In a study published by McKinsey&Company, the economics researchers identify three themes that are redefining the role of HR in oil and gas, with implications for HR strategy and operating model.

BASF expands its battery materials business: Together with Toda Kogyo of Japan, the world's biggest chemicals company has launches a joint venture firm for cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries in Japan.

Rejuvenation treatment for a chemical senior–Bayer has shaken up TDI production with a gas phase phosgenation process. Now the chemicals giant puts its second large plant on-stream – in Europe, of all places.

Refinery modernizes safety systems in just two weeks and assures plant availability for the future—In September 2014, the German refinery Heide Refinery used two weeks of planned downtime at its pyrolysis plant to migrate to new safety systems. The technology selection emphasized plant availability and a high level of investment security, while extensive preliminary testing guaranteed a smooth changeover.

Evonik announced that it is investing an amount in the upper double-digit million euro range in the expansion of its fumed silica capacities in Antwerp, Belgium.

This paper investigates the technical and economical feasibility of several concepts for a 30 % capacity increase of an old ammonia plant. It shows an interesting way to overcome the limitations in the two most critical plant units: Reforming capacity is increased by a newly added autothermal reformer, while capacity is added to the ammonia synthesis by the Uhde Dual Pressure Process.

Today’s modern water and wastewater treatment plants are employing advanced technologies, reverse osmosis for instance, to provide clean potable water across India. These technologies call for accurate information and precise flow control throughout the plant, which is difficult to achieve by manual operation. This has resulted in the increased use of electric actuators to operate valves installed throughout the plant, right from intake stage to the pumping station for distribution.

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.