Tammi Weir

Shaheen Chem Joins TA’ZIZ, Reliance For JV EDC & PVC Project at Ruwais

Ruwais—
Shaheen Chem Holdings Investment will join TA’ZIZ and
Reliance Industries in the proposed TA’ZIZ EDC & PVC
joint venture to build and operate a world-scale chloralkali,
ethylene dichloride (EDC) and polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) facility at the TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone in
Ruwais, United Arab Emirates (PCN, 2 May 2022, p 1).
The project, estimated to cost over $2-billion, will have
the capacity to produce 940,000 t/y of chlor-alkali, 1.1-
million t/y of EDC and 360,000 t/y of PVC. A final investment
decision is expected this year.
“Shaheen brings extensive knowledge of the local market
and joins the project with a focus on utilizing production
for use in local supply chains,” TA’ZIZ noted.
“The agreement marks the first direct investment by a
privately-owned United Arab Emirates (UAE) company in
the TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone.”
It follows investment agreements between TA’ZIZ and
eight UAE-based investors in December 2021, which
marked the “first” domestic public private partnership in
Abu Dhabi’s downstream and petrochemicals sector.
The TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone, a joint venture
of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. and ADQ, will supply local
manufacturers, replacing chemicals currently imported,
while also exporting to meet growing demand for these
chemicals globally.

 

Braskem and Terra Create JV to Convert Plastic Waste into Consumer Products

Amsterdam—
Braskem, through its wholly-owned Braskem Netherlands
subsidiary, has signed an agreement with Terra Circular to
form a joint venture, based in the Netherlands, that will
use Terra Circular’s innovative technology to turn low
quality plastic into consumer products.
Under the agreement, Braskem will be majority stakeholder
of the joint venture, with the possibility to expand
the technology’s use to other regions.
Terra Circular will transfer the shares in its ER Plastics
subsidiary to the new joint venture. ER Plastics has a
nominal capacity to mechanically recycle 23,000 t/y of
mixed plastic waste into compression molded products,
Braskem noted.
“The transaction is aligned with one of Braskem’s sustainable
development macro objectives focusing on the
proper destination of plastic waste and reaching sales of
300,000 tons of products with recycled content by 2025,
while supporting projects to drive to a circular economy
through mechanical and advanced recycling,” said
Braskem.

 

Formosa Plastics to Invest in Project For the Production of AO in Texas

Houston—Formosa
Plastics Corp. announced plans to invest $207-million in
the construction of a new alpha olefins (AO) manufacturing
facility at an unidentified site in Texas, reported Taipei
Times citing CNA.
The AO plant, expected to be completed in October
2025, would have a production capacity of 100,000 t/y to be
used in the production of high-density polyethylene
(HDPE) and other products.
Approximately 63,000 t/y of AO would be used by the
company, with the remaining 37,000 t/y to be sold on the
global market.
Formosa has a site in Point Comfort, Texas, which consists
of 16 production units, including plants for the production
of vinyl chloride monomer/polyvinyl chloride, olefins,
linear low-density PE, HDPE, polypropylene, chloralkali
and ethylene dichloride, among others.

 

Toray Films & Axens Partner to Study PET Chem Recycling Plant in France

Paris—Toray
Films Europe and Axens announced a collaboration to
study a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) chemical recycling
facility at Toray’s production site in Ain, France.
The project, to be built in two phases, would include two
trains based on Axen’s Rewind PET technology. The units
would be coupled with Toray’s existing polymerization
plant in order to recycle 80,000 t/y of difficult-to-recycle
PET plastic waste.
Currently in its engineering phase, the project targets
start-up of the first Rewind PET train by the end of 2025
leading to the production of 30,000 t/y of recycled PET.
With completion of the second train, expected by the end of
the decade, the polymerization plant will be used at full
capacity to produce 100% recycled PET.
The Rewind PET process was developed by Axens, IFP
Energies nouvelles and JEPLAN.

 

Celanese Declares Force Majeure on Certain Acetyl Chain and Acetate Tow Products

Dallas—
Celanese confirmed a declaration of force majeure for specific
acetyl chain and acetate tow products to its customers
in the Western Hemisphere.
The products include acetic acid, vinyl acetate monomer,
ethyl acetate, acetic anhydride, vinyl and acrylic
emulsions, redispersible powders and acetate tow.
“The force majeure declaration comes as a result of unanticipated
interruptions in raw material supply in the
Texas Gulf Coast and the company is continuing to assess
the regional and global impact of these interruptions,” the
company stated.
“Celanese cannot provide any specific details or timing
of the full impact to customers. Celanese regrets the impact
this will have on customers and will stay in close
communication to minimize the impact of this event.”

 

Balmoral Funds’ Affiliate in Agreement To Buy Trecora Resources for $247-Mn

Sugar Land—
Trecora Resources and an affiliate of Balmoral Funds announced
that they have entered into a definitive merger
agreement, in which Balmoral will purchase Trecora for
$9.81/share in cash, with a total transaction value of $247-
million.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has
been approved by the Trecora Board of Directors, Balmoral
will commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding
shares of Trecora’s common stock.
“Under the oversight of our board of directors and with
the support of our talented team, we have worked diligently
to enhance our execution, maximize operating efficiencies
and reposition the company for growth,” said Trecora
President and Chief Executive Pat Quarles.
“We are excited to enter this new chapter with Balmoral,
which shares our enthusiasm for the future of our
business and our opportunities for growth.”
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter
of this year, subject to customary closing conditions, including
the expiration or termination of certain regulatory
periods and the tender of shares representing at least a
majority of the company’s outstanding common stock to
Balmoral.
Following the successful completion of the tender offer,
Balmoral will purchase all remaining shares not tendered
in the tender offer through a second-step merger at the
same price.
Upon completion of the transaction, Trecora will become
a privately held company and shares will no longer
be listed on any market.

 

OMV Bids in the Second Phase of Process To Acquire DSM Engineering Materials

Geleen—OMV
announced its participation in the second phase of the competitive
bidder process, currently conducted by Koninklijke
DSM NV, for the acquisition of 100% of the shares in DSM
Engineering Materials BV.
“The Supervisory Board of OMV has not yet deliberated
on the potential transaction and a potential decision by it
thereon is currently not foreseeable,” said OMV. “A respective
decision is expected to be taken as soon as possible.”
The potential transaction is subject, among other
things, to OMV’s success in the bidder process.

 

Petronas Agrees to Purchase LNG From New Venture Global Plant

Arlington—Venture
Global LNG and Petronas have executed a new 20-year
agreement for the purchase of 1-million t/y of liquefied
natural gas (LNG) from Venture Global’s Plaquemines
LNG facility being built in Louisiana (see related story,
page 3).
“Petronas looks forward to the long-term LNG partnership
with Venture Global, which will support the growth
and accessibility of natural gas,” said Shamsairi Ibrahim,
vice president of LNG Marketing & Trading at Petronas.
“With the growing demand for energy security, the addition
of the new volume certainly enhances Petronas’
global supply portfolio and demonstrates our support of the
energy transition towards a lower carbon future.”

 

JGC Holdings Awards Contract to KBR For Green Ammonia Project in Japan

Tokyo—KBR
has received a contract from JGC Holdings to supply its KGreeN
green ammonia technology for a project sponsored
by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development
Organization (NEDO).
Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide technology
licensing and basic engineering for a pilot project in
Fukushima, Japan, under NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund.
No other details were given.
“Japan is playing a leading role in the adoption of green
ammonia to decarbonize our planet,” said Doug Kelly,
president of technology at KBR. “KBR is proud to partner
with JGC to offer our green ammonia technology for
NEDO’s project, and we are confident this will pave the
way for further collaboration.”
NEDO is a Japan-based national research and development
agency.

 

Technip Energies, Saulsbury to Expand ExxonMobil’s CCS at LaBarge Facility

Paris—Exxon-
Mobil has awarded an engineering, procurement and construction
contract to a consortium of Technip Energies and
Saulsbury Industries to expand the carbon capture and
storage (CCS) at ExxonMobil’s plant in LaBarge, Wyoming.
The project will consist of modifying the existing gas
treatment facility to increase the carbon capture capacity
and installing a pipeline to transport the carbon dioxide
(CO2) to the reservoir to be stored.
Technip Energies will be responsible for the engineering
and procurement services, while Saulsbury will handle
construction and pipeline installation.
The LaBarge facility already has the capacity to capture
more than 6-million t/y of CO2. The expansion project
will enable the capture of over 1-million additional t/y of
CO2.

 

People on the Move

Johnson Matthey—Anne Chassagnette, previously
chief sustainability officer at Engie, has been appointed
chief sustainability officer of Johnson Matthey, effective 16
May 2022.
Lummus Technology—Rutger Theunissen has been
named chief business officer for the services and supply
operating segment. He will also continue to lead the company’s
global heat transfer business.
Ronald Venner, vice president of petrochemicals, has
been appointed chief business officer of the company’s
clean fuels and crude-to-chemicals operating segment.
Nexus Circular—Jodie Morgan has been named chief
executive. She was most recently chief executive for an
early-stage advanced recycling company.
Clint Thompson, having over 30 years of experience in
the environmental and energy sectors, has been appointed
chief commercial officer.
AFPM—Geoff Moody has been promoted to senior vice
president of Government Relations and Policy of American
Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM). He had
been vice president of Government Relations.
Fernando “Nando” Gomez, most recently director of
Government Relations, has been named senior director of
Government Relations.

 

BASF Signs Renewable Energy Deal To Support Zhanjiang Verbund Site

Beijing—BASF
and Brookfield have finalized a term sheet for a 25-year
renewable electricity supply agreement to purchase solar
and wind power for the BASF Zhanjiang Verbund site in
China (PCN, 15 Mar 2021, p 4).
Under the fixed-price agreement, Brookfield will develop
and build dedicated solar and wind farms, as well as
possible storage solutions to support the renewable energy
demands of BASF’s site.
“This agreement with Brookfield is another important
step in securing renewable energy for BASF’s new Verbund
site in Zhanjiang,” said Haryono Lim, senior vice president,
new Verbund site China and BASF, and general
manager of BASF Integrated Site (Guangdong) Co. Ltd.
“BASF is dedicated to building its Zhanjiang Verbund
site into a new role model of sustainable production, and
aims to already achieve 100% renewable electricity supply
for its Zhanjiang Verbund site by 2025. This is part of
BASF’s climate neutrality target, and will also contribute
to China’s carbon reduction goal.”
The site in Zhanjiang will produce thermoplastic polyurethanes
and 60,000 t/y of engineering plastics to serve
various growth industries in the South China market, and
throughout Asia. The first plant from the initial phase will
be operational by 2022. The whole site is planned to be
completed by 2030.

 

Saudi Aramco, PTT to Expand Cooperation In PCs, LNG and Crude Oil in Thailand

Bangkok—
Saudi Aramco and Thailand’s PTT have signed a memorandum
of understanding to deepen cooperation in petrochemicals,
liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil in
Thailand.
The parties aim to deepen collaboration across crude oil
sourcing and the marketing of refining and petrochemical
products and LNG. Other potential areas of activity include
blue and green hydrogen and various clean energy
initiatives. No other details were given.

 

Venture Global Inks SPA with ExxonMobil For LNG Supply from Plaquemines, CP2

Houston—
Venture Global LNG has signed two new long-term sales
and purchase agreements (SPAs) with ExxonMobil LNG
Asia Pacific (EMLAP) for the supply of 2-million t/y of liquefied
natural gas (LNG).
Under the SPAs, EMLAP would purchase 1-million t/y
of LNG from the Plaquemines LNG facility, as well as 1-
million t/y from the CP2 LNG facility (see related story,
page 2).
“We look forward to working with Venture Global as we
continue to grow ExxonMobil’s LNG portfolio and progress
our plans to reliably deliver natural gas from the U.S. Gulf
Coast to global markets,” said Peter Clarke, senior vice
president of LNG for the ExxonMobil Upstream Co.
The Plaquemines plant, on which construction began
last August, will have a nameplate capacity of 10-million
t/y of LNG.
The CP2 facility, expected to begin construction next
year, will have a nameplate liquefaction capacity of 20-
million t/y of LNG. Start-up dates for the facilities were
not given.

 

Borealis and Reclay Form Recelerate To Improve LWP Sorting, Recycling

Vienna—Borealis
and the Reclay Group have jointly founded Recelerate
GmbH, which will be powered by a smart systems-thinking
approach to ensure more post-consumer lightweight packaging
(LWP) is sorted and recycled into high-quality materials
(PCN, 17 Jan 2022, p 4).
The mission of the new entity is to redesign the critical
steps of the plastics sorting and recycling system for LWP
to speed up circularity, born from a need to meet the rising
market demand for high-quality recyclates for use in highend
plastic applications, the companies explained.
Reclay will provide its strength in the area of extended
producer responsibility schemes (EPR), and Borealis’ will
bring its focus on growth of a more circular plastic model,
powered in part by its proprietary Borcycle recycling technology.
“For Reclay, Recelerate will help grow the reach, scale
and impact of EPR; for Borealis, it will open up supply of
post-consumer plastic waste to be recycled with its Borcycle
recycling technology; for customers and consumers, it
means greater access to high-quality recycled materials,”
the partners noted.
This past January, Borealis and Reclay announced they
had established a partnership to optimize the recycling
value chain starting with Germany, “one of the largest”
European recycling markets.

 

ACC’s CPI Opens Registration for 64th Polyurethanes Technical Conference

Washington—
The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Center for the
Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) has opened registration for
the 64th Polyurethanes Technical Conference, being held
3-5 Oct. 2022 at the Gaylord National Harbor in National
Harbor, Md.
The lineup of technical sessions is designed to showcase
the most relevant regulatory topics and trends facing the
industry, including latest innovations, advancements and
polyurethanes applications, and end-use markets ranging
from automotive and construction to coatings, adhesives,
sealants and elastomers.
This year’s conference will also feature the release of
the 2021 End-Use Market Survey on the Polyurethanes Industry
in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The survey, which normal includes two years of data,
will provide results from 2019, 2020 and 2021, and an
analysis on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the
marketplace.
For further information, or to register, visit
https://web.cvent.com/event/36d39af0-f305-4e63-a204-
f0dd2d290726/summary.

 

Lukoil Agrees to Purchase 100% Interest In Shell’s Downstream Russian Assets

Moscow—
Lukoil has entered into an agreement with subsidiaries of
Shell plc to acquire a 100% stake in Shell Neft, Shell’s
Russian downstream assets.
The sale, which is subject to approval by Federal Antimonopoly
Service, includes a lubricants blending plant in
Tver region and 411 retail stations, as well as over 350
employees who will transfer to the new owner.
“Our priority is the well-being of our employees,” noted
Huibert Vigeveno, downstream director at Shell.

 

Engie, OCI and EEW Partner to Develop E-Methanol Project in the Netherlands

Amsterdam—
Engie, methanol producer OCI and EEW, producer of electricity
and heat from waste-to-energy, announced their
collaboration on the HyNetherlands (HyNL) e-methanol
project in Groningen, the Netherlands.
HyNL aims to develop, build and operate “one of the
first” large-scale industrial value chains in Europe for the
production of e-methanol, combining renewable hydrogen
and biogenic carbon dioxide, Engie noted.
The first phase will involve construction of a new 100-
megawatt electrolysis facility at the site of the Eems power
plant in Eemshaven, “five times larger” than existing
plants on the market. Fueled by renewable electricity production
form offshore wind fields in the North Sea, it will
produce the renewable hydrogen needed to produce emethanol.
The HyNL project also links two other industrial sites:
the Delfzijl chemical park in Farmsum (OCI’s BioMCN
methanol plant) and the waste-to-energy plant in Farmsum,
where EEWs biogenic carbon capture plant from the
flue gases of the production lines will be integrated.
The partners aim to increase electrolyzer production
capacity from 100 megawatts in 2025 to 1.85 gigawatts in
the early 2030s.

 

BP Agrees to Offtake Circular Naphtha From CPE’s New Teesside EcoPlant

London—BP has
entered into an agreement with Clean Planet Energy
(CPE), a UK-based company developing “ecoPlants” to convert
hard-to-recycle waste plastics into circular petrochemical
feedstocks and ultra-low sulfur diesel, to offtake
circular naphtha from CPE’s first ecoPlant being built in
Teesside, UK.
Under the 10-year agreement, BP will initially receive
output from the 20,000-t/y Teesside facility. The naphtha
can be utilized as feedstock into circular plastics value
chains, which is aligned with BP’s aim of unlocking new
sources of value through circularity, keeping products and
materials in use for longer, BP explained.
CPE will provide BP with the option to expand the relationship
and offtake products from CPE’s future plants.
CPE is currently in the process of developing 12 of its
ecoPlants globally, and aims to divert 250,000 t/y of hardto-
recycle waste plastic. It plans to announce further
ecoPlants in the UK, European Union, Southeast Asia and
the Americas later this year.

 

CF Planning Project at Donaldsonville To Enable Blue Ammonia Production

Deerfield—CF
Industries, in its first quarter 2022 earnings report, announced
it is investing $200-million to build a carbon dioxide
(CO2) dehydration and compression facility to enable
the production of blue ammonia at its Donaldsonville, La.,
facility.
The plant will have the capacity dehydrate and compress
up to 2-million t/y of CO2, enabling the transport and
sequestration of the ammonia process byproduct. Completion
is expected in 2024.
Once the unit is in service and sequestration is initiated,
the complex will be able to produce up to 1.7-million
t/y of blue ammonia, which is equivalent to 1-million tons
of net-zero carbon ammonia.
Separately, the company said detailed engineering was
well underway for the company’s green ammonia project at
the complex (PCN, 26 Apr 2021, p 1). Once complete in
2023, CF will have the capacity to produce around 20,000
t/y of green ammonia.

 

Tecnimont & NextChem Win EPC Contract For Gail’s Green Hydrogen Plant in India

Vijaipur—
Gas Authority of India Ltd. (Gail) has awarded an engineering,
procurement and construction (EPC) contract to
Tecnimont Private Ltd., a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont,
in collaboration with NextChem, for a new green hydrogen
production plant in India.
Tecnimont and NextChem will implement the 4.3-t/d
green hydrogen facility via a 10-megawatt PEM (polymer
electrolyte membrane) electrolysis unit in Vijaipur.
The scope of work entails full engineering, procurement
and construction up to commissioning, start-up of the plant
and performance guarantee test run. Completion is expected
within 18 months from the letter of acceptance.
Value of the contract was not disclosed.
“Blending green hydrogen into the gas network or using
it as green feedstock to decarbonizes the fertilizer and
other hard-to-abate industrial processes are essential uses,
which are enabling the green hydrogen economy to accelerate
and scale-up,” noted Maire Tecnimont Chief Executive
Alessandro Bernini.

AGC Expanding Production Capacity Of Chlor-Alkali Business in Thailand

Bangkok—AGC
has decided to invest over ¥100-billion to increase production
capacity of its chlor-alkali business in Thailand
through an expansion of two manufacturing sites.
The company will boost the production capacity of AGC
Vinythai Public Co. Ltd., a new company being established
in July 2022 to integrate AGC’s chlor-alkali business in the
Indochina Peninsula (PCN, 22 Mar 2021, p 1).
Last year, AGC announced plans to integrate and reorganize
its three consolidated subsidiaries and form a new
company. The subsidiaries involved include Vinythai Public
Co. Ltd. (VNT), AGC Chemicals (Thailand) Co. (ACTH)
and AGC Chemicals Vietnam Co.
The expansion project will increase caustic soda capacity
to 1.64-million t/y from 1.42-million t/y, vinyl chloride
monomer capacity to 1.7-million t/y from 1.3-million t/y,
and polyvinyl chloride capacity to 1.6-million t/y from 1.2-
million t/y at the current VNT and ACTH sites. Operations
are scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2025.
“AGC has been studying this expansion and has obtained
approval for the environmental impact assessment
by the Thai environmental regulatory authority and has
now decided to make the investment,” AGC noted.
“In addition, this capacity expansion will introduce the
latest technologies that will improve energy efficiency and
production efficiency to reduce environmental impact,” the
company added.

 

Enterprise, OLCV Plan Gulf Coast Project For CO2 Transportation & Sequestration

Houston—
Enterprise Products Operating, a subsidiary of Enterprise
Products Partners, and Occidental’s Oxy Low Carbon Ventures
(OLCV) subsidiary have signed a letter of intent for a
potential carbon dioxide (CO2) transportation and sequestration
project for the Texas Gulf Coast.
Initially, the project would focus on providing services
to emitters in the industrial corridors from the greater
Houston to Beaumont/Port Arthur areas.
Enterprise would develop the CO2 aggregation and
transportation network utilizing a combination of new and
existing pipelines along the Gulf Coast.
“OLCV, through its 1PointFive business unit, is developing
sequestration hubs on the Gulf Coast and across the
U.S., some of which are expected to be anchored by direct
air capture facilities,” the companies noted.
“The hubs will provide access to high quality pore space
and efficient transportation infrastructure, bringing more
options to emitters looking to explore viable carbon management
strategies.”
The initiative would combine Enterprise’s leadership
position in the midstream energy sector with OLCV’s experience
in subsurface characterization and CO2 sequestration,
the parties noted, adding that they’ve already begun
exploring the commercialization of the potential joint
service offering with customers.

 

Ineos Lets Tecnicas Reunidas Contract For Port of Antwerp Ethylene Plant

Antwerp—Ineos
has awarded a contract to Tecnicas Reunidas to build a
world scale ethylene facility, named Project One, in the
Port of Rotterdam, Belgium (PCN, 21 Jan 2019, p 1).
Ineos plans to invest between €3-billion and €4-billion
in the 1.5-million-t/y ethylene plant, the “largest” capital
investment made by the European chemical sector in the
last 20 years, the company noted.
Tecnicas Reunidas will be responsible for the project
management, engineering, procurement and construction
management and supervision services. Start-up is expected
in 2026.
“The advanced technology applied in its development
will make it the most energy-efficient and environmentally
sustainable facility of its kind in Europe,” said Ineos, adding
that it is the “largest” project undertaken by the company
in its history.

 

LyondellBasell Licenses Lupotech T For Jiangsu Hongjing’s EVA Lines

Beijing—Jiangsu
Hongjing New Material Co. has selected LyondellBasell’s
Lupotech T high-pressure polyethylene technology for two
new vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) lines to be built in Jiangsu
Province, China.
The EVA lines, each with a capacity of 200,000 t/y, will
be located in Lianyungang. Value of the contract and a
schedule for the project were not available.
“Demand for both EVA and low-density polyethylene
(LDPE) remains strong in the current dynamic market,”
said Neil Nadalin, director of global licensing and services
at LyondellBasell. “In particular, higher value applications
such as for solar panel lamination and encapsulant
are in strong demand, driven mainly by the on-going energy
transition.
“The Lupotech T process, offering both lowest operating
and balanced investment cost, is the technology of choice
for our customers to produce both EVA and LDPE grades.”

 

Stolt Tankers Inks Agreements to Buy Three Japanese Chemical Tankers

London—Stolt-
Nielsen announced that Stolt Tankers BV has entered into
agreements to purchase three stainless steel chemical
tankers built in Japan.
The 33,600-dwt tankers are expected to be delivered
into Stolt Tankers’ fleet between July and September 2022.
No other details were given.
“This acquisition is an excellent opportunity for Stolt
Tankers to secure competitively priced tonnage ahead of an
expected cyclical upturn in the chemical tanker industry,”
noted Stolt Tankers President Lucas Vos.
“The newly added ships will lower our fleet age profile
and can trade in any of our deep-sea lanes, increasing
flexibility across our fleet.”

 

Enterprise Announces Projects to Boost Ethane and Ethylene Export Capacity

Houston—
Enterprise Products Partners, in its first quarter 2022
earnings, announced seven new capital efficient projects,
including building an ethane export terminal and doubling
ethylene export capacity.
The ethane marine export terminal, planned at a site to
be determined on the Louisiana, Texas, Gulf Coast, is
planned to be in service in 2025.
Enterprise’s proposed ethylene export expansion is forecast
to be in service in 2023/2025. No other details were
available.
Other projects include a natural gas processing plant
in the Midland Basin and the Delaware Basin; a 12th
natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionator in Chambers
County, Texas; a 400-million-cu ft/d expansion of the Acadian
Gas System connecting Haynesville Shale natural gas
production to industrial and liquefied natural gas demand
in South Louisiana; and reversing the Chaparral NGL
Pipeline and a portion of the Mid-America Pipeline to move
refined products from the Gulf Coast to West Texas, New
Mexico, Colorado and Utah.

 

Praxair/Linde Owes $94-Mn to Huntsman For Failure to Supply Industrial Gases

Austin—
Huntsman Corp. said that a New Orleans jury has
awarded it nearly $94-million in a court case against Praxair/
Linde that was filed after Praxair failed to supply industrial
gas to Huntsman under long-term contracts.
Praxair/Linde, one of the industrial gas suppliers to
Huntsman’s diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) manufacturing
site in Geismar, La., refused to properly maintain its own
Geismar facility and then repeatedly failed to supply
Huntsman’s requirements for industrial gas needed to
manufacture MDI under long-term supply contracts that
expired in 2013, Huntsman explained.
“This lawsuit was filed in 2014 and justice was a very
long time coming,” said Huntsman Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Peter R. Huntsman.
“I could not be prouder of the entire Huntsman team –
from our PU [polyurethane] Division and purchasing personnel
who managed the constant operational and commercial
upsets occurring when Praxair’s poorly-maintained
facilities went down from 2004 through 2013, to our corporate
legal and finance teams that pursued the litigation
through trial after we filed suit.”

 

Fuhaichuang Selects Axens H-Oil Process For Use in Chinese Petrochem Complex

Beijing—
Axens’ Ebullated-bed residue hydrocracking technology (HOil)
has been selected by Fuhaichuang Petrochemical Co.
to help boost the profitability of its assets in Gulei, Fujian
Province, China.
The 1.5-million-t/y residue upgrading unit is expected
to produce very low sulfur fuel oil, meeting RMG 380 specification,
from vacuum residue feedstock along with middle
distillates (naphtha and diesel) that will be further upgraded
within the existing assets of the refinery.
Axens’ scope of work includes the supply of process design
package, and full services from plant personnel training
to unit start-up.

 

Asia ‘Leads’ Global PC Capacity Additions, Says New Research and Markets Report

Dublin—
Research and Markets, in its recently released Global Petrochemicals
Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook
Report 2021, said Asia “leads” global petrochemical capacity
additions.
According to the report, global petrochemical capacity is
poised to see considerable growth over the upcoming years,
potentially increasing from around 2.2-billion t/y in 2020 to
about 3.1-billion t/y in 2030.
Approximately 1,558 planned and announced plants are
scheduled to come online by 2030, mainly is Asia and the
Middle East.
The scope of the report includes global petrochemicals
capacity outlook by region; planned and announced petrochemicals
plants details; global petrochemical capacity by
commodity; capacity share of the major petrochemicals
producers, globally, and global petrochemicals capital expenditure
outlook by region.
For more details, contact Research and Markets at
https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n6dfs9.

 

Arlanxeo Planning to Invest in Expansion Of Therban HNBR Plant in Leverkusen

Berlin—
Arlanxeo said it will invest in debottlenecking its Therban
hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) facility in
Leverkusen, Germany, to meet the increasing global demand.
The project, which will increase HNBR production capacity
by about 10%, is expected to be fully on stream by
the end of the year.

 

LyondellBasell Closing Russian Offices

Moscow—
LyondellBasell has decided to end operations at its two
locations in Russia and has begun winding down operations.
The two offices, located in Moscow and Togliatti, were
mainly involved in selling polymers from the company’s
Olefins & Polyolefins (O&P) and Advanced Polymer Solutions
businesses.
“Current conditions in the region are the primary drivers
for this decision,” said Richard Roudeix, senior vice
president, O&P, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India.
“We recognize this is a difficult situation for our employees
and have a local team in place to support then during
the transition period.” Both locations have a combined
total of 18 employees.

 

People on the Move

Lummus Technology—Romain Lemoine has been
named chief business officer for the company’s polymers
and petrochemicals operating segment. He was most recently
an executive vice president at Axens.
Odfjell SE—Harald Fotland, previously chief operating
officer, has been appointed chief executive. He succeeds
Kristian Morch, who has decided to step down.
Gail (India) Ltd.—K. K. Sachdeva has become chief
general manager of project execution for corporate projects.

 

Port of Antwerp, Port of Zeebrugge Merge; Creates Europe’s ‘Largest’ Export Port

Antwerp—The
ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge have completed the previously
announced merger of the two ports, creating Port of
Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s “largest” export port, said the
two cities in a press conference (PCN, 22 Feb 2021, p 4).
Port of Antwerp-Bruges will also be the “largest” integrated
chemical cluster, the “largest” throughput port for
vehicles and one of the leading container ports in Europe.
“Port of Antwerp-Bruges has the express ambition of
becoming the first global port to reconcile economy, people
and climate.
“The unified port plans to further strengthen its position
in the international logistics chain, take a leading role
in the energy and digital transition, and at the same time
create sustainable added value for society as a whole. Not
just in the area of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, but also for all
possible stakeholders in the wider national and international
region.”

 

European Union Proposes Total Ban On All Imports of Oil from Russia

Brussels—The European
Union (EU) has proposed a complete import ban on
all Russian oil by the end of the year, stated European
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a speech
at the European Parliament’s Plenary.
“We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil
[seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined] in an orderly
fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure
alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on
global markets,” she explained.
To achieve this, the EU will phase out Russian supply
of crude oil within six months and refined products by the
end of the year.
“Let us be clear: it will not be easy,” she noted. “Some
member states are strongly dependent on Russian Oil. But
we simply have to work on it.”

 

NextDecade & Engie Sign SPA for LNG From Rio Grande LNG Export Project

Houston—
NextDecade Corp. said it has executed a sale and purchase
agreement (SPA) with Engie for the supply of liquefied
natural gas (LNG) from NextDecade’s proposed Rio Grande
LNG (RGLNG) export project in Brownsville, Texas (PCN,
19 Apr 2021, p 2).
The project is planned to include five trains with a total
capacity of 27-million t/y of LNG. A final investment decision
(FID) on a minimum of two trains is anticipated in the
second half of 2022, with FIDs on the remaining three
trains to follow thereafter.
Under the 15-year SPA, Engie will purchase 1.75-
million t/y of LNG on a free-on-board basis. The LNG will
come from the first two trains of RGLNG, with the first
train expected to start commercial operations as early as
2026.
NextDecade aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions from
RGLNG by more than 90% via carbon capture and storage,
NextDecade noted. “Combined with responsibly sourced
gas and the use of net-zero electricity, NextDecade intends
to produce a lower carbon-intensive LNG for its customers.”

 

Mitsui and CF Industries Detail Plans For Blue Ammonia Plant in the U.S.

Deerfield—Mitsui
& Co. and CF Industries announced plans to jointly develop
a greenfield ammonia facility in the U.S. for the production
of blue ammonia (PCN, 16 Aug 2021, p 2).
The parties have secured an exclusive right to acquire a
site in the U.S. Gulf Coast region that is suitable for an
export-oriented blue ammonia plant. The facility will produce
the ammonia by leveraging carbon capture and sequestration
processes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions
by more than 60% compared to conventional ammonia.
Capacity of the new plant was not given.
A technology provider has already been selected and
the companies anticipate that a front-end engineering design
study will begin “shortly.” A final investment decision
is expected in 2023 and production is planned to begin in
2027 at the earliest.
CF, which will be responsible for plant operations and
maintenance, and Mitsui, which will lead the marketing
and distribution, will have 52% ownership and 48% ownership
in the joint venture, respectively.
“Our work with Mitsui has reinforced our shared belief
that blue ammonia will play a critical role in accelerating
the world’s transition to clean energy and that demand for
blue ammonia will grow meaningfully in the second half of
this decade,” noted CF President and Chief Executive Tony
Will.
“We believe that the United States offers considerable
advantages for blue ammonia production due to access to
plentiful and low-cost natural gas, the regulatory and legal
framework in place, and the geology suitable for permanent
carbon sequestration.”
In addition, CF said it expects to produce up to 2-
million t/y of blue and green ammonia at its existing facilities
beginning in 2024.

 

Maersk Updates on Russian Operations

Moscow—
A.P. Moller – Maersk, which previously said it would cease
all its operations in Russia and Belarus, has now stopped
all vessel operations in Russia and service with Belarus.
For the domestic operations, they are gradually being
winded down and/or divested, the company noted. The
winddown doesn’t allow for any new business in Russia or
Belarus.
The offices in Far East Russia, Novorossiysk and Kaliningrad
are expected to close down this summer, while the
Saint Petersburg and Moscow office will operate until the
end of the year. The Belarus office will also be shut down
during this summer.

 

SK Chem to Boost CHDM Capacity

Seoul—SK Chemicals
has decided to increase production capacity for cyclohexanedimethanol
(CHDM) with an expansion of its production
plants, reported Pulse News citing the company.
The company will invest $44-million to increase CHDM
capacity by 25%, the key raw material for copolyester. No
other details of the project were available.
“With the ramp up of CHDM lines, the company is
mulling expansion of copolyester facilities and establishment
of global infrastructure for chemical recycling,” noted
Kim Eung-soo, head of the copolyester business.

 

TGS, Black & Veatch Sign MoU to Advance Green Hydrogen, Ammonia in Vietnam

Hanoi—The
Green Solutions (TGS) and Black & Veatch have signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance the production
of green hydrogen and green ammonia in Vietnam.
Under the MoU, the companies plan to produce 30,000
t/y of green hydrogen and 180,000 t/y of green ammonia to
support regional decarbonization efforts.
Black & Veatch was appointed by TGS to study the
production and storage of green hydrogen in Vietnam utilizing
solar or wind power supplied through the grid.
Black & Veatch will also study the development of a
green ammonia production plant, as well as plant configuration
and technology review; technology evolution risk
and tentative mitigation; conceptual design; order of magnitude
cost estimates, and levelized cost calculations.
“The Green Solutions is committed to applying the most
advanced technologies in the field of renewable energy in
Vietnam,” said TGS Founder and Chief Executive Winnie
Huynh.
“Partnering with Black & Veatch will allow us to adapt
global best practices to Asia’s requirements and contribute
to the region’s zero-carbon future.”
Initial funding will be provided by Augustus Global Investments.

 

Orion Develops Roadmap to Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 205

Houston—Orion
Engineered Carbons, in announcing its ambition to achieve
net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, said it has developed a
road map with near- and long-term targets.
To align its sustainability objectives with the Paris
Climate Agreement and achieve net-zero emissions, Orion
intends to launch a broad range of products using recycled
materials by 2025.
During the same period, it plans to position the company
to enlarge its footprint in the conductive additive
space, such as lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles
and other application critical for the transition toward
electric power.
By 2030, Orion aims to generate 30% of its adjusted
EBITDA through sustainable solutions, and, by 2035, grow
the sustainable solutions’ share of adjusted EBITDA to
50%.
In addition, Orion will set new aspirational, mid-term
goals for greenhouse gas emissions reduction that are
aligned with science-based methodologies.

 

ET Inks Agreement to Supply LNG to SK Gas From Its Lake Charles LNG Export Facility

Dallas—
Energy Transfer (ET) has executed a long-term sale and
purchase agreement with SK Gas Trading for the supply of
liquefied natural gas (LNG) from ET’s Lake Charles LNG
export facility in Louisiana.
Under the long term sale and purchase agreement
(SPA), ET will supply 400,000 t/y of LNG to SK Gas for a
period of 18 years. First deliveries are expected to begin as
early as 2026.
The SPA will become fully effective upon the satisfaction
of the conditions precedent, including ET LNG taking
a final investment decision on the export facility, which is
expected by the end of this year.
The proposed Lake Charles LNG export facility project
will convert ET’s existing import and regasification terminal
into the LNG export facility. It is fully permitted for
three 5.5-million-t/y liquefaction trains, which will utilize
existing infrastructure.
The planned facility was originally expected to be a 50-
50 joint venture of ET and Shell; however, in March 2020,
Shell announced it would not proceed with an equity investment
in the project.
This is the fourth SPA announced in the last four
weeks, bringing the total amount of LNG contracted from
the proposed export facility to 5.1-million t/y, ET noted.
On 2 May 2022, ET announced it had entered into a 20-
year LNG SPA with Gunvor Group, in which ET will supply
2-million t/y of LNG, starting as early as 2026.
In March 2022, ET and ENN Energy and ENN NG
signed LNG SPAs (PCN, 4 Apr 2022, p 4). Under the two
SPAs, ET would supply 900,000 t/y of LNG to ENN Energy
and 1.8-million t/y of LNG to ENN NG, beginning as early
as 2026.

 

Oiltanking Launches Storage Company Focused on PCs, Gases, New Energies

Rotterdam—
New liquid storage logistics company Advario, a carve-out
of Oiltanking, was recently launched to focus on growth in
petrochemicals, gases and new energies.
Advario, which has a global network of 13 strategically
located terminals, in China, Europe, the Middle East, Singapore
and the U.S., aims to double its business by the end
of the decade.
“Advario is committed to taking on a frontrunner role,
together with its partners, in the energy transition by ensuring
safe and reliable storage infrastructure for sustainable
liquids,” the company noted.
With its commitment to sustainability, the company
will support customers and partners in reducing their carbon
footprint, and has committed to achieving net zero
emissions in its own operations by 2040.

HMEL Achieves Mechanical Completion Of New Ethylene Cracker in Bathinda

Mumbai—
HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd. (HMEL), along with Engineers
India Ltd. (EIL), reached mechanical completion of a new
dual-feed ethylene cracker of the Guru Gobind Singh
Polymer Addition Project in Bathinda, India (PCN, 18 Feb
2019, p 1).
The 1.2-million-t/y ethylene plant is part of a project
that includes a new 500,000-t/y polypropylene unit, based
on LyondellBasell’s Spheripol process technology, and a
450,000-t/y high-density polyethylene facility, among others.
Completion dates were not available.
HMEL earlier said the ethylene plant would be capable
of being expanded to 1.5-million t/y.

 

ExxonMobil Provides Project Update For New Baton Rouge PP Facility

Baton Rouge—
Exxon Mobil Corp. (ExxonMobil), in announcing its first
quarter 2022 results, said its new polypropylene (PP)
manufacturing plant being built in Baton Rouge, La., is
expected to start up by the end of this year (PCN, 11 Mar
2019, p 1).
The PP unit, originally planned to cost several hundred
million dollars and start up by 2021, will increase Exxon-
Mobil’s Gulf Coast PP capacity by up to 450,000 t/y.
Turner Industries and Jacobs Engineering are responsible
for the engineering, procurement and construction of
the PP plant.

 

Lummus & Braskem Form Partnership To License Green Ethylene Technology

Houston—
Lummus Technology and Braskem announced a new partnership
to license Braskem’s green ethylene technology
worldwide (PCN, 15 Nov 2021, p 2).
“We are truly excited with this partnership, which helps
the world diversify the feedstock sources for chemicals and
plastics with biomass,” said Lummus Technology President
and Chief Executive Leon de Bruyn.
“”Leveraging the combined experience and expertise of
Lummus and Braskem to produce green ethylene thus reduces
carbon footprint and plays a promising role in the
energy transition.
“Braskem has already been operating the technology
successfully at large scale, and together we are going to
expand the world’s production of low carbon chemicals and
polymers from renewable feedstocks, helping our customers
decarbonize their assets and produce greener products.”
Late last year, Lummus and Braskem Netherlands
signed a memorandum of understanding for the licensing
of Braskem’s green ethylene technology for two ethanol-toethylene
conversion projects being developed in North
America and Asia. No other details were given.

 

ADNOC Enters Agreement to Acquire Mubadala’s 25% Interest in Borealis

Abu Dhabi—Abu
Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) and Mubadala Investment
Co. announced a strategic transaction agreement, in
which ADNOC will buy Mubadala’s 25% stake in Borealis.
Upon completion of the transaction, which is subject to
customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals,
Borealis will be owned 75% by OMV and 25% by ADNOC.
Financial details and a closing date were not disclosed.
“Globally, the chemicals and petrochemical sector is
poised for significant consumer-led growth in the decades
ahead,” noted Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, managing director and
group chief executive of ADNOC, and minister of industry
and advanced technology.
“ADNOC is therefore delighted to be making this strategic
investment for a 25% stake in Borealis, a worldleading
petrochemicals company, with whom we have already
collaborated in a close and trusted partnership over
two decades through our jointly held Abu Dhabi-based
polyolefins company Borouge (PCN, 21 Feb 2022, p 3).
“Alongside OMV, ADNOC will be a co-shareholder in
Borealis, with this investment giving further impetus to
our local and international petrochemical and industrial
growth program and accelerating our transformation into
an integrated and global energy player.”

 

RIL & TA’ZIZ Ink Shareholder Agreement For JV EDC and PVC Project at Ruwais

Ruwais—
Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) and Abu Dhabi Chemicals
Derivatives Co. (TA’ZIZ), a joint venture of Abu Dhabi National
Oil Co. (ADNOC) and ADQ, have signed a formal
shareholder agreement for the TA’ZIZ EDC & PVC joint
venture project planned in Ruwais, United Arab Emirates
(PCN, 13 Dec 2021, p 1).
TA’ZIZ EDC & PVC will invest over $2-billion to build
and operate an integrated facility at the TA’ZIZ Industrial
Chemicals Zone with the capacity to produce 940,000 t/y of
chlor-alkali, 1.1-million t/y of ethylene dichloride (EDC)
and 360,000 t/y of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). A final investment
decision is planned to be taken this year.
RIL and ADNOC exchanged a signed framework
agreement to explore collaboration in the exploration, development
and production of conventional and unconventional
resources in Abu Dhabi, as well as decarbonization
of operations, including in carbon dioxide sequestration.
“The TA’ZIZ EDC & PVC project is well positioned to
strengthen domestic supply chains and support the UAE’s
national strategy to empower the industrial sector and become
the driving force of a dynamic and robust domestic
economy over the next 50 years,” the partners noted.
“It is anticipated that the TA’ZIZ complex will benefit
from the free trade agreement between India and the
United Arab Emirates, which was signed in February of
this year. Bilateral trade between both nations will be
boosted as new trade and development opportunities, such
as TA’ZIZ, are further unlocked.”

 

BASF and Sinopec Begin Expansion Of Their Verbund Site in Nanjing

Nanjing—BASF and
Sinopec broke ground for the expansion of their state-ofthe-
art Verbund site owned and operated by BASF-YPC, a
50-50 joint venture of the two companies, in Nanjing,
China (PCN, 9 Aug 2021, p 2).
The project involves increasing production capacities for
purified ethylene oxide, ethyleneamines, ethanolamines,
propionic acid and propionic aldehyde, and construction of
a new tert-butyl acrylate plant. Capacities were not disclosed.
The new and expanded units are expected to come
on stream by the end of next year.
“The tert-butyl acrylate plant will be an extension to
the downstream using acrylic acid and isobutene of the
existing Verbund as feedstock, which marks the first time
this advanced production technology is applied outside of
Germany,” BASF noted.

