Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has developed a technology that makes use of plant-derived materials for producing sustainable MMA (methyl methacrylate) monomers. The company is now is in the process of designing a pilot plant which is expected to be operational by 2023.

The EU chemical industry stresses that chemicals are vital to the region’s industrial transformation and sustainable competitiveness. Europe requires a strong chemical industry to deliver on the Green Deal and Cefic is therefore, collaborating with the European Commission and other stakeholders to co-create a dedicated green deal transition pathway for the industry.

BASF has plans to increase the production capacity of its hindered amine light stabilizers in Pontecchio Marconi, Italy and Lampertheim, Germany. The move is expected to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions across the globe.

Under a strategic cooperation agreement, BASF will supply its Irgacycle additive solutions to Zhejiang REEF Technology Co. for developing unique recyclate formulations which will help to enhance the quality of plastic recyclate materials used across the automotive, packaging and consumer industries.

Shin-Etsu Chemical will invest the hefty amount to expand its facilities in order to strengthen its silicones business in view of growing demand. The facility investments will be implemented at its main plant, the Gunma Complex in Gunma Prefecture, as well as the Takefu Plant in Fukui Prefecture and the Naoetsu Plant in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The firm intends to complete these capacity-expansion projects and begin operations by 2025.

In line with BASF’s ambitious climate targets announced earlier, the company has now come up with a detailed action plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 % by 2030 and aims to reach its goal of net zero emissions globally by 2050.

Technip Energies has won an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) contract by Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad to develop a 60,000 ton per annum greenfield melamine plant which will be integrated into the company’s existing complex in Malaysia. The project will make use of the Casale Low Energy Melamine technology and the CO2 generated in the melamine production process will be recycled.

Perstorp has submitted a 107-million-dollar application to the EU Innovation Fund for Project Air which comprises the development of a sustainable methanol production facility in Stenungssund, Sweden. The project has the potential to reduce global CO2 emissions by 400,000 tons.

Técnicas Reunidas and Axens have entered into an agreement to develop CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) facilities that will make use of technologies from Axens. The carbon capture technology solutions are expected to reduce direct emissions from industries.

The 2022 edition of Ipack-Ima is just around the corner. Taking place in Milan from May 3–6, the event marks the return of exhibitors and visitors, serving as a meeting point for demand and supply of processing technologies, packaging solutions and materials. Valerio Soli, President of Ipack Ima, tells us about the many meanings of an exhibition that brings together the various stakeholders in a complex production chain.