Industry: Chemicals & Plastics

Abundant, low-cost North American natural gas is incentivizing its monetization as LNG for marine fuel, driven by price advantages over diesel and the benefit of meeting environmental regulations.

AMERICAS  Hexpol to boost synthetic rubber compounding capacity in Mexico  Hexpol plans to expand synthetic rubber compounding capacity in Mexico. The expansion will add a new advanced 135 L rubber compounding line into its Querétaro facility, Mexico, which will increase overall capacity to 70 KTA. Comments: Sweden-headquartered Hexpol A.B. supplies advanced rubber and plastic compounding […]

At the Methanol Conference in 2015, the presentation “Natural Gas Utilization via Small-Scale Methanol Technologies” explored growing interest in North American natural gas monetization. An abundant supply of cheap natural gas drives this interest. It highlights key factors. Gas flaring, favorable pricing, mature product markets, and diverse end-uses propel interest in small-scale methanol. The discussion […]

ADI Chemical Market Resources has completed a detailed analysis of high melt-strength polypropylene (HMS PP) technologies, designed to enhance PP’s processability in applications like extrusion foaming, thermoforming, and blow molding. HMS PP is produced through techniques such as long-chain branching and molecular modification, making it competitive with polystyrene and polyethylene in performance-demanding uses. Key applications […]

ADI Chemical Market Resources (ADI CMR) conducted a strategic study of global styrene block copolymer (SBC) markets, including SBS, SEBS, and SIS. These thermoplastic elastomers offer outstanding mechanical, elastic, and processing properties and are widely used as polymer modifiers and in adhesives, films, wire and cable, roofing, and automotive parts. The report analyzes supply-demand dynamics, […]

AMERICAS Dunkin’ Donuts seeking replacement of EPS cup Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. has looked for alternatives to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam cups for its coffee cups. Currently, polypropylene foam cups from Berry Plastics Group have been considered the best alternative to EPS foam cups. Dunkin’ Donuts also seeks a new and recyclable lid to be […]

Stricter marine emissions regulations drive interest in cleaner fuels; abundant North American shale gas offers LNG and methanol as lower-emission alternatives to traditional fuels.

 AMERICAS  Sekisui Plastics USA introduces a new grade of Piocelan®foam resin  Sekisui Plastics USA has launched a new grade of moldable Piocelan®foam resin, Piocelan T. The new material is a hybrid of polystyrene and polyolefins using Sekisui Plastics’ proprietary hybrid foam technology. Compared to previous grades that lack sufficient heat resistance for some automotive applications, […]

Ammonia production, a mature and widely practiced method, provides established natural gas monetization.

AMERICAS   Shintech to build new ethylene unit at Iberville Parish facility   Shintech, the largest PVC producer in North America, will invest USD 1.4 billion for a new ethane cracker installed at its facility in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, as well as infrastructures that connect ethylene output to VCM and PVC units. The new plant […]

AMERICAS   Nova Chemicals evaluating new PE plant   Canada-headquartered Nova Chemicals is considering building a new PE plant and might have a final decision within 12-18 months. If this PE project realizes, the PE plant would benefit from its expansion project of cracker in Corunna, Canada which is due on stream in 2017. In […]

AMERICAS Total launches new HDPE grade Total has introduced a new HDPE grade, XSene XRT70. This grade which combines excellent processability and raised temperature resistance is designed for water and gas pressure pipe application. High extrusion speed at low extrusion temperature without sacrificing the finished surface can be achieved, which has been confirmed by converters […]