 

Domo Chemical Investing in China To Boost Its Technyl PA Capacity

Shanghai—Domo
Chemical announced investments in China to expand production
capacity for Technyl high-performance polyamides
(PA) to meet growing market demand.
Domo, which acquired Solvay’s PA business in 2020 and
has sold the Technyl products globally since 1 Feb. 2022,
will continue to expand capacity of its production site in
Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province (PCN, 7 Feb 2022, p 3).
Since March 2022, an additional 6,000 t/y of capacity
has been made available at the Jiaxing site, with the plant
achieving total capacity of 14,000 t/y of PA6 from April
2022 onwards.
In Haiyan, Domo has invested over €14-million in a
new 35,000-t/y Technyl unit that will be completed in the
third quarter of 2023. Going forward, the company will
further expand the plant, gradually increasing its capacity
to 50,000 t/y.
“Achieving the global rollout of Technyl is a key milestone
in Domo Chemicals’ sustainability strategy to help
our local customers in China to achieve their low carbon
goals and increase their competitive advantage in the face
of accelerating sustainability trends,” said Fabrizio Cochi,
vice president of Asian operations.

 

13th GPCA Supply Chain Conference Being Held 17-19 May ’22 in Dubai

Dubai—The Gulf
Petrochemicals and Chemicals Assn. (GPCA) has scheduled
its 13th GPCA Supply Chain Conference for 17-19
May 2022 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates.
Based on the theme “Future-Proofing Supply Chains –
The Time is Now,” the conference will examine the changing
future of supply chains. Over 20 speakers will be in
attendance.
“Supply chains and operations were the single most affected
business function at GCC chemical companies in
2020-2021 and continue to be a huge focus for industry
leaders,” the GPCA noted.
“Looking to the future, the . . . conference organized by
GPCA will focus on ways in which business partners can
future-proof their supply chains against complex disruptions
and overcome the challenges facing them today.”

 

Dynasol JV to Boost S-SBR Capacity With New Production Line in Spain

Madrid—Dynasol
Group, a joint venture of Repsol and Kuo, has decided to
increase production capacity for solution-styrene butadiene
rubber (S-SBR) with a new line in Santander, Spain.
The project, which will raise S-SBR capacity by 20,000
t/y with the potential to reach 25,000 t/y, is expected to be
online by the first quarter of 2024.
The company also plans to increase its styrene butadiene
copolymer capacity by 10,000 t/y in Altamira, Mexico.
No other details were given.
“The market evolution of the last two years, logistics
challenges and the impact from the global pandemic has
led us to re-evaluate our current business model,” noted
Dynasol Director Felipe Varela.
“We believe that regionalization will play an important
role in the customer’s decision process therefore, we need
to adapt and respond according to the new market dynamics.”

 

LSB & Lapis to Partner on CCS Project At LSB’s El Dorado Ammonia Facility

El Dorado—
LSB Industries has entered into an agreement with Lapis
Energy to develop a carbon capture and sequestration
(CCS) project at LSB’s ammonia facility in El Dorado, Ark.
The project, which would be the “first” CCS project announced
in the state of Arkansas and the third CCS project
from ammonia production in the U.S., would initially capture
and permanently sequester over 450,000 t/y of carbon
dioxide (CO2) in underground saline aquifers, LSB noted.
Sequestering that amount of CO2 will enable LSB to
produce over 375,000 t/y of “blue ammonia,” and reduce its
Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from current
levels.
The partners will begin the project immediately, with
completion expected by 2025, subject to the approval of a
Class VI permit, at which time CO2 injections will start.
There is potential to increase the size of the project based
on possible debottlenecking projects at the facility.
“We are excited to partner with Lapis and take our first
step to becoming a supplier of low carbon or ‘blue ammonia’
— allowing us to participate in what we believe will become
a large future market,” said LBS President and Chief
Executive Mark Behrman.

 

People on the Move

Ecovyst—Kurt J. Bitting, most recently a vice president
and president of Ecoservices, has been named chief
executive of the company to succeed Belgacem Chariag,
who has left the company.
Kevin M. Fogarty will join the board as the new, nonexecutive
chairman. He was previously president and chief
executive of Kraton Corp.
Ioniqa—Carel Fitie, most recently with DSM, has been
appointed chief operating officer.
Plastics Industry Assn.—Matt Seaholm has been appointed
chief executive. He had been vice president of government
affairs.
Glenn Anderson, currently vice president of member
engagement, has been named chief operating officer of the
association.

 

Nova, Enerkem Building Pilot-Scale Reactor To Advance Chem Recycling Technology

Alberta—
Nova Chemicals and Enerkem said they are advancing
their “made-in-Alberta” chemical recycling technology to
pilot stage in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The companies will accelerate construction of a pilotscale
reactor system that converts syngas produced from
used, non-recyclable and non-compostable plastics to feedstocks
from virgin-grade plastics.
“By taking waste streams that are otherwise nonrecyclable,
we can complement mechanical recycling efforts
and provide an important solution to close the gap between
recycling targets and the important role plastics play in
our daily lives,” said Michel Chornet, executive vice president
of engineering, innovation and operations at Enerkem.
“The project aims to expand the types of materials that
can be recycled and increase recycling rates, while reducing
emissions from incineration and landfill and keeping
plastic out of the environment. It is a significant step in
realizing the vision of the circular economy.”
The project recently received C$4.5-million in funding
from Alberta Innovates’ Technology and Emissions Reduction
Economic Recovery Program.

 

Enova Awards NOK 10-Million to Inovyn To Support Aquarius Hydrogen Project

Rafnes—
Inovyn, a subsidiary of Ineos, will receive NOK 10-million
in funding from Enova to support its first major hydrogen
project, Aquarius, planned to be built at Rafnes, Norway
(PCN, 25 Oct 2021, p 4).
Aquarius involves building a 20-megawatt electrolyzer
to produce pure hydrogen and oxygen using electrolysis of
water, powered by zero-carbon electricity. The project will
cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 22,000 t/y and reduce
the carbon footprint of Ineos’ businesses in Norway.
Inovyn currently produces caustic soda, chlorine and
vinyl chloride monomer at Rafnes.
Ineos has announced plans to invest more than €2-
billion into electrolysis projects to make zero carbon, green
hydrogen across Europe. Besides Norway, the company
intends to build its first plants in Germany, Belgium, the
UK and France.

 

Stamicarbon Chosen as Urea Licensor For NeuRizer’s Project in Australia

Perth—Stamicarbon
has been selected as the licensor for the NeuRizer
Urea Project planned near Adelaide, Australia (PCN, 11-18
April 2022, p 3).
The project, which will initially have a production capacity
of 1-million t/y of urea with the potential to increase
to 2-million t/y, will be the “only” fully integrated urea production
facility in Australia, with all inputs (gas, power
and carbon dioxide) for low-carbon urea production on-site,
according to NeuRizer’s website. Operations are planned
to begin in 2025.
Stamicarbon will provide the process design package for
the front-end engineering and design for a urea melt and
granulation unit. The plant will utilize Stamicarbon’s
Launch Melt flash design for the urea melt plant with a
pool reactor and the Launch Finish granulation design for
the urea granulation unit.

 

KBR Inks License Agreement with JGC For Ammonia Manufacturing Process

Tokyo—KBR
and JGC Holdings have signed a license agreement that
will allow JGC Group to use KBR’s ammonia production
process in future ammonia plants, starting from the conceptual
stage.
“KBR’s ammonia manufacturing process constitutes
about 50% of the global share on a production volume basis
and has a track record of being adopted at some of the
world’s largest operating ammonia manufacturing plants
(output of 3,000 tons per day), making it a highly reliable
process for further scale-up,” JGC noted.
Separately, JGC and Toyo Engineering have signed an
alliance agreement on engineering, procurement and construction
projects for fuel ammonia manufacturing plants
and ammonia receiving terminals.

 

Origin Materials, MCHG Partner to Develop Advanced Materials for Tire Production

Tokyo—
Origin Materials and Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Group
(MCHG) announced a strategic collaboration to convert
carbon-negative materials from Origin into highperformance
materials that replace fossil-based carbon
black in automobile tires.
As part of the partnership, MCHG will convert hydrothermal
carbon, produced by Origin using its patented
technology, into high-performance analogs of specialty carbon
black materials. The materials will be tested and further
developed with “one of the largest” tire manufacturers,
the companies noted.
“We look forward to partnering with Mitsubishi Chemical
Holdings Group to develop new, better materials for
making tires, while dramatically reducing carbon emissions,”
said Rich Riley, co-chief executive of Origin.
“Mitsubishi Chemicals Holdings Group’s deep manufacturing
capabilities, technical expertise, and global customer
network can enable broad adoption of Origin’s technology
and help drive the ‘once in a planet’ shift to sustainable
materials taking place in the automotive industry,”
he added.

 

BASF, Thyssenkrupp Optimize STAR Process; Reduces CO2 Emissions & Operating Costs

Essen—
BASF and Thyssenkrupp Uhde have completed a joint project
to optimize Thyssenkrupp’s proprietary Steam Active
Reforming (STAR) dehydrogenation technology that produces
propylene from propane feedstocks, or isobutylene
from isobutene feedstocks (PCN, 20 July 2020, p 2).
The process was optimized to lower carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions and operating costs through lower energy
consumption by up to 30%, while also cutting investment
costs and enabling additional feedstock savings.
Since beginning the project in 2020, Thyssenkrupp has
focused on the optimization and further development of the
process, while BASF validated the targeted improvements
through an extended test program.

 

BASF’s Board Decides to ‘Wind Down’ Business Activities in Russia, Belarus

Moscow—BASF
said its board of executive directors has decided to “wind
down” the company’s remaining business activities in Russia
and Belarus by the beginning of July 2022, in light of
the Russian government’s attack on Ukraine.
Exempt from this decision is BASF’s business that supports
food production, as the war risks triggering a food
crisis, the company noted.
BASF currently has 684 employees in Russia and Belarus
and will continue to support its employees in both
countries until the end of this year.
This past March, BASF announced it would not be conducting
any new business in Russia and Belarus.

 

Linde Doubling Production Capacity For Liquid Products at La Porte Site

Houston—Linde
recently announced it is expanding its facility in La Porte,
Texas, effectively doubling merchant liquid production capacity
at the plant.
The project, expected to start up in 2024, will help the
company meet growing demand from the petrochemicals,
clean energy, manufacturing, food and aerospace sectors in
the U.S. Gulf Coast.
It will also supply Linde’s existing Gulf Coast pipeline
system, which includes nitrogen and oxygen pipelines extending
from the Houston ship channel south to Freeport,
Texas.

 

Air Products, Bumi Resources to Build Indonesian Coal-to-Methanol Plant

Jakarta—Air
Products and Bumi Resources, an Indonesian coal producer,
will set up a new coal gasification facility for the
production of methanol in Indonesia, Argus Media reported.
Estimated to cost about $2-billion, the plant, once operational,
would consume at least 6-million t/y of coal to
produce 1.8-million t/y of methanol. Completion is expected
by late 2025 or early 2026.
Under an initial agreement, Bumi will supply coal for
the project through its Kaltim Prima Coal mining subsidiary
and its Ithaca Resources’ Kaltim Nusantara Coal subsidiary,
while Air Products will build, own and operate the
coal-to-methanol facility. Both parties will be responsible
for the offtake of methanol.

 

CJ Bio Starts Up Indonesian PHA Facility To Support Growth in Bioplastics Market

Jakarta—
CJ Bio, a division of CJ CheilJedang, said it has commissioned
its new polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) plant in Pasuruan,
Indonesia, to support the “rapid” growth of the bioplastics
industry.
The 5,000-t/y PHA facility, based on CJ Bio’s advanced
downstream technology, will focus solely on manufacturing
amorphous PHAs, which will be used as a modifier to other
polymers and biopolymers to improve functional characteristics
and biodegradability, enabling “cradle-to-grave” solutions
for the broad range of markets that generate plastic
waste, the company explained.
In 2016, CJ Bio acquired the biopolymer assets of Metabolix
(PCN, 16 Jan 2017, p 3). Start-up of the new PHA
plant is the culmination of decades of work that started at
Metabolix in the early 2000s, CJ Bio noted.
“CJ Bio has been working toward bio-based chemicals
and biopolymers as part of a long-term vision to expand
into technologies that can help create a more sustainable
future,” said Max Senechal, chief commercial officer of the
biomaterials business.
“This new facility represents a major step for CJ Bio
along a journey that will see significantly more investment
in this technology in the near future.”

 

PetroChemical News Briefs

Indorama Ventures (IVL) informed the Stock Exchange
of Thailand that its operations are unaffected by
the cut of Russian gas supplies to Poland. Its suppliers
have confirmed uninterrupted gas supplies to IVL’s sites.
Haldor Topsoe is shutting down its operations in
Russia and Belarus, in response to Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine, and expects to have exited the countries within a
few months. The company earlier announced it would end
all new business activity in the two countries.
Neste’s board of directors approved a merger plan, in
which Neste Engineering Solutions Oy, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Neste, will be merged into Neste Corp. The
merger, which only affects the Finnish operations, is expected
to take place on 30 Sept. 2022.
Grupa Azoty announced that supplies of natural gas
to its group companies in Poland are continuing without
disruption and production is sustained at planned levels.
There are contingency plans in place in case gas supplies
are disrupted or curtailed.

Wanhua Chem Plans Petchem Facility At Pengli Industrial Park in China

Shanghai—
Wanhua Chemical Group, through its Wanhua Chemical
(Pengli) subsidiary, plans to invest RMB 23.1-billion in an
integrated petrochemicals complex at the Pengli Industrial
Park in China.
The project would include a 900,000-t/y propane dehydrogenation
unit, and facilities for the production of
300,000 t/y of polypropylene, 500,000 t/y of polyether polyols,
400,000 t/y of propylene oxide, 160,000 t/y of acrylic
acid, 160,000 t/y of butyl acrylate, 20,000 t/y of octyl acrylate,
200,000 t/y of carbonate, 300,000 t/y of epoxy ethane
and 300,000 t/y of epoxy ethane derivatives.
Construction is expected to begin this year and last until
2025, with initial production planned to begin in June
2024.

 

Borealis Picks Axen’s Rewind Mix Process For Plastics Pyrolysis Oil Upgrading Unit

Stockholm—
Borealis and Axens have signed a license agreement for
Axens to supply the Rewind Mix process for Borealis’
planned plastics pyrolysis upgrading unit in Stenungsund,
Sweden (PCN, 19 Apr 2021, p 4).
The process will purify and upgrade 50,000 t/y of pyrolysis
oils produced from plastic wastes at Borealis’ petrochemical
plant. The resulting virgin-like recycled feedstock
will be further processed in the existing steam
cracker unit for the production of recycled polymers.
Commercial operation is planned to begin in 2025, subject
to a final investment decision.
Under the agreement, Axens will supply the process design
package of the Rewind Mix unit, which was developed
by IFP Energies, Repsol and Axens, and related proprietary
equipment, catalysts and adsorbents. It will also support
Borealis with technical on-site and digital assistance.
“We are proud to have been selected by Borealis for this
ground-breaking project,” said Axens Plastics Circular
Economy Director Stephane Fedou.
“Axens is strongly committed to supporting the plastic
recycling industry in reaching its ambitious targets at the
2025-2030 horizon, developing and offering robust, flexible,
low-carbon footprint technologies, which complement mechanical
recycling and create a truly circular plastic economy.”

 

Clariant Finalizes Divestment to SABIC Of Its 50% Stake in Scientific Design JV

Muttenz—
Clariant has concluded the sale of its 50% interest in Scientific
Design to SABIC, its joint venture partner, for $130-
million, making SABIC sole owner (PCN, 7 Feb 2022, p 2).
“Clariant plans to use the proceeds of the divestment to
invest into growth projects within the core business areas,
execute the strategy along sustainability and innovation,
fund the performance improvement programs, as well as
strengthen Clariant’s balance sheet to reach and defend a
solid investment grade rating,” Clariant noted.

 

Viva Energy Enters Agreement to Buy LyondellBasell’s Australia Subsidiary

Geelong—Viva
Energy has agreed to purchase LyondellBasell Australia
(LBA), Australia’s sole manufacturer of polypropylene,
through a share sale.
LBA is “strongly” complementary to Viva Energy’s refining
operations, with the refinery’s propylene production
utilized as feedstock in LBA’s existing manufacturing operations
in Geelong, Viva Energy noted.
“This acquisition is another step in the development of
our Geelong Energy Hub and the further diversification of
our commercial and industrial businesses,” said Viva Energy
Chief Executive Scott Wyatt.
“This facility and its manufacturing capability are vital
to the economies of Victoria and Australia, and can have
important roles to play in Australia’s circular economy
through the recycling of plastics. The acquisition of this
business opens the door for innovation and the development
of new business opportunities.”
Value of the transaction and an expected completion
date were not disclosed.

 

Sumitomo Ending Caprolactam Production At Its Ehime Works Production Facilities

Tokyo—
Sumitomo Chemical announced it will shut down its
caprolactam production plants at its Ehime Works in Japan
in October 2022 and exit the business.
The caprolactam facilities, with a total production capacity
of 85,000 t/y, began operations in 2003. The company
has decided going forward that it would be difficult to
secure sustainable competitiveness, and has therefore decided
to exit the caprolactam business.
Sumitomo will actively transform the operations of
Ehime Works in response to changes in the market, and
will continue to manufacture and sell cyclohexane.
The company is building a chemical recycling facility for
acrylic resin at the site and reconfiguring its infrastructure
by inviting an affiliated company to build a liquefied natural
gas terminal within the site.
In addition, Sumitomo is constructing plants for high
purity chemicals for semiconductors and its liquid crystal
polymer.

 

Incitec Pivot Restarts Waggaman Plant; Unit Operating at Nameplate Capacity

Waggaman—
Incitec Pivot Ltd. (IPL) announced it has successfully restarted
production at its Waggaman ammonia plant in
Louisiana, with the facility operating at nameplate capacity
(PCN, 21 Feb 2022, p 1).
The 800,000-t/y ammonia plant was suspended this
past February following an incident resulting from a release
of hydrogen at the unit. At the time, IPL said initial
investigations found no chemicals released into the environment
and no offsite impacts.

 

LyondellBasell to Exit Refining Business; Will Consider Options for Houston Site

Houston—
LyondellBasell announced its decision to cease operation of
its 268,000-b/d refinery in Houston, Texas, no later than 31
Dec. 2023, and will consider potential transactions and
alternatives for the site (PCN, 13 Sept 2021, p 2).
“After thoroughly analyzing our options, we have determined
that exiting the refining business by the end of
the next year is the best strategic and financial path for
ward for the company,” said Interim Chief Executive Ken
Lane.
“These decisions are never easy and we understand this
has a very real impact on our refinery employees, their
families and the community. We are committed to supporting
our people through this transition.
“While this was a difficult decision, our exit of the refining
business advances the company’s decarbonization
goals, and the site’s prime location gives us more options
for advancing our future strategic objectives, including circularity,”
Lane added.
In the interim, the company will continue to serve the
fuels market, which is expected to remain strong in the
near-term, LyondellBasell noted.
Last September, the company said it was weighing its
strategic options for the refining business, including a
potential sale.

 

Dow Increasing Alkoxylation Capacity In U.S. and Europe to Meet Demand

Midland—Dow
said it plans to again boost its global alkoxylation capacity
in the U.S. and Europe to meet increasing demand across a
wide range of fast-growing end-markets.
These latest investments will increase the company’s
capacity, while maintaining current carbon emissions levels
through the use of efficient technologies and site improvements,
Dow noted.
The investments in the U.S. and Europe are backed by
customer supply agreements, and are expected to come
online in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
The company is currently expanding alkoxylation capacity
in Louisiana and Spain, with start-up expected this
year (PCN, 4 Nov 2019, p 1).
Dow’s investments will result in about 70% global capacity
growth for the company and its customers since
2020.

 

Longhua New Material to Construct China’s ‘Biggest’ Nylon 6,6 Facility

Beijing—Shandong
Longhua New Material said it plans to build China’s
“biggest” nylon 6,6 plant in Zibo, Shandong Province, according
to local media reports.
The $1.1-billion project, to be built in three phases, will
have the capacity to produce over 1-million t/y of nylon 6,6
when completed in 2028.
The first phase will include 160,000 t/y of capacity, the
second phase will include 320,000 t/y of capacity and the
final phase will have 600,000 t/y of nylon 6,6 production
capacity.
Longhua New Material will source adiponitrile raw material
from China National Chemical Engineering Group’s
new plant in Zibo, which is expected to start up this month,
reported Yicai Global.

 

Sumitomo Chem Finalizes Construction On Ethanol-to-Ethylene Pilot Facility

Tokyo—Sumitomo
Chemical announced that construction is complete on
an ethylene pilot plant at its Chiba site in Japan that utilizes
waste-derived ethanol as a raw material (PCN, 19 Apr
2021, p 1).
The facility will verify Axen’s Atol technology to transform
ethanol into polymer-grade ethylene that will be polymerized
into polyolefins. Full-scale market launch of the
production is scheduled to begin in 2025.
In 2020, 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 engineering was responsible for the basic design of
the pilot facility, as well as the engineering, procurement
and construction.

 

Technip & Alterra to Combine Technologies To Develop Sustainable Plastics Projects

Paris—
Technip Energies and Alterra Energy have signed a global
joint development and collaboration agreement, in which
they will combine advanced recycling and purification
technologies to jointly develop sustainable plastics projects.
The partners will integrate Technip Energies pyrolysis
oil purification technology to maximize adoption of recycled
feedstock and improve circular economy solutions for the
global petrochemical industry with Alterra’s commercially
available liquefaction process technology.
Alterra provides an innovative, patented, thermochemical
liquefaction, converting hard-to-recycle plastic into pyrolysis-
based oil (pyoil).
Technip Energies brings its extensive knowledge of
ethylene furnace and steam cracker design, preparation
and purification of heavy feedstocks for refining and petrochemical
plants, all of which is combined in its Pure.rOil
purification technology.
The combination of these solutions ensures Alterra’s recycled
pyoil is drop-in ready feedstock to further accelerate
the replacement of hydrocarbon-based oil with recycled
feedstock in the production of new plastic-based materials,
the companies explained.

 

People on the Move

Phillips 66—Mark Lashier, currently president and
chief operating officer, has been named president and chief
executive, effective 1 July 2022. He will succeed Greg Garland,
who will remain as executive chairman until he retires
in 2024.
Maire Tecnimont—Lessandro Bernini has been appointed
chief executive and chief operating officer, effective
15 May 2022. Currently manager in charge of preparing
corporate accounting documents, Bernini will succeed Pierroberto
Folgiero, who has decided to resign from the company.
Americas Styrenics—Richard Shaw has joined the
company as director of Sustainability & Circular Economy.
He was previously vice president of logistics at Graphic
Packaging International.

 

Brightmark, Georgia Drop Project to Build New Advanced Plastics Recycling Plant

Macon—
Brightmark Energy and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial
Authority have agreed to cancel plans to build the “world’s
largest” advanced plastics recycling and renewal facility in
Macon, Ga., reported several local news sources.
The proposed $680-million project was planned to utilize
a state-of-the-art and proprietary plastics renewal process
that recycles all plastic waste (Types 1-7) that has
reached the end of its useful life (PCN, 14 June 2021, p 3).
The facility was expected to divert 400,000 t/y of the
plastic waste from landfills and incinerators and convert it
into 64-million gallons of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and
naphtha blend stocks, and 20-million gallons of wax.
According to Reuters, Brightmark missed a deadline to
prove its process and deliver end product to customers
from a similar facility in Ashley, Ind., a condition of its
contract with the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority.
The Indiana plant will divert 100,000 t/y of plastic
waste from landfills, waterways and incinerators, and convert
it into 18-million gallons of diesel and naphtha blend
stocks and 6-million gallons of wax.
The facility is scheduled to be fully operational in the
second half of this year.

 

Bridgestone and LanzaTech Partner To Address End-of-Life Tire Waste

Nashville—
Bridgestone Americas announced an exclusive partnership
with LanzaTech NZ to co-develop the “first” dedicated endof-
life tire recycling process leveraging LanzaTech’s proprietary
CCT technology.
According to the Tire Industry Project operating under
the umbrella of the World Business Council for Sustainable
Development, over 1-billion tires globally reach the
end of their useful service life each year.
The partners will work to address this issue by converting
end-of-life tires into new raw materials, including exploring
processes to create sustainable synthetic rubber
that does not rely on petrochemicals.
“Applying LanzaTech’s carbon capture and gas fermentation
process to end-of-life tires yields sustainably produced
chemicals, such as ethanol, that can be converted to
materials such as PET [polyethylene terephthalate] for
packaging, polyester yarn and surfactants,” Bridgestone
explained.
The two companies will also jointly explore opportunities
to co-develop proprietary microbe technology to produce
more efficient pathways to produce butadiene.
Bridgestone is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality and
make tire from 100% renewable materials by 2050.

 

Satorp Lets 7-Year Contract to KBR For General Maintenance Services

Jubail—KBR has
been awarded a seven-year contract by Saudi Aramco Total
Refining and Petrochemical Co. (Satorp) for the provision
of general maintenance services for its project in Jubail,
Saudi Arabia (PCN, 13 May 2019, p 3).
Under the contract, which has the option to be extended
for another three years, KBR will provide preventive, predictive,
corrective and shutdown maintenance services at
Satorp’s 440,000-b/d refinery, with a focus on continuous
improvement and sustainable asset performance.

 

Idemitsu Plans to Discontinue Production Of Acrylic Acid, Butyl Acrylate in Japan

Tokyo—
Idemitsu Kosan is planning to withdrawal from acrylic acid
and butyl acrylate production by next March due to increasing
international competition, Argus Media reported.
The company has 50,000 t/y of acrylic acid production
capacity at its Aichi site in Japan, while it outsources production
of butyl acrylate.

 

Gidara & Port of Rotterdam Plan Facility To Turn Waste into Advanced Methanol

Rotterdam—
Gidara Energy and the Port of Rotterdam announced that
Gidara is planning a new advanced biofuels facility in the
Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, that will convert nonrecyclable
waste into advanced methanol.
The plant, called Advanced Methanol Rotterdam
(AMR), will utilize Gidara’s patented High-Temperature
Winkler technology to produce about 90,000 t/y of renewable
methanol by converting 180,000 tons of local nonrecyclable
waste that is currently being incinerated.
AMR will achieve a reduction of 350,000 tons carbon dioxide
(CO2) equivalents of greenhouse gas emissions per
year. Detail engineering and construction is scheduled to
start in the first half of 2023, with renewable methanol
production expected to start in 2025.
The AMR site is strategically located within the Botlek
area of the port and is connected to feedstock providers,
storage terminals and other companies.
“The Port of Rotterdam’s strategy is to facilitate its existing
industries in reducing their carbon footprint and
attracting new businesses that fit in the Port Authority’s
ambition to be a CO2 neutral port and industrial complex
in 2050,” the partners noted.

 

Bechtel Forms New Business to Meet Growing Demands for EPC Services

Washington—
Bechtel has formed a new Manufacturing and Technology
business to address growing customer and market demands
for engineering, procurement and construction services
in the synthetic materials, semiconductor, electric
vehicle and data center sectors.
“Bechtel is embracing the challenge of developing resilient
supply chains for the world’s most advanced technologies,”
said Brendan Bechtel, chairman and chief executive.
“The Manufacturing and Technology business will design,
build, and integrate the complex components that
make up these facilities and deliver solutions quickly to
market.”

 

Olin Leaks Chlorine at Plaquemine

Baton Rouge—
Olin Corp. experienced a compressor fire on 18 Apr. 2022
at its chlorine unit in Plaquemine, La., resulting in a chlorine
leak, according to the local Advocate.
The leak has been cleaned up and “there is no risk of
onsite or offsite exposure” to chlorine, said the report citing
company officials.
“We are conducting a thorough analysis as we work to
identify the cause,” the officials noted without providing an
estimate of when the unit would resume chlorine production.

 

Dow Taking Minority Stake in HEH To Advance LNG Import Terminal

Stade—Dow has
entered into a definitive agreement to hold a minority
stake in the Hanseatic Energy Hub GmbH (HEH) consortium,
which is planning to build, own and operate a liquefied
natural gas (LNG) import terminal on Dow’s Stade,
Germany, industrial park.
The zero-carbon emission terminal, with a projected regasification
capacity of 13.3-billion cu m/yr of natural gas,
is scheduled to be built by 2026. It would be co-located
with Dow’s facilities. A final investment decision is expected
by 2023.
Dow said it is working with the consortium members,
which include Fluxys, Partners Group and Buss Group, to
advance Germany’s capabilities to import supplies of LNG,
bio-liquefied natural gas and synthetic natural gas through
the construction of the terminal.
Dow is contributing the land for the project, as well as
infrastructure services, off-gas heat, site services and mutual
harbor use rights.
The import terminal supports the joint statement between
the European Union and the U.S. on European energy
security by satisfying up to 15% of Germany’s current
natural gas demand.
The agreement would also allow the U.S. to meet almost
25% of its goal to export 50-billion cu m/yr of natural
gas to Europe by 2030.

 

Air Products Acquires Certain Air Liquide Industrial Gases Assets in UAE, Bahrain

Easton—Air
Products has purchased Air Liquide’s industrial gases
business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Air Liquide’s
majority share in Middle East Carbon Dioxide
(MECD) in Bahrain.
The assets in the UAE include Air Liquide Emirates for
Industrial Gases and Orca Industrial Gases, which include
liquid bulk, packaged gases and specialty gases.
MECD, a joint venture with ALMO Holdings, has a liquid
carbon dioxide production facility in Bahrain.
“The acquisition builds on many years of good experience
working in and serving customers in the Middle East
and supports our growth strategy for the region,” said
Hamid Sabzikari, vice president and general manager, Air
Products Industrial Gases Middle East, Egypt and Turkey.
“It is yet another example of how Air Products is building
and strengthening its industrial gas business in the
Middle East.”

 

Orica and H2U Group Agree to Partner On Gladstone Green Ammonia Project

Queensland—
Orica and H2U Group have entered into a strategic partnership
agreement to initiate the first phase of the proposed
H2-Hub Gladstone green ammonia project in Queensland,
Australia.
The planned project involves a multi-billion dollar industrial-
scale green hydrogen and ammonia production
facility, with a planned capacity of up to 3 gigawatts of
electrolysis and up to 5,000 t/d of green ammonia production.
The facility is expected to use 100% renewable energy
from local new-build solar and wind resources.
The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding
on a master plan study in which both parties will
explore opportunities for an exclusive domestic green ammonia
offtake and supply agreement.
As part of the potential agreement, green ammonia
would be supplied directly to Orica’s Yarwun manufacturing
plant from H2U’s proposed Yarwun green ammonia
production facility in Queensland.
The companies will also collaborate on the exploration
of a possible green ammonia export terminal in Queensland
at the Port of Gladstone.
The master plan study will last about six months with
front-end engineering and development approval activities
scheduled to begin at the end of this year.
A financial investment for the activation phase of development
is scheduled by 30 June 2023, with the H2-Hub
Gladstone scheduled to begin operations in 2025. An expansion
phase is expected to take place between 2027 and
2030.

 

Fire Erupts at Russian Chem Plant

Moscow—Russia’s
Dmitrievsky Chemical Plant experienced a fire on 21 Apr.
2022 in Kineshma near Moscow, Russia, and has “burned
down,” said local news reports.
No injuries were reported and cause of the fire has not
yet been determined.
According to Dmitrievsky Chemical Plant’s website, it
is the “largest” producer of butyl acetate and industrial
solvents in Russia and Eastern Europe.

 

Tosoh Increases Stake in Taiyo Vinyl

Tokyo—Tosoh
Corp. has raised its interest in the Taiyo Vinyl Corp. joint
venture to 84% from 68% through the acquisition of Mitsui
Chemicals’ 16% stake.
Based in Tokyo, Japan, Taiyo Vinyl is active in the
manufacture and sales of polyvinyl chloride. Denka owns
the remaining 16% stake in Taiyo Vinyl.
“Tosoh will continue to further strengthen its vinyl isocyanate
chain business, including Taiyo Vinyl Corporation,”
Tosoh noted.

QVC Gets Approval from IQ & MPHC To Build Qatar’s ‘First’ PVC Plant

Doha—The board of
directors of both Industries Qatar (IQ) and Mesaieed Petrochemical
Holding Co. (MPHC) said they have approved a
project by their joint venture company, Qatar Vinyl Co.
(QVC), to build Qatar’s “first” polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
plant.
The new facility, to be located at Mesaieed Industrial
City, will have a nameplate capacity of 350,000 t/y of suspension
PVC. Completion is expected by mid-2025.
QVC will integrate the PVC plant with its existing
units at the site, where it will source vinyl chloride monomer
feedstock for the PVC production.
IQ and MPHC have also received approval from their
board of directors to award an engineering, procurement
and construction contract for the project with a contract
value of $239-million.
“Being the first PVC plant in the State of Qatar, the
project aims to position Qatar as a new regional player in
PVC production, while reinforcing the downstream value
chain,” the companies noted.
“The plant will not only boost private sector industrial
investments, but also provides a home-grown source of
PVC and expands the economic potential of local industries.”
QVC is owned 55.2% by MPHC, 31.9% by Qatar Petrochemical
Co. (QAPCO) and 12.9% by QatarEnergy. IQ
owns 80% of the shares of QAPCO.

 

Shandong Eco Picks Versalis Technology For New ABS Unit Planned in China

Beijing—
Versalis, the chemical company of Eni, will license its proprietary
continuous mass technology to Shandong Eco
Chemical Co. for a new acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS) unit to be built in Dongying, Shandong Province,
China.
The 210,000-t/y ABS plant will utilize the state-of theart
technology for the production of styrenic polymers. The
technology, which will be licensed in China for the first
time, has a low-carbon footprint, Eni noted. A schedule for
the project was not disclosed.

 

Sibur’s ZapSibNeftekhim Commissions Maleic Anhydride Facility at Tobolsk

Moscow—Sibur
said it has launched maleic anhydride production at its
new plant on the site of its ZapSibNeftekhim subsidiary in
Tobolsk, Russia (PCN, 17 Dec 2018, p 2).
The facility, with a design capacity of 45,000 t/y, will
supply maleic anhydride in both liquid and solid form to
Russian and foreign producers. The plant is expected to
reach design capacity by the end of the year.
Maleic anhydride had previously been imported from
other countries. With start-up of the new facility, the company
can fully satisfy the demand for the product from domestic
producers, Sibur noted.

 

ZPC Awards Contract to LyondellBasell For High Pressure LDPE Technology

Beijing—
LyondellBasell announced that Zhejiang Petroleum &
Chemical Co. (ZPC) will again license LyondellBasell’s
high-pressure low-density polyethylene (LDPE) technology
at its complex in Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China.
The Lupotech A and Lupotech T process technologies
will be used for both a 100,000-t/y autoclave and a 300,000-
t/y tubular line, respectively. Both trains will mainly be
producing ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers.
Furthermore, an additional 400,000-t/y tubular line
producing LDPE homopolymers will be built at the same
site. Value of the contract and a schedule for the project
were not given.
In 2018, ZPC licensed LyondellBasell’s polypropylene
(PP), LDPE and high-density PE (HDPE) technologies for
five new plants at the complex (PCN, 8 Oct 2018, p 1).
The project included two 450,000-t/y PP units, based on
Spherizone process technology; a 300,000-t/y and 400,000-
t/y LDPE plant, based on Lupotech T process technology,
and a 350,000-t/y HDPE unit, based on Hostalen ACP
process technology.

 

Encina Investing $1.1-Billion to Build Circular Chem Plant in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg—
Encina Development Group plans to invest $1.1-billion to
build a new manufacturing facility in Point Township,
Penn., that will convert post-consumer plastic materials
into feedstock to manufacture new products.
The facility, named The Point Township Circular
Manufacturing Facility, will use advanced technologies to
process 450,000 t/y of post-consumer materials, diverting
the vast majority from landfills and away from incinerators,
the company noted.
Construction is expected to begin this fall, with full operations
planned to begin by fall 2024. The project will
create 750 jobs during construction and 300 full-time jobs.
“Increasingly, customers are demanding sustainable
practices across the product supply chain and life cycle,”
stated Encina Chief Executive David Roesser. “The feedstocks
we manufacture reduce waste, offset the need to
produce virgin materials and help manufacturers achieve
carbon neutral goals as we transition to a circular economy.
“Pennsylvania’s access to markets and skilled workforce
presents an ideal opportunity for investment and we’re
committed to being an engaged partner as we build longlasting
and mutually beneficial relationships with the local
community and businesses.”

 

Worley Chosen to Provide FEED Services For Trinseo’s Chemical Recycling Plant

London—
Trinseo has awarded a front-end engineering and design
(FEED) services contract to Worley for its new first-of-akind
chemical recycling facility planned in Tessenderlo,
Belgium (PCN, 14 Feb 2022, p 2).
The “first-of-a-kind” plant, which will be based on gasification
technology, will process 15,000 t/y of recycled polystyrene
(PS) flakes into pure styrene for use in the production
of new PS and/or styrene derivatives, Worley noted.
Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of this year.
Worley’s scope of work covers the engineering of the
feedstock, storage, condensation and distillation areas,
utilities and hot oil unit, as well as the cost estimate for
the project. It completed the pre-FEED services for the
project in 2021.
“Circularity in the chemical industry will be key if producers
want to retain their license to operate in the coming
years and decades,” said Geert Reyniers, senior director of
process and technology.
“Our work today means we can help customers, like
Trinseo, to implement first-of-a-kind technologies so they
can realize their sustainability objectives.”

 

AGC’s ASC Subsidiary Ships First PVC From Expanded Indonesian Facility

Jakarta—AGC
announced that its Asahimas Chemical (ASC) subsidiary
has concluded the first shipment of polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) from its recently expanded facility in Indonesia
(PCN, 10 Sept 2018, p 1).
The project, which was initially expected to be completed
in the second quarter of 2021, increased PVC capacity
at the plant by 200,000 t/y to 750,000 t/y. AGC’s total
PVC production capacity in the Southeast Asian region is
now around 1.2-million t/y.
“Under the medium-term management plan AGC plus-
2023, the AGC Group has set a priority on the expansion of
its chlor-alkali business in Southeast Asia,” AGC noted.
“The market for caustic soda and PVC in Southeast
Asia is expected to grow at an annual rate of about 4%
backed by continued expansion in manufacturing, infrastructure
projects, and other sectors linked with economic
growth.
“The growth will continue to steadily capture the growing
demand in the region, strengthen its competitiveness,
and contribute to the economic development of the Southeast
Asian region.”

 

Multinational Partnership Agrees to Study Potential e-Methanol Plant in Singapore

Singapore—
PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), Air Liquide,
YTL PowerSeraya, Oiltanking Asia Pacific, Kenoil Marine
Services and A.P. Moller – Maersk have signed a memorandum
of understanding to study the feasibility of establishing
a green e-methanol pilot plant in Singapore.
The facility, which would be the “first of its kind” in
Southeast Asia, is planned to have a minimum capacity of
50,000 t/y of e-methanol, PTTEP noted.
The collaboration will commence with feasibility studies
on technical and economical aspects of the potential plant.
Conclusion of the studies is expected by the end of this
year.

 

Indorama Acquires Oxiteno from Ultrapar; Becomes Part of IOD Business Segment

Bangkok—
Indorama Ventures (IVL) said it has concluded the purchase
of Brazil-based Oxiteno from Ultrapar, becoming a
“leading” global supplier in high-value surfactant markets
(PCN, 23 Aug 2021, p 2).
The acquisition includes 11 manufacturing plants in
Latin America and the U.S., five research and development
centers, an experienced management team, a strong environmental
governance record, and expertise in green chemistry
innovation, IVL noted.
IVL made an initial payment of around $1.3-billion for
Oxiteno and will make a final payment of $150-million in
2024.
Oxiteno now becomes part of IVL’s Integrated Oxides
and Derivatives (IOD) business segment, which was
formed in 2020 with the purchase of Huntsman’s chemical
intermediates businesses for approximately $2-billion
(PCN, 13 Jan 2020, p 2).
“The addition of Oxiteno’s manufacturing sites in Mexico
and the U.S. provides a significant advantage for our
raw material sourcing in the region,” said Joel Saltzman,
chief executive of IOD, North America at IVL.
“Our increased presence in Mexico is beneficial to our
existing business there, making us more competitive in the
marketplace. Oxiteno’s Pasadena site in Texas accelerates
IOD’s surfactants growth plans in the U.S.”

 

Repsol Purchases Stake in Enerkem; Aims for Zero Net Emissions by ‘50

Madrid—Repsol
has made a €54-million equity investment in Enerkem,
becoming a majority shareholder in the waste-to-renewable
fuels and chemicals technology company.
The investment is in line with Repsol’s strategic focus
on decarbonization and circularity as key levers to reach
its target of becoming zero net emissions by 2050, Repsol
noted. Its investment includes an additional €68-million
through the subscription of convertible notes.
With the investment, Repsol will be able to step up the
development of decarbonization projects in its existing industrial
facilities and future plants through the deployment
of Enerkem’s technology.
“We are pleased to welcome Repsol as a shareholder
and member of Enerkem’s board of directors,” said Enerkem
Chief Executive Dominique Boies.
“Repsol is a global multi-energy supplier that will contribute
to the accelerated deployment of our technology to
new markets. Repsol’s equity investment in Enerkem
strengthens our position as a leader in the renewable fuels
and chemicals sectors and in building a circular economy.”

 

People on the Move

European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic)—
Hartwig Wendt has joined Cefic as “executive director operations.”
He has led the global public affairs issue management
team of Covestro for the past three years.
VCI, German Chemical Industry Assn.—Dr. Markus
Steilemann has been appointed by VCI’s presidential
council as the candidate to succeed the current President
Christian Kullmann. Steilemann has been vice president
of the VCI board since March 2020 and has been president
of PlasticsEurope since June 2020. The election will be
held 29 Sept. 2022.

