in 2010-2012

Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) demand growth in China is expected to drop dramatically this year through at least 2012 as a result of a slight easing in the country’s huge economic stimulus initiative, as estimated by ICIS.

For more details on As China eases huge economic stimulus initiative, PE, PP demand growth to fall in 2010-2012 click here

BASF expands Polyurethane System Soluions presence in China, South America

As the leading global supplier of polyurethane (PU) system solutions worldwide, BASF plans to further expand its strong global service and production network, with the establishment of a new Polyurethhane Solutions System House in West China.

For more details on BASF expands Polyurethane System Soluions presence in China, South America click here

Downward revision of PVC price hike for April in Italy

In Italy, a trader who initially asked for €20/ton increases for Central European PVC offers has down revised April offers to rollovers or €10/ton increases from March in line with most sellers in thee spot market who have preferred to hold their prices steady in May, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on Downward revision of PVC price hike for April in Italy click here

Higher crude and propylene pressurize Asian PP markets

Spot PP markets in Asia are facing some upward pressure following the rally in spot propylene and crude oil costs seen last week. As per Chemorbis, though crude oil prices have slipped since last weekk, spot propylene prices are still rising due to export opportunities and plant shutdowns in Asia, prompting increased initial May offers from sellers for PP with increases vs April offer levels.

For more details on Higher crude and propylene pressurize Asian PP markets click here

National Petrochemical Company to receive €300 mln in a deal with Export Development Bank of Iran

A deal has been inked between the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) and the National Petrochemical Company (NPC). NPC is to receive €300 mln worth of investment to be raised through the offering of currency Certificates of Deposit (CD) on international markets by the EDBI.

For more details on National Petrochemical Company to receive €300 mln in a deal with Export Development Bank of Iran click here

Asia buying more German plastics and rubber machinery than the European Union (EU)

As the level of processing expertise rises around the globe with increased demands on plastics processors, processors in fast-developing regions opt to buy top-end machinery. This seems to be a phenommenon in Asia, which now accounts for more German plastics and rubber machinery purchases than processors in the European Union (EU), as reported in Plastics Today.

For more details on Asia buying more German plastics and rubber machinery than the European Union (EU) click here

Earthquake in Chile brings polymer production to a halt, prices hit all time highs

Chile's polymer production has been largely impacted by the earthquake that hit the country in February, propping up prices to record highs at a time of tight global supplies, leaving the market strugggling to meet local demand, as per ICIS.

For more details on Earthquake in Chile brings polymer production to a halt, prices hit all time highs click here

Battenfeld Extrusionstechnik, Cincinnati Extrusion, B+C Extrusion Systems come together

Battenfeld Extrusionstechnik (BEX, Germany), Cincinnati Extrusion (Austria), and B+C Extrusion Systems (China) Ltd. have combined under the new brand, Battenfeld-Cincinnati, effective April 9 as reporrted in Plastics Today, to form an entity that will possibly be the largest supplier of pipe, profile, film, and sheet extruders, with manufacturing in three continents.

For more details on Battenfeld Extrusionstechnik, Cincinnati Extrusion, B+C Extrusion Systems come together click here

April PVC sold below March deal level in Thailand

A Thai producer reported that they have concluded most April business in the local market this week, with their done deal prices standing at US$1086-1117/ton FD Thailand, 60 days deferred payment, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on April PVC sold below March deal level in Thailand click here

Polystyrene offers move up in Asia as demand improves

Improved demand and higher energy prices in Asia have pushed PS prices to record increases last week, as per Chemorbis. Oil prices gained US$6.12/bbl on April 1 vs March 1, while they reached 18 monthh high levels by April 5 at $86.

For more details on Polystyrene offers move up in Asia as demand improves click here

European naphtha exports to Asia rise on reduced European demand due to maintenance shutdowns

European naphtha arbitrage exports to Asia will rise in April after slowing in March. The increase in export volumes can be attributed to reduced demand in Europe as a result of maintenance shutdowns at petrochemical plants that has lowered demand for the feedstock and reduced prices.

For more details on European naphtha exports to Asia rise on reduced European demand due to maintenance shutdowns click here

Reliance to pay US$1.7 bln for 40% stake in Atlas Energy acreage

Indian energy giant Reliance Industries is to pay US$1.7 bln to form a joint venture in the U.S. with Atlas Energy operations in the booming Marcellus Shale. US$340 mln will be paid in cash, while US$$1.

