Chemicals & Materials Now!

Coatings and Plastics Lead Production Growth in June

Posted on August 22nd, 2017 by Nigel Davis in Chemicals Industry News and Analysis

Coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals and synthetic rubber led year on year chemicals production growth in June, the latest analysis from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) shows. But the data also illustrate the fact that sector growth remains broad-based. Continue reading “Coatings and Plastics Lead Production Growth in June” »

China bike-sharing boom bodes well for petrochemical industry

Posted on August 21st, 2017 by Fanny Zhang in Chemicals Industry News and Analysis

Bicycles of Chinese bike sharing service Mobike lined up at a subway station in Zhengzhou city in China’s Henan province (Source: Imaginechina/REX/Shutterstock)

China’s booming bicycle-sharing service is spurring investments in tyre innovation among petrochemical producers.

The number of “intelligent” bicycles available for sharing has surged to more than 30m in China in just two years of operation and is still growing. Continue reading “China bike-sharing boom bodes well for petrochemical industry” »

Chemicals M&A wave to persist despite Q2 blip

Posted on August 18th, 2017 by Al Greenwood in Chemicals Industry News and Analysis

Chemical deal-making fell during the second quarter of 2017, but the slowdown merely marks a blip in the wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that are reshaping the industry. Continue reading “Chemicals M&A wave to persist despite Q2 blip” »

Clariant Targets Improved Chemical Catalysts

Posted on August 14th, 2017 by Joseph Chang in Chemicals Industry News and Analysis

Clariant’s oxidation catalyst pilot reactor in Heufeld, Germany.

Switzerland-based specialty chemicals company Clariant is developing “optimized, improved versions” of catalysts to produce olefins, methanol, and ammonia, said the head of its catalysts research and development (R&D) department. Continue reading “Clariant Targets Improved Chemical Catalysts” »