 

Ineos Nitriles to Build World-Scale Plant For Acetonitrile Production at Koln Site

Berlin—
Ineos Nitriles said it will invest in a new world-scale acetonitrile
production facility at its site in Koln, Germany, to
meet European demand.
The 15,000-t/y acetonitrile plant will utilize Ineos’ latest
process technology and is expected to enhance the company’s
supply position to its European customers and reduce
its environmental impact, Ineos noted.
“Ineos Nitriles is today the largest producer of acetonitrile
in the world and we will continue to invest in this important
specialty product to support the growth of our customers
in various applications,” said Ineos Nitriles Chief
Executive Hans Casier.
“I’m especially pleased as this investment will bring
back production capacity to Europe for this key product
and it demonstrates our commitment to underpin and reinforce
our nitriles production platform on the Koln site.”

 

JSR Separates from Elastomers Business; Completes Transfer of Stock to Eneos

Tokyo—JSR
Corp. said it has completed the separation of its elastomers
business into a new standalone company named Japan
Synthetic Rubber Spin-Off Preparation Co. (PCN, 24 May
2021, p 1).
All shares of the new company were transferred to
Eneos Corp., ensuring the sustainable development of the
elastomers business. JSR will focus on its semiconductor
materials and life sciences businesses.

 

Cameron LNG Plans Additional LNG Train; Inks FEED, EPC Bid Agreement Contract

Houston—
Cameron LNG has awarded a front-end engineering design
(FEED) and engineering, procurement and construction
(EPC) bid agreement contract to JZJV, a joint venture of
Zachry Group and JGC America, for a fourth liquefied
natural gas (LNG) train at its project in Cameron Parish,
La. (PCN, 6 Jan 2020, p 2).
The existing facility includes three liquefaction trains
and associated support facilities, with capacity to produce
around 12-million t/y of LNG for export.
JZJV will be responsible for the FEED design work, followed
by a submission of an EPC proposal. No other details
of the project were disclosed.

 

Kraton Increasing AMS Resin Capacity

Paris—
Kraton announced a “significant” investment in its alpha
methyl styrene (AMS) resins facility in Niort, France,
which is expected to result in a 15% production increase by
2023.
“In recent years, Kraton has made significant investments
in AMS resins at the manufacturing plant in Niort,
resulting in added operational capacity and improved asset
reliability,” the company noted.
“As customer demand increases, the new growth project
focuses on advancing production efficiencies while improving
the site’s environmental footprint.”
Kraton is also exploring other manufacturing expansion
opportunities at the Niort facility beyond the 2023 horizon,
the company added, without providing details.

 

Wood Introduces ‘Next Generation’ Hydrogen Production Technology

Scotland—Global
consulting and engineering firm Wood announced the
launch of its new “next generation” steam methane reforming
technology for hydrogen production.
The technology, which can be used in both brownfield
and greenfield projects, will reduce capital expenditures
and operating expenses for operators, while achieving a
95% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, compared to a
traditional hydrogen production plant, the company explained.
“The technology aims to counter inefficiencies in energy,
heat production and industrial processes, which together
account for more than half of all global greenhouse
gas emissions,” Wood noted.
“Wood believes the pathway to reduce these emissions
and create a more sustainable future, whilst also meeting
increasing demand for energy, lies in reducing the carbon
intensity of hydrogen production.”

 

DL E&C Lets Technology Award to KBR For NeuRizer’s NH3 Plant in Australia

Perth—KBR
has been awarded an ammonia technology contract from
DL E&C for NeuRizer’s carbon-neutral ammonia/urea project
planned to be built near Adelaide, Australia.
Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide technology
licensing and engineering for a 1,600-t/d ammonia
plant based on KBR’s Purifier process.
“This is the first fully integrated urea production facility
in the world leveraging an innovative configuration for
in-situ syngas production, gas processing, ammonia and
urea manufacturing and carbon geo-sequestration,” KBR
noted.
Last June, NeuRizer appointed DL as engineering, procurement,
construction and commissioning partner for the
project. Since then, DL has made “substantial” progress on
the bankable feasibility study and front-end engineering
design required for a final investment decision, planned for
the fourth quarter of 2022, said NeuRizer.
Last month, NeuRizer and DL entered into an agreement
for the front-end engineering and design for a carbon
capture and storage facility at the fertilizer project.

 

Brenntag Opens New Innovation Center For Coatings & Adhesives in Germany

Berlin—
Brenntag, a chemicals and ingredients distributor, has
launched a new innovation center for the coatings, adhesives
and construction industries in Germany.
The center, located at Brenntag’s site in Duisburg,
Germany, will be jointly used by Brenntag and BCD Chemie,
a Brenntag Group company. Customers in Germany,
Austria and Switzerland can now benefit from formulation
of new products and evaluation of new materials in a wide
range of applications, Brenntag noted.
The innovation center offers a range of technical services,
including: performance testing of raw materials, finished
paints, construction chemicals and adhesives; physical
testing to industry and customer specific standards;
comparative testing of different materials in formulations,
and formulation advice to customers to create tailor-made
solutions.

 

SCG Chem Acquires Majority Interest In Plastics Recycling Firm Sirplaste

Bangkok—SCG
Chemicals (SCGC), through its SCG Chemicals Trading
(Singapore) Pte. Subsidiary, has concluded the purchase of
a 70% stake in plastics recycling company Sirplaste-
Sociedade Industrial de Recuperados de Plastico (PCN, 17
May 2021, p 4).
The acquisition of Sirplaste, a “leading” plastics recycling
company in Portugal, will boost SCGC’s manufacturing
capacity and improve quality, while also marking
SCGC’s entry into the high-quality post-consumer recycled
resin (PCR) markets in Portugal and Europe, under the
SCGC Green Polymer brand, SCGC said.
Sirplaste, which has nameplate capacity of 36,000 t/y,
will help SCGC pursue its environmental goals of producing
1-million t/y of Green Polymer by 2030, and promoting
high-quality PCR under the Green Polymer brand into the
international markets.

 

Thailand Extends Its Tax Exemption For Bioplastic Industry Companies

Bangkok—
Thailand’s cabinet has approved an extension of its 25%
corporate tax exemption for companies in the bioplastic
industry, reported the Bangkok Post.
The tax exemption, which began in January 2019 and
expired on 31 Dec. 2021, has been extended until 2024 in
order to promote Thailand as an Asean bio-hub, said the
report citing Rachada Dhnadirek, the deputy government
spokeswoman.
In 2020, 14 companies were eligible for the tax measure
worth 18.3-million baht.

 

Nova Chem Joins Cyclyx Consortium

Portsmouth—
Nova Chemicals has become the newest member of Cyclyx
International, a consortium-based supply chain innovation
company with a goal to increase the recycling rate of plastic
to 90% from 10% currently.
With a focus on sustainability, Nova works toward
polyethylene solutions that enable a more circular economy
for plastics. Through its membership in Cyclyx, it will continue
its work to utilize more post-use plastics in its feedstock
supply chain.
Cyclyx was launched by Agilyx Corp. in 2020. In early
2021, Cyclyx received ISCC Plus certification.

 

NextChem Builds Italy’s ‘First’ Demo Plant For Chemical Recycling of Têxtile Waste

Rome—
NextChem said it has completed construction of Italy’s
“first” demonstration plant for the chemical recycling of
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester from Têxtile
waste.
The facility, located in Chieti in the Abruzzo Technology
Park, utilizes Demeto depolymerization technology, colicensed
by NextChem, to chemically recycle the PET and
polyester Têxtile fiber waste and obtain pure monomers to
produce new polymers.
The new facility was built as part of the European Union’s
Demeto project.
NextChem is developer and co-licensor of the technology,
owned by the Swiss start-up gr3n, as well as designer
and constructor of the plant.

 

PetroChemical News Briefs

Bidboland gas refinery will “soon” begin production of
propylene from propane at its 450,000-t/y propane dehydrogenation
project in Iran, Shana reported. The company
also plans to complete the polypropylene production chain.
Haldor Topsoe A/S has changed its company name to
Topsoe A/S, as part of introducing a new brand to front its
vision and journey to decarbonization at scale. Topsoe is
already widely used, relatable, and a name that sticks out,
the company noted.
The U.S. Dept. of Energy has granted $2-million over
three years to Braskem America, University of Illinois Urbana-
Champaign and Princeton University to develop bioplastic
packaging that is infinitely recyclable. The team
will focus their effort on redesigning polyethylene packaging
material to produce plastic packaging that can be recycled
perpetually, reducing waste and pollution from singleuse
plastics.
Covestro has begun offering renewable toluene diisocyanate
to customers in various regions from its sites in
Dormagen, Germany, and Caojing, China.
Jindal Poly Films has signed an agreement with
Brookfield Asset Management for the sale of a minority
stake in its packaging films business. Under the deal,
Brookfield will make an Rs 2,000 crore investment in the
company. The transaction is expected to close during the
first half of fiscal year 2023.

Clariant Catalysts Awarded Contracts To Supply Lihuayi’s Petchem Project

Beijing—
Clariant said its catalysts business has been awarded
three major contracts by China’s Lihuayi Group for a new
petrochemicals project in China.
The contracts covers Clariant’s OleMax 101, StyroMax
UL3, and Catofin high-performance catalysts for a 1-
million-t/y olefins facility, a 720,000-t/y styrene plant, and
a propane dehydrogenation unit with a design capacity of
600,000 t/y for the production of propylene, respectively.
Value of the contracts and a schedule for the project were
not given.
“We were very satisfied with Clariant’s complete solutions
package, and we are convinced that their combination
of catalysts, services and expertise will ensure a high return
on our investment,” noted Yan Chuanliang, head of
the Engineering Dept. at Lihuayi Group.

 

Caliche Development Partners Finalizes Sale Of Coastal Caverns NGL Storage Business

Houston—
Caliche Development Partners has completed the divestment
of Coastal Caverns, its natural gas liquids storage
business in Beaumont, Texas, to an undisclosed party.
“Caliche is excited to transfer care and growth of this
critical storage hub to an owner with a complementary
business and exciting growth plans,” Caliche noted.
The sale will allow Caliche to concentrate on its lowcarbon
storage solutions in Jefferson County, on the Gulf
Coast and beyond—from carbon sequestration to the subsurface
storage of other industrial gases, like hydrogen,
that support the energy transition.

 

Celanese & MGC Complete Restructuring Of Korea Engineering Plastics POM JV

Seoul—
Celanese and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) have completed
the restructuring of Korea Engineering Plastics
(KEP), their 50-50 polyoxymethylene (POM) joint venture
in Seoul, South Korea (PCN, 14 Dec 2020, p 3).
KEP will now focus solely on manufacturing and supplying
high quality products to its shareholders, who will
independently market them globally and without competitive
restrictions, the companies explained.
“With the completion of the restructuring, Celanese
now has access to world-scale POM polymerization capabilities
globally, with committed access to approximately
[70,000 t/y] of POM production in Asia and corresponding
global marketing rights,” said Tom Kelly, senior vice president,
Celanese Engineered Materials.
The partners will continue to explore additional ways to
leverage KEP’s manufacturing strengths, including assessing
potential future expansions of its polymer and compounding
capabilities, Celanese noted.
As part of the final terms of the restructuring, Celanese
agreed to sell land to KEP that KEP is currently leasing at
Celanese’s site in Ulsan, South Korea.

 

Eastman Selects Site in Normandy For Molecular Recycling Facility

Paris—Eastman announced
it has entered into exclusive negotiations with
Port-Jerome-sur-Siene in Normandy as the preferred location
of a new molecular recycling facility it intends to build
in France (PCN, 21 Jan 2022, p 1).
The company plans to invest up to $1-billion to build
the “world’s largest” material-to-material molecular recycling
plant, which would utilize its own polyester renewal
technology to recycle around 160,000 t/y of hard-to-recycle
polyester waste.
The polyester waste, which would otherwise be incinerated,
will be used to create virgin-quality material with a
“significantly” lower carbon footprint. Operations are expected
to begin by 2025.
The site in Normandy offers proximity of supply to
waste polyester for feedstock, required space for an expansive
facility and the necessary infrastructure for operations
of this scale, the company noted.
“We are committed to offering circular solutions for
France and the European Union,” said Eastman Board
Chair and Chief Executive Mark Costa.
“We are pleased with this important step in meeting
our site selection milestone, and we expect to work diligently
through the remaining details during the next few
months of exclusive negotiations with the local authorities.
“We expect to achieve additional milestones in the coming
months, including agreements related to securing raw
material supply of plastic waste, energy supply, and necessary
incentives.”

 

Viridis Chemical Achieves First Production Of Renewable Ethyl Acetate in Nebraska

Houston—
Viridis Chemical announced its first production of renewable
ethyl acetate from its manufacturing facility in Columbus,
Neb. (PCN, 13 Sept 2021, p 2).
Helm, the company’s exclusive global marketing partner,
is already in the process of sending samples and distributing
material to its ethyl acetate customers.
Viridis will increase its production levels of the product
throughout 2022 and expects to be close to full production
capacity by the end of the year, noted Carl V. Rush Jr.,
chief executive and co-founder of Viridis.

 

Qixiang Tengda Commissions PDH Unit

Beijing—
Qixiang Tengda said it has completed and successfully
started up its new propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit in
Shandong Province, China (PCN, 4 Nov 2019, p 1).
The 700,000-t/y PDH unit, based on UOP’s Oleflex production
process, improved the scale, cost and quality advantages
of Qixiang Tengda’s propylene products, the company
noted.
Moving forward, Qixiang Tengda will further accelerate
the construction of key projects and supporting projects,
and aim to build a world-leading, green and respected
world-class chemical enterprise, it added.

 

OCI Partners in Green Hydrogen Project For Ammonia & Methanol Production

Amsterdam—
OCI NV said it plans to develop the first large-scale green
ammonia and methanol value chains in the Netherlands,
and has entered into a partnership with NortH2 for the
supply of green hydrogen.
NortH2 is a large-scale offshore wind-to-hydrogen electrolysis
project being developed in the Eemshaven area of
the Netherlands. During its current feasibility phase,
NortH2 consists of Equinor, RWE, Shell and Gasuni with
the support of Groningen Sea Ports. Eneco, a sustainable
energy company, announced it will also join the consortium
as an investment partner.
The NorthH2 project will provide OCI with a stable and
large-scale supply of green hydrogen, allowing OCI to decarbonize
its production processes and meet the growing
demand from its customers in the downstream value chain
for renewable hydrogen, OCI noted.
OCI’s production assets are strategically located and
positioned to connect to the NortH2 project and the
planned hydrogen pipeline backbone of Gasunie.
“Green ammonia and methanol production is a logical
starting point to develop a green economy in the Netherlands
and Europe as it creates a wide range of green products,
helping create sustainable value chains of food, fuels
and consumer good,” said OCI Chief Executive Ahmed El-
Hoshy.

 

MOL and Helm Sign Marketing Agreement For PG from MOL’s New Chem Complex

Budapest—
MOL and Helm have signed a long-term marketing agreement,
in which Helm will distribute propylene glycols (PG)
produced by MOL’s new chemical complex under construction
in Tiszaújváros, Hungary (PCN, 28 Mar 2022, p 1).
The €1.3-billion backwards-integrated polyols complex
will include a hydrogen peroxide-to-propylene oxide (PO)
facility and will include the production of 200,000 t/y of PO.
The PO will be used as feedstock for PG with a production
capacity of 80,000 t/y, and for the production of polyether
polyol. The project is over 90% complete.
Helm will market the PGs in Western Europe and overseas
markets, providing its supply chain know-how and
commercial expertise; however, CEE (Central and Eastern
Europe) market sales, as MOL’s home market, will be coordinated
by MOL, the companies noted.

 

Petcore Europe Annual Conference Scheduled for June ’22 in Belgium

Brussels—Petcore
Europe has scheduled its 2022 annual conference for 14-15
June at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City in Brussels,
Belgium.
Based on the theme “Strategy and Trends for the Circular
PET Economy,” the conference will focus on perspectives,
strategy and legislative challenges for the polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) value chain on day one, while the
second day will be dedicated to trends in PET collection,
sorting, recycling and circularity.
The event will also feature a networking dinner on 14
June, as well as an exhibition booth.
For more information, visit Petcore Europe’s website at
https://www.petcoreeuropeannualconference.eu.

 

Eastman’s Adhesives Resins Business Acquired by Synthomer for $1-Billion

Kingsport—
Eastman Chemical Co. and certain of its subsidiaries have
finalized the sale of its adhesives resins business to Synthomer
for $1-billion in cash (PCN, 1 Nov 2021, p 2).
The transaction included the hydrocarbon resins (including
Eastman Impera tire resins), pure monomer resins,
polyolefin polymers, rosins and dispersions, and oleochemical
and fatty-acid based resins product lines. The business
was previously part of Eastman’s Additives & Functional
Products segment.
The acquired business will form a new division within
Synthomer called Adhesive Technologies.

 

Ecoplanta Inks Grant Agreement with EC To Implement Waste-to-Chems Project

Brussels—
Ecoplanta said it has signed a grant agreement with the
European Commission (EC), under the Innovation Fund, to
carry out a project to build a waste-to-chemicals plant in El
Morell, near the port of Tarragona in Spain (PCN, 31 May
2021, p 3).
The facility, which will demonstrate Enerkem’s gasification
technology, will utilize non-recyclable materials
from sorting centers to produce circular chemicals and advanced
biofuels.
Ecoplanta, the result of a joint venture between Agbar,
Repsol and Enerkem, is expected to produce 240,000 t/y of
methanol and recover 70% of the carbon present in the
non-recyclable materials. Commissioning is expected by
2026.
The Innovation Fund call for large-scale projects was
first launched last year by the EC to support breakthrough
technologies in the energy-intensive industries, renewables,
energy storage and carbon capture, use and storage.

 

Olin and Mitsui Planning to Form JV To Supply ECU-Based Derivatives

Clayton—Olin and
Mitsui & Co. have agreed to enter into a memorandum of
understanding to establish a joint venture that would be
an independent global buyer, supplier and marketer of
electrochemical unit (ECU)-based derivatives.
The partnership would initially focus on globally traded
caustic soda and ethylene dichloride with potential future
expansion into other ECU derivatives and related products.
The joint venture is expected to be finalized later this
year, subject to agreement of definitive terms and applicable
regulatory approvals.
“By combining the complementary geographic and functional
strengths of Olin and Mitsui, the joint venture will
enable customers to benefit from greater security of supply,
enhanced logistics reliability, increased access to
global product liquidity, and network optimization to support
the decarbonization agenda,” the companies noted.

 

People on the Move

LyondellBasell—Peter Vanacker will assume the role
of chief executive on 23 May 2022, succeeding Bhavesh V.
“Bob” Patel, who has retired (PCN, 20-27 Dec 2021, p 2).
Vanacker has been president and chief executive of Neste
since 2018.

 

MOL Group Buys Plastics Recycler ReMat, As Part of Its ‘Shape Tomorrow’ Strategy

Budapest—
MOL Group, as part of its “Shape Tomorrow” 2030+ Strategy,
announced the acquisition of ReMat, Hungary’s “market
leading” plastics recycling company.
ReMat, with a processing capacity of 25,000 t/y, uses
plastic waste from community and industry sources to create
a wide range of polyethylene and polypropylene regranules
and tailor-made products.
ReMat has production plants in Tiszaújváros and Rakamaz,
Hungary, as well as a logistics hub in Bratislava,
Slovakia. Value of the transaction was not given.
One of the main pillars of MOL’s strategy, which was
launched last February, is integrating circular economy in
MOL’s operation. The company will spend $1-billion in the
next five years on new circular economy and green projects.
Waste integration and utilization is a key element of the
new sustainable approach, MOL noted.
“Over the last two decades, we have invested into stateof-
the-art facilities and constantly expanded our processing
capacities capable of supporting Hungary’s obligations towards
the European Union regarding plastic recycling,”
said ReMat Chief Executive Laszlo Olasz.
“We are excited to be joining MOL and look forward to
continuing to drive growth for this attractive business.”

 

Evonik Completes Expansion to Increase Isobutene Derivatives Capacity at Marl

Marl—Evonik
said it recently concluded an expansion that increased production
capacity for isobutene derivatives by more than
50% at its site in Marl, Germany.
The company invested a “double-digit million euro
sum,” for the project, expanding the company’s C4 production
network, which includes tertiary butanol, diisobutene
and 3,5,5-trimethylhexanal.
“As a leading European key supplier of high-purity isobutene
derivatives, we willingly rise to the challenge of
supporting our customers’ dynamic growth and continuing
to invest in product quality and security of supply,” noted
Dr. Hinnerk Gordon Becker, head of the specialties market
segment at Evonik Performance Intermediates.

 

Nexam Chem Building Innovation Facility To Serve Global Plastic Manufacturers

Stockholm—
Nexam Chemical is setting up a new innovation center in
Sweden to enable environmentally-friendly plastics with
the best functionality for plastic manufacturers around the
world.
The facility, located in Lomma, Skane, will enable the
company to stay at the forefront of additives, Nexam noted.
Completion is expected this fall.
The first step is to build an office and laboratory. At a
later stage, a pilot plant will also be built, where customer
processes can be better imitated. The facility is expected
to be fully completed in the spring of 2023.
“With our own innovation center, we become more efficient
and faster in developing tailor-made solutions for
customers,” said Nexam Chief Executive Johan Arvidsson.
“The goal is to be able to streamline and shorten the
time for customer projects and thereby lower the thresholds
and shorten the sales time.”

 

Sinopec Drops Out of Plans with Russia To Invest in New Gas Chem Complex

Beijing—
Sinopec has discontinued discussions with Sibur to invest
up to $500-million in a new gas chemical facility in Russia
in response to rising sanctions over Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine, Reuters reported citing sources.
The companies were planning to build a project similar
to the $10-billion Amur Gas Chemical Complex in Siberia,
which is scheduled to come online in 2024 (PCN, 13 Dec
2021, p 1).
Sinopec has also suspended talks with Novatek regarding
a gas marketing venture, said the report citing sources
familiar with the matter.
In 2019, Sinopec, Novatek and Gazprom signed a heads
of agreement to establish a joint venture to market liquefied
natural gas and natural gas to end-customers in China
(PCN, 6-13 Apr 2020, p 3).
The European Commission approved the proposed joint
venture between the three companies in 2020.

 

Purecycle Breaks Ground in Georgia For Plastic Waste Purification Plant

Augusta—
Purecycle Technologies has broken ground on its new plastic
waste purification facility in Augusta, Ga., which will
enable the company to expand production of its ultra-pure
recycled (UPR) resin (PCN, 21 Mar 2022, p 2).
The cluster facility, designed to transform No. 5 plastic
waste into like-new recycled plastic, is designed to ultimately
produce up to 650-million lbs/yr across five processing
lines. The first two purification lines are expected to be
completed in the fourth quarter of 2023, with a capacity to
produce 260-million lbs/yr of UPR resin.
The company earlier said it planned to have 30 commercial
lines by 2030 and 50 commercial lines by 2035.

 

TotalEnergies & Sempra Sign MoUs For Several Renewables Projects

Paris—Total-
Energies and Sempra announced they are expanding their
North American strategic alliance with the signing of two
memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development
of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project and several
onshore and offshore renewables projects.
Under the first MoU, TotalEnergies would offtake onethird
of the future LNG production from Sempra’s planned
Vista Pacifico LNG project and become a shareholder in
the project with a minimum 16.6% stake.
Vista Pacifico is expected to include a mid-size facility
on Mexico’s west coast, which is well situated for exporting
to high-demand markets, such as Asia and South America.
Specific details of the project were not available.
Sempra recently signed a non-binding agreement with
Mexico’s state-owned electric company, Comision Federal
de Electricidad, for the potential joint development of the
LNG project.
The second MoU is for the co-development of numerous
renewable energy projects in North America, including
Sempra’s possible acquisition of 30% of TotalEnergies’ equity
interest in an offshore wind project off the coast of
California, as well as TotalEnergies’ potential purchase of
30% of Sempra’s equity stake in certain onshore renewable
projects under development along the Mexico-U.S. border.

 

Tellurian Begins Construction on Phase 1 Of Driftwood LNG Project in Louisiana

Houston—
Tellurian has issued a limited notice to proceed to Bechtel
Energy, under an engineering, procurement and construction
contract, to start construction of phase one of the
Driftwood liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal export facility
near Lake Charles, La. (PCN, 8 Apr 2019, p 4).
Driftwood LNG, a subsidiary of Tellurian, will include
two LNG plants with an export capacity of up to 11-million
t/y in the first phase, and around 27.6-million t/y at full
capacity.
In 2019, Total and Tellurian signed a heads of agreement
in which Total would make a $500-million equity investment
in Driftwood LNG and purchase 1-million t/y of
LNG from the project.
They also entered into a sales and marketing agreement
for a further 1.5-million t/y of LNG from Tellurian
Marketing’s LNG offtake volumes from Driftwood. Total is
a shareholder in Tellurian.
“Energy security is a leading concern in many countries
today and the United States must do our part to supply
LNG to the global market as quickly as possible,” noted
Tellurian President and Chief Executive Octavio Sinoes.
“Beginning construction now allows Tellurian to deliver
upon our robust schedule for first LNG in 2026, while we
complete the project financing.”

 

Cosmo Boosting Production Capacity For CPP Film at Site in Aurangabad

New Delhi—
Cosmo Films Ltd. is planning a project to expand cast
polypropylene (CPP) film production capacity at Aurangabad,
Maharashtra, India.
The company is investing approximately Rs 140 crores
to set up a new CPP film production line with a capacity of
25,000 t/y. Commercial production is expected to begin in
two years.
“Worldwide significant focus is being given on recyclability
and sustainability of packaging films,” said
Pankaj Poddar, global chief executive. “With current CPP
capacity running close to 100% utilization, the company
planned capacity expansion with the world’s largest width
line and lowest cost of production.
“Other growth plans, i.e. specialized BOPET [biaxially
oriented polyethylene terephthalate] line, BOPP [biaxially
oriented polypropylene] line, focus towards growing specialty
sales, expansion with Cosmo Specialty Chemicals
and Zigly, are progressing well in line with the plan.”

 

Versalis, Novamont Reconfirm Dedication To Matrica Green Chemistry Venture

Milan— Versalis
and Novamont said they are strengthening their
green chemistry partnership by reconfirming their commitment
to Matrica, a joint venture formed between the
two companies in 2011 to manufacture bioproducts from
renewable sources (PCN, 23 June 2014, p 2).
The aim is to enhance Matrica’s technology and production
assets in order to fully develop its products, also
within supply chains integrated with the two partners, by
focusing on growth in the green chemistry markets.
In addition, shareholder agreements have been redefined:
Versalis will increase its stake in Novamont to 35%
from 25% currently. At the end of the reorganization, Novamont
will be owned 65% by Mater-Bi and 35% by Versalis.
“This agreement with Novamont is founded in the belief
that Italy can play a key role at an international level in
the field of chemistry from renewables and the circular
bioeconomy,” said Versalis Chief Executive Adriano .
“The strengthening of the partnership between Versalis
and Novamont combines the great technical and market
skills of the two companies, and will accelerate the development
of technologies, supply chains and improve competitiveness.”

 

ET Inks LNG Sale & Purchase Agreements With ENN Natural Gas & ENN Energy

Dallas—
Energy Transfer (ET) announced that ENN Natural Gas
(ENN NG) and ENN Energy have entered into liquefied
natural gas (LNG) sale and purchase agreements with its
subsidiary, Energy Transfer LNG Export (ET LNG), related
to ET LNG’s Lake Charles LNG project in Louisiana.
Under the 20-year agreements, ET LNG is expected to
supply 1.8-million t/y of LNG to ENN NG and 900,000 t/y
of LNG to ENN Energy on a free-on-board basis. The deliveries
are anticipated to begin as early as 2026.
Lake Charles LNG will be built on an existing brownfield
regasification facility and will capitalize on four existing
LNG storage tanks, two deep water berths and other
LNG infrastructure.
The project will benefit from its direct connection to
ET’s existing trunkline pipeline system that in turn provides
connections to several intrastate and interstate pipelines.
The pipeline will allow access to multiple natural
gas processing basins, including the Haynesville, Permian
and Marcellus shale.
The sales and purchase agreements will become fully
effective upon the satisfaction of conditions precedent by
ET LNG, including reaching a final investment decision on
the Lake Charles project.

MOL Begins Propylene Plant Construction At Tiszaújváros Petrochemicals Complex

Budapest—
MOL has begun construction on a new HUF 65-billion propylene
facility at its petrochemicals complex in Tiszaújváros,
Hungary (PCN, 27 May 2019, p 1).
The plant will have a production capacity of 100,000 t/y
of polymer-grade propylene from steam cracker and refinery
feedstocks. A completion date was not available.
“In the last five to 10 years, MOL has turned Tiszaújváros
into a unique chemical center so by now the city is undoubtedly
considered among the most modern petrochemical
metropolises,” said Zsolt Hernádi, chairman and chief
executive of MOL Group.
“We have a butadiene plant already built here, as well
as a synthetic rubber plant that was built in cooperation
with Japanese experts, and the town also hosts Hungary’s
largest industrial investment of the last 30 years, the
polyol complex built for €1.3-billion.”
The new propylene unit will supply feedstock to the
company’s polyols complex, which is already under construction.
Originally planned to begin operations by the second
half of 2021, the polyols complex will include a hydrogen
peroxide-to-propylene oxide (PO) facility and will have
200,000 t/y of propylene oxide production capacity. The PO
will be converted to polyether polyol and propylene glycols.
The company did not provide an update on the anticipated
start-up date of the polyols project.

 

ExxonMobil & KBR Agree to Collaborate On ‘Next Generation’ PDH Technology

Houston—
ExxonMobil Catalysts and Licensing LLC and KBR announced
the two companies will work together on “next
generation” propane dehydrogenation (PDH) technology.
Under the collaboration, ExxonMobil’s new proprietary
catalyst technology will be combined with KBR’s proprietary
K-PRO PDH technology to convert propane into propylene.
The combined technology may offer financial savings
compared to current PDH technologies.
“The collaboration with ExxonMobil is exciting not only
for new K-PRO customers but also for existing K-PRO licenses
who could have the potential to increase capacity
and reduce operating expenses by upgrading to the new
catalyst,” noted Doug Kelly, president of technology at
KBR.
“This joint technology offering, which is anticipated to
feature substantially reduced energy consumption, adds to
KBR’s growing portfolio of sustainable solutions.”

 

KBR Wins Contract to Supply Technology To Gulf Coast Olefins Production Facility

Houston—
KBR said its K-COT catalytic olefins technology has been
selected by a “leading” midstream company for a new
world-scale olefins production facility to be built on the
U.S. Gulf Coast.
Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide the
license and engineering for the 2.4-million-t/y olefins production
plant. A schedule for the project was not given.
“KBR’s K-COT . . . technology is the key enabler that
can process a wide range of feedstocks to achieve exceptional
olefin yields and production ratios in a single train
with the most capital and carbon efficient design,” KBR
noted.
“The combination of K-COT and SCORE steam cracking
technology will deliver the most innovative design, support
energy transition and advance refining-petrochemical integration
opportunities in the U.S. Gulf Coast.”
KBR’s technologies will also provide “leading” decarbonization
techniques and provide the platform to incorporate
plastics circularity into the project, said Doug Kelly,
president of technology.

 

Orlen Produces Certified Renewable PP Using Waste Vegetable Oil at Litvinov

Zaluzi—Orlen
Unipetrol announced it has produced certified renewable
polypropylene (PP) from waste vegetable oil at its Litvinov
steam cracker in Zaluzi, Czech Republic.
The hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) was first tested
in the production process of the steam cracker in 2020 and
2021, and the tests were successful, verifying that HVO
could be processed.
In November 2021, the company received internationally
recognized certification, and then performed another
production test, producing the “first” certified plastic – PP.
“This so-called bio-circular material has the same quality
as the material made of a fossil raw material,” said
Martin Ruzicka, director of development, technologies and
efficiency. “We can use this method to produce polypropylene,
polyethylene, ethylene and benzene.”
The renewable PP will be used in subsequent research
and tests with select customers who pass the certification
to ensure the entire process is compliant with legislative
standards.

 

IRSG Schedules World Rubber Summit To be Held 24-26 May ‘22 in Singapore

Singapore—
The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), with the
support of Enterprise Singapore, will hold the World Rubber
Summit on 24-26 May 2022 in Singapore.
The summit is based on the theme “A Resilient, Digitalized
and Sustainable Rubber Economy: Redefining Value
Chains.”
More information will be provided at a later date, IRSG
noted.

 

ExxonMobil Gives Construction Update On New LAO Facility at Baytown Site

Houston—
ExxonMobil announced that construction of a new linear
alpha olefins (LAO) manufacturing unit at its integrated
petrochemical complex in Baytown, Texas, is progressing
and commercial start-up is planned for mid-2023 (PCN, 30
Sept 2019, p 1).
The plant, on which construction began in September
2019, will have the capacity to produce about 350,000 t/y of
LAO. The project was originally expected to start up this
year.
The new facility will feature the latest quality control
technology, including in-line analyzers engineered to assess
product quality and purity in real time, the company
noted.
ExxonMobil will manufacture 10 high-purity LAO products
at the site and market them under the Elevexx brand
name.

 

MEGlobal Secures Renewable Energy For Manufacturing Plants in Alberta

Edmonton—
MEGlobal Canada, a subsidiary of Equate Petrochemical,
has entered into a long-term agreement with Capital
Power for the supply of renewable Energy to MEGlobal’s
manufacturing facilities in Alberta.
Under the 10-year agreement, which begins 1 Apr.
2022, MEGlobal will purchase 126 megawatts of renewable
energy from Capital Power’s Whitla Wind facility.
MEGlobal has three ethylene glycol production sites in
Alberta, located in Fort Saskatchewan and Lacombe
County.
“Purchasing energy from renewable resources, such as
wind, makes good sense for our company and the environment,”
said Equate Chief Executive Naser Aldousari.
“The agreement exemplifies Equate’s dedication to delivering
responsible product growth that meets the needs
of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their needs.”

 

NatureWorks Awards Contract to ABB To Automate New Thai PLA Facility

Bangkok—ABB
said it has been awarded a contract by NatureWorks to
automate their new greenfield plant in Thailand that will
convert sugar cane to Ingeo polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer
(PCN, 24 Jan 2022, p 3).
The estimated $600-million PLA manufacturing complex,
located at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex, will have
75,000 t/y of sustainable Ingeo biopolymer production capacity
and produce the full portfolio of Ingeo grades. Operations
are expected to begin in the second half of 2024.
The facility will ferment and distill plant-based sugars,
converting the sugars first to lactic acid and then lactide.
Finally, the lactide is polymerized into Ingeo. These three
production processes will be fully integrated, resulting in
“significant” improvements in energy and production efficiency,
ABB noted.
ABB’s scope of work is a two-part order including a
front-end engineering design study, followed by detailed
automation project execution, with ABB acting as the main
automation contractor.
ABB will deliver the hardware, software, control room
design solutions, engineering and site support.

 

Shin-Etsu Suspends Plant Operations After Earthquake in Northeast Japan

Tokyo—Shin-
Etsu Chemical announced that due to an earthquake in
northeastern Japan on 16 Mar. 2022, the company and
some Shin-Etsu Group Companies’ temporarily suspended
plant operations.
There was no major damage to the facilities and no employees
were injured.
“With safety as our utmost priority, the plants that
temporarily suspended operations are sequentially resuming
their operations upon carrying out the process of inspections
to confirm plant safety.”

 

Arlanxeo Raising Chinese EPDM Capacity

Beijing—
Arlanxeo is planning an “operations efficiency advancement
project” in Changzhou, China, that could boost ethylene
propylene diene monomer (EPDM) capacity by 15%.
The project, for which specific details were not disclosed,
will support the production of various Keltan
grades, and the increasing demand for advanced synthetic
rubber products, the company noted.
“Arlanxeo is committed to meeting customers’ expectations
for premium products and services,” said Boyang Lu,
vice president, sales, greater China.
“With the improvement in efficiency and supply, we
hope to support our partners to expand application possibilities,
and thus to seize growth opportunities in a fastchanging
environment.”

 

People on the Move

Borealis—Mirjam Mayer has become vice president of
polyolefins transformation. She had been director of Strategy
& Growth Portfolio.
Lummus Technology—Ujjal Mukherjee has been
named chief technology officer, effective 1 Apr. 2022. He
succeeds Jo Portela, who is retiring and will transition to
an advisory role to the company’s board of executive directors
and executive team.
Qurain Petrochemical Industries Co.—Sadoun A.
Ali, most recently chief executive, has been appointed
chairman, succeeding Mubarak Abdullah Al Mubarak Al
Sabah.
Sabah Mohammad Abdulaziz Al Sabah has been
named vice chairman and chief executive. He was previously
vice chairman and chief executive of United Industries
Co.
Aker Solutions—Trine Svalestad has been appointed
to the new position of senior vice president of sustainability,
effective 1 May 2022. She is currently manager of the
compliance ethics program at Equinor.
European Petrochemical Assn. (EPCA)—Andreas
Woschek, executive vice president of chemicals at Helm
AG, has joined EPCA’s board of directors.
Energy Transfer—Oliver Chen, most recently business
development manager at Lummus Technology, has
joined Energy Transfer as senior manager of business development
for petrochemicals.
Songwon—Dongbek Park has been appointed chairman
of the board of directors. He replaces Jongho Park,
who will remain a member of the board of directors.

 

Tecnimont Awarded EPCM Contract For U.S.-Based Blue Ammonia Unit

Milan—Tecnimont
SpA, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont, has been awarded
an engineering, procurement and construction management
(EPCM) contract for a new blue ammonia facility in
the U.S.
The contract, valued at around $230-million, involves a
3,000-t/d blue ammonia synloop, as well as the necessary
utilities and facilities. Completion is expected as early as
2025.
Tecnimont’s scope of work includes full engineering activities,
supply of all materials and equipment, as well as
construction supervision services, while construction activities
are performed by another contractor under a separate
contract, which will be directly awarded by the client.
“Blue ammonia is playing a pivotal role in the worldwide
development of decarbonized value chains and we are
eager to start working on this exciting project, as it will
also pave the way for future opportunities driven by the
country’s large wave of investments in gas monetization
and energy transition,” said Maire Tecnimont Group Chief
Executive Pierroberto Folgiero.

 

Vitol to Offtake Recycled Plastic Oils From WPU’s Danish Pyrolysis Plant

Copenhagen—
Vitol and WPU have entered into a strategic partnership,
in which Vitol will offtake and market recycled plastic oils
generated by WPU’s new pyrolysis unit in Faarevejle, Copenhagen,
Denmark.
The pyrolysis plant is scheduled to start up early next
year, with two additional pyrolysis plants to be opened by
the third quarter of 2023. The facilities will have a combined
capacity of 160,000 t/y of waste plastic.
According to Vitol, plastic can be recycled mechanically
up to six or seven times before becoming so damaged that
its needs to be incinerated or sent to a landfill. With
WPU’s pyrolysis process, the obsolete plastic is processed
at high temperatures into plastic oil, which can be used in
the production of new plastic products or as recycled carbon
fuels.

 

Sumitomo SHI FW, RT Agree to Collaborate On RT’s Waste Plastic Recycling Machine

Espoo—
Sumitomo SHI FW (SFW) and Recycling Technologies (RT)
are teaming up on the development of technology and
manufacturing of RT’s advanced waste plastic recycling
machine, the RT7000.
The modular, small-scale machine turns hard-to-recycle
plastic, such as films, bags, and laminated plastics into a
hydrocarbon feedstock, called Plaxx, which can be used as
feedstock for new plastic production.
RT7000 is designed to fit easily onto existing waste
treatment and recycling sites, offering a scalable solution
to recycle waste plastic anywhere in the world, SFW noted.
The collaboration could help RT meet its goal to mass produce
about 200 machines by 2029;
The partners will combine their expertise to improve
the efficiency and increase the yields of the RT7000, lower
its carbon footprint to chemically recycle waste plastic and
cut manufacturing costs harnessing SFW’s engineering
and manufacturing expertise in fluidized bed technology
and modular energy systems.

 

Casale, Enter & Ferkensco Ink Agreement For New Uzbekistan Fertilizer Complex

Tashkent—
Casale, Enter Engineering and investment holding firm
Ferkensco Management have signed a trilateral agreement
to support construction of an ammonia-based fertilizer
complex to be built in Yangiyer City, Syrdarya, Uzbekistan
(PCN, 30 Aug 2021, p 2).
The project, estimate to cost $500-million, will include
the production of up to 495,000 t/y of ammonia and 594,000
t/y of granular urea. Completion is expected in the first
half of 2025.
In 2021, Enter Engineering selected Casale to provide
all licenses and front-end engineering design for the ammonia,
urea and granulation units. This new agreement
confirms Casale as a partner.
In addition, Casale, supported by local design institute
UzlitiEngineering, has been appointed general designer for
the project.

 

Petro Rabigh, Gulf Cryo Partner to Capture CO2 Emissions from Rabigh MEG Plant

Rabigh—
Petro Rabigh and Gulf Cryo have signed a 20-year agreement
to partner in capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
from Petro Rabigh’s monoethylene glycol (MEG) facility
at its complex in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia.
As part of the agreement, Gulf Cryo will invest in,
build, and operate a state-of-the-art CO2 capturing plant
inside Petro Rabigh’s facilities, which will be integrated as
part of the whole petrochemical complex.
The plant will capture 100,000 t/y of CO2 emissions
from the MEG unit. Operations are scheduled to begin by
the second quarter of 2023.
Part of the captured and highly-purified gas will be
transformed into food-grade quality with a volume of 300
t/d. It will be supplied via pipeline to Petro Rabigh for its
internal process. The remaining CO2 will be provided in
liquid form to industrial end-users.

 

RWE Plans German Import Terminal To Supply Green NH3 to Customers

Essen—RWE will
build an ammonia import terminal in Brunsbuttel, Germany,
to supply green ammonia to German customers.
The new facility, which could be operational as early as
2026, would import around 300,000 t/y of green ammonia.
The next step is to build an industrial scale cracker at
the terminal to produce green hydrogen on site as well.
The hydrogen would be transported to customers via a
dedicated hydrogen pipeline.
“With this expansion stage, an increase in the volume of
ammonia to 2-million t/y is also planned,” said RWE. “The
terminal is thus at the beginning of a green import infrastructure
that will lead to climate-friendly production
processes.”
Separately, the company signed a memorandum of understanding
with Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. to collaborate
in low carbon and green hydrogen.
Both companies will explore the potential for importing
low carbon and green hydrogen, as well as hydrogen derivatives,
such as ammonia, from the United Arab Emirates
to Germany.
They also agreed to assess the potential for the joint
development of green hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives
production projects in relevant international markets.