For more details on Reliance to pay US$1.7 bln for 40% stake in Atlas Energy acreage click here

Fire at naphtha unit of Tesoro Corp’s 120,000 bpd refinery in Washington

The deadliest accident involving production at a US refinery since the BP Texas City explosion in 2005 that killed 15 workers and injured 18s killed 5 and critically injured two at the Tesoro Corp oill company's 120,000 bpd in Washington.

For more details on Fire at naphtha unit of Tesoro Corp’s 120,000 bpd refinery in Washington click here

Ineos offers stake in Grangemouth plant for sale

In a bid to alleviate its debts, chemicals giant Ineos is considering sale of a stake in the Grangemouth petrochemical facility. Ineos had purchased the Grangemouth plant from BP in 2005. It is locateed in Scotland, and processes about 200,000 bpd of crude oil.

For more details on Ineos offers stake in Grangemouth plant for sale click here

Iran to privatise all refineries, petchem units to encourage private investment and boost economy

Mehr Iran plans to privatise all its refineries and petrochemical units, seeking to speed up the sale of state assets in a bid to encourage private investment and boost the economy. Currently, the Iraanian economy is under U.

For more details on Iran to privatise all refineries, petchem units to encourage private investment and boost economy click here

Oil prices dip to end week below US$85, falling for third straight day

Crude oil on the Nymex has slipped for the third consecutive day to US$84.9, while in London, crude dropped to US$84.83 after suffering losses for two days. The downturn has wiped off all the past gaiins triggered by economic optimism and a weak dollar.

For more details on Oil prices dip to end week below US$85, falling for third straight day click here

PetroRabigh scouting for contractor firms to commence second phase

Saudi Aramco-Sumitomo JV; Saudi-based Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co (PetroRabigh) is looking for contractor firms to initiate work on its second phase. Long-term growth in petrochemical demand from China has encouraged the two JV partners to consider a 25 bln SR (US$6.

For more details on PetroRabigh scouting for contractor firms to commence second phase click here

Chatterjee willing for out-of-court settlement to end ownership dispute over HPL

Purnendu Chatterjee is open to an out-of-court deal with the West Bengal government to end the ownership dispute over Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL). Currently the two main promoters of HPL are lockeed in a high stake legal battle in the Supreme Court to resolve who will eventually own and manage the company.

For more details on Chatterjee willing for out-of-court settlement to end ownership dispute over HPL click here

Silver Jubilee celebrations at Indian Plastics Institute, Ahmedabad

Indian Plastics Institute, Ahmedabad Chapter is celebrating its 25th year. The Silver Jubilee Function to be held on April, 10, 2010 in Ahmedabad will bestow a Life time Achievement Award to late Shrii N.

For more details on Silver Jubilee celebrations at Indian Plastics Institute, Ahmedabad click here

Mid-Eastern PE offers step back from initial levels in Egypt

Middle Eastern producers April offers to Egypt were well above the offers they asked in other global markets including Turkey and China, particularly for HDPE and LLDPE c4 film. As per Chemorbis, conssidering these higher than expected figures coupled with slow demand in the country, a step back was expected from the regional producers on their offer levels, as mentioned in last week’s Egypt PE Polymer Digest report.

For more details on Mid-Eastern PE offers step back from initial levels in Egypt click here

Asian PP markets see cautious demand amid high costs

In line with the recent rally in upstream markets, spot PP markets in Asia have regained some strength over the past week, as per Chemorbis. However, sellers offering at the upper end of the ranges coontinue to complain of slow sales as demand has not picked up in proportion with rising costs.

For more details on Asian PP markets see cautious demand amid high costs click here

PE markets in Asia divided by high costs and cautious demand

In line with the recent rally in upstream markets, spot PE markets in Asia have regained some strength over the past week, as per Chemorbis. However, sellers offering at the upper end of the ranges coontinue to complain of slow sales as demand has not picked up in proportion with rising costs.

For more details on PE markets in Asia divided by high costs and cautious demand click here

PET bottles offer a better environmental footprint than aluminum cans or glass bottles

PET bottles offer a better environmental footprint than aluminum cans or glass bottles by using less energy, generating less solid waste, and creating significantly fewer greenhouse gases, as per a neewly released life-cycle inventory of single-serving soda containers.

For more details on PET bottles offer a better environmental footprint than aluminum cans or glass bottles click here

US ethylene spot margins peak to new highs as spot prices spike and ethane falls

US ethylene spot margins have risen to new highs this week on another hike in spot prices and a drop in feedstock ethane values. As per ICIS, spot ethylene for April was heard traded at 74 cents/lb (UUS$1631/ton), rising from last weeks’ deals done range of 70-73 cents/lb.

