Specialty chemicals company Lanxess and Saudi Aramco have announced the members of the Executive Board of Arlanxeo, their previously announced 50:50 synthetic rubber joint venture. As the antitrust approval process was completed earlier than expected, Arlanxeo will already launch on April 1, 2016.

Shin-Etsu's US subsidiary Shintech has begun to construct a new integrated plant to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from salt. The new plant will be on industrial site developed by the company, located next to the existing plant in Plaquemine, Louisiana.

Methionine is used as an essential amino acid, particularly in animal feed, that is currently based on petrochemical production. A newly developed enzymatic process has succeeded for the first time in using gaseous CO2 as a basic material for the production of a chemical mass product in a biotechnical reaction.

Following the new age concept of Gandhian engineering, which basically means “getting more from less for more”, Kirloskar Brothers, imbibe the concept of sustainability in every aspect of manufacturing. Here’s a look at their state-of-the-art Kondhapuri plant, situated near Pune that designs and develops products from less material, less cost, less time and less environmental pollution

Modular engineering with future proof flexibility  — Unprecedented flexibility in engineering with safe installation in shorter timeframes. Modular engineering could bring a construction kit for 'plug and produce' process plants — and thus fits right into the portfolio of an engineering specialist that focuses on a functional turnkey approach. It nevertheless might require engineers to think outside the box...

Maire Tecnimont announced that its subsidiary KT — Kinetics Technology has been awarded two EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contracts by Lukoil Nizhegorod Nefteorg Syntez. The contracts are related to five refinery process units as part of the oil residue upgrading project for the Kstovo Refinery, in Central Russia.

Thermal insulation increase energy efficiency in buildings and is very important for energy saving. A new study of the market research institute Ceresana that revenues generated with construction insulation materials will amount to a volume of USD 47.7 billion until 2022.

Perstorp is making progress in ‘future-proofing’ its Capa caprolactone monomer plant in Warrington, UK. The monomer plant will be made more robust to ensure an even more reliable supply for customers around the world, the company announced.

Technip FMC has been awarded a subsea installation contract by Chevron Australia, for the Gorgon Stage Two development, located offshore Western Australia in water depths ranging from 250 to 1,340 meters.

North America was especially affected by the economy crisis of 2008. Now, four years after, the US chemical industry is cautiously optimistic as shale gas and specialities fuel the growth. Also Mexico has reasons to expect further development, while Canada fears the 2010 boom could soon be over.