Tammi Weir

CNOOC & Shell JV Starts Up New Units At Its Nanhai Petrochemicals Complex

Beijing—
CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Co., a 50-50 joint venture
of CNOOC Oil & Petrochemicals Co. (CNOOC) and
Shell Nanhai BV, announced the start-up of several new
petrochemical units at its Nanhai petrochemicals complex
in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China (PCN, 25 May
2020, p 1).
The first new unit, based on Shell’s SMPO process
technology, is producing up to 630,000 t/y of styrene monomer
(SM) and 300,000 t/y of propylene oxide (PO). It is the
“largest” of its type in China and the second of its kind
built at the complex, Shell noted.
Three additional new plants that started up process PO
into up to 600,000 t/y of polyols, utilizing Shell’s advanced
polyols technologies.
The start-up of the new units concludes the phase two
expansion of the complex, which now supplies customers
with up to 6-million t/y of diverse, high-quality intermediate
and performance chemicals, including polyols, ethylene
glycol, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene.
A third phase is already being planned for the complex
and will include a 1.5-million-t/y ethylene plant, as well as
14 units for the production of propylene, butadiene, ethylene
oxide/ethylene glycol, SM/PO, linear alpha olefins,
metallocene PE, and other products. No schedule was
given.

 

Sumitomo Awards Toyo Contract to Build Ethanol-to-Ethylene Pilot Plant in Japan

Tokyo—
Toyo Engineering has been awarded an engineering, procurement
and construction contract by Sumitomo Chemical
for an ethylene pilot plant at Sumitomo’s Chiba site in Japan
that utilizes waste-derived ethanol as raw material
(PCN, 21-28 Dec 2020, p 2).
The facility will use Axen’s Atol technology to transform
the ethanol into polymer-grade ethylene that will be polymerized
into polyolefins. Pilot production is scheduled to
begin from fiscal year 2022, with full-scale market launch
of the production in fiscal 2025.
Last year, Sumitomo and Sekisui Chemical agreed to
form a strategic alliance that combines Sekisui’s production
technology for converting waste into ethanol with Sumitomo’s
technological know-how in manufacturing polyolefins.
Sekisui will provide the ethanol feedstock for the
project.
Toyo was also responsible for the basic design of the pilot
facility.

 

ExxonMobil Lets Contract to Sinopec For Proposed Huizhou Chem Project

Beijing—
Sinopec Engineering (Group) Co. said it has received a contract
from ExxonMobil (Huizhou) Chemical Co. for the construction
of phase one of ExxonMobil’s planned Huizhou
chemical complex project in Guangdong, China (PCN, 27
Apr 2020, p 1).
The proposed project, to be located in the Daya Bay
Petrochemical Park, will include a 1.6-million-t/y ethylene
flexible feed steam cracker, two performance polyethylene
lines and two differentiated performance polypropylene
lines. ExxonMobil earlier said the project was expected to
start up in 2023.
The main scope of services under the multibillion-dollar
contract includes the basic design, engineering, procurement
and construction of all the process units, utilities and
infrastructures.

 

Enter Selects Grace’s Unipol Technology For Jizzakh’s Planned Uzbek PP Plant

Tashkent—
W.R. Grace & Co. has licensed its Unipol PP (polypropylene)
process technology to Enter Engineering for a new PP
line to be built as part of Jizzakh Petroleum’s new methanol-
to-olefins gas chemical complex n the Bukhara region
of Uzbekistan (PCN, 8 Feb 2021, p 1).
The PP unit, expected to start up by 2025, will have the
capacity to produce 257,000 t/y of PP. Enter is acting as
licensee on behalf of Jizzakh, who will own and operate the
gas chemical complex.
The Unipol process provides a broad range of PP homopolymers,
random copolymers, and impact copolymers.
Earlier this year, Versalis licensed its low-density polyethylene
(LDPE)/ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) technology to
Enter for a new LDPE/EVA swing unit to be built as part
of the complex. The plant will be designed for a maximum
EVA-equivalent production capacity of 180,000 t/y.
Jizzakh previously said the complex would process 1.5-
billion cu m/yr of natural gas for the production of 500,000
t/y of olefins. No other details were available.

 

Samsung Wins EPC Contracts from AGIC For New PDH Plant at Jubail Complex

Jubail—
Advanced Petrochemical’s Advanced Global Investment Co.
(AGIC) subsidiary has awarded engineering, procurement
and construction (EPC) contracts to Samsung Engineering
Co. and Samsung Saudi Arabia Co. for a new propane dehydrogenation
(PDH) unit for propylene production in
Jubail, Saudi Arabia (PCN, 4 Jan 2021, p 3).
Under the contracts, valued at a total of $1.198-billion,
Samsung will build the PDH unit for the production of
843,000 t/y of propylene, which will be used for the production
of polypropylene (see related story, page 2).
The PDH plant will utilize Catofin technology from
Lummus Technology. Commercial operations are expected
by the second half of 2024.

 

AGIC Selects Tecnimont’s Subsidiaries To Build Two New PP Units in Jubail

Jubail—
Advanced Global Investment Co. (AGIC) has awarded a
contract to Tecnimont SpA and Tecnimont Arabia Ltd.,
subsidiaries of Maire Tecnimont, to set up two new polypropylene
(PP) units as part of a project being implemented
in Jubail Industrial City II, Saudi Arabia (PCN, 4
Jan 2021, p 3).
Valued at around $500-million, the contract involves
the construction of two 400,000-t/y PP units, which will be
part of an integrated propane dehydrogenation/PP complex.
The project is expected to be completed by the second
quarter of 2024 (see related story, page 1).
The scope of work involves complete engineering services,
equipment and out-of-kingdom material supply (to be
performed by Tecnimont) and in-kingdom material supply,
erection and construction activities up to start-up and
guarantee test run (to be performed by Tecnimont Arabia).
AGIC is building the project with SK Gas Petrochemical,
through their Advanced Polyolefins Co. joint venture.
AGIC is a subsidiary of Advanced Petrochemical Co., while
SK Gas Petrochemical is a subsidiary of SK Gas Co.

 

Sinopec Yizheng Boosting PET Capacity As Part of Planned Expansion in China

Shanghai—
Sinopec Yizheng Chemical Fibre plans to add 1.5-million
t/y of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) capacity to its recently
announced expansion project in Jiangsu Province,
China, reported Argus Media.
In January, Invista Performance Technologies said it
would license its PTA P8++ technology to Sinopec Yizheng
for a third purified terephthalic acid (PTA) line to be installed
at the site with a nameplate capacity of 3-million
t/y (PCN, 25 Jan 2021, p 1).
The PET expansion involves adding three 500,000-t/y
PET production lines. Construction is planned to begin on
the first PET line in the fourth quarter of this year, while
construction on the PTA plant is expected to start in the
middle of this year, with completion anticipated in 2023,
according to Argus.

 

NextDecade and Mitsubishi Execute ESA For Carbon Capture at Rio Grande LNG

Houston—
NextDecade and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America
(MHIA), part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), have
signed an engineering services agreement (ESA) for a carbon
capture and storage (CCS) project planned at NextDecade’s
proposed Rio Grande LNG (liquefied natural gas)
project in Brownsville, Texas (PCN, 22 Mar 2021, p 3).
The Rio Grande project is expected to include five LNG
trains with a total capacity of 27-million t/y of LNG. A final
investment decision (FID) is anticipated on a minimum
of two trains in 2021, and the FID on the CCS project “soon
after,” NextDecade recently said.
NextDecade’s Next Carbon Solutions subsidiary will
help develop the CCS project, which is expected to enable
the capture and permanent geologic storage of more than
5-million t/y of carbon dioxide.
MHIA will provide the design, license and performance
guarantee of the KM CDR Process, a post-combustion carbon
capture technology, developed by MHI, to be used in
the CCS project.

 

KBR Agrees to License K-PRO Technology For JS Energy’s PDH Plant in Pakistan

Islamabad—
KBR has signed an agreement with JS Energy Ltd. to license
its proprietary K-PRO propane dehydrogenation
(PDH) technology for JS Energy’s planned PDH unit in
Pakistan.
The project, scheduled for commissioning in 2024, will
convert propane into propylene. No other information was
available.
“KBR offers various sustainable technologies that are
energy efficient and environmentally-friendly,” said Doug
Kelly, president of technology at KBR. “K-PRO is based on
an innovative catalyst that does not contain costly precious
metals or environmentally-sensitive chromium and is a
continuous process with efficient energy integration, heat
recovery and high conversion.”
PCN recently reported that Engro Polymer & Chemicals
plans to spend $31.4-million to study the feasibility of
building a new PDH unit for the production of polypropylene
in Pakistan (PCN, 12 Apr 2021, p 1).
According to the report, Engro’s PDH unit would be the
“first of its kind in Pakistan.”

 

Ultranav, Navigator Ink Non-Binding LoI To Merge Ultragas Assets into Navigator

London—
Naviera Ultranav Ltda. (Ultranav) has signed a nonbinding
letter of intent (LoI) with Navigator Holdings to
merge Ultragas ApS’ fleet and business activities with
Navigator.
The combined entity would remain Navigator Gas with
a total fleet of 56 vessels. Ultragas will provide its seven
modern 22,000-cu m semi-refrigerated vessels, five 12,000
cu m ethylene vessels and six gas carriers in the 3,770-
9,000 cu m range.
The transaction, expected to close by the end of the second
quarter of this year, is subject to the execution of a
definitive share purchase agreement, approval by the
board of directors of both Navigator and Ultragas, regulatory
approvals and other customary closing conditions.
“The combination will result in a LPG [liquefied petroleum
gas] and petrochemical shipping company with unmatched
scale and diversification,” said David Butters,
executive chairman of the board of Navigator.
“The Ultragas fleet will significantly strengthen our position
in the handy sized sector and provide our customers
with greater flexibility in transporting smaller parcels in a
cost-advantaged basis.”

 

Hexpol to Acquire Rubber Firm Unica

Malmö—
Hexpol AB has entered into an agreement to purchase Union
de Industrias C.A. (Unica), a rubber compounder based
in Spain, from private equity firm Espiga Capital.
The acquisition, valued at €48-million on a cash and
debt free basis, will close following receipt of regulatory
approval, expected in the second quarter of 2021.
“Through the acquisition of Unica, we will strengthen
our position in rubber compounds for demanding customers
in Spain and other EU [European Union] countries,”
noted Ralph Wolkener and Carsten Ruter, presidents of
Hexpol Compounding Europe/Asia.
“Unica will be a perfect complement to our existing operations
in Spain, mainly active in other sectors.”

 

Air Products Buys Remaining 50% Stake In Gasification Technology JV in China

Shanghai—
Air Products has purchased the remaining 50% stake in its
Chinese gasification technology joint venture with China
Shenhua Coal to Liquid and Chemical Co., a subsidiary of
China Energy Group, for an undisclosed amount (PCN, 12-
19 Aug 2019, p 3).
“Our latest investment is another step to support our
gasification growth strategy that addresses the world’s
energy and environmental challenges,” noted Seifi
Ghasemi, chairman, president and chief executive at Air
Products.
“We continue to execute several megaprojects in China
and around the world. The acquisition further strengthens
our position to leverage our complete gasification technology
portfolio to serve our customers.”
Air Products acquired its initial 50% interest in the
joint venture in 2019, as part of its purchase of GE’s gasification
business from GE Power.

 

Sojitz & Jeplan Agree to Jointly Promote PET Chem Recycling Business in Japan

Tokyo—
Sojitz and Japan Environment Planning (Jeplan) have
formed a partnership to jointly promote a polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) chemical recycling business, in Japan
and overseas, that utilizes Jeplan’s chemical recycling
technology.
Jeplan, using its proprietary BRING technology, is able
to selectively extract bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate
from PET. It can then recover high-purity monomers in
order to manufacture recycled PET resin at an industrial
scale that meets strict bottle-grade quality standards, the
companies noted.
Equipment upgrades are currently being made at Jeplan’s
facility. Once the plant restarts this summer, the
company will be able to produce about 22,000 t/y of recycled
PET resin.
The partners will also promote the establishment of a
system to collect used PET bottles for use as raw material,
and the construction of new production facilities.

 

Dialog Completes and Opens Phase 3A Of Pengerang Deepwater Terminals

Johor—Dialog
Group has completed and officially opened Phase 3A of the
Pengerang Deepwater Terminals (PDT) development in
Malaysia (PCN, 20 May 2019, p 3).
The first parcel of Phase 3 consists of storage tanks
with a capacity of 430,000 cu m for clean petroleum products,
common tankage facilities (including shared infrastructure)
and deepwater marine facilities.
“I believe the continued development of Phase 3 has the
potential to attract more refining and petrochemical complexes,
as well as downstream petrochemical manufacturing
plants, and spur increased trading activities, which
could potentially bring multi-million Ringgit investments
to Johor,” said Haji Hasni bin Mohammad, Mentari Besar
of Johor YAB Dato.
“Such continued investments to develop Pengerang will
create more economic value add, catalyze long-term economic
activity and create high value, skilled jobs for both
Johor and Malaysia.”

 

New Hope Energy and CPChem Enter Deal For Certified Renewable Chem Feedstock

Tyler—
New Hope Energy said it has signed a long-term agreement
with Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. (CPChem) to
provide ISCC Plus certified renewable chemical feedstock
produced through pyrolysis.
New Hope Energy builds advanced recycling plants that
process scrap plastic and municipal solid waste into renewable
chemical feedstocks. It will supply CPChem from
its Trinity Oaks Tyler Phase I facility in Texas, which is
the first of many plants to be built by New Hope Energy
and is now operating 24/7, New Hope noted.
New Hope Technologies, an affiliate of New Hope Energy,
has entered into a joint development and commercialization
agreement with Green Circle, a division of
Lummus Technology, to scale and license New Hope proprietary
processes and equipment on a world-wide basis
(PCN, 19 Oct 2020, p 1).
New Hope Fabrication, a subsidiary of New Hope Energy,
will be the exclusive manufacturer of the equipment
and Lummus will provide a production and quality guarantee
on the equipment and output.
In the future, New Hope Energy plans to create sustainable
trade zones to co-locate eco-friendly businesses to
facilitate the circular economy.

 

WV Resources Picks Honeywell Technology For Carbon Capture & Storage Project

Indianapolis—
Wabash Valley (WV) Resources has selected a range of
Honeywell UOP technologies for a carbon capture and
storage project at West Terre Haute, Ind.
The project, expected to be “one of the largest” carbon
sequestration initiatives in the U.S. to date, will capture
and sequester up to 1.65-million t/y of carbon dioxide (CO2)
and produce clean hydrogen energy from a repurposed
gasification plant, Honeywell explained.
UOP will provide technology licenses, basic engineering
and specialty equipment, including a modular MOLSIV
molecular sieve dehydration unit, modular Ortloff CO2
Fractionation unit, and Polybed pressure swing adsorption
unit to sequester CO2 and process synthesis gas from the
gasification unit.
“This project will allow for market access to clean hydrogen,
as well as support the domestic growth of the hydrogen
economy,” said Dan Williams, managing director of
Wabash Valley.

 

Synthomer Opens Asia Innovation Center

Johor—
Synthomer recently launched its new state-of-the-art Asia
Innovation Center at iPark near Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to
provide leadership in research and development for both
performance elastomers and functional solutions business
units.
The RM 35-million center has sufficient expansion capacity
to meet the future anticipated needs of the business,
the company noted. It will ensure Synthomer stays at the
forefront of nitrile latex product development and applications
know-how, it added.
“This is the first phase of what we expect to be an ongoing
investment in innovation in Asia, supporting all divisions
of the company,” said Dr. Zhenli Wei, vice president
of innovation for the Performance Elastomers Division.

 

Chemours Announces Goal to Achieve Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2050

Wilmington—
Chemours announced its “ambitious” goal to achieve net
zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, and has
improved it 2030 climate goal by switching from a relative
to absolute goal.
“Chemours is driving to achieve a 60% absolute reduction
of operations-related greenhouse gas emissions by
2030, putting the company on the path to net zero greenhouse
gas emissions by 2050,” the company noted.
To address direct emissions from operations (Scope 1),
the company will continue to enhance emissions control
technologies at its manufacturing sites and improve energy
efficiency across its operations.
In order to address indirect emissions from electricity
and other energy sources (Scope 2), Chemours will increase
the amount of electricity and other energy generated from
renewable resources.
The company is also in the process of defining goals related
to indirect emissions from its value chain (Scope 3)
and will announce them at a later date.
Sheryl Telford, previously vice president of environment,
health, safety and corporate responsibility, has been
appointed to the newly created position of chief sustainability
officer.

 

Saudi Petrochem Projects Expected to Drive Oil & Gas Projects by ‘25, Says GlobalData

Riyadh—
Petrochemical projects are expected to drive the start of
upcoming projects across the oil and gas value chain in
Saudi Arabia, accounting for about 61% of the total projects
expected to start operations during the period of
2021-2025, according to a new report from data and analytics
firm GlobalData.
The report, Middle East Oil and Gas Projects Outlook to
2025 – Development Stage, Capacity, Capex and Contractor
Details of All New Build and Expansion Projects, reveals
that among these projects, new builds dominate with 84%,
while the rest are expansion projects.
“Petrochemical projects will be the highest with 50, followed
by midstream with 18, refinery at eight, and upstream
(fields) at six,” said the report.
“Saudi Arabia’s aggressive investments in the petrochemicals
sector is part of its 2030 vision plan, where the
country aims to reduce its dependence on the upstream
sector and diversify into other segments,” noted Soorya
Tejomoortula, an oil and gas analyst.

 

Borealis Launches Feasibility Study For New Chemical Recycling Unit

Stenungsund—
Borealis has begun a feasibility study for a new chemical
recycling plant to be established at its production site in
Stenungsund, Sweden, which has been ISCC Plus certified
since February 2021.
The unit would be part of a project to secure an additional
supply of chemically recycled feedstock for the production
of more circular based chemicals and polyolefinbased
products.
The study, being funded in part by the Swedish Energy
Agency, is being carried out with Borealis’ project partner
Stena Recycling. The study will evaluate the best technology
for the unit and its integration in the cracker at the
site. Subject to a successful feasibility study and final investment
decision, operations are planned to begin in 2024.
Stena would recover plastic waste and, after sorting to
remove materials suitable for mechanical recycling, would
deliver it to the new chemical recycling unit. It plans to
invest in its own plants to produce plastic waste feedstock
for Borealis.
In addition, Fortum Recycling and Waste is looking into
funding for a feasibility study for the production of feedstock
from plastic waste for Borealis’ proposed unit.
“The integration of waste management and processing
directly into a steam cracker would be one of the first of its
kind,” Borealis noted.

 

PetroChemical News Briefs

BASF has launched new plasticizers based on renewable
and chemically recycled feedstock. The biomass balanced
(BMB) plasticizers are sold under the names Hexamoll
DINCH BMB, Palatinol N BMB, Palatinol 10-P BMB
and Plastomoll DOA BMB.
Worley has been awarded multiple master services
agreements by subsidiaries of Cheniere Energy to provide
engineering, procurement, construction and construction
management services to Cheniere’s liquefied natural gas
facilities based on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
LyondellBasell announced the launch of its new Circulen
suite of polymer products to advance circular solutions.
CirculenRecover polymers are made from plastic
waste through a mechanical recycling process, CirculenRevive
polymers are made using an advanced (molecular)
recycling process, and CirculenRenew polymers are made
from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil.

Jinzhou Lets Lummus Novolen Contract For New Polypropylene Unit in China

Beijing—Jin
Guo Tou (Jinzhou) Petrochemical Co. has awarded a contract
to Lummus Technology’s Novolen business for a new
polypropylene (PP) unit in Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province,
China.
The PP unit will consist of a 600,000-t/y line and a
300,000-t/y line, the “largest” single-line capacity that has
been licensed in the market today, Lummus Technology
noted. Value of the contract and an expected completion
date were not given.
Lummus’ scope includes the technology license for the
PP unit, as well as basic design engineering, training and
services, and catalyst supply.

 

KMG, Tatneft Ink Cooperation Agreement For Planned Kazakh Butadiene Facility

Atyrau—
KazMunayGas (KMG) and Tatneft have signed a basic cooperation
agreement to jointly implement a new butadiene
rubber project in the Atyrau region of Kazakhstan.
The project, expected to be implemented by 2025, will
include a facility with a production capacity of 186,000 t/y
of butadiene rubber and 170,000 t/y of isobutene.
Approximately 2,000 jobs are expected to be created
during construction and 400 jobs once operational.
Tengizchevroil LLP will supply butane feedstock to the
facility.

 

AmSty & Agilyx Launch Feasibility Study For Second Advanced Recycling Facility

St. James—
AmSty and Agilyx announced an agreement to explore the
development of a second jointly-owned advanced recycling
facility and have already begun a feasibility study for the
project.
The initial scope of the project will be a 50-t/d to 100-t/d
advanced recycling facility at AmSty’s styrene production
plant in St. James, La. Feedstock will be supplied by Cyclyx,
Agilyx’s feedstock management company. A schedule
for construction and commissioning will be announced as
progress continues.
The new facility will be a next generation expansion of
Agilyx advanced recycling technology already in use at the
partners’ Regenyx joint venture in Tigard, Ore., where
post-use polystyrene products are converted back into virgin-
equivalent styrene monomer (PCN, 22 Mar 2021, p 3).
“Development of this technology has picked up over the
past decade, and it is time to reach a larger scale,” said
Agilyx Chief Executive Tim Stedman.
“We have been operating Regenyx with AmSty since
2019 and are pleased to expand our relationship toward a
much larger facility at St. James. Joining AmSty as a coinvestor
underlines our commitment to accelerating the
implementation of Agilyx advanced recycling technology
and our licensing model.”

 

Engro Achieves Commercial Operation Of Integrated PVC Facility in Pakistan

Karachi—
Engro Polymer & Chemicals Ltd. (EPCL) announced that
it recently began commercial operation of its new integrated
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) facility in Pakistan (PCN,
3 Sept 2018, p 2).
The 100,000-t/y PVC plant increases the company’s total
PVC production capacity to 295,000 t/y.
Separately, EPCL plans to spend $31.4-million to study
the feasibility of building a new propane dehydrogenation
(PDH) unit for the production of polypropylene, Argus Media
reported.
The PDH unit would be the “first of its kind in Pakistan,”
the report said. A final investment decision will be
based on the results of the study.

 

Acron Boosting Ammonia Production With Revamp of Two Existing Units

Moscow—Acron
Group announced it is revamping two ammonia units at its
Veliky Novgorod site in Russia to increase ammonia
production (PCN, 12 Oct 2020, p 4).
The $190-million project will raise ammonia output by
375,000 t/y. Completion is expected in 2023.
Acron Engineering will act as chief designer of the project,
with KBR providing the process license, base design
package and licensed equipment.
“Upgrading the units and expanding their capacity will
allow us to increase our output of all ammonia-based products,
while reducing both consumption of natural gas and
nitric and carbon oxides emissions,” said Alexander Popov,
chairman of the board of directors of Acron.
The company currently operates three ammonia units
with a total capacity of 2.2-million t/y.

 

Tamilnadu Investing in Series of Projects To Increase Petrochemical Production

Chennai—
Tamilnadu Petroproducts Ltd. (TPL) said it is investing a
total of Rs 435 crore on expansion and modernization projects
that will increase petrochemical production in India.
The company plans to spend about Rs 30 crore to build
a new propylene recovery unit in the same complex as it
manufactures propylene oxide. The new unit, with an initial
capacity of 21,000 t/y, will utilize technology developed
in-house. The project will be implemented in around 12-18
months following regulatory approvals.
TPL will invest around Rs 165 crore to modernize its
caustic soda and chlorine unit by replacing the existing
mono-polar membrane technology with a more advanced
bipolar membrane technology. Once complete, about 18
months after obtaining approvals, caustic soda production
capacity will increase to 250 t/d from 150 t/d currently.
Finally, TPL will increase linear alkyl benzene capacity
to 145,000 t/y from 120,000 t/y currently. The project, estimated
to cost Rs 240 crore, would be commissioned in
about 24 months, following receipt of regulatory approvals.

 

Trinseo and BASF Expanding Partnership For Styrene Based on Circular Feedstock

Berlin—
Trinseo and BASF announced their intention to enhance
their business collaboration with the production of styrene
based on circular feedstock.
The partnership aims to increase efforts by both companies
in the development and management of styrene
featuring an improved environmental profile.
Trinseo has recently been procuring first supplies of the
synthetical chemical styrene based on circular feedstock
from BASF for use in its solution-styrene butadiene rubber
and polystyrene products.
“By creating synergy across the value chain, the Trinseo-
BASF collaboration is an important move towards
helping our customers reach their sustainability goals, as
well as the development of a truly circular economy,” noted
Nicolas Joly, vice president, Plastics & Feedstocks at Trinseo.
“CO2 emission reduction and a circular economy are
BASF’s paramount targets,” said Klaus Ries, vice president
for BASF’s Styrenic Business Europe.
“Using circular feedstocks instead of virgin fossil resources
contributes directly or indirectly to an improved
CO2 footprint of subsequent products. While our customer,
Trinseo, procures biomass balanced (BMB) styrene
for their downstream business already, styrene Ccycled
will be available in the near future.”
To produce BMB styrene, BASF replaces fossil resources
with renewable feedstocks derived from organic
waste or vegetable oils. When manufacturing Ccyled products,
BASF uses pyrolysis oil derived from plastic waste
that is not recycled mechanically, e.g., mixed household
waste or end-of-life tires, as a feedstock.

 

Novonor Resumes Sales Process to Divest Up to Its Full Equity Stake in Braskem

São Paulo—
Novonor, formerly known as Odebrecht, has restarted the
process to sell its interest in Braskem, reported Reuters,
citing a source with knowledge of the matter.
Last August, Braskem said it had received notification
from Odebrecht, its controlling shareholder, that Odebrecht
was preparing to structure a process for the private
sale of up to its total equity ownership in Braskem (PCN,
17 Aug 2020, p 1). In December 2020, Odebrecht changed
its name to Novonor.
Novonor owns a 38% stake in Braskem, including 50.1%
of the voting shares.

 

IRSG Schedules World Rubber Summit As Virtual Event from 8-11 June ‘21

Singapore—The
International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) has decided to
hold its World Rubber Summit 2021 as a virtual event
from 8-11 June 2021.
The summit will be based on the theme “Facing the Future:
Inclusiveness, Sustainability and Growth for the Next
Normal.”
The World Rubber Summit allows producers, users,
traders, financial institutions, research and development
organizations, non-governmental organizations and academia
to meet, together with governments’ representatives,
and exchange views on the major challenges confronting
the rubber economy.

 

Gulei Refining Integrated Project Achieves On-Spec Production of PP at Zhangzhou

Beijing—
Gulei Refinery, a 50-50 joint venture of Sinopec and
Xuteng, has achieved on-spec production of polypropylene
(PP) at its refining integrated project in Zhangzhou, Fujian
Province, China, according to Argus Media.
The new 350,000-t/y PP plant, which is fed with merchant
propylene from the local market, utilizes Sinopec’s
ST-III technology.
The PP facility is the first unit to begin operations. The
project also includes a 1-million-t/y ethylene cracker; an
integrated 100,000-t/y ethylene oxide/700,000-t/y ethylene
glycol unit; a 600,000-t/y styrene monomer plant, and a
300,000-t/y ethylene vinyl acetate facility, all expected to
start-up in the third quarter of 2021.

 

OLCV & Cemvita to Build Pilot Plant For CO2-to-Bioethylene Technology

Houston—Oxy
Low Carbon Ventures (OLCV), a subsidiary of Occidental,
and Cemvita Factory, a bio-engineering start-up, are planning
to build and operate a new bioethylene pilot plant
that uses their jointly developed technology to produce bioethylene
from carbon dioxide (CO2).
The one ton per month facility will scale up the process
that was successful in laboratory tests. Start-up of the
plant is expected in 2022.
“Today bioethylene is made from bioethanol, which is
made from sugarcane, which in turn was created by photosynthesizing
CO2,” said Moji Karimi, co-founder and chief
executive of Cemvita.
“Our bio-synthetic process simply requires CO2, water
and light to produce bioethylene, and that’s why it saves a
lot of cost and carbon emissions.”

 

DSM Concludes Divestment to Covestro Of Its Resins & Functional Materials

Heerlen—Royal
DSM said it has completed the sale of its Resins & Functional
Materials and associated businesses to Covestro for
an equity value of €1.6-billion (PCN, 5 Oct 2020, p 4).
The sale included all of DSM’s Resins & Functional Materials
businesses, including DSM Niaga, DSM Additive
Manufacturing, and the coatings activities of DSM Advanced
Solar.

 

People on the Move

Clariant—Gunter von Au has been appointed chairman
of the board of directors, succeeding Hariolf Kottmann. Au
has been a member of the board of directors since 2012 and
served as vice chairman from 2012 to 2018.
Novonor—Jose Mauro Carneiro, most recently chairman,
has become chief executive of Novonor, previously
known as Odebrecht. He succeeds Ruy Sampaio.
Kraton Corp.—Marcello Boldrini, senior vice president
and chemical segment president, has been appointed
to the expanded role of chief sustainability officer.
Birla Carbon—Dr. Ann Schoeb has been named chief
research and development officer. She was previously chief
technology officer at AdvanSix.

 

Inter Pipeline Receives Alberta Grant For New Integrated PDH/PP Facility

Calgary—Inter
Pipeline has won $408-million under the Alberta Petrochemicals
Incentive Program (APIP) to support its Heartland
Petrochemical Complex (HPC), an integrated propane
dehydrogenation (PDH) and polypropylene (PP) production
facility being built in Strathcona County, Canada (PCN, 15
Mar 2021, p 2).
The complex, scheduled to be operational in early 2022,
will convert 22,000 b/d of locally sourced propane into approximately
525,000 t/y of PP.
APIP is an incentive program introduced by the Government
of Alberta to attract investment into the development
of local petrochemical plants.
“HPC’s construction has created thousands of well-paid
technical, manufacturing and construction jobs over its
multi-year build and has been a symbol of hope during difficult
economic times for the province,” said Christian
Bayle, president and chief executive of Inter Pipeline.
The company said it expects HPC to generate hundreds
of permanent “high-quality” full-time jobs.
Inter Pipeline was earlier approved to receive $200-
million of royalty credits for the project under the Petrochemicals
Diversification Program, but has decided to resign
the credits in favor of the APIP grant.
The grant will be paid in equal installments over a period
of three years, once the complex is operational.

 

IOCL Awards Technip Energies Contract For BR9 Expansion Project in Barauni

Barauni—
Technip Energies said it has received a “significant” engineering,
procurement, construction and commissioning
contract from Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. (IOCL) for its BR9 Expansion
Project in Barauni, Bihar, India.
The project, for which a schedule was not given, will expand
refinery capacity to 9-million t/y from 6-million t/y
currently. It will also add petrochemicals, such as polypropylene,
into the refinery’s product portfolio.
Technip Energies’ contract covers the installation of a
new 1-million-t/y once-through hydrocracker unit, a fuel
gas treatment unit and associated facilities.
For Technip Energies, a “significant” contract is valued
at between €50-million and €250-million.

 

Mitsubishi Merges U.S. Companies Into Mitsubishi Chemical America

Charlotte—
Mitsubishi Chemical America Inc. announced it has
merged with seven of its U.S. subsidiaries to form an expanded
and integrated company, headquartered in Charlotte,
N.C.
The merging companies include Dianal America, Lucite
International, MC Ionic Solutions US, Mitsubishi Chemical
Composites America, Mitsubishi Chemical Imaging
Corp., Mitsubishi Chemical Performance Polymers and
Mitsubishi Polyester Film.
The core businesses of the merging companies include
acrylic monomers, polyester film, specialty resins, performance
polymers, imaging materials, battery materials
and metal composites.
This regional integration is part of a global Mitsubishi
Chemical initiative that is also underway for selected subsidiaries
in Germany and the UK.

 

Baltic Gets OK for Gas Chem Complex; Construction Will Begin This Month

Moscow—Baltic
Chemical, a subsidiary of RusGazDobycha, has received
approval from the Committee for State Construction Supervision
and State Expertise of the Leningrad Region to
build a gas chemical facility in Ust-Luga, Russia, and construction
will start this month (PCN, 22 Mar 2021, p 1).
The facility will include two 1.4-million-t/y ethane
cracking plants and six polyethylene reactor lines, each
designed to have a capacity of 500,000 t/y. Completion is
expected in 2024.
Gazprom and RusGazDobycha are setting up a gas
processing complex in Ust-Luga that will process 45-billion
cu m/yr of gas and produce 13-million t/y of liquefied natural
gas, as well as ethane fraction, liquefied petroleum gas
and pentane-hexane fraction.
The gas chemical facility will be technologically interconnected
with the gas processing complex to process ethane
generated by the complex.

 

Sinochem & ChemChina Get Consent To Undertake Joint Restructuring

Beijing—Sinochem
Group and China National Chemical Corp. (ChemChina)
have obtained approval from the state council to carry out
a joint restructuring of the two companies to assist in the
development of the chemical industry in China.
Under the restructuring plan, the equity interests of
both Sinochem and ChemChina will be owned by a newlyincorporated
company (the holding company), which will be
established and wholly-owned by the state-owned Assets
Supervision and Administration Commission on behalf of
the state council.
Sinochem and ChemChina will become the whollyowned
subsidiaries of the new holding company. They will
proceed with the joint restructuring in compliance with
relevant laws and regulations.
“This joint restructuring will create synergy, build up a
world-class chemical company, and promote a high-quality
development of the chemical industry in China,” Chem-
China noted.

 

LyondellBasell’s European Polymer Sites Obtain New Sustainability Certification

Rotterdam—
LyondellBasell has received the International Sustainability
and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification for
its Wesseling, Germany, cracker and European polymer
sites.
As a result of the certification, the company will offer
mass balance certificates for its advanced (molecular) recycled
and renewable-based Circulen polymers.
LyondellBasell can also offer a Carbon-14 analysis for
certain products, a “reliable” method to determine the percentage
of renewable content in a physical product, the
company noted.
“This ISCC PLUS certification . . . is another milestone
on our path to becoming an industry leader in the production
and marketing of recycled and renewable-based polymers,”
said Richard Roudeix, senior vice president of olefins
and polyolefins for Europe, Middle East, Africa and
India at LyondellBasell.
The company plans to broaden the ISCC PLUS certification
to its sites in other regions and expects to obtain it
for its North American plants later this year.

 

Kuraray Resumes Production in Texas At La Porte, Bayport, Pasadena Sites

Houston—
Kuraray announced that production has resumed at its La
Porte, Bayport and Pasadena, Texas, sites, where it had
been suspended following the cold wave in mid-February
2021 (PCN, 15 Mar 2021, p 3).
Although operations remain suspended at certain lines,
production has resumed for all products, including vinyl
acetate monomer and Poval resin at La Porte; Poval resin
at Bayport, and ethylene vinyl alcohol resin and thermoplastic
elastomer at Pasadena.

 

MISC Takes Delivery of Sixth VLEC From HHI Shipyard in South Korea

Kuala Lumpur—
MISC Berhad has taken delivery of Seri Elbert, its sixth
very large ethane carrier (VLEC), from the Hyundai Heavy
Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea (PCN, 11
Jan 2021, p 4).
Seri Elbert, Seri Everest, Seri Erlang, Seri Emei, Seri
Emory and Seri Emperor are a series of second generation
VLECs – all of which were acquired by MISC from Zhejiang
Satellite Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (STL) in July 2020.
The 98,000-cu m Seri Elbert and her five sister vessels
are on a long-term charter to STL. They signify MISC’s
entry into China and its position as the “largest” operator
of VLECs in the niche and growing market of moving ethane
globally, MISC noted.
Eaglestar is the appointed ship manager of all six
VLECs.

 

SABIC to Begin Marketing Aramco’s Allocation of Products from Sadara

Riyadh—SABIC
will start marketing Saudi Aramco’s allocation of products
from Sadara Chemical, a joint venture of Aramco and Dow
Chemical, beginning 1 July 2021.
The change is the result of an agreement between
SABIC, Aramco, Sadara and Dow, and aligns with SABIC’s
strategic position as the chemicals arm of Aramco.
Aramco last year acquired a 70% interest in SABIC
from the Public Investment Fund for a total purchase price
of $69.1-billion (PCN, 22 June 2020, p 1).
“By marketing Aramco’s allocation of Sadara products,
SABIC expects to drive further supply chain efficiencies,
strengthen its brand and combined product and services
offering, and help to maintain competitive preference in
the global chemicals industry,” SABIC noted.

 

Kem One to Receive €15-Million Subsidy To Modernize Electrolysis Technology

Paris—Kem
One said it would receive €15-million of government funding
to support the conversion of its electrolysis technology
at its chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen production unit
in Fos-sur-Mer, France.
The project, estimated to require a total investment of
over €100-million, will involve replacing the existing diaphragm
process with a membrane process, which will make
the site “one of the most” high performance sites in Europe
in energy terms, the company noted. Start-up is expected
in 2024.
The conversion of the process is part of Kem One’s energy
performance strategy, which aims to reduce energy
consumption by 30% and gas emissions by 50% by 2030,
compared with its 2013 baseline year.

 

Hexion Gives Update on Transaction To Divest Phenolic Specialty Resins

Columbus—
Hexion plans to complete the divestment of its phenolic
specialty resin, hexamine and European-based forest products
resins businesses to Black Diamond Capital Management
and Investindustrial on 30 Apr. 2021 (PCN, 25 Jan
2021, p 3).
The transaction, valued at around $425-million, involves
11 manufacturing facilities worldwide and approximately
900 employees.
Hexion is working to complete a limited number of the
necessary government approvals and other customary closing
conditions to complete the sale. It earlier said the divestment
was expected to be finalized in the first quarter
of 2021.

 

Sadara Signs New Long-Term Agreements To Supply Feedstock to SADIG-ILCO JV

Jubail—
Sadara Chemical and SADIG-ILCO, a joint venture of
SADIG Industries and ILCO Chemicals, have signed new
long-term agreements, in which Sadara will supply feedstock
to the joint venture’s future specialty chemical manufacturing
plant in PlasChem Park in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
Under the terms of the agreement, SADIG-ILCO’s new
facility will offtake ethylene oxide and propylene oxide
from Sadara through new pipelines being built by Sadara.
PlasChem Park is adjacent to Sadara’s chemical complex
and is “uniquely” positioned to enable and support
downstream opportunities in numerous market segments,
including the chemicals intermediates, ethylene oxide/
propylene oxide, polyurethanes and polymers clusters,
Sadara noted.

 

BASF, SABIC and Linde Sign Agreement To Develop Electrically Heated Furnace

Berlin—
BASF, SABIC and Linde announced the signing of a joint
agreement to develop and demonstrate solutions for the
“world’s first” electrically heated steam cracker furnace.
Subject to a positive funding decision, the project aims
to offer a promising solution to “significantly” contribute to
the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions within the
chemical industry, the parties noted.
The companies are evaluating construction of a multimegawatt
demonstration plant at BASF’s Ludwigshafen
site in Germany, which is targeted for start-up as early as
2023.
By using electricity from renewable resources to power
the process, the fundamentally new technology has the
potential to reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 90%.
The partners have applied for grants at the EU Innovation
Fund and the funding program Decarbonization in
Industry, a new program of the Germany Federal Ministry
for the Environment.
“To be able to drive a timely scale-up and industrial
implementation of this technology, investment support and
competitive renewable energy prices will be important prerequisites,”
said Dr. Martin Brudermüller, chairman of the
board of executive directors of BASF SE.

 

Celanese to Begin Utilizing Recycled CO2 To Boost Clear Lake Methanol Capacity

Dallas—
Celanese announced that it will begin using recycled carbon
dioxide (CO2) as an alternative feedstock in methanol
production at its integrated chemical manufacturing facility
in Clear Lake, Texas.
This carbon capture and reuse process is expected to
produce sustainable methanol with a high capital efficiency
at competitive pricing via an expansion of Fairway Methanol
LLC, a manufacturing joint venture between Celanese
and Mitsui & Co., Celanese noted.
Once fully operational, the 1.62-million t/y plant is expected
to displace around 180,000 tons of CO2. Furthermore,
an estimated 60% of currently vented process CO2
from the entire site will be transformed into sustainable
methanol. A completion date was not given.

 

KBR Commissions NH3 Plant Revamp At Acron’s Dorogobuzh Site in Russia

Moscow—KBR
said it has successfully commissioned an ammonia revamp
project for Acron at Acron’s Dorogobuzh site in Russia
(PCN, 26 Mar-2 Apr 2018, p 2).
The plant was revamped using KBR’s KRES technology
to enhance ammonia production capacity to 2,100 t/d from
1,360 t/d and reduce energy consumption. Value of the
contract was not given.
KBR supplied the technology license, basic engineering
design package, proprietary equipment, post-engineering
and commissioning services.

