VENCOREX

Lyon insolvency court rules in favour of Wanhua / 50 employees to be taken on

HUNGARY

Plastics industry consolidation draws to an end / Automotive sector: problems and opportunities / Energy costs and shifts in green policy are key factors for competitiveness

NORDMANN

German distributor expands partnerships with Chinese, US suppliers

BASF

Petrochemical giant plans MDI expansion in Shanghai / Group capacity set to rise nearly 500,000 t/y

MDI

US launches anti-dumping investigation into Chinese imports / Move instigated by BASF, Dow

YEAR-ENDER: RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

Dark clouds form over Russian economy / European energy prices on the rise again / Ukrainian plastics industry at a standstill

VENCOREX

Takeover deadline extension for insolvent French isocyanate manufacturer / BorsodChem offers nominal price

BUTADIENE

NEW at PIE: Spot and contract price reports for the precursor / Supply situation in Europe remains tight; prices likely to remain high / Numerous expansions planned in Asia

RUSSIA

Several industries face turbulence over isocyanate shortage / Trade with China sustains growing sanction pressure

HUNTSMAN

Jan Buberl takes over management of Performance Products division

BOREALIS

Feasibility study for major polyolefin site in China

BUTADIENE

China to lead world's capacity additions / India another key contributor / Price pressure on the European market continues

WANHUA

R&D centre opens in Spain / Unit to focus on fine chemicals, materials industries

COVESTRO

World's first bio-based aniline pilot plant starts operation / Process to be tested together with German academic partners

POLYMER PRICES

China engineering thermoplastics July 2023: Weak demand pushes PA 6.6, PMMA, PBT prices lower / Other grades supported by higher feedstock prices or higher demand / August seen bullish

PLASTICS AND FINANCE

Brand Finance rates corporate brand performance / BASF wins again / Resin makers dominate top 25 / Consultants increasingly reward sustainability

POLYMER PRICES

China standard thermoplastics April 2023: Prices broadly lower / Adequate supply meets tepid interest / Demand outlook for May mixed

WANHUA

Large production plant for polyamide 12 goes on stream in China

CHINA

Massive VCM capacity expansions coming online up to 2025

POLYMER PRICES

China standard thermoplastics September 2022: Mixed price trends/ Demand recovers for most polymers/ Market needs more time to calm down

KIMPUR

Sales more than double at Turkish PU firm / Plant expansion continues after IPO / TPU distribution for Wanhua

BASF

Final stage of North American MDI upgrade / Capacity doubled from 2016 / Feedstock made from shale gas

PLASTICS AND FINANCE

Consultant Brand Finance rates “most valuable” and “strongest” chemical brands / BASF, DuPont, Rongsheng, and Ineos in prominent positions

PVC MARKET

Westlake Vinnolit lifts force majeure / Slight improvement in European supply situation / Supply disruption from Ukraine

POLYURETHANE FEEDSTOCKS

Major hikes for isocyanates, polyols in March, April