Polymers
Asia: Japan
The Japanese economy showed steady recovery for 2003–2007. However, due to the global recession in late 2008, Japan’s GDP growth decreased to –1% in 2008 and to –5.5% in 2009. Due ..
Europe: United Kingdom
The United Kingdom (UK) is Europe’s fourth largest chemical economy, after Germany, France and Italy. It accounts for 8% of the European Union’s (EU’s) $900 billion overall chemical pro..
LyondellBasell to restore idled German LDPE line
Startup of the new line, out since January 2012, is targeted for mid-2013. The Wesseling LDPE line has historically been used to produce LDPE grades for healthcare applications. The company says restoration of this LDPE line will enhance its ability to supply an important market.
Sabic, Shell to expand Saudi petrochemical venture
Sabic said the two companies will jointly conduct studies for a styrene monomer propylene oxide, or SMPO, project and a polyols project before making a final decision. The firms said they also agreed to explore international petrochemical opportunities beyond Sadaf and Saudi Arabia.
BASF to build emulsion polymers plant in Texas
With the new plant in Freeport, Texas, BASF believes it will be able to better serve the coatings, construction, adhesives, and paper industries by expanding the network of manufacturing locations and improve the backward integration of raw materials used in production.
Galata Chemicals opens India technical center for plastics additives R&D
The technical center offers a full range of analytical and testing capabilities in support of product and application development efforts as well as marketing and technical service for the area customers, according to Dr. Peter Frenkel, global director of technology and innovation for Galata Chemicals.
HP Viewpoint: Age of turbulence: Charting the refining course toward a profitable future
High-performing enterprises draw on external expertise during all project phases, from scouting and front-end engineering and development through to operations.
HP Brief: Brief
Marathon Petroleum Corp. plans to purchase BP’s Texas City refinery and related assets Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC) has signed a definitive agreement to purchase BP’s 451,000-bpcd Texas Ci..
HP Construction: North America
Sunoco Inc., and The Carlyle Group, L.P., have completed the formation of Philadelphia Energy Solutions, a joint venture (JV) that will operate the Philadelphia refinery. The refinery processes 330,00..
HP Construction: Europe
Alfa Laval has an order to supply its compact heat exchangers to a petrochemical company in Western Europe. The order is valued at approximately SEK 70 million. Delivery of the exchangers is scheduled..
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