Industry: Chemicals & Plastics

After a few good years, outperforming broader markets in the past decade, the chemicals industry currently faces significant challenges moving forward. Feedstock cost competitiveness and new markets, two of the more significant market drivers, have a positive outlook. However, other drivers are negative, such as the current direction of interest rates, or neutral, such as […]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained significant attention due to their widespread use, persistence in the environment, and potential adverse health effects. A recent study on landfill leachate conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found PFAS in 95% of landfills. Based on these findings, in January 2023 the EPA announced that they […]

Nova chemicals launches metallocene film grade PEs –SURPASS Nova chemical is launching four film grade resins –the first of its new high-performance PE resins underSURPASS trade name, produced with NOVA SCLAIRTECH technology using proprietary single-site catalysts. SURPASS resins deliver a unique combination of properties like toughness, tear strength, clarity and processability. The grades include FPs […]

Compressors are used in a wide range of applications in the oil and gas, energy, and petrochemical industries. The growing hydrogen, carbon capture, biofuels, and other energy transition markets present new opportunities for compressor companies. Many of these industries are being built from the ground up, offering years of growth for compressors and related equipment […]

In 1987, the world collectively decided to ban chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) after discovering their devastating impact on the ozone layer. Despite the industry’s initial concerns about the economic implications, the ban was successful, and the ozone layer is now on the road to recovery. The ongoing debate around “forever chemicals” such as PFAS calls for a […]

AMERICAS Shintech seeks permit for ethylene plant Shintech has applied for a permit from the Louisiana Department of Environment Quality for the construction of a 500 KT ethylene plant. A site for the plant has not been chosen yet. Comments: Shintech, the U.S. subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical has recently focused on a strategy of backward […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Jose Sanchez Mendez, Director, Plastics and Polymers, Mathiesen USA, highlighted the company’s long-standing presence and diverse business model in the chemical industry, particularly in the area of specialty polymers. Mathiesen operates through distribution, representation, and production. Mendez said that with global reach, strong financial footing, […]

At FlexPO+ 2023 (now part of the ADI Forum), Richard Shaw, Director of Circular Economy & Sustainability at Americas Styrenics, discussed the company’s commitment to recycling and sustainability, as well as its perspective on the future of sustainable plastics. The discussion highlighted AmSty’s investment in polystyrene recycling, including the use of both dissolution and pyrolysis […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Carlos Badiola, SVP of Engineering at Encina, discussed the company’s efforts to convert mixed plastic waste into basic chemical products, such as benzene, at its Pennsylvania facility. The discussion focused on Encina’s approach to advanced recycling, including its work in understanding different waste qualities and […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now part of the ADI Forum), Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics, highlighted the pivotal role of innovation in the plastics and polymers industry. Key topics included the importance of innovation and R&D in the chemical industry, which consistently contribute to higher shareholder returns. The discussion emphasized how innovation drives growth, particularly […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Bob Maughon, EVP, Sustainability, SABIC, presented the keynote speech of the day, after an introduction by Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics. Key topics included the chemical industry’s dramatic transformation due to shifting competitive landscapes and new global players. Sustainability and energy transition were paramount, driving […]

At the 2023 FlexPO+ (now incorporated into the ADI Forum), Vikram Gopal, SVP & CTO, Ascend Performance Materials, joined moderator Uday Turaga, CEO, ADI Analytics, for the innovation panel. Key topics included a strategic shift to specialized, higher-margin materials driven by customer-centric innovation. This involved developing diverse polyamide co-polymers for critical applications like electrification in […]