Diaper production follows raw materials
December 29, 2011
One more: Kimberly-Clark will install its first factory in Cama?ari in the Northeast | camacarinoticias.com.br
There have been several announcements in recent months of new SAP (superabsorbent polymer) production capacity. Investments in diaper manufacturing are following quickly to consume the polymer.
Ethane looks even better for petrochemicals in the long run
November 4, 2011
Another Oil Shock? | www.mckinseyquarterly.com
McKinsey poses a scenario where crude oil rises to $125 to $175 per barrel, forcing fundamental structural changes. One of those changes is reduced consumption of oil in petrochemical production. This is more good news for additional ethane-based petrochemical capacity.
BASF confirms Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) expansions
October 12, 2011
BASF strengthens position in superabsorbent polymers in emerging markets | www.basf.com
We speculated recently about the exact timing and locations of BASF’s SAP capacity expansions. Today BASF has provided clear answers.
Tronox to become largest integrated titanium oxide producer
October 10, 2011
Tronox Sells 39% Stake to Exxaro to Gain Mineral Operations | news.businessweek.com
Major buyers have been frustrated by rising prices for titanium dioxide, but several recent announcements indicate that major producers will add capacity to meet demand. Exxaro will acquire a 39% stake of Tronox in return for access to mineral feedstocks. The deal will make Tronox the largest integrated titanium oxide manufacturer. Will this lead to oversupply?
BASF presses ahead with expansions
October 10, 2011
First plants of BASF-YPC expansion in Nanjing China come on stream | www.basf.com
We have discussed the rapid globalization of BASF’s acrylic acid and SAP (Superabsorbent Polymer) production networks. A further link in the jigsaw puzzle is confirmed here, but the timing remains uncertain.
The Startup That's Working On a Real Petrochemical Game-Changer
October 5, 2011
Ethylene Production Technology | www.technologyreview.com
A startup called Siluria has developed catalysts that can convert methane (natural gas) directly and selectively to ethylene. The technology is said to be a vast improvement over the existing MTO (methane to olefins) technology, which is expensive and not very selective. If economically viable, this technology would have a significant impact on both the ethylene industry and stranded gas.
Building In Brazil to complete global acrylic acid network
August 23, 2011
Building in Brazil | feedproxy.google.com
BASF has announced that it will build a world-scale acrylic acid complex at Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil. This will make BASF the only truly global producer of acrylic acid with production facilities in China, Malaysia, the U.S., Europe and now Brazil.
New US Chemical Capacity ‘Not Built Yet’
August 15, 2011
Cheap Shale Gas Means Record U.S. Chemical Industry Growth | www.bloomberg.com
There has been a race to announce new cracker capacity based on abundant reserves of low cost shale gas. Fast forward to late in the decade, what will the reality be? Will wiser heads prevail?
Boom, Gloom and the New Normal
August 13, 2011
This Time, Maybe the U.S. Is Japan | online.wsj.com
The USA and other Western nations are following the path of Japan's economy post-1990 and the ending of its housing/stock market boom. Our detailed new analysis, Boom, Gloom and the New Normal - how the Western BabyBoomers are Changing Global Demand Patterns, Again shows why. It argues, contrary to conventional economic opinion, that demand is falling in the West due to the ageing of the BabyBoomers. 29% of the Western population is now 55+, and older people spend less, and save more.
Q2 Chemicals Results raise Concerns about the Outlook
August 5, 2011
History shows that a sustained rise of oil prices to current levels has always led to a recession.Chemical company results for Q2 do nothing to suggest that 'this time is different'.
Chesapeake Energy bites the natural gas bullet
January 25, 2012
Flurry of newbuild drilling rig deliveries in 2012 may dampen rig rates
January 20, 2012
Talisman joins the ranks of cautious E&P companies
January 12, 2012
Early signs of caution begin to cloud frontier exploration and production
January 4, 2012
Two global energy pipeline projects deserve attention
November 15, 2011