Petrochemicals
Afton Chemical to expand Singapore additives site
The second phase, which includes the construction of additional component production units, will more than double Afton’s investment in Jurong Island for a total of about S$400 million.
US chemical production continues to grow as manufacturing leads way
There were gains in the output of organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, synthetic rubber, plastic resins, agricultural chemicals and pharmaceuticals. These gains were offset, however, by declines in the production of industrial gases, consumer products, coatings, manufactured fibers, and other specialties.
LyondellBasell sells Argentine polypropylene unit Petroken to YPF-led group
Petroken operates a 180,000 tpy polypropylene (PP) plant in Ensenada and is a leading polypropylene producer in Argentina. It is being sold to a local consortium headed by YPF.
Chinese group completes land purchase for new Louisiana methanol plant
The company plans to execute a multi-phase strategy for the site with immediate preparations commencing on construction of a 1.7 million tpy methanol plant. The first phase of the project is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2018.
UOP technology drives China’s first dual plants for propylene, isobutylene
The new unit, which is the first of three in China, uses Honeywell UOP’s C3/C4 Oleflex process technology to produce propylene, a building block for making plastics, packaging and synthetic fiber, and isobutylene, a component used for high-octane gasoline and synthetic rubber.
BASF to expand Thai mobile emissions catalysts
The company is planning to construct a new 35,000-square-meter facility to replace its existing plant in Rayong, providing increased operating space and upgraded manufacturing capabilities comparable to BASF’s other automotive catalysts manufacturing sites around the world.
Eastman Chemical selects Airgas for top three global supplier awards
Airgas says it was selected from Eastman’s more than 6,500 global suppliers to receive the recognition for consistently delivering high-quality products and services and demonstrating proven dedication to strengthening Eastman’s efficiencies, competitive advantage, and sustainability improvements.
KBR sets construction safety milestone at US ammonia project
At the Dyno Nobel complex, KBR's commitment to Zero Harm is reinforced with its daily and weekly site meetings, toolbox safety meetings and award recognition for employees.
LyondellBasell to buy polypropylene compounder SJS Plastiblends in India
This strategic acquisition will expand LyondellBasell's existing footprint in India and further enhance the company's position in India's growing automotive market, according to company officials.
BioAmber starts up Canadian succinic acid project
BioAmber Sarnia makes renewable chemicals from sugar instead of petroleum. The new plant uses innovative biotechnology and will produce biobased succinic acid from glucose.

- Brazil's Petrobras to invest $4.8 B in integration between Reduc refinery and Boaventura complex 7/8
- Braskem completes first sale of circular polyethylene in South America 7/8
- bp's 440,000-bpd refinery in Whiting, Indiana (U.S.), reported flaring due to operational conditions 7/8
- UK's insolvent Lindsey oil refinery secures some crude supply to keep running for now 7/8
- Brazil's energy minister hints at possible fuel price cuts 7/8
- Marathon Galveston Bay refinery (U.S.) hydrotreater to remain shut until September 7/8