Clariant supports emerging markets with performance-powering innovations

(Clariant) -- Clariant's commitment to support customers in emerging markets with the latest efficiency-addressing, safety- and ecology-focused innovations will be reinforced at the leading South American and China plastics events Brasilplast and Chinaplas this May.


Under the motto ⌠Power Your Performance, the specialty chemicals expert will showcase a host of pigments, additives and masterbatches at the forefront of helping customers respond to the plastics' sector's most significant challenges.


In the spotlight will be Clariant's new dedicated range of color and performance masterbatches and compounds for medical and pharmaceutical applications; making their debut appearance before the Sao Paulo and Guangzhou show visitors. Clariant's MEVOPUR portfolio meets the latest industry trends for surface functionality and aesthetics, still taking into account safety and regulatory compliance, and the need to minimize risk at every stage of design and production.


MRC

Philippines Petron Corp. posted double income

(Malaya Business Insight) -- Petron Corp.(Philippines), the country's largest oil refiner and retailer, yesterday said income for the first three months almost doubled from the same period last year due to stronger revenue from its petrochemical business. Petron said its first-quarter income stood at P3.4 billion, up 88.88 percent from P1.9 billion.


The company said export sales rose about 60 percent to 1.38 million barrels in the first quarter compared with only 867,000 barrels in the same period last year.


Petrochemical export volumes increased 32 percent to 774,000 barrels.


Petron said the spike in crude prices pushed up the prices of petrochemical products such benzene, toluene, and xylene, while supply tightness in propylene enabled the company to capture incremental margins from its production streams.


MRC

Indian government is formulating a policy for shale gas exploration

(Plastemart) -- The Indian government is formulating a policy to offer areas for shale gas exploration in near future and add resources in energy base. Six basins - Cambay, Assam Arakan, Gondawana, KG onshore, Cauvery onshore and Indo Gangatic basins - have been identified for offering.
Shale is a natural gas produced from shale formations and has become an increasingly important component of natural gas supply in US.


During President Barack Obama's recent visit, India and the United States signed an agreement for cooperation with respect to shale gas technology.


MRC

Fire at Formosa's naphtha cracker

(Reuters) - A fire broke out at the No.6 naphtha cracker at Formosa Petrochemical Corp's Mailiao plant in central Taiwan late on Thursday, the company said. No further details were immediately available. The plant had been hit by two fires in a month last July, raising concerns over its safety record.


MRC

Logistical problems are threatening US chemical plants

(ICIS) -- Logistical problems are threatening US chemical plants along the swollen Mississippi river as water levels continue to rise, sources said on Thursday. Already, the river along Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is at 43.1 feet (13.1m), placing it in a major flood stage, according to the National Weather Service. During such a stage, shipping and industrial activities will be "significantly affected", the National Weather Service said. Unprotected low-lying areas will be flooded.


So far, the US Coast Guard has not increased the safety restrictions imposed on Monday, which required ships to contact a traffic control centre at Baton Rouge.


The river is expected to crest at Baton Rouge on 22 May at 47.5 feet, breaking the record set in 1927, the weather service said.


To relieve pressure on the river, the US Army Corps of Engineers opened the Bonnet Carre Spillway.


The Mississippi flooding has already created delays in the hydrochloric acid (HCl) and caustic soda markets. A barge source said the disruptions along the river were anticipated to last until mid-June.


MRC