In July HDPE import to Russia decreased

MOSCOW (MRC) -- In July, import supplies of low pressure polyethylene (HDPE) in the Russian market decreased to 24 KT, as per MRC analysts. Over the seven months, total volume of imported HDPE has grown to 172.6 KT, that is 44 % more than year on year.

This year the peak of HDPE deliveries was in April. After June level of 26.26 KT, the total volume of imported HDPE in July lowered to 23.82 KT. The slight decrease in polyethylene imports was observed in such sectors, as extrusion coating of large diameter pipes, film extrusion and injection molding.

Since many Russian companies didn't produce blown HDPE last month, it resulted in a sharp increase in imports of polyethylene for extrusion blow molding (EBM). In particular, the supply of blown HDPE by Shurtan GCC, nearly tripled (up to 1.7 KT).

In general, over the first seven months of this year, the largest import increase referred to pipe and film HDPE. Supplies of polyethylene in these sectors of consumption grew by 81% and 131% and made 44.5 KT and 24.3 KT, correspondingly.

MRC

(Arabian Oil and Gas) -- An engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract for utilities, offsites and infrastructure at the new Sadara chemical complex in Jubail, Saudi Arabia has been awarded to Fluor by Saudi Aramco.

A JV between Saudi Aramco and Dow, the new chemicals complex is expected to be the largest single-phase development in the world, with a planned investment of USD 20bn.

Fluor's al-Khobar in Saudi Arabia, Farnborough in the UK, Manila in the Philippines and Houston offices will collaborate on delivering the contract requirements.

MRC

(BASF) - - BASF will exhibit at the 26th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC), presenting its range of innovative products for the solar industry. This year's conference and exhibition, which belong to the most important in this field, will be taking place in Hamburg, Germany.


A new photovoltaic concept study, developed by SCHOTT Solar and BASF, comprises a one-piece plastic pan, which can be installed on the roof instead of the conventional roofing, and a frameless double-glazed module. After installing the pan on the roof substructure, in a second step the double-glazed module only needs to be inserted into the pan's precision mounting system and secured in position by means of an integrated latch - tool-free and screw-free. A plastic handle as well as integrated support edges of the plastic pan facilitate the installation. Thanks to the rain channels, cable channels and a large opening in the center of the pan, the photovoltaic module weighs only 8 kg and has adequate back ventilation . The plastic that makes these characteristics possible is Ultramid B High Speed by BASF (polyamide 6): the material is not only easy-flowing but also tough, rigid and weather-resistant - and it satisfies the criteria required for such construction applications.


Alongside the product innovation plastic pan, BASF presents SELURIS Clean, the eco-friendly cleaning fluid and the plastics Ultramid for manufacturing connectors and junction boxes again this year. Moreover, plastic additives like Uvinul and Irganox, cutting fluids from the Pluriol range, inks and pastes for metallization (Cyposol) and polyurethane casting systems COLO-FAST for framing will be topics on the BASF booth.

MRC

(Expatica) -- Belgian chemicals giant Solvay's bid to become a world leader reached the finishing line on Friday, when EU anti-trust regulators cleared its 3.4-billion-euro (USD 4.8-billion) takeover of France's Rhodia.

The European Commission said checks "concluded that the proposed transaction would not raise competition concerns because a sufficient number of competitors will remain active on all markets concerned."

Brussels regulators decided that "there will be a number of credible and significant competitors who will continue to exercise a competitive constraint on the merged entity in each of the relevant markets."

The EU decision was the last remaining hurdle to the new business, expected to have annual sales of some 12 billion euros, benefitting from an increased exposure to emerging markets, thanks to Rhodia's stronger presence in Brazil and China.

The deal was expected to bring annual cost savings of EUR 250 million within three years.

MRC

(Bayer) -- In light of the catastrophic drought in East Africa, Bayer has provided immediate aid in the form of a EUR 100.000 donation to the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP).

The UN World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency and needs to provide food assistance to more than eleven million people in East Africa. Through airlifts to Mogadishu WFP is delivering special food for undernourished children in the region. Approximatly 500,000 refugees in reception camps in Kenya are also being supported by the WFP. A

Bayer's donation is being handled by its Kenya-based subsidiary Bayer East Africa. Alongside these immediate measures, Bayer is currently sounding out other projects that could make a long-term contribution in the region.

MRC