SABIC Innovative Plastics announced its collaboration with IAV GmbH

(SABIC) -- At the VDI conference SABIC Innovative Plastics announced its collaboration with IAV GmbH, a world leader in advanced vehicle and powertrain systems, to develop advanced thermoplastic solutions that can replace metal in electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid powertrain components. Specifically, the two companies are targeting new ways to optimize vehicle performance and efficiency, including lightweighting to offset heavy battery packs and shielding in areas of high voltage.

IAV has been developing innovative concepts and technologies for future vehicle generations for 27 years. In the area of e-mobility, the company develops powertrains, control units, on board systems, high voltage battery systems and other systems and components for battery and hybrid electric vehicles.

MRC

(Plastics Today) -- Starlim North America Corp. (London, ON) has acquired fellow rubber injection molder Poly-Nova Technologies Inc. (Guelph, ON), building the Austrian company's North American presence. Starlim North America, which is a subsidiary of Austria's starlim//sterner (Marchtrenk), has steadily expanded its Canadian operations since its inception in 2004 with five injection molding machines. Starlim North America currently runs 45 injection molding machines.

Under the deal, Poly-Nova Technologies Inc., will be renamed Poly-Nova Technologies Limited
Partnership. The company employs approximately 100 and serves the customers in the automotive, appliance, and electrical markets. Poly-Nova has been in business for 15 years, operating from a 3000m2 facility. Starlim will retain Poly-Nova's existing management.

MRC

(Trend) -- The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has laid a gas pipeline to supply dry gas produced at the Heydar Aliyev Refinery to the Ethylene-Polyethylene plant of Azerkimya, SOCAR reported. The new pipeline with length of 60 kilometers was tested for leaks. A relevant project has been completed to guard against corrosion.

The pipeline was built to supply gas produced at the facility N.55. In the course of the project, 92 KT of dry gas will be supplied to the Ethylene-Polyethylene plant annually. The dry gas and naphtha supply is carried out to ensure the reliable supply of the raw materials to the plant.

MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- In early April some Russian producers expectedly raised the prices for LDPE by 830 - 1.770 RUB/t, according to ICIS-MRC Price report. The prices were increased only by Kazanorgsyntez and Tomskneftehim. The current price rate was forecasted and mainly caused by future maintenance shutdown of LDPE capacities of Kazanorgsyntez in late April. Also a further growth of prices for LDPE in Europe and Asia played its considerable role.

From the beginning of April because of spring floods the lorry traffic was limited in many federal roads. As market players note, this factor has already started affecting the market. There are inconsiderable problems with motor transport freight to separate regions, at that tariffs for cargo delivery have grown, on average, by 10%. But serious breakdowns aren't reported yet .

Demand for LDPE has increased recently, there is enough material in the market. Though taking into account long-term maintenance shutdowns of enterprise in Kazan, many market players don't exclude a slight lack of 108 and 153 LDPE by the end of the month. Before May holidays many converters try to provide material stocks to the maximum

Price offer for LDPE is within a wide range. 158 PE is offered, on average, for 60.000 - 64.500 RUB/t, including VAT, FCA. Low border of prices is characterized for Salavat and Ufa materials. LDPE for production of shrinkable films is offered, on average, for 63.700 - 66.000 RUB/t, including VAT, FCA.

MRC

(ICIS) -- Westlake Chemical will increase ethane-based ethylene capacity at its facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in the US as part of a strategy to capitalise on new low-cost ethane and other "light" feedstocks being developed in North America, it said on Tuesday.

Each of Westlake's two light feedstock ethylene crackers in Lake Charles will be expanded in order to provide ethylene for existing internal derivatives units and the merchant market, the US polyethylene (PE) and vinyls producer said in a statement.

The first cracker expansion will increase capacity by approximately 230m-240m lbs/year (104 -109 KTa), while also increasing feedstock flexibility, Westlake said.

Current capacity of the crackers are 590 KTa and 544 KTa, according to ICIS. Westlake did not specify which cracker will be expanded first.

The first project is expected to be completed by late 2012 and the second expansion concluded by the end of 2014. No further capacity details were disclosed.

MRC