Teaming up for China: Together, BASF, Huntsman, Shanghai Hua Yi Group, Shanghai Chlor-Alkali Chemical and Sinopec kicked off the construction of a new 240,000 tons MDI plant at Caojing, China. The facilities will complement existing lines of Shanghai Lianheng Isocyanate at the site, giving it a total 480,000 tons per year capacity.

A German chemicals group planning a major investment in Central Europe is certainly something out of the ordinary. But a company that spends several hundred million Euros in ramping up capacities in a seemingly saturated market must have something in mind. Just like the polymer specialists Lanxess, who, since 2004, have invested over 300 million euros in its Belgian flagship site in Antwerp. What is the story behind these? On the 50-year anniversary of caprolactam production on the banks of the river Scheldt, the Cologne-based company lets us have a look behind the scenes…

Solvay and Akzo Nobel announce a partnership for the usage of renewable raw materials (or biobased chemicals) within AkzoNobel formulations of paints and coatings. The first of a kind for AkzoNobel, this cooperation strengthens the commitment both companies have to sustainable development and the preservation of natural resources outlined in their respective strategies.

Russia's Kuibyshev Azot and Maire Tecnimont announce the incorporation of a joint-venture to develop, build, finance, maintain and operate a green-field urea plant, to be implemented in Tolyatti, in the Samara region of the Russian Federation.

Chemical company Oxea announced plans to build a production plant for plasticisers and oxo derivatives in Nanjing China.

The global chemical company Oxea has entered into a cooperation with a German partner to produce dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), a general purpose non-ortho-phthalate plasticizer, in Europe.

In the fast-paced pharmaceutical market, automation is an important trend more so because the pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated as public health safety is of primary importance. The article takes a look at how automation technologies in the pharma sector help enhance the productivity of companies thereby increasing the safety quotient among the users.

Evonik Industries is presenting new Sepuran hollow fibers for efficient, energy-saving separation of gas mixtures.

The TS4000H Intelligent Toxic Gas Detector from General Monitors is now IECEx approved. It offers protection against a wide range of hazardous industrial gases and is able to safeguard against oxygen deficiency.

Claris Lifesciences Ltd, India (Claris) has announced the completion of the transfer of its Infusion business for India and Emerging Markets to the Joint Venture (Claris-Otsuka) with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory Inc, Japan (OPF) and Mitsui & Co Ltd, Japan (Mitsui).