 

Celanese Boosting UHMW-PE Capacity With New Production Unit in Europe

Dallas—
Celanese announced plans to expand its GUR ultra-high
molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) production
capacity in Europe with construction of a new plant.
The facility, planned to have a nameplate capacity of
about 34,000 t/y, would be located at either an existing or
greenfield location. Site selection is underway and the unit
is scheduled to be online beginning in 2024.
The company recently announced it was expanding
GUR capacity by about 15,000 t/y with construction of a
new plant at its manufacturing facility in Bishop, Texas
(PCN, 26 Oct 2020, p 1). Production is planned to begin
next year.

 

Invista Concludes Technology Upgrade At Its Adiponitrile Plant in Victoria

Victoria—Invista
has completed a project to upgrade its adiponitrile (ADN)
facility to use the company’s most advanced ADN technology
at its site in Victoria, Texas (PCN, 29 June 2020, p 2).
The project, earlier estimated to cost $250-million, was
completed as part of the site’s regularly planned maintenance
turnaround. The site will manage a controlled startup
and ramp-up of ADN production.
“We’re pleased this ADN retrofit will bring additional
production capacity online in Victoria and are looking forward
to how this will support growth in downstream nylon
6,6 applications,” said Bill Greenfield, president, Invista
Intermediates.
The technology brings “improved product yields, reduced
energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions,
enhanced process stability and reduced capital intensity
compared to existing technologies,” Invista noted.

 

Lummus Technology Gets Contract For Ethylbenzene Project in China

Beijing—Lummus
Technology has been awarded a contract from an unidentified
customer for its EBOne technology for an ethylbenzene
project in Jiangsu Province, China.
Once complete, the unit will produce 508,000 t/y of
ethylbenzene. Cost and a schedule for the project were not
disclosed.
Lummus’ scope for the project includes the technology
license, basic engineering, training and related site services.
Its technology and catalyst offer “high product yield,
low operating costs, and operational reliability throughout
the plant’s life cycle,” Lummus noted.

 

Celanese Raising Acetyl Chain Capacities With Investments in China & Germany

Dallas—
Celanese announced a series of investments to expand its
acetyl chain capacities through plant expansions, new unit
builds and key debottlenecking projects in Nanjing, China,
and Frankfurt, Germany.
The company is initiating an expansion of its vinyl acetate
monomer (VAM) production unit at its chemical industrial
park in Nanjing.
Production capacity is initially expected to increase to
60,000 t/y from 50,000 t/y, with a phased approach of up to
90,000 t/y. When complete, VAM nameplate capacity at
the facility is expected to increase to nearly 400,000 t/y
from 300,000 t/y.
Celanese is planning a 10,000-t/y expansion of acetic
anhydride production at Nanjing. The project will bring
the total acetic anhydride nameplate capacity at the site to
about 130,000 t/y by 2022.
In addition, the company plans to build two new vinyl
acetate ethylene (VAE) reactors by 2023—one in Nanjing
and one at the Frankfurt site.
The reactors will increase VAE capacity at Nanjing by
about 65,000 t/y and VAE capacity at Frankfurt by approximately
45,000 t/y.
Finally, Celanese said debottlenecking efforts are already
underway at its European powders facilities to increase
redispersible polymer powders capacity by about
20,000 t/y by 2023.
The planned expansions are subject to regulatory approvals
in their respective countries of operation.

 

Sadara Shuts Down Mixed-Feed Cracker For Maintenance After Technical Issue

Jubail—
Sadara Basic Services Co. announced that its parent company,
Sadara Chemical Co., has shut down its mixed feed
cracker in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, for immediate maintenance
due to a technical failure of a gas compressor on 16
Mar. 2021.
“As repairs are currently underway, the company will
temporarily experience non-availability or limited availability
of ethylene and propylene which will, as a result,
impact production of related downstream products for an
estimated period of 30 days,” Sadara noted.
“The company is working diligently to mitigate the impact
to its customers.”

 

Acron Group Awards Contracts to KBR For Revamp of Russian NH3 Facilities

Moscow—KBR
has been awarded contracts by Acron Group for revamping
two ammonia units at Acron’s Veliky Novgorod site in Russia
(PCN, 12 Oct 2020, p 4).
The project will expand ammonia production capacity
by over 30% to 2,300 t/d each, increase energy efficiency
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Completion of the
first revamp, including commissioning and start-up is expected
in 2023.
KBR will supply the process technology license, basic
engineering design package and proprietary equipment,
including its KRES technology and Horizontal Ammonia
Convertor.
Acron announced last year that it had started a “major”
overhaul of its ammonia, urea, ammonium nitrate and nitric
acid production facilities at the site.

 

Lotte GS Chemical Selects Technologies For Yeosu Phenol, Acetone Production

Yeosu—Lotte
GS Chemical has selected Honeywell UOP Q-Max, Phenol
3G, and Evonik MSHP technologies for the production of
over 565,000 t/y of phenol and acetone at Lotte’s petrochemicals
facility in Yeosu, South Korea.
UOP will provide a license for the technology, as well as
basic engineering design services, key equipment, catalysts
and adsorbents, and technical services.
As part of the project, UOP will supply cumene and
phenol units with alpha-methylstyrene (AMS) hydrogenation.
The Evonik MSHP process hydrogenates AMS to cumene
to be recycled back to oxidation.
The UOP Phenol 3G unit converts cumene into phenol
and acetone with high yields and product quality, and low
utility consumption.
The combined technologies allow Lotte to produce phenol
and acetone derivatives from benzene and polymergrade
propylene. A schedule for the project was not given.
“Global demand for plastics and resins, such as polystyrene,
styrenic resin, polycarbonate and phenolic resin is
driving the need for aromatic derivatives,” said Bryan
Glover, vice president and general manager of Honeywell
UOP’s Process Technologies business.
“By increasing the production of phenol and acetone,
Lotte raises its market position in high-margin petrochemicals
and contributing to the global supply.”

 

Nauticol & Enhance Energy Partnering To Capture CO2 from Blue Methanol

Calgary—
Nauticol Energy and Enhance Energy have entered into an
agreement to collaborate for the capture and sequestration
of up to 1-million t/y of carbon dioxide (CO2) from Nauticol’s
blue methanol facility planned near Grande Prairie,
Alberta, Canada (PCN, 15 Mar 2021, p 2).
Nauticol and Fortrec recently announced the launch of
a new Singapore-based company, Nauticol Singapore, to
develop, build and operate the world-scale, net zero blue
methanol plant.
The multibillion-dollar facility would utilize natural
gas, combined with carbon capture and sequestration, to
produce 3-million t/y of blue methanol. Commercial operation
is scheduled for 2025.
The partnership between Nauticol and Enhance will accelerate
project development for both companies and help
create up to 5,000 jobs during construction and hundreds
more during operation.

 

People on the Move

Gevo—Dr. Paul Bloom has joined the company has
chief technology officer and chief innovation officer. He
was most recently vice president of sustainable materials
at ADM.
Indorama Ventures (IVL)—Kim Hoyt, previously
lead project management officer at Indorama Ventures
Oxides LLC, has been named site director for IVL’s Integrated
Oxides and Derivatives plant in Port Neches, Texas.
PetroChina Co.—Huang Yongzhang, most recently a
non-executive director of the company, has become president
and executive director. He succeeds Duan Liangwei,
who has become a non-executive director.

 

JM’s Process Chosen for ‘World’s First’ Climate Neutral Methanol Facility

Santiago—Johnson
Matthey (JM) said it has agreed to supply technologies,
equipment and advisory services to the Haru Oni project in
Patagonia, Chile, the “world’s first” climate neutral methanol
plant, which will harness energy from wind.
The project, being developed by Siemens Energy, in
partnership with JM and several other corporations, including
Porsche, will involve an integrated and commercial
large-scale facility to produce e-methanol and e-gasoline.
In the initial pilot phase, the unit will be capable of
producing about 900,000 liters/yr of e-methanol, as early as
2022. In two further phases, capacity will be increased to
about 55-million liters/yr of e-fuels by 2024 and around
550-million liters/yr of e-fuels by 2026.
The JM designed unit will take atmospheric carbon dioxide
(CO2) as feedstock for the conversion to e-methanol.
This CO2 will be recovered by direct air capture and combined
with green hydrogen.
“We are very excited to be collaborating again with
Siemens Energy for this pioneering project to convert wind
energy into clean, green, net-zero chemicals and fuels for a
cleaner, healthier world,” said JM Managing Director John
Gordon,

 

Evonik Finalizes “Significant” Expansion Of Sodium Methylate Capacity in U.S.

Santiago—Johnson
Matthey (JM) said it has agreed to supply technologies,
equipment and advisory services to the Haru Oni project in
Patagonia, Chile, the “world’s first” climate neutral methanol
plant, which will harness energy from wind.
The project, being developed by Siemens Energy, in
partnership with JM and several other corporations, including
Porsche, will involve an integrated and commercial
large-scale facility to produce e-methanol and e-gasoline.
In the initial pilot phase, the unit will be capable of
producing about 900,000 liters/yr of e-methanol, as early as
2022. In two further phases, capacity will be increased to
about 55-million liters/yr of e-fuels by 2024 and around
550-million liters/yr of e-fuels by 2026.
The JM designed unit will take atmospheric carbon dioxide
(CO2) as feedstock for the conversion to e-methanol.
This CO2 will be recovered by direct air capture and combined
with green hydrogen.
“We are very excited to be collaborating again with
Siemens Energy for this pioneering project to convert wind
energy into clean, green, net-zero chemicals and fuels for a
cleaner, healthier world,” said JM Managing Director John
Gordon,

 

Evonik Finalizes “Significant” Expansion Of Sodium Methylate Capacity in U.S.

Mobile—
Evonik announced the completion of a “significant” capacity
expansion at its sodium methylate production facility in
Mobile, Ala.
The facility, which has a production capacity of up to
90,000 t/y, will mainly support the growing demand driven
by renewable energy, such as biodiesel, and will strengthen
the company’s position serving the performance chemicals
and life science markets.
“In addition to the importance of the improved offering
in North America, the new capacity in the U.S. also contributes
to Evonik’s global positioning as a key player in
the alkoxides market and supports our global supply chain
network,” said Alexander Weber, vice president and global
head of marketing and sales.
Evonik also produces sodium methylate in Germany
and Argentina.

 

Celanese Plans Investments at Asia Sites For Engineered Materials Compounding

Shanghai—
Celanese said it intends to initiate a three-year plan to
expand engineered materials compounding capacities at
three of its manufacturing facilities in Asia.
In Suzhou, China, the company plans to increase nylon
compounding capacity at the facility by approximately
7,000 t/y by the second quarter of 2022.
At Celanese’s Nanjing integrated chemical complex in
China, about 52,000 t/y of compounding and long-fiber
thermoplastics capacity will be added by the second half of
2023.
Finally, in Silvassa, India, the company plans to increase
compounding capacity by around 7,000 t/y by the
first quarter of 2022.
Celanese is planning these projects to support the expected
demand growth for compounded polymers.

 

Plastic Energy, ExxonMobil Collaborating On Advanced Recycling Project in France

Paris—
Plastic Energy and ExxonMobil have agreed to work together
on an advanced recycling project that will convert
post-consumer plastic waste into raw materials for the
manufacturing of virgin-quality polymers.
Under terms of the agreements with affiliates of
ExxonMobil, Plastic Energy will build, own and operate an
advanced recycling facility adjacent to ExxonMobil’s Notre
Dame de Gravenchon petrochemical complex in France.
The plant will convert difficult-to-recycle mixed plastic
waste into raw materials that can be transformed into certified
circular polymers and other high-value products at
the petrochemical complex.
The new unit will have an initial capacity of 25,000 t/y
of plastic waste, with plans to scale up to 33,000 t/y in the
future. It is expected to be “one of the largest” advanced
recycling plants in Europe, Plastic Energy noted.
A final investment decision is expected in mid-2021
with start-up anticipated in 2023. The project has received
financial support from the French government, as part of
their Plan de Relance and Regional Planning Grant
Scheme.

 

ReNew Selects Wood as EPC Contractor For Teesside Plastic Recycling Plant

Teesside—
Advanced recycling firm ReNew ELP said it has named
Wood as engineering, procurement and construction contractor
for the “world’s first” commercial-scale plastics recycling
plant in Teesside, UK, using an advanced recycling
process.
The multi-million pound project will be based on Mura
Technology’s HydroPRS (Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling
Solution) process technology to recycle end-of-life plastic
waste into hydrocarbon feedstocks, for use in new plastic
products and other materials.
In the first phase, Wood will construct four HydroPRS
recycling lines, each able to process 20,000 t/y of plastic
waste. The three remaining lines will follow soon after.
Once complete, the facility will recycle 80,000 t/y of plastic
waste. Operations are planned to begin in late 2022.
Mura, the parent company of ReNew, has a goal of seeing
a 1-million t/y global recycling capacity in operation or
development by 2025.
“On completion, this plant will make it possible to not
only reduce the plastic pollution in our natural environment,
but will help to reduce both CO2 [carbon dioxide]
emissions and the requirement for single-use plastic,” said
Craig Shanaghey, president of Wood’s operations business
across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

 

SI Expanding French Tackifier Capacity

Paris—SI Group said it has decided to double tackifier resin capacity
at its manufacturing site in Bethune, France.
The investment, scheduled for completion later this
year, addresses an increasing demand for Novolac tackifiers
in one of the company’s core regions. No other details
were available.
“We have taken the decision to further grow capacity as
another step forward in reinventing our business model,”
noted Robert Kaiser, vice president of Rubber & Adhesives
Solutions.

 

Topsoe & Nel Enter MoU for End-to-End Green Ammonia, eMethanol Solutions

Lyngby—
Haldor Topsoe and Nel have signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) to offer customers complete renewable
electricity to ammonia and methanol solutions using their
existing technologies.
Under the MoU, Topsoe intends to supply the license,
engineering, proprietary hardware, catalyst and technical
service for its ammonia and eMethanol technologies, as
well as system integration engineering. Nel plans to supply
its alkaline or PEM electrolysis technology and proprietary
hardware, and subsystem engineering.
“We are very excited to join forces with Haldor Topsoe,
who offers world-leading ammonia and methanol technologies
that can add tremendous value together with our electrolysis
technologies,” said Nel Chief Executive Jon Andre
Lokke.
“Our vision is all about ‘Empowering generations with
clean energy forever.’ We see much promise in adding the
possibility of processing hydrogen into eMethanol and
green ammonia, which are widely regarded as important
low-carbon fuels of the future.”

 

Engie Enters Deal to Supply Green Power To Covestro’s Antwerp Site in Belgium

Antwerp—
Engie and Covestro have concluded a power purchase
agreement covering the supply of wind energy from Engie
to Covestro’s site in Antwerp, Belgium.
Effective 1 Apr. 2021, Engie will supply Covestro with
about 45% (39 megawatts) of the electricity demand of the
Antwerp site. The energy will be supplied from 15 wind
turbines in four newly constructed onshore wind farms.
The deal will reduce Covestro’s carbon footprint in Belgium
by more than 38,500 tons of carbon dioxide. Value of
the contract was not disclosed.
“The new supply agreement is a milestone in the conversion
of our production to the use of renewable energies,”
said Georg Wagner, managing director at Covestro in Antwerp.
“Wind energy, together with the use of sustainable raw
materials and innovative recycling technologies, are important
steps towards realizing our vision of becoming fully
circular and achieving the climate goals of the European
Green Deal.”
Covestro already signed a contract with Orsted to cover
a “significant” portion of the electricity requirements of its
German sites, the company noted.

 

Maire Tecnimont Group, Adani Ink MoU For Green Hydrogen Projects in India

New Delhi—
Maire Tecnimont Group’s NextChem, Stamicarbon and
MET Development subsidiaries have signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) with Adani Enterprises Ltd.
(AEL) to explore the development of green hydrogen projects
in India.
Under the MoU, AEL, part of the Adani Group, and
Maire Tecnimont Group’s subsidiaries would jointly explore
integrated opportunities for the valorization of the
renewable feedstock by using NextChem and Stamicarbon’s
technologies for chemicals, ammonia and green hydrogen
applied to the chemicals value chain.
“Adani Group is at the forefront of India’s energy transition,
and green hydrogen is a natural extension of our
globally leading renewable portfolio,” said Jayant Parimal,
advisor to the chairman at Adani.
“Scaling up of the green hydrogen economy will require
multiple use-cases, including green ammonia and green
chemicals. They may present a significant benefit not only
from the environmental perspective, but also in terms of
supply chain resilience for India. AEL is pleased to partner
with Maire Tecnimont to explore these opportunities.
“This partnership brings Maire Tecnimont’s formidable
technical and project management expertise in ammonia
and green chemistry, with Adani’s world-class execution
and scale in renewables. We are entering a new phase,
whereby global synergies will play a vital role in optimally
harnessing renewable energy for powering future energy
and industrial needs.”

 

Technip Energies, Nipigas to Create JV To Drive Energy Transition in Russia

Moscow—
Technip Energies and Nipigas announced plans to create
Nova Energies, a joint venture to drive the energy transition
journey in Russia.
Nova Energies will provide a wide range of expertise,
including engineering and design project documentation
and CAPEX estimates, as well as engineering, procurement,
construction, installation and commissioning for
carbon dioxide removal, carbon capture, clean hydrogen
production, bio-energies, bio-refineries, bio-chemistry,
ammonia, as well as other energy transition related
themes, Technip noted.
“The general global trend for decarbonization has become
one of the key factors in the modernization of existing
and creation of new industries in Russia,” said Nipigas
Chief Executive Dmitry Evstafiev.
“With the participation of Nipigas, the best environmentally-
friendly and safe design solutions are implemented,
corresponding to the best world standards within
the framework of the country’s largest projects.”


AGC Plans to Integrate and Reorganize Chlor-Alkali Subsidiaries in Thailand

Bangkok—AGC
plans to integrate and reorganize its three consolidated
chlor-alkali subsidiaries in Thailand and form a new company
to promote its chlor-alkali business there, and in the
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) markets.
The subsidiaries involved include Vinythai Public Co.
Ltd. (VNT), owned 58.78% by AGC, 24.98% by PTT Global
Chemical (GC) and 16.24% by others; AGC Chemicals
(Thailand) Co. (ACTH), owned 100% by AGC; and AGC
Chemicals Vietnam Co. (ACVN), owned 78.11% by AGC,
15% by Mitsubishi Corp, and 6.89% by Vung Tau Shipyard.
Following completion of the reorganization, expected by
the first half of 2022, VNT will be delisted from the stock
exchange of Thailand. AGC will not tender its shares and
will remain a majority shareholder of VNT.
AGC will implement procedures to make ACVN a subsidiary
of ACTH. VNT and ACTH will then merge to form
a new company, which has not yet been named.
GC has the right to increase its stake in the new company
up to 35% through a third-party allotment of new
shares to GC.
The plan is subject to approval from shareholders of
VNT and fulfillment of all the merger conditions, such as
delisting of securities of VNT from the stock exchange.
“Through this decision, we will further strengthen our
chlor-alkali business base in Thailand and CLMV markets
and aim for further growth by deepening our partnership
with [GC], a shareholder in the newly integrated company
and a leading petrochemical manufacturer in Thailand,”
said AGC.

 

EPC Contract for Ust-Luga Gas Complex Terminated to Optimize Project Costs

Moscow—
Gazprom, RusGazDobycha and Nipigaz, in an effort to improve
project costs, have decided to terminate the engineering,
procurement and construction (EPC) contract
awarded earlier to Nipigaz for the Ust-Luga gas processing
complex planned in Russia (PCN, 15 June 2020, p 3).
RusKhimAlyans, a joint venture company formed by
Gazprom and RusGazDobycha to operate the complex,
awarded the EPC contract to Nipigaz in 2020.
The complex will process 45-billion cu m/yr of gas and
produce 13-million t/y of liquefied natural gas, as well as
ethane fraction, liquefied petroleum gas and pentanehexane
fraction.
Baltic Chemical, a subsidiary of RusGazDobycha, is setting
up a new gas chemical facility that will be technologically
interconnected with the gas processing complex to
process ethane generated by the complex.
The chemical facility will include two 1.4-million-t/y
ethane cracking plants and six polyethylene reactor lines,
each designed to have a capacity of 500,000 t/y. Completion
is expected in 2024.
Termination of the contract will have no affect on the
project’s schedule. A new EPC contract is planned to be
awarded in the “near future,” Gazprom noted.

 

NextChem and Agilyx Sign Deal to Deploy Advanced Chem Recycling Units Globally

Milan—
NextChem and Agilyx Corp. have entered into an agreement
to support the global development of advanced
chemical recycling facilities, worldwide, utilizing Agilyx’s
advanced pyrolysis technology in the conversion of mixed
waste plastic into circular olefins and fuels.
Under the agreement, NextChem, a subsidiary of Maire
Tecnimont SpA, will act as a technology and EPC (engineering,
procurement and construction) partner for Agilyx.
The scope of the partnership, in its first phase, is to develop
a series of chemical recycling projects for third parties.
The initial focus will be on two already identified projects—
one in Europe and one in South America.
The agreement will also represent an opportunity for
co-investments in specific projects in order to accelerate
the overall commercial pipeline.
“We are proud to include this new partnership with Agilyx
into our portfolio, and further develop our basket of
technological solutions for the circular economy that already
include upcycling, waste-to-chemicals, waste-tofuels,
polymerization and now also thermochemicals conversion
(pyrolysis),” said Pierroberto Folgieri, chief executive
of Maire Tecnimont Group and NextChem.
“We are strongly committed to finding solutions for
plastics sustainability along its life-cycle and to enabling a
new circular, low carbon economy.”

 

Olin Announces Capacity Reduction At Chlor-Alkali Facility in Alabama

Montgomery—
Olin announced plans to permanently shut down around
50% (200,000 tons) of its diaphragm-grade chlor-alkali capacity
at its facility in McIntosh, Ala., by 31 Mar. 2021.
“This is yet another step in Olin’s efforts to right-size
our asset base and achieve reinvestment economics across
our complete Electrochemical Unit portfolio,” said Olin
President and Chief Executive Scott Sutton.
“Shareholders can expect Olin to continue to take highcapital,
non-accretive assets off our balance sheet as existing
contractual supply obligations end, focusing our Olin
teammates and resources toward unleashing Olin’s true
value potential.”

 

Total Purchases BASF’s 60% Interest In Port Arthur Condensate Splitter

Houston—Total
Petrochemicals & Refining USA announced the acquisition
of BASF’s 60% stake in a condensate splitter the two companies
jointly own in Port Arthur, Texas, making Total
sole owner.
“Located within the Total Port Arthur refinery perimeter,
this acquisition will allow Total to immediately capitalize
on its access to competitively-priced U.S. light crudes
and reinforce the synergies within the refinery,” Total
noted.

 

Borealis Lifts Declaration of Force Majeure On Its Stenungsund Cracker Operations

Vienna—
Borealis recently lifted the force majeure declared last May
on its cracker operations in Stenungsund, Sweden (PCN,
18 Jan 2021, p 1).
The company shut down the cracker and declared force
majeure on 11 May 2020, after a fire broke out at the
cracker two days earlier. The fire started because of a
technical incident in the compressor.
According to Borealis’ website, the Stenungsund
cracker is “one of the most flexible in Europe.” Its main
products are ethylene, propylene, polyethylene (PE), highdensity
PE, low-density PE and Borstar products. It can
use naphtha, ethane, propane and butane as raw materials
in the cracking process.

 

Guangxi Huayi Anticipates Q2 Start-Up Of Methanol Facility at Qinzhou Port

Beijing—
Guangxi Huayi Energy Chemical expects to start up a new
1.8-million-t/y coal-fed methanol plant at China’s Qinzhou
port in May or June of this year, reported Argus Media.
The facility, which will be the “largest” methanol plant
along China’s coastal regions, will source around 2.7-
million t/y to 3-million t/y of coal to feed the plant, the report
said.
Guangxi Huayi also expects to start up a 500,000-t/y
downstream acrylic acid (AA) unit around the same time as
the methanol plant, and a 700,000-t/y AA unit at the end of
2021. The AA plants will use the methanol as feedstock.

 

Dow Updates on Gulf Coast Operations After Assets Affected by Winter Storm

Houston—Dow,
during the recent J.P. Morgan 2021 Industrials Conference,
said that all of its U.S. Gulf Coast crackers, with the
exception of Sabine River, are now operational after being
impacted by Winter Storm Uri.
The company expects all of the assets affected by the
storm to continue to ramp up through the end of March,
and into April, as it is still dealing with a few raw material
constraints and continuing to do some freeze damage repairs.
Sabine River will restart later this month.
Also, while many of Dow’s businesses declared force
majeure on products following the storm, its teams are
working to mitigate the operational and customer impact
as much as possible, Dow noted.
Separately, the company said it also recently started up
a new polyethylene glycol unit on the U.S. Gulf Coast. No
details are available.

 

Daelim Starts Up New LLDPE Unit

Yeosu—Daelim
Industrial has begun production at a new linear lowdensity
polyethylene (LLDPE) plant at its complex in
Yeosu, South Korea, reported Argus Media.
The 200,000-t/y metallocene LLDPE unit increases total
LLDPE capacity at the site to 410,000 t/y. Daelim also
operates two 150,000-t/y high-density PE lines at the complex.
The complex receives feedstock from YNCC, a 50-50
joint venture between Daelim Industrial and Hanwha
Chemical.

 

PureCycle Technologies, Roth CH Merge; New Company Using PureCycle Name

Ironton—
PureCycle Technologies Inc. has completed the previously
announced business combination with Roth CH Acquisition
I Co. (Roth CH), following the approval by Roth CH’s
stockholders at a meeting held last week (PCN, 23-30 Nov
2020, p 4).
Upon completion of the transaction, for which a value
was not given, the combined company changed its name to
PureCycle Technologies Inc. Michael Otworth is continuing
as chief executive and chairman of the board.
PureCycle uses proprietary technology licensed from
Procter & Gamble to recycle waste polypropylene (PP) into
virgin-like recycled PP from myriad applications. The
company is currently building its first commercial-scale
plant in Ironton, Ohio.
The facility is expected to have a nameplate capacity of
about 107-million lbs/yr of ultra-pure recycled PP when
fully operational. Production is planned to begin in late
2022, with full capacity expected to be reached in 2023.
PureCycle plans to have 30 commercial lines operational
by 2030 and 50 by 2035, globally.
“The consummation of this transaction represents yet
another major milestone for PureCycle, demonstrating
broad market validation of our value proposition,” Otworth
noted. “Most importantly, we now have the increased capital
market access to support the accelerated scaling required
to revolutionize the transformation of waste polypropylene
into sustainable products.”

 

People on the Move

Chevron Phillips Chemical Co.—Mitch Eichelberger,
currently senior vice president of polymers and specialties,
has been named executive vice president, polymers and
specialties, effective 1 Apr. 2021.
Benjamin (Benny) Mermans has been appointed vice
president of sustainability, effective 1 Apr. 2021. This is
the first time the company has appointed an executive to
focus exclusively on its sustainability strategy. He is currently
general manager for EAME (Europe, Africa and
Middle East).
European Petrochemical Assn. (EPCA)—Christian
Kohlpaintner, chief executive of Brenntag SE, has been
elected to the board of directors of EPCA.
Agilyx—Shellie Gasaway has been appointed vice
president of business development, Americas and Asia-
Pacific. She was previously with Powell Industries, where
she was global strategic account and business segment
leader.
PureCycle Technologies—Brett Hafer has become
vice president of manufacturing operations. He was previously
site operations manager, Houston refining, at LyondellBasell.
Jim Haw, most recently vice president of operations at
Surge Engineering, has joined PureCycle as vice president
of automation and digital strategy.
Mike Weber was recently appointed vice president of
technology.
Inter Pipeline—Margaret McKenzie, currently chair of
the Special Committee, has been appointed chair of the
board of directors. She succeeds Richard Shaw, who has
retired.

 

EC Okays Proposed Industrial Gases JV Of Sipchem and Linde in Saudi Arabia

Jubail—The
European Commission (EC), under the European Union
Merger Regulation, has approved the planned 50-50 joint
venture between Sahara International Petrochemical Co.
(Sipchem) and Linde GmbH for developing industrial gases
projects and networks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Under a 20-year contract, signed last year, the joint
venture plans to develop a “world-class” industrial gases
network in Jubail Industrial City by connecting, via pipeline,
existing hydrogen and syngas plants owned and operated
by the partners (PCN, 21-28 Dec 2020, p 3).
The main focus of the partnership will be on the development
of new production facilities in order to supply carbon
monoxide, hydrogen, syngas ammonia and associated
gases, as well as efficient solutions for the decarbonization
of downstream production in industrial clusters in the
kingdom.
The commission concluded that the proposed joint venture
would raise no competition concerns because it would
only have negligible actual or foreseen activities in the
European Economic Area.

 

Sojitz Mulls Investment in Indonesia To Develop Methanol, NH3 Industry

Jakarta—Sojitz
Corp. of Japan has expressed interest in investing about
$5-billion in the development of the methanol and ammonia
industry in Bintuni Bay Industrial Area in Indonesia,
reported Antara News citing Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang
Kartasasmita.
The project would involve construction of a new methanol
plant, which would be considered a National Strategic
Project, making it eligible to get facilities and various incentives
from the government.
“With domestic demand for methanol reaching around
2-million tons, the construction of a new methanol plant is
direly needed,” Kartasasmita noted.
Sojitz’s Kaltim Methanol Industry business in Bontang,
East Kalimantan, is currently the only methanol producer
in Indonesia. The plant has a production capacity of
660,000 t/y.
The two countries will continue discussions this coming
May. If the project is approved, production is planned to
begin in 2024.

 

NextDecade Forms Next Carbon Solutions To Reduce Emissions at Rio Grande LNG

Houston—
NextDecade Corp. said it has formed Next Carbon Solutions
LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary that will develop a
carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at NextDecade’s
planned Rio Grande LNG (liquefied natural gas) project in
Brownsville, Texas (PCN, 8 Feb 2021, p 3).
The Rio Grande project is expected to include five LNG
trains with a total capacity of 27-million t/y of LNG. A final
investment decision (FID) is anticipated on a minimum
of two trains in 2021, and the FID on the CCS project “soon
after,” NextDecade noted.
The CCS project is expected to reduce permitted carbon
dioxide emissions at Rio Grande LNG by over 90%, without
major design changes to the LNG project. As a result, Rio
Grande LNG is expected to be the “greenest LNG project in
the world,” the company added.

 

Aquamarine and Topsoe Enter into MoU For Green Ammonia Plant in Germany

Berlin—
Aquamarine and Haldor Topsoe have signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) for the construction of a new
green ammonia facility in northern Germany.
Aquamarine, through its company HydrGEN, is developing
a large-scale green ammonia facility to be built in
multiple stages.
In the first phase, the proposed plant will use Topsoe’s
proprietary solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOEC) to produce
green hydrogen from 100 megawatt of renewable electricity.
The hydrogen will be further processed into 300 t/d of
green ammonia, also using Topsoe’s technology. Operations
are expected to begin in 2024.
The plant will be located near existing offshore wind
farms, where the product can be sold to the marine shipping
industry.

 

AFPM Schedules Annual Meeting To Be Held Virtually Next Month

Washington—The
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM)
will hold a virtual edition of its Annual Meeting on 12-13
Apr. 2021.
The meeting will address both significant opportunities
and challenges for U.S. refiners and petrochemical manufacturers,
and will include live streamed sessions, panel
discussions, interactive content and numerous networking
opportunities in video rooms.
“This year it may seem the challenges outweigh the opportunities,
but we are an optimistic group and we are excited
to deliver a program designed to arm you with critical
information to help you achieve more, go farther, and improve
your company’s performance,” said AFPM.
For more information, or to register online, visit AFPM
at https://www.afpm.org/events/AM21.

 

AmSty Joins Cyclyx as Founding Member; Barnette Joins Executive Advisory Board

Tigard—
Cyclyx International announced that AmSty, the “largest”
polystyrene producer in the Americas, has joined Cyclyx as
a founding member.
Agilyx and ExxonMobil established Cycylx on 1 Jan.
2021 to help scale up the supply of qualified plastic waste
for the plastics recycling industry (PCN, 1 Mar 2021, p 3).
The joint venture combines Agilyx’s expertise in plastic
waste conversion with ExxonMobil’s technology expertise
and large-scale petrochemical manufacturing network.
As a member of the Cyclyx consortium, AmSty will have
access to the Cyclyx platform, which includes chemical
characterization of plastics and predictive modeling of feed
sources to product pathways, custom feedstock recipes, and
customized supply chains, in order to deliver waste plastic
feedstocks appropriate for all existing and new mechanical
and advanced recycling pathways.
As part of AmSty’s membership, the Regenyx chemical
recycling facility, a joint venture of AmSty and Agilyx, will
contract with Cyclyx to source feedstock for plastic waste
conversion. AmSty will also have access to the Cyclyx platform
for other future potential advanced recycling plants.
Tim Barnette, vice president of polymers and sustainability
at AmSty, has been appointed to Cyclyx’s executive
advisory board.

 

Synova and Technip Energies Cooperate To Commercialize Recycling Technology

Rotterdam—
Synova and Technip Energies have entered into a joint
development and cooperation agreement to commercialize
Synova’s advanced plastic waste-to-olefins technology, in
combination with Technip’s steam cracking technology.
Synova’s thermochemical recycling technology takes
dirty and mixed plastic waste and breaks it down to its
basic building blocks, such as olefin monomers and coproducts,
to produce circular plastics.
The patented process has a low-carbon footprint, displaces
the need for virgin polymers and reduces the need
for intensive plastic waste sorting, Synova noted. Technip
will cooperate with Synova in the optimization and improvement
of the technology.
The technology was invented by the Netherlands Organization
for Applied Scientific Research, and independent
research organization. Together with Synova, the
technology has been further developed, tested and piloted
over a 15-year period.
“Chemical recycling is going to be a big business and we
have a technological advantage in the race,” said Synova
Chief Executive Van Morris. “Partnering with Technip
Energies brings the expertise, skill and reputation to
achieve the last mile of commercialization and allow this
technology to provide a path to a more sustainable future.”

 

Clariant Opens One Clariant Campus, Strengthening Its Position in China

Shanghai—
Clariant said it has strengthened its position in China with
the official opening of its CHF 45-million One Clariant
Campus in Shanghai (PCN, 2 May 2016, p 4).
The campus, located in the XinZhuang Industrial Park,
is home to Clariant’s Greater China operational headquarters,
as well as its regional innovation center.
“As an integral part of the One Clariant Campus, the
new innovation center will foster Clariant’s research and
development capabilities in China,” said Clariant Chief
Technology Officer Martin Vollmer.
“While the new facilities will greatly enhance the abilities
of our own teams, we will also step up our cooperation
with local key customers and key suppliers by inviting
them to co-locate in our center for the joint development of
next generation products.
“Supported by additional cooperation with academic
partners and other industrial partners, the center will be
the beating heart of our innovation efforts in China.”

 

Repsol Planning to Build Spain’s ‘First’ Polyurethane Foam Recycling Plant

Madrid—Repsol
announced plans to build Spain’s “first” chemical polyurethane
foam recycling facility at its Puertollano industrial
complex.
The project, requiring an investment of around €12-
million, will be capable of processing over 2,000 t/y of polyurethane
foam waste, the equivalent of 200,000 mattresses,
for the production of circular polyols. Operations
are expected to begin by the end of next year.
“Integrating this new recycling plant into the Puertollano
petrochemical complex will ensure the quality of this
circular product by allowing the maximization of synergies
with the facility’s standard processes,” Repsol noted.
The company is planning investments totaling €700-
million in decarbonization and circular economy projects to
be carried out through 2025 at the complex, ensuring a
competitive future for the industrial facility.

 

Air Liquide Signs Its First Long-Term PPA For Renewable Energy in the Netherlands

Paris—Air
Liquide said it has signed its first power purchase agreement
(PPA) with Vattenfall to purchase a total of 25
megawatts of offshore wind capacity in the Netherlands,
over a period of 15 years.
The contract will enable Air Liquide to supply renewable
energy to some of its industrial and medical gas production
assets in the Netherlands. This includes the “first”
world-scale oxygen production plant fit to accommodate
renewable energy in the grid, which the group is building
in the port of Moerdijk, Air Products noted.
The offshore wind farm is currently under development
and scheduled to be operational by 2023. It will be the
“first” subsidy-free and “world’s largest” offshore wind
farm, saving Air Liquide up to 750,000 tons of carbon dioxide
emissions over the duration of the contract.

 

Grace Restarts All Units Affected by Uri

Columbia—
W. R. Grace & Co. announced that all of its sites in Louisiana
and Texas that were impacted by Winter Storm Uri
have resumed operations.
Grace manufactures polyolefin and other catalysts at
its sites in Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and Norco, La., and
its site in Pasadena, Texas. All sites had experienced interruptions
as a result of the storm.
“Winter Storm Uri . . . caused widespread manufacturing
disruption across the region because of freezing temperatures
and loss of electricity, gas, water and other utilities,”
Grace explained. “Most polyolefin manufacturers
and refineries were forced to shut down or operate at reduced
rates following the storm.”

AGIC Gets Ministry Approval to Establish New Petchem Complex in Saudi Arabia

Jubail—
Advanced Global Investment Co. (AGIC), a subsidiary of
Advanced Petrochemical Co., has received approval from
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy for allocating the necessary
feedstock to set up a new petrochemical complex in
Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia.
The project will include the production of 1.15-million
t/y of ethylene, 850,000 t/y of propylene and 400,000 t/y of
aromatics and fuels, and their derivatives. Start-up is
scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.
AGIC will select “leading and most efficient” technologies
in energy and feedstock consumption, Advanced noted.
Cost of the project was not disclosed.

 

Air Liquide E&C to Supply Technology To Brass Fertilizer Methanol Project

Nigeria—Air
Liquide Engineering & Construction (E&C) has entered
into an agreement with Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical
Co. Ltd. (BFPCL) to provide its technology for BFPCL’s
planned methanol plant in Odioma, Brass Island, Bayelsa
State, Nigeria (PCN, 8 Feb 2021, p 1).
The $3.5-billion integrated methanol and gas project,
which will utilize Air Liquide E&C’s proprietary Lurgi
MegaMethanol process, will be able to produce up to
10,000 t/d of methanol. Operations are expected to begin
in 2024.
Nigeria National Petroleum Co., Nigeria Content Development
and Monitoring Board, and DSV Engineering
are responsible for building the project, which will be the
“largest” methanol plant in Africa, Air Liquide E&C noted.
Shell Petroleum Development Co. will provide the gas
under a purchase agreement.

 

McDermott Acquires Minority Stake In Lummus Technology Holdings

Houston—Mc-
Dermott International announced it has completed a minority
investment in Lummus Technology Holdings I LLC,
a holding company of Lummus Technology, for an undisclosed
amount (PCN, 6 July 2020, p 1).
Under the terms of a share and asset purchase agreement
for the sale of Lummus Technology—entered into on
21 Jan. 2020 with a joint partnership between Haldia Petrochemicals
and Rhone Capital—McDermott was given the
option to purchase a minority common equity ownership
interest in the entity purchasing Lummus. McDermott
recently exercised that right.
On 30 June 2020, McDermott finalized the sale of
Lummus Technology to the partnership for a base purchase
price of $2.725-billion.
McDermott and Lummus have continued to work together
through their strategic agreement to bring customers
technology solutions through the entire plant life cycle,
McDermott noted.

 

IOCL and IDCO Enter MoU to Develop Planned Paradip Plastic Park in India

Paradip—
Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. (IOCL) and Odisha Industrial Infrastructure
Development Corp. (IDCO) have signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) to develop the Paradip
Plastic Park in Odisha, India.
The park is expected to enhance the petrochemicals and
plastic infrastructure, as well as auxiliary industries and
micro, small and medium enterprises in Odisha and Eastern
India. It is estimated that about 26 units will be located
in the park, generating direct and indirect employment
of about 6,000.
“Keeping the enterprise and employment generation
potential of the plastic sector in mind, [the] government of
India has initiated the cluster development of the industry
through its Plastic Park scheme,” said Minister of Petroleum
& Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan.
“Currently six such parks have been approved by the
government of India, with Paradip Plastic Park being one
of them.”
To attract investments in the downstream polymer industries
at the park, IOCL announced a special strategic
incentives scheme until 31 Mar. 2030. It will offer an incentive
of Rs 2000 per ton on polypropylene (PP) granules
to manufacturing units located in the park.
IOCL has a 680,000-t/y PP facility in Paradip, which
began operating in December 2018.

