(ICIS) -- Initial European May ethylene and propylene contract price settlements have been agreed at EUR 1.230/tonne (USD 1.809/tonne) and EUR 1.245/tonne respectively, a major consumer said on Wednesday.
The ethylene settlement marked a EUR 25/tonne increase while propylene gained EUR 35/tonne. The increases were driven by firm feedstock naphtha developments; supply and demand fundamentals were largely considered flat from last month.
(ArmInfo) -- Polymer Pipes plant was launched in Armenia on Wednesday. Investments in the production totaled USD 5.8 mln.
Executive Director of Polymer Pipes Arshak Nalbandyan told reporters that the plant produces 120km pipes annually. It can produce 2-15atm pressure resistant pipes with a diameter of 800,1100, 1200 and 1400 mm. Such pipes are used in hydropower generation, construction and irrigation systems. Annual consumption of large diameter pipes in the country totals 80-120 km. In 2011 the technical capacity of the plant is 80 km.
Nalbandyan said that there is no similar production in the South Caucasus. Since early 90s Armenia has imported no polymer pipes. Such import is very expensive and production was launched in the country, especially that steel pipes are subject to corrosion and need modernization, the executive director said.
(Arabian Oil and Gas) -- Refinery and petrochemical integration is not just an option, but a necessity, says Bakhit Al Rashidi, deputy managing director, Planning and Local Marketing, Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC). The largest refiners in the region, including KNPC, will be part of the high-level industry line-up at the upcoming Middle East Downstream Week, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 8-11 May.
Commenting on integration, Dr. Al Rashidi said: ⌠Cyclic trends in refining margins and a thin band of margin operation for overall profitability make integration essential to even out the margin vagaries. All new refinery projects essentially incorporate integration with petrochemicals as much greater savings in investment cost and operating costs would result.
(PlasticsToday) -- The CertiPUR-US certification program for flexible polyurethane (PUR) foam announced that Douglas Sullivan has been named its executive director. Sullivan succeeds Bob Luedeka, who was appointed to serve as interim executive director until the program reached a level of success that allowed for the hiring of a permanent director. Sullivan's career in the flexible PUR foam industry spans more than three decades.
CertiPUR-US is a voluntary testing, analysis and certification program developed by the global flexible polyurethane foam industry. Flexible polyurethane foams that carry the CertiPUR-US label met testing standards in independent laboratories and are certified to be low emission for indoor air quality and made without ozone-depleters, formaldehyde, PBDEs, prohibited phthalates, lead, mercury and other materials of concern. Products also must meet certain physical performance and durability standards.
(PlasticsToday) -- Canadian bioplastics developer and supplier Solegear has enlisted two plastics compounders, one each in California and Georgia, to help support production of its Polysole brand of bioplastics and Traverse brand of bioplastic-based composites.
Ferco Compounding Inc. (Ontario, CA) is one of the two compounders now working with Solegear. "Ferco's core values and long-term commitment to partnerships tie-in well with Solegear's goals for the growth of the bioplastics market," said Ferco president Jennifer Thaw in a release distributed by Solegear. "We're excited to be working with the team over at Solegear. We'll be supporting them with our attention to delivering high quality product and will be looking forward to helping grow the Solegear brand."
The other manufacturing partner is Standridge Color Corp., a supplier of thermoplastic compounds, color concentrates and masterbatches based in Social Circle, GA. Solegear (Vancouver, BC) says it expect to begin manufacturing its materials at both facilities this spring. Processors interested in data sheets on the Solegear materials should contact the company.
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