GLG News by Surfactant Experts

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.

Gerard BuhrerOwnerSpectrum International Sourcing

The A-380 - Stay in Production or cancel?

May 7, 2010

Canceling the A 380 will invoke more costs not less. Even if the various Gov'ts would agree with layoffs, the severance pay and other benefits would outweigh the savings. Also most of the development costs are "sunk" they cannot be recovered at all. Future production costs must be reflected in the actual aircraft selling price. Also Airbus would suffer greatly in prestige should their "Queen" disappear, plus many customers would leave Airbus and go to Boeing.

Michael BrownManaging PartnerTZ Chemicals

Specialty Chemicals Growth in 2010 Will be Modest and Uneven and Led by China

October 21, 2009

Analysis of:10,000: Then and Now | www.nytimes.com

Signs are emerging in the specialty chemicals value chains that show an overall improving global economy, but one with unevenness by region and by economic sector. Our indicators show China leading all regions in 2010 growth while manufacturing will lead all sectors. Lagging will be housing and the regions of North America and Europe.

Michael BrownManaging PartnerTZ Chemicals

Flexible Packaging Industry depends on Consumer Spending for Growth

October 13, 2009

Analysis of:Flexible packaging will return to growth in 2011 | www.europeanplasticsnews.com

Flexible packaging volume growth is highly dependent upon the growth of consumer products, particularly non-discretionary products such as food. Value growth is dependent upon volume as well as pricing which has been under pressure in 2009 as the inputs associated with oil have dropped in price forcing packaging producers to pass on much of the decrease. Value will likely be down this year but volume will not.

Michael BrownManaging PartnerTZ Chemicals

Huntsman's Move In China Should be Polyurethane

September 28, 2009

Analysis of:Huntsman seeks deals in China | www.ft.com

Huntsman has announcement they are seeking deals for their textile chemicals business in China which seems misplaced given the strength and importance of their polyurethane business in this region.

Michael BrownManaging PartnerTZ Chemicals

BASF Nylon Plant Closure Reflects a Global Shift in Demand

September 21, 2009

Analysis of:BASF to Close Permanently Nylon-6 Plant in Germany | chemweek.com

BASF's closure of the nylon 6 plant in Rudolstadt, Germany is reflective of the broader global trends affecting nylon - slower demand growth that is shifting toward China and away from Europe and North America.

Michael BrownManaging PartnerTZ Chemicals

Chemical Industry Study on Greehouse Gases - an interesting framework

July 21, 2009

Analysis of:Chems industry reduced global GHG by 11% in 2005 - ICCA | www.icis.com

The International Council of Chemical Associations emissions be enabling applications and technologies that serve to reduce overall societal emissions. Of great importance are chemical-based insulation, crop fertilizer/protection chemicals and improved lighting.

Michael BrownManaging PartnerTZ Chemicals

BPA regulations pick up momentum

May 20, 2009

Analysis of:City of Chicago Bans BPA | chemweek.com

The recent regulation by the City of Chicago which bans the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food/beverage containers for children continues the increasing trend that started in Suffolk County (New York).  Banning or limiting the use of plastics and resins containing (BPA) will impact the infant care and metal packaging markets the most.  BPA-free alternative technology is available but users and converters in these industries will have to make trade-offs and in some cases invest in new equipment and tooling to make the switch.

Michael BrownManaging PartnerTZ Chemicals

Rail shipments for chemicals remain weak

May 15, 2009

Analysis of:Rail group warns economic recovery still far off | finance.yahoo.com

The chemical industry is often considered to be a leading indicator of the broader economy.  Rail shipments are considered to be a leading indicator of the chemical industry since they are comprised predominantly of early value chain commodity chemicals.  Thus, chemical rail shipments can be considered a leading-leading indicator for the broader economy.

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