BASF

Cooperating with Novozymes and Cargill on bio-based acrylic acid / Dextrose as feedstock

BASF

European polyamide prices to rise

HUNTSMAN

Studying MDI capacity expansion in Geismar / Reaping the benefits of US shale gas reserves

BASF

Introducing "Aqua" engineering plastics approved for drinking water contact / Different regulations throughout Europe

UPDATE - BASF

Raising prices of PA and derivatives in Asia Pacific

PEOPLE

BASF: Maas-Brunner new VP Engineering Plastics Europe / Dhruva appointed senior vice president of Polyurethanes Asia Pacific

BAYER

Group guidance raised after strong first half / MaterialScience reports highest EBITDA increase since Q2 2007

DOW

Second-quarter performance clouded by Europe, China woes / Lower sales and earnings for performance materials and plastics

BASF

Slower growth in Q2 2012 reflects demand drop and maintenance / China stutters / Full year forecast upheld

BASF

North American PA 6 prices to rise

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in July 2012: Petrochemical slump pressures polyols / MDI and TDI in strong rollover / Despite lower output, no supply bottlenecks / Demand down slightly / Rising prices upstream drive

STYROLUTION

South Korean ASA copolymer compounds plant inaugurated

GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL

14m t of new petrochemical capacity brought on stream in 2011 / Saudi Arabia leads the pack / Regional players are setting their sights to the east / Feedstock surplus will sweep global markets in near future

BASF

Tolling agreement with Astra Polymers for customer specific blends renewed

BASF

Acquisition of North American PU specialist ITWC / Extending regional footprint

BASF

Building new butadiene plant in Antwerp

BASF POLYURETHANES

Expansion of factory premises in Lemförde / Extending R&D facilities

CORRECTION - POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in June 2012: Most MDI, TDI and polyol notations roll over / First signs of seasonal downturn / Maintenance cycle causes small TDI bottlenecks / Polyol prices could follow olefins downward

BASF

Global price hike for isophorone diamine

BASF

Additives and polymers distribution pact with Univar in Turkey

STYROLUTION

HIPS line down temporarily at Antwerp

SOUTH AFRICA

Demand for plastics picks up again / Good prospects for insulation materials / Significant increase in imports

BASF

New antioxidants plant in Singapore / Transfer of production from Japan / Completion in 2013

POLYMER PRICES

Polyurethane feedstocks in May 2012: MDI in a strong rollover / TDI up by triple-digit figures as supply tightens / Polyols softer / Building season picks up in NWE / Risk of hikes despite sinking costs

SIEMENS

Exhaust gas CO2 as feedstock for new “green” polymer / Cooperation with BASF