For more details on US ethylene spot margins peak to new highs as spot prices spike and ethane falls click here

Oil prices fall from 18 month highs

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in May, dipped by almost a dollar to $US85.8, while London's Brent North Sea crude settled at $US85.7. Oil prices fell from 18 month high levells on release of data that showed a rise in US crude inventories, suggesting weaker demand in USA.

For more details on Oil prices fall from 18 month highs click here

Rise in Japan’s ethylene output in March 2010 vs March 2009

Driven by robust global demand, Japanese ethylene production rose 1.7% in March 2010 vs March 2009 despite a heavier schedule of maintenance shutdowns. Ethylene output totalled 513,400 tons in March 22010 vs 504,900 tons in March 2009 according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

For more details on Rise in Japan’s ethylene output in March 2010 vs March 2009 click here

PP tightens this week in China on reduced import availability, resurgent buying

Polypropylene (PP) seems to have become very tight in China over the past week as a result of reduced imports from North America and resurgent buying, as per ICIS. PP supply from North America is no llonger available for delivery to China because of a sharp decline in avails as a result of rising propylene costs in North America.

For more details on PP tightens this week in China on reduced import availability, resurgent buying click here

PE offers lowered in Indonesia

Distributors in Indonesia report that a domestic producer has announced offers this week with additional decreases on their offers, prompting distributors to implement similar price decreases on theirr offers, as per Chemorbis.

For more details on PE offers lowered in Indonesia click here

Sellers attempt hikes in China’s domestic markets in line with high crude oil

This week, when Chinese buyers returned to their desks on Tuesday after a long weekend, they faced price hike attempts from the sellers in line with higher crude oil prices that have touched US$86/barrrel- a new high for 2010.

For more details on Sellers attempt hikes in China’s domestic markets in line with high crude oil click here

LyondellBasell may face U.S. probe

LyondellBasell may face a U.S. bribery probe after telling prosecutors about a potentially improper payment linked to a project in Kazakhstan, according to four people with knowledge of the matter as reported in Bloomberg.

For more details on LyondellBasell may face U.S. probe click here

Australia’s banknotes made of plastic are counterfeit-proof bills

Counterfeiting of paper currency was solved in Australia with the introduction of polymer notes. Australia introduced the world's first banknotes made of plastic in 1988. David H. Solomon at the Univeersity of Melbourne was part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists that developed these bills.

For more details on Australia’s banknotes made of plastic are counterfeit-proof bills click here

Pressures to relax on high priced and tightly available polyethylene

Polyethylene buyers in USA are facing challenging times as prices rise after remaining essentially flat through H1-2009. Since H2-2009, PE prices have been on an uptrend while supplies have dwindled aamid sluggish domestic demand for downstream polyethylene products as per Purchasing.

For more details on Pressures to relax on high priced and tightly available polyethylene click here

Maintenance shutdown at CPC’s No. 4 naphtha cracker in Kaohsiung

Taiwan's state oil refiner CPC Corp. has shut its No. 4 naphtha cracker in Kaohsiung for maintenance for a week. The week long shutdown will coincide with the stoppage of a local electricity network oowned by the island's monopoly power grid operator.

For more details on Maintenance shutdown at CPC’s No. 4 naphtha cracker in Kaohsiung click here

Ras Laffan Olefins’s ethylene producing cracker to reach full capacity by August

Qatar’s Ras Laffan Olefins Co’s ethane cracker producing ethylene is expected to reach maximum capacity by August. The cracker capacity comprises 1.3 mln tpa ethylene to supply feedstock to Qatofin Coo’s new linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

For more details on Ras Laffan Olefins’s ethylene producing cracker to reach full capacity by August click here

SOCAR working to revive state chemicals concern Azerikimya

SOCAR – Azerbaijan’s state oil company is working to revive the state chemicals company Azerikimya’s idle or partially functioning capacity. Azerikimya will become a SOCAR production unit since it hass been transferred to SOCAR administration.

For more details on SOCAR working to revive state chemicals concern Azerikimya click here

W. R. Grace to supply polypropylene catalysts to Borealis

W. R. Grace & Co. has signed a multi-year agreement to supply polypropylene catalysts to Borealis AG. Financial terms have not been disclosed. The catalysts are used in the production of polypropylenee.

