No light at the end of the tunnel insight for the Japanese chemical industry: As a reaction to global overcapacities and declining margins, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical announced its withdrawal from the purified terephthalic acid (PTA) business.

Whether in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics or food industry, the costs for raw materials are permanently increasing all over the world and in all fields. Manufacturing companies search for new processes and new possibilities to remain competitive and distinguish themselves from their competitors. In this regard dispersing plays an important role.

Clariant bags the twentiest deal for its Catofin catalyst and process technology: A new iso-butane dehydrogenation plant in China will use the company's license and engineering expertise.

Fluor Corporation has achieved mechanical completion on a citral facility and associated infrastructure for Basf Petronas Chemicals in Kuantan, Malaysia.

Under the agreement, both the companies will work together to develop a technology for the recovery and purification of cathode and anode active ingredients from spent lithium ion cells.

Biomass has a wealth of potential as a resource for bulk products such as lactic acid or ethanol. In practice, however, it is difficult to develop successful production chains. Commissioned by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research has developed a method that can help companies and government authorities create biobased chains, from source materials to end products.

The company aims at increasing silicone rubber production by a total of 40,000 metric tonnes annually by 2021. The move has been undertaken to meet the region’s rising demand in vital industries as well as to further expand its portfolio.

A Global Data report mentions that around 100 plants are expected to be launched in Asia as well as the Middle East in the next nine years. Within Asia, India aims to add a total capacity of approximately 8.6 mtpa by 2026.

Solvay has started hydrogen peroxide production at its new plant in Zhenjiang, China.

On completion, the plant is expected to have a capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year and will be located in Banten, Indonesia.