 

Braskem and Sojitz to Form Joint Venture To Produce, Market BioMEG & BioMPG

Tokyo—
Braskem and Sojitz have entered into an agreement to
create a joint venture that would produce and market bio-
MEG (monoethylene glycol) and BioMPG (monopropylene
glycol).
Subject to the conclusion of technology development
this year, the partners plan to build three industrial facilities,
with the first unit scheduled to start up in 2025. The
joint venture is subject to antitrust authorities’ approval.
The joint venture would combine Braskem’s expertise
in the industrial production and sale of chemicals and plastics
made from renewable resources with Sojitz’s strong
presence in Asia.
“The partnership between Braskem and Sojitz marks
the advance of technology – developed on a demonstration
scale with . . . Haldor Topsoe – to the commercial production
phase with a clear combination of competencies and
resources for scaling up,” said Gustavo Sergi, renewable
chemicals and specialties officer at Braskem.
In late 2020, Braskem and Topsoe announced their
“first-ever” demonstration-scale production of bioMEG at a
demonstration plant in Lyngby, Denmark, using the MOSAIK
sugar-to-biochemicals process for MEG production
(PCN, 7 Dec 2020, p 3).
At the time, the partners said the next phase would involve
providing samples to strategic partners for testing
and validation, and that the results would be vital in the
decision to deploy the technology on a commercial scale.

 

Venture Global Signs Sales Agreements For Plaquemines & CP2 LNG Facilities

Arlington—
Venture Global LNG has executed two long-term sales and
purchase agreements with New Fortress Energy for liquefied
natural gas (LNG) from its Plaquemines LNG and CP2
LNG export facilities in Louisiana (PCN, 6 Dec 2021, p 3).
Under the 20-year agreements, Venture Global will
supply New Fortress with 1-million t/y of LNG from each
facility.
The Plaquemines plant, on which construction began
last August, will have a nameplate capacity of 10-million
t/y of LNG. An expected completion date was not given.
Construction of Venture Global’s CP2 LNG facility is
anticipated to begin next year. The project, requiring an
investment of over $10-billion, will have a nameplate liquefaction
capacity of 20-million t/y of LNG. A start-up date
was not disclosed.

 

PCG Inks MoU with KDEB, One Biosys For Supply of Plastics Waste to PCG

Bangkok—
Petronas Chemicals Group (PCG) has signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) with KDEB Waste Management
(KDEBWM) and One Biosys for the supply of plastics
waste to PCG for the production of circular products.
Under the MoU, KDEBWM and One Biosys will provide
PCG with plastics waste that consists of polyethylene,
polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate.
In addition, the partners will evaluate the commercial
viability of building waste segregation facilities in Malaysia
to ensure effective plastic waste separation.
“We look forward to our partnership with KDEBWM
and One Biosys,” said Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof, managing
director/chief executive of Petronas.
“The transition to a circular economy requires new solutions
to address the gaps in the plastic value chain –
from better waste management to improving the economic
viability of recycling solutions.
“This partnership is our next step towards realizing our
aspiration to be a solutions partner in addressing plastics
pollution in Malaysia, following our partnership with Plastic
Energy in 2019 to establish a facility to convert contaminated,
low quality, mixed plastic waste into pyrolysis
oil [PCN, 1 July 2019, p 3].”
“With this MoU we are able to accelerate our initiatives
towards circular economy in ensuring sustainable consumption
and production of plastics.”

 

Dow and Plastogaz Announce Investment To Simplify Advanced Recycling Process

Horgen—
Dow and Plastogaz, a technology start-up and proprietor of
an advanced recycling technology, announced a strategic
investment that will help simplify the process of converting
plastic waste to feedstock.
Plastogaz’s proprietary catalytic hydrocracking technology
is “more efficient and less energy intensive” than some
other forms of advanced recycling, the partners noted.
This technology promises to further simplify the process
from waste to circular feedstock and then circular polymers.
Simplifying the process is ultimately expected to both
increase the carbon-yields of advanced recycling and reduce
the energy needs for advanced recycling, which would
promote a more circular economy with a lower carbon dioxide
(CO2) footprint. The partners aim to accelerate the
commercialization of this process.
“This is an important strategic step for Dow and advances
our commitment to create circular plastics with the
lowest possible CO2 footprint,” said Keith Cleason, business
vice president of olefins, aromatics and alternatives at
Dow.
“We are excited to continue to collaborate with innovative
start-ups like Plastogaz, who share our ambition to
mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and plastic
waste, in line with our global sustainability goals.”

DL Completes Acquisition of Kraton; Names Boldrini & Jung as Co-CEOs

Houston—DL
Chemical Co. has completed the purchase of Kraton Corp.
in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.5-
billion, making Kraton a wholly-owned subsidiary of DL
(PCN, 13 Dec 2021, p 4).
The merger enables Kraton to strengthen its global
presence by leveraging DL Chemical’s manufacturing capabilities
and footprint in the Asian market, Kraton noted.
At the same time, Kraton’s Marcello Boldrini and Dr.
Holger Jung have become co-chief executives of Kraton,
overseeing the chemical and polymer segments, respectively.
Boldrini has been senior vice president and chemical
segment president of Kraton since April 2017, and was also
appointed chief sustainability officer last April.
Dr. Jung has served as senior vice president and president
of the polymers segment of Kraton since 2011.
“We are pleased to have completed this transaction and
look forward to what the future holds for Kraton and DL
Chemical,” said Dr. Jung. “DL Chemical provides the
financial strength and the growth-oriented focus that
allows Kraton to further invest in innovation and compete
more effectively in the global market.”

 

MCC, Toyota Tsusho Mull Production, Sale Of Ethylene & Propylene from Bioethanol

Tokyo—
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. (MCC) and Toyota Tsusho have
begun a joint study to evaluate the manufacture and sale
of ethylene and propylene made from plant-derived bioethanol.
The companies will assess market demand for bioethylene,
biopropylene and their derivatives and conduct a concrete
feasibility study with an aim to begin commercial
operation by 2025.
In addition, the partners will quantify the greenhouse
gas reduction over the entire life cycle of these products
and promote efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

 

American Securities Finalizes Purchase Of Hexion Holdings for $30 Per Share

Columbus—
Hexion Holdings Corp. announced the closing of the acquisition
of the company by American Securities LLC for
$30/share in cash (PCN, 31 Jan 2022, p 1).
Hexion, a producer of adhesives and performance materials,
has 26 manufacturing facilities globally and around
1,300 employees.
“We look forward to continuing to serve our valued customers
and accelerating our next phase of growth under
American Securities’ ownership,” noted Craig Rogerson,
chairman, president and chief executive of Hexion.
“During 2021, we dramatically streamlined our portfolio
through the sale of our epoxy, as well as phenolic specialty
resins and European forest products, businesses.
Going forward, we believe we are well positioned for long
term growth.”

 

Honeywell Announces IOS of Technologies To Boost Naphtha Cracker Performance

Chicago—
Honeywell announced an “industry first” Integrated Olefin
Suite (IOS) of technologies to improve the performance and
competitiveness of naphtha steam crackers.
The IOS, which features a collection of commercially
proven technologies, can increase ethylene production and
improve profitability when added to a naphtha steam
cracker, the company noted.
IOS includes three main sections: the feed optimization
section transforms typical naphthas into a naphtha cracker
feedstock that is rich in normal paraffins to increase yield
of ethylene and decrease yield of most by-products, generating
a “more valuable product” slate.
The co-processing section “significantly” improves propylene
by processing propane, generated in the feed optimization
section and from other feed sources, in a UOP
Oleflex unit. The Oleflex process provides a higher yield to
light olefins, while also generating “significant” amounts of
hydrogen.
The by-products handling section includes additional
processing solutions that can be used to increase, cut or
eliminate by-products production, such as butadiene, butenes
and benzene.

 

Mitsui Chem Ending PTA Production At Its Iwakuni-Ohtake Site in Japan

Tokyo—Mitsui
Chemicals announced it was shutting down its 400,000-t/y
purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant at its Iwakuni-
Ohtake Works in Japan by August 2023.
Following the shut down, the company will no longer
manufacture PTA in Japan; however, it will maintain its
existing sales structure for the domestic market by selling
PTA imported from GC-M PTA Co., a Thai joint venture of
Mitsui (26%) and PTT Global Chemical (74%).
“A sharp rise in PTA manufacturing facilities – primarily
in China – from the mid-2000s caused a slowdown in
the market conditions, which was coupled with a fall in
Japanese domestic demand,” Mitsui explained.
“Despite reductions in PTA production capacity and a
number of rationalization measures, Mitsui Chemicals has
determined that securing sufficient earnings to maintain
PTA production in Japan will be unfeasible.”

 

Clarification

Clarification In last week’s issue of PetroChemical
News, we mentioned that Samsung Engineering Co. and
Samsung Saudi Arabia Co. had previously been awarded
engineering, procurement and construction contracts for
Advanced Polyolefins Industry Co.’s new propane dehydrogenation
(PDH) unit and polypropylene (PP) facility
planned in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
The contracts awarded to Samsung were for the PDH
unit for propylene production. Tecnimont SpA and Tecnimont
Arabia, subsidiaries of Maire Tecnimont, were
awarded the contract to set up the two new PP units. We
apologize for any confusion we may have caused.

 

SABIC to Supply Renewable Butadiene For Use in Kraton’s Renewable SBC

Berre—SABIC
has agreed to supply Kraton with certified renewable butadiene
from its Trucircle portfolio for use in Kraton’s certified
renewable styrenic block copolymers (SBC).
The butadiene is derived from animal- and palm oil-free
renewable feedstock, such as tall oil, a by-product of the
wood pulping process. Each kilogram of the bio-based butadiene
cuts carbon dioxide emissions by an average of four
kilograms compared to fossil-based virgin alternatives.
Kraton will use the renewable butadiene in its newly
launched ISCC Plus certified renewable CirKular+ ReNew
Series to expand the company’s existing suite of solutions
designed to advance the circular economy.
Earlier this year, Kraton successfully produced CirKular+
ReNew Series hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers
at its plant in Berre, France, using SABIC’s renewable butadiene.
“With up to 70% certified renewable content, the Re-
New Series offers customers the opportunity to use the
mass balance approach and adopt ISCC Plus certification
to produce renewable products,” SABIC noted.

 

Encina Gets Financial Support to Build New Plastic Waste-to-Aromatics Plant

Houston—
Encina Development Group has received $55-million of
committed financing support, which included participation
from IMM Investment Global Ltd. and SW Recycle Fund
through a $32-million private placement, to support commercialization
of its plastic waste-to-aromatics recycling
business.
Current projects include planned facilities in the U.S.,
as well as offshore projects in Asia and South America.
Each of the plants isha expected to process approximately
450,000 t/y of plastic waste materials.
As a result of their investment, IMM Investment Global
will join Encina’s board of directors.
Encina earlier said it was planning a 1,000-t/d waste
plastics recycling facility in Texas that will recover high
purity circular aromatics from cracked oil products derived
from Encina’s mixed plastics-to-aromatics catalytic conversion
platform (PCN, 21 Feb 2022, p 1). Operations are expected
to begin in 2024.

 

CSPC, SCPC Expand Cooperation to Develop HDPE & Metallocene Catalysts Products

Beijing—
CNOOC & Shell Petrochemicals Co. (CSPC) and Shenzhen
Catalyst Petrochemical Co. (SCPC) intend to expand their
partnership to develop new high-density polyethylene
(HDPE) products and metallocene catalyst products.
“With the continuous improvement of global refining
capacity, the increasingly strict oil standards and the continuous
increase in the demand for chemical raw materials,
the consumption of refining catalysts has been in a
stable growth trend,” said SCPC Chief Executive Jata Ren.
“Among them, the fastest growth is in new economies
and developing countries, and SCPC is committed to bringing
low-cost, helping to keep the global market well supplied,
while meeting our customers’ growing energy and
climate goals.”
CSPC is a 50-50 joint venture of China National Offshore
Oil Corp. (CNOOC) and Shell.

 

Koch Modular Providing Recycling Systems For PureCycle’s New Augusta PP Facility

Augusta—
PureCycle Technologies has selected Koch Modular Process
Systems to provide the modular recycling systems for its
new facility in Augusta, Ga., that will produce ultra-pure
recycled polypropylene (UPRP) from waste polypropylene
(PCN, 2 Aug 2021, p 2).
The project, requiring an initial investment of $440-
million, will involve three lines with 130-million lbs/yr
each of capacity during the first phase. PureCycle has
plans to build up to five lines. An expected start-up date
was not given.
Under a multi-year master services agreement (MSA),
Koch Modular will not only supply the modularly constructed
polypropylene recycling systems to the Augusta
plant, but also at future recycling plants at both domestic
and international sites.
The MSA establishes the applicable cost framework,
schedule structure, scope of supply, division of responsibility,
execution specifications, and terms and conditions for
the future facilities.
In 2020, Koch was awarded the design and construction
of PureCycle’s Phase II commercial UPRP plant in Ironton,
Ohio, which is expected to have a nameplate capacity of
around 107-million lbs/yr of UPRP when fully operational.
Production is scheduled to begin in late 2022, with full capacity
anticipated in 2023.
PureCycle earlier said it planned to have 30 commercial
lines by 2030 and 50 by 2035.

 

Clariant’s AmoMax-Casale Catalyst Picked For Green Ammonia Project in Australia

Berlin—
Clariant said its ammonia synthesis catalyst, AmoMax-
Casale, was selected for a “cutting-edge” green ammonia
project being developed in South Australia by The Hydrogen
Utility (H2U) and Casale, Clariant’s technology partner
(PCN, 8 Nov 2021, p 2).
The project will begin with two green ammonia pilot
plants that will be integrated into H2U’s Eyre Peninsula
Gateway. The units will avoid about 100,000 t/y of carbon
dioxide compared to a traditional ammonia facility. A
schedule for the project was not available.
“AmoMax-Casale is tailor-made and thus an optimal
choice for green ammonia synthesis based on the Casale
ammonia synthesis loop technology,” Clariant noted. “The
catalyst offers outstanding activity, stability and energy
efficiency.”
The ammonia plants are the first of a series of green
ammonia plants that will be developed by H2U and Casale
in Australia. The goal is to spread the technology to different
industrial segments and countries.

 

People on the Move

PureCycle Technologies—Dustin Olson has been
named chief operating officer. He was previously chief
manufacturing officer.
Wood—Jennifer Richmond, most recently senior vice
president of sales for the Federal and Environmental Solutions
business at Wood, has been appointed executive vice
president of strategy and development and the newest
member of the executive leadership team. She succeeds
Andrew Stewart, who has left the company.

 

IOCL Gets Board Okay to Implement New PBR Project at Panipat Cracker

Panipat—
Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. (IOCL) has received board approval
to build a new polybutadiene rubber (PBR) project at its
naphtha cracker complex in Panipat, Haryana, India, according
to Business Standard.
The estimated Rs 1459 crore project would utilize stateof-
the-art technology from Goodyear Tire & Rubber for the
production of 60,000 t/y of PBR. Operations are scheduled
to begin by 2025.

 

Genomatica, Asahi Kasei Form Partnership To Commercialize Bio-Based Nylon 6,6

Tokyo—
Genomatica and Asahi Kasei announced a strategic partnership
to commercialize renewably-sourced nylon 6,6
made from Genomatica’s plant-based hexamethylene diamine
(HMD) building block (PCN, 24 Jan 2022, p 4).
Utilizing Genomatica’s GENO HMD process technology,
bio-based HMD is derived from renewable feedstocks, such
as plant-based sugars.
Asahi Kasei plans to apply the technology to produce
more sustainable materials for use in its products, such as
high-temperature automotive parts, electronics or yarn for
airbags.
Asahi Kasei will also have preferential access to early
volumes of renewable-sourced HMD and perform nylon
application testing. It expects to license the GENO technology
to commercialize bio-based nylon 6,6.
“Genomatica develops complete, integrated process and
manufacturing plant designs that use biotechnology, fermentation
and renewable feedstocks to make widely-used
ingredients and materials with lower carbon footprints,”
the companies noted.
“Asahi Kasei expects Genomatica’s innovation to help
the company reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral by
2050.”

 

Chimcomplex Responds to Energy Instability With a Series of Compensation Measures

Bucharest—
Romania-based chemical company Chimcomplex has announced
a list of measures it is planning in order to compensate
for the negative impact of global energy insecurity.
The immediate actions being considered are: entering
into a general overhaul for a minimum of three weeks to
improve equipment and manufacturing technologies to
streamline production and reduce energy consumption;
reevaluating activities of the production sections, in order
to restructure them to remain profitable in the condition of
costs increase for raw materials; reducing soda production
by half; possible job cuts; the indefinite closure of three
gas-consuming sections; and moving forward with the
amalgamation of divisions in the territory.
“We are coming after a period in which our group has
had a healthy growth and has consolidated the position
among the best performing companies in the regional
chemical industry,” said representatives of Chimcomplex.
“We are now facing unprecedented socio-economic challenges
in the context of the war in Ukraine.
“We are determined to counteract the negative market
trends and preserve the stability of the company, by reducing
the economic loss we already feel.”

 

Qurain Petrochemical & KIPCO Ink MoU To Assess Proposed Company Merger

Kuwait City—
Qurain Petrochemical Industries Co. (QPIC) and Kuwait
Projects Co. (Holding) KSC (KIPCO) have reached a preliminary
agreement to merge by amalgamation, and have
signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate the
proposed merger.
Under the MoU, QPIC would be the merged entity and
KIPCO would be the merging entity. The combined business
would benefit from a balanced and diversified portfolio
of assets that includes petrochemical and oil services,
banking, and others, QPIC noted.
The transaction is subject to a detailed process per Kuwaiti
laws and regulations, including due diligence, valuation
of both entities and fairness opinion by licensed independent
advisors, in addition to regulatory approvals and
stakeholders’ approval, including the Extraordinary General
Assembly of both parties.
QPIC is a shareholder of Equate Petrochemicals, The
Kuwait Olefins Co. and Kuwait Aromatics Co.

 

Supreme Petrochem Obtains Approval To Expand EPS Plant at Nagothane

Nagothane—
Supreme Petrochem has received board approval for a
Phase II expansion of its expandable polystyrene (EPS)
facility at Nagothane, Maharashtra, India.
The project will involve increasing EPS capacity by
30,000 t/y. Cost of the project and an expected completion
date were not given.
In addition, the board approved setting up a second line
for extruded polystyrene board and increasing the masterbatch
and compounds capacity.

 

Oil India’s Board Clears Investment In Numaligarh Refinery PC Project

Assam—The
board of Oil India has approved an investment of around
Rs 6555 crore in Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL) for a
new polypropylene(PP) unit and associated facilities at
Numaligarh, India, according to several media reports.
NRL earlier said it is expanding its 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. Details
of the PP project were not given.
NRL, which produces feedstock for petrochemicals, is
owned 69.63% by Oil India, 26% by the government of Assam
and 4.37% by Engineers India Ltd.

 

MEP Selects Petrofac to Explore Feasibility Of Green Hydrogen-to-NH3 Unit in Egypt

Cairo—
Petrofac has won a contract from Mediterranean Energy
Partners (MEP) to study the feasibility of a green hydrogen-
to-ammonia (NH3) facility in Egypt.
The project, which is in an early-stage study, would involve
the production of 125,000 t/y of green ammonia for
export. It would be powered by a mix of solar and wind
energy. No other details of the proposed plant were given.
Petrofac’s scope includes sizing the electrolyzers and
the feasibility of export facilities at Ain Sokhna Port on the
Gulf of Suez. The results will be key to successfully delivering
the project.

 

Solvay Exploring Separation of Company Into Two Independent, Public Companies

Brussels—
Solvay said it is reviewing plans to separate the company
into two independent, publicly traded companies, EssentialCo
and SpecialtyCo, in order to sharpen strategic focus,
optimize growth opportunities, and build the foundation
for the future.
EssentialCo would comprise “leading” mono-technology
businesses, including Soda Ash, Peroxides, Silica and Coatis,
which are reported as Solvay’s Chemicals segment, as
well as the Special Chem business.
SpecialtyCo would involve the company’s currently reported
Materials segment, including its high-growth, highmargin
Specialty Polymers, its high-performance Composites
business, as well as the majority of its Solutions segment,
including Novecare, Technology Solutions, Aroma
Performance, and Oil & Gas.
Under the separation plan, Solvay’s shareholders would
retain their current shares of Solvay stock, which will continue
to be listed on Euronext Brussels and Euronext
Paris. The separation would be effected by means of a partial
demerger of Solvay, whereby the specialty businesses
will be spun off to SpecialtyCo.
At the time of separation, Solvay shareholders would
receive shares in SpecialtyCo pro rata to their shareholding
in Solvay SA. The shares of each company are planned
to be listed on Euronext Brussels and Euronext Paris.
Subject to the satisfaction of all conditions, and the receipt
of all required approvals, the transaction is expected
to be finalized in the second half of 2023.

 

Tosoh’s Mabuhay Vinyl Boosting Capacity Of Electrolysis Facilities in Philippines

Makati—
Mabuhay Vinyl Corp., a group company of Tosoh Corp., is
planning to increase production capacity of its electrolysis
plants for producing chlorine and caustic soda in the Philippines.
The project, which is expected to meet growing demand
in the country, will also result in increased production capacity
of chlorine derivatives, such as hydrochloric acid
and liquid chlorine. Operations are scheduled to begin in
November 2023.
“The current investment [approx. ¥1.4-billion] includes
technology for lower electricity and steam consumption, as
well as more efficient energy usage and will therefore
achieve a lower overall CO2 [carbon dioxide] emission than
before the capacity increase,” Tosoh noted.

 

Technip Energies and Greenko Partner For Green Hydrogen Projects in India

Paris—Technip
Energies and Greenko ZeroC Private Ltd. have entered
into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the
development of green hydrogen projects across several industries
in India, including petrochemicals, refining, fertilizer,
chemical and power plant sectors.
As part of the MoU, the partners will “step up” collaborative
opportunities on a “build-own-operate (BOO)” model.
Greenko will be the BOO operator and owner of the asset,
while Technip Energies will support Greenko with engineering
services, integration, and engineering and procurement
(EP) or EP and construction (EPC), for pilot and
commercial scale green hydrogen and related projects.
“Both entities bring complementary skills and addedvalue
to this partnership – Technip Energies with its hydrogen
expertise, integration capabilities, EPC project
management skills and regional footprint, and Greenko
with its technological know-how, expertise and assets in
renewable energy, which span solar, wind and hydro,”
Technip Energies noted.

 

PetroChemical News Briefs

Borealis’ is re-evaluating its business with Russia, in
compliance with all applicable laws including, where relevant,
U.S., UK and European Union (EU) sanctions, due to
Russia’s war on Ukraine. The company has decided to stop
sales to Russia and Belarus for the time being. Sales volumes
will be redirected to Western Europe.
Sibur announced that Dmitry Konov, chairman of
Sibur Holding’s management board, has resigned following
his inclusion in the EU and UK sanction lists. The company
will transfer decision-making authorities partly to
the board of directors and the remainder to the management
board of Sibur LLC, Sibur Holding’s management
firm.
Unipar Carbocloro is considering expanding its polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) production capacity, Argus Media reported.
It currently has 300,000 t/y of PVC production capacity
in Santo Andre, Brazil, and 240,000 t/y of PVC production
capacity in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. No other
details of the proposed project were disclosed.
DuPont announced that due to recent developments
in the crisis in Ukraine, it has decided to suspend its business
operations in Russia and Belarus.

Anchorage Begins EPC Tendering Process For New Egyptian Petrochems Complex

Suez—
Anchorage Investments has launched a tendering process
to appoint the main engineering, procurement and construction
contractor for its new Anchor Benitoite petrochemicals
project planned in Suez, Egypt (PCN, 24 May
2021, p 1).
The $2-billion complex will use natural gas feedstock
for the production of a range of petrochemical and derivatives
to meet local and global demand. The project is expected
to be completed within three years following the
engineering and design phase.
Last May, Anchorage selected Lummus’ Novolen technology
for a new 590,000-t/y polypropylene (PP) unit to be
built as part of the project.
Lummus’ scope includes the technology license for the
PP plant, as well as basic design engineering, training and
services, catalyst supply and operator training simulator
services.
Honeywell was also awarded a contract early last year
to supply its Honeywell UOP C3 Oleflex technology for the
production of 750,000 t/y of polymer-grade propylene at the
complex.

 

BASF Increasing Production Capacity For Ultramid Polyamide in Gujarat

Mumbai—BASF
is boosting production capacity of its Ultramid polyamide
grades at its site in Panoli, Gujarat, India, to meet increasing
market demand.
The increased production of PA will be available in the
fourth quarter of this year.
“The additional capacity reaffirms our dedication to being
our customers’ supplier of choice for polyamides and
will help us meet the rapidly growing demand for our Ultramid
polyamide grades in India,” said Andy Postlethwaite,
senior vice president, Performance Materials
Asia Pacific.
“It will accordingly shorten local delivery times and
help us to better meet the just-in-time needs of original
equipment manufacturers.”

 

SABIC & Fujian Petrochemical Get OK To Form JV for Chinese PC Complex

Beijing—SABIC
and Fujian Petrochemical Industrial Group have received
Chinese approval to establish a joint venture for their proposed
petrochemical complex in Fujian Province, China,
CNA reported.
The approximately $6-billion project, to be built at
Gulei Industrial Park, will include a mixed-feed steam
cracker with 1.5-million t/y of ethylene capacity, as well as
downstream units for the production of polyethylene, polypropylene,
ethylene glycol and polycarbonate, among others
(PCN, 13 Sept 2021, p 3). An expected completion date
was not available.

 

Advanced Polyolefins Gets SIDF Loan To Finance PDH, PP Plants in Jubail

Jubail—
Advanced Polyolefins Industry Co. has signed an SR 3-
billion loan agreement with Saudi Industrial Development
Fund (SIDF) to finance construction of a new propane dehydrogenation
(PDH) unit and polypropylene (PP) facility
in Jubail, Saudi Arabia (PCN, 19 Apr 2021, p 1).
Advanced Polyolefins is building 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.
Commercial operations are planned to begin in 2024.
Advanced Polyolefins is a joint venture of Advanced
Petrochemical Co.’s Advanced Global Investment Co. and
SK Gas Petrochemical, a subsidiary of SK Gas Co.
Last April, Samsung Engineering Co. and Samsung
Saudi Arabia Co. were awarded engineering, procurement
and construction contracts for the project.

 

Aramco, Sinopec Ink MoU for Potential Downstream Collaboration in China

Beijing—Saudi
Aramco, through its Saudi Aramco Asia Co. (SAAC) subsidiary,
signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
with Sinopec for possible downstream cooperation in
China.
The MoU provides a basis for the partners to capitalize
on each company’s strengths and their long-term relationship
through existing joint ventures, such as Fujian Refining
and Petrochemical Co. (FREP) and Sinopec Senmei
(Fujian) Petroleum in China, and Yanbu Aramco Sinopec
Refining Co. in Saudi Arabia.
SAAC and Sinopec also plan to support FREP in conducting
a feasibility study into the optimization and expansion
of capacity at its petrochemicals complex. FREP is
a joint venture of Aramco (25%), ExxonMobil (25%) and
Fujian Petrochemical (50%).
“The signing of this MoU will support our refinery feedstock
optimization and downstream petrochemical development,
while offering new opportunities to deepen and
expand activity amid an accelerating global energy transition,”
said Sinopec President Yu Baocai.

 

Uralchem CEO Resigns from Company; Sells Stake in Uralchem Fundamentals

Moscow—
Dmitry Mazepin, who has been serving as chief executive
of Russian chemical firm Uralchem JSC, has resigned from
the company.
Dmitry Konyaev, who previously chaired the board of
directors of Uralchem JSC, will succeed Mazepin as chief
executive. Konyaev will be replaced by Dimitry Tatyanin,
who most recently served as deputy chairman of the board.
In addition, Mazepin, who had been sole owner of Uralchem
Fundamental Chemical Co., has sold a 52% controlling
stake in the company. He retains a 48% stake in Uralchem
Fundamentals, parent company of Uralchem JSC.

 

Yangzhou Huitong Biological Picks Sulzer To Provide Technology for New PLA Unit

Beijing—
Sulzer Chemtech has been selected by Yangzhou Huitong
Biological New Material to supply its bio-plastic technology
and key equipment for a new polylactic acid (PLA) production
plant in Jiangsu Province, China.
The PLA facility will have a production capacity of
30,000 t/y. It will have the ability to produce a large portfolio
of PLA grades serving a broad range of end-use applications.
Cost of the project and a schedule were not given.
Under the contract, Sulzer will design and provide its
lactide purification, polymerization, devolatilization and
post-reaction proprietary technology. It will also provide
extensive service support from engineering to technical
assistance and field services.
“This new facility will allow us to enter the fast-growing
bioplastic market,” said Zhang JianGang, President of
Yangzhou Huitong Biological New Material.
“We consider Sulzer an extremely valuable partner in
this project. The company’s comprehensive technical services
and cutting-edge production technologies for PLA will
help us to effectively produce sustainable plastics and meet
our customers’ strategic demands.”

 

Yara Limiting Production of NH3 & Urea In Italy, France Due to Nat Gas Prices

Oslo—Yara
said that due to record high natural gas prices in Europe, it
is temporarily curtailing production at its ammonia (NH3)
and urea plants in Ferrara, Italy, and Le Havre, France.
The two facilities have a combined capacity of 1-million
t/y of NH3 and 900,000 t/y of urea. Including optimization
and maintenance at other production units, the company’s
European NH3 and urea production is expected to be operating
at about 45% of capacity by the end of this week (13
Mar. 2022).
“Yara will continue to monitor the situation and to the
extent possible use its global production system to keep
supplying customers and secure continuity in food supply
chains, but curtailing production where necessary due to
challenging market conditions,” Yara noted.

 

Repsol Begins Construction on Spain’s ‘First’ New Advanced Biofuels Plant

Madrid—Repsol
said it has begun building Spain’s “first” advanced biofuels
facility at its Cartagena refinery (PCN, 16 Nov 2020, p 3).
The 250,000-t/y plant, based on Axens’ Vegan technology,
will include the production of bionaphtha, biopropane,
biodiesel and biojet. Operations will begin in the first half
of next year.
The project will include a hydrotreating unit, hydrogen
production unit and biofuel storage tank area, as well as
an area located in the facilities of the Port Authority of
Cartegena where Repsol operates. It will be equipped with
the necessary infrastructures for the storage of 300,000
tons of mixed waste that will arrive by sea and the subsequent
supply to domestic and export markets.
Repsol’s new €200-million advanced biofuels facility is
expected to cut carbon dioxide by 900,000 t/y. It is part of
the company’s transformation process that it has implemented
at its industrial facilities to decarbonize processes
and to manufacture products with a low, zero, or negative
carbon footprint.

 

Borealis Turns Down EuroChem’s Offer To Buy European Nitrogen Business

Vienna—Borealis
has decided not to sell its European nitrogen business including
fertilizer, melamine and technical nitrogen products
to EuroChem (PCN, 7 Feb 2022, p 2).
Last month, EuroChem made a binding offer to Borealis
to acquire the assets for an enterprise value of €455-
million.
“We have closely assessed the most recent developments
around the war in the Ukraine and sanctions that
have been put in place,” noted Borealis Chief Executive
Thomas Gangl. “As a consequence, we have decided to decline
EuroChem’s offer . . . .”
Borealis said it will now consider various options regarding
the future of its nitrogen business.

 

ALPLA Expands PET Recycling Capacity With Purchase of Texplast from Fromm

Berlin—The
ALPLA Group said it has “significantly” expanded its polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) recycling capacity in Germany
with the recent acquisition of Texplast from the
Fromm Group.
The transaction, which also included all of Fromm’s
shares in the joint venture PET Recycling Team Wolfen,
will increase ALPLA’s processing volume in Germany to
75,000 t/y of PET bottles.
Texplast produces PET pellets and flakes from used
PET bottles. The pellets are mainly used for performs for
new PET bottles. The colorful PET flakes produced during
the process are used by Fromm, the packaging manufacturer,
to produce packing strap; however, in recent years,
the focus has increasingly been shifting towards the bottle
cycle.

 

People on the Move

Nova Chemicals—Celeste Jones Baumgardt will join
the company on 22 Mar. 2022 as vice president of corporate
development. She was most recently a vice president in
Goldman Sachs’ investment banking group.
Walter Pesenti, previously global petrochemicals operational
excellence manager at Ineos Aromatics, recently
joined Nova as vice president of manufacturing excellence.
Mehdi Keshtkar has been named vice president, innovation.
He had been Leader, Industry Dynamics & Business
Analytics.
SK Capital—Michael Gilbert has been appointed to the
newly established role of managing director, head of portfolio
operations. He was previously chief executive of Aristech
Surfaces.
Cameron LNG—Whitney “Whit” Fairbanks, most recently
a managing member of El Bucare Consulting, has
been named president of Cameron LNG, effective 9 Mar.
2022.
MFG Chemical—Katy Zukis has been appointed business
development manager. Previous employers include
Huntsman Cargill, Texaco and Dow Chemical.
International Rubber Study Group (IRSG)—Dr.
K.N. Raghavan, executive director of the Rubber Board of
India, has been elected chairperson of the IRSG Heads of
Delegation for a period of two years.

 

CPChem Agrees to Invest About $118-Mn To Reduce Air Pollution at Texas Sites

Houston—
Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. (CPChem), in the Southern
District Court of Texas, has agreed to make upgrades and
perform compliance measures estimated to cost $118-
million to reduce harmful air pollution at three petrochemical
manufacturing facilities in Texas.
The settlement agreement, expected to eliminate thousands
of tons of air pollution from flares, is to resolve allegations
that the company violated the Clean Air Act and
state air pollution control laws at its manufacturing plants
in Cedar Bayou, Port Arthur and Sweeney. CPChem also
agreed to pay a $3.4-million civil penalty.
According to the complaint filed with a consent decree,
the company failed to properly operate and monitor its industrial
flares, which resulted in excess emissions of harmful
air pollution at the facilities, reported the Dept. of Justice’s
Office of Public Affairs.
The company has agreed to take several steps to minimize
the waste gas sent to its flares at each plant.
At Cedar Bayou, it will operate a flare gas recovery system
that recovers and recycles the gases instead of sending
them to be combusted in a flare. At Port Arthur and
Sweeny, CPChem will be required to amend its air quality
permits to limit the flow of gas at selected flares.
CPChem will also create waste minimization plans for
each facility to further reduce flaring. For necessary flaring,
the agreement requires that the company install and
operates instruments and monitoring systems to ensure
the gases sent to its flares are efficiently combusted.
In addition, it is required to perform fence line monitoring
to detect benzene emissions and share the results publicly.

 

OMV & ALBA Enter Exclusive Agreement To Build Sorting Plant for Plastic Waste

Berlin—
OMV and ALBA Recycling have started exclusive discussions
to jointly build and operate an innovative sorting
plant in Walldurn, Germany, for the further sorting of
mixed plastic waste for chemical recycling.
The state-of-the-art sorting facility, which would be designed
by ALBA, would have the capacity to process over
200,000 t/y of post-consumer mixed waste into suitable
feedstock for the production of virgin polyolefins. A final
investment decision is expected this year.
The sorting process has been tested at industrial scale
and the output has been successfully processed as feedstock
in OMV’s ReOil pilot plant, which has been operating
at the Schwechat Refinery in Austria since 2018 (PCN, 3
Jan 2022, p 2).
“Chemical recycling is not a rival for mechanical recycling
as mechanical recycling is the most efficient way to
deal with mono-fractions from the sorting process,” noted
ALBA Recycling Owner Dr. Axel Schweitzer. “But chemical
recycling is the only solution for mixed plastic waste
like composite and multilayer plastics.
“We urgently need to recycle this material as well to
close the loop for our customers.”
OMV recently took a final investment decision to set up
a 16,000-t/y chemical recycling demo plant, based on its
ReOil technology, at the Schwechat site. Operations are
planned to start in 2023.
Ultimately, OMV intends to establish a commercially
viable, industrial scale plant by 2026.

 

Aramco Joins in Chinese Project to Build Integrated Refinery and PC Complex

Beijing—Saudi
Aramco has decided to participate in a joint venture project
to build a major integrated refinery and petrochemical
complex in Panjin, Liaoning Province, China (PCN, 24 Aug
2020, p 2).
Being developed by Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Co., a
joint venture of Aramco, North Huajin Chemical Industries
Group and Panjin Xincheng Industrial Group, the project
will include a 300,000-b/d refinery, a 1.5-million-t/y ethylene
cracker and a 1.3-million-t/y paraxylene unit, Aramco
earlier said. Operations are expected to begin in 2024.
As part of the project, Aramco has the opportunity to
supply up to 210,000 b/d of crude oil to the complex.
“China is a cornerstone of our downstream expansion
strategy in Asia and an increasingly significant driver of
global chemical demand,” noted Mohammad Al Qahtani,
senior vice president, downstream at Aramco.
“Continued energy security remains a shared priority
and this partnership represents another major milestone
in our journey together, supporting China’s vision to create
a modern economy grounded in innovation, ambition and
sustainability. It will further support Aramco’s broader
objective of becoming a global leader in liquids-tochemicals.”
In 2020, PCN reported that Aramco had suspended
plans to invest in the project due to the uncertain market
outlook.

 

Brightmark Plans Australia’s ‘First’ Advanced Plastics Renewal Facility

Sydney—Brightmark
announced a proposed project to build a first-of-itskind
advanced recycling, plastics renewal plant for the
Parkes Special Activation Precinct in New South Wales
(NSW), Australia.
The A$260-million facility, which will be built in partnership
with the NSW government, will be capable of processing
200,000 tons of waste plastics (types 1-7) into ultralow
sulfur diesel, wax, and naphtha to produce fully circular
plastics.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2023, with operations
planned to begin by 2025. The project is expected
to result in 100 new jobs.
“Brightmark is excited to expand our waste solution
footprint into Australia, setting the new gold standard in
advanced plastic recycling,” said Brightmark Founder and
Chief Executive Bob Powell.
“Collaborating with the NSW government in their
Parkes precinct is ideal due to the sustainably-minded
business environment and community; and its ideal location
as a transportation and logistics hub.”

 

Rohm Issues MMA Sales Control

Berlin—Rohm GmbH
has called for sales control of Meracryl methyl methacrylate
(MMA) and other methacrylate monomer products in
Europe, effective immediately.
“This step is necessary since raw material availability
is limited,” the company said. In addition, due to “rapidly”
increased raw material and logistics costs, Rohm is increasing
prices for these products in Europe with immediate
effect.

 

More Companies Cutting Russian Ties Due to Its Ongoing War in Ukraine

A PCN Roundup—
In response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, several
more petrochemical and oil and gas companies have announced
their intent to end or suspend business relations
with Russian entities (PCN, 7 Mar 2022, p 2).
Solvay has decided to suspend its operations and new
investments in Russia, and will postpone dividend payments
from Rusvinyl, an independent 50-50 joint venture.
Shell said it intends to withdraw from its involvement
in all Russian hydrocarbons, including crude oil, petroleum
products, gas and liquefied natural gas in a phased manner.
Effective immediately, it will end all spot purchases of
Russian crude oil, and shut down its service stations, aviation
fuels and lubricants operations there.
Last week, Shell also announced plans to end its involvement
in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project and exit
its equity partnerships with Gazprom and related entities,
including its 27.5% stake in the Sakhalin-II liquefied natural
gas facility, its 50% stake in the Salym Petroleum Development
and the Gydan energy venture.
Mitsui & Co. said it remains in talks with relevant
stakeholders, including the Japanese government and
business partners, regarding possible future courses of action
with respect to its energy business in Russia, while
taking into account energy supply needs.
OMV is reevaluating its engagement in Russia and has
decided not to pursue any future investments there. It will
also initiate a strategic review of its 24.99% stake in Yuzhno
Russkoye, which will include options to divest or exit.
Yara has stopped all sourcing from suppliers linked to
Russian sanctioned entities and persons. It is currently
reviewing the detailed scope and impact of the sanctions.
Honeywell said it has suspended “substantially all” of
its sales, distribution and service activities in Russia and
Belarus.
Worley announced it has begun the safe withdrawal of
its services provided in and into Russia and will not enter
into new contracts.
Novozymes said it will no longer ship products to
Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, as the war has led to “serious”
disruptions in supply chain and trading conditions.
Chemours has decided to suspend business with Russian
entities in response to the “ongoing military conflict
and humanitarian crisis.”
Clariant said it will suspend business with Russia in
response to the Russian state’s “intolerable acts of violence”
in the Ukraine with immediate effect. Its operations
include a sales office and a laboratory in Moscow.

 

SFC Energy to Use Renewable Methanol From Wacker’s Rhyme Bavaria Project

Munich—
Wacker Chemie and SFC Energy have signed a letter of
intent (LoI), in which Wacker would supply SFC with renewable
methanol from its proposed Rhyme Bavaria Project
in Burghausen, Germany.
The project, estimated to cost about €100-million, involves
construction of a 20-megawatt electrolysis plant
that would use renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen,
which, together with carbon dioxide from existing
production processes, would then be converted to methanol
in a 15,000 t/y synthesis unit. Operations are expected to
begin in 2025.
Under the LoI, starting in 2025, Wacker would supply
up to 2,000 tons of methanol to SFC. SFC intends to offer
the methanol as a low environmental impact fuel for use in
its customers’ methanol fuel cells.
“We are convinced that green hydrogen and renewable
methanol are essential building blocks for transforming
chemical processes towards net zero – whether they’re
used as raw materials, reducing agents or fuels,” stated
Christian Hartel, president and chief executive of Wacker.
“Currently, however, this kind of plant complex doesn’t
yet pay for itself. Consequently, the grants we have applied
for at the European and national levels are an essential
prerequisite to make Rhyme Bavaria a reality.”

 

Lotte Titan Reducing Operating Rates At PE and PP Facilities in Malaysia

Pasir Gudang—
Lotte Titan intends to reduce operating rates at its lowdensity
polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene
(HDPE) and polypropylene plants in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia,
according to Argus Media.
The company operates a 230,000-t/y LDPE unit, a
335,000-t/y HDPE plant and a 640,000-t/y facility at the
site.
From mid-March to April, operating rates will be reduced
to 85%-90% because of increased naphtha feedstock
prices.
The company is also expected to reduce operating rates
at its No. 1 naphtha-based cracker by about 10% through
the same period. The cracker has a production capacity of
285,000 t/y of ethylene and 145,000 t/y of propylene.

