The ‘E-cracking’ or ‘electric’ cracking technology has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 90 % as compared to other traditional crackers. By utilizing electricity from renewable sources, the technology has the capacity to decarbonize one of the most energy-intensive processes in the chemical industry. PROCESS Worldwide tracks down the progress made in this space.

Dr. Markus Kamieth has been appointed as the new chairman of BASF’s Board of Directors. He will succeed Dr. Martin Brudermüller, who has held the post since 2018.

With the planned acquisition of Arc Building Products, Arkema wants to strengthen its position in Ireland’s growing construction adhesives market with a broader range of solutions and a local manufacturing footprint.

Versalis has started the construction of its demo plant in Mantua, Italy to develop Hoop, its proprietary technology for chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste. The technology is expected to complement mechanical recycling by transforming mixed plastic waste into raw materials to produce new virgin polymers.

Aiming to reduce carbon emissions, Sabic and Linde Engineering have teamed up to decarbonize the SD Ethylene Glycol Process. Sabic is committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with Paris Agreement goals, through various pathways including carbon capture and utilization.

Neste has begun the gradual transformation of its crude oil refinery in Porvoo, Finland into a leading renewable and circular solutions refining hub. The full transformation of the refinery is expected to be completed in 2030.

Shorter planning and construction times, more flexible utilization options through rapid modifications, and everything as energy-efficient as possible: The Enpro initiative (Energy Efficiency and Process Acceleration for the Chemical Industry) is opening up interesting options for the process industries with its various development projects. New designs for pumps also offer undreamed-of opportunities, as the first modular concepts and the Hector project show. We explain how tomorrow’s pumps may be both modular and energy-efficient.

Clariant has plans to take over the leading provider of high value ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care industry Lucas Meyer Cosmetics from International Flavors & Fragrances. The deal is expected to strengthen Clariant’s position as a specialty chemical company and its footprint in North America.

Hycc delays the green hydrogen project H2eron in Delfzijl to 2028 due to slow market development and rising costs. The European Renewable Energy Directive III impacts the timeline, pushing market maturity to around 2030. To mitigate costs, Hycc plans to increase H2eron's capacity to 50 MW and shifts from Nel to Norwegian alkaline electrolyzers for the project.

Stamicarbon has been awarded the contracts by Shandong Lianmeng Chemical Company. Located in China, the firm’s grassroots urea melt and prilling plant will make use of Stamicarbon’s Ultra-Low Energy design.