 

ADNOC and Petronas Ink Deal to Explore Opportunities in Upstream, Downstream

Abu Dhabi–
Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) and Petronas have
signed a strategic framework agreement to explore opportunities
for collaboration across the upstream and downstream
sectors, as well as in technology and trading.
Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will
jointly explore opportunities to partner in the exploration,
development and production of conventional and unconventional
hydrocarbon resources in Abu Dhabi, United
Arab Emirates.
ADNOC and Petronas also agree to explore potential
partnership opportunities in trading, including optimization
of crude and feedstock supply and refined products
offtake.
In addition, they will look to team up to identify technology
solutions, as well as on hydrogen and research and
development in areas of mutual interest, including enhanced
hydrocarbon recovery and carbon capture utilization
and storage.

 

Clarification

In the 8 Mar. 2021 issue of PetroChemical
News, we reported that SCG had set aside around $53,000
for research and development this year, under its Accelerate
Innovation Plan. The company has, in fact, allocated
about $53-million. We apologize for any confusion we have
caused.

 

Inter Pipeline BOD Urges Shareholders To Reject Brookfield’s Takeover Offer

Calgary—Inter
Pipeline announced that its board of directors (BOD)
unanimously recommends that shareholders reject the hostile
takeover bid by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners to
acquire all outstanding common shares of the company
(PCN, 1 Mar 2021, p 2).
Last month, an affiliate of Brookfield offered to acquire
all outstanding common shares of Inter Pipeline for
C$13.5-billion.
The board determined that Brookfield’s hostile bid is
not in the best interests of the company or its shareholders,
and believes it “significantly” undervalues the company’s
standalone plan.
“Our business continues to perform strongly and we
continue to expect that our nearly completed Heartland
Petrochemical Complex, the largest growth project in our
history, will deliver a step change in cash flow starting
next year,” said Margaret McKenzie, chair of the special
committee.
“We have launched a comprehensive strategic review
process focused on maximizing value for shareholders and
we believe superior offers or other alternatives may
emerge.”

 

Nauticol & Fortrec Partnering to Build New Blue Methanol Plant in Alberta

Alberta—
Nauticol Energy and Fortrec have launched a new Singapore-
based company, Nauticol Singapore, to develop, build
and operate a world-scale, net zero, blue methanol plant in
Alberta, Canada.
The multibillion-dollar facility will utilize abundant and
competitively priced natural gas from Western Canada,
combined with carbon capture and sequestration, to produce
3-million t/y of the blue methanol, which will be distributed
through the partners’ Singapore trading platform.
Commercial operation is planned for 2025.
Approximately $25-million of development activity has
already been completed. A development site has been secured
and key regulatory, environmental and water permitting
has been obtained. Critical technology, construction
and commercial partners have been selected for all
essential project elements, Nauticol noted.

 

Biffa Expanding Recycling Capacity For HDPE at Washington Facility

London—Biffa is
investing £13-million to increase recycling capacity for
high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic at its plant in
Washington, Sunderland, England.
The project will allow the company to recycle an additional
14,000 t/y of HDPE, increasing its total capacity to
39,000 t/y. A schedule was not given.
“The extended capacity of HDPE recycling will benefit
packaging producers in the UK, who from 2022 will be required
to use at least 30% recycled plastic in their products
to avoid the new plastic packaging tax,” Biffa noted. “It is
estimated an extra 36,000 tons of recycled HDPE will be
needed to meet demand.”
Last year, the company started up its £27.5-million
plastics recycling facility at Seaham, UK (PCN, 11 Feb
2019, p 4). Biffa originally said the project would cost £15-
million.

 

Clariant & India Glycols to Establish New Renewable EO Derivatives JV

Kashipur—
Clariant and India Glycols Ltd. (IGL) announced a strategic
partnership to establish a joint venture in renewable
ethylene oxide (EO) derivatives in India.
Under the terms of the proposed agreement, Clariant
would contribute its local Industrial and Consumer Specialties
business in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal,
held by Clariant India., while IGL would contribute its
renewable Bio-EO Derivative business, which includes a
multipurpose production facility, as well as an alkoxylation
unit in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, India.
In addition, IGL has agreed to a long-term supply
agreement for EO made from bio-ethanol, as well as further
utilities.
“By working closely together and leveraging the unique
capabilities of both parties, we see opportunities for profitable
growth based on strong local organic demand, as well
as the global megatrend for renewable products,” said
Christian Vang, global head of Clariant’s Industrial &
Consumer Specialties business unit.
Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the joint
venture would be owned 51% by Clariant International and
49% by IGL. U.S. Bhartia would be the designated chairman
of the joint venture, which is expected to have around
200 employees at its inception.

 

Braskem Forms Partnership with Maersk To Open New Singapore Logistics Hub

Singapore—
Braskem has entered into a strategic partnership with integrated
container logistics firm A.P. Moller – Maersk
(Maersk) to establish a new logistics hub in Singapore that
will give customers in Asia regular access to Braskem’s
polymer products.
Singapore has served as the headquarters of Braskem’s
Asian operation for over 10 years through a regional commercial
office, with the addition of a logistics hub now allowing
it to fully account for growing demand from markets
such as China, India, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand,
Braskem noted.
“This new development comes off the back of Braskem’s
existing partnership with PSA, whose specially curated
Forward Hubbing Scheme allows Braskem to use PSA Singapore
– the world’s largest container trans-shipment hub
– as a regional distribution focal point,” said Braskem.
“This offers it the fastest lead time to market and comprehensive
access to PSA Singapore’s inventory details.”

 

People on the Move

Royal Dutch Shell—Andrew Mackenzie has been appointed
chair of the company, with effect from the conclusion
of Shell’s annual general meeting, scheduled for 18
May 2021. He will succeed Chad Holliday, who will step
down. Mackenzie has been on Shell’s board of directors
since October 2020.
Mitsui Chemicals—Sakata Akinori has been named
director of the PTA (purified terephthalic acid) Dept. in the
PTA & PET (polyethylene terephthalate) Division of the
basic materials business sector, effective 1 Apr. 2021. He
is currently general manager of the Marketing Division at
Mitsui Chemicals & SKC Polyurethanes.

 

BASF Completes New Production Line For Acrylic Dispersions in Malaysia

Pasir Gudang—
BASF has started up a new acrylic dispersions production
line in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, doubling its capacity there
(PCN, 8 Oct 2018, p 2).
The state-of-the-art facility, originally scheduled to be
completed by early 2020, complements the existing set up.
It allows the production of new dispersions technologies
under Acronal Edge, Acronal Plus, Joncryl and Acronal Eco
product ranges. Capacity was not given.
“With proximity to three world-class ports, the expansion
will be a key supply point for our customers in Malaysia,
Singapore and other ASEAN countries, also in Australia
and New Zealand (ANZ),” said Peter van der Zwan, director
of ASEAN & ANZ Dispersions & Resins at BASF.
“The first commercial quantities will be produced for
our customers in March this year.”
The company began operating its first acrylic dispersions
production line at the site in 2015.

 

Uniper Enters Partnership to Develop Green Methanol as a Maritime Fuel

Berlin—Uniper
announced it is collaborating with shipping service provider
Liberty Pier Maritime Projects and engineering firm
SDC to establish green methanol on the market as a sustainable
and carbon-neutral marine fuel.
The parties have joined forces to form an open collaboration—
the Green Methanol Corp. (GMC). The GMC will
develop the infrastructure and logistics framework needed
to supply methanol in Europe and establish the relevant
shipping requirements.
A medium-term goal of GMC is to build ships that can
burn green methanol. The project will initially focus on
European coastal shipping using vessels with a load capacity
of 5,300 tons and 8,300 tons, and container feeders.
Green methanol is produced using hydrogen from renewable
sources and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,
and is easier to transport and store than green hydrogen.
It is seen as a “sensible” solution for decarbonization,
both for European coastal shipping and international deep
sea shipping. It can also be used for specialist applications,
such as cruise ships and inland navigation, Uniper
noted.
“All three partners are certain that green methanol will
play an important role in the maritime fuels sector in the
future.”

 

Ascend Names Snetor a Distributor For PA Range in Europe & Africa

Paris—Snetor has
become Ascend Performance Material’s official distributor
for the polyamide (PA) range in parts of Europe and Africa.
Snetor will be responsible for distribution of Ascend’s
Vydyne PA66 and Hidura PA610 and PA612; Poliblend’s
Polimid PA6 and PA66 compounds and Secomid PA6 and
PA66 compounds from recycling plastics; and EuroStar’s
Starflam and Staramide PA6 and PA66 compounds.
The distribution agreement covers France, Spain, Portugal,
Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the
UK, Ireland, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic,
Bulgaria, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Turkey,
North Africa and South Africa.

 

Kuraray Provides Update on Texas Sites Impacted by Last Month’s ‘Cold Wave’

Houston—
Kuraray Group said last month’s “cold wave” caused a partial
restriction in the supply of raw materials and a service
interruption in some utilities, affecting production at several
sites in Texas operated by its Kuraray America subsidiary.
In La Porte, vinyl acetate monomer production and
Poval resin production have been under scheduled operational
suspension since mid-February 2021.
In addition, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) resin and
thermoplastic elastomer production at Pasadena, and
Poval resin production at Bayport have also been suspended.
Relevant facilities and infrastructure are currently undergoing
inspection to confirm there status in preparation
for the resumption of operations.

 

Technip Energies, IBM & Under Armour Form JV to Advance Plastics Recycling

Paris—
Technip Energies, IBM and Under Armour have entered
into a joint venture agreement to build and commercialize
a new recycling framework and circular economy for polyethylene
terephthalate.
The joint venture will combine Technip’s abilities in
technology development, engineering studies and licensing
experience; IBM Research technologies and expertise; and
Under Armour’s technical apparel, footwear and global
textile supply chain capabilities. Work is set to begin later
this year.
“We are very proud to collaborate with two global leaders:
IBM and Under Armour,” said Technip Energies Chief
Executive Arnaud Pieton. “This initiative reflects our
commitment to energy transition and aims to strengthen
Technip Energies’ position in the circular economy and
sustainable chemistry.
“We look forward to initiating this work and exploring
how technology can help to advance the expanded recycling
of plastics and fibers across different industries.”

 

PetroChemical News Briefs

Celanese began starting up units on 6 Mar. 2021 at
its Clear Lake, Texas, facility, which were suspended after
last month’s cold weather.
TPC restarted a plant at its Houston, Texas, site on
11 Mar. 2021, also shut down by the recent winter weather
in the area. The company did not disclose which unit was
restarted.
On 10 Mar. 2021, LyondellBasell said it was currently
in a “unit startup modes” at its site in La Porte,
Texas. More updates will become available.
Alterra Energy has been certified ISCC Plus as a pyrolysis
plant and collection point for mixed plastic waste.
The plant processes 60 t/d of plastic waste in Akron, Ohio.
Solvay has completed a new high-purity hydrogen
peroxide plant at its site in Bernburg, Germany, to serve
the semiconductor industry.
Exmar has been awarded an approval in principle for
its 40,000-cu m ammonia-fueled, mid-size gas carrier, a
“significant” milestone for the progression of alternative
fuels in shipping, the company noted.

 

BASF to Use 100% Renewable Electricity For Plants at Guangdong Verbund Site

Zhanjiang—
BASF said it will use 100% renewable electricity to power
the first plants of its approximately $10-billion smart
Guangdong Verbund project in Zhanjiang, China (PCN, 9
Dec 2019, p 4).
The plants will produce thermoplastic polyurethanes
and 60,000 t/y of engineering plastics to serve the needs of
various growth industries in the South China market, and
throughout Asia. Construction began in November 2019,
with the first unit scheduled to be operational by 2022.
The whole site is planned to be completed by 2030.
“By collaborating with local partners and the local
community, we will bring forward more initiatives on carbon
reduction and circular economy in the near future,
thereby contributing to China’s carbon reduction goal,”
said Haryono Lim, senior vice president, senior project new
Verbund site China at BASF, and general manager, BASF
Integrated Site (Guangdong) Co. Ltd.
BASF Integrated Site (Guangdong) is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of BASF to oversee the operations of the new
Verbund site, which will be the company’s “largest” investment,
BASF stated.

 

KIST Research Team Develops Technology To Boost Ethylene Production Efficiency

Seoul—A
research team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology
(KIST) has developed a carbon dioxide (CO2)-based
ethylene technology to enhance the efficiency of ethylene
production, reported BusinessKorea.
The team, led by Dr. Oh Hyung-suk, Hwang Yoon-jung
and Lee Woong-hee, developed an echinoid-like copper
catalyst, which can produce a large quantity of ethylene in
an electrochemical CO2 conversion system.
An analysis of the chemical properties of the catalyst,
under various circumstances, found that the basic substance
in the catalyst results in increased copper hydroxide
and copper oxide components, as well as an increase in
CO2 conversion efficiency.
“This means that higher hydroxide and oxide ratios in
the reaction are a key to higher ethylene production efficiency
and this fact can suggest a direction of catalyst design
in future researches,” the team explained.
According to the team, the catalyst is capable of improving
ethylene production capacity by at least 50%. They
have already confirmed the possibility of its commercial
use.

 

OCI Inks Two Separate Deals Supporting Ammonia, Methanol as Shipping Fuels

Amsterdam—
OCI NV has signed an agreement with MAN Energy Solutions
(MAN) and Hartmann Gas Carriers, and a separate
agreement with MAN and Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS),
to begin the commercialization of ammonia and methanol
as the shipping fuels of the future by 2023/24.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
MAN and Hartmann, OCI plans to charter ammonia vessels
built, owned and operated by Hartmann and its commercial
arm, GasChem Services, that are operated using
ammonia engines designed by MAN.
The partnership with MAN and Hartmann aims to
drive the commercialization of ammonia-fueled ships and
accelerate the energy transition and decarbonization of the
shipping industry.
Under the MoU with MAN and EPS, the parties will
target retrofitting existing vessels from EPS’ tanker fleet
to methanol and ammonia; new-build methanol and ammonia-
fueled tankers to drive the commercialization of
these fuels, and provide a path for the current conventional
fuel vessel fleet to decarbonize.
The technology to retrofit a vessel to accept methanol
as a fuel is already available and, in the next two years,
OCI intends to charter the “first” retrofitted methanolfueled
vessel operated by EPS using already in-service
MAN engines and technology, OCI noted.
According to OCI, converting all long-distance shipping
fuel to ammonia would require about 750-million t/y to
900-million t/y of ammonia by 2050, which is four to five
times the current total global ammonia production.
Switching all long-distance shipping fuel to methanol
would require around 650-million t/y to 720-million t/y by
2050, six to seven times the current total global methanol
production.

 

Solvay Names Nevicolor as Distributor For Sulfone-Based Polymers in Italy

Rome—Solvay
has appointed Nevicolor to distribute its sulfone-based
polymers in Italy, effective 1 May 2021.
The agreement covers Solvay’s Udel polysulfones, Adel
polyphenylene sulfones and Veradel polyether sulfones;
Amodel polyphthalamides, Ryton polyphenylene sulfides,
Ixef polyarylamides, and Omnix and Kalix highperformance
polyamides.
It also includes Solvay’s Ketaspire polyetheretherketones,
and AvaSpire polyaryletherketones; Hyflon perfluoropolymers/
MFA, Solef polyvinylidene fluorides, Halar
ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylenes and Tecnoflon fluoroelastomers,
as well as Xencor long-fiber thermoplastics compounds.

 

OQ Chemicals & Rohm Enter into MoU For New U.S. Gulf Coast MMA Plant

Berlin—OQ
Chemicals and Rohm have signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) to evaluate construction of a new
methyl methacrylate (MMA) production facility on the U.S.
Gulf Coast.
The proposed 250,000-t/y MMA unit would be based on
Rohm’s ethylene-based LiMA (‘Leading in Methacrylates’)
technology. Commissioning is expected in 2023.
Under the MoU, OQ will integrate the plant into its existing
site in Bay City, Texas, and provide raw materials,
utilities and site services to Rohm.
“We are very pleased to have found in OQ a very competent
and reliable partner,” said Rohm Chief Executive Dr.
Michael Pack. “This project will strengthen the reliability
of our supply chain towards our valued customers in the
Americas and globally.
“Basic engineering for this C2-based technology has
been under way for some time already and will allow us to
decide on the final investment in the first half of 2021.”

 

ExxonMobil Announces Job Reductions At Singapore Manufacturing Complex

Singapore—
ExxonMobil announced that it will cut around 300 positions
at the company’s integrated refining and petrochemical
manufacturing complex in Singapore.
“Unprecedented market conditions resulting from the
COVID-19 pandemic accelerated ongoing reorganization
and work-process changes that will improve the company’s
long-term cost competitiveness and ability to manage
through near-term challenges,” the company noted.
The complex, which includes a 592,000-b/d refinery and
1.9-million-t/y ethylene plant, continues to be a strategic
location for ExxonMobil. The company currently has over
4,000 employees there.
“This is a difficult but necessary step to improve our
company’s competitiveness and strengthen the foundation
of our business for future success,” said Geraldine Chin,
chairman and managing director of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific
Pte.

 

Yankuang Group Selects Eurotecnica For New Chinese Melamine Facility

Beijing—
Eurotecnica, the technology arm of Proman, has been
awarded a contract by Yankuang Group for the licensing,
engineering and procurement of a single-train melamine
plant in China.
The new 60,000-t/y unit, which will utilize Eurotecnica’s
proprietary Euromel technology, will increase
Yankuang’s total licensed nameplate capacity to 860,000
t/y. No other details were available.
“The project also confirms Euromel Melamine as the
leading melamine technology in Asia, the Middle East and
the Americas,” Proman noted.

 

Braskem Idesa Signs Deal With Pemex For Ethane Supply to Etileno XXI Unit

Mexico City—
Braskem Idesa has entered into a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with Mexico’s state-owned oil and gas firm,
Pemex, to discuss the supply of ethane to its Etileno XXI
complex in Mexico, and the development of an import terminal
for the raw material (PCN, 11 Jan 2021, p 1).
The MoU establishes terms and conditions to discuss
potential addenda to the supply agreement. Braskem
Idesa said it is “unable to predict the outcome of the discussions,”
but will keep the market informed of relevant
developments. The ethane supply agreement between
Braskem Idesa and Pemex remains in force and valid until
any possible amendment.
In addition, Braskem Idesa has signed a 15-year gas
transportation agreement with state-owned agency Cenagas.
The duration of the deal is conditional on signing the
final negotiation with Pemex.
As a result of the agreements, the complex has started
receiving natural gas transported by Cenagas, which had
unilaterally suspended deliveries in December 2020.
The Etileno complex includes an ethylene cracker with
the capacity to produce over 1-million t/y of low- and highdensity
polyethylene.

 

Methanex, NGC ‘Wholly Refute’ Statements In Report of the Parties Going to Court

Couva—
Methanex and the National Gas Co. (NGC) of Trinidad and
Tobago have released a joint announcement wholly refuting
the “erroneous” statements published in the Trinidad
Guardian, claiming that Methanex has taken NGC to
court.
“The claim that NGC has confirmed the status of any
matters that may or may not be before the court of arbitration
is deceptive and therefore misleading,” said the parties.
“NGC’s practice is to never make public statements
on its customers and takes seriously all confidentiality
clauses.”
In December 2019, Methanex and NGC entered into an
interim agreement, in which NGC would supply natural
gas to Methanex’s Titan methanol facility in Point Lisas,
Trinidad, from 1 Jan. 2020 to 31 Jan. 2020. The short
term deal enabled Methanex to continue operations at Titan,
while continuing negotiations with NGC for a longer
term supply agreement (PCN, 23-30 Dec 2019, p 4).
Methanex idled the facility on 16 Mar. 2020, in anticipation
that methanol demand could be impacted by the
COVID-19 pandemic.
This past January, Methanex said it has not been successful
reaching an agreement for a longer-term natural
gas agreement and given that the economic recovery path
remains uncertain, the plant would remain idled indefinitely
(PCN, 11 Jan 2021, p 1). It continues to operate its
Atlas methanol plant in Point Lisas.
NGC and Methanex said they remain committed to
working together to find solutions for the long term.

 

BP and SABIC Announce New Agreement To Drive Circular Economy in Germany

Berlin—BP
and SABIC have signed an agreement to work together to
drive a circular economy in the petrochemical activities at
the Gelsenkirchen, Germany, chemical complex.
Building on a long established relationship between the
parties at the site, the new collaboration will help to boost
production of certified circular products that use mixed
plastics as feedstock, thereby reducing the amount of fossil
resources needed in the petrochemical plants at the site.
Circular polymers, part of SABIC’s Trucircle portfolio,
are produced using advanced recycling that converts lowquality
mixed and used plastic, otherwise destined for incineration
or landfill, into pyrolysis oil.
The oil will be processed at BP’s local refining site and
then used by SABIC in its Gelsenkirchen polymer plants to
produce the certified circular products.
Following successful trials last December, polymer production
using the alternative feedstock began early this
year. The final material has identical properties to virginbased
polymers and allows plastics to be recycled over and
over, with no loss of properties or characteristics, the companies
noted.
“This is an important milestone in our vision of achieving
up to 30% of our ethylene and propylene production
from sustainable, recyclable raw materials by 2030,” said
Wolfgang Stuckle, vice president, refining and specialties
solutions, Europe & Africa at BP.

 

Dow Enters MoU With Zhanjiang EDZ For New South China Specialties Hub

Zhanjiang—
Dow has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
with the Zhanjiang Economic and Technological Development
Zone Administrative Committee (Zhanjiang EDZ) to
build the Dow South China Specialties Hub at Donghai
Island, Zhanjiang, China.
The new manufacturing hub is a multi-year project providing
customers local access to the company’s portfolio of
high value products and innovative technologies, Dow
noted. It would extend the company’s local reach, further
enhancing supply reliability, responsiveness to market
needs and customized innovation.
Under the MoU, Dow would invest approximately $250-
million to build specialty polyurethanes and alkoxylates
facilities with a total capacity of around 250,000 tons. The
site also offers the opportunity for future development and
expansion at the hub.
“We are committed to turning our petrochemical park
at the Donghai Island into a world-class one, providing a
modern infrastructure and necessary supportive policies to
Dow and the park’s other companies,” said Zhangjiang
EDZ Party Secretary Liang Pei.

 

Corbion Launching Expansion Projects To Further Boost Lactic Acid Capacity

Amsterdam—
Corbion is launching a series of expansion projects at four
global sites to increase its production capacity for lactic
acid and its derivatives.
The projects, which are expected to produce a combined
additional output roughly equivalent to a new production
site, will take place at Corbion’s production sites in Gorinchem,
the Netherlands; Rayong, Thailand; Campos, Brazil;
and Montmelo, Spain. No schedule was given.

 

Daelim Finalizes Separation of Company Into Three New Stand-Alone Businesses

Seoul—
Daelim Industrial recently completed a split of the company
into three firms in order to concentrate on each separate
area (PCN, 14 Sept 2020, p 4).
The new organization includes DL E&C, a spin-off of
Daelim’s construction business, and DL Chemical, which is
a split-off of Daelim’s petrochemical business. The remaining
holding company, formerly Daelim Industrial, is now
named DL Co.
Separately, DL E&C is planning to pursue new business
opportunities in hydrogen energy and carbon capture
and sequestration/storage, according to BusinessKorea.
“An entry into the ESG (environmental, social and governance)
business is an essential survival strategy for
companies at the moment,” said the report quoting DL
E&C Chief Executive Ma Ching-min. “DL E&C will actively
move into areas where it has secured competitiveness.”

 

OMV Building ‘Glycerin2Propanol’ Unit At Its Schwechat Refinery in Austria

Vienna—OMV is
planning to invest around €30-million in the construction
of a new glycerin-to-propanol (‘Glycerin2Propanol’) pilot
facility at its Schwechat Refinery in Austria.
The plant, with a planned capacity of about 1.25-million
liters/yr, will use a patented process developed by OMV to
produce the propanol, which will then be utilized as a bioadditive
for gasoline. It can also be used in the chemical
industry as a replacement for fossil-based propanol.
OMV’s Glycerin2Propanol plant will be located next to
its ReOil plant so that both units can utilize a single measuring
station. Construction is expected to start in the
second quarter of this year, with operations scheduled to
begin in 2023.
Future plans involve commercializing the process in order
to produce around 125-million liters/yr of propanol and
reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 180,000 tons.

 

People on the Move

Chevron Phillips Chemical Co.—Bruce Chinn has
been named chief executive. He is currently president of
Chevron Chemicals.
B.J. Hebert, currently executive vice president and chief
operating officer, will become president and chief operating
officer.
The chief executive and president roles are currently
held by Mark Lashier, who is retiring from Chevron Phillips
Chemical. Both appointments are effective 1 Apr.
2021.
Nova Chemicals—Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi has been
appointed chairman of the board of directors, succeeding
Musabeh Al Kaabi, who was named chief executive of UAE
investments at Mubadala Investment Co. Al Idrissi is also
chief executive of direct investments at Mubadala.
Phillips 66—Mark Lashier will join the company as
president and chief operating officer, effective 1 Apr. 2021.
He began his career at Phillips Petroleum Co. in 1989 as a
research engineer.
ExxonMobil Global Projects Co.—Jon Gibbs, currently
senior vice president, has been named president to
replace Neil Duffin, who is retiring, effective 1 Apr. 2021.

 

Air Liquide’s ALMTG JV to Purchase Industrial Gas Units in Kazakhstan

Atyrau—Air Liquide
Munay Tech Gases (ALMTG), a joint venture of Air
Liquide and KazMunayGas (KMG), has entered into an
agreement to invest up to €86-million to acquire and modernize
hydrogen and nitrogen production units from KMG’s
Atyrau refinery.
Within the framework of the agreement, Air Liquide
will bring its technical know-how, digital and energy optimization
expertise to modernize the assets and improve
the overall carbon dioxide footprint of the site.
The units will be connected to Air Liquide’s Smart &
Innovative Operations Center to optimize energy consumption,
flexibility and reliability.
ALMTG will operate the plants to supply industrial
gases to the Atyrau refinery. The units will produce up to
200-million normal cu m/yr of hydrogen and up to 50-
million normal cu m/yr of nitrogen.
ALMTG is owned 75% by Air Liquide and 25% by KMG,
the state owned oil and gas company of Kazakhstan.

 

Aker Clean Hydrogen, Mainstream Partner On Green Hydrogen, Low-Cost Ammonia

Santiago—
Aker Clean Hydrogen and Mainstream Renewable Power
recently signed a letter of intent (LoI) to jointly explore the
development of green hydrogen and low-cost ammonia production
in Chile.
The parties will collaborate on developing a complete
and commercially viable green value chain in Chile, using
Aker Clean Hydrogen’s hydrogen project development capabilities
and Mainstream’s portfolio of wind and solar
park projects in the country. Over 1-gigawatt has been
earmarked for this partnership.
“Chile has stated an ambition to produce the most costefficient
green hydrogen in the world by 2030,” Mainstream
noted. “The green ammonia will be utilized by several
industrial end-users locally in South America, and
also exported to other markets.”
Aker Clean Hydrogen was formed by Aker Horizon, the
renewable platform of Aker ASA, to develop, build, own
and operate clean hydrogen production plants.
This past January, Aker Horizons announced an
agreement to acquire a 75% stake in Mainstream. The
transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of
2021, subject to customary approvals and financial closing.

 

Cerberus and Koch Agree to Purchase PQ Performance Chems for $1.1-Bn

New York—
Cerberus Capital Management, together with its affiliates,
and Koch Minerals & Trading announced a partnership
that has agreed to acquire the PQ Performance Chemicals
business of PQ Group Holdings for about $1.1-billion.
PQ Performance Chemicals is a “leading” global producer
of sodium silicates, specialty silicas and zeolites, the
companies noted. Following completion of the transaction,
expected in 2021, the business will continue to operate under
the PQ brand.
“We are looking forward to joining forces with Cerberus
in this exciting partnership with the PQ Performance
Chemicals team,” said Vance Holtzman, senior vice president
at Koch Minerals & Trading. “We are eager to invest
and execute on management’s growth plans, leveraging the
complementary capabilities of the partnership.”

 

Topsoe Plans SOEC Manufacturing Plant To Meet Demand for Green Hydrogen

Lyngby—
Haldor Topsoe is building a new large-scale, highly efficient
solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) manufacturing facility
to meet customer demand for green hydrogen production.
The new plant, which will be the “largest of its kind”
will have an electrolyzer production capacity of 500 megawatt
per year, with the option to expand to 5 gigawatt per
year, Topsoe noted. Construction will begin next year and
operations will commence by 2023.
“With efficiencies above 90%, Topsoe’s proprietary
SOEC electrolyzers offer superior performance in electrolysis
of water into hydrogen, when compared to today’s standard
alkaline or PEM electrolyzers,” stated the company.
“This new manufacturing facility is a concrete step to
take a leading role in the ongoing energy transition towards
a low carbon future,” said Haldor Topsoe Chief Executive
Roeland Baan.
“We strongly believe that one of the most viable routes
to this goal lies in the efficient utilization of renewable
electricity to produce green hydrogen, fuels and chemicals.”

 

Aramco & HHIH Sign Non-Binding MoU For Blue Hydrogen, NH3 Opportunities

Dhahran—
Saudi Aramco and Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings
(HHIH) have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding
(MoU) to collaborate on research and development
opportunities to demonstrate the use of blue hydrogen
and ammonia.
Through the agreement, Hyundai Oilbank, the oil refinery
unit of HHIH, plans to cooperate with Aramco on
the realization of a “carbon zero” process, Hyundai noted,
while Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the
shipbuilding unit of HHIH, plans to develop the “world’s
first” combined ship capable of carrying both liquefied petroleum
gas (LPG) cargoes and captured carbon dioxide.
Under a MoU, Hyundai Oilbank will import liquefied
petroleum gas from Aramco, which it will then convert into
blue hydrogen. The hydrogen will be used at desulphurization
facilities at Hyundai Oilbank refineries, and be sold to
the market.
Also, Hyundai Oilbank plans to receive blue ammonia
from Aramco and use it as fuel for LPG boilers that are
scheduled to be established in 2024. Blue ammonia as a
power plant fuel would “significantly” reduce carbon dioxide
emissions, the companies said.

 

TPC Reaches Deal for C4 Processing

Houston—TPC
Group said it has “successfully” reached a C4 processing
agreement with a third-party crude C4 toll processor.
The agreement uses TPC Group’s logistic and storage
facilities, along with its commercial agreements for feedstock
and product sales, to supply a steady stream of crude
C4s to the processor.
Available butadiene extraction capacity will be used to
process the crude C4 and return the finished butadiene
and raffinate products to TPC for distribution.
“This agreement provides us access to significant capabilities
to consume our committed crude C4 volumes, as
well as meet the requirements of our long-term butadiene
product sales agreements,” noted Charlie Graham, senior
vice president, commercial.

 

Neste Completes Acquisition of Bunge’s Refinery Facility in the Netherlands

Rotterdam—
Neste has finalized the purchase of Bunge Loders Croklaan’s
refinery plant that is located next to Neste’s existing
biorefinery in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, for an undisclosed
amount.
The plant consists of a pretreatment facility, tank farm,
jetties and pipeline connection to Neste’s site. The transition
of operations and employees will be implemented in
phases with the refinery plant’s full and modified pretreatment
capacity available for processing Neste’s feedstock
by the end of 2024.
“The completion of this acquisition is an important step
forward in delivering on Neste’s global growth strategy in
renewables,” said Neste President and Chief Executive
Peter Vanacker.
“It allows us to accelerate the scaling up of our renewable
raw material pretreatment capacity, which is an important
driver for expanding the use of waste and residue
feedstocks and increasing our feedstock flexibility.
“We are committed to increasing the share of waste and
residues to 100% of Neste’s total renewable raw material
inputs at the latest by 2025, and growing our production
platform to help customers reduce greenhouse gas emission
by 20-million tons annually by 2030.”

 

Ineos, Engie Cooperate in Pilot Project To Replace Nat Gas with Hydrogen

Antwerp—Ineos
Phenol and Engie have partnered in a pilot project for the
gradual replacement of natural gas by hydrogen at Ineos’
commercial-scale cogeneration plant in Doel, Belgium.
Initially, 10% of the gas feed will be replaced by hydrogen.
If successful, the feed will be increased to 20%. This
is the “first” time that such tests have been carried out on
an industrial scale in Belgium, Ineos noted.
“The commercial-scale project plays a pioneering role in
the energy transition of the chemical industry,” said Ineos.
“This practical exploration by Engie and Ineos will provide
both partners with valuable insights and data in the
use of hydrogen in industrial facilities, such as monitoring
efficiency and measuring emissions during combustion,
which is essential in the development of a next generation
of burners.”
Engie is responsible for the design, installation and operation
of the technology at the site. Ineos has the necessary
permits for the project and expertise in handling hydrogen.

 

SCG Announces Three ‘Strategic’ Plans For Long-Term Growth, Sustainability

Bangkok—
SCG announced three “strategic” plans toward a “Chemicals
Business for Sustainability,” in order to gain a higher
competitive edge in the global stage, and to build long-term
growth with sustainable development.
The company has set a target to achieve 200,000 tons of
green polymer sales volume by 2025, and to increase the
proportion of sales of high value-added products by 50%
within 2030, while integrating digital technology to enhance
operations throughout the supply chain.
The three business strategies include: Accelerate Circularity,
Accelerate Innovation and Accelerate Digital Technology.
Under the Accelerate Circularity plan, SCG will promote
resource use efficiency and mitigate global warming.
It will offer solutions catered to the needs of brand owners
and eco-conscious customers through design for recyclability,
post-consumer recycled resin, chemical recycling and
bioplastics.
This year, under the Accelerate Innovation plan, the
company has set aside around $53,000 for research and
development. In 2019, it established the i2P (Ideas to
Products) Center, which offers a product prototype development
unit for customers, and facilitates product development
at about three times the normal pace, SCG noted.
Finally, as part of the Accelerate Digital Technology
plan, digital technology is implemented to enhance business
capabilities with regards to speed and efficiency.
With these three strategies, “SCG is fully equipped to
deliver solid and sustainable growth,” while also meeting
sustainable development goals and ESG (environmental,
social, governance) targets, the company added.

 

PetroChemical News Briefs

Chevron Phillips Chemical notified the local community
that it will be preparing equipment for operation at its
Baytown, Texas, facility, after last month’s extreme
weather caused the plant to suspend operations (PCN, 22
Feb 2021, p 4).
Targa Resources reported a fire incident at its facility
in Galena Park, Texas, on 4 Mar. 2021. No other details
are currently available.
Enterprise Products Partners said its PDH 2 (propane
dehydrogenation ) plant being built in Mont Belvieu,
Texas, remains on schedule, and on budget, to come on line
in the second quarter of 2023 (PCN, 6 July 2020, p 2). The
unit will have the capacity to upgrade 35,000 b/d of propane
into 1.65-billion lbs/yr of polymer-grade propylene.

Braskem Boosting Production Capacity Of Green Ethylene at Triunfo Facility

Triunfo—
Braskem announced plans to invest $61-million to increase
production capacity of green ethylene for biopolymer production
at its plant in Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
The project, scheduled to begin this year, will increase
green ethylene capacity at the site to 260,000 t/y from
200,000 t/y currently. Completion is planned in the fourth
quarter of next year.
Green ethylene, the main feedstock derived from sugarcane
ethanol, is used to produce renewable thermoplastic
resins.
“The increase in biopolymer capacity and production reflects
healthy growth in demand from society and our
partners for sustainable products, which has increased
significantly in recent years,” said Marco Jansen, global
biopolymers leader at Braskem.
“It’s also a strong signal of Braskem’s commitment towards
sustainable development, which reflects the values
of our supply chain partners and our customers.
“Our business expansion aims to consolidate Braskem’s
leadership of the biopolymers market.”

 

Hengyi Selects Honeywell Technologies For Brunei Petchem Expansion Project

Brunei Bay—
Hengyi Industries has chosen advanced reforming and aromatics
technologies from Honeywell UOP for the second
phase of its integrated refinery and petrochemical complex
in Pulau Muara Besar, Brunei (PCN, 8 Feb 2021, p 1).
The second phase involves expansion of the complex’s
existing cracker plant and aromatics facility, as well as
expansion of the refinery’s crude processing capacity.
Honeywell has agreed to provide a range of technology
licenses, engineering design, key equipment and state-ofthe-
art catalysts and adsorbents, operator training, and
technical services for start-up and continuing operations.
The complex will include an aromatics block consisting
of Honeywell UOP’s CCR Platforming technology, and a
Light Desorbent Parex aromatics complex, which will produce
up to 2.3-million t/y of high-purity paraxylene.
In addition, Honeywell will supply a UOP naphtha hydrotreating
unit; an Olefin Removal Process unit; Sulfolane
technology; Isomar technology, and Tatoray technology.
It is also providing a second Sulfolane unit for pygas
extraction, and a VGO Unicracking unit and Diesel
Unicracking unit targeting maximum naphtha production.
Once complete, Hengyi will have the capacity to produce
a total of over 3.8-million t/y of paraxylene.

 

KOS Chooses Sumitomo’s Technology To Expand PE Production in Russia

Kazan—Sumitomo
Chemical has signed an agreement with Kazan Organichesky
Sintez (KOS) to license its high-pressure polyethylene
(PE) process to boost KOS’s PE capacity and diversify
its product mix at KOS’s site in Kazan, Tatarstan,
Russia.
As part of the project, KOS is removing part of the existing
manufacturing facilities and installing a state-of-theart
facility, which will utilize Sumitomo’s technology for
the production of 100,000 t/y of low-density PE (LDPE) and
ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). A schedule for the project
was not given.
Sumitomo’s high-pressure PE process is a proprietary
autoclaving process, which is switchable between LDPE
and EVA production in one manufacturing facility.
“The technology is also energy efficient because of its
high monomer reaction efficiency, and offers excellent operational
stability,” Sumitomo noted.

 

Stamicarbon Wins Henan Xinlianxin Contract For Ultra-Low Energy Urea Plant in China

Beijing—
Henan Xinlianxin Chemicals Group has awarded licensing
and equipment supply contracts to Stamicarbon for a second
ultra-low energy grassroots urea facility to be built in
China.
The new 2,334-t/d urea plant will feature Stamicarbon’s
innovative ultra-low energy design, allowing for heat to be
used three times. Start-up is expected in 2023.
Stamicarbon will deliver the process design package
and the proprietary high pressure equipment in Safurex
and associated services for both the urea melt unit and
finishing by prilling.
Jiujiang Xinlianxin Fertilizer Co., a subsidiary of Henan
Xinlianxin, is currently commissioning the first plant
ever designed with Stamicarbon’s Launch Melt ultra-low
energy design in Jiangxi Province.
“The ultra-low design is not only suitable for new
plants, it can also be used as a powerful revamp tool for
both CO2 [carbon dioxide] stripping and conventional urea
plants,” Stamicarbon noted.

 

Equinor Resumes Methanol Production At Tjeldbergodden Facility in Norway

Oslo—Equinor
announced that its methanol plant is back in operation in
Tjeldbergodden, Norway, after being decommissioned
following a fire on 2 Dec. 2020 (PCN, 7 Dec 2020, p 3).
The methanol plant, which the company said is the
“world’s largest,” has around 900,000 t/y of capacity. It is
owned 82.01% by Equinor and 17.99% by ConocoPhillips
Scandinavia.
The fire broke out in a compressor unit, resulting in the
shut down of the methanol facility and an air separation
plant. The incident is still under investigation.

 

Pertamina Rosneft JV Lets Shell Contract For Indonesian Refinery & PC Complex

Tuban—PT
Pertamina Rosneft Pengolahan dan Petrokimia (PRPP), a
joint venture of Pertamina and Rosneft, has awarded a
contract to Shell Catalyst & Technologies to supply its proprietary
technologies for a grassroots refinery and petrochemical
complex being built in Tuban, Indonesia (PCN, 14
Dec 2020, p 1).
The complex, expected to be completed in 2025, will
consist of a 300,000-b/d refinery and plants for the production
of over 1-million t/y of ethylene, 1.3-million t/y of aromatic
hydrocarbons and 650,000 t/y of polyethylene.
Under the contract, Shell will provide licensing and basic
engineering for state-of-the-art technologies, including
it Omega Process for the production of monoethylene glycol,
as well as distillate hydrotreating process for the catalytic
removal of sulfur and/or nitrogen and/or hydrogenation
of aromatics from diesel fractions of certain crude oils.
“Our comprehensive agreement with Shell Catalysts &
Technologies will provide PT Pertamina Rosneft Pengolahan
dan Petrokimia with the technology and engineering
needed in order for the integrated refinery and petrochemical
complex to be one of the most competitive in the Asia-
Pacific region,” noted Carlos Mondolfi, project director at
PRPP.

