China witnesses a 1.7% decline in the average utilization of ABS production

In the week concluding on January 19, the average capacity utilization at acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plants in China experienced a decline of 1.7%, said Chemanalyst.

This reduction is notable when compared to the average load of ABS production in China as of January 12, resulting in a decrease to 66.8%.

An earlier report highlighted the recovery of Russian ABS plastics production in 2023, surpassing figures from 2021 after a decline in 2022. The production volume reached 22 thousand tons. South Korean supplies dominated this period, constituting 56% (12.5 thousand tons) compared to 54% (10.6 thousand tons) in the same timeframe in 2022. Following closely were imports from China, representing 30% (6.6 thousand tons) from January to August 2023. Taiwan contributed 13% (3 thousand tons) to the overall imports during this period.

The recent decline in average capacity utilization at China's ABS plants indicates a shifting dynamic within the country's production landscape. With a reduced utilization rate of 66.8%, manufacturers are likely adjusting their production levels in response to market conditions, demand fluctuations, or operational considerations.

In the broader context, the Russian ABS plastics sector's resilience and growth in 2023 underscore its recovery trajectory after facing challenges in the previous year. The surpassing of production figures from 2021 is a positive indication of the industry's rebound. This resilience aligns with the global dynamics of ABS, a versatile polymer widely used in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and consumer goods.

ABS imports into Russia during the first eight months of 2023 demonstrate a notable uptick, reflective of the industry's increased demand. The 12% year-on-year increase in imports, reaching 22.2 thousand tons, signifies a heightened reliance on foreign ABS sources to meet domestic requirements. South Korea's predominant role as a supplier is consistent with its strong presence in the global ABS market. The 2% increase in its share of supplies further solidifies its position.

Chinese imports, comprising 30% of ABS imports into Russia from January to August 2023, highlight China's continued role as a significant player in the global ABS trade. Despite the observed decline in capacity utilization within China's ABS plants, the country remains a key contributor to the international ABS market. Taiwanese imports, constituting 13% of the total, further diversify the sources of ABS for the Russian market.

The nuanced dynamics in China's ABS production, coupled with the resurgence of the Russian ABS plastics industry and the evolving patterns in ABS imports, paint a comprehensive picture of the global ABS market. These trends reflect the industry's adaptability, responding to market shifts, regional developments, and global demand. As the ABS landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders will closely monitor these indicators to gauge the trajectory of this crucial polymer in the international market.

We remind, anticipated softness in global Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) demand is expected for the first quarter of 2024, driven by a slower-than-expected global economic recovery and an oversupply situation stemming from the underperformance of upstream materials markets. These factors adversely affected ABS producers’ margins and profitability in 2023 and are expected to persist into 2024.

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Based on the deal with Iveco, BASF will arrange there the whole recycling process for the lithium-ion batteries used by the Italian group on its BEV vans, buses and trucks, including their collection, packaging, transport, and recycling in a number of European countries, said the company.

BASF will mechanically process the batteries into the "black mass", from which raw materials such as nickel, cobalt and lithium can be extracted and reused. It will then supply recycled metals to Europe's local battery industry.

BASF's "broad battery collection network and recycling capabilities in Europe will help us close the loop from end-of-life batteries to new ones," Iveco's Chief Supply Chain Officer Angela Qu said in the statement.

We remind, BASF and Inditex jointly announce a breakthrough in their efforts for boosting recyclability in the textile industry. With the launch of loopamid , a polyamide 6 (PA6, also known as nylon 6) made from 100 percent textile waste, BASF is providing the first circular solution for nylon apparel made entirely from textile waste.

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MAIRE announces that NEXTCHEM (Sustainable Technology Solutions), through its subsidiary MyRechemical, a leader in waste-to-chemical technology solutions, and Colacem, a major Italian cement producer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to valorize the inert granulate derived from the waste-to-chemical process by reusing it in cement production, said the company.

The agreement will apply to all MyRechemical’s waste-to-chemical initiatives to be implemented in Italy. A research by University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, supported by laboratory tests carried out by Colacem, confirmed that inert granulate deriving from waste-to-chemical process can be effectively re-used as raw material for the production of cement.