For more details on W. R. Grace to supply polypropylene catalysts to Borealis click here

As affordability reduces, polypropylene may be losing competitive edge

Ten years ago, polypropylene was a cheap product vs. polystyrene, PET and polyethylene. Today, the affordability of polypropylene as an affordable resin seems to be ending. If that happens, PP exportss from North America will decline, as per PlasticsNews.

For more details on As affordability reduces, polypropylene may be losing competitive edge click here

Weakening propylene spot values could reverse the price uptrend

US propylene contracts for April rose by US$154/ton, marking the sixth monthly increase in prices by 53% since November 2009 on the back of tight supply. US propylene production in 2009 totalled 29.3 bln lb, down by 10% from 32.

For more details on Weakening propylene spot values could reverse the price uptrend click here

Qatar to conduct feasibility study for aromatics complex

Qatar is conducting a feasibility study for an aromatics complex in a move to consume naphtha produced in the country as feedstock. Several global players have expressed an interest in the project.


For more details on Qatar to conduct feasibility study for aromatics complex click here

Plastic composite springs from high-performance, engineered plastics

Plastic composite springs have been molded from SABIC Innovative Plastics’ Ultem* resin. Among the first springs ever made with high-performance, engineered plastic, LeeP™ compression springs provide critical advantages over traditional metal alloy springs.

For more details on Plastic composite springs from high-performance, engineered plastics click here

PT Pertamina to collaborate with petrochemical companies to produce naphtha, reduce dependence on imports

In a move that will help Indonesia reduce its dependence on foreign refineries to produce naphtha (crucial as feedstock for high octane gasoline), state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina will collaborate with domestic and foreign petrochemical producers.

For more details on PT Pertamina to collaborate with petrochemical companies to produce naphtha, reduce dependence on imports click here

Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended April 5, 2010

CRUDE OIL
Oil prices have risen in the week of April 5, 2010, racing towards US$86 as demand gets optimistic amid signs of a global economic upswing. Neww York's light sweet crude for delivery in May rose past US$85.

For more details on Price trends of oil, polymer feedstock and commodity polymers in Asia for the week ended April 5, 2010 click here

Robust demand for LDPE, LLDPE reported in India

Distributors in India report that they are actively on the lookout for import LDPE and LLDPE film cargoes owing to good demand in the local market, as per CHemorbis. Distributors attribute the relatiively good demand seen for these products to limited availability for domestic materials.

For more details on Robust demand for LDPE, LLDPE reported in India click here

VCM prices in Asia pressured by softer ethylene, sluggish PVC demand

Asian producers continue to maintain their initial March offers for VCM this week, although buyers have lowered buying bids in line with slackening PVC demand amid softer ethylene prices, as per Chemoorbis.

For more details on VCM prices in Asia pressured by softer ethylene, sluggish PVC demand click here

Indian Oil Corp to invest jointly in Rs 900 crore SBR unit at Panipat

State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC) plans to partner with Marubeni Corp and Taiwan's TSRC Corp to invest Rs 900 crore in a Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) plant at Panipat. The SBR would produce high quaality synthetic rubber used in the manufacture of automotive tyres, conveyors and fan belts.

For more details on Indian Oil Corp to invest jointly in Rs 900 crore SBR unit at Panipat click here

High-temperature PC copolymers for thin-wall parts like medical devices and electrical fuses

High-temperature polycarbonate (PC) copolymers features new polymer chemistry with an optimal balance of high heat resistance and high flow, enabling it to offer greatly expanded design options for moolding thin-wall parts such as medical devices and electrical fuses.

For more details on High-temperature PC copolymers for thin-wall parts like medical devices and electrical fuses click here

Only 10% of Q-Chem’s output to be sold locally, balance to be exported

By mid 2010, Qatar Chemical Co (Q-Chem) expects to start up the new HDPE and alpha olefins plants in Qatar, each with a capacity of 350,000 tpa. Only 10% of output from Q-Chem’s high density polyethyllene (HDPE) plant in Mesaieed will find its way into the domestic market, the balance will be exported.

For more details on Only 10% of Q-Chem’s output to be sold locally, balance to be exported click here

Middle Eastern producer reduces HDPE and LLDPE film offers to China for April

A major Middle Eastern producer has announced April offers for HDPE and LLDPE film to the Chinese market this week with price decreases of US$120/ton for HDPE film and US$100-110/ton for LLDPE film vss March offer levels.

