Russian producers raised LDPE prices by Rb1,000-1,770/tonne

MOSCOW (MRC) -- This week three Russian producers announced the growth of LDPE prices. The quotations grew by ruble (Rb) 1,000-1,770/tonne, depending on a producer. The price hike is mostly stipulated by a seasonal factor, according to ICIS-MRC Price report. Tomskneftekhim was the first to announce the increase of LDPE contract prices for the domestic market. The prices for 158 and 153 PE grew by Rb1,000/tonne. The price for LDPE by Gazprom neftekhim Salavat grew nearly by Rb1,000/tonne. Yesterday Kazanorgsyntez announced Rb1,770/tonne growth of contract prices for 158 and 153 LDPE. The price hike was mainly caused by a seasonal factor as well as the growth of feedstock price.


In warm March a demand for LDPE grew in the Russian market. By mid-April, Kazanorgsyntez, the biggest Russian producer of LDPE, plans to suspend its capacities for one-month maintenance. In early May a scheduled suspension is expected at Ufaorgsyntez. Now because of ethylene deficit, LDPE capacities in Ufa have been loaded by half, also the operation at one of reactors was suspended. The market participants inform about limited supplies of 158 LDPE to the domestic market from Kazanorgsyntez.


A limited offer of LDPE from some Russian producers, coming scheduled maintenances and a seasonal growth of demand will affect spot prices. The market has just started reacting to the growth of contract prices and limited supplies of LDPE, as a result, the price range remains quite wide. The Russian 158 LDPE is offered on average for Rb56,000-59,000/tonne, VAT included, FCA. PE for production of shrinkable films is offered for Rb60,000-61,000/tonne VAT included, FCA.


MRC

Uhde Inventa-Fischer to commission new plant in China

(textination) -- The engineering company Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH, Berlin/Germany, has successfully commissioned a plant for the production of polyamide 6.6 for its customer Huafon Group, Ruian/China.

The production plant has a capacity of 40,000 tons/year and is located at Huafon's company headquarters in Zhejiang Province.

Uhde Inventa-Fischer's energy-efficient, resource-saving and cost-reducing PA 6.6 technology enables Huafon to produce high-quality granulate, which can be used for all applications, such as textiles, tire cord, engineering plastics and also co-polymers.

MRC

Borealis launches new packaging solution

(plastech) -- Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions, brings clear advantages in sustainability and fresh-look aesthetics to the rigid packaging market with the launch of its new superior flow random copolymer polypropylene (PP) RJ901MO.


The next generation advance for thin wall packaging and houseware applications, such as storage boxes, CD and DVD cases, delivers an overall step-change in performance, less energy consumption and a reduced carbon footprint plus strong visual appeal. The grade is manufactured using Borealis' proprietary Borstar technology.


RJ901MO's high melt flow rate (MFR) of 110 in combination with nucleation enables lower processing temperatures. For packaging converters, this creates the potential for higher productivity through optimised cycle times and energy savings. Compared to MFR 70 materials, it is possible to obtain a 20╟C reduction in melt temperatures resulting in a 20% cycle time reduction.
MRC

DSM to increase prices for PA6 and PA66 compounds

(plasticker) -- To offset escalating material costs, DSM Engineering Plastics is to increase prices on a global basis for its Akulon PA6 and PA66 compounds.

Effective 1 April 2012, DSM will increase prices by EUR200/t in Europe and Asia Pacific Regions. Effective March 19 DSM will increase prices by USD0.10/lb in North America.

While DSM Engineering Plastics continues to pursue and implement cost savings initiatives targeted at absorbing the impact of the raw material escalations, this additional increase is declared to be necessary to ensure DSM Engineering Plastics' sustainable long-term growth.

MRC

Valero contract worker dies after flash fire at Memphis refinery

(hydrocarbonprocessing) -- Nicolas Cuevas, one of three contract workers injured in a flash fire last week at Valero Energy Corp.'s oil refinery in Memphis, Tenn., died Saturday afternoon, a Valero spokesman said. The men were working at the flare platform as part of the crude unit turnaround that got under way March 2.

Nicolas Cuevas, one of three contract workers injured in a flash fire last week at Valero Energy Corp.'s oil refinery in Memphis, Tenn., died Saturday afternoon, Valero spokesman Bill Day said.

The March 6 fire at a flare platform also injured Cuevas' brother, Daniel, and a third contractor working for JVIC. All three were transported to the Regional Medical Center.

The men were working at the flare platform as part of the crude unit turnaround that got under way March 2. That work is expected to conclude on or about April 6.

"We have learned that Mr. Nicholas Cuevas passed away today (Saturday) at the Regional Medical Center. Valero extends its thoughts and prayers to the Cuevas family and the JVIC organization. We continue to pray for the full recovery of the other injured contractors," Day said.

Valero and JVIC, in full cooperation with governmental authorities, are investigating the cause of the incident.

The Memphis refinery is able to process up to 195,000 bpd of crude oil.
MRC