Ineos Aromatics Concludes Modernization Of Its Merak PTA Facility in Indonesia

Merak—Ineos
Aromatics said it has completed a $70-million modernization
project at its purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant in
Merak, Indonesia, that increases capacity and “significantly”
reduces emissions.
The company installed a larger oxidation reactor, reconfigured
the reactor’s heat recovery system and revamped
the process air compressor train, which will reduce carbon
dioxide emissions per ton by 15% and expand the site’s
PTA capacity to 575,000 t/y from 500,000 t/y.
“The Ineos aromatics facility in Merak has played an
important role in the Indonesian polyester industry for
some time,” said Frank Yang, president director of Ineos
Aromatics Indonesia. “This new multi-million dollar investment
shows our commitment to its future growth.
“It also continues Ineos Aromatics’ tradition of deploying
technology that helps lead the polyester industry to a
more sustainable future. It supports Ineos’ commitment to
producing essential products while reducing emissions to
net zero by 2050.”

 

Univation & Axens Partnering to Improve Efficiency of LAOs, PE Resins Production

Houston—
Univation Technologies and Axens have signed a cooperation
agreement to develop improved capital and operating
efficiencies for the production of linear alpha olefins
(LAOs) – including both 1-butene and 1 hexene – for use in
manufacturing polyethylene (PE) resins with Univation’s
Unipol PE process.
Univation and Axens will work together to identify and
capture capital and operating cost reduction opportunities,
as well as optimize process requirements for both Axens’
LAO technology platforms (AlphaButol and AlphaHexol)
and the Unipol PE process.
The synergies and optimization will be carried out during
the early process design phase of the project.
The partnership is expected to identify and deliver
quantifiable synergies to benefit polyethylene producers
globally for new Unipol PE projects, as well as provide for
retrofit opportunities for Unipol PE facilities already in
operation.

 

BASF Building World-Scale Facility For Alkylethanolamines Production

Antwerp—BASF
is investing in the construction of a new world-scale alkylethanolamines
production plant at its Verbund site in Antwerp,
Belgium.
The facility will boost the company’s global alkylethanolamines
portfolio capacity to over 140,000 t/y. The portfolio
also contains dimethylethanolamines and methyldiethanolamines.
BASF also has alkylethanolamines production plants in
Ludwigshafen, Germany; Geismar, La., and Nanjing,
China.

 

Qenos & Cleanaway Plan Feasibility Study For Plastic-to-Plastic Project in Australia

Altona—
Qenos recently announced it was partnering with waste
management firm Cleanaway to jointly study the feasibility
of a plastic-to-plastic advanced recycling project at
Qenos’ existing manufacturing facilities in Australia.
The proposed Qenos Circular Plastics Project (QCPP)
would use advanced recycling technologies to convert up to
100,000 t/y of household soft plastic waste and mixed plastics
into feedstock to be used by Qenos to produce circular
polyethylene.
Plastic Energy has agreed to supply its Thermal Anaerobic
Conversion process, while Axens would provide its
RewindMix process.
The joint feasibility study, being led by Qenos, is expected
to be completed by this July, with a final investment
decision to be made later this year. Operations are
anticipated to begin by 2025.
The QCPP is the “largest” proposed circular plastics
project in Australia, and is currently being considered for
support under the federal government’s Modern
Manufacturing initiative, Qenos noted.

 

ADNOC & Proman to Build UAE’s ‘First’ World-Scale Methanol Plant at TA’ZIZ

Abu Dhabi—
Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) said it has signed an
agreement with Proman to develop the United Arab Emirates’
(UAE) “first” world-scale methanol facility at the
TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi.
Under the terms of the agreement, Proman and Abu
Dhabi Chemicals Derivatives RSC Ltd. (TA’ZIZ), a joint
venture of ADNOC and ADQ, will build a natural gas to
methanol production plant with an anticipated capacity of
up to 1.8-million t/y of methanol.
The project, which is expected to meet growing domestic
and international demand, is subject to relevant regulatory
approvals. An expected completion date was not given.
The proposed partnership would leverage ADNOC’s attractive
value proposition for downstream petrochemicals,
ADQ’s diversified portfolio and Proman’s extensive construction
and operational expertise, ADNOC noted.
“Growth is expected to be driven by emerging economies
in Africa and Asia, while production of methanol in
the UAE will support decreased reliance on imports, enabling
local manufacturers to ‘Make it in the Emirates’ and
establish greater resiliency among domestic supply chain,”
ADNOC added.

 

Several PC and Oil & Gas Companies Announce Plans to Cut Russian Ties

Moscow—In light
of Russia’s current military action against Ukraine, an increasing
number of petrochemical and oil and gas companies
are announcing their intention to end business dealings
with Russia.
Effective immediately, LyondellBasell will not enter
into any new business transactions or relationships with
Russian state-owned entities, and intends to discontinue
business relationships with Russian state-owned entities
to the extent legally possible, announced Interim Chief
Executive Ken Lane.
“We are in the process of accessing how this will affect
our operations, including feedstocks, utilities, supply chain
providers, and customers,” Lane noted.
BP is exiting its 19.75% shareholding in Russia’s stateowned
Rosneft, which it has held since 2013, and its interest
in three joint ventures with Rosneft in Russia.
In addition, Bernard Looney, chief executive of BP, is
resigning from the board of Rosneft, effective immediately,
along with former BP Group Chief Executive Bob Dudley.
Shell intends to exit its joint ventures with Gazprom
and related entities, including its 27.5% stake in the Sakhalin-
II liquefied natural gas facility, its 50% interest in
the Salym Petroleum Development and the Gydan energy
venture. It will also end its involvement in the Nord
Stream 2 pipeline project.
ExxonMobil, which operates the Sakhalin-I project on
behalf of an international consortium of Japanese, Indian
and Russian companies, has begun the process to discontinue
operations and is developing steps to exit the Sakhalin-
1 venture. It will not invest in new developments in
Russia.
TotalEnergies said it will no longer provide capital for
new Russian projects, and is mobilized to provide fuel to
Ukrainian authorities and aid to refugees.
Equinor announced its decision to stop new investments
into Russia, and to start the process of exiting Equinor’s
Russian joint ventures “in a manner that is consistent
with our values.”

 

LanzaTech & Twelve Make Ethanol From Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Berkeley—LanzaTech
and carbon transformation company Twelve, as part of an
ongoing research and development partnership, have combined
their technology capabilities to transform carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions into ethanol.
The partners are eliminating fossil fuels from ethanol
production by converting CO2 to carbon through Twelve’s
carbon transformation technology, and subsequently using
LanzaTech’s small continous stirred tank reactor to convert
carbon to ethanol.
This highly scalable approach could ultimately produce
ethanol at industrial scale, while simultaneously eliminating
CO2 emissions, the companies noted.
Last year, LanzaTech and Twelve announced plans to
develop polypropylene (PP) from CO2 with a grant from
Impact Squared (PCN, 6 Sept 2021, p 1).
The PP project will see Twelve converting CO2 to carbon,
which will be converted by LanzaTech’s microbe to
isopropyl alcohol. Finally, TotalEnergies, based on its alcohols
dehydration know-how, will dehydrate it into propylene,
which will be polymerized into PP with the same
technical characteristics as its fossil counterparts.

 

Prime Begins Commercial Production Of PP Derived from Bio-Based Feed

Tokyo—Prime
Polymer, a subsidiary of Mitsui Chemicals, said it has
launched Japan’s “first” commercial production and shipment
of biomass polypropylene (PP) derived from bio-based
hydrocarbons.
Neste, under a partnership formed last year, recently
delivered 3,000 tons of bio-based hydrocarbons, which Mitsui
put into its crackers within its Osaka complex for the
production of renewable plastics and chemicals (PCN, 20-
27 Dec 2021, p 2).
The bio-based hydrocarbons are produced from biobased
waste and residue oils and are expected to “significantly”
reduce the carbon dioxide that comes with the production
of chemicals and plastics produced from petroleumderived
naphtha over the life-cycle of these products, Mitsui
earlier said.
According to Prime Polymers, the PP is certified as biobased
using the mass balance method in accordance with
ISCC Plus certification for plastic and chemical derivatives.

 

ToAZ Suspends Ammonia Transit Due to the ‘Situation’ in Ukraine

Moscow—Togliattiazot
(ToAZ) announced that due to the “situation” in
Ukraine it has decided to suspend transit of ammonia from
its site in Russia, in order to ensure the safety of residents
in the area of the ammonia pipeline.
The company is also shutting down operation of four
ammonia units and putting three units into a reduced load
mode. It will continue to produce enough ammonia to ensure
the internal production of urea and urea formaldehyde
concentrate, as well as to ensure fulfillment of its obligations
to customers who receive ammonia via railway.
All other production facilities, as well as all auxiliary
services at the site, are operating normally.

 

Orion Opens New Production Line in Italy For Specialty & Technical Carbon Black

Ravenna—
Orion Engineered Carbons has commissioned a new reactor
for specialty and technical carbon black production at
its Ravenna, Italy, site (PCN, 26 Mar-2 Apr 2018, p 3).
The 25,000-t/y line, the first to be commissioned at the
company’s Ravenna facility in over 40 years, will primarily
serve the European market. The line was originally expected
to start-up in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Orion also invested in a new co-generation plant to convert
waste heat into electricity, generating up to 120
megawatt/hr of electricity per year. The company, a net
exporter of electricity in Europe and globally, supplies 70%
of the electricity to the national grid.

 

People on the Move

Johnson Matthey—Liam Condon, most recently
president of the Crop Science Division at Bayer, has become
chief executive of Johnson Matthey. He succeeds
Robert MacLeod, who will stay on to support the transition
process until the company’s annual general meeting on 21
July 2022 when he will then retire.
National Petrochemical Co. of Iran—Ahmad Shokri
has been appointed director of projects.

 

Prime Polymer Shutting Down PP Line As Part of Its ‘Scrap-and-Build’ Plan

Tokyo—Prime
Polymer, a subsidiary of Mitsui Chemicals and Idemitsu
Kosan, said it will suspend operations of one of its polypropylene
(PP) production lines at its Anesaki site in Ichihara
City, Japan, as part of the company’s “scrap-and-build”
plan (PCN, 16 Aug 2021, p 1).
The 110,000-t/y PP line, which will be shut down in
March 2023, began operations in 1977.
Last May, Mitsui announced it would build a new PP
manufacturing facility planning for a scrap-and-build style
restructuring of its production systems that is expected to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70,000 t/y.
Toyo Engineering was awarded the engineering, procurement
and construction contract for the new 200,000-t/y
PP unit, which will be based on Mitsui Chemical’s Hypol
process. Completion is scheduled for 2024.
“Looking ahead, Prime Polymer will work diligently to
address the needs of its customers by streamlining its operations
in a bid to bolster its business platform and adding
further value to its products,” Mitsui noted.

 

Mitsui, Maruzen, Toyo and Sojitz Launch Project for NH3-Fired Naphtha Crackers

Tokyo—
Mitsui Chemicals, Maruzen Petrochemical, Toyo Engineering
and Sojitz Machinery recently launched a pilot project
with the goal to switch naphtha crackers from running on
conventional methane-based fuel to one in which ammonia
is the principal component.
The trial, expected to last 10 years, is being funded by
the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development
Organization, as part of its Green Innovation Fund.
“Through the construction and operation of the plant
along with the manufacture of the equipment, these four
companies will leverage their knowledge and technical capabilities
in the field of ethylene plants as they aim now to
achieve the social implementation of entirely ammoniafired
crackers, thereby contributing to the reduction of carbon
dioxide emissions throughout the petrochemical industry,”
the parties stated.
Mitsui Chemicals is acting as project manager of the pilot
project.

 

Honeywell Develops New Technology For Production of Green Hydrogen

Des Plaines—
Honeywell announced it has developed a new catalystcoated
membrane (CCMs) technology for green hydrogen
production to contribute to the transition to a hydrogenbased
economy.
The technology, which has been validated in lab tests
by third-party hydrogen electrolyzer technologists, focuses
on CCMs for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers
and anion exchange membrane electrolyzers.
Honeywell’s latest CCMs have been shown to enable
higher electrolyzer efficiency and higher electric current
density enabled by a breakthrough proprietary high ionic
conductivity membrane and high activity catalyst, the
company noted. This is projected to provide a 25% reduction
in electrolyzer stack cost.
The technology will be further tested with electrolyzer
manufacturers.

 

ET Signs Agreement with Pembina JV To Sell 51% Stake in Canadian Assets

Calgary—
Energy Transfer (ET) has signed a definitive agreement to
divest its remaining 51% stake in Energy Transfer Canada
ULC to a joint venture that includes participation by Pembina
Pipeline and global infrastructure funds managed by
KKR (see related story, page 4).
The transaction, valued at around $1.3-billion, includes
six natural gas processing plants with a combined operating
capacity of 1,290-million cu ft/d and a network of approximately
848 miles of natural gas gathering and transportation
infrastructure in the Western Canadian Sedimentary
Basin.
“The agreement allows Energy Transfer to divest its
high-quality Canadian assets at an attractive valuation to
further deleverage its balance sheet and redeploy capital
within its U.S. footprint,” ET noted.
The sale is expected to be finalized by the third quarter
of this year.

 

ExxonMobil Plans Hydrogen, CCS Project At Baytown Refining and Petchem Site

Irving—
ExxonMobil announced plans to build a hydrogen production
plant and “one of the world’s largest” carbon capture
and storage (CCS) projects at its integrated refining and
petrochemical complex in Baytown, Texas.
The proposed hydrogen unit would produce up to 1-
billion cu ft/d of blue hydrogen, while the carbon capture
infrastructure would have the capacity to transport and
store up to 10-million t/y of carbon dioxide (CO2), more
than doubling the company’s current capacity.
ExxonMobil would use the hydrogen as a fuel in its
Baytown olefins facility, which could reduce the complex’s
Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by up to 30%. Excess hydrogen
and CO2 storage capacity would be available to nearby
industry.
Evaluation and planning for the project are ongoing
and, subject to stakeholder support, regulatory permitting
and market conditions, a final investment decision is anticipated
in two to three years.
“The project would form ExxonMobil’s initial contribution
to a broad, cross-industry effort to establish a Houston
carbon capture and storage hub with an initial target of
about 50-million metric tons of CO2 per year by 2030, and
100-million metric tons by 2040,” the company noted.

 

Perstorp Expands Portfolio with INA

Stockholm—
Perstorp said it has expanded its value proposition for its
selected Resins & Coatings and Engineered Fluids segments
with the addition of isononanoic acid (INA) to the
portfolio.
INA production will begin this month at the company’s
site in Stenungsund, Sweden. Capacity was not given.
“The introduction of isononanoic acid is a natural step
for us to provide a complete portfolio of high quality building
blocks to our engineered fluids, as well as resins and
coatings customers,” said Patrice Pinsard, executive vice
president, Strategic Markets & Innovation.
“During the pre-marking trials done by customers, the
high quality and the minimal alterations to formulations
have been confirmed.”

 

Tecnicas Reunidas & Axens Ink Agreement For Carbon Capture and Storage Projects

Paris—
Engineering company Tecnicas Reunidas and Axens have
entered into a collaboration agreement to jointly develop
carbon capture and storage projects, based on Axens’ technologies.
The parties will work together to accelerate the transition
to a zero-emission future by helping companies in “energy-
intensive” industrial sectors, such as the chemical,
steel, cement and paper industries, to cut carbon dioxide
emissions, the companies noted. No other details were
given.

 

Arkema Completes Planned Acquisition Of Ashland’s Performance Adhesives

Wilmington—
Arkema announced it has concluded the purchase of Ashland’s
performance adhesives business in an all-cash
transaction valued at about $1.65-billion (PCN, 6 Sept
2021, p 4).
The performance adhesives business operates six production
plants, mainly in North America, and has approximately
330 employees.
”It offers excellent commercial, technological and geographic
complementarities with Bostik, allowing it to expand
its solutions offering and position itself as a major
player in high performance industrial adhesives,” Arkema
noted.
With the sale, Ashland becomes a focused additive and
ingredients company.

 

Univar Opens German Solution Center

Essen—
Univar Solutions has opened its latest Solution Center in
Essen, Germany, to help customers focus on sustainability,
collaboration and development in the Rubber & Plastic
Additives, Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Elastomers,
Pharmaceutical, Homecare & Industrial Cleaning, and
Beauty & Personal Care businesses.
The facility houses experts in product formulation,
benchmark prototyping, product performance testing and
efficacy, product analysis, shelf-life testing and more, and
will serve customer projects from concept and development
to application testing, launch and distribution.
This Solution Center serves as the flagship facility for
Europe and as one of the company’s center points for a
global hub-and-spoke model of innovation.

 

Cabot Acquires Carbon Black Producer Tokai Carbon Tianjin for $9-Million

Beijing—Cabot
Corp. has completed the purchase of Tokai Carbon (Tianjin)
Co. from Tokai Carbon Group for $9-million (PCN, 22-
29 Nov 2021, p 1).
The acquired facility, located in close proximity to
Cabot’s current carbon black and specialty compounds
plant in Tianjin, China, has the capacity to produce 50,000
t/y of carbon black.
“We are pleased to complete this acquisition and officially
welcome our new colleagues to Cabot,” said Sean
Keohane, president and chief executive of Cabot.
“We are committed to investing in and connecting the
capabilities across our carbon black network to further
help our customers accelerate innovation, while leading in
performance and sustainability.”

 

Pembina, KKR Creating JV to Combine Western Canadian Processing Assets

Calgary—
Pembina Pipeline Corp. has entered into definitive agreements
with KKR to merge their respective western Canadian
natural gas processing assets into a single, new joint
venture entity (“Newco”).
The transaction includes Pembina’s field-based natural
gas processing assets; the Veresen Midstream business,
currently owned 55% by funds managed by KKR and 45%
by Pembina; and the business presently carried on by Energy
Transfer Canada (ETC), which is currently owned
49% by funds managed by KKR.
Concurrently, with closing of the joint venture transaction,
Newco will also acquire Energy Transfer’s remaining
51% stake in ETC (see related story, page 3).
Pembina will serve as operator and manager of Newco,
which will be owned 60% by Pembina and 40% by KKR’s
global infrastructure funds.
Subject to approval under the Competition Act (Canada),
concurrent closing of the acquisition of Energy Transfer’s
51% interest in ETC, and other customary closing
conditions, the transaction is expected to be finalized late
in the second quarter or third quarter of 2022.
“Pembina has enjoyed a strong relationship with KKR
as a partner in Veresen Midstream over the past four
years,” said Scott Burrows, president and chief executive of
Pembina. “We work well together and share a mutual desire
to invest capital and generate attractive returns.
“The formation of this new joint venture is a natural extension
of our relationship, unlocks value for Pembina and
creates another growth platform.
“We are extremely pleased to be creating this exciting
new company with KKR to drive real synergies and deliver
a wider suite of commercial opportunities.”

Borouge Opens 5th PP Unit at Ruwais To Meet Increasing Global Demand

Ruwais—Abu
Dhabi Polymers Co. (Borouge), a joint venture of Abu
Dhabi National Oil Co. and Borealis, successfully started
up of its fifth polypropylene (PP) plant in Ruwais, Abu
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to help meet the growing
demand for PP products (PCN, 24-31 Dec 2018, p 1).
The 480,000-t/y PP unit, built within the company’s
Borouge 3 facility, is based on Borealis’ Borstar technology.
The additional capacity increases Borouge’s PP capacity by
25% to a total of 2.24-million t/y.
“We work closely with our customers and value chain
partners to achieve their circular economy commitments
through several initiatives,” said Borouge Chief Executive
Rainer Hoefling. “These include the development of monomaterial
packaging solutions that are designed for recyclability.
“We will able to provide solutions that drive total cost
benefits for customers by leveraging Borstar technology to
deliver unparalleled cycle time improvements, reduced
warpage, and energy efficiency.”

 

Grupa Azoty Plans Revamp to Boost Ammonia Production at Kedzierzyn

Warsaw—Grupa
Azoty Zaklady Azotowe Kedzierzyn, a subsidiary of Grupa
Azoty, is implementing an upgrade project, which will increase
ammonia production at its plant in Kedzierzyn, Poland.
The project, estimated to cost around PLN 180-million,
will involve upgrading the synthesis gas compression unit
with the installation of new compressors. Completion is
expected in the first half of 2023.
Grupa Azoty Polskie Konsorcjum Chemiczne is general
contractor for the project. The scope of work includes the
construction of buildings, process facilities and auxiliaries,
as well as the installation, commissioning and start-up of
the compressor unit.

 

Univation, HPCL Ink Pre-Marketing Deal Focused on HDPE Products for India

Barmer—
Univation Technologies and Hindustan Petroleum Corp.
Ltd. (HPCL) have finalized a pre-marketing agreement
that focuses on introducing a broad portfolio of advanced
high-density polyethylene (HDPE) products to the Indian
market.
The advanced HDPE grades will be produced at HPCL
Rajasthan Refinery Ltd.’s two new 500,000-t/y Unipol PE
process lines, which will utilize Univation’s Prodigy Bimodal
and Acclaim Unimodal HDPE technology platforms.
The PE lines are expected to start up in the first quarter of
2024.
The scope of the pre-marketing agreement focuses on
both bimodal and unimodal HDPE applications including
PE100 pipe, L-ring drum, large part blow molding, and
bimodal small part blow molding applications.

 

Sasa Polyester Picks Uhde Inventa-Fischer To Build New Polymer Plants in Turkey

Adana—
Uhde Inventa-Fischer (UIF), a subsidiary of Thyssenkrupp
Uhde, has been awarded a contract from Sasa Polyester
Sanayi to build three new world-scale polymer facilities in
Adana, Turkey.
The project will include a 380,000-t/y polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) plant for low viscosity application
combined with a 36,000-t/y co-PET unit, as well as a
330,000-t/y facility, based on UIF’s patented Melt-to-Resin
(MTR) technology, for the production of PET bottles. A
completion date was not available.
UIF’s scope of work for all three plants includes basic
and detailed engineering, delivery of all necessary components,
technical services for plant erection, as well as supervision
of erection and commissioning. Value of the contract
was not disclosed.
“We are pleased to choose again Uhde Inventa-Fischer
for our new investments,” said Dr. Mustafa Kemal Oz,
general manager of Sasa.
“Sasa is racing to global leadership in polyester production
with its state-of-the-art world class production facilities.
It is an honor to continue our cooperation with UIF
who has been always a good business partner of our growth
strategy.”

 

CPChem Invests in a European Fund To Address Plastic Waste Challenge

Austin—Chevron
Phillips Chemical Co. (CPChem), as part of its commitment
to accelerate change for a sustainable future, announced
it is investing in Luxembourg-based Infinity Recycling’s
Circular Plastics Fund to help develop solutions to
address the plastic waste challenge.
The Fund, with an initial focus on Europe, will invest in
advanced recycling businesses that convert plastic waste
back into virgin grade feedstock for the manufacturing of
new products. It plans to expand globally.
“Through this investment in Infinity Recycling’s Fund,
our company aims to accelerate the development of the
most promising advanced recycling technologies, bridge
gaps in the value chain and prove the complementarity of
mechanical and advanced recycling, all important steps to
accelerate change for a sustainable future,” noted CPChem
Vice President of Sustainability Benny Mermans.

 

Lotte’s LUSR JV Gets Hit by Explosion At PBR Facility in Tanjung Langsat

Johor—Lotte Ube
Synthetic Rubbers (LUSR), a joint venture of Lotte Chemical,
Lotte Chemical Titan, Ube and Mitsubishi, experienced
an explosion and fire on 24 Feb. 2022 at its 50,000-
t/y polybutadiene rubber (PBR) plant in Tanjung Langsat,
Malaysia, according to Argus Media.
The fire, which injured three workers, caused damage
to two of three storage tanks, as well as connecting pipelines
at the site, said the report citing an Ube spokesperson.
It is not known how long the unit will be shut down.

 

BASF Boosting Production Capacity For Ultramid PA & Ultradur PBT

Pasir Gudang—
BASF (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. is increasing production capacity
of Ultramid polyamide (PA) and Ultradur polybutylene
terephthalate at its site in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia.
The debottlenecking project will expand Ultramid PA
and Ultradur PBT capacity by 5,000 t/y. Completion is
scheduled for the second quarter of next year.
According to the company, the engineering plastics
market in ASEAN is expected to grow at around 5% per
year between 2020 and 2030, due to the increased demand
for engineering plastics.
“BASF is committed to the engineering plastics market,
which we believe offers significant growth opportunities,”
noted Andy Postlewaite, senior vice president, performance
materials Asia Pacific, BASF.
“The additional capacity will help us meet the strong
demand for our Ultramid PA and Ultradur PBT products,
as well as strengthen our market position, especially in
ASEAN.”

 

Carbios and IVL to Collaborate in Building Bio-Recycled PET Manufacturing Plant

Paris—
Carbios and Indorama Ventures (IVL) plan to partner to
build a manufacturing facility for 100% bio-recycled
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in France.
The plant, to be built at IVL’s PET production site in
Longlaville, Meurthe-et-Moselle, would have a processing
capacity of 50,000 t/y of post-consumer PET waste and
would be the “world’s first” industrial-scale enzymatic PET
bio-recycling facility, the parties noted. Operations would
begin in 2025.
The partners will conduct a feasibility study for the industrialization
of Carbios’ technology on IVL’s site. Subject
to the successful completion of the technical and economical
evaluation, IVL would co-invest in the project.
A capital investment of around €150-million would be
required for Carbios’ technology, including an additional
purification step, which has been integrated into the process.
In addition, about €50-million would be allocated for
the infrastructure preparation of the site.
IVL will also consider expanding Carbios’ biological recycling
process at other PET sites in the future.

 

Westlake Announces Its 2030 Target To Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Houston—Westlake
Corp. said it has established a target to reduce Scope 1 and
Scope 2 carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per ton of production
by 20% by 2030 from a 2016 baseline.
The company plans to “optimally” allocate capital to
both proven and emerging technologies, including additional
product and operational innovations. This includes
energy-efficient projects, increasing power from less carbon-
intensive electricity providers, adding more hydrogen
as a fuel gas, and other continuous operational improvements.
“Our continued focus on sustainability is integral to our
current and future success,” noted Larry Schubert, vice
president of corporate development and sustainability.
“We have achieved many milestones and are advancing on
our path to mitigate our environmental impact and enable
lower-carbon solutions to meet today’s climate challenges.”

 

Borealis Finland Launches SPIRIT Program To Promote Sustainable Plastics Industry

Porvoo—
Borealis Finland has received €20-million from Business
Finland to launch a new innovative program, Sustainable
Plastics Industry Transformation (SPIRIT), a collaborative
research and development program to transform the plastics
industry in Finland.
The program plans to drive industry change by way of
three main activities: the replacement of conventional fossil
fuel-based feedstocks with renewably sourced ones; the
development of technologies and processes for the mechanical
and chemical recycling of plastics; and the decarbonization
of production operations through electrification,
as well as the use of hydrogen and renewable energy.
As project leader, Borealis Finland will coordinate research
and development efforts among a wide range of new
and existing partners.
“Plastic is one of the most versatile materials available,
and is an important source of economic growth,” said
Salla Roni-Poranen, managing director of Borealis Finland,
a public sector business growth accelerator. “Yet as an
industry, we must address the issues of dwindling resources
on the one hand, and plastic waste on the other.
“SPIRIT allows us to maintain our industry leadership
as we innovate and collaborate to find alternatives for fossil
fuel-based materials and energy supply, and to make
plastic recycling even more viable.”

 

People on the Move

Trinseo—Andre Lanning has been appointed to the
newly created role of senior vice president and chief commercial
officer, effective 1 Mar. 2022. He will remain a
member of the company’s executive management team and
continue to lead Trinseo’s strategy, corporate development
and marketing communications function until a successor
is named.
Pembina Pipeline—Scott Burrows, interim president
and chief executive since November 2021, has been appointed
president and chief executive.
Jaret Sprott has been named senior vice president and
chief operating officer, pipelines and facilities. He is currently
senior vice president and chief operating officer, facilities.
Eva Bishop has joined the company as senior vice president,
corporate services. She was most recently nonexecutive
director at BP Europa.
Agilyx—Jonathan Tyler has been appointed senior vice
president of corporate development. He was previously
managing director of Perella Weinberg Partners.
Clariant—Richard F. Haldimann, currently head of
sustainability transformation, has been named to the
newly created position of Chief Technology & Sustainability
Officer.
Martin Vollmer, former chief technology officer and
head of Innovation & Sustainability, is leaving the company
to pursue another opportunity.
The European Petrochemical Assn. (EPCA)—Dick
Richelle, Royal Vopak’s chief executive and chairman of the
executive board, has joined the board of directors of EPCA.
American Chemistry Council (ACC)—Erin Kane
has become the newest board officer of the ACC. She is
president and chief executive of AdvanSix.

 

PTTGCA Provides Update on Proposed Petrochem Project in Belmont County

Belmont—
PTTGC America (PTTGCA) said it is in the process of
drafting an application for a modified air permit from the
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for its proposed
petrochemical complex in Belmont County, Ohio (7 Jan
2019, p 2).
PTTGCA, a subsidiary of PTT Global Chemical (GC),
plans to build a 1.5-million-t.y ethane cracker for the production
of ethylene, linear low-density polyethylene (PE)
and high-density PE. A final investment decision has not
yet been made.
The modified air permit will be consistent with GC’s
environmental protection goal to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 20% by 2030 and achieve a net zero emissions
goal by 2050 in order to fight climate change. The initial
air permit, issued in 2018, expired 24 Feb. 2022.
“PTTGCA has invested more than $300-million in the
Ohio project, and has prioritized identifying potential
partners in order to move the project forward,” PTTGCA
noted.
“The support and patience of the Ohio River Valley has
been crucial to the progress PTTGCA has made toward
making the proposed petrochemical complex a reality.”

 

Solvay Expanding U.S. Sulfone Business To Support Increasing Customer Base

Atlanta—
Solvay said it plans to expand its U.S.-based sulfone polymers
business to support a growing global customer base.
The multi-year project will include increasing capacity
for Udel polysulfones by over 25% at the company’s production
site in Marietta, Ohio, by 2024. A majority of the capacity
will be online by early 2023.
Solvay will also expand dichlorodiphenyl sulfone production
capacity by over 25% by 2024, resulting in capacity
increases at its Augusta, Ga., site by the end of 2022.

 

Worley, ABB & IBM Enter MoU to Partner On End-to-End Green Hydrogen Solution

Sydney—
Worley, ABB and IBM have signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) to collaborate on creating an end-to-end
green hydrogen solution for energy companies.
The partners aim to develop an integrated, digitally enabled
solution for plant owners to build green hydrogen
assets “more quickly, cheaply, and safely, and operate
them more efficiently,” the parties noted.
Under the MoU, Worley will provide engineering, procurement
and construction expertise in all stages of the
projects. ABB will provide offerings for electrical infrastructure,
automation, operations digitalization and optimization,
and energy management. IBM will provide systems
integration services, as well as data framework and
management solutions.
“While many industries have been able to adopt wind
and solar to help decarbonize operations, energy-intensive
industries, such as petrochemicals, cement and steel, require
heat temperatures and combustion that cannot be
achieved with these renewables,” said Zahid Habib, vice
president, Global Energy & Resources Industry Leader at
IBM Consulting. “Green hydrogen can help address these
distinct needs in a more scalable sustainable way.
The collaboration is subject to reaching definitive agreements.

 

NEDO Picks Toyo Engineering to Study Electrification of an Ethylene Cracker

Tokyo—Toyo
Engineering has been selected by New Energy and Industrial
Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as
contractor for the basic study stage of a demonstration research
project on electrification technology of ethylene
cracking furnaces.
“In the process of producing ethylene . . . a large
amount of CO2 [carbon dioxide] is emitted from the cracking
furnace that burns fossil fuels to obtain the required
heat,” Toyo explained. “This accounts for most of the CO2
emissions of the entire ethylene plant.
“By the electrification of ethylene cracking furnaces,
CO2 emissions can be reduced to zero in theory, which
meets the demands of the times.”
Toyo named the electrified cracking furnace e-Furnace
and is developing it for commercialization.

 

Covestro, FFI Ink MoU for Possible Supply Of Green Hydrogen and Its Derivatives

Berlin—
Covestro and Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) have
signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize
an agreement, in which FFI will supply green hydrogen
and its derivatives, including green ammonia, to Covestro.
Under the potential long-term agreement, FFI will provide
the equivalent of up to 100,000 t/y of green hydrogen,
enabling Covestro to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions
by up to 90,000 t/y of carbon dioxide by replacing grey hydrogen
and its derivatives.
The deliveries, which could start as early as 2024, are
earmarked for three potential locations—Asia, North
America and Europe—to be used in the production of highperformance
polymers.
“FFI and Covestro share the belief that green hydrogen
and green ammonia will play a crucial role in enabling
companies to reach their climate targets and preventing
runaway global warming,” said FFI Chairman Dr. Andrew
Forrest.
“We look forward to working with Covestro to supply
their green hydrogen needs, and collaborating with Germany
to enable it to become the world leader in global decarbonization,
green hydrogen and ammonia.”
Covestro has committed to completely transitioning towards
the use of fossil-free alternative raw materials and
renewable energies, and this potential partnership with
FFI is an important milestone towards that goal, Covestro
noted.

 

Sumitomo Establishing MMA Division

Tokyo—Sumitomo
Chemical is forming a new MMA (methyl methacrylate)
Division, effective 1 Apr. 2022, to strengthen its MMA
business.
The company’s MMA business includes MMA monomer
and acrylic resin (polymethyl methacrylate).
Sumitomo produces MMA monomer in Japan, Singapore
and Saudi Arabia, with a total production capacity of
400,000 t/y. It also produces acrylic resin, mainly in Singapore,
with 200,000 t/y of production capacity.
According to Sumitomo, the global demand for MMA
monomer is expected to grow steadily at around 3% a year,
mainly in emerging market countries.

 

Univation & Axens Cooperate to Improve LAO, PE Resins Production Efficiency

Houston—
Univation Technologies and Axens have signed a cooperation
agreement to develop improved capital and operating
efficiencies for the production of linear alpha olefins (LAO),
including butene-1 and hexene-1, for use in manufacturing
polyethylene (PE) with Univation’s Unipol PE process.
Under the agreement, the companies will identify and
capture capital and operating cost reduction opportunities,
as well as optimize process requirements for both Axens’
LAO technology platforms, AlphaButol and AlphaHexol,
and the Unipol PE process.
The alliance is expected to benefit producers, globally,
for new Unipol PE projects, as well as provide for retrofit
opportunities for Unipol PE plants already in operation.
These synergies and optimization will be carried out during
the early process design phase of a project.
“Univation is pleased to collaborate with Axens to enhance
value to our mutual customers by enabling even
greater cost advantaged production of polyethylene resins
with the Unipol PE process,” said Univation Technologies
President Luis Cirihal.

 

Messer Investing Over $50-Mn to Build New Large-Scale ASU at Site in Texas

Waco—Messer
announced it will spend over $50-million to construct a
new large-scale air separation unit (ASU) in McGregor,
Texas, to supply gases to the growing chemicals, oil and
gas, metals, electronics, aerospace, healthcare, and food
and beverage industries.
The ASU will operate off of energy supplied by onsite
solar panels, making it the “first” ASU of its kind in the
U.S., the company noted. Completion is expected in the
second quarter of 2024.

 

MCC to Transfer All Lucite Japan Shares To Midorikawa Chem Industry in Japan

Tokyo—
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. (MCC) announced a decision to
transfer all of MCC groups’ shares of Lucite International
Japan Co. (Lucite Japan) to Japanese firm Midorikawa
Chemical Industry Co.
Lucite Japan, a producer of acrylic composite materials,
was acquired by MCC through the acquisition of Lucite
International Group. The transfer is scheduled for 1 Apr.
2022.

 

Sumitomo Chemical Changing Name Of Petrochemicals & Plastics Sector

Tokyo—Sumitomo
Chemical has made the decision to change the name
of its current Petrochemicals & Plastics Sector to Essential
Chemicals & Plastics Sector, effective 1 Apr. 2022.
The Petrochemicals & Plastics Sector handles a wide
range of materials, from basic chemicals, such as ethylene
and propylene, and industrial chemicals, such as propylene
oxide, to plastics, such as polyolefin and acrylic resin.
“The new name of the business sector reflects the company’s
strong determination to transform its business with
the mission of continuing to provide essential chemical
products and technologies that meet the demands of our
time, which is undergoing a major transition, including the
goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” Sumitomo
explained.

 

PetroChemical News Briefs

Braskem has expanded its circular polymer portfolio
to include two new polypropylene (PP) grades with postconsumer
recycled content. The new grades can be used in
a wide range of U.S. Food and Drug Administration food
contact applications.
ExxonMobil has concluded its first commercial sale of
certified circular polymers, using its Exxtend technology
for advanced recycling of plastic waste, to Berry Global.
The initial sale is based on plastic waste processed at
ExxonMobil’s advanced recycling facility in Baytown,
Texas. The plant began operations in 2021 and has already
processed over 4-million lbs of plastic waste.
Solvay has invested in Chengyang Tech, a Chinese
startup that is developing electrochemical technologies for
on-site production of hydrogen peroxide (H202). The process
consumes only air, water and electricity, while producing
no waste. This makes it possible to produce and use
green alkaline H202 in areas where transportation is difficult
or too costly.

Origin Plans Geismar Manufacturing Plant To Produce PET from Renewable Wood

Geismar—
Origin Materials and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards
announced the company has picked a site in Geismar,
La., to build its first world-scale manufacturing facility
to develop polyethylene terephthalate (PET) products
from renewable wood fibers.
The plant, Origin 2, would utilize the company’s patented
technology to convert around 1-million t/y of wood
residues into products for a wide range of end markets.
Subject to finalization of economic incentives, the plant is
expected to be operational by mid-2025.
Origin’s technology platform can turn the carbon found
in sustainable wood residues into useful materials, while
capturing carbon in the process, the company noted.
Pending state and local incentives are estimated to be
valued at more than $100-million. In addition, a Private
Activity Bond volume cap allocation from the State of Louisiana,
pending finalization, is expected in the amount of at
least $400-million.
“Origin is excited to announce this investment in sustainable
manufacturing with the Governor of Louisiana,”
said John Bissell, co-chief executive of Origin. “The local
talent is world-class across refining, forestry, agronomy,
feedstock logistics and chemicals.
“The site sits along the Mississippi River with easy access
to barge and rail, and plentiful local wood residue
feedstock. The proposed incentive package for building in
the area is compelling and the local industrial cluster can
provide access to hydrogen, ethylene, water treatment and
more.”

 

Incitec Pivot Announces ‘Incident’ At Waggaman Ammonia Facility

Baton Rouge—Incitec
Pivot said that an incident resulting from a release of hydrogen
occurred at its ammonia plant in Waggaman, La.
Based on initial investigations, no chemicals were released
into the environment and there were no offsite impacts.
All employees are reported safe and accounted for.
An all clear has been issued at the site allowing investigations
to begin looking into the cause if the incident
along with assessments of any damage to the unit. Once
more information becomes available, Incitec will be able to
estimate the timeframe for the restart of the plant.

 

Chemanol & GDI Ink Non-Binding MoU For Methanol Supply, PC Collaboration

Jubail—
Methanol Chemicals Co. (Chemanol) and Global Company
for Downstream Industries (GDI) have signed a nonbinding
memorandum of understanding (MoU) for methanol
supply and to jointly explore opportunities for future
collaboration in the field of petrochemical products.
Under the MoU, which expires 31 Dec. 2022, Chemanol
would supply methanol to GDI. No other details were
available.

 

Technip Energies Gets FEED Contract For Encina’s Commercial PFCC Unit

Houston—
Technip Energies said it will provide the front-end engineering
design (FEED) of the fluidized bed catalytic pyrolysis
reaction section for Encina Development’s commercial
plastic fluid catalytic cracking (PFCC) unit to produce circular
chemicals from plastic waste in North America.
The PFCC process converts mixed hard-to-recycle plastics
into petrochemical feedstocks, such as light olefins and
BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene) aromatics. These circular
feedstocks can be “seamlessly” dropped into the fabrication
process of new products, reducing the need for virgin materials,
and “significantly” decreasing waste plastics, Technip
Energies noted. No other details of the project were given.
Encina earlier announced it was planning a 1,000-t/d
waste plastics recycling facility in Texas that will recover
high purity circular aromatics from cracked oil products
derived from Encina’s mixed plastics-to-aromatics catalytic
conversion platform. Operations are expected to begin in
2024 (PCN, 31 Jan 2022, p 2).
“We are very pleased to be working with Encina on this
first-ever commercial PFCC,” said Bhaskar Patel, senior
vice president of sustainable fuels, chemicals and circularity.
“As the industry explores ways to reduce its environmental
footprint, this project brings an important circular
economy solution to petrochemicals, recycling plastic
wastes to create feedstock.”

 

Borealis and ADNOC Mull Possible IPO Of Minority Stake in Their Borouge JV

Abu Dhabi—
Borealis and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) are
considering a potential initial public offering (IPO) of a
minority interest in their Borouge joint venture.
Based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Borouge
recently broke ground for its Borouge 4 expansion project
(see related story, page 3).
The partners will provide further material updates on
the possible IPO as and when appropriate.

 

Ma’aden Starts Trial Production At Third Saudi Ammonia Plant

Riyadh—Saudi Arabia
Mining Co. (Ma’aden), in a notification to the Saudi Stock
Exchange, said it has completed construction and precommissioning
activities on its third ammonia plant in Ras
Al-Khair, Saudi Arabia, and trial production has begun
(PCN, 21 Jan 2019, p 2).
The ammonia facility, with a design capacity of around
1.1-million t/y, was earlier estimated to cost approximately
$892-million. Commercial production is expected to start
in the third quarter of 2022.
Daelim Industrial and Saudi Daelim were responsible
for the engineering, procurement and construction of the
project.

 

Hubei Sanning Picks Solvay’s H202 Process For New Caprolactam Facility in China

Beijing—
Hubei Sanning Chemical Industry Co. has selected Solvay’s
hydrogen peroxide (H202) technology for a new
caprolactam facility being built in China.
The 500,000-t/y facility, which will be the “world’s first”
H202 mega plant fully dedicated to caprolactam production,
is scheduled to start up by the end of next year, noted
Solvay.
Solvay will also provide Hubei Sanning with its proprietary
chemicals for the anthraquinone process to ensure a
reliable and consistent high productivity H202 process,
Solvay added.
“We are honored to be awarded Solvay’s first license for
its world-renowned hydrogen peroxide production technology
in China,” said Wanqing Li, chairman of Hubei Sanning.
“The new H202 mega plant in China and Solvay’s collaboration
will be key for us to build the new project for
caprolactam, PA6 [polyamide 6] and downstream products.”

