Evonik broadens polyphthalamide product range

(Evonik) -- Evonik Industries' new VESTAMID HTplus M1533 is a 30% glass fiber-reinforced compound that contains an internal lubricant. Reducing friction and minimizing abrasion, the polyphthalamide (PPA) amplifies the durability of gearbox components and reduces the energy consumed in the application. The material extends the repair intervals, too, because gearbox components made from VESTAMID HTplus M1533 are self-lubricating and do not need to be greased with additional additives.

The new compound can be used in gear wheels, friction bearings, and ball bearing cages, among other areas. VESTAMID HTplus M1533 is available in two colors: natural and black. With this new addition to its product range, Evonik is also responding to rising global demand for PPA, a high-performance polymer.

Evonik is the creative industrial group from Germany. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2010 more than 34.000 employees generated sales of around EUR 13.3 bln and an operating profit (EBIDA) of about EUR 2.4 bln.

MRC

(BorsodChem) -- With effect as of April 1st, 2011, BorsodChem will be increasing its prices for toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in Europe by EUR 100 per metric ton, in Export by USD 200 per metric ton.


The price adjustments are needed to respond to the significant rise in raw materials and energy costs. Further upwards adjustments can be expected given the upstream costs evolution.

MRC

(BASF) -- BASF announced its integration plans for Cognis. BASF expects to achieve an additional EBIT of EUR 275 mln (10.6% of Cognis' 2009 net sales) through the integration. This consists of growth synergy targets to generate an additional EBIT of EUR135 mln by 2015 and cost synergies of around EUR 140 mln which will be achieved by the end of 2013.

To achieve the growth targets 230 additional jobs will be created worldwide, mainly in the Care Chemicals division. At the same time, BASF plans to reduce 680 positions due to overlaps in functional and administrative units as well as measures to improve efficiency. This means an overall reduction of 450 positions in the BASF Group, most of which will be realized by the end of 2012. The employees will be offered a suitable position within BASF whenever possible.

By the end of 2013, BASF expects one-time integration costs of around EUR 290 mln, excluding an inventory step-up of EUR 120 mln in 2010/2011. The integration will already be accretive as of 2012, less than two years after the acquisition.

MRC

(BASF) -- BASF's biodegradable plastic Ecovio FS Film is being used in a pilot project by the waste management service AWB, in the district of Bad Durkheim, Germany. Starting on April 6, 2011, a three-month test will be conducted to determine whether the bags are suitable for collecting organic waste and how these bags behave on a large scale at an organic composting plant in Grunstadt owned by the waste management company GML Abfallwirtschaftsgesellschaft mbH.

At the beginning of the project, each of the approximately 65.000 households in the district of Bad Durkheim will receive 10 bags free of charge by mail along with information material. Additional bags will be available at a number of distribution points throughout the district. Residents are encouraged to use the bags to collect food waste and then dispose of them via the organic waste bin. Garbage bags made of Ecovio make the collection and disposal of biodegradable waste cleaner, more hygienic and easier: They not only prevent unpleasant odors and keep out insects, but also mean that it is no longer necessary to wash and clean the waste pail in the kitchen.

MRC

(Plastemart) -- Japan's ethylene producers have 23% of their capacity shut following the country's March 11 earthquake and tsunami, as per Chemical Market Associates Inc. No ethylene capacity has been restarted since CMAI's last report on March 18.

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp., Japan's biggest ethylene maker, will take at least two months to resume operations at its Kashima plant because of damage to berths, utility infrastructure and roads. Two naphtha crackers at the Kashima facility are responsible for almost 11% of Japan's ethylene capacity and 2.4% of capacity in northeast Asia.

Other curtailments include 37% of Japan's polyethylene plastic capacity and 46% of its PVC plastic capacity. About 27% propylene capacity and 35% polypropylene capacity remain shut.

MRC