 

Haldia Petrochemical Proposes Project To Increase Plant’s Polymer Capacity

Haldia—Haldia
Petrochemicals is considering expanding capacity of its
700,000-t/y polymers plant in Haldia, West Bengal, India,
by 50%, reported Telegraph India.
The proposed Rs 8,500 crore project would increase
polymer capacity by 345,000 t/y to a total of over 1-million
t/y. A schedule was not given.
The Calcutta Port Trust has allotted six acres for the
project for the import of 300,000 tons of additional naphtha
feedstock.

 

ExxonMobil Concludes Initial Phase of Trial To Test Its Advanced Recycling Process

Baytown—
ExxonMobil has completed the initial phase of a plant trial
at its Baytown, Texas, facilities to test its proprietary advanced
recycling process for converting plastic waste into
raw materials for high-value polymers.
The company plans to use the results from the trial to
scale up advanced recycling capabilities at other plants
around the world, targeting a circular solution for converting
difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into feedstock for virgin-
quality plastic.
ExxonMobil recently formed a joint venture with Agilyx,
which will help supply plastic waste feedstocks to
ExxonMobil’s advanced recycling projects (see related story,
pg. 3).
“ExxonMobil is taking action to help address the issue
of plastic waste,” said ExxonMobil Chemical President
Karen McKee.
“This advanced recycling initiative brings together the
strength of ExxonMobil’s integrated petrochemical facilities
and our deep technology expertise in chemical processing
to capture value from plastic waste and meet our customers’
growing demand for high-performance, certified
circular polymers.”

 

Inter Pipeline Advises Shareholders Not to Act on Recent Takeover Bid

Calgary—Inter
Pipeline Ltd. is urging shareholders to take no action with
respect to the recent unsolicited bid by an affiliate of
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP to acquire all outstanding
commons shares of the company (PCN, 22 Feb
2021, p 2).
The offer, valued at C$13.5-billion, was reviewed by the
company’s special committee of independent directors
formed by the board of directors on 18 Feb. 2021. On 22
Feb. 2021, the company said the board has 15 days to provide
shareholders with a recommendation regarding the
offer.
Inter Pipeline reminds shareholders that the board of
directors has initiated a comprehensive review of strategic
alternatives to maximize shareholder value.
“Inter Pipeline is a high-quality energy infrastructure
business with a diversified asset portfolio that generates
long-term predictable cash flows, all of which understandably
make it attractive,” said Margaret McKenzie,
chair of the special committee.
“It is the board’s duty to not only review this offer, but
to pursue all available opportunities to unlock maximum
value for our shareholders.”

 

SK Innovation Looking to Sell Stake In SK Global Chemical Subsidiary

Seoul—SK Innovation
is planning to divest a 49% interest in its SK Global
Chemical subsidiary and retain the remaining 51%, reported
the Korea Herald citing SK Innovation.
The decision is part of SK Innovation’s strategy to focus
its investments on green businesses. J.P. Morgan is financial
advisor.
“SK Global Chemical is reviewing a partnership with
global strategic investors and setting up a joint venture is
one of the options,” said the report quoting an SK Innovation
official.
“To accelerate the Green Balance 2030 campaign based
on a robust financial story, SK Innovation seeks to shore
up funds for future growth and support SK Global Chemical
to create synergies (with global partners).”
In 2019, SK Innovation declared Green Balance 2030 as
a goal, as well as a tool for ESG (environmental, social and
governance) management, for the company’s sustainable
growth and development, according to the company’s website.
To achieve this goal, SK Innovation is promoting
portfolio transformation in accordance with three strategic
directions: Green, Technology and Global.

 

People on the Move

Mubadala—Mansoor Mohamed Al Hamed, previously
chief growth officer, has been appointed chief executive of
Mubadala Petroleum, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Mubadala Investment Co. He succeeds Dr. Bakheet Al
Katheeri, who has been appointed to an executive leadership
position in the newly formed UAE Investments platform
of Mubadala.
Recyclex—Jacky Gofflot has been named chief executive
to succeed the current chairman and chief executive,
Sebastian Rudow, effective 1 Mar. 2021.
Thomas Huser, an economic and public affairs expert,
will take over as chairman.

 

Mitsubishi Chem Taking Series of Actions To Strengthen Global MMA Operations

Tokyo—
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. (MCC) announced a number of
changes planned for its global methyl methacrylate (MMA)
business to strengthen its operations.
In Japan, MCC will establish Mitsubishi Chemical
Methacrylates Japan Co. on 1 Apr. 2021 to serve the domestic
market in Japan.
On the same date, Lucite International Singapore will
be renamed Mitsubishi Chemical Methacrylates Singapore;
Huizhou MMA will be called Mitsubishi Chemical
Methacrylates (Huizhou).; Lucite International (China)
Chemical Industry will go by the name Mitsubishi Chemical
Methacrylates (Shanghai), and Mitsubishi Chemical
Lucite Group will be renamed Mitsubishi Chemical
Methacrylates Ltd.
“To date, headquarter functions have been carried out
in Japan and the UK, but going forward, these functions,
including global supply chain management, will be consolidated
at Mitsubishi Chemical Methacrylates Singapore to
achieve a stronger MMA operations management base that
enables centralized and speedy decision-making, and the
appointment and advancement of a diverse workforce,”
MCC explained.
MCC’s MMA operations involve 11 monomer plants and
six polymer facilities in growth markets around the world.

 

Gevo & HCS Ink Strategic Agreement For Renewable Hydrocarbon Facility

Frankfurt—
Gevo and HCS Group have signed a memorandum of understanding
for a project to develop and build a plant to
produce renewable hydrocarbons, advanced renewable fuels
and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Speyer, Germany.
The new approximately 60,000-t/y facility, which would
utilize Gevo’s low-carbon SAF technology, will be located at
HCS Group’s manufacturing site. Production is anticipated
to begin by the end of 2024.
HCS’ site is operated by the Haltermann Carless brand
and strategically located in Central Europe.
“Using our existing infrastructure in Speyer, including
our new hydrogenation plant, allows us to minimize timeto-
market, certification and approval processes, and costs
for this first-of-its-kind project,” noted HCS Group Chief
Executive Henrik Krupper.

 

Borealis Installing New RTO in Finland To ‘Significantly’ Lower CO2 Emissions

Porvoo—
Borealis announced it is investing €17.6-million to install a
new regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) for its polyolefins
plants in Porvoo, Finland, to “significantly” lower the site’s
carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The RTO – a piece of air pollution control equipment
designed to treat exhaust air – will also reduce flaring by
around 6,000 t/y and save about 60 gigawatt hours of energy
per year, said Borealis. Completion is planned for
2023.
The installation of the RTO, along with the requisite
piping for the polyolefins plants, will generate about 16 bar
steam. This newly-won steam will replace around 50% of
the heat energy currently required for the Porvoo polyolefins
operations in a cleaner and more efficient way, the
company noted.

 

Agilyx & ExxonMobil Form Cyclyx JV To Increase Plastic Waste Recycling

Tigard—Agilyx
and ExxonMobil recently established Cyclyx International
LLC to help scale up the supply of qualified plastic waste
for the plastics recycling industry.
The joint venture, formed on 1 Jan. 2021, combines Agilyx’s
expertise in plastic waste conversion with ExxonMobil’s
technology expertise and large-scale petrochemical
manufacturing network.
Cyclyx will collect and pre-process plastic waste to meet
the technical requirements of a wide range of recycling
processes, while ensuring a reliable supply of feedstock to
its customers, Agilyx noted.
The joint venture’s goal is to transform the current
supply chain and help accelerate the growth of the advanced
recycling industry by connecting companies seeking
plastic waste solutions with customers engaged in recycling
initiatives.
Also, as part of the joint venture agreement, Cyclyx will
help supply plastic waste feedstocks for ExxonMobil’s advanced
recycling projects (see related story, pg. 2).
“We see Cyclyx as helping to fill an important missing
link in the plastics recycling value chain that is needed for
advanced recycling solutions to scale,” said ExxonMobil
Chemical President Karen McKee.
The new joint venture, owned 75% by Agilyx and 25%
by ExxonMobil, invites other companies to join as members,
such as petrochemical companies, retailers, brand
owners, waste management companies, municipalities and
others looking for solutions to address plastic waste in the
environment.

 

MOL Updates Its Long-Term Strategy To Include New Sustainability Goals

Budapest—
MOL’s board of directors has approved “MOL Group
2030+,” an update of the company’s long-term strategy,
fully integrated with a new sustainability strategy and
complemented with a longer-term vision and ambitions
beyond 2030.
“The . . . [original] strategy has so far proved to be progressive,
credible and directionally correct,” said Zsolt
Hernádi, chairman and chief executive. “Accordingly, MOL
has taken important strategic steps in the right direction
over the past five years. However, we have observed an
unprecedented pace of changes around us recently, including
rapid progress in the green energy transition.
“Our updated strategy seeks to accelerate our transformation
process to enhance MOL’s resilience and our
ability to shape a sustainable future. We will sharpen our
focus, increase our efficiency further, while seeking new
opportunities with a new determination.”
MOL will continue and step up its fuel-to-chemicals
transformation in the downstream business, aiming to become
a leading sustainable chemicals company in Central
and Eastern Europe [CEE].
In the next five years, the company plans to spend $1-
billion on new, low-carbon and sustainable projects in
CEE, including investments in new businesses, such as
waste integration and utilization, recycling, carbon capture,
utilization and storage, advanced biofuels and potentially
hydrogen-related opportunities.
In addition, the company has made significant carbon
reduction targets by 2030, and shares the European Union’s
ambition to be climate-neutral by 2050.

 

TPC Progresses in Multi-Phase Start-Up Of Port Neches Terminal Operations

Houston—TPC
Group announced the successful start-up of the second
phase of its Port Neches terminal operations in Texas, part
of a three-phased start-up process to serve current and
future customers and supplier needs.
On 27 Nov. 2019, TPC experienced an explosion and
fire in a butadiene processing unit at the Port Neches petrochemicals
complex (PCN, 2 Mar 2020, p 1).
Early last year, TPC said it would transition operations
to only a terminal and services organization, and reduce
workforce, while it rebuilds the parts of the complex that
were affected by the incident. It estimated rebuild would
take a “number” of years.
“We are pleased with the progress we continue to make
on reestablishing butadiene, crude C4 and raffinate terminalling
capabilities at the . . . site,” said TPC Group President
and Chief Executive Ed Dineen.
TPC has made “substantial” progress in site mitigation
and recovery at the site, reestablishing terminal operations,
and positioning the site for future C4 capacity
growth, the company noted.

 

Arkema Raising Chinese PVDF Capacity

Shanghai—
Arkema is investing in a further expansion of its Kynar
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) production facility at its
Changshu site in China (PCN, 21 Oct 2019, p 4).
The project, which will increase PVDF production capacity
at the site by 35%, is scheduled to come on stream
before the end of 2022.
In late 2019, the company announced it was expanding
PVDF capacity at Changshu by 50%. The expansion was
completed in December 2020. Total capacity of the plant
was not given.

 

Vinnolit to Offer ‘Green’ Caustic Soda

Berlin—Vinnolit
said it will launch certified climate-friendly “green”
caustic soda in 2021, in order to reduce its carbon dioxide
(CO2) footprint and in turn enable customers to reduce
their own carbon footprint.
The low-carbon caustic soda, marketed under the brand
name GreenVin, is produced at the company’s sites in
Gendorf and Knapsack, Germany.
The CO2 footprint of the caustic soda is reduced by over
30% compared to Vinnolit’s conventional caustic soda.

 

CVC Exploring Offer for Synthomer; Companies Not Yet in Discussions

Essex—Private equity
firm CVC Capital Partners is considering a bid for
Synthomer, reported Bloomberg quoting people with
knowledge of the matter.
The companies aren’t currently holding any negotiations;
however, CVC made an initial approach to Synthomer
to determine its interest, according to the people,
who asked to remain anonymous because the information
is private.
“Deliberations are ongoing, and there’s no certainty
they will lead to a transaction,” the sources said.

 

PetroChemical News Briefs

LSB Industries has begun a phased restart of its
Pryor, Okla., facility, that was taken out of service on 12
Feb. 2021, after extreme cold weather caused a surge in
natural gas prices in the region (PCN, 22 Feb 2021, p 4). It
has also restarted ammonia production at its El Dorado,
Ark., plant, and is ramping up to full rates.
Chandra Asri Petrochemical has received a $60-
million structured trade facility from DBS Bank for its
Chandra Asri Trading Co. subsidiary. It will be used to
expand export growth of petrochemical products from Indonesia.
On 26 Feb. 2021, ExxonMobil said its Baytown,
Texas, Olefins facilities are progressing through a safe restart.
The facility was taken out of service after the recent
severe cold weather.
Flint Hills Resources is restarting its chemical plant
in Houston, Texas, following recovery from the recent
freezing weather.
BayPort Polymers said on 25 Feb. 2021 that it would
begin the start-up process for its Pasadena, Texas, facility,
affected by the winter weather.
Braskem announced on 24 Feb. 2021 that its facility
in La Porte, Texas, will be starting up one of its production
units. No other details were given.
Elix Polymers has launched E-Loop brand for its circular
economy activities. The company said it will continue
to develop a more sustainable product portfolio. It is
currently working on several mechanically recycled products
that have the same level of functionality in the final
customer applications as virgin materials.
Michelin announced that by 2050, its tires will be
made entirely from renewable, recycled, bio-sourced or otherwise
sustainable materials.

Tecnicas Reunidas Win Sasa Contract To Build New PTA Plant in Turkey

Adana—Sasa
Polyester has awarded a contract to Tecnicas Reunidas for
the construction of a new purified terephthalic acid (PTA)
facility in Adana, Turkey (PCN, 31 Aug 2020, p 3).
The $935-million project, based on Invista Performance
Technologies’ P8 process technology, will have a capacity of
1.5-million t/y of PTA. PCN earlier reported that completion
was expected in 2022.
The scope of Tecnicas Reunidas’ contract includes engineering,
procurement and construction supervision and
management.
“Tecnicas Reunidas is uniquely placed to leverage on its
engineering and technical expertise and its solid petrochemical
track record to play a significant role in the
growth of this industry in Turkey,” said Tecnicas Reunidas
Chairman Juan Llado.
“We look forward to delivering this project safely and
sustainably and we are extremely honored to participate in
this significant development for Turkey, a country where
our company is fully committed.
“We also look forward to participating in the economic
development of the Adana province, boosting the local supply
chain, optimizing distribution and therefore achieving
a significant reduction in the carbon footprint.”

 

Repsol Enters Accord with Chinese Firm To License PO/SM & Polyols Processes

Nanjing—
Repsol has entered into a technology licensing agreement
with an unnamed company for a project that involves construction
of a propylene oxide(PO)/styrene monomer (SM)
co-production plant, as well as two polyol plants, in Jiangsu
Province, China.
The plants will have a production capacity of 200,000
t/y of PO, 450,000 t/y of SM and an aggregated production
capacity of 125,000 t/y of polyether polyols. Value of the
contract and a schedule for the project were not given.
Repsol said it plans to continue collaborating with the
licensee in additional initiatives to strengthen its positioning
in the Chinese market.

 

DIC Announces Agreement to Exit Kangnam Chemical Joint Venture

Seoul—DIC Corp.
said that Kangnam Chemical, its polyurethanes and phenolic
resins joint venture with Kangnam Jevisco, will purchase
all of the shares currently held by DIC, and DIC will
exit the joint venture.
Kangnam Chemical was formed in 1971 for the manufacture
and sale of general-purpose polyurethanes and
phenolic resins. The joint venture agreement, under which
Kangnam Chemical was created, will be dissolved in early
March 2021.
Kangnam Chemical is currently owned by DIC (50%),
Kangnam Jevisco (41.3%), Kangnam Corp. (5.7%), Ik-Jun
Hwang (1.5%) and Joong-Ho Hwang (1.5%).

 

TechnipFMC Completes Separation Into Two Independent Companies

Paris—Technip-
FMC announced the conclusion of its spin-off transaction
to create two industry leading, independent, publicly
traded companies, TechnipFMC and Technip Energies
(PCN, 11 Jan 2021, p 3).
TechnipFMC is now a fully-integrated technology and
services provider, while Technip Energies is “one of the
largest” engineering and construction pure-plays.
“I am delighted to announce the successful completion
of the separation transaction,” said TechnipFMC Chairman
and Chief Executive Doug Pferdehirt.
“As the market leader and industry’s only fully integrated
pure-play, we are uniquely positioned to transform
our clients’ project economics, helping them to unlock traditional
and new energy resources, while reducing carbon
intensity and supporting their energy transition ambitions.”
TechnipFMC earlier said that, as part of the transaction,
it would distribute 50.1% of the outstanding shares in
Technip Energies to existing TechnipFMC shareholders on
a pro rata basis. TechnipFMC will retain ownership of the
remaining 49.9% of Technip Energies’ outstanding shares
as of the distribution date.

 

SCG to Start Up Thailand’s ‘First’ Plant To Demonstrate Chemical Recycling

Bangkok—The
Chemicals Business of SCG said it recently unveiled its
new chemical recycling technology that can turn postconsumer
plastics into renewable feedstock for petrochemical
plants, and is set to start-up Thailand’s “first” demonstration
plant.
Located in SCG’s Rayong complex, the demonstration
unit will produce approximately 4,000 t/y of renewable
feedstock, with plans for future expansion. Start-up is expected
by the second half of this year.
SCG’s advanced technology utilizes catalyst to promote
energy savings and environmental friendliness for the recycling
process, such as lower process temperature.
The plant is intended to offer a sustainable solution for
post-consumer plastic management and harness renewable
feedstock for SCG’s petrochemical facilities, SCG noted.
SCG has partnered with a technology start-up to codevelop
the recycling technology and establish a new joint
venture, Circular Plas Co. Ltd., which will operate the
plastic recycling business. SCG’s Chemicals Business will
hold a 60% stake in Circular Plas, while the partner will
hold the remaining 40% interest.

 

ET Signs Definitive Merger Agreement To Buy Enable for Around $7.2-BN

Dallas—Energy
Transfer LP (ET) and Enable Midstream Partners LP announced
that they have entered into a definitive merger
agreement, whereby ET will acquire Enable in an allequity
transaction valued at approximately $7.2-billion.
Enable owns, operates and develops strategically located
natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets in the
U.S., the companies noted.
The assets include around 14,000 miles of natural gas,
crude oil, condensate and produced water gathering pipelines;
about 2.6-billion cu ft/d of natural gas processing capacity;
approximately 7,800 miles of interstate pipelines
(including Southeast Supply Header of which Enable owns
50%); about 2,200 miles of intrastate pipelines, and seven
natural gas storage facilities comprising 84.5-billion cu ft
of storage capacity.
ET’s purchase of Enable will increase its footprint
across multiple regions and provide increased connectivity
for ET’s natural gas and natural gas liquid (NGL) transportation
businesses, said ET.
The deal will “strengthen” ET’s NGL infrastructure by
adding natural gas gathering and processing assets in the
Anadarko basin in Oklahoma and integrate “high-quality”
assets with ET’s existing NGL transportation and fractionation
assets on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The acquisition will also provide gas gathering and
processing assets in the Arkoma basin across Arkansas
and Oklahoma, as well as the Haynesville Shale in East
Texas and North Louisiana.
In addition, Enable’s transportation and storage assets
“enhance” ET’s access to core markets with consistent
sources of demand and bolster its portfolio of customers
anchored by large, investment-grade customers with firm,
long-term contracts.
Finally, the purchase will further enhance ET’s connectivity
to the global LNG market and the growing global
demand for natural gas, as the world transitions to cleaner
power and fuel sources.
The transaction is expected to close in mid-2021, subject
to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including
Hart Scott Rodino Act clearance.

 

Lanxess Enters Into Binding Agreement To Acquire Emerald Kalama Chemical

Cologne—
Lanxess has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100%
of the shares in U.S.-based specialty chemicals manufacturer
Emerald Kalama Chemical for around $1.04-billion.
Emerald, which is majority owned by affiliates of U.S.
private equity firm American Securities LLC, has production
sites in Kalama, Wash.; Rotterdam, the Netherlands;
and Widnes, UK., and approximately 500 employees. Subject
to approval by relevant authorities, the transaction is
scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2021.
“We are gaining further momentum on our growth
course,” noted Matthias Zachert, chairman of the board of
management of Lanxess AG. “The businesses of Emerald
Kalama Chemical are an ideal fit for us.
“We will further strengthen our consumer protection
segment and open up new application areas with strong
margins, for example in the food industry and animal
health sector. “In addition, we will also enlarge our presence
in the growth region of North America. All this will
make us even more profitable and stable.”

 

Inter Pipeline Initiates Strategic Review Following Unsolicited EoI for Company

Calgary—
Inter Pipeline Ltd. announced that the board of directors
has initiated a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives
to maximize shareholder value, after receiving an
unsolicited expression of interest (EoI) for the company.
“Acting in the best interests of the company and its
shareholders, the board, consistent with its fiduciary duties,
will evaluate a broad range of options, including exploring
a possible corporate transaction, while continuing
to seek a partner for a material interest in the Heartland
Petrochemical Complex,” Inter Pipeline explained.
“The company has not set a timetable for the conclusion
of the strategic review nor has it made any decisions related
to strategic alternatives at this time. There can be
no assurance that the . . . review will result in any transaction
or, if a transaction is undertaken, as to the terms or
timing of such a transaction.”
Being built in Alberta, Canada, the complex is an integrated
propane dehydrogenation and polypropylene (PP)
facility that will convert 22,000 b/d of propane into about
525,000 t/y of PP (PCN, 18 Jan 2021, p 1). Start-up is expected
in early 2022.

 

Axens Selected to License Technologies To NRL’s Refinery Expansion Project

Assam—Numaligarh
Refinery Ltd. (NRL) has chosen Axens to supply advanced
technologies in gasoline block for its refinery expansion
project in Numaligarh, Golaghat, Assam, India
(PCN, 15 Feb 2021, p 2).
NRL plans to expand the refinery capacity to 9-million
t/y from 3-million t/y currently, by implementing in parallel
a new refinery with downstream grassroots facilities at
the same location as the existing refinery. Value of the
contract and an expected completion date were not given.
Axens’ scope of work includes the supply of basic engineering
design package, catalysts and adsorbents, proprietary
equipment, training and technical services.
As part of the project, Axens will license the following
technologies: naphtha hydrotreating unit; Octanizing continuous
catalytic reforming unit; C5-C6 isomerization unit,
and a Prime-G+ fluid catalytic cracking gasoline selective
desulfurization unit.

 

People on the Move

SK Capital Partners—Daniele Ferrari has joined the
private investment firm as senior director. He was most
recently chief executive of Versalis.
American Chemistry Council (ACC)—Dr. Kimberly
Wise White has been named vice president of regulatory
and technical affairs, effective 22 Feb. 2021, succeeding
Michael Walls, who has retired. She previously served as a
senior director within ACC’s Chemical Products and Technology
Division.
Bolder Industries—Michael Murray has become
president/director of Bolder Industries Europe.
Steve Renegar, previously vice president of sales at Pyrolyx
USA, has joined Bolder as strategic sales director.
Halliburton—Bhavesh V. (Bob) Patel, chief executive
of LyondellBasell, has been named to Halliburton’s board
of directors.

 

Yara, Statkraft and Aker Horizons Ink LoI For Large-Scale Green Ammonia Project

Oslo—Yara
International said it has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with
Statkraft and Aker Horizons to establish “Europe’s first”
large-scale green ammonia project at Yara’s existing ammonia
plant in Porsgrunn, Norway.
The partners will target green hydrogen and green
ammonia opportunities within shipping, agriculture and
industrial applications, by electrifying and decarbonizing
Yara’s ammonia facility with the aim of fully removing
carbon dioxide emissions from ammonia production.
‘This is not just a unique decarbonization project, but a
strategic investment that can establish new value chains
for green hydrogen and green ammonia,” said Yara President
and Chief Executive Svein Tore Holsether.
“Yara is a world leader in ammonia, with long experience
and leading position within global ammonia production,
logistics and trade. With Statkraft and Aker Horizons
onboard, we gain key expertise within renewable electricity,
power markets, industrial development and project
execution, giving us a unique opportunity to realize the
project.”
The project could be realized within five to seven years,
provided power is available at the site and the required cofunding
is secured. The partners also have future plans to
explore the potential for green ammonia production in
Northern Norway.

 

Cities of Antwerp, Bruges to Merge Ports; Will Operate as ‘Port of Antwerp-Bruges’

Brussels—
The City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges, Belgium, have
reached an agreement to merge their respective ports and
operate under the name ‘Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
As a result of the merger, which is expected to be finalized
within a year, the ports will be able to strengthen
their positions within the global supply chain and continue
towards sustainable growth, the Port of Antwerp noted.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges will be more resilient to the
challenges of the future and will take a lead in the transition
towards a low-carbon economy, it added.
“The merged port will become the most important container
port (157-million t/y), one of the largest break bulk
ports and the largest port for the throughput of vehicles in
Europe.
“Furthermore, the port will account for more than 15%
of Europe’s liquid natural gas transited and it will of
course remain Europe’s most important chemical hub.
“Finally, it will be the largest port for cruise ships in
the Benelux. With a throughput of 278-million tons per
year, the unified port will be able to consolidate its leading
position in the world.”

 

Oiltanking & Operail Form Partnership For Transport of Chemicals in Finland

Kotka—
Oiltanking has signed a partnership agreement with Operail
Finland concerning the transport of chemicals along
the Vainikkala-Kotka route to Oiltanking’s terminal facilities
in Kotka, Finland.
The partners agreed that Operail will be responsible for
the safe, reliable and efficient rail transport of the chemicals,
as well as other logistical services at the terminal.
The freight volume of the new cooperation is estimated
to exceed 1-million t/y.

 

Howard Energy Completes Acquisition Of Javelina Facility in Corpus Christi

San Antonio—
Howard Energy Partners has finalized the acquisition of
the Javelina refinery services facility in Corpus Christi,
Texas, from a subsidiary of MPLX LP, for an undisclosed
amount.
Javelina is a treating and fractionation plant that extracts
olefins, hydrogen and natural gas liquids from gas
streams produced by local refineries, creating purity products
that are sold to local markets on behalf of its refinery
customers.
The facility produces a wide range of product streams
including ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, mixed butane
and other pentanes+ for use in the petrochemical and
energy markets. It is connected to all of the major refineries
in Corpus Christi via pipeline.

 

Gulf Navigation and EGC Enter MoU For the Purchase of Various Vessels

Athens—Gulf
Navigation Holding has signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with Empire Navigation and Empire Bulkers,
collectively called the Empire Group of Companies
(EGC), involving the acquisition of a group of petrochemical
and dry bulk carriers by Gulf Navigation.
As part of the MoU, the companies will form a strategic
partnership, in which Gulf Navigation will purchase the
vessels from EGC for an undisclosed amount. The new
vessels will be utilized for hire with local and GCC (Gulf
Cooperation Council) customers. An expected closing date
was not given.
EGC, headquartered in Athens, Greece, manages a diversified
and modern fleet of 20 petrochemical tankers and
16 dry bulk vessels.
The agreement is expected to be the start of a larger
scope of partnership and on a wider scale, Gulf Navigation
noted.

 

Flint Hills and Encina Development Plan Texas Unit for Renewable Chems/Fuels

Austin—Flint
Hills Resources and Encina Development Group have
signed a non-binding term sheet to build a plant to produce
renewable chemicals and fuels from waste plastic in Texas.
If the parties decide to enter into a definitive agreement,
Flint Hills would market the renewable aromatic
products at Encina’s Corpus Christi facility, as well as
work with its affiliates to market renewable aromatic products
from other Encina U.S.-based plants. No other details
were available.
“Our work with Encina is an exciting addition to our
growing portfolio of renewable product and technology investments,”
said Francis Murphy, senior vice president of
chemicals at Flint Hills.
“Renewable aromatics and bioplastics are playing an
increasingly import[ant] role in the product value chain
and reducing environmental impacts, while still delivering
on all the various products that make modern life possible.”
Flint Hills owns and operates refineries in Corpus
Christi, which are “major” suppliers of fuels for the Texas
market. In addition, the refineries produce various commodity
chemicals.

 

Extreme Winter Weather Causes Upset At Several U.S. Gulf Coast Chem Units

Houston—
Severe weather conditions affecting the U.S. Gulf Coast
have resulted in the shut down of numerous chemical facilities
and refineries.
ExxonMobil has shut down its manufacturing units
across the Beaumont area, citing freezing weather conditions,
coupled with the curtailment of natural gas supplies.
Formosa Plastics Corp. U.S.A said its production facilities
in Point Comfort, Texas, and Baton Rouge, La.,
have been temporarily shut down or are operating at reduced
capacity. This affects all olefins, polyethylene, polypropylene
(PP), polyvinyl chloride, caustic soda and bleach
products.
Celanese has declared force majeure with respect to
the following products to its customers in the Americas and
EMEA: acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer, ethyl acetate,
acetic anhydride, methyl acetate, vinyl and acrylic emulsions,
redispersible powders, ethylene vinyl acetate, dimethylamine
and trimethylamine, methyl isobutyl carbinol
and methyl isobutyl ketone, and paraformaldehyde.
Indorama Ventures announced that the weather conditions
facing the U.S. Gulf Coast and parts of Mexico have
lead to “significant” supply chain issues, including natural
gas supplies. Production at its integrated oxides and derivatives
plants in Texas has been temporarily halted.
OQ Chemicals said it has been forced to temporarily
shut down its Bay City, Texas, plant. As a result, it has
provided notice of force majeure and suspension of performance
of its supply obligations for oxo alcohols, aldehydes,
acids and esters.
Royal Dutch Shell shut its 318,000-b/d refinery joint
venture in Deer Park, Texas, and adjoining chemical plant,
reported Reuters citing the company.
Total Petrochemicals has declared force majeure on
all PP produced at its LaPorte, Texas, facility, reported
Argus Media, adding that LyondellBasell declared force
majeure on PP from its Bayport, Texas, and Lake Charles,
La, units, and Ineos Olefins & Polymers on its PP plants
in Chocolate Bayou, Texas, and Deer Park. In addition,
Flint Hills Resources declared force majeure on PP in
Longview, Texas.
Chevron Phillips Chemical reported an unplanned
operational issue in Baytown, Texas, resulting in flaring.
TPC Group had operational issues at its Houston
plant, resulting in flaring. The event has been resolved.
LSB Industries temporarily took its Pryor, Okla., facility
out of service, as a result of the recent surge in natural
gas prices in the region due to the weather.

 

OMV, Kommunalkredit to Jointly Invest In Austria’s ‘Largest’ Electrolysis Plant

Vienna—
OMV and Kommunalkredit Austria announced they will
jointly invest a total of €25-million in the construction of
what will be Austria’s “largest” electrolysis plant.
The 10 megawatt PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane)
electrolysis plant, to be located at OMV’s Schwechat refinery,
will produce up to 1,500 t/y of green hydrogen. Startup
is expected in the second half of 2023.
The green hydrogen will be used to hydrogenate biobased
and fossil fuels, substituting traditional hydrogen in
the refinery. This would reduce OMV’s carbon footprint by
up to 15,000 t/y of fossil carbon dioxide (CO2), OMV noted.
“We deliberately opted for green hydrogen production
on an industrial scale as we see the potential it holds – for
lower-carbon road use, as well as for reducing CO2 emissions
in industrial operations,” said OMV Chief Downstream
Operations Officer Thomas Gangl.

 

IHS Markit’s 36th World PC Conference To Be Held Virtually From 8-12 March

London—IHS
Markit announced it will hold the 36th annual World Petrochemical
Conference (WPC) virtually from 8-12 Mar.
2021 (PCN, 9 Mar 2020, p 2).
Originally scheduled to take place from 9-13 Mar. 2021
in New Orleans, La., the expanded five-day event will be
based on the theme Chemical Renaissance: Building Resilience,
Agility and Innovation in an Enhanced Global Role.
The conference will focus on a variety of topics including
the renewed importance of chemicals in the global
economy, highlighted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic,
as well as accelerating moves toward sustainability, circular
economy and energy transition, and the implications for
petrochemicals supply and demand.
Keynote speakers include: Jim Fitterling, chief executive
of Dow Chemical; Karen McKee, president of Exxon-
Mobil Chemical; Mark Lashier, president and chief executive
of Chevron Phillips Chemical; Celanese Chief Executive
Lori Ryerkerk; Shell Chemicals Executive Vice President
Thomas Casparie; Bob Patel, chief executive and
chairman, management board of LyondellBasell; Petronas
Chemicals Group Managing Director and Chief Executive
Datuk Sazali Hamzah; Eelco Hoekstra, chief executive and
chairman of the executive board of Royal Vopak; and Agilyx
Chief Executive Tim Stedman.
For more information, visit wpc.ihsmarkit.com or email
wpc@ihsmarkit.com.

Honeywell Gets Shandong Yulong Contract For Integrated Chinese Petchem Project

Beijing—
Honeywell announced that Shandong Yulong Petrochemical
Co. has selected Honeywell UOP’s advanced platforming
and aromatics technologies for its 20,000-t/y integrated
refining and petrochemical complex in Longkou, Shandong
Province, China (PCN, 23-20 Nov 2020, p 1).
The complex will include a UOP naphtha Unionfining
unit and CCR Platforming technology to convert naphtha
into high-octane gasoline and aromatics. It will also include
a UOP Olefin Removal Process, UOP Sulfolane technology
for aromatics extraction, Isomar isomerization
technology and Tatoray technology for toluene disproportionation.
Once complete, the complex will produce 3-million t/y of
mixed aromatics. Value of the contract and a schedule for
the project were not given.
UOP will provide a range of technology licenses, engineering
design, key equipment and state-of-the-art catalysts
and adsorbents, operator training, and technical services
for start-up and continuing operations.
The complex will also include two mixed feed ethylene
crackers, two polypropylene lines, and ethylbenzene and
styrene monomer plants.

 

SIDPEC Selects Honeywell Technology To Support Expansion of PC Complex

Alexandria—
Honeywell Process Solutions announced that Sidi Kerir
Petrochemicals Co. (SIDPEC) has chosen Honeywell technology
to upgrade the production capabilities of SIDPEC’s
flagship petrochemical complex in Alexandria, Egypt,
which produces ethylene and polyethylene.
The upgrade is part of an expansion of the complex to
incorporate propylene and polypropylene (PP) production
and increase the supply of products to domestic and international
customers (PCN, 1 Oct 2018, p 1).
Honeywell migrated SIDPEC’s Honeywell TotalPlant
Solution (TPS) production system with the latest version of
its Experion Process Knowledge System solution at the
complex in just 10 days, allowing SIDPEC to resume production
as quickly as possible, Honeywell noted. The process
automation improvements will support collective
production at the site, once the expansion is complete.
“We selected Honeywell for this important upgrade because
of the reliability and performance of our previous
Honeywell TPS system in ethylene and polyethylene, and
our success with other Honeywell technologies at the site,”
said SIDPEC Utility Project Manager Mohamed Zayan.
“Honeywell’s ability to upgrade the production system
in such a short timeframe minimized disruption to our operations.”
In 2018, SIDPEC selected Honeywell UOP’s C3 Oleflex
technology for a new 500,000-t/y propylene plant, and W.R.
Grace & Co.’s Unipol process technology for a new 450,000-
t/y PP facility in Egypt. Anticipated completion dates were
not given.

 

Linde Starts Up Two ASUs to Supply Wanhua’s Integrated Chemical Site

Yantai—Linde
said it has successfully started up two new air separation
units (ASUs) to supply gaseous oxygen and nitrogen to
Wanhua Chemical’s integrated chemical site and production
center at the Yantai Industrial Park in China (PCN,
29 Jan 2018, p 1).
Wanhua launched a first phase polycarbonate facility at
the site in early 2018 with 70,000 t/y of production capacity.
No details were given on the planned second phase.
The new ASUs join two existing units, also built and
operated by Linde, to support phase one and two of the
project.
“Linde’s advanced technology and operational expertise
will enable all four ASUs to run at a greater scale and
achieve synergies through improved energy efficiency and
operational flexibility, resulting in higher reliability and
lower venting of the plants,” Linde noted.

 

EuroChem Group Okays Construction Of Northwest 2 Ammonia Expansion

Moscow—
EuroChem Group has approved the construction of the
EuroChem Northwest 2 ammonia expansion project in
Kingisepp, Russia (PCN, 17 Feb 2020, p 2).
The new 1.1-million-t/y ammonia and 1.4-t/y urea plant
will be built adjacent to the company’s 1-million-t/y Euro-
Chem Northwest ammonia facility, which was launched
last September.
The expansion project, for which cost and a schedule
were not given, will be financed by a long-term nonrecourse
syndicated project finance loan.
“The new plant will contribute to the rise of the group’s
market share in the nitrogen segment and expand its presence
in export markets,” EuroChem noted.

 

Celanese Extends Agreement with Linde For CO Supply to Singapore Acetyls Site

Singapore—
Celanese Singapore has extended its long-term contract
with Linde Gas Singapore for the supply of carbon monoxide
(CO) to its acetyls chemical facility on Jurong Island in
Singapore (PCN, 11 Jan 2016, p 3).
The extended contract will provide the site with an ongoing,
reliable and strategically advantaged supply of CO
for Celanese’s 600,000-t/y acetic acid plant and acetyls
production processes, Celanese noted.
Linde has been supplying the Singapore site with CO
since 2004, when it acquired a gasification facility and air
separation unit there.
“Our close cooperation with Linde has enabled Celanese
to enhance our operational flexibility in support of our
long-term strategy based upon low cost, flexible production
designed to meet our customers’ needs in all regions of the
world,” noted John Fotheringham, senior vice president of
acetyls at Celanese.

 

Lummus Wins FCC Technology Award For NRL’s Refinery Expansion Project

Houston—
Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL) has awarded a contract to
Lummus Technology to supply its Indmax fluid catalytic
cracking (FCC) technology for NRL’s refinery expansion
project in Numaligarh, Golaghat, Assam, India (PCN, 8
Feb 2021, p 2).
The FCC unit will increase crude processing capacity at
the refinery to 9-million t/y from 3-million t/y currently.
The refinery produces feedstock for petrochemicals.
Lummus’ scope includes the technology license, basic
engineering and related services. Once complete, the Indmax
unit will process 1.96-million t/y of mixed hydrotreated
VGO (vacuum gas oil) feed with flexibility to
operate in gasoline mode, as well as maximum propylene
production mode, Lummus noted.
Earlier this month, Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) received
a contract from NRL for its CLG LC-FINING technology
for the project.
“We are grateful that NRL selected Lummus and Chevron
Lummus Global as the licensors for their refinery expansion,
which is a testament to the superior performance
of our technology and the tremendous relationship we
have,” said Leon de Bruyn, president and chief executive of
Lummus Technology.
“This award is also recognition of the industry’s confidence
in our Indmax FCC technology as the world is shifting
from fuels to petrochemicals, and it adds to our dominant
market share in the high-propylene FCC arena both
in India and worldwide.”

 

SNF Investing in Plaquemine Facility To Increase Polyacrylamide Capacity

Plaquemine—
SNF announced it will invest $300-million to boost polyacrylamide
(PAM) capacity at its production plant in
Plaquemine, La., to meet demand.
The company plans to increase acrylamide capacity at
the site by 100,000 t/y and powder-grade PAM capacity by
30,000 t/y. Completion is expected in late 2022.
This year, SNF said it will finalize construction of a
new 50,000-t/y Adame monomer plant in Georgia; a new
30,000-t/y powder PAM line in Louisiana, and seven powder
PAM grinders.

 

Sumitomo to Set up Base in Poland For Production of PP Compounds

Poznan—Sumitomo
Chemical said it has decided to establish Sumika Polymer
Compounds Poland (SPCP), a new production base in Poland
to further enhance its polypropylene (PP) compounds
business.
The company, planned to be formed in March 2021, will
be located in Poznan and have a production capacity of
around 30,000 t/y of PP compounds. Commercial production
is expected to begin in the spring of 2022.
“As the EU’s [European Union] Circular Economy Action
Plan heightens the need for recycled products, Sumitomo
Chemical intends to increase the market share of
GFPP [glass fiber reinforced PP compounds] containing
60% to 100% recycled PP by starting production in SPCP,
following the lead of Sumitomo Chemical’s bases in the
United Kingdom and France,” the company noted.

