Petrochemicals
HB Fuller to acquire global industrial adhesives business from Forbo
HB Fuller Co has signed an agreement to purchase the global industrial adhesives business of Forbo Group. Forbo is known for the breadth of its product line in all of HB Fuller’s core market segments, particularly packaging and durable assembly, according to Fuller officials.
US coal industry sees limited 2012 upside - report
Softer export markets and natural gas displacement will outweigh benefits of lower stocks and consolidation for US coal producers in 2012, according to a new report. Domestic steam coal demand is in slow decline, and Fitch Ratings says it expects supply to remain disciplined.
Westlake boosts planned capacity by 40% for Louisiana chlor-alkali project
Westlake Chemical is increasing the capacity of the previously-announced chlor-alkali plant to be located at its vinyls manufacturing complex in Geismar, Louisiana. Site work is currently underway for this new facility and the project is targeted for start-up in the second half of 2013.
Total buys ExxonMobil stake in Antwerp olefins unit
Total affiliate PetroFina S.A. on Wednesday signed an agreement with ExxonMobil under which ExxonMobil is to transfer to Total its 35% shareholder interest in Fina Antwerp Olefins. This plant is the second largest in Europe for the production of base chemicals products, including ethylene, propylene and benzene.
Dow, Aksa form carbon fiber venture in Turkey
Dow Chemical and Turkey-based Aksa on Tuesday formed a joint venture to manufacture and commercialize carbon fiber and derivatives. Total investment in the project, including third-party investments, is expected to reach $1 billion in five years and create up to 1,000 employment opportunities, the companies said.
North America energy infrastructure outlook holds stable for 2012 - report
The stable outlook is supported by largely contracted revenue streams mitigating price and volume risk, including continuing strong support for renewable power projects through renewable portfolio standards.
Coca-Cola plans to have 100% plant-based bottle
Coca-Cola expects to have a plastic bottle made entirely from plant-based materials ready for commercial use in the next few years as it looks to reduce its reliance on petroleum used in traditional plastic bottles. Coca-Cola believes it can have the plant-based bottle developed by 2015 so that, by 2020, all of its plastic bottles can be using the new material.
Chevron Phillips Chemical plans new Texas ethane cracker for 2017
The company will build a world-scale cracker at its existing Cedar Bayou complex as well as two nearby polyethylene units.
Momentive, UPC form China phenolic resin venture
Momentive Specialty Chemicals and UPC Technology Corp. have now signed a definitive joint venture agreement creating Momentive Union Specialty Chemicals, a venture that will build manufacturing capacity in China to produce specialty phenolic resins.
US shale resources likely to spark manufacturing renaissance through 2025 - PwC
The abundance of shale gas resources could lead a US manufacturing renaissance with economic benefits that include cost savings, greater investments to expand manufacturing facilities and increased levels of employment, according to a new report.
- U.S. labor board judge rules Exxon's Texas refinery union lockout was legal 11/28
- U.S. crude stocks fall, gasoline and distillate inventories rise 11/28
- Maersk could use 15%–20% alternative fuels for its fleet in 2030 11/28
- Germany's BSW pushes to restore Russian oil to Schwedt refinery, seeks regional legitimacy 11/28
- Asia likely to benefit from cheaper Canadian, Mexican oil if Trump imposes tariffs 11/28
- Singapore distillates stocks tick up for fifth week 11/28