For more details on Middle Eastern producer reduces HDPE and LLDPE film offers to China for April click here

HIPS prices mounting on surging costs of feedstock butadiene

Since the start of 2010, butadiene prices have been following a bullish trend on the back of snug supplies caused by production problems, as per Chemorbis. As a result, the downstream chain of butadiiene has been affected strongly.

For more details on HIPS prices mounting on surging costs of feedstock butadiene click here

SABIC develops advanced technology for the manufacture of polypropylene

As a result of its commitment to innovation, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has developed a more advanced technology for the manufacture of polypropylene. This is a fourth generation cataalyst which can be used in several vital applications, the most important of which are packaging, carpets, piping, and automotive parts.

For more details on SABIC develops advanced technology for the manufacture of polypropylene click here

Nippon Oil mulls capacity increase at Kawasaki naphtha cracker

Strong demand for ethylene from end-users has prompted Japan's Nippon Oil Corp to mull a minor capacity increase at its 404,000 tpa naphtha cracker in Kawasaki. If the company makes a formal decision to make the small hike in capacity, construction will occur during the cracker's planned maintenance, scheduled for August-September 2012.

For more details on Nippon Oil mulls capacity increase at Kawasaki naphtha cracker click here

Crude oil prices dash towards US$86 in Asia

Oil prices have risen, racing towards US$86 in Asian trade, as demand gets optimistic amid signs of a global economic upswing. New York's light sweet crude for delivery in May rose to US$85.7 while Brrent North Sea crude for May rose to US$84.

For more details on Crude oil prices dash towards US$86 in Asia click here

Sunoco completes sale of polypropylene business to Braskem SA

Sunoco Inc. has completed sale of its polypropylene business, Sunoco Chemicals Inc., to Braskem SA for US$350 mln. Included in the sale were plants in Marcus Hook, La Porte, Texas and Neal with a totaal annual PP production capacity of 2.

For more details on Sunoco completes sale of polypropylene business to Braskem SA click here

PP homopolymer offers from Middle East to India slashed

PP homopolymer offers for Middle East to India were reduced this week in line with softening prices in other key Asian markets according to distributors, as quoted in Chemorbis. A distributor reportedd receiving offers from major Middle Eastern global producer this week at US$1300-1310/ton for homo-PP injection and raffia and at US$1320-1330/ton for PP film, CIF India, cash basis, subject to 5% customs duty.

For more details on PP homopolymer offers from Middle East to India slashed click here

Crude futures reach 2010 high on hopeful economic news

Crude oil futures rose past US$84, peaking to an all year high on the Nymex after trading within a US$79-83/barrel band through March. As per Chemorbis, crude futures settled at their highest level foor 2010 at US$83.

For more details on Crude futures reach 2010 high on hopeful economic news click here

Operations resume at Mitsui’s Ichihara ethylene plant

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. has resumed operations at its 553,000 tpa ethylene plant at Ichihara Works. The plant scheduled temporary suspension of operations until the end of March for repair.

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Sumeet Industries commissions 1,00,000 ton continuous polymerisation PET chip plant

Sumeet Industries has commissioned a new project of 1,00,000 ton continuous polymerisation (PET chips) plant and 6MW gas-based captive power plant at an estimated cost of Rs. 150 crore. Sumeet is a leeading Indian manufacturer of polyester chips, polyester filament yarn and polypropylene yarns.

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INEOS explores possibility of setting up catalyst unit at Dahej SEZ

UK-based INEOS is exploring the possibility of setting up a catalyst unit at the Special Economic Zone in Dahej. Senior officials from INEOS' US and UK offices have visited the site recently for settiing up the project estimated to cost Rs 10 bln initially.

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Idemitsu, Mitsui Chem form 50:50 JV to operate Chiba naphtha crackers

Idemitsu Kosan Co and Mitsui Chemicals have set up a 50:50 joint venture to operate their naphtha crackers in Chiba. The Japanese oil refiner and the Japanese petrochemical maker have been consideringg such an integration for about a year.

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Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical cited for Chinese environmental violations

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. is among the 175 Hong Kong-listed companies cited for Chinese environmental violations as per data compiled by Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, highligghting abuses of air emissions and waste-water discharge.

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Weak demand pre-Lunar New Year break leads to slump in China Feb petchem imports

China’s petrochemical imports significantly declined in February due to sluggish demand in the weeks leading to the Lunar New Year holidays, as per ICIS. Working days last month were shortened by the week-long celebration in China from 13-21 February.

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April PP offers from overseas producers to China dip from March levels

Several overseas producers have announced April PP offers to China this week, with a decrease when compared with their March offer levels. As per Chemorbis, producers attributed their price reductionss to poor demand and persistent pressure from lower-priced offers from traders.