According to the agreement, MyRechemical will supply the inert granulate resulting from its wasteto-chemical process to Colacem, thus maximizing the material recovery and minimizing its landfill disposal. In this way, MyRechemical will be able to reach a conversion rate of approximately 95% of the processed waste, reducing the amount of remaining waste to be disposed into landfill to 5%, well below the 10% target set by the European Union for 2035. Colacem, in turn, will contribute to the decarbonization of its industrial process by using a circular material, in line with its sustainability plan.

Alessandro Bernini, MAIRE CEO, commented: “We are happy to increase our collaborations with major industrial players to accelerate the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors, thanks to our role of energy transition technology enabler.”

Giacomo Rispoli, MyRechemical Managing director, added: “Through our technology, we will implement with Colacem an innovative circular solution which will enable MyRechemical to exceed for the first time the 90% EU target of waste transformed into valuable products in the industry, reducing at the same time the CO2 footprint of the cement sector”.

We remind, MAIRE announces that NEXTCHEM, through its biodegradable plastics technology licensor CONSER, has been awarded technology licensing and catalyst supply by a prominent client, as part of a larger project located in Northwestern China, said the company. The scope of work entails licensing, process design package for CONSER proprietary Duetto technology and technical assistance during project execution, up to commissioning and start-up. As part of the agreement, CONSER will also supply the hydrogenation catalyst.

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Solvay is partnering with transportation providers KIITOSIMEON and ADAMS LOGISTICS to reduce the carbon footprint of its facility in Voikkaa, Finland. Known for its high-productivity hydrogen peroxide technology, the site has a yearly capacity of 85 kilotons, making it the largest hydrogen peroxide unit in the country and one of the largest in Europe, said the company.

However, the transportation of its products results in more than 850 tons of CO2 emissions annually, attributed to the several thousands deliveries conducted each year.

While the Voikkaa site has been operating on 100% wind-generated electricity since 2023, the journey towards decarbonization takes another step forward as it transitions transportation fuel from diesel to biofuel in the first quarter of 2024. This shift will result in a significant annual reduction of over 700 tons of CO2 emissions, representing more than 8O% reduction in the site's transportation carbon footprint.

As part of its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, Solvay has outlined a sustainability roadmap with around 40 energy transition projects. These projects focus on eliminating coal usage, emphasizing renewable energy sources, prioritizing energy efficiency, and driving process innovation. Solvay has further committed to reduce its emissions along the value chain by 20% by 2030.

Solvay is the worldwide leading producer and supplier in hydrogen peroxide. It serves diverse markets such as food and wastewater treatment, mining, environmental processes and emerging fields like electronics, battery recycling, and urban mining. Operating globally, Solvay Peroxides ensures customers a secure and sustainable supply across EMEA, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.

We remind, Solvay is partnering with ENOWA, NEOM’s energy and water company, to establish the world’s first carbon-neutral soda ash production facility in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. Pending the results of an in-depth feasibility study and customary regulatory approvals, Solvay and ENOWA plan to begin operation of the groundbreaking plant by 2030.

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Linde announced it has signed a record number of new small on-site projects during 2023, its fourth consecutive year of growth, said the company.

Linde signed 53 new small on-site projects with capex totaling $270 million for the supply of nitrogen and oxygen during 2023. Small on-site projects use Linde’s proprietary ECOVAR technology, which is designed to be highly efficient, flexible and reliable while helping customers minimize their environmental impact.

The demand for Linde’s NITRONTM on-site nitrogen plants was across multiple sectors, including battery storage for both consumer electronics and electric vehicles. In addition, glass and metals comprised a significant proportion of Linde’s next generation VITRON® on-site oxygen plant projects. Linde’s portfolio of oxy-fuel applications reduces customers’ fuel consumption and emissions, playing a key role in these project wins.

“Linde’s proprietary small on-site technology enables our customers to be more efficient and sustainable across diverse end markets,“ said Sanjiv Lamba, Chief Executive Officer, Linde. “In addition to record small on-site project wins, Linde’s modular multi-plant solutions are popular with customers for enhanced operational flexibility and lower costs.”

We remind, Linde announced it has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the twenty-first consecutive year. Linde has also been included in the DJSI North America.

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