With a high double-digit million-euro figure investment, BASF has inaugurated its new catalyst development and solids processing center in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The new center will be used by BASF to develop and optimize innovative process technologies and catalysis processes.

Under a Memorandum of Cooperation signed between Akzonobel’s Marine and Protective Coatings business and Sinopec, Akzonobel will support the Chinese energy and chemical company’s global expansion while jointly promoting the ongoing transition to green energy.

With an aim to optimize operational efficiency and drive growth in core business areas, OQ Chemicals has sold its Dutch esters plant in Amsterdam to Perstorp Group as part of its strategic realignment strategy.

Baker Hughes and the University of California, Berkeley are planning to establish the Baker Hughes Institute for Decarbonization Materials at UC Berkeley’s College of Chemistry. The Institute aims to accelerate the deployment and scaling of cost-effective climate technology solutions.

Nextchem has entered into a Toll Manufacturing Agreement with Röhm under which Röhm will supply PMMA scrap material feedstock in order to produce ultra-pure monomers with virgin-like quality.

BMW has partnered with Neste for supplying renewable diesel for the initial fill of BMW’s newly-produced vehicles in Germany. With this, Neste's renewable diesel will be used in the BMW plants in Munich, Dingolfing, Leipzig, and Regensburg.

Clariant’s new production line which will manufacture the multifunctional additive Nylostab S-eed will be jointly owned and operated by Clariant and its local partner Beijing Tiangang Auxiliary Co. With this, the company aims to expand its Cangzhou production site in China.

Gevo and LG Chem have decided to extend their joint development agreement under which LG Chem will assess its existing assets for deploying Gevo’s Ethanol-to-Olefins technology. With this move, the companies aim to accelerate its commercialization activities ahead of the original timeline.

Kemira has plans to move to three externally reported business units: Water Solutions, Packaging & Hygiene Solutions and Fiber Essentials. With an aim to further strengthen its operational backbone, the company has established a centralized Operations unit which includes Kemira’s manufacturing network, Sourcing and Supply Chain Management.

Neste has introduced a co-processed renewable feedstock with an aim to expand its offering for the polymers and chemicals industry. The feedstock boasts of a reduced carbon footprint as compared to conventional fossil feedstocks used in the chemicals industry.