Sunpor triples EPS capacity in Austria

(PlastEurope) -- Europe's third largest EPS producer Sunpor is more than tripling production capacity for grey EPS (⌠Lambdapor) by 2013 in response to the sharp rise in demand. Capacity for this new generation of foam with up to 30% better insulating properties will be raised to around 170,000 t/y. The additional machinery has already been ordered. Including conventional white EPS, the company's total production capacity will rise from 175,000 t/y at present to 240,000 t/y.

Capacity at the Austrian St. Polten headquarters will remain at around 75,000 t/y while capacity at the new plant opened last year in nearby Radlberg will be expanded from 100,000 t/y to 165,000 t/y. A spokesperson for Sunpor told that both types will be produced at both sites, using reactor technology for white EPS.

MRC

Borealis offers new LLDPE range

(Borealis) -- Borealis, gives flexible packaging converters a unique opportunity to gain a further competitive edge in efficiency, environmental and product performance with the launch of its BorLite linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) range.



Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions, gives flexible packaging converters a unique opportunity to gain a further competitive edge in efficiency, environmental and product performance with the launch of its BorLite linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) range.

BorLite sets new standards in the performance of Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) films. Based on Borealis' proprietary Borstar LLD bimodal technology, the range was developed specifically to optimise the enhanced film properties and production efficiency benefits created by MDO processing technology.

Sergey Andreev, BASF's Russia and CIS CEO, is going to chair an upcoming international "Russian Polymers Summit - 2010" conference organizaed by ICIS and MRC. For more information please visit the Summit's http://www.polymersummit.ru/ official web page.

MRC

Two specialty chemicals majors join forces

(prw) -- Momentive Performance Materials Holdings is to be merged with Hexion, the parent of Hexion Specialty Chemicals, in a move that will create a new $7.5bn (┬5.78bn) global player in the specialty chemicals and advanced materials sector.


The deal has been unanimously approved by the boards of both companies and is expected to close on 1 October.

Both companies are controlled by US private equity group Apollo Management.

MRC

Pipe-grade PE imports up 47% in Ukraine

MOSCOW (MRC) -- In August, total pipe-grade polyethylene imports amounted to 3.912 t, which is a 47,1% increase compared to the previous month - according to MRC DataScope report.

As expected, polyethylene supply from Russia increased significantly - up to 1,9 kt. Kazanorgsintez is the traditional Russian pipe-grade polyethylene supplier. In mid-September the producer has been suspended for scheduled maintenance. As a result, Ukrainian companies have built up stocks in advance, as the resumumption of polyethylene supply is expected not earlier than in late October.

Polyethylene imports from Europe have increased less significantly. Sabic is the second biggest pipe-grade polyethylene supplier into Ukraine. This year, Ukrainian companies are actively importing the PE 100 pipe-grade of Vestolen A6060R grade.

Geert Drummen, Sabic CEO in Eastern Europe, is going to participate in Russian Polymers Summit on October 14, 2010 organized by ICIS and MRC. For more information please refer to http://www.polmersummit.ru/ Summit official web page.

MRC

More information about Ukrainian polyethylene market is available in MRC DataScope reports.

Formosa has to inspect tanks after leak

TAIPEI (Reuters) -- Taiwan environmental officials said on Thursday they had ordered Formosa Petrochemical Corp to inspect 227 oil storage tanks after a leak in one, the latest in a series of incidents for Asia's fifth-largest refinery complex.

County officials also issued a T$1 million ($31,328) fine for a Sept. 9 gas leak that sent fumes into neighbouring towns, although no injuries were reported, said Lai Tung-hung, a section chief under the local environmental protection agency.

The leaking tank at in central Taiwan had been shut down and Formosa ordered to inspect others over two months as normal work continued, Lai said.

Russian polymers' market prospects are going to be discussed at Russian Polymers Summit on October 14, 2010 organized by ICIS and MRC. For more information please refer to http://www.polmersummit.ru/ Summit official web page.

MRC