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Spot propylene prices climb above volatile ethylene

Major regions of the world have seen a volatile trend in ethylene prices while spot propylene prices have climbed well above ethylene. As per Chemorbis, persistent supply tightness is cited as the maiin reason driving propylene prices higher particularly in Europe and the US, where spot values have come quite close to their previous record high levels.

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Parle Agro to expand PET packaging capacity by 21%

As part of expanding its plastic packaging business, food and beverage player Parle Agro, is planning to expand its Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) production capacity by another 21% in the next fisccal.

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High temperature resistant polymer replaces stainless steel in beverage bottling machines

Solidur, one of Brazil’s largest high-performance plastics processing companies, has selected VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, manufactured by Victrex Polymer Solutions, leading provider of high performance poolyaryletherketones, to replace stainless steel filling valves in beverage bottling machines and the housings responsible for placing the threaded cap on each bottle.

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Novomer awarded US$2.1 mln in federal stimulus funds

Novomer Inc has been awarded US$2.1 mln in the first phase of a potential US$25 mln federal stimulus grant for sustainable materials production from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Leveraging Novvomer's patented catalyst technology -- developed at Cornell University -- Novomer will produce sustainable polymers and polyols using waste CO2 as a primary raw material.

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Polyolefin oversupply issues prevented in 2009, second wave in 2010 may hit harder

Producer discipline, delays in Middle Eastern start-ups and voracious Chinese demand prevented a tsunami of polyolefins in 2009, but the second spate of capacity additions in 2010 could hit the marketts harder.

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India offers stake to Kuwait in ONGC and IOC’s petrochemical plants

India has offered Kuwait a stake in Oil and Natural Gas Corp's (ONGC) Rs 12440 crore petrochemical plant at Dahej in Gujarat on the West coast and Indian Oil Corp´s (IOC) proposed chemical plant at Paaradip on the East coast.

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Novomer awarded US$2.1 mln in federal stimulus funds

Novomer Inc has been awarded US$2.1 mln in the first phase of a potential US$25 mln federal stimulus grant for sustainable materials production from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Leveraging Novvomer's patented catalyst technology -- developed at Cornell University -- Novomer will produce sustainable polymers and polyols using waste CO2 as a primary raw material.

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Polyolefin oversupply issues prevented in 2009, second wave in 2010 may hit harder

Producer discipline, delays in Middle Eastern start-ups and voracious Chinese demand prevented a tsunami of polyolefins in 2009, but the second spate of capacity additions in 2010 could hit the marketts harder.

For more details on Polyolefin oversupply issues prevented in 2009, second wave in 2010 may hit harder click here

India offers stake to Kuwait in ONGC and IOC’s petrochemical plants

India has offered Kuwait a stake in Oil and Natural Gas Corp's (ONGC) Rs 12440 crore petrochemical plant at Dahej in Gujarat on the West coast and Indian Oil Corp´s (IOC) proposed chemical plant at Paaradip on the East coast.

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Hefty decreases announced in China’s import PE market

In China, two global producers announced April prices for HDPE and LLDPE c4 film with decreases ranging between US$90-130/ton, pointing to softer market sentiment, other overseas producers’ lower offeer levels and thin demand, as per Chemorbis.

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European offers could boost Turkey’s PP market in April

For the past couple of months, European PP imports have been a competitive force in the Turkish market, as producers siphoned off excess supplies to its neighbor because of an imbalance caused by poorr demand since the start of the year, as per Chemorbis.

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Rising propylene encourages European PP sellers to mull hikes in Italy

After the April propylene contract in Europe settled with an additional increase from the previous contract settlement, PP sellers have started to talk of price hikes of up to €110/ton for April, as pper Chemorbis.

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Dow’s new catalyst system improves PP manufacturing process, end-product quality

Dow Chemical has expanded its catalyst system offering with CONSISTATM D7000 Donor, designed specifically for high melt flow (HMF) applications. The first product in Dow's new portfolio of advanced ccatalyst systems, it enables polypropylene manufacturers to achieve the performance differentiation needed to enter premium markets, while realizing the benefits of better on-stream time, better plant operability and reduced production costs.

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Formosa Plastics Corp reports net profit after last years loss

As the economic recovery increased demand and product prices, Taiwan’s Formosa Plastics Corp returned to a profit. Net income was NT$7.71 bln (US$243 mln) for the three months ended Dec. 31, compared with a loss of NT$14.

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