 

QP Makes FID to Build ‘World’s Largest’ Liquefied Natural Gas Facility in Qatar

Doha—Qatar
Petroleum (QP) said it has taken the final investment decision
(FID) to develop the North Field East liquefied natural
gas (LNG) project, the “world’s largest” LNG project, in
Ras Laffan, Qatar (PCN, 10 Aug 2020, p 2).
The $28.75-billion project, involves the construction of
four “mega” LNG trains, each with a capacity of 8-million
t/y, as well as facilities for the production of condensate,
liquefied petroleum gas, ethane, sulfur and helium. QP
earlier said operations were scheduled to start in 2025.
It will also include a carbon dioxide (CO2) carbon capture
and sequestration unit, leading to more than a 25%
reduction of green house gas emissions, when compared to
similar LNG facilities.
CTJV, a joint venture between Chiyoda and Technip
Energies, was awarded the engineering, procurement, construction
and commissioning contract for the project.
“The execution of this . . . contract marks the commencement
of the construction of the . . . project, and is a
significant landmark in Qatar Petroleum’s strategic
growth journey in a sustainable manner,” said Minister of
State for Energy Affairs Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi.
QP is also planning a second phase, known as the North
Field South project, which involves construction of two additional
mega LNG trains, each with a capacity of 8-million
t/y, and associated offshore and onshore facilities. Production
is planned to start in 2027.
Ethane from the projects will feed a new world-scale
petrochemical complex that QP is planning with Chevron
Phillips Chemical Co. at Ras Laffan.
That complex would include a 1.9-million-t/y ethane
cracker, as well as two high-density polyethylene units
with a combined capacity of 1.68-million t/y. Start-up is
planned in late 2025.

 

IG Petrochemicals Gets Board Approval For PA Expansion Project in Gujarat

Mumbai—IG
Petrochemicals Ltd., in a stock exchange filing, announced
it has received approval from the company’s board of directors
for a greenfield expansion of phthalic anhydride (PA)
and its derivatives in Gujarat, India.
The project, estimated to cost around Rs 600 crores, will
involve expanding PA capacity by up to 80,000 t/y and increasing
derivatives capacity. The expansion is expected to
take about three years.
IG currently has a production capacity of 220,110 t/y of
PA, 8,000 t/y of maleic anhydride, 1,300 t/y of benzoic acid
and 8,400 t/y of plasticizers.
The demand for PA in the domestic market is expected
to grow due to the government’s focus on infrastructure
spending and demand growth in downstream products like
polyvinyl chloride, plasticizers, unsaturated polyester resins,
paints and others, led by good gross domestic product
growth in India, the company noted.

 

People on the Move

PureCycle Technologies—Tamsin Ettefagh has
joined the company as vice president of industry relations.
She was previously senior consultant both in an independent
capacity and for major consulting firms in the plastics
recycling space, focusing on strategy and implementation
to advancements in process, primarily in polyolefins.

 

Metafrax Expects to Complete, Commission Ammonia-Urea-Melamine Complex in ‘21

Perm—
Metafrax said it is “putting forth its best effort” to complete
construction and begin commissioning this year of its
ammonia-urea-melamine (AUM) complex, which has been
delayed from the pandemic (PCN, 25 May 2020, p 1).
The project, for which Casale is technology licensor and
engineering, procurement and construction management
contractor, includes the production of 308,000 t/y of ammonia,
575,000 t/y of urea and 41,000 t/y of melamine. Casale
last year said the project was expected to come on stream
within the end of 2020.
“With the launch of the AUM complex, we will start
producing our own urea and melamine, which are the components
necessary for the production of various grades of
resins,” Metafrax noted.
“There is not enough melamine being produced in Russia.
At the same time, we are a major consumer, using
almost 40,000 tons of this product at two sites. After putting
the urea and melamine plants into operation, we will
cover our demand for these products.”

 

JGC Awarded Contract from KazMunayGas For Gas Separation Unit in Kazakhstan

Atyrau—
KazMunayGas has awarded a front-end engineering and
design contract to JGC Corp. for a new gas separation
plant project being planned in Kazakhstan by KazMunay-
Gas and its KLPE subsidiary.
The project involves KLPE building a gas separation
plant with a capacity of 957-million cu ft/d adjacent to a
plant operated by Tengiz Oilfield development firm Tengizchevroil.
The separated ethane will be supplied as raw
material for a planned polyethylene facility.
“Amid the accelerating worldwide trend toward low
carbon and decarbonization, natural gas, which among fossil
energy sources has a low environmental impact, is expected
to experience an expansion in demand in the future
as a primary energy source and as a raw material for gas
chemicals,” JGC said.
Tengizchevroil is a joint venture of KayMunayGas,
ExxonMobil, Chevron and others).

 

DuPont Gets Contract from Orlen Lietuva For Stratco Alkylation Plant in Lithuania

Vilnius—
Orlen Lietuva has awarded a contract to DuPont Clean
Technologies to supply a Stratco alkylation unit and MECS
spent acid regeneration (SAR) unit to its Mazeikiai refinery
in Lithuania.
Under the contract, DuPont will provide licensing, engineering,
and technical services for the new 240,000-t/y
alkylation unit and 75,000-t/y SAR unit, in order to increase
refinery complexity and flexibility of the refinery,
DuPont noted. Start-up of both units is expected in 2025.
The alkylation unit will utilize liquefied petroleum gas
in the conversion to alkylate, and therefore upgrade refinery
profitability, while the SAR unit will provide the refinery
with a consistent supply of sulfuric acid, which is utilized
as the catalyst for the alkylation unit.
DuPont’s Stratco alkylation technology is a sulfuric
acid-catalyzed process that converts low-value, straightchain
olefins (propylene, butylenes, amylene) into alkylate
that meets the criteria of the Euro VI standard.

 

Bodal Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Siel Chemical Complex from Mawana

New Delhi—
Bodal Chemicals Ltd. has entered into a business transfer
agreement with Mawana Sugars Ltd. to acquire the Siel
Chemical Complex (SCC) in Rajpura, Punjab, India, for Rs
137 crore.
According to Bodal, SCC is “one of the largest” players
in the chlor-alkai segment in North India with a current
caustic soda capacity of 82,500 t/y. The facility also has an
installed capacity of 73,095 t/y of chlorine, 2,063 t/y of hydrogen,
66,000 t/y hydrochloric acid, 23,100 t/y of sodium
hypochlorite and 18,000 t/y of stable bleaching powder. An
expected closing date was not given.
After the transaction is finalized, Bodal plans to upgrade
the technology of the SCC, which will lead to a “substantial”
reduction in power costs, annual repair and maintenance
costs and in increase in caustic soda production
capacity to 99,000 t/y, Bodal noted.

 

Borealis Confirms Force Majeure at Kallo On Certain PP Grades and Compounds

Kallo—
Borealis confirmed to PCN that it declared force majeure
on 5 Feb. 2021 on certain polypropylene (PP) grades and
related compounds produced at its site in Kallo, Belgium.
The force majeure was caused by a technical incident
outside the scope of Borealis’ control, said a company
spokeswoman. Affected customers have been notified.
“At this point, we are unable to predict when exactly
the force majeure can be revoked,” she stated.

 

Borealis Inks 10-Year PPA with Gasum To Power Its Stenungsund Operations

Stockholm—
Borealis has entered into a 10-year power purchase agreement
(PPA) with Gasum to source an estimated 2,000 gigawatt
hours of wind-generated renewable electricity from
a local onshore wind farm for its operations in Stenungsund,
Sweden.
The Kronoberget wind farm, owned and operated by
Stena Renewable, began supplying Borealis on 1 Jan.
2021. The wind-generated energy will reduce Borealis’
indirect carbon dioxide emissions at Stenungsund by
around 10,000 t/y.
This PPA is the fourth and “largest” to date, Borealis
noted. “It marks a significant step forward towards the
achievement of strategic energy and climate targets: by
2030, the Borealis Group aims to source 50% of its energy
needs for its Polyolefins and Hydrocarbon & Energy business
areas from renewable sources.”

 

Yara Establishing Clean Ammonia Unit

Oslo—Yara,
in its fourth quarter 2020 results, said it taking further
steps to enable the hydrogen economy by forming a new
global business unit, Yara Clean Ammonia.
Yara Clean Ammonia is being established to capture
growth opportunities within carbon-free food solutions,
shipping fuel and other clean ammonia applications, “leveraging
Yara’s unique existing positions within ammonia
production, trading and shipping,” noted Yara President
and Chief Executive Svein Tore Holsether.

 

BASF & EDF Energy Enter Contract For Wind Power to Two Texas Sites

Freeport—BASF
and EDF Energy North America have signed a wind power
purchase agreement in which EDF will supply two of
BASF’s sites in Texas with a total of 35 megawatts of wind
power.
Under the contract, EDF will supply 25 megawatts of
wind power to the Verbund site in Freeport and 10 megawatts
of wind power to the Pasadena site. Value of the
contract was not disclosed.
BASF recently announced a power purchase agreement
for the supply of 55 megawatts of power to the Freeport
site from EDF Renewables’ Space City Solar project.
“The agreements underline BASF’s commitment to sustainability,”
said Chris Witte, senior vice president and
general manager for the Freeport site.
“Manufacturing products for sustainable solutions, reducing
emissions from our processes and using non-fossil
fueled energy sources – all of these efforts help lead us on
our continuing journey of sustainability.”
Approximately 70% of the energy supply to the Pasadena
site and over 90% of the power purchased in addition
to the energy produced at [the] Freeport site will be supplied
from renewable resources.

 

Uniper and Port of Rotterdam Begin Study For Green Hydrogen Unit at Maasvlakte

Rotterdam—
Energy firm Uniper and the Port of Rotterdam Authority
have initiated a feasibility study for the large-scale production
of green hydrogen at the Maasvlakte area in Rotterdam,
the Netherlands.
The parties plan to install the hydrogen plant on Uniper’s
site with a capacity of 100 megawatts, which can be
expanded to 500 megawatts, by 2025. The study is scheduled
to be completed this summer.
“Our location at Maasvlakte is the perfect place for
large-scale production of green hydrogen,” said Uniper
Chief Executive Andreas Schierenbeck. “This is where
everything comes together: large amounts of renewable
energy, the required infrastructure, and industrial customers.
A better place for green hydrogen production is hardly
imaginable.”
In the future, it will be possible to supply major industrials
complexes in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany,
through pipelines, Uniper noted, adding that its project
team is also looking into options for import, export and
storage at Maasvlakte.

 

Posco & OCI JV Begins Construction On HP Production Plant in S. Korea

Seoul—P&O
Chemical, a joint venture of Posco Chemical and OCI, recently
began construction on a 50,000-t/y hydrogen peroxide
(HP) production unit at OCI’s facility in Gwangyang,
South Korea (PCN, 2 Mar 2020, p 1).
PCN earlier reported that Posco would supply coke
oven gas to the plant and be responsible for business management,
while OCI would be in charge of construction and
product sales. Cost of the project was not given.
Completion is scheduled for the second quarter of 2022,
with trial production expected to begin in the second half of
2022.
P&O Chemical is owned 51% by Posco Chemical and
49% by OCI.

 

Lanxess Inaugurates Plant in Antwerp To Reduce Nitrous Oxide Emissions

Antwerp—
Lanxess announced the inauguration of a new nitrous oxide
reduction plant at its site in Antwerp, Belgium, which
breaks down nitrous oxide generated during the production
of caprolactam and neutralizes it completely.
The €10-million project breaks down about 500 t/y of nitrous
oxide, which is equivalent to the climate impact of
150,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). A second plant is
scheduled to start up in 2023 and is expected to eliminate
a further 300,000 tons of CO2 equivalents.
“We are committed to the Paris Agreement to limit
global warming to less than two degrees Celsius,” said
Hubert Fink, member of the board of management.
“The new nitrous oxide reduction plant in Antwerp is a
key building block in Lanxess becoming climate-neutral by
2040.”

 

Energy Transfer Establishes New Group To Develop Alternative Energy Projects

Dallas—
Energy Transfer (ET) has created a group within the partnership
that is focused on increasing the partnership’s efforts
to develop alternative energy projects, in order to continue
to reduce its environmental footprint.
The new Alternative Energy Group, led by Tom Mason,
will continue to focus on renewable energy projects such as
solar and/or wind farms, either as a power purchaser, or in
partnership with third-party developers, and will also look
to develop renewable diesel and renewable gas opportunities
when they make economic sense, ET noted.
The potential project could involve the utilization of existing
pipelines throughout ET’s extensive pipeline system,
which consists of over 90,000 miles of pipelines crossing 38
states.
Mason will continue in his role as ET’s general counsel,
a position he’s been in for 14 years.

Hengyi Picks Univation’s Unipol Process For New PE Plant at Brunei Complex

Brunei Bay—
Hengyi Industries has selected Univation’s Unipol
polyethylene (PE) process for a new world-scale PE plant
that will be built at Hengyi’s site in Palau Maura Besar,
Brunei (PCN, 21 Sept 2020, p 2).
The 600,000-t/y PE unit will be integrated into a larger
refinery and petrochemicals project, which includes a
280,000-b/d refinery and downstream production of ethylene,
benzene, paraxylene, ethylene glycol, purified
terephthalic acid, polypropylene and polyethylene
terephthalate.
The Unipol technology will allow Hengyi to produce a
broad range of high-density PE and linear low-density PE
products. A schedule for the project was not given.
Hengyi also selected Univation’s advanced software
platforms for both process control capability and virtual
process training for the PE facility.
“This Hengyi Industry project represents Brunei’s firstever
world-class oil refinery and petrochemical complex
and also marks and important milestone as our company’s
second significant capital investment for the Palau Muara
Besar site,” said Chen Lian Cai, chief executive of Hengyi.

 

Shintech to Increase Production Capacity At Integrated PVC Unit in Plaquemine

Houston—
Shintech, a U.S. subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical, announced
plans to invest $1.25-billion to further increase
production capacity at its integrated polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) manufacturing facility in Plaquemine, La. (PCN, 17
Feb 2020, p 1).
As part of the project, production capacity for vinyl
chloride monomer (VCM) will be increased by 580,000 t/y
to 2.95-million t/y, PVC capacity will be expanded by
380,000 t/y to 3.62-million t/y and caustic soda capacity
will be increased by 390,000 t/y to a total of 1.95-million
t/y. Construction is expected to be finalized by the end of
2023.
In 2018, the company broke ground on a $1.49-billion
project at the site to develop a new chlor-alkali and VCM
production facility and expand existing PVC production
units at the site. The project is scheduled to be completed
in the middle of this year.

 

Braskem Resumes Chlor-Alkali Production At Idled Production Facility in Alagaos

Alagaos—
Braskem has resumed chlor-alkali and dichloroethane production
at its plant in the Pontal da Barra district of Maceio,
Alagaos, Brazil, which has been idled since May 2019.
“To restart the chlor-alkali plant, the company concluded
the project to produce brine as raw material
through the acquisition of imported salt, which enables the
company to produce PVC [polyvinyl chloride] and caustic
soda on an integrated basis,” Braskem noted.

 

Nigeria Makes Final Investment Decision For Brass Fertilizer Methanol Project

Nigeria—
Nigeria National Petroleum Co. (NNPC) recently announced
in a tweet that a final investment decision has
been made for Brass Fertilizer & Petrochemical Co.’s
(BFPCL) planned methanol plant in Odioma, Brass Island,
in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
The $3.5-billion integrated methanol and gas project,
which NNPC said will be the “first” methanol plant in Nigeria,
involves a 10,000-t/d methanol unit to be built by
NNPC, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring
Board, and DSV Engineering.
“When completed, the BFPCL project will bring about
$3-billion foreign direct investment, generate employment
of 30,000 jobs during construction period and 5,000 during
operations,” said NNPC. Operations are expected to begin
by 2025.
Shell Petroleum Development Co. will provide gas under
a purchase agreement.

 

Versalis Licenses Technology to Enter For Uzbek LDPE/EVA Swing Facility

Milan—Eni’s
Versalis has licensed its low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/
ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) technology to Enter Engineering
for a new LDPE/EVA swing unit to be built as part of Jizzakh
Petroleum’s methanol-to-olefins (MTO) project in the
Karakul region of Uzbekistan.
The plant will be designed for a maximum EVAequivalent
production capacity of 180,000 t/y. Value of the
contract and an expected completion date were not available.
Enter Engineering will act as licensee on behalf of Jizzakh,
who will own and operate the entire gas-to-chemical
complex once it is complete.
Jizzakh earlier said the methanol project involved
building a state-of-the-art chemical complex based on MTO
technology, which is expected to process 1.5-billion cu m/yr
of natural gas for the production of 500,000 t/y of olefins.

 

Braskem Begins Polypropylene Exports From New Global Export Hub in S.C.

Charleston—
Braskem announced the first international shipment of
polypropylene (PP) from its new Global Export Hub in
Charleston, S.C. (PCN, 29 June 2020, p 1).
The facility, with 204,000 t/y of export capacity, provides
packaging, warehousing and export shipping services
to support Braskem’s six U.S. PP production plants.
“Given the current tight North American market, we
are prioritizing our domestic clients, but over time, the hub
will allow us to leverage our feedstock advantaged, polymer
production assets in the U.S. Gulf Coast, Pennsylvania,
and West Virginia, to best meet our international
client’s needs,” said Alexandre Elias, vice president of Olefins
& Polyolefins North America.

 

NRL Lets Technology Contract to CLG For Numaligarh Refinery Expansion

Numaligarh—
Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) has received a technology
contract from Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL) for a refinery
expansion project in Numaligarh, Golaghat, Assam,
India (PCN, 11 May 2020, p 1).
The refinery, which produces feedstock for petrochemicals,
is being expanded to 9-million t/y from 3-million t/y
currently. PCN last year reported that completion was
expected by 2024.
CLG’s scope includes technology license, process design
package, proprietary equipment, catalyst supply, training
and technical services. Contract value was not given.
The new plant will employ CLG’s LC-FINING technology
with an integrated VGO [vacuum gas oil] hydrotreater
to upgrade vacuum residue and clarified oil from existing
and new units. Start up is planned in 2025.
“Combining the two technologies gives NRL the ability
to produce feedstock for petrochemicals with a low investment,”
CLG noted. “The process involves upgrading residue
to make feed for high propylene FCC [fluidized catalytic
cracking] with ease, safety and reliability.”
Last year, NRL awarded an Rs 300 crore contract to
Thyssenkrupp to supply engineering, procurement and
construction management services for a new petrochemical
FCC unit with 2-million t/y of capacity, units for liquefied
petroleum gas treatment, gasoline desulphurization, MS
blocks having naphtha hydrotreating, continuous catalytic
reforming and isomerization units.

 

OMV Gets Supervisory Board Approval To Establish New Chemicals Division

Vienna—OMV
announced it has received supervisory board approval for a
reorganization of the OMV Group that involves splitting
and expanding the current area of Refining & Petrochemical
Operations into two areas: Refining and Chemicals &
Materials.
In addition, Alfred Stern has been appointed executive
board member for Chemicals & Materials. The changes
are effective 1 Apr. 2021.
“This structural change facilitates the forward integration
in the chemicals sector that has been underway ever
since OMV acquired a majority stake in Borealis,” the
company noted.
Last October, OMV purchased an additional 39% interest
in Borealis from Mubadala Investment Co., increasing
its stake in Borealis to 75% (PCN, 2 Nov 2020, p 1). Mubadala
holds the remaining 25% stake.

 

Ube Temporarily Suspends Production At Ube-Fujimagari Ammonia Facility

Tokyo—Ube
Industries has temporarily suspended ammonia production
at its Ube-Fujimagari factory in Yamaguchi, Japan, following
the discovery of equipment problems.
The shutdown, which began on 25 Jan. 2021, is also expected
to affect the production of downstream products
that utilize ammonia as a raw material.
“We extend our sincere apologies for any inconvenience
or concern this situation may cause our customers and
business partners, and offer our assurance that we continue
to work to ensure the quick and reliable restoration
of production operations,” the company noted.

 

Ineos Styrolution & Polystyvert Agree To Advance Circular Economy for PS

Montreal—
Ineos Styrolution and Polystyvert said they have entered
into a joint development agreement to collaborate on converting
post-consumer polystyrene (PS) plastic into a new
“high-quality” PS raw material resin.
Polystyvert uses a patented dissolution technology to
process PS waste into the recycled PS. The dissolution
method of advanced recycling takes plastic waste in its
solid form and dissolves it in a solvent.
Once dissolved, the process can mechanically and
chemically separate contaminants and additives, before
finally separating the original polymer from the solvent.
The end-product is then a cleaned polymer that may be
used as new raw material resin, the partners explained.
Polystyvert’s in-depth purification technology is able to
treat all types of feedstock, from industrial waste to postconsumer
streams. It can eliminate a wide range of hardto-
remove contaminants, such as pigments and brominated
flame-retardants. Recycled PS pellets can then be used to
manufacture various categories of PS products, including
food-grade applications.
Using the dissolution technology, recycled PS is produced
at a “competitive” price, “opening up the full potential
for a circular economy,” noted Polystyvert Chief Executive
Solenne Brouard.
In 2018, Polystyvert opened a new PS dissolution recycling
facility in Montreal, Canada, which, at the time, it
said was the “world’s very first” (PCN, 27 Aug 2018, p 4).

 

Stepan Finalizes Purchase of Invista’s Aromatic Polyester Polyol Business

Chicago—Stepan
announced it has acquired Invista’s aromatic polyester
polyol business and associated assets for an undisclosed
amount.
The transaction includes two manufacturing sites located
in Wilmington, N.C., and Vlissingen, the Netherlands,
and intellectual property, customer relationships,
inventory and working capital.
“We are excited to add Invista’s polyester polyol capabilities
to Stepan,” said F. Quinn Stepan Jr., chairman and
chief executive of Stepan.
“This acquisition expands our manufacturing capability
in both the United States and Europe, enhances our business
continuity capabilities for the market and supports
the growth of our global rigid polyol business.
“We expect that Invista’s available spare capacity, plus
debottlenecking opportunities in both plants, will allow
Stepan to support market growth in a capital efficient
way,” he noted.

 

People on the Move

Borealis—Thomas Gangl, currently executive board
member of OMV AG, has been named chief executive of
Borealis, effective 1 Apr. 2021. He will succeed Alfred
Stern, who has been appointed executive board member for
Chemicals & Materials of OMV AG.
ExxonMobil Corp.—Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin
has joined the company’s board of directors. He was
previously president and group chief executive of Petronas
from 2015 to 2020.

 

NextDecade Decides Not to Proceed With Galveston Bay LNG Facility

Houston—Next-
Decade Corp. said it has completed an evaluation of the
Galveston Bay site in Texas City, Texas, for a planned liquefied
natural gas (LNG) facility and determined that the
site is not suitable for development of the project.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Galveston
District, has advised the company that a portion of the site
is under Federal Navigation Servitude and serves as an
active Dredged Material Placement Area (DMPA) for the
Texas City Ship Channel Federal Project.
In order for the LNG project to be built, the USACE
would have to request that congress, via the Water Resources
Development Act or other legislation, authorize the
release of its constitutional right of Navigation Servitude
over this DMPA.
Due to the potential for prolonged uncertainty around
the prospect of release of Federal Navigation Servitude by
USACE, NextDecade has decided to forfeit the site and
cease all related activities.
The company continues to work on remaining commercial
agreements needed to achieve a final investment decision
on its proposed Rio Grande LNG project (PCN, 12 Oct
2020, p 4).
The Rio Grande facility was originally planned to include
six LNG trains, each capable of producing 4.5-million
t/y of LNG for export.
Last July, the company said it can now produce 27-
million t/y of LNG with just five trains and decided to vacate
the sixth train. A final investment decision is expected
this year.

 

Borealis Decides to Initiate Process To Sell Its Nitrogen Business Unit

Vienna—Borealis
has decided to start a sales process to divest its nitrogen
business unit, including fertilizer, technical nitrogen and
melamine products.
The company operates fertilizer production plants in
Austria and France. With around 60 warehouses across
Europe and approximately 5-million t/y of products supplied
in Western, Central and Southeastern Europe via the
Borealis L.A.T. distribution network, Borealis is one of
Europe’s leading fertilizer producers, the company noted.
Borealis’ share in fertilizer production sites in the
Netherlands and Belgium are currently not being considered
within the potential sales process.
The company is also “one of the global market leaders”
in melamine, with operations in Austria and Germany,
Borealis stated.
“Borealis will continue to focus on its core activities of
providing innovative solutions in the fields of polyolefins
and base chemicals, thus extending OMV’s value chain
towards higher value chemical products and the transformation
towards a circular economy.”

 

Proman, Partners Reach Financial Close On Varennes Carbon Recycling Project

Calgary—
Varennes Carbon Recycling, a planned waste-to-biofuels
plant in Varennes, Quebec, has reached financial close,
with investment agreements signed by partners Enerkem,
Shell, Suncor, the Govt. of Quebec and Proman (PCN, 11
Jan 2021, p 2).
The C$875-million facility is expected to ramp up to a
production capacity of 100,000 t/y of bio- and circular
methanol, using Enerkem’s technology that converts nonrecyclable
waste into sustainable methanol. The methanol
can then be converted to other low-carbon biofuels, such as
ethanol and gasoline.
As part of the investment agreement, Proman will be
entitled to market the methanol, which, once the plant is
in operation, could make Proman the largest marketer of
bio-methanol globally, Proman noted. Commissioning of
the first phase is scheduled for 2023.

 

Univar Reaches Agreement with Sasol For Alcohol, Surfactants Distribution

Chicago—
Univar Solutions and Sasol Chemicals have reached an
agreement, in which Univar will become the primary national
distributor of Sasol’s alcohol and surfactant products
in the U.S. and Canada.
Univar Solution’s offering will be expanded to include
Sasol’s ALFOL alcohols and ALFONIC/NOVEL/SAFOL
surfactants.
“Univar Solutions’ warehousing, distribution, logistics
network, and digital marketplace leadership will enable
Sasol to enhance our customer service and help meet our
sustainability goals,” noted Victoria Stolarski, director of
marketing and sales, global alcohols and U.S. surfactants
at Sasol.
“Through Univar Solutions, we will gain packaging and
shipping efficiencies that will help us reduce both plastic
use and fuel consumption.”

 

Bilfinger & Umincorp Form Partnership To Build Plastic Recycling Facilities

Mannheim—
Bilfinger and recycling tech company Umincorp have
signed a letter of intent for a long-term engineering, procurement
and construction (EPC) partnership to jointly
construct several plastic recycling plants.
The facilities will be based on Umincorp’s new, patented
magnetic density separation (MDS) technology,
which has a “40% higher” recovery of plastics and a “10%
higher” output quality than currently used recycling processes,
Bilfinger noted.
After the successful commissioning of the first industrial-
scale MDS recycling facility in Amsterdam, the Netherlands,
Bilfinger said it will now support Umincorp in
standardizing their plant concept for international expansion.
Bilfinger’s Dutch subsidiary, Bilfinger Tebodin, will
execute the EPC for the realization of the MDS plants.
The German subsidiary, Bilfinger Greylogix, will support
them with their expertise in plant automation and process
control in implementing remote control technologies in the
recycling units to establish cost-effective maintenance solutions.

 

Dow CEO Fitterling Becomes Chairman Of American Chemistry Council Board

Washington—
Jim Fitterling, chairman and chief executive of Dow, has
become chairman of the American Chemistry Council’s
(ACC) board of directors.
“It is a privilege to serve in this capacity during such a
pivotal time,” said Fitterling. “The chemical industry has a
unique and critical role in solving some of the greatest
problems facing our world, including a global health crisis,
economic and societal challenges, and climate change.
“At the same time, our opportunity and our responsibility
to unite and collaborate across businesses, government,
and society to drive transformative change and lasting solutions
has never been greater.”
Prior to Fitterling’s role as chairman, he served as
chairman of the executive committee, preceded by his role
as vice chairman of the board and chair of the council’s
board finance, audit and membership committee. He currently
co-chairs ACC’s board sustainability committee.

 

U.S. Chemical Production Ends Year On a ‘High Note,’ Says ACC Report

Washington—The
U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index (U.S. CPRI) rose
1.2% in December 2020, following a 0.6% gain in November
and a 1.2% increase in October of the same year, ending
2020 on a “high note,” according to the American Chemistry
Council (ACC).
“Compared with December 2019, U.S. chemical production
was off 2.7%, the nineteenth consecutive month of
year-over-year declines, but reflecting improvement versus
earlier in the year,” the report stated. “Chemical production
remained lower than a year ago in all regions, with
the largest year-ago declines seen in the Northeast, Mid-
Atlantic and West Coast regions.”
According to the ACC, since almost all manufactured
goods are produced using some form of chemistry, manufacturing
activity is an “important” indicator for chemical
demand.
The manufacturing recovery continued for a sixth
straight month in December 2020, with overall factory activity
up 1.1%. The trend in production rose in nearly all
key chemistry end-use industries, with the strongest gains
seen in plastic products, iron and steel, appliances, aerospace,
construction supplies, foundries, tires, paper, structural
panels and apparel.
The U.S. CPRI is measured on a three-month moving
average.

 

Covestro Plans PUD Production Unit At Its Integrated Site in Shanghai

Shanghai—
Covestro expects to build a new production facility for
polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) at the Covestro Integrated
Site in Shanghai, China.
In addition, the company will also build a further line
for polyester resins, which are produced from PUDs. The
plants, for which capacities were not given, are due to be
completed in 2024.
“With these investments, we are preparing for the continued
growth in demand for these products and expanding
our leading global position,” said Michael Friede, global
head of the coatings, adhesives, and specialties segment.

 

Iran’s NPC Interested in Developing New Petrochemical Hub in Makran

Tehran—The National
Petrochemical Co. (NPC) of Iran is looking to turn
the country’s Makran region into a new petrochemical hub,
reported the Tehran Times citing NPC Head Behzad
Mohammadi.
“Due to the strategic position of Makran, development
of the petrochemical industry in this region and creating a
petrochemical hub would be a smart move,” he said.
Developing the region would bring new jobs and also
turn the port in Chabahar into a trade and industrial port
of Iran. In addition, the region is close to substantial gas
reserves that could provide feedstock to the petrochemical
facilities.

 

Clariant Enters Agreement to Cooperate With ETH Zurich on Catalysis Research

Muttenz—
Clariant said it has signed a cooperation agreement with
the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH
Zurich) to support research in catalysis and sustainable
chemistry with a “significant” financial contribution over
an initial period of 10 years.
The partnership’s goal is, firstly, to advance the understanding
of catalyst properties – from nano- to macroscale
– and their performance. Secondly, together with the ETH
Foundation, Clariant will sponsor and collaborate in fundamental
chemical research projects, promoting “talented”
ETH scientists and students, Clariant explained.
“We are honored to announce our research agreement
with the prestigious ETH Zurich,” said Hans Bohnen,
member of Clariant’s executive committee.
“The partnership, like those with other academic institutions,
underscores our commitment to fostering innovation
and R&D to develop groundbreaking products and solutions
that add value to people, industries and the environment.”

LyondellBasell & Sinopec Firm Agreement To Form JV to Produce PO, SM in China

Beijing—
LyondellBasell and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.
(Sinopec) have signed an agreement to form the previously
announced 50-50 joint venture to produce propylene oxide
(PO) and styrene monomer (SM) in China (PCN, 6 Jan
2020, p 1).
The joint venture, which will operate under the name
Ningbo ZRCC LyondellBasell New Material Co., will build
a new facility in Zhenhai, Ningbo, that will produce
275,000 t/y of PO and 600,000 t/y of SM.
Based on LyondellBasell’s PO/SM technology, the plant
is expected to start up at the end of this year. Products
will be marketed equally by both parties.
Formation of the joint venture is subject to relevant
government approvals, including antitrust review by the
State Administration for Market Regulation.
“As China’s economy continues to grow, so will demand
for propylene oxide and styrene monomer,” said Torkel
Rhenman, executive vice president of intermediates and
derivatives, and refining.
“We are excited to expand our relationship with Sinopec
through this joint venture in order to better serve China’s
domestic market. Sinopec’s outstanding operational capabilities
combined with LyondellBasell’s leading technology
is a win-win.”

 

RIL Completes Spin-Off of OTC Division Into New Unit to Expand Downstream

New Delhi—
Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) has concluded the spin-off of
its oil-to-chemicals (OTC) business into a separate subsidiary
that will move further downstream (PCN, 20 July
2020, p 1).
The OTC business includes the refining, petrochemicals
and fuels marketing businesses of RIL. This past July,
RIL said the business had an enterprise value of $750-
billion.
“The reorganized structure will facilitate holistic and
agile decision making and enable us to pursue attractive
new opportunities for growth with strategic partnerships
with the best and the biggest in this business globally,”
said RIL Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh D.
Ambani.
Also in July, RIL said that due to unforeseen circumstances
in the energy market and the COVID-19 situation,
it plan to divest a 20% stake in the OTC business to Saudi
Aramco had not progressed per its original timeline. No
update was given.

 

Celanese Resumes Project to Enhance Acetic Acid Capacity at Clear Lake

Irving—Celanese,
in reporting its full year 2020 and fourth quarter earnings,
said it has resumed a project to increase acetic acid capacity
at Clear Lake, Texas (PCN, 4 May 2020, p 1).
Last April, Celanese announced that it was deferring
construction on the new acetic acid production unit, and
the associated incremental expansion of its joint venture
methanol unit at Clear Lake, by about 18 months.
Acetic acid capacity at the site is being expanding to 2-
million t/y from 1.3-million t/y currently. Completion is
expected by the middle of 2023.
Fairway Methanol, a joint venture of Celanese and Mitsui
& Co., is increasing methanol production capacity at
the complex to 1.7-million t/y from 1.3-million t/y currently.
The report did not mention the methanol portion of the
project.

 

SK Global Chem, Brightmark Sign MoU For Plastics Renewal Plant in S. Korea

Seoul—SK
Global Chemical and global waste solutions provider
Brightmark have signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) to form a partnership that aims to build a commercial-
scale plastics renewal facility in South Korea.
Under the MoU, the parties will jointly utilize Brightmark’s
plastics renewal technology and confirm its commercial
viability with the intention of forming a joint venture
to develop, finance, construct and operate the plant.
The proposed facility is planned to have a capacity of
100,000 t/y. Both companies will perform a feasibility
study during 2021 and intend to cooperate by combining
experience of pyrolysis and post treatment. A planned
schedule for the project was not available.
By the end of this year, they will complete an evaluation
of the most optimal methods to operate, scale and develop
Brightmark’s technology prior to finalization of a
joint venture agreement for the plant development and
operation.
Brightmark is currently building a $260-million plastics
renewal facility in Ashley, Ind., which will initially convert
about 100,000 t/y of plastic waste into new products. It is
scheduled to achieve full commercial scale this year (PCN,
20 Apr 2020, p 3).

 

Hanwha Solutions Increases Production Of Phthalate-Free Plasticizer in Ulsan

Ulsan—Hanwha
Solutions announced it has tripled the production of
its ECO-DEHCH phthalate-free plasticizer in Ulsan, South
Korea, to respond to growing demand, reported the Korea
Herald.
The $40.7-million project expanded ECO-DEHCH production
capacity at the site to 65,000 t/y from 15,000 t/y
currently.
The company first started producing the plasticizer in
Ulsan in 2017 (PCN, 12 June 2017, p 2).

 

Taiwan’s CPC Planning to Construct New Naphtha Cracker in Kaohsiung

Taipei—CPC
Corp. of Taiwan is planning to build a new cracker in
Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to replace its older No. 4 cracker,
which cannot meet customer demand, according to several
local media reports.
The new $2.94-billion cracker is expected to produce 1-
million t/y of ethylene. CPC plans to break ground in 2025
and begin production 2028.
CPC’s No. 4 cracker has been in operation for 37 years
and has a production capacity of 380,000 t/y of ethylene.
Once the new plant is built, the older cracker can be dismantled.

 

Methanex’s Geismar 3 Facility Remains On ‘Temporary Care and Maintenance’

Geismar—
Methanex, in its fourth quarter 2020 results, said its 1.8-
million-t/y Geismar 3 methanol project in Geismar, La.,
remains on “temporary care and maintenance” (PCN, 2
Nov 2020, p 2).
Early last year, Methanex announced it was deferring
about $500-million of capital spending on the facility for up
to 18 months, citing uncertainty in the global economy
from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company expects to spend around $80-million on
the project over the next nine months. This amount reflects
costs that were already committed and the completion
of activities that preserve flexibility to complete the
project in the future, including key engineering activities
and procurement of critical path equipment, Methanex
explained.
“We have a robust decision making process for evaluating
the project and before deciding whether to restart construction,
management and our board will need to carefully
consider many factors, including the global economic recovery
and methanol industry outlook,” the company noted.

 

ET Loads First Very Large Ethane Carrier Under Orbit Gulf Coast NGL Exports JV

Dallas—
Energy Transfer (ET) has loaded the first very large ethane
carrier (VLEC) under its Orbit Gulf Coast NGL Exports
(Orbit) joint venture with Satellite Petrochemical
USA Corp. (PCN, 8 Apr 2019, p 1).
Seri Everest, the “world’s largest” VLEC, departed from
Orbit’s newly built export facilities at ET’s terminal in
Nederland, Texas, ET noted. It was loaded with over
911,000 bbls of ethane destined for Satellite’s Lianyungang
ethane cracker in China.
The Nederland terminal includes a 1.2-million bbl ethane
storage tank and an estimated 180,000-b/d ethane refrigeration
plant. ET’s facility in Marcus Hook, Penn., is
also capable of handling VLECs. The combination of the
two terminals represent over 50% of the U.S. waterborne
export capacity, ET explained.
Under the Orbit joint venture, ET is the operator of Orbit’s
assets, which also include a newly built 20-inch pipeline
originating at ET’s fractionation and storage facilities
in Mont Belvieu, Texas, for ethane deliveries to the Nederland
terminal as well as domestic markets in the region.
ET, under an earlier announced long-term, demandbased
agreement, will export about 150,000 b/d of ethane
to Satellite’s ethane cracking units in China. It will also
provide storage and marketing services to Satellite.

 

Fujian Billion Commences Operation Of New PTA Facility in Quanzhou

Shanghai—Fujian
Billion has started up its new purified terephthalic acid
(PTA) unit in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China, reported
Argus Media.
The 2.5-million-t/y PTA unit, based on Invista Performance
Technologies’ latest P8 PTA process technology, was
originally scheduled to start up in August 2020 (PCN, 27
Aug 2018, p 1).
The $882-million project had been delayed because of
disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the report
stated.

 

Air Liquide Completes ‘World’s Largest’ PEM Electrolyzer at Becancour Plant

Becancour—Air
Liquide said it has concluded construction of the “world’s
largest” proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer for
the production of low-carbon hydrogen at its facility in Becancour,
Quebec, Canada (PCN, 4 Mar 2019, p 4).
The new 20-megawatt electrolyzer, equipped with
Cummins technology, increases the current capacity of the
hydrogen facility by 50%. Around 27,000 t/y of carbon dioxide
emissions will be avoided.
Becancour’s proximity to major industrial markets in
Canada and the U.S. will help ensure North America’s
supply of low-carbon hydrogen for both industry and mobility,
the company noted.
“The fight against climate change is at the heart of the
Air Liquide Group’s strategy,” said Susan Ellerbusch, chief
executive of Air Liquide North America and group executive
committee member. “The inauguration of the Becancour
site . . . marks an important step in the implementation
of this strategy.
“With this world’s first, Air Liquide confirms its commitment
to the production of low-carbon hydrogen on an
industrial scale and its ability to effectively deploy the related
technological solutions. Hydrogen will play a key
role in the energy transition and the emergence of a lowcarbon
society.”

 

LG Hosting Global Innovation Contest For New Sustainable Technologies

Seoul—LG Chem
announced it will host the 3rd Global Innovation Contest
(GIC) for leading universities and research institutions
worldwide.
The contest invites organizations to discover innovative
ideas for sustainable technologies in the following categories:
energy, sustainability, advanced materials and digital
transformation. Entries can be submitted from 25 Jan.
2021 to 31 Mar. 2021.
LG will form a judging panel of internal experts to
evaluate the research proposals based on the company’s
sustainability strategies and business plans. The panel
will also consider the technological innovativeness, marketability,
and price competitiveness to draw up a shortlist.
Nominees will be notified this July.
The nominees will be granted up to $150,000 of research
and development expenses per year during their
projects, as well as opportunities for research dispatch and
technology exchange to support them.
Proposals can be submitted through GIC’s website at
www.rnd.lgchem.com/global/gic.

