GLG News by Plastics and Resins Experts in GLG Member Programs

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Ethane looks even better for petrochemicals in the long run

November 4, 2011

Analysis of: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.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

The Startup That's Working On a Real Petrochemical Game-Changer

October 5, 2011

Analysis of: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.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

New Wave of Ethylene Crackers -- This Won’t Happen

July 7, 2011

Analysis of:POLL FINDINGS: Industry forecasts wave of new North America crackers by 2020 | www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com

Hydrocarbon Processing conducted a poll with results finding that 77% of respondents think four or more new ethylene crackers will be built by 2020. An amazing 31% think eight or more will be built. This won’t happen!

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Demand Destruction of Butadiene

June 29, 2011

Analysis of:Asia tyre makers may opt to switch to NR on spiking BR prices | www.icis.com

The reduction in SBR in tire formulations probably represents real demand destruction for butadiene as the minimization has been in place for years. The reduction in butyl rubber could represent further real demand destruction for butadiene. However, this is still flexible, depending on prices. It is not easy to add supply of natural rubber as you have to wait for a tree to grow. Therefore, the give/take of butyl rubber versus natural rubber may go on for some time.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Butadiene Continues to be Too Tight

June 15, 2011

Analysis of:US Goodyear declares force majeure on SBR | www.icis.com

The butadiene problem is endemic in the U.S. Crude C4 is produced as a coproduct of ethylene when heavier feedstocks are cracked. The easy availability of relatively cheap ethane, enhanced by the new shale gas has driven feedstock slates to ethane, producing very little crude C4 for processing into butadiene.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Ethane from Marcellus—At What Price

June 7, 2011

Analysis of:Shell Plans to Build Ethylene Cracker in Marcellus Region | www.industryweek.com

The pricing of ethane from the Marcellus Shale Play will be a complex mix of interests. Gas producers will welcome the offtake of ethane, but need frac spreads that meet commercial thresholds as a whole. However, to justify the $1-1.5 billion investment in an ethylene cracker, secure supply of ethane and advantaged prices will be necessary. Otherwise, ethylene producers would undertake less capital intensive expansions at U.S. Gulf Coast facilities.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Implications on Petrochemicals of Iran's Gasoline Supply

September 21, 2010

Analysis of:Iran sharply cuts petchem exports, reconsiders gasoline imports | www.zawya.com

Iran switched its petrochemical facilities over to produce gasoline. With operating rates in the Middle East hovering quite low, this might sound like good news. At best, the scheme just adds uncertainty to petrochemical markets.

Michael BrownManaging PartnerTZ Chemicals

NAHB Reports Weakness in Remodeling in 2Q2010

August 5, 2010

Analysis of:Survey: Weakness Persists in Remodeling Market | tinyurl.com

The National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI) fell in 2Q2010 to 40.7 from 43.8 in 1Q2010 indicating continued weakness in the professional remodel market as homeowners remain concerned by the economic outlook. However, sales of some building materials, such as paints, would indicate the homeowner is willing to spend on remodel, but rather on smaller projects they can do themselves.

Michael BrownManaging PartnerTZ Chemicals

"60 Minutes" and Phthalates - CBS was "Fair and Balanced" and Gave Hope for BPA

June 14, 2010

Analysis of:Phthalates: Are They Safe? | www.cbsnews.com

The "60 Minutes" piece by Leslie Stahl aired on May 23 is among the most balanced views of a potential chemical-related health issue by the mainstream press. The debate shifted away from emotion and toward a more general overview of the uncertainty of health effects and the trade-offs of the everyday use of chemicals. One balanced piece will not significantly alter the debate on BPA, but perhaps this piece will show industry a way to shift public and regulatory sentiment in the future.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Weakening Asian Polyethylene Demand Backs Up into the US

March 22, 2010

Analysis of:Excess stocks in China weighing down sentiment in global PE markets | news.alibaba.com

Chinese traders are re-exporting imported polyethylene to pull down inventories and adjust to weaker demand. This has pulled down prices in Asian and may hinder US exports to the region.

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