HDPE film grade prices up in the Russian market.

(MRC) -- In early August, prices of HDPE film grade in Russia slightly increased after decline in July. Further pricing will depend on scheduled shutdowns for maintenance and production plans for August - September, according to ICIS-MRC Price report.

In August, Kazanorgsyntez reduced quotas for the domestic market of HDPE film grade, and since September 7, the company will stop for scheduled maintenance.

Nizhnekamskneftechem shifted the start date of HDPE film grade production for the second August decade, besides pyrolysis unit will be stopped for maintenance in September, so PE film grade production will be reduced. Gazprom Neftechem Salavat continues to stand idle due to technical problems of HDPE production.

HDPE film grade offers in the market are still sufficient, but in some regions a slight price growth could be seen. Kazanorgsyntez increased price of 293 PE to RUB 57.300 - 57.500/t, including VAT, FCA Kazan. Because of nearly complete absence of proposals of RE6148S by Nizhnekamskneftechem (Tatarstan), the price increased to RUB 62.000/t, including VAT, FCA. PE offers in Moscow are more than adequate, and the price level is fixed in the range of RUB 58.000 - 58.5000/t, including VAT, FCA.

Individual market players consider that scheduled shutdown for maintenance of Kazanorgsyntez can increase HDPE film grade demand, which will directly affect the price level.

MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- In July, PET imports to Russia considerably decreased compared to the previous month and made about 23 KT. In June, Russian companies imported about 35 KT of granulate, according to MRC DataScope.

In the second quarter, Russian companies significantly increased PET import on the back of optimistic forecasts for demand of ready-made preforms. By the end of this quarter, the total import of granulate had exceeded 100 KT.
This season, weak sales of preforms in the segments of final consumption, such as beer and soft drinks, have not met the expectations of market players. This led to a serious feedstock increase, both the polymer and the finished product. As a result, in July PET imports decreased.

Decline in supplies of imported PET is a positive factor for the Russian producers. However, according to some market players, the granulate sales are not expected to grow because of the big amount of feedstock and ready-made preforms in the Russian warehouses of producers.

MRC

(Arabian Oil and Gas) -- Foster Wheeler AG yesterday reported net income for the second quarter of 2011 of USD 63.3 million, or USD 0.52 per diluted share, compared with USD 58.9 million, or USD 0.46 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2010.

The key Q2 stats for the Switzerland-headquartered company are: 7% increase in net income versus average quarter of 2010, 65% increase in EBITDA in Global Power Group versus average quarter of 2010, 62% increase in scope revenue in Global Power Group versus average quarter of 2010.

Commenting on the market outlook for the company's EPC and power units, CEO Umberto della Sala said, "Markets seem to be improving for both of our business groups, although the pace of that improvement is slightly better in the power sector. Even so, all of our end markets remain competitive. In our Global E&C Group, we are maintaining full-year EBITDA margin guidance of 13% to 15%, but we still expect to see quarterly volatility, with the third-quarter margin likely lower than the second quarter".

MRC

(Plastemart) -- Dow's UNIPOL Polypropylene Technology selected for new PP Project in China Shandong Shenda Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Shenda), has chosen UNIPOL Polypropylene Process Technology from The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) for its new 200 KTa methanol-based polypropylene plant to manufacture homopolymers, random copolymers and impact copolymers. Shandong Shenda is the first private company licensee in China and the seventh licensee of UNIPOL PP Process Technology overall. Shenda is a private company controlled by Legend Holdings Limited.

There are around 46 manufacturing units globally using UNIPOL Polypropylene Technology from Dow. The UNIPOL Polypropylene Process is an all gas-phase process for producing the broadest range of polypropylene resins. Its simple design is consistent in terms of product quality and energy efficiency, requiring no equipment for handling, separating or recycling solvents.

MRC

(PlasticsToday) -- Color concentrates, compounds and additive masterbatches supplier PCC (Plastics Color Corp.) announced its acquisition of Polysource LLC and its Pinnacle Color subsidiary, a color and additives manufacturer and distributor located in Tempe, Arizona. The purchase expands PCC's distribution footprint in North America, including Mexico, and provides it with supply of liquid color concentrates made in North America.

PCC is based in Calumet City, IL and has significant production assets in the U.S., but its liquid color concentrates are manufactured and distributed through its Nanjing, China facility. "The purchase of Polysource gives PCC an established position in the North American liquid color market as well as a new distribution channel for both existing and new products," stated Plastics Color's president Doug Borgsdorf.


MRC