BASF to increase the production capacity of its insulation material Neopor

(BASF) -- BASF plans to increase the production capacity of its insulation material Neopor (EPS, expandable polystyrene) in stages at its Ludwigshafen site by around 60,000 metric tons per year from December 2011 and is set to achieve full capacity by October 2013 at the latest. The gray Neopor is an advanced version of Styropor. It gets its color and unique performance by the addition of graphite particles - Neopor offers an improved insulating performance of up to 20% over the white EPS insulating material.


The increased capacity will be achieved by expanding existing production plants; this is the second increase in Neopor capacity at the Ludwigshafen site within three years. The international trend towards highly efficient insulating materials, particularly for use in external envelopes, continues apace. " We are investing in our plants so that we can extend our market leadership in gray EPS insulating materials even further" , explains Dr. Giorgio Greening, Head of BASF's global Foams Business Unit. In 1998, BASF was the first EPS manufacturer to include a gray insulating material in its portfolio. Its additional investment means that the company can offer its customers greater security of supply.


MRC

European polypropylene prices are under downward pressure

(ICIS) -- European polypropylene (PP) prices are under downward pressure following the settlement of the November propylene contract price, sources said on Thursday.


The European November propylene contract price was fully settled at ┬1,013/tonne FD (free delivered) NWE (northwest Europe) on Thursday, down by ┬55/tonne ($75/tonne) from October.
⌠I have just put the phone down from settling November with my first supplier, said a medium-sized PP buyer. ⌠They have given me a reduction of ┬55/tonne.


On a spot basis, net homopolymer injection PP prices are now trading below ┬1,100/tonne FD NWE in some cases. The last time this level was reached was in March 2010.


Monthly pricing on a gross basis is now reported at ┬1,245/tonne FD NWE at those accounts where the ┬55/tonne decrease has been applied. A similar level was also last reported in March 2010. This price is subject to discounts.


Demand in October was not as bad as many had expected, but domestic European volumes were boosted by exports and spot lots to large buyers at keen prices. November demand is expected to be slow, given the current economic climate.


MRC

In November the Russian market of DOP is expected to be saturated

(MRC) -- The resumption of DOP plasticizers production at Gazprom neftechem Salavat along with imports will allow to saturate the Russian market. This week the price correction has already started at the DOP market, according to ICIS-MRC price report.


In October, the limited supplies of DOP plasticizers to the Russian market, coupled with the rouble devaluation were the main reason for the price hike. The domestic prices were in the range of rouble (Rb) 74,000-78,000/tonne, VAT, FCA. By early November, the situation in the Russian market of DOP plasticizer had begun to stabilize.


By the beginning of the month, Gazprom neftechem Salavat had resumed the production of DOP after a scheduled turnaround. Sufficient volumes of imported material also have appeared in the market. As a result, prices began to decline. The Russian DOP in November was offered on average for Rb72,000-75,000/tonne, VAT, FCA. The offers for the supplies of the Ukrainian plasticizer are in the range of Rb78,000-79,000/tonne, VAT, CPT.


MRC

IMCD Group expands exclusive distributorship for Teknor Apex PVC compounds in Europe

(IMCDGroup) -- Teknor Apex Company has appointed its long standing exclusive European distributor for PVC compounds, IMCD Group, as their partner for the distribution of a new generation of Apex PVC compounds for medical applications. The new compound series provides the market with the highly sought diethyhexyl phthalate (DEHP) replacement with alternative plasticisers, such as citrates and trioctyl trimellitate (TOTM).The DEHP replacement includes grades for both extrusion and injection moulding applications, such as tubings for intravenous (IV) sets, catheters, tracheal cannulas, syringe bodies, luer connectors and many others.


As these compounds are specially made for the medical industry, the Apex medical PVC compound series comprises besides standard grades also gamma sterilisation proof grades, frosty effect grades and other specialties. Teknor Apex also customises compounds in order to match specific customer requirements.


MRC

SABIC set up a new venture capital arm to invest in innovative technology

(Plastemart) -- Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) has set up a new venture capital arm to invest in innovative technology and companies as it seeks to expand beyond petrochemicals, which have made it one of the world's largest chemicals companies, as per Reuters. The new firm, SABIC Ventures, will be based in the Netherlands and will invest in technologies and new business. It will be funded through a so-called innovation fund that will be managed by the company.


"SABIC Ventures aims to build up a portfolio of technology options for the company's future businesses," the Saudi chemicals giant said in a statement. "It will do this by investing directly both in seed stage, early stage and late stage companies. The new organization will both lead investment, co-lead and invest alongside venture capitalists." The new venture firm will focus on investing in the U.S., Europe and Asia, SABIC added. It will target investments in advanced materials and composites, alternative feedstocks for chemicals and materials as well as alternative energy and clean technology.


MRC