Clariant is in the process of transforming its portfolio into a higher-value specialty one by focusing on its core business areas – Care Chemicals, Catalysis and Natural Resources. The company will also rightsize its regional organisations and service units in order to avoid remnant cost.

The first edition of Chemspec Digital 2020 was held online from November 11 – 12, 2020. The online platform brought together industry players from the global fine as well as speciality chemicals community and showcased various innovative products as well as provided insights into the latest industry trends.

BASF has celebrated the inauguration of its new facilities for the production of Ucrete in Bukit Raja, Klang/Malaysia. It is the first manufacturing hub in Asia Pacific to produce all components of Ucrete.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has stated that U.S. specialty chemicals market volumes increased 1.2 % in October, up from a revised 0.1 % gain in September and 1.1 % gain in August.

With an aim to support the growing demands of mild and sulfate-free surfactants, Vantage Specialty Chemicals has recently expanded its N-Methyltaurine production capacity at its Leuna plant in Germany.

Located in Ningbo, the 600 kt acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plant is part of Ineos Styrolution’s expansion plans into China. The new site is expected to be operational by 2023.

Monolith Materials has selected KBR’s ammonia technology for its fertiliser project in Hallam, Nebraska, USA. The project is expected to use hydrogen as feedstock from Monolith Materials’ emission-free facility to produce carbon black and ammonia from natural gas, air and 100 % renewable power.

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) has signed a framework agreement with Konfoong Materials International Co. and KFMI Group company TCPR (Shanghai) Electro-Mechanical High-Tech Co. for the takeover of MCC’s light metal products business.

ABB and Corys have entered into a MOU for advancing digital twin modeling and simulation technology across energy and process industries. With this move, the companies aim to reduce capital and operational costs as well as risks for its customers.

The new launch ‘My Rechemical’ is Next Chem’s new subsidiary focusing on chemical valorisation of non-recyclable plastics and ‘Waste to Chemical’ processes. With this, the company aims to strengthen its presence in the market and also be recognised as the player with the most innovative technological solutions for circular economy.