 

Mitsubishi Chem, MCM Designing Pilot Unit For MMA Using Plant-Derived Materials

Tokyo—
Mitsubishi Chemical Co. and its Mitsubishi Chemical
Methacrylates (MCM) subsidiary (the group) have begun
designing a pilot plant to demonstrate their new manufacturing
technology for methyl methacrylate (MMA) utilizing
plant-derived materials.
The technology applies the plant-derived raw materials
to existing MMA manufacturing processes, enabling the
production of MMA using 100% bio-derived carbon. The
pilot plant is expected to be put into operation in 2023.
Once the technology is proven to be viable, the companies
plan to apply it to existing commercial-scale facilities
in 2026.
“The group is also developing innovative catalysts and
processes to improve productivity in its existing MMA
monomer manufacturing technologies, striving to reduce
environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and
emissions during manufacturing,” the companies noted.

 

AkzoNobel to Scale-Up Resin Production Will Invest in Sites, Equipment, People

Amsterdam—
AkzoNobel announced a scale-up program, which is already
underway, to expand in-house production of resins to
support the company’s Grow & Deliver strategy.
The program includes investing in sites, equipment and
the people needed to run them. It is expected to help build
resilience against supply chain disruptions, while making
an important contribution to achieving AkzoNobel’s financial
and Scope 3 (upstream) carbon reduction ambitions.
Specific details were not given.
“All of our businesses use resins, and while we produce
a good proportion of what we need ourselves, commodity
and other specialty resins need to be sourced from third
parties,” explained Michael Friede, chief commercial officer
for performance coatings.
“Further investing in our own resin capabilities will
help us to secure sustainable business growth, as well as
supporting our innovation pipeline and sustainability targets.”

 

Red Sea Inks Deals with Aramco & Linde For Refining, Petchem Complex in Egypt

Cairo—
Egypt’s Red Sea National Petrochemicals Co. has signed
agreements with Aramco Trading and Linde Engineering
for its proposed refinery and petrochemical complex at the
Suez Canal Economic Zone in Ain Sokhna, Egypt (PCN, 12
July 2021, p 1).
The project would convert around 4-million t/y of crude
oil into refined products and petrochemicals, including jet
fuel, low sulfur fuel oil, polyethylene, paraxylene and
monoethylene glycol. PCN earlier reported that the project
would cost about $7.5-billion and meet the country’s domestic
needs. A schedule was not given.
Under the agreement with Aramco Trading, Aramco
will supply 100,000 b/d of Arabian crude to the complex
with a provision for offtake of refined and petrochemical
products.
Red Sea awarded Linde Engineering a license agreement
and process design package for a world-scale mixedfeed
steam cracker.
“With our leading steam cracking technology, we are
supporting Red Sea to develop this important project as
per the expectations of the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum
and Mineral Resources to grow the Egyptian petrochemical
industry,” said Linde Engineering Managing Director John
van der Velden.
“The integration of the steam cracker with the refinery
processes facilitates the implementation of a highlyefficient
and sustainable petrochemical hub in the eastern
Mediterranean region.”

 

Inoyvn Boosting European PVC Capacity

Brussels—
Inovyn announced it will increase its European Specialty
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) capacity by 220,000 t/y by 2027,
through expansions across the company’s entire specialty
PVC production network.
The additional capacity will support the ongoing supply
for customers served by Inovyn’s PVC facilities in Germany,
Norway, Belgium, Sweden and France.
“This latest investment is a further demonstration of
Inovyn’s global leadership and long term commitment to
specialty PVC,” said Inovyn Business Director Filipe Constant.
“It will support increased global demand, particularly in
sustainable applications, and will enable our customers to
create their own competitive advantage.”

 

People on the Move

Danimer Scientific—Keith A. Edwards has been
named vice president of business development, responsible
for focusing on growing market opportunities for the company’s
biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics.
He was previously head of specialty polymers at BASF
Corp.
Haldor Topsoe—Elena Scaltritti, currently executive
vice president at Songwon Industrial Group, has been appointed
chief commercial officer of Topsoe, effective no
later than 1 July 2022.
Sulzer—Frederic Lalanne has become chief executive
of the company. He was previously president of the Flow
Equipment Division.

 

Celanese Enters Deal to Acquire Majority Of DuPont’s M&M Business for $11-Bn

Dallas—
Celanese has signed a definitive agreement to purchase a
majority of DuPont’s Mobility & Materials (M&M) business,
including a broad portfolio of engineered thermoplastics
and elastomers, for $11-billion.
The M&M product portfolio includes several specialty
materials with global leadership positions in nylon, specialty
nylons, polyesters, and elastomers.
Celanese will acquire a global production network of 29
facilities, including compounding and polymerization; customer
and supplier contracts and agreements; intellectual
property portfolio, including around 850 patents with associated
technical and research and development assets, and
about 5,000 employees.
Subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing
conditions, the transaction is expected to close around the
end of this year.

 

IVL Gets 85% Stake in UCY Polymers, A Czech-Based PET Plastic Recycler

Prague—
Indorama Ventures (IVL) has completed the purchase of an
85% equity interest in UCY Polymers CZ, a polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) plastic recycler based in the Czech
Republic.
As a result of the investment, IVL will recycle around
1.12-billion additional post-consumer PET bottles a year in
the Czech Republic by 2025, increasing the total bottles
recycled by UCY across the Czech Republic, Germany and
Central Europe to 1.6-billion bottles per year.
“UCY is a strategic fit for IVL as a backward integration
into the company’s expanded recycled PET (rPET)
footprint in Europe and across the world to secure feedstock
for rPET products,” IVL noted.
UCY has the capacity to produce 40,000 t/y of recycled
PET flake. It will help IVL serve the increasing demand
for recycled PET in Europe.
IVL is investing $1.5-billion globally to expand recycling
facilities and sustainable production, including boosting
its recycling capacity to 750,000 t/y by 2025.

 

Fortum Agrees to Supply Renewable Energy To Borealis’ Production Plants in Porvoo

Porvoo—
Borealis and Fortum have signed a long-term power purchase
agreement (PPA) for Fortum to supply renewable
energy to Borealis’ production operations in Porvoo,
Finland, beginning in mid-2024.
Under the PPA, Fortum would supply over 800 gigawatt
hours of renewable power from two new onshore wind
farms to be built in Finland, for a period of eight years.
The wind farms, majority-owned and operated by Fortum,
are expected to start operations by the middle of 2024 at
the latest.
Once the Fortum project comes online, the Borealis
Group will have reached the 20% mark in its goal to source
at least 50% of the electricity consumed in its own production
operations from renewable sources by the year 2030,
Borealis noted.
In addition, the renewable electricity generated within
the framework of the PPA will reduce the Scope 2 emissions
at Borealis’ Finnish operations by 28,000 t/y.

 

Borealis, ADNOC Begin Construction On Borouge 4 Expansion at Ruwais

Ruwais—Borealis
and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) broke ground for
their joint venture Borouge 4 expansion project in Ruwais,
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (PCN, 13 Dec 2021, p 2).
The $6.2-billion project will include a 1.5-million-t/y
ethane cracker, two 700,000-t/y Borstar polyethylene (PE)
facilities, a 100,000-t/y cross-linked PE unit, and a hexane-
1 unit, which will produce co-monomers for certain PE
grades. Operations are scheduled to begin in 2025.
Once complete, the project will boost the company’s total
polyolefin production capacity to 6.4-million t/y, making
Borouge the “world’s largest” single-site polyolefin complex,
the companies noted.
“We continue to receive strong interest from international
and local investors who want to partner with us in
growing and developing our downstream and petrochemical
business in Ruwais,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber,
UAE Minister of industry and advanced technology, and
managing director and chief executive of ADNOC Group.
“Borouge 4 will strengthen our domestic supply chain,
while accelerating in-country value and boosting the UAE’s
economic diversification, in line with the leadership’s wise
directives.
“In terms of sustainability, a study for a carbon capture
unit that would reduce CO2 [carbon dioxide] emissions has
been initiated as part of the project.”

 

Cefic Predicts ‘Modest’ Economic Growth For EU27 Chemicals Industry in 2022

Brussels—Cefic,
the European Chemical Industry Council, said it expects a
“modest” economic growth for the EU27 chemicals industry
this year, with chemical output expected to grow by 2.5%,
following growth of around 6% in 2021.
Demand growth in 2021 was high in the consumer
goods industries, and above average in the food and beverage
industry as well as the European construction sector.
Export demand seems to be recovering too, as exports
to countries outside the EU27 expanded by over 15%
(January to October) compared to 2020, amounting to more
than €160-billion.
The projected 2.5% growth in 2022 is likely to be driven
by further demand from the manufacturing sector, the
council noted. In particular, the European automotive industry
is expected to recover as supply chain issues should
be easing over the year; however, the long-term outlook
remains uncertain. High consumer price inflation and
surging energy and feedstock prices are a risk for growth
in consumer and industrial demand.
“The recovery in 2021 has been better than expected,
bringing the industry back on track,” said Cefic Director
General Marco Mensink. “Facing the huge transition investments
expected from the industry in the next decades,
a solid economic basis is very important.
“It will be crucial for the decision to not only develop
new chemistries and technologies in general, but to invest
these new sources for growth also in Europe.
“The 2022 outlook is positive but moderate, overseeing
the many uncertainties Europe and the industry faces today.
The chemical industry is however extremely resilient
as shown during the COVID crisis. With the right policy
choices made in the next two years, the chemical industry,
as part of all strategic value chains, will have a key role to
play in Europe.”

 

Westlake Chem Officially Changes Name To Reflect Diversified Business Portfolio

Houston—
Westlake Chemical Corp. announced it has officially
changed its name to Westlake Corp., effective 18 Feb.
2022, to reflect the company’s more diversified business
portfolio.
“Our business portfolio has evolved over the last decade,
particularly in the last year when we celebrated our
35th anniversary,” said Westlake President and Chief Executive
Albert Chao.
“Through a combination of strategic acquisitions and
organic growth that has been fueled by market trends, particularly
in the rapidly expanding housing and infrastructure
sector, we have made significant progress in diversifying
our businesses and broadening our product offering.
“By changing our name, we will better represent the
breadth of industries we serve, including housing and construction,
automotive and consumer lifestyle, packaging
and healthcare.”
Westlake is now organized under one unified brand
name with two financial reporting segments: Housing &
Infrastructure Products and Performance & Essential Materials.
They replace the former segments: Olefins and
Vinyls.

 

Synthos to Use Sopheon’s Innovation System For Newly Acquired German SynRub Unit

Berlin—
Synthos Group has chosen Sopheon’s Accolade innovation
management system for its Synthos Schkopau GmbH synthetic
rubber production facility it recently acquired in
Germany.
The Accolade system helps chemical companies automate
new product development and align research and
development, processing and commercialization, Sopheon
explained. Accolade is a “highly scalable solution that
supports exceptionally large portfolios with thousands of
projects and thousands of users across multiple regions.”
“By providing a single source of truth that brings transparency
to information and processes, Sopheon Accolade’s
centralized system will assist Synthos in promoting best
practices for new product development, improving process
automation and compressing the time it takes to get renewable
products to market,” noted Sopheon Chief Executive
Greg Coticchia.
Synthos purchased Trinseo’s synthetic rubber business
in Schkopau, Germany, late last year for around $491-
million (PCN, 6 Dec 2021, p 1).

 

Agilyx & Virgin Forming Partnership To Produce Fuel from Plastic Waste

Portsmouth—
Agilyx and Virgin Group announced they are forming a
strategic partnership that aims to reuse plastic waste to
produce lower carbon fuel.
Virgin plans to work with Agilyx on the development of
production facilities based on Agilyx’s conversion technology.
The first waste-to-fuel plant is planned to be located
in the U.S., with an aim to roll-out similar facilities in
other countries, including the UK.
Cyclyx, majority owned by Agilyx, will source the plastic
waste used for the fuel in the first facility.
Agilyx’s proprietary technology breaks down plastic
waste through a pyrolysis process. Pyrolysis converts
mixed waste plastic into a synthetic crude oil, which, once
further refined, can be used as a low carbon fuel.
“We are pleased to be partnering with the Virgin Group
to enable a technology solution for lower carbon fuels as it
transitions on its journey to net zero,” said Agilyx Chief
Executive Tim Stedman.
“This platform is unique as it will be used for lower carbon
fuels and has the opportunity for the production of circular
plastics.
“We view plastic waste as a valuable above ground resource
that is not widely tapped into. Through our technology
we aim to unlock the value of plastic waste that
otherwise may have been destined for landfill or incineration.”

 

Honeywell to Supply TotalEnergies with RPF To Convert into Virgin-Quality Polymers

Paris—
Honeywell and TotalEnergies signed a strategic agreement,
in which Honeywell will supply TotalEnergies with
recycled polymer feedstock (RPF) to be converted into virgin-
quality polymers in its European production units.
Honeywell will supply the RPF from an advanced recycling
facility it plans to build with Sacyr in Andalucia,
Spain (PCN, 8 Nov 2021, p 1).
The plant, which will be owned by a joint venture of
Honeywell and Sacyr, will process and convert 30,000 t/y of
mixed plastic waste into RPF using Honeywell’s UpCycle
process technology. Start-up is planned in 2023.
TotalEnergies will use the RPF in the manufacturing of
high-quality polymers that will be suitable for food-grade
packaging and other high demanding applications.

 

Enterprise Affiliate Completes Purchase Of Navitas Midstream for $3.25-Billion

Houston—An
affiliate of Enterprise Products Partners has finalized the
$3.25-billion acquisition of Navitas Midstream Partners in
Texas.
Navitas’ assets, located in the Midland Basin of the
Permian, include around 1,750 miles of pipelines and over
1-billion cu ft/d of cryogenic natural gas processing capacity,
Enterprise noted.
The system is anchored by long-term contracts and
acreage dedications with a diverse group of over forty independent
and publicly owned producers.

BPCL Cancels Polyols Project at Kochi; Gets Approval to Evaluate PP Plant

Kochi—Bharat
Petroleum Corp. Ltd. (BPCL), in a stock exchange disclosure,
said it has decided to discontinue the development of
a polyols project in Kochi, India, which it announced in late
2018 (PCN, 17 Aug 2020, p 2).
The polyols project, originally estimated to cost Rs
11,130 crore, was planned to include units for propylene
oxide, propylene glycol, polyols, ethylene oxide, monoethylene
glycol, ethylene recovery and cumene.
BPCL cited “much higher” cost estimates for the project
than expected, mainly on account of an increase and
equipment and material cost, as the reason for abandoning
the project.
The company has instead received board approval to
evaluate the option of setting up a polypropylene unit at
the Kochi refinery. No other details were available.

 

Honeywell Utilizing Ecofining Technology To Produce Naphtha from Bio-Feedstocks

Chicago—
Honeywell announced a new pathway for producing renewable
naphtha for petrochemical production using the
commercially proven Honeywell UOP Ecofining technology.
The company has been using the technology to mainly
produce Honeywell Green Diesel and Honeywell Green Jet
Fuel, with small quantities of bio-naphtha being produced
as a secondary product.
The same technology can now be adapted to produce
high yields of renewable naphtha as its predominant product
using sustainable feedstocks like used cooking oil and
animal fats. The bio-naphtha has a 50% to 80% lower
greenhouse gas footprint compared to petroleum feeds.
“We are actively engaged with customers to drive new
technology adoption, as renewable petrochemical feedstocks
have grown in interest as consumers prefer more
bio-based products,” said Ben Owens, vice president and
general manager, Honeywell Sustainable Technology Solutions.
Honeywell UOP jointly developed the Ecofining process
with Eni Spa.

 

Polyplastics Selects Toyo to Construct New Chinese POM Production Plant

Beijing—
Polyplastics’ newly established Chinese subsidiary has
awarded a contract to Toyo Engineering Corp. (China) to
build a new polyacetal (POM) manufacturing facility in the
Nantong Economic Development Zone, Jiangsu Province,
China (PCN, 7 Feb 2022, p 1).
Toyo will be responsible for the engineering, procurement
and construction of the 90,000-t/y POM plant. Production
is anticipated to start in November 2024. Value of
the contract was not disclosed.
The new POM facility will help cover the capacity of an
existing POM unit in Nantong owned by PTM engineering
Plastics, which is being shut down.

 

Trinseo Commences Formal Process To Divest Its Styrenics Businesses

Berwyn—Trinseo
President and Chief Executive Frank Bozich, during a conference
call to discuss the company’s fourth quarter and
full year 2021 results, said Trinseo recently launched a
formal sales process to divest its styrenics businesses
(PCN, 15 Nov 2021, p 1).
The assets included in the sales process are the company’s
feedstocks and polystyrene segments, as well as its
50% interest in Americas Styrenics, a joint venture with
Chevron Phillips Chemical Co.

 

Linde to Supply CO2, Hydrogen to Celanese For Its Clear Lake Manufacturing Facility

Houston—
Linde has expanded its existing agreement with Celanese
to include the supply of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen
to Celanese’s manufacturing plant in Clear Lake, Texas.
Currently, Linde supplies oxygen, nitrogen and carbon
monoxide to the facility. Under the expanded agreement,
Linde will now also supply CO2 captured in its nearby carbon
monoxide production unit.
Celanese will use the CO2 and hydrogen as an alternative
feedstock for methanol production in its Fairway
Methanol joint venture with Mitsui & Co. (PCN, 29 Mar-5
Apr 2021, p 1). Supply is expected to begin in the first half
of next year.
“Celanese is taking strategic steps aimed at reducing
our operational impact globally, and the work we are doing
with recycled carbon dioxide at our Clear Lake facility is a
significant step forward in our efforts to preserve the environment
and be a responsible community partner,” said
John Fotheringham, senior vice president of acetyls at
Celanese.
“By working with Linde, we expect to produce lower
carbon intensity methanol with a high capital efficiency at
a competitive cost.”

 

Petronas Lets Technip Energies Contract To Build New Malaysian Melamine Unit

Kedah—
Technip Energies, as leader of a consortium with Dialog
E&C, has been awarded an engineering, procurement, construction
and commissioning (EPCC) contract by Petronas
Chemicals Fertiliser Kedah Sdn. Bhd. for a new melamine
plant in Gurun, Kedah, Malaysia.
The 60,000-t/y melamine facility, to be integrated into
Petronas’ existing complex, will utilize Casale’s Low Energy
Melamine technology, and associated interconnections
with the existing urea plant, where the carbon dioxide generated
in the melamine production process will be recycled.
Under the EPCC contract, Technip Energies is responsible
for overall project management, engineering, procurement
and commissioning. Dialog will be in charge of
construction and pre-commissioning.
The contract is valued at between €50-million and
€250-million.

 

Yeochun NCC JV Experiences Explosion At Petrochemical Plant in South Korea

Yeosu—
Yeochun NCC Co., a joint venture of Daelim Industrial and
Hanwha Solutions, experienced an explosion on 11 Feb.
2022 at one of its naphtha crackers in Yeosu, South Korea,
which killed four workers and injured another four, according
to several local reports.
The explosion happened in the company’s third naphtha
cracker during a test run of a heat exchange system.
There was no fire from the explosion. Cause of the accident
is under investigation.
Yeochun NCC has three naphtha crackers at the complex
with a total production capacity of around 2.3-million
t/y of ethylene. The affected cracker has a production capacity
of 470,000 t/y of ethylene.

 

Lummus’ Green Circle & Synthos Advance Development of Biobutadiene Technology

Houston—
Lummus Technology announced that its Green Circle business
and Synthos have reached a major milestone in the
development of Synthos’ advanced biobutadiene technology
(PCN, 7 June 2021, p 2).
Following the completion of a successful feasibility
study in 2021 for a 20,000-t/y biobutadiene production
plant, the partners have concluded that the technology is
ready for implementation and have agreed to move into the
engineering and design phase of the project.
“Since Lummus began collaborating with Synthos last
year, it has become evident that this technology has the
potential to be the new standard in our industry due to its
renewable sourcing, production efficiency and low carbon
footprint,” said Leon de Bruyn, president and chief executive
of Lummus Technology.
“The petrochemical industry is quickly adjusting to ambitious
sustainability requirements, and at Lummus we
continue to lead this change on multiple fronts. The commercialization
with Synthos of this bio-technology for more
sustainable rubber products is one of several sustainable
process solutions that are making a positive impact.”

 

SCGC Launches Circular Polypropylene; Enters Partnership with Visy Packaging

Bangkok—
SCG Chemicals (SCGC) has developed and launched a new
circular polypropylene (PP) made from hard-to-recycle
post-consumer recycled feedstock using advanced recycling
technology from SCG Green Polymer.
The circular PP has properties equivalent to virgin
plastic resins, making it suitable for the production of ecofriendly
food packaging, the company noted.
In addition, SCGC recently partnered with Visy Packaging
(Thailand), a subsidiary of SCG Packaging, to develop
the “first” ASEAN’s food packaging that has been
certified ISCC Plus throughout the whole supply chain.
“SCGC is fully equipped with innovations and a team of
material science professionals,” said SCGC President and
Chief Executive Tanawong Areeratchakul.
“We are collaborating with partners and brand owners
worldwide to develop and deliver eco-friendly packaging
built from SCGC’s high-quality post-consumer recycled
resins to address the demands of the green packaging
market and to ensure a sustainable environment.”

 

Trinseo Provides Update on Progress Of Chem Recycling Plant in Europe

London—Trinseo
said that plans for a “world-class” chemical recycling facility
in Tessenderlo, Belgium, are progressing “rapidly”
(PCN, 26 Apr 2021, p 3).
The recycling plant, on which construction is scheduled
to begin by the end of this year, will process 15,000 t/y of
recycled PS flakes that will be converted into “high quality”
recycled styrene.
The recycled styrene will be used in the production of
polystyrene and/or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and styrene
acrylonitrile.
Trinseo has contracted with global technology provider
Synova and engineering services company Worley, and is
currently working on an engineering package and preparing
the site for recycling operations.
Early last year, Trinseo and Ineos announced that they
had selected Recycling Technologies to join them as technology
partner for new commercial-scale polystyrene (PS)
recycling plants in Europe.
The three parties were to further develop the technology
in a PS recycling pilot plant to be used in Trinseo’s
Tessenderlo facility and Ineos’ planned 15,000-t/y PS recycling
plant in Wingles, France.
At the time, Trinseo said it expected the Tessenderlo
facility to be operational in 2023.

 

Kaneka Expanding Production Capacity For Green Planet Bio-Polymer in Japan

Tokyo—
Kaneka said it has decided to “significantly” increase production
capacity for Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer Green
Planet (Green Planet) at its manufacturing site in Takasago,
Japan.
Green Planet, also known by its chemical name PHBH,
is a 100% plant-derived polymer. The polymer eventually
biodegrades into carbon dioxide and water, so it doesn’t
pollute the environment, Kaneka noted.
The company will invest approximately ¥15-billion to
increase PHBH capacity to 20,000 t/y from 5,000 t/y currently.
Operations are expected to begin in January 2024.

 

People on the Move

Fluor Corp.—David Constable, chief executive of the
company, has been appointed to the additional role of
chairman to succeed Alan Boeckmann, who will not stand
for re-election.
Messer SE & Co, KGaA—Bernd Eulitz has joined the
company as deputy chief executive of the management
board. He was previously chief executive of a German
MDAX company.
Kraiburg TPE—Oliver Zintner, most recently director
of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), has become
chief executive, effective 1 Jan. 2022. He succeeds Franz
Hinterecker, who has taken on new responsibilities as a
member of the board of directors of Kraiburg Holding SE.
Dr. Monika Hofmann, previously head of corporate purchasing,
has taken over as director of EMEA.
Barentz—Matt McGraw has joined the company as operations
manager for CASE & Plastics Vertical. He had
been at Moen Inc. in multiple leadership positions.

 

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical to Purchase Additional Interest in MEP Affiliate

Tokyo—Mitsubishi
Gas Chemical Co. (MGC) said it has decided to acquire
an additional 25% equity stake in Mitsubishi Engineering-
Plastics Corp. (MEP), an equity method affiliate of
MGC, and make it a consolidated subsidiary on 3 Apr.
2023.
MEP, currently owned 50% by MGC and 50% by Mitsubishi
Chemical Corp. (MCC), is engaged in the sales of engineered
plastics produced by MGC.
In conjunction with the transaction, Thai Polycarbonate,
an equity-method affiliate of MGC, will become a consolidated
subsidiary of MGC, as MEP currently holds a
60% stake in Thai Polycarbonate.
Also, effective 3 Apr. 2023, MEP’s operations related to
polybutylene terephthalate and a portion of its polycarbonate-
related businesses will be transferred to MCC. At the
same time, MEP’s operations related to polyacetal resins,
polyphenylene ether resins and high-performance resin
compounds will be merged into the MGC Group through an
absorption-type company split.

 

Cheniere Touts Substantial Completion Of Train 6 at SPL Project in Louisiana

Houston—
Cheniere Energy Partners announced substantial completion
of Train 6 at the Sabine Pass liquefaction (SPL) project
in Cameron Parish, La. (PCN, 10 June 2019, p 3).
The sixth train adds 4.5-million t/y of LNG to the current
22.5-million t/y of capacity at the facility. Cost of the
project was not disclosed.
Bechtel was responsible for the engineering, procurement
and construction of the project.
“With nine total trains across both the Sabine Pass and
Corpus Christi projects, the Cheniere liquefaction platform
is the second largest in the world, reliably providing our
global customer base with clean, secure and affordable energy,”
said Cheniere Partners President and Chief Executive
Jack Fusco.

 

Topsoe and Acron Enter MoU to Develop Technologies to Reduce GHG Emissions

Moscow—
Haldor Topsoe and Acron Group have signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop technologies
aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at
Acron’s existing production sites in Russia.
Specifically, they plan to develop green technologies to
cut GHG emissions, such as carbon dioxide and nitrous
oxide, and develop “promising” projects for new products
with minimum environmental impact, Topsoe noted.
Acron Engineering, a Russian engineering company and
part of Acron Group, will be engaged in the work.
“Topsoe is already engaged in several projects to produce
green hydrogen, green ammonia, eMethanol and efuels,”
said Topsoe.
“With the highly efficient SOEC electrolysis technology
and decades of experience as a world-leading technology
provider within ammonia, methanol, gasoline, jet fuel, diesel
and hydrogen, Topsoe is one of the very few companies
that can deliver insights, technology and catalysts along
the entire value chain for low carbon emission fuels and
chemicals.”

 

PetroChina’s Jilin Petrochem Subsidiary To Expand Petrochemicals Production

Beijing—
PetroChina’s Jilin Petrochemical Corp. subsidiary is planning
a revamp project in northeast China to increase petrochemical
capacity and cut refined fuel production,
Reuters reported citing a company post and state media
report.
As part of the project, Jilin expects to add 21 plants, including
a 1.2-million-t/y ethylene facility and 600,000-t/y
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plant, and it plans to
mothball seven units.
Once the project is complete, the company will produce
an additional 2.8-million t/y of petrochemicals, and will
have 2.63-million t/y less of refined fuel production. No
other details were available.

 

Hafnia Finalizes Acquisition of CTI Shares; Adds 32 Chem Tankers to Managed Fleet

Singapore—
Hafnia Ltd. announced it has completed the previously
announced acquisition of all outstanding shares in Chemical
Tankers Inc. (CTI) for an undisclosed amount.
As part of the transaction, CTI shareholders have received
21.5% of the outstanding shares in the new combined
entity.
The acquisition included a modern chemical fleet consisting
of 32 fuel-efficient IMO II tankers, expanding Hafnia’s
commercially managed fleet to a total of 242 vessels.
“The sophistication and added capabilities of the chemical
fleet will enable us to access a broader range of cargoes
and clients, and facilitate new trading opportunities, which
will drive improved earnings across the group’s entire
fleet,” Hafnia noted.

 

OCI Agrees to Form a Strategic Alliance With Investors ADQ and Alpha Dhabi

Abu Dhabi—
OCI NV has signed definitive agreements with global investors
ADQ and Alpha Dhabi Holding to form a strategic
alliance, in which the investors will acquire a 15% stake in
OCI Methanol Group for a total consideration of $375-
million (PCN, 6 Dec 2021, p 2).
As part of the alliance, OCI Methanol Group will be incorporated
as an ADGM company in Abu Dhabi, United
Arab Emirates. The transaction was originally expected to
be finalized last year. A new anticipated closing date was
not given.
“The transaction bolsters OCI’s positioning for future
growth initiatives in the global transition to a hydrogen
economy and focus on clean methanol as a fuel for the future
with hydrogen as the primary feedstock,” OCI noted.
“Methanol is a fundamental enabler of the hydrogen
economy and is one of the most efficient fuels that will be
key to decarbonizing the marine industry in particular.”

 

Linde to Supply Hydrogen, Steam to BASF For New HMD Production Unit in France

Paris—
Linde has signed a long-term agreement with BASF to
supply hydrogen and steam to BASF’s new hexamethylene
diamine (HMD) manufacturing facility in Chalampe,
France (PCN, 24 Jan 2022, p 3).
Linde will design, build, own and operate a hydrogen
production plant at Chalampe, effectively doubling capacity
in the Chalampe chemical park, where it already has
one production unit.
The new hydrogen plant will supply BASF’s HMD facility
and help meet the increasing demand for hydrogen from
Linde’s local merchant customers. The facility is expected
to begin operations in the first half of 2024.
BASF’s new HDM plant will increase its European
HMD production capacity to 260,000 t/y. Start-up is
scheduled in 2024.

 

Ube Restructures Chemicals Segment; Renames, Closes & Creates Divisions

Tokyo—Ube Industries
announced that its board of directors has decided
to make several changes to its internal organization, including
the chemicals segment, effective 1 Apr. 2022.
In the chemicals segment, the Synthetic Rubber Division
will be renamed the Elastomer Division; Engineering
Plastics & Fine Chemicals Division will be changed to Performance
Polymers & Chemicals Division, and the Production
Division will now be called the Production & Technology
Division.
In the Specialty Products Division, the company will establish
Electronic and Industrial Materials Business Office
and Production & Technology Supervisory Dept.
Ube will also create a Production & Technology Supervisory
Dept. within the Performance Polymers & Chemicals
Division and the Pharmaceutical Division.
Also, in the Production & Technology Division, the company
will integrate the Ube-Fujimageri Factory into the
Ube Chemical Factory, and establish UBE Electronic and
Industrial Materials Factory, Power Management Dept.,
General Affairs & Administration Dept., and Maintenance
Supervisory Dept. Production Technology Center will be
changed to Production Technology Dept.
Finally, in the Research & Development Division, Ube
will change the Strategic Core Technology Research Laboratory’s
name to Ube Research Laboratory, and the Frontier
Technology Research Laboratory will be called Chiba
Research Laboratory.

 

Houston Recycling Collaboration Formed To Improve Recycling Rates in Houston

Houston—
The City of Houston, ExxonMobil, LyondellBasell, Cyclyx
International and FCC Environment Services have signed
a memorandum of understanding forming the Houston Recycling
Collaboration to address recycling rates in Houston,
Texas.
“Today the City of Houston and four business partners
have come together to find solutions that will move Houston’s
recycling system into the modern era,” said Joshua
Baca, vice president of plastics at the American Chemistry
Council.
“Congratulations to the Houston Recycling Collaboration
for setting the stage to dramatically improve recycling
rates and sustainability in a major U.S. city and creating a
blueprint on how to do so for other cities.
“Any modern recycling system must use all the tools in
the toolbox to succeed. That includes using advanced recycling
technologies that can recycle significantly more types
of plastics than traditional recycling methods to make virgin-
quality plastics for use in the most precise applications,
such as medicine, food contact, and consumer safety products.
“Also this collaboration will increase access to recycling
programs for the community and local business and improve
recycling education and outreach for the residents of
Houston.
“The Houston Recycling Collaboration will help keep
plastics in our economy and out of our environment,” said
Joshua Baca, vice president of plastics at the American
Chemistry Council.
“By bringing together two of the world’s largest chemical
companies, each with announced plans to expand recycling
capacity, a leading environmental services company
with deep experience in Houston, an innovative circular
systems developer, and the fourth largest municipality in
the country, a more circular economy for plastics and a
sustainable city are on the horizon.”

 

PetroChemical News Briefs

Covestro has received ISCC Plus mass balance certification
for its Leverkusen and Dormagen, Germany, sites.
It can now supply large product volumes from renewably
attributed raw materials from all three Lower Rhine sites.
Products include polycarbonates, thermoplastic polyurethanes
(PU), PU rigid and flexible foam components, specialty
films, and PU coating and adhesive raw materials.
Braskem has invested in a minority stake in Nexus
Circular, which operates in advanced recycling that converts
landfill-bound plastics into circular feedstocks used
in the production of sustainable virgin plastics. Details of
the transaction were not disclosed.
BASF said it has expanded its portfolio of methylene
diphenyl diisocyanate with the introduction of Lupranat
ZERO (zero emission, renewable origin), the “first” greenhouse
gas neutral isocyanate not carrying a CO2 backpack.
Renewable raw materials are used at the beginning of the
chemical production chain and allocated via a mass balance
process.

OQ Starts Up Unipol PE Reactor Lines At Liwa Plastics Industrial Complex

Sohar—OQ has
started up two polyethylene (PE) plants, based on Univation
Technologies’ Unipol PE process, at the $5.2-billion
Liwa Plastics Industries Complex in Sohar, Oman (PCN,
18 May 2020, p 1).
The two 440,000-t/y units have full-density PE product
capabilities, allowing for product slate flexibility to cover a
wide range of linear low- and high-density PE applications,
including both conventional and specialty grades.
Orpic, part of the OQ Group, announced in May 2020
that it had entered the commissioning phase of the Liwa
Plastics project, which also includes a 300,000-t/y polypropylene
plant.
“We are pleased to collaborate with OQ on the successful
start-up and ongoing operation of these new reactor
lines,” said Univation Technologies President Luis Cirihal.
“Our dedicated Univation teams continue to be focused
on supporting OQ as they ramp up manufacturing capabilities
across multiple PE product families licensed for the
two units. We know that OQ will want to take full advantage
of both of these flexible reactor platforms to produce
highly competitive PE products in demand by their customers.”

 

Polyplastics Building New POM Facility; Closing Production Plant in Nantong

Beijing—Polyplastics
Co. will construct a new polyacetal (POM) manufacturing
facility in Nantong Economic Development Zone,
Jiangsu Province, China.
The 150,000-t/y POM project, to be built in two phases,
will begin the production of 90,000 t/y of POM in November
2024 to cover capacity of an existing POM plant in Nantong
owned by PTM Engineering Plastics (Nantong) Co.,
which is being shut down.
“In addition, we will secure other existing facilities as a
supply capacity to new markets, such as Europe, the
United States and ASEAN, which have been developing
markets since 2012, and accelerate further global expansion,”
the company noted.
Polyplastics also has POM manufacturing facilities in
Fuji, Japan; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Kuantan, Malaysia.

 

Westlake Chem Concludes Acquisition Of Hexion’s Global Epoxy Business

Houston—Westlake
Chemical Corp. announced it has finalized the acquisition
of Hexion’s global epoxy business for about $1.2-
billion in an all-cash transaction (PCN, 31 Jan 2022, p 1).
The epoxy business, based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands,
will be branded as Westlake Epoxy, an industry
“leader” in the manufacture and development of specialty
resins, coatings and composites, Westlake noted.
“With this transaction, Westlake will significantly expand
its integrated business by adding a leading downstream
portfolio of coatings and composite products,” said
Westlake President and Chief Executive Albert Chao.

 

Petrobras and Novonor Decide to Postpone Public Offering of Their Braskem Shares

São Paulo—
Braskem confirmed that its shareholders, Petrobras and
Novonor, have informed Braskem that they have decided to
cancel the public offering of their shares in Braskem, due
to the instability of the capital market conditions (PCN, 10
Jan 2022, p 1).
Petrobras and Novonor recently announced plans to divest
their 36.1% and 38.3% interests in Braskem, respectively.
Cepsa holds the remaining stake.
The capital market conditions have resulted, at the
moment, in levels of demand and price that are not appropriate
for completing the transaction, Petrobras noted.
Petrobras and Novonor plan to resume the offer, as
soon as market conditions prove favorable.

 

Ineos Styrolution Adds ABS Production With Converted PS Plant at Wingles

Paris—Ineos Styrolution
announced it has completed the conversion of an
existing polystyrene (PS) line to the production of acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS) at its Wingles site in France
(PCN, 24 May 2021, p 2).
Ineos converted one of three PE lines at the site into an
ABS line with a production capacity of 50,000 t/y to help
the company meet growing demand in Europe. The line
was originally scheduled to be operational in the first quarter
of 2020.
The new line makes Wingles the company’s third ABS
production site in Europe together with Antwerp, Belgium,
and Cologne, Germany.
“The new ABS plant in Wingles not only increases our
overall ABS capacity in Europe, but it also allows us to
provide new ABS solutions to respond to developing customer
demand across a broader portfolio,” said Dr. Alexander
Gluck, president of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

 

Methanex Completes Sale of 40% Stake In Its WFS Subsidiary to Mitsui OSK

Vancouver—
Methanex and Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) announced the
completion of a strategic partnership involving the acquisition
by MOL of a 40% interest in Methanex’s Waterfront
Shipping (WFS) subsidiary for about $145-million (PCN, 8
Nov 2021, p 3).
WFS operates the “world’s largest” methanol ocean
tanker fleet comprising vessels from 3,000 to 50,000 deadweight
tons, the parties noted.
Methanex retains the remaining 60% interest and will
continue to operate WFS.
“Through this transaction, Methanex as the world leading
methanol producer, WFS as the world’s leading methanol
shipper, and MOL as the provider of multimodal shipping
services will strengthen a relationship established
over 30 years and advance the commercialization of
methanol, including renewable methanol, as a viable marine
fuel,” the partners said.

 

Braskem Touts Investment in Nexus To Support Circular Economy Goal

Philadelphia—
Braskem announced it has invested in advanced recycling
firm Nexus Circular to support its goal of a circular economy
and accelerate advanced recycling of plastics.
Nexus Circular uses a proprietary advanced recycling
technology that converts a range of hard-to-recycle plastics,
especially landfill-bound plastic films, into circular feedstocks,
which are then used in the production of sustainable
virgin plastics.
“At Braskem, we have a clear, long-term vision, which
is committed to a carbon neutral circular economy where
nothing is wasted and everything is transformed,” said
Braskem America Chief Executive Mark Nikolich.
“A critical element of achieving this vision is investing
in pathways that advance the circular conversion of hardto-
recycle plastic waste to valuable new materials, diverting
it from landfills and improving our environmental footprint.
“Nexus shares our vision for accelerating the commercialization
of advanced recycling with their own proprietary
innovations and we couldn’t be more excited to be a
new investor in their journey.”

 

EuroChem Makes Binding Offer to Acquire Borealis’ European Nitrogen Business

Vienna—
Borealis said it received a binding offer from EuroChem for
the purchase of Borealis’ European nitrogen business including
fertilizer, melamine and technical nitrogen products
for an enterprise value of €455-million.
The transaction would “significantly” enhance Euro-
Chem’s nitrogen business in Europe, adding production
assets in Austria, Germany and France, as well as adding
a comprehensive sales and distribution network utilizing
the Danube River. Subject to certain closing condition and
regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in
the second half of 2022.
Borealis announced early last year that it would start a
sales process to divest the nitrogen business (PCN, 8 Feb
2021, p 3). At the time, it said that its share in fertilizer
production sites in the Netherlands and Belgium were not
being considered within the sales process.
“Borealis will continue to focus on its core activities of
providing innovative and sustainable solutions in the fields
of polyolefins and base chemicals and on the transformation
towards a circular economy,” Borealis noted.

 

TotalEnergies & Veolia Agree to Partner In Advancing Biomethane Development

Paris—
TotalEnergies and Veolia have entered into an agreement
to develop and co-invest in a portfolio of international projects,
with the goal of producing up to 1.5 terawatt hours a
year of biomethane by 2025.
As part of the agreement, Veolia will provide its expertise
in the production and processing of biogas, and TotalEnergies
will contribute its in-depth knowledge of the
entire biomethane value chain.
The biomethane will be produced from Veolia’s waste
and water treatment facilities. TotalEnergies will market
the product as a renewable fuel for mobility or as a substitute
for natural gas.

 

Clariant Agrees to Sell SABIC Its 50% Stake In Their Scientific Design Joint Venture

Muttenz—
Clariant has signed a definitive agreement to divest its
50% interest in Scientific Design to SABIC, its joint venture
partner, making SABIC the sole owner.
The parties have completed a comprehensive, armslength
due diligence process and have valued Clariant’s
share in Scientific Design at $130-million. The transaction,
expected to be finalized in mid-2022, is subject to the
receipt of required regulatory approvals.
Scientific Design, valued at $200-million, is active in
the development, licensing and catalyst supply of proprietary
processes for the production of ethylene oxide (EO),
ethylene glycol (EG), bio-ethylene, bio-EO, bio-EG, EO derivatives,
polyols and maleic anhydride. It also produces
proprietary catalysts and equipment for use in their own,
and other, industrial processes.

 

US Methanol Gives Update on Liberty One; Mechanical Completion Expected in 1st Q

Institute—
US Methanol said its Liberty One methanol plant being
built in Institute, W. Va., is in the final stages of construction
with expected mechanical completion in the first quarter
of 2022 (PCN, 16 Dec 2019, p 1).
The facility, planned to have an initial production capacity
of 200,000 t/y, which can later be expanded to
350,000 t/y, was originally scheduled to start up in 2017.
The plant was relocated from Brazil.
“Commissioning of the first systems is already underway
to support start-up of the facility after final systems
are completed,” a company spokesperson told PCN.
According to the company’s website, it is also planning
a 150,000-t/y methanol plant, knows as Liberty Two, which
will be relocated from Europe to West Virginia. No updates
were given on the project.

 

People on the Move

Asahi Kasei—Hideki Kobori, currently president of the
company, has been appointed chairman, effective 1 Apr.
2022. Kobori will be succeeded by Koshiro Kudo, who is
presently director.
McDermott International—Michael McKelvy has
been named president and chief executive, effective immediately,
to replace Lee McIntire, who has been serving as
interim chief executive since 1 June 2021. McKelvy was
previously president and chief executive of Gilbane Building
Co.
Technip Energies—Dr. Wei Cai, most recently vice
president of Technology & Innovation, has become chief
technology officer, replacing Stan Knez. She joins the
group executive committee, effective 1 Feb. 2022.
SK Capital Partners—Anne Kolton has joined the
company in the newly created position of chief sustainability
officer. She was most recently executive vice president,
Communications, Sustainability & Market Outreach at the
American Chemistry Council.
Tosoh Corp.—Mamoru Kuwada has been elected
president and representative director, effective 1 Mar.
2022, to succeed Toshinori Yamamoto, who will become
director and corporate advisor. Kuwada is currently director
and executive vice president.

