BASF

Final approval for Zhanjiang Verbund site / First wholly owned cracker due onstream in 2026 / Complex to be bigger than Nanjing site

YEAR IN REVIEW 2021

An eventful year in a nutshell / Plastics industry faces turning point in 2022

RUSSIA

Billions in petrochemicals investments seek to make country an export nation by 2025 / Nord Stream 2 as acid test / Domestic demand grows faster than polymer production

BREXIT

Leaked government report spells out worst-case scenario following no deal

EDITORIAL

When will we take our fate into our own hands?

BASF

Second China “Verbund” site planned for Guangdong / Company's third largest globally

SHALE GAS

German cabinet finally agrees fracking rules / Federal states to decide on test drills

SHALE GAS

Germany's door to shale gas exploration kicked open slightly / Experts to decide on suitability of geological formations / Industry urges quick start to exploration / Plans still controversial

SHALE GAS

German environment agency remains sceptical on fracking / Latest expert opinion recommends tight restrictions / Draft legislation expected in autumn

VOLKSWAGEN

Two new automotive plants planned in China / 90% of the components will be manufactured locally

SHALE GAS

German government working on draft fracking bill / Proposed law would include ban on toxic chemicals, prohibition on drilling near water reserves / Several federal states opposed

PLASTICS AND ENERGY

German plastics producers keep renewables surcharge exemption / Compromise with EU

PLASTICS AND ENERGY

European Commission opens proceedings against German price relief for energy-intensive companies / Support for renewables also eyed critically

SHALE GAS

North American firms end Polish shale gas activity / Reserves smaller than thought