It is a mammoth undertaking: Most nations want to become climate-neutral by 2050 – and with them the companies in the chemical industry. Because on the one hand it produces energy-intensively, and on the other it cannot do without carbon, the chemical industry is having a particularly hard time decarbonizing. But this only spurs the industry's researchers and engineers on even more.

Transform Materials has partnered with Johnson Matthey to develop a solution that emits fewer carbon emissions when compared to traditional coal-based processes to produce vinyl chloride monomer for PVC production.

With an aim to meet the growing demand for polyamides in China, Domo Chemicals has inaugurated a new polyamide production plant in Jiaxing. The company has invested 14 million euros for the project which is expected to double its current capacity of polyamides.

Eaton is presenting diverse new filtration solutions for the industrial processing, life sciences, and hydraulic filtration segments at the leading international trade show Achema which is currently being held in Frankfurt, Germany.

SK Geo Centric has developed a new lactic acid production technology which is sustainable in nature as well as minimizes costs and chemical byproducts. Lactic acid is an essential raw material for bio-based plastic PLA.

Cepsa has plans to invest 75-million-euros to develop Spain’s first isopropyl alcohol plant which will be used to produce hydroalcoholic gels. The plant will make use of green hydrogen and will replace fossil-based raw materials in the production of isopropyl alcohol with sustainable alternatives.

OMV Petrom has plans to make the hefty investment at its Petrobrazi refinery in Romania with an aim to become the first major producer of sustainable fuels in Southeast Europe.

Nord presented a wide range of products at Achema in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The focus was on Atex-compliant drive concepts for the process industry and the robust heavy-duty Maxxdrive industrial gear unit, in particular for agitator and mixer applications. Further focal points at the trade fair was the new decentralized Nordac On/On+ frequency inverters, the revolutionary Duodrive geared motors and IE5+ synchronous motors as well as the Nordcon App with Nordac Acces BT.

The chemical industry is in crisis, but pump and valve manufacturers are confident in the circumstances. Despite all the crises - after all, there will always be pumping. Read on to find out which three megatrends are now set to boost fluidics...

Cost plays a vital role while developing industrial plants but by opting for a modular plant, capex costs, material costs and even labor costs can be slashed. Also, modular, skid-mounted units are developed in-doors under controlled environments and at speed which helps to save valuable time for industry players.