LANXESS

Definite agreement to acquire US flame retardants producer Chemtura / Latest step in path to becoming “new Lanxess” / EUR 2.4 bn deal to close by mid-2017

LYONDELLBASELL

Q2 results in line with CEO's expectations / Earnings improve in Europe / Insolvency-related lawsuit reopened in US

CHEMTURA

Raising “Adiprene” MDI prepolymer output in Italy / MbOCA-free alternative meets REACH obligations

VERSALIS

Investor SK Capital confirms interest in Italian petchems producer / Ascend owner reportedly plans no facility closures

ICL IP

Flame retardants producer says availability of PolyFR in Europe suffices to meet demand / Israeli production facility operating at commercial scale

EPS INSULATION

Fierce competition and high volatility drive consolidation in Germany / French state fund for renovations / New UK market leader is born / Cladding segment increasingly trends towards grey EPS / Prolonged use of HBCD has no notable market relevance

CHEMTURA

Manufacture and sale of HBCD flame retardant to be discontinued

CHEMTURA

Price rise for "Emerald Innovation 3000" Flame Retardant

CHEMTURA

Price hike for bromine-based flame retardants / Allocations possible

BIESTERFELD

Distributing Chemtura Great Lakes Solutions' flame retardants in Italy

YEAR IN REVIEW 2014

Part 4 – Regulations: Regulatory moves keep the industry on its toes again in 2014 / Restrictions on plastic bags dominate the discussion / BPA and phthalates still a topic / Flame retardant issues still smoulder / Recycling guidelines make headway

THERMOPLASTIC POLYOLEFINS

Global market to grow by 6.4% to USD 3.4 bn by 2020 / Grand View Research study

ADDIVANT

Liquid phosphite antioxidant receives FDA clearance for food contact / Increases processing productivity and colour protection

ADDIVANT

Polymer modifier range expanded with new coupling agents / More product launches planned in coming years

ADDIVANT

Former Chemtura business raises antioxidant capacity at Saudi joint venture / Meeting rising regional demand

EPS INSULATION

Syndicate plans to lobby EU to prolong use of HBCD as flame retardant / Decision expected by year's end / Ban already enforced in Switzerland / German association members plan to follow in mid-2014

DOW

Switching global XPS lines to sustainable "PolyFR" technology / Japanese facilities first in a phased process

PEOPLE

Songwon: Cord Manegold new global business manager

CHEMTURA

SK Capital Partners completes acquisition of antioxidants and stabilisers business

PEOPLE

Thomas Schmutz becomes new Global Technical Service director at Songwon Industrial

CHEMTURA

Sale of antioxidant and UV stabilisers business to SK Capital / Deal includes production units in US, France and Germany

PEOPLE

New EMEA sales manager for Emerald's “K-flex” plasticisers

STEPAN EUROPE

Polyester polyols price hike in Europe

CHEMTURA

Global polyester polyols price hike

CHEMTURA

New rotational casting laboratory starts up in Italy