Representatives of Evonik's Performance Intermediates presented the outlook for C4 chemistry at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA). From October 7 to 10, they introduced the new C4 Connect platform. This platform extends the business model from a product-centered to a user-oriented approach, the company announced.

There is a demand for modern I&C-CAE systems with standardized interfaces to remove the communication barriers in the heterogeneous system landscape. Meanwhile, however, they can do even more — thanks to their modular design they now go beyond their original function and also provide support for users, for instance in drawing up P&ID diagrams or in electrotechnical planning—without any technical overheads.

Clariant has announced the second expansion of its ethoxylation site at Clear Lake in Pasadena, Texas (USA). Following the first expansion in 2012, now already fully utilized, the investment will provide the necessary further capacity to continue profitable growth of the Business Unit Industrial & Consumer Care (ICS) in North America and Latin America.

Covestro is developing and marketing new polyether carbonate polyols that are produced with the aid of carbon dioxide. The company now offers the first representative of a new series of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) containing polyether carbonate polyols based on CO2 technology.

A report by Global Market Insights has predicted the lithographic printing chemicals market to reach 17.5 billion dollars by 2025 owing to the rise of the packaging, publication, and promotion industries.

A new electronic position transmitter designed to simplify end position adjustments for actuators has been developed by Auma. The EWG is compatible with its predecessor, the RWG, which ensures rapid replacements and retrofits.

China is stepping up the pace — By 2025, China wants to play a leading role in terms of innovation, sustainability and networking. The ambitious plan will be a challenge particularly for chemical and petrochemical companies. What solutions does the concept “Made in China 2025” offer for an industry at the crossroads? And how can companies prepare for the future?

Perstorp wants to substantially expand the production capacity of its non-phthalate polyester plasticizer Pevalen from 2019 onwards. To this end, the company has entered into a long-term production agreement with Italian company Alcoplast.

JGC Corporation has been awarded a lumpsum contract from Denka Seiken for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of an influenza vaccination materials manufacturing plant and related facilities planned for construction in Gosen City in Niigata Prefecture.

Eurochem Group announced the opening of a new production plant for efficient, water-soluble fertilizers at its Lifosa subsidiary in Lithuania. The $ 16 million facility will produce 25,000 metric tonnes (KMT) of crystalline urea phosphate per year, adding to the range of fertilizers currently manufactured at the site.