 

Eastman to Build New World-Scale Facility For Plastic-to-Plastic Molecular Recycling

Kingsport–
Eastman Chemical Co. said it plans to build “one of the
world’s largest” plastic-to-plastic molecular recycling facilities
at its site in Kingsport, Tenn.
The company will invest around $250-million in the
plant, which will utilize the company’s polyester renewal
technology. The facility will convert over 100,000 tons of
polyester waste into premium, high-quality specialty plastics,
creating an optimized circular economy, Eastman
noted. Mechanical completion is expected by the end of
next year.
“This process of using plastic waste as the main feedstock
is a true material-to-material solution and will not
only reduce the company’s use of fossil feedstocks, but also
reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to 30% relative
to fossil feedstocks.”

 

Celanese & Calpine Extend Supply Deal To Include Solar Energy at Clear Lake

Dallas—
Celanese said it has entered into a 15-year contract extension
with Calpine Energy Solutions to incorporate a solar
power component into the electricity supply mix for its acetyl
intermediates chemical manufacturing facility at its
site in Clear Lake, Texas.
Calpine is expected to supply the facility with 45 megawatts
of peak solar contracted capacity. The contract
equates to about 33% of Celanese’s annual electricity consumption
at the site and about 65% of the site’s daytime
electricity usage during summer months.
Celanese, which owns the Clear Lake site, will extend
this solar power supply to other site partners, such as
Arkema, which owns and operates the acrylic acid and
acrylic esters units at the site, and has expressed an interest
in solar power supply.
“Solar power energy is growing in relevance and significance
as a source of renewable electricity and we are seeing
that the resource availability is providing a better
match to meet demand during critical times of the year
versus other large, fast-growing, renewable sources,” noted
Jon Mortimer, vice president of global manufacturing at
Celanese.
“Additionally, solar power generation to the Clear Lake
facility acts as a natural hedge to help offset high electricity
prices during peak hours in the summer months.”

 

GPCA Decides to Cancel Special Edition Of Annual Forum Planned This Month

Dubai—The
Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Assn. (GPCA) said
that after careful consideration of the circumstances related
to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has decided not to hold
the special edition of the 15th Annual GPCA Forum, which
had been scheduled to take place from 10-11 Feb. 2021 in
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PCN, 2 Nov 2020, p 4).
The next edition of the Annual GPCA Forum is set to
take place on 7-9 December 2021 in Dubai.
“The health and safety of our members, sponsors and
exhibitors, partners, as well as employees are paramount
to any decision we take,” it noted. “Therefore, considering
the ongoing concerns about the pandemic in the region and
globally, we felt this was the best way to proceed during
such unprecedented times.”

 

CPChem Touts Developments in Program That Converts Waste Plastics into PE

Baytown—
Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. (CPChem) announced two
“significant” developments in its advanced recycling program
that converts waste plastics into circular polyethylene
(PE) in Baytown, Texas.
The company has received certification through the International
Sustainability and Carbon Certification PLUS
(ISCC PLUS) process for its Marlex Anew circular PE, and
signed a long-term supply agreement with Nexus Fuels for
pyrolysis oil, which is needed to produce the PE.
In October 2020, CPChem said it had completed the
“first” U.S. commercial-scale production of the circular PE
using advanced recycling technology (PCN, 12 Oct 2020, p
2).
Nexus converts difficult-to-recycle waste plastics into
pyrolysis oil and has already begun supplying its highquality
feedstock to CPChem to produce the circular PE.
Nexus ISCC PLUS certification, combined with CPChem’s
certification, establishes Marlex Anew circular PE as an
end-to-end certified circular product.
CPChem is targeting a production volume of 1-billion
lbs/yr of the circular PE by 2030.

 

ACC Supports U.S. President Biden’s Decision to Rejoin Paris Agreement

Washington—The
American Chemistry Council (ACC) released a statement
supporting U.S. President Biden’s executive action to rejoin
the Paris Agreement.
“The American Chemistry Council and its members
welcome President Biden’s executive decision to rejoin the
Paris Agreement,” said the ACC.
“America’s chemical and plastics manufacturers – a
primary driver of the American economy, American innovation
and the creation of emissions-reducing technologies
– support meaningful efforts to reduce emissions for the
health of our planet and future generations.
“In order for the opportunities afforded by the Paris
Agreement to be fully realized the administration, congress
and the private sector must work together to develop and
implement a national, comprehensive, market-based system
to drive emissions reductions,” it stated.
“Climate change is a global challenge that requires
long-term commitment and action by every segment of society.
ACC members stand ready to play a constructive
role in the development of climate solutions that will support
a healthy, thriving nation for generations to come.”

 

OQ Places Sales Control on Intermediates

Houston—
OQ Chemicals has announced sales control on oxo intermediate
products in the U.S., effective immediately, due to
recent increased demand and current shortages of supply
for those products produced at its Bay City, Texas, site.
Formerly Oxea, OQ Chemicals will be allocating global
supply for all unfilled and future purchase orders among
its contract customers for whom it has received forecasted
demand and its internal demand until the third quarter of
2021.
The company is a global manufacturer of oxo intermediates
and oxo derivatives, such as alcohols, polyols, carboxylic
acids, specialty esters and amines.

 

Trinseo Finalizes Construction of Italian Thermoplastic Elastomers R&D Center

Veneto—
Trinseo has completed an expansion of its thermoplastic
elastomers (TPE) research and development (R&D) center
in Mussolente, Italy.
Located on the site of the company’s main TPE manufacturing
facility, the expanded R&D center enables Trinseo
to further develop its portfolio of custom engineered
TPE and thermoplastic urethanes, along with its “leading“
bioplastics portfolio, Trinseo noted.
The center is led my Marco Meneghetti, global TPE T&I
leader, and is supporting both of the company’s manufacturing
sites for soft plastics in Mussolente and in Hsinchu,
Taiwan.

 

Sumitomo to Set Up Strategy Council To Achieve Carbon Neutrality by ‘50

Tokyo—Sumitomo
Chemical, as part of its strategy to achieve carbon
neutrality by 2050, has decided to establish a Carbon Neutral
Strategy Council, effective 1 Feb. 2021.
The new council will formulate strategies and set milestones
for the Sumitomo Chemical group based on four
approaches:
To minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated
with the group’s production activities
through innovation, and provide and deploy new
technologies, globally.
To drive innovations for GHG emissions reduction
regarding materials used in society, and provide
products and solutions that contribute to carbon
neutrality from a Life Cycle Assessment perspective.
To actively engage in the development of technologies
for recovery, separation, use and storage of
GHG emitted from other industries and from communities,
and help the process by becoming part of
a system that implements such technologies in society.
To take on the long-term challenge of developing
carbon negative technologies to reduce the absolute
volume of GHG in the atmosphere.
Along with the council, the company has established a
Carbon Neutral Strategy Cross-Functional Team as an
administrative office for the council. This is a crosssectoral
team led by executive officers supervising research
planning and coordination, responsible care, and related
functions.

 

Braskem Inks Deal with Casa dos Ventos For the Purchase of Renewable Energy

São Paulo—
Braskem, in line with its strategy to expand the use of
clean energies in industrial operations, has signed an
agreement with Casa dos Ventos for the purchase of renewable
energy.
Casa dos Ventos will study the feasibility of building a
new wind farm in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil,
which will ensure the supply of energy to Braskem for a
period of 20 years.
Subject to approval by the competent governance levels,
Braskem will have the option to acquire an equity interest
in the wind farm, which would enable a self-production
model, Braskem noted.
This is Braskem’s fourth agreement for the purchase of
renewable energy, which is estimated to result in over 1.5-
million tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions, contributing
to the company’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by
2050.
Braskem describes Casa dos Ventos as one of Brazil’s
“pioneering and largest” investors in the development of
renewable energy projects.

 

DIC, Jindal Poly Films Reach Agreement To Team Up in Functional CPP Films

New Delhi—
DIC Corp. and Jindal Poly Films Ltd. have agreed to
collaborate in the area of functional cast polypropylene
(CPP) film in India.
The two companies are considering entering into a
technology licensing agreement, whereby DIC would extend
packaging technologies to Jindal; developing and
mass-producing functional CPP film using DIC technologies
at Jindal’s Indian plant; and conducting joint sales of
functional CPP film manufactured by Jindal in India with
a view to establishing a joint venture.
“Amid growing sustainability-related needs, DIC aims
to expand its films business by capitalizing on this collaboration
with Jindal Poly Films to introduce advanced technologies
cultivated in Japan to the Indian market, which is
expected to see significant growth going forward,” DIC
noted.

OMV Investing in Burghausen Refinery To Boost Ethylene, Propylene Capacity

Berlin—OMV
is investing in a project to modernize and expand its
cracker units and petrochemical cold section at its
Burghausen refinery in Germany with the aim of increasing
ethylene and propylene production capacity.
The work, which is being done during a planned turnaround,
will increase ethylene and propylene capacity by
around 50,000 t/y. Start-up is expected in the third quarter
of 2022.
“By expanding the cracker, OMV is consistently delivering
on its petrochemical strategy for a future-proof refinery,”
said OMV Chief Downstream Operations Officer
Thomas Gangl. “This goes hand in hand with the growth
in the chemical industry and serves as a response to
increasing customer demand.
“At the same time, this 40-million-euro investment will
provide key economic stimulus for the region and for
OMV’s Burghausen site.”

 

Sinopec Yizheng Picks Invista Technology For Third PTA Line in Jiangsu Province

Shanghai—
Invista Performance Technologies (IPT) has agreed to license
its PTA P8++ technology to Sinopec Yizheng for a
third purified terephthalic acid (PTA) line to be installed in
Jiangsu Province, China.
The new line will have a nameplate capacity of 3-
million t/y. Cost of the project and schedule were not disclosed.
Sinopec Yizheng utilized IPT’s P6 PTA technology for
the 450,000-t/y second PTA line.
“Following the experience of working directly with the
Sinopec Yizheng team on the second PTA line in 2003, I
am excited by this new chapter in the partnership between
our organizations,” said Adam Sackett, vice president of
PTA at IPT.

 

Koyuncu Selects Inovyn Technology For Chlor-Alkali Project in Turkey

Ankara—Inovyn
has been chosen by Koyuncu Group to supply its chloralkali
technology for a new €16-million production facility
Koyuncu is building in Konya Province, Turkey.
Invoyn will provide its state-of-the-art Bichlor bipolar
electrolyzers for the 50,000-t/y facility that will produce
chlorine, caustic, sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric
acid. Koyuncu may invest in derivatives production in the
future.
Vespro A.S. will be responsible for the engineering, construction
and start-up for the project. Production is scheduled
to start by the beginning of next year.
“When selecting the technologies for our investment,
choosing environmentally-friendly, sustainable and energyefficient
cutting-edge technology was essential,” said Ibrahim
Koyunco, chairman of the executive board of Koyuncu.

 

NWIW Methanol Project Encounters Snag With Dept. of Ecology’s Permit Decision

Kalama—
Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW) said the Washington
State Dept. of Ecology will not issue the company a Shoreline
Conditional Use permit for its planned methanol project
at the Port of Kalama in Washington, despite granting
the permit for the same project over three years ago (PCN,
21 Sept 2020, p 1).
The facility, estimated to cost over $2-billion, would
convert regionally-sourced natural gas into about 3.6-
million t/y of methanol for export to Asia as feedstock for
olefins.
“While we are disappointed by this ruling and evaluating
our options for an immediate appeal, we feel confident
that science and reason will prevail,” noted Kent Caputo,
general counsel for NWIW.
“Given the strong scientific findings and multiple reviews
over the last six years, it is difficult to understand
why the original vision for both economic and environmental
security has been bypassed,” said NWIW Chief Development
Officer Vee Godley.
“The Kalama project will achieve a substantial overall
global emissions reduction and will mitigate any in-state
emissions; the plan is that simple, that clear.”
NWIW earlier expected to project to be completed in
2019; however, in late 2017, its shoreline permit was reversed
because of complaints from several conservative
groups about the greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed
facility. The permit was restored in 2018.

 

SABIC, Plastic Energy to Begin Building Commercial Unit for Circular Polymers

Geleen—
SABIC and Plastic Energy, under their 50-50 SPEAR
(SABIC Plastics Energy Advanced Recycling BV) joint venture,
said they are set to start construction on the “first”
commercial unit to produce certified circular polymers in
Geleen, the Netherlands (PCN, 4 Feb 2019, p 3).
The certified circular polymers, which form part of
SABIC’s Trucircle portfolio, are produced using Plastic Energy’s
advanced recycling technology to convert lowquality,
mixed and used plastic, otherwise incinerated or
sent to landfills, into Tacoil (patented pyrolysis oil).
The Tacoil produced in the new commercial unit will be
used by SABIC in their production process as an alternative
to traditional fossil materials to create new circular
polymers. Operations are expected to begin in the second
half of 2022.
“Advancements in this pioneering project take us one
step closer to driving the change needed to become a circular
global industry,” noted Fahad Al Swailem, vice president
of polyethylene and sales at SABIC.
“We have overcome significant external, global challenges
to reach this important milestone and remain fully
committed to closing the loop on used plastic. We are continuing
to collaborate on an unprecedented level with our
partners upstream and downstream to achieve this.”

 

Ineos Styrolution Building Demo Plant To Produce ABS from Recycled Plastic

Antwerp—
Ineos Styrolution announced plans to construct a new
demonstration polymerization facility to test the production
of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic from
recycled feedstock at its site in Antwerp, Belgium (PCN, 14
Dec 2020, p 2).
The plant is intended to complement a demonstration
unit planned by Ineos Styrolution’s project partner, Indaver,
making Antwerp the “leading” European center for
recycling of styrenics, Ineos Styrolution noted.
Plans for the new plant are part of the “ABSolutely Circular”
project, which is supported by the EU LIFE program,
the European Union’s funding instrument for the
environment and resource efficiency.
“Together with our project partners, we share the vision
to turn plastic waste into valuable resources,” said Bart
van der Zee, technical research and development project
lead at Ineos Styrolution.
“I am proud to be part of this project and I invite technology
providers to join us on our mission. We are in fact
still open for new partners to start working with us on the
demonstration plant project in Antwerp.”

 

Stolt Tankers to Help Design and Build ‘Innovative’ Low Water Ship for BASF

Berlin—Stolt
Tankers said it has been commissioned by BASF to help
design and build an “innovative” new tanker that can operate
at “extreme” low water levels in the river Rhine, a
key waterway for the transport of chemicals in Europe.
During dry weather, barges are not able to fully load,
increasing transport costs and delaying products; however,
the new barge will still be able to pass the critical point in
the Rhine near Kaub, carrying 650 tons of cargo even at a
water depth of 1.60 meters, which is “significantly” more
than any other tanker currently available.
The ship, to be built by Mercurius Shipping Group and
operated exclusively by Stolt, will have a transport capacity
of around 2,500 tons at average water depths, twice
that of conventional inland vessels. Delivery is scheduled
next year.
“Following our experience with the low water levels of
the Rhine in 2018 and based on our assessment that such
events may occur more frequently in the future, we have
taken a whole range of measures at the Ludwigshafen site
[in Germany] to increase the security of supply for production,”
noted Dr. Uwe Liebelt, BASF European site and
Verbund management.

 

DCM Shriram Receives Approval to Invest In Several Downstream Chem Projects

New Delhi—
DCM Shriram, in its most recent financial results, said it
has received board approval for several new downstream
chemical projects to be implemented over the next 24
months at its site in Bharuch, Gujarat, India.
The projects include a 51,000-t/y epichlorohydrine facility,
along with a glycerin purification unit; a 52,500-t/y
hydrogen peroxide plant; expansion of anhydrous aluminum
chloride capacity by 32,850 t/y; and a new multipurpose
product research and development center.
The company expects to invest Rs 1,000 crore in the
projects.

 

Lotte Chemical Planning to Purchase JSR’s Elastomer Production Plants

Seoul—Lotte
Chemical Co. is planning to acquire the Elastomer Division
of JSR Corp. for an undisclosed amount, reported Business
Korea.
JSR has solution styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR)
production facilities in Japan, Thailand and Hungary with
a total production capacity of 170,000 t/y, and produces a
total of 600,000 t/y of synthetic rubber.
According to JSR’s website, its synthetic rubber production
includes styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber,
ethylene propylene rubber, and compounded products.
JSR is seeking up to 1-trillion won for the Elastomer
Division, but that amount is expected to change to reflect
the affects of COVID-19 on the division, the report said.

 

Corbion Expanding Lactic Acid Capacity To Meet Rising Demand in N. America

Blair—Corbion
is increasing production capacity for lactic acid in North
America by about 40% to meet the growing demand of its
customers.
Lactic acid capacity will be increased at the company’s
plant in Blair, Neb., in the most sustainable way possible,
Corbion noted. It will employ technology designed to enable
a “significant” boost in efficiency, while avoiding an
increase in emissions. No other details were available.
“At Corbion, we enable brand owners to commercialize
safe, high-performing products using our lactic acid-based
products and technology,” said Marco Bootz, president of
Lactic Acid & Specialties.
“Given the growth our customers in North America are
experiencing, and the increased demand for our products,
we believe this expansion is the right thing to do for our
customers and for Corbion. We’re committed to further
strengthening those relationships by enabling more
growth.”

 

Kureha Completes PPS Plant in Japan

Tokyo—
Kureha has completed construction of an additional polyphenylene
sulfide (PPS) production facility at its Iwaki
factory in Japan (PCN, 9 Apr 2018, p 3).
The new ¥10.1-billion PPS plant increased capacity at
the site to 15,700 t/y from 10,700 t/y. Commercial production
is scheduled to begin next month.
With completion of this additional unit, the company
said it will “further enhance its stable and efficient supply
of differentiated and quality PPS resins and aims to
strengthen its position in the global market.”

 

People on the Move

Orbia—Sameer Bharadwaj has been named chief executive
of the Mexican petrochemical company. Previously
in the compounds business unit, he succeeds Daniel Martinez-
Valle, who has resigned.
Wood—Ann Rosenberg has joined Wood as senior vice
president of sustainable development.
Anne Williamson, previously client account manager
and regional sector leader within the company’s Americas
business, has been appointed vice president in Wood’s consulting
business.

 

CGCL JV Begins Commercial Operations At New Methanol/DME Facility in T&T

La Brea—
Caribbean Gas Chemical Ltd. (CGCL), a joint venture of
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC), Mitsubishi Corp. (MC),
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering (MHIENG), the
National Gas Co. of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) and Massy
Holdings have begun commercial operations of a new
methanol and dimethyl ether (DME) plant in La Brea,
Trinidad & Tobago (PCN, 7 Sept 2015, p 2).
The facility, which required a total investment of approximately
$1-billion, has a production capacity of 1-
million t/y of methanol and 20,000 t/y of DME. It was
originally scheduled to begin commercial production in
March 2019.
MHIENG was responsible for plant design and construction,
while MGC, MC and Massy are responsible for
marketing the methanol production.
“Currently, the global demand for methanol is approximately
81-million tons per year, and that is expected
to increase steadily in step with GDP [gross domestic product]
growth,” said a release from MGC, MC and MHIENG.
“Through this business, MGC, MC and MHIENG are
aiming to help meet that demand and provide a boost to
economic growth in the Caribbean.”
CGCL is owned 26.25% each by MGC and MC, 20% by
NGC, 17.5% by MHIENG and 10% by Massy.

 

Huntsman Completes Acquisition Of Gabriel Performance Products

The Woodlands—
Huntsman Corp. has completed the purchase of Gabriel
Performance Products, a North American specialty chemical
manufacturer, from Audax Private Equity for $250-
million (PCN, 14 Dec 2020, p 3).
Gabriel has three manufacturing facilities located in
Ashtabula, Ohio; Harrison City, Penn., and Rock Hill, S.C.,
where it produces specialty additives and epoxy curing
agents for the coatings, adhesives, sealants and composite
end-markets.

 

Clariant and Casale Develop New Catalyst For More Efficient Ammonia Production

Munich—
Clariant and Casale recently announced the joint development
of a new ammonia synthesis catalyst, AmoMax-
Casale, that makes ammonia production “more efficient
and less polluting than ever before.”
The catalyst’s higher activity allows operation of the
ammonia synthesis loop with “considerably” less pressure.
This means the plant consumes less energy to produce
ammonia, and therefore generate less carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions.
Also, the higher catalyst activity means higher conversion,
so the plant will consume less energy for the recirculation
of the process gas in the reactor loop. Again, less
CO2 is emitted.
The catalyst has already been proven in its first industrial
reference at an ammonia plant in the Americas. It
resulted in an expected annual reduction of $700,000 in
costs, and 6.148 tons in CO2 emissions.
Clariant and Casale plan to continue their collaboration
on other ammonia projects, we well as technologies that
will help their customers achieve net zero CO2 targets.

 

Black Diamond, Investindustrial Gets OK For Hexion’s Phenolic Specialty Resins

Brussels—
The European Commission (EC) has approved the proposed
acquisition of Hexion’s Phenolic Specialty Resins
business by Black Diamond Capital Management and Investindustrial
(PCN, 5 Oct 2020, p 2).
Late last September, Hexion signed a definitive agreement
with Black Diamond and Investindustrial to sell its
Phenolic Specialty Resins business, Hexamine and European-
based Forest Products Resins businesses to the two
firms for around $425-million.
The agreement included 11 manufacturing facilities
worldwide and around 900 employees. The sale is expected
to be finalized during the current quarter, subject to customary
closing conditions.
“The transaction results in a vertical relationship between
the companies, due to the production of unsaturated
polyester resins by Polynt-Reichhold, a portfolio company
of Black Diamond and Investindustrial, and the production
of dry granular thermoset compounds using the above
polymers as their input by Hexion’s Phenolic Specialty
Resins business,” the EC noted.

 

Olin Decides to Discontinue Operations Of Tric and AnHCl Units in Freeport

Freeport—Olin
Corp. has decided to cease operations of its trichloroethylene
(Tric) and anhydrous hydrogen chloride (AnHCl) liquefaction
plants in Freeport, Texas, before the end of 2021.
“The actions taken today further our efforts to ensure
we purposefully allocate capital spending and Olin people
assets towards lifting ECU (electrochemical unit) returns,”
said President and Chief Executive Scott Sutton.
“As Olin transitions our industry-leading feedstock position
to supply next-generation, environmentally sustainable
refrigerants, we will exit the production of Tric, which
is used to produce traditional refrigerants.
“For AnHCl, we remain interested in serving key highvalue
end-use applications; however, current returns do
not justify the operating costs and required reinvestment
capital.”

 

KBR Awarded Contract from SK E&S For New Hydrogen Project in Korea

Seoul—SK E&S
has awarded a contract to KBR to provide technical advisory
solutions to SK for its hydrogen development project
in South Korea.
Under the terms of the contract, KBR will supply technical
solutions to support SK’s plan to build a 30,000-t/y
liquefied hydrogen plant and supply the hydrogen to various
metropolitan areas in the country. In the initial phase
of the project, KBR will review key licensor technologies. A
completion date was not given.
“We are delighted to be part of this strategic project and
to support SK’s philosophy of sustainable growth in the
hydrogen sector,” said Jay Ibrahim, president of Technology
Solutions at KBR.
“This contract award aligns with KBR’s strategic decision
to provide differentiated and sustainable solutions to
our customers. As a premier provider of technologies, value-
added design and project integration capability, KBR
will leverage its hydrogen and cryogenic domain expertise
to support SK in this critical phase of the project.”

 

Greenergy Plans Advanced Biofuels Project; Will Turn Waste Tire to Fuel, Carbon Black

London—
Greenergy said it plans to invest in advanced biofuels utilizing
a combination of technologies to create low carbon
fuels and recovered carbon black from waste tire feedstock.
The plant, expected to be built near London, UK, will
utilize pyrolysis and hydrotreating technologies to convert
waste tires into renewable drop-in advanced biofuels that
can be used in diesel and gasoline. The carbon black can
be used to produce new tires and other industrial rubber
products.
Currently in the front-end engineering design stage, the
project is expected to process up to 300 t/d of shredded tires
in the first phase. Commercial production is planned to
begin in 2025.
Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions will provide its advanced
thermal treatment technology, while Haldor Topsoe
will supply its HydroFlex renewable fuels technology.

 

Dow Chemical to Reduce Air Pollution From Four U.S. Manufacturing Plants

Washington—
The Dept. of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the Louisiana Dept. of Environmental Quality
(LDEQ) announced a settlement with Dow Chemical Co.
and its Performance Materials NA and Union Carbide subsidiaries,
which will eliminate thousands of tons of air pollution
from four of Dow’s manufacturing facilities.
The settlement resolves a complaint that Dow and its
subsidiaries violated the Clean Air Act by failing to properly
operate and monitor industrial flares at their petrochemical
plants, which resulted in excess emissions of air
pollution.
Dow, Performance Materials and Union Carbide will
spend about $294-million to install and operate air pollution
control and monitoring technology to reduce flaring
and the resulting emissions from 26 industrial flares at
their facilities in Hahnville and Plaquemine, La., and
Freeport and Orange, Texas.
The pollution controls are estimated to reduce harmful
air emissions of volatile organic compounds by more than
5,600 t/y. The settlement is also expected to reduce toxic
air pollutants, including benzene, by nearly 500 t/y.
In addition, the LDEQ will receive $675,000 of a $3-
million civil penalty Dow has agreed to pay, and Dow will
perform three state-authorized “beneficial environmental
projects” in Louisiana that were negotiated by Louisiana,
said the report.

 

Air Liquide Gets Stake in H2V Normandy To Support Renewable Hydrogen Project

Paris—Air
Liquide said it has acquired a 40% stake in H2V Normandy,
a French company that plans to build a large-scale
electrolyzer complex of up to 200 megawatts for the production
of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in France.
Located in the industrial zone of Port-Jerome in Normandy,
the project will supply the hydrogen for industrial
applications, as well as future heavy mobility applications.
The project is part of an “ambitious” program to develop
new energies to decarbonate industrial activities in the
refining and chemical sectors on the Seine Valley axis in
Normandy, noted Air Liquide. It will help to avoid 250,000
t/y of carbon dioxide emissions.

 

Linde Inks Agreement with BorsodChem For Long-Term Gas Supply in Hungary

Paris—Air
Liquide said it has acquired a 40% stake in H2V Normandy,
a French company that plans to build a large-scale
electrolyzer complex of up to 200 megawatts for the production
of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in France.
Located in the industrial zone of Port-Jerome in Normandy,
the project will supply the hydrogen for industrial
applications, as well as future heavy mobility applications.
The project is part of an “ambitious” program to develop
new energies to decarbonate industrial activities in the
refining and chemical sectors on the Seine Valley axis in
Normandy, noted Air Liquide. It will help to avoid 250,000
t/y of carbon dioxide emissions.

 

Linde Inks Agreement with BorsodChem For Long-Term Gas Supply in Hungary

Budapest—
Linde has signed a long-term agreement with BorsodChem
for the supply of nitrogen, oxygen and compressed air to
BorsodChem’s chemical complex in Kazincbarcika, Hungary.
Under the agreement, Linde will build “one of the largest”
air separation units in Hungary to support Borsod-
Chem’s expansion and provide additional nitrogen, oxygen
and compressed air to meet the increasing demand for industrial
gases in Hungary and surrounding countries,
Linde noted. Completion is expected by the end of 2021.
“We are proud of our track record of safely and reliably
supplying industrial gases to BorsodChem and are excited
to have the opportunity to further support the company’s
growth,” said Andreas X. Muller, head of Hungary and
Austria at Linde.
“In addition, by building significant new capacity in
Hungary we have the opportunity to broaden our supply of
industrial gases to other regional customers in response to
increasing demand from resilient end markets.”

 

Teijin Establishes Innovation Center To R&D Sustainable Technologies

Arnhem—Teijin
said it has created the European Sustainable Technology
Innovation Center (ESTIC), a research and development
facility in Arnhem, the Netherlands, for developing technologies
for a more sustainable world.
The ESTIC will facilitate collaboration among researchers
across borders to strengthen development initiatives
in the company’s various business units.
The center also aims to develop all-new businesses that
leverage the lifecycle capabilities of Teijin’s core materials
and the development of green materials to support the
global circular economy. This includes efforts to reduce
carbon dioxide emissions and to stimulate the hydrogen
economy.
In addition, a new satellite office at the Brightlands
Chemelot Campus in Sittard-Geleen in the Netherlands
will be set up to further activate communication with external
innovation communities and research institutes.

 

Wood Receives EPC Contract from Sinopec For Ethylene Expansion in South China

Hainan—
Sinopec has awarded an engineering, procurement and
construction (EPC) contract to Wood for an ethylene expansion
in the Hainan Free Trade Zone in China.
The contract, valued at over $120-million, is for an ethylene
renovation and expansion project, which, once complete,
will produce up to 1-million t/y of ethylene derivatives
and refined oil to serve demand across China and
globally. A schedule for the project was not given.
Wood’s local engineering and project management
teams will deliver EPC services for the sitewide pipe rack
and associated pipework, cables for power, telecommunications
and lighting.
“We are delighted to win this new contract with
Sinopec, which demonstrates the strength of our longstanding
relationship with the client and their confidence
in our extensive EPC expertise in the petrochemical sector,”
said Mike Collins, executive president of projects at
Wood.

 

KBR and Mura Enter Alliance Agreement For Advanced Plastics Recycling Process

Houston—
KBR announced the signing of an alliance agreement with
Mura Technology to offer Mura’s Cat-HTR, an “innovative”
advanced plastics recycling process.
Cat-HTR converts end-of-life plastic, such as thin plastic
packaging, which would otherwise be combusted, sent
to landfills or leaked into the environment, into an immediate
hydrocarbon feedstock that can be further refined to
produce virgin polymers and chemicals.
The technology is based on a patented hydrothermal
upgrading process that utilizes supercritical water to produce
stable hydrocarbon products from a wide range of
mixed plastic waste.
Under the terms of the agreement, KBR will be the exclusive
licensing partner for Mura and will provide studies,
basic engineering, technical services, proprietary equipment
and modules for the technology to customers across
the world.
“We believe that aligning with KBR will make it possible
to meet the strong global demand for a superior plastic
recycling process,” said Mura Chief Executive Dr. Steve
Mahon.
“Cat-HTR offers an . . . advanced recycling solution to
one of the largest global pollution issues we face today, and
we look forward to the commercial roll-out of our gamechanging
technology with KBR.”

 

Borealis Starting Stenungsund Cracker After Being Shut Down Since May Fire

Stockholm—
Borealis is in the process of starting up its Stenungsund
cracker in Sweden after being offline since a fire broke out
at the cracker on 9 May 2020.
The fire started because of a technical incident in the
compressor of the cracker resulting in the shutdown and a
declaration of force majeure (FM) on the cracker operations
on 11 May 2020.
“Start-up of the cracker is ongoing,” a company spokesperson
told PCN. “This is a complex process that takes
time. For the time being, the FM on our cracker . . . is still
in place. This is all that we can say at the moment.”
A low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plant was successfully
restarted on 2 June 2020, ahead of plan. Subsequently,
supply of certain LDPE film, masterbatch and
wire and cable products, which was constrained after the
shutdown, is now gradually improving.
The cracker is “one of the most flexible in Europe,” according
to the company’s website. Its main products are
ethylene, propylene, PE, high-density PE, LDPE and Borstar
products. It can use naphtha, ethane, propane and
butane as raw materials in the cracking process.

 

Inter Pipeline Awards Contract to Worley For Heartland PC Complex in Alberta

Calgary—
Worley has been awarded a three-year master site services
and supply contract by Inter Pipeline Ltd. for its Heartland
Petrochemical complex in Alberta, Canada (PCN, 23-30
Nov 2020, p 3).
Located in Strathcona County, the complex is an integrated
propane dehydrogenation and polypropylene (PP)
facility that will convert 22,000 b/d of locally sourced propane
into about 525,000 t/y of PP. Start-up is expected in
early 2022.
Under the contract, Worley will provide commissioning
support, direct hire maintenance, small capital construction,
turnaround, engineering and consulting services.
PP produced at the complex is expected to have a
greenhouse gas emissions footprint that is 65% lower than
the global average and 35% lower than the North American
average, Worley noted.

 

ADNOC & Japan Agree to Cooperate On Carbon Recycling Technologies

Abu Dhabi—Abu
Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) and Japan’s Ministry of
Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) have decide to partner
on carbon recycling technologies and fuel ammonia.
As part of the agreement, they will work together to accelerate
the development of these technologies to reduce
carbon emissions.
The decision to partner on technologies was made while
ADNOC and METI were discussing opportunities that
could enhance the speed of the post-COVID recovery for
both the United Arab Emirates and Japan.

 

Grace to Evaluate 40 North’s Proposal To Acquire All Outstanding Shares

Columbia—W. R.
Grace & Co. said it has received a revised proposal from 40
North Management, a shareholder in Grace, to purchase
all outstanding shares of Grace for $65 per share in cash,
subject to certain conditions (PCN, 16 Nov 2020, p 1).
This past November, Grace received an unsolicited offer
from 40 North to acquire all outstanding shares of Grace
for $60 per share; however, Grace’s board of directors
unanimously agreed that the proposal undervalued the
company and was not a basis for further discussion.
The board will carefully review and evaluate the latest
proposal to determine the course of action it believes is in
the best interest of the company and its shareholders,
Grace noted.
As part of the review, the board will consider the proposal
in the context of the company’s ongoing review of
potential strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder
value, it added.

 

Nouryon Announces Decision to Rename Industrial Chems Business to Nobian

Amersfoort—
Nouryon said it has chosen to rename its wholly-owned
industrial chemicals business to Nobian as the next step in
its growth and branding strategy.
The branding change will enable Nobian to develop its
integrated European value chain for essential base chemicals
under its own name and brand, while Nouryon will
continue to focus on growing its “leading” position in specialty
chemicals, Nouryon explained.
Headquartered in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, Nobian
is a European “leader” in salt, chlor-alkali and chloromethanes
production.
“The safe and reliable production of our essential base
chemicals for the European industry has only increased in
importance over the past year,” said Nobian President
Knut Schwalenberg.
“We will continue to be owned by Nouryon as we grow
our business under the new name, Nobian, starting with
the ongoing expansion of chloromethane production in
Frankfurt, Germany, to better serve customers in the
pharmaceutical and construction industries.”

 

Celanese to Construct New World-Scale LCP Polymerization Plant in China

Shanghai—
Celanese announced it will build a new world-scale, multiphase
liquid crystal polymer (LCP) polymerization facility
at either an existing or greenfield site in China.
The plant is anticipated to have an LCP production capacity
of around 20,000 t/y, with the first phase of the project
expected to come online in 2024.
The new plant will support the company’s “significant”
growth in its high-value Vectra and Zenite LCP product
lines, Celanese noted.
“China continues to be a quickly growing manufacturing
base for many global electronics and automotive customers
and is home to more than 50% of current global
demand for LCP,” said Stefan Kutta, vice president of engineered
materials.
“This investment will allow Celanese to continue innovating
with our customers in this key geography and meet
the rapidly growing demands for our LCP products.”

 

Covestro Receives ISCC Plus Certification For Antwerp & Krefeld-Uerdingen Sites

Berlin—
Covestro said it has received ISCC (International Sustainability
and Carbon Certification) Plus mass balance certification
for its Antwerp, Belgium, and Krefeld-Uerdingen,
Germany, sites.
The company is now able to offer large product volumes
of high-performance plastic polycarbonate made from renewable
attributed raw materials with qualities comparable
to fossil-based polycarbonate.
Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate from the Krefeld-
Uerdingen site and its precursor aniline from the Antwerp
plant are now also available with ISCC Plus certification.
“With the mass balance certification across the entire
value chain, we want to achieve complete transparency,
also for our customers,” said Covestro Chief Commercial
Officer Sucheta Govil.
“At the same time, we are helping them to reduce their
own carbon footprint and are offering them a drop-in solution
that they can instantly implement in their existing
production processes without the need for technical
modifications.”

 

Total & Engie Ink Agreement to Develop France’s ‘Largest’ Green Hydrogen Site

Paris—Total
said it has entered into a cooperation agreement with Engie
to design, develop, build and operate France’s “largest”
renewable hydrogen production site at Total’s La Mede
biorefinery in Chateauneuf-les-Martigues in the Provence-
Alpes-Cote d’Azur South region.
The Masshylia project, which will be powered by solar
farms, involves a 40-megawatt electrolyzer that will produce
5 t/d of green hydrogen to meet the needs of the biofuel
production process at the biorefinery.
“Beyond this first phase, new renewable farms may be
developed by the partners for the electrolyzer, which has
the capacity to produce up to 15 tons of green hydrogen per
day,” Total noted.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022, following
completion of an advanced engineering study. Production
is expected in 2024, subject to necessary financial support
and public approvals.
“Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of this
joint project,” said Philippe Sauquet, president of Gas, Renewables
and Power at Total.
“As demonstrated by our commitment to the European
Clean Hydrogen Alliance, we believe in the future of renewable
hydrogen, and we are working with our partner
Engie to make it happen.
“This renewable hydrogen production facility, combined
with our expertise in solar energy, is a further step in our
commitment to get to net zero by 2050.”

 

People on the Move

LSB Industries—Damien Renwick has joined the company
in the newly created position of chief commercial
officer, effective 11 Jan. 2021. He was most recently president
of Cyanco International from 2017 to 2019, and in
2018 took on the additional role of chief commercial officer.
GTC Technology—Matthew Viergutz, previously chief
executive of Butamax Advanced Biofuels, has become head
of GTC Technology U.S.

 

Borealis and Tomra Open Demo Plant For Advanced Mechanical Recycling

Berlin—Borealis
and Tomra have begun operations at their new demo plant
for post-consumer plastic waste sorting and advanced mechanical
recycling in Lahnstein, Germany.
“The state-of-the-art plant processes both rigid and
flexible plastic waste from households,” Borealis noted.
“And unlike many current recycling plants, it will produce
the advanced solutions necessary for use in highdemanding
plastic applications in various industries, including
automotive and consumer products.
“With high purity, low odor, high product consistency
and light color fractions, these grade recycled polymers will
meet customer quality requirements across the value
chain.”
The goal of the demo plant is to generate material for
brand owners and converters to qualify, validate and prove
fit for use in their highly demanding applications. Technical
success will set the groundwork for a commercial-scale
facility.
Borealis, Tomra and Zimmermann, a waste management
company, will jointly operate the demo unit.

 

Linde to Build Green Hydrogen Facility At Leuna Chem Complex in Germany

Leuna—Linde
announced it will build, own and operate the “world’s largest”
proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer plant
at the Leuna Chemical Complex in Germany for the production
of green hydrogen.
The new 24-megawatt electrolyzer will produce the
green hydrogen to supply Linde’s industrial customers
through the company’s existing pipeline network. It will
also distribute liquefied green hydrogen to other customers
in the region, as well as to refueling stations. Production
is expected to begin in the second half of 2022.
ITM Linde Electrolysis GmbH, a joint venture of ITM
Power and Linde, will build the electrolyzer using highefficiency
PEM technology.
“Clean hydrogen is a cornerstone of the German and
EU [European Union] strategies to address the challenge
of climate change,” said Linde President Region Europe
West Jens Waldeck. “It is part of the solution to help reduce
carbon dioxide emissions across many industries, including
chemicals and refining.
“This project shows that electrolyzer capacity continues
to scale up and it is a stepping stone towards even larger
plants.”

 

CPI Plans 63rd PU Technical Conference In Person from 4-6 Oct. 2021 in Denver

Washington—
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the
American Chemistry Council (ACC) has scheduled its 63rd
Polyurethanes Technical Conference to be held in person
from 4-6 Oct. 2021 in Denver, Colo.
The conference, the “longest running” polyurethanes
conference in North America, will highlight the latest innovative
polyurethanes technologies and discuss the most
pressing issues facing the industry today, the ACC noted.
CPI is currently accepting submissions for technical
paper and poster abstracts for the 2021 conference. The
deadline for submitting paper abstracts is 3 Feb. 2021, and
the deadline for submitting poster abstracts is 6 Aug. 2021.

 

McDonald’s Commits to Worldwide Ban Of PFAS in Food Packaging Materials

Washington—
McDonald’s announced a new global sustainable packaging
commitment banning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) from food packaging.
The company, which has already eliminated bisphenol
A, bisphenol S, and phthalates from its packaging, has
committed to removing all added fluorinated compounds
from its packaging materials globally by 2025.
“Because McDonald’s is the largest fast-food chain in
the world, this action will help drive PFAS out of food
packaging,” said Mind the Store Campaign Director Mike
Schade.
“Over the last year, tens of thousands of McDonald’s
customers have raised their voices calling on the company
to act on this. We appreciate McDonald’s taking this important
action and heeding our call. However, four years is
too long for their customers and frontline communities to
continue to be polluted by these unnecessary forever
chemicals.
“We urge McDonald’s to phase these chemicals out by
2022 and ensure substitutes are safe and reusable. Other
major fast-food chains like Burger King and Wendy’s
should join them in driving PFAS out of food packaging.”

