Japan’s Harima Chemicals plans paint resins capacity expansion

In a strategic move to address the increasing demand for paints in the Japanese market, Harima announced a 25% expansion of its production capacity for paint resins. This decision comes as the domestic market shows signs of recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a notable uptick in demand within related industries, particularly in … Read more

AkzoNobel launches low-energy powder coating ‘Interpon D1036’ 

An industry-first architectural powder coating which can be cured at temperatures as low as 150◦C – while still being Qualicoat class one certified – has been launched by AkzoNobel.   Curing at temperatures 30°C lower than traditional powder coatings means that Interpon D1036 Low-E can help customers cut energy consumption by as much as 20%. It can … Read more

Toray Advanced Materials to expand carbon fiber production in Korea

Toray Advanced Materials Korea Inc. (TAK), the South Korean subsidiary of the renowned Japanese chemical conglomerate Toray Group, marked a pivotal moment by commencing the construction of its cutting-edge carbon fiber production facility in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. This remarkable initiative took place on Monday, signifying TAK’s dedication to advancing the domain of carbon fiber … Read more

Hextar Global acquires Propel Chemicals to expand specialty chemicals business

Hextar Global Bhd has announced its acquisition of the entire equity interest in Propel Chemicals Sdn Bhd (PCSB) for a cash sum of RM16.5 million, marking a strategic move to further enhance its presence in the oil and gas (O&G) specialty chemicals sector.  In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the agrochemical company revealed that its … Read more

Azelis acquires flavors and fragrances distributor in France

Azelis, a leading innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, announces that it has acquired 100% of the shares of BLH SAS (“BLH”), a well-known distributor of flavors & fragrances focused on the fine perfumery market in France. The acquisition strengthens Azelis’ global footprint in flavors & fragrances, which was created … Read more

LG Chem and GS Caltex Unveil 3-HP Pilot Plant and BDO Technology MOU

LG Chem Ltd. and GS Caltex, both based in Seoul, South Korea, have broken ground on a pilot plant to develop a white-bio ecosystem and commercialize bio-raw materials. They announced their joint development agreement last year. The groundbreaking ceremony at GS Caltex’s Yeosu plant was attended by LG Chem’s CEO Hak Cheol Shin, GS Caltex’s … Read more

Birla Carbon Acquires Nanocyl for Lithium-Ion Battery Growth

Birla Carbon, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality carbon solutions, completed the acquisition of Nanocyl SA, a worldwide leader in multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) based in Sambreville, Belgium. The acquisition expands Birla Carbon’s presence in the Energy Systems market, creating a leadership position in material critical to Lithium-Ion battery performance along with … Read more

Evonik modernizes infrastructure for AgraLi and blueSulfate in Antwerp

Evonik has modernized the infrastructure of its Antwerp site to strengthen its business with AgraLi® and blueSulfate®, two by-products of methionine production that are mainly used as fertilizers. Along with two new storage tanks, a new, fully automated loading station for tank trucks will increase the safety and efficiency of the loading process to ensure … Read more

BASF invests in capacity expansion for cosmetic ingredients in Düsseldorf

BASF invests in the production of emollient specialties at its Düsseldorf site targeted for skin and sun protection products. A new reactor and an upgrade of the distillation units enable an expansion of production capacity to meet the increasing demand for these specialty products. The new facilities are scheduled to go into operation in the … Read more

Solenis acquires water treatment chemicals maker CedarChem

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, completed the acquisition of CedarChem LLC on October 2, 2023. As part of the acquisition, Solenis will acquire all CedarChem operating assets. Headquartered in Cedartown, Georgia, CedarChem offers a full suite of water and wastewater treatment products for industrial and municipal markets, primarily in … Read more

LG Chem to Sell Polariser Businesses to Chinese Firms for $815.6 Million

LG Chem Ltd, a prominent South Korean petrochemicals manufacturer, has announced its decision to divest its polariser businesses to Chinese companies in a strategic move aimed at enhancing its competitiveness in the market. The transaction is valued at approximately 1.1 trillion Korean Won (approximately $815.6 million USD). The polariser business division of LG Chem is … Read more

Huntsman begins construction of MIRALON CNT pilot plant

Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) announced construction has commenced on the 30-ton MIRALON® carbon nanotube materials plant, originally announced at Huntsman’s 2021 Investor Day event. The new plant, which converts methane gas to carbon nanotubes and clean-burning hydrogen, will be one of the largest of its kind in the Americas. It represents a major step forward in … Read more

Ineos buys TiO2 processor in Norway for $245M

INEOS Enterprises has announced the acquisition of Eramet Titanium & Iron (ETA) from Eramet for $245m. The deal which takes immediate effect, was completed today following the satisfaction of regulatory approvals. ETI consists of an ilmenite transformation plant in Norway producing titanium slag which is used in the pigments industry. It also produces high-purity pig … Read more

Evonik doubles catalyst production in China

Shanghai, China – Evonik Industries has successfully completed the relocation and expansion of its state-of-the-art precious metal powder catalyst plant, located within the Shanghai Chemical Industrial Park (SCIP). The production is poised to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking a significant milestone for the company’s continued growth in the precious metal catalyst market. … Read more

Euclid Chemical Opens New Admixture Plant in Calgary

Euclid Chemical, a leading manufacturer of concrete and masonry construction products, has announced the opening of a new admixture plant in Calgary, Alberta. This facility will enable the company to better serve its customers in the region by providing high-quality admixture solutions that meet their needs. Positioned in a prime location with access to nearby … Read more

Nippon Paint to buyback India paint businesses from Wuthelam

Nippon Paint Holdings (NPHD) has officially received approval from its Board of Directors during the August 29, 2023 meeting for the acquisition of shares in two Indian-based paint manufacturers: Nippon Paint (India) Private Limited (NPI) and Berger Nippon Paint Automotive Coatings Private Limited (BNPA), collectively referred to as NPI and BNPA. The acquisition process involved … Read more

Ningbo Ronbay Invests $362 Million in South Korea for Battery Material Expansion

Ningbo Ronbay New Energy Technology is set to invest a substantial CNY 2.6 billion (equivalent to $362 million) in the construction of two state-of-the-art battery materials factories in Chungju, South Korea. This ambitious move is aimed at meeting the growing demands of South Korea’s thriving battery industry and, more importantly, expanding Ronbay’s global presence. One … Read more

BASF to Double Water-Soluble Dispersants Production in Turkey

BASF has finalized preparations to increase its production capacity for water-soluble dispersants, which are acrylic acid-based, at its Dilovasi, Turkey site. This investment aims to support BASF’s customers in the detergent, cleaning and chemical processing industry across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The additional capacities are expected to be fully operational by the third … Read more

ICL Starts $400M Battery Materials Plant Construction in St. Louis

ICL, a leading global specialty minerals company, celebrated the groundbreaking of its battery materials manufacturing plant in St. Louis, which is expected to be the first large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) facility in the U.S. The $400 million facility is planned to be operational by 2025 and will help meet growing demand from the energy … Read more