POLYMER PRICES

Standard Thermoplastics in December 2009: Majority of polyolefins hold firm at November level / Occasional corrections / PVC remains weak / Cost increases factored into PS price / Rising notations likely in January

PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS

BASF restarts 1.08m t/y Antwerp cracker / Smaller German unit back up later this month / “No FM”

BASF

Price increase for butanediol and BDO derivatives

BASF

European production of polyamide 6 bundled / Rudolstadt site to close / Job cuts

GERMAN PLASTICS PRODUCERS

Business stabilises at low level after late 2008 crash / Sales and production lose ground against 2007

BASF

"Ultrason" impact modifier available in powder form / Easier incorporation into resins

PLASTICS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Plastic structural inserts replace metal reinforcements / After the engine compartment, substitution now in the bodywork

BASF

Follow-up: Partial restart of benzene plant after blaze