 

Total Not Renewing API Membership

Paris—Total
announced its decision not to renew its American Petroleum
Institute (API) membership for 2021, following a detailed
analysis of API’s climate positions.
Following the 2019 and 2020 reviews, API’s positions
were assessed as “partially aligned” with those of Total.
Certain divergences, which have been discussed within the
association, remain today:
Regarding the role of natural gas, API maintains
its support for the rollback of the U.S. regulation on
methane emissions, which Total opposed in November
2019;
Regarding transport decarbonization, API is part of
the Transportation Fairness Alliance, which is opposed
to subsidies for electric vehicles;
On the matter of carbon pricing principle, API expresses
differing positions to those of Total.
Moreover, API gave its support during the recent election
to candidates who argued against the U.S.’ participation
in the Paris Agreement.

 

Teijin Introduces New ICP System

Tokyo—Teijin Ltd.
has introduced an internal carbon pricing (ICP) system to
apply to all future capital investment plans throughout the
group that are expected to impact the group’s carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions.
The ICP system creates economic incentives to reduce
CO2 emissions by quantifying CO2 emissions as costs that
the company can consider when making investment decisions,
ultimately to held address the problem of climate
change, Teijin explained.
The company’s goals for lowering its group wide environmental
impact include, among others, reducing CO2
emissions in fiscal 2030 by 20% compared to fiscal 2018
level, and then achieving net zero emissions by 2050, Teijin
noted.

 

Fluor Updates Organizational Structure; Intends to Sell Maintenance Services

Irving—Fluor
Corp. announced an updated organizational and reporting
structure, beginning in the first quarter of this year, that it
said better aligns its business with identified growth markets
and the company strategy.
Under the new structure, Fluor will conduct its operations
in three business segments: Energy Solutions, Urban
Solutions and Mission Solutions.
Energy Solutions will be focused on energy transition,
chemicals and traditional oil and gas opportunities, and
will be led by Jim Breuer.
Urban Solutions, led by Terry Towle, will look for opportunities
in mining, metals, advanced technologies,
manufacturing, life sciences, infrastructure, and will include
Fluor’s professional staffing unit.
Mission Solutions will mainly focus on delivering solutions
to federal agencies across the U.S. government and to
select international opportunities.
In addition, the company has established two newlyconsolidated
functional organizations: Project Execution,
led by Mark Fields, and Corporate Development and Sustainability,
which will be led by Al Collins.
“As a result of our strategic review, we have determined
that Maintenance Services no longer fits within Fluor’s
core service portfolio,” Fluor noted. “Therefore, the company
is initiating plans to sell Stork.”

 

Solvay Creates Hydrogen Platform; Joins Hydrogen Council Initiative

Brussels—Solvay
said it has launched a hydrogen platform that will bring
together all the innovative material and chemical solutions
the group has to offer to advance the emerging hydrogen
economy.
The company’s polymer membrane technology, under
the name Aquivion, will be at the heart of the platform and
constitutes a necessary component in the process of hydrogen
production. It will be a key contributor to the electrolyzer
and fuel cell markets.
Solvay also intends to bring other hydrogen applications
and components to the market, such as hydrogen
tanks.
In addition, the company has joined the Hydrogen
Council, a global chief executive-led initiative that brings
together leading companies with a united vision and longterm
ambition for hydrogen to foster the clean energy transition,
Solvay noted.

 

Rice University Engineers Develop Reactor To Produce Liquid Acetic Acid from CO

Houston—
Engineers at Rice University have developed a continuous
catalytic reactor that turns carbon monoxide (CO) directly
into acetic acid using renewable electricity.
The electrochemical process, by the labs of chemical
and biomolecular engineers Haotian Wang and Thomas
Senftle of Rice’s Brown School of Engineering, resolves issues
with previous attempts to reduce CO into acetic acid.
Those processes required additional steps to purify the
product.
“We’re upgrading the product from a one-carbon chemical,
the formic acid, to two-carbon, which is more challenging,”
said Wang.
The environmentally-friendly reactor uses nanoscale
cubes of copper as the primary catalyst along with a
unique solid-state electrolyte. Computational models by
Senftle and his team helped refine the cubes’ form factor.
“We were able to show there are types of edges on the
cube, basically more corrugated surfaces, that facilitate
breaking certain C-O bonds that steer the products one
way or the other. Having more edge sites favors breaking
the right bonds at the right time,” he explained.
“The next step in development of a scalable system is to
improve upon the system’s stability and further reduce the
amount of energy the process requires,” Wang added.
Wang was recently named a Packard Fellow to win a
$2-million grant from the National Science Foundation to
continue exploring the conversion of greenhouse gases into
liquid fuels.

 

Ineos Styrolution Joins Plastics Division Of the American Chemistry Council

Washington—
Ineos Styrolution America LLC has become the newest
member of the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Plastics
Division.
“Our company is committed to improving and increasing
the recovery of post-consumer polystyrene waste,” said
Ricardo Cuetos, vice president of Americas standard products
at Ineos Styrolution America.
“Joining the ACC’s Plastics Division supports both our
company’s strong sustainability goals, and strengthens our
industry’s commitment and drive for innovation and a circular
economy in all market segments.”

Braskem Resumes Partial Operations At Etileno XXI Complex in Mexico

Mexico City—
Braskem announced that its Braskem Idesa subsidiary has
partially resumed polyethylene (PE) production, based on
an experimental business model, at its Etileno XXI petrochemical
complex in Mexico’s Veracruz state (PCN, 7 Dec
2020, p 2).
Braskem Idesa completely suspended processes last
month at the ethylene cracker, after Centro Nacional de
Control del Gas Natural (Cenegas) blocked gas supply to
the facility.
The Etileno complex includes an ethylene cracker with
the capacity to produce over 1-million t/y of low- and highdensity
PE.
The company has initiated legal measures, as established
in an ethane supply agreement between Braskem
Idesa and Petróleos Mexicanos, and by Braskem Netherlands,
Braskem Idesa’s direct shareholder, to enforce legal
and contractual rights of Braskem Idesa and its parent
company, and to protect its investment in Mexico.
Such measures include a remediation and negotiation
period, during which it will seek a resolution between the
parties.
Braskem Idesa said it remains committed to Mexico
and to coming up with constructive alternatives to resolve
Mexico’s ethane shortage. It will keep the market informed
of developments to the extent required by law.

 

Sasol Successfully Concludes Sale to Ineos Of Its Stake in Their Gemini HDPE JV

La Porte—
Sasol announced that it has successfully completed the
divestment of its 50% interest in the Gemini high-density
polyethylene (HDPE) joint venture with Ineos Olefins &
Polymers (O&P) USA to Ineos Gemini HDPE LLC for a
consideration of $404-million (PCN, 7 Dec 2020, p 1).
The joint venture, previously known as Gemini HDPE
LLC, produces bimodal HDPE products at its 470,000-t/y
facility located within Ineos’ Battleground manufacturing
complex in La Porte, Texas.
Ineos O&P USA, a subsidiary of the Ineos Group, has
operated the unit since its start-up in 2017. The unit utilizes
Ineos’ proprietary INNOVENETM S technology.

 

OMV’s Has Entered Commissioning Phase Of Iso C4 Project at Burghausen Refinery

Munich—
OMV announced that the new Iso C4 plant at its Burghausen
refinery in Germany is in its commissioning phase
(PCN, 22 July 2019, p 2).
The 60,000-t/y unit will utilize a new technology developed
through a collaboration by OMV and BASF for the
production of high-purity isobutene.
OMV integrated the Iso C4 plant into an existing metathesis
facility that is responsible for the energy-efficient
manufacturing of propylene.

 

Methanex Gives Update on Titan Plant; Will Restructure Trinidad Operations

Point Lisas—
Methanex said it expects that its 875,000-t/y Titan methanol
facility in Point Lisas, Trinidad, will remain idled indefinitely
(PCN, 23 Mar 2020, p 1).
As a result of the decision, the company has decided to
restructure its Trinidad operations to support a one-plant
operation and will reduce workforce there by about 60 positions,
including employees and long-term contractors.
Methanex idled the Titan facility on 16 Mar. 2020, in
anticipation that methanol demand could be impacted in
the second quarter of 2020 by a substantial reduction in
manufacturing activities in countries that had significant
outbreaks of COVID-19.
“To date, we have not been successful reaching an
agreement for an economic longer-term natural gas agreement
and given that the economic recovery path remains
uncertain, we believe it is prudent to reduce costs while
continuing our efforts to secure longer-term gas supply,”
the company noted.
“We remain committed to doing business in Trinidad
and Tobago and we believe that we will be able to secure
an economic longer-term natural gas agreement for Titan
in the coming years,” said Chief Executive John Floren.

 

Air Products Wins Gas Supply Contract For Binhua’s Chem Project in Binzhou

Beijing—Air
Products has signed a long-term contract with Shandong
Binhua New Material Co. (Binhua) to supply gas to Binhua’s
propane and butane integrated utilization project in
Beihai Economic Development Zone of Binzhou City,
Shandong Province, China (PCN, 9 Dec 2019, p 1).
The $7.5-billion two-phase project will involve “worldleading”
technologies and green production, and will comply
with China’s latest environmental regulations, Air
Products noted.
Under the contract, Air Products will build, own and
operate several onsite gas production facilities in the Binzhou
Port-centered Chemical Industry Park in phases, including
an energy-efficient air separation unit (ASU) to
meet Binhua’s gaseous oxygen and nitrogen demand.
The ASU will provide liquid products to other customers
in the park and the growing merchant market in the
province. The facilities are planned to be fully operational
in 2022.
In December 2019, Binhua selected Honeywell UOP’s
C3 Oleflex technology for a new 600,000-t/y polymer-grade
propylene production plant in China.

 

L&T Awarded Two EPCC Contracts For HRRL’s Refinery, PC Complex

Barmer—HPCL
Rajasthan Refinery Ltd. (HRRL) has selected L&T hydrocarbon
Engineering (LTHE) for the engineering, procurement,
construction and commissioning (EPCC) of a dual
feed cracker unit and a petrochemical fluidized catalytic
cracking unit for its integrated refinery and petrochemical
complex in Rajasthan, India (PCN, 15 Apr 2019, p 3).
Earlier estimated to cost around Rs 43,129 crore, the
project involves a 9-million-t/y refinery, as well as facilities
to produce petrochemicals. Start-up was originally scheduled
for 2017. A new schedule was not given.
The dual feed cracker unit, with a capacity of 890,000
t/y, will convert refinery naphtha and offgases to produce
polymer-grade ethylene and propylene, as well by-products
such as butadiene, benzene, toluene and gasoline, through
a thermal cracking process. The ethylene and propylene
will be used as feedstock for a polyethylene and polypropylene
unit.
The 2.9-million-t/y petrochemical fluidized catalytic
cracking unit will convert heavy hydrocarbons from the
vacuum distillation unit to produce gasoline, diesel, propylene
and lighter products by the process of catalytic
cracking.

 

Saudi Kayan Gets Government’s Nod For an Increase in Ethane Allocation

Jubail—Saudi
Kayan Petrochemical Co. said it has received approval
from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy on its request to
increase ethane allocation to the company to support petrochemical
production.
Ethane allocation will be increased by a maximum of
30-million standard cu ft/d, based on the availability of
ethane from future gas production projects.
Saudi Kayan must submit a plan to implement conversion
projects, substitute crude oil with sales gas and coordinate
with SABIC to maximize the benefits of feedstock.

 

Equipolymers Improves Viridis PET Grade, Now Made With 30% Recycled Feedstock

Ahmadi—
Equate’s Equipolymers (EQP) subsidiary has launched Viridis
30, a food-grade polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
manufactured with 30% chemically recycled PET as feedstock.
The Viridis grade was started in 2009, with the support
of the Coca-Cola Co., when EQP launched Viridis 10, made
with 10% chemically recycled PET. Last January, it produced
its first successful batch of Viridis 25, which uses up
to 25% chemically recycled PET (PCN, 27 Jan 2020, p 3).
Viridis 30 is expected to be commercially available to
the European market from the first quarter of 2021.
“Viridis 30 is a significant achievement for EQP and for
the petrochemical industry,” said Muayad Al Faresi, global
business director for PET at EQP.
“As global demand increases, the transformation of our
industry is necessary to create new products that are more
sustainable in the long term.
“The development of Viridis 30 is aligned with the EU’s
[European Union] target to achieve 25% rPET [recycled
PET] in packaging by 2025, and 30% by 2030. It highlights
our commitment towards innovation – this is a breakthrough
that will have far reaching environmental, social
and business benefits.”

 

Shell to Invest in New Varennes Project For Biofuels & Renewable Chemicals

Calgary—Shell
Canada has signed commercial agreements to invest in
Varennes Carbon Recycling (VCR), the first waste-to-low
carbon fuels plant for the production of biofuels and renewable
chemicals planned in Quebec, Canada.
Shell will have a 40% stake in the approximately
C$875-million facility, which will produce the low-carbon
fuels and renewable chemicals products from nonrecyclable
waste using Enerkem’s proprietary technology.
Commissioning of the first phase is scheduled for 2023.
Once complete, the plant will treat more than 200,000
t/y of non-recyclable waste and wood waster with an annual
production of nearly 125-million liters of low-carbon
fuels.
“Critical investment in the plant comes from Shell, Enerkem,
Suncor, Proman and Hydro-Quebec, as well as from
the Quebec and Canadian governments,” Shell noted.
Over 500 jobs will be created during construction and
about 100 permanent direct skilled jobs during operations.

 

KBR Receives MSA from LanzaTech For Carbon Recycling Tech Projects

Houston—KBR
has won a Master Services Agreement (MSA) from LanzaTech
to provide engineering services for global carbon
recycling technology projects.
Under the contract, KBR will provide engineering design
services and technical support for LanzaTech’s projects
in several locations. The work is expected to be performed
over a five-year period. Value of the contract was
not given.
“We are excited and proud to take part in LanzaTech’s
carbon capture projects and help build on their sustainable
solutions to reduce, recycle and reuse carbon,” said Jay
Ibrahim, president of technology solutions at KBR.
“This win is indicative of KBR’s commitment to sustainability
and aligns with our robust sustainability action
plan, which includes reducing carbon footprints around the
world.”

 

SOCMA Elects Polysciences’ Mike Ott As Board of Governor’s Chairman

Arlington—The Society
of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA)
said it has named Mike Ott, president and chief executive
of Polysciences Inc., as chairman of the board of governors
for a period of two years.
Ott, succeeding Gene Williams of Optima Chemical
Group, will lead the board in providing strategic guidance
and value creation in alignment with the organization’s
mission, the association noted.

 

People on the Move

Univar Solutions—James B. Holcomb has joined the
company as president of North America chemical distribution.
He was previously chief operating officer for
Brenntag North America.
Kuraray Co.—Hitoshi Kawahara has become president
and representative director of the company, effective
1 Jan. 2021. He succeeds Masaaki Ito, who is now chairman
and director.

 

TechnipFMC Continues Activities Toward Planned Separation into Two Companies

London—
TechnipFMC announced the resumption of activities toward
its planned separation into two independent, industry-
leading, publicly traded companies: TechnipFMC and
Technip Energies (PCN, 23 Mar 2020, p 2).
This past March, TechnipFMC said that the market environment
created because of the COVID-19 pandemic was
not at that time conducive to the separation, and decided
to shelve its plans.
“We are very excited to announce the resumption of activities
related to the separation and the creation of two
industry-leading diversified pure-play companies poised to
capitalize on the energy transition,” noted Doug Pferdehirt,
chairman and chief executive of TechnipFMC.
“The increased clarity we now have in the market outlook,
coupled with our demonstrated ability to successfully
execute projects in this most challenging period, give us
confidence to move forward with the separation. We continue
to believe this action would allow both businesses to
thrive independently within their sectors, enabling each to
unlock significant shareholder value.”
Once separated, TechnipFMC will be a fully-integrated
technology and services provider, while Technip Energies
will be one of the “largest” engineering and construction
pure-plays.
The transaction is expected to be structured as a spinoff
of a majority stake in TechnipFMC’s Technip Energies
segment. Subject to customary conditions, regulatory approvals
and final board approval, completion is scheduled
for the first quarter of this year.
Bpifrance, a substantial shareholder of TechnipFMC,
intends to invest $200-million in Technip Energies. Shares
received by Bpifrance for the new investment would be in
addition to those it will receive as a current stakeholder of
TechnipFMC.
TechnipFMC intends to distribute 50.1% of the outstanding
shares in Technip Energies to existing TechnipFMC
shareholders on a pro rata basis. TechnipFMC
will retain ownership of the remaining 49.9% of Technip
Energies’ outstanding shares as of the distribution date. It
plans to sell its stake in Technip Energies over time.

 

Jindal Films Europe Agrees to Acquire All DFS Shares from Domo Chemicals

Rome—Jindal
Films Europe, part of Jindal Group, has signed an agreement
to purchase 100% of the shares in Domo Films Solutions
(DFS) SpA from Domo Chemicals.
DFS, a nylon film specialist based in Italy, is one of
Europe’s major producers of both biaxially-oriented polyamide
and coextruded cast non-oriented nylon films for
flexible packaging, Domo noted. Subject to regulatory approvals,
the sale is expected to close around the end of the
first quarter of this year.
“Combining the two companies’ leadership in sustainability
will enable the Jindal Group to stay ahead of customer
and regulator expectations even more effectively,
further minimizing their environmental impact,” said DFS
Managing Director Attilio Annoni.
“DFS currently operates at a progressively improving/
reducing carbon footprint, sourcing 100% of renewable
energy and developing with upstream chemistry recycled/
recyclable nylon resins for its green product range
NYLEEN.”

 

Ascend Performance Materials Purchases Eurostar Engineering Plastics in France

Houston—
Polyamide 66 resin producer Ascend Performance Materials
said it has acquired Eurostar Engineering Plastics, a
compounder based in Fosses, France.
This is Ascend’s third acquisition in less than a year
and further expands its portfolio of high-performance plastics.
Value of the transaction was not disclosed.
Last year, the company purchased Poliblend and Esseti
Plast, both of Italy, as well as a compounding facility in
China (PCN, 7 Sept 2020, p 1).
“We are following through on our strategy of becoming
a more global, diversified and reliable supplier to our customers,”
said Ascend President and Chief Executive Phil
McDivitt.
“While the past 10 months have been challenging, we
have remained focused on providing our customers with
the solutions and support they need to continue growing.”

 

Momentive Signs Definitive Agreement To Acquire KCC’s Silicones Business

Albany—
Momentive Performance Materials has reached a definitive
agreement to purchase the silicones business of KCC
Corp., Momentive’s majority shareholder.
The acquisition includes KCC’s silicones business in
Korea and the UK, as well as its sales operations in China,
which are expected to further enhance Momentive’s global
capabilities in advanced silicones and specialized applications,
Momentive noted.
“Momentive recently announced a series of strategic
steps to transform the company into a leading specialty
silicones business, including the recent sale of its consumer
sealants business to Germany-based company, Henkel, and
its phased exit from commodity-based products at the Waterford,
New York, site, while committing to a $15-million
investment in advanced electronic materials production,”
Momentive explained.

 

India Plans to Sell 10% Stake in RCFL

New Delhi—
The government of India intends to divest a 10% stake in
Rashtriya Chemical and Fertilizers Ltd. (RCFL), reported
the Press Trust of India citing a notice from the Dept. of
Investment and Public Asset Management.
The government currently holds a 75% interest in
RCFL and plans to sell 10% of the paid up equity capital
through an offer for sale.
India has invited bids from merchant bankers and legal
firms to manage the share sale process.

 

Yara Sells LIFECO Stake to Libya’s NOC

Oslo—Yara
said it has entered into an agreement with Libya’s National
Oil Corp. (NOC) and the Libyan Investment Authority
(LIA) to divest its 50% interest in Libyan Norwegian
Fertiliser Co. (LIFECO) to NOC.
Under the transaction, which was completed as of 31
Dec. 2020, Yara transferred its full legal ownership interest
in LIFECO, together with all economic rights and all
obligations and liabilities.
LIFECO is now owned 75% by NOC and 25% by LIA.
Value of the transaction was not disclosed.

 

Gevo Selects Koch Project Solutions To Execute Its Expansion Projects

Englewood—Gevo
said it has engaged Koch Project Solutions, a subsidiary of
Koch Industries, to provide front-end engineering, design
and project execution management services for the expansion
projects that Gevo is in the process of financing with
Citigroup Global Markets.
Gevo is planning construction of up to three production
facilities and capacity expansions for its renewable jet fuel
and renewable isooctane, which are needed to provide the
product required under its existing and expected, future
take-or-pay, off-take agreements.
“The world is changing rapidly,” said Gevo Chief Executive
Patrick Gruber. “We appreciate being able to tap into
Koch Project Solutions . . . and their vast experience.”

 

Alterra Divests Minority Stake to Neste; Planning Liquefaction Site in Europe

Espoo—Neste
announced it has acquired a minority interest in Alterra
Energy, an “innovative” chemical recycling technology company
in Akron, Ohio.
Alterra has an industrial-scale waste plastics liquefaction
plant in Akron that produces commercial volumes that
can be refined and upgraded into high-quality feedstock for
plastics and chemicals.
The companies are working together toward a global
rollout of Alterra’s proprietary liquefaction technology with
an initial focus on Europe. They aim to accelerate the
adoption of chemical recycling and develop capacity to turn
hard-to-recycle plastic waste into high-quality, highperformance
polymers and chemicals, Neste explained.
Alterra is planning to build a state-of-the-art liquefaction
site in Europe later this year. No other details of the
project were shared.
“Collaboration with Alterra Energy strengthens Neste’s
ecosystem of partnerships that are aimed at accelerating
the transition to a circular plastics economy,” said Mercedes
Alonso, executive vice president, renewable polymers
and chemicals at Neste.
“It demonstrates our commitment to continue developing
the chemical recycling industry by supporting some of
the leading companies in commercializing promising technologies.
This partnership also supports Neste’s aim of
building new business growth based on chemical recycling,
while marking another significant step towards our target
of processing more than one million tons of plastic waste
from 2030 onwards.”

 

MISC Takes Delivery of Second VLEC For Long-Term Charter to Zhejiang

Kuala Lumpur—
MISC Berhad has taken delivery of Seri Erlang, the second
of six very large ethane carriers (VLEC) purchased from
Samsung Heavy Industries and Hyundai Heavy Industries
for long-time charter to Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical
(PCN, 20 July 2020, p 3).
Under the earlier purchase agreements, Samsung
Heavy Industries and Hyundai Heavy Industries were to
each build three of the approximately 98,000-cu m VLECs
at a total cost of around $726-million. The first two were
delivered from Samsung’s shipyard in Geoje, South Korea.
MISC, through its vessel-owning entity Portovenere
and Lerci (Singapore) Pte., entered into 15-year time charter
parties with Satellite for operations in international
waters.
MISC took delivery of the first VLEC, Seri Everest, in
October 2020. The vessels will transport ethane from the
U.S. to China to support Zhejiang Satellites’ ethane
cracker facility in China.
The 1.25-million-t/y ethylene facility, estimated to cost
$4.2-billion, is being set up in Lainyungang.

 

Mitsui Chem Reveals Plans for 2021

Tokyo—Mitsui
Chemicals President and Chief Executive Osamu Hashimoto,
in his new year’s greeting, revealed measures aimed
at preparing the company for this year.
“Dependent on the outcomes of vaccine development, we
will likely see new values and visions for society emerge as
we either learn to live with COVID-19 or bring the spread
of infection to a halt,” Hashimoto noted.
In order to prepare for the new normal, Mitsui will
move with the following measures: it will review its longterm
business plan and redefine its vision with an eye to
the world of 2030; establish a dedicated organization
within the company to promote digitalization in all fields
in an integrated manner; accelerate efforts throughout the
whole company to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions
by 2050; and reform its work style.

 

Sipchem’s Al-Saadoon Joins GPCA

Dubai—Abdullah
Al-Saadoon, chief executive of Sahara International Petrochemical
Co. (Sipchem), has joined the board of directors of
the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Assn. (GPCA), effective
immediately.
Al-Saadoon replaces Saleh Bahamdan, former chief executive
of Sipchem, who served as a member of the GPCA
board from August 2019 until December 2020.
“I am pleased to welcome Abdullah Al-Saadoon to the
GPCA board of directors and wish him every success in his
new role,” said GPCA Secretary General Adbulwahab Al-
Sadoun.
“His leadership skills and valuable experience, acquired
both through his positions within SABIC and Sipchem, will
undoubtedly help him to steer the company in the right
direction and make a meaningful contribution to GPCA’s
strategic objectives and future plans.”

Ineos Finalizes Acquisition of BP’s Global Petrochemicals Business

London—Ineos announced
it has completed the purchase of BP’s global petrochemicals
business, which mainly consists of BP’s aromatics
and acetyls businesses, for a consideration of $5-
billion (PCN, 28 Sept 2020, p 1).
“Ineos is already one of the world’s leading petrochemical
companies and this acquisition will extend both the
portfolio and the geographic reach of the business,” Ineos
noted. The businesses will be known as Ineos Acetyls and
Ineos Aromatics.
The acquisition consists of 15 sites, worldwide, as well
as 10 joint ventures.
Ineos Aromatics is a global “leader” in purified
terephthalic acid and paraxylene technology with six sites
and supplies the global polyester business, which includes
polyester fiber, film and polyethylene terephthalate packaging,
said Ineos.
Ineos Acetyls produces acetic acid and a range of derivatives
from its nine sites, supplying a wide range of
downstream industries.
“We are delighted to have been able to acquire these
top-class businesses from BP, extending our position in
global petrochemicals and providing good scope for expansion
and integration with our existing business,” said Jim
Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of Ineos.

 

Sibur & Sinopec Complete Transaction To Set Up JV at Amur GCC in Russia

Moscow—Sibur
Holding and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (Sinopec)
have finalized their previously announced deal to establish
a new joint venture at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex
(GCC) being built in Svobodny, Russia (PCN, 21-28 Dec
2020, p 1).
Amur GCC, the downstream expansion of Gazprom’s
Amur Gas Processing Plant (GPP), will process ethane
fraction from the GPP for the production of 2.3-million t/y
of polyethylene and 400,000 t/y of polypropylene. The
budget for the chemical complex is tentatively estimated at
between $10-billion and $11-billion.
Construction of Amur GCC proceeds in synch with the
gradual ramp-up of the Amur GPP to its full capacity.
Completion of construction and commissioning is scheduled
for 2024.
“Sibur and Sinopec have a long track record of jointly
delivering on large-scale investment projects and implementing
advanced production technologies,” noted Dmitry
Konov, chairman of the management board of Sibur Holding.
“Creating a joint venture is a major milestone in our
Amur GCC project. With Sinopec’s involvement, we will be
able to maximize the project’s efficiency, in particular optimizing
and balancing the facility’s future debt portfolio,
while also enhancing its expertise in distribution across
Asian markets.”
The joint venture is owned 60% by Sibur and 40% by
Sinopec.

 

IOCL Lets EPCC Contract to Tecnimont For AA, Butyl Acrylate Units in Dumad

Vadodara—
Tecnimont SpA, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont, through
its Indian entity Tecnimont Pvt. Ltd., has been awarded an
engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning
(EPCC) contract by Indian Oil (IOCL) for new acrylic acid
(AA) and butyl acrylate units in Dumad, Gujarat State,
India (PCN, 30 Apr 2018, p 2).
The project involves implementation of a 90,000-t/y AA
plant and a 150,000-t/y butyl acrylate facility. Mechanical
completion is expected to be reached after 26 months.
Under the lump-sum contract, valued at about $255-
million, Tecnimont will perform the EPCC activities up to
the performance guarantees test run.
In 2018, IOCL agreed to license Mitsubishi Chemical
Corp.’s proprietary technology for the new units.
“After the recent announcement of the MoU [memorandum
of understanding] with IOCL to support the industrialization
of green chemistry and circular economy in India,
we consolidate a strategic relationship with such a prominent
client also in the petrochemical business,” said Maire
Tecnimont Group Chief Executive Pierroberto Folgiero.
“Our technology-driven strategy enabled us once again
to seize opportunities in a market with a very promising
downstream investment cycle, thanks to the growing demand
for petrochemical products.”
In the MoU signed by IOCL and Maire Tecnimont’s
NextChem subsidiary, the parties agreed to use Next-
Chem’s technologies to develop projects focused on plastics
recycling, producing biofuels from renewable feedstock,
and circular fuels and chemicals from non-recyclable waste
(PCN, 9 Nov 2020, p 2).

 

Enterprise & Navigator Start Service On Ethylene Storage Tank in Texas

Houston—
Enterprise Products Partners and Navigator Holdings announced
that service has begun on a new ethylene storage
tank at their 50-50 joint venture ethylene export terminal
at Morgan’s Point, Texas (PCN, 22 June 2020, p 3).
The 30,000-ton refrigerated tank “will facilitate faster
loading, increasing efficiency for the terminal’s customers
and enabling the terminal to reach an annual nameplate
export capacity of 1-million tons per year,” the partners
noted.
The new tank is supplied by a 600-million-lb ethylene
storage cavern at Enterprise’s Mont Belvieu, Texas, complex.
Enterprise has the capability to further expand its
underground caverns to accommodate additional ethylene
storage.
“Our fully commissioned . . . ethylene export facility is
the largest and most reliable supply source for waterborne
ethylene in the world,” said A.J. “Jim” Teague, co-chief executive
of Enterprise’s general partner.
“The terminal is backed by the supply of the entire U.S.
Gulf Coast via our growing ethylene midstream services,
which include our open access storage and market hub in
Mont Belvieu.”

 

Sumitomo Studying Possible Combination Of PDH & CO2 Utilization Technologies

Singapore—
Sumitomo Chemical said it has begun exploring a potential
combination of a propane dehydrogenation (PDH) technology
with a carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization technology at
its petrochemical complex in Singapore.
The PDH technology converts propane gas into propylene,
while the CO2 utilization technology uses hydrogen
and CO2, by-products from PDH, to “efficiently” synthesize
methanol, the company noted.
The project, supported by the Singapore Economic Development
Board (EDB), can increase economic activity
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, said Sumitomo.
“The EDB is supportive of Sumitomo Chemical’s plans
to integrate the two technologies and implement them in
Singapore,” stated EDB Executive Vice President Damian
Chan.
“It is aligned, not only with EDB’s interests in increasing
propylene supply to grow high-value petrochemicals
manufacturing on Jurong Island, but also in enabling a
low-carbon energy industry and chemicals industry in Singapore.
“We are heartened that an industry leader such as Sumitomo
Chemical has chosen Singapore as the location to
commercialize these innovative technologies.”
Sumitomo recently announced it is partnering with
Shimane University on the CO2 utilization technology
(PCN, 14 Sept 2020, p 2).

 

JM & Thyssenkrupp Extend Partnership For Ammonia Process, Catalyst Supply

Essen—
Johnson Matthey (JM) and Thyssenkrupp have entered
into an agreement to renew their collaboration around
ammonia process and catalyst supply.
As part of the partnership, which was formed two decades
ago, Thyssenkrupp has exclusive use of JM’s “worldclass”
catalysts for its uhde ammonia process, JM noted.
Since the partnership was formed, Thyssenkrupp has
built over 20 ammonia plants with a total capacity of
40,000 t/d using JM catalysts.
“We are extremely proud of our ongoing partnership
and are thrilled with the opportunity to continue to apply
our deep knowledge in catalysis, pushing the boundaries in
energy efficiency and higher capacity,” said JM Managing
Director John Gordon.
“It has been fantastic to see our world-class catalysts
deliver optimum reliability with the lowest operating expense
for the Thyssenkrupp uhde ammonia process for five
of the world’s largest scale ammonia plants.”

 

NextChem and JFE Engineering Ink Deal To Produce Low Carbon Chem Products

Rome—
NextChem, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont Group, and
JFE Engineering Corp. have signed a commercial agreement
for the production of low carbon chemicals products.
The alliance will strengthen the partners’ ongoing collaboration
to provide an integrated and enhanced technological
platform for waste-to-chemicals projects, starting
from economic and technical feasibility studies up to turnkey
construction, NextChem noted.

 

Sibur and Gazprom Neft Sign Agreements To Invest in Expanding Shurtan Complex

Moscow—
Sibur and Gazprom Neft are considering investing in expanding
capacity of the Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex in
Uzbekistan and have signed agreements of intent with Uzbekneftegaz,
operator of the complex, Reuters reported.
The companies will also study a joint project to construct
another gas chemicals complex in the country with a
capacity of up to 3-billion cu m/yr of gas. No other details
were given.
This past October, Lummus Technology was awarded a
contract to design and supply four Short Residence Time
ethylene cracking furnaces for the Shurtan Gas Chemical
Complex, which will be used to more than double ethylene
capacity (PCN, 12 Oct 2020, p 2). The complex also produces
polyethylene.

 

EC Implements New Rules on Limiting Importing/Exporting of Plastic Waste

Brussels—The
European Commission (EC) has adopted new European
Union (EU) rules on the export, import and intra-EU
shipment of plastic waste.
The rules, which entered into force on 1 Jan. 2021, ban
the export of plastic waste from the EU to non-OECD (Organization
for Economic Co-operation and Development)
countries and imports in the EU will also be more strictly
controlled.
“In the last decade, uncontrolled trade in plastic waste
has increased, damaging both the environment and public
health,” the EC noted. “The new rules should end the export
of problematic plastic wastes to third countries that
often do not have the capacity and standards to manage it
sustainably.
“This is also a key commitment of both the European
Green Deal and the new circular economy action plan. In
parallel, today’s decision contributes to the EU plastics
strategy, which aims to reduce plastic waste and encourage
better sorting and recycling.”

 

People on the Move

Lotte Chemical Titan—Park Hyun Chul has been
named president and chief executive, effective 1 Jan. 2021,
to replace Lee Dong Woo. Chul joined the parent company,
Lotte Chemical Corp., in 1991 and has held several positions.
Versalis—Adriano Alfani has joined the company as
chief executive, effective 1 Jan. 2021, succeeding Daniele
Ferrari, who has decided to retire. He comes from Dow,
where he served as senior global business director and
strategy director.
Mitsui & Co.—Kenichi Hori, currently senior executive
managing officer and a representative director, has been
appointed president, chief executive and representative
director, effective 1 Apr. 2021. He succeeds Tatsuo Yasunaga,
who will become chairman and representative director
at the same time.
Azelis Americas—Eduardo Salinas has been named
managing director of Latin America. He was previously cofounder
of High Chem Specialties Mexico, a specialty
chemical distributor in Mexico.

 

AGIC Signs Three Off-Take Agreements For PP Produced by APOC JV in Jubail

Jubail—
Advanced Global Investment Co. (AGIC) has entered into
three long-term offtake agreements for the sale of polypropylene
(PP) produced by Advanced Polyolefins Co. (APOC),
a joint venture of AGIC and SK Gas Petrochemical, in
Jubail, Saudi Arabia (PCN, 14 Dec 2020, p 2).
APOC is planning to build a propane dehydrogenation
(PDH) and PP complex that will include an 843,000-t/y
PDH unit and two 400,000-t/y PP plants, which will use
Spheripol and Spherizone technologies licensed by Basell
Poliolefine. Construction is expected to begin next year,
with commercial operations planned to start by the second
half of 2024.
Under the offtake agreements, AGIC will sell 250,000
t/y of PP to Vinmar International in the U.S., 250,000 t/y of
PP to Tricon Dry Chemicals in the U.S. and 120,000 t/y of
PP to Mitsubishi Corp. of Japan. The agreements are effective
from the date of commercial operations of APOC
until 31 Dec. 2028.
AGIC is a subsidiary of Advanced Petrochemical Co.,
while SK Gas Petrochemical is a subsidiary of SK Gas Co.

 

Agilyx Supports the U.S. EPA’s Strategy To Boost Recycling Rate to 50% by ‘30

Tigard—Agilyx
Corp. said it applauds the National Recycling Strategy that
was recently announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), along with EPA’s goal of increasing the
national recycling rate to 50% by 2030.
The company supports EPA Administrator Andrew
Wheeler’s call for a “revival of the U.S. recycling system,
which faces significant challenges, ranging from consumer
confusion to reduced international markets and old recycling
infrastructure that has not kept pace with modern
materials streams.”
Agilyx also encourages congress to work with the industry
to prioritize recycling legislation in 2021, including accelerating
the circular economy for plastics.
Progress is already being made. In the last three years,
64 projects in mechanical and advanced recycling in the
U.S. have been announced, according to the American
Chemistry Council. Together these projects have the potential
to divert over 4-million t/y of waste from landfills.
Agilyx Corp., a subsidiary of Agilyx AS, advanced recycler
of difficult-to-recycle post-use plastic streams, has become
a signatory to the National Recycles Pledge.

 

Mitsubishi Chem Decides to Establish New CFRTP Pilot Facility in Japan

Tokyo—Mitsubishi
Chemical Corp. (MCC) said it will set up a new pilot
facility for carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP)
in Fukui Prefecture, Japan.
MCC, with support from the Industrial Technology
Center of Fukai Prefecture and leveraging technological
synergy within the MCC Group, recently established technology
that enables “highly efficient” manufacturing of “extremely
high-quality” CFRTP, MCC noted.
In the future, MCC will market the product as a new
series in its Kyron thermoplastic composite brand and offer
it to the Japanese CFRTP market, which until now has
relied mainly on imports.

 

Huntsman Finalizes Sale of Venator Shares To Funds Advised by SK Capital Partners

Houston—
Huntsman Corp. has completed the sale of approximately
42.4-million ordinary shares of its pigments and additives
business, Venator Materials, to funds advised by SK Capital
Partners (PCN, 14 Dec 2020, p 3).
The transaction, valued at around $100-million, included
a 30-month option for the sale of the remaining approximate
9.7-million ordinary shares that Huntsman
holds in Venator for $2.15/share.
The finalized sale enables Huntsman to reduce its current
tax obligations by $150-million, said Huntsman
Chairman and Chief Executive Peter Huntsman.

 

VTT Develops Technology to Produce Bio-PEF Plastics Using Citrus Peel

Helsinki—The
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a
new technology that enables the use of pectin-containing
agricultural waste, such as citrus peel and sugar beet pulp,
as raw material for bio-based polyethylene furanoate (PEF)
plastics.
The patented technology has “significant” advantages
for making bio-based PEF plastics, VTT noted. It uses a
stable intermediate for the production of FDCA (2,5-
furandicarboxylic acid), one of the monomers of PEF, which
enables a “highly efficient” process.
“Replacing fossil-based PET [polyethylene terephthalate]
with plant-based PEF polymers can lower the carbon
footprint of the products by 50%.”

 

Bioplastics Company Danimer Scientific Completes Combination with Live Oak

Bainbridge—
Meredian Holdings Group, doing business under its founding
name, Danimer Scientific (Legacy Danimer), a nextgeneration
bioplastics firm, and Live Oak Acquisition
Corp., announced they have completed their planned business
combination.
In connection with the closing of the transaction, Live
Oak changed its name to Danimer Scientific. The combined
company will use its increased capital base to “significantly”
increase production of its Nodax polyhydroxyalkanoate
(PHA), a 100% biodegradable, renewable and sustainable
plastic produced using canola oil as its primary
feedstock, the companies noted.
Nodax PHA is the “first” PHA polymer to be certified as
marine degradable. It will fully degrade in ocean water
without leaving behind microplastics. It can replace the
80% of plastics that are never recycled or incinerated.
Danimer Scientific produces the PHA at its commercialscale
facility in Winchester, Ky. Based on signed and
pending contracts, the company is completely sold out of all
its production. The planned expansion is expected to meet
the current and long-term demand of its customers.
Legacy Danimer’s senior management team will continue
to lead the combined company.
Stephen E. Croskrey, chief executive of Danimer Scientific,
has also become chairman of the board. Live Oak
Chief Executive Rick Hendrix has joined the board of Danimer
Scientific, and John Amboian, non-executive chairman
of Live Oak, has joined the board as lead independent director.