 

Air Liquide Decides to Build Its Largest Biomethane Production Unit in the U.S.

Rockford—
Air Liquide announced it will construct its largest biomethane
production plant in the world at a site in Rockford,
Ill.
The 380-gigawatt hour per year production unit will
produce biomethane from biogas obtained from a solid
waste treatment plant owned and operated by Waste Connections.
Based on Air Liquide’s own membrane technology and
complementary technology developed by Waga Energy, the
plant will increase the company’s worldwide production
capacity to 1.8 terawatt-hours. Operations are expected to
begin by the end of 2023.
Air Liquide is also building a biomethane production
unit from another landfill in Delavan, Wisconsin, which
will be operational at the beginning of the second quarter
of this year.

 

Samsung, Lotte, Posco and SEDC Sign Deal To Construct Green Hydrogen, NH3 Project

Bintulu—
Samsung Engineering, Lotte Chemical and Posco have entered
into an agreement with SEDC Energy to set up a
green hydrogen and ammonia project in Bintulu, Sarawak,
Malaysia, Argus Media reported.
The project, called H2biscus, would convert hydropower
and natural gas to green hydrogen/methanol and blue hydrogen,
respectively, as well as convert hydrogen to ammonia.
The products are expected to supply South Korea and
Sarawak.
According to a feasibility study, the plant is expected to
produce 7,000 t/y of green hydrogen, 600,000 t/y of blue
ammonia, 630,000 t/y of green ammonia and 460,000 t/y of
green methanol, said the report citing Samsung Engineering.
Cost of the proposed project and an expected completion
date were not disclosed.

 

AmmPower, Port of S. Louisiana Ink LoI For Green Hydrogen/Ammonia Facility

LaPlace—
AmmPower Corp. said it has signed a letter of intent (LoI)
to build a green hydrogen/ammonia facility at the Port of
South Louisiana (POSL), one of the “largest” ports in the
Western Hemisphere.
The project, based upon future feasibility studies, could
produce up to 4,000 t/d of green ammonia, would service
the fueling of oceangoing vessels (over 4,500/yr) at the
POSL, and also provide hydrogen rich, green ammonia for
use domestically and for export. Cost and a schedule for
the project were not given.
“This initiative allows the Port of South Louisiana, being
the largest energy transfer port in the United States, to
move towards green hydrogen and ammonia in a robust
manner,” noted AmmPower Chief Executive Gary Benninger.
“Indeed, POSL is not only one of the largest ports in the
world, but will now have the infrastructure to support any
oceangoing vessels that require green ammonia for fuel.
“AmmPower looks forward to working closely with the
Port of South Louisiana to help become industry leaders in
the transition to green energy within the maritime industry.”

 

Orlen Paliwa Considers LPG Terminal Near Azoty’s Police Polymers Project

Warsaw—Orlen
Paliwa, Grupa Azoty Polyolefins and Zarzad Morskiego
Portu Police have signed a letter of intent for the potential
construction by Orlen Paliwa of a liquefied petroleum gas
(LPG) terminal at the sea port in Police, Poland, utilizing
the wharf currently being built by Grupa Azoty for its
polymer project (PCN, May 2019, p 1).
The LPG project would involve a new facility comprising
cryogenic and pressurized tanks, as well as handling
infrastructure for cargo deliveries. The terminal would
enable collection of propane delivered by sea and butane
delivered by rail or road and their further distribution for
the purpose of Orlen Paliwa’s business.
Under the LoI, construction work on the terminal could
only be performed if it did not affect the implementation of
the polymer project.
The polymer project, estimated to cost around €1.5-
billion, will include a propane dehydrogenation unit for the
production of 400,000 t/y of polymer-grade propylene, as
well as a 400,000-t/y polypropylene plant. Commercial
operations are expected to begin next year.
“The sea port in Police offers a massive business potential,”
said Mariusz Grab, vice president of the management
board of Grupa Azoty and president of the management
board of Grupa Azoty Police.
“For Grupa Azoty, it is mainly a location of reliable
transport facilities. In the near future, it will also play a
vital role in supporting Polimery Police – the largest
chemical industry project in Poland and Europe.

 

Brunei Fertilizer Starts Up Urea Plant

Belait—
Stamicarbon announced that Brunei Fertilizer Industries’
new urea melt unit in the Sungai Liang Industrial Park in
the Belait District of Brunei was started up successfully
(PCN, 21 Sept. 2020, p 4).
The 3,900-t/d urea unit, based on Stamicarbon’s Launch
Melt Pool Condenser Design, is part of a state-of-the-art
complex that includes a 2,200-t/d ammonia plant.
Thyssenkrupp was responsible for the engineering, supply
of equipment, erection, supervision of construction and
commissioning, and various offsite and related utility systems
for the project.

 

Domo Offering Technyl PA Worldwide

Ghent—Domo
Chemicals announced it has expanded access of its full
Technyl polyamides (PA) portfolio to customers, globally, a
key milestone in the company’s growth strategy.
Domo, which acquired Solvay’s European performance
PA business in 2020, is now exclusively producing and
commercializing Technyl, offering a full range of PA 66 and
PA 6 based solutions (PCN, 9 Dec 2019, p 2).
The Technyl portfolio includes key brands, such as
Technyl Star, Technyl Protect, and Technyl 4Earth, a competitive
and sustainable PA alternative.
“The introduction of Technyl, globally, will be a door
opener for Domo as a global player supporting our customers
worldwide,” the company noted.
“The new range of solutions is addressing key megatrends,
such as e-mobility and sustainability in terms of
low GWP and circularity across all industries.”

 

ExxonMobil Streamlining Business Structure; Will be Reorganized Along 3 Business Lines

Irving—
ExxonMobil announced it will be further streamlining its
business structure to enhance effectiveness, grow value
and reduce costs.
As part of the change, the company will combine chemical
and downstream businesses, and centralize technology
and engineering, and other support services.
Effective 1 Apr. 2022, the company will be organized
along three business lines—ExxonMobil Product Solutions,
ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions and ExxonMobil Upstream
Co. They will be supported by a single technology
organization, ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering,
and other centralized service-delivery groups.
ExxonMobil Product Solutions will be the “market
leader” in sales of polyethylene and other high-value
chemical products and hold the No. 2 market position in
aromatics, lubricants and fuel additives, the company
noted. It will be led by Karen McKee, formerly president of
ExxonMobil Chemical Co.
ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering will integrate
technology activities, improving value delivery through
centralized management of technical capabilities tightly
linked to business priorities.
Priorities include developing new technologies to “significantly”
lower the cost of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reductions;
reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the asset
level; boosting production yields and revenue; developing
high-value differentiated products for customers, and improving
advanced recycling of plastic waste.
Linda DuCharme, most recently president of ExxonMobil
Upstream Integrated Solutions and ExxonMobil Upstream
Business Development, has been appointed to lead
the new technology and engineering business.
ExxonMobil Upstream will be led by Liam Mallon, previously
president of ExxonMobil Upstream Oil and Gas.
In addition, the company has decided to relocate its
headquarters from Irving, Texas, to its campus north of
Houston, Texas, by the middle of next year.
“Our transformed business structure enables us to more
fully leverage the corporation’s scale, integration, technology
advantages, and the skills and capabilities of our talented
workforce, to better serve our customers,” noted
ExxonMobil Chairman and Chief Executive Darren Woods.
“Aligning our businesses along market-focused value
chains and centralizing service delivery, provides the flexibility
to ensure our most capable resources are applied to
the highest corporate priorities and positions us to deliver
greater shareholder returns.”

 

Sinopec Completes Construction of China’s ‘First’ Megaton Carbon Capture Project

Beijing—
Sinopec said it has concluded construction of the Qilu-
Shengli Oilfield carbon capture, utilization and storage
(CCUS) project, China’s “first” megaton scale CCUS project
(PCN, 19-26 July 2021, p 3).
The project, which will reduce carbon emissions by 1-
million t/y, consists of two parts – Sinopec Qilu’s carbon
dioxide (CO2) capture and Shengli Oilfield’s CO2 displacement
and storage.
CO2 captured by Sinopec Qilu will be sent to Shengli
Oilfield for further displacement and storage via a green
transport mode, achieving an integrated application of carbon
capture, displacement and storage to lock the CO2 underground
and drive the oil out, the company explained.
Sinopec plans to build a second megaton CCUS demonstration
project, “between 2021 and 2025,” in partnership
with Sinopec Nanjing Chemical Industries Co.
In addition, the company will build a CCUS research
and development center to focus on cutting-edge technological
breakthroughs, including the integration of CCUS
with new energy, hydrogen energy and biomass energy.
Sinopec plans to advance technology applications, such
as the CO2 production of high-value chemicals and CO2
mineralization and utilization to make breakthroughs in
the core technologies and solve the equipment bottlenecks
in carbon capture, transportation, utilization and storage.

 

Solvay Boosting PVDF Capacity in France

Paris—
Solvay is investing €300-million at Tavaux, France, to increase
the production capacity of high-performance Solef
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and support a fully integrated
and digitalized operation.
The project will expand its European PVDF capacity to
35,000 t/y, creating the “largest” PVDF production site in
the region, the company noted. Completion is anticipated
by December 2023. Total capacity of the plant was not disclosed.

 

Celanese Completes Capacity Expansion For GUR UHMW-PE at Bishop Facility

Austin—Celanese,
in its full year 2021 and fourth quarter earnings report,
said it recently completed a new GUR ultra-high molecular
weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) line at its manufacturing
facility in Bishop, Texas (PCN, 29 Mar-5 Apr
2021, p 1).
The additional plant increased UHMW-PE capacity at
the site by 15,000 t/y to a total of around 53,000 t/y. No
other details were available.
Last year, the company said it planned to expand its
GUR UHMW-PE production capacity in Europe with construction
of a new plant.
The facility, for which a location was not disclosed,
would have a nameplate capacity of about 34,000 t/y. The
unit is scheduled to be online in 2024.

 

Technip Energies Agrees to Buy ICPB’s Technology for Corn Plant-Based MEG

Paris—Technip
Energies and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB)
have signed an asset purchase agreement for Iowa Corn’s
technology to produce monoethylene glycol (MEG) from
surplus corn plant-based feedstocks.
Under the agreement, Technip will acquire ICPB’s patents,
technology, and rights for the process technology,
which will be used to produce renewable plastics. Value of
the transaction and an expected completion date were not
given.
Technip plans to advance the technology development,
construct and operate a pilot plant to commercialize the
technology and make it available for licensing.
“By investing in research to expand the market for corn
as an ingredient to replace oil, products like MEG will allow
more renewable materials to be created and improve
our environmental footprint,” noted Stan Nelson, chair of
the Iowa Corn Research and Business Development Committee.
“With the sale of MEG technology to Technip Energies,
work will continue to explore other uses for corn such as
propylene glycol.”

 

Avantium Obtains Shareholders’ Approval For ‘World’s First’ FDCA Flagship Plant

Delfzijl—
Avantium said it has received approval from the company’s
shareholders to build the “world’s first” 100% plant-based
furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) flagship plant at the Chemie
Park Delfzijl in the Netherlands (PCN, 20-27 Dec
2021, p 2).
The company recently made a final investment decision
to construct the 5,000-t/y facility. Cost of the project and
an expected completion date were not given.
FDCA is a building block for many chemicals and plastics,
such as the 100% plant-based, recyclable plastic material
polyethylene furanoate, Avantium noted.

 

Hexion Stockholders Okay Acquisition By Affiliates of American Securities

New York—Hexion
Holdings Corp. announced that stockholders holding
about 64.32% of the outstanding shares of common stock in
the company have approved the proposed acquisition of the
company by affiliates of American Securities LLC (PCN, 3
Jan 2022, p 2).
Under and subject to the terms of the definitive merger
agreement with affiliates of American Securities, Hexion
stockholders will be entitled to receive $30 in cash for each
common stock they own.
The transaction is conditional upon the closing of Hexion’s
global epoxy-based coatings and composite businesses
to Westlake Chemical Corp for around $1.2-billion, which
is expected to be completed in the first half of 2022.

 

KBR Selects Clariant’s AmoMax Catalyst For Acme’s Green NH3 Project in Oman

Muscat—
Clariant will supply KBR with its next-generation Amo-
Max 10 Plus ammonia synthesis catalyst for the proposed
Acme green ammonia project of the Oman Co. for the Development
of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, Oman
(PCN, 18 Oct 2021, p 1).
The 300-t/d ammonia plant, once complete, will be a
fully integrated, carbon-neutral facility, using solar and
wind energy to avoid 270,000 t/y of carbon dioxide.
KBR was recently awarded a contract to provide the
technology license, engineering, proprietary equipment,
catalysts, and commissioning services for the $3.5-billion
project.
The AmoMax 10 Plus catalyst is designed to maximize
green ammonia yield at high efficiency. Moreover, its “improved
stability and excellent resistance to poisons like
water and oxygen increase its robustness and lifetime,”
Clariant noted.

 

Chemanol Awards Engineering Contract For Methanol Expansion at Jubail Site

Jubail—
Methanol Chemicals Co. (Chemanol), in a notice to the
Saudi Stock Exchange, said it has signed an agreement for
the basic engineering design for a planned methanol expansion
at its complex in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi
Arabia (PCN, 9 Mar 2020, p 1).
Chemanol plans to expand methanol production capacity
by around 100,000 t/y to a total of 331,000 t/y. Completion
is expected in the fourth quarter of this year.
The company did not disclose the name of the firm it
signed the agreement with; however, it did say it was with
the company owning the technology of the existing methanol
plant. According to Chemanol’s website, current
methanol production is based on Haldor Topsoe technology.
The methanol will be used as feedstock for a new dimethyl
disulfide plant and a new methyldiethanolamine
facility, which would be the “first” plants of their kind in
the country, Chemanol earlier noted. Start-up is scheduled
for 2024.

 

Honeywell & Avangard Intend to Form JV For Advanced Plastics Recycling Plant

Houston—
Honeywell said it plans to form a joint venture with Avangard
Innovative to build, co-own and operate an advanced
plastics recycling facility in Waller, Texas, to turn end-oflife
plastic waste into recycled polymer feedstock that can
be used to create new plastics.
The plant, to be located within Avangard’s NaturaPCR
complex, would use Honeywell’s UpCycle process technology
to transform 30,000 t/y of mixed waste plastics into
Honeywell Recycled Polymer Feedstock. Production is expected
to begin in 2023.
“Working with Honeywell on a joint advanced recycling
plant allows Avangard Innovative to reinforce its mission
to preserve and protect the environment by targeting zero
waste to landfill,” noted Avangard Chief Executive Rick
Perez.
“The Honeywell solution employs a modular approach
to plant design, enabling a straightforward deployment
and installation, while striking the right balance between
economy of scale and amount of waste plastic generated
locally.”
Honeywell recently announced its intent to form a joint
venture with Sacyr to build a similar facility in Andalucia,
Spain (PCN, 8 Nov 2021, p 1).
Sacyr would be the first company to deploy Honeywell’s
UpCycle technology, while Avangard would be the first to
deploy the technology in the U.S.

 

Yara Selects Linde Engineering to Build New Green Hydrogen Plant in Norway

Oslo—Yara
International and Linde Engineering have signed an agreement
for the construction and delivery of a 24-MW green
hydrogen facility in Porsgrunn at Heroya Industry Park in
Norway (PCN, 22 Feb 2021, p 3).
The electrolyzer, based on proton exchange membrane
technology by ITM Power, will have a capacity of around
10,000 kg/d of hydrogen, enough to produce 20,500 t/y of
ammonia.
Water electrolysis will produce green hydrogen to partially
replace the grey hydrogen in Yara’s ammonia unit,
thereby removing 41,000 t/y of carbon dioxide emissions,
Linde noted.
“The project aims to supply the first green ammonia
products as early as mid-2023, both as fossil free fertilizers,
as well as emission free fuel for ships,” said Yara
Clean Ammonia President Magnus Ankarstrand.

 

McDermott Launches Tool to Estimate Carbon Impact Before Construction

Houston—Mc-
Dermott has launched ArborXD, a new web-based tool that
provides data collection, estimation and reporting on the
potential carbon footprint of energy facilities before construction
begins.
Embedded as early as the design phase, the tool is applied
throughout the energy project life cycle, whether a
concept, front-end engineering design or an engineering,
procurement, construction and installation project.
ArborXD provides carbon-conscious customers access to
life cycle footprint estimates, cost tradeoff analyses, emission
reduction pathways and environmental impact assessments,
McDermott explained.

 

Encina Picks Sulzer’s SuRe BTX Process For ‘High-Quality’ Circular Aromatics

San Antonio—
Encina Development and Sulzer Chemtech said they have
finalized an agreement in which Sulzer will provide its
SuRe BTX technology to Encina for the production of “high
quality” circular aromatics (PCN, 20 Sept 2021, p 2).
The hydrotreating and aromatics extraction technology,
which will be utilized at Encina’s planned 1,000-t/d waste
plastics recycling facility in Texas, will recover high purity
circular aromatics from cracked oil products derived from
Encina’s mixed-plastics-to-aromatics catalytic conversion
platform. The plant is expected to be operational in 2024.
“We are pleased to support Encina’s mission of enabling
circularity in plastics recycling by providing our SuRe BTX
technology downstream of their catalytic conversion process,”
noted Sander van Donk, head of the global technology
business at Sulzer Chemtech.
“This novel value chain builds on Sulzer Chemtech’s
commitment to circularity and opens up an entirely new
market for ultra-pure circular benzene and toluene produced
from waste plastics.”

 

Arkema Increases Planned Capacity Of PVDF Expansion at Changshu

Shanghai—Arkema
said it has increased the planned capacity of its Kynar
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) expansion project in
Changshu, China, to 50% (PCN, 1 Mar 2021, p 4).
Last February, the company said it would increase Kynar
PVDF capacity at the site by about 35%. The project,
for which capacity was not given, is still expected to come
on stream before the end of this year.
Arkema is also expanding PVDF capacity by 50% at its
site in Pierre-Benite, France. The project is scheduled to
start up in the first quarter of 2023.

 

Zeon Plans COP Recycling Unit in Japan Based on New Proprietary Technology

Tokyo—Zeon
Corp. announced plans to build a recycling facility for cyclo
olefin polymers (COP), based on its new proprietary technology,
at the site of its Takaoka plant in Toyama Prefecture,
Japan.
The 6,000-t/y recycling facility will transform waste
resin generated when manufacturing optical films into recycled
COP having a quality equivalent to virgin resin.
Construction will begin in October 2022 with operations
planned to start in August 2024.
Carbon dioxide emissions from the new process are expected
to be around 12,000 t/y lower than that of the virgin
resin process.

 

People on the Move

American Chemical Society (ACS)—LaTrease Garrison
has been named to the newly created position of chief
operating officer. She was most recently executive vice
president of ACS membership and ACS education.
European Chemicals Agency—Shay O’Malley, director
of resources, has been appointed acting executive director
from 1 Apr. 2022 until a replacement is found. The
current executive director, Bjorn Hansen, will retire on 31
Mar. 2022.

 

TotalEnergies to Supply Berry Global With Its Certified Circular Polymers

Paris—Total-
Energies and Berry Global announced a collaboration in
which TotalEnergies will supply Berry with certified circular
polymers obtained through advanced recycling of postconsumer
plastic waste at its Antwerp, Belgium, site.
The partnership will allow Berry to use more recycled
plastic in its food and beverage packaging, as well as
healthcare products.
“Customers turn to Berry Global to help enable and
execute against their growing sustainability goals,” noted
Jean-Marc Galvez, president of consumer packaging international
at Berry.
“Through our collaborations with suppliers like TotalEnergies,
we aim to provide customers with premier
access to these in-demand sustainable resins like those we
see with advanced recycling technologies serving the European
region.”

 

Coolbrook & ABB Collaborate on Technology To Cut Emissions in Steam Cracking Plants

Geleen—
Coolbrook and ABB have signed a memorandum of understanding
to commercialize and accelerate the adoption of
Coolbrook’s Roto Dynamic Reactor (RDR) technology to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in steam cracking
plants.
The partnership will combine Coolbrook’s electrically
driven RDR technology, which can be operated with various
feedstocks, including recycled and renewable, and
ABB’s integrated, pre-engineered energy solutions.
Coolbrook’s novel turbomachine will be able to replace a
conventional furnace by directly imparting the rotor shaft’s
mechanical energy to the hydrocarbon fluid. When powered
by electricity from renewable resources, the technology
completely eliminates carbon dioxide emissions in the
steam cracking process.
A pilot program is planned to begin this year at the
Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen, the Netherlands.
No other details were given.
“Electrification of steam crackers in ethylene production
provides a pathway to reduce emissions in these processes
by 300-million t/y worldwide,” said Colin Ward, senior
vice president of ABB Energy Industries Chemicals &
Refining.
“ABB is working with partners to bring sustainable solutions
to enable our customers to reduce GHG emissions,
waste and energy usage, while responsibly supporting the
world’s energy transition.”

 

Rohm Building Worms Innovation Center

Berlin—
Methacrylate manufacturer Rohm has broken ground for a
new state-of-the-art innovation center at the company’s
production site in Worms, Germany.
The innovation center will feature modern laboratories
and pilot plants for Rohm employees to develop new processes,
products and applications with the possibility of entering
into new markets. Completion is scheduled for early
next year.
Rohm recently commissioned a technological center in
Shanghai, China, and is building a new technological center
in Wallingford, Conn., which will open before the end of
this year.

 

Invista & Pingmei Shenma Sign Agreements For ADN, AA and License of Technologies

Beijing—
Invista (China) Investment Co. and China Pingmei
Shenma Group announced the signing of agreements for
the five-year purchase and sale of adiponitrile (ADN) and
adipic acid (AA), and the license of key technologies.
Under the agreements, Invista Têxtiles (UK) Ltd. will
license its nylon 6,6 polymerization technology for two new
production lines and its nitrous oxide (N2O) abatement
technology for Pingmei Shenma’s AA production.
The abatement technology is expected to “significantly”
reduce N2O emissions, which is aligned with China’s carbon
reduction goals, Invista noted.
“As a global leading nylon 6,6 supplier deeply rooted in
China, Invista is well-positioned to contribute its unique
know-how and team up with industry leading partners like
Pingmei Shenma to co-drive the implementation of innovative
technologies to support and accelerate local industry
growth,” said Bill Greenfield, president of Invista Nylon.
“With our ADN plant in SCIP [Shanghai Chemical Industry
Park] due for completion mid-year, we look forward
to charting new growth with Pingmei Shenma in our next
milestones, to increase efficiency and capacity for nylon
production and promote the upgrade of the local nylon 6,6
value chain.”
The ADN facility at SCIP, expected to cost over $1-
billion, will have a production capacity of 400,000 t/y (PCN,
23-30 Nov 2020, p 2).

 

Danimer and Hyundai Oilbank Team Up To Expand PHA Use in Asian Markets

Seoul—Danimer
Scientific said it has signed a memorandum of understanding
with Hyundai Oilbank to expand commercial applications
and manufacturing of sustainable biopolymer
polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in South Korean and Asian
markets.
The initial focus of the collaboration will be to provide
Danimer’s Nodax PHA and other PHA-based compounds
produced by Danimer to commercial customers in these
locations. Over time, the companies aim to drive global
growth opportunities for PHA manufacturing.
“Despite the serious destruction of the ecosystem due to
incineration and reclamation of waste plastics, which are
difficult to recycle, plastic usage continues to increase,”
said Dal-ho Kang, vice chairman of Hyundai Heavy Industries
and chief executive of Hyundai Oilbank.
“We can reduce environmental pollution by replacing
traditional plastics with biodegradable polymers and we’re
excited to partner with Danimer Scientific on this important
and transformational work.”

 

Westlake Experiences Explosion, Fire

Lake Charles—
Westlake Chemical suffered an explosion and fire on 26
Jan. 2022 at one of its chemical plants in southwest Louisiana,
leaving at least six people injured, according to several
local reports.
The explosion occurred at an empty ethylene dichloride
storage tank. The fire was extinguished shortly after.
Cause of the accident is under investigation.
There have been no environmental issues associated
with the explosion.

 

Biopolymers Firm TerraVerdae Inks Deal To Acquire 100% of PolyFerm Canada

Alberta—
Performance biopolymers company TerraVerdae Bioworks
has signed a binding letter of intent to purchase 100% of
the equity of PolyFerm Canada, for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition will expand TerraVerdae’s polyhydroxyalkanoate
(PHA) technology portfolio to create new
biodegradable bioplastic products, as PolyFerm has a
“unique” technology portfolio of bio-based and biodegradable
medium chain length PHA, TerraVerdae noted.
“The addition of PolyFerm’s capabilities and know-how
represents a significant opportunity for TerraVerdae to
advance new and valuable solutions to help the world develop
sustainable plastic solutions that can reduce its carbon
footprint,” said TerraVerdae Chief Executive William
Bardosh.
Also, as part of the acquisition, PolyFerm President Dr.
Bruce Ramsay will join the TerraVerdae team to help expand
its PHA technology development programs. The
transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of
this year.

 

CCC-JV Lets Lummus Technology Contract For New ‘Innovative’ Gas Processing Unit

Houston—
Lummus Technology said it has been awarded a contract
by CCC-JV for an “innovative” gas processing facility in
Thailand using Lummus’ proprietary technologies.
CCC-JV will utilize Lummus’ NGL-Max and NGL
(natural gas liquid) fractionation technologies in PTT’s new
GSP-7 project at Map Ta Phut, Rayong, in which CCC-JV
is the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
The project will include NGL recovery and fractionation
units for the production of high purity ethane, propane and
various grades of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas
condensates.
Lummus’ scope involves the technology license, basic
engineering and related services for the NGL recovery and
fractionation units.
“The innovative design and application of NGL-Max
technology will provide significant advantages for PTT in
CAPEX, OPEX and lower carbon emissions over conventional
alternatives,” noted Leon de Bruyn, president and
chief executive of Lummus Technology.
CCC-JV is a joint venture of China Petroleum Pipeline
Engineering Co., China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau and
China Petroleum Engineering & Construction.

 

Ineos to Build World-Scale, Low-Carbon Hydrogen Plant at Grangemouth Site

London—Ineos
announced it is inviting bids from engineering firms for the
next stage of the design of a state-of-the-art carbon capture
enabled hydrogen production facility and an extensive
suite of related infrastructure projects at its Grangemouth
site in the UK.
“We are progressing at pace with our commitment to
deliver our Net Zero plans,” said Ineos O&P UK Chief Executive
Stuart Collings.
“This will see displacement of hydrocarbon fuels used at
Grangemouth, like natural gas, with clean, low-carbon hydrogen
to power our processes and manufacture vital materials
used across a wide range of sectors.”
Ineos has already invested over £500-million on active
projects across the site, including investment in a New Energy
Plant, which is due to be commissioned in late 2023
(PCN, 27 Sept 2021, p 2).
The New Energy power plant will supply energy to all
of the company’s site operations and lower emissions by at
least 150,000 t/y of carbon dioxide (CO2). The power plant
will then be converted to run on hydrogen, which will further
reduce CO2 emissions.
Other assets at the site will benefit from locally produced
hydrogen, including the KG ethylene plant, the existing
combined heat and power plant and assets in the
Petroineos Refinery.
CO2 from the project will be routed to the Acorn CO2
Transport and Storage project, resulting in reductions of
over 1-million t/y of CO2 emissions.

 

SHR Continues as Site Host for Anellotech’s TCat-8 Process Development Pilot Plant

Silsbee—
Anellotech and South Hampton Resources (SHR), a subsidiary
of Trecora Resources, have renewed an agreement
for SHR to serve as site host and provide operation services
for Anellotech’s TCat-8 process development pilot
plant at SHR’s petrochemicals facility in Silsbee, Texas.
The original agreement, which began in 2016, enabled
Anellotech to install and operate the TCat-8 unit inside the
SHR plant.
With SHR providing a range of site services, Anellotech
was able to focus on the Bio-TCat research program, which
featured more than 5,000 hours of successful TCat-8 pilot
plant operation, produce ton quantities of BTX aromatic
product from pine wood, and obtain necessary data for
process design and commercialization.
The TCat-8 unit produced the bio-paraxylene used by
Suntory to make 100% bio-polyethylene terephthalate
resin (PCN, 4 Mar 2019, p 2).
Under the renewed agreement, Anellotech plans to continue
to conduct studies for the Bio-TCat process as the
technology moves into its commercialization phase.
Anellotech will also transition the TCat-8 unit to conduct
the large pilot plant development and demonstration
of its new Plas-TCat process for making petrochemicals
from plastic waste (PCN, 16 Dec 2019, p 3).

ExxonMobil, SABIC Announce Start-Up Of GCGV’s Petchem Facility in Texas

Houston—
ExxonMobil and SABIC announced the successful start-up
of Gulf Coast Growth Ventures’ (GCGV) world-scale plastics
manufacturing facility in San Patricio County, Texas
(PCN, 1 Nov 2021, p 1).
GCGV, a 50-50 joint venture of ExxonMobil and SABIC,
includes a 1.8-million-t/y ethane steam cracker, two polyethylene
units capable of producing up to 1.3-million t/y,
and a 1.1-million-t/y monoethylene glycol facility.
“We built this state-of-the-art chemical plant ahead of
schedule and below budget, by leveraging our global projects
expertise in execution planning and delivery, while
keeping everyone safe and healthy,” said ExxonMobil
Chemical President Karen McKee.
“This is a remarkable achievement that positions us
well to help meet growing global demand for performance
products, while providing meaningful investment in the
U.S. Gulf Coast.”
Royal Vopak recently opened a new 144,000-cu m industrial
terminal in Corpus Christi, Texas, to serve the
GCGV facility.
The terminal, owned and operated by Vopak, is connected
to the petrochemical complex by pipelines and will
be dedicated to serving the ethane cracker. It is covered
with a 20-year commercial agreement.

 

Eastman Plans to Spend up to $1-Bn to Build ‘World’s Largest’ Molecular Recycling Plant

Paris—
Eastman announced its intention to invest up to $1-billion
to construct the “world’s largest” material-to-material molecular
recycling facility in France.
The plant would utilize the company’s polyester renewal
technology to recycle up to 160,000 t/y of hard-torecycle
plastic waste that is currently being incinerated,
while creating virgin-quality material with a “significantly”
lower carbon footprint, the company noted.
The multi-phase project includes units that would prepare
plastic waste for processing, a methanolysis unit, and
polymer lines to create a range of first-quality materials
for a variety of applications.
In addition, Eastman plans to set up an innovation center
for molecular recycling that would advance alternative
recycling methods and applications. The center would enable
France to sustain a leadership role in the circular
economy. Both the plant and innovation center are expected
be operational by 2025.
In the coming months, the company plans to sign
agreements securing plastic waste raw material, secure
government incentives, and decide on the site location.

 

Polytama Propindo Picks LyondellBasell To Supply Technology for PP Expansion

Jakarta—
Polytama Propindo has again selected LyondellBasell’s
Spheripol technology for a polypropylene (PP) expansion at
its existing facility in Balongan, West Java, Indonesia.
The project will involve construction of an additional
300,000-t/y PP plant, which is scheduled for completion in
2024. Value of the contract was not disclosed.
According to Polytama Propindo’s website, the company
plans to increase PP production capacity to 1-million t/y
within the next five to 10 years.
“PT Polytama Propindo is a long time customer of LyondellBasell
and we are excited to be part of their growth
aspirations with this new license for Spheripol technology,”
said Jim Seward, senior vice president, research and development,
technology and sustainability at Lyondell-
Basell.
“Our Spheripol technology has been operating reliably
at the Balongan site since the mid-90s, producing high
value polypropylene resins. We therefore believe that the
selection of this new Spheripol technology line was a natural
choice for PT Polytama Propindo.”

 

Orlen Selects Scientific Design’s Technology For EO/EG Plant at Plock Olefins Complex

Plock—
Scientific Design (SD) has been selected by PKN Orlen to
provide its ethylene oxide/ethylene glycol (EO/EG) technology
for Orlen’s olefins expansion project in Plock, Poland
(PCN, 16 Aug 2021, p 1).
The project will include a new 740,000-t/y steam
cracker and five additional production units, including the
large EO/EG plant for which capacity was not given.
The award includes the license of process technology,
provision of a process design package, technical assistance
and start-up services and the initial charge of SD’s ethylene
oxide catalyst. Completion is scheduled for 2024, with
production anticipated to begin in early 2025.
SD was awarded the project as part of Hyundai Engineering
and Tecnicas Reunidas’ engineering, procurement
and construction consortium.

 

Asahi Subsidiary to Produce Acrylonitrile Using Biomass-Derived Raw Material

Seoul—Asahi
Kasei announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary in
South Korea, Tongsuh Petrochemical Corp., is scheduled to
begin producing acrylonitrile from biomass-derived propylene
in February 2022.
Tongsuh recently received ISCC Plus certification for
its bio-acrylonitrile, becoming the “first” acrylonitrile
manufacturer in Asia to acquire the certification.
Asahi Kasei Group will continue efforts to further reduce
carbon dioxide emissions by improving acrylonitrile
catalysts and processes based on original technologies, as
well as the procurement of biomass raw material, Asahi
Kasei noted.

 

Stamicarbon Receives Chinese Contract For Two Ultra-Low Energy Urea Units

Beijing—
Stamicarbon, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont, has been
awarded a licensing and equipment supply contract from
an unnamed company for two ultra-low energy grassroots
urea plants in China.
The two urea melt units will have a capacity of 2,334 t/d
each and a pool reactor. Start-up is expected in the middle
of next year.
Stamicarbon will supply the process design package
and proprietary high-pressure equipment in Safurex and
associated services for the urea melt plant and finishing by
prilling.
The ultra-low energy design allows for heat to be used
three times, rather than two, bringing energy savings to an
“unprecedentedly” low level, Stamicarbon noted. “It substantially
reduces plant operating costs (OPEX) by significantly
reducing steam and cooling water consumption,” the
company added.
Not only is the ultra-low energy design suitable for new
plants, it also can be used as a revamp tool for both carbon
dioxide stripping and conventional urea plants.

 

LG Chem Awards Contract to KBR, Mura For Hydro-PRT Technology at Dangjin

Dangjin—
KBR and Mura Technology have received a contract from
LG Chem for the Hydro-PRT plastics recycling technology
at LG’s plant in Dangjin, South Korea.
The technology, developed by Mura and licensed exclusively
by KBR, utilizes supercritical steam and employs a
unique patented process to convert a wide range of singleuse
and other plastics into commercial raw materials for
use in the production of new plastics, KBR explained.
Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide technology
licensing and engineering to implement the scalable
technology at LG’s facility.
“We are proud to work with LG Chem to support them
with their sustainability initiatives,” said Doug Kelly,
president of technology at KBR.
“KBR is committed to helping clients realize their sustainability
and ESG objectives and LG Chem’s early leadership
in this area is a testament to their sustainability
commitment.”

 

Solenis Acquires Sole Control of SCL To Support Global PA Growth Plan

Wilmington—
Solenis has purchased 100% of the outstanding shares of
SCL GmbH, supporting its global polyacrylamide (PA) strategic
growth plan.
Based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, SCL produces dimethylaminoethyl
acrylate (DMA3), the primary raw material
for cationic PA production.
“The acquisition of this business provides Solenis with
the backward integration that supports our polyacrylamide
growth plan and better enables us to provide strategic
products to our customers around the world,” said Solenis
Chief Executive John Panichella.
“This is our first bolt-on acquisition following our recent
ownership change to Platinum Equity. The support by the
Platinum team for our strategic growth plan has been excellent,
and I am confident that our partnership will yield
more of these projects in the future.”

 

Loop Selects Site for ‘First’ European Infinite Loop Manufacturing Facility

Paris—Loop
Industries said it has selected a site in Port-Jerome, Normandy,
France, for construction of its “first” Infinite Loop
manufacturing plant (PCN, 14 Sept 2020, p 4).
Last year, Loop and Suez announced their intent to
form a joint venture to build the facility for the production
of virgin quality, food grade, 100% recycled and infinitely
recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The
project is expected to cost around €250-million.
The Infinite Loop manufacturing model is designed to
produce 70,000 t/y of PET resin made from 100% recycled
content. Following the completion of permitting, construction
is expected to begin in 2023, with commissioning
about 18 months later.
By utilizing Loop’s patented and proprietary low-energy
technology and Suez’s expertise, the new facility is projected
to save over 255,000 t/y of carbon dioxide at full capacity,
when compared to virgin PET resin made from fossil
fuels.
The two companies have secured exclusive rights until
June 2022 to purchase the parcel of land. The site is strategically
located for waste plastic feedstock transportation
via the Siene River from the Paris region and is well located
to service the large French CPG brand companies.

 

Covestro, FFI Mull Agreement for the Supply Of Green Hydrogen, Ammonia to Covestro

Perth—
Covestro and Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) expect to
enter into a long-term agreement, in which FFI will supply
Covestro with green hydrogen and its derivatives, including
green ammonia, as feedstock for the production of highperformance
polymers.
Under a memorandum of understanding, the parties
agreed that FFI would provide the equivalent of up to
100,000 t/y of green hydrogen to Covestro. The deliveries,
anticipated to begin by 2024, are earmarked for three possible
locations—Asia, North America and Europe.
The agreement would enable Covestro to reduce its
greenhouse gas emissions by up to 900,000 t/y of carbon
dioxide.

 

Dow Becomes Newest Cyclyx Member

Portmouth—
Cyclyx International, a consortium-based plastic feedstock
management company, which aims to increase the recycling
rate of plastic from 10% to 90%, announced that Dow
has become the newest member of the consortium.
As a member, Dow will have access to participate in
customized takeback programs and innovations, including
plastic waste-based circular feedstock specifications tailored
to its specific product pathways, which will help it
advance its sustainability and circularity goals.
Mary-Jane Hogg, global director of waste strategy at
Dow, will serve on the executive advisory board of Cyclyx.

 

People on the Move

Clariant India Ltd.—Dr. Achala Danait has been appointed
managing director, effective 14 Jan. 2022, in addition
to her role of leading innovation in Asia Pacific for the
Business Unit Industrial & Consumer Specialties.

 

Arkema Investing in Capacity Expansion For Its Bio-Circular Pebax Elastomers

Normandy—
Arkema said it will expand its global manufacturing capacity
for bio-circular Pebax elastomers by around 25%
through an investment at its facility in Serquigny, France.
The investment will enable increased production of biocircular
Pebax, Rnew and traditional Pebax ranges, and
also lower water consumption of the site by 25% through
process optimization. The additional capacity is expected
to come on stream in mid-2023.
Derived from castor seeds, Pebax and Renew advanced
bio-circular materials offer a sustainable solution to customers
who are increasingly driven by sustainability and
social responsibility, the company noted.
Compared to other elastomers on the market, these materials
have a carbon footprint that is up to 50% lower and
can be fully recycled.

 

BASF Expanding HMD & PA6.6 Capacity At Production Sites in France, Germany

Berlin—
BASF has decided to boost European production of hexamethylene
diamine (HMD) and polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6) at its
sites in France and Germany, respectfully.
In France, the company plans to build a new plant at
Chalampe that will increase its HMD production capacity
to 260,000 t/y. Start-up is scheduled in 2024.
Furthermore, BASF will expand PA6.6 production in
Freiburg, Germany, starting in 2022. Capacity was not
given.
“With the new HMD plant in Chalampe and the expansion
of the polymerization in Freiburg, BASF ensures that
customers can be reliably supplied with HMD and PA6.6,
while also addressing increasing demand in the market,”
said Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, president of BASF’s Monomers
Division.

 

NatureWorks to Open New Headquarters, Advanced Biopolymer Research Plant

Plymouth—
NatureWorks said it plans to open a new headquarters and
advanced biopolymer research and development facility in
Plymouth, Minn., to support research into the full circular
lifecycle of Ingeo biopolymers from next generation fermentation
technology to new applications, to increased functionality.
The expanded capabilities will also support the construction
and operation of the company’s new fully integrated
Ingeo polylactic acid (PLA) manufacturing complex
at the Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex in Thailand (PCN, 16
Aug 2021, p 1).
The complex, estimated to cost more than $600-million,
will have 75,000 t/y of Ingeo biopolymer production capacity
and produce the full portfolio of Ingeo grades. Operations
are expected to begin in 2024.
“In the face of challenging times, we’ve designed a space
that will enable research, invention and collaboration between
us, our partners and the market, no matter where
we are located,” said NatureWorks President and Chief
Executive Rich Altice.
“These new facilities will help accelerate the pace of research
and innovation as the urgent need for real, safe solutions
that help address climate and environmental challenges
from plastics and chemicals continues to grow.”

 

SCG & Toyo Sign MoU to Study Feasibility Of Boosting Recycled Feedstock Capacity

Bangkok—
SCG Chemicals has entered into a memorandum of understanding
with Toyo Engineering to improve the process
and expand the manufacturing capacity of its advanced
recycling technology, which turns mixed post-consumer
plastics into recycled feedstock for petrochemicals.
The technology, owned by Circular Plas Co. (CirPlas), a
joint venture of SCG (60%) and a technology start-up
(40%), produces recycled feedstock of equivalent quality to
virgin plastic resins, SCG noted.
Early last year, CirPlas established Thailand’s “first”
demonstration plant at SCG’s Rayong complex with about
4,000 t/y of capacity (PCN, 22 Feb 2021, p 1). SCG and
CirPlas plan to increase capacity of the plant.
The CirPlas process technology recently received ISCC
Plus, which recognizes organizations that practice sustainable
management and development throughout their supply
chain.

 

Bolder, Tauber Ink 20-Year Agreement For Offtake of Sustainable BolderOil

Boulder—Bolder
Industries, a manufacturer of recovered carbon black and
other petrochemicals sourced from end-of-life tires, and
Tauber Oil have signed a 20-year strategic marketing
agreement for the exclusive offtake of BolderOil, Bolder’s
tire-derived sustainable oil.
BolderOil has applications in renewable fuels, as a replacement
oil in ASTM grade carbon blacks, oil and gas
well cleanup, and chemical solvents.
Under the agreement, Tauber will be the exclusive purchaser
of BolderOil for 20 years, acquiring about 2-million
bbls/yr as supply becomes available from Bolder’s “aggressive”
capacity build-out plans, Bolder noted.
In addition, Tauber will manage all administrative and
sales services between Bolder and their global customers,
and Tauber will consult with Bolder on the design and engineering
of any storage offtake and infrastructure at their
current plant and future planned facilities.
“For years, we’ve closely monitored the race to turn
tires to high-quality petrochemicals but until we met the
Bolder Industries team, we had yet to see it accomplished
successfully at commercial scale,” said Tauber Oil President
Jonathan Tauber.
“After visiting their facility, it was immediately apparent
they were doing something special. Now, through arduous
due diligence, we are confident and eager to provide
sustainably derived petrochemicals at the level of quality,
consistency and specifications our customers demand.”