 

Perdaman Firms Deal with Saipem To Build Australian Urea Facility

Canberra—Saipem,
in a 50-50 joint venture with Clough, has been awarded a
contract from Perdaman Chemical and Fertilizers for development
of the Burrup urea project, northwest of Karratha
in Australia (PCN, 6 July 2020, p 2).
The $4.5-billion project will involve the “world’s largest”
single-line ammonia plant, which will utilize Haldor Topsoe’s
SynCor technology, and a 2.14-million-t/y urea unit,
based on Saipem’s proprietary Snamprogetti Urea technology,
Saipem noted.
The contract, valued at approximately $2.4-billion, includes
the engineering, supply of equipment and materials,
construction, pre-commissioning and commissioning for the
urea plant.
Also included in the scope of work is a water treatment
plant, power plant, as well as urea storage, loading and
unloading facilities. A schedule was not given.
Around 2,000 jobs will be created during the construction
phase and, once complete, the plant will provide 200
permanent jobs.

 

Suez & SCG Form Strategic Partnership To Offer PCR Plastic in Southeast Asia

Bangkok—
Suez recently entered into a strategic partnership with
chemicals business SCG to address the growing demand
for high-quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in
Southeast Asia.
Suez produces 30,000 tons of PCR from its circular
polymer plant in Bang Phli, Thailand. The facility produces
recycled plastics that are comparable to virgin plastic
in color, impact and resistance, Suez noted. The plant
started up in December 2020.
The partnership allows SCG to leverage its marketing
and business management experience to help distribute
the PCR to brand owners and manufacturers in Southeast
Asia.
“Suez is delighted to partner with SCG, an industry
leader in integrated petrochemicals, who shows a consistent
commitment to excellence,” said Antoine Grange, chief
executive of Recycling & Recovery at Suez Asia.
“Together with SCG, we are confident that PCR can deliver
a long-term sustainable solution to tackling plastic
waste for customers in Southeast Asia. Suez will fully
support the Thailand government in achieving its plastic
waste reduction goal with its technological expertise and
compliance excellence.”

 

Braskem & Petrobras Renew Supply Deal For Naphtha, Ethane, Propane in Brazil

São Paulo—
Braskem and Petrobras have concluded the renewal of
feedstock supply agreements, in which Petrobras will supply
naphtha to Braskem’s industrial plant in São Paulo,
Brazil, and ethane and propane to its industrial unit in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil.
The agreements, which will run for about five years beginning
this month, involves the supply of up to 2-million
t/y of naphtha and up to 580,000 t/y of ethylene equivalent.
The previous agreements were due to expire at the end of
December 2020.

 

Agilyx Joins Chemical Recycling Europe

Oslo—
Chemical Recycling Europe (ChemRecEurope) announced
that Agilyx AS, a leader in advanced recycling of post-use
plastics, has become a new member of the association.
“ChemRecEurope’s aim is to deepen a positive industrywide
relationship throughout the whole chemical recycling
value chain in Europe to accelerate the creation of a circular
economy for plastics,” according to ChemRecEurope.
Agilyx operates a fully commercial polystyrene chemical
recycling facility at Tigard, Ore., through its Regenyx joint
venture. It has several chemical recycling projects underway
with partners in Europe, the U.S. and Japan.

Pembina & PIC Indefinitely Suspend CKPC’s PDH, PP Project in Canada

Calgary—Canada
Kuwait Petrochemical Corp., a joint venture of Pembina
Pipeline and Petrochemical Industries (PIC) of Kuwait, is
indefinitely shelving its propane dehydrogenation (PDH)
and polypropylene (PP) project planned to be built in Canada
(PCN, 13 Jan 2020, p 1).
The project, expected to cost around C$4.5-billion, includes
a complex that would process about 23,000 b/d of
propane from Pembina’s Redwater Fractionation Complex
and other local facilities to produce over 550,000 t/y of PP,
including random and impact copolymers.
“While Pembina continues to believe in the strategic rationale
of this project, the significant risks arising from the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most notably with respect to
costs under the lump-sum contract for construction of the
PDH plant, which remains under force majeure condition,
require CKPC to suspend execution of the project indefinitely,”
Pembina explained.
“CKPC is working through a process to manage, defer
or cancel existing agreements with, among others, the
lump-sum consortium, lenders, and technology licensers, in
order to minimize the need for additional capital contributions.”
Commercial service had been expected to be in the second
half of 2023.

 

Ineos Styrolution Starts Construction On World-Scale ABS Plant in Ningbo

Ningbo—Ineos
Styrolution has broken ground for a new world-scale acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS) plant in Ningbo, China
(PCN, 13 Jan 2020, p 3).
The 600,000-t/y ABS unit will be located adjacent to a
polystyrene plant that Ineos acquired from Total in February
2019. Operations are scheduled to begin by 2023.
“The location of the new site was selected because of its
extensive access to feedstock supply options and excellent
supply chain connection to customers,” Ineos noted.

 

Sipchem to Mothball PBT, EVA Facilities Owned by Two of Its Saudi Affiliates

Jubail—Sahara
International Petrochemical Co. (Sipchem), in a filing with
the Saudi Stock Exchange, said it plans to mothball a
polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) facility and an ethylene
vinyl acetate (EVA) film plant in Saudi Arabia, each owned
by an affiliate of Sipchem.
The PBT unit, owned by Sipchem Chemical Co., is located
in Jubail Industrial City, while the EVA film plant,
owned by Saudi Specialized Products Co., is located in Hail
Industry City.
Sipchem plans to begin mothballing the facilities on 1
Jan. 2021. “Steps to give effect to this decision are underway,”
it noted.
The plan is in line with Sipchem’s strategy to improve
profitability and efficiency of its operations.

 

Sibur Chooses LyondellBasell Technology For PP Unit at Amur Gas Chem Complex

Moscow—
Sibur Holding has selected LyondellBasell’s Spheripol
technology for a new polypropylene (PP) plant, being built
as part of its Amur Gas Chemical Complex (GCC) project
in Svobodny, Russia (PCN, 2 Nov 2020, p 1).
The facility will have a production capacity of 400,000
t/y of PP. Commissioning of the project is planned in 2025.
Value of the project was not given.
“LyondellBasell’s technology will help to achieve the
highest level of diversification at Amur GCC and expand
Sibur’s mostly homopolymer-oriented portfolio with a few
PP random copolymers by adding a wide array of other
copolymers, e.g. high-impact polypropylene-ethylene copolymers,
and thermoplastic grades,” said Pavel Lyakhovich,
management board member and managing director
of the Basic Polymers Division at Sibur.
Total design capacity of the Amur GCC is 2.7-million t/y
of polyethylene and PP products.

 

BASF Begins Operation of First Phase Of New Geismar MDI Synthesis Unit

Geismar—BASF
said that the first phase of a new methylene diphenyl
diisocyanate (MDI) synthesis unit at its Verbund site in
Geismar, La., is now complete and has begun operations,
and an older MDI synthesis unit is no longer in service
(PCN, 5 Feb 2018, p 1).
The MDI capacity increase program, announced 2016,
is progressing on schedule. Over time, the company plans
to double MDI capacity from 300,000 t/y currently.
In the second phase, which is under construction, BASF
will expand several upstream units. Start-up is scheduled
for the second half of 2021 and will raise MDI capacity by
around one third.
The proposed final phase, which could increase MDI
capacity to around 600,000 t/y, is targeted for completion
by the middle of the decade.
“The Geismar site is ideally suited for this investment
thanks to its existing infrastructure, competitive raw materials
and ongoing strong business support from state and
local government,” noted Stefan Doerr, head of BASF’s
monomers business in North America.
“With this integrated facility, BASF will continue to be
a leading MDI supplier in North America, as well as globally.”

 

West Coast Olefins Chooses Original Site For NGL Recovery and Olefins Project

Calgary—
West Coast Olefins Ltd. (WCOL) said it has abandoned its
decision to relocate its Canadian natural gas liquids (NGL)
recovery and olefins project to McLeod Lake and will instead
build it on a site in Prince George, as originally
planned (PCN, 18 May 2020, p 2).
The proposed $5.6-billion project would include a 1-
million-t/y ethylene plant, a polyethylene facility, an NGL
recovery plant, associated offsite units and infrastructure,
and potentially a monoethylene glycol unit.
WCOL was planning to relocate the project to accommodate
concerns raised by a local advocacy group regarding
the impacts on the bowl area of the Prince George airshed,
noted WCOL President and Chief Executive Ken
James.
“However, the ‘Too Close to Home’ group renewed their
objections to the new project location, despite the fact that
they had suggested we consider a location north of Prince
George and we now realize that anything short of canceling
our project will not appease this group.”
The company has restarted the regulatory process for
the ethylene plant with the Environmental Assessment
Office and is initiating steps with BC Oil & Gas Commission
for the NGL recovery unit.
Last year, WCOL said the project was expected to take
three years to construct.

 

Ultrapar Considering Sale of Oxiteno To Focus on Oil and Gas Business

São Paulo—
Ultrapar announced that it is evaluating strategic alternatives
for its Oxiteno business, which includes a potential
divestment of the company.
Consistent with Ultrapar’s growth strategy, it plans to
focus its investments on existing opportunities in the oil
and gas value chain in Brazil, where it operates three
businesses and has structural competitive advantages.
Evaluating strategic alternatives for the Oxiteno business
is also expected to allow the continuous expansion and
strengthening of Oxiteno, Ultrapar noted.

 

Sumitomo Chooses Axen’s Atol Technology For Waste-to-Polyolefins Project in Japan

Tokyo—
Sumitomo Chemical and Axens have signed a license
agreement for Axens to supply its Atol ethanol-to-ethylene
technology for Sumitomo’s waste-to-polyolefins project in
Japan (PCN, 2 Mar 2020, p 1).
Axens’ Atol technology will transform ethanol produced
from waste into polymer-grade ethylene that will be polymerized
into polyolefins.
“At full roll-out, the project will enable the production of
waste-based polyolefin at industrial scale, which will represent
a leapfrog towards a sustainable economy based on
renewable carbon,” Axens noted.
Earlier this year, Sekisui Chemical and Sumitomo agreed
to form a strategic alliance that combines Sekisui’s
production technology for converting waste into ethanol
with Sumitomo’s technological know-how in manufacturing
polyolefin.
Pilot production is scheduled to begin in fiscal 2022,
with full-scale market launch of the production method
expected in fiscal 2025.

 

ACC’s Jahn Responds to Announcement Of Regan as U.S. EPA Admin Nominee

Washington—
President-Elect Joe Biden has nominated Michael Regan,
current secretary of the North Carolina Dept. of Environmental
Quality, to serve as administrator of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
“We congratulate Michael Regan for his nomination to
be the next administrator of EPA,” said Chris Jahn, president
and chief executive of the American Chemistry Council
(ACC).
“Our industry looks forward to engaging with him and
the dedicated civil servants at the agency to help ensure
the nation’s key environmental statues are administered in
a way that protects human health and the environment,
especially among the most vulnerable people and places in
America.
“We would also like to thank Administrator Andrew
Wheeler and the dedicated staff at EPA—both political and
civil servants—for all they have accomplished over the past
four years.
“As one of the most heavily regulated manufacturing
industries in the U.S., the business of chemistry has an
interest in a broad range of the agency’s activities. ACC
and its members have a particular interest in the full, effective
and efficient implementation of the 2016 amendments
to the Toxic Substances Control Act as congress envisioned.
“We have been and remain committed to working constructively
with EPA and other federal agencies under
every presidency, and we look forward to engaging with
the incoming administration on key regulatory issues.”

 

Borealis Confirms Phenol, Acetone FM

Porvoo—
Borealis confirmed to PCN that it declared force majeure
(FM) on 15 Dec. 2020 on phenol and acetone production at
its Porvoo site in Finland.
The decision was made following a power outage, an incident
outside the scope of its control, according to the
company spokeswoman.
“At this point in time it is unclear when the FM will be
lifted. Affected customers have been informed accordingly.”

People on the Move

Sahara International Petrochemical Co.—Abdullah
S. Al-Saadoon has been appointed chief executive, effective
1 Jan. 2021, to succeed Saleh M. Bahamdan, who is
retiring. Al-Saadoon has been chief operating officer since
2019.
BASF SE—Dr. Melanie Maas-Brunner, head of BASF’s
Nutrition & Health Division, has been appointed chief
technology officer and a member of the board of executive
directors, effective 1 Feb. 2021. She will succeed Dr. Martin
Brudermüller, who will remain as chairman of the
board of executive directors.
Michael Heinz, currently responsible for South America,
will take over the additional responsibility of North
America from Wayne T. Smith, after a transition period on
1 June 2021. Smith will continue to be responsible for the
Monomers, Performance Materials, Petrochemicals, Intermediates,
and Process Research & Chemical Engineering
Divisions.

 

Braskem & Agilyx Partner on Project To Produce PP from Plastic Waste

Philadelphia—
Braskem and Agilyx have initiated a feasibility study to
explore the development and construction of an advanced
plastics recycling project in North America to produce
polypropylene (PP) using difficult-to-recycle mixed waste
plastic.
The project aims to examine an efficient pathway to
produce the PP using Agilyx’s advanced recycling technology.
The mixed waste plastics would be sourced through
Cyclyx, Agilyx’s feedstock management company.
“As the North American leader in polypropylene,
Braskem is committed to evolving its feedstock portfolio to
leverage more sustainable input sources and is currently
evaluating various supply agreements and innovative projects
to drive this shift,” said Braskem America Chief Executive
Mark Nikolich.
“Our collaboration with Agilyx is just the most recent
example of Braskem’s efforts to more holistically address
the limited availability of propylene feedstock derived from
post-use plastic in the market today.
“Looking forward, Braskem intends to explore direct investment
options as needed to help accelerate this transition
to more circular and sustainable feedstock and production
technologies.”

 

Bionerga Starts Up Waste-to-Energy Plant, Will Deliver Steam, Electricity to Borealis

Brussels—
Bionerga and Borealis announced the joint commissioning
of Biostoom, a new waste-to-energy plant in Beringen, Belgium,
which will deliver steam and electricity to Borealis’
local operations.
The waste-to-energy plant, built and operated by Bionerga,
generates steam and electricity from non-hazardous,
non-recyclable household waste collected from nearby Limburg,
exclusively for Borealis.
The facility has enabled Borealis to move closer to its
goal of sourcing 50% of its total electricity consumption
from renewable sources for operations in its major business
areas by 2030, Borealis noted.
“By reducing its dependency on fossil fuel-based sources
of energy, Borealis is lowering its direct and indirect carbon
dioxide emissions by 20% at its Beringen operations,”
said Borealis. The intake of natural gas will be reduced by
around 40%.
Earlier this year, Borealis began producing renewable
polypropylene at its production facilities in Beringen and
Kallo, Belgium, using Neste’s 100% renewable propane as
feedstock (PCN, 16 Mar 2020, p 1).

 

PQ Group Holdings Finalizes Divestment Of Its Performance Materials Business

Berwyn—PQ
Group Holdings has completed the sale of its performance
materials business to an affiliate of The Jordan Co. for
$650-million, subject to customary closing adjustments.
“With the sale of performance materials at an attractive
valuation, we take a significant step in reshaping the PQ
portfolio toward a higher-margin, higher-growth-potential
business,” said Belgacem Chariag, chairman, president
and chief executive of PQ.
The Jordan Co. is a middle-market private equity firm
based in the U.S.

 

Arkema Considering Sale to Trinseo Of Polymethyl Methacrylate Assets

Paris—Arkema
announced the proposed sale of its polymethyl methacrylate
(PMMA) business to Trinseo for an enterprise value of
€1,137-million.
The PMMA activity is an integrated business, from the
production of methyl methacrylate to PMMA, marketed
under the names Plexiglas and Altuglas. The business
employees around 860 people and operates four production
sites in Europe and three in North America.
The planned sale, expected to be completed in the middle
of next year, is subject to approval from relevant antitrust
authorities and to an information and consultation
process involving Arkema’s employee representative bodies.
“This proposed divestment is fully in line with the
group’s strategy presented at our Capital Markets Day last
April,” said Thierry Le Henaff, chairman and chief executive
of Arkema.
“It will allow Arkema to continue to significantly reduce
the share of its intermediates segment and to consolidate
its foothold in specialty materials with high technological
content.”

 

Sipchem & Linde Sign Agreement to Form Industrial Gases Venture in Saudi Arabia

Jubail—
Sahara International Petrochemical Co. (Sipchem) and
Linde GmbH have entered into an exclusive partnership
agreement to form a 50-50 joint venture for developing industrial
gases projects and networks in the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia.
Under the 20-year contract, the joint venture plans to
develop a “world-class” industrial gases network in Jubail
Industrial City by connecting, via pipeline, existing hydrogen
and syngas plants owned and operated by the partners,
Sipchem noted.
“The main focus will be on the development of new production
facilities in order to supply carbon monoxide, hydrogen,
syngas ammonia and associated gases, alongside
efficient solutions for the decarbonization of downstream
production in industrial clusters in the kingdom,” said Sipchem
in a letter to the Saudi Stock Exchange.
The partnership is expected to lead to approximately
$500-million in investment opportunities over the next five
years, subject to the economic viability.

 

Repsol Inks Agreement with Berry Global To Supply Reciclex Circular Polyolefins

Madrid—
Berry Global Group announced an agreement with Repsol,
in which Repsol will supply Berry with ISCC Plus certified
circular polyolefins from the Repsol Reciclex range.
Berry will initially use the materials in manufacturing
at its European packaging facilities, procuring food-grade
polypropylene for food and healthcare packaging.
Repsol has certified all its petrochemical complexes to
produce circular polyolefins under the ISCC Plus certification.
This certification guarantees the traceability of the
plastic waste used at the source.
Repsol uses the latest, innovative technology to ensure
that the circular polyolefins have the same quality and
functionality as virgin polyolefins, Berry noted.

 

Ineos, RWE Sign Green Energy Deal To Power Belgian Production Sites

Antwerp—Ineos
and RWE have entered into a long-term agreement, in
which RWE will supply renewable power to Ineos’ sites in
Belgium for a period of 10 years.
Ineos has agreed to purchase 56-megawatts of offshore
wind power from RWE Supply & Trading, produced at the
Northwester2 wind park in the Belgian North Sea.
The renewable electricity will reduce Ineos carbon footprint
in Belgium by a further 745,000 tons of carbon dioxide
over the length of the contract.
This is Ineos’ second renewable power deal. In September,
it announced that it had finalized a 10-year agreement
with Engie for the purchase of 84-megawatts of renewable
electricity for its Belgian sites from Engie’s Norther offshore
wind farm in the North Sea (PCN, 28 Sept 2020, p 2).
“This agreement with RWE is another important step
as we further reduce our carbon emissions from our energy
consumption in Belgium,” said Ineos Trading Chief Executive
David Thompson.
“Combined with our earlier agreement in September,
the deals reduce our carbon footprint by nearly 2-million
tons of carbon dioxide.
“We will continue to look at the options for further expanding
the use of renewable energy, as agreements such
as this support our roadmap towards a reduction in carbon-
based energy across our sites.”

 

KBR Awarded Contract from Monolith To Supply Process for Fertilizer Plant

Lincoln—
Monolith Materials has selected KBR’s ammonia synthesis
loop (synloop) for a new fertilizer project in Hallam, Neb.
Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide a
technology license, basic engineering design package, proprietary
equipment and catalyst for a 930-t/d ammonia
synloop project.
The project will consume hydrogen feedstock from an
emission-free, commercial-scale facility developed by Monolith
to produce both carbon black and ammonia from natural
gas, air and 100% renewable power.
Monolith’s process converts natural gas into carbon and
hydrogen. The carbon is used to produce carbon black.
“KBR’s energy-efficient ammonia technology is the first
choice of ammonia producers globally,” said Doug Kelly,
president of technology at KBR. “Our sustainable process
technology solutions are leading the energy transition industry
globally.”

 

TNO-Led Consortium Gets Grant to Study Steel Gas Emissions for Urea Production

Brussels—A
consortium, led by the Dutch Research Institution TNO,
has been given a €21-million grant from the European
Commission, under the Horizon 2020 Framework Program,
to study and develop the potential industrial symbiosis to
convert residual steel gas emissions into resources for urea
production.
The INITIATE (Innovative Industrial Transformation
of the steel and chemical industries of Europe) Project will
demonstrate a novel symbiotic and circular process at
Swerim’s facilities in Lulea, Sweden.
The core of the process is a modular carbon capture,
utilization and storage technology, integrating the flexible
conditioning of time dependent and carbon-rich steel gases
with the synthesis of ammonia.
Stamicarbon, MET Development and NextChem, all
subsidiaries of Maire Tecnimont Group, will participate in
the consortium of chemical, steel and energy transition
companies, research institutions, universities and industrial
partners active in both the steel and fertilizer industries.
The main goal of the demonstration unit is to justify the
viability and prove the capability to produce ammonia. In
the next phase, the project will focus on a commercial implementation
plan to establish an industrial scale INITIATE
plant reference for urea production.
Stamicarbon will be responsible for the commercial implementation
plan, with the support of MET Development
for the development of the project and NextChem for the
design and engineering, together with the other consortium
partners.
Successful demonstration of the technology will allow
for construction of a “first-of-a-kind” plant, with 150 t/d of
urea capacity, within a five-year timeframe, Stamicarbon
noted.

 

One Rock Affiliate Signs Deal with BASF To Buy Specialty Chemicals Businesses

Chicago—An
affiliate of One Rock Capital Partners has entered into a
definitive agreement to acquire BASF’s manufacturing site
in Kankakee, Ill., and the associated specialty chemicals
businesses there, for an undisclosed amount.
The businesses include esters, anionic surfactants,
vegetable oil-based raw material sterols and natural vitamin
E. The transaction is expected to close in the first half
of next year, subject to customary closing conditions, including
regulatory approval.

Sinochem Quanzhou Successfully Starts Up New Ethylene Plant in Fujian Province

Beijing—KBR
announced that Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical Co.
has successfully commissioned a new ethylene facility in
Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China, utilizing KBR’s
SCORE (Selective Cracking Optimum Recovery) technology
(PCN, 21 Sept 2020, p 3).
The 1-million-t/y ethylene plant is part of Sinochem’s
grassroots integrated refining and petrochemical complex,
which also includes a 400,000-t/y high-density polyethylene
facility, which recently achieved on-spec production, as
well as an 800,000-t/y paraxylene plant, a 350,000-t/y
polypropylene unit and an aromatics extraction unit with
300,000 t/y of capacity.
Sinochem is also expanding its existing refining capacity
by 60,000 b/d to 300,000 b/d.
In addition to SCORE technology, KBR also supplied
key proprietary components of the SCORE SC-1 furnaces,
which deliver high product yields, KBR noted.

 

Lummus and CLG Win Multiple Awards For PRPP’s Refinery & PC Complex

Tuban—
Pertamina Rosneft Pengolahan dan Petrokimia (PRPP) has
awarded multiple technology contracts to Lummus Technology
and Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) for a grassroots
refinery and petrochemical complex at PRPP’s site in
Tuban, Indonesia (PCN, 16 Nov 2020, p 1).
Earlier this year, Rosneft said the project would include
a refining capacity of up to 15-million t/y, over 1-million t/y
of ethylene and 1.3-million t/y of aromatics, and was expected
to be commissioned in 2024.
Lummus will provide the license and basic engineering
for the following: ethylene technology, including pyrolysis
gas hydrogenation, C4 total hydrogenation and BASF
SELOP selective hydrogenation technology; ethylbenzene/
styrene technology; and CDMtbe technology.
As part of the award, Lummus will also offer its Short
Residence Time heaters at a later stage in the project.
CLG will provide the license and basic engineering for
its residue desulfurization technology, and will later be
providing ISOMIX-e proprietary reactor internals to optimize
its state-of-the-art catalyst system for higher yields
and longer run lengths.
Last month, PRPP awarded a contract to W.R. Grace &
Co. to supply its Unipol polypropylene (PP) process technology
for a new PP facility, as part of the project.
The plant will include two lines, each with a production
capacity of 580,000 t/y of PP.

 

Formosa Plastics U.S.A Begins Operation Of New LDPE Unit at Point Comfort Site

Austin—
Formosa Plastics Corp. U.S.A. announces the start-up of a
new low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plant at its facility
in Point Comfort, Texas (PCN, 27 Jan 2020, p 1).
The 400,000-t/y LDPE plant, based on technology from
ExxonMobil Catalysts and Licensing, joins a 400,000-t/y
high-density PE unit and a 400,000-t/y linear LDPE facility,
which are already in operation.
“The LDPE unit significantly expands the portfolio of
products we provide to our customers,” said Formosa Executive
Vice President Ken Mounger.
“The range and versatility of our product line is extensive.
We’re looking forward to continuing to supply highquality
resins and enhancing the value we provide to consumers
through our newest line of LDPE products.”

 

Sinopec Approves Project to Invest In New Ethylene Facility in Tianjin

Beijing—Sinopec
announced it has received board of directors’ approval to
invest in the construction of a new 1.2-million-t/y ethylene
cracker in Tianjin, China.
The ethylene and downstream high-end new materials
industrial cluster project will require an investment of
around 28.8-billion yuan. Implementation of the project is
subject to approval by relevant administrative departments,
Sinopec noted. No other details were available.

 

Mitsubishi Chem Decides on Location Of Proposed Gulf Coast MMA Plant

Geismar—
Mitsubishi Chemical said it has acquired a greenfield
property at an integrated site in Geismar, La., for its
planned 350,000-t/y methyl methacrylate (MMA) facility
(PCN, 30 Mar 2020, p 2).
The project, to be based on Lucite’s ethylene-based Alpha
technology, is currently in the early engineering stage
and a final investment decision is expected in early 2022.
If approved, the plant would begin production in 2025.
The Geismar site has readily available major raw materials,
logistics infrastructure, integrated services, and
skilled workforce, the company noted.
“We are pleased to announce that we have acquired this
property and are continuing with our study to build and
operate . . . [the] plant in the United States, taking advantage
of the favorable feedstock position,” said Hitoshi Sasaki,
chief operating officer of Mitsubishi Chemical’s global
MMA business.
“The addition of this asset, which will be fully owned
and operated by Mitsubishi Chemical, strengthens our
global leadership in the MMA merchant market and demonstrates
our commitment to continue providing reliable
and competitive supply to our customers in the U.S. and in
all the regions of the world.”
Lucite was selected earlier this year to design and build
the MMA unit.

 

Advanced Polyolefins Gets Loan Approval To Build New PDH, PP Project in Jubail

Jubail—
Advanced Polyolefins Co. (APOC) has obtained approval
from Saudi Industrial Development Fund for a SR 3-billion
loan to finance construction of a planned propane dehydrogenation
(PDH) and polypropylene (PP) complex in Jubail,
Saudi Arabia (PCN, 12 Oct 2020, p 4).
The project will include an 843,000-t/y PDH unit, based
on Lummus Technology’s Catofin technology, and two
400,000-t/y PP plants, which will use Spheripol and Spherizone
technologies licensed by Basell Poliolefine. Construction
is expected to begin next year, with commercial operation
planned to start by the second half of 2024.
APOC is a joint venture of Advanced Petrochemical
Co.’s Advanced Global Investment Co. and SK Gas Petrochemical,
a subsidiary of SK Gas Co.
In October 2020, the companies said they have decided
to include a 700,000-t/y isopropanol unit in the project.

 

Belneftekhim Investing in Development Of Belarusian Petrochemical Industry

Minsk—
Belarusian state petrochemical concern Belneftekhim
plans to spend around $8.8-billion until 2030 to develop
the petrochemical industry in Belarus, reported a local
news report citing Vladimir Sizov, deputy chairman of the
board of Belneftekhim.
“As for the development of the industry, we see the
main efforts will be focused on transition to a higher oil
conversion ratio,” Sizov noted. “Naftan will be the key enterprise
in these efforts. The oil refinery will gradually
shift its profile from fuel to petrochemical products.”
Investments will be made in a new ethylene and propylene
facility at Naftan, which is expected to be commissioned
in 2026.
The plant will allow for new facilities to manufacture
high-added-value products, such as acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene and polycarbonate.

 

Ineos Styrolution and Indaver Plan Project To Produce ABS from Recycled Feedstock

Berlin—
Ineos Styrolution and Indaver, a “leader” in sustainable
waste management, announced plans to become technology
partners in a project that will demonstrate the production
of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) based on recycled
feedstock.
The four-year project, called “LIFE ABSolutely Circular,”
is funded by the EU LIFE program, the European Union’s
funding instrument for the environment and resource
efficiency, and aims to demonstrate the environmental and
economic benefits of using advanced recycling technologies
to close the loop of plastic recycling.
The initial focus of the project will be to demonstrate
the first time production of ABS based on recycled feedstock,
with plans to demonstrate scaling of the solution
from lab scale to demo plant and ultimately to commercialization.
“We are excited about this project, as we believe there is
intrinsic value in plastics products after usage,” said Dr.
Alexander Gluck, president of EMEA [Europe, Middle East
and Africa] at Ineos Styrolution. “We share the vision with
Indaver to turn plastic waste into valuable resources instead
of letting it end up in landfills.”

 

Mitsubishi Chemical Planning to Integrate Subsidiaries in the U.S., UK and Germany

Tokyo—
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. said it will integrate subsidiaries
at the national level in three countries: the U.S., UK
and Germany, effective 1 Apr. 2021.
“By sharing and integrating expertise and resources,
this integration will enhance cooperation and further
strengthen overall business capabilities in each of these
three countries,” the company noted.
In the U.S., Mitsubishi will combine Mitsubishi Chemical
America, Lucite International, Mitsubishi Chemical
Performance Polymers, Dianal America, Mitsubishi
Chemical Imaging, Cleanpart USA, Mitsubishi Polyester
Film, Mitsubishi Chemical Composites America and MC
Ionic Solutions US into a new integrated company, which
will be named Mitsubishi Chemical America.
Mitsubishi Chemical UK, Lucite International Trading,
Lucite International Specialty Polymers & Resins, Nippon
Gohsei and MC Ionic Solutions UK, all in the UK, will be
integrated into a new company, Mitsubishi Chemical UK.
Finally, In Germany, Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber
and Composites, Mitsubishi Chemical Europe, Cleanpart
Group, Cleanpart and MCPP Europe will be integrated
into a new company named Mitsubishi Chemical
Europe.

 

People on the Move

Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co.—Othman
Ali Al-Ghamdi has been appointed chief executive and a
member of the board of directors, effective 1 Jan. 2021. Al-
Ghamdi, currently chief executive of Saudi Aramco Mobile
Refinery, will succeed Nasser Damascus Al-Mahasher, who
is retiring.
Clariant—Conrad Keijzer will become chief executive
on 1 Jan. 2021, replacing Executive Chairman ad interim
Hariolf Kottman, who will return to his position as chairman
of the board. Keijzer was most recently chief executive
of AkzoNobel’s Performance Coatings Division and a
member of AkzoNobel’s executive committee.
Total Corbion PLA—Thomas Philipon, previously
with DuPont, recently joined Total Corbion PLA as chief
executive. He succeeded Stephane Dion, who became managing
director of Total Lubricants China Co.
Uralchem JSC—Alexander Prygunkov, most recently
first vice president and chief operating officer of PIK Group
of Companies, has become chief executive of Uralchem.
Wacker Chemie—Christian Hartel has been appointed
chief executive to succeed Rudolf Staudigl, who
will retire at the end of the next annual shareholders’
meeting, scheduled for 12 May 2021. Hartel is currently
an executive board member.
SK Capital Partners—Randy Dearth will join the
company as senior director in January 2021. He was most
recently president and chief executive of GCP Applied
Technologies.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines—Takeshi Hashimoto, currently
representative director, executive vice president and an
executive officer, will become president and chief executive,
as well as a representative director, effective 1 Apr. 2021.
He will succeed Junichiro Ikeda, who has been appointed
representative director, chairman and executive officer.

 

Celanese & Mitsubishi Gas Sign MoU To Restructure KEP Joint Venture

Seoul—Celanese
and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) have signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) confirming their intent to
restructure their Korea Engineering Plastics (KEP) polyoxymethylene
(POM) joint venture in Seoul, Korea.
Under the terms of the MoU, KEP would focus on
manufacturing, developing, producing and supplying highquality
products to its shareholders, who would then independently
market the products globally, without restrictions,
the partners explained. In addition, they have committed
to increasing KEP’s production capacity.
The MoU aims to modernize the original scope of the
joint venture, which was formed in 1987 to manufacture
and market POM in Asia, with a particular focus on serving
domestic demand in Korea.
The restructuring is expected to be completed before the
end of next year, subject to customary closing conditions
and necessary regulatory approvals.
KEP is owned 50% by Celanese, 40% by MGC and 10%
by Mitsubishi Corp.

 

Nova Chemicals, Revolution Ink Agreement For Nova to Sell Recycled LDPE, LLDPE

Calgary—
Nova Chemicals and Revolution have entered into an agreement
for Nova to sell recycled low- and linear lowdensity
polyethylene (r(L)LDPE) produced by Revolution.
“The agreement marks Revolution’s exclusive partnership
with a resin manufacturer and builds Nova Chemicals’
portfolio of post-consumer resin offerings for its customers,”
Nova noted. Nova will begin to provide these resins
in January 2021.

 

Commission Clears Planned Purchase Of Venator Materials by SK Capital

Brussels—The
European Commission, under European Union Merger
Regulation, has approved the acquisition of Venator Materials
by SK Capital (PCN, 7 Sept 2020, p 4).
This past August, Huntsman Corp. said it had signed a
definitive agreement with funds advised by SK Capital
Partners to sell 42.5-million shares in its pigments and
additives business, Venator, for around $100-million.
The agreement included a 30-month option for the sale
of the remaining approximate 9.5-million shares that
Huntsman holds in Venator at $2.15 per share. The transaction
is expected to close “near year-end.”

 

Huntsman Enters Deal to Acquire Gabriel Performance Products

The Woodlands—
Huntsman has agreed to purchase specialty chemical
manufacturer Gabriel Performance Products from funds
owned by Audax Private Equity for $250-million.
Based in the U.S., Gabriel produces specialty additives
and epoxy curing agents for the coatings, adhesives, sealants
and composite end-markets. It has three manufacturing
facilities located in Ashtabula, Ohio; Harrison City,
Penn; and Rock Hill, S. Carolina.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected
to close in the first quarter of next year.

 

L&T Technology Selected by ‘O&G Major’ As Primary Engineering Partner in U.S.

Bangalore—
L&T Technology Services (LTTS) said it has been chosen
by a global “O&G major” to be the primary engineering
partner for two integrated refining and chemical manufacturing
facilities in the U.S.
Under the five year agreement, with a potential value
of over $100-million, LTTS will provide multi-discipline
plant engineering activities, including site sustenance, discipline
engineering and control automation support for
both plants.
“LTTS will leverage its in-house digital engineering
tools and new age technology and solutions to optimize project
execution and drive efficiency improvements for the
customer,” LTTS noted.
“The two sites covered under LTTS’ scope are integrated
refining, chemical and polymer complexes and are
currently among the top 10 biggest downstream sites in the
U.S.”

 

Agilyx and A.Eon Enter MoU to Evaluate Building Waste Plastics-to-Energy Unit

Melbourne—
Agilyx and A.Eon, developer of sustainable energy solutions,
have initiated a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) to evaluate the construction of a commercial-scale
waste plastics-to-energy facility in Melbourne, Australia.
The planned 50-t/d facility would use Agilyx’s proprietary
advanced plastics recycling technology to convert
mixed waste plastics to Agilyx Synthetic Crude Oil
(ASCO).
The output ASCO would be used by A.Eon to generate
electricity for the Victorian state government’s redeveloped
Footscray hospital, local industry, as well as to supply peak
energy demand.
With the project, up to 20,000 t/y of plastic waste will be
diverted from landfills and converted into more than
60,000 mw/hr of electricity.
The MoU includes an option for additional commercialscale
facilities to be developed in Australia by A.Eon.

 

Recycling Partnership Awards Grants To Improve PP Recycling in the U.S.

Richmond—The
Recycling Partnership has awarded nearly $2-million in
catalytic grants to advance polypropylene (PP) recycling in
the U.S. through its Polypropylene Recycling Coalition.
In the initial round of funding, the partnership’s PP Recycling
Coalition is providing four grants to materials recovery
facilities across the U.S. that will improve and increase
sortation of PP and support targeted consumer education
efforts.
The coalition’s investments will increase total nationwide
acceptance of PP in curbside recycling programs by
about 1.7% to an additional 4-million people, resulting in
the recovery of a larger supply of PP that could be made
into new products, such as consumer packaging and automotive
parts, the partnership explained.
After a “strong” response to its original request for proposals,
the coalition is continuing to accept grant applications
to further its efforts to improve PP curbside recycling,
the partnership noted. The next round of proposals is due
by 31 Mar. 2021.
Grants are awarded to candidates that are not currently
recycling PP.

 

LyondellBasell, Suez Announce Purchase Of Belgian Plastics Recycler TIVACO

Brussels—
LyondellBasell and Suez jointly announced the acquisition
of TIVACO, a plastics recycling company is Blandain, Belgium.
TIVACO has five production lines capable of processing
about 22,000 t/y of recycled plastic. It will become part of
Quality Circular Polymers (QCP), the existing 50-50 plastics
recycling joint venture of LyondellBasell and Suez.
With the transaction, for which a value was not given,
QCP will increase its production capacity for recycled materials
to approximately 55,000 t/y.
“We are thrilled to take a step forward with our longterm
partner LyondellBasell,” noted Suez Group Chief Operating
Officer Jean-Marc Boursier.
“With the new acquisition, we will together speed up
the use of quality circular polymers in Europe and support
industrial manufacturers’ efforts to reach their environmental
targets.”

 

Skovgaard Invest, Vesta & Topsoe to Develop Commercial-Scale Green Ammonia Plant

Egtved—
Haldor Topsoe announced that Skovgaard Invest, Vestas
and Topsoe, are jointly investing in the construction of the
“world’s first” commercial-scale green ammonia facility in
Western Jutland, Denmark.
The plant will produce over 5,000 t/y of green ammonia
from renewable power, preventing 8,200 t/y of carbon dioxide
from being emitted into the atmosphere. Production
could start as soon as 2022.
“The cost of green ammonia is currently significantly
higher that that of comparable ammonia from fossil fuel,”
Topsoe noted. “To improve the business case and increase
the attractiveness of green ammonia as a substitute for
fossil fuels, Haldor Topsoe and Vestas are developing a
dynamic, scalable and cost-optimized solution.
“Haldor Topsoe will design the plant’s fully dynamic
ammonia technology to secure optimal production and
adapt to the inherent fluctuations in power output from
wind turbines and solar panels.”
The plant will interface to a green hydrogen solution
developed by Vestas, integrating electrolysis with wind and
solar in one smart control system. Also, the renewable energy
generation will be connected directly to the national
grid, so surplus power can be sold to the grid.
The partnership has applied for public co-funding for
the project.

 

Braskem America & Encina Partner To Produce Circular, Recycled PP

Philadelphia—
Braskem America and Encina Development Group announced
their intention to develop a long-term relationship
enabling the production of circular, recycled polypropylene
(PP).
Encina is planning to begin construction on a new facility
in the second half of 2021 that will process 175,000 t/y
of plastic waste, converting it into more than 90,000 t/y of
recycled chemicals. The plant, based on Encina’s technology,
will be designed to able to process 350,000 t/y of plastic
waste in the future.
As part of the collaboration, Braskem will work with
Encina to develop the necessary logistics, product quality
and certifications for a recycled propylene feedstock that
Braskem will use in the production of recycled PP materials
in applications. The parties plan to develop a formal
supply agreement prior to the project’s financing approval
in 2021.
“Encina’s technology and this important project will divert
thousands of tons of hard-to-recycle plastic from landfills,”
said Braskem America Chief Executive Mark Nikolich.
“As the North American leader in polypropylene,
Braskem is actively looking to purchase sustainable propylene
feedstock that will allow us to increase both recycled
and renewable-sourced products in our portfolio – as
stated in our new Circular Economy commitments.
“This agreement is an important step in our next phase
of growth as a company, aimed at realizing our vision of a
carbon neutral circular economy and helping our clients
meet their aggressive recycled content goals in the years to
come.”

 

NuStar Energy Finalizes Sale to BWC Of Its Texas City NuStar Terminal

San Antonio—
NuStar Energy has completed the sale of its terminals in
Texas City, Texas, to BWC Terminals for $106-million.
The Texas City terminals store a diverse array of liquids,
including chemicals, hydrocarbons and agricultural
products.
“We are excited to finalize the acquisition of the Texas
City NuStar Terminal,” said BWC Terminals Chief Executive
Michael Suder. “This terminal complements our network
of high-quality terminal storage of hydrocarbons,
chemicals, renewables and agricultural products across
North America.
“The addition provides increased growth opportunities
in the Gulf Coast region to optimize and further develop
our operational capabilities in support of the supply chain
needs of our customers.”
NuStar said it will use the proceeds from the sale to
improve its debt metrics and self-fund a larger proportion
of its capital program.