 

BPCL Inaugurates SAP Demo Facility

Kochi—Bharat
Petroleum Corp. Ltd. (BPCL) said it has inaugurated a
new superabsorbent polymer (SAP) technology demonstration
plant at its Kochi refinery in India.
The process, which utilizes acrylic acid feedstock from
the company’s Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical Complex,
was developed and patented by BPCL for the production
of hygiene grade SAP.
“Commencement of production of SAP at [the] Kochi refinery
could result in setting up of ancillary industries
based on SAP in the vicinity, including at the KINFRA’s
new Ambalamugal Petro Chemical Park,” BPCL noted.

 

Fertiglobe, Masdar and Engie Sign Accord For Green Ammonia Production in UAE

Ruwais—
Fertiglobe, a joint venture of OCI and Abu Dhabi National
Oil Co., has entered into a collaboration agreement with
renewable energy firm Masdar and Engie to co-develop a
green hydrogen facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
for the production of green ammonia.
Specifically, the parties will study the financing, design,
procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of a
200-megawatt industrial-scale green hydrogen facility in
Al Ruwais.
The plant would be installed near Fertiglobe’s ammonia
production units, with Fertiglobe being the sole long term
offtaker. Operations are planned to begin in 2025.
“This new partnership with Masdar and Engie represents
a great opportunity for Fertiglobe and the UAE to
play a crucial role in the global energy transition and fits
well in the UAE’s vision of a diversified and sustainable
future,” said Fertiglobe Chief Executive Ahmed El-Hoshy.
The project also aims to accelerate Fertiglobe’s decarbonization
roadmap and strengthen its position as a global
“front-runner” in green ammonia production, OCI noted.

 

Covestro & Genomatica Tout Production Of ‘Significant’ Volumes of Bio-HMDA

Leverkusen—
Covestro and Genomatica announced they are the “first” to
successfully produce “significant” quantities of a plantbased
version of hexamethylene diamine (bio-HMDA).
The partners are processing and testing material from
their initial production campaigns and the resulting bio-
HMDA is of high purity and quality, the companies noted.
They expect to produce ton quantities of high-quality
material over the course of multiple production campaigns
and plan to advance the program to full commercial scale.
Covestro has secured an option from Genomatica to license
the resulting integrated GENO HMD process technology
for commercial production.
“This program is of great importance to us, because
markets are increasingly asking for more environmentally
friendly products based on renewable raw materials, which
as just as powerful as their fossil-based alternatives,”
noted Dr. Thorsten Dreier, global head of Covestro’s Coatings
& Adhesives business.
“We can reduce this dependence on fossil feedstocks
with innovative technology and our partnership. With a
purely plant-based HMDA, we can significantly advance
our corporate objective of CO2-neutral production.”

 

Pemex Purchases Shell’s 50.005% Interest In the Deer Park Refining Joint Venture

Houston—
Shell Oil Co. has completed the sale of its 50.005% stake in
Deer Park Refining Ltd. Partnership, a 50-50 joint venture
of Shell and P.M.I Norteamerica, a subsidiary of Pemex, to
Pemex for $596-million (PCN, 31 May 2021, p 2).
The transaction gives Pemex full ownership of the
340,000-b/d Deer Park Refinery in Texas. Shell Chemical
LP will continue to operate its 100% owned Deer Park
Chemicals facility located adjacent to the refinery.
In addition, Shell has entered into certain product offtake
and crude supply agreements with Pemex for the Deer
Park Refinery.
“As part of its Powering Progress strategy, Shell plans
to consolidate its refinery footprint to five core energy and
chemical parks,” Shell noted.
“Those locations will maximize the integration benefits
of conventional fuels and chemicals production, while also
offering low carbon fuels and performance chemicals. They
also offer future potential hubs for sequestration.”

 

ExxonMobil Aims to Reach Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050

Irving—Exxon-
Mobil announced its goal to achieve net zero greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions for operated assets by 2050.
To achieve its goal, the company has identified over 150
potential steps and modifications that can be applied to
assets in its upstream, downstream and chemical operations.
It expects to finalize detailed roadmaps that address
around 90% of operations-related GHG emissions by the
end of this year, with the remainder completed in 2023.
The net zero goal applies to Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG
emissions and builds on ExxonMobil’s 2030 emissionreduction
plans.
Details are available in the company’s Advancing Climate
Solutions – 2022 Progress Report, which is available
at www.exxonmobil.com.

 

Air Liquide Building ASU in India

New Delhi—Air
Liquide will invest approximately €40-million for a new air
separation unit (ASU) in Kosi, Uttar Pradesh, India, dedicated
to industrial merchant activities.
Air Liquide India will build, own and operate the unit,
which will have a production capacity of 350-t/d, with a
maximum of 300 tons of oxygen. Operations are expected
to begin by the end of 2023.
“When commissioned, Air Liquide’s site in Kosi . . . will
become the largest liquid gases plant in the State of Uttar
Pradesh,” said Air Liquide.
The ASU is planned to fully operate on renewable energy
by 2030, the company added.

Solvay, Trillium Renewable to Develop Bio-Based Acrylonitrile Supply Chain

Brussels—
Solvay has signed a letter of intent with Trillium Renewable
Chemicals to develop the supply chain for bio-based
acrylonitrile.
Trillium will utilize its Bio-ACN process to supply Solvay
with bio-based acrylonitrile from its planned commercial
asset. The process delivers acrylonitrile from plantbased
feedstocks like glycerol with a lower carbon footprint.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Trillium, which
aligns well with our Solvay One Planet commitment to
more than double our revenue based on renewable or recycled
materials by 2030,” said Stephen Heinz, head of composite
research and innovation at Solvay.
“Trillium’s bio-ACN process technology enables biocarbon
fiber,” noted Trillium Chief Executive Corey Tyree.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Solvay,
who have supported the bio-ACN process technology development
since 2014.
“Solvay is a leader in the most rapidly-growing acrylonitrile
segment (carbon fiber) and are market leaders in
bio-carbon fiber and sustainable development.”

 

Toyo Styrene Begins Construction Phase For Japanese Chem Recycling Facility

Tokyo—Toyo
Styrene, an affiliate of Denka, Nippon Steel Chemical &
Material and Daicel, has entered the construction phase of
a new chemical recycling plant in Chiba Prefecture, Japan
(PCN, 20 Apr 2020, p 2).
The 10-t/d plant, based on Agilyx’s depolymerization
technology, will convert post-use polystyrene (PS) into styrene
monomer (SM) that will be purified using Toyo Styrene’s
proprietary purification process. The SM can then
be converted back into high value PS products with a lower
carbon footprint than similar products made with virgin
monomer, Agilyx explained.
“The decision to move into the final stages of this project
is a big accomplishment for the members of Agilyx and
Toyo Styrene who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this
point,” said Agilyx Chief Executive Tim Stedman.
“We are very proud of their efforts and excited for the
opportunity to bring our proven advanced recycling technology
into the Asian markets to help improve the availability
of recycled plastic content and increase global plastic
recycling through circular pathways.”

 

SABIC, Aramco and PKN Orlen Ink MoU To Explore Petchem Projects in Europe

Brussels—
SABIC, Saudi Aramco and PKN Orlen have signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore
potential petrochemical growth or expansion projects in
Poland and Central and Eastern Europe.
Under the MoU, the parties will study several possible
collaboration and investment opportunities, including a
new chemical production facility in Poland, the expansion
of several existing assets and development of a new world
scale cracker.
Following completion of the exploration phase, and if
the companies agree to pursue joint projects, they will enter
into a separate project joint development agreement.
“By bringing together the scale, expertise and technologies
of three world-leading companies, this MoU enables us
to identify and assess opportunities for ambitious and sustainable
growth,” noted Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, executive
vice president for petrochemicals at SABIC.

 

Covestro Lets EPC Contract to Tecnimont For New Aniline Plant at Antwerp Site

Antwerp—
Tecnimont SpA, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont, has been
awarded an engineering, procurement and construction
contract from Covestro for a new aniline facility to be built
at Covestro’s existing site in Antwerp, Belgium.
The plant, for which capacity was not given, will be
based on state-of-the-art technologies and will benefit from
“attractive” infrastructure and logistics with direct access
to necessary raw materials, Maire Tecnimont noted. Mechanical
completion is anticipated by 2024.
Tecnimont’s contract, valued at approximately €250-
million, will be executed on a lump sum basis.
“We are thrilled to welcome the new year with this important
award that will start a great relationship with an
innovative player such as Covestro, leveraging our technological
know-how and commitment to ensure state-of-theart
environment and process safety standards,” said Pierroberto
Folgiero, group chief executive at Maire Tecnimont.

 

Vertimass Signs LoI with European Energy To Transform CO2 into Chems and Fuels

Irvine—
Vertimass and European Energy have signed a letter of
intent (LoI) to combine technologies for capturing carbon
dioxide (CO2) and converting it into chemicals and jet, diesel
and gasoline fuels.
European Energy would provide its expertise in capturing
CO2 from waste sources (CO2 produced from anaerobic
digestion, power production, fermentations, and cement
manufacture) to produce methanol, while Vertimass would
supply its technology to convert that methanol into chemicals
and fuels.
The parties completed an initial proof of concept laboratory
research for coupling their technologies earlier this
year. No other details were available.

 

Plastic Energy & TotalEnergies Cooperate On Advanced Recycling Project in Spain

Madrid—
Plastic Energy and TotalEnergies have entered into an
agreement to build a second advanced recycling facility in
Sevilla, Spain.
The plant will utilize Plastic Energy’s patented recycling
technology to process 33,000 t/y of end-of-life plastic
waste into the recycled feedstock Tacoil. TotalEnergies
plans to convert the Tacoil into virgin-quality polymers at
its European-based production units. Operations are expected
to begin in early 2025.
This past October, Plastic Energy, Freepoint Eco-
Systems and TotalEnergies announced a partnership for a
similar recycling facility in Texas (PCN, 1 Nov 2021, p 1).
“This new project with Plastic Energy in Spain follows
two collaboration projects already announced in France
and the U.S.,” said Valerie Goff, senior vice president of
polymers at TotalEnergies. “Those projects contribute to
addressing the challenge of the circular economy and to our
ambition of producing 30% recycled and renewable polymers
by 2030.”

 

Ineos Joins Nextloopp Project to Turn PCR Packaging into Food-Grade rPP

Grangemouth—
Ineos Olefins & Polymers Europe announced it has joined
the Nextloopp project, a UK collaboration to create circular
food-grade recycled polypropylene (rPP) from postconsumer
recycled (PCR) packaging.
The two-year project will involve building a demonstration
plant in the UK to produce 10,000 t/y of food-grade
rPP, with the aim of validating the manufacturing process
and its commercial viability, and obtaining acceptance
from the UK’s Food Standard Agency and European
equivalent.
Ineos will help tailor food-grade rPP to the precise
specification of converters by blending it with virgin PP to
modify its mechanical and processing properties. It will
also introduce processing aids to help converters meet the
exacting requirements of brand owners.

 

Wolf Carbon to Construct Pipeline for ADM To Transport, Store CO2 from Iowa Plants

Decatur—
Wolf Carbon Solutions and ADM have signed a letter of
intent, in which Wolf Solutions would build, own and operate
a pipeline that would transport and store carbon dioxide
produced at ADM’s Clinton and Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
facilities.
The 350-mile line will be capable of transporting 12-
million t/y of CO2 from ADM’s ethanol and cogeneration
plants in Iowa to be stored permanently underground at its
fully permitted and already-operational sequestration site
in Decatur, Ill.
The pipeline would have “significant” spare capacity to
serve other third-party customers looking to decarbonize
across the Midwest and Ohio River Valley, the companies
noted.
“This is an exciting opportunity for ADM to connect
some of our largest processing facilities with our carbon
capture capabilities, advancing our work to significantly
reduce our CO2 emissions, while delivering sustainable
solutions for our customers,” said Chris Cuddy, president,
carbohydrate solutions for ADM.

 

Technip Energies, Sibur Agree to License ‘Lower Carbon’ Hexene-1 Technology

Paris—Technip
Energies and Sibur Holding said they have signed a collaboration
agreement to license a dedicated, “lower carbon”
technology for the production of hexene-1 from ethylene.
The technology, named HEXSIB, operates at low pressure
and temperatures, and the incorporation of hexene-1
allows for better end-product properties and contributes to
a lower use of carbon for equivalent performance, the companies
noted. It was developed by Sibur and will be licensed
by Technip Energies.
“We are very proud to promote this technology, which is
simple and reliable,” said Technip Energies Chief Technology
Officer Stan Knez. “This specially developed technology
delivers a high quality product that may be dropped
into existing polyethylene production facilities.
“Sibur’s HEXSIB technology provides gains in carbon
efficiency and opens up possibilities for bio-sourced plastics
production from renewable carbon.”

 

Ascend Plans Project in China to Build HMD and Specialty Chemicals Facility

Beijing—
Ascend Performance Materials said it has signed an investment
agreement to set up a new hexamethylene diamine
(HMD) and specialty chemicals plant in Lianyungang,
China, to supply its global polyamide production and
serve its regional customers.
The project, to be located in Xuwei New Area Park, will
be the company’s first chemical production facility and its
largest investment made outside the U.S. Construction is
expected to begin later this year with start-up targeted for
the second half of 2023. Capacity was not disclosed.
“Our growth is driven by increasing market demand
and growing collaboration with our customers globally,”
noted Ascend President and Chief Executive Phil McDivitt.
“The materials we produce are helping drive technological
transformations across markets, from e-mobility to
automation. Our new HMD plant positions us to continue
supporting these transformations well into the future.”

 

People on the Move

Borealis—Dirk Langhammer has become vice president
of Strategy & Group Development, effective 1 Jan.
2022, succeeding Tom Asselman, who has decided to move
to OMV in the role of vice president of Strategic Planning
& Projects. Langhammer was most recently vice president
of business transformation at OMV.
Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co.—Abdul
Ali Ali Asgari has been appointed chief executive of the
company to replace Jafar Rabiee.
Synova—Jorg Kruger has been named chief executive
of the company. He will lead the planning, execution and
evaluation of the company’s plastic circularity strategy.
TotalEnergies—Thierry Pflimlin, previously president
of Total Global Services, has joined TotalEnergies as president,
Marketing & Services and a member of the executive
committee.
BASF—Uta Holzenkamp has become president of the
Coatings Division. She was most recently senior vice
president of the global fuel and lubricant solutions business
unit of the Performance Chemicals Division.

 

IVL’s Aloke Lohia Named as Recipient Of ‘22 Petrochemical Heritage Award

San Antonio—
Aloke Lohia, founder and group chief executive of Indorama
Ventures (IVL), has been selected as the honoree
of the 2022 Petrochemical Heritage Award.
Presented annually by the Science History Institute,
the Founders Club, and the American Fuel and Petrochemical
Manufacturers (AFPM), the award recognizes an
individual’s outstanding contributions to the petrochemical
community.
Lohia’s business ventures began with the founding of
Aurus Specialty Chemicals in Thailand in 1988, the family’s
first non-textile venture. Six years later he went on to
establish Indorama Holdings, Thailand’s first worsted wool
yarn manufacturer. In 1990 he founded IVL and then set
up Thailand’s first polyethylene terephthalate production
company in 1995.
“We are delighted to honor Mr. Lohia,” said Institute
President and Chief Executive David Cole. “His career is
the model example of the entrepreneurship in the petrochemical
sector that the Petrochemical Heritage Award
was created to recognize.”
The award will be presented on 27 Mar. 2022 at
AFPM’s International Petrochemical Conference in San
Antonio, Texas.

 

CPChem Touts ‘First’ Commercial Sales Of Marlex Anew Circular Polyethylene

Austin—
Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. announced it has completed
the first commercial sales of its Marlex Anew circular polyethylene
(PE) in the U.S. (PCN, 20-27 Dec 2021, p 1).
Marlex Anew PE is produced from pyrolysis oil, which
is made by using an advanced recycling process that turns
“difficult-to-recycle” waste plastics into the oil. The company
aims to produce 1-billion lbs/yr of the circular PE by
2030.
“We are thrilled to add Marlex Anew circular polyethylene
to our portfolio and make this product available to customers,”
noted Benny Mermans, vice president of sustainability.
“Enhancing the sustainability of our products is one of
CPChem’s key focus areas. Filling the first order of our
circular polyethylene is tangible proof of our work to accelerate
change for a sustainable future.”

 

Thyssenkrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers Changes Name to Thyssenkrupp Nucera

Berlin—
Thyssenkrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers has become
Thyssenkrupp Nucera, as part of an extensive rebranding
initiative towards net zero carbon.
The name Nucera is composed of “new,” “UCE” and
“era,” symbolizing the departure for the business into a
new era of innovation, transformation and green energy.
“We are taking off from a strong position in the chloralkali
market with best-in-class technology and a yearly
gigawatt supply chain,” said Denis Krude, chief executive
of Thyssenkrupp Nucera.
“The industry is ready for the energy transition and we
are ready to deliver the technology needed to achieve netzero
in sectors that cannot be electrified and for processes
with hard-to-abate emissions.”

 

Lukoil Selects Honeywell UOP Technologies To Convert Gasoil to Propylene, Gasoline

Perm—
Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez, a subsidiary of Lukoil, has selected
a range of process technologies from Honeywell UOP
to convert low-value vacuum gasoil into high value products,
such as propylene and gasoline, at its refinery and
petrochemical complex in Perm, Russia.
The first phase of the project includes the installation of
a new UOP vacuum distillation unit and a UOP FCC unit
that is tailored to increase propylene production, while improving
gasoline yield.
A UOP Merox unit will also be installed to treat liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) streams and reduce the level of
mercaptans in the LPG and UOP propylene recovery unit
to produce propylene with certain quality requirements for
further use.
UOP will provide technology licensing, design services,
key equipment and state-of-the-art catalysts and adsorbents.
When completed, the conversion capacity if the complex
is expected to exceed 1.8-million t/y of vacuum gasoil.

 

Lummus Awarded Contract from Lukoil For MTBE & Alkylation Plant in Perm

Perm—Lukoil-
Permnefteorgsintez has selected Lummus Technology for a
new integrated methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and
alkylation facility at Lukoil’s refinery in Perm, Russia.
The MTBE unit will use Lummus’ CDEtherol technology
and the alkylation unit will be based on Lummus’
CDAlkyl technology. No other details of the plant were
given.
Lummus’ scope of work involves technology licensing,
basic engineering, technical services and proprietary
equipment supply.
The technologies provide “significant” benefits to operators,
including “superior” product quality, reduced utility
and energy consumption, reduced maintenance requirements
and the flexibility to produce biofuels in the future,
Lummus noted.

 

Topsoe Signs Loan Agreement with EIB To Support Green Energy Transition

Lyngby—Haldor
Topsoe has signed a €45-million loan agreement with the
European Investment Bank (EIB) to support research into
innovative green hydrogen technologies, and back research
and development (R&D) investments in new catalysts and
catalytic technologies.
Some of the “most promising” environmentally-friendly
technologies are intended for the production of greener
chemicals and renewable fuels, such as green hydrogen,
green ammonia, biofuels and electrified methanol, Topsoe
noted.
“Transitioning society towards clean energy solutions is
vital in the battle against climate change,” said Topsoe
Chief Executive Roeland Baan.
“This funding will support our research into innovative
hydrogen technologies that will ultimately enable our customers
to produce low-carbon products for society. We are
thankful for the funding, which is a testimony to our strong
cooperation with the EIB.”
The agreement is supported by the European Fund for
Strategic Investments, the main pillar of the European
Commission’s Investment Plan for Europe.

 

Borealis & Reclay Establish Partnership For High-Quality Recyclate Materials

Vienna—
Borealis and Reclay Group said they have joined forces to
meet the increasing market demand for recyclate material
for use in high-end plastic applications.
The companies intend to optimize the recycling value
chain starting with Germany, “one of the largest” European
recycling markets.
Reclay has agreed to provide Borealis with access to a
secure and steady supply of feedstock in the form of lightweight
packaging waste collected by Reclay’s Extended
Producer Responsibility scheme in Germany.
The packaging waste is processed at Borealis’ state-ofthe-
art recycling plants, therefore extending the range of
applications for which recycled plastics can be used, and
enabling value chain partners, customers and brand owners
to meet recycling quotas and increase the volume of
plastic recyclate used in products and applications.
“The reliable supply of high-quality recyclate is a prerequisite
for a functioning circular economy,” noted Lucrece
Foufopoulos, executive vice president for Polyolefins,
Innovation & Technology and Circular Economy Solutions
at Borealis.
“Working together with the Reclay Group is a strategic
step towards value chain integration in securing plastic
waste feedstock and improving recyclability.
“This will enable our customers and partners to achieve
their circularity goals to reduce their overall carbon footprint,
and at the same time underpins our Borealis journey
towards more sustainable living.”

 

Origin & Mitsui Form Strategic Partnership For Sustainable Carbon-Negative Materials

Tokyo—
Origin Materials and Mitsui & Co. announced a strategic
partnership to industrialize advanced carbon negative
materials.
The companies aim to rapidly develop and industrialize
new sustainable carbon-negative products for the chemicals,
automotive, electronics, packaging, textiles, construction
and personal care industries based on Origin’s patented
technology platform.
The partnership will also leverage Mitsui’s global supply
chain strength, access to Japanese and international
markets, and leadership in business innovation, the partners
noted.
As part of the partnership, Mitsui has signed a multiyear
capacity reservation agreement to purchase sustainable
carbon-negative materials from Origin.

 

SCG Receives ISCC Plus Certification Throughout the Whole Supply Chain

Bangkok—SCG
Chemicals announced it is the “first” petrochemical company
in Thailand to receive ISCC Plus certification
throughout the whole supply chain.
The companies that have been certified under SCG
Chemicals include Circular Plas Co., RIL 1996 Co., Map Ta
Phut Olefins Co., and Thai Polyethylene Co. All four companies
are involved in the supply chain for SCG Green
Polymer’s post-consumer recycled resins.
“This certification demonstrates that SCG Chemicals’
high-quality post-consumer recycled resins are environmentally
friendly, with an effective management process
based on the circular economy concept and a commitment
to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” SCG explained.
“They also meet the requirements of ESG (Environmental,
Social and Governance) to create tangible sustainability
for the world, while also meeting the needs of businesses,
brand owners and environmentally conscious consumers.”

 

Eneos and Marubeni Ink MoU to Employ Ethylene Carrier with Lower Emissions

Tokyo—
Ethylene producer Eneos and Marubeni, a sales and logistics
provider, said they have signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) to use a new “environmentally-friendly”
ethylene carrier for ethylene export from Japan.
The vessel will be the “first” ethylene carrier equipped
with a dual fuel engine (liquefied natural gas and very low
sulfur fuel oil), which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions
by around 40% compared to conventional ethylene carriers,
the companies stated.
Marubeni will charter the vessel over the long term for
ethylene delivery beginning in 2024.
“Eneos and Marubeni intend to further develop carbon
neutralization in the ethylene supply chain in order to
meet customer needs for low carbon and decarbonization,”
they added.

 

Dow Invests In African Recycling Firm

Kenya—Dow
announced it has invested in Mr. Green Africa, a circular
recycling company in Kenya, to address “critical” waste
management gaps and accelerate a circular economy for
plastics in Africa.
The investment, the “first of its kind” from Dow on the
continent, is expected to enable around 90,000 t/y of plastic
waste to be recovered over four years and recycled into new
packaging applications.
Mr. Green converts locally collected plastic waste into
high-quality post consumer recyclates, which is then sold
as a substitute for virgin plastics. The support from Dow
and other investors will enable Mr. Green to expand its
operations.
Mr. Green is the “first” company in Africa to be a Certified
B Corporation.

 

TPPI Makes FID on Revamping Project To Boost Aromatics Capacity at Tuban

Tuban—
Trans-Pacific Petrochemical Indotama (TPPI), a subsidiary
of Pertamina, has completed the final investment decision
(FID) for a revamping project that will expand production
capacity for paraxylene and benzene at its complex in
Tuban, Indonesia (PCN, 5 Oct 2020, p 2).
The project, part of a planned $200-million renovation
and maintenance program, will increase paraxylene capacity
to 780,000 t/y from 600,000 t/y currently and expand
benzene capacity to 490,000 t/y from 360,000 t/y currently.
Platforming capacity will also be increased to 55,000 b/d
from 50,000 b/d. Production is expected to begin in 2023.
As part of the project, PTTI is replacing existing
equipment at the site that has reached the end of its lifespan
and replacing it with more efficient equipment, which
will result in the additional production capacity.
“This aromatic revamping project will further strengthen
TPPI’s role as the largest producer of aromatic products
in Indonesia, and also as a step towards realizing its vision
as a world class petrochemical and energy company,” Pertamina
noted.

 

L&T Heavy Engineering Wins Contract For IndianOil’s Barauni RFCC Revamp

Barauni—
Indian Oil Corp. (IndianOil) recently awarded a contract to
L&T Heavy Engineering for its residue fluid catalytic
cracking (RFCC) revamp, as part of the expansion at its
Barauni refinery in India (PCN, 12 July 2021, p 1).
The refinery expansion project, for which a schedule
was not given, will expand refinery capacity to 9-million t/y
from 6-million t/y currently, and will include, among others,
a 200,000-t/y polypropylene (PP) unit.
L&T is responsible for expanding and switching the existing
RFCC unit into an Indmaxx FCC unit, which will
convert hydrotreated and straight-run residue to maximize
propylene yield. The propylene will be used for the production
of PP.

 

Petrobras Provides Update on Timeline For Its Planned Sale of Braskem Stake

São Paulo—
Brazil’s Petrobras said it plans to divest its 36.1% preferred
stake in Braskem by February 2022, Reuters reported.
The transaction, being managed by JPMorgan, will be
conducted through a joint follow-on share offering with
Novonor, formerly known as Odebrecht. Novonor holds a
38.3% stake in Braskem.
Last June, Petrobras announced it had begun a sale
process for its 27.88% interest in the Deten Quimica petrochemical
complex in Bahia, Brazil. The sale has not yet
been completed.
Deten is a joint venture with Cepsa, owner of the remaining
approximately 77% stake. It mainly produces linear
alkyl benzene.

 

Flint Hills Resources Finalizes Transfer Of Its Propylene Business to Invista

Houston—
Invista, an affiliate of Flint Hills Resources (FHR), announced
it has completed the acquisition of FHR’s propylene
business, effective 1 Jan. 2022 (PCN, 8 Nov 2021, p 1).
The transaction includes chemical facilities and support
employees in Houston and Longview, Texas. Ownership of
the pipelines that supply these plants also transferred to
Invista and will continue to be operated by FHR, under
contract.
“The addition of the propylene business to Invista’s existing
portfolio provides a strong chemical platform in
which to grow,” said Invista Chairman and Chief Executive
Jeff Gentry.
“We look forward to applying our combined knowledge
and capabilities to accelerate future innovation and growth
opportunities.”

 

Lotte’s LCI Chooses EPC Contractors For Cilegon LINE Expansion Project

Cilegon—Lotte
Chemical Indonesia (LCI), a subsidiary of Lotte Chemical
Titan, has selected engineering, procurement and construction
(EPC) contractors for its new integrated petrochemical
facility, known as Lotte Chemical Indonesia New
Ethylene (LINE) Project, planned in Cilegon, Indonesia
(PCN, 20-27 Dec 2021, p 1).
The project, estimated to cost $3.95-billion, will include
a 1-million-t/y ethylene cracker, a 520,000-t/y propylene
plant, and units for the production of polypropylene, mixed
C4, butadiene, tertiary butyl alcohol, pyrolysis gasoline
and benzene, toluene and xylene.
For the main cracker unit, LCI will award the EPC contract
for onshore construction to Hein Global Utama, a
joint venture of Hyundai Engineering and Hans Enjiniring
dan Konstruksi, and the offshore engineering and procurement
contract to Hyundai.
EPC contracts for downstream plants and other infrastructure
facilities will be signed with Lotte Engineering &
Construction (LEC) and Jaya Teknik Konstruksi for onshore
construction, and LEC for offshore engineering and
procurement.
“With the latest development, all the pivotal aspects of
the construction of the Indonesia LINE project . . . are now
in place and we are set to commence the full project construction
this year and the project will be slated for completion
by 2025,” said Lotte President and Chief Executive
Park Hyun Chul.
“Moving ahead, our company will continue to focus on
operational and financial performance optimization initiatives
amidst the highly volatile and mercurial external environment.
We will continue to be vigilant and explore
value-accretive opportunities to further drive our growth.
“At the same time, we shall remain steadfast to focus
on our key growth strategies to achieve our vision of becoming
a top-tier petrochemical company in the Southeast
Asia region.”

 

Irkutsk Oil Gets Financing from JBIC For Ethylene & PE Project in Russia

Moscow—The
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has
agreed to provide financing to Irkutsk Oil Co. (INK) for its
ethylene and polyethylene (PE) production plant being
built in Ust-kut, Irkutsk, Russia (PCN, 4 Feb 2019, p 1).
The project will include a 650,000-t/y ethylene plant
based on Lummus Technology, and a PE unit licensed by
Univation Technologies with over 650,000 t/y of capacity,
PCN earlier reported. Ethane feedstock will be supplied
from INK’s oil fields. A completion date was not given.
JBIC and INK signed a buyer’s credit agreement to finance
the purchase of equipment for the project. The loan
is co-financed with Deutsche Bank AG, Tokyo Branch (Facility
Agent), Societe Generale, Tokyo Branch, and Goldman
Sachs Realty Japan, bringing the total co-financing
amount to $871-million.
Toyo Engineering is responsible for the design and supply
of equipment and materials, and Gemont is general
contractor.

 

Hyosung Vina Chemicals Starts Up PP Facility & LPG Storage Cavern

Hanoi—Hyosung
Vina Chemicals recently began operation of a new polypropylene
(PP) plant and a 240,000-t/y liquefied petroleum gas
(LPG) storage cavern in the Cai Mep Industrial Park in Ba
Ria-Vung Tai, Vietnam, according to local reports.
The $1.3-billion project, once fully operational, will produce
650,000 t/y of PP, based on LyondellBasell technology.
The company plans to supply 300,000 t/y of PP to the
Vietnamese market.
PCN earlier reported that Hyosung was planning a twophase
project at the site that involved construction of two
PP units (PCN, 9 Mar 2020, p 1).
The first phase was to include a 300,000-t/y PP plant
and an underground LGP storage warehouse. The second
phase was to include a second 300,000-t/y PP facility and a
propane dehydrogenation optical fiber plant.

 

Trinseo Completes Purchase of Heathland, Dutch Collector, Recycler of Plastic Waste

Horgen—
Trinseo announced it has finalized the acquisition of
Heathland BV, a Dutch collector and recycler of postconsumer
(PCR, EoL) and post-industrial (PIR) plastic
wastes in Europe (PCN, 13 Dec 2021, p 3).
Heathland, based in Utrecht, the Netherlands, is particularly
focused on converting PCR and PIR polymethyl
methacrylate, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,
polystyrene and other thermoplastic waste. Value of
the transaction was not disclosed.
Heathland collects, pre-treats and processes the plastic
wastes using mechanical and chemical recycling processes,
and then transforms them into high-quality recycled raw
materials for a wide range of high-end applications.
“Today is another exciting milestone in Trinseo’s transformation
journey in becoming a global specialty materials
and sustainable solutions provider,” said Francesca Reverberi,
senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at
Trinseo.
“The shared sustainability vision of both companies has
now become one. We will continue to invest in the movement
toward a circular economy.”

 

Freeport LNG and Talos Energy Sign LoI To Develop U.S. Gulf Coast CCS Project

Houston—
Freeport LNG Development and Talos Energy recently
executed a letter of intent (LoI) to develop a carbon capture
and sequestration (CCS) project adjacent to Freeport
LNG’s natural gas pretreatment facilities near Freeport,
Texas.
The project, Freeport LNG CCS (FLNG CCS), will utilize
a Freeport LNG-owned geological sequestration site
located less than half a mile from point of capture with up
to a 30-year injection term and will permanently sequester
carbon dioxide (CO2). First injection is expected to occur
by the end of 2024.
Talos will be project manager and operator and will be
joined by its partner, Storegga Geotechnologies Ltd., the
lead developer of the Acorn CCS project in the UK (PCN,
11 Oct 2021, p 2). FLNG CCS is subject to the execution of
definitive agreements.
“The FLNG CCS project benefits from a dedicated
source of CO2 and a secured injection site in close physical
proximity and, therefore, has limited commercial barriers
and a rapid execution timeline assuming efficient regulatory
approval processes,” the companies noted.
“Additionally, the site is located within 25 miles of up to
an additional 15-million [t/y] of incremental CO2 emissions
from major industrial sources, which offers the potential
for expansion in the future.”
Freeport LNG operates “one of the largest” LNG liquefaction
and export facilities in the world in Freeport. It is
in the process of adding a fourth train to its facility that
will expand its gas liquefaction capacity to over 20-million
t/y (PCN, 16 Dec 2019, p 4). The additional train is scheduled
to begin operations next year.

 

DCM Shiram Selects Topsoe’s ClearView To Digitalize SFC’s Kota Ammonia Unit

Kota—DCM
Shiram has chosen Haldor Topsoe’s ClearView solution for
digitalizing its Shiram Fertilizers & Chemicals (SFC) ammonia
plant in Kota, India.
ClearView is a connected service solution for ammonia,
hydrogen and methanol plants that helps customers optimize
their operations by improving KPIs, such as production,
operating cost, energy consumption, carbon dioxide
emission and uptime, Topsoe noted.
SFC will be the “first” ammonia plant in India completely
based on Topsoe technology. The digital platform is
expected to be operational by early 2022.
“ClearView monitors the plant digitally in near realtime
and generates a new level of detailed insights that
enables our customers like SFC to optimize plant performance
on a continuous basis,” said Alok Verma, managing
director, Haldor Topsoe Southern Asia.

 

People on the Move

Plastic Energy—Jean-Christophe Lesguillier has been
appointed chief operating officer, effective January 2022.
He was previously business development executive at Alliance
to End Plastic Waste, and circular economy executive
at ExxonMobil.
Gevo—David George has joined the company as senior
vice president, Verity Tracking. He was most recently
chief commercial officer at Xpansiv.

 

Purecycle & SK Geocentric Enter Agreement For Plastic Waste Recycling Plant in Ulsan

Ulsan—
Purecycle Technologies and SK Geocentric, a unit of SK
Group, have signed an initial terms agreement to build a
polypropylene (PP) recycling facility in Ulsan, S. Korea,
according to Yonhap News Agency.
Under the agreement, the recycling plant will have the
capacity to produce around 60,000 t/y of ultra-pure recycled
PP using Purecycle’s technologies. SK Geocentric will hold
exclusive domestic sales rights to the product. Construction
is expected to begin this year, with completion anticipated
by 2024.
Last August, the two companies agreed to establish a
joint venture to build a plastic waste recycling plant in
South Korea.
SK Geocentric has previously said it plans to transform
its business portfolio from petrochemicals to green products
by 2025.
Separately, SK Geo Centric, in collaboration with Kolon
Industries, announced it is going to commercialize and
launch polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT), an
eco-friendly biodegradable plastic material.
The parties have been jointly working on research and
development since 2020, and were able to launch a commercialized
product in just eight months after signing a
strategic partnership agreement in April 2021.

 

Indorama India Concludes Purchase Of Grasim Industries’ IGF Business

New Delhi—
Indorama India Private Ltd. (IIP), an indirect subsidiary of
Indorama Corp., said it has successfully concluded the acquisition
of Grasim Industries Ltd.’s fertilizer business,
Indo Gulf Fertilizers (IGF) on 1 Jan. 2022.
IGF is active in the manufacturing, trading and sale of
urea and other “agri-inputs.” It has a 1.2-million-t/y urea
facility at Jagdishpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
“With this acquisition, IIP has become one of the largest
private sector producers of fertilizer in India and will
enable it to add scale, breadth and capabilities to offer a
complete range of agri-inputs . . . in Eastern, Northern and
Central India,” Indorama noted.
IIP has existing plants in West Bengal, India, to produce
and trade phosphate-based complex fertilizers.

 

Elessent Clean Technologies Purchases DuPont’s Clean Technologies Business

Chesterfield—
Elessent Clean Technologies, a private equity consortium,
has finalized the acquisition of the clean technologies business
of DuPont for an undisclosed amount.
The consortium, consisting of BroadPeak Global, Asia
Green Fund and the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments
Co., has named the new, independent company Elessent
Clean Technologies.
Elessent is a “global leader” in process technologies to
drive sustainability and carbon neutrality in the chemical,
fertilizer, oil refining and metal industries, Elessent noted.
The new company retains exclusive rights to the technologies,
expertise, products and services of the clean technologies
business, including MECS sulfuric acid and environmental
technologies, Belco scrubbing technologies,
Stratco alkylation technologies and IsoTherming hydroprocessing
technology.

 

Chandra Asri & BRI Sign Credit Facility; Will Encourage Development of CAP2

Jakarta—
Chandra Asri Petrochemical and Bank Rakyat Indonesia
have signed a $325-million credit facility agreement consisting
of a term loan facility, trade line facilities and a
forex line.
“This partnership is the first step in business development,
increasing capital strength, and expanding Chandra
Asri’s market access in Indonesia and internationally,”
Chandra Asri noted.
“Furthermore, this collaboration is expected to encourage
the development of CAP2, which can reduce Indonesia’s
dependence on imports and create new jobs.”
CAP2, expected to cost about $5-billion, would include,
among others, a cracker unit, polymerized olefins and related
facilities and utilities, and would double the company’s
production capacity to over 8-million t/y (PCN, 6
Dec 2021, p 1). Subject to a final investment decision
planned this year, operations would begin from 2026.

 

Advanced Increases, Extends Agreement For the Supply of Propylene from Satorp

Jubail—
Advanced Petrochemical Co. has signed an amended
agreement with Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical
(Satorp) that increases and extends a propylene
supply agreement signed in 2017.
Under the new agreement, which took effect 1 Dec.
2021 for a period of five years, Satorp will supply Advanced
with a total of 120,000 t/y of polymer-grade propylene. The
prior agreement was for the supply of 100,000 t/y of propylene.

 

Hyundai Completes Uzbek GTL Plant

Tashkent—
Hyundai recently announced that it had completed construction
on a $2.6-billion gas-to-liquid (GTL) plant for Uzbekistan
GTL in the Qashqadaryo region of Uzbekistan.
The project, expected to be fully operational in the first
half of this year, will process 3.6-billion cu m of gas into
670,000 t/y of diesel, 270,000 t/y of kerosene and 360,000
t/y of naphtha, using advanced processing technologies.
Hyundai Engineering, along with Hyundai Engineering
& Construction and Enter Engineering were responsible
for implementing the project.
The new GTL facility is expected to help Uzbekistan reduce
its dependence on energy imports, and make the
country more eco-efficient.

 

Heubach, SK Acquire Clariant Pigments

Muttenz—
The Heubach Group, a global producer of pigments, and
SK Capital Partners have completed the purchase of Clariant
Pigments, Clariant’s global colorants business (PCN,
21 June 2021, p 3).
The combined business will operate under the Heubach
brand, creating a global pigment technology and industry
“leader,” the parties noted. PCN earlier reported that the
transaction had an enterprise value of between CHF 805-
million and CHF 855-million.
In addition, Heubach has appointed Stefan Doboczky as
chief executive of the Heubach Group, effective 10 Jan.
2022. He most recently served as chief executive of
Lenzing AG.

 

Haldia Plans Ethylene Cracker Project To Be Built in Phases in Tamil Nadu

Mumbai—Haldia
Petrochemicals is planning to build a two-phase, oil-tochemicals
project, including an ethylene cracker and downstream
units, at Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, India, Argus
Media reported.
Specifically, the first phase will include an ethylene
cracker with an expected nameplate capacity of 1.8-million
t/r, a high-density polyethylene (PE) unit and a linear lowdensity
PE swing plant, each with 650,000 t/y of capacity,
three polypropylene facilities with a combined capacity of
1.7-million t/y, a 1.2-million-t/y monoethylene glycol line
and a 271,000 t/y butadiene plant.
Also in the first phase, Haldia will build propylene
downstream units for the production of 300,000 t/y of phenol,
185,000 t/y of acetone and 150,000 t/y of isopropanol.
The second phase will involve a 1.6-million-t/y paraxylene
plant, 1.25-million-t/y purified terephthalic acid unit,
and the production of 580,000 t/y of benzene and 198,000
t/y of toluene.
Estimated to cost around $10.5-billion, the project is
anticipated to take eight years to complete upon the receipt
of all statutory approvals and clearances from relevant
authorities and departments.

 

OTH Expanding Houston Storage Terminal To Support Growth in Chemical Industry

Houston—
Odfjell said it is building a new tank bay at Odfjell Terminals
Houston (OTH) to support ongoing regional growth in
the chemical industry.
The new bay (Bay 13) will increase capacity by 9% to
413,400 cu m. Bay 13’s nine new tanks, with a total capacity
of 32,400 cu m, will allow OTH to relocate and consolidate
products of existing customers and optimize the use of
its current storage capacity for new customers and products.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter
of this year and operations are expected to begin by the
end of 2023.
“The expansion project is consistent with OTH’s strategy
of positioning itself for healthy demand for storage capacity
in the specialty/petrochemical industry in the U.S.
Gulf Coast region, where OTH has been operating at or
near full capacity for years,” Odfjell noted.
OTH is owned by the joint venture Odfjell Terminals
US, which is owned 51% by Odfjell and 49% by Northleaf
Capital Partners.

Chiyoda, TEPCO and Jera Begin R&D Of Japanese NH3 Synthesis Catalysts

Tokyo—Chiyoda
Corp., Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings (TEPCO) and
Jera Co. said they have commenced research and development
(R&D) of innovative ammonia synthesis catalysts in
Japan to support the establishment of fuel ammonia supply
chains.
The initiative is to develop independent ammonia synthesis
technologies, based on the development of the innovative
catalysts, to enhance the use of ammonia through
lower production costs and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions
from power generation plants.
The two-stage project is being funded by the New Energy
and Industrial Technology Development Organization’s
Green Innovation Fund. It is expected to take 10
years to complete.
“The fuel ammonia market is expected to grow rapidly
and Chiyoda, TEPCO and Jera will discuss exploring
broader global use of the R&D results, such as ammonia
production using clean, green hydrogen from